Observing and Interacting

I did an observation in my second grade host classroom during their literacy lesson.  The reading program is the main priority at this time at the school.  The school serves families with a 70% poverty rate.  The literacy lesson uses repetition, review, and builds on prior knowledge of the students.  They use a point system for reward.  During the lesson the teacher awarded points on many occasions.  She gave 10 points to specific groups and acknowledged they were using active listening.  She gave 10 points to the individual who used a vocabulary building word unprompted.  She gave group points for following directions and completing work.  With the exception of a few children, the group worked as a cohesive group and seemed to enjoy the lesson. 
There was a particular child who the teacher had pointed out during another observation who was doing very well in the reading program because his mother enjoyed a particular series of book the teacher had sent home.  The mom likes the books so was reading with the child.  The child made gains in the literacy program because of the mom's interest.  Unfortunately, this child was out because he got kicked off the bus and the family doesn't have transportation to get him to school.  They live close by but last Monday it was 17 degrees below F. The teacher was torn because she wanted to transport him but didn't want to undermine the authority of the bus driver.  I was left wondering if there is a better way to discipline students who misbehave on the bus in a way that won't interfere with their education. 

Interview

I interviewed two professionals in my area through my local elementary school.  I was unable to use a child care center because it requires a teacher with a BA.  I will be one of the very few people with a BA once I get it.  People in my area work in the public elementary or high school if they have a BA.  So I had to refocus and am glad I found a mentor close by at the elementary school.  

I received some great suggestions for advocacy.  Literacy, math literacy, nutrition, integrating curriculum, and ADHD.  All of these topics need advocacy in our area according to local professionals.  I am going to follow the suggestion of my mentor for this project and research the topic of breaking the cycle of poverty.  My subtopics can be 1.  How poverty affects the learning of young children.  2.  What programs does the local school have set up to break the cycle of poverty.  3.  Programs from other states that are set up to break the cycle of poverty.

Is anybody familiar with the cycle of poverty?  I live in an area that has a very large population of generational poverty.  Does anybody have programs they are familiar with that addresses poverty?  

Wendy Mercy

I guess one skill I will learn this semester is how to blog.  Any advice?