Blog Entry #2

The learning theory that I observed the most of was Behaviorism. While in a first grade class the teacher explained a rating system. She used numbers 1-4, one behavior would be the teacher having to stop multiple times to get children back on task, starting the lesson over, etc. A four behavior would be the best behavior, the entire class listening the first time and staying on task the entire lesson. The teacher herself gives the class a number, as well as when the class goes to specialties such as computers, music, art and library. The teacher will ask for the number the class received at the end of each specialty.
The teacher creates a secret word. For each four the class receives, they get to turn over one letter in the word. Once all of the letters have been turned over, the entire class earns a reward. Depending on the length of the word, and the behavior of the class they may earn their reward quite quickly, or it may take a little while.

Blog Entry #1

I have chosen to complete my hours at the local elementary school. When we moved to our new home five years ago my oldest son started kindergarten, he has just now started his fifth grade school year. I have helped in his and my other sons classes and have been part of the PTA, it seems fitting that I complete hours in a school I am familiar with and comfortable in. As for service hours, I will be planning on observing in several grade level classrooms from Kindergarten to Fifth grade. I will assist in any way the teacher may need.

The school I will complete my service hours in is a Title One school, so there are several families who are low income families. I would predict that majority of the families are low income. The school has also been accredited as a Silver Level STEM school. They frequently have family nights dedicated to STEM activities and always end up with a great turn out.