Insight to Clary MS

Today, Alexis and I went to observation at Clary MS and I found out something that I thought students would never really think, at least I hoped. There were a few minutes left in the period and I was talking to a few of the students and asked if they liked their English classrooms, just to see what they would say. As I suspected many of the students said that they hated English because it was boring. I asked one of the student Tyvone why it was boring. He said because he wasn’t reading anything and he was writing a paper. When I asked what kind of paper he was writing, he stated that it was a paper about something that affects people. I was astonished, how can u have them doing something so boring like that in an HONORS classroom. I asked him then if he was to write about an event that happened in his own life “memoir” would that interest him more and his eyes lit up! It was nice to see that.

Then, I asked the student Anferny (I don’t know how to spell it yet) what he thought about his English class and he said that it was boring and he hated English. I had a really that he really liked rap music, so I questioned him about that and he told me he did. I asked him how he would feel about writing a rap song in his English class. Well, he told me that writing a rap song wouldn’t be English because he would use slang and slang isn’t English. I was shocked he thought that writing a rap song wasn’t considered English.

Just from one day talking to students I have learned that they have no idea what an english classroom can consist of and how many activites I would love to do with my students when I get into a classroom.

-Theresa

AVID at Corcoran

Before you read this post, please keep in mind that I am not bashing the AVID program or the school.  I have just had no luck (yet) with observing.

 On Friday I arrived at Corcoran, doing my best to be as optimistic as possible.  I arrived at 7:30 since the first block begins at 7:55, for I wanted to meet the teacher(s) and get used to the set up of the school.  Although the AVID teacher was not expecting me, she was very kind and allowed me to stay in her room.   She warned me that her first block class was very small – four students small.  So I thought to myself, “Ok, no problem.  2 adults, 4 students, I have to be able to help out in some way.  However, that thought went out the window when three other students from Cortland walked through the door.  To keep a boring story  short, I sat in a classroom for 80 minutes and proof read one girl’s paper.  The rest of the time, I just sat there.  I am keeping my fingers crossed that the next time I go there, I can actually learn/do something.

 Kristin

First Day of AVID

I went to my first AVID session yesterday.  On the ride there, I was extremely nervous, and I thought that if I got lost, I would cry.  However, I found Clary Middle School and started my observation.

I am doing the AVID program with three other people.  Two boys are from Oswego and one is from Cortland.  I am excited to see their different teaching techniques. 

Because they did not have school on Monday, things were a little crazy.  I did not get a chance to converse with the leader of AVID a lot, and was thrown into an activity with the students.  While it was scary at first, I enjoyed working with the students.  I think that this is going to be a great experience.

Experience at AVID

I am placed in Clary MS and I couldn’t be happier. Yes, I have no idea how I am going to get fifty hours in having class and everything but it should be fun. I went to my first AVID day on Thursday and the teacher is amazing. I absolutely love the AVID class. Many of them don’t seem to be the best students but they are extremely bright. My AVID teacher did a “mock” session so that me and other tutors (there are four of us) could see how it will work. It was really good to see it live in action. Now I know how to do it, I question the students and question them until they come to the answer. I really thing that the AVID program will be an amazing experience to work close with the students. I can’t wait to go on Thursday to really work with the students.

-Theresa

AVID Schedule

For those of you that were placed in Corcoran’s AVID program, please take note that the calender Valerie gave us is incorrect.  After driving all the way to Syracuse at 7:45 this morning, and waiting in the main office for an hour, I found out that the “Days” on our calender are wrong.  After clearing the confusion with a secretary and a teacher, I was provided the school’s Day schedule.  I can make copies and bring them to class for those of you who need it. 

Just wanted to give everyone a heads up so you don’t wake up early, waste gas and three hours like I did.  However, have a good weekend!

-Kristin

Beginning AVID tomorrow

Having no idea what AVID even stood for since Valerie gave us our field placement forms, I was nervous from the beginning.  After attending the informational meeting yesterday, I am on the fence about how I feel. Aware that I have been given an amazing opportunity to finally work with students, I am not so sure how useful I will be in tutoring all content areas.  But when I think about it, I will finally experience what we have been discussing in class – being the facilitator, and the learner. 

At first I was complaining about having to drive to Syracuse and how much money I am going to have to spend on gas, but now I realize how fortunate I am to be placed in Corcoran’s AVID program.  I start tomorrow at 9:20…..yes my nerves have caused me to count down the hours. Wish me luck!

-Kristin

AVID

On my way to the AVID meeting, I was extremely nervous.  I really had no clue what it was or what I was getting myself into.  However, I am extremely excited to start on Tuesday!

At the meeting, I was informed that I was going to be tutoring children who were “in the middle”.  They are the children who are doing well but not extraordinary, and do not get recognition for their efforts.  They are also all interested in going to college.  It made me feel better knowing that they had to apply to be in the program, so they all want to be there and have a passion for education.  However, I was nervous when we were told that we were going to be tutoring outside our content area.  I feel I know enough information to help them, but what if they stump me? I am only human, but it still scares me a little.  But overall, I am very excited.  I get to personally connect with the students, which I did not get a chance to do in my last observation.  I also feel that this is a great opportunity to prepare me for student teaching.  Hopefully everything will work out well! –Alexis

*SO* Excited about AVID

I just got back from the AVID meeting, and I’m sure I’m not alone when I say that I am thrilled to begin working in the AVID classroom. Upone realizing what we would be doing in this classroom, Kristin turned to me and said, “I didn’t know we were tutoring! That’s awesome!” And I couldn’t agree more.

We learned that the AVID classrooms will be tutorial sessions where students can get together in groups and get extra help. Since the content area will be of various kinds, it is not a problem if an English major tutors students in an area they have no expertise in, because even though we are supposed to teach the students, they are teaching us as well.

A math major might have to help a student with english, so in order to do so, they might prompt students by asking them to look through their notes to find the answer, or collaborate with others to come up with an answer on their own. And English majors might have a group doing something in another content area, so they will prompt students to look through the text where they might find the answer.

 The AVID instructors at the meeting had only good things to say about the program, and I am extremely excited to be given the opportunity to be a part of it. –Autumn