Learning Page Chat, June 17, 2004:

Summertime

LeniD: Welcome to tonight’s Learning Page chat! Let's start with some introductions, please. Who are you, where are you from and what do you teach or do in schools?
DebbieMS: I'm Debbie and I am from Alva, Oklahoma. I teach special education in a middle school
BjD: Thank you - I assume that you guys have been teaching for a while, but I start my student teaching in the fall. I have been a TA for the past 15 years and finally got the chance to go back to college. I will be in 4th grade student teaching and if I pass Praxis II will get to keep the class in Dec.
NatashaC: My name is Natasha Curtis. I am from Fannin County Georgia and I teach second grade
JulieCA: I teach in a small rural community in the North Georgia Mountains. Ever heard of Helen, Georgia? I teach fifth grade.
LeniD: I'm Leni Donlan...former classroom teacher and techno-enthusiast...now project leader for the Learning Page at the Library of Congress.
LeniD: We have a diverse group...can't say I've heard of Helen, Georgia! :-)
BjD: BJD - I'm from Valdese NC - near Hickory and Asheville
SusanR: I am a K to 8 Occasional Teacher from Ottawa, Ontario..tomorrow I teach grade 4
BjD: I've been to Atlanta thousands of times - how close is Helen? No
JeffC: I'm Jeff Cooper, education technology specialist in Oregon. CarolynWa was here earlier today, and I told her about this meeting... she was looking for help with disruptive students. She's a special education teacher... I'm here to get a transcript for her.
NatashaC: I am from North Georgia College in Dahlonga GA
LeniD: Thanks, all :-) Welcome back, Susan :-)
LeniD: OK...let's think about leisure time (which I bet you would all love to have more of!)...
JulieCA: Helen is the Alpine Village about 75 miles from Atlanta.
LeniD: I've been to Atlanta...that helps :-)
BjD: Okay - I've heard of it but never been there
DebbieMS: It would be nice to have more leisure time during the school year!

LeniD: Benjamin Franklin said...
Leisure is Time for doing something useful: this Leisure the diligent Man will obtain but the lazy Man never.
LeniD: I hear you, Debbie!
NatashaC: I have a book I cant finish
DebbieMS: I would love to start a book
NatashaC: who has the time?
LeniD: Hi Gail...we are just finishing intros and getting started with our chat! Welcome!
GailP: Hi there - Gail from the LOC
LeniD: Bertrand Russell said...
LeniD: To be able to fill leisure intelligently is the last product of civilization, and at present very few people have reached this level.
LeniD: What do you think of Bertrand's quote?
NatashaC: that's right - very true
LeniD: I would agree, too, Natasha!
DebbieMS: I agree with this statement
NatashaC: I might get to enjoy leisure when I retire
LeniD: Using leisure well is an art form. Far too few of us master it.
BjD: That's on my "goals" list as number 3. I have to get my house cleaned from the past 4 years of "spot cleaning." Working full time and taking 12-15 hrs is about all I could handle:)
GailP: I'm living proof of a retiree who is loving "working" for fun!
JulieCA: I agree also, we have so many ways to fill our time these days but many of them do not fall into the intelligently column.
LeniD: LOL...Gail, do you want to speak about leisure in retirement?
GailP: Too much leisure makes Jack.... Jill a dull...
LeniD -)))
LeniD: I confess that I hardly know WHAT to do with leisure time...workaholism becomes a way of life. Can any of you relate?
GailP: Amen, Leni -
SusanR: ditto
BJ nods sadly
GailP: It takes practice to allow yourself to be "at leisure" and not feel guilty!!
LeniD: true, Gail!
DebbieMS: I am a single mom who is sending her last child to college in the fall. I know I will experience the empty nest syndrome. I would like some ideas for "leisure" after doing the mom thing
NatashaC: I am 26 and have been going to school none stop since I was five. What is leisure?
LeniD: I'm sure hearing you, Natasha.
JulieCA: Find something to do that is a stress reliever for your leisure activities. I love reading or rubber-stamping.
BjD: I love movies - and will be in the same boat as DebbieMS next year
SusanR: I joined a cycling group..did 1 52 kilometer bike ride today
GailP: I think if you think of leisure as "unassigned time" - how do you want to fill it? I garden - and read...
DebbieMS: A few friends are trying to get me into scrapbooking
SusanR: tomorrow it's back to work
LeniD: that sounds like WORK to me, Susan :-)
LeniD: How DO Americans spend their leisure time? Let's take a look. Ready?
NatashaC: I like to watch TV
SusanR: I am rejuvenated!!
BjD: scrapbooking sounds like fun -
DebbieMS: ready

JulieCA: Decorating, making greeting cards with rubber stamps, reading, scrapbooking
GailP: Whatever your choice, your leisure should be YOUR choice - and YOU should enjoy it!
SusanR: students are even scrapbooking
LeniD: Gail did a great scrapbooking project with students...they loved it!
GailP: Absolutely!
NatashaC: I like to sun bathe and go swimming
JulieCA: I have a lot of things that I would like to do but very little time.
BjD: That sounds like a great idea for students during the year as a "how we've changed" project.
DebbieMS: I would like to get Gail's idea for scraping with her students
GailP: Well, it surely is a topic we can all relate to!
NatashaC: I like to go swimming and sunbathe
GailP: Right, BJ
LeniD: Hello Joseph :-)
JosephLH: Greetings.
GailP: It was actually my 5th grade colleague who did it..
LeniD: We were just sharing our wishes/plans/dreams for using leisure time.
BjD: Okay - from leisure to testing. Does anyone know how the Praxis II is scored?
JulieCA: At our local high school, students are required in the language (senior) class to complete a scrapbook.
DebbieMS: neat idea
LeniD: Afraid I can't help, BjD.
NatashaC: no but I know the praxis is tough
SusanR: GREAT scrapbooking resource http://42explore.com/scrapbk.htm
NatashaC: buy the study guides. They help
LeniD: OK! It sounds as though you are all as ready for a vacation as can be...
DebbieMS: Thanks Susan
BjD: Yeah, I feel okay about it - but it sure would ease my mind to know - thanks for the scrapbooking site
NatashaC: I just got back from the Bahamas
JulieCA: It is scored by a committee. (essays) Three people are on the committee. These members are supposed to be well trained.
GailP: Get 3 ring notebooks - keep records all year long - allow some daily/weekly time for kids to add items individually - and also add items as a class....save ephemera (tickets, programs, etc...) Get fancy scissors and material and have available...have "stuff" for the kids to work with!
DebbieMS: I'll remember this for next year. Thanks!
JulieCA: That sounds like a great idea for my fifth graders. I could even post some of the pages on my web page.
GailP: Oh, I can go on forever, but just use your imagination...build a project that would fit with your class and meet your needs.....it can become whatever you want!

LeniD: And now...let's take a look at resources from the Library of Congress...about summertime! Here we go...
America at Leisure.
http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/awlhtml/awlleis.html

Some people spend their time with the daily or Sunday “funnies”...
Blondie Gets Married (Exhibition)
http://lcweb.loc.gov/rr/print/swann/blondie/
or cartoons...
Cartoon Cornucopia
http://www.loc.gov/rr/print/swann/artwood/

Some people enjoy a great variety show...
Bob Hope and American Varsity (Exhibition)
http://lcweb.loc.gov/exhibits/bobhope/

NatashaC: what's up with the web addresses?
LeniD: Ahhh...we usually have Michael to help out...I should have explained this, Natasha.
GailP: Click on them, Natasha
GailP: They will bring up another window!
LeniD: When I give you a web address, you can click on it and go to the site!
NatashaC: what for?
GailP: So you can see the site
LeniD: To see the resource :-)
GailP: And they will be archived in the transcript for you to revisit later.

LeniD: For others, sports are the way to a good time!
Leisure Arts (American Treasures Exhibition)
LeniD: http://www.loc.gov/exhibits/treasures/tr33b.html#leisure

NatashaC: can we come back to this site?
BJ: another helpful hint...click on the ACTIONS menu in the top right of your chat window and then highlight DETACH
GailP: You should have two windows, Natasha.
JeffC: It will open another window Natasha, you won't lose this window.
NatashaC: thanks
GailP: Great!
LeniD: Thanks for the help, Gail, BJ and Jeff :-)

LeniD: Baseball in the Library of Congress
http://lcweb.loc.gov/rr/perform/baseballlinks.html
We are the Champions (WiseGuide)
http://www.loc.gov/wiseguide/apr03/champions.html
DebbieMS: good sites
LeniD: Glad you think so, Debbie...I love the baseball sites, myself!
JulieCA: My fifth grade boys will love the last baseball site. Thanks
GailP: The Wise Guide is a monthly feature...
LeniD: Play Ball!
http://www.americaslibrary.gov/cgi-bin/page.cgi/jp/bball
Baseball Cards: 1887-1914
http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/bbhtml/bbhome.html
SusanR . o O (I was in a grade three classroom where baseball was the unit of study for June...)
LeniD: I have used Baseball as a fall theme with 5th graders, too, Susan!
SusanR: Kids were living and breathing baseball..in all subject areas.
LeniD: Yep...it can carry some mighty powerful curriculum, across disciplines.

NatashaC: Any sites in the Spanish language?
LeniD: Natasha, we have some international collections...with multi-lingual pages.
GailP: Natasha, there is a Global Gateway site...I'll find it for you while Leni continues
LeniD: Thanks, Gail!
GailP: Check this later, Natasha...Spain, The United States and the American Frontier
http://international.loc.gov/intldl/eshtml/eshome.html

LeniD: Some people, old and young, enjoy a good book!
http://www.loc.gov/exhibits/oz/
LeniD: Every culture has its holidays and celebrations...what could be more fun?
http://www.americaslibrary.gov/cgi-bin/page.cgi/jp/celebrate
How about a summer concert in the park?
http://www.americaslibrary.gov/cgi-bin/page.cgi/es/ks/lawrence_1
DebbieMS: This sounds like leisure
LeniD: Yes :-)
LeniD: What is done for fun on the local scene?
Fairfield Indian Summer Days Festival
http://www.loc.gov/bicentennial/propage/OH/oh-8_h_boehner3.html
Springfield Summer Arts Festival
http://www.loc.gov/bicentennial/propage/OH/oh-7_h_hobson2.html
LeniD: Hello Carol...welcome!
JulieCA: Or a great fireworks display!
DebbieMS: Oklahoma has lots of lakes for local leisure
LeniD: Now we're really thinking LEISURE!
Summer at Jones Beach
http://www.loc.gov/bicentennial/propage/NY/ny_s_moynihan1.html
GailP: When you have a chance, check out Local Legacies from your own state at:
http://lcweb.loc.gov/bicentennial/propage/prohome.html
DebbieMS: thanks Gail
LeniD: Good suggestion, Gail..thanks!
LeniD: Summer on the Atlantic City Boardwalk
http://www.americaslibrary.gov/cgi-bin/page.cgi/jb/recon/brdwalk_1
Then, of course, there are the seasonal summer holiday trips...
http://www.americaslibrary.gov/cgi-bin/page.cgi/jp/vacation/season_1
LeniD: Summer is also a time to do some learning...
Why is it hot in summer and cold in winter?
http://www.loc.gov/rr/scitech/mysteries/seasons.html

NatashaC: like taking a masters in education course
GailP: Good luck, Natasha!
DebbieMS: I'm with Natasha, only masters in reading specialist

LeniD: When does summer begin?
http://www.americaslibrary.gov/cgi-bin/page.cgi/jb/modern/summer_1
GailP: Back to everyday mysteries - here is the page for all categories
http://www.loc.gov/rr/scitech/mysteries/archive.html
LeniD: Thanks, Gail :-)
GailP: Just in case you have "leisure time" to explore...
LeniD: How does sunscreen work?
http://www.loc.gov/rr/scitech/mysteries/sunscreen.html
GailP: Not well enough, Leni!
LeniD: LOL!

NatashaC: I am pretty much lost at this point. What are you trying to get across?
GailP: We are showing you "leisure - summer" resources that you could use with kids!
NatashaC: Got cha!
NatashaC: Not very interesting.
JeffC: Why aren't you interested?
NatashaC: I don't have children, I guess.
DebbieMS: These are good sources I can use with my middle school students
NatashaC: We don't have time for fun stuff. It's all about teaching the QCCs.
JeffC: Would that all teachers were able to at least stay in contact with their students via email through the summer... forward them a few links to have some fun.
SusanR: Great resources to integrate with social studies!!
DebbieMS: Good idea Jeff
DebbieMS: teachers need to make learning fun and the students will get more out of it.
NatashaC: If you have the time.
LeniD: I agree, Susan. I think you can teach a lot through these resources, Natasha. I wouldn't just flash 'em up there for your students, as I am doing here...I'm just trying to show you some great resources you can delve into later, on your own.
GailP: As you teach historical time periods, this is a topic you can integrate...what did people do for leisure...compare...contrast...
JeffC: I think you've hit on one of the tragic ironies in teaching today Natasha. If learning can't be fun... then we're basically heading down a road to self-immolation as educators... students who are burnt out and turned off to learning... and educators as well.
LeniD: What is an example of a QCC', Natasha?
SusanR: I am sure these resources can be applied to your course of study, Natasha
LeniD: My thought as well, Susan.
JulieCA: Natasha, got kicked off. What did you say about learning being fun?
LeniD: Julie, Natasha was just telling us that she doesn't have time to just do "fun stuff"...thee is too much pressure to teach the QCC's.
JulieCA: She's right, education is test score driven.
NatashaC: All day long...sorry.
GailP: And I'm sure many teachers across the nation can echo Natasha's concerns...but you can teach it a "fun way" and make learning fun for your students...
DebbieMS: yes Gail
LeniD: We were suggesting that if kids couldn't have fun with learning...what's the point? I think that you can have fun, and still teach the required "stuff".
NatashaC: I invite you to come to teach in Georgia for one year and then tell me how you feel!
DebbieMS: do hands-on activities with your students
NatashaC: I do "In Math"...we have to.
LeniD: That bad :-( I'm sorry to hear that, Natasha. Truly.
JulieCA: I do have fun and love teaching. My kids have fun too. You just have to be very creative and structured and seize every teachable moment.
GailP: Agreed, Julie..and all of you are here tonight...even you, Natasha...and that shows you DO care!
NatashaC: I love teaching. I wish it was like when I was in school, but it's not.
LeniD: Natasha, what could we have shown tonight that would have been helpful to you? We DO appreciate the fact that you are here.
NatashaC: Teaching school is not at all what I thought it would be.
SusanR: Is your administration demanding?
NatashaC: Very! Got to get those test scores up!!!!
LeniD: And your day is pretty "prescribed" we are hearing :-(
GailP: That is a "requirement" in many states....we hear you...
NatashaC: Down to the last minute in the day!
LeniD: Argh! That IS a tough way to teach :-(
NatashaC: Any advice?
LeniD: Do others have suggestions for Natasha...her situation sounds like teacher's purgatory :-(
GailP: The whole wonderful thing about integrating primary sources into your teaching is that you can find wonderful resources from the Library of Congress that connect with almost everything you teach....
DebbieMS: If you are frustrated, how do your students feel?
GailP: Where is you hometown, Natasha?
JulieCA: It sure is. It sounds like you are more limited by administration rather than QCC's.
NatashaC: I'm stressed out!
SusanR . o O (try for a school transfer)
NatashaC: The whole county is the same.
DebbieMS: I teach in a small school in Kansas. Yes, we teach for testing, but we also try to enjoy activities with our students
NatashaC: Like what?
LeniD: Debbie, do you have a totally "prescribed" day. Or do you have degrees of freedom?
DebbieMS: students don't want to come to school everyday to be pushed
DebbieMS: some freedom, remember I teach special education
DebbieMS: but I also watch the other teachers in their classes
LeniD: Ah yes.
DebbieMS: we have to support each other to get through the testing
LeniD: Natasha, are you testing now?
NatashaC: I realize that. I just think it is sad when we don't have enough time to make Mother's Day cards.
DebbieMS: Yes, it would be nice if school were the way it was when we were small
NatashaC: no we are out for the summer
JulieCA: I would love to have time to watch other teachers in their classrooms. I think that we could learn so much from each other.
NatashaC: hopefully next year will be different.
DebbieMS: could you make mother's day cards or other cards during writing or spelling time?
LeniD: Julie, agreed!
NatashaC: I don’t teach writing or spelling per say
LeniD: No?
LeniD: What do you teach? Reading, math?
DebbieMS: language?
NatashaC: they are mixed together
DebbieMS: good luck next year, Natasha
JulieCA: One of the QCCs is writing friendly letters, maybe this is when you could make your cards.
NatashaC: yes the direct instruction reading, Saxon math and accelerated math and Shirley language and social studies, science and spelling whenever it is possible
DebbieMS: great idea

LeniD: We hope you will all....
LeniD: Enjoy YOUR summer...we will see you in September!
NatashaC: thanks
DebbieMS: thank you for all the new ideas
NatashaC: thanks for all of your wonderful help
JulieCA: Thanks
SusanR: Thanks Leni..super resources as usual
LeniD: This is our last chat for this school year. If any of you will be at NECC in New Orleans, please stop by and meet us...we would love to see you!
GailP: Thank you for coming to share with us tonight...
JeffC: I empathize with Natasha... the pressures of NCLB, the nonsense of focusing on assessment rather than motivation, lack of support.
GailP: Know, Natasha, that you have company out there...
GailP: And don't lose heart....
GailP: You will and do, I'm sure, make a difference with the students...
LeniD: Please hang in, Natasha...children need you...and need to make mother's day cards!
SusanR: I too empathize. I have encountered teaching environments such as yours...luckily I never experienced one..
LeniD: Night all...thanks for joining us, tonight.
GailP: It has been fun...interesting...thought provoking....
BJ: thanks, Leni and Gail
GailP: But we are all here together because I think we care about children...
NatashaC: You had some very interesting ideas and websites.
LeniD: Our pleasure. You DID give us much to think about, Natasha. Thank you.
NatashaC: You're welcome.
LeniD: Hope you can use some of what you saw.
GailP: You're welcome, BJ.
GailP: And spend some of your "leisure time" exploring on your own.
BJ waves goodnight, perchance to dream of leisure time
JeffC: Natasha, I also have some resources in my office if you'd like.
LeniD: Let's Hit the Road...
http://www.americaslibrary.gov/cgi-bin/page.cgi/jp/vacation
LeniD: Bye!
LeniD left the room (signed off).