Chapters 3 and 4

Quotes of choice:

1) "Barbara Kingsolver (1997) reminds us that the very least we ought to expect of ourselves is that we figure out what we hope for in this life. The most we can do, she continues, is to make sure we live inside our hopes, rather than admiring them from a distance. Perhaps those teachers who are successful in forming bonds with students remember the dreams of the novice teacher clearly enough that they inhabit those dreams daily. The way we "do school" often makes it easy to forget why teaching once seemed the best job in the world and makes it easy to lose sight of what we once hoped for." (pg. 25)

I like this quote because it puts things into perspective. I've talked to a few teachers that just simply aren't motivated anymore and constantly wonder why they picked their professioin. I think it could be easy, as a teacher, to get overwhelmed by all of the little things. But if teachers focus on why they wanted to teach and making bonds with students so that they can make a difference in their lives, the teachers will never tire of their jobs and will always think that it is the best job in the world.

2. "Reflective practice is important, because effective teaching defies any set of 'rules for practice.' There is no formula for success. Rather, we work in 'indeterminate zones of practice' (Schon, 1987), where uncertainty, ambiguity and uniqueness are key constants in the teacher's world." (pg. 33)

I think that a lot of people have tried to figure out "the formula for success". The problem with this attempt, however, is that it cannot exist because the formula will be different for each person. What may work for one person, may not work for another person. This is why teachers cannot create a formula for success and expect every student to achieve the same results. Lessons and learning must be adapted, as practically as possible, to each student to maximize their learning and growth. There is no perfect formula that every student will be able to use. Instead there is tweaking and adjusting until every student has a chance to succeed.

3. "Environment will support or deter the student's quest for affirmation, contribution, power, purpose, and challenge in the classroom. Environment also will speak to the presence or absence of invitation and opportunity to each child individually and, ultimately, to the class as a whole. It will often be the first messenger of how learning will be in this place." (pg. 37)

Obviously the environment that teachers create in their classrooms is cruical to the success of the students. Creating a classroom environment that is inviting and positive will create a safe community in which all students can feel successful. Since the success of students is ultimately the goal of all teachers, then the environment of the classroom is an important aspect to consider when deciding upon one's own classroom.

Reflection on Sylvia Allan's Visit

I loved listening to Sylvia. She is incredibly knowledgeable and a wonderful speaker. She thoroughly convinced me to use morning meetings in my classroom. I loved her stories of how close her classes became. They were all friends and weren't afraid to talk to one another. I think having a sense of community within your classroom is one of the most important things a teacher can accomplish. Morning meetings give students an opportunity to gain confidence and express themselves. It creates a safe environment in which the students can feel empowered and at ease. I loved hearing all of the positive effects that morning meetings brought to Sylvia's class. It made me realize that morning meetings should be an invaluable part of any classroom.

Chapter 2 The role of students needs

2d. On page 22, Tomlinson says, “The truth is, we will never really do all each child needs us to do.” Later on this page she says, “The point is not to entertain guilt. The point is to relentlessly seize the remarkable opportunity of a teacher to shape lives – to do the best we can to ensure that we are better at reaching children today than yesterday, better at it this year than last.”

Every teacher knows that it is impossible to meet every need of every student in her classroom, but it should be the goal that every teacher sets for herself. Teachers should always be striving to do more and do better than they previously have. Otherwise teachers will fall into a pattern of being content and comfortable with mediocre lessons that could be better. Teachers should constantly be seeking to improve and better themselves so that their students will be able to improve and better themselves as well.

Chapter One from Fulfilling the Promise of the Differentiated Classroom

1c. On page 12 of this reading assignment, Tomlinson says, “… the most effective teaching does not seek transmission of knowledge isolated from human need, but rather attempts to help young learners discover the power of knowledge to reveal, amplify, and develop the best that is in them.” What does this mean to you?

I believe that Tomlinson is suggesting to teachers that merely teaching students facts and lessons is not going to be beneficial to students. Teachers that strive to incorporate personal experiences of the students into their lessons will find a more teachable class. Students will learn more and remember more if they are able to make connections to the new information that the teacher is presenting. If the teacher can also explain how the knowledge will be beneficial to the students in the real world, and show them how it effects them personally, the students will be more successful in learning the material.

Response to "What Do You See?"

I think that as you look for uniqueness among the flowers in the field, you are forced to look more closely. You note each difference and each similarity between all that you see. Just like the flowers in the field, children in the classroom have many similarities and differences from their peers. But the differences are not always obvious. Teachers must carefully inspect each child to find what the differences may be. As teachers note the similarities and differences among their students, they will be better able to adapt their lessons to fit the needs of each of their students so that each students will have the opportunity to bloom with success.