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.

Progress no matter how great or small.

   This week was another whirl wind. One crazy thing after another that makes you think "AGain".
This week I really tried to create engaging different lessons. I had found some things that worded but I wanted to do more. This week I incorporated things like teaching aids, mini white boards, bingo, jeopardy, candy, student driven questioning games and baskets, and discussion circles. Definitely into the mini white boards. I have enough for every student, and they all can use them. You can use them for a million things too. They help to keep the students entertained, and engaged, without their computers. I notice that while student will use computers for distractions, they don't actually like using them. So I wanted to get way from them as much as possible. I have a really great independent study student that I have been working with. I have started to run ideas, and worksheets and things by her. Things like " Hey what do you think of when you see this? How do you learn? Does this worksheet look intimidating?" I think that has been beneficial because what an adult thinks is cool, may not always be cool.
 I picked up another class this week. the student were very receptive and we had a ton of fun. I am super excited to work with them  in my last few weeks. I don't have too much yet, it is like another honeymoon period so we will see next week as I get into reproduction what happens! I was able to get my lesson looked at and approved and we are going to be doing lots of activities, and learning for all. Super excited. I feel like I am finally getting it. I know it may be late. But it is a learning experience and I am learning all that I can. these kids are great, and my cooperating teacher is simply the best. I am so glad I got the chance to work with this department.
  I have been working more with the kittens as they get bigger. The student are in love. Of course where there is joy there is also sadness. We have one very large baby that we call Toad. Toad was by far the favorite of the entire department. He was the sole baby for one of the older mothers. He was fed very well need less to say. and when he sat he looked like a big old toad. He caught the eye of one of my students that has some person problems, and really just (Toad in Cameron's hand, everyone loved him) needed a friend in life. She came in two days ago and asked Mrs. Miller if she could have him for Easter. After that she was a new girl, she was socializing more, participating in class, she had found a new meaning for school. Well last night we believe one of the custodians got in the cage and may have dropped Toad. 1st period we got the little one out and everyone noticed at once that Toad had a broken back and was barely breathing. I happened to see the students face just as she realized that Toad would never come home. I have never seen something so sad or heart wrenching in my entire life. It was all I could do to keep from crying for her in the middle of class.  Student teaching is hard, your learning, adapting, doing work, balancing a life on no money, and trying to be something you always had wished to be, but nothing will ever be as hard as those moments where YOUR students have to go through something that hits them that hard. I don't think I will ever forget her face as long as I live.
 Darn those kids under your desk!

A Normal week? is that possible?

This was the closest thing to a normal week that I think we have had yet.
For once there was no snow, and no competitions.
This week I really tried to focus on creating well rounded lessons. Through some collaborative efforts of my cooperating teacher and myself we worked through some really good lessons.
I tried to create variablility in my lessons, and engage my students. I introduced a project that the students are very interested in . I had them pick an animal to share the various aspects of care on that we learn in class during instructional time.
Their interest really makes the classes flow smoothly.
  The students are also beginning to see the changes in the baby rabbits. this really excites them and engages them for learning moments. I have them keep charts on the observations that they are  making as well.
 I will starting a different class in the upcoming eek. I am excited about this class because it is all new. I have never taught about large breed farm animals so this will be pushing me to create interesting educational lessons. the nice thing about the class is that the students already know me. They are comfortable with me so the transition should be easy.
  I am also working with an independent study student to help her check on and document growth of the rabbits. she is creating a movie by taking pictures of the rabbits every day. she will then speed it up to show the growth of the rabbits. It is a super cool project and she and I are both really excited.
  There was also an advisory committee meeting this week. It was different . It was my first experience with it and it was really cool. The people that belong to the committee are so well suited for the positions. they are people in the adams county industry and they know they stuff. I was really pleased that I got to partake in that experience. I learned a lot about dynamics, and working with industry, and just good business practice.
 I ended the week with the PSU teacher seminar. This was a great professional development day. I really enjoyed doing the mock scenarios. I felt like it was the questioning component of a CDE. This kinda sparked a passion and really got me pumped about teaching. I reviewed the score cards that I was given from each component. I had great feedback and some really positive comments. I think I did really well and it was nice to accomplish that. It was also really nice to sit and talk about lesson plans. That fun and educational for sure. By offering advice to my peers i also gained a better well rounded picture of what I am doing in my class room. I think that it brought a reflection front and center.
I have many things to work on, but I am working hard. I believe I have gained so much from the time I have spent at PSU and the time in the classroom.
My goals include planning, time management, and really taking in the big picture.

Alternative assignment . the total program

I was fortunate to be placed in an agriculture program that includes every aspect of the total program. The total program includes FFA, SAE, and classroom instruction. Biglerville is a small district that allows for the agriculture teachers to get to know everyone in the high school. In one way or another, the entire population will pass through the agriculture department. I have been very lucky to experience so many great things. We have numerous SAE’s that are now being conducted on AET for the first time, we go to almost every FFA event ever heard of, and we have classrooms full of new students wanting to learn.

               My first real experience at Biglerville started with an FFA event. I was fortunate enough to go to Biglerville on a year that they were going to national convention. I went to national convention with a van full of kids that didn’t really care for me, and came home with students that acted like I’ve been their teacher for years. I have trained two floral design independent studies and a public speaker for the CDE’s so far. The kids were really receptive and they did really well, and they thanked me. That feeling of seeing how you helped is priceless, and probably some of my highest moments as a student teacher. I enjoy the FFA events and look forward to many more with these great kids.

               Next, is the classroom/lab experience. What an experience it has been too. I cannot put a number or price on what I have learned being placed at Biglerville with two very skilled and experienced teachers. I have taught regular classes that include animal science and plant sciences. They have pushed me to new limits because I really didn’t know anything about animals. Just recently I was able to conduct a lab experience for my vet science class. We dissected the internal organs of a meat rabbit. I got the organs because a student was butchering. The dissection went really well. I could have made it more structured but indeed this is a learning experience. I also had a shop experience with 70 percent life skills/learning support students. I learned that it’s not only about showing them how to peace things together and watching them, but being cognitive of their feelings and frustrations. It was a great experience I can’t believe how much I became aware of in just a few hours of instruction. I believe that I am really getting a well rounded opportunity.

               Finally the last component of the Biglerville total program, is the SAE component. Many of the students have supervised agriculture experiences. I have been a part of visits, and planning sessions. Very important aspects of SAE. I have recently been helping students get onto AET so that they may keep records on their computers. The great thing about this is that our school is 1:1 computing. I have students coming to me directly for help now which is cool. Is not really like a two teacher department and a student teacher it’s more like a three teacher department which, is fantastic. I’ve learned that you need to match the book to the kid, and then check to see what’s going on. Work with the kids closely to make suggestions and improvements on the actual book and what they are doing.

               So far I have been able to experience a little bit of everything and be immersed in the total program. I have been able to see what that really looks like. It is so much more than three circle model it a real life approach to well rounded education and nobody can deny that.

Goats? rabbits? hampters? what next!!

What a week.
    I had a fair week all around. I have been working on my planning. Sometimes things don't always work out to plan but I have been doing my best to have lessons completed and materials that are associated pulled together. I think it really helped to alleviate some stress. This factor led to better lessons. It not perfect yet but with some hard work and polishing I think ill be able to get this aspect down.
   It has been a crazy past two weeks. From dissections, to goats in the classroom, to rabbit chaos, can you say crazyyyyyyy. I have managed to turn more than I could have ever dreamed into a learning experience. For example when a student completely ripped out a rabbit nail, and blood shot everywhere. I was remarkable surprised in myself at how well I handled that. I think that being in the teacher position forces you to be calm in control person. We had several still bon rabbits this week. I was charged with the task of removing two of the dead one from the pens. That was...um lovely. I did it and survived as was then able to show the students different aspects of the kittens and make it a teachable moment.
  Some days we have goats in the classroom. Those days are interesting. Teaching with what sounds like a screaming kid in the back round is challenging but is helping to teach me how to teach better and around distractions.
  This week we had a public speaking contest. I was asked by the student to give advice and coaching. The very first thing I did was record the girl on my phone giving her speech. Once she could hear herself speak and follow along she caught so many of her own errors that I didn't have to say anything which made the fixes go much smoother. Went to the competition and I though she might pass out from the nerves. So I told her if she won she could have a frosty. Talk about incentives, all was right in the world after that. She went and competed and made it to the next round. It was awesome . She came out of there so happy that she started to tear. wohoo!
  This coming week I plan to continue to work upon my planning and creating fun informative lessons.
I look forward to teaching about and learning more about the rabbits since we now have 20 in our classroom. Everyday stretches me further and teaches me more. I never was a big animal person, nor did I ever learn anything about rabbits. So this has been such a huge journey. During the dissection I had to be in that role where I gave direction and pulled out the organs. Generally in dissections I would stand back and let the other people do it. So everyday I find out more about myself and what it takes to be a teacher. working hard to get to that stellar level.

The tides are changing...

This week I focused on management.

Managing my time, my efforts, planning, and the classroom.

  Managing time. I already thought that I was managing that to the best of my ability. It felt like there was no time in the day for that. Im trying to utilize every moment without being overwhelmed. It feel like no matter how much I do there is always more.
  I worked on focusing my efforts on the big picture. I tend to get too intently focused on little things, instead of working for the overall picture. I am doing this by writing more specialized lesson plans for each class. I have two of the same class, but they may have different plans all together or modifications from class to the other. Tailor fitting each class allows me to have a better handle on the lesson.
  Planning this week I finished all my plans ahead of time. all of the lessons were done by fir day of last week, and the worksheets were completed by Monday. This way I can write in any changes or ideas. Along with that I made all of my copies during a planning period in order to alleviate some of the morning chaos, and to make sure that all my students had what they need to succeed. I created several guided notes or graphic organizers for the material. The kids seem to respond better to this type of worksheet or notes. They will participate more as well, so I made sure that I included on for most of the lessons. I also made sure that the worksheets were complete. I thought through every column and how it may be easy or difficult for them to understand and then modified accordingly. As part of my plans I have recently started using a new format for my lessons. This seems trivial but makes a hug difference. I also color code the lesson. The red is what you say, black is the category, and purple are person notes to self to ensure a good class. this also makes it easier to find the info fir the organizers.
  Managing the classroom. I am trying to develop the kill of being immersed with the students while maintaining an eye on the big picture and everyone around. The school does not have a cell phone policy so I am working with that and the students to lesson any conflict there. As the students get more comfortable with me they get more receptive to my direction. I also sit in the Large class which I do not have. I learn with the students and help out where I can with the students. Iv lean red so much about goats already just from this week.
   I had two separate lab experiences this week. The first was a basic shop experience. I had two separate classes building rabbit nest boxes from wood. The students had to work together to complete them. Many of the students were life skills. they worked really hard to try and do it correctly. i learned that small demonstrations and individual guiding kept them on the same track as the rest of the students. It was fairly slow but all in all a good experience. I handled the safety glasses things from the beginning I told my class that safety glasses were not an option and no body would enter the shop without em.
                  This week in Apple City news:
- T shirt sales and handling that in the classroom'
-Building nest boxes, can you say stressful. I don't think I could ever say enough to be careful " do not hit your partners hands"
- Introduction of baby goats into the classroom
- Meat judging with  4 students
-Rabbit babies

Next week:
Animal Care :pets and animal industry p1 and p5  UEQ: how do we care for pets?
vet science: introduction to breeds for cdes  p6 and vet skills, vaccinating goats
Independent : TBA

Apple City

This past week was pretty good.

Overall I think that the kids are getting to feel more comfortable with me. When I walk about the halls they all say hi like I'm a regular teacher in their lives. It is really nice to get to know them. Since this school has an entire population of half what my graduating class was I get to see and know a large percentage.
    This week I wrote a small article on the Ag Olympics an submitted it to the Gettysburg Times with a photo. It was a nice way for the kids to show the public what they were doing and that the FFA chapter worked hard to create an event for their peers.
  I started doing some observations of other teachers in my prep periods. I visited two science teachers presenting labs, two learning support classes of different types, an English teacher, and a band class. This was AMAZING. The greatest thing to see was the band. It was 8th grade. This was my first experience with that age group. Can you say eye opener!!! They were phenomenal too , I loved it. I learned a lot of great tips from observing .
  I had another observation this week. I still have a long way to go but it was better. I think any improvement  is a step in the right direction. Overall I believe that this experience is has taught me a lot and will continue to help me grow.
  This was the first full week of school with no delays or cancelations since I got here. It was tiring but went well.
  I think that the massiveness of this experience really hit me this week. You are taught to teach, and you are told that it will be a certain way when you go through student teaching.  Im not sure anything can truly prepare you for the mental toll that this can take. When you go from college to a setting where you don't see people your age and you do 4-5 hours of work a night. There is this culture shock that takes you by storm. To be an ag teacher is to be an ag teacher. There is a life style change. I've never wanted to be anything else from the first day I had an ag class in 9th grade. I think that the desire to be what you want to be can make you feel even worse when things don't go your way. This week has really been about that mental and emotional shift that happens in order to become what I desire most to be. Welcome to the learning process......

National FFA Week

What a crazy week again.

     This week was jam packed once again. so many events and new things going on. My first person triumph for this week was really becoming one of the group. I was able to create some new relationships by working with two floral independent study students. They got really comfortable with me which made teaching them a breeze because they wanted to hear what I knew and about my experiences actually doing floral for a job. Today there was a fabulous moment where a student came into the classroom to specifically show me a project he had finished that he had been working on all year. He was so excited and I felt really privileged to share that moment of success with him. His bookcase was beautiful by the way.
  This week I started working pretty heavily and on my own with the independent study kids. I was able to teach them some basic floral design skills, and even some theory and thought process behind the business. Words cannot even describe how happy this made me feel this week, I got to teach in a relaxed setting my favorite thing in ag. One of my girls went to winter skills to compete at Bermudian. She came in second for the floral design component of the floral competition. Oh heck yes. She made it on the front page of the Gettysburg times.
  I helped out winter skills a ton. I actually was in charge of the floral arrangement component. Mr. Tindall came in and out to help me and it was the greatest experience. I graded all of the arrangements.  When it was over the students were allowed to come back in obtain their arrangements. One of the students wanted to know why I graded how I had graded their arrangement, so I explained everything to them and gave them suggestions to fix it. When I looked up I had maybe 20- 25 kids in a line that all wanted suggestions and to speak with me. It was crazy incredible fast floral craziness. I spoke with each one and evaluated their arrangements with them. I think the thing that really topped it off was the fact that my student competed against students that my ag teachers had trained. What a wonderful thing.
   This week I also had my first observation. I was able to speak with my supervisor and Dr.Ewing. That was priceless .I got so many really great suggestions. I felt like Penn State was really there for me. I think that all students should have the opportunity to meet with two supervisors if they wish. The amount of help you can get from meeting with your cooperating teacher and two other professionals at once is beyond helpful. It was also really cool to have them see a little known ag dept. My objective is to work on planning, and writing more complete impactful lessons. I learned a lot and am ready to work hard to get up to level that I need to be. It really hit me hard after that visit.
     I helped out with Agriculture Olympics today. The first thing I noticed was how hard that my students had worked in order to pull this off. I was so proud of them. When I walked into the gym the first thing I saw was that their entire school population was half of my graduating class. What a culture shock. But we had a ton of fun. The girls asked me to help them out with their posters, which was an honor. Their was an egg toss in which the girl missed and the egg splattered all over Mrs.Miller. oops!
Great week!!
  I was able to use the supplies I got from the creativity lab Laura. I used the foam to represent a landscape and the students used pins to signify elements in a landscape and the student created these crazy amazing ideas. They created keys with the designs as well so that I new what each pin stood for. I made one with them at the same time. It was a group activity. Theirs was way better than mine!
Happy National FFA week! Here's a through back from my career, which is why I am here

Pesticide suits are great for pie eating!

Busy Busy Busy

WOW,
Could this week be any more busy and strapped for time?
I picked up two more classes this week. In addition to going to record book contest, and ACES.

ACES- It felt so weird to be going to this conference with students. I went there with my chapter just 5 years ago. It is crazy how time flies. I chaperoned the dance. I felt out of place because here I was watching kids and enforcing rules that I myself used to bend . I was also a part of  "courtesy corps" . I walked the halls at nigh looking for rule breakers. I was assigned to work with another teacher. We must have knocked on 20+ doors. it was crazy. I was in that teacher position handling real problems. I attended the seminars for the teachers as well. They were very informative and entertaining.  When Mr. Brammer was speaking he kept trying to get teachers to engage and no body would say anything. So I posed a question to him and engaged a conversation. I was kind of proud of myself because none of the teachers in the room said anything to him.

Landscaping- This class was rough this week. I had my first real flop lesson. I felt like I have een doing pretty well, but I guess we all have to crash and burn at some point in order to learn more. I tried twice to teach scale to my students and I just wasn't cutting it.  but we recovered with a project the following day.

Small animal care- I picked up two small animal care classes this week. These are the rabbit classes. The first period class has 9 life skills students so I had to make sure they were covered with the material so I created a guided notes for everyone and gave them a simple section to share with the class. It went well. The 5th period version of the class is much smaller and has very talkative young lady that will take the whole class from you if you don't watch her. So I placed her at the board writing down the answers to the packets as each group talked about their sections. By making her the scribe she couldn't take my class, yet she still felt important like the center of attention. Score for both parties.

What a wonderful sonw covered world...

This week was very, well SHORT.
Monday we had a snow day. We got about 3.5" and we couldn't get anywhere. So we went for Tuesday. Tuesday was a shortened day due to a delay. Many of my students live in very rural areas that make travel after snow difficult. Tuesday I had my class finish up the last presentation left over from careers. This way I could finish all of the grading from the previous week. We started a discussion on cost and price in my landscaping class till the period was over. I asked the students what the difference was. They had no idea and then I saw an unexpected hand. The young boy in the front row that is one of my special needs children had the answer. He told the entire class very clearly what the difference was! Heck yes you go boy! I was very proud of him. we then took a few notes and before I knew it the period was over.
   Then Wednesday was wash out..or freeze out. An ice storm caused slick roads and power outages. I took that day to catch up on some school work and fill in my grades. Then came a shortened day on Thursday. In that short time I managed to cover more landscaping material symbols with my kids. they drew and labeled the symbols and then answered some questions from the chapter. In the other periods I aided Mrs.Miller with rabbit breeding. That was interesting to say the least. We put those rabbits together in the cages and the students jaws all dropped. That was mind blowing to them. New quickly spread that we were the classroom with the sex. Geeze did we hear things all day. After school I helped Mrs. Miller with some of the rabbits and she taught me some cool stuff about them that I definitely did not know. That lead me into the evening where Mr. Tindall picked me up, along with Tyler Cremeans and we all went to record book. That car ride was really cool. We got to talk about teaching and the ins and outs of the ag world. Mr. Tindall  had some great stories. It is always nice to have causal conversations about ag ed, I think you learn the most from them.
Thursday nigh was full of meeting new teachers and learning new grading skills. I don't think I have ever spent so much time looking at forms. It was crazy.
Friday was good. I got early for a breakfast at the new Ihop to make sure that I would ready and willing to grade more books. I worked with the AET books today. That was the first time that I had seen a completed book. I thought grading them was easier, but you definitely tell that people were still getting used to the system. There were a ton of odd blanks. I almost feel bad for the original SAE books it feels like they are being out moded. There's this feeling of nostalgia about them. I can remember working with my teacher on them. However I fell that there is a time and place for everything. If AET is best for the kids then its time to switch to it. Plain and simple.
This weekend I will be attending ACES. Talk about full circle. I will patrolling the halls for kids doing the same things my friends did not so long ago. Its crazy. We are taking some really great kids so I look for this to be conference for everyone involved. I am looking forward to learning more about AET. I think it will be a good knowledge base for me to have in order to help my students.

The " I am the teacher" status

This week!
What can I say it was an interesting week. I taught my landscaping class for a full uninterrupted week. However, things did get changed a bit. With the way that the semester dates had been rearranged, and the way the weather, and a million other things have been, what I planned to teach this week had changed three times. So several ideas, and lesson plans later I taught something completely different. It went well all things considered. This week we talked about careers in landscaping. The students gave presentations on careers of their choice that deal with landscaping. We all drew sketches of the courtyard together and then created mini plans as a lead into landscape design/symbols. We also learned some new vocab, and got to know each other better. My  students that are considered to be in the "life skills" category did really well this week. I was very proud of them for keeping up and working so hard. When my lesson was over on one of the days, their aid/coordinator came up to tell me that I was doing a wonderful job with them and congratulated me. Woohoo! One small step in the learning process, one giant leap for confidence!This week I had my first real conversations with the kids. It was a person triumph. When I got that opportunity to create rapport with them and build a connection it really solidified that teacher status.
     With every triumph, there is also a set back. The first student that I really connected with moved away yesterday. This student was very bright and real joy to have in my class. Many of the other teachers in the building were excited to see him leave because they said he was a slacker with no ambition . In my classroom he was the most polite, respectful, hardworking student in the group. I was very proud to share with them that I didn't have one complaint about him, and that he was an absolute joy to have around. My cooperating teacher and I were both saddened by his removal. I felt really accomplished that I was able to motivate and bring the best out of a "problem student".
      This week we also brought 17 rabbits into our classroom. My entire room is lined with fuzz balls. Every day Mrs. Miller teaches the kids things about rabbits that I never knew. I take notes right along with the kids. I never knew how dynamic and "profitable" rabbits could be.  There is a commercial that uses the slogan "what's in your wallet", I want to run around and say, "what's in your class"? Mine is full of cute learning opportunities. When it comes to students they say never be surprised because they will do anything. Well when I came in this morning I guess I shouldn't have been surprised, but there was duct tape stuck to a rabbit. Great :( !!!!! We had asked the students the previous day to tape the top of the cage to the bottom, well they did but on the inside. Getting duct tape off a rabbit is just ever so pleasant. I guess next time something weird happens I'll be ready.
 Next week I am going to work with Mrs. Miller on rabbit handling and care. I will also be teaching more landscape designing principals in my landscaping class.

The First Week! dun dun dun

Wow,
One real week down. This week was filled with so many things. First thing Monday morning the was mandated reporter training. For a new teacher I felt like this was really important. This was a new school with new rules and policies. I wanted to make sure that I knew what to do in order to make sure that all my students are safe, happy, and healthy. I also had the chance to spend some time with my teacher since it was in service. We had a really great day and she helped me out like crazy. Tuesday was great because we had a snow day. I was able to take that time to create some great lessons with tips that I had learned the previous day. Wednesday was well, interesting. We sent a pig that the students had raised and cared for off to slaughter. While at the same we brought in 15 rabbit for breeding. A typical day in the life of an ag teacher. a bit of shock for a new ag teacher. This is however, a learning process. That is something I try remind myself. Every day is chance to be a better teacher. Thursday was the end of the semester. I went with my teacher to Gettysburg to grade my first record books. Tyler Cremeans is the student teacher at Gettysburg. It was nice to know that you have someone close to get some support from. Mrs. Miller helped us both figure out what heck we were doing. I know I was thankful. Today was the first time that I had a class to myself completely. It went pretty well. I have a very small class and half of them literally, are considered Life Skills students. So I think this will be a great learning opportunity for me. This will teach me how to make a great class for everyone. Overall I would say it was a busy and a bit stressful this week, but an awesome learning experience. Feeling thankful for a cooperating teacher with so much experience.

Material covered this week:
Syllabus
Expectations
Grading
Introductions
Greenhouse
Ag careers forms
Permission slips


This photo of the apple processing factory is what the students can see out of their classroom windows. They grow the apples, the factory turn them into products that are sold across the U.S.

Farm show? or the greatest thing ever?

Well, it was that time again!!!!!! YES! Farm Show.
only the greatest thing to happen to Pennsylvania every year. Farm show attracts all walks of life for various reasons. It is a place to learn, be entertained, and yes.. eat! the Pa Farm Show has some of the best eats around. There is something else amazing at Farm Show though, the students! Every year hundreds of Pa FFA member attend this great event. They are truly what make this event what it is today. Thy come to receive awards, set up booths, and create displays, and be seen. What these students do is seen by the entire state, which is pretty awesome by any standard. This year my cooperating center created a landscaping display and an informative booth. their booth was on Pa deer. this a subject on everyone's minds considering the time of year. they were teaching the public how to score their antlers. the booth include a television that playing an informative easy to follow video on the scoring process. The booth display also included a very nice buck mount which captured the eye and drew you in. It was a very nice display and the kids did a great job with it. They really enjoyed having their work seen by everyone, and were more than happy to pose with their plaque. Go Team! By the end of this week the kids were no strangers to photos however. They made it into the Gettysburg paper. I was very proud of them. Their Ag teachers, Mr. Howell and Mrs. Miller definitely set them up for success and supported them like any good Ag teacher would. A side bonus was that it was Mr.Howells birthday this week and the kids got him a little birthday present to show their appreciation.. can you say ..tiara!!! This year the theme for the displays was the birds and the bees. the student participated by creating and adorable little display with a fountain in the middle. that fountain brought the kids some money as the guest of the farm show were tossing in coins.