Kayla - Hi, It is the end of the year and we are evaluating our language arts program and I would like to try 4 blocks - I am looking for advice for beginners
Alison/4/OH - Well, I'm looking for ideas as well. Our entire school is going to implement the program next year.
Alison/4/OH - So I'm a beginner too!
Kayla - That is great. I teach second grade and am going to pilot the program.
Alison/4/OH - Cool, I teach 4th...taught 2nd one year....
Sakinah - I am a beginner too. I teacher 1st - 4th reading and writing.
Sakinah - I want to try one block for everybody
Alison/4/OH - hmmm, doesn't sound like we're going to be too much help to each other...heheh
JennyBC - hold on a want a new colour
Alison/4/OH - I am going to implement the whole shebang next year at one time.
Kayla - How do the other teachers feel about starting the 4blocks? Some of the teachers in my building are resistent and prefer their traditional ways!
JennyBC - that blue was too light
Alison/4/OH - Hi jenny, that color is better...the other was too light
JennyBC - yes
Alison/4/OH - Well, we are leaving behind us a VERY rigid direct instruction prgram, success for all (SFA), so everyone is ready for the change
Alison/4/OH - we will feel free!
JennyBC - if i have a class to myself next year i want to implement the whole 4-blocks program
Alison/4/OH - what do you teach now jenny?
JennyBC - only a few teachers in our whole district use 4-blocks, most have never heard of it
JennyBC - i teach grade 2 now
Alison/4/OH - do you share?
JennyBC - yes, i teach 2 days a week in the class with a teacher that will be retiring soon
Alison/4/OH - Our whole district is using it, although I'm sure it isn't being implemented the way it is supposed to be by all.....considering one of the trainings we had the woman was telling us all wrong, yet she was recommended by the principal as doing a wonderful job at implementing
Alison/4/OH - our language specialist at the board doesn't even know the program, but claims too
Alison/4/OH - i've done ALOT of research this year on it.
Sakinah - That sounds bad Allison. So how are yoou going to do it?
JennyBC - is 4-blocks mandated at alot of districts in the states? it seems to be very popular
Sakinah - I work at a private school I get to do what I want
Kayla - What have you found out - any resources you would suggest reading?
Alison/4/OH - I will start out using the upper grades book as a bible, the month by month as a bible, and such
Alison/4/OH - I suggest the 4blocks books by patricia cunningham
Alison/4/OH - Lucky you sakinah!
Alison/4/OH - our principal is VERY much on task, do what you are supposed to do or leave kind of person...lover her, but sometimes!
JennyBC - i was signed up for a 4-blocks workshop in edmonton alberta, featuring pat cunninham and dot hall...i was SO excited, but it was cancelled due to lack of interest
Alison/4/OH - Kayla, I've also printed off lots of resources from the internet to use also
Alison/4/OH - That's too bad...I just found out today that I get to go to a training (forget the trainer) here in Ohio in July
Sakinah - thats awful Jenny where can I found out when/where they are given?
Alison/4/OH - Do you all belong to the mailring for 4blocks here at teachers.net...they have invaluable information
Kayla - Sakinah - I work at a private school too and the teachers there think we should all teach the same - like they have been for years!
JennyBC - i found out abou this one at school
Kayla - Allison - Where is the training - I live in Ohio too! I would love to go!
Sakinah - I do there is a great resource book list going on there
JennyBC - sorry all, gotta go for now, maybe see you later
Sakinah - bye Jenny
Alison/4/OH - Yes, I read mosaic of thought last summer, and strategies that work, and On Solid Ground (highly recommend for 2nd grade teachers)
Regina - I'm from Brazil and I work in a private school too
Sakinah - I am in AL but Ill be in Chicago this summer How can I found out about a 4B seminar?
Alison/4/OH - the teacher that wrote that book is awesome
Alison/4/OH - go to www.cherylsigmon.com and find out her workshops there
Alison/4/OH - also just go to the www.fourblocks.com website
Kayla - Thanks for the recommendations! I do have some of Patricia Cunningham's books and like them.
Sakinah - THANKS!
Alison/4/OH - welcome
Alison/4/OH - I think there are a few workshops going on in that area if I remember correctly...I had thought about making the drive if needed...
Alison/4/OH - Hi REI
Alison/4/OH - So are you doing 4 blocks in Brazil, Regina?
REI - Hi everyone
Alison/4/OH - Sakinah are you moving to chicago?
Regina - No, Alison. But I'm sure taking a look at the site to check it.
Alison/4/OH - REI, so far all of us are beginners here...are you currently teaching 4 blocks
Sakinah - No I m going to visit my mom
Alison/4/OH - I see!
Sakinah - Does anybody know who wrote Power of Retelling?
REI - Alison~I've been teaching 4 Blocks approx. 5 years.
Sakinah - COOL and expert!
Alison/4/OH - I would love to gleen information from someone as to the best things to start with over the summer...I like to be organized and ahead of the game
Alison/4/OH - awesome!
Regina - It was very nice to be in this chat room. I'll be back any other time. See you, everybody.
Sakinah - REI - I teach 1 - 4 reading and writing. I want to try one block next year at all levels
Alison/4/OH - Sorry I don't sakinah
Sakinah - Do you recommend one to get started?
REI - Sakinah....well, I do give 4 Blocks workshops.
Sakinah - Really? In Chicago or Northern ALor Southern TN?
REI - Sakinah...is this a Title One setting, Special Ed????
Sakinah - No I teach at a small private school
REI - Hmmm...well, are the students going to have anyother 4 Blocks exposure?
Sakinah - I teach all of the English language subjects with one other teacher. The other classes are math, science and Arabic
JennyBC - if i do it next year, i'll most likely be the only teacher in the school that's even familiar with 4-blocks
REI - Jenny...that was my situation when first starting. Now we are district wide 4 Blocks!
JennyBC - that would be great REI!
Sakinah - I just don't want to try more than I can handle. 4th grade is new to me also. We are a new school adding one grade per year
Alison/4/OH - REI our school is the only school that didn't do 4 blocks this year, but we will be schoolwide with it next year...any ideas on getting myself super organized this summer
JennyBC - yes i'm also going to be trying to get myself organized during the summer, that is, if i have a job to organize for!
Brian AD - Are you Jenny? Sorry if I assumed you were all female but most Teachers seem to be especially at the younger levels!
JennyBC -yeah brian just buggin ya
Brian AD - Did I slow down/stop the conversation? I can leave!
Brian AD - Have some other duties to attend to. See you later, perhaps.
REI - Well, everyone organizes differently. I spent my first summer trying to make as many things for my word block ahead of time as possible. I find that the Word Block is the most time consuming for prep work. I made my Making Word packets and putting them in a 3 drawer organizer. I also made up all of my Month by Month Guess the Covered Words on sentence strips. I do mine on a pocket chart. Make it easy for everyone to see.
JennyBC - REI: do you recommend the store-bought word walls, or making your own?
Alison/4/OH - making word packets...so what would be in this?
Brian AD - Bye Alison and Jeny. Thanks for your saying hello. Hope you other two say hi to your kids each day!
REI - Jenny....well, I made mine the first couple of years because there WASN'T a store bought one. I have used the store one ever since it came out. I'm on year 3 using them.
Alison/4/OH - I have the store bought ordered
Becky - so do i
JennyBC - and they're good? worth the money?
REI - Alison~manila enve. with the word cards for Making Words already prepared. I photo copied the list from the book(s), trimmed them to fit and stuck them on the front. Keeps everything together and is easy for a Sub if I am out.
Becky - I have been asked to teach a literacy class next year of 15 of the most at risk 1st graders... there has been some controversy...any thoughts
Alison/4/OH - woohooo, that was what I was planning to do...i was marking the pages from the mxm upper grades just tonight!
JennyBC - are the word wall words bought by grade level?
Becky - yes
JennyBC - so for a lower-end grade 2 class, i would buy the grade 2 word wall, or should i buy the one and the two?
Alison/4/OH - OK, now for storing my individual letters here's what I was thinking....the fishing tackle boxes that are divided into little compartments...I was going to get each team in my room one of those boxes, and keep my letters by teams...then the team captain could get out the letters for each person when it is time to begin. Does this sound feasible, or will I be sorry! Ths is 4th grade
Sakinah - REI are you doing in workshops in TN, AL or IL this summer?
REI - I use a 30 drawer nuts and bolts box. It is about 8 inches tall and 12 inches long.
Brenda - Alison, where in Oh are you? I'm Northeast Oh/5
Alison/4/OH - Hi Chris and Breanda
Chris - Alison....I use a similar concept with a tackle box in first grade and it works fine
Alison/4/OH - Cool, do your kids get out the letters for themselves?
Chris - yes........it took some "training" at the beg. of the year but its fine now
Chris - yes........it took some "training" at the beg. of the year but its fine now
Alison/4/OH - Great, if your firsts can do it, then mine better be able to be trained to handle it.
Chris - definately
Alison/4/OH - Brenda, I'm in Hamilton...southwest
REI - YEP...it is part of their morning routine on Making Words day. My 2nd graders are able to gather letters, get word wall paper, turn in home work, use restroom and be ready for "the Meeting" in 10 minutes.
Alison/4/OH - That's awesome to know these little guys can do it...problem in my building is the teachers at the lower grades don't "trust" the kids to do anything so I have to teach them in 4th what should already be in practice
Alison/4/OH - how many days a week do they make words...is it one?
Glenda 1st TN - I would love to know how you keep your letters in the correct order. I have several letters in a center for my students to use. They have it in the biggest mess. What should I do to keep it organized for next year?
JennyBC - hi alta rose!
Chris - hello
JennyBC - any 4-blocks workshops coming back to edmonton alta rose??
REI - When I went NC the first time, I had Pat C for Word Block. She at the time suggested it twice a week (on Mon and Tues).
Alison/4/OH - is that for lower grades or both upper and lower?
Alta Rose - What should be twice a week, REI?
REI - Making Words.
JennyBC - alta rose: how is the job situation in alberta for next year?
Glenda 1st TN - Alison, how long have you been doing 4 blocks with 4th grade?
Alta Rose - Oops! I've only been doing it once a week!
Chris - i only do making words once a week too
Alison/4/OH - never! will be brand new next year....
Chris - why did she suggest doing it on mon/tues?
Alison/4/OH - our school just dropped the success for all program!!!
lynn - I know this is off topic for 4 blocks but--does any one have suggestions for websites for benchmarks/indicators/courses of study and matching assessment??
Alta Rose - Well, I can't speak for the rest of the province, Jenny, but it's pretty bad where I am. I am in a small town and there's declining enrollment. There are quite a few people being involuntarily transfered, and not many places for them to go.
Alison/4/OH - sorry to sound so excited
Glenda 1st TN - Alison, have you talked with anyone to see how well it works in 4th and 5th?
JennyBC -that's too bad alta rose....i just got my lay off notice yesterday
Alison/4/OH - No, other than our district implemented the program this year, although i don't think too many did it to the full extent that it should've been
Alta Rose - I'm sorry to hear that, Jenny. Is it due to all the cutbacks?
Glenda 1st TN - What district are you in? What state?
JennyBC - alta rose: yes, increase in class sizes, school closures, decrease in enrollment
Alison/4/OH - Glenda are you talking to me? If so, I'm in Hamilton, Ohio
JennyBC - <<british columbia, canada
Glenda 1st TN - Alta Rose and JennyBC it sounds like cutbacks and the money crunch is everywhere. Sorry to hear it.
Alta Rose - Alberta, Canda. (Jenny's neigbhour)
Glenda 1st TN - Alison, Yes, I'm sorry I left your name off. Oops.
REI - At the time, I believe it was as a introduction to the "phonics" patterns being focused on for the week. Or to develop specific Science/Social Studies/Vocabulary Words.
JennyBC - yes it's especially bad here right now, we have a new gov't that is making drastic cut backs everywhere
Alta Rose - No, I haven't heard a thing. Have you?
Alison/4/OH - ok, for guided reading.... where do you get your books for lower level readers for the days 3-5 of the week?
JennyBC - no, i was very disappointed when that workshop was cancelled, i was so excited, especially since it was put on by pat cunningham and dot hall
Glenda 1st TN - Alison, our reading series has a set of books that are on an easier level for each story. We have 6 copies of each book. I plan on borrowing from neighboring teachers on the days I need a full set. Would something like this work for you?
REI - Alison~I do lower level 2 days a week. I use Scholastic News, Time for Kids a grade level below. I also subscribed to Reading A-Z.com. I pilfer old basals and such too.
Alison/4/OH - yes, we have those too (are you using Mcgraw-Hill by chance?) We have 8 of each book...so 16 for the grade level which wouldn't be enough for my class.
Alta Rose - Sorry for the last "hi." That was a nosy daughter who snuck that in when I went to give my son a towel!
Glenda 1st TN - No, I'm using Scott Forseman. How many students do you have in your class?
lora - Maybe you should pay more attention to your kids
Alison/4/OH - Reading 1-z that's a new one for me
Alison/4/OH - oopps type...a
Becky - that sounds like something one of my boys would do
Glenda 1st TN - Alta Rose, Tell your daughter hello from Tennessee.
lora - That was for Alta Rose
REI - One of the things to make sure of is that the "lower level" material marketed by the basal comp. is actually a true lower level.
lynn - We are reworking ours and any help would be appreciated.
Alta Rose - OK, Glenda!
REI - www.Readinga-z.com
lora - another out of control kid with a parent who is too busy
Alison/4/OH - yes, I'm afraid that even the easier selection isn't really easier
emma - Hello Jenny. What's the 4 blocks topic tonight?
Alison/4/OH - Glenda, I have 21 students right now, will be around that or more next year
JennyBC - emma: REI is our expertshe's giving lots of tips to us newbies
REI - I always do a Readabilty on any new unfamiliar text to see if it is really as "easy" as they claim. I type the first 100 words in Word and it pops it right up for me.
Becky - what is readinga-z.com? are there stories to print there or read online?
emma - Thanks Jenny
JennyBC - what do you teach emma?
emma - 2nd grade, Jenny--regular classroom
JennyBC - i teach grade 2 also!
REI - http://www.readinga-z.com/ They are books that are printed off and ran on a copier. I use them for everything.
REI - I teach 2nd as well.
JennyBC - that is a great site REI
emma - Terrific! How long have you been doing 4 blocks, Jenny?
Becky - I teach 1st
Alison/4/OH - WOW, how cool are they!!!! I'm looking at them now..
REI - Reading A-Z had 30 free books you can download and try out.
Alta Rose - Well, it's time to go read to my son. I'll pop back in a few minutes and see if you're still here. See you later!
Becky - do you have to subscribe?
JennyBC - i haven't started it yet...this year i share, so i haven't tried it yet...i've just begun learning about 4-blocks...next year i'd like to try it if i can get my "own" class
emma - Bye Alta Rose
REI - Alison...I make a few with colored covers for my Self Selected baskets. Kids love them!!!!!!
Alison/4/OH - ok, for me who hasn't ever leveled books...a person reading on ending 2nd grade level would be about what level? 3rd grade level? and 4th grade level?
Glenda 1st TN - Alison, Would this work for your easier readers? When you borrow books from your neighboring teacher and come up short 5 books, Try letting 10 students buddy read while the others read alone.
REI - Alison...for Reading A-Z?
Glenda 1st TN - Bye, Alta Rose
emma - This year has been my first and I feel reborn using it. Sounds dramatic but it's true.
Alison/4/OH - Yes, REI
JennyBC - i'm excited to try it
Becky - It is my first year too using 4 block and I feel the same emma
emma - Becky, don't you wish you had known about it sooner. I do.
Becky - YES!!!!!
Glenda 1st TN - Emma, I can identify with your reborn feeling. I've just dipped my toe in the water with my first graders this week and I can't wait for school to start next year so I can get going full speed.
Alison/4/OH - Glenda, it could work, but I believe that even when kids buddy read they need their own copy so they can follow along (finger track, whatever if need be) etc....I hate for those that need that easier selection
REI - Levels L-P would be approx. 2nd O-T 3rd, S-W 4th
Becky - I have taught 1st for nine years...and I have seen the biggest difference in my students using this framework... they love to read....!
Becky - I have taught 1st for nine years...and I have seen the biggest difference in my students using this framework... they love to read....!
emma - Glenda, I saw your post on the chatboard. It's so exciting to see other teachers get the fever!
Glenda 1st TN - Your right about the need to track with the lower students.
Alison/4/OH - I can't wait to get the fever!!!
Glenda 1st TN - Thanks Emma, I think some of the teachers at my school think I've gone off the deep end.
REI - LOL....I still feel that way. I have a lot of visitors come to my classroom. They are always amazed at how "exciting" our day is. I tell them that it is like that everyday.
emma - Well, my 2 year old is bawling outside my door. Gotta go. Hope I can tune in longer next time. Bye all!
Alison/4/OH - where do you teach rei?
Becky - bye emma
Glenda 1st TN - bye, emma
Alison/4/OH - do any of you use AR too?
REI - IL. Have had visitors from IL, MO, IN, TN and KY.
JennyBC - nice chatting all....night
REI - Yes, we have AR. I use the books for Self Selected...students have a choice. If they want to read AR books great, but not a must.
Glenda 1st TN - REI, In first grade I've used a task board for my students when they finish a lesson, like math or while I've worked with a reading group, etc. Will this be needed with 4 blocks next year?
Alison/4/OH - too far for our school....we need to see some good 4blockers in action
Becky - We start using AR in 3rd grade
Glenda 1st TN - Night JennyBC
Glenda 1st TN - REI, does you school use the rewards for the AR
REI - Glenda..not really. You won't have traditional reading groups.
sheila/1/ca - Hi. This is my first time on the chat line.
Alison/4/OH - we began ar this year....I think it's OK, and would like to continue it next year...but some of my kids look for that AR sticker before they will read anything.....and I have a good mix of AR and non-AR on my shelf...
Becky - Hi Sheila
Glenda 1st TN - Shelia, I don't get to come to the chat room often. Just jump in.
REI - NO!!!! Thank goodness. We have taken a very low key approach to AR.
sheila/1/ca - Thanks Glenda
sheila/1/ca - We do AR but not until 2nd
Glenda 1st TN - I wish we would take a low key approach. There isn't a great deal of pressure this year, but last year our Central Office was breathing down everyones back to use the program.
Glenda 1st TN - Shelia, do you use 4 blocks?
sheila/1/ca - absolutly!!
Alison/4/OH - many of our teachers want to start something, but i don't know...my partner and I did a pizza party last quarter with it, and I will do it this quarter, but never again!!!! I have 4th graders reading arthur books galor, and any other picture book they can get their hands on for the points...and many trying to go back to take stuff like if you give a mouse a cookie....just for the points.....and these are on grade level readers!
Becky - I know with my own son it is hard to get him to read anything if it isn't AR...he's in 5th... and there are so many good books out there I would love for him to read
Alison/4/OH - Exactly how I feel Becky!
Brad/3 - That's the problem with reading for incentive
sheila/1/ca - This is my second full year and I'll never go back.
Alison/4/OH - I mean it's great to see some of my kids reading more, but.....
Becky - we use rewards at our school.... and they do the same thing there read lower level books just for points
REI - That is why I don't even drag out my AR books the first 6 weeks of school. I expose my kids to all the other books I have on hand. Nine times out of ten, they will choose a NON AR book over an AR book.
Becky - we do an incentive program with k-3 also... they get a prize for every 10 books read... and a field trip at end of year if they reach 100...
Brad/3 - Are you not able to "get rid of" the easier books?
Glenda 1st TN - Shelia, I will be using 4 blocks next year for the first time. I will also have a student teacher on the 3 day of school. I sure hope I can figure out how to get started without a lot of flailing around.
Alison/4/OH - for read alouds I never read an ar book anymore, hoping they will see that there is more out there. I'm thinking though that it is a new thing in our school this year, and the newness of it will wear off quick....
Alison/4/OH - Brad, I teach innercity with only about 30% of my kids in my class on grade level....so unfortunately no
Becky - My sons teacher requires so many AR points per semester as part of his grade...
sheila/1/ca - Glenda I think you'll love it. Just take a few steps at a time and get good at thoe, and then move on.
Alison/4/OH - I will never include AR in my grades!
REI - Becky..that isn't something AR supports or endorses.
Becky - I know...
Becky - I don't either... but... it is part of his grade...so he must
Alison/4/OH - Sad!
Jen/5 - I don't do AR and don't plan on it, although the lower grades do. My students have never asked about it this year. Hmmm.....
sheila/1/ca - Glenda do you know of any teachers you can go observe?
Brad/3 - alison, where do you teach?
Alison/4/OH - ohio
Jen/5 - Is anyone modifying for the upper grades?
REI - I use the 1 Now, 1 Next and 2 Quick and Easy format with my kiddos book selections. It helps them stay "on target".
Brad/3 - (giggle) where in OH
Alison/4/OH - jen i will be next year.......
REI - Jen~I give Workshops on Big Blocks.
Alison/4/OH - LOL oopps forgot that was in my name!!! Hamilton (near cincinnati)
Brad/3 - REI, explain
Jen/5 - This was my first year teaching fifth and my first year with 4 blocks.
Glenda 1st TN - No, not really. There is one teacher in a neighboring system that uses 4 blocks. I might email her and ask if I can drop in if my principal will give me an REA day. Good idea thanks
Brad/3 - how did you get into that REI
Brad/3 - did you enjoy jen
Alison/4/OH - brad are you in ohio
Brad/3 - yes
Alison/4/OH - where?
Jen/5 - Very much!! Only have 5 days left and can't wait for next year.
Brad/3 - do others in your building do it, jen
Brad/3 - alison, live in middletown, teach in dayton
sheila/1/ca - Glenda I can email you my plans for the first week of school if you would like. Or, you can get some off the message board.
Jen/5 - Hoping to do some inclusion. I'll have 8 to 10 sp. ed. with my regular class.
REI - Each child has a bag with 1 Now book (the on level book they are reading right now), the book they plan to read next (also on their level) and 2 Quick and Easy books (books or things like Scholastic News that are below their level). They read a quick and easy book when they have finished their Now book and really don't have time to start their Next book.
REI - Brad...how did I get into what?
Brad/3 - thought it was something like that, thanks REI
Alison/4/OH - Very close!! so do alot of teacher do 4blocks in your building? I would love to cme visit a classroom...
Brad/3 - how did you get into giving the workshops
Jen/5 - Some in the lower grades. No one in the upper grades. I'm the only self-contained fifth grades. The other three are departmentalized.
REI - Jen...I've taught an inclusion classroom for 4 years.
Glenda 1st TN - Oh Shelia, you are a dream, I would love to see a set of lesson plans for the beginning of the first grade year. I'll try to send you my email addresss.
Brad/3 - no, alison, i'm the lone ranger
Brad/3 - i think i may have convinced 2 next year though
Alison/4/OH - hmm, how long have you done 4 blocks?
Brad/3 - in my internship, in my student teaching (luckily cooperating teacher said, sure go ahead), and this is my first year
REI - 4 Blocks works well with Special Ed kiddos.
Jen/5 - REI, having a hard time talking administration into it. They are worried about the sp. ed. teacher changing. Sad...
Alison/4/OH - hmmm, what district in dayton are you in? do you know if it is similar to hamilton or not?
Brad/3 - i had a hard time keeping sections of it running (inner city took some adjusting)
Jen/5 - I think the sp. ed. kids could really be successful in my classroom.
Glenda 1st TN - Alison, did you get my email address?
Brad/3 - dayton public
REI - Jen..that is a shame. I have a wonderful partner. We work very well together. Our special ed kiddos usually make tons of growth over the year.
REI - Brad...as in OH?
Brad/3 - yes, rei, ohio
Alison/4/OH - yes, I did...sorry didn't even see that there
Brad/3 - why?
Alison/4/OH - OK, it disappeared....
REI - I've been contacted by a school in Dayton about working with their upper grade teachers in August.
Brad/3 - where?
REI - I'm trying to remember.
Alison/4/OH - Glenda, I saw your email for a second and when the frames reset it disappeared....
Brad/3 - I'm still curious how you started giving workshops
REI - Jen...they can be quite successful. My special ed kiddos are currently reading near or on grade level. My non special ed kids are reading 2-4 years above grade level right now.
Alison/4/OH - Brad, we have a 6th grade teacher that loves the idea of 4blocks, and is interested in a job in the dayton area...any openings in your building?
Brad/3 - alison, have you been 4b long?
Glenda 1st TN - REI, when you go to a school to do a workshop on 4 blocks, are the teachers already implementing 4 blocks or do you introduce the program and explain the great benefits?
Alison/4/OH - Next year will be our first year....haven't done it yet, just read alot
REI - Brad....because of Pat and Dottie.
Brad/3 - possibly, alison. building is a little in turmoil right now, but if she's hired in under this principal, should be no problem LOL long story
Brad/3 - rei, you know them, they saw you? . . .
Glenda 1st TN - Alison, I'll try again.
Alison/4/OH - thanks glenda
REI - Glenda...both. Many times I'm asked to come in and introduce the model.
REI - Brad....I
Alison/4/OH - OK, I'll pass the info along to HIM
Brad/3 - good, alison, we need more men in elementary
Becky - REI... do you see a lot of resistance from teachers who have been teaching another way for a long time... that is what I am finding in our building
Brad/3 - does he want to stay upper elementary?
REI - I've been to NC several times. I'm one of their endoresed presenters.
Glenda 1st TN - Our school is completing our SACs report. We are addressing Reading and Writing. I think 4 Blocks would be the answer to our seach. How would I get more info on having you or someone you recommend to come and give a workshop next year at the beginning of the school year?
Jen/5 - I'm hoping more teacher in our upper grades try 4 blocks after our training with Cheryl Sigmon this summer.
Alison/4/OH - Brad, as far as I know he would like to stay upper
REI - Becky....sometimes. It depends.
Brad/3 - Reason for the move?
Alison/4/OH - closer to home (he's in beavercreek) and a clash with our principal over discipline
REI - Glenda....I'm sending you my e-mail address. Have them contact me. I did workshops in TN last summer.
Brad/3 - how did you get "endorsed" rei? (sorry if i'm bugging you)
Alison/4/OH - they have two different beliefs
Brad/3 - ooh, then maybe he shouldn't come our way
Brad/3 - what are his beliefs
Alison/4/OH - it's only a recent thing, and I think it's because of the group he has...
Alison/4/OH - they are TOUGH! He is retired military, and has a hard time because our kids (poverty level) don't know how to respect and by the time they get to 6th grade they should, and I don't know that he accepts that well...I like him, he's great, just he has butted few heads and thinks he needs a fresh start
Brad/3 - did pat and dottie tap you on the shoulder with a sword? LOL
Brad/3 - we have someone similar to that in our building. takes time to get used to.
Jen/5 - Got to go. Five o'clock comes way too early.
Alison/4/OH - I'm just yhinking that same thing, Jen
Glenda 1st TN - REI, I've not received your email address
Glenda 1st TN - Good night Jen
REI - LOL...nothing so dramatic. Actually, I'm not sure how it came about for 4 Blocks. It just happened. LOL!!!!
Glenda 1st TN - REI, I got it.
REI - Well, darn. I'll send again.
Brad/3 - I just ask because I'd like to look down that avenue
REI - Oh good.
REI - Many who present started out on a school level. In other words, their school or district asked them to conduct building level workshops. Then they moved up to district level. Eventually, they have been asked by districts in their area.
Brad/3 - alison and glenda, my recommendations to you is to take is slow, slow, slow, and model, model, model. do one block per quarter if you have to (and start with word block)
Alison/4/OH - brad have you done the SIRI trainings in Ohio?
Brad/3 - rei, because my district asked me, but i feel like a sham because i'm not "endorsed" lol
Brad/3 - doing them last week in june
Alison/4/OH - unfortunately we are expected to implement full hilt from day one (proficiencies are BAD!)....but I will manage...I hOPE!
Alison/4/OH - thanks for the recommendation
Brad/3 - just take it slow alison, especially inner city and all
Brad/3 - my writer's workshop never did hit full speed this year
Glenda 1st TN - Brad, What makes you pick the word block? Thanks for the suggestions and encouragement
Brad/3 - they LOVE working with words and guided reading is okay
Alison/4/OH - I will concentrated on guided reading and making words, and hope the others can slide by, then hit up the others
Brad/3 - It's very active, rhythmic, kinesthetic
Alison/4/OH - and inner city need those 3 things!
sheila/1/ca - word working is the easiest to get started
Brad/3 - they like SSR too, but I have spent an EXTREME amount of time monitoring behavior
REI - Just a side bar here....it isn't 4 Blocks until you are teaching all 4 Blocks everyday. I suggest people try something for a couple of weeks and then add the next block.
Brad/3 - true , sheila, if you have the month by month book for your grade you're basically set
Brad/3 - true, rei
Alison/4/OH - i have been doing a modified ssr since returning from my maternity leave in january
Glenda 1st TN - Our reading series is Scott Forseman . It looks like it will work in the 4 blocks frame work really well.
sheila/1/ca - that's true
Brad/3 - the thing is--don't "add" 4b, replace something with 4b
REI - Glenda...I have Scott Foresman as well.
sheila/1/ca - the writing block is not too difficult either
Alison/4/OH - I will be doing all four blocks, but plan to concentrate my efforts in guided reading first and then the others until all are going well.
REI - Its not even replacing sonething...it's reorganizing.
Glenda 1st TN - I agree with Brad about replacing and not adding.
sheila/1/ca - my partners and I always say less is better...meaning take it one step at a time
Glenda 1st TN - oooh, REI I'll have to remember your words when I approach my principal.
REI - Geesh..I need to stop watching TV and trying to type.
Alison/4/OH - our school is also implementing new science and math next year!!!
Alison/4/OH - REI were you watching Tim McGraw...I was...hehehehe
Brad/3 - that's exactly what i said to those in my building, rei. It's a way of organizing your teaching
Glenda 1st TN - And what are you trying to watch? Wouldn't be Law and Order would it?
REI - YEP!
Brad/3 - REI, are you in OH
REI - Well, I need to finish up our Digital Memory Book and get the CD's burned.
REI - No, I am in IL.
Glenda 1st TN - Me too, I'm addicted. They had a Law and Order marathon one day. My daughter and I watched every episode from 8 am until 10pm. It was wonderful.
Alison/4/OH - I need to go to bed!!!! 5:00 is EARLY!
Brad/3 - When you remember the name of the school in Dayton, let me know
Alison/4/OH - It was great chatting with you all....thanks for so many wonderful ideas and management techniques!
Alison/4/OH - Goodnight all!!!
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