Module 5

Example of Effective Classroom Management:

This video showed different ways that Word Work could be used in a classroom during centers time. It spoke to the importance of children working together. It also focused on not overwhelming students at their center and only giving them enough work that they could handle in the time allowed. It also talked about how the work they do in centers will help them accomplish classroom assignments later. I have found many of these ideas to be true in my own classroom. I seek to create engaging centers that will prepare students for further work on the topic or subject.

What is Literacy and why is it Important?

This video reminded me how truly important literacy is in our lives. It is often something that we take for granted. It is also something that we lose value in. However, we cannot let this happen to literacy. It is up to us as educators to instill in our students the weight that literacy carries in their lives. Without literacy, things cannot be understood or appreciated. This is true of literature and books. But it is also true of everyday things such as road signs and restaurant menus. Literacy is all around us, so we need to make sure that our students acknowledge and understand it. It is something that is needed and used in every day life. 

Using Literacy Centers:

In a balanced reading program that includes whole group, small group and individualized teaching, literacy centers are a key component. Literacy centers are what students are doing while the teacher is working with these small groups or individuals. I really liked how the video pointed out that they are not to be busy work. Instead, these centers focus on students directly practicing what they have been taught, usually in a hands-on manner. Literacy centers should focus on reading, writing, speaking and listening. They use the teacher and students’ time effectively. Even in my Pre-K class I have found ways to implement literacy centers. I have really seen the benefit of them for both my students and myself. I really believe in literacy centers.

Balanced Literacy:

I was really interested by the environment that this teacher works in. I would be very challenged by that type of children in that type of setting. However, the teacher had some great ideas for making a classroom ideal and welcoming for reading. I liked how she noted the ways to organize your classroom. She talked about making books and materials available for all children to use and share. She also talked about how she took special consideration into the ways and places the carpet and tables were laid out. This is something I pay attention to in my classroom, but perhaps not close enough attention. I completely agree with what she said about kids craving structure. I continue to find this to be true and try to accommodate my classroom accordingly. Lastly, the point she made about setting expectations but then providing the tools to meet these expectations really resonated with me. I will keep this in mind.

Spaces and Places:

Wow, I had no idea that there books out there like this to help us with our classroom designs. I really like a lot of the ideas that the author brought up. There are so many things to consider when designing a classroom, but sometimes that first step of simply taking a step back and deciding what you want to do is the best way to start. I also like how the author has tried these different classroom options in the field and really knows what is effective or not. The point that she brought up about walls being underused is something I really believe. I try my best in my classroom, but I am just not sure if I am doing it correctly. Lastly, I really like the part in the book that she talked about that gives you different classroom designs and ones to try if other ones do not work out.