Impressionism to Post-Modernism; taking the Praxis II Art Content Exam

Hi folks,

As I prepare for the Praxis II Art Content I found remarkable literature at the local library as a source. I highly recommend Modern Art post Impressionism to Post Modernism published by Thames & Hudson, edited by David Britt.   It is a wonderful read that covers the Modern Art Era.

Makes me want to say, "I am the Degas of teachers" because his style was influenced by so much more than just light and colour.  And to think I never really paid much attention to him before now.

A must read!!!! 

I will add my findings to this post when done. Hopefully this will help me achieve a passing score. Wish me luck!

My final days as a graduate student (reflections)

May 9, 2013 Thursday

            Today was my first day at the McKeel Daycare Center. I met with Michelle and she introduced me to her staff. I have been assigned to the oldest group of students; they are 4 and 5 year olds getting ready for kindergarten.  The instructors Mrs. Meile and Mrs. Joan work with thirteen students in all. Approximately sixty percent of the children are from the surrounding community while forty percent have parents who are college professors and/or staff.  The lowest percent are children of parents attending the university.

Friday, May 10

            While working with a student (who joined this group in the past day or two), I was asked to use hand over hand while helping him write his letters. I learned that although these students are very young, in comparison to the students I normally work with, they are intelligent enough to know when to ask for help. It’s interesting to see students begin developing their writing skills as early as preschool, knowing they are still at risk for having poor reading and writing skills as they mature. The two teachers follow the curriculum and spend one on one time helping these children develop their fine motor skills.   I see this as a priority as they prepare these children for kindergarten. Often times I find myself comparing an older student (who is disadvantaged) to a high functioning preschooler, and wonder, how successful will this child be?  There are many factors to consider.

Monday, May 13 – I am ready for my own classroom. The first thing I would do is sit down with my administration and mentor and find out what subjects and what content I am going to cover. Then I would skillfully develop my lesson plans. I am very excited about my career in education and I think that’s the first step to becoming successful.

Tuesday, May 14 -- I believe the BEST lessons happen by chance. If you say something good and nurturing eventually it will spread. Students were complimenting each other in one way or another. I like your sweater, I like your sneakers, I like your jewelry. The teacher provided feedback by saying, “I like how you are speaking to one another,’ then repeated a few phrases which set the tone for her classroom. Never be afraid to do this with the older students because they too are in need of a positive lift. Remember, they are very small children on the inside who are not experienced as positive thinkers. Try giving each student one strength to thrive on and watch what happens. I found my world changed dramatically because students heard me say repeatedly, “it is (or it is not) in the best interest of my students.” I wanted to do good by them, and, in turn, they learned to trust me. It takes time and patience and is why I am truly ready for my own classroom if I am to support higher learning.  I learned that positive behaviors are instrumental to learning.

Wednesday, May 15 –I highly recommend reading fairy tales to children that are spin offs to the original classics. Not only does it increase the attention span of the children, but it promotes critical thinking. For example, The Three Wolves and the Big Bad Pig was the rewritten version of The Three Little Pigs. The children began laughing instantaneously as the teacher read the title. We all know the idea and, as a teacher, I know this idea will stretch the intelligence of my pupils. Cognitively, students are putting together the idea that this version of the story replaces its predecessor and is intended to be humorous. Such a concept could be applied to content making it more attainable and generalized.  

I am thinking about all the strategies and techniques I would like to implement once I begin teaching. I am ready to begin a new chapter in my life; one that is fulfilling where I could take all my experiences and put them to work.

Thursday, May 16 -- This was my final day at the center. I feel accomplished over the past few weeks simply because my supervisor provided me with constructive feedback, professionalism, and her approach tended to be more nurturing. I don’t mean snuggly and warm I mean she talked about my strengths and provided ideas that could enrich my teaching style. As for educators who live by other standards……harsh remarks…...humiliation...……I find them counterproductive, always have and always will.  Such acts could only be deliberate because I’ve learned over the years it’s the only mechanism that destroys the spirit and ambition of ANY being. And when someone feels bad about themselves, they will inevitably come after you in fear that you will overshadow and make them look unwarranted (and if you think only those who lack education are capable of being ruthless, please, think again; It’s those who lack love, compassion, integrity, and dignity). Forgive me for being upfront. As stated in my philosophy on special education “We should all come to terms with the idea that each person is special and unique in his or her own way. What one person lacks, another thrives” It is this philosophy that will take civilization forward.

            I feel I have evolved into someone I love in that I am quite proud of my accomplishments. I hope and pray that the world will someday listen to me because I know what I am saying holds value, is fair, and is simply the truth.

 Friday, May 17
My final thought is that I am excited to teach children of any age. Being K-12 certified as a special educator means that I have one advantage over many. I incorporated several activities day to day but most of my initiatives have been cut short because they are not my students and it was not my class. The children and I discussed geography as we explored the earth’s globe. We talked about traveling to a specific region around the world, be it Africa, Australia, Egypt, India, or Spain. What animal would we find in Egypt? Camels! Africa? Zebra’s and Giraffe’s!

Where will our magic carpet take us today? I provided several prompts “Which animal would you like to see?” Then we must travel to ………………. !  Each child was given a turn to choose. I also covered days of the week for several minutes per day. I created a visual tool as well.

            Thank you and God Bless! Last night I attended my Masters in Education graduation ceremony and I found it invigorating.

Sincerely,
Sharon M. Perrotta-Thourot
M.Ed. Special Education Teacher
East Stroudsburg University

Are You For REAL?

Pharmaceutical companies are losing ground..... so now more medication is being forced on people.....and, of course, vulnerable people suffering from diseases such as Multiple Sclerosis....Now I've learned that sudden bursts of laughter (or crying) are the result of a neurological disorder....  Unbelievable!!! 

What about the expression on someone's face that is ridiculously funny; a personality that shows up in lieu of a comment???   What about the divine spark my husband and I share when we look at each other and share our most personal thoughts? What about love and joy that GOD  has placed in our hearts?  What about baby's first babble or the things our pets do to get our attention? 

What about the fact that someone is trying to measure up to God and, instead, is making a complete fool of himself.....  Arguably, expressions do not have the same value for all. Why not try being yourself by acting human as God intended? While some express joy, others chose not to and undoubtedly devalue thier lives.    If we were all alike, the world would be so unamazing.....and, for many, it is!

Monday after Epiphany
Lectionary: 212

Reading 1 1 Jn 3:22–4:6

Beloved:
We receive from him whatever we ask,
because we keep his commandments and do what pleases him.
And his commandment is this:
we should believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ,
and love one another just as he commanded us.
Those who keep his commandments remain in him, and he in them,
and the way we know that he remains in us
is from the Spirit whom he gave us.

Beloved, do not trust every spirit
but test the spirits to see whether they belong to God,
because many false prophets have gone out into the world.
This is how you can know the Spirit of God:
every spirit that acknowledges Jesus Christ come in the flesh
belongs to God,
and every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus
does not belong to God.
This is the spirit of the antichrist
who, as you heard, is to come,
but in fact is already in the world.
You belong to God, children, and you have conquered them,
for the one who is in you
is greater than the one who is in the world.
They belong to the world;
accordingly, their teaching belongs to the world,
and the world listens to them.
We belong to God, and anyone who knows God listens to us,
while anyone who does not belong to God refuses to hear us.
This is how we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of deceit.

Retrieved on: January 8th from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/010713.cfm

Remember, 2/3 will be sent to God, while 1/3 will go to Satan.  May God Bless you!