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  • Nice to Meet You
  • Musing
  • What Ms. Hart is reading
  • Student Resources
    • General Student and Parent Suggestions
    • Weather and Climate
  • Resume
  • Contact Me

Parenting a College Student Abroad: Tips for Staying Connected During the University Years

11/20/2023

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As a mom who has worn the hat of an expat teacher in China and Korea and now finds herself navigating the uncharted waters of parenting a college student in France, the journey of staying connected has taken on a whole new dimension. If you're in a similar boat or preparing to set sail, here are some insights and tips on maintaining that vital lifeline with your young adult. 

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Establish a Regular Communication Schedule Time zones can be tricky, but establishing a regular communication schedule helps bridge the gap. Whether it's a weekly video call, a daily text check-in, or a meme sent via Instagram, having a routine gives you and your college student a sense of consistency amid the whirlwind of new experiences.

Explore Their New World Virtually
​Thanks to the wonders of the internet, you can virtually explore your child's new surroundings. Take virtual tours of the art school, learn about local landmarks, and stay informed about the cultural events happening in their city. This keeps you connected, and fosters shared experiences despite the physical distance.


Respect Their Independence
Staying connected doesn't mean hovering. Give your college student the space to explore, make mistakes, and find their own path. Trust that the values and lessons instilled during their high school years will guide them and allow them to forge their own unique journey.


Celebrate Milestones, Big and Small
From acing a tough exam to discovering a charming café in Montmartre, celebrate the milestones, big and small. Sending a surprise delivery, whether a bouquet of flowers or an uplifting message, lets your child know you're there in spirit, cheering them on every step.


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Encourage Independence Through Shared Hobbies
​Maintain common interests by exploring hobbies together, even from a distance. If you share a love for art, consider starting a virtual art club or book club. If movies connect your family, fangirl together the newest releases. This not only provides a shared space for connection but also fosters their independence as they navigate their third year of university.


Plan Visits and Embrace Cultural Exchange
If circumstances allow, plan visits to your child's new home. Embrace the opportunity to experience their world firsthand and participate in their daily life. This not only strengthens your bond but also allows for a unique cultural exchange that enriches both your lives.


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As I navigate this exciting chapter of parenting during the university years, I'm learning that staying connected is about finding a balance between staying informed and allowing room for growth. It's a delicate dance of maintaining ties while nurturing independence. So, here's to embracing the adventure, cherishing the moments, and staying connected across continents

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The meeting of the 6th grade team

8/31/2023

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As a teacher on the grade 6 team I was delighted we were given time to meet with parents to help them  and their students  with the transition from elementary to middle school. This transition can be exciting and scary for both students and their parents. Forging strong partnerships between educators and parents at this time is very important. 

​One of the highlights of our meeting was the opportunity to discuss the grade 6 curriculum and teaching philosophy. The team's commitment to fostering a dynamic and engaging learning environment was met with enthusiasm. We believe that every student is unique, and our aim is to nurture their individual strengths while guiding them towards growth in all aspects of their lives.

As the science teacher I spoke about the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). The NGSS framework represents an exciting shift in how we approach science education. It encourages critical thinking, exploration, and a deeper understanding of the world around us. By embracing this approach, we aim to equip your children with the skills needed to thrive in an ever-evolving world.  It's about going beyond rote memorization by encouraging students to question, investigate, and apply their knowledge. This approach empowers them to develop essential skills such as problem-solving, communication, and collaboration – skills that extend far beyond the classroom.

Remember your student needs you more than ever at this point. Continue to provide them with support and stay connected with your child’s teaching team. 

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How can parents help your child be successful: 
  • Ensure students are well rested for class 
  • Encourage them to participate actively in class,  and ask questions.
  • Having conversations about science.
  • Encourage reading of all kind.
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What is the purpose of school?

4/26/2023

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 ​As a teacher and a parent, I know that every parent wants their child to succeed academically. However, I also know that there is a common misconception that grades are the only measure of success in school. I wanted to take a moment to talk to you about the importance of learning over grades, especially during your child's middle school years.

Middle school is a time of great growth and change for students, both academically and socially. During this time, students are learning not only new subjects and concepts but also important life skills such as time management, organization, and study habits. While grades can be an important measure of how well a student is understanding the material, they are not the only measure of success.

At this stage, it is important to focus on the learning process rather than the end result. Encourage your child to ask questions, to take risks, and to make mistakes. These are all essential parts of the learning process and can help your child to develop a growth mindset. This is the belief that their abilities can be developed through hard work and dedication, rather than being fixed traits.

Developing a growth mindset is essential for success both in school and in life. By supporting your child's efforts and encouraging them to embrace challenges and failures as opportunities to learn, you can help them unlock their full potential and achieve their goals.

In conclusion, while grades are an important measure of academic progress, they should not be the only focus of a student's education. Encouraging a love of learning and developing strong study habits will serve your child well throughout their academic career and beyond.

Below are some activities and skills that students can engage in to support their science learning. 

  • Use IXL to practice science questions
  • Review vocabulary on a regular basis. 
  • Active listening and note-taking: Students should actively listen during class lectures and take notes to help them retain important information.
  • Review notes regularly: Students should review their notes regularly to help consolidate their learning.
  • Asking questions in class and engaging in class discussions.
  • Meeting with me during academic support when they do not understand concepts. 
  • Reading both fiction and nonfiction text.
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A note to my parents.

11/6/2022

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“Science is a way of thinking much more than it is a body of knowledge.”
  • Carl Sagan 

“과학은 지식의 집합체보다 사고방식이다.”
  • 칼 세이건

Science is a way of thinking and knowing! While the content and “facts” of science are important for students to learn, learning to think like a scientist is much more essential. Science is not a list of facts to remember but a process of learning and discovering. 

과학은 인지와 사고하는 방법입니다! 과학의 내용과 “사실”은 학생의 배움에 중요하지만, 과학자처럼 생각하는 법을 배우는 것이 훨씬 더 필수적입니다. 과학은 기억해야할 사실의 목록이 아니라 배우고 발견하는 과정입니다.

At school, the teacher helps students:
  • Learn how to ask good questions. 
  • Look at and analyze data. 
  • Draw conclusions from data. 
  • Use evidence to support their ideas. 

학교에서 교사는 학생들이 다음과 같이 할 수 있도록 돕습니다.
  • 좋은 질문을 합니다.
  • 데이터를 보고 분석합니다.
  • 데이터에서 결론을 도출합니다.
  • 본인의 생각을 뒷받침하기 위해 증거를 사용합니다.

Students can: 
  • Ask questions
  • Share your ideas (even if you are not sure if it is correct)
  • Complete homework the night it is assigned. Homework is given to help you prepare for the next day’s class. 
  • Actively participate in group discussions and class activities.

학생들은 다음과 같이 할 수 있습니다.
  • 질문합니다.
  • 아이디어를 공유합니다. (맞는지 확실치 않더라도)
  • 과제가 주어진 날 밤에 과제를 완료합니다. 과제는 다음 날 수업을 위하여 주어집니다.
  • 그룹 토론과 수업 활동에 적극적으로 참여합니다.​
At home, parents can support learning by:
Helping your child make sense of their learning:
  • There is no pre-teaching vocabulary because words often have multiple meanings and are easier to remember once students have some experience with them; therefore, ask your child to recall evidence or experiences to help elaborate on what their ideas and explanations are. 
  • Ensure your child is getting enough sleep. 

가정에서 학부모님은 다음과 같이 학습을 지원하실 수 있습니다.
자녀가 학습 내용을 잘 이해할수 있도록 지원하는 방법:
  • 단어들은 종종 여러 의미를 가지고 있고, 학생들이 단어에 대해 어느 정도 경험을 한 후에 기억하기 더 쉽기 때문에, 단어 예습이란 없습니다. 따라서, 자녀에게 그들의 생각과 배운것에 대해 자세히 설명하는데 도움이 되는 단서나 경험을 기억하도록 해주십시오.

Having conversations about science:
  • Encourage your child’s curiosity through talking about their noticings and wonderings.
  • Hold off on providing answers right away for your child: we want students to make progress on their own (and others) questions and to think of ways to make sense of the world around them.

자녀와 과학에 대해 이야기 나누는 법:
  • 자녀가 궁금해하는 것과 신기해하는 것들에 대해 이야기함으로써 호기심을 북돋아줍니다.
  • 자녀에게 바로 답을 제공하는 것을 보류하여 주십시오. 저희는 학생들이 다른 질문으로 넘어가며 스스로 진전을 이루고, 그들 주변의 세상을 이해할 수 있는 방법을 생각하길 바랍니다.

Thank you,
감사합니다




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Don't be a Vernon Dursley

3/20/2021

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What was a good question you asked today? Says the mom.
Our goal today is for the class to ask three "umm" questions. Says the teacher.

Learning is about the questions you ask, not about the facts you have memorized. 

What are "umm" questions? "Umm," questions are questions that make the teacher go, "umm, that's a good question." "Umm," questions show that students are thinking deeply about the topic. "Umm," questions are tough to answer and sometimes take the class off track (those darn pacing guides).

If you have ever been around a toddler or preschool-aged child, then it is very likely you have been barraged with a plethora of questions. They are so curious. Yet as a middle school teacher, I have noticed that curiosity seems to have disappeared (at least during class). Where did the wonder at the world go? IMO the world (school) has beaten the questions out.

"Don't ask questions — that was the first rule for a quiet life with the Dursleys."
― J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

Teachers often are like the Durselys. The reasons include but are not limited to staying on pace with district expectations, preparing for the end-of-year exams, and the fear of the room devolving into a lord of the flies type anarchy. 

In a world of Google and Siri, students (all of us really) need to do more than memorize facts. The facts are at our fingertips. ​

"My investment of time, as an educator, in my judgment, is best served teaching people how to think about the world around them. Teach them how to pose a question. How to judge whether one thing is true versus the other." 
– Neil deGrasse Tyson


What are you doing to encourage your kids (either personal or students) to ask more "umm," questions? Are you asking "umm," questions yourself?


Like the mom, instead of asking, what did you do today, try asking what is a good question you asked in class. 


Like the teacher give at the start of class, give your students an "umm" question goal. And don't let those good questions fall by the wayside. Be okay with giving time to "get off task". 
​
Remember, 

"It is not the answer that enlightens, but the question." 
– Eugene Ionesco.
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SpringĀ is when you feel like whistling or at least not sleeping all day.

3/5/2021

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"It's spring fever. That is what the name of it is. And when you've got it, you want—oh, you don't quite know what it is you do want, but it just fairly makes your heartache, you want it so!"
― Mark Twain

"Do you remember the Shire, Mr. Frodo? It'll be spring soon. And the orchards will be in blossom. And the birds will be nesting in the hazel thicket. And they'll be sowing the summer barley in the lower fields... and eating the first of the strawberries with cream. Do you remember the taste of strawberries?"
― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Return of the King


I love transitional seasons. Being born in April, I think I am hard-wired to love spring (with fall being a close second). Granted, it won't officially be spring for another two weeks(Spring Equinox); I can feel it coming. In the Christian/ western tradition, spring equals new beginnings, rebirth, and nature's awakening. 

Personally, it is easier for me to wake up in the mornings, to get outdoors for a dose of sun, and to stay up later; I feel more productive. 

I guess the Turkish Ministry of Education agrees with me. Monday, all grades will start back to in-person school. I will teach in the classroom two days a week (hybrid model). More than 50% of the students have signed up for in-person learning (it has been a year since they have been in the classroom). As I am sure many of you know there are still many unanswered questions, and there will be many issues that arise as we start. 
  •  balancing the engagement of the students who are home and those who are in the classroom
  • internet/ wifi connection 
  • decreasing the amount of screentime 
  • encouraging socialization with proper social distancing 
  • proper ventilation vs. weather 
  • And more ...


As many reach the first anniversary of this modern Pandemic, remember to wash your hands well and often, wear your mask correctly, and watch for SCIENTIFIC updates.  
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Improve the news, when a physicist takes on journalism

2/25/2021

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The current episode of Star Talk is about a interesting tool, that could have the ability to improve how we consume news. Neil and Chuck (yes I am on a first name basis with them) interview Max Tegmark: a physicist from MIT and the developer of ImproveTheNews.org. This open source site allows/ encourages the reader to "choose your news diet the way you aim to choose your food: deliberately rather than impulsively" with the use of sliders. 

​The video (about 5 minutes) explains how to use the website. I also encourage you to give this episode of Star Talk a listen as the guest speakers do a much better job explaining the current issues with news and journalism than I could. 

I believe ImproveTheNews.org could be a great asset to students and teachers in the classroom. 

How could you implement this tool? 
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The 5am Club: It is Really THAT Easy?

2/12/2021

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"Victims have big TVs, leaders have big libraries."
           -The Tycoon, The 5 am Club 
"Poor people have big TVs, rich people have big libraries."
        -Jim Rohn, an American entrepreneur, author, and speaker

The 5 am Club: Owning Your Morning, Elevate Your Life by Robin Sharma is an interesting book. I am on my second listen on Audible. I may be a little bit in love with this book, even though I almost quit listening to it the first time. 

The formatting of this self-development (formerly known as self-help) book is different from any book in this genre that I have ever come across. Instead of the author telling us how to make our lives better, Sharma has taken himself out of the equation. The concepts covered in the book the reader learns about via a hallmark movie type story (I mean that in the best possible way). The main players in the story are:
  • An artist (representing the creatives of the world).
  • An entrepreneur (representing the more business-minded).
  • A billionaire. 
Both the artist and the entrepreneur remain unnamed. Which I think is pretty smart. It allows the reader to visualize themselves in the characters' place (if you know me, you know which character I am). 


"There is one who makes himself rich, yet has nothing; And one who makes himself poor, yet has great riches."
-Proverbs 13:7

As the book opens, the tycoon is described as a homeless man. Although a bit skeptical (guess which one), the artist and the entrepreneur trust the homeless man/ tycoon and take him up on his offer to go to his island "called solitude." Even if you are not a religious person, we have all heard stories of characters who aren't beautiful (or are different in some way from the norm) offering help to the protagonist. Sometimes the protagonist refuses to help (or refuses to receive the support offered), and they are punished. Disney's Beauty and the Beast comes to mind. In other stories, the protagonist (sometimes against others' warnings) takes the help, and their path to the goal is eased. But I think that modern media gives us very few of these stories. The different are usually just plain ole bad/ evil and have nothing to offer. 


The central learning from this self-development book can be simplified into three points. 
  1. Waking up at 5 am will provide you with solitude and an improved brain state to perform like the pros.
  2. Balance your four "interior empires" to achieve self-mastery.
  3. Don't waste time when you wake up early. Use the 20/20/20 formula.
I will not go more deeply into Sharma's points, but this is where some of the issues with the book start. 


Granted this those points are not just with Sharma but with self-development books in general. 


The pull yourself up by your boot straps/ all you have to do is...


The artist and the entrepreneur both have the time/ resources to just up and leave to go on an adventure with the billionaire. I have been a single mother since 2001. If I had gone to this conference and meet the homeless man, I would not have been able to go (as much as I would have wanted to). Both characters also have freedom in their careers (the entrepreneur owns her company, and the artist is a freelancer. What about those who have to clock in/out of a 9 to 5? 


And if we forget about the fictional opportunity of the adventure (gosh, Jamie, that's why the man wrote the book). The book's main concept is waking up at 5 am and using that first hour to change your life, but although we all have 24 hour days, not everyone's 24 hours are equal. Beyonce can get more out of her 24 hours than I am. She has a staff that probably includes a chief, trainer, personal shopper, and things I haven't even thought of. I can get more of my 24 hours than someone who has to work zero-hour contracts (and therefore has to work multiple jobs). I have health insurance, some savings, and I don't have to worry about having enough to pay my bills. 


This book and many others like it do not acknowledge that resources (even time) are not applied equally to everyone in society. 


"When people talk about the good old days, I say to people, 'It's not the days that are old, it's you that's old.' I hate the good old days. What is important is that today is good."
        -Karl Lagerfeld

In the past, they had the answer. If only we didn't have modern technology, we all would be perfect people. 


It erks me when authors use the past as shorthand for all that is right and good and paint technology with the brush of evil. There have always been humans who are exceptional (the overachievers and the layabouts), and there have always been humans who are just getting through life (the majority of us). I do not understand why writers feel the need to compare the imperfect present with the supposedly perfect past. I think this comparison takes away from the actual message. The message that no matter your place, position, or personality, if you follow the prescribed plan, you to can be great. 


Why is every self-development writer a Luddite? I wonder if they were writing their books if they would hate on using the printing press, the steam engine, or the loom. I agree that all new technology comes with contemporary issues and consequences. Still, the answer is not getting rid of the technology. Like your daily coffee (from your coffee house of choice) isn't making you poor, having a smartphone isn't making you stupid and lazy (I can be lazy without using my phone, thank you very much). 


The 5 am Club doesn't include any new innovations in the world of self-development; it is a nice easy listen. If you purchase the Audible, it comes with a PDF that contains the models that are covered. 


Have you read the 5 am Club? What did you think about it? Do you have any self-development suggestions (I am looking for suggestions written by people of color and women). 
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2020 was interesting

2/7/2021

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Wow! It's been quite a while, and so much has happened in the world since September 2019 (my last post). I almost don't know where to start. 

I am the mother of a high school graduate (Class of 2020). Yeah! But he was unable to attend his chosen university (boo! Pandemic). So he decided to take a gap year (which I think makes him sound very posh). He has used this year to continue to work on his art skills. He's taking French classes in preparation for making his move (name it and claim it) to an art academy there. In the next month or so, he should be hearing back from the schools. 

We no longer live and China. We are now residents of Turkey. I am attempting to learn Turkish (we will see how it goes). I know some of you may be thinking that I decided to leave China because of Co-Vid19, but the decision to move to Turkey was made before the outbreak. Moving across the world (twice during a pandemic) was a bit daunting. We made it safely with no significant incident (canceled flights and long layovers aside). 

Being a teacher at a new school in a new country is always a challenge. And I sure picked a doozy of a year to make the change. This past year has been tough (to say the least). I have yet to meet my students properly. It has been challenging building relationships with the kids, their parents, and even my fellow teachers. 

This school year has been very isolating for everyone. I try to give every child the time to talk, share jokes, and show pets. In Turkey, children (and the elderly) are on a much stricter lockdown (only allowed out during a four-hour window). Not only are kids not getting social interactions from school it is also much more difficult for them to engage with people outside of their households. The word on the street is starting next month; some grades will start back with in-person school (families may decide to opt-out), but this may change. 

I'm off to finish dinner. 
Be smart, stay safe, and I wish you good health. 
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International Teaching, take the plunge.

9/27/2019

1 Comment

 
Today is Saturday, and I am at school. What?! I know, but it's not really what you think. I mean don't get me wrong I do have a pile of lab reports I need to grade, but the real reason I am at school is that I need to use a reliable VPN service. 

I live in China,  and my school (actually the entire country) is off for the week (Yeah! National Holiday). Due to the National Holiday, China is currently cracking down on the use of VPN services. A VPN or virtual private network is a service that takes your Internet connection and makes it more secure, helps you stay anonymous and helps you get around blocks and access censored sites.* VPNs allow those of us who live in China to access sites that are behind the Great China Firewall. From time to time, the government will crackdown on the use of VPNs, which tends to make the lives of expats a little more complicated (or at least more frustrating). 
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But even with the issues like VPNs and visas, I have found a life abroad that I love and that I don't ever want to give up. Living in China these past four years has allowed my son to receive a world-class education, has afforded us the ability to travel around the world, and allowed me to obtain an advanced degree (see also travel).  I have had the opportunity to grow as a teacher and a teacher leader. I have the freedom to teach students, not just content but life skills. 

I looked into teaching abroad because I was about to give up on the educational world altogether. I was extremely frustrated with discussions of bubble students and practice test for the practice test. I didn't feel like I was educating young people, and instead, I felt like I was preparing test-takers. While no school is perfect, I landed in the school that allowed me to be the sort of teacher I wanted to be. 

Over the years, I have had a few stateside teacher friends ask me about teaching abroad. Last year my roommate and I did a video series answering some of your possible questions. Check out the videos. If you are looking for a position for the 2020-21 school year, now is the time to start your search. 

*https://whatismyipaddress.com/vpn
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Firewall
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    Jamie Hart

    A teacher from the United States of America, currently teaching abroad. I teach science to middle and high school students. I enjoy reading and doing nerd things. 

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