MAGEC Friendship

http://photobucket.com/images/Inspirational%20Quotes/

I am very proud to have been (and continue to be) a part of Team MAGEC!! Thank you for the encouragement and support you've given me. Thank you Dr. Rivera for your guidance and belief in me! I treasure your friendship! Have a safe and restful Summer!!

And in the End...

"And in the end, the love you take, is equal to, the love you make".

-Paul McCartney

Well, it's the end of the semester. We can look back at our trials, and honestly say we were successful. The reaction of the parents and students is evidence enough. The addenda and lesson plans are awesome, but the confidence in reading they have gained is awesome. Speaking of confidence, the confidence we have gained as prospective Reading Specialists has also increased. Wow! I never thought I would be able to speak about diagnosing reading level with such ease and skill, but these classes have equipped me with those skills. A big thank you to Dr. Rivera for answering all of our questions and guiding us oh so sweetly to our successes. And of course I humble myself in gratitude to Annette, Mar, Geri and Christine for all their support and love throughout the semester. As I've mentioned before, I was ready to quit the first day, I did not want to complete this class, but I did! Praise God! Amen.

Quote Credit:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_End_(The_Beatles_song)

Image Credit: https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYe9W23dlvH3z21AWxN5wagY9b7p-th9wD5WrKjY2z_xxU6Q8I56xIMOcEwINFcv7E-rCy7NZgDcqB1N2ZNxuR-_fDMpKwFv84vLZaO9MOaVSgIl-cDSNjGig0of01fy8hVTo4wKXFkjaU/s400/the-end.jpg

Until we meet again...

As the night is coming to an end, I want to say congratulations to each and every one for making it this far. Although this was our final class day, I am sure that we will make the effort to keep in touch. I hope to get well this week and have the energy I need for my 5th grade promotion next Wednesday. I am eagerly awaiting for summer to come when I can relax and take a moment to breathe. This was one of the most challenging years at work and it will indeed prepare me for the following year. I just want to say that you were a great team. I am confident and truly believe that you will all succeed in whatever path you choose in your lives. Let us embrace the accomplishments and celebrate our success! Take care Team MAGEC.

Image courtesy of http://marishadyson.info/

Wishing you time for quiet reflection

Let's take a moment to just quietly pause--click on the embedded video below.  We're almost there, Team MAGEC!

from http://healthspaguru.com/Images/Spas/indigo-bay-island-resort-and-spa-relaxation.jpg

"Follow effective action with quiet reflection.  From the quiet reflection will come even more effective action." --Peter F. Drucker (from http://thinkexist.com/quotations/reflection/)


I wish we could treat ourselves to a relaxing massage.  We certainly deserve it, and I hope you'll be able to take advantage of the summer and chillax!  It's not that we would be being lazy or resting on our laurels--Drucker tells us that it's quite productive to quietly reflect.  So let's recharge, refresh, and return BETTER THAN EVER.  Have a happy summer, Team MAGEC!  Be seeing you!


**I dedicate this post especially to Annette.  Feel better soon!

A "MAGECAL" Journey to Success!

Let's all give ourselves a big round of applause for finally reaching our destination of success in reading! Erik mentioned earlier today at our Celebration Day session that we all worked hard in our seemingly endless assessments, implementing strategies on our students, and finally conducting assessments one last time to complete our ending report which was the addendum to the diagnostic report. Yes, it really was the toughest semester yet for me, but I feel it was the most meaningful, because the knowledge that I gained from this course was applied to a student with literacy needs. On the job training can't be beat, for it's the real deal; you apply what you learn on the spot. I'm just so thankful for the fact that I couldn't have chosen a better candidate than my student for tutoring. I will never forget the drive and the ambition that he had for wanting to improve his reading skills. This is one course that will forever be etched in my memories!

Finally, I just want to take this opportunity to thank Dr. Rivera for her guidance, encouragement, compassion, and friendship. Without her being there every step of the way, we would not have come this far. And, to Mar, Annette, Erik, and Christine, the "magec" wouldn't have happened without us all working, laughing, sharing, and supporting one another. It truly was a magical experience knowing all of you. I know that I have made a life-long friend in each one of you. Thanks for the memories. Good luck, Team MAGEC!!!

Magic is believing in yourself, if you can do that, you can make anything happen.

Wolfgang Von Goethe

quote: http://www.lexiyoga.com/magic-quotes

image: http://www.marketingunscrambled.blogspot.com/

"Something to be happy about..."

With just a week left, there is so much to reflect on. We have gained a lot from this course and one another as well. It took total commitment to complete our goals and now we can finally say that we have made it this far. I guess what makes this course different from the others is that we had the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of our students. The experience that we have acquired will better prepare us for our future endeavors. Now all we have to think about is what to do after we receive our diplomas. I thank you all once again for the support and encouragement. Like Geri had mentioned today, let's all continue to keep in touch after our final session next week. "Happy Mother's Day" to Geri, Mar, and Dr. Rivera.

Image courtesy of: http://bipolarblast.files.wordpress.com/

Full Circle

"Time, don't let it slip away.  Raise your drinking glass, here's to yesterday...Come full circle" 
     --Aerosmith (http://www.searchquotes.com/search/Full_Circle/)

And here we are, once again!  Thank you, Team MAGEC!  These past semesters have been such a treat to be with you.  It's been a magical SYNERGY!  I truly believe we were better together.  I value all the lessons learned and all the memories created.

It was so great to see the families and get to celebrate and highlight all of the things we've accomplished.  Our students might be out of our lives, but our experiences will always be in our hearts.  We were able to see on a miniature scale how much impact we can have as Reading Specialists.  The future looks bright!  Let's keep this in focus when we get overwhelmed--we can and we HAVE fostered success.

For my part, it was great to finally share just how much my student has grown.  He has so much potential, and I hope he and his family continue to build on it.

We Did It!!

Thank you Dr. Rivera and Team MAGEC for all your support and guidance! Because of you, giving up was NOT an option! We encouraged each other during the tough times and gave each other a pat on the back when we reached target. I'm grateful for all your support. It was truly a MAGECal experience!

http://photobucket.com/images/Inspirational%20Quotes/

Yyyyyyyyaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!

"It ain't over till it's over."
-- Yogi Berra

Well, I thought I was done, but alas, there is more work to be done. Gah!! No worries, I will be in contact with the parent tomorrow to meet with her, hopefully sometime next week, or if I'm lucky, tomorrow afternoon. We shall see. I must be diligent. I am so grateful to all of you, my classmates, for getting the food, creating the powerpoint and brochure, and decorating! I am impressed, and honestly, these are my weaknesses, so I thank you for covering those. :) I hope all of you have a great time completing your Livetext portfolios and finishing your final self reflection. Soon enough, we'll be reflecting in the rearview mirror rather than the bedroom mirror.

Image and Quote Citation:

http://www.quotedb.com/authors/yogi-berra

Almost there!

http://www.bestmotivationalquotes.com/graphics2/struggle.jpg

Working diligently to complete my addendum! It was a productive night working alongside a great professor, being with the other half of team MAGEC "in spirit" and missing and thinking of Christine! Yes, I'm almost there! just a few more pages and my first draft will be complete. Happy Birthday Erik, may God continue to bless you with many more birthdays to come!

A Journey Worth a Thousand Words

It's definitely that time to sit back and breathe a sigh of relief, not because it's all over, but it's the beginning of a new start in my student's pursuit of literacy growth. He's come a long way from when we first started, but to his credit he stuck it through; quite an accomplishment for one so active and easily distracted. I must say that I'm really proud of him, and although it may seem like his progress is minimal, nonetheless, it's still progress. After all, wasn't that our goal to begin with? My hope and fervent wish is that my student will stay on track, and continue to increase his literacy skills. May he overcome any obstacle that comes his way and be able to come out of it a winner!

To Erik and Mar, Happy Birthday and may you both have many more to come! To my fellow comrades in ED646, I salute you and may I say, a job well done!

Sometimes the path you're on is not as important as the direction you're heading
Kevin Smith

quote: http://www.quotegarden.com/goals.html

image: http://www.successquotes.com/

Almost at the other side!

“Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment.”

Jim Rohn quotes

Wow. I'm simply amazed that I made it through 643 and 644, not to be premature, I have the livetext portfolio and the literacy event, but the addendum is done! I'm glad I didn't quit in the fall. I was extremely close to walking away because I was so scared of finding a student, getting them to UOG, doing testing in a subject I had very little background information, but I did it. And I thank God, Dr. Rivera and my classmates for being there for all of my questions and struggles! I know if I ever walk into an interview, I will be able to speak to them with confidence in my skills and be able to impart knowledge upon them! I CAN DO IT! Having said that, I am going to try and finish my TESOL degree first, and then if time and money allow, come back and finish my Reading Specialist. I only have fifteen credits in the TESOL program left, so I'm going to try and finish that in the next year and a half. We shall see. It's been a great week, and I'm looking forward to the Family Literacy Event and finishing the Livetext portfolios. I feel good. I'm also happy that after two years of long work, I've got my ESL certification, and it was paid for by MLI! That's the best part.

Quotation Credit:

http://thinkexist.com/quotation/discipline_is_the_bridge_between_goals_and/210477.html

Image Credit: http://michiganblogging.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/mackinac_bridge.jpg

"Happy Birthday Mar and Erik"

I just want to send special wishes to both Mar and Erik for this month. This is the month that you were brought into this world. We give thanks for having wonderful friends like the two of you. I submitted my report this week and will have to make the necessary revisions. However, it is a sigh of relief to get the bulk of the addendum done. I am most grateful that my student did move up a level in reading. Erik couldn't have said it any better during his practice speech today about how hard we have worked. We should all be proud of ourselves like Geri had mentioned. Team MAGEC has come a long way. With only a few courses left, I shall always cherish the friendship that I have made with each one of you. We have grown to know each other well, shared laughs here and there, and gave encouragement when one needed it. God bless you all and may you live a long and happy life!

"Thank you for joining me on this journey we call life."--Jonathan Lockwood Huie

Image courtesy of: http://www.mermaidsofthelake.com/

A bit ahead of myself.

“The secret of getting ahead is getting started. The secret of getting started is breaking your complex overwhelming tasks into small manageable tasks, and then starting on the first one.”

Mark Twain

Well, I was a bit ahead of myself with my last blog, I 've got more assessment to do with my student. Turns out I forgot about listening comprehension. Yikes! So I've got to get it all done tomorrow. I hope my student shows up to school tomorrow! Otherwise I'm going to have to meet with him during Spring Break. That would be crazy, but if I have to I'll invite him and his mother to lunch! Oh well. Anyway, lots of work to do, I know I can do it, but I just have to segment the time! As usual, it's flying by! I'm proud to say too, that God has humbled me this semester and I'm not ahead of my assignment, and I have to be okay with it. I'm actually glad for it, it's been, and continues to be a real test of my patience. I'm done preaching now.

Image Credit: http://folusho.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/getting-ahead-internet-marketing-.jpg

Quote Credit: http://thinkexist.com/quotation/the_secret_of_getting_ahead_is_getting_started/216812.html

Busy as a bee...

Is it me, or are we all just busy as ever? Every year during April and May there is an entire list of things to do for work. S.A.T. 10 scheduled during our last month. Everyone better use up their personal leave before the start of May. I think that's why teachers definitely need a summer vacation too! It seems that when summer comes along our bodies are so drained from the workload that doing nothing seems impossible. I met up with some old classmates who are not in the education field and are working 8-5 jobs. It's funny how even after 5:00, they're clothes are still neatly pressed and uniforms tucked in. They even look like how they did back in the days. However, as teachers, the eyes are twitching, hair dying is a must, and denim jeans becomes a favorite work uniform (plus the slippers to bring along to your classroom). Let's give ourselves a pat in the back for multi-tasking. We're not just teachers, we're parents for these students, counselors for those in need, and office clerks for all the paper work we have to do each day. Have a great Easter break everyone. God bless you all Team MAGEC!

"In truth, people can generally make time for what they choose to do; it is not really the time but the will that is lacking."--Sir John Lubbock

Image courtesy of: http://www.infantbumblebeecostume.org/

Let's Dance!

taken from http://cbswomc.files.wordpress.com/2010/06/dancing-baby-2131530781.jpg?w=385&h=285&h=285

"Those who danced were thought to be quite insane by those who could not hear the music" (Angela Monet, http://thinkexist.com/quotations/music/). 


This quote was inspired by Geri's dancing--okay, just joking.  But thanks, Geri, for sharing some oldies with us.  It helped motivate me and keep me on task.  I think I'll keep that in mind as I really buckle down and work during the coming days.  I think this quote speaks to what we as tutors have been privy to after spending so much time with our students--things that outsiders might not appreciate.  But our assessments are bearing out and showing just how much potential our students truly have.  Now it's up to them and their future teachers to take advantage of it.


As glad, happy, and overjoyed I am to visit my husband (and have my yearly thyroid check-up...not so excited about that, I guess) after four months away from him, I'm disappointed that I'll be missing Erik and Mar's birthday outing!  Hopefully my husband can get here soon and meet you all--the famous Team MAGEC!

Challenges

http://www.truewhisper.com/media/48273-meaningful-life.jpg We finally have completed the written evidence for my addendum. It was intensive but I'm glad we were able to complete the work. I see the improvement in his work however small it was, I have to remind myself it still an improvement from his last assessment. Now I can fill in the charts and results needed to complete my addendum. I was asked by his mother to sit in during his IEP meeting on May 2nd. @ 11:00am. (Since it was during class time I told her I won't be able to make it) I wished it were scheduled earlier, so I could include it in the report, but just the same, Mom agreed to share the results with me. Well let's go team MAGEC let's finish our addendum!!

Almost There

The road is Better than the Inn
Cervantes

It seems that testing my student is never ending; the more I test, the more I have to, and itdoesn't help when he dilly-dallies so that I can only perform a few assessments at a time. My student has a completely laid back nature, and for as much as I would like for him to speed things up, it just doesn't work that way with him. So, I suppose that I'll probably be the last one to finish again, but I will get it done!

I just found out through our session tonight that I actually performed more assessments than I should have. So,as an "addendum" to the first paragraph, I can now officially state that I'm done testing (I composed the first paragraph before the session). Yeah!! So now, were on the homestretch...oh, the sweet agony of being so close, but not quite there,yet. I can't wait until May 5th when we present our students with proof of their accomplishments.

On a lighter note, everyone seemed to have enjoyed themselves tonight; I guess the "Pandora" music that I played while working, added a nice touch to our working session. MAGECal music was definitely in the air!

Image: www.dft.gov.uk/trafficsignsimages/

quote: http://www.leading-learning.co.nz/

Uh oh...

“'Tis healthy to be sick sometimes.”

Henry David Thoreau

Well, after an awesome week for me and my wife, I think I'm getting sick. Yikes. I think I might be burned out from eustress rather than distress! I've been busy with the Youth for Youth conference, my in-laws visiting, and of course multiple celebrations for my wife successfully defending her thesis. On an exciting note, I have finished collecting data from my student, he scored independent on a level three and frustrational on a level six which means I can peg him at instructional at levels four and five this semester rather than just level four. I think he'll be happy to know he doesn't have to come in to do more testing in the morning again. So basically, I can really begin to knock out the addendum and hopefully have the draft done by Monday or Tuesday of Spring Break. We shall see. I also want to take it easy to and make sure my health comes first too. Bring on the Halls and the tea!

Image Credit: https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju2MyUUorjFHMZgO-l7zBm68IjkiHN3PzAi9pyfr0G5UTWTHD6UyeyU148a3elxhizN5GetsPWD_inM9LY_f8v4viaHjJzOTHhyphenhyphen9qK1H4HvJFXTWSOJQh-1Dm_dG8Q6BDRKLlkJfLsM_ea/s400/sick-computer-777168.gif

Quote Credit: http://en.thinkexist.com/reference/quotes_about_being_sick/

Erik's time to shine!! (again)

http://www.asergeev.com/pictures/archives/2003/357/jpeg/03.jpg "The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate." -Oprah Winfrey -http://quotations.about.com/cs/inspirationquotes/a/Celebration1.htm CONGRATULATIONS Erik! Best Wishes from Team MAGEC!!

All we need is just a little patience...

"Patience and perseverance have a magical effect before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish."--John Quincy Adams


Things are getting quite busy with only two months left of the school year. I am currently working with my grade level on our 5th grade promotion and had to rush this week to get the purchase orders for the trophies, certificates, Student Council sashes, etc. We also have three upcoming field trips and have to start planning and calculating our expenses. This week was practice for the students for our Chamorro program tomorrow. Students have been sent to the office for fighting and many other discipline concerns. It sure has been a rough year and yet I can only thank the Lord for his guidance throughout the way. I must remember at all times to continue to be patient with not only myself but the behavioral students as well. As teachers we are with these kids for at last half of the day trying to instill values. However, the home is the foundation where they should be taught right from wrong. Bless those parents who are supportive and set good examples for their children. Bullying has also become another problem in the elementary schools. Whenever I turn on the television there are so many channels that children shouldn't be watching. Whatever happened to censorship? Let's just light a candle and hope that the upcoming generations will make a change for the better. Now time to get working on the addendum again. Good luck everyone.

Image courtesy of: http://www.quotexite.com

Still Assessing

Today's session brought good news from Erik, since he passed the Praxis Test II and his wife successfully defended her master's thesis. Congratulations to both them; a job well done, Erik! Hearing Erik's great news gives me hope that if I study hard enough, I just might be able to pull it off, myself. On a different note, I have been assessing my student at my jobsite over several days now, and I'm still not quite finished. Thankfully, I'm able to do this since he is from the same school. I thought that with all the assessments that I've performed on him, he would get tired of being tested, but somehow it's just the opposite. He seems to really enjoy being tested; I don't know if it's because of all the "treats and little prizes" afterwards, but I'm not complaining. However, I can't wait for the day when I can say that, finally, my addendum is complete. I'm sure that everyone agrees with me on this.

To the uneducated, an A is just three sticks.

A.A. Milne

image: http://www.civicmirror.com

quote: http://www.quotegarden.com/education.html

Not staring...

from http://legacythumbs.weheartit.netdna-cdn.com/20081114195638.jpg

No, I'm not criticizing you; nor do I find you hard to understand.  My eyes are just bothering me.  


I'm sorry that I can't attend class today and get the updates about the parapro lesson plans--and just catch up with my favorite classmates.  My eyes have been bothering me too much lately.  I had hoped to power through it, but as the day went on, I just couldn't bear it.  Now at home, I think I might have to add the sniffles to my "symptoms."  At least I can also avoid the bright lights of oncoming headlights tonight as well.  


On a side note, my students have finished reading Under the Blood-Red Sun and loved it!  So many of my students, the male ones especially, might usually "clock out" of class when they get bored, but this novel kept them engaged.  I think it's the combination of action, camaraderie, themes of immigration and discrimination, and a solid family unit that resonate so much with them. I would be very happy to find more novels and/or short stories that are culturally relevant to our local population and "literarily" substantive.


Well, my infinitesimal progress on my addendum is progress nonetheless.  I have my data ready to go, but just need to input it and discuss it.  His uncle has shared that he is making much social and academic progress.  My student celebrated his birthday with a big party at their church.  I'm excited to share just how much he's grown and the potential growth I foresee.  I'm confident the my student has all the tools ready to live and learn successfully, toward success.


"The great thing in the world is not so much where we stand, as in what direction we are moving" (Oliver Wendell Holmes, http://thinkexist.com/quotations/progress/).

We learn from one another...

Today's session was quite different from our usual tutoring routine. It was instead a time to share with the group our lesson plans and reflection. I enjoyed hearing all your ideas from your lesson. With Mar's lesson, I liked how she incorporated a lesson to introduce diversity and the new incoming students. Geri's lesson had different strategies that we have learned from our previous courses. Having a variety of methods can make learning more productive. It was interesting how Christine was able to work with a teacher who teaches the hearing impaired. I learned something new from her observation of the teacher in regards to the way the students write. Erik had humored us with his experience of being in the "laid back" teacher's classroom. Reminds me of the southern roots. After all, I did attend a high school in the southern area. Plus I have many relatives from the south. There are so many ways to incorporate literacy into our planning. As teachers, we understand the importance of modification to meet the needs of every student including our ESL and students with learning disabilities. Now we have one final task to complete. The only thing I need to do after this blog is sleep and recharge for a full day ahead tomorrow.

Image courtesy of http://www.ktdl.co.uk/image/quotation_summary_003.gif

Getting Back

Taken from http://www.furnessenterprise.co.uk/images/Return%20to%20work%20logo.jpg

Coming to class as a "student" today was different and refreshing after so long being a "tutor."  I was glad to have this longer time to reconnect with Team MAGEC.  We're all making progress, and it's exciting!  Annette's MAGEC PowerPoint was really impressive.  Every touch was just right.  You can really see the love and time she put into it.  Those parents aren't going to know what hit them!

The sharing was great as always.  I learn so much from everyone's experiences.  I didn't know all that much about elementary or middle school before I started with Team MAGEC.  Thanks for giving me insight into my post-graduation options.

Alas, it's back to work for us.  With the majority of this semester squared away, we just have to maintain the motivation we had from working with our students and seeing them improve.  While tutoring was (more) fun, for the rest of the semester we have to buckle down now and finish up those Addenda (because apparently that's the plural form!).  As this semester ends and we don't get to see as much of Team MAGEC as we've grown used to, let us "keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things, because we're curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths" (Walt Disney, http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/new.html).

Literacy Strategies Anyone?

Today's session included the presentations of the literacy lesson plans for paraprofessionals by Team Magec. The literacy strategies listed in the lessons are not only excellent strategies to apply in almost all the academic subjects, but fun ones too for the students. Strategies like the graffiti board, written retelling, sketch-to-stretch and others, are engaging activities that catch and maintain the students' interest.

Because we just completed Chamorro Month, I thought it would be an interesting way to end it by tying my para professional's lessons with the Chamorro concept of the taotaomona legend, and the carabao, a familiar animal seen on Guam. As the graffiti board deals with the student's schemata and perceptions of the taotaomona, it was naturally a "hit" with my students. As I observed the para professional implement the lesson, I noticed that my students were so engrossed in their activity that it was hard to pry them off of it and on to something else. As for the written retelling strategy, it was a new concept for them, so it took quite a bit of encouragement by the para professional to try to get the students to use as many words from the text as possible. But, once they got going on their task, and had completed it, the results showed their understanding of the fable, "The Carabao and the Shrew." Hooray for the power of literacy strategies!

We call a child's mind "small" simply by habit, perhaps it is larger than ours is, for it can take in anything without effort."

Christoper Morley

image: graffiti board by Ms. G. Sablan's students: Marcial A. Sablan Elementary School

quote: http://www.thinkexist.com/quotations/children/4.html

Worry-free

http://photobucket.com/images/Inspirational%20Quotes/

It has been a really busy week for me, from accreditation meetings to preparing for our "Parent-Share" Presentation during our Parent Teacher Conference, to scheduling to meet the WASC team as a grade level chair. I kept thinking I would still have time to further discuss the lesson plans with my paraprofessional then she goes on leave! Although she has returned, I'm sure she is not emotionally ready, luckily I have my ESL aide (soon to be teacher) to tap on. I know he will do a great job, because he has worked with my students for 3 months now. I realize there are aspects in our lives we can not control and thinking about it only stresses you out! So instead of trying to take control of things in your life and worry about it, just give it to God because He is in control. We really need to quit worrying and concentrate in doing what we do best; teaching. Have a great weekend team MAGEC!!

Preparation

"By failing to prepare you are preparing to fail."

-Benjamin Franklin

Well, I'm happy to have my lesson plan for a paraprofessional ready to be taught tomorrow, so I'm hoping that goes well. Additionally, I need more data for me student and will be retesting him on several level three and level five passages. I intend to do this before school on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. I just need to remember to wake up early! I know I can do this, but I think I was relying too much on Spring Break to get stuff done. It's time to get on the pony and ride as they say! I have to balance all of the work with teaching, accreditation, and class appropriately, and methodically get my testing done. I have to have all of my normal lesson plans ready ahead of time, since I normally do them in the morning. Preparation will be key. Wish me luck!

Image and Quotation Citation:http://www.telesalesmagic.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/preparation_mousetrap.jpg

This calls for a celebration...

"There are no shortcuts to life's greatest achievements." --Anonymous

With the last session completed I can now reflect on all that was done. If we count the months for ED643 and ED644 it will be an estimated 10 months. It was almost as if we were on a probational work period to test our skills and knowledge of reading strategies. First the assessments from the previous course. Those results were important for our data. It was necessary in order to determine what needed to be done to help our students. We were all so eager to start applying the strategies we have learned. When we finally started ED644 we were worried that in the end there was no progression. However, as our sessions continued we knew how to work with them. Most importantly, we determined what would work best for them. Now that the tenth session has passed and our assessments were re-administered, it was evidence that we did our jobs. We are officially off the probational period. Next step ahead, PRAXIS II. Other than Erik who recently took the test and I'm confident will pass when his results come in. If it weren't for such a close knitted group we couldn't have made it this far. The support and encouragement has helped in so many ways. Especially when one of our students was unable to attend the session. We felt empathy because every session counted. Let us continue to believe in ourselves and why we chose this major in the first place. Truth be told, it is a profession to be proud of...Reading Specialists.

Image courtesy of: http://iowahouse.org/

I think I'm done...

Yes, I think so.  I'll have to double check and input the data and compare it to last semester.  But it looks like my student has improved enough to have the data bear out.  I'm glad that I can move on and work on the other requirements of the course.  It's been a tough semester, and it's not done yet.  


Our time with our kids is over or ending.  Let us be appreciative of every evidence of improvement, no matter how small.  Our time with them can only be a good thing in their literacy lives--"we did everything that could be done."

"Let us be sure that those who come after will say of us in our time, that in our time we did everything that could be done.  We finished the race; we kept them free; we kept the faith." --Ronald Reagan (http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/done.html)

Just a little Humor!

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn202/theworldofisaac/tn_headbutt.jpg

“I'm disappointed, but I'm not going to run around like Dennis Rodman and head-butt somebody.” -Greg Norman

http://thinkexist.com/quotations/disappointment/2.html

Yes, a little goes a long way! A little accomplishment is better than none. I'm glad we're done with the testing part, now we can start working on our addendum! Thank you Team MAGEC for all your encouragement!! Looking forward to the family literacy celebration.

Wait and See

Learn to labour and to wait.

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

This morning my student came to me to ask for a make up session tomorrow at lunch so he could attend his dance practice this afternoon. I noted how responsible this was and consented. Sad for me, but I think he was happy not to let down his dance group and his dance teacher. Anyway, today I created my Livetext portfolio and uploaded my session reports and midterm to the template. I also finished my second lesson plan for my paraprofessional and hope to implement them next week. I'm having the students read legends of Guam, so hopefully the students will have prior schema, react well, and enjoy the legends. We shall see. We shall also see about my student's make up tests from the QRI-4, hopefully he will be at his best tomorrow morning and at lunch.

Quotation Citation: http://www.saidwhat.co.uk/quotes/favourite/henry_wadsworth_longfellow

Image Citation:

http://www.artistsbooksonline.org/images/j/jwas/display/jwasEd1Ob1_di_0002_00.jpg

A Proud Student, a Prouder Teacher

I couldn't be prouder of my student than I was today; not only did he improve on the QRI word lists, but he scored instructional on third grade level of the word list. In addition to that, he scored at instructional at the primer level of the narrative that he read today; a level higher than last semester's. It may seem to others that one level higher is not much of an improvement, but Team Magec knows that there has been a lot of work and effort put into the sessions with our students. Even the slightest improvement is valuable to us and to them. We all know that no two people are alike in their rate of learning, so we are truly appreciative when we see how much effort our students put into improving their reading skills. But, I think more importantly, what is even more significant and meaningful is knowing that they have the desire and drive to improve.

The will to win, the desire to succeed, the urge to reach your full potential...these are the keys that will unlock the door to personal excellence.

Confucius

image: http://www.trickjarrett.com/wp-content/uploads

quote: http://www.thinkexist.com/quotations/children/

The road ahead...

"No road is too long for him who advances slowly and does not hurry, and no attainment is beyond his reach who equips himself with patience to achieve it." --Jean de La Bruyere

For today's final make-up session K.T. did 5 passages from the QRI-4. I started with a level three with no look-backs. The passage did not have any pictures and K.T. was only able to retell 5 ideas. I decided it may be difficult for her so then I went to several level two narrative and expository passages. K.T.'s strengths would be miscues from oral reading and answering the comprehension questions. With retelling, I think it depends on her interest and prior knowledge of information within the passage. Based on her results for level two, I administered a level one passage and she placed in the independent level. For the final session, I want to do more testing to determine her results. I'm glad I no longer have to do the primer passages as compared to last semester. This is indication that she has progressed. I even reminded her not to forget tomorrow's session. We all know what it feels like to do make-up work. See you all then.

Image courtesy of: http://www.talesofkindness.com

Getting back on track

"Once children learn how to learn, nothing is going to narrow their mind. The essence of teaching is to make learning contagious, to have one idea spark another."--Marva Collins

Today's was a make-up session. K.T. is back on track. I was able to administer the QRI-4 word list. Based on the results, she has gone up two grade levels. She has also shown great improvement with her pacing of reading and comprehension skills. This is the feeling that I was looking forward to. I know she felt proud of herself as well when she was able to answer the questions and rarely struggle on the passages. K.T. has come along way. I remember thinking will there be any evidence of improvement that we all hope for? Sessions like today make me eager to do the next make-up session. Although in the end of this course we will get our grade, the real reward is knowing that we helped our students to gain confidence in reading. This is one course that has put our skills to the test. In the end, we can all reflect back and say, "We did it!"

Image courtesy of http://www.kidsdiscover.net/

Concentrate!

"Discipline and concentration are a matter of being interested." --Tom Kite (http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/concentration.html)

taken from http://images.inmagine.com/img/amanaimagesrf/amrf191/amrf10154000476.jpg

Wow!  Today was the hoped-for productive session.  We just went straight into assessments and completed six!  I'm glad that we were able to keep up the pace though my student was showing some signs of weariness by the end of it.  But ever the trooper, he didn't complain and we made it.  Here's hoping we can keep this streak going until next time so there will be no need of an extra session.  


While reading and answering questions, my student kept impressing me with the speed of his replies and how much more he was able to understand and communicate back to me.  I can only hope that this will carry on and carry him through high school and beyond.  I can see more and more of his potential being realized--and I know that he wouldn't have made it this far if he didn't want to succeed, wasn't thirsty for knowledge.  I am thankful for my time with him; his success inspires me!

Murphy's Law

http://pleasantvalleyhslibrary.wikispaces.com/file/view/library_animated_boy_reading.gif/72855503/library_animated_boy_reading.gif

Murphy's Law #1. If something can go wrong, it will.

http://quotations.about.com/od/murphyslaws/tp/10_murphys_laws.htm

Well, Murphy's Law is not really a quote, but it brilliantly describes the expereince I had with my student today.

I came to class with great expectations! I couldn't wait to test my student and record the results. It did not happen, at least not today! It almost felt like the first day with him. I wondered if he was just having a bad day, or he did not have a healthy snack after school. He took a break after the first part of the test, had a snack, drank, used the rest room and washed his hands. I administered the next part and got a little fustrated because he wanted to read the passages fast. I had to tell him to slow down and sound out the letters. He was inserting words that were not even there. So he sounded out the letters of words he did not know and read slowly. It was not fluent. He read the words he knew and paused and sounded out the words he didn't know. I had to remind him to say the word after sounding it out. It took longer than usual to read. As I compared his last assessments to the present, it looks like he did "a little" better, not the "Great" I expected. I am still holding out for better results next test session!

Assessments in the Works!

"The desire to know is far more important than achievement and/or performance measures."

Caine & Caine

Today my student and I went through some routine strategies briefly, before we tackled the "fun" part of our session: assessments. Although I was only able to test him on the QRI word lists (levels primer-third) and do a miscue analysis on a different primer narrative passage from last semester's, the results were nonetheless very meaningful and encouraging. He scored a notch higher on the level two word list, scoring on the instructional level, showing an increase from frustrational to instructional. Although he scored frustrational on level three, I have high hopes that he'll do better next time. I see the desire in him to reach higher levels as we continue to make progress. This is a good sign, for it shows the willingness of my student to improve in literacy aquisition. Just today, he commented on how he wanted to try reading the words from the middle and high school lists. While I commend him for his genuine interest to try reading those horrendously difficult words, I applaud the desire in him even more! It's that burning desire that I hope will never die out!

image: http://hsdboardmemberwordpress.com/2008/07/25/doug-reeves-on-toxic-grades/

quote: http://www.adprima.com/quotes.htm

Improved?

“Every day you may make progress. Every step may be fruitful. Yet there will stretch out before you an ever-lengthening, ever-ascending, ever-improving path. You know you will never get to the end of the journey. But this, so far from discouraging, only adds to the joy and glory of the climb.”

Mofee123 Winston Churchill quotes

Today I began testing with the QRI. He made slight improvements in all of the word lists, (one more correct at each level), and he scored at instructional on the two level four readings I tested him with today. That was good. He really wants the movie tickets as well, so he is concentrating extra hard. We also finished the vocabulary word poster, and I know he was proud to show off his drawing, he specifically mentioned having "Miss G" see it, because he couldn't draw in the fourth grade! And of course, we had our mandatory game of Scrabble! We'll see what happens next week. Anyway, most importantly, I feel like with the right environment, he will enjoy reading and literacy. It will be up to the parents after next week. Hopefully he'll improve.

Quote Credit

http://thinkexist.com/quotation/every-day-you-may-make-progress-every-step-may-be/348040.html

Image Credit

http://www.learningpolls.org/graph_improvement.jpg

"Climbing mountains"

"Live your life each day as you would climb a mountain. An occasional glance towards the summit keeps the goal in mind, but many beautiful scenes are to be observed from each new vintage point."--Harold B. Melchart

Today is yet another session with no student. K.T. was out with the flu for the past week. She had returned to school yesterday with her doctor's note. However, she was released early today because of her recurring symptoms. I thought about the minor setbacks such as the make-up sessions and the amount of time we have left until our draft of the report is due. I definitely need to fully charge myself in order to catch up. I had my assessments planned out for today so that I could determine how she has improved. I'm at least thankful that her grandmother's house is up the street. That way I can assess whenever possible. As I was browsing through some quotes for my blog today, I could not help but read over the one I had posted above. Somehow I feel that I am climbing a mountain. Not necessarily because of the trials, but more in the sense that I know I will eventually get "there." There as in goals. I chose to climb and I have to take a few breaks now and then. Within those brief moments of taking a break, I should look around and count my blessings in life. On a simple note, I just have to remember that what I choose to fulfill in life is not necessarily about how long it will take to reach it, but the journey and lessons along the way.

"I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something. And because I cannot do everything I will not refuse to do the something that I can do."--Helen Keller

Image courtesy of: http://www2.timesdispatch.com

Without us to push them...

Without us to push them, will our students still continue to do as well as they have been?

Taken from http://www.toonpool.com/user/2141/files/push_395925.jpg

I know we're all anxious to finish this semester and reap the rewards of a whole school year's worth of hard work in May.  I also know that as teachers we may be plagued with the insecurity that students may plateau or regress without us.  We can only hope that they get good teachers next year, have a solid support group, and develop self-reliance.

But good teaching doesn't end when summer comes, and I'm sure we've all made enough of an impression in our students' lives to keep them going.  I just can't wait for us to see our kids 5 or 10 years from now being the great adolescents/young adults we know are in there!

I also hope WE and our students remember that though difficulties will be inevitable in the future, "Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm" (Winston Churchill, http://thinkexist.com/quotations/graduation)

The other side

http://liology.files.wordpress.com/2009/11/rainbow.jpg

"If you're feeling low, don't despair. The Sun has a sinking spell every night, but it comes back up every morning. The way I see it, If you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain."

-Dolly Parton

Today was a busy an emotionally trying day for me! So I knew before class started, I needed to put my game face on! To my surprise, my student took the reigns and did his word strips, book reading, word & picture flip book AND word lists, with minimal guidance and few word corrections. He made my tough day easier, hence the other side, the teacher "not being all there". At the end of a difficult day, I got to see the rainbow after the rain!