1. Learning in Small Moments: Life in an Urban Classroom Daniel R. Meier

3. First Day of School Imagine being a 6 year old on the first day of school and your teacher saying “ You have two teachers this year.” “I’m Mr. Meier and this is Mr. Sierra.” “Starting next week, Mr. Sierra will be with you on Monday and Tuesdays. I’ll be with you on Wednesdays and Thursdays. On Fridays, Mr. Sierra will teach all day and I’ll teach all day the next Friday. So next Friday, Mr. Sierra will be here, and the Friday after that I’ll be here.” Sounds confusing right?

4. Story Summary Two male first grade teachers experience co-teaching in Mayfield California. The book goes through Daniel Meier and John Sierra's experience of getting hired and teaching in an urban public school.

5. John Sierra & Daniel Meier John Sierra: Catholic, Chicano, father of four, Spanish/ English bilingual, raised in rural New Mexico, and a son of a copper miner Daniel R.Meier: Jewish, white, single with no children, English monolingual,raised in San Francisco Bay are and was a son of a university professor.

6. Characteristics of the Characters Daniel - San Francisco. Determined/Driven. Creative. Passionate. John - New Mexico, Motivated, Bilingual, Highly Involved. Both - Intelligent teachers, wanted to make a difference, wanted to make positive connections with their students and student's parents.

7. The Students Students were disrespectful o Both John and Danielle argued about techniques and ways to discipline the student. Robert has a learning disability but it was overlooked Both Daniel and John kept a teacher journal, which turned into a place to vent about the students

8. Urban School Constructed in 1952 Features: o Cafeteria o Auditorium o Playground Area o Mobile Classrooms

9. Diversity 54% American American 36% White 4% Latino 4% Asian 2% Native Americans and others "Racially, economically, and socially, our classroom were a microcosm of the rapidly changing demographics picture of california's school"

10. Poverty 45% of students in district qualify for free lunch and breakfast Federal funded before and after school programs

11. Belief and Attitudes Parent Involvement was very important Kids should be involved in the classroom Teaching by example Unexpected can help learning Table with groups to promote community Both teachers were very concerned for the students education

12. Issues and Problems Sticking to academic content can be hard Discipline Finding a balance between, social and academic goals for the children Marble Trick Unknown issues can cause classroom outbursts with students Halloween Parade Unexpected opportunity to share the enjoyable day with them and their children

14. Discipline and Organization Discipline is an on going process Writing a journal can build a successful classroom due to reflection on the progress of the class Patience is key in being a teacher Teachers learn from students It may take time to find a stable foundation in a class Knowing where the students come from is important

15. Importance of Community Classroom community is complicated to achieve Holidays bring adults together to celebrate and enjoy Engaged learning and hands-on activities Cooperative learning, class discussions

16. Community cont. Get to know students Get students to know each other Use group activities such as the marble activity.

17. Parent Involvement More than just parents are involved in students academic lives Group get together with parents Encourage parent involvement Parent conferences Informal parent meetings

18. Final Thoughts on The Book