Lecia

Welcome to the S2 Literacy and Behavior Working Group March 12, 2010

Welcoming....

Do my mirror check in myself. Don't get so busy arranging tasks for the day, that I don't take the time to check in with myself to see how I am feeling. A basket of mirrors may be a really good idea for all of the kids. We could all check in and see how we're feeling. Experiment with changing that feeling. I think I could put some positive energy into varying that task in the morning, so that there would perhaps be an element of interest to see...what is she going to pull out of that bag next for us to do in the morning? Right now they have a little free activity time after a brief check in and they all go for their computers. This may be further isolating and not really helping to construct a feeling of belonging. I think it could be fun.

1. Changing something I do, is going to change the behaviour of others, and even if it doesn't, I will feel better if I spend more time above the line. I think I need to have a firm grasp on the goals of the program as well the the needs of the students. I have tried a lot of things which were presented to me as part of the program and have struggled to make them my own and relevant and useful for the students. I am now developing an approach which may feel more authentic. The challenges of this first year have been great and the two times I have been able to get together witht the group have been very helpful and supportive. I have been introduced to some valuable assessment tools and instructional strategies which have informed what I do, and what I will do in the future. These sessions have helped me to have the time to reflect on what I truly believe about education and let that inform me, even when things become very challenging in the classroom. Let good instructional strategies be my knee jerk!

2. Future growth needs to include continuing to try new things and see what works...maintaining optimism, and finding strategies to do so. I need to do more professional development regarding tramatized learners...and learning not to feel tramatized myself. I need to get training in working with students with various mental health challenges. I need to maintain my own healthy balance in order to bring my best energy to the classroom.

3. The sessions have been supportive of my beliefs. Working with the children has challenged my beliefs...or just challenged me generally. I need to allow my beliefs to influence my practice and to make an S2 program which is consistent with the goals of the program and with my beliefs. I believe sound instructional stategies will inluence student bahaviours positively.

4. As students feel more like competent learners, their misbehaviours tend to deminish. When students are engaged in what they are doing, their capacities to ignore others' disruptive behaviours increase. As self knowledge, self esteem and self worth, increase students will engage with their studies and each other in more positive ways.