Global Points of View
Life Viewed from the Perspective of a Child.
Tuesday, April 15, 2014
Program Evaluation - The Robert Chronicles
Program evaluation is an essential part of appraising the impact that instruction is having on our students. This video provides a snapshot of one student's two-year journey through a bi-lingual/ESL program within an urban school district. Essential question: If this program were being implemented with fidelity, then how much farther along the continuum of the Performance Definitions for WIDA K-12 ELP Standards for Assessing Speaking Proficiency would Robert have progressed?
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
Yahzier's Vision of Peace
Yahzier from Fast Track Video on Vimeo.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. valued non-violence. He believed that we should relate peacefully with each other. In honor of Dr. King's dream, my students used descriptive words to create poems that provide sensory details and images of their attainable dreams.
Yahzier wrote: Peace is like a quiet park. Peace looks like a beautiful place. It never sounds loud and makes me feel jubilant. Peace is never awful, but it's always marvelous.
Toni-Ann's Vision of Peace
Peace Poem 2013-Toni-Ann from Fast Track Video on Vimeo.
Toni-Ann wrote: Peace is like a beautiful day outside. Peace looks like a rainbow in the sky. It sounds like the wind blowing on the beach and makes me feel excited. Peace is never horrible, but it is always fair.
Monday, June 17, 2013
Eternity - Chinese Sumi brush painting with Darrell Wilson
Tutor-Darrell Wilson-Chinese Sumi Art1 from Fast Track Video on Vimeo.
Through our partnership with William Paterson University, my students and I were fortunate to have Darrell Wilson, New York University Professor of Sculpture and Filmmaking, join us as a part of the Young Audiences grant. What a meditative moment we experienced! Students got into the zone for creative expression. We learned the symbol for "eternity". This lesson on Chinese Sumi brush painting will remain with us for many years as we seek to preserve these memorable moments .
Monday, June 10, 2013
WPU Partnership yields a bucket-filling surprise!
WPU Tutors - Ms. Marrone's serenade-You Are My Sunshine from Fast Track Video on Vimeo.
Mr. O'Reily, WPU tutor, prepared my students for a bucket-filling serenade of our WPU practicum teacher, Ms. Marrone. She returned the sentiment by presenting my students with a heart warming tribute...a box of crayons, which symbolized our uniqueness and celebrated our diversity. What a beautiful surprise!
Sunday, June 9, 2013
Making a Difference
Ask Me-Making a Difference from Fast Track Video on Vimeo.
During a morning meeting, Nikayla began by sharing a collection of her favorite things. Among her treasure, were some encouraging words from her grandmother, Abuela Mirtha. This opened the door to our discussion of choices that we can make within our spheres of influence that will result in us making a meaningful difference in the world.
Sunday, June 2, 2013
It's okay to be different!
Celebrating diversity from Fast Track Video on Vimeo.
As a part of our collaborative action research project, my students and I participated in a joint third grade book reading of It's Okay to Be Different by Todd Parr. Afterwards, my students analyzed the qualities that make us uniquely different and our decision to celebrate our diversity.
Saturday, June 1, 2013
The Perloff Family Foundation - Donors committed to social action, digital citizenship, and education justice
Thank you! from Fast Track Video on Vimeo.
Dear Students:
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Freedom Isn't Free!
Freedom Isn't Free-Nikayla from Fast Track Video on Vimeo.
In honor of our fallen heroes, my students and I pause to reflect. We salute you!
Thursday, May 9, 2013
A Song-Peace Is So Beautiful by Nizaire and Tiana
Light and Love-Nizaire and Tiana's song from Fast Track Video on Vimeo.
In response to the fear that was caused after the bombing at the Boston Marathon on 4-15-13, my students wrote reflections of empowerment. We drew inspiration from Dr. MLK, Jr. He stated, "Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that."
Saturday, April 20, 2013
Love and Peace by Jamil, Amya, and Jade
Light and Love-Amya-Jamil-Jade from Fast Track Video on Vimeo.
In response to the fear that was caused after the bombing at the Boston Marathon on 4-15-13, my students wrote reflections of empowerment. We drew inspiration from Dr. MLK, Jr. He stated, "Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that."
Friday, April 19, 2013
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
Terror - A Response to the Boston Marathon on 4-15-13 from Fast Track Video on Vimeo.
During our morning meeting on 4-16-13, my students and I embarked on a very enlightening discussion of how acts of terrorism are used to instill fear. We were all saddened by the news of the tragedy that happened in Boston on 4-15-13. However, we were also encouraged by the stories of heroism as runners, observers, and first responders rallied to assist those who were hurt. Perhaps we can choose to take the power back from those who would rob us of our peace of mind by choosing to forgive them instead. In our discussion, my students reminded me that hurting people...hurt people. Samuel articulated that revenge is not the answer. Forgiveness is a noble alternative. Amazing! Third graders are great philosophers.
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
One-on-One with Steve Adubato showcase
Carlene Anderson NJPB from Fast Track Video on Vimeo.
One-on-One with Steve Adubato is a PBS television program. On March 1, 2013, my interview with this remarkable journalist aired. Together, he and I had a poignant conversation about the impact that our global collaborations projects are having on my students. Digital citizenship continues to be a major part of our global points of view initiative.
Monday, December 17, 2012
A Tribute to Students of Sandy Hook Elementary School, Connecticut
Sandy Hook Tribute from Fast Track Video on Vimeo.
In memory of the 20 stupendous students who were killed at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut, my students and I hung 20 Santa caps in our classroom. We are heartbroken that your loved ones did not get to celebrate the 7th and 8th nights of Hanukkah with you. Christmas will not be as merry this year. You are gone, but you will always be in our hearts.
Saturday, December 1, 2012
Destiny - My Heritage Matters
Destiny - My Heritage Matters from Fast Track Video on Vimeo.
Fabulous! Do you think your heritage is special? Well, I do! My awesome heritage should be celebrated because I am a beautiful African-American girl. In Africa, we eat everything with pepper in it. I think my heritage is special because I have an interesting heritage, and I love who I am. I am African because my parents are from Liberia. We value family, friends, and very hard work. If I didn’t celebrate my stupendous heritage, then I would be unhappy. My terrific heritage means a lot to me. Also, I will be miserable if I can’t celebrate my exciting heritage. I think my heritage is exciting because it’s like a surprise party! As you can see, this is a beautiful Liberian fabric behind me. What do you really think about my wonderful heritage?
NiKayla - My Heritage Matters!
NiKayla - My Heritage Matters! from Fast Track Video on Vimeo.
Badr - My Heritage Matters!
Badr - My Heritage Matters! from Fast Track Video on Vimeo.
Everyone should be proud of their heritage. I am certainly proud of my heritage because I am half Moroccan and half Jordanian. These cultures are very different from the American culture. We eat different kinds of food. For example, we eat mencif, hummus, couscous, and kebab. We also have different costumes like a Abaya and Jallaba. These are things you use whenever you pray. Also, we have two important holidays. They are Eid Al Adha and Eid Al Fitr. Before Eid, we have to fast for one month and then we have a celebration. It is like a carnival because there are a lot of rides and we visit with our family. I will never forget my heritage because my heritage is amazing! I love being myself. This is the Jordanian flag, and I like the way it looks.
Saturday, November 24, 2012
A Cornucopia of Gratitude - Our Grateful Plateful!
Jorge-Our Grateful Plateful from Fast Track Video on Vimeo.
My name is Jorge and my Thanksgiving recipe includes: a dash of love, 2 hands full of kindness, lots of hugs and kisses, 2 cups of giving hearts mixed together in a bowl of family, a pinch of laughter, a pint of happiness, a gallon of gratefulness, and last but not least a thankful prayer around the dinner table.
Samuel-Our Grateful Plateful from Fast Track Video on Vimeo.
My name is Samuel and my Thanksgiving recipe includes: 2 cups of intelligent, humorous and exquisite sisters, 1 handful of a handsome brother, a pinch of a glamorous mother, 2 teaspoons of an ingenious step-father, 1 minute of love, 1 sprinkle of an eligible father, 1 blend of cooperation, 2 touches of an American and Jamaican heritage, 1 touch of a smart teacher, and a touch of family creativity. Happy Thanksgiving!
Monday, June 18, 2012
America is...
Throughout the 2011-2012 school year, my students and I had numerous discussions on issues related to traditions, culture, diversity, and discrimination. Our Points of View lessons culminated with this introspective look at what America means to us. Digital storytelling is a very effective way of illustrating our ideas and demonstrating that we've mastered lessons intended to stimulate our higher order thinking skills.
America is....mov from Fast Track Video on Vimeo.
Saturday, May 19, 2012
Freedom Poems!
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Communities of Caring-"Beatrice's Goat" and our donation to Heifer International with Ms. Verta and Ms. Ospina!
After our year-long "Penny Jar Fundraiser", our lesson on communities of caring culminated with a reading of the book, "Beatrice's Goat." My students collected $81.00! We decided to make a donation to Heifer International. Take a look at this very poignant lesson on how a small group can make a tremendous difference in the world.
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
This is a special birthday greeting to our "Marine hero" in Afghanistan!
We have been in regular contact with Sgt. Fabien Nelson, who is a US Marine that was deployed to Afghanistan. Students communicate with Sgt. Nelson via Skype. They recite original poems written in honor of freedom and the bravery of our US troops at home and abroad. It is always encouraging for us to know that we are making a difference in the lives of those who bravely defend our freedom. Can you imagine how thrilled he was to receive this birthday greeting?
Friday, March 9, 2012
Women's History Art Appreciation-Georgia O'Keeffe # 1
WPU Tutor-Ms. Davis-Art Appreciation 3/8/12-Georgia O'Keeffe 1 from Fast Track Video on Vimeo.
Friday, March 2, 2012
Sunday, February 19, 2012
3rd Grade Philosophers!
Saturday, February 18, 2012
Poet Suzie Johnson-Scott provides editing help to Nine, an aspiring poet!
Tutors-Suzie Johnson-Scott-editing work with Nine, the poet! from Fast Track Video on Vimeo.
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Our PS # 12 local celebrity!
Paterson-Germir Robinson-PS #12 local celebrity from Fast Track Video on Vimeo.
Monday, February 6, 2012
Tango @ WPU with Tutors Mrs. Kourani, Mr. Mankin, and Ms. Victor
In partnership with William Paterson University, PS # 12 is a Professional Development School. Endeavoring to expand my students' "Points of View," I often expose them to the arts. At a recent performance of her senior recital, a few of my students went in support of violinist, Nadya Kourani. It is an evening that they will not soon forget! Amid the elements that would otherwise discourage, my students are privilege to experience periodic glimpses of hope that reassure them that success is within their grasp.
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Social Action-"Stop the Drugs!"-Suicide vs. Homicide...
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Social Action-"Stop the Drugs!"-Our Message
Stop the Drugs! – This on-going digital story was created in response to an over-whelming presence of drug paraphernalia and litter left in a neighborhood park that my students and I adopted as a part of our social action project. We've chronicled the heart-felt reaction of my students to the elements within their immediate environment that can truly blight the potential of their beautiful minds. Their words speak volumes about how these innocent observers are poised to become world changers. |
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
A South African Brain Teaser!
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Ask Me-Anna-Lessons learned from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Ask Me-Anna-Lessons from Dr. MLK, Jr. on 1/13/12 from Dave Perloff on Vimeo.