Heart of A Teacher

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As I watched this video, I thought of all my students who entered my Kindergarten class since 1997.

The Evolution of Technology and the Human Race

I saw this recently when I attended a prep period meeting. I'm sure all of you would agree to have witnessed the evolution of technology right before your eyes.  As a teacher and student, I have come to realize through the years how much our world today relies on technical knowledge.  The students whom we are educating and steering are probably more tech savvy than us.The use of technology in the classroom is just as important as it is outside of the classroom - with restraints of course.  Regardless, technology is here to stay with a continuing evolution - I can't help but wonder if it's beneficial overall or detrimental?  God bless!  :)

Nicole

Diagnostic Case Report Criteria

If you can read this, thank a teacher.
~ Anonymous Teacher ~

Dear ED643 Students,

Happy Halloween! I'm sure that your students are grateful for all that you've done for them. As you continue to work closely with them with the various reading sessions (especially during next semester), they will READ with a more positive disposition. Keep up the instrumental work, and don't forget that you must include the following in your diagnostic case report before it can be approved:

1. For the interview with the child, it is not enough to list the child’s responses. You must also analyze the responses to describe what the data reveal about the child’s perceptions of him/herself as a reader and writer.

2. Determine the independent, instructional, and frustration levels on graded word lists, oral reading of narrative and expository, silent reading of oral and expository, as well as listening comprehension.

3. Compare these levels and analyze the data to describe the child as a reader in the conclusion of the report. Ensure that you also summarize the child as a writer in the conclusion. List and describe the recommended strategies for both reading and writing.

4. Provide an analysis of the miscues that the students made on the graded word lists and the passages. Read the section in the QRI-4 on how to analyze the miscues.

Do your best to include the aforementioned, so that you can prepare a quality Diagnostic Case Report to share with the parents. Good luck!

Best regards,
Dr. Rivera

Book image source: licensinglinenews.com

Halloween image source: stapleton

Heart of A Teacher

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As I watched this video, I thought of all my students who entered my Kindergarten class since 1997.

Mid-Term Self-Reflection

 

                                                                                                                                         

 

 

ED643’s Practicum Literacy Assessment Mid-Term Self-Reflection

 

 

It did not dawn on me that we have reached the mid-semester mark.  I remember vividly the first day of class when my classmates and I first met our instructor, Dr. Rivera.  That first day of class was filled with uneasiness and anxiety.  Days prior, worry and stress occupied my already disquieting mind.  True to what I was feeling, fear and doubt set in when I walked into class.  Going through the course syllabus and hearing the expectations required for this course group, my uncertainties heightened and I soon wondered if I had it in me to get through a rigorous and demanding program. 

Driving home that evening, I reminded myself that the benefits from hard work does not come easy.  I reminded myself that I am a role model to many people in my life and if I gave up and walked away from my goal, then it would give all those who look up to me a reason to throw in the towel when situations get challenging.  I remembered the promise that I made to my mom before she passed away – that I would one day pursue my Master’s and it would be in her honor.  So here I sit, reflecting and typing my journey through this class and through this influential program. 

            Dr. Rivera’s motto that” learning is ongoing” has much face value.  The coursework pushes me to succeed even though I am sometimes unsure with the tasks I attempt to tackle.  The chapter readings provided insight and ignited prior knowledge. Our chapter presentations were most educational and informative.  There are benefits to the blogger website too.  Reading quotes and watching uplifting videos from my classmates and instructor helps to boost morale when doubt sets in.  I appreciate the feedback which I receive from everyone when I post a blog. 

            We are now into the second week with working with our struggling reader.  I have yet to gain the confidence I need to get me through the practicum but with time, guidance, and support from my instructor and classmates, I know I will pull through – we all will. 

Love of books is the best of all!

                                         

I love this quote!  I surely had to post this!  Growing up my parents really made reading a daily MANDATORY routine!  Now, I'm instilling this with my two year old daughter, playing educational games on our IPAD, our routine library fieldtrip on Saturdays and reading to her before she goes to bed, or her choosing what book she wants mommy or daddy to read to her.

 

Today in class was pretty good, despite me being tired from a long day at work, I manage to stay focus the whole class time.  I had a great time with my student interviewing her, assessing her with  the Examiner's Word List from 3rd to 5th Grade, and scoring one Narrative Story.  To only find out she's in the Instructional Stage of Reading.  After working with my student, we had two chapter presentations.  Great information on the Foundations of Literacy and Adapting Instruction to Focus on Word Recognition and Spelling.  Awesome working assessment session day #1 with our student!

Any book that helps a child to form a habit of reading, 

to make reading one of his deep and continuing needs, 

is good for him. 

Maya Angelou 

http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/

authors/m/maya_angelou.html#pzyVsC1r1wibXpQz.99 

Today we did assessments to evaluate the reading levels of a struggling reader. It is important to utilize the students interest to bring them to the next level. Find what interests the students, their strengths, and make them find a way to love to read. 

Experience is the teacher of all things.
Julius Caesar

 

I think experience is important in learning.  You can't say you like or hate something unless you have tried it or experienced it.  I think this is for everyone because it helps us to learn more about ourselves.  For example, you can't say you hate mushrooms if you're never eaten them.  You can't say you're afraid of heights unless you've actually stepped on a ladder.  First of all, don't be afraid to try and experience new things.  You'll never know or understand the purpose unless you've actually experienced it.

 

Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/teacher.html#0dDjoqV6mhVyowZL.99

Never Ending Learning

Source from:  http://www.teacherspayteachers.com

 

"You're the same today as you'll be in five years except for the people you meet and the books you read.”

- Charlie "Tremendous" Jones   I had a great learning experience on Thursday with various assessments for literacy such as how to correctly go over narrative and expository stories with our student.  The ladder of word list as well is a strategy that will help determine our student's vocabulary development at which grade level.  Ted & I had fun learning from one another and otherwise asking Dr. Rivera when we were unsure or uncertain on some parts such as the timing and calculcations.  Dr. Rivera also got the chance to show us sample work of previous students who took ED 643.  I now have a clear perspective of Dr. Rivera's expectation on how to start and complete a case study report.  Awesome showcase of information Dr. Rivera! 

What Teachers Make

Hafa Adai, classmates and Dr. Rivera! I'm not quite sure if all of you have seen this video but I thought I'd share it with everyone.  It's an inspirational poem written and recited by Taylor Mali who is an eductor, poet, and a teacher advocate.  The poem is most uplifting and powerful on those days when we feel like what we are doing is not enough. It refines surely not all, but many of the countless deeds we instill within our students.  I hope it embraces you the the same way it did for me. BIBA teachers!!! God bless! 

Inspirational Reflection from Geri

ED643-02 - Take 2!