As we come to the end of another school year I wanted to share these thoughts with you.
As we come to the end of a school year many of the tweets and blog posts that I have seen talk about reflections and looking at our past accomplishments and looking forward as well. To be honest when I hear the word reflection the image that comes to my mind is that of looking in a mirror and seeing my own reflection. Yes there are other definitions for the word (one of them being careful thought, especially the process of reconsidering previous actions). But for me I still have that image of the mirror. Therefore at this time of year do I want to see look at see who I am now who is that person in the mirror or do I want to see how far that person has grown. Perhaps more importantly do I want to see the student that stands before me now or how much he has grown. To be honest I think we need to do both. We need to celebrate our successes and accomplishments and celebrate who we have become and the person that stands before us now, and we need to know and realize how much we have grown. Therefore another word comes to mind and that is Retrospection. That means that we think about or review past events especially from a new perspective or with new information.
We need to realize that we are not the same person that we were in September nor are our students the same and therefore as we look back we need to look back based on our new perspective , so that we can appreciate how far we have come and also understand how much more we all can grow.
So as we end the year let us look back on the past in retrospect, let us reflect and celebrate the present, and let us look forward with renewed energy towards the future.
Wishing you all a relaxing and enjoyable summer vacation
Rabbi Greenblatt
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Plant A Seed and Watch it Grow
I posted this on my Principals Post blog and I wanted to share with all of you as well.
We should take pride and Nachas from our children.
Last week someone tweeted the following “Plant a seed and watch it grow”. The tweet had a link. The tweet got my interest as an elementary school principal and teacher. I assumed it was a catchy title about children so I clicked on the link. To my utter amazement it was actually a link about planting seeds.
However the idea was still stuck on my head. In reality that is what we do as elementary school teachers we plant the seeds now and we nurture them, water them and feed them so that they will grow. So times this growth can take many years. I remember when I reconnected with a former student some 15 years after I taught her in fourth grade (I am not that old) that one of the reasons she went into teaching was because of the feeling she got in my class. If we are lucky we can the see growth sooner. Over the past few weeks I have had the privilege to see amazing growth in the students in my school. From their Science Fair projects, preparing questions for skyping with another school, in class presentations, the level of their Hebrew language skills, or the major music production that the First through Fourth graders did, all of it showed how much they have grown.
This past weekend talk show host Michael Medved was a scholar-in-residence at one of the local synagogues and he said one of the problems with Television media is that “If it bleeds it leads’, meaning we focus on the negative. Sometimes in education as well we focus or only hear about how bad things are and all that is wrong. Yes there are things that we need to change but there are also many great things.
I am luck that I get to not only plant and help nurture those seeds I am also able to watch them grow.
We should take pride and Nachas from our children.
Last week someone tweeted the following “Plant a seed and watch it grow”. The tweet had a link. The tweet got my interest as an elementary school principal and teacher. I assumed it was a catchy title about children so I clicked on the link. To my utter amazement it was actually a link about planting seeds.
However the idea was still stuck on my head. In reality that is what we do as elementary school teachers we plant the seeds now and we nurture them, water them and feed them so that they will grow. So times this growth can take many years. I remember when I reconnected with a former student some 15 years after I taught her in fourth grade (I am not that old) that one of the reasons she went into teaching was because of the feeling she got in my class. If we are lucky we can the see growth sooner. Over the past few weeks I have had the privilege to see amazing growth in the students in my school. From their Science Fair projects, preparing questions for skyping with another school, in class presentations, the level of their Hebrew language skills, or the major music production that the First through Fourth graders did, all of it showed how much they have grown.
This past weekend talk show host Michael Medved was a scholar-in-residence at one of the local synagogues and he said one of the problems with Television media is that “If it bleeds it leads’, meaning we focus on the negative. Sometimes in education as well we focus or only hear about how bad things are and all that is wrong. Yes there are things that we need to change but there are also many great things.
I am luck that I get to not only plant and help nurture those seeds I am also able to watch them grow.
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Religion and Technology
As our world is always challenging and technology and social media have become almost second nature at times we need to stop and take stock of our lives and remember what is truly important. As Religious Jews I believe we were given a safety net and that net is Shabbos.
Chief Rabbi Lord Sacks says it much better than I can:
The soul needs its silences in the midst of the web chatter and the electronic noise.
Credo - the Times - February 2010
Here is the link to Rabbi Sack's article http://www.chiefrabbi.org/ReadArtical.aspx?id=1736
Is the internet making us stupid? Are social networking sites distorting personal relationships, encouraging us to substitute virtual encounters for real ones? Are the almost infinite distractions of the Web making us lose self-control?
So argue Nicholas Carr, Sherry Turkle and Daniel Akst in their recent books, part of a wave of scepticism that has overtaken the utopian expectations of how the Internet might change our lives. Carr argues, in The Shallows, that the internet is rewiring our neural networks, changing the shape of our minds. It maximises distractions, making it hard for us to pay attention for long, or to follow complex and subtle arguments.
In Alone Together, Turkle contends that social networking media like Facebook and Twitter are making demands on us that are not good for real relationships in real time. They make demands on us to be “on”, available, accessible, all the time. They tempt us to present “edited” editions of ourselves. There is a difference between electronic communication and genuine interpersonal care.
Meanwhile Daniel Akst claims, in We Have Met the Enemy, that the Web is one of what he calls the “weapons of mass consumption.” By making everything available to us all the time, our twenty-first century lifestyle is causing us to lose our self-control and do everything in excess.
All of this is true, up to a point. But it is also true that the Web is making information accessible at a speed and with a reach that is unprecedented, thus democratizing knowledge. Social networking helps people stay in touch in ways they simply could not do before. I have seen it bring support to people who are seriously ill and helpful advice to worried, housebound mothers of young children. And yes, we need to learn self-control, but did we not always have to do so?
The truth is we are living through a revolution whose consequences are immense, far-reaching and impossible to predict. We have just witnessed how Facebook and Twitter played a significant part in the popular uprisings in both Tunisia and Egypt. They helped get people on the street. They spread provocative images and words with extraordinary speed and power. They allowed people to defy and circumvent state control of conventional media. Within less than a month they helped bring down two governments and destabilise an entire region. The world is changing fast.
New information technology has this effect and has done so throughout history. The invention of writing, first in Mesopotamia, then in Egypt, led to the dawn of civilization. The alphabet led to the book and to the people of the Book. The invention of printing led to the Reformation, the growth of science, mass literacy and the birth of the modern. Only in retrospect do we know where it leads.
Information technology makes it easier for people to communicate, but what happens next depends on what we communicate, not just how. In and of itself, technology never solves people problems. Only people can do that.
Which is why the Jewish Sabbath is acquiring new salience. It’s the day when, for the most part, we put technology aside. We don’t watch television, answer emails, switch on our computer or use our smart-phone. In the synagogue and at home we spend real time with real people. The Sabbath builds communities, strengthens marriages, and gives parents and children undistracted time with one another. It’s also, around the dinner table or in synagogue, a time for study of our ancient texts, study that demands extended concentration on arguments and interpretations.
It is, in other words, the perfect antidote to the negative effects of the web. It is astonishing how the Sabbath has been a form of liberation in age after age, from the tyranny of slavery three thousand years ago to that of technology now.
The Sabbath teaches us about limits and the ability to say No. It tells us to take time out to focus on what really matters: the important as opposed to the urgent. It gives our most significant relationships the time and space to breathe. It keeps us human, reminding us that we are the masters of technology, not its slaves.
I thank God for the Sabbath because, reconnecting to Him I find it easier to reconnect to others without the interruptions and distractions of the latest i-miracles, wondrous though they are. The soul needs its silences in the midst of the web chatter and the electronic noise.
Chief Rabbi Lord Sacks says it much better than I can:
The soul needs its silences in the midst of the web chatter and the electronic noise.
Credo - the Times - February 2010
Here is the link to Rabbi Sack's article http://www.chiefrabbi.org/ReadArtical.aspx?id=1736
Is the internet making us stupid? Are social networking sites distorting personal relationships, encouraging us to substitute virtual encounters for real ones? Are the almost infinite distractions of the Web making us lose self-control?
So argue Nicholas Carr, Sherry Turkle and Daniel Akst in their recent books, part of a wave of scepticism that has overtaken the utopian expectations of how the Internet might change our lives. Carr argues, in The Shallows, that the internet is rewiring our neural networks, changing the shape of our minds. It maximises distractions, making it hard for us to pay attention for long, or to follow complex and subtle arguments.
In Alone Together, Turkle contends that social networking media like Facebook and Twitter are making demands on us that are not good for real relationships in real time. They make demands on us to be “on”, available, accessible, all the time. They tempt us to present “edited” editions of ourselves. There is a difference between electronic communication and genuine interpersonal care.
Meanwhile Daniel Akst claims, in We Have Met the Enemy, that the Web is one of what he calls the “weapons of mass consumption.” By making everything available to us all the time, our twenty-first century lifestyle is causing us to lose our self-control and do everything in excess.
All of this is true, up to a point. But it is also true that the Web is making information accessible at a speed and with a reach that is unprecedented, thus democratizing knowledge. Social networking helps people stay in touch in ways they simply could not do before. I have seen it bring support to people who are seriously ill and helpful advice to worried, housebound mothers of young children. And yes, we need to learn self-control, but did we not always have to do so?
The truth is we are living through a revolution whose consequences are immense, far-reaching and impossible to predict. We have just witnessed how Facebook and Twitter played a significant part in the popular uprisings in both Tunisia and Egypt. They helped get people on the street. They spread provocative images and words with extraordinary speed and power. They allowed people to defy and circumvent state control of conventional media. Within less than a month they helped bring down two governments and destabilise an entire region. The world is changing fast.
New information technology has this effect and has done so throughout history. The invention of writing, first in Mesopotamia, then in Egypt, led to the dawn of civilization. The alphabet led to the book and to the people of the Book. The invention of printing led to the Reformation, the growth of science, mass literacy and the birth of the modern. Only in retrospect do we know where it leads.
Information technology makes it easier for people to communicate, but what happens next depends on what we communicate, not just how. In and of itself, technology never solves people problems. Only people can do that.
Which is why the Jewish Sabbath is acquiring new salience. It’s the day when, for the most part, we put technology aside. We don’t watch television, answer emails, switch on our computer or use our smart-phone. In the synagogue and at home we spend real time with real people. The Sabbath builds communities, strengthens marriages, and gives parents and children undistracted time with one another. It’s also, around the dinner table or in synagogue, a time for study of our ancient texts, study that demands extended concentration on arguments and interpretations.
It is, in other words, the perfect antidote to the negative effects of the web. It is astonishing how the Sabbath has been a form of liberation in age after age, from the tyranny of slavery three thousand years ago to that of technology now.
The Sabbath teaches us about limits and the ability to say No. It tells us to take time out to focus on what really matters: the important as opposed to the urgent. It gives our most significant relationships the time and space to breathe. It keeps us human, reminding us that we are the masters of technology, not its slaves.
I thank God for the Sabbath because, reconnecting to Him I find it easier to reconnect to others without the interruptions and distractions of the latest i-miracles, wondrous though they are. The soul needs its silences in the midst of the web chatter and the electronic noise.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Chagigat Ha’Nilmad Times Two
One of the ideas promoted by the Tal Am curriculum is called a Chagigat Ha’Nilmad, a celebration of what we have learned. Rather than spending a lot of time preparing for this celebration the students put on a short 30 min program reading and signing the songs from the unit they just finished. Yesterday the third grade finished their unit on Tu B’Shvat and had such a celebration. They read, sang, and danced about the water cycle and how things grow. The program was done by the students and entirely in Hebrew. Thank you to Morah Yehudit and the Kitah Gimmel for a wonderful job.
However our story doesn’t end there. As the title suggest the third grade did the presentation a second time. This time however they did for a third grade class in Jacksonville Florida.
It was an amazing experience one that we hope to continue and have both our students and teachers collaborate and connect with them in the future.
I want to thank Morah Yehudit and Mrs. Liat Walker in Jacksonville for their time and effort in making this happen.
Here is a message I received from Mrs. Liat Walker: My students and I would like to thank you for sharing your hagiga with us. We really enjoyed it. We would like to host next time
Kol Hakavod!
Rabbi Greenblatt
However our story doesn’t end there. As the title suggest the third grade did the presentation a second time. This time however they did for a third grade class in Jacksonville Florida.
It was an amazing experience one that we hope to continue and have both our students and teachers collaborate and connect with them in the future.
I want to thank Morah Yehudit and Mrs. Liat Walker in Jacksonville for their time and effort in making this happen.
Here is a message I received from Mrs. Liat Walker: My students and I would like to thank you for sharing your hagiga with us. We really enjoyed it. We would like to host next time
Kol Hakavod!
Rabbi Greenblatt
Monday, January 17, 2011
Taking the Next Step
As a faculty we have been talking about what skills are needed for the 21st Century learner. Some of the skills that are often mentioned include but are not limited to; problem solving, critical thinking, creativity, and design. We have also talked a lot about curriculum and what we are teaching.
At today’s faculty in-service we took the next step and took all that we have been talking about and starting working on. Rabbi Perl created a curriculum wiki so that the teachers can in detail write down what they are currently doing in each subject. We can’t talk about updating our curriculum if we don’t clearly state what we are actually teaching.
To be honest I was a bit nervous about presenting this document to the teachers however the reaction that I got was overwhelmingly positive. One teacher commented, “This is a great idea and it makes me actually think about what I teach.”
We still have a long journey a head of us but often taking the first is the hardest and today as a faculty we took the first step on a journey that will help prepare our students better for the world that they are entering into.
At today’s faculty in-service we took the next step and took all that we have been talking about and starting working on. Rabbi Perl created a curriculum wiki so that the teachers can in detail write down what they are currently doing in each subject. We can’t talk about updating our curriculum if we don’t clearly state what we are actually teaching.
To be honest I was a bit nervous about presenting this document to the teachers however the reaction that I got was overwhelmingly positive. One teacher commented, “This is a great idea and it makes me actually think about what I teach.”
We still have a long journey a head of us but often taking the first is the hardest and today as a faculty we took the first step on a journey that will help prepare our students better for the world that they are entering into.
Friday, December 10, 2010
Beyond the Four Walls
Here is a copy of the article I wrote for this weeks School Newsletter
This past Sunday night I was one of the presenters for an online Elluminate session, which dealt with using social media in schools. Elluminate is an instant communication platform designed for educators to advance and promote collaborative learning, which specifically benefit students, teachers, and educational institutions.
My topic was how social media can be used for teacher and student growth. I discussed how I have utilized Twitter as a tool in my own professional growth. In my opinion, one of the most significant areas that social media and networking can assist educators and students is the access it affords to schools all over the world. We are not isolated and limited by size to a smattering of ideas and outlooks.
In the past few months, I have been in touch with administrators and teachers from schools in Florida and Australia that both use Tal Am and we have discussed the possibility of our students and teachers Skyping .Last week and again just yesterday, a few students and I Skyped with schools in Omaha, Nebraska and in Colorado to discuss Chanukah. The possibilities for learning are endless - we are no longer confined by the four walls of our classroom.
I believe this ties in very well to the story of Chanukah. Chanukah commemorates a time during which we had to hide the public practice of our religion and deny our Jewish identity. Baruch Hashem we live in a time and place where Judaism is a recognized and respected religion and its practices accepted by our neighbors. We have the freedom to publicly share our creativity and knowledge by having an amazing dance program performed by our elementary students and a night of learning in the CYHSB in our own building. Technology has given us the ability share the pride we have in the celebration of our Yiddishkeit with all types of schools all over the world.
May we continue to shine bright as a school, community and a nation.
For those that may be interested here is a link to the online Elluminate session I referred to: https://sas.elluminate.com/site/external/jwsdetect/playback.jnlp?psid=2010-12-05.1457.D.4C3548A84E624FA254CD6511B7CA09.vcr&sid=vclass
Have a Great Shabbos
Akevy
This past Sunday night I was one of the presenters for an online Elluminate session, which dealt with using social media in schools. Elluminate is an instant communication platform designed for educators to advance and promote collaborative learning, which specifically benefit students, teachers, and educational institutions.
My topic was how social media can be used for teacher and student growth. I discussed how I have utilized Twitter as a tool in my own professional growth. In my opinion, one of the most significant areas that social media and networking can assist educators and students is the access it affords to schools all over the world. We are not isolated and limited by size to a smattering of ideas and outlooks.
In the past few months, I have been in touch with administrators and teachers from schools in Florida and Australia that both use Tal Am and we have discussed the possibility of our students and teachers Skyping .Last week and again just yesterday, a few students and I Skyped with schools in Omaha, Nebraska and in Colorado to discuss Chanukah. The possibilities for learning are endless - we are no longer confined by the four walls of our classroom.
I believe this ties in very well to the story of Chanukah. Chanukah commemorates a time during which we had to hide the public practice of our religion and deny our Jewish identity. Baruch Hashem we live in a time and place where Judaism is a recognized and respected religion and its practices accepted by our neighbors. We have the freedom to publicly share our creativity and knowledge by having an amazing dance program performed by our elementary students and a night of learning in the CYHSB in our own building. Technology has given us the ability share the pride we have in the celebration of our Yiddishkeit with all types of schools all over the world.
May we continue to shine bright as a school, community and a nation.
For those that may be interested here is a link to the online Elluminate session I referred to: https://sas.elluminate.com/site/external/jwsdetect/playback.jnlp?psid=2010-12-05.1457.D.4C3548A84E624FA254CD6511B7CA09.vcr&sid=vclass
Have a Great Shabbos
Akevy
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Third Grade Play
Today the Third grade put on a play about the Mitzvah of Hachnasat Orchim, a topic they learned about in Chumash. The play was excellent and Kol Hakavod to Morah Yehudit for her efforts.
I wanted to recap what I said and what Morah Yehudit said at the play about how this short 20 min. play is so important to what and how we are teaching our students.
In my previous post I mentioned the importance of having students engaged in the learning process. What better way to have them engaged than having them put on a play showing what they learned in class. It also gave them an opportunity to put the Hebrew they learned to practical use by speaking and doing the play completely in Hebrew. Finally the play also showed relevance in that what we learned in Chumash is not just stories about the Avot but it applies today to our daily lives.
We should all be proud and have Nachat from our children and student, but we should realize that a play is more than just fun activity but it is actually a great learning experience as well.
Have a Happy Thanksgiving and Shabbat Shalom
Akevy
I wanted to recap what I said and what Morah Yehudit said at the play about how this short 20 min. play is so important to what and how we are teaching our students.
In my previous post I mentioned the importance of having students engaged in the learning process. What better way to have them engaged than having them put on a play showing what they learned in class. It also gave them an opportunity to put the Hebrew they learned to practical use by speaking and doing the play completely in Hebrew. Finally the play also showed relevance in that what we learned in Chumash is not just stories about the Avot but it applies today to our daily lives.
We should all be proud and have Nachat from our children and student, but we should realize that a play is more than just fun activity but it is actually a great learning experience as well.
Have a Happy Thanksgiving and Shabbat Shalom
Akevy
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