Chapter 7

I dont know if there was a better way to sum up this book. While reading I felt so overwhelmed because there was so much I needed to do as a teacher, but at the same time I felt like it was very important that I understand that I cant do all of it at once. I really loved how she sympathizes with teachers. She understands how hard this job is and then gives us reasons why it is so hard. But in the end I didnt feel hopeless. I knew I could do it. I think what she's trying to get across is that these things WILL happen and what matters is how we react and what we are going to change to make it better for the future.

I think my most favorite part of the entire reading was one paragraph. I think it just put everything together. "The more willing we are to take risks, the better lives our students are likely to become, and the greater fullfillment we are likely to feel at the end of the day." There are so many things that as teachers we are obligated to do. How much are we willing to risk for the students we love and want to grow? In the end, what matters most? Is it that the all the material gets taught and they all pass the test? Or is it that the students learn and grow into something amazing that no one ever dreamed of being possible? I think by teaching for the students instead of to the student the things that they need to learn, as far as tests go, will come. It might take being a little more patient, but I can do that. Another thing I loved was where it said "We honor learners by caring for them as they are and simultaneously expecting more of them."

Im not done learning how to be a teacher. I dont think that I will ever be done. Every experience and every student will teach me something that I didnt know before. The hard part is actually being open to those little things that will change lives.

Chapters 5 & 6

There are so many things to be learned from these chapters. I LOVE this book! It has taught me so much about teaching and just about myself!!

The first thing that caught my attention was "we rarely succeed in teaching subjects unless we teach human beings as well." It amazes me that such a simple phrase can penetrate so deeply. How often do we as teachers just teach to content rather than realizing we need to teach the children? We teach so they can learn. It isnt enough to give them the material and hope that they know it. That isnt teaching, thats being lazy. One of my favorite memories when I was in elementary school was in my dad's class. He LOVES teaching and he sees every child as someone who needs his attention just as much as the others. And he gives it to him. I love watching him teach because he isnt the same dad that I know. He has showed me the best example of how a student needs and deserves to be treated. Can you imagine the education that children everywhere would recieve if a teacher taught their students with love and individuality? It would be an amazing thing to see.

Another thing I liked was when it said "We teach our classrooms like hamspters in a wheel." I havent even begun teaching and I feel that way. There is so much to teach and so little time. I already feel overwhelmed by the things that are expected of me. But I think it goes back up to the other quote. If we have the mindset that they are humans, then we will feel less like hampsters. :) But I actually believe that. We have the power to make our lives in the classroom easier, we just have to allow it.

I have resolved to make my classroom and fun, safe, and relaxed environment for my students. I feel like by doing that they will feel like they are important PEOPLE in our class. They will learn so much more in those types of surroundings.

Dear Jaremy,

I do not even know where to begin. Everyday must be a challenge which no one can possibly understand unless they have experienced it. I only have advice to you that I have learned in my classes. But, I wish I could offer personal experiences because I know that there is so much to be learned by what others go through.

I think that there are a couple things I can say that could possibly help you. One thing that anyone who breaths is looking for is trust and respect. There is no way anyone will give it unless they have it in return. Especially with these students. I am not saying I know who they are or the type of life they have, but it appears to me that these children are starving for respect. They want it so badly but no one is willing to give it.

A lot of people have probably written them off and don't feel like they are worth the time or effort. They have decided their future for them rather than encouraging the students to do it for themselves. It's no wonder why these students are the way they are. They don't have anyone to explain to them their infinite worth. That what they think and what they do is important and affects not only to them, but to those who are around them and even those who will follow.

They also probably appear to have no ambition. They have no reason to. No one has allowed it. Give them hope. Give them a reason to want to continue to grow and develope into a person they never thought possible.

Like I said, I have no real life experiences with this. I have no idea the hardships that are faced daily. But I do know that these are things I craved when I was a child. And if anything, they need it far more than I ever did. All I wanted was for someone to validate what I thought and to value me as a person rather than a child whose opinion didn't matter.

I know I am a naive student from Utah who has never had any sort of experience that even comes close to being similar, but I hope that these are things that help you. Encourage the child to be the best they can. Love them. Maybe that's all they need. Someone to listen and care.

I have such a large amount of repect for the work that you are doing and to all those who are willing to share and help those in need. I hope this helps. I wish you the best of luck in all you are doing.

Mari Cook