A School Year In The Trenches

A School Year In the TrenchesI know you have not heard from me for quite a while, but if I have nothing new.  to say, I won't say anything.  This means that I want to share some information and thoughts with you that I believe are important.  I have spent this past year substitute teaching in the classes of mostly young children-Pre-K-3 and this is what I have seen and experienced...

• Children having to sit and listen too long.
• Worksheets and workbooks that teach phonics.
• Too many children in the classroom...Kindergartens of 28.
• In some cases, a very long day.
• Children not knowing how to cut and paste.
• Children not knowing their right from their left.
• Children constantly tattling.
• Children unable to solve their problems.
• Children crying.
• Teachers frustrated because they have to implement a canned curriculum                               that teaches to the test and goes against what they know children should be doing                   and how they should do it.      
•  Rigidity and an intellectual only approach to working with young children.
• Capable, creative children, being forced to do things in one way.
• Children who are out of control, being labeled as "bad" at a young age.
• Children who are disrespectful  of each other, adults and the materials they work with.
• Grown-ups forgetting what it is like to be children.

 And I could go on.  I would like to say that I am impressed with what is happening in the Early Childhood classes and in a few schools.  The trouble seems to begin in Kindergarten. Kindergarten used to be about socialization. Now it is about learning to read before most are ready. As a result, I spent much of my time having to solve problems, stop what I was doing to wait for certain children to attend, and wipe tears...sometimes my own. This is exhausting work.
I would like to add that I am an experienced teacher who has taught for 25 years and taught "Guidance Strategies" at a Community College. I have a Master's Degree in the Art of Teaching and Learning. I thought I could at least make a difference for a day in the lives of children.  Now I am not so sure that the toll this job is taking on me is worth my idealism.  
I hope that what I am writing, stirs up some concern as the "TCAPs" are no difference that the "CSAPs." It is our  good teachers, our children and public education itself that is at stake.
I am off to look for a job at Hobby Lobby. The pay is the same as it is for Subbing, and it would be nice to be in a supportive, creative place.  

.

Springtime Balance

"Education means developing the mind,

not stuffing the memory."

One of my favorite things about spring is my annual practice of balancing an egg on it's end. I could prove that It really works because I took a picture with my cell phone.  The problem is that I don't know how to get it from my cell phone to my computer. If you want to send me your cell phone number, I will send the photo to you. If not, you will just have to believe that it works.
Which brings me to the topic of living a balanced life... hard enough for adults, but today, it is even harder for children. School, homework, sports or clubs, meals and sleep take up much of their day.  Phonics and worksheets take much up much of the class time for young children. Preparing for THE TEST takes up much of the time for the older children. So I would like to suggest a springtime activity and poem to lend balance to children's lives. 
Plant some seeds: This is the time to buy some packets of seeds   
                              and and get them going inside.
                                  You will need: * Seed packets
                                                          * Container to plant them in
                                                           (cups, planting trays, peet       
                                                             pots...)
                                                          *  Potting soil
                                                          *  Water
                                                          *  Sunny spot
                                                          * Newspapers
                                   The Process: 1. Spread the newspapers out on  
                                                      the surface you plan to work on.
                                                       2. Place your containers on the
                                                       newspaper.
                                                       3. Fill the containers with soil.
                                                       4. Read the directions on the
                                                      back of the seed packet to see
                                                      whether to bury or sprinkle the
                                                      seeds.
                                                       5. Water the seeds and place   
                                                      the containers in a sunny spot.
                                                      6. You might want to label what
                                                      you planted using toothpicks and
                                                      paper signs.
                                Keep a "Plant Journal:"
                                What you need: * A blank notebook
                                                        * Pencils, markers, colored 
                                                            pencils...(choice) * Your        
                                                            seedlings
                                                        * A stamp pad and a date          
                                                             stamp.(Optional)
                                 The Process:  * Day #1 Draw how your 
                                                          seedlings look just planted.
                                                        * Stamp or write the date.
                                                        * Decide how often to visit and 
                                                           record how the seeds look.   
                                                          (perhaps daily, weekly or every
                                                           few days.
                                                       * Taking photos is an option to 
                                                          drawing.
                                                       * Predict when your plants will                                                             strong enough  and the weather
                                                         will be warm enough, to
                                                         transfer outside.
                                                       * You can continue the journal
                                                         the summer or just show at the 
                                                         end.
                                   Poem: "The Garden," by Shel Silverstein    
                                                 Where The Sidewalk Ends 
                                                  Children can try planting a jewel or 
                                                  pennies to see if they can grow a
                                                  money tree.
Our plants like our children, will need                                          
                                                  "just enough and not too much"
                                                           (Caramelo, by Sandra Cisneros)
                         Here is too balance, for ourselves and our children.
                                                                             

Happy planting!

JD

                                                 

                                     

                                                          

Tiger Mom?

A child's work is play!

I consider myself a student and a life-long learner, as well as an Early Childhood expert and advocate, so I am intrigued by the

attention that is being paid to the "Tiger Mom" publication.

Sure children need structure, high standards and practice. What they do not need is stress, isolation and totally scheduled time.

• Children will learn in a rich environment.
• Children will learn by being surrounded by supportive people.
• Children will learn by positive models.
• Children will learn when there are consequences for their actions.
• Children will  learn through experience.
• Children will learn best when they are relaxed and comfortable taking risks. 

In her book, Amy Chua, is leaving out an important component in child-raising...socialization.

• Children need  to learn to work with others.
• Children need to understand that what they do affects others in either a good way or a bad way. (Adults could learn this too)
• Children need to believe that learning involves hard work, but can be fun at the same time.
• Children need to always want to learn more.
• Both good behavior and curiosity must be intrinsic.

From what I know of The Tiger Mom,  and what I see in some Kindergarten classrooms, I worry.  What I see in the classrooms are children who can sound out words phonetically, but are not engaged.  They can recognize sight words, but they are not excited about learning.  They can sit still if they have to, but they are not joyful. They are not together as a community of learners.

I guess you can tell that I am not, and never was, a "Tiger Mom."

Actually, I was, and am a "Tickle Mom."

My own children are now grown. I made some mistakes and they have gone through some very difficult times. Yet, they are strong, responsible, creative, and caring adults and as a result, I would recommend "Tickles" over "Tigers."

Here are some adult reading suggestions:

• The Hurried Child, by David Elkind
• All Grown Up and No Place to Go, by David Elkind.
• Multiple Intelligences,  by Howard Gardner
• Friendship Note Paper: The Fundraiser That Builds a Community of Learners., by Jane Diamond. (Me)

And for children...

• Lilly's Purple Purse: by Kevin Henkes.
• The Big Orange Splot: by Daniel Pinkwater.
• Alexander And The Very Bad Day,  by Judith Viorst.
• Miss Rumphius,  by Barbara Cooney.
• Roxaboxen, by Alice McClearen.

Must see film: "Race to Nowhere." Next showing at Arapahoe Community College. Feb. 8th. Waring Theater. $10, $15 at the door. http://rtnarapahoecc.evenbrite.com

I welcome your thoughts and comments and wish the children whose lives you touch many "Tickles."

 Jane

                                              

A Week to Reflect

If you always do

What you've always done,
You'll always get

What you've always gotten.

-unknown-

It was snowy and cold outside, and I was glued to the T.V. inside. I experienced many thoughts and feelings, as did you all.  "Not again." "What is wrong with us?" "Is nothing ever going to change?" Once again violence stemmed from anger, hatred, and loneliness occurred, this time in Tucson. Citizens were wounded, killed and we are all  horrified. Is it possible to change this culture that is becoming more and more violent?  I don't know, but I do believe that it is worth everybody doing their part to help solve the problem.
As a kindergarten teacher, I made some decisions about what atmosphere I wanted my classroom to reflect. In this case, I was "the boss." and we were going to become a caring community.  So,

• no play weapons, even for "show and tell."
• cooperative centers, where children were encouraged to help each other and do their best, were implemented.
• encouragement was given to help children solve their disagreements using words.
• we read and talked about stories that incorporated good writing, attractive illustrations, and a worthwhile message.
• we brought attention to children who were being good friends, using their words, and demonstrating kindness.
• we brainstormed ideas that could bring solutions to problems.

I continually told children that "what they did and said affected everyone else, in either a good or a bad way." They may not have understood at 5, but I hoped they would remember where they first heard it, as they matured.
I would encourage parents to encourage a peaceful home.

• Turn off, or limit, T.V.
• Monitor the video games and internet.
• Send your children outside to play.
• Work with your kids to solve problems.
• Read and discuss stories that have the message you want to impart.
• Have dinner together as often as you can.
• Listen to your children and take them seiously. (Ask questions and listen to answers.)

Activity: Begin a Journal. Children as young as five can write,
              draw or cut and paste in a "Journal."
              Let your child select a blank book and find a time
              daily, three times a week, or even once a week to make 
              a journal entry.   
Materials:        

•   An attractive book.
•   Pencil
•   Markers
•   Scissors

Some books that might encourage journal entries:

• Tough Boris, by Mem Fox, illustrations by Kathryn Brown. Even Pirates cry.   Entry: What is there that makes you sad?
• I'm in Charge of Celebrations, by Byrd Baylor, pictures by Peter Parnall. So much around us to celebrate. Entry: What is there to celebrate, that you might take for granted?
• Tickle Monster, by Josie Bissett, illustrations by Kevan j. Atteberry. A lovable "Monster" has flown in from planet "Tickle," to bring joy and laughter to planet Earth. Entry: What can you can do to add happiness to the life of someone else?
• Roxaboxen: by Alice McLerran, illustrated by Barbara Cooney. An imaginative town is created by children, where play is encouraged, problems are solved and childhood memories are inspired. Entry: What would you include in a town that you created yourself? 

Pictures, words, or pictures and words make wonderful journal entries. Suggest that your child expand on what they enter.
Let us do all we can at home, in school and in our lives to make this a friendlier, more civil and  peaceful city, state and county...world. Let's be models for our kids.

Let's do it for Christina!

 Jane
FYI  Homework Happening: Thur. Afternoons-3:30-5:50
                                     950C Jersey St. (Dancing The Soul)
                                      $10 reserved (303-502-4586 or
                                      dancingthesoul.com)
                                      $12-drop-in

Welcome in 2011-A New Beginning

Education is not the filing of a pail,

but the lighting of a fire.

-William Butler Yeats-

I hope everyone had a good vacation and feel ready to return to routine with the feeling of having a "fresh start!"  This is the perfect excuse to do some goal setting and reflection for both children and adults. For parents, it is a good time to dedicate yourself to reading to your child/children at bedtime and having some one- on- one time with your child. It is also important to take some time for yourself, even if it is only an hour every day or two.  You will be a more effective parent when you are refreshed. (Don't roll your eyes!) I would like to share an activity that I do every year. There are lots of names for it...a "prosperity page," a "vision board," a "goal collage." It is, in short,  visual representation of your goals.  For children it can be a "me collage."
The Activity: Creation of a "Vision Board" or "Me Page"
Description:  There a different ways to approach this     
                      project. You might

1.   write down the goals you want to include.
2.  Look through magazines, catalogs, newspapers. and photos.
3.  Cut out pictures, words, quotes that reflect your goals.
4.  Arrange what you have cut out on a 12" x 12" piece of card stock, or a background to your choosing. 
5. Glue down your pictures/words.
6. Embellish using templates, stickers etc. (Optional)

7. Hang your vision board in a place that you will see it every day. (The idea is that when you see your goals in this way, you will internalize those goals and be likely to achieve them.)   

 I will be teaching a class on Sat.,Jan. 15th to create your 

"Vision Board."

To register go to dancingthesoul.com or call 303-502-4586.



For Children: You can make it a "Me Collage.

1. Children can look through magazines, catalogs, newspapers.
2. Cut out pictures, words, etc that reflect who they are.
3. Lay out the cuttings on a piece of card stock of the size they choose.
4. Paste down the pictures with a photo of themselves in the middle.
5. Embellish with stickers, or use a template to decorate.
6. This is a good project for the beginning of the school year to get an idea of the individuality and interests of students.
7. Children can also do the project as a goal setting tool.

Materials:

• magazines, catalogs, newspaper, photos
• card stock or background of choice.
• scissors
• glue stick
• stickers, templates with markers, (optional)
• frame or page covers (optional)

         The "Homework Happening" begins today, Thursday,

          at 3:30-5:30. 950C Jersey St. 

Bring in assignments, projects for support, ideas, and tools to make your work the best that it can be!

            Call: 303-331-1418 for information. 

        
          Here's to a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year!

   May learning be fun and meaningful and memorable.

Jane

                   

                   

Gratitude with Attitude!

It is a cold, snowy day, one of the first of the winter, and a perfect time to write. The Christmas, Chanukah, and Kwanza of 2010 are now  but memories. Holiday cards and gifts were given, received and opened and now is a good time to let those who remembered you know that you appreciate them. This is a perfect time for children to learn the importance, as well as the technique, of writing thank you notes. Although technology is here to stay, and online is better than not at all, taking the time to hand write your gratitude, will be noticed.

To add creativity and fun to the process, why not let your child create their own note paper. Here is how...

The Activity: Create Gratitude Note Paper

                  Materials Needed:

1 piece of 8 1/2 X 11 cardstock: Cut in half at the 5 1/2" point.
                                                   Fold that in half at the 4 1/4" 

                                                   point.

rubber stamps,  stamp pad, templates (optional)

markers or crayons

                 The Process:

1. Have your child give a quotation about something they are grateful for to go on the back of the folded paper. It can also be a quotation found in a book that is appropriate. (It can be typed up or hand written.)
2. Then they can illustrate their quotation on the front using any of the above materials or simply drawing a picture of their own.
3. Be sure they sign their name and they can add their age.

4. Copy the design so they have the right amount of note paper for the gifts they received.

                        Writing the Note:

      A young child can dictate what they want to say to you.

      A child 5 and up can learn the format for writing their note, have you write their words and then copy it on their own note paper themselves. The older the child, the more they can do for themselves.

       Call me "old fashioned," and I am, but receiving a thank you note from someone still makes my heart sing!

                      Children's Books-Letter Writing:

• Dear Mr. Blueberry by Simon James is the story of a child who writes letters to her teacher asking for information about whales because she says she has a whale in her backyard wading pool. The back- and- forth between she and her teacher makes fun reading and gives an idea about what letter writing involves.
• Dear Annie: by Judith Caseley describes how writing notes can document the growth of a child beginning when the child is born. This correspondence is between Annie and her Grandpa.
• The Jolly Postman; by Janet & Allan Ahlberg uses fairy tale characters to write letters to other characters in the story. The reader can actually pull the letters from envelopes within the book. This can lead to actually having your child use their note paper to write a letter to a character in their favorite book.

         What are some other occasions that call for corresponding?

   

As we approach 2011, let there be many occasions that call for our gratitude and let us take time to acknowledge all we have to say "thank you" for.

                          Jane

"Tis Better To Give Than Receive..."

"Nothing teaches character better

than generosity"

-Jim Rohn-

'Tis the season for Santa, presents and Holiday cheer.  It is also the time for children to make lists of what they want Santa to bring them. So now take this opportunity to introduce the concept of giving to others who may not have much or have nothing.  Whether toys are new or gently used charities will welcome them. Have your child go through his/her toys, games and books and select those that are in good shape, that they might have outgrown or that they have  ignored, and put them into a bag or box to donate.

In Denver charities such as THE BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB, THE GATHERING PLACE, WARREN VILLAGE, FAMILIES FIRST, service children and families, and there are many more worthwhile organizations. 

ACTIVITY:  Make wrapping paper.

                   Materials:  Craft Paper

                                     Tempera Paint

                                     Cookie cutters or apples cut in half

                                     or rubber stamps.

                  Directions: Cut a piece of craft paper large enough to

                                     wrap the chosen gift. Fold the paper in 

                                     half,  then in half again and again until  

                                     there are squares large enough to print or

                                     stamp within. 

                                     Let the child choose the color of paint
                                     they want to use. They can use two or 
                                     three colors and make a pattern.

                                     Put the paint in a pie tin. (The less 
                                     the merrier)

                                     Cookie cutters in the shape of a snowman
                                     a snowflake, a gingerbread man, or Santa 
                                     are fun. One shape, rinsed in a tub of   
                                     water and put into different colors   

                                     or different shapes in one color can make 

                                     a pattern. When the paper is dry, let the 

                                     wrapping begin. (I model by sitting at one
                                     end of the package, letting the child sit at
                                     the other end to follow my lead, step by
                                     step.)

    This is a perfect time for stories and to create family traditions.

     Christmas in the Trenches,  by John McCutcheon (ages 5-10)

    The Little Fir Tree, by Margaret Brown (ages 3-6)

    Let There Be Peace On Earth, by Jill Jackson & Sy Miller (all 

    ages)

    What's Coming for Christmas? by Kate Banks (ages 2-7)

    One Hundred Shining Candles by Jane Lunn (ages 4-8)

What better gift than a book?

I would love to hear about your unique tradition.            

May your Holidays be bright and made richer by giving.

Next week: What can do on Christmas if we do not celebrate the holiday?

JD