Magic talk

In the previous EDU 300 class we got to watch a clip from Freedom Writers. The class got in a huge discussion over a note that was being passed around the room. The note was making fun of a boy in the front of the classroom with a big nose. The teacher got into a discussion that led to her talking about the Holocust. She asked the students if they had heard about the Holocust and only one white boy raised his hand. I found it extremely surprising how so many students can make it all the way to high school and have never heard of the Holocust. The teacher then asked the students about gangs and asked them questions that many of them could relate to. Such as, "Who has ever been shot at?" The majority had raised their hand and she was surprised to found out many things about her students that she might not have known if the note hadn't been passed around the room.

I think that a lot of time we do take listening for granted. I think that a lot of teachers assume that their students know how to listen. I think that it is important for teacher to actually teach their students how to listen. People make assumptions that because children can hear they are listening. However, most student probably lose focus and often day dream in class and do not gain the amount of comprehension their teacher intended. I think that all different types of listening are important.
I think that propaganda and persuasion is important and should be taught in the classroom. Often times we lose focus and don't actually realize what we are listening to and being tricked into buying. It is important to teach students how to distinguish between biased and unbiased. Children can often be naive. I really enjoyed the propaganda activity and I think it would be a good activity to do with my future students. However, there should be rules established before hand to eliminate inappropriate videos.

Field Experiences

I have really enjoyed my field experiences throughout this past semester. My teacher was very helpful and was always willing to give me advise or answer any questions that I had. She always made a point to explain everything that the students were working on.

My teacher has incorporated an economy system into her classroom. At the beginning of the year the students are assigned different jobs. They have to file out a resume and write an essay on why they would be good for that particular job. Throughout the year the children can earn money by completing different tasks. The students are required to pay rent each month with some of the money they have earned. Each student has a checkbook log and they are to record what they have spent. This teaches the student how to keep a log of their spending. Most fifth graders have never used a checkbook log or maybe even seen one. The children can also earn extra money that they can use at the classroom store. The teacher will bring in things around her house they she no longer wants. For example, one time she brought in a glass bowl that was full of candy. One student bought it and kept the candy and gave the glass bowl to his mom for Christmas. She brings in a variety of different things. I think the economy system is good to use in the classroom especially during a time of a recession. It helps the students learn they value of a dollar and how to wisely spend their money.

Planning for Reading and Writing Instruction

A book that I would like to use in 2nd grade is Amazing Grace by Mary Hoffman. I have also used this book for Meredith Reads and the student absolutely loved the book. There are a lot of different activities that can be done with this book. This is a thought provoking story that allows students the opportunity to to develop their comprehension and critical thinking skills. Children can work on whole group, small groups, partners, and independently activities. The first session would be used to introduce the story and have the students listen to me read it aloud. They can share their thoughts and ideas about the story after I have read it. I will also discuss the themes and main ideas of the story. After I have read the story I will ask my students questions such as, What did they think about the book? What surprised them about the book? What was their favorite part? What did they think about the main character? I will end the session by having the students write or draw their thoughts about the book in their composition notebook. The next lesson I will go back over the book and have the students retell me the story by looking at the different illustrations. The students will work in groups to discuss the story and answer guided questions. Then the students will come together as a big group and discuss their thoughts and answers. I could also allow the students to act out the different events in the story to allow them to show their creativity.
Another lesson could be used to discuss gender, diversity, courage, and family.

The students could even talk about different activities that they enjoy doing and that they are good at. Each students would have an opportunity to share with the class.