Fulfilling the Promise Chap. 3+4

First of all, my favorite idea from chapter 3 was first year teacher's Esme Codell: "In the morning....I say good morning real chipper to every single child and make sure they say good morning back....then i collect "troubles" in a "troubles" basket..." i think this is and excellent idea and way to start the day. First of all she is recognizing that each child is there at school and stating of on a good attitude and making conversation with each of them. This can make a student feel very special. Next she collects troubles in a basket...this is a great way to let the students know you care about what they have to say, that you'll read them and it is less likely for them to come in and blurt out something that might have been better left confidential and discussed between only the two of you. It is also a good way to eliminate some of the tattling they may come in with.

I also enjoyed Reading about the five ways a teacher responds to students needs: Invitation, opportunity, investment, persistence and reflection. These send messages to the student and let them know that we are there for the good of their learning and will respond in the ways needed.

Environment is a huge quality that can make or break the students quest for affirmation, contribution, power, purpose, and challenge. If a student is not comfortable in their surrounding the only thing that will happen is they will shut down and shut out any strategy you try to get them to learn. The physical and affective attribute must be present the first time the student enters the classroom. I think the environment and your attitude about the environment and the students are most important in how the students feel at school, and in the classroom. "It will often be the first messenger of how learning will be in this place."(pg. 37)

In scenario 2 : Mr. Atcheson: I enjoyed his "One on One" strategy : because he did it pretty often I think it is good to get continual feedback from your students and also to keep learning about you students throughout the year, as opposed to a student survey at the beginning of the year, this would bring up new things throughout the year. I think it is a great idea.