These TImes They are A Changin'

This week, I attended a two-day orientation at the University of Colorado at Boulder.  Jens will be attending in the fall (double major in English and Electrical Engineering).  He's our third child to go to CU (Go Buffs!) and this was the third orientation for his parents (we took turns).  I learned a lot and it was great fun spending time on campus!  At a session about his college, one of the directors of advising shared some interesting information with us... a 2010 study by Hart Research Associates.  The study was called, "Raising The Bar:  Employers’ Views On College Learning In The Wake Of The Economic Downturn."  As I was listening to the presentation, I was struck... the findings were certainly apropos.  I realized that the same qualities employers were looking for in college level academia were the same "views" that we, as teachers of younger children, are hoping learners will acquire.
     I read the study.  70% of those surveyed agreed that the areas colleges need to increase their focus include:

• 1) written and oral communication,
• 2) critical thinking and analytical reasoning, 
• 3) the application of knowledge and skills in real-world settings, 
• 4) complex problem-solving and analysis, 
• 5) ethical decision-making, 
• 6) teamwork skills, 
• 7) innovation and creativity, and 
• 8) concepts and developments in science and technology.     (c) Hart Research Associates

     The professor shared the university's synthesis of specific aspects of the study.  In the College of Arts and Sciences, they are hoping students will sharpen the following behaviors as learners:

• Develop critical thinking skills
• Deliver effective oral and written communication
• Hone research and organizational skills
• Learn to look at multiple sides of an issue
• Apply reasoning and logic
• Make time to meet goals and complete projects successfully
• Heighten self-confidence
• Heighten self-understanding
• Refine analytical skills
• Acquire critical reflective reading skills
• Improve numerical skills
• Work productively and in teams
• Cultivate sensitivity to individual and cultural differences  From a presentation by Peter J. Freitag

 I immediately asked to copy this powerpoint slide.  Do you see why I was struck?

     As a teacher of nine and ten-year-old learners, these are the same learning characteristics my students should develop as we work together.  So many things on "the list" I weave into my instruction via thinking strategy studies, units of study, mathematical inquiries, classroom discourse, curriculum requirements, use of technology, etc.  As we move into a "common core" we need to remember that these behaviors are of utmost import!  They sound a lot like the 21st Century Skills that we, as teachers, have been discussing for quite some time.  I think I'm going to keep this list handy as I plan for the coming year.
     Here's my inquiry question... How can I better communicate the role these components have in "coming to understand" for learners, both implicitly and explicitly?
     If employers are encouraging college students to acuminate these learning qualities, wouldn't it behoove us to let others know that we, too, value these qualities... beginning even in preschool (Isn't early childhood education the beginning of 'working productively and in teams' and 'heightening self-confidence' and 'applying reasoning and logic'?).  These qualities start in preschool... not college (although college might bring them to fruition in more complex learning situations, eh?).
     These are intriguing times for education.  Implementing the Common Core.  Rhetoric by Pundits Who Have Never Taught (D. Graves, The Energy to Teach).  Being Indundated with "Stuff" from Publishers of Canned Curriculum.  A Lack of Focus on Authentic Learning.  To quote Bob Dylan...

"Come gather 'round people
Wherever you roam
And admit that the waters
Around you have grown
And accept it that soon
You'll be drenched to the bone
If your time to you
Is worth savin'
Then you better start swimmin'
Or you'll sink like a stone
For the times they are a-changin'."

      If, in fact, these qualities are what employers are looking for, we should make sure they survive in today's educational climate.  How?  I guess that's for us to figure out.  I think I'm going to start swimming!

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On a side note... I'm glad Jens will get the chance to explore in a system that values such interesting principles of learning.  He's had a grand start... Peakview Elementary, Thunder Ridge Middle School, Eaglecrest High School... many of his teachers have already done a fine job of planting these seeds in him as a learner.  They've continued to germinate.  And, won't the advising department at his university of choice be glad to see them blossom even more?  Go Buffs!

Happy Independence Day!

Happy Birthday, America

Commemoration. 

Celebration.

Jubilation.

A declaration of freedoms old and new,

From poets, pastors, and people

like me... like you!

An anniversary. A country's birth.

Growth. Change.

Past and present.

A future.

Festivities of democracy.

Picnics.

Parades.

Fireworks.

Flags blowing in breezes...

memories, sacrifice, honor, and glory.

Salutes.

Soldiers.
Living. Dead. Fighting.

Freedom for all.

Commemoration.

Celebration.

Jubilation.

Independence.
Ours.

Happy Birthday! 

P. Allen 7/12

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     My poem is my addition to the celebration of our nation's birthday.  

Happy 4th of July!

     Lest we forget our heroes, our freedom, our democracy, or our independence... here are a baker's dozen of my favorite children's books related to the 4th of July.  In my classroom I have a basket of text "About America" that includes these titles and more.  We should help children develop a curiosity about America and her history.  Of course, there are many more great titles, but these need to be a part of every classroom library.  They are a part of mine...

A lovely introduction to the Preamble!

We can't forget Jean Fritz... her books always make us think!

Charles R. Smith, Jr. has created a lovely tribute to children. 

Beyond just Jack and Annie... 

The illustrations are truly amazing... and the words are so Colorado!

The language of Bill Martin, Jr. and company...  

Teach children what the pledge really means...

 Pam Munoz Ryan... her words are like magic!

Reminds me of childhood.

Good luck finding this one at a reasonable price.  Thank you Lee and Tomie!

Full of facts and trivia... and interesting details.

Beautiful illustrations.  Great words to sing!

This one is new.  It's a collection of poems.  It provides
an interesting spin on the details of elections, democracy (pros/cons),
and freedoms.  Ms. Wong encourages us to "look," "read," "talk," and "vote."
She encourages us to take the initiative to live freely.  The poems
could certainly serve as a launching point for great discussions, especially
during an election year.  It's a provocative collection.

Another Ralph Fletcher Hit - Guy-Write

I spent the past two days in Boulder Colorado at my son's orientation for the University of Colorado.  He'll be a freshman in the fall (my third child to become a Buff).  At this point, he's thinking of a double major - Electrical Engineering and... English!  He's very excited for two reasons 1) He gets to choose the classes he's most interested in* and 2) His advisor recommended that he spend some time exploring to whet his appetite for new learning.  He's never been an "in the box" thinker, so I'm excited for him as he begins this next journey is his life. 
     Ironically, we stopped in The Boulder Bookstore and spent a bit of time wandering the store.  If you've never been, you should put it on your bookstore bucket list.  It's a superb independent.  It's cozy.  It's in the middle of the Pearl Street Mall (which means great restaurants are only a few doors away).  It's a great place to spend some time in the afternoon with your college-bound son (or daughter).  I loved as we walked in and Jens said, "Dad, I need a new book.  What should I read?" (that's a subject for another blog entry).
     My choice today was Guy-Write: What Every Guy Writer Needs to Know by Ralph Fletcher (which was shelved in the "activity" book section... I guess even The Boulder Bookstore gets it wrong periodically).  I just saw Ralph last week at the All-Write Conference in Warsaw, Indiana.  I spent some time with him and Katie Ray by the pool talking about reading, writing, learning, and life.  It was a great evening.  I wish I had known the specifics of his "activity" book at the time so we could have weaved it into the conversation.  Trust me, it was definitely shelved in the wrong section... it's not an activity book.  This book should be out front for every child (especially those middle grade/middle school boys) to get their hands on... it's that good!
     In Guy-Write, Ralph shares a special gift with his readers.  The gift of wisedom.  The gift of risk-taking.  The gift of passion.  The gift of words.  The gift of saying, "Boys... it's okay... write!"  As I write this blog, I'm sitting in Starbucks after finishing this grand read.  I loved it!  What a gift. 
     As I read, I was reminded of my student Isaiah who once said, "How does he do it?  I feel like Ralph Fletcher is talking to me.  Just to me!"  I felt the "boy writer" in me twinge with a little bit of rebellion, a little bit of challenge, and a little bit of "Gross!"  Ralph's sense of humor shines through each page as he talks to "us boys" about how to improve our writing life.  He's able to bridge the gap between being a "writer at home" and a "writer at school."  He writes about the contexts in which we need to nudge boy writers to work.  He adds ammunition to every boy's arsenal of what it means to be a writer!
     As an added bonus, he includes interviews with five "boy" writers.  I want Sam to read the section about "Sports Writing" and the interview with Robert Lipsyte.  I want Jacob to read "Draw First and Write Later" and the interview with Jarrett Krosoczka.  I want Sebastian to read "Freaky Stories" and the interview with Robert San Souci.  I want Christopher to read "Riding the Vomit Comet" and the interview with Jon Scieszka.  I want Zachary to read "Superheroes and Fantasy" and the interview with Greg Trine.  I want all the boys I've taught for the past 26 years to read Ralph's words.  And, I want all the teachers I teach with to read them as well.  In fact, I challenge you all to read it!  Every boy writer needs Ralph Fletcher as their mentor and advocate!  (By the way, I just emailed all the parents of boys I've had for the past three years and recommended they run to the bookstore for this one).
     I wish I had read it BEFORE I met with Ralph a few weeks ago.  I can't wait for my 18-year-old college-bound English major to read it.  I can't wait to read it more closely.  Thanks Ralph, for another gem.  Our lives are all the richer for it.

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*Which, by the way, includes Beginning Italian.  Italian?  Does he remember his sister (the senior) works in that department?  Ciao`

If you want to read another great blog about this book, go to A Year of Reading.

The Hickory Chair

I loved Gran's smell, and her warm face when 

we played touch-your-nose at the gold mirror, 

and her salty kisses when we sat on Gramps's old army trunk 

 in the attic and listened to the wind sing on the roof.

     I love The Hickory Chair by Lisa Rowe Fraustino and it holds a prominent place in my little collection of books.  There's something profound about the story the author weaves as Louis's relationship with his Gran is slowly revealed... a relationship that goes beyond sight (Louis is blind).  I've used the book during a study of "evoking sensory images" and "drawing inferences."  I've used it during of a study of enhancing endurance and stamina.  It's become one of my go-to books.

     Louis uses his senses and "blind sight" as the story unfolds.  He loves his Gran, "She has a good alive smell--lilacs, with a whiff of bleach."  In the book, Gran dies and her family slowly learns about the things she's left them in her will... everyone except Louis.  In the end, he gets her hickory chair.  He feels as if the woman he loves the most in the world has forgotten him (until the end).  It's beautifully written. 

     The illustrations by Benny Andrews capture the images perfectly.  There's something magical about their simplicity.

     In the end, it's the hickory chair that makes all the difference in the world.  And, this book is a lovely, lyrical well-crafted journey about a relationship that lasts a lifetime and beyond.

Titanic - 100 Years Later - A Few Choice Books

     The Titanic began her maiden voyage from Southampton, England headed for New York City, New York, on Wednesday, 10 April 1912.  Captain Edward J. Smith commanded the Titanic, the largest passenger ship of the day.  The ship was luxuriously equipped and deemed "virtually unsinkable".  The Titanic was so spectacular and awesome that passengers had to be ferried to board the ship.  After the iceberg's blow, 1,512 of the 2,240 passengers perished.  And we've been haunted by it every since...

     My students have developed a curiosity of late because of the 100th anniversary of the sinking of The Titanic... still one of the world's most significant maritime disasters.  There's intrigue and wonder in the air.  All these years later and the mystery still lingers. 

     100 years and "Titanic" is still on our hearts and minds!  Many people picture Debbie Reynolds "bellying up to the bar" when they think of Titanic, she was, after all, the famous "Molly Brown" for quite some time.  Of course, there are the characters in the current running of the 3D John Cameron movie complete with the diamond.  And check out the History Channel a great collection of clips and stories.  100 years and there's still this need to be connected to the disaster that wasn't supposed to happen, whether in fact or fiction.
     Here's a collection of a few gems that you and/or your students might enjoy:  

1) Gordon Korman's "Titanic" trilogy.  My students love this collection of stories about Paddy, Daniel, Sophie, and Julian... woven together with facts and details of the ship.  These books are always in the hands of my 4th graders.  

2)  Leave it to Deborah Hopkinson to weave together the stories of Titanic survivors with such spellbinding details that you can't put the book down.  Throughout this book, I was gripped... another winner from one of my favorite authors!

 

3)  "Titanic in Photographs" is a wonderful collection of actual photographs that provides extraordinary visual images of the Titanic.  A superb collaboration. 

4)  "Last Dinner on the Titanic" is interesting.  The elegance and grandeur of the Titanic is captured via a glimpse of the food passengers ate on the voyage.  It's filled with quotes, drawings, and photographs.  And, who's not a "foodie?" 

 

5)  No Titanic list is complete without "Polar: The TItanic Bear!"  My 4th graders are all sharing this book right now, passing it from book bag to book bag.  They love this endearing story 

6)  "Music Aboard The Titanic" provides a little background music.  At the turn of the century, songs like "Oh, You Beautiful Doll," "The Blue Danube," and "Nearer My God to Thee."  Typical music of the period.    

7)  Joan Blos captures Margaret Tobin Brown's life in simple verse.  It's a simple, yet detailed look at the lady we call "unsinkable."  A lovely picture book about Molly Brown (who was never really called Molly).
 











8)  Of course there has to be a "Newfie" story related to the Titanic.  Rigel's mystery was published in 1912 a few short months after the disaster.  Newfoundlands are known for saving lives and although this is considered a "legend," I like to think that perhaps it's true!

9)  Another close look at Margaret Brown's life (beyond just the Titanic).  This is a book about her strength as a woman in the early twentieth-century.  It's full of letters, photographs, and newspaper clippings.  A great resource.

 

10)  "The Watch That Ends the Night" is another brilliant Allan Wolf book sharing the voices of 24 voices... including the ship's rats, the look outs, Molly Brown, etc.  It's an exceptional book.  

11)  "Explore Titanic" is interactive and includes the kinds of details that young readers love... scale drawings, photographs, etc.

12) "Heroes of the Titanic" is one of my favorite books.  It's a bit difficult to find, but it's worth it.  I think it would serve as perfect mentor text for a nonfiction study.  The short pieces of text are well-written and the pictures and illustrations are perfect.

Georgia Heard has hit the mark...

Writer.

Collector. 

Wonderful lines.

Small moments.

Hearts awakening.

Looking Toward Home.

Everyday life, everyday experience.

Words falling, falling down the page.

Climbing inside, mapping hearts and lives.

Looking for poetry, simple things.

For the good... the good of all things.

Writing songs and stories of life.

Places known.

Places yet to discover. 

Hidden places.

The Writer.
The Collector.

P. Allen, April 2012

Georgia Heard should change her name to Georgia Word.  Why?  Because whether hearing her speak or reading her books, her words resonate like precious gifts through our hearts and minds.  I've known Georgia for many years and each time I hear her, I feel like I've been bestowed with something precious... something as special as... well, as sea glass!  And, if you've heard Ms. Word's story of sea glass you'll know what I mean... finding beauty in simple things.

I couldn't wait to get a copy of The Arrow Finds Its Mark: A Book of Found Poems (illustrated by Antoine Guillopee`) a grand collection of poetry from her favorite friends (poets) who have written an intriguing collection of poetry created out of extraordinary words and phrases found in the most ordinary places.  From detergent boxes to Facebook pages, she's nudged poets to search for poems... which can't help but nudge us (and our students) to write... to be on the lookout.  Lost within the bits and pieces of your life are also words to be found.  And Ms. Word Heard has once again mesmerized me with this collection.  Together with some of our favorite writers, she's moved us to look at poetry in another "ordinary" place (it inspired me to write the opening poem on this blog using HER words).

This is a book that needs to be read and reread.  It's a process that's worth introducing to even our youngest writers.  It's a new spin on "line lift" that can take all writers on a new journey.  It might take some encouragement, but I can see the spirit of this book moving through the toolboxes and notebooks of writers everywhere!  Give it a go...

Thank you Georgia... for keeping us true to our words!

Write-at-Home

Each week, I ask my students to write at least four times in their “Write-at-Home” notebooks.  I’ve tried to create “homework” experiences that are more meaningful, purposeful, and authentic.  And what’s more authentic than spending a few quiet moments writing, “what’s on your heart and mind”?

A few years ago my students decided that if they wanted to feel “right at home” as writers, then they should be writing as a regular part of their work as writers.  And, “Write-at-Home” notebooks were born.  Simple.  

Each Friday, students bring their notebooks to share in small groups.  They’ve learned to listen, to nudge, and to encourage one another.  They’ve learned to write for real purposes and play around with language.  They’ve learned to apply the strategies and craft we’ve learned.  I love walking around the room and “listening” in on their conversations each Friday… there are no rubrics, there are no formulas, there are no minimum requirements.  Students write because they know that their peers will be waiting to hear how they’ve “played around with language.”

After sharing for about 20 minutes, our new ritual is to gather back at the carpet as a whole group and I ask two questions: 

     1) What writing did you hear today that you think we should all hear? and,

     2) What was it about the writing that struck you? 

Then students offer up the writing from their peers they found most interesting, well written, or craft-filled.  Here are some of the comments I heard today:

• “I think we should all hear _____’s writing because he experimented with new language this week.”
•  “I think we should hear _____’s writing.  She wrote with a repeating line and it was really powerful.” 
•  “I think _____ should share the piece about her cat.  I was stunning.” 
•  “_____ wrote a great piece about baseball!  I felt like I was there.”

Here are two of my favorite pieces shared today.  The first is a sweet piece by one of my most reticent writers, but I was struck by its quaint and powerful simplicity.  The second is a luscious piece that was inspired by our read aloud Out of My Mind… and the student said, “I was just sitting at home and started thinking about the power of words.” 

I think both are perfect examples of why our “homework” is simply… write!  Brilliant.  Easy.  Meaningful. 

What’s Lying on my Heart by Josh (2-28-12)

Angela, my other mom, brought home a new dog.  She is black and white.  She is a border collie and her eyes are brown.  She has soft fur and her name is Samantha.  She is soft and loving and gets along well with the other dogs.  She is calm and she is shy and she is happy.

Quickwrite (10 minutes) – Words by Brooklyn (2-28-12)

Words.  Words flow onto paper like jelly flows on to bread.  Words are part of a sentence as clouds are part of the summer sky.  Words.  They make sentences.  Sentences make paragraphs.  Paragraphs make stories.  Stories make books.  Books bring joy and entertainment.  Books bring joy and entertainment and awe to everyone.  For everyone to share with everyone else.  Words.  Words create endurance, courage, imagination, and wonder.  Words intrigue you, words can depress you, but words can definitely do anything.  Words.  Words bring empowerment.