"Words and numbers are of equal value,
for, in the cloak of knowledge,
one is warp and the other woof.
It is no more important to count the sands
Then it is to name the stars."
The Phantom Toolbooth by Norton Juster
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Quote
"If we are to reach real peace in this world, we shall have to begin with the children."
~Gandhi
~Gandhi
Monday, May 10, 2010
Literature Poem
Their tales are full of sorcerers and ogres
Because their lives are: the capricious infinite
That, like parents, no one has yet escaped
Except by luck or magic . . .
[W]olves, mice, bears, children, gods, and men
In slow perambulation up and down the shelves
Of the universe are seeking . . . who knows except themselves?
What some escape to, some escape: if we find Swann’s Way better than our own, and
trudge on at the back Of the north wind to – to –
somewhere east Of the sun, west of the moon, it
is because we live
By trading another’s sorrow for our own; another’s
Impossibilities, still unbelieved in, for our own . . .
Randall Jarrell, The Complete Poems (New York: Farrar, Straus, and Giroux, 1981).
Because their lives are: the capricious infinite
That, like parents, no one has yet escaped
Except by luck or magic . . .
[W]olves, mice, bears, children, gods, and men
In slow perambulation up and down the shelves
Of the universe are seeking . . . who knows except themselves?
What some escape to, some escape: if we find Swann’s Way better than our own, and
trudge on at the back Of the north wind to – to –
somewhere east Of the sun, west of the moon, it
is because we live
By trading another’s sorrow for our own; another’s
Impossibilities, still unbelieved in, for our own . . .
Randall Jarrell, The Complete Poems (New York: Farrar, Straus, and Giroux, 1981).
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Monday, April 12, 2010
Wonderful new website!
Check out Planet Esme, a website by the author Esme Raji Codell, that includes: priceless booklists of various genres, tips for new teachers, a book-a-day blog, etc.
Monday, April 5, 2010
Teachers Leaving the Profession
Numerous sources have found that one in three teachers leave the profession in their first three years of teaching, some sources claim that by five years this number increases to 50%. (I will add more specific sources later). This is attributed to lack of training (specifically in behavior management), lack of support, and lack of financial stability. Why, then have I not received one class in my undergraduate degree on behavior management?
Inspirational video for teachers
If you haven't seen it, you should! Boy speaks to Dallas ISD:
I LOVE this video. It makes me tear up no matter how many times I see it. I think it is powerful for teachers, but I think it also could be powerful to show students the impact they can have on their own lives.
I LOVE this video. It makes me tear up no matter how many times I see it. I think it is powerful for teachers, but I think it also could be powerful to show students the impact they can have on their own lives.
Online resources for teachers
The Best of Legends: This website explores some of the most well known legends, fairytales and folklore and could be used by teachers to gather information about these genres.
Windows to the Universe: This website focuses has great information that can be used for teachers or explored by students on mythology, the solar system, the climate, and more and has resources such as games, journals, worksheets, etc.
The Iris Center: great resources and webinars for teachers in the form of self-directed "modules."
The Associations for Direct Instruction: whether or not you believe in Direct Instruction, this website has some great tools for teachers (take a look at the video section).
Songs for Teaching: A collection of just that: songs for teaching all subjects from math to special education.
Teacher Vision: A website with resources from lesson plans, tips from veteran teachers (of course these need to be considered with a trained eye), themes, printables and more. There is a section for new teachers with some good insight from experienced teachers for behavior management.
The Ultimate Site for Student Teachers (blog): a cute blog created by experienced teachers with resources for student teachers. It's parent site, Teaching Heart, also has some good resources.
KU Center for Research on Learning: has a multitude of research-based videos and other materials.
Trelease on Reading: A website from the author of Read Aloud handbook, with chapters from the book and other great resources.
Windows to the Universe: This website focuses has great information that can be used for teachers or explored by students on mythology, the solar system, the climate, and more and has resources such as games, journals, worksheets, etc.
The Iris Center: great resources and webinars for teachers in the form of self-directed "modules."
The Associations for Direct Instruction: whether or not you believe in Direct Instruction, this website has some great tools for teachers (take a look at the video section).
Songs for Teaching: A collection of just that: songs for teaching all subjects from math to special education.
Teacher Vision: A website with resources from lesson plans, tips from veteran teachers (of course these need to be considered with a trained eye), themes, printables and more. There is a section for new teachers with some good insight from experienced teachers for behavior management.
The Ultimate Site for Student Teachers (blog): a cute blog created by experienced teachers with resources for student teachers. It's parent site, Teaching Heart, also has some good resources.
KU Center for Research on Learning: has a multitude of research-based videos and other materials.
Trelease on Reading: A website from the author of Read Aloud handbook, with chapters from the book and other great resources.
A new endeavor...
For my children's literature course we are required to complete a reading journal, a task that I have informally been completing for the last few years. The teacher is requiring us to submit an electronic copy to her, so I figured I would share my findings here, as well. Here are the templates for my reading journal:
Books for Teachers
Title:
Author(s):
Publisher:
Date:
Subject(s):
Grade level:
Summary:
Notes/reflection:
Rating (out of five stars):
Books for students
Title:
Author(s):
Illustrator:
Publisher:
Date:
Grade level:
Genre:
Summary:
Notes/reflection:
Theme, concept or classroom use:
Rating (out of five stars):
If you want to start your own electronic Reading Journal, Librarything is a great resource. It is an online book log that allows you to find books via the internet and enter information about them.
If you want to start your own electronic Reading Journal, Librarything is a great resource. It is an online book log that allows you to find books via the internet and enter information about them.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
A Journey Begins
When I started this blog I was in my last year of my Bachelors of Science in Education. I had already collected a plethora of resources, knowledge, information, quotes, etc. that I wanted to share with other new and experienced teachers, I'm still acquiring, and I'm sure I will acquire much, much more as my journey continues. I am creating this blog as a resource for myself, and hopefully for other educators as well. Now, I have completed my Masters Degree and begun my mosaic of a teaching career. I have worked as a sub, online tutor, in-home tutor, instructional assistant, ran an after school tutoring program, taught as a third grade teacher in a team with two AMAZING co-teachers, and finally a 4/5 blend teacher in a small-town school.
I am dedicated to making a difference through education. I work every day to assure my classroom is one of equity, equality, curiosity, respect, and--of course--learning.
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