RESOURCES
« Previous EntriesEngaging the Whole Child: Free eBook available NOW
By Tobi Kibel Piatek | Thursday, April 30th, 2009
“Do students really want to learn? Can schools and classrooms become joyful? Are there natural links between standard curriculum and what motivates students to learn? Explore these and other questions in this e-book collection of articles from Educational Leadership by renowned authors such as Carol Ann Tomlinson, Richard Sagor, Nel Noddings, Thomas R. Guskey, and Allison Zmuda.”
For the last several years the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ACSD) has led a national call to awareness and action.
Blogger Adam Fletcher http://www.bicyclingfish.com/ , who writes about “youth development and engagement, as well as the roles of young people throughout society,” is introducing “an awesome new publication” available FREE for a limited time.
Engaging the Whole Child is the first in a series of Whole Child ebooks from ASCD. According to a recent phone meeting, Fletcher had with ASCD, it’s a limited-time only offering good from April 15 to May 6.
The publication gives “educators and administrators, community workers and parents practical tools designed to engaged the whole community in a whole conversation about young people throughout society.”
Fletcher points out that “this is a huge file, and registering to receive it is a little cumbersome - but its worth it.
Download it here free, let me know what you think, and share this link with your friends. Remember to do it now, because the link is only good until May 6.
Topics: RESOURCES, Recommended Resources, Recommended reading | No Comments »
Great Resource Guide for Multnomah County
By Danielle Miles | Friday, April 24th, 2009
The best compilation of resources our team of 12 Social Workers & Skills Trainers could find…
Resource Guide (everything from food to counseling) for Mid and East Multnomah County (East Portland, Gresham, Fairview, Troutdale, etc)
“Where to Turn” 2008-2009, put out by Mt Hood Community College
http://www.mhcc.edu/docs/docsHeadStart/WheretoTurn.pdf
Topics: RESOURCES, Recommended Resources, Resources for Mentor, Resources for Teacher | No Comments »
A new website designed to help families and service providers
By Tobi Kibel Piatek | Friday, April 24th, 2009
I found this excellent and useful resource in the Oregonian on April 23. Since it was only in the local Southwest Metro section, I am hoping this information will reach a broader audience. I think this is a valuable addition to the Making Connections resource list.
TIP: Teachers can direct parents to this site.
The Family Education and Support Network has launched a new website, designed to serve as a “one-stop parenting resource for parents and service providers in Clackamas County and surrounding areas.
The site links parents with programs and resources on parenting advice, and connects them with other parents and caregivers. It also gives organizations that provide such services a way to reach parents.
It features a searchable directory of resources on parent education, health care, emergency services and more. Listings can be searched by city, child’s age group and by language, including English and six others.
The network encourages organizations that provide services to post their information to the directory. In addition, the site features a calendar of up-to-date information on classes, play groups and other events for parents and providers. Organizations can submit events to the online calendar.
Topics: RESOURCES, Resources for Mentor, Resources for Teacher | No Comments »
Gone Fishing: Ideas for Something to Do Outdoors
By Tobi Kibel Piatek | Thursday, March 26th, 2009
Last week’s post about outdoor resources for kids made it clear (as a healthy stream) that mentors and others who work with kids are often looking for active ideas for things to do, especially things to do outdoors. So (and keeping in mind the thought that not every kid has the chance to enjoy the outdoors), I’ve been angling for some good ideas to share. Then, my husband, who is itching to get out on the river, informs me that the spring salmon fishing season has started in Oregon.
It was this fact that made me notice an email about a new resource designed to introduce kids to the pleasures of fishing, and the importance of protecting our environment.
Trout Unlimited, whose mission is “Conserving, protecting and restoring North America’s coldwater fisheries and their watersheds,” has just launched a new website … “just for kids.” Stream Explorers is a nice site, friendly and accessible, filled with lots of information and activities that adults and kids can enjoy together, It can also inspire you, and the kids you work with, to go outdoors, go fishing, or simply explore our rivers and streams … together.
The site includes sections such as”Go Fishing,” “Fish Facts” or “Get Active.” It also includes a contest, lots on information on everything from fishing gear to tying flies, as well as ideas for exploring riparian areas, and “Things to Do with Your Class or Troop.”
It is designed as a companion to a new quarterly magazine for kids, Stream Explorers, but the website on its own is a great way to introduce kids “to the world of clean water and wild fish, as well as the joy of fly fishing.” Enjoy … and if you catch anything, send us a picture.
P.S. I once caugt a fish … THIS BIG.
Topics: Outdoor Education, Quality Time, RESOURCES | No Comments »
A Rich Resource on Classroom Climate and more
By Tobi Kibel Piatek | Friday, March 20th, 2009
Sometimes it is easy to forget that blogging is interactive. Wednesday’s resource post brought a happy reminder that there are people out ‘there’ who read what I post, and, that there are other organizations with similar goals and interests who are thinking and writing and working to find ways to make connections with kids. In fact, I discovered that there is another great blog filled with relevant resources that are ideal for teachers, mentors and anyone who cares about making kids feel comfortable in school.
The School Climate Blog is “maintained by the staff of the Center for Social and Emotional Education (CSEE), a national nonprofit organization dedicated to working with schools to improve school climate. Designed to promote dialogue about the importance and influence of school climate in K-12 education, we’re talking about assessment, best practices, funding opportunities and everything in between.”
I will be sharing some of the excellent information I have found on this blog, but for today, my goal is to direct you to this rich resource, and to point out that this blog has a great list of other blogs about education, technology, parents, policy, relationships, resources, and much more.
Check it out!
Topics: Creating a Positive, RESOURCES | 1 Comment »
Resources: Outward Bound for Adventure
By Tobi Kibel Piatek | Wednesday, March 18th, 2009
In the final lesson of the Making Connections course, students are asked to suggest some resources that they find valuable.
Students have offered lots of great ideas that will be enhancing the resources available within the course, but with spring popping up all around, I think it is a good time to share some of the recommended resources specific to outdoor, adventure, and experiential education, though, (as it was pointed out) “the information and strategies could probably be applied to a lot of K-12 classrooms.”
Outward Bound Goes to the Inner City
This journal article describes a program at the Thompson Island Outward Bound Education Center in Boston (Massachusetts) that supplements the traditional program of ropes and rocks with community service, giving urban students opportunities to try out new leadership skills in local neighborhoods.
Buchanan, D. (2000).Educational Leadership v 50 Dec 1992/Jan 1993 38-41.
Expeditionary Learning Schools Outward Bound
(ELS) is a national, non-profit organization that opens new elementary, middle and college-oriented secondary schools, and partners with existing schools, to improve student achievement; build student character; enhance teacher practices; and instill a positive school culture. The ELS approach promotes rigorous and engaging curriculum; active, inquiry-based pedagogy; and a school culture that demands and teaches compassion and good citizenship.
Adventure Education and Outward Bound: Out-of-class experiences that make a lasting difference
This article examines the effects of adventure programs on a diverse array of outcomes such as self-concept, locus of control, and leadership.
John A. Hattie, Herbert W. Marsh, James T. Neill, Garry E. Richards, Review of Educational Research v 67 Spring 1997 43-87.
Cowstails and Cobras II: A Guide to Games, Initiatives, Ropes Courses, and Adventure Curriculum. Karl Rohnke, Project Adventure, Inc. in cooperation with Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company, Dubuque, Iowa, 1989.4. ISBN 0840354347, 9780840354341
Topics: Outdoor Education, RESOURCES, Resources for Mentor, Resources for Teacher | 1 Comment »
What Do You Know?
By Tobi Kibel Piatek | Thursday, February 5th, 2009
In lesson four of the course the assignments include making and using KWL charts. These charts are essentially a useful instructional technique that teachers and mentors can use to find out what kids already know about a topic (prior knowledge) and help them consider what they want to know about the topic, and finally, to record and consider what they learned.
KWL charts are visual organizers, useful for a variety of learning styles. However, there were some concerns in the course discussions this week that the assigned activity was not appropriate to certain groups and certain students. So, I had an idea, and I think that addressing this problem resulted in a solution that anyone can use to make the most of what they are learning – in this course, and in any other.
KWL YOURSELF. Take some time to review the many resources on this blog, and (if you have access) in the course Resource Listings. Chose a topic that interests you and find a resource on that subject.
Create a chart – in the first column list what you already know about this topic. Then, in the middle column, consider what you want to know, what you hope to get from reading this article or resource. After you read, list what you learned.
When you are done, identify your resource (it doesn’t have to be on this site, a book, article or talk will do just fine.) Add a link if available. Tell us: Why were you interested? Was the resource worthwhile? Share at least three things you learned.
Please post it all to this blog. And keep in mind - this is a great activity to do with older kids as well - share your experiences using this with kids as well.
Topics: How To's, RESOURCES, Things to do, Uncategorized | No Comments »
Resources address the Dropout Rate
By Tobi Kibel Piatek | Tuesday, September 30th, 2008
As new students begin the course this month, their first task is to consider the question: Who Drops Out and Why? These are some additional resources, ideas and information that will add value to the first lessons.
The rising dropout rate around the country is getting more attention – now considered, at least by the FOX News Channel, one of “the challenges facing the country in the 21st century.”
This article, Educators Alarmed by High Dropout Rates Among Teens is one of a series FOX news is airing on issues facing
One-Third of a Nation: Rising Dropout Rates and Declining Opportunities is an in depth report by the Policy Information Center, Educational Testing Service in Princeton, N.J., “about high—and rising—high school dropout rates, some ways schools are trying to retain students, the limited—and diminishing—supported opportunities for dropouts to regain a footing in education and training, and the increasingly dire prospects for dropouts in today’s economy.”
Topics: Drop Out Rate, In The News, RESOURCES | 1 Comment »
Bullies & Victims: What Teachers, Mentors and Parents Need to Know
By Tobi Kibel Piatek | Wednesday, September 17th, 2008
Kids who feel unsafe in school are more likely to drop out. Even in the most caring school communities, many kids face disrespectful and sometimes abusive behavior, from other kids. Anyone who has ever been on the receiving end of bullying knows that make life in school and in the neighborhood unpleasant or even terrifying. Bullying is definitely a challenge that some students face today. It is an issue covered in the course, but well worth mentioning here. The following article, from Skipping Stones Magazine (a great resource) has information that help teachers, mentors and parents identify and address bullying behaviors in their classrooms, programs and communities.
Students can get bullied due to factors such as race, social status, sex, age, disability, physical features, or being otherwise different.
Bullying can take the form of name calling, teasing, fighting or attacks, taking money, vandalizing belongings, and may result in anger, fear, sadness, insomnia, lack of appetite or withdrawal from activities. Falling grades, mood or habit changes, drug or alcohol problems or self-esteem issues may also result. There is a fine line between bullying, school violence and violation of human rights. Bullying even violates some of the articles in the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights. For example, Article 12 of this declaration states: “No one shall be subjected to arbitrary interference with his privacy, family, home or correspondence, nor to attacks upon his honor and reputation.
Everyone has the right to the protection of the law against such interference or attacks.” To empower your students against bullying, you may wish to share the following advice with them:
• Be kind and respectful to yourself and others. Minimize or avoid contact with people who diminish others.
• Believe in yourself. People can make you feel inferior only with your permission. If you strive to be a good person each day, no one can diminish you on the inside.
• Practice withholding judgments of yourself or others. Take the time to get to know people to end gossip (myths).
• If you are a bystander, report incidents of harassment to an adult. You will not be tattling. Rather, you will be alleviating the suffering of another student and creating a support network for someone in need of your empathy and compassion.
• If, as a bystander or victim of bullying, you do not get help from one adult, continue to look for an adult who can help and seek support from family and friends.
If students, teachers and parents everywhere work on this issue, eventually there will be less school violence in the U.S. and around the world. Everyone has the right to live in peace on Earth—free from harassment and intimidation. — Patricia Wong Hall, educator,
Topics: Creating a Positive, How to Help, RESOURCES | 3 Comments »
How to Create a Boy-Friendly School
By Tobi Kibel Piatek | Wednesday, September 10th, 2008
The subject of how boys are struggling in school and in life seems to come up regularly in the media. Two years ago, PBS ran a powerful documentary, Raising Cain: Protecting the Emotional Lives of Boys, which “explores the emotional development of boys in
This week, there is an article in Newsweek, Struggling School Aged Boys. Though the medium is different, the message is the same. Many boys, (according to the research) an extraordinary percentage of them, are having emotional or behavioral problems that are affecting their lives, and their ability and willingness to stay in school. Many of the problems are severe enough to cause parents to consult a doctor or health care professional.
As an educator, parent, and citizen of the nation that leads the world in fatherless families, violence and failing boys, I can’t stop thinking about the faces, and the voices of the boys in the film, and the issues and problems of the boys I see and hear about every day. So, the questions keep playing in my head … How can we do a better job of raising our boys? And, what can Oregon educators do to create a boy friendly school - a place where boys feel safe, welcome and able to learn and be themselves?To clarify my thoughts, I contacted Marilyn Brown-Dikeos, whose program Empowered Learning includes strategies that teachers, mentors and parents can use to help boys feel safe and respected in the classroom. She offers the following insights and strategies.
1. Honor the risk of learning. Trying to learn something new can be risky for a boy who is afraid to fail. Help your student’s understand that learning is a process that includes trying, doing, and making mistakes. It is not about achieving perfection. Value a student’s attempts to master a new subject or skill. Celebrate effort and recognize even small accomplishments along the way.
2. Provide safe entry points to learning. Group learning and project based activities offer multiple entry points for students. The ability to choose a role or task which will allow him to work from his strength may help a boy feel confident enough to enter into an activity.
3. Allow students to self-evaluate. Many boys struggle in school because success and failure are tied up with their sense of themselves. A boy who gets a bad grade or fails a test is likely to feel stupid and embarrassed in front of his classmates. Rather than risk failing again, some boys simply stop trying. One way to work around this is to allow students to grade themselves according to the criteria you set. When they turn in a paper ask, “What grade do you think you earned?” Allow them to tell you how they might have done better. Remind a boy that understanding how to do better next time shows that he is learning.
4. Treat them with respect and kindness. Just because boys don’t show their emotions, we tend to treat them as if they aren’t there. In fact, research shows that boys are even more sensitive and more eager to please than girls. Treat them as if they are fragile. They are.
5. Provide opportunities for boys to talk about their feelings – through sports or chess or other games. Boys need to be reassured that their inner lives are NOT shameful, that play violence is not violence. Use their violent games and fantasies as a starting point for conversation or story writing.
6. Boys need to move around. Recess time is being eliminated as school days are shortened. Try to find ways to build action and motion into your activities and schedule.
7. Boys need to feel safe. They need an adult to talk to about bullies, fear, humiliation and their need to be protected. They also need an adult to show them that men are caring, compassionate and kind.
8. Offer opportunities for boys to resolve their own conflicts. Conflict resolution takes communication skills, the ability to listen, willingness to compromise, and often, creativity. It can help boys reflect on their actions, and see them from someone else’s point of view. Best of all, the ability to resolve a conflict without rage and aggression can result in friendship, something that no boy can succeed without. Related Resources: For more information about this subject, help for parents, and classroom ideas, visit the following websites
Raising Cain: Boys in Focus
http://www.pbs.org/opb/raisingcain/
The PBS Parents Guide to Understanding and Raising Boys
http://www.pbs.org/parents/raisingboys/index.html
Boys in School
How to help boys adjust to school and schools adjust to boys.
http://www.pbs.org/parents/raisingboys/school.html
Buy the Program
Raising Cain (DVD)
http://www.shoppbs.org/product/index.jsp?productId=2175911
Topics: Boy Friendly Schools, Creating a Positive, How to Help, RESOURCES, Relationship Strategy | 1 Comment »
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