Inspired 2 WRITE

Interested?  How we've used progressive stories to collaborate within our classroom and to connect with other writers. 

innovative?  Karen Ditzler's WriteYourStory wiki has been organizing writers into collaborative groups for 2 years now.  It's a simple pass the "paper" format as each class writes their own part of the story.  Group one gets to pick the topic and start the story.  Groups two through four continue.  Group five writes the ending and adds the title.  We all submit illustrations to correlate with the story parts.  Lastly, students read the story using VoiceThread.

IMPACT?
1. Working Together as Writers- Usually writing is a personal assignment.  This wasn't about our own ideas.  It was about taking the thoughts of all those in the group and determining what we'd write for OUR part.
2. Piece of the Whole - Part of something more.  Your piece is important - CRUCIAL for the final project.
3. Illustrations to Enhance - Pictures can offer more detail than the words.  Illustrators have a critical job.  Their role provides for visualization beyond the text.  This time we held a contest.... the discussion of why each thought a certain picture was the best were interesting.
4. Conferences with Meaning - We were able to Skype with 3 of the other classes involved.  One class in Australia we shared the VT about our school with.  We shared predictions, endings, questions, and story parts with each other.  Sure it's neat to wave hi and see the other students visually, but we were able to connect as writers. 
5. Practice with Purpose - Fluency is often underrated or overrated.  We weren't soley practicing to succeed with speed and accuracy on a DIBLES passage.  Students were practicing to provide their audience with an entertaining story.  Also, this part of the project gives the story the audio component for all levels of learners to be able to enjoy the story. 
6. Audience Reaches Beyond - Where weren't working on this for our class, to post in the hall, or share with those at home?  Sure, but we able to share this with "the world" through the collaborative wiki.  Students worked extra hard to ensure they were working their best.
Fall 2010 Story #4


Spring 2010 Story #7


Fall 2009 Story #1... can't find code. 

When I'd first heard about this project, I thought each class would not only be passing the virtual paper, wiki, for the next class of writers, but they'd be receiving another story to add too - participating in 5 stories total.  Only the overachiever in me would think like that, but since I'd already shared that plan with my students, they wanted to give it a go in our own classroom.  Below are last year's stories, we'll be starting ours next month and students will be working with their group without as much guidance and support. 

Group #1


Group #2


Group #3


Impressed? We're excited about writing.  The ideas of the group combined to create amazing stories.  The ideas generated were transformed before our eyes as the stories took different directions than initially predicted!

Where do you find your inspiration 2 WRITE?



'Tis the Season to Skype

Interested? How haven't we used Skype?  We've conducted science experiments, used the screen share option to collaborate on real-time web tools, participated in book discussions, meet with other student writers as part of the progressive story project, interviewed an illustrator from StoryBird, written collaborative books, surveyed other classrooms, learned from experts, exchanged topic presentations, had community and climate comparisons and more!  I'm still amazed at the technology that today's kids will grow up having.  How many of us are still surprised that the video call in Back to the Future 2 is for real and that our students can experience the reality on a normal basis?  I am.

Innovative? Skype is a wonderful way to connect classrooms.  But, the more meaningful and purposeful calls are interactive ones.  I'd a huge advocate of teaching kids that communication serves a purpose and that it takes two sides for effective conversation.  Collaboration is key!  Not only between the student, but the teachers as well! 

This Skype call was a little different than ones in the past though since we had our first across the seas call with a class from Italy.  We learned more about communicating with others in our world, those who speak English as their second language. 

IMPACT? Be sure to check out our blog post on our class blog, Secondsin2nd, regarding our first meeting with our friends in Italy.  It was quite memorable!  Here's a video clip from the call...

Our second call was focused on a cultural exchange.  Rita's class was going to share with us about Christmas Cakes.  They wore baker hats and aprons, interviewed each other, listed and showcased the ingredients of the various versions of the yummy cakes.  Our class shared some of their own family traditions to start off.  Next, small groups prepared puzzles about four winter holidays based on what they'd learned from the Brain Pop, Jr video.  This is where we were glad we had illustrations to share, since the other class had some difficulty understanding us.  But, my students changed their plan of action and we used the webcam to focus in on the pictures that they drew.  After the call, we discussed how drawings break all language barriers.  If a child draws a tree in China, a child in South Africa knows it's a tree.  Last, we exchanged songs and sang the last one together. 

Here's the video we created to share with our friends from Italy to further explain what we'd prepared....

Sometimes even the new and cool technologies becomes the norm, but we're changing it up at this point. We're switching to small group phase. I've been working with different educators, trying to set up a connection for each of my small reading groups. Easier said than done. Mr. Kauffman had to go and switch grade levels!  But, it'll be worth it all! I look forward to seeing my students get more "camera time" and therefore the participation level increase.

Impressed?  I've been really excited about the growth in my students and their confidence with the technology.  They've stepped out of comfort zones and are well on their way to becoming effective communicators in today's digital world.  If you are looking on opening your classroom doors check out this blog post for 10 ways to use Skype in the Classroom, but also for ways to enchance the call with other web tools, as well as ways to find connections.  Also, here's a Google Spreadsheet shared by Jennifer Wagner where teacher's share how they've used Skype.

How do you make the most of Skype for your students?

Building Blocks...One Step at a Time!

Do you ever feel like this little tyke?  You know you want to build a tower, you have the blocks to build it, the solid surface for a good foundation, but you can't envision the finished building so you struggle even putting the first two blocks together. 

Do you ever feel like this as an educator?  You have ideas, tools, resources, but don't have a clear vision in mind and therefore can't figure out where to begin.

I've been trying to solidify my "tech point-of-view" this past year.  Why do we do what we do in our classroom?  Where are we going?  How are we going to get there?  What do we need to reach that goal?  Who can assist us along the way?

Rick Weinberg, BOCES tech integrator, asked me to present at the Technology Coordinators and Integrator's Forum.  So, I took this opportunity as a reason to try and consolidate, as well as fine-tune my thoughts on technology education with primary-aged students. 

Here's what I came up with...
 

...

 

Process Not Product: Arctic Animal Adventure

Webcam Wows: Storybird Surprise!

 

Obtaining Objectives: Pond Glogs

Scaffolding Brings Success: Strategy and Skill Focus

Inspired, Yet Influencing: PLN Meets PLC

If I could only pic 3, my favorites 4 -

Students: GlogsterEDU, VoiceThread, Skype

Resources: Webcam, Microphone, Digital Cameras

Educators: Google Tools, PLN, Educational Blogs

My favorite part of the "presentation" was the discussion afterwards. 

There were many comments, topics of conversation, as well as compliments.  As thought-provoking as it seemed for others, it has proved to be continually making my mind analyze and evaluate my intentions.  Plus, it instilled a curiosity for what other's reasons may be.   

My favorite comment was from Rick.  He said something about how purpose seems really important to me.  I replied with one of my friend Tammie Thomas' lines, "Well, it's not about the cool!" 

What is tech integration without purpose? 

What's your goal with your students as you implement technology? 

What's your plan on meeting that objective?

Closer 2 Home

Interpretation of words...  When I was in high school, my best friend and I painted a huge mural.  We created our visualization of Robert Frost's poem The Road Not Taken. Check out this Poem Flow of the words.  Sometimes I wonder what path I've chosen?  Totally different word now - learning.  What is learning?  As an educator, I've usually interpreted it as exploring new tools, strategies, or methods and applying them in my classroom.  Yet, this year not only has my definition changed, but my outlook has been considerably altered.  One day I realized I hadn't been learning anything new or was I?  What I was learning had changed.  Now, I am learning more about working with others in an attempt to create positive change.

Impacting at school....  I think my curriculum coordinator once said it that the district likes to see "Teachers as leaders" or something to that effect.  I guess I just don't view myself as a leader, but am realizing I have the potential, if I'm willing to accept it.  One of my favorite Dove dark quotes says, "Believe in yourself and everyone will do the same." - Doris West End, NC   Sometime last year, I'd tweeted something asking, "How do you impact others at your school?"  Chris Hyde's response was so simple, yet profound.  He'd said something like, I just help them with what they need.  Lately, I've been asked such a variety of questions, by such a variety of individuals, I'll admit I'm adjusting to this new role.  But, I'm glad that I can help and that teachers are interested in trying new things! 

Interested in new staff development... This year our school started PLC teams, Professional Learning Communities.  Thanks to the research of our administrative team, we were able to try out this newer and promising format.  One focus of ours is utilizing Skype to connect "beyond" our classroom.  Last year, my class had so much success with video conferencing through Skype, I can't wait to see the ideas that we come up with to share among our PLC.  Our collaborative blog, RCS: Teaching4Tomorrow, is off to a good start. We have a wonderful team who share a similar vision for their classrooms.  I was encouraged when a member said they like how we are incorporating elements of good practice into our meetings.  In our first set of meetings, we used the technology that we were going to explore further during the school year, explored new tools in a hands-on format, used Step-Up to Writing to organize our thoughts for the collaborative blog post, and were using Skype for our virtual meetings.  We are excited and open about sharing with each other our questions, concerns, and inquiries.  The accountability aspect has become a support network.  I look forward to see where this year takes us both as a PLC and virtually with our webcams!

Influencing with Go Glueless with GlogsterEDU...
What should the day look like?  Time to create....Hands-on....Comfortable....Idea sharing....Organized....Focused....Immediate implementation....Extra examples....Practice project....Inspiring....User friendly....Practical....Other options
Where to begin? Created a wiki called Go Glueless to keep everything centrally organized
How did it go? Wonderful... but a workshop is only effective if it creates change.  Teachers have started jumping in.  Some have collaborated across the grade level, others have had their students get started on the SMARTboard, and some have had their students start creating glogs individually with their student accounts.  I look forward to seeing where GlogsterEDU takes their students this year.
Where to go from here? There is a fine line between overwhelming support and effective support.  I think I'm still searching for that happy mix between excitement and encourgement.

Initiating change in others... Rick Weinberg, a technology integrator from our local BOCES, asked me to present at the Technology Coordinators and Integrator's Forum later this month.  I'll have a brief time to share with administrators, tech coordinators and integrators, as well as other educators.  I hope that this time will give some hope on what student's can really learn, accomplish, and produce when given the opportunity, tools, and resources needed. 

Inspired at home... As a teacher, we never are "off the clock," as our brains are constantly thinking about our students, curriculum, school, lesson plans, and more.  Well, I have the advantage of being married to a teacher.  Rob Griffith helps me to not only develop ideas, keep my cool, but also retain my focus.  One example of how our conversations are so beneficial, was when I was reflecting on incoporating Kidblogs.  This blogging format allows teachers to set up their own class set of blogs, each student with their own individual blog.  I'd been inspired by some teachers use of Kidblogs with their students in the spring and I couldn't wait to try them out.  Well, it just wasn't fitting.  My students loved the idea and concept of having their own blog.  But, I had a decision to make.  Well, Rob was reading this book and he'd briefly given me a synopsis and said, what's your objective?  Read 30 seconds....for more details.  It helped me answer my own questions.  So, Kidblogs is on the back burner.  More in my next post about my objective...  But, some questions for you. 

How do you interpret learning?

What path have you chosen?



IT's All About the Mortar!

So, I couldn't help it!  I had to look of the definition of mortar for this post.  Well, the third word is "workable" and I guess that were I need to start... 

This summer I attended the IT conference in Ellicottville, NY at Holiday Valley Resort.  I'd been looking forward to this educational conference that focused on Innovative Teaching and what I'd get out of IT.  But, after reflecting on what I learned from the keynotes, sessions, and conversations of the day, I realized this time it was more about what I can give from IT.

My favorite "session" turned out to be one of the keynotes...
Teaching From the Heart: Engaging Students with Caring and Courage by Rich Ognibene
New York State's Teacher of the Year 2008 -a chemistry and physics teacher from Fairport, NY
He defines teaching - helping students self-actualize and changing the world for the better.

Some of his thoughts included -
Human interactions nourish the mind and soul.
A caring school culture is essential for student success.
The way we interact with students and others has a direct impact on outcomes.
Challenge: Make the time to connect with your kids.
Ills will not be magically solved by technological gizmos and reading programs - they are interchangable bricks that fall apart without the mortar of a school culture.
No matter what we teach there are kids ready to enter our classroom and say "eww".

Steps for planned emotional engagement...
This guy gets "it"!
1. Respect - want the kids to feel that he'll make sure they are treated kindly
2. Writes a letter to his students - they write a letter back
         Symbolically - I care and want to know about you
         Functionally - Find out their interests to help engage them in class
3. Tell me something good - celebrate beyond the narrow confines of the curriculum and
         there's no wrong answer for their first time to talk in class
4. Learning Pods - small groups
5. Astute Cards - give them out for anything, just make sure they all get one - say I care

Unplanned emotional engagement...
Provide the MORTAR!

Says he's thankful that as a veteran teacher he has the - ability to take the long view of what's important.  Remember: the little acts of humanity - love, laughs, mortar.  If all else fails - more love.

My thoughts...
As an educator, my goal is to provide the mortar for my students.  It's requires a level of sincerety, loads of effort, and a continual focus of your mindset to create a classroom community were kids feel "captured".  We've had the opportunity to have Flip Flippen speak and inspire the educators at our school.  Many teachers have really made gains with their students by implementing different strategies and creating a positive atmosphere with their students.  I'm not saying that I haven't tried, but I'm going to try MORE!  My first strategy to implement will be the "Tell Me Something Good" that Rich Ognibene uses.  After that, I'd like to try out the letter writing and see how that goes. 
 
Yet, I'm looking for more ideas.... 

1. How do you provide the "mortar" for your elementary students? 
2. What simple, practical ways do you show you care? 
3. When do you create the little moments to make the connections needed?

Please share an idea or what you've found effective on the Wallwisher - Provide the "Mortar".



My family is my mortar, more specifically my husband.  He is the glue that keeps me together. Everyone needs to have someone be that sticky element in their life.  I'm thankful that I have one!

Caught Up in a Good Book

A fine layer of dust had accumulated on my book pile as it sat unmoved from it's perch on top of my armoire.  But, finally the more laid-back days of summer had come.  Summer reading is one of my favorite past-times and I've always been an avid reader.  Lately, I've been tired of the same genre that normally my heart is drawn too and have been trying to take the leap and explore other types of books.  I've never really been so inspired by a book, that I felt compelled to write about it and share it's impact on me with others until now....

I have been totally caught in the net of authors Stephen C. Lundin, Ph. D., John Christensen, and Harry Paul with Philip Strand and their FISH books!

No, the books weren't on the new release shelf, but I'd never even heard of them until a saw them a few weeks ago.  I was intrigued, so I grabbed all three of them.  I haven't been able to stop thinking about these books and the FISH philosophy!

There were SO many memorable statements and quotable lines in the books I don't even know where to start and therfore end, other than saying if you haven't read FISH - they are a must read!

Here are my favorites elements from each book...

from FISH!...
"Our Workplace - As you enter this place of work please choose to make today a great day.  Your colleagues, customers, team members, and you yourself will be thankful.  Find ways to play.  We can be seriouse about our work without being serious about ourselves.  Stay focused in order to be present when your customers and team members most need you.  And should you feel your energy lapsing, try this surefire remedy: Find someone who needs a helping hand, a word of support, or a good ear -- and make their day." (1,107)

from FISH! Tales...
The 4 basic principals:
"Choose Your Attitude - The attitude you have right now is the one you are choosing.  Is it the one you want?" (2,105)
"Play - Play is not just an activity, it's a state of mind that brings new energy and sparks creativity."  (2,9)
"Make Their Day - The world becomes a better place the moment you act on an intention to serve another." (2,41)
"Be There - You can multi-taks with "stuff," but you need to "be there" for people."  (2, 75)

from FISH! Sticks...
3 ways to keep it -
"FIND IT - The most basic ingredient of any vision is the individual IT.  IT is our personalization of the vision.  Vision-sustaining energy is released as we seek to find our IT through conversation." (3, 70)
"LIVE IT - Once we are clear about our IT, opportunities to Live IT are more obvious.  We call theses opportunities vision moments.  Vision-sustaining energy builds as we live as many vision moments as we can." (3,75)
"COACH IT - Coaching is a gift we give to each other and to our vision to keep IT strong.  Whether it's about the way we do our work or the way we work together, the feedback needs to flow in all directions.  Coaching can't be an ego trip.  We only do it for the vision.  We Coach IT." (3,80)

So, as I'm reflecting on these books of course I've developed a passion to want to live this in my own life.  I know that I need to be present, play, make their day, and choose my attitude, but more importantly be consistent in all areas of my life.  I have a lot of change ahead of me, but am looking forward to trying to incoportate this basic, yet profound philosophy into my life. 

As an educator, I also want to dare to give this a go in my classroom.  Although all of the examples and stories were about workplaces that involved adults, I felt that the philosophy is simple enough to apply with my second graders.  I still can't believe that I never had heard of these books, so as I am finishing up my thoughts here, I couldn't help but to see what else was being said online. 

Can you believe it?  There's a book titled Schools of FISH!  I guess that will have to be added to my pile of books!  Our classroom mascot is our Beta fish, Bubbles, Jr., and I often refer to my students as Beta Testers.  Well, I can't wait to try this out with them and learn from them.

Also, I will now be adding two new titles to my pile -
Catch!  A Fishmonger's Guide to Greatness by The Crew of World-Famous Pike Place Fish
When Fish Fly: Lessons For Creating a Vital and Energized Workplace From the World Famous Pike Place Fish Market by Joseph Michelli

So, here's to finalizing my search for developing my IT within the grander vision, looking for ways to create vision moments for others, and encourgaging others in IT all!



Bibliography
1. Lundin, Stephen C. Ph.D, et al.  FISH!  New York:  Hyperion, 2000.  Print.
2. ---. FISH! Tales. New York:  Hyperion, 2002.  Print.
3. ---. FISH! Sticks.  New York: Hyperion, 2003.  Print.

10 Things I've Learned from My Tech Integrator

It all boils down to a 30 min or so per week mix of crash course, conversation, and chit chat. I have the privilege to work with Mark Carls, our district's Technology Integrator, when he's here one day a week.  Last year was a year of change for me as an educator and our school's decisison to bring Mark on couldn't have been more perfect. 

I remember when I first met him saying that I had three goals for the school year - Kidspiration, PhotoStory3, and Scholastic Keys.  I'd had some success with photo projects, creating digital videos, and our classroom website proved to be helpful for my students and parents.  But, I'd just switched grades from fourth and was used to tackling tech project independently, little did I know what impact this new position would have on myself and my classroom.  I have always been passionate about tech integration and have tried to keep myself and my students "current" with educational technology, but this is exactly what I needed.  I'd often get stuck with little issues and unknowns, so I'd utilize what worked for us.  I wasn't the risk taker that I'm slowly becoming.

You know how every now and then someone walks into your life and changes you for the better - this was one of those times!  Last school year, Mark assisted our whole class in the lab quite a bit, but also helped me out.  Our class created a glog last year for a thank you.  This year, he's mostly helped me as an educator so that I can have a better grasp on things when I'm working with my students.  Since his visits are so brief, I keep track of my items with "The List" method.  I've learned so much from Mark the past two years and I am constantly expressing my gratitude to him.  But, sometimes "thanks" gets old, so as I was refecting on what have I actually learned from Mark, this is what I came up with.  So, here's your thank you for this year.  Thank you for not only helping me this year, but inspiring me to help others!

So, here's your final LIST & a sticky-note free desk for me - at least for the summer! 

Answering the Unknown - If one doesn't know the answer, one needs to know where to locate the answer.  Twitter = priceless people with widespread knowledge about all of the little things!   Ning = educators with a common interest unite and assist each other along the way.   Specific tool giving you issues? = way at the bottom of the page there's usually a little tiny option to contact them.  Usually within a day, your site-specific problems are solved.  When all else fails = Google it!  This is so basic, but it still amazes me what you can find.

Support - He's always available to help with the details and areas of uncharted territory - simple or complex.  If he's not sure, he'll figure it out and get back to you.  He never makes your concerns seem unimportant.  When I'm asked a question, I need to give others the same attention to their issue.  

Humility - Give credit when it's due!  Site the source and share how we all learn from each other.

Facing my Fear - of downloads that is!  Even with our amazing tech department at our school, I was still hesitant when I'd click the final button to allow a download onto my computer.  Why?  Do I really think that with one click I'm going to destroy the network?  No.  Do I realize how long it has taken in the past to rebuild my computer? Yes.  But, now I fearlessly click away knowing that all will be okay. 

Listen - Really listen - to ideas!  He'll inspire me without saying anything, yet I need to share what I'm contemplating putting into action.  Many times it seems others just want someone listen.

Follow-up - After meeting with someone else send a brief email, stop by their room another day to show you remember their project and that you're available if something comes up again.  This little way of showing you care helps to answer any more questions that arise.

Always Leave Something Behind- Maybe someone is ready for more, but doesn't know what to really ask about.  If you leave a tool, idea, or website behind they'll get back to you if they are interested.  Many times that's all I needed and I went crazy exploring, learning, applying or implementing whatever it may have been that Mark would leave up on one of my tabs.

Problem Solving - Figure it out, try more, have some patience, and be more persisitent I often remind myself!  If one doesn't know how to solve an issue initially that's okay!  Sometimes you just need time to explore.  Yet, I'm still glad that I handed over my airliner after numerous feeble attempts at short-termed solutions when it was the pen after all of that!

Confidence - To fail! To succeed!

Dream Big - I've been working more on my digital presence this year.  It's a long process in leaving a positive footprint and finding the mark that you'd like to leave.  It was wonderful for my class and myself to participate in and organize global collaborations.  Yet, none of that would have been possible without first establishing postitive working relationships with those in my PLN.  I'm thankful for the times that Mark would re-tweet my tweets and comment about what my class was working on.  He's right - it just happens - but with lots of effort and organization!