Update on Paul

After another week in the hospital being told the worst. Paul has gone through a second surgery removing the cancerous mass that had grown back. We are being told that with the right treatment of radiation and chemotherapy that Paul may have a solid shot of being around a while longer. We are hopeful for having him around as long as possible and are very glad to have him back. Please keep our family in your prayers. There’s still a long road ahead and Paul is a fighter. He’s young enough where the surgeons feel there’s a good chance of getting this under control. Thank-you for your comments and support.

Please keep Paul in your prayers

It is with a heavy heart I write this next post. Though there’s only a total of 15 followers I am writing to update anyone that may read Pauls blog to inform you that he was diagnosed with a form of brain cancer. It is extremely aggressive and fast growing so with that being said we do not have much time left to spend with him. His first round in the ICU the surgeon operated and successfully removed 85 to 90% of the tumor. Since then it has grown back bigger in size in less than a month. He is still with us for the time being so any kind words written are greatly appreciated. it would mean the world to Paul and our family during  this hard time.

I will continue to monitor this blog for your responses as well as update anyone that has questions.

For anyone that would like to send some kind words on a card or flowers the address is included below as well as a link to his facebook.

Littleton Adventist Hospital
7700 S. Broadway
Littleton, CO 80122
Paul Anthony Silli Room # 562 ICU

Paul’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paul.silli

What is scope and sequence?

By Paul Silli

For educators scope and sequence has you create a plan where you list specific ideas that will be taught with outlined objectives. Your objectives should follow a higher order thinking practice such as Blooms Taxonomy.

The activities presented are in a sequential-list and are often rubric scored. The lessons can be in the form of products that are made in-or-out of class by learners and the activities should be grade level and age appropriate.

= I read an article by Clemons Education.org and learned scope and sequence looks different depending on the grade level or resource used. For example, some teachers may create and publish a website that has a list of projects for learners to accomplish in a step-by-step process. This is the type of scope and sequence I use with my technology students. I put my objectives on an overhead in a table for all of my students to see. This way my students know what they have completed and also know what work they still need to do.

“The value of the scope and sequence” helps determine whether a particular product is appropriate for a student because you use the list format for an entire grading semester.The projects should be grade-level directed and listed from beginner’s level to more advanced skill sets…

Sometimes scope and sequence is tied to individual lessons, providing specific details about what you will cover, and when you will teach a subject. It helps you maintain structure and organization.

To see scope and sequence lesson plans visit: sample s/se

Teaching students with Asperger’s Syndrome

By Paul Silli

According to OAR (Organization for Autism Research), there are many strategies a teacher can use to be successful when working with students who have asperger’s.

First, allow “extra-time” for your kids to complete assignments. Don’t rush your class and establish an easy-going pace. Try to minimize class changes because students who have asperger’s favor set routines within their academic and social engagements.

It also is essential to know that students who have asperger’s are prone to be “visual learners.” Offer many “hands-on” activities with pictures/graphics and show them what they need to learn. Kinesthetic learning is vital for understanding.

You should keep your language simple… Avoid complex dialog – unless learning a new term is the objective. To introduce new words use visual aids and examples.

If there is a need to change your class — tell your kids why things are changing. Take the time to explain why you are going in a different direction and review any new goals. This will ease tension.

With any successful teaching approach — be sure to offer a lot of positive feedback and reassurance to your students. All kids need consistent monitoring to stay focused and on track.

Actively keep your students parents informed about their child’s progress. If you have parental support your students will do great. To create a comfortable class environment you could have items placed around your room that represent a topic or display characteristics that are interesting to you. Kids love getting to know their teacher — so share things about yourself that make you approachable and friendly.

Additionally, collaborate with your peers. You will learn a lot by asking what your fellow teachers are doing in their classrooms.

Finally, try to prevent behavior outbursts or “meltdowns” by creating a stress-free class. Prevention through the use of appropriate academic, environmental, social and sensory support systems are effective. Be aware that you will have behavior issues; but if you are calm and fair your problems will be minimal. 🙂

Common Core

By Paul Silli

Common Core, established by the nation’s governors and education commissioners — ads state and federal standards for K12 students that defines how learners should be taught and what subjects they should know to prepare them for college and beyond.

According to Core Standard.Org, states and districts recognize the need for new support materials available to teach students with a special emphasis in English Language Arts and Mathematics. To implement the standards each state has authority to decide “exactly” what type of materials will be used. This state initiative allows for a lot of leeway.

Common Core has six main standard areas. Students are to gain…
1. Research and evidence based skills
2. Understand and have clear, consistent communication
3. Be aligned with college preparation and career expectations
4. Acquire rigorous content in the development of higher-order thinking skills
5. Head learning that is built upon the strengths and lessons of “current” state standards
6. And be informed by top-performing countries to prepare students for success in our global economy and society

Many states have started testing to evaluate where students are in acquiring these skills… new instructional content is underway. There also seems to be a lot of controversy about its purpose. (?)

Core Knowledge

By Paul Silli

The Core Knowledge Sequence (CKS) founded in 1978 by scholar Eric D. Hirch, is effective when lessons taught create new experiences for students while drawing on what they already know.

Students learn when they are given engaging content. Curriculum that consists of using technology and other “Kinesthetic” activities that builds from one grade to the next — increases learning outcomes. The heart of curriculum should be directed at improving: listening, speaking, reading and writing skills with learners. A fundamental question to ask is: “What do students need to know?” This can be connected to a learners prior knowledge.

Teachers should become flexible when writing lessons. It is essential to avoid the standard memorization of facts and dates — and focus more on the wider scope of learning. The Core Knowledge Sequence is designed to encourage steady growth as students develop problem-solving skills on a year-by-year basis.

→ For example, what 7^th grade students learned about the pros & cons of the Bill of Rights should be reviewed and expanded on when they enter 8^th grade. This will establish a strong foundation of learning. Understanding the Bill of Rights is key— however, knowing how the laws pertain to a person’s life is even more valuable.

The Core Knowledge Sequence is a proven methodology. For more info click: Books on Core Knowledge

Why own a dog? Lifelong learning

By Paul Silli

Mini Schnauzer

It’s simple. Owning a dog or any animal that you can pet offers your family many lifelong experiences. Pets provide opportunities for your kids to learn “hands-on” responsibilities in caring, loving and maintaining the life of another. After all, pets rely on you to give them a happy, safe home. Owning a dog can also help your kids develop character building skills.

Here are some other key-benefits to owning a dog:

1. Regular dog-walking improves fitness for the whole family.
2. Dog-walking increases social interactions because you will meet other dog owners.
3. Walks help you to forget the daily worries of life… your dog will make you smile.
4. Dogs provide you with a real sense of emotional well-being.
5. Dog owners are generally healthier than non-pet owners.
6. Dog ownership helps people to recover from personal trauma, such as grief.
7. Dog owners generally have reduced blood pressure because patting a dog relieves stress.
8. Owning a dog provides you with a loyal and loving companion. You are never alone. 🙂

If you are considering adopting a dog please be ready to make a serious commitment. Ownership is not part-time… it is a perpetual journey. To help you find a dog visit: Pet Finder

Teaching Driver’s Ed

By Paul Silli

I am a classroom teacher who has taught both traditional and block scheduling. Normally I teach 5-classes per day at 50 minutes long. When the bell rings — I receive another set of students. However, when you teach at a summer driver’s education school it is divided into 10-sessions a week at two sessions per day. Each session is “three hours long” with a class size of about 20 to 40+ students. You generally see the same students for an entire week. It is important to plan well and keep your activities moving and fun.

Drivers Education content is dry– so try to be enthusiastic and upbeat with the content material.

Lessons consist of teaching your learners how to identify street signs, offer many defensive driving skills — to knowing how to drive in residential, urban and rural environments.

As for resources you can use PowerPoint slides or write on a whiteboard, show movies and give hands-on activities.

Salary (per hour) is comparable to what you would earn if you worked as a substitute teacher at a district. Accountability however, is very high. For example, as a teacher you are responsible to have your students pass two comprehensive multiple choice exams. These assessments keep you on your toes! Additionally, you are student evaluated each week. Students get the chance to grade you and offer a critique of the class.

Overall, working at a driver’s education school has been a positive experience. If you are looking for a job that puts you in front of many eager-to-learn students then maybe working as a teacher is a good fit. It is rewarding.

What Technologies should High School students know?

By Paul Silli

To answer this question you must have a planning guide. I am using the ISTE Standards (International Society for Technology in Education). ISTE provides academic support to teachers in knowing what technologies should be taught for elementary, middle and high school students. Emphasis is on college prep.

ISTE recommends students learn how to use the Internet, develop word processing skills and create various presentations. Many programs such as MS Office, Adobe Photoshop and Weebly are used.

So, what should they know?

Students should learn how to produce multimedia presentations that contain rich content, graphics and video Podcasts. This includes creating projects that implement design, layout and editing. Students should also know how to research the Internet, use search-engines, setup email accounts and take digital notes. Teaching how to construct surveys & polls is helpful because it shows students how to gather and analyze data.

Group Presentations are important for collaborative learning. Using PowerPoint or Inspiration – allows members to share research with audiences. Learners can make slides, brochures, time-lines and other desktop publishing activities.

Additionally, it is important to make an Individual Portfolio. This is a larger, ongoing project that draws on many skill sets. You should use rubrics to evaluate progress. Individual Portfolios could be used to teach learners how to get a job or provide work samples and simulations that help them get into a specific college. The content should be visually appealing, include student interests and have a resume. (A wiki-website could feature this assignment).

You could also teach your students how to create and maintain a blog with video productions. For example, a subject could be: “How to purchase a used car?” — offering buying tips, purchase procedures and knowing what to look for in a model…

An advanced technology to teach would be Web Authoring. An introduction to HTML coding, Flash, layout and theme editing could be considered. ISTE also wants students to know how to develop spreadsheets and Data Bases. This teaches business skills in collecting, sorting and filing data. Programs such as Excel and Access are great. Studying computer hardware is valuable as well because learners begin to understand the science within the technology.

Finally, it is up to you and your school to decide what students should know. The best way to address this question is to identify how you plan on preparing your students for the world. Are you helping them learn skills they will use in our global economy? If the answer is “yes,” you are on track. 😉

How to teach urban students?

By Paul Silli

First… Be patient. Teaching at an urban school is challenging. You will have many wonderful diverse students who come from different cultural backgrounds.

I once had 45-students in one of my social studies classes. It was so crowded students were sitting on the floor because we ran out of desks. My school also did not have enough textbooks for each student. It was difficult for near four weeks. I learned quickly I needed to be patient. I decided to create an informal “survey” which examined what students found interesting. I remembered many of the facts from the survey and connected activities to my students interests. Knowing my learners and using a lot of humor in lessons helped me establish a fun, positive learning environment.

It is also important to develop a relationship with parents. I created a weekly class newsletter to improve communication. It informed parents about upcoming homework, cultural projects and tests. If you can get your parents onboard — success will follow.

To learn what my students knew about the subjects I developed a “pre & post test.” This offered vital information that I analyzed to improve my teaching practice. I adjusted lessons to meet the needs of my learners and worked hard to only “test what I taught.” It is essential to give a lot of one-on-one instruction as well.

Lastly, if you are having ongoing discipline issues with a student — do not hesitate to ask your fellow teachers to schedule a: “group teacher-parent meeting.” It is best to have the child present during the meeting so he or she can interact with the teachers.  You should be firm but fair with your kids. You “cannot bluff” if you are going to reward or discipline students. →For example, if you tell a class they will earn a pizza party if they perform well on a test you MUST give them that party. On the other hand, if a student is acting inappropriately and you tell him he is “forcing you” to give him a detention… you must stand by your words. Remember, students are constantly evaluating how you handle situations. It is important to be upfront, friendly and fair.  If you do this you should earn respect by showing your students you care about them.

Final thought: Be passionate about teaching. If you are excited about a subject your students will be to. 😉