Lenkaland

Episode 27 Show notes

Another fun day from Apple as they announced new software and products.  We discuss how these products will help our community.  I will add more show notes soon.  For now, go here to see why I’m rushing tonight

Links:

Apple Keynote Address October 20, 2010

MacBook Air Video

iLife 11: iPhoto, iMovie, & Garage Band

New Operating System: Lion

Mac App Store Coming Soon!

FaceTime for Mac

Share

Hide Sites

Episode 21  Show Notes

Sorry, this episode does not have show notes.

Links:

iPod Shuffle

iPod Nano

iPod Nano Accessibility Features

iPod Touch

iPod Touch Accessibility Features

Apple TV

Apple Keynote Address: September, 2010

Share

Hide Sites

Episode 20  Show Notes

Links:

Apple Magic Trackpad

A Cold Dark School with Zombies at the Gates, short story by Lenka for Kindle

A Cold Dark School with Zombies at the Gates, short story on Lulu (free)

Pandora Radio

New Free Computer Wallpaper, featuring sunflowers, Photography by Lenka, Password is disability

Welcome to Episode 20!  In the commentary, I say Episode 19 because I checked the archive page and the links to Episode 19 never made it into the archives.

Which is an appropiate window into life these days.  School is back in session.  I teach part time.  The beginning of the year is a flurry of preparation and energy as we establish community with our new students.  It’s fun and very busy.  So it makes sense that a few little details slip past me

We started the show talking about Apple.  I tried the Apple Magic Trackpad at an Apple store recently.  I was pleasantly surprised.  I expected it to be a like a laptop mouse-pad with the sensitive pressure tapping with drives me crazy.  But the trackpad had a click feature with a slight give and an actual click.  I could see it being a great feature for navigating around the computer, especially if gripping the mouse becomes an issue.  It is a little expensive, $69.  May be worth the investment.

We received an email from Paul with additional hints about iMac shortcuts: Because of my visual fluctuations I find by pressing the CONTROL key and moving my finger up on the magic mouse the screen gets bigger — and likewise the opposite.  I also like moving web pages with using 2 fingers left or right on top the magic mouse.  Also do you know when entering text and you see a checkered line under a misspelled word — pressing the CONTROL key and putting the curser over that misspelled word and pressing down on the magic mouse you will have words listed to correct the error?

Thank you, Paul! He also asked if we have contacted Apple about screening products or receiving help bringing you information.  And if we could have support making the show more interactive with call-in features.  I have contacted Apple a few times over the summer.  Still waiting to hear back . . . must be busy over there

We do enjoy the Live Shows.  They are simply tricky to organzine consistently with the kids being so little.  When the kids get older, it will be easier.  For now, we do the best we can

Giovanni joined me to talk about Pandora.com, a radio website that makes custom stations for you.  I discovered Pandora a couple of weeks ago and I love the ease of use and the creative music.  I discover all sorts of new artists.  Very cool.

Around 33 minutes, I talk about extraordinary kids returning to school.  I share my thoughts as an extraordinary teacher and former extraordinary student .

I am feel the pressure of all the newness these days.  The emotional journey of new routines and schedules tires all students.  So our extraordinary kids need a little (or a lot) of extra support and planning.

• Team:  We cannot always be on the same page as the school or teacher.  But hopefully we can be on the same team.  As a teacher, I respond best to families that approach me with an open mind and a sense of togetherness in this journey.  How can we work together to make this the best year for everyone?  Teacher, family, and student.  Bring the teacher on board with offers to discuss and support.
• Realistic Optimism:  We like to believe that summer will change everything.  Kids will mature.  The new class, new teacher, new peers will create a new space and the old problems will, poof! disappear.  Except they often do not disappear.  Approach the year with cautious optimism.  Hope for the best but plan for the stresses.  The many changes may even aggravate challenges that were fading in the spring.  Hold your student in confidence, but try not to be too disappointed if the stories begin again.
• Positive Teacher Association:  Make the teacher fancy, special, the beginning of good things.  If your student needs extra support, ask for good notes coming home before the challenges begin.  Emphasize the positive.  If the teacher becomes the disciplinarian that triggers bad-feelings, students will not want to risk around him or her.  They will avoid him or her.  Or confront him or her.  So before challenges begin (if they begin:)), establish positive relationships.  Work towards rewards between school and home, not in a punitive, take-away, didn’t-earn reward, but an attainable reward with a prize like going for an ice cream, or, even better, going to the library.  If you need extra-positive associations, give the teacher small prizes to give your student in moments of recognition (these can be done privately, at recess of after school so other students don’t notice/compare).  Stickers, matchbox cars, legos, little pet shops, any token prize that casts a winning light upon the teacher.  Sometimes, simply sharing a ‘hook’ with a teacher will build a bridge towards positive associations.  Knowing a student loves zebras, or cars, allows a teacher to ask about the favorite topic and have shared conversations about that favored topic.  In this way, positive moments build trust, understanding, and a foundation for a productive school year together.
• Written Information:  If possible, write accommodations, symptoms, and triggers for teachers.  They may not have time to talk to you before school or at pick up, but this way they can take the information and use it to best influence your student’s day in the classroom.
• Behavior and Attitude First:  Academics come later.  Students need to be calm and present in order to learn.  One of the big lessons from my workshops last year was to think of behavior as communication.  Look at the source, the trigger moment, rather than punish or reward the behavior into extinction.  Look at the broken behavior and learn a new way to express that moment.  So take the time to rest, to reflect, and build that foundation.  Allow for a few extra rewards to make this time a positive transition.  Once students have integrated into the routine and expectations, added challenges will not be as difficult.
• Listen:  Slow down and listen to your student.  Try not to solve their problems.  Instead, brainstorm solutions together.  Managing challenges will be a lifelong journey.  School is the place to practice communication, accommodations, and compensation strategies.  Listen for tiredness, fatigue, or stress.  Listen for effort that feels frustrated or futile.  Remember the beginning of the year is intense for many reasons.  We are the best support and inspiration for kids on this new adventure.  Believe in them.  At the same time, be sensitive to when they are maxing out their energy levels.  Tired, frustrated kids may act out with growing behaviors.  Sharing our stories allows us to express whatever challenges are making a day especially difficult.  Or wonderful.  The beginning of the year may be a wonderful time as well.
• Rest and Nutrition: Early bedtimes, nutritious snacks, avoid high sugar foods.  Take care of the basics
• Placement:  If school is constantly stressing your student into high-anxiety, you may want to consider placement.  I taught traditional school for many years before starting a homeschool program.  It was a revelation for me.  Six hours (or more) with random peers, being challenged mentally, emotionally, and physically, may not be the ideal model for your student.  In addition, you may live in a lucky area with free charter schools (like our area in Nevada County) that offer alternative settings for learning.  You may want to look outside the classroom for more flexibility in social interaction and instruction.
• And finally . . . Celebrate your student!  The beginning of the year is a great promise.  It is the story of childhood.  We help students see themselves, either as dependent and weak, or empowered and strong.  Self-perception lasts long after the spelling test is a dusty memory.  And childhood really does go that fast!  Students I taught as first graders are now applying to college.  Try not to stress.  Ultimately, kids need encouragement, validation, and inspiration.  We inspire them.  And they inspire us.

Education is a journey.  Enjoy the adventure.

Share

Hide Sites

Yesterday’s live broadcast.  Audio podcast and show notes are coming soon!

Live Videos by Ustream

Share

Hide Sites

Episode 15 Show Notes

Huge apologies.  Notes are not available for this show.

Click here to watch the live show

Share

Hide Sites

I should plan a party for day 14,000.  Sounds like a day to celebrate.

The usual fun around here with kids and changing weather and one week left of school.  One week left.  Phew.

The interview was a lot of fun.  I’ll talk about it more on tomorrow’s live show.  Yes, live, call me!  We have a phone number now: (530)652-4334.  We will be on air at 2pm Pacific Time.  Call and you’ll be my hero .  Watch online here.

We’ll share our stories.  I’ll talk about assistive technology, including fun ideas like video games.  We’ll also start a discussion based on a book being released this week.  Tony Hseih kindly sent me an advance copy of Delivering Happiness: A Path to Profits, Passion, and Purpose.  I’ll post a review later this week- it’s not a disability book, but our lessons are life lessons, so I’ll take my learning anywhere.  He talks about Core Values.  Which got me thinking about our community’s core values.  And my own.  It will be fun discussion- join in!

Outside of community news, we’re also building a planter box.  No, Gio and Paul (my brother) built a planter box.  We want to grow more tomatoes.  A pepper plant.  A pumpkin.

I took the kids to the river today because the warming weather felt so good.  The river was so wide and fast, the beaches were underwater.  We had a narrow strip of sand.  The kids didn’t mind.  Ian threw clumps of sand into the water and Anika built a small castle.  I’ve never seen the river so wild at Bridgeport.  Pretty amazing.

No major anything for me.  Yet my hip is mad.  Really mad.  Every step mad.  Tweaks of pain and soreness even when I sit still.  Yikes.  Reminds me that I must slow down.  Even when I have 100 things that I want done yesterday.  Oh well.  Hopefully it feels better in the morning

Share

Hide Sites

I will be on KVMR radio today talking about assistive technology.  Tune in at 12:15 Pacific Time to hear the fun.  You can also call the show at (530) 265-9555.

I’d love to talk to you!

Happy Friday!

Share

Hide Sites