Video Reflection #1

The New Tech Trendes Video was very informative. I don't like the idea of setting monthly limits on the internet unless it is cost friendly. Usually big companies are just looking for another way to make a big buck. I do like the online program that Sandra Day O'Conner helped put together. The program seems like it would be a fun way to learn about our court system. Students in this generation like to use the computer so I think they would be more intent in learning from an online program rather than a dry history teacher. I am also fascinated with the multi touch screens. They will make using computers even easier and faster. "Computer for Dummies" may just be obsolete. What a great idea! Technology is great! I am always excited to see what will be next in the technology world.

My Ideal Classroom (Reflection 1)

My ideal classroom will be a safe, fun, and learning environment. I want my students excited to come to school each day. In order to do this I will have to incorporate many things. The first thing is the environment. The classroom is eye catching and visually stimulating. I will use cheery, bright colors to set the mood. I want many things on the walls but not so many that the room looks to busy. A clean and organized room is a must. A clean and tidy room makes a happy room. There is a special place set up just for reading. This space is soothing with comfy bean bags. It is inviting and inticing students to read, read, read.

I want all my students to feel welcome in their classroom. I want them to feel like it is a type of home away from home, a safe haven. I know for some students my classroom will be the only place they feel safe and cared about. I will have a no tolerance policy for students being mean to each other in anyway. I would like to have a family feeling, where the students can share with each other. I will do this by encorporating family circle once a week. The students will move their desks to the sides of the room and sit in a big circle. We will share with each other anything the students would like to talk about.

I want to use the arts in my teaching as much as possible. My classroom will have music, dance and art with subjects such as math, language arts and social studies. It is important to me to reach all students. Incorporating the arts in my teaching will allow all learners to absorb the curriculum. The students are engaged and excited to learn all the subjects! My class will use all the technology tools available. Each student will have their own computer to use for online games and learning programs such as kidspiration. I am very excited for my future classroom. I want to make a difference in the lives of my students. After all, like they say, "It takes a village to raise a child". I am happy to be a big part the village.