Category: Our Learning Styles

Our Month So Far

10/19/2021

Our first month of class is complete! Students have been working so hard completing their projects, and we are so excited about all the progress everyone has made!

In Literature and Language Arts, students have been learning about poetry, the mechanics of what makes pieces flow poetically, and how to use figurative language for self expression. Using our writing process, students have completed both Odes to items/activities they love, and individualized Identity poems that expresses who they feel they are inside. They presented their pieces to the class, and showed some truly amazing writing skills - Way to Go!

Social Studies just wrapped up our Colonial unit with group presentations on the early settlements. Students read an article about their settlement, pulled out key information, and presented this information to the class. Soon, we'll start our American Revolution unit, which will culminate in a debate between British and colonial perspective. We can't wait to see what the students come up with to defend in their debate!

In Math, we have been focusing on visual-spacial awareness, and how we view the world in three dimensions. Students built shapes in 3D, exercising their executive functioning skills as well as visualization, and translated this to the page to solve for area and perimeter on complex shapes. Tying these real world pieces to traditional math engages students and brings the math world to life!

This year has been so great so far, and we are so excited to see what the rest of our learning will uncover. Here's to more projects, and a Happy Fall for everyone! Happy Halloween!

Silver Linings in Remote Teaching

1/26/2021

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By Learning Specialist, Beth Powell

During the summer of 2020, My City School considered how to leverage technology without losing the benefits of hands-on and highly interactive instruction. When sheltering in place first began, our emergency response was to send manipulatives home and teach live via Zoom. This approach worked really well in the short term. We were able to recreate our four pillars of instruction and transformative learning continued. But when the reality sunk in that we would not be returning to in-person instruction in the Fall, the MCS team researched the best technology practices, collaborated with each other to create a consistent experience regardless of if we would be in remote or in person learning, and considered the impact of using technology with our students.

One of the exciting aspects of integrating technology into our school is that there are so many tools, apps, and programs to choose from. At first, we were entranced and looking at every option. Then we took a step back and thought about which programs would empower our students, both in a time of immediate need, and into high school and college. This helped us to sort quickly through our options. We knew our students and teachers needed a clear and straightforward organizational system built in to the program. Because we were already using Google Classroom, it was natural to continue, so we took a deeper look at how to use it more effectively during remote instruction. We were already using ReadWorks and Newsela, which allows us to differentiate reading levels while providing the same content in various topics, and added in EPIC! as another tool to provide cross-curricular reading.

In order to gain a better understanding of how to best use technology, one of our learning specialists began the International Standards for Technology in Education (ISTE) certification process. As part of her coursework, she learned about the SAMR (substitute, augment, modify, reimagine) instructional model which helped to further frame conversations about how to best use technology at MCS.

SUBSTITUTE

As a learning community committed to transforming education, we knew we didn’t want to forgo what we had learned about hands on learning. We are comfortable using Zoom as a substitute for a live classroom and breakout rooms for small group conversations. We knew we wanted our students to continue to build with physical objects, write and draw on paper, and talk about their thinking. What we discovered is that we could still do all of those activities and provide digital platforms that made it easier to facilitate conversations in the moment.

AUGMENT

We learned to modify instruction to improve conversations between students using google slides, jamboard, and quizzes. Now, instead of showing a piece of paper, students are able to put their drawings, pictures, ideas into a slide or a jamboard and then compare their thinking and understanding with other students. It also allows teachers to provide individualized feedback easily while student are working.
This was imperative in math because so much of our learning comes from student drawings and discussions, which is then followed up by independent work. While showing white boards on screen was effective in a pinch, having online explanations that students could easily flip through increased attention and deepened discussions as a result. During independent time, students work on paper but check their answers in google quizzes to ensure prompt feedback.

MODIFY

Our students had used Desmos in previous years to support understanding of the Cartesian plane, but we were thrilled to discover the classroom activities which cover more content. The activities are designed in an interactive, self-paced style that matches what our students are used to. These activities ask questions like “What do you notice? What do you wonder?” and allow students to create their own questions or puzzles that classmates can solve. Desmos is a tool that we know our students will continue to benefit from for years to come. We have been able to go deeper with content as a result of this tool, and learning how to use the tool is a natural experience, embedded within the coursework. As a result, our students feel comfortable tinkering with the program and get to teach the class and the teachers new tricks!
Using technology in Social Studies helped us to continue to play games as a way to learn about history. Google Slides allowed us to play even more complex games that helped put historical knowledge into action. Some were in a “Choose Your Own Adventure” form where you decided what role you would play in Medieval Societies and then learn of your fate.

REDEFINE

During the winter months, our students usually complete a project for the San Francisco Science Fair, but due to covid restrictions, we knew this event would not be taking place. At MCS we place a high value on community events that allow our students to interact with their peers and adults. Luckily, we found a wonderful project hosted by NASA that allowed us to continue our tradition of integrating writing, math, and science into one project. We watched videos and explored the moon’s landing sites. Students then broke into separate research teams, created a summary slide, and reported back to the class what they had learned. They practiced executive functioning skills, including making checklists for the contest rules, expectations, and deadlines. They worked on space-themed math and completed a short, creative writing piece explaining a new invention they created to help with the mission. The essay was submitted to NASA for the contest which will allow them to join a live presentation with an astronaut. This is a great example of how we were able to maintain our standards of integrated projects, while creating an entirely new experience thanks to technology.

We are looking forward to returning to in-person education. Teaching remotely brought many challenges, which teachers across the world rose to meet. But with that challenge came many gifts. We have a better understanding of how to make sure our students have basic technology skills, like uploading a picture into google slides and using email. Our students have a new understanding of privacy on the internet and how they may be giving their data away. And, most importantly, we have expanded our commitment to multisensory learning through the use of hands-on materials, drawing and writing, and technology.

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Teaching Math - Remotely!

12/15/2020

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Like other educational facilities, MCS made a hard turn this year from teaching in person to teaching online. This was a big challenge for all subjects, but Math was particularly challenging, considering our usual hands on approach. However, we quickly found that though switching to a virtual world created some initial challenges in math class, it actually had a lot of potential to make our class even stronger with their math skills!

When we approached remote learning for Math, we knew immediately that we wanted our students to still have a hands-on approach if at all possible. We sent manipulatives home for each student so they could have their own set to work with at home. We also used some online virtual manipulatives to create a more interactive experience between teachers and students. Over the summer, we discovered a treasure trove of activities on Desmos and Geogebra that closely align with our philosophy of inquiry and exploration. In addition, we have been able to create physical packets of work that our students can work directly on, so that they are not losing ground on content, but they are also pushing their technology skills forward and have grown so much.

Rather than flipping back and forth between the physical and virtual worlds, we have created a truly blended model that leverages the best of both worlds and ensures that our students are learning deeply and making connections between the physical, visual, and mathematical worlds.

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Benetech Research - Year 3!

12/17/2019

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At MCS, we are not only focused on helping our students find their pathway into learning, but sharing these roadmaps with the educational world as well. This week, MCS got to once again work with one of our partners at Benetech to help develop technology for young learners. As a local non-profit, Benetech works to create software that makes it easier for impacted students to read and learn. MCS students got to test out reading software designed for similar learning types, and aid developers in collecting research for designing programs. Thanks to Benetech and people like them, more students with learning differences will have tools available to make learning more fun and accessible!

We are so happy to be able to connect with other non-profits and help them serve the LD community! This partnership has been ongoing for a few years now, and it's so wonderful to see the progress they've made :) To learn more about Benetech and their work in Education, visit their website here. Happy Learning!

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University of Tokyo Students Return!

10/22/2019

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They've returned! This month, MCS is happy to welcome back a new group of students from University of Tokyo to our Learning Lab. These students are on their way to becoming new teachers, and MCS is proud and grateful to be asked to share our teaching styles across the world with growing minds!

Through hands-on math, our visitors were able to experience learning in fashion similar to how our middle school students learn throughout the year. Each group of TSU students were given a math problem and instructed to use the Four Pillars of Learning to solve it together. Using this process, students had to build their math problems from manipulatives to show what they were thinking visually and explain it to others, all before using numbers and equations to show their work. By thinking about math this way, it helps learners who do not think using symbolic numbers, but rather in applied real world math. This process also addresses categorizing and labeling skills, which are commonly impacted areas in Executive Functioning for LD learners. Our visitors did a great job with this challenge, and even created some beautiful artwork to show their math! We're so impressed!

Thank you so much to the teachers are students at TSU! We're so happy to work with you and share our thoughts on LD learning - Can't wait to see you next year!

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MCS Education Abroad - Hong Kong!

4/22/2019

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It's time for education outreach, and this time it's worldwide! This Spring, MCS is proud to announce that we were invited to make our first trip to the 21CLHK (21st Century Learning Hong Kong) conference, and what a trip it was! At the conference, attendees “come together to learn, share and discuss current and emerging topics in education with thought leaders, technology, and learning experts," and aim to discover what other educators are developing in the world of specialized learning - the perfect place for MCS! We are so thrilled to know that there are so many others in the world who truly wish to focus on the quality of education across schools internationally!

Over the week, we discovered a great community of people who wish to make strides in teaching techniques, and schools who are striving to make a shift towards the type of education that My City School provides and advocates. One speaker, Andy Hargreaves, who is a great researcher and speaker on education, spoke to the point that a learning environment is important for both academics and social development:

"...schools are not only places where students acquire academic skills; they are also social environments where children can develop the social and emotional competencies they need to thrive. Well-being is needed to support achievement, especially where children come from backgrounds that present them with great challenges."

Our teaching model strongly supports the concept of making a workable environment like this, and uses a Wellness class to address different forms of wounding and triggers that can influence a student's ability to learn. We're so excited that this model, and others, are being touched on in the broader spectrum of learning!

Our experience at 21CLHK was truly inspiring, and we can't wait to start working with other schools to help spread ideas and continue to work towards changing education! Here's to more learning (and teaching) abroad!

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Fall Open House Recap

10/24/2018

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This October, we got the best treat of all: an amazing Open House! Thank you so much to everyone who came out, and participated in learning with us! We had a great time, and we hope you learned a little bit about our world and how we teach here at MCS :) Also a huge thank you to our students who shared spoke about their journey through learning with us - we're so happy to have you with us!

Here's a little bit of info on our Open House, for those who weren't able to make it:

Part of what makes MCS a unique and engaging place is that we get out into the world, and approach learning hands on. This year, part of our Open House included exploring the 4 Pillars of Learning (Build, Draw, Explain and Write) to solve a math problem! This way, we not only give the information, we can give the experience as well. In small groups, parents and educators were taken through this process to solve a math problem, and in working on it together, were introduced to some of the ways our students look at learning. The answers we received were awesome - check out some of the building and the experience below!

In addition to our building, we also heard from current students about their experience at MCS, and how they have developed strategies while learning with us. We're so proud of all our kids, and are thrilled about how far they've come on their learning journey!

If you were unable to make it this time, have no fear! MCS is offering another Open House event in January 2019. Feel free to get in touch on our Contact page for more information. We'd love to hear from you!

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MCS Welcomes Students from Tokyo Seitoku University!

10/3/2018

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At MCS, we are always focused on sharing and extending teaching tools to all who wish to make a difference, offering strategies to help improve the world of education and professional development through learning. This week, we were lucky enough be able to reach across the world, and host a group of 40 young teachers in training, from Tokyo Seitoku University! In teams, these student teachers acted as MCS students for 1 hour, accessing the 4 Pillars of Learning - Build, Draw, Explain, and Write - to solve a math problem.

Each team worked together through the 4 Pillars of Learning, and experienced each stage as an MCS student. TSU students first built their math problem, using 3D manipulatives, to help visualize what the problem was asking. They then drew out their thinking on paper, using images and symbols. Once their problems were drawn out using pictures, students could explain their thought process, and write down in words how they solved it! This system is one of many MCS uses when helping students access their learning and thrive as hands-on learners.

MCS is so happy to have the opportunity to share with our fellow educators. Thank you so much to the TSU students for coming all the way to MCS to learn! We had a great time, and hope to see you and other future educators again soon!

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MCS Student Takes 3rd Place at EDREV!

4/26/2018

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Back again, and we've been busy! This week, we are so thankful to have been able to participate once again in the 10th Annual EdRev Expo! Along with meeting wonderful people and attending educational workshops, student were also given the great opportunity to enter their artwork in the EdRev Art Gallery Competition. Each student created a piece of art - painting, modeling, and video - to illustrate how they feel about their academic journey with us so far. One of our 6th graders even won 3rd place for her video! See it and other students' work here, and check out EdRev on their website!

"Icky's Adventures" by Charlotte Gilliand

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Our Month So Far

Silver Linings in Remote Teaching

SUBSTITUTE

AUGMENT

MODIFY

REDEFINE

Teaching Math - Remotely!

Benetech Research - Year 3!

University of Tokyo Students Return!

MCS Education Abroad - Hong Kong!

Fall Open House Recap

MCS Welcomes Students from Tokyo Seitoku University!

MCS Student Takes 3rd Place at EDREV!

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