School Wide Events

April 26, 2013

Young Author’s Conference

The 3^rd graders from Trace Crossing Elementary came to Samford’s campus to participate in the Young Author’s Conference. They rotated through different rooms each of which discussed a novel that centered on the idea of diversity. The goal of the event was to expose students to text that supported that idea that diversity should not only be tolerated, rather it should be respected and celebrated!

Looking at texts such as Bud, Not Buddy, Rules, Tale of Despereaux, and Esperanza Rising, the students were able to see this type of acceptance of diversity displayed through text. I served as a group guide for the event and lead a group of 15 3^rd graders through each activity serving as the proud leader of the Purple Panthers! (a team name selected by the students!)

The Young Author’s Conference was a great success in that it exposed students to literature that supported a positive acceptance and respect of diversity. 

More information on the event can be found by visiting the following webpage:

 9th Annual Young Author's Conference

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March 8, 2013

Space Day!

Ms. Ferguson's Final Frontier of fabulous fourth graders had a wonderful time at Space Day! Through my experience I learned to value the efforts of organization. Because so much time and work had gone into the planning of the day, I was able to move my group from location to location seamlessly and contain the chaos. 

My group had a student with a behavior problem that my teacher had assured me typically did not manifest itself in the students unless in high stress situations. The excitement, crowds, and lack of routine triggered a behavioral reaction from the student who then became disengaged, problematic, biting, and displeasing towards the other students and myself. From this situation I learned that the support of your peers could help a teacher handle difficult situations well. My corresponding teacher noticed the problem and was able to provide consistency for the child and manage the behavior. As a future teacher I will also work to use my resources around me to provide safe and productive learning environment for all of my students. 

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 March 1, 2013

Dr. Seuss

I have the esteemed pleasure of sharing a birthday with Dr. Seuss and growing up always thought that the parade, events and story time that surrounded this day was in my honor. 

If I had been a student at Trace Crossings Elementary I would have been honored by incredible decorations, class participation and excitement for this special day. The Samford students worked on decorations for the entire school, creating banners and helping beloved characters come to life! 

The whole day was lots of fun for the students and teachers as both young and old got into the spirit! While the bright colors and choreographed dance by the dance team were very fun and entertaining, the most joyful part of the day was instilling a love for reading in these young minds. 

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Technology Night
"Tech Night Out!"

Trace Crossings does a wonderful job of integrating technology into the classrooms with the use of various tools. Nooks are the most popular, however, among the students. 

In order to use these resources to the highest potential Trace Crossings hosted a 'Tech Night Out!" during which they provided a type of orientation for parents on technology use and the educational tools students could use with them. 

I was very encouraged to see the school providing training for the parents and including them in the students' learning processes. 

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