Tuesday, December 15, 2009
EDRG 3321 Genre Presentations
I really enjoyed seeing the genre presentations. I think every group did a fabulous job. You could see all the hard work that everyone did to complete their assignments. Our group worked really hard on our project and I was really happy with our outcome. I am very happy with the people that were in my group and I am really glad that we all worked together really well to get everything done.
EDRG 3321 Chapter 11
Shared and guided reading
During shared and guided reading students will learn a lot through observation. During shared reading the instruction is appropriate for all ages. You need to tier your instruction to meet the needs of all learners. Make sure to provide an enjoyable experience with books. Think about ways to subtly and naturally invite children to the reading. Participation is very crucial to the shared reading process. It is good to use the writings of the students. Make sure to sit in the the middle of the floor at the students level so that everyone can see. For guided reading it provides the opportunity for this practice to occur in a supportive context. Fountas and Pinnell were guided reading gurus. It should be appropriate for all ages. With guided reading students will be able to read with strategies they currently use but it also gives them an opportunity to learn something new.There are a lot of critical elements of guided reading, first you need to make sure that there are temporary and fluid groups also selecting the text is critical a good book that will support guided reading should support the use the children will use and easily know.
Author profiles:
Louisa May Alcott is the author of Little Women. She began as an author of poetry and short stories that appeared in magazines. when she was 22 her first book was published.
In Dr. Harris's class she read up this book and I fell in love with it. I twas such a good book and I would love to read more books from this author. This book is written around memory loss and I have dealt with that in my own family so this book kinda hit home with me.
Monday, December 14, 2009
EDRG 3321 Chapter 10 blog
Read alouds
Read alouds are essential for all ages. Doing read alouds is a great way to get kids interested in books. In order for a read aloud to be affective, you have to do lots of planning and make sure you do certaing things to make sure ALL of your readers are listening and paying attention to the story. It has been said that doing read louds can be beneficial during down times. For instance, when the students are waiting in line, that would be a great place for a read aloud. When choosing a book for a read loud, you need to make sure you know all your books that you have picked, include different genres, andfinally involve your students. It is very crucial that the student to stay involved so that way the students don't get bored. After you do your read loud make sur to have post reading activities, and invite lots of interaction!
Author profiles:
J.K Rowling has made a huge hit out of the Harry Potter series.They are a mix of Fantasy along with Sci-fi as well. They have a huge following of a mix of children to adults as well. She has also let them be turned into movies as well. I am not a fan of this particular series but I assume with the amount of people that love it, it must be good.
Stephanie Meyer just became my new favorite author. I just finished reading Twilight and can not wait to get my hands on New moon so that I can go see the movie. She is such a talented writer. I love how descriptive she is with her writing and there is passion in the book but there is no sex. It's a great book and gives you a better understanding of forbidden true love. I was really rooting for her to fall in love with Edward from the first moment she saw him. I thought it was going to end very tragically but it did end with leaving you on the edge of your seat waiting for the next one.
http://vampirediaries.net/ The Vampire Diaries is another cult hit series that has now also become a TV show as well. I think these books are a little to out there for young teens, and I know the Twilight series has no sex but I am not entirely sure of whats going on since I have yet to read this series.
These books are awesome, they are all the rage right now with children as your as first grade. My son loves these books and can finish them in one day each. I love also that they are part of a series as well. The author writes these books I believe in mind for older kids. So some younger kids might get the book and it may seem as though they are using bad words in the story. So these books might be better suited for older children.
EDRG 3321 Chapter 9 Nonfiction
Nonfiction is a genre that encompasses nonfiction or informal books as well as biographies. Quality nonfiction is said to spark wonder as well as the joy in learning. I myself don't necessarily dislike nonfiction, I would just rather read something that is not true. With an expository text of nonfiction you willl need to read more than just that one book in order to continue it and know what is going on throughout the rest. A nonfiction book will have a copyright page and not a veso page. You will always see a table of contents in nonfiction. There is a very important aspect to a nonfiction book. It needs to be pleasing to the eye of the reader. Certain font is chosen for that specific reason. For the book to have accuracy, the author info should always be easily found. As a reader, you should always look for the background of the author. it needs to be short and sweet but it also needs to be interesting.
Author profiles:
This is a really good website for students to go if they were doing a biography for school. I know there is only so many teachers who can do biographies or book reports so this would be helpful, along with a biography of a president such as this one here.
Shakespeare was a wonderful author, play right, and scholar. I find it truly fascinating. The wording always throws me off but if it is something that you are required to read in high school even it's hard to grasp. I love Macbeth it is my absolute favorite. I wasn't sure that it would be considered a non fiction but it is and I am so glad. I would encourage it as a light summer read maybe the summer before the 12Th grade rather than earlier. It gives the students more time to get to know the author.EDRG 3321 Chapter 8 blog
Elements of Fiction
So fiction is a way to share something that is not true. Fiction is a narrative created by an author and not actual facts. Fiction is actually my favorite type of story. I love to read fictional books it's as if it is an escape for me. There are all types of fictional books. There are mysteries, romance, sci-fi, western, and even fantasy. The elements that make up fiction are the setting. You always need a good setting to make the reader actually feel like they are right there in the very same place and the characters. Characters are also an important part of fiction, without them, you could not have a story. I always like to read books with really good and well described characters, it's almost as if you can see them and they are right there with you. Plot. It's always important to have a good plot and to hook your reader. If there is a good plot, they will want to continue to read. You also need a good climax to get the readers excitement up and ready for the next event in the story. When you have all these components all together, you can have a wonderful and exciting story that your reader will want to continue to read for quite a while.
Author profiles:
I really loved reading the Ramona books by Beverly Cleary while I was getting older right before my teen years. There were so many good books that she had written and I just had to have everyone.To me, all of the elements of fiction were depicted in her books. You always had good characters as well as a good plot, and setting. I always felt as though I could fit into her family very easily as I was reading these books. Ramona was always out getting into some kind of new adventure. I wish there were goo series books out like this today
Beatrix Potter. I don't really have to say much else. She is a timeless classic author. She was very talented from a very early age and was a very gifted artist. She and her brother kept many pets around their home and many of them became many of her subjects for almost all of her books. Mainly writing about her most famously known animal, Peter Rabbit who became the first patented plush toy in 1903 making him the oldest licensed character. I love these books still today. There was also a film depicted about her life and was released in 2006. Not only did her life hold great sadness it also held much success.EDRG 3321 Chapter 7 blog
This blog is about picture books. I absolutely love picture books. I think not only are they beautiful but they are fun to read as well. There was a quote in our notes about picture books, it says" when we grow up and read them to our children, they are like old friends" I find that to be so very true. I have not had enough time to read to my son since I started school, but whenever I do get the chance, I love to read him picture books. They are so beautiful, rich in deep color tones, and of course there is always a huge variety of them. I love it that a picture book does not even need words to tell a story. You can figure out exactly what is going on in the story without the use of one word. The language in picture books is sometimes not even needed. Sometimes a picture book has just a narrator. There are all sorts of picture books and some of my favorites are actually pop-up books and the wordless picture books. I am by no means any type of artsy person but I can truly appreciate a nice work of art and to me, that is what picture books are.
Author profiles:
Margaret Wise Brown wrote one of my all time favorite picture books, Goodnight Moon. I can't even begin to think about all the times that read this book to my son. He truly loved it and so did I. I think we even went and got a gift set somewhere and bought three extra copies to have more on hand a ready for in the car, one at grandma's and even one in the bathroom while we were potty training. :) I truly love this picture book and all its simplicity.
http://www.tomie.com/main.html
Another good picture book author is Tomie dePaola. My favorite book by this author is Strega Nona. While I was field basing the teacher was using this book in a literature circle and it took me back to elementary when I read this story. I love the way his illustrations really light up each page as you read the story. They are simple and yet childlike all at once. He as an author can actually make you feel as though you are a part of the story.EDRG 3321 Red riding hood blog
Whenever I think of fairy tales, I don't think of them being any other way than the way I have always read them since I was a child. I don't think of them as having alternate endings or other perspectives from the other characters. That is the way some fairy tales are written now a days. Little Red Riding Hood was shown to us in just a brief clip. It is written in a very sexual nature from the wolf's perspective. It is also very dark and disturbing and a lot of the re written fairy tales are. I myself do not care for that sort of thing. I like the classics and feel they were written just fine. I have to admit I do find some of the newly written ones a little humorous like Cinder Edna that my group did our poster on. I guess it was cute but I also think I just am bias to the way the goody-goody always ends up happily ever after.
Author profiles: For this profile I chose one of my favorite authors, Eric Carle.
I love all of his books and so does my son. I love the use of color that is depicted in all of his stories. Most of the books are easy to read and are easy readers for kids as well. My son's favorite story is The Very Hungry Caterpillar, and I used to love to read him The Very Busy Spider. Whenever i think of a good children's author, Eric Carle is always a first in my mind!
The Brothers Grimm
I love the story of Hansel and Gretel. I have heard it read by many different authors but my favorite is by the Grimm Brothers. I think they do a fantastic job most of their stories were taken orally and told orally as well, which in turn made them all become part of folklore. In my opinion I don't think good children's stories are not written as good as they were back then.
Friday, October 30, 2009
EDRG 3344 Descriptive writing
The Pudgy Puppy
The pudgy puppy sat on the cold hard floor
His big brown eyes sad and wide he looked up at the monstrous door
With long droopy ears he waited and peered
Where was his loving master? Oh where could she be?
The sad pudgy puppy all alone so sad was he
He needed some food, a drink and a romp, but all he could do was fall to the floor with a flop
When the key hit the door he popped up with delight, the pudgy puppy was off like a thief in the night
His master was waiting, sprawled out on the floor, the sweet pudgy puppy had to wait no more
The pudgy puppy sat on the cold hard floor
His big brown eyes sad and wide he looked up at the monstrous door
With long droopy ears he waited and peered
Where was his loving master? Oh where could she be?
The sad pudgy puppy all alone so sad was he
He needed some food, a drink and a romp, but all he could do was fall to the floor with a flop
When the key hit the door he popped up with delight, the pudgy puppy was off like a thief in the night
His master was waiting, sprawled out on the floor, the sweet pudgy puppy had to wait no more
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Narrative revision EDRG 3344
* Avery The Super Puppy*
Once there was a puppy named Avery. Avery was no ordinary puppy, she was a super puppy with magical powers. Avery was able to chew through metal, run faster than cars, and jump up higher than fences. Avery was always getting into some sort of mischief and driving her owner, Miss Stacy completely crazy!
One morning, Miss Stacy went out to the yard to check on Avery, to her surprise the kennel was empty! She knew that she had put Avery in the kennel the night before, "so where could that little dog be?", she thought. She called out, "Avery", and gave a little whistle. But no Avery. She walked around the kennel to see if Avery had dug out. She came upon a huge hole in the kennel! Now, this kennel was made of thick pieces of metal, "how in the world did this little, cute, sweet puppy chew through metal?", she thought.
Miss Stacy needed to find Avery so she walked out of her yard and down the street a little way to look for her puppy, but there was no Avery. She needed to go back home and get her car if she was going to find Avery anytime soon. She had driven quite a way when she finally spotted her crazy puppy running out in a field with cows and horses. She yelled in a very stern voice, "Avery get over here now!" Avery came running as she was told, but she did not stop running, she out ran Miss Stacy's car and got back to the yard before the car had even pulled into the driveway. Avery had crawled back through the hole and was waiting in the kennel when Miss Stacy walked up, her tail wagging, it was almost as if she was smiling right back at Miss Stacy. Miss Stacy was very upset with Avery. She had to get thicker, and even stronger wire to fix the hole so that Avery wouldn't be able to get out again. So that is just what she did, she fixed the hole and made sure to check for any others so she was sure Avery would not ever get out again!
The next evening, when it was time for Avery to come in for the night, Miss Stacy went out to get her as she did every night. As she stepped out on the porch, she looked over and saw Avery jump up so high, higher than the fence, and off she went. She was out of the yard quicker than Miss Stacy could get to her. Miss Stacy yelled for her to get back but Avery wasn't listening. She had places to go, and cows to chase.
When Miss Stacy found Avery, she was so upset. She knew that something had to be done with this puppy if she was going to keep her. Avery had to behave and start to listen. So Miss Stacy looked through the phone book and found the best, most expensive obedience class in there. She made the appointment for the next morning. "If this doesn't work, nothing will", she thought.
That next morning, they both headed off to the class. Avery was the worst behaved puppy there. All the other puppies were staying with their masters, doing their commands and a few were even beginning to do tricks. Miss Stacy felt so helpless, what was she going to do with this puppy? She knew there would be many more years of this ahead. After all, she had a super puppy on her hands!
Once there was a puppy named Avery. Avery was no ordinary puppy, she was a super puppy with magical powers. Avery was able to chew through metal, run faster than cars, and jump up higher than fences. Avery was always getting into some sort of mischief and driving her owner, Miss Stacy completely crazy!
One morning, Miss Stacy went out to the yard to check on Avery, to her surprise the kennel was empty! She knew that she had put Avery in the kennel the night before, "so where could that little dog be?", she thought. She called out, "Avery", and gave a little whistle. But no Avery. She walked around the kennel to see if Avery had dug out. She came upon a huge hole in the kennel! Now, this kennel was made of thick pieces of metal, "how in the world did this little, cute, sweet puppy chew through metal?", she thought.
Miss Stacy needed to find Avery so she walked out of her yard and down the street a little way to look for her puppy, but there was no Avery. She needed to go back home and get her car if she was going to find Avery anytime soon. She had driven quite a way when she finally spotted her crazy puppy running out in a field with cows and horses. She yelled in a very stern voice, "Avery get over here now!" Avery came running as she was told, but she did not stop running, she out ran Miss Stacy's car and got back to the yard before the car had even pulled into the driveway. Avery had crawled back through the hole and was waiting in the kennel when Miss Stacy walked up, her tail wagging, it was almost as if she was smiling right back at Miss Stacy. Miss Stacy was very upset with Avery. She had to get thicker, and even stronger wire to fix the hole so that Avery wouldn't be able to get out again. So that is just what she did, she fixed the hole and made sure to check for any others so she was sure Avery would not ever get out again!
The next evening, when it was time for Avery to come in for the night, Miss Stacy went out to get her as she did every night. As she stepped out on the porch, she looked over and saw Avery jump up so high, higher than the fence, and off she went. She was out of the yard quicker than Miss Stacy could get to her. Miss Stacy yelled for her to get back but Avery wasn't listening. She had places to go, and cows to chase.
When Miss Stacy found Avery, she was so upset. She knew that something had to be done with this puppy if she was going to keep her. Avery had to behave and start to listen. So Miss Stacy looked through the phone book and found the best, most expensive obedience class in there. She made the appointment for the next morning. "If this doesn't work, nothing will", she thought.
That next morning, they both headed off to the class. Avery was the worst behaved puppy there. All the other puppies were staying with their masters, doing their commands and a few were even beginning to do tricks. Miss Stacy felt so helpless, what was she going to do with this puppy? She knew there would be many more years of this ahead. After all, she had a super puppy on her hands!
Friday, October 2, 2009
EDRG 3321 T/R
Maya Angelou interview
I had never seen this interview and to be quite honest, I really have never seen Maya speak. I was completely blown away on Thursday and was quite frankly brought to tears on a few occasions. She is a wonderful speaker and has amazing things to say. The part that got me the most is when she was talking about the caged bird and how that relates to students. I mentioned in my group how it bugs me that some students are treated so badly weather to their face or behind their backs. As teachers we have a very important job to educate but also be a safety net for some. Some kids may not have good relationships with their parents or family we are that saving grace for them. We may be the only person they may open up to and let in but not only on a trust level but on an educational level as well. Say they have had a not so good teacher in the previous years, they get to us and we let them shine in all ways possible, who knows what will happen. Who knows the kinds of accomplishments they will make. They will break out of that cage that they have been cooped up in and they will soar to new heights. To me, to know that I had a small effect like this on just one child, makes me want to be a teacher even more. We have such an important job and we should never take for granted the power we have to make a difference in children's lives. That to me is one of the most important things about being a teacher.
Author profile:
http://www.kidsreads.com/authors/au-depaola-tomie.asp
http://www.kidsreads.com/series/series-fudge.asp
I found these two authors on this really cool website called kidsreads.com. It has all sorts of fun facts about books, authors, and different podcasts, as well as what books have been turned into movies. I love Judy Blume books and have read quite a few as I was growing up. This would be a neat website for kids to go to and use to gain all sorts of knowledge about authors they know as well as quite a few they don't know.
I had never seen this interview and to be quite honest, I really have never seen Maya speak. I was completely blown away on Thursday and was quite frankly brought to tears on a few occasions. She is a wonderful speaker and has amazing things to say. The part that got me the most is when she was talking about the caged bird and how that relates to students. I mentioned in my group how it bugs me that some students are treated so badly weather to their face or behind their backs. As teachers we have a very important job to educate but also be a safety net for some. Some kids may not have good relationships with their parents or family we are that saving grace for them. We may be the only person they may open up to and let in but not only on a trust level but on an educational level as well. Say they have had a not so good teacher in the previous years, they get to us and we let them shine in all ways possible, who knows what will happen. Who knows the kinds of accomplishments they will make. They will break out of that cage that they have been cooped up in and they will soar to new heights. To me, to know that I had a small effect like this on just one child, makes me want to be a teacher even more. We have such an important job and we should never take for granted the power we have to make a difference in children's lives. That to me is one of the most important things about being a teacher.
Author profile:
http://www.kidsreads.com/authors/au-depaola-tomie.asp
http://www.kidsreads.com/series/series-fudge.asp
I found these two authors on this really cool website called kidsreads.com. It has all sorts of fun facts about books, authors, and different podcasts, as well as what books have been turned into movies. I love Judy Blume books and have read quite a few as I was growing up. This would be a neat website for kids to go to and use to gain all sorts of knowledge about authors they know as well as quite a few they don't know.
EDRG 3344 T/R
The benefits of talking
I think that when children talk, they are learning. There are different types of learning that can be done in the classroom. Small group discussions, large group discussions, answering questions,etc. I think that the teacher needs to be able to control the noise level so that it's not too loud, by using different techniques like keeping groups between 3-4 people, making sure the students know how to focus on what they need to be doing, setting a time limit with an egg timer. The children definitely need time to talk, share and discuss. Is a vital key that really does help them learn even more from their peers as well as the teacher. It is important though, to make sure they stay on point, otherwise it will get louder and they wont be focused on what they need to be doing. I myself have seen very creative ways to get students to talk. Ask engaging questions that make them excited and want to answer, give good and fun topics, not just basic boring ones, basically make it fun and they'll want to e included and want to actively participate.
I think that when children talk, they are learning. There are different types of learning that can be done in the classroom. Small group discussions, large group discussions, answering questions,etc. I think that the teacher needs to be able to control the noise level so that it's not too loud, by using different techniques like keeping groups between 3-4 people, making sure the students know how to focus on what they need to be doing, setting a time limit with an egg timer. The children definitely need time to talk, share and discuss. Is a vital key that really does help them learn even more from their peers as well as the teacher. It is important though, to make sure they stay on point, otherwise it will get louder and they wont be focused on what they need to be doing. I myself have seen very creative ways to get students to talk. Ask engaging questions that make them excited and want to answer, give good and fun topics, not just basic boring ones, basically make it fun and they'll want to e included and want to actively participate.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
EDRG3321 T/R
Author profiles
After much confusion I am finally getting my Author profiles up on my blog.
The first one is that of Jan Brett, she is an American author who is also an illustrator as well. She has written books such as The Owl and The Pussycat, Town Mouse, Country Mouse, and so many more. Most, if not all of her books seem to be about animals. She says that she hopes the reader can feel as though they have been brought to a special imaginary place that she has drawn so that it feels as though it really exists. I know that when I read I like being taken to place that I feel a sort of escape from everyday life. It's nice to feel like you have that time where you can be taken away.
http://www.janbrett.com/
The next one that I found was an American Author who specializes in traditional African Folktales. Her name is Verna Aardema. What I found special about this lady was that all her stories have themes of heroism and morality. When reading I always like reading a bout a hero and I think a lot of children do as well. Most are all retold from well-known African folktales. It is a great way to introduce some diverse culture to the students, and give them an idea of what life is like in other countries.
http://web.uflib.ufl.edu/cm/africana/aardema.htm
After much confusion I am finally getting my Author profiles up on my blog.
The first one is that of Jan Brett, she is an American author who is also an illustrator as well. She has written books such as The Owl and The Pussycat, Town Mouse, Country Mouse, and so many more. Most, if not all of her books seem to be about animals. She says that she hopes the reader can feel as though they have been brought to a special imaginary place that she has drawn so that it feels as though it really exists. I know that when I read I like being taken to place that I feel a sort of escape from everyday life. It's nice to feel like you have that time where you can be taken away.
http://www.janbrett.com/
The next one that I found was an American Author who specializes in traditional African Folktales. Her name is Verna Aardema. What I found special about this lady was that all her stories have themes of heroism and morality. When reading I always like reading a bout a hero and I think a lot of children do as well. Most are all retold from well-known African folktales. It is a great way to introduce some diverse culture to the students, and give them an idea of what life is like in other countries.
http://web.uflib.ufl.edu/cm/africana/aardema.htm
Friday, September 25, 2009
EDRG 3344 T/R
My precious as gold memory
As I shared in class yesterday, my precious as gold memory is that of my son. He is the absolute best part of my life and the best thing I have ever done. I love my husband as well of course, but my baby, who isn't a baby anymore, has that special love connection with me. I was pregnant with him at 19 and had him at 20. I could not have been more scared than I was when I found out I was pregnant. I was sure my parents were going to disown me and my dad was going to kill my boyfriend, who of course is now my husband. Everything is fine now, and no one died thank God but there was a time when I thought it was gonna get bad.
Devon Lee was born on September 4, 2002 at 10:18 am after giving me a whole bunch of horrible pain for 17 hours and 45 minutes. He was the most beautiful baby I had ever seen, a full head of black hair, ten perfect toes and ten perfect fingers, but this was my baby and now I was a mom. What the heck was I going to do now? My husband was just as scared as I was but he was a huge help because I developed a mild case of post-partum. It didn't take long until I had the hang of things and he and I spent everyday together until I went back to school. Devon was 3 and a 1/2. The years have flown by way to fast and I miss the days when I would go get him out of his crib in the mornings, and just lay him on my chest and play with him all day.
He seems to surprise me everyday and makes me smile even more than I could ever imagine! Even though he is getting older and may not want as many hugs and kisses, i hope he always knows how much he is loved, and how deep my love for him really is. There really is nothing better in this world than being a mommy! It is the best job ever!
As I shared in class yesterday, my precious as gold memory is that of my son. He is the absolute best part of my life and the best thing I have ever done. I love my husband as well of course, but my baby, who isn't a baby anymore, has that special love connection with me. I was pregnant with him at 19 and had him at 20. I could not have been more scared than I was when I found out I was pregnant. I was sure my parents were going to disown me and my dad was going to kill my boyfriend, who of course is now my husband. Everything is fine now, and no one died thank God but there was a time when I thought it was gonna get bad.
Devon Lee was born on September 4, 2002 at 10:18 am after giving me a whole bunch of horrible pain for 17 hours and 45 minutes. He was the most beautiful baby I had ever seen, a full head of black hair, ten perfect toes and ten perfect fingers, but this was my baby and now I was a mom. What the heck was I going to do now? My husband was just as scared as I was but he was a huge help because I developed a mild case of post-partum. It didn't take long until I had the hang of things and he and I spent everyday together until I went back to school. Devon was 3 and a 1/2. The years have flown by way to fast and I miss the days when I would go get him out of his crib in the mornings, and just lay him on my chest and play with him all day.
He seems to surprise me everyday and makes me smile even more than I could ever imagine! Even though he is getting older and may not want as many hugs and kisses, i hope he always knows how much he is loved, and how deep my love for him really is. There really is nothing better in this world than being a mommy! It is the best job ever!
Thursday, September 17, 2009
EDRG 3344 T/R
RAFT assignment
Role-Camera
Audience-Owner of the camera
Format- A letter
Topic- Please upload or delete!
Dear Wonderful Owner,
This is your shiny , sleek, and loyal Canon Power Shot Digital Camera. I am writing you today to let you know I really need some room on my memory cards. Yes, they come with lots of room on them but you have pictures saved on here from three years ago! I think it's time to cut the cord so to speak and either put some of these on your trusty computer and share them with friends and family or delete some of these pals of mine. Don't get me wrong, as I said the pictures are my friends, we have had so many wonderful memories together.
Let me begin with our trip to the beach for spring break '06, you all had the best time there. I was almost ruined in the sea, but you managed to grab me before I hit the water. Thanks, that was a close one. Then we have the trip to Colorado to visit the folks in '07, so many glorious mountains and so much snow. It looked like something out of a magazine. Then there was Vegas.... let me just say, you had the time of your life on that trip. We will leave it at that! Disney World for your son's birthday. Yes, you can have too many pictures of the mouse. Finally, let's not forget all the baseball pictures you have. Almost a card full. What a great season the team had this summer.
You and I have seen some really great sights, and I have been very loyal in capturing some really great memories through my crystal clear images. I only wish you really would take some time, buy some really pretty frames and share these wonderful pictures with everyone. I know you like sharing them on your Facebook page, you just haven't uploaded any in a year! Some of the pictures can even be erased. I mean who needs a picture of the largest ball of twine anyway? I just wanted to let you know how cramped and crowded it is in here. Please keep that in mind the next time you pull me out of your purse.
Best regards,
Canon
Role-Camera
Audience-Owner of the camera
Format- A letter
Topic- Please upload or delete!
Dear Wonderful Owner,
This is your shiny , sleek, and loyal Canon Power Shot Digital Camera. I am writing you today to let you know I really need some room on my memory cards. Yes, they come with lots of room on them but you have pictures saved on here from three years ago! I think it's time to cut the cord so to speak and either put some of these on your trusty computer and share them with friends and family or delete some of these pals of mine. Don't get me wrong, as I said the pictures are my friends, we have had so many wonderful memories together.
Let me begin with our trip to the beach for spring break '06, you all had the best time there. I was almost ruined in the sea, but you managed to grab me before I hit the water. Thanks, that was a close one. Then we have the trip to Colorado to visit the folks in '07, so many glorious mountains and so much snow. It looked like something out of a magazine. Then there was Vegas.... let me just say, you had the time of your life on that trip. We will leave it at that! Disney World for your son's birthday. Yes, you can have too many pictures of the mouse. Finally, let's not forget all the baseball pictures you have. Almost a card full. What a great season the team had this summer.
You and I have seen some really great sights, and I have been very loyal in capturing some really great memories through my crystal clear images. I only wish you really would take some time, buy some really pretty frames and share these wonderful pictures with everyone. I know you like sharing them on your Facebook page, you just haven't uploaded any in a year! Some of the pictures can even be erased. I mean who needs a picture of the largest ball of twine anyway? I just wanted to let you know how cramped and crowded it is in here. Please keep that in mind the next time you pull me out of your purse.
Best regards,
Canon
EDRG 3321 T/R
Chapter 3 Blog
Chapter 3 was a very long and intense chapter. It touched on some very key points that will not only be useful to us but very important as well. In my opinion the most important part of this section was the role of the teacher. We as teachers are helping to form the minds of our students in everything that we teach to them. We are not only supporting their comprehension of the content we are teaching them, we are ensuring that they have a wonderful reading experience. While I was in school I had very good teachers that helped me enjoy reading. To this day I love to read. I read all types of books, now granted it has to be stories that peak my interests. I wont sit and read Moby Dick. Not saying that is a bad book or anything it just isn't something that would grab me right off the bat and keep me interested throughout the story. I thought the Theory of Comprehension was interesting you can actually see what kind of readers you will have in your classroom and how you can adjust to be able to me their learning needs. Most people are Aesthetic readers. Most want to read for fun not because they are forced to. I am having this problem with my son right now. He has to read the required 25 minutes every night but he sees it as a hassle. Even though he gets to read whatever he wants he looks as it as a "forced issue" and he fights me on it. So I am going to try different ways to get him to have the want and the desire to read on his own and even for fun! Building comprehension is very important in order to see how much your students know about a certain topic and see where you as the teacher can build and give them even more knowledge about that topic. I thought this was a really interesting chapter that will help us understand our students better and make it to where literature in the classroom is fun and exciting and not dull and boring.
Chapter 3 was a very long and intense chapter. It touched on some very key points that will not only be useful to us but very important as well. In my opinion the most important part of this section was the role of the teacher. We as teachers are helping to form the minds of our students in everything that we teach to them. We are not only supporting their comprehension of the content we are teaching them, we are ensuring that they have a wonderful reading experience. While I was in school I had very good teachers that helped me enjoy reading. To this day I love to read. I read all types of books, now granted it has to be stories that peak my interests. I wont sit and read Moby Dick. Not saying that is a bad book or anything it just isn't something that would grab me right off the bat and keep me interested throughout the story. I thought the Theory of Comprehension was interesting you can actually see what kind of readers you will have in your classroom and how you can adjust to be able to me their learning needs. Most people are Aesthetic readers. Most want to read for fun not because they are forced to. I am having this problem with my son right now. He has to read the required 25 minutes every night but he sees it as a hassle. Even though he gets to read whatever he wants he looks as it as a "forced issue" and he fights me on it. So I am going to try different ways to get him to have the want and the desire to read on his own and even for fun! Building comprehension is very important in order to see how much your students know about a certain topic and see where you as the teacher can build and give them even more knowledge about that topic. I thought this was a really interesting chapter that will help us understand our students better and make it to where literature in the classroom is fun and exciting and not dull and boring.
Friday, September 11, 2009
EDRG 3344 T/R Dream Vacation
It is here! The day we have waited for as long as we could remember. Our dream vacation to the Atlantis resort in the Bahamas. My husband and I will finally be getting some much needed alone time. We love our son more than life itself however, this week will be all about us therefore, he will spend a fun filled week with Grandma and Grandpa. Prior to getting our son off with the grandparents I had to shop for all sorts of new outfits and swimsuits for my husband and I and of course get the three of us all packed and ready to go.
The flight to the islands was quite a long one but well worth it once we could see from the plane just how beautiful the scenery was. When we landed we could see all the beautiful crystal clear water and white sandy beaches. As we arrived at The Atlantis for check-in we were both greeted with fruit drinks that were in actual pineapples. We went up to our suite to put away our luggage and to freshen up a bit before dinner. Then we took eachother's hand and walked downstairs for a fantastic night of dinner, drinks, and dancing. We knew that we had a long day of fun and exciting activites ahead of us the next day and that we were going to have to get up early so we made sure that we made it an early night.
When we woke the next morning, we were greeted to the most beautiful sunrise along with great weather either of us had ever seen. Before the two of us headed off for a day of swimming with bottlenosed dolphins and snorkeling in the ocean, we were treated to a luscious breakfast of eggs, sausage, pancakes, and wonderful fresh fruit. I could hardly contain myself as we got out onto the ocean to swim with the beautiful dolphins. My husband and I were able to hold on to their fins as they pulled the two of us around the water. When our adventure was complete the boat took us out even farther in the water where we were geared up to start our snorkeling. We were able to explore some of the most wonderful reefs. It was almost as if it was out of a book. We had never seen anything so magically beautiful. The only thing left to do to top this amazing day off was the couple's spa treatment we would receive when we got back to the hotel. He and I would both be getting a massage and facials. My husband wanted to take a nap before dinner meanwhile, I would be getting a Mani / Pedi. The most wonderful part of this vacation besides all the scenery, beaches, food, and excursions, was that my husband and I got to spend some much needed quality time alone together and every marriage needs that every now and then. We had not been alone in quite some time, it was well deserved.
Two days before we were to head back home, we received a phone call from my parents. Since it was an international call we were terrified that something had happen to our child. It was not that thank goodness. Instead they phoned to let us know we had won the Mega millions lottery back at home and would receive three-hundred million dollars! Of course we were out of our minds with excitement and happiness, we sent a plane ticket for our son and we made the choice to stay in The Bahamas and make it our permanent home where we would all live happily ever after on a beautiful tropical island in the sea.
The flight to the islands was quite a long one but well worth it once we could see from the plane just how beautiful the scenery was. When we landed we could see all the beautiful crystal clear water and white sandy beaches. As we arrived at The Atlantis for check-in we were both greeted with fruit drinks that were in actual pineapples. We went up to our suite to put away our luggage and to freshen up a bit before dinner. Then we took eachother's hand and walked downstairs for a fantastic night of dinner, drinks, and dancing. We knew that we had a long day of fun and exciting activites ahead of us the next day and that we were going to have to get up early so we made sure that we made it an early night.
When we woke the next morning, we were greeted to the most beautiful sunrise along with great weather either of us had ever seen. Before the two of us headed off for a day of swimming with bottlenosed dolphins and snorkeling in the ocean, we were treated to a luscious breakfast of eggs, sausage, pancakes, and wonderful fresh fruit. I could hardly contain myself as we got out onto the ocean to swim with the beautiful dolphins. My husband and I were able to hold on to their fins as they pulled the two of us around the water. When our adventure was complete the boat took us out even farther in the water where we were geared up to start our snorkeling. We were able to explore some of the most wonderful reefs. It was almost as if it was out of a book. We had never seen anything so magically beautiful. The only thing left to do to top this amazing day off was the couple's spa treatment we would receive when we got back to the hotel. He and I would both be getting a massage and facials. My husband wanted to take a nap before dinner meanwhile, I would be getting a Mani / Pedi. The most wonderful part of this vacation besides all the scenery, beaches, food, and excursions, was that my husband and I got to spend some much needed quality time alone together and every marriage needs that every now and then. We had not been alone in quite some time, it was well deserved.
Two days before we were to head back home, we received a phone call from my parents. Since it was an international call we were terrified that something had happen to our child. It was not that thank goodness. Instead they phoned to let us know we had won the Mega millions lottery back at home and would receive three-hundred million dollars! Of course we were out of our minds with excitement and happiness, we sent a plane ticket for our son and we made the choice to stay in The Bahamas and make it our permanent home where we would all live happily ever after on a beautiful tropical island in the sea.
EDRG 3344 T/R -Explain Writing
First of all writing is a PROCESS! There are 5 steps to the writing process. 1. Pre writing which is your brainstorming. 2. Drafting which is your rough draft or outline. 3. Revising which are any of your additions or deletions. 4. Editing which are conventions. 5. Finally you have the publishing. There are also different types of writing that you can do. Narrative, Persuasive, Expository, and Descriptive. Writing is all around us everyday. Signs, the newspaper, television, menus, memos, recipes...etc. Writing is everywhere, everywhere you look writing is there. I am not a fan of writing and never have been. Writing has always stressed me out during times when I knew I had to write a paper or essay. Before this class, I have never thought of writing as a process. I guess it has always been a type of annoyance to me. I am hoping that with practice and in working in the school i will look at writing differently and no be so scared to actually do it. I just need to remember that it is a PROCESS.. WRITING IS A PROCESS!!!
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
EDRG 3321
Chapter 2
I found chapter 2 to be a really good read. The chapter discusses culture. Culture to me has always been about how you were raised, and what values your parents set forth for you in the home. As teachers we will see many different cultures in the classroom and we have to be able to embrace those different cultures with all students. When thinking about the Western ways of doing things in schools I automatically think about the spelling words as we talked about in class. I can always remember coming home with those words and thinking that was the most easiest part of my homework for the week. To learn those words. I was a very strong speller and even competed in some school spelling bee's. Now that I have my own child it has come full circle. He gets his words for the week and we make it a habit to study hard all week including practice tests into our routine, only he struggles with it. The book discusses how many believe that it's up to the students to make cultural shifts and adjust to school. I could not disagree with this more! If there is no one to guide them and help them through this they will be discouraged and they will end up giving up. We as educators have the huge responsibility of making sure we get to know our students on a personal level. Let them know we truly care about them, get to know what they do at home. What they celebrate, what they don't. If there are family traditions, what are they, how long have they been around? Make the students feel as though they are valued not only at home but with the teacher and peers as well.
I found chapter 2 to be a really good read. The chapter discusses culture. Culture to me has always been about how you were raised, and what values your parents set forth for you in the home. As teachers we will see many different cultures in the classroom and we have to be able to embrace those different cultures with all students. When thinking about the Western ways of doing things in schools I automatically think about the spelling words as we talked about in class. I can always remember coming home with those words and thinking that was the most easiest part of my homework for the week. To learn those words. I was a very strong speller and even competed in some school spelling bee's. Now that I have my own child it has come full circle. He gets his words for the week and we make it a habit to study hard all week including practice tests into our routine, only he struggles with it. The book discusses how many believe that it's up to the students to make cultural shifts and adjust to school. I could not disagree with this more! If there is no one to guide them and help them through this they will be discouraged and they will end up giving up. We as educators have the huge responsibility of making sure we get to know our students on a personal level. Let them know we truly care about them, get to know what they do at home. What they celebrate, what they don't. If there are family traditions, what are they, how long have they been around? Make the students feel as though they are valued not only at home but with the teacher and peers as well.
Friday, September 4, 2009
EDRG 3344 T/R
What are some examples of Pre/During/Post strategies?
When reading to children you have to realize that there are going to be some in your group that may not feel like listening, some may get distracted easily, and then there are some that just may not enjoy reading at all. With all these cases you have to keep in mind that you want to engage everyone into the story and have them all pay attention. Let's say you are reading the book called There Was An Old Woman Who Swallowed a Chick! It is a circle book that is about a woman who swallows a chick, some straw, an egg, some candy, a basket, and a bow. It is a book with an Easter theme, so maybe you could read it around that holiday, but before you read it you may point have either a stuffed chick or maybe even a real chick for the children to see then as you read and see the things that she swallows, maybe have each item ad bring them out as your reading about each one to show the students and keep them engaged in the story that way you know you have their attention. Then after you are done reading the story you can have them pick one item from the story that they might have at home to bring in to class the next day and discuss what they brought and in what part of the story was that item used. You may also want to have them do a post journal to continue the story as to what other things the woman might swallow and why she would do that, make it fun and interesting for them. Using these strategies helps not only keep the student listening to the story but it also helps them remember what it is that they are reading, and may even help to make reading fun and enjoyable for them.
When reading to children you have to realize that there are going to be some in your group that may not feel like listening, some may get distracted easily, and then there are some that just may not enjoy reading at all. With all these cases you have to keep in mind that you want to engage everyone into the story and have them all pay attention. Let's say you are reading the book called There Was An Old Woman Who Swallowed a Chick! It is a circle book that is about a woman who swallows a chick, some straw, an egg, some candy, a basket, and a bow. It is a book with an Easter theme, so maybe you could read it around that holiday, but before you read it you may point have either a stuffed chick or maybe even a real chick for the children to see then as you read and see the things that she swallows, maybe have each item ad bring them out as your reading about each one to show the students and keep them engaged in the story that way you know you have their attention. Then after you are done reading the story you can have them pick one item from the story that they might have at home to bring in to class the next day and discuss what they brought and in what part of the story was that item used. You may also want to have them do a post journal to continue the story as to what other things the woman might swallow and why she would do that, make it fun and interesting for them. Using these strategies helps not only keep the student listening to the story but it also helps them remember what it is that they are reading, and may even help to make reading fun and enjoyable for them.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Problems!
So I have been having blog problems and still trying to figure out this whole blogging thing! I had people going to the wrong blog but hopefully I have the right one now and I will get more followers and people will be at my blog instead of someone else's. :) Anyway, I hope the kinks get worked out and I hope you all have a great day!
P.S Gia, there was no homework for Child Development, see you tomorrow!
Samantha
P.S Gia, there was no homework for Child Development, see you tomorrow!
Samantha
Saturday, August 29, 2009
EDRG 3344 Tue/Thur How do you learn?
I am the type of person that is very hands-on when I learn. I am a visual learner. I learn very well in a group as well as on my own. Learning is an everyday thing for me. Truly I learn something everyday, especially now being in college again. I am the type of person that has to write everything down. I have so much going on in my life that if I don't write down all the things I have to do I will forget to do something. So I have to be very organized in order to not become a crazy person. I enjoy learning. I like being challenged, but not so much that I can't figure out what to do to be able to get it done. My multiple intelligence survey states that I am highest in Intrapersonal intelligence. I am not surprised by that, I enjoy people's company and group work but I am shy at first and if given the option, would just as much work alone. My second highest was the musical intelligence. I am surprised by this one, I do not think I have any strengths in music. I would enjoy learning a new instrument but other than listening to the radio or watching occasional music videos, I am not a very musical person. I think that as far as motivation goes for me I am Extrinsic. If I am working hard at something, I love that at the end of it all there will be a reward, big or small. It doesn't have to be a materialistic type of reward, I don't have to get a gift or anyhthing just to do something. Most of the things that I do are just to be nice or to make people happy. With my education my ultimate reward will be my degree and to be a wonderful teacher that makes a difference in the lives of my students.
-SKW
-SKW
Thursday, August 27, 2009
EDRG 3321 Chapter 1 blog
I can already tell that I will not be selling this book back. It seems to be a great resource we as teachers should have on hand with us to revert back to for ideas as well as a teaching tool for our classrooms. Chapter 1 was very interesting and mainly focused on living literature. There are many ways that we can make sure our students live literature everyday while in our class. If for example we have a child that is not a strong reader, and may not like reading, we can bring in books that have different types of subject matter that would engage the minds of each student in the class, not just focusing on one set of book types. Basically be diverse with the books you have on hand. Maybe one child may be really in to music, so you can get a few books that are more about music and different types of music. Set up an area in your room for a reading center and fill it with all sorts of neat books that you feel the kids might enjoy. The chapter touched on beliefs. Believing in children, literacy, and professional development. I personally believe as a future teacher that I can and yes, should teach kids to love to read. Reading is one of the most wonderful ways to learn new things as well as take your mind on a type of adventure. I also believe in children. I believe that any child can learn and learn to read no matter what the circumstance as long as they are willing, and have someone willing to spend that time teaching them. I completely agree with literacy in general. I love reading and love books, I think your mind is challenged when reading certain books and you can always learn new things from books. And finally I am on board with professional development. I think it is important for teachers to be up to date with the latest resources and procedures for teaching as well as any other tools they would need to do the best possible job as an educator. You can never have enough knowledge, it's good to keep learning. The mind is a sponge waiting to absorb all sorts of knowledge! Have a great weekend everyone!
-Samantha
-Samantha
Saturday, August 22, 2009
New to blogging
So this is all very new to me. Before Thursday's class I had no clue as to what a Blog even was. This will take me some time because I am not the most computer literate person. I am looking forward to my classes this semester and getting that much closer to being a teacher. I wish you all the best of luck! See ya Tuesday.
-SKW
-SKW
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