April 25, 2014

Curriculum Connections...

TGIF to everyone on this final Friday of April... that is right people... as of next Thursday we are in May, which is somewhat crazy but also awesome! May 1st is a special day in the Greek culture - May Day. It is like the unofficial start of summer in my homeland and represents an opportunity for a fresh start - an opportunity to rejuvenate, try something new and possibly take a risk that you may not have taken in the past! It really speaks to new opportunities for growth, evolution and a clean slate. When was the last time you learned something new? Have you taken a risk in your classroom lately and tried something totally different and new? When was the last time you failed trying something new or different? Regardless of how you answered these questions, I hope you all join me next week, for at least that one day, to try something new and reach for that fresh start. In honor of that fresh start idea, I wanted to share this post on Edutopia I came across about teacher burnout. Fortunately, I don't think anyone here is struggling with potential burnout but there are some great ideas in this post that might inspire us during the final weeks of the school year, which can often get harried and hectic. One aspect of this post that really resonated with me was the positive tone and hopeful stance taken by the blogger. Take a gander and try one of these ten suggestions... let us know how it goes for you!  

Also, just an FYI, next week is the NYS Math Test on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, which means that some services will be cancelled and many rooms will be used for testing - but, I am happy to say that it will be less disruptive than last year. Please make sure you review all scheduling changes for the upcoming week so we are all where we are supposed to be at the right time (the memo went out before the break but I am sure Pam and Laura have a copy if necessary)!

Over the last week or so, as I walked around the building, I spotted these awesome things...

• While visiting Nancy and Carly's room during writing workshop, I was blown away by the work the children were doing with their fractured fairy tales. Nancy was meeting with a pair of students and discussing the integration of dialogue in their stories. At the same time Carly was doing a small group conference and helping the students insert appropriate transition words. Finally, Casey was also supporting a small group in a different part of the room. It was impressive and easily could have been videotaped!! 

• While visiting Christine and Donna's room during reading workshop, every child was actively engaged in a meaningful reading activity and the level of support varied based on readiness levels. One book club was totally running on its own with no adult support, another required a little coaching from Christine while Donna facilitated a guided reading group/book club with other students. The levels of differentiation unfolding in this room were impressive and the work was mostly student driven - BRAVO!! 

• Finally, I spent time in the hallway listening to three students from Tali and Marissa's class who were trying to decide what app to use on the iPad as a culminating project after reading a mystery in their book club. The critical lens through which they considered a few of the apps was really amazing- I was in awe!

• In case you missed them, here is the last Video Update of the Week featuring Rande's students - please show it to your class...

Tech Tip of the Week...

Are you looking for an alternative for students to share information after doing some sort of research? Are you tired of Publisher or PowerPoint? Then I highly recommend you take a look at Smore! This is a free resource that allows you to design "flyers" or present information. It could also be a nice alternative to a newsletter or blog if you want to try something else. Please share any examples if you try this with your students!  


SCHEDULE OF THE WEEK... 

Monday, April 28

"A" Week
Planbooks due for ALL TEACHERS by THURSDAY!

Tuesday, April 29

Faculty Meeting Cancelled for teachers to work on TEACH information (email to follow)
PTA Meeting at 9:45am - Discussing internet safety

Wednesday, April 30

Math Testing - Grades 3, 4 & 5 (AM - many rooms will be used)!

Thursday, May 1

CST @ 1:20pm
Math Testing - Grades 3, 4 & 5 (AM - many rooms will be used)!

Friday, May 2

Happy TGIF!
Math Testing - Grades 3, 4 & 5 (AM - many rooms will be used)!
Tony at Penn!

Kids' Korner

During recess today a Kindergarten student said to me, "Mr. Sinanis, I want to play a game with someone!" and I said, "What about me?" And he said, "Um, no, I want to play with someone who isn't old!" LOL! Really??        

Pics of the Week...

Check out the last two Cantiague's Week in Tweets - click on the following links to see our Pics of the Week...

WEEK IN TWEETS

THIS WEEK IN TWEETS

April 4, 2014

Curriculum Connections...

Happy TGIF to the most amazing staff on the planet! Congratulations to all staff who were involved in the testing this week... the ELA is DONE! Thank you to our amazing teachers in Grades 3, 4 & 5 who worked so hard this year to implement sound instructional strategies to address the standards and give the children meaningful learning experiences. I can honestly say the amount of formal test prep that took place this year was less than last year and that is an awesome thing! Our goal for next year... even less test prep and even more student centered learning! Also, a special thank you to our Grades K, 1 & 2 teachers for laying such a solid foundation in the areas of reading and writing workshop - our kids could not meet and exceed expectations without your efforts, which built upon one another each year! BEST TEACHERS EVER!!!

As we reach the April break and then speed into May, I am hoping that we can make the time for more Project Based Learning Opportunities for our children! At this point we have a little more flexibility with all the state testing behind us! We can take a topic or concept, like learning about a foreign country or fractions, and empower the children to present their learnings in a way that is most meaningful to them... not everyone has to do the same thing or in the same way! Maybe we can have students from the upper grades teach students in the lower grades something new they have learned! Maybe a children could create a commercial explaining what they have learned about a topic using iMovie! Maybe a child wants to write a e-book and publish it online... or start a blog or create a 3D piece of art or write an anthology of poetry about a given topic. The possibilities are endless and my hope is that we can give our children voice and power in their own learning! 

Finally, I hope everyone has an amazing Spring Break and happy holidays to anyone celebrating. I am looking forward to some much needed time with my family but I will also be officially starting my dissertation study and finishing my book... let the games begin!  :)  

Please note that this Fast Friday Focus will cover the next two weeks so please hold on to it for the schedule of the weeks!  

 
Over the last week, as I walked around the building, I spotted these awesome things in honor of NO WORKSHEET WEEK CHALLENGE...

• Adam had his students involved in a really fun activity this year where they created a HUMAN CLOCK! The students, and I, had a chance to lay out on the floor and one person was the little hand while the other was the big hand and the rest of the class had to figure out the time based on where the hands were positioned - AWESOME learning activity that tapped into so many learning styles! 

• Allison had the children involved in a great partnership activity where they had to try and convince each other to have the other one give them something they wanted with solid and convincing reasons! For example, one child tried to convince the other to buy him a computer with some really strong and valid reasons. The dialogue was interesting to watch and the concept is a sophisticated one!  

• Ilene had the children in Carolyn's class playing a Spanish Memory game where they had to match the appropriate picture of a food with the word for the food. The children were so actively engaged and having a blast - LOVED watching that experience!

Tech Tip of the Week...

One of the most important aspects of the whole teaching and learning process is the power of feedback! Feedback, for whatever reason, is often viewed as a negative thing when in fact is an opportunity for us to learn and grow... and for our kids to learn and grow. With that in mind, check out this inforgraphic that spotlights 7 Things To Remember When Giving Feedback - great stuff!
  


SCHEDULE OF THE WEEK... 

Monday, April 7

"A" Week

Tuesday, April 8

Faculty Enhancement Opportunity- 3PM in the Library for all teachers & reflection time!

Wednesday, April 9

Shared Decision Making Committee Meeting at 3PM
Kindergarten Parent Orientation - 7pm

Thursday, April 10

CST at 1:20pm
Steven Kellogg visits Grades K - 2 in the Library!
Jericho Hall of Fame - 7pm at the JPL!

Friday, April 11

Happy TGIF!
Tony at PENN!

Wednesday, April 23

"B" Week
Board of Education Meeting (rescheduled)

Thursday, April 24

CST at 1:20pm

Friday, April 25

Happy TGIF!
Carvel Ice Cream Sale
Grade 2 on a Trip!

Kids' Korner

During the ELA State Test, the child who was being tested in my office stopped and said, "Mr. Sinanis, I bet there are grown ups who would have trouble with this test!" LOL! Very true and they work for the State Ed Department!  :)     

Pics of the Week...

Check out Cantiague's Week in Tweets - click on the following link to see our Pics of the Week...

CANTIAGUE WEEK IN TWEETS - APRIL 4