Room S17
Below you will see what takes place in Mrs. Daris' classroom. Between the learning, the fun, collaboration, and activities, my students have experiences I hope they will always remember.
Fundamental Skills
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In Mrs. Daris' class, I try to think outside the box and show students how learning can be fun. I want them to be engaging in activities not even knowing they are learning. In first grade, it is exciting to see the growth each student makes. In room S17, we have fun and learn at the same time. There is a huge emphasis on reading in first-grade, I love to watch students reading process throughout the school year. Above are some of my students engaged in learning.
International Language Academy
My current teaching position is at the International Language Academy. What makes our program special is how we immerse our students with cultural awareness. This is our fourth year in our growing program. The colleagues I work with make learning engaging and educating inspiring. We collaborate often to create monthly learning experiences for our students to understand the world outside the classroom doors. One of my personal favorites is Christmas around the world. Students created suitcases and traveled to each classroom, to learn how other countries celebrate the holidays. Some other cultural experiences are: making pinatas, celebrate the Chinese New Year, the Day of the Dead (Dia de Los Muertos), and Black History Month.
Traditions
In my very first year of teaching, in Safford, Arizona, my mentor teacher suggested having a Thanksgiving feast for all three kindergarten classrooms. It was something she had always done and of course, I wanted to partake. We involved the students and made cornbread and pumpkin pies. At school they mixed the ingredients then we took it home and baked the goods. We also allowed the students to come to feast dressed as either a pilgrim or a Native American. We held the feast in the gym and it was so moving to see all three classes, of Native Americans and pilgrims, come together to eat the meals they helped prepare. Since this feast, I have been having my students each year do the same thing. I have also shared this with my colleagues and they participate every year. It is a Thanksgiving tradition the students truly enjoy being involved in. I am about to have my 7th Thanksgiving feast with my current class, they are excited!
Thinkers and Creators
I have learned so much in the MAET program. I have tried my best, with thinking outside the box and materials I have, to create an environment for future learners. I have already started to implement new techniques and activities I have personally experienced or created on my own. I have already seen a difference in their thinking process since applying what I have acquired to their learning. Here you can see how students are being creative and learning through innovative ways.