Monday, March 29, 2010

Student Behaviors

Doing my students teaching at a high school and an elementary school has helped me to understand the students’ behavior academically and socially. Elementary students are more likely to stay quiet or express their feelings right away after the teacher has performed. A high school student is more likely to ask ‘why’, and not necessary because they want to learn – most of the times they ask ‘why’ because they want to spend time out of the learning material or simply just to complain. As a teacher it is important to keep a balance and to know when the students is asking ‘why’ to learn and not just to take time away from learning. College students are more likely to ask ‘how’, ‘when’, and ‘where’ because they are more likely to be interested in learning.

During my student teaching I have had great cooperative teachers with outstanding classroom management skills. They have the ability to control the classroom at any giving situation. They have the ability to connect with students with different personalities and learning styles. I have seen shy students, aggressive students, needy students, struggling students, lonely students, and students with different personalities. I strongly believe that to make an impact in the student one must build a relationship. A relationship where the student will be able to come to the teacher at any giving situation to express their learning and personal feelings.

Sunday, March 21, 2010

To all my EHS students.

This is not the “Secret” this is a letter from Mr. Salinas.

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to be part of your high school career. Thank you for hosting me, and for being so kind to me. Thank you for allowing me to learn from you. I am leaving with memories that I will never forget.

During the past two months I completed a case study for my University by making observations to your class, I stated, “Elsik High School Students, Spanish II and III learners are skilled and capable to learn and act in any professional environment … they have the ability to learn and perform with excellence on a daily routine… they are highly talented and willing to work hard… they are the best of the best students… they have inspired me on different levels.”

Yes, you all are highly talented and skilled to perform with excellences at any given situation. You all have a talent; you just have to discover what you love to do. Among you I see future educators, actors, senators, lawyers, singers, mechanics, nurses, CEOs and I even see the future President of the United States. You can become whatever you want. The present is today, and the future is your hands. Educate yourself for the future. Never give up! Dream for what you wish, work for what you want, and do what is the best for you.

Leadership opportunities will be given to you everyday, you need to know what you enjoy and love doing. You can do anything, but not everything. Select the best opportunities that you believe will help you to succeed in your career.

I encourage you to follow your dreams, to never stop dreaming and to accomplish all your goals. It is not an easy path but nothing is given to us for free. Everything requires dedication and discipline. “Without discipline there is no Education.” – Mrs. Miller. Dedication and discipline will help you go where you want to go. Dedicate your time and your talents to what you love to do. Athletes and professionals are all about dedicating their time to practicing and training to improve their skills. The more time you dedicate and discipline yourself, the better and stronger you will become.

Take advantage of the opportunities that you have, especially of the opportunity to learn. High school is fun, and you should always have fun… but remember that you also have responsibilities. Work hard, play hard!

Attitude is everything. Leaders always have to have a positive attitude, a can do attitude, a change attitude, and a responsibility attitude. Attitude affects ones’ feelings, emotions, and work ethic. Always have a positive, can do, change and responsible attitude to work with others for a better change in your persona, in your school, and in your community. Keep on the good work at school, smile, and with a positive attitude you will succeed. Remember attitude is everything.

People will tell you “No”, “You are wrong”, and “You can’t do it”. Do not be afraid of speaking out loud your ideas, and for making a difference. Get M.A.D. Make A Difference. Courage is the ability to stand for what you believe, do what you feel is right, and face new challenges. Those challenges will define your persona.

Start thinking about college… College is a once in a lifetime experience. You will experience so many things while you are in college and you will leave your university with more than just a degree. You will leave knowing what you love to do. You will be shocked to see what you discover during your stay in college. College is like a buffet of activities. I also see college as a kindergarten… There is class time, naptime, and snack time.

Always remember to be thankful for what you have. A simple thank you will take you far in life. . .She is a teacher, she is a mom, she is a sister, she is a friend, she is a leader, she is a mentor, she is a role model, she is a powerful and intellectual woman, but the best of all is that she is simply Quiennes Miller, she is your teacher. Mrs. Miller I know you didn’t want me... ha ha ha. Thank you for hosting me. You and your students gave the opportunity to explore who I am. I appreciate your hard work, dedication, responsibility and commitment that you have for each one of your students. Thank you for inspiring me to exceed excellence on my life and academics.

I wish I could stay with you for the semester. I need to move on to complete my studies. I will truly miss you all. You all have challenge me on many ways and you all have inspire me… You are the reason why I enjoy teaching.
Best wishes to all of you,

Mr. Salinas