Learning Letter

This class was not what I was expecting. I was expecting to be reading a book a week that we would and then talk about how we would implement them into a classroom. Instead We read a ton of pedagogy and some novels. But we had some big projects as well. I was definitely not expecting the giant unit plan, that hung over my head like a  ceiling the whole quarter. I was a little stressed out about it, but I understood the practicality of it. As teacher we will be designing unit plan quite often, and this was just the first of many. Even though it was difficult I feel like I came out stronger, and wiser for it. I now have an idea of how to plan out a unit. Granted if we were actually to teach them, we would probably end up changing things, and running out of time for everything, but it's a great learning experience. Frustrating  yes, but great. I liked the book talks. Some of the books talked about I will most definitely read and may even recommend to students, or read out loud to students. There's a part of me that wishes I chose a different book, because Will Grayson Will Grayson  was a little complicated to explain since the two protagonists have the same name, but different story lines. But I love John Green, he is my favorite author. Even though he writes YA books, there are still amazing and can reach anyone. Like the Fault In Our Stars, who knew a book about kids with cancer could end so hopeful? The mini lessons I liked because I liked seeing the different techniques and choices my peers made. I also liked the feed back because it came as a student perspective, not a supervisor, they weren't necessarily looking for what was wrong, just pointed out what they saw. Supervisors don't really point out the smaller thing, that once changed could actually make a good improvement, but the "big" stuff that may or not actually be useful information.

Some of the pedagogy we read was incredible tough and dense to read through. It was probably a good thing we wrote blogs, because I can only kind of remember some of the things we read. I remember parts of readicide, but I think with everything that happened this quarter a lot of the reading have all blended together. As long as you can remember the important parts, like not ruining reading, or that students have learned how to fake read, and fake understanding. Also, that we shouldn't just use the banking method. Instead of just talking at our students we need to let them do the talking, and taking a big part in their own learning. Banking is usually boring and doesn't help the students learn. Although I have had professor use the banking method, and I was interested the whole time. It was "War and Society" and it was fascinating. I like history, and I had though about it sooner I may have tried to minor in it, but I can also pick up classes here and there as I go through life.

This course has made me realize that I need to spend more time preparing for things. Like the mini lesson, I knew everything I wanted to do /say, but i should've spent a couple more minuets writing on the board, and preparing before hand. I'm not 100% sure if I am ready to have my own classroom, but i have another year to figure it out.  Participation wise in this class I feel like mine pick up toward the end of the quarter. I am definitely one of those students who likes to sit there, listen, and not talk. But having most of my peers in other classes helped me feel more comfortable, and it was a good learning environment.  Which is something I will strive for in my own classroom.

 

Yang

I liked this book a lot more then I thought I would. When I first started reading it I was like what is this? The three different stories confused me a little bit, and I thought the one with the cousin was a little racist...Then the end came and it all made sense. I understood that the main character struggled wit accepting himself and his heritage, and the cousin was the "burden" of being Chinese. It was a good novel and I really enjoyed it.

I think this book would be useful to read with students because it deals with other cultures, and also adolescence always struggle with accepting themselves, and others. I would probably use the cousin to help point out racial stereo types, and how to react in a situation when dealing with people from another culture. I was in a class recently where one of my peers is from Mexico and he talked about the differences in education, and writing and how he had to adjust to a whole new culture. He also talked about the Middle Eastern exchange students and how in their country, boys and girls learn in different rooms and how covered up their women are. Then they come here, and they are in a classroom with girls and may even have a female teacher. They have to adjust to our women walking around as what they ( and even some Americans) would see as scantily clad. This book would be a good book to help cover cultural boundaries and open discussion to the differences in different cultures.

This book is also an easy read, and I would suggest it to students who may be struggling with reading. They way it is laid out could help those students with their comprehension. Though students may be confused at the beginning of the novel, like I was, but if they power through they will understand what is happening at the end of the book.

Romeo and Juliet

This is the one Shakespeare play everyone had heard of. It is used in a lot of shows, like when they do a production on the show.  Romeo and Juliet makes a great gate way into Shakespeare. It is easy to follow the plot, and for students who have yet to read anything written by Shakespeare it is a good way  to introduce his writing style, and iambic pentameter.  Though plays are meant to be watched, not read. I think it is very important to show students a movie version of the play after reading it, or after reading each act. Before reading, I think it would be fun to find the Wishbone episode of Romeo and Juliet, because it gives them a summary, of the play and who doesn't love Wishbone. 

 This play is supposed to be one of the most tragic love stories ever written. However, I think it's a little ridiculous They knew each other for less than a week. I feel like it's more of a teenage rebellion gone wrong. They only reason they were so intent on being together is because they were not allowed to be. Granted the don't know the other is from the warring family until after they meet, and have "love at first sight". I'm not trying to be cynical, but I don't believe in love at first sight. I think there can be an attraction, but love takes time, and effort. And they had neither.  They were just kids, and they went about the whole situation like kids. Sneaking around, and hiding their relationship. I guess the parents wouldn't have approved of the match, but at least have some communication with the parents. It's just humorous to me I guess.