Today I participated in Wheelchair Sports. I got to play basketball and football. It was a challenge to maneuver the wheelchair, but it was plenty of fun. Throughout the night I was thinking of how much fun this was. I was also thinking of the reality that people deal with when living in a wheelchair. For me it was a few hours of my time, but for them it is a way of life. I then began to think of other dimensions of life in which I would have to use a wheelchair. That can be very challenging.
As a future teacher I know that I will have to have this perspective when dealing with students who have a disability. I need to be able to think on their level when adapting and modifying my lesson plans.
The highlight of my night was merely participating in the activities at hand. I am usually competitive, but I took this experience in and thought of the many challenges I have faced as a teacher in the making. Throughout many of my experiences I have felt that I learn the most. As a future teacher I feel as though I will learn plenty about myself while teaching. As a teacher, I really am just the first learner.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
December 1 and December 3-RA Program
On both of these nights I collaborated with my fellow Physical Educator, co-worker, and friend (most importantly) Brandon Herwick to show students in the dormatories the movie Murderball. Students got to see everything the rugby players had to deal with as they had varying degrees of disablities. We were able to lead a discussion after the showing of the movie on both nights about what it is like to live with a disability. Some residents shared how they have family members who live with disablities. They said how it made them feel when they are treated differently. It was very interactive and positive. Facilitating conversation is necessary in order to make progress in our society.
Both nights were very successful. I enjoy teachable moments. As I am about to go into student teaching I am bursting as the seems to be a person who passes on knowledge that I have. I will always be a learner, but I am eager for my opportunity to teach.
Both nights were very successful. I enjoy teachable moments. As I am about to go into student teaching I am bursting as the seems to be a person who passes on knowledge that I have. I will always be a learner, but I am eager for my opportunity to teach.
10/27-Damn Good Movie Night
Tonight, I attended "Damn Good Movie Night." Several students gathered in Park Center to watch a movie called Murderball. This movie was all about rugby players who are confined to wheelchairs. The players all have different degrees of paralysis, paraplegia, or quadriplegia. The movie depicts things just as they are. There were some introspective moments that really gave the viewer an idea of what it is like to live in a wheelchair.
The movie covered the history of some of the players and how they got to where they are now. The movie followed the United States team in their quest for Olympic success. There were interviews with family members. There were also newly injured people who were shown in their rehabilitation.
This movie was very gripping emotionally. It played to happiness, sadness, pain, anger, and laughter. All elements were covered. It just goes to show the viewer that despite our differences we all have the same feelings and emotions in many different capacities to one another.
The movie covered the history of some of the players and how they got to where they are now. The movie followed the United States team in their quest for Olympic success. There were interviews with family members. There were also newly injured people who were shown in their rehabilitation.
This movie was very gripping emotionally. It played to happiness, sadness, pain, anger, and laughter. All elements were covered. It just goes to show the viewer that despite our differences we all have the same feelings and emotions in many different capacities to one another.
10/10-Leadership Conference
Today I spent a few hours at a Leadership Conference. Professionals in the Physical Education Department and a number of students were on hand to discuss what makes a good leader.
I was able to go over my philosophies that make up a good leader. Trust and respect are two things that I have noticed are essential as an authority figure. As a Resident Assistant I have learned that if my residents do not trust me they will not respect me. If they do not respect me in all likelihood they do not trust me. I was able to discuss these talking points with my fellow students and professors. We broke up into groups and discussed leaders in our lives and how influential they have been to us. It was certainly an eye opening experience. For me to have the opportunity to hear what others feel is important in a leader made me feel encouraged about the future. Dr. Casciani noted that his views 20 years ago are different than what they are today. The ability to adapt and change was discussed. This showed me that there is no single definition on what makes a great leader.
This conference was a good learning experience. I hope to go to many more. It is always refreshing to gather with professionals in your field who have similar interests.
I was able to go over my philosophies that make up a good leader. Trust and respect are two things that I have noticed are essential as an authority figure. As a Resident Assistant I have learned that if my residents do not trust me they will not respect me. If they do not respect me in all likelihood they do not trust me. I was able to discuss these talking points with my fellow students and professors. We broke up into groups and discussed leaders in our lives and how influential they have been to us. It was certainly an eye opening experience. For me to have the opportunity to hear what others feel is important in a leader made me feel encouraged about the future. Dr. Casciani noted that his views 20 years ago are different than what they are today. The ability to adapt and change was discussed. This showed me that there is no single definition on what makes a great leader.
This conference was a good learning experience. I hope to go to many more. It is always refreshing to gather with professionals in your field who have similar interests.
10/24 Wheelchair Softball
Today I helped run a wheelchair softball tournament. Many students from campus came. I helped set up all the equipment in the LUSK fieldhouse. I was an umpire for this event. Some of the struggles students had involved maneuvering the wheelchair in the proper direction. Making contact with the softball wasn't necessarily easy. Students were unable to pivot their hips and had to use the upper half of their body to swing. I had some challenging calls to make as an umpire. Even in the adapted setting, things were very competitive. I should expect nothing different from any of my Adaptive students in terms of drive and motivation. Just because someone is in a wheelchair does not mean they are going to be any less competitive.
To me, this is a satisfying equalizer. I know that many in the field of education do not see the a student who has a disability can have the same drive as a student who does not have a disability. I feel that Physical Education spearheads acceptance and inclusion. This tournament was just an example of how students can be incorporated into engaging in physical activity.
Overall, the tournament was a success. Many people told me how fun it was. I talked to a few people about their experience. I asked what it was like for them to ride in the wheelchair and play softball as opposed to playing without a wheelchair. I have plenty of fun.
To me, this is a satisfying equalizer. I know that many in the field of education do not see the a student who has a disability can have the same drive as a student who does not have a disability. I feel that Physical Education spearheads acceptance and inclusion. This tournament was just an example of how students can be incorporated into engaging in physical activity.
Overall, the tournament was a success. Many people told me how fun it was. I talked to a few people about their experience. I asked what it was like for them to ride in the wheelchair and play softball as opposed to playing without a wheelchair. I have plenty of fun.
10/27-Dance Abilities
Today I spent time helping set up a Halloween Dance for students who have disabilities. It was an ejoyable time. Adverstisements were put up across campus for the event. There was music, food, and plenty of interesting costumes.
I encountered one student who was shy about dancing. I made sure to be silly when I danced so as to make her feel more comfortable. She laughed at me and told me I was funny. She did start to dance just a little bit after seeing me make a fool of myself. I was plenty happy to do so. As a Resident Assistant at SUNY Cortland I have always prided myself on being able to let my guard down around others in order to make my residents feel comfortable around one another. When I am able to set the tone for the floor that I oversee it makes me feel accomplished. I carried this experience over to the dance on that night. As a teacher I will have many students who are not looking to participate for a variety of reasons. My transition from student to teacher has been a benefit to me as well. I am not self-conscious like I was maybe in high school. Being a teacher gives you no time to be self-conscious. If I lock up for any amount of time the unmotivated and less eager students will be a lot more likely to stand on the side while class is being conducted.
What I learned most from this dance was that I need to be the one who sets the tone for the class. It can go a long way depending on how much I put into the class.
I encountered one student who was shy about dancing. I made sure to be silly when I danced so as to make her feel more comfortable. She laughed at me and told me I was funny. She did start to dance just a little bit after seeing me make a fool of myself. I was plenty happy to do so. As a Resident Assistant at SUNY Cortland I have always prided myself on being able to let my guard down around others in order to make my residents feel comfortable around one another. When I am able to set the tone for the floor that I oversee it makes me feel accomplished. I carried this experience over to the dance on that night. As a teacher I will have many students who are not looking to participate for a variety of reasons. My transition from student to teacher has been a benefit to me as well. I am not self-conscious like I was maybe in high school. Being a teacher gives you no time to be self-conscious. If I lock up for any amount of time the unmotivated and less eager students will be a lot more likely to stand on the side while class is being conducted.
What I learned most from this dance was that I need to be the one who sets the tone for the class. It can go a long way depending on how much I put into the class.
Monday, December 14, 2009
Deaf Event
On November 19, 2009 I was able to encounter a person who was hard of hearing. I was at Turning Stone Casino eating at their buffet. I asked him if he was Deaf and he said yes. His name was Stephen. He was a cook. He said that he was 38 years old and that he lives near Syracuse. I asked him if he liked his job at the casino and he said yes. I asked him if he had a wife and he said he had a girlfriend. He was at one of the cooking stations. I wanted to order something from him, but my plate was already full. He asked me where I went to school and I told him Cortland. I told him I was in Physical Education. He also asked me how long I've known ASL. I wasn't able to make out what he said about where he went to college. There was someone else ready to order. His hand movements were expectedly crisper than mine. ASL was second nature to Stephen.
I enjoyed getting to communicate with a person who was Deaf, albeit brief. I was a little nervous about what I would ask him. It was so unexpected. It was almost like it was over before it started. Stephen seemed very friendly. I'm sure he was happy to see many Cortland Physical Educators who came for the Physical Education Conference. A few other people had mentioned how they got to talk to him. I barely ever encounter Deaf people, but since taking ASL I have tried to be more aware of what is around me. It was cool to see how knowing ASL (albeit a small amount) could allow me to communicate with a Deaf person. Stephen seemed to carry no chip on his hsoulder when it came to communicating with a person who is hearing. It made me feel good because I've learned to be prepared for a Deaf person to possibly not have a whole lot of patience with me.
This event benefitted me because it made all the classroom material seem real. In the classroom sometimes things seem so rehearsed and repetitive. It was neat to see the random order in which I was able to communicate with Stephen based on the knowledge I have of ASL. I learned that ASL truly is a good source for communication. I learned that I am capable of communicating with a Deaf person. I could never say this before I started taking ASL in September.
I look forward to future encounters. I like the spontaneity of randomly seeing a Deaf person. To pick up on the fact that they are Deaf and to sign to them is intriguing. I would go to another deaf event regardless of whether or not there was a classroom requirement. It seems like it would be fun to go to a Deaf movie. I would like to try going to one of those. Just hearing about how loud it is at the theatre because of no sound restrictions intrigues me. It would be like going to a library that is really loud. Overall, this was a fun learning experience.
I enjoyed getting to communicate with a person who was Deaf, albeit brief. I was a little nervous about what I would ask him. It was so unexpected. It was almost like it was over before it started. Stephen seemed very friendly. I'm sure he was happy to see many Cortland Physical Educators who came for the Physical Education Conference. A few other people had mentioned how they got to talk to him. I barely ever encounter Deaf people, but since taking ASL I have tried to be more aware of what is around me. It was cool to see how knowing ASL (albeit a small amount) could allow me to communicate with a Deaf person. Stephen seemed to carry no chip on his hsoulder when it came to communicating with a person who is hearing. It made me feel good because I've learned to be prepared for a Deaf person to possibly not have a whole lot of patience with me.
This event benefitted me because it made all the classroom material seem real. In the classroom sometimes things seem so rehearsed and repetitive. It was neat to see the random order in which I was able to communicate with Stephen based on the knowledge I have of ASL. I learned that ASL truly is a good source for communication. I learned that I am capable of communicating with a Deaf person. I could never say this before I started taking ASL in September.
I look forward to future encounters. I like the spontaneity of randomly seeing a Deaf person. To pick up on the fact that they are Deaf and to sign to them is intriguing. I would go to another deaf event regardless of whether or not there was a classroom requirement. It seems like it would be fun to go to a Deaf movie. I would like to try going to one of those. Just hearing about how loud it is at the theatre because of no sound restrictions intrigues me. It would be like going to a library that is really loud. Overall, this was a fun learning experience.
12-11 Cortland BOCES
Today was my final day at Cortland BOCES. I made sure to thank my host teacher at the end of the day. I was sad to go. A little part of me was sad at the finality of my observations at the school. I had learned so much. I enjoyed interacting with my host teacher and all the information that he gave me. I hope to be so gracious someday when I have a teaching position and can help a future teacher in their development.
On the final day we played "Capture the Nerf Football." This game was similar to capture the flag. I liked the creativity that it involved. The BOCES gymnasium is very small compared to the typical size you would have in most other schools. I was able to play during one of the classes. One student on my team was very athletic while there was another teammate who was not too far in his motor development. I made a concerted effort to involve him. This is what I learned through the Adaptive Program at SUNY Cortland. Inclusion is a very important aspect of Physical Education. Including students that typically get left behind can make a huge difference in the classroom. Not only are those students feeling good about themselves and learning, but it boosts the morale of the class. A comfort level for the student who is not necessarily a natural talent will only help other students feel like they can engage in the activity at hand.
I will miss going to Cortland BOCES and feel that I have gained valuable experience from participating and observing the past two months.
On the final day we played "Capture the Nerf Football." This game was similar to capture the flag. I liked the creativity that it involved. The BOCES gymnasium is very small compared to the typical size you would have in most other schools. I was able to play during one of the classes. One student on my team was very athletic while there was another teammate who was not too far in his motor development. I made a concerted effort to involve him. This is what I learned through the Adaptive Program at SUNY Cortland. Inclusion is a very important aspect of Physical Education. Including students that typically get left behind can make a huge difference in the classroom. Not only are those students feeling good about themselves and learning, but it boosts the morale of the class. A comfort level for the student who is not necessarily a natural talent will only help other students feel like they can engage in the activity at hand.
I will miss going to Cortland BOCES and feel that I have gained valuable experience from participating and observing the past two months.
11-20 Cortland BOCES
Today was the last day of Pinball. At this point I could see that students were starting to get bored with the game. Some students were very aggressive with each other verbally and would even physically aim for each others heads. This just seemed to be a rowdy day. I noticed that my host teacher was not too thrilled about the behavior on this day.
I asked my host teacher if he thought the students were all riled up because they knew Thanksgiving was just around the corner. He partially agreed, but also noted the varying levels of maturity in all the classrooms. Some students I would ask him what their issue was seeing as this was a high needs school for students who couldn't handle the typical classroom setting. My host teacher explained to me how some kids sometimes have outbursts so even though I thought they were calm and well behaved, this was not always the case.
This was a valuable lesson to me because it showed that I cannot judge a book by its cover. Just because a student looks like they are well behaved doesn't necessarily mean they will be. There are always things to look out for in this regard.
I asked my host teacher if he thought the students were all riled up because they knew Thanksgiving was just around the corner. He partially agreed, but also noted the varying levels of maturity in all the classrooms. Some students I would ask him what their issue was seeing as this was a high needs school for students who couldn't handle the typical classroom setting. My host teacher explained to me how some kids sometimes have outbursts so even though I thought they were calm and well behaved, this was not always the case.
This was a valuable lesson to me because it showed that I cannot judge a book by its cover. Just because a student looks like they are well behaved doesn't necessarily mean they will be. There are always things to look out for in this regard.
11-13 Cortland BOCES
Today we continued our Pinball unit. At this point I noticed students who were starting to develop strategy with the game. Since week one many of the classes made strides in their proficiency. The games seemed to be more competitive. I was able to play in one game as well. I think it helped the motivation level when I was able to challenge some of the students on the other team. Livening up the competition can always help motivation levels.
I tried to motivate one student who was rather obese. He stood around the entire class. It was tough to watch him play the game with such little motivation. I did notice that he garnered plenty of respect from his classmates. I tried to tell him that if he played with more enthusiam teh other students would join in.
I also experienced a flashback to my days as a student. Another student in the classroom was made fun of because of how "fat" he was. Kids were giggling and mocking him. My host teacher intervened, but I could tell that this is probably something that student deals with all the time whether it be in the gymnasium, classroom, school bus, or cafeteria. I learned today that although political correctness is at an all time high in our society, kids in general are still very ruthless with one another. It reminded me of the social obstacles that students need to overcome in order to feel comfortable with themselves in order to participate in Physical Education.
While being made fun of is not something that ruins my day as an adult, it has a tremendous effect on the lives of younger students. Sadly, these memories can last a lifetime.
I tried to motivate one student who was rather obese. He stood around the entire class. It was tough to watch him play the game with such little motivation. I did notice that he garnered plenty of respect from his classmates. I tried to tell him that if he played with more enthusiam teh other students would join in.
I also experienced a flashback to my days as a student. Another student in the classroom was made fun of because of how "fat" he was. Kids were giggling and mocking him. My host teacher intervened, but I could tell that this is probably something that student deals with all the time whether it be in the gymnasium, classroom, school bus, or cafeteria. I learned today that although political correctness is at an all time high in our society, kids in general are still very ruthless with one another. It reminded me of the social obstacles that students need to overcome in order to feel comfortable with themselves in order to participate in Physical Education.
While being made fun of is not something that ruins my day as an adult, it has a tremendous effect on the lives of younger students. Sadly, these memories can last a lifetime.
11-6 Cortland BOCES
When I went to Cortland BOCES today I thought of all the things I might encounter while driving. I reflected before the day started. I did a hypothetical assessment of myself on what I could come across today. Just as I hadn't suspected such a quick outburst the previous week, I could only imagine what would happen today. It was such a quiet morning.
During one of the classes I was able to play because of the small amount of students participating. I had a lot of fun because I was really able to interact with my students. A positive part of the day was one of the classes there was a girl who was in a wheelchair. She was able to participate just like everyone else. There were some modifications made on her behalf. She was allowed to come closer to the pins to try and knock them over. She had a limited range of motion in her arms. Students of the opposing team would not defend the pins so as to allow her to throw the ball. I encouraged her to do her best because she was hesitant to try and knock over the pins. It made me feel so good as a future teacher because I knew she was happy simply because she was being included.
I learned today that Physical Education can be slowed down and modified in a variety of ways. I have learned how to do so in the college setting via lectures and labs. It was special to see concepts I've learned in action in a true classroom setting.
During one of the classes I was able to play because of the small amount of students participating. I had a lot of fun because I was really able to interact with my students. A positive part of the day was one of the classes there was a girl who was in a wheelchair. She was able to participate just like everyone else. There were some modifications made on her behalf. She was allowed to come closer to the pins to try and knock them over. She had a limited range of motion in her arms. Students of the opposing team would not defend the pins so as to allow her to throw the ball. I encouraged her to do her best because she was hesitant to try and knock over the pins. It made me feel so good as a future teacher because I knew she was happy simply because she was being included.
I learned today that Physical Education can be slowed down and modified in a variety of ways. I have learned how to do so in the college setting via lectures and labs. It was special to see concepts I've learned in action in a true classroom setting.
10/30-Cortland BOCES
Today was plenty of fun. The Pinball unit continued from the previous week. I noticed a lot of similarities to the previous week. The nice thing about my second day at Cortland BOCES was that I got to see a different set of students. There is an A and B day rotation.
Some disciplinary issues were abundant on this beautiful Friday morning. At one point two students were verbally harassing each other. The classroom teacher was on hand for this interaction. She told one boy to sit on the ground and cool off for five minutes. When the student refused she called him out and said, "You've been sliding all over the floor the past 40 minutes. Another 5 won't hurt you." The student knew she was right and quietly obliged.
I was able to have a conversation with my host teacher about how smart the classroom teacher was in dealing with the two students who were bickering. We then went over the dynamics that occur when students and people of every age get into a competitive mode. It was no different than any other cirumstance I have ever experienced in school, athletics, or even on the thruway. Aggression levels rise and sometimes cause participants to cross "the line" to violence or destruction. It was interesting to see how fast a situation could escalate. This is a reminder to me that I need to be ready at any moment for fun to turn into over-heated aggression.
This was also a great lesson in regards to human aggression and the negative effects it can have on society. These two young students mirrored many things that are wrong in our society today.
Some disciplinary issues were abundant on this beautiful Friday morning. At one point two students were verbally harassing each other. The classroom teacher was on hand for this interaction. She told one boy to sit on the ground and cool off for five minutes. When the student refused she called him out and said, "You've been sliding all over the floor the past 40 minutes. Another 5 won't hurt you." The student knew she was right and quietly obliged.
I was able to have a conversation with my host teacher about how smart the classroom teacher was in dealing with the two students who were bickering. We then went over the dynamics that occur when students and people of every age get into a competitive mode. It was no different than any other cirumstance I have ever experienced in school, athletics, or even on the thruway. Aggression levels rise and sometimes cause participants to cross "the line" to violence or destruction. It was interesting to see how fast a situation could escalate. This is a reminder to me that I need to be ready at any moment for fun to turn into over-heated aggression.
This was also a great lesson in regards to human aggression and the negative effects it can have on society. These two young students mirrored many things that are wrong in our society today.
10/23-Cortland BOCES
Today I was able to start my observation hours at Cortland School of BOCES. My host teacher was very gracious in welcoming me to the school. Some of the first things I noticed about the school was that the teachers were very active in their interaction with students. As I walked through the hallways I could tell that students who had any disciplinary problems were given one on one attention. There are many assistants throughout the school to help with students who engage in disruptive behavior.
The unit being covered for the day was a game called, "Pinball." This game is a variation of dodgeball. Instead of the students targeting each other the goal was to knock over three pins set up on the opposing side. The gymnasium was split in half like a typical dodgeball game. The idea behind this game was to allow students to get active and moving while taking out aggression in a positive way. Some problems that did arise every now and then was student motivation. Not all students wanted to play. These students would stand in front of the pins so as to defend the them from being knocked over. My host teacher told me that this bare minimal effort was better than them just sitting on the sidelines.
Other problems that did arise were students purposely missing the pins and targeting classmates of the opposing team. Some were friends horsing around with each other, but others were done with malicious intent. I was able to see my host teacher in action as he would quell any behavior that was out of line. Some classes were harder to keep track of than others due to the high number of students in the gymnasium. While I was there I made sure to do my best to practice having my eyes on everything at one time.
Overall, I enjoyed my first day at Cortland BOCES. It was a new environment at a school that has plenty of diversity.
The unit being covered for the day was a game called, "Pinball." This game is a variation of dodgeball. Instead of the students targeting each other the goal was to knock over three pins set up on the opposing side. The gymnasium was split in half like a typical dodgeball game. The idea behind this game was to allow students to get active and moving while taking out aggression in a positive way. Some problems that did arise every now and then was student motivation. Not all students wanted to play. These students would stand in front of the pins so as to defend the them from being knocked over. My host teacher told me that this bare minimal effort was better than them just sitting on the sidelines.
Other problems that did arise were students purposely missing the pins and targeting classmates of the opposing team. Some were friends horsing around with each other, but others were done with malicious intent. I was able to see my host teacher in action as he would quell any behavior that was out of line. Some classes were harder to keep track of than others due to the high number of students in the gymnasium. While I was there I made sure to do my best to practice having my eyes on everything at one time.
Overall, I enjoyed my first day at Cortland BOCES. It was a new environment at a school that has plenty of diversity.
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