Core Standards in the Classroom

     When looking at standards in the classroom during my service learning, it's very easy to see that Math and Language Arts take the majority of the focus. However, I have noticed many different elements of science and art in the various assignments and activities. I believe that language arts and math are the core of any elementary curriculum, and that is why they tend to get the majority of the focus. Language arts takes into consideration all different aspects of language, from reading and writing, to grammar and spelling. There has however been a big push for teachers to begin integrating  fine art, science, and other subjects into the core teaching of language arts, math , social studies, etc. This push will allow a multi-tiered approach to different subjects, and I believe in turn will help students feel more involved and excited about what they are learning. 

    There are also many benefits to having common core standards in place across the country and specifically within the states. One of the biggest benefits I see, is that teachers are able to focus attention, create lesson plans and work together better as whole as they strive to teach these core standards to their students. I truly believe that having a community of support is extremely beneficial for both teachers and students. One of my student learning teachers also pointed out the fact that its very helpful for students who move into or to other schools. Having schools that follow a learning path allows for smooth transition as concepts are built upon one another rather than skipped around, hopefully allowing students to moving into a new classroom with previous content knowledge for the furthering concepts already learned even if they move districts or even states if they follow the standards.
     The standardized testing that takes place to measure students growth in the core areas of math and language arts, is also extremely beneficial in helping parents and teachers to look at comparison and see the growth between concepts and years. It is also a successful way for teachers to see the positive outcomes of their teaching and make changes to any areas they see concern. However, it is always up to the parents if they want to have their students participate in the testing. I was not aware of this till speaking with the teachers, but every parent has the option of opting their student out of taking the standardized testing if they do not agree with it. However, as a parent of 5 children, I feel like the benefits of this testing is worth the time and effort involved in taking the test, allowing me and their teachers to see the growths they have made and any areas of improvement that may need to be focused upon for the coming year. 

Diversity In The Classroom

     In my service learning, I have had the opportunity to see diversity in the classroom. I have be taught some valuable teaching strategies on how to approach diversity, and I have seen the wonderful gift that diversity can bring the classroom. In my service learning classrooms, I have met children with various learning disabilities, children who are English language Learners, and children who come from all different family backgrounds. I'm so blessed to be able to interact and to be apart of this wonderful program. I am currently doing service learning in a library setting, in a special education classroom, and also in two general education classrooms for various courses at UVU. This Semester I will have completed over 50 hrs getting to know students and being involved with them, and I have truly learned so much. 

      In the General Education classroom, I have had the opportunity to watch teachers engage with these various students. Some of the things that I have noticed is the differential instruction that is used to cater to all different students and learning styles. One of the first is the use of verbal and visual communication tools. The teacher uses the projector to walk students through examples and problems on their papers, gives verbal explanations, and then writes down the steps on the white board for the students to refer back to later. I also have seen the teacher begin class, walk students through the instruction portion of the lesson, and then gather those students who need extra supports at the back table for small group instruction. I then have the opportunity to walk around and answer questions or offer support for the other students working independently. It has been a great approach during difficult math lessons, and I love that the teacher has involved several of the parents of students to come in and assist during these important lesson times. Its a great way for parents to be involved and for the teacher to offer differential instruction supports to the students who need it. 

 

     I help in two different general education classrooms, and some of the other things that I have really enjoyed seeing is the use of cooperative learning groups. The lesson and instruction is given, and then students have the opportunity to work together in small groups on various assignments. I love the way group assignments help students work together and how it strengthens peer relationships. I also feel like this is a great way to help put students together who can offer additional supports to students who might be having any difficulties. Sometimes I fell as though peer taught lessons and modeled behavior are sometimes accepted easier than when they are just given formal instruction from an adult, so I feel like its a wonderful idea to incorporate peer learning and discussion opportunities. I think its critical for all educators to be mindful of their students individual needs, learning styles, and to really get to know them. I feel like the more a teacher knows about and can build a relationship with their students, the more positive impact they can have.