If you've never seen art teacher Cassie Stephens' clothing creations, you are missing out! Inspired by famous artists, Cassie is the Ms. Frizzle of the art classroom. You can check out her cool creations on her blog here:
Well, I'm no seamstress and certainly no artist. In fact, I'm more at home with a hot glue gun and some Velcro. But I do enjoy fun clothes and accessories. So what are some of my favorite things?
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Over Easter break, I had the privilege of working with a phenomenal group of Alberta librarians who braved the snowy spring weather (even as far as 2.5 hours away) to "hack" all things advocacy, reading, and making. After a few days experiencing the natural beauty of western Canada, the Alberta Learning Commons Council "Hacking School Libraries" mini-conference was my last stop before returning to New York.
Some years ago, my friend and colleague Claudia Leon and I brought our NYS Liberty Partnerships students on a field trip to the Ronald McDonald House in New Hyde Park, Long Island. We brought with us:
This year I had been speaking to a group of students about the Ronald McDonald House and what an impact that field trip made. At the same time, a new program was being promoted by DonorsChoose.org and the Born This Way Foundation, led by Lady Gaga and her mother Cynthia Germanotta, to support mental and emotional wellness. As an advocate for student voice to empower children to become agents of change, I had used the Flipgrid video recording tool for our SLIME event's Make a Difference Charity Pitch Fest. With all of these in mind, tt was time to write a new project with my students: "Many of us visit the library because it is a place where we can relax and meet with our friends during free time. Our library has a classroom area, a reading lounge, and a makerspace. We even have exercise bikes that we ride on when we read. Our "Kids Kindness Kart" that has supplies so we can make things for others. During a day of working so hard, it's nice to visit the library and make things with our friends like toys for shelter dogs, cards for sick kids, and kindness rocks. Mrs. Holzweiss told us about the Ronald McDonald House, a place where families stay when their children are in the hospital. We want to help these families to cheer them up, and to know that people are thinking about them. We know that it's hard when people you love are sick, so we can take turn our pain into something positive. If this project is funded we will have the supplies that we need to create beautiful works of art, and enjoy the wonderful smells and sounds of the library. After we paint our pictures, we are going to record video messages of hope with the Flipgrid app. Then we will print the QR code and attach it to the back of the artwork before we give them to the families at the Ronald McDonald House. They will have the artwork and a video to remind them when they need cheering up. If they want, they can even respond to our videos. We can do some awesome things together! This can make our school and the whole world a better place." A few students participated by creating works of art in the library during their free periods, but I soon realized that it would take quite some time to paint 100 pieces of artwork to donate to the Ronald McDonald House. And so how it usually happens in the library, one thing leads to another... My colleague Amy Scognamillo, a 6th grade ELA teacher, explained how she had been reading the picture books We're All Wonders by R.J. Palacio and Malala's Magic Pencil by Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai with her students so that they could develop not only literacy skills, but also empathy. Listening to Amy speak was magical! I explained my idea of this Ronald McDonald House art project to complement her lessons, and Amy immediately agreed to join me. For three days, my library was transformed into an art studio. With paints, crayons, markers, canvases, and brushes Amy's students created heartwarming messages of hope and inspiration. They not only learned ABOUT empathy, but they were given the opportunity to make a difference with their hands, hearts, and minds. This project is particularly special for both Amy and me. Today is the 19th anniversary of her mother Marie's passing, and the 13th anniversary of my sister Laryssa's passing. I thank Amy not only for collaborating with me as a colleague, but the gift of making a difference with her and her students. Click here to view the student messages: https://flipgrid.com/6af621 
MISCELLANEOUS
LITERACY
ROBOTS/CODING DIGITAL MAKING ELECTRONICS BUILDING ARTS AND CRAFTS  Today I write about my son. My blog today has nothing to do with makerspaces or libraries. Today I write about a lesson that I learned.
After a two month summer hiatus from school and Tae Kwon Do, we returned to our normal routine. I dug up our sparring bags, uniforms, and belts and began the weekly ritual of bringing our three children (Tyler 7, Riley 6, and Lexy 4) to their Tae Kwon Do lessons. I thought they would be a "little rusty" from the long break, but they didn't miss a beat. Lexy was her usual scrappy self. At barely 3 feet tall and 25 pounds, she has kept up with her brothers. She is learning skills of self-discipline and self-defense, important for every young girl (especially for someone of her stature). Today, she earned a red star for her performance. Tyler and Riley are both in the same class afterwards, both blue belts with stripes. My boys are similar (love Star Wars, video games, and bugging their little sister), but they are also so different (personalities, abilities, and eating habits). Today Tyler earned a star, just like his sister. All three of our children have learned that some days they will earn a star in Tae Kwon Do, and sometimes they won't. After years of participating in this sport they have accepted it. But today was different. Today Riley was forcing the tears back and clenching his teeth, trying to hold back his emotions like Dr. Banner and the Hulk (his favorite super hero). After much prodding, we finally discovered that Riley was upset about two things. First he was upset that he didn't earn a star. This is unusual, because Riley is very accepting. The second reason made more sense to us. Riley's Tae Kwon Do instructor gave him a thin board to break, and a thicker board to his older brother. Riley felt slighted. He wanted to break the thicker board so he grabbed one from the pile. His instructor knew his abilities, and tried to ease him back into Tae Kwon Do by giving him the thinner board. I understood it from an adult's point of view, but Riley didn't. Tyler tried to comfort him by giving him the blue star that he had earned, but Riley wouldn't have it. It wasn't the star he really wanted (although my husband and I thought that Riley deserved it more today of our two sons). He wanted the thicker board. He wanted to be like his brother, and he wanted to try it. Giving Riley his own star wouldn't have helped the situation. It would have diminished the value of the ones that his brother and sister had received. After the lesson, we explained the situation to the instructor. Riley dried his tears and smiled when the instructor picked up a thick board and called him over. Riley tried and tried kicking and pushing. But it wouldn't break. Since thinner boards are easier to break, the instructor picked up two thin boards and showed Riley that the thickness together would equal one thick board. Riley kicked them and smiled. He didn't need the star. He needed an opportunity to feel proud of himself. The fact of the matter is, Riley has earned more stars that Tyler over the years. Riley has more "heart" for Tae Kwon Do. Riley should have received two stars yesterday, one for his effort and one for his determination. And, of course, we bought ice cream on the way home just as Riley wanted. It seems that every company is getting in on the makerspace craze. Some are offering resources, materials, and programs that have little to do with inquiry and ingenuity by slapping the word "makerspace" on the package and hoping it sticks. Believe it or not, Microsoft is a company that has done it right! Here's why:
MICROSOFT MAKER SPACE PROJECT AT ISTE 2016 IN DENVER
HAVING FUN AT HOME WITH PROJECTS
ON THE ROAD...
I love to travel. Meeting people and seeing new places is always exciting, but when it also includes a Day of Making then I get REALLY energized! After 5 hours in my car soaking in the beautiful upstate NY scenery followed by a delicious dinner with Diana Wendell, SLS Director & CIS Coordinator of Madison-Oneida BOCES, and her wonderful colleagues I was ready for a full day of collaborating, sharing, and learning!
AN ARTICLE BY MADISON-ONEIDA BOCES...
I enjoy connecting with other teachers and librarians across New York State. I find that our situations and goals are more similar than different, and it gives me a good perspective on what is going on in libraries and classrooms off Long Island.
CLICK HERE TO SEE OUR VIDEOS...
From these videos you can see what great sports these librarians and teachers were. I am confident that their students are in good hands, by seeing how creative and open-minded these educators are. They really know what it means to have fun learning again!
ROLLING OUT A NEW BRAG TAG PROGRAM...
We all have those teachable moments in our lives, and this was one of them for me. But it was also a learning moment. During this workshop I was able to beta test my new "brag tags" program. Combining ideas from Brad Flickinger's Reward Learning With Badges: Spark Student Achievement, a discussion with my new friend Wanda Terral at Edcamp USA last month, and a request by Diana to incorporate standards into our workshop.....tada....I now know how to document learning during my Genius Hour program! Not only did I give brag tags during activities, but the participants gave them to one another and even themselves. Now, that's empowered learning!
Here are my Brag Tags for AASL and ISTE Standards. You can add Common Core Standards, if you like.
BLING YOUR BADGE...
"Bling Your Badge" is an introductory activity that combines low tech creativity and simple circuits. With paint markers, clear badges, lanyards, LED's, coin batteries, and tape participants created badges that showcased their personalities. This simple activity has so much learning "bang for your buck"!
MARBLE RUN...
So Dollar Tree was already out of pool noodles, but on a quick stop to Home Depot I was able to pick up some pipe insulation. It may have been more expensive, but the foam was SO much easier to cut and manipulate. This group were my guinea pigs, and such troopers! I had never done this with a group of educators during a workshop, but I plan to always make this an activity. Through collaborating, communicating, and critical thinking magic truly happened as individuals formed pairs, then teams, and then worked together as a full group. The dynamics that I witnessed during this activity truly made my heart sing. :)
"JUNK IN A BAG" CHALLENGE...
When my little sister used to come home from birthday parties, my mom would ask her how the party went. After sharing details about the games and the cake, my sister would inevitably rummage through her goody bag. Or as she would call it..."$%&^* in a bag." So, I've modified this challenge for schools and call it "Junk in a Bag." What are the rules?
BLOXELS VIDEO GAME DESIGNER...
When my little sister used to come home from birthday parties, my mom would ask her how the party went. After sharing details about the games and the cake, my sister would inevitably rummage through her goody bag. Or as she would call it..."$%&^* in a bag." So, I've modified this challenge for schools and call it "Junk in a Bag." What are the rules?
BREAKOUT EDU...
You've heard of 12 step processes before. Well, when it comes to my Target addiction I have a simple 5 step process:
1. Target Dollar Spot You would have to be lying if you never bought anything in the Target Dollar Spot. When I used to shop for clothing in department stores (believe me, it's not fun trying on clothes with three little kids running around) I would head straight to the back of the store to the clearance rack. The hunt for a bargain is what thrills any female. Target is different. Target brings out the dessert cart before you ever touch your main meal! I could do some serious damage to my wallet within the first 5 minutes of entering the store. The Dollar Spot is perfect for organizational materials (storage boxes, folders, clips), decoratives (posters, tags, signage), craft supplies (ribbons, markers, beads), classroom resources (flashcards, dry erase boards, and erasers) and incentives (bubbles, stickers, and coloring books). Prices are usually $1, $3, or $5. Once you see something you like, nab it! Chances are items won't last very long.
2. Clearance Items
Craft supplies, STEM toys, storage...Target has it all! Browse the various departments and you'll find something that you "just have to have." But, if you have the time to rummage through the end cap shelves or look for specific items you can save A LOT of money on clearance items. On my recent excursions to local Targets I saved at least 50% off the original prices...Ollie robots ($50 instead of $100), Disney Imagicademy Storymation Studio Stop Motion Movie Kits ($9 instead of $30), Meccano MeccaNoid G15 ($45 instead of $150), Makedo Ready to Build Kits ($4 instead of $12), and SmartLab Toy Demolition Lab ($9 instead of $26). *Note: These prices were in store, not online. Don't forget that Target also has a price adjustment policy for 14 days, which came in handy when I purchased the Makedo and Demolition Labs $6 and $15 respectively a week earlier. We'll match the price if you buy a qualifying item at Target then find the identical item for less at Target.com, select online competitors, or in Target's or competitor's local print ad. Price matches may be requested at time of purchase or Price adjustments within 14 days after purchase.
3. Commitment to Community
Besides quality of products, good prices, an convenient one-stop shopping, I support Target for their commitment to the community.
Through Target's field trip grant, I was able to bring a group of students in our afterschool club to visit a working farm in upstate New York (Beaverwood Farm, Swan Lake). Students from our suburban, high-needs, culturally diverse district were able to ride horses, feed chickens, and milk cows. I still have students tell me what an impact this experience had on their lives.
Currently, Target is partnering with DonorsChoose to donate up to $5 million dollars for kid-inspired projects relating to topics of health and wellness. Through this program thousands of students nationwide to receive the resources they need to help them about proper nutrition, exercise, and healthy-living choices.
Target's commitment is apparent in their store planning as they consider people's needs. Having a non-gender specific family bathroom and a variety of carting options is a thoughtful bonus in my book. There are motorized carts, children's carts, and even Caroline's Cart for people with special needs.
I have to confess. I love packaging. I appreciate clever design, graphics, shape, and use. But I hate to throw it out! I know I should save all of those boxes from Amazon and other online stores. But I already save A LOT! So what to do, when I come across this cardboard briefcase designed by Crayola? I love it, but it takes so much room and I can consolidate those crayons, markers, and colored pencils in a much smaller spaces. I have to decide quickly, trash or treasure? So with some Lego baseplates, I've transformed the art box into a portable building kit. Perfect for the car or house, I hope those stray Lego pieces will find their way into this case and not into my vacuum cleaner. One can hope!  
How do you squeeze an ISTE experience into a blog entry? What do you focus on? Themes, sessions, educational companies, trends, sponsors, exhibitors, keynotes? How do you encapsulate almost a week long opportunity to connect and learn face to face with close 20,000 participants and exhibitors, and even student presenters, representing 73 countries?
For me, it is the people. Sharing the joys of teaching with Facebook and Twitter friends is an opportunity that technology cannot replace. Whether giving one another quick high fives in the Exhibition Hall, hanging in a Playground, sitting on a panel together, grabbing a bite and a cup of coffee, socializing at an after party, or sharing a room together attending conferences help us to rejuvenate our spirits so that we can be active participants in the global community of educators. Having been to my fourth ISTE, I’m not a newbie so I have learned to make reservations early, pack lightly, and plan for a flexible schedule. But I’m not yet a veteran. I know the names of “big” people, am friends with a few of them, and become a nervous teenage fan when I meet most of the others. Almost a decade ago, my former district’s teacher trainer mentioned ISTE to me. He knew I loved learning about new technologies, even though we had only a few computers in our library. And so I went, and I discovered that there was a world of professional development beyond my classroom, my school, my district, and even my entire state. I went because I had been invited to the table, and I accepted the invitation. At my very first ISTE in Philadelphia in 2011, I saw Kathy Schrock. And I was star-struck! I say saw, because I was too shy to actually introduce myself to THE Kathy Schrock. Years earlier, I had stumbled on Kathy’s Schrockguide on DiscoveryEducation.com while I was still a 7th grade English teacher. When I needed to find a website to teach my students how to write a research paper, cite their sources, and avoid plagiarism I didn’t use Google. As the saying goes, I went to a librarian, “the original search engine.” I went to Kathy. Kathy Schrock is a name that educators from fields other than library science recognize. Kathy Schrock was at ISTE because she understood that being a librarian means helping readers to navigate text, whether print or digital. She is a teacher librarian. What stood out for me this year at ISTE were not the new and not-so-new “Kathy Schrock,” librarians like Shannon Miller, Joyce Valenza, Nikki Robertson, Gwyneth Jones, Jennifer LaGarde, Laura Fleming, Sherry Gick, Elissa Malespina, Colleen Graves, Diana Rendina, Andy Plemmons, Heather Lister, Jennifer Lussier, Michelle Colte (I could go on and on and on and...). What stood out for me were my library colleagues who were attending their first or second ISTE. Not just Facebook or Twitter friends. They were librarians who teach on Long Island with me who made the plane trip from New York to Denver. They came because they wanted “a seat at the table.” Whether encouraged by a supervisor or motivated by their own desire to learn and connect, these friends discovered a world beyond their bookstacks. A librarian cannot be categorized by just one Dewey call number. You see, a librarian has many roles, the most important of which is to be a researcher. We research ways to support our administrators, our teachers, and our students. We leave no stone unturned. Even if we aren’t the curriculum expert, we know how to find the information. But what brings us to conferences? We need human connections. We want to see for ourselves what we can bring back to our schools. We want to want to make new friends. Seeing my local colleagues experience ISTE for the first time made me realize that as long as there are librarians who are “invited to the table” or “pull up a chair” themselves, libraries will always be the center of learning. Our strength is our appreciation of all subject areas, and how learning is interconnected. As Lady Bird Johnson once said, ““Perhaps no place in any community is so totally democratic as the town library. The only entrance requirement is interest.” Attending conferences such as ISTE, helps us to connect with educators whom we might not meet normally. It helps to branch out and to learn about trends in other subject areas. And it helps others to realize the importance of well-funded library programs staffed by certified librarians, no matter what title we have.
My local colleagues, the inspiration for this blog post...
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May 2019
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