Reflection #9: Immigration Education

06/26/13

         Today, people spoke about immigration and the way it impacts the children’s lives. I never knew that most of the illegal immigrants we have in our country are here because of their parents and technically grew up here because they immigrated when they were children. One lady spoke about that fact that, very serious situations drive people to move across the country.

         I asked the panel a question regarding how the much the U.S citizen lifestyle differs from a Mexico citizen lifestyle. A woman who was actually born in Mexico explained that even though undocumented people in the U.S don’t make much, and settle for less, they still make more then they would living in Mexico. The U.S has more support services for people who need things such as free lunch, health care, food, housing etc. and Mexico has little to none.

         This information on immigration and education will impact me in a way that will better myself as a teacher. I can help people even more than I ever expected. Today really supported my statement of building bonds with your students. If you have a student who’s family isn’t making much because companies are taking advantage of the fact that they are illegal and they began to cheat them out of their money, you can help them out in many ways. The stories of undocumented people are more serious then I thought they were and it will seriously make my job more challenging but will help people’s lives. 

Mary McLeod Bethune

Mary McLeod Bethune was an American educator and civil rights leader best known for starting a school for African-American students in Daytona Beach, Florida. 

Animal Tracks Activity

Teaching 4 and 5-year-old students at F.L Schlagle Library about animal tracks and why it is important to know about them. 

Jean Piaget's Theory of Cognitive Development

This is a presentation we created to teach the class over Jean Piaget and his stages of cognitive development. We stressed the importance of understanding cognitive development theory in education. 

Reflection #8: The Issue of Race

06/25/13

         As a teacher, it is important to address the issue of race with your students, administrators and colleagues.

         Racism is still a problem in today’s society. Many children are raised into having a racist mentality therefore; there are a lot of different views about racism. In schools, it is necessary to have open discussions and teach about racism. In my point of view it’s ridiculous to know that some teachers can’t even express their views about racism to their students, colleagues and or administrators without feeling that they are risking their jobs.

         It’s a difference between talking about racism as a problem in society and trying to get the children to see every point of view than bashing other races and cultures and making it personal, feeding negative things into the children’s minds.

Reflection #7: Teaching Experience

06/20/13

         Today my group and myself went to McDaniel School to observe and we observed children suffering with disabilities. It was pretty depressing. It was a good experience but it hurt to know that the children were suffering so much and some of them are going to respond the same for the rest of their lives. I don’t think I could teach a whole class of disabled students. I’m sure if I had the proper training then possibly, but honestly that changed my whole outlook. I was never a student to talk bad about disabled people or hurt their feelings, in fact I was to boost them up and or give them what we call “Poker Chips” which are basically giving the child “Cool Points” making them feel better about themselves and the situation. It’s pretty much a self-esteem booster and the method is highly effective.

         The positive reinforcement that they used was letting the children know they did a wonderful job- even it was something little. They made the children pick up after themselves and if they didn’t obey (I noticed in the preschool), they had a timeout chair that they students had to sit in for one minute.

         The negative reinforcement I noticed was when one of the teachers were reading a book to the class during snack time and one of the little boys kept asking for more and more snacks. She told him that he needed to cut it out. It wasn’t necessarily a bad method, but it was the way she did it. I believe she could have handled it a little nicer instead of being so mean with it.