Chapter 3

Where Do I Begin................................................................. The overall idea of this chapter is to help teachers know how to help their students feel that they have a place within the classroom they are valued and as a teacher you will not give up on them. I love how it discusses that if the teacher and the students are not learning that there is no real satisfaction in the work, and that the classroom is just as much a learning environment for the teacher as it is the student. I loved the example of the first year teacher and how every morning she gives her students 3 things. A chipper greeting, an opportunity to act out how the students is feeling and any trouble they may be having, and a word that they have heard but may not know or a word of encourage meant that would be meaningfull to the student. With a large classroom this would take a lot of time to get everyone in to the classroom, but realizing the kind of power this gives to the teacher to know where her students are coming from that day and what other emotional distractors the student is facing is vital information in knowing how to help the child succeed for that day. Not only is it informative for the teacher but the student as well. Knowing that their teacher cares about them, has taken interest in them and want to help them succeed is very empower to any student. I also think is would be a great way to help create the community feeling within the classroom and that the students are in a safe enviroment where they are wanted, needed and cared for. The three things the teacher gives the students would also make a great morning meeting and allowing the student to help one another. I never really thought I would gain so much empowerment from a textbook, and though the task to becoming a great teacher is still daunting, it truly opens the door to endless opportunities.