As many of you have already stated that it is a great relief to know that we do not have to know everything about Language Arts or being a teacher before we actually enter a classroom. I think one of the best qualities I can learn as a future teacher is that my learning will never be finished. Right now I look forward to being educated in my classroom by my future students. AFter I have been teaching for a few years I may not feel the same way. The great thing about continuely learning how to do your job better makes it more interesting and keeps a person as relevant as they can be to the students.
Christenbury points something out that I know is very practical for middle school aged students with literature. The 3 things that she describes that literature is good for students is very important. It is important if we want students to develop voice and opinions and to be creative we have to allow students to escape in the reading of literature, find themselves, and live vicariously other lives to help develop their imigination and thought process. I know many people understand when you find a good book or story and you can jump into and just get lost, it puts you in another world, that is a great opportunity we can provide for our students with literature.
Lastly, I thought Chrstenbury's point on using theatre/drama in the classroom is a great way to get students involved and moving around. Middle School Language Art majors have to take a theatre class and if anyone knows me I would not choose to take a theatre class if my life depended on it. So since I was forced to take it I've come to understand that it is a great way to in away develop the story so students can see it and maybe make more connections to it.
That's all I have.
3 comments:
Isn't it funny that secondary isn't required to take that class?
I agree- we are always learning. In fact, in just one week at my field experience, I feel like I have learned more than i could have in the books. The kids are so diverse and the only thing that will really teach us how to deal with them comes from experience, not always a book.
Your right on. I also agree with Stacy. What we bring to the table is our experience, though, and maybe this is what impacts our students more than anything. We have enough experience to validate our teaching methods. Let that be our confidence to help them find their voice and lose themselves in their learning environment.
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