The Future

I know that most 7th graders haven't thought about what they would like to do after high school. I'm sure that many have thought about possible "dream" jobs or which college they would like to attend. These potential thoughts and ideas can change from day-to-day and minute-to-minute sometimes. We can't predict the future, but we can set ourselves up for what the future can hold. The key to setting up these future explorations and adventures is having a an education. As Malcolm X stated "Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today." As a future educator, it is my goal to help students get the tools and abilities to help be successful in the future. Take a minute to think about what you would like to do in the future. Also think about what type of schooling or education you would like to have after school.

Mention to me what which college or what your future dream job is to get a few JayBucks.

My Time Thus Far

I have been at Maplewood for about two months now and have had some time to reflect on how my experience is going so far. It's hard for me to believe that I have been here this long already. It seems like my first day was only a couple of days ago. Everyday that I come to school, I experience something new. Whether it's been rolling a giant die, tutoring after school, or having a student(s) give me feedback on what I need to improve on, I have really enjoyed all of this. I have learned a lot about all of the students and their abilities. I have also enjoyed getting to know all of the staff members at Maplewood. They have created a very positive learning environment for the students. The staff has also made me feel extremely welcome and have made my student teaching very memorable. In the classroom, I have learned a lot about the new curriculum and my teaching style. I have realized that what my teaching style is and what needs to be improved on it. Having students give me feedback on how I teach and what I need to work on has been the most valuable type of feedback for me. Whether it is good or bad, I do appreciate all of the feedback that I have been given. I have some very memorable and "teachable" moments that I have encountered and will never forget. I hope to experience more of these things after Spring break.

Motivation

What motivates you to do well in school? Is it some type of reward from a parent, grandparent, aunt/uncle? Is this reward in the form of money, clothes, shoes? Or is your motivation to get good grades or are you motivated by the satisfaction you see in your work when the teacher hands back an assignment? Some people are very goal orientated and driven people to do their very best at everything they do. No matter the task, whether it is learning a math concept or building a homemade desk, these people want to put forth every ounce of effort possible. I have seen some of this motivation be increased in several students over the past few weeks at Maplewood. I have seen in specifically in those who are attempting to get all of their homework/corrections to 70%. I know that at times that this may seem like an uphill battle, but there has to be something that is motivating these students to get all of the assignments in.

It takes a lot of hard work and effort to live up to the expectations that we have set for ourselves. There might be other people in our lives that are pushing and helping us to reach these goals, but the goals can be accomplished. For me, my motivation has changed over the past several years. It used to be many outside sources from my parents and other people.  Since I have come to college and now being in a classroom everyday, I realize what truly motivates me everyday. Knowing that I am helping others become educated and giving them the opportunity to further educate themselves really pushes me to do my very best everyday. I also want to do my very best everyday that I come to school. The old clique saying "giving your best effort is all anyone can ever ask for" has become my motivation and driving force to where I am today. I try my best to help as many students as I can and try to help them understand the material. It's that "ah-ha" moment of learning kids experience that motivates me to keep doing my best and know they are succeeding.

Animoto

This past week, I learned about a new website called Animoto. I was very intrigued with this website that Mrs. Harvey had introduced me to. After she showed me the video she had help create for Mrs. Gorst's class, I wanted to know more. Animoto is a website that allows you to upload pictures and add captions to a movie/slide show like presentation. There are several pre-made backgrounds and transitions that range from a Trip to New York to an old time movie reel. Animoto also allows the user to add music from the Animoto music library or from the user's iTunes library. Uploading and adding pictures to the videos are very user friendly. It is also very easy to add a caption to each picture that is uploaded. After uploading and previewing the creation, the user can produce the movie. The user can then share the Animoto with friends, on social media sites, and via email has never been easier. Please check out the one that I produced called Copy of Pi Day that I shared with the students to help celebrate Pi Day this past week.

Improved Homework

I know that many students are frustrated with the new homework policy that has taken place since the start of second semester. There has been a great improvement on the effort that students are showing on turning in their homework, as well as, the corrections they are making. I'm not sure if more students are asking other adults for help or utilizing the online homework help, but don't beat yourself up if you don't understand right away. Math is a subject where making mistakes is alright. It's not easily learned the more practice someone gets, the better they will become at it. Getting homework every night isn't to punish students or make their lives miserable, it's to help keep skills sharp and get each student more practice.

Many students have been turning in a lot of incomplete/missing homework assignments over the past several weeks. I know that making corrections can be frustrating and sometimes very difficult to make, however the benefit that a student gets after making these corrections is well worth the effort. Thank you to all of those who are taking the extra time, effort, and putting in the hard work to finish up these assignments!

Appealing to Different Learning Styles

Since I was helping out another teacher yesterday, I got filled in on a play that took part in Mr. Wittman's classroom. I've heard nothing but excellent things about the stories and events that come from the "Time Machine." From what I heard, it sounded like a very unique, one-of-a-kind learning experience that weaved a lot of historical information into it. After hearing all about this play and learning/teaching strategy, this made me reflect on some of the past lessons and future lessons that I have and will be teaching. It has inspired me to do more memorable things in the classroom. I know that if I were an 8th grade student and saw material being presented like this, I would remember it forever. I want to start creating those types of learning experiences as well. By having me stand up and the board or working out of the textbook can be very boring and unenthusiastic, I'm looking to the students to help enhance class.

I want students to come to me after lessons and give me ideas on how I could make the material more appealing to them. Whether this is an educational game, movie clip, using some type of objects, or many other ideas, I want to hear them! I want to be able to create as many learning experiences for future students and have them be engaged in math. Please help me create a more interactive learning environment!