Teaching Hope 129

Riley Chickering

Teaching Hope 129

I really wish schools were able to give teachers and students more opportunities like this one. Learning through primary sources is such an awesome way to learn about history, especially if that primary source is alive and talking to you. Also, I think seeing actual historic sites that students have read about can really change the way they view those events. I think trips like these are awesome for students because it allows them to learn outside of the normal school setting, and to hopefully have some fun while doing it. I just wish there was more opportunities like this, and taking my students on  a trip like this is definitely something I want to do someday.

Teaching Hope 114

Riley Chickering

Teaching Hope 114

This is probably my favorite of all the entries I've read so far. It really highlights the struggles of being a teacher, of working hard to create the best lesson for your students just to have it shot down. It also highlights how much you can do to help the students you work with, and how no matter how unreachable a kid may seem, to never stop trying to reach them. This was definitely an inspirational entry for me because it sparks my desire to help kids who are struggling. It just goes to show how much influence a good teacher can have on their students.

Teaching Hope 96

Riley Chickering

Teaching Hope 96

This is definitely an extreme case when it comes to coming into the school in distress, with something on your mind. This got me thinking about how a teacher should handle themselves at school when something at home is bothersome. Do you try and act as normal as possible and go about you day as usual? Do you proceed as this teacher did and tell your class exactly what's going on with you? I think it definitely depends on the situation, what the problem is. If something is upsetting you though your students will notice for sure, I don't think there's any way of you hiding it from everyone. So I think you certainly have to address it in some way. In some cases if it's a smaller manner, perhaps you just tell them something is going on but it's going to be okay and you're fine. If it's something bigger, maybe you tell your students what's going on like this teacher in the story. Either way I think you must have a game plan going into the day, knowing that you may not be at your best that day. But I think at the same time it's good for students to see us vulnerable at times, it helps them to relate, helps them to remember that were just like them.

Teaching Hope 88

Riley Chickering

Teaching Hope 88

The first question that comes to mind after reading this passage is how do I prevent something like this from happening in my future classroom? Especially being a social studies teacher, I want to bring different people in my rooms to share with my students because I think outside people with knowledge of what were talking about can be a great resource for students. On the other hand, I think you have to talk to the individual before bringing them in and make sure they are up to par with your classroom rules because I think you have to try and avoid these situations at all costs. 

I definitely like how this teacher handled the situation the next class. I think this is definitely something that needed to be addressed with the class and I think it was handled well. You have to make sure your students know that behavior like that is not allowed in your classroom.

Teaching Hope 74

Riley Chickering

Teaching Hope 74

This story really looks at how you can't expect kids to do their work in school and to be good students when their basic needs are not met. And what do you do when you have a child who's needs are not met? This teacher has a great idea of giving this student a notebook to write down her thoughts and what's going on. This allows the teacher to really gain some insight into what's going on in this girls life. The other problem is the depression and the teache has reported it to guidance. But when the parents never respond, what are you supposed to do? It's just such a hard situation for a teacher I think because you really want to help your kids but in reality there really is only so much you can do. You just have to be there for your students and let them know you care, let them know you'll help with everything you can.

Teaching Hope 54

Riley Chickering

Teaching Hope 54

Honestly the biggest thing I got out of this entry was that you have to know your students and you have to develop strong relationships with them. I was very impressed by all of the things this teacher knew about the student and I think it helped the teacher to understand where this kid was coming from. I also think understanding your students desires and strengths is important. Understanding where this student came from and what he likes to do helps you a lot in situations like this one. 

I also like how when the teacher talked to the student, the teacher didn't tell the student off or simply tell the student not to say something like that again. Instead the teacher challenged the student to be better. The teacher talked about how their beliefs were to be open to all people and that it was expected that this student do the same. The teacher also told the student that the student was capable of this and that they expected better.

Teaching Hope Chapter 37

Riley Chickering
1/13/17
Dr Grace

Teaching Hope Chapter 37

I think this story is a great example of the idea that students need to have their basic needs met before you can teach them anything. It speaks to the fact that you need to be watching for students like this so that you can help them. This story is a great example of a teacher noticing a struggling child and helping out, it sounds like in this case this teacher really helped this student out. A student like this you shouldn't even think about trying to assign them big projects because they won't get done. You have to worry about the child first before you worry about their school work. I think the best thing to do is to try and relate to and get to know these students as well as you can so you can do everything in your power to help. Helping kids like this is a big reason why I want to be a teacher and I hope I can help my students who need it.

Teaching Hope Chapter 21

Riley Chickering
1/13/17
Dr Grace

Teaching Hope Chapter 21

I honestly don't know what I would do in this situation. How do you reach these kids and teach them what you're supposed to be teaching them? I think the key is to get to know them first and to build strong relationships with them which must have a foundation built on trust. It's also just so sad to see kids in a situation where they want to impose physical harm upon themselves with a pencil! I mean, what do you say to this kid? The conversation that happened between the teacher and this student definitely sounded awkward and not helpful. I just hope that when I'm a teacher I can help kids that are struggling like this kid did.

Teaching Hope 14 Culture In The Classroom

This is a great example of an assignment that can really get students interested in your subject area and that really engages them. What impresses me most about this project is that this teacher was able to incorporate the parents in as well. As you can see from the student's presentation, he was very interested and engaged in his families history and culture. I think this is a very cool way for students to learn about themselves and who they are. Engaging your students like this can really bring a classroom together and help the students enjoy their own learning. Using tools such as music in the classroom is not a common as it should be in my opinion, and I think it's a great way of breaking through to all of your students.

Teaching Hope 11 Overcoming Loss

This story got me thinking about the conversation we had in Beth's methods class last semester after she missed a class due to a student's funeral. Obviously, it's an extremely sad case, and from a teaching standpoint I think it makes you consider the impact you're having on your students. I would say it makes you think about how much you love your students and how you always want what's best for them, academically as well as in life. The reaction from this teacher is a great example of how much teachers really do care for their students.