lisa/2/nc - are we ready to talk 4Blocks?
Pinky - yup
Cassandra - hello everyone!
km in sd - I teach 2nd & we are just starting the 4blocks. Any great ideas?
lisa/2/nc - does someone have a question about 4Blocks....or something to brag about?
lisa/2/nc - Km...in what way?
Cassandra - I also teach grade two and I am just starting this year.
lisa/2/nc - well....I'm 8 weeks into the school year -- can I help?
Cassandra - I just got back to school yesterday so I haven't gotten started with the four blocks wuite yet. Just introducing some things.
Pinky - I am new to teaching, I teach self-contained 4-5 grade what is 4 blocks?
km in sd - SD is having all 1,2 &3 teachers take this class. We had 3 hrs to start us off and are expected to jump in. Any ideas on how to start? Which block etc.?
AH - I am teaching in a 4-5 self contained room as well.
tls - start with work wall
tls - I meant word wall...sorry
lisa/2/nc - Pinky, 4Blocks is a framework in which to teach reading and writing -- utilizing 4 different "avenues" to teach reading -- Self-Selected Reading, Guided Reading, Writing, and Working With Words (phonics)
AH - Does anyone have any ideas on how to get the guided reading block started?
Cassandra - I agree....I started with word wall at last year and this year I am planning on doing them all.
km in sd - The kids haven't had the 1st grade words. Do I still intro 5 a week?
Evette - should student names be added to the word wall?
Pinky - AH are you new to teaching?
AH - THis is my second year.
lisa/2/nc - AH -- Guided Reading is probably the hardest block to implement -- I'd start with SSR and Writing since most classrooms already do some form of it
km in sd - I started with their names this week and they love it!
Cassandra - AH...I was wondering abouthte guided reading block as well. What to do if you don't have enough books for a group?
Evette - thanks kim
lisa/2/nc - Km -- the 2nd grade word wall words are very similar to the first grade ones -- if you look in the MxM phonics book for 2nd grade, there is an * or the words are in bold...the 1st grade ones that are repeating because they need a second year of practice
Pinky - Is 4 blocks a system that is under the direction of the administration of a school or is is it a style chioce of the classroom teacher?
Cassandra - I used names to get started this week too but I'm not going to actually put them on the wall.
lisa/2/nc - Pinky, since it is JUST a framework and NOT a program, any teacher could use it in their classrooms
AH - Cassandra-I have tried to do partner reading when I do not have enough books
km in sd - Do you suggest doing some sort of assessment to see if they need extras from 1st?
Cassandra - I have some of the resources available but my MxM phonics and guided reading books haven't arrived yet
Evette - cassandra, that's what I was unsure about...the actual word wall
lisa/2/nc - Cassandra -- the Teacher's Guide To Four Blocks will work for now....it has all of the blocks in there
AH - I have started the word wall and SSR and really would like to add guided reading. It seems to be the hardest!
Cassandra - Evette...I've been just playing around with the names...using the letters and clapping the spelling to get them familiar with the idea
Cassandra - thanks Lisa....i do have that so I'll get reading this weekend some more
Evette - can anyone tell me how to go about picking Making Words lessons?
lisa/2/nc - KM -- the first grade ones are basically those high frequency words that, for the most part, can't be sounded out -- like "said" and "come"
AH - Does anyone have any ideas for chants for 4th and 5th graders?
km in sd - Lisa thanks that gives me an idea.
lisa/2/nc - Evette -- I'd do only 1 Making Words lesson a week -- and hook it into a theme or something you are doing in class -- last week, my 2nd graders read "The Ugly Duckling" and the mystery word was duckling
km in sd - Do most of you use letter grades or S's &N's etc.?
Cassandra - that's a good idea Lisa....I was wondering if I should do making words each day?
Cassandra - I use letter grades
lisa/2/nc - KM -- in my district, we just went to 1,2,3,4
Cassandra - lisa....like levels 1234?
Reading Dr. - Km depends on age and what were are evaluating.
lisa/2/nc - Cassandra -- No, once a week is enough for Making Words -- there are sooooo many other fun activities to do in the Words block
km in sd - We are trying to decide whether to switch. Pro's ? Cons?
Cassandra - we use levels as well but onthe report card it has to be letter grades which makes no sense
lisa/2/nc - 4 means above grade level, 3 is on grade level, 2 is working just below grade level, and 1 is working considerably below grade level
km in sd - We are talking about 1, 2 and 3. Lang, Arts
Cassandra - I like levels personally...ours sounds similar to you lisa
AH - Does anyone have ideas on how to use guided reading with kids at 1-5 grade reading levels
Julie - Not to interrupt, but does anyone use 4B in a bilingual or dual language classroom?
lisa/2/nc - Julie --- yes! Totally!
Cassandra - I think all levels are grade level though
Cassandra - what kinds of things can you use for assessment in 4B?
lisa/2/nc - AH -- what is the class' grade level?
Julie - Lisa- Dual or bilingual?
Reading Dr. - Yes Cassandra exactly my feeling. Norm based garding bothers me
AH - lisa- 4/5 Learning disabilities
Reading Dr. - grading that is
lisa/2/nc - Julie -- go read "True Stories from Four Blocks Classrooms" published this year -- it contains 30 stories from teachers all over the nation using 4Blocks -- there are many who do bilingual and 4BLocks -- the chapter I wrote was about 4Blocks and ELD students
lisa/2/nc - AH -- what is the median reading level for your group?
rg - hi all, has anyone seen Jim Cunningham?
aggie/1/ca - Hi y'all!
Pinky - My class also has mixes levels 2 to 5grade reading
AH - lisa-about 2nd
km in sd - Lisa How long have you been teaching and how long using 4B?
aggie/1/ca - lisa--- that is a good book, isn't it???
lisa/2/nc - RG -- go see Jim! He is phenominal!!!
Julie - OK- what I'm really trying to work out is the scheduling in a 50/50 dual language immersion classroom.
aggie/1/ca - rg--- he is WONDERFUL!!!!!
lisa/2/nc - Yes, it is Aggie
rg - Jim is presenting on guided reading in Chicago Nov. 7
lisa/2/nc - AH -- I would look for reading materials that are on about the 2nd grade level -- you want to do your "on grade level" materials at a level where most of your students are
Cassandra - I'm at a disadvantage in Canada....I never hear of anyone presenting 4B in Canada ;(
lisa/2/nc - KM -- just saw your question -- I've been using 4 Blocks for 4 years and this is my 14th year of teaching
Evette - How can I get information about this guy Jim Cunningham and where will he be presenting?
aggie/1/ca - Evette-- just a second and I'll get you the link.
rg - the flyer says Jim will discuss six thinking strategies for good readers..what are they?
rg - Evette-they are SDR www.SDResources.org
lisa/2/nc - Evette -- Jim Cunningham is Pat's husband -- and he is such a dynamic speaker -- he has some wonderful ideas on assessment -- and on struggling readers and writers
rg - Jim is in Detroit Nov. 6 and Matteson, Il. Nov. 7
Cassandra - that's what I need...ideas on how to translate 4B to my report cards
lisa/2/nc - RG -- they are what upper grade students need as they become fluent readers
aggie/1/ca - http://www.wfu.edu/~cunningh/fourblocks/ there ya go, Evette.
Evette - Lisa, we need to talk a looooog time about 4B? E-mail address? You're a great resource
aggie/1/ca - Hey there, Cece!
rg - lisa, like what, as an example?
km in sd - Cassandra I agree! Help anyone?!
Cece - Hey, Aggie Hi, all!
lisa/2/nc - Cassandra -- Jim will have some wonderful ideas about assessment and 4Blocks
Pinky - Will J.Cunningham be on the East coast soon?
Cassandra - yeah...now all I need to do is find him in an area that is close by
Evette - Thanks so much Aggie
lisa/2/nc - I don't teach upper grade -- I know that some of it may be in the new Modifying 4Blocks for Upper grades book -- or in the MxM phonics for upper grades -- but, I'm not totally sure
aggie/1/ca - pinky-- click on that link and you will see the schedule of where they are all presenting and when.
Julie - can someone point me to the 'true stories about 4 blocks' page that Lisa mentioned?
AH - Where can I find more information about the Detroit date?
lisa/2/nc - Julie -- it's a book that Carson Dellosa published last February -- but there are three of the authors here in the chatroom tonight
aggie/1/ca - Julie--- it's a book. You can get it at most Teacher Supply stores. It's published by Carson-Dellosa.
lisa/2/nc - Hey Cece
rg - AH, go to www.SDResources.org. The flyer says Sterling Heights, Mi
Cece - Hey, Lisa. Got my new laptop and I'm trying it out!
Julie - Oh, duh, Ok.
aggie/1/ca - AH--- do you know the name of the organization hosting the Detroit date?
Cece - Hey, Lisa. Got my new laptop and I'm trying it out!
lisa/2/nc - you got it already Cece? It's great, huh?
aggie/1/ca - Be still, my heart, Cece! I want a laptop soooooooo baaaaaaaad!
Pinky - Thanx again Aggie!!
aggie/1/ca - Hey lisa! Have you heard of St. Andrew's Presbyterian College back there in NC?
rg - Aggie, it's SDR-Staff Development Resources
lisa/2/nc - Aggie -- you can have mine
Cece - Okay, I got booted! Hope it's not my computer!
Pinky - gotta go first day thurs :O
saj/nh - aggie, knowing you do first as I do...do you follow MM faily closely?
km in sd - any ideas on navigating the kids thru centers?
aggie/1/ca - Hey there, Marcia!
lisa/2/nc - Aggie -- never heard of it -- but then again, I'm still learning about NC
aggie/1/ca - I'm sure I would, Cece!
Paulas - I'm not sure if this is working. I'm new to chatting online
rg - Marcia..........from the 4B listserve? GA?
aggie/1/ca - lisa--- I'm going to be presenting to the ed. students there about 4 Blocks the day after the Leadership Conference ends.
lisa/2/nc - KM -- centers are not really a part of 4Blocks -- I do centers "casually" at the end of the day after kids pack up
aggie/1/ca - Paula--- you're doing fine!
km in sd - Hi Paula I,m new tonight too.
Marcia/1st - yes, that's the same Marcia
Cece - Guys, I am really earning my paycheck this year! This group has made some progress, but I am working for every bit! 12 of my 17 are the youngest siblings. I can't imagine teaching these w/o 4 Blocks!
lisa/2/nc - that's great Aggie!
Marcia/1st - Hi, Cece. How are you?
aggie/1/ca - Sounds like my class I had last year, Cece! they were QUIIIIIITE a group!
km in sd - This training that we are doing says we should have them working on centers during guided reading time?
lisa/2/nc - Cece -- it sounds like my class last year -- all were either babies in the family -- or only children
Cece - Aggie, is the leadership application posted yet?
aggie/1/ca - I'm really excited about it, lisa. My friend eimmik is the teacher of the class.
rg - km, centers during guided reading?
Cece - Km, that is probably Fountas and Pinnell Guided Reading, not 4 Blocks.
aggie/1/ca - I don't think so, Cece--- I heard it'll be ready on the 15th?
Paulas - I haven't tried the four blocks yet. My schedule is very choppy since I team teach. I've been away from teaching for 5 years and am feeling very lost.
km in sd - Yes! Is this going to work????
Cece - Marcia, pretty well. Are you doing fine?
lisa/2/nc - KM -- then it's not coming from 4Blocks -- it's probably the "other" Guided Reading where they advocate small leveled groups
km in sd - Cece It is but they are also incorrporating 4B
aggie/1/ca - km-- that sounds like Fountas and Pinnel style Guided Reading-- not 4 Blocks.
lisa/2/nc - Cece -- Leadership apps will be online sometime in the next month
Marcia/1st - Cece, I am doing pretty good. Trying to learn procedures for 4 blocks
rg - so, km, are they doing the other three blocks?
premmie - hi aggie, how is everyone?
Marcia/1st - what is it , km
Cece - Ah, yes, km, and you are probably running yourself crazy trying to get in all the literacy centers! I am NOT that organized, but I admire those who are!
rg - km, did you say which grade level?
Cece - Marcia, is it going well so far?
Marcia/1st - so how many of you do literacy centers or other types of centers during the day. I am having trouble fitting it all in
lisa/2/nc - I'm not that organized either Cece -- I could never do "centers" well
rg - I don't at first grade..........no time
aggie/1/ca - I don't do centers except on Friday, Marcia. No time for them anywhere else in the week!
Paulas - What do you all do when you're doing Guided Reading. I am having trouble fitting centers in too, Marcia
Cece - That's why I love 4 blocks, Lisa! No centers, but I still feel like I am doing it all.
km in sd - we have the 4B book Month by month phonics and the guided reading white book by F&P It is calle AREA and in being "required " by the state.
Marcia/1st - Cece, I am very happy with writing workshop, and guided reading, although, I still have a lot to learn. I just love the organization of all of it. It helps me get through planning so much more quickly
rg - I'm doing guided reading comprehension strategies for whole class during GR time
lisa/2/nc - Paulas -- everyone's reading during Guided Reading -- no time for centers
gina - hi all...just found out about the chat
Marcia/1st - so it's okay to not be good at centers??
km in sd - I teach 2nd
Cece - Marcia, where are you (I know I've asked this before), I am having a senior moment!
aggie/1/ca - OK km---- the F & P book has nothing to do w/4 blocks. I don't know how or why you would want to do all of the other blocks and then do guided reading centers and groups--- it would take all day!
lisa/2/nc - Definitely Marcia!
gina - we don't do centers anymore, what with SFA taking up all our time
Cece - I hope it's ok, because I am definitely not good at them!
Marcia/1st - I am in Cobb County. I talked to Patrick one night. He works at a school near me
aggie/1/ca - Marcia-- I HATE!!!!!!!!! centers!!!!!
Paulas - I teach 1st...this week anyway. My position has been re-posted since it wasn't up for 5 days. Fun Fun!
rg - Marcia..........centers are not required in 4B
aggie/1/ca - gina!!!!!!!!! You poor thing!!!!!!!! SFA?????
Cece - I will be in Marietta at Lockheed Elem. on Oct. 5
km in sd - So that is why we are all so confused!
Evette - one use the Scott Foresman reading series with 4B?
rg - Has anyone been to Joe Fuhrmann's classroom in Kankakee?
gina - yes...it's so awful. i start tomorrow
lisa/2/nc - They should rename SFA to SFN -- success for none
Cece - No, rg, but I'd love to see it! Joe is GREAT!
aggie/1/ca - Evette--- that's the beauty of 4 blocks! You can do it w/virtually any reading series--- except (and I heard this from Pat or Dottie) Open Court or SFA.
Marcia/1st - okay, I think I hate literacy centers b/c just tryuing to get the organization of it all is overwhelming. I can just see disaster with reading conferences,groups. But I like some center time during the day. I just don'tlike to be tied down to a "group' I feel I need to be supervising the centers
Marcia/1st - Cece, I think Lockheed is in Marietta City Schools
gina - lisa, some of us do try to do ther stuff (3 of the 4 blocks)
lisa/2/nc - Evette -- I'm using Scott Forsman and 4Blocks -- it works
aggie/1/ca - I agree, lisa! It's an abomination!
Marcia/1st - Not too far from me at Kennesaw Elem. Right off 41 and 75
Paulas - Lisa...do all your students stay on task when you are reading with small groups during Guided Reading?
Cece - Amen, Marcia! I don't like unsupervised centers.
aggie/1/ca - same for me, Marcia--- when I used to do them I'd look around and, even tho some of the kids were off-task, I'd think, "as long as they're quiet, I don't care!" And that's just not a good way to spend the language arts time in your room!
Cece - Maybe we can get together! I love the Macaroni Grill in Kennesaw!
lisa/2/nc - Paulas -- all of my students are reading the same story during GR -- I don't do small groups -- unless you mean Three Ring Circus and Playschool groups
lisa/2/nc - but yes, Paulas -- all of my students are on task during GR
aggie/1/ca - Paulas--- no little reading groups w/4 Blocks! It's done in whole group or a few other grouping strategies.
Evette - Lisa, how do you decide which high frequency words to use from the selection? Is this also where you tie in the theme for Making Words?
Marcia/1st - I know I am singing to the choir here, but what I really like about 4 blocks is it is simple and adaptable to ANYTHING. It can be tweaked a bit here and there to fit a schedule glitch
Marcia/1st - Cece, I absolutely love the M. Grill. What day is Octo 5?
gina - Aggie, where are you in CA?
Cassandra - that's exactly what i like Marcia!
aggie/1/ca - exactly, Marcia.
Cece - What do you guys know about the new SSR book coming out? Lisa, got the inside scoop?
km in sd - Hi teachgrd3
aggie/1/ca - gina--- I'm in Orange County. And you?
Paulas - I'm confused...aren't you supposed to level books and work with small groups of children with Guided Reading?
lisa/2/nc - Evette - I started to -- but I am taking the week's word wall words from what my students are trying to write in Writer's Workshop -- some of the SF words are pretty pathetic
Cece - Marcia, it is a Friday. I'll come down on Thursday night.
aggie/1/ca - Hi teachgrd3.
rg - Paulas, in Fountas and Pinnell
gina - I'm in Van Nuys. Why aren't there any 4 Blockers in the SFValley?!?
lisa/2/nc - Cece -- the new SSR book is "supposed" to be out by Leadership in January
Cece - Paulas, that isn't 4 Blocks. It is really confusing, but the 2 styles are totally different!
premmie - where are you km?
gina - New SSR book?
Marcia/1st - Paulas, it is a matter of terminology. Both groups call it Guided Reading, but it is very different
lisa/2/nc - Paulas -- not in a true 4Blocks classroom -- if you are supposed to do Fountas and Pinnell small leveled groups
Cece - That's what I've heard, gina, but no details.
aggie/1/ca - Not necessarily, Paulas--- during 4 Blocks Guided Reading you work on comprehension strategies, not decoding. Phonics skills are adressed during Word Wall or Writer's Workshop.
gina - we are going to try SSR schoolwide, so the book would be great!!!
lisa/2/nc - Gina -- yep, there's another book in the works -- should be out in January
aggie/1/ca - gina! there are! Marti Plumtree lives in Glendale, I think.
Paulas - Oh my...am I out of the loop!
Marcia/1st - Guided reading in F & P is exactly what you described. I think I need to get my books leveled too to use with the children. However, in 4 blocks, Guided reading is more of comprehension, whole group strategies.
rg - who's writing new SSR book?
Cece - Paulas, the problem with the small leveled groups is that you don't have time for the other 3 blocks. Also, 4 blocks believes kids can learn in heterogenous groups without being labeled. (and they can)
aggie/1/ca - An SSR book?
lisa/2/nc - RG -- Pat and Dottie are writing it -- I hear that it's going well -- right on time
gina - I think we were trying to get her to come to school to train us!
Paulas - That makes sense since I've been reading F & P. So that's different than 4B?
Cassandra - No one else in my school is doing 4B and i'm worried about proving it to parents and having enough assessment data??
km in sd - teachgrd3 where are you from?
Marcia/1st - I was just talking to another 1st grade teacher. She says she does guided reading groups all morning b/c she reads with every grup every day
rg - lisa, GOOD!
premmie - hi chatty kathy
Marcia/1st - Cece, would you like to meet me at M. Grill on Thursday or Friday?
rg - Cassandra, I'm the lone ranger at my school
lisa/2/nc - Cassandra -- once your parents start to see your students take off in a way that their older children have never done -- you will hook them for life!
aggie/1/ca - Cassandra--- I have been the Lone Ranger at my school for 4 years now. My kids perform as well or better on all of our assessments--- which are considerable in CA!
Cece - Right, Marcia, and if you do F&P you NEED to do that. With 4 Blocks it is totally different. Iand for me, totally better!)
teachgrd3 - km....i'm from PA....do any of you first grade teachers use Wright Group materials?
Cece - Marcia, either would be fine.I should hit Atlanta at about 6 or so Thurs, nite
gina - My scores were way up, too!
aggie/1/ca - gina--- why is your school getting 4 Blocks training if you are doing SFA? You can't do SFA and 4 Blocks.
rg - teachgrd3, I use some...especially during SSR
Paulas - So I need to learn about 4B then. Any books you would recommend?
Cece - I use some of the Wright group boxed sets in my SSR,
aggie/1/ca - teachgrd3--- I have some Wright Group big books.
Cece - Paulas, what grade do you teach?
gina - I know. We've had SFA for 4 years and aren't seeing results...duh!
Marcia/1st - I don't think people who schedule workshops and trainings know enought about what they are doing sometimes, do you, Aggie?
rg - Paulas, the Teacher's Guide to the 4 Blocks
aggie/1/ca - Paulas--- a good one to get you started is The Teachers Guide to 4 Blocks or Month by Month Phonics for your grade level.
premmie - Paula, do you have "guide to 4 Block book"
Paulas - I teach grade 1/2 but only have 2 grade 2s who are very weak academically
km in sd - Can anyone suggest a better book to read other than F&P? ( i know this might be a dumb ?)
aggie/1/ca - Wow, gina--- hope you get rid of it soon then!
lisa/2/nc - Paulas --get The Teacher's Guide To Four Blocks -- the Month by Month Phonics book for your grade -- Guided Reading the Four Blocks Way -- and True Stories from Four Blocks Classrooms
km in sd - Sorry same?
rg - Paulas, also go to the readinglady.com site
aggie/1/ca - Marcia-- definitely not.
teachgrd3 - Thanks, Cece, aggie, and rg....our first grade teachers are new to FourBlocks and wondering what to do?
Cece - You probably need the MXM for 2nd grade.
Paulas - I don't have any books. I've been reading some stuff on the net
gina - Me too. Hope my results impress my principal enough
premmie - km in sd, you need suggesions for SSR or GR
brave1 - Hi all! Help - I have almost no leveled books in my new classroom. Have any of you written a grant for Wright Group or Rigby books, etc.?
aggie/1/ca - km--- I got NOTHING out of the numerous times I tried to read F and P!!!! I liked Classrooms that Work muuuuuuuuuuch better!
Cece - Have they started with the name activities, teach?
rg - teach3........have they had any training?
lisa/2/nc - Paulas -- I would at least get The Teacher's Guide To Four Blocks
premmie - that's where I started Paula, now have the "guide to 4 block" book
aggie/1/ca - teachgrd3--- can you get any training in your area?
km in sd - premmie I need any suggestions!
teachgrd3 - you mean in month by month phonics, Cece? I think they are just starting that.
aggie/1/ca - brave1--- I just use books from my classroom library, class made books, Weekly Readers-- poems, stuff like that for SSR.
rg - teachgrd3....I started with month by month for grade1
Evette - Does anyone know of a good source to get a sampling of SSR books? I'm trying Wright Group now.
Cece - Okay, the name activities are really great. Also, if many don't know print concepts, beginning with predictable charts can be helpful.
teachgrd3 - No, rg...we are looking to bring in a trainer in October....we just bought the materials for everyone, k-5, after I used Four Blocks on my own last year
premmie - I'm just using a Portland grade level book printout as a guideline to connect to my themes. books suggested in the themes are usually only good for gr.4 and above independant reading.
aggie/1/ca - I did, too, rg.
rg - I saw Pat in Chicago, and then started doing word walls
aggie/1/ca - I'm on the 5th name tomorrow....... I'll be soooooooo glad when they're over! I know the kids lovvvvvvvve it--- but I get bored real quickly with it! LOL!
gina - just finished names today!
aggie/1/ca - Evette--- you can just use classroom library books, too! They don't have to be anything special.
Cece - Aggie, we've been in school since Aug 1!!! I finished them!
rg - i'm tired of interviews, too...........but not the kids
Marcia/1st - Let me tell you what I figured out about the name activities. We have been doing interviews and writing them down. I am typing mine up and going to make a book of them to keep in the reading center
rg - has anyone had Open House?
brave1 - aggie - I'm getting concerned about my "low" readers not having any books at their level. How do you know if you're meeting all their needs? I'm new to 4B, so bear with me.
aggie/1/ca - Lucky you, gina! I have at least 12 more......may be getting several new ones next week.....
gina - great idea Marcia!
Paulas - Great, thanks. I've written down the names of those books and if I still have a job next week, I'll order them. Where do I get them? Anyone know any Canadian sites I could order from
Cece - Marcia, I also give the kids a copy in a folder. It makes great GR material!
lisa/2/nc - Aggie -- I started to do them with my looping second graders -- we've been for 8 weeks -- I still have a few interviews left
rg - brave1...you'll know during your student conferences
premmie - hit the wrong button, hi tripletmom
gina - well, i kinda did it quickly, knowing about SFA strating tomorrow
Marcia/1st - I decided to try to incorporate different aspects of mechanics or grammar in the interviews when I write them down. That way, when I formally try to teach them we can refer back to the interview book for a more personal example. it's made the interviews more fun for me to think of ways to incorporate these skills in a "sneaky" way
km in sd - Thanks for the ideas everyone. Have a great night
aggie/1/ca - brave1--- right now I have verrrrrrryyyyy few readers. My baskets are full of ABC and Number books, color books and stuff they can read by looking at the pictures. Right now they are only reading for about 5 or 6 minutes so you don't need all that many.
brave1 - Rg - good point. I haven't started these yet. We're in our second week & still "practicng" SSR.
Cece - Great idea, Marcia! I had one student say something nice about the interviewee ?Is that a word? and put it in "".
Laurie/AR - I know the meeting is almost over but I had to ask. Do you feel you're meeting all needs by not grouping?
gina - Marcia and Lisa, how long have you guys taught?
rg - well, I'm slow to conference at first too, in grade 1
aggie/1/ca - Yiikes, lisa! If I had put them off that long, I'd "forget" to finish them! LOL!
rg - I like to get procedures underway and then begin
lisa/2/nc - Gina -- this is my 14th year of teaching -- and 4th year to do 4Blocks
Marcia/1st - cece, I was thnking the same thing. It will be a lot of copies, but a great asset.
aggie/1/ca - rg--- I don't conference til after Christmas.
Marcia/1st - Gina, I have been teaching about 17 years, most in special ed
lisa/2/nc - Aggie -- that's exactly it! I am hoping the students forget about them
rg - good idea, aggie. I have a small class, so I try to start sooner
Cece - Yes, Laurie!!! Better than ever before! They really do better not being grouped!
aggie/1/ca - ((((((((88cats!!!!!!)))))))))))) Hi there! I didn't know you were a Blockhead!
gina - Okay, so there's hope? I've taught 9 yrs., only 1 with 3 of the4 blocks.
premmie - hi heather1st
aggie/1/ca - LOL lisa!
Tripletmom - Hi, I'm still trying to figure out how this works. I'e never been in a chat place before(:
heather1st - hi everyone
Cece - Aggie, booted again!
88cats - premmie, hi
premmie - hi 88cats what grade do you teach?
aggie/1/ca - Welcome to Teachers.Net, Tripletmom!!!!
heather1st - this is my first year in 4blocks, my 6th in first grade
lisa/2/nc - Gina -- give yourself some time to learn it! It WILL get easier
Laurie/AR - Really? Our school is encouraging us to group and use literacy centers. It has really successful for most students.
Marcia/1st - Tripletmom, you are doing great so far!!
88cats - aggie, trying to learn more in my old age
rg - oh, my yes, gina...I'm the lone ranger in my school and will never go back to other methods
aggie/1/ca - Cece-- lean over, hon.......I think you have some dust on your rear from that last boot..........
Laurie/AR - So how do you help the really low ones?
gina - Hope so. Actually I feel pretty comfortable, but I wish I could do the reading
88cats - premmie, 11-12 English and theatre
Cece - Yes, Laurie, but when I grouped I always had those few.....4 Blocks makes it better for them!
Cece - Cute, aggie!
lisa/2/nc - 4Blocks is multilevel -- your low ones will make progress -- maybe not as much as you'd like at times -- but they will make progress
premmie - way up there you are 88cats
Cece - Laurie, we find times to give them the extra help they need...in an after lunch bunch, Reading Recovery, or other times
Laurie/AR - I have all the 4blocks books. I just really feel the need to work with them in small groups.
aggie/1/ca - Yeah, Cece--- I always had a group of 3-6 (in years past I had classes of 32 or more) who just didn't "get it".........Now they all seem to make a lot of progress.
gina - Thanks, guys. Gotta go give my little literacy experiment a bath... Isabella, 3 yrs.
aggie/1/ca - Have fun, gina! Nice meeting you!
rg - gina, the guided reading is the most difficult block for most teachers
heather1st - i love 4 blocks so far, but my school district is mandating grouping for reading help
Cece - Laurie, are you first grade? I had problems letting go of groups, too. Give it a try. You can always go back to what you were doing.
Evette - Thanks to aggie, lisa, and everyone for your help and ideas tonight!!
Paulas - I need one of you to come to my room and show me how it's done!
heather1st - any suggestions??
Marcia/1st - I think the writing workshop every day really helps the low ones. I think they finally see a connection
Laurie/AR - I am 2nd grade.
lisa/2/nc - my low ones too make wonderful progress -- even my EMD child -- but my Autistic child has grown tremendously this year
Cece - Also, Laurie, your high kids will zoom higher than you could ever imagine!
gina - See y'all on the mailring.
lisa/2/nc - You're welcome Evette
Cece - Paulas, I have a video of some of my classroom activities.
premmie - hi laura, me too
88cats - I'm here as a mom. How do the gifted kids do?
rg - yes, Marcia, I read somewhere that many kids will learn to read FIRST from their own writing
Paulas - I would love to see that Cece. How can I get it?
Laurie/AR - I have such a wide range in my class. I have some kids reading above 6th grade level and some that I am surprised made it past kindergarten.
lisa/2/nc - I'm going to go as well -- night all!
Cece - 88, I had a gifted student who left first grade reading at 6th grade level
Marcia/1st - I think the SSR would really help the high ones. I would have loved time to read everyday when I was in school. Kind of sad to think that so many kids come to school and don't read all day.
Cece - Email me your addy at btillman@farmerstel.com
heather1st - do any of the 1st grade teachers use predictable charts, i love to use them, but where do you fit them in
Cece - heather, I do them in Guided Reading
Marcia/1st - That's interesting, rg. One of my lowest students was stringing letters together 2 weeks ago. He is now spacing and attempting more than just hte initial sound in the word.
88cats - Cece, thanks, I need reassurance
rg - Marcia, Pat talks about that on her guided reading video for grade 1. How much a higher level reader showed such significant growth
aggie/1/ca - http://teachers.net/gazette/SEP01/ristow.html You may want to read my latest article in the Gazette here at Tnet.
heather1st - cece - in addition to a real book, or in place of
premmie - i use predictable during science/ or social studies heather
Paulas - Thanks CeCe. I will email you tongiht.
Cece - in place of, or as a supplement to
rg - Marcia, and the growth was attributed to SSR
Cece - Wow, aggie,; you are busy!
Marcia/1st - rg, I believe it
88cats - aggie, heading off for your article!
rg - Marcia, don't you love that about first grade.........the leaps and bounds?
Marcia/1st - when do you guys schedule SSR and writing workshop? Do you do it in afternoon or mornings?
Paulas - My first graders keep asking when they get to play Today was their first full day
heather1st - does anyone have trouble with a school district buying into 4blocks
brave1 - I do writing workshop first thing, and SSR after lunch (nice and calming)
Marcia/1st - rg, I never taught first grade class before, but I love it so far. I love it more than kindergarten and I really loved kindergarten!
Cece - Marcia, SSR is in the morning. Writing is when I can get to it, sometimes before lunch, sometimes after.
rg - I do writing in the a.m. and SSR in the p.m. mostly because of when I get extra adult help
premmie - i do SSR and write in morning, in fact all 4 in the morning , marcia
Marcia/1st - Writing workshop is so calming too. I am thinking those two would be good in afternoon when our "listening ears" are turning off...
rg - Marcia, I've been in first for 27(ahem) years...and 4B makes it great
Cece - That may be true marcia.
heather1st - i am lucky enough to have a full time para, any suggestions for when and how to use them
Cece - heather, I am SO jealous!
brave1 - That's true, Marcia. I start with writing because then when the kids have a million things left to say after morning meeting, they can write their ideas. I have a very verbal bunch! They love to write! Yeah!
heather1st - it does make life easier, and i do know how lucky i am
Cece - She could conference with some during SSR. She could help kids during writing.
rg - the beauty of 4B is that you can be in control of your scheduling needs
Marcia/1st - That is just howmy class is behaving. They are so engaged and great during morning. After lunch, we do calendar and they seem to get wound up during calendar. Perhaps I need to examine my methods ...
premmie - brb
teachgrd3 - Heather I loved having extra help during guided reading last year
rg - Cece, that's what I do with my helper
Cece - If I stop for breath mine get wound up!
heather1st - did you use them as part of a 3 ring crcus format
heather1st - i haven't started conferencing yet
rg - well, my alloted time is up...14 year old needs on.See you all on the listserve
Cece - Guys, I hate to go, but I have 7:30 bus duty
rg - have a great day of 4B tomorrow , all!
Chatboards Lesson Plans K12 Projects Teacher Blogs Mailrings Classified Ads Teacher Jobs Live Chat Live Meetings Articles Harry Wong Printables
Other Chatboards in this Category...
The Language Arts Chatboards are for educators who teach Language Arts or have an interest in the English curriculum.
