Blog Post 1: If I Built a School, What Would It Be Like?

When I think about my dream twenty-first century classroom I imagine a very small class of second graders. I would want to teach my class English and reading and other teachers will teach math, science, P.E., art, music, and forging language. Like Krissy Venosdale I would not determine grade levels by age, but by ability. All children progress at a different pace, so they should also progress through grade levels at diffent times. In order for a student to pass a class and go to the next grade he or she must take a test. This test will be given four times a year, at the end of each quarter. The test will be in every subject but like on the ACT students will get a different score for each subject. If the student does well in one subject but not others then he or she can be in a different grade for each subject. For example, if a 1st grade student achieves an A in reading,English grammer, and spelling but only gets a C in math and science he or she will move into 2nd grade reading, English grammer, and spelling, but stay in 1st grade math and science. This should allow students to better reach their full potential. Every classroom in the school will equiped with the latest technology and necessary equipment for the subject. Each class will have a maximum of twenty children. While Venosdale's idea of having professionals come during lunch to speak to the children, I do not think that young kids should be learning for a long period of time without a break. Instead, they will have small breaks in between each class to relax and let what they just learned to better sink in. Lunch would be a time to socialize, because socialization is a large, and important, part of being a child. The cafetaria would be filled with healty, good-tasteing foods to give students nutrition to power their brains. There will also be a huge library for students to enter whenever they please. There will also be a huge playground for students to play during recess. Young children still need a chance to play and just be kids, but there will also be an area outside for children to read a book or color if they desire.

"Roosevelt School." Roosevelt School. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Aug. 2013. .

What do I want my students to know?

My main focus as an English and reading teacher would be speaking properly. My biggest pet peeve is bad grammar. Students will be expected to learn proper English. In 2nd grade they should know how to read at least simple chapter books such as the Magic Tree House series and not only how to write properly but also how to speak. In today's world there has been a loss of proper grammar due to the increase of texting. While the use of technology is very important and will be used in class, I believe that children might be at a disadvantage if they only know how to communicate online or via a cell phone. Many people have very poor grammar and I believe that this is due to the lack of emphasis on proper English in elementary school. This becomes a serious problem later in life when applying for jobs or college and students cannot speak properly. Teaching students while they are young is key to solving this problem in modern society.

What do I want my students to be able to do?

My students will be expected to be able to write gramatically correct sentences both in pen and typed on a computer or iPad. Dictionary skills will also be taught both on an online dictionary (or dictionary app) and in a real dictionary. They should also be able to read at a proper level for their grade.

What will be my primary way of teaching my students what I want them to know and to do?

I will teach my students how to read and write in proper English with class activities, fun worksheets, and educational apps on the iPad. There are many apps for children to learn to read and write with currently on iTunes. There will be plenty of class time for students to work together in small groups to play these games. Learning will be made fun with these educational apps helping them learn. There will also be class time spent not using the iPads because writing is very important at this age. Class work like this would also be done in groups. To keep students interested these activities would also be made into games with rewards, such as stickers or candy, for doing well. Students will naturally want to learn and do well if there is a reward for doing such. Working in groups will also make students interested in learning. They will have more fun with their friends and so learning will not seem like a chore. It will be more like playing a game with friends.

What tools will I use in my classroom?

Computers and iPads will be available for every student to use as needed. There will also be a smartboard in every classroom. This will allow for better participation during class. I will use powerpoint presentations to give students information then allow them to use the iPads, computers, or even the smartboartd to better understand what was taught. Traditional tools, such as pens, pencils, paper, and crayons, will also be used. Young children need to be creative. Art projects will be given whenever possible. Arts and crafts supplies will be available for every student.

What role will students play in my classroom? How will they participate in the learning process?

All students will play a very active role in the classroom. My teaching style will primarily be focused on group work and group learning students must participate in every activity, every day. The use of technology like iPads and smart boards will allow each and every student to participate in every activity. For example, before an English grammar test the entire class may play a game where they divide into small groups. Each group must work together to correct the sentence I have incorrectly written on the board. Whichever team earns the most points wins. This will keep every student active and also interested in the class activity. Students will also be able to help each other learn. If each student is sharing an iPad with one or two fellow students he or she will be working with the other students as one. Each individual student will have a strength and a weakness. Students can help their partners with parts that they may not fully understand. This allows not only students to learn but also to help others to learn.