Blog Post #3: Truths

1. "Schools are like airport hubs; student passagers arrive from many different backgrounds for widely divergent destinations. Their particular takeoffs into adulthood will demand different flight plans(LEVINE, 2002, P.336)." (p.1 FPDC)

Even though teaching and interacting with my students will be much more personal then an airport hub this quote reminds me of how  different each student is and will still be when they leave my classroom. It will be my job to help them successfully reach their final destination.

2. "Learning environment is the "weather" that affects virtually everything that transpires in the classroom." (p.5 FPDC)

I love this quote. A great environment truly is the key to a students learning. You have to set the right mood in your classroom so a storm doesn't take everything out or stunt the progress.

3. "It is likely that each child says to us in his or her own way, 'I can't do that until you have tamed me. I can't give myself to this place, to this work, to you until I know you believe in me.' In 30 different ways, students in a class of 30 say to the teacher, like the fox, 'Tame me, please.' They want to feel a personal connection to those who share the classroom with them." (p. 9 FPDC)

This quote pulled at my heart. It made me realize how scared students are going to a new class with a new teacher. It even made me reflect on my personal experiences in classrooms when I wasn't being affirmed and so desperately needed it. It reinforces the importance of morning meetings and making sure every child feels like they contribute to the class in a positive way.

4. "Challenge in the classroom gives roots and wings to young dreams." (p. 19 FPDC)

I absolutely love this statement and believe in it. Without challenge students would not be able to see what they are capable of and would not grow. I want to challenge my students and let them know I am challenging them because I believe in their dreams.

5. "When a student is 'missing the mark,' the persistent teacher does not assume the student cannot learn, but rather assumes the student is not learning in the way he is currently being taught. The persistent teacher will find another way. In the eyes of that teacher, when a student fails, the teacher fails." (p.32 FPDC)

This reminds me of how I should continually reflect on my teaching methods. When my students succeed I feel as happy for them as they are and if they fail I feel the frustration.