Across America many schools have already began their transition to “green schools” and my school seems to be the caboose of the train. The school is an old building and we haven’t really had many changes to eco-friendlier things except for auto air conditioning. A lot may have to do with the fact that many researchers haven’t found much savings in green schools compared to schools that haven’t changed much of their school. Recent studies show there are no significant amounts of savings when a school is built or turned into a more green-friendly school.
Another topic that is in relation to money and schools has to do with teachers’ cost of living and the importance to it. In different areas of the U.S. have a high paying rate for teachers and other areas have low paying rate. But the cost of living needs to be taken into account when you consider if a teacher’s pay rate is actually high or low compared to what their cost of living is in a particular area. A teacher can be in one of the highest paying districts but can also be in one of the highly cost of living areas. So does that teacher actually make more than the national average? What about the teacher getting paid below the national average in an area where the cost of living is below the national average? Therefore, cost of living is definitely a key factor in how a teacher can survive based on their pay. This is true for many including myself.
This leads me into the topic of government funding and the students that are affected. Government funds were given to schools for every pupil that the schools brought in after Katrina dislocated many of them. Many schools were trying to buy in parents so they would place their child in their school. Some of the same things still continue and can be seen in other schools districts in the U.S. My school is a Title I school which consists of 85% or more students that are from low income households, and qualify for free or reduced lunch. Federal funding is then poured into the school to ensure the school has enough resources that the students may need. It also allows for teachers to receive additional professional growth and experience. Other students that could fall under the same category are children of migrant workers. These students often come from low-income families and face many of the same struggles of other non-migrant working children. Many students that are migrant workers are working so much that school is put second after work. Many of the students in my school are not working on fields but they are taking on roles of adults at an early age. Students are taking care of their younger siblings, cooking, and sometimes even caring for themselves for many reasons. This too is an issue that should be taken into great examination by educators, politicians, and communities. The reason is because students are not focusing on school because of their responsibilities at such a young age.
So I close my blog by saying that even though not all situations are going on my school, I certainly feel more prepared to encounter them in case they ever arise.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Multiculturalism in the Classroom
Over the years many immigrants legal or not have been protesting the laws or acts that have been brought upon them. There have been many supporters and many against them but the rallies have continued. This has been a concern for many regardless of which side they are supporting. I believe it has gotten even more extreme with the most recent protests and laws that have been waiting to be passed to control the expansion of more immigrants. It is an issue for every Amercican citizen that should be viewed by both sides. I hope that eventually there will be some kind of "reform" that will have both sides satisfied for the sanity of all.
This leads to my thoughts on how diverse my classes have gotten based on my beginning experience in teaching and in the locations I have taught. Diverse is the perfect definition for the school I am currently expanding my teaching experience. The school and district have a wide diverse population. I believe that the district and school do their best to accommadate, understand, and respect all the diverse cultures. In my classroom I have worked with students in learning about other cultures and sharing their own. As a school we work on having cultural fairs and learning about the cultures that make up our school. One of the poilicies and basic rules the school and classrooms have is that we shall respect one another including culture.
A lot of time students don't understand other students and why they do certain things, or have a different religion or belief, or even why they dress a certain way due to culture. If school is there only exposure and their only way to clearly understand other cultures then the school and educators have the resonsibility to expand the knowledge. This not only lets the students find similarities in other cultures but it builds the respect for other cultures as well.
Just like cosmopolis and ethnic loyalists beliefs, my school shows a little of both. While there is a cosmopolis atmosphere in the school in which we are a community (nation) and we all belong to it. But the school also believes in the individual ethnicity that creates the cosmopolis atmosphere. It is almost like one cannot be without the other. I believe this makes our school unique and brings a positive setting for all.
Teaching in this kind of diverse setting has not only expanded my knowledge on multiculturalism but it has also opened my mind to how students can come together and learn to respect each other. A lot of times culture can become a barrier for learning, teaching, and even speaking, but when we learn to view everyone equally more can be accomplished.
This leads to my thoughts on how diverse my classes have gotten based on my beginning experience in teaching and in the locations I have taught. Diverse is the perfect definition for the school I am currently expanding my teaching experience. The school and district have a wide diverse population. I believe that the district and school do their best to accommadate, understand, and respect all the diverse cultures. In my classroom I have worked with students in learning about other cultures and sharing their own. As a school we work on having cultural fairs and learning about the cultures that make up our school. One of the poilicies and basic rules the school and classrooms have is that we shall respect one another including culture.
A lot of time students don't understand other students and why they do certain things, or have a different religion or belief, or even why they dress a certain way due to culture. If school is there only exposure and their only way to clearly understand other cultures then the school and educators have the resonsibility to expand the knowledge. This not only lets the students find similarities in other cultures but it builds the respect for other cultures as well.
Just like cosmopolis and ethnic loyalists beliefs, my school shows a little of both. While there is a cosmopolis atmosphere in the school in which we are a community (nation) and we all belong to it. But the school also believes in the individual ethnicity that creates the cosmopolis atmosphere. It is almost like one cannot be without the other. I believe this makes our school unique and brings a positive setting for all.
Teaching in this kind of diverse setting has not only expanded my knowledge on multiculturalism but it has also opened my mind to how students can come together and learn to respect each other. A lot of times culture can become a barrier for learning, teaching, and even speaking, but when we learn to view everyone equally more can be accomplished.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
"Multi-Cultural" Views
Everyone has their "culture" and has their own point of views about other cultures. America and its schools have become so diverse with different cultures, beliefs, and etc. The issue is that many people are not wanting to take the time to learn about other cultures and respect them. Many people are afraid of the "unknown" and that puts fear into them that leads to wide, confused, and closed minded views of other cultures. But there are also the people that believe their culture is superior to others and this too creates the clash of cultures in America.
I am aware that America is the LAND OF THE FREE and our Constitution allows us the freedom of speech and to choose whatever we would like to believe. But what happened to equality and respect. It all goes back to why can't we just get along. Or what about "you don't have to like me but you should respect me". It is scary to think that America and its schools can not unite and celebrate all cultures.Or is that asking for too much? Should schools just learn to respect other cultures but not even think about embracing them? Or are we embracing on culture more than the other?
I don't know if there is one correct answer because everyone is going to have their point of view. Therefore, as educators we should find a balance in the classroom and learn about all cultures and compare and contrast them to our own. This allows students to embrace their culture and view similarities in others. Also in history an educator can balance different views of a certian era like the Civil War by discussing all the views of each culture it affected.
In my second year of teaching I have really noticed the students value their culture to the highest point and do embrace somewhta of other students' culture. There are still a lot of misconceptions and stereotypes, but that is where I fall under to ensure that stops or never begins. In a diverse school where about half of the school is ELL or have been an ELL student it is very important to expose the students other cultures.
I believe that the more you know about a person's culture you learn to respect them more, and find similarities in each others' cultures. In the end we are all human beings and that alone is one similarity like it or not that we all have.
I am aware that America is the LAND OF THE FREE and our Constitution allows us the freedom of speech and to choose whatever we would like to believe. But what happened to equality and respect. It all goes back to why can't we just get along. Or what about "you don't have to like me but you should respect me". It is scary to think that America and its schools can not unite and celebrate all cultures.Or is that asking for too much? Should schools just learn to respect other cultures but not even think about embracing them? Or are we embracing on culture more than the other?
I don't know if there is one correct answer because everyone is going to have their point of view. Therefore, as educators we should find a balance in the classroom and learn about all cultures and compare and contrast them to our own. This allows students to embrace their culture and view similarities in others. Also in history an educator can balance different views of a certian era like the Civil War by discussing all the views of each culture it affected.
In my second year of teaching I have really noticed the students value their culture to the highest point and do embrace somewhta of other students' culture. There are still a lot of misconceptions and stereotypes, but that is where I fall under to ensure that stops or never begins. In a diverse school where about half of the school is ELL or have been an ELL student it is very important to expose the students other cultures.
I believe that the more you know about a person's culture you learn to respect them more, and find similarities in each others' cultures. In the end we are all human beings and that alone is one similarity like it or not that we all have.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Grammar
As an educator I have never thought about what Standard English really means. I had always been under the impression that it was what the majority of society was using when they spoke English. It is what society has chosen as certain linguistic rules that many different groups of people define themselves. Many linguistic specialists do not have a set definition due to different social classes and views on the English language. Therefore, I believe it’s not so much important the definition of Standard English but the how it is used and taught.
Many people believe that it all depends on where and what kind of social class one belongs to, or the one chooses to associate themselves with that defines their Standard English. Grammar on the other hand is viewed as essential to the human mind. It doesn’t separate social classes. It is more of an assessment to communicate with the rest of the world in a correct and common way.
I personally believe that Grammar is a center piece of every ESL/ELL teacher’s classroom. As educators we are constantly taking vital steps in helping the ELL student to become a fluent speaker of the English language. A lot of the steps include teaching the Grammar that the state or school system has chosen as part of the curriculum. I believe in preparing the students in speaking, writing, and reading grammar the correct way prepares them for usage in the future. Of course it is up to the educator to decide how an ELL student needs to be taught grammar.
One of the first things I do is have the student tested to see what level of English proficiency they are on, and then build my lessons around that information. I usually don’t grade on correct grammar usage as long as they are in the beginning levels of English proficiency. Modeling and full immersion is a method that I have used and seen progress with some students. The interactions between the teacher and students really expose the ELL student to the correct grammar usage because they must work to make their words comprehendible. There are many ways I go about teaching grammar but this seems to be my favorite method.
Many people believe that it all depends on where and what kind of social class one belongs to, or the one chooses to associate themselves with that defines their Standard English. Grammar on the other hand is viewed as essential to the human mind. It doesn’t separate social classes. It is more of an assessment to communicate with the rest of the world in a correct and common way.
I personally believe that Grammar is a center piece of every ESL/ELL teacher’s classroom. As educators we are constantly taking vital steps in helping the ELL student to become a fluent speaker of the English language. A lot of the steps include teaching the Grammar that the state or school system has chosen as part of the curriculum. I believe in preparing the students in speaking, writing, and reading grammar the correct way prepares them for usage in the future. Of course it is up to the educator to decide how an ELL student needs to be taught grammar.
One of the first things I do is have the student tested to see what level of English proficiency they are on, and then build my lessons around that information. I usually don’t grade on correct grammar usage as long as they are in the beginning levels of English proficiency. Modeling and full immersion is a method that I have used and seen progress with some students. The interactions between the teacher and students really expose the ELL student to the correct grammar usage because they must work to make their words comprehendible. There are many ways I go about teaching grammar but this seems to be my favorite method.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
YOED 6020
This is the second graduate course I have taken and have already been filled with such great knowledge on teaching second language learners. The new strategies and methods all seem so useful in their own way and can not wait to be able to implement them in my instruction. A few of the methods that really would work for my students are the CALLA, SIOP, Choral Reading, Cloze Procedure, and creating an informational brochure. They all offer great strategies and some offer assessments.
For the new teacher or student embarking on the challenging but rewarding journey to teaching ESL students I offer you advice. The main thing is try not to be the "Super Teacher" who wants to implement everything into everything your ESL students do. Not only will you overwhelm yourself but your students will feel the same. It so easy to get excited and want to use all the knowledge you are learning but stop and remain calm. Embrace the experience of working with this special group of students (second languae learners). You will not only teach but you too will become a learner and find you abilities in teaching to another level you have never known before.
The information I have learned in YOED 6020 will be used as a resource for future classes and for my personal use in my instruction and planning. There is so much information that it would be impossible to remember therefore I plan on keeping a portfolio of my work. I have several already but not a teaching ESL one. I truly find what I have learned in this class useful and can not wait to use the strategies and methods in my class.
Gracias Dr. Craig
For the new teacher or student embarking on the challenging but rewarding journey to teaching ESL students I offer you advice. The main thing is try not to be the "Super Teacher" who wants to implement everything into everything your ESL students do. Not only will you overwhelm yourself but your students will feel the same. It so easy to get excited and want to use all the knowledge you are learning but stop and remain calm. Embrace the experience of working with this special group of students (second languae learners). You will not only teach but you too will become a learner and find you abilities in teaching to another level you have never known before.
The information I have learned in YOED 6020 will be used as a resource for future classes and for my personal use in my instruction and planning. There is so much information that it would be impossible to remember therefore I plan on keeping a portfolio of my work. I have several already but not a teaching ESL one. I truly find what I have learned in this class useful and can not wait to use the strategies and methods in my class.
Gracias Dr. Craig
Monday, June 28, 2010
Reading Instruction and the ESL Student
Teaching Reading has always been for me the most challenging. The preparation for differentiated instruction for regular and ESL students can be very stressful. That's why I was so blessed to have such great support from my literacy coach. She was always giving me advice on how to choose certain reading materials for my instruction. When I would plan my reading lessons I would take certain factors into consideration like: reading level, subject matter, purpose of reading (fluency, comprehension, vocabulary, etc.), and high interest for my students. These are just a few factors I would take into consideration for Reading insturction.
I feel that as teachers, yes we need to focus on what the student needs help or more practice on, but we need to keep them interested and ensure it is on their reading level. Sometimes I would get so excited on what I believed they would enjoy and sometimes they did enjoy but at times they didn't. Therefore, I returned to their reading interest inventory I had them fill out and started from there. After long planning and practice I was able to fill more comfortable with selecting and evaluating reading instruction materials.
I am a firm believer that Reading is the foundation to learning. Therefore, I am constantly promoting literacy in all my students especially my ESL students. I feel that sometimes ESL students don't have the support at home for reading so the students are only reading at school or when I assign it. There may be many reasons for why there isn't much literacy in a students environment, but I try to share new books, have them pick out items for me to order from a book order, or make continous trips to the school library to ensure they stay motivated to read. I also allow students to make an oral book report to the class so that others students feel the "trend" of reading.
A lot of times I don't even have to promote reading because my bookworms are always discussing their readings that the other studnets want to do the same. But I beleive that there are many different ways to promote literacy and a lot will have to do with the types of ESL students you have. But simple promotions like reading books yourself or book fairs at the school are always a great starting place.
I feel that as teachers, yes we need to focus on what the student needs help or more practice on, but we need to keep them interested and ensure it is on their reading level. Sometimes I would get so excited on what I believed they would enjoy and sometimes they did enjoy but at times they didn't. Therefore, I returned to their reading interest inventory I had them fill out and started from there. After long planning and practice I was able to fill more comfortable with selecting and evaluating reading instruction materials.
I am a firm believer that Reading is the foundation to learning. Therefore, I am constantly promoting literacy in all my students especially my ESL students. I feel that sometimes ESL students don't have the support at home for reading so the students are only reading at school or when I assign it. There may be many reasons for why there isn't much literacy in a students environment, but I try to share new books, have them pick out items for me to order from a book order, or make continous trips to the school library to ensure they stay motivated to read. I also allow students to make an oral book report to the class so that others students feel the "trend" of reading.
A lot of times I don't even have to promote reading because my bookworms are always discussing their readings that the other studnets want to do the same. But I beleive that there are many different ways to promote literacy and a lot will have to do with the types of ESL students you have. But simple promotions like reading books yourself or book fairs at the school are always a great starting place.
Monday, June 14, 2010
Teaching ESL
As a young girl I knew I always had a special interest in teaching others. I was always the sibling that everyone knew they could approach and ask for help with their homework. My parents were both from Mexico and knew a little bit of English, therefore I was the home teacher.
Whether it was helping my siblings with their homework or teaching my parents English, I feel like I was destined to teach all different kinds of students. This of course would include teaching ESL students.
My own personal experience as an ESL student truly helps me with teaching English and I am constantly searching for new innovative ways to teach it. As a teacher I know the importance of learning the foundations of any subject. That is the same approach I take with teaching English. I put myself in the students' positions and connect with them to ease their new journey into a new language and culture.
Teaching English is like a work of art because one begins with one view in their mind, but it changes as one continues working on the artwork. I believe teaching English is the same because we all start out with a plan and continously adjust and modify to the students we receive. It is a beautiful masterpiece once we see the final artwork, which is seeing our ESL students become fluent with their new L2. The process is a challenge and can seem endless at times, but eventually all the hard work and hours put in are rewarded.
All the research, old and new methods, and strategies are our supplies (resources) we all need to be successful in teaching English. All students learn differently therefore we all know that not all methods or strategies will work for every student. With new learners comes new ways of teaching English, thus it is important to maintain an open mind on how to teach English.
So as cliche' as I may sound, I truly believe teaching is the the most rewarding career, and teaching English just adds the cherry on top!
Whether it was helping my siblings with their homework or teaching my parents English, I feel like I was destined to teach all different kinds of students. This of course would include teaching ESL students.
My own personal experience as an ESL student truly helps me with teaching English and I am constantly searching for new innovative ways to teach it. As a teacher I know the importance of learning the foundations of any subject. That is the same approach I take with teaching English. I put myself in the students' positions and connect with them to ease their new journey into a new language and culture.
Teaching English is like a work of art because one begins with one view in their mind, but it changes as one continues working on the artwork. I believe teaching English is the same because we all start out with a plan and continously adjust and modify to the students we receive. It is a beautiful masterpiece once we see the final artwork, which is seeing our ESL students become fluent with their new L2. The process is a challenge and can seem endless at times, but eventually all the hard work and hours put in are rewarded.
All the research, old and new methods, and strategies are our supplies (resources) we all need to be successful in teaching English. All students learn differently therefore we all know that not all methods or strategies will work for every student. With new learners comes new ways of teaching English, thus it is important to maintain an open mind on how to teach English.
So as cliche' as I may sound, I truly believe teaching is the the most rewarding career, and teaching English just adds the cherry on top!
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