307 4/26 Free Write

Today, Tuesday April 24, my wonderful professor for both of my education classes was handcuffed out of the classroom and taken to “Jail and Bail.” This so-called “Jail and Bail” is a fundraiser to help raise money for the Special Olympics Connecticut. Jail and Bail is a one-day event where anyone can be sent to jail. This includes students, faculty, and staff can actually get placed into the “mock slammer.” This pretend jail is located in the middle of our campus outside. The person will have to face a judge where they set your bail. This amount of bail is set to a specific dollar amount that the volunteer is asked to raise by calling anyone he/she can. Students can submit warrants for their teachers but they do not have to go if they do not want to participate. Professor can also submit warrants for their students and again the students do not have to go. Any one who is unwilling to participate will not be arrested. These warrants cost $5 and could have been purchased at the SCSU police center. This is a great and fun event to raise money for a good cause and in many students favor class is let out early!

414- Free Write

Last August 5 girls and myself took a vacation in Rhode Island.  These girls are my high school best friends. We planned this vacation in advance in January, so we had a long time to look forward to it. We got a house that fit us all perfect and was walking distance to the beach. By the time August came we could not wait to go! This trip was so much fun seeing as we worked hard all summer and had been away at college during the school year. This summer we booked the same vacation, same house, and in the same month. We are already talking about how we are so excited for this years vacation because we have not really seen each other all school year. I am looking forward to this vacation because I really do not have a summer this year. I am taking a lot of summer classes as well as working 32 hours a week! The day after my last class we drive up to Rhode Island! This is a picture from last years vacation! 

307- Free Write 4-17

Today, April 16 I went to the beach with a friend.  I really enjoy the beach, I think that it is very relaxing and always a good time. My friend and I laid on our beach chairs and caught some rays from the sun. I did happen to put SPF on but my friend did not. After only staying 3 hours there, we were burnt! I am now suffering from sunburn. It is mindboggling that I was at the beach in April! There was a good crowd at this beach in West Haven!  I know better next time to use a higher SPF and constantly keep replying. These next couple days, the forecast looks beautiful however, I think I plan on staying out of then sun!

307- Picture Book

The Giving Tree by Shel SilverStein is a picture book that touched my life. As the boy and tree grow old, they grow together and help each other out. The tree cares so much for the boy and tries to help him in any way he can. As the boy grows older he does not visit the tree as much but when he does the tree gives him anything he needs. In the end the boy turns into an old man and the tree is nothing left but a stump because he has taken everything from the tree. The tree still says, “Well, an old stump is good for sitting and resting. Come, Boy sit down. Sit down and rest. And the boy did” (28). This tree does anything he can to help this boy which makes this story so touching of how they were involved in each other life’s throughout the years. 

307- Poetry

I am a ladybug

Flying in the sky

Drifting with the wind

Landing on lilies

Granting people luck

I am a lovely bug

414 3/14 Free Write

My roommates and I have recently contacted our landlord for renewing our lease for our senior year. I cannot believe how fast college has gone by so far. Feels like just yesterday I was moving in. I am looking forward to my senior year. I plan on taking a lot of summer classes so I have a lighter class amount for my last year in college. I am very happy that my roommates and I are going to continue to stay in the same house not only because it is a pain to move but also because it has been very great so far! This house is very accommodating to all of us. All four of us each get our own room, which works out great! We also get along very well living together. Even though I can’t wait for summer, I cannot wait to start the begging of the end of my college career. 

307 3/13 Free Write

I have been working at a nursing home for almost 4 years now as a waitress. I know all the residents pretty well but I am assigned to one specific floor, which is the rehab floor so they are constantly leaving after they got healthier. Over spring break I picked up a ton of hours. I was assigned to a different floor than normal, which I have been before. However, this day was different than any other. Most of the residents are sad to say but “not fully with it.” This one man wheeled over to me and asked me a series of questions including where I was from and if I go to school. I was surprised when I asked him the same questions he answered; “Well this is my home now.” This man was explained how his daughter went to SCSU and how she really liked it. This past weekend when I worked I had to drop something off on that particular floor. This man smiled and said, “Hi Marissa.” This was such a good feeling to not only know that he remembered our conversation and me. 

307 3/6 Free Write

Recently the big lottery that happened last Friday on March 30 has got me thinking. It came up at work and at dinner with my family. What would you do if you won more than a million dollars? If I were to win big now, I do not think I would quit my job or drop out of school. It defiantly would change my life forever but I think that I would still want to pursue my goals and dreams. Many people would not work but what would you do in your free time. I guess one can always travel but being away from my family for a significant amount of time wouldn’t be what I want. There are many things you could do with this big chunk of money such as donate to local charities and organizations, which I think I would partake in that if I did win the pot. 

Why and What do I read

The material that I like to read consists of magazines and books written by authors I admire. Over the last past couple of years, I have been reading books from author Lauren Conrad and the series of books titled “Pretty Little Liars.” They are both books that draw me in because of the mystery and exciting plot. I read because I enjoy it and it makes me feel relaxed. However, when I am in school I find that I never read for fun. I only read the books that are assigned to me. Summer is where I find the time to read for enjoyment. Another reason why I like to read is because I know that it is very beneficial and can help you improve in your academics. 

Spring Break 2011

Last year for spring break four other girls and I went to Punta Cana, Dominica Republic. Unfortunately, this year I am not going away. Last year was so much fun! It was my first time outside the United States and without my family made me somewhat nervous. It turned out to be a lovely trip. We went to discos every night, went scuba diving, and went on a party boat. We got to feed the fish when we went scuba diving. We took bread from the local dining area and held it underwater while the fish eat from the palm of our hands. It was beautiful watching the bright colored fish swim and eat right before our eyes. The weather was beautiful everyday; it was in the high 80’s all week. It actually snowed in Connecticut that week, which made it 100 times better! The trip was such an adventure and I look forward to going away next year for my last spring break of college!

307 Free write

This week has been very stressful for me. I have 3 midterms and I am working on a research paper. Not to mention the classes for fall semester 2012 has been posted. This seems to be a big distraction because I am so anxious to know my schedule for next school year. Next semester I start my senior year, which means graduation is right around the corner. It is crazy to think that almost 4 years of college has gone by. Now with picking out my schedule, I must plan accordingly to the classes I need for my program and somehow fit them into 2 semesters with summer and winter classes. I believe that I just about make it and will be graduating in May with a fall semester left of student teaching. Even though I am very stressed out now I look forward to starting the begging of the end of my college career next school year!

Free Write

A prior post I talked about the girls I babysit . Erin, who has CMTA, just came home from the hospital after a successful surgery. CMTA which is known as Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disorder that “is the most commonly inherited peripheral neuropathy and is found worldwide among all races and ethnic groups”(cmtausa.org). This disorder is not life-threatening but it can be passed down from generation to generation. Erin went to a hospital in Boston and will be out of school for a month while her leg heels. This surgery is supposed to help her walk a little bit better. She has to get her other leg done in the summer. This disease is hard full the whole family. I have heard many times before that when a person has a disability, the whole family also is just as affect as the person diagnosed. The whole family works together to help Erin cope with her disease. Even their extended family helps out in everyway possible. She is such a strong girl with so much potential and I am so glad that I can help her along her journey in life.

Retirement

Today I found out that my mom declared her retirement to the superintendent of Waterbury. Not that it was a complete surprise to me, but I actually thought she would stick out a couple more years. The whole thought of my mom teaching 35 years and not going back to work after a short summer is mindboggling. I think that it is hard to grasp the concept of her not being a “busy body.” Having an educator as a parent definitely encouraged me to become a teacher. Even though I have seen it first hand, the ups and the downs, I know that it is very rewarding. Just last weekend, my mother and I were at the mall. Of course the cashier asked, "Are you a teacher?"  She simply smiled and said yes and talked about the middle school were they once crossed paths. Every where we go she seems to get asked that question. It seems she has made an impact on many of her students lives. I really think I am still in major shock however, I am so happy for her! I cannot wait to celebrate with a surprise retirement party this summer. She is such an amazing and hardworking woman. I respect her so much and can only hope I will last as long as teaching as she did!

Writing about writing

Where do I start when I think I am asked to write about writing? I have always loved to write rather than read. I enjoy writing about topics that interest even memories or me. When I was younger I loved to write passages about how much my family meant to me. I would individually write about a person and how they have affected my life in a positive way and then give them the passage to them as a gift. When I look at myself as I writer, I believe that overall I can write well. I do however sometime have troubles with grammar. I think writing can express oneself as a person that sometime verbal words cannot. Many times it is just easier to write and get your words out on paper. As a college student, I have always done well on my papers and in my English classes. It frustrates me when I know I can write better I just am drawing blanks. Last semester was hard for me because I took all history classes. I enjoy history but writing about wars and events wasn’t the best for me. When I had my sister look over a paper for me she clearly stated, “This is not one of your best pieces of writings.” The bad part is I knew and it and I simply explained I feel like I just cannot write this semester. I think I had to relax and look back at my other writing accomplishments and I finished my last history paper with an A. Writing is great when thoughts pop instantly into your mind and you cannot stop! I do enjoy writing when I am familiar and know the content of the topic.

Collaborative Learning

I believe that collaborative learning does support literacy. When children work together they can help each other learn. There are many collaborative learning activities that students can work on which can help them become better learners. Reading and writing with peers can help each other interact and learn new things. By working in peers the students can benefit from each other’s ideas. Working in groups has always been my favorite activity. I like how other student’s ideas can help you understand the concept of the activity or material.

In class, when we work in groups it gives a chance for interaction and choice. I believe when we did Reciprocal Teaching the other day in class it was very beneficial. When I had a hard time thinking of what to predict the other students gave me their opinions and examples that helped me understand more. There are many elements that can help enhance a student’s performance inside the classroom. 

Classroom Ideas

In my EDU 307 class we have been talking about comfort and a fun classroom environment. I found this picture on pinterest.com under the classroom section. I believe that a fun environment for kids will help increase their learning. If the child feels comfortable, they will definitely feel encouraged to learn. This picture looks like the classroom was set up for a luau. The decorations are colorful and exciting and I bet the students loved every second of it! Pinterest.com is a great site in general for new ideas. They have wonderful recipes as well as home made craft ideas.

Reader's Workshop

I envision reader's workshop a lot like the article discussed. I believe that giving students a choice on what they will spend their time reading is a great idea. This can help the child enjoy reading. The article talks about rules during Reading Workshop that include no talking, no doing other assignments, no bathroom breaks, and no disturbance. I believe that it is good to have these rules so that the students can actually focus and get this accomplished and if there is any misbehavior there will be consequences. My components of the RW structure would be just like the articles. It would include sharing time, a mini lesson, state of the class, and self-selected reading and response. I believe it is good to start out by sharing knew thing in reading or news on literature in general. It is a good idea to share before and after the RW to start with a discussion and end with sharing what the students and teacher has learned. The mini lesson would include instruction and preparation for the RW. State of the class would help the teacher view the student progress. The self-selected reading would give a chance for the student to pick out the readings. Referring to the article, this would be a good time for individual reading conferences.

Mini lesson are very important in the classroom. During these lessons the teacher can address instructions and demonstrate reading strategies. The teacher can also help assist students with books they are having trouble with. I believe that the role of the mini lesson should be that students are grasping the point of their readings. If they are struggling the teacher can address the problem to the class as a whole because maybe other students need a reminder. These mini lessons should give assistance and be beneficial to the students by helping enhance their reading and comprehension skills. 

Family Education

            My mother has been teaching for 35 years now. She really enjoys watching her students grow and learn. I think that one of the main reasons I choose teaching as my major was because of her. When she talks about her students or tells stories about her day, her face seems to always light up with joy! She lives to teach even though she does not say it as much as she should. My mom’s teaching career is soon coming to an end due to the fact that she ready to retire however, she is still unsure if she is ready to fully ready to leave. She knows herself that she cannot stop teaching because she has such a passion for it. When I was younger she would take me to her school for bring your daughter to work day. I loved to go and looked forward to it every year.

         In relation to school, my mom has always gone above and beyond. She has always and still goes out of her way to see if I need help with my homework or anything pertaining to my academics. She has always been heavily involved in my education. I know for a fact she has never missed one of my parent/teacher conferences. She loves to hear what I am learning about and how I am doing in my classes. Even now as a college student, she calls me everyday asking how my classes went and how my day is going. I look up to her so much for pursing a job she loves and works hard at it. I hope I also enjoy and have the passion for my teaching career as much as she does!

Sisterly Babysitting

I have been babysitting for a family for a little over a year now. The children are all girls and the ages of 5, 9, and 10. Over the summer, I was with these children everyday. We developed a strong bond. The children and I became so close that they considered me their “older sister.” Sometimes I question if this is a good thing or not. The middle child has CMTA, which is a rare disease that affects her legs and feet. She wears braces to help support her walking. I would say that I am the closest with her because she needs my attention the most. She constantly is embarrassed of her braces always wearing pants and covering them with socks. You would never know that she is even wearing them the way she covers it so well. I could tell that she looks to me for guidance however; she does treat me like her older sister. Actually, all three children do. At times I find myself struggling for them to listen to me. I try to take authority by “fake calling their parents” or sending them to their room, which, works for the most part. Yet, at times it could be very hard. I believe that because of this sisterly bond we have makes it hard for them to take me serious. I really look forward to learning how to make myself better as an authoritative figure in children’s lives. 

Cooking loving Miah!

Learning and Development

During our last class we were asked to answer the question on whether learning proceeds development. I believe that learning and development work hand in hand. As a child, you must develop before you can eat normal foods rather than baby foods. However, you are learning as this developmental process is taking place. The child is learning how to eat regular food because their body has developed physically. You also must develop mentally to perform such tasks that include reading and writing. Another example is that a person must be physically developed to learn how to walk. On the other hand, I believe that the more you learn the more you grow and the more you grow the more you learn as a person. In my opinion learning and development proceed each other.

My memory of language arts

The memories I have of language arts brings me back in time to elementary school.  As a young student, we would have a journal and write about what we did over the weekend or stories about ourselves. In first, second, and third grade we had circle time. This was where the teacher would read us a book that almost always had a good lesson to teach us. As a class, we would discuss the book and work on different activities that had to do with the book. We would do things such as draw, write, and focus on key words in the book.

Throughout middle and high school, I remember reading assigned books such as The Great Gatsby and To Kill a Mockingbird. Tasks such as vocabulary tests and writing essays also remind me of language arts.

When I refer to language arts in my college years I look back to the English classes I have taken. English 111 and English 112 were courses that were heavily involved in writing and reading.

More memories from my past would include my mom reading to me every night before bed. We would pick out a book together and read it until it was time for bed. I also remember working on books that my mom bought for me that helped children with reading and writing skills. All of these memories I seem to have are good ones that only helped me progress as a student.