handwritten on June 14, 2013
Unfortunately, I am already behind on blogging due to the craziness of last week. Nevertheless, I figured I would post something anyway. It is certainly better late than never!
Week two orientation could probably be summed up in about one word: stressful. You think you have worked hard until you are asked to design lesson plans and curriculum materials from scratch following a very specific lesson plan template. Then, you realize that the phrase “hard work” has a completely new meaning. Despite the sleepless nights, we managed to make it through the week and learned a lot in the process.
We learned significant amounts on how to incorporate structured and guided practice within the classroom...
handwritten on June 6, 2013
I cannot believe week one orientation is already over! I arrived the first day somewhat nervous and apprehensive about what this summer was going to be like for me. However, I immediately realized that I had nothing to worry about. I met some of the most intelligent and hard working college students this week that were eager to share their stories with me.
Lesson number one: The first lesson I learned this week was to always come into Summerbridge with high energy and a willing heart. On Thursday, the staff introduced the concept of “energizers” which are basically catchy chants that we sing to each other and to the kids to get them excited about the day and excited about learning. I am...
handwritten on April 28, 2013
It is difficult for me to believe that I have now completed my second semester teaching flute lessons at The Falk School. This semester was filled with old students and new students, and I certainly saw myself improving as a teacher.
One of the big challenges of this semester was that many of my students were not intermediate or advanced, but were early-beginners. On the very first day of lessons I received notice that I would be receiving three new students who were eager to learn flute so that they could join the school band. I was a bit nervous when I received this news not so much because I didn't want to teach beginners but because I didn't know how effective I would be as a beginner...
handwritten on December 18, 2012
My first semester teaching flute at The Falk School couldn't have gone better. I am still amazed at how wonderful the music program is at The Falk School. The chorus, the band and the jazz band are absolutely phenomenol and so are the students! In attempt to write about this semester, I found it would be fitting to briefly write about the small lessons I learned throughout my teaching experience.
Lesson #1: Differentiating instruction is the key to any successful educator. As I began this semester, I immedietely realized that I had ten students and not a single student was on the same level as the other student. Thus, switching from advanced to intermediate to elementary level music became...
handwritten on October 20, 2012
As a pre-professional student in Math Methods I have gleaned insightful knowledge and wisdom on the strategies and theories that build the foundation of Elementary Mathematics. Through various class articles, research projects, peer evaluations and discussions I have successfully compiled facts, case studies and tested theories into my own mathematical philosophy. I consider this included information valuable due to its versatility and flexibility in various grade levels, its ability to reach unique learners and its positive impact on all classroom environments. Thus, I believe the dominant themes of early number sense, mathematical proficiency and the use of differentiated instruction are...
