Weekly Thoughts

I GOT A PLACEMENT!!!!!! YAY!! My self placement at Stevens Elementary in Dawson was approved by the SMSU placement department and I can began logging my hours with the amazing Jenna Williamson. I am so excited. This weeks IRIS module was amazing. I loved learning more about implementing a comprehensive behavior management plan in the classroom and learning how I can try to close the cultural gaps by learning more about my students and their cultural norms. We have a large Micronesian population in our school district that I work in and I have noticed that in their culture it is normal for the children to go from one house to another and for them to care for each others children while their parents return to the island. They also have many different cultural norms then I do. The children do not have a set bedtime and are allowed to stay up late thus making them tired during school. We have tried different things over the years to make changes to what is normal for them to benefit the students ability to learn but perhaps a different approach should be taken. When should something that effects a students ability to be present and attend to instruction be addressed and when should it be left alone because that is just how it is in their culture? Lack of sleep isn't something the teacher or student can change without the parents being on board with the change, especially when most of these kiddos are living in a house or apartment with one, two or more other families. Wow, I didn't mean to go off an a tangent about that, but it really does make you think. One last thought. I am not sure what to change on my Chapter 3 question answers that you want me to re do. Can you give me a little more guidance please and thank you.