My primary goals for TE 401 involve becoming more comfortable and familiar with my philosophies and methods. I have worked in a preschool/daycare situation for the last three summers, so I know I can handle management of a large group of kids, but I have not yet had the chance to put my teaching skills to the test in any situation other than a one on one (e.g. tutoring). I am excited to use our field time to find my teaching comfort zone, for math and literacy in particular this semester, and to work with my CT and his/her students. I believe that these experiences with help me to expand my knowledge of how students learn, practically rather than just in theory, and I look forward to using them to growing as a teacher.
I would also like to learn more about teaching students how to read and how to help them enjoy reading. I have always loved to read, and I have never needed encouragement in that area, but I do not remember how I was taught because I was so young (about three years old). I want to make reading just as pleasurable for my future students, and I know that there are a lot of factors involved in making that happen. I want to know what different approaches should be used with which different types of students and how successful they can be. I would like to watch and participate in the practical applications of what I have learned some of in theory, and hope to continue to learn this semester. In particular, I would like to know more about how to spot literacy and reading disabilities opposed to students not knowing the right strategy for them or simple slowness in information processing. My little brother was slow to read on his own, but he was never put into special programs and that worked out to his benefit eventually. He would have given up if that had happened. He now reads for pleasure on a regular basis. I want to do everything I can to avoid making mistakes, like that could have been, that could make my students give up on reading.
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3 comments:
Lindsey-
I think it’s great that you have already developed your personal teaching philosophies and methods. Did you form these notions from your experience in the daycare or elsewhere? Also, are you open to modifying your philosophies, or are you just utilizing field as a way to reinforce your beliefs?
I also think it’s great that you aspire to share your joy of reading with your future students. Do you feel that your natural ability and pleasure for reading will benefit/burden you when encountering students that may dislike reading? It’s also nice to hear that your little brother’s reading experience inspired you learn more about reading disabilities and literacy. Do you know what methods this special program used to improve his struggles? Also, did this program inspire the formation of your teaching theories?
You seem to stress the importance of reading and its pleasures. Is this the main reason of your emphasis on reading? I’m sure you’re aware of the other benefits of reading, but are you suggesting that if children realize the pleasure of reading, they’ll be more eager to learn and discover more through reading?
And, lastly, you mentioned you were eager to discover your comfort zone while teaching math. Because you focused so much on literacy, how do you feel about math and its significance? Does your theory of literacy differ greatly from your theory of math?
Your experience in a preschool/daycare will definitely be helpful -- especially if it makes you feel comfortable with management. I agree that it is important to use your field work to see how the theory can be put into practice. We will talk about different learners, and will start to think about "spotting" reading disabilities.
Lindsey, what are some of your philosophies and methods for teaching? Working at the daycare must have giving you a lot experience working with children and getting to know various ways of teaching a variety of students. I have worked at a science summer camp for the past four summers and I know it has really helped me to understand how difficult it is to be a teacher, but it can also be a rewarding experience. I would love to get together some time and share some of our experiences.
It is really great that you are enthusiastic about teaching your students how to read. I find that learning how to read is one of the most important steps in becoming a student. Did you have a lot of experience with struggling readers at the daycare? If so, were you able to help them to read? What strategies did you use? My little brother also struggled with reading when he was younger and after school he and I used to have "story time" together. He would pick out a book and we would get under a blanket and I would read to him and have him sound out the words with me. He is also one of my reasons for becoming a teacher and I'm glad you have used your brother as an inspiration as well. How was it that your brother was finally able to become a successful reader? I am also nervous about passing over a student that may be struggling with literacy. However, I'm confident in the fact that our classes and our experience in the classroom will help us to spot a student that is having trouble and we will have the opportunity to help that student rather than just look them over. You sound really passionate about become a great teacher and it sounds like you have what it takes to become one. If you keep an open mind like you have been I believe you will overcome your worries/concerns and become a successful teacher.
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