Creating a Classroom website

In one of our classes this year we are to create a website for a classroom. I think this is a wonderful idea and I will definitely have one in the future for my own classroom. I think it is a great way to keep parents updated and share info. and what is going on in the classroom. I love that you can share pictures on the site and even have a sign up sheet for activities that you need parent volunteers for. I am still working on the classroom website for made up Kindergarten class but I am really enjoying this assignment and think it will benefit me for the future. Here is the link if you want to take a look around: http://msrilkoskindergartenclass.shutterfly.com

Characteristics

Characteristic 1 is to have commitment and skills for lifelong learning. There are several ways a novice teacher can fulfill this characteristic such as blogging, Pinterest, workshops, research, reading educational literature and simply just communicating with other teachers and sharing ideas. Two artifacts I often use are Pinterest and sharing ideas with other teachers and even talking with students about their ideas and intersts. Pinterest is a wonderful way to share and learn about all types of stuff, including lesson plans, arts and crafts and much more. Many teachers use Pinterest as a site to share all of their classroom activities and blogs. Pinterest connects you to all types of information, ideas and people from all over the world. This artifact connects to this characteristic because outside of the classroom a teacher must constantly be trying to figure out new ways of teaching and helping the students. Not only can Pinterest be used to share ideas but it is a great way to organize and keep ideas that you may want to use in the future. Pinterest is one way that a teacher can constantly be learning new material and develip effective teaching skills that will enhance their teaching experience as well as maximize their students learning experience. I already have an educational section on my Pinterest where I pin ideas, lessons and blogs that I would like to remember or try out at some point. Pinterest has already been very helpful to me and gives me more creative ideas for the classroom and lessons. Characteristic 9 is to be aware of and have respect for human diversity, this includes much more than just ethnicity/race but also learning styles. Being sure to fulfill this characteristic is very important. In order for student’s to get the most out of school it is important for students to feel comfortable and respect others who may be different then them, physically, mentally or spiritually. It is important for teachers to be aware of all the diversity that is in their classroom so that they can meet the needs of each student. Teachers knowing about their students’ family profiles is one way that teachers can become more aware of their students needs, differences and any limitations. One way to be culturally diverse is to have a family night or each week or month learn about a different culture and ask parents to come in and share their culture and traditions with the class. This is a great way to not only get the families involved but also for the children to be able to ask questions and learn about their classmates and other people of the world that may believe or live differently then them. I have always thought that when I have my own classroom I would like to focus on a different country/culture each month and learn all about it, taste the food, have someone speak about it, read books about it, learn about the music and dance and the clothes they wear. I think the students would really enjoy it!