Blog # 2

Chapter 7 / New Possibilities for Early Childhood Education

"I suddenly froze in seat, the teacher was walking up to the front of the room holding the leftover pieces of my blue ashtray. She sternly announced, one person did not make her ashtray as instructed, and it blew up in the kiln. I thought of my fifth-grade teacher who had taught me more than ceramics. I remembered the feelings of shame and inadequacy. I felt misunderstood, defeated, or rejected as a student.” (Bernheimer)

While reading this chapter I remember feeling insecure with myself too, while being in the 6^th grade. I’m not going to go into details but here’s something to think about. What if I didn’t go through this experience? Would I be the person I am today? Or the teacher I am today? I feel that we need to go through bad encounter in our lives to be the person we are today. I can tell you this but, as a teacher I will never put any of my student through what I went through. I will be understanding and take the time to explain my instructions to them.

As a teacher we need to reconsider our priorities, think about our students first, making a difference in their world, and giving their assignments for a greater meaning. Reading this chapter was interesting, this gives me something to think about while being a teacher.

Rethinking Early Childhood Education

“Child care – is an umbrella that overarches licensed and unlicensed family childcare homes, childcare centers, and a plethora of informal arrangements among family members.” Is it enough for our child before going into elementary school? “NO!” Early childhood education is the foundation to a child learning education. How can we change the discussion about the purpose of early education?

Blog # 1

Saturday, January 23, 2010

While reading some of the quotes, it made me realize one of the reasons why I want to become a teacher. I want to teach my students to have their own thoughts and expression. I also want them to be able to question everything.

As teachers we need to create a learning environment were our students and ourselves feel comfortable. We also need to be flexible in our teaching method, and have the confidents to teach it. As teachers we need to show our students that it’s all right to be themselves, there’s no right way to be yourself, just don’t break any laws ;-D!

In the last year I’ve had the opportunity to work with students with special needs. I realize while working with them, I questioned myself a lot. I wasn’t sure what is the best way to teach them, their behaviors was very challenging to me, everyday was different. The more time I spent with them, the more questions I have. I can say this, I have learned one thing that is important to have while working with these students is “Patience!”

Aloha

Aloha Everyone!

I hope everyone had an awesome holiday break. May 2010 bring you all lots of Peace & Happiness!

Mr. Gary