1. Integrating Electronic Resources with SmartBoards
    
2. Visual Storytelling: Using Cartooning, Scriptwriting and Puppetry to enhance Literacy
    
3. Building Background Knowledge for Academic Achievement
    
4. Creating & Using Literacy Discovery Packs
    
5. Creating Classroom Projects with the World of MAC Technology
    
6. Literacy Centers: A tool for Differentiated Learning
    
7. Who's Afraid of Classical Music? Exploring History through the works of Classical Composers
    
8. Puppetry: Creating Puppets for Classroom Use
    
9. Enriching Instruction through Digital Storytelling: Part I   
    
10. Asian Infusion: China & Japan - through Literature, Food, and Holiday Traditions
     
11. Engaging DIFFERENTIATED INSTRUCTION for Grades Pre-K to 6
     
12. Engaging DIFFERENTIATED INSTRUCTION for Grades 7 to 12
     
13. Enriching Instruction through Digital Storytelling: Part II  
     
14. The Power of Poetry
     
15. Exploring the Hudson River II
     
16. Ossining: from Sing Sing to Croton Point, an interdisciplinary approach
     
17. Childhood Depression & other disorders         
     
18. Masks from around the World

Basic Information

1. Integrating Electronic Resources with SmartBoards

Highlights: In this course participants will learn how to integrate the online resources of United Streaming and various other Electronic Resources into the classroom, using the capabilities of SmartBoard technology.  United Streaming and Thinkfinity (previously known as Marco Polo) provide video resources, lesson plans and enrichment projects for all subject areas.  In addition, various electronic resource compilations on the instructional network will be utilized also.  These lessons will then be transferred to the SmartBoard for use in the classroom as interactive, differentiated, instructional methods.  Basic working knowledge of SmartBoards is required.  Course is limited to 12 participants.

Audience:  Grades 6 to 12

Course Requirement:  Participants will create a lesson plan or unit that integrates these technologies and will display this during the last session of the class.

Ossining UFSD

Dates: Tuesdays, January 22, 29, February 5, 12 and 26, 2008
(snow date:  March 4, 2008)

Times:   3:15 P.M. - 6:15 P.M.

Deadline:  Registration is closed.

Cost for credit:             
Members:             $20 non-refundable registration fee plus $100 course fee(Please send two separate checks payable to Ossining UFSD)
Non-Members:      $30 non-refundable registration fee plus $110 course fee(Please send two separate checks payable to Ossining UFSD)

Audit fee:
Members:         $20*
Non-Members:  $30*
*Audit fees are non-refundable.

Download Course Flyer - Here

Basic Information

2. Visual Storytelling: Using Cartooning, Scriptwriting and Puppetry to enhance Literacy

Highlights: In this hands-on course participants will learn how to create a story or lesson using different art/visual media such as cartooning and puppetry.  Participants will learn the basic skills of cartooning and puppetry and how to integrate them with the art of script writing and story writing to encourage student engagement.  You don’t need to have artistic talent to participate.   Storytelling basics such as outlining a story, writing and interpreting a script, creating a storyboard, and writing and illustrating a children’s book will be explored. 

Audience:  Grades Pre-K to 12

Course Requirement:      Participants will create a lesson plan and story that integrates these techniques and will present their story during the last session of the class.

Times:    4 P.M. - 7 P.M.

Deadline:  Registration is closed.

Cost for credit:             
Members:             $20 non-refundable registration fee plus $100 course fee(Please send two separate checks payable to Ossining UFSD) + Materials fee of $25
Non-Members:      $30 non-refundable registration fee plus $110 course fee(Please send two separate checks payable to Ossining UFSD) + Materials fee of $25

Audit fee:
Members:       $20*+ Materials fee of $25
Non-Members: $30*+Materials fee of $25
*Audit fees are non-refundable.

Download Course Flyer - Here

Basic Information

3. Building Background Knowledge for Academic Achievement

Highlights:  Educators understand that students are affected in their quest for new knowledge by such factors as the knowledge and instructional skill of their teachers, the students’ interest in the subject, and the complexity of the new content.  However, research indicates that “. . . what students already know about the content is one of the strongest indicators of how well they will learn new information”; therefore, it is critical that educators begin to spend more time with focused instruction to build background knowledge."
                 This course will discuss and analyze principles outlined in the book, “Building Background Knowledge for Academic Achievement.”  Participants will learn how to use Robert Marzano's six principles to build the background knowledge of our students. Topics covered are use of academic notebooks connecting reading and writing, use of conversation, and direct vocabulary instruction through the use of specific words which cover content area in eleven different subjects.  Participants will integrate Marzano's principles within content area lessons and discuss how the strategies impact the students in their classes.

*A materials fee of $20 will be charged to cover part of the cost of a copy of Robert Marzano’s book, “Building Background Knowledge for Academic Achievement.” 

 Audience:  Grades Pre-K to 12

 Course Requirement:      To complete a lesson plan utilizing techniques learned in the course.

Times:    4 P.M. - 7 P.M.

Deadline:  Registration is closed.

Cost for credit:             
Members:             $20 non-refundable registration fee plus $100 course fee(Please send two separate checks payable to Ossining UFSD) + Materials fee of $20 for book
Non-Members:      $30 non-refundable registration fee plus $110 course fee(Please send two separate checks payable to Ossining UFSD) + Materials fee of $20 for book

Audit fee:
Members:       $20*+ Materials fee of $20
Non-Members: $30*+Materials fee of $20
*Audit fees are non-refundable.

Download Course Flyer - Here

Basic Information

4. Creating & Using Literacy Discovery Packs

Highlights: In this course, teachers will explore the idea of using theme/content related books, games and activities to create literacy take home bags or discovery packs.  The purpose of creating the bags is to help build upon your home/school connection, as families participate in this wonderful at home experience. Literacy Take Home Bags/Discovery Packs are meant to supplement and extend the curriculum while providing opportunities to practice skills and knowledge learned in school.  Families will see what their child is learning in school and how they can help their child at home.   Use of the computer lab will allow teachers to “make and take” what they have prepared for each bag.  We will research resources and ideas, work on putting these ideas together to form bags and ultimately create 5-6 literacy bags/discovery packs that can be used in the classroom.  We will also create an introductory letter/contract and a check- out system to help keep track of the bags/packs once they leave the classroom.  NOTE:  Participants should expect to provide supplies for their Literacy Bags/Discovery Packs.  All materials will need to be purchased by the participants based on the design of their packs.
This course will include a R.E.S.U.L.T.S. session on April 29*.

Audience:  Grades Pre-K to 8

Course Requirement:  Create a lesson plan utilizing Take Home Bags/Discovery Packs.  As part of the R.E.S.U.L.T.S. session, participants will implement their lesson plans (according to an outline distributed in this course) prior to the April 29^th session.  At the April 29^th session, they will present their lesson plan with an analysis and evaluation of how their teaching practice and students’ learning were affected.  More information will be provided at the first session on March 11.

Times:    4:30 P.M. - 7 P.M.

Deadline:  Registration is closed.

Cost for credit:             
Members:             $20 non-refundable registration fee plus $100 course fee(Please send two separate checks payable to Ossining UFSD)
Non-Members:      $30 non-refundable registration fee plus $110 course fee(Please send two separate checks payable to Ossining UFSD)

Audit fee:
Members:         $20*
Non-Members:  $30*
*Audit fees are non-refundable.

Participants will be responsible for providing their own materials and supplies for their Literacy Bags.

Download Course Flyer - Here

Basic Information

5. Creating Classroom Projects with the World of MAC Technology
 

Highlights: Participants will learn to use a variety of programs loaded onto our I-Macs at OHS to enhance any lesson in any discipline. The Dashboard is a program that teachers will use to individually design their own ideal desktops for gaining access to a wide variety of informational/newsworthy sites accessed through the Internet. The Comic Life and Photobooth programs together create unique ways to design timelines for a History class, graphic novels in an English class, or visualize the steps involved in the growth of a plant for a Science class. Participants will learn to navigate the Internet via the Macintosh browser, Safari, while creating slide shows using special effects only available within the I-Photo program, all of which would be adaptable for any class presentation.

Audience:  Grades 9 to 12

Course Requirement:  Create a project and write lesson plans utilizing techniques session.    

Dates: Tuesdays, March 11, 18, April 1, 8 and 15, 2008  (snow date: April 29, 2008)

Times:    3:15 P.M. - 6:15 P.M.

Deadline:  Registration is closed.

Cost for credit:             
Members:             $20 non-refundable registration fee plus $100 course fee(Please send two separate checks payable to Ossining UFSD)
Non-Members:      $30 non-refundable registration fee plus $110 course fee(Please send two separate checks payable to Ossining UFSD)

Audit fee:
Members:         $20*
Non-Members:  $30*
*Audit fees are non-refundable.

Download Course Flyer - Here

Basic Information

6. Literacy Centers: A tool for Differentiated Learning
 

Highlights: In the differentiated classroom, students' needs must be addressed in a variety of settings and through a diverse selection of teaching methods.  The literacy center provides students with the opportunity to interact with material in a small group, while using hands-on activities.  In this course, participants will explore the importance of literacy centers.  A large portion of the course will be dedicated to creating literacy centers for immediate use in the classroom. Finally, participants will produce assessment tools to measure the growth of their students, while reflecting on their own pedagogy. This course will include a R.E.S.U.L.T.S. session on April 17*.

Participants will be responsible for providing or purchasing their own materials and supplies for their Center.

NOTE:  Participants should expect to provide supplies for their Literacy Centers.  All materials will need to be purchased by the participants based on the design of their Centers.

Audience:  Grades Pre-K to 12

Course Requirement:    Participants will create a Literacy Center.  As part of the R.E.S.U.L.T.S. session, participants will implement their lesson plans (according to an outline distributed in this course) prior to the April 17^th session.  At the April 17^th session, they will present their lesson plan with an analysis and evaluation of how their teaching practice and students’ learning were affected.  More information will be provided at the first session on March 20.

Dates: Thursdays, March 20, 27, April 3 and 17*, 2008
(snow date: May 1)

Times:  4 P.M. - 7 P.M.

Deadline:  Registration is closed.

Cost for credit:             
Members:             $20 non-refundable registration fee plus $100 course fee(Please send two separate checks payable to Ossining UFSD)
Non-Members:      $30 non-refundable registration fee plus $110 course fee(Please send two separate checks payable to Ossining UFSD)

Audit fee:
Members:         $20*
Non-Members:  $30*
*Audit fees are non-refundable.

Participants will be responsible for providing their own materials and supplies for their Literacy Centers.

Download Course Flyer - Here

Basic Information

7. Who's Afraid of Classical Music? Exploring History through the works of Classical Composers
 

Highlights: Participants will experience an exploratory survey course highlighting some of history's greatest composers through their greatest masterpieces. Does listening to Mozart really make you perform better on tests? Come and learn what Beethoven really thought of Napoleon Bonaparte, why Rachmaninoff's themes were always turned into popular songs, why Chopin chose to hang out with Delacroix in Paris, rather than stay in Poland, and many other historical details.  All this history amidst gorgeous music which has definitely stood the test of time! Western Art Music extends far beyond the concert hall and iPods; the inter-curricular connections are vast and on-going.  Participants will encounter the basic elements of music, such as instrumentation, form, melody, harmony and rhythm, and will use their own voices to become familiar with these elements.  They will learn strategies to integrate this music and history into their curriculum to engage student learning.   

            This course includes a field trip experience to a live local concert performance at SUNY Purchase College on Saturday, April 5.  There will be additional fees for admission to concert.  These fees are to be paid by the participant and are not included in the course/registration fee.  Attendance at this concert will be counted as a course session. 

Concert information:  <http://www.westchesterphil.org/0708season.asp>

Audience:  Grades Pre-K to 12

 Course Requirement:              Participants will be required to write up a lesson plan illustrating how the material discussed will be used in their classrooms.

Dates:  Thursdays, March  27, April 3, 10, and April 17, 2008 - Concert at SUNY Purchase on Saturday, April 5 at 8 PM

Times:   4 P.M. - 7 P.M.

Deadline:  Registration is closed.

Cost for credit:             
Members:             $20 non-refundable registration fee plus $100 course fee(Please send two separate checks payable to Ossining UFSD)
Non-Members:      $30 non-refundable registration fee plus $110 course fee(Please send two separate checks payable to Ossining UFSD)

Audit fee:
Members:         $20*
Non-Members:  $30*
*Audit fees are non-refundable.

Participants will be responsible for the cost of their admission to the concert and for transportation.  Car pooling may be arranged.

Download Course Flyer - Here

NOTE:  DATE CHANGE ABOVE!!

Basic Information

8. Puppetry: Creating Puppets for Classroom Use

This course has been canceled. 

Times:   8 A. M. - 4 P.M.

Deadline:  Canceled

Download Course Flyer - Here

Basic Information

9.  Enriching Instruction through Digital Storytelling: Part I

Highlights:  Participants will learn the art of digital storytelling. They will begin with an introduction to the process and tools, and will learn the components of a good digital story before developing their own (using PhotoStory 3) to use in the classroom or as an exemplar for students. Also included will be instruction on using the digital cameras and the art of scanning existing images.   In this course, participants will learn the basics as beginners in the digital storytelling process.  There is no prerequisite for this course. 

Participants are welcome to continue increasing their knowledge, techniques and strategies in a Part II course which will be held on Thursdays, May 8, 15, 22, 29 and June 5, 2008.

Audience:  Grades Pre-K to 12

Course Requirement:  To create a lesson plan utilizing techniques learned in course with a project for classroom use.

Dates: Saturdays, April 5 and 12, 2008

Times:   8 A. M. - 4 P.M.

Deadline:  Registration is closed.

Cost for credit:             
Members:             $20 non-refundable registration fee plus $100 course fee(Please send two separate checks payable to Ossining UFSD)
Non-Members:      $30 non-refundable registration fee plus $110 course fee(Please send two separate checks payable to Ossining UFSD)

Audit fee:
Members:         $20*
Non-Members:  $30*
*Audit fees are non-refundable.

Download Course Flyer - Here

Basic Information

10.  Asian Infusion: China & Japan - through Literature, Food, and Holiday Traditions

Highlights: This course will include a view of the Chinese and Japanese Cultures through exploration of various literary forms, holiday traditions, children’s games, food/marketplace, children’s crafts, symbolism, interactive activities, and lessons for the SmartBoard. 

Field trip experience activities included in this course will be a Saturday trip to Chinatown, NYC, and a Saturday trip to the Hammond Museum and Japanese Stroll Garden in North Salem, NY.  Participants will carpool for the trip to Chinatown on Saturday, leaving promptly at 8 AM from Brookside School.  Arrangements will be discussed at the first session.  Course is limited to 12 participants.

Audience:  Grades Pre-K to 5

Course Requirement:  Participants will keep a journal and write a lesson plans appropriate for their grade level on Chinese and/or Japanese Culture using any of the resources they have experienced during the course and field trip experiences.

Dates: Thursday, May 1 and
Tuesdays, May 6, 13, 20, 27 and
Saturdays, May 3 and 10, 2008

(This is a 30 hour course/2 credits)

Times: May 1, 6, 13, 20, and 27 from
4 P.M. - 7 P.M.; May 3 from 8 A.M. -
4 P.M.; and May 10 from 8 A.M. - 5 P.M.

Deadline:  Registration is closed.

Cost for credit:             
Members:             $20 non-refundable registration fee plus $200 course fee(Please send two separate checks payable to Ossining UFSD)
Non-Members:      $30 non-refundable registration fee plus $220 course fee(Please send two separate checks payable to Ossining UFSD)

Audit fee:
Members:         $40*
Non-Members:  $60*
*Audit fees are non-refundable.

Download Course Flyer - Here 

Basic Information

Highlights: What does Differentiation have to do with student engagement and achievement?  EVERYTHING!  Research data tells us that Student Engagement leads to higher achievement and better behavior.  At the same time, there is a growing body of evidence that indicates that differentiated instruction is the pathway to engaging children with diverse backgrounds, learning styles, and needs, and sparking them to greater achievement.  So how can a teacher differentiate using whole group instruction?  This course is designed to explore the best of differentiated instructional practices in whole group contexts at the elementary level.  Participants will learn how to create opportunities for differentiation in their classrooms, and how to apply these strategies in new/or existing lessons, unit plans throughout the school year.

Audience:  Grades Pre-K to 6

NOTE:  Location has been changed to Claremont School Library

Course Requirement:  Participants will share changes they have made to instructional practices in their classroom with the group and create a differentiated lesson that uses different entry points for teaching the same concept.  Your lesson should address the needs of students who are working below, on, and above grade level. 
 

Audit fee:
Members:         $20*
Non-Members:  $30*
*Audit fees are non-refundable.

Download Course Flyer - Here

**Ossining Staff members may take this course for credit for only $25!  Check your Groupwise email on March 11 for details or contact the Teacher Center office.

Basic Information

12. Engaging DIFFERENTIATED INSTRUCTION for Grades 7 to 12

Highlights: If we want to effectively engage our students, we need to implement instruction that starts at the point where the students are, rather than adopt a one-size-fits-all approach to teaching that presumes that all learners of a given age or grade are essentially alike. As teachers, we need to proactively plan varied approaches to what students need to learn, how they will learn it, and/or how they can express what they have learned.  While many teachers see the value of differentiating their instruction, they are often concerned about the challenges they face in trying to meet the many different needs of all the students in their classrooms. This course will help teachers create engaging differentiated units of study and, at the same time, it will also offer effective strategies for efficiently managing the many tasks that good differentiation requires.    Together, we will explore exciting learning activities that combine the different levels of readiness, different learning modalities, and different interests of the students in your classroom.  We will look specifically at how different forms of student grouping can be used to maximize learning for all ability levels.   Participants will learn ways that will increase the level of cognitive engagement in their classroom, and will examine strategies for increasing students’ understandings of their own learning processes.  

Audience:  Grades 7 to 12

Course Requirement:     Participants will share changes they have made to instructional practices in their classroom with the group and create a differentiated lesson that uses different entry points for teaching the same concept.  Your lesson should address the needs of students who are working below, on, and above grade level.                      

Times:       8 A. M. - 4 P.M.

Deadline:  Registration is closed.

Cost for credit:  **see below           
Members:             $20 non-refundable registration fee plus $100 course fee(Please send two separate checks payable to Ossining UFSD)
Non-Members:      $30 non-refundable registration fee plus $110 course fee(Please send two separate checks payable to Ossining UFSD)

Audit fee:
Members:         $20*
Non-Members:  $30*
*Audit fees are non-refundable.

Download Course Flyer - Here

**Ossining Staff members may take this course for credit for only $25!  Check your Groupwise email on March 11 for details or contact the Teacher Center office.

Basic Information

13. Enriching Instruction through Digital Storytelling: Part II

Highlights:  This is a continuation of Enriching Instruction through Digital Storytelling – Part I.  Participants will refine their skills in the art of digital storytelling. They will continue with the process and tools, and will enhance and advance their skills to develop their own digital storytelling (using PhotoStory 3) for use in the classroom or as an exemplar for students.  Participants will learn more advanced methods of using the digital camera and the art of scanning existing images.   Enriching Instruction through Digital Storytelling – Part I is a prerequisite for this course. 

Audience:  Grades Pre-K to 12

 Course Requirement:   To create a lesson plan utilizing techniques learned in course with a project for classroom use.

Dates:   Thursdays, May 8, 15, 22, 29 and June 5, 2008

Times:  4 P.M. - 7 P.M.

Deadline:  Registration is closed.

Cost for credit:             
Members:             $20 non-refundable registration fee plus $100 course fee(Please send two separate checks payable to Ossining UFSD)
Non-Members:      $30 non-refundable registration fee plus $110 course fee(Please send two separate checks payable to Ossining UFSD)

Audit fee:
Members:         $20*
Non-Members:  $30*
*Audit fees are non-refundable.

Download Course Flyer - Here

Basic Information

Basic Information

Basic Information