Mark Schwanz

When I woke up this morning I was pleasantly greeted with great news. Tynker.com blog just released an article about me. It is well written by Karen Schwarze and pretty close to the interview we had a few weeks ago.

I like how she focuses on the unique approach I experience with Tynker and TK. I hope other educators are encouraged to Tinker some with their students so we can together help…

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Hi Friends,

I want to make sure my students have what they need to succeed, so I just created a DonorsChoose.org classroom request.

Hands-on Inspiration

Your support would mean so much to my students. In return, you’ll get awesome photos of your gift in action and our heartfelt thanks.

Thank you so much, Mark

P.S. If you know anyone who may want to help my students, please pass this along!

#friendsofchibok

A couple of years ago we had a crazy idea. (The “we” is me along with fellow members of my church.) We began wondering if we were ready to take on an at-home mission. Well, I am so glad to announce www.friendsofchibok.org, a new site launching today to help tell their story and raise funds needed to bring them to live here and attend Hope International University in Fullerton. So, will you read…

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These custom designed and crafted chairs would be a nice addition to your patio or outdoor area. They are made with carefully selected reclaimed pallet and industrial heat treated wood. I have had many conversations started with remarks about their natural beauty and surprising comfort. Similar chairs I have made have been outside on my patio for a couple years and look better with age and being exposed to the elements.

All the wood parts have been sanded with care being taken to remove sharp nails and knots, although some imperfections have been left to have that industrial look (including some of the original lettering and live edges). On the examples pictured I have given them a waterproofing finish so they are ready to use in your bar-b-que, wine tasting, or outdoor movie night.

Here are some specs.

25 lbs total weight per chair

28″ wide 40″ long Arm 26″ long 21″ high to armrest 35″ high to top of backrest

To lower shipping costs, some assembly may be required. (attaching the backrest pieces)

**please contact me regarding shipping options**

I am willing arrange special orders and shipping, including arranging for local pick-up, a custom order of non-assembled parts, custom designs and finish.

I’m a full time teacher and all proceeds help support my endeavor of creating a makerspace for elementary students.

Highlights for me were to have my two boys with me as special assistants for my workshop. We were able to attend other sessions together, like David De La Cruz and Susan Giacomen on coding with CS Code from Google.

Another high point was attending the session on using some pretty cool AR (Augmented Reality) apps by Karen Jobman. It was very cool to have the keynote provided by Patrick Gittisriboongul. He was formerly our CTO @LynwoodSchools but is now Chief Innovation Officer at San Diego County Office of Education.

On the first day of summer, Jonathan and Connor and I went over to a local business where we picked up a van full of pallet wood. Our friend (Joe) there has set aside some special pieces of blue pine and we were able to get some pallets to get us started on some summer projects.

Working in the TK Tinkerspace

Nail it

Nice hearts

Picking up the wood

Good work guys!

Screen time, active time?

Try This 6-Step Brain Bootcamp at Home Brainstorming ways to make your child’s screen time more productive and active.

https://www.tynker.com/blog/articles/ideas-and-tips/try-this-6-step-brain-bootcamp-at-home/

I included three custom mini-boxes to hold little odds and ends. I went to visit the other day and he showed me his current system. I think this new box will have the goldilocks vibe…it’ll be “just right.”

Fun! Now we are funded.

Hello All.

I just found out that my donors choose project was funded today. Three of our TK families, current and former, and an organization from New York were the donors. Just sharing the news:

https://www.donorschoose.org/?utm_source=dc&utm_medium=directlink&utm_campaign=project&utm_term=teacher_1516410&rf=directlink-dc-2018-03-project-teacher_1516410&challengeid=246101

Best,

Mark Schwanz

Interactive, digital learning amplified

I’ve had a fair amount of time to develop my TK teaching chops in Transitional Kindergarten. This is my fourth year and along the way I’ve learned from authors, early childhood courses, conferences, my collaborative team in my district, and simple professional practice.

One thing I knew in the beginning was that I needed to have a better way for the students to interact with digital content.…

TK Featured in new video

LUSD has put together this video describing our TK-K programs and some of my classroom is featured.

Lately I have been on the watch for the perfect combination of time, resources and a need in my classroom. About a week ago I happened upon a great idea. I needed new boxes for my student desks. The ones I had been using were from the beginning of the school year and it was time for something new. I needed something durable, accessible for small TK people, and customization.

I already had all the wood I needed on hand in my shop. Recently a few sheets of 1/8 inch plywood came to me and I had some new pine boards and some good quality pallet wood pieces. My wife Ana suggested the black chalkpaint for the sides, so that the names could be added. Originally I thought I would make one box for each child but settled for one per group and one for the teacher table.

I am planning to create a few more examples and to list them in my Etsy markeplace store. Let me know if you have any questions, suggestions, or want to place an order.

  Chalk paint on wood pencil box

Pencil box for TK

Use chalk markers for best results

TK TinkerSpace (itehelp.info)

Holds pencils, rules, crayons, and other supplies

The #Nophonezone is nearly finished. I am making this charging station for our man-cave hangout area. It encourages people to put their devices on time out so that they can better spend time with others.

With student input, I added some flannel boards for story telling, some books, posters and miniature houses (3 Little Pigs). They have really enjoyed the puppet center as it has provided a balance of fun, play, and constructive story telling that they can engage in hands-on.

This is a story of simple addition and multiplication, and thankful hearts. I have mentioned before that I have a friend who works for a local manufacturer. I have met with their warehouse supervisor and shared my story. He has basically opened the door for me to have access to pallet wood, of varying origin, age, quality and size for free or low cost. What a gift! For a maker, this is a very…