Should Santa be Allowed to Come to School?

I highly disagree with this article about Fort Worth ISD regarding holiday characters, because I feel that since it's the holiday season, why not celebrate during school to make the classroom a little more enjoyable than usual? Having Christmas or holiday parties towards the end of the school year has always been an important function that children always remember for many years to come.

In response to, http://www.star-telegram.com/2011/12/02/3567388/in-fort-worth-santa-claus-can.html

Lesson Plan Resources

There are very many useful websites for lesson planning help that I have discovered recently. One in particular, would definitely be PBS KIDS. The layout of the website itself, is very well organized and put together. It is designed to easily find your grade level, and even by what subject you are teaching. PBS KIDS is a simple, yet effective way to find helpful resources and tips to making your lesson you're teaching outstanding!

Procrastination

Procrastination isn't a hard thing to do, that's for sure. Putting off an assignment or task is natural for most of us, at least it is for me! I remember clearly of a time when I put off studying for a chemistry exam, and then trying to "cram" in all that I could the night before the test. As you could probably guess, I failed miserably the next morning. No matter how hard you try, studying only the night before a test or major exam just isn't practicle. Our brains aren't wired to retain information that quickly without some sort of repetition. To prevent procrastination, try setting goals. With setting certain goals, just even small goals, they can help you achieve your task one step at a time. Start off small, and as you complete your goals, raise them to keep you being successful at your task or assignment!

Leadership Opportunity

At my Field Site this week, I was given many leadership opportunites. I love that Mrs. LeRoy gives me the respnsibility to work with all the wonderful kids, and has confidence in me. Whether it's running errands and such to the office or copy room, or it's spending one-on-one time with the students, I'm always trusted when I'm at that school. Never am I treated without the respect any other teacher or adult recieves. Each week, I'm given so many new opportunities and I'm so incredibly greatful for each and every one of them.

One Student

Throughout this past week, I've started to watch and evaluate some of my students in my field site classroom. One student in particular stuck out to me as I was understanding how all the kids learn in such different ways and forms. I was working out in the hallway on alphabet and number assessments with the kiddos, and I saw how this one certain child learned much better by visual and hands on assessments, rather than just by memorization. Instead of him just reciting me the alphabet, we decided to think of real-life objects and pictures that went with each letter. And immediately, the student was learning so much better. Different ways of learning material is not a bad thing, because we all learn better at different methods. It's interesting to watch though; I feel like I have already started to get to know some of my students individually, just by their learning preference. I can't wait to watch not only this student, but all of my students progress throughout the school year!

My Classroom

My Education and Training field site is at W.A. Porter Elementary School, with Mrs. LeRoy's 1st grade class. When I first visited my field site, I was shocked to see that there were so many boys in my class! Which I'm sure you can imagine, made the classroom a bit noisier. ;) I absolutely love working with all the little munchkins, because everyone is so completely different and unique in their own way. I can't wait to spend more time getting to know all of the wonderful students personally, and getting to work with them individually. :)

Areas Needing Improvement

My two areas of most needed improvement and remedy are How to Read a Book, and First Impressions Last Forever. I could improve my reading a book, by slowing down my reading a bit, especially for younger children. I can also start by telling some background information about my book that I'm reading, to help the kids understand the story better. For my first impression, I could try not being so nervous and just be myself.

What will Technology Look Like in My Classroom?

The diagram of technology throughout the years, tells me how important technology is in the teaching field. There is so much technology to come in the future, and that will greatly improve the teaching and education field.

Response to Facebook article

I think there are obvious pros and cons to Facebook, but the negatives are much more overpowering. Facebook can easily become a distraction when trying to do homework or study for a test. It gets addictive. People that use Facebook can even have their self esteem lowered from negative content posted throughout the website. Personally, I think Facebook should only be used when under control of a certain time limit and age.

Welcome!

Hi, I'm Morgan Hall and welcome to my blog! I am an Education and Training Intern, and I use this site to periodically post blog updates about my day or week in my classroom.


Thank you for your time!