FQR

I really like the Fact, Question, Response activity that we have been learning about.   It is extremely important that students’ learn to be actively engaged while reading.  I really liked how it shows children how to be a good reader.  Also, this activity is great to incorporate with other subjects.   

Book Talk

I really enjoyed hearing about all of the books on Wednesday, November 17.  There are so many great trade books for teachers to incorporate into their history curriculum for all ages.  I think it is important for teachers to incorporate historical trade books because it allows the students to make a connection to the people and the time they are reading about.  When students just read from their social studies books they can become detached from the information, and many times they do not understand the significance or importance of the events in history.  Reading a book that is about a child that is roughly the same age as them helps students relate and understand the history better.  I will definitely be using historical trade books in my future classrooms.   

Mt. Everest Does Not Peak My Interest

Mt. Everest is a beautiful place, but it is most definitely not for me.   I would not last one second on the mountain for three reasons.  The first reason is the fact that I am constantly cold.  The perfect temperature for me is about 78 degrees, anything below that I consider  to be cold.  Considering Mt. Everest‘s average temperature is -30 degrees, I do not think I would be very happy.  The second reason why I would not like to climb Mt. Everest is that I am not a thrill seeker.   Riding a tall roller coaster is more than enough of a thrill for me.  Finally, the third reason climbing Mt. Everest is not for me is the fact that I prefer modern conveniences of a shower and flushing toilet.  Even though Mt. Everest is not the ideal place for me to visit, I admire those that take the challenge to reach the highest of heights.     

Learning Social Studies

During my field observation, my teacher introduced the topic of pilgrims.  For the entire month of November, the students will be learning about the pilgrims.  They will start with the pilgrims’ journey from England to Plymouth Rock, and the reason the pilgrims wanted to leave England.  Additionally, while the students are learning about the pilgrims, they will wear pilgrim hats that they made themselves from construction paper.  I thought this was a great way to get the students interested and excited about learning!