Monday, January 27^th-28^th: Cooperative Learning
On Monday and Tuesday we began studying cooperative learning. Cooperative learning is a style of learning that is intended to get students to find answers to questions or review a subject, while engaging with other students. The five examples of cooperative learning that we discussed were called Numbered Heads, Think/Pair/Share, Pairs Check, Jigsaw, and Inner-Outer-Circle. The main idea behind cooperative learning is engaging students together to aid in learning.

Wednesday, January 29^th:  No Class

Thursday, January 30^th:  No Class

Friday, January 31^st: No Class

Monday, February 3^rd: Introduction to Lesson Planning
On Monday the class reviewed Cooperative learning and looking into ways a classroom can be involved and learn information in a fun way. After that, our class was introduced to lesson planning. In order to understand how lesson planning works the class did a lesson together that would be simple to write a plan for. Each person got a cookie and decorated it according to a key. Decorating something according to a key based on traits you have, is called a glyph. After each person was finished their decorated cookie they took a picture with it and wrote a postcard describing oneself. Then we filled out an outline of a lesson plan around this lesson. We filled out one for each of the lessons we did the week after.

Tuesday, February 4^th: 100^th Day of School 
Tuesday was the 100^th day of school and in celebration of this we did a lesson about the number 100. This lesson was geared towards kindergartners, to help review counting to 100 and see what 100 looks like physically. Each child got a bag of fruit loops and was asked to count 100 out and place them on a sheet of paper with boxes to 100. After that everyone strung their 100 fruit loops on to a necklace, causing each person to recount to 100. Once the lesson was completed each student created a lesson plan based on the activity. This lesson could potentially be done in a kindergarten class in the future.

Wednesday, February 5^th: Polar Bear Lesson
On Wednesday we learned about polar bears! In order to see an example of how a 1^st grade class would be taught and how a lesson plan could be written for the class. We read a book about the bears and filled out a diagram asking questions about the book. Then using paper plates, a paper cup, tissue paper, and construction paper, we glued together a craft polar bear of our own. All these activities would be helpful and fun in a 1^st grade classroom.

Thursday, February 6^th: Earth Day Lesson
In preparation for a potential activity in our area of field experience coming up, we did a lesson on Earth Day. Each student was given a handout with contractions that related to Earth Day. We talked about how growing trees was a way to help out the earth. Six events describing how you plant a tree were listed out of orders and you had to put them in order. Then everyone was given a color-able print out page of a tree, a picture of themselves, and a tree swing. Each person glued themselves to the swing and the swing to the tree. This activity was designed to show that everyone is a friend of the earth and should take care of nature. We filled out a lesson plan for this for this class.

Friday, February 7^th: Bubble Gum Lesson
An important standard for a third grade class is being able to write directions using direction words. Each person was given a piece of gum and was asked to chew it and blow a bubble. Once that was finished everyone created a picture of themselves out of construction paper and attacked a blown up balloon to it to look like a bubble gum bubble. Then each student wrote directions for how to blow a bubble. The instructions and the construction paper person with the balloon were attached together. A lesson plan for this was created for a third grade class based on the activities completed on this day.

January 20- 24 2014

Monday, January 20th: No School (MLK Day)

Tuesday, January 21st: Debatable Issues
On Tuesday, we talked about different debatable issues and voted on them using active votes. The topics we discussed are whether birth control should be given away in schools, whether students that are found guilty of substance should go to counseling and rehabilitation, whether sex ed. should be taught from elementary school through high school, if all students should be grouped together according to their academic levels, America's schools contribution to increasing suicidal rates, if only academic eligible students should be allowed to play sports, and whether or not the SAT should be discontinued as a college entrance requirement.

Wednesday, January 22nd: Timeline Presentations
On Wednesday, we finished up discussing the different debatable issues. Then we each had made a timeline based on our own and our relative's life experiences. The different timeline sections were based on different aspects of life during the 1960s-1970s, 1980s-1990s, and 2000s+. I thought this was interesting to see how life was different for different families throughout the different time periods.

Thursday, January 23rd: Bloom's Taxonomy and The Dot
On Thursday, Mrs. Turner taught us about Bloom's Taxonomy by reading The Dot to us. Bloom's Taxonomy makes a student work beyond just memorization. It requires teachers to use its multiple steps (remember, understand, apply, analyze, evaluate, and create) to make sure their students actually understand the material. Also, we each received a children's book of our own and had to come up with a question from each step of Bloom's Taxonomy.

Friday, January 24th: Multiple Intelligence Tests
On Friday, we each switched tests on our children's books. Then we took a multiple intelligence test to see what our different strengths and weaknesses were. Also, we explained how we would teach our children's book to children that are visual, auditory, and kinesthetic. Then we wrote about our results that we received after taking the multiple intelligence test.

December 16-20 2013

The first three days of this week were work days and make up observation days. Most people worked on decorating their Christmas trees and getting ready for the MES kindergarteners to come visit on Friday.

On Thursday, we all took a trip over to MES to visit out buddies for Christmas. We read lots of books and gave them our Christmas presents we got for them, including their green t-shirt that match ours!

During the week we read an article called "The Seven Gifts of Teaching." This article talked about universal gifts seen in all teachers. We wrote a letter to the teacher who we saw some of these gifts in to let them know that we appreciate all they do for us.

Friday was the day all of the kindergarten students came to Mauldin High for "Reading Around the Christmas Tree." Each class rotated around to read at each tree. When they finished, they went to have cookies and juice and to get a present from our Santa Mav. It turned out to be tons of fun for everyone involved!

 

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

December 9th-13th

Monday, December 9th
On Monday, we completed our High School Observations. We chose teachers we have never had before and ones that we were curious about. We sat in the classrooms and observed the teacher's teaching styles and techniques.

Tuesday, December 10th
On Tuesday, Mr. Rhymer was our guest speaker. He told us about his journey of becoming our principal and the education needed to get there. He also told us what he looks for in a person applying for a teaching job. He prefers positive, enthusiastic people who will make good role models. Mr. Rhymer explained the Skype interviews. He says they are more efficient because they do not disrupt the school day, and he can do them quickly if the person is not up to his standards.

Wednesday, December 11th
On Wednesday, we picked our groups and books for Reading Around the Christmas Tree. We chose children's books to be the theme of our Christmas Trees. "If You Give A...", "Llama, Llama", Dr. Seuss, etc. were chosen as some themes. My group chose to do "One fish two fish". It was a work day. We began making our ornaments and decorations for our trees.

Thursday, December 12th
On Thursday, we took our class picture for the yearbook. We had another work day to print out, laminate, and make ornaments.

Friday, December 13th
On Friday, we brought in our treats and Santa's Workshop gifts. We set up the silent auction items and gifts to sell. We made $300! After we set up we continued to work on our decorations for Reading Around the Christmas tree.

December 2nd-6th

Monday- December 2nd
On Monday we discussed some service hour opportunities and we planned for a fundraiser we were having that week. We also started on out flower encouragements for the month of December.

Tuesday- December 3rd
On Tuesday we talked about how we would analyze the middle school level books we read the previous week. We were assigned to do "burger books". Which includes the title, author, genre, setting, conclusion, main characters, plot, your favourite part of the story and a picture of it. In middle school, burger books are typically used to analyze a book or study main points. We also helped set up Christmas trees for our big Christmas project.
 
Wednesday- December 4th
On Wednesday we hung up the flowers of encouragement. This month's theme was Achievement. My quote was "Great achievement is usually born of great sacrifice and is never the result of selfishness" which I thought was a great quote because teaching shouldn't be about how much you get paid but about the students and your effect on them.

Thursday- December 5th
On Thursday we made an affinity diagram to think up of questions to ask high school teachers, guidance counselors, and administrators. We had five different groups of questions; classroom layout/management/student and parent issues, curriculum/certification/lesson planning, guidance/administration, questions you always wanted to know but was afraid to ask, and "what if" scenarios. There were many great questions in each category such as: how does a teacher establish authority, a teacher's worst day in the classroom, and how counselors deal with students that might not graduate. All of the question were in preparation for Friday's activity.

Friday- December 6th 
On Friday we had breakfast with some teachers and that was our opportunity to ask all of the questions that we had previously prepared. I had the pleasure of interviewing Mrs. Powell a US History and AP Government teacher. She had great insight on the profession. When asked if she regrets becoming a teacher, she responded quickly with a no. She said that she loves her job and that there is never a dull day.

"A good teacher can inspire hope, ignite the imagination, and instill a love of learning." - Brad Henry

November 18 - 26

Monday - We finished watching the Ron Clark Story.  Mrs. Turner was not here.  (She was sick) - and we missed her SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO much!  (yes - Mrs. Turner is writing this).

Tuesday  - Janet Kirby from Hillcrest Middle came to speak with the class.  She talked about the importance of loving the subject area you choose AND loving the children you teach.  Otherwise - the profession is not for you.  To be highly qualified for middle school, you need to get a middle school certification in two subject areas.  She is a passionate teacher who obviously loves teaching - even as an administrator.

 Wednesday - Kelly Weeks from Langston Charter School came to visit our class.  She spoke about what a charter school is and how to form one.  She described how Langston is built with a single-gender preference for classrooms and an emphasis on community service for students ....and parents.




Thursday and Friday - the cadets visited Hillcrest Middle and Langston Charter Middle to observe various classrooms.

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Monday - We had a HUGE discussion and planning class discussing ideas for fundraising, service hours and assignments.  The TC Article for Anderson and Portfolios are due tomorrow.  Also, pick out a middle school level book (or upper elementary) and read it by Tuesday, Dec 3.  We talked about fundraising ideas:  hot chocolate, baked sale, and Santa's workshop.  We will begin once we get administrative approval - hopefully next week!  We also talked about the Reading Around the Christmas Tree Project.

Tuesday - We visited our little buddies at Mauldin Elementary for a Thanksgiving Celebration.  Elizabeth read "The Night Before Thanksgiving!" - Then, we made little turkey cups with our buddies.  They attempted to spell some Thanksgiving words like:  TURKY and THNKSGVNG. Then we read with them individually.

"There is always, Always, ALWAYS something to be thankful for!"

- Sarah Turner, MHS Teacher Cadet

November 11th-15th, 2013

Monday, November 11th, 2013

On Monday we had field experience in either early education or elementary classrooms. My experience was in early education in a K5 class at Mauldin Elementary with Mrs.Wethington. Her kids were pretty independent learners and moved around the classroom in different stations at their own speed until they had completed all the centers with things like spelling, matching, and thanksgiving crafts.

Tuesday, November 12th, 2013

Today was for whichever grade level wasn't observed the day before so I was in Mrs. Johnson's 5th grade class at Mauldin. Her kids were taking a division pretest for the length of the observation, but you could see it was geared for older kids and the transition to middle school with the layout of the classroom and computers.

Wednesday, November 13th, 2013

Today our flowers for our motivational teacher pots were due, and sorted. Afterwards we read a poem and listened to a podcast about middle schoolers to transition into learning about middle and secondary education.

“What is a Middle Schooler?

By an anonymous middle school student

What is a middle schooler,

I was asked one day?

I knew what he was,

But what should I say?

He is noise and confusion.

He is silence that is deep.

He is sunshine and laughter.

Or a cloud that will weep.

He is swift as an arrow.

He is a waster of time.

He wants to be rich.

But cannot save a dime.

He is rude and nasty.

He is polite as can be.

He wants parental guidance.

But fights to be free.

He is aggressive and bossy.

He is timid and shy.

He knows all the answers.

But still will ask ‘why?’

He is awkward and clumsy.

He is graceful and poised.

He is ever changing,

But do not be annoyed.

What is a middle schooler,

I was asked one day?

He is the future unfolding,

So do not stand in his way.”

Thursday, November 14th

Today we hung the motivational flowers around the school and afterwards began a movie called "The Ron Clark Story" about an enthusiastic teacher who moved to an inner Harlem school to, hopefully, spread the excitement of learning.

Friday, November 15th

Continued watching the Ron Clark Story :) 

November 4th-8th, 2013

November 4th-8th, 2013

Monday and Tuesday November 4th-5th

On Monday we went to Five Oaks Academy for our Montessori education observations. Montessori is an alternate type of teaching style that focuses more on hands on material learning rather than traditional pencil and paper. This style of teaching has its pros and cons , but its main pro that we all noticed was that it teaches the students self reliability. This is an important part of education that isn't usually stressed in a traditional setting. Tuesday we discussed what we saw and what we thought some of the advantages and disadvantages of this for of education. Some also told about what they had experienced outside of school with Montessori education.

Wednesday November 6th

On Wednesday the state teacher of the year; Mrs. Kelly Nalley came to speak to us about her experiences in teaching and gave us advice on things that are good to do when we become teachers. One thing she really stressed was that we should always remember that teaching is all about the kids and not just another job with a paycheck. She made sure we knew that if you don't put your full heart into it and truly believe your passion that you won't become a good teacher. we appreciated her coming and she left us with a book of quotes from teachers of the year.

Thursday November 7th

Mrs. Brenda Byrd came to speak to us about her experiences and gave us some good information for getting into the career. She was named the district principle of the year and had also been a teacher at one point. She talked to us about getting registered to teach after college and some of her daily duties. She also stressed the importance of putting all you have into your students; just like Mrs. Nalley.

Friday November 8th

On Friday we took a trip to Anderson University on a bus with the Hillcrest Teacher Cadets. We went on tours of the campus alongside multiple Teacher Cadet programs; while we were split up into groups based on our college interests. It was a nice campus and we learned a lot about the education program offered there. We ended the day with further discussion among all the guides and our tour group.

October 21st-25th

October 21st

Today was our pot delivery day! We distributed our individualized pots of encouragement to each teacher, and turned in our portfolios containing samples and reflections on what we did in the first quarter of our school year.

October 22nd

On the 22nd we learned about Jean Piaget:"The Father of Cognition". We learned about the four Stages of Cognitive development, and the three aspects of intellectual growth, as well as different kinds of play, and what they mean to a child's development.

October 23rd & 24th

These days we all went off site to visit different preschools, and observe how Piaget's theories applied to the activities the students were participating in. We went to Kids R Kids, Legacy, Gateway, and Pocketful of Miracles.

        Legacy Acedemy

              Gateway Acedemy

October 25th

Today we read childrens books and reviewed them by their relevence to age level, and how we liked them.

October 7-15 was spent working on our pots for our teachers and our barriers to educations books for Mrs. Vaughn's Kindergarten class! 

For our pots we had to pick 6-7 teachers to adopt for the school year! We spent class time decorating the pots and making them special for our teachers! We also had class time to work on our barrier books, we each picked a topic, and we had to make a life size book to share with Mrs. Vaughn's class! 

On October 16th we met at Mauldin Elementary to read our stories to the Kindergartners! The books contained puppets, sensory objects and activities for the children so they could interact throughout the story! 

Tiffany hanging out with sweet Elizabeth! 

Students showing us how awesome sharing is! 

Teacher Cadets and Mrs. Vaughn's kindergarten class! 

On Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of this week everyone in the class signed up to go visit different special needs education classes.

On Monday I went to Hope Academy and visited with the 5k/1st grade class. I could immediately tell who the two children with autism were because they both had shadows and one of them kept lashing out. It was really neat to see how the other students reacted to both of those boys like it was no big deal they were in there and they didn't treat them any differently.

On Tuesday I went to Mauldin Middle School and visited Mr. Finch's class. The kids in there had different special needs from autism to downs syndrome. I really enjoyed vising his class because I could tell he really had a heart for what he was doing. Some of the kids in there really struggled to stay on task and follow directions for even the simplest tasks and I know it takes a lot of patience to have a job like that.

On Wednesday I went to Mauldin Elementary School to observe Mrs. Rainey's neurological class of 5k/1st graders. Some of them had autism, downs or just a speech impediment. They were all so cute and Audrey and I got to read books to them for the first part of the observation. In the morning they were integrated with regular students to do morning work and then came back to their class.

Senior Pink Day!

On Thursday and Friday in class we worked on our flower pots which we made to hang up on teachers doors so that throughout the year we can write encouraging notes to put in their pots. We each selected 6-7 teachers to sponsor and we are responsible for making their pots and giving them notes throughout the year.

September 27th

Mrs. Susan Sachs from Hope Academy came to tell us more about the wonderful school.  She went into more depth about Autism, and explained the types of classrooms that Hope Academy offers.  You can tell that she absolutely loves her job, and wouldn't trade it for anything in the world.  Raising a son with Autism, she knows first hand what it is like to take care of someone with special needs.  She is a very patient woman, and she is very good at what she does.

September 26th

Today, we watched a video about Autism.  It was made by Hope Academy.  We learned that people with Autism struggle in three main areas:  Communication, Social Interaction, and Behavior.  Also, there is a spectrum for Autism.  Severe cases are referred to as "Classic Autism" and mild cases are classified as Asperger's. One in 50 children have Autism.  The number of children diagnosed with Autism is increasing quickly.  People with Autism may require more help, but they are some of the most fun and loving people.

September 25th

Today was Disability Day.  It had such an impact on everyone in the class.  We had different stations that helped us understand what it was like to have certain disabilities.  The stations were dyslexia, blindness, speech impediment, no use of arms, and webbed fingers.  All of the stations were difficult to complete.  It made us have a new respect for people with disabilities.

September 24th

Mrs. Poole from Anderson University came to visit our class!  She shared information with us about our autobiography, mid-term brochure, newsletters, and teacher interviews.  She was a great representative of Anderson.

September 23rd

Today, we read Mrs. Spitzer's Garden.  The book was about a teacher who was about to start the school year.  Instead of teaching children, she planted seeds.  Throughout the year, she watered the garden to ensure that every plant was growing.  Also, it mentioned that every plant was different and special in its own way.  This is a wonderful example for how teachers should view their students.

In addition to reading the book, we all picked teachers that we would like to encourage each month.  Doing nice things for the teachers is a great way to thank them for everything they do.

September 16th-20th

  On Monday, we played two games that allowed us to understand how children with certain learning barriers feel about things in school that come easy to us. One game was played when Polly the penguin wanted to go on a picnic and she wanted to being pizza. Polly asked everyone in the room if they wanted to go and what they wanted to bring. The object of the game was that if you wanted to go, you could only bring something that started with the first letter of your first name; so Audrey could bring apples, but Whitney couldn't bring tomatoes. This game continued for a while, and you began to hear classmates say they gave up. Hearing so many people say they were confused and couldn't understand so they were just going to quit was exactly like how many children facing barriers feel daily! The second game dealt with numbers and trying to make sense of a jumbled  mess. While this compilation was intended, for children with disabilities things that look clear to us look jumbled to them. This was a great way to understand what learning barriers actually feel like and how discouraging they can be!

  On Tuesday, we did a craft called "Paper Plates of Prejudice". In this craft, we had to draw a picture of ourselves on a paper plate and then write 2-3 words on the front describing how we think people see us. On the back we had to draw a heart, and write in the heart 2-3 words describing how we actually are. This was a great way for us to understand how so many kids can put on a front, and hide how they actually feel. It reminded us that we should never judge anyone because we never know what they are hiding behind their paper plate. It was a really good way for us to get to know our classmates too, and find out how many people felt the same exact way we do!

  On Wednesday and Thursday, we split up into pairs and read articles about the barriers of learning: abuse/neglect, substance abuse, teen pregnancy, bullying, esl, poverty, sleep deprivation, death/grief, eating disorders, ADD/ADHD, and depression/suicide. When everyone had finished reading their assigned topic and picking out the highlights, we presented our topics and gave the most important parts. It was a really great way to just cut to the chase and understand challenges many kids face! Mrs. Vaughn also stopped in to let us know approximately when we will start coming to her kindergarten class, and to give us advice on things to do and bring. She also brought her precious new baby Cooper! They were great to have in class!

  On Friday, Mrs. Charlton came in and explained to us exactly what a 504 plan and an IEP plan was, and the requirements for both. Both are great ways for helping kids overcome their barriers to learning, and Mrs. Charlton really made it clear what the difference was, and how it would be our responsibilities as teachers to accommodate follow each plan, in order to provide the child with the best experience possible! All in all we had a great week and learned a lot about problems we never really think too much about!

"Live as if you die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever."

                                                -Mahatma Gandhi

 

September 9th - September 13th

This week we learned about gangs and gang activity.

Officer K talked to us on Monday about his history in a gang and why he decided to leave and become a "new person." On Tuesday we learned about the signs of gang members and how to deal with them if they are students in your class some day. On Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday we watched Gridiron Gang which was a true story about boys in the juvenile delinquent center who start a football team. This inspiring movie relates to Maslow's hierarchy of needs.