Ch. 2

In creating a positive learning environment, Reyes says "Make sure Students understand that they will not all learn the same things at the same time and that they will not all be equally proficient, but that everyone can indeed become proficient'.  I think this is great advice and I completely agree; I wish I knew this when I was learning math. When I was learning math in elementary and middle school I always a little behind, until eventually I did fall behind and couldn't catch up to the majority. I ended up needing one on one tutoring at a learning center. Lessons not only need to be modified for students with learning disabilities or special needs, but for each students' proficiency level. This is a lot of work a teacher needs to do with a class size of 25 to 30 students, but it is very important for children to learn at their own pace and be comfortable with that. It is very important that the students feel safe and comfortable with their own progress. Part of learning and making progress comes from trial and error. Students need to feel comfortable enough to make errors. That they may not fully understand how to solve particular problems right away but it's ok. Student's need to understand that this is a natural thing, that it is different for everyone and that it is ok to make mistakes and progress at their own speed.