Class went well

My students and I had our first class meeting. I would say about 22 students are freshmen and sophomores, while 8 students are juniors and seniors. I would say it is a somewhat diverse class. I explained to students my expectations and standards for this class. I was trying to get them to talk more. Because majority of these students freshmen and sophomores, they will need to become comfortable with my class, each other and me.

I will be sure to keep my readers posted throughout the semester. If you are a college student, how is your first couple of days?

Summer Vacation

I have been on summer vacation from blogging because I was wrapping up a summer class I was teaching, and I also had family matters to take care of. I am happy to say that I am pleased with the way those matters ended.

Things I learned from my class: students DO listen, even if they appear like they are not. I had one student told me that he enjoyed my class, that he regretted not taking it in the fall or spring times. He sincerely meant it. Many students nodded in agreement. Some students stayed after on the last day of class to watch The Freedom Writers Diary film (a very good one by the way).

Things I learned from my family: is not to take anyone for granted. Enjoy what each family member has to offer, and not to nit pick on each other's qualities. Why should we? Enjoy them for who they are and what they have to offer. Family is a building block. We are all interdependent on each other.

Now, I am spending more time with my family, and loving it. I also will begin preparing for the fall semester. I will keep you updated. I am in the process of looking for interesting books for my students to read. I am going to have them read the Freedom Writers Diary again. If you have suggestions for what other books I shall use for my education course that focuses on today's issues, let me know. Post your comments, and I will consider them.

Need discipline? Enroll in martial arts!

Today was the first official day, my son participated in a martial arts class. What I mean by official is class started last week, however, we missed it because our paper had the wrong time printed. We ended up watching the older group of kids practice martial arts.

Martial arts does teach discipline for children and adults. My son is enrolled in a three-six year old class. Imagine dealing with their attention span? I have to give the "master" (martial arts teacher) his props because he has lots of patience. Some of the three year olds did not pay attention at all to their master, but by the end of the session, most of the children paid attention.

It was cute and funny to see my son copy like his master. Every time, he looked my way, I would smile and give him a thumbs up. My son felt proud. When we came home, my son showed what he learned in front of family. He kicked and yelled "Ice!"

Before we left, my son's master told everyone that parents must record one good deed in a notebook a day done by our children. This is to strengthen character. I thought that was a great idea because this will be a learning process for my son on gaining self discipline and control.

Although, this is the second class, my son and I are already pleased with the process. I strongly encourage parents to enroll their daughters and sons in sports--it doesn't have to be martial arts. There are many advantages that outweigh disadvantages.

Not only will they gain physical strength, they will gain the mental strength needed for them to handle the world when they become adults.

Finished Spring Semester

It is official. I am done teaching for the Spring semester. Well sort of. I have to hand in grades May 14, 2007. Then I am officially done for the semester. Wow, this has been an interesting semester.

I am constantly looking for ways to improve my education course. I love teaching. I also learn that all students are totally unique, literally. I have not met anyone who is the same from the time I began teaching. It is really interesting. I can honestly say since I have been teaching, that each class is different. You never end up with the same type of students, which is cool. That is what makes the world a cool place, full of diverse ideas.

I am honored to be teaching a course this summer, twice a week. After taking a course in social justice in education, I have decided to change the course somewhat. I want to socialize the issues, meaning make them more personal, and less statistical or numerical. We need that human touch, that human feeling.

Maybe, just maybe, we will then be inspired to do something.