SPRING TIME!!

This week was a much improved week compared to that of recent weeks. I feel that overall, even in the classes where I did not have rapport with the students, I was able to connect with them and build relationships with the students. I felt really proud when I was ask from others "What happened in your class today?" Not because of something bad, but that students were talking up my classes in other classes. This week I was more relaxed than most weeks. I feel that my communication with others has gotten better but must continue to build.

Horticulture is definitely enjoying class. We have been planting in the greenhouse to sell off the plants in May for a program fundraiser. I think the biggest thing they are gaining from the experience is how relaxing it can be to plant and see what comes from their hard work. This upcoming week, we will be moving into Integrated Pest Management and looking at ways to limit pest populations through diverse methods.

In my Intro to AFNR class, I learned some key things this week. I have noticed that the vocabulary and key terms has not been hitting home and sticking with the students after we go over it in class. This week, I decided to test it out to see how well they are retaining the vocabulary, but I wanted to disguise it from them. I made a crossword puzzle using the key terms. The definitions were given at the bottom with the students filling in the blanks with the terms. Some of the students were able to pick up quickly on the terms and made it look easy. However, a majority of the students were not able to fill in the blanks with the key terms. As a result, I have questioned how I present the material. I will not be giving them guided notes, but will be writing the definitions for my self on the board when I present them to the class. This will activate the visual learners. Tune in to hear the outcome next week.

My community based unit of instruction kicked off this week with the students in the FFA Leadership classes. We have discovered how the Big Spring School District is a hot place for the current barn owl population. On April 11th, the PA Game Commission will be visiting to see our progress and share how we are helping the barn owls in the area. I am not the only excited person in the classroom, especially when they said they could possibly bring in an actual barn owl!!!