I am starting to compile a bucket list. A list of things I want to do before I die. I wanted to share a few of the items. I have already completed a few items on the list including getting married, buying a house, living in another state, and getting a bachelor's degree. Here are a few other items I have on my list:
• Complete my master's degree (MAT in Special Education)
• Visit Paris (and other European Destinations)
• Write my childhood memoir
• Publish my first book
• Take a class at Harvard
• Live in a European Country
• Open a bed and breakfast
• Drive Across the Country
• Write a book of poetry
• Take a cruise
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Friday, May 28, 2010
Two Years in North Carolina
This weekend is the two year anniversary of Joe and I moving to North Carolina. I cannot believe we have already lived here two years. It seems like we just moved here. Sometimes it still feels strange that we actually live here. I never thought we would leave New Hampshire, but now that we have, I am glad we did. I am glad to be living here and experiencing a new area. I think Joe and I knew we would someday move out of state, we just didn't know when and where. I am glad to call North Carolina home.
Visit NC
Saturday, May 22, 2010
The Brain of an Individual with Dyslexia
What causes Dyslexia and reading disabilities and why do some individuals that seem intelligent enough to read have difficulty reading? There are many theories on this. I have heard many different explanations by educational professionals in my life as to why this would be. Many of which have nothing to do with research, but have to do with their opinions on why these children have difficulty learning to read. I have heard things such as these children just learn slower, they learn to read slower, need additional time with reading, and so forth.
The issue as to what causes Dyslexia and what is going on in the brain of an individual with Dyslexia is something that cannot be fully discussed in a short blog post. This is something to could encompass a lengthy article or a book by those currently working in brain research (which I am not), but I have a few thoughts to share. Research has been conducted into the brain of individuals with dyslexia and has found some evidence that dyslexia does exist and it is neurological in nature. Dyslexia also has nothing to do with someone visual processing abilities.
Research shows that dyslexia and reading disabilities are caused by language processing breakdowns in the area of the brain that processes language. Furthermore, scans of the brain of individuals with dyslexia and individuals without dyslexia have found differences in the way language is processed and the areas in which language is processed while reading. Scans have been taken of the brain called fMRI or functional magnetic resource imagining. Individuals with reading disabilities use different portions of the brain when reading. Reading is processed in the left hemisphere of the brain. Individuals with dyslexia have deficits in this area of language processing in the brain. In seems that in order to compensate for these deficits, individuals with dyslexia use the right hemisphere of the brain. Such research has been done by Sally Shaywitz, M.D. at Yale University. This photo was presented in my reading methods class. The brain of an individual with dyslexia is the bottom image.
This just begins to tap into some of the research that has been conducting and the continuing research into the brain of individuals with Dyslexia. This research shows that neurological abnormalities account for reading disabilities and that is why intelligence is not affected in individuals with reading disabilities.
For more information about brain research in individuals with reading disabilities checkout the book "Overcoming Dyslexia: A New and Complete Science-Based Program for Reading Problems at Any Level" by Sally Shaywitz, M.D. or this link Dyslexia and the Brain: What Does Current Research Tell Us?
The issue as to what causes Dyslexia and what is going on in the brain of an individual with Dyslexia is something that cannot be fully discussed in a short blog post. This is something to could encompass a lengthy article or a book by those currently working in brain research (which I am not), but I have a few thoughts to share. Research has been conducted into the brain of individuals with dyslexia and has found some evidence that dyslexia does exist and it is neurological in nature. Dyslexia also has nothing to do with someone visual processing abilities.
Research shows that dyslexia and reading disabilities are caused by language processing breakdowns in the area of the brain that processes language. Furthermore, scans of the brain of individuals with dyslexia and individuals without dyslexia have found differences in the way language is processed and the areas in which language is processed while reading. Scans have been taken of the brain called fMRI or functional magnetic resource imagining. Individuals with reading disabilities use different portions of the brain when reading. Reading is processed in the left hemisphere of the brain. Individuals with dyslexia have deficits in this area of language processing in the brain. In seems that in order to compensate for these deficits, individuals with dyslexia use the right hemisphere of the brain. Such research has been done by Sally Shaywitz, M.D. at Yale University. This photo was presented in my reading methods class. The brain of an individual with dyslexia is the bottom image.
This just begins to tap into some of the research that has been conducting and the continuing research into the brain of individuals with Dyslexia. This research shows that neurological abnormalities account for reading disabilities and that is why intelligence is not affected in individuals with reading disabilities.
For more information about brain research in individuals with reading disabilities checkout the book "Overcoming Dyslexia: A New and Complete Science-Based Program for Reading Problems at Any Level" by Sally Shaywitz, M.D. or this link Dyslexia and the Brain: What Does Current Research Tell Us?
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Why Use Poetry to Teach Reading Skills?
I wanted to share some of my findings in using poetry to teach reading (I did research on the subject for my reading methods class). I love poetry and I also write poetry, so I was very interested in how poetry was being used in classrooms to teach reading to all students and can be helpful in teaching reading to students who are struggling readers.
Poetry reinforces many reading skills including decoding, vocabulary, an understanding of word families, spelling skills, fluency, and comprehension. Another thing that is great about using poetry, especially in the elementary school grades, is that poetry can help foster a joy of reading. Many young children love poetry that rhymes and love to rhyme themselves.
One of the best things about incorporating poetry into a reading program is how little time it takes. It can be added in addition to what is already being used in the classroom. Spending as little as 10 minutes a day with poetry can increase students reading skills and reading fluency.
Poetry can be used at all age and grade levels. When considering poetry, consider the topics that your reading audience might be interested in, the age level, and the subject matter. There are poetry written about many different subjects that can be of interest to a variety of different readers. Also, you could include poetry by local poets.
For beginning readers or students with limited fluency be careful to select shorter poems. Poems tend to be short (especially if they are written for elementary school students), but not all poems are short. If you select short poems for beginning readers, it makes it easy for the reader to reread the passage and begin to read with pausing and inflection. Shorter poems can also keep students from feeling overwhelmed.
For students with reading disabilities, poetry could be a way to get the students interested in reading. It gives the student the option of reading shorter passages and not feeling overwhelmed when they sit down to read. Reading an entire chapter book can be very overwhelming for a student with a reading disability.
Poetry is also great to read aloud. Reading poetry aloud to students is great. Also, you can implement reader's theater in your classroom using poetry. You can have students give poetry reading, or you could have a class trip to a poetry reading, or maybe invite a local poet to give a poetry reading.
There are many websites and books about poetry and about using poetry in the classroom. Many poems are available online as well. Poetry is something I will definitely be using in my classroom.
http://www.poetryteachers.com/
http://www2.scholastic.com/browse/article.jsp?id=3753607
http://www.literacyconnections.com/readerstheater.php
Poetry reinforces many reading skills including decoding, vocabulary, an understanding of word families, spelling skills, fluency, and comprehension. Another thing that is great about using poetry, especially in the elementary school grades, is that poetry can help foster a joy of reading. Many young children love poetry that rhymes and love to rhyme themselves.
One of the best things about incorporating poetry into a reading program is how little time it takes. It can be added in addition to what is already being used in the classroom. Spending as little as 10 minutes a day with poetry can increase students reading skills and reading fluency.
Poetry can be used at all age and grade levels. When considering poetry, consider the topics that your reading audience might be interested in, the age level, and the subject matter. There are poetry written about many different subjects that can be of interest to a variety of different readers. Also, you could include poetry by local poets.
For beginning readers or students with limited fluency be careful to select shorter poems. Poems tend to be short (especially if they are written for elementary school students), but not all poems are short. If you select short poems for beginning readers, it makes it easy for the reader to reread the passage and begin to read with pausing and inflection. Shorter poems can also keep students from feeling overwhelmed.
For students with reading disabilities, poetry could be a way to get the students interested in reading. It gives the student the option of reading shorter passages and not feeling overwhelmed when they sit down to read. Reading an entire chapter book can be very overwhelming for a student with a reading disability.
Poetry is also great to read aloud. Reading poetry aloud to students is great. Also, you can implement reader's theater in your classroom using poetry. You can have students give poetry reading, or you could have a class trip to a poetry reading, or maybe invite a local poet to give a poetry reading.
There are many websites and books about poetry and about using poetry in the classroom. Many poems are available online as well. Poetry is something I will definitely be using in my classroom.
http://www.poetryteachers.com/
http://www2.scholastic.com/browse/article.jsp?id=3753607
http://www.literacyconnections.com/readerstheater.php
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Our Disney World Vacation
Joe and I spent five days at Disney World and visited the four Disney parks, Downtown Disney, and the Disney Boardwalk. It took about 10 hours to drive there on Friday, so we were happy to be in our hotel room Friday night to relax. Saturday morning we got to Epcot for about 9:30 am and stayed most of the day. It was over 90 degrees, so we decided to leave for a little bit to shower and change our clothes. We returned to Epcot to have dinner and watch the firework show called illuminations.
I wanted to eat at the French restaurant at the world showcase (which includes 11 countries) Saturday night, but we had not made reservations. The steak house in Canada was also booked, so we ended up eating in Morocco instead. Afterwards, we walked around the showcase a little more. We took in a show at the American Experience showcase, which was about the history of America, and then waited in line for the boat ride at Norway. Afterwards, we saw the fireworks, which went unbelievable. I wish we had gone back to see them a second night. We didn't get to see the entire showcase on Saturday night, so we ended up going back to Epcot for a second day on Wednesday and we walked the showcase again and was able to eat lunch at the French restaurant.
Sunday we went to Animal Kingdom (Disney World's newest park). I had never been to Animal Kingdom before. The last time I went to Disney World, I don't think it was open yet. The park was more like a zoo then a theme park, but it did have a couple of rides and some good shows. We loved the roller coaster Everest and the Finding Nemo Musical.
On Monday we went to Magic Kingdom and we were basically there from opening until when the park closed after the fireworks. We only left briefly to take the monorail to a couple of the Disney resorts we wanted to check out. My favorite attraction at Magic Kingdom was a show called philharmagic, which was a 3D musical show that featured Disney music from Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid, Lion King, and Aladdin. Donald Duck and Mickey are also featured in the show. We ended up seeing it twice. Splash Mountain is also a lot of fun and a classic ride. Great for hot days in the park.
On Tuesday we went to Hollywood Studios. I haven’t been there since I was a kid. My favorite attraction was the Beauty and the Beast Show. I love the music from that movie and it is a great story. I can't wait for Beauty and the Beast to come out on Blu Ray in the fall. I am really looking forward to seeing it again.
Joe and I also went to breakfast with the characters, where we met Donald Duck, Minnie, and Goofy. It was a buffet breakfast and it even had waffles shaped like Mickey Mouse's head.
Epcot was also having their international flower and garden festival, which was an added bonus. I had heard of this show many times before, but I thought it would be over by the time Joe and I went. I highly recommend going to Epcot in the spring, so you can see the flower festival as well and yes, I do think everyone should visit Disney World at least once in their lives. Epcot was my favorite park, but I also like Magic Kingdom a lot.
So that is a little bit about what we did when we were away. We had a blast. It was definitely one of the best vacations I have taken. Hopefully we will get to go again soon. We would also like to visit Disneyland when we travel to California (hopefully in the next two years).
Walt Disney World
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Thoughts About Teaching...
So, it is past eleven o'clock at night and there is now less than two days left of the spring semester. I am currently working on a research presentation on using poetry to reading, a subject that I find very close to my heart (especially since I am a poet myself). I should be going to bed, but instead I am up thinking about things and on the computer writing this blog post.
Many thoughts have been going through my mind the last few days. I sat in on an academically gifted classroom today. It was a fifth grade math class. I learned a lot of gifted education and how children qualify. I also learned that even gifted children don't always know the answers, nor do they never have difficulty with school work. I am sure many times information in class is boring for them, but today I did not see a single student not get a question wrong. I saw multiple students work on math problems two, three, or even more times. Though gifted children need to be challenged, I don’t think we should assume that they always know what is going on anymore then we should expect a student with a learning disability to always need help.
I have been thinking about why I want to be a teacher. This is not an easy question to answer. I applied for a small scholarship a few months back, and I was asked why I want to be a special education teacher. I have been asked this before by people, and many times I do not know what to say.
I have thought about teaching for years. At one point I wanted to be an art teacher (I used to love art, though I haven’t done any art in years now. My favorite medium was always charcoal. Maybe I can get back into it at some point. I also love taking photos.). For many years I was going to be a social studies teacher, so I could spread my passion for history with others. Then, I was going to be a high school English teacher, because I was interested in teaching writing, and at one time a middle school English teacher. Eventually, I thought there was great need for special education teachers, and I had personal experience with special education, so I could make a positive impact with my students. Now that I am in North Carolina, I also thought of gifted education, and I think being a reading specialist would be cool as well, since I am passionate about reading and reading research. I guess since reading has impacted my life in such a difficult and huge way, I will always be interested in reading research.
I believe all students are gifted. I believe we all have special abilities and strengths in different areas. I fully believe in Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences. I believe that we need to help students find their abilities. For students who have disabilities, we need to emphasis their abilities and not just their disabilities, which I know I have said before.
I hope that I can spread my love for writing to students as well and generally educate them about many things of interest. If I can inspire one child, I think that will make a difference.
Many thoughts have been going through my mind the last few days. I sat in on an academically gifted classroom today. It was a fifth grade math class. I learned a lot of gifted education and how children qualify. I also learned that even gifted children don't always know the answers, nor do they never have difficulty with school work. I am sure many times information in class is boring for them, but today I did not see a single student not get a question wrong. I saw multiple students work on math problems two, three, or even more times. Though gifted children need to be challenged, I don’t think we should assume that they always know what is going on anymore then we should expect a student with a learning disability to always need help.
I have been thinking about why I want to be a teacher. This is not an easy question to answer. I applied for a small scholarship a few months back, and I was asked why I want to be a special education teacher. I have been asked this before by people, and many times I do not know what to say.
I have thought about teaching for years. At one point I wanted to be an art teacher (I used to love art, though I haven’t done any art in years now. My favorite medium was always charcoal. Maybe I can get back into it at some point. I also love taking photos.). For many years I was going to be a social studies teacher, so I could spread my passion for history with others. Then, I was going to be a high school English teacher, because I was interested in teaching writing, and at one time a middle school English teacher. Eventually, I thought there was great need for special education teachers, and I had personal experience with special education, so I could make a positive impact with my students. Now that I am in North Carolina, I also thought of gifted education, and I think being a reading specialist would be cool as well, since I am passionate about reading and reading research. I guess since reading has impacted my life in such a difficult and huge way, I will always be interested in reading research.
I believe all students are gifted. I believe we all have special abilities and strengths in different areas. I fully believe in Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences. I believe that we need to help students find their abilities. For students who have disabilities, we need to emphasis their abilities and not just their disabilities, which I know I have said before.
I hope that I can spread my love for writing to students as well and generally educate them about many things of interest. If I can inspire one child, I think that will make a difference.
On another note, I found out today that there is a journal of poetry therapy. That sounds like a journal that I should subscribe to.
Below is a photo of an item I picked up this past weekend at Peak Fest in Apex, NC. I picked up some cute stuff there.
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