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jb/2/TX - has anyone used the 4block framework much?
Stacy - no - going to start this fall and NERVOUS
jb/2/TX - awww...are you learning alot?
LAS - I'm starting this fall too!
REI/2/IL - The framework is great! I love it.
jb/2/TX - I started 4blocks after Christmas last year and LOVE it
Stacy - I think I'm on overload - I just am unsure how to start the whole process
JRCSMF99 - I began the 4 blocks at the beginning of last year and it was wonderful
JRCSMF99 - It was overwhelming at first, but we had two teachers on our team who were trained in the model and they told us to take it a little at a time
Stacy - Last year I integrated bits and pieces such as word wall, making words, book clubs etc.
Stacy - I enjoyed it; however, now it's full steam ahead
Mags - Pleas explain the 4 Blocks Literacy model
JRCSMF99 - I am a beginning teacher and I loved the progress my students made this year using the 4 blocks model, it was unbelievable
jb/2/TX - which block do you all like/dislike teaching?
JRCSMF99 - I love the working with words and the guided reading blocks
LAS - I have done parts of the Writing. I like it so far.
jb/2/TX - Mags...4 blocks refers to Guided Reading, Writing Workshop, Working With words, and Self Selected Reading
Stacy - I like the working with words block but I don't like the making words activity. I just don't feel that I do it right
JRCSMF99 - The block I need to work on more is the Self-selected reading
jb/2/TX - my favorite blocks are guided reading and writing workshop
JRCSMF99 - Stacy do you have the Making Words book
Stacy - yes - it's very helpful
jb/2/TX - least favorite is working with words
LAS - JR I have heard it is hard to get them to stay on task is that the case with Self select?
deb - JRC, what are you struggling with ssr? Maybe we can help with your questions?
jb/2/TX - LAS...I REALLY model SSR at first and don't conference as such at the beginning trying to get everyone in the swing of it
JRCSMF99 - This year I tried doing the SSR between 7:30-8:10, when my students were coming in , but I found they were talking more than reading
LAS - I was told to get the book Phonics for your grade level to help with Working with words. I like the looks of it. It breaks everything down.
JRCSMF99 - I found out that I was not having enough time to conference with any of them
deb - In the first 4-6 weeks the conferencing you are doing is simply management conferences. How to pick books, settle in to read, etc.
REI/2/IL - Mags~The four blocks --Guided Reading, Self Selected Reading, Writing and Words--represent four different approaches to teaching children to read.
REI/2/IL - Month by Month Phonics is a great help.
JRCSMF99 - Our entire county was trained in the 4 blocks method and the Phonics for you grade level was our bible for the Working with words
deb - JRC -- When I am conferencing, I don't stick to the strict schedule of every kid every week. Instead I aim for every kid in a two week span. I USUALLY get them all in but if I don't a few weeks a marking period I don't panic.
jb/2/TX - deb...I appreciate all of the lessons you have shared online sooo much
LAS - I'm glad I got it then.
Stacy - My school administrators asked us to pick out the 4 block books we wanted so I picked about all of them that I could. The problem is we don't have them yet. I hope it's not the day before school starts when they arrive!!
deb - jb - that is nice to hear. I love writing them. They are a lot of fun!
JRCSMF99 - deb, do you use leveled books for the GR block
deb - JRCS -- another management tip for ssr time is to model and "bless" those really easy readers and then give one to the lower readers.
kjc25 - I see the chat is well underway. I have not used much of the 4 blocks ( I teach kindergarten), but have used the Building Blocks book off and on.
Stacy - Our school also just purchased HM - Invitations to Literacy series. I am so unsure of how to begin my planning
Sharon - do some of you not worry if you don't get to everyone every week one on one during SSR?
deb - JRC -- no I stick to the comprehension focus for guided reading
Stacy - It would be nice to have someone to plan with or a beginning of the year sample plan
Cheryl - Stacy, it's sooo much easier if you have some to collaborate with! Wish you did!
deb - During a nine week period I MAKE sure that I get to my kids 6 of 9 weeks and try for 9. Realities in the classroom interfere at times and I occasionally only get to conference 6 of 9 weeks
Sharon - that was a big concern last year--not seeing each child for conference EVERY week--is that OK?
ginn - Any suggestions on what to do this summer to help get prepared for using 4 blocks next year?
JRCSMF99 - Stacy, this was my first full year of teaching and my first year using the 4 blocks method and I absolutly loved it
Cheryl - Sharon, is there a reason you can't get to them all? Sometimes there are just too many kids and you might have a 6 day rotational plan.
Sharon - time constraints, Cheryl--just didn't get to all of them all the time
fred - Stacy: we use invitations to literacy but this will be my first year to use 4 blocks with it
Cheryl - Ginn, there are so many things you could do. So much of 4-Blocks is organization. Let's all suggest things for Ginn.
Sharon - this led me to meet with small groups (always varied) but I didn't like that way
jb/2/TX - ginn...I have been making all the cards for MAKING WORDS lessons this summer and typing guess the covered word lessons onto transparancies
Mags - How does one go about finding out about workshops, philosophy, training, etc???
Cheryl - Sharon, if you have a manageable number of kids you'll need to learn to limit your conference and pace yourself.
g/mo/2 - ginn-This summer I am going to TRY to get my books organized so that it will be easier to keep my book baskets stocked.
deb - Sharon, I would individual conference less frequently instead of small group conferences. The kids benefit more. I found that the bookmarks in the back of the Teacher's Guide To Four BLocks help. I would pass out the bookmarks, let the kids have time to think about what we'd discuss, then meet.
jb/2/TX - ginn...I am also reading Stategies that Work to understand better how to teach comprehension strategies
g/mo/2 - Cheryl-is there a Guess the Covered Words book in the making, like the one out for 1st grade?
kjc25 - Mags, our school system was offering a staff development course for it this summer and we all signed up. It is 2 days. I am not sure if someone called and requested it or not.
Cheryl - ONe teacher I know spent a good deal of time last summer just gathering artifacts, pictures, etc. to help with connecting kids to text for the prior knowledge in segment 1. I thought she was really smart to do that.
Sharon - I guess I just need to hear that it's OK not to panic if I miss someone one week!
deb - jb -- great book! I LOVE it. Be sure and read Guided Reading the Four BLocks Way -- excellent resource!!!
jb/2/TX - Cheryl...will you explain more in detail what you mean???
LAS - Jb Strat that Work is a good Book!
REI - Cheryl....any news on we can expect the TG for Upper Grades?
Cheryl - I would assume that the plan is for a Guess the Covered book for each grade---otherwise they wouldn't have specified first grade. I haven't asked.
fred - stacy-i teach first and we start out using the 14 day review in the beginning of the book. I didn't know they were there until someone else told me. I don't know about 2nd. Will definitely use month by month phonics
jb/2/TX - do you mean to go along with the book sets or the basal stories she uses in guided reading?
Cheryl - jb, please restate---what I mean about what. It's so hard to keep up with the conversation topics! Yikes!
Jane - I am looping from Kindergarten to First Grade and I am starting the second year of a two year masters program. My area of inquiry is transitioning from the Building Blocks to the Four Blocks, any ideas for research?
hlm - Cheryl- How did the workshop go in Indpls. on Mon. and Tues? I was with you last week during the Coaches Training. We are very excited!
Tamm - Stacy maybe you and I could plan together?
Mags - Where does one go for more info???
Cheryl - Upper grades book will probably be out around Christmas. Sorry I've been so slow. I'm still hoping teachers will send me there different schedules to include in that chapter. Pass the word for me, okay?
bette/tx - isnt there a website for the workshops??
Stacy - Cheryl - my team members took one of the focuses from the making words block of the chunks and actually made chunk cards with pictures. How would you tie this in. We would review the chunks that were posted twice a week along with hitting them with other activities.
deb - Lucy Calkins writing workshop is one of the four components, the other focuses are COMPREHENSION, PHONICS, and Reading at your level.
Cheryl - hlm, the INdy training was SUPER! What a great group of folks!
deb - bette, the workshops are listed at teachers.net
Cheryl - Stacy, I'm not understanding the chunk cards with pictures. You might have to describe.
Tamm - Stacy is this your first year in 2?
hlm - Does anyone have any new activities they love to use to introduce vocab. It seems we use the same one over and over. I don't want my st. to get bored
deb - mags, on teachers.net there are many four blocks resources. Cheryl has 50 plus articles; the chatboard, and the mailrings will help too.
Stacy - the chunk cards have a picture with the associated chunk such as; a duck with -uck beside it.
Cheryl - hlm, I love rivet, picture walks and the vocabulary flag as quick and easy ways to teach and review vocab.
Sharon - Stacy--do you have those up in the room for reference?
g/mo/2 - Cheryl: I love to read the articles and I'm especially interested in the ones concerning training. I'd like to know if there are any sessions planned in the KCMO area?
Min - I did not know there was a Guess the Covered Word for 1st. Where can I find it?
Tamm - The only prob is district mandated 90 min LA block and then trying to found the time for last block
hlm - Thanks Cheryl- you showed us the vocab. flag and I loved the idea. I can't wait to see my st. faces whenI lift the words off the screen!
Stacy - yes Sharon we did last year. We introduced 3 -5 a week and posted til end of year
deb - hlm - share the vocabulary flag idea
Sharon - Stacy--did the kids seem to look at them and use them?
jb/2/TX - deb...what theme/guided reading lessons do you start the year off with?
Stacy - most of them. They would stop in the middle of reading to tell me they found a chunk
deb - jb - I do animals all year. I usually start with Little Bear books and Frank Ashe bear books (easier reading for my kids)
Min - Please share the vocabulary flag idea. I don't know it
Sharon - I plan to do more with onset and rime this year--chunks might be a great tool on the wall
deb - sharon, the chunks are part of the word wall portion included in Month By Month Phonics for (your) grade
Stacy - I liked the chunks but didn't know how beneficial Cheryl felt they would be....Thoughts on this?
deb - over half of my second graders enter NOT reading beyond a 1.3 level. My "high" kids are reading at 2.0 begin of year
Sharon - my word wall was was high-frequency/spelling words--should I have chunks with the alpahbet also?
fred - anyone teach 1st?
deb - I use a lot of Gail Gibbons books. I also use Henry and Mudge quite soon in the school year
Stacy - lol - I understand. We have chuck cards posted (3-5) a week and kept all year. They have a picture such as a duck with -uck beside it. This is in additon to the normal chunk activites with 4 blocks
deb - sharon, there is a complete list of word wall words include high frequency and chunk words in the MXM book
Cheryl - The vocabulary flag is simply a stick with a piece of white cardboard stapled to it. You can use it to "scoop up" words from the overhead projector. You talk about the isolated word you're holding on the stick and then you return the word to the screen to talk about it in the context of the passage. It's so neat! Kids jump out of their seats the first time you do it!
Stacy - my chunks were in a visible spot but not with ww words
nmteach - My principal wants something on assessment. Where is the best place to look?
Sharon - thanks, Stacy, that was my question--so not on the word wall itself--another location
Cheryl - Stacy, I don't guess it hurts to do that. Do you have trouble getting everything in in the time you have available?
deb - mmteach, there was an excellent email on assessment tonight on the mailrings.
Stacy - I don't know wasn't a full fledged 4 blocker last year. Will be this year!
deb - sharon, the chunk words go ON the word wall not a separate place
Cheryl - nmteach, 4-Blocks assessment? There's some in The Teacher's Guide to the 4-Blocks and several articles posted in my column at T.net. Do you mean classroom assessment?
froglady - Mary and I started working on a FROG bppl
Sharon - I'm missing something--my word wall is alphabetical across the top--where do the chunks fit?
deb - the books explain how and why
Bryant - good question, nm... I'm a bit worried about getting some "objective" assessment
deb - bppl????? huh
Sharon - would I put -uck (with duck picture) under the U?
nmteach - Thanks, deb. I am disappointed that my teacher wants my whole grade level to switch to the 4 Blocks. I am just moving to 2nd grade and want to try it, but don't want to cram it down their throats as a newcomer. Any ideas?
Becky - Lyn, what about the Junie B books
Cheryl - Sharon, the whole word not just a separate chunk goes on the WW. You help kids with the connection with your activities, like with On the Back.
Tanya - Cheryl, will the upper grade strategies in your upcoming book be similar to what Connie Prevatte has trained us to do in our district?
deb - word wall word "went" then the chunk is ent. Any time they need to write a word that rhymes with went, they look at went to see the chunk. That is why we introduce 5 words at a time
Tamm - Lyn Junie B,. Jones, Arthur (chapter & picture) Magic TreeHouse, Amelia Bedelia, Little Bear
froglady - I meant to say book, today
deb - you'll really like it though. It is the best teaching tool, I have ever used. Don't let a bad set up sour you to this great approach.
g/mo/2 - Aren't the Junie B. books a little difficult for 2nd at the beginning of the school year?
Sharon - I undrstand about finding the chunks in the words--I do that. Stacy said she used pictures with the chunks as a visual aid and I wondered how she put them up on the wall after introducing them
Becky - yes but you could use them as read alouds and then have the children read them later on
Tamm - g/mo/2 For some of the kids, but not all
REI - What are you using as pre and post assessments?
Stacy - Sharon - maybe the chunk card idea isn't a good one, that's why I was asking. I had ww words alphabetical and then chunk cards as additional reinforcement; however, I was not a full 4 blocker. That's why I wanted some insight!
Jane - Cheryl, My reading specialist and I saw Patricia Cunningham last year and Dottie Hall this year, we are looking forward to your workshop this summer in Milwaukee. Just can't learn enough about the Four Block, it is wonderful!
Tamm - I had one student reading Harry Potter 1/2 way through year and 2 reading at the end
deb - junie b is middle to end of the year in my class. I use Nate the Great in Nov 'ish
Cheryl - Tanya, Connie's training is surely based on the basic 4-Blocks Model. My book will be written based on 4-Blocks phiolosophy and on what I've seen working in successful upper grades classes. There will likely be some differences, too, though I haven't been connected to Connie's training in a couple of years.
deb - I use Arnold Lobel books too at beginning of year to build confidence and refresh those kids who haven't been reading
nmteach - Where can I get a good Reading Inventory for pre and post testing?
Becky - the DRA have you heard of it- it's a great assessment. It's in line with the Reading Recovery Levels and Guided Reading levels
Bryant - Since I'm just starting out, is it okay to use the basal as the grade-level material for the guided-reading block?
Stacy - Any suggestions on a good way to start the year - with what types of g.r. and writing minilessons, etc.?
Cheryl - Stacy and Sharon, I wouldn't put just the chunk on the wall with pictures. You could have a separate area if you want to. Sometimes we can overload the walls, though, to the point that kids don't notice anything! Agree?
hlm - REI- we use the observation survey done in Reading Recovery
Min - Is there a Guess the Covered Wagon for 1st and if so, where can it be found
Tamm - We used the DRA this year, all K,1, & 2 teachers trained
DeeBee - We also started using the Rigby assessments in our school - they go all the way up to Level 30
sara - Can someone give me a "brief" overview of what 4-blocks is?
deb1 - The screen froze up and I was kicked off .... and Cheryl's message went crazy..... don't you love computers!!
Lyn - What's the DRA?
fred - min, you can find guess the covered word book at readinglady.com
hlm - Lyn- Developmental REading Assessment
REI - I am looking at purchasing DRA for use in my classroom.
Stacy - Do you send home the word wall listed weekly with the new updates?
DeeBee - Cheryl - I am teaching summer school to 3rd graders who are reading below grade level, and the entire morning will be devoted to Language Arts - I would like to structure the whole morning around the 4 Blocks - how would you suggest I structure our time?
Tamm - DRA - Developmental Reading Assessment have book in front of me
Cheryl - Sara, it's a method of teaching children to read based on the four approaches that experts agree are the ways that kids learn to read. Instead of choosing a method, we teach all 4 each day to all children in heterogeneous settings.
Arby - I'm a second grade teacher new to four block and I have a question about guided reading. Do I have to tap prior knowledge, intro vocab and teach a comprehension mini lesson all in the 5-10 minutes before, in one day or can I break it up to do during three different days?
deb1 - stacy, I do because the kids love it. They write me letters at home and point out that wwwords
Becky - lyn- it has children reading books and you take running records and ask comp questions. it also determines their level
fred - Is DRA easy to administer? What does it involve?
Cheryl - DeeBee, all 4 blocks would fit perfectly wouldn't they? You might try tying everything together with a theme so that you can integrate science/soc. studies/math, too.
deb1 - arby, break it up :) I try to set one purpose for reading everyday
Tamm - It is pretty easy, running record, previewing and comp questions
Becky - Arby - we all have problems with that one. i divide it up at times. i just bought the guided reading book today to help me.
Stacy - Do you just use a spreadsheet format with the letters across the top?
deb1 - DRA is A LOT of work to implement and use. You get a ton of info about your kids, but it takes a lot of time
fred - deb 1, How do you handle the rest of the class? I assume you work with kids individually?
Tamm - Deb I agree alot of work, we got a sub when we tested
deb1 - yes, thirteen letters on top and thirteen in the middle
Cheryl - Did everyone try all the different formats for grouping kids during the GR Block this year? How'd it go?
deb1 - yes, thirteen letters on top and thirteen in the middle
Becky - everything is a lot of work
hlm - To help use the DRA- I do it once a grading period during SSR conference time. The info. is worth it! It's easier if you have had some experience taking running records.
deb1 - The only format I don't like is playschool groups.
Stacy - I really like the book clubs and so did the kids
jb/2/tx - Cheryl...I tried them all and like book clubs the best
Becky - i did. some days were good, some were bad. the biggest problem for me is finding appropriate books and staying within the time constraints
Cheryl - Deb, why not, if I might ask?
Tamm - District mandated testing twice a year, it took almost 1 1/2 days to test all kids @5 kids
deb1 - I individual test during conferencing of ssr block
Sharon - I tended to use whole group more in 1st--looping to 2nd and will do more partner and small group (I hope)
g/mo/2 - I enjoyed the playschool groups, and my class LOVED it. Just keep roaming around the room, making sure they are on task...
Min - Where do u get the DRA
Cheryl - Y'all must be doing great because I think Book Clubs are definitely the most difficult to organize. Good job!
Becky - i did mostly paired or partner reading. sometimes we did the 3 ring circus towards the end of the year.
Tamm - How similiar are book clubs and literature circles?
deb1 - the kids all argued a ton about who was the teacher, if the teacher was doing it right, etc. My class wasn't a bickering class usually. They drove me nuts with playschool... I am OPEN to suggestions
Jane - Sharon, Have you looped before? Do others in your school loop?
Stacy - is it fair to give participation type grade during g.r. activities?
Lyn - My first graders really liked the book groups, I hope second will too. Two teachers who have never done 4 blocks are going to try it with me this year. I hope we can carry this off.
fred - I did my 1st running record last year as a requirement for a class. It was difficult and I used a tape recorder, but I knew what was going on and have decided to continue it. I had a wealth of info to tell her parents.
jb/2/tx - is there a certain format you use during Working with words...like do you do making words 3 times a week....etc....
Sharon - this is my first loop--several others have already--about 6 or 8 of us will be looping from now on
Cheryl - Deb, I assume you modeled a lot about what they were to do---their roles?
REI - We tried all of the GR activities....after coming back from NC in Feb. Loved using all of them.
deb1 - yes, that was what was so frustrating, they just didn't do it after modeling it several times. I finally decided to give it up until this next school year
Cheryl - Sharon, I think looping is great for 4-BLocks! You don't have to spend all that time on routines!
hlm - Deb- I always assigned the 'teacher'. That took care of A LOT of problems
Sharon - that's what I hear--am excited about that part for sure!
deb1 - they seemed to want the teacher to do it the way "mrs. Smith" does it.....
Jane - Sharon, I would be interested in discussing with you this year about loopingand how the four block framework may also be a great benefit to looping.
Becky - yo jb. i do a cycle: making words > word sort> word transfer> spelling pattern activity> spelling pattern activity. Sometimes Making words comes on Mondays, sometimes tuesdays whenever. i just keep the cycle going continuously
deb1 - hlm, me too, then they still bossed her around! hmmmm.... obviously this works for all of you. I'll have to rework this!
Cheryl - Deb, keeping their roles simple helps to. They should be guiding their group with simple questions and directions, "Everyone turn to page __" "What's the name of our story?" "Who's the author?" And they could restate the purpose you set for reading.
Sharon - Jane, am always open to ideas and suggestions--especially since this is my first time!
christy - jane-sharon I would be interested also. I'm going to loop to first grade with my 24 Kindergarteners from last year.
Jane - Cheryl, that is what I think will also be great about looping, much of the terminology and routines are already established.
deb1 - jb, I rotate guess the covered word, rounding up rhymes, making words, spelling word tranfers (on the back)
Bryant - me too, jane et al...looping 2nd to 3rd
Sharon - Several colleagues say looping is the best thing they've ever done
Cheryl - Fred and Arby, I'm glad to know that it might not just be my age that makes these chats difficult to follow!
Min - All the k and 1st loop at my school and so I will have my k students this year in first grade
Becky - deb- you have to model it alot in the beginning.
deb1 - ok, I'll try that Cheryl.... I teach summer school next Wednesday and Thursday, I'll try it then
christy - this is only my second year of teaching so I'm excited about looping.
Lisa - Does anybody use 4 Blocks with upper elementary? My district is going to mandate it, and I only had a one day workshop. I'm not sure how to use a word wall with fifth graders.
Cheryl - Yes, don't get stuck on any one activity too often. We did Making Words everyday when we first started. Talk about running a good thing in the ground! We just didn't know any better back then!
deb1 - my kids handled bookclubs really well... go figure!
Sharon - this was only my 1st year with first--did a 3/4 combo first two years
deb1 - lisa, do you have month By month Phonics for upper grades?
Becky - lisa are you aware of the new book on "Bigger Blocks"
Sharon - we only do making words one day a week-but we also send it for homework--the kids love it (and parents too!)
Lisa - I haven't heard of it. Where can I get it?
fred - how many times a week should a 1st grade teacher use making words?
deb1 - the new book is Guided Reading the Four BLocks Way
Cheryl - What's the Bigger Blocks book?
Lynn/SC/3 - i had an interesting experience today with the making word alligator..... great opportunities to learn your children.... the word was troll... mine got it, but the others didn't, so we started a unit on fairy tales. no wonder they can't read, no background to build on!
hlm - I do Making Words two days a week
christy - Cheryl - we use houghton mifflin. was wondering your suggestion of what words to use for my word wall.
deb1 - fred - one or two there are many other working with word activities to do besides making words
Becky - maybe i am thinking of the month by month. lisa do you have making bigger words
Stacy - Christy I am using same series for first time this fall
Lynn/SC/3 - i do making words two days, one for the words, the second for the sorts and transfers....
Cheryl - Lynn, you're right that background is so important to their success. I mentioned earlier knowing a teaching who spent all summer last year collecting things to help her help her students make the connections during Guided Reading.
deb1 - making words
deb1 - making more words
christy - stacy-it looks like 4 blocks will fit pretty good.
Cheryl - Fred, I think one or two days is enough. There are so many other great activities.
deb1 - making big words
deb1 - making more big words
fred - i used making words a couple of times a week last year and it was great for my lower kids. they loved guess the covered word too.
deb1 - these are the book titles
Becky - what grade fred
deb1 - making words is great for the upper kids too.
fred - becky, first
jb/2/tx - Cheryl...that is what I asked about earlier...did that teacher gather stuff to go along with basal stories and trade books for guided reading?
Lynn/SC/3 - these children haven't heard rumpelstiltskin, beauty and the beast, hansel and gretel, so many..... who puts these kids to bed?
Cheryl - Christy, there are lots of lists available. HM also makes suggestions of high freq. words that might word for you. I do think that teachers should still personalize according to their students' needs from what they misspell in their writing.
Sharon - someone had word wall activities posted recently in card format--very nice to cut out and laminate
Sharon - they were posted yesterday I think. Anyway, the same activities as in the books, but done in Word, and all set up nicely so that they could be printed, cut apart, and laminated (my plan anyway) Then I will have them for quick reference
Stacy - I agree Christy - just nervous on how to get it started
deb1 - my upper kids moved from 2.0 to 5.1 and 7.3
REI - I learned at a Pat C. workshop that you should do Making Words 2 days a week --on Monday and Tuesday.
Cheryl - jb, Yes, that's what she did--anything that would make learning more concrete when establishing prior knowledge.
christy - Cheryl - Am I correct in saying that a word doesn't go on the wall if the children are at ease with it?
Stacy - REI what was the reason?
Cheryl - Lynn, they watch too much wrestling and Pokemon!
fred - how do you guys manage making words? it took forever to pass out those letters. so I gave up.
deb1 - REI - that is if you don't have time to do the transfer lessons and sorting lessons that link to the making words lesson. Day one is making words and, day two is transfer and sort
Lynn/SC/3 - hahahah, cheryl!!!
Jane - Christy, Sharon, Bryant, glad to hear there are many loopers out there. I looped from first to second grade and now will loop from Kindergarten to First Grade. That is why I am interested in doing my masters project on the transition of the four block from grade level to grade level.
Cheryl - Christy, I wouldn't put a word on the wall and take all the time that we take teaching and reviewing it if I know that they all know it. But if the struggling kids need it, it'll go up there.
Stacy - I had a volunteer cut out card stock letters and place them in small manilla envelopes. Each child had there own and had to find the letters.
fred - lynn, I had a sad situation a couple of years ago. My 12 grade highschool aide had never heard Rumplestiltskin until I read it to my class.
Lynn/SC/3 - i did it sharon, put those cards together.... one of our summer school teachers is a guidance counselor with no 4block background, and she is doing well with it with those cards to help her! many thanks to whoever posted them!
Sharon - i have my letters in the parts bins. The kids came n from recress and picted up the letters as they walked by my desk--very quick
Sharon - as you can see--IU need a word wall-I can't spell!!!!
REI - Deb....this was at the 4 Blocks conference in NC. She told us that we are to Make, Sort and Transfer both days. She stated it several times.
Cheryl - Fred, there are easy ways. Don't give up! I like the pocket folders with 3 sheets of baseball card display sheets. Each child gets a folder with all the alphabet letters in the pockets. The teacher leads them through taking out only the ones they'll need that day. Very simple!
christy - I would like to keep in touch with all of the "loopers" so we can exchange ideas and info.
Stacy - Sharon where were they posted on the chatboard - I found something similar at readinglady.com - would like to compare
hlm - Fred- you need a system!! One of our teachers puts all the necessary letters in butter tubs and hands them out. I use a multiple drawer box- the kind you would put nails and screws in. There is one drawer for each letter. The kids come by and pick up 1 letter from eachtray!
Becky - i group each letter in a ziploc. someone's in charge of passing out the s, p, i and so on. if anyone was missing a letter they were aloud to go to the table with the remainders and pick one up (after everything was passed out)
Lynn/SC/3 - well, we know what the teacher read aloud is for summer school.... good old grimm's
Cheryl - Fred, they never get too old for us to read aloud, do they?
deb1 - rei - hmmmm I have heard her speak several times too and didn't hear that.... that is interesting. I am sure both ways work
Sharon - Stacy, I would have to look at mail from yesterday--can;'t remember who posted them--you could ask the list
fred - Cheryl, no they don't and neither do I. I have enjoyed many read alouds in my grad classes last year.
Lynn/SC/3 - I use a cross stitch tool box for my letters.... i sort them out on the lid, pop them into their folder baggies, and am finished.... takes me about 15-20 min if there is no volunteer... but the fifth grade has recess with us and i just take my stuff out and have instant volunteers!
Cheryl - Sometimes the special ed. teachers like for their kids to help 4-Blocks teacher by letting their kids sort the letters and get the baggies ready to pass out. It's good practice and review for those kids.
deb1 - Fred there are making word letter organization tips at www.readinglady.com too
fred - thanks deb. I haven't found that one yet.
Cheryl - Fred, what grade do you teach?
Jane - Christy, I think that would be a great idea. As part of my Masters program I have implemented a summer monthly newsletter. Through this newsletter I am giving ideas about things kids can do over the summer to get ready for first grade and also explaining to parents a little about the Four Block framework. I will also have a looping party in August before school starts. Just like Four Block, I can't say enough about looping and all the benefits!
fred - first
Sharon - be careful tho'--some of the original fairy tales are pretty gruesome
hlm - my this hour has gone fast-when do we meet again?
Becky - fred- think simple and quick so you save yourself valuable planning time
Lynn/SC/3 - there is also a homework making words sheet where you just write in the letters and have the kids cut them out when you start them.... that works in a pinch..... I have it on my website, www.mrputer.com/teacher/resources
Lyn - I use the sheet in the back of the making words book. Kids color the vowel red, cut them out and we're ready to go. Then they take them home and challenge the parents to make a word.
deb1 - I have 26 milk cartons stapled together. There are a's in one carton. b's in the next etc. The kids pass out the letters. It takes maybe 4 minutes.
deb1 - lynn, I use your website often thanks!!
Becky - cute idea lyn but we are limited with paper
REI - I keep my letters in one of those nuts and bolts boxes. The kids gather their letters for the making word activity when they come in first thing in the morning. They keep them in our Making Word Pockets until time for the activity.
Kris - The milk cartons are a great idea. I use baggies and know a teacher who uses slide protector sheets.
Cheryl - My how time flies! I can't believe it's 10 already. We obviously need to meet again since we have sooo much to talk about! Thanks for being here tonight. We missed Kathleen, and I know she wanted to be here. Hope her husband is okay.
Lynn/SC/3 - becky, with 4blocks worksheets are at a minimum, so you may find that you have extra copies at the end of the year! I sure do.
Stacy - Thanks Cheryl!
Cheryl - Kathleen works awfully hard behind the scenes to make this site accessible and useful for us all. Try to drop her a note when you can. Thanks to all of you for being here. Read good books this summer. Start with Because of Winn Dixie. It's one of the best I've ever read!
Cheryl - Goodnight all! It was fun talking to you. Read lots of good books. We'll do this again real soon.
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