Week 5: The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom...

This week...

There is so much learning out there but the ultimate learning, the ultimate knowledge is found in the fear of the Lord. That's where it starts!

This week I have again learned about flexibility. I am teaching math, science, and have just started guided reading with a group of seven struggling readers. I am really enjoying my time tutoring in reading and am learning TONS of tips and ideas from my cooperating teacher Mrs. Breitbach.

Top 10 of the Week:

1. Taught about constellations and brought in a $250, 10-cm lens telescope
2. Teaching math and doing a lesson on "How to Plan for a Class Party"
   
3. Started reading groups for 7 kids!
   
4. Kids on the Block Puppet program
5. Got an Oliver Twist audio book for my car
6. Picked up the children's book entitled The Mysterious Benedict Society
7. I am getting better at racquetball...I lost to Dale 7-15!
   
8. Tutoring Corissa in reading
   
9. Pajama Day at Carver
   
10. Friday Nighter lesson about the life of Jesus

Week in Pictures:

1. The $250, 10-cm lens telescope I was able to show my class in our unit on The Stars
   

2. Some of my students Stencilrama work

3. The Kids on the Block puppet program teaching about disabilities


Teacher Thoughts:

1. Don't keep students in for recess to do late work. Send it home with them because they need the recess and you need the break in the day.
2. Be creative. i.e. Putting "eyes" on the globe to show how "Mr. Earth" sees the constellations
3. When people are fighting. Sit down with them. Hear each side of the story one at a time with no interruptions. Summarize what you understand they are saying. Have them ask for forgiveness and forgive each other and move on.
4. Scanning textbook pages or other documents is so helpful for teaching!
5. If you want students' undivided attention bring them to the front carpet.
6. If a student is distracted by an object, confiscate the object.
7. If it takes too many seconds for the class to become quiet when you get their attention, have them come in at recess and practice it.
   
8. Use partner sharing more than letting the teacher read aloud the text to the class because it engages the students and cements the learning!
9. If you remember an instruction after you just sent the kids to do independent work, get their attention and tell them so that you don't lose instructional time. Better late than never!
10. If you have students work in groups, have each group create one product because then they have less work to do and you have less to grade. At the same time, they learn the concept just as well if not better!

Please pray that I will...
-continue to set aside time for the Lord in the mornings
-use time wisely as I take on some more teaching responsibilities little by little
-have wisdom as I tutor in reading
-stay healthy and well rested
-know how to command respect of my students in a healthy way and that I will know how to deal with students who are frustrated, fighting, or simply having a bad day