Cece/1/GA - HI, alix
alix - hello
alix - Where in GA?
Cece/1/GA - What grade do you teach?
alix - 2nd in Ga also
Cece/1/GA - Dade County. Trenton, to be specific
alix - Liberty co...ft. Stewart
alix - How long have you been 4blocking?
Cece/1/GA - I'm in my 3rd year
alix - good an expert
Cece/1/GA - Ha, Ha, I wouldn't go that far
alix - hey, it beats my 33 days of experience in 4 blocks..10 years in 2nd
Cece/1/GA - You've probably used some parts of it, though.
Mom1Teach2 - I haven't even started 4 blocks officially.
alix - I am finding I have.....I am trying to smooth out the rough edges
Mom1Teach2 - I attended a conference in September and the teachers were singing the praises of 4 blocks!
Cece/1/GA - I'll try to help if I can...do you have any specific questions
alix - My school has dubbed me the "expert"...what a hoot!!!
Mom1Teach2 - What part would of 4 blocks has been the most beneficial to your students?
alix - I am so green, that if I were a tree I would with stand a forest fire
Cece/1/GA - Hey, alix, somebody's gotta do it! Why not you?
alix - because it needs to be someone who knows what she is doing.....lol
Cece/1/GA - Mom, it depends on the kids...my high achievers benefit most from SSR. My lower kids benefit most from Words. My creative kids like writing
deb/AL - I have more time in my schedule this year but am still having a hard time getting in the writing block. Any ideas?
alix - I have SSR and word down for now, reading is ok and writing is well, the pits
naneb - I think my sped kids benefit most from Words and SSR
Cece/1/GA - Mom, where was the conference? I agree, 4 Blocks is the best!
Mom1Teach2 - What books would you recommend for a beginning 4 Blocks teacher?
naneb - My students are writing group adventure stories
Cece/1/GA - Alix, with writing, modeling is the real key. What is bad about it for you now
alix - Is it plausible to see results in the lowest of the low this early in the year??
Cece/1/GA - Mom, I'd get the teacher's guide to Four Blocks, and the month by month phonics for your grade. Later on the guided reading book
alix - Right now, too many interruptions and I have to keep ditching it
Mom1Teach2 - Cece, the conference was the Kentucky Reading Association's Fall Conference. The presenters were all supporters of 4 blocks!
Cece/1/GA - Alix, you will see baby steps. It takes some time for them.
naneb - alix, I had a similar problem with SSr, so I just set aside a certain time every week that I do only that. Just make it a priority for a set time
alix - I am seeing huge leaps of progress
alix - I have a set time, it just keeps getting interrupted or I have to push it back when guided reading is cancelled
Mom1Teach2 - Alix, what grade do you teach?
alix - 2nd
Cece/1/GA - It's easy to leave off the block you like least, but remember some of your kids may need the block you are skipping! Plug away! Use a timer, it helps
naneb - I never seem to have enough time. I am wishing I had a self contained class so that I control my own schedule
alix - the timing is not the problem, other factors are in the way
Mom1Teach2 - I teach first grade.
deb/AL - naneb- what grade do you teach?
naneb - 6th grade LD
Cece/1/GA - Can you tell us more, Alix
jean - does anyone team teach?
Cece/1/GA - That is hard naneb. Self-contained is better
deb/AL - I taught 6th my first year of teaching. I hated being departmentalized. I wanted to buck the system and go self-contained. Then they moved me to 1st.
alix - so far we have had one fire drill, 2 evacuations drills, class pictures, and Mcgruff safe house. I am expecting another evacuation drill this week
naneb - My students read at a 3rd or 4th grade reading level
alix - ooppss....since last Monday
naneb - is everyone here on the mailring?
deb/AL - Naneb- please keep trying to implement the blocks because my son would have benefited from this and I don't think he grew any in reading last year. He's really struggling this year.
Mom1Teach2 - I am on the first grade mailring, but not the 4 blocks ring.
Claire/2nd/SC - Do any of you have FROG at your school?
Cece/1/GA - Man, alix, when do you have time to teach??? I'd just try to make sure I don't miss the same block each time. Skip a different one each time
deb/AL - I've been on the ring a couple of years.
petey - How's things going in your classes? I have pretty much finished teaching all of the strategies.
Cece/1/GA - deb, what part of AL are you from?
mjf - hi. our school just implemented 4 blocks this year.
deb/AL - Cleveland, close to Oneonta. I went to school at Gadsden with Bill.
mjf - it just seem overwhelming/
alix - I guess I could switch blocks and randomly choose them with out using a set schedule
deb/AL - UA at Gadsden Center
Mom1Teach2 - Did your whole school implement 4 blocks and are you still using an adopted reading series?
Cece/1/GA - Wow, deb, small world!
mjf - the whole school did
deb/AL - CeCe are you still doing workshops?
Cece/1/GA - mjf, you'll adjust, but it does take a little time.
Mom1Teach2 - I am the only one in my school that thinks we are NOT already doing all of 4 blocks.
Cece/1/GA - Yes, deb, as a matter of fact I am doing one in Marietta Friday, and one at my school tomorrow. Oct. is very busy for me!
mjf - i like 4 blocks, but there are just some questions i have
petey - Okay... Anyone have any great Early American Colonist ideas?
Cece/1/GA - fire away, mjf!
alix - Ooohhhh CeCe we could use you....how far are you from me???
deb/AL - Would you come this way some time? Would you rather me email you later?
Cece/1/GA - Where are you, alix?
alix - Ft. Stewart...35 minutes from Savannah
Cece/1/GA - petey, we team up with a 3rd grade class. We pair them up. she does colonists and I do native americans
mjf - guided writing and ssr are probably the most difficult blocks for me. how are you doing your writing block?
Cece/1/GA - deb, I'm doing one at Ider starting in 2 weeks... I would be happy to come your way! btillman@farmerstel.com
alix - I feel like I am doing Ok, but I would do better if I could see someone in action
deb/AL - There are 2 of us at my school but we are slowly pulling people into the idea.
naneb - I know that email, Cece, this is Nan
Cece/1/GA - alix, I was in St. Simon's Island this summer. Loved it!
naneb - amen to that alix
mjf - how do you have students choose books for ssr?
Cece/1/GA - Hey deb... I'm about to run out of battery power. If I get booted I'll try to get back on
naneb - I let everyone choose 2 or 3 for their tub when I change the tubs and then I add some more to the tubs
deb - my children choose five books in the morning, sharpen their pencils, use restroom, etc.
Cece/1/GA - mjf, I have them choose one day per week. They keep their books in bags
mjf - are the books leveled
deb - cece, I MOVED into a BIG house this weekend. We are so excited.
alix - Ikeep the basket at their groups...is this wrong??
Cece/1/GA - Yeah, deb, it's all the big bucks you're making, huh?
deb - I am now full time presenting and not teaching this year.
Cece/1/GA - Oh, no alix, mine just can't handle all that choice!
Cece/1/GA - I heard that deb, that's great!
deb/AL - My students come in and choose three books, put them in a folder to keep at their desks.
deb - yeah..... my uncle sold us a sweetheart of a deal! We live on Lake Michigan now!
alix - congrats! Deb....on both use and presenting
alix - oooops....h fell off...lol
bwallberg - I am not far from Lake Michigan myself...I am sure I am on the other side of it though
Cece/1/GA - that works too, deb/al, it just depends on what you can handle
deb -thanks!! I have been unpacking etc. I am just getting back to work
deb/AL - deb who are you presenting with
deb - britt, are you in Wisconsin or Illinois? I am in Michigan
deb - I work independently. I travel all over. Dottie and Pat have endorsed me to present
bwallberg - Illinois....just on the border of WI
Cece/1/GA - deb, that endorsement really makes a difference. I've gotten 4 jobs since they endorsed me!
krh - how are all of you
deb -
alix - ooh, before I forget. I posted a project checklist generator on both boards....you can have it make writing checklists for you....it is a realy neat find
deb - cece -- leadership again???
bwallberg - I am depressed I wont be making it to the leadership conference this year
krh - i am just starting to teach 3rd grade
REI - Cece...I have gotten several jobs since Pat and Dottie's endoresement as well. Never dreamed it would make such a difference.
deb - cool alix!
Cece/1/GA - You betcha, deb. I can't wait, and I'm bringing 2 with me!
deb - 2 babies!!! or teachers!!!!
krh - it is a long term sub position
Cece/1/GA - oh, no britt! We'll miss you!
bwallberg - I was hoping to go....but my principal wont pay
deb/AL - alix, i visited that sight. thanks for the site.
deb - REI -- GREAT!!!! It is soooooo cool to spread the Four Blocks message!
Cece/1/GA - teachers. The babies stay home! I am officially retired from the baby business LOL!
REI - Britt...mine won't either. I'm paying my own way out.
bwallberg - I wish I could
deb - Cece, that's great. I am bringing two with me too.
alix - Will someone please come to Savannah and present...PLEASE!!!!!!!!
REI - Alix...I love Savannah. Beautiful city.
alix - see, REI like it here...lol
Mom1Teach2 - How much does it cost to have a presenter come to the local school district?
Betty - Hey, I have a question about the W.W. words. Last week I gave a test to see if my Grade one's could spell the 5 W.W. words for the week. Only 2-3 could. Some could spell some of them, but a few others were frustrated. Am I expecting to much? Or doing something wrong?
Brandi - Where is the discussion about the 4 blocks literacy model?
bwallberg - Did you let them look at the word wall? or did you cover it up?
Cece/1/GA - Alix, I would LOVE to come to Savannah. Email me ok?
deb/AL - my husband needs the phone. see ya'll later
gray - brandi, what did you need to know?
deb - the cost depends on the presenter. d-smith@cybersol.com if you are interested in finding out about me.
Betty - No, I didn't cover it up, but due to space constraints my WW is at the back of the room, so they never thought to turn around and look. They all have individual WW to compensate for the fact that it's at the back.
Brandi - Well, I'm just a student teacher and wanted some practical info on how best to use it.
deb - Brandi, this is a reunion of many four blocks people. Just ask away. deb
alix - Our district only has in house stuff lately......
gray - does the class you are in use it now?
mgsteach - What grade(s) does everyone teach? Sorry if you have already been through this.
bwallberg - Did you do activities all week with them Betty?
Brandi - I've only read about it in my literacy ed text books
Betty - Yes I did.
deb - When planning for four blocks, I encourage you to know when you are teaching each block each day. I ask myself, "Where is the comprehension?" "Where is the phonics?" "Where is the reading books of their choice?" etc.
naneb - 6th grade LD
Brandi - I'm in second grade
deb - deb who taught second grade for 12 years and now full time presents.
Betty - I teach first.
gray - brabdi, you really need to see it in action, any teachers near you using the model?
Mom1Teach2 - I teach first.
bwallberg - what were your words?
Crystal - Hi Nancy Barnes is it?
Betty - sing can and red yellow
naneb - that's me
mgsteach - naneb, do you use 4 block in yur LD room?
bwallberg - well, this early in the year...my words are I, at, can, you, the
naneb - yes, I do , first year and I love it
Crystal - You have been so helpful on the list
bwallberg - you may have to get some easier words?
bwallberg - perhaps they are not ready for those
deb - Brandi, I would buy The Teachers GUide to Four Blocks since it will help you no matter which grade level you teach.
Crystal - I am somewhat confused in the WW block\
Betty - Well, as long as I'm not doing something wrong, I'll keep trying. My son's teacher also does 4B and lets them look at the WW for the words. Having it at the back must make a difference.
bwallberg - What are you confused about?
naneb - my favorite block is Words, Crystal
bwallberg - Mine too Nancy
bwallberg -
Crystal - I pick 3 new high frequency words, 2 nifty fifty words, 5 review word wall or nifty fifty and the test that goes along with my series
deb - I never worried about the words being up there. Some children are learning to read them. SOme children are learning to SPELL them. Some children are learning to memorize spell them.
Betty - Not really confused. Just disappointed that more of my kids weren't able to spell them. One of my little guys got really upset, even tho I told the kids not to sweat it.
Crystal - is like a which one looks right activity
naneb - today we did making words and before we started they were guessing the word, they hadn't even gotten the letters yet
REI - My favorite block is Writing. Word block is second.
alix - REI- you can come teach mine for me then....lol
bwallberg - Sounds as if they weren't ready for those words
Crystal - Do you think I am in the ballpark
Betty - My kids LOVE doing the Word Wall!
bwallberg - I would revisit them later
naneb - I like writing block too
Betty - That's a good point.
naneb - Crystal, I do something similar, 5ww words, 2 nifty 50, some of the pattern words from looks right or brand name and then a dictated sentence.
Betty - My son's teacher says that even though they can look at the WW, some kids still spell them wrong.
alix - Question- I have one child who has not/will note write a thing during the writing block...what do I do??
bwallberg - thats true Betty....I never understand that
bwallberg - but that tells you something
REI - Alix..what grade level?
bwallberg - they are unable to use the wall as a tool...and I will work on that with them
naneb - alix, try conferencing with him about his likes and dislikes favorite sports, tv shows movies etc.
alix - 2nd....and if I go near him he gives me that back off before I punch you look
naneb - if my kids spell it write in isolation but miss it in the sentence I add it to the next week's list
Crystal - I want to try the literature groups having assigned jobs like in the guided reading book
Crystal - d that my class cannot handle these responsibilities
alix - He finally wrote something and the mtore it up in defiance after speaking with the principal
Crystal - s I look around I see a LOT of horseplay
naneb - Crystal, I am working on that now but, I think it is too early. so far they are not ready to have that responsibility. I thinki will do book clubs with an assigned activity and purpose every day
Betty - I wonder if I should let the kids pull out their indiv. WWs to refer to next time?
bwallberg - I let my kids use the word wall during tests
REI - Alix...I teach 2nd as well. I start the year doing Can't Stop Writing. It was something I learned at a Jim Cunningham workshop.
bwallberg - eventually they wont have to anymore...which is the whole point of the word wall!
Betty - Right.
Crystal - a Book club is about 5-6 people reading the smae book and having one purpose?
naneb - alix, my kids love to share so I find that if everyone shares then they will write so that they have something to talk about
naneb - Crystal, a book club is more teacher directed than a literature circle
alix - He won't share orally either
alix - Thisis the first week he ahs attempted to do most of his work.
Crystal - ok maybe I should model each "job" every week then put them all together
naneb - alix, maybe he will write with a partner. let them do something together
Crystal - With my series, McGraw Hill, I have 3 stories that go with each basal story
alix - I am afraid to put him with anyone...he has bitten once and has a fit if he does not pick his own partner
REI - Alix...is able to write or does he need to "drite" for now? I had a 2nd grader last year that started the year "driting". Eventually, she grew into a "writer".
naneb - Crystal, we have been doing a job each day all together. They can do this with guidance but i don't think they are ready to take the responsibility. they play too much
Crystal - I break them up into circles and partner read then the aide and I discuss with each group
bwallberg - sounds like he has issues other than the writing block
bwallberg - until those are dealt with...it will be hard to expect him to write
Crystal - I only have 6 of each book
naneb - my student teacher says issues all of the time and now my students will say that someone has issues when they are being disruptive
Crystal - lol
alix - he will do math, wall word activities, pe, recess, and special area...everything else is a maybe...it depends on if he wants to do it.
REI - Hey Alix..you and I must have the same kiddo. Got one just like that in my room.
alix - does yours bite.....lol
Cece/1/GA - alix, why does he do word wall but not the others? Is that his favorite?
alix - becase it is a short activity with little writing.
Claire/2nd/SC - hello-i got knocked off earlier
REI - Alix...yep. And spits, hits and cusses.
Cece/1/GA - claire, I'm having the same problem!
Crystal - Does anyone also have to teach shurley english?
bwallberg - is that a planning model?
Claire/2nd/SC - must be something in the air Cece
REI - Need to run. Time for dinner.
Crystal - I hate it!
Claire/2nd/SC - I am new to teaching and four-blocks and I was wondering how much time you actually spend doing the mini-lesson, reading, and closure during guided reading?
Crystal - memorize jingles then they classify sentences
Cece/1/GA - by REI
bwallberg - total of about 40 minutes....
REI - Claire...40 minutes.
bwallberg - 10-15 pre....15-20 during...10-15 after
Cece/1/GA - LOL, bye, not by. I need the words block!
Crystal - I have trouble getting this in with everything else and I fing myself leaving out a block to get it all in
REI - LOL Cece.
Claire/2nd/SC - thanks-i was just curious-i sometimes feel like i don't spend enough time actually reading
Betty - We don't have time to do every block every day, either.
bwallberg - why not?
Betty - Because of the time we have to spend teaching science, social, health, P.E. art, etc.
Claire/2nd/SC - i have a hard time getting everything in b/c we do FROG which takes up 45 minutes of our day
Betty - Whoops! Math too!
alix - ok, what is FROG...please
bwallberg - that's why I integrate science and social studies in reading
bwallberg - I couldn't imagine giving up any reading instruction
REI - Me too Britt!
Crystal - well its usually writing or ssr that get bumped
alix - bwallberg, my principal would love you..she talks all the time about integrating
Betty - I integrate too, but there are many specific science and social concepts we have to cover that can't be covered that way. I do reading and WW everyday, but I can only do writing and SSR 3 times per week.
bwallberg - thats integral...sp?...to reading Crystal!
Crystal - the shurley english that i mentioned takes up some time and they sometimes write in it
Claire/2nd/SC - FROG stands for Facilitating Reading for Optimal Growth-the students are split into small groups(3 or 4 per teacher) and they receive reading instruction in these groups daily
Claire/2nd/SC - FROG is kind of a mini combo of all four blocks
naneb - i don't do SSR every day either I just don't have time
Claire/2nd/SC - you are welcome
Crystal - do you think the 4 block police will get us? lol
Claire/2nd/SC - nice chatting, i have to go, my long range plan is due tomorrow
naneb - I do only SSR on Friday and Thursday during GAP which is an advisor period we do Drop Everything And Read for 30 minutes
alix - I am finding that I am only getting to conference in SSR about twice a month per child...how bad is that?
bwallberg - that is a very important time....conferencing
naneb - I only have 10 students, so i can usually talk to all of them every week
bwallberg - that is when you are individualizing what each student needs
Crystal - well gotta go thanks all
Betty - Well, I've got to go ! Thanks for chatting!
alix - amybe if life for us settles down I can do it more....I have it scheduled for each child once a week.
Sher - What do you ask about in the SSR conferencing time?
naneb - I love the conference time. i really get to know them better and they love the attention
bwallberg - is Cece missing again?
bwallberg - I have them read to me....I may stop and ask a question if it pertains to the story
bwallberg - its to ensure they are using reading strategies
Cece/1/GA - No, trying to get my powerpoint onto a CD for tomorrow's workshop. Any advice?
Sher - I teach K. Is it OK if they picture walk during that time?
bwallberg - I know most everything except CD writing
naneb - I ask them about their book and about what ever strategy I have been focusing on. for example, we did visualization so, during conference I asked them to tell me about a picture they made in their mind while they were reading
bwallberg - oh, of course
bwallberg - you are doing Building Blocks right Sher?
Cece/1/GA - I am trying to get my video onto the powerpoint. HELP! I am ready to scream!
Sher - Yes!
naneb - Do you have easy cd?
alix - night all, thanks for trying to help.
Sher - We are implementing BB fully this year.
Cece/1/GA - Nope, my broth-in-law is trying to do it for me...so I am emailing my presentation to him. The videos didn't email
naneb - night alix
bwallberg - well, good night all
Sher - I agree. Time is a problem for me too.
Cece/1/GA - night. alix. Good Luck
naneb - I only have my students for 2 50 minute class periods every day. I just cannot do guided reading and SSR during one class period
Sher - Wow! That's a challenge naneb.
naneb - They have already learned so much using this format though i will never go back to something else
Cece/1/GA - goodnight britt
naneb - night Britt
naneb - Cece, do you find more upper grade teachers using 4 blocks?
Sher - The 4 Blocks/BB is great! My kids love it. Most all of them are doing great!
Cece/1/GA - Yes, naneb, more all the time.
Sher - I don't think our school will change for long time, either.
naneb - the 6th grade teachers at my school don't have a clue about 4 blocks
Sher - How do the upper grade students respond?
Cece/1/GA - It takes time for them to buy in. It has taken our 3rd, 4th and 5th a few years
naneb - my kids love it especially making words and brand name phonics. I hear them when they are writing reminding themselves , if you can spell Taco Bell you can spell swell!
Sher - What grade do you teach naneb?
naneb - I am at a middle school and not an elementary school
naneb - 6th grade LD
Sher - That's great!
naneb - They will fight to be the first to quess the mystery word
Sher - I would think this is a great program for the LD students. Actually, for all students.
Cece/1/GA - yes, the words block is especially good
naneb - my students are just finishing writing adventure stories. they are going to publish and make books next week. We are having a big party to celebrate on Friday
naneb - This was my student teacher's unit for evaluation. the kids wrote their story in groups
Cece/1/GA - that's great, naneb
bray - I teach lst grade and the self selected reading block and I conference with a small group is a nightmare!
Cece/1/GA - that's great, naneb
Sher - Small group conferencing? How do you do that?
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