User:Jennlynn88

About Me:

Hey Everyone. My name is Jennifer and I attend ODU via ODU-Richmond. I am almost 20 years old, and have just started my third year. My major is Elementary Education (PK-6). I am still unsure of what grade level I would like to teach, however I hope to be closer to a decision by the end of my observations. I have a puppy named Bella who takes up most of my free-time, either by providing me with chewed up toilet paper to clean up or begging me to throw the ball for her. She is a cocker spaniel and is seriously the most adorable puppy ever (of course in my opinion!). I am an only child, however we have a large "family". Besides Bella, we have one other dog [Nala], four cats [Peaches, Callie, Winnie, Kitty], and 2 angel fish [sadly, they are un-named]. Other things I enjoy doing are spending time with my loved ones [especially Mom and my boyfriend, Jeff], going shopping [I am crazy about shoes & purses!!!], dressing up just for fun, spending time with the little ones of the family, and of course sleeping late whenever my schedule allows me to..haha. I may seem like a complete girly-girl, however I love doing anything outdoors. I love to go fishing with my pink fishing pole (go ahead, laugh..but I SWEAR it's true!). I love to go camping. And, if someone would take me, I want to go hunting! I am going to end this with my favorite quote ever: "I believe that everything happens for a reason. People change so that you can learn to let go. Things go wrong so you can appreciate them when they are right. You believe less so you eventually learn to trust no one but yourself. And sometimes, good things fall apart so better things can fall together" -Unknown.

Favorites:
 * Color* - Pink
 * Movie* - The Notebook
 * Author* - Jodi Picoult, Nicholas Sparks & Sarah Dessen
 * Sports Team* - Dallas Cowboys fan 'til I die :)
 * Food* - Mac & Cheese

My Teaching Philosophy:

Ever since I can remember I have always wanted to be a teacher. Though I never knew specifically what kind of teacher I wanted to be, someday it just dawned on me how wonderful of an Elementary Ed teacher I'd be. Though I do not know exactly what my "philosophy" would be, I have a good idea of what I envision my classroom to be like. Though it was not that long ago, I look back in the classrooms that I was taught in as a young child. I remember what did and did not work for me. I envision my classroom being a place for my students to thrive. I will encourage team-work because I feel as if "together, all things are possible". I will encourage creativity. I will never discourage an idea or thought, but will however thrive on every idea or thought brought to my attention. I will integrate technology into my classroom as much as I possibly can. I believe it is important for "no child to be left behind". With that being said, I will work to the best of my ability to know that all of my students are receiving equal education and proper interventions when needed. I will encourage class discussions. I think it is essential that we not only share our thoughts and opinions, but allow ourselves to learn from the thoughts and opinions of our peers. I will challenge my students in every way possible, but avoid making them feel discouraged. I also believe in integrating thought process and problem-solving techniques into my classroom are extremely essential. Not only will they learn how to deal with common classroom problems, but will learn to deal with issues outside of our classroom as well. I believe by implementing all of these things into my classroom will encourage students to thrive for success inside, outside, and beyond our classroom.

Pictures:



(from left to right): my puppy Bella, my boyfriend - Jeff - and I, my best friend - Ashley - and I, & my Mom and I