something new

The movies

2007-05-19T07:41:00.000-07:00

We went to the movies last night. We saw Shrek the third and we loved it. We had to go to a few places because tickets were sold out. I was scared that we would have a disappointed almost 6 year old. But it worked out of course it was past his bedtime when we got home. My son looked so happy and I'm glad we had the opportunity to do this. Then, around 3 am he was sick again it has not been the healthiest year for him. I hope this is it!! We all suffer when he gets sick. NO SLEEP.

Mother's Day

2007-05-12T18:21:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to say Happy Mother's Day to all you wonderful moms.

I hope you are appreciated all year.

Lots of happiness and love. If you are pregnant it still counts--so congrats.

Ladybugs

2007-05-09T14:50:00.000-07:00

Our larva (ladybugs) arrived on Monday. They look like little crawlers, the children called them roaches. They were told not to tap or shake the container but of course we had many "accidental" shakes. The tennis match using the magnifiers as rackets and the ladybugs were the ball. Then the same day another girl began to shake them while smiling. I do not know how some have still survived. I guess some children have to hear the same thing more than others. Hopefully the rest will be able to make it to adulthood.

It makes me sick

2007-04-30T19:27:00.000-07:00

My sister in laws' brother was attacked on the way home for money. I hate that the world can be so violent and cruel. He ended up with a black eye and a lot of swelling. He was hit with some sort of wood stick. The thing that makes it worse is that he has a tumor in his head and that is the area that got hurt. His mom and sister were very worried, he had an MRI and thank God everything was okey. I wish things like these would not happen.

The End

2007-04-26T06:28:00.000-07:00

I can't believe how fast this semester went by for me. I have done so much and it feels like it has gone so quickly. Especially, when I think of the two classes I had. I learned a lot in both them and I know I will miss them. Who knows what awaits me for the next semester. I have to take three classes because they are not offering anything I need in the summer. I rather take courses in the summer because I would not be working at the same time. I guess it is meant to work out that way. I think my son and I will get something out of spending that quality time together. We will be taking swimming lessons during the summer. I have to learn because it just sucks to stand in the water. It will be more fun and exciting to get into the water and know that you can do something in it. Besides you never know when swimming will come in handy. Maybe then I won't be scared to go on a cruise. It won't hurt to learn something new and it will be something that I will use.

The gardens

2007-04-23T15:45:00.000-07:00

I discovered the Botanical Gardens, yesterday after we went to the softball game. Of course, my husband's team lost. They have been known for that. It was nice spending the day outside. It's easy to get used to the routine of the day. I was tired but it was a change of pace that I had missed. We enjoyed the time and day together and we have to take advantage of days like that more often. If anyone has ideas on what we can do, please let me know. I heard that the weather will not be so nice the rest of the week, rain... again. But at least, we had the weekend. Tomorrow I get to see my sister and give my niece her birthday present. I hope she likes it because she can be picky.

Virginia Tech

2007-04-18T05:57:00.000-07:00

It' s unbelievable what people can do to hurt others. The families and the agony they must be going through at this time. It is so scary and sad at the same time how things like this happen to so many people. I don't understand how this could happen. How can we prevent this from happening again? I can't believe how cruel the world has become. It just seems to get worse as time goes on.

Ohhh the rain!

2007-04-16T14:06:00.000-07:00

I think our ecological system is telling us something. We are killing this world and it is starting to turn on us. I didn't know what to do with all that water in the basement. It just kept coming and coming, we were up late cleaning up the mess. Its ironic how water can cause so much chaos.

What have I learned?

2007-04-14T14:44:00.000-07:00

I learned about blogging, fanfictions, comic books, you tube, and many other new literacies. I learned to research material using google and now know about Flicker and entered the world of MySpace. I learned that I could be scared but still was able to push myself to continue on a new quest. I learned that I was naive about certain things but I can learn. I am capable of picking up on new information just like we expect children to learn new concepts during the school year. I loved learning about Podcasts because that was a foreign subject to me. I felt like I am in the "In group" but just for a short time. Because something new always showed up to keep on my feet and out of the loop again. I'm glad I had this course because it pushed me out into the virtual world to find new ways of dealing with a variety of subjects. I was able to do things that I had not even heard of before in my life. I hope I don't loose myself and give up on new technology, although I think if I implement these new concepts it will become a part of my classroom and my life. For example, I bought a digital recorder and plan to have the children's parents read stories and then I will place them in files at the classroom computers. This will entice children to hear more stories and pick up more books when they can hear family members reading the story. They will be able to hear brothers, sisters, mothers and fathers reading their favorite stories. It will be a great way of having parents involved in reading to their children, it will make it an experience that they will be able to experience again and again. Right now I have a few parents come into the classroom to read to the class but I think using this digital recorder will include those working parents. Storage will also be improved because now all I have are books and tapes. I learned how easy it is to create a page and how I can update information on it and how useful it can become to others. I think I'm going to miss this class because I am used to blogging and writing about my life and thoughts. I found my virtual voice and I don't want to silence it now. I'm glad this course was offered in the format that it was because I have learned many useful things. It is good for me at this time of my teaching career to know what I can do help my children learn and use literacy in new ways. Thank You Dr. D.

It's a small world

2007-04-14T14:21:00.000-07:00

This week I saw a couple of my past students. I was leaving work and one of my girls started calling my name. It was so nice to see her. She is now in 11th grade and looked like such a grown up. I had the feeling I was getting older because if my younger children are getting older that's the logical step. Today I ran into another girl at my son's soccer game, but she did not remember me. I knew she wouldn't she was only 4 years old when she was in my Pre-k class. Its funny how you can remember certain children's names and faces. It's hard not to get to know all of these personalities that we are lucky to meet. I hate to say goodbye to my students but June will be here very soon.

Easter

2007-04-08T19:10:00.000-07:00

I think it is very sad how everything is a commercial. All the holidays have become a way of selling and buying. Easter is now a bunny and baskets fest, children have to be influenced into buying instead of believing. Where is Jesus? Easter is sold, just like the other holidays.

Comics

2007-03-29T13:49:00.000-07:00

I read the entire book. I thought it was very interesting and I learned a lot from it. I enjoyed reading it, I think it is a great way to involve students especially those that find reading difficult. I think this type of book could help ELL students because they can get many detail from the drawings. A picture does speak a thousand words. I found myself reading chapter after chapter without any problems. I am glad we got to experience this type of reading. We should become aware of magna that the readers of today are so involved. Teachers need to use every tool available to strengthen readers' skills. Reading counts no matter the form that is explored by the reader.

Video Camera

2007-03-25T18:39:00.000-07:00

Well we did it! We bought a video camera and hooked it up. We all got to talk and see our family members. They thought it was great. My mom was very excited and talked for 2 whole hours. It was nice to see each other. The only bad thing was that they had to pass around the earphones with the microphone attached. It was sad when my aunt told my mom that she wished she could hug her. Technology could not help that physical aspect, although it was better than just talking on the phone. My mom was sooo happy that she said she would try it again and again. So did my aunts, although this was the first experience for all of us. It was nice to see them and talk to them at the same time. It was less expensive too. My mom spends a lot of money on those phone cards. This will be a help in a variety of ways.

You Tube

2007-03-24T17:13:00.000-07:00

I heard You Tube is getting sued. Nothing is safe from the legal system and lawyers. I guess when something is popular it has to be criticized by someone or something. Now, let me answer the questions for class. I think that ideas are spread more freely through the use of networks. Technology has changed the process because now more people can be reached at a faster rate, as a result of social networks. People are able to communicate their thoughts, beliefs and ideas to groups of people which include friends, relatives, and strangers with the power to comment. I think it makes connections within and beyond a particular group a benefit when it comes to communication. An implication for teaching is that teachers must explain how to identify the real and factual from the fictitious and the ridiculous. Teachers also have to realize how this new technology can enhance the concept of literacy. As in the article by Knobel teachers need to learn how students' willingness to spend hours with multimedia memes can enhance reading and writing skills. The time spent with memes, blogs, e-mail, journals and fan fiction are not a waste of time. They all increase literacy skills.

Cuts

2007-03-19T15:56:00.000-07:00

Today I found out that our district will have job cuts for next Sept. Has anyone else heard this news? Where are the jobs going to be? I am not tenured and so I am a bit worried. The principal said that this is the worst she has seen it in her 30 years working in this district. I guess I should send my resume out. Does anyone have an idea of where I should look?

Looking for Ideas

2007-03-19T15:54:00.000-07:00

I wanted to know where all of you get ideas for lesson plans. I need to find out information on second grade ideas for literacy lessons. Let me know anything would be helpful.

Hopkin green frog

2007-03-18T19:06:00.000-07:00

It was a lost toy frog given by McDonald's to a 16 year old child with autism. The boy created a flyer and it was posted in his neighborhood and somehow it was posted on the virtual world. The funny thing is that the family no longer wants anything to do with the toy and the boy has lost interest too. But everyone else is still talking about, including us. That's funny how the world can become so little after all.

READ

2007-03-10T10:44:00.000-08:00

When I read I like to be in a comfortable area like in my bed or the couch. I have to read in a quiet area away from all distractions like my child, husband, tv, and the computer. I enjoy reading because I can imagine the story in my own mind. I like reading because it can take you to another world without leaving physically. Reading is an interactive activity in which I can control what the characters look like and what the setting and background of the story will be.

I provide children with comfortable areas in which to "read". I model to them what they should do like how to hold the book, how to turn the pages and to pay attention to the text in the story along with the illustrations. I let them handle and touch the books. I let the children choose books by their particular interest by providing them the freedom to explore the books in a variety of bins. I provide children the opportunity to experience the book by role playing, using felt boards, and having them listen to the story during read aloud.

Technology may change this by providing programs that read to children on a variety of websites. Children may use the written language on the internet to create their own stories. Although with them being so young they still need being read to because they are not able to read by themselves because of their developmental stages. Modeling to reading is critical to be introduced to the concept of reading.

I don't think technology can replace a story being read by an adult especially a parent. Reading to children creates a love of reading because they connect it to the memory of spending time with a parent and creating a connection to the story. Overall, I think that technology can enhance the reading experience.

Class trip

2007-03-04T18:29:00.000-08:00

I asked one parent, a hair stylist, if we could go to her shop on a class trip. She said yes and so we will be taking the walk and maybe the children will be more knowledgeable about the activities that take place at a beauty shop. It was funny because my student was in shock when he saw me at his mom's job. He didn't move or talk for the first 20 minutes, not even to his mom. He couldn't believe I was there even though his mom told him I would be going there. It was so funny and cute at the same time. They make it worth it. It makes me happy to make a connection with the family and the children outside from school.

I went to a birthday party of one of my girls, she just kept smiling and bringing me her toys. She talked about my visit to her home for weeks. She told all her friends how I had gone to her house. This led to great conversations about her home life. I would do it again and recommend it to others.

Matrix

2007-03-02T21:26:00.000-08:00

I saw the movie and thought it was a bit scary because I started to think it could happen. What if we were being controlled and used as batteries and weren't aware of it. Not knowing what is the true reality can be very confusing. What can you belief if everything around you is created artificially. Although the world is becoming one that is surrounded by a virtual world which exists through the use of technology. People can have a variety of identities through the internet, because they can become the person they wish to be. They can create that imagenary character within themselves that can be like Neo. A person that can become the savior of the true and real world. People could have the power to create a better version of themselves by creating a virtual personality.

I searched the websites and found all types of information about the Matrix movies. It is unbelievable the quantity of information that can be found about a subject. Detailed information about the characters, who directed it, as well as the advertisements that were used to push the sale of these movies. The different ways that a movie can influence such as video game and comic concepts.

Dr. Seuss Day

2007-03-02T20:41:00.000-08:00

The children had an active day. We had guest readers, a mother with her two youngest children and a grandma. The two boys were so proud of their family members. They talked about our guests the whole day. Dr. Seuss' books were very popular for our Lending Library. I'm glad because we are starting a contest dealing with the amount of books read at home. We didn't do so great for Feb. I want us to do better for March because we could win that Pizza party. Parents will be reminded about reading to their children.

At home we had lots of fun cleaning up after it flooded with the rain. We do not live in a flood area but since the in ground pool was removed we have had this problem. Rain always wins!

Practiced

2007-02-27T20:06:00.000-08:00

I was back at school after 2 weeks off. First for our winter recess and the second for my training. I missed my children and they missed me. They all wanted to talk to me and I got great hugs and kisses. We also had our final practice for our concert. I hope they do well tomorrow. I was very proud of my children.

It's a boy

2007-02-26T05:36:00.000-08:00

Well, we have another baby boy in the world. He was 6lbs 11oz. He looked so cute. I am so happy that everything went well.

Tech to use in the classroom

2007-02-24T16:20:00.000-08:00

I'm not sure what I want to learn more about because the children I teach are 3,4,5 years old. They are only picture reading at this point and they recognize some letters but are not able to write complete sentences. Some have access to computers at home but only a few, four to be exact. I was thinking about using podcasts to read books to children, but their ability to access is not there. I think blogging works but my children are too young. Although it could be a way of having the parents write with their children by having the child's message written down. At this point I'm not sure. I am liking all the things we are doing with this class. It all looks good.

My Space

2007-02-24T15:58:00.000-08:00

I did it. I did not use a picture of myself or my real name. I wasn't comfortable with the virtual world knowing I was there. I am a big chicken but that is me in the real world too. I don't like the idea of pictures in announcements: weddings, births, etc.

But My Space was full of people who don't mind. They want to be seen and are there for that reason. I know a lot of people with My Space pages but I was never interested in setting my own up.

Today I found out that my friend went into labor. It was funny because she text messaged another of my friends. Technology is everywhere. She is having a boy--Julian. He was supposed to arrive in two weeks but he decided to come early. Babies are in total control its funny how they can change the world with their arrival. LIFE is a miracle.

Drained

2007-02-22T12:41:00.000-08:00

I have been going to a training all of this week and feel exhausted. It was part of a four week program. It felt so long but I did learn a lot. I think I can use most of the stuff in my classroom. At least I know it wasn't a total waste of time. Like some other workshops. I just hope that I can remember everything. Tomorrow I have to present in front of the "class" but I feel so uncomfortable speaking in front of others and I can't hide it. The public speaking course I was forced to take, did not cure me, because I still feel my heart beating like crazy.

I 'm Scared

2007-02-16T10:56:00.000-08:00

I started working on my paper for another class and I am very nervous. I'm scared that I'll mess it up. I don't want to look like an idiot on paper. I will continue to work on it but I'm not feeling that sure about myself. I will try to do my best, I hope and pray that everything comes out OK.

Technology/what do I create

2007-02-14T19:55:00.000-08:00

I use technology to make my lesson plans, write letters to parents, take digital pictures and now blog. I create e-mails, and posted responses on blackboard. I have learned that I could be scared and a little shaky when it comes to technology but I can learn. I have learned a lot in this short period and feel good about it. I think that my comfort level has gone up--especially after that first podcast. A few weeks ago I didn't know what that was and now I was a participant. I'm glad that I'm learning about all these things because I will need this information in the future. Especially, when teens know more about it than I do.

Snow--yes!!

2007-02-14T12:30:00.000-08:00

I love the snow. Isn't it a wonderful sight? I have missed it all this season. I hope you are all safe, warm and at home. Enjoy that day off from work because it will go fast. Happy V day. If you are not in a relationship, it's OK, because you are loved by someone--Grandma counts.

Computer Lab

2007-02-13T06:11:00.000-08:00

Our principal said that a computer lab will open at our school, but they will be taking a computer from each classroom. The classes did not have enough computers to start with so I hope this lab is a beneficial move. I wonder if there is a way to get some computers donated to our school. I asked a few of the parents if they had computers at home and the response was a very low number (4). I wish these children had the opportunity to have more of everything. More computers, games, puzzles, art supplies and even books. I'm planning to take the children to the library and maybe I can get the parents to borrow some books. Although, only a few have taken advantage of the classroom lending library. The children seem more excited about taking the books home than the parents. One parent said, "I don't know why he takes the book, because he doesn't look at it at home." I had to explain to her that she would need to take the initiative and read it to him, so that he could increase his vocabulary. I had to tell her about making this part of a routine. The scary thing is that she had older children who she had not read to either. It just shocks me to think how things like reading could be so foreign to parents. Hopefully, this parent learned something about helping her child become a reader.

Work, Work, Work

2007-02-12T16:21:00.000-08:00

I was at work fixing loose ends at work because the state will be visiting our school on the 23rd and I won't be there. In a way its good but I'm still worried about how we will do. My nephew was very excited about being in my classroom and asked many questions. He was very helpful because he was able to do a lot of things that I couldn't do. He recognized many things that came from home and had to tell my son about it. He started asking about Daffy Duck and Tweety, toys he didn't use or want anymore. I guess its normal to want what you don't have. I hope he forgets about them again because he has more than enough stuffed toys at home. I still need to get rid of many more. I think he has more than needed for one child. I might give them to the of children at school.

Feb. 10 Chapters 1 and 2

2007-02-10T19:28:00.000-08:00

Reading has been an area that leads to power and the research of Paulo Freire's shows that with literacy the peasant groups in Chile and Brazil were able to understand their world better. With the introduction of a variety of literacies people are given the ability to control an oppressive environment. If people are given the power of knowledge through literature then they can change their lives for the better. They are aware of their rights and therefore can demand more for themselves from society.

With today's technology literacy has expanded and changed to include different avenues for people to communicate with each other. People are able to collaborate and interact with each other using Myspace, blogging, and Instant Messaging. The sociocultural perspective mentions how it is impossible to separate reading and writing from other types of literacies such as oral communication because they are a part of a whole not a 'bit' so we have to look at the student as a carrier of a variety of perspectives. In chapter two learners who have grown up with these new technologies are able to see the world differently. Technology has given the individual the ability to give their opinion along with the "experts" which in turn makes this a new literacy. A person's thoughts are acknowledged, noted and heard without being ranked less than another's viewpoint. This shifts the power to an individual which can include those called newcomers (outsiders) and the insiders and not the market place.

Where does the time go?

2007-02-08T17:53:00.000-08:00

I can't find enough time to do everything. I am going to sleep late and wake up early and I still need more time. I have to do a paper for my other class and it has to be perfect in grammar. I am worried about it.

Does anyone have an idea of where I can get this paper proofread? The writing center at MSU takes too long. I spent an hour and half for just one page. What can I do?

What Next? and Children Online

2007-02-02T17:31:00.000-08:00

This article discusses the idea that people are scared that change will bring society to an end. Throughout history technology is seen has the evil that will ruin the next generation. That children will become vacant of knowledge and become incapable of using their brains. I agree with the view point that children must and do use high levels of thinking. I think that children have the capability to deal with a variety of skills which include literacy.
Children are able to demonstrate both their imagination and verbal skills. This was very evident in the Gathering of the Elves community. They were able to express vocabulary, story line and the concept of belonging. They were a society that existed because of their own creation. They were learning from each other how to communicate with each other. It was very interesting to read about a society like this and how these children were able to discuss problems with words. They were writing, reading and most importantly learning. We should definitely take advantage of technology because it can provide the unexpected from our students. Especially, if we can use it beyond our classrooms.

Naturalization

2007-02-01T13:54:00.000-08:00

My mother became a citizen of the United States today. She was extremely nervous but she did it. The test was so stressful that she was unable to sleep the night before. I'm glad I was there to witness this remarkable moment in her life. Even though we were there all day. Now, it will be my father's turn and I already know that he will be nervous too. I'll go to his swearing in ceremony too. I can't miss it.

My class

2007-01-29T16:37:00.000-08:00

Today one of my children's parents told me that his wife was given bed rest during her pregnancy. He works a second shift and has noone to pick his daughter up. We have an after school program that runs until 5:30, but he has family and friends that work until 6:00. He looked so worried, I told him to call the after care program for suggestions. They just gave him a number for a pick up service. I hope it will work out for them because otherwise they will lose the spot in class. I felt so bad for them that I asked if I could take her to her mother. I was told no because that should not be a responsibility that I should take on. I just thought it would be okey because she lives only two blocks away from school. Besides, I know how hard it could be for a family that has recently entered the country. The worse thing of all is that the mom has to stay home alone with a 2 year old without anyone to take care of her or her child during this time. I just wish I could do more for them. It just sucks not to be able to help like I want.

What a beautiful day!

2007-01-28T06:43:00.000-08:00

I woke up and decided to experience technology early. I think I'm becoming accustomed to this. Today I'm going to a birthday party at the hospital, grandpa is still there. We are bringing the party to him. We are having a birthday cake and getting together to keep his spirits up. He has been doing a lot better. He started physical therapy and is using a cane instead of the walker. I'm so glad because I hate seeing my husband suffer. I don't like feeling helpless. This is when you realize how important family should be in your life. You can't neglect the ones you love because you are not promised the time. Enjoy family members now, don't wait for later because it may never get here. I played with son yesterday, even though it meant staying up late. I have to give him some attention too! Since I started class I have disappointed him and that is not fair. I want him to remember the good times. I do feel guilty. Motherhood gets harder and harder everyday. I wish we had a course that taught us how to be the perfect parent. It just feels like I don't have enough time during the day for everything that needs to be done. Isn't life great? We get to do so much with it, if we try. Trying is half the battle. I'm glad I exist and have the people that support me around to help me. Overall, my life doesn't suck.

Second Class

2007-01-27T10:34:00.000-08:00

I learned a lot during this class. I am sure it will be a semester where learning will take place and the great thing is that I will get to use it again. It will benefit my life to acquire new methods of teaching. The blogs got more attention this time around. We have a lot of interesting in people in class, it will make it more fun to get to know new people in this way.

February

2007-01-26T13:43:00.000-08:00

My class will be singing a song for assembly "We Shall Overcome" but it seems like it is missing something. We are going to have signs that include the title of the song. I just think I should add something more. They are 3,4,5 years old but they know a lot. They can learn things quick when they are interested in the subject. Especially when it comes to music. We don't have back-up music, so I am a little worried. If anyone has suggestions please let me know. I will be looking for them.

A very long day

2007-01-24T21:27:00.000-08:00

No stroke, that was the news but we were not told anything else. We are in the waiting zone. I was out all day but I feel pretty good. I got a lot of things accomplished. Work, doctor's appointment and a class.

Bad news

2007-01-23T13:37:00.000-08:00

My husband's grandfather is in the hospital, it looks like a stroke but the doctors aren't sure. We have to wait for the MRI results. He is 85 so they have to keep him for observation at the hospital. I hope he will be ok. He is a good man. I will be praying for him. Life has many surprises. Maybe we''ll hear better news.

I made it

2007-01-22T14:42:00.000-08:00

I wasn't sick this Sunday, but my son was. He had everything in the book. He had an ear and an eye infection and a stomach virus. Saturday night went by with all of us awake. The next day we went to the doctor's office instead of his cousin's birthday party. He was not happy but neither were my husband and I. The weekend was very very special. I do not want to repeat this weekend again, ever. I hope I don't get it next, but the probability is a sure one. I am soooooo tired, I need to sleep more than the required 8 hours. I did read some of the blogs, some are very interesting. I think I got the hang of posts. YEAH!!!

First Post

2007-01-20T19:03:00.000-08:00

I hope to learn many new things. Especially since this is the first course that I have taken online. I am a little scared but I guess when something is new that is a normal feeling. I want to get more knowledge about technology and how to use it in the classroom. I want to be comfortable showing children the different uses of media that are available. The children I teach look so at home when they are exploring the computer. They are all willing and interested when it comes to the use of the computer. I want to offer them the best, so I should learn more for myself. With practice comes knowledge. I have also noticed that my family members and fellow teacher have done a few things with computers. I should learn more because technology is expanding to new areas that can be used by all of us.