Author Archives: Mark Silberberg

About Mark Silberberg

Mark is thrilled to be a member of LREI's vibrant learning community and is inspired each day by students and colleagues alike. Mark began his formal adult life in schools as a teacher of physics, chemistry, English and an experiential business simulation class in the public schools where he also worked as a school administrator and technology coordinator. For the ten years prior to coming to LREI, Mark was a co-founder and co-director of a progressive K-12 public charter school. When not immersed in things LREI, Mark enjoys spending time with his family and completing sundry home repair projects. He is an avid soccer player and skier and wishes he had more time to play the guitar and bass.

Author, Andrea Davis Pinkney, Visits the Fourth Grade

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img_1460 Dear Andrea Davis Pinkney, Thank you so much for coming to our classroom. You taught me a lot that I didn’t know. I thought that the book was just about standing up for people of color before we read the book. But I was wrong. This book is about standing up for all people. You made me feel like I was one of the people in the book. When you said that they poured hot coffee on African American’s backs just to get them out of their shops, I felt like I was having hot coffee poured on my back. Although I probably wouldn’t be brave enough to sit there without fighting back. I would have kicked them and then run out. I like writing. In college I want to try out being a writer too. My dad is the seventh grade teacher. He worked as an editor before he was a teacher. I love reading. Right now I’m reading Hatchet. I just finished Wringer. I LOVED Wringer. I hope that I will be as good as a writer as you. I imagine being in the time that you wrote “Four Friends Stood Up by Sitting Down.”  I admire the courage of the African Americans in the story but it would be a horrible time period to live through. But I have a question? What inspired you to make this book? Keep writing great books. Thank you. Sincerely, Avery Rosen]]>

Mother Africa: My Home – A Circus Spectacular

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circus On Thursday, December 1, our class went to the New Victory Theater to see a show called, “Mother Africa: My Home.” The circus is set in Cape Town’s largest township, Khayelitsha. The amazing dancers, musicians, contortionists, and acrobats represent several African nations including: Tanzania, Ethiopia, Zimbabwe, South Africa and Ivory Coast. outside-the-theater As we left the theater and headed back to LREI, we thought about how fun it would be to try some of those moves. Bailey decided to start trying now. times-square Walking through Times Square drawing-one For homework that night we drew pictures of our favorite moments from the circus. drawing-2 We eventually put all of our pictures into a book and sent it to the performers. This illustration depicts the moment a performer balanced on a three wheeled cycle. Notice the musicians on stage – a very accurate portrayal. practice The next day teaching artists from the New Victory Theater came to our classroom and led a workshop on circus arts. practice-2 people-mountain We were doing such a good job working together, we decided to try “The People Mountain.” img_1363 yes-we-can

YES WE CAN! yes-we-can-2
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Lizbeth: A Contemporary Immigration Story

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lizbeth romy-lizbeth Illustration of Lizbeth’s visit by Romy On Thursday, December 1st, Lizbeth Mendoza visited the fourth grade to share her experience immigrating from Peru to the United States. Students wrote news articles about the visit. What follows is a news article by Laiali and then a transcript of portions of the visit. Lizbeth and Her Immigrant Story By Laiali New York, NY- Lizbeth is from Callao, a district in Lima Peru. She grew up there. Lizbeth came to the United States in 2004 with her one year old daughter. Lizbeth applied for citizenship last February and studied hard. There were 100 questions to memorize and only 10 were going to be asked. Lizbeth said, “I got the packet in February, I studied every day. I even downloaded the app.” She also had to get her fingerprint taken and have a background check to make sure she hadn’t committed any crimes. Lizbeth passed but they took away her Peruvian passport. She said, “It was the hardest thing, to give up my Peruvian nationality,” with tears coming to her eyes. Asher Cohen asked, “Other than wanting to vote in this election, was there anything that made you want to become an American Citizen?” She responded, “There are some things that only American Citizens can do like be on a jury.” The flight was her first airplane ride but it was delayed because she didn’t have a  slip of paper saying her husband knew that she was bringing their daughter out of the country. Lizbeth’s first experience in America was the cold and a bacon cheeseburger at a dinner called Johns. She didn’t know what any of it was. She ended living in Queens because it reminds her of Peru. Her favorite Peruvian restaurant is three blocks away from her house. She got her job at LREI because her husband’s aunt was a caregiver to one of the students. She heard that they were looking for a coverage person. She came and got interviewed, her first in interview in English, and came to work here a few days later. Lizbeth said, “I came here because it is a better life for my daughter and I think it was worth it.”” Transcript for the visit: Lorenzo: Why didn’t you take your whole family with you? Too much money? Lizbeth: My husband’s mom and her family came here illegally and crossed the border, and I didn’t want to have that experience. It took me two years to get over here because we wanted to do it lawfully. Lizbeth: “Green cards have an expiration date. When that date comes close, you have to make a decision to either renew it or become a citizen. Do I want to become a citizen or stay a permanent resident? I saw the elections coming up, and I had to make a decision, do I want to give up my Peruvian nationality? It was a very hard decision.” Lizbeth: “When I decided, I filled out the application, submitted it, waited for months, had to give fingerprints, a picture taken, and a background check. Then they gave me a packet and said you need to know a little bit of our history. The book had 100 questions about the USA! They said you would have ten questions and they wouldn’t’ tell you which ones they were out of 100. I was a little nervous and studied with Kenna. I was worried. I didn’t know what was going to happen if I didn’t get them all right.” “I did get them right. So, I passed the test and became a citizen!” Asher: “Why did this election make you feel this way more than others?” Lizbeth: “I had been part of elections in Peru before becoming a citizen and I knew how important that was. I wanted to have a voice in your country and wanted my kids to witness that I was taking a part and being responsible for my country.” Lorenzo: “Does the average citizen know all those answers to the questions?” Lizbeth: “I don’t know and don’t want to generalize, but my husband knew some answers and didn’t know some others.” Mayer: “How long did it take you to memorize all this stuff?” Lizbeth: “I got the packet in February and studied every day. I studied on the ride to work and downloaded an app that helped me.” Jasiri: “Why didn’t you become a citizen in 2012?” Lizbeth: “I don’t think I was ready to give up my Peruvian nationality. I had to give up my passport at the naturalization ceremony.” Asher: “Before this election, is there anything that made you want to become a citizen?” Lizbeth: “I guess there are some things that you can only do when you become a citizen like voting and being part of a jury. There are some things you can only apply for if you become a citizen. But it was really hard to give up my Peruvian nationality” Lorenzo: “I’m guessing Peru does not allow you to have two nationalities?” Lizbeth: “They do, but I would have to go through the process of applying again, and could have dual citizenship. But it is a long process with lots of paperwork.” Sam: “Do you still write to and talk to your family members in Peru?” Lizbeth: “Yes, I talk to my parents almost every day. I’m so thankful for Skype and I can see them through Skype, and I can visit them and they can come visit me.” Lorenzo: “When will you have enough money to bring you family over?” Lizbeth: “I don’t think they want to come.” Dan: “How did you end up in Queens?” Lizbeth: “My husband lived in Queens and emigrated here when he was three. His family lived in Jackson Heights and we lived with his family. Once we could afford our own place we decided to stay in the neighborhood because I fell in love with it; it felt a little like home. I now live close to a Peruvian restaurant that tastes like my mom’s cooking! “What was it like bringing your daughter and moving here?” Lizbeth: “Well, we didn’t realize we needed a piece of paper that had a notarized signature that said my husband knew I was taking our daughter out of the country. We had to get a new flight and new papers! I had my daughter, all my things, I spoke very little English, and it was really an adventure. I was practicing English on the plane, how to say Hello and I had a dollar with me so I could call someone on the phone.” “When could you specifically speak English?” Lizbeth: “I practiced a lot, I read a lot, I love to read, I checked out kids books from the library, I listened to lots of music in English. I would take the train even if I got lost so I could be independent. From the moment I arrived I worked really hard because I couldn’t afford to take a class. I would say two years.” Lorenzo: “So, 2006.” Mayer: “What’s your favorite food in Peru and what’s your favorite food here?” Lizbeth: “That’s hard! Ceviche, fried calamari, it always comes with ceviche. Every time I go to Peru, I go to this place I went when I was little that still sells the best ceviche in the entire world. I love this dish that has beans with beef stew that is so good, but I can’t find it here! CC: What reminds you most of Peru here? Lizbeth: “I live in a neighborhood with a lot of Spanish speaking people: lots of Colombians, Ecuadorians, some Peruvians. I like walking down the street and hearing people speak in Spanish or hearing traditional Peruvian music.” Wyeth: “How did you meet your husband?” Lizbeth: “Good question! We met when we were 15 years old. He had just gotten his citizenship and his mom decided it was time for him to go back to Peru, as he is Peruvian. What we didn’t know is that our families grew up together in the same neighborhood. My cousin was having her quinceañera and our family invited him over because they wanted to welcome him back, and that’s how we met! There!” Lily: “What is a quinceañera?” Lizbeth: “In Spanish speaking countries, we don’t celebrate the sweet 16, we celebrate the 15th birthday.” Dan: “What’s the first time you ate something and thought, ‘This is American!’?” Lizbeth: “When I first came, I couldn’t believe how cold it was. It’s not that cold in Peru. My husband told me I needed to bundle up. But as soon as we stepped out of the airport and into the car, it was so freezing cold and it hit me. So that day my husband said I want to take you to my favorite diner. And he said you can have pancakes! Or cereal! What? In Peru there is no pancakes or cereal. Just kinds of oatmeal. He took me to the diner and he showed me the big menu, and I saw hamburger. I asked is that like hamburguesa? So he ordered a bacon cheeseburger deluxe with a 12 ounce patty, and he knew I love cheese so he asked for cheese fries. I remember them bringing the plate and looking at it and I thought, this is very different! This is not my rice and beans with breaded chicken on top like my mom used to make. It’s my favorite thing still! We still go to that diner and I order a bacon cheeseburger deluxe with cheese fries! The diner is called Johns. If you ever want to go to Queens in Jackson Heights and it’s an amazing neighborhood.” What did your baby eat at the diner? Lizbeth: “Good question. She had a little bit of pancake and she loved it.” CC: What’s the common or traditional dance in Peru? Lizbeth: “Peru has the coast, countryside and jungle. THere’s one traditional dance in each. Coast is the marinara, in the country is the yaeno or the wayana, and in the jungle it’s the chibi dance.” Laiali: “Where in Peru did you live?” Lizbeth: “I lived in Callao, which is one of the districts of Lima.” 127_w pe-cal Bailey: “What was it like growing up in Peru compared to here?” Lizbeth: “My daughter asks me that question. I can see the opportunities that she has here, and I say I can give you a better future here.” Asher: “What’s your favorite activity besides going to the restaurant?” Lizbeth: “On a day off when I don’t have to come to work, I love driving and to take my kids to new places, and I love photography so I take my camera with me and take pictures of everything. I love dancing, so I put on salsa and merengue music and everybody dances, even our dog! I love cooking and baking, so if there is a new recipe I like to try it.” Lorenzo: “How did you end up working at LREI?” My husband’s aunt was the caregiver for a family here, and she heard that they were looking for a coverage person because the current coverage person had to leave. They needed someone to cover lunch and rest in Kindergarten. Only two hours a week. I needed the money and met with a person named Delia and Meghan Dunphy, and that was my very first interview in English, pure English. I came on November 19, in 2005 and started working here November 21, 2005. I have been working here since then!”]]>

Election Results Part 2: The Supposed Five-Way Tie

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img_1275 by Margot Story NEW YORK CITY- The outcome of Deborah and Joel’s Class Election has put the class in tatters. How will they ever calm down? On the morning of November 21st, Deborah and Joel’s Fourth Grade were excited, anxious and nervous. The ballots should have been counted by now. The candidates were just starting to think that the ballots were never counted, when a LREI News reporter came in with a stack of breaking news articles. Everyone rushed to grab an article, desperate and anxious to find out who the class president was. But then their jaws dropped. Articles fell on the floor. Hands were thrust in frustration. “What?!” s came out of their mouths as they read about how there was a five-way tie, leaving them with no president. Most candidates were angry, and felt like all their hard work was for nothing. Some demanded a recount. But then things took a turn of events. Every classmate figured out that even if their friend Zen Ze Chen was absent on voting day, and that left them with an even number of votes that could be split into five equal parts, poll worker Crosby Gersh said that he didn’t vote, so that left them with an odd number of votes, leaving them with no way to split the ballots up into five equal parts. They next found out that there was a winner, just that their teachers didn’t want anyone feeling left out, or their feelings were hurt. That exploded the class into total madness. However, Gersh has a different view. “I think it was the right thing to do.” Gersh said. “None of them had the right idea, and that’s why I didn’t vote.” ]]>

BREAKING NEWS: Class Election Results

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candidates by Joel Zigman and Deborah Hodge NEW YORK, NY – The results of Deborah and Joel’s Fourth Grade Class election, held on Friday, November 18th at LREI, are finally in. Weeks of hard work from reporters, poll workers, presidential and vice presidential candidates, and staff have led up to this moment. In a shocking turn of events, with 20 ballots cast, it is a five-way tie between Asher and Avery (“We’re one unit”), Romy and Suko (“If I win you win”), Alden and Bailey (“If I win community is in”), Makeda and Gia (“Homework revolution”), and Miles and Alex (“I’ll run Miles to make you happy”)! “We couldn’t believe it at first,” said head teacher Deborah Hodge. “We recounted the ballots multiple times and every time it was a tie. I’m glad we have a happy ending to this fun and creative project. It could also be considered a beginning!” Throughout this great learning process, thoughtful ideas were put forth. Ideas about more fun, more recess, more time between transitions, fair kickball games, and building a healthy community. The teachers have been listening carefully. “I’m so proud of the passion, energy, and excitement each student put into this project,” said associate teacher Joel Zigman. “Deborah and I are going to do our best to incorporate all of the creative ideas the students brought to us into the classroom routine.” It was clear in the last debate how well the fourth grade students heard each other’s ideas, and how all the ideas complement each other. Perhaps this means it’s better to share ideas and work together as a team. ]]>

Class Election: a collage

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candidates Class Debate News Article By Margot NEW YORK, NY – The candidates face off in the first presidential debate on Friday, November 4th, in Deborah and Joel’s 4th Grade classroom. The highly anticipated presidential debate had arrived as the audience sat and got settled, watching how this would play out. The first presidential debate had all the candidates anxious, wanting to get more votes, and to make a good impression. They started with opening speeches. Presidential candidate Asher Cohen’s main platform was, “We believe that if the class does something well, they should be rewarded.” Lots of candidates had platforms for less homework and more recess. Romy Croquet believed in, “We should have dessert at lunch.” Lots of candidates agreed that they have more homework on Mondays, and that amount should be lowered. Then debate moderator Ezra Mundy announced they would be moving on to questions. When asked, “Why would you make a good president?” Candidate Alden Homet said, “I would make people happy and take everyone’s ideas into consideration.” When candidate Miles Thakur-Greene was asked if he thought his ideas would satisfy both men and women, he said, “Both of them don’t want to be bored in class all day.” When candidate Makeda Brodie was asked, what would you do as president she responded with, “I would be the exact opposite as Trump,” And when candidate Croquet was asked why she would make a good president, she told them, “I wouldn’t be all about myself and I would be open to people telling me about their problems.” There has not yet been a winner of the debate decided. There has been no increase or decrease of the polls for each candidate that they know of. The debate was 26 minutes long. The candidates worked on slogans and posters.posters The slogans generated enthusiasm among the voters. The teachers wondered if they could live up to their promises. homework-revolution QUESTIONS FOR THE CANDIDATES from Romy: Hello, today I have some questions you might want to think about! What is your platform? How do you plan on making this happen ? How do you plan on getting people to vote for you? Why are you running for president? Do you think both boys and girls will wants this? Will the other class get to do this as well? Do you plan on doing anything else or, is that all? Do you think that this is fair and equal? Why are these your ideas? Where did you get your ideas from? Is there anyone else who copied you? Did you get ideas from anyone? Platforms: From Asher and Avery: We believe If the class does well on a subject or problem you will get rewarded that week with extra recess or get pokemon cards from us or Joel. We feel if we finish a unit of work we will be able to do a fun activity to practice it. We promise less homework than we would normally have once a week. We will make statistical teams that are fair based on a week of kickballs hits and outs. Dan will do this. If someone struggles in a lesson they will be respected by other kids.We want to give more chances for people to share their work because it will build their confidence.WE believe we can do better. We’re 1 unit fits in with all of our ideas. We are a respectful and caring community. If you tell us in advance that you are voting for us we will give you a I voted sheet. From Alden: Hello everybody! I am running for president of the class! If I become president I will make everyone have less homework some nights, and we will all have more recess some days too. I will take anybody’s ideas on how to make this classroom better or fun and decorative. I will want everybody to have a fun day at school. We can make far and strong teams for kickball and have a lot of time for that because if I become president there will be more recess! We will have all those things and more. Thank you so much for listening to my speech! Please tell me your ideas when you get a chance! Thank you again! Laiali reporting on the first debate: Makeda-Gia Alden-Bailey Asher-Avery Miles-Alex What changes do you want to make? Alden/Bailey-more reases and less homework. Avery/Asher-When Joel was smaller kid he had pokemon cards. If someone did a good thing good pokemon card.Longer reases. Sit where you want. Gia/Makeda-Lower homework on Mondays. Less homework, more free time/more recess for 5 minutes. Miles/Alex-better food,more fun. Alden/Bailey-Have fun. Why are you running? Miles/Alex-To help people. Gia/Makeda-Make changes. Sometimes people don’t want too much of a challenge. Avery/Avery-I’m running because feel we can make a difference. How can you make a difference? Miles/Alex-Better food,more fun DGia/Makeda-We can make a difference by helping the community with their problems. Avery/Asher-We can make a difference by making people feel comfortable messing up. Debate questions: What do you plan to do about the hesitation disease? Do you want to make any changes to lunch? What do you plan to do about HW?- How will we get all of the work we need to get done done without HW? Why did you choose that person for the job of vice president? What do you plan to do about kickball? How do you plan to make a safer environment for our learning to run smoothly? How do you plan on handling the frustration of being pres? -Laiali,Ezra. Debate questions by Laiali and Ezra: What do you plan to do about the hesitation disease? Do you want to make any changes to lunch? What do you plan to do about HW?- How will we get all of the work we need to get done done without HW? Why did you choose that person for the job of vice president? What do you plan to do about kickball? How do you plan to make a safer environment for our learning to run smoothly? How do you plan on handling the frustration of being pres? Thursday, November Seventeenth, 2016 The Build Up to Election Day by Margot Story NEW YORK-Anxiousness is in the air as the candidates for Deborah and Joel’s class election get all ready for the two debates and voting tomorrow. Every candidate is working up, as debate moderator Laiali Tapper warns the candidates of questions that may not be their main platform ideas. People cannot wait for the votes to come in! All the reporters are being peppered with questions about who they are voting for, yet they still say “I shall not tell.” BALLOT by Zen and Nate President Makeda ____ Independent Party Gia ———————————————————————————————— Asher____ Independent Party Avery ———————————————————————————————— Miles____ Independent Party Alex ———————————————————————————————— Alden___Independent Party Bailey ———————————————————————————————— Romy___Independent Party Suko ]]>

Brooklyn Bridge Poems

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img_1173 The Windy Day By Alden The Brooklyn Bridge With It’s dark shadow and blowing wind,   Shhhhhhh Is it nice up there? A cold fall day was blowing around us almost like a tornado The rippling water goes far and wide swirling around in the dirty river All day long With the crashing noises of the train going far, far, away It was a beautiful day Smelling salty water all day long Everybody is happy but freezing all at the same time In their warm fall jackets The colorful leaves go down as they change colors A beautiful rainbow was falling to the ground       All fall long So quiet like a butterfly fluttering around       As content crowds of people walk fast and slow All day long On The Brooklyn Bridge

Cold Days At Brooklyn Bridge Park by Alex Amorosino Cars honking in the traffic Trains zooming like horses running Water splashing on the  rocks Cold air running on my face Asking myself why is it so cold? Birds calling like they’re trying to tell us something Rocks crunching under people’s heavy feet Bridges carrying 1000s of pounds Brooklyn Bridge is busy Leaves crumbling as they hit the cold ground l Go to park and play Get warm and have fun Happy it doesn’t feel like winter to me any more
Sunday Unfunday (Editor’s note: Asher was unable to join us because he was sick at home) by Asher Cohen I woke up at 4 am, and had a sore throat. I tossed, tossed, tossed and finally dozed off. I woke up at 7 am and felt tired, sick and angry. It was official, it was Sunday Unfunday. No tennis, no baseball, no outside time, only tea for me. Spent the day in bed and was bored out of my head. My room was as cold as a late fall day. The bed was as sturdy as a building. Lucky for me I got a magnificent, marvelous, masterful,  bowl of Homemade chicken soup from my Mom. Being with my mom and dad made me feel marvelous. Do I have a virus? Boom, boom, boom. All I could hear was the construction workers. My bedroom was as dark as midnight. Next Sunday will be a Sunday Funday.
WINTER NOT SNOW BY Avery Rosen Sunny bright skyscrapers, Dark choppy seas, The crisp, cool air, Is beyond Compare. Boats are speeding, Pigeons are eating, The sky’s a magic, majestic, marvelous blue, There is a carousel that has animals from the zoo. The trains are honking And I wonder if old man winter is knock, knock, knocking. I feel very alive. The Brooklyn Bridge is very, very grey and big, We sit on a cold stone bench, I’m trying to forget the pigeon stench, As we write with our hands freezing, My classmates are joking and nicely teasing, Hahaha This is DEFINITELY New York winter.
The Brooklyn  Bridge  Up  and Down by Bailey Wolfman With the tall skyscrapers reaching to the sky “Go fly hi”   What if they fall On the crashing waves? The salty sea air Washing onto the hard rocks With the hard wind howling in my ear With the carousel whirling like a slow roller coaster under it With the trees waving with the rolling waves
Winter By The River By Crosby Bang rumble goes the train The cold breeze brushing on my face Antarctica survival challenge   The dark blue water splashing on the hard rocks The sweet salt water going up nose The east skyline of Manhattan Dark blue Cold wind Rippling water as it rains coldness I imagine fish swimming in the river And then somehow we have to go back
Cold Park By Ezra Mundy Cold Water splashing Bold busy bridge Cars Racing along The highway And bridge Zoom! Where are they going in such a hurry? Boats Moving across The water As if they’re going somewhere important Where are they going? In the park Like a forest with roads in between Shivery park Cold
The Cold Day By Gia Garland The Earth is icy People are talking as waves are crashing It feels like it is going to snow right now My nose is numb The wind feels cold but nice                                                                                                                                                                                          I feel like an ice statue The smell of seawater comforts me Why is it so cold outside?

Happy  D.U.M.B.O. Trip

By Jade j. Young

Salty as the ocean when eating minty gum

wavy, splashing water

Calm, cold, playground shaped like boats?

Alldaycoldassnow

East river, weirdly shining sun on such a freezing day?

Very, Very, Jumpy

All hills closed Fun D.U.M.B.O day

 

D.U.M.B.O.

Haiku

By Jade j. Young

Dumbo was freezing

It had to be on the trip

Hand games played both ways

Cold Like Ice By Kieran brrrrrr Splash crash Cold    In Brooklyn Bridge Park Face like ice Zip up it’s freezing   cold like ice
  East River Waves By Laiali Tapper Waves rippling and washing up on the rocks Whoosh whoosh where do they come from? Green shadow and then they flow into blue Wind pushing back making you feel as light as a feather, Trees swaying making the leaves ruffle gently Like they’re about to fall   Swoosh Cars honking in the distance Crisp cold air like the water Surely freezing Yet…a sense of calmness washes over me
No sleep till…Brooklyn By Lorenzo Brigode I see the Brooklyn Bridge In my mind I see the George Washington Bridge    I hear the trains’ noises, horns and tracks HONK HONK! CLICK CLACK! HOOOOONNNNNK! I touch paper I sit on the cold cement… Why am I writing this poem?   I don’t know… I smell sea salt I see the cold, calm waves I feel as chilly as a popsicle I wish I had soft fur… as a matter of fact I would love a pair of wings…

The Park Between The Bridges

      by Makeda
The park between the bridges
Is something you should see
With mossy rocks
And swaying  waves
And the salt scent of the sea
With orange leaves falling
And the sun shining on your back
With the shadows of the bridge shining on the water
Which is like a camel with a humped back
Super rocket tire swings that makes me dizzy
And pirate ship playgrounds that make me feel silly
Wonderful lawns
That make you sing songs
I wonder if your friends will sing along
Parks like these  
With buzz buzz bees
Are things we need
And the park between the bridges
Is something you should see  
 The Bridge’s Park
by Margot Story
Deep blue is rippling
Waves are crashing
Rocks are beautiful
Flecks of color strewn around me
The trains are bumping
On the blue bridge
It’s like music
Moving through the air
Moving through my head
Cha-ching
The cold
Very cold
Makes me bundle up
Lots of layers
Wool socks
A beanie on my head
My friends are all around me
Laughing in the sunshine
Golden sun
Honey leaves
My world is of color
It is so beautiful
How have I never seen this before?
The world needs places like this
Where you can get away
And relax
And sing songs
A fresh chicken sandwich
The tire swing
Hair braided
With pretty purple petals
The cold
Has never been so warm
I feel my heart
Beating against my chest
As I let myself fall into this beautiful,
Colorful world.
Contrast in Brooklyn by Miles The waves splashed in the bright rays of sun, clashing with the jagged rocks The wind howled like a wolf in the cold day A chill came over me as the air swept through me The beams of light met the ground and warmed it with its power, The shadows creeped over the cement freezing everything it touched Shattered glass sprinkled the floor and shimmered in the light Whoever wants a windswept waterscape needs only their eyes in Brooklyn That day was an explosion of contrast and color Like a time bomb of color just waiting to explode BOOM!
The Bones of Brooklyn By Nate CS The Brooklyn Bridge is my favorite bridge. I get to drive across it every week! But walking across it is much better I enjoy seeing the love locks linger there. I’m refreshed to watch the water splash under the bridge I can always see boats crossing below. The sound of cars never leaves my head I can’t picture what it would look like without the bridge there. The brown bricks of Dumbo would be all you see. The flag is small but flaps wildly in the wind, I wish I could embrace the glorious colors, Red, white, and blue. New York City is a person, Manhattan is the body and the bridges are the bones So if the city is a person, I wonder what we are?
American Flag October 26th 2016 By Romy Croquet Roses are red violets are blue. The waves crash down on the river too. You can sit on rocks by the stream or on the grass. There is a carousel covered in walls of glass. At the park we hear dogs bark.   I saw an American flag as we all played a game of tag. We saw birds pass by. They flew into the sky. It was a sunny day. The kind of day you want to play. The kind of play where you want to run. The kind of run that is so fast you could fall The kind of fast that’s fun. The kind of fun run. I wondered how some bricks ended up on the shore. There was also an apple core. I see and smell the river. The weather made us all shiver. Then we all got on the subway. Thinking about our day…
Blue Ocean Bridge Park By Sam Soldo I love the blue ocean The happy energy The pebbly curvy rocks. I see the tall buildings and I hear the the “swoosh swoosh” boats. I see the splashy water in the ocean. I hear planes and the train trailing. I feel happy with a lot of energy Which reminds me of the beach. The big side to side waves were As small as a little chipmunk. I wonder why the waves aren’t that big?  
A COLD FALL DAY By Setsuko Bey A cold fall day I see the wavy water crashing   The rocks are toppling on top of each other    Seaweed slipping and sliding through the rocks Boats going through the waves I see the red Verizon building, it must be warm in there I’m freezing Why just why is it so cold outside Sniff sniff said my nose I want to be warm in my bed My stomach is grumbling I want my rainbow bagel I’m in lots of jackets but still cold “Sunlight” I yell Halleluia! sun sun sun My life depends on sun I’m thinking about pickles My partner is finished so am I We’re on the tire swing at the park Ahhhh I’m going so fast My brain is swirling round and round My heart is beating very fast buboom We’re taking a picture, say “Field trip!” The birds are chirping – they want my popcorn It is as cold as a penguin in Antarctica Its lunch, yay! Yum yum yum yum yummy oh yay I sang that song about a million times in my head The gray and blue train came Rumble fumble tumble the train went down the track We all  screamed “ahhhhhhhhhhh” I see a bride, her dress is as swift as a cat Brooklyn Brooklyn Brooklyn it’s only Brooklyn The End
                Brooklyn Bridge Park Experience                      by Yves Ayache        I’m sitting in the warm sun while I hear waves crashing against the rocks Me and my friends are studying the view while we take notes So cold we laughed so hard our hands were freezing as ice First I was chilly and now I’m warm We saw a yellow water taxi with black stripes and a speed boat leaving flows of water behind Vroom vroom said the speed boat Toot toot said the water taxi We went to the park with pirate ships We played tag Seeing surroundings as a colorful way of life Why is that I wonder Am I like John Cabot?   
Fall By Zen                                                    We were in Brooklyn while the wind was blowing, The waves were crashing, The leaves were swaying, The subway was running, People were talking “When’s lunch!!!” And the boats were racing. Kind of.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             ]]>

Field Trip to Brooklyn Bridge Park

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img_1174 Wednesday was our first class field trip to Brooklyn Bridge Park. The children picked the location through a democratic process. First they brainstormed locations that were public, nice places for picnics, accessible by subway, and had space to run around. The options they came up with were: Central Park, Chelsea Piers/Pier 40, Brooklyn Bridge Park, Battery Park, and Art in a Park. Then the children presented cases to the class about why their option should win. They went home and researched to become informed voters and the next day, in an upset vote (with Central Park as the projected winner), Brooklyn Bridge Park won! First, we got on the A train at the West 4th St Station. img_1158 Then we got off at the High St. Station. img_1159 And walked excitedly to the park! img_1160 When we got there we found a spot with good stadium seating by the rocks and a beautiful view. img_0496 We got out our clipboards and worked diligently (even though our hands were freezing from the windy cold!) at first sketching the view and then taking notes to write poetry about the experience. img_1161 img_1162 img_1163 img_1165 We took a break for lunch at the picnic tables and then it was off to the playground. img_1169 img_1826 img_1823 Finally, tired from a long day of exploration and play, we headed back to school. img_1178 To sing songs… img_1182 And work on our watercolor paintings of the view. img_1184 Thanks Fourth Grade for an excellent first field trip!    ]]>

Faith Responds to Fourth Graders' Questions

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Dear Deborah, Dan, Joel, and Tara, Thank you so much for sharing your students with me. I had a great time visiting and talking with them. The thank you notes were fantastic. In their notes a number of students asked questions, so I am answering below, in the order that notes came out of the envelope, except I have placed Samuel’s first. Apologies if I have misspelled names. Samuel: Were you excited to go to LREI? Faith: Attending the school was the most wonderful thing that happened to me, the best school (including college and graduate school) I ever attended; I learned ideals I’ve kept for my entire life; I’ve made friends who are still my friends when I am 73 years old. Lorenzo: Why did you quit LREI? Faith: My family moved me to a public school after sixth grade, for financial reasons. Did you feel that LREI prepared you for your profession and what was your profession? LREI taught me to be inquiring, to value peoples’ words, and to care about justice; all of these prepared me for my work as a teacher, writer, and organizer. Gia: Did you recite the Pledge of Allegiance? Faith: No. We also did not sing The Star Spangled Banner at assemblies. We sang America the Beautiful. Crosby: Did you have a party after you won the case? Faith: We danced around our classroom with our teacher. Miles: What made you want to go to LREI? Faith: I was only 4 years old when I started at LREI, so my parents chose LREI because of its values for me. Makeda: Do you enjoy telling your stories? Faith: Yes. And your class was an especially attentive and enjoyable audience for me. Asher, Milla: What was the hardest thing for you when colored and white were separated under segregation? Faith: Black people and white people were not legally separated in NYC in the 1940s and 1950s, but there was sometimes tension and hostility between the races. So, do you think this is similar to how things are now? Ezra: How did you get to school? Faith: I walked two and a half blocks from Sullivan St. Jade, Alden, Jasiri, Sophie, Leo, Harlan: Who were your best friends and what are your favorite classes? Faith: My best friends were Katie and Sarah Anne. My favorite class was fifth grade. I loved art and reading, and also shop. Kieran: What was your favorite part of the visit? Faith: Absolutely, my favorite part of the visit was meeting the interesting and interested students of LREI. Chase: Did you march with Martin Luther King, Jr? Faith: I never marched with Dr. King, although I went on lots of marches and was arrested twice. I met him in Albany, GA and also during the planning for the 1963 March on Washington. Imogen: What made you want to be involved in Civil Rights? Faith: I think becoming an activist was a gradual process which began at LREI, where my teachers and the school were committed to justice and equity, but my commitment was deepened by my love for Charity Bailey. Although we didn’t talk about it during my visit with your class, I also think as a Jewish child in the 1940s and 1950s, I was aware of discrimination against Jews. Oliver: How was it living in that time for you? Faith: I was very aware of the effects of McCarthyism upon my community, including the Rosenberg case, but I was also just a kid, going to school, going over to friends’ houses, walking my dog, taking music lessons. Cecilia: How did the kids react when they found out Charity moved in? Faith: Charity was a beloved figure, so I think mostly other kids envied me, but I don’t know this for sure. I experienced LREI as a safe space to be, even though I was a child in a biracial family. Gray: How did you help Black people vote? Faith: Before you can vote, you must register with your county courthouse, which then gives you a voter registration card. We helped people go down to the courthouse and went into the courthouse with them. In the early 1960s, when Black people tried to register to vote, they were often met with white people who were hostile and violent. Court cases were filed to stop the harassment. I don’t know if you have heard, but this year some states have again made it harder for people of color to register to vote. Mia, Freya: Did you eat lunch in your classroom or in the cafeteria? and what was school lunch like? Faith: We ate in the cafeteria. I don’t remember the lunches, except I really disliked the milk in the little cartons. Lily: Was it really cool to meet Martin Luther King, Jr at the time? Did anything bad happen when you fought for equal rights? Faith: At the time, Dr. King wasn’t quite as famous as he became later, but it was exciting to meet someone I’d seen on television and heard a lot about. In Southwest Georgia, many of us were arrested for marching and some people in The Movement were beaten; some houses were shot into. At that time, hundreds of demonstrating children in Birmingham AL, in the next state over, were attacked with police dogs and had firehoses turned on them. There are some famous photos of the children in Birmingham. Luc: Were your parents happy that Charity was living with you? Faith: Yes. Beckett: Was it fun having your music teacher live with you? Faith: How different was school then? It was fun because Charity was a very lively person and she was a Greenwich Village celebrity, so people would stop her to say hello when we were walking down the street. One big difference is that we did not learn how to read at LREI until we were in second grade. We had other subjects, like science, but we didn’t read. Luca: What were the differences between Charity Bailey and you? Faith: There were many differences, but here are three: Charity was African American and I was Jewish; Charity was a grown up teacher and I was a child/student; Charity grew up in Providence, RI, and I was growing up in New York City. Dash: Did you make enemies on the way? Faith: I made some people very angry when I was registering voters. I don’t know if I’ve exactly made enemies, but there are people with whom I’ve STRONGLY disagreed about justice when it comes to race, gender, and other issues. Mayer: Were there terrorists in the 1950s? Faith: People did not use the term “terrorists,” but I believe the white people who carried our lynchings and other racist acts of violence in the 1950s were terrorists, trying to use terror to force Black people to live a certain, inhumane way.  ]]>