Reflecting on a Memoir and My Writing Process

I began my memoir by first writing a list of possible topics. After I narrowed that list down, I ended up choosing a topic I was hesitant to choose. However, after I began writing the story, I was happy with my decision. I chose to write about my mom and my childhood. Even though it is a little depressing,, the story began to write itself. I found myself wording things in a way I never could before. I was able to elaborate on certain memories by giving a lot of detail, which I never really knew how to do. In addition, I was able to express to a few others about my life growing up. I never use to talk about my mothers situation, but now, I find it therapeutic.

By the end of my memoir, I felt confident that I had included the six traits of writing. I am the most proud of my “flow” because I could never really do that before. After sharing my memoir, I felt confidant that I did a good job. The only suggestions that I really had were to make a good title. I came up with the title, “Sometimes Ignorance is Bliss.”

After doing this writing process, I have found myself a much more confident writer. I am more comfortable with using the six traits of writing and it comes a little more naturally to me. The most valuable thing that I have learned from writing this memoir is that details are what makes a good paper.

I also made a digital story, which wasn’t as easy. I started using VoiceThread. I didn’t like this tool, and apparently, you cannot add music to this tool anyway. So then, I tried to use MovieMaker, which was actually on my friend’s computer. I thought that this would be the best tool because I could add music, it was free, and it seemed easy. Well I was wrong. After messing around with this tool for about 2 hours, I decided to give up. I couldn’t add music, I couldn’t customize my pictures, and it was not easy. So, I finally used Roxio PhotoShow. Once again, I thought this process would be much easier. I started adding all the photos, then it said that I couldn’t add more than 24 without paying. So I got rid of some of my photos. Then I started customizing my photos. I realized that I had to pay $40.00 to add certain songs to my PhotoShow. By this point, I became a little frustrated, so I just paid the $40.00 and tried to continue. Well, that didn’t work. I had to buy that and then I had to buy “PenPal” as well. I decided I would just add words to parts of my memoir and use the music that Roxio provided for free. What a headache! Anyway, after all the hassle, I finally finished it, here is my digital draft.

Another Lesson Learned

 

 

Someone once said, “You learn something new everyday.” If anyone thinks differently, I’d beg to differ. I realize I have much to learn when it comes to teaching, but it is the little things that separate an experienced teacher from an inexperienced one. Today I was observing my co-op. I thought I had mastered most of the “little things” that mattered. So, when she asked me to read a few chapters from a novel, I thought, “yeah no biggy,” but I was wrong. I had only a few minutes to review the text before reading it. Those few minutes helped, but not quite enough. I began reading while sitting on a stool in front of the class. I have a little tickle in my throat, so before I started, I put a cough drop in. When I began reading, I instantly realized that this was a bad idea. I ended up drooling on myself half way through the first page. On top of that, I was wearing a skirt! Now, this skirt was long enough, but to sit comfortably on a stool in front of class, while drooling, I instantly regretted my decision.

After a few pages of trying to get comfortable, I decided I should stand up and walk around. I didn’t think this would be so difficult. I don’t know if it was because I’m not use to reading and walking, or if it was because I was trying to keep an eye on the clock, or if it was because I was distracted by the little things going on in the classroom, but I ended up stumbling a few times. I quickly decided that the stool was my best friend.

By this time, my cough drop had finally dissolved, and I had finally found a perfect place on my stool, but I noticed my students’ were not as involved in the reading as I had hoped. I couldn’t blame them. I never was a big fan of listening to a teacher read out loud. I had to do something. Before continuing on to the next chapter, I decided to review the material that I had just read. Success at last! I asked a few questions that somehow refocused my students. I also became a bit more confident and comfortable with reading and I could put more emotion into the story. By the end of the next chapter I was reading much better. But, I had no idea that is would take so much practice.

After the reading lesson, I started working on an english lesson. I outlined my ideas and shared them with my co-op. I told her that I planned on writing sentences on the board and having students underline the adjectives in each. She then pointed out a small, but crucial point. She told me to write the sentences before the class began, or to have them already written on sentence strips. This small suggestion will make a huge difference during a lesson, and I hadn’t even thought about it!

After completing an outline of my lesson, I began really observing her room. Sure, I noticed the posters on the walls before, the alphabet above the chalkboard, and the students’ names on the back of their seats, but this woman had it all! I mean, there were bulletin boards that are created weekly, new themes in her classroom every time I came in, and a library full of books, magazines, and dictionaries. This made me realize how much time, effort, and money my co-op put into the appearance of her classroom alone! I am impressed to say the least.

After today, I learned yet again, another important lesson… PREPARE, PREPARE, PREPARE… and of course… BE CREATIVE!

Expect the Unexpected

Growing up, I have always wanted to teach. I love the positive atmosphere and I love learning. However, I did not realize how much work is actually involved! Sure, I had some what of an understanding of classroom routines, preparation, and good classroom management, but I didn’t realize how much effort those things required. In the past few weeks I had the opportunity to observe a sixth grade teacher; this really opened my eyes.

The first thing that I noticed is her classroom routines. Every morning when her students’ arrive, they sign up for lunch, go to their lockers, and sit in their assigned seats. In her class, she had a unique way of taking the lunch count. She had a pie chart on a side board. The sections are labeled as “packed lunch, regular lunch, and alternative lunch.” Next to the chart was a bucket of clothes pins, each pin labeled with a students’ name. When the students’ would enter the room, they would place their cloths pin on the section of the pie chart indicating what lunch they were having. This was an easy way to take roll and to take lunch count. Another routine that caught my eye was how she dismissed her class. She would have her students’ line up at the door and she would dismiss them, not the bell. I always knew that routines were important, but I never sat down and thought about what routines I would have. By observing this teacher, I was able to experience a few that I could adopt in the future.

The preparation that took place was incredible. She would begin by explaining what the students’ were going to do that period, lecture, and then assessed by doing some activity. It was evident that the lessons were thoroughly thought out because she never stumbled over her words and the class always ran smoothly. The thing that I was the most impressed with was how she handled the unexpected. When students’ would get off topic, she had techniques to redirect them. When a student asked a bizarre question, she answered the question appropriately and it never distracted her. When certain students’ would fall behind, she would aid them as needed. Her lessons were so effective because they were well prepared, yet flexible.

The thing that I observed that was the most beneficial was her classroom management style. It was obvious that her students’ knew what is expected. However, when a behavior problem occurred, she handled it accordingly. She ignored little behavior issues that weren’t disrupting the entire class, and corrected bigger issues immediately. This helped me understand what behavior problems to address and which to ignore. In addition, she evaluated each situation before taking action.

My observations have been extremely beneficial, but frightening. Soon, I will be teaching this group of students’ and I feel that I am not yet ready. discipline and handling unexpected behaviors are my biggest concerns. I hope that by the time that I will be teaching I will be ready for anything. The biggest lesson that I have learned from my observations is always expect the unexpected.

 

Creating a Memoir

As you all may know, I am in Middle Level Match Education. Although I am math concentrated, this major requires future teachers to take all the subject areas that “middlers” learn, including science, social studies, reading, and writing. Currently, I am taking a language arts class that focus’ on teaching language arts using technology. This class is probably the most important class for me, as a struggle with writing and technology. One of our assignments is to create a memoir. We have to pick an event that has happened in our lives and write about it using the six characteristics of writing. We also have to create a digital example of this event using VoiceThread. For me, coming up with a topic has proven most challenging. I am having a difficult time deciding on a story that is light-hearted, yet interesting. I started brainstorming a few ideas and this is what I have considered.

My first idea was to write about how I had a pet slug when I was young and how devastated I was when my sister killed it. Although this could be fun to write about, I don’t think I could come up with enough information to make it as interesting as anticipated. My second thought was writing about my pet cat, Cuddles, who would follow my sister and I to the bus stop everyday, and be there at 3:20 to pick us up every afternoon. I loved Cuddles, but, once again, I don’t think I could elaborate enough to make it an interesting read. I thought about a few other topics, but each one posed the same problem.

I finally decided that I would have to write about my mom. When we first got this assignment, I knew I would probably end up writing about her, but I really wanted to avoid this topic because it is a bit depressing. However, it is the best candidate for an interesting story. Growing up, I never had an ideal childhood. My mother and father were both “sick” and I was exposed to things that a child should never witness. Even though my childhood was troubling, my experiences have molded me into the motivated, driven, and independent adult I am today. I believe that by overcoming my past, I have become a much stronger person. Although I have concerns about sharing my story with my peers, I feel it will be beneficial for me to express myself and for others to get an understanding of where I’m from.

To create my digital story, I tried using VoiceThread. I added a few pictures to help tell my story, but I have a lot more to do before I am finished. I am considering using a different tool, but for now, click here for a rough draft.

The Importance of Differentiated Instruction

To be the most effective teacher possible, educators need to become aware of the different learning styles in their classroom. Think about it… You may learn best by watching a demonstration, while someone else may learn best by reading about the same topic. There are seven main different learning styles and it is important to be able to identify how our students’ learn best. But how can we tell? The seven different learning styles follow:

Linguistic – Students’ enjoy reading and writing

Logical/Mathematical – Students’ who understand patterns and are able to solve problems more easily

Visually – Students’ have the ability to visualize three dimensional objects

Bodily kinesthetic – Students’ who use their body effectively to express themselves

Musical – Students’ can recognize tones, rhythms, and musical patterns

Interpersonal – Students’ who understand others and care about other people’s feelings

Intrapersonal – Students’ who are aware of their own strengths and weaknesses

So how do we incorporate these different learning styles into our curriculum? We need to use an approach to teaching that advocates active planning for and attention to student differences in classrooms, differentiated instruction. For example, in chapter 4 in the book, “Can We Skip Lunch and Keep Writing?” by Julie D. Ramsay, Julie explains how she used a method of differentiated instruction in her classroom. Ramsay had a group of 5th grade students that had a difficult time with oral language. Ramsay tried an alternative method by having her students’ create a narrative video. This motivated her students because it was something new, challenging, and fun. Ramsay suggested  “VoiceThread,” which is a free online tool that would work great for this type of activity. Click here for an introduction to VoiceThread.

Obviously, it would be nearly impossible to adapt to each students’ unique learning style in every lesson, but it is important that we try to “switch things up a bit.” Instead of lecturing and having students copy notes every day, consider the variety of your students’ and adjust accordingly. By becoming aware of the different learning styles, we can make learning fun!

The Burgeoning of Technology

Well, we can’t deny the growth of technology anymore and as future educators, we must embrace it. Growing up, I never realized the importance that technology played in my life. If you think about it though, can you remember not having a computer, a tv, or even a phone? Now, imagine what that question would be like to a 14-year-old. As teachers, we need to realize that if we want to deliver information to our students’ in the most effective way, we must do it in the most relatable way, technology.

In the last two years, I been exposed to so many tools that are available for teachers. Overwhelmed at first, I wanted to ignore another burden, or another thing to learn. After taking a few required courses however, I have become more comfortable and more confident with technology. I am now excited to use as many digital sources in my classroom as possible. I am aware of not the burden of technology, but the convenience of it.

Because of some of my classes, I have learned a whole new world of technology. Most of us have mastered Powerpoint by now. But I have also learned about Smartboards, SlideRocket, and Podcast. I have also become aware of the advantages of professional websites, such as this one. I learned how to create a professional database. I have learned how to use D2L, Dropbox, Moodle, and other campus websites. All of which have proved convenient, beneficial, and pretty easy to learn.

In the book, “Can We Skip Lunch and Keep Writing,” Julie Ramsay explains how useful technology has been in her fifth grade classroom.  This book provides several examples of digital tools that can be incorporated into the classroom. The book also elaborates on how to use these tools in the classroom and how each tool has their own unique benefits. In addition, it explains how to teach writing to students’ in a more exciting way. This is a great resource to show the effectiveness of technology in a classroom.I recommend this book to any educator who is ignorant to technology.

Click here to watch an interesting video about technology! 🙂

Poetry by Me and Others!

Here are five poems that I have written. I have also added some of my favorite poems. I would love your input, so feel free to leave me a comment!

Where I’m From Poem

Beth Moore

I am from computers and technology,

The sunshine and the snow.

I am from big cat diaries and the discovery channel.

I am from Asic sneakers,

 and the trails that I run on.

Cardio kickboxing and competetive cheerleading.

I am from the sand on the beach,

 and the waves on my toes.

I am from good friends and few family members.

I am from my grandparents who raised me as their own.

I am from make-up and cosmetics,

 as well as lotions and perfumes.

I am from caring more for others more than myself.

I am from being happy and energetic.

I am from respect and most importantly,

I come from love.

 

So Much Depends Upon

(Inspired by William Carlos Williams, The Red Wheelbarrow)

Beth Moore

So much depends upon

The sun light

Permeating through

My window,

That opens my eyes

To begin the day.

 

Heart Break

Beth Moore

Take me to a place where the sun always shines,

The truth doesn’t hurt,

And there is no pain.

Because I have felt how one man can make you feel,

And from that, there was no gain.

No man can love when filled with shame,

Who waits for a chance of someone to blame.

Actions to cruel for words,

That I can’t even begin to explain,

How could I love a man so vain?

 

Be My Valentine

Beth Moore

To be with you, seems unreal.

Yet, here you are, holding me still.

Your hands fill me with every emotion,

Soothing me from the worlds commotion.

You touch my cheek, my chin, my face,

I’ve forgotten all, while in your embrace.

Kiss me now and ill surrender,

Your lips on mine,

and I’m yours,

 forever.

 

Peace

Beth Moore

The sun is shining through the dark clouds.

The dripping on the window sill,                                          

 Is slowly coming to an end.

The trees, the grass, the air,

All filled with life.

The birds are beginning to sing,

Their beautiful song of summer.

I walk outside,

Only to embrace the calmness after the storm.

I feel the cool breeze of dawn flow through my hair,

I tie my laces and take my first step,

The sound of my breath,

The freedom from my thoughts,

The sight of pure nature,

And finally,

I am at peace.

Can Poetry be for Everyone?

As a child, I always loved poetry. My dad introduced me to Shel Silverstein, and I loved it. One of my favorite poems follows:

A hippo sandwich is easy to make.

All you do is simply take

One slice of bread,

One slice of cake,

Some mayonnaise,

One onion ring,

One hippopotamus,

One piece of string,

A dash of pepper–

That ought to do it.

And now comes the problem…

Biting into it!

Silverstein’s poems are great for children. When I began to learn about other poems however, I hated it. Still to this day I find it hard to enjoy a poem that isn’t silly or doesn’t rhyme. I believe that most children feel the same way. I think it is because as students’, we are forced to read poetry that we do not understand, nor do we like. I remember reading poems that were several pages long and I had to explain what that poem meant. I found this part of poetry dreadful.

So how do we avoid this as future teachers?

To begin, we need to introduce all types of poetry to our students. Instead of only presenting poems that are silly and rhyme, we should introduce more meaningful poems at a younger age. As students’ get older, we need to still incorporate “fun” poems in the curriculum. Believe it or not, there is a type of poetry for everyone. We need to make students’ more aware of all of their options. Secondly, we should be more careful when we ask students’ to write poems. Instead of forcing students’ to write a particular type of poem, we should allow them some freedom. In the book, “Love That Dog,” Jack is a student who doesn’t understand poetry or why he has to write it. But because the teacher encouraged him to continue writing and allowed him a sense of freedom, he started to enjoy it. Also, we need to be considerate to students’ embarrassed about writing poetry. Young boys especially feel that poetry is for girls. So to end embarrassment, we shouldn’t force students’ to read their poems out loud. In “Love That Dog,” the teacher motivated students’ by displaying their finished work anonymously. This allowed students’ to read each others work without feeling embarrassed. By the end of the book, Jack became so confident that he signed his name. Jack’s teacher found poems that were relatable and inspiring to Jack. Because of Jack’s teacher, he finally could open up about his beloved dog through writing. After reading “Love That Dog,” I wonder how Jack’s attitude towards poetry would have been, had the teacher approached poetry in a different way…

I don’t understand the poem

about the red wheelbarrow and the white chickens

and why so much depends upon them.

If that is a poem

about the red wheelbarrow and the white chickens

then any words can be a poem.

You’ve just got to

make

short

lines.

                                                                                                          – Love That Dog

Writing in a Digital World

The growth of technology has changed our world without question. But has technology made writing easier or more complex? It has been my experience that with the new word processing programs, writing has become less of a challenge. In stead of spending hours proof reading and looking up the correct spellings of words, I can do it all with a press of a button. With all of my grammatical answers and researching information available on the web, I can spend less time correcting myself and  more time focusing on writing. I am not sure if this has made me a better or worse writer. When I type a paper, I always use spell check. I also depend on Microsoft to fix any grammatical errors I might have made. Without technology, my papers would be half as good, but would take twice as long. So is this a good or bad thing? Well I think it’s both.

My dependence on Microsoft is probably not for the best. But, it has made writing more enjoyable and it has allowed me to broaden my writing experiences. Sure, I may use spell check, but I also learn from the mistakes that I have made. And sure, I may be able to research any topic with half of the effort it would have taken thirty years ago, but I can also learn about so much more in half the time. With technology, we can gather research from several different sources as opposed to using one book. I am also exposed to so man different types of writing at one time. Yes, technology has made our lives easier, and possibly has made people more lazy or less patient, but, it has also enabled us to learn with a much broader spectrum.

As far as technology and education goes, it is vital for teachers to be on top of things. A large gap is developing between the old and the young. Older teachers may have a difficult time learning how to use technology where as younger teachers probably grew up on a computer. As an educator, we need to not only know the material that we are going to teach, but also, we need to know how to teach it most effectively. Since students today have grown up in a digital world, we need to be able to present the materials digitally. Chalk boards and even note taking by pencils are becoming out dated. It is important that we can use technology to administer the information in the best way. Not only is technology more interesting to students’, it’s becoming the only thing they know. Teachers need to embrace technology by using all of the tools it can offer. We can use technology for anything from assigning homework online, to maintaining a professional website to keep students’ and parents updated, to using digital story telling.

I think the biggest issue with digital writing is that you have to be extremely careful about the information that you allow on the web. For teachers especially, it is so important to consider everything that you post on the internet. It is also our job to monitor the information that our students are accessing while in school. Even with the safety searches available today,  it is so easy for a child to purposefully or accidentally find something inappropriate. In addition, it is so easy to find faulty information. Technology is a blessing in that it allows anyone to find any type of information, but it is also a huge responsibility.

 

If you are interested in reading more about the pros and cons of technology, click here to read a great article called, “The Landscape of Digital Writing.” 

 

 

Is writing all that bad?

I have never been an amazing writer. I struggle with my beginning thoughts and I “slack off” towards the end of a paper. Even though I struggle with the subject, I realize the importance that writing holds in our society. Because writing can take on so many different forms, people tend to not realize that they are doing it constantly. Whether you are texting a friend, or typing a resume, you are still writing! So how can anyone make the broad statement that they hate writing? I understand that in school, we are forced to write five paged papers about topics that never seem to be interesting, but that type of writing is so seldom outside of the classroom. Everyone, students especially, need to be reminded of the variety of ways to write.

Although I am not a strong writer, I have kept a journal  since I was 10 years old. By doing this, I am able to vent to something that will never judge me and I can trust that my thoughts will be kept a secret. This journal also helps me remember my past, the good and the bad. I can also see how I have grown as a writer. Thankfully, there is a big difference from how I wrote when I was ten, to how I write now. In addition, there are so many people that use writing as a tool to release. It can be therapeutic and relaxing more so than frustrating and miserable.

If it wasn’t for writing, the present would know nothing of the past. People recorded history to inform the future of the good and bad that has happened. Without the knowledge of our past, how could we as a country, have come this far?

I realize the headache that comes with writing a research paper, and I am not saying that writing is always fun, but with such diversity, is writing all that bad?