The Power of Technology

On May 21, 2015, many Gainfield students and families came together to celebrate technology.  Student presenters showed off their knowledge of tech tools such as Google Drive, Discovery Education, Voice Thread, Destiny Quest (book reviews), and much, much more!  The night began with a brief presentation by Mrs. Smith and me about the recent technology shifts that are shaping our teaching practices.  Then, families ventured to the LMC to learn about various tech tools students use at our school.  Parents reflected on their own new learning by commenting via an online Padlet.  A fun, informative night was had by all.

 Third grade students demonstrating the power of Google Earth software.

Fourth grade students smiling about using their Voice Memo app to gain greater reading fluency.

A kindergarten student shows a parent the capabilities of Pebble Go database for early reader research.

Tasty Books

Most everyone knows about food and wine tastings. The gist is that you get a sampling of many different flavors without consuming too much of one specific thing, right? Same goes for a book tasting.  The students at Gainfield School have experienced this before. To get to know Kathleen Krull's wonderful biographies this past fall, students sat before one of her books, had a recording sheet to write down their opinion, a SmartBoard timer and their own "getting to know book" strategies---then they were off! It's amazing what you can learn about a book in just two minutes. After their tasting, students rotate to another spot at their tables to "taste" another gem.

Each year in Connecticut, librarians, teachers and students wait in anticipation for May 1st. On this day, the Connecticut Nutmeg Nominated books make their debut.  At Gainfield School this May, second graders were the first to get their hands on the 2016 Elementary Nutmegs. Students took their job as tasters very seriously. The only sighs I heard were those when I announced that the books were not yet available for checking out. Aaaah, I love my job!

Gotta Love a Goldfish!

I came across this book, Not Norman, a Goldfish Story by Kelly Bennett and immediately related to the concept.  Growing up, I longed for a dog, a pet I could play with and call my own. Because my father was a bit afraid of dogs, we never got one. During one carnival after school, my sister won a goldfish. Rose was her name. Rose, the only pet we ever had was loved, cared for, admired. Yes, she was only a goldfish, but she was all we had. After three long days, we found Rose floating at the top of her bowl. My sister and I were devastated. No, Rose wasn't what most people would call a super pet, but she was ours.  The boy in this book soon realizes the same about his goldfish Norman.

I liked this book so much that I decided to create a two part lesson for kindergarten with it. First, we discussed the qualities of a good pet. While reading students were to think about ways Norman was a good pet.  Students then completed the sentence, "Norman, the goldfish, was a good pet because... (opinion writing in disguise)!" Next class, students illustrated Norman in his bowl and created him by using their hand and a little paint. As you can see, they enjoyed the lesson and I enjoyed remembering my pet goldfish Rose.

Try Something New in the New Year: Coding!

Recently, millions of students and adults took part in the "Hour of Code," (http://code.org/) a worldwide event that introduced computer programming and its "awesomeness" to anyone willing to give it a chance.  I had never really known much about computer science; in fact, I was a bit intimidated by it all.  But once I saw the faces of the students, I knew its value and appeal.

The excitement was palpable as students reached new levels of their programs.  To the students, coding feels like games.  After spending this time K-5 witnessing the "Power of Code"--I am hooked. We need to carve out more opportunities like this for our students--play on!

Giving the Gift of Reading

This marks my first post on my brand new blog.  This much overdue project comes at what many consider the busiest time of the year.  With all of the gift giving, running around and all around fast pace that comes with the holiday season, what I am reminded of is the power of reading.  Books are anything but fast...they slow us down, as we deliberately read and ponder over each and every word.

Last year during the holidays, I asked staff G.E.S. staff members to display a book that had been a gift in their lives, but with all of the hustle and bustle, I forgot to do it myself.  If I were to do it this year, It Must Be Hard to Be a Mother, by Rosalind Welcher would be my pick, hands down.

This is a story of a mother who is so busy taking care of her child.  Despite the hard work, the book ends by making it clear that being a mother is the most wonderful job in the world.  My mother passed this book down to me.  With its scribbles and ripped pages, it was loved and loved and loved. As a new mom (for the second time), I consider the memory of this book a precious gift this holiday season. It reminds me that my own children and those I read to each and every day at Gainfield School are my most special blessings.