Option 2: Choose 2 (two) of the hallmarks of differentiation (from the golden ticket) to discuss on your blog. Be certain to choose ONE from hallmarks 1 - 6 and ONE from hallmarks 7 - 12. Explain what you now understand about differentiation because of these two hallmarks. Also explain how differentiation is different from just very, very good teaching where you might find elements of these hallmarks, but where there is no differentiation occurring.
Hallmark #1: A strong link between assessment and instruction. Assessment and instruction are inseparably connected. The teacher continually assesses student knowledge, understanding, and skill in both formal and informal ways, making ongoing adjustments to instructional plans to ensure progression toward individual and group goals.
This hallmark stood out to me because it is so central to how we can implement good differentiation skills within our classrooms. We will be ineffective teachers if we are not adequately challenging each of our students. If we teach with a one-size-fits all mentality, we are only serving the students who are at the level of that instruction. Really good teachers must constantly be assessing all of our students to determine where we need to instruct them. In order for all of our students to learn and grow they need to be learning in their ZPD, and we need to be scaffolding this learning. Many students in our class are on various levels and we need proper assessment to determine where to guide our instruction to benefit them all.
Hallmark #11: Proactive rather than reactive teaching. Systematic planning for student differences, based on purpose and responsiveness to student variance, with improvisation as needed, is the way to become a differentiating teacher. No...you cannot possibly differentiate every unit, every lesson, or for every child all of the time. You can (almost) always be a responsive teacher. But when the stakes are high enough to warrant differentiation, is should be as proactive and deliberately planned as possible.
This hallmark also stood out to me because I have a strong belief that we must be proactive in our teaching. If we just wait for specific incidents to occur or needs arise, our classroom and therefore teaching will become laboured and ineffective. We need to plan ahead for circumstances and have these plans ready to implement so we can respond to these student needs. From school year to school year, the needs of our students will change and we need to be prepared for those needs by being proactive. Realizing that we are human and will not be able to do everything perfectly will keep us humble, but we must always strive to do what we can and do better than the time before by learning from our mistakes.
Our students are like a rose....waiting to bloom and be admired.
Monday, September 27, 2010
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Blog #2
2. On p. 22, Tomlinson talks about how teaching "asks us to do the impossible." To what is she referring? Explain why it's not really possible to "'manage' the students and 'cover' the curriculum." Do you think this is really the case? What does Tomlinson suggest can be done about this? What do you think you will do?
I chose the second response because the concept really appeals to me and some of my fears of being the best teacher I can be. Teaching is so much more than just teaching students curriculum, we are helping to mold little human beings and to help them be the best people they can be. We need to get to know and respect all of the students in our classrooms. It is humbling to realize that "we will never really do all each child needs us to do" although I hope that I will never stop trying to do all that I can. Tomlinson suggests that we never stop trying to do our best at this almost impossible feat. We must always do better than yesterday or better than last year. One of the main reasons I decided to become a teacher is because I truly believe that we don't teach subjects, we teach children. We teach them more that just about reading, writing and mathematics, we teach them about life and how to become successful and happy, and we do it with dignity, patience and love.
I went back through the two chapters and some of the main points that stood out to me were first, in chapter two page19, "because students do differ so greatly, the premise of differentiation is that while students have the same basic needs, those needs will manifest themselves in different ways, depending on the student's gender, culture, general life experiences, talents, interests, learning preferences, affective development, cognitive development, and support systems." Basically children are children and they all come to us with the same needs, but they are all packaged differently. Our students will all need affirmation, contribution, power, purpose and challenge, but the way we deliver this to them will be different with all of them. Just like being a parent and no two children can be brought up with the exact same set of rules. What works with one, quite likely will not work with the others. As a teacher we must recognize the individuality of all our students and do our best to recognize them for their differences and respect what they bring into our classroom.
The second quote I chose to respond to is the header of chapter 3, "The good teacher communicates a deep regard for students' lives, a regard infused with unblinking attention, respect, even awe. An engaged teacher begins with the belief that each student is unique, each the one and only who will ever trod the earth, each worthy of a certain reverence. Regard extends, importantly, to an insistence that students have access to the tools with which to negotiate and transform the world. Love for students just as they are--without any drive or advance toward a future--is false love, enervating and disabling." This is of course pretty deep, but it struck me with awe. If I can truly teach with such passion toward all of my students, they will be all the better because of it, and I too will be a better teacher, after all they do deserve such love.
The last quote that actually really stood out to me is found on page 26, "We would affirm that schools exist to prepare young people to contribute to their world as informed thinkers, thoughtful citizens, and decent human beings--that we are entering a moral contract between ourselves, our students, and our society to contribute in every way possible to those outcomes." What a better place our world would be if this was the way all schools brought up students. I hope that I can do my part to make this happen in my classroom. I know I can't change the world by myself, but I can start with one student at a time and make a difference in their lives.
I chose the second response because the concept really appeals to me and some of my fears of being the best teacher I can be. Teaching is so much more than just teaching students curriculum, we are helping to mold little human beings and to help them be the best people they can be. We need to get to know and respect all of the students in our classrooms. It is humbling to realize that "we will never really do all each child needs us to do" although I hope that I will never stop trying to do all that I can. Tomlinson suggests that we never stop trying to do our best at this almost impossible feat. We must always do better than yesterday or better than last year. One of the main reasons I decided to become a teacher is because I truly believe that we don't teach subjects, we teach children. We teach them more that just about reading, writing and mathematics, we teach them about life and how to become successful and happy, and we do it with dignity, patience and love.
I went back through the two chapters and some of the main points that stood out to me were first, in chapter two page19, "because students do differ so greatly, the premise of differentiation is that while students have the same basic needs, those needs will manifest themselves in different ways, depending on the student's gender, culture, general life experiences, talents, interests, learning preferences, affective development, cognitive development, and support systems." Basically children are children and they all come to us with the same needs, but they are all packaged differently. Our students will all need affirmation, contribution, power, purpose and challenge, but the way we deliver this to them will be different with all of them. Just like being a parent and no two children can be brought up with the exact same set of rules. What works with one, quite likely will not work with the others. As a teacher we must recognize the individuality of all our students and do our best to recognize them for their differences and respect what they bring into our classroom.
The second quote I chose to respond to is the header of chapter 3, "The good teacher communicates a deep regard for students' lives, a regard infused with unblinking attention, respect, even awe. An engaged teacher begins with the belief that each student is unique, each the one and only who will ever trod the earth, each worthy of a certain reverence. Regard extends, importantly, to an insistence that students have access to the tools with which to negotiate and transform the world. Love for students just as they are--without any drive or advance toward a future--is false love, enervating and disabling." This is of course pretty deep, but it struck me with awe. If I can truly teach with such passion toward all of my students, they will be all the better because of it, and I too will be a better teacher, after all they do deserve such love.
The last quote that actually really stood out to me is found on page 26, "We would affirm that schools exist to prepare young people to contribute to their world as informed thinkers, thoughtful citizens, and decent human beings--that we are entering a moral contract between ourselves, our students, and our society to contribute in every way possible to those outcomes." What a better place our world would be if this was the way all schools brought up students. I hope that I can do my part to make this happen in my classroom. I know I can't change the world by myself, but I can start with one student at a time and make a difference in their lives.
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Blog #1
1. What is your favorite book for kids… something you would like to use in your future classroom? Why do you like it?
This is a hard question to answer because I love so many children's literature books. I especially love Harry Potter because they are so cleverly written and keep you hanging on to the last minute. I also especially loved reading a non-ficture book by Jennifer Armstrong about the Shakleton adventure to the anartic in the early 1900's. It was so well written and an amazing true adventure. I would recommend it to everyone even though it was written for older children. I am so excited to inspire my students to be lovers of reading.
2. Name your three favorite T.V. shows, even if you don’t have time to watch them! What can you (or what are you willing to) tell me about your T.V. viewing habits? I’ll tell you mine if you’ll tell me yours!
Well unfortunately I usually do not have time to watch anymore, but I used to really love American Idol. My kids and I had a great time watching the contenders everyweek and cheering on our favorites to the end. I admire most of them who have so much courage to perform. I also used to really like CSI although it really isn't very uplifting. I just get caught in the web of mystery and figuring out who did it. I guess other shows that I like to watch are the more documentary type ones especially about the earth or animals. I am facinated by our amazing planet!
3. Do you collect anything? Tell about your collections:
This is a hard one because I really don't collect any normal types things. I do really like to cook and so I have many Pampered Chef things that are fun to use in the kitchen. I guess I got the right last name for that. I also enjoy many good books, especially children's literature because I can't resist ordering them all the time. Unfortunately I also seem to collect dust, especially now that school has started again. I guess I need to hire a maid this year.
4. Do you keep any kind of a journal (or blog?) besides this one? Tell me about it, and what you like to write about:
Every week I post my sons emails from his mission. He is serving in New Zealand and I try to keep extended family and friends posted with his mission news. I have had alot of fun doing his blogspot. I guess it helps me feel closer to him since he is so far away.
5. If you had to be the sponsor of an after-school group, select your 1st, 2nd & 3rd choices:
__ contemporary moral issues __peer relationships
__national security __world peace
__career opportunities & choices __art or music appreciation
__gender issues __ethnicity issues
__death & dying __sports
__book club __writers group
__ecology __tutoring
My first choice would have to be a book club since I love to read and inspire to help young people develop a love for it too. My second choice would be ethniticy issues since I feel passionate about helping all students with their cultural identity and acceptance of others different than them. My third choice would be ecology because I love our planet and animals and would love to help others have respect for our Earth and its inhabitants.
6. Have you ever taken art lessons or attended art classes outside of school? Tell about your artistic talent and/or interests:
Actually I took many years of art both in high school and college. My parents home is filled with my sketches and paintings. I even have a few here. I believe in the saying that if you don't practice a talent you will lose it because I have not drawn or painted in years and I don't think I could anymore. I do still have a interest and respect for art in all its varieties and admire those who exercise their artistic talents.
7. Have you ever taken music lessons or belonged to musical groups outside of school? Tell about your musical talent and/or interests:
I took piano lessons for a few years when I was younger and also played the violin through Jr High. I actually finally achieved first chair in the 7th grade which was a big accomplishment for me. I have also been a part of many choral groups and have enjoyed singing all of my life. One of my biggest regrets is that I have not challenged any of my children to pursue musical abilities other than a year or so of piano and guitar lessons. Music is a wonderful aspiration to participate in.
8. Have you ever taken dance lessons or belonged to dance groups? Tell about your dance talent and/or interests:
I was priviledged to be able to be a part of the high school cheer/dance team and we spent many hours practicing and performing dances at school athletic events. I also took some dance classes at BYU and UVCC right after graduating from high school. Other than that I have not really been involved with a dance program other than some dance classes for my daughters several years ago.
9. Have you ever taken drama classes or performed in a theater production? Tell about your theater talents and/or interests:
During high school I was involved with a few productions but no big parts. In college I took a few classes in theater and drama. I feel like it is a very beneficial activity but have not had a lot of involvement in theater. I am interested in learning more about it and using dramatic elements in my classroom.
10. What have I not asked you, that you would like me to know about you?
Well that it kind of a tough question to answer but I will give it a try. I love horses and bought my own horse when I was 16. I earned the money selling baked goods downtown. I grew up having gone to 4 different grade schools and 3 different secondary schools, so we moved around a bit. I love being a mom and being a homemaker but I am also excited to be a school teacher. I used to teach my younger siblings school all the time when I was young and my parents told me I really taught my younger sister to read when I was in first grade and she in kindergarten. I came home everyday and re-taught her what I had learned that day in school. To this day she is an avid reader, even more than I am. I love to travel and would really like to see the world, but unfortunately I am kinda scared to fly so this dream is a little difficult. I have wanted to go to New Zealand for a very long time but my fear of flying has kept me home. Now that my son is serving a mission there, I am going to overcome it and go back with him when he comes home.
This is a hard question to answer because I love so many children's literature books. I especially love Harry Potter because they are so cleverly written and keep you hanging on to the last minute. I also especially loved reading a non-ficture book by Jennifer Armstrong about the Shakleton adventure to the anartic in the early 1900's. It was so well written and an amazing true adventure. I would recommend it to everyone even though it was written for older children. I am so excited to inspire my students to be lovers of reading.
2. Name your three favorite T.V. shows, even if you don’t have time to watch them! What can you (or what are you willing to) tell me about your T.V. viewing habits? I’ll tell you mine if you’ll tell me yours!
Well unfortunately I usually do not have time to watch anymore, but I used to really love American Idol. My kids and I had a great time watching the contenders everyweek and cheering on our favorites to the end. I admire most of them who have so much courage to perform. I also used to really like CSI although it really isn't very uplifting. I just get caught in the web of mystery and figuring out who did it. I guess other shows that I like to watch are the more documentary type ones especially about the earth or animals. I am facinated by our amazing planet!
3. Do you collect anything? Tell about your collections:
This is a hard one because I really don't collect any normal types things. I do really like to cook and so I have many Pampered Chef things that are fun to use in the kitchen. I guess I got the right last name for that. I also enjoy many good books, especially children's literature because I can't resist ordering them all the time. Unfortunately I also seem to collect dust, especially now that school has started again. I guess I need to hire a maid this year.
4. Do you keep any kind of a journal (or blog?) besides this one? Tell me about it, and what you like to write about:
Every week I post my sons emails from his mission. He is serving in New Zealand and I try to keep extended family and friends posted with his mission news. I have had alot of fun doing his blogspot. I guess it helps me feel closer to him since he is so far away.
5. If you had to be the sponsor of an after-school group, select your 1st, 2nd & 3rd choices:
__ contemporary moral issues __peer relationships
__national security __world peace
__career opportunities & choices __art or music appreciation
__gender issues __ethnicity issues
__death & dying __sports
__book club __writers group
__ecology __tutoring
My first choice would have to be a book club since I love to read and inspire to help young people develop a love for it too. My second choice would be ethniticy issues since I feel passionate about helping all students with their cultural identity and acceptance of others different than them. My third choice would be ecology because I love our planet and animals and would love to help others have respect for our Earth and its inhabitants.
6. Have you ever taken art lessons or attended art classes outside of school? Tell about your artistic talent and/or interests:
Actually I took many years of art both in high school and college. My parents home is filled with my sketches and paintings. I even have a few here. I believe in the saying that if you don't practice a talent you will lose it because I have not drawn or painted in years and I don't think I could anymore. I do still have a interest and respect for art in all its varieties and admire those who exercise their artistic talents.
7. Have you ever taken music lessons or belonged to musical groups outside of school? Tell about your musical talent and/or interests:
I took piano lessons for a few years when I was younger and also played the violin through Jr High. I actually finally achieved first chair in the 7th grade which was a big accomplishment for me. I have also been a part of many choral groups and have enjoyed singing all of my life. One of my biggest regrets is that I have not challenged any of my children to pursue musical abilities other than a year or so of piano and guitar lessons. Music is a wonderful aspiration to participate in.
8. Have you ever taken dance lessons or belonged to dance groups? Tell about your dance talent and/or interests:
I was priviledged to be able to be a part of the high school cheer/dance team and we spent many hours practicing and performing dances at school athletic events. I also took some dance classes at BYU and UVCC right after graduating from high school. Other than that I have not really been involved with a dance program other than some dance classes for my daughters several years ago.
9. Have you ever taken drama classes or performed in a theater production? Tell about your theater talents and/or interests:
During high school I was involved with a few productions but no big parts. In college I took a few classes in theater and drama. I feel like it is a very beneficial activity but have not had a lot of involvement in theater. I am interested in learning more about it and using dramatic elements in my classroom.
10. What have I not asked you, that you would like me to know about you?
Well that it kind of a tough question to answer but I will give it a try. I love horses and bought my own horse when I was 16. I earned the money selling baked goods downtown. I grew up having gone to 4 different grade schools and 3 different secondary schools, so we moved around a bit. I love being a mom and being a homemaker but I am also excited to be a school teacher. I used to teach my younger siblings school all the time when I was young and my parents told me I really taught my younger sister to read when I was in first grade and she in kindergarten. I came home everyday and re-taught her what I had learned that day in school. To this day she is an avid reader, even more than I am. I love to travel and would really like to see the world, but unfortunately I am kinda scared to fly so this dream is a little difficult. I have wanted to go to New Zealand for a very long time but my fear of flying has kept me home. Now that my son is serving a mission there, I am going to overcome it and go back with him when he comes home.
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