Anne/K/FL - Tonight I have the distinct pleasure to introduce Cheryl Sigmon to Teachers.net. Please indicate if you have a question and wait patiently!
Susan/3rd/IN - I am intereste in knowing how you work math, social studies, science and health into blocks day.
Cheryl/4Blocks/SC - Susan, there are many opportunities to integrate with the 4-Blocks. In addition, we've been successful getting the other "pure" time in as well. Work with your schedule for what you value.
Barb L./1st/SC - Is it ok to "ease" into the blocks at the beginning of first or is it best to start on day one?
Cheryl/4Blocks/SC - Barb, yes, you really do need to ease in. Don't wait too long to get all of them up and going though or else you'll have some major gaps.
Roe/k-1/RI - Which of the 4 blocks is most beneficial to first graders?
Cheryl/4Blocks/SC - Roe, we don't value one over the other. The magic of 4-Blocks is the balance---all 4 approaches to reading.
Tallytchr - I want to use word walls in my Blcks..but I'm not sure how to set them up. Do you rearrange when you add words to keep them in ABC order?
Cheryl/4Blocks/SC - Once you put up your alphabet, you'll list new words under the correct letter--not in alphabetical order under the letter.
Gretchen/3/MD - As a new teacher, I'm nervous about introducing a 40 minute guided reading session. Don't I have to meet with 3 groups every day?
Cheryl/4Blocks/SC - Gretchen, no we don't do the traditional 3 reading groups. We introduce our mini lesson whole group, and then we have a number of ways for the kids to read and support each other. WE work on grade level and easiser material each week.
Julia/1st/CA - I need some quick background. Please give me a basic description of blocks. Thank You.
Cheryl/4Blocks/SC - Julia, the premise is that through this instructional model we ensure that every child will be exposed to all 4 ways to teach reading every single day. We get it all done---multilevel and multiapproach.
Barb L./1st/SC - You said not to wait too long to get all 4 blocks up and running. About how long should a first grade teacher take?
Cheryl/4Blocks/SC - Barb 1, you actually can start with a brief version of each of the blocks---or add as you get one up and going. Most of it's a management thing!
Bob R/CA - Thanks Anne -- Cheryl, do you have a website (for the record)
Cheryl/4Blocks/SC - Bob, no, I should do that soon!
Bob R/CA - let us know, and we'll add it to this archive :o)
Betty - My question is about writing, how do you encourage kids to write that don't seem to like to? I am thinking about setting up a choice center that they can write anything with a lot of diff, materials???
Cheryl/4Blocks/SC - Betty, in 4Blocks we convince kids that writing is just "telling" and that everyone has something to tell---every day!
Roe/k-1/RI - If all are needed, which one is best to start with and which one is next. How long before all 4 are operating smoothly?
Cheryl/4Blocks/SC - Roe, that's an individual thing, depending upon how much upfront time you want to spend organizing.
Cheryl/4Blocks/SC - Roe, many teachers have at least abbreviated versions up and going Day 1.
Addie k/mo - could you explain why word walls were not recommended in the kindergarten book? could they be appropriate in place of the picture dictionary if mastery was not the objective, but exposure?
Cheryl/4Blocks/SC - We concentrate more on association at the K level--name, environmental print, etc., things with which the kids closely associate. Those are the sounds and symbols that stick. We want it DAP.
Cheryl/4Blocks/SC - As a general note, I want everyone to know that our SC schools are having phenomenal success with the model.
Tena/1/ar - I have a 2 hour block set aside in the morning for language arts. Can I implement all 4 blocks in that time frame? I have math and Shurley english in the afternoon.
Cheryl/4Blocks/SC - Tena, 2 hours doesn't leave any "wiggle" room. Each block needs a minimum of 30 minutes.
JAB/1/NH - I've been reading about the FROG program and wonder why not abililty group for this subprogram?
Cheryl/4Blocks/SC - JAB, we still depend upon the strengths and weakness of the mix for FROG.
Cheryl/4Blocks/SC - Jab, additionally we always use flexible groups for any grouping we do.
Danny/2/GA - Right now I am most concerned with having enough below grade level reading materials for guided reading. Our county has adopted a new basal for this year. Any suggestions?
Cheryl/4Blocks/SC - Danny, Many basals come now with multiple copies of tradebooks that are great for GR block. Also, sometimes we've used previous grade level's basals. You need to convince admn. to spend $ that's necessary, too!
Cheryl/4Blocks/SC - Danny, you can also use student/class made books for the easy days of reading text.
Darcy/Librarian - Could you use the 4-blocks when teaching script/play writing?
Cheryl/4Blocks/SC - Darcy, we teach all kinds of genre in our writing block. That's perfect!
Cheryl/4Blocks/SC - ONe great thing about 4-Blocks is that it's not a commerical program. Basals or lit. based is acceptable.
Tena/1/ar - What about teaching math and other programs that the district requires?
Cheryl/4Blocks/SC - Tena, we certainly still teach the other core content areas. There IS time during the day.
Tallytchr - Please excuse me for barging in earlier....I didn't pick up on the form at change! Iwant to use Making words...but we have a tradition of word lists o f spelling families..how could I do both?
Cheryl/4Blocks/SC - Tallytchr, there are numerous activities during the Words Block that introduce and practice word families. We also have some word families included in the Word Wall during that block. The Families are really important.
Cheryl/4Blocks/SC - Tally, the Word Block is all about spelling and decoding patterns.
Lisa/1/MI - This will be my first year in first grade. I have Classrooms that Work, and just bought your book today. Do you recommend anything else to get started with four blocks?
Cheryl/4Blocks/SC - Lisa, Pat and Dottie have a first grade phonics book out that will be helpful. Also, I think that PhonicsThey Use is a great help in learning the various actvities that plug in to all the blocks, especially the Words Block.
Cheryl/4Blocks/SC - Lisa, that phonics book is called "Month by Month Phonics for First Grade."
Kathleen - Info about Pat Cunningham, 4-Blocks, her books and URL are in our Archive under "Pat Cunningham". Just click on "Archive" over in the left frame, then click on "Pat Cunningham". Her books are listed there. Each title is linked to Amazon so that when you click on a title, you will be able to order it (that helps Teachers.Net at no extra cost to you)
Danny/2/GA - Our new basal comes with blackline masters for "Take Home Readers". Since my second graders did not have this series last year, do you think I could use the first grade take home books for lower level guided reading? Our county sold all of our old basals for recycling.
Cheryl/4Blocks/SC - Danny, I hate to hear about the old basals. Yes, you could use the take-homes, though they may be a bit too easy. You'll have to judge that.
Cheryl/4Blocks/SC - DAnny, involve your librarian, too, in finding more books for your room.
JAB/1/NH - I do a new Making Words lesson once a week, then focus on sorting and working with the patterns in various other exercises throughtout the rest of the week. Is it necessary to do a new MW lesson more than once a week?
Cheryl/4Blocks/SC - JAB, Pat prefers trying to sort the same day you make the words and likes to get in some transfer as well. Have you tried adding more activities to your block? There are so many great ones! Don't get in too much of a routine.
Cheryl/4Blocks/SC - Jab, try Rounding Up the Rhymes, Guess the Covered Word, etc. Keep the Word Block fast paced and varied.
Cheryl/4Blocks/SC - Jab, we use Making Words about twice a week, mostly because the kids love it so much. Don't worry if you're varying the activities and getting the skills, patterns, etc. in.
Tallytchr - On self selected reading time....how do you monitor what they read....or do you?
Cheryl/4Blocks/SC - Tallytchr, the teacher conferences with "the kids of the day" during the SSR time. We get skillful at our questioning. We're also visually monitoring the room, of course, so that all kids are on task.
Kathleen - Presubmitted question: What is the order of each of the blocks in her classroom? Is Shared/Guided Reading first, followed by Self-Selected reading, Words, then Writing? Thanks! Janis
Cheryl/4Blocks/SC - Kathleen, there is no prescribed order of the blocks. It's usually teacher-preference. For some teachers, it's like spinach---they want to get their least favorite block out the way first. You determine the order.
Gretchen/3/MD - I'm worried about whole group when I have kids reading on a primer level and kids on a 4th grade level. Whole group strategy lessons, pair reading and coaching groups seem more manageable but what do I tell my supervisor who expects to see every child reading/problem solving at his/her instructional level in a small group setting led by me every day?
Cheryl/4Blocks/SC - Grethchen, again it's the balance. If the Guided REading block were the only block, we could not in good conscience deliver this program. The upper kids are getting their bonus during SSR but are also working on comprehension skills during Guided Reading. We're showing great gains for the upper level kids.
Cheryl/4Blocks/SC - Gretchen, one more note---we also find approprate times to work with small groups during the day when necessary---and the SSR conference is one on one.
Sheri/1/GA - Cheryl, I saw on the 4 blocks website that a teacher's manual for the 4 blocks would be published this fall, is this in addition to your book?
Cheryl/4Blocks/SC - Sheri, Pat, Dottie, and I have drafted a teachers' guide as you stated. It will take my framework and add the narrative, describing more clearly the activities and classroom setting. I'm excited about it.
Susan/3rd/IN - Is it possible to do the 4 blocks if I have a one-hour block in the morning and one in the afternoon? I also do Saxon math which takes 45 minutes to do. I am concerned with the lack of block time.
Cheryl/4Blocks/SC - Susan, the blocks don't have to be consecutive amounts of time. Two hours will be tight---2 and 1/4 would be best. We do 1 hour of math.
JAB/1/NH - You ststed that during SSR "We get skillful at our questioning" - Can you give some examples?get skillful at our questioning.
Cheryl/4Blocks/SC - Jab, especially at the upper levels when kids are reading chapter books that we haven't read, we might ask a question and then ask them to defend the answer with a passage. "Can you show me the part that let you know that the setting was at the beach?" for exampe.
Cheryl/4Blocks/SC - With the SSR conference, we usually begin the year by having the student read a little to us.
Danny/2/GA - My wife teaches a self-contained learining disabled class (grades 2-5) at the same school where I am. She has "caught" the 4 Blocks excitement from me over the summer. Do you know of anyone who has implemented this approach in a special education classroom?
Cheryl/4Blocks/SC - Danny, we're experimenting with Sp. Ed. in several schools. I'll put you in touch with some of those teachers and with data they might have to offer.
Tallytchr - Earlier I asked about monitoring....monitoring may not have been the word I wanted....I actually wanted to know if you do any "help" with selecting books for or with children so they are reading on an appropriate level....or if the choices are left entirely with the child?
Cheryl/4Blocks/SC - Tally, good question! We let kids have as much freedom as possible in their choices, but if we see that they continue to pick books that aren't appropriate, we "guide" them "gently" to more difficult or easier ones.
Kathy/5/IA - I was just wondering what suggestions you can give me: I teach 2 sections of 5th grade reading for one hour each. I'm trying to move toward a balanced literacy approach. which - if I'm understanding this right - that is the concept behind the 4-blocks. My students do have additional time during the day (besides that hour) for silent reading of their own material. Currently, I've been using novels (student Literature circles) Also, some of my students are ESL students - reading English quite a bit below grade level. I see them for about 30 min. and they go to a pull out for an hour.
Cheryl/4Blocks/SC - Kathy, your question is pretty complicated for a simple answer. You have my email and I would be glad to give you specifics. Maybe you can team with another teacher who can help pick up some blocks? We'll talk. Are both 5th gr classes different students?
Kathy/5/IA - Thank you, Cheryl - yes they are different sections of 5th grader (about 26 students each) Is you email listed somewhere. Thanks again
Cheryl/4Blocks/SC - cmsigmon@aol.com
Cheryl/4Blocks/SC - It's really been fun----and a bit of a challenge! The fingers just don't want to move fast enough! I hope we can get together again! Thank you so much for inviting me tonight. I wish everyone well with 4-Blocks. It has helped so many of our children become better readers and writers.
Kathleen - Cheryl, Teachers.Net is VERY grateful for your participation. I hope you will return sometime for another session!
Kathleen - Thank you to all. Anne, thank you for moderating.
Kathleen - Cheryl's book "Implementing The 4-Blocks Literacy Model": ISBN 0-88724-399-1, published by Carson-Dellosa. One distributor is IESS @ 1-800-644-5280. This info will be in the Archive.
Cheryl/4Blocks/SC - Thanks to everyone for showing up tonight! Let me hear from you if I can help you in the new year! Good luck!
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