Today I was lucky enough to watch a teacher go over vocabulary with her students. She decided that her students need to have more experience with text of different types. Today she gave her students a text about things not to do on a date. These are 9th graders and it was hilarious to listen to them read about this subject. They were trying to not laugh or groan about the text. One thing she did though was interesting as I had just been reading about it in Harmon, Wood, and Hedrick reading. The teacher is planning on handing out miscellaneous reading with new words for the students to learn. Today one of the words was slovenly and it described what it meant afterwards in a subtle way. The teacher stopped the class and asked them what slovenly meant. Every student reread the text and told her the meaning in their own words. I'm sure most of them already knew what the word was, but there is always an opportunity to teach students new things. It was great to be there and witness exactly what I had been reading. This teacher is always looking for new ways to point out words that she thinks her students should know and it is so much fun to be in her class and watch all the different ways she is doing it.

My love of reading came from watching my mom. She always (in her spare time) would have a book in hand. I feel that today we can connect more because we recommend each other different books to try. My mom didn't really teach me anything about reading and understanding the text, she just set the example that books were important. During my middle and high school years I don't remember a teacher making or breaking my love of reading anymore that what it was. I did learn on my own how to interpret a text by writing out questions or more times than I care to count, rereading the whole book. My high school teachers focused more on the proper way to speak and write English then understanding a literary text.
I do remember one teacher taught us about The Scarlet Letter. I fell in love with that book. I remember (vaguely) that he would ask us questions about what we thought of the book, and why did we think that. What parts did we like and didn't like. He let us lead the discussion and only stepped in when we got off track. This was  the only time I can remember a teacher actually teaching us about something different. I know that is why I love The Scarlet Letter.
I hope that I can learn from this teachers example and lead my class in a way where they are the ones to take charge (once in a while) and help each other. Guiding students when they get off track and letting them come up with their own ideas and thoughts about literature will help teach them more then giving students the answers.
One thing that I struggled with (when I was working as an aid) was a new English teacher who constantly gave the answers to her students. She always asked them yes or no questions, so they did not have to think. When she worked on the study guides with them she would give the answers whether they had read the assigned chapters or not. The students learned that they didn't have to read the book, they just had to wait for her to go over the study guide to get the answers. It was so frustrating because these students were being taught to rely upon the teacher instead of thinking and looking for the answers themselves.  

Introduction

My name is Kristy Bradshaw. Next week I celebrate my 15th wedding anniversary with my wonderful husband (Yes I'm that old!). We have four wonderful kids. Well as wonderful as far as kids go. My oldest is 13 and the only boy, he is completely out numbered. Next is 11 1/2, 10, and last is almost 9. If your good at math then you have realized that we had four kids in 4 1/2 years. No this was not on purpose but it was meant to be. My kids definitely keep me on my toes.
I love to play any kind of sport except for basketball! I really don't see a reason for the game but I'm biased. I was an assistant coach for the high school girls soccer team here in Beaver for 2 years but sadly my schooling and coaching did not fit together for very long. I am an amateur photographer (I basically do it so I can take lots of photos of my kids). I hate the cold weather but will happily go sledding with my kids.

My family

 

 

When I am all finished with school I plan on teaching both English and History. I really don't care what grade as long as it is 9th grade or higher. I am not a fan of middle school age kids. I remember my middle school years and I know Karma is ... well you know the saying! I had some awesome English teachers and they set a great example for me. I love the teenage years (thank goodness because I'm in for a lot with my 3 girls), I enjoy the challenge of working with moody students.

 

Literacy to me is the act of speaking and writing the English language. I am always correcting my kids on their speech (yep, they do roll their eyes at me and tell me "whatever"). I grew up in a school where speech was very important and that has made a huge impact on my life. I would definitely say literacy is a big part of my content area; English. I hope to teach future lawyers, doctors, businessmen and women, stay at home moms and dads and anybody else who wants to learn the importance of literacy.

                                                  repelling over Christmas break