It took me a while to figure out how to leave a post, but here's what you do...up in the right hand corner (where the dark blue is) you should see your email address. Next to that is "New Post". Just click on that and it will take you to a page where you can type and leave your own post. After you are done typing make sure to click on the orange, "publish post" button. You can then click on the view blog button (also in the blue, but on the left side) and it will take you back to the original blog, where all of the other blogs are at. Hope this helps!!!

Intro

I'm Lei Stratton, and apparently I just figured out how to do this blog thing. I've never done anything like this before but I think I'm going to like it. I'm a P-12 special ed LBD major, with emphasis in elementary aged students. I was legally blind until the age of 15, and I think that's what most drives me toward this career. I really think I'm going to enjoy this class, as I have already found the lessons intriguing.

Just realized I never introduced myself

Hey! My name is Keisha Webb. I become a senior this semester and I am majoring in Learning and Behavior Disorders. I can't wait to be a teacher. I think that it's a very rewarding job even though it can be a difficult one. I love working with children and watching them learn and grow. At the moment, I actually work with children every day of the week. Monday-Friday I work for an afterschool program. On the weekends I volunteer for two different programs through my church. One is a basketball league and I was a referee for the firt time this week. It was an interesting experience. Outside of that, I love music. I'm always listening to music, singing (badly), or have a song stuck in my head. I also love photography. Pictures capture a moment in time; almost like a frozen memory. Pictures have been really important to me lately because I lost an uncle last month, and having pictures help me to deal with the grief. Well, I guess that's enough rambling about myself. Have a good night!

Does anyone know how long it usually takes to get textbooks in from USB? I have had my textbook for this class ordered for 3 weeks now and it still hasn't come in. Any suggestions?!

teaching a 1st grade lesson.. breaking down words

I'm in methods right now and I'm teaching my 1st lesson next week. The teacher gave me the broad points to cover, and it seems as thoguh I'm doing something very similar to our class last week. Given 2 larger compound words (one letter per card pushed together to form these words) the students one by one will see how many words they can make with those letters. I was surprised to be doing it in a 1st grade class, but that's "higher level thinking" I suppose!?!?

Several people have posted on the blog that I left about my son being made to look up defitions and telling the teacher that his mom's teacher said that was wrong. I too, remember being made to take the dicitonary and look up the defitions of words. I have always felt that it was beneficial to me!! I feel like this is a good way to learn the meaning of words, because some words have more than one and I feel that this is a better way to just all around understand what the word means. Though, I do feel that just looking up the defition is not the only way to teach children the meaning of the word, it is a good way, but involve some fun activities such as playing a word game. There are many websites that offer neat games and activities to helpl with spelling and defitions (http://www.spellingcity.com/).

Weds - 1/30 - Class Cancelled

I hope everyone read their email and will not make an extra drive to Richmond for class tomorrow. My foot/ankle still hurts a great deal. Being on it all day and all night tomorrow night would be way too much. No way I could walk from the parking lot to class.

I am reminded of how incredibly blessed I am. My mom drove down from Indiana today to help with several errands and things I needed to do. When we saw the condition of the jeep I realized how blessed I was that I wasn't hurt any worse. The impact was on the driver's front corner. I just keep counting my blessings although there are a ton of details and LITERAL headaches to come.

I've actually noticed sore spots on my head today that I didn't feel last night. I'm sure it's from where I either hit the window or the rear view mirror with my head. Not to fear, you know how hard my head is!!

I'll miss you all tomorrow. See you next week!

Mrs. White

feel better mrs. white!

mrs. white, so sorry to hear about your recent accident. i hope your healing goes as well as can be expected...we will see you hopefully in class next weekend. feel better!

I really enjoyed the lesson last Wednesday night!! My son also wanted everyone to know that he enjoyed class too. He enjoyed it so much that he said he wanted to start coming with me every Wednesday, but he goes to Awana's (a church program) when school is in session so he decided that he would just come sometimes. Also, Mrs. White had mentioned something about the fact that teachers should not just give children words and a dictionary and tell them to look up the defition, and it just so happened that this morning his teacher gave them a list of ten words and told them to look them up. He was quick to let his teacher know that his mommy's teacher at college said that she should not do that (I am not sure how she took it). Thanks to all for tolerating him last week!!!

Phonology

I know this might sound like a stupid question, but I understood the fact that Phonology is the smallest unit of sound, however I'm confused what part of the word is the phonology. For example if we have the words lay say ray pay would the phonology be l, s, r, and p or would it be ay since ay is the same each time wouldn't that be the smallest unit of sound or would it be the first letter since it makes each word different. I don't know if i just made sense or not but i was kinda confused when i looked back at my notes reviewing.
If anyone could help me out that would be great.

THANKS
amanda

I really enjoyed the lesson on Wed about phonemes and morphemes. I feel like I really understand it. I was supposed to learn it last semester in anthropology, but no one understood it. Going over it again just made it really clear. That was a good way to teach it Mrs. White.

Semantics Vs. Pragmatics

I have read over the material in chapter 2 that covers semantics and pragmatics. However, I am still a bit confused about the difference(s) between the two. I understand the book's definitions but I don't think I could explain to someone else the difference, nor would I probably be able to distinguish between the two on a test--and that could be bad! =]
Can anyone offer a suggestion as to how to make the distinction? Sometimes it helps to have another's perspective.

interesting facts

I have been to one class and unfortunately had to miss the second class but these posts have given me a great place to start catching up on my work thanks to all of you who left helpful tidbits.

Class last night

I was wondering if anyone could explain to me why we need to know about phonemes if we are teaching special ed. I remember talking about that in class however I do not know exactly what she said.

second week's posting...

I found last night's class to be very helpful. I have studied and extinguished finding both morphemes and phonemes in several language assessments during previous semesters. However, the activity, reading and last night's lesson really helped me distinguish between the two. I used to have to refer back to text and other information to remind myself what each word actually meant. I am now aware and have a clear understanding of what both words mean and what finding or listing them in tells.
I was also surprised when the international phonemic alphabet was used in class. I see how it ties in, but find the letters and representations somewhat confusing at times. I used to have it memorized, but looks like it was stored in my short term memory. ha ha.
All and all I feel that class is going great and with only two class meetings behind me I find all that is covered in class helpful and a great refresher and reinforcer from previous semesters.

missed class

Hey everyone! I missed class on Wednesday....would someone mind telling me what they thought the most important aspects of the discussion were? I'd really appreciate the help! Thanks!

blog test.....

I found class last Wednesday evening to be very interesting and seemed to be a great review for me. The first chapter seemed to give a good background of information to be covered as the semester progresses. I felt that any and all questions were answered and I know from experience that Mrs. White has high expectations for her students and I hope to meet those expectations to the best of my ability.

Hey!

Hey everyone! My name is Emily Blomquist and I am a freshman here, and I live in Case Hall. I love it here so far and I am an Elementary Education with Deaf and Hard of Hearing major. I was really excited to hear that you , Mrs. White, have experience in this field! I am really excited for this class!

Hello!?

Ok, I hope I have finally figured this blog out! I never knew I was this bad with computers, but trying to figure out how to post on the blog has proven to be pretty difficult for me!! I am a senior occupational science/occupational therapy major and just recently declared a minor in special education. I decided on a minor in special ed. because I think it will make me a more knowledgeable and well-rounded OT, when I eventually graduate with my masters which will be in approx. three more years. Eventually, I want to work with children with autism and currently volunteer with Central Kentucky Riding for Hope as well as Cincinnati Children's Hospital OT department. So far, I have enjoyed the special education classes I am taking this semester, which also include behavior disorders and behavior management. They are by far more interesting than most of the occupational science and anatomy classes we have! I am looking forward to this spring semester and am excited to gain a better understanding of education's views and perspectives on development!

Hey! :)

Hey Everyone! My name is Heather Rector and I am a junior at EKU. I just recently changed my major from communication disorders to an Elementary Ed. and Special Ed. major. I am from Frankfort but just got my first apartment in Richmond this past year. I wanted to first start off saying that this is my first time using the blogs in a class but I think I am going to like it. I think it is a great way to communicate with you Mrs. White and for us to better get to know our classmates. I am looking forward to the semester! :)

Phoneme Game

I played the phoneme game that Mrs. White posted. The first time I did it, it was fun and easy for me. Then I played it from a child's perspective and that changed things. It wasn't easy anymore. I can imagine how difficult it would be for a child, especially a child with a learning disablitliy. The vowel phonemes sound so similar, it would be difficult to figure out which one to use where. How confusing!

I agree with Leslie about chapter 2 in the text being confusing. I am glad that Mrs. White commented that she would clear things up! =] I am beginning to see how important language development is in education, and I am sure it will become even more clear further into the class.

Confused!

I just finished reading chapter two for this weeks class and let me tell you I am completely confused! All these phone and ology words plus the rules, my head is absolutely spinning. I hope class Wed. will clear all of this up! I did like the part in chapter one that talks about animals understanding language. I think they do to a certain extent because when I talk to my poodle she will respond to certain things I say. Although, I also believe that some of their behavior is learned too because they get positive reinforcement and/or treats when they have completed an ask for task. Just something to think about. See you in class Wed.

Hello!

Hello! My name is Michaela Anderson and I am a freshmen here at EKU. I love it! I have been working with children with special needs ever since I can remember. My mom is a special education teacher, in Beavercreek, Ohio where I am from. So, I have been going in to her class room and helping her all through out my life. I also have worked at camps and baby sat for many children with special needs. I love working with them and helping them learn. I loved class last Wednesday I found it very interesting and can't wait for next week !

Hi EVERYONE!!!!

Hi class my name is Amanda Biehl. I'm from Cincinnati and just recently moved to a house with land because I own four horses that I love dearly. I am a Sophomore Elementary Ed. and Special Ed. major. I have always wanted to be a teacher and make an impact of the life of my students. Once I graduate with a Degree from EKU I plan on moving back to Cincinnati to find a teaching job as well as receiving my masters in Cincinnati. I am looking forward to this class very much, I feel like I have already learned a lot from the first day. I only hope some day I will be that great teacher that everyone looks up to. I hope everyone learned a little about me and I'm looking forward to getting to know everyone as well throughout this semester.

Introduction

Hi everyone, my name is Ashley Gregory. I am a LBD k-12 (emphasis is elementary) major. I commute from London on Monday and Wednesdays. I'm excited about this class because it seems like it's going to be a lot of hands on and group interaction activities. I learn better this way. I'll see you all Wednesday.

First Class

I enjoyed the first day of class. I'm glad we are going to not do the break thing, I'd rather just get out a little bit earlier. I look forward to seeing everyone next Wednesday!
Claire

Hello! My name is Kaitlin (Katie) Jones and I am a freshmen here at EKU. My major is LBD and I'm getting my degree in elementary ed P-5. Also, my minor is ASL. I am from Beavercreek, Ohio and that is where I would like to go back and work once I graduate. When I was in high school, I was in an anti-drug program where we would go to the elementary schools and teach them all the negative effects of drugs and alcohol. All the material had to be altered and presented in an interesting way that the children could understand. I did this multiple times a year, and it was always great helping them learn. I know this is what started my wanting to become a teacher; it was such an amazing experience. See you all next Wednesday!

hello class!

Hi class! Hope everyone had a good first week of classes. My name is Abbey Love and I am sophomore here at EKU studying elementary education and special education with a DHH specilization. My greatest passions are working with children and playing sports. I have been doing both all my life. I play soccer for EKU women's club team and ran track for the University of Louisville last year. I have been babysitting since I was twelve and currently use nannying as my complete source of income. I love it! I began working with special needs children after my family adopted a little boy from South Korea who had minor special needs. I found out I had the patience and passion needed for the job and fell in love with helping these children succeed. I look forward to this class (except for it being a night class!). Have a great weekend!

Inspired

After our first class, I found the debate we had about whether communication is learned or innate very interesting! We touched on that topic in SED 104, but we had to learn who was responsible for each theory, not which one we agreed with. I hadn't really thought about it until Wednesday. I look forward to going into that topic more in depth.

On another note, I have worked with both types of teachers that Mrs. White discussed. My children have also had both types of teachers, so I completely understood what she meant. I certainly want to be the type of teacher that cares whether or not my students LEARN and I hope to be the type of teacher who is willing to change my ways of instruction in order to make sure that happens. Has anyone heard of Ron Clark? He is known as "America's Educator". There was a movie made about him also. He was a guest speaker for a professional development seminar I attended a couple of years back. He has started his own school "The Ron Clark Academy". The website is: http://www.ronclarkacademy.com/ Everyone who aspires to be an educator should read his story. He will inspire you beyond belief. He did me. I wanted to share that with you guys. Hope everyone has a great 3 day weekend!

In General

My name is Craig Owens I am 23 years old, I commute from Corbin, Ky. (about 60 + or - miles) where I work for the Corbin school system in the family resource program with children who have behavior issues. I also coach high school football, hunt too much (deer, rabbit and quail), ride my customized VTX 1800cc, and go to school full time. I also guide on the kentucky Elk hunts, I have been on 8 sucessful hunts 1 unsucessful ( he was a horrible shot) thus far in two years of guiding and calling in elk for other people. I have not been lucky enough to get drawn for the state lottery elk tag yet, but guiding is just as fun. In the spring and summer I shoot competitive archery all over the south eastern united states and Texas, where I have earned semi-pro status and I am sponsored by the Bow Tech archery company. I had to get my girl friend of 5 years in to bow hunting and bike riding so I could spend some time with her, because she is a full time student as well. My major is Special Education (middle grade) LBD and EBD. My old man tells me I have too many irons in the fire but I dont' think so.

Hello all! My name is Jessica Townsend. I am currently working on a degree in special education, LBD p-12 and regular classroom p-5. I chose to go into special education because I currently work in the school system in Powell County and I have worked with and observed children in the Learning and Behavior area and I have a passion to work with these children. I have a love for working with children in general and my life long dream is to become teacher, so that is what I am going to do!! A little info. outside of all of this...I am 29 years old. I am married and I have two wonderful boys (Gary is 9 and Jacob is 3). My children are my life. When I am not at school (night class), I am always doing something with them. My nine year old plays baseball, football, and basketball, so we are always running to practice or games. My three year old loves to watch his brother and says that he is going to be just like him. Sometime that is a good thing and sometimes...well maybe not so good (just kidding). I love to come home from class at night because they are always so glad to see me!! My husband is super! He takes on the role of "mom" when I have class. He cooks, cleans, does homework, and yes, even bathes the boys while I am out pursing my dream. I could not ask for a better family. One of these days I will walk across the stage to receive my degree in education and all the late nights, time away, and homework will be worth it and I will have my dream!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Class tonight

I really enjoyed our class meeting tonight. I was surprised at how much I learned and also how much I already knew. I am very excited to learn so much more during the rest of this semester. I also liked how Mrs. White held my attention and kept me interrested on the subject through out the entire class.

Bridget Felts

Hello everyone! My name is Bridget Felts and I am majoring in Elementary Education P-5 and LBD K-12. I am from London, Kentucky where I work at Cracker Barrel as a server. This is my senior year at Eastern and I am looking very forward to getting done and starting my career.

Hello!

Hi everyone, my name is Heather Witt and I am a Sophmore pursuing a degree in LBD to teach middle school kids with an emphasis in social studies. I have had experience in the classroom through observations, mentoring and working with my mother who is also a special education teacher. I also work with the 21st Cetnury Program, which is an after school and summer prgram that allows children a safe place to hang out with friends and get help with their studies, at the High School I graduated from. This is my second special education class and I am looking forward to it.

Hi!! :)

Hi everyone!!! My name is Angela and I am currently pursuing a degree in LBD P-5. The only experience I have in the classroom is from observations from other classes. This will be my second SED class and I am so excited to get the semester rolling. To be honest I never really wanted to be a teacher, but then my dad talked me into taking a few classes. After doing a few observations and seeing how much of a difference teachers make in their students lives made me realize that I wanted to make a difference in some childs life, especially for those that most people think there is no hope for because they need a little extra attention and time in teaching them what they need to know to pursue their dreams in life and to show them that even though they have a disability doesn't mean they can not be successful.
I hope we have alot of fun this semester and see everyone Wednesday.

Hello

Hello, My name is Diane and I am a Special Education LBD major. While in High School I worked at a local Elementary School in their Special Ed classroom and with a few individual students in a regular classroom setting. I am very excited to further my education through Special Education classes so that one day I can have my own set of students. I look forward to meeting everyone in class next week.

Hi! :)

Hi everybody! My name is Claire and I'm and LBD/English and Communications 5-9 major. I'm a traditional student and don't have any experience in the school system yet, but I have a brother with autism which was a major influence on my decision to major in Special Ed. I'm looking forward to the start of a new semester!

Intro

Hello fellow classmates my name is Leslie and I am majoring in LBD. I have currently worked for the school system for 12 years as a paraeducator in Special Ed. and have decided to go back to school to earn my degree in teaching. Working with these children is the most rewarding thing that I have ever experienced, besides my own children. I can not imagine ever doing anything else. I am looking forward to an exciting class!

Introduction

Hello everyone! I am Melissa and I am a Junior majoring in Special Ed/LBD P-5. I worked in the school system for several years as a teacher's aide in Special Education. Although I have years of experience in this field, I was never educated about the disabilities of the children I worked with. I am looking foward to exploring these areas so that as a teacher, working with children with special needs, I will not only understand the difficulties these children face in their education, but be able to help them as well. I think this course will be extremely beneficial and I am looking forward to learning!

Let's Get Started!

To get started with the blog you may wish to post an introduction of yourself here on the blog. You may already have some questions about the class, something in the syllabus, assignments, etc. This is an excellent place to post those. You could also post beginning thoughts about this course and what you anticipate you will be learning over the next 15 weeks.Feel free to respond to one another! I will be responding, too.Mrs. White