Wow, where do I begin? I've gained a lot of knowledge this semester in our integration classes. The textbooks, blog posts, class discussions, and discussion boards have all provided a great input of knowledge. I have gained many wonderful ideas that I plan to use with my class next year. It makes me excited to go ahead and start planning some of the fun things I've heard others share! It's very nice to have a summer vacation to help us regain our thoughts and enthusiasm. We never really stop working, even with the summer off, because we are constantly thinking of things that we can do with our upcoming class.
Textbooks: Schell and Fisher, in Teaching Social Studies: A Literacy-Based Approach, have provided many great ideas throughout their textbook. I really liked the ideas we shared in class tonight with our tables from Chapter 9, such as Hot Seat, Graphic Organizers, Quickwrite, Quickdraw, and Tea Party. I also liked the ideas from Chapter 4, such as Book Talks, Book Bags, and Walk and Talk. Also, the strategies found in Melber's and Hunter's book, 25 Strategies for K-8 Inquiry-Based Learning: Integrating Language Arts and Social Studies, provide great ideas that can be used in classrooms. I like how this book provides grade-level modifications to suit all teachers. Throughout this summer, I hope to look through all of the strategies and really reflect on the ones that I could use with my class this upcoming year. I would also like to look into Daniels' and Bizar's Teaching the Best Practice Way: Methods That Matter, K-12, book in more detail. I think the textbook selections this semester were very relevant. They all provided a lot of practical information that we can use in our classroom.
I really enjoy teaching all subjects. (I've been teaching all subjects ever since I became a teacher.) This may change next year though if I move to 3rd grade. It kind of saddens me because I don't want to be limited to certain subjects. Even if I am limited, I will still integrate as much as possible. Children need to see the connections between the subjects.
Crystal - I'm pleased that you've found so many useful ideas in the course. You're exactly right when you say that teachers never really stop working. That time during the summer to work through ideas can be incredibly valuable although it's the type of work others never see.
ReplyDeleteI feel that I work all the time. Like you said we are always trying to find ways to make our classroom better. I have gained alot of knowledge as well through these integrated classes. I am excited about trying to integrate more often next year.
ReplyDelete