|
I particpated in the Spartanburg Writing Project exploring the many ways to
effectively teach writing to students. The most important thing I learned
was in order to teach writing I must be a writer. I must pratice expressing
my thoughts and going through the writing process myself. Below is some of
my work from my portfolio from the summer institute.
- What I teach by Kelly Holden
- A Day Filled with Excitement and Fear
- Beginning of School
What I teach by Kelly Holden When I am asked, What do you do? I usually hear two different
responses to my reply. One response provides the opportunity to
truly share my passion and enthusiasm of my chosen profession.
The other response leaves me feeling flustered; Oh, you teach
Kindergarten.
Dont get me wrong, I do not take their demeaning reply to heart.
My job is very fulfilling and I choose to be a teacher. A
Kindergarten Teacher! I get up every day excited about what
lies ahead. I do more than JUST TEACH KINDERGARTEN.
I teach children to use their words instead of their fists when
they fight over the same toy.
I teach future writers, scholars, and educators the power of the
written word.
I teach each child to try their best and provide opportunities
where they can all succeed.
I teach children that laughter is good for the soul!
I teach children that I care about their hurts and scrapes each
time I apply a band-aid or put ice on a boo-boo.
I teach children to care for their health each time I pass out
bacterial gel or remind them to flush.
I teach children that you dont always have to sing on key, it is
more important to SING!
I teach children the joy of dancing and the freedom it provides.
I teach children the value of currency and how to save your money
for that rainy day.
I teach them the joy of painting with chocolate pudding or
squishing your hands in shaving cream.
I teach them to count change so they can never be taken advantage
of.
I teach children to ask questions and make observations of the
world around them.
I teach children how America came to be and the importance of
those that came before us.
I teach children to protect and value the world around them, so
it will be here for their children.
I teach children to see patterns and observe quantities of
objects, stating which has more or less.
I teach children that community helpers guide and protect in case
they are ever lost or have a need.
I teach children that rules are to keep you safe, not to limit
you.
I teach children to look at life through rose color glasses and
observe the beauty all around us.
I teach children their thoughts can be written down and read by
others.
I teach children that books can take you to far-away places, and
they do not need a suitcase!
I teach children they can do anything as long as they believe!
I teach children to take risks and learn from failure.
I teach children not to look at failure in itself, see it as a
journey to find a different solution.
I teach children to value differences and accept others based
upon the value of the individual.
I teach children to look beyond color, race, or creed and see the
person for what they are.
I am glad you asked, you want to know what I teach?
I teach children to be proud of what they do, no matter what it
is.
Yes, I teach Kindergarten!
Based upon What do teachers make? By Marc Kelly Smith
A Day Filled with Excitement and Fear Another year begins as children burst through the door,
Backpacks stuffed with crayons, scissors and glue.
Childrens faces filled with anticipation as they
Dart from corner to corner taking it all in.
Energy is contagious as they meet one another.
Friendships are made quickly as names are exchanged.
Girls with pony tails and boys with sneakers
Hold out their hands to meet the teacher.
I just know I will love coming to school he says
Jumping up and down as high as he can.
Kicking and jumping are what I do best!
Looking out from behind moms skirt a young girl stands
Maybe I will make a friend. I hope I know somebody.
Nothing to fret my pet, you will make lots of friends!
On the first day we have so many fun things planned
Playing games, singing songs and getting to know new friends.
Quickly her expression changes as she sees the cage.
Running across the room she squeals with delight!
Smiling, with a sigh of relief, her mother knows it will be okay.
Talking amongst each other I see the parents conferring
Uniting one another with a common theme of hope.
Vanishing quickly are fears of concern, replaced
With glimmers of hope and excitement for things to come.
Exiting from the classroom the parents depart
Yearning to stay but knowing the time has come.
Unzipping the purses in search of Kleenex; the parents
reluctantly go.
Beginning of School Beginning of School
by Kelly Holden
*Modeled after Ted Koosers Abandoned Farmhouse
I will proudly write her name, says the
Yellow sharpened pencil that stands in the cup.
I will be held by the next Picasso or even the next Rembrandt,
says the unopened box of Crayola crayons.
I will be the home of future explorers or maybe even a President,
says the Desk that sits in rows.
Yet, they wait for the bell to ring.
I will prevent the germs from reaching others,
says the box of Kleenex awaiting the first sneeze.
I will tell them all about the year to come,
says the Postcard written and stamped with love.
I will proudly introduce each child to the school,
says the Name tag written in perfect print.
Yet, they wait for the bell to ring.
I will hold all his important documents,
says the Clipboard with its grip so tight.
Summer break is over and another year begins,
says the date on the calendar.
I will host important meetings and festive parties,
says the classroom fresh and dusted.
Yet, they wait for the bell to ring.
The room is set and everything is in its place,
says the alert eyes of the Teacher.
She stands by the door reaching out to shake each hand.
Proudly saying, I will be your teacher.
As the bell rings.
| |
