AR/WT by Drew Edwards https://padlet.com/edwardd7/n0nn19ec38iof8hb My journey through one of the best experiences. A position where not only did I teach students, but they taught me. en-us 2021-11-06 02:53:13 UTC 2026-04-24 22:28:12 UTC hello@padlet.com https://padlet.net/icons/png/1f4da.png My Placement: Home of the Eagles https://padlet.com/edwardd7/n0nn19ec38iof8hb/wish/1922724053 For my student teaching placement, I was located at Eaton Middle School in room 801 with Mrs. Kayla LaMontagne, for eighth grade language arts. ]]> 2021-12-01 13:21:05 UTC https://padlet.com/edwardd7/n0nn19ec38iof8hb/wish/1922724053 My Positionality: edwardd7 https://padlet.com/edwardd7/n0nn19ec38iof8hb/wish/1923435329 - I am female
- I am 24 years old
- I am white
- I am from Eaton, OH and graduated in 2016
- I was raised by my grandparents due to losing both my parents at a young age]]> 2021-12-01 17:49:54 UTC https://padlet.com/edwardd7/n0nn19ec38iof8hb/wish/1923435329 My Positionality in Relation to my School Community: edwardd7 https://padlet.com/edwardd7/n0nn19ec38iof8hb/wish/1923442613 I understand my positionality in relation to my school community in different aspects. When it comes to my position compared to other teachers in the 8th grade hallway at Eaton Middle School, I feel welcomed and appreciated. As an Eaton graduate, I feel welcomed back home. The education that seeps through the walls are the same walls I was confined into as well. The 8th grade teachers make me feel heard. Everyday at 2:15, the students are scrambling to get to their lockers so they can gather their belongings and head home. The teachers gather and monitor the students, we help those who look lost. After the students have left the halls, we as teachers discuss our day, along with discussion on if there are students who struggled that day. We come together and discuss how we can help that particular student(s) and how we can make a difference. My position in this 8th grade hallway is stable and utilized. Overall, my position in relation to my school community is vital, understood, and respected. The administration listens to my voice and understands that I want what is best for students.

]]> 2021-12-01 17:53:15 UTC https://padlet.com/edwardd7/n0nn19ec38iof8hb/wish/1923442613 Gaining a Deeper & Nuanced Understanding of My Students edwardd7 https://padlet.com/edwardd7/n0nn19ec38iof8hb/wish/1923450883 I participated in MTSS and PBIS meetings. During Eaton’s eighth grade Multi-Tiered Support System meetings, I learned more about the three tiers that are included in MTSS and the different support systems that are available to students. MTSS is extremely powerful for students that need different levels of support. For each grade level at Eaton Middle School, language arts teachers and math teachers gathered data from diagnostic testing (IXL/HMH Growth Measure) that shows where each student stands for that specific subject. Based on their score and decisions amongst the teachers, we pulled together a list of 10-15 names of students (for each grade level) that benefit from intervention. Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports is another form of intervention that I have learned more about over the course of the semester. Throughout PBIS meetings, I learned that there are different interventions that students need based on their behavior. I learned that PBIS has three levels of support. Each level of support allows each student to learn as best as they can. Behavior plays an important role inside and outside of the classroom. Behavior and systems of support go hand in hand with a common topic in the world today: mental health. Throughout the course of the semester, I liked to make it a point to check in with my students and ask how they are doing, not just academically but mentally as well. After students got more comfortable with me, they would share things regarding their mental health. My host teacher and I would send the student(s) to the guidance office if that is something they needed. There is only so much teachers can do because they have a role as a teacher, not a licensed counselor/therapist. Sometimes the students would just need to vent and let things out, but other times their mental health would be in a bad state or concerning state. With this being said, Eaton Community Schools makes it a habit to brush mental health under the rug. I have learned that mental health is “not that big of a deal,” and students still need to be doing work. Education is important, but so is mental health. If a student is struggling with mental health, then they cannot perform well academically. 

]]> 2021-12-01 17:57:03 UTC https://padlet.com/edwardd7/n0nn19ec38iof8hb/wish/1923450883 How My Sensibilities Have Evolved edwardd7 https://padlet.com/edwardd7/n0nn19ec38iof8hb/wish/1923506811 Eaton Community Schools received a new curriculum for language arts, which began this school year. In June of 2021, I attended the curriculum training with the other ELA teachers. The new curriculum, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (HMH), focuses on student self-actualized learning. In the first training session, I thought to myself, “What does any of this mean?” I was not familiar with the curriculum and neither were the others. Some of Eaton’s teachers have been a part of the Eaton community and school for several years, which means a lot of things haven’t changed in a while. For some, change can be scary or it can be exciting. It depends on the perspective. I see indifferences when it comes to curriculum, which can impact relationships with other teachers. My sensibilities have evolved about my school community; over time, I have learned that there is not a perfect school. There will always be flaws in the education system, maybe some holes that need to be filled, but if we work together as a community to provide a better education for today’s children, we can get better. ]]> 2021-12-01 18:23:31 UTC https://padlet.com/edwardd7/n0nn19ec38iof8hb/wish/1923506811 Manifestations of Power & Privilege edwardd7 https://padlet.com/edwardd7/n0nn19ec38iof8hb/wish/1923525027 Over the course of my student teaching experience, I have encountered manifestations of power and privilege within my classroom and school. The most common privileges I have encountered are gender privilege and socio-economic privilege. When I refer to gender privilege, I am referring to male privilege. Throughout this semester, I have witnessed men being centered to and catered to. The male teachers are treated with more respect and are actually heard when they express their own concerns/thoughts. When it comes to socio-economic privilege, it is a complex concept that may be different for everyone. Everyone within the Eaton community and schools have a different socio-economic status. There are several students whose families stand at a low socioeconomic status. One student in particular had no running water so they were offered resources from the school so their family could wash clothes and take care of their personal hygiene. Not every student has the same privilege as other students.]]> 2021-12-01 18:32:14 UTC https://padlet.com/edwardd7/n0nn19ec38iof8hb/wish/1923525027 My Positionality Interacting with the Privilege Inside & Outside the Classroom edwardd7 https://padlet.com/edwardd7/n0nn19ec38iof8hb/wish/1923528391 As a student teacher, I have interacted with privilege inside and out of the classroom. Outside of the classroom, I have attended meetings/conferences with other teachers, parents, and administrators. Within these interactions I have seen male privilege shine pretty bright. I have seen where women’s voices aren’t heard, but the male voices are. Since I am a woman, this male privilege within the school interacts with me. As a student teacher, I still care about my students and want what is best for them. If not all voices are heard, then how do the students get the best education that they deserve?

]]> 2021-12-01 18:33:53 UTC https://padlet.com/edwardd7/n0nn19ec38iof8hb/wish/1923528391 Who Benefits? Who is Oppressed? edwardd7 https://padlet.com/edwardd7/n0nn19ec38iof8hb/wish/1923530646 With gender privilege, it is the women who are oppressed while the men benefit. Men's voices are always heard. With socio-economic privilege, people of the lower class are oppressed, while the higher class benefit. When there is a low socio-economic status, there can be more consequences; poverty, low education achievements, and poor health are just some. The oppressed are always faced with the consequences, which is not just. There will always be the oppressors and the oppressed. It is up to us as educators to treat every student equally when they are in the confinements of our own classrooms.  

]]> 2021-12-01 18:34:59 UTC https://padlet.com/edwardd7/n0nn19ec38iof8hb/wish/1923530646 Inequities I Observed within the Classroom edwardd7 https://padlet.com/edwardd7/n0nn19ec38iof8hb/wish/1923534036 Within the classroom, I do not see inequities. In room 801, there is equity. My cooperating teacher does everything in her power to make sure every student has the resources and support they need to be successful. My cooperating teacher has taught me the importance of equity within the classroom. As a teacher, I want to see my students succeed. Each and every student I have encountered this semester is more than capable of doing some amazing things. Showing these students that we believe in them no matter their backgrounds has pushed them to do great things so far this year. As a student teacher, I am blessed to have had such an amazing cooperating teacher.]]> 2021-12-01 18:36:36 UTC https://padlet.com/edwardd7/n0nn19ec38iof8hb/wish/1923534036 How Eaton Community Schools Undermines Gender Privilege & Socio-Economic Privileges edwardd7 https://padlet.com/edwardd7/n0nn19ec38iof8hb/wish/1923537009 The school’s culture undermines gender and socio-economic status privileges by simply “brushing it under the rug.” Whenever a problem arises within this school community, it is kept quiet and brushed under an imaginary rug.  By ignoring these privileges and the issues they cause, the imaginary rug gets bigger and bigger. There is only so much a rug can cover.]]> 2021-12-01 18:37:59 UTC https://padlet.com/edwardd7/n0nn19ec38iof8hb/wish/1923537009 How Gender Privilege & Socio-Economic Privilege Relate to Broader Social Norms edwardd7 https://padlet.com/edwardd7/n0nn19ec38iof8hb/wish/1923541921 When relating to broader social inequities, these privileges relate to power, prestige, gender, and class. In a small town, people tend to be known for their last name. If their parents/family is successful, then the child will be well respected. If the child comes from a family with a “bad last name”, then that child will not be as well respected. This social inequity occurs a lot in small towns such as Eaton. Social inequities aren’t uncommon. They can be seen almost everywhere. The difference we can make begins in our own classroom. 

]]> 2021-12-01 18:40:00 UTC https://padlet.com/edwardd7/n0nn19ec38iof8hb/wish/1923541921 How I Can Become Aware & Address Inequities edwardd7 https://padlet.com/edwardd7/n0nn19ec38iof8hb/wish/1923544084 To become more aware of inequalities related to privilege, I will read more. That may sound vague, but I become more aware of things by doing research and reading. I will read about different experiences people have had with privilege and how it has affected them. Literature provides so much information, which is one reason I am passionate about the subject. Words hold so much knowledge. I will also become more aware just by being a teacher. Teachers encounter so many different students and administrators. Teaching will always teach me something new. 

]]> 2021-12-01 18:40:59 UTC https://padlet.com/edwardd7/n0nn19ec38iof8hb/wish/1923544084 How I Can Utilize My Privilege to Combat Inequities edwardd7 https://padlet.com/edwardd7/n0nn19ec38iof8hb/wish/1923546447 I can utilize my privilege to make a difference. Being privileged is an opportunity to speak up for those that can’t. I will use my voice to speak for those who can’t. To challenge such inequities, I can ask questions and add perspectives. When it comes to having privilege, it is important to utilize it in a positive way. 

]]> 2021-12-01 18:42:00 UTC https://padlet.com/edwardd7/n0nn19ec38iof8hb/wish/1923546447 TED Talk: Dr. Barry Schwartz edwardd7 https://padlet.com/edwardd7/n0nn19ec38iof8hb/wish/1923549649 Psychologist Barry Schwartz discusses how chance plays a big role in everyone’s life, connecting chance to inequality. He uses the example of college admissions to show that it isn't adequate and contributes to privilege. 
“We wreck a generation with this type of competition.” -Barry Schwartz

]]> 2021-12-01 18:43:26 UTC https://padlet.com/edwardd7/n0nn19ec38iof8hb/wish/1923549649 edwardd7 https://padlet.com/edwardd7/n0nn19ec38iof8hb/wish/1923565181 My host teacher added my name and position to the wall outside of our classroom so I would feel more welcomed and know that the classroom is also mine. ]]> 2021-12-01 18:50:45 UTC https://padlet.com/edwardd7/n0nn19ec38iof8hb/wish/1923565181 How I Have Come to Know My Students & How I Have Them Come to Know Me edwardd7 https://padlet.com/edwardd7/n0nn19ec38iof8hb/wish/1923582244 Over the course of my student experience at Eaton Middle School, I have come to know all 72 of my students in different ways. The first day of school, I introduced myself as Miss Edwards, their student teacher from Miami University. On the first day, every student was shy. They talked quietly through mumbles and sighs. As the first couple weeks went by, my students began to come out of their shells more and more. As a student teacher, I wanted my students to be comfortable with me and know that I am a trustworthy adult that they can count on. Getting my students to trust me is important because how can they learn from someone they don’t trust? Everyday I make it a point to check in with my students by asking questions at the start of class, such as “how are you doing, mentally?” or “How are your other classes going?” Asking these questions allowed my students to see that I don’t just care about language arts and how they are doing in my class alone. I care about their other grades, but I also care about their well being. Showing my students that I genuinely care allowed them to be able to share their own feelings and experiences with me. 
I also came to know my students through their writing. In the beginning of the semester, my cooperating teacher and I had the students practice writing a friendly letter. In the friendly letter they could write about any aspect of themselves. They could write about their summer, their expectations of this year, their pets, etc. It could be whatever they chose. After giving the students a few days to work on their letters, I sat down and read each and every friendly letter. I absorbed several details of their lives that they shared with me. One student shared in their friendly letter that their pet of over ten years passed away this summer. Another student shared that as soon as they graduate high school they are moving to Kentucky to be a diesel mechanic. Their friendly letters consisted of information about themselves that they insisted I know. One student shared with me that they live with their grandparents, while another shared about the loss of their nephew. Each student has their own story. I have used a multitude of ways to get to know them and their stories. Their stories will be etched into my mind forever. They are my first students. Teaching them and getting to know them has allowed me to grow as a person and as a teacher. 
Everyday in class I allowed my students to come to know me as well. Some times, random questions will come up, such as "Ms. Edwards, do you like cats?" or "Do you think pineapple belongs on pizza?" These questions may not seem important or relate to language arts, but I still took time to answer them. My students want to know more about who is teaching them, just as I want to get know them as well.
]]> 2021-12-01 18:59:03 UTC https://padlet.com/edwardd7/n0nn19ec38iof8hb/wish/1923582244 What I Have Observed edwardd7 https://padlet.com/edwardd7/n0nn19ec38iof8hb/wish/1923586788 There is a specific group of students that had a large depth of my attention. In the middle of the semester I had a student that was diagnosed with cancer. Since their immune system is weak, they could not attend school in person. All of the students are concerned about this particular one, scared even. I had noticed that this cancer diagnosis was taking a toll on a specific group, so I asked if they were doing okay. This group of students told me that they wanted to do something for their friend, but they didn’t know what exactly to do. One student had stated, “Let’s make the family a lot of food!” Another student had said, “Let’s just let them know we are here for them.” For several days in a row, I heard several students discussing their plans with their peers, and what they wanted to do for their classmate and their family. I saw this group of students come together and decide they wanted to make a positive difference in their friend’s life during a difficult time. After we came back to school from Thanksgiving break, there was a large group of students that returned with their heads shaved. Each student expressed that they shaved their heads in honor of their classmate. After the student's first chemo treatment, they began to lose their hair. Seeing these young students partake in something together for one classmate is heartwarming. It allows me to see that they care about their peers and do not want their classmate/friend to feel alone. This experience with this group of students allowed me to see that I carry some of the same baggage they carry. Having a student diagnosed with cancer was a chilling moment for me. The student is so young and has so many things they have yet to encounter. This experience allowed me to see that it is okay for me to feel the same emotions my students feel. It is important for them to know that they are not alone. ]]> 2021-12-01 19:01:21 UTC https://padlet.com/edwardd7/n0nn19ec38iof8hb/wish/1923586788 If This Were My Own First Year Classroom edwardd7 https://padlet.com/edwardd7/n0nn19ec38iof8hb/wish/1923589616 If this were my own full-year classroom, I would use different ways to come to know my students. Friendly letters are a great way to start to come to know your students. I would use other writing activities to come to know my students. Parent/guardian interactions are another good way to come to know your students as well. My favorite way to come to know students is through group activity. When the class is working on group activities, it gives me the opportunity to walk around the room and answer any questions, but also learn how the students work/communicate with others. This semester, I have learned that some students don’t work well with other students. Although they might not work well with one group, it doesn't mean there isn’t a group for them. Coming to know my students is an important part of teaching. I want my students to know my classroom is a safe space and if we don’t know each other, then how can they be comfortable? 

]]> 2021-12-01 19:02:48 UTC https://padlet.com/edwardd7/n0nn19ec38iof8hb/wish/1923589616 edwardd7 https://padlet.com/edwardd7/n0nn19ec38iof8hb/wish/1923596884 A friendly letter that a student wrote the first week of school. ]]> 2021-12-01 19:06:30 UTC https://padlet.com/edwardd7/n0nn19ec38iof8hb/wish/1923596884 edwardd7 https://padlet.com/edwardd7/n0nn19ec38iof8hb/wish/1923604489 Once it got closer to Christmas, teachers began decorating their classroom doors. One class decided they wanted their social studies teacher to decorate her door in honor of their classmate that had been diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma. The purple ribbon at the top resembles the Hodgkin's Lymphoma Awareness Ribbon. The different banners say different things, with the last banner saying, "No Eagle Fights Alone." ]]> 2021-12-01 19:10:27 UTC https://padlet.com/edwardd7/n0nn19ec38iof8hb/wish/1923604489 A Mandate I Encountered edwardd7 https://padlet.com/edwardd7/n0nn19ec38iof8hb/wish/1923606584 Every school district has their own mandates, whether it is a face mask mandate or a state standard mandate. Eaton’s newest mandate is the use of the new curriculum. As I have mentioned before, Eaton has a new curriculum, HMH. It became a mandate at the start of the 2021 Fall school year for all English Language Arts teachers to use the new curriculum within their classrooms. The literacy program provided by HMH for 8-12th grade is Into Literature. The Eaton Middle School ELA teachers are mandated to use this piece of the curriculum along with IXL Learning. With IXL, students begin by entering a testing diagnostic arena. In this arena, students are asked questions related to the subject (ie: math, language arts) and at the end, it determines what grade level they are at based on their skills. After the diagnostic, teachers can assign specific skills (state standards) that will help students build the knowledge and fill gaps in understanding. As part of the curriculum, IXL Learning is a mandate that Eaton schools have put in place.]]> 2021-12-01 19:11:33 UTC https://padlet.com/edwardd7/n0nn19ec38iof8hb/wish/1923606584 Curriculum Possibilities & Limitations edwardd7 https://padlet.com/edwardd7/n0nn19ec38iof8hb/wish/1923609064 The curriculum mandate has limitations along with possibilities. The limitations of the mandated curriculum are fewer than the possibilities. Over the course of my student teaching experience, I started to notice that some teachers were finding some cons with IXL. The most talked about con is the idea of change. Most teachers have been a part of Eaton for several years and have taught the same material, the same way, for years. Now that there is a new curriculum put into place, some teachers do not want to have to change anything or take the time to learn something new. Learning anything new can be a challenge, but with patience and practice, a lot can be accomplished. With the mandate, there are a lot of possibilities. With IXL, when students answer questions correctly and achieve skills, they receive different rewards such as ribbons and they can use gamification tools. Using a reward system allows students to want to learn more by achieving the assigned skills. This mandate opens up a bigger possibility for students to want to learn and achieve goals. IXL also focuses on practice to master the skill. To practice each skill, students answer questions and each question they answer correctly, they earn points. To master the skill, students must practice repeatedly. Practice opens up possibilities for students to expand their knowledge and understanding. ]]> 2021-12-01 19:12:52 UTC https://padlet.com/edwardd7/n0nn19ec38iof8hb/wish/1923609064 How I Can Respond to the Mandate edwardd7 https://padlet.com/edwardd7/n0nn19ec38iof8hb/wish/1923610563 There are different ways that I could respond to the mandate. If it were my classroom, I could ignore the mandate and continue teaching students the way I always taught. If I ignored the curriculum mandate, I could take the risk of losing my position as a teacher. Another response to the mandate could be taking it all in and giving myself time to navigate through the new curriculum. I could also participate in the curriculum training so I could learn to my best ability. Partaking in the mandate not only helps my teaching position but also helps my students learn and grow. Some students have gaps in their knowledge and the curriculum mandate can help fill those gaps.]]> 2021-12-01 19:13:39 UTC https://padlet.com/edwardd7/n0nn19ec38iof8hb/wish/1923610563 edwardd7 https://padlet.com/edwardd7/n0nn19ec38iof8hb/wish/1923612321 Preview of the HMH curriculum.]]> 2021-12-01 19:14:30 UTC https://padlet.com/edwardd7/n0nn19ec38iof8hb/wish/1923612321 edwardd7 https://padlet.com/edwardd7/n0nn19ec38iof8hb/wish/1923613411 A preview of the IXL Learning diagnostic.]]> 2021-12-01 19:15:05 UTC https://padlet.com/edwardd7/n0nn19ec38iof8hb/wish/1923613411 edwardd7 https://padlet.com/edwardd7/n0nn19ec38iof8hb/wish/1923668606 A brief breakdown of IXL support programs and how they work. ]]> 2021-12-01 19:44:11 UTC https://padlet.com/edwardd7/n0nn19ec38iof8hb/wish/1923668606 Breakdown of Ohio Learning Standard W.8.5 & the Possibilities it Holds edwardd7 https://padlet.com/edwardd7/n0nn19ec38iof8hb/wish/1923676429 One of the Ohio Learning Standards I am teaching in my classroom is W.8.5- With some guidance and support from peers and adults, develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a new approach, focusing on how well the purpose and audience have been addressed. In the context of my classroom, this standard means that students will be able to have guidance from adults and their classmates to help be a stronger writer. There have been several of my students who were strong writers from the beginning, but over the course of this semester they have gotten even better. This standard is important in my classroom because I want my students to be successful. Writing is something that they will always do, no matter what classes they take in high school or what they become when they grow up. Honing the students' writing skills is important because with writing there are so many opportunities. The curriculum taught in the classroom is more than just the standards. After teaching my students, I want them to take more away from my lessons than just test scores. In class, we have had deep conversations that pertain to the subject matter but also pertain to life itself. For example, a couple weeks ago we read the short story, “The Tell-Tale Heart'' by Edgar Allen Poe. This story brought up conversations about mental health. There were activities the class did that met Ohio Learning Standards, but there were meaningful conversations as well, letting me see that my students are learning more than just the standards. My goal as a teacher is to teach my students about language arts, but also teach them about themselves and the world around them. ]]> 2021-12-01 19:48:38 UTC https://padlet.com/edwardd7/n0nn19ec38iof8hb/wish/1923676429 How I Have Become Informed of My Students' Prior Experiences with the W.8.5 Standard edwardd7 https://padlet.com/edwardd7/n0nn19ec38iof8hb/wish/1923711045 I am becoming informed of students’ prior experience with the W.8.5 standard by asking them about their language arts class last year. I have asked them questions such as, “Did you do peer reviews in language arts last year?” Or, “What were some writing activities you did?” The students’ responses allow me to see and understand what stuck with them from the year prior. Another way my host teacher and I have become informed of students’  prior experience and understanding of the W.8.5 standard is through collaborating with other teachers. We have discussions with one of the seventh grade language arts teachers. She gives us the rundown of what she is covering in her classes and what her students are/were struggling with. Collaborating with other teachers is important and allows me to have a better understanding of what my students may need more work on. If they struggled with writing concluding paragraphs in 7th grade, then I know that is something I need to really focus on this year for them.  

]]> 2021-12-01 20:09:02 UTC https://padlet.com/edwardd7/n0nn19ec38iof8hb/wish/1923711045 How This Guides My Instruction edwardd7 https://padlet.com/edwardd7/n0nn19ec38iof8hb/wish/1923712113 This information will guide my instruction based on the students’ needs. If students need a more clear instruction on summaries, then I will give more clear instructions. If students need a sample of a piece of writing, then that is what I will do. My instruction will be based on what my students need in order to learn to their best ability. Learning is a two way street; teachers must teach, while students do what they can to learn. All students learn differently and as a teacher I must be prepared to partake in differentiated instruction if needed. Overall, my instruction is influenced by students’ prior knowledge and how they can learn best. 

]]> 2021-12-01 20:09:42 UTC https://padlet.com/edwardd7/n0nn19ec38iof8hb/wish/1923712113 Evidence That Shows Students' Evolving edwardd7 https://padlet.com/edwardd7/n0nn19ec38iof8hb/wish/1923714550 Evidence of students’ understanding would be increased writing skills over the course of the school year. I could compare their friendly letters from the beginning of the school year to a second piece of writing that they turn in at the end of the school year. Comparing two pieces of writing from the beginning to the end of the year allows me to see how their writing skills have grown or where they may need to improve. Evidence of intrigue would be the moments when students are involved in journal prompts that capture their attention and interests. For example, students had to answer the journal prompt, “If animals could talk, what animal would you talk to? What would you talk about?” Students showed interest in this journal prompt by sharing their responses. Journal prompts are also a good way to get to know the students as well. ]]> 2021-12-01 20:11:03 UTC https://padlet.com/edwardd7/n0nn19ec38iof8hb/wish/1923714550 edwardd7 https://padlet.com/edwardd7/n0nn19ec38iof8hb/wish/1923723830 An example of a student's response to a journal prompt.]]> 2021-12-01 20:16:39 UTC https://padlet.com/edwardd7/n0nn19ec38iof8hb/wish/1923723830 edwardd7 https://padlet.com/edwardd7/n0nn19ec38iof8hb/wish/1924248285 Lesson Plan]]> 2021-12-02 03:07:52 UTC https://padlet.com/edwardd7/n0nn19ec38iof8hb/wish/1924248285 Unpacking Standard W.8.5 edwardd7 https://padlet.com/edwardd7/n0nn19ec38iof8hb/wish/1924250606 The standard, W.8.5- With some guidance and support from peers and adults, develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a new approach, focusing on how well the purpose and audience have been addressed, can be broken down in a different, easier way: With advice and help from classmates and adults, writing can be made stronger with drafts and a lot of practice over time. My students that would love this standard are my writing students. I have quite a few students that enjoy writing and do a lot of it in their free time. The students that would hate this standard are those that get easily frustrated with writing and making numerous drafts. I have noticed that my weaker writers tend to have a stronger disliking for writing. Technically, the point of this standard is to guide students in readiness for future years of education with writing. As a teacher, the point of this standard is to help students learn that writing is not going to be perfect, especially the first time around (ie: first draft). Writing takes a lot of practice and it is a skill that students will need in the future. I read this standard for possibilities of learning from mistakes. Revising and editing will allow students to see mistakes they make, but learn to accept that it is okay to make them. This standard opens up different possibilities for me as a teacher to teach this standard in different ways. I can use different writing assignments such as summaries, friendly letters, literary analysis, etc. that need revising and peer editing. This writing standard is also open to many possibilities for students’ learning. Not only can students learn from their writing mistakes, but they can also learn more about themselves. Students that thought they disliked writing, might end up having a love for writing. Writing is open to so many possibilities. 

]]> 2021-12-02 03:09:16 UTC https://padlet.com/edwardd7/n0nn19ec38iof8hb/wish/1924250606 My Wish for My Students edwardd7 https://padlet.com/edwardd7/n0nn19ec38iof8hb/wish/1924252384 As my students engage in critical consciousness, I hope they learn that it is okay to make mistakes as they learn more about what it takes to be critically conscious. I hope that in my class they are being intellectually challenged in some way. I can challenge them intellectually by having them set their own learning goals. I also want to promote autonomy by having them reflect on their own progress and I want them to be able to take responsibility for their own learning. An example of promoting autonomy in the classroom is giving the students a chance to show leadership and guidance. Doing this allows students to feel more confident and promotes autonomy in the classroom. I also want my students to be able to collaborate with others. Some students may not be comfortable with group/partner work, but it is something that we can ease them into. Towards the end of the semester, students will be working on a literary analysis. For this literary analysis, the students will work in groups of about 3-4 students. My host teacher and I will be choosing the groups, but ultimately the students will be showing us who they collaborate best with. Giving the students opportunities to collaborate is important because it can improve their productivity and they can learn from one another. While taking part in the work, students may feel stumped or worn out. Literary analysis can be hard, especially the first time doing it. My host teacher and I will be providing a lot of insight on the assignment so students feel comfortable and will succeed. There is nothing more important than setting students up for success. ]]> 2021-12-02 03:10:28 UTC https://padlet.com/edwardd7/n0nn19ec38iof8hb/wish/1924252384 How Students Find Empowerment, Autonomy, & a Sense of Humanity edwardd7 https://padlet.com/edwardd7/n0nn19ec38iof8hb/wish/1924260624 I understand that students’ needs are going to vary. With standard W.8.5, some students may need more support from the teacher. This could be one on one conferencing, more feedback, or just more guidance. Some students may not need much guidance at all. It depends on the student. Every student learns differently and needs different kinds of support. I understand that differentiated instruction is something that may be needed. When it comes to students' aspirations, I understand that they want to do well. In order to do well with this specific standard, students need to be able to understand what the standard means and how they can achieve it. Standards are like learning goals. To achieve a goal, you have to work at it. Students can’t achieve goals on their own. They need guidance, support, and instruction. Without these things, I know my students couldn’t succeed. Students can find empowerment through this standard by collaborating with their peers. Peer reviews and editing can allow them to feel empowered because they are being given the opportunity to give others feedback. By doing this, they are helping their peers succeed. Helping others is a great way to feel empowered. This standard also gives students the opportunity to practice and obtain autonomy. They can take responsibility for their own learning and do personal reflection on their writing. ]]> 2021-12-02 03:15:47 UTC https://padlet.com/edwardd7/n0nn19ec38iof8hb/wish/1924260624 Experiences that Evolve Students' Understanding edwardd7 https://padlet.com/edwardd7/n0nn19ec38iof8hb/wish/1924268125 Collaboration experiences will contribute to students’ understanding, intrigue, and ability to apply knowledge related to standard W.8.5. Students will be working on a literary analysis. For this literary analysis, the students will work in groups of about 3-4 students. My host teacher and I will be choosing the groups, but ultimately the students will be showing us who they collaborate best with. For the literary analysis project, students will have the choice on which story they write their literary analysis about. Some of their options are “The Gift of the Magi”, “The Treasure of Lemon Brown”, and “The Monkey’s Paw”. My host teacher and I will be giving students a copy of the rubric so they know exactly what is expected of them. We will also be providing the students with a teacher model of a literary analysis project. The teacher model will allow students to see exactly what a literary analysis looks like. This project allows room for students to make writing mistakes, yet learn from them. There will be editing and revising, collaboration, and planning. Giving the students opportunities to collaborate is important because it can improve their productivity and they can learn from one another. This will also allow the students to have support from the adults in the classroom. There will be opportunities for one on one conferencing and asking questions. Having support and guidance with writing assignments affiliated with the W.8.5 learning standard will allow students to succeed.

]]> 2021-12-02 03:20:47 UTC https://padlet.com/edwardd7/n0nn19ec38iof8hb/wish/1924268125 Making the Experience Accessible to Students edwardd7 https://padlet.com/edwardd7/n0nn19ec38iof8hb/wish/1924271223 I would begin to make the experience accessible and beneficial to all students by using different forms of representation. For the short stories we read in class, students have different choices for reading: read independently, with a partner, together as a class, or an audio version. This allows students to choose how they want to read and what benefits them the most. Some may need to read aloud, while others may need to read quietly and independently. I will also strive to use multiple means of engagement. Students’ chromebooks are something they use almost daily, but there are other ways we can engage as a class. We can have class discussions, do more hands-on activities,  or do project-based activities. Having students choose which short story they want to create their literary analysis for is important because it allows them to have an opportunity for expression. To make the experience accessible for everyone, there will be accommodations made as necessary. For video/audio, there will always be closed captions provided, for example. For this experience, I also strive to always stay connected with my students. There will always be room for connection. Staying connected with my students is important because if I can’t connect with them through this assignment, or any other assignment, then the experience will not be as beneficial to them or myself as a teacher. Overall, I strive for my students to learn something new everyday. I want their literary analysis to teach them something new, but also peak their interest. 

]]> 2021-12-02 03:22:54 UTC https://padlet.com/edwardd7/n0nn19ec38iof8hb/wish/1924271223 edwardd7 https://padlet.com/edwardd7/n0nn19ec38iof8hb/wish/1924278943 Scholarly article on collaborative learning and how it is beneficial. ]]> 2021-12-02 03:28:05 UTC https://padlet.com/edwardd7/n0nn19ec38iof8hb/wish/1924278943 How Students Deepened Their Content Knowledge edwardd7 https://padlet.com/edwardd7/n0nn19ec38iof8hb/wish/1924281440 Students deepened their content knowledge in relation to standard W.8.5. One of the biggest ways I saw this was through collaboration. Seeing students collaborate with their peers is heartwarming because at the beginning of the semester there were several students that wanted to stay inside their shell and not have to talk to anyone. At this point in the semester, students have come out of their shell and have experienced new friendships and knowledge. Collaboration is important with this standard because students can learn so much from one another. Seeing them collaborate and learn something new each day tied in with standard W.8.5 is a huge success. I was able to make several observations throughout the semester. I observed the days the students struggled with some things, and I observed while their light bulbs lit up above their heads. Watching students learn new content through collaboration and instruction is a remarkable experience. 

]]> 2021-12-02 03:29:53 UTC https://padlet.com/edwardd7/n0nn19ec38iof8hb/wish/1924281440 Students Exhibiting Understanding edwardd7 https://padlet.com/edwardd7/n0nn19ec38iof8hb/wish/1924283324 As stated previously, collaboration has played a big part in the classroom and how students learn from the standard but also with their peers. I observed that students learn so much from one another. Through group work, I observed that the students genuinely care about one another. With collaboration, students learned that not everyone has the same experiences. Their classmate that was diagnosed with cancer was not able to participate in class. There were students that wanted to still include this particular student via Zoom or Google Meet. Through collaboration, the students decided that it was best to give their classmate as much normalcy as possible. Over the course of the semester, the students have wondered and asked about their classmate and expressed concern on a daily basis. Through collaboration, the group of students that decided to shave their heads with their peer because they didn’t want their friend to feel alone. Collaboration is an important part of the greater good. With collaboration, students united. A writing standard developed into class unity. ]]> 2021-12-02 03:31:13 UTC https://padlet.com/edwardd7/n0nn19ec38iof8hb/wish/1924283324 If the Classroom Were My Own edwardd7 https://padlet.com/edwardd7/n0nn19ec38iof8hb/wish/1924286087 To be honest, if this were my own classroom, I wouldn’t have done anything differently. My host teacher has shown me the importance of developing relationships with students in order to connect with them. My host teacher is proof that education is more than just standards. As standards are important, so is critical consciousness and deeper conversations and understanding. Over the course of this semester I have seen the importance of guiding critical thinking and writing, while also teaching students that mistakes are okay. My host teacher is a solid example of having a rich interaction with the students and standard. All I can wish for my students is that they continue to learn, grow, and lift each other up. 


]]> 2021-12-02 03:33:11 UTC https://padlet.com/edwardd7/n0nn19ec38iof8hb/wish/1924286087 Why Mindfulness is a Worthwhile Topic edwardd7 https://padlet.com/edwardd7/n0nn19ec38iof8hb/wish/1924288300 A particular topic of inquiry that I would address with my students would be the topic of mindfulness meets the classroom. Mindfulness teaches students to be aware of their surroundings, emotions, and how they impact others. Bringing mindfulness to the classroom can allow students to strengthen their social and emotional development. This topic of inquiry gives students the chance to engage in critical consciousness because mindfulness raises awareness of your own dilemmas and others, leading to consciousness. Mindfulness honors one another’s full humanity because when we aren’t being mindful, we are ignoring our own insight and knowledge of the world around us. Being mindful allows students to see and understand that others’ lives may be different from theirs. Having students participate in mindfulness shows their humanity. As stated previously, the group of students that shaved their heads so their classmate wouldn’t feel alone shows mindfulness and honors one another’s humanity. 

]]> 2021-12-02 03:34:38 UTC https://padlet.com/edwardd7/n0nn19ec38iof8hb/wish/1924288300 How I'd Make it Accessible edwardd7 https://padlet.com/edwardd7/n0nn19ec38iof8hb/wish/1924289467 I would strive to make it accessible and beneficial to all students by using different forms of representation, multiple means of communication/engagement, and accommodations made as necessary. A great book that all age groups should read inside the classroom is “Through the Cracks” written by Carolyn Sollman. This story begs us to ensure that the future of society should meet the mental and emotional needs of young people in school, so they don’t fall through the cracks. This story is beneficial to students of all backgrounds and is something that I would include in my topic of inquiry. ]]> 2021-12-02 03:35:27 UTC https://padlet.com/edwardd7/n0nn19ec38iof8hb/wish/1924289467 Reflection & Response edwardd7 https://padlet.com/edwardd7/n0nn19ec38iof8hb/wish/1924290668 I engage with the inquiry content to work in solidarity within community contexts by relating to students and sharing the book, “Through the Cracks” with the class. Raquel Rios, author of “Looking Through the Cracks: Fighting Ignorance with Mindfulness & Critical Consciousness”, states, “Mindfulness is a constant unfolding that gives us a new sight, called insight. It moves from the inside out, unfolding outward like the petals of a lotus. It is a way to see out, from the inside cracks of ordinary life.” Mindfulness gives opportunities for reflection and response through class discussions, readings, and collaboration. Reflection can be done by looking back on past experiences inside the classroom and how the students’ mindfulness has changed. Students can look at where they feel they stand inside the classroom and within their culture or society. Mindfulness is important and is something that students will always find themselves participating in.]]> 2021-12-02 03:36:17 UTC https://padlet.com/edwardd7/n0nn19ec38iof8hb/wish/1924290668 Children's Story but Appropriate for All Ages edwardd7 https://padlet.com/edwardd7/n0nn19ec38iof8hb/wish/1924292999 Through the Cracks written by Carolyn Sullman]]> 2021-12-02 03:38:07 UTC https://padlet.com/edwardd7/n0nn19ec38iof8hb/wish/1924292999 Blog from Psychologist Raquel Rios edwardd7 https://padlet.com/edwardd7/n0nn19ec38iof8hb/wish/1924295329 2021-12-02 03:39:54 UTC https://padlet.com/edwardd7/n0nn19ec38iof8hb/wish/1924295329