What Is Expected

Now that statement/question holds a lot of weight. In this case, it pertains to education. Because I am in school to become a teacher, I am taking a course called School and Society. One of the issues that we are addressing now is the idea of students who differ from you. If you are a teacher, how do you address students who do not come from the same cultural, economic, and social background you do?

That is a big question. Instead of answering that question first, I'd like to tell you a story about my class today. In class, I sat next to a boy named Matt. Matt is a college sophomore as well (all the students taking School and Society are). He attended a private Catholic grade school and upon entering 9th grade he was placed in the public school. This is important. Remember that.
Now, today we were told to work with the person sitting next to us (in my case, Matt) and discuss the following question: "What should you, as teachers, expect from your students?" I told Matt that I would expect students to listen during class, pay attention to what is happening in class, and complete their assignments and try their best. Immediately Matt told me that would not work. He said that in public school many students simply sit in class. Nothing more. And that there was no way I could expect those things from all of my students. He said the only way I could expect all of those things in a classroom was if I was teaching at a small private school. Even then, he said, that would be pushing the limit.
I attended a private grade school (K and 1st grade), was homeschooling for four years, and then attended a private school for grades seven through twelve. I was expected to do many things. I was expected to do my homework. I was expected to attend class. I was expected to raise my hand to answer or ask questions. I was expected to participate in activities. I was expected to try, and to try my hardest. The idea that some students not trying was revolutionary.

First day of Kindergarten

First Day of Second Grade

First Day of Seventh Grade

High School Graduation

 I never thought of someone not wanting to be in school. Yes, I understand that going to school is mandatory in the U.S. But I never really considered that someone could just slide under the radar. I immediately felt hopeless. If I cannot expect a few things, that I think are essential, from students what can I expect? At the time it seemed like the answer was nothing.

I left class feeling down and out. I started to ask myself why I wanted to be a teacher in the first place. My first instinct was to call my boyfriend, Matt. (Not the same kid as the one in my education class...I know a great many Matt's.) I told him how I felt and then asked his opinion. Matt told me that yes, in high school many students do not try. He used his brother as an example. He did not try in class or always complete his assignments. He said too, that when he is teaching Physics in the future and a student is not doing well he would try to work with the student. Matt thinks that completing homework is important. At the same time, he understands that not all students are good at homework, like some students are not good at tests.

That got me to thinking. If my students are not trying, or simply not doing well, then what can I do to make the situation better and help them? I have since come to the conclusion that a teacher should expect something from students. In addition, I have also concluded that the students should have expectations for the teacher as well.
Also, if a student is not contributing, well, that is the way it is. But I can change that. I can help students. I need to hold expectations for my students. And if the expectations are not met, I can try my hardest to help. If even then the expectations are not met, so be it. Maybe it would do a student good to fail a class rather than slide under the radar. Isn't that what teachers are really here for? To teach? I will not be a teacher if all that is expected of me is to give students high grades. That is not the point of teaching.
The point is to convey information, ideas, and questions to students in a way that makes sense to their current condition. The point is to engage students in the hunger for learning: to make students think and most importantly, I believe, ask.

I hoped this made sense. But if it did not, so be it. If you want clarification, ask. Asking questions brings greater thoughts into the mind of students. And we are all students, are we not?

May you always learn through the grace of God,
Alycia

Education Course

I am currently taking an education course at SMU called School and Society in conjunction with a drug abuse awareness course. We are currently focusing on the politics of education. One of the major topics in the education book we are using is the Civil Rights Movement and cultural teaching.

The Civil Rights Movement excerpts in our book have concentrations on standing up for personal beliefs. Many of the teachers in the excerpts are white and male teaching in lower-income African American schools.

It got me to thinking about my own approach to teaching. To be honest, when I imagined myself five or six years from now, I am teaching in front of a small class of predominantly white students in a Catholic private school. That is what I know. I attended a private school from Kindergarten and first grade. Then I attended a public school in second grade. It was the only public school I have ever attended. Then I was home-schooled by my mom third grade through sixth grade. After that I was a student at Bethlehem Academy for seventh grade through my Senior year. Now I am attending Saint Mary's University.

All of the schools I have been enrolled in (or are currently enrolled in) are filled with middle class white students. Except B.A. There, we had some Hispanic and African American students. I never thought of teaching in an inner-city school, or lower income community. Never crossed my mind. Maybe once, but if it did I didn't think about it very long.

Now I am starting to rethink my approach to teaching. In the most recent after-college future, I won't be teaching at a private school. I'll probably be teaching at a Naval base school. Yes, Matt has decided, after four years of deliberation, that he wants to be in the Navy. The plan is: after we get married we go the the naval base in Illinois. Then I'll follow him wherever he goes.

Lord,
May you grant me the patience and determination to work with students of all cultural backgrounds. Help me to be the best teacher I can be. Let me remember that no matter what happens, Thy will be done.
Amen.

So now I need to think about teaching different children. Not the ones I have been surrounded by. Students who are very different from me; culturally, mentally, and socially. If anyone has any advice for a very (I'll admit it) White Midwestern female future teacher, do not hesitate. :)

Well, I should really start working on homework right now. Sigh. Wish me luck.

Loves and Hugs,
Alycia

Puppies!

I got to visit Matt this weekend! It was fun.

On Saturday we went with Ben & Mary, Eric & Jessie, and Kevin (yep, Kevin was the 'seventh wheel,' poor Kevin) to a corn maze just outside of Menomonie. It was really fun. First, we drove up to the farm, got out of the car, and were greeted by three of the sweetest dogs (besides Matt's, of course). They were Great Pyrenees; large, white dogs with a calm temperament. There was ...Bruno, I think that was his name, the dad; Peanut, the mom; and the only pup they kept from the spring litter, Deedee, a sweet young girl. I learned three things about the Great Pomeranian breed from the owners and runners of the corn maze.

Great Pyrenees Facts:
1. They are very calm dogs, even as puppies. They are perfectly happy to lolly-gag around.
2. If you pet one and stop petting it, the dog will lift one of his or her's front paws and whack you with it. It's genetic. Strange, eh?
3. The two of you (you and the dog), can come nose to nose and he will not lick you. This, too, is genetic! I for one am not a dog kissing fan, so this fact makes me very, very, very happy.
4. They're essentially guard dogs. They will protect any animal (or human, for that matter) that they are raised with.

Ok, so that came out to four fun facts about the breed. But the facts are all pretty cool, huh???

One other fact I forgot about: on their hind legs there are an additional two "toes." The two extra toes are located on the back of their heels. Odd, but neat.

So that's my story, and I'm sticking to it. ;-)

Peace and God Bless,
Live Jesus in our hearts forever,

Alycia

I Believe....

In an Education course I had yesterday, we listed to a radio edit. On a radio show called "I Believe," a kindergartner, Tarak McLain shared 30 of his beliefs. His beliefs were for a special event in kindergarten, the 100th day of school. Most kids bring a hundred pennies or cotton balls. This boy brought a list of 100 beliefs.

At first I thought it was just a cute little diddly. But Tarak is a really deep kid. He has the capacity for understanding so many things that I never even imagined of in Kindergarten.

So, inspired by Tarak's list, I decided to make one of my own.

I Believe...

1.That as big as this universe is, and how little we may seem, God put us here for a reason.
 2.We should be able to walk down the sidewalk singing at the top of our lungs...and NOT get strange looks.
3.That the trust of a child should be our model.
4.I need to slow down. You know, smell the roses.
5.I have found the love of my life, my one and only.
6.Sadness and pain have a purpose.
7.The only valid role models should be Jesus and the saints.
8.We should understand that we're not perfect. We'll never be perfect.
9.That family should play a more important part in society than it does now.
10.That parents should play a key role in their childrens education.
11.A friend is one of the best gifts you can get.
12.Thunderstorms are the best kind of symphony.
13.We should hug more.
14.We wont be able to save the world from wars, because this world and the people in it are imperfect.
15.That doesn't mean we should stop trying.
16.True love does not mean "never having saying you're sorry."
17. True love is the exact opposite.
18. We should all stop being cosmopolitan and start focusing on family.
19.Teachers aren't thanked enough for the work they do.
20.In the arms of my man, I feel truly blessed and loved.

So yeah. There's my list. I hope you appreciate it. If you don't...sucks for you, I guess. :-)
Well, I must be going now. I have Education homework to tend to.

See ya, homies!
Alycia

Long Time No See

Hey there! I haven't posted in a while because life has been pretty hectic lately. Perhaps we should do a brief summary of what has been going on this lovely month of August.

Week #1: My Birthday
I had my 19th birthday on the 2nd! I have officially been an adult for a full year now. That Saturday Matt took me to Ikea (next to the Mall of America) for my birthday. We spent an hour and a half looking through the showrooms and spent another hour and a half buying things that we need for college this year. One of the many things I bought was a cookware set. I am so excited to have pasta night in my hall this year!!!!

Week #2: Goodhue County Fair
Monday the 9th was the first day of the fair this year. But because I didn't enter any projects this year, I didn't have to go to the fairgrounds until Wednesday, the 11th. On Wednesday Arts In had their first two performances at the fair! Not going to lie, they weren't our best performances ever, but the kids did a good job. I was soooo proud of my babies!

We three directors have a running joke that the Arts In kids are like our babies. During camp they were little and just starting to walk, then on Travel Day they were just heading out to school for the first time. And the County Fair was like sending them off to high school. On September 4th they will perform at the Harkness Stage in the 4-H Building at the Minnesota State Fair. I can't wait to watch my babes!
Aside from Arts In, I also went to the youth dance on Friday night. The Goodhue County 4-H Ambassadors had invited my boyfriend, Matt, to be their DJ. I got to accompany him. So while Matt did his thing with the music, I sang and danced with the kids (many of which were Artsies).
I also danced with my friend Chris, a fairly good dancer. But there's one problem that Chris has: he always manages to maim his dance partners in some way or another. In my case, he dropped me onto the gravel and I scrapped up my leg really badly AS WELL AS him stepping on my foot and breaking off half of my big toe nail.  All I can say is: "I will never dance with Chris R. again." You have the right to call me stupid if I dance with him a second time.
All in all, it was a really good time.

Week #3: Nanny Alycia and Watermelon
The third week of August was pretty uneventful. I watched darling little Georgia. Thursday was my last day, and I was surprised with a gift from Georgia's family. They gave me a $15 Burly Coffee Cafe gift certificate (how lucky am I!!!!!) and an adorable lap desk.
After I was done with Georgia on Thursday, Matt came to my house from Wisconsin and picked me up. We traveled to his parent's house in Anoka and stayed there for the night. The next morning Matt, his mom Julie, his step dad Scott, his stepbrother Andrew, his best friend Owen, and his girlfriend (me!) all left for his grandpa's house in Vining, MN.
We all went to Grandpa Bud's (that is what everyone calls Matt's grandpa) house for Watermelon Day. This was my second year helping with Watermelon Day. On Friday we set up the Bingo and Music/Dance tents. That means that we (a) set up the tents, (b) picked up tables from Vining Community Center and set them up under the Bingo tent, (c) picked up the chairs from Vining Lutheran Church and set them up, and finally (d) picked up 12 packs of pop from the lone convenience store, Big Foot.
Saturday, the festive Watermelon Day, we did much less. All we had to do was chill out and play card games, tour many of the craft booths, eat cheese curds and hamburgers and shakes, watch the parade, and work at the bingo tent. Oh, and take down all of the tables, lights, extra prizes, stands, and chairs from the bingo tent.
Sunday we all attended the outdoor worship service, ate at Big Foot (yes, the convenience store is also a small restaurant joint) for brunch, and returned to Anoka. 
All in all it was a wonderful weekend. I had a fun time with "the guys" (Matt, Andrew, and Owen) and working the bingo tent. I can't wait for next year! Some links to inform you about Watermelon Day and Vining are here, hither, and tither, and yon.

Week #4: Currently Happening
That brings us to this this week. As of right now, it is Monday. Not to much happening so far. But this Sunday I get to leave for college. I'll update you if anything else happens.

Hugs and Loves,
Alycia

And The Lightbulb Turns On!

I was just browsing along on the internet, and i saw something awesome: a bag made from a burlap bag. And not just any burlap bag-one that coffe beans were kept in. So now I think that I have to make myself one. Now all I have to do is go to Burly and ask if they have any spare bags. Hopefully they'll give me one. I would love them forever and ever and ever! ...Not that I don't love them already. :)

Quick note: the link is for Burly Coffee Cafe's Facebook page. There is only ONE Burly-found right in Cannon Falls! How cool is that? It's the best coffee I've had in my life. And the only Coffee I ever want to have.

Thy will be done, Lord

I know I didn't post this on the day it happened, but one of my past State Arts In directors died last Friday, August 6th.

*Short note: State Arts In (or SAI) is much like County Arts In, except on a larger scale and for people who have completed grades 9 though 13. Instead of meeting at the County Fair Grounds, all the SAI participants stay at the Minnesota State Fair Grounds, in the 4-H building (lovingly called the 4-H Hilton). Instead of 3 days, we take a whole week to learn the show (called Prep Week), and the techies build the stage, the costumers make our costumes, and the band practices like crazy. We have a short break where we go home, and then come back for the whole length of the Minnesota State Fair.*

Me Singing At SAI Prep Week 2007 (My First Year)

Performing For SAI2008-It Was A Castle Theme (I am center in purple dress)

The link here is a newscast done by WCCO about Jake Benesh's death, my past SAI director. During my first year of SAI (I was going into my sophomore year of high school), Jake was a fellow participant of mine. That was also when Matt and I met. Mine and Matt's second year of SAI, Jake was a Student Director.  Now, I won't say I was best friends with Jake, or even close friends. Truth be told, he kind of annoyed me at times. But who doesn't? One of the things I did like about Jake was that he was completely devoted to his faith.

My first year in SAI, during Prep Week, there was a big storm. In the middle of the night, we were all told to take our bedding down to the main level of the 4-H Hilton and sleep on the floor.

All Of Us Sleeping On The 4-H Hilton Floor

I believe the next day was a Sunday. Instead of sending us off to our respected worship sites (we Catholics would have walked a few blocks down the street to the Catholic Church nearby), our Directors asked that we stay on the Fairgrounds for our safety, and partially so the media wouldn't go on a rampage about 100 4-Hers "trapped" on the Fairgrounds (we were all completely safe). Those of us who wished to, could participate in a morning worship service conducted by our Director, some Student Directors, and some participants. For the worship service we gathered outside at the stage in front of the 4-H building. We sang a few familiar hymns, made butterflies out of paper (there was a meaning behind this, it was really touching), and some of the participants gave their testimonies.

 Jake gave his testimony that morning. It was really beautiful. It was about how he was raised Luthern, and how he wasn't really involved with God's plan-just doing his own thing. Then he went to a Baptist service with a friend and fell in love with all the love he was experiencing there. Later, he was baptized a Baptist. He was really active in his church community, and I believe it was this (or the past) summer that he went to Jamacia on a mission trip.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that even though he bugged me at times or he might of been a little bossy, he was a really wonderful person. And even though we do not share the same denomination of faith, his trust in God was something I want to aspire to. Rest In Peace, Jake Benesh. Please watch over me and help me to grow in faith like you did, and put all my trust in God. Watch over all of our fellow Artsies, be our guiding hand.

Thy will be done, Lord,
Alycia