Considering the combo of the past two lectures, the first being about gaps in students reading abilities created by the three-cueing system and the second being about the repeatedly reduced funding for schools in BC, it is a little deflating when thinking about entering into an education system dealing with both of these problems. The correcting of both problems individually requires changes within the system that can’t be made overnight. Both problems also require leaders that recognize the issues. When looking at the two problems together, it easily becomes a mountain that is too hard to climb.
Author: Clarissa Page 5 of 6
While observing in a grade 2 class, a noticeable strategy for addressing the diverse needs of students was the availability of earmuffs. Although only one student chose to use them on that particular day, there were a few hung on hooks at the front of the classroom available to any students that required them. In addition to them being available, this strategy normalized the use of them. Although there were not enough for the entire class, there was enough for about a third even though many students in the class may never feel the need to use them. The visibility and accessibility of the earmuffs addressed the needs of those who needed them while provided the option to others and normalizing the use of them.
During observations, there were many different examples of classroom management. A proactive strategy I saw in a grade 1 class was pre-tearing the paper towels for when students wash their hands. I have seen students in other situations washing their hands and pumping lengths longer than they are tall so this was something I noticed right away as it addressed that behavior before it could even take place. The students all knew to take a piece from the basket rather than reaching for the dispenser.
During the psychology lecture for Foundations of Education on October 16th, one of the scenarios that was discussed was when a student starts to drag their heels and hates attending school due to learning disabilities and not learning at the same pace as other students. Their struggle to learn results in stubborn behaviour because learning is very difficult for them.