MCC Friday Reflections: 2011

Ella's Corner: Sigh...(by Michael)

Ella's Corner: Sigh...(by Michael): There could be a lot said for the past year, 2011. There could also be a lot not said. Looking back over the year in review I cannot hel...

Ella's Corner: The Cough (by Lindsay & Michael)

Ella's Corner: The Cough (by Lindsay & Michael): 1 to 6. That's how long Ella was up Thursday night; from 1am to 6am. She had a cough. A simple cough...for you and me maybe, but not fo...

Ella's Corner: Excited Sadness...(by Michael & Lindsay)

Ella's Corner: Excited Sadness...(by Michael & Lindsay): Three-hundred eleven pounds. 15x the weight of Ella. Designed in Sweden. Astronomical price tag. Delivered to our house and ...

Ella's Corner: The Regression Continues

Ella's Corner: The Regression Continues: Earlier in the fall we learned that Ella's continued regression was not usually "typical" for a child with Type 2 SMA, which led to the new ...

Ella's Corner: How Does This Happen Anyway? (by Michael)

Ella's Corner: How Does This Happen Anyway? (by Michael): Most people I have spoken with since Ella was diagnosed with SMA have told me that they had never heard of this disease. Neither had w...

Ella's Corner: Calendars (by Lindsay)

Ella's Corner: Calendars (by Lindsay): Yesterday I got our new 2012 calendar. In addition to our online calendar, we have a wall calendar that I write pretty much everything we ...

Ella's Corner: She's Free! (by Lindsay)

Ella's Corner: She's Free! (by Lindsay): I always wondered how they got a cast off... Today I got to see how it happens. Ella got her cast off and had new x-rays of her arm, and sh...

Ella's Corner: Permobil K450 MX (by Lindsay)

Ella's Corner: Permobil K450 MX (by Lindsay): Oh my. We got a call from the pediatrician's office today. The insurance company approved the power wheelchair for Ella. 100% covered (...

Ella's Corner: Holiday Cheer (by Lindsay)

Ella's Corner: Holiday Cheer (by Lindsay): Everywhere I turn, I'm reminded that the Christmas season is upon us. But this year, it's different. I'm not having much Christmas cheer...

Ella's Corner: A Matter of Time...(by Michael & Lindsay)

Ella's Corner: A Matter of Time...(by Michael & Lindsay): We knew this would happen. It was all a matter of time. The first time is the hardest. We survived. The Stomach Flu. 4:00...

Ella's Corner: Penetrating Love...(by Michael)

Ella's Corner: Penetrating Love...(by Michael): I've sat down to write a blog several times in the past few days. Like everything else in my life, it too, has become more difficult. It...

Ella's Corner: I Used to Think... (by Lindsay)

Ella's Corner: I Used to Think... (by Lindsay): I used to think it was hard to be a mom. Let me rephrase that. I used to think it was hard to be a mom of three kids. Let me rephrase tha...

Mama Bracelets: Black Friday--Cyber Monday & Everything In Between...

Mama Bracelets: Black Friday--Cyber Monday & Everything In Between...: Black Friday--Cyber-Monday & Everything In Between Sale On Friday through Monday (November 25-28, 2011) Mama Bracelets will be celeb...

Ella's Corner: We Are Thankful (by Lindsay and Michael)

Ella's Corner: We Are Thankful (by Lindsay and Michael): The time of year has come when we sit in contemplation of all that surrounds us. The whirlwind of activity that has led to this day of Than...

Ella's Corner: Such a Little Trooper! (by Lindsay)

Ella's Corner: Such a Little Trooper! (by Lindsay): This morning I called the pediatrician's office to set up Ella's appointment with the Orthopedist. I spoke with our favorite nurse, Maggie ...

Ella's Corner: Our Baby Took a Tumble... But She's Ok

Ella's Corner: Our Baby Took a Tumble... But She's Ok: Last night we faced one of the most terrifying moments of our lives. Ava and Henry had gone down the basement to play and forgot to shut th...

Without Being Seen...

Lincoln School teachers and students go to great lengths to demonstrate the Character Counts Traits of Trustworthiness, Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Caring, and Citizenship. Teachers find new and interesting ways to teach and guide students, motivate and reward them. Students look for opportunities to show what they have learned and to gain recognition for their efforts. This is all good. It sets the tone for the school and for future endeavors.

Often when a student is recognized for his or her efforts in regards to Character Counts they "beam" a bit; for they have been publicly recognized and they serve as a model for other students. Often, kids clap when people are recognized. It is all very positive.

There are times, however, when recognition does not come at the foot heels of a Character Counts demonstration...when the act of kindness or goodwill goes unnoticed; or at least, so it seems.

Picture this~~one student loses something that he values. It is something that is rather small and easily lost or misplaced. He asks somebody who had used his desk earlier if they knew anything about it. The two look all around the desk but no avail. The first student is obviously upset and a bit angry. The second is beside himself with worry, thinking that he is going to be blamed for something he didn't do. I watched as the emotions starting building, yet I remained in the distance, waiting for an opportune moment to step in and help solve the problem. Then, a third student, who had also been watching, took it upon himself to help look for the lost object. The first student had given up and began showing signs of disappointment that could not go unnoticed by the second student. I edged off my chair to begin my intervention when suddenly the third student pulled the object from the depths of the desk and announced, "Here it is!”

The second student's shoulders relaxed as he had been relieved of responsibility. The first student's expression changed from a deep frown to an expressive smile. The third student beamed, more so than any other student who had been formally recognized, at how his actions helped two people. I sat back down and watched some more. A few friendly hugs and high-fives and they went their separate ways. I watched the third student (the "finder"). He went about his business yet he had a glow about him. His internal motivator was just given boost, a real-life experience boost.

The part of all this that caught my attention upon reflection was that the third student did this not knowing that he was being watched. He did it without the expectation of recognition or a reward...he did it out of the goodness of his heart.

Growth...as a student and as a person...is what it is all about here at Lincoln. I witness both variations daily...this one was grand to watch. This one shows me that Character Counts is making a difference.

Ella's Corner: She's Vertical... and Bigger! (by Lindsay)

Ella's Corner: She's Vertical... and Bigger! (by Lindsay): This past Tuesday (11.15.11) Ella was evaluated and fitted for a "stander". This is a piece of equipment that holds her in the standing pos...

Ella's Corner: I'm all right...and then...(by Michael)

Ella's Corner: I'm all right...and then...(by Michael): SMA is a progressive, degenerative disease. It's robbing my daughter of movements we take for granted. It's debilitating to her in so m...

Ella's Corner: On his birthday she looks to him...(by Michael)

Ella's Corner: On his birthday she looks to him...(by Michael): With a heart painted on her cheek and a beautiful bow set in her hair, Ella looks to her new found friend Conlin. Conlin is a 10 year o...

Ella's Corner: A New Normal (by Lindsay)

Ella's Corner: A New Normal (by Lindsay): Tomorrow (11.12.11) marks exactly three months since Ella was officially diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy. It's been quite the ride ...

Many...

When you walk through Lincoln School you will see the walls are filled with pictures, artwork, projects. Representations of what kids are learning about, what they have learned, or information about them. It makes for a colorful display as you roam the maze of hallways.

When I find myself with a moment or two early in the morning or on my way out for the day, I like to stop and admire the hangings as I pass them. Each day brings me a little closer to the Lincoln School culture; I see what matters to the children that house this school.

There are some pictures that have been up for quite some time now, as opposed to the others that are changed on a fairly regular basis. In fact, I don't think these pictures have been changed for years. They are photographs of students past. Far past.

I was walking through a portion of building while my students were at Art and I stopped to look a bit more closely at some of these pictures--it was Monday, Nov. 7th. The first one I saw was a photograph of a classroom with maybe 12 students in it. Their desks were in neat rows and all the kids were looking directly at the camera, hands folded on their desks. There wasn't a whole lot of expression on their faces yet I could see something in their eyes.

The windows to their souls told a story of worry. A story of not being sure about something. At first I thought maybe it was due to the photography of the time as it was in black and white. I stepped closer. It wasn't the photography at all. It wasn't a trick of the light, either. It was something that was in each of their faces. I looked at the caption that accompanied the picture. It read, "Lincoln School~~1917".

World War I

Two pictures down the row there was another classroom shot. This group of students had that same look in their eyes as well. The look, however, seemed a bit more sophisticated. They looked weary and unsure yet had a confidence about them; their eyes pierced the camera lens and told their story. Again, I looked at the caption and read, "Lincoln School~~1940's".

World War II

Many have fought. Many have died. Many still struggle on our behalf for the privilege our children have to walk down a hallway in peace and security, gaining an education that will prepare them for the life they will lead.

Today is Veteran's Day. If I were to take a picture of my class and frame it for posterity, I wonder what a person some 70 or 90+ years from now would read in their eyes?

Mr. Casten

Nov. 11, 2011

Copyrighted material of Michael C. Casten

Ella's Corner: Breathe Easy...

Ella's Corner: Breathe Easy...: When we drove through the parking garage we found ourselves parking close to the exact spot we had parked when Ella had her EMG this past ...

Ella's Corner: "...where two or three are gathered ..." (by Linds...

Ella's Corner: "...where two or three are gathered ..." (by Linds...: Writing this blog together, as husband and wife, seemed appropriate since the focus extends itself beyond our immediate family, stretching...

Ella's Corner: Taking a Deep Breath...(by Michael)

Ella's Corner: Taking a Deep Breath...(by Michael): On Wednesday Lindsay and I will take Ella to see Dr. Lester, her pulmonologist (University of Chicago Medical Center), for the first time. ...

Taking on Independence

Fourth grade is a time of change. Kids change physically, academically, and socially.

I see it every year and it begins right about now; right about the time of Thanksgiving.

The physical change is always obvious. They seem to grow taller overnight, their expressions are a bit more adult-like, and they are becoming more coordinated in their movements (although that may change as their bodies grow faster and they are trying to "keep up" with it!). They will delight in challenging their physical stamina, their physical coordination, and their physical accomplishments.

Academically the change is something wondrous to behold. They have started on the path of making meaningful connections simply because now they have an arsenal of experiences that they can draw upon. They find the cross-curricular connections more easily and begin to piece the puzzle of education together...figuring out that 'subjects" exist not in isolation but rather are intertwined in many ways. They develop their life-long study habits as well as their appreciation for the unknown and the process required to uncover it. The pride they exhibit when they truly learn something becomes the reward in and of itself. Intrinsic motivation is taking root.

Socially speaking the change is one that carries uplifting highs and debilitating lows. They are looking to each other to help them establish a sense of self, a sense of belonging. The playground can be a rough place; and it is no longer a playground made of swings and see-saws. The playground is present in the classroom, the internet, the lunchroom, and on the walk to and from school. The playground roughness takes its shape in many forms; teasing, peer pressure, bullying, and acceptance/rejection. It's always been a rough place, for all of us. We know this and in that knowing we prepare our kids for it. We give them the tools they will need to weave their way through the social maze the playground has become. They are smart, the kids of today, and with us behind them, they will find their way.

Yes, Fourth Grade is a time for change...life itself is a series of change. This one, however, signals a change that will bring these young people slowly into the adult world. While this may sound sad, the fact that they are growing so quickly, it also serves as an opportunity for each of us to take some extra time to be with our kids...for despite these changes they still need us...and will for some time to come.

Mr. Casten

Nov. 4, 2011

Copyrighted material of Michael C. Casten

Ella's Corner: Sisters...

Ella's Corner: Sisters...: A four year old drew this picture. She imagined it in her mind. She sang as she drew it. Her family was all together in the fami...

Ella's Corner: I've Noticed...(by Michael)

Ella's Corner: I've Noticed...(by Michael): Two-and-a-half months ago Ella was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 2. So much has happened since that day. Lindsay and I...

Mama Bracelets: Setting the Goal...

Mama Bracelets: Setting the Goal...: We reached our $1000 donation goal through the sales of our exclusive "Cure SMA" bracelets by October 31, 2011 and we will raffle off a $30 ...

Consistency

The first trimester is fast approaching its end and conferences are right around the corner. Our classroom has established itself for what it will be like for the rest of the year with, of course, a few minor changes along the way.

The first six weeks of school are the most important in terms of forging a path that will lead us to the goals set forth...namely being successful in 4th grade. It’s in these critical six weeks that routines are established, personalities are expressed, opinions are formed, and learning styles are reflected. From there we begin to cement our days in the routines that we have established...yet the cement never really dries. We have to have some room to wiggle; to break free from the constancy of a routine. This brings spice to the life of a classroom.

Now that we have well passed the six-week mark and are looking to parent-teacher conferences, I must look back on what we, as a class, have agreed upon for ourselves and make an evaluation on how well each child has contributed to our goal thus far. It's a task that I enjoy. It allows me to see where we started, where we say we want to be, and where we stand right now. It allows me to think deeply about each student...their strengths and weaknesses, their goals and aspirations, their determination and their successes. It becomes an adventure that brings me closer to knowing my students as people first, student second.

The consistency that they have shown as a group in their day to day tasks, our routines, and our relationships has been nothing short of fantastic. A "well oiled machine" is what we are working on and to date, we have a pretty good start. There will be areas in which we need to continue to work on, area that the group and individuals need to pay closer attention to, areas where practice, encouragement, and dedication will be the tools employed.

I look forward to wrapping up the first trimester only because it means I get to witness further growth and success...I can only hope my students feel the same way.

Mr. Casten

Oct. 28, 2011

Ella's Corner: Happy Days (by Lindsay)

Ella's Corner: Happy Days (by Lindsay): Finally, I can write about some happy days that we've had... Lately, the downs have far outweighed the ups, so it's been hard to get away f...

Ella's Corner: Upsee-daisy...

Ella's Corner: Upsee-daisy...: Sometimes I wish I could stop time. I know there is going to be a moment when I realize that I can no longer pick up my Ella the way a ...

The Rules of Work...

"There is a time to work and a time to play. The trick in succeeding in Room 202 is to know which time is when."

This is one of the teaching philosophies I impart to my students. I have found over the years, however, that simply telling them this is not enough. In order for them to understand what I am trying to tell them they need to experience it for themselves...this falls into line with all learning~~experience is the best teacher.

Over the years I have developed a "plan of action". A way for experience to teach my students the "rules for work". It is delivered without emotion and usually with a slight smile...

The rules for work are quite simple in my classroom. They are quite logical as well; something that kids gravitate to in terms of "rules" and 'regulations".

When given an assignment to complete in school the following will always hold true.

If you are working hard and making progress, you can always get more time to complete the assignment.

If you are fooling around then my assumptions are as follows:
- You must be finished OR
- You have been allowed too much time to finish the assignment
- Either way--the assignment is due at the end of the "subject period" and will be graded as is.

This makes sense to my students. It always has.

My current group of students have a superior work ethic, especially for a roomful of 4th graders. The opportunity for distraction, fooling around, and getting off-task is always there yet they seem to have a focus about them that keeps them on track.

I have found they work well together, they respect each other, they know each other. I have found that they rely on each other and depend on one another. They have accomplished the many tasks that have been placed before them and accomplished them well. They learn easily and happily while they apply what they have learned.

Having a group of kids that demonstrate the aforementioned learning qualities allows for experience to be the greatest teacher...and aligns beautifully with the philosophy that I walked into the classroom with in 2001 and still hold fast to today:

I hear and I forget,

I see and I remember,

I do and I understand.

Mr. Casten

Oct. 21, 2011

Copyrighted material of Michael C. Casten

Ella's Corner: A Mother's Love...

Ella's Corner: A Mother's Love...: Lindsay Ruth Casten~~ When Lindsay was pregnant with Ava we were quite naive about birthing a child. Our doctors feared that Ava would ...

Mama Bracelets: Setting the Goal...

Mama Bracelets: Setting the Goal...: Mama Bracelets has donated $683 in one month to FSMA (Families of Spinal Muscular Atrophy)!! If we can reach $1000 donated through the sale...

Ella's Corner: Exhausted...

Ella's Corner: Exhausted...: She works hard. She gives it her all. She's quite the girl. We're tired. Sleep continues to elude us. We put our kids to be...

Discovery...

I would have to say that this was a week of discovery...for both the students and teacher. You see, learning is really a process of discovering. Many times it is about discovering something you never knew existed. Other times it's about discovering something that you were aware of but didn't know the "how" or "why" behind it. Sometimes the learning is about something you already knew existed but now you have seen it in action.

In science we are studying plant and animal adaptations. Students were given a cup of ice cold water and instructed to place their finger in it for no more than 3 minutes. They recorded their observations. Then we covered the finger (after it reached room temperature again) with lard (representing the blubber on some animals) and they dipped their "blubber finger" in the ice cold water. They recorded their findings. This is a good example of knowing about something (the blubber on animals acting as an insulator/adaptation) and finding out the "how" and "why" behind it. This discovery excited the kids and always makes for a great lesson.

The kids learned about the "fire triangle" today in their "Learn Not to Burn" class with the Elmhurst Fire Department. I'm sure most of them never heard of the fire triangle. They learned something new; something they didn't even know existed. It will serve them well in the next lessons and in life.

I spend a great deal of time with kids. Often, when people speak of children they talk about how kids are so forgiving, so open and honest, and show real compassion when they see something is not going well for someone. They talk about how kids practice unconditional love, look always to the bright side, and let their creativity off its leash more than adults do.

I can honestly say that I discovered many of these attributes found in children this week from many of my current and former students, and even some that I have not taught in the past or up to this point in time. Children who have shown me and my family compassion, creativity, and openness. It's something that I always knew existed in children and adults alike--yet this week I experienced much of it first-hand.

This week was definitely a week of learning...and with learning comes growth. I know my students grew in their knowledge of science, the scientific method, and in identifying the elements that contribute to fire...I grew in the knowledge of how change can produce opportunities.

Mr. Casten

Oct. 14, 2011

Copyrighted material of Michael C. Casten

Ella's Corner: The MDA Clinic (at Shriner's Hospital for Children...

Ella's Corner: The MDA Clinic (at Shriner's Hospital for Children...: Ella watching herself in the mirror as we waited for the doctors at the MDA Clinic. Dr. Silver wanted to see Ella four months early based ...

Ella's Corner: A Much Bigger Reality...

Ella's Corner: A Much Bigger Reality...: A different level of reality hit me this week...more like, ran me over . Lindsay and I will be taking Ella to see Dr. Silver and his te...

Ella's Corner: Aqua Therapy

Ella's Corner: Aqua Therapy: Yesterday Ella started aqua therapy. She'll go to her PT's house once a week, where she has a warm water therapy pool (nice!). Ella reall...

Ella's Corner: Fun at the Playground

Ella's Corner: Fun at the Playground: Today we went to a playground. Usually when we go to the playground, there's not much for Ella to do. She can swing in the baby swing. And...

The Question...

Every day my students write in their journals. Once a week they write to me. The entry is called "Dear Mr. C". Here they can ask me questions, share their thoughts, or tell me anything...I read their entry and write back to them in their journal...I then return it to them.

This week one student wrote:

"Dear Mr. C,

If you could pick any job and you knew you would get a million dollars to do it, what job would you pick?"

Now when you look at that question it seems pretty straight-forward...it's asking me to put aside the idea that we get paid for jobs and to focus on what job I would like most...since I would get a million dollars, money should be no object in my response of which job I would love to have.

I get questions like this all the time. Kids inquire about how I would spend my time if I had an infinite amount of time on my hands. They ask me where I would like to go on vacation, what instrument I'd like to play, what sport I'd like to play, what would be my ideal dinner...the list of these types of questions goes on and on.

These questions give me an opportunity to think outside of myself, outside of reality. It affords my students the opportunity to tap into their teacher's mind to see what I think about. It calls the imagination to come to the forefront and enjoy the prospect of engaging in something one might not otherwise have an opportunity to do.

I have found, in my years of teaching children how to journal and in the many "Dear Mr C" entries I have responded to, that these types of questions elicit different responses as I grow personally and professionally. My ideas of the "perfect" dinner, the "perfect" vacation, the "perfect" sport or instrument have changed over the years.

I have found that despite these changes, one thing remains constant...

Whenever a student asks me what job I would love to have, what job I would pick above all, what job I would pick regardless of income...I always have answered with the same response...

Teaching.

Mr. Casten

Oct. 7, 2011

Copyrighted material of Michael C. Casten

Ella's Corner: Excuses...(by Lindsay)

Ella's Corner: Excuses...(by Lindsay): Right now I'm angry. I'm finding that the first half of each week is becoming really hard. We used to be motivated by her therapies (on ...

Mama Bracelets: Mama Bracelets SMA Press Release (10.4.11)

Mama Bracelets: Mama Bracelets SMA Press Release (10.4.11): Mama Bracelets Making a Difference for Families of SMA Mama Bracelets has already raised over $500 through their exclusive “Cure SMA” Bra...

Ella's Corner: Your Loving Hands...(by Michael & Lindsay)

Ella's Corner: Your Loving Hands...(by Michael & Lindsay): There are times that we look around us and cannot fathom the reality that stares us in the face. We cling to one another, each bringing s...

Ella's Corner: 10 years old...(by Michael)

Ella's Corner: 10 years old...(by Michael): I sat in my classroom at my desk this morning, preparing for the day's lessons. The room was quiet, only the clicking of my keyboard fille...

The Turning...

The school year is well under way. September closes its door and October brings in the rains and wind, the cooling temperatures, and the colors that dance before our sights and change before we can get a glimpse of them. We begin, in the classroom, to settle into our routines, find our rhythms, and start relaxing. We allow our true selves to be known, little by little. The personalities of each shines through just like the colors of the changing autumn leaves...

We know why the leaves change colors. The temperatures begin to dip and the production of chlorophyll decreases. With the drop in chlorophyll production, the green color we have grown accustomed to over the past few months begins to disappear, and the other colors of the spectrum shine through. These other colors, however, unveil themselves at slightly different times and in different tones for each individual leaf. Each one is unique and beautiful when looked upon in your hand. When they are still on the trees, however, and viewed from a distance, the spattering of colors and brilliance therein paints a picture on our minds that dazzles the brain, creating a comforting, relaxed atmosphere.

Kids are the same way in a classroom right about this time. What is lost for the leaf is chlorophyll; what is lost for the student is the sense of the "unknown" they feel as they walked into the classroom one month ago. The leaf, as the green color fades, somehow shows us its true colors underneath. Students begin this process as well. All the leaves may have the same colors within them but in varying degrees...so it is with our kids. Their personalities encompass the spectrum of human personalities but it varies from one to the next. The truth about the way their minds work, the humor they appreciate, the needs they have, and the pleasures they seek. The glimpses of how they solve problems, what they gravitate toward, and what it means to be a friend are shared. Their personalities are coming forth, just as the leaves on the trees are changing---and it's all done in concert.

With every Fall, I know what to expect from Mother Nature; yet within that expectation I am entranced in the beauty of how different every year is...the same holds true of people.

Fourth grade is a year of extraordinary changes for kids...embrace the change as you embrace the beauty of the changing trees in autumn.

Mr. Casten

Sept. 30, 2011

Copyrighted material of Michael C. Casten

Mama Bracelets: "Cure SMA" Collection...

Mama Bracelets: "Cure SMA" Collection...: Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) The progressive loss of motor neuron function leaving its victims incapable of moving on their own and, in...

Ella's Corner: For the First Time...(by Michael & Lindsay)

Ella's Corner: For the First Time...(by Michael & Lindsay): Lindsay & I attended an SMA Fundraiser for a young girl in Naperville. Her best friend has, for the past five years, put together an ev...

On Paper to Me...

My students are asked to write in their journals every morning when they arrive at school. It’s an exercise that allows them to put down on paper what is happening in their lives. There are four different entries a student can make. Each day they are asked to make one of the four entries based on the group they are part of (there are four groups of six determined by their "location" on my class list: students 1-6, 7-12, 13-18, and 19-24). The entries include: Home, School, Dear Mr. C, and Free Write.

The Home entry is an opportunity for them to write about what's going on at home; same with the school entry (what's happening at school). The Dear Mr. C entry is the time they write directly to me (they turn in their journal on their "Dear Mr. C" day); and the Free Write is just that--a time to write about anything.

The journaling typically lasts 10 minutes. Not for this group though.
This group takes the better part of 25 - 30 minutes. They write wonderful entries about their lives, their experiences, and their feelings. They create dynamic stories, creative characters, and entertaining spins on life during their free write. They write to me and ask me all kinds of questions while sharing their own thoughts about how they might answer some of those questions.

Dear Mr. C. The best part of my morning, before school starts, is taking the six journals from the little basket they are waiting in for me and finding the bookmarked page titled and dated. I read the note aimed directly at me and chuckle at the humor placed on the paper, or stop and think about the pressing question that has been posed. I am reminded to do things (like move desks) and am either complained to or complimented on something that occurred recently. After reading the entry, I click my pen open and write back to the author...addressing what they have started; letting them know that I "hear" them. I sign my "Mr. C" with a squiggly line underneath and move on to the next journal. When I have finished the six journals I place them back on the students' desk so that they can come in that morning and write their next entry.

The idea behind journaling is to get your thoughts down on paper in a way that is safe, satisfying and productive so that the day can begin fresh. I read a lot of what happens to kids, I've read much over the past years at Lincoln...I feel that I am connected to my students when I read what they have written~~and I hope they, too, feel a connection when they read my responses.

Mr. Casten

Sept. 23, 2011

Copyrighted material of Michael C. Casten

Ella's Corner: Ella's SMA Awareness Video

Ella's Corner: Ella's SMA Awareness Video: This one is for you. While words can be eloquent, they are inherently limited. Experiences are the most powerful influences to us. We inv...

Ella's Corner: Assistive Technology (AT) Equipment (by Lindsay)

Ella's Corner: Assistive Technology (AT) Equipment (by Lindsay): During physical therapy this past Tuesday, Ella's PT (Lynda) told us that it's time to officially start the process of getting Ella a stande...

Ella's Corner: Dear Ava & Henry...(by Michael)

Ella's Corner: Dear Ava & Henry...(by Michael): September, 2011 Dear Ava & Henry, The picture above was taken at your Thea Lillian's house in New Buffalo, MI on a crisp, clear Fall day...

The Moments of Change...

Each week we have a different story from our reader. This week, our story was about a man, who in the early part of the 20th century (maybe the 1930's), travelled from Japan to America. He settled in San Francisco for a bit. He returned to Japan after a few years, got married, and brought his new bride back to SF. After having a daughter, the family stayed in SF until she was grown...then they moved to Japan. The man in the story kept going from one country to another, and each time he was in a country, he missed the other. Each time he was in a country, he found something more that he liked about it.

The classroom offers a similar experience for both students and teachers. We come together in the early Fall, after spending time with our family and friends on a daily basis over the summer. When we first gather together in the classroom there is unfamiliarity. Students are looking at a new classroom, a new teacher, new expectations, and new learning experiences. They may also be with new students. The teacher is looking at new faces, new learning styles, new expectations, and new challenges. Together, students and teachers are missing their summer days and the comforts afforded to them by those days. They have a new routine, new sleep patterns, and a new demand on them socially as well as intellectually. It's funny---for the first two weeks of school, it is obvious and apparent that we all want to rush home to the familiarity we crave and miss.

Time passes, and within that time we begin the journey of spending it together day in and day out. We learn about each other; our strengths, our weaknesses, our desires and goals. We begin to relax around one another and find places for humor, for serious talk, and for idle chatter. We become dependent on one another for a variety of needs that we as humans have. The need to be accepted, heard, validated, and cared for.

As this develops I notice that while I am at school, I miss my home and while I am at home I miss school. Looking forward to going to both places becomes part of the life of a student and teacher...at least, that's the feeling we hope develops. It has for me.

I miss my family when I am at work. It does, however, make the time I am with them during the evening and weekends even more precious. I look forward to seeing my students during the week and feel good when I say good morning to each one of them every weekday.

A balance is being struck about this time of year. A balance between home and work. I consider myself a very fortunate man; for in both places I am accepted, heard, validated, and cared for.

Mr. Casten

Sept. 16, 2011

Copyrighted material of Michael C. Casten

Patience, praise and a pat-on-the-back...

A brainstorming session was taking place in Room 202 this week. Students were asked to search their memeory banks for 8 events. Four of which they considered "good" events and four they considered "not-so-good" events. From this brainstorming session they will eventually write a narrative "Memoir" depicting one chosen event and how they felt about it.

I walked slowly around the room as they began their brainstorming. Blank papers are what I saw.  Fidgity hands, tapping pencils, and long-off stares filled the room.  Occasionally as I passed a student, they would look at me, sport a slight smile, and look down at their blank paper. Many sought out my examples, still on the front screen, trying to use what I had written during the lesson as a spark for their own ideas.

I felt like saying something. I felt like putting some ideas out there for them to grasp on to besides my example. I felt like they were on the verge of giving up. I resisted the urge. I continued walking until I found one student who had written something down. I stopped behind that student.  I read their thoughts written down from over their shoulder. I leaned in. I tapped ever so lightly on the desk, right on the paper. The child turned their head, knowing I was going to say something. I read it again, only this time in a whisper. The student next to us was already looking at this unfold but another student, a few desks away, caught wind of my whisper and looked our way. I said, in a hushed voice, "This sounds interesting." and more kids looked over at us. The student said, "uh huh". I smiled and gave an approving glance, pretending not to notice that several pairs of eyes were witnessing this exchange between teacher and student. As I lifted my head, I placed my hand on the student's shoulder and said, "Keep going, you're in the zone now." I looked up and away from that student to survey the room. Several heads turned quickly, pencils to the paper, and the other previous sounds that filled the room were replaced by the scritch-scrating of pencils. By the end of the brainstorming session, all of my students had at least six (three good and three not-so-good) ideas from which to launch their papers.

The power of patience, the power of praise, the power of a pat-on-the-back reaches more than just the recipient.   I know my students want to do well, I know they have that desire. I also know that encouragement, either directly or indirectly will allow them to succeed.

Mr. Casten

Sept. 9, 2011

Copyrighted material of Michael C. Casten

Dear Mom & Dad...

Developed over many years, writing has become a passion of mine. It allows me to express myself in ways I would otherwise be pressed to accomplish. I can let the thoughts that lurk in the corners of my mind find their way to the outside world. The development continues as I reach out to different pathways of delivering my thoughts from their dwelling place to my readers.

When I teach writing in my 4th grade classroom I feel alive. I thrill in lessons that bring out the best in my students. I get excited when they learn new ways to express themselves. The rewards of the well written word from students can compare to very little.

This week I had my students working on several papers. We had the time and the motivation. One of the papers was a friendly letter to their parents that was to be read by the parents on Parent Information Night. I have had this as an assignment for many years now and I always wondered if my kids would ever write me a letter when they were in school. This year, however, I wondered what I would say if I wrote my parents. My mother passed away in 2008 at the age of 86 and my father, now 81, is still alive. Nonetheless, if I were to write them a letter that they would find on my desk in Room 202, it might go something like this:

Dear Ma and Pops,

I've just begun my 11th year as a teacher and I am thrilled that you have come to see my room. I hope as you look around you see the influence you have both had on me as I was growing up. It's my turn now to teach.

My students this year have shown themselves to be exceptional people and workers who persevere. They follow directions well, care for one another, and take care of their classroom. They are a bright group of kids and seem to have a love of learning that every teacher looks for in their students. I think this is going to be a grand year.

I appreciate all that you have done for me in my life. You raised me with values that have allowed me to draw people who are loving, caring and special into my life. You have given me experiences that have made me stronger for having gone through them. You showed me compassion, discipline and unconditional love. I think of you often.

I hope that whatever experiences you are having while we are apart from each other continue to be ones that bring you peace.

Love,

Michael

The written word is a powerful phenomenon of the human experience. It can be used to harm or heal, bring joy or tears, find meaning and questions. The beauty of the word on paper is that it is eternal in that once your reader takes it into their minds, it stays forever and helps shape who they truly are.

I hope my students' parents enjoyed the letters that were written to them by their young children...and when they find their way home, I hope they keep them for years to come.

Mr. Casten

Sept. 2, 2011

Copyrighted material of Michael C. Casten

All About...

Each year I start the year with three writing assignments. The first is a fun poem called a “Bio-Poem”. Kids write about their family, the things they love the most, their beliefs, fears, curiosities, and their hopes and dreams for the future. Their picture accompanies the poem and it hangs on their in-class locker door for the entire year. It’s a nice way to get to know each child in my room.

The second writing is titled, “It’s All About Me” and the third assignment is titled, “It’s All About Us”. These two writings go hand-in-hand as the children develop them.

Each of these writings employs three of the six “Character Counts” traits (Trustworthiness, Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Caring, & Citizenship) as a way for kids to describe how they conduct themselves on a personal level as well as in the classroom.

“It’s All About Me” allows each young author to find ways that demonstrate “Character Counts” traits in their personal life. It gives them the opportunity to define the traits and provide personal examples of how they demonstrate these traits. It lets the reader get a more detailed look at the author than the “Bio-Poem” does.

“It’s All About Us” is designed in a way that allows the author to communicate to their readers how they behave in a group, namely the classroom. It has the author showing how they contribute to the overall good of the classroom community through use of the “Character Counts” traits. It expands the reader’s vision from the individual to encompass a bigger reality.

These two assignments are mounted on a large piece of construction paper side by side, so that one can see the continuity between the self as an individual and the self as a member of a community with a common goal; the goal of learning.

My students are working hard on these three papers. From what I have seen I would have to say that I am impressed with the thoughtfulness that is being brought to the writings. It is wondrous to see how each student is developing their own papers; pulling out personal experiences and writing to their audience. They are building a three-fold view of themselves.

My hope is that when people see the “All About Me” and the “All About Us” papers in the hallway and the “Bio-Poems” in the classroom they will walk away with a feeling that they are in a place looks at positive personal and community character as a virtue; making a difference in the growth of young people and the world in general.

Mr. Casten

August 29, 2011

Copyrighted material of Michael C. Casten

Simply Speaking

Walking into my eleventh year as a teacher; looking once again into the faces and eyes of young people; taking time with them to establish the relationship they will have with me, each other, and with learning. The beginning of a new school year always provides new insights to life.

Our conversations over the past two days revolved around setting the stage for a successful school year for everyone. The atmosphere was calm, genuine, and intelligent.

The one aspect that rose from our conversation is that simplicity is going to be the name of the game. When we spoke of rules and expectations we spoke of them in simple terms. These terms were understood by all, agreed upon by the collective voices, and accepted as our path chosen. From our simple rules we gathered ourselves into conversations about how specific events would fit into the simple rules. Each time we generated an example of a behavior my students were able to grasp the idea that it fell under one of the simple rules established earlier.

Simplicity has it merits.

When we keep things simple we allow for exploration under an umbrella of safety and assurance. Simplicity provides space to move, grow, and learn. It gives us just enough direction to make choices that will benefit ourselves as well as others, all the while keeping the goal of learning in mind.

When we keep things simple we foster independence, self-esteem, and responsibility. My students understood these ideas and seem to take to them readily. We engaged in profitable conversations about how the many behaviors and actions one chooses to engage in can be summed up in 5 basic rules.

We took time to discuss what we know about how to be and what to do as we learn, play, and explore while at school. From this conversation we were able to define our classroom expectations in the following 5 basic rules:

We respect all people, their feelings and equipment
We walk in the building and as group on trips
We keep our hands and feet to ourselves
Cooperation is our key for us to learn.
We must know where you are at all times.

If you take the underlined words (in order) you have a way to remember each rule:

We, we, we learn at all times!

Being a teacher affords me an outstanding opportunity to keep myself grounded in the joys of simplicity. Spending time with kids carries with it the daily reminder that life is most enjoyed when the simple things are appreciated and come to the forefront...

Mr. Casten

August 19, 2011

Copyrighted material of Michael C. Casten

Looking Forward to School Starting...

The summer winds down and we look ahead to a new school year.

What will it bring?

What will we learn?

These questions revolve around what we are willing to invest in ourselves.

Each year I set goals not only for my students but for myself as a teacher. This year I would like to focus my energies on helping my students be as independent as possible...and by this I mean having them be an integral part of what they are learning. It is the responsibility for one's learning that produces the the longest lasting effect.

I look forward to this year. I look forward to meeting the next group of kids to traverse through Room 202. I know that this year, being my 11th year teaching and my 17th year working with kids and families, that we will all benefit from a atmosphere of shared goals; common goals.

While I haven't yet met my students, my sights are set upon developing a relationship with each and every one of them...a relationship built on trust, mutual respect, and a willingness to take a risk.

Mr. C

Search Casten Blogs and the Internet

My Most Popular Reflections