Read-alouds:

I Knew You Could by Craig Dorfman – This book is an encouraging book about life that explains that you will get through all of the ups and downs and you will even come out stronger than you were before them. I would use this book for kindergarten through 12th grade because this book will inspire all ages to keep pushing through. This book could be used in an English lesson where you have the kids write about some trials and tribulations they have experienced and how they pushed through which can also help the teacher learn how their kids deal with certain situations.

Once Upon an Ordinary School Day by Colin McNaughton – I thought that this book was really good and could be connected back to the Ron Clark Story movie we watched because it was about how there was an ordinary class that became extraordinary because of one amazing teacher. I would use this book for kindergarten through 12th grade because it is important for all kids to understand that a great teacher makes a great classroom and they can even begin the greatness themselves by inspiring others. You could use this book for an art class by playing music and having the kids draw what the music makes them think or feel.

Enemy Pie by Derek Munson – This book was really good because it had the theme of friendship and turning enemies into friends. I really loved how it also revolved around making friendship with food. I would use this book for kindergarten through 5th grade because that is a time when there are a lot of petty fights and kids have “enemies” (I know I had some) and this will help those kids realize that although those reasons seem big to them, they really are small and there isn’t any reason to fight. You could use this book in a culinary lesson by teaching the kids how to make pie (or something more simple) and have them share it with each other.

Is There Really a Human Race? by Jamie Lee Curtis and Laura Cornell – This book has the really important message of do not step on other people and use them to get to the top, to take things slow and enjoy life, and to always try your best. I would use this book for 2nd through 5th grade because the kids would be able to begin grasping the ideas of success and trying their best and taking life slow and not wanting it to move too quickly. You could use this book for a P.E. lesson by lining the kids up and have them do relay races.

Learning Experiences:

There have been two different things that I have learned these past two weeks, both being on majorly different scales. I have learned about types of learning development, whether it be moral, verbal, or cognitive learning. I have learned about the ages certain skills are developed in either the brain or the body and at what ages kids morality strengthens. But, the most important thing that I feel I have learned this week is how to deal with grief in a professional manor. Mrs. Jackson losing her mom was something that our entire class felt, but when she came back she kept everything together very well and continued to be the amazing teacher that she is. Knowing how to deal with that professionally is a big thing that I am sure is very difficult for her but is beneficial for the class because we aren’t going through a learning hiatus because she is coming into work despite how much she must want to stay home. She is an example of the kind of teacher I would want to be if that ends up being my pathway in life.

Current Event:

This week I read about some important things that principles do in order to be successful and respected as a principle. There is a lot that goes into being able to successfully run a school whether it be an elementary, middle, or high school because behind the scenes, a school is still an office for the adults that work there and just like any other office place, there can be drama and negativity and things like that aren’t good to have around children who are already experiencing so much of that today anyways. I think the most important thing on the list was communicating openly about school safety protocols. This is something that Dr. Gary has done very well especially after the shooting scare that took place a while back. Making sure that the staff, students, and parents are confident in their child and their own safety is the most important thing.

Quote of the Week:

This has been reiterated to me a lot these past two weeks with us nearing state finals. My coach uses it as a motivator during rough rehearsals whether it’s just really hot or really early, but it works for education just the same. In order to become more knowledgeable you have to take learning one step at a time, it is not a fast process and it’s a process that never ends. If you build up your knowledge one step at a time, eventually you will look back and feel accomplished for making it up that flight and you will notice hoe you look at the world and even yourself differently.

Observations:

These past two weeks I have observed the different kinds of motivation that can be used on a group and the ways it effects each person. I am a very happy and energetic person so my form of motivation towards my team is usually me getting excited and telling everyone that we’re going to have a great rehearsal or trying to get them to get up and dance with me. That type of motivation does not work on all of the girls and I have had to learn the different ways I can motivate each person. For some people it’s the way that I do it, I encourage and they follow along and for others it’s pep talks, you know, more of the “Let’s do this so we can beat the other teams!” kind of thing. Learning how to motivate different personalities has really helped me in the long run to be able to get my girls focused at rehearsals and excited and ready for competitions.

Reflections:

The past two weeks have been pretty hectic. With Lower State yesterday and state finals coming up next week we have been really cracking down at rehearsals, college applications are having to be turned in for early application and that is stressful even though it’s early, seniors are going to put in graduation orders tomorrow so that excitement is already starting, and I am going into my last week with the people I care the most about which is extremely bittersweet.  On top of all that, I am still managing school and grades and friendships. I went to Homecoming last night for the first time and it was so much fun being able to see everyone throwing away the social hierarchy and just having a good time together. Overall, high school is stressful but if you keep your eyes on the prize (whatever that may mean to you) and you just let yourself enjoy learning and being with your friends, it’s not too bad.