Miss Lackie’s Class

1. Miss Lackie’s Class Welcome, parents and students!

2. Welcome to School! • I will introduce you to my teaching philosophy and how it effects my students. • If you have any questions during my presentation, please feel free to ask any questions.

3. All About Me • My background • I grew up in Rochester Hills, Michigan. • I graduated from Michigan State University. • My Family- Mom, Dad, and Sister Amy • My Godchildren • Duncan (2 years old) • Sage (7 months old)

4. All About Me • My experience • I’ve been teaching for 3 years. • I have taught in the U.S., South Africa, and England. • I am working on my Masters in Teaching and Curriculum • My Interests • I love to travel • My favorite sport is swimming • I also love reading, scrapbooking, and of course teaching!

5. My Teaching Philosophy • I like to think of teaching like a journey or a trip… for both I value 4 truths • Be Prepared • Be Willing to Take Risks • Be Knowledgeable about People and Places (subjects) • Reflect

6. Be Prepared • Pack for the journey ahead • I plan detailed lessons that allow for flexibility on students’ understanding • I plan with differentiated instruction so every child can succeed • I plan with all types of learners in mind

7. Be Prepared • Talk to others before the trip • I value clear communication with students, parents, and staff • I want students to ask questions, ask for help, and share personal achievements • I will use homework folders, newsletters, phone calls and meetings to partner for your child’s success • I refer to colleagues as experts in the field of teaching

8. Be Prepared • Gain knowledge necessary for the trip • I attend many workshops and read professional documents to stay current • I also value discussion of teaching techniques with colleagues • I also use my own experiences to teach

9. Take Risks • Go somewhere different • I create a safe learning environment for my students to think for themselves. • I like students to talk and work with everyone in our classroom. We can all learn from each other. • I challenge students to think outside the box

10. Take Risks • Conquer your fears • I know my own fears so that it does not effect my teaching in a negative way

11. Take Risks • Conquering fears • I realize that learning can be very scary for some students • We will work through fears together • We will discover answers together • We will explore learning, create meaning and confirm findings

12. Be Knowledgeable • Know where you are going and use a map! • Teachers know their subjects and use research to support learning

13. Be Knowledgeable • Get to know the locals • I get to know my students interests, learning styles, strengths and weaknesses to support learning progress • I encourage community involvement to enhance learning

14. Be Knowledgeable • Know yourself • I am aware of my strengths, talents, and teaching abilities because they can effect the ways my students learn

15. Reflect • Take time to evaluate the experience • I ask students to assess how the lesson went • I use a teaching journal to review daily lessons

16. Packing Your Child’s Suitcase • Be Prepared • Bring school supplies: Book bag, pencils, crayons, homework, etc… • Come ready to learn: Get a good night sleep and eat a healthy breakfast • Bring a positive attitude and an open mind • Take Risks • Talk to or play with someone new • Try something new. You might surprise yourself! • Eliminate can’t from your child’s vocabulary

17. Packing Your Child’s Suitcase • Be Knowledgeable • Be aware of assignments and upcoming events • Support your child’s learning at home (with homework) • Be aware of your students learning challenges and successes • Reflect • Share in your child’s day • Ask them questions like: What was your favorite part of today? Did you have any trouble with anything or anyone? What are you working on now? What are you looking • forward to working on next?

18. Let’s Have a Great Year! Contact: lackieal@msu.edu