Post 8 ~ Learn & Serve

(Friday, Nov 6th, 3 hrs)
Today we in Mrs. Muskes classroom. Mrs. Kruse and I went participated in a 4th grader classroom to support Mrs. Muskes with her readings. The class split up in 3 different groups - one group went with Mrs. Muskes, the other one went to a table and choose one out of 3 different books to read from, and the third group stayed with me and Mrs. Kruse on a table in a corner. We read "Chun Teng Comes To America" (by Karen Williams, Harwourt; School Publisher). Yet, before we started to read this book - I wanted to dig right into it - we were talking about what the book was all about and got a vocabulary sheet in addition. The kids read the first 2 pages on their own - then we talked about the narrator and asked some inferential questions like to "use thinking". Afterwards we kept on reading by a couple students who took turns in reading. Me and Mrs. Kruse tried to read it very authentical, so that the story will seem real and exiting to our students - so that they will keep on reading and become a live long learner. :)

In my textbook, it was really interesting to read about the emotional and behavioral disorders. For example, people with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder are unable to focus their attention and are often impulsive and easily distracted. Most children with this disorder have great difficulty remaining still, taking turns, and keeping quiet. Symptoms must be evident in at least two settings, such as home and school, in order for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder to be diagnosed. Today, experts agree that severe depression can occur at any age. The disorder is marked by changes in: Emotions—Children often feel sad, cry, or feel worthles, Motivation—Children lose interest in play activities, or schoolwork decline, Physical well-being—Children may experience changes in appetite or sleeping patterns and may have vague physical, complaint,thoughts—Children believe they are ugly, unable to do anything right, or that the world or life is hopeless. It also is important for parents and caregivers to be aware that some children and adolescents with depression may not value their lives, which can put them at risk for suicide. These are all factors we as future teacher ought to be aware of!

Kirk, S., Gallagher, J, Coleman, M., & Anastasiow, N. (2009). Educating Exceptional Children (12th ed.). Kentucky: Cengage Learning. Retrieved October 22, 2009