Ryann Regier
CAPS Teacher Education Associate
The Only Boy in the World
SUMMARY:
The book is about Joe, the author's 10 ear old son who was born with a severe case of Autism. Blastland movingly writes about living with his son, and how very early on they discovered that Joe had a form of Autism called "autistic aloneness." This means that Joe only can think about one thing at a time, which is usually himself. Joe often has a need to watch videos over and over again because of his single mindedness. He is not able to feel connected to others and their feelings, so he will do things like kiss random strangers, throw toy bricks at his sister, throw temper tantrums, and hit babies to try and turn them "off" like a button. Blastland reveals that no matter the difficulties that they have to go through with Joe, the one thing that triumphs over all is their families love for him, regardless of his disability.
REFLECTION:
This book contributes a lot to education. Although not directly related to education and teachers, it illustrates the world of a boy with Autism, and the families perspective on living with him. It shows the importance of knowing all of your students personalities and disabilities. Accepting other is the key to life, so it is especially important for an educator to read this book and teach acceptance and equality throughout their classroom.
See Me After Class: Advice for Teachers by Teachers
SUMMARY:
"See Me After Class" is a very funny and clever book written by Roxanna Elden, a veteran teacher. This book is advice for teachers by teachers, but one of the first things the book mentions is how it isn't anything like the book "Chicken Soup for the Teacher's Soul." Elden made the book more realistic, and choose to incorporate advice and lessons from other veteran teachers to warn new teachers on how your first year is NOT going to go. It gives a realistic expectation on teaching for the first time, instead of the normal belief that everything is "perfect" on the first day of school. This book breaks down everything you need to know about teaching and how to properly incorporate classroom management techniques, assignments, building relationships with students and co-workers, etc. It illustrates in a hilarious way how teaching isn't easy, it's a constant roller coaster that will make you want to get off, but at the same time get back in line for more.
REFLECTION:
I personally LOVED this book! It was a very easy read, and not only was it enjoyable but it was also very informational. I feel that every beginner teacher should read this book. It is hilarious, clever, and packed full of information on what to do and not to do during class. I learned so much from this book, and also expanded my knowledge on some things that I already knew. I loved reading all of the italic quotes from veteran teachers along the way, and felt relieved that every teacher isn't perfect, it takes practice and a whole lot of patience to be great! I personally loved how she included a "mood swing calendar" of how you will feel month to month. I also loved reading this book because since I heard her speak at the conference, I could picture her reading the book and saying the words in her own quirky but inspiring way.
QUOTES:
"Don't misunderstand. We need to be stubborn. If you've watched any movies about inspiring teachers, you know part of our job description is making the impossible possible---and that's just before lunch." (Page 5)
"The first day of school should be the most structured day of the year, not the most exciting." (Page 16)
"A teacher who listens to students and gets to know them as individuals will motivate them from the inside out. The true benefits of being a patient teacher will emerge as the year goes on, after you have a chance to win over one student at a time." (Page 52)
"The heart of teaching is forming relationships with students as we move them from point A to point B."
(Page 100)
"Your best bet as a beginner is to stay quiet and attentive during faculty meetings and keep comments about your principal's competence, personality, and hairstyle to yourself. It's not always easy." (Page 134)
