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 17My 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
