Buying the Best Toy Is Not Child's Play
by Stevanne Auerbach, Ph.D. (Dr. Toy)
Facing a barrage of advertising and marketing ploys, adults often exhibit some rather childish behavior when looking for kids' toys. How many noticed the frenzy of the department store... READ MORE

From the Superintendent's Seat:
Recognizing Important Supporters of Education
by Dr. Carole G. Hankin with Randi T. Sachs
When most of us hear the words "New York State Regents," images immediately come to mind of either ourselves or our children sitting for a year-end exam, or worrying about the scores of one... READ MORE

New Web Program Teaches Young People to Help Protect the Planet READ MORE

March 2004

From the Superintendent's Seat:
Supporting Success at Every Stage
by Dr. Carole G. Hankin with Randi T. Sachs
We learned a few weeks ago that for the second year in a row, a student in our District has been named an Intel Finalist. Three others were named Semi-Finalists. Daniel, the Finalist, is one of only 40 students in the nation chosen to compete in Washington, D.C., in March for what is often called “the Junior Nobel Prize.” He told me he was thrilled and surprised to have won this honor (which includes a $5,000 scholarship that will help go toward his Harvard tuition), and how he was really hoping to go on to further success. The level of achievement our students reach is amazing, and we can see how important it is for parents and schools to nurture their children’s interests. . . READ MORE

IF YOU ASK DR. McCUNE:
About Learning From Your Students
by Lorraine Mccune, Ph.D.
In every course that I teach I ask my students to find a child to observe for 6--10 weekly visits during the semester. When they ask what to look for, I tell them to use their human radar, perhaps think about what we are studying (how children learn…their attachments to adults, etc.). Rather than an observation protocol, I believe that attending carefully and sensitively to a student and thinking about the child’s experience is an extraordinarily enriching process. I ask the students to write about each observation…not taking notes during, but rather after their time with the child. This helps them to focus on what they notice. . .
READ MORE

Best Socially Responsible Toy Products
by Stevanne Auerbach, Ph.D., (Dr. Toy)
Children greatly benefit when you provide toys and products that offer them the opportunity to learn more about social issues and community. These products will help your child to learn more about caring about environment, animals, and themselves. Children gain from understanding about the world around them. . . READ MORE

SEEDS Teaches More than Just Plants
A new classroom curriculum, Garden Adventure SEEDS (Science Exploration, Education and Discovery Series) for kindergarten and first grade, premiered last spring to select educators with resounding success. SEEDS teaches about plant parts while strengthening inquiry, literacy, and numeracy skills. Subsequently, SEEDS rolled out to more than 30 schools, close to 100 curriculum units were sold, and approximately half a dozen teacher-training sessions were conducted. . . READ MORE

January 2004

Best Education Products: Playing & Learning
by Stevanne Auerbach, P h .D. (Dr.Toy) READ MORE

Product Review:
Coloride Workbooks
by Rick Sulz
High technology is a wonderful thing, and, when used correctly in an educational environment, can greatly enhance learning. That's an undisputed fact. But given the fact that teachers have been teaching and students learning for countless centuries, one sometimes wonders "is it possible... READ MORE

Learning—The Process that Counts
by Dr. Carole G. Hankin with Randi T. Sachs
I'm sure every parent has been asked this question by their children more than once. It usually comes up during homework, or maybe after receiving a poor grade on a test or assignment. Our children look to us to answer satisfactorily "Why do we have to learn this?" They might even follow... READ MORE

Sweet Treats in the Everett Children's Adventure Garden READ MORE

December 2003

Children's Museum Events READ MORE

Dr. Toy Presents-Best Holiday Gifts Wish List
by Stevanne Auerbach, Ph.D., (Dr. Toy)
This is the time of year you want to begin to find those special play products for children. These products combine learning and fun plus they are unique and interesting. They will provide hours... READ MORE

Holiday Fun at NY Botanical Garden: Gingerbread Adventures Holiday Train Show
Twinkling lights, towering evergreens, a miniature New York made from plants glowing in the historic Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, and topiary bunnies with mittens and scarves baking... READ MORE

Letting Little Hands Reach Out
by Dr. Carole G. Hankin with Randi T. Sachs
I'm in the very best stage of parenting: It's called grandparenting. My three children have given me seven grandchildren all under the age of seven, and most are under the age of three. READ MORE

November 2003

Children Wrap Up Autumn at The New York
Botanical Garden
The fall season is coming to a close but there is still so much on display for all to see. Reds, yellows and other colors in between are shimmering on the trees, vying for attention. Visitors can check... READ MORE

About Special Education
by Lorraine McCune, Ph.D.
There was a time when students with disabilities received no education at all. The state of New Jersey by passing laws proposed by a state legislator named Beadleston in the mid 20th century led... READ MORE

October 2003

Fall into Fun at the New York Botanical Garden
In what seems like the blink of an eye, summer has ended. But the excitement of the fall season has just begun. This means there are new and interesting sights and sounds at The New York Botanical Garden. READ MORE

Dr. Toy Presents Best Toys for October READ MORE

New Official Website Offers US Kids A Look At Life
In Britain READ MORE

September 2003

Children Build a Culture of Peace in a Complex World
by Michelle Accorso
In John Lennon’s Give Peace a Chance, there were some very distinct sounding voices singing along with him as he pleaded with the world to listen to what he was saying. READ MORE

About Bilingual Education
by Lorraine McCune, Ph.D.
This volatile topic is often dominated more by closely held political opinions and cultural bias than by the needs of children, their teachers and parents. READ MORE

August 2003

Student Chess Players Compete In Nation’s
Largest Game
The Chess-in-the-Schools program is a nonprofit organization that provides free chess instruction to 38,000 economically disadvantaged children in 160 New York City public schools. READ MORE

A Time for New Beginnings
by Dr. Carole G. Hankin with Randi T. Sachs
Regardless of the fact that New Year’s is celebrated on January 1st, every parent knows that the beginning of the new year is right around the day after Labor Day, when school begins again for our children. READ MORE

Internships & Study: Prepare for Next Summer
Compiled by Katarzyna Kozanecka and Rob Luchow
This is the conclusion of Education Update’s list of educational summer activities for New York City students. These programs will still be around next year so save the list. READ MORE

June 2003

Number Of Black Children In Extreme Poverty Hits Record High
The number of Black children living in extreme poverty is at its highest level in 23 years, according to an analysis released by the Children’s Defense Fund. READ MORE

Dr. Toy Names Metanon Board Game “Best Children’s Vacation Product”
by Institute for Childhood Resources
Metanon: The Biocode Adventure(tm) was selected by Dr. Toy as one of this year’s “Best Children’s Vacation Products.” One of several hundred applicants, the game was selected for its unique design and educational value. READ MORE

Flower Power “Rules” this Month in the Everett Children’s Adventure Garden at The New York Botanical Garden
For Families: NEW! Flower Power-June 14-September 14, 2003, 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
Visit the Adventure Garden and experience the dizzying diversity of color, fragrance, shape, and size found among our blossoms during this summer’s floral festival. See beautiful flower sculptures combined with nature’s own bounty. READ MORE

“Father Of Head Start” Warns of Dangers of Dismantling Head Start
Edward Zigler, Ph.D., the man widely known as the “father of Head Start,” was recognized recently with an award at the National Head Start Association’s 30th annual national training conference.
READ MORE

Research Finds Decline In Outdoor Play
by Dr. Rhonda Clements
With summer approaching, many New York City parents can recall childhood memories involving stickball, sidewalk chalk, handball, jump rope, and a variety of child-created games. READ MORE

March 2003

If You Ask Dr. McCune Education Begins with Play… for Boys & Girls!
by Lorraine McCune, Ed.D.
A trip to some of the showrooms at the recent Toy Fair confirmed the broad divide between schools and toys and between toys for girls and toys for boys. A visit to Toys-R-Us, or the boutique toy store in midtown will tell you the same thing. READ MORE

The 2003 Columbia Space Shuttle:
How to Talk to Children about the Tragedy
by Robin F. Goodman, Ph.D., A.T.R.-BC
What should I say to help children understand?
Some general guidelines: Keep in mind the child’s age, personality, general tendency to fear and worry, and level of interest. Monitor your own reactions as children learn the most from, and often worry the most about, those in their immediate environment. It is important for both children and adults to maintain their routines and talk about information and feelings as they evolve. READ MORE

February 2003

Best Toys for February Fun and Learning
by Stevanne Auerbach, Ph.D. [Dr. Toy]
Parents and teachers should look for products that have enduring qualities, are reasonably priced and will help children to learn. I suggest a good mix... READ MORE

Just Take a Deep Breath
by Dr. Carole G. Hankin with Randi T. Sachs
We’re either feeling it or talking about it, but the subject is all around us. What we’re talking about is stress. Stress seems to be almost an accepted... READ MORE

Playful Learning and Creative Societies
by Mitchel Resnick, Ph.D.
In the 1980s, there was much talk about the transition from the “Industrial Society” to the “Information Society.” People began to see information, not natural resources, as the driving force in...
READ MORE

January 2003

Best Toys for New Year’s Fun and Learning
by Stevanne Auerbach, Ph.D. [Dr. Toy]
Look for Dr. Toy’s Recommendations next month
Parents and teachers should look for products that have enduring qualities, are reasonably priced and will help children to learn. We want to provide children with learning and fun... READ MORE

Out of the Mouths…
by Dr. Carole G. Hankin with Randi T. Sachs
A Congressional redistricting brought in a new (to us) Representative who promises to be a strong supporter of our schools and our community. I had the pleasure of... READ MORE

No Child Left Behind: Research and the Art of Teaching
by Dr. Lorraine McCune
Enactment of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (Public Law 107-110) will ensure that all children learn by supporting educational activities evaluated by... READ MORE

December 2002

Welcome Back, Madame Secretary Elaine Chao
by Dr. Carole G. Hankin with Randi T. Sachs
I was so pleased when U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao accepted my invitation to return to Syosset High School and receive our very first Alumni Award of Distinction. Secretary Chao graduated Syosset High School with the Class of 1971. READ MORE

Discovering Literacy is Like Discovering Language
by Lorraine McCune, Ph.D.
It is sometimes said that “writing is talk written down”. If this were true, the major problem in learning to read would be linking up the message on the printed page with something we might express in speech or sign language. READ MORE

November 2002

From the Superintendent’s Seat:
Teaching Our Children to Give Back
by Dr. Carole G. Hankin with Randi T. Sachs
Our children study a great many subjects in school... READ MORE

The Power of Teachers
by Dr. Lorraine Mccune
This fall, after a twenty-year hiatus, I find myself again teaching students who aspire to the teaching profession... READ MORE

Harvest Unique Programs in the Everett Children’s Adventure Garden at The NY Botanical Garden Pofessional Development For Teachers
Introducing the new “A Teacher’s Guide to the Everett Children’s Adventure Garden, Making Informal Learning Fun,” designed to help maximize the educational experience of a visit to the Adventure Garden for the teacher and students before, during and after a class trip... READ MORE

October 2002

From the Superintendent’s Seat:
Integrating Arts into the Curriculum
by Dr. Carole G. Hankin with Randi T. Sachs
When I heard that this issue of Education Update would be focusing on arts in education, I was so proud... READ MORE

Exciting Activities in the Everett Children’s Adventure
Garden at The NY Botanical Garden
Trees dressed with fiery red, orange, and yellow leaves; gold-kissed blades of grass, and crisp cool air means fall is upon us... READ MORE

September 2002

If You Ask Dr. McCune About Children and Grief–in the Long Term
by Lorraine Mccune, Ph.d.
Some believe that if a loss occurs when a child is too young to know their parent personally, or to remember a parent who has died, that the... READ MORE

From the Superintendent’s Seat:
Commemorating an Unforgettable Day
by Dr. Carole G. Hankin with Randi T. Sachs
“Where were you?” For many parents of schoolchildren today, that question was usually followed by “when President Kennedy was shot.”... READ MORE

Fantastic Fall Festivities in Everett Children’s Adventure Garden, NY Botanical Garden
This fall surround yourself with the orange, yellow, and red leaves of the trees in the Everett Children’s Adventure Garden and experience the beauty... READ MORE

August 2002

The Pressure to Perform: Stressed Out in Preschool
What are the effects on children and parents?
by Amy Flynn, M.S., M.Ed.
Being the Director of the Family Center has afforded me the...
READ MORE

Getting Ready to Make a Fresh Start
by Dr. Carole G. Hankin with Randi T. Sachs
As we all know, the month of August means one thing: school and September are just around the corner. READ MORE

July 2002

From the Superintendent’s Seat 
Building Self Esteem Is Important For All Children
by Dr. Carole G. Hankin with Randi T. Sachs
By age nine or 10, children begin to take more notice if a classmate looks, acts, or dresses differently. READ MORE

About Children and Depression
by Lorraine McCune, Ph.D.
Every moment of infant and childhood happiness is precious. As the adults in charge, parents or professionals, we hold the possibility of... READ MORE

Keep Your Child’s Mind Fresh During the
Hot Summer Months
A study conducted a few years ago found that over the summer vacation, children can lose a quarter of their reading and math skills. READ MORE

June 2002

Kids Hunt for Allergy Clues at Bronx Zoo
by Tom Kertes
What could zoos and allergies possibly have in common? READ MORE

From the Superintendent's Seat
Electives Can Be Enlightening
by Dr. Carole G. Hankin with Randi T. Sachs READ MORE

May 2002

From the Superintendent's Seat
There Are Always New Discoveries to Make,
New Things to Learn
by Dr. Carole G. Hankin with Randi T. Sachs READ MORE

Parents and Caregivers are the Key to Children's Successful Language Growth READ MORE

April 2002

Saying Good-bye to a Teacher Mid-Year
by Helen Frazier
In November, a little girl gave the head teacher in our preschool class a hug and said, "Your belly is fat. Have you been eating too much food, or... READ MORE

The Time for College Decisions
by Dr. Carole G. Hankin with Randi T. Sachs
"April is the cruelest month." Whoever thought that T.S. Eliot was referring to college acceptance letters? In early April, high school seniors and their... READ MORE

March 2002

Shaping Tomorrow’s Leaders: Global Kids
by Jan Aaron
Do you want your kids to become world leaders? Then, get them involved with Global Kids, Inc., a non-profit youth organization that “turns... READ MORE

From the Superintendent’s Seat
Make Travel Time Count
by Dr. Carole G. Hankin with Randi T. Sachs
This is the time of year when spring break is right around the corner, and soon after follows summer vacation. READ MORE

e-Toys and Learning:
Can e-toys find a place in the classroom?
by Lorraine McCune, Ph.D.
Reading, Writing and Mathematics ha-ve supplanted play as the primary concern of kindergarten teachers. Gone is the relaxed playful notion that the... READ MORE

February 2002

Teaching the Dream to Preschoolers
by Margaret Blachly
In our multi-ethnic, multi-cultural, inclusion classroom of three and four year olds at the Bank Street Family Center, we teach the children from the... READ MORE

From the Superintendent’s Seat
The Making Of A Museum
by Dr. Carole G. Hankin with Randi T. Sachs
A number of years ago, children at a Syosset elementary school found READ MORE

January 2002

Toilet Learning at the Bank Street Family Center
by Diana Musa
Many parents of toddlers begin to wonder when it’s time to make the developmental move from diapers to underwear. READ MORE

Great Games for Growing Children
by Stevanne Auerbach, Ph.D. (Dr. Toy)
Games are excellent for to learn and gain confidence. Playing games provides many skills like strategy, observation, sequencing, plus learning to share... READ MORE

From the Superintendent’s Seat
Back To Basics
by Dr. Carole G. Hankin with Randi T. Sachs
A common education theme we are hearing is the question, “What about getting back to basics?” Such concern stems from identification of poor skills... READ MORE

If you ask Dr. McCune… Every Child is an Individual
After many decades of enforced segregation in “contained” classrooms, often labeled with diagnoses that quickly became pejorative, children with... READ MORE

Children’s Software Reviews READ MORE

December 2001

Best Five Toys for the Holidays
by Dr. Toy (Stevanne Auerbach, Ph.D.) READ MORE

A Feast Beyond Compare Focus on Special Education
by Dr. Carole G. Hankin with Randi T. Sachs
I attended a pre-Thanksgiving feast at one of our district’s middle schools recently. This annual tradition has always been a special occasion, but... READ MORE

November 2001

Should We Celebrate Holidays in School?
by Diana Musa and Heather Prince-Clarke
There are several factors that influence how we celebrate holidays at the Bank Street Family Center. Our overaching philosophy of inclusion dictates... READ MORE

New Roles And Possibilities For Our Schools
by Dr. Carole G. Hankin with Randi T. Sachs
On September 11, when our nation was devastated by the sudden attack by terrorists, our schools were in session. It has been over 50 years since we... READ MORE

If you ask Dr. McCune… About Children and Tragedy
Our children have experienced a terrible change in the context of their daily lives. Some have witnessed events first hand that no one should have... READ MORE

October 2001

The Everett Children’s Adventure Garden
at The New York Botanical Garden READ MORE

Give Them a Chance to Shine
by Dr. Carole G. Hankin with Randi T. Sachs
Three words that are certain to bring back memories for all of us are: The Class Play. As superintendent, I’m not sure which is more fun to watch. READ MORE

Ask Dr. McCune
by Lorraine McCune, Ph.D.
How can parents and teachers cope with high-stakes testing?
READ MORE

September 2001

School is for Kids
by Dr. Carole Hankin with Randi T. Sachs
Why is it that we can’t have a discussion about school anymore without mentioning the “T” word? Tests are not what school is all about.
READ MORE

August 2001

Cooking Up Ways of Helping Infants Grow
by Tom Kertes
Good early childhood development is scientifically acknowledged as the most important factor in a person’s later quality of life. READ MORE

Tips for Packing School Lunch READ MORE

Separation:
What It Looks Like in an Infant/ Toddler Classroom
by Tamira Levine M.S. READ MORE

July 2001

Make Summertime a Learning Time
by Dr. Lorraine McCune
Educators often bemoan the loss of learning in their students over the two-month summer break in the school year. READ MORE

A Teacher's Journey to Understanding War Play
by Judi Gentry
Every year, the children in my preschool classes have engaged in some kind of war play. READ MORE

A Visit To Washington
by Dr. Carole G. Hankin with Randi T. Sachs
A few years ago, Syosset Schools received a visit by then US Secretary of Education Richard Riley, who wanted to see a successful public school... READ MORE

June 2001

The Teachable Moments of Spring: Growth is Universal
by Lindsay Salz
The magic of spring can be a wonderful vehicle for teaching young children many new concepts. With the arrival of a new season, many preschoolers... READ MORE

Blues’ Clues’ Goals
Blues’ Clues videos are very popular with young children, but parents watching them may not always know the education goals of each episode. READ MORE

In Honor of Teachers
by Dr. Carole G. Hankin with Randi T. Sachs
As Superintendent of Syosset Schools for the past 11 years, I have interviewed too many teachers to count. READ MORE

Virtual Y Receives National Recognition
After nearly three years of reorganizing, improving, planning and measuring the quality of their After-School Program, the Virtual Y site at P.S. 22, a... READ MORE

May 2001

Speaking to Young Children about Death and Dying
by Tarima Levine

What Is New in Early Childhood Education?
by Dr. Lorraine McCune

Speaking to Young Children about Death and Dying
by Tarima Levine

Regent Harry Phillips Visits Syosset Schools
by Dr. Carole G. Hankin with Randi T. Sachs

April 2001

Making a Feltboard Story for Tots
by Margaret Blachly