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meeha/ece/tx - 'evening, welcome to tonite's early childhood/primary chat!
Carol/pre K/WI - The chat tonite is my reward for completing 75% of my journal article for my master's program
Mauce - Good for you Carol!
meeha/ece/tx - this year it has become TAKS -- and no. Pre-Kindergarten has "guidelines" ... in special education preschool we have pretty much 'nada' from the state. My charge is to get them talking and ready to learn to read in Kinder.
Carol/pre K/WI - I'm glad at this point Wi isn't doing the whole state testing thing and that I'm in ece
meeha/ece/tx - Second graders now take a "practice TAKS" test ... doesn't count at the level of the third grade test, but .....
unifix - Carol, what's ece?
meeha/ece/tx - Third-graders who don't pass the reading portion of the test don't get to become fourth graders -- now it is a state law!
Carol/pre K/WI - Early childhood education
Mauce - We have testing in all grades. There is so much assessiing going on there is hardly any time to teach and very little time for fun.
unifix - meeha, sounds extreme
meeha/ece/tx - Mauce -- I have on-going assessment going on ... but not standardized ... we assess based on existing skills and what we're working on with the individual child.
unifix - meeha, is this a state law in Texas?
Carol/pre K/WI - Well that's the sad part is kids and teachers are stressing over the test and the real reason for education is lost.
meeha/ece/tx - unifix, yes it is ... sad, isn't it? ..... but then, how do you get the kiddos through school without such measures when "social promotion" is such an issue and kiddos aren't learning?
unifix - Yeah, but teachers need to be sure they don't pass the stress on to their kids
meeha/ece/tx - Carol, so true! and the FUN of learning is forever lost on the children going through schools now. it is "drill and kill" ... "kill and drill" ... work, no laugh, no fun. So sad.
meeha/ece/tx - in TX it has kind of become the school system's "corporate mentality" ... to be an exemplary school by having these fabulous test scores ... but it is SOOOO hard.
unifix - Still comes down to the teacher. Do the old end around
Carol/pre K/WI - but I think for some kids stress by just hearing the word test
unifix - I think it is a battle of wits, smart ones win!
unifix - Sorry, too much caffeine
meeha/ece/tx - unifix -- when I was in 1st grade (student teaching), before we did end-of-year testing we had to cover the alphabet cards and all numberlines/resource materials the kiddos had seen on the walls in the room through the year.
Carol/pre K/WI - I think we are going do the wrong road; if we would concentrate more on how children learn and providing the information rather than the test we would be amaze with the results
meeha/ece/tx - Carol, I think you're right!
Carol/pre K/WI - but we wouldn't want shool to be fun
unifix - meeha, alphabet if ok but is messes with learning sounds
meeha/ece/tx - My exchange students are always horrified by "school" here ... they find it SO easy ... and they find little opportunity to evaluate, synthesize, or internalize what they learn.
meeha/ece/tx - yep, unifix -- not any good for those kiddos.
unifix - meeha, I meant, alphabet training is ok, but children need to learn their sounds first. Like what is the sound of "t"
meeha/ece/tx - unifix, I think sounds are more important than letter names ... unfortunately most don't teach them that way.
unifix - Yup, I agree /s/
Lin - Hi, I teach 4th grade now, but Reading Recovery trained. Very frustrated.
meeha/ece/tx - Becky -- what grade do you teach ... and (((roughly))) where?
becky - second grade, maine
meeha/ece/tx - why frustrated, Lin?
unifix - Anyway, I'm here because I wish I was teaching 1st grade again!
Lin - I have a child in 4th who I had in 1st. Making the same mistakes in writing. Reversing letters. same spelling problems. Don't know how else to approach it.
becky - I think second grade is the best!
milymo/K - Hi Paulie! I am working on my sub plans for Thursday. I will be going to an asperger's conference.
meeha/ece/tx - Lin, in 4th grade with the same errors ... has this child been considered for dyslexia training? Is he a fairly intelligent kiddo otherwise?
milymo/K - Becky I LOVE second grade!!!
Michel - how long have you been teaching K Paulie?
Lin - Very smart. If he thinks before he speaks. Not tested for dyslexia though.
milymo/K - My morning class is a lot of fun. My afternoon class is... challenging!
unifix - Lin: do you actually have to teach fourth graders?
Paulie - I taught K three years
Michel - this is my first year
AP - Paulie - Do you still teach k?
Lin - I have fourth grade now. Probably will next year. This may be the wrong meeting. Primary right?
becky - I have been teaching second for 12 years. I still love it!!!!!!
meeha/ece/tx - Lin ... dyslexia should be considered when a child appears to have an average or above average intelligence, yet consistently has difficulty learning to read/write/compute (any or all) despite typical and, in some cases, extraordinary measures to help the child learn.
Mauce - My AM is the group that keeps me hopping - PM gives me a moment or two to catch my breath.
meeha/ece/tx - if you're consistently seeing spelling errors and still see reversals, I'd start looking at dyslexia. 4th grade is a bit late to be seeing them.
Paulie - I taught my first yr in all day K and loved it
Lin - What doesn't make sense to me is that he reads above grade level. I think of reading/ writing as inseparable.
AP - Just curious, since you said that you taught k for 3 years. What do you teach now?
meeha/ece/tx - Lin, yes -- this is primary.
milymo/K - I student taught in third.
unifix - what's not to like about K?
meeha/ece/tx - Lin, the learning disability can impact all or just a portion of the process.
Michel - i am having a good time. . .I love seeing reading skills develop in little ones
meeha/ece/tx - He reads above level ... comprehends what he reads?
Michel - I student taught in a K French Immersion program
becky - Tying shoes? Snowsuits?
AP - I've had my own classroom since 1985 and I've taught 3rd and 4th as well as splits.
milymo/K - Michel - my pm class is extended day k. I keep six of my morning kids and six of the other teacher's morning kids. They make up my very challenging pm class.
Michel - I don't tie shoes. . . becky
Lin - Like I said, If he thinks first. Which I have to remind him to do. Otherwise he says/writes the first thought which is usually off topic.
becky - That's an interesting mix.
Michel - why is it challenging milymo?
pepper - Hi, I teach K thanks for letting me listen in
becky - I still tie shoes for some of my second graders.
Paulie - AP I moved and am not in classroom this year
meeha/ece/tx - I'm now going back and talking with parents about asking "WH" questions after one to three sentences in stories they share with their children. Explaining that listening to stories is the basis for building "reading comprehension" ... don't just let them listen ... make sure they understand what is going on!
Mauce - I say - "Who knows how to tie? then look at the untied one and say "Go ask him/her"
Michel - do you like it pepper?
becky - Good idea!
AP - Are any of you teaching full day k and your thoughts on full day k
meeha/ece/tx - Lin -- you could consider dyslexia or OTHER learning disability. (LD is tough to diagnose!)
Michel - so do I Mauce. . .I don't have time to tie shoes. . .
Michel - I love full day K
meeha/ece/tx - you might take a peek at http://www.ldonline.com -- some wonderful resources there!
Michel - you can get so much work done
becky - I'll try that
Michel - what reading program are you using . . . .MAUCE
Mauce - Mine like to help each other and that helps me because I am alone with 24 - AM and 20 in PM.
Lin - Thank you meeha. I think I will now. I need some fresh eyes I think.
meeha/ece/tx - 'evening, ladybug -- welcome to tonite's early childhood/primary chat!
Paulie - I loved teaching all day K If I had my way I would have all K classes be all day
meeha/ece/tx - good luck, Lin!
AP - At first our k teachers didn't like full day, but they're happier with it now
Michel - what reading program are you using . . . PAULIE
ladybug - Hi, I am about to begin tutoring a little boy, first grade, who is having difficulty with writing his thoughts, or anything else down on paper. Any suggestions?
meeha/ece/tx - Paulie -- in this day in age all K classes need to be full day!
Paulie - I just tell them to tuck into shoes if they can't tie
becky - Our K's want all day, but our budget is a disaster.
Michel - our budget is a disaster too. . . becky
unifix - ladybug, try letting him just trace lines
Paulie - amen meeha but not all feel that way cause of space and money for another teacher
Mauce - We are just starting guided reading groups with Rigby and Wright materials. What do you use?
becky - Lots of budget cuts coming down from the state. I can't believe they didn't see it coming a long time ago.
AP - ladybug have you tried a survey with him to find out his likes and dislikes?
Michel - Open Court. . .MAUCE
meeha/ece/tx - ladybug -- get him to draw and dictate now. he can write later! as you look at pre-writing, be sure he has experieneced what he is trying to write about ... get him to draw a picture and encourage LOTS of DETAIL!
unifix - ladybug, drawing is the first step to writing
meeha/ece/tx - see there, unifix -- gmta!
Mauce - I would like to have full day K. I want to do more "Fun" stuff that just doesn't fit into my day.
Paulie - Michel do u like OC for K??????? yuk
milymo/K - Our budget is pretty bad too. They will probably try to cut more teachers this year. It's a good possibility I will not have kinder next year.
becky - Ladybug, I would have him dictate to me and then let him do stuff with the words. He needs to develop a bank of words he feels confident about.
Michel - yes. . .i have 9 really really good readers. . .so far . . .PAULIE
Paulie - OC is terrible
unifix - ladybug, he sounds kind of young for writing words
Michel - 8 of them get 1st grade enrichment reading material. . .Paulie
Paulie - especially for letting kids learn at their own rate
Michel - what do you use. ..Paulie?
Paulie - Building Blocks and Kid writing
meeha/ece/tx - Michel -- that is quite a talented group you've got!
becky - Milymo, we are also looking at position cuts. It will be interesting to see how they solve it.
Michel - oh ok. . .
Paulie - not scripted programs that have all doing the same thing
Michel - all but 3 of my students can read. . . PAULIE. . .that's why i like OC
becky - We use guided reading.
Paulie - Michel then u must not have Open Court Police having u be on the same scripted page each day
Michel - thank you. . .meeha
milymo/K - The teacher's took a pay freeze last year to help "solve" ours. They only cut 4 people instead of 17.
Paulie - Guided reading is a part of 4 Blocks for 1st gr and above
Michel - they do come around. . .i add little things. . . my principal likes what i am doing. . .and my students comprehend too. . .PAULIE
becky - I would agree to a pay freeze if the administration did also.
Paulie - Michel we were not allowed to add anything
Paulie - of course we were half days
Michel - where are you. . .becky
meeha/ece/tx - Michel and Paulie -- I think that every program impacts differently on different teachers and groups of students ... how Michel presents it to her kiddos may very well work better for her than the programs you prefer, Paulie ... I've had some curriculum dropped in my room that I would sooner drop into the ocean than use -- yet other teachers absolutely LOVED it!
Michel - you have to do it. . ."under the table"
becky - M
becky - E
becky - I mean, Maine!
Paulie - how can u do it under the table when they check ot see if u are on the same page each day?
Michel - espcially if you see you kids are ready to move on
Carol/pre K/WI - Good nite all Have a good week
Paulie - well I had many kids reading by Jan in K too and that was half days using BB and writing
milymo/K - I voted against the pay freeze because I knew it wouldn't fix anything. It looks like the people who didn't get cut last year will probably get cut this year.
becky - I would hate that. I have to have freedom to teach what I feel kids need. I love to do things differently.
meeha/ece/tx - Becky -- we got a grand 1% raise this year (and our insurance rates more than tripled!) ... superintendent (who tried to refuse raise) got something like a 15% raise from board.
Paulie - me too becky
Michel - I am moving at a good pace. . .my lesson plans are there also. . .it is just little things you do to stick extra stuff in
Paulie - but Michel u can do that because u r all day
Mauce - I think some programs are easier to get used to than others and for some of us (me) the comfort level can decide which program I like best.
milymo/K - Our super and principals all took the pay freeze too!
Michel - but we only do reading. . .for 1hr a day
Michel - that's what i do becky. . . even though i follow a scripted program i am still able to give my kids what they need
becky - That's really important. Kids don't fit the mold. They make their own.
Paulie - Michel where are u? what state?
becky - What do you think about "No Child Left Behind"?
Michel - Maryland. . .Paulie
Paulie - it stinks
Mauce - 1 hour is a 1/3 or my day. When do you do math, library, specials, computer, movement, projects, recess.etc?
Paulie - oic Michel I thought maybe u r CA where I left because of OC
becky - I think it's heaping a lot of extra work on us that has nothing to do with the kids and what they need. It's all about politics.
meeha/ece/tx - I think NCLB is a good idea whose time has not yet come. EVERY child deserves the right to learn to read/write ... our educatioin system isn't ready yet to handle the practice.
Paulie - meeha it isn't that It is just for testing
Michel - how does 4 Blocks work? Paulie
becky - I think that the concept is good, but the law seems to be negative in its approach to the schools.
Paulie - and some kids don't test good with writing, fill in blanks or multiple guess They need to be able to use other intelligences besides reading and writing
becky - They should look to see what is working in the schools and promote that instead of all school having to worry about being labelled "at risk".
Paulie - Michel it is for 1-upper grades there is a 4 Blocks site at T net good explanation there
meeha/ece/tx - #1 -- primary classes need to be "ungraded", allowing children the time they need to jump in and get to know/master the skills they need for future education. Too often kiddos barely catch on to a concept and they have to move on. No time to comprehend and make it their own (Piagetian term: assimilate the knowledge)
Paulie - amen meeha
becky - Our school is wonderful, but we have to jump through all the hoops that a failing inner city school has to. They should put that money into the schools that are actually failing. They know who they are.
meeha/ece/tx - #2 -- children's strengths need to be recognized as such ... and built on!
Mauce - I agree, Meeha
milymo/K - Need to get going! Goodnight everyone!
Paulie - and NOT blame it all on teachers
Michel - Repetition is the key. . .OC has a lot of repetition. . .so even though you keep moving. . .the students have numerous opportunities to "catch on"
Paulie - bye Milymo
Michel - bye milymo
meeha/ece/tx - #3 -- EVERY STUDENT does NOT need a college preparatory high school education! Some need to be better prepared for technical jobs or service jobs that they will actually do in the future! We need to look to other nations for better ideas!
Mauce - We are building a 12 story building on a shaky foundation.
meeha/ece/tx - 'nite, mily.
Paulie - Michel and what about the kids that are bored cause they know that
becky - I have to go. daughter needs to talk to BF. Nice chatting with you.
Paulie - 12 story building? u gonna have elevators?
Michel - then, they finish the work quickly and get enrichment activities that are more challenging. . .I have 8 like that Paulie
meeha/ece/tx - 'nite, becky -- good seeing you!
Paulie - Michel no I mean when u are "teaching" to the whole class and those that know it have to sit and listen
becky - We need lots more conversation about NCLB among teachers. I am starting to be very opinionated about it and I hope others will too. We'll continue this conversation another day.
becky - We need lots more conversation about NCLB among teachers. I am starting to be very opinionated about it and I hope others will too. We'll continue this conversation another day.
meeha/ece/tx - I'll be right back -- need to step out for a sec.
Paulie - I need another color brb
Michel - well. . .even if they know it, it doesn't hurt them to continue to practice. . .they don't just sit and listen. . .I always give those kids something advanced. . .dealing with the same subject or areas i am teaching so they are not left out
Michel - during the lesson
Paulie - lucky u "our" OC police would not allow that
Michel - Paulie. . .I don't deviate when I have visitors. . .
Paulie - curious about your name Michel u female or male I never seen name spelled like yours just seen Michelle or Michael
Michel - female. . .it is Michel. . .pronouncd like Michelle
Paulie - we never knew when we were going to have "visitors"
Paulie - thanks that helps I am also female
Paulie - Ü
Michel - you have to just be able to switch back ---i learned that teaching is thinking on your feet
Paulie - glad u do it that way Michel
Michel - that's why when i deviate. . .i don't go way out. . .so i can move right back to the "script"
Paulie - good
Michel - you have to do something. . .especially when you have half the class doing advanced work. . .can't bore them to death. . .then you would have behavior problems
Mauce - We always put "visitors" to work. Most administrators leave as soon as possible.. Little kids with grubby hands, loose teeth, and runny noses scare them!
Michel - lol Mauce
Paulie - that is so funny Mauce
Michel - do you guys have a lot of parent visitors?
Mauce - Question - What do you do with the "others" while you work with a group?
Michel - what do you mean Mauce?
meeha/ece/tx - back again!
Michel - who?
Paulie - wb meeha
Michel - I give the other students who are not in the group. . . .individual assigments
Paulie - hi Jen
meeha/ece/tx - Mauce -- I generally put visitors to work, too! I figure parents helping in my classroom puts them in much better stead to extend the curriculum into the home!
Michel - hi Jen
Mauce - Like a small group with me doing reading, writing, or math. I try to do centers but sometimes it doesn't work as well as I want it to work.
Michel - I put them to work too. . .meeha
Michel - I put them to work too. . .meeha
meeha/ece/tx - I think I"m going to need to leave for a few minutes -- take my daughter's friends home. Be back in a bit! Take care.
Jen_of_PA - hi everyone
Michel - I pair students up. . .sometimes a pair a less able student when one who is more able
Michel - I just keep them busy Mauce
Jen_of_PA - I'm in a jam....I need a narrative writing prompt for 2nd grade
Mauce - doing what, Michel?
Jen_of_PA - Mauce, I do centers ....one center is working in a group with me
Paulie - http://aolsearch.aol.com/dirsearch.adp?knf=1&query=narrative%20writing%20prompt
Jen_of_PA - I have reading center, math center, writing center, science/social studies center, spelling center, listening centers, and computers
Michel - for instance if I am working with a guided reading group during our "workshop" period. . .i have some students working at a table doing an independent writing activity, or I have a "teacher" student call out letters and letter sounds for alphabet bingo, or students pair up and read to and with each other
Paulie - try that link Jen lots of writing prompts
Michel - I also do centers Jen
Mauce - I do that too, Jen but it woesn't always work
Michel - in math. . .I work with small groups and send other students to the math center. . .it is set up more like tradition K centers. . .
Jen_of_PA - thanks Paulie
Paulie - welcome
Mauce - woesn't = doesn't
Michel - wow Jen, I wish i had space for all those centers
Paulie - Mauce we are K teachers -- we know!
Jen_of_PA - well it didn't work for me either at first until I 'taught' them how to work in centers
Michel - same here Jen
Michel - hey Jen. . .what reading program are you using?
Michel - are you using BB
Michel - see. . .that's why I like OC. . .it helps students be independent.. .
Mauce - My room is very small. Everything has to serve double duty. Center materials are on shelves. They are doing a good job. I need to get new things out but haven't had time due to assesssments that must be done ASAP
Michel - pair students together Mauce. ..that might help
Paulie - I never saw OC make kids independant
Michel - I understand Mauce
Michel - my room is small too. . .and I need to assess
Jen_of_PA - houghton mifflin
Paulie - Mauce your room is terrific rememebr I saw all the photos
Michel - the workshop part of the program helps them. . .Jen
Jen_of_PA - OC?
Mauce - Too many kids - They work in groups of six and rotate through 5 centers on days that I don't have to stop for specials.
Jen_of_PA - I have 16 kids
Michel - I have 18 kids
Paulie - OC=Open Court
Michel - Paulie. . .what about "workshop" that's pretty independent
Mauce - Thanks Paulie. I'll have to send more pics when I finish the area I'm working on now. I just bought new stuff for writing area.
Paulie - great Mauce
Michel - I need some ideas for my writing center. . .can anyone help?
Jen_of_PA - ok, I know OC then
Michel - I also need ideas for my math center
Paulie - welll sorkshop is kinda overwhelmed by all the scripted stuff
Paulie - what kind of ideas u looking for ? for a small group?
Michel - what scripted stuff. .. .it's just games, and art type actitiites and stuff
Paulie - OC is all scripted
Michel - it is not as scripted as Direcet Instruction
Jen_of_PA - here's a good question, I have 3 IEPed students....3 or 4 more that should be identified....well they insist on getting help from the teacher's aide that's in the room during center time....I'm trying to ween them away from asking for help immediately when she walks in. any suggestions?
Paulie - Michel use rubber stams for them to add things
Paulie - let them play with pattern blocks
Michel - I have pattern blocks
Paulie - let them make designs with blocks
Michel - hmmm
Jen_of_PA - math center, what area? basic facts? money? time? fractions?
Paulie - use geoboards with colored rubber bands
Mauce - I just bought some neat templetes at a dollar store. They are for scrapbooking. I'm adding some to the writing area, some to the art area.
Michel - we aren't there yet
Paulie - can have a play store and use money
Michel - i can get geoboards though
Paulie - Mauce neato
Paulie - now for writing. . .
Michel - our center activities have to be real structured but mine isn't. . .
Paulie - have them red the room with fancy pointer and then write that wrod on their paper on a clipboard
Paulie - journals = picture and words/sentence below it
Michel - I can do journals though
Paulie - read the room I meant
Jen_of_PA - i bought math wipe off boards at walmart, they have addition and subtraction, I also have play money, I had them do money rubbing to make a book about money
Mauce - Part of the center needs to be open-ended in my opinion - They need time to relax to be able to focus.
Michel - my students need to use their journals more
Paulie - journals we made were according to season
Michel - I agree Mauce
Paulie - ou could send them home more often
Michel - ooooh i like that Jen
Michel - what? journals?
Paulie - kids always thought new thing was great instead of continuing journaling in one book
Paulie - we soemtimes gave themes to draw and write about and sometimes it was free choice
Jen_of_PA - what do you do with problem solving?
Mauce - I'm just starting journals - we have a handwriting book that I'm trying to finish (get out of the way)
Michel - I need to do that more often
Michel - we use blocks to solve problems
Michel - we don't have handwriting booksd
Jen_of_PA - Michel what grade?
Michel - and other manipulatives
Michel - K
Paulie - we also make little readers by puting math pictures on pages either by rubber stamping or by drawing or cuting things out or small cutours from ellison machine
Michel - oooooh i like that Paulie. . .i will use that idea
Paulie - we related books to math and writing LIKE Ten Apples up on top
Michel - i read the book about the 5 speckled frogs today
Jen_of_PA - do all of you teach K?
Paulie - we have kids measure thigns by string first they cut off a piece of string they thought how long it waas or circumference like a pumpkin and then they rtried their string to see if long enough, too long or too short
Mauce - We are doing Five Little Snowmen with a book that I wrote
Michel - that sounds good Mauce. . .do you know the book i am talking about? it is also a song
Paulie - Michel do you have frog stamp for them to make the book? They could add them up and then subtract them all later
Paulie - I have the printouts for the 5 speckled frogs
Michel - i will have to look. . .i don't think so though
Paulie - book
Mauce - Paulie, we did that in fall. There is an AIMS book with a unit on apples and pumpkins
Michel - i like that song/book
Paulie - yes AIMS is a good resource
Jen_of_PA - problem solving is our grade goal this year, they need to not only get the answer but also be able to explain how they got the answer
Michel - ours too
Michel - it is something like. . .Students wil learn to solve problems using manipulatives and drawing pictures
Paulie - for gettign kids to write (penmanship) better, let them cut playdo with scissors helps fine muscles also let them use tweezers to pick up a certain color of dyed rice to sort
Mauce - I think I know the song and the book Michel
Michel - same here Jen. .
Paulie - Jen that is great Marilyn Burns ahs a lot of books out about that
Jen_of_PA - well in 2nd grade they actually write how they got the problem and why they did what they did
Michel - oooooh i like that Paulie
Paulie - Jen a good book about that is The Kings Commissioners
Jen_of_PA - well I formatted my own kinda "format" for them to do it and it seems to be working but I need to check in on getting a copyright
Paulie - dye rice with small amount of rubbing alcohol and food coloring in a closed baggie let air dry and it is good to go mix colors up and it is neato
Paulie - Jen wonderful
Michel - that song is good for introducing subtraction. . .Mauce
Jen_of_PA - anyone know about copyright
Michel - I know that you can copyright something yourself Jen
Paulie - not really jen but I heard if you publish it like at teacher's net then it is in publication and that gives u the copyright. Do you want to submit it to become a book?
Jen_of_PA - how's that Michel?
Paulie - or is it a one page idea?
Jen_of_PA - I'm thinking about making it a book.....I just have to write it all out
Mauce - That's what I use it for, Michel. It always makes me feel good knowing someone else makes the same connections I do.
Michel - it sounds crazy but this is what some of my college prof. told me. . . put a copy of whatever it is in an envelop and mail it to yourself----don't open it. . .
Jen_of_PA - right now it's ONE page
Michel - ^5Mauce
Paulie - If you submit it to a teachers magazine, I think you also ahve the copyright for it too but you don't earn money from it
Jen_of_PA - Michel...oh....I've done that
Michel - well then. . .your set then Jen
Paulie - Michel and date it inside first
Michel - that is the easiest way to do it
Michel - yep. . .
Paulie - in case the postmark doesn't come out good
Mauce - Scholastic asks for teachers to submit ideas. I've seen it in the back of some of the idea books I've purchased from them.
Michel - I have introduced Part-Part-Total to my kids. . .have you Mauce?
Michel - really?
Paulie - Michel fractions?
Mauce - NOt sure what you mean, Michel. Please explain
Michel - no. . .addition
Paulie - we always did whole, half, third and fourths by end of K
Michel - ok. . .like if you have 7. . .and you want to show 7 using 2 groups. . .
Paulie - oic well you can do the same with subtracvtion just starting the other end
Paulie - that would be several pages of problems tho
Michel - part I would be something like 5 and part II would be something like 2 and the total of course wouild be 7
Paulie - you can get 7 several ways
Jen_of_PA - cool but this summer I'm hoping to "TRY" to put it into a book....I say try because I have a 10 month old
Michel - not fractions Paulie
Paulie - Jen u might have lots of math ideas?
Paulie - I know I said subtraction and addition would ahve many parts for 7
Mauce - Before Christmas we used the Countdown Chain for subtraction and the links that were removed for adding the days gone by in December. Sometimes I would have them count to see that we still had the 25 we started with just arranged differently. Some got it.
Jen_of_PA - Paulie....who wrote the King's Commissioners?
Paulie - Jen give me a minute and I will look It is wonderful story
Jen_of_PA - math ideas....it takes me awhile but yes I can usually come up with lots
meeha/ece/tx - Hi Jen -- sorry, I had to leave right after you came in ... glad to see you!
Mauce - I have something called Hainstock Blocks that I bought years ago. They are like little boxes that have beads inside to match the numeral on the outside. The inside is divided so that you can move beads from side to side to show different problems with the same sum.
Jen_of_PA - like, just for a break after having a long math class....stop class tell them to pair up or you can pair them up...on the count of 3 they both stick out both hands showing fingers....they have to add all the fingers up before the partner
Paulie - The King's Commissioners is by Aileen Friedman another good book is The Greedy Triangle by Marilyn Burns
Jen_of_PA - cya michel
Mauce - nite, Michel, Come again!
Jen_of_PA - Paulie is it a resource book?
Michel - bye . . .and thanks a lot
Michel - I certainly will. . .thanks Mauce
Paulie - no story books
Michel - I wish you well with your groups. . . .
Michel - Mauce
Paulie - math story books
meeha/ece/tx - Mauce -- I've not seen or heard of these blocks -- they sound interesting (and fun!)
Jen_of_PA - ok
Paulie - Mauce I would like to see a photo of those blocks
Jen_of_PA - another facts game...using dominoes, add the dominoes up
Paulie - Jen very good math books
Paulie - yes I ahve all sizes of dominoes including huge floor ones
Mauce - Thanks for the idea Jen! I can use your idea to fill those dreaded minutes when we are ready for a special early instead of our usual "just on time" or when we are waiting for our 5th graders to come.
Paulie - I have overhead dominoes too
meeha/ece/tx - Mauce -- I have used nursery rhymes as "filler" while we're standing in line or needing to wait.
Paulie - meeha nursery rhymes are great
Jen_of_PA - whole group math game...high-low....I think of a number from 1 -100 (you could change that)....say my number is 52...if they guess 14...since my number is higher I tell them 15....if they say 63...my number is lower so I say 62. If I say my own number I win, if they say it they win
Paulie - many kids don't hear nursery rhymes growing up anymore so we have to make sure they are exposed in school
meeha/ece/tx - (I've gone to the extreme of keeping a book by the door and one by our circle (waiting) area so that when I go "brain-dead" I have help-at-hand!
Mauce - Another good idea, meeha! We sometimes see how far we can count, do a quick song, or think of words that start like the "Superbee's child of the day) name. Never hurts to have lots of ideas!
Paulie - Jen that is good game but too hard for my K You could go to ten I suppose to adapt it
Jen_of_PA - yes, it would be difficult for K
Jen_of_PA - 10 would work
Paulie -
Jen_of_PA - or Paulie instead you could just say "higher" or "Lower"
meeha/ece/tx - Have you ever had a "sponge activity box" in your room? A box or crate with little activities that take two to three minutes to complete, that reinforce current (or review) concepts?
Jen_of_PA - they love to beat me
Paulie - yes thought you were going to say higher or lower first of all so was pleased to seethe other idea
meeha/ece/tx - I've had a box with little books ... sorting buttons ... seriating materials ... sequencing materials ... file folder games ... lacing cards ..... lacing beads ..... pattern blocks .........
Mauce - I have a chart above the calendar - the Pick-a-Pocket Chart. 9 library card pockets mounted on a piece of posterboard. In each pocket is a quick thing to do. Ex - recite the alphabet, count to 100, etc. When I'm desperate, or brain dead, we pick a pocket. Cards can be changed throughout the year to increase in difficulty or match seasons, etc.
Paulie - o I should have told Michele about buttons lol I did a whole unit uning buttons and it is in Math at Tnet lesson plans
Jen_of_PA - also, left hand vs. right hand. partner sit across from each other on the floor. You pt an object in the middle of them. I use a large eraser. I say "left" or "right"....they have to grab the eraser with that hand
Paulie - Jen that is good
Mauce - Do you have the book - The Button Box - to go with your unit Paulie?
Paulie - o yes Mauce
Mauce - Good one, Jen!
Jen_of_PA - well I need to go to bed, night!
meeha/ece/tx - 'nite, Jen -- it is about my bedtime, too!
Paulie - I presented a lesson (many ideas) to teachers at a summer math institute using buttons for everything I suppliesd all the buttons
Paulie - bye Jen and meeha
Mauce - My son wants the computer. I told him he could have it at 11. He's bigger than me so I've got to go soon. Bye Jen and Meeha. Thanks for your ideas!
Paulie - with buttons you can do patterning, counting, adding, subtracting, groups, and so many other things
meeha/ece/tx - 'nite Mauce, Paulie ... good seeing you again! Take care.
Paulie - bye mauce
Paulie - s I will go too sicne everyone is leaving
Mauce - You can tell stories about unusual buttons too.
Paulie - but here is a special chat this week too I think
