Blogging on Friday, Sept 11

What I learned: Sounds so common sense, and like something I really do know already...but I appreciate hearing about the importance of teachers reflecting on "ways of knowing." In other words, we are all human, we all have different life histories, we all have unique perspectives based on what we know as individuals. Teachers should never lose sight of students (and fellow staff) as being human! We are not going to like every student in our care, nor are we likely to agree with every teacher's approach to teaching. But--we can't be judgmental. And we need to show our human-ness, as well. We need to remember our "way of knowing" will be different than anybody else's.

What I want to know: As far as behavior expectations...it seems to me it's okay to start a school year with several ideas for stating behavior expectations. Seems like we really need to get an idea of what kind of group of students we have before we impose a rubric or system for discipline. My supervising teacher this year does not use colored cards (red/green/yellow) or marbles, or anything that identifies negative behaviors. While we put into place an agreed upon list of "rules," Judy feels that behavior issues are best addressed individually, graciously, and privately (between student and teacher). No need for extra time to draw attention to bad behaviors. Do most teachers have systems in place...or do some agree with Judy that we need to wait and see what the group dynamic turns out to be.

Anxious? Nothing new here. I'm still excited, and still unsure how I'll balance the student teaching with our coursework. I'll deal with it as it happens!

Excited? Totally. I love being with the kids, getting to know them, and really working FOR them and their quest to learn!

Excited?