April 22, 2010

Powerful Learning Practice (PLP)

Mrs. Cihak, Mrs. DiTore, and I have been part of a professional learning community this year. We have attended classes face to face (f2f), attended online classes (Elluminate sessions) and had the opportunity to network with other educators. During this time there was time to speak and listen. In order to speak it was necessary to "raise your hand." How do you raise your hand online? There is a small virtual hand beside your name which you click and the hand is raised! We have worked, worked, worked! The faculty has been part of the process. Teachers have been learning tools such as Wiki, blogs, and Diigo. The goal this year was for teachers to become familiar with these tools and learn about them. However, many teachers have launched into the unknown of using these tools for student learning! Why have they made such giant steps? The answer is simple-children and how they learn today.

Several teachers have begun wikis for their students and many students have expressed how much they enjoy "learning new things on the computer." Students are learning how to collaborate with others, reading what classmates write, talking to classmates about what they are learning, and enjoying learning. We are at the beginning of including 21st century technology in teaching. But we have started and will continue to do so for the children of St. William School.

Time out for prayer- Grade 4

Today in grade 4 a student went to the prayer table and rang a bell at 9:00. The bell is rung on every hour. The purpose of ringing the bell on the hour is to be aware of the presence of God. During the Easter season the students pray, "This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad."

Perimeter- Grade 2? Area - Grade 4?

The children in grade 2 are beginning to learn perimeter. It is at the introductory level but a needed steppingstone for further development in upper grades.

Grade 4 reviewed perimeter and started measuring by area. Students are beginning to realize that memorization of multiplication facts is needed for determining area. While this can be determined on a calculator students need to understand the process for determining area.

Earth Day - Grade 2

Today second grade are talking about caring for the earth. They have read and signed pledges to help be earth caretakers. Earth day visors have been made and three student sang a song about Earth day over the speaker for the whole school. A few econd grade suggestions for taking care of the earth are:

1. Use rechargeable batteries
2. Use natural light instead of electric light (on bright days)
3. Don't throw litter on the ground

Second grade is full of ideas for recycling!

April 20, 2010

Grade 4 Wiki

Grade 4 students are learning alot from each other using their science wiki!  Student comments regarding the wiki:

Mom, I have to do my homework right now on the wiki!
It is great not using a pencil and paper for homework!
The wiki is better than writing.
I like learning new things from kids in class.
Ms. Trainor, can I do everything on the wiki at once?

A wiki is a tool that can be used for group work or collaboration.  The extent of the work depends on the grade level.  Using technology to learn is part of 21st century learning!  Visit the 4th grade wiki if you have not done so. 

Second Grade - energetic class

Today when I went to Mrs. Zanel's room the children were very quick to stand up and say "Good Morning."  I said to them, "you are the most energetic class I have met this morning."  They informed me that have done the "brain wave" in gym with Mrs. Zanel.  Mrs. Z. asked if I would like to hear it and I said "yes, I can use some brain wave" energy.  The second grade did the "brain wave dance" which involved using all parts of their body.  They were so happy and full of smiles.  When you need some energy, ask your child to show you the brain wave dance!  The second grade gave me a burst of energy and the gift of sheer delight!

First Grade Mathematicians, Writers, and Artists

The first grade have been studying several geometric shapes.  Today they cut out their own shapes and formed pictures from their shapes.  There was a lot of creativity taking place as they thought about their pictures.  After completing their picture they did a "rough draft" of their story about the picture.  The first grade mathematicians, artists, and writers are now in the process of writing a good copy.  Before long their projects will be hanging in hallway for all to enjoy!

April 16, 2010

Walk-a-Thon

This morning intermittent spritzes of rain made us wonder if we would have our annual Walk-a-Thon.  However, clouds gave way to a beautiful blue sky and sunshine.  Everyone gathered in the schoolyard around 1:00.  Younger children walked with older students/buddies.  We walked down Robbins to Lawndale St.  From Lawndale we went to Deveraux.  At the corner of Rising Sun and Deveraux, a parent school crossing guard, helped us to safely cross the street.  The walk had many children cheering and singing.  People driving past honked their horns to the delight of children!  The walk continued to Hasbrook (where students cheered for Mrs. McDonough's mother who was watching the walk-thank you Mrs. Jackson.)  We continued down Hasbrook to Robbins, up Robbins, and into the schoolyard.  The Home and School had water ice for all involved in the walk!  Students found shady spots in the yard to enjoy their water ice and sat and relaxed.  It was a great walk and enjoyed by many!

Skype to Australia

Sixth graders are busy working on their Australian wiki.  You can visit their wiki at swsaustralia.wikispaces.com.  The students posted questions about Australia on their wiki.  This morning Mrs. Kane and Mrs. Cihak skyped to Australia.  Mrs. Cihak's brother and his family live in Australia.  The 6th grade and the 7th grade came together at 8AM (our time) and 10:00PM (Australian time).  It was amazing to see Mrs. Cihak's brother (Mr. Winters) right in the classroom.  Students took turns asking questions and Mr. Winters answered.  Did you know that the second language taught in Australia is Japanese?  Did you know that a 4 year college education costs $16,000?

Skype is meant to demonstrate to students that they can connect with a global community.  This is part of 21st century learning!

Students will continue with their project and make group oral presentations next week.

April 15, 2010 - Zoo Day

What a beautiful day it was for the zoo!  Students in PreK through grade 5 departed this morning on 7 yellow school buses with teachers, parents, and chaperones!  Watching the joy on the faces of the children is a gift!  Waves were plentiful as they left for the Philadelphia Zoo! 

Students loved their time, despite crowds, at being in the zoo!

Teachers told me that bus drivers said that the St. William children were friendly, polite, and courteous!  What a great compliment!