Critical Voice

I think it is extremely important to have your own critical voice.  Of course, starting a new teaching job, it is going to be intimidating and scary.  You want to do everything you are told, but I think it is important to voice what you believe in. 
In the article, Jenni was able to develop a lesson and assess it in multiple ways.  John, however was scared that the criteria was not being met and sent Jenni to the library for a day, so that he could teach the necessary information the traditional way because he was sure Jenni didn't teach it.  John has no critical voice and likes teach the rote/traditional way.  Personally, I  don't think this is the best way.  I think children learn and comprehend better when they are actively involved in the lesson.  Children get bored easily and I know that when I am in a classroom and we do the same things over, the same way every day, it is just awful!
So when I get a teaching job, I hope I stand true to my beliefs.  I will use my critical voice when I feel it is necessary.  I won't be the teacher that teaches the traditional way.  I will make my lessons fun, active, and hands-on.  My children will love learning!

Black Ants

"Black Ants and Buddhists" is a fantastic story.  This story proves how important it is to teach different perspectives and traditions besides the "American way." I think it is extremely important as a teacher to know your students and their religious backgrounds because there might be a Som Jet in our classrooms.  I think the teacher did a wonderful job turning an argument about " black ants" into a lesson that the children learned from and enjoyed.  They learned about different religions, but also learned to respect them.  I also enjoyed reading about Ben and his interest in the book Baseball Saved Us.  Not only was Ben interested in learning about the history of Japanese Americans, he was also willing to try to read a book that was above his reading level, which tells me that the teacher did something right.  As a future teacher, I hope to engage my student's about history, cultures, religions, etc. as well as the teacher did in this article.    

This is my first blog.  How exciting!  I think I am getting it?