The Swing of Things

Read-Alouds: Today I Feel SIlly and Other Moods that Make My Day by: Jamie Lee Curtis 978-0060245603 was a good book for kids to understand their moods and what makes them feel that way. It was also a good example to introductory of literary devices such as onomatopoeia. 
Tina's Diner by JoAnn Andinolfi 0689806345 was a book that could really be used in an English classroom because it ended in a way that could key into kids creativity by having them write what they would have happen next.
Mind Your Manners B.B. Wolf  by Judy Sierra 978-0375835322 was a very entertaining and fun book. I think it would be useful when introducing illusions because it had the three little pigs and little red riding hood in the story at some points.
Mice and Beans by Ryan Mynoz 9780439183031was a book perfect to celebrate Hispanic heritage month. Also there is a lot of cooking in the story which would be perfect to teach kids how to cook simple things.
Tiny Dinos Big and Small by Guy Gilchrist 9781557821065 had a lot of basic adjectives and opposites that are good for young kids first learning about them. Also its a good book for self worth and understanding how everyone is different.
Learning Experiences: We have learned a ton about self esteem and different view points on it. We learned about global and earned self esteem as well as self concept. We took what we learned and applied it to a skit. They were so much fun to watch and it was really fun to take what we learned and think outside the box to put it in a skit or puppet show.
Current Events: At St. Genevieve Elementary David Lopez is stepping on board to the use of iPads in the classroom. They are letting the kids decide which apps to use individually to benefit their needs the most. They stongly believe that choice is a vital tool in learning so that students gain a sense of independence. The iPads help reinforce difficult concepts and makes learning fun and intersting.  http://thejournal.com/Articles/2012/09/12/using-ipads-with-mixed-ability-students-teachers-must-give-up-some-control.aspx?admgarea=Features1&Page=2
Quote of the Week: "A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell when his influence stops." I really like this quote because I can relate to it. I have had teachers that have had a huge positive influence. I even am starting to see that at least two of my teachers this year are going to have a huge influence on me that will really help point me in the right direction and I think this is a characteristic of an outstanding teacher.
Observations: I've noticed a fellow student in one of my classes who has really been coming out of her shell. She has have been really shy and timid up until now and I believe it has something to do with our teacher. He is really helpful and kind. He notices her shyness and makes a point to have her interact. I feel like due to our teachers caring personality and desire to help students, this particular student has been able to shine.
Reflections: These past few days I have had some changes to my schedule. I am in a class It thought I would never take, but due to the support of one of my teachers, I was convinced to take it. I am really enjoying it and am looking forward to all that I will learn from this class and how much it will help me in college.

First Blog!

Read-Alouds:
Mrs. Spitzer's Garden by Edith Pattou 9780152019785 I liked this book because it explained self worth and uniqueness to kids in an interesting way.
My Losing Season by Pat Conroy 9780385489126  I liked this book because it was inspirational but I would not read it to younger kids because they might easily lose interest.
The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn 9780878685851 I loved this book because it reminded me of my first days of school where I was aprrehensive about leaving my mom. This would be comforting to kids of a younger age and would be good for mothers day as well.
Knew You Could by Craig Dorfman 9780448448138 This book is good for any age group or anybody that needs some confidence. It could be taught in a classroom to help kids learn how to boost eachothers self confidence and be thoughtful to one another.
Learning Experiences:
So far in TC I've learned a lot about the other students in my class. We did the "Find someone who.." activity where I learned small things about everyone in my class. We also did a "Things in Common" activity where I got to know a couple of my classmates better and how we surprisingly have a lot in common!
Current Event: 
In West Virginia Van Devender, a public middle school has been targeted with a law suite for discriminating against the sexes by separating classes based on gender. Some parents of girls have claimed that the boys are given more freedom while the girls are forced to remain in their desks with less freedom to interact. This is a relevant issue and it makes me think of my middle school where I was in single gender classes.
 http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2012/08/22/classroom-warfare-same-sex-classes-at-public-schools-ignite-a-fight.html
Quote of the Week:
"Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day. Teach a man to fish and he will eat for the rest of his life."
I like this quote because it is so true. If you are just given everything you have you will never be able to understand how somebody acquired it, just that you have it and it is beneficial to you, you will never be able to be self dependent. But if you instead, show that person how you got the fish, they will have a lot more self worth and can function on their own and help others.
Observations:
In one of my classes we have a teacher that is brand new to teaching. He has trouble slowing down and explaining. We are trying to tell him what we need from him in order to understand what he is trying to teach. Now I know that if I ever teach something to somebody I need to remember that they have no clue what I am doing and I need to teach slowly and make sure they don't get left behind.
Reflections: 
This week I've noticed that I have met a lot of new people in my classes that I can relate to. I really like my classes and I want to do my best that I can in them. One thing I would like to improve upon is asking more questions, I usually do that a lot but I just need to get back into the swing of things.