My Exhausting Month!!

Hi Everyone,

I'm going to go ahead and apologize for this long post!!

So its been awhile since I blogged! I have been suuuuuper duuuuper busy with summer classes and student teaching seminar.

I long awaited the day for student teaching seminar and it was GREAT! It was a 3 day seminar full of information, paperwork and fun. But before I get into all of that, let me talk about my final two classes. I think the expression would be...WHEW!!

Four weeks full of information, reflections, research papers, action plans, reading and learning how we can be effective teachers. I had to complete a research paper for Advanced Educational Psychology on a chosen subject which was Instructional Strategies (that was a fun one to research). In my research I learned a lot MORE about effective classroom strategies and methods. The ones listed below are some of my favorites but I'm certainly not going to limit myself to these.

• Think-pair-share
• Jigsaw
• Field trips including virtual
• Role playing
• Computer assisted instruction (CAI)

I plan on utilizing these strategies in the classroom and each day I continue to delve deeper into each one to learn more and more about them. I plan on using these strategies during my student teaching semester.

We also talked a lot about brain-based learning. In my last post I talked about the book Brain Rules by John Medina. I created an action plan (which I will share with you soon). But in this action plan I chose four brain rules on which to focus on and utilize in the classroom. The four I chose were: exercise, stress, vision, and attention. With these four rules I had to come up with 3-5 strategies that I can use to fully engage my students in the classroom. Here is an example for each one:

1. Exercise- I heard of a great site called Go Noodle, so I checked it out and guess what...I LOVE IT!! I'm having so much fun with it and I cannot wait to use it. There were so many exercises that the student can do, and have fun with.
2. Stress- Creating a stress free environment by exemplifying a happy classroom. I will already have my students desks assigned and a designated place for the supplies/materials so that they will feel that the classroom is not only mine but theirs. I will develop a personal relationship with each one. To do this I will ask them about their day and interests.
3. Attention- I absolutely love Whole Brain Teaching! I will use this in my classroom. I will incorporate storytelling as well as using attention grabbers.
4. Vision- I will incorporate graphic organizers, bright presentations, word walls and flash cards in the classroom.

These are just a few strategies that I put in my plan. Lots of work but I enjoyed working on as these are some of the things that I will use in my classroom.

Moving on to Student Teaching Seminar, as I mentioned above I enjoyed it. I won't go into great detail but here's what we talked about:

Monday

• Creating professional relationships
• Professional Communications (I needed that one)
• Student Teacher Handbook (tons of paperwork)

I also met my University Supervisor and I know she is going to be great!

Tuesday

• Your Kaleidoscope (personality inventory)
• Technology in the classroom (I got to play with the smart board tons of fun!!) I also learned how to create a quiz using Google Docs.
• Q&A

Wednesday

• Common Core & Lesson Plan Review
• FATS City video
• Final Comments (I'm tearing up) I'm so blessed for this opportunity and I am so very proud and excited about my future career!!

I met my cooperating teacher yesterday, and I she is so sweet! I know I'll learn a lot from her!! I start August 5th and I will be sharing my adventures with you all!!

Well I'm going to wrap it for now. I wish everyone a good night!!

Miss Student Teacher

My Kind of Summer...I Think!!!

Hello Everyone,

Its been awhile since I've blogged, I know! But you can blame that on the second term of summer classes...whew!! I've never had a summer class that was as jam packed as these two. But nevertheless, I enjoy learning, and I have to say that I am learning a lot about brain-based learning. We're reading this book called "Brain Rules" by John Medina, and it's a very interesting read. We're doing a book study, were we're answering questions about the book, for example, (and I loved this question)

"Does it matter to learning if we pay attention"? Well yeah, it does!

 

Today, we talked about Rule #4: We don't pay attention boring things". I can literally sit through a lecture of 50 minutes, and if that lecture is not engaging, and very monotone, I've checked out 10 minutes into the lecture, and I'm already looking at the clock! These are some very important things that Medina points out in the book! I love it!!

 

Oh, and by the way, this class is called Alternative Strategies in Learning.

 

 

Moving on to the next class which is called Advanced Educational Psychology, we've talked about some pretty interesting stuff!

 

Last week we touched on Bronfenbrenner's Theory, and I learned some pretty interesting things about his theory. Bronfenbrenner pointed out that "any large society encompasses various layers of environment that affect children's development in one way or another".

 

We created our own diagrams about the influential factors that played a part in where we are today as far as our education. Some things that I pointed out were, my own need to take my life a step farther and pursue a career as an educator, my family (specifically my parents and children), the college that I attend (for accepting me), my High School math teacher & guidance counselor, my professors at college, and grants & scholarships.

 

Today, we touched on Eric Erikson's eight stages of psychosocial development. And the whole time I'm thinking...I needed this information for my Praxis exams!!

 

So that explains my busy week!!

 

 

Moving on, I had an amazing weekend with my kiddos, Mr. Boyfriend, and his family celebrating the 4th!! We had tons of fun, laughter, and good food!!

 

 

Well, I still have tons of reading and studying to do! I just wanted to talk to you a little bit about my classes. Oh, and student teaching seminar is right around the corner...OH YEAH!!! IM SUPER EXCITED!!

 

Here is the book we're discussing in class! It's a great read! Click the photo to head on over to Amazon to purchase it! Or if you can find it cheaper someplace else, I would encourage it!



Student Teaching and Everything in Between!!

Hi Everyone,

This post is going to be about student teaching and everything in between. (I have some catching up to do)!

So, yesterday I learned of my student teaching placements, and I am so EXCITED!!! I am happy to announce that I will be student teaching at the Elementary and Middle School grade level in a special education class, and a 6th grade Language Arts class!! I can barely contain my excitement as I am so ready! Here's a little information about it:

The first student teaching seminar is July 28-31st.
Placement 1 is the 1st day of school through Sept. 24th (Elementary- SPED)
Seminar 2- September 25th and 26th.
Placement 2- September 29 through November 21st (6th grade L.A)
Final seminar- November 24th

In my last post I promised details and photos about my vacation, and my assignment. I have lots to talk about and I'll start with my vacation.

My family went to St. Louis and had a blast!! I love spending time with my family. On the way there, we stopped at Lamberts in Sikeston, Missouri. I was amazed at this restaurant (they throw the rolls at you) and the food was delicious!

On our first night, we just sat around and talked (we haven't seen each other since last year), so we had a lot of catching up to do! Friday, was SIX FLAGS DAY...WHOO HOO!! Can you believe I rode on a roller coaster...Ha! I rode on the Ninja, and I told myself that I wasn't getting on another ride, and guess what... I DIDN'T!! I wish I could've got a photo of it, but I was so nervous I didn't think of it.

Saturday, we visited my cousin's shop! It's called SweetArts Bakeshop & Art Studio (hence the name) and her food and treats were AMAZING!! We hung out downtown and had a blast, here a few photos.

Obviously, I have a lot more but here are just a few. I didn't want to crowd my post with pictures...NOT!! I can't figure out how to upload them from my phone. (my charger is totally messed up). Did I just use the word "totally"? Yup, I sure did...Ha!!

Okay, so moving on to Sunday, me and my cousins did a little shopping and later that evening we had a big family dinner. I had lots of fun on my trip, but I was ready to come home after four days, and I missed Mr. Boyfriend!

Moving on to my assignment. I had fun working on it, and if you remember I purchased two ELA packets from Deanna Kahlenberg over at Primary Punch! Well, actually three. I purchased a third one after the post, and would you believe after those three purchases, I ended up using the first one. Also, I purchased another one yesterday morning that complimented the "Punctuation Power" unit. Its called "The Punctuation Police Academy", and I purchased it from RaraDT. Click on the photo below to visit her TpT store.

 

 

I created a visual lesson plan and here it is:

 I learned how to make this lesson template by watching Mrs.Willis' Kindergarten tutorial. So, big shout out to her for it!! Click her name to check out her amazing blog!! I turned this in yesterday, and I will let you know how I done on it!!

 

Well, I am totally hungry right now there's that word totally) so I'm going to end this post and feed my hungry belly!! Talk to ya later!!

 

 

Miss Student Teacher



Lookie, lookie, lookie at what I bought!!

Hello Everyone,

So I have been on vacation this past week with the best family in the world, but I wanted to take some time to share with you two amazing resources that I purchased! I purchased these for an assignment for my Advanced Curriculum Design class, I have to create a curriculum unit, using a theme. For this assignment, I chose 2nd grade ELA. I'm super excited about the whole thing!! Here are my amazing purchases:



I purchased these from Deana Kahlenberg from Primary Punch!! You should hop on over and check out her fantabulous blog!! I absolutely love her products and I hope I have the opportunity to use her resources one of these days either during student teaching and/or when I start teaching. I'm such a nerd as I enjoy my assignments, and everything about the teaching world!! Ha ha

Well I just wanted to share my amazing purchases with you guys/gals and I will be back to share with you all the details of my vacation, and my assignment!!

Love,

 

Miss Student Teacher

 

 



Catch up!!

Hello Everyone,

I just wanted to share a little with you about what has been going on with me and my family!!

I mentioned in a previous post that my daughter was running for Miss AIM 2014 for our church district. Well she won 2nd runner up!! I'm so proud of her and her hard work, and dedication!! She was beautiful and radiant, I am one proud mama. Here are a few snaps...

Chres & Dayana

Awwww...Chrestophar escorting his sister



So pretty



We had such an awesome time!! Moving on, I had a fabulous weekend with Mr. Boyfriend!! We tried 3 amazing recipes that I found on Pinterest (cheeseburger wraps) and Cara Carroll's blog Pearls, Handcuffs, and Happy Hour (grown up grilled cheese sandwiches)! Oh my gosh they were amazing. We also tried a blooming onion, and it was delicious! Amazing weekend in the kitchen with my love!!

Next, I want to share with you this amazing classroom pack that I won from Latoya Reed over at Flying Into First!! I am so happy that I won this packet as I never win any of the giveaways on the teacher's blogs that I follow...HA!! I was over the moon excited, and this packet is so awesome and cute! I can't wait to use it in my classroom! Okay, so I haven't mastered this whole blogging thing (still learning) so I don't know how to add the link to the photos. But you can visit her amazing blog by clicking on her blog name above!!

Well that's all I have to share with you for now. Back to the homework I go, I have class tomorrow afternoon!!

Love,

Miss Student Teacher

What have we have been up to??

Hello Everyone,

This week has been so busy! We haven't had time for anything but the AIM Convention, and getting my daughter ready (she is a candidate for Miss AIM 2014).

I had a meeting with my professor on Monday, and she assigned our first assignment. Our first assignment is: Read chapters 1-3, complete an activity that corresponded to the each chapter, look at the Common Core Standards and pick a grade level and subject (I think I'm going to go with 2nd grade math). I have to tell you this, the first 3 chapters are BORING!!  My mind literally kept drifting off to other things...HA! But I'm getting there.

Monday kicked off our AIM Convention in our church district with skating and a pizza party, and let me tell you it was FUN!! My daughter was the only one who attempted to skate, my oldest did not! It was so funny watching her, and all the kiddos skate (I have pictures but she asked me not to post those. HA! My youngest didn't get to attend, he wanted to attend his baseball game and be recognized!! He really thought he was going to make all stars, bless his heart (he will next time). So needless to say Monday was a hoot!

Tuesday was the musical, and let me tell you, it was GREAT!!! We were hype, and I really enjoyed listening to the choir, and various singers and speakers throughout the night. Wednesday was another exceptional night!! We got to listen to a great word, and I enjoyed the singing once again. Spotlight on Miss AIM started Wednesday, and I really enjoyed hearing one of the Miss AIM candidates sing her song. My daughter wrote a poem for her talent and was supposed to recite it tonight, however, we had some bad weather come this way so we didn't make it. She will have to recite it tomorrow night, and I am so excited!! I can't wait to see her in a gorgeous gown, she tried it on and it was beautiful!

Well that has been our week so far, I will update you later on what goes down tomorrow at our AIM Convention 2014, and whether or not my daughter wins Miss AIM 2014!!!

My Blog Button

So, I have had the hardest time trying to install my very own blog button. I followed a tutorial that I found from Teacher Blogging Basics and everything was fine but I notice that my little code thingy (not sure what's called, bare with me) is not showing up in it's little box. Lord, have mercy!! I'm so very proud of this blog button and really want it to be right. So if you run across my blog and see what I'm talking about and having any suggestions for correcting it, please let me know as I am new to this whole blogging thing.

 Here is my little button...isn't it cute!!

 

Summer classes started last week, I'm only taking one class for the June session & two in the July session. Class was already cancelled (bummer)! But I'm looking forward to Thursday. I know the name of my blog is Miss Student Teacher, and it will live up to its name in August. So until then, look for posts about my summer classes, some pretty cool stuff that I'm working on for the day I start teaching & student teaching, and my sweet family.

This weekend was really great! Me and the kiddos got to spend some time with Mr. Boyfriend and enjoyed some of his yummy chicken Alfredo! I should've taken a picture of it to share with you but I didn't think about it at the time (maybe next time).

This week kicks off our AIM Convention at our church, and let me tell you we are going to kick it off with some FUN!! We're having a skating & pizza party. I'll post pictures at some point after the event. We're so excited about it!

Well I'm going to wrap it for now, I'll talk to you soon. Have a GREAT night!!

Love,

 

Miss Student Teacher

Ramblings from Little Ole Me!

Hello Everyone,

So, Im trying to get the hang of this blogging thing, and let me tell you...Whew!! I'm so thankful for Hadar Maor from Miss-Kindergarten and her fabulous Beginning Blogging: Its serious business  handout!! I'm still learning a lot but just wanted to go ahead and create my first blog post. I look forward to customizing it, and making it very pretty  (I love pretty things) For my first blog post, I decided I would tell a little about myself! 

My name is Stacy, and I was born and raised in McKenzie TN. Its a very small town (there isn't anything to do here)!! We literally have to drive at least forty-five minutes down the road for good food, shopping, and entertainment. I love the Lord, and going to church on Sundays.  I have three amazing, funny, kind, and smart children. I love them to pieces and I'm so sad they're growing up!! (Sometimes, I still can't believe that I'm the mother of a fifteen year old)! I have a very kind, loving, and supportive boyfriend and I just love him to pieces too! He always makes me laugh and keeps a smile on my face. I have a very special god-daughter. She is so cute, and her little voice...adorable!


I love to read, write, walk, listen to music, and watch TV. My favorite TV shows include: Grey's Anatomy, Scandal, Revenge, The Fosters, and General Hospital!! I love all things fashion, food, love, and education.

I'm a graduate student, pursuing a career in teaching (hence the name of my blog: Ms. Student Teacher, it will definitley change) I have a Bachelors of Science in Child Learning & Development with a minor in Professional Education (K-6th grade), and I'm studying for my Masters in Special Education (K-12th grade). I will be student teaching in the fall (2014) and graduating in December...I'm so EXCITED!!!! I can't wait. I love reading teacher's blogs. The day that I stumbled upon teacher's blogs was a great day. Ha! I'm a fan of so many, but one of my absolute favorites is Miss-Kindergarten. I really hope that I have the opportunity to teach Kindergarten or first grade. My heart is so full of joy about teaching!! 

I'm really looking forward to my career, and blogging about my experiences!! I hope to connect with all teachers out there,and your advice will be greatly appreciated!! Oh, and before I forget, I have a blog titled The Ramblings of an Almost Teacher on weebly. It highlights moments during my education, such as my lesson plans, classroom management, teaching philosophy, and etc. It's still under construction but feel free to check it out! The web address is: http://www.stacycunningham.weebly.com. Thanks!

                                   
                            Here are a few snaps of me and my loves

                                         

                                        Miss Student Teacher

                                                  
                                      Me and my sweet daughter

                                                       
                                                           
                                       Me & Mr. Boyfriend

                                                 
                                                                   The Kiddos

                                                       
                                           
                                                              My adorable god-daughter