Classroom Management

I worked at a daycare for some time. I can remember the first day I was asked to substitute a three year old classroom. I went in there without a lesson plan just thinking that I would read a couple of stories and maybe draw a couple of pictures, take them outside and everything would be good. Well after about 5 minutes of story time and 3 minutes of drawing they were running all over the room. Some were going to the bathroom, some wanted to play with dolls, some wanted to cut...oh it was a mess! The next day I came prepared just in case. I had activities cut out, songs to sing, dances to dance.. oh I made sure I was ready for them. The difference between the two days was like black and white. Of course they were three year olds so they didn't sit quietly the entire time but they were manageable.

Underpaid Teachers

I believe that the reason we have a lot of African American males on the streets and dropping out of high school has a lot to do with teacher's attitudes. There is a lot of stereotyping and labeling done right in the classrooms. I believe if teachers were being paid more, as much as a doctor or lawyer, we would have more teachers trying to help all kids succeed instead of just conveying information. Now I do believe that there are a lot of good teachers out there, I am the product of a couple of those great teachers. Yet, there are plenty of teachers teaching just to get a pay check. I believe if teaching were a more prestigious career and if they were paid as such we would have more teachers who actually cared about the success of their students regardless of race.

Hi. I don't have much to blog about today. I have three daughters ages 4, 6, and 8. I also have a 3 month old son. My two oldest daughters go to an urban school so I will tell you about their experiences. Currently I am a stay at home mom, hopefully until I finish my degree. Kalyn is in the 3rd grade. She makes good grades, is sort of a self starter, independent. While Kylah is also smart, more time must be taken with her. Since they attend an urban school that failed last year, there is a lot of buzz about attending a literacy fair and coming to math night etc. They even provide meals for some of the events. Although I am not a single parent, nor do I work - for a paycheck that is- I still find it hard to attend these events. I want to be supportive and I know that every bit helps yet life is very busy. Now for me, since I am an educated parent it is not a problem for me to take time out and help my kids with subjects they struggle with. I often wonder about those single parents who must work yet they may not know how to help their kids. If it is hard for me to attend just think about those parents. I would like to find another way to reach parents with busy schedules who would like to help their kids but can't find the time to go to the different workshops offered by the schools.