4.5.22

Photo Gallery & Story: Em and Orange and the Rubik's Cube

In this post, I tell an imaginative story about two boys and a Rubik's Cub.
Two boys hold their respective Rubik's cubes.
       Once upon a time there were two boys, one from the east side of the railroad tracks and one from the west side. Though they were born in different worlds, fate had other plans for them. The boy from the east was named Orange, a bright and ambitious young man with dreams of being an engineer someday. He worked hard to make his parents proud, but he still felt like something was missing in his life. On the other side of town was another boy named Em, who lived on the west side of town near where the railroad tracks ended at a small station house. Em grew up without much money or resources, but he did have big dreams, too; he wanted to become a famous musician one day. One day, after school let out for summer break, Orange decided to take an adventurous journey down the railroad tracks that divided their towns' east and west sides. As fate would have it, Em happened to be walking along that same section of track when Orange came across him by chance. After introducing themselves, they quickly became friends despite coming from two very different backgrounds — both offering knowledge and guidance and sharing stories about living life on their own terms despite all odds stacked against him.
     Together they explored each others' worlds as if no boundaries existed between them — exploring neighborhoods on either side of town together and sharing music, which brought joyous laughter throughout their days spent together until eventually, it seemed as if no separation between them ever really existed at all!
Orange and Em had a love for the Rubik's cube. They would spend endless hours searching for different kids at the dollar store. On lazy Saturdays, following the train tracks to the end of town, near an old lake, with a browned-out beach, they would try to solve the cubes. Orange and Em were determined to master the cube and use it as an opportunity to learn more about each other and bridge any gaps between them. As they work together, both of them discover that there is much more that unites them than divides them.
The Rubik's Cube has been a popular and beloved puzzle since it was first invented by Hungarian sculptor and professor Ernö Rubik in 1974. Since then, the cube has become even more popular, with over 350 million units sold worldwide. The cube is thought to be the best-selling toy of all time. Its unique combination of colors, shapes, and difficulty levels is believed to be responsible for its continued success today. The history of the Rubik's Cube includes some fascinating scientific developments that make this classic puzzle one of the most challenging puzzles ever created!
Some people find this puzzle challenging due to its complexity, as it often involves solving multiple steps or components to arrive at the correct answer. Others may have more experience with puzzles of this type and can quickly recognize patterns and apply strategies that help them solve the problem. Additionally, some individuals may possess innate intellectual abilities which allow them to intuitively identify solutions that others may not think of.
Solving a Rubik's cube requires combining cognitive skills, including spatial awareness and pattern recognition. While some individuals may have an innate aptitude for these abilities, scientific theories suggest that other factors, such as practice, experience, and focus can also affect the ability to solve a Rubik's cube. Research has found that people with higher levels of abstract thinking are more capable of understanding the patterns involved in solving a Rubik's cube. Additionally, problem-solving strategies play an essential role in improving performance on this task; however, different techniques work better for specific individuals depending on their particular skill set. Ultimately, it is likely that there is no single answer to what makes solving a Rubik's cube easier or more challenging - instead it depends heavily upon the individual's unique mix of cognitive skills and strategies when approaching the puzzle.
So, when Orange and Em, two boys who learned to take on the same challenge in different ways, a lesson was learned. Em approaches the cube with determination, methodically studying each piece and trying to fit them together as quickly as possible. His fast-paced approach leads to some initial success, but eventually he gets stuck - unable to move any further forward or backward. Orange takes a slower, more creative approach, viewing the cube from different angles and experimenting with unique strategies that might work better for him. He starts out slowly but gradually builds momentum until he can see small progress every time he turns it over. In the end, both boys can solve the cube using their own methods - patience combined with creativity enabling them to find success where previously there had been only frustration. 
Through this story, we learn that problem-solving doesn't always have one correct answer - depending on our circumstances and abilities, different approaches may be necessary to achieve our goals.
Having an open mind when approaching any challenge is essential as it allows one to be more creative and think outside the box. An open-minded approach encourages the consideration of multiple perspectives and ideas, which can often lead to innovative solutions that may not have been considered before. Additionally, by being open-minded, we are less likely to become stuck in a rut or fall into tunnel vision, thus allowing us to see opportunities for growth and improvement that otherwise would have remained hidden. Having an open mindset also will enable us to become more adaptable and better equipped for change — essential skills for anyone who wishes to overcome obstacles or achieve success in any field.

6.4.22

POV: Counting Time as a School Secretary (If You Are Seated at the Front Desk)

In this post, I articulate the unique perspective a school secretary has on the inner workings of a school.
Point-of-View: The Main Hallway of a School as Seen by the School Secretary

Ms. Lauren Yandow walks down the main hallway
with her kindergarteners and
waves to the school secretary.
School secretaries have a unique insight into how the inner workings of a school function, allowing them incredible insight that few other people can even begin to fathom. Sitting at the front desk during the school day is almost like being immersed in an ever-flowing river of students — it's fascinating! Each passing moment brings new surprises and never fails to remind you just how diverse and vibrant life at each school can be.

30.3.22

Video Repost: On Generation Z and the Art of Teaching (Or, What It Will Be Like to Have Gen Z as a Teacher)

In this post, I talk about Generation Z, TikTok, and What It Might Be Like to have a Generation Z teacher in twenty years.

Generation Z has been making waves in the social media landscape, particularly on platforms like TikTok. This cohort of digital natives has embraced this platform as a way to express their creativity and engage with others around the world. From funny videos to dance challenges and pranks, Gen Z'ers are taking full advantage of the freedom that comes with creating their own content on TikTok.

     A closer look at how Gen Z-ers use TikTok reveals some interesting insights about this generation's behavior and preferences regarding social media platforms. For example, it appears that members of Generation Z prefer short video clips (less than 30 seconds) over longer format ones; they often post comedic content or take part in trends or challenges; they also love creating "duets" — videos posted by other users which allow them to join in on someone else's original post and responding to comments left by other users.

     TikTok is not just used for fun, though — many members of Generation Z have found success by utilizing its features for marketing purposes.

     Brands such as Nike have seen great success partnering up with popular creators who leverage their large following base across different demographics while giving exposure to new products and services offered by these companies. Additionally, influencers have made money directly from sponsored posts and collaborations via partnerships/brand deals available through TikTok's "For You" page (the main page where all recommended videos are posted).

     Such lucrative opportunities might explain why more companies are now turning towards this platform for promotional campaigns targeting young people specifically due to its ability for rapid reach within a matter of days!

     Overall, Gen-Z has proven itself adept at capitalizing upon the wide range of possibilities provided by social media platforms like TikTok - whether it be entertainment value or financial gain - making them an ever more important factor in today's marketplace environment moving forward into 2021 and beyond!

28.2.22

Video Repost: The Dark Forest Theory Says We Should Leave the Aliens Alone! (Hint: They Don't Want Us to Contact Them)

Hello, astrobiologists! I assemble some interesting facts about the Dark Forest Theory in this blog post.
The Dark Forest Theory is distinct from the Fermi Paradox in that it posits that any advanced civilization will be so intent on its survival that it will keep itself hidden to avoid detection by possible hostile civilizations. This theory argues that whatever evidence exists of intelligent life will likely remain hidden and unknown due to a collective decision of self-preservation among civilizations.
Video Credit: @arie.loo

4.2.22

Clip Art: Bust of the Olympian God Zeus (Jupiter)

Bust of Zeus (Jupiter), the supreme deity of the Olympian gods, is depicted in a Roman copy of a Greek original from the 4th century B. C.E. The bust was found in Orticoli and is displayed at the Pius-Clementine Museum in the Vatican.  
A bust of the Olympian God Zeus (Jupiter)
Bust of Zeus

Image Source: "Head of Jupiter from Otricoli. Marble. Roman copy after a Greek original from the 4th century BCE. Rome, Vatican Museums, Pius-Clementine Museum, Round Room, 3 (Roma, Musei Vaticani, Museo Pio-Clementino, Sala rotonda, 3)." I made a Zeus-themed unit plan on TpT!.

6.1.22

Aesthetic Thursday: People Who Found Their "Twin" in Old Paintings

In this video repost on my blog, I report the uncanny phenomenon of regular folks finding their doppelgängers in old paintings. Maybe I will find mine soon enough!
Have you ever seen an old painting and seen someone who looks eerily similar to yourself? This isn't just a coincidence - some people have found their "twin" in artwork from centuries ago! These unique instances of serendipity are becoming more common thanks to the rise of facial recognition technology.
     For instance, British researcher Nick Barraclough was researching a portrait painted by Dutch artist Frans Hals in 1633 when he noticed that one of the figures bore a striking resemblance to himself. After further investigation, he discovered that he is descended from the same family as the sitter in this 350-year-old painting! Similarly, Ross W. Duffin recently stumbled across his doppelgänger: a warrior from a 17th-century Jan van Bijlert painting. “I thought, ‘Wow, that is really funny, he looks just like me,’” Dr. Duffin recalled. Then he moved on.
     These stories remind us how much our world has changed since these paintings were created — yet how little we truly know about our pasts. It's incredible to think that something as simple as recognizing your own face can lead you on such an incredible journey back into history. Who knows what secrets you may uncover if you continue searching for yourself and those long-forgotten ancestors?

16.12.21

Stones of Erasmus Teacher's Planner: Teach the Mythology of the Titan Gods and Goddesses with Middle and High School Students (Or, How to Make Mythology Relevant for Adolescent English Language Arts Students)

In this post, I briefly outline why it is both a challenge and a reward to teach mythology as a unit in a middle and high school classroom!

Aditya Kapoor sits in Mr. Roselli's class at Garden School in Queens.
Last year my students sat at desks with
plexiglass screens, but we were still
able to engage in meaningful conversations
(including the meaning of myth). #thumbsup
Introducing the Topic of Myth to Students

Mythology is a powerful topic to introduce to adolescent learners in a Language Arts or Humanities classroom. But, there's a catch. You don't want to present mythology as "kids' stuff" — and you definitely want to have a conversation about how students were first introduced to mythology — via Disney's Hercules or from a children's book, or a trip to the library, or not at all! The aura of myth is everywhere. And myths originate from all the world's societies — from the moment the first human could speak, myths have been told.

State and reiterate to students that mythology is a wide-reaching topic, and in every culture and civilization, there is a mythology — the stuff of narrative that sticks, that is universal, and tells a human story. Greek mythology is a standard go-to when teaching myth. It's standard fodder in schools today — especially because of Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief and Edith Hamilton's Mythology. But don't just stick with the Greeks — provide a variety of mythic stories and see how they are parallel, and share common patterns.

Finding Patterns in Myth and Identifying Tropes

A cosplayer performs the part of Spider-man.
Believe it or not — characters like
Spider-man, from Marvel comics and movies
— are just modern-day iterations of myth.
What god would Spider-man be? Anansi?
Arachne? Perhaps!

In a middle or high school setting, it's important to contextualize myth and to make it relevant for today's learners. How do you do that successfully? The best way to do it is to show how patterns in myth crop up in our everyday world. Perhaps your students are not worried about finding a nymph on the sidewalk, or striding a bull that turns into a God — but, mythology is all around us. I love to use the website TV Tropes — it organizes common tropes found in literature, movies, television, and video games to show how popular allusions form and where they can be found! One good place to start is to show students how the Marvel Cinematic Universe is just another version of mythology, re-packaged for the new media set.

The difficulty with teaching myth to students is just simply the gulf of content that is out there. It can be overwhelming. But less is more. The goal of teaching mythology is to have students make connections. Also, older students can learn about the discrepancies found in myths, and chart out and graph those inconsistencies — such as why the stories from ancient sources change, are adapted, and evolve over time. There is no universal text when it comes to these stories — and prepare to leverage this reality to your advantage. Create group work that has students investigate the differences and similarities found in myth. And make sure to record and document what you find.

Teach a Three-Day Lesson on the Titan Gods and Goddesses

Where to start on a myth unit for middle and high school students? You can start with a lesson on creation myths, but don't forget the Titans. The Titans are the "old gods," and their stories are filled with violence, wonder, intrigue, rebellion, and the rise of the new gods, the Olympians. Learn with your students as you traverse stories that include a father castrated by his son; a wise, compassionate one who attempts to save humankind, and how a jar (or, is it a box?) unleashes mayhem onto the world!

Cover Art for a Three-Day Lesson Plan on the Titan Gods of Creation Created and Made with Love by Stones of Erasmus
Use a three-day lesson plan digital download from
Stones of Erasmus. Adolescents will love the messiness
and insanity of the old gods, the Titans. 

Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, Seventh, Eighth, Ninth, Tenth, Eleventh, Twelfth, Higher Education, Adult Education, Homeschooler, Staff, Not Grade Specific - TeachersPayTeachers.com

Engage Secondary English Language Arts students with the story of the Titans, the second-generation gods, and goddesses of Greek Mythology. Learn each Titan's backstory, where they came from, and their relationship to the Giants, and the Olympians. There is a clash of the Titans, that's for sure. Hesiod called it the Titanomachy. Use this fully packed three-day lesson plan, designed especially for students aged 13-17 years old.

  • This resource is optimized for distance learning. The product includes a durable Google Apps link. Access and modify this resource for student use on Google Classroom and other classroom management sites.

Use this Digital Download for a Three-day English Language Arts Lesson

Using my tested-in-the-classroom resources, your kids will want to discuss good and bad parenting skills, cursed families, sins of the fathers, the role of women in myth, power, and the clash of the Titans! So I have loaded this resource with TEN reading cards and a set of THIRTY questions that will get your students talking, writing, and wondering!

Common Core Standards: This resource aligns well with the reading literature standard: "Analyze the representation of a subject or a key scene in two different artistic mediums, including what is emphasized or absent in each treatment (e.g., Auden’s “Musée des Beaux-Arts” and Breughel’s Landscape with the Fall of Icarus)."

This Resource Includes the Following Features:

  • 1 Teacher's Three-day Lesson Calendar
    • With a teacher-tested-stamp of approval, follow my suggestions on how to teach the origin story of the Titans with high school students. Start with background knowledge, places, and geography, engage students in group reading with custom-made reading cards, and quiz your class with trivia-style questions. Cap the lesson off with a creative writing activity.

  • 10 Art + Literature Reading Cards
    • Included in this resource are ten reading cards that cover the lives, misdeeds, and fates of all the Titans and Titanesses:
      • Kronos (Saturn), Rhea, Crius, Coeus (Koios), Ocean (Oceanus), Tethys, Hyperion, Leto, Mnemosyne, Themis, Hecate, Phoebe, Iapetus, Atlas, Prometheus, Epimetheus, the Giants, the Curedes, and the Dactyls!

  • 1 Key Characters and Places Worksheet
    • Orient your learners by identifying the key characters and the geographical location of the story.

  • A Bank of 30 Trivia-style Questions about the Titans
    • After your students engage in the reading cards, test their knowledge with a custom-made question set.

  • 10 Frayer Model Vocabulary Cards (with student sample)
    • Frayer models are a way to get kids to think about vocabulary visually in a four-section square —- A square for meaning, one for examples, another for non-examples, and a sketch. It is amazing to see the work they produce. A great way to decorate your classroom to showcase your kids' vocabulary-in-text understanding. The cards contain terms, Greek and Latin roots, and challenging words (as well as contextual entries fit to the story).

  • Half-Sheet 3-2-1 Exit Ticket
    • Exit tickets are a way to get data about your students' understanding of the lesson right before the class is finished. Collect these exit tickets and quickly see what ideas your students took away from reading and discussing the myth.

  • Essay Writing Activity (with two visual starters and prompts)
    • Cap off this three-day lesson with a creative essay prompt to get students to make text-to-world connections.

  • Further Reading List
    • Don't disregard this further reading list if you think it is merely a bibliography. Share the list with your students or have them do projects based on the research that is available. Assign different sources to students and organize presentations where learning can go deeper into the stories of the Titans.

  • Answer Keys for all student-facing documents
    • Teachers always ask for answer keys for my products so I made sure I gave you plenty of guidance on what to expect from students in their written and oral responses.

  • Bonus: 3-Box Notetaking Template — Embed accountability into the lesson by having students annotate the text cards with notes, questions, and a summary of what they've read and comprehended.

I created this resource with secondary students in mind. It is designed for an English Language Arts Mythology unit —

  • For any myth-related unit!
  • On the Clash of the Titans!
  • Use this resource as a stand-alone lesson or, pair it with a larger unit on Myth, Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief, The Theogony of HesiodRobert Graves's Greek Myths, or Edith Hamilton's Mythologyor Parallel Myths by J.F. Bierlein.

For resources similar to this one see my:

You can purchase this three-day lesson on Teachers Pay Teachers, Amazon Ignite, Made By Teachers, and The Wheel Education!

PDF Copy for Printing