So Simply Katie

This week in the classrooms I payed close attention to one small boy that came to class in a teeny little wheelchair and a medical mask. He made me think of the IDEA, that is the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. I am so proud to be going into this wonderful profession where every child is treated equally. I of course am not allowed to ask what this little boy struggles with but it brings me joy and pride to see him in the class room being taught as he deserves. I don't know if he has an IEP but if he does it's so great that he is able to do school at his own pace and learn in his own ways. The IDEA gives this child the chance to feel like he is part of the class and not separated in any way.

    This week I have been focusing on engaged learning in the classrooms. I have had the opportunity to watch the teachers engage with the children and truly get them involved on a meaningful level. One of the things I saw was the use of a program that breaks the kids up into groups and gives them each a job. This program is called Kaegan. Each student takes turn doing each job within each group. I loved how it gave the kids responsibilities and a part to play in coming up with the answers.    Another thing I saw was a teacher asking one child from each group to get white boards, another child to get markers, and another student to get erasers. Then they worked as a group to come up with the final answer to a math problem, then one student at a time would raise their boards to show their answers. This got the kids involved in getting supplies out and again using separate roles to accomplish answers as a group.   The last example of engaged learning I saw that ...

    I am absolutely loving my service learning hours. One of the things I noticed today in class was a great way to make children feel loved and safe. This teacher that I was with today has a rule in her classroom that when students first walk into the classroom for the day they have to greet their teacher. I noticed that each of the children greeted her in a different way. Some of the children hugged the teacher, some of them gave her a high five, and then others shook her hand. This provided a way for them to make an emotional connection with her in a way they are comfortable with. I will definitely be remembering that tip for the future.     Today I watched as a teacher taught a somewhat difficult and new math concept to her class. Not only did she teach and give examples but she also paid close attention to the students as they were catching on to this concept. She made sure to make small comments and individually name the students who she saw making an effort. ...

   I did it! I survived my first day of Service Learning hours. It was such a cool experience. I worked in three different classes from 3 different grades. First I worked on Language Arts with 2nd graders. We did group work called Kagan. I was really impressed by how the Kagan group work flowed so smoothly and it kept the kids engaged and learning. Each student had a role to play and the other students in the group helped to coach each other through their roles. I would love to use Kagan in my future classroom. Next I did math with 4th graders. They are doing Eureka math, this was my first exposure to Eureka math as well. It seemed to be a very hands on and visual style of learning math. Last I worked on math with kindergartners. They were so cute and little. The younger age definitely needed a little more help in keeping their attention on the teacher but I could tell how their little brains are like sponges. They soaked up the math and then turned to each other to help their...

  I hope everyone had a great holiday weekend. I spent the weekend relaxing with my kids. I didn't get around to working on homework very much so now I get to play catch up a bit! Along with catching up I get to start my Service Learning hours tomorrow! Yay!! I will be starting with a 2nd grade group doing Language Arts. I can't even tell you how excited I am. I have been soaking up the lessons in my intro to elementary education class like crazy. I was very moved by a video I saw about a teacher in New Hampshire that starts every day with a class meeting. During the class meeting the students and the teacher check in emotionally with how they feel and something they are currently excited for. The impact this will have on the students is huge! I can't wait to be a part of that and to help children feel like part of a community and feel validated. I will check back in soon and let you know how my first few days on campus go!

I just got great news! I get to do service learning hours for one of my classes this semester and I get to do it at Lakeview Academy in Saratoga Springs. I love this school so much. Not only do my kids attend this school but it's also the school where I briefly taught music. It's a small public charter school and it actually goes through 9th grade, although I will be staying in the elementary classes for my service learning hours. Service Learning hours are a great tool for students like me to gain some in class experience. I will get to spend a few hours a week in different classes where they need some extra hands. I will be doing things like reading to the class, working one on one with students, running centers, grading papers, playing games, and helping with prep work. Lakeview is in an area where the homes are diverse, but the majority are single family homes where the income is in the upper middle class. I am excited to get to the school tomorrow and speak with a few teac...