You may be wondering what to serve Mom on Sunday. Let us help...or at least let us turn to one of our fabulous programs for help. Here are some ideas for you from America's Test Kitchen. We hope you have a wonderful Sunday with the Moms in your life.
I have lived in San Antonio for over ten years, and I am just now beginning to feel like I truly live here. Since starting at KLRN, I have had the opportunity to visit parts of the city I had never been to before. Like many students in your classrooms, I had not gone outside of my own neighborhood often to see what this city had to offer. I have only been to one Fiesta event and that is only because it is held at the university where I went to school.
Every April, the city of San Antonio starts buzzing with all the fun of Fiesta. This eleven day event takes our fair city by storm with numerous events that can be enjoyed by all. Students will come into your classroom talking about the carnival, the parades and the delicious foods (can you say Chicken-on-a-Stick) that they will enjoy during this time. However, many students do not know the origins of this city-wide celebration. Here is a brief history lesson.
In 1891 a group of San Antonians decided to pay homage to the heroes of the Battle of San Jacinto and the Alamo. The first parade consisted of horse-drawn carriages decorated with fresh flowers, and the people watching would throw flowers at the floats to symbolize a battle. This parade was such a success that within in a few years more events and a royal court were added to the celebration.
Fiesta San Antonio is a wonderful time not only to celebrate our city’s heroes, but also our fair community. There are many things to do and explore in San Antonio beyond the Alamo--there are four other missions to discover: San Jose, San Juan, Concepcion, and Espada. Challenge your students to explore the history and sights of San Antonio.
If your students have Fiesta plans, there is little you can do to keep their attention as their minds wander to the fun that will be had. So why not take a few moments from all the hustle and bustle of TAKS and district assessments/benchmarks this month and include Fiesta San Antonio into your daily routine for those eleven days? Have your students write about their favorite Fiesta event before the festivities begin. Or, begin your day with a Fiesta Fun Fact to teach them about the history of Fiesta.
This April, I will be going out and exploring the new San Antonio River Walk expansion as well as some of our city’s parks. Take time to enjoy the lovely spring weather and all that San Antonio has to offer. Ask your students to do the same and allow them to see why we are one of the favorite destinations for visitors from around the United States. Let us all take time this month to celebrate our community.
How will you incorporate Fiesta San Antonio in your classroom?
Mae Jemison once said that you should never limit yourself because of others’ limited imaginations and never limit others because of your own limited imagination. She broke frontiers in 1992 by becoming the first African American woman to travel to space while on board the Space Shuttle Endeavour.
Women’s History Month encourages the celebration of women in history as a way to promote equality among the sexes in the classroom. Writing this reminded me of a time when I was at recess with my students and I heard one of the young men in my class tell the young ladies that they could not play football because it was a “boy’s game.” I smiled at the girls and told the boys that if the girls wanted to play that they could. The exact same day, we were making ice cream in science and one of the girls told her partner that she needed to do the mixing of the ingredients because she was the girl. After these two instances, I decided that I would take some time at the end of our day to have a class meeting to discuss gender roles.
I started the conversation talking about their parents and asking with they did for a living. Many of my students had parents in the military, and we discussed their role in their particular job. I asked my students if a person of the opposite sex could do the job that their mother or father does. “Yes, Ms. Yates of course.” I continued to talk to them and said that although some career and activities are predominantly one gender, this did not limit the other gender to participate. We made a list of all the activities that mostly only men do and another list of activities that mostly only women do. One side had basketball player and race car driver and the other had cook and teacher. We discussed the WNBA and shows such as Top Chef.
I gave them as an extra-credit assignment to find pictures or articles of people in careers that they thought were only for men or for women. It opened my students’ eyes to a world where anything is possible and that there are no limits to what you can do--if you let your imagination fly. I never again heard my students limit their classmates to any activities on or off the playground.
Some students might not know of influential women such at Dolley Madison who pushed the envelope of United States politics in the early 1800’s.
What are some of the lessons that you are teaching in your classroom that focus on the role of women in history?
Federal funds for public broadcasting are in jeopardy. Below, Paula Kerger, President of PBS, addresses the situation. This is very real for KLRN and all public broadcasters across the country. You CAN help. Local information is available here . Thank you for listening.
Past events have helped shape our country to be what it is today. Students will often ask you “Why are we learning this?” In regard to the subject of history, the typical answer is “so history will not repeat itself.”
February is “Black History Month,” a time to commemorate African Americans who have shaped history. This celebration began in 1926 when Dr. Carter G. Woodson, of Harvard, initiated “Negro History Week.” Dr. Woodson, who was a historian, chose the second week in February because it included the birthdays of Frederick Douglass and President Abraham Lincoln. It was extended in 1976 to the entire month of February.
During the month of February, we remember those exceptional African Americans who helped shape our nation. We remember Rosa Parks and her stand against inequality, abolitionist and former slave Frederick Douglass, and Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad. Students, for the most part, are familiar with these individuals. They might not, however, know who Benjamin Banneker and James Van Der Zee were. Teachers need to not only teach students about those well known famous individuals, but also those individuals who have shaped history but might not be in their textbooks.
Carl L. Becker said that history is the memory of things said and done. Every time a teacher recounts the history of our country, students are led down a path of critical thinking. Questions arise in classrooms over our state. How could this have been prevented? Why did this happen?
As cliché as it might be, one thing I always urged my students to remember is that “one person can make a difference.” One such person was Blanche Kelso Bruce, who was the first African American to serve a full term in the U.S Senate. He fought for the rights of minority groups from 1875-1881 while serving as a U.S. Senator. People can shape the history of our country with just one simple act or a few simple words speaking out for equality.
When I was four years old, my mother introduced me to the music of the Nutcracker Ballet composed by Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky. Mesmerized by the wonderful music, from that moment on I wanted only to listen to the beautiful music. A few years later, I was taken to a musical play and again I was entranced. My parents knew that I was the artsy child of their four children and I needed a heavy dose of the arts in my life. Dance classes, museum visits, auditions for plays, and countless theater-going experiences turned a shy little girl into someone who loved the stage. Who knew that years later my favorite stage would be my classroom?
I was the teacher who did voices for every character and would search for music to help with climactic moments in the story. Read-Aloud time was my students’ favorite time of day. I got to act for the most gracious of audiences and they were entertained for a few minutes by the teacher who was all math and reading the whole morning long. It was a win-win for both.
The older our students become, the less we bring music, art, and drama into our lessons. According to a recent study, involvement in the arts is associated with gains in math, reading, cognitive ability, critical thinking, and verbal skill. Then why is it that Art programs are being taken out of many schools in our nation? Teachers hope that the Arts teachers or someone in the community will take on the cultural enrichment of our students as we are much too busy teaching reading, writing, and arithmetic. Is it only the job of the rotation teachers in elementary and the arts teachers in middle in high school to show our students the wonder of music, art, and drama? We worry so much about our students learning what is tested that we forget that we want to have students who are well rounded and ready to take in the world through their own point of view. I challenge you to try to incorporate one of the arts into your lessons at least once a week. You will see your students want to learn with more enthusiasm as they see the world from your cultural point of view and as they develop their own. Write and tell us about how you incorporate art, music, and drama into your everyday lessons.
KLRN is proud to provide a (not-so)new home to Rick Casey, in a program launching on January 21...TEXAS WEEK with RICK CASEY. Rick's experience as a journalist, his point-of-view, his insight, and his Irish wit will make this weekly local news and issues program one not to be missed. With contributions and editorial from Texas Tribune's Evan Smith, discussions with local experts, and a "final word from Rick", this program will bring to San Antonio (and South Central Texas) something new, something exciting, and something informative. Welcome Rick! We're glad to have you. Look for TEXAS WEEK with RICK CASEY on Friday nights at 8:30 pm.
Nature The wonders of our world are on full display this holiday season in these three specials.
Nature: Christmas in Yellowstone Friday, December 3, 4:00 AM [KLRN PBS 9.1] Saturday, December 4, 2:00 AM [KLRN PBS 9.1] Tuesday, December 21, 9:00 AM [KLRN World 9.2] Thursday, December 23, 11:30 AM [KLRN World 9.2] Saturday, December 25, 11:30 AM [KLRN World 9.2] As snow falls and Christmas lights glow in Jackson Hole, a holiday season of a different sort settles in just beyond the town, in the great winter world of Yellowstone. Breathtaking landscapes frame intimate scenes of wolves and coyotes, elk and bison, bears and otters as they make their way through their most challenging season of the year. NATURE journeys in the footsteps of the men who first explored the park, and travels with their modern-day counterpart on his own journey of discovery. From the unique crystals of individual snowflakes to the grand sweep of Yellowstone's Hayden Valley, this is a Christmas like no other.
Nature: Hummingbirds: Magic in the Air Sunday, December 5, 6:30 PM [KLRN PBS 9.1] Tuesday, December 7, 2:30 AM [KLRN PBS 9.1] Hummingbirds represent one of nature's most interesting paradoxes -- they are the tiniest of birds, yet they qualify as some of the toughest and most energetic creatures on the planet. New knowledge gained from scientists currently making great breakthroughs in hummingbird biology makes this a perfect time to focus on these shimmering, flashing jewels of the natural world. Stunningly beautiful high-definition, high speed footage of hummingbirds in the wild combined with high-tech presentations of their remarkable abilities help us to understand the world of hummingbirds as we never have before.
Panda Tales Sunday, December 12, 7:00 PM [KLRN PBS 9.1] Wednesday, December 15, 2:00 AM [KLRN PBS 9.1] Friday, December 17, 4:30 AM [KLRN PBS 9.1] Go behind-the-scenes at the San Diego Zoo for a rare look at the first year of life of a baby Giant Panda. "Zhen Zhen" captivates visitors at the Zoo with her antics and charm, but she also represents hope for the future of this endangered species. Panda Tales combines music and fun scenes of the baby panda growing up with the science behind panda conservation efforts.
Yoga & Healthy Living Regardless how much we say that we’re not going to get stressed out this year, the holidays can still provide a lot of anxiety as we battle the parking lots and fret over our lists. In the midst of it all, don’t forget to take care of you. Here are a few programs that might help you unwind just a bit.
Back Care Basics: Yoga for the Rest of Us Sunday, December 19, 9:30 AM [KLRN PBS 9.1] Just as Peggy Cappy has modified yoga poses in her earlier videos Yoga for the Rest of Us and More Yoga for the Rest of Us to make yoga accessible to every body, Peggy turns her attention to stretches and exercises that are most beneficial to back care. Strong, healthy back muscles provide support for your spine and result in more energy and vitality in everything you do. Peggy shows you the right exercises and yoga poses to protect your back and improve your posture. These simple but powerful exercises stretch and strengthen back muscles and can alleviate back pain caused by muscular tension. And, with regular practice, they can keep back pain from returning.
Easy Yoga for Arthritis with Peggy Cappy Sunday, December 5, 9:00 AM [KLRN PBS 9.1] Tuesday, December 7, 5:00 AM [KLRN PBS 9.1] Friday, December 10, 5:00 AM [KLRN PBS 9.1] Saturday, December 18, 2:00 PM [KLRN PBS 9.1] Peggy Cappy’s newest program is a fabulous anti-stress yoga sequence, presented in her gentle style that everybody can do. Arthritis is the leading cause of disability in the US, affecting some 37 million people. In this video Peggy shows how yoga can relieve stiffness, reduce pain and fatigue, and improve muscle and bone strength.
Heart Healthy Yoga: Yoga for the Rest of Us Sunday, December 12, 9:30 AM [KLRN PBS 9.1] Pioneering yoga instructor Peggy Cappy has made her mark in the world of yoga by developing and teaching an approach that makes yoga accessible to people of all ages, abilities and sizes. Continuing her mission to help Americans get healthier — and to promote yoga to the population at large — Cappy offers viewers a documentary special that demonstrates the heart-healthy benefits of yoga and shows how the simplest stretches and exercises can be incorporated into anyone’s daily routine.
Dr. Lori Mosca’s 3 Keys to Heart Health Tuesday, December 7, 9:30 PM [KLRN PBS 9.1] Friday, December 10, 2:00 AM [KLRN PBS 9.1] Sunday, December 12, 10:30 AM [KLRN PBS 9.1] Tuesday, December 14, 2:30 AM [KLRN PBS 9.1] Heart disease is the number one killer of women… and men. It can't be cured, but it can be prevented. Dr. Mosca will cover simple steps to prevent heart disease and lead a happier, healthier life for you and your family.
It’s that time of year to nuzzle up on the couch with a cup of hot cocoa and KLRN. We have a great line up of holiday themed programs that are sure to get you in the spirit of the season!
Click on any of the program titles below for dates, times and descriptions.
Looking for ideas on what to cook for dinner? This December we are airing some of your favorite cooking programs, that will help to...get the juices flowing! Find your inspiration in roasting a chicken with Julia Child, traveling to Mexico with Rick Bayless for authentic Ceviche or grilling up a flavorful BBQ feast with Steven Raichlen.
(back by popular demand--Julia Child Memories Dec 11 at 5p)
Click on any of the program titles below for dates, times and descriptions.
I must say that PBS/KLRN is well-liked by music lovers (I happen to be one of them). The reason being, there is always a rich variety of music shows that cover everything from comfy classics that we love, to new up and coming artists, to big names that have taken the music industry by storm...then throw in some a cappella. We have it all! Over the next few weeks, we have some great musical programs for you. I hope you have a chance to tune in and take a moment to get lost in the music. Enjoy!
11/29 Roy Orbison: In Dreams 11/30 Motown Memories 12/2 Ed Sullivan's Rock and Roll Classics: 60s 12/2 Carole King-James Taylor Live at the Troubadour 12/4 John Sebastian Presents: Folk Rewind 12/4 Jeff Beck Honors Les Paul 12/5 Steve Miller Band: Live in Chicago 12/5 Love Me Tender--The Love Songs of Elvis 12/8 Straight No Chaser- Live in NewYork: Holiday Edition (watch preview) 12/9 Celtic Woman: Songs From The Heart 12/11 Great Performances: Eric Clapton and Steve Winwood 12/12 John Denver: A Song's Best Friend
KLRN is so pleased to announce the 2011 San Antonio Wine Festival event chairs. Dan and Soonalyn Jacob are spearheading this series of events that benefits KLRN. Now in it's 31st year, the San Antonio Wine Festival is a favorite event for people from all across South Central Texas. Many of them have seen it grow from a singular event for a handful of friends to a weekend of three different events, bringing "something for everybody." The Jacobs are filled with ideas, enthusiasm, spirit and a love for wine. We are thrilled to have them on board and look forward to a great and successful 2011.
by Yvonne Yates Director of School Services, KLRN Watching a student spellbound by a book has to be one of my favorite things to see. The way that the whole world is shut out and the only thing that matters is what the author has written. Then again, I think that all teachers feel this way at one point or other.
Not too long ago, I walked into a high school classroom to observe and saw one of the most amazing things…all of the students were sitting on the floor as the teacher was reading a children’s book. Yes, this was a high school class. They were mesmerized as the teacher changed her voice to add drama to each character. This was her way of introducing her lesson. She read to them for five minutes, taught her lesson and in a mere twenty minutes, the classroom once again looked like an AP Junior English class.
It was fascinating to see a high school teacher entrance her students with the techniques that a kindergarten teacher uses. As we grow older, the child inside each of us often dies. This teacher made me think of a colleague who once dressed up as Christopher Columbus to introduce a series of books about Columbus’ journey from different points of view. She went as far as renting a period custom that included a wig. This is only one of many things she did to ensure that her students were engaged in her lessons. Although I did not teach for decades, I was lucky enough to see wonderful techniques by many amazing educators that taught me that an excellent teacher plants the seed in students to become readers for life.
November is National Children’s Book Month. Since 1919, it has been celebrated nationally in libraries, bookstores, and schools. This month gives educators, librarians, and families the opportunity to celebrate children's books--and the love of reading. Light the fire and encourage students to re-visit an old favorite and look at it, analyze it, and enjoy it once again!
This month, I don’t have a question for you but a task. Find your favorite children’s book and incorporate it into one of your lessons, whether you are an elementary teacher or high school teacher. And, then tell us about what you did.
As educators, it is our job to ensure that our students are lifelong learners who thirst to know more about everything--knowledge that will extend far beyond the classroom’s lessons in Reading, Math, Science and Social Studies. As an avid reader and seeker of knowledge, I remember reading an interesting quote that made me reflect on my goals as a teacher. “Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” What was I doing to make sure that my students where healthy, both physically and mentally?
In 2008, the year that I turned a decade older, I took it upon myself to run the Inaugural San Antonio Rock and Roll Marathon. Take into account that I had never run more than half a mile in my life, and here I was committing to running 26.2 miles. Many thought I was crazy, which reflecting back, I might have had a temporary moment of insanity. The ideas to do this came from my sister who had done a full marathon two years prior. She said it changed her life. What better way to celebrate another decade of my life then to subject my body and mind to a commitment of running this full marathon? Training started in June and continued until the marathon in mid-November. I gave up sleeping in on Saturday mornings and caffeine, and changed my eating habits to ensure that my body did not go into total shock from all this exercise.
The school year began in August, and I told my class about the personal goal I had taken on that summer. They asked why I wanted to do this and also what I would gain from it. The answers were simple. I wanted to celebrate with a lifestyle change, and I would gain a healthier body and mind from this commitment. My students helped me train during the week, reminding me to drink plenty of water and asking me first thing in the morning if I had done my cross-training. They held me accountable for my commitment.
The evening before the marathon, I laid out all my gear for next morning and went to bed early. I woke up at 4:30 a.m. and was at the starting line--teeth chattering and hands freezing. It was a cold morning. The start gun when off and thousands of runners/walkers were off. At about mile seven, I took a wrong step and hurt my knee; I didn’t feel it until mile 13. I was in pain. Just as I was thinking of quitting, I was hurt after all, I saw them. There where my students holding up signs and cheering me on. They cheered me on from mile 13 all the way to the finish line. I finished with a very unimpressive time but it did not matter, I finished.
I came back to work on Tuesday to a classroom full of questions and newspaper articles. My students had been bitten by the running bug and there was no going back. We made a classroom initiative to be healthy--both mentally and physically. We walked two laps at recess to get our hearts pumping, and we had brain breaks to rest our minds when things were getting a bit too stressful and intense in class. It was a great year for all of us. We learned together that our bodies, when taken care of properly, would do amazing things. About a week ago, I got an email from a former student informing me that she was going to be doing the San Antonio Marathon this year. She remembers how much fun it was to watch and now she wanted to be a part of it.
In 1994, the third week of October officially became “National Health Education Week.” It is not only the Physical Education and Health teacher’s job to make certain that students are making conscience food and lifestyle choices. National Health Education Week is an excellent opportunity to engage communities and schools to focus on important health issues that affect our society. The Mayor’s Fitness Council launch on Saturday, October 16 at Woodlawn Lake Park is one way that the Alamo City is taking a step to be a healthier community.
My question to you this month is: How do you encourage your students to make healthy lifestyle choices to promote a better working classroom environment?Use the comment box below to share your response.
