5 assignements needed by saturday morning

People learn in different ways. And no one has a better learning style than anyone else. Some experts say there are as many as seven different learning styles; but it's easier to narrow it down to three types of learning. I feel that every group has more than one-way of learning it all depends on the person rather than the group. There are three times of learners, listening learners, seeing learners, touch learners. Most groups learn with groups inside groups broken down groups by the ways people learn. From my understanding the best way to reach a group is the mind set that you are teaching student or kids. Think about it as a teacher there are certain things you can and can’t do. I think you have to teach like this in order to keep that teacher to student mindset.

My personal opinion is that this is a muti-faceted, ever-changing challenge. And I think instruction is only part of the picture: you teach people all the time without even touching a piece of paper...through discussion, how you approach them, how you react to others in their presence, how you use teachable moments in the classroom, etc. I have groundwork I like to put in place before we start talking about content.

First, respect each student as an individual. Do not embarrass them in front of their peers, but ask to see them after class instead, and provide a pass if needed, if there is a problem. Praise them all often, even if all you can find is the color of someone's shoes or a new color of hair.  "Interesting" is a great response. The positive attention is what counts.

Be a good listener. Don't let students take advantage of your good heart or willingness to work with them: they are very savvy, very early. Be consistent. If one student breaks the rules, if there is a consequence promised, it must be the same for all. Be flexible in extenuating circumstances, privately...perhaps with a guidance counselor if there is a serious problem. Do not meet with students alone in a room. Stand at the door way or with seats in front of an open door. Know your material. If you don't know the answer, promise to get back to them with it...and do so.

Try to mix your lessons up. If you do group work, give the kids ownership: we can do this only if you get the work done and follow the rules. It is becoming even more acceptable (I took several classes with the Penn Literacy Program out of U. of P., and they look to posters and projects of ways to assess without testing—less pressure for kids with test anxiety, and they can do the work alone or with a friend as you see fit. And drawing doesn't count: stick figures and speech bubbles allow their characters to explain what the student knows with great artistic talent. Do they get the concept? Then your lesson was a success?

Let them know you truly care about each one, even those who make you insane. I find it easier to tell a student, "I love you dearly, but not the way you are acting right now." Or, "I really need your help to reach the goal of today's lesson Don't judge people by what you see or what other people tell you. Pack info away and let the student prove him or herself to you, one way or the other, I document everything and save everything even progress reports or other timely things there where they will get lost. Even save notes from administrators or copies of disciplinary cards or letters you send home/to the office.

Let your passion show; laugh with your kids; admit to mistakes; and, praise them whenever you can. Your voice may be the only one that lifts them up all day. Be patient with yourself, and honest. Know what you've done well and pat yourself on the back. Fix what needs fixing. Take pride in what you do. And remember your actions impact the lives of students, other professionals, etc.

Love what you do, and give yourself a break from time-to-time.

Oh, and don't believe everything people tell you about others: they probably make up stuff about you, too. Avoid lecture when possible. Allow groups to help each other. Put students in groups where you know they will function with the least amount of disruption to each other. Try to create discussions about what you're learning to engage the kids personally. And if you can break your lesson into two parts for, say, a 50-minute period, the change will help them, which will help you. I identify with all the groups but not every one is like that. I am the kind of person that is don’t matter what your teaching style is I can adapt and overcome. Out of the three learning styles most people fit into one but there are a few that can adapt and do any.