Class Activities (2/25)

I really liked how we started class today. We were talking about the different "colors" people fit into. The reflective process of meeting with all the other same "colors"in the classroom was a valuable experience in my opinion. It was fun to see the different classifications that fit you or maybe you did not think that you fit into. Seeing how the different personalities fit into the different categories was an interesting to see as well.

I also enjoyed the "Write-Around" activity. I often times is that introverted student that sometimes does not express their opinion in front of the whole class. This was an activity that allowed one to express their opinion without having to express with words. Their is something to be said about the importance of writing as a form of communication and this was just another activity to help strengthen writing skills. This was just a very cool way to get dialogue started in the classroom.

Lastly, the character profile was an activity that was fun to have the opportunity to look into a character in more depth and form inferences into their motives throughout the text. I came to identify pretty closely with how Garvey is portrayed so far in the text. He is a guy that stays even-keeled and is honest but hopeful with Cole. This activity allowed me to make those connections!

Class Activities (2/11)

I really enjoyed the Writing Carousel on the Posters that were posted on the walls of the room with different thoughtful prompts that lead to discussion amongst the 3-4 group members. I liked this activity because it lead to discussion between a small group although we were reflecting on what other classmates had previously written as well. I also enjoyed this activity because we were moving around. I am a kinesthetic learner and love to be up and moving and I truly do believe in this helping my brain function. I do not enjoy sitting in the same spot as my mind wonders as it is not being stimulated enough.

Clock buddies also was an idea that I was introduced to today. This is a management tool that can be used to pick partners. I think it is effective because it gets students working with a number of different students throughout the classroom and it is just a quick and easy strategy to find your (2:00) partner for example. Students do not have to waste time finding and deciding who they do or don't want to work with on that particular day.

Lastly I thought the Plagiarism Free Summary was an effective strategy to work on paraphrasing and picking out main ideas. This seems to be one of the hardest concepts to grasp for learners so what better way to get better at something then practice it. 

Suicide Prevention Presentation (2/4)

This presentation focused on the controllable. What we can do as bystanders to recognize when a friend is in need or in a place in life that needs intervention. Recognizing these signs can be crucial in saving lives. A goal that everyone should take very seriously. The presentation also focused on resources we have available to us as college students when we need help or a friend needs help. I think this was helpful just to be aware of what is out there when help is needed as not only a student right now, but as a future teacher as well.

As a future teacher, as we are working with kids every single day of our lives, I think this presentation will be crucial for our professional development. It was very informative and knowing what action to take and what to look for in a person that may be struggling internally will serve a purpose down the road.