The First Month

   I always thought that the first month of school was one of the most difficult times of the year.  First of all, there are so many variables to become familiar with - new students, a possible new school, new staff members, new curriculum, as well as the newest " Holy Grail" that will cure the ills of the entire educational system.  
   In September, you have new ideas and want to "tackle the world".  But you need to give yourselves a break!  You need to find out what the "world" consists of before you can tackle it.  Somethings, you can become familiar with over the summer.  But there are always those unexpected events that happen: you're teaching a different class; new staff; extra students.  A variety of things can happen.
   Another item that changes is your time.  During the school year, I was very efficient with my time, both at work and at home.  I was goal oriented in order to get everything done.  Then the summer comes and things relax somewhat. I didn't have to get up as early and the pace of my day slowed down considerably.  I might even read or relax in the backyard.  Then, works begins again and I have to get back into the rhythm of being super efficient again.  I found that this really took me a few weeks to master and, along the way, I got tired a lot!  So give yourself a break whenever you can.
   Lastly, in my previous post, I noted a link to a NYS - ELA (Social studies) domain involving Early World Civilizations. If you didn't click on the link, take a look.  Then on September 5, the front page of The Post Standard newspaper in Syracuse, NY displays, "WHAT SHOULD FIRST-GRADERS KNOW ABOUT MESOPOTAMIA?"  This article questions the appropriateness of the content and quantity of the material in this model lesson.  I was thrilled to see the newspaper discussing these proposed outlines(domains).  Are these domains widening children's horizons or making them completely confused?  I know how I would answer this question - try answering it for yourself.   

Here you go again......

   As a new school year is before you, I think that it's important to view it as a health decision.   (Of course, your health is more important!)  Take in as much information as you can, evaluate it and make an informed decision.    You have certain guidelines that you must follow.  However. there will always be certain ways that you can make instruction your own.  Teachers are excellent at doing this and I'm confident that this skill will continue.  
   That's not to say that you have to re-invent the wheel!  There are websites, other than the common core, that help you interpret these guidelines and give ideas from other teachers.  I always learned great things from watching other teachers but...THERE WAS NEVER ENOUGH TIME TO OBSERVE THEM!!!  One of these websites is www.sharemylesson.com.  It was in the NYSUT newsletter and I think it may be a good source of ideas.
   I have to admit that I wrote another draft before I decided on this one.  I thought it best to start the school year off on a positive note.  However, a friend sent me a link that I thought was very disturbing and, at some point, it might be important to view it.  We need to use common sense when we're involved in constructing, interpreting and instructing our students in terms of their developmental capabilities.   Make sure you're sitting down!  It is http://www.engageny.org/resource/grade-1-ela-domain-4-early-world-civilizations.
   Lastly, I was impressed when I read the 8/11/13 issue of Parade magazine in the Sunday paper.  There are 7 ideas from experts that make a lot of sense and I applaud them!!!!!  It's called, "Building a Better School Day" and it's worth reading.  
   Just remember, sometimes it's hard to be sure what your students are learning from you - academically, socially and emotionally.  Try to be honest, caring and sensitive, even if they drive you crazy!  They may thank you one day!
   
PS:  I have changed a few things around.  Let me know what you think.  I really made purple french fries and they were pretty good!
   

Summer Plans

  Now you can almost smell that first cup of coffee or tea you'll be drinking after leisurely waking up in the morning.  It's a well deserved experience that teachers look forward to from March on.
   After a little time to decompress, it's time to evaluate the school year.  Not for some form that will be filed in some far away folder but for yourself!  A little distance helps to review what worked and what didn't.  I always found that, even if I didn't want it to, thoughts about the year seeped into my brain.
   As teachers, we don't turn off our brains at the end of the day.  There were times I wish I could leave it behind but teachers are constantly evaluating themselves.   "How did that lesson go?  Why didn't that student understand the material?  How can I teach that lesson and target everyone's levels?"  These are the questions we hear inside our heads. Non-teachers don't realize the pressure we put on ourselves!
   So take some cleansing breathes, sleep a little late (if you can), and take life a little slower.  When those ideas about how to "spice up" your direct instruction sneak into your thoughts, you'll be ready to explore some new ideas and techniques.
   Have a great summer and you'll hear from me in August.  RELAX and RENEW!

Time to make a difference.

   There's only 3 weeks left.  For many of you it's hard to believe, maybe it went too fast or maybe it didn't go fast enough.  It has been a turbulent year for teachers.  Thrown into the "political pool"  feeling like you are without a life preserver is no fun.  However, there seems to be hope.
   I was pleased to open up my NYSUT magazine to see articles about reviewing the current testing situation and a rally scheduled for this Saturday, June 8th in Albany.  For a while, it seemed that the unions were being bullied, like many of the local school districts.  I'm thrilled that there is action  responding  to the testing situations thrust upon our schools.  
   Two of the articles in the magazine were especially disturbing to me.  One article on page 5 expresses the possible experience of an 8 year old child being excited about school.  And then, having her hopes dashed by testing pressure.  The other article is on page 10 about a 4th grade student who was waiting for surgery and in comes a teacher to administer to him the 4th grade test!  Are you kidding me! Something is seriously wrong when we insist on testing children in the hospital!  
   On page 12 of the magazine, there is a "Do It Yourself" insert that gives you the website to send a letter to Commissioner King describing what's going on in your classroom and some possible solutions.  The website is www.nysut.org/tellit.  Please take the time and let others know about your experiences and how you're feeling.  It will make a difference!

Be Proud

   I can't remember a year when teachers have been the heroes and the villains.  It is also interesting that teaching has become a pivotal issue in elections, financial allocations and political commentaries.  
   As of late, the issue of testing has been in the news frequently.  Whatever you viewpoint, this public conversation is necessary and healthy.  We need to communicate about these evaluations of students and teachers.  But perhaps, the most important evaluation is that of the tests themselves.  Do they enrich teaching in a way that will benefit our children as members of our community and future leaders?  Or, are they geared towards achieving a desired score to ensure a monetary gain?
   As teachers, we are charged to monitor, institute and, I believe, evaluate these tests.  As the summer approaches, we need to be proactive.  If the tests are unacceptable, let's work at offering viable alternatives.  If you were the test designer, how would you construct it?
   Lastly, and most importantly, we are the guardians of our students' well being during the school day, and sometimes beyond.  This entails intellectual, emotional and physical monitoring/safe keeping.  As was shown in Sandy Hook, Oklahoma and in schools throughout America, teachers intervene to ensure the safety of their students.  Teachers risk their own safety to allow their students to make their mark on society.  As teachers, we need to stand proud and realize our importance in society and in the lives of our students.  We have an obligation to them and, if you're not able to accept this responsibility, make a career change.  Let's make sure that we are our own best commercial!

RAK - Random Acts of Kindness

   So, there I am, watching the NBC Nightly News this evening.  The "feel good" story at the end of the program, is about random acts of kindness.  A school district in Tara Hoyt, Indiana had the Elementary and Secondary students write how people were kind to them on post its.  They then put them on a wall and could see all the acts of kindness that were happening.  What a great way to view positive interactions!!!
   When the students were interviewed, they were  aware of how, even the smallest act, can change a person's day tremendously.  They discussed what power these acts have to change some one's life and have a meaningful impact on others.  
   Seems to me that the 11th post on this blog dealt with DAK (Daily Acts of Kindness).  It is truly wonderful to observe that others understand the power of positivism.  I wish people who have the the political and financial power in this country, would practice these acts.  If they realized that the real power in life is affecting others in a positive way, they would know happiness beyond their dreams.  I guess that this is my dream!!

The end is near .........

  It's May 1st!!  There are 6-7 weeks left in the school year and you're in one of two positions.  Either your testing is almost over or you're gearing up for the end of the year testing.  It can be a tough time in either situation - students checking out (cognitively) or freaking out with test anxiety.  And you may be a little crispy around the edges from a pressure packed school year - principals, press, parents ( the triple P).  You have more 2nd winds left in you because you are a professional and you know how to do your job.  Ok - strategies!
   The students may be as sick of the triple P's as you are so how do you keep that "forge ahead" spirit going?  One suggestion might be to take a little breather from the academic pressure and schedule in some, dare I say it, "fun" time.  I'm not sure if the "prescribed" educational curriculum  allows for any of that stuff, but maybe you can slip it in somehow.  
   For Elementary classes, having fun with words is great.  You could institute "Fabulous Phonics Friday" and play with decoding at the end of the week.  You could review the rules, make up non-sense words and assign meanings to them.  Then put them into a text and guess what the meaning is.  You could take some words, maybe Memorial Day, and see how many words you could make out of it.  You would be amazed at how many words you can make having word families add to the learning experience.  This is fun for Secondary class, as well.
   There are also a lot of Science topics that can be explored this time of year.  One day a week could be "Experiment Day" and do a web search for some interesting experiments.  Then there's always raising butterflies or prying mantis.  It is truly amazing to see the development of these animals and then to release them into the environment.  So cool!  
   As for the Secondary teachers, you know what your students are into.  Maybe make up a Jeopardy game using content vocabulary or, popular musical groups.  You could also do this with Hangman.  There isn't a kid alive who doesn't love Hangman.  It's important to have a diversion every so often which can also be fun, for you and your students.  If you're not having fun, they're not having fun!
    For the rest of the school year, I will be having fewer blog entries.  Much of what I have been talking about has to do with techniques or ideas for the beginning or mid-year of the school calendar.  Just know that you are doing a good job in a time when teaching and education is the political scapegoat.  Take deep breathes and know that you make an impact with your students.  You may not see it now but you'd be surprised to know how much your students will remember you.