When you look at everything we have done this semester, what stands out to you as meaningful?

 Overview: When thinking back on the semester and everything Ive learned, I realize teaching is way more than sitting at a desk. Ive learned a lot more than just "how" to teach. We were taught strategies, lessons, how to deal with certain situations, and how to treat each and every student. Overall, the knowledge Ive gained this semester will not go unnoticed and I am super grateful for it. 

1. Kohn. What to look for in a classroom? 

This was one of the biggest things that stuck out to me. I never really noticed that the set up of a classroom means such a big deal. I didn't know that sitting in front of your teacher in desks is not the ideal classroom. But, when thinking back on it, I have hated every classroom that has been sitting in front of the teacher and listening to them talk all day. Finally, the idea he presented of having the classroom look like its owned by the students. Perfectly neat and organized isn't the best for the students because they know they will have no fun and it will be straight to the point. 

2. Service Learning 

This was one of the biggest activities that pushed my path too become a teacher. Being in a classroom working with students is something I want to do and Im so glad I was able to make sure I liked it in this class before going forward in my major. I loved seeing the students interactions with the teachers and with one another. It showed me that students love being with one another, you just want to make their experience great. They form their character in these classrooms. The real them comes out and you get to experience it. 

3. Barnga Card Game

This game was super interesting for me at least. I am one where I never think Im wrong no matter who is telling me anything. This made me open up my eyes and realize I'm not always right. I learned more from a simple card game than I have learned in my whole 4 years of high school. Seeing reactions of everyone just showed me you need everyone to be involved at all times. You always need help, and you can't do everything on your own. 

Picture wasn't working (had picture of a messy classroom in groups showing the kids having fun) 

https://www.edutopia.org/article/advantages-working-student-teachers/

Queering our Schools: RI Laws and Policies #10

 Overview: It is extremely important today that in societies all genders are respected and followed in the school system. In order for students to feel like themselves in school it is important for them to first be comfortable and second be themselves. The first article we read states how there are many laws that ensure everyone feels safe in school systems. One of the laws found was FERPA and it doesn't seem that important but it does in the long run. FERPA ensures that students records are kept private, which is obvious. This also provides transgender students with privacy. This is because if they choose they want to be transgender no one has to know because it is kept on a personal file. 

Reflection on text: 

In 2011 there was a law which was Title IX that made sure the LGBTQ students had the same rights as other students. This means the school would take action the second something has occurred to these students. I can relate to this a little because one kid I knew from high school was being harassed by a student that was a lot older than him. He immediately got the whole thing solved, as any other student was, but because of this law they took immediate action and filed a harassment care. In the video they read a book called "They, She, He, Easy as ABC," this book was about teaching students the correct pronouns to call one another and the importance of using them the right way so others feel respected. The book is mentions ABCs in the title because they go by each letter and give different examples. Overall, it is extremely important that students are taught to treat one another with respect especially when it comes to pronouns. Teaching them at a young age will help in the near future. As long as students feel comfortable about themselves that is all that matters. 

https://www.pewresearch.org/social-trends/2024/02/22/race-and-lgbtq-issues-in-k-12-schools/