Response to Chapters 3 and 4

1a. How is "living what you believe" both difficult and easy for teachers?

It is in and of itself a normal thing as a human being to be imperfect; both as a student and as a teacher. The teacher doesn't hold all the answers nor are they always right, but they will ALWAYS have influence over the students in the classroom. In the end, it is how they chose to demonstrate that influence that will determine how effective they can be as teachers.
A teacher who looks beyond what others have thought to be impossible with a vision of what they can change, can and will be able to make a differnce. If teachers can only stay true to themselves and hold the students as their greatest value and achievement, they can be successful.

1b. How can differentiation affect "living what you believe?"

There is a struggle on a daily basis for teachers who are given a handful of students with all types of learning dis/abilities and personalities and be able to get through to each individual child equally. One child might need to hear something multiple times to be able to comprehend and another might need to have a visual representation in front of them to be able to grasp the concept; but keeping these in mind and making sure to 'keep your vision' as a teacher is not always easy.

1c. What does Tomlinson mean when she suggests that a teacher, early and often, should say to students, "Let's figure this out together. Let's make this our class."

Success is not only earned by the group as a collective whole, but by every individual in it. Each person working toward a common goal is important and has the responsibility to strive to meet them. This kind of teamwork will take lots of time and effort, but with every member contributing it is possible.

The Tales of Sylvia Allan...

Principal Sylvia Allan’s visit brought some new insights to the table in regards to Morning Meeting and the ins and outs of it. I was interested to see how the students had taken to having it every morning and am definitely becoming more and more convinced every day that I want to incorporate it into my classroom as well. However, it does scare me a little when it comes to the student share/news portion when she shared some experiences of hers. Luckily it turned out productive in her case, but you would need to be on top of it every day to make sure no one says anything out of line or of dire consequences (such as abuse, etc.). I know that as we do Morning Meetings every week in Differentiations’ that it does create more of a sense of community amongst your peers. We began this school year as separate cohorts placed together and through activities such as this we are gradually becoming more cohesive as a group. I see this as a great way to bring in new students during the school year and letting them feel more accepted and comfortable in the classroom.

The Role of Students Needs

In the Tomlinson reading the following phrase can be found, stating: "...emotions trump learning." What does the phrase mean and what do you think about it?

To me, the phrase means that learning can only happen when the students themselves are in a happy medium where they feel safe and well cared for. When outside stressors come into effect such as the death of a loved one, parents divorcing, abuse whether emotional or physical, bullying, etc.; they can effect the students emotional well being and therefore distract the information from being received properly. Of course, milder stressors can also play into this. If the student is feeling anxious, insecure, frustrated or angry, this can disrupt their schoolwork. Yes, our basis as teachers is to enlighten young minds but we are also there to help them blossom into outstanding citizens. In doing this we must make sure they feel safe in the classroom and know that it is a protective environment.

I think it is very true how emotions can disrupt our learning but how we live our lives as well. This past week I have been through an unfortunate event where my last living grandfather past away unexpectantly. Luckily it has happened before a long holiday weekend that has let me recuperate before going back to school but it made me not able to concentrate when I needed to at work. It was only through support from close friends and family that I am going to be able to make it through the week. We all need support. These students need not only that safe environment, but the support from a teacher that believes they can do it as well.

Metaphoric Wild Flowers

In using the example of the wildflowers as a metaphor and comparing it to a classroom of children, the two perspectives can be one of of the same of how our impressions change from the first glance over time.

When we first enter the classroom, we notice how many students there are. The ratio of boys to girls. Some may be of a different race or ethnicity.

As we get to know the students, we begin to learn names. Some may have a loud demeanor while others may be quiet. Some may excel while others struggle with the schoolwork.

In spending time with individual students in a one-to-one manner we start to notice nuances or specific needs for that student. We develop background information. We connect.

Teaching in the classroom is more than teaching a group of students, it's about teaching each individual as a collective whole. We need to learn how to connect and engage every student and let each and every one of them know they are important. Differences should not be seen as a problem but as something that enriches the classroom.

Engaging the Transmission of Knowledge

On page 12 of the reading assignment, Tomlinson states, "..the most effective teaching does not seek transmission of knowledge isolated from human need, but rather attempts to help young learners discover the power of knowledge to reveal, amplify, and develop the best that is in them." What does this mean to you?

I think it is important to first and foremost relate to the students, not only in our demeanor but in how and what we teach. What will engage them and get them interested in the material? What will invoke in them a desire to learn? We, as teachers, have the power to instill in our students a hunger to seek out knowledge for themselves, but this will not happen if we only lecture to our students with them acting as passive listeners. I believe in giving them choices and in letting them pursue what interests them to get and keep them actively engaged. We don't just want to teach to have them forget it tomorrow; we want it to stick with them to help them build their basis of knowledge.