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Reflective Blog 6

Top 5 takeaways from course: 

1. Using technology as a resource to engage all students and reaches each student’s individual needs. 

2. Using online resources to still allow students to be engaged and learn if a teacher is absent, or in cases of snow days, etc. 

3. Planning lessons and creating SmartNotebook activities. 

4. Staying organized and finding new ways to stay connected with teachers and parents. 

5. Finding new fun ways to communicate certain events, ideas, student behaviors, etc. to parents and school administrations. 

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reflective blog 5

The first video I watched was about using collaborative projects that enrich learning. The teacher gave directions of the assignment by require them to pick a partner and develop a lesson to present to the other students. They needed to create something for visual learners (presentation, poster, etc.), they needed to create a handout for students that like to take notes, and finally students were asked to create an engaging activity. This creates hands on learning and one of the best ways to learn is through teaching. Since students were asked to create lessons to teach their fellow students, using different learning styles allows students to look at different perspectives and teaching their fellow students enhances learning.

The second video I watched was about blended learning energizing math students. First, the teacher leaves up his resource on the board for students to refer to when needs. Students use it first work through the problem on the board, and can ask others for help. Then, students can watch a video that gives step by step instructions on certain math problems. Students have three tries to solve the problem on their own, before they can ask their teacher for help. Teachers also have access to a “coach” mode and can see the class as a whole who has progressed or not. Math in particular, is a subject where students can get most frustrated. It is easy for students to get lost, but with the use of this program students know their scores are being recorded and the teacher can see exactly what the student is doing (or not doing).

I think programs like these are great because students can work at their own pace, but are still aware that their progress is being recorded. I feel like today especially we live in a world of constant competition of progress, so incorporating it within the classroom in a positive way shows we are changing with society for the better.

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reflective blog 4

Many schools and classrooms are integrating 1:1. This means that each child in the classroom will have their own handheld or technological device. Using 1:1 has many benefits. Students are able to personalize and customize their learning to fit their individual needs, since every student learns differently. Young minds are exposed to different forms of technology all around them. The classroom environment should be similar to environments the average child is exposed to on a day to day basis. There are programs and applications online or on a device that can capture and motivate a child in ways that lecturing to a class cannot. Most importantly, using a 1:1 in a classroom can track individual student progress. Students do not have to feel left out or insecure if they do not comprehend something that the rest of the class has. It can be used as a true measurement of learning, rather than using test scores as grades as a use of measurement.  

Since I am going into special education, I think it is crucial that all of my students have their own technological device. There are programs designed for each of my students’ specific learning needs. There will be no problem trying gage a students attention with the use of technology. If you look around anywhere, you almost always see a child glued to a screen. This can be beneficial (mostly) if we are exposing young minds to useful tools rather than games and websites that will “rot” their brains. Technology can help improve many functions of learning of students with special needs. For example, if a student is deaf and unable to speak; there are programs designed for these students to communicate without the use of sign language. Students can write and type what they are saying, and have it vocalized through their device.

However, while there are great tools and applications with technology it must be moderated. We cannot forget to teach children about the outside world around them. We also cannot teach students to only rely on their technology device. It must be taught as a tool and a resource and that there are situations where must rely on our other resources.

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Reflective Blog 3

Keeping students’ attention in the classroom can be a very difficult and daunting task. It can sometimes feel like every time you take one step ahead, you take two steps back. Fortunately, given our advancements in technology, there are easy and exciting news ways to keep students focused and engaged.

Something I really find useful is playing music quietly while students are working independently. This does not mean music that has lyrics or songs that students particularly like to dance to. This music would consist of classical and instrumental beats and sounds. Studies have shown that there is a link between attentiveness, calmness, and concentration in the classroom. The best part is music is a super easy and practically free resource with so many benefits for everyone! Of course this strategy will not work for every single student, but I would love to know of a single strategy that works for every single child.

Another way to keep students focused and on task is given small breaks of physical activity. Being active and moving around increases the heart rate, and releases endorphins. After moving around for as little as 5 to 10 minutes, students will come back engaged and ready to learn! Students do not seem to get enough physical movement these days anyway, so incorporating this into a daily routine can really benefit young learners.

Class Dojo’s are another great way to keep students engaged. The Class Dojo is a communicative app between students, teachers, and even parents. Students can be rewarded a “dojo” for quiet reading, listening, staying on task, etc. Students and teachers can even upload photos or videos to share with parents. Essentially, the Class Dojo tracks student behavior. When students are rewarded for good behavior, and this can be shared with the parents, it will only make them want to continue to exhibit good behavior.

Another important aspect to consider when setting up a classroom, is to limit the amount of distractions within the classroom and on the walls. If there is too much going on in the classroom, then students will become distracted and it may become difficult for them to stay focused on certain lessons. Art work and things in the classroom should be used only as a reference for the students to use, and only things that will enhance their learning. Classrooms are not meant to “look pretty.”

All in all, students are going to get distracted and lose focus at times. As educators, it is our responsibility to learn our students, discuss with parents, and find ways to make sure each student is set up to get the best learning that they each deserve.

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reflective blog 2

Remembering things can be a difficult task, but is also something that is super important. As adults it is crucial that we remember deadlines, appointments, and certain tasks that need to be done. Being an adult also comes with very busy schedules and days can often quickly become chaotic. With all of that being said, this is what makes remembering things so difficult. Life just gets in the way. But, being an adult means we are responsible for remembering these things, and it is important that we each find which way works specially for us as individuals.

I remember things by keeping a calendar and writing down any assignments with a due date, appointments, work schedules, etc. I try to look at it everyday or every other day, to ensure I do not miss anything. When it comes to remembering specific dates of when things are schedule and/or due, I have a pretty good memory. But when it comes to remembering to take the task out or grab something to give to someone, my memory is not so great. I try to leave reminders on my phone for situations like this.  Social media makes it extremely easy to remind people of their “friends’” birthdays. For someone who is not on social media, but with a close and small inner circle, I do a fairly good job of just remembering birthdays (but I am not perfect, I sometimes forget).

For my classroom, I will be extremely diligent on keeping a classroom calendar for myself and students to reference to. This will not only help myself stay organized, but my students as well. I find it extremely beneficial to work with students as they learn, and not just sit back while they do all of the work. Modeling is truly the best approach to teaching how you want your students to be! I will also keep my own calendar to keep myself with specific things related to my students, but not necessarily related to their learning (teacher development, parent teacher conferences, etc).

It is important we are self aware of our own cognitive abilities, because everyone has their own method of remembering things. The same method does not work for everyone. This is also important in the classroom, since not all of my students will learn the same way it will be important for me to work with my students and finding which method(s) work best for them.

Of course technology helps us stay more organized and helps us remember important dates, events, etc. This is something that many of us rely on, on a daily basis! But, sometimes we rely too much on technology to remember things for us. For example, spell check. So many young adults and younger students do not remember how to spell words because they rely on spell check so much. This is an example that can very much limit our cognitive abilities.

All in all, I feel I have a fairly decent memory. This is something I hope to model to my students, to help them develop a good memory. Our memories are our memories. Everyone will remember things differently, and it is important for teachers to recognize that, and teach this to their students as well.

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Reflective Blog 1

As a student of special education, my learners will be students with disabilities that interfere with their learning in a mainstream classroom. My goal is to be the key to unlock the potential of my students who need that extra attention, in order to reach their full at potential.

It will be my responsibility to understand all of my students’ IEPs, their disabilities, likes and dislikes, goals, and aspirations. All children have dreams and goals and no child should ever let their disability get in the way of their dreams and goals. Since each of my students will have their own struggles, it is my responsibility to build that bridge with them and help them get across.

After attending Western Michigan University for two years studying early childhood education, and working as a first grade after-school teacher, I quickly learned that a large class of 20 plus students was not the fit for me. I feel like I am called to be that extra resource for teachers (and parents) who do not have a passion, or just need a break for students with special needs. Working with children in any capacity is a challenge, but working with children who have special needs it becomes much more of a challenge, that not all individuals can achieve in. (Which is fine!).

I developed a strong sense of empathy toward individuals with special needs at a very young age. I grew up with my Aunt Lori who was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, among other learning disabilities. She was unable to walk on her own, speak, or do daily needs such as brushing her teeth, bathing, and feeding herself. Since we lived in the same household together, I helped my family take care of her. Unfortunately, she became very ill and since she was unable to speak, she was unable to tell us what/how she was feeling.  A few days later we took her to the emergency room where she became septic and passed away. Lori’s death was really a driving force for me while growing up (and today), and I feel that it is my responsibility to help people just like her.

My ultimate goal is to combine two of my passions into one. My other passion is ballet. I have been dancing for a large portion of my life, and I would love to open my own studio catered toward anyone with special needs, using dance as therapy. So, my classroom and learners may look different from a traditional school room. My classroom will eventually be a dance studio and my students will not stop learning at the age of 18. I plan to cater to all ages (different classes of course).

So, my approach to teaching and reaching my students is different than most. My goal is to reach my students to help embrace who they, improve social skills, cognitive skills, developmental growth all through the art of dance. Music and dance are powerful tools to reach my students. I have already started a class like this, and am getting ready to expand. This will not only help my students, but their families and peers as well. It is a win-win-win for everyone!