Educational Blogging

 Educational Blogs are useful for many reasons. In ETEC486 we used blogging as a way to further our education as future teachers. We were able to pick from various topics where we could be creative while also gaining knowledge on many important theories, strategies, and ideas that could help us become better teachers. In General, Educational Blogs can be used for communication with students/parents, course content, course management, and students’ progress. I think overall Blogs can give students and parents a sense of community. Having said that, blogs don’t only have to be for teachers. Once students are old enough they could make their own blogs. Blogs written by students can promote autonomous learning, discussion among students, and motivation to become better readers and writers. This will give students a space to have their own journal to create, explore and expand their knowledge on many topics. On one hand, I think the biggest concern when it comes to blogging is that it may take up more time than we have. This can sometimes take away time from Educational study. On the other hand, I truly believe that the advantages of blogging outweigh the disadvantages. Blogs can also allow students to broaden their perspectives, invite feedback, and give students a voice on something they are passionate about. And on top of that, it could be fun and engaging! 

A picture showing the different ways to use 
educational blogging. 

As mentioned, blogging and reading blogs is a great ways to learn new information. I’ve loved being able to read my fellow peer’s blogs. I love how all the blogs talk about many different things. For example, Teachers Shape Future Generations, Why Not Pay Them More? Amani goes into detail about the reality of how much teachers make. I never actually knew the logistics of it. She mentions “  A teacher with their masters' degree in Tennessee has an average salary of $53,000.. it costs approximately $87,600 to maintain a home, healthcare, and other essentials.”  When it really comes down to it, teachers are getting burnt out, walked over, and underpaid. As said, most of us have dreamed of being teachers since we were young kids. Sadly, our country doesn’t see the importance of raising our pay as we are essential workers to society and the future generation of kids. In another blog, Riley Breen discusses the importance of mental health. I am glad that mental health is being taken more seriously than it ever was. She mentions that we spend more time with students than we probably think. It’s important to know when our students are showing signs of mental health issues. Sometimes all a student needs is someone that will listen and be there for them. As teachers, we should always be willing to take our students in with open arms. Students will not learn academically if they’re struggling with mental health. Lastly, I got to read Makayla Weaver’s blog on Cyberbullying. In a world that is so tech-savvy, bullying happens more online than in person. This makes complete sense, it’s easier to say something behind a screen than to someone’s face. Talking about mental health before, cyberbullying can actually be extremely negative to someone’s mental state. Makayla makes good points about how it’s important to inform our students about the impact of cyberbullying. And as educators, we should closely monitor what goes on while our students are using various online resources. Especially now more than ever. 

Before this class, I had never actually made a blog or known the benefits of having one. This was my first time making and publishing a blogging site. Personally, I’ve always been into blogging/ short story writing. Right now, I keep a journal where I write about the places I travel to, the things I do, and random thoughts I have on mindset, kids, etc. One day I would love to have my own personal blog. I really do enjoy writing, especially when I have the freedom on what it’s about. I would love to incorporate blogging into my classroom for my students. I think it’s a great way for students to just write without there being too much pressure on them. I’m glad this class has allowed me to explore the benefits of educational blogging.

My Digital Story: The Water Cycle

 This Digital Story was created to break down the 4 stages of the water cycle into a fun and easy way to understand. This Digital Story Aligns with Tennessee Science Standard: 3.ESS2.1 (Explain the cycle of water on Earth.)

Whole Child Approach

Whole Child Approach Refers a shift from a limited focus on academic accomplishment to a broader perspective of the skills and information that all children must acquire in order to achieve long-term success. According to http://www.wholechildeducation.org , there are " five tenets of a whole child education —healthy, safe, engaged, supported, and challenged—to provide a framework and understanding of what a whole child approach to education means." Looking at students as a whole can really change the outcome of their education. If students are mentally and physically well, they will strive in many ways.

Healthy

 Each student should enter the school healthy and taken care of. 

 What schools can do:

 - Prioritize recess and gym to ensure students get the right amount of exercise and time outside.

 - Offer healthy snack/ lunch options for students and provide education on nutrition.

 - The school should have staff that addresses the physical, mental, emotional, and social aspects of student health.

 Safe 

 Every student is an environment where they are safe, emotionally and physically. 

 What schools can do: 

 - There should be rules and procedures that students and parents must follow. 

 - Teachers should reinforce rules and help children develop coping skills.

 - Schools should go over fire, tornado, weather, etc drills often. 

 Engaged: 

 Each student is engaged and interested in the learning. The student is connected to the school and community. 

 What schools can do: 

 - Monitor students success and progress. 

 - Goal setting techniques 

 - Teachers should provide fun activities that allow collaboration to develop their life skills.

 - The curriculum should not only encourage students to understand what they are learning, but to also know why they are learning it. 

 Supported: Each student is accommodated and supported by all teachers and adults. 

 What schools can do:

 - Make sure parents know they are supported and are aware of the services that are offered for them and their children. 

 - Students receive personalized learning and are given individual attention and support.

 - Give students the right resources to identify and express their emotions. 

 Challenged: Each student is challenged in order to succeed in the future. 

 What schools can do: 

 - make challenging materials for students to understand the world around them 

 - Work with families to determine what success may look like for their child and how education can help the child reach their goals. 

 Overview 

 The Whole Child Approach ensures a child's full development while also assisting each student in improving their academic achievement as they mature. The goal of the method is to give all children the support and structure they need to achieve long-term success in all aspects of their lives. 

 Resources: http://www.wholechildeducation.org/blog/understanding-the-whole-child-approach-with-tenets-indicators-and-component https://www.pta.org/docs/default-source/files/cfe/2019/what-is-whole-child-education.pdf

Parental Involvement

According to Waterford.org, an organization dedicated to assisting children in achieving success through access to lifelong education, parental involvement in the educational process means that teachers and parents share responsibility for teaching students and collaborate to achieve educational goals. To this day, the researchers recommends that teachers welcome parents to frequent school meetings and events, and that parents actively commit to these objectives.

The Effect on Students 

Research from the National Coalition for Parent Involvement in Education shares that “no matter their income or background, students with involved parents are more likely to have higher grades and test scores, attend school regularly, have better social skills, show improved behavior and adapt well to school.”

According to the SEDL the benefits on students of parental insolvent include: -

- Higher grades and test scores, enrollment in more advanced programs

- Grade promotions, earn more credit.

- Better school attendance and homework completion rates

- Improved social skills and behavior allows students to acclimate better to school environments

- Higher self-esteem

- High school graduation and advancement to post-secondary education

Benefits for Teacher

Teachers already have so much on their plate. Having healthy parent/teacher relationships can truly help out everyone. When parents and teachers work together to establish a thriving classroom, the effect on their students is profound. 

Here are some of the advantages that parents who participate actively in their children's education provide to educators and schools:

- Teachers and administrators have better work satisfaction and morale. 

- The teaching profession is held in higher regard by parents. 

- Communication between educators, parents, and administration improves. 

- Parents that are actively involved in their children's education have a higher impression of their children's schools. 

- Parent-involved school programs perform better and provide better service.

Ways To Increase Parental Involvement

To turn involvement into parent partnerships, use these parent engagement strategies: 

- Early in the school year, provide parents your contact information and get to know them. That way, they'll feel safe approaching you if they have any questions. 

- Create opportunities for parents to interact with their children's school. Volunteer shifts, classroom activities, and parent-teacher committees are all excellent ways to get involved. 

- Openly communicate your classroom goals and expectations to parents, and ask them to do the same. 

- As much as possible, interact with your parents in person. Keep parents informed about forthcoming class events through emails, texts, or apps. 

- Address typical barriers to parent engagement, such as schedule issues or an intimidating environment.

Parental involvement in schools benefits not just children and teachers, but also families. Parents are better linked to the school community and can give more consistent support for their children at home. Parents who participate are champions not only for their children, but also for wider school programs that benefit the whole student population.

Resources

https://www.nea.org/tools/17360.htm

https://www.responsiveclassroom.org/what-research-says-about-parent-involvement/ 

https://sedl.org 

Classroom Management

    Classroom management may improve or break a classroom environment. Classroom management systems function because they create an organized learning environment that improves students' academic skills and competencies, as well as their social and emotional growth. According to American Psychological Association "Effective classroom management: Establishes and sustains an orderly environment in the classroom, increases meaningful academic learning and facilitates social and emotional growth, and decreases negative behaviors and increases time spent academically engaged.Setting classroom norms, boundaries, and expectations can help children thrive while avoiding chaos. Students need some basic structure and consistency to feel safe and to focus.

    As a future teacher and current gymnastics coach I believe there are 5 principles for a good classroom setting. 

 1.BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS

Teacher effectiveness and student achievement are both impacted by student-teacher relationships. A student's motivation to listen, learn, and achieve increases when they feel respected, cared for, and connected to their teacher. Learning becomes difficult when students do not feel safe or valued in the classroom. Students who feel connected to their teachers, on the other hand, are more likely to succeed.

2. SETting RULES, BOUNDARIES, AND EXPECTATIONS

As previously stated, children require some basic structure and consistency in order to feel safe and focused. Classroom rules are established to teach students how to act in a proper and safe manner in the classroom, thereby improving student learning. Teachers can keep class routines and student expectations for classwork and behavior by establishing classroom rules and procedures. Clear and visible classroom rules and procedures help students understand what is and is not acceptable, as well as the consequences of breaking the rules.

3. taking A STRENGTH-BASED APPROACH

Strengths-based education is a learner-centered teaching approach that assists students in identifying, articulating, and applying individual skills that are relevant to their learning needs. Even when it's inconvenient, it means never forgetting to look beneath the surface of behavior. It entails locating the source of the issue, no matter how difficult it may be.

4. Personal health

We must know ourselves to be a good teacher, as I've heard many times this semester. It is necessary for us to look after ourselves. You must be healthy in order for students to learn effectively. Investing in your own self-care can help you improve your executive function, empathy, and resilience—all of which will help you make better decisions in the classroom.

5. Parent/teacher relationships

   Parents, guardians, and caregivers want to hear that you see their child's positive qualities. In the classroom, having a positive relationship with your parents can be very beneficial. Giving parents a sense of belonging can help with classroom management. It is critical that parents are involved and aware of what is going on in order to provide support and reinforcement at home.

As a gymnastics coach I have implemented all of these principles into my coaching. I take pride in the coach I am today but know I am still learning and growing. I would love to hear your thoughts on classroom management. 

Resources: https://www.apa.org/education-career/k12/modules-classroom-management