Early Morning

What a change in behavior in the St.Mary's students in the morning session compared to the afternoon. The kids were calm sitting still and more polite. In the afternoon it seems like alot of them are just trying to push our buttons and looking for a challenge. In the morning these kids were in the zone and really concentrating on their worksheets. I was in Christophers class and was impressed at how on task the students were. I thought that they would rush throught their worksheets so that they could begin free time as soon as they could but they didn't. When i left at 8:50 many of the kids were still working on their sheets and they were content with that. It brought back memories seeing the worksheets and the tracing of the letters. I had the opportunity to help several of the kids including Liam with their letters or numbers. It always feels good to help and know that the person you're helping appreciates you. The kids were polite and thanked me. I was impressed. At one point i started conversations with the students about what pets they had at home. To my surprise Ileanna had a pet dinosaur that ate worms and rides on her back. I got a kick out of her story and her expression. The kids really enjoyed talking about their pets and really got off task. Their voices got alot louder and the teacher had to raise her voice to quiet them down and to get back on task. I felt bad because that was pretty much my fault getting them going. Overall it was a good experience and the kids were great.

Shameful or Not

Dodgeball, kickball, shamefull games. I think not. Shamefull in the PE class setting--ahh probably. Pe has standards and needs to help children learn movment skills and a healthy life style. Can dodgeball and kickball do those things? Most certainly. The things is children need to be involved and be active. Adaptations need to be made on these traditional games. It's shamefull if people are standing or sitting out and or people are becoming made targets and embarrased. The job lies in the hands of the pe teacher. A well executed plan can definetly enhance the games and make them worthy of class.

Gotham City Cortland?

Lab 2 was a ball for everyone. I believe that the students were more engaged due to the effort that we as students put into dressing our parts. We made that after school experience one that is different from all the other and something to laugh and talk about. My group was in the classroom with the Pre K. Seeing the students in the classroom compared to the gym or the playground was like entering another world. I saw the students act calm. After my interaction with them in the gym i thought that would be impossible. I went a little above and beyond for the theme and dressed in an all out Batman costume. I didnt kjnow how the students were going to take me. Too my surprise they thought i was the real Batman. When i walked in they swarmed me. It's funny they all asked the same question. Can you fly? It was also funny to hear the kids call me Batman. They seemed to open up alot more to me because i was dressed up. We worked on some coloring and playing with play dough. It had been soooo long since ive had my hands in play dough. I got a kick out of it and had a good time and good experience.

video for lab 1