My hope for literacy in my classroom

As I took the time to reflect on literacy in my life, I am amazed how many classes I sat through and jumped through the hoops to be a successful student. What I didn't realize is that I walked out of the class at the end of the semester and didn't take new learned skills or information with me. I can't entirely explain why. I can point out some classes that it was the teacher... That is the teacher I DO NOT want to be.

So what does this all mean for me as a future FACS (Family and Consumer Sciences) teacher. First off, I have some work to do. What work you may be asking? The work will include preparing meaningful learning experiences where my students don't just jump through my hoops just to pass that class. Instead I want to foster an environment where students have choice in projects and assignments. My hope is that they will take charge of their own learning as they do activities that interest them and still require learning.

This also means it is my job to help teach literacy in my content to my students as we learn. (I will be doing lots of learning with my students.) FACS classes is very applicable to every day life. It may not be in the language my students use, which is another challenge I will need to continually work on. Given my students practical application to their personal lives as well as have them brainstorm ways the concepts they learn have practical application can help them have a desire and interest in FACS. It will also scaffold literacy in FACS.

I understand may not be easy, but I think it is possible. I am excited to change the way I was educated to be more beneficial and enriching for my students.

About me

Interests/Hobbies/Interesting Facts

1. My family

• Husband: Cody


• Son: Hunter


• Animals: 2 dogs, Lightning and Cowboy; 3 calves, Siete, Jose, Walter; 1 friendly cat, no name; 5 new kittens; 1 wild cat, Fluffy.

2. Outdoors

• Camping


• Shooting guns


• Fly Fish with my husband


• Riding horses


• I love to travel.

3. Sewing, Cooking, and other fun projects

• I love sewing anything.


• Cooking is my favorite, especially yummy treats to take to neighbors and friends.


• I love taking pictures and hope to learn some great photography skills.


• Crafting... I don't spend much time doing this between school, wife, and mommy, but I love to. (Some day I might have a bigger house with some room to leave my mess out.)


• Scrapbooking is such a relaxing thing for me. I love to reminicse through pictures and laugh as I relive the fond memories they hold.


• Creating items out of food, fabric or other things is a favorite. I feel it helps to exercise the mind.

4. Interesting Facts

• I own my own shotgun.


• My husband and I met online.


• I am a small business owner.


• I have hiked/climbed the tallest mountain in Idaho, Mt. Borah.

My discipline to me

Family Consumer Sciences to me is:

1. Fun! I understand that many people have a passion for their discipline. While FCS is fun for me, I understand it may not be fun to others.

2. Opportunity to create. Like I mentioned before, I love to create. FCS gives me an opportunity to create many things includeing sewing projects, delicious food, a beautiful room through my use of skills and knowledge I have acquired in my study of FCS.

3. It is tool to teach life skills to students of any age. Whether I work in a middle school, high school, or a community setting of adults there are many life skills that can be taught and practiced throught the contents of FCS.

What drew me to FCS?

1. I was passionate FCS. I loved the subject content and skills available for students of all ages.

2. It is a tool to influence students.

3. Through FCCLA and my classroom courses, I can help students build skills that help them with life inluding problem solving, reading and following instructions, and prepare for careers, jobs, or furthuring their education.

Other Stuff...

I am passionate about all learning. I think no matter our age or stage of life there is learning that can take place. As a pre-service teacher, it is my responsiblity to find resources and aquire skills that will benefit my future students in my contents area, but that can but used over a number of courses and life situations.