Writing; What does it look like and how can we use it?

I have learned that writing can be a fun and engaging process through the use of the various writing programs. Four square is a good way to organize writing for many students, as well as the other programs for engagement. In the classroom, writing should look like a way of self expression for the students. The use of writing can be used for students who want to express themselves and depending on the way you use writing to accommodate to the needs of all the students, it can be fun for everyone. Your students will be more likely to and willing to share more details by expressing themselves through writing. Kid Writing, the program I researched, was a good way for the primary aged students to express themselves through pictures. All of the writing programs give a unique and helpful way for students to enjoy writing and not view it as much as a task, but an activity.

What is an Effective Literacy Teacher?

This week we have learned the steps to what an effective literacy teacher should know and how to incorporate technology as well as the importance of prior knowledge on material to make teaching language arts interesting for the students. It is important to incorporate diversity in the future in classrooms and teach language arts more effectively and more well-rounded. It is also very important to teach students the fun behind language arts (reading, writing, speaking, and listening). There are so many ways that teachers can incorporate not only technology but activities for students to learn and be engaged in the learning. Motivation is key to being an effective literacy teacher and that is the goal for the future of upcoming educators.

What a 21st Century Classroom Looks Like...

A 21st Century Classroom looks like a place where learning is made fun, where the textbooks aren't the only means for reading stories and where the students can use what they learn and apply it in the classroom using the new discoveries of tools that make learning fun. I think a 21st century classroom looks like a place where the teacher/student relationships are molded to be strong and include mutual respect toward the goal. The 21st century classroom looks like a place where technology is used in order to guide learning and motivate students. A 21st century classroom is a place where the teacher uses up to date technology and resources to enhance the meaning behind the concepts being taught. Overall a 21st century classroom is always changing and always growing...

Hello Block 2011:)

My name is Kayla Maschuck, I am a Senior at Lock Haven University and I am majoring in Elementary Education. My family is very important to me and have given me all the tools I need in order to be where I am today. I have a wonderful and loving mother who has done an incredible job raising me and my three siblings. She is one of the strongest and most powerful individuals in my life and one of my biggest inspirations. She has always been positive and never discouraging to all of our dreams. My sisters and brother are also such a big part of my life and despite distance and the busy schedules we find ways to make time to spend together as much as we possibly can. I find myself driving home a lot just because I miss them. Also prior to attending Lock Haven and prior to meeting my current classmates I have not found a group of people that I would rather be around. I have met some of my best friends through the education program and am very blessed with what great people I get to spend my days with. As nervous as Block makes all of us with the work and time, we are all each other's support system and have the same dream and goals. We are as close to a second family that you can get. Here's to a great semester!