Blog Entry 3

Modifications for learners who are exceptional

Some of the modifications that the teacher I worked with provided for his exceptional students are getting the student's attention while talking to them, using a laser pointer and a pointer with a long arm and a hand on the end of it to allow the children to focus on what he was teaching. He was very good at being very animated to keep student's attention, and using several different modalities to keep students interested in the subjects that he was teaching.

The teacher that I worked with for my field work experience was very good at teaching to each member of his class in ways that benefitted each student. He has a class with third, fourth, fifth, and sixth grade special needs children. He taught his students with worksheets, computer math games, shared reading techniques, and smart board applications. He knew each student and their learning and emotional needs and could address all areas of the student's education as they arose. He also trained his staff with patience and an understanding for the children.

I'm inspired by this teacher and I hope that I will be able to be a good teacher like he is. It's difficult to know each student well enough to help them in a way that they can trust and rely on you. I know that when it's done well, a student can blossom and learn because they feel understood. My desire is to be the kind of teacher that understands and cares about each of my students and that I can teach each one of them in the ways that they learn best.