Calebs SAE

SAE Visit

Date: March 2014

Student: Caleb S.

Caleb in a 10^th grade student that is just getting into the SAE component of agriculture education. He lives on a farm that currently has a little bit of everything. On his farm you will find fruit trees, agronomic crops, and a few animals.

Caleb’s visit was unconventional. His parents were both involved in the FFA very heavily. They wanted to explore the opportunities that he could benefit from. Since he is new to the SAE component, his parents and the ag department teachers sat down and had an SAE plan visit. They explored all the types of SAE and the options that Caleb could qualify for. Caleb was then able to pick the right books for his and his parents then knew how they could help him.

Prior to this visit a complete description of SAE, the types, and the options were all compiled so that they could be referenced during the plan visit. This packet was then given to the parents and Caleb to reference as needed. This was to help get the process rolling. I also then worked with Caleb to get his AET account set up. He decided that an online system would be perfect for him. He explored it heavily and then helped other students start with it.

Since Caleb was just starting out he is still trying to get the entire SAE concept under his belt. My advice for him was to continue to work with AET, and keep on top of the project. Record books too often get pushed to the end and then rushed.

When it comes to grading SAE’s there is a simple formula for the kids to follow. They must sit down a show Mrs.Miller their progress monthly and they must actually be doing what they are writing. Effort+time+work=A. It really is that simple if the students put effort in and ask questions they will get a good grade on their books.

 

 

Kyles SAE

SAE Visit

Date:

Student: Kyle H

Kyle’s visit occurred on site at his job. Kyle is a farm kid that lives with his grandparents. He keeps many animals including sheep and goats. He also does some crops like hay and straw. For his record book he chose to keep a book on his actual job, which is working as a hired hand on another nearby farm. His income then goes into his private farm.

We went to the farm that he works on for his job placement book. When we got there Kyle was actually running some equipment. We literally caught him on the job. We took a look around he showed us the kinds of things that he does on a daily basis. We made some suggestions for how he did things because his employer handles what he does. We asked questions about his job to make sure that what he had been writing in his book was actually what he had been doing.

One of the most important things that Mrs. Miller checks for is to see if the book is fair representation of the actual life. If the book seems unrealistic chances are it probably is. If that is the case the kids aren’t getting anything from it. Kyle’s book was found to match his actual job and was up to date. Another big component that we looked for in all visits was safety. Are the students safe, are their animals safe. So we probed about what jobs he does and how he does them. That was found to be satisfactory as well. I hadn’t realized how much this student could do. He seemed more capable than most adults. It was a really cool visit and I enjoyed the opportunity to get to know the student better.

 

brandons SAE

SAE Visit

Date: April 2014

Student: Brandon H

Brandon is a very unique student. He socializes more with his animals than the other student but I think it works for him. He keeps chickens, and lots of them. Every week he is looking to buy or create something to improve his chicken operation.

The visit occurred at his new home. Brandon’s family life has recently stabilized and he has built several little chicken houses at his new home. His family is a huge supporter and they help him where ever they can. His step father which was one of Mrs. Millers former students supports Brandon in all his projects and helps him build the houses. We scheduled visit a week in advanced because Brandon runs a lot of errand with his chicken work and keeps a fairly busy schedule.

We walked around with Brandon and let him tell us what we needed to know. He is so into what he does that he will do all the talking. He was so excited to show us each and every peep which he seemed to know. It was so cool. It was an educational experience for sure. I did not know that much about chickens. The peeps were cute as heck too. We asked him about how much he was feeding and tried to make sure that he realized what it took to document his enterprise and to make sure that he was gaining money. We asked him about the feed he was using for the various aged chickens that he was keeping. He was very knowledgeable about the nutritional needs of his animals. He does a lot of research because they are so important to him.

We made suggestions about the types of records that he should be keeping. He keeps a pretty good log on his animals but needs to translate that into his AET book. He gets frustrated with new systems so we discussed how easy it was to enter all the information he already had. It’s all about making him see what he can gain and that it can be a tool not a chore.

 

This is it..the end that leads to new beginnings

The End...
This is the final week of student teaching. It is over and I can't believe it to be so. This was one of the most mentally and emotionally challenging semesters of my college career. If I were to be completely honest, I wasn't sure that I would make it. When I was in high school, which seems like eternity ago I was asked what I wanted to be. As part of agriculture education teachers must have students fill out for form that deal with future career choice. My teacher Jon S , asked me what do you want to do? You sure do take a lot of our classes. My simple response was, "I want to be an Ag teacher". Ive never once changed my thoughts or my major. The greatest piece of advice he gave me and I will never forget it for as long as I live was, " You will want to quite, its going be hard, but don't for no other reason than to just do it, if you can't find a reason to go on, because you will be happy you did." That statement has helped me many a time. I have even said that to few cohort members that were doubting the choice that they have made. All I can say is that I am so thankful that I heard that advice.
  Here I am today. Final week of the most incredible experience. What a week it is too! I am helping where I can with banquet planning,materials, and organization. I kept the vet science class till the very end, in order to get the most out of this experience that I can. Practice, Practice , Practice.
  I am also putting the final touches on my last assignments and it feels good. I literally had the biggest most dork smile on my face when I really got into laying out my action research. I kinda think it is pretty awesome. Students have so much to tell us if we only chose to see it. It may not come out verbally but its there none the less. Through observation, test, worksheets, class activities, peer interaction, its all there waiting for someone to see it. For that teacher that says yes i now my students and I adjust every class to be a productive positive experience.
  The students have taught me more than I could have ever dreamed of. I have seen them on good days, bad days, emotional days, sick days, and everyone in between. I feel very fortunate to have been in a school where behavior is rarely if ever an issue. I have amazing students that would do anything for a teacher that treats them with respect like they equals. i have the upmost respect for these kids. I will miss each and every student dearly. This has been hard. Many of them tell me they don't want me to leave, or ask me to come to their graduation. It pulls at my heart strings like nothing Iv ever encountered.  My objectives from this were to finish strong, work hard, soak up every moment with these amazing kids. I am so appreciative of my cooperating teacher for this opportunity and her willingness to make this a reality. Her support has been amazing. This is a great cooperating center that i would highly recommend to any student teacher. This program teaches everything. Mr. Howell and Mrs. Miller has one of the best small town programs that I have had the privilege of visiting. this school is also extremely receptive to student teachers. the faculty make you feel like family. They would help you with anything. When I went to do my interview for our assignment I was able to talk right to the superintendent. How freaking cool! Go Biglerville. I am in love with apple country, and Ag ed!

Wow! is this it?

Nooo how can this be. This cant be the end. I cant imagine a day without these kids. I have had so many amazing life changing moments with them.
  This week all of our bunnies went home for Easter adoption. The kids were so happy and so many happy memories will be made. the greatest thing is that the kids took care of them from birth. they learned so much, and then they got to take home the ones that they bonded with. It was such a beautiful thing. On Thursday I had the honor of handing the last bunny to its new owner at the end of the day. I will never forget how her face lit up and the joy that I saw. I that doesn't melt your heart I don't know what will.
  We also had our pig roast this week. It was hectic but again another amazing thing in the world of ag. The students at Biglerville raised these animals, and then cooked up all the food. every single student in every class was able to help. They made new friends and many students formed new bonds. they then served it to the faculty that works so hard to support them. It was incredible. I have felt so blessed to take part in this experience.
  I have finally found my groove as a teacher as well. I have built the rapport needed to help a class flow, and found a bit of a voice when it comes to lesson planning. I am so excited.
  My student that I helped with public speaking was disappointed when I told her I was leaving before her next level of competition. I wish her the best and wish more than anything that I could go through this experience with her.
  I also attended the PAAE meeting. this was a great experience and we actually had some good laughs. More than ever I see that this is a beautiful family that I would love to be a part of.
  I am sad that this is my last week. I am prepared to maximize it and soak up the entire experience as much as possible. I believe that my life has changed. I hope that I was able to make a difference in the lives of these amazing students. I feel so blessed. I was so lucky to get a great school and cooperating teacher.!

It finally feels like apple city!

This week in apple city!

This week was a real deal teacher week. I taught two complete full days because Mrs.Miller was ill a day and there was a small field trip on Friday. There was a substitute to monitor the room and me, but I had all of the classes. They went really well. The subs like how I did. They also filled out evaluations for me. This is good because then I have feed back from other people. Today(Friday) i taught a lesson that I had no idea about. I had to learn in one night how to judge Mini Lop rabbits. I came in and jumped in this morning. It was Awesome!! One of my best lessons yet. The kids were really engaged and perceptive. They did really well. I am really happy with how the turned out.
 This week I also have my service learning project continuing. the students are learning about animal care and vet science and running a shelter supply drive. I also ran an officer meeting today. This is a bit crazy since all of the kids do not get along all of the time.
  I also have all my lessons done and approved for the following week. all the worksheets and etc.
I am getting more comfortable with the rabbits and handling the kids when I help out with classes.
This coming week we have a great deal going on, this includes a pig roast, PAAE meeting, and so much more.
    I daily work with our independent study kids. They know that they can come to me for help. they often come to me to ask for guidance or to show me their project. It is really nice, I have really gotten to know them. I work with them on their various duties and tasks. They are the best kids we have.
  I also found a way to get my student that had an issue with the reproduction unit to join the class again. By giving her tasks like speaking, and writing on the board, and doing the work that takes class to flow, she has reinserted herself. I was teaching about AI and at first she started to melt down. But by making her more front an center and guiding her to lead the class, she came back and thrived! I was so proud and excited. this was something that I implemented myself and it worked and that was a high moment for me.
  We also came up with a elution for the young girl that wanted the deceased rabbit. We let her come around on her own. And tried to introduce her to several other rabbits. She is now getting a beautiful mini lop and she is almost glowing with excitement for class again. It is truly beautiful.
I am excited for this upcoming week.

step by step

  This week went by so fast. Mrs. Miller and I figured out how to help the young girl that was devastated by the rabbit death. She is going to take the mother of the bunny that died. She seemed very pleased with that.
  Many of the things that I have found that are working are things like instructional games, having students create their own questions for review, and word webs. My students like to be involved in the instructional component of the lesson. I have used mini white boards several times and the response and participation has been really great.
  I recently started a different class. This week we began a reproduction unit. As soon as one of my students found out that we would be talking about female reproductive components she lost it. She had to remove herself  from the classroom. I inquired after the class as to what happened with her. After some investigation we uncovered that the student may have a difficult/abusive past. It was very difficult for me to adjust but we found that if she could semi remove herself from the lesson and do the work on her own time elsewhere that it worked out better. It was hard to find that out about a student. These kids have become just as much my students as Mrs. Millers.
  This week we started handling the young rabbits. it was especially nerve wracking as we have many life skills students and the task of handling becomes especially tricky. We placed carpet squares on the students desks and had them wrap the babies up in paper towels like burritos so that they could be handled. The kids have all started bonding with specific rabbits. It really is a heartwarming and slightly stressful experience.
  I also started an animal shelter supply drive with my veterinary science students. this is just beginning so more to come next week.
  This coming week i will be continuing reproduction and trying to be sensitive to my students needs. Each and every week bring new experiences and chances to learn and become better.