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"Being comfortable" is one enemy. Television, Study Island, Right Winger Republicans, Budget Cuts, Extended School Days, Flaming Hots with Nacho Cheese, Behavior Problems, AYP, Education vs. Teaching, Chicago Teaachers Union, Charter Schools.......

Just some of the topics that we touched on in class. The one thing that I've taken to heart throughout this class is to step away, look, analyze, and change what you are doing if it isn't making a difference in the lives of your students. Being comfortable is quite an easy thing to do as a teacher, especially if your principal isn't breathing down your neck.

The way the majority of educators attempt to teach our students who are minorities isn't working. Everything needs to change when dealing with these groups of people. More funding is needed but PROVEN PROGRAMS that improve test scores while allowing students to come in contact with nature and other environments that they wouldn't otherwise in the concrete jungle.

Teachers must analyze themselves, read quality books that help build character, and join professional organizations that will help them become the well rounded educators that they should be. No one should get "comfortable."

Dr. Cunningham managed to turn my world upside down in a matter of weeks. Everything that seems to be really isn't what it appears to be. I feel like I'm trapped in the Matrix. I have one question for you Craig. What aren't you running for a public office? You have a plethora of knowledge. I could see you in office rustling feathers.

How do budget cuts affect teachers?

Well it's that time of year again. Time for the distribution of cap and gowns correct? Why yes, but also time for the distribution of pink slips to teachers. There were 6 teachers and an Assistant Principal let go by my Principal this year. Five out of the six taught at the school less than 3 years, while the other one for approximately three years. The Assistant Principal taught at the school for the last 24 years! They were all told that they were laid off due to "budget cuts!" Our school suffers from low enrollment. I've noticed the pattern for the last two years. Several teachers are fired at the end of the school year, then in the beginning of the new year the remaining teachers have overcrowded classrooms, some up to 42 students. The paperwork is filed concerning this matter and more monies are given to the school. The Principal then hires teachers fresh out of college. I wonder exactly how much additional money the school is receiving for "overcrowded classrooms?"

http://712educators.about.com/od/issuesineducation/tp/teaching_budget_cuts.htm

Larger Classes

With budget cuts come larger classes. Research has shown that students learn better in smaller classes. When there is overcrowding there is a greater likelihood of disruptions. Further, it is much easier for students to fall through the cracks in larger schools and not get the extra help they need and deserve to succeed. Another casualty of larger classes is that teachers are unable to do as many cooperative learning and other more complex activities. They are just too difficult to manage with very large groups.

Without a doubt I know that half of the teachers that were laid off could not control their students. They were literally hanging from the chandeliers. However I can't believe why the Assistant Principal was let go. She does a wonderful job, but is making 100,000 + so I guess there lies the problem.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23116409/

WASHINGTON - School budgets have seemed to defy gravity in recent years — going up steadily without ever coming down. But school board members from across the country say that's likely to change soon, and they're bracing for leaner times forced by the nation's economic downturn.

Board members in Washington last week for an annual conference said shortfalls in state budgets coupled with pessimistic predictions about local revenues are forcing them to look for ways to trim next year's budgets, which they are working on now.

I hope my fellow co-workers are really being laid off due to "budget cuts" and not because of their inability to control their students.

Learning through play and fantasy

I am so thankful that I had a 5 year old niece when I was a headstart teacher. I only have one sibling and he's nine years older than me. Walking into that classroom was a rude awakening. I wasn't prepared for what I was going to experience. I learned that preschool must be structured just like the regular classroom, however the children learn a lot through play and fantasy. They aren't just sitting there like kids in the other grades with a book in front of them learning facts. I had to shed my adult skin and participate with my students in all aspects of their education. Learning through play allowed them to emulate doctors, nurses, and construction workers. I recall asking them specifically who they were, what they were doing and why were they doing so. The discussions and demonstrations we had were amazing.

http://www.lifelearningmagazine.com/0312/NovDec03.pdf

"Play isn’t something that we, as adults, can manipulate and control. Our
role, as I have found out, is to facilitate as many opportunities for play as we can. Aside from quality tools, time to play is crucial, and that's something home educating families can give their children in abundance."


I recall the fathers of several headstart students who thought it was wrong for them to play with their children and participate in their "fantasy land." I never had one man to come put on one of the dress up outfits and and become a doctor that was going to cure a patient by the bean bags. Headstart did however hold an inservice on the importance of playing with and fantasizing with your child. A hand full of parents showed up and they learned a lot.

http://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog/hml/ec/ec1297-e/

Play is for parents, too

You will find that playing with your children can be fun and helpful. It’s a relaxed and easy way to learn about your child’s interests, skills, and worries. It is a way of showing your child that you care, and it is one way you can contribute to your child’s total development.

To make the most of the opportunities play offers both you and your children, try these ideas:

• Join in your children’s play.
• Add fantasy and playfulness to everyday situations.
• Provide playmates for your children.
• Take your children to see people, places, and things outside your home.

You’ll find that play offers lots of possibilities to build on.