Authenticity

If you are a teacher, I think you should always be true to your students.  If you are true to them they will have more trust in you as their teacher.  If you are not being authentic to your students you aren’t being a good role model to them.  They might think it is okay to be fake to others when really that is not okay.  Always be real to your students. 

                I don’t think you need to show limits for expressing authenticity.  As a teacher it should always be shown.  Students can tell if teachers are not being authentic by the things they say.  If they are not being truthful to their class then the students will be able to tell.  If students don’t feel their teacher is being authentic then they might not believe anything they teach them.  They might feel like why even pay attention in class if the teacher isn’t being real to the class.  It could be a bad situation if the teacher is not being authentic to their students.       

Mr. Z

It was in between third and fourth grade when my mom signed me up to do a summer program at school.  It was called Jump Start.  I was a little hesitant because I didn’t know anyone else doing it.  The first day I remember walking in nervous and anxious at the same time.  I was met by a man named Mr. Zamzo.  He had a huge smile on his face as we were introduced.  Instantly I felt welcomed into this new program.

In this program we practiced our math and reading skills.  I wasn’t really behind in any of them.  My mom just wanted me to keep it up over the summer.  It was a two week program for about three hours a day.  Most of us in the class were third or fourth graders.

Mr. Zamzo was a great teacher to do the summer program.  He kept us all motivated during the three hours we were with him.  He took interest in every student.  He didn’t have favorites which some teachers do.  He was supportive.  We would have worksheets for math and he would push us to finish them and get them all right. 

I think the interest and compassion Mr. Zamzo had for me during this program made me want to try harder in school.  He made learning so fun.  He would be there if you needed help on anything.  He kept us all on our toes.  I’m pretty sure he helped me get organized because when I was younger I had a problem with that.  I know I improved my math skills so much from what he taught us in the summer program.  He taught us a game called cribbage.  This game was a great tool for all the kids.  I still play cribbage with my family sometimes.

The program flew by.   I was disappointed when it ended.  I was going to miss the program.  Once school started back up in the fall, I saw Mr. Zamzo around even though he wasn’t my fourth grade teacher.  He would say “Hey kiddo how’s it going?” It would always bring a smile to my face to see that he still cared for me.  I felt like we still had a connection through the rest of elementary school. 

It is nice to see that teachers care so much for their students.  It really brightens up the students.  They feel welcomed in the classroom and excited to learn.  This summer program was an excellent start to my success in school.  

RESPECT

How do I define respect?

Well, respect to me means that you look up to someone with high regards.  If you get someone’s respect you are valued in a way to that person.  You are willingly showing someone you appreciate them.  It could potentially be anyone in your life.  Respect can be shown through actions and can also be felt. 

How does it look in the classroom?

First off, I would teach the students the golden rule.  It is very essential and I think would help a lot of students respect one another better.  The golden rule is to treat everyone how you would like to be treated.  If the students followed this rule you would be able to see respect in the classroom.  As educators, it is part of our job to make sure students are treated with respect while in our classrooms.  If they are with us then they all should be treated equally with respect.

What is the impact of respect or lack of respect in the classrooms?

The impact of respect can be very good in the classroom.  It allows the students to feel comfortable in the classroom with their teachers and the other students.  If the students feel respect in the classroom they will trust you as a teacher more.  With lack of respect in the classroom I feel it could bring down the class.  If you hear disrespectful comments in the classroom make sure you say something to the students.  Let them know that isn’t okay to say anytime.  If nothing is said the students will think those comments are allowed.  If there is a lack of respect in the classroom students might not feel safe or comfortable to learn in that type of environment.

How is respect best established in a classroom environment?

Again, on the first day of school establish those classroom rules on what is allowed and what isn’t.  Make a game or activity to help the students understand.  If the students understand the rules then they should be able to treat everyone with respect.  An important rule that should be established is the golden rule.  This gives you the chance to honor the students, how they feel, what they say and do.  Then you as a teacher can expect them to do the same to you and to other classmates.