Standard 6: Communication
"A teacher must be able to use knowledge of effective verbal, nonverbal, and media communication techniques to foster active inquiry, collaboration, and supportive interaction in the classroom."
The teacher understands language development, the role of language in learning and how cultural and gender differences affect communication in the classroom. The teacher also models effective communication strategies such as conveying ideas and information, asking questions, listening, probing for student understanding, giving directions, and helping students express their ideas. I personally believe that communication needs to be expressed beyond the classroom. The home-school connection is crucial in fostering successful education in students and an effective teacher will prioritize the home-school relationship with use of strong communication.
The teacher understands language development, the role of language in learning and how cultural and gender differences affect communication in the classroom. The teacher also models effective communication strategies such as conveying ideas and information, asking questions, listening, probing for student understanding, giving directions, and helping students express their ideas. I personally believe that communication needs to be expressed beyond the classroom. The home-school connection is crucial in fostering successful education in students and an effective teacher will prioritize the home-school relationship with use of strong communication.
Artifact Descriptions
One artifact I have included to represent Standard 6 is a copy of a parent letter I wrote before starting my six-week student teaching experience. The letter was written to introduce myself to parents as a student teacher who would be working with their children for the first six weeks of school. In the letter I briefly introduce myself and explain what I will be doing in the classroom. Another artifact I have included to represent this standard is a copy of a weekly classroom newsletter I wrote during my ten-week student teaching experience. The newsletter was written for the parents of a third grade class including highlights of the week and a brief outline of what the students would be working on the following week of school.
Analysis |
Synthesis |
The letter I wrote to introduce myself to the parents of the students in my six-week student teaching experience classroom demonstrates my written communication skills. Written communication, as well as verbal communication are important components of creating a bond with students and parents, inside and outside of the classroom. The letter shows my dedication to open communication with the parents throughout my time with their children.
The newsletter I have included also demonstrates written communication with parents and guardians. I am able to easily communicate with parents regarding any questions they may have on what their child is working on in school or ways they can help at home. The newsletter provides the families with information as well as opens up a friendly door for conversation if needed. |
As a teacher, I plan to send an introduction letter home to the families at the beginning of each school year. Creating this artifact provided me with the knowledge of what I need to include in an introduction letter and when to send it home. I believe I will use a format similar to the one I created for student teaching, because this letter worked well.
I believe the most influential part of the newsletter I created is the section that provides information on what the students will be learning in each subject the following week. It is an easy way to keep parents updated on what their children are doing in class. Many public schools are now utilizing Words Their Way. I found it a great idea that the students be placed in groups that their parents are aware of, and then have which sort each group is working on each week listed in the newsletter. |