Being A Teacher

 

When I think of my future job, I see myself working with teenagers. Teenagers who's minds are open, always thinking, and still developing. Most people tell me I am nuts for wanting to teach middle and high school students. There is just something about them that I can't get enough of.  Getting an opportunity to shape and model these precious minds to me is such a blessing. I don't see a group of annoying, attention seeking kids; I see a group kids who want to be heard and want to learn. Nothing is more rewarding than possibly becoming their role model.

 

I started working with middle school kids when I was seventeen. I worked at an outdoor adventure camp as a lifeguard and activity instructor. It was awkward and uncomfortable at first working with kids who not that much younger than me. It was the first time I was in position of control and power.What helped me the most with working with the teenagers was creating a connection with them.

 

 Having that connection with the kids made the job much more enjoyable. The kids grew to respect me and see me not as just a figurehead but a friend.

As a student, nothing was more important to me than creating a connection with my teacher. Once a connection is established, I felt invincible. I felt secure and safe in my class when we had class discussions. So as a soon to be teacher, I would want make connections with my students. Someone to push and motivate them .   

 

Here are some helpful tips for working with middle school teens:

1. build a trusting relationship

2. be a good listener

3. get on their level - learn about the things that they feel are important

4. constructive feedback and always from a position of being helpful

5.Fitting in is one of their top priorities- doesn't mean that you tolerate bad choices or "unexpected" behaviors. It means that if you need to have a discussion with a student, it should be private

6.Get them involved or give responsibilities

7.Have a sense of humor

 

 

 

Starting teaching can be nerve-racking. You walk into your own classroom. All the kid are staring at you. You are in charge. Moment of truth; you have to educate them. However, don't stress. Every teacher at one point felt like they were going to be unsuccessful or fail. Everyday in class you will learn more and more. Trial and Error. Here is a video to give helpful tips when teaching on your first day:

                                        

Teaching is one of those careers that make you feel empowered. You are modeling these kids lives. Their brains. Education is one of the thing we can control and make it enjoyable for teens. I can't wait to be a teacher with my own class.

 

 

 

Source:

http://www.speechgadget.com/2012/03/tips-for-working-with-middle-school.html

http://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/middle-school-teachers.htm

To Be or Not to Be..

"All the world's a stage, and all the men and women merely players: they have their exits and their entrances; and one man in his time plays many parts, his acts being seven ages." - William Shakespeare
 

Throughout middle and high school it is important to be apart of some extra curricular. There are a lot of options to consider: sports, art, music, yoga, clubs, and theatre. It has been proven that participating in an extra curricular has kept students more well rounded. Participating in something they are interested in introduces them to new people who may have similar interest. One extraordinary and unique extra curricular that everyone should try in their life time is theatre. Theatre is unlike any other activity in so many ways.


I started getting into the performing arts when I started watching popular TV show Glee. I wanted my high school to be more okay with mixing sports, music and acting. When I was in high school, I was categorized as an athlete. I was a pretty good athlete but I definitely didn't want to limit myself (like everyone else) to just being one thing in high school.

 So my junior year, I decided to try out for the school play. I was nervous as hell being outside my element; however, I got a perfect small role for my first show. It got me hooked. After that, I couldn't get enough. I participated in another play the fall of my senior year. In the spring of my senior year, I ended up getting a led the musical Bye Bye Birdie.
There is this feeling one gets when being on stage. The light floods the stage blinding you; you see nothing but light. While on stage, fully embrace the character you are playing. One must act, think and feel the way the character is. Being on stage is the most extra ordinary feeling.

Fun Facts about Theatre:

Students involved in drama performance tend to outscored non-arts students on the SAT by an average of 65 points in the verbal component...

Drama activities tend to improve reading comprehension, and both verbal/non-verbal communication skills.

Drama helps to improve school attendance and reduce high school dropout rates.

A 2005 Harris Poll revealed that 93% of the public believes that arts, including theatre, are vital to a well-rounded education.

Drama can improve skills and academic performance in children and youth with learning disabilities.

Additionally, theatre is very beneficial for children and teenagers. It helps them with many different types of skills such as: motor skills, language development, decision making, visual learning, inventiveness, culture awareness, and improved academic performance.  This video shows how theatre can change lives:

Theatre is proven to be important for the development of teenagers. Additionally, is unique and draws in people who are extraordinary. Theatre will always be an important aspect in development. There are plenty of reason why theatre will always be important: Self Knowledge, Self Expression, Self Empowerment, Education, Creativity, Globalization, and Social Change.


Sources:
http://www.tcgcircle.org/2014/06/the-top-ten-reasons-why-theatre-is-still-important-in-the-twenty-first-century/
http://www.aate.com/?page=effects
http://www.pbs.org/parents/education/music-arts/the-importance-of-art-in-child-development/

When I'm older, I want to be...

When I was young, people asked me: what do you want to be when you grow up?  My answer at the time was a pirate. After just watching the Pirates of the Caribbean movie multiple times, it looked fun. For a while, I thought, if I was I pirate I obviously would be working with other pirates who looked exactly like Johnny Depp and Orlando Bloom. I soon found out.. that is not the case.

 
Do you know what you want to do with the rest of your life? That is what guidance counselor ask you when you are usually a junior or senior. Most of my teachers throughout high school treated me like a kid, and now they want to think like an adult. Additionally, as an 18 year old, they expect me to know what I want to do for the rest of my life. Wow.


Deciding where to go for high school is hard; however, deciding where to go for college is even harder. There are more options and more opportunities. Deciding what major. Deciding whether you want to be in a rural, suburban or city. And we can't forget about Money. Definitely a lot to think about.

Picking a college or university is a major milestone. It where you are going to spend the next 4 years of your life. It will be the best and worst 4 years. Its important to pick the right school; however, it will not be the end of the world if it doesn't work out.

 

For example, when it came time for me to decide where to go to college, I made a list of what I loved and wanted to possibly pursue. I decided I wanted to play basketball in college, and major in outdoor education. After a lot of thinking and talking to my guidance counselor and parents, we decided the best fit for what I was looking for would probably be Johnson State College. However, that didn't work out.

I was involved in a lot at my first college. I was majoring in something that I loved. I was playing a sport I loved. I even had a job on campus I enjoyed. However, the turning point for me was definitely the atmosphere and lifestyle. I was not ready for the lifestyle change: coming from a suburb of Boston to the rural mountain range of Stowe, Vermont. Sometimes in life you just can't forecast things. Your fate will always reset you.

There are many people who pick a college or university not knowing what it is really going to be like. If you realize the place you picked isn't a good fit or doesn't work out, that's alright. If either or those are you case, follow these steps:
1. Don't Panic
2. Take a deep breathe
3. Say this out loud "Everything is going to be fine."

Picking what college or university you attend is just one part of a bigger picture. Another part of this bigger picture is deciding what you want to major in. What you major in is going to help you decide what job you want to do after you graduate. But Brooke, How am I supposed to know what I want to major in? Here are five helpful tips on how to pick your major:

All of this is can be intimidating. The idea of having to decide the rest of you life at age 18. But the truth is: you don't have to. You will realize throughout your college experience that everything is up in the air. Nothing is set in stone.

 

Sources:
- http://thriftylittlemom.com/2014/07/29/5-things-to-consider-picking-your-college-major/
- https://www.buzzfeed.com/megansweet57/the-harsh-truth-about-college-a0vf?utm_term=.ccXY4YrDR#.ev1R5RZBl

Does Anyone Know How to Study?

Do you know what I hate more than anything? Studying. Quizzes, Tests, Exam, you name it. I dread nothing more than studying.  Some of you might be pondering saying, "Hate, that's a strong word. Why do you hate studying?"  Well to answer that question: I hate studying because I am terribly bad at studying.

Even though I do not like studying, I still have to in order to maintain good grades in school. My way to dealing with that is to find the perfect study strategy for my learning style. I am always looking for new study techniques, strategies and skills to help me become better at studying. As a visual and kinesthetic learner, I need to make sure I am using study methods that fall in that direction.

Here is a list of affective way to study :
- Go through all of your notes and high light the main topics on test
- Go through main topics and highlight key details a different color
- Quizlet
- Create test like questions and answer them.
- Watch Videos on topics
- Teach topic to friend, parent or pet.
- Rewrite notes
- Draw diagrams

Let's be honest, students study more in class than in our free time. Teachers should make some class time to study as a class; that way everyone can get their questions asked. There are some fun study methods that teachers and use in class to prepare the class for an upcoming quiz, test or even exam.

Study Idea Number One: Jeopardy

A classic. This is an interactive way for students to study the material for the upcoming test. Each category is a unit from the material on the test. Split the class into teams of 4. Using the rules of normal Jeopardy. After every question is answered, the team with the most points at the end win. This is method can be used in any subject. Teacher can use a variety of different questions. As a future teacher, I would make the questions in my Jeopardy game, the same question I would put on the test.



Study Idea Number Two: Speed Dating
This is a technique my history teacher used. It is my favorite study method. Let me set the scene for you: You are taking US History: 1945- Present. It's the end of the year. The final exam is cumulative.
 *As the teacher*
Step 1: Assign each student a Unit that you discussed throughout the year. They should pick one they are not that familiar with.
Step 2: Tell them to become experts on that Unit.
Step 3: Arrange the class room as so:

Step 4: Tell each student to take a seat. Each person is going to have 3 minutes to tell their "date" everything about their Unit.
Step 5: 6 minutes (3 minutes per person), rotate to the left. Once everyone is back to the where they started the Speed Date Game is done.
Step 7: Everyone has met with everyone. So person 1 what they learned about person 3. so on and so worth.


Sources:
http://www.studygs.net/tstprp1.htm

Its That Time of Year Again

 

Prom can be defined as "a formal dance, especially one held by a class in high school at the end of a year." Prom night is nothing short of one of my favorite high school memories. Everything about it made my heart completely happy. I was lucky enough to go to two proms; even though I never went to my own high school prom, it was perfect. There are many parts that come to putting together an unforgettable prom night including to the date, the dress and the atmosphere.

The Date:
The person who you go to prom with is no small thing. The person not only attends prom with you but they get to have that experience of prom with you. Most people can tell you who they took to prom. It is a special night that is a high school milestone. For example, I got to attend prom twice with my boyfriend at the time, Josh. It was the most memorable night because we made the most of it. He was the perfect gentleman.  Recently the expectations for getting asked in a unique has increasingly grown more extreme year after year. Boy find themselves asking girls to prom in creative ways because of the immense pressure of the promposal standard. They are called "promposals." Here is an example a cute "promposal."

The Dress:

For girls, the dress is one of the most important aspects. It describes and captures you as a young adult. It is an opportunity to dress in a beautiful gown. For example, my first prom dress was a perfect description of who I am as a person. To feel that elegant and beautiful at that age is so important. To feel that way in high school on a normal day can sometimes be uncommon. Mary Lambert once said, "Just because you're not thin does not mean you're ugly. You are beautiful because of the light you carry inside you. You are beautiful because you say you are, and you hold yourself that way." Feeling elegant, comfortable and yourself has to be one of the best feelings.


The Atmosphere:
 The venue, lights, music and attitude is what makes the actual prom experience awesome. Everything leading up to prom is nothing compare to stepping into the hall or ballroom. It feels magical.  For example, Josh went to an all boy private. At his prom, I didn't know anyone else there except him and a couple of his friends. I wouldn't have wanted it any other way. It made it more special. We danced all night to music that made you never want to stop.


All and all, prom is a memorable milestone in high school.

 

Whatta Classic

 

" 'Classic' - a book which people praise and don't read." - Mark Twain


According to Ester Lombardi, the definition of a classic novel can be interrupted as :

"A classic usually expresses some artistic quality--an expression of life, truth, and beauty."

"A classic has a certain universal appeal...because they [incorporate] themes that are [can be] understood by ... a wide range of backgrounds and levels of experience. "

"A classic makes connections... this is partly related to the universal appeal of a classic. But, the classic also is informed by the history of ideas and literature...."

 

As an English major, I really hope to one day be an English teacher in High School. As an English teacher, I would want to have my students read the following classics: The Old Man and The Sea, The Great Gatsby, Of Mice and Men, and Catcher in the Rye. When I was in high school, my teachers made a point of how important reading the classics are. I originally was not a fan of reading classics because I didn't find interest in them. However, after reading Catcher in the Rye my freshman year, I realized how interesting and thought provoking they can be.

There are certain teaching techniques for each of these novels that are interactive, fun, and creative. As a guinea pig for these techniques, and a kinesthetic learner, I knew this would help me understand the text. My favorite novel I read in high school was The Great Gatsby, by F. Scott Fitzgerald. Using creative and hands on activities made it easier to understand the intense drama.





Technique Number One: Music
Assignment: Create an Album that goes along with the novel. The songs should describe the characters emotions and actions. The Album must include 8-10 songs; 2 of which must be instrumental only. You must also Design an album cover.

 

Technique Number Two: Acting

Assignment: Pick a scene in the novel from the given list. In groups of 2- 4, create a screenplay, which must printed and handed in 3 days before presentation. Everyone must have a role. Additionally, the scene will presented in class. It must be a minimum of 3 minutes and a maximum of 5 minutes (Note: I will be keeping time).Groups will be given extra points for creativity (costumes, music, props, etc.).


Technique Number Three: Photographs
Assignment: After creating a brainstorm about characteristics of each character, pick your favorite character. You must create a photograph of that character. (For example, If I chose Daisy Buchcanan, I would dress up in 20's attire  and take a photograph. I would edit the photo to make it look like it was taken in the 20's.)You may work individually or in groups of 2.





Technique Number Four: Movie Poster

Assignment: The classic novel is becoming a movie! the Director put you in charge of creating a unique and eye catching poster for the novel. The poster must include a promo line, the actor and actresses names, the title, and the release date. 

 

Source:
http://teaching.uncc.edu/learning-resources/articles-books/best-practice/instructional-methods/150-teaching-methods

http://classiclit.about.com/od/forbeginners/a/aa_whatisclass.htm





 

Did you know? According to the Bully Statistics Organization:

About 42 percent of kids have been bullied while online with one in four being verbally attacked more than once.

About 35 percent of kids have been threatened online.

About 58 percent of kids and teens have reported that something mean has been said about them or to them online.

Other bullying statistics show that about 77 percent of students have admitted to being the victim of one type of bullying or another.

The American Justice Department bullying statistics show that one out of ever 4 kids will be bullied sometime throughout their adolescence.

46 percent of males followed by 26 percent of females have admitted to being victims in physical fights as reported in one report of bullying statistics by the Bureau of Justice School.

Who takes part in bullying: The Bully, the Bystander, or the Victim. According to the Oxford Dictionary a bully, bystander and victim can be defined as:

 

Bully: "a person who uses strength or power to harm or intimidate those who are weaker"

Bystander: "a person who is present at an event or incident but does not take part"

Victim: "a person harmed, injured, or killed as a result of a crime, accident, or other event or action"

Bullying is something that has exponentially grown throughout recent years. Because of the rapid increase in bullying incidents, school systems, teachers, lawmakers, and parents are taking it more seriously. Consequences have become more serious because of how severe the bullying has become. 

 

There are many different types of bullying: Verbal bullying, Social Bullying, Cyber Bullying and Physical Bullying. Bullying can take place anywhere from in school, on the bus, and at home through a computer screen.

Verbal	Social	Physical
-Teasing -Name-calling -Inappropriate sexual comments -Taunting -Threatening to cause harm	-Leaving someone out on purpose -Telling other children not to be friends with someone -Spreading rumors -Embarrassing someone in public	-Hitting/kicking/pinching -Spitting -Tripping/pushing -Taking or breaking someone’s things -Making mean or rude hand gestures

Cyberbullying is different than all the other types of bullying. It takes place 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Day or night, victims can be attacked when they are in a group or alone. Another thing that makes cyberbullying different from other types is, "... messages and images can be posted anonymously and distributed quickly to a very wide audience. It can be difficult and sometimes impossible to trace the source."


Throughout the years, Cyberbullying has become more the most harmful to its victims. Cyberbullying leaves countless effects on its victims. Victims of cyberbully and any other type of bullying may:miss, skip or drop out of school, receive poor grades, have lower self-esteem,use alcohol and drugs, depression and potentially attempt to injure themselves.

This is a edit from the movie Cyberbully. The film not only captures every effect of what can come from cyberbullying but shows how emotionally draining it can be. For those who have been bullying, please note that this will be a trigger. A trigger is a term used by therapist; it means that people who have been in a similar state might feel those emotions again.

Bullying can be prevented. It can be prevented at school and home by using consequences, policies, and family education. For example, "As of September, 2009, most states have bullying laws. Bullying laws do not exist, however, in Alabama, the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin." New Anti Bullying Laws "provides for the training of public school staff in addressing bullying, intimidation, and harassment, as well as in suicide prevention."
sources:
http://www.stopbullying.gov/what-is-bullying/index.html
http://www.bullyingstatistics.org/content/prevent-bullying.html