Honor and Decency

www.amazon.com

I recently purchased a book at a school book fair and I have not been able to stop reading or stop thinking about the book. It is written by Rafe Esquith and is titled, Teach Like You Hair's On Fire. I love philosophical discussions and I'm intrigued by Esquith's book because it is based on his philosophical approach to teaching. He hits on so many things that I have thought about when working with children. I find myself mentally struggling with the issues that surface when teaching kids. Behavior is one such issue. Self-esteem is another. I keep wondering what I can do to influence students to care about themselves, their education, and the people around them. Esquith introduces his students to Lawrence Kohlberg's Six Levels of Moral Development. He strives for each student to attain the last level, which he calls: "I have a personal code of behavior and I follow it." It is certainly an interesting approach and it seems to work in his classroom. Personally, I have wondered about how one develops honor and decency. Is it a nature versus nurture thing? Surely, we are not born with or without morals. Yet two people with the same parents, from the same home, can have entirely different moral compasses. How can that be? And as an educator, how can I help students strive to be honorable and decent when they may go home to an environment that supports neither quality. Esquith seems to have discovered something that works with his students and I feel that I need to research his methods more. I believe that education can be positively affected by the attitudes and beliefs of the students. How to instill a sense of honor and decency in every student is the dilemma.

A Special Assignment

textHELP Literacy Software

This Saturday the students in my Information Services class will be presenting an exhibition of an instructional media of their choosing. I have chosen to present a software program for special needs students. I intend to create a media center that welcomes special needs students in the same way that general education students are welcomed—thus my choice of media. Since I started working on my exhibition, I have been thinking about the experiences I have had working with special needs children. One of my first experiences was teaching a special art class to a boy with severe autism. What a challenge it was, and yet it was a wonderful challenge. A few classes into the semester he started asking me questions like: what is your name, what is your husband's name, what is your daughter's name, etc. At first I would answer and then try to quickly divert his attention to the task at hand, however he was relentless with his repetition of questions. When his mother picked him up after class, she mentioned that he had been showing signs of trying to converse with others. After mulling this situation over for a week with no revelations, I met with the student again, and again he started in with the constant repetition of questions. For some reason, I suddenly started telling him stories about myself; stories about my childhood and even current, everyday stories about my life. He was quiet and I wasn't sure if he was listening or not. I just kept on talking. Then finally he asked me a question about the story I was telling. I answered and then continued on. He later asked another question and then another. Just retelling this story on my blog makes my heart leap, because it was such a magnificent moment. He had been trying to converse with me before, only he didn't know how. When I provided the information he was able to respond with an appropriate question. I felt like Annie Sullivan—at least for that moment! From this and other experiences I have had, I know that special needs children deserve an education just like every other child does. And a media center provides equal access to information to all patrons, even the most special ones.

iWant it!

Apple's iPad 2 Site

I've been waiting to see what changes Apple has made to the newest iPad and my wait it over. The iPad 2 will be released March 11. Today I had a discussion with a high school media specialist and he admitted to me that he has not requested any ereaders for the media center.  He explained that any ebooks he purchases for the media center do not count as a book for the media center collection. So any books that are weeded need to be replaced by an actual book to keep the collection to the required number. I asked about the iPad and it's use in schools and he confirmed what I had already been thinking. He believes that schools will start purchasing textbooks for use on iPads because it will save money in the long run. He said that he will then start purchasing ebooks because the dynamics will change. I felt a little giddy during our discussion because I am an Apple/Mac person all the way. FINALLY, people may start seeing things my way. And students will love carrying around iPads rather than heavy backpacks full of textbooks. Of course, iPads have the potential for being lost and/or broken, but still it's a wonderful dream. I just hope it is not a dream!

Apple's iPad Education site.

Book Club Begins

Next week I start a new book with my 5th grade book club. We are reading Al Capone Does My Shirts, which is a book selected by the PTA. I read the first chapter and I was a little taken aback by the language. Not that there were any "bad" words in the book. It was just a little crass, which isn't necessarily wrong or different from many other books. I think I'm just used to books like the ones I read when I was in elementary school. I don't think I'm a prude by any means, however I am a little uncomfortable with the attitude of today's literature for children. I understand that it is a reflection of the times, but I sometimes wish I could be a protected adult—in complete denial about what kids are doing and saying. The truth is however, that I know exactly what kids are doing and saying. It just seems funny to me that other adults do to, and they are writing about it! So my problem is not that the books are wrong, it's that they are too right. Wow, this should be an interesting book club!

I PASSED...now hire me!

Yay me! I passed the Media Specialist Content area GACE test. So now I just have to get a job. Normally I am an optimistic person, however in this economy, job opportunities are not plentiful. More like pitiful. I am fortunate because my spouse has a good job. I feel bad for those who desperately need a job, yet cannot find one. I admit I have not really seen firsthand how the economy is hurting people. If I did not have access to news sources I may not even know that the economy is in a slump. I still see plenty of people eating out and shopping—no changes there. It certainly doesn't seem like a "great depression" type situation. I guess that is what the media does best: allow us to see beyond the bubble we live in. Of course, it can be a depressing scene outside of the bubble. I just hope the economy rebounds soon...for all job hunters.

Twain Knows Best

Sorry, Huck, but you can't use that word these days—Online Athens article

So the publisher of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn has decided to take the offensive "n-word" out of the original text and publish new books with the word "slave" used as a replacement. I have mixed feelings about the issue because, although the word is offensive, it is also symbolic of a time in history that should not be forgotten. The reader of the book should understand that Huck's use of the word does not represent his personal feelings about black people. In fact, he has a father/son like relationship with a black man named Jim. His casual use of the word merely reflects the society that he lived in. It is common for children to use the words that adults use, even when they don't understand their meaning, or their power. When I read about Huck Finn as I child, I understood the situation and I knew who the good guys were and who the bad guys were. I do cringe when I read or hear that word, but I also cringe when I think that history is being rewritten and "dressed up" by its removal. Yes, Huck Finn is a fictional character, but Mark Twain wrote about the life that he knew. And racism was a part of that life.

A few weeks ago, on Martin Luther King, Jr's birthday, I watched a documentary about the first two African American students to attend the University of Georgia. One of the students Charlayne Hunter-Gault told how she was taunted by other students and she used the "n-word" frequently when telling her story. Had she not used the word, she would not have given an accurate recounting of what had happened. I was not offended when she spoke the word—that word was a part of her experience and the experience of all black Americans who stood up for their rights and the rights of others. Though it is an ugly word, it played a role in making her the person she is today.

I do understand that we want to protect our children from offensive words. And perhaps, the new version of the classic story will make it more accessible for younger children. Personally, I am a lot more concerned about protecting children from the offensive people who continue to spread hate with their words.

Image retrieved from: (http://www.amazon.com/Adventures-Huckleberry-Finn-Bantam-Classics/dp/0553210793)

The Dreaded Stairs

After doing a lot of reading from my textbooks about learning, assessment. and instructional design, I began to wonder if I am entering the right field. It can seem a little...how shall I put this? Unexciting. Tonight I saw this video and it made me think that I may be OK. People like to have fun. I can stay my silly self and it will be alright. Maybe kids will learn more from fun, or at least as much. So fun is still apart of my educational plan...I just need to integrate it with instructional design :)

Reading, Reading, and More Reading.

Today I have been catching up on reading what is required for tonight's online class. I have also been listening to supplementary web presentations, which are wonderful because they allow me to do other tasks at the same time—like load the dishwasher. I hope I can get the work done by tonight. I find that it is harder to read when I am under pressure. My mind keeps wandering—What should we have for dinner? Does Grace have drama tonight? Is it OK to wear my pajamas all day?—and then I have to go back and reread. One issue that has been on my mind today is the possibility of taking two additional courses this summer that would make me eligible for add-on certification in reading. Of course, that also means more work—ahhhhhhhhhhhhh!

I am considering this option for two reasons: 1) I may not be able to secure a position as a media specialist for the fall and this would give me another option. 2) More education in literacy is always a good thing and it would certainly benefit me when I do become a media specialist. Truthfully, I do enjoy learning, just for learning's sake. I will need to scrape up the money to take the courses. Scraping up money is something that I have NOT learned how to do.

Research: Just Do It.

This weekend my 10 year old daughter had to make a volcano for a science project. I read over the assignment handout and was intrigued by the following challenge: research how a volcano is formed and present the information to the class. I asked my daughter if she had been taught how to research by any of her teachers or by the media specialist. The answer was "no," followed by, "I just have to Google it, right?"

Since our conversation, I have been contemplating exactly how and when students learn to research. My child is in 5th grade and she has not been "officially" taught any research skills. She goes to a very good school and all of her teachers have been wonderful, so I am not bringing this subject up to bash either. However this is my area of study so I cannot help but explore the issue. I have decided to search the state standards and determine when research skills are introduced into the curriculum. I plan to be a media specialist soon and I need to know when students begin researching and what they are expected to know. I also need to understand and prepare for my instructional role of equipping students to be effective researchers.

In the meantime, I have made it my job to sit my child down and show her how to identify valid and reputable internet resources. We will work on plagiarism next. I'm actually a little overwhelmed with this issue for an elementary student, since I know that many college students struggle to understand what does or does not constitute plagiarism. I guess I will just tackle this self-imposed assignment one layer at a time—starting at the bottom...much like a volcano.

'Today Show' Snubs 2011 Caldecott, Newbery Winners

'Today Show' Snubs 2011 Caldecott, Newbery Winners

The Today show chooses Snookie over children's literature! Crazy pop culture wins over art and literature.

Twilight Part 2

So I finished reading Twilight. Weeks have passed and I still do not know how I feel about the book. In a quick summation, it was sort of like Sweet Valley High meets Dracula.

To give a more detailed critique, I have decided to judge the book with the same criteria used by an art professor that I had as an undergraduate student. He graded art assignments using three standards: concept, craft, and execution. If I were to apply these standards to Twilight I would give the book an "A" for concept. The story certainly puts a new spin on the typical teen romance. I can understand why so many teen girls are taken with Bella and Edward's intense relationship, since girls of this age are usually enamored with the ideas of forbidden love and deep devotion. For craft, I would give the book a "B." Twilight is an easy read, which is not necessarily a bad thing, however the book did not leave me overwhelmed with the author's skill as a writer. As I mentioned in my earlier post, the book spends a lot of time describing Edward's appearance, which I found frustrating. I realize that his "vampireness" was supposed to make him attractive to his prey, but the descriptions became nauseating after awhile. I guess that is one reason why I give the book a "C" for execution. Supposedly, Bella and Edward are experiencing this great love, when I never understood how that was established. Instead, Bella seemed to be under a bizarre spell and Edward's affection seemed to come from his first instinct: which was to kill Bella and suck her blood. I read that the author claims her book is about love and not lust, however Twilight gave me the exact opposite impression—Bella and Edward were all about lust. I agree with the crowd and admit that Twilight is a good teen romance novel, but I never really felt the love.

Twilight.

I decided to read Twilight during my winter break so that I can understand what the hysteria is all about with pre-teen and teen girls. I am over half way through the book and I am undecided as to how I feel about it. It is an interesting story, yet I am so tired of reading about Edward's beauty. His eyes are smoldering, glowing, and dazzling. His muscles ripple, his smell is intoxicating, and his teeth are perfectly spaced and gleaming white. His movements are swift and graceful and he stops every female in her tracks. I GET IT! If I took out all the descriptions about Edward, I would have about 5 pages left. I guess the author really wants us to understand that vampires are hot. Too bad about the whole blood-sucking thing.

(image retrieved from: http://www.stepheniemeyer.com/twilight.html)

I'm back...

It has been a while since I have posted. My excuse is school, work, Grace, church, and many more obligations. The good news is that I am now on winter break. Christmas is over and a lot of my stress is melting away. I have now officially completed 12 hours of coursework toward my MEd. I also completed the extra course, Exceptional Children, that I need for certification. Right before Christmas I took the Basic Skills GACE tests and I passed them. Next week I take the Media Specialist tests and if I pass them, I will be employable. So things are starting to fall into place and I am beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel. I will not graduate until next December, but I am still going to try and convince someone to hire me. I really am a nice person...isn't that what is truly important?

My Fall Book Club.

For my 5th grade book club we are reading Rules, by Cynthia Lord. We had a great second meeting because the kids actually read the pages I assigned. That's half the battle right there! I am excited about reading this book because of the wonderful plot. It is about a 12 year old girl and her 8 year old brother, who has autism. The story focuses on Catherine's relationship with David, her desire to protect him, her embarrassment about the things that he does, and her need to spend time with her parents—who are often more focused on David's needs. The reason the book is called Rules is because Catherine writes down rules for David, since he often doesn't understand the social rules of society. One rule is: "A boy can take of his shirt to swim, but not his shorts." Obviously, that is a good rule for David to know!

I love the rule she has for herself: "Sometimes you've gotta work with what you've got." I totally understand that one. Like when my pancreas stopped working, I had to work with what I had really quick!

The students seem to be really enjoying the book so far and I hope when we are finished they will have gained more empathy for individuals with special needs. Life is tough enough when everything goes right. We need to help those who've gotta work with what they've got because sometimes what they've got, is one tough, never ending struggle.

(image retrieved from: http://www.cynthialord.com/rules.htm)

Who Am I? Why Am I Here ? What Am I Doing?

So I'm now a full time graduate student. I have gone to the first session of each of my three classes and already I am feeling overwhelmed. The classes are great, the professors are great, and I feel like the work is do-able. I am just feeling like I know nothing and it is bothering me.

For some reason, I Googled "carbon dating" last week, just to see what it is all about. I could not even read through the entire description and I couldn't even ask a question about it, if I had wanted to. Today one of my professors showed an image of the world with blurred lines representing the flow of information being shuttled around on the internet. I wanted to raise my hand and ask, "can you explain just HOW the internet works?" I don't get it. And I know if someone tried to explain it to me, I still would not get it. I could go on with more examples of all the things that I don't know and that I don't understand, but I'm afraid I would wind up in the fetal position. I guess I am overwhelmed by my own ignorance. Welcome to graduate school!

I'm done with technology...yeah, right!

I finished the final assignment for the Technology and the Modern Media Center course that I took this summer—the 9 hours, every day, for a week, course. I had to create a newsletter using a resource that we used in class. There was a list of things that had to be included in the newsletter too. I decided to use Netvibes for the assignment.
Here is a link: www.netvibes.com/juliemra
This week I begin the Exceptional Children course I am taking through RESA. I am trying not to stress about my classes, but it is "me," so I'll be stressing.

I am also getting the kid ready to send off to school again. I cannot believe Gwinnett starts on August 9th! It is way too hot to even think about school. I think I will send her to school in a swimsuit. That should make a statement.

Cataloging...one more assignment 2 go!

I have one more assignment to complete for my Cataloging course. It is due on Friday. I am working on a Keynote presentation. I have never used the software before and I thought it was time I learned how it works. So far so good...I think. I am half way done, but I have run out of steam. I need to get over this hump. I have "presentation block." I have spent the weekend resting and in the fetal position after the technology marathon. Perhaps, I will get to work on Monday. Sunday is a day of rest, right?

On a personal note...we are dog-sitting this week. We have a sweet little dog named Gracie. Our dog, Lily, is not the best host. She is very territorial. Gracie is mellow so I'm hoping that by the end of the week they'll be friends. I hope Lily will benefit from the experience. She needs to get over her "me-me-me" issues!

UPDATE! I finished the project! Here's the final result:

I like books and teachers and recess...

I was assigned to read an article in class concerning the importance of using technology in education. The article seemed to suggest that without technology, students would not be able to learn. While reading the article, I suddenly felt like an old fashioned thinker! The notion that kids are "powering down" when they go to school because they have to turn of cell phones, social networks, etc. did not seem like a negative to me. Don't get me wrong; I LOVE technology, but I do not feel like education should be all about technology or that students cannot learn anything unless they are using technology. I think education should encompass a variety of learning strategies.

I am bothered that educators are often made to feel that students should be constantly entertained. I have heard that college professors should no longer lecture, but rather capture student's attention with more "progressive" instruction methods. The idea that young adults can no longer listen and take notes without being entertained seems crazy to me. I feel like there is no longer an appreciation for traditional teaching practices. It seems like many want a fun, "fast food" type education, with a diploma taking the place of the cheap toy. I am not suggesting that technology should not be used for instruction nor am I against innovative teaching, but I am not ready to throw away serious scholarship, books, and paper and pencils. Although I feel like the writer of the article had many good thoughts, I still felt uncomfortable with the technology versus tradition attitude. Basically, I just want everyone and everything to get along!

Wrong information is not good. . . just sayin'.

So in today's class we have been looking at the Georgia Standards website.
It has a wealth of information and resources for Georgia teachers. After visiting the site, I am really bothered that a lot of my child's teachers have used teacher websites for instruction, without checking into who actually is publishing the site. Often times the information is wrong, which is really frustrating when I help my child with her homework and the questions are incorrect. I have never brought this to their attention, simply because I admire teachers so much and never want to be an interfering parent, telling them how to do their job. However, if teachers would use authoritative sites such as the Georgia Standards website, this would not be a problem. Heck, an old fashioned textbook would be better! I have to wonder if many teachers do not realize that teacher websites found with Internet search engines are not always reliable resources. As a media specialist, I will make sure teachers understand the importance of using authoritative websites and I will help them locate the best instructional sites.

A long days journey into night...

I did a little sleep walking last night. I was convinced that there were attack bats in my bedroom and I tried to convince my family that we needed to flee. I managed to scare my 10 year old daughter, confuse my cat and dog, and slightly stir my husband, before I woke up and realized what was going on. I learned that if attack bats do get in the house my husband will sleep through it and the rest of us are on our own.

I'm back in class now. More tech talk this morning...


Image from: scienceblogs.com/afarensis/2006/06/16/vampire_bats_and_prey_recognit/