Of the three 5th grade classes I teach, one group is generally the most inquisitive. Each of my class sessions begins with SSR. Leisurely reading is a part of the daily routine no matter what!
During that time today, several students made several connections to what I taught and they learned when discussing the middle passage, potential slaves' journey from the western coasts of Africa to the Americas.
As they looked through the many reading material options available to them in the classroom, several students searched for and found books, articles, and magazines dealing with slavery. As they were reading, hands went up and many wanted to point out pictures and/or text that reinforced what they learned the prior day.
THIS is real learning!! Readers making connections between texts and previous learning experiences, this made my heart glad! And to think, no bubble sheets, no reading questions, no state tests, nothing!!! Imagine that! It's a shame that those who know nothing about teaching and learning were not around to experience these "light bulb" moments!!
Friday, January 24, 2014
Finding my way through science...
So, I'm a new science teacher. This is the first year that I've taught the subject and am finding my way. Today I formed a hypothesis about a particular activity that would reinforce food chain concepts and would engage all students, especially those who have Howard Gardner's bodily-kinesthetic intelligence. Then I experimented.
I know I'm tardy to the science teaching party, but today I married a few different ideas I saw online. On 3x5 cards I glued prepared organism cards that I found. Each student received a card and was charged with the task of forming a food chain. The locked-arms chain was to include a producer, primary consumer (herbivore), and a secondary consumer (carnivore).
I demonstrated their task, along with two students, before sending them on their own. Oh wait!! I think I was supposed to insert here the phrase, "gradual release of responsibility" (a term I had no issue with until the school district got a hold of it and made it THE term of the year....a-no-ther term. a-no-ther year.)
We had fun today and even introduced the concept of food webs while fully engaged in this activity.
It was fun. Remember that? Fun!
I know I'm tardy to the science teaching party, but today I married a few different ideas I saw online. On 3x5 cards I glued prepared organism cards that I found. Each student received a card and was charged with the task of forming a food chain. The locked-arms chain was to include a producer, primary consumer (herbivore), and a secondary consumer (carnivore).
I demonstrated their task, along with two students, before sending them on their own. Oh wait!! I think I was supposed to insert here the phrase, "gradual release of responsibility" (a term I had no issue with until the school district got a hold of it and made it THE term of the year....a-no-ther term. a-no-ther year.)
We had fun today and even introduced the concept of food webs while fully engaged in this activity.
It was fun. Remember that? Fun!
Wednesday, January 22, 2014
Mind Muzic
I stumbled across a great teaching aid! Mind Muzic is a company that describes itself as an educational music company. The genre is hip hop and they have albums that cover a wide range of content from mathematical concepts, to history, English, shapes etc. They have several albums for each grade level from K to college!
The music isn't the type of teacher-developed raps and music that I've downloaded, purchased and used in the past. Those were good and served their purpose. But this music that Mind Muzic has developed is the real deal! The music sounds just like the type of music that our youngsters are used to listening to! I've played the music in class and the kids jump up and have at it!
Not only is the music real, but it really helps to teach the content!! You HAVE to check it out for yourself! I purchased two albums from iTunes!
Their website --> http://www.mindmuzic.com/
Their twitter --> https://twitter.com/MindMuzic
The music isn't the type of teacher-developed raps and music that I've downloaded, purchased and used in the past. Those were good and served their purpose. But this music that Mind Muzic has developed is the real deal! The music sounds just like the type of music that our youngsters are used to listening to! I've played the music in class and the kids jump up and have at it!
Not only is the music real, but it really helps to teach the content!! You HAVE to check it out for yourself! I purchased two albums from iTunes!
Their website --> http://www.mindmuzic.com/
Their twitter --> https://twitter.com/MindMuzic
Tuesday, January 21, 2014
The Interview
Interviewer: So, why do you think you'd make the best candidate for leading this school district?
Candidate: I believe I'd make the best candidate for leading this school district because I have a passion, skill set and knowledge to relentlessly pursue the academic success of every child. I care about the whole child and the communities from which they come. I was a teacher for---
Interviewer: Wait, you were a teacher?
Candidate: Yes
Interviewer: I'm incredibly sorry, but this is a school district. You'd be in charge of teachers and responsible for fixing an academically struggling district. You say you were a teacher? Next you'll be telling me that you were a principal and that you have degrees and certificates in education and in educational administration and taught for 15 years before you became principal. We're looking for someone more hedge-fund-y! Someone more lawyer-y! Someone more politic-y! You know?
Candidate: But?
Interviewer: Thanks for your time. We'll be getting back with you.
Candidate: O_o
Candidate: I believe I'd make the best candidate for leading this school district because I have a passion, skill set and knowledge to relentlessly pursue the academic success of every child. I care about the whole child and the communities from which they come. I was a teacher for---
Interviewer: Wait, you were a teacher?
Candidate: Yes
Interviewer: I'm incredibly sorry, but this is a school district. You'd be in charge of teachers and responsible for fixing an academically struggling district. You say you were a teacher? Next you'll be telling me that you were a principal and that you have degrees and certificates in education and in educational administration and taught for 15 years before you became principal. We're looking for someone more hedge-fund-y! Someone more lawyer-y! Someone more politic-y! You know?
Candidate: But?
Interviewer: Thanks for your time. We'll be getting back with you.
Candidate: O_o
Test Prep! Ugh!
WARNING!!!
RANT!!
"Test Prep"
I hate the term!
I don't do it!
I don't use the term!
I hate the concept!
I didn't go to school to get a B.S. in Test Prep (though some would argue that "B" and "S" can go in the same sentence with "test prep" in a very intriguing manner)
"Test prep" does nothing to prepare students for life beyond the classroom!
I teach! I don't "test prep"! I "life prep"!
RANT!!
"Test Prep"
I hate the term!
I don't do it!
I don't use the term!
I hate the concept!
I didn't go to school to get a B.S. in Test Prep (though some would argue that "B" and "S" can go in the same sentence with "test prep" in a very intriguing manner)
"Test prep" does nothing to prepare students for life beyond the classroom!
I teach! I don't "test prep"! I "life prep"!
I Blame the Adults!
Tonight as my sister and I talked on the phone, we both expressed our concern that the students we teach don't know some of the things we knew growing up in public schools. I was appalled that my 5th graders didn't know the "black national anthem" (Lift Every Voice and Sing by James Weldon Johnson). She was shocked that an 8th grader she spoke with was unfamiliar with the name, much less the works of, Maya Angelou.
We both concluded that we cannot fault the children. They don't know what they don't know. But in this testing era, in the education reform era, in these troubling times, I blame the adults! In particular many politicians and business leaders who are leading the charge to reform education by attempting to relegate the love, art, and science of teaching to simply "test prepping".
It's a shame that it'll take a few rebellious teachers to, oh I don't know, ignore this whole test prep nonsense and teach!
We both also decided that we will teach both the negro national anthem (I don't care about political correctness) and the works of Maya Angelou, whether such will be tested or not!
"Test Prep" - a whole post in and of itself!
We both concluded that we cannot fault the children. They don't know what they don't know. But in this testing era, in the education reform era, in these troubling times, I blame the adults! In particular many politicians and business leaders who are leading the charge to reform education by attempting to relegate the love, art, and science of teaching to simply "test prepping".
It's a shame that it'll take a few rebellious teachers to, oh I don't know, ignore this whole test prep nonsense and teach!
We both also decided that we will teach both the negro national anthem (I don't care about political correctness) and the works of Maya Angelou, whether such will be tested or not!
"Test Prep" - a whole post in and of itself!
Saturday, January 11, 2014
Teaching is Not a Simple Algorithim
I started this post on 11/17/12 and didn't realize I hadn't published it, so tonight (1/11/14), I'm publishing it:
"My serority sisters are teaching majors and OMG, they are complaining because they have to do a lesson plan. Like how hard can that be? Two plus two equals four. Oh wow, that is so hard!"
So this was the essence of a small conversation I heard on the train, early on a Saturday morning. I might have added or deleted a word or two since I don't remember the converasation verbatim, but this was its essence.
First, those young undergrads were fortunate. They were fortunate in that I heard this as I was getting ready to leave the train. If I had a few more stops on this regional rail train, they would have regretted every last smart-Alec-y word spoken.
"My serority sisters are teaching majors and OMG, they are complaining because they have to do a lesson plan. Like how hard can that be? Two plus two equals four. Oh wow, that is so hard!"
So this was the essence of a small conversation I heard on the train, early on a Saturday morning. I might have added or deleted a word or two since I don't remember the converasation verbatim, but this was its essence.
First, those young undergrads were fortunate. They were fortunate in that I heard this as I was getting ready to leave the train. If I had a few more stops on this regional rail train, they would have regretted every last smart-Alec-y word spoken.
To be surprised or NOT be surprised?
I've been reading up on the history of Dunbar High School in Washington D.C. and thought to visit the D.C. Public School's website. I made my way to Dunbar High's site, then decided I wanted to see who was running the show this year.
Well, once I read that the current chancellor was an international relations major in undergrad and a leadership major in grad school, I didn't need to read the rest of the bio (though I did). Those two majors told me all I needed to know. Nonetheless I threw my hands up in a fit of rage anyhow!
I hope I never lose my shock and surprise at non-educators assuming roles that should be filled by well-intentioned, specially-trained, passionate educators. To lose my shock and surprise, in my mind, would mean that I've LOWERED my expectations and have come to expect or accept it.
I'm torn.
Well, once I read that the current chancellor was an international relations major in undergrad and a leadership major in grad school, I didn't need to read the rest of the bio (though I did). Those two majors told me all I needed to know. Nonetheless I threw my hands up in a fit of rage anyhow!
I hope I never lose my shock and surprise at non-educators assuming roles that should be filled by well-intentioned, specially-trained, passionate educators. To lose my shock and surprise, in my mind, would mean that I've LOWERED my expectations and have come to expect or accept it.
I'm torn.
Monday, January 6, 2014
It felt good to just.....teach!
Today it really felt good to just, teach! With the exception of a few blips (of the 10 year old, human variety) today felt really good. This year my assignment is 5th grade Science and Social Studies, three 90 minute blocks, average of 27 or so in each group.
I told the kids last week (whichever one day it was we had to work) that I'd be taking a few days to review all of the content covered from September through December, synthesizing it all, then moving on. Today we were able to do that, particularly in Science.
Maybe it felt good because I could care less about all this test prep, Common Core, RTII, RTTT brouhaha blah blah blah! This is not to infer that I don't believe in maintaining high academic and behavior standards, I do. But no one in Harrisburg or Washington D.C. can tell me what those high standards look like in my classroom at this point in time but me.
Note: My high standards are followed up with the scaffolding and TLC necessary for every child to experience varying levels of success! When they dish out standards and mandates, it comes with the promise of punitive actions, not resources!
I told the kids last week (whichever one day it was we had to work) that I'd be taking a few days to review all of the content covered from September through December, synthesizing it all, then moving on. Today we were able to do that, particularly in Science.
Maybe it felt good because I could care less about all this test prep, Common Core, RTII, RTTT brouhaha blah blah blah! This is not to infer that I don't believe in maintaining high academic and behavior standards, I do. But no one in Harrisburg or Washington D.C. can tell me what those high standards look like in my classroom at this point in time but me.
Note: My high standards are followed up with the scaffolding and TLC necessary for every child to experience varying levels of success! When they dish out standards and mandates, it comes with the promise of punitive actions, not resources!
Saturday, January 4, 2014
Teaching & Learning?? Yeah right!
So, here was the original schedule for the weeks of winter break for the School District of Philadelphia
Monday, 12/23 Schools open
Tuesday, 12/24 closed
Wednesday, 12/25, closed
Thursday, 12/26, closed
Friday, 12/27, closed
Monday, 12/30, closed
Tuesday, 12/31, closed
Wednesday, 1/1, closed
Thursday, 1/2, open
Friday, 1/3, open
We questioned the wisdom of opening on Monday the 23rd for a few reasons. One, what real teaching & learning would occur when student absences would likely be high considering child care schedules and the randomness of opening for a single day before an extended break?
Two, how much did it cost the district to open for the day considering the financial bind we are in? Heat, electricity, water, trash removal, guest teachers, busing, feeding, etc.
To add egg to the district's face, there was a huge water main break, the result of which was the early dismissal of nearly 40 schools at 11:30am. Shall I detail what an unexpected, emergency closing of schools entails? I won't, but you can imagine.
Now to the two days that we had to work on the other side of 2014. This was a little bit more understandable, but still rather questionable, especially considering parent schedules, family vacations, and weekly/monthly child care payments.
Let's now cook that egg we added to the district's face on the 23rd. There was a huge snow storm which forced the closing of schools on Friday the 3rd.
To summarize, we worked on a Monday of one week and a Thursday of the next, and yet it's about teaching and learning?
Some would say hindsight is 20/20. True, but in these instances, teachers and parents had foresight for months and expressed the absudity of the situations.
To those who would say that teachers already get so much time off, plus the summer months, now you are complainig that you have to work a few days, teachers just shut up.
Well, I could go into the, "do what we do" speech. Or even the 'do what we do for the pay we receive, that by-the-way, they want to cut and the crap we have to put up with on a daily basis", but I won't go there.
I will say this. We signed up to be teachers. We want to teach. The randomness of a schedule like the one we had to adhere to does not promote the consistency that we as teachers and that our students need for effective teaching and learning. Two complete weeks off as opposed to random days would have been better. Ed.Ds didn't listen and situations beyond their control took control. None of what occurred would have impacted the district had we not been scheduled to be in our buildings from jump street.
As a teacher, I'm left now with repeating myself for an umpt-teenth whatever content may have been covered, considering that some families even chose to start vacations early by keeping their child out on the 20th, which was the FRIDAY before that absurd Monday!
But it's all about teaching and learning right? Sure.
Wednesday, January 1, 2014
A Madea Christmas
So, on a whim, I went to go see Tyler Perry's A Madea Christmas today. I hate it when my advocacy mind is at work, in a movie theater of all places! Without giving a particular part away, a teacher experiences what it means to teach in a right-to-work state.
Note: I QUICKLY silenced Mr. Advocate and enjoyed the rest of the movie!!
Here's the trailer from youtube -
Note: I QUICKLY silenced Mr. Advocate and enjoyed the rest of the movie!!
Here's the trailer from youtube -