Blog 8

     I have learned many things through my field work.  The most important thing that I learned was classroom management.  The teacher that I observed did a fantastic job at controlling the classroom.  He had many procedures that effectively got the students attention and the class was never out of control.  I want to be able to run my class this way because it is such an important aspect of teaching, it sets a foundation for everything else.  Learning strategies on how to control a class was probably the most important thing that I could have learned.
     Other strategies that I learned during my field work was strategies on how to get the student thinking.  I learned the importance of not just giving the child an answer, but rather using scaffolding to get their brains thinking.  When they learn something for themselves, they remember it a lot better than if the answer is just told to them.  I think this is another important thing to learn early in my education.  I want the children to really absorb the information I teach them.  Asking, "Why?" is another key aspect to teaching that I learned through my field work.  It allows their thinking to go deeper rather than staying at the surface.
     If I can learn right now effective strategies to run a classroom then I will be a more successful teacher when the time comes.  Classroom management and teaching information are the keystones to an effective classroom.  This class has set a foundation for the remainder of my journey through the elementary education process.  I can elaborate my ideas from this class into deeper philosophies for my teaching strategies.  These are only two of the countless things I learned through my field work and I cannot wait to incorporate them into my teaching tactics.

Blog 7

      The schools rules and guidelines are strongly enforced in both the school as a whole and in each individual classroom.  The biggest rule that is incorporated in the school is no bullying.  There are signs in the hallways, doors, and in every classroom.  They have wrist bands that promise to not bully.  If you wear them on certain days, you get a treat.  This motivates students to not bully and they get rewarded and acknowledged for their efforts.
       One procedure that is used in the classroom to make things run smoothly is the way the teacher gets the classes attention together.  When he is ready for them to stop collaborating with neighbors and needs their attention he simply says, "hands and eyes."  The class repeats him and they all look at the front of the classroom with their hands clasped together.  This is a very effective way to get the student's attention.  Another thing the teacher does is say with excitement, "hair on fire!" The class does a quiet scream then they are completely silent.  This is a fun and efficient  way for student's to pay attention and gives them an opportunity to let out their voices.