I did enjoy this class on effective classroom management.  I learned some new ways other teachers handled certain situations.  There were many good suggestions and ideas.  I also loved being able to do the classwork on my time.  I loved being able to work from home whenever I could fit it in. I feel the class was very convenient for me.  Thanks everyone for your input and sharing...

Thanks Cindy!  It was great having you as a member of the class.

Teri

     When students are engaged in learning it makes all the differnce in the world.  Engagement can be in many forms.  I believe student engagement creates a positive way to learn.  One way to have students stay engaged is to vary the lessons.  Doing the same thing day after day, week after week, is dull and boring.  Because students "know what's coming"...

Cindy, I think our Fabulous First Fridays are great too.  When we first started I wasn't sure that the students were learning anything, but I soon found out I was wrong after hearing all the positive things they were saying. 

 

Sometimes we as Teachers need to put in a little more effort - but the rewards are umlimited!

     I read an article entitled "The affect parenting styles have on a child's cognitive development" by Marisol Alarcon.  It discussed the three basic styles of parenting; authoritative, authoritarian and permissive, plus a fourth, uninvolved parenting.  The parenting style you choose depends on a number of factors.  It can be based on how your were raised,...

Cindy,

This is very insightful.  I would point out that we use different vocabulary terms (I use authoritative for what you call authoritarian), but all of your points are great.

 

Also, I took the liberty of moving this to the other part of the discussion board as well.

 

Teri

In this final chapter of the book, teachers and administrators are given the final steps to implementing the “Time to Teach” program featuring the “REFOCUSING” tactic.  The authors make it a point to stress that the program should not be forced, but agreed upon by teachers and administrators.  It is stressed that it is important to give teachers a choice in the matter because in my opinion,...

Beth,

You obviously grasp the material, and your enthusiasm about REFOCUS is wonderful to see.  I am so glad you see the value in it and are willing to share it with others.

Teri

Chapter 11 Reflection

 

Chapter 11 focuses on questions that teachers might have as they implement the “Time to Teach” program in their classroom.  The book outlines very important situations, mentioning best case scenarios, middle of the road, and worst case, so that teachers can be prepared and know how to react to a situation.  Being prepared is half the battle when teaching!

With...

     The key to successful classroom management is being orgainzed, prepared and consistent with established goals.  I beleive this comes with classroom experience.  Different strategies must be tried with different classes.  The teacher learns, through trial and error, what works best for her.  The article, Strategies for Classroom Management" discusses...

Cindy,

I took the liberty of moving this post to the discussion board as well.

Teri

While reading through some of the articles online, I found the most interesting to be about color/moods, ADHD-visual problem link and color blindness.

 

I found it interesting to read about the link between ADHD and visual problems.  Intersting how it is all related to the brain and what researchers are now finding.

 

I also found it intersting to read about the connection between...

Beth,
The latest brain research fascinates me, and there are books available written for educators. One of the courses approved for the Archdiocese is Neurological Implications for Teaching Strategies. I'm not sure when that will be offered, but if your interest was piqued by this topic, you might keep it in mind.
Teri

Chapter 10 Reflection

 

Within chapter 10, the reoccurring theme was benefits of the REFOCUSING technique.  While reading this chapter, I can only say that I fully agree with every word!  The program offers nothing but benefits to students, teachers, parents, and administrators.

 

The first section outlines the benefits of the program to students.  I agree with the statement...

Beth,

You have a clear understanding of the process.  The part I love the most is how it provides documentation in the student's own handwriting. 

Teri

Chapter 8 & 9 Reflection

 

While reading chapters 8 and 9, I found myself picturing my own classroom situation and visualizing the “REFOCUS” technique.  While reading the two chapters, I found myself in agreement with the process of helping the students REFOCUS their attention.  I agree with the idea of replacing warnings with early intervention and when a problem occurs to give...

Beth,

You make a good point by emphasizing the hierarchy of the classroom.  The teacher is the one with the power and has to retain it.  Giving the power to students is really unfair to them because they are not in a place in their lives where they can handle it.  This is why teachers sometimes have problems when they get too "chummy."  We are not their friends, although...

While reading chapter 6, I could not help but believe that if a teacher sets expectations as the chapter title suggests then one will have a cooperative classroom setting.  In this chapter, the rationale and implementation are clearly explained.  I agree with the idea of only having a list of five or fewer basic principles to help govern the classroom.  As with adults, when inundated...

Beth,

You obviously have a firm grasp of the materials in these chapters.  Your last sentence is especially important.  What we have to do is to home in on behavior that needs to be changed without attacking character.  What students do (not who students are) needs to be addressed.  This is where we have to be very careful about the adjectives we use. 

Teri

     Change is good for everyone.  Without it, life can become boring and stagnant.  Students need to have change in the classroom.  Seating is what I change the most in my room.  Usually I change seats about every 6-8 weeks.  The main reason for the change is student personalities.  By this time, students are getting tired of each other.  (Sometimes...

Cindy,

It's so true how we need to show students we like them.  Some of them are pretty hard to like at times!  That's when we need to reframe, or look through different lenses.

 

I had a workshop once where the instructor suggested we see student's weaknesses as strengths that had gotten out of whack.  For example, a child who talks too much has communication skills that need...

Teri, Thanks.  I agree that it is hard to like some students at times, but thinking of their strengths as weaknesses is a positive way to interact with them.

Cindy

Please find my reflection for week 4 posted early as I anticipate being in the hospital until the weekend.

 

Chapter 4 Reflection:

“Location, location, location” couldn’t have been a better way to start this chapter!  In chapter 4, the authors relay very simple, but important information to teachers:  arrangement of the classroom!

 

Desk location/arrangement...

Wow!  Did the authors of this book know where every teacher is coming from or what?  I believe every teacher should read this chapter and have a copy of it handy.  I could relate to this chapter very well since I have experienced quite a few of the particular stressors mentioned.

 

Telling without teaching is a strong paragraph because students need the active participation and...

Beth,

You sure packed a bunch of insights into a few paragraphs.  Your thoughts on threats struck a chord with me.  When we threaten, we automatically set ourselves up as bullies.  Who wants to be taught by a bully?  In addition, I appreciate your self-reflection.  Who among us is perfect?  We learn all of our lives.  I love teaching at this level because I learn so...

As I read Chapter 3, I could appreciate the level of frustration teachers feel in the classroom.  Everyone gets to this point during the school year.  Some reach it quicker and more often than others.  Unfortunately, some teachers may experience this level of frustration daily.  It is unfortunate for everyone, the teacher, the misbehaved student and the student with good behavior. ...

While reading chapter 2, I found it quite interesting.  As the mother of a pre-school age child, ready to have my second, and middle school teacher, I felt as if I had read this article before in a parenting magazine.  While reading the article, I nodded my head in agreement that all parents love their children unconditionally and that loving parents are warm and nurturing.  When I got...

Beth,

I can really identify with your post.  I never had issues with students, but my children could really push my buttons.

 

In regard to the parents of your students, my first thought is that they are doing what they think is best.  While we may think their response is misguided, and that they aren't doing their children any favors, they are coming from another perspective. ...

Teri,

 

Thanks for your insight...never thought about it like that...the parent might be thinking "if she does it that way, then I should too..." 

 

Again, thanks for the insight and have a great week!

 

Beth

All,

 

I apologize for posting my reflection paper here.  I had difficulty trying to send it through the discussion box and I e-mailed Teri at the aol address only to have the message returned.  Please accept my apology and know that I am trying to remedy the situation.  Hope all is well with everyone.

 

Beth

 

Beth Marlow
Oct. 8, 2006
Reflection chapter 1

While reading...

Beth,

 

No need to apologize.  You found an alternate way when others didn't work.  I think that's the definition of initiative.

 

 

Beth Marlow
Oct. 8, 2006
Reflection chapter 1

While reading chapter 1 of Time to Teach I found the litany to be so very true.  We are so much more than just “teachers who teach curriculum,” but yet often we don’t see ourselves as more.  I thought the authors brought up an excellent point in Belief #2 saying “when we encounter teacher bashing, we need to remember that most people are in awe...

Please take a moment to introduce yourself.  Let us know your current position, your previous experience, your level of education and the school(s) attended, and any personal items you would like to include.

Hi, I'm Beth Smith, I'm a 48 year old mother of two teenagers who came to teaching as a third or fourth career (I lost count).  This is my fifth year as the Middle School Science Teacher at St. John's Regional Catholic School in Frederick, Maryland.  For my first four years, I was the only science teacher.  Because we have now gone to three tracks, I am now the 7th and 8th...

Welcome, Beth!  Thanks for making the long trek down here for orientation.  Your menagerie sounds great for kids, but I have to say I'm glad it's at your house and not mine!

 

Teri

Beth,

So glad that you were able to make the drive and meet with us.  I enjoy the first meeting because you can put faces to the names. 

Diane

Hi Beth,

     So glad to see that you are a pet lover, too. At one point I had two dog, two three cats, a Burmese python and an iguana.

Now I am down to one cat and one dog. That is why I have time to conitnue my education!!

My name is Lucy Buccheri.  I have been with the Archdiocese of Baltimore for 7 years now.   I teach full time at Our Lady Queen of Peace and I also teach 4th grade part time Religious Education at Our Lady of Hope School.I am really looking forward to this class and I hope to be able to afford to take many more. 

Hi Lucy!  Is it hard to commute between the two schools?  At least they are both on the eastern side of town.  Glad to have you, and I too hope this is the beginning of more offerings.

 

Teri

Lucy,

 

It's great to know someone from the neighborhood! As you will note, I too teach at OLH/SLS.  Hope you have a great week!

 

Beth

Hi Terri - I only go to OLH on Sundays.   The rest of the week I am at OLQP.  I keep myself pretty busy between the two schools, my teenage daughter and husband.  Lucy.

Well, that is certainly a better arrangement!  Teaching is stressful enough without having to commute between schools every day.

Marylou, my son graduated from Mount Carmel some 15 years ago.  Do you recall the name of the Priest who was the basketball coach at that time?  Lucy

I consider my self to be somewhat computer literate...

but I am having a difficult time maeuvering through the discussone board  -  Please help.

Lucy,

 

Sharepoint can be a little tricky.  Give me a call, and I will try to guide us through together.

My name is Becky Bennett.  I teach second grade at Our Lady Queen of Peace School.  This is my 18th year teaching for the Archdiocese.  I hold a masters degree from Towson State University in Elementary Education.

Welcome, Becky!  So many of my friends attended Towson.  They must be doing something right there because they are great teachers.

 

Teri

Hi there, Becky,

     I told Sarah that I met you and that she will have to help you with the computer. I found out that she does not know how to send an attachment, but I will teach her and she can teach you!! Good Luck with the course

Hello!  My name is Beth Marlow and I am currently in my 8th year of teaching at Our Lady of Hope/St. Luke School located in Dundalk.  I am currently teaching 6th grade Social Studies, Science, and English.  I have experience teaching 4th and 5th grade Social Studies as well.

 

My educational experience includes a BA in Political Science and Sociology from Mary Baldwin College...

Hi Beth,

 

It' nice to meet you.  I'm looking forward to working with you.  Did you decide on a name for your new son?  Talk with you soon.  Cindy