Virginia Grant's Teaching Tools

Tools to Teach Everyone

2008-10-22T17:04:00.000-07:00

Teaching in a classroom with children of all different learning styles can be challenging. Our society tends to rely strongly on standardized testing and other traditional testing methods to rank children. As a teacher, I plan to utilize tools that engage students with alternative learning styles. To me, children will succeed in an environment where they are able learn hands-on. This will include the use of art, technology, in class projects, and at home projects, just to name a few. It is important to remember that all students have the ability to learn new things. It is our job as teacher to teach to all students, not only the students who "test well."

What I Want to do with My Degree

2008-10-22T17:03:00.004-07:00

I will graduate with a degree in Elementary Education. With this degree I hope to teach any grade between first and fifth. After establishing myself as a teacher and having a class of my own, I have goals of possibly continuing my education with a library science degree or physical education degree.

My Philosophy of Teaching

2008-10-22T17:03:00.003-07:00

I believe that the ability to inspire students to grow and mature, to nurture the brain, and to give the gift of knowledge is an incredible gift. I hope that throughout my studies and years of teaching I’ll be able to accomplish this. I believe that students are unique and individual, and therefore, they will be treated that way. I plan to practice good classroom management skills to ensure my classroom will run smoothly.

I believe that teachers have been given an extraordinary gift that can inspire students to want to learn. I believe that to be a good teacher, you must continue your education. Teacher education does not stop with a college degree. I believe that criticism from others can enable me to learn from my mistakes. I will build relationships with teachers that are different than me, different backgrounds and ethnicity, to help enhance my knowledge of other lifestyles.

I believe that I will inspire children. I will strive to be the best educator I can be!

Using A Classroom Blog

2008-10-22T17:03:00.001-07:00

Using blogging as a classroom tool is a beneficial way to increase communication between parents, students, and teachers. Establishing a classroom blog that is regularly updated gives parents a chance to easily check in on what is going on in the classroom. Blogging is easy, convenient, free, and can be accessed from any computer that has internet access. Blogs can be used to post class writing, pictures, and presentations. Parents and students can comment on the class blog and view what is going on weekly in their child's class. However, since not all parents have access to internet on a regular basis, blogging should never be the only form of communication.

All Students Are Not the Same

2008-10-22T17:02:00.000-07:00

I believe that as a teacher you will be faced with students who come from different beliefs, lifestyles, families, and ethnicities. The important, yet difficult thing, is to strive to teach all students while understanding that they are not all the same. Many times, school curriculms and standardized tests are based on the knowledge of a middle class white child. However, not every student in America is from a middle class, white family. As a teacher, I will strive to teach students in a way that is culturally appropriate. Ultimately, I would like to inspire studetns to think on their own and make their own decisions. This will prove a chalenging task, but every student has a right to form their own beliefs, even if they are not necessarily my beiefs.