Rewards in the Classroom

In class, we touched on the topic of rewards for students. I found it quite interesting as the debate is still out on rewards in the classroom.  Some might say that rewards encourage children to be a greater part of their community (classroom), while others say that children should not be dependent on rewards as good behaviour is expected. Rather than debating these two opinions, I am going to state how I feel.  I love rewards! 

Rewards fall into 2 categories: group and individual.  I plan on incorporating both into my classroom environment.  Here are my definitions of each:

Group Rewards: Given to the entire class for completing a specific task, such as listening well, helping others, and keeping the classroom tidy. The class works together to accomplish a common goal.

Individual Rewards: Given to a specific person for doing something that has been noticed, such as showing marked improvement (on tests/sportsmanship) or completing a specific task (reading 25 books as a part of a class reading program.)  I look at these rewards as a way to encourage progress.

Rewards can have pros and cons. On one hand, rewards can encourage teamwork and responsibility, while on the other hand it can single students out if not done correctly.  If a child is singled out, this is a detriment not a benefit.

When I was in Elementary School, I cannot recall any of my teachers allowing me to choose a prize due to good behaviour nor do I remember teachers throwing class parties because the class filled a marble jar (or a teddy bear jar depending on the grade). I do, however, remember one teacher that would send home encouragement cards when students improved on their unit tests. I was one of these students. I remember the joy I felt when receiving a card from my teacher; I still have these cards.  Athough I remember having a special feeling in Grade 6 when I received these cards, I have a greater appreciation now knowing that my teacher wanted to see me succeed.

As for the actual rewards... cards, candy, pencils, balls, anything goes!  There are so many goodies to choose from.  I foresee me having a special treasure box that is filled with pens, pencils, stickers, balls, hair accessories, erasers, and more.  Candy?  I am not opposed to candy, but do think that teachers need to be respectful to the families that do not want their children to have added sugar.  If the parents were alright with candy, it would only be given once in awhile as a special treat and would not be a part of my reward system.  It would be more like: "Have a wonderful weekend Grade 4s. If you would like a gummy worm, please see me after you are packed and ready to leave."  Rewards do not have to be something tangible either.  They can earn a movie day, an extra recess, or a crazy hair day in class.  Be creative.

I am not saying that I disagree with those who do not believe in reward systems.  Teachers are all different and have their own ideas on how they would like to see their classroom.  But, as a parent, I have definitely seen the positive outcomes of reward systems.  My daughters are in Grades 1 and 5, so I have had the opportunity to see several reward systems in action.  Grade 1 began with the teddy bar jars being filled to earn a class party to Grade 5 where the child earns tickets for a prize draw at the end of the week.  I witness the happiness in my childrens' voice and face when they tell me about their prize day.  I also look at rewards as a teachable moment.  For instance, when my Grade 1 tells me something happened at school where bears were taken out of the jar, it is the perfect time to talk to her about why she thinks that happened.  I believe the outcome is more positive than negative! 

 I am well aware that reward systems do not work for all children.  There will still be the child who has to take bears out of the jar or the child who does not really mind if they do not receive tickets.  Imagine how a child might feel if he is always taking out bears from the jar, but then he gets to add some bears for good listening during carpet time.  Or, the girl who doesn't mind not getting tickets until she earned one and it was actually drawn from the jar. 

Rewards foster teamwork, sense of accomplishment, and commitment.

The Juggling Mom

As a mom in school, I feel like I am doing a juggling act all the time: My school work, my family, and my sense of self.

I began my endeavor to teaching three years ago because I had to upgrade my year one university courses.  When I began, I was asked the same question over and over: "How do you do it with young children at home?"  Ironically, I am still asked this question today and my answer is the same:

"The struggles that come along with being in school and having a family is temporary, while the happiness I will feel as a teacher will last a lifetime."

Of course, this isn't always easy.  Being a Mom is a "jack of all trades."  Moms take on many roles: nurse, taxi, teacher, psychologist, house cleaner, chef, tutor, answering service... you get the idea. :)  When I began upgrading my courses, my children were 2 and 6.  At this time, I was also a pre-school teacher, but it worked out beautifully because I arranged it where my toddler could be in my class for the last 30 minutes.  She was in a pre-pre school program with my friend as the leader.  I know there isn't "pre-pre school" but I like the name. :-)  As years progressed, I was still in classes but instead of working in pre-school, I chose to be in my daughters' school to gain experience in the classroom setting and to learn from their teachers.  I am now in university full time.  So, how do I do it?

• I am very fortunate that I have a supportive husband that altered his work schedule in order to help me with drop offs and pick ups as well as giving me extra study time. 
• I try to complete as much work as I can at school.
• I always allow special time with my daughters.  We will do things together, but we also have one-on-one time.
• We always have dinner together and talk about how our day went.
• If my girls would like to help with with a project, I always find something for them to do.  By helping, I am referring to finding scissors, choosing my notebook colour, giving me their ideas, etc...
• I have the opportunity to test things out on my children, too.  Children are the best critics!  And, mine will definitely tell me if they don't care for my idea.
• I have to be well organized.  This is the most difficult because on top of my school work, I have to organize their school work: signatures on their reminders, sending things to school, packing library books, making lunches, helping with homework, the list goes on and on.
• I created a new way of organizing dinners as it was getting pretty overwhelming with having to decide 7 meals a week.  The girls each have a day where they actually choose what we are having for dinner (Tuesdays and Thursdays).  Friday is Games Night, so we always have fun food: easy!  Sunday is always a nice family meal (think roast).  Monday and Wednesday are anything goes as the girls are both in swimming.  Leftovers are a Mother's best friend!
• I make sure my girls see their friends and are a part of an out of school activity.  My girls are in an actual swim club.  It puts more work on me as they require parent involvement, but I make it work. 
• I am active in my childrens' school.  This allows me to see them more as they enjoy it when I am in their classrooms.  I am very lucky!  
• To keep sane, I have to make time for myself.  I enjoy walking my dog 4.5 miles a few times a week because it gives me "me time."  I ensure that I meet friends for a coffee on my off days as friendships are very important to me.
• Have I mentioned my wonderful husband? :-)
• Finally, I just do it! 

If there's a will there's a way.  We just need to look deep inside ourselves to figure out what works best for us.  It hasn't been easy as I am exhausted most days, but I can get through it.  My biggest upset was missing my daughters first day of school this year: Grade 1 and Grade 5.  I had my orientation that day, so I was unable to drive them.  My biggest fear is that I will start missing their special activities in school.  But, I am taking it one day at a time. 

If anyone is wondering if it is worth it to go back to university after 15 years and now have a family, my answer is this: If you truly know that it is something that you are meant to do, you will know if it is worth it.

What does Language Arts in the classroom look like and sound like to me?

If I was asked this question 15 years, my answer would be that Language Arts is all about reading, writing, and memorizing.  The teacher tells you what you need to learn and you do it.  However, the question is how do I see Language Arts today.  For me, Language Arts is all about communication.  Communication includes many avenues, such as reading, writing, speaking, and visualizing.  My goal (when I am a teacher) is to be creative when I teach a lesson.  In other words: Think out of the box rather than stuck in the "old school" ways in which I was taught.  And, to take advantage of all of the tools that might be available to me without forgetting one important word: Balance. 

I love visiting classrooms as I get a feel for what the children will be learning and how they will be learning.  The first thing that I take notice of is the room layout.  Can the children easily move around?  Is it a comfortable setting?  Next, I notice the artwork and learning aides that are on the walls and bulletin boards.  Are they cheerful, fun, and exciting?  Do the students have their art on the walls/bulletin boards?  Finally, I scan the room to see what learning tools will be used, such as books, journals, overheads, and televisions.  Are there devices that I need to learn how to use?  How can certain tools be incorporated?

In addition to viewing the classroom, I listen to how the teachers communicate with their class and how the class communicates with each another.  Is it a positive environment?  Are the students engaged?  I was pleased to witness on several occasions that the students were interacting with the teacher and with one another.  It was not all about questions and answers. 

On a more personal experience with Language Arts in the classroom, I visited my daughter's Grade 1 class for "Meet the Teacher" night.  I was literally blown away when her teacher showed us on her Digital Overhead what the Grade 1s would be learning.  First, I was excited about the Digital Overhead as I had never seen one.  Next, I was excited to see how the children would be learning to read and how the teacher had altered her lesson plan to do so.  When the teacher explained her Language Arts program to us, I could hear the excitement in her voice.  If I could detect this excitment, imagine how exciting it might be for five and six year olds who are like sponges and absorb what they see and hear.  What a positive learning environment!

I love visiting classrooms because it gives me a better idea of how I would like to see my room and how I would like to be as a teacher.  If I was asked how I imagined my classroom to look, my answer would be this:
My classroom would be cheerful.  I would ensure that the bulletin boards were of my students' artwork, the walls would include learning aides such as posters, and I would incorporate all the available technology that my school had to offer.  Depending on the school and grade, I envision myself having a "reading" corner where we would all sit and listen to stories, learn math, and share with one another.  This corner would be where the heart of learning takes place.

I am very much looking forward to learning how to incorporate Language Arts in all areas of education.

Introduction: My Road to Teacherhood

Hi!  My name is Marci and I am excited to say that I am going back to school to become an Elementary School Teacher.  "Repeat the Beat" has been created as an assignment for my Language Arts class where I will be answering questions that are geared towards self reflection.  I am enjoying the blog world, so plan on using "Repeat the Beat" throughout my journey to teacherhood.  I will be posting questions that I need to answer for class as well as anything that pertains to my experiences that will help me to become the teacher that I would like to be.

Returning to school after 15 years was not a decision that I took lightly.  It began when my youngest child entered the toddler years.  I started by working at a recreation centre where I taught Pre-School as well as creating and running various pre-school aged programs.  As soon as my children started grade school, I became very involved in their classrooms.  I have had remarkable opportunities to learn from amazing teachers!  I have been able to join K-7 classrooms and teach various topics (Aboriginal history, arts & crafts, math), assist students individually, plan parties and field trips, organize music & drama, PTA, and class rep.  However, the most valuable work I have done for the teachers is prep.  By prep, I am referring to those countless hours of labeling duotangs, cutting hundreds of shapes out of paper, and decorating the classroom walls and bulletin boards.  I am ready for all the extra hours I will spend prepping and the money I will spend on my classroom as the key for a positive environment is that the children feel like their classroom belongs to them.

You would think that it would be easy to answer the following question: "Why do you want to be an Elementary School Teacher?"  The easiest answer would be to say that I would like to mold young minds and to help them enjoy school.  This is a given. For me, it's simple: I feel at home when I am in a classroom.  Even as a young child (8 years old), I was fascinated with old school houses.  Perhaps I am comfortable with classrooms because I moved around a lot as a child.  It all comes down to one very important thing: I know that this is where I belong.  I have often wondered what would have happened if I started when I was younger.  I am 38 now.  I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason. I received my Bachelor of Social Work and had 15 years of life experience before I started my journey.  For me, this is what I needed in order to become the school teacher that I would like to be.

Just Getting Started!

Testing 1, 2, 3...

This is my first time doing a blog! I think I have it all set up, but am sure I will be changing things around once I get the hang of how this site works. I just wanted to see what it was all about before I begin my "real" blogs about my journey to becoming an Elementary School Teacher. :-)

"Repeat the Beat" is a rhythm game that I love playing with elementary school children. At first, I was quite shy as I don't consider myself a very rhythmic person. Seriously, I don't. But, once I saw how much a class of 26 students loved it, I became more comfortable as they always asked me to play this game. It is a great activity that is quick, especially when you need the attention of many students! "Repeat the Beat" is simple. You make a rhythm using your hands, fingers, feet, head, you name it! You start of easy by clapping 2 times and then stomping one foot. Once they repeat your rhythm, you do another rhythm. You gradually increase the difficulty depending on the students age and abilities. I love it!

Until next time... Happy Learning!