Concept Maps

I made two concept maps this week about special education. The first I made in Xmind and it is a fishbone structure. At first it was hard for me to understand how to make the map but the more I played around with the application, the more I understood. In the end, I liked it a lot. I liked how this software allowed me to add links and images.
The second map I made was in Cmap and it's a Non-hierarchical structure. I didn't really like this software. I don't know if it's because I don't fully understand how to use it or not. I couldn't figure out a way to link it to my blog and I also couldn't add any links inside the map. However, I did find a something cool. I found that it will suggest concepts not listed in your map. This could be useful to students who are having a hard time brain storming.

Educational Podcast

An educational podcast I found was on iTunes. It is entitled Learning, Doing, Being: A New Science of Education. I really enjoyed this because it talks about a way I want to eventually teach. Adele Diamond is a scientist who recently studied how play, sports, music, memorization and reflection are key in students education. It seems as if many people think that the content we teach is the most important thing. Dr. Diamond believes differently. What's more important is having a desire to learn and helping kids find that desire. I completely agree with her and hope to implement a lot of the things she discusses into my own teaching style.

Valentines Day!

This week I celebrated Valentines Day and although I do not have a significant other, it was awesome! This was mostly because of my fourth grade class. I came to school pretty stoked to give out my valentines and when I got there I was not disappointed. One of my students, Adrian, brought me a fake rose made of feathers that actually looks quite real. He also brought me a stuffed animal/puppy. It is the cutest thing ever and the little bit of pink on it's nose just adds more character! This was the first thing I've ever been given by a student. It probably means he has a crush on me but it still means the world to me. I will most likely keep it forever. After school got out (it was a half day), I met up with my mom who was in town. We went shopping and out to lunch. Following tradition, she bought me a Valentines shirt. It is a white dress shirt that I can wear to school. She's so amazing and knows just how to make my day!

Overall, it was the best day ever! But why? I started thinking about how when I was little and how Valentines Day was awesome every year. I don't know if it was just because I got candy or what. However, this year was really special for me because people let me know that they care about me. Next year I plan to do the same. Instead of focusing on being single, I'm going to choose a few people that I love and do my best to show that to them. Chances are it will not be a boy but a roommate or member of the family but that doesn't matter. For me, I want Valentines Day to be about love in general, not just about a significant other. Holy crap, little kids teach me a lot!

Technology Assignment :)

Today I read a post called Crying? Good! It instantly reminded me of a situation I had during my practicum experience. One of the boys in the class was drawing on his literature books with pen. Naturally, he got in trouble. I went about my business for a few minutes and then noticed he had covered his head with his jacket and was crying. In an attempt to help him feel better I took him out in the hall. He did calm down but I had no idea what to say. In my head I was thinking that it was good that he recognized he did wrong. After reading this I decided that I'm not heartless and feel much better! Although I also feel like teachers should only go so far. A student definitely should not feel scared to be in your classroom or feel the need to cry everyday. I believe the best thing is to let them know what is expected, have consequences but also let them know you still care about them and that it's okay.