Second Week In SCED

I learned much more about science and recalled many things I had learned that I forgot about. One of my goals this semester is reviewing all elementary science so I can stay up-to-date with what is new and remember what I have already learned, so I was proud that I read into science articles. I have struggled getting a head start on my assignments this week, which I'm not proud of but will get back on with it. I was most satisfied with thinking about the ecosystem that we made and recalling the information with the plants and photosynthesis and how different living things will *hopefully* stay alive. I have never researched or done much with an ecosystem, I was just familiar with the term, but now I'm excited to see what the outcome will be. I want to work on my assignments right away to get caught up with where I would like to be. This will cause me less stress and help me realize why not procrastinating can feel physically good, because stressing out at the last minute is exhausting. I helped others by being able to stab holes into the bottom of their bottles, and I contributed a lot with class conversations, even if some of my contributions were a little girly. Next week I want to encourage my colleagues more, encouragement goes a long way. All of these girls have worked so hard to be where we are now, in the midst of our stress it's easy to forget this. I looked up some new techniques on studying, like having students work in small groups to figure out a problem, or what a new vocabulary word may mean in a sentence given only the context with the new word. I also looked up NASA's website with many elementary level videos I can show in class to peak student's interest.

I have been following the terrible flooding that has happened in Houston. There are more dangers than just flooding, like chemical fires, no clean water, explosions from power plants, and even over 350 alligators getting loose in the flood waters. There is a lot going on here. There is the excess of rain and not having enough. Rain and the weather is something students can look for every day. In upper grade levels I can talk about how there can still be fire with water depending on the chemicals. In accordance to the NCTCS, I am responsible for my student's learning, that is why I am reviewing science and staying relevant. 

My first tweet this week is about classroom rules. These are not rules such as raise your hand before speaking and have sharpened pencils, but a rule of the mind. I love how Amy Fast says lean into your struggle. Most of the time when we struggle the last thing we want to do is lean into it. My second tweet is advice about classroom management. We need to connect and like our students. Being a biased teacher will not help your student or yourself. My third tweet was the 4 C's of modern teaching. Communicating should always be implemented into classrooms. Verbally saying something can help understanding, but it is important we have our students practice communication.