The main focus of this lesson is to evaluate Shakespeare's Twelfth Night, including the concepts of literary devices, and to critically analyze the text through a literary analysis essay. Students will familiarize themselves with the play through reading, quizzes to test comprehension and completion, games to engage the student and promote knowledge mastery, as well as a literary analysis outline to being their essay process. Students will be demonstrate the citation of strong textual evidence, themes, and central ideas, analyzing of figurative language and tone. Students will also exhibit deep examination and conveyance of complex ideas and concepts, as well as their skills using technology such as word processors and researching material.
Here is the link for my Jeopardy Classroom Review Game
There will be questions in the form of the television game show Jeopardy that relate to the text and literary devices required to understand the material, its context, and form.
This, is the link to my reading comprehension and completion quiz that gives an idea of who is reading and studying the material.
Last, is my literary analysis outline worksheet that will provide students with a scaffold to build their ideas and evidence off of. You will find that link here.
Tuesday, December 4, 2018
Monday, November 26, 2018
Tuesday, November 13, 2018
Reflections on Educational Technology
Educational Technology has been an eye-opening course this semester. While I had always thought of a high school English literature class as a setting that easily accommodates technology, I still wasn't fully aware of just how much I could incorporate into my lessons and classroom to truly drive home the criteria. My chance to teach will still take some time to reach; however, technology is flourishing, meaning that when it is my time I can expect to have the opportunities to incorporate as much technology use into my instruction as possible. I love the Smart board as a interactive and instructive tool, and have even researched into DIY smart boards due to the high costs of commercially produced ones. Projectors are also a fantastic tool to I'd like to use in the classroom, and are often commonplace these days. Computers and tablets within the class will also allow for in-class research and the huge array of software such as word processors and presentation programs, even digital blog development such as the ones we've used in this course.
While the majority of people have access to technology basically everywhere they go, for those who may not have those same opportunities, or even if the class didn't provide the technology needed, local libraries, including school libraries are still available to access most of the software and websites needed to navigate any class and assignment. The class may not be as digitally interactive, but I think that within public means a solution could easily be come to in providing what was needed for the students. I envision a class where most of the student work that needs done can be done within the class itself so I can provide the students with as much one-on-one instruction as possible when they need it the most. This is why I believe digitizing most of the work done is so crucial; I can create lessons they can access when they need it, whether they're in class or not. The use of the QR codes intrigued me, and after learning what they're capable of doing helped with the idea of the lesson being outside the class with the scan of a QR code I can whisk them away to whatever supplemental material I deem necessary or interesting.
Teaching a high school English literature class, full of 14-18 year old students doesn't strike me as a group that would be limited in their knowledge of technology. Though they may be introduced to new software, and research criteria, I am confident that it wouldn't pose as any barrier to teach them how to properly utilize it. A real concern that I have contemplated involved the use of phones within the classroom. Checking into other teacher blogs/vlogs many had a system where as the students walked in the placed their phone within a clear plastic wall hanging and would receive the phone after the end of the class on their way out. If the students followed the policy they were shown as in attendance, and for those who chose not to acknowledge the policy, they would be counted as absent in the class. I felt it was a good policy because the phones were hung on a wall, in clear view, so no one had the worry of a phone getting misplaced, stolen, or damaged. Many teachers had a pretty high success rate with this policy as well, so I assume it would be at least worth a try.
Some of my concerns involving incorporating technology in my classroom mainly boils down to funding. What if the school I'm working with just isn't able to provide this for their students? Lack of funding will not deter me though, if I have to DIY, or do some fundraising to make things happen I would be willing and able to do so. Communities, regardless of demographic, want to see school children doing well, and often times, when called into action, can rally together and help out as long as they know their help is needed. I have grown up pretty familiar with technology; although, I may not be the most savvy when it comes to social media, but when it comes to technology in general I rarely have too many difficulties I can't troubleshoot myself, so I've no real frustrations with technology being a major influence in the class. Some of the main concerns I have as far as technology progressing in education is ways to keep the students focused, and to also teach them how learning goes beyond technology and the classroom in general. Finding a balance between the two will be interesting to explore and I look forward to seeing how the students transform themselves, their ideas, and the world with the help of technology.
While the majority of people have access to technology basically everywhere they go, for those who may not have those same opportunities, or even if the class didn't provide the technology needed, local libraries, including school libraries are still available to access most of the software and websites needed to navigate any class and assignment. The class may not be as digitally interactive, but I think that within public means a solution could easily be come to in providing what was needed for the students. I envision a class where most of the student work that needs done can be done within the class itself so I can provide the students with as much one-on-one instruction as possible when they need it the most. This is why I believe digitizing most of the work done is so crucial; I can create lessons they can access when they need it, whether they're in class or not. The use of the QR codes intrigued me, and after learning what they're capable of doing helped with the idea of the lesson being outside the class with the scan of a QR code I can whisk them away to whatever supplemental material I deem necessary or interesting.
Teaching a high school English literature class, full of 14-18 year old students doesn't strike me as a group that would be limited in their knowledge of technology. Though they may be introduced to new software, and research criteria, I am confident that it wouldn't pose as any barrier to teach them how to properly utilize it. A real concern that I have contemplated involved the use of phones within the classroom. Checking into other teacher blogs/vlogs many had a system where as the students walked in the placed their phone within a clear plastic wall hanging and would receive the phone after the end of the class on their way out. If the students followed the policy they were shown as in attendance, and for those who chose not to acknowledge the policy, they would be counted as absent in the class. I felt it was a good policy because the phones were hung on a wall, in clear view, so no one had the worry of a phone getting misplaced, stolen, or damaged. Many teachers had a pretty high success rate with this policy as well, so I assume it would be at least worth a try.
Some of my concerns involving incorporating technology in my classroom mainly boils down to funding. What if the school I'm working with just isn't able to provide this for their students? Lack of funding will not deter me though, if I have to DIY, or do some fundraising to make things happen I would be willing and able to do so. Communities, regardless of demographic, want to see school children doing well, and often times, when called into action, can rally together and help out as long as they know their help is needed. I have grown up pretty familiar with technology; although, I may not be the most savvy when it comes to social media, but when it comes to technology in general I rarely have too many difficulties I can't troubleshoot myself, so I've no real frustrations with technology being a major influence in the class. Some of the main concerns I have as far as technology progressing in education is ways to keep the students focused, and to also teach them how learning goes beyond technology and the classroom in general. Finding a balance between the two will be interesting to explore and I look forward to seeing how the students transform themselves, their ideas, and the world with the help of technology.
Tuesday, November 6, 2018
Classroom Design
For my high school English classroom I wanted to section off certain aspects of the room for specific utility purposes. I like a layout that is both flexible, accommodating to suit multiple purposes, yet engaging and well-connected. Windows aren't noted in the design plan, but an abundance of lighting is crucial to overall well-being, but so are light-dampening blinds to allow for efficient use of the projector, smart board, tv, and computer screens. The large, darkened rectangle in the front of the classroom represents the whiteboard area, hence my positioning desks to focus on this multimedia area. I want each student to have their own personal space, but to be able to easily collaborate with their fellow classmates for group works. The extra kidney tables are also collaborative stations that can be centered on quiet work, or focus on more technology based learning through tablets, and tv resources.
Being an English classroom, writing and reading are essential components to the curriculum, and are accommodated with plenty of storage spaces and shelves for books of all sorts. To create a reading-friendly atmosphere bean bag chairs, rugs, plush, chairs, and sofas are integrated into the design to make reading comfortable and relaxing to keep the student engaged for extended reading sessions. I have tried to eliminate to many multimedia distractions from the reading area; however, a line of computers are arranged along the wall for student access to research materials, and do any necessary school work required. Last, but not least, the teacher's desk is tucked off to the corner of the room, as I feel like the focus shouldn't be so much on the instructor, but how the students interact with the material presented, and as a teacher I would like to be seen as a facilitator, who is there for whatever extra help is needed, moving throughout the room accordingly, and checking on everyone's progress.
I dreamed a bit big on the size of the classroom, but I felt that with the increasing class sizes, and the diversity of each student's needs, classrooms like the one I've created should become part of the norm to help propel students into educational experiences they'll feel comfortable exploring in.
Tuesday, October 30, 2018
Tuesday, October 16, 2018
Pinterest in the Classroom
As an already avid Pinterester, I've only recently understood the capacity to which I can utilize it for not just personal interests, but professional ones as well. I happened upon two amazing high school English Language Arts teachers who YouTube, blog, and use Pinterest themselves, then opening up a plethora of new ideas, and thinking about teaching in general, in a new, more interactive way.
Thinking about the My Classroom board, it finally got my gears going about what I wanted, and think the students will need from a work/thinking space. A realization came to me that, especially in Literature studies and growing as a write requires a flexible, cooperative, engaging classroom is going to enhance and engage students to their maximum potential. I realize that there will be constraints to what is allowed and accepted in certain schools, as well as staying withing something budget-friendly, but leaving that behind and just dreaming of what my ideal classroom would be was fun and exciting, and made me brainstorm on ways I can make that possible, even if I have to DIY some things myself, or get the class involved in creating and learning for the sake of their learning space.
Not only does Pinterest have amazing pins to be found in classroom decor, but they have some pretty amazing student activities too. I found an enormous amount of teacher created, tested, and approved activities, worksheets, games, and topic ideas, including fantastic ways to interact more, and give the students a more hands-on approach to their subject matter. Also, Pinterest is where I first began seeing content from TeachersPayTeachers, a place with amazing lessons and activities made by teachers! It's a wonderful resource that can help you, and help other teachers too, as some of the content is sold, but a great deal of it is free.
I plan to continue using Pinterest to help inspire my future classroom, and find it an extremely valuable resource if you just dig a round a little. There may be a few bumps along the way, one being that sometimes the images for pins don't always want to reveal themselves, but aside from that minor, occasional hiccup, Pinterest is a great tool, and an engaging platform.
Thinking about the My Classroom board, it finally got my gears going about what I wanted, and think the students will need from a work/thinking space. A realization came to me that, especially in Literature studies and growing as a write requires a flexible, cooperative, engaging classroom is going to enhance and engage students to their maximum potential. I realize that there will be constraints to what is allowed and accepted in certain schools, as well as staying withing something budget-friendly, but leaving that behind and just dreaming of what my ideal classroom would be was fun and exciting, and made me brainstorm on ways I can make that possible, even if I have to DIY some things myself, or get the class involved in creating and learning for the sake of their learning space.
Not only does Pinterest have amazing pins to be found in classroom decor, but they have some pretty amazing student activities too. I found an enormous amount of teacher created, tested, and approved activities, worksheets, games, and topic ideas, including fantastic ways to interact more, and give the students a more hands-on approach to their subject matter. Also, Pinterest is where I first began seeing content from TeachersPayTeachers, a place with amazing lessons and activities made by teachers! It's a wonderful resource that can help you, and help other teachers too, as some of the content is sold, but a great deal of it is free.
I plan to continue using Pinterest to help inspire my future classroom, and find it an extremely valuable resource if you just dig a round a little. There may be a few bumps along the way, one being that sometimes the images for pins don't always want to reveal themselves, but aside from that minor, occasional hiccup, Pinterest is a great tool, and an engaging platform.
Tuesday, October 9, 2018
Khan/Koller Review
Perusing through some of the MOOC (massive open online course) options available in an open access form revealed two shining stars, Khan Academy and Coursera; one I was already familiar with, having taken courses myself, but the other was unfamiliar, only having been heard of, and vaguely. Khan Academy was something I had not anticipated, and was quite surprised at when a visit was made inevitable. The amount of instruction and the lessons available are mind-blowing, and I guarantee you I will be advocating it to anyone who doesn't know about it, and will be starting some lessons myself very soon. The amount of content is reassuring and uplifting; to be able to freely access this kind of information that allows a person to better themselves in ways that may have been completely unattainable, are now readily available. You can even go to your local library and use the computers there to access the site, in case you don't have that kind of access at home. The material is in a format that allows it to be repeated back as many times as needed so every student can work at their own pace, making it easier than ever to grasp any concept one may be struggling with, and without the frustration of holding up the class or an instructor or tutor. I agree immensely with Khan when he envisions the future of credentialing relying more through the use of online courses. The last thing we need is a facility to hold us back from education, it should accessible is every form available to us, because the technology allows for that now, and at a cost much lower than running an entire facility that is holding staff and students. we can reach the furthest corners of the earth this way, and bring out some of the brilliant minds that are cut-off from the rest of the world because of their geographical location, or the lack of facilities in their part of the world.
Comparing Coursera to Khan Academy, however, is difficult, because in reality they can work in tandem of one another. Khan Academy offering the framework instruction, and Coursera offering the environment to utilize it a format that varies depending on your given expertise or area of interest. Coursera has a unique variety of courses that interest me in areas I'd otherwise not known I'd have an attraction to. In the past I took the creative writing course, and it matched up pretty well, and in some areas exceeded the difficulty of the many literature and writing courses I've taken at Columbus State.I I had a difficult time finding out whether Columbus State accepted the transfer credit, but I believe the answer to that is no, but please correct me if I'm wrong. I never received a credit transfer for the course, but I didn't try either. I'm sure there are classes that may be more difficult than some are use to, but I believe it's because Coursera is specifically seeking out the best of the best instructors to prepare the information for the students, and that's fantastic if they are. Imagine being taught by the leading minds of today for free, or next to nothing in terms of what an education costs. I think MOOC's are going to become more prevalent, and I think the most difficult task is how accreditation will be handled compared to that of a brick and mortar university. I like the idea especially because I can browse around and try out different courses I may have been too intimidated to pursue in college, or couldn't afford to pursue on top of the already expensive costs of secondary education. If I want to give coding a try, I can. Philosophy, what's holding me back? This kind of technology is going to grow the mind of anyone, anywhere, at any time.
Comparing Coursera to Khan Academy, however, is difficult, because in reality they can work in tandem of one another. Khan Academy offering the framework instruction, and Coursera offering the environment to utilize it a format that varies depending on your given expertise or area of interest. Coursera has a unique variety of courses that interest me in areas I'd otherwise not known I'd have an attraction to. In the past I took the creative writing course, and it matched up pretty well, and in some areas exceeded the difficulty of the many literature and writing courses I've taken at Columbus State.I I had a difficult time finding out whether Columbus State accepted the transfer credit, but I believe the answer to that is no, but please correct me if I'm wrong. I never received a credit transfer for the course, but I didn't try either. I'm sure there are classes that may be more difficult than some are use to, but I believe it's because Coursera is specifically seeking out the best of the best instructors to prepare the information for the students, and that's fantastic if they are. Imagine being taught by the leading minds of today for free, or next to nothing in terms of what an education costs. I think MOOC's are going to become more prevalent, and I think the most difficult task is how accreditation will be handled compared to that of a brick and mortar university. I like the idea especially because I can browse around and try out different courses I may have been too intimidated to pursue in college, or couldn't afford to pursue on top of the already expensive costs of secondary education. If I want to give coding a try, I can. Philosophy, what's holding me back? This kind of technology is going to grow the mind of anyone, anywhere, at any time.
Tuesday, October 2, 2018
Exploring Standards-Based Lesson Plans
As a hopeful, future high school English teacher, lesson planning, and building a tailored curriculum for my class and subject has been a fascinating, and honestly, frightening aspect of teaching so far. It was difficult for me to even imagine how I would go about doing so. This particular assignment has helped me confront that fear, and I've come to realize it's not all that intimidating when you understand how to break down a book or idea into components that can be understood; and can also be fun, and engaging for the entire class.
I've chosen to focus on a lesson that would appeal to the fun, creative sides of high school English students, but one that also develops critical skills in interpretations and writing development. The lesson, called "What's in my Pocket?", begins with students receiving a list of items a character has in their pocket or bag, and then are asked to write a short paragraph or more describing the kind of character they imagine would carry these items. This would be especially useful for freshman and sophomores who are building their creative writing skills, and their comprehension of characters and symbolism through objects and actions.
I've chosen to focus on a lesson that would appeal to the fun, creative sides of high school English students, but one that also develops critical skills in interpretations and writing development. The lesson, called "What's in my Pocket?", begins with students receiving a list of items a character has in their pocket or bag, and then are asked to write a short paragraph or more describing the kind of character they imagine would carry these items. This would be especially useful for freshman and sophomores who are building their creative writing skills, and their comprehension of characters and symbolism through objects and actions.
This particular lesson is aligned with Common Core State Standards: W.9-10.3, W.9-10.4, RL.9-10.3. W.9-10.3 is a standard that helps students write narratives and to develop real or imagined experiences using effective technique, well-chosen details, and well-structured event sequences. Developing characters based on items, and developing items based on characters effectively demonstrates a compelling way to build that technique. W.9-10.4 is implemented to produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience. By developing characters with specific items tailored to their description, students are tasked with the appropriateness of their story/character development, creating a character that is defined by such items, and therefore, aligned with their given persona. RL.9-10.3 analyzes how complex characters develop over the course of a text, interact with other characters and advance the plot or theme. When implemented for a specific text, students will progress through their readings and gain an awareness and understanding for the characters and their motives; they will be able to pinpoint particular key details and ideas the character expresses, and the student will then be able to create their own assumptions based off of these educated findings.
"What's in my Pocket?" is a fantastic lesson that can easily be implemented into any classroom as an engaging and enjoyable activity that has the capabilities to allow students to break down characters and understand them more deeply, while also engaging their creative sides once they understand the concept, so they can then utilize it in their own story/character creations, and interpreting character/story elements in other readings. I'd love to do this as a creative writing project with a novel the class would be reading, as the character development is more in-depth. Presenting them with a few objects at the beginning of the class, I would then give them the task of developing their own character who has these objects as a half page journal entry to acquaint them with the process. Afterwards, each student could then create their own imaginary characters with a few details, and then create their own items for their character. The items they draw or write down are to be placed in an envelope, then passed around the room anonymously, and students are then suppose to write about a character they imagine would be carrying these items. After everyone is finished a comparison can be made between the original student's story, and to the story of those who received the bag of items. It could be made even more fun, but would take more resources, if many small, inexpensive, and cheap, if not free, items could be gathered up, and each student would then be allowed to gather 3 or 4 items each and give them to another random student, who is then to write a creative character involving those items. It could then push their creative capacity by being confronted with multiple, unexpected items to incorporate and think of in terms of character traits.
I'm not going to lie, I'm saving this lesson until I get the opportunity to implement it myself, see if my expectations for it as a lesson are met, and if the students enjoy it as much as I'd like them to. Learning is empowering and when you make learning fun and enjoyable, it's all the more powerful.
Click here for the website and PowerPoint.
Tuesday, September 18, 2018
DL School Choices
For those interested in a quality online education for their children, Ohio has a variety of options available to choose from; among them are OHDELA, Connections Academy, and Ohio Virtual Academy. Upon investigation of each school I personally found OHDELA to be the most interesting, inclusive, and comprehensive. They offer virtual classrooms, recorded and live teacher taught web lessons that students can access on an as-needed basis, learning resources such as audio and e-books that can be checked out and are tailored to your child's specific intellectual level, tools for parents to interact and access their student's performance. Computers and software are provided by the school, they offer reimbursement for internet connections, as high-speed internet access is a requirement; also, being in contact with this level of technology will give students an edge in the latest software and devices.
Among the many amenities to online learning, OHDELA also tailors specific academic programs to the students grade, including independent studies for older students, National Honor Society, and college-credit-plus credits for those who are college bound. Many fear that isolation is a side-effect to online schooling, but with OHDELA they go a step further by providing lessons with online discussion boards, interactive learning programs, school-wide events, field trips, virtual clubs and extracurricular activities, and free admission to museums and parks. To add to the many fantastic flexibility options of online learning, there is also the fact that many will get to spend more time at home with their families, without the hustle and bustle of early mornings rushing through breakfast, and catching the bus or the morning school commute. Students are able to wake up at a more reasonable time, and work according to their needs in the comfort of their home, with the support of their family, and no bullying! Most of all, parents are given a chance to play a larger role in their child's learning process, something many are limited to in the traditional school setting.
While the other two school options have many great qualities, OHDELA seemed to have every corner covered and then some. All the traditional fears of e-learning are removed and replaced with a cohesive program that works to provide students with all the material and support they need to succeed and grow.
Assistive Technology for Students with ADHD
ADHD is a disability often overlooked for some students at home and in the classroom, but one that without treatment, may cause unnecessary frustrations and disadvantages for the student. However, if given the appropriate accommodations, such as assisitive technologies, many students persistently improve their performance in the classroom, and their communication and attention skills. Many students and adults with ADHD have difficulty with focusing due to external and internal distractions; so, by determining what these distractions may stem from allows for a greater understanding of what assistive technologies will work best for the individuals' specific needs (Arbour, 2016). Distractions can appear in the form of, visual, auditory, or tactile effects for the student, and technologies available are in a range from low assistive technology needs to high assistive technology needs.
Low assistive technology devices and equipment include handheld magnifiers, large print text on phones and computer, and reachers and grabbers; however those affected by ADHD will find that devices in the middle of the range and above the most effective. Those that fall into this category include electronic organizers with lists and alarms to stay on track with daily tasks, or books on cd for those who learn best through an auditory output and are better able to comprehend the information, among others (Stanberry, Raskind). One such specific technology is Wunderlist, an app for your phone, tablet, or computer that allows the user to create and store lists and notes, as well as set alarms and timers for specific activities and events to keep the user on task and focused; one great thing is these lists are capable of being synced to all your devices, and even shared with other users you allow to add useful items or notes to already created posts such as school notes, or project due dates.
While there are many high tech assistive technologies, such as power wheelchairs and hands free speech recognition devices, one that is very helpful for those with ADHD is the trusted computer itself. Modern day computers, smartphones, and tablets are so common we often neglect to realize the immense amount of computing power they possess; they're very much one of the most high-tech assistive technologies the general population has at their fingertips. With the countless apps and software available, the many different additionally supported devices such as digital drawing pads, and printers, computers allow those with ADHD to lead a more consistent, productive, and manageable lifestyle. Word processors and online tutoring systems, as well as other apps such as Isolator, grant the inattentive a more stimulating, or a more focused experience to keep them engaged and moving at the pace they need to flourish as a student and in their everyday activities (Haven).
Finally, technology is progressing at an astonishing rate, and with the tools available to so many of us to create apps, software, and devices to meet our needs when other technology lacks, we're seeing an influx of new ideas that are shaping the way we all learn, especially those with certain disadvantages. More stimulating and deeply engaging assistive technologies will continue to be produced to meet all of our varying needs and strengths, and with that we'll ultimately see self-improvement like never before.
References
Arbour, Choosing Appropriate Assistive Technology for Students with ADHD. Retrieved September 18, 2018. Web. https://www.ldatschool.ca/appropriate-at/
Haven, Assistive Technology to Close the Learning Gap. Retrieved September 18, 2018. Web. https://www.additudemag.com/slideshows/assistive-technology/
Stanberry, Raskind, Assistive Technology for ADHD Challenges at School. Retrieved Spetember 18, 2018. Web. https://www.additudemag.com/change-the-program/
Wunderlist (n.d.) Retrieved September 18, 2018. Web. http://learningworksforkids.com/apps/wunderlist/
Tuesday, September 11, 2018
My Prezi
Above is my first presentation using the Prezi software; within you will find a little bit of information about myself, my passion for teaching literature, and my desire to reach out to high school students and share that passion. As an educator I want to inspire and motivate students to find relevance in literature, writing, and critical thinking to build their inquisitive minds and give them the tools they will need to evaluate the world around them. By studying literature we are giving our students the skills needed to consistently express themselves and to create a connection with those who paved the path before them, and their current peers. With literature a world of opportunities and experiences await our students!
Using Prezi seemed intimidating at first, but once I dove into the software I found it was very easy to navigate. The setup is fun and a great alternative to Microsoft PowerPoint. I'm actually very impressed with it's capabilities, and already have plans to use it for my other classes to present my material more efficiently and interactively. I feel confident that with continued use I will be able to create a wide variety of presentations that fit my needs and aesthetic.
Saturday, September 1, 2018
Teacher Blogs
There are many brilliant and practical teaching blogs available to those interested, but settling on just three was rather challenging. I found quite a few to be very interesting and engaging, and finally narrowed my choices down to the ones that had articles I felt finally answered some questions I had always been curious about.
Christina is a high school English teacher whom had some fantastic posts about everything from 6-week lesson plans, to resources that allow teachers to purchase learning materials cheaper, as well as some great activities and reading choices that students of a high school level could relate to. She's worked in rural areas with high poverty rates, which is what I'll likely be experiencing if I get to teach in the area I currently desire to teach in. Christina also has a series of informative blog posts on innovative classroom technology, something I found quite interesting; I was finding it difficult to fathom how technology is engaged in this type of class, outside of using blog posts, or Powerpoint and Word.
Michelle Waters is a high school English teacher in rural Oklahoma who is really focused on building her students up and providing them with the skills they need to be successful readers and writers. Her posts about teaching vocabulary in context and nurturing the seed of new found knowledge with reading and writing exercises is starting to open my eyes on ways to engage the student and build their confidence levels in their own skills. Not only does she teach her students how to successfully navigate the English language and literature, but she also help develop their research and studying skills; something they will need in their personal, academic, and professional lives.
Last, but certainly not least is Laura Randazzo's blog; another high school teacher who focuses on a media savvy approach to keep people engaged. In addition to her blog posts, she also has vlogs available to watch on YouTube. What stuck out about Laura is that she's not only trying to help you help the student, but she also helps you manage yourself and the classroom. She has advice/tips for student teachers, mentor teachers, and information on how to engage the students in participating and being active learners, all elements of a successful classroom and learning experiencing.
There are many more amazing teachers out there sharing their wealth of knowledge with those of us who aspire to be teachers ourselves!
Thursday, August 30, 2018
Welcome to my Blog
My name is Lacona Snyder and I am finishing up my last semester at Columbus State. Next semester will see me at Capital University to finish my bachelor's degree in English and education. I have an endless love for literature and writing, and I want to share that passion with others. Literature can open so many doors and grant us powerful insights into others lives and imaginations, something I find captivating. My short-term goal is to become a high school English teacher, and hopefully inspire others to foster a love for literature and the knowledge it has to offer, including its ability in allowing more effective expression of our thoughts, feelings, and ideas. My long term goal, however, is to ultimately become an English professor.
I'm 29 years old and from southern Ohio, but I've lived in Reynoldsburg the past six years. I have a cosmetology license and practiced for a few years before realizing it just didn't suit me; I didn't feel fulfilled. Teaching has always appealed to me, and having a daughter of my own now, I realize how much of an impact a great teacher has on a student's life. So, here I am, feeling fantastic! I greatly enjoy knitting, crafting, watching old British shows, reading as many fantasy and sci-fi books as I can, kayaking, cooking, and PC gaming (master race unite); I have too many hobbies! One of my current favorite authors is Jeff Wheeler, and my current favorite game is Fortnite, until the new Red Dead Redemption comes out. I love so many genres of music, funk, jazz, ska, punk, classic rock, the oldies, 70's metal bands, bluegrass, and old R&B. I'm also a vegan and have been for about 2 years now; shout out to all my fellow animal and planet lovers!
My goal in becoming an educator is to reach out and inspire and guide as many students as I can. I want our education system to be a better place for the student, where they can cultivate their sense of self, while also gaining a wealth of knowledge about the past, the world around them, and those who helped make the world what it is today. I want to create a learning experience and environment that is relevant and empowering, so we can help build confident, informed individuals who will also work to make this world a better, more educated place to live and thrive in.
I'm 29 years old and from southern Ohio, but I've lived in Reynoldsburg the past six years. I have a cosmetology license and practiced for a few years before realizing it just didn't suit me; I didn't feel fulfilled. Teaching has always appealed to me, and having a daughter of my own now, I realize how much of an impact a great teacher has on a student's life. So, here I am, feeling fantastic! I greatly enjoy knitting, crafting, watching old British shows, reading as many fantasy and sci-fi books as I can, kayaking, cooking, and PC gaming (master race unite); I have too many hobbies! One of my current favorite authors is Jeff Wheeler, and my current favorite game is Fortnite, until the new Red Dead Redemption comes out. I love so many genres of music, funk, jazz, ska, punk, classic rock, the oldies, 70's metal bands, bluegrass, and old R&B. I'm also a vegan and have been for about 2 years now; shout out to all my fellow animal and planet lovers!
My goal in becoming an educator is to reach out and inspire and guide as many students as I can. I want our education system to be a better place for the student, where they can cultivate their sense of self, while also gaining a wealth of knowledge about the past, the world around them, and those who helped make the world what it is today. I want to create a learning experience and environment that is relevant and empowering, so we can help build confident, informed individuals who will also work to make this world a better, more educated place to live and thrive in.
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