Class 2 Reflection

I really enjoyed tonight's class! First off, I would like to say how much I appreciated the packet full of tools to use in the classroom. They all got me thinking about how many different and exciting teaching methods I can use in my classroom. Also, a lot of the methods we discussed tonight were of particular interest to me because I work in a preschool classroom. In our classroom the different levels of the students are so evident that sometimes I find myself shocked at what some students know, and how some others have absolutely no clue. For example, some of our students can write their name and recognize short common words. On the other hand, some could not even begin to tell me what letter their name begins with. Therefore, the techniques and methods I learned in today's class will definately be something I apply to our classroom. Also, you mentioned that children learn their begining literacy at home with whomever they are close with and It is our jobs as teachers to build on what they have learned/are learning at home. I teach in a low-income school district. Usually low income goes hand in hand with little education. I notice all of the time that the parents of my students are not very literate. They write notes with many simple grammar errors, they speak in slang, and do not set a proper example for their children. It is a shame because the parents aren't purposely setting a bad example, its just the way they were taught and the environment in which they grew up. As a result I think my job is more important than ever because most of my students parents are not involved, or are not properly educated to help their children. I am very excited to see the progress my students will make this year when I use many of the methods I learned in tonight's class!

On a side note, I thought the article one of my classmates presented on "Are we failing our geniuses?" was a good article. But, I disagree with it very much. I think that a genius is a genius no matter what. No one thought Albert Einstein would amount to anything when he was a 'mute' but he did invent the theory of relativity. But, without extra help -many special education students will most likely amount to nothing. Also, I would like to know more about the statistical research about drop out rates for geniuses and kids with low IQ...just because a student has a high IQ doesn't mean they apply themselves, or do their homework, or enjoy going to school and learning. I just think their needs to be further research into the drop out rates and the reasons these students dropped out.