Some thoughts on English Language Arts

Hello fellow bloggers!

Welcome to my blog.  I called it "My So-Called Classroom" because, well, I'm not a teacher yet, and; therefore, don't have a classroom.  That being said, I am going to treat this blog as if it were my classroom and each post as a lesson/discussion.  So, what does that mean for you guys? You get to be my students!  This blog is a way for me to discuss my ideas about topics we will be covering in future lectures, as well as a way for us to learn from one another, helping each other become the best teachers we can be.  I currently have another blog, so I am familiar with the blogger world; however, this is going to be entirely different and I can't wait!  Let's get to it shall we?

For this weeks post, we are focusing on Language Arts in the elementary classroom, which is going to be a lot of fun to discuss. To begin my discussion, I'd like to talk a little bit about my experiences as a child in my elementary school.

Growing up, I absolutely loved school. L.O.V.E.D it! Chatting with my friends, playing four square at recess, playing on the jungle gym at lunch - what more could you ask for? Oh, and the learning part was great too. The people I looked up to most growing up were my teachers, especially my elementary school teachers. They had such an impact on me and are one of the many reasons I chose a career in teaching. They made each and every lesson, project and test fun and exciting, which is one of the many reasons I remember it so vividly.  If you are able to create a lesson plan in a fresh and exciting way, the children will begin to associate learning with fun and nothing but good things can come from that.  It's all about balance!

this is such a stunning photo...fall is such an amazing season!

When I think about what English Language Arts should look like in an elementary school classroom my mind automatically shifts towards aesthetically pleasing posters and projects pasted all over the walls, and hanging from the ceilings (I always loved crafts that hung from the ceiling!). Now, some people may think that having a warm and inviting environment isn't what school is all about.  But how many children will want to come back to a school that they are unhappy being in? None. By creating a comfortable and inviting environment, the children will be at ease and more willing to learn without being fully aware of it.  I looked forward to going to school each and every morning and hope that my future students will feel the same way.  Once the happy environment is created anything is possible.

Students may be different from what we were like when we were in elementary school, but they have one main thing in common with our not-so-technologically savvy elementary school selves: we are open and ready to learn. The only thing that is going to change is the approach we take to teaching.  As teachers we have to take into consideration the modernism that is taking over the world at the moment.  If this is what children are so focused on, why not incorporate technology into lesson plans? Use computers, blogs, Facebook for communication? This is a topic that I look forward to learning more about.

I am already thrilled with the Elementary Education PDPP and all that is has to offer.  The hands on approach to learning is what I am so happy with.  It is so different from an undergrad degree.  No sitting for hours on end, frantically taking notes until your hand falls off required! I am anticipating nothing but wonderful things and can't wait for the future :)

Hope you all have a wonderful, happy day!
Until next time,
Amy

I had to include a picture and video just to put a smile on your face!

She just doesn't understand why somebody won't wipe the boogers off of her friends face...