Hello Hello, welcome to my first blog! For all of you who have gotten a chance to meet me, you know that my name is technically Christian. Both Christine and Christian are technically, me in this case. My name is Christine Allen and I am a senior Early Childhood Education Major at Illinois State University, born and raised all over Chicago. As an ECE major, I'm the type who loves working with the sweet and adorable babies, toddlers and preschoolers. Despite where my passion may lay; I'm studying to go as far as 3rd grade. This semester I'm practicing my studies in a 2nd grade classroom. I'm anxious to find what awaits me at this new school. I'm currently counting down the days until I'm completing my last clinical, then it's off to begin student teaching.At this point in my academic career, if I were to develop four goals this semester they'd include putting some polish on my teaching persona, chatting it up with current teachers and lastly, take my greatest shot at creating and implementing science and social studies lessons. I'll be taking you all a sort of journey with me to kick off my first blog page!
My first goal is to really become Ms. Christine, the teacher. Seeing that this is my last year studying teaching before I'm applying to actually teach in my own classroom. This semester I want to become more creative, reflective, cultured and talented with my teaching skills. I want to strengthen my teacher voice, especially since these students are not babies anymore. What type of teacher would I be if I thought I'd make it without a couple of classroom management strategies handy for both me and my students? I realized in my past clinical classroom how important classroom management is until the real teacher left me alone and in charge. As far as my becoming more creative in my pedagogy, I'm sure my classes will not let me drop the ball on that one. I'm moving and further from the stifling ways of teaching that many students my age endured.With the many assignments and projects I have this semester, it's just the push I need to become more innovative with my teaching. With each new classroom that I work with, I challenge myself to become a bit more cultured and reflective. That will remain the same yet again this semester.
My second goal is to get to know as many new people as possible, my students and networking with other education professionals. I really want all the help I can get from other professionals. This is of course one of the best times to do it. In my past clinical schools, I never talked much unless it was with my cooperating teacher or other students from my school. I also want to get to know my students as much as I can. That way I can better tend to their needs. I just hope when the time comes, I do not shy away from building great new relationships.
Third goal of mine is to create and implement an amazing science lesson. So far my teacher has split us into groups and I must say I'm anxious to work with these 2 classmates. It's not too often you hear about the great things teachers are doing with science in their K-3 classrooms. Ladies and gentleman, look no further. One of my courses this semester is all about creating and implementing science at the elementary school level.
My last goal is to discover just how to teach engaging social studies lessons. After reviewing the assignments from my 277 course, all I will be able to do is some up with lessons. My goal is that my professor is not only challenging me to produce numerous ideas but to make it engaging and interactive. I've never been asked to create a social studies lesson plan before, this will definitely be interesting. History has always been one of my favorite subjects and I hope I get my students to find some joy in it too.
Now that I've shared my goals with you all, and plan to keep in touch; help a sister out and leave some comments. Journey with me through my first blog and let me know what you thinking!
Think about it
