Of the four models discussed in class, what fits you best and why? Share any experiences teaching or observing in any classrooms with these models.

The Montessori approach definitely fits me best. I grew up in a Montessori school, so I am very familiar with the method. My mom is also a Montessori teacher, so I have had a lot of experience watching her in her classroom. I also worked at a Montessori summer camp for the past two summers and we incorporated many of her ideas into the camp. I love how the children learn to become so independent and can learn practical life activities. The Montessori method is very hands on and the materials are great for the children to learn from because they are self-correcting, which promotes problem solving skills and higher-level thinking. I like the idea that the teacher is there only to direct the children, not to tell them what to do and how to do it. The students have a lot of freedom in the classroom and can choose their work, which is wonderful and creates a sense of self for the students. The students are very neat and organized and know the rules of the classroom so that no one is disruptive or rude during class time, for the most part. I love Montessori classrooms because they are so neat, organized and the students roam around independently with a purpose. The classrooms are usually very quiet and orderly so that the students can concentrate on their work and spend as much time as they need to on any task. The Montessori method would definitely be something I would consider teaching in the future.

Montessori

Montessori developed her educational program for children with needs similar to those of many in the United States today. Predict whether you think that her program would work for U.S. children living in poverty with little adult supervision. Accompany your prediction with the reasons supporting your opinion.

I definitely think that her program would be beneficial to the children in poverty in the U.S. today. The Montessori program is designed for students to learn how to be independent and take care of themselves. Children in poverty today would definitely learn a lot from the program and benefit from it. They learn everyday practical life activities such as zipping, buttoning, pouring water, washing dishes, etc. When children in poverty are at home alone with no adult supervision, they should be able to know how to take care of themselves, dress themselves and feed themselves. Montessori students learn to be independent and even enjoy taking responsibility. Children in poverty today do not even have opportunities for their parents to teach them how to take care of themselves so I feel that a Montessori program would be great for the children in poverty in the U.S. today. The students also learn by using hands-on materials, which makes school more enjoyable and fun to go to. The students would look forward to going to school, learn academically and learn how to take care of themselves.

Journal 10.1

Question: When you read the description of the 'future' kindergarten teacher, what qualities do you have that match the ones described? What might you do to continue to develop other characteristics or qualities of a kindergarten teacher as described by Pam?

Pam described the important qualities of a kindergarten teacher. She said the teacher is ultimately responsible for the learning activities in the classroom. She looks for teachers who genuinely enjoy children and have the flexibility to work with parents and volunteers. I definitely qualify for this because I love being around children and helping them learn about the world around them. I am always willing to collaborate with others and I would be more than willing to accept the help of parents and specialists in my classroom. Pam also looks for someone with the ability to explain a personal philosophy of kindergarten and kindergarten curriculum. I have a general idea of my educational philosophy but I am definitely still developing one. I need to learn more about different philosophies and ideas and gain more experience in the classroom in order to help me to develop my own educational philosophy. I am looking forward to continuing my education and gaining more experience so that I will be able to articulate my own philosophy of education in the future!

This week I observed a second grade class. It was my first time in a second grade classroom and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The classroom was set up with desks facing the smartboard at the front of the room. The students had assigned seating. First thing in the morning the teacher went around the classroom to each child and asked them if they were "thumbs up" or "thumbs down" today. Each child had interesting reasons to why they were in a good mood or a bad mood that day. I thought this morning activity was very good because it gives each child the opportunity to participate and share a little about themselves. It helps everyone to get to know each other. The students switched to their RBI classes first thing in the morning. My classroom teacher had to teach math to the students who were not advanced. They learned about pattern making and used manipulatives to create their own repeating pattern and growing pattern. After math, a new group of students came into the classroom for language. This took most of the time that I was there. The students reviewed vocabulary they had learned that week and reviewed a book that they had been reading all week. Then the students took a test on that book. The teacher said that most students did not pass the test and they rarely ever do. Her class has students who are slower than average in language. Overall, the day was informative and interesting to observe. I learned a lot about teaching and I am very excited to get to know the students in the classroom and teach them lessons of my own.