Autumn Combs Seminar Reflection Log Speaker 1- Ms.

Stone
Ms. Stone spoke to our class today. Today we had a lockdown in the school so when she got to our class she explained to us that the lock down was just a drill and the different types of lock downs depending on the code called. Ms. Stone proceeded to tell us about different aspects of the school. She told us about the nooks that the third and fourth graders have. These nooks are integrated into all the subjects and are used to increase reading. The school also has a "bring your own device" policy that allows the students to bring and use their own device under the teacher's supervision. They create books and read them on their own time including at home where they might not otherwise have access to the books that are on the nooks. These devices are great for the students who are lacking text examples at home. This push for the use of technology in the classroom comes from the fact that technology is higher on blooms taxonomy and causes the children to become involved with the material on a deeper level. Ms. Stone stressed that in order for the technology to be effective, the children are not simply using a website to practice skills, but they are using programs to create projects and presentations. They can create books that are placed on their device and can be accessed without Wi-Fi. Ms. Stone also touched on the fact that there are five different concentrations that they have as a school in technology. The school is focused on augmented reality using Aurasma and Layer. The school also is pushing google items such as google docs. Some of the teachers actually give their students tests through google docs. The next component is creating apps, movies, and presentations. All of these components ensure that students are interacting with technology in the best most effective way. The school also has a smart board with many attachments that is located in the science lab. It is an advancement that allows the science lab environment to be one that promotes technological science experiments and interactions. There are also google T.V.s that are up around the school. All of the technology that the school has incorporated is with the intention of advancing the technological environment of the school. With the advances, the environment is one that is more conducive and encouraging of learning.

Speaker 2- Mrs. Farnlacher In this meeting we went to the library to talk to the librarian about what they have to offer at the school. We found out that they are very helpful and that we are able to check out from the library if we need to /want to. We also discovered that they have the ability to borrow books from other Hoover City Schools that may have the book when Trace does not. Next, she read a book to us called Tadpoles Promise. This book has an ending that is completely unexpected and a bit sad. She talked about the fact that she loves this book and using it with her third graders. When she reads it to them she focusses on the fact that the ending is one that was not very happy or expected. With this, she encourages her students to write stories that will surprise or have an ending that the reader did not see coming. She also uses this book to show students that picture books are not just for babies but they speak to everyone. Mrs. Farnlacher talked about the importance of helping students find books that they are interested in. She emphasized the fact that even if the book is too hard for them, they are still encouraged to check it out because it will motivate them to read or ask if someone else will read for them. She talked about the fact that as the librarian she supports teachers with their lessons that they are teaching. She helps them find and pull books that go along with their lessons. She told us not to be afraid to talk to our librarian because you will miss out on collaboration and resources. In deciding what materials are bought for and used in the library, the librarians have fifty percent nonfiction writing. Sometimes the students will suggest books that they would like to see in the library. This is a positive experience for the students because they are getting to help the librarian, and they are getting books in their room that they didnt get before. During the time when the students come to the library for their library session, they get to listen to a book read by Mrs. Fernlacher and they get to search for their own books right before the teacher comes back to get them. She teaches technology and how to use the library. Being able to find what you are looking for in the library is important and these skills are worked on during the time in the library. She also gave us tips while we were there about the American Library Association (ALA). They have conferences every year that can be very helpful. You can also meet authors and get free books.

Speaker 3- Ms. Puchta Ms. Puchta is the math coach at Trace Crossings. She deals with strategies to implement in math classes and ways to effectively teach and engage the students in the lesson. During her meeting, she came in and asked us to do some math problems. After one of the math talks that we participated in, she asked us how we felt during the problem. She asked if we were paying attention to the problem or not. If we thought it was too easy or too hard. She emphasized the fact that no matter what we were thinking during the math talk, there are students in our class who feel the same way. She asked those of us who had checked out what it would have taken for us to check back in, to become interactive with the material again. I feel like this was one of the most important things that she had to say during the talk. It is so true that there are students in the class that are checking out and not paying attention, but it is our responsibility as teachers to come up with ways to draw the students back into the lesson and get them engaged once again. We talked about sharing time in the classroom. Ms. Puchta talked about the importance of wait time and embracing the silence. When the silence is too long simply get the students to turn and talk to each other so that they are able to organize thoughts in their heads. After they have had a chance to talk it through, they will be more prepared to give share in the speaking activity. Sharing should be a fun and exciting time. For many students, sharing is something that they do not enjoy doing. Once they actually talk to each other the students will be more organized with their thoughts and more prepared to answer a question. Next, we played two games while Ms. Puchta was there. . The two games are from the inquiry methods that Trace uses. We played a game called close to 100 in which you played with a partner. During this partner play, you are trying to receive the least amount of points by getting your number as close to 100 as you can. We also played a game called knock out which was played by rolling three die and adding them together, then covering that number on the playing board. Ms. Puchta wanted us to play these games in order for us to see how engaged and interested we were. She made the information fun for us which hit home that the instruction should be fun for your students. She said that children are the most mentally challenged during the games versus time spent on worksheets. This is important because everybody wins when games are played.

Speaker 4- Ms. Smith On this day, the counselor at Trace came to talk to us. She was very knowledgeable and experienced with her field. You can tell that she has a passion for what she does. She started off by explaining and telling us what you have to do to become a school counselor. She explained to us that you must have your masters degree in school counseling and take a praxis for counseling k-12. With a job in counseling, you have more opportunities to work more than nine months out of the year. She has been in a university, high school and middle school counseling and now she is in the elementary school where she loves it. She cares for the students here on a deeper level. She knows that this age group is the most promising and will allow her time to make positive changes in their lives that will stay put for them. It she also offers support for the parents depending on what the family is going through. At Trace, there is a parent advisory council that helps families who do not have the time to attend and participate in PTO activities. Ms. Smith also works with the Trace Treats. A group of parents decided to start collecting food for the kids during class. Food is sent home with needy children every other Friday. Many different people contribute to this cause including donating stocks of the items that may be getting empty in the food storage area. Trace has a similar program set up to this one. It is a program that is designed to help students that do not have school supplies get what they need. Ms Smith also deals with the children. She has about twelve to eighteen meeting times with the students in order to teach them all they need to know about the subject at hand. These sessions are also meant to be an intervention type method for some of the children. Some of the topics discussed and covered in the lesson would be Family change, friendship groups, grief, and basic social skills. Ms Smith is only able to meet with individuals on a scarce basis due to time constraints and the large number of students who need help. Ms. Smith is a great resource to use and have as a teacher. It is important that you go to her with your questions and any concerns that you may have about a student and his or her home life. Finally, this meeting was important because it opened our eyes to the exact things that counselors are in charge of and expected to take care of in their schools.