How original to call this the "first post," huh?
I was just added to this course on Tuesday of this week, so I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed at all of the "set up" things I need to do to get started by 3/30. I've made good headway so far, so I hope to finish it on time.
Being reflective, I think, comes naturally to me. I enjoy thinking about why people make the choices they do and why they behave in certain ways. I include myself in "people" in that sentence. It has been on my mind for some time that history and science have taken a back seat in my classroom for these last few years because of the emphasis on standardized testing in Reading and Math. To be honest, the children in my school are often years behind where they "should" be because of various reasons that have little to do with their teachers and school. Hence, we are skimping on the engaging studies that are the social sciences and physical sciences.
I hope that my time spent in this course will motivate me and give me time to actively prepare exciting lessons that transmit to my students the captivating conflicts that occurred in our country's history. My goal is to help them to connect in a personal way to the people whose beliefs and actions secured America's freedom.
Hi, Bridget! I've found that incorporating non-fiction like biographies and natural sciences into my classroom library and Language Arts curriculum is an effective way to teach SS and Science without taking time away from the 3 R's. I am really excited to begin this course - and glad you are along for the ride!
ReplyDeleteHi, Ellen! I'm reading aloud to my class from one of the "Dear America" diaries - about the Revolutionary war. I stop often to explain the circumstances surrounding the narrator. I, too, try to use non-fiction in my Reading curriculum - no reason we can't learn about the Colonies while we're learning text structure. :)
DeleteI'm very much looking forward to the course, too.
Hi Bridget! I agree, I understand the time it takes for all the PSSA prep which forces us to be creative with how we incorporate ss and science. I teach the tested 7 reading skills with science and ss, my students are good at writing summaries. We're going to have a great time sharing. I can't wait to meet everyone!
ReplyDeleteI'm definitely excited about taking this course. :)
DeleteNext week, we start informational writing by reading and composing an essay about William Penn and his contribution to the Colony of Pennsylvania. I often combine writing and reading with history.
I'm so glad PSSAs are in April instead of March next year!