Here is my Vlog for this week. My vlog was about what critical issue that I feel will be most important in my classroom. Here is the link https://flip.com/s/iYvfnL4ACuPZ I hope you all enjoy watching!
Flip Video: https://flip.com/s/iYvfnL4ACuPZ
Month: April 2024
Home / School Connection
Part 1: As we look more closely into our communities, it is important to create positive connections between both the students home, and the place of education. This week, we dove more closely into how establishing healthy parent-teacher relationships can go a long way into building safe environments by watching videos and reading interesting articles. Including the families in school activities and maintaining effective communication are two ways of achieving this. Through the implementation of an inclusive, transparent, and respectful culture, educators and parents can establish an uplifting and positively structured atmosphere for all students.
In one of the articles from the module, we are taught 20 important tips for developing and possibly nurturing parents-student relationships. (Aguilar, 2011) teaches us interesting and useful tips such as leading conversations with good news and also communicating awareness to your class about the different kinds of families.
One of the videos we had to watch was the video “9 Ways to Communicate with Parents for Teacher”. Again, this video steadily reinforces more ways that was a teachers can communicate with our parents. As previously mentioned before, promoting the quality of how you communicate with parents of students can help them succeed in the classroom. Not every parent or teacher will benefit from every method, so it’s critical to accept that one thing doesn’t work for everyone and keep trying different approaches until you find one that works best for everyone.
This past month, I was able to attend the board of education meeting on April 17th, 2024. I think it was important for me to be able to go and see members of my community work together to try and make our community a special place to live. The meeting mostly discussed revenue and salary based issues, as well as the passing and motioning of many different agendas. I thought I wouldn’t find the meeting interesting, but I think it is important for all people to go at least once, and see the people that are trying to make the community better for us.
Part 2
Lastly, I truly believe that communicating with families is super important to the classroom. As an elementary school teacher, showing parents your commitment to educating their students is crucial in building strong relationships.
For starters, when starting a new school year, possibly sending a welcome email just describing your plans for the year and putting some of the parents stress at ease. Another important idea for communicating with parents is consistent communication throughout the entirety of the school year. Parents will be able to know how their student is doing in all aspect of schooling at all times.
References
Aguilar, E. (2011, September 23). 20 Tips for Developing Positive Relationships with Parents. Edutopia. https://www.edutopia.org/blog/20-tips-developing-positive-relationships-parents-elena-aguilarLinks to an external site.
Social Media/Cell Phones in Schools: Yes or No
For this weeks blog, I will be discussing the use of social media and cellular devices in schools. In my personal opinion, I believe that social media and cell phones have no place in the early stages of childhood development. However, as a student gradually matures and becomes more and more responsible, both of these factors may play significant roles in our society today. It has been proven that social media, as well as the use of cell phones has ruined social interactions. For example, in schools, instead of engaging with each other and participating in class discussions, students may be more reliant on their phones, limiting opportunities for meaningful interpersonal connections and collaboration.
In the module for this week, I watched the documentary “Plugged-In: The Toxicity of Social Media Revealed,” directed by R. Willett, which really dove into the impact that social media plays in all of our lives around the world. One of the important ideas that the documentary highlights is the parallels between social media addiction and substance abuse. By using social media, you are unknowingly creating a false satisfaction in your mind, which ends up seeking constant validation and satisfaction. This can end up messing up the patterns of your brain especially from exposure at a young age.
In the article “Schools Say No to Cell Phones. But Is It a Smart Move?” , it dives into some of the benefits of social media and cell phones being banned from schools. In the article, it says that critics of cell phone bans might emphasize the educational potential of cell phones as tools for research, communication, and learning. They may argue that instead of outright bans, schools should focus on teaching students responsible and productive use of technology. Additionally, some critics may highlight certain situations, as not all students have access to the same resources outside of school. (Klein, 2019)
Overall, while I believe that cell phones and social media can have educational value when used responsibly and in moderation, the potential risks and drawbacks associated with their presence in schools are often not worth it. Many educators and policymakers strive to create clear policies and guidelines that can positively promote responsible technology use and minimize disruptions to the learning environment.
References
Klein, A. (2019, September 6). Schools say no to cell phones. But is it a smart move?
Willett, R. (Director). (2019). Plugged-In: The Toxicity of Social Media Revealed.
Lesson 9; Prescriptions and Opioids/Fentanyl
For this week’s blog post, I will be discussing Stanfords lesson of prescription drugs and opioids, as well as the use of fentanyl. Opioids have been around for a very long time, as early as 3400 BC. Many cultures would use the plant as a pain reliever. Opioids are a class of drugs that includes prohibited substances like heroin as well as prescription medications that are legal and prescribed, such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, and morphine. They lessen the experience of pain by attaching to opioid receptors in the brain, spinal cord, and other parts of the body. Although they are frequently prescribed to treat both acute and chronic pain, opioids come with a risk of addiction, dependence, and overdose. Opioids can have benefits such as pain relief, and sedation which can lead to euphoric sensations in your body.
Another common theme among opioid use is overdosing. Overdosing with any type of opioid an be harmful or even fatal. The phrase “opioid epidemic” refers to the high rise in opioid abuse, addiction, and overdose deaths that has occurred in many countries, especially the United States. The overprescription of opioids for pain relief, the availability of illegal opioids like heroin and fentanyl, and the lack of access to quality treatment for opioid use disorder are some of the factors fueling this epidemic.
To reduce the harm that opioids can bring into our lives, it is important that we become knowledgeable about how to treat and possibly eliminate the threat of addiction. The best way to reduce the risk of an overdose is to stay away from opioids unless they’re prescribed by a doctor. However, if you are in a situation where you or a loved one is overdosing, it is important to have a narcan which can reduce the likely hood of you dying from opioids.
Overall, this lesson was both informative and a pleasure to learn from. I think that the slides were really well written, and described in detail the use of opioids what they do, and the treatment for possible addiction/overdose. I think the slides definitely could have used more information on fentanyl, as the lesson seemed to be lacking details on the fentanyl problem, which is huge in our country today.
References
https://med.stanford.edu/halpern-felsher-reach-lab/preventions-interventions/Safety-First/safety-first-lesson-9.html