Now that the semester is over and I reflect back on what I have learned in this class, I realize that most of what I learned was discussed at the final. Comprehension; using jig saw reading, KWL charts, and reading that will interest the students. Vocabulary; vocal walls, limited number of words per week so you really have to focus on the essentials, and having constant exposure to the vocabulary. Oral Language; small group discussions, and opportunity for all students to have their voice heard. Writing; short assignments with no pressure, peer review, short stories with the vocabulary words to enhance student learning. Affective dimension; empowerment of the student affecting their confidence, student ownership, and bringing things from their world into our world. Critical Literacy; unlearning what we thought we learned and relearning it all over again, and again, and again, never stop learning. Differentiated learning; three tiered teaching, scaffolding, inquiry model shared collaboration independent IMSCI, I do we do you do.

It's amazing to think that in just a few weeks I will be teaching in a classroom. I will be expected to use all of these things to enhance student learning and literacy. I'm a little scared but mostly I feel empowered. I know that I have a lot of things to cover in a semester with these kids but having literacy as a part of my subject will just make teaching more fun. It gives me new ways to look at a subject, make it fresh, new and more vibrant.

Thanks to all my fellow students I learned a lot from you. I'm not sure if Melanie was trying to get us to take ownership of learning this subject or if it was a fortunate byproduct of her defending her dissertation. Either way it has worked out. Thank you for your brilliant minds brushing up against mine.

Motivation

Dear Students, We are about to embark on an epic journey together. As Will Ferrel has said in a commencement speech at Harvard University 'After months of secret negotiations, several hundred secret ballots, and a weekend retreat with Vice President Dick Cheney in his secret mountain bunker, a Class Day speaker was chosen, and it was me. You obviously have made a grave error. But it's too late now. So let's just go with it.' 'I am going to be your teacher for the next few months, you have obviously made a grave error but lets just go with it. The study of agriculture is the best thing that you could possibly do with your lives right now. I know that friends, sports, scouts, and possibly every other organization that you participate in tells you the same thing. However with agriculture it really is true.

After viewing this fun short clip I hope that you will realize that agriculture is everywhere and it has something to do with everything in your life. JK Rowling in a commencement speech said 'The knowledge that you have emerged wiser and stronger from setbacks means that you are, ever after, secure in your ability to survive. You will never truly know yourself, or the strength of your relationships, until both have been tested by adversity. Such knowledge is a true gift, for all that it is painfully won, and it has been worth more than any qualification I ever earned.' The knowledge that you will emerge with from this class will be painfully won but when we emerge on the other side you will realize that it truly is a gift to be literate in Agriculture.

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I look forward to being your teacher and hope that together we can learn, laugh, and have a good time together.

Mr. Tim Moser