Chapters 5 and 6

When I was reading from our book I was constantly reminded of all the teachers I have had in the passed because since I haven't ever been a teacher that's all I got! My Ecology teacher, Ryan S, kept coming to my mind of a teacher that help be grasp both the information at a small scale and then relating it back to the bigger scale. Ryan was always about scales and learning that it's important to spend time learning and researching both the smaller scales and the bigger scales. Knowing and understanding the different sized scales in any area of subject are important to have. This example reminded me of the one in the book in chapter 5 about the medical school story. Palmer stated, "In this model of medical education, that small circle of students around a patient, that small version of the community of truth, is the hub that turns the larger wheel..."

I liked how Palmer split up the sections in chapter 5 because it helped showed the true complexity of education and everything in general. Chapter % also helped me think of what characteristics all the good teachers I have had in the past and what it takes to be a good teacher. I said it before and I'll say it again... teachers don't get enough credit. Another part that I liked what Palmer said was about space and how important it is to have. For example, "By reconstructing the dynamics of teaching and learning in the community of truth, I remind myself that teaching this way involves much more than going with the flow. I must hone certain skills and learn others as I go to make a space for this kind of education to happen. "

And I think it's important to always be reminded that education can never be perfect. It's going to change all the time and we as educators need to be light on our feet and ready to accept change, and we need to listen to those that seek change and what to learn. The end of chapter 6 made sense, " if we who lead and we who teach would take that counsel to heart, everyone in education, administrators and teacher and students alike, would have a chance at healing and new life. Learning--- learning together-- is the thing for all of us."

Overall this passed week I had a good time. I did learn that it is very hard to mange 10 home schooled 8-11 year boys. They just like to run everywhere! but I realized that exploring and having that freedom is liberating for them so I let them run ahead of me and of they got too far ahead I would shout stop and they would listen. They really liked the bird migration game, a little too much. I thought it was fun having the home schoolers back bc I recognized a lot of the kids that were at Autumn Adventures and that made me wish I got to spend more than 4 hours at a time with the kids that come through Merry lea. but on the other hand I couldn't imagine myself in the classroom so it's all gooood.