Month: April 2024

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Board of Education – West Hartford ...Part One: Reflection on Module Articles and Board of Education Meeting Attendance

This week’s module articles and video titles shed light on the importance of home/school connections in education. The articles emphasized how fostering strong partnerships between schools and families can positively impact student achievement and well-being. One key takeaway was the significance of open communication channels between educators and parents, as well as the value of involving families in their children’s learning journey.

Watching a Board of Education meeting provided me with firsthand insight into how educational policies and decisions are made at the district level. While the topics discussed at the meeting varied, ranging from budget changes to curriculum updates, I found several connections to our course content on home/school connections. For instance, discussions about actions aimed at increasing parental involvement in school activities connected with the importance of building strong home/school partnerships. Additionally, conversations about providing resources and support for families facing socio-economic challenges highlighted the need for schools to be mindful of the diverse backgrounds and needs of their students’ families when fostering connections.

Overall, watching the Board of Education meeting reinforced the significance of home/school connections in education and highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts between educators, families, and the broader community to support student success.

Part Two: Communication Plan for Families

As a future elementary teacher, I understand the important role that effective communication with families plays in supporting student learning and development. Here’s a brief plan outlining how I intend to communicate with families:

  1. Welcome Letter: At the beginning of the school year, I will send out a welcome letter introducing myself, sharing my teaching philosophy, and inviting families to partner with me in their child’s education.
  2. Monthly Newsletters: I will send out monthly newsletters to keep families informed about classroom happenings, upcoming events, and important dates. These newsletters will also include tips for supporting learning at home and resources for further engagement.
  3. Parent-Teacher Conferences: I will schedule regular parent-teacher conferences to discuss students’ progress, strengths, and areas for growth. During these meetings, I will actively listen to parents concerns and insights, and collaboratively set goals for their child’s academic and social-emotional development.
  4. Classroom Website: I will maintain a classroom website or online platform where families can access important information, resources, and updates about their child’s learning journey. This platform will also serve as a space for parents to communicate with me and each other, fostering a sense of community.
  5. Volunteer Opportunities: I will provide opportunities for parents to volunteer in the classroom or participate in school events. By involving families in various aspects of school life, I aim to strengthen our partnership and create a supportive learning environment for all students.

By implementing these communication strategies, I hope to establish positive relationships with families, promote transparency and collaboration, and ultimately contribute to the academic success and well-being of my students.

Dec 1 Wayne Board of Education Meeting ...References:

Aguilar, E. (2011, September 23). 20 Tips for Developing Positive Relationships with Parents. Edutopia. https://www.edutopia.org/blog/20-tips-developing-positive-relationships-parents-elena-aguilarLinks to an external site.

Borovoy, A.E. (2012, November 2). 5-Minute Film Festival: Parent-Teacher Partnerships. Edutopia. https://www.edutopia.org/blog/film-festival-parent-teacher-partnerships

Breiseth, L. (2021, August). Communicating with ELL Families: 10 Strategies for Schools. National Education Association. https://www.nea.org/professional-excellence/student-engagement/tools-tips/communicating-ell-families-10-strategiesLinks to an external site.

Family Engagement: Resource Roundup (2010, July 14). Edutopia. https://www.edutopia.org/home-school-connections-resourcesLinks to an external site.

Vestal’s 21st Centory Classroom (2021, August 22).  9 Ways to Communicate with Parents for Teachers // INCREASE parent communication!. YouTube. https://youtu.be/8aHJkRXgbcE

 

Navigating the Social Media and Technology Debate: What’s Best for Schools?

teaching technology in the classroom ...

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In today’s digital age, the debate surrounding social media and technology use in schools is more relevant than ever. While some argue that excessive screen time and social media usage are harmful to our society, others believe in the many benefits they bring to both individuals and communities. As educators, parents, and students, it’s important to understand both sides of this debate and its effect on our schools.

Recently, I had the opportunity to explore this topic further through a very engaging documentary titled “Social Media: Impact on Our Society”. The documentary shed light on the many ways social media influences our lives, from communication and relationships to mental health and education.

I also read into insightful articles like “Schools Say No to Cellphones in Class” and “Cellphone Bans Can Ease Students’ Stress and Anxiety, Educators Say” from Education Week. These articles provided valuable perspectives from educators and experts on the effects of cellphone use in schools. They highlighted concerns about distraction, cyberbullying, and the impact on students’ well-being, but also acknowledged potential benefits like reducing stress and anxiety levels.

So, where do I stand on this debate in terms of its relationship to schools?

I believe that finding a balance is key. While I recognize the potential risks associated with excessive social media and technology use, I also acknowledge the positive impact they can have when used responsibly and usefully in educational settings.

It’s essential for schools to establish clear guidelines and boundaries regarding cellphone use to minimize distractions and safeguard students’ well-being. However, outright bans may not be the most effective solution. Instead, educators should use technology as a tool for learning, communication, and collaboration in the classroom.

By incorporating technology in education and teaching responsible technology use, schools can empower students to navigate the online world safely and responsibly. Furthermore, utilizing social media platforms for educational purposes can enhance student engagement, creativity, and critical thinking skills.

In conclusion, the debate surrounding social media and technology in schools is complex and ongoing. By drawing insights from documentaries, articles, and additional research, we can make informed decisions that prioritize the well-being and academic success of our students while harnessing the potential of technology for positive educational outcomes.

Education technology is spreading fast ...

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References

How social media is reshaping today’s education system. Center for Social Impact Communication. (n.d.). https://csic.georgetown.edu/magazine/social-media-reshaping-todays-education-system/

Klein, A. (2019, September 6). Schools say no to cell phones. But is it a smart move? Education Week. LinkLinks to an external site.

Langreo, L. Links to an external site. — (2023, October 16). Cellphones Bans Can Ease Students’ Stress and Anxiety, say Educators. Education Weekhttps://www.edweek.org/leadership/cellphone-bans-can-ease-students-stress-and-anxiety-educators-say/2023/10Links to an external site.

Willett, R. (Director). (2019). Plugged-In: The Toxicity of Social Media Revealed. [YouTube Video]. Brick in the Wall Media.

Exploring Lesson 8: Alcohol and Other Depressants

Lesson 8 Hero

Stanford Medicine, Safety First Links to an external site.

In this blog post, I want to talk about Lesson 8 from Stanford Medicine’s Safety First program. This lesson is all about alcohol and other depressants, which are substances that slow down our brains and bodies.

The lesson starts by explaining what depressants are and gives examples like alcohol, which many people are familiar with. It then talks about how alcohol affects us, like making us feel relaxed at first but also making it hard to think clearly or move properly. It can even lead to addiction if we’re not careful.

One thing I really liked about this lesson is that it’s easy to understand. The language used is simple, and they give examples that make sense to us. They also give tips on how to stay safe, like saying no to peer pressure or knowing when to ask for help.

However, I think there are ways to make this lesson even better. For one, it could use more pictures or videos to show us visually what they’re talking about. Seeing a diagram of how alcohol affects our brains, for example, would make it easier to remember.

Another thing is that while the lesson talks about the immediate effects of alcohol, like feeling drunk, it doesn’t talk much about what happens if someone keeps drinking a lot over time. It’s important for us to know both the short-term and long-term effects so we can make smart choices.

If I were teaching this lesson in my own classroom, I would add more visuals to make it more interesting. I might also include stories or real-life examples to make it easier for students to relate. And I would definitely talk more about the long-term effects of alcohol and depressants, so students have a complete picture.

To wrap up everything, lesson 8 of the Safety First program is a good start in teaching us and my students about alcohol and depressants. But by adding more visuals and talking about long-term effects, it could become even more helpful in guiding us to make safe and healthy choices.

How To Say No To Drugs And Alcohol | We ...

References:

Halpern-Felsher REACH Lab. (n.d.). Safety First – Lesson 8. https://med.stanford.edu/halpern-felsher-reach-lab/preventions-interventions/Safety-First/safety-first-lesson-8.html

Stanford Medicine, Safety First Links to an external site.