16th Annual Student Council for Exceptional Children Conference

              On Saturday, November 13, 2010, my roommate Kristin Schallmo and I attended the 16th Annual SCEC Conference in Allendale, Michigan at Grand Valley State University.  I found this conference to be very inspirational and informative on the topic of teaching.  The conference opened up with a speaker named Ruth A. Jones who is an educational consultant, a motivational/inspirational speaker, and a former elementary principal. She provided inspirational messages to us on what a teacher's duty is for her students.  Her speech explained how we teachers need to educated our students in order for them to grow up to be kindhearted, successful, contributing citizens of society. Through her stories of helping unprivileged children and providing them with the care of a teacher, she inspires me to become a compassionate, well-rounded, hard-working, special education teacher one day.

              The conference then had break sessions.  I attended three: (1) Adapted Physical Education -The Importance of Play taught by Ms. Colleen Lewis , (2)  Behavior Bags of Tricks taught by MCEC, and (3) Creating your professional Learning Network taught by Mr. Ron Houtman. All of these sessions were enlightening and education. 

             However, I learned the most from Mr. Ron Houtman.  He provided us with information regarding how to extend out professional network to other teachers and educational faculty on the web and also the importance of technology in the classroom today in the 21st century. Many key terms, such as AT and UDL, he explained, are critical acronyms to understand if one wants to become part of the educational system.  These terms are incorporated in the educational curriculum for all students and it is our job, as teachers, to understand what these terms mean and their purpose in the classroom. He navigated us college students through various educational websites and resources on how to incorporate technology in the classroom. In our day, technology will be a necessity in the classroom and we teachers need to understand and learn how to effectively incorporate it into our curriculum.  Along with teaching us about technology, he expressed the importance of creating a digital footprint through websites such as a wiki, blog, twitter, etc.  Through his session, I gained insight on how to develop my own professional network online and the uses of technology in the classroom.

           I learned a lot from this conference on how to better prepare myself as a teacher and am excited to attend another educational conference in the near future. 

My Experiences in the Classroom

        Last week I taught my first science lesson to a 3rd grade class.  It was a little scary, for this was the first time I would teach a science lesson to a class full of students. As I walked up to the front of the classroom, however, I became filled with excitement and my nerves disappeared.  All of the children's eyes were on me as I explained the activities we would do. The children, for the first time, viewed me as a teacher and responded positively to what I asked of them. As I continued on with my lesson, I knew that teaching is what I love to do. 
        I have grown to know so many of these students and I feel a special relationship toward them.  I care deeply about each one.  As I view my Collaborating Teacher act toward the children, I can see how much she cares about her students.  She gives them hugs, comforts them when they are sad or upset, and brings excitement to their learning which makes the children want to learn even more.  It is important to show students that they are important and that someone cares about them.  My CT does this very well, and I hope to be like her when I become a teacher one day.

The Power of Music

As I was looking on the internet, I came across a site about the power of music with children who have special needs.  The woman who wrote this article, Pamela Wilson, explains how hearing music and playing instruments can improve these children's behavior, social, and academic achievements. Music can be used as a means of expression.  Some children with disabilities may not be able to verbally communicate their emotions to another, but through music, they may be able to carry out their feelings. 

Music is not only important to those with disabilities, but to all people.  Can you imagine not listening or playing music? I know that some days, music is what gets me through the day.  I am a part of Michigan State University Women's Glee Club and the power that music brings to my day when I am stressed out with classes and whatnot, is incredible.  I feel so comforted, relaxed, and joyful as I hear and sing music.  This feeling is what helps me through my day and it can help those with disabilities throughout theirs.