round #2 of culture...I thought that the three other presentations that went today were all very interesting and good. I think it is so interesting how everyone has chosen a different topic so far and have introduced the class to new ideas that we may not have thought of before. The first example being when one was talking about the outdoor education program. I had never heard of this before and thought it sounded like a really neat program that could help kids to learn a lot about themselves as well as what is really needed to live. I thought some of the observations made about the girls who would not want to go just because they would not be allowed to take their phone and hair dryers with them was a little extreme. I could relate to their thoughts though because when I went to London last summer for a softball trip I was not aware at first that I would not be able to use my phone or any of the electronics that I normally use to get ready in the mornings. However, once I found this out I was not going to let it stop me from going on this once in a lifetime trip just because I was not going to be able to call anyone or do my hair in the way that I would have liked. I find it amazing that these girls relied on this items that much to stop them from going camping for a week. I also think this shows that the times have changed becuase I know when I was at that age I was not overly worried about what my appearance was like, and even the most popular girls would not have been overly worried because that just wasnt thought of in the same way that it is now. I also thought that the presentation about the bd classroom was especially interesting since I have not been overly exposed to that kind of class and ways of acting. I always knew that there were kids who acted in a different way than some but I never really thought of how behavior and such would really affect the classroom as much as it did from what I had heard. I thought it was neat how much time and effort the teacher had gone to to try and find some kind of behavioral system that worked for that class and more specifically those kids who were in there and really needed to have that more individualized attention. I liked the plan of having the links the best especially since it seemed as though that was also the idea that the students responded the best to. However, knowing that they were not as concerned to lose them, I think is where the biggest problem came in. I have also learned through my psych classes that the best kinds of reinforcement are those which come right after a good or bad behavior because it is immedate. I think with these kids if there is something that is done how it is supposed to be done and is worthy of a reward then it should be given right then instead of waiting until the link are at a certain spot because if they would continue to lose them they may never get rewarded when they should have since they did do something good at one time. I think that those who are able to work in that classroom are very special and have a special talent to be able to do what they do on a daily basis. I thought that the three were good presentations and I am excited that we are getting exposed to a variety of different cultures that we would normally not even think about.

presentations, round one...I really enjoyed listening to everyones presentations because they were all so different yet had their similar parts at the same time. However, I thought that everyone did a really good job of discribing the culture which they had watched and it was fun to remember back to those days when that is what we were like. As everyone was going I kept thinking back to me and my friends and what we would have been doing in those situation and trying to do. I was sure the student who loved to be in the hallways as much as possible and was always trying to find a way to get out of class so that I could walk around and not be doing anything. THis was especially true in high school when I knew that none of the teachers would stop me in the hall and ask for a pass since they all knew who I was, I would have free reign as long as I got it cleared through a teacher to be doing something else. I guess I never really liked being in one place for a longer period of time without being able to move and such so I would have to walk around and see what was always going on in somewhere other than in the room where I was supposed to be. I loved to push the limits and see how long I could be gone and what all I would be able to get away with. I was also very interested in comparing the two junior highs and seeing what all they have in common with each other vs the differences because I know they arent the same. Being that I have gone to one of them and then have been observing at the other I can sure relate to both of the sides and find it very interesting to see what is the differences between two schools in the same time. I see the security as a main difference because I can go to one of them and not be stoppped as I wander through the halls trying to find what I am looking for vs at the other when there are monitors everywhere and I know I would not be able to do what I can at the other. Now I know that a lot of the teachers at the one school do know who I am so they know that I am there with a purpose and to see someone not just to cause problems or anything but I am amazed at the ease of security there is. Also the hallways are much different. With the one school having the halls divided into the teams and your lockers are around your classes the students are more in the same area all the time when at the other they may have to go from one end of the school to the other to get to their locker and stuff to get to the next class. It is much more spread out and more walking is involved. I think this is the interesting stuff to watch as I do love to observe people. I also think this idea of analyzing various cultures is fun and seeing the differences is amazing.

sometimes I wonder...for the most part, I love working with kids and helping them to be successful, but of course there are those times when I wonder why I try so hard and want to be so involved with kids at this junior high age some times. Today as I was observing, I got to work with more groups of kids which I thought was going to be fun and some thing a little different than what usually happens. However, the first group that I worked with was a not too willing to cooperate with everything they were supposed to be doing. They were kids who had missed class so they were making it up and are usually behind because of not trying and struggling as it is. However, when they were taken out of the room and not with a teacher they tried to see what all they could get away with and were not too interested in doing any work. So, when two of the boys started to play tic tac toe with each other instead of writing the story like they were supposed to, I had to send them back into the classroom to see the teacher. Of course, I am the kind of person who feels bad after they have to do something like this because I could tell that both of the boys were not too happy. I did think it was interesting though how they did respond in a better way than I thought they would because both started to act some what better when they were in the room again and were quieter and more respectful, I am assuming because they had gotten in trouble. But one of the two students got into some more trouble later for an inappropriate action so I know he does have some behavior issues and it wasnt just me that he was acting out because of being with me. And then there were some of the other kids who were working with me that would not stay quiet enough to work for the time that they were given. I had to seperate a couple of them so that one could finish because he said he was not able to work with his friend next to him. Then there was another kid who was having a hard time to get an idea and story started and so was trying to get ideas from the person working next to him and so was then being loud and knew he was gaining attention from all of those in the hallway. Which of course being at the age he is, was thrilled to have all of the attention on him which just kept the behaviors coming. Luckily time ran out and they had to go back into the classroom to work on somethign else and the time of trying to keep them all working was over. It was one of those times when I was thinking to myself, I dont know how I could do this every day, all the time and not go crazy. I am still glad that I am doing what I will be going into but it was definatley that reality check for me to remember that things are not always going to be fun and wonderful but there will be those trying moments. I do think of this time as more of a learning experience to help me in the future when I may be faced wtih a similar situation again. On the other hand, I was noticing a lot more kids were remembering my name and using that instead of teacher which was nice to know, but also kinda sad at the same time since I know that I will have very little time left with them since the semester is coming to a close very quickly. I know that today was something good even though right now it seems like it wasnt and I know that as long as I took something away from it then I will be better off later.

tutorial...I thought that this tutorial could be interesting because there were somethings that I heard in the presentation that I had not known of before. However, most of the things that we went over I had heard or done before on my own in other classes or at other times. I think that this is a good idea for those who do not have a lot of experience, for example, my dad would be a great one to go through this because he is not the greatest at these and usually has me do them for him. I think that if we would have had this before the lit circles that may have helped just with some of the little tips that we were given with the blank screen as such which are perfect for the presentation. I thought the the guy presenting did a good job but there could have been a little more fun but I am really not sure how you would have been able to do it, but it seemed to get a little long and drawn out at times. However, overall it was something that is important especially since the times of teaching are going to using powerpoint more and more. I know that my dad and at the school he is at are to use this kind of presentation when ever possible. So for those who are going to be in a classroom it is vital. I think it is also good to have that knowledge in case one ever needs to do one no matter what area they are in.

100 words...This was a project that was done yesterday when I was observing as well as another time when I was there. The students were writing a story about the Thanksgiving time and were expected to include some specific vocab words as well. However, the last of the requirements was to have 100 words in the story and not one more or one less. It was amazing of how much of a challenge this was for some of the kids and how in to this project they got. There was one who has a lot of energy was making sure that he had his 100 words as well as a great story line. He had learned from the last time of this project what to do and so was trying to use a strategy of 1o words per sentence so that he would know how many he has. This was able to work for him while others were just going to write a story and then count at the end and go back and add or subtract how ever many words they were over or under. I like the second way better but I realize that not everone is the same and arent going to have the same ideas of how to do the assignment. Also, the class did an activity with nouns, pronouns, and adjective clauses which was challenging for a lot of the kids and they needed a lot of help to be explained everythign in more detail. I thought this was interesting because I was also one of the students that would have struggled with this kind of activity because I was never good with grammar and the sentence structure of things. So because of those thoughts I was able to know and relate more to the kids who were struggling since I at one time had been that kid. I love when I can relate to them and know how they are feeling since I was once that kid.
Also, on a seperate note, this isnt about observing but just something that is relavant and I want to share. I recieved an email from one of the girls who I coach for junior high the other day and she was sharing a story that had happened to her at school. I guess she and some of the other softball girls were sitting at lunch and decided to make up some weird nick names for themselves that were all related to each other in some way. However, the point of the story was she shared with me that she wanted to share that with me because she knew that I would appreciate it. And also she told me thanks for letting them to be themselves at all time and not try to hide who they are as people. She said that was one of the things that she had learned from me over the time that we had spent together. I thought this was very relevant since we have been talking in class about letting the students be themselves and not making them change who they are. I am glad to know that even before this class had started and really started to make me think about things I had already started to do this and was able to leave a positive effect on these girls.

sharing about myself...on Friday when I was observing, I was able to participate more in the class discussion and get to share some things about myself more than just about why I am in their class watching them twice a week. Personally I thought that it was kinda a boring day, with not too much excitement. This was the class that I dont feel as though I have gotten as close to as the other and I am not sure why. However, when I was out in the hallway making sure their bathroom break was going smoothly a couple of the girls from the class came up to me and just started talking about whatever they wanted. I thought this was cool because they were the ones who had approached me and were willing to share some things and talk about their volleyball and how the tryouts were coming up and just what they thought of the whole situation. This was neat because I was able to make the connection since I did play for a long time in addition to softball so I was able to talk wiht them as well as understand what all they were talking about. I was also kinda happy that I did not have to do a lot because I was really able to watch my focal student and notice how much his behavior has really changed since he has switched classes. I think the change has helped him to calm down and not be as talkative as he was when he was with all of his good friends. I think it is amazing to watch both of the classes to see how far they have come since the beginning of the semester as students as well as people. I also think it can show that these age kids are very vulnerable and can be changed a lot easier than they will be able to when they get older. This means that as those who are working with them to be careful with how they are changing and what they are becoming.

rights and responsibilities class...actually I thought that class today was one of the best because we got to work in small groups which is my favorite thing to do because I like the smallnest of people and will be more willing to talk and participate with only a few people. So, also not only did we talk about what the questions were and how to relate them to the article that we read, but we also talked about some personal examples that will help me to remember things more. I liked that we were having a class and learning about certain material, but I also like how we were just having a conversation at the same time. This is one of the ways that I learn the best and so it was fun to have a chance from the lectures that I usually have in my other classes. One of the points we brought up was the discipline issue and what is appropriate and should be done in some of the situations that may arise. I find it hard to believe that teachers really would be able to hit and punish some students in a violent ways. I think to my field experiences and even my girls that I coach and I just couldnt see hitting them , no matter how mad I would be. I am just amazed that not only did that used to happen but yet it was ok and they all got away with it. I am honestly glad that most states do not allow that any more, because if I was going to be a teacher I would not want to have to do that to a child. Some thing else that surprised me also was that not all states have banned this kind of punishment and also that the the kinds of schools that still have it are the private type. I would have thought they would have been some of the first to ban it especially since a lot of the time they are much more conservative and usually have some kind of religious affiliation as well. This still seems just a little much especially since some of the times what the students were doing probably wasnt that bad compared to what it could be and to me that is not how you deal with it. As our group talked about, there are plenty of ways that one can deal with being punished. One that we talked about that we have seen is just the embarassment factor. If you have a student who is being disruptive and you ask them in front of the class to go to the hallway or out of the room for a minute and then they have the whole class watch them leave, it is going to affect them in some way. Also, the teacher will then leave and then come back with the student which usually is the time when the class will stop again to watch that child join the class again. I think especially at a younger age (before they enter high school) this can be very very affective since usually the kids who are acting out do want attention, they dont want the negative response they get when they go to the hall. I have noticed through my own experiences that usually after that the child will be much more behaved for at least the rest of the class. Also, another method that I have found is just a simple raising of the voice for just one time. I have found this, especially in sports, that kids will respond quickly and well to a loud voice. I think that this is a way to get the attention of everyone and if nothing else give them the scare factor and so usually they are going to be good for a while and even when they come back to this class later they are going to at least be thinking in the back of their mind about that incident and are probably going to think twice, especially if they dont like getting yelled at. A good example I have found with that was actually last night. I was up at the high school where my dad is the wrestling coach and I was trying to get some work done for him and the team. There was one kid who was not doing what he was supposed to be doing and thought he was getting away with something. However, he didnt realize that even though my dad wasnt watching him not do anything, but I was. So then, my dad brings to the teams attention in a very loud voice about what he had seen and yelled for quite a while. Well, after that the behavior was changed and things got better, and here we were dealing with older kids and the yelling still stopped. I also think that if you single a kid out just once, they will behave in a better way so that action doesnt get repeated again. I know that there was one time in a class that for some reason I was called out for something and I had never been so embarassed in my life. After that, I was much better behaved when I needed to be so that I would not get called out again in front of everyone. I think that there are different ways of punishing people and the action should be fitting of what happened and it should never include anything physical or harming to a student.

rights article...being completly honest, I really didnt like this article too much and it took me forever to get through it. I think the reason for that is because I am not a big history person and really dont like that stuff too much which is why I dont take those classes and avoid it when possible. But there were some things that I thought were interesting and would be a good idea to use. The first thing was when they were talking about having the teachers live in the district that they are working in. From my own experiences, I know a lot of teachers who actually do this already including my family. I dont really know if this was exactly planned or not because they have lived in the same house since they have gotten married but it does happen to be in the district where my brother and I have gone to school and he teaches as well as coaches. My dads assisstant coach also lives with his family in the same area where he teaches and I know of others who have their houses in the same district as they teach and also the same where their children are going to school. I think that this would be something positive to have because this would be a better way to encorporate culturally relevant things in the teaching since they will be around and know what goes on in that area. I think that this is a good idea and would help to show that the teachers are the same as the children because they can live in the same neighborhoods and arent that much better than anyone. This would also just let the teachers be accostomed to the schools and pride that is formed, but not only at home but also at the school. This would make sure there isnt any contradictions on who they are cheering for in sporting events and would build a strong relationship with the kids. The other thing that I thought was interesting was just a general comment about how there is almost a law or court case that has taken place and been passed for every little thing that one could think of when it comes to the rights and jobs of a teacher. I thought this was amazing to know that so many people have been through certain situaitons that have led to cases and make up what is expected of teachers all over or at least have set some kinds of guidelines for what is to be done. I think this is interesting and can show that someone else has probably gone through the same thing that you are going through which you can look to for help on what is to be done. I think that this article is a good one where there are a lot of things that can be applied to teaching, even though it takes a long time to get through it with all the talking about the cases and history.

opening up doors...when dealing with the idea of danger vs oppurtunity, I feel as though with the profession that I have chosen to do, there will be more of a chance to involve the ideas of multicultrualism. I have chosen to be a child life specialist (which you can tell my the name). Basically what this person does is work in between the doctors and young children and their family who are going to be having some kind of procedure done. You will then tell the child in their words and in a way that they will understand what is going to be happening and walk them through so they arent as scared. You will also get the chance to pray with them all before the operation takes place and then will check in with them after to make sure they are doing ok and to see how things went. I am really excited to go into this field from everything I have heard about it and from people who have had some experience with it, say that it is really important. Because I will be working with child and family in the office at a time, it will be a lot easier for me to embrace the differences that they may have in their culture, race, and gender because it is one child vs a class of thirty or so. However, with the situation, it becomes necessary for me to accept what ever the family has to offer because that is the way the relationship and everything will work the best. I am glad that I will have that one on one intereaction with the child because it will also give me more of an oppurtunity to get to know the kid and their personality because it will be them instead of a whole class when there are many kids to deal with at the same time. I like this smaller setting and dealing with only one person probably because that is what I as a child would have enjoyed the most and still would today because that is the way in which I am the most comfortable. Also with the child already being scared since they are in a situation which is terrifying, embracing the differences and letting them be there own person will I think help them to feel as comfortable as possible with everything else they are dealing with. Also, I will be able to show more of myself and be able to convince them that I am a human just like them and I have gone through my share of rough times and it is ok to feel what they do because at one time I have probably felt the same way. I think that this job will really be an oppurtunity to use the ideas of multiculturalism because it will be needed for my personal situation. I think it would be a very positive thing though and that a lot of people can end up benefitting from it and can take that information and use it in future scenarios as well.

special teachers...everything that was talked about and read in the article I think can be related to almost all of the previous blogs I have had and things that I have experienced in my own life. When talking about making a subject interesting, I can very much relate because of an experience that I had my senior year when taking an AP Chemistry class. I was never sure why I enjoyed this subject so much but it seemed to come easy for me and so I decided to take this class since it looks good on transcripts. However, this was an encounter with the worst teacher I have ever had and I know there are many other students who also think the same way as I do. She would not help us to understand the lessons more and would go over things once and would always use the same method which would be one that no one could follow so people were still very confused. However, I had a great science teacher for some other classes and since she was in charge of the department I figured that I would ask her for help because she was a great teacher. Well, I went in and would meet with her almost every day and she was the only reason I was able to understand the information that I was being tested on and was able to half way tolerate the test. She was willing to try a variety of approaches to see what would work the best for me and my learning style which is really what I needed since the teachers was just not working for me. I am so thankful for this teachers who was willing to work with me because she helped me to learn the course material as well as help me to get through the class which I can now look back on as a learning experience because of going through everything that I did. I can tell that even in an area which seems to be able to only be taught one way, there really is always a loop hole if the teacher really trys to look for it and help everyone out. These teachers of mine which were able to bring more into the class room then just the idea that I am better than you and what I says goes and thats the way it is were the ones that I learned the most from even if it wasnt about the subject matter. They showed me that they were also people with thoughts, feelings, and that there is more to them than just telling you about an area in school. If I was going to be a teacher I would try to be more like them because it allows for a more open class and a place where kids can feel safe to be themselves.

teachers as change agents...As I was reading this article, I kept thinking about my lit circle book and how I would have loved to use these thoughts talked about to try and fix some of the problems that I saw in the book. If only there would have been some one to work with the different teachers, especially Mrs Wright, that would have made a huge change for all of those around and greatly helped Alejandro with all of the problems that he seemed to face along his school journey. I think that because of the fact that Mrs Wright had been around for so long and that so many things had changed since she first started teaching that she would have been amazed at what could have taken place. She very much stuck by what was being used when she started and was not up for changing based on the current ways and what was now being used in the classroom. I think that Alejandro could have benefited from the new ways of teaching and there would have been a turn around that would have been for the best and then there would have been a lesser chance of him dropping out and not finishing all years of school. I feel as though she had a lot to do with him not doing well and these new methods would have helped to change all of this. Also, I thought it was interesting (in the article) how the student teachers were the ones who were really making the changes and were expected to do a lot of work to try and show the teachers what some new ideas were. This to me was different because in the past I have always thought of the teachers being the ones who are demonstrating what should be done not the other way around. I think that this is a good idea though because the student teachers are the ones who have been exposed to the newest information since they have just come from the classroom where they are learning about all of this. It was also interesting how it was always done in the rural schools and no where else because I would like to know if the same results and findings would have occured if it was done in other settings. This to me would be interesting to know and read about to compare if there is a difference in the school systems or not since that has been a bigger controversy lately on deciding what kind of school to send children to. I really like the idea of using groups and other children to help out in teaching because not only are they having some one to work with, but it is not your teacher and it is someone who is more of the same age which makes it easier to open up and work with them. I think that this allows for them to work as well as still have some kind of socialization that is more appropriate for the setting this is taking place in. I think that this idea of a change agent is similar to what I was talking about in the previous blog about when I was observing this afternoon. A teacher or someone can really make a difference in a life and education and it can be for the better if one really trys hard and finds a way to be successful. I really like the ideas that are brought up and think that this would be a way to make those teachers who have been around for a while to see what else is out there that can also work. The example that really stuck with me was the one with the teacher would didnt think her students had the capability to work in groups or with others, but when it was done it worked really well and was something that she was willing to use on a more regular basis. I think that this goes to show that no matter how old you are or how long you have been doing something, there is always room and a chance to learn something new that can be a really good thing for everyone involved.

a big change...I was amazed as I was looking around the class and interacting with them today how different they really are from the other class that I get to work with. I dont know if it is necessarily bad or good, its just an adjustment that I am going to have to "deal" with. I feel as though the kids in the other class have opened up to me more and are more willing to talk to me than those I saw today. Also, the kids from the class today have not learned my name even though it is said times throughout the class while the other kids almost all know what my name and will address me in an appropriate way instead of...um...you..you. I am thankful for those who have taken the time since I have also taken the time t0 learn their names, however, I dont feel as bad sometimes when I learn that they are un sure of their own teacher who they see every day all the time. I was able to walk around the room as much as I could, even though there wasnt much of a chance since they were doing class activities instead of things on their own which is when I get the most time with them. However, I did get to talk with my case study kid and talk to him and see how school and life was going for him, especially since he was a kid who was affected by the switching of the classes which I talked about in a previous blog of mine. I found out that he is very similar to me in the aspect of learning style because he shared that he learns the best when he can have a visual as well as doing a hands on activity where he can see and do what he is supposed to be learning. This is exactly how I am because if I can do something that will help me to remember what I am learning, I will know it better. An example of this is from my math class last year because we were learning about the game of Nim and some strategies that go along with how to win that game no matter how many pieces you start with. I know that I was able to remember all the steps and parts better since I was able to play the game myself and physically do what we were supposed to be learning. I thought that this was a really neat connection that was able to be made between the two of us, and he thought so as well. I also found out that he loves math and science, but teachers do make a huge difference with him. The classes that he likes the most are the ones when the teachers are willing to give him some slack as well as help him if it is needed. He mentioned that some of the teachers will say something once and that is it, even if you dont understand which frustrates him because then he gets lost and doesnt want to try anymore. I think this was able to really show that teachers do play a very important role in the students life, not just because they are the person teaching them but also because it can affect the kids thoughts on the subject. I know that when i was in junior high I had a couple of really bad science teachers and ever since then have hated those areas of school. I believe it is because from a younger age I didnt want to have anything to do with that area because it reminded me of those teachers who I couldnt stand. I think this really shows how much of an impact can be made by just one teacher and turning a kid away from an area. I hope that whether it is in school or in some other area of life, I can always have a positive image connected with me as well as the subject. I would hate to think that I would make someone not like something just because me or someone else didnt take the time to give them a chance and help them. This is something that I can really relate to my coaching ways to make sure that I dont make some girls hate the sport just because of something that I did, and may not have even realized it.

excited kids....as I was observing yesterday afternoon, I felt as though you could tell that it was a Friday, right before the children got dismissed for the weekend by the actions that were going on and the amount of activity that was taking place that usually does not. I was amazed at how talkative and how much the kids wanted to move around and do anything but sit in their seats and be quiet to work on some assignments. However, there were some good things that I could see coming from this time. A group of the girls came up to me when we were on our break (which I was overseeing in the hallway) and started to talk to me about things that had to do with observing as well as just about me as a person which I was able to use to talk to them and get to know some more things about them as people outside of the classroom. I was very happy with this because it shows that they are being more comfortable around me and are willing to talk to me and it is ok. I also had a girl who is in the other class that I am observing because of the schedule that is used who came up to me just to talk even though she wasnt in the class with me. I thought this was cool since she took the time to communicate with me and talk even though I was not in her class since I had made that connection to her when I was in the same class as her. This to me shows that I have done a good job of forming those relationships to the point that they are able to talk to me and its ok and are willing to share stuff about their days and lives when not in the room as a student. I also helped the kids work on the bio poems that they are writing which was a way for me to learn about how they see themselves and what they think describes them the best. I was able to find out about their likes and thoughts about their world without having to ask them directly which I think is good because I can remember what I found out and use that when I am talking with them and figuring out the approach to take with that student because I think that it is important to use whatever approach is needed to get to know the student the best and help them as much as I can in the way that will benefit them the most. I wish that I would be able to stay with these classes for the whole year because I feel as though right when I am starting to get to know them the most and they are opening up to me, is the time when I am going to be leaving and not going to see them since I will be switching places of my observing.

the performance...well, I think it is safe to say that was one class that I will not forget any time soon. Even though I was on the "bad" end of the deal, I think it was a good idea to be able to see a visual representation of what I had just read in the book. The entire time that this was going on, I was trying to figure out what I had done wrong to make the professor so mad and be treating me in the way that she was. I felt as though of the group I was picked on the most and I kept hearing my name get called out loud and brought to everyones attention that I was supposidely not as far along as the rest of the class and was not doing what I was allowed to even though I thought I was doing a good job. I also was unable to concentrate on the note taking part since I felt that I was going to be getting in trouble at any time no matter what I was or wasnt doing. I also couldnt keep the attention on what the class was talking about because I was so worried about what would happen next and I felt as though I was getting more and more behind. I hated it when in school my name was called out to the class for doing something that I wasnt supposed to be, which is probably why I would always do what I was told so I could avoid that situation that I dreaded the most. Looking back on it I was glad that I got to go through it so I would have a more first hand experience of what these children would be going through all the time. I could not imagine going to school if that is how I would be treated all the time in all of the classes. I too would want to be pulled from the system and just stay and do the work at home with people who wouldnt criticize me and make me feel as though I wasnt good enough. That was exactly how I kept feeling, I thought no matter what I did or didnt do it was going to get yelled at and called out on for whatever I was doing. I would like to watch this situation play out again but with being on the other side of it and getting to watch what the kids were going through since I was being a part of it and not able to watch the other kids. I think that this would be a good thing for everyone who wants to be in a classroom and teaching kids for them to be a part of to know how not to treat the students, especially when they are not as able to keep up with the majority of the kids. I am glad that I wasnt doing anything wrong and that it was all a part of an act because I felt so bad about myself. I am also very glad that I was in class to get to see it so that I will know what not to do in the future.

the performance...well, I have a feeling that this will be one class that I will not forget any time soon, especially since I was in the group that was getting treated as the disability group. I honestly was trying to figure out what had happened that made her so mad especially at me since I felt out of the whole group I kept hearing my name come up as though I was getting picked on the most. I just kept thinking what could I have done that would have made her this mad to put me in my own group as well as continue to check on what I have done and criticize it and tell me that I was far behing, talking to loud, and shouldnt be taking the notes that the class was on until I was done with the previous activity. I found it very hard to keep concentrating on what I was doing, even with the worksheet because I was getting so upset with not feeling as though I was doing what I was supposed it in addition to trying to figure out what I had done wrong to deserve the treatement I was getting. I could hardly concentrate after as well because I still felt some what flustered with everything, especially since I was so far behind in the class notes while trying to finish the assignment I was previously given. It also helps me to see in a more visual form what I had just read in the book last night. I was very happy to know from a more first hand experience what the child was going to and how not to treat a student if they are behind the class and not able to keep up as the others are . I could never imagine to having to go through that kind of thing every day when I was attending classes and I have no idea how kids are able to do that. I would like to have gone through that situation again only being in the other role just to watch since I already know what it is like to be in the role of the ones who are not getting attention and feeling as though they are not good enough, no matter how hard I try. I am glad to know that I wasnt really doing anything wrong and that it was all part of making a point, which I dont think any of us will forget soon. I am glad that I was in class to get to see it.

special education...actually, when I was in elementary school I remember that I volunteered my lunch hour time to help on of the special ed classes. I really dont recall a lot about this group because it was a while ago since the interactions have taken place, but I remember it was a very very low functioning class. Basically none of these kids were able to do anything on their own it all had to be done through the teacher and then trying to get them to hit a button here and there to tell what they were thinking. I dont know other than the small time every so often I spent with them what the teachers did and such to try and help them to learn. The only other brief interaction that I have had with children who have a learning disability is on my fathers wrestling team. He has two brothers who both have a different level of a disability. It is hard for him as well as the other members of the team because the two boys are not as advanced cognitively as the rest of the wrestlers are and so it is difficult to coach them. Also, in sports, there is not a lot of time and allowance for being able to slow things down and teach at a different level for them all the time because there is only so much one can spend on the basics at the level they are at which makes it hard because they dont always follow and a lot of the time there arent kids who can take the time to teach them because they are trying to practice at the level they are currently at and are working to improve themselves. There is one of the assisstant coaches who has worked more with them because they are on his level of teams and so when the kids do have the chance to work on their own at a particular skill he will work with them and try to help in what ways he can even though it is not always very easy due to the fact that they struggle to comprehend what all is needed to be done. Another example is on the junior high team that I am coaching. There was one of the players who does have a slight disability, yet she understands and knows what to do as though she does not have this small set back. She was actually a starter and a contributing player and was never refered to as any different than any of the other girls even though you would be able to tell that she did have a disability. These interactions have all been sparce and not real in depth so I feel as though I have not really been exposed to a lot of children with the disabilities enough to really comment on them. I know that the few that I have had I always try and consider them to be on the same level as everyone else and I know that they should not be treated in any different of a way just because they have a lower cognition level than others who are at the same age as them. I know if I do come in contact with them that it is okay to help them as much as I can and as much as the situation and context will allow me to do so. I am looking forward to getting the chance to work with some of these kids in the future so that I can apply these things that I was a first hand experiener of today in the classroom.

the rest of the book...I was very saddened and felt bad for this young man and the lack of oppurtunities that he was given. Especially coming from the prospective of some one who is going to be working with children and enjoys it. I thought that one of the most interesting quotes from the reading was at the end of the book from a doctor that was working with him directly. It was basically said the education system had failed him because they were not giving him the chances that were needed for him to be successful and accomplish things that both he and his family wanted. He also talked about how his learning was denied and how sad it was that he was not able to function in a classroom at the same level as others who were his age. Another part of the book I found to be upsetting for me would be when he felt as though he was different from those in his class and therefore felt like he was picked on and didnt really have any friends. It was also mentioned that had he been able to catch up and learn and do some of the same things as his class mates then he wouldnt have felt in this same way and the observer doesnt feel as though he would have been as picked on as he talks about. I think that this is true and I feel bad that there wasnt more that was done to help this child. As I was reading this book I was trying to think of what I would do if I was in the place of his parents as well as the person working with him. If I was the parents I think I would have tried everythign that I possibly could have in addition to having my child work with some one one on one every day and as much as possible so at least they were still learning some things that they could use later on. As the person working with him I would have done some of the same things that were previously done since he really was making good progress even though no one else got to see that. If I was a teacher with a student that was having as many problems as he was, then I would try and convince those in higher power that there really was a problem and some thing needed to be done to help him to do well. I also would have tried to change the work as much as possible to fit what he was able to do so that he would be able to participate as much as possible and feel as though he can be competitive with the ones who are in the class. I feel very bad that someone would have to go through something like he did to end up getting nothing out of it instead of being able to achieve and overcome the system. There was so much done and I think there was so little that was accomplished which I know as an athlete and as a student that when you try really hard and work for something and it doesnt work out then it is really frustrating and you dont really want to try any more even though you have to.

the rest of the book...I was really shocked with everything that happened in this part of the book as well as what all the family had to go through to try and get their child an education. It is too bad that they went through all the tests and effort they had to for basically nothing from the system. I thought one of the quotes that summed up everything that happened was when the doctor flat out said that the school had not done enough for the boy and had cost him the education he should have been allowed to have. I felt so bad for this young boy who wanted to do well and be like other kids but was never able to be the same and so always felt different from the other kids which made the whole situation worse since he was already feeling a little bit different. As I was reading this book I was trying to think about what I would have done if I was put into this same situation. This would be a very hard thing to deal with if you were the parents because of course you are trying to have your child be successful and help them as much as you can, but they were not able to since they could not figure out what the best situation was. I think I would have had him work as much as possible with his one on one tutor since that is the time when he seemed to flourish the most and be able to read and write just like anyone who is his age. As far as fighting the education system it would have been hard because it is you against them and you have to be very prepared and that may be something that isnt worth fighting since you know they are most likely not going to be able to see your side of the arguement. I would say if I was the tutor in this case though, I would work as much as I could with the child and try to make as much progress as possible and even see if I would be able to be in the classroom with him, but also helping if it was needed, not just in an observing role. I would try and convince the teacher that there really was a problem of sorts and some attention was going to be needed for this child to become successful and be able to accomplish what everyone wanted him to. I feel bad for everyone from the family that had to be a part of it because I would never want anyone to be a part of it and have to do through those things.

discipline...Thinking about the class that I am watching and helping with, I dont know if I would really change anything from what the teacher is already doing. The team that I am involved with has its own system of if someone is struggling in a classroom then they can either recieve a detention from that teacher, or they could also be sent to another teacher for a certain period of time. I guess I dont like the idea of sending the child out of the class and into another because I feel as though it could be a distraction to have a child leave the room and then return a little bit later. Not only would it have an impact on the class that the child is leaving from but also from the one where they are going to be going to. They will come in and everyone wants to know what happened and why they are there and I know this because it has happened before when I have been in the room observing. Not only is it hard for the students but also for the teachers because they then have to deal with an additional student and handle what has happened in another room so that they have some idea of what is going on. I think if a child would get into trouble then I would just have them go and sit out in the hallway until as a teacher I would be at a stopping point where I could go and have a one on one talk with the student that is having the problems. This would then take them out of the current situation and allow for a discussion when not everyone is listening and paying attention to the child which is probably some of what they are striving for to begin with in a lot of the cases. Another suggestion I would have would be to have a special desk in a certain area of the room which is farther away from others so that they would be more on their own and not have anyone to interact with since they are being punished for what they have been doing. I would also have no problem sending them to the office if the problem is very severe and needs to be handled with the highest power possible. I think that detentions can be a good way of dealing with children if they are handled in the correct way so that the child can realize that it is not a treat to be spending this kind of extra time with the teacher but it is something that you would actually want to avoid as much as possible. If you would either have the child come in early or stay after school (whatever is easier for the student and the teacher) and then the two of them, being the teacher and the child, have their time together working on something or just having the kid be quiet. However, one would need to make sure that the child isnt sleeping or anything that would allow them to think that this extra time is ok and something that isnt that bad. I think that this would then tell them that getting in trouble is ok because the time they are going to spend is not hard but yet an extra time to sleep and do what they want so they really are not being punished. I think that when the student is spending time in detention, it would be a perfect chance for the teacher to try and get to know this child better and on a deeper level. This would be easier since they are not trying to put on a show or a front for the class but are more themselves and acting as though the person they really are. The teacher could talk to this student and try to get to the root of where the behaviors are coming from and see if there is anything that can be done to help out the student so they may act in a different way and not as they were that got them into trouble. I think that this would end up being a positive experience for both the student and the teacher because the student would be able to realize that the teacher really does care about them as well as their lives outside of the classroom not just what they do in school. This would also help the teacher since they would be aware of what the student is thinking and feeling and also will learn more about them as a person not necessarily just as a student. This will allow for a better relationship between the two groups which will help and could possibly even help the behaviors to be changed for the better. For the classroom that I am personally observing I think that things are going well and luckily there are very few students who are acting out and causing any problems that need to be taken care of. I would just make sure that if anyone did get into trouble that they wouldnt switch classes but would stay and then would serve some kind of detention time with that teacher at a later time.

learning denied...part one...honestly, I thought this was a hardest book to read and follow since it jumped from excerpts, to the author talking, and back again. I would have rather had more talking from the author and then a bunch of the excerpts so that it would have been easier for me to follow, but I understand why it is done in the way that it is. I also think it is a very helpful thing to have all of the actual things that were said to completly understand everything that this family went through and how they were truly feeling. I think that when you can use this kind of information it make the reading better and allows you to know the people you are reading about in a different light. In addition, there were some things that I thought were very interesting. The first quote was in the introduction and made mention on the top of page 6. This refers to how by the time that this book would have been published the child would have already been denied the right to public education. I find this to be very sad that this person is not going to get an oppurtunity to be educated and learn various things because of the situation that he has been put into and how no one can seem to figure out what exactly is the problem that he is having with everything. I also thought it was interesting to hear about all the different tests he has gone through already and they have been unable to figure out specifically what is going on with him and why he is struggling in the room. I wish that they would be able to find something that could help him, or at least identify the problem so that something could be worked on knowing that they were working towards something. This in a way reminds me of a situation that I was in last year with my arm and an injury that I had. I all of the sudden started to have constant and extreme pains in my arm (elbow area) and had no idea what was going on. So I went to the trainers and they also had no idea of what to do to help me get better so I had to do to the doctor. The first visit they did a bunch of tests and thought that it was the tendons and ligaments in the area had been over streched and used and were just giving out. However, the pains did not get better in the next six weeks so I had to go back again to try and figure out what was going on with my arm. After some more tests it was found that I had a fracture that had been causing all of my problems. This reminds me of this boys situation because all I wanted was to know what was going on and figure out what was going to be needed to be done to fix it and make me better again. Just like the boy and his parents wanted to know what was causing him to struggle and not be as successful as he possibly could. I am looking forward to reading more to find out what the family did and what really happened to our boy.

partners and problems...every time that I go to observe, I try and find something that I can see that they are doing at the school and in the room that we are talking about in our class as well. Well, as it was brought up in the last of the lit circles as well as other times in the class, is the idea of partners and having kids working with other kids from the class. I think that this arrangement could really work well for some of the kids as I can already tell that it has. However, for others it has not been as good of an idea and adjustment. You can tell that for the most part it is those who are doing better with someone who may be struggling, or a more talkative person with a child who is on the quieter side. But, except for one group, they are usually not best friends or even the closest so that they can get to know someone who they may not usually talk to or be friends with. This one child though who has really struggled with changing the classes as well as the seats and being forced to sit with someone new. However, the problem is really with the kid who sits behind the child that we will call bob. Bob is in the corner of the room and seems to enjoy to talk to those around him and make sure that everyone knows of his presence. Today he was very interested in knocking things off of the kids desk behind him as well as talking to him and making jokes with him. After a while, Bob was starting to be a distraction for all of those who were around him and both the teacher and I. It was then decided that the group of partners behind him were going to need to move to farther away and put a group behind him who he wasnt going to be able to mess with and talk to...because they just wouldnt stand for it. I thought it was interesting though for those it was going to benefit that she was trying it out for a couple of classes. I can already tell for the groups who are working well together and trying to make things work are going to benfit and help them really. I love getting to see the things that we talking about in our class being shown in another classroom and actually working like they are supposed to.

lit circle #5...I really enjoyed this presentation because it was more involved with the class and others than just the presenters talking the whole time. I did like the game and everything because it gave a way to try and to use the information that we had just learned and apply it to a situation that we may some time be a part of. This is something that I have experienced through classes is it is always easier to remember it if you can apply it directly to situations. This is also on the idea of the culture pedagogy which i think is something that is a great idea and should be applied into different areas of life, not necessarily just in the classroom. I know that as a coach with younger girls, they are going to enjoy the sport more and remember what we are teaching them if they can actually act on it instead of just hearing about it. I also think it is important to remember that not everyone comes from the same background, level of experience as the rest and some times you are going to have to spend some time on certain things that you were not planning on. I think in this case it is also important to know that with the differences in experiences a coach is going to need to have an idea of where all of the girls are coming from which includes getting to know them on a more personal basis and allowing for the differences to shine through and be accepted. One example that I have from the past season was there was a girl who like to show horses and had never played softball before and wanted to try it. I was not real aware of everything that goes into showing and taking care of horses, including how much time goes into this passion she had. However, a lot of the girls, like me, had never really been around anyone who was into this kind of activity and at first it was hard for them to understand this like of hers and it was also difficult for her to see where they were coming from with being very loud and screaming all the time. I think that letting people get surrounded by some one and something new was very beneficial for everyone even if they dont realize it right now. The personalities of the girls was also something that we all had to get used to. There were some who loved to talk and be loud, while there were others who would rather sit back and just listen and not participate. Then of course there were those who were sometimes loud and then at other times would be loud. But letting the girls act how they wanted and what was the best for them is what helped us to be so successful and accept each other. I think that the same kinds of results would happen if the same ideas were used in the classroom and would allow to bring what the children have to say and allow them to be themselves...no matter what that may be (as long as its appropriate of course). I thought this was a good book and presentation and made some very good points on what to do to be a great teacher and have the kids really benefit at the same time as you are.