9-27-07- Today, we were assigned students or in my case 'student' in Mrs. Bradshaw's class. The child
I was given was a very talktive fellow which you wouldn't have suspect. The child seem to be living in child haven from
our conversation. I asked him to tell me a story. The child then told me of a dream he had and then the time
he saw a snake. I had a relavent story because I to had encountered a snake while I was sheep hearding. The funny thing was
that he too saw a snake while hearding sheep. I enjoyed our time together. I also found out that the child I was
partnered with maybe moving. Greeeeeaaaaat!
10-4-07- What I have feared has become reality. The child that was my partner, has left and now i'm left with another.
The child is a soft spoken child with slurred speech. We started off with me doing all the talking. Eventually, he opened
up and began to talk. It was hard to hear him speak. We didn't get to know each other because we had to begin constructing
a web (brainstorming). The child would easily become distracted and ask to go to the restroom. I don't know if he was bored
or uncomfortable. I will try my best next week to get more corporation.
10-5-07-Reconceptualist- I wonder if I'm a Reconceptualist. I think that there is a need for change in schools. For example,
the current use of US history textbooks which don't depict the real events of that time. The people that print these
textsbooks don't convey the truth about how the Native Americans were treated so badly. Many white people don't even know
the pain and sorrow the Native Americans have been put through. I don't know if giving this information would
be appropiate for elementary grades but it could be for middle/high school. This is a really hard concept to think about but
my stance on this will slowly develop as I continue my teaching career. I think alot of people don't like to think
of the past, so they put it to the back of their mind.
10-11-07- Yes! We are making progress. I got a page an a half out of my student today. He is becoming more comfortable
with our face to face encounters. I believe we are growing a bond which will only grow stronger with time. I'm glad that I'm
helping this student become a more dynamic writer. I will be typing out his rough draft paper for next weeks class.
10-12-07- Mid-term Reflection- I'm suprise that we are halfway through the semester! I believe that I have learned alot
in just this short period. I thinking it was great that we rode around on the Red Apple transit at the beginning of the semester,
because the town of Farmington is very diverse. This area is the place where we will be student teaching. It was a real eye
opener to see the different parts of the town. As teachers we must observe and keep in mind that anywhere we may teach will
be different.
The game 'Bargana' was a really eye opener to how we as humans are so much different culturally. Even though we
are all the same we have different rules depending on our culture. We all have different sets of rules. Something that
maybe acceptable in a given culture maybe frowned upon in another. That's why as teachers we must never assume in
the classroom.
I think it was good that we have teamed up with students at Apache Elementary school in creating and writing a story.
Not only are we teaching the chidren the 6 steps in the writing process, we are also getting to know the students we are working
with. This is a good experience for all of us. It is neat to see the evolution of a piece of writing.
I want to end by saying that this class is preparing me for the teaching field and I'm grateful for taken it. Also, I
believe that I have worked hard in this class to deserve an A.
10-18-07- Another step toward our goal. We have completed our stars and wishes group activity. I think it went well.
The students were giving each other good tips and being very respectful. I think that this was an effective way of giving
suggestions to the writer. Children listen to other children. The students even had stars and wishes for Danny
and I. I need to work on my story a little bit more. From what I observed the children seemed to be enjoying the activity.
I believe we had great interaction with the children. There is more work to be done next week.
10-23-07-PrimeTime- I was really impressed by the amount of people that showed up at Aztec for primetime. The food was
good and they story that was read was even better. I like how the story was read with such enthusiasm! The questions
asked after the read aloud also engaged the audience. I think this would be great if everyone would take their children to
these types of events because it shows the children that reading is important. I also liked that they gave out gift certificates
to the families that were there for all Primetime reading events.
10-25-07- Today my student didn't want to write. So, I wrote for him as he told me his story. He was distracted
by the things in the room and he couldn't sit still. I told him to concentrate which he did for a while. I think if we're
both alone in a quiet environment things would go smoothly. I like the tips I got from our little meeting at three rivers.
This week we will be in the library with another group.
11-2-07- Ricky Lee Allen
I found this event to be a little out of the ordinary. The speaker was speaking to white people! I felt unusual
because I never heard a white professor say those things. Everything was directed at the white people. This
was probably an eye opener to all the white people in the room. It may have made a few of them uncomfortable. I'm speechless.
I don't know what to say.
11-8-07- Today we began to finish up our stories. We both decided on our illustrations for our stories.
My student seems to like drawing more than writing from what I observe. I think he is excited to share
his story with the rest of the class. Also, I couldn't make it to san juan college because of babysitting issues.
11-15-07- It is almost over! The story of the century is about to be completed! My student is about to wrap up the greats
book in reservation history! All that is needed is colored illustrations. I've enjoyed working with my student from the beggining.
I believe I'm going to miss him. I have alot of connections with my student in that we both share an urge to be mischievous. We
are native americans with almost the same kind of background and know about the same types of things. Also, we love
video games. I think he has alot of potential in being an artist from what I've observed.
Anyway, after are short little session with our students we were told that family night was rescheduled. We then
meet up at IHOP for another great meal. There we meet up with our literature groups and discussed the articles given to us
previously (2 years ago). I think it was nice to hear other individuals thoughts on the articles because it makes you alter
your way of thinking.
ALMOST OVER! THANK YOU ALI!
11-29-07 It was a great sight to see my student eager to read in front of our group. Every child that went in front of
the group, were brave for doing such a thing. Some may have hesitated but all went before the congregation. I was so pround
of my boy. However, the pages of his book were out of order and that was the only problem. We are ready for family
night! Oh! I forgot that we still need to put the anthology together.
Anyway, we went to red lobster and met with our literature circle members. We read a few stories, ate,
had a good time. I think that I have a good idea about the roles of a literature circle. It has been beat into my memory
this semester and now I will never forget it.
11-6-07-Todays last class was the best. The food that was provide was great! I was my lady could cook spanish food. Don't
tell her that though. It was good to hear about the articles which some liked or didn't like. I sat back and gathered in everyone's
response. I guess it just matters if your being discriminated against. It's not cool being treated different.
However, I liked hearing the stories we presented in class. I had fun!
Final Reflection-
Thank you Ali! What a semester! I can't believe I made it. I don't know what to say. It's been a real journey from point a
to b. I'm going to miss my little guy at apache. I hope he does well in his future studies. This was a great experience we
had with the children at apache. Thanks goes out to Mrs. Bradshaw and the whole 4th grade class.
I believe that I have learned a lot from this class throughout the semester. I have learned that racism is alive and well.
We as humans cannot deny that fact. This problem will continue as long as there is difference. I believe differences should
be valued because that makes everyone special in their own unique way.
This class has shown me that I can make a difference in the lives of many. If I can teach my students right no matter their
language or ethnicity, then I will be doing my job. I will use the different concepts that I have learned and apply them in
the field. This may not be an easy task I must hit it head on. I know I can do this thing called teaching.
Being in the a real classroom helped a lot. Thank you frances for giving us the oppurtunity. I'd love to type forever but
I choose not to. I'm so tired of looking at this horrid screen! I'm tired and ready for a brief vacation.
Good night! Good bye! Love ya all!
