Ways in Which We are Wiser

Before you begin reading this blog, take three minutes to watch these two videos on YouTube.  I have seen them both before coming to NY, but my teachers began the day with these videos earlier this week and I thought it would be appropriate to include them on a day when we were lacking motivation.


Kid Gives Speech After Learning to Ride a Bike
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P0zVPZBykSE


Jessica's Daily Affirmations
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qR3rK0kZFkg

8 Ways We Feel We Have Improved as Teachers

1. Show the students you care.  Make an instant connection with them that allows them to approach you no matter what the situation.  By doing this, you also improve your behavior management because students don't want to disappoint you.

2. Allow students to use their own curiosity and knowledge to explore.  Make lessons hands on and revolving around student discussions.  When students are learning about something that interests them, they are automatically more engaged and avid learners because they WANT to know the answers to their questions.

3. Provide students opportunities to teach each other.  We've learned that in order for students to comprehend new information, the teacher doesn't have to be the focus of the lesson.  When students discuss with each other and demonstrate for each other, they are more likely to listen and respond than if the teacher is lecturing or questioning in a large group session.

4. Provide assistance for all students, no matter the circumstances.  Especially at the Dwight school, there are students who come from various countries and therefore aren't 100% proficient in English.  Because students come from such diverse places, they also arrive with a breadth of knowledge and skill abilities.  We have to ask ourselves, "How can I help my students to be successful?  What opportunities can I provide this student so that his learning is as rich as his peers'?"

5. With two teachers in the room, we are able to break the class into smaller groups and give students the focus and attention that they deserve.  Each student gets the opportunity to voice their thoughts and predictions and the teachers can feel confident in their assessments because they've had opportunities to speak one-on-one with everyone. 

6. Even in a city like New York, students need to play outside and breathe fresh air.  Whether it's on the roof of the school or in the park, students should have time to be young and free, practicing their social skills with their peers.  When students are moving, they are able to maintain focus longer and be more productive throughout the day.

7. Model for students exactly what you want from them.  When students understand the task and the expectations, they will spend less time on figuring out the directions and more time practicing the necessary skills and developing their critical thinking. 

8. Don't be afraid to make mistakes.  Get down on students' level and help them understand that you are all human.  Everyone is learning as they go.  When students realize that they won't be reprimanded for their mistakes, rather encouraged to continue experimenting and trying new things, they will thrive as futuristic learners.  

Hopefully this is the first step to improving ourselves as future educators. :)

Megan