A Friday blog - Sept 25

One thing I learned/was reminded of--actually more than one: From our discussion about classroom management, transitions. Techniques that work well for one class may totally fail in another. What works in one grade of students may be very age-inappropriate in a different grade. However, never quit trying--even if you think it may seem childish or even too mature. Kids are remarkable at striving for the seemingly unattainable. It all comes down to how the teacher treats her students, and, of course, the mix of students in that teacher's class. I think individual teachers have to come up with their own unique ways of managing and coaching kids in behavior expectations and routines. Methods of (for example) transitioning kids have to feel comfortable to that teacher--or they aren't going to fly!



Questions: I was a little surprised in our Weissbourd article, "The Schools We Mean to Be," how the author claims that character education programs are no good. While completing my undergrad at UWB, I did a research article on social emotional learning and found evidence that many programs exist that are highly successful in helping kids learn social responsibility. They even bring up academic scores. The author of this article does not cite any references as to why he makes this claim...kind of bugs me. Oh well. Washington State legislation (SHB 1444) now requires schools to put into place anti-bullying policies and use of programs which aid in students' social emotional learning. The programs out there don't all work--but hopefully schools do their research before adopting any kind of major program of this nature.



Anxious? Not at the moment...that will change eventually. The more I am in my field work classroom, the more my confidence improves. I am certain that I will always harbor some anxiety because of all the unknown factors about whether I will find a job, what kind of school, and the kids who will come into my care. But for now, I will remain idealistic and bask in the excitement of possibilities.

Excited? Nothing new here...of course, I am. My gut tells me I am on the path I need to be on. That's enough for me.