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Welcome Back to School! For most teachers the end of August and the early days of September mark new beginnings as they reenter the classroom for another school year. It is our hope at Vital Knowledge that you had a relaxing, enjoyable summer and you come back to school refreshed, revitalized, and full of energy and anticipation for a successful 2001-2002 school year! With a return to school, the theme of this month's newsletter is one of new beginnings. We will identify resources you can use to ensure you have an enjoyable, fruitful year with plenty of quality educational experiences for your students. We will also highlight how other schools and teachers mark their return. In addition to this newsletter, keep checking Vital Picks. With the return to school, we will resume highlighting accomplishments of teachers and urge you to nominate teachers for our Vital Award. This month we also have a special gift awaiting you and your students in the Activity section of Teacher's Corner. Check it out, and if you have activities that you would like to share with other teachers, please send them along. We'll make sure to post them immediately and to give you credit. Send your ideas to teachers_corner@vitalknowledge.com |
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As the use of technology becomes more and more widespread in schools today, you might choose to make a commitment this year to involve your students in interactions with other students from around the world. An excellent way of doing this is through the Flat Stanley postcard exchange. The Flat Stanley project has participants from all over the world. Students make a paper Flat Stanley and mail it with a blank journal to politicians, celebrities, and other students from around the world. He is treated as a guest by those who receive him and, after a few weeks, is mailed back along with a completed journal, pictures, postcards and other items. Your students plot his travels on a map. The Flat Stanley project is an excellent way for your students to keep abreast of current events, learn geography, and create friendships with other people from around the world. Flat Stanley has met the President of the United States, has been to space on the Space Shuttle Discovery, has visited a volcano, and more! Take some time this school year to involve your students in the Flat Stanley project. Your class will have fun and will embark on a wonderful learning experience! |
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After a long summer, it is understandable that some teachers may feel a bit reluctant about returning to school. With that in mind, we thought you might enjoy the following story we stumbled across on the Internet. It will serve as a reminder of the many wonderful rewards available to those who partake in this challenging profession. Three Letters From Teddy Teddy's letter came today and now that I've read it, I will place it in my cedar chest with the other things that are important to my life. "I wanted you to be the first to know." I smiled as I read the words he had written and my heart welled with a pride that I had no right to feel. I have not seen Teddy Stallard since he was a student in my fifth grade class fifteen years ago. It was early in my career, and I had only been teaching for two years. From the first day he stepped into my classroom, I disliked Teddy. Teachers (although everyone knows differently) are not supposed to have favorites in a class, but most especially are they not to show dislike for a child, any child. Nevertheless, every year there are one or two children that one cannot help but be attached to, for teachers are human, and it is human nature to like bright, pretty, intelligent people, whether they are ten years old or twenty-five. And sometimes, not too often, fortunately, there will be one or two students to whom the teacher just can't seem to relate. I had thought myself quite capable of handling my personal feelings along that line until Teddy walked into my life. There wasn't a child I particularly liked that year, but Teddy was most assuredly the one I disliked. He was dirty. Not just occasionally, but all the time. His hair hung low over his ears, and he actually had to hold it out of his eyes as he wrote papers in class. (And this was before it was fashionable to do so!) Too, he had a peculiar odor about him that I could never identify. His physical faults were many, and his intellect left a lot to be desired, also. By the end of the first week, I knew he was hopelessly behind the others. Not only was he behind; he was just plain slow! I began to withdraw from him immediately. Any teacher will tell you that it's more of a pleasure to teach a bright child. It is definitely more rewarding for one's ego. But any teacher worth her credentials can channel work to the bright child, keeping him challenged and learning, while she puts her major effort on the slower ones. Any teacher can do this. Most teachers do it, but I didn't, not that year. In fact, I concentrated on my best students and let the others follow along as best they could. Ashamed as I am to admit it, I took perverse pleasure in using my red pen; and each time I came to Teddy's paper, the cross marks (and there were many) were always a little larger and a little redder than necessary. "Poor work!" I would write with a flourish. While I did not actually ridicule the boy, my attitude was obviously quite apparent to the class, for he quickly became the class "goat," the outcast: the unlovable and the unloved. He knew I didn't like him, but he didn't know why. Nor did I know-then or now-why I felt such an intense dislike for him. All I know is that he was a little boy no one cared about, and I made no effort on his behalf. The days rolled by. We made it through the Fall Festival and the Thanksgiving holidays, and I continued marking happily with my red pen. As the Christmas holidays approached, I knew that Teddy would never catch up in time to be promoted to the sixth grade level. He would be a repeater. To justify myself, I went to his cumulative folder from time to time. He had very low grades for the first four years, but no grade failure. How he had made it, I didn't know. I closed my mind to the personal remarks. First grade: Teddy shows promise by work and attitude, but has poor home situation. Second grade: Teddy could do better. Mother terminally ill. He receives little help at home. Third grade: Teddy is a pleasant boy. Helpful, but too serious. Slow learner. Mother passed away end of the year. Fourth grade: Very slow, but well behaved. Father shows no interest. Well, they had passed him four times, but he will certainly repeat fifth grade! Do him good! I said to myself. And then the last day before the holiday arrived. Our little tree on the reading table sported paper and popcorn chains. Many gifts were heaped underneath, waiting for the big moment. Teachers always get several gifts at Christmas, but mine that year seemed bigger and more elaborate than ever. There was not a student who had not brought me one. Each unwrapping brought squeals of delight, and the proud giver would receive effusive thank-yous. His gift wasn't the last one I picked up; in fact, it was in the middle of the pile. Its wrapping was a brown paper bag, and he had colored Christmas trees and red bells all over it. It was stuck together with masking tape. "For Miss Thompson, from Teddy" it read. The group was completely silent and for the first time I felt conspicuous, embarrassed because they all stood watching me unwrap the gift. As I removed the last bit of masking tape, two items fell to my desk: a gaudy rhinestone bracelet with several stones missing and a small bottle of dime-store cologne-half empty. I could hear the snickers and whispers, and I wasn't sure I could look at Teddy. "Isn't this lovely?" I asked, placing the bracelet on my wrist. "Teddy, would you help me fasten it?" He smiled shyly as he fixed the clasp, and I held up my wrist for all of them to admire. There were a few hesitant ooh's and ahh's, but as I dabbed the cologne behind my ears, all the little girls lined up for a dab behind their ears. I continued to open gifts until I reached the bottom of the pile. We ate our refreshments, and the bell rang. The children filed out with shouts of "See you next year!" and "Merry Christmas!" but Teddy waited at his desk. When they had all left, he walked up to me, clutching his gift and books to his chest. "You smell just like my mom," he said softly. "Her bracelet looks real pretty on you too. I'm glad you liked it." He left quickly. I locked the door, sat down at my desk, and wept, resolving to make up to Teddy what I had deliberately deprived him of a teacher who cared. I stayed every afternoon with Teddy from the end of Christmas holidays until the last day of school. Sometimes we worked together. Sometimes he worked alone while I drew up lesson plans or graded papers. Slowly but surely, he caught up with the rest of the class. In fact, his final averages were among the highest in the class, and although I knew he would be moving out of the state when school was out, I was not worried for him. Teddy had reached a level that would stand him in good stead the following year, no matter where he went. He had enjoyed a measure of success, and as we were taught in our teacher training courses, "success builds success." I did not hear from Teddy until seven years later, when his first letter appeared in my mailbox. "Dear Miss Thompson, I just wanted you to be the first to know, I will be graduating second in my class next month. Very Truly Yours, Teddy Stallard" I sent him a card of congratulations and a small package, a pen and pencil gift set. I wondered what he would do after graduation. Four years later, Teddy's second letter came. "Dear Miss Thompson, I wanted you to be the first to know. I was just informed that I will be graduating first in my class. The university has not been easy, but I liked it. Very Truly Yours, Teddy Stallard" I sent him a good pair of sterling silver monogrammed cuff links and a card, so proud of him I could burst! And now today-Teddy's third letter. "Dear Miss Thompson, I wanted you to be the first to know. As of today I am Theodore Stallard, M.D. How about that!!?? I'm going to be married in July, the 27th, to be exact. I wanted to ask if you could come and sit where Mom would sit if she were here. I'll have no family there as Dad died last year. Very Truly Yours, Teddy Stallard" I'm not sure what kind of gift one sends to a doctor on completion of medical school and state boards. Maybe I'll just wait and take a wedding gift, but a note can't wait. "Dear Ted, Congratulations! You made it, and you did it yourself! In spite of those like me and not because of us, this day has come for you. God bless you. I'll be at the wedding with bells on! Elizabeth Silance Ballard |
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Teachers, students, and parents are always actively busy especially during the first couple of weeks of school with opening ceremonies, parent teacher interviews, establishing classroom expectations and more. One thing, however, that is common to all schools, is the many celebrations that occur marking the beginning of another school year. We thought you might enjoy looking at how some schools in our world community have celebrated the beginning of the school year in the past. Have a look at the opening day assembly with students, parents and teachers from Dapplegray Elementary School in California. Or, have a look at these pictures from opening day at Becker Middle School in Minnesota. The York Region District School Board has a school opening celebration with music, poetry, dance, art, speeches, and refreshments! The students of Springfield Convent Junior School in South Africa celebrated by writing stories about their first day of school! We think you'll enjoy this story from Johnnie about his first day of high school! The students of Doveton North School in Australia had a busy and enjoyable first day of school if these pictures are any indication! And check out these pictures of the first day of school for the students of Vassalboro Community School in Maine. Finally, students from Lycee Blaise Pascal Colmar in France celebrated the first day of school as exchange students at Bulith Wells High School! Take some time to plan your celebrations for the opening of the 2000-2001 school year. By doing so you will you will get your year off to a positive start! |
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There are many challenges faced by a teacher returning to school in August/September. Getting a classroom, and yourself, ready for an enduring 10 months of teaching is not an easy task. However, there is help available on the Internet, and we just so happened to find some of it: A to Z Teacher Stuff has a forum-based site with tips from teachers on what they do to welcome their students (primarily K-6, some 6+). It also has postings on calming school jitters, icebreaker activities, decorating advice, communicating with the parents, and more! School Days has a checklist of things to do on the first day of classes. Back to School takes an "everything you need to know" approach to teaching on the first few days of the school year. Contains links on proper classroom setup; activities to play; and even safety in the classroom and on the bus. The Green Bay Education Association gives 26 tips for starting the year off right. The New York State United Teachers offer first day tips, effective room arrangements, and ways to maintain an effective learning environment from day one. Finally Pro Teacher has an extensive number of links to pages offering a wide variety of back to school tips. Find icebreakers, tips for room set ups, checklists of to do items, classroom management tips, activities, and more! |
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Students today have opportunities like never before to explore their global village. The Internet has given them instantaneous access to resources throughout the world. It has also given them the opportunity to construct knowledge, rather than just be instructed in it. Why not get your students involved with a major Internet project this year, one in which they will become valuable resources to not only their global community, but also their local community - one that will allow them to not only study knowledge, but also create it! The following web sites offer some innovative Internet competitions and projects. All encourage student participation in an exploration of their own community. All build upon the resources that have been established by students throughout our dynamic global community. Sign on to one of Thinkquest's contests. In doing so your students will have an opportunity to become part of an international team that will work together to develop an innovative online project. Canada's Schoolnet - Check out some of the best school web sites in Canada. Then have your students build one themselves! Better yet, visit the following site to learn how your students can earn money for their school while they're building it: http://www.schoolnet.ca/grassroots/e/index.asp CyberFair 2001 - Take a look at some of the best student web sites in the world. Then examine the guidelines for each of the eight categories - local leaders; community groups and populations; local business; local specialities; local attractions; historical landmarks; environmental awareness; local music and art - and have your students begin an exploration of their local community that they will never forget! These three sites are just the tip of the iceberg. Please let us know about any other interesting contests or competitions that highlight the student construction of knowledge on the Internet. You can e-mail us at: teachers_corner@vitalknowledge.com. We would love to be able to feature other sites for your colleagues. If your students want some help getting themselves online, Web Genie offers some excellent web publishing tutorials specifically geared towards them. |
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Little Tommy was doing very badly in math. His parents had tried everything: tutors, flash cards, and special learning centers. In a last-ditch effort, they took Tommy and enrolled him in the local Catholic school. After the first day, Little Tommy came home with a very serious look on his face. He didn't kiss his mother hello. Instead, he went straight to his room and started studying. His mother was amazed. She called him to dinner. To her shock, the minute he was done, he marched back to his room without a word and in no time, he was back hitting the books as hard as before. This went on for some time, day after day while his mother tried to understand what made all the difference. Finally, Little Tommy brought home his report card. He quietly laid it on the table, went up to his room, and hit the books. With great trepidation, his mom looked at it. To her surprise, little Tommy got an A in math. She could no longer hold her curiosity. She went to his room and said, "Son, what was it? Was it the nuns?" Little Tommy looked at her and shook his head, "No!" "Well, then," she asked, "was it the books, the discipline, the structure, the uniforms? WHAT was it?" Little Tommy looked at her and said, "Well, on the first day of school, when I saw that guy nailed to the plus sign, I knew they weren't fooling around!" From: The Good Clean Funnies |
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