Kids say the darndest things . . . .

I haven't blogged in awhile because we have been swamped with testing. First there was the PSSAs for the whole school (2 weeks). Then we had more PSSAs for the 8th grade (2 weeks). Then we had a short break, followed by more testing--the Keystones for the Algebra students. According to a Pennsylvania Department of Education website:

The Keystone Exams are end-of-course assessments designed to assess proficiency in the subject areas of Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, Literature, English Composition, Biology, Chemistry, U.S. History, World History, and Civics and Government.

The Keystone Exams are one component of Pennsylvania’s new system of high school graduation requirements. Keystone Exams will help school districts guide students toward meeting state standards.

As I understand it, these tests (this year) are field tests and will not count against the student's records or graduation requirements. However, that doesn't mean they don't take them seriously. As I am proctoring a group of 8th grade students taking the math exam, I can see the angst in their faces--the exhaustion with testing--the frustration for not knowing an answer because they may not have been taught the concept yet.By the second day of testing they are actually giddy.

However, did I mention these were middle school kids? And, typical to middle school kids, they say the darndest things. There were various editions of the test within the classes but most students all had at least 3 open-ended questions. They dread these. You can't guess at these questions--you either know it or you don't. Anyway, I started looking at some of the tests when they were returned and noticed that some students left this section blank if they didn't know the answer but some were more creative. One student answered a three part open-ended question like this:

Part 1: I don't know this answer

Part 2: I still don't know this answer!

Part 3: Since this answer depends on knowing the first two answers and I have never been taught this I have to ask myself--why would you ask such a stupid question. Don't you people check with the school to see what we learn?

Another student came to me later and said, "There was a question asking about radicals (a mathematical expression indicating a root by means of a radical sign ) on the test and I didn't know what they were." I asked her how she handled that question. She gave me a big smile and said, "I made bubble letters and wrote":

Aren't middle school kids great?

Related articles

• Commentary: Real March Madness is schools' PSSA tests (pennlive.com)
• Funny Student Exam Answers
  

What's in a "Good Morning"?

Every morning I say "good morning" about 80-100 times. I stand at the top of stairwell 7 and watch as the 7th and 8th grade kids come up the stairs, dragging their book bags and sports bags behind them. Some of them are still wearing ear buds, listening to their iPods. Some of them have hair in their eyes and I can barely see their faces. Many of them are just plodding up the stairs, trying to start their day, when they would much rather be in bed. It is not exactly a friendly audience.

Even though they would probably rather be left alone, I say "good morning" to as many of them as possible, using their name first (if I know it), to let them know that someone cares if they are here. Yes, I know we are supposed to be at our post every morning and make sure madness and mayhem doesn't prevail but, by this time of the year, many teachers are still fussing in their classrooms, getting ready for their day and that special feeling of excitement has fizzled.

I am an early riser so I am in my classroom an hour before school begins and, therefore, I am pretty much ready for the day when the kids start coming up the steps. But, to me, that doesn't make any difference. I actually enjoy standing at my morning post and greeting the kids every morning. I get a real charge when one of them actually acknowledges that I (an adult) exist and says "good morning" back. And . . . . when that rare adolescent says those gifted words "good morning, Mrs. Kosh" I am in heaven. I have actually heard a few say "how are you today?" and I was giddy with excitement.

I realized this morning that I am not really doing it for them, although I believe kids should be greeted by a friendly face and a few words in the morning. However, I am doing it for me. It gets me going. I tells me that it's time to do my job. It's a way of validating me when someone responds and (even better) uses my name. As the year goes on, I find the kids loosening up a little and I get many more "good mornings". Each one makes me feel wonderful and energized and keeps me from wanting to go back to bed.

Postscript: I am writing this blog while I am proctoring a test. A student just finished and I needed to write her a pass to go to her next class. I did so and handed her the pass. She said on her way out . . . . "Have a nice day, Mrs. Kosh." That's a two-fer---a greeting and my name! It's going to be a great day.

Related articles

• Greeting in more than 1600 languages
  

What's on Your Bucket List . . . .

Cover of The Bucket ListJack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman starred in a wonderful film in 2007 called The Bucket List. I remember crying for days after I watched it and it challenged me to think about my own mortality. I have been using the clip and the idea in my writing seminar ever since. Adolescents never think about their own mortality and why should they? They don't expect to "kick the bucket" for a very long time. But I have found this to be an extraordinary writing challenge for 12 and 13 year olds. Exactly what would they like to do before they die? At this age, seeing Lady Gaga or Justin Bieber may be high on their list but, when really challenged to look deep into their own souls, I find their answers are thought provoking and heart-warming. Many of them say they want to "write a novel" but, then again, this IS a writing seminar and they want a good grade so I guess sucking up to the teacher is not that bad of an idea. But, every once in a while, I read one of their lists and it takes my breath away. I don't often think of them as adults but (since they are so bright) they are often little adults in teenage bodies. They want to fly around the world, dance at Rockefeller Center, star in a Broadway play, or be a millionaire. They want to witness a miracle, go bungee jumping, or found a charity. Their aspirations are huge. They dream big. At times when I just want to get through the week and make it to Friday, these kids want to "tell everyone how much I care about them." (Hey, I don't make these things up-these are actually things from past buckets lists!) I hope they always dream big. We have a lot to learn from them. Here's my Bucket List:

1. Para sail in the Caribbean (done)
2. Dance on the stairs of the Vatican (sounds disrespectful but I see joy in it)
3. Stay married 100 years (I'm at 39)
4. Zip line in Costa Rica (done)
5. Loose 30 pounds (no comment)
6. Witness a miracle (OK, I'm copying but I like her idea!)
7. Become a grandmother (done times 3)
8. Become a great grandmother (see how I am bargaining to live a long time)
9. Meet Morgan Freeman
10. See the Philadelphia Eagles win a Super Bowl (I can hope, can't I???)

Related articles

• 100 Things to Do Before You Die
• Bucket List website-make your own
  

Friday . . . . Friday . . .

Have you ever noticed that the thing that annoys middle school kids the most is the thing they talk about (or sing) the most. It is only third period and I think I have heard Rebecca Black's Friday about five hundred times. I have heard girls singing, boys singing, teachers singing. I have heard the original version and a parody of the song, as well as 40 other versions. And, despite all this singing, every kid has come in saying "I hate that song. It's so annoying". OK, so then why are you singing it? Is this a new middle school thing---sing songs that annoy you? Or, is it that it's Friday and singing this song is the only way middle school kids know how to find it on the calendar?

I happen to like the song. Catchy little tune. Totally age inappropriate for me. Seems relatively clean. Then I realized why teachers love this song----

It's Friday, Friday
Gotta get down on Friday
Everybody's lookin' forward to the weekend, weekend

And . . . . . now I can't get it out of my head!

Oh No! Facebook Depression . . . . .

Image via WikipediaThe Internet, blogosphere and mass media are all abuzz with the newest affliction to strike our children . . . cue the scary music . . . . Facebook Depression . . . .

CHICAGO (AP) — Add “Facebook depression” to potential harms linked with social media, an influential doctors’ group warns, referring to a condition it says may affect troubled teens who obsess over the online site.

I certainly don't mean to minimize this condition, which is just one more obstacle teenagers need to navigate on the road to adulthood, but I worry that the media has picked up on another "internet scare" and is playing it for everything it is worth. It is a bonafied problem cited by the American Pediatric Association. When I googled "Facebook depression" I received about 32,800,000 results in (0.13 seconds). Now, come on . . . . do you really think there are that many articles about a disorder that physicians have just recently discovered?

OK, let's assume it is true (after all, who would argue with the American Pediatric Association?) I have another disorder to add to the growing list--Facebook Extroversion. I would never know about this syndrome except that I happened to comment to my class the other day that "Mary" (again, I have changed the names to protect the innocent) was so quiet in class and I had noticed she was speaking up a teeny tiny bit more. The entire group of girls with her all chimed in "Mary??? You should see her on Facebook. She is chatty as can be!" I looked at her, trying not to get "teacher depression" because she never says a word in my class and calmly asked,"Mary, why are you so quiet in here and so chatty on Facebook?" In her most diminutive voice she replied,"because I'm not afraid to speak on Facebook--nobody is looking at me." That is when I realized that, although some children do not benefit from Facebook, there are many that do--Children that are afraid to speak in class for fear of getting the wrong answer or being laughed at.

The dictionary defines extroversion as: at ease in talking to others. Mary was suddenly at ease talking to others. Many would say, but this makes her anonymous. I would disagree. These children are not completely anonymous because all the girls in my class knew about Mary's extroversion on Facebook but Mary didn't suffer the crippling fear of speaking in class in front of her peers. These girls talked more to Mary at lunch and in the hallways because of the friendships she had built up on Facebook. So . . . Don't tell me there is nothing good about Facebook. I think these whippersnappers are on to something!

Related articles

• Doctors warn parents of 'Facebook depression' (abclocal.go.com)
• Facebook Depression & Other Apocryphal Disorders (lockergnome.com)
• Aren't We All Suffering From 'Facebook Depression?' (pcworld.com)

What's in a Name?

Image via WikipediaI was out Friday afternoon because my husband was having surgery and when I returned today I knew what I wanted to blog about. On the board was the name of the substitute or "guest" teacher. I still don't get the whole guest thing. I mean the person is substituting for me, I am not serving her tea and crumpets. Anyway, on the board was her name. Let's call her Mrs. Anderson (the names have been changed to protect the innocent). Next to that were the words "or Mrs. A". OK . . . . which is it? Mrs. Anderson or Mrs. A? Does it depend on how smart you are? Or how much you like the "guest" teacher? Or how familiar you are? For me, it is a no-brainer. It is Mrs. Kosh or nothing. No Mrs. K. I figure if a kid can't say a word with four letters in it by 7th grade, they shouldn't be there. What ever happened to respecting our names? I am proud of the name my husband and I share and I was proud of my maiden name, even though it caused me to always be at the end of the line. (Wilmarth!) I don't want kids to shorten my name or call me something else. It always seems like kids are just getting too familiar with teachers and that is another way to be BFFs. Now, if you are reading my words and you choose to allow this in your class, so be it. I respect your right to be called anything your little heart desires but, for me, it's always going to be Mrs. Kosh.

Related articles

• (Substitute) teacher appreciation "day"? (berniemacx.wordpress.com)

Follow up to iPad Dependency . . .

Image via WikipediaMy last post discussed my total, if inappropriate, addiction to my iPad. I use it daily, depend on it for things I used to do without it, and just plain love to hold it in my hands. But, since that last post, I have discovered the iPad2 through a student and realized the utter joy this little box provides to everyone that touches it, regardless of 1 or 2.

Let me explain. I began talking a few days ago to one of my students, Ben, about the iPad and he excitedly told me he had received the iPad2 from his grandparents as a gift. I silently wished I had his grandparents but, I digress. He was so engrossed in telling me about all the new things he could do that I asked if he could bring it in so we could compare iPad1 and iPad2 (not to be confused with Thing 1 and Thing 2). I made him promise he wouldn't bring it in unless his mother knew. You know how mothers can be when you take pricey new toys to school without permission.

Well, yesterday he brought it to school. He couldn't wait to show me all the neat things his iPad could do and share apps with me. Additionally, I gave him my VGA cord which I had purchased because the Apple salesman told me I would be able to hook my iPad to my Smart Board. Wrong! That only works with the iPad2--which adorable little Ben had in his hands. He hooked it up to the smart board where the kids gravitated to his side to see the wonders of technology. Again, we traded app stories and demonstrated capabilities during a "my machine is better than your machine" session.

What the kids were supposed to be doing during this class period was working on their stock market projects--something that they enjoy and have readily participated in. However, many of them, including Ben and I, ended up working on discovering the power of the iPad 1 and 2 and how it engaged students in learning. They were composing music with Garage Band, drawing great pieces of art with Art Studio, finding geographical locations with Google Earth, and seeing instant stock results from the NY Stock Exchange. We exchanged our favorite news readers (his was ABC News for the iPad and mine was The Daily). Before we knew it the bell was ringing and Benn and his fellow students needed to go their their next class.

We had learned so much--both student and teacher. Thank you, Benn, and thank you Benn's mother.

Related articles

• iPads in Education
• Pros and Cons of iPads in Education
• Ten Sites Supporting iPads in Education
  

iPad Dependent . . . .

I rImage via Wikipediaealized this weekend that I have a disease called iPad dependency. It is not an addiction but rather an unbelievable dependency on the 7 1/2 by 9 1/2 piece of plastic and metal. I carry it with me all the time--hence, the reason for a large purse. I read the news on it, communicate with my family and friends on it, play games on it, (not that often), check email on it, check the weather on it, and, in emergencies, I turn to it to solve my problems--whatever they may be.

This weekend my husband was rushed to the hospital with a life threatening problem following a total knee replacement. As the doctors took care of him and I realized that we would not get out of the emergency room until at least 4 in the morning, I wondered how I could possibly leave him and go to work. I did not have my principal's phone number or a computer with me to contact the sub service. Then I realized that my iPad was in my purse. Within minutes I had signed on to the sub service, emailed my principal, and sent in my lesson plans for the day. When the diagnosis of a "horseshoe kidney" came from the doctor, I searched Wikipedia on my iPad and emailed the family about his status.

When I took my husband home, I sat by him as he was resting and quietly checked the Daily to see the day's news. I checked the weather and then began reading my book--all on my iPad.

It's true. I am iPad dependent. I wonder if there is a 12 step program for this?

Related articles

• iPads in the Classroom
• Learning with iPad
  

Mixed Feelings Today . . . .

Today is St. Patrick's Day--A day to wear green and celebrate if you're Irish. I think most of us celebrate without even knowing why--it's just fun to be part of the group. It's fun to be included.

But, for me, this day has a different significance. Today is the one year anniversary of the tragic accident and death of my most challenging and beloved students, Natan. He was gifted and ranked high in the state chess rankings. He was bright and challenged everything I said. He was disorganized and never had his supplies with him. He walked down the halls with his shoulders bunched over, carrying all his books and papers, falling out of his binders, always rushing to class because he was always late. He was a member of the math team. He excelled in my debate class, as long as he didn't have to hand anything in, since he always lost his homework. I often referred to him as my "nudge" (a thorn in my side) but I always smiled when I saw him. When something happened everyone would point to Natan and say "he did it" and most often he did. Oh, and did I forget to tell you . . . . . Natan was bullied mercilessly.

Students often made fun of the nerdy kid that wore glasses and repeatedly dropped his books and I was told later that one student even said "you should die-you are worthless". Natan was not part of the group. He was not included. He would have probably worn a different color than green today because he forgot it was St. Patrick's Day. He wouldn't have celebrated with his peers because few people really "got him". He had a couple of other geeky friends--the kinds of kids that parents love and student make fun of.

Today the teachers are all wearing green ribbons in remembrance of Natan--we are all part of our own group. A group that is grieving.

Natan will always be remembered--by the teachers he challenged, by the students that are dealing with the shame of bullying him, by the nerdy kids that befriended him, by his parents that loved him and by me, the teacher who learned the lesson of patience and tolerance from him.

Related articles

• The History of St. Patrick's Day from the History Channel
• Dealing with Bullying
• Bullying (American Academy of Pediatrics)
  

Students in charge of their own education . . . .

Sounds far-fetched but, in a recent Op-ed piece in the NY Times, the author discussed how a group of 8 students, some at high risk for dropping out, participated in the Independent Project and were in charge of their own eduction. They planned what they would learn, when they would learn it, and how they would access their learning. It was a huge success. You can read the entire article here.

This got me thinking about my own students. I am fortunate to teach gifted students and I am not encumbered by a rigid curriculum. I pretty much see what they want to learn within the theme for the marking period and go with it. It is a joyful way to teach. I have students that are excited about learning because they are not using rote memorization for a change. They want to explore themes and share what they learn. They want to branch out and learn more. And they also complain constantly about their Math and English classes and how boring they are because they cannot learn at their own pace and they rehash things "a million times".

I remember while attending college for my education degree feeling the same way until I came upon an independent study class. I was in heaven! I went at my own pace (which was rapid and frantic to learn) and I created my own learning environment. What a novel idea!! I was successful and still remember that "class" information more than any other class I actually attend.

Why are we still doing what we've always done? Anthony Robbins said "If you always do what you've always done then you'll get what you've always gotten." Wise man.

Related articles

• http://dreamsofeducation.wordpress.com/2011/02/19/operation-customized-learning-the-learning-genome-project/
  

Tragedy in Japan . . .

I feel like I need to comment on the horrific tragedy in Japan. I watched the news last night and I saw hundreds of people in line waiting for food and water. Some had babies in their arms and held them for hours. Nobody complained. Nobody cut in line. Everyone was sad but orderly. Much of this can be attributed to the Japanese people's sense of community. They take care of each other--young and old.

Meanwhile, I see hundreds standing in line for the new iPad 2 and wonder if they realize how lucky they are. Is there a sense of community in these lines? Would the American people react the same to tragedy. I am not sure. I remember watching on the news when Hurricaine Katrina struck. From the beginning there were complaints and fights. Do you know there has not been one case of looting in Japan so far? Can we say the same about our country when a crisis hits?

I hope the world sees the reaction of the Japanese people--their gentleness--their sense of community--and "catches" the spirit.

Related articles

• Japan's National Tragedy (cifwatch.com)
• How you can help save the dogs and cats of Japan (retrieverman.wordpress.com)

PSSAs or March Madness . . .

Today we begin 4 weeks of PSSA testing. Although I know the value of these tests, I question the length of time that is put into taking them. Our 8th graders literally are on hold for 4 weeks. Our 6th and 7th graders take the tests for two weeks. It disrupts our teaching cycles and puts kids in a frenzy. What actually happens with these numbers? We are given PowerPoint presentations on how to administer them, rules and regulations to follow, but I have yet to hear from an administrator what actually is done with these numbers. I know that if we don't do well we don't make "the grade", so to speak, but not much more. If you, too, would like to know more about the numbers, there is a good article listed below which equates the taking of the PSSAs with March Madness. Ironic, since today I begin a unit with my enrichment students on March Madness!

Related articles

• Commentary: Real March Madness is schools' PSSA tests (pennlive.com)

Do you want to join a bookclub . . .. . .

Do you want to join a bookclub but don't have time for the meetings? Or . . . do you want to have a bookclub within your class that is private, I have the answer. Try . . . .

Book Club It

from eduTecher

BookClubIt is a very easy platform for educators to run a book club for students, educators, or a combination of the two. This organized discussion site lends itself to wonderful collaborations and communications about anything, but the database of literature from which users can select titles to discuss is vast. BookClubIt is a free site and signing up is a breeze which will allow users to be meeting and discussing their books in no time.

Ash Wednesday

Today is Ash Wednesday. According to Wikipedia . . . .

Ash Wednesday, According to Christian tradition, in the Western Christian calendar, is the first day of Lent and occurs 46 days (40 days not counting Sundays) before Easter. It is a moveable fast, falling on a different date each year because it is dependent on the date of Easter. It can occur as early as February 4 (February 5 on leap years) or as late as March 10.

Ash Wednesday derives its name from the practice of placing ashes on the foreheads of adherents as a sign of mourning and repentance to God. The ashes used are typically gathered after the palms or Palm Crosses from the previous year's Palm Sunday are burned.

I found myself wondering this morning about all of the other religious celebrations that take place that I know nothing about. At a time when religious freedom is at the core of so much bloodshed in the world, shouldn't I know more about the Muslin religion? Shouldn't I know more about the Chinese holidays since a portion of my student population is Chinese? What about the student that wears a bana, who is a member of the Sikhs? Why does he wear that and what does it symbolize?

I believe teachers have a tremendous challenge in today's world to become knowledgeable about their students and, if that means their religious customs, then so be it. Let's learn more about where these kids come from and how they celebrate their diversity in their own homes. That is my challenge to myself today. Oh, and by the way . . . .

The "bana" or form, the personal appearance of a Sikh, is one of the foremost ways that a Sikh maintains his or her consciousness as the Guru intended. The Guru has given his Sikh specific instructions to keep his or her natural form as created by God. Thus, all hair is maintained, uncut, and untrimmed. The Guru has given his Sikh a standard of dress which distinguishes him or her as a human being dedicated to a life of truthful living. The Guru has instructed his Sikhs to maintain high moral character, symbolized by the wearing of the steel bracelet, ("kara") and to stand prepared to defend righteousness, wearing the "kirpan" or sword.

The long hair of a Sikh is tied up in a Rishi knot (Joora) over the solar center (top of the head), and is covered with a turban, usually five meters of cotton cloth. (The man’s solar center is nearer the front of the head. The woman's solar center is further back.) A female Sikh may also wear a chuni (chiffon scarf) draped over it. All Sikhs cover their head while in Gurdwara. With the growing awareness of the non-sexist nature of Sikh Dharma and the Sikh lifestyle, many Sikh women wear turbans on a consistent basis, as the men do. The turban of a Sikh is his or her primary identifying feature. It is a statement of belonging to the Guru, and it is a statement of the inner commitment of the one who wears it. The uncut hair and the turban are a declaration to live in accordance with, and if necessary die in support of, the Teachings of the Sikh Gurus and the Siri Guru Granth Sahib. Regardless of the circumstances or the type of employment or activity, a Sikh keeps his or her form and identity as a Sikh. Clothes are modest, and exemplary of the identity and character of a soldier-saint. http://www.sikhnet.com/

Now, I have learned something new today and, when I see that student with the bana, I will be more aware of his culture and believes.

Related articles

• Kids ask: What's Ash Wednesday? (dsgnmomonline.wordpress.com)

Web quests

As part of a grad course I am taking I have been asked to evaluate web quests from http://zunal.com/ and QuestGarden.com. First, I must say that I am shocked that more teachers don't use web quests. They are a perfect way to have students work collaboratively and/or at a higher level of thinking. Having said this, I was surprised when I evaluated about a dozen of these web quests at the low level of questions and tasks that were on them. Has nobody looked at Bloom's Taxonomy lately? Where are the questions that challenge students? Many of these web quests seemed like nothing more than busy work. I soon began to realize why teachers are not utilizing what could be a very good resource. I am therefore challenging myself (and others) to create web quests that stimulate kids, that use higher level thinking skills (compare and contrast, design, construct, formulate, etc.), and are more than busy work.

Safety issues in You Tube . . .

How many times have you played a perfectly educational You tube video only to have the dreaded f-bomb pop up in the comment section? Or, how about an ad for something totally inappropriate?? You tube has a great feature called "safety mode" that I just discovered. By turning on the safety mode you can eliminate all the offensive language, ads, etc. and feel comfortable showing your little cherubs the next video. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gkI3e0P3S5E&feature=player_embedded

White Out Day

Today is White Out Day as part of WMS's Spirit Day. Obviously, you are supposed to wear all white today. I say obviously but it really isn't obvious to everyone. Several students, which shall remain nameless, came in today and asked why I was wearing white. I explained it was White Out Day and asked if they had never seen a Penn State Game. I was incredulous at their lack of participation in Spirit Day. All three of these students stated (with a perfectly innocent face) 'but it is WHITE OUT day--that means you get the white OUT and don't wear any white." I really couldn't argue with them.