EdcampBoston - More Than Just a Tweet Up!

View from the 11th floor of NERD Center

High atop the 11th floor in the NERD Center (Microsoft's New England Research and Development Center) on Memorial Drive in Cambridge, MA I found myself overlooking the beautiful Charles River.  Early this morning you could see several 'crew' teams practicing in the river. The skyline of Boston was crystal clear.

This breathtaking scenery only added to the excitement of what was about to take place.  Waiting patiently, I milled around chatting and waiting for the EdcampBoston 'Unconference' to begin. 

An 'Unconference' is basically a group of people getting together and setting their own agenda for the day based on the needs of the people attending.  Read to learn more here.  An 'Education' Unconference is for passionate educators, by passionate educators and is free (a word we educators love!).  It is a day filled with sharing and the exchanging of ideas and resources. There is one rule however, called the "Two Feet" rule.  If you are not learning anything new or do not feel the topic applies to you - you may "take your two feet" and leave the discussion at any time - no feelings hurt.  It's all about learning.

Building the Schedule

Introductions were made by the organizers and sponsors were thanked (no vendor booths at Edcamps!). It was time to set the schedule.  Anyone of the 250 + people wishing to present was asked to proceed to the 'schedule board'.  Once it was filled in the others were allowed to come in and start deciding which way to go.  The schedule was also posted live here on Google Docs.  (If you check out the schedule you might notice that I was brave enough to present this year - Skype in the Classroom and Student Blogging - two of my passions!)

Some of the days' event topics included: The Blended Classroom-Structure, Function, Goals - How do you do it?; The Birth and Growth of a PLN; EDTech's Continuum of Skills; Bloggers Meet Up; Flipping the Classroom; Edcamp in the Classroom - Students actually attended to share; and much more - really check out the schedule to see some wonderful offerings. It's a full day of learning, conversations and absorbing boat loads of information.

Paper Tweet given to me by Cybraryman1

One of my favorite parts of the Edcamp was meeting my Twitter peeps face to face (a Tweetup!).  I was finally able put a face to @Cybraryman1, Jerry Blumengarten, who always supplies us with a wealth of resources (Check out Cybraryman.com.) Also met @lookforsun, Maureen Devlin, an inspirational fourth grade teacher who facilitated the "Blended Learning" discussion.  Finally introduced myself to Sean Avery, @mr_avery, who is a sixth grade teacher and avid Bruins fan; there was Marialice Curran, Tracy Mercier, Karen Janowski and so many more.  Equally as exciting, I made some new acquaintances, and we now follow each other!

Another favorite part of the Edcamp was having my other Twitter peeps SKYPE into my "Skype in the Classroom Session".  Paula Naugle and Bill Krakower, both fourth grade teachers, helped me present Mystery State Skyping.  The guests in the session asked them each yes/no questions (as our students might) to figure out their location.  Paula (from LA) and Bill (from NJ) then went on to explain how they use skype in their classrooms.  Talk about connecting with some fabulous educators who gave up a piece of their Saturday to help others! 

Skype in the Classroom Session

ANOTHER favorite part of the day is the SMACKDOWN!  Don't worry - teachers aren't wrestling - they are sharing their favorite resources.  Anyone wishing to share a favorite resource has 2 minutes to present to the group.  It's a quick, down and dirty way to learn about new sites. (Smackdown sources shared here!)

I think we need to follow this model at Curriculum and Staff meetings.  There are many people right in our own buildings and districts who have a lot to offer - wouldn't it be nice to be able to share.  If nothing else a SMACKDOWN would be a great way to end a meeting!

Can't wait for my next Edcamp in Connecticut this summer!  As Marialice would say: WHOOO HOO! 

Fine Art in the Classroom (and Out)

Still Life created by Sam C. using The Art Zone

"Chiaroscuro!" shouted one of my fourth graders in answer to the question: "What technique did the artist use in this painting to show the contrast of light and dark?"

"ELBOW: Every day life, Light, Brushstrokes, Outside, Weather!" answered another ten year old child to the question: "What are the characteristics of Impressionist's paintings?"

If you ask me, most fourth grade students (and many adults) would not know the answers to these types of questions, yet they are common place in our school when the children are involved in our "Docent" lessons.  This program which started over 15 years ago by one of the teachers and several parents continues today. Parent volunteers, also known as, Docents, visit our 3rd grade - 5th grade classrooms once a month and present a different artist or genre. At that time it is not unusual to see students dissecting the paintings of the Old Masters, Mary Cassat or Picasso.  They explore the American Period (John Singleton Copley & John Singer Sargent), Ancient Egyptian Art, Asian Art and more.  The Docent program takes Art in the Classroom to a new level.  It compliments and expands on what the students are learning during their art classes at school.

Rainbow by Sam C.

The Docent will often have a Powerpoint presentation with slides of the artists' paintings or large prints on cardboard for all to see.  Often there is an accompanying activity where the students get to try their hand at "Cubism" or make "Match the Titles to the Abstract Paintings" or they create their own Asian "woodblock" print. 


The culminating activity in fourth grade is a field trip to the Boston Museum of Fine Arts.  Students explore the different exhibits with a Docent. Describing and scrutinizing 'up close' those paintings they were introduced to in the classroom presentations.  Asking questions and viewing the sculptures makes art come to life. And always, the most coveted, most talked about portion of the trip is the visit to the Egyptian room which holds real mummies! Such a highlight!

Most people would think that the kids are too young to appreciate "fine art," but I tell you that my students are more knowledgeable than most when it comes to surveying a painting's genre, balance, expressive or formal properties and more.  One needs only visit my classroom during a Docent presentation to see their excitement as they spy new artists.

Does your school have a Docent program? If so, how is it presented?

RESOURCES:
The Art Zone: For kids: Try creating a Still Life, a Collage, a Mosiac and more with this interactive site from the National Gallery of Art.  
 

Created using Picassohead

Picassohead: Create your own Picasso-like head. Use for avatars or share in the gallery.

The National Gallery of Art  Visit this Washington DC gallery site to see many of the art pieces online.


The Metropolitan Museum of Art (of New York) shares many of its collections online as well.

Web Gallery of Art - a virtual museum started in 1996. 

Museum of Fine Arts (Boston) - Kids and Family programs.  (Check your local museum for similar programs.)

Art Docent Program: This is a fee-based program for grades K-6 which includes lessons developed in 1984 by art educator and author Barbara Herberholz.

Check out this video about the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston and see some of the exhibits my students were able to peruse. 

Mangos in the Morning! A Student Inspires His Teacher!

by Tatiana Gerus on Flickr

While waiting for my packets of state testing to be delivered to my classroom, amid the noise of scraping chairs and the whir of the pencil sharpener, one of my students approached my desk and shared the following with me.   "My family and I were looking up 'fruits' this morning before school.  We found that Mangos are the most popular fruit and did you know that there are 1000 different types of mangoes?" Hmmmm...actually, I didn't realize that.  As a matter of fact, I really never thought much about Mangos before now. 

Since my little fourth grade friend was fascinated by the mangos and had learned so much,  I felt the need to check them out for myself.  Here is what I learned....

• Mangos are grown in tropical climates. In the Mexico, Ecuador, Peru, Brazil, Guatemala and Haiti are the leading importers of mangoes in the US. 
• Mangos are a good source of dietary fiber and low in calorie.
•  The mango is the national fruit of India, Philippines and Pakistan. 
• India produces the most mangoes but does little trading as it consumes much of the fruit.
• Mangos can be used in recipes for salsa, smoothies, chutneys and more. 
• Mango leaves are used in wedding celebrations.

After doing a little research I realized that there are so many lessons associated with this delicious fruit.  Some curriculum examples:

• Geography:  Locating leading mango producers on the world map which would strengthen geography skills. 
• Math: Looking up and creating recipes that would aid with following directions, fractions, measurement and problem solving.
• Science: Learning about how different varieties are created as well as conditions needed to properly grow the fruits could be explored.
• Language Arts: Researching; reading folktales; writing poems and stories about mangos will allow students practice in different genres.

Sensing my student's enthusiasm for learning with just a cursory look at the mango, makes me think about my friend Denise Krebs.  She allows her students a "Genius Hour" to learn and share about something for which they have a passion or for which they want to learn more about.  When students start researching and studying something they are interested in do they gain more than those topics which are mandatory?  I think, yes!

On a side note, this is why I love my job....everyday I am treated to something seen only through the eyes of interested and engaging 10 year-olds who are fascinated by things we adults sometimes think are just commonplace.

Thanks D for the 'teachable moment' for your teacher!

RESOURCES:
Meet a Mango Tree:  Learn all about the mango tree and fruit. 

Mango Nutrition Facts:  A few quick facts about the nutrition mangos provide.

All About Mangos:  A site that provides information about the history, health benefits; myths & facts and more.


Jango Geography from Mango.org:  A game to test your skills about the countries that produce mangos.  Other Games and activities from this site.

The Mango Charm:  A folktale


Mango Coloring Page:  Several different mango coloring pages at this site.

How to Cut a Mango: from Mango.org

Sign the Petition Please!

Bringing about change isn't easy.  Often a lot of leg work is involved and when that leg work is being done by a 10 year old it may seem even more daunting.

Background Information: It was a school tradition for over 18 years that the entire fourth grade participated in a Shakespearean play.  Last year, due to many different factors, the fourth grade team decided to try something different.  This change was met with mixed emotions (as change often does).

Current Situation: As we make our way towards the end of the school year, one of my students started discussing the "Fourth Grade Play" with her sister (who had been in a production of "Julius Caesar" several years before).  It seems that my student wanted to "Bring back the Fourth Grade Play".  Her sister suggested she start a petition.

The petition was then created and over a several day period the student collected over 84 signatures.  Fourth graders, third and fifth graders alike signed their names to the document.  (Even a staff member signed the petition.)  The day finally came when my student asked if she could present the paper to the principal.  I asked her to write our principal a letter stating what she was hoping to accomplish and attach it to the petition.  She did so and brought the letter and petition to the office.

The Discussion:  She came back with her hand over her heart saying "I'm so sick to my stomach, I can hardly breathe!"  It seems that she was worried that she was going to get in trouble for organizing this action.  She stated that some kids even erased their name from the petition for fear of being reprimanded. 

After calming down my student, we spoke about how this was a wonderful way to exercise her 'right to petition'.  Since we had just learned about Martin Luther King, connections of using peaceful methods to bring about change were made.  I assured her that she and her friends were not going to get in trouble and that this is how people bring about change in government and other areas.

The Outcome: Sometimes, even with a petition, the change we hope to bring about doesn't necessarily happen. This was to be the case for my fourth grader and her friends.  However, what DID happen was that the principal came to each fourth grade classroom and told the students how impressed and proud he was of their efforts.  He also explained how students shouldn't be afraid to make their voices heard and that they shouldn't be afraid to stand up for what they believe.


Even though the kids didn't receive the outcome they wanted, I think they were satisfied that their endeavor was taken seriously and proud of themselves for trying.

On Another Note:  In June these fourth grade students will participate in an activity called "Night at the Museum".  Students will research an historical figure and write a script about the life of that figure from their point of view.  They will wear a costume and perform their script.  It's a magical evening for students and their families.

Whether it's a Shakespearean play or a Night at the Museum the students will be afforded an opportunity to learn through drama and participate in an activity that they will remember for years to come.

RESOURCES:
Right to Petition the Government: From Learning to Give which has "resources that teach giving and civic engagement".

How to Write a Petition: This site provides information on "identifying your target, proper research, clear communication and how you will promote your petition."

Online Petition:  Start your petition online for free.

Why Use Drama in Education:  DramaEd.net states and gives examples how "drama accomplishes many educational goals."

Have your students created petitions?  What was the outcome?  How have you guided them in their efforts?  Please share your experiences in the comment section.

Leap Into Leap Year!

February 29, 2012 is right around the corner. How will you celebrate it in your classroom? After all, it only happens every four years! Leap Year! It's a fascinating topic for your students.

Resources for Leap Day/Leap Year:


Leap Day Party: Activities for younger kids like Pin the Crown on the Frog Prince; Musical Lily Pads; Frog Hunt and more.

Leap Year Coloring Page

Fun Facts About Leap Day - for Kids: contains poems; Leap Day/Year Age Chart

Leap Day Trivia: for Older kids-Trivia about events that occurred on Leap Days.

Leap Year eCards: Send an eCard to a friend or loved one on this fun day. Send via email, Facebook or Twitter

Why Leap Days are Used? - For adults to use as background knowledge.

Leap Year Calculator: Find out how to calculate a leap year or use the calculator.

Leap Year/Day Books: A compilation of books about Leap Year/Day. (These are for purchase)

I would like to hear how YOU will be celebrating Leap Day/Year!