I thought that when I edited a page that it would put the new edit date but it does not. So on April 13th (the day we did not have class and had time to catch up) I did both my literature reviews. It actually took longer than I thought it would but well worth it. That same night my husband I went to dinner with my host brother from Brazil. He was passing through so I was very grateful not to have had class that night. The night was filled with laughter, some school talk and lots of travel stories!
Book Buddies March 28, 2010
I’m writing this from the deck of paradise… Cabo San Lucas! I know I should be vacationing so I’ll make this short and sweet. Last night I went out and celebrated my birthday week with a bang! I met 4 girls from Canada, 1 from Holland and of course some locals. Anyways the usual topics-“Where you from?”, “Whatcha studying?”, ext came up and it never dawned on me till last night (alcohol free I need to add) that I am always focusing on the different aspects of cultures when really the ones that happen to be the same are so much more fun to explore!
The girl from Holland was reading the same book as me and we just so happen to love the same author. Because of this one book (in which she had to have an American friend send to her) we were able to talk about our take on parts of the book. It was really cool to find things in common and learn about her way of life. I was also surprised at how much she knew of America and her take on the Health Care Reform that just got passed. I know of nothing happening in Holland.
That said I think its wonderful to take an idea like this into the classroom. Instead of Pen Pals from 50 strategies why not Book Buddies?! One book that is popular children’s literature here and one that is popular in another country, read, write, and send! I hope that I’ll be as good at planning as I want to be and make an idea like this happen for my classroom!
Adios!
Road Block March 21, 2010
It’s Sunday night and once again I can’t type. I’m trying so hard to get this Lies paper finished but after one page of writing I’m finding it difficult to finish up, answer every question clearly and “briefly” address how and why I’ll avoid lying to students… this section seems to be the part I want to be lengthly!
A Post Secret break along with 3 maybe 4 Girl Scout cookies might help ; >
Misconceptions February 25, 2010
Have you ever noticed how Santa Clause’s belt buckle looks somewhat similar to that of the Pilgrims?
Is it possible there is a reason for that? From looking online I have found that belt buckles were a symbol added by nineteenth century illustrators to show quaintness or give off an old fashion look.
This is just one of a lot of kinda cool misconceptions out there. I was thinking if you had an older class a great way to help them explore using technology would be a misconception quest. Here are some sites I found to be interesting or to at least point them in the right direction.
Mythconceptions
Wikipedia-List of Common Misconceptions
Thanksgiving Myths
George W had Hippo Teeth?
There are so many more misconceptions that cross over into all subjects- Science has A TON! As a future teacher I think I will use a KWL chart to help me take a closer look at what my kids understand and what they think they know. I want to clear up any misconceptions before I being to build upon the foundation laid. After knowing what misconceptions the students are bringing to class I could easily (I say that in hopes that at some point it becomes effortless) develop a lesson with the facts and teach the concept they should have known.
Betsy Ross? February 7, 2010
The first thing I have to say is that so far everything Loewen has talked about is my high school AP History class to a T. It was all about memorizing the book for a test at the end of two weeks. I did not learn a thing (except that I had a fear of tests and a special dislike towards history), and at the time none of it was relevant to my life. I’m not sure if I learned “the truth” or The Truth.
I also have to say I’m surprised at how many textbooks Loewen examines. I feel that each author is writing what will get top dollar in the bidding war. These are some question I came up with while reading:
-How would I portray specific presidents if I were the author? Would my writing be based on what I learned, or what I now know?
-Would I change “glasses” knowing that the area I’m trying to sell to is very conservative? Liberal? Has a high minority rate?
-Where is author integrity?
I really liked the part about that New York professor who did the “first 10 names” experiment with is first year college students. I tried to act like I was in his class and this is what I came up with:
1. George Washington
2. Thomas Jefferson
3. Benjamin Franklin
4. Thomas Edison
5. Columbus
6/7. Lewis & Clark
8. Pocahontas
9. John Smith
10. Sacagawea
My list would be null after round two where the professor excludes all presidents. When he says that Betsy Ross was the number one pick year after year I was surprised because she never came to mind. I also enjoy reading about how her story according to the New York professor is completely fabricated.
This journal is due by 10pm… SUBMIT! ; >
The morning after… January 27, 2010
I’m not talking about Plan B… I’m talking about the morning after our “What is Social Studies?” discussion. (Although I have to say, my head sure felt like I had a second round at turning 21!) For reasons I don’t know my mind is still racing, I find myself talking about it to Sil during yoga. Before I tell her about all the ground we covered last night I asked her “What is social studies?” – mind you very causal. Her answer was straight from a text book!! “How we examine cultural norms throughout different societies during specific time periods”… I’m beginning to rethink CASUALLY talking about this. While in some downward animal pose I tell her that last night when that same question was asked family, religion, “heros”, timelines and even group classification all came into play. I try my best to explain the controversy cloud hanging about the room and also the stance some people took. By the end of class we were sweating and on a mission for a computer. There was one thing from last night that did not sit well will me or Sil- COLUMBUS.
Little did I know Columbus or should I say Colon did more bad than good. As I look at my Kindergarten standards one of my objectives is to describe holidays and why they are celebrated in the United States. Taking the perspectives idea from last night and incorporating more standards I feel it would be just as easy to tell the kids the textbook truth (Columbus came here yada yada yada) but also mention that when he got here people were killed (not mentioning MASS MURDER or RAPE) and that for some Columbus day is not a happy day but a day to remember those that died. Having the kids identify ways in which Columbus was helpful (standard K.SS.4.3.1), and how families might celebrate this day in different ways (standard K.S.S.1.1.2) not only starts the kids off on the right track but ALSO stays in line with curriculum, ethics, and most importantly my integrity as a professional teacher.
It’s all so new! January 20, 2010
2010 has brought a sense of newness! New job for the husband, new fung shui in the kitchen and most importantly a new look at social studies involving this blog. Let’s have some fun with it and enjoy the next 16 weeks!
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