October 31, 2008

Hey all,

Thanks for your participation today.  That's what makes class interesting!!  :)

Just 2 things to address today:

1) Stephanie feels like she has so many content courses that she doesn't have enough time to take them.  She's wondering if any of the rest of you feel that way?   If that's a problem, how are you dealing with it?  Has anyone found a way to increase their content based courses and help get more content knowledge in the content areas?

2) How may lesson plans you do in methods will depend upon which content areas you are in.  I know my social studies kids do a lot of them because I have them practice before they create their actual units, but I don' t know about other content areas.  I know you have to do at least a 7-10 day unit in each content area - so there's a minimum of 7-10.

Happy Halloween!!

Diann

October 24

Hey all,

Please use this platform to ask questions about parent involvement; offer your own opinions; or give specifics you'd like to discuss next class.

See you Friday.

Diann

October 17, 2008

Hey all,

Thanks to the researchers who dealt with school funding.  You did a fine job and gave us plenty to think about.  There were no specific questions for this, but I think that might have been due to the format of the reflection.  Therefore I'm opening up the blog this week to your questions / concerns / comments about school funding.  I'll let you chat with each other, and then I'll come in and answer the questions directed to me later in the week.

I hope you have a great week.

Diann

October 3, 2008

Hey all,

No more excuses about blogging.  It's in your external links. All you have to do is click!!  I went to the Homecoming Parade today.  Such fun!!  The band was great, and the men's chorus sounded wonderful even while walking.  I hope you were there and enjoyed it, too.  

Here are the responses for class today:

1) I am so glad that you found both videos valuable and motivating!!

2) Honestly, I have seen a couple brand new teachers (actually student teachers) who had the type of rapport you saw in the teaching video today.  I can specifically remember 3 of them.  However, they were all K-3 which is a totally different ballgame than you're going to be playing.

3) You REALLY gain the respect of your students in several ways. You KNOW your content!!   You treat them with respect. You treat them as young adults with potential.  You are fair.  You have high expectations and insist that they live up to them.  You HONESTLY care about them and let them know it.  You are there for them and you BELIEVE in them and let them know that you believe in them.  You make it their class; not yours.  Engage them; let them have choices.  Love the kids and love what you're doing.  At least - these are my suggestions.

4) Mr. Riddle is the principal at Leverette.

5) The link to the video is:  http://www.,dallasisd.org/

6) Every morning we all make a choice.  We can choose to be miserable or we can choose to be happy.   I am upbeat in the mornings because I am so blessed how could I choose not to be happy?  I don't have to go to 'work'.  I get to go to class.  I get to interact with people I love and enjoy being with.  I have a mission, and I get to fulfill it with YOU!!  That's why I'm upbeat in the morning!!  Don't you get it?  I LOVE what I do, and it's such a blessing!  I can honestly say I have never felt like I have had to go to work.  I get to go to school.

7) Your assignments for October 17 are on your calendar.

Have a great couple weeks.  I truly will miss seeing you!  Enjoy your break and come back safe and ready to roll!!

Blessings,

Diann