Welcome+to+our+Classroom

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Running head: Welcome to Our Classroom Community        Welcome to Our Classroom Community Patricia Wagner Saint Xavier University      <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">Currently, I am a sixth grade teacher at Chicago public school, Seward Academy, which is centered in the, “Back of the Yards,” area, a humble place that was once the meat packing industry of the world. The modest aluminum-sided homes are several stories tall, as they are only a few feet apart from each other. The elementary school is located in a predominantly Hispanic area (50.2%), which is surrounded by small, local shops, such as a shoe store, pizza restaurant, and several Mexican dining establishments. In addition, there are pedestrian vendors who carry and sell their wares (cotton candy, snow cones, and toys) throughout the streets and sidewalks. Unfortunately, the area is plagued with high crime, 34.5% of the residents are living at the poverty level with 12% receiving public assistance. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">At present, there is a Back of the Yards Neighborhood Council, with the goal of trying to make it a better place. The organization is made up of several individuals who donate their time and talents to the necessary causes in the area. Their goal is to enhance the living community for the residents as they deserve to be an area that promotes and enhances the welfare of the residents and businesses. Luckily, there are several youth services, such as an after school tutoring, hoops in the hood program, and a community computer lab that is available for classes, as well as for facilitating homework. As well, there are adult programs that offer ESL, computer training, and GED classes, plus the seniors can enjoy shuttle services, computer classes, as well as a social club. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">The majority of the sixth grade students are Hispanic with the exception of one African American girl. Most of the students were born in America with a few exceptions that came to life in Mexico. However, the majority of their parents were born in Mexico. There are 75 sixth students, who are placed in three homerooms, and between the three teachers, including myself; only one speaks dual language of English and Spanish. Moreover, her students are transitional because they need additional ELL support, which they receive twice a week. As a result I have adapted my teaching style in order to meet their educational needs. I have the daily opportunity of being with them as their math teacher, and through my journey with them I have had to slow down my speech by pausing, I utilize the LCD machine, I create anchor charts, which emphasize the main points from the various lessons, and there is a stress for the students to use manipulatives. Furthermore, I write and share the lesson objectives because they are more at ease with the information. What's more, I place Spanish labels on different classroom objects, and there have been several times when the students have given me homework, plus I try my limited Spanish, as that seems to amuse the students. Nevertheless, I maintain important vocabulary such as excelente, muy inteligente, y buenas dias, como usta usted? <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">The students are familiar with small group activities, as well as working in pairs, and whole group with direct instruction. I think the students appreciate the small group setting the best, as they the opportunity to communicate and work with their peers, particularly with math. For the most part the students work with their classmates of similar ability, however there are times when I have incorporated peer tutoring. One unique technique that I have applied to my teaching is assisting the students during assessments. This includes previewing example problems that are on the test, as well as answering and guiding the student’s questions during the exam. I sense a comfort level that allows them to do their best effort, as I don’t think teaching should stop because the students are assessing, with the exception of ISATS, of course. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">