Jump Start the Learning Day

As a non coffee drinker it is still hard to understand the need or demand people have for coffee to start their day.  I see it is an addiction but whatever time my wife wants to get up I make sure she has coffee steaming when she arises or I wake her up.  I, on the other hand once I wake up I am raring to go.  Yes, as most of you know I don’t get much sleep as there is so much for me to do and learn each day.

During my many years of carpooling we had to stop before getting to school to fuel up on coffee.   Later, when I was the early morning person in my school I would start a pot of coffee for my colleagues.  Yes, I used to get to my school at 6:00 am  (I am still on that time schedule so it is no problem for me to wake up early for the stimulating #bfc530 chat on school days) to answer the telephone for teachers calling in to be absent.  I then had to figure out how to cover their classes.  We had an average of ten teacher absences a day and without subs it was a difficult task.  When we did get a sub they wouldn’t last when they saw what they had to face.  My East New York page 

The hardest job for me as a classroom teacher and curriculum writer was the motivation, Do Now or get started part of the lesson plan.  I used to spend an inordinate amount of time trying to decide what would grab the attention of my students right from the start.  My Lesson Plans page

I tried to figure out what made my students tick.  I spent a lot of time finding out what songs, movies and activities my students enjoyed.  I used this as a basis for the beginning of lessons.  I needed something they understood to motivate them and get them started on learning more.

We need to start from where are students are at and then build from there. Never assume students know something.  I can vividly recall the countless times when I introduced a topic and my students would tell me they had that already.  However, when I questioned them they could not respond.  Yes, they may be familiar with the term but do they really know what it is all about.  That is another reason why I strongly feel they will remember more if they are involved in the learning.  I found what they remembered were those special projects, cooperative learning activities or such.  Project-Based learning is a great way to engage students.  Have them find a situation that needs improvement and let them figure out a solution.

My Cooperative Learning page 

My Project-Based Learning #PBL page 

Spend quality time, after you have your coffee, on ways to jump start your students learning.  Keep in mind where they are at and what motivates them.  Have awesome days of learning.

I also recommend starting each day with your students with a morning meeting and then ending the day with an exit slip of learning:

My Morning Meetings page

My Exit Slips page 

My Motivating Students page 

And for administrators (#satchat #satchatwc #satchatOC #cpchat) make sure you get your schools off to great starts each day. You can find some stimulating ways on

My Good Morning page

PS

I would be remiss for not mentioning those that get my learning day started:  Scott Capro who started the Breakfast Club Chat #bfc530 and now Jessica Raleigh @TyrnaD who has kept it growing and @alicekeeler who came up with the #coffeeEDU idea and @RemindHQ for sponsoring them.

I started the Twitter Education Chat Schedule many years ago when there were very few chats so that I could keep track of them.  I used to be able to tweet out each day the chats for that day but it is impossible now with so many of them.  I want to sincerely thank @thomascmurray @cevans @conniehamilton and @jrochelle for taking my original primitive chat list and improving on it.

Twitter Education Chats Schedule

I am inspired and you can be too!

The motto for this year’s #tcea14 Convention & Exposition was “Get “Inspired.”  There are so many ways that you can get inspired.

During the past few weeks I attended some outstanding events that not only engaged me but re-energized me.  I met so many of my PLN that it would be impossible to list all of them.  I love you all and appreciate you.  #youmatter a lot to me.

#FETC14  – Florida

I only had the opportunity to spend one day at #FETC14 but it sure was jam packed with great experiences:

I took part in a fun app session delivered by @adambellow @kathyshrock @lesliefisher and @HallDavidson. Attend stimulating sessions at conferences or go to an edcamp where you can share what works with your students or learn from others.

I was fortunate to join @tomwhitby and @adambellow for a luncheon conversation.  Then we bumped into @rushtonh and I was able to have an enjoyable talk with him. Spend time with your PLN.  It is incredible the sharing and learning that takes place in these informal get togethers.

rushtonadamtom

I really enjoyed hanging out with my fellow #edchat moderators: @blairteach @kylepace @tomwhitby and archivist @jswiatek. Educational chats on Twitter are great opportunities for professional learning.  Take advantage of the incredible chats available.

The extremely well attended TweetUp gave me a chance to meet so many of my PLN.  It was nice to renew acquaintances and make new ones with great educators like @s_bearden @kristenswanson and @thomascmurray.

#TCEA14 – Texas

@tomwhitby and I had a fantastic time during #tcea14 and it was really special when we tweeted side by side while moderating Tuesday evening’s #edchat on: What would be the effect of building collaboration and reflection time into your work schedule?

Take part in chats and build your PLN.  Share your thoughts and learn how others feel.

@kenroyal  I definitely got the royal treatment from Ken who introduced me to so many of his friends in education.   It was so much fun hanging out with him.  It is amazing the connections that you make as you build a Twitter or Social Media Family.

@myclassflow Learned about this interactive lesson planning method that will engage students. Attending sessions gives you to opportunity to see first-hand technology that can help deliver your lessons.

I had a fantastic barbecue dinner with @PaulRWood, @shannonmiller, @TomWhitby, @woscholar et al. was nourishing for body and mind.  It is amazing when educators get together and then discuss intellectual topics that stretch the mind.

EdTech Karoke was a wonderful opportunity to let your hair down and enjoy yourself.  Always enjoy talking with my buddy @kevinhoneycutt. Once again I came across @stevedembo and we both stated that some day we would have to just sit down and talk.  Having fun and learning is great for us and our students.

kevshannontom

I was honored to address the LIB-SIG group thank you @_MichelleCooper. The message to all educators should be to continue to do what you are doing but embrace technology and listen to #stuvoice.

Conferences and edcamps are invaluable as you get a chance to meet members of your PLN (Personal Learning Network) like @mattBgomez  @djakes @duncanbilingual @ipadSammy @RafranzDavis @TechNinjaTodd to discuss educational topics in person, groups or during sessions.  It is now wonderful that you can go to meetings and actually know people as a result of your being a connected educator.

Tuskegee Airmen at Fantasy of Flight – Florida

Thanks to @DennisDill and @MLMRobertson  I was able to accompany their students to a special presentation by three Tuskegee Airmen at the Fantasy of Flight.  These gentlemen gave an outstanding session explaining the struggles they faced and how they triumphed.  It was wonderful that they encouraged the students attending to get a good education and work hard.  My tweets caught the attention of @DianaLRendina who was attending the same presentation with her class.  It is always nice to meet members of my PLN.  Great also to connect with @KKStephens82 the Operations Manager of @fantasyofflight Take advantage of such learning opportunity field trips in person or virtually.

Take part in activities that will inspire you don’t wait for them to come to you.

 

My brass school doorknob

On my desk I keep a brass doorknob and a block of wood from my first school.  It reminds me of my start as a teacher and the struggles I faced.

I found that doorknob on the floor in front of a classroom door whose window had been smashed by it.  The custodial staff could not keep up with all the broken windows which mostly where broken from the inside. Looking at the school from the outside you saw a lot of boards in place of window panes. 

We must all be aware of the struggles classroom teachers face. They need our support, advice and all the help we can give them.  They may not get what they really need in their school but thanks to social media they can get it online.  Consider yourself very fortunate if you work in a good school environment. But remember not everyone is that lucky. Reach out and support our struggling colleagues.

Looking at that doorknob I will never forget my days as a classroom teacher:
lack of supplies, little support, poor working conditions, revolving door teacher staff, ineffective administrators, little if any parental involvement, violence….

 

PRESDI

At METC2013 The Midwest Education Technology Conference I am honored to be a “Featured Presenter.”  It is quite nice to be singled out to address educators. I have decided that my “presentations” will be in the form of PRESDIs.  Yes, I have coined a new term.  PRESDI which stands for Presentation-Discussions. 

So many times I have attended outstanding presentations where the speakers have prepared excellent slideshows with embedded videos and used great catchy statements that I quickly tweeted out to my followers.  I walk away invigorated but that does not last long. 

I have also attended many professional development sessions as a teacher.  The talk goes on and I leave shaking my head because none of it pertained to my students and could not be adopted for use in my classroom.  I yearned for ideas that worked and could be used successfully to engage my students and increase their knowledge base.

I do not have all the answers but I am sure those in the audience can share what has worked and what hasn’t worked in their schools.  So, I will give my presentation with practical ideas that have worked for me but then I will open up a discussion and learn from those in attendance.  Some of the best curricula that I wrote were done collaboratively.  It is great to be able to bounce off ideas and get inspiration from others.  Just as we want our students to learn and engage collaboratively we also should use that method in our teaching and presenting.

You Matter – Yes, You the Teacher

This is the front door of @grade1 Aviva Dunsiger's classroom.

I have recently been very inspired by what my good Twitter friend @AngelaMaiers is trying to do with her #youmatter mission. We definitely should let the children that we teach know that they matter to us.  Not only should we be recognizing our students and believing in them but you have to realize that you really matter to your students.  Many of your students will never let you know how you have affected them.

While doing my Fall cleaning I came across my Teaching Career binder. It contains many of the letters that I received during my 32 year career.  Most of the letters are from my administrators. Sprinkled throughout are letters from my students.  Reading them reminded me of the funeral of my father.  So many people came up to me and told me how my father had helped them.  I had no idea of his tremendous impact on so many people.  Similarly you might not realize the effect you are having on your students.

Some parts of the letters I received and special times that I’m lucky enough to have been brought to my attention

  • The day my class gave me a trophy and a letter of their appreciation for what I was doing for them.
  • A student’s letter telling me to please stay safe in the dangerous neighborhood where I taught.
  • From parents thanking me for getting their son in a college discovery program.
  • You were the best when I was in your class and you are still climbing that ladder.
  • You have been a great friend as well as a good teacher.
  • The time my track team presented me with a stop watch after we won the city championship.
  • A student who saw me on television teaching a lesson commenting on how great I looked.
  • “Thank you for having faith in me.”
  • I will never forget my first library squad presenting me with a special plaque.
  • “And now, as I am about to embark on this long and treacherous journey called Life, I see it fitting that I look to the past, to the man who has been so important to my growth.  And I want to thank him.  Thank you, Mr. Blumengarten.” (Student at the time was attending Yale University)
  • “And yes, I will surround myself with positive people.  I will also carry the words of “If” with me at all times.” (Student who was a very successful professional athlete written from prison)

Teachers have no real idea of how they have impacted their students’ lives.  Last year when I went to TeachMeet Georgia one of my former students who found me on Facebook said he wanted his wife to meet me.  He and his wife treated my wife and me to a fancy dinner.  He said it was his way of thanking me for helping get into a special program that consisted of boarding school and an Ivy League education.  He remembered my telling him that he was either going to be a politician or lawyer. Today, he is a very successful attorney.

To all educators I want to thank you for all that you do and let you know you too really matter.

 

Don’t Forget the Students

Years ago I was asked to take part in a community group looking to address the gap in activities for young adults after school in our town. I was quite impressed with the group that was assembled but I noticed a glaring exclusion. I raised my hand and was recognized by the chairperson. I said, “We are missing a very important element here.” She responded, “Jerry, we have the Superintendent, School Board members, all the principals, members of the clergy, the police captain of the local precinct, elected officials, Presidents of all the PTA’s, members of the Chamber of Commerce and business community and of course you representing the library (I was the President of the Library Board of Trustees & VP of one of the areas HS PTAs.).” I replied: “How come we do not have any young members of the community here? We are here to make decisions about them and they should be heard.”

A lot of times when we are making important educational decisions we have a tendency to leave out the voices of the students (and parents). We should be listening more to what our children and students have to say. When making the rules of the classroom include the students in the formulation of them. Learn to step aside and let the students take more of a role in their learning process. School improvement needs the voices of the students on what they would like to say. Make them a real part of the process.

A Letter to Administrators

Dear Administrators,

I know that you have awesome responsibilities and are very busy having to work with your staff, your superiors, the school board, parents and the local community but please do not lose sight of the classroom teacher, the pupils in your school and their parents.

Your School

Work with your staff, students and parents to build a learning environment in your school. My favorite expression to administrators is “Take the Chalk.” Of course it would now be “Take the IWB or tech tools” and get in the classroom.  Teach some lessons and talk with the students.  My all time favorite administrator was one superintendent who took the chalk when I presented it to him and he had the time of his life working with my class.  He thanked me for the opportunity he had not had in years

Expectations

Please let your staff and students know exactly what you want from them.  Don’t keep them guessing.  Establish rules with them to ensure your building has an atmosphere where learning will take place..

New Teachers

I have seen too many new teachers who had a lot of promise leave teaching because of what they experienced.  Provide them with support and make sure their needs are met.  Periodically talk to them informally and find out what help they need.

Observations

I will never forget the post observation conference from one principal who criticized my use of the chalkboard.  He went on for 15 minutes about how I should use the chalkboards in a classroom.  When he finally finished I asked him what room he observed me in.  It took him a while to finally realize that it was the art room and I had to remind him that it only had one portable chalkboard.  The art teacher had her work on one side and did not want it erased.

I did not mind observations but what I really needed was constructive criticism on how to improve my teaching techniques and how I got the material across.

Listen to your staff and students

Too many times I was told we don’t do that in this school, we do it this way by my administrators.  Be open to new ideas and methods.  Keep your door open to sit down with your staff.  Be cognizant of their lives (deaths and illnesses in the family, children’s achievements).  Show that you are a caring administrator by acknowledging students by name and know what they are going through.

Letters and Appreciation

Teachers need a pat on the back once in a while.  I had principals who only had a negative approach. Of course there are extremes too.  I have a bulging binder of letters from my administrators.  Some wrote a letter for everything I did and it got to be too much.  Other administrators rarely wrote an appreciation note for my going above and beyond the call of duty.  Let your teachers know when they are doing well and in a nice way show teachers how they can improve.  Be there to support them, not tear them down.  It is not an easy job being a classroom teacher.

Professional Development

Provide meaningful training for teachers that they can actually use in their classrooms.  The edcamp model shows that giving teachers a choice of what they want to learn is very beneficial.  I sat through and wasted my time in most faculty conferences and training sessions that I had to attend. Ask your teachers for their input on what training sessions were beneficial and which can be improved.  Heed their advice to make the experience worthwhile for them! Encourage your teachers to observe their colleagues and if possible allow them to attend educational conferences.

Parents

Communication is essential with the parents in your school.  You need to build a dialogue with them and need their cooperation to ensure the best learning for the students.  Keep them informed of school events, schedules and provide them with useful information on how to work with their children.

I hope that you have a wonderful school year.  Please enable your staff to facilitate the best learning and growth of all of the children under you care.

My Administrators page

 

 

 

 

How I Spent My Summer “Vacations”

Each year before school in New York City ended (the last week in June) we would be given our teaching programs for the next school year. I would spend the summer doing research and coming up with great material and lesson plans.  Many times when I showed up for school in September I was given a new program with completely different grades and subject areas.  Life in the NYC Board (Bored) of Education (now Department of Education)! ”New York City Rhythm”

Public School City of New York Doorknob

Public School City of New York Doorknob

One year on Friday of the first week of school in September I was teaching my class when the assistant principal came to my door and told me the principal wanted to speak to me.  He told me I was being sent to another school. Yes, I was being excessed allegedly because of seniority.  This was in my thirteenth year of teaching.  It turned out one of the school board member’s son-in-law did not like the school he was in and wanted to be in my school!  So much for being prepared!

During my teaching career I spent most of my summers in school either teaching or writing curriculum.  How can I ever forget one brutal summer of 90 + degree days trying to teach in a building that did not have air conditioning?  I did have a fan but it only blew around the hot air.  Then, there was the day someone was shot and killed right outside the main door of the school.  “Summer in the City!”

I also spent one weekend a month and a two week Summer Camp compliments of the United States Army Reserve.  Camp hit home one summer when one of my fellow soldiers died when gunpowder from an artillery shell exploded.

One of my favorite summer activities was writing curriculum for an organization that connected the schools and business in New York City.

I dreaded the first day of school when my colleagues asked how I spent my summer.  This reminded me of my own school years when we had to write on the first day of school how we spent the summer vacation. “See You in September!”

One very important thing that I did during the summer was try to get in the best physical shape that I could to endure the 186 day school years.  Yes, we always exceeded the mandated 180 school days every year.  In fact, we rarely had any snow days.  I can remember many years when all schools on Long Island and New Jersey schools were closed but New York City schools were open!

My advice to you is to enjoy your time off.  Read books, do plenty of family activities, exercise and enjoy yourselves.  Oh yes, play around with some of the great tech tools and see which ones you could use. “Summertime, and the living is easy..”