High Ability Programs

Recently I was asked to think about taking the High Ability classroom in First grade. I currently teach in First but not the "High Ability" classroom. I am a big nerd so the chance to take more college classes is an exciting thing to me. I know... I know... you think I am crazy. I just love getting more information and love that I will be able to put that to use. It will require a ton of work but I believe that I can manage it all. I would be taking one class this summer and then one in the fall, spring and again in the summer. It would work out so that I only have to take one class at a time and I will be able to finish the courses before I would actually start teaching in the High Ability classroom. The teacher that is doing it now is willing to do it for one more year. This works out great since I have a little one heading into that class next year.

The reason I am writing about this is not to brag that my little lady is very bright or that I was asked to take that position. (they probably knew I was a sucker and wouldn't say no!) My reasoning is that I was a little unsure if I even agreed with the high ability programs. I was a little concerned when I first learned about the program beacuse  I immediately thought about the studetns who know they are not in the "smart" class. Kids looks at things in so many ways that I was afraid that it would damage the perception that some students have of themselves. However, after much more thought I realized that the program is there to give those "smart" students the next level in their learning experience. They get to do more than the other students but they have to work hard for it. They have to earn it. Earning something that you have worked hard for is fair. Is it the right thing for those students? I think so and I am sure that after my class I will feel even better about the program. What do you think about High Ability Programs?

Life experiences

It was brought to my attention this week that my students don't get out much. What I mean is that they don't get to go out and experience life the way a child should be able to. I can remember going places and learning things when I was younger. SO many wonderful memories. Even if it was just going to the farm with my dad I was learning so many things about the world around me. I cherish those memories. My personal children have been able to create so many memories in their short lives. I am so excited for them! From farming to flying across the country they have had more experiences than most at such a young age. It fills my heart with so much joy knowing that they are living their lives. My daughter has learned so much from just getting out and living her life. She plays, works, and learns so much from her Papaw. They garden, plant trees, raise goats, build things, cook, clean, do charity work, visit neighbors, and so many other things. What is my point you ask.... take your children outside and let them live their summer learning about the world around them. Take them for a walk in the woods and explain things to them. Grow a garden or even one thing together. Show them how to nurture it and watch it grow into something amazing. Teach them about the animals around them.  Teach them anything they want to know. It does have value!!!!!

Telling each other about the goats.

Feeding the goats all by herself.

I turned the corner and there she was diving deep to get the goat food. 

Today she learned not to let her feet off the step when she is getting the food.  

Raising a Confident Child

I have been reading What A Son Needs From His Mom by Cheri Fuller. I love this book! When I found out that I was having a boy 2 years ago (where does time go?) I was terrified. There aren't very many boys in my family. We have TONS of girls. Don't get me wrong...I love all my nieces to pieces! There were so many things running through my mind about having a boy. For starters, potty training! I mean how am I supposed to know anything about how that works for a boy. Yipes! (luckily we have the best babysitter in the world who has started and almost completely potty trained him!) I wasn't only worried about what to do concerning that kind of boy stuff. I was terrified that I would do a poor job at raising a boy. Raising a little girl has for the most part been a piece of cake! (I know, I know just wait until she is in Jr. High and High School). I ran across this book and I LOVE it! It has reassured me in many ways and helped to realize so many things about little boys that I would have never thought of. Not only has it helped me with Collier, my little guy, but it has also helped me with my first graders. 

Raising a confident young man was one of my main worries when I found out we were having a boy. Cheri Fuller does a great job of showing parents how to raise a confident boy. She says "A sense of confidence (believing he is capable but without arrogance) develops on the inside of a boy, it is strongly influenced by his relationships and especially how he is treated by his parents". WOW! Makes so much sense but I never sat down and thought about it. Of coarse that would affect how he feels about himself and what he can do on his own. This is a serious issue with the parents of many young students. They are not getting what they need from their parents. Cheri also says that "when they are young, kids measure their worth on how they are valued and perceived by others, especially Mom and Dad".  That one sentence puts so much into perspective for me. If we aren't showing our little guy that is has worth and that he is loved and accepted by us then we are failing as his parents. No pressure right!!! I felt better the more I read on. She goes on to say that "The major way a mother can foster confidence in her son in preschool years is to build his sense of security by warm, responsive care, hugging, approval, structure, buckets of love, and encouragement". All the love that I have poured out to my son and daughter shows by the confidence that they have already. I don't have perfect children...but they are confident, caring, and bright. They know without a doubt that I love them and that I am here for them no matter what. I truly hope that if I do one thing in life right that it is to raise my children with nothing but love, accept them no matter what, hug them, encourage them, and protect them when physically possible. 

 If you are the mother to a little guy then I suggest that you read her book. I am only on the third chapter but I can't put it down. I have to keep reading to ensure that I am doing the best that I can for my kiddos. I will end today with a quote from Cheri's book:

"The brain of a child who feels secure, loved, and happy can direct all its attention toward learning and growth rather than focusing on worries and fears". -Jane Healy Your Child's Growing Mind

TIM

As I started the Pivot Points class through my school I felt very unsatisfied with the amount of technology that I was using in my classroom. However, after diving into the TIM (Technology Integration Matrix) I feel as though I was being hard on myself. I realize that many of the examples that were given are things that I do in my classroom. Many of these activities are not quite as advanced since I am working with first grade.  We are currently in the Adoption level of integration and are in a Active learning environment.

Collaboration with other students will be the next characteristic that we tackle.  I would like to think that we can achieve the Adaptation level and the Collaboration characteristic by the end of the next grading period.

Achieving that goal will take some research on my part and I will probably have my daughter be my guinea pig. Having the time to get everything put together for my students is the biggest problem that I have right now. When I do find new things for my class or come across a great site to use I like to have my 6 year old try them out for me . This is an advantage that I have right now. If she isn't able to figure it out then some of my kids won't either.

The TIM has given me a basis to work for the next school year. It is really helpful to see where we could be. It is very exciting to see such great technology working in classrooms. The students love it!  

Moving Mindset

How could you adapt or change one of your current class/course policies to reflect a moving mindset? Is this a change you are willing to make? Why or Why not?

I don't currently have a policy in place for missed assignments but I do reward students for completed homework. I don't assign much homework in first grade. I would love to be able to provide my students with a homework assignment that they would actually enjoy. They love to use our computers for anything. I feel like the ones that don't like the "boring" homework would truly enjoy an online assignment. However, this would mean that I would have to allow some students to complete the assignment at school considering that some may not have Internet access at their home. 

I would like to try assigning homework online for the students to do. I honestly don't know what I would assign yet or where I would get the "work" from but I know that it would have to be something that I could get a result from their work. I recently sat in a technology meeting to learn about Google classroom. At the time I was thinking that I would never use it. However, that could be the way I get the assignments to them and how I get results. This could be a great opportunity for me to provide instant rewards for the completion of work. Linking a related game or activity to the assignment for the students to play when they are finished with the assignment would really motivate them to complete the assignment. 

I realize that I am the one who has to change the way that I am presenting information and the way that I receive it from the students. They are growing up in a digital world and that is how they learn. This could also be a way that I challenge my higher students. Allowing them to move at their own pace through online assignments and classwork. I am not sure if all of this will work or not but I believe it is worth a try.

Please don't judge my fabulous blog just yet as I am  new to blogging. I will try to get something together as soon as I have a chance. Thank you in advance for being patient. Something great will be coming! I will gladly take any tips or advice anyone has for a first time blogger!