Catholic Telemedia Network of Brooklyn and Queens » Blog http://ctnbq.org Enlightenment for young minds through media Fri, 23 Jul 2010 21:12:59 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 en hourly 1 Last Days of School for Teachers! http://ctnbq.org/blog/last-days-of-school-for-teachers http://ctnbq.org/blog/last-days-of-school-for-teachers#comments Fri, 18 Jun 2010 20:11:05 +0000 gkrainchich http://ctnbq.org/blog/last-days-of-school-for-teachers In reality, the last day of school is the beginning of summer! And just the thought of summer fills us with excitement.
As a former teacher and parent, who by the end of June will have had two teenage daughters graduate, I know the last day of school is filled with emotions. You’re happy to see your students move on to the next grade (hopefully), some will go to summer school, some won’t come back! Regardless, you will miss most of your students, even if they did give you a hard time.
For the schools that will be closing their doors for good, the last day could be emotional for all.
Kindergarten teachers will miss their 5 year olds and their toothless smiles, while 8th grade teachers will be celebrating commencement with their 13/14 year olds wondering if they will ever see them again.
I have many memorable last day of school moments, but two that stand out are:
Being part of a school closing that was just about to celebrate their 75th year anniversary was a tearful one – but everyone supported each other and held together, and managed to get through it.
Being part of the 8th Grade commencement celebration and leading the graduates down the Church aisle with my colleagues was an honor and one that I will cherish. Sharing my students’ success brought tears to my eyes.
Whether the last day of school is somber, sad, or joyful, I know it’s a roller coaster ride for all, you survived! and you should be proud of yourself…
On behalf of CTN and myself enjoy your many gifts, rest over the summer, and we’ll see you again in September! Oh, and don’t forget to check back to our website to see what we are planning for you – we’ll post some updates.

]]> http://ctnbq.org/blog/last-days-of-school-for-teachers/feed 0 No Student Left Untested http://ctnbq.org/blog/no-student-left-untested http://ctnbq.org/blog/no-student-left-untested#comments Fri, 14 May 2010 18:16:15 +0000 gkrainchich http://ctnbq.org/?p=424 “NO STUDENTS LEFT UNTESTED” should be the new slogan instead of NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND

New York State Exams … Are the exams helping by making us accountable?
Or are we spending too much time/effort teaching for the test?
My story: When I began teaching the 4th grade, I was very nervous. I knew that preparing students for the state exams was not going to be a walk in the park. I had to prepare them for three state exams: ELA, Math, and Science. The exams were to be taken within three months of each other, with little time in between. The fourth grade was self contained, which made it even more difficult.
Expectations were high:  I knew, starting the beginning of the school year, my class was well prepared. Their former 3rd grade teacher was a great colleague and supportive. She was a disciplinarian with phenomenal teaching skills. Knowing that the students had a solid foundation going into the 4th grade was important and helpful. I was hard on myself, and felt the pressure.
Planning: First of all, I decided to teach “for the exams” during the mornings for the first 2 semesters. I knew that the students’ attention span would be best in the mornings. I taught and mixed all three subjects, ELA, Math, and Science with the other subjects including social studies and religion during the day. I taught other subjects after lunch.
Whichever of the state subjects weren’t taught in the morning was taught the following day in the AM again. My philosophy was not to overwhelm them with material. I made sure I didn’t introduce new topics that were lengthy or would deviate from our goal.
Secondly, I explained to all the students the rubrics grading system: 5, 4, 3, 2, 1. I felt that it was important for them to understand and set personal goals for these tests. I set high standards for all my students. 2’s were not acceptable and everyone strived for 5’s.
Results: In a June  faculty meeting, I was given my class state results. I remember that my principal sealed the results in a white envelope and handed them to us. Some of the envelopes had a happy smile sticker, some didn’t. I received my envelope (with a sticker) and discretely opened it.  I felt a big load off my shoulders, seeing all the 3’s and 4’s.  Most of the 3’s were just a few points away from being 4’s.  I had one 5 and two high 2’s, coming very close to 3’s.  I was proud of the students.  They worked hard and it showed.  It was a group effort.
I admit, teaching the fourth grade was not easy, but preparation and planning prevailed.
I had an end of the year pizza party and invited the 3rd grade teacher. The following year, due to cut backs, classes were minimized and I was offered to teach the seventh grade.  Even though I said yes, I really did miss all the duress involved in teaching/preparing for state testing.

As you prepare your students for the State exams throughout these next few weeks, think of these questions and give us your feedback.

What teaching philosophy works for you?
Do you feel that there is too much emphasis on teaching for the state exams?
It seems like everything we do in the classroom is in preparation for the state exams. But, is this really necessary? Are we putting unnecessary pressure on our students?

]]> http://ctnbq.org/blog/no-student-left-untested/feed 0 Eating Healthy – The Effects on Classroom Performance. http://ctnbq.org/blog/eating-healthy-the-effects-on-classroom-performance http://ctnbq.org/blog/eating-healthy-the-effects-on-classroom-performance#comments Thu, 29 Apr 2010 16:32:40 +0000 gkrainchich http://ctnbq.org/?p=387 We all have had a student or students who seemed so overly active in class that we asked:  “What did you eat this morning?” or, “It seems like you had too much sugar this morning.” Well, if you’ve made these remarks before towards your students, there is scientific and sound reasoning behind it.

School is where young people spend most of their time.  It is important to teach them healthy eating habits.  Determining who’s eating healthy and who’s not is difficult. Trying to link a student’s performance to his eating habits is even harder, but what we do know is that eating a well-balanced meal, especially breakfast (the first meal of the day) is paramount for students to perform well academically.  Eating breakfast and eating healthy keeps students alert, and helps get them ready for the day.  Here is an interesting website with a study supporting the relationship between healthy lifestyles and school performance: http://clearinghouse.missouriwestern.edu/manuscripts/203.php

My experience: When I taught Junior High in the Bronx, every morning when parking my car in the lot, I would see a handful of students in front of the deli picking up a quick breakfast meal.

One morning, I decided to go in the store and try out their coffee. To my amazement, candy and soda was being purchased and consumed by students. Right away I thought…”This is NOT good for you. It’s too early for candy and soda!!”

As much as I wanted all my students to eat a healthy breakfast I knew it wasn’t happening, and after my experience in the deli, it was confirmed that they weren’t eating healthy.  I did see a connection between their eating habits and their behavior in the mornings.  They would come in so revved up and so hyper.  The school lunches didn’t help either: fried foods were always on the menu, chicken fingers, French fries, and hamburgers.  I quickly realized that changing eating habits had to take place from the top and it wasn’t going to be easy.

Things have changed since then. There has been a push to promote healthy eating in schools, from banning soda machines to partnering with school districts to promote and manage catering services, with a focus on serving fresh foods expertly prepared by a team of chefs.

Consider using these CTN resources that can help students learn of the importance of  eating healthy.  All are available ON DEMAND and on eView.

Nutrition (Learning Seed)
These programs give you an insight into nutrition basics and explain why food matters. They give you an overview and explanation into the processes and effect of your body systems, pertaining to nutrition.
Grade Level: 5-8
Duration: 19-25 minutes a program

Teen Cuisine
Make your own healthy snacks with Teen Cuisine. Eat right and be wise. The focus is on fun, easy nutritional snacks for children to cook on their own. Cooking tips and quick bites promoting foods for energy and menus scheduled for every month of the school year.
Grade Level: 4-8
Duration:  5 minutes a program

Deskercise
Deskercise is a daily classroom fitness series that can help fight childhood obesity. Host Slim Goodbody is sure to keep viewers engaged and moving!
Program: National Nutrition Month
Grade Level: Pre-K -2
Duration: 10 minutes a program

-What are you doing as a teacher to support healthy eating?
-What are some things your school is doing to promote healthy eating?

Send us your comments.

]]> http://ctnbq.org/blog/eating-healthy-the-effects-on-classroom-performance/feed 1 NCEA – Laptop Project http://ctnbq.org/blog/ncea-laptop-project http://ctnbq.org/blog/ncea-laptop-project#comments Fri, 16 Apr 2010 16:54:50 +0000 gkrainchich http://ctnbq.org/blog/ncea-laptop-project On my final day, I attended a school visit provided by the Academy of Holy Angels. This school was the talk of the town.

They started a project called Project Laptop where every child in their school is given a laptop computer to use on a daily basis during school and outside of school.  The students lease the laptops and the package includes the computer, software, accessories, technology support, ongoing training, and a warranty. Textbooks are no longer used. Success of this project was a school group effort from the principal to all the teachers. They all had to share the same philosophy and be in sync with the idea that implementing technology on a daily basis is the way to go in the 21st Century. All teachers at Holy Angels had to be trained to use technology and teach the skills young people need in a digitally connected fast-paced world.

Holy Angels put this project in place two years ago, and the students love it!They feel that Project Laptop is helping them get ready for college by showing them how to be responsible and how to be organized. Not to mention, the students are getting on-hand learning instructions.
As I toured the school with other educators and administrators, the students seemed very engaged with what was being taught.  Most of the lesson plans were all being synchronized from one monitor where the teacher had control.

My overall feeling was that this project gave students a portal beyond classroom walls where learning is alive, interactive, and spontaneous. It unleashed their innate curiosity and engaged them in exploration and collaboration, but this project does require a hefty financial demand that most of our schools aren’t ready for.

The reality is that geographically and financially our schools compared to Holy Angels are in different camps.  More grants and sponsorships need to be available for these projects – maybe for one of our schools.

What are your reactions towards this Laptop project?

Do you see it working in your school?

If you and all of your students had access to a laptop for every class, how would this change your daily teaching?

How often do your students use laptops now?

]]> http://ctnbq.org/blog/ncea-laptop-project/feed 0 NCEA http://ctnbq.org/blog/ncea http://ctnbq.org/blog/ncea#comments Mon, 12 Apr 2010 01:17:16 +0000 gkrainchich http://ctnbq.org/uncategorized/ncea This week I attended the National Catholic Education Association hosted in downtown Minneapolis. This year’s theme is Leadership- Direction- Service, and how we, in our current positions as teachers, priests, or administrators should continue promoting this theme.

Impressions:
I arrived at this beautiful city and was impressed with its environmentally, eco- friendly, well-kept surroundings. Not to mention, VERY trustworthy. From the airport, I took a tram to the light rail, equivalent to our subway system. After paying for my train ticket, there was no one to redeem it. I later found out that Minneapolis’ train system doesn’t require collecting tickets – only purchasing them. They will let you pay and validate your own ticket and ride the train. Police officers occasionally will ask to see your ticket and fines will follow if you do not have one.

Right away, I thought “how trustworthy can you be? “… and how this paying method will NEVER work in New York City.

I transferred for the bus that left me right in front of the hotel. Their bus system runs on very narrow streets, with plenty of security and police presence.
Downtown Minneapolis boasted high-end retail stores with a very trendy modern look, great restaurants, as well as some historical landmark buildings and churches like the National Shrine of St. Paul Cathedral and The Basilica of St. Mary, the nation’s first Basilica. Minneapolis was a throwback of the old and the new in one.

Day 1:
I started my morning by attending Mass and the opening liturgy. The convention keynote speaker was Father James Martin, S.J., an author who uses laughter as the key to a better spiritual life. His speech was incredibly funny, uplifting, and very inspiring. His focus was on the different vocations of life. He reminded all of us not to take life so seriously, and have fun living God’s proclamation..

The opening ceremony featured The Most Reverend John C. Nienstedt, Archbishop of Saint Paul and Minneapolis. During the homily, St. Paul was quoted and we were reminded that his words serve as a reflection of today’s society. “ I hand on to you what I received,” which is what we continue to do within our faith and ministry as Catholic teachers, and that is… evangelizing. To top off this panel of great speakers, there was a pianist, a guitarist, and a chorus of Catholic school students to make it an uplifting start to my day.

Sessions
The first session I attended was from Tim Welch, a High School teacher who uses technology everyday to engage his students. He shared with us different catechetical media methods from oral traditions to pod casting proclamations, leading up to the technological tools of today… and perhaps beyond.
He showed us the latest technology and its practical use, and how to engage the learner through technology. His methods were realistic to the classroom. He felt that you must use conversion, get the students’ attention first, then teach – this is when evangelization begins. He felt that storytelling (orality) leads to proclamation and allows others to proclaim.
He believed in telling stories through sounds, rhythms, rhymes, and vibrant colors. Most of his presentations were on PowerPoint. He got all of us students involved.

Using manipulatives in the classroom has historically worked. Now, using current media as a teaching tool – will lead students into today’s fast-paced media world. For our teachers, using Discovery Education Streaming is a great example of his “conversion” technique. Teaching the learner through one of their many “catchy” streaming videos is a great eye opener and great warm-up, sure to keep your students engaged.

The point of the session was to find a creative way to get your students’ attention prior to teaching and the best way to do this – is through media.

This is a link to some of his online resources and digital storytelling tools:

www.stclouddiocese.org/media/

Did anyone attend the NCEA? What were your thoughts?

What are your thoughts on conversion as Tim Welch describes it?

How do you get your class’ attention?

Have you ever engaged/inspired your students using media? What kind of media did you use?

I would love to hear from you and some of your thoughts and ideas pertaining to this topic.

]]> http://ctnbq.org/blog/ncea/feed 0 Cell phones in the classroom http://ctnbq.org/blog/cell-phones-in-the-classroom http://ctnbq.org/blog/cell-phones-in-the-classroom#comments Mon, 15 Mar 2010 14:05:47 +0000 gkrainchich http://ctnbq.org/blog/cell-phones-in-the-classroom Every teacher’s nightmare is hearing a student’s cell phone go off while trying to teach. What do you do if this happens? How do you control misuse of cell phones in the classroom?
We have rules and policies already in place to combat cell phone use, but have you considered using cell phones as a TEACHING TOOL?
Believe it or not, there are advantages to using cell phones as a resource in the classroom.

My story: I remember preparing a lesson plan for hours the night before, for a classroom book report, “The Outsiders” – a classic by: S.E. HINTON. I knew the information well enough, but wanted to gather and research a personal biography of the author.
My introduction was going to cover and compare gangs in today’s society with gangs in the 50’s, using characters from the book. Part of the procedure was going to be introducing the author’s background to the classroom…I remember asking, “Who knows who S.E.HINTON is?” After a brief pause, a student who sat in the back, raised her hand and said, “she is an author who wrote books in the 50’s.” I was impressed. My second question was, “What kind of books did she write?” There was a pause again, the young girl raised her hand and said, “She wrote young adult books,” and named at least (5) of the books.
At this point, I was more than impressed. I was suspicious. Not to ever doubt my student’s knowledge, but she wasn’t that studious.
I walked towards her, and realized she was researching the information on Google using her cell phone for the answers.
Even though her action was wrong by having the phone in the first place, I must admit I was quite impressed with her ability to research the information so QUICKLY….
That information was researched and is now stored in her head. The answer was literally at her fingertips.

These are some Pros and Cons for using cell phones in the classroom:

Pros:
-Check the spelling/definition of a word
-Research a topic (Internet Access)
-Look up reference images
-Pull up maps (even with satellite imagery)
-Document a science lab with built-in digital camera/video
-Field Trips can be documented
-Fact check on the fly
-Mail questions to teachers they might be embarrassed to ask
-Take quizzes
-Record and/or listen to podcasts

Cons:
-Sending friends text messages during class time
-Sending or receiving test answers
-Bullying or harassment via unwanted text messaging
-Taking and distributing inappropriate digital photos of students

Food for thought:
• Smart boards are replacing the use of blackboard and chalk. Will cell phones replace calculators and dictionaries?
• Environmentally, how can the use of cell phones be helpful?

Website to consider:
• http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/16/technology/16phone.html

]]> http://ctnbq.org/blog/cell-phones-in-the-classroom/feed 0 Bullying http://ctnbq.org/blog/bullying http://ctnbq.org/blog/bullying#comments Fri, 29 Jan 2010 18:39:20 +0000 admin http://ctnbq.org/wp/blog/bullying Bullying in the classroom…. It’s distracting and can be psychologically disturbing for any student. Bullying is affecting our students in many ways. Most of the time it goes beyond the classroom. Kids also get bullied during lunchtime, at lunch recess, at dismissal and even on the Internet. This form of bullying is referred to as cyber bullying. Any form of bullying is bad for the student’s self-esteem and can lead to more serious consequences if not monitored.

My Story: When teaching the sixth grade, I had a student who constantly was being picked on. He didn’t dress with designer clothes, he wasn’t popular and was not accepted by most of his classmates. Not to mention, he was a transfer student adjusting to a new school. I tried several things to STOP the bullying, but to no avail! The bullying started right from the beginning of the school year. I was determined to put a stop to this. My focus was on the students that were doing the bullying. I spoke to the parents, had some come in for a conference, I gave out demerits, and assigned detention. It seemed that the bullying would not stop. So at that point, I spoke to the student that was being victimized and told him to pick his head up, take a stand and have more confidence in himself. I gave him a bigger role in the class, made him my messenger and made him a vocal part of the class and got him more involved in class activities. His confidence went up the roof; towards the middle of the year he was interacting more and was FINALLY being accepted. I even had to call on him a few times for excessive talking (believe it or not.) The student was transformed from a shy insecure boy to being confident and outgoing.

When I think back to my crazy beloved 6th grade class, I think of this situation, and how lucky I was as an educator to make a difference in this student’s life. I also know that if I wasn’t attentive and pro active of the situation, it could have easily gone the other direction.

Did you know that repeated mean and derogatory text messages could be a type of bullying?

Did you know that 150,000 students stay home each day because they are afraid of being harassed by their peers?

What do you do as a teacher to AVOID bullying in the classroom?

Share with us your stories- good or bad. Tips and advice will help other teachers.

This is a helpful on-line link for kids to understand what is bullying. What you can do to prevent bullying. There are interactive webisodes and games too!

http://stopbullyingnow.hrsa.gov/kids/why-kids-bully.aspx

You could also schedule a CTN program ON DEMAND or preview it on eView. These are the programs we have available relating to bullying.

1-Stephen’s Test of Faith Grades 3-5 (NMA003) 30 minutes

2- Kingdom and Culture Grade 8 (VU26) 30 minutes

“Cliques and Bullying – Wanting to Belong”

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