Kayla Bloom
Bio
Teacher by day, fantasy worldbuilder by night. I write about books, burnout, and the strange comfort of morally questionable characters. If I’m not plotting a novel, I’m probably drinking iced coffee and pretending it’s a coping strategy.
Stories (50)
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The High Cost of Homework
As a future teacher, I want to understand the cognitive, physical, and social toll certain practices have on our students. Homework is a central part of school, at least that’s what we have been led to believe, but young children may suffer unjustifiably in the name of academic success. Particularly during the elementary school years, the young bodies and minds of children under the age of about 10 are not yet equipped developmentally for the sometimes daunting demands of homework. This is the age group I hope to teach someday. Homework has many effects, specifically because it is developmentally inappropriate, it wastes valuable time that could be used for other cognitive and social development, and it produces an educational gap.
By Kayla Bloom6 years ago in Education
Assessment Supports and Accessibility for English Language Learners
Abstract In this research study, the author reviews current elementary academic assessment research for English Language Leaners, and affirms the importance of linguistically accessible, valid, and reliable accommodations. Four main articles were used in the research of this study: Hauck, Wolf, and Mislevy (2016), Kopriva, Thurlow, Perie, Lazarus, and Clark (2016), Shim and Shur (2018), and Lin and Zhang (2013). This research study is based on the following hypotheses. First, that allowing student voice and perspective in the classroom is a prerequisite for student-centered learning. Second, ELLs are most commonly behind their native-English peers in academic achievement and assessment scores, thus, their perspective is crucial for their academic development. Through the framework of theories in George Yule’s (2006) The Study of Language, this research study found that although there are current initiatives in place that attempt to provide valid assessments for English Language Learners (ELL), there are modifications that are not utilized that may facilitate greater achievement. This includes focusing on the learner, engaging in a communicative approach, and understanding cultural competency.
By Kayla Bloom6 years ago in Education
The Irish Potato Famine and Epigenetics
From 1845 to 1852, Ireland experienced one of its most devastating famines. Called the “Great Hunger,” it’s estimated to have killed one million Irish and forced a further two million to emigrate. But the effects have impacted more than the generations who survived. Through epigenetics, it has subsequently impacted the lives and heath of nearly every generation that came afterwards. Epigenetics is the study of the process by which genetic information is translated into the substance and behavior of an organism. Our genes, and the epigenetics that “sit” on them, determine our health, longevity, and dispositions. Not only can these be influenced by biology, but our own actions and experiences as well. Thus, our ancestors’ life experiences have influenced their own epigenetics, which in turn influence our parents’ and finally our own. When examining the Irish Potato Famine, the individual can be understood as the actual individual person experiencing the famine. The group thus becomes the population of Ireland during this time.
By Kayla Bloom6 years ago in Longevity
A Political Act
How do you lampoon an election that already routinely veers into absurd territory? That’s a challenge that Trevor Noah, the host of Comedy Central’s The Daily Show, faces nightly, as he discusses an election cycle of scandals, leaks, bigotry, and fear-mongering—a cycle where even the most unprecedented happenings have become mundane. A South African television and radio host and comedian, Noah has been the host of The Daily Show since 2015. Being the child of a Xhosa mother and Swiss-German father, his childhood in Johannesburg under apartheid’s Immorality Act had a large impact on his life and future in comedy. This is explained in his autobiographical comedy book Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood, which become a #1 New York Times Bestseller and named one of the best books of the year after being published in 2016. Noah's mixed-race ancestry, his experiences growing up in Soweto, and his observations about race and ethnicity are leading themes in his comedy. His typical humor genres include political/news satire, deadpan, and black, insult, and observational comedy. This he carried over to The Daily Show after the retirement of his predecessor and one of his comedic influences Jon Stewart, integrating political and ethnic humor.
By Kayla Bloom6 years ago in The Swamp
Eight Must-Have Baby Items
So you've just had a baby. You're overjoyed, overtired, and overwhelmed. What exactly do you need? Are you prepared? There is so much information out there to go through, much like this very list, all claiming you need this and that for your baby to thrive. But if there was one thing I want to explain is this... you DO NOT need half of what others have claimed. A few well-made, multi-use products will help you care for and love your baby throughout those emotional first weeks and more. Some of these products I have used with my own family and work as an early childhood and elementary educator, and some of them I have heard about. All of them you should try for yourself and make an individual decision that best fits with your own lifestyle and child.
By Kayla Bloom7 years ago in Families
Voyage Into Vietnam
Stepping into the airplane, I was nervous and yet could barely contain my excitement. I had been in plenty of planes before, but this one was different. Barely a year ago I had decided to take the plunge and booked a trip to Vietnam. I didn’t know what to expect. I know my family was nervous. I was for that matter. I had quite a few layovers; one in Vancouver, Narita, and finally Hanoi. It was difficult to navigate some of the airports, and I found myself going through customs and then back through security when I missed the turn for transfers. 😂 The heat and humidity is the first thing that hits you as you exit the airport, however. And then the sounds. The motorbikes, the language... it was all so intimidating. There are most definitely lanes on the larger roads and freeways, but they merely seem to be suggestions. Like an anxious crowd at Disneyland, motorbikes and cars weave in and out of each other, go up on the sidewalk, honk, and rush past the dizzying lights. It was truly a sight to behold. We were almost hit head on by a fairly large cargo truck, but I’m still here to tell the tale.
By Kayla Bloom7 years ago in Wander
Nonverbal Learning Disabilities in Turner Syndrome
Jim Abbott, a former Major League Baseball pitcher, despite having been born without a right hand, once stated that “it’s not the disability that defines you; it’s how you deal with the challenges the disability presents you with. We have an obligation to the abilities we DO have, not the disability” (Jim Abbot). This has never been more important to instill in our students today. They learn from our actions and language how to treat others, so modeling appropriate behavior in the classroom is essential. Understanding and respecting our students as individuals, each with their own special needs, will better prepare them for success. It is our job as educators to facilitate that success, and tailor our classrooms to fit their needs. We should be aware of what our students may be going through and the challenges they face. For example, the chromosomal abnormality Turner Syndrome (TS) has many symptoms and implications in the classroom.
By Kayla Bloom8 years ago in Education
Top 5 Young Living Products for Winter Wellness
Young Living is a home-built essential oil distillery determined to lead the way in natural living. They believe everyone deserves an abundant life full of wellness. There seed to seal program, based on the three pillars of sourcing, science, and standards, is a unique approach to essential oils. More can be learned from their website https://www.youngliving.com/en_US
By Kayla Bloom8 years ago in Longevity
For the Love of the Game
Eryn eyed the ball with intensity. The other girl across from her only focused on the goal, staring straight through her. With one final shot, the ball shot through the air and Eryn saw Bridgette gasp, rolling her eyes from Eryn, to the ball, and back to Eryn, from three feet away. Eryn suddenly jumped into the air and wrapped the ball into her stomach. On the ground, everything seemed quiet. She surveyed the crowd for a moment or two and, ball in hand, showed the crowd the proof of the catch. The crowd exploded with excitement. Those on her side that is. The pleasing eyes of victory smiled down on her from the bleachers and the mothers beamed with joy. They had won. Finally, Eryn felt, she could be reassured of her position on the college freshman team. She still had not decided where she wanted to go, but knowing how many talent scouts had attended today, she knew she had a great chance that one of them would accept her. She stood up as her mother Catherine ran over to her, jumping up with joy.
By Kayla Bloom8 years ago in Cleats
A Failed Kindergarten Teacher
Continuing on in the face of obstacles, I guess you could say, has never been my strong suit. I try not be a quitter, but so often that backfires in a whirlwind of regret and embarrassment. However, my recent decision to defer after two semesters of graduate school has proven to be anything but a hasty, rash decision. Let me provide a little background.
By Kayla Bloom8 years ago in Education
