Last One

When this class first started, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I’ve never been a big fan of language arts so I was dreading it a little (no offense Dr. D :-). Anyway, from this class, I’ve learned that there are so many ways to improve and entertain a student’s experience with language arts so they come to love it instead of dread it. One big idea I’m taking away from this class is that language arts is not one thing-it’s six different things that combine together to produce this art form we refer to as language. There are so many ways to communicate an idea because of these six facets. No one can walk away from this class and not know and stress the importance of the reading and writing processes. It is not a waste of time but a organized, thoughtful, and critical progression that allows a student to show off just how well he/she can write and comprehend story concepts. Another big idea I’m taking away from this is listening is often neglected in classrooms: Hearing IS NOT the same as listening. The three different types of listening should be demonstrated and practiced in the classroom. One thing I became a big fan of was read-aloud. I usually despise being read to, but something magical can happen with the aid of a good book (Sahara Special) and an excellent reader (that would be you Dr. Duncan). I also learned the importance of asking questions and that to be truly effective has to follow the IRF cycle for both student and teacher. I really liked how the text offered suggestions for the ESL student population that I will one day serve. You can’t supply the ESL students with the same type of information in the same manner as non-ESL students if a teacher wants to really be an effectively good educator. Then, we come to the blog. There is no way I would have started a blog if it hadn’t of been for this class. I enjoyed keeping a blog and it was cool to read everyone else's. Having a blog is like a continuous magic talk or a key talk (keyboard). It’s simply another way to involve everyone in a conversation especially those who feel more comfortable expressing their thoughts through writing instead of talking. I REALLY enjoyed this class!! Thanks for all the insights Dr. Duncan-the information will definitely come in handy in the future. I appreciate the final thoughts you left on your final blog :-) Here is one of my favorite quotes: What do we teach our children?…We should say to each of them: Do you know what you are? You are a marvel. You are unique…You may become a Shakespeare, a Michelangelo, a Beethoven. You have the capacity for anything. Pablo Casals As well as: Nothing you do for children is ever wasted. Garrison Keller Thanks for a great semester Dr. Duncan. The wishes you expressed to us come back to you two-fold!!