Blog Entry #4

How does this teacher manage assessment?

For me I had to look up exactly what assessment means.
Assessment means:  the evaluation or estimation of the nature, quality, or ability of someone or something.

As I have been thinking about assessment especially for teachers. I realize that the teachers have certain criteria that they need to meet as a teacher so that there students can be prepared for whats coming. I know during certain points of the year there is standardized testing to figure out where the students are, and what they have learned throughout the year. For a teacher it is there responsibility to help the students succeed. The students also need to have the desire to want to succeed, and to be in school.

 I had the chance to translate for parent teacher conference. For me this is a way that the teacher can assess the student. At parent teacher conference they have a chance to talk with students and parents. During the conferences that I sat in the teachers at the end would ask if the student had any concerns? They also asked what goals they had for the class, and what the teacher could do to help them reach the goal. During the conference the teacher allows the parent and the student to see the students particular progress in the class. It is also a time for the teacher to express any concerns that they might have about the student whether that's in learning or behavior in the classroom. Its a time for each student to get the individual attention they need. Then of course there are tests and assignments to help assess the students. 

During a classroom setting that I was in the other day was a 6th grade class. There is a particular student who really has no desire to be at school. For the first part of the year he was in a class where he could not behave. Though certain circumstances he got switched to another 6th grade class. His desk is close to the teachers desk, and during a math assignment he was having a hard time focusing. The teacher was helping him specifically to understand the assignment, and to work on the assignment. Then after a few mins of him not wanting to do it she pointed out that he was getting individual attention, and how many students would want exactly that. After that he started working on his assignment. For me this is an example of how the teacher can assess the students. The teachers are able to see in the class who may be struggling, and assess certain needs. I loved it because she also pointed out to the student that she was trying to help, and giving him personal attention. Each student is going to have different strengths and weakness. Its up to the teacher to find the balance to help each student. Its important to assess the students to let them know where they stand, and also what needs to be improved. Its also important as a teacher that you let the students know that they are doing a good job. They need to know that you recognize what they are doing good, but of course also as a teacher you have to let them know what needs to be improved.

Blog Post #3

What strategies does the teacher use to support students who are English learners?

I currently work at at title one elementary school, and there is a high population of Hispanic kids. I am blessed enough that I know Spanish, but I also know how difficult it can be for the students to who are learning English. At one point in time I was on the other end learning Spanish..In general English is a difficult language to learn. Students need to become familiar with the words, recognizing the picture, and using it everyday. In the school there is also the program ELL which is specifically designed to help the students learn English. Which it is an amazing program, but the students need those specific skills everyday all day in the classroom. Then the responsibility relies on the teacher. It becomes a much better process when you can work together as a team together to know the needs and skill level of each student. Its important to understand that each child is going to be on a different level. For example I know some kids in are school where there parents specifically come in say that they don't know English. One student specifically his mom mentioned that he had been in Mexico for the past few years, and was still learning English. Other situations the only chance they have to speak English is at school because they primary language in home is Spanish. At my particular school the majority of the kids have that Spanish background, and that's why the examples I have are with that particular language.

 In my different experiences and research I have come up with a few Strategies
Some strategies that can be used are:
1. Having a consistent routine
2. Being able to track progress-Helping the students understand that they are learning. I know it can get frustrating learning a language, and not being able to understand. They need that encouragement, and they need to see what they have accomplished.
3. Picture Glossary- so students can put them both together
4. Being Repetitive-Having you say the word helps them understand how it should be, and then having them repeat it lets them work on saying the sounds, and doing it correctly.
5. Speaking Clear and Slow
6. Letting the students write the words- to help them recognize when they are reading a word
7. Reading the words- to understand pronunciation


In this particular module we have talked about the importance of putting ourselves in their spot. Its not easy to learn a new language, and they need that encouragement. Just like in the class room we have to know that each student has strengths and weakness. They are also unique in there learning style, and they want to learn it!

Blog Post #2

I have really enjoyed studying this module. I have loved learning how much progress we have made over the years. Its amazing how each step in history has given us the rights that we enjoy now. I know sometimes we don't think or even understand the sacrifices that were made to get us to the point where we are today. It was the Brown vs Board of Education that allowed all races and genders to go to school together. I am currently working in a Title One elementary school. Which means that the students come from a variety of different living situations with a lot, and very different cultural backgrounds. Because of the Brown vs. Board of Education we are allowed to have a variety of students learning together. Even with the Lau vs. Nichols says the students with follow a certain curriculum to make sure that they are learning what they need in each grade level. Each of these things have shaped the way education in run, and it is such a huge blessing we enjoy in the United States of America to the opportunity to attend public schools.
Sometimes if the students are having a hard time focusing in class they are sent down to the office to work on their work books. I have the opportunity to work in the office of an elementary school. So, a few days ago two little boys came into the office to work on some Math homework. They are both in first grade, and one of these little boys makes a few trips to the office. Now he is not a bad kid at all. In fact he is a good kid who is smart, but he struggles with the classroom structure which I believe a teacher plays a huge role in the structure of the classroom. We sent the boys to different locations in the office to help them focus on their math homework. I was able to help one of the little boys work through the problems. I noticed that he did know what to do, but also kids need things to be explained to them a few different ways. I needed to check his understanding, and help him understand why problems worked they way that they did. In this particular section of math we were working on added two numbers together to get a sum, and then changing the order of the first two number to get the same sum as the first problem. The important thing that I observed with him in the time we worked on homework. Children need the reassurance, and they need an opportunity to be heard. They need to know that they can succeed, and they need to be encouraged. As I continued to watch other teachers, an be familiar with classroom settings there are certain things to be done in groups, and have the children interact together. A common smaller group activity especially in lower grades such as kindergarten is they have different stations to help them focus on reading, math, arts, and even auditory learning. These group things gives kids the opportunity to learn from each other. It helps you as an observer or the teacher to know how kids learn, and how they work together socially.
A lot of preparation goes into each specific lesson. Teachers have to come up with their own lesson plans. Each Monday the students get out of school early, but the teachers have collaboration. Which allows them to meet together as a team to discuss the curriculum, and help the students succeed. The purpose of education is providing a children with a brighter future. It reminds me of a famous quote that  says "you can't know where you're going until you know where you've been." Education is just that to know how it has changed over the years, and those events have changed history. It is what allows teachers to do what they love, and children to learn.

What does it mean to be a good teacher? Blog Entry 1

Over the years I would always say I don't want to be "just" a teacher. For quite some time; to me, it seemed to be just a typical major. It took me a long time, and even some different life experiences to realize that I wanted to head down the path of becoming a teacher. As I have come to realize strengths that I have, and what I love to do there is no better place for me than to be in a classroom. A teacher will spend their day planning a lesson, and teaching a lesson specially for the needs of the students in the class. Being a teacher goes far beyond just those two things. As I have been able to spend time in a school setting a teacher is a motivator, leader, facilitator, behavior manager, supporter, encourager, and need to give praise. As I mentioned earlier one of the roles of a teacher, and this could possibly be a challenge is being able to adapt and specifically meet the needs of your students. From an early age children need to know that they can succeed, but we also need to recognize that each child is different. Which is how we want it to be. I have noticed that it applies a dynamic to a classroom setting as you watch children excel with learning in different ways. We have explored in this section three different types of learners which are: auditory, visual, and kinesthetic.
Auditory Learners - would rather listen to given information than read about it.
Visual Learners - learn the best by looking at something such as: graphs, pictures, charts, or even reading.
Kinesthetic Learners - Like the "hands on" experiences. For them an activity is more beneficial than sitting down for a discussion.
As a teacher we have the responsibility to apply each of these in are classrooms realizing that the students fall into different categories.  I work at a school with a decent percent of Spanish speaking families, and most of the children are bilingual. In a particular first grade class there is a little boy who only speaks Spanish. I have been blessed with the ability to know Spanish. The other day the teacher was going to be absent, and she let me know that because there was going to be a substitute the next day in class. Which means that this specific child would especially be out of their element, and if I would go make sure that he was doing OK. She explained to me that he is always a good kid, but because there is that language barrier I needed to make sure he was on task. I was able to visit with this little boy, and I noticed that he likes to look at picture books, and will start talking in Spanish as he is looking through them. Now what I observed is that even if this child is an auditory learner it makes it extremely difficult for him where he does not completely understand whats happening. Also, as he looks at picture books I can see his creative mind. For him in that specific situation he may not understand all the the words but he can visually see a picture, and want to come up with something on his own. In situations such as these often times there can be other issues such as distraction or board-em. Its important to understand the specific needs of EACH child, and what ways are going to help them succeed the most.

Last Letter Home

Good Morning Family,

 

Well I am sitting here in the Library writing my last email. Which still just blows my mind, and It still doesn't seem real. I am actually a little nervous about when it is going to hit me. So just be prepared next week I will probably be having a few emotional breakdowns. I have been pretty good at keeping it together so far, but maybe you should all pray extra hard for me this week. Just so I can make sure I soak in every last moment. Well it was so good to see all of you on Chirstmas!!! You all look so good, and that was the best Christmas present. Don't get me wrong the package was just as sweet. Well once again it was a Christmas that I will never forget. Monday night we had dinner with Beatriz Parra the cute lady you met on skype. Then after we ran over to some members home the Vallejo family because they were having a little get together. We took a couple pictures, and basically just wished them all a merry Christmas. Best Miracle ever Guadalupe ended up getting invited to go over to her house so she mad an appearance a little bit earlier that evening. So finally our investigator and the most perfect member fellowship met!! Then Christmas Morning we opened up our packages oh and it was pouring rain. Our ward mission leader came over first thing with some chocolates. Then we had a Christmas breakfast with the Boyd family, and the power went out but every thing was cooked so it was just was funny. We ended up playing a game with them some drawing game that was actually so much fun. Then we had a distinct meeting after we got to call home!! We actually ended up going on splits so that we could still go out and see people. Then we had a dinner at the Widens home. Once again so yummy, and then it was off to tract. Which really was just more Christmas Caroling with a brief testimony of who we were. Then we went over to see a former investigator who didn't have any family in town or do anything for Christmas so we got to have a Christmas lesson with her. Then it was home for planning. I think by that point the excitement of everything just kind of weared off. As we were sitting down for planning I was just super bugged because I was tying to make our plans, and not getting any help. Then after they weren't taking any initiative to write in the area book. Then I go into the room and couldn't find a jewelry bag that contains every piece of jewelry I have received on the mission whether it be for you or other people. Then I just lost it like I said all the pressure, and excitement just hit. So I totally had a little break down which now that i think about its kind of funny. After I walk into the bath room and I have mascara running down my face. I think sometimes I do just fine, and then the littlest thing will just sent it right off. Don't worry I did find my jewelry bag so that was good. Other than that this week I got to go on exchanges with Hermana Stout!!! Love that girl we were able to have quite the good conversation about our missions, and everything that has happened over the past 18 months. Then another thing my comp wasnt feeling well on Friday or Saturday of course with only having a little bit more time I cant afford to slow down. Plus that was my exchange, and I wasn't about to miss that. I had to make phone calls so that she could be watched by members. Then this morning Hermana Laney wasn't feeling good so she just slept. I think she is doing good now, but I am just going to keep praying that they feel good. Other than that I am just going to soak it all in this week. We are going to work our hardest so Guadalupe can be baptized this week. I am going to pray so hard!!! She totally can she just wants to see a baptism before she makes it a set thing. We have been trying to get her to a baptism for the past few weeks, and something always comes up. Which just shows how hard the adversary is working against her. She was at church yesterday, and she is so perfect. I would love it if she would be baptized this weekend so keep her in your prayers, and I guess all I can do is my best. Then I just have to let the lord do the rest, and be ok with whatever that may be. Well family this is going to be a crazy week. We do have quite a few dinner appts so I am going to be well taken care of. As well as a lot of see you laters. Well this has been quite the journey one full of suprises!! I wouldnt trade it for the world!!! I love you all so much. Have the best week!!! SEE YOU SOON!!!!!

XOXOX (in just a few days those will be real.)

Love Always, one of your favorite missionaries

Hermana Grimes.

Feliz Navidad!

MERRY CHIRSTMAS!!!

 

Good Morning to my favorite people ever!! To think that our christmas is being spread all over this year a piece in Utah, a piece in Seattle, and a Piece in Chile!!! Well fam to my suprise we were allowed to use the family history center to email home. Which totally stinks that they couldn't have told us that last week. Well this has been such an amazing week. Its crazy how fast it has gone. So Thursday night we go and check that mail, and in the mail box were my travel plans!!! Its officially right around the corner. Well family I know you are all enjoying a wonderful day in Park City!! Nice to know that the traditions haven't been broken. As far as plans we have we are being very well taken care of. Tonight we are having a dinner with a sweet lady named Beatriz who is from Columbia. She has lived her since March, and it is pretty much just her and her son so we got a invite to have dinner with them. She works on Sundays so she is less active, but we see her every week, and she is such a sweet heart. Then we also found out that a few families in our spanish group are having a get togther so we are making an apperance to that as well. We are going to try and get Beatriz to join in as well so she can get to know some more people. As of this moment its kind of up in the air. I am still not sure about tomorrow we are trying to get in all figured out, and its a bit more complicated than I would have liked. Just because we have been given some "rules" which I am taking more as guidelines, but don't worry I am just not 100% sure whats going on, but soon enough. I am so happy that Steven gets to skype home. Really the best part of Christmas is being able to call home, and this is his first phone call home!!! Well family I have a few things to fill you in on, but it will just be so much better in person. We got a challenge at the end of October to read the Book of Mormon as a mission before the end of the year. Yep we have a little reading schedule and everything. Anyway I was reading in Helaman about the signs that Samuel the Lamanite gave for the birth of chirst. I love Helaman Chapter 14 vs 3 where it explains that the sign will come the night before to give people the warning that the next day one of the greatest events would occur. I was thinking about that a lot, and how we are always given the signs even right before to let us know of the events, and amazing miracles that are to occur. I was thinking about the signs that we have now signs of Chirstmas such as the nativity, trees, stars, and everything else. How each represents something special. Then we have the signs of the restored gospel, and even more evidence of the love the god has for us, and the miracles he continues to work in each of our lives. So this Chirstmas Season you can recognize the "signs" in your life that let you feel of the love, and the miracles that we each have. Well family keep enjoying the Chirstmas Season, and know that I love you all so much!!! So I will talk to you TOMORROW!!!! Just know I love you all so much, and am so grateful for each one of you!!!  FELIZ NAVIDAD DE SEATTLE CON MUCHISIMO AMOR Hermana Grimes.

Another week in Federal Way

To the people I love the most,

 

I hope you all had the best week ever, and are enjoying the Christmas Season. I was thinking that you should all watch a its a wonderful life in behalf of me sometime this month just because its my favorite so someone needs to enjoy it for me. It sounds like Ron made it in town safe, and I am sure you all have tons of things planned. Well this week has been pretty dang good. We had our zone meeting this week which always stresses me out, but there are so many amazing things that we want to accomplish before the end of the year. I still have the added stress of having two new companions to the area who still don't know much of what is going on. So when it comes to planning at night I pretty much do it on my own. I am trying to just the best I know how, and not freak out to much because there really is no point. Of course like a normal part of missionary work you have to do sifting of people who really are prepared vs. the ones who aren't. Then we are always working on keeping up are teaching pool. We have been able to see a lot of miracles this week, and I just have to trust that things will work out how they are supposed to. Well first of all we got into see this lady Fanny who I might have mentioned before. Anyway the first time we met her we taught her the message of the Restoration. She said she had a desire to learn, but wasnt really doing anything about it. So we lost contact with her, and decided to spend our time focusing on other people. That was about a 2 months ago something well when stopped by her house this week to find alma and sent something up with her. Well Fanny wanted to set an appt up as well so we did. When we got into her house she basically just apologized for being so busy and distracted when we stopped by a few months ago to teach her. She has been reading in the book of mormon, and she really likes it. She was telling us how its like the bible. Funny how no matter how many times you say that to people you have to let them figure it out on there own. She has been reading, and marking it. I am hoping that we will be able to have more contact with her, and that she will progress. Then there is another girl named Noriko who has been investigating forever. I mean she has been through tons of missionaries had baptismal services set up, and something would always happen. Well a few weeks ago we have been getting contact with her and her husband. Her husband Mitchell is a member, but less active. I think she has a fear of becoming that way after she is baptized which makes sense. Anyway yesterday she came to church!!! I don't even know when the last she was at church, so that was pretty amazing. Then earlier this week we had a lesson with Luis. You know how I said he had plans to move out well I think those plans changed. Which breaks my heart, but I know one day he will be baptized. Then there is Serigo who loves church, but is getting a lot of family opposition. His family in Mexico is hard core catholic so he is afraid of that. Then he has adopted american parents who are against the church as well. He descibed it to us as just being pulled between us the angels and the adversary. He did come to the our Christmas Party on Saturday Night so that was good for him. Another thing that I also know was a huge hold up he family was going to come from mexico for Christmas, but he told us yesterday that they wont be making it. Which I felt really bad, but then again at the same time god works in mysterious ways. Then we also had an amazing lesson with a lady named Guadalupe who I am praying will progress, and be baptized in the next few weeks. She is such sweetheart, and we had such an amazing lesson with her. She also has a little 4 year old daughter who is disabled, and there is a Hermana in the group who also has a son has some mental disabilites. When I was telling Guadaulupe about this in the lesson her face just lite up. I talked to Hermana Maribel at the Christmas Party and she called Guadalupe, and they just had a really good connection. I am praying that everything works out. That is pretty much the main stuff of what is happening here, and really that is just a glimpse. As far as everything else this week Saturday we had the funeral in the Morning for Danielle's sister. Since Danielle called us when have been helping her put that together, and that was the first funeral I have ever been to. It just makes me really appreciate how much knowledge we have in the Gospel. The chapel was full of non-members so it was such a great moment for Danielle to step up, and want to put it together at our church. Its moments like that, that really allow you to realize the things that are the most important, and to just fall in love with everything. It also makes me grateful the plan of salvation so that we really can catch the eternal perspective doesnt mean its easy, but it gives it way more meaning.

Then Saturday night we had our ward Christmas Party with a dinner, program, and even santa came. Hermano Garcia comes up to me and says I know what your asking Santa for. I just said a hug from my family, but thats going to come a little late for Christmas this year. Then he says No... your going to ask for a boyfriend. We had quite a laugh joking about it. You got to love this time of year there is always so many fun things going on, and memories that will last forever. Well Family just know I love you all so much, and I couldnt be more grateful to have each of you in my life. I pray for you everyday!!! Have the Best Holiday Season. Love Always Hermana Grimes