Comments for Brandi's Blog http://brandilholmes.edublogs.org Just another Edublogs.org weblog Thu, 17 Apr 2008 23:35:23 -0400 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.2 hourly 1 Comment on TtCtW–Ch. 12 by coreyrieke http://brandilholmes.edublogs.org/2008/04/11/ttctw-ch-12/comment-page-1/#comment-20 coreyrieke Thu, 17 Apr 2008 23:35:23 +0000 http://brandilholmes.edublogs.org/2008/04/11/ttctw-ch-12/#comment-20 I have had the pleasure of knowing you since the beginning of your teaching career and I am so thankful for that. I've ALWAYS known that you are a brilliant teacher, but this year I have noticed something even more than brilliance. Through this program and being grade level chair you have grown and developed into a force to be reckoned with! You have no fear to fight for what is right for yourself, your students, your grade level, and our school. As your BFF, I'm so proud! :~) You inspire so many in our school and there is no doubt in my mind that you can and will continue to be an agent for positive change at SES. I'm excited about what the future has in store for all 6 of us! I have had the pleasure of knowing you since the beginning of your teaching career and I am so thankful for that. I’ve ALWAYS known that you are a brilliant teacher, but this year I have noticed something even more than brilliance. Through this program and being grade level chair you have grown and developed into a force to be reckoned with! You have no fear to fight for what is right for yourself, your students, your grade level, and our school. As your BFF, I’m so proud! :~) You inspire so many in our school and there is no doubt in my mind that you can and will continue to be an agent for positive change at SES. I’m excited about what the future has in store for all 6 of us!

]]> Comment on TtCtW–Ch. 12 by mhammer http://brandilholmes.edublogs.org/2008/04/11/ttctw-ch-12/comment-page-1/#comment-19 mhammer Sun, 13 Apr 2008 12:39:31 +0000 http://brandilholmes.edublogs.org/2008/04/11/ttctw-ch-12/#comment-19 Brandi, I am excited about the possibilities of change at our school next year. I really do believe the 6 of us can effect change next year. I agree with you that this program has been wonderful. When I started the program, I had no idea that I would learn as much as I did and grow as a professional. I have a new sense of excitement regarding teaching and feel renewed (well, I will as soon as I'm finished with the research paper and capstones)! :) Brandi,
I am excited about the possibilities of change at our school next year. I really do believe the 6 of us can effect change next year. I agree with you that this program has been wonderful. When I started the program, I had no idea that I would learn as much as I did and grow as a professional. I have a new sense of excitement regarding teaching and feel renewed (well, I will as soon as I’m finished with the research paper and capstones)! :)

]]> Comment on TtCtW–Ch. 6 Assessment by coreyrieke http://brandilholmes.edublogs.org/2008/04/03/ttctw-ch-6-assessment/comment-page-1/#comment-18 coreyrieke Sat, 05 Apr 2008 19:56:34 +0000 http://brandilholmes.edublogs.org/2008/04/03/ttctw-ch-6-assessment/#comment-18 You and I have talked about this testing "craze" a lot. I'm a horrible test taker, as well. I really feel for my kids during CRCT. They have so much pressure put on them. But there is also a ton of pressure put on the teachers. I'm afraid not to do test practice because I get asked point blank, and frequently, how I'm helping my students prepare. I try to boost my kids up as much as possible before the CRCT, but it's hard. We are all really burned out by that point. I look forward to the day when teachers are actually treated as professionals and allowed to make decisions based on collaboration with a team and what they know is best. Until then, I'll keep trying to find new and better ways to reach my students and we'll DEAL with CRCT. You and I have talked about this testing “craze” a lot. I’m a horrible test taker, as well. I really feel for my kids during CRCT. They have so much pressure put on them. But there is also a ton of pressure put on the teachers. I’m afraid not to do test practice because I get asked point blank, and frequently, how I’m helping my students prepare. I try to boost my kids up as much as possible before the CRCT, but it’s hard. We are all really burned out by that point.
I look forward to the day when teachers are actually treated as professionals and allowed to make decisions based on collaboration with a team and what they know is best. Until then, I’ll keep trying to find new and better ways to reach my students and we’ll DEAL with CRCT.

]]> Comment on TtCtW–Ch. 9 The School Culture by thinton http://brandilholmes.edublogs.org/2008/03/30/ttctw-ch-9-the-school-culture/comment-page-1/#comment-17 thinton Thu, 03 Apr 2008 02:45:47 +0000 http://brandilholmes.edublogs.org/2008/03/30/ttctw-ch-9-the-school-culture/#comment-17 I think you have summed it up when you say that "we expect you to succeed." It is so easy to get discouraged as a teacher and as a student when you do not have the support you need to keep going. The energy required to continue on the path to success has to be renewed just like that of electricity to a bright light. Out students deserve the 'electricity' it takes to turn on that brilliant light of academic success (forgive the analogy. We deserve the support of the administration for our own renewal. I think you have summed it up when you say that “we expect you to succeed.” It is so easy to get discouraged as a teacher and as a student when you do not have the support you need to keep going. The energy required to continue on the path to success has to be renewed just like that of electricity to a bright light. Out students deserve the ‘electricity’ it takes to turn on that brilliant light of academic success (forgive the analogy. We deserve the support of the administration for our own renewal.

]]> Comment on TtCtW–Ch. 10 The Community by crothstein http://brandilholmes.edublogs.org/2008/03/30/ttctw-ch-10-the-community/comment-page-1/#comment-15 crothstein Mon, 31 Mar 2008 16:37:19 +0000 http://brandilholmes.edublogs.org/2008/03/30/ttctw-ch-10-the-community/#comment-15 Bravo Brandi for not accepting a statement as face value. We really can't know what anyone is thinking can we. I have been around long enough to know that years from now a text book will be critcisizing this one- pointing out all the misconceptions. Yet each educational trend is always based on a desire to help children. And ultimatelyl, if that is what you are doing in your classroom, then you are doing the right thing. If we are self - reflective, and dilligent in our efforts to connect with our students then we can create a learning community in the classroom. A school has the potential to be a place of gathering in a community if it is used as a resource for parents who are struggling in this society. When the book referred to smaller schools, I thought of this- a time when schools could really interact with the people it serves. Bravo Brandi for not accepting a statement as face value. We really can’t know what anyone is thinking can we. I have been around long enough to know that years from now a text book will be critcisizing this one- pointing out all the misconceptions. Yet each educational trend is always based on a desire to help children. And ultimatelyl, if that is what you are doing in your classroom, then you are doing the right thing. If we are self – reflective, and dilligent in our efforts to connect with our students then we can create a learning community in the classroom. A school has the potential to be a place of gathering in a community if it is used as a resource for parents who are struggling in this society. When the book referred to smaller schools, I thought of this- a time when schools could really interact with the people it serves.

]]> Comment on The Real Ruby by jdennis5 http://brandilholmes.edublogs.org/2008/03/17/the-real-ruby/comment-page-1/#comment-14 jdennis5 Tue, 18 Mar 2008 08:47:27 +0000 http://brandilholmes.edublogs.org/2008/03/17/the-real-ruby/#comment-14 I think many people listen because it provides an explanation to things that teachers onder about. However, I think it is such a success because there is no shared responsibility with government or education... It is viewed as "their problem." It sure is easy to understand someone else's problems when you accept no resonsibility in creating part of the problem...It makes the presentations nice and neat to listen to. I went to a presentation. I have the book. I understand it a little bit differently now... I think many people listen because it provides an explanation to things that teachers onder about. However, I think it is such a success because there is no shared responsibility with government or education… It is viewed as “their problem.” It sure is easy to understand someone else’s problems when you accept no resonsibility in creating part of the problem…It makes the presentations nice and neat to listen to. I went to a presentation. I have the book. I understand it a little bit differently now…

]]> Comment on Evaluating Children’s Books for Bias & Stages of Multicultural School Transformation by ctyson1 http://brandilholmes.edublogs.org/2008/03/03/evaluating-childrens-books-for-bias-stages-of-multicultural-school-transformation/comment-page-1/#comment-12 ctyson1 Sun, 16 Mar 2008 19:32:38 +0000 http://brandilholmes.edublogs.org/2008/03/03/evaluating-childrens-books-for-bias-stages-of-multicultural-school-transformation/#comment-12 Youre right, Brandi, about our school's exclusion of anything celebrating Hispanic culture. I , too, thought the Black History assembly program was wonderful. It gave our students an opportunity to demonstrate talent that isn't normally seen at our school. We need to be careful that we don't make programs of that nature too exclusive. I'm glad the culture quilts garnered so much attention at our school, but I'm sad that they've already been forgotten. Our SES GSU cohort can keep pushing together. We can certainly start off the next school year with a cultural awareness. You know, "one small step for man . . . " Youre right, Brandi, about our school’s exclusion of anything celebrating Hispanic culture. I , too, thought the Black History assembly program was wonderful. It gave our students an opportunity to demonstrate talent that isn’t normally seen at our school. We need to be careful that we don’t make programs of that nature too exclusive. I’m glad the culture quilts garnered so much attention at our school, but I’m sad that they’ve already been forgotten. Our SES GSU cohort can keep pushing together. We can certainly start off the next school year with a cultural awareness. You know, “one small step for man . . . “

]]> Comment on TtCtW Ch. 7–Classroom Management by sweethonesty http://brandilholmes.edublogs.org/2008/02/24/ttctw-ch-7-classroom-management/comment-page-1/#comment-11 sweethonesty Sun, 02 Mar 2008 19:07:14 +0000 http://brandilholmes.edublogs.org/2008/02/24/ttctw-ch-7-classroom-management/#comment-11 Good for you Brandi! I like how you trusted your own instincts and adjusted your schedule according to what you felt was best for your students. I can completely understand not wanting to "make waves" as a newbie! Classroom management is one of those things that will change according to the dynamics of each individual teacher's classroom. Love and Logic fit my personality and it worked with my group of students. Along with it, I maintained a behavior chart where students could chart their daily behavior. I also had Lunch Bunch monthly where students could earn lunch with me. Some students need external motivation while others (like me growing up) want to "do the right thing" and not disappoint the teacher. Keeping your students engaged all day is probably difficult to manage but if they are engaged in activities that are of interest to them, it will be far more successful. Some things they may like more than others. It would be nice if we could teach only the fun stuff, but we must teach the standards. Like you, I am also looking forward to my reward when we finish our program....a $7000 raise!!!!(whoo-hoo!) Good for you Brandi! I like how you trusted your own instincts and adjusted your schedule according to what you felt was best for your students. I can completely understand not wanting to “make waves” as a newbie! Classroom management is one of those things that will change according to the dynamics of each individual teacher’s classroom. Love and Logic fit my personality and it worked with my group of students. Along with it, I maintained a behavior chart where students could chart their daily behavior. I also had Lunch Bunch monthly where students could earn lunch with me. Some students need external motivation while others (like me growing up) want to “do the right thing” and not disappoint the teacher. Keeping your students engaged all day is probably difficult to manage but if they are engaged in activities that are of interest to them, it will be far more successful. Some things they may like more than others. It would be nice if we could teach only the fun stuff, but we must teach the standards. Like you, I am also looking forward to my reward when we finish our program….a $7000 raise!!!!(whoo-hoo!)

]]> Comment on Pedagogy of the Absurd by: Ken Goodman by woomichellem http://brandilholmes.edublogs.org/2008/02/11/pedagogy-of-the-absurd-by-ken-goodman/comment-page-1/#comment-10 woomichellem Sat, 01 Mar 2008 23:17:43 +0000 http://brandilholmes.edublogs.org/2008/02/11/pedagogy-of-the-absurd-by-ken-goodman/#comment-10 Yes! The thought of forming my school and partnering with other teachers who share my values and beliefs has crossed my mind several times! Our EdS cohort should do it!! How amazing would that be!? I agree with wanting to teach based on your students' needs. I have noticed the same "test-centeredness" at my school now that I'm in first grade. I think when I was in Kindergarten it was easier for me to "turn my back" on some of the things the county required of us because there was no test to prepare for. My school is also Title I and scores are big deal to my principal. I am noticing in my grade-level meetings that more teachers talk about the test moreso than anything else. Sometimes I desire to teach at a private school so I can teach the way I want to teach, but then I would miss the diversity I have at my school now, and miss any opportunities to advocate for change. Do you think you'll stay at your school? What kinds of things would you be willing to speak up about in hopes for some changes for next year? Yes! The thought of forming my school and partnering with other teachers who share my values and beliefs has crossed my mind several times! Our EdS cohort should do it!! How amazing would that be!?

I agree with wanting to teach based on your students’ needs. I have noticed the same “test-centeredness” at my school now that I’m in first grade. I think when I was in Kindergarten it was easier for me to “turn my back” on some of the things the county required of us because there was no test to prepare for. My school is also Title I and scores are big deal to my principal. I am noticing in my grade-level meetings that more teachers talk about the test moreso than anything else. Sometimes I desire to teach at a private school so I can teach the way I want to teach, but then I would miss the diversity I have at my school now, and miss any opportunities to advocate for change. Do you think you’ll stay at your school? What kinds of things would you be willing to speak up about in hopes for some changes for next year?

]]> Comment on TtCtW Ch. 7–Classroom Management by dawntaylor05 http://brandilholmes.edublogs.org/2008/02/24/ttctw-ch-7-classroom-management/comment-page-1/#comment-9 dawntaylor05 Tue, 26 Feb 2008 03:31:23 +0000 http://brandilholmes.edublogs.org/2008/02/24/ttctw-ch-7-classroom-management/#comment-9 I think you're both right! If I'm not excited about teaching something, how can I expect my students to be engaged? Yet, I can't say ALL of my students are engaged 100% of the time. There are some things that I have to teach because they are standards, and there is nothing exciting about them! I've found that a balance of hands-on activities that accompany predictable routines and expectations make for happy second graders! (and their teacher) I also try to reward my class for working together or using kind words and not always single out individual efforts. Brandi, you were so right when you said what works for one class doesn't necessarily work for another...we need to get to know our students and find out what motivates them...if we can tap into that resource, there might not be a need for tangible reinforcers??? I think you’re both right! If I’m not excited about teaching something, how can I expect my students to be engaged? Yet, I can’t say ALL of my students are engaged 100% of the time. There are some things that I have to teach because they are standards, and there is nothing exciting about them! I’ve found that a balance of hands-on activities that accompany predictable routines and expectations make for happy second graders! (and their teacher) I also try to reward my class for working together or using kind words and not always single out individual efforts. Brandi, you were so right when you said what works for one class doesn’t necessarily work for another…we need to get to know our students and find out what motivates them…if we can tap into that resource, there might not be a need for tangible reinforcers???

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