May 26 2020

Learn About Marine Biology and Science Through Zonk Picture Books

David Hobbler is an artist and author of three Zonk picture books that highlight Zonk, the tortoise, and his many adventures in the ocean when encountering various sea creatures and eco systems. David has used his personal marine biology research and experiences when observing the Sonoran Desert, Baja, and the gulf of California. David also links these books into educational marine biology and science presentations at school and in the community. [Read more…]

May 19 2020

Writing in Community

Social distancing does not mean being stuck at home in isolation! In fact, we have plenty of ways to reach out and connect with others. Some have used this time to contact family and friends through video calls. Some may have even taken a walk through their neighborhood for some fresh air, chatting with neighbors safely at a distance from the sidewalk! Even though we enjoy the immediacy of connecting with those with whom we are familiar, let’s do some good, old fashioned writing activities and connect with members of the community with whom we might not have considered. [Read more…]

May 12 2020

How to Stay Sane While Distance Learning with your Children

How to Stay Sane While Distance Learning with Your Children

Many of California’s students have already completed at least four weeks of distance learning assignments. Some students were sent home with workbooks and packets of papers to complete. Others were given computers and online accounts. And still others waited while their schools posted weekly assignments online. I have observed various teachers as they have struggled to learn how to conduct teaching online overnight. The victories are many and the students are thriving. I am fortunate that I am able to tutor students with their parents on reading and writing assignments. [Read more…]

Apr 21 2020

Distance Learning Best Practices for Middle and High School Students

California’s parents continue to feel overwhelmed as they become their child’s primary classroom teacher for the rest of the school year. While parents feel overwhelmed, they can take comfort that schools are implementing supports for their children. As a leader of two middle schools and a high school in Los Angeles County, our team has instituted the following best practices to ensure that all of our students have equal access and adequate support to succeed this current school year:

All students have been issued computers and online access to all classes.
Each class is staffed by a certificated teacher with a paraeducator to provide individualized instruction to students as needed.
Students log into Goggle Meet for three hours of classes each day in addition to completing two hours of projects and independent study assignments.
An afterschool program is available to students from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m. each day. The program offers homework support through small group discussions. Creative clubs provide college guidance, physical fitness, and performing arts activities.

[Read more…]

Apr 14 2020

A Distance Learning Book Club

As we continue to shelter in place, we have many students in our class who love to write and make books. Earlier in the school year, I challenged my students to complete a demanding math assignment with the promise that they could write a story in their journal once they completed their work. The students were empowered. I then had several of them read their stories to their peers to help each author develop his or her story. Through this reflective activity, the students were eager to peer review each other’s work. After more class discussions about writing books, I asked a classroom volunteer to read a book she had recently published to the class. They were enthralled with the story and how the author self-published her book. [Read more…]