I have read more
literature in the past couple of months than I have probably read in the past year. I have to say
overall it was very enjoyable and I have discovered many different types of
genre that I hope to share with my classroom and grandchildren. I really
never gave much thought to
what type of genre a book was.
This class has made me become aware of the
many verities of genres that
children should be exposed to. As
we are all different, I am sure that we all found one or more genres to be our
favorite over others.
I had decided
before I ever read a book that I would not enjoy genres that were science
fiction. As it turned out our
wonderful librarian at Heights, Trish Murphy introduced me to Margaret Haddix
the author of a collection of books that began with Among the Hidden.
I have spent the last several weeks reading
through her collection and
even decided to do my book sell on a science fiction genre. So
that old saying, “Never judge a book
by its cover” or I say “genre” is true!
My least favorite
genre turned out to be Graphic Novels.
I have never been much of a “Funny
Page” reader, so maybe this had
something also to do with it. The
illustrations are just wonderful, but I find all those illustrations on one
page to be to “busy” for my reading enjoyment. However, Trish did help me out with the enjoyable graphic biography “to
dance” by Siena Cherso Siegel from our Middle School Library.
One thing I have
learned about reading 100 books is when all else fails and you cannot find a
good book, ask an experienced librarian.
They are not just there to scan your book and hand it to you. They know what is in their Library
and
can suggest just the right book for your reading enjoyment! As future “educationalist”
we must read
on past the 100 books, so we can become just as knowledgeable as the librarian
and provide our students with outstanding genres that will inspire their
imaginations, take them on trips to other countries or to simply enjoy with a
friend, little sister, or brother.
Creating our own
“blog” page has been a new experience for me. I enjoyed being able to design the site. My
frustrations come from not being
able to get font size and color to work when I am working on my site (of course
only after working hours) at Heights.
I think Farmington Municipal Schools provide
extremely good filters for
our computers.
Not having
the internet at home and having to go to the college to get on a computer to
make changes that I cannot do at Heights has been somewhat of a problem, but I
have enjoyed posting to the blog.
It makes me feel somewhat like a published
author.
While missing out
on the trips to Tibbetts, I have enjoyed stepping into Julie Mitchell’s all
girl class. I have had the
opportunity to participate in literature circles and actually just get to take
over the class when Mrs. Mitchell is gone. Being in the classroom has given me more confidence and
independence. It is so nice to
step into a middle school classroom and not feel like a possible anxiety attach
is approaching.
Believe it –
middle school kids probably could eat you for lunch, but they REALLY want! A
lot of my success comes from
the way Francis facilitates our class.
Her confidence in me as a future “educationalist”
helps me to continue
to grow more confident in myself.
The one thing that I have learned from being
in the classroom is the
importance of being organized and prepared. Always know what you want to accomplish with the students
and have a plan “B” when they are not prepared (as in not reading their
material for the literary circle).
What I have found is most students want to
be heard and I have been
amazed more than once with their depth of thinking.
I have enjoyed
forming a relationship with Mrs. Mitchell’s class. The interaction not only has been a valuable learning
experience in terms of gaining skills, confidence, and independence, but has
helped me form a communication bond with these students. The
relationships we build with our
students are not only an essential part of helping them become successful, but are
also the key to our own success.
Final Evaluation
While missing out
working with the class at Tibbetts, I have gained so much knowledge about
children’s literature from my one-on-one time with Francis. The
classroom time with Julie Mitchell
and her class has given me a new level of confidence. I have learned so much about the different types of
genres from reading, reading, and reading. I think one of the best skills and strategies that I have
learned this semester is from watching Francis demonstrated how to be a
facilitator and let the students take the lead role in their learning.
Estimated
Grade: A+