Web 2.0 Tools I Will Use In The Future.

Over the course of the semester, I have been introduced to various web 2.0 tools that I honestly don't think I would have came across if it wasn't for ENGL 3043. This course has given me the opportunity to become familiar with web tools and their multiple uses they could have in the classroom if used properly such as Blogger, pintrest, prezi and wiki spaces. These tools will definitely follow me throughout my professional career. Since I will be teaching secondary English, these tools will be a great help to the learning process and overall educational experience of my future students.

Blogger

 Blogger is a great way to express ideas and interests personally. Blogger will be a great way to display the content of a class to the parents of the students. This tools allows you to explain and display content as often as you would like which is great for keeping parents in tune with the education their kids are receiving  Also, students can use Blogger to practice expressing themselves professionally on assigned or topics of choice.  

Prezi

 Prezi is a great way to add a creative flare to a power point! I personally enjoyed using this tool and I am sure English students will also! Instead of the regular slide shows we are all used to, Prezi allows you to custom create your own layouts, animations and effects which is appealing to the eye and increases the attentiveness of the audience.  

Wiki Spaces 

Wiki Spaces will allow the students to display information found on a specific topic through a web site. The ability to display information properly is crucial to a students education. This is a creative end of the year project to display a students research and report throughout the school year!

I am beyond excited to introduce these tools to students and continue to use myself. For more idea on Web 2.0 tools in the class room, visit this link: The 100 Best Web 2.0 Classroom Tools Chosen By You

Classroom Technology Resources

Preparing for Final Exams

The end of the semester is approaching quickly. While we are all scrambling to get our financial aid and registration taken care of, there is still one important thing that we cannot excuse which is final exams. Finals and preparation for finals can add a lot of unwanted stress to a students life. It is important to make time for all your personal and school related activities when it comes to preparing for the test. Here are a few tips on preparing for final exams:

1. Create a study Schedule: When studying for finals, it is important to create a schedule for studying purposes along with breaks. For example, study for your physics exam from 5:00-6:00pm, take a 15-30 minute break, then study for algebra from 6:30-7:30
2. Go to bed early: Getting enough rest for your exams is crucial. Give your brain and body a break!
3. Avoid Stress: Stress can be a negative factor to your study habits. Stress can cause distractions that will take your focus away from your main goal. Also, if you notice your study partner is stressed, give them some time to themselves because stress can be contagious. 
4. Eat a healthy meal: Eating a healthy meal will provide your body the nutrients needed to run successfully. Foods such as blueberries can improve your memory which can be helpful during the exam. 

-Additional tips for preparing for final exams are provided below:

• Tips on studying for finals: http://www.upb.pitt.edu/uploadedFiles/final%20tips%20newsletter.pdf
• 10 Tips to Help You Ace Your Final Exam: http://voices.yahoo.com/10-tips-help-ace-final-exam-102387.html
• College studying tips for final exams: http://collegelife.about.com/od/academiclife/ht/College-Studying-Tips-For-Final-Exams.htm

"Aint Nobody Got Time Fo That": Perceptions of Minorities in the Media.

While doing my nightly email, Facebook and YouTube check, a recently aired news broadcast was literally invading my news feed! I needed to see for myself what all the hype was about. In this particular airing, a black woman, approximately in her thirties, was being interviewed on a recent hail storm that passed through the Brookshire area. Based on her appearance as a young black woman, you would hope she would be a good representative of the African American Women in the media; instead she was the complete opposite. Her poor image, word choice and expression proved this point. Which also made me think of the "Sweet Jones" character which we all know by her famous punch line, "Ain't nobody got time fo that!" Prior to Sweet Jones, Antoine Dodson was featured throughout the Web for his interview with the news after his sisters house was broken into. This specific  interview caught the attention of many TV and radio hosts such as Wendy Williams, which lead to his appearance on many late night television shows. Sweet Jones has also received the opportunity to appear on commercials advertising insurance companies. 

The stereotypical views of minorities in the media is degrading and leads to the judgement that the only thing minorities are capable of is acting their "color" in the media. This thought leads me to a few questions:
 1.) Who is really to blame here for the ongoing of racial stereotypes in the media? Is is the media and Television producers or the actual people that are being interviewed? 
2.) Is displaying a certain level of ignorance publicly an easy way to stardom? 
3.) Is this stereotype based strictly on the linguistics of the black vernacular? 

*Your feedback is greatly appreciated. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GStFOzp7FUE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3RZF_RNBDxI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EzNhaLUT520

Say Hello to Poetry!!

April is National Poetry Month and I am so excited! Many people believe that the eyes are the windows to the soul but I believe poetry has that same affect. Poetry gives the writer an opportunity to creatively express themselves while the reader is provided a similar situation and stimulating read. During the month of April, it is important to introduce students to various types of poetry such as: teen, lyric, american, prose, sonnet, romantic, dark and haiku poetry. By providing poetry in the classroom, the students will have a chance to explore the various styles of poetry along with expressing themselves through poetry. A teacher can bring in the lyrics to Tupac Shakur to explore lyrical poetry and Maya Angelou to exemplify self empowerment, Shakespeare for romanticism in poetry and themes, and Emily Dickinson lyric and experience. Once a student has been introduced to poetry and its variety, they will have an appreciation and involvement in the art. As a future educator, I will implement poetry into my classroom. Giving the students an equal opportunity to express themselves through words shows them the power behind their word choice. That power will later be displayed in a class poetry reading for students willing to share. Inspiring through poetry.  Happy Poetry Month!!

Poem by: Hiwot Adilow

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pc6CJ_kUNYc

For activities and ideas that can be used in the classroom in honor of National Poetry Month CLICK HERE!

To Pray or Not to Pray?

Religion in schools has been a very shaky subject. Prayer went from being said in unison, to a moment of silence and now in some schools, not even on the days agenda. Why is it that something that is so important is taken out of public schools? Many people have argued that incorporating prayer in school is unnecessary, offensive and even a waste of time. These thoughts about prayer are generated by persons of different religious beliefs along with people of no belief at all. So what is a teacher to do when a student needs that time a prayer and asks for permission? Turn down their faith or allow the student to pray? Firstly, a student shouldn't have to ask for permission to pray. Secondly, I believe the teacher should allow the student to pray. That moment of prayer can ease a students mind during difficult times such as standardized tests, dealing with emotions, bullying and peer pressure. A teacher can allow prayer by specializing quiet time for students to pray, do their work or simply clear their minds of the many things that could be troubling their lives.

For more information on prayer in schools click here: Prayer in School

Celebrating Women in History Month!

Women in History Month!
The month of March is dedicated as Women in History Month. Throughout this month, many women are recognized for their historical attributes both great and small. Many women have done great things throughout history but do not receive enough recognition for their hard work. In respect to the occasion, I have chosen a few historical women that have an impact on education and literary devices. The women are as follows: 

Ida B. Wells-Barnett

Ida B. Wells-Barnett is best known for being a  African-American educator, newspaperwoman, anti-lynching campaigner and NAACP founder. Wells began teaching after the death of her parents in order to provide for herself and seven siblings. In 1888, Wells completed her education at Rust College and began teaching in Memphis, Tennessee.Wells was the editor and co-owner of "The Free Speech and Headlight" local newspaper for blacks. She used this paper to shed light on the issue of lynching which was tearing the community apart. Through her writings, she was able to convince blacks to move west.

Louisa May Alcott

Louisa May Alcott is most known for her authorship of poetry and novels. Her writings appeared in many magazines and books entitled, "Flower Fables" and "Hospital Sketches". Alcott is also know for being an educator. Educating was used in her life at a very crucial time and got her through many obstacles. 

Mary McLeod Bethune

Believing that education is the key to racial advancement, Bethune founded the Bethune-Cookman College in 1929. In 1935, Bethune also founded the National Council of Negro Women. She is also the first African-American woman to have political ties to the White House. Her passion for education and civil rights granted her recognition which leaded to the making of a public land mark in her honor. 

Each of these women have a passion for educating and spreading knowledge which allows me to connect to them. Knowing that there are women who went against all odds to expand their knowledge along with other is inspiring to me. In my classroom, I will make sure to incorporate many opportunities to explore the lives of historical figures that have an impact on our lives. I will also encourage my students to create and take the opportunity to be a impact on the lives of others. 

For an extended list of Women in History, CLICK HERE!

Teaching Student With Disorders.

   

 Years ago, students with learning disabilities and other disorders were separated from students without them. That separate environment was formatted specially to meet their needs and ran by a disorder specialists and teachers with experience in that field. This separate environment was great for the student’s development in the opinion of many parents. However, many parents also thought the separate environment was a hindrance to the child's education and social development skills. Since some schools allow a mix of students in classrooms, it is important to for educators to be familiar with the various disabilities, symptoms, treatment and the best method to meet those students’ educational needs without singling them out from their peers. A few of the disabilities and disorders seen in children are: speech impediments, language impairments, autism, ADD, ADHD, loss of hearing, visual impairments, dyslexia, and behavioral disorder. The best thing to keep in mind when teaching students with disorders and disabilities is the overall benefit of the student, remaining patient and creating a comfortable, open and effective for the entire class. Below are links to symptoms, tips and teaching strategies for common student disabilities.

22 Tips for Teaching Students with Autism:

http://teaching.monster.com/benefits/articles/8761-22-tips-for-teaching-students-with-autism-spectrum-disorders

Speech or Language Impairments: 

http://www.projectidealonline.org/speechLanguageImpairments.php

Tips for Teachers: Teaching Students with Disabilities: 

http://www.schoolmentalhealth.org/Resources/Educ/Tips%20for%20Teachers.pdf