As I close my eyes and drift away to a land where there is love, health, peace, and blessings. I wanted to take the time to think and reflect.

     The truth is the other day I learned about the Fidget gadgets. These come in a variety of shapes and sizes. The most popular of them is the Fidget Spinner. You may see these in your local corner store, or even in the street stalls. Retailers are marketing the Fidget Spinner to the consumer saying that they are helpful for focus, PTSD, assisting with ADHA, and reduction of anxiety. It is said that they are helpful for kids with ADHD, and even adults who find it difficult to remain still. Being still, or being able to be in the present moment. This is difficult for human beings because we tend to be future orientated. We are focused on the future. This is derived from our capacity to imagine, foresee, our intellect, and capabilities of the pre-frontal cortex.

     Then I began to think about the Fidget Spinner and how it would serve those with ADHD. It is said that ADHD is not being able to control behaviour. For example: If a "normal" person is angry, a person with ADHD's anger responses are going to be more intense. Research suggests that ADHD is found when the brain does not possess certain inhibitors that control certain behaviours. 

     OK, but how are these thoughts linked to the Fidget Spinner? So I got to thinking, and wondered that when the hands are busy playing with one of these gadgets, they are also engaging in a behaviour, as well as being able to carry out the present task. So what is happening - doing two things at once? It may seem so, but what is happening is that the brain functions have to shift from one task to the next, in an incredible amount of speed. This "multi tasking" or as I like to say multi - shifting is actually harmful to the brain. So yes, the gadgets are cute and playful, but they are just another type of gadget that is distracting from the learning.

     So I got to thinking deeper - I think that it is a lazy persons answer to shifting energies. Why not use excess energies to engage in meaningful activities, that will build good, strong, neural networks? Such as playing a sport, creating art, or getting involved in the community. You see the teenage years are the delicate years, where good habits must be fostered. 

     On another note, it seems like these gadgets are contributing to a type of diagnosis, to label individuals who are otherwise "normal", healthy, living, individuals. What these toys have done are to create a type of experimentation, create laziness, and even "medicalizing" a normal population with an ailment. For example: When a student carrying a Fidget Spinner is asked why they carry this: they may reply I find it difficult to sit still. So the question of the fidget spinner to be the answer for fidgeting bodies remains to be seen.   

     We can question how these gadgets are creating a type of laziness, and also once again ignore the realities of the needs of extra funding for schools and human labor, to promote active engagements, and participation in extra - curricula's; So that these energies are used for short - term, and long - term growth and development. 

Dedication: The words of this being are dedicated to all human beings, realize your difference is your beauty, it is what makes you unique. My thoughts to share with love & kindness! :) 

Notes:
These thoughts were originally hand - written on May 30th, 2017

Whilst it remains to be seen if these gadgets to have positive effects upon learning, I offer these thoughts as my own preliminary opinion. They are not based upon any individuals, or offered as critical. 

Further Reading - NPR Whirring, Purring Fidget Spinners Provide Entertainment, Not ADHD Help.
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​Image 1 - Web Link 

As I close my eyes and drift away to a land where there is love, health, peace, and blessings. I wanted to take the time to think and reflect.

     The truth is that when I have breaks from studies and teaching, I am able to think about topics, life, memories in general. Sometimes this is not a good thing, sometimes it is. As I was watering our home plants, my mind drifted back about a decade. I remembered the kids gardening, planting, and watering the vegetables and flowers. I remember their smiles when they saw the vegetables growing, and the flowers blooming. I'm grateful for these good memories.

     Fast forward to the present day, where we hear of the many wild fires, the burning down of nature's greenery, and beauty. What are we left with when these trees are burned down: ashes, burned scarred trees, dead wild life, homeless animals that managed to escape, and lots of charcoal. Not only is there pollution caused to the Earth's atmosphere, the air becomes polluted for communities that are living nearby.  So these ashes become charcoal, eventually this charcoal can be used for fuel. There are many uses for this residue. So we can see how a wild fire can actually be turned into a production source for income.

     However: Is this money really worth it? Is the "burning" desire for dollars worth the devastations? As I begin to question, wonder, and ponder, I think of the populations, schools, communities, that are doing so much to promote protecting and preserving the natural environments. Yet, then I think about Governments, that have public and foreign policies in place that may contradict these efforts. 

     If we are to build a better future for the worlds children, the generations to come, then it is also a matter of re-thinking public and foreign policies that hinder the development of sustainability and preservation of natural lands. Or it may even be for foreign countries who are seeking to build relationships with other countries with goals of sustainabilty , to also re-think and include a vision for a healthy, flourishing Mother Earth.

Question:
Do we really need this burning desire? 
​
Food for thought:
Natural resources are already provided for the human family, some are found, others still need to be found. 

Dedication: These words are dedicated to my children, thank you for caring for the Earth, our world. My thoughts to share with love & kindness! :) 

Notes:
These thoughts were originally hand - written on May 28th, 2017.
All images are from my personal collections.
References -  U.S. National Parks and Services 

Suffering. Survival. Hope. Renewal.

As I close my eyes and drift away to a land where there is love, health, peace, and blessings. I wanted to take the time to think and reflect. 

     The truth is the other day I decided to take a trip to New York, USA. This decision was based on a deep yearning of the heart. Simply to be in my homeland, my heartland. To walk upon these lands, my desire was to fulfilled, my heart, body, soul, and mind found spiritual renewal. As my senses took in the sights and sounds of a city; where in times of happiness everyone comes together, and in sadness everyone unites with each other.

     I wanted to specifically reflect upon my experience visiting the 9/11 memorial. I wrote about my initial response, where I was when the attack happened in real time. However to see, witness, and walk upon the grounds where this heartbreak happened is absolutely a different sensation. I completely broke - down. I could not contain myself. I was not emotionally / mentally prepared. I did not know what my own reaction was going to be. I grieved, and I decided that it was best to grieve. To grieve the wounds that were suffered by our fellow Americans, individuals, our people, the many in our uniforms, and families who have suffered loss, I had to grieve.

     
     Later, I decided to go back again. This time I took flowers. I don't think I can ever prepare myself to contain my emotion, but I needed to share my love. So I lay some flowers upon the memorials. I touched the names. I took in all of the sights, sounds, breathed them in, locked into my memory. I wanted to learn more, hear more, understand the enormity of this tragedy. 

     As I stood my eyes gazed upon the survivor tree, a tree named for hope, renewal, and survival. A tree that also suffered the burns of 9/11. As I touched this tree, it was a moment of deep reflection. The tree symbolizes hope, hope that life and re-generation will prevail. This memorial is a reflection of a tragedy yet, also shows where a city has come together in remembrance. Flowers are placed upon the victims names when it is their birthday. Survivors share their stories, and even books that have been published to share stories.  

Tree of Hope

     As I sit here today, and think back to my hands touching the names of the victims, I shed tears. Nothing and no - one can replace the lives that have been lost, we can only try to heal one another. This is what the city of New York has done, and for this I commend you. Heal, Hope, Survival.

Dedication: The words of this being are dedicated to the people of New York City. My trip was symbolic, as it allowed me to understand the journey of 9/11. Our People, my fellow Americans, you are loved. My thoughts to share with love & kindness. :) 

Notes: These thoughts were originally hand - written on May 26th, 2017.
All photographs are from my own personal collection. 
Prayer Web Link

As I close my eyes and drift away to a land where there is love, health, peace, and blessings. I wanted to take the time to think and reflect.

     The truth is that I was taking the time to think about the day of Cinco De Mayo that takes place on May 5th. This is a day of celebration when the Spanish won the war against France. It is not only a historic celebration, but it is also a day that has become more of a cultural celebration. Families get together, enjoy food, music, culture and traditions. 

     
     I was reminded of the Spanish student, he was walking with his friend in the hallways, not a care in the world, so it seemed. He stopped by and said: "Miss, Happy Cinco de Mayo", I was startled, and actually very happy that he shared this with me. I also said Happy Cinco de Mayo. I asked him about his heritage, and how he will celebrate this day. He was pleasantly happy with our conversation.

     At the beginning of class, again I was surprised, when a student decided to write "Happy Cinco de Mayo" with chalk on the board. I felt happy, particularly because of my own attachments. Even though Cinco de Mayo is not formally acknowledged in this country, I thought it was necesarry to share my thoughts and good wishes to all. I wanted to acknowledge students who were celebrating, also for the purposes of building an inclusive environment. All the students were happy to learn the information, and thoughts that I had shared. 

On another day, I remember the same student talking to his friend, this time he asked, why he could not speak Spanish, or why teachers did not care that he was Spanish. I took the time to listen and observe.

Reflection
I began to think about the Spanish boy, and how much I could relate to him. I felt what he was feeling, because when others don't acknowledge who we are as a person, the attachments we share, we truly feel as though we don't belong. We don't feel valued. Now I'm not saying that we need others for validation, but I am saying: How can countries embrace these differences, how can countries embrace language / historical celebrations,  even if it is not part of a national discussion, language or heritage? Do we need to make school structures so rigid that a student must leave a part of their being "put away in a drawer" in order to fit in?

Connection To Self
As I viewed the poster for the Latin America Photograph exhibition at the New York Library, I remember the feeling, feeling so grateful, hoping that I would be able to see this exhibit. And I did - even though there was no physical being present with me, my heart felt a deep sense of belonging. I felt loved, loved because of this attachment, that was derived from the land. This is the beauty of feeling attached, feeling loved, the feeling allows us to flourish. As I think back to the Spanish boy, I ponder: What would change, what would be different if the Spanish boy felt that sense of belonging, felt loved for who he is, regardless of the land that he is living in? 

Dedication: The words of this being are dedicated to all human beings, to think and ponder. My thoughts to share with love & kindness! :) 

​Notes: These thoughts were originally hand written on May 25th, 2017.
​Image 1 - Web Link
Image 2 - Web Link 
Image 3 - Personal Collection 

​Memories Engraved Upon Our Heart

With these eyes a simple delight to walk upon our homeland, my heartland. With grace, with honor, with heart. I love you my homeland ~ America.
​

~9/11 Memorial~

Open wounds,
heal our heart.
​We honor you.
We remember you.

~New York Mets Los Angeles Angels~  

There is nothing more soothing than to be amongst the American people, to watch their smiles, to share their joy, our happy moments, feeling the rush, sensations of the people. It was a pleasure, and honor to attend the baseball game between the New York Mets and the Los Angeles Angels, on May 21st 2017. Absolutely loved seeing our flags guarding, and the beautiful sky gracing these moments that I will treasure forever. 

~Statue Of Liberty~

I was really proud and honored to visit the Statue of Liberty in New York, a reminder of the right of liberty, it is something that should never be taken for granted. Thank you Lady Liberty for guarding and protecting us.

~One World - World Trade Centre~ 

~Empire State Building~

After travelling by cabs in New York City, I quickly learned that the best and fast way to get around is to walk, depending in the distances of course. Learning the directions was easy, once I learned that the streets worked with numbers, it was easy to find where I needed to go. I enjoyed walking to the Empire State Building, the Heart of New York City. As I got to walk amongst the American people and even see the tourists, as they smiled, created memories with this wonderful landmark. To stand with the heart of the city, and also be at the highest point in the city, was a great feeling. Where we can view the magnificence of New York, where there is busyness, waters, greenery, that offers a calm serenity. 

~New York City Library~
"Love In Venice" 

I became interested in the art of Florence when I learned how artists used to mix colours to use as paint. Often they would crush different coloured gems, to use as paint. For example, for a deep blue they would crush the gem called Lapis Lazuli, and even melt gold and use the liquids as well. To view the "Venice In Love" exhibition at the New York City library was an absolute treat. Hinting at the love, beauty and the enchanting social relationships. 

~New York City Library ~
"View Points Latin America in Photographs."

As I was walking on 5th Avenue, I was so excited when I saw the poster for the above exhibition, which I did visit. What I enjoyed about this visit was the introspection of the Latin American history, but also the feeling of a sense of belonging. This is the power of culture and language, it is what we are  attached to that make us feel like we belong.

~New York Times Square~ 

I really enjoyed walking through Times Square, seeing the vibrancy of this area, and the people. Below are some images of my time in Times Square and areas around this centre. 

Dedication: This page is dedicated to my time at New York City, I am grateful I was able to walk through the streets, listen to the sights and the sounds, as we as be included with the American People, thank you for your love. My thoughts to share with love & kindness! :) 

​As I close my eyes and drift away to a land where there is love, health, peace, and blessings. I wanted to take the time to think and reflect. 

     The truth is that I have been taking the time to think and reflect about current teaching observations. Sometimes there is so much chaos because of differing opinions, voices, and noise. I find it difficult to think and to find the stillness, or some sort of order within the mind. This is why I am grateful for this moment, as I simply put the pen to paper, to be still, to think, and sort through my thoughts. This is what happens when there are too many thoughts, there becomes confusion.

     Whilst I am a sincere advocate for the human voice, what happens when there are too many voices, too many cross firing opinions? There is confusion. We can take these thoughts and relate them to a concrete example: If we are teaching a certain piece of knowledge within the classroom environment, what happens when you invite another person into the classroom to teach similar material? The student becomes confused, although the teaching material is similar, teaching styles, and what the educators desired goals are for achievement may differ. Also as we invite different voices, we have to be mindful of what, and how much knowledge we want, or allow to be shared.

     Knowledge is powerful, especially that of the social sciences. I have always considered the knowledge of the Social Sciences to be sacred, just as a Holy religious text, or materials that are seen to have a very high ranking or value. Because knowledge can either be used for the good: to instill and share good habits, and also for harm, as knowledge can be purposely used to harm individuals. This is where there must be care, so not to spread knowledge to poison. Educators must remember even if we want to encourage students to learn, ask the question: Is it age appropriate? How much information should be shared? How is this learning going to compliment what is being learned, the keyword here is compliment.

     For the purposes of my writing I will use the example of Psychological knowledge. This subject is complex. Topics are to be shared incrementally. The knowledge will be learned, but we have to ask: how is the student going to be, going to carry him / herself with the material learned? Will it be used for the good, or to hurt and harm? This thought does not only apply to students, but I will also extend to the teachers / educators. How are you "being" with the knowledge that you carry? Learning and the carrying of knowledge requires a type of humble humility. If the end result of this accumulation is to used to play with human lives, then simply put, the acquisition of this learning / knowledge has become poison. Which is why I write, which is why I share the thought:

     Learning is a flow, it becomes disrupted when there are too many voices presenting the same material, confusion follows. Student voice, choice, and success can, and will happen when educators are on the same page. This does not necessarily mean that there will not be dis-agreements. Yet, it does and should mean that: When in a shared classroom the educators in the room, must be on the page. Any disagreements in front of the students does not only send a message to the students about the educator, it will also increase confusion, and the erosion and corrosion of trust. Without creating trust in the learning environment, there will simply be student bodies with in - put and out - put.  The same can be said about the educators in a shared space, the simple founding formula is trust.

​Dedication: These words are dedicated to the students, and the human brain. Your brain is a beautiful flower. Educators please water these with love and kindness. My thoughts to share, with love & kindness! :)   

These thoughts were originally hand - written in May 13th, 2017.
Image 1 - Web Link 

The following are processes that can be applied for the learning of information. These can be helpful to students are are trying to learn a large amount of information.

     Chunking: 
Our short - term memory capacity is about 7 + / - items of storage. This means that our capacity to store information is limited. To overcome this limitation we can use the process of chucking. Chunking the individual unites that are actually larger units. Consider the following:

NFLNBCFBIMTV

Together the above seem like letters simply put together, however if we take a closer look we can see that they have a meaning 

NFL - National Football League
NBC - National Broadcasting Company 
FBI - Federal Bureau of Investigation
MTV - Music Television

This process is known as chucking. It can be used to build your now learning of actual concepts.  Make an acronym with the letter of the beginning of the topics that go together and need to be learned. 

     The Process Of Rehearsal
Information that is not rehearsed will be lost. Sometimes even in the span of 20 seconds. This span is called Retention Duration.

Decay - Information is not rehearsed and lost, leading to cognitive decay.

Inference also causes information to be lost.  Example: Think of a desk, where there are papers that keep piling up on a desk, the papers that were there before may get displaced by the earlier arriving papers. This analogy can be applied to the retrieval of information. If we keep piling up more information, we loose and forget the information that was supposed to be learned earlier. 

     Paired Association Learning
This is when you pair words together, when you recall one word with the other. When asked to remember one word first, then when asked to re-call the next word, they will remember the word much more easily. Example if the word Ice Scream is paired with a cookie .When as to re-call the word Ice - Scream, the word cookie is also more likely to be re-called. This strategy can also be applied to the learning of concepts. 

Reference: 

Galottin, M., Fernandes, A., (Ed.). (2010). Cognitive
  Psychology in and out of the Laboratory. USA:
  Nelson Education Ltd.

​Image 1 - Web Link  

As I close my eyes and drift away to a land where there is love, health, peace, and blessings. I wanted to take the time to think and reflect. 

     The truth is that I was taking the time to think about my recent teaching experiences within in the classroom environment. I find that our experience is more like a journey, it is a journey together with the students, who I am learning from, and who are learning from me. This is the foundation of my teaching philosophy. Anytime I walk into a classroom to formally teach, you will hear me say these two sentences:  

"I am learning from you, and you are learning from me." 

"When I am talking you are listening, and when you raise your hand with the desire to speak we are all listening." 

     These two sentences are intended to assisst with the facilitation of a horizontal learning structure, rather than the vertical that arrives from traditional models, where the teacher is seen as the authoritative figure. It is to acknowledge that even though I possess more knowledge of the subject matter than the students, it is to say that I myself am still capable of learning, as learning is continuous, learning never ends. And I can learn from the students as well. As educators we want to show students that we care, that they can trust us. This can happen when we bring ourself to the level of the student. Now I am not saying that there will not be times where authority is needed, I am saying there must be a gentle balancing of roles in the classroom.  

Reflection:
​     I have really enjoyed our students, because I have seen first - hand the values of the impact. This is not just upon the learning, but also upon improved behaviour, and it truly humbles me when a student says: "Miss, I wish all teachers were like you." :) During my teaching time, I have to say: teaching the subject matter is probably the easiest part of the teaching day. I will produce visual aids, that act as prompts for myself, and also to help students remain attuned to my voice, when delivering the knowledge. With this framework I am able to appeal to multiple learning styles. 

 Time - In Concept:
   
​     What I did see within my first few days was behaviour issues. This did not bother me, because I find it rewarding to work with students who are at risk, or need more guidance. This is where I have seen significant impact. You see, I don't believe in a punishment system. It is absolutely out - dated. When a child / student is acting out, it is not a time to turn the student away  - it is actually a time that the student needs the most attention. These thoughts are related to the concept of time - in. This concept is how I manouver classroom  behaviour management. As educators we must understand that turning students / children away not only hinders learning, but also breaks trust. Trust is absolutely crucial and vital for the learning relationship. Once trust blooms, the possibilities are endless, you will see the results. 

     Below are some key ideas from the Time - In concept. I learned these in my first year of teaching education at York University, Toronto. These ideas are from the book by Dr. Otto Weininger, who taught Clinical Child Psychology at University of Toronto, Toronto. The following is a basic overview of this concept that can be applied to the work of teaching and learning. 

Dedication: These thoughts are dedicated to students, never stop dreaming. I am very grateful and honoured to be able to share my learning and put research directly into practice. My thoughts to share with love & kindness! :) 

Notes: These thoughts were originally hand - written on May 6th, 2017
Image 1 - Web Link
​Image 2- Web Link 
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Reference
Weininger, O. (2012). Time - in Parenting. ON: Toronto: Rinascente Books