Four major strands of work: 

Communication 

Communication in children’s literature is not only a means of learning, but a way of sharing new places discovered through the process of reading. 

Research

When I think of research for our children’s lit class – I think of how I am researching to find the different genres for our booklist.  How do you find a children’s science fiction book?  I have found that going to amazon.com is a great way to research and find the types of genres we need for our booklist.  This has been very helpful and provided me with some wonderful reading material.  I have also researched on the internet for information about my assigned genre and literary element.  With the internet I am researching all the time.  Today we have such easy access to all types of resources. 

Technology

I love technology – almost all the time.  I have also enjoyed creating the Blog page for the children’s literature class.  I do get frustrated with the Blog because I cannot get the font size and color to change when I am inserting text.  While setting up my site I used some research skills to find some nice quotes to place on my pages.  With more computers being placed in the school setting, I want to make sure I am continually embracing the technology age.         

Collaboration

I do miss collaborating with my class mates, since I do not get to attend the class.  However I really do enjoy my one-on-one time with Francis on Monday afternoons.  I think we learn so much from each other and that we should be conscience that when we have our own classrooms; an important aspect of our students learning will be collaborating with their peers.

 

Five dimensions of learning:

Confidence and independence

I think that not being able to attend class has helped me be more independent.  I know that I must meet with Mrs. Mitchell and discuss what I need to accomplish for this class.  I need to have this information to discuss with Francis when she comes to my office.  I also think that working with middle school students is helping me to be more confident.  Middles school students are so much different from the elementary students.  They ask questions – and it is important to be able to answer those questions or know where to find the answer.  I think that each day I gain more confidence and independence.

Knowledge Content

I think that expanding my knowledge on different genres and literary elements has been the best part so far for me in this class.  I think that as my literary circle continues to meet we all become more comfortable with each other.  The knowledge I gain from these experiences will provide me with skills and strategies that I can implement into my own classroom. 

Skills and Strategies

I think I learn more skills and strategies each time I step into the classroom.  I have worked around middle school students for about five years, but it is not the same as sitting down with them in a classroom or literature circle.  I have come to realize that you need different types of skills and strategies when working with different age groups.  In the elementary most children are eager to learn, but in middle school the teachers need skills and strategies that will keep students interested in learning.  Gaining skills and strategies is an important part of collaborating with other educators.   

Use of prior and emerging experiences

This is my first semester working with middle school students.  I do prefer to work with the younger students, but this is a good way to step out of my comfort zone.  I have learned that all middle school students do not come prepared to discuss in literature circles.  They either forgot to take the book home or have another excuse why they did not do the reading.  I have learned that it is important to allow groups to have some time to read together so the students can have a discussion.  I look forward to learning more skills and strategies that will help me manage these types of experiences. 

Reflectiveness (critical awareness)

The five dimensions of learning weave and interlock together.  Each one is a valuable part of our success as teachers.  I have learned so much this semester, but know that there is a lot more I need to know.  I value the time in class with the students because I think this is one of our greatest assets to learning.  I value the knowledge and experiences that Francis shares with us.  All the skills and strategies and experiences that I can learn before stepping into the classroom will help me become a more confident and independent teacher. 

Midterm Evaluation  

Read, read, and read.  I have enjoyed the reading.  I should have an A at this time, but as much as I am enjoying the different types of genres, I will most likely earn an A+ by the end of the semester.