Valley Trading Post - 01/28/10
It was rather interesting to view the 'behind the scenes' of a trading post and what it entails. We hear of trading posts in textbooks, but they seem so ancient. To be able to come to a real one and discover the processes that are done to make the unique food was very new and interesting for me. I appreciated the fact that this specific trading post maintained ownership within the family for generations, and that they intend to keep it that way for years to come. To be able to succeed in our falling economy, turning a small business into a community need is impressive. The Valley Trading Post specifically sales items that are in demand for their area. I was inspired by the close family unit within the trading post. Their riches are not in their wealth nor in their possesions, but they consider their riches to be in the family and love they all have for one another.
Farmington Indian Center - 02/11/10
The Indian Center was a great experience. I had never been there, and actually did not even know a facility like that existed. The Indian Center opened my eyes to the different types of places we have in our community. I thought it was very interesting why they started such a facility. To learn that the Indian Center was built simply as a place for Indians to use the restroom was rather upsetting. Since I am a younger citizen, I didn't see the harsh prejudice that occurred before I was born, only 40 years ago. It is good to know The Indian Center has survived all these years, and is prospering. It's nice to hear that there are businesses in our community that provide opportunities for those who are struggling.
Teach the Children (Store) - 02/25/10
Wow! It was amazing to see all the wonderful resources that are available for teachers. When I walked through the store, I became so excited to be a teacher and utilize all the creative and fun resources that are available. The store manager was also very informative about being an educator and utilizing creative activities for the children. The store manager was a resource himself, and will be very helpful to me when I am ready to prepare my own classroom. We also walked across the street to an ice cream shop called "La Michoacana" which is truly a one-of-a-kind ice cream parlor in Farmington. I enjoyed eating an inexpensive, delicious frozen watermelon bar while discussing our progress in the class.
ENLACE - 03/04/10
The ENLACE program is truly remarkable and encouraging for minority community members. This program is inspiring in that it helps minorities, including immigrants, feel welcome in their community without any prejudices or biases. The services the program provides benefit minorities and help enable them to succeed in life. I enjoyed the session we were able to have with the founders of the program in our community. It really was a reminder for us as future educators the importance of including and validating other cultures into the classroom, because they are apart of our students' identities. I was surprised to find out how involved thegram is with our politics because they not only need the funding, but they also need the support and cooperation of the government to help minority individuals succeed and be productive in their community. The ENLACE program inspired me, and I will be sure to keep them in mind as a resource when I have a classroom of my own.
Farmington Special Preschool - 03/11/10
The Farmington Special Preschool was an eye-opening, neat experience for me as a future teacher. I found the facility to be very organized and full of neat resources for the teachers to use to improve special need students' learning. I thought it was great that they were adding another building equal in size to allow and provide double the resources for our community. This facility also opened my eyes to the various opportunities available to me as I continue my education and consider my future career. I have a really special place in my heart for people, especially children, enduring disabilities. Touring this facility reminded me of some future options that I definately consider to pursue.
Farmington Museum - 03/18/10
The Farmington Museum tour front and back stage was a unique experience for us. Being able to experience history in our community, that has progressed to today's community, was remarkable. We were able to see and touch pieces of our communities history, a very rare experience. It was surprising to find out how Farmington has evolved, and how far this area has gone in such a small amount of time. We were also opened to the resources available to teachers and students. We have learned the importance of including and validating cultures in our community, and I feel this museum would be a great opportunity to do that. Even if funding is not available for a field-trip with students, the museum education director awared us of the other opportunities available such as having the museum come to the school.
Farmington Public Library - 04/01/10
We were able to receive a tour at the library. I found the tour to be very useful for a future teacher because we were all not aware of the different resources available to teachers. If the school we teach at does not have a particular video or book we would like to use in the classroom, the Farmington library would be another great place to check! Another convenience available at the library is the ability to simply call the reference desk and quickly ask if a certain item is available for check-out. This could save teachers a lot of time from having to go down to the library and physically look for items themselves. Instead, we have the luxury of calling and receiving a quick answer. The new Farmington library has a neat set-up for children and teenagers. Computers with internet service are availiable, even wireless internet is available for labtop users. I am glad we were able to see everything the library has to offer!
Sycamore Community Center - 04/08/10
The Sycamore Community Center reminded me of a Boys' and Girls' Club, only free to the community and not just kids! They have cool things for kids and teenagers to do when they get out of school, even on weekends. Parents work alot and the Sycamore Community Center provides a safe, fun place for kids to hang out. I also liked the fact that the Center was trying their hardest to provide things that interest the kids who go there. The tour lady awared us of how they were trying to receive a grant in order to provide a skate park for all of the skaters who come frequently and only have the side walks and tables to skate on. Also, I know funding is very limited but if we ever had the opportunity to bring a class to the Center, they can provide a gym with hundreds of activities for students to do. I am glad we were able to visit the Center and see what all they have to offer, because I know alot of people aren't even aware of its' existence.
E3 Children's Museum & Science Center - 04/15/10
The Children's Museum is an awesome resource for teachers and students! There were so many cool devices available to the public to play with, and learn a little science at the same time. I liked that there was also a small play area for toddlers. We learn by playing! I definately love that the museum provides not only cool gadgets to learn science with, but they also offer an educator to teach students something by doing a hands-on activity. I also have to mention the wonderful library and experiment equipment available for teachers to check out. I really hope our city plans on keeping this facility, due to economic times, because I would definately want to have this resource available to me when I am in my own classroom.
Emerson Art Studio & Ash Kii Navajo Restaurant - 04/22/10
I enjoyed the Emerson Art Studio; the art is just beautiful. I love looking at art; it is a peaceful activity. Mrs. Emerson was knowledgeable of the art work and informed us of what the artist Jonathon Emerson does in some of his work. Emerson appears to be a busy person, but takes a great amount of time to be involved with the community. If a teacher had the priviledge of having Emerson in their classroom, the students would learn and be exposed to a professional artist and his work.
The Ash Kii Navajo Restaurant was also a neat experience. I love fried bread, and just about every menu item included fried bread somehow. I thought that was pretty neat. I'm sure the Navajo people enjoy the restaurant, because I'm not sure of any other Navajo restaurants in town. Ash Kii is a great way to keep the culture alive, as well as expose the culture to those who may be unfamiliar with it.