Resources for Teacher
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By Tobi Kibel Piatek | Monday, June 16th, 2008
Summer is reading time, and for many of us, learning time. I want to let you know about another wonderful library related tool that will make your reading life simpler, richer and easier.
Welcome to WORLDCAT - the world’s largest network of library content and services. Worldcat connects you to the collections and services of more than 10,000 libraries worldwide.
There are more than 1.2 billion (!) items available, including books, dvds, cds, and articles. Establishing a free Worldcat account allows you to create list of items you’d like to keep track of and share. You can build a bibliography, and export it in different formats, and lots more.
An online tutorial makes it easy and clear.”WorldCat libraries are dedicated to providing access to their resources on the Web, where most people start their search for information.”
WorldCat.org lets you:
- • Search many libraries at once for an item and then locate it in a library nearby
- • Find books, music, articles and videos to check out
- • Find research articles and digital items (like audiobooks) that can be directly viewed or downloaded. (This is the perfect adjunct to the Library 2 Go feature mentioned in an earlier posting.)
• Link to “Ask a Librarian” and other services at your library
- • Post your review of an item, or contribute factual information about it
- NOTE: You may need to have an active offline membership with a WorldCat library to view/download content or check out materials through its Web site.
Topics: Resources for Mentor, Resources for Teacher | No Comments »
CHECK IT OUT: Library 2 Go
By Tobi Kibel Piatek | Tuesday, June 10th, 2008
I love to read. I love libraries, I love books, and almost as much, I love recorded books. Over the years I have listened to hundreds of them – first listening to tapes while commuting in my car, or on my Walkman while … walking (cooking, gardening … you get the idea. I am hooked). Then, I switched to books on CD – which are somewhat more convenient, but anyone who uses a CD Walkman knows that they skip and bounce when you do (like at the gym). So, my next approach was ripping CD’s into my computer and then dragging them into my Creative Media Player. This, it turns out is a long, slow process, and, unless you do technical stuff to the files, chapters often play out of order. What’s a reader to do?
The answer has arrived in a blaze of technical glory so wonderful I just have to tell you about it.
CHECK IT OUT: Library 2 Go (a feature of Oregon Digital Library Consortium) is “Now featuring downloadable videos as well as audiobooks for children and young adults!”
This is a huge collection, and it is certainly not only for kids, in fact, there is truly something for everyone. Offerings include a wide array of fiction, non-fiction, mystery, sci-fi, classics, current events, biographies, etc. There is also an extensive collection of videos – both for pleasure and education. I am currently watching a series of four videos (on my PC): Teach Me Different! with Sally L. Smith: Prizing Diversity. They are great for teachers and so easy to watch and access. You can find them (and so much more) on the site.
All you need to access this amazing resource is a library card. Once you log into Library 2 Go (with your card number and pin), you can “download digital audio books and video titles 24/7 to a PC at home, in the office or anywhere in the world. Transfer audio books to your MP3 or burn onto CD for listening on-the-go.”
Note: The website includes this information: At this time, OverDrive Media files cannot be used on iPods or Mac computers. Details about this are on the site too.
The site includes plenty of help and technical how-to information, and access to all the software you will need. Click here for help and more information. It was easy, trust me.
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Library 2 Go provides OverDrive Books and Videos.
What is an OverDrive Audio Book?
An OverDrive Audio Book title is a digitally-protected audiobook that has been optimized for download. OverDrive Audio Book titles are built using the Microsoft® Windows Media Audio format, which greatly enhances the sound quality for desktop listening, play of CD copies (when allowed by the publisher), and portable device use.
What is an OverDrive Video title?
An OverDrive Video title is a digitally-protected video file that has been optimized for download. OverDrive Video titles are built using the Microsoft® Windows Media Video format, which greatly enhances the sound quality for desktop viewing and portable device use. Note that OverDrive Video is a high speed Internet-only product.
Topics: Resources for Mentor, Resources for Teacher, Things to do | 2 Comments »
An Evening of Art for Educators (FREE)
By Tobi Kibel Piatek | Monday, June 2nd, 2008
Evening for Educators (K-12)
Enjoy light refreshments and network with other educators. Learn about the Portland Art Museum’s special exhibitions as well as the permanent galleries. Learn about opportunities for docent-led school tours and museum suitcase presentations in your classroom. These events are free to educators, but reservations are required as space is limited. Please call 503.276.4318 to reserve your space today.
Evening for College Educators
Enjoy light refreshments and network with other educators. Learn about the Portland Art Museum’s special exhibitions as well as the permanent galleries. These events are free to educators. Reservations are required as space is limited. Please call 503.276.4227 to reserve your space today.
Topics: Resources for Teacher, Things to do | No Comments »
How to make a difference
By Lisa Pfister | Wednesday, May 28th, 2008
Shannon was new to our school this year. She had attended her previous school for grades K-4th. Her two teachers described her as sometimes out-going, and sometimes moody. They saw her as a student with a “chip on her shoulder”. Shannon was often in my office due to problems with her peers. She would never “tell” on her friends, and would take the blame for any offense. She would always tell me, “I’m not ratting my friends out.” I contacted the school counselor of her previous school. The counselor said they also saw the same behaviors and worked hard on helping Shannon overcome these behaviors. They saw her as a student with low self-esteem and looked for ways that she could be successful in their school.
I had a break through with Shannon when she was once again sent to my office due to problems with her peers. She came with a very defiant attitude, her body was stiff and angry, and she did not want to talk. I started talking to her very softly and gently. I told her that it must be really hard to come to a new school and have to make new friends all over again. I told her that I wondered why she chose these specific students to be her “friends “. I let her know that by choosing friends that make poor choices she was putting herself in a difficult position, and didn’t she think she deserved better? Or, does she believe that if she doesn’t “hang out” with these students then she would not have any friends at all? By this time Shannon was tearing up. Shannon then told me, “It’s better to have bad friends then no friends at all.” This let me know that Shannon does not think very highly of herself and takes whatever comes her way. I let Shannon know that we could work together to help her find friends that would appreciate who she is. I even let her know that if she was out on recess with her “friends” , and they were making poor choices, then she could come to my office and I would help her find other outlets to pursue in school. I let her know that we have a wonderful kindergarten teacher who would like her help in her class. Shannon told me she felt she was a poor student and couldn’t help others. I let her know that kinders love when the big kids come to their classes to help out and that she could also read with them. I also told her about a girls group that I run at school. It is for girls who want to form new and more appropriate friendships with other girls their age. Shannon told me she would think about this and get back to me.
A week later, Shannon came in from recess and asked if she could still volunteer in the kindergarten class. I told her that this job was still open if she wanted it. She also wanted to join the girls group. I talked with Shannon’s teachers, and the kindergarten teacher to set up arrangements for her to volunteer. Shannon goes three times a week, during her lunch recess, to work with the kindergarten students. This has been happening for three months now. The teacher said that at first Shannon was very untrusting of the teacher, but as she got to know her, became quite a joy to work with. Shannon has also befriended two girls from the girls group and “hangs out” with them outside of school. I have also spoken with her two teachers about setting up an evaluation for a possible learning disability. I learned that Shannon has great difficulty in reading and articulating her thoughts. Her prior school evaluated her for these three years ago and she almost qualified. We feel that if we test her first thing in the fall that she will most likely qualify. Shannon’s mom has also been in the loop of all decisions made regarding her daughter. Mom says she has noticed positive changes in her daughter. She says she laughs more and does not get as “difficult” as in the past.
One year down, one more to go!
Topics: Relationship Strategy, Resources for Teacher | No Comments »
Multicultural Resources: When you need something to read
By Tobi Kibel Piatek | Tuesday, May 20th, 2008
Teachers, SMART volunteers, parents and mentors often ask me “what’s a good book to read with my kids?” Now, I not only have a great list of books to add to my recommendations, but a lovely magazine too.
The magazine is Skipping Stones, an International Multicultural publication for youth that “encourages communication, cooperation, creativity and celebration of cultural and environmental richness.” Founded in 1988, Skipping Stones is award-winning resource in multicultural education, designed to provide “a playful forum for sharing ideas and experiences among youth from different countries and cultures.”
Each issue contains stories, articles and photos from all over the world, as well as book reviews, news, and a guide for parents and teachers. Non-English writings are accompanied by English translations to encourage the learning of other languages.
Skipping Stones publishes bimonthly during the school year. Click here for subscription information.
In addition, every year, Skipping Stones recognizes exceptional books and teaching resources that “encourage an understanding of the world’s diverse cultures, as well as nature and ecological richness. The selection promotes cooperation, nonviolence, respect for differing viewpoints, and close relationships in human societies.”
So, looking for something to read this summer? Start with the 2008 Skipping Stones Honor Awards – a list of 26 books for different ages, reading levels and interests. Click here for the 2008 winners list.
To view past lists of recommended books click here.
One more thing, Skipping Stones invites submissions from young writers. Click here to learn more about their entry guidelines for Youth Honor Awards.
WHAT ARE YOU READING WITH YOUR KIDS? Please share your recommendations for books and publications that you like. Tell us why?
Topics: Culturally Competent, Recommended reading, Resources for Mentor, Resources for Teacher | No Comments »
Things to Do: Three Activities to Build Self-Esteem
By Tobi Kibel Piatek | Friday, May 16th, 2008
Here are three ideas for things to do that will make it easier to create an atmosphere where kids feel comfortable, cared about, noticed and free to be themselves. These ideas will not only foster self-esteem and strengthen relationships with peers; they will also encourage creativity, cooperation, and fun.
Note: These ideas are especially relevant to Lesson 8 in the course, which focuses on Peer relationships.
Create a Mural: Tape a long sheet of butcher (or other) paper to a wall. Provide a variety of art materials (crayons, pens, tempera, pens, pastels, magazines to cut apart, old photos, old cards, scissors, glue, fabrics etc.) Have kids create a mural that depicts things they have in common, and things they do which are uniquely their own. This can include hobbies, pets, sports, family activities, travel, adventures, work, etc.) This mural offers opportunities for kids to use their talents learn about each other’s interests, cultures and families, and encourage cooperation and conversation.
All the News that Fits, We Print: Creating a class or project wide newspaper or eNews is a great way to provide an opportunity for kids to see their names and accomplishments in print. It also provides kids with ways to use a spectrum of abilities and tools. The newspaper can include articles and stories. It can feature kids’ achievements, histories, adventures, lists of favorites, etc. It can also include recognition for services and helping, accomplishments, and activities. One of the best aspects of this project is that newspaper production involves so many jobs. Each one is an opportunity to use a talent, learn a skill, or discover a new interest.
As kids work together to choose a name for their paper, decide on article ideas, conduct interviews, write and edit stories, take photos, create illustrations (or ads, or comics), put the news together (whether on paper or a computer screen), and share their product, everyone has lots of chances to work cooperatively, make new friends, and see a real life application for skills they learn in school. TIP: This is also a great opportunity to invite community members who work in media, or photography, to visit your kids and share what they know and do.
Teaching: Ask each kid to list a skill that he or she feels confident enough to teach another person. This may be a sport, a hobby, a song, a dish to cook, a joke, a dance, etc. Also, create a student list of things they would like to learn if someone in their group or class had the skill to teach them.
Topics: Creating a Positive, Resources for Mentor, Resources for Teacher, Things to do | No Comments »
Things to Do - made simple and inexpensive and FUN
By Tobi Kibel Piatek | Tuesday, April 22nd, 2008
Mentors need ideas for things to do - inexpensive, fun and interesting. This totally fills the bill.
DO YOU KNOW OF OTHER LIBRARIES THAT OFFER SIMILAR PROGRAMS? OTHER FREE RESOURCES?
PLEASE POST THESE TO THIS BLOG - thanks
Cultural Pass to Adventure at Beaverton City Library
Each Cultural Pass to Adventure is available for a one-day check-out from your local Washington County library. You must pick up and return the pass to the same library.
Each pass provides free admission to the destination of your choice. Some restrictions may apply. Check with your library or each destination for further details.
Check out the Cultural Pass to Adventure at your local WCCLS library. (Not all passes are available at all libraries.) Use the online catalog to see which passes are available now.
Follow these easy steps to plan your trip to adventure:
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Reserve a pass for your selected venue and date by stopping by the Circulation Desk at the Library or by calling (503) 644-2197, option 1.
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On the day of your adventure, bring your library card to the Circulation Desk and check out the pass.
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After your visit, return the pass to the Beaverton City Library. If the Library is still open it’s best to return the pass to the Circulation Desk but after-hours returns may be made to BCL drive-up book drops located on the east side of the Library.
Destinations (click for more information)
A.C. Gilbert’s Discovery Village
Children’s Museum
Chinese Classical Garden
The Japanese Garden
Oregon Sports Hall of Fame
Pittock Mansion
Portland Art Museum
Rice NW Museum of Rocks & Minerals
Washington County Museum
BCL subscribes to most passes that are available through the program. Each pass provides free admission to the destination of your choice but there is a $10.00 charge if the pass is returned late. You must be at least 18 years old to secure a pass and some restrictions may apply. All passes must be checked out at, and returned to, the Beaverton City Library on the same day the pass is used.
Topics: Quality Time, Resources for Mentor, Resources for Teacher | No Comments »
Ways to get to know the kids I work with better-
By Kevin Truong | Tuesday, April 8th, 2008
- ask questions, questions, questions. how many brothers and sisters do you have, what’s your favorite book/sport/tv show/video game/etc, where were you born, how long have you lived in Portland, who’s your best friend. Simply put, listen to what the children have to say.
- spending time in the classrooms. working with teachers to learn what lessons are being taught in the classroom, what subjects and activities individual children enjoy most.
- spending time with parents. asking what interests the child at home, what does the child spend his or her time doing i.e. does the child like to help out in the kitchen, does the child like helping with a younger sibling.
- host a talent show
- host other activities that could showcase special talents i.e. a play/drama, a cooking session, open mic, writing session.
- spend some time doing activities besides homework/academics - playing soccer, basketball, arts and crafts.
Topics: Resources for Mentor, Resources for Teacher | No Comments »
Get to Know the World Through Someone Else’s Eyes
By Tobi Kibel Piatek | Monday, April 7th, 2008
In lesson 2 of this course, (Get to Know Your Students) one of the assignments is to design a project that will encourage the kids you work with to share their world in a visual way. I love this project because in my experience, putting a camera into a kid’s hands can have amazing results - for the photographers and the viewers.
Happily, several of you taking the class have mentioned that you really like the camera safari idea included in the lessons. Well, so does John Waller. John, a photographer and videographer is the originator of the Photo of the Year (POTY) contest, a fundraising event “poised to achieve international recognition and acclaim, in addition to raising thousands of dollars for the MESD Outdoor School Program!“
Though POTY began as a contest to showcase great photos of the outdoors, iover the years it has expanded to include a new category for entries – photographers under 18. For information about the contest, click here Be sure to check out, and share, some of the great winning photos on the site.
Whether you choose to submit photos or just have fun with a camera, John offers these ten great outdoor photography tips (these may improve your photos too.) Share them with the kids you work with and see what develops. (And, share - photos can be posted to this blog - ask me how!)
Ten Tips for Better Photographs
1. Be in the right place at the right time. Get out there, look around, and take your camera. It’s tough to take great photographs if even one of those actions is missing.
2. Take lots of pictures. Digital photography has opened up a world of possibility to the amateur photographer because now you can instantly review your pictures. Adjust your settings, try different angles, or capture the action at different moments. The more photographs you take, the more likely you are to get a great shot. But remember what worked and what didn’t and apply this new understanding when you take the next picture.
3. Watch the sun. The best times to take pictures are usually early in the morning and early evening; the worst time is generally midday, when light it most harsh.
4. Flash away. Just because you are outdoors doesn’t mean you should put away your flash. Subjects in shadow can appear much too dark when compared to a bright sunny backdrop. When using your flash outdoors, the camera exposes the background first, then adds in the flash to illuminate your subject.
5. Get close up. Investigate the world around you in finer detail and you will discover a wealth of photo opportunities right at your feet. Most cameras have a macro mode that make getting those close up shots of insects and flowers a snap. Or when you are shooting action, zoom in so we can see the beads of sweat on an athlete’s forehead.
6. Anticipate what is going to happen. To take a great outdoor action shot, you need to prepare for it in advance. What might happen, what would be the best angle, and are your settings appropriate? Then when your buddy cuts a sweet turn on their skies down the mountain, you’ll be there to take the picture.
7. Use a tripod for low light. Those sweet sunsets, or moonrises, or starry night shots can be really sweet pictures if they are sharp and crisp. But a tripod is necessary because even the slightest shiver or tremble from a hand-held camera can cause the scene to blur.
8. The rule of thirds. This time tested rule tells us that we should not put the horizon line in the middle of the shot, but rather drop it to the bottom third or the top third depending on what meaning you want to convey. A low horizon conveys a sense of open, vast airiness, and a high horizon instills a sense that the land is the dominant force. The same is true for framing people.
9. Get a sense of perspective. Sometimes having a person in your scenic picture really impresses how big those mountains, or that cliff, or waterfall, or landscape really is.
10. Get creative. There are a lot of predictable photographs out there. The unconventional photographs really grab people’s attention.
Play around with angles and settings and HAVE FUN!
Topics: Resources for Teacher | No Comments »
Educating Children on Their Cultural Heritage
By Tobi Kibel Piatek | Tuesday, March 25th, 2008
I am huge fan of streaming audio. It allows me to listen to my favorite radio programs, any time, any place. Yesterday, while surfing for ideas, I came across this wonderful broadcast on NPR’s Tell Me More, hosted by Michel Martin. I think it is definitely worth sharing.
This program features an interview with the Mocha Moms, Jolene Ivey, Cheli English-Figaro and Davina McFarlan. They are members of a support group for stay at home mothers of color. They share information on child rearing and other family topics. Special guest, Dr. Marguerite White a child psychologist, added to the conversation.
In this interview, the discussion is about navigating issues of color, appearance and self worth, and how to teach children to become culturally conscious. The conversation includes practical tips as well as anecdotes from home and school. Its lively and personal.
Though this discussion is targeted at parents, the information and ideas are relevant to teachers and mentors. Dr. White offers advice on how healthy parenting can help create a culturally sound household and positive interactions with teachers.
Listen to Tell Me More online at http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=16038285
Click the Listen on the Tell Me More page (above) to hear Dr. White’s tips for participating in parent-teacher conferences
Topics: Culturally Competent, Resources for Mentor, Resources for Teacher | No Comments »
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