Effectiveness of Blogging

So far I have found blogging about my experiences in my PDS beneficial. I will be able to look at these in the future, which will allow me to see how I have grown as a teacher throughout college. I like the fact that I can see comments my partner leaves on my blog. It is nice to see that we are having similar experiences. I also like that my seminar facilitator can leave feedback on my blog. His responses may help me reflect on my experiences and how I can improve my teaching abilities. During the past year I have learned so much at my PDS. I have observed the teaching methods both of the teachers I have worked with use, and I have gotten a lot of experience working with primary students. I hope to learn even more next year at my PDS. I plan to use my blog as a way to reflect on what I have learned and how I can improve my own teaching methods.

Casie,
What have you learned during your time at your PDS so far?

Learning Goals

I've completed one small group lesson in my PDS, and I've read aloud to the class. I have been working toward one of my learning goals, to teach a few small lessons before I teach my large group lesson. The few activities I have completed with a small group or the entire class have helped me become more comfortable in front of the students. I feel that this experience will help me relax while I teach my large group lesson. I have removed the goal to create a grading rubric for a lesson, because the small lessons I will complete will not require a grading rubric. While I've been working toward one of the goals I listed on my practicum plan, I feel that I don't have time to complete a lot of the goals I set, because the 2 hours I am at my PDS go by so fast. I have been working hard to get everything required for my classes done at my PDS and, so far, have been completing these assignments well before the due dates.

Digital Storytelling Ideas

During my time at my PDS this semester, I have observed students working in reading groups. I would like to include these reading groups in my digital story. I would also like to include the saying of the Pledge of Allegience in my digital story, because the principal has a different student say the pledge each day. I feel that it is important for the students in a school to say the pledge each day, because it shows respect for our country.
A story about the history of White Hall Elementary may be interesting to listen to, because the history of my PDS is different than the histories of other schools. A good story has an introduction, a climax, and a conclusion. Good stories are also easy to relate to.
Digital media can help make a story more interesting, because using digital media helps the listener picture what the storyteller is discussing. Videos allow the audience to actually see what the storyteller is describing. A good example of digital storytelling includes movies and tv shows. These represent stories being told, but allow the listeners to see what the storyteller is discussing.