fullfilling the purpose- Chapters 1 and 2

After reading the first two chapters of this book I decided it is a keeper! It has things that I will want to remind myself of as a teacher. In chapter one I liked how the book said, "what we bring to school as learners matters in how we learn." This is so true for children but also for adults. I know that who I am and what I 'bring' with me to school affects how I will learn. As I teacher it will be so important for me to look at students as everything they are. Talents they have not only inside of school but outside. Problems that are seen at school but also may be at home. I will want to take what students bring to school and build on it. Build on their interests, likes, dislikes, etc.
I also like the quote, "take into account who you are teaching not only what you are teaching." I feel like so many teachers get carried away with lesson plans, curriculum, tests, etc that they forget the children right in front of them. They forget that those children have emotional needs that have to be met not only educational needs. After reading these chapters I realize that it is so important to meet emotional and social needs even before meeting educational needs. The child needs to feel like they are recognized and appreciated in the classroom.
Another point that goes along with this is,"Instruction and curriculum are the vehicle that help student and teacher get where they want to go." It helps them get where they want to go but students and teachers need to be able to enjoy the ride as well. They need to be able to have a positive communication and understanding between each other.
From reading chapter two I learned how important it is to help students understand the purpose to what they are learning. I have had many teachers that teach me things I did not try to understand because I thought there was no purpose. Teachers need to convey an excitement and interest in the things they are teaching to their students. I know that if someone tells me to do something I do it much more eagerly if I understand why I need to do it and if I respect and love that person.
After reading these chapters I can also understand that their will always be more to improve on as a teacher. There will always be ways to do things better and to meet the needs of individual students. For me it will be learning to work on one thing at a time, so I will not be overwhelmed and not try at all.