New Year New Start 2021

 I know that most people are "over" or "done" with 2020 and the pandemic.  The NEW YEAR means new starts and new opportunities.  Shouldn't every NEW YEAR be embraced? 

When I wrote one year ago, I would have not predicted one thing from March 13 to today.  Nope - none of it!   Here is my post from 1 year ago 2019 Year in Review

I had picked my one word last year to be "engaged".  Well, when I pick a word, it always surprises me how it is fulfilled or carried out.  I never thought that it would mean being ENGAGED in teaching my children from home.  It didn't mean connecting with students over a chat on TEAMS.  It did not mean checking in with friends and family via zoom, text, etc...  I have had to find new ways to ENGAGE my students.  I think that the word fit the last year better than expected!

So onto 2021...my word that I keep coming back to is "ENOUGH".  It has a slightly negative connotation.  But I am ENOUGH.  I am doing ENOUGH.  I am good ENOUGH.  I have had ENOUGH of COVID 19.  But what is the real definition of ENOUGH?  From dictionary.com, it says "adequate for the want or need; sufficient for the purpose or to satisfy desire".  I think that this sounds good ENOUGH for me!

I am giving up on the 1 second a day app.  I actually figured out how to do my own montage using the video software on my computer plus I just cannot add to my list of daily "to dos".  I will share last year's when I catch up adding pictures to it from March - November.  

Here is a link to my 1 Second mash up for 2020     2020

I am going to try two podcasts about my faith.  I try to keep this blog focused on professional topics, but I am still human.  So you can either stop reading here or check them out below!

1. I have always wanted to read the Bible. I think that most Christians have tried to read the whole book or have good intentions to try it.  Well, I found a podcast by a Catholic Priest that I follow from time to time who is reading the Bible this year.  I usually listen to him on YouTube when I am driving alone and need something to listen to.  Well, the cool thing is that it follows the "Great Adventure" Bible.  I had not heard of it and could not justify buying another Bible. 

GOOSEBUMP STORY - Well, last week, I popped into work in a terrible mood, super stressed out, and ready to "lose it".  It was a BAD day in home learning (actually the worst in the past 9 months kind of bad day!).  A co-worker from the maintenance department whom I barely know other than a polite wave and facebook 'friend' approached me and asked if I wanted some Catholic books.  Sure...then he went on to say something like "I also have this Great Adventure Bible if you want it"  WHAT _ WAIT_ STOP_ SHUT UP.  I had not even told my husband that I wanted this exact Bible or was considering listening to this podcast.  It was like God was saying to me - here is what you NEED!
Here is a link if you are interested in the podcast -  Bible in a Year.  I honestly don't know where I will find 20 minutes to listen, but it is a novel goal and 2 of my children are super interested.  

2. I have a book that I borrowed from my daughter's book shelf in April and put on my "TO READ" stack.  I have honestly looked at it, moved it, hid it, etc... The other day it reappeared back on my nightstand and not by me!   Maybe hubby?  Then I saw another Catholic blogger who is going to tackle this book in 10 minutes a day.  BUT I already want to listen to another podcast that I do not think that I have time for.  How can I find time for a second?  Honestly, no clue...maybe while I get ready in the morning?  Maybe 1 day a week I can play catch up?  Maybe it won't happen.  It will be recorded for me and ready when I am ready.  
Here is a link to that podcast as well - St. Faustina's Diary

So here is to a NEW YEAR and a NEW START.  I look forward to trying some new science activities, new podcasts, and balance home and school.  I don't see an easy road ahead...but inch by inch it is a cinch is the old saying! 

DeSTEMber part 2

 Week 3 and 4 were done virtually.  So I had to modify the assignments and activities.

Grade K - 2 for week 3 was all about Santa's sleigh.  The book was called "The 12 Sleighs of Christmas".  The librarian and I picked the same story and activity without discussing it with each other.  So my response rate was lower.  Here is a link to the story on YouTube (and directions).  

Grade K - 2 did a jingle bell challenge for week 4.  I know that the video says week 2, but I created it before our schedule changed.  The goal was to make your jingle bell the QUIETEST!  It was fun seeing and hearing the ideas on Seesaw.  Two students actually suggested taking the bell apart.  Here is a link to the activity video.  Jingle Bell video

Grade 3 and 4 did a gingerbread house design challenge.  First, my son and I created a video and learned how to use some of the video editing software on the computer.  I LOVE the ability to mash pictures on my own.  I have tried an app called 1 second every day.  This serves the same purpose with lots more options.  So I created my instruction video on this software then uploaded a UNLISTED video to YouTube.  

Here are a few my student creations.  

Some students also chose to DRAW the pictures.  A previous art teacher even did a Facebook class on gingerbread houses.  Here is link to her gingerbread drawing activity online by Rachel Berlin.  Gingerbread art class

Grade 3 and 4 had Holiday Coding as the final DeSTEMber activity.  We used Google Santa Tracker and Grinch Hour of Code.  Students could pick and chose one of the activities.  Here are the links for next year!  Inside Google Santa tracker is Code Boogie and Code Lab. 

Google Santa Tracker
Grinch Hour of Code

Overall, I enjoyed the blended activities of school and home.  The challenges led to new opportunities and thinking outside the box.  

De"STEM"ber part 1

 Students in our district returned to school in person on Tuesday, December 1st.  The debate and controversy and uncertainty was heavy in the air, but I wanted to make the activities special for the students.  I found the idea to do De"STEM"ber this month so that is what we did!  

Week 1 of De"STEM"ber:

Grade 3 and 4 did a tessellation tree the first week and reviewed how to find information on TEAMS.  The outcome was pretty cool.  I kept each class separate so that it would be easier to return later.    Here is the link to the printable.  Tessellation printable   

Here are the six tessellation trees...the other classes missed because of a snow day and no school on Nov. 30th.  

Here is our link to learn more about tessellations as well!

Grade Kindergarten through 2nd grade made upcycled or recycled trees using "dust jackets".  Students then practiced taking a picture on SeeSaw for future remote learning.  The challenge was teaching how to create a star at the top.  Overall, this went well.  I also created this video incase that we had to do it remote - Loom video link  

Here are a few creations:

                                                         

                                                     

Week 2 of De"STEM"ber brought new fun activities:

K - 1 created a reindeer face like a puzzle using a sheet with pieces to cut out and assemble.  Then they were put on a "letter" to families on how to turn the reindeer into a marble run!  
Here is a link to the pieces - Savvy Teaching blog link

      

So one side is the directions to make a reindeer marble run with cardboard tubes and the other side is the cute kid created reindeer.  I will try to add some pictures here soon!

Plus we had fun watching the "Reindeer Cam" most days as well as we worked - Reindeer Cam

2nd grade worked on learning to make paper beads.  Wow - this was a challenge.  I would only repeat with older students or pre-printed triangles.  I used this video to show how to do it then we attempted to upcycle old magazines.  They could make an ornament or a necklace.  Some loved it...some tried and struggled.  

Grade 3 and 4 worked on a book mark that could be turned into a Christmas tree and 4 out of 5 days included GLITTER.  I never use glitter and it was messy fun.  No regrets since next week will be remote!  Here is the video I created for directions - Bookmark tree video

Next week is back to remote learning and new lessons for De"STEM"ber!  

Look for part 2 around 12/23 when we are done with the next two weeks of home learning!

Memories and traditions

This morning, I woke up early and scurried to the basement to help Santa's elves wrap a few packages for Christmas.  I started last night, but nosy curious children derailed progress.  Usually, we pick a fun outing for the kids to the YmCA or gymnastics for a Kids Night Out...but those are not really an option this year.  I know that it is only November 29th, but I do not like to wait until the last minute.  In our house, my husband buys 85% of the gifts throughout the year when he finds a special item or good deal.  I have no idea what is the totes until he reveals the items to me.  It like Christmas for me.  It is our family TRADITION!  As I wrapped in the silence, I had time to think and reflect and pre-write this post.

I know that this year will be different.  The mall Santa is "protected" in plexiglass.  There are fewer holiday events in our communities.  I know that people are stressing about who to invite to their holiday dinner.  But different can be a good thing too...it allows to find new traditions and create new memories. And I do not feel obligated to fill every weekend with running around...more quiet home time for our family.

In STEAM, we are celebrating the entire month with something that I am calling De"STEM"ber.  I totally borrowed this from other teachers, but made it my own.  The activities can be done at school, at home, or a combination!  I do not want to say too much, but I am SO excited to start them on Tuesday at school!?!? Often, the older students bring their laptops to STEAM and we code on Code.org and listen to instrumental holiday music in December.  However, I feel that we are all over screen timed currently, so I think that this will a good switch! 

At our house, we are keeping many items the same, but I am trying a new holiday/advent book with activities.  I try to keep my blog secular, but at times I do mention my faith.  The book is called "When Will It be Christmas".  I am excited for the activities, verses, and reflection.  

In the past, we have tried another book "The Advent Storybook", but it was deep and not always of interest to the younger children.  

We also have an elf that visits our house.  Each year, we have a theme.  Last year was "Games Reindeer Play" this year is "Creating" a Magical Christmas.  We will be making him a mask, "digging" into the holiday season (mini digging kits from the dollar tree), and a few other crafts along the way.  I might also use some of my pins from Pinterest.  

Look for updates on our De"STEM"ber adventures in STEAM and our family holiday traditions.

What are you doing to keep up with traditions or create magical memories this year?

Home learning continued

Many adults as children set up their dolls, stuffed animals, etc... as their "class".  It was something that we did for FUN.  As the "teacher", we might find one sibling to participate, but most of the time it was just us and the toys.  You would create a math problem on some flat surface maybe a board.  You would call on random "children" hoping for an answer.  "Mr. Bear what is the answer to 7 + 3."  Then the teacher would change their voice and answer for Mr. Bear.  "It is 10".

My crazy Saturday morning AH HA is that asynchronous learning feels the SAME WAY!  Many of my teacher friends are "talking" to their students by name when they are no where near by.  One teacher friend even compared it to romper room and Molly and her Magic Mirror earlier this week.  Online teaching feels like this.   Many teachers are BACK in the empty classrooms.  YES - they are NOT teaching from home like the spring.  We are reporting to work everyday for our entire contractual day.  We are talking to our empty desks.  Teachers like me are recording videos hoping to be heard on the other side.  It is TOUGH!

However, I feel that I got two "wins" this week.  A sweet parent note about how much their child like the activity and a happy student doing his science picture! BOTH are sweet and touching for a variety of personal reasons.

Hugs to all my teacher friends across the nation!  Keep finding the WINS and keep pushing through there is a Susy, Johnny, Bobby, etc. who hears you and appreciates those videos or live meetings (even if they do not answer you!).  

Covid is less than ideal for everyone, but let us celebrate the wins not the losses.  No one knows tomorrow...so one day at a time!

I even found a news article about one teacher who has done this!  You might find some stuffed friends sitting in my STEAM room next week :)

Teaching to animals

Home Learning Week 1

 Last week on November 5th, my building had to go into "red" phase or a temporary two week shut down.

I had just finished my big election unit and was in the middle of introducing code.org to grades 3 and 4.  2nd grade was learning to use the camera on their computer.  Grade 1 was starting paired programming (covid style). K was working on tangrams.

Most of these units could not be transferred to distance learning.  So it was time to re-think our choices and options.  Thank goodness that mentally I have been preparing for this...read my last post for that intuition!

K - 2 continued their work on learning about fire safety using a choice board from the National Fire Protection Agency.  Sparky Choice Board


3rd grade was able to explore Kodables.  With the use of Clever, it auto signs students in.  Over all the students who have tried it give it 4 out of 5 stars.  It teaches the basic concepts of coding including loops and conditions in a game format!

Here is our data so far:  

You can check it out since it is a "FREEMIUM" site as well.  KODABLE

4th grade is working on code.org as normal then transitioning into EduTyping and Kodables.

As a teacher and parent, this week has been a challenge since on Wednesday I returned to the empty classroom while my children are at home.  Luckily, my husband works from home...but it makes for some interesting moments like this morning meeting picture of TJ.  

1 more week of red....then 4 school days before Thanksgiving!

Voting, fire safety, and leaves

 This year looks very different in a STEAM room during a pandemic...technology has the been the goal of the 1st 9 weeks.  Practicing skills in the event that we end up at home has been a big priority as well as figuring out safe ways to engineer.  I am excited by some units coming up in December!

This week, I created some video lessons using LOOM and uploaded them to Clever for K-2 (and it worked!) and TEAMS for 3rd and 4th.  It worked except for the one class that was not scheduled correctly (and I was out for dentist appointments).  1 out of 26 is not horrible!

Overall this is allowing me to see if they can watch my "lesson" and work independently on a task.  The answer is mostly NO, but it lets me tweak and modify as numbers rise in our county!  

Students are also getting to experience voting.  My 4th graders often remember walking to the gym in 1st grade to go and vote.  I hope that a few of my current 1st graders remember voting in STEAM in 4 years!  The website link was created by Pebble Go.  It is a secure website, so they also get to see the fun process of when you click "I am not a robot"...then you get to pick all of the traffic like pictures or the hills or vehicles.  2nd - 4th grades do this as individuals at their desk.  K and 1 come and see me to make their "vote" while the others watch a video on trees.

In addition, 3rd and 4th grade "researched" the two candidates to make a more informed decision when voting.  We used two different versions of Pebble Go Biographies and talked about databases vs. googling information.  It was a challenge for most of them to take the information off the computer and put it on paper!

K-2 did fire safety by exploring Sparky's website.  This is a favorite activity! They also listened to information on the two presidential candidates.

In mid-October, we took a technology break for a variety of reasons.  The topic was leaves...we discussed chlorophyll and photosynthesis.  K and 1 read "Leaf Man" then created their own "Leaf Man" with a leaf tracer then adding special details.  2nd - 4th created 3 dimensional leaves.  It was an inspiration of two bloggers together that let me create the tracer and a do-able pattern!  
Stlmotherhood blog and Makes and Takes blog

Here are some leaf pictures:

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Garden 2020 Wrap Up

 The end of the garden season snuck up on us with a bitter frost on the grass at school this morning.  I am hoping to save the tomatoes still on the vine?!?!? Plus radishes and a mini egg plant.

So what have we (Bethany Pinzok and I) accomplished even with Covid and delays and such?

We donated to the local food pantry three times.  The first time was about 20 bags of lettuce and arugula.  The next two were about 15 bags of tomatoes.  So about 50 families got FRESH produce from our garden.  

Each bag contains 1 large green tomato and about 8 yellow mini tomatoes

Ready for deliver

Labels for the bags

We shared some with our faculty and staff at Wattsburg Area Elementary Center.  One teacher was excited to take yellow tomatoes home to an elderly family member who loves them!  Make my heart melt..

Green beans and tomatoes ready to share 

Finally, we even got some tomatoes on the lunch line a few times in September/October despite all of the barriers.  This is the ultimate goal - FARM TO TABLE!  

The yellow ones were picked that morning from the garden

Plus our project was featured on the local news recently!  It has been a labor of love this year!
Erie News Now and a link was listed on Newsbreak!

I am excited for phase 2 and teaming up with our high school agriculture class who is going to help seed starting with us!

September wrap up

 I am shocked that we have been in school for a month now!  Honestly, I thought that schools would see spikes and closings.  However, the administration did an amazing job preparing schedules, hallways, and guidance for teachers/staff.  The students in K-4 are happy to back school...they do not really notice the masks and are adjusting to spacing out.  October 20 will be the district's first day with 100% attendance K-12.  Here are a few updates on what students are doing in STEAM.  

Kindergarten:
This year, the district's tablets were moved to the Kindergarten wing so that each child would have access to a tablet.  The K team approached me for some assistance in getting K online in October.  This is way before the normal February goal.  The tablets do not need a sign in and are touch screens which was super helpful.  I actually should called them a "Windows Surface" not a tablet.   For speed, efficiency, and consistency, I chose to bookmark all 80 tablets on Google Chrome, label them, and prepare them for student use.  The machines now have "Clever" bookmarked on Google Chrome.  This is a webpage that with a simple scan of a QR code takes the students to websites and learning activities. 

The next hurdle was teaching 5 and 6 year olds how to use a Window Surface with a variety of technology backgrounds.  I have started teaching students how to turn them on, how to plug in headphones (it is a hidden door on the case), how to start to access a database called Pebble Go, and even shut them down.  Plus they had to learn to scan a QR code. 

It has gone better than expected.  I think that I can enhance my curriculum by increasing student use on the tablets in K.  In addition, we are reviewing shapes, colors, and letters with each click.  For example, Google Chrome is a circle and Clever is a blue square with a white letter C.  

1st and 2nd:
These students are online much sooner in the year in order to prepare them for the potential of a school shutdown.  Again, we are really relying on BOOKMARKING Clever for consistency and ease of access.  Students have learned how to access Pebble Go and Brain Pop Junior for fun and learning while using Clever as the portal.  The goal this week was to try leaf rubbings but the rainy weather postponed this activity so we jumped in Code.Org.  Tomorrow, my last group will wrap up the unplugged activities (some created a map in the courtyard and some did an algorithm activity using the book "Brown Bear, Brown Bear".)  Here is a link to the Brown Bear activity - Brown Bear

3rd and 4th:
Students here are focusing on TEAMS in Microsoft as well as Clever.  I plan to blend the two together with links within both.  In TEAMS, students learned to use the camera on the computer and start to upload a picture.  This is a multi-step process that will need practiced to be completely independent.  We used LEGO challenges as our topic for the activity.

In Clever, we learned to use Brain Pop and talked about robots.  Then we are transitioning into starting EDUTYPING.  I plan to really encourage students to complete the entire home row this fall then onto the top row in spring.  Many enjoy the challenge, but some students do not.  So we then switch it up after about 15-20 minutes and do other activities like art and LEGO challenges.  

WRAP-UP: 
Children are resilient...it is going to be a great school year for everyone!  If you want to check out Clever, the website is CLEVER.

Students are patient and ready to try the new technology activities.  I see them leaning many new skills out of necessity.  I am really trying to creatively figure out how to pull out all of my engineering, robotics, and electricity activities.  In the past we did these as teams and centers.  Now I am not 100% sure!

School year kick off

 I was uber nervous to start this year...more than normal.

Children are resilient and adaptable.  90-95% just wear their masks like it has always been part of their wardrobe.  Everyone is wearing a mask correctly.  They sit at desks and try their best. Super impressive!

Internet Safety is a big topic at the start of the year for my curriculum.

1st and 2nd grade used the digital citizen curriculum by Common Sense Media.

In addition, 2nd grade did a project to make snowflake gears.  Those now are in our main hallway.

3rd and 4th grade made concept mind maps about Internet Safety as well completed a "Think Outside the Box" project.  Again, these are hanging in a long lost hallway at the senior high school, but student work hanging is a big important part of the school experience.

Here are a few of our mind maps...we talked about what personal information not to share, what to do/not to do when "gaming", and how to interact with peers. Then these are posted in TEAMS for future reference. We use TEAMS to share information. 

Day 1 did a slightly different lesson, but I decided to modify for the other days! I will upload another image for those students.

Kindergarten are learning about STEAM.  We have done tin foil boats, shapes, and bubble wands.  We have had to work through not sharing and social distancing, but it is working out!