Digital Immigrant, That's Me

Te@chThought Nov. 15th: What tech tools are you most grateful for? 

Why? How have they changed what you do?

The box was huge and heavy. Could it be? I tore off the wrapping paper, fumbling, all thumbs from anticipation. It was! It was an electric typewriter WITH a correction cartridge! No more correction fluid for this girl! The best college bound gift ever!

Funny, I just had this conversation with a few colleagues last week. We are very fortunate to work in a district that has just implemented a 1:1 chromebook initiative for our 4 - 6 graders. (We are a K-6 district). Each day we vacillate between excited amazement and rookie frustration. Trying to keep up in the "new world" has certainly changed what we do. Textbooks online, blogs, word processing, movie making, coding, the list seems endless, and I am grateful for all of it. Why? Because it allows me to be the student, to be reminded of the learning process, to grow. And because many of these tools make the learning "fun" for both my students and me.

Perhaps the biggest change and the one I love most, is that I have moved from the provider of information to a facilitator of learning.  

Even if I do occasionally miss those warm, fragrant ditto papers from the mimeograph machine and carbon copies!

Give Me Five

Te@ch Thought Day 14

5 things you are grateful to have learned in your teaching career.

My classes kicked off our attitude of gratitude with a typical elementary school activity.  Our art teacher helped make a large paper turkey, and each student wrote what they were thankful for on a tail feather. Most students were finished in a few minutes, but there were a few that struggled.  They "couldn't think of anything" to write.  As I sit to write this entry,  what I first thought about these students comes to mind.  I had thought how sad that they were unable to think of one thing.  

Gratitude 1:  Things are rarely what they seem on the surface - dig deeper.

Give 5 - where to begin?  So many thoughts are whirling around in my head.  Only 5.  What 5? Focus? Students, parents, new learnings, colleagues, personal insights.....

Yeah.  About those struggling students trying to put one gratitude down on a feather.  Perhaps they, too, could not immediately narrow down what they are grateful for.  What appeared on the surface was that they couldn't think of one. Maybe they could think of so many they did not know which one to choose.  

I have learned through the years that it is important to dig deeper, not accept how things look at first glance. Students bring everything, EVERYTHING to school with them.  They bring their loves, their fears, their hopes, their insecurities. And EVERYTHING impacts their learning.  If I am to become part of that everything, I have to know what else is in them, is them.  

Gratitude 2:  Some curriculum components are not written - you should teach them anyway.

No where in the sixth grade writing curriculum or CCCS is there turkey feather writing.  Doesn't matter.  But I know that the real lesson built into that turkey feather had nothing to do with feathers or writing.  (See Before you go) Through the years I have learned that these are the lessons my students remember.  And parents.  I received an email from a parent of a student that I had had in my class the year we celebrated the new century. We had made time capsules from Pringles cans.  This student had put it away and they opened it just recently.  The email went on to describe how each item brought back memories of that year and the many "lessons" Stephanie had learned.  Yes, I will teach them anyway.

Gratitude 3:  You can't be great at everything, but your weaknesses are another colleagues/friend's strength. 

Turkey - easy.  For my colleague and friend Nicole, the Art teacher.  Not me.  When I first started teaching, I tried to "do it myself".  If you ask my mom, she will tell you that this has been my mantra since I could speak. But I have learned, albeit the hard way, that this can be frustrating, exhausting, and just not good for my students.  My mantra now is one I instill in my students every day.  It is common for them to focus on what is "easy".  I my class, you are welcome and encouraged to say, "This is easy." But you must add, "for me." And then, when it is not easy for someone, they know who turn to for help.  And when it is easy, they know to offer their help.  Thanks, Nicole.  The turkey is beautiful!  Easy for you!

Gratitude 4: KISS (Keep It Simple Silly) 

One of the best mentors I have had in my teaching career is Sue C.  I was hired as a long term substitute for third grade across the hall from Sue.  She was the only other third grade teacher in the building, so naturally, the principal advised that she was the one to go to with questions.  So I did. As I rattled off my list, and tried hard to write down every word Sue was saying, she looked me square in the eye and asked if I had ever heard of the KISS method. I hesitated, not wanting to appear like I didn't know everything (see gratitude 3), but admitted I had not.  She chuckled, and said, "Keep It Simple Silly". (Well actually she said something else for the last "S", but I forbid my students to use that term, so I adjusted it a little.) And I waited to hear more.....nothing.  It took a few minutes for me to get it, but I did.  And was she ever right!  Through the years I have watched my students thrive and learn when the lessons are simple (don't mistake this for easy), and focused. The more complicated, the more places for them to struggle. I learned much from Sue.  But I strive to KISS each lesson each day. 

Gratitude 5: I love my job, still.

I love what I do. How lucky and grateful I am to be able to say that. I get to work with kids who keep me young at heart. I get to share the learning process.  I am the teacher one moment, the student the next.  Don't get me wrong.  I do not love the politics that surround teaching and teachers.  I do not love the paperwork trail that seems endless.  Every job has its drudgeries.  But I love the art and craft of teaching.  I love the human component of teaching that keeps me on my toes.  And I love that in my own little corner of the world, I can impact the larger world.  One student at a time.  

My turkey feather - I am thankful for my students. What would yours say?

My Gifts: Girlfriends & Giggles

Te@ch Thought

Nov 10 Being grateful for humor - share a story about a time in career where humor played a part.Nov 12 Share a photo - or photos - of things / people you are grateful for.Nov 13 What do you do to take time out for yourself?

I know not everyone believes in God, or a god, but I do. And of the many blessings I believe are gifts from God, I am beyond grateful for my girlfriends and the many giggles, laugh till you cry, cry till you laugh moments we have shared. My blessings are multiplied in that these ladies are not only my girlfriends, but many are also my colleagues. We have wined, dined, whined, and laughed our way around, over and through the years. We take time out for ourselves at baseball games, at the shore, on the phone, celebrating the many milestones. Everyone should have one, or two, or more. I love you girls.

Before you go...

November 11 What is the most important "lesson" you want to teach your students?

“If every person in this room made it a rule that wherever you are, whenever you can, you will try to act a little kinder than is necessary - the world really would be a better place. And if you do this, if you act just a little kinder than is necessary, someone else, somewhere, someday, may recognize in you, in every single one of you, the face of God...Or whatever politically correct spiritual representation of universal goodness you happen to believe in.”   ― R.J. Palacio, Wonder

One lesson - one word - kindness.  Be kind to others. Even when they are the most unkind people you know or meet.  Be kind to animals. Even those pesky insects.  Be kind to your belongings.  Take care of them and they will serve you well. And be kind - to yourself.  

Thanksgiving, My Favorite

Day 9 Te@ch Thought: What is one way you could develop the Attitude of Gratitude in your classroom or school?

Thanksgiving. That national holiday instituted by President Washington in 1789, often overlooked in our current societal push for the Christmas season. It is my favorite. And is the perfect backdrop for developing an Attitude of Gratitude with my students.

I must admit, this is a plan in progress. But at this point, my thinking is to have my students create a class slideshow, depicting the various people, events, and items that they are grateful for around our school. We can then share it and challenge other classes to create their own Attitude of Gratitude projects.

As I said, plan in progress. I will be discussing this with my students tomorrow and will keep you posted on how it goes.

I Hope You Dance

Te@ch Thought Day 8:  Write about a memorable moment in the classroom and how it reminded you about why you love what you do.

** Names have been changed.

To say I have two left feet when it comes to dancing would be a grand compliment. In my defense, I did not have the benefit of dance class while growing up. The closest I came to formal dance instruction was square dancing in PE class. So the idea of me dancing, alone, in front of my class never crossed my mind.

John was a young man who was struggling to get beyond the out of school obstacles in his life to tackle the in school obstacles that he faced. Each day needed an immense amount of effort from him to focus, complete assignments, and learn. His struggles often interfered with the other 28 students in the class. Having exhausted every behavioral modification plan I and several other teachers could come up with, one day I literally threw my hands in the air and said as much to John and the class. And before I gave it any thought, I uttered the following, "John, I'd do just about anything for you to accomplish your work for the next three days."
"Anything??"
"Really, anyyyythhhhinnnggg?"
Yes came out of my mouth.
This began the avalanche of ideas. First John asked. Then the class began chiming in. And then the ultimate request, "Would you dance for the class?" Ruh roh. My heart skipped a beat, or two, if I remember correctly. But luckily, without any more thought, I said, "Sure."
29 students, in unison, yelled, "Really?"
Nothing like student peer pressure. So John held it together (albeit barely), accomplished his work, and I danced. Not prettily, not gracefully, and the soundtrack was drowned out by the shouts and laughter of 29. Now, the hard part - how to keep it going? So, I asked again. "Dance more!" So I did. Each time increasing the number of days before I would totally embarrass myself. And then it happened - John wanted more.
"Would you dance on the reading table?"
"Noooooo." Not wanting to get into the various interpretations of that kind of request.
"Why not?"
Quick thinking, combined with some stuttering led to, "It will tip over." (It would - it was a poorly supported kidney table).
"How about on the wooden chair then?"
"OK - but ONLY IF you do your work for the whole third marking period." (Which conveniently had begun three days prior.)
And to my surprise, he agreed. I secretly thought, well that won't ever happen, so I'm safe. Wrong. It did, which led to the day my students still talk about - the day I danced on the wooden chair.
The best part - John learned that with some perseverance and a goal in sight, he could do what he needed to do. The only dancing I did for that class after that day was at the annual sixth grade promotion dance. And yes, we laughed - again.
And this is why I do what I do - because some days, you need to dance like no one is watching - even when 29 young, impressionable minds are - because I believe that they can, because I will.

Got Grit?

Te@ch Thought Day 7: What new learning has inspired you in your career?

For many years our district had a pull-out gifted program. Students were identified by their standardized test scores, IQ score, parent survey and teacher survey. And for many years, I was always amazed when the list was shared.  Rarely was this amazement focused upon those that made the cut, but rather those students that did not, but I felt sure they should have been there.  These were the students that did well academically, participated in class, served as role models to their peers, and "should" have been on the list. They were the hard workers, the ones that believed they could and were willing to work until they did.  They had Grit. 

I am not sure that it qualifies as a true "new learning", but when someone introduced me to Angela Lee Duckworth and her studies about Grit, I felt that someone had finally identified that elusive quality in many of my most successful students. She defines Grit as:

 "Grit is passion and perseverance for very long-term goals. Grit is having stamina. Grit is sticking with your future, day in, day out, not just for the week, not just for the month, but for years, and working really hard to make that future a reality. Grit is living life like it's a marathon, not a sprint."

This, combined with Carol Dweck's Fixed vs. Growth Midsets research has changed my teaching and has made me take a deeper look at my students. Not only can I identify the students that have Grit and Growth, I can also begin to change the students that have fixed mindsets by sharing these studies and some ways to begin to move into a Growth mindset. I used to feel that either a student had that elusive "it" quality or did not. Now I work hard to show my students and their families that there is a way to grow. I don't instantly give my students what they need. Instead, I show them the path that if followed, they will figure it out. Got Grit? My students do.

If, in the end...

"More than that, I am grateful for the confidence you have instilled in...", from a former student's parent.  The line was tucked in a several paragraph, beyond kind, letter of appreciation and thanks.  One line that told me I had had a successful year.
No, these notes do not come often. But when they do, they reaffirm my choices, "my curriculum", me.

Te@ch Thought Day 6: Share a quote or verse that has inspired you and tell us why.

I have slaved over lesson plans, trying to get them just right to reach all of my students at their most reachable point.  I have taught the basics in writing, reading, math and social studies for many years.  But the best lessons are the unscripted ones, the on the spot, off track, important issue ones.  In my little universe (room 212) I call these "Life Lessons". No curriculum necessary. In fact, they often cause me to cut and paste the planned lesson into the next day.  I'm totally ok with this.  You see, I tell my parents at the beginning of each year that my job is to prepare their students for the middle school, and that I will do my best to accomplish this task.  BUT, dear parents, if, in the end, your child leaves this room feeling and believing they are a better person than when the year began, than I have done my job well. Because they will remember and take this with them into life. I am way more interested in making my students feel accepted, empowered, intelligent,....loved, than having them master a particular skill.
I am fortunate to have many students that come back to visit over the years (if you invite them, they will come).  I am forever amazed at their growth. They share how they are doing, and we reminisce.  And every single one will start to talk about something that occurred in room 212 that made them feel  ________.  

I start each day with Maya Angelou's thought in my heart ~ and I strive to make my students feel that at least to one person, in room 212, they matter...and they remember.

The Gift

Ribbons, and bows, boxes, bags, cards & tags, even newspaper. Teaching at the elementary level, one of the perks is being remembered for various holidays with tokens of appreciation from your students and their parents. Some gifts are handmade, home-baked, or handicrafts. Others are purchased, but with no less meaning to the giver. I could open a coffee shop with the variety of mugs that I have been on the receiving end of, and could hang original artwork, while lighting candles each day for a very long period of time.

These gifts brighten my days. I don't know anyone that doesn't enjoy an expression of love.

But of all the gifts I have received over the years, the one that is most meaningful isn't a tangible item that will eventually be set aside. It may sound hokey, but I truly believe the greatest gift is a parent's trust. 

Parents trust me to teach their child. They give me the gift of 9 months (funny, sometimes it does seem like a gestational period leading to the birth of a person)with the chance to spend more waking minutes than they often have with their children. 

They trust me with their greatest gifts - over 500 and counting.   

Proud Mom

    Before the days of Danielson, SGO's, PDP's, SGP's, and the many, many other acronyms of the present, our school used a satisfactory/unsatisfactory list of teaching attributes.  Our end of the year summative evaluation included this list as well as a narrative piece entitled Final Evaluation - Noteworthy Contributions. This was our place to share what we thought were our best teaching attributes and moments.  To say I struggled with this would be a major understatement.  I have always believed that if you were doing a good job, it showed to those it mattered to, so there was no need to "toot one's own horn". Call it humble, call it modest, call it for what it was - never feeling I had quite made the mark, reached the top, excelled.  I still struggle with this.  But today's question wasn't as much of a challenge as I thought when I first read it. Ready? Here it is:

Day 3: What are you most proud of to date in your teaching career?

      I believe I was fortunate to have the choice to stay home with my daughters, working part time, and then teaching at the pre-school they attended, prior to teaching full time. I began my full time position when my youngest was entering fourth grade, my oldest sixth. Like many, the adjustment was not smooth, (read 3 foot potholes with no shock absorbers) and I spent most nights wondering how to juggle everything and do it all well. When I was at school, I felt there was always more that I could and should be doing; when at home, same feeling for a different job.  I especially worried about my girls.  How was my working depriving them - as I was sure it must be.  Until....

until the day my eldest came home from High School with a writing assignment that posed the question, Who do you admire most and why?

I still get teary-eyed when I think of reading her answer. Yes, it was good ole' Mom. But better yet, her reason was centered on the fact that I worked as a great teacher, but had still always made time for her and her sister - attending every sporting, band, drama, scout, you name it - event, made sure they were fed, and always stopped to listen. She even called me a "role model".

      There is no place on our old evaluation or new, to check this off, but it truly is the proudest moment to date in my teaching career - the day I learned that all I have to do is love my kids the best way I know how at any given moment, and could still be a great teacher, too. Best. Mom. Ever. (still)<3

3:05 P.M.

3:05 P.M.

Our student school day runs from 8:25 A.M. to 3:15 P.M. each day.  There are high points and low points throughout the day. And some days, it's harder than others to find the high points.  But no matter how the day has unfolded, I find myself looking forward to 3:05 P.M.  I'm sure you are thinking this is because it is almost dismissal time and you would be correct. Yes, I admit it - I look forward to my students packing up and ending each day. But for a totally different reason than the expected. No, I am not one of "those teachers" - I don't count the minutes until my students are gone.  But 3:05 brings me more joy, more contentment, and more opportunity to teach than many of the hours I spend with my "kids". This is not to say that the other minutes are never filled with learning and joy - but these minutes, they are always the delight of my day. You see, at 3:05 my students come to my desk, and talk.  Yes, just talk. And I LOVE it!  This is when I learn about their interests; their latest book love; who might be feeling down; the goal or home run or touchdown, or award, or new dance move; the best movie to go see....I learn about THEM.  And trust grows. and love grows, and interests in books grow....most of all, my heart grows.  This is the time each day that, no matter how the day went, I am reminded of why I do what I do.  

Having your cake...

My Favorite Piece

Shortly after our first date, I was invited to my now husband's house to celebrate his birthday with the family.  Dinner was served, enjoyed by all.  A short time later, it was time for cake.  We all sang, candles were blown out, and then, finally, it was time to cut the cake. And that's when it happened...I heard his dad say loud and clear, "I want an end piece." Trying to be the respectful daughter my parents hoped I was, I said nothing, but thought, end piece? aren't they all end pieces? You see, I had only ever seen a cake, especially a round birthday cake, cut in wedges.  I was amazed, as I watched the cake cutting commence, to see that my husband first cut the cake down the center, splitting it in half.  He then began cutting slices, starting from the edge and going across the cake.  This made two "end" pieces, that were mostly icing, and many slices in-between that actually looked as if they had been cut from a rectangular shaped cake.  Who knew!?!

Two months ago, I challenged my teaching friends to accept the Te@ch Thought 30 day blog challenge.  My friend Susan took the challenge, and hasn't looked back.  My blog became another of those 'I'll get around to it' things, and I haven't gotten back around to it until today - thanks to Susan's challenge to her teaching friends for the month of November.  So here goes - challenge accepted...again.  

As I read today's prompt - What are the best aspects of teaching, I thought first of the usual, off the cuff responses - the kids, summers "off", touching the future....but after running through that list, I remembered cake.  No, not the cakes and cupcakes that have come into my classroom over the many years, but birthday cake.  You see, for me, the best aspect of teaching comes on the days where I become not the teacher, but the learner.  As teachers we spend a wealth of time planning our lessons, tweaking our curriculums, setting up our learning environments, so that our students might leave class having learned something each day.  But my favorite days are the ones where the plans go awry or end up pushed aside.  The days where my students teach me.  Recently these lessons have centered mostly around technology.  However, I have also learned facts about sharks, about fasting and the observance of Eid ul-Adha, that a student knows the rules of stick ball and what a pimple ball is, and that my students think all animal shelters should be no-kill shelters.  Learning - and still loving to learn. Now that's what I call having your cake and eating it, too.