Today, I voluntarily observed Paula Rogavin’s first grade classroom at PS 290, District 2, in Manhattan, New York. Leaving my house to take a 5:27 AM train, was something I had never done before, and truly made me feel like a “real” New Yorker, commuting to and from Manhattan during rush hour.
I had such a terrific time learning from this phenomenal teacher. The way she communicated with the students, they all respected her. When things did not go the way she wanted, she never lost her cool. She resolved to other tactics that I had never seen before, but really worked with the students.
The students had written their own play as a class, based on the stories they heard and researched, which they will be performing on Tuesday (which I am invited to see)… on chocolate! I learned so much from their rehearsal that it changes the way I think about chocolate. They discussed fair trade and really used the collaboration of parents. One parent created a plane that was so large, from cardboard and tape, and then painted it. She put three handles on it for 3 students to hold. This represented how students were traveling on a mission. Also, parents from the past got involved. A former parent creates songs for Sesame Street and provided the class with 2 songs. When the students sang the songs, they were so into it that is was just so fun to see. Even the shy and quiet students who were timid when saying their lines aloud, would sing and dance with their heart and soul.
Then, not only did the principal come to see, Sharon Hill, but the first principal of Manhattan New School, Shelley Harwayne, who was there to collaborate with current teachers about staying committed to teaching , despite the new demands that are being placed on them, and reminding everyone that we are there for the students. Despite the demands and requests, we must remember that we are there for the students, and if we wouldn’t be interested in doing an assignment, don’t give it to students. Question why you are doing everything.
I can’t tell you enough how wonderful it was to see the students learn by using real-life contexts! The students chose the topic to research about chocolate. Their writing workshop was writing about their life and then turning their masterpieces into a book! All the students were so proud of what they wrote about and then to see it published brightened their day.
In regards to the classroom, the students did not have desks. Everything was shared as a community and this worked wonderfully. Although it was a small classroom, it was ideal and every ounce of the classroom was used. Also, the school had some technology I had not seen before. Each classroom had Smartboards, with overhead projectors hanging over the walls. Another interesting note was that the students did not refer to teachers as Mr. or Mrs. but by their first names.
A woman came into the classroom with a guitar and sang songs towards the end of the day. They weren’t typical songs you hear in classrooms, but songs you would hear on the Oldies stations. And students got center time at the end of the day where they chose what to play with within the classroom. Many went straight to the Lego’s, others played with the wooden blocks, building a chocolate factory. Those who were not cooperative during the day, had to sit out for the beginning of center time, which is a time they cherish, so students learn that there are consequences for their actions.
I truly felt it was a worthwhile experience, and I am glad I had the opportunity to observe and meet Paula, and both principals. It was truly an honor to be there.
http://www.manhattannewschool.org/
