Germ WebQuest

All Good Things Come to An End

Well, it's finally over. After three long, wonderful weeks of Field Experience, it's time to get back to class. My experience with the children at Cascade Elementary School was something that I will carry with me for a long time. During our last day, the children from Mr. Olsen's class presented Melissa and I with cards thanking us. I think it should have been us thanking them. But it just goes to show you, teaching isn't about the teacher, it's about the STUDENTS. One of my most memorable experiences was working with "B," a very caring and energetic young man who suffers from several learning disabilities. Although he is very smart, he sometimes has difficulty staying focused. While doing our review lesson, "B" became distracted and didn't want to participate in the game. I took him aside, gave him a special "Jedi" pen, and told him that his team needed him to win the game. Imagine my surprise, along with everyone else's, when "B" answered the very next question which was instrumental in his team win the game. I've been asked by Mr. Olsen and several of the staff at Cascade to stop in from time to time and work with "B."

Second Week of Field Experience

We made it! All though our first week end and he second week started on a downer, our second week end in a good note. Dr. Anderson gave us a wonderful review on our Branches of the Government lesson. As she put it, we turn some dry material into a very interesting and engaging lesson. Melissa and I were a little apprehensive about how we would put it off. But the kids were very enthusiast about our "Government Relay" game. As I said last week, nothing is as bad or can compare to the "twig of 93." I would like to offer a special thanks to Mrs. Cole and Ms. Keyes for all of their support and for lending us the "School House Rock" DVD. We couldn't have pulled it off without their support and well wishes. I can't wait for classes to resume, I miss you guys.

First Week of Field Experience

Howdy All,

Well Melissa and I completed our first week of field experience and we are still alive. Mr. Olsen is a great teacher and the children are cool. Although our first lesson was rushed, I think that we pulled it off. As Professor Ramirez always points out, it wasn't as bad as the "twig of 93."

Digital Storytelling

Digital Storytelling is using computer-based tools to tell stories. Most digital stories focus on a specific topic and contain a particular point of view. However, as the name implies, digital stories usually contain some mixture of computer-based images, text, recorded audio narration, video clips and/or music. Stories can vary in length, but most of the stories used in education typically last between two and ten minutes. Topics range from personal tales to the recounting of historical events, from exploring life in one's own community to the search for life in other corners of the universe, and literally, everything in between. In my classroom, I would use digital storytelling to supplement as much of my curriculum as possible. It can also be used to encourage students to keep journals about important events in their lives.

WELCOME

Hi Students,

I would like to welcome you to your first day of school. This year we will incorporate art and many other types of media into our classroom. Additionally, we will have various members from the community visit our class to share their life experiences and careers. This year we will stretch your imagination and expand your horizons. So, sit back, buckle up your seatbelts, and prepare to embark on new adventures.