Date Time Material/Title 1 Title 2

Log:

Date:             Time:             Material/Title 1             Title 2

9/7                    11:30-11:45 a.m.             Des Moines Register                        Sports Section

9/7                    8:15-9:00 p.m.                 Driven From Within                         Chapter 1

9/8                    7:00-8:00 p.m.                 Literacy for the 21 st Century           Chapter 1

9/9                    11:30-12:15 p.m.             http://www.literacytrust.org.uk/Database/quote.html

                                                                                    Literacy definitions and quotations

9/9                    10:00-10:15 p.m.             Driven From Within                         Chapter 1 cont.

9/10                  8:00-9:00 p.m.                 Physiology of Exercise                     Chapter1

9/11/06             11:30-11:45 a.m.             Des Moines Register                        Sports Section

9/11/06             6:45-7:30 p.m.                 Driven From Within                         Chapter 1 cont.

9/13/06             2:15-3:15 p.m.                 Driven From Within                         Chapter 1 cont.            

9/14/06             7:30-8:30 p.m.                 Physiology of Exercise                     Chapter 2

9/15/06             11:30-11:45 a.m.             Des Moines Register                        Sports Section

9/15/06             8:45-9:30 p.m.                 Driven From Within                         Chapter 2

9/16/06             3:00-3:45 p.m.                 Driven From Within                         Chapter 2 cont.

9/17/06             7:00-8:00 p.m.                 Driven From Within                         Chapter 2 cont.

9/19/06             11:30-12:00 a.m.             Des Moines Register                        Metro and Iowa

                                                                                                                          Sports Section

9/20/06             7:30-8:00 p.m.                 Driven From Within                         Chapter 2 cont.

9/21/06             7:00-8:00 p.m.                 Driven From Within                         Chapter 3

9/22/06             8:30-9:30 p.m.                 Driven From Within                         Chapter 3 cont.

9/23/06             9:00-10:00 p.m.               Driven From Within                         Chapter 3 cont.

9/24/06             9:45-10:45 p.m.               Driven From Within                         Chapter 4

9/25/06             11:30-12:00 a.m.             Des Moines Register                         Iowa News

9/25/06             9:00-10:00 p.m.               Driven From Within                         Chapter 4 cont.

Progress notes:

9/7 Progress note:

I love to read the Des Moines Register during community time, especially the sports section.   I read the Des Moines Register during community time so I can catch up with the sports world not only nationally but also locally.   I also like reading the Des Moines Register because it relaxes me before class starts.

I started the book Driven from Within ; it is a great read so far.   The book is full of inspirational quotes from friends and family of Michael Jordan.   So far the book depicts how Michael started his business and how he strived to be the one of the best if not the best basketball player and leader in the world.  

Tompkins, G.   Literacy for the 21 st Century:   A Balanced Approach .   Pearson Company:   New Jersey, 2006.

I read from the book Literacy for the 21 st Century: A Balanced Approach which is required for my ED 321 reading in the elementary school class.   The first chapter explains different ways a teacher can achieve a balanced approach to literacy instruction.   The eight principals I learned in this chapter will be very beneficial when I student teach and begin my first teaching opportunity.

9/9 Progress note:

I read from the definitions of literacy and quotes link that was assigned for chapter one in teaching with texts and technology.   I enjoyed reading the quotes about literacy from various sources.   My favorite quote was from Dr. Seuss, which states, "The more you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn the more places you'll go."   I believe this quote is true; reading is crucial and vital in any role in society.   I also believe the teacher has the responsibility to be passionate about reading so the students can also implement the passion to read.

I also continued to read the first chapter in Driven from Within .   Michael's mother, Juanita, really kept a good eye on her children.   Juanita would only let Michael and his brothers watch television on Saturday mourning.   This seems rough, I would have liked to watch television more than this, but I realize the significance it had in shaping Michael Jordan into the role model he is today, all over the world.   

9/10 Progress note:

Willmore, J. Physiology of Sport and Exercise .   Human Kinetics: Hong Kong, 2004.

I read my chapter one for my physiology of exercise class.   The reading was interesting, but was mostly review.   The book went into detail about skeletal muscles.   I read about the differences between slow and fast twitch fibers.   The sliding filament theory is still very interesting, the more I read about it the more it amazes me.        

9/11 Progress note:

I read the sports section in the Des Moines Register.   I read an interesting article on the Colts vs. Giants game.   I did not get to watch the game so I wanted to read about it in the Des Moines Register.   This was the first match up between two brothers who both play quarterback for their respected teams.   The brothers had very similar stats on their own team.   Older brother, Peyton, beat his younger brother Eli in a game that was not lost by the younger brother, but lost because the Giants had a lot of miscues that helped older brother Peyton pull off the 26-21 win.

In Driven From Within , Michael talks about how he came to his decision in picking North Carolina over a smaller school or the Air force Academy.   Michael's dad told him to go for the big one, which was North Carolina.   Michael's mom just wanted him to get a good education with a scholarship.   Michael wanted to prove all of the doubters wrong from his hometown.   He wanted to make it clear that he was good enough to go to North Carolina and even good enough to play.

9/13 Progress note:

In Driven From Within , Michael talks about his interview with Nike.   Michael and Nike may have never hooked up if it wasn't for his mother who insisted that he went to Portland and hear Nike's proposal.   Michael did not want to go and hear Nike's proposal about a clothing and shoe contract.   Michael wanted to wait and for a proposal from Adidas or Converse.   I kept thinking to myself how awful it would have been for Nike if Michael would have never signed with them.   However, I ponder what Converse thinks today, when they could have had the chance to make billons on Michael.   The only thing Converse would have had to do was give Michael a chance in 1984, instead of saying, "we have a line of players, so you will have to wait."

9/14 Progress note:

I read the second chapter from my Physiology of Exercise book, which was very interesting.   The chapter went in depth about the central and peripheral nervous system.   I had a chance to reflect on why important and wonderful the nervous system is.   I have never heard about the Golgi Tendon Organ, this tendon organ fascinates me.   I never knew what it was that inhibits us from lifting a heavy object until I read this chapter.

9/15 Progress note:

During community time I took the chance to glance at what was in the Des Moines Register's sports section, there was a big article on the upcoming ISU vs. Iowa football game.   The big question is on how well Iowa's quarterback Drew Tate will play after missing last week's game due to a strained abdominal muscle.   While reading this article I hope Drew Tate plays really good because I want Iowa to win.

I am starting chapter two now in Driven From Within , the first chapter has been great.   Michael is now starting to deal with Nike's first pair of Air Jordan's.   Michael doesn't like the way they look, he thinks they look like clown shoes.   Michael soon realizes that they draw attention, and they are some of the best fitting and performing shoes he has ever worn.    

9/16 Progress note:

Driven From Within is really starting to enhance my ability to become a leader.   For instance in chapter two Michael talks about being uncompromised in your level of commitment.   You may have a tough day but you cannot compromise your goal.   Michael always had the mindset of you can always get better, no matter what rewards you are receiving.   I had no idea that Michael's parents were so strict, but I think it was because they wanted the best from Michael.   Michael's mother once locked him in the car so she could watch him from her bank window, when he was 15 because he got suspended for cursing at his teacher.   Michael turned from his rebellious ways after this punishment.  

9/17 Progress note:

Michael is going through a tough time in his life and career; he broke his ankle and is dieing to get back on the court.   Michael wants to play so bad that he is on the court the day he gets his cast off.   Michael said he had to learn discipline and patience that year.   Michael is however, uplifted when he sees the new shoe design for the Jordan III.   The Jordan III was the first shoe to incorporate the jumpman symbol which Michael just fell in love with.   Michael made me realize that no matter how down and out you may feel you are there is always something around the corner to lift your spirits a little.   

9/19 Progress note:

Wow, I just read an article about one of the strong woman.   In the article Rally cry for cancer: Don't slack off now , Margaret Forster has survived cancer three times.   Margaret may have to fight cancer for the forth time, as doctors are monitoring a spot on her lung.   I hope and pray for the best for Margaret.   This article hits home pretty hard, since I have witnessed what cancer can do.

In the sports section of the Des Moines Register, I read an article on Iowa's tight end Scott Chandler.   The NFL scouts are looking and liking the capability of the six foot seven, 260 pound Chandler.   I wish the best for Chandler; because I saw his older brother just miss making an NFL team.   Hopefully, Chandler's hard work will pay off and the Dallas Cowboys will pick him up so I can cheer him on.      

9/20 Progress note:

In Driven From Within , Michael talks about how he achieves his goals.   Michael never changes his motivation; he keeps his mind on the goal at hand until he reaches it.   I like Michael's mindset on how you can achieve your goals.   I can use this mindset, as I go forth to achieve my goals.   Michael later talks about how he became a veteran on a young team.   He expected his teammates to give the same effort he gave.   This is what every player should want within their team.  

9/21 Progress note:

In Driven From Within , Michael starts the new chapter off saying, "All I knew is that I never wanted to be average."   I feel the same way when I think about myself; I want to be an exemplary teacher not just an average teacher.   Michael later goes on and talks about his playing style.   I want a similar attitude and playing style, because with hard work comes rewards.   Michael talks about the shoe design for the Jordan VI; he did not want a shoe tip in the front of the toe.   This lead to a revolution in the way shoes would be made in the future.   These new shoes also incorporated the first ever heel spoiler.   The Jordan VI broke the standard basketball shoe mold.   I'm glad that Jordan pushed the envelope on shoe designs, because athletic footwear would be nowhere without his influence.

I'm glad I reread from some of the chapters and links.   I understand the comprehension strategies better now that I have read them twice.   These comprehension strategies are so important; they have long-term affects with student's ability to read.   These comprehension strategies need to be taught correctly.   After, a student feels confident with some of the reading comprehension strategies it is crucial that the teacher gives the student a chance to practice those strategies.    

9/22 Progress note:

Michael describes how the little things add up to be big things.   Michael talks about how meticulous he is on and off of the court.   Michael was so meticulous, that he set out his jacket, shirt, tie, socks, shoes, and pants and then tried them on to make sure that the outfit was right, then he would hang the outfit back up and wear it to the game or to business office the next day.   I do the same thing before a big day, I don't try the clothes on, but I do set them out.   Michael's thorough behavior has helped him on and off of the court.   I think being meticulous is a good thing, because it helps you become a more organized person.    Michael shoe design for the Jordan VII was based solely on Western African tribal patterns.   Michael never wanted to be influenced by racial or cultural issues; nevertheless, the Jordan VII definitely pushed that envelope.

9/23 Progress note:

In Driven From Within , Michael describes his experience in the 1984 and 1992 Olympics.   Michael described how competitive the Olympic Games really were.   Everyone on the USA team wanted to win badly, since they were the defending champions.   Everyone on the USA team had similar characteristics, which is what made them one of the greatest teams of all time.   Michael's dad wondered if he could play baseball as well as basketball, so Michael decided to give it a shot after his third NBA championship.   Michael's dad was murdered in 1993, shortly before he won his third championship with the Bulls.   Michael went onto play baseball the following year, because he wanted a break from the team.   Michael's mom said, "If you try you can't fail, you have failed if you don't try."   I like this saying it seems so true.   How do you know you can't, if you never try?   I always test my abilities; I would rather try and fail than to have never tried at all.

9/24 Progress note:

I'm starting the forh chapter in Driven From Within , so far the chapter is a really good one.   Michael talks about success, and being true to who you are.   Success to Michael had nothing to do with how much money he was making or, what kind of car he was driving.   Michael just wanted to find out where he fit in, and that is what drove his success.   Authenticity is what Michael strived for; he wanted to be true to himself, he did not want to be another version of somebody else.   You should stay true to your roots.   Michael was a well rounded person, and never slipped into anyone's perception of who he should be or act like.   Michael says it has to do a lot with how his parents raised him.   My parents have said similar things throughout my childhood, that is why I believe parents play a crucial role in who you grow up to be.

9/25 Progress note:

In the Des Moines Register there was an article about someone from Ft. Dodge winning the Powerball.   The lucky man or woman won 200.8 million dollars, one of the highest jackpot totals in the history of the game.   The winning ticket was one of about 500 sold at the Kum and Go.   I find it remarkable that the people who purchased their ticket from this Kum and Go had a one and 500 chance of winning the jackpot.   The Kum and Go gets 10,000 dollars for selling the winning ticket.   I still think it's crazy that someone can win that much money on a one dollar ticket.

Weekly Reflection:

9/7-9/11 Weekly Reflection:

The first week of this literacy journal has had a huge impact on me as I continue to become a passionate reader.   The literacy inventory made me realize that I needed to read more especially, nonfiction books.   I chose to start reading, Driven From Within a book about leadership, more so a book about Michael Jordan as a leader.   I felt that my leadership skills needed to be improved and what a better way to enhance them by reading a book about one of the greatest leaders of all time.   I have a huge passion for this book, because I know I will need effective leadership in the classroom.   This book has also given me the energy to continue basketball workouts, homework, and strive to be the best leader that I can become.   I will continue to read the Des Moines Register everyday during community time because it relaxes me and keeps my mind free from all stress.   I will continue to read Literacy for the 21 st Century: A Balanced Approach because there is a lot of useful information about effective teaching strategies and literacy skills.   This book will allow me to improve my literacy skills which in return will help me become an effective-reflective teacher.

9/13-9/17 Weekly Reflection:

The second week of this literacy journal has strengthened the fact that I really want to become a passionate reader.   I feel that I am starting to read more critically, but yet with added emotions.   Driven From Within is becoming more and more inspirational, as well as informational.   This book is amplifying my leadership abilities.   I am learning from many of Michael's challenges as well as from accomplishments.   This book is changing the way I look at life.   I will always remember what Michael says about being uncompromised in your level of commitment.   No matter, what you are receiving for awards or accomplishments you can always improve.   If you are just shy of your goal you cannot give up, you have to be uncompromised in your commitment.   I will also continue to read this book because I am interested by the new shoe designs.   I know that I will be a better leader for everyone after reading this book.   The Des Moines Register is still working as it eases my stress from homework and life.   Reading chapter two in my physiology text was really fascinating I never knew we had a Golgi Tendon Organ.   I was set back by how our body has inhibitors so it doesn't hurt itself.   I'm glad I read this week because I learned a lot of useful information.

9/21-9/25 Weekly Reflection

I feel that I have grown and will continue to grow as I finish the book Driven From Within .   I am going to search for more books like this, maybe not on Michael Jordan, but on some of the celebrities that have had an influence on my life.   I really like the book Driven From Within , and hope that I am fortunate enough to find similar books like it.   This book has given me a good start to where I need to be with my leadership abilities.   I can't wait to implement some of this newly obtained leadership knowledge.   I feel more confident in my leadership abilities after reading this book.   Through these first three weeks, I feel that I have become more of a passionate and critical reader.   I will always remember what Michael says about staying motivated and true to your roots.   You should always stay motivated to achieve your goals, and should never give into outside pressure.   Michael expected more, so I expect more of myself than just average.   I believe if you put in the hard work more than average rewards will come out.   I never knew that the Des Moines Register could work as well as it has in relieving some of my stress.   I am glad that I took the Literacy inventory, so I could find this wonderful book, and participate in this magnificent three weeks of literacy.   After gaining so much from these past three weeks, I know that I won't stop reading.

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