Monday, November 15, 2010

Ten, Diez, Dez, Zehn, Tien, dix, dieci,δέκα,

The best and the worst.
Worst: Trying to figure out how to teach a Math Unit that I myself did not understand. UGHH
Having my supervisor say you need to talk faster I can tell it is part of your personality but you are gonna put those kids to sleep.
The best has been small groups or one on one sessions, when I have actually been able to see the light go on in their heads.  It has been much easier to connect to them one on one.
 

Saturday, November 13, 2010

#9, number nine, ::::.

As soon as I got to know the students in the class and know their needs, likes, dislikes, and strengths the Learning Contracts kept coming to mind. They still do yet I have not had a chance to talk them over with my cooperating teacher. They differences in this class are vast and great.  It seems silly to try and reach them all with one fits all kind of strategy. At the same time because the differences are so great it would require twenty-seven different plans, that is a lot of work.
The subject that would benefit most from this would be literacy.  Unfortunately and acknowledged by the teacher she is restricted by what the basal program offers more time wise than content.  What I mean is that the teacher is willing to use anything to help them learn more and she does, but she also needs and wants them to do well on their weekly tests that are based on the basal reading program.  The more she uses their format and texts the better the students do on the weekly tests.  

Monday, November 01, 2010

#8 Because Seven is an odd cannibal.

Why is Six scared of Seven? because 7 (8)ate 9.

Of all the strategies we went over in class I liked the Learning menu's the most. I felt like it put the other strategies together in a very usable format.  It also appeals to me because it reminds me of food.
I like that it allows you to vary or differentiate the different aspects of a unit.  Those unit aspects being the "Imperatives", the "Negotiables" and the "Options".  I imagine it would help making clear to the students what is important for them to learn, but still allow them to do it in the way that will benefit them best.  It also seems very easy to change and vary when the plan is not working.