Reflection 4

1a.Living what you believe can be easy for teachers because, it is what you are passionate about and what you know is best for your students. So teachers can be very motivated to live what they what they believe. Teaching what you believe can also be extremely difficult, because it takes so much more work to live what you believe and be an example. To teach what you believe also requires in some cases more resources that are not always available. Also differentiation takes so much work. Living some of the concepts we  believe can  even sometimes be impossible, but as teachers that does not mean we stop we don't believe they are they right thing to do, because they are.

1b. If you believe that differentiation in is an important and necessary part of teaching, then you will do it in your classroom, because you know how much it helps students. Differentiation can be the hardest part of living what you believe. It is impossible to meet every students needs and learning styles while teachering, but it is very possible to differentiate enough to make a huge difference. I think many teachers believe that differentiation is important, but it is so much more work and takes so much more time on the teachers part. So sadly many teachers pick not to differentiate because it is more difficult for them. 

1c. It is so important for students to feel part of a classroom community. By saying words such as, lets figure this out together, it involves students and make them, in a way, responsible for what they learn. It gives students choice and allows them to create and imagine, giving them more options. When students feel safe and are part of a classroom community they will learn so much more by discovering and problem solving as a team.  

Reflection 3

I learned so much from Silva Allen about classroom community and morning meetings. It made me realize the impact and the importance of having a classroom community. Some of the things Silvia said that got shared in morning meeting, were a little scary, but they needed to be expressed and the students had no other environment that they felt comfortable sharing it in. What stood out to me was when she talked about how morning meetings solve behavior problems. I had never thought that having a classroom community would have that kind of effect on students behavior. When students feel comfortable and safe, they will be able to explore there thoughts and learn so much more. Also as a teacher we will discover so much more about our students and how we can teach them. There has to be community in the classroom, students not only need to feel safe around the teacher but also around other class members. It is amazing that all it takes is 30minutes a day, and I think that it is totally worth it. I will defiantly have morning meetings in my classroom.

Reflection 2

2a. "emotions trump learning" This statement could apply to many things but I believe it means that a students feeling and emotions must be under control before any learning can take place.When a students essentail needs aren't being met such as food and clothing, it is impossible for them to focus on learning math. Our students also need to feel safe and comfortable in the classroom before they will be able to learn and contribute at their full capacity. Student emotions can also be thrown off by something that happened at recess or words that were spoken to them. They will not be able to learn as much if they are distracted thinking about what upset them. Although it will be impossible to make sure all of our students emotions are in check we must try our best to make sure our students needs are met.
2d. I absolutely love this quote by Tomlinson. It is so true that we will never be able to do everything every child in our class needs us to do for them, but just because it is impossible doesn't mean we stop trying. Every little thing we do as a teacher can have a huge impact on our students. I also love how she goes on to say that we shouldn't feel bad, even though it is most teachers initial reaction. The most important thing that we can do is to never ever give up. Students will look to us everyday for our love and support. If we believe our students can accomplish anything they put their minds too, they soon will believe it too. WE must make sure we are doing everything we can to meet students needs. We must try out best no matter what. As teachers we will be learning everyday and it is so important that we apply what we learned yesterday to today.

Reflection 1

1a. “teachers who are willing to establish ties with students discover new depths of truth each day...” 
I love this statement by Tomlinson, because a teachers relationship with the students makes all difference. If teachers and students have the kind of relationship where students fear the teacher or the teachers views the children as empty buckets she is just filling up, it can be very frustrating on both parts. It is so key that the students respect and love the teacher and know that they can take risks and experiment safely in there class. Students will be so much more open to learning and facing challenges. Teachers must also know and understand the students so that they can love and help them. When students and teachers develop ties with one another the students will have open minds and be excited about whatever the teacher is excited about. The same also goes when students are excited about something and the teacher is also engaged they create a relationship. When students and teachers have ties and work together, it really will allow to reach new heights.
Metaphor: This was a perfect metaphor for a classroom. At first glance you see dozens of children with bright faces excited to learn. Then as you get to know each student you see how unique each individual each one is. Which adds so much beauty and excitement to the classroom. Just like the metaphor says it would not be very beautiful if all the flowers were the same color. In a classroom everyone can learn so much for others, because they are different. Over time the class will begin to change as they discover who they are, learn new things and gain experiences.