Myself as a Reader

I would define myself as an active, average reader. I tend to read more in the summer when I have additional time. I typically read on the weekends when relaxing in the yard. I prefer to read mysteries, but I am always open for good book recommendations. I think what I enjoy most about reading is being able to escape from the world and become enthralled in another life. Reading can bring you to so many places without ever leaving your home. Although I enjoy reading books, I also read magazines, particularly the horoscope section. It is not uncommon for me to go to Barnes and Noble and pick up a few magazines to skim, while indulging on a latte.

When I was younger, I learned to read fairly easily. My parents bought numerous computer games to help me practice reading. I also really liked the Bernstein Bears Series and the book series with the Mr. Busy, Mrs. Messy and the other characters.

I do not recall many reading experiences as a younger student. I do remember in elementary school and even in high school teachers use to call on students to read aloud. I always hated this practice. It was not because I was bad reader, but I was always scared to make a mistake in front of my peers. What if my classmates made fun of me? Besides, the text books we were reading in class were not that interesting. I did enjoy Battle of the Books and thought the book choices were excellent. I think the Battle of the Books is a great way to engage students. Students do not want to read a book and write a report. Making reading and comprehension into a game with pizza as a price is great way for kids to learn.

The older I get, the more I enjoy reading. I am aware of the different books and genre and appreciate what they offer.

Community in the Classroom

In order to create a community in the classroom it is essential for the students to respect, listen, share and get along with one another. To practice these skills, there should be classroom activities where students have to work together, such as making the classroom rules. I also think it is beneficial to assign projects where students have share about themselves. Through learning about each other children can relate to each other and understand each other better.

In reading “Walking Trees” by Ralph Fletcher, I thought a great example of a community in the classroom was when Carmelina shared her story. She was comfortable enough with her classmates to discuss her problem at home. Her classmates did not judge her, but they tried to give her advice. Some students even volunteered to help her at home. This exemplifies a classroom community.

Community in the Classroom

In order to create a community in the classroom it is essential for the students to respect, listen, share and get along with one another. To practice these skills, there should be classroom activities where students have to work together, such as making the classroom rules. I also think it is beneficial to assign projects where students have share about themselves. Through learning about each other children can relate to each other and understand each other better.

In reading “Walking Trees” by Ralph Fletcher, I thought a great example of a community in the classroom was when Carmelina shared her story. She was comfortable enough with her classmates to discuss her problem at home. Her classmates did not judge her, but they tried to give her advice. Some students even volunteered to help her at home. This exemplifies a classroom community.

Lessons From Children

What I have learned from children is the importance of being carefree and enjoying the simple things in life. Children do not worry about life’s stresses, such as relationships or bills. They enjoy the simple things like riding their bikes, playing games and swimming. Although, I will not be able to escape the responsibilities of adulthood, I have learned that I should relax more and enjoy everything around me. I am not too old to play games or ride my bike.

I have also learned that children trust and admire the people around them, including teachers. Children look up to these figures as role models and want to make them proud. For example, when I worked at a basketball camp the children trusted me that they were learning the correct skills. They were impressed with my capabilities and wanted to show me they could do the drill as well. Similarly, in “Walking Trees” the children in Mr. Meyers’s class admired him dearly even though he was not perfect. Pujnabi still cared for Mr. Meyers even though he called him Popcorn.

It makes me realize that with age and experiences people become less trusting and loving of others. It is a disappointing thought.

Understanding Diversity

As a teacher I think it is essential to learn about the different racial and ethnic groups in your classroom. I feel our text book brought up good ways of doing this. I think it is important to plan activities that allow students to discuss their own cultural and community experiences. This allows you, as a teacher, to get to know each individual student on a personal level. I also think it is detrimental to have the parents’ of your students get involved. By doing so, this can help build your relationship with them. Another important way to acknowledge diversity in your classroom is through the use of multicultural literature. I truly enjoyed the exercise we did last class because it was such an eye opener. I realized how important it is to have a classroom library with all sorts of books that can relate to all different ethnic and racial groups. I love the fact that the Cinderella story now exist for all different ethnic groups.

An experience I had that taught me about my biases was when I worked in Newark City Hall. I had thought that I was going to go into Newark and see people getting shot and arrested. I also figured Newark City Hall was going to be a disaster zone. I don’t know if I felt this way because of the media or because of the stereotypes that are attached to Newark. Anyhow, I took public transport and I never saw anyone get shot or arrested. I truly enjoyed working with my co-workers. Newark City Hall was not a war zone and was great experience for me.