Sunday, December 13, 2015

Site Description


Star Tech 3 is an educational website that was created solely for the purpose of expanding the use of technology in order to help students improve their learning skills more effectively. Star Tech provides an audio-recorded video on learning basics of Multiplication while using visual aid and practice questions to ensure successful mastery, other options include a PowerPoint which explains the uses of technology in the classroom setting and a variety of devices and software that can be incorporated into your  lesson plans to concentrate on the learning of all types of students within your classroom.  This educational website provides day to day aspects of technology and how learning how to use technology will help you be prepared for other advances that will arise—take into consideration the needs of your students and learn how to improve delivery of information and alterations to lesson plans using links to suggestive websites that encourage the expansion of learning through various learning and teaching styles.  

Are you feeling a little at loss as to what your children are learning, when homework is due or what events are coming up? Can't seem to fit a new activity between weekly lessons, need a review of copyright guidelines or online safety rules? Star Tech provides public access to teachers who require a little more time management between lessons, a calendar and weekly schedule help your organize your time. Parents can view due dates for homework, school events and a layout as to what your children will be learning; these entries can be accessed by anyone including our young students who wish to think ahead of schedule and prepare themselves for the next math, reading and writing assignments or upcoming tests.

Meet Your Teacher



 
 
Hello Students and Welcome to Star Tech 3.

I'm your instructor Ms. Daniels. I'm currently a college student at Pima Community College studying elementary education to become a teacher for 3rd grade students.

My education began at Mission Manor Elementary where the most basic principles of Math, Reading, Science and Writing are taught. During 5th year at Mission Manor, I was granted the opportunity to be a mentor for Kindergarten students who struggled slightly in reading. The job of a mentor was to make sure the student read a book they brought with them at a steady pace, once finished we would test the students by asking questions about the book or ask them to summarize the reading.

I graduated from Mission Manor in 2005 and then proceed to attend Apollo Middle for 3 years, graduating in 2008. After middle school, I enrolled at Sunnyside High School to continue my education. The first two years of high school were spent adjusting to the curriculum and trying to discover which career suited me best; as a Sophomore I entered a program known as Up with Children, the purpose of this course was to help children between the ages of 3-5 prepare for Kindergarten and help them grow accustomed to rules and procedures, certain activities they may encounter and what is expected of them in regards to homework, behavior and academic performance. My years in high school were very difficult since the classes were much more advance than I'm accustomed to and require more detailed information in regards to math, reading, writing and science. However, with great effort I graduated in 2012 and enrolled at Pima to further my knowledge.

When I first entered Pima, it was required for all students to take a placement test in regards to math, reading and writing skills; once students received their results, they're then required to enroll in the courses listed. The listed courses are a review of high school courses such as Algebra and basic skills and Writing and Reading. During my 3rd year of College, I took an education course that consisted of a 30hr. internship; I quite enjoyed this activity because it gave me the opportunity to test my teaching skills in a physical classroom. Spring Semester of 2015, I again returned to Mission Manor to observe the teaching abilities of two teachers (one 2nd grade teacher and another a 3rd grade educator); these 10 day observations helped me conclude that the grade level I'd be most comfortable teaching is 3rd grade since, my observation, they are well behaved and appear to be very skilled in grammar for their age. I believe I'll enjoy teaching young 3rd graders because my method of teaching is that "the learning should be fun"; the "make learning fun" method is something my mother did when my sister and I were young children, and I believe adopting this method will ensure the success of my students.

My first career choice was Dental Hygiene; however, I begun to reconsider since its a very stressful career and there was a 4-year waiting list to be enrolled in the program. I realized that the career that best suited me was being an Elementary teacher after assisting my young cousin with her mathematics, it was at that time that I realized the career I should be pursuing is teaching.

Another experience I have in teaching children was when I became a voluntary coach for my young cousin's Little League Baseball Time (SUSD Little League Baseball). It was during this time that I realized, my teaching method were very useful in helping the young boys better their skills. I had them perform batting practice, ground ball catching, high ball catching, passes and even had them run around the field to improve their speed and prepare their muscles for vast movements when it came time to play. I was voluntary coach for 5 years until my focus grew into becoming an Elementary Teacher for third graders.

Haven't decided a career then pursue one that ignites your passion. With passion and determination, comes great success and opportunities. Shape your future and soar.

January: Word of the Day

Martin Luther King Jr.


Martin Luther King press conference 01269u edit.jpg
Image Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_Luther_King,_Jr._Day

Martin Luther King Jr. was a African-American man who was born January 15, 1929. He was a man who fought for the Civil Rights of African Americans; Martin Luther King Jr. used his Christian beliefs to attain the hope and respect of his fellow African Americans rather using violent methods to gain the attention of individuals (white people) who saw themselves as superior to dark-skinned men, women and children.

On the third Monday of January of every year, the day is marked as the federal holiday of Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday. The third Monday not only marks the day as Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday, but also as a way to honor the man that fought for the Civil Rights of African Americans and established equality through his actions and his famous "I Have A Dream" speech.

Schedule Change: January 2016


Rather than continue our lesson on the Times Table on Monday, January 25. We will be learning about "The Desktop Computer". As we all know, the computer is one of the most useful tools technology has brought to us and is also the most common device used by teachers, retail industries, business companies and many other facilities. Therefore, its very important that you as students learn the basics of a computer now; in the future, the computer will be your main tool in completing homework assignments in Middle School, High School and College. You might also find yourselves using a computer to write a short story in the next grade level.

To begin our lesson, you will learn the overall definition of a computer and its parts. To ensure successful learning as to what the parts of a computer are, you will be shown images of each part and a brief description of its function.


Note: Once this portion of our lesson is finished, you will be tested on the vocabulary by labeling the parts of the computer. The name must be matched to the photo indicated by an arrow or zoom-in visual.

The Black Stallion

During the second week of school, we'll begin reading Walter Farley's The Black Stallion to strengthen our reading comprehension. This book is normally read during 4th grade; however, I deem it an excellent selection to help you prepare yourselves for higher levels of learning by reading a book that's a little more advance than your reading level. To test your reading comprehension, I'll quiz you on 3 chapters we've read in the classroom (depending on the length of the chapters); however, we'll then review the chapters a day before the quiz. The books may not be taken from the classroom for you to read ahead; we'll be reading The Black Stallion as a class. There will be times were I'll ask you what you think will happen in the next chapter based on the facts of the previous reading. The questions for the review will be provided and will likely require you to re-read the assigned chapters to answer each question. Upon completion of the book, we will then watch the film and compare the differences and similarities between the film and book; I may or may not require your to answer questions during the film, but be prepared either way.


Image Source: http://seriesbinder.lishost.org/index.php/Black_Stallion

Meet Your Classmates

 
Source: https://www.smashwords.com/extreader/read/115989/1/kids-style-getting-to-know-you

Before commencing our weekly schedule, we will first do a small class activity. This activity is titled "Meet Your Classmates,"(an activity from the series Getting to Know You worksheets); the purpose of this activity is to get to know your classmates on a first name basis and based on interests. Students will ask each questions based on the handout that will be provided and will then write the student's name in the blank space beside the question.


The actual worksheet will look similar to this:

Source: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/171559067028427238/




Once all questions are filled with at least one name, come up with questions of your own to ask your classmates (questions must be appropriate and respectful). If there is no other student who haven't asked a question, feel free to ask me questions as well if you would like. When it comes to listing preferences of each classmate be sure to have a blank sheet of writing paper to write your companion's name and there preferences in regards to the questions that request a list if you cannot fit all the information (note: number the question that relates to the list to better organize the information being given).

Example Questions:


1. Where you born in Arizona?



2. Do you have pets? What kind and how many?



3. Do you like sports? Which ones?



4. Have you ever played an instrument?



5. Do you have siblings? How many?


6. Have you ever vacationed out of state? Where?


7. Do you have a favorite author? Who?


8. What are your movie preferences?


9. Do you have a favorite hobby?


10. Do you like baseball? Whose your favorite team?


11. Whose your favorite superhero?


12. Who was your childhood friend?


13. Do you have a favorite movie? If so, what is it?
 

14. What's your favorite television show?


15. Do you like to play video games? Which video games have you played?




January 2016: Weekly Schedule

 
 
Monday
 
1/4/16
                           
 
Bellwork
 
8:00 am—
8:30 am
 
 
Reading Comprehension
 
8:30 am—
9:00 am
 
Recess
 
9:00 am
9:30 am
 
Specials
 
9:30 am—
 10:30 am
 
 
Writing
 
10:30 am
11:00 am
 
Lunch
 
11:00 am
11:30 am
 
Mathematics
 
11:30 am
—12:15 pm
 
Social Studies
 
12:15 pm
1:00 pm
 
Science
 
1:00 pm—
1:30 pm
 
Learning Stations
 
1:30 pm—
2:20 pm
 
Tuesday
 
1/5/16
 
Bellwork
 
8:00 am—
8:30 am
 
 
Reading Comprehension
 
8:30 am—
9:00 am
 
Recess
 
9:00 am
9:30 am
 
 
Specials
 
9:30 am—
10:30 am
 
Writing
 
10:30 am
11:00 am
 
Lunch
 
11:00 am
11:30 am
 
Mathematics
 
11:30 am
—12:15 pm
 
Social Studies
 
12:15 pm
1:00 pm
 
Science
 
1:00 pm—
1:30 pm
 
Learning Stations
 
1:30 pm—
2:20 pm
 
Wednesday
 
1/6/16
 
Bellwork
 
8:00 am—
8:30 am
 
 
Reading Comprehension
 
8:30 am—
9:00 am
 
Recess
 
9:00 am
9:30 am
 
P.E.
 
10:00 am—
10:30 am
 
Writing
 
10:30 am
11:00 am
 
Lunch
 
11:00 am
11:30 am
 
Mathematics
 
11:30 am
—12:15 pm
 
Social Studies
 
12:15 pm
1:00 pm
 
Science
 
1:00 pm— 1:30 pm
 
Learning Stations
 
1:30 pm—
2:20 pm
 
Thursday
 
1/7/16
 
Bellwork
 
8:00 am—
8:30 am
 
 
Reading Comprehension
 
8:30 am—
9:00 am
 
Recess
 
  9:00 am
9:30 am
 
Specials
 
9:30 am—
10:30 am
Writing
 
10:30 am
11:00 am
Lunch
 
11:00 am
11:30 am
Mathematics
 
11:30 am
—12:15 pm
 
Social Studies
 
12:15 pm
1:00 pm
 
Science
 
1:00 pm—
1:30 pm
 
Learning Stations
 
1:30 pm—
2:20 pm
 
Friday
 
1/8/16
 
  Bellwork
 
8:00 am—
8:30 am
 
 
Reading Comprehension
 
8:30 am—
9:00 am
 
Recess
 
9:00 am
9:30 am
 
Specials
 
9:30 am—
10:30 am
 
Writing
 
10:30 am
11:00 am
 
Lunch
 
11:00 am
11:30 am
 
Mathematics
 
11:30 am
—12:15 pm
 
 
Social Studies
 
12:15 pm
1:00 pm
 
Science
 
1:00 pm—
1:30 pm
 
Learning Stations
 
1:30 pm—
2:20 pm