Technology Survey

• How many computers are in the classroom? 3
• Do they have internet access? Yes
• Can you access Google Tools? Yes
• Do you have access to a laptop cart? Yes...Can they get on the Internet? Yes
• Is there a computer lab? Yes
• Do the Computers have Internet Access? Yes
• Can you access Google Tools? Yes
• How do you reserve it? Sign up on the calender.
• How many of your students have computers with internet access at home? 7th graders:19, 17 of which access internet.
• Are there any locations in the community where students can access computers and Internet? No

Double Journal Entry #10

Why is kid watching a critical practice for teacher to use? How is kidwatching informed by cultural difference theory?

 

Kid watching keeps the teacher informed of the students.  As the intructor, he or she can keep up on how the students learn and what setting is best for them when it comes to learning.

 

Watching kids also gives a teacher information about where they are from.  Kids tend to implement skills and actions learned from home into their school environment.  Essentially, kids from different cultures will learn differently and can be monitored by teachers.  The teacher can also create a setting that is suitable for many cultures and can be beneficial to a students learning. 

Double Entry #9

Why is it important to encourage students to use primary language or code switch during literacy events? Does this apply to children with Appalachian dialects? Why or Why not?

It is important because children who know literacy in their own language already know the importance of literacy and how it can be applied to other aspects of life.  Also, allowing students to go between languages help them become more "savvy."  It can to some aspect.  The Appalachian dialect is different and affects the language for the kids.  Allowing for the dialect to help assist with the teaching of a new language. 

What are the differences between reading aloud from a students centered perspective and a teacher centered perspective?

The conversation that occurs is different.  If it is teacher-centered, then the conversation is more goal-directed to where lessons can come about.  If the conversation is student directed, then the goals can be learned on their own, rathter than directed.

Find a resource for using Appalachian literature in the classroom.

Here is the mission of a website that I found dealing with Appalachian Literature.

"The mission of the Appalachian Studies Association is to promote and engage dialogue, research, scholarship, education, creative expression, and action among scholars, educators, practitioners, grassroots activists, students, individuals, groups and institutions. Our mission is driven by our commitment to foster quality of life, democratic participation and appreciation of Appalachian experiences regionally, nationally and internationally."

Here is the link 

 

Journal #8

Why is it a mistake to group all English as Second Learners together? Give three reasons and examples from the reading in a blog posting.  One is the cooperation among the students.  The example is how Bianca "didn't remember" how to say something in spanish.  This caused Rosa to fall behind.  Another reason is because it sets the students apart and secludes them from other English-Speaking students.  Bianca's mom wanting Bianca to "fit in" emphasizes the need and want of children who aren't "normal".  One final error this can cause is the teacher does not know the different cultural backgrounds of the "English as Second Learners".  The article supplies two different locations that provide spanish speaking students. (Texas and Honduras).  This can cause communication errors and may lead to more separation of the foreign students. 

What is a virtual backpack and how does it relate to Funds of Knowledge?
Virtual backpacks are full of things that students have already learned.  This can be things at home, with friends, and from the world they live in.  Students bring with them skills, values, and assumptions.  This relates to "Funds of Knowledge" because it incorporates what Moll was talking about.  This includes the idea of bringing what the child knows and incorporating it into the lesson or classroom.   

Find a resource related to teaching English as a Second language? Here is a site to a program that teaches english as a foreign/second language.

Reflection

click here

This is a link to view my reflection as a google doc.

Final Copy of Digital Story

Double Entry Journal #6

A cultural activity I took place in was the West Virginia Symphony, held at the Fairmont State Campus.  The symphony was a requirement for my music class.  I actually enjoyed it.  It was nice to see and hear the different types of music, classical music.  It took dedication and learning on the people's part to ensure they got the quality of the music down.

Related Resource:
I found a website about a program centered around cultural responsive teaching.
LINK

My photostory

Journal Entry 5

3 things I learned)
"writing exists in a nest of talk." 
"The teaching of excellence in writing means adding language to what already exists, not subtracting."
"Writers need to be able to think about the physical design of txt."


The last statement really shook me. I guess it makes sense, but I never thought of it as being a priority for writers. 


2 things I found interesting)
"Writing instruction must accommodate the explosion in technology from the world around us." 
One of the features of writing that is most evident and yet most difficult to discuss is the degree to which it has “voice."
 1 question I have)
I know this article supports the advances of technology, but is it possible that technology may make writing obsolete? 




Here is a link to the article I read.

Where I am From

I am from the majestic hills, from homemade pepperoni rolls and homegrown tomatoes.
I am from the blue shuddered trailer, the walls that know everything, screaming or yelling or having fun.
I am from fully-planned holiday get gathers and strong will & stubbornness, from Sonya Yeager, Jim and Maggie Hoskinson and Robert (Pap) and Barbara Tennant.
I am from the dropping and helping out others and family suppers at the table.
From “I am proud of you” and “We love you”.
I am from the Plum Run Baptists.  From the dancing and singing to tears and deep connections. 
I'm from FGH and Tennants/Yeagers,  dille beans and homemade chicken noodles.
From the grandpa who knocks out a bull to protect his grandchild, and the mom who worked two jobs to provide a roof over my head.
I am from Plum Run and Davy’s Run.  From a hard working family and from a well-rounded work environment. 
I am from the place that feels like home, from family and friends that one wouldn’t change.


I am from West Virginia

Double Entry Journal #4

Quote:

"...that many families had abundant

knowledge that the schools did not know about--and therefore did not

use in order to teach academic skills. (Moll)

Reaction:
The first thing that came to mind when I read this sentence was ignorance.  Schools would be greatly benefited if the students were able to have an effect on the school, mainly diverse schools.  Students bring traditions, heritages, and abilities that can be useful to school with them, but are unable to express these traits due to the "structure" of the school.  The advantage that can be gained from if teachers used the experiences the students had would be great.  One it would make the students feel useful and appreciated. Two, it could bring about unity and communication among teachers and students. 
Using lifestyles and traits of kids to teach can help "build a better community"

Relative Item:

This is a neat picture of group work and I can see the different colors representing people of different backgrounds. 

Resources:
http://scrmworld.com/your-company-wants-to-build-an-online-community-key-things-to-consider/

Moll, L. "Funds of Knowledge." Look at Luis Moll's Research Into Hidden Family Resources 11. Web. 2 Sep 2011.