The first block is an honor class. So the levels of their thinking and writing is much higher than the other three blocks. It was very interesting to learn how Mr. Stark teaches the same content but in different ways, so the students will feel both engaged and challenged.
At the beginning of the class, the teacher set up the new standard about bringing school supplies and explaining the consequences. All students were listening so carefully. The words he kept using was, "This is not a negative thing. No one is in trouble. I just want to hold a higher standard for you. Because I know you all can do that…” Students never felt bad after having a conversation with him. Even though he is very strict, there is something very special about him. I learned a lot. Kids actually like teachers with principles. When the teacher is consistent with his/her standard. They know what be expected and they take more serious about themselves.
At the beginning of the class, the teacher set up the new standard about bringing school supplies and explaining the consequences. All students were listening so carefully. The words he kept using was, "This is not a negative thing. No one is in trouble. I just want to hold a higher standard for you. Because I know you all can do that…” Students never felt bad after having a conversation with him. Even though he is very strict, there is something very special about him. I learned a lot. Kids actually like teachers with principles. When the teacher is consistent with his/her standard. They know what be expected and they take more serious about themselves.
I went to an IEP meeting with my teacher. Parents, nurse, teachers, social worker were all in the room. It was quite a positive meeting, from what I saw. The mother was very cooperative. Everyone worked together to find ways to help the student. At the end, the student came and joined the conversation. She was left with encouragement and knowing that she has to help herself first, then everyone can help her.
Personal notes and give the right compliments. I always remember that you shared with us about writing personal notes to students. I am starting to do it today. Each class I picked several students and gave them a note after class. A very shy girl came up to me and said “Thank you.” She was flushed because she was probably never told that she has so much to contribute to this class. Another thing which I learned from Bon was not giving young people compliments about their clothes, hair or any material things. Instead, tell them how brave he was to stand up for his opinion, how thoughtful she was to help her partner. After doing this activity today, I suddenly realize how powerful it is. It’s not only about building closer and more personal relationship with your students. It’s all about changing the way you look at them and being aware of each student’s true light and recognize those qualities already in them.
I taught the last two blocks. My teach thought I did a great job. The only thing he said I can work on is to push harder on them, increase the pace and make them think deeper.
My teacher never heard about the UBD lesson plan. He said he would work with me and help me with any format. It will be interesting to hear his thoughts about UBD.
Today my kid did 94% on his reading test. This score never happened to him before. I can just tell that he was so proud of himself and realized that if he can focus, he can read as well as everyone else.
I am really looking forward to going to the classroom each day. Because you never know who is going to give me a rock or picture as a surprise.
I can totally see myself as a classroom teacher now.
Personal notes and give the right compliments. I always remember that you shared with us about writing personal notes to students. I am starting to do it today. Each class I picked several students and gave them a note after class. A very shy girl came up to me and said “Thank you.” She was flushed because she was probably never told that she has so much to contribute to this class. Another thing which I learned from Bon was not giving young people compliments about their clothes, hair or any material things. Instead, tell them how brave he was to stand up for his opinion, how thoughtful she was to help her partner. After doing this activity today, I suddenly realize how powerful it is. It’s not only about building closer and more personal relationship with your students. It’s all about changing the way you look at them and being aware of each student’s true light and recognize those qualities already in them.
I taught the last two blocks. My teach thought I did a great job. The only thing he said I can work on is to push harder on them, increase the pace and make them think deeper.
My teacher never heard about the UBD lesson plan. He said he would work with me and help me with any format. It will be interesting to hear his thoughts about UBD.
Today my kid did 94% on his reading test. This score never happened to him before. I can just tell that he was so proud of himself and realized that if he can focus, he can read as well as everyone else.
I am really looking forward to going to the classroom each day. Because you never know who is going to give me a rock or picture as a surprise.
I can totally see myself as a classroom teacher now.