I just wanted to announce that KORN will start broadcasting live again from its new location of Savage Montana. Starting at the end of July !!!!
Monday, June 23, 2014
Changing Locations
Hi all,
I just wanted to announce that KORN will start broadcasting live again from its new location of Savage Montana. Starting at the end of July !!!!
I just wanted to announce that KORN will start broadcasting live again from its new location of Savage Montana. Starting at the end of July !!!!
Sunday, April 27, 2014
All Good Tings Must Come to an End
Hi all,
So, this week was my last week of student teaching, which is so hard to believe, a few more days, weeks, months, etc. would be great but at least I need to start a new chapter in my own story. Looking back it has been quiet a chapter, in the beginning it is easy to say Derry was my only choice for a cooperative site and to some it was thought to be the wrong choice, only for geological convenience. But that was definitely not the case!
Coming from an area that doesn't have a school based Agriculture Education Program in the whole county the only experience I had, that was my driving force to be an Agriculture Educator, was through the county extension office, therefore, any school based Ag program would be a new experience for me, but keeping in mind I wish to work in a rural area very similar to the make up of Derry School District. Having an abundant amount of rural area and yet still has a large population of students from the near by urban and suburban areas enabling teachers with the ability to connect the same content and material to a variety of student backgrounds and mindsets. One of the biggest challenges I faced during my student teaching would be that same challenge I so desperately wanted form a cooperative site.
Observing my cooperating teacher for the first week and then transitioning my self into the role of instructor allowed me to see first hand a variety of teaching methods and strategies. The availability of different lab areas (food science, animal science, mechanics, floral, and greenhouse) aided in the way the content was presented to the students. The routine at Derry is consistent by having the in class content (lecture) along with the hands on component (labs). Presenting the lessons in two different ways,insures that all students (8 multiple intelligences ) receive the content in an applicable form for their thought process.
Yet some students still were not getting the content, going back to the challenge I so desperately wanted, this was do to the students attitudes about Agriculture and what they thought the class was going to be (blow off). This led to my action research study of The Effects of Students’ Attitudes on Learning; given two sections of the same course (Introduction to Agriculture & Horticulture) with the same number of students (18), but every different attitudes for the cores and its content, will the way the content is presented have an affect on student performance or will their attitudes play the bigger ruler in their academic performance for the cores. This challenge allowed me to test out my pedagogical tool belt to its fullest existent, inquiry, lecturer, place based, and problem solving.Staying with the students attitudes classroom management was definitely a learning experience having a class that requires all three department staff to be present in the classroom, to keep the class under control.
The size of the facilities also allowed me to use/try out my tool belt to its fullest extent in terms of having animals in the classroom or having class in the barn ( a comfortable setting for me to get started). It also allowed me to farther my own education as far as the horticulture side of things (plant identification, planting, seeding, etc.) I revised any help I need with lesson ideas for reevaluating lessons to fit students needs or feedback on how a lesson went or did go. So I contently had professional development.
On the FFA section of Agriculture Education I had very little understanding be owned the classroom, by my experience at Derry had every thing explained to me on a much simpler/comprehensive level. Before the State went to affiliate membership, all the students at Derry were members of the FFA. The chapter has officer meetings every other Tuesday, to review their POA and discuss any other information that needs to be discussed. On the alternating Tuesdays there is an all members meeting to keep all members informed. Derry's FFA year kicks off with the chapter officers developing an extensive POA from there its presented to the instructor and then put in to action , after their summer retreat/debriefing . FLC is one of the big events for the freshmen members, all the freshman( first year members) that they can take go to be introduced to the extensiveness of the FFA organization in PA. I have had the opportunity to go with 14 students to the ACES conference, and more recently with 6 students to SLLC. All these experiences have shown me how the organization helps to develop the students' leadership and career skills as well as how it works to supplement the curriculum at the same time.
In addition to the instruction received all the students take part in a Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE), offered as a credited course for Senior and Junior that have schedule conflicts ( help students reach becoming a completer). With 95% of students participating in an SAE their is quite the variety. Derry SAEs range from the traditional production Ag enterprise and placement experiences to more innovative experiences , such as Food Science Research, Volunteer Fireman Experiential, and many more. Each student has two scheduled visits to the site of their SAE with their Ag instructor. Additional visits are scheduled on an as needed bases. This summer I had the opportunity to go along on some of these visits. The SAEs I visited were all traditional enterprise( market animals, gardens, laying hens, and horses). During my internship I have had several opportunities to talk to all the students about their SAEs and conduct a few visits with some nontraditional programs (Fireman , Hydroponics, Demolition tractors, Feedlot employment). Along with the SAEs participation all of the students were encouraged and coached one on one to prepare and send their record books to the state contest ( AET up date day is every Friday) as well as all the upperclassman were encouraged and coached one on one for their Proficiency awards.
My last day was very emotional as the students surprised me with a good by party, card, and chocolate dairy cow. The students, Mr. Campbell, Mrs.Campbell, and Mrs.Reed have taught me so much Thank you just doesn't seem like enough for all they have given me. I would highly recommend any other student teacher who want a great and developing student teaching experience to consider DERRY!!
So, this week was my last week of student teaching, which is so hard to believe, a few more days, weeks, months, etc. would be great but at least I need to start a new chapter in my own story. Looking back it has been quiet a chapter, in the beginning it is easy to say Derry was my only choice for a cooperative site and to some it was thought to be the wrong choice, only for geological convenience. But that was definitely not the case!
Coming from an area that doesn't have a school based Agriculture Education Program in the whole county the only experience I had, that was my driving force to be an Agriculture Educator, was through the county extension office, therefore, any school based Ag program would be a new experience for me, but keeping in mind I wish to work in a rural area very similar to the make up of Derry School District. Having an abundant amount of rural area and yet still has a large population of students from the near by urban and suburban areas enabling teachers with the ability to connect the same content and material to a variety of student backgrounds and mindsets. One of the biggest challenges I faced during my student teaching would be that same challenge I so desperately wanted form a cooperative site.
Observing my cooperating teacher for the first week and then transitioning my self into the role of instructor allowed me to see first hand a variety of teaching methods and strategies. The availability of different lab areas (food science, animal science, mechanics, floral, and greenhouse) aided in the way the content was presented to the students. The routine at Derry is consistent by having the in class content (lecture) along with the hands on component (labs). Presenting the lessons in two different ways,insures that all students (8 multiple intelligences ) receive the content in an applicable form for their thought process.
Yet some students still were not getting the content, going back to the challenge I so desperately wanted, this was do to the students attitudes about Agriculture and what they thought the class was going to be (blow off). This led to my action research study of The Effects of Students’ Attitudes on Learning; given two sections of the same course (Introduction to Agriculture & Horticulture) with the same number of students (18), but every different attitudes for the cores and its content, will the way the content is presented have an affect on student performance or will their attitudes play the bigger ruler in their academic performance for the cores. This challenge allowed me to test out my pedagogical tool belt to its fullest existent, inquiry, lecturer, place based, and problem solving.Staying with the students attitudes classroom management was definitely a learning experience having a class that requires all three department staff to be present in the classroom, to keep the class under control.
The size of the facilities also allowed me to use/try out my tool belt to its fullest extent in terms of having animals in the classroom or having class in the barn ( a comfortable setting for me to get started). It also allowed me to farther my own education as far as the horticulture side of things (plant identification, planting, seeding, etc.) I revised any help I need with lesson ideas for reevaluating lessons to fit students needs or feedback on how a lesson went or did go. So I contently had professional development.
On the FFA section of Agriculture Education I had very little understanding be owned the classroom, by my experience at Derry had every thing explained to me on a much simpler/comprehensive level. Before the State went to affiliate membership, all the students at Derry were members of the FFA. The chapter has officer meetings every other Tuesday, to review their POA and discuss any other information that needs to be discussed. On the alternating Tuesdays there is an all members meeting to keep all members informed. Derry's FFA year kicks off with the chapter officers developing an extensive POA from there its presented to the instructor and then put in to action , after their summer retreat/debriefing . FLC is one of the big events for the freshmen members, all the freshman( first year members) that they can take go to be introduced to the extensiveness of the FFA organization in PA. I have had the opportunity to go with 14 students to the ACES conference, and more recently with 6 students to SLLC. All these experiences have shown me how the organization helps to develop the students' leadership and career skills as well as how it works to supplement the curriculum at the same time.
In addition to the instruction received all the students take part in a Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE), offered as a credited course for Senior and Junior that have schedule conflicts ( help students reach becoming a completer). With 95% of students participating in an SAE their is quite the variety. Derry SAEs range from the traditional production Ag enterprise and placement experiences to more innovative experiences , such as Food Science Research, Volunteer Fireman Experiential, and many more. Each student has two scheduled visits to the site of their SAE with their Ag instructor. Additional visits are scheduled on an as needed bases. This summer I had the opportunity to go along on some of these visits. The SAEs I visited were all traditional enterprise( market animals, gardens, laying hens, and horses). During my internship I have had several opportunities to talk to all the students about their SAEs and conduct a few visits with some nontraditional programs (Fireman , Hydroponics, Demolition tractors, Feedlot employment). Along with the SAEs participation all of the students were encouraged and coached one on one to prepare and send their record books to the state contest ( AET up date day is every Friday) as well as all the upperclassman were encouraged and coached one on one for their Proficiency awards.
My last day was very emotional as the students surprised me with a good by party, card, and chocolate dairy cow. The students, Mr. Campbell, Mrs.Campbell, and Mrs.Reed have taught me so much Thank you just doesn't seem like enough for all they have given me. I would highly recommend any other student teacher who want a great and developing student teaching experience to consider DERRY!!
Agriculture Students Play Part in Conservation
Hi All,
Additionally, the students developed a flyer to handout to visitors of the Agriculture during the future fair to educate them on their project and the effects of white noes syndromes.
The past three weeks the students and I along with the park manager at Keystone State Park have been work with the students on the community based unit of instruction.The following is the news article developed by one of the students and myself.
Students enrolled in the PA Environment and Ecology course
at Derry Area High School have recently been learning about the wildlife of
Pennsylvania. This unit of instruction enabled students to explore different
methods of wildlife identification varies ways of management methods, and
ecological relationships between the environment, wildlife, and humans. During this time the discussion of the Brown
Bat and their current inflection of White Noes Syndrome, a devastating disease named for the for the white fungus that
infects the muzzle, ears, and wings of hibernating bats since the winter of
2007-2008 ,was introduced to the students. Afterwards it was decided to take
action, with the hope of preventing more bats falling victim to this epidemic,
whose death toll already numbers in the millions, by constructing bat boxes to
be placed at Keystone State Park.
The boxes will serve as alternative habitats for the bats,
in terms of limiting their interaction with humans who are thought to be a
major contributor to the current epidemic. In addition to being way from humans
and highly populated bat areas (caves, mines, etc.) the boxes will be placed
out away from trees, in order to receive
a minim of seven hours of sunlight, as well as near a natural water way for a
food source.
Students are constructing the boxes out of ¼ in. exterior grade
plywood, painted inside and out with black water-based exterior paint, sealed
with paintable latex caulking. The boxes will require little matiness after they
are placed at Keystone other than minor wasp and seam inspection, otherwise
bats will begin to abandon the box. The class has constructed a total of 8
boxes that will be placed at the Park later this week, if interested in farther
information on the bat boxes or how to construct your own to take part in the
preservation of Pennsylvanian’s brown bats contact Derry’s Agriculture
Department.
Additionally, the students developed a flyer to handout to visitors of the Agriculture during the future fair to educate them on their project and the effects of white noes syndromes.
All in all it was quite successful, I do wish that my co-teaching would have went better and that more students would have turned out to take the boxes to the park, but at last the filed trip missed the school boards' died line for approval.
Saturday, April 26, 2014
Almost Ohio
Hi All,
Monday, I visited the Mohawk FFA to see how their two teacher program differed from a single teacher program. As well as see how Mindy's student teaching experience was going during the final stretch.
At first I wasn't very sure why they are a two teacher program and still am a little unsure as to why. I was definitely surprised by the set up of their facilities, having one moderately sized mechanics shop that is all theirs,sharing a computer lab (with a very tiny tinny monitor for projections)and carpentry shop with several other classes. Switch rooms for just about every class. However, what they lacked in space they made up with equipment, at least in terms of machines. So, many welders.
The first class I was able to see was the first section of her Animal Science class which was nice because their were presenting their Final Farm Plan projects like my own classes were. The size of the monitor, allowing other students to have computers up to work on while others presented, and the rush to get them "just over with" in two days seemed to take away from the students presentations and the effectiveness of the project. I did like that some of the students branched out from their home farms/ area and located their operations in other areas nation wide. Over all the class ran very smoothly. The second section came in directly after the first and ran very similar to the first except that the internet did not want to cooperate, there was no back up plan, and with the all ready small monitor showing the presentations in the edit format mad it even harder to see.
Next, was the the first section of two Agriculture Construction class. These classes were working in the shared carpentry class hanging drywall, in a already framed and wired buildings. I have know idea how they get much down as they have to travail between the two rooms to measure, cut, etc. Additionally, half way through the class a home owner/consumer classes' students start to come into the shared class for their own class to start. The second section of the construction class came in right after the other and ran very similar, having one homeowner class leave and another come in during this time causing some distraction.
After lunch the third section of animal science took place following the same format as the previous two. It is during this section that I noticed the smart board in the computer lab and asked why the were not using it to present, it was because of not asking how to work it. The final class for the day was a machines class half of the class were working on lawnmowers while three students worked on a welding test plat they had been working on for 15 weeks, which was surprising. Their was only one student in attendance so I thanked Mindy and her Cop teacher and headed back to Derry.
It was very eye opening to see how different all agriculture programs are set up and work but yet deliver the same materials/content to their students. I did take way a great idea for the next time I have to teach Ag Construction, mark a section of your shop out (if you have the space) and have the students frame out one side of a building,using a wall for the other side. Split it into three or more rooms, then have them wire and dry wall their assigned rooms.
Monday, I visited the Mohawk FFA to see how their two teacher program differed from a single teacher program. As well as see how Mindy's student teaching experience was going during the final stretch.
At first I wasn't very sure why they are a two teacher program and still am a little unsure as to why. I was definitely surprised by the set up of their facilities, having one moderately sized mechanics shop that is all theirs,sharing a computer lab (with a very tiny tinny monitor for projections)and carpentry shop with several other classes. Switch rooms for just about every class. However, what they lacked in space they made up with equipment, at least in terms of machines. So, many welders.
The first class I was able to see was the first section of her Animal Science class which was nice because their were presenting their Final Farm Plan projects like my own classes were. The size of the monitor, allowing other students to have computers up to work on while others presented, and the rush to get them "just over with" in two days seemed to take away from the students presentations and the effectiveness of the project. I did like that some of the students branched out from their home farms/ area and located their operations in other areas nation wide. Over all the class ran very smoothly. The second section came in directly after the first and ran very similar to the first except that the internet did not want to cooperate, there was no back up plan, and with the all ready small monitor showing the presentations in the edit format mad it even harder to see.
Next, was the the first section of two Agriculture Construction class. These classes were working in the shared carpentry class hanging drywall, in a already framed and wired buildings. I have know idea how they get much down as they have to travail between the two rooms to measure, cut, etc. Additionally, half way through the class a home owner/consumer classes' students start to come into the shared class for their own class to start. The second section of the construction class came in right after the other and ran very similar, having one homeowner class leave and another come in during this time causing some distraction.
After lunch the third section of animal science took place following the same format as the previous two. It is during this section that I noticed the smart board in the computer lab and asked why the were not using it to present, it was because of not asking how to work it. The final class for the day was a machines class half of the class were working on lawnmowers while three students worked on a welding test plat they had been working on for 15 weeks, which was surprising. Their was only one student in attendance so I thanked Mindy and her Cop teacher and headed back to Derry.
It was very eye opening to see how different all agriculture programs are set up and work but yet deliver the same materials/content to their students. I did take way a great idea for the next time I have to teach Ag Construction, mark a section of your shop out (if you have the space) and have the students frame out one side of a building,using a wall for the other side. Split it into three or more rooms, then have them wire and dry wall their assigned rooms.
Friday, April 18, 2014
The Path to the Future.... were are you going?
Hi all,
Alright so after last week's basket drop, I have picked it back up, this week was going to be different ! It was Monday, my first period and fourth period Introduction classes took the same test on general livestock breeding systems, which we had gone over the week before and reinforced with an visual gummy bear activity. Well, I should clarify that only first period got to do the activity. Because, fourth is incapable of getting through anything without drama or "I Don't Need to Know This". Any ways first period preformed 30%better on the quiz, therefore, I decided that first period would be taught the basic terms and anatomy of livestock in a place based setting using the animals at the barn for a hands on component. Forth would get all the same information via power point and notes. Earlier in my experience I had started collecting data for my action research based on the theory "how student attitudes and performance are effected by the method in which the lesson is presented: lecturer vs.hands on & place based. With the data I had collected earlier and my newer collection it is still in favor of place based for performance, however, it also shows that students' attitudes play a significant factor on the results as well.
On another note the rest of my classes are working on warping up all of our projects, so they can be displayed during the schools future fair this coming Wednesday. The Future Fair is a new event that the principle Dr.Perry developed for this year, each department will be showcasing what curriculum and career opportunists they offer their students, recruiting students in lower grades and their parents. Additionally, for the upper class men colleges,universities, employers will be in the gym to showcase the opportunists they offer graduates. An up date will come next week on how this event goes, so far it is coming together great. During the Future Fair I will be filming the rest of Ag department's new recruitment video, having the students talking to others in a real setting about their program and were a Future in Ag can take you.
As it all starts to wind down here at Derry it is hard to say good by and the majority of students don't make it any easier to do.
Till next time!
Alright so after last week's basket drop, I have picked it back up, this week was going to be different ! It was Monday, my first period and fourth period Introduction classes took the same test on general livestock breeding systems, which we had gone over the week before and reinforced with an visual gummy bear activity. Well, I should clarify that only first period got to do the activity. Because, fourth is incapable of getting through anything without drama or "I Don't Need to Know This". Any ways first period preformed 30%better on the quiz, therefore, I decided that first period would be taught the basic terms and anatomy of livestock in a place based setting using the animals at the barn for a hands on component. Forth would get all the same information via power point and notes. Earlier in my experience I had started collecting data for my action research based on the theory "how student attitudes and performance are effected by the method in which the lesson is presented: lecturer vs.hands on & place based. With the data I had collected earlier and my newer collection it is still in favor of place based for performance, however, it also shows that students' attitudes play a significant factor on the results as well.On another note the rest of my classes are working on warping up all of our projects, so they can be displayed during the schools future fair this coming Wednesday. The Future Fair is a new event that the principle Dr.Perry developed for this year, each department will be showcasing what curriculum and career opportunists they offer their students, recruiting students in lower grades and their parents. Additionally, for the upper class men colleges,universities, employers will be in the gym to showcase the opportunists they offer graduates. An up date will come next week on how this event goes, so far it is coming together great. During the Future Fair I will be filming the rest of Ag department's new recruitment video, having the students talking to others in a real setting about their program and were a Future in Ag can take you.
As it all starts to wind down here at Derry it is hard to say good by and the majority of students don't make it any easier to do.
Till next time!
Sunday, April 13, 2014
To MUCH or To LITTLE?
Hi all,
Well this week was interesting! The topic was defiantly classroom management, however, the question still remains what I'm I to be doing? Because, one time it's to little and another it is to much. WHAT!!
At the end of last week I thought this was all behind my and I had finally excelled in this area. Apparently not,to start things off I was asked to remove a well earned detention so a "Good" student wouldn't have it on their record. Easy answer, NO. I was then approached by two other students that wanted theirs retracted as well so they wouldn't miss prom or be removed from the school district.They all revised the same answer NO and I asked them if they wanted the short list or the long list as to why they got detention and why it was not going away. I thought that would be the end of the headache for the week, no such luck.
The following day a student informed me they wanted to punch me in the face and were counting down the days till I left so they could. This was brought on by a group project, they didn't like their group, and then they didn't like the other group they were moved to. Luckily, three other students witnessed this to back up my referential that the office said was to much and my COP said was just enough. But any ways the week went on to Friday and my last review of course this week of the period acted like the kindergartners they always are and the than the one project I was looking forward to and the majority of my students had been looking forward to was crushed by a handful of student, who I was advised to ignore "they just have an attitude sometimes".
Out of all my weeks this is the one that has gone the worst by far and relay has my questioning why I want to teach because of the question what is to MUCH and what is to LITTLE? Hopefully this week goes a lot better as I take it upon myself to have a review of the expectations and consequences with all of my classes and the one heads back to kindergarten with there classroom management.
till next time!
Well this week was interesting! The topic was defiantly classroom management, however, the question still remains what I'm I to be doing? Because, one time it's to little and another it is to much. WHAT!!
The following day a student informed me they wanted to punch me in the face and were counting down the days till I left so they could. This was brought on by a group project, they didn't like their group, and then they didn't like the other group they were moved to. Luckily, three other students witnessed this to back up my referential that the office said was to much and my COP said was just enough. But any ways the week went on to Friday and my last review of course this week of the period acted like the kindergartners they always are and the than the one project I was looking forward to and the majority of my students had been looking forward to was crushed by a handful of student, who I was advised to ignore "they just have an attitude sometimes".Out of all my weeks this is the one that has gone the worst by far and relay has my questioning why I want to teach because of the question what is to MUCH and what is to LITTLE? Hopefully this week goes a lot better as I take it upon myself to have a review of the expectations and consequences with all of my classes and the one heads back to kindergarten with there classroom management.
till next time!
Sunday, April 6, 2014
Spring is Here!!
Hi All,
While this week was full of events, including our area "Leadership" CDE event. I am very excited to reported that Derry had the most participants (26 freshman, sophomores, juniors, seniors), taking home the most First (Small Gas Engine, Prepared, Jr., Conservation, and extemporaneous speaking, along with creed), Seconds (Jr. and Prepared public speaking, and Job Interview), & Thirds (Prepared Public speaking and Small Gas Engine). However, the proudest moment for me was waiting for the Job Interview result and one of my Freshmen said " I don't care where I place , I'm just happy I work hard on my resume and cover letter and you talked me into coming." Oh, the things that students say that make you Happy to be an Ag Teacher!
Additionally, this week the weather finally broke for a three day period, allowing my to try out some placed based education with my PA Environmental and Ecology class. a wise man once told me " the best way to get students to learn is to take them 'outside' where its happening", Thank You George. Armed with our bird call boxes and silhouette cards the two groups (27 students) of students successfully identified over 20 different PA birds. Having the two groups allowed my to try out a co-teaching approach, and than came the rain so, we started constructing our community based project "Bring on the Bat Boxes".
This week I also started into the one class I had dreaded the most, Ag Construction. To my surprise (knock on wood, fingers crossed, and through spieled salt) they have been fairly well behaved and engaged. Each group of three is framing out an 1":16" scale building. Currently we are working on laying our sub flooring. The humor of me in the shop and allowing the students to double check and correct my work seems to be a great insensitive for the class.
In Animal Science the nice weather brought more discipline problem than I thought possible. All the students quickly figured out that the more they pushed the more numbers that dispersed on the consequences list between them and detention.Some students so much that according to my Cop teacher I earned my A, as I finally had a student call me .......... while it wasn't very nice or appropriate and we'll just leave it at that.
Out of all my weeks these was by far the best. I still have a lot to learn but what tool I do have are starting to come together. Looking forward to the upcoming week , AIing our play dough heifers with pixie stick seaman.
Till next time!
While this week was full of events, including our area "Leadership" CDE event. I am very excited to reported that Derry had the most participants (26 freshman, sophomores, juniors, seniors), taking home the most First (Small Gas Engine, Prepared, Jr., Conservation, and extemporaneous speaking, along with creed), Seconds (Jr. and Prepared public speaking, and Job Interview), & Thirds (Prepared Public speaking and Small Gas Engine). However, the proudest moment for me was waiting for the Job Interview result and one of my Freshmen said " I don't care where I place , I'm just happy I work hard on my resume and cover letter and you talked me into coming." Oh, the things that students say that make you Happy to be an Ag Teacher!Additionally, this week the weather finally broke for a three day period, allowing my to try out some placed based education with my PA Environmental and Ecology class. a wise man once told me " the best way to get students to learn is to take them 'outside' where its happening", Thank You George. Armed with our bird call boxes and silhouette cards the two groups (27 students) of students successfully identified over 20 different PA birds. Having the two groups allowed my to try out a co-teaching approach, and than came the rain so, we started constructing our community based project "Bring on the Bat Boxes".This week I also started into the one class I had dreaded the most, Ag Construction. To my surprise (knock on wood, fingers crossed, and through spieled salt) they have been fairly well behaved and engaged. Each group of three is framing out an 1":16" scale building. Currently we are working on laying our sub flooring. The humor of me in the shop and allowing the students to double check and correct my work seems to be a great insensitive for the class.In Animal Science the nice weather brought more discipline problem than I thought possible. All the students quickly figured out that the more they pushed the more numbers that dispersed on the consequences list between them and detention.Some students so much that according to my Cop teacher I earned my A, as I finally had a student call me .......... while it wasn't very nice or appropriate and we'll just leave it at that.
Out of all my weeks these was by far the best. I still have a lot to learn but what tool I do have are starting to come together. Looking forward to the upcoming week , AIing our play dough heifers with pixie stick seaman.
Till next time!
Sunday, March 30, 2014
Pass It on Down
Hi All,
Career Development Events, but who is the development for? the students or the teacher? The answer both! Over the past three weeks both of my introduction to Ag classes have been working of their class Job Interview, Creed Speaking, and Jr. Prepared Public Speaking CDE project/event (equivalent to the local contest as Derry is the only program in the County). During this time I spent a lot of time with my freshmen, having them come up during their study halls, homeroom, and staying after school working to make sure that they understood the rules and components of their CDE. Like any think some got it and other didn't but pretended they did. However, the main reason I have come to the "both" conclusion of who the D in CDE is because the students and I put all the work into prepping for the Event, but after the first couple of speeches and interviews it was every obvious I forgot a component. I had forgotten to demonstrating the expectation, the difference between a speech and a report, as well as how a job interview works. Perfect example of I know so I assume the students know. Wrong!
Additionally, to the CDE preparations I have been working with six of my seniors on their Teach Ag Essays and Lesson plans. After my not so successful go at the CDE preparation it was nice to see a place that I had put all the pieces together resulting in student success ( in my opinion). All the students understood an
d developed complete and comprehensive lesson plans. As well as each took a way their very own lesson as teacher for a day.
This week has been quite interesting in terms of lessons for myself, in making sure the pieces are all their in order for success to be reached and sometimes the lessons you think went the best are missing a piece and the ones you question may have been the one that pulled it all together. You can't second guess your self or the students, only time will tell.
Till next time!
Career Development Events, but who is the development for? the students or the teacher? The answer both! Over the past three weeks both of my introduction to Ag classes have been working of their class Job Interview, Creed Speaking, and Jr. Prepared Public Speaking CDE project/event (equivalent to the local contest as Derry is the only program in the County). During this time I spent a lot of time with my freshmen, having them come up during their study halls, homeroom, and staying after school working to make sure that they understood the rules and components of their CDE. Like any think some got it and other didn't but pretended they did. However, the main reason I have come to the "both" conclusion of who the D in CDE is because the students and I put all the work into prepping for the Event, but after the first couple of speeches and interviews it was every obvious I forgot a component. I had forgotten to demonstrating the expectation, the difference between a speech and a report, as well as how a job interview works. Perfect example of I know so I assume the students know. Wrong!d developed complete and comprehensive lesson plans. As well as each took a way their very own lesson as teacher for a day.This week has been quite interesting in terms of lessons for myself, in making sure the pieces are all their in order for success to be reached and sometimes the lessons you think went the best are missing a piece and the ones you question may have been the one that pulled it all together. You can't second guess your self or the students, only time will tell.
Wednesday, March 19, 2014
The Complete Ag Ed Experience at Derry
Hi all,
As I looked at the calendar today, checking due dates for class projects. I realized their is only 28 days left to my time here at Derry. Looking back it has been quite the experience, the "Complete" Ag Ed experience (instruction, SAE, and FFA). Never being in an Ag program and getting what experience I do have from 4-H and College , not even close.
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Before the State went to affiliate membership, all the students at Derry were members of the FFA. The chapter has officer meetings every other Tuesday, to review their POA and discuss any other information that needs to be discussed. On the alternating Tuesdays there is an all members meeting to keep all members informed. Derry's FFA year kicks off with the chapter officers developing an extensive POA from there its presented to the instructor and then put in to action , after their summer retreat/debriefing . FLC is one of the big events for the freshmen members, all the freshman( first year members) that they can take go to be introduced to the extensiveness of the FFA organization in PA. I have had the opportunity to go with 14 students to the ACES conference, and more recently with 6 students to SLLC. All these experiences have shown me how the organization helps to develop the students' leadership and career skills as well as how it works to supplement the curriculum at the same time.
As I looked at the calendar today, checking due dates for class projects. I realized their is only 28 days left to my time here at Derry. Looking back it has been quite the experience, the "Complete" Ag Ed experience (instruction, SAE, and FFA). Never being in an Ag program and getting what experience I do have from 4-H and College , not even close.
Observing my cooperating teacher for the first week and then transitioning my self into the role of instructor allowed me to see first hand a variety of teaching methods and strategies. The availability of different lab areas (food science, animal science, mechanics, floral, and greenhouse) aided in the way the content was presented to the students. The routine at Derry is consistent by having the in class content (lecture) along with the hands on component (labs). Presenting the lessons in two different ways,insures that all students (8 multiple intelligences ) receive the content in an applicable form for their thought process.
In addition to the instruction received all the students take part in a Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE), offered as a credited course for Senior and Junior that have schedule conflicts ( help students reach becoming a completer). With 95% of students participating in an SAE their is quite the variety. Derry SAEs range from the traditional production Ag enterprise and placement experiences to more innovative experiences , such as Food Science Research, Volunteer Fireman Experiential, and many more. Each student has two scheduled visits to the site of their SAE with their Ag instructor. Additional visits are scheduled on an as needed bases. This summer I had the opportunity to go along on some of these visits. The SAEs I visited were all traditional enterprise( market animals, gardens, laying hens, and horses). During my internship I have had several opportunities to talk to all the students about their SAEs and conduct a few visits with some nontraditional programs (Fireman , Hydroponics, Demolition tractors, Feedlot employment). Along with the SAEs participation all of the students were encouraged and coached one on one to prepare and send their record books to the state contest ( AET up date day is every Friday) as well as all the upperclassman were encouraged and coached one on one for their Proficiency awards.
Before the State went to affiliate membership, all the students at Derry were members of the FFA. The chapter has officer meetings every other Tuesday, to review their POA and discuss any other information that needs to be discussed. On the alternating Tuesdays there is an all members meeting to keep all members informed. Derry's FFA year kicks off with the chapter officers developing an extensive POA from there its presented to the instructor and then put in to action , after their summer retreat/debriefing . FLC is one of the big events for the freshmen members, all the freshman( first year members) that they can take go to be introduced to the extensiveness of the FFA organization in PA. I have had the opportunity to go with 14 students to the ACES conference, and more recently with 6 students to SLLC. All these experiences have shown me how the organization helps to develop the students' leadership and career skills as well as how it works to supplement the curriculum at the same time.
In my opinion I still have allot to learn but the learning is much more effective through student teaching verses setting in a classroom even with guest speakers. It really puts it all into perfect perspective.
Sunday, March 16, 2014
Piglets Are Here !!!!
Hi all,
This week was the farthest thing from normal. Three days in Harrisburg for SLLC, first interview for a "Big Kid Job", Piglets arrived, and CDE practices kicked off. Oh the life of an Ag Teacher!
With all the goings on this week the lesson that shown through the most was the importance of student success. Seeing the reaction of my students as they received their certificate for best homemade shirts at SLLC on Sunday night was just the start. On Tuesday the students were recognized by the Senate for their participation in SLLC , as well as their work with local Agriculture in their local community.
A pone returning to school on Thursday the importance of student success continued to echo. I figured that when I saw the two students who had tried for Proficiency awards (Small Animal Care) they would be a little disappointed. But to my surprise their only concerned that I was disappointed in them. Once I explained that was in no way the case, I was just proud of them for putting all the time and dedication into their SAE and their award applications. It was amazing to see how that reassurance and praise for their hard work completely changed the attitudes of these two students.
Continuing on this same train of thought, the students in my floral design class had work extremely hard on their contemporary arrangements ( Fresh- landscape & Silk - student's choice). I had been trying to work with the principal to have the arrangements displayed in the school lobby, however, do to the fear of the arrangements being destroyed by the vocational students and the fact that the Ag department had just had the display cases for FFA week my request we denied. The students and I were relay disappointed. With a little help from Mrs.Reed ( the department Secretary) I was able to pressured the school librarian into letting the floral class display their arrangements in the library.
When I returned on Thursday the students had no idea what was going on when they looked at their objectives, 1) Filed Trip. I gave them instructions to go to the lab and load all the fresh arrangements out of the cooler and on to a cart, as well as to get their silk arrangements to carry down to the high school library. They light up and could get over how I did it. The librarian greeted us at the door and told the student they could put their arrangements any where they would like and they would be high lighted during the library's open house, coming up this week. Teachers that had their classes in the library were stunned by the classes work and kept complementing all of them. Seeing the students' smiles grow as they placed their arrangements and talked to the teachers about their arrangements was one of the best moments I have had during student teaching.
Additionally, this week The freshmen had the opportunity for hands on lamb/sheep fitting in the greenhouse. On Wednesday large animal science class got to deliver ten of the twelve piglets,getting to assist with two breached piglets. Friday we had a USDA community recourse person come to demonstrate how to process the piglets. Removing needle teeth, ear knock, and give shoots (Iron).
Till next time!
This week was the farthest thing from normal. Three days in Harrisburg for SLLC, first interview for a "Big Kid Job", Piglets arrived, and CDE practices kicked off. Oh the life of an Ag Teacher!
With all the goings on this week the lesson that shown through the most was the importance of student success. Seeing the reaction of my students as they received their certificate for best homemade shirts at SLLC on Sunday night was just the start. On Tuesday the students were recognized by the Senate for their participation in SLLC , as well as their work with local Agriculture in their local community.
A pone returning to school on Thursday the importance of student success continued to echo. I figured that when I saw the two students who had tried for Proficiency awards (Small Animal Care) they would be a little disappointed. But to my surprise their only concerned that I was disappointed in them. Once I explained that was in no way the case, I was just proud of them for putting all the time and dedication into their SAE and their award applications. It was amazing to see how that reassurance and praise for their hard work completely changed the attitudes of these two students.
Continuing on this same train of thought, the students in my floral design class had work extremely hard on their contemporary arrangements ( Fresh- landscape & Silk - student's choice). I had been trying to work with the principal to have the arrangements displayed in the school lobby, however, do to the fear of the arrangements being destroyed by the vocational students and the fact that the Ag department had just had the display cases for FFA week my request we denied. The students and I were relay disappointed. With a little help from Mrs.Reed ( the department Secretary) I was able to pressured the school librarian into letting the floral class display their arrangements in the library.
When I returned on Thursday the students had no idea what was going on when they looked at their objectives, 1) Filed Trip. I gave them instructions to go to the lab and load all the fresh arrangements out of the cooler and on to a cart, as well as to get their silk arrangements to carry down to the high school library. They light up and could get over how I did it. The librarian greeted us at the door and told the student they could put their arrangements any where they would like and they would be high lighted during the library's open house, coming up this week. Teachers that had their classes in the library were stunned by the classes work and kept complementing all of them. Seeing the students' smiles grow as they placed their arrangements and talked to the teachers about their arrangements was one of the best moments I have had during student teaching.Additionally, this week The freshmen had the opportunity for hands on lamb/sheep fitting in the greenhouse. On Wednesday large animal science class got to deliver ten of the twelve piglets,getting to assist with two breached piglets. Friday we had a USDA community recourse person come to demonstrate how to process the piglets. Removing needle teeth, ear knock, and give shoots (Iron).
Till next time!
Saturday, March 8, 2014
Hands on learning of sorts
Hi all, well this week had hands on learning seemed to be the them, maybe more so on my part than the students.
This week we were trying to finalize every thing for SLLC including proficiency award applications, which are a lot more complicated than what they need to be explaining why most students just don't bother with them. I had decided earlier in the week that Friday would be set aside for the Large Animal Science class to clean their side of the barn. It was appositely repulsing! The standing agreement is that all group leaders are to arrange for their group to get together at least once a month to clean out their assigned pens, however, none of the pens have been cleaned sense Thanksgiving. A Yorkshire Gilt, Dairy heifer calf, two Dorset X ewes, and a Nubian doe ; that should be more than enough to explain the smell. Needless to say the barn manager and I had a long discussion on the health issues, human and animal, that were bound to ensue.
I wish it hadn't but by Thursday my words had come true, the goat had had her kid and developed mastitis. Not completely but in a larger part to her unsanitary living conditions, in addition to this the calf was about to be taken from the programs care. Students just seem to have to learn the hard way. Manual labor my be one of the best teaching tools, as all the student quickly learned why the barn needs to be cleaned because, it makes the pens even harder to clean and the smell is horrendous. Additionally it allowed me to work on my classroom management, keeping all the students productive in the cleaning process. We didn't get completely done in the 45 minuet period but some of the students volunteered to come back up during their study halls and finish up.
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The fallowing two periods were even more interesting having a fire drill, that the teachers didn't know about, and some of the students that were working on the farrowing crate in the shop promised they didn't cause. It was funny how quick they came out of the shop saying "we didn't do it, the fire was last period". When we saw the main school evaluating to we knew they relay hadn't set the alarm off. Finally, we got to go back in to the school for 8th period.
Having two students needing to finish their proficiency award applications, we decided to have the remaining students up date their AET. while we worked on figuring out were the errors were coming from.At this time the office had sent up machinates because the new welders were on their way and work still need to be done to the shop so Mr.Campbell had to go assist them, leaving me to work out the bugs. Relay, it would have went a lot smother with two of us looking not just the one who had never seen or filled the form out before. I was looking at the one and talking at loud and one student did what I was saying and fixed theirs in what seemed like no time. Helpful hint pay more attention in Ag business class. The bell had rang at some point and I still couldn't fix the same errors on the application I was looking at because cells wouldn't allow us to change them. We finally, had the students leave so they didn't miss their rides. Staying after to figure out what to do but with both Mr.Campbell and I having appointments after school it was deiced that Mr.Campbell would take it home and look at it again and if need to call another teacher to see if they could give us a hand.
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Lesson for the week their is no substitute for hands on learning for the teacher and the students.
This week we were trying to finalize every thing for SLLC including proficiency award applications, which are a lot more complicated than what they need to be explaining why most students just don't bother with them. I had decided earlier in the week that Friday would be set aside for the Large Animal Science class to clean their side of the barn. It was appositely repulsing! The standing agreement is that all group leaders are to arrange for their group to get together at least once a month to clean out their assigned pens, however, none of the pens have been cleaned sense Thanksgiving. A Yorkshire Gilt, Dairy heifer calf, two Dorset X ewes, and a Nubian doe ; that should be more than enough to explain the smell. Needless to say the barn manager and I had a long discussion on the health issues, human and animal, that were bound to ensue.
I wish it hadn't but by Thursday my words had come true, the goat had had her kid and developed mastitis. Not completely but in a larger part to her unsanitary living conditions, in addition to this the calf was about to be taken from the programs care. Students just seem to have to learn the hard way. Manual labor my be one of the best teaching tools, as all the student quickly learned why the barn needs to be cleaned because, it makes the pens even harder to clean and the smell is horrendous. Additionally it allowed me to work on my classroom management, keeping all the students productive in the cleaning process. We didn't get completely done in the 45 minuet period but some of the students volunteered to come back up during their study halls and finish up.
The fallowing two periods were even more interesting having a fire drill, that the teachers didn't know about, and some of the students that were working on the farrowing crate in the shop promised they didn't cause. It was funny how quick they came out of the shop saying "we didn't do it, the fire was last period". When we saw the main school evaluating to we knew they relay hadn't set the alarm off. Finally, we got to go back in to the school for 8th period.
Having two students needing to finish their proficiency award applications, we decided to have the remaining students up date their AET. while we worked on figuring out were the errors were coming from.At this time the office had sent up machinates because the new welders were on their way and work still need to be done to the shop so Mr.Campbell had to go assist them, leaving me to work out the bugs. Relay, it would have went a lot smother with two of us looking not just the one who had never seen or filled the form out before. I was looking at the one and talking at loud and one student did what I was saying and fixed theirs in what seemed like no time. Helpful hint pay more attention in Ag business class. The bell had rang at some point and I still couldn't fix the same errors on the application I was looking at because cells wouldn't allow us to change them. We finally, had the students leave so they didn't miss their rides. Staying after to figure out what to do but with both Mr.Campbell and I having appointments after school it was deiced that Mr.Campbell would take it home and look at it again and if need to call another teacher to see if they could give us a hand.
Lesson for the week their is no substitute for hands on learning for the teacher and the students.
Sunday, March 2, 2014
Cattle Call
Hi all,
Do to a death in the family last week I am still a little behind but will be posting about National FFA week in a later post to catch you all up.
So this week (6) I have to say a lot developed but Friday my have been or at least was pretty close to being "that moment". That certain people want me to have to change my mind about extension and take the school based rout, I'm slowly wearing down but not there yet. If you can remember back to week two (week one of actually teaching) the student that I have had class room management difficulties with ,ok the majority of the time may be more factual to explain the management struggle,had his light bulb light!
The first day of Large Animal Science's Reproduction Unit was an inquiry based lesson in titled "Cattle Call", I picked up the idea from the NAAE Preserves Teachers Program, the lesson is designed to have students explore the working of Mendel's Theory of Genetics by looking at different developing countries and developing the "Perfect" breed of cattle for the environment and people. This student came into class like always , I figured here we go again, but instead of the complaints I thought I would hear I hared excitement real excitement. "Oh yea we got Vietnam!" I was shocked almost as much as his group members were, I wanted to ask "Who are and nice to meet you" but I re-framed. I had them read their articles ( 8 groups of three each with a different country)highlighting any thing they thought might help them to answer the proposed question "What factors go into developing a new breed?". Oh, also for this lesson I handed out question cards that limited each group to three questions, including "can I use the restroom, sharpen my pencil,& get a drink?". I think a firing squad would have been more friendly than my students were when I explained the cards and started collecting them.
One think to keep in mind for any one wanting to use them have any other teachers leave the room or collect cards to, the students will try asking them their questions to try and avoid losing a card. This student had a question and I probably shouldn't have but I didn't take his card for asking, I was still to shocked, "Can I get the laptop or us my phone to look up something (tempter) I can't find in our article?" "Yes, of cores you can use your phone or a laptop to look up more!!" I figured the sky was going to fall on us all but at the same time it was what happen for it to finally click for this kid and please don't go away. I told you I didn't take a card from their group and he reminded me that I had forgotten to take his card, I told him it was OK they could keep it because it was for the good of the whole class. A little while later he had another question about something he had found ( if the temp is in C than what is it in F) but before he asked he asked his group if it was alright to use on of their cards to ask. They both said Yes and said what I had been thinking the whole time, "Who are and nice to meet you!", he didn't respond just asked his question and gave me a card. You could have knocked me over with one finger.
When it came time to discuss Vietnam was the first in line, with full thoughts and comments on why they did what they did and why the pick the two breeds of cattle and how effective their breedings were. All the students enjoyed the lesson some were frustrated more than others but they all could explain the concepts that they had to explore on their own. At the end of class this student told my test was one of the first he had studied for and passed without using notes and it really help his grade and that's why he decided I didn't need a hard time any more, that and because I had made further than what he had bet I would. Go back to before the bet and say what?!?! I did what ? Thank you was all I could say to him and if you need any help just ask was what I finally said once he asked me if I was OK, I was speechless for only the second time in my life and must have looked sick or shell shocked and boy I was.
This week have learned quite a bit about myself, having patients, keeping band-aids close by, and the power of even if you think you aren't getting through don't give up on any student they will all ways surprise you!!!
Til next time!
Do to a death in the family last week I am still a little behind but will be posting about National FFA week in a later post to catch you all up.
So this week (6) I have to say a lot developed but Friday my have been or at least was pretty close to being "that moment". That certain people want me to have to change my mind about extension and take the school based rout, I'm slowly wearing down but not there yet. If you can remember back to week two (week one of actually teaching) the student that I have had class room management difficulties with ,ok the majority of the time may be more factual to explain the management struggle,had his light bulb light!The first day of Large Animal Science's Reproduction Unit was an inquiry based lesson in titled "Cattle Call", I picked up the idea from the NAAE Preserves Teachers Program, the lesson is designed to have students explore the working of Mendel's Theory of Genetics by looking at different developing countries and developing the "Perfect" breed of cattle for the environment and people. This student came into class like always , I figured here we go again, but instead of the complaints I thought I would hear I hared excitement real excitement. "Oh yea we got Vietnam!" I was shocked almost as much as his group members were, I wanted to ask "Who are and nice to meet you" but I re-framed. I had them read their articles ( 8 groups of three each with a different country)highlighting any thing they thought might help them to answer the proposed question "What factors go into developing a new breed?". Oh, also for this lesson I handed out question cards that limited each group to three questions, including "can I use the restroom, sharpen my pencil,& get a drink?". I think a firing squad would have been more friendly than my students were when I explained the cards and started collecting them.
One think to keep in mind for any one wanting to use them have any other teachers leave the room or collect cards to, the students will try asking them their questions to try and avoid losing a card. This student had a question and I probably shouldn't have but I didn't take his card for asking, I was still to shocked, "Can I get the laptop or us my phone to look up something (tempter) I can't find in our article?" "Yes, of cores you can use your phone or a laptop to look up more!!" I figured the sky was going to fall on us all but at the same time it was what happen for it to finally click for this kid and please don't go away. I told you I didn't take a card from their group and he reminded me that I had forgotten to take his card, I told him it was OK they could keep it because it was for the good of the whole class. A little while later he had another question about something he had found ( if the temp is in C than what is it in F) but before he asked he asked his group if it was alright to use on of their cards to ask. They both said Yes and said what I had been thinking the whole time, "Who are and nice to meet you!", he didn't respond just asked his question and gave me a card. You could have knocked me over with one finger.
When it came time to discuss Vietnam was the first in line, with full thoughts and comments on why they did what they did and why the pick the two breeds of cattle and how effective their breedings were. All the students enjoyed the lesson some were frustrated more than others but they all could explain the concepts that they had to explore on their own. At the end of class this student told my test was one of the first he had studied for and passed without using notes and it really help his grade and that's why he decided I didn't need a hard time any more, that and because I had made further than what he had bet I would. Go back to before the bet and say what?!?! I did what ? Thank you was all I could say to him and if you need any help just ask was what I finally said once he asked me if I was OK, I was speechless for only the second time in my life and must have looked sick or shell shocked and boy I was.
This week have learned quite a bit about myself, having patients, keeping band-aids close by, and the power of even if you think you aren't getting through don't give up on any student they will all ways surprise you!!!
Til next time!
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
You Always Remember Your First........ ACES
An interesting fact about me I was not in FFA Not by choices my school was lame and didn't have an Ag program.
With that being said This was my first ACES experience and boy was it an experience I honestly believe that may be my chapter should start leaving me at home,every time we go we are in the middle of the storm of the centenary. After a change of plans do to the inclement weather I ended up riding with my chapter to ACES instead of driving down and meeting them their, which turned out to be a great advisor learning moment. The school districts two vans had been reserved for us to take ,14 students, for a months. Saturday, however, when Mr.Campbell and Mrs.Reed went to pick up the vans there was only one not a pretty picture and 14 student standing in the pounding of the snow locked out of the buildings. Mr.Campbell called the bus line and a neighboring bus line to try and find our van or an alternative. Needless to say our 7:00 am departure turned into a 9:45 am departure we asked two parents to stay that had larger vehicles so that the students could get out of the snow til the van showed once it was located 30 minuets away in Apollo. Always double check reservations on transportation, keep a paper trail, and have the person responsible on speed dial with plan B,C,&D.
Once the van arrived and both were fueled up we loaded the students and headed for Donegal and the trunpicke, Which was a question if we could even get to after previous attempts two days prior in 4X4 the vans are only 2 wheel drive oh boy. We made it thankfully an additional hour later. The ride its self was interesting for me as I was with two of the three freshman we took with us they didn't stop talking the hole time and they had to ask Ms.Ross what she thought about every conversation topic on nothing!! We stopped for the restroom and a quick lunch and COFFEE Cup 1 around 11:55 am! We finally arrived right around 1:10 pm, missed opening ceremonies, and just made the first workshop. The students got their folders and took off I got mine and the T-shirts for every one along with COFFEE Cup 2 ! During the AET teacher workshop it worked out quite well having a student account log in from 311 to work through the student side without making a fake one or messing a students up. Mr.Campbell and I switch for the workshop so He could see the student side and I could play with the Teacher side of things. I worked on the chapters website, highlight real of student SAEs ! Our workshop wasn't as long as the students so we had time to check into our rooms before we had to keep track of all of our Minoans and their rooms.
When every one was checked in we meet for dinner every on was there but the two freshmen Surprise Not they had gotten lost in their room Really? It was realized that we had forgotten the chapter camera amongst all the confusion in the morning. However, I had mine fro my blog with me so it worked out I went up to get it when I went to find our two missing girls. During Dinner they told us about their workshops and how We have to do the "Teach Ag Photo Contest for you (me)" and he last three students in my Leadership class deiced to join the rest and do the TAGS essay contest. They were dismissed and changed quicker then you would think possible to get ready for the dance I was just as guilty I wanted my Jeans. The student teachers found a table and kept tabs on our students, they all thought it was funny that one of mine had a fireman's helmet on til Meagan's came in with a full Spider man costume on. All the students' wanted was for the student teachers to join them on the dance floor they succeed for the Chicken dance and Timber in hindsight may have been a bad idea for being sour form Thursday but it was great to see that the student really want to just have fun with their teachers and us student teachers.
After the dance I checked all our girls into their rooms for the evening telling them to have all their stuff packed and ready to go before we all went to the moment of inspiration in the morning. Then I went with Quinn and Meagan to volunteer for courtesy call, which we thought went on till around midnight but they called us back before than. I relay felt like a teacher because I kept checking on my Freshman girls' room and asked Meagan to check my girlfriend to one of the boys room on her floor what felt like 20 times, checked on her room at least 5 myself. Once back to our room we started to talk about our student teaching experiences but both fell asleep in mid conversation.
In the morning I checked all our girls rooms again making sure they were all up and ready I didn't have to but I just wanted to check on them so the day was smooth running, that and if they listened to my instructions from the night before. They were all ready, well the freshman were missing from their room It scared the crap out of me and I started to panic. They turned up dressed and ready to go in the Girlfriend room.Thank You God! We all headed down to the banquet hall for our moment of inspiration and breakfast. during inspiration, Mr.Campbell was very impressed that I had everyone there and ready to go ,I was relay happy to see one of the quieter girls who wasn't going to come volunteer for a part in the services. At the end of the closing program we instructed them all to go get their things and head to the vans. The ride home was just as interesting as the ride down, it really makes you appreciate and the weekends your student. We hit bad weather right on the boarder of Summerset and Bedfored and our good time home ended up 30minuets passed the estimated time, positive we didn't have to wait for any parents.
Overall my first impression of ACES was confused and it still is confused as to why chapters travail to Harrisburg for one not even a half a day of workshops squeezed into a short amount of time, the longest part is the dances! I feel that they need to look at the 4-H teen leader reiterate set up so that the students get more out of it and it makes it more worth wild for the chapters.
On to the Next adventure ,SLC, til then!
After the dance I checked all our girls into their rooms for the evening telling them to have all their stuff packed and ready to go before we all went to the moment of inspiration in the morning. Then I went with Quinn and Meagan to volunteer for courtesy call, which we thought went on till around midnight but they called us back before than. I relay felt like a teacher because I kept checking on my Freshman girls' room and asked Meagan to check my girlfriend to one of the boys room on her floor what felt like 20 times, checked on her room at least 5 myself. Once back to our room we started to talk about our student teaching experiences but both fell asleep in mid conversation.
In the morning I checked all our girls rooms again making sure they were all up and ready I didn't have to but I just wanted to check on them so the day was smooth running, that and if they listened to my instructions from the night before. They were all ready, well the freshman were missing from their room It scared the crap out of me and I started to panic. They turned up dressed and ready to go in the Girlfriend room.Thank You God! We all headed down to the banquet hall for our moment of inspiration and breakfast. during inspiration, Mr.Campbell was very impressed that I had everyone there and ready to go ,I was relay happy to see one of the quieter girls who wasn't going to come volunteer for a part in the services. At the end of the closing program we instructed them all to go get their things and head to the vans. The ride home was just as interesting as the ride down, it really makes you appreciate and the weekends your student. We hit bad weather right on the boarder of Summerset and Bedfored and our good time home ended up 30minuets passed the estimated time, positive we didn't have to wait for any parents.
Overall my first impression of ACES was confused and it still is confused as to why chapters travail to Harrisburg for one not even a half a day of workshops squeezed into a short amount of time, the longest part is the dances! I feel that they need to look at the 4-H teen leader reiterate set up so that the students get more out of it and it makes it more worth wild for the chapters.
On to the Next adventure ,SLC, til then!
Tuesday, February 18, 2014
All you need is Love......Well More like All you need is Food
Hi all I know I'm late again.....I'm working on it.
This week was full of those blog-able moments, in part some to Dr. Ewing's visit on Wednesday you can only give so many empty threats to students before they call your bluff ! Thursday had to be in my opinion, that is what this is all about,the one to talk about. In my large 8animal science class I am not playing favorites they are just very interesting students, they just as surprised by what they pull most of the time it was the last day of goat nutrition finally we went back to a point that was mentioned a few time throughout the lesson but never really hit hard "Goats are Selective Eaters". To drive this point home I had them take 3 different kinds of cereal always remember to take the supply list wit you to Walmart or you end up improvising/ grabbing random crap you don't need or is just wrong it ended up being 2 kinds of cereal and potato sticks, long story short it worked.
The Students say food when they walked into class and Ms.Ross became "your my favorite teacher". This went on up to the point I told them "Now, separate the cereal out again" after they had mixed it all up real good oh all the moaning and yet I found myself laughing at how fast their feelings changed ,when asked how did you feel about that, hard or easy, it was the hardest thing in the world I know this could have gone wrong ,but I ignored this student frustration, it was really just high school students being high school students. After more discussion the next step was to remix the cereals together, boy were they hesitant to mix up as well as they did the first time, right up to the point I told them to put it into their zip lock baggie they thought they were down hahaha not so easy. For lack of better wording on my part I told them to take their bag and pound the crap out of it All the pounding and caring on made Mr. Campbell a little nervous because he came into the room pretty quick to see what was going on.
Once the bags had all landed on desks and looked like sweepings of the floor the students were instructed to separate the cereal out again, they didn't whine this just laughed at me till they realized I was dead series. "It's Impossible" "It can't be done", "You're crazy" yes but that's not the point I picked the discussion back up and with the very first question , how did you feel about that, easy or hard? All the light bulbs went off at the same time I need sunglasses they were literally trying to scream the answer over each other I was smiling so much and couldn't stop once order was restored each of them got to share or add on to the others thought on grinding the feed finer prevents goats from picking out ingredients in their feed compared to larger textured mix yes yes yes. After this great epiphany I figured I would go head and push my luck, so we mad a deal if they could answer all of my questions and each one of them answered just one correctly they wouldn't have a written quiz on Monday I was hoping this didn't back fire and ruin my day, Mr.Campbell's face definitely echoed that thought with a why are you pushing it. Lucky I wasn't disappointed by my students, each one of them answered at least one and they were all correct Ms.Ross was the favorite again HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY, really made remember Why I love teaching Ag and me glad I stuck it out! It also probably didn't hurt that I left them eat the rest of the cereal and random things we didn't us.
Til next time!
The Students say food when they walked into class and Ms.Ross became "your my favorite teacher". This went on up to the point I told them "Now, separate the cereal out again" after they had mixed it all up real good oh all the moaning and yet I found myself laughing at how fast their feelings changed ,when asked how did you feel about that, hard or easy, it was the hardest thing in the world I know this could have gone wrong ,but I ignored this student frustration, it was really just high school students being high school students. After more discussion the next step was to remix the cereals together, boy were they hesitant to mix up as well as they did the first time, right up to the point I told them to put it into their zip lock baggie they thought they were down hahaha not so easy. For lack of better wording on my part I told them to take their bag and pound the crap out of it All the pounding and caring on made Mr. Campbell a little nervous because he came into the room pretty quick to see what was going on.
Once the bags had all landed on desks and looked like sweepings of the floor the students were instructed to separate the cereal out again, they didn't whine this just laughed at me till they realized I was dead series. "It's Impossible" "It can't be done", "You're crazy" yes but that's not the point I picked the discussion back up and with the very first question , how did you feel about that, easy or hard? All the light bulbs went off at the same time I need sunglasses they were literally trying to scream the answer over each other I was smiling so much and couldn't stop once order was restored each of them got to share or add on to the others thought on grinding the feed finer prevents goats from picking out ingredients in their feed compared to larger textured mix yes yes yes. After this great epiphany I figured I would go head and push my luck, so we mad a deal if they could answer all of my questions and each one of them answered just one correctly they wouldn't have a written quiz on Monday I was hoping this didn't back fire and ruin my day, Mr.Campbell's face definitely echoed that thought with a why are you pushing it. Lucky I wasn't disappointed by my students, each one of them answered at least one and they were all correct Ms.Ross was the favorite again HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY, really made remember Why I love teaching Ag and me glad I stuck it out! It also probably didn't hurt that I left them eat the rest of the cereal and random things we didn't us. Til next time!
Monday, February 10, 2014
Lost in Translation ......
Hi all I know I'm a little late with this but better late than never right?
This past Tuesday was my first official observation from Mr. Campbell and I don't know if I could have picked a worse day to introduce one of the long term projects for my Animal Science class. Their project is tracking livestock market values from January 27th to April 21st to if their is a change and factors effecting these changes. I was really excited but all that enthusiasm got the best of me sending clarity right out the door, I was not communicating the instructions as well as what I thought ignoring the need to know and adding to much nice to know. To make maters a little worse I had opened class on a shaky foot with my students giving them a Pop Quiz to gauge where they stood and more importantly where my instruction stood.
When the bell rang to end this nightmare I already new that it had gone awful, may be horrendous is a better word , it was written all over my face but Mr.Campbell still asked "What do you think?" kinda laughing at my answer that he said he all ready new and went on to tell me that it wasn't as bad as what I thought and I'm right where I should be at this point. Easy for him to say, I was the one in front of the class digging a huge hole to put myself in. "Remember you know the content,they don't that's why you are here to Teach them as you Learn." True True. That made me calm down and realize I was over reacting this was week two of teaching and this was just one day, I'd hit refresh and start over tomorrow. But that pop quiz popped back in my mind. What if they flunked it, I can't do this . The first thing I did was grade those quizzes during lunch, to my relief 19 of the 23 passed it with an 80% or higher (1 student still needs to take it) and those who didn't t thought it was romper room ,because Ms.Ross is a student teacher, the first couple of classes. Oh oh yes yes yes I did it they got it so I did it, why did I doubt myself, Mr. Campbell was right.
Breathing and reevaluating the days lesson I decided that this project was to valuable for the students just to trash based on today. So I made up a Cheat Sheet with step by step instructions, definitions , and example for each item the students need to find. It turned out that was the key ,now they understand and have something to refer back to. They also know that they just need to ask when they are stuck because no mater how much I hate to admit it I forget and need to refer back once in while.
The rest of the week went much better when the students walked into the classroom and found ruminant puzzle pieces on their desks Wednesday as their ,up and moving, bell work for What is a ruminant?, originally a Beef lesson but was relocated for relevance and a nice review seaway into sheep/goat nutrition. Thursday they found a note on the board to go to the barn, so they could all see the newest additions.
The biggest take away from this week for me was I don't need to be perfect right out of the box "I'm here to teach and intern be taught." I thought I was ready to turn in my towel but with a little pep talk, real data evidence , and some self reflection I can do this and have no desire to have the words I can't cross my mind or lips again.
Til next time !
Breathing and reevaluating the days lesson I decided that this project was to valuable for the students just to trash based on today. So I made up a Cheat Sheet with step by step instructions, definitions , and example for each item the students need to find. It turned out that was the key ,now they understand and have something to refer back to. They also know that they just need to ask when they are stuck because no mater how much I hate to admit it I forget and need to refer back once in while.
The rest of the week went much better when the students walked into the classroom and found ruminant puzzle pieces on their desks Wednesday as their ,up and moving, bell work for What is a ruminant?, originally a Beef lesson but was relocated for relevance and a nice review seaway into sheep/goat nutrition. Thursday they found a note on the board to go to the barn, so they could all see the newest additions.
The biggest take away from this week for me was I don't need to be perfect right out of the box "I'm here to teach and intern be taught." I thought I was ready to turn in my towel but with a little pep talk, real data evidence , and some self reflection I can do this and have no desire to have the words I can't cross my mind or lips again. Til next time !
Thursday, January 30, 2014
Snowday,Tail docking, school board meeting, FFA week planing OH My!!
One word AMAZING !!!
Hi all it is the end of week two and it has been anything but dull. Yes, I understand it is still the so called Honeymoon phase but it has been great. It started on Monday starting my first class Large Animal Science, well that's not completely true it started Sunday with playing school with my friends Jodi and Chris to prepare for my lesson and try and cure my sever case of butterflies. The preparation paid off but no such luck with the butterflies, they would stick around till after my class.
Monday, I assisted teaching Poultry terminology to both the 1st and 4th period Introduction classes. Far from my strong point but it turned out to be a good thing when confusion ensued over two terms being miss used. I have to admit before this goes any further that if I could hide during 3rd period I would beyond dreading teaching this class for the one unit I have in Ag Construction. Ok, now that's out of the way, we can move on. The Experts , as they will be referred to from now on, decided to criticizes and harass Mr.Campbell during his pipe cutting demonstration, as well as were hats and no safety glasses in the shop. They also like to try and buffalo myself , to add to this some of the shop hand tools and implements have been growing legs after this particular period. 5th period is Greenhouse Production and Floral Design, I observed greenhouse as the were learning how to use the seeder to plant their spring crops that they had selected/assigned the previous week. Finally, it was time for my first class. Introduced myself, got the students expectation and brief background, went over classroom expectations/ procedures/ consequences, and the essential Sheep & Goat need to knows. Right after this if you had asked me how I did I would have told you Crash & Burned, however, after some refection during my observation in 8th period Career & Leadership class as they finished up their Job Shadowing letters before I started teaching on Wednesday. Reflection with Mr.Campbell at the end of the day went well he said " It was very appropriate for the first day class and introducing the unit." he also felt that it went well.
Tuesday was well below zero so I had a "Snow Day" and like every responsible student teacher I had arts and craft day.
Wednesday, was a 2 hour delay that really made me brain dead day for some reason ,I walked off without my days lesson plan because I had taken to make sure I was well prepared. In addition to this I got to the school left my keys in my truck ,luckily the doors were not locked, and when I came back in and took my coat off realized I had my sweater on backwards , no one was there to see it thankfully. To add to the morning in it was a delay schedule that skips 1st and 2nd period and goes straight to 3rd. Their was another commentary demonstration by the experts and almost fire, when one of them didn't turn off the propane torch and knocked it off the table into one of the wood working projects, it only scorched no flame actually had the chance to start. In 4th period it was lab day, I was put with the horticulture group to finish their Valentine candy sundae arrangements. Once I found all the materials it went really well. In 5th period it dawned on me to go on dropbox to get a copy of my lesson plan and make sure the power point worked, success! During my large animal science class I posted my DID YOU KNOW...goats are great swimmers. We also introduced our semester farm plan project (first part is due February 25th), hypothesized why the sheep & goat industry was developed and what came first the chicken or the egg. I got
every answer but chicken or egg the most popular dinosaur, thank goodness they got the next
question what came first the sheep or the goat? sheep, goat,
both. Real answer the Goat. 8th period students continued to work on their Job Shadowing letters. I felt that the lesson went really well compared to the day before and Mr.Campbell had the same thought. After school I attended my first Derry FFA officers meeting were planing for FFA week were under way for a high school teacher appreciation breakfast, Blue& Gold day Boot day, Hat day,Plaid day, Canned food drive,Hot Chocolate & Popsicle sale , and Snow tubing.
Thursday, was finally a full day of school and the 9th graders in 1st and 4th period got to another lab day to make up for some of the snow day interference . Once again I worked with the horticulture groups finishing the arrangements and then getting them started on their green house crop research before planting. 4th period had one small incident with a girl playing a game on her ipod not phone as she informed me when I told her to put it away after she went into the restroom and screamed the F word as loud as she could because her game or what ever killed her. She received a zero for her lab grade for the day, even tho she told me I couldn't do that, Surprise, I Can! 5th period I observed the floral design class that I will start teaching this coming Wednesday. Animal Science we took
a small detour from our lesson on breeding systems to ear tag and dock the lambs. (Tag the left ear , when looking at the back of the head 1/3rd away from the head; Docking- Market between the 1st & 2nd vertebrata Breeding between the 2nd & 3rd vertebrata). I demonstrated and talked through the process on the first lamb asking my favorite question WHY? before we went up to the barn I handed out to job sheets so everyone had the steps to both process handy as well as an article on the controversy of dock length . I also answered a question from the day before as my DID YOU KNOW....the folds of skin on the breast and neck of a Merino Sheep is called a Dewlap. After my demonstration I had a different student hold the 2nd lamb while one student docked the tail and another tagged. 8th period was my first day of Career& Leadership introduced myself, got the students expectation and brief background,
went over classroom expectations/ procedures/ consequences, and did charades to introduced the importance of communication. At the end of the day reflection I felt really really good about both classes and received a great review from Mr.Campbell. Monday will be my first official review. After school was an all members FFA meeting and then at 6pm I attended a school board meeting where the advisory committee proposed hiring a second teacher for the program which was met with the majority of support, however, there was some resistance, it will go to vote in the following week.
This has been an AMAZING week I'm loving Student Teaching at DAH ,Till next time !!!!!!
Hi all it is the end of week two and it has been anything but dull. Yes, I understand it is still the so called Honeymoon phase but it has been great. It started on Monday starting my first class Large Animal Science, well that's not completely true it started Sunday with playing school with my friends Jodi and Chris to prepare for my lesson and try and cure my sever case of butterflies. The preparation paid off but no such luck with the butterflies, they would stick around till after my class.Monday, I assisted teaching Poultry terminology to both the 1st and 4th period Introduction classes. Far from my strong point but it turned out to be a good thing when confusion ensued over two terms being miss used. I have to admit before this goes any further that if I could hide during 3rd period I would beyond dreading teaching this class for the one unit I have in Ag Construction. Ok, now that's out of the way, we can move on. The Experts , as they will be referred to from now on, decided to criticizes and harass Mr.Campbell during his pipe cutting demonstration, as well as were hats and no safety glasses in the shop. They also like to try and buffalo myself , to add to this some of the shop hand tools and implements have been growing legs after this particular period. 5th period is Greenhouse Production and Floral Design, I observed greenhouse as the were learning how to use the seeder to plant their spring crops that they had selected/assigned the previous week. Finally, it was time for my first class. Introduced myself, got the students expectation and brief background, went over classroom expectations/ procedures/ consequences, and the essential Sheep & Goat need to knows. Right after this if you had asked me how I did I would have told you Crash & Burned, however, after some refection during my observation in 8th period Career & Leadership class as they finished up their Job Shadowing letters before I started teaching on Wednesday. Reflection with Mr.Campbell at the end of the day went well he said " It was very appropriate for the first day class and introducing the unit." he also felt that it went well.Tuesday was well below zero so I had a "Snow Day" and like every responsible student teacher I had arts and craft day.
Wednesday, was a 2 hour delay that really made me brain dead day for some reason ,I walked off without my days lesson plan because I had taken to make sure I was well prepared. In addition to this I got to the school left my keys in my truck ,luckily the doors were not locked, and when I came back in and took my coat off realized I had my sweater on backwards , no one was there to see it thankfully. To add to the morning in it was a delay schedule that skips 1st and 2nd period and goes straight to 3rd. Their was another commentary demonstration by the experts and almost fire, when one of them didn't turn off the propane torch and knocked it off the table into one of the wood working projects, it only scorched no flame actually had the chance to start. In 4th period it was lab day, I was put with the horticulture group to finish their Valentine candy sundae arrangements. Once I found all the materials it went really well. In 5th period it dawned on me to go on dropbox to get a copy of my lesson plan and make sure the power point worked, success! During my large animal science class I posted my DID YOU KNOW...goats are great swimmers. We also introduced our semester farm plan project (first part is due February 25th), hypothesized why the sheep & goat industry was developed and what came first the chicken or the egg. I got
every answer but chicken or egg the most popular dinosaur, thank goodness they got the next
question what came first the sheep or the goat? sheep, goat,
both. Real answer the Goat. 8th period students continued to work on their Job Shadowing letters. I felt that the lesson went really well compared to the day before and Mr.Campbell had the same thought. After school I attended my first Derry FFA officers meeting were planing for FFA week were under way for a high school teacher appreciation breakfast, Blue& Gold day Boot day, Hat day,Plaid day, Canned food drive,Hot Chocolate & Popsicle sale , and Snow tubing. 
Thursday, was finally a full day of school and the 9th graders in 1st and 4th period got to another lab day to make up for some of the snow day interference . Once again I worked with the horticulture groups finishing the arrangements and then getting them started on their green house crop research before planting. 4th period had one small incident with a girl playing a game on her ipod not phone as she informed me when I told her to put it away after she went into the restroom and screamed the F word as loud as she could because her game or what ever killed her. She received a zero for her lab grade for the day, even tho she told me I couldn't do that, Surprise, I Can! 5th period I observed the floral design class that I will start teaching this coming Wednesday. Animal Science we took
a small detour from our lesson on breeding systems to ear tag and dock the lambs. (Tag the left ear , when looking at the back of the head 1/3rd away from the head; Docking- Market between the 1st & 2nd vertebrata Breeding between the 2nd & 3rd vertebrata). I demonstrated and talked through the process on the first lamb asking my favorite question WHY? before we went up to the barn I handed out to job sheets so everyone had the steps to both process handy as well as an article on the controversy of dock length . I also answered a question from the day before as my DID YOU KNOW....the folds of skin on the breast and neck of a Merino Sheep is called a Dewlap. After my demonstration I had a different student hold the 2nd lamb while one student docked the tail and another tagged. 8th period was my first day of Career& Leadership introduced myself, got the students expectation and brief background,
went over classroom expectations/ procedures/ consequences, and did charades to introduced the importance of communication. At the end of the day reflection I felt really really good about both classes and received a great review from Mr.Campbell. Monday will be my first official review. After school was an all members FFA meeting and then at 6pm I attended a school board meeting where the advisory committee proposed hiring a second teacher for the program which was met with the majority of support, however, there was some resistance, it will go to vote in the following week. This has been an AMAZING week I'm loving Student Teaching at DAH ,Till next time !!!!!!
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