Classroom Libraries

Growing up in Philadelphia, the public schools barely had text books let alone classroom libraries. Every once in a while, some teachers would use their own money to buy a book and read it to the entire class. Those books would never stay in the class, instead the books would go home with its owner. As stated in my “Introduction to Urban Novels” post, independent reading wasn’t encouraged very much. The local library was almost always empty and always viewed as a place that kids hated to go to. So, for many years I went without a classroom library. Until the 6^thgrade when we were exposed to a classroom library in music. It was a very popular library in the class because it provided stories behind the music and artists that we were learning about. Learning about the other side of music made the songs that much more interesting. 

            I want to build a classroom library that has stories behind the story in my social studies class. Having input from the characters making history or the people behind them makes a subject that more interesting. It also helps with kids learning to develop good research s

kills before actually doing research. Classroom libraries are a must in our schools.

Introduction to Urban Novels

            Growing up I didn’t read any books that wasn’t attached to an assignment. I have great parents, but bedtime stories were not a part of my upbringing. Thinking over the years, I do not remember even knowing anyone that read for the joy of it. Naturally I fell right in line with my surroundings. On the other side of things, I have always enjoyed listening to stories that involved the exciting events of urban life. 

One day while in the mall I stopped in the bookstore and decided to buy a book called that I heard about on television called “The Coldest Winter Ever”. I was embarrassed at first because I didn’t know my way around the store, and even worst that there was an urban section. After appearing confused a nice young lady showed me the way and directed me right to the book that I was looking for. She went on and on about how great “The Coldest Winter Ever” by Sista Soulja was. Feeding off of this unfamiliar energy towards reading, I immediately began reading the book on the bus ride home. 

To my surprise the book was so captivating that I could not put it down! I must admit she was absolutely right! I eventually read all of Sista Soulja’s books, and even fell in love with the writings of other urban novelist such as Omar Tyree, and Terry Woods. One day I want to write at least one book that is half as good as the works of the prior two authors. There are many other writers that I enjoy but those two are my absolute favorite. 

Frecklefella

Discussions Webs

My Content Area Reading course has taught me an interesting strategy that I most certainly will use in my classroom. Discussion Webs encourage students to engage in the topic and each other’s perspective with a framework built from the content. Discussion Webs also serves as a gage to see where your students stand within the subject. All it takes is a simple scaffold of the subject, that allows the students to fill in the blanks with their knowledge and opinions of the subject. 

I’ve always felt that education neglects the student’s personal views too often. Discussions Webs allows for them to express themselves and for you to acknowledge their views and guide them. I believe that the best way to educate is to make the subject personal. While some content may not be relevant to everyone, their individual views will engage them. 

Frecklefella

Architecture and Algebra

My favorite class during my high school years was architecture. My teacher would assign various creative projects that would bring out our creativity and challenge us at the same time. I remember thinking to myself that I would be the best architect in Philadelphia. I was even inspired by my teacher to enter contest as a junior in high school. After winning a few competitions I just knew that my fate was cemented. My biggest drawback came from the course that I absolutely despised, Math. I always hated any form of math, which goes hand and hand with Architecture. My Algebra teacher seemed overwhelmed by the number of students in her class and treated us like numbers instead of people (ironic right?). Needless to say, I had no interest in learning Algebra and she had no interest in teaching it. My lack of math skills and dedication to it ultimately hindered my Architecture career. Once I have the opportunity to educate kids, I will always be sure to make them feel like they are valued and can learn despite their reservations. 

Frecklefella