Responses

Week 2 Responses

To Erika:
Mostly 3s is really good! I'm a first year teacher and I rated myself much lower on the spectrum. Like you said, I feel that I understand most of the strategies, but it is incredibly difficult to establish everything with so little time (especially being an MU fellow...)! Keep up the good work!

I can relate to your frustrations with differentiating to the special needs students. In one of my classes, I had to create a unit where I differentiated to 3 students. It was incredibly rewarding, but very time consuming! I do not know what your students disabilities are, but I have learned that a few things I can do for my kiddos that are not too time consuming are: print out step-by-step instructions (include visuals if possible), do part of it for them (for example, if they need to draw an image to paint you could let them pick an image you have already drawn and then have them trace it),  have one of your excelling students be their buddy, and/or immediately re-instruct them after you have instructed the whole class.

To Ridlen:
It's encouraging to hear that you've let the reigns go a little and have allowed your students to experience more learner based projects. I feel that in today's time of school standards, it can be easier to teach, as you said, concretely. We all have limited budgets and limited time (especially us elementary art teachers), but it is important to let our students explore, grow, and even make mistakes. We should try to give our pupils the opportunity to love and enjoy art the way that we do! I have heard that common core will be implemented in the arts next year. I do not know much about it yet, but I am very curious to see if it will be a useful tool in promoting the arts or if it will become another obstacle.

I envy, the fact, that you high school teachers have other art educators to problem solve with. I can see how it would be very beneficial for you to have the opportunity to observe both, the Abba teacher and the more structured based teacher. I am curious to know what the students' opinions are of each educator.

Week 1 Responses

To Ginia:
Hello! I'm right there with you on the cliché wagon! There are many times when I get so frustrated with all of the politics of education that I just want to find a new career, but then my students change my thinking by brightening my day a million different ways. I teach elementary art myself. I have not had the privilege of even observing at a middle school. I am interested to know what it's like. Since I am an MU Fellow, I am looking for jobs for next year. I did not have a good experience when I student taught high school, I blame it on the fact that I look 16... but I feel like middle school might be a nice alternative if I can't find another elementary position. I'd love to hear more of your thoughts!

To Adair:
Wow! Art on a cart! I can only imagine what a challenge that would have been.. Did you feel like a pack horse? I have a niece who will be turning 5 this month. She is my little life saver. I'm sure your daughter will love having you around this summer. :)

Your lineage tree is beautiful! I too, had trouble remembering all of my teachers names. I'm terrible with names! It's a real challenge teaching elementary art, because I have to remember way too many names. I'm sure you can relate to that yourself. I agree with you, about remembering the feelings I had in class more than the lessons. I guess we should think about that in our own careers. Our students may not remember a single lesson we have taught them, but they sure will remember how we treated them and made them feel.