Last Lecture (for the semester): Dews and Doughnuts of Teaching

First off, I want to thank Jim for the Mountain Dew and doughnuts... they were delicious! I really enjoyed the lecture today because yes, it pertained to teaching. But it really felt like a few helpful hints to live one's life to the fullest.

I enjoyed the part about traveling, because I love to travel! I am studying abroad in Spain spring semester of 2010, and I can't wait. When you travel, you learn so much about different parts of the world, the people, and you learn about yourself! Traveling is just a great experience, and I think people should do it more often.

I also enjoyed the part about having a little mouth, and bigger ears. I like to think of myself as more of an active listener. I may not always say what's on my mind, but I am usually thinking a lot, especially in class.

The lecture was fun, and a nice way to end the semester. I really enjoyed Ed Psych; it was definitely my favorite class this semester. It's just hard to believe that finals are approaching!

Last Child in the Woods

In my discussion group for Ed Psych, we read the book "Last Child in the Woods" by Richard Louv. In this book he brings "nature-deficit disorder" to the forefront. Our children used to play outside, building forts and tree houses. Now all kids do is sit inside and play video games or watch tv, because playing outside is seen as too dangerous and people don't want law suits on their hands. As Frank Wilson, a professor of neurology put it, "We cutting off our hands to spite our brains". Children ages 8-18 yrs spend approximately 6.5 hours a day plugged in electronically. (45 hrs a week) Our schools are not helping the nature-deficit either, nearly 40% of American Elementary Schools either eliminated or were considering eliminating recess. This is reflective of the dramatic increase in diagnosis of ADHD as well. Between 2000 and 2003, spending on ADHD for preschoolers increased 369%.

So, my group made an I-movie to get the word out about the book, and give people some advice as to what they can do to help children, so they are the last child in the woods. You can view the video by simply clicking on the title above! ; )