Story Elements: Setting

SETTING is the time and place where a scene appears.  It also helps to set the mood and tone; and can affect the way people act and feel while reading the story.  For my last post, I shared my favorite poem, "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening" by Robert Frost.  From his words, were you able to picture the setting?

HOMEWORK REMINDER: Please think about the definition of SETTING and how it's important to a story.  We will be discussing the ways words are used to identify these characteristics.  Copies of our worksheets are attached.

My Favorite Poem

Hello everyone! I hope you're having a terrific weekend!  I thought you might enjoy reading one of my favorite poems.  Robert Frost certainly has a way with words. As you read the poem, try to visualize the setting:  the woods and the snowy path, the farmhouse and the darkness.  If you're quiet you might even hear the horse's bells.

Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening

BY ROBERT FROST

Whose woods these are I think I know.   

His house is in the village though;   

He will not see me stopping here   

To watch his woods fill up with snow.   

My little horse must think it queer   

To stop without a farmhouse near   

Between the woods and frozen lake   

The darkest evening of the year.   

He gives his harness bells a shake   

To ask if there is some mistake.   

The only other sound’s the sweep   

Of easy wind and downy flake.   

The woods are lovely, dark and deep,   

But I have promises to keep,   

And miles to go before I sleep,   

And miles to go before I sleep.

Perspective: Academics and Careers

Wow, is it just me or does it seem like expectations for sports scholarships are at an all-time high?  It seems like the pursuit of year-round sports has become the norm, with academic success coming in somewhere far down the line of importance.  Folks, educational success should be what's #1.  Let's think realistically...your student may very well excel in sports, which is undoubtedly exciting.  He/she may get a full athletic scholarship; but what happens if they get injured or even worse...graduate?  The real world is what's waiting for them, and it's our job to prepare them for it now.  What can we do?  

One school district in California is blending academics with career paths.  While most schools focus on two paths - career (technical schools, non-degree jobs) or college - this district refused to force students into just one path.  Instead, they focused on real-world training like job shadowing and internships along with academics.  "Linked learning students also report that their studies were more challenging, and offered them a clearer view of their relevance to the world beyond the classroom" (Education Week, 2014).  It was reported that students participating in this initiative have developed skills like perseverance, organization and better communication.  These are all positive, desired skills that as a child grows will suit him/her in the real world.  

Yes, play sports - it's a beneficial part of a healthy lifestyle.  Just don't sacrifice homework and study time for it.  Keep things in perspective.  After all, academic scholarships are awarded, also.  

Education Week, (2014). Fusing Career, academic skills benefits, study finds.  Retrieved from:  http://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/curriculum/2014/12/fusing_career_academic_skills_benefits_students.html

Reading Together

I wanted to pass a long a great website.  It's called "TogetheREAD."  You can find it by clicking here.   TogetheREAD provides books lists, themes, and activities that you can do at home with your student.   This is a site for ALL ages, including teens and adults.  I know there's been plenty of times where I was looking for my next good book and have found it here.  Tips for encouraging reading are also provided.

Another good place to find book lists for students is the website called "Great Schools" and can be found by clicking here.

Here is a sample entry from their list:

"Ivy and Beanby Annie Barrows, illustrated by Sophie Blackall (Chronicle Books, 2007). 
A sure hit with kids starting chapter books. Parents need to know the award-winning book is about making a new friend, learning about differences and sharing an adventure. On the surface these girls appear very different. One wears dresses and reads books, the other has a sassy mouth and likes to get dirty. Some sibling issues occur, including fighting with an older sister, stealing her money, playing tricks on her and calling her names like "tightwad." With its over-sized print, frequent black-and-white illustrations and easy-to-follow plot, this first book in the series is a great beginning chapter book for kids who are just emerging from early readers. 120 pages. Awards: ALA Notable Children's Book, Booklist — Editor's Choice, Kirkus Reviews — Best Early Chapter Books. 
Read the complete review on the Common Sense Media Web site. 
Read Aloud:Age 5. Read Alone: Ages 6-9. 
Common Sense Media" (Great Schools, 2014)

Reading Competencies: Are we making the grade?

I don't know about you, but this question has been on my mind...and in the news.  Our government spends a lot of money each year on education, but it is working?  How do our students really measure up with students from other nations?

Here is a chart taken from a study performed in 2009 that ranks the overall literacy:

American Assn. of Arts & Sciences

For further details, please click on the link here -  international reading competencies.  Competency rankings for other subjects are listed in the right hand column.  What's interesting is that the Norwegian countries like Sweden and Denmark and the Netherlands aren't included in this ranking.  Traditionally, those countries budget far less money than Americans, yet their performance is generally thought of as being some of the highest in the world.  Some would say this is because of a connection between Swedish social values and education, with social cohesiveness being a priority.  Sweden is currently ranked 12th in the world for government spending on education, which is 24 times higher than the United States, who is currently ranked 39th (nationmaster.com).  Yes, I'm scratching my head, too...

American Academy of Arts and Sciences (2014).  Humanities Indicators.  Retrieved from http://www.humanitiesindicators.org/content/indicatorDoc.aspx?i=174

Nation master (3013-2014).  Country vs country: Sweden and United States compared: Education stats.  Retrieved from: http://www.nationmaster.com/country-info/compare/Sweden/United-States/Education

O'Brien, L. M. (2007). A school for everyone?: The swedish school system's struggles to reconcile societal goals with school and classroom practices. Childhood Education, 83(6), 374. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/62046164?accountid=12085

Multigenre assignments: We Learn Differently

M

More than ever, today's teachers are faced with the challenge of keeping up with the various ways our students learn, and the speeds with which they do so.  Although some students learn better by hearing (lecture style), others learn by doing (kinesthetic), etc...Keeping students interested and participating in the learning process is another challenge.  We are expected to put together lesson plans that challenge out students, yet are flexible and relevant to today's life.  There is a reason for that.  Studies have shown that "In addition, when students work in classrooms where a high level of success is fostered, positive influences related to stu- dents’ wanting to learn and being excited about the subjects they are studying have been noted in educational research" (Painter, 2009).  One of the ways we can achieve this is by asking our students to complete multigenre papers.  These are multilayered papers that allow students to blend poetry and personal narratives with facts and imagination.  In addition to the regular curriculum, these types of learning activities allow students to formulate their own learning about topics that are interesting or important to them.  Some of the essential questions were the following:

• "How are things, people, and events connected to one another?
  
• How can one express one’s ideas in a variety of genres?
  
• How do effective writers hook and hold their readers?" (Painter, 2009).
  
  Two students having the same interests were partnered together for collaborative purposes. The teams were asked to create word clouds about the things pertaining to their topics that they could write about.  They were each given all of the resources necessary for them to complete the project, including district approved websites.  All of the students enjoy this particular assignment because it allows them to really express themselves and their interests.
  
  Some of the students expressed their knowledge through the use of poetry, drawing cartoons, and writing narratives; while others enjoyed using PowerPoint presentations and timelines. It was particularly gratifying to see special needs students attack this assignment with gusto.  Since it was successful, I'm confident in stating this method of learning will be incorporated more often within our classroom!

Painter, D. D. (2009). Providing differentiated learning experiences through multigenre projects. Intervention in School and Clinic, 44(5), 288-293. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/1053451208330900

What is Culture?

Throughout the year we've been learning about culture.  "The student whose first language is not English needs a supportive environment and also needs to feel comfortable sharing with his or her classmates" (Avery, 2005).  Our class has benefited this year from our different cultures.  Our lessons have been infused with literature, music, food, and other topics from each culture represented by our students (and others).  We've enjoyed having friends and family members participate with lectures about their heritage and ethnicity.  Family history and traditions were stressed and in some cases, demonstrated. I've attached a few pictures from these lessons.  I cannot thank each of them enough. Their participation has been thoroughly enjoyable for me and my students.  

Merriam Webster defines culture as 

"* the beliefs, customs, arts, etc., of a particular society, group, place, or time

* a particular society that has its own beliefs, ways of life, art, etc.

*a way of thinking, behaving, or working that exists in a place or organization (such as a business)"  

 Each student was given a copy of National Geographic magazine; and was instructed to select a culture that was not their own.  They had to read about the culture they selected and comprise a list of all of the similarities and then differences between that culture and their own.  Most were surprised to learn that unless they were of Native American heritage, at some point their families were immigrants to this country.  Their reactions were priceless!  Please contact me if you would like to volunteer. This is an ongoing topic throughout our school year.

Avery, N. (2005). Our multicultural classroom. Teaching Pre K - 8, 36(2), 52-53. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/231919063?accountid=12085

culture. 2014. In Merriam-Webster.com.Retrieved December 12, 2014, from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/culture

Matter: Solids-Liquids-Gases

For this particular science unit we are studying matter: liquids, solids, and gasses.  Today we learned about matter and it's various forms.  We also learned how some matter can change (liquid to a gas).   For homework your student will be completing a worksheet on each form of matter.  Feel free to use these charts as a reference.

Here are a few charts to help your child understand the difference:

Charts created by Amanda Terhune, 2014

I've attached a copy of the homework worksheet in case your student left his/her's at school.  As always, please don't hesitate to ask any questions you or your student may have.

Tehund, A. (2014).  "Matter."  Mrs. terhune's first grade class.  Retrieved from http://mrsterhune.blogspot.com/2012/01/matter.html

Poetry Unit

Our class has been working on a poetry unit as a form of expression and literature.  Their homework is to comprise an original poem of their own, preferably 4 stanzas.  You can do it! The poem doesn't have to be a masterpiece, but should rhyme.

"TIP: You become a good poet by writing lots of poems. Each time you write a new poem, try to make it as good as you can and your skill will improve with each poem you write" (Nesbitt, 2014).  Practice makes perfect!

"TIP: A notebook you can carry with you all the time is your most important tool for writing poetry. Take it with you everywhere you go, and always try to remember to write your ideas down when they come to you" (Nesbitt, 2014).  Jot down words or ideas that pop into your head when you least expect it!  I've read that many creative people have a notebook on their nightstand to use to record their ideas while dreaming.

"TIP: The only tools you really need to write poems are a pencil and paper, and your brain. But writing poetry can be even easier if you have a rhyming dictionary, a dictionary and a thesaurus" (Nesbitt, 2014).  It doesn't cost anything - it's totally free! Just let your mind wander. You'll be surprised what you come up with!

If you would like to publish your work visit the Poetry Zone - http://poetryzone.co.uk they've been publishing children's poetry for years!

Video uploaded by Murray Lachlan Young

Here is a fun video of a rhyming poem being acted out.  The subject matter concerns a child "Annie McClue" who doesn't flush the toilet.  It's a fun little video that's wildly popular.  

Nesbitt, K. (2014).  Poetry for kids.  Retrieved from: http://www.poetry4kids.com/blog/lessons/how-to-write-funny-poetry-chapter-1/

Online Technology In the Classroom

It never fails to amaze me when I look around in class and see students with iPads and computers; and I love it! I often refer to my generation as the Atari generation.  We're able to say we used the first generation game system.  Hard to believe we were so excited about the game Pong (or the tank battle), but we were.

The evolution of technology has seen it find its way into our classrooms.  It's certainly everywhere else, so that move was inevitable.  Our school district rightly views the use of technology as an enhancement to the learning experience.  All of the websites and programs your students use have been approved by the district and made available to you for review.

 One of the sites your child will use is Wikispaces.com.  This is an educational based platform designed for collaborative group work.  Group work is beneficial for students who might be struggling with a certain concept within our unit.  Students work together creating wikis and then working as a team to edit them.  The platform "contains formative assessment tools for monitoring and gauging student activities and progress in real time" (Eaton, 2012).  

Learners can actively create and display their own knowledge to the online community in multiple ways, such as exhibits, embedded media, discussions, and performances. Learners can communicate and collaborate with others while being immersed in a shared space.  Integrating technology will benefit the audio/visual and kinesthetic learner whose mind might drift during traditional lectures.

Eaton, C. (2012). Creating a vibrant online classroom. The Education Digest, 77(8), 59-60. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/1008666070?accountid=12085

Seo, Kay. Using Social Media Effectively in the Classroom : Blogs, Wikis, Twitter, and More. Independence, KY, USA: Routledge, 2012. ProQuest ebrary. Web. 12 December 2014.

Parent-Teacher Communication

Hi parents, I hope you're all doing well.  I'm sure many of you recognize Verizon's widely successful ad campaign with their slogan, "Can you hear me now?"  Cellular devices are technological wonders because they allow us to communicate while having the freedom to move around.  Communication is equally important between teachers and parents.  This blog was created to facilitate that purpose.  When teachers identify the changes they believe are needed to improve student success, parent support and interest is mentioned more often than any other factor (Langdon & Vesper, 2000).

Phone tag is often the culprit when examining lack of communication.  Disengagement of the parents is another.  Frustration and anger will often occur when teachers are finally able to reach the parents.  The end result is this type of erosion in communication will have a damaging effect on the student; and is counter productive to the learning process.  A timely response will allow us both to address behavioral or learning issues in a positive manner.  School violence has been on the news and in everyone's thoughts.  Interestingly, a poll was conducted to ask what could possibly reduce school violence.  The overwhelming answer was an increase in parental involvement (Gallup, 2001).

Parent Alert Signal System (PASS) was recently field tested as a way of reporting behavioral issues directly to the parents.  Using a set of pre-identified behaviors, teachers could enter a code (from a list of 50) directly into a pager carried by the parent.  The code was sent directly by the phone in the teacher's classroom.  To confirm its receipt, the parents would enter their student's ID number.  Timely reinforcement at home could be achieved.

It is my personal hope that we would all work together to the benefit of our students.  As you know, you can always reach me here at the blog, via phone and email.  Let's remember the slogan, "It takes a village to raise a child!"


References

Langdon, C., & Vesper, N. (2000). Teachers' attitudes toward the public schools. Phi Delta Kappan, 81 (8), 607-611.

National Center for Education Statistics (2001). Statistics on school safety. Washington, DC: Government Printing Office.

Strom, P. S., & Strom, R. D. (2003). Teacher-parent communication reforms. The High School Journal, 86(2), 14-21. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/220217687?accountid=12085

Feeling the Heat: Stress

Hello parents and students!  Although this is referred to as the most wonderful time of the year, it can also be one of the most stressful.  Even though we like to think we're prepared, our minds (and bodies) can run on high speed leaving us feeling exhausted and drained.

I've found a terrific site that provides a wealth of information on how parents can relieve stress.  It can be found by clicking here. 

I once read that changing our scenery by taking a short, five minute break reboots our brains and refreshes us.  I've tried it and I have to say, I noticed a difference in myself.  It's not always easy, but it's a quick (and free) way to relieve tension.  If we can't take a physical vacation, we might as well take a short mental one by using our senses - hear the sounds, smell the air, etc...

There are a lot of apps that provide sounds to relax or help you to sleep.  Don't have a smart phone?  You can click here for relaxing sounds including white noise.

Since hearing plays a major role in stress (sensory overload), our class will be learning about the physicality of the human ear.  We will be using lectures, models, and an interactive site (approved by our district) here. 

HOMEWORK will be reading the chapter on our senses, and will include a worksheet with vocabulary words.  The students will be expected to correctly identify the parts of the human ear.

Lesson: Giving

Hello classroom students and families!  With all of the hustle and bustle of the gift-giving season, I thought I'd take the opportunity to speak to the students about giving.  I plan on using the book called "The Giving Tree" by Shel Silverstein.  (This book has been approved by the school district.)

It's the story of a small boy who befriends a tree (they can speak with each other), and is widely considered to be a parable on giving.  A synopsis can be found here.

After we read the book aloud, we will reflect by creating word clouds, and then write about what gift we would like to give.  Concrete gifts and abstract ones will be discussed.  We will write our gifts on tree-shaped cards that will be shared on our tree.  The students will understand that there are no wrong answers, and that gifts of all sorts are important.  Our objective will be to think about the message of the story, and to encourage social thinking and giving.

For our classroom project, students are asked to bring in the following:

* scraps of holiday wrapping paper with a white reverse side

Classroom Decorations

Who doesn't love a holiday?  Since Hanukkah and Christmas overlap, our classroom will have decorations celebrating both holidays.  Here's a small peek inside our room! We hope you enjoy our decorations as much as we are.  

Please feel free to stop by and see them in person!

1. Hanukkah 2014 begins in the evening of 

   Tuesday, December 16

   and ends in the evening of 

   Wednesday, December 24

Resolutions & Healthy Eating

It's hard to believe we're heading towards the beginning of a new year!  It's customary during that time to think about a "New Year resolution" or a fresh start.  It's a wonderful idea, but the follow through can sometimes be difficult.  

During our class time, we've been discussing what the word resolution means.  According to Merriam Webster, it's definition means, "a formal expression of opinion, will, or intent voted by an official body or assembled group" (Merriam Webster online, 2014).  

As a class, we've been busy naming various resolutions our families have been talking about at home (getting fit, eating healthy, reading more, etc.).  Eating healthy foods was the number one response for our class!  In light of that, I have attached a link to  Calorie King, an informative & interactive nutritional database.  The link can be found by clicking here:  Calories in Food.  The site is searchable by restaurant, food brand, or food category.  I encourage you to check it out.  Some of the information is shocking!

As a reminder, please have all homework submitted in a timely manner in order to get full points.

*  Read pages 200-220
*  Write one page, single spaced essay on what your goals are for the coming year & why
*  Review this week's word list in preparation for a quiz on Friday

As always, visit the forum for an open discussion!



Reference
Merriam Webster, (2014).  Retrieved from:  http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/resolution