English 483- Writing in the Elementary Classroom
This class was focused on how to create worthwhile writing experiences within the classroom. One area; however, that this class does not focus on is English Language Learner students and their writing experience. For this enhancement, we decided to focus on this topic and create a manual of resources for these very students. We researched techniques and activities that will aid teachers in educating students in which English is their second language. I have attached our finished product below!
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Uly1R5h8Pn866-k68v7YmrhuvGoebiybPv7krxx8V9Q/edit?usp=sharing
One of my favorite things that I created within this class was the following blog post. It was a great way for me to reflect on the reason why I want to be a teacher dispite all of the harships and remind me why I do what I do.
To the teacher that is struggling and asking themselves why they went into this profession,
I know sometimes the students can be a pain and I know sometimes they push and push your buttons. I know they don’t always listen and I know at times they do the opposite of what they are told. I know that standardized testing makes you want to pull your hair out. I know you have a fear of being left in a room alone with a student which could result in a lawsuit waiting to ruin your career. I know the administration does not always back you up and on top of that expect you to jump when they say so and not ask questions. I know the paperwork is endless and the stack of IEP’s just keeps getting taller. Let’s not even get started on the parents. Lack of communication, support, and getting chewed out on the phone are never far away. I know when you signed up for the job you did not know it would mean all of the extra stuff like going to football games, spending chunks of your own money, or 5-minute breaks to go cry in the bathroom. I know this job is hard and I know there are some days when you just want to throw in the towel. I know there are some days where you think you don’t matter.
But….
I also know that there is a reason you picked this profession. Take a look around the classroom, what do you see? I see a child that is being abused at home and this is the only safe place they have. They sit in a corner quietly praying to not be noticed because normally when they are they are met with a fist to the face. You are the only person that shows them love and they yearn for it every day. I see a child that has been told he is stupid time and time again and finally believes it, but when you tell him he did a great job he starts to second guess that feeling and starts to believe in himself again. I see the student who could barely make out her letters when she first arrived at school but now is reading at a higher level than all other students. I see a kid with a learning disability that has always been forgotten because of terrible behavioral problems, but you were the first to actually notice that he acted out because he did not know what he was doing. You were the first person to seek help and now instead of acting out, he helps his neighbor understand. I see the future president of the United States, the person that will cure cancer, and future teachers who will continue teaching the next generations. I see potential in each student that wasn’t recognized until they met you. I see a teacher who never gave up on them even when it got rough and a teacher who changed their life forever. I see 20 students who strive to make their teacher proud because they know you have their backs. I see 20 students who will cry when it reaches summer break because it means leaving that safe spot in your classroom under your care. I see 20 success stories that couldn’t have done it without you. So next time you second guess why you are doing what you are doing, think of them. Without you, they would be in a completely different place. Be the one person in their life that never gave up on them regardless of how hard it gets and that right there will make everything else worth it.
Sincerely,
A student who once had a teacher that never gave up on them.