Tuesday, May 7, 2002
EC/Kindergarten/Primary Chat
2 Open Chats
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meeha/ece/tx - Hi! Welcome to tonite's early childhood meeting! Hi, XCited!
meeha/ece/tx - XCited, what grade/age level do you work with? I work with special needs preschoolers.
XCited Tchr - i teach K
XCited Tchr - and 1
niki/pk - anyone doing K screening now? ours started today
meeha/ece/tx - K/1 split -- how is it going?
meeha/ece/tx - I've been seeing some questions on the EC mailring about scheduling in the K/1 classroom.
XCited Tchr - it is going ok... my first year
wes/k - I started yesterday with my highest students as to give the lowers a little longer.
XCited Tchr - i feel i let some of my K's down?
meeha/ece/tx - wes -- started assessment for end of the year?
niki/pk - how xcited?
Paulie - thanks meeha
meeha/ece/tx - X -- I'm sure they have progressed well. The exposure to 1st grade materials should have been helpful.
XCited Tchr - i have been working so long on rhyme, my ONE student isn't getting it
wes/k - I had that feeling last year. It will get much better next year. I'm sure you did a great job.
Kathleen - Hi! Just wanted to stop by for a few minutes to say hello!
Paulie - hi Kathleen nice to "see" u
XCited Tchr - i can at least keep that student in her seat now
meeha/ece/tx - X, be patient. You've laid the ground work ... when the child is developmentally ready it will "click"
Kathleen - Nice to "see" you , too!
XCited Tchr - thank you wes
Kathleen - Is it becoming more difficult to allow children to "click" in the face of all the pressure to make them move along more quickly than is reasonable to expect?
meeha/ece/tx - X, somtimes the progress we measure isn't what we want -- but ALL progress is valuable, helpful, and beneficial!
wes/k - meeha - yes for the end of the year my students are done on the Friday before memorial day.
XCited Tchr - yeah, i guess so...i have did all that i can (Y)
niki/pk - That push to get kids going frustrates me!
XCited Tchr - true meeha
Paulie - I think a few years from now they will realize pushing them along is not developmentally correct. . .
XCited Tchr - true
Kathleen - Hi Stacey!
meeha/ece/tx - I think they become 'mislabeled' by well-meaning classroom teachers ... as "slow-learners" and kind of left-behind when they don't follow the pack
meeha/ece/tx - Hi Stacey! Welcome to tonite's early childhood meeting!
Stacey - hello
XCited Tchr - SO true paulie
meeha/ece/tx - I've got some kiddos in my classroom whose progress is measured in the fact that they now stop and look when their name is called ... 60% of the time!
XCited Tchr - i hear you
XCited Tchr - awe meeha ... sad
Kathleen - Is early childhood being tested more along with the older kids? or is ec escaping that (so far)?
XCited Tchr - i mean thats good, just the progress isn't looked at as progress :S
Paulie - hi Jammie
niki/pk - being tested how?
meeha/ece/tx - X, that is the nature of my classroom ... and if they can learn to "look" in six weeks -- many of them I am able to teach to communicate over the three years they are with me!
meeha/ece/tx - hi Jammie! Welcome to tonite's early childhood meeting!
Kathleen - sorry, I meant standardized tests
wes/k - My kinders had to take the Stanford test this spring.
Paulie - that is sickening Wes
Kathleen - Today is Teacher Appreciation Day, and on behalf of Teachers.Net I wish all of you a a very happy Teachers' Day!
meeha/ece/tx - Our kinders take the TPRI (Texas Primary Reading Inventory) ... a form of DRA, as I understand it.
XCited Tchr - this is my first time here, does it usually get busy>
niki/pk - how did that go wes? In the last 3 yrs. when I had K I escaped the tests
Kathleen - wes, a step backwards, eh?
Kathleen - XCited, it varies each week
Paulie - even first gr escaped the test where I last taught
wes/k - It was for full days of torture as we were very limited on time. I think they did very well.
Jammie - Hi! We were lucky and not have any standard ized testing! Last year we did take the ITBS
XCited Tchr - OH< its teacher appreciation day today?
meeha/ece/tx - Thank you, Kathleen -- that one totally missed me!
wes/k - re involved in setting the norms for the new stanford but it was such an inappropriate way to test these little guys.
Paulie - all over it is all week
Paulie - Thanks for being a teacher XCited . . .
niki/pk - wes, was it a bubble test?
XCited Tchr - i seem to be getting my messages WAY after ?
meeha/ece/tx - (Teacher Appreciation Day, that is!) Tomorrow is "Paraeducator Appreciation Day" in my district. I'm treating my ladies to lunch
wes/k - Yes it was. It was in a book format.
meeha/ece/tx - Hi Tess! Welcome to tonite's early childhood meeting!
Kathleen - meeha, in honor of the day, and in appreciation for the amount of time you donate to support these early childhood-primary chats, Teachers.Net is sending you an Eric Carle poster, autographed by Eric Carle.
Tess - Thanks!
XCited Tchr - really? HMMMMMMM
XCited Tchr - my administrator didn't say anything?
Paulie - wow lucky meeha
meeha/ece/tx - OOOOOOOHHHHH! Thank you, Kathleen! We'll enjoy that in my classroom next year!
XCited Tchr - is this just in the states?
Kathleen - Thanks, meeha!
meeha/ece/tx - neither did mine, X!
niki/pk - congrats meeha, you deserve it!
Kathleen - XCited, I think it is just in the U.S.
Kathleen - You all deserve it, but I have only one poster.
Paulie - wher are u XCited?
Jammie - Our PTO is providing us with a salad lunch, but we still eat with our clas....yum yum!
XCited Tchr - just in the states
XCited Tchr - i must be in a states room...i am a canadian teacher
meeha/ece/tx - Jammie -- where are you that you eat with your class?
wes/k - hi robin
meeha/ece/tx - Hi Robin! Welcome to tonite's early childhood meeting!
meeha/ece/tx - Hi KinderCop!
niki/pk - how accurate do you all think K screening tests are? In 4 yrs. I'm still not sure...
Paulie - It is for any teacher who wants to come from anywhere
Kathleen - This is an international chatroom!
KindergartenCop - Hi everyone - is everyone winding down?
Robin - hey...what are we talking about
meeha/ece/tx - X -- we welcome teachers and friends of teachers from around the world!
Jammie - where else but south Georgia?
XCited Tchr - yay!
Paulie - teacher appreciation week
Robin - anyone working on nbpts
Kathleen - This is, after all, the WORLD WIDE web
meeha/ece/tx - Robin, tonite is pretty much open chat -- but we've been talking some about assessment and "testing"
XCited Tchr - <----------- first time here, first time teach
KindergartenCop - In MIchigan, we have to do this new, BIG "MLPP" which takes lots of time - and tells me mostly info I already know about each K
Paulie - glad u came XCited
Jammie - I'm taking my AC in June
XCited Tchr - so, do i have to press update to see what you said before i can see it?
meeha/ece/tx - Hi Myrose ... Welcome to tonite's early childhood meeting!
XCited Tchr - thank you Paulie
meeha/ece/tx - X, you shouldn't need to. What browser are you using? Netscape? IE? ?????
myrose - Thank you meeha, I hope everyone is doing well this evening
meeha/ece/tx - Jammie -- what is AC?
XCited Tchr - explorer
cgf - does anyone do the Dial 3 assessment?
JMG - I use the Work Sampling system in My preK class
meeha/ece/tx - cgf, I've done it, but it has been awhile.
myrose - The last time I was in here I had ask for and recieved some ideas for a unit I was starting on Hawaii
Jammie - Are you all talking about testing the incoming kinders or the out going class?
myrose - I have begun the unit and am quite pleased so far with how it's going
JMG - the summary reports took about 2 hours a child in the winter. I am already starting my end of year reports.
meeha/ece/tx - out-going
meeha/ece/tx - hi, dunhill
cgf - any info on Dial 3 assessment?
JMG - aloha, my rose! I graduated from high school in Hawaii
meeha/ece/tx - Hi Lori -- Welcome to tonite's early childhood meeting!
niki/pk - JMG is the work sampling system a standard system>
meeha/ece/tx - cgf, it has been several years ... I'm sorry I really don't recall anything about it!\
XCited Tchr -
JMG - WSS is standardized, yes
Lori - thanks! My first time here.
XCited Tchr - just thought i would for everyone
myrose - that's great, JMG. do you ever do a unit on Hawaii with your class? I bet you would have some great ideas!
niki/pk - thanks JMG, do you like it?
Paulie - I lived in Hawaii three years, son born there too
XCited Tchr - do things get easier after first year? (for real?)
meeha/ece/tx - Well, Lori, if you have any questions or need any help just let us know! We're glad you found us!
dunhilldarts - anyone use the DRA in kindergarten?
Paulie - welcome Lori one day you will be welcoming newbies too
Lori - We are doing a school wide Hawaii Day. I found a neat site that translates names into Hawaiian names.
JMG - first year back in the saddle- it has been hard enough to adapt to current curriculum.
wes/k - xcited - they get 10 times better the second time through.
cgf - testing incoming kinders in the fall- we use first step but are looking around
Jammie - The only assessments we do is our final report card testing and our reading coach gives a placement test, so the first grade teachers will know where to start!
meeha/ece/tx - X, they really do get easier ... and you gain confidence and experience which make "new" situations less scary. Be patient with yourself and allow yourself the time you need to grow!
myrose - I put together a little coloring booklet of Hawaii symbols that I got from the net and Frank Schaffer
Lori - By the third year you're an old pro.
niki/pk - Xcited, they get a lot easier!!! I spent hours after school my first year and still never felt like I covered all my bases
XCited Tchr - i hope so.........
wes/k - you will be more comfortable with the curriculum and have more fun with your kids.
myrose - What is the address for the name website, Lori?
JMG - I feel like a first year teacher after not teaching for 8 years.........it gets better
Lori - alohafriends.com check it out.
XCited Tchr - I am very unsure of what i am teaching them, but I do follow the curric. :S
meeha/ece/tx - we're just kind of bobbing around in the ocean right now. It is so funny watching kiddos run around the classroom with dolphins sticking out of sharks' mouths!
niki/pk - now, it is only my 4th year and I feel so much more confident, I know you will
JMG - hopefullyk, you will make leis , my rose
XCited Tchr - i am glad to hear things DO get easier... thank YOU all ... ur all so great
XCited Tchr - thanks niki, meeha...
Tess - Xcited I am a first-year K teacher as well. I have taught 3rd and 4th grades previously.
XCited Tchr - ty wes
myrose - I took photos of the kids in hula skirts and Hawaiian shirts, and am making an end of the year friendship book for each child.
meeha/ece/tx - Are your kiddos going to get to taste coconut milk? compare fresh to grated coconut? fresh to canned pineapple?
Tess - I have learned so much this year!
myrose - thanks lori
XCited Tchr - this is MY first YEAR teaching... K... and my practicum was with 4's and 7's
myrose - We started making leis, today, JMG
JMG - teach them to hula
Lori - myrose-how are you making them?
XCited Tchr - it has been quite the learning experience.. AND fun
Lori - what about a good Cd for the hula? anyone?
meeha/ece/tx - hi, azrose!
meeha/ece/tx - w/b dunhill!
myrose - Those are great ideas for compare/contrast, maybe we could also somehow make a graphing activity with the tasting results
dunhilldarts - thanks
azrose - Hi, room!
wes/k - This is only my second year and we are currently waiting for our chicks to hatch. It has been so much fun the second time around. The kiddos are further than last years as well.
meeha/ece/tx - myrose, that would make it a good math activity!
Paulie - hi azrose
myrose - for leis, we are using large needles threaded with yarn, and alternating small tissue flowers with cut pieces of straw
dunhilldarts - has anyone taught overseas?
XCited Tchr - I am very attached to these K's i have... i cry when i see one of em stumble
myrose - We will be performing the Huikilau, along with Surfing Safari for our Spring show later this month
JMG - I taught two years on Guam
XCited Tchr - (my daughter is in my K class )
meeha/ece/tx - X -- do you get to "loop" with your K's? (Will you be their teacher next year?)
dunhilldarts - you must cry a lot XCIT, mine tumble all the time
azrose - X--have your students draw/write their favorite thing they did this year; great memory for you!
Lori - Is that Hap Palmer,myrose?
XCited Tchr - where did u get ur eggs wes? ... awesome idea
myrose - My class this year has been uphill/downhill all year
dunhilldarts - JMG, was it a good experience
wes/k - It is fun to see them grow in first grade after they leave. I am so proud when my students from last year come to share their new skills with my class this year. One time they came to perform a play form their reading progam. It was super.
XCited Tchr - (Y) ty azrose great idea
JMG - dunn, are you lloking for a location to teach overseas?
niki/pk - Xcited, I got a gift my second year (when I left the school) of a "photo album". It included a pic of all my students & a picture they drew & a painted hand print. I love it and am continuing it.
XCited Tchr - yes,i get them again next year
Lori - X, I taught my son last year in first. Very interesting.
Jammie - when is your last day of school?
JMG - I also went to school in Iceland
myrose - I have the Hap Palmer version, but I actually borrowed and taped an old record albulm that one of the 3rd grade teachers had
dunhilldarts - XCIT...take a lot of pictures
meeha/ece/tx - I think it is Box-It/Bag-It math has pictures for chick growth within the eggs ... my kids did the egg journal the ONE year we did eggs (my ONLY year in K!)
JMG - dunn, the cost of living is high, but I liked the island life
wes/k - The eggs came from friend that raises chickens. They just want the chicks back in a couple of weeks.
XCited Tchr - awesome niki
dunhilldarts - i'm teaching kinder in hong kong next year
azrose - Wes-is it hard to do the hatching?
JMG - wow- is it in a DOD school?
XCited Tchr - i just realized i am the only one making faces in here ... hee hee.... well, i have to go
meeha/ece/tx - wes -- that is perfect! The kids will enjoy them for a few days after they're born and then you send them "home".
niki/pk - wow! dhd, how did you decide to do that?
XCited Tchr - you are all SO wonderful
Paulie - why did you decide to go to Hong Kong? I saw posts for taching there online
myrose - Just yesterday I was thinking tomyself how cute they were and that I'm going to miss them, but today they drove me crazy. It's been like this all year
XCited Tchr - thank you for all your help
dunhilldarts - money is better over there
Lori - I gotta go. It was nice chatting with you.
Paulie - bye xcited
dunhilldarts - later lori
Paulie - nye Lori
meeha/ece/tx - 'nite, XCited -- glad you came tonite. Come back soon. be sure to check http://www.teachers.net/archive for transcript of tonite's meeting.
JMG - just watch the cost of living is higher and amenities are fewer
XCited Tchr - bye all... been nice
niki/pk - bye xcited, good luck!
meeha/ece/tx - dunhill -- ESL teaching position or international school?
JMG - plus, dunn, there is a language barrier- wish you the best though
dunhilldarts - international school
dunhilldarts - all my students speak english, it's a canadian school
meeha/ece/tx - ... and do they provide you with housing? travel fare? I've heard some of those jobs include very inclusive benefits!
JMG - dunn, sounds like fun - when I was overseas, I took every chance I could to travel and learn- I hope it works out for you
azrose - Do you know, "O, Canada?!" :-/
dunhilldarts - travel yes, but no housing....but the salary makes up for that
dunhilldarts - ya....i am canadian
myrose - Earlier you were talking about end of year assessments, we do a writing assessment, and the assessment for Open Court, our reading program. We also have a math assessment from our math publisher, plus our own teacher made assessments to fill in the gaps of what the others don't cover.
JMG - our housing on Guam was $1000 for a one br apartment with no A/c and
dunhilldarts - housing in HK is about $2000/month for a one bedroom
JMG - yikes! I sure hope the salary makes up for it
Paulie - well then the pay has to be higher
dunhilldarts - myrose....i use the DRA - developmental reading assessment
meeha/ece/tx - dunhill, where are you in Canada?
wes/k - What is expected of your students at the end of the year?
myrose - that is so expensive, JMG! Does the salary compensate enough for you to afford to live there?
JMG - it is exciting!
Paulie - so it all levels out
azrose - DRA-very good assess.
dunhilldarts - toronto
JMG - I am in MD now
dunhilldarts - azrose...do you use it
meeha/ece/tx - Neat city! I have friends at Whitby!
dunhilldarts - MD?
azrose - It's good you're a city person....
JMG - the pay on Guam 10 years ago for 2nd year teacher wa $27K
myrose - DRA sounds very familiar, I think I've seen it before. Is there also a DRA reading kit to use in the room during the year?
azrose - I have; I believe it's in Spanish, too.
Jammie - Is the DRA connected to a curriculum or just an assessment instrument?
dunhilldarts - just an assessment...done every year up to grade 3
azrose - I believe it stands alone. Comes w/ leveled stories.
dunhilldarts - soon to be expanded to grade 6
azrose - That's great, dun.
dunhilldarts - running records
Jammie - Where can I get more info on this? DRA
meeha/ece/tx - The sixty-fourthousand dollar question becomes ... how much testing is enough -- and how much is too much?
JMG - have a great mother's day to all the moms, I have to go now...aloha all
myrose - I need to be going now, have a good evening everyone. I hope that the end of the year goes smoothly for everyone!
dunhilldarts - later JMG
meeha/ece/tx - Jammie -- try plugging "Developmental Reading Assessment" into a search engine. I think Scholastic may have a book on it, too.
azrose - AZ does TOO much-or at least our district....
Paulie - same 2 u JMG
azrose - bye rose!
Paulie - bye myrose
myrose - bye
meeha/ece/tx - 'nite, JMG -- remember to check back at http://www.teachers.net/archive for review of this transcript!\
Jammie - Thanks meeha.. I will!
dunhilldarts - later all....don't spend too much time on report cards!
azrose - later dun!
wes/k - Got to go my kids get up to early!!
meeha/ece/tx - 'nite wes -- glad you were here!
Paulie - bye wes
niki/pk3/4/5 - lol, well now "niki/pk" will be on forever
azrose - I gotta go, too. Maybe I'll come back some Tuesaday,,,,,
meeha/ece/tx - 'nite, azrose, come back soon and often!
Paulie - It is so cold here in WA state that it is like winter snowed in bye AZrosemountains today
niki/pk3/4/5 - any great ideas for important things to tell parents at an incoming parent mtg. for pk (held in the spring?)
meeha/ece/tx - we're here every tuesday evening!
Paulie - whoops I wrote message within a message lol
Jammie - When do you all get out of school? Do you have 'classes that you have to take during the summer? SDU's
meeha/ece/tx - niki, encourage them to "take time to smell the roses" ... let their children be children as long as they can!
Paulie - good idea to write a list because they forget when u tell
niki/pk3/4/5 - I agree meeha, good advice!
Paulie - tell them to read to their children every day
niki/pk3/4/5 - list?
meeha/ece/tx - Jammie -- my kiddos are finished on May 23rd. I finish up my masters' degree this thursday nite. Will take three classes on my own time this summer (six to twelve hours each) to increase my understanding of what I do!
Paulie - sure a list of things they can do for fun learning at home
meeha/ece/tx - niki -- list?
Paulie - congrats meeha
meeha/ece/tx - Thanks, Paulie!
Paulie - I told her to make a list meeha
niki/pk3/4/5 - oh! I get it. You both have great ideas, thanks for helping.
meeha/ece/tx - I"ve done summer calendars before ... 2 activities a day ... things like "can you still say the pledge?" "print your name neatly on a small piece of paper" "go on a shape hunt in your back yard and find three squares."
Jammie - meeha you finish this Thursday?! wow! Congrats.
niki/pk3/4/5 - I like that!!! Meeha, I am going to copy that idea
Paulie - also do things like put the spoons on table for meals, look for familiar ads print when in car, draw, count things, look for different colored things
meeha/ece/tx - I find story times at the library, local Barnes&noble, hook parents up with swim lesson providers, suggest trips to the zoo ... library ... park ... back yard obstacle courses ...
meeha/ece/tx - thanks, Jammie
Paulie - and read read read
meeha/ece/tx - I've even done that (calendar) for winter break in the past!
Jammie - We develop a summer Packet for the children each summer and include a calendar also...one for June and One for July ..the parent signs that they did the activity together and the new teacher '''rewards' with a brand new pencil to start the new year out!
Paulie - and kids should be taken places, to the store, gas station, bakery, cleaners, tire store, bank etc
niki/pk - ok, I am going to steal your Ideas & say good night, too many computer problems tonight
meeha/ece/tx - Well, I need to excuse myself for the evening ... need to get certificates designed and printed -- our awards programs formy kiddos are this Thursday and the certs all need to be signed by several people!
Paulie - no one steals here we all share
jodi - I am doing my first end of the year celebration with preschoolers. Looking for a neat good-bye kind of song. Any suggestions?
Paulie - bye Niki
niki/pk - night all, thanks again!!!!
Paulie - bye meeha
meeha/ece/tx - Remember to check back at http://www.teachers.net/archive to review the transcript of this meeting if you want to review ideas shared.
Paulie - goodbye song they sing?
Jammie - Well, fellow teachers..it's 10:00 here and I still have a parent letter to type .BYE
Paulie - bye Jammie
jodi - Yes. Hopefully something that is a piggy back so they don't have to learn new music
Paulie - I meant sing for families or what?
jodi - Yes, sing for families
Paulie - do u know how to post to the early childhood site at teachers net?
jodi - no
Paulie - Taht would get u more response I don't know a goodbye song
jodi - thanks anyway.
Paulie - well u just go to teachers net and post your request then come back later and many people see and answer

Later in the evening

Paulie - trying to get all my files in order and working on computer
Paulie - Trying to keep up with new ideas and working on a curriculum committee for a new Lutheran school they are starting here
Kim - We are having a long winter here in WI ...one day we are in shorts and the next in Columbia coats and mittens. We are dreaming of the pool and summertime right now.
Kim - That's a huge undertaking. Good Luck!
Paulie - I know we got 7 inches of snow in the mountains today and it rained hard here
Paulie - Thanks -- it will be nice
Kim - I told my husband I'm keeping my Berkenstock sandals out no matter what the weather is. Enough is enough.
Paulie - lol I jsut wore mine on a trip to southern OR (am in WA state now) for a bell choir concert this past friday - sunday
Paulie - How long ahve u taught K?
Kim - 12 years.
Kim - I LOVE IT!!
Kim - How about you?
Paulie - wow nice I ahve taught it three years and first one year and 2nd one year and 4th one year and subbed 8 long years
Paulie - I did not want to teach K but I found out I love it
Paulie - but I think I like 2nd graders best -- so I can really teach them to be good writers
Kim - My husband just moved from a middle school science position to fourth grade this year and says, "My worst day in fourth is better than my best in middle school"...I can believe that one!
Paulie - hi again just me
Kim - Hi just me
Paulie - I bet, Kim
just me - hi
Kim - I know there are people who think the same about kindergarten so I guess it takes special people for each level.
LoveK - Hello all
just me - I stopped by just as everyone was leaving earlier. I'm so glad you came back
Kim - I'm off to iron my Pooh jumper for tomorrow. Nice meeting you Paulie. I'll email you for the list.
Paulie - I liked teaching the 4th gr curriculum in CA but the kids wre terrible except for about 9 of 30
LoveK - I just got here actually!
Paulie - no one was here at the end so I left just me I am in WA state so if home I can get to both
Paulie - hi Love K
LoveK - Just checked my email and found the notice for the meeting
Paulie - bye Kim
Paulie - ok I will look forward to yoru email Kim
Paulie - LoveK it is every Tuesday
LoveK - I've been to a few, just have so much going on!
Paulie - hi shereling I missed your entrance
LoveK - I was wondering what your kinders are expected to know. . .
just me - hi, shereling and LoveK
Paulie - Just me . . . were u looking for soemthing in particular or just teachers to chat with?
shereling - I don't how to join you.
Paulie - depends on the state when I taught in CA they had state standards
Paulie - you type like that and press update
LoveK - that's kinda what I was asking
shereling - Do you have been for your teaching
Paulie - repeat your question . . . don't understand
LoveK - I feel like my state expects alot
just me - We have a set of state and district standards in Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social studies
LoveK - what state?
LoveK - I'm NC
shereling - How about?
Paulie - where I taught in CA they have state standards for K but K isn't mandatory so how do they expect the kids to master something if they don't make them go to school?
shereling - Hi K ,what is NC mean?
just me - No particular topic. It was fun talking to you last week and I wanted to do it again.
Paulie - WA state here
just me - I've been practicing speed typing
Paulie - glad u returned just me
LoveK - I know! My kiddos have to read, write complete sentences, and use appropriate punctuation.
LoveK - North Carolina, USA
Paulie - not me my typing is so speedy I make typos all the time
LoveK - where are you, shereling?
shereling - I am inTaiwan
just me - I'm Michigan.
LoveK - Do you all teach kindergarten?
Paulie - You get the prize for being the fartherest away or is that furtherest? lol
Paulie - did at one time hoep to again
Paulie - hope to also
LoveK - what now, paulie?
LoveK - lol
Paulie - collecting unemployment
shereling - No, I'm working in a company.
LoveK - nice vacation!
just me - Been in Kdg for 14 years
Paulie - o and you came to a teacher chat cause u like teachers?
Paulie - well I spend my time gettign files in order and making websites
LoveK - shereling, what is your native language?
shereling - But I hope I can teaching English in Taiwan.
Paulie - oic
shereling - My natice language is Chiese
Paulie - well, welcome
LoveK - I love learning new languages
shereling - Thanks! But my English is not very well.
LoveK - how about teaching Chiese in North Carolina. lol
Paulie - Well that would be good practice for you too then
just me - Your English is better than my Spanish or German lol
LoveK - how do you say, hi or hello?
Paulie - I speak some German
shereling - It is a good ideal. But I think it will hard to find a job.
Paulie - ght my classes some poems, words, to count in German and a dance
Paulie - taught
LoveK - have you been to Germany or did you learn from class?
Paulie - I learned from taking German in high school and college
LoveK - my school only offered Spanish
Paulie - wish I could go to germany relative is mayor in town in Black Forest
LoveK - my sister has to go there for the Army next year
Paulie - lucky her
LoveK - she's excited, except my nephew will start Kindergarten in a DOD school
just me - My Grandparents spoke German. Great-grandparents came to USA. My parents used it whenever they did't want us to know what they were saying. I took it in college. My instructor was from Tennessee. He was hard enough to understand in English so needless to say I didn't learn much German.
shereling - so your can speak many langage.
LoveK - I just had a child transfer in from Tennessee. He's a hoot!!!
Paulie - My Grandparents came from germany too the other set came from border of Hungary/Austria
Paulie - lol does he have an accent?
Paulie - hi 3rd
LoveK - I didn't realize 'lunch' was two syllables
3rdgradeteach - Hello everyone
LoveK - hello 3rd
Paulie - lol
just me - Hi 3rdgradeteach
LoveK - shereling, I can speak some spanish, and a VERY little bit of Tagalog.
3rdgradeteach - LoveK, I had a little boy in my classroom once from Tenn. He called me mam all the time...loveit
shereling - I will learn spanish in forture.
just me - I spent a summer at Michigan State University and got extra credit helping foreign students practice English
LoveK - I learned most of my spanish (although I took 4 years in school) from working in a thrift store in a highly populated Mexican area of Virginia.
3rdgradeteach - Ekela,Hello. I just noticed your private message.
Ekela - Talofa
just me - Talk about brain freeze. I could understand what the Spanish speaking students were saying one night when we all went out for hamburgers but I couldn't join in the conversation. (They were complaining about their teacher!) lol
LoveK - hello Ekela, sorry I missed your entrance.
Ekela - Where are you from?
just me - hi Ekela
LoveK - North Carolina, and you?
Ekela - Hi, I am a third grade teacher from American Samoa.
Paulie - hi Ekela what does Talofa mean
Paulie - wow
Paulie - WA state here
Ekela - Talofa mean Hello and can also mean Welocme
shereling - Hi, 3rdteadher. what do you treat for 3rd's student when they are not doing well.
LoveK - in what language?
Paulie - Fanke (thank you in German) Ekela
Ekela - Soory about the spelling I can't find my glasses
Paulie - ops
Paulie - ant Danke
Ekela - Talofa means Hello in Samoan
Paulie - I meant
Paulie - hi Jenny
3rdgradeteach - Shereling, when my third grade students are not doing well, and they need help, I treat them to my extra attention at recess...lol
JennyBC - hi
Paulie - Is the BC British Columbia?
JennyBC - yup
3rdgradeteach - Ekela, greetings from Upper Michigan.
shereling - but if you are teaching many times, do you mad
LoveK - Yikes!!!! It's midnight here and our school had End Of Grade testing tomorrow. I must get some sleep!
just me - Hello again. I must have done something. Nothing I write is going in
LoveK - that would be has, not had
Paulie - sorry u r having trouble just me
just me - I'm in Michigan too
Paulie - bye Love K take care
Ekela - This is kind of new to me. I stumbled on this chat trying to find a third grade class in the U.S so my students could share their culture and a coral reef project that is in process.
just me - bye LoveK
LoveK - it was a pleasure to meet such a diverse group tonight.
JennyBC - i teach grade 2
Paulie - shereling u don't get upset, u just find a different way to teach the same thing
LoveK - paalam (goodbye in Tagalog)
Ekela - Any one know any teacher who might be interested?
3rdgradeteach - Ekela, how do you want to go about doing this ?
just me - paalam to you too
Paulie - Auf weidersehen goodbye see u tomorrow in German lol
just me - Where will you be tomorrow?
3rdgradeteach - Just me...upper or lower michgan
Ekela - Well, so far I just started fixing my students epal addresses for starters
just me - Lower
just me - You?
Paulie - Ekela that sounds wonderful why doon't u post it on the primary chat boards at teachers net?
shereling - Bybe everyone,I am glad to chat with you.
3rdgradeteach - Just me, upper
Paulie - Just me I cannot remember all the proper German
Paulie - I jsut say what I know
3rdgradeteach - Just me....your a troll....you live below the bridge...
just me - I'm in the bottom of the thumb
Ekela - I am hoping to set up a VTC with a third grade class out there so the students could share
Paulie - bye shereling come back
Paulie - great Ekela
JennyBC - does anyone here teach 4-blocks?
just me - You are a Yooper!
shereling - Thanks!! bybe
Ekela - Thanks Pulie, I will surely do so
Paulie - I would if I was teaching first and above
3rdgradeteach - Ekela, I would be interested if it were not so late in the year.
just me - We must both be nite owls. It's after midnight!
Paulie - barely 9 here
3rdgradeteach - Central Upper Michigan....God's country.....
Paulie - did u have a concern about 4 blocks jenny?
JennyBC - i just had my first 4-blocks workshop today....seems really great
JennyBC - no, just curious
just me - Our 3rd grades are involved with other schools within our district already I think.
Paulie - check out the teacher net 4 blocks chat bulletin board
JennyBC - if i'm re-hired for next year and i have my own class i'll try it i think
Ekela - Hey,3rdgradeteach,maybe we could keep in touch for next year since this project is a on going project.
Paulie - It is excelent program I used th Building Blcoks part for K
JennyBC - yeah thanks paulie, i've been there, it's a good place to look
3rdgradeteach - JennyBC....Hello Can you tell me a little about 4 block is ?
Paulie - good plan Jenny
Paulie - and why won't u be rehird?
JennyBC - well i'm a rookie since i just learned about it today for the 1st time
3rdgradeteach - Ekela, sounds great
JennyBC - it's guided reading, self-selected reading, writing, and working with words
Paulie - There is a whole sight about 4 Blocks at teacher net
Ekela - Thats a deal
3rdgradeteach - thanks Paulie
JennyBC - oh, i might not be re-hired because so many teachers in our district are being laid off, and i'm fairly low on the seniority list
Paulie - I meant site
Paulie - welcome
just me - I got the Building Blocks book. Its on my list of things to do this summer
Paulie - o sorry to hear Jenny
JennyBC - yeah i'll have to work my way through the book over the summer and cross my fingers for a job
Paulie - but keep the faith soemthing good will happen
JennyBC - yes, i will
Ekela - I have never taught the lower levels but what s being dicussed about the 4 blocks is worth looking in to.
just me - I'll cross my fingers for you
Paulie - 4 Blcoks is for grades above first I mean first and above
3rdgradeteach - JennyBC....Our district closed two elementary schools in the last year. Enrollement is low in the upper michigan...lots of teachers laid off
JennyBC - it seems very popular in the states, and it's just catching on in canada, at least western canada
JennyBC - yes, they're closing schools here too, and upping class sizes
JennyBC - thanks just me
Paulie - It is really great if all the grades use it
Ekela - Maybe you all should look into teaching out in the Pacific
Paulie - lol
JennyBC - i can't really move.....bought a house......boyfriend has a good job
Paulie - Ekela there are job openings there?
3rdgradeteach - Ekela, are there lots of jobs up there
JennyBC -
Ekela - We lost so many teachers after they recieved their BEd. They went to work for another branch of the gov't
Paulie - o
Ekela - In the teaching profession,yes.
3rdgradeteach - JennyBC....same thing here...hubby has a great job...what else do teachers go into if there are no jobs.
just me - our district is growing - people moving out of the city (Detroit)
3rdgradeteach - Ekela...what is a BED ?
JennyBC - who knows what to do.........wait and wait and hope and hope
Paulie - some teachers work for publishing companies and teacher supply stores
Ekela - English is a second language here in American Samoa
Paulie - bachelor of education?
3rdgradeteach - Just me.....not in the U.p....lol we make paper for the publisher with all our woods
Ekela - Sorry, I meant Bachelors of Education
just me - so far they aren't hiring anyone - just upping class sizes
Paulie - I guessed good
3rdgradeteach - Why would the gov hire teachers Ekela
JennyBC - yes the new gov't in BC just ripped up our contract
Paulie - what is primary language there? Samoan?
3rdgradeteach - Just me....I am afraid that will happen here in acouple of years....
Ekela - Yes
Paulie - so u have to teach in Samoan or do the kids learn in English?
Ekela - Teacher here in Samoa must speak english in the classrooms. The only time they are allowed to speak their native tongue is when teaching Samoan Language
3rdgradeteach - BED...sorry I should have know....I think I should go to bed...getting tired.
JennyBC - ekela: in university i took an anthropology course on samoa....our prof had spent quite a bit of time doing research their....i've always wanted to go there to visit after taking that course
Paulie - wow
3rdgradeteach - Ekela, that is interesting.
Paulie - 3rd, if you have to tach tomorrow, it is late. . .
Ekela - Jenny , you should check it out
JennyBC - some day.....
Paulie - That is neat that the students learn a second language tho
Ekela - Yeah
just me - This year I have 22 in AM and 20 in PM Kdg I don't want more but our contract says I could have 28 in each class
JennyBC - doctor says i might have whooping cough so i can't teach until they find out for sure
Paulie - do u teeam teach or have an aide?
JennyBC - ouch! 28 in K? that's terrible!
Paulie - hope it isn't Jenny
Ekela - The Dengue fever has been hanging around forever here
JennyBC - haven't heard of that ekela
3rdgradeteach - just me...I hope you have an aide. In our district the magic number is 28 and 32 for grades 4-6
Ekela - Its a virus carried by mosquitos
just me - I've only had that many once - My first year in Kdg. the next year they hired another teacher 1/2 time, made 3 sections and put a divider wall up the middle of my room so what was once a very large room is now two small rooms.
3rdgradeteach - Ekela, is their a shot to prevent this?
JennyBC - they've changed it now in BC so that now from grades 4-12 there is no class size limit
Ekela - No, you just take antibiotics and pray it goes away fast
JennyBC - just me: that must be quite noisy
3rdgradeteach - Just me....what a joke...that is called working conditions unsuitalble for learning, and as a parent I would really have a problem with that
just me - No aide - We had parapros for 2 hours last year. This year I'm on my own
Ekela - Is anyone a Mentor teacher?
JennyBC - hey i just found a cool site. have you all seen the site teacherstuffa-z where you can download books? it's neat http://www.readinga-z.com/newfiles/preview.html
Paulie - Yes but soem of the books take lots of ink
3rdgradeteach - Just me,How do you button,zip,tie and teach at the same time
just me - The building was designed to have rooms that could be divided. The cut down the size of the rooms after the plans were drawn
Ekela - I will keep that sit in mind,thanks Jenny
3rdgradeteach - Just me,,,it is hard being a one man(woman) band
Paulie - I have printed some u need to reduce to 70 percent to print on regular size paper
JennyBC - yeah i guess i'll have to download some books at school on the weekend using their lazer printer
Paulie - soem u need to use landscape printing
JennyBC - thanks for the tip paulie
just me - I'm just glad we don't start school in snow season. With 1/2 day kdg I'd get them undressed in time to dress them to go home
Paulie - they also have worksheets for soem to go with the books
Paulie - good
3rdgradeteach - Just me....lol....
Ekela - Im glad we don't have snow here. Just sun and tropical weather all year round,just me
Paulie - if that happens, it really isn't funny
JennyBC - just me: i know at my school the Ks don't go out for recess in the winter because it's just too much of a hassle
3rdgradeteach - time for a glass of wine brb
Paulie - I love snow
JennyBC - i like the 4 seasons
Paulie - bring us a glass
JennyBC - as long as winter isn't too long!
Ekela - I wish we had the four seasons
just me - Michigan motto- If you don't like the weather, stick around, it'll change.
JennyBC - how cold does it get in michigan?
Paulie - 0)==( here's my glass
JennyBC - *tips back a glass*
Paulie - (well, I tried)
3rdgradeteach - I'm back...sippppppinnnnggg
Paulie - where is mine I even gave u a glass
3rdgradeteach - ohhhhthat is good cheap wine
JennyBC - *hands paulie a glass*
just me - below zero and the wind chill makes it even colder. Some days we have to keep the kids in
Paulie - that is all teachers can afford
JennyBC - how cold is that in celcius? do you know?
JennyBC - brb
Paulie - thanks Jenny
3rdgradeteach - Yes, we had two snow days this year and they were both on Fridays. So much fun.YOu get to stay home and shovel out a foot of snow.
Paulie - I can't believe that u east coast people are still awake with school tomorrow
Ekela - Tofa Soifua, untill next time. Signing out.....
Paulie - I would trade u anyday I lvoe snow
Paulie - goodbye Ekela come abck
3rdgradeteach - Paulie...serving
Paulie - thanks
just me - zero celcius equals 32 F
3rdgradeteach - I have an easy day tomorrow...spring program rehearsal in the morning and parents' program in the afternoon
Paulie - o fun
just me - we had one snow day
3rdgradeteach - Parents pick the kids up when the program is over....I need to find something for the students who stay
just me - we have delayed start - kids come one hour later than usual. Staff reports at regular time on Wednesdays for meetings, in-services, etc.
3rdgradeteach - any ideas
Paulie - how long will they be there?
3rdgradeteach - Just me,,,our district will not do delayed starts
3rdgradeteach - an hour
Paulie - mayeb play table games
Paulie - or draw
just me - Centers?
Paulie - do an art project?
3rdgradeteach - Just me, I don't have centers in third grade
Paulie - why should they do somethign that is academic when others get to go home
3rdgradeteach - table games sound goods
3rdgradeteach - Right Paulie
3rdgradeteach - good
3rdgradeteach - not goods
Paulie - †
Paulie - not?
just me - Paulie, how do you do that?
Paulie - oic
Paulie - lol
Paulie - do u have aapple computer?
Paulie - a german umlaut
Paulie - get how with PC u have to use option and three numebrs on keypad
Paulie - forget I meant
3rdgradeteach - Okay Paulie what is oic stand for....I'm new to the chat room
Paulie - with apple u press option and u then shift and u but always have two keys pressed at once
Paulie - oh I see
Paulie - =oic
3rdgradeteach - OhhhhI see said the woman drink wine
Paulie - †
Paulie - lol
just me - No apple
3rdgradeteach - Paulie I can not follow that many directions this late at night...lol
Paulie - †
Paulie - ok another day
just me - I got lost on directions too
Paulie - I have a limited edition snow iMac
3rdgradeteach - Just me......Did you get a Mac from the state when Mr. Engler gave every teacher in the state one
Paulie -
Paulie - o
Paulie - I ahve never made a smiley face that is yellow before
3rdgradeteach - Paulie...what do you teach...
Paulie - wow
Paulie - that was a PC thing
Paulie - kids
just me - no, my district had already purchased laptops for us so we put the money towards digital cameras, etc
Paulie -
Paulie - hehehe I liek this
Paulie - ot know I could do the smiley faces
3rdgradeteach - LOL...what grade are these kids in
Paulie - not teaching this year -- moved from Ca to WA and collecting unemployment
just me - the staff got laptops - not the kids
Paulie -
Paulie -
Paulie - canu guys make them?
3rdgradeteach - Just me...our district told us we should order the desktop computers becausse they would not service the laptops....which I wanted
just me - I'm still doing smileys faces with a marker - don't know how to do on computer
3rdgradeteach - no Paulie,,,,I can't , please explain very slowly
Paulie - how wonderful u all got computers
Paulie - to make a smile one do this
3rdgradeteach - We got computers but they stay at school..
Paulie - ess shift and make a colon then make a small o and then hold shift and make a (
Paulie - press
Paulie -
Paulie -
just me - :::::::::
3rdgradeteach - ))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))OOOOOOOO
Paulie - nono
Paulie - shoft and colon
Paulie - o
Paulie - ( or )
just me - close but not smiling
Paulie - shift I meant
just me -
3rdgradeteach -
Paulie - great so make the other side of it
Paulie - neato
just me - I did it!!!!
Paulie - hehe I am a teacher of teachers this year! teach smiley faces
Paulie - u did at that
3rdgradeteach -
just me - Thank you, Paulie!!
Paulie - hmmmm why did some disappear?
3rdgradeteach - Hey, thanks Paulie...that is cute
3rdgradeteach - I did it...I didn't disappear
Paulie - ohoh
Paulie - teachers net has frozen
3rdgradeteach - I got one D in my life...can you guess what it was in
meeha/ece/tx - Hi! Hi! Hi!
3rdgradeteach - Okay Paulie....What do you teach?
3rdgradeteach - Hello Meeha1
3rdgradeteach - Hello Meeha
meeha/ece/tx - Hi 3rd!
3rdgradeteach - Paulie and Just me...I am reapeating my self....the wine is kicking in ...lol
just me - Hi meeha! I'm so glad to talk to you again
PS - hi this is Paulie I froze
PS - I teach smiley faces
meeha/ece/tx - tired is kicking in here! I got up to look for a poem, but haven't found it yet ... with new 'puter it may be "history"!
PS - what did u get a d in 3rd?
PS - what kind of poem?
meeha/ece/tx - Nice to see you again, too, justme!
3rdgradeteach - what do you teach Paulie
PS - hi again meeha
3rdgradeteach - typing...I got a D in typing...Paulie
PS - I teach smiley faces
meeha/ece/tx - It starts out "I've worked with your flower and helped it to grow"..... for end of year program.
PS - (kids)
PS - lol
PS - typed 93 words a minute
PS - meeha I ahve that somewhere hw soon do u need it
meeha/ece/tx - Really does't help to be able to type faster than the machine will accept the print!
just me - I'm getting tired. Can't read and type at the same time. Fingers are in a knot.
PS - meeha I ahve it right now
meeha/ece/tx - PS -- tonite or tomorrow morning (REALLLLLLY Early!!!) Would be ideal -- tomorrow evening at the latest. Program is thursday, I'd like to be ready when I leave sfchool tomorrow!
PS - write to me at DearMrsS2@aol.com and I will send it immediately
3rdgradeteach - I
3rdgradeteach - I'm getting tired
PS - I ahve it ready to email to you if yuyou send addreess
meeha/ece/tx - PS -- post is on the way!
PS - It is too long to post here
3rdgradeteach - better get my sleep it is 12:56 here.
PS - ok
meeha/ece/tx - PS -- you're saving my life!
PS - I could help
PS -
3rdgradeteach - bye everyone...nice meeting you
PS - bye 3rd come back
meeha/ece/tx - 'nite 3rd grade teach -- come back soon!
3rdgradeteach - :o)
just me - My Michigan mitten needs to wave good bye too
just me - nite 3rd
PS - u got mail meeha
3rdgradeteach - just me...sleep tight underneath the bridge
meeha/ece/tx - 'nite, just me -- take care!
PS - bye just me come back
meeha/ece/tx - PS -- thank you ... again!
meeha/ece/tx - what bridge, just me?
PS - u r so welcome
PS - bridge?
3rdgradeteach - can you spell it just me
PS - o the part of the state she lives in lol
just me - We met last week. Marysville
meeha/ece/tx - Paulie -- that's the one! I use it virtually every week!
meeha/ece/tx - just me ... forgive my being brain-dead ... too much going on right now!
meeha/ece/tx - Paulie ... not every week, every year! (bedtime in Texas!)
3rdgradeteach - She lives in lower michigan and upper and lower michigan are connected with a bridge.People who live above the bridge refer to peoople who live below the bridge trolls...like the Three Billy Goats Gruff
PS - great
meeha/ece/tx - how was your week, just me?
PS - I knew what u meant I did too
PS - hehe 3rd that is too funny
meeha/ece/tx - 3rd ... I grew up 1 town north of just me -- in port huron!
PS - everyone is from Michigan but me== I grew up in southeastern Idaho
meeha/ece/tx - well, with the addition of the poem I came by to find I think I'll excuse myself and try to finish up my work in quick order.
3rdgradeteach - Meeha...us michigan teachers don't know enought to go to sleep,ehhhh
just me - Peopel above the bridge are Yoopers for the UP upper penninsula
PS - nite meeha
meeha/ece/tx - 'nite all! take care, rest well, and God Bless!
PS -
PS - lol jsut me
3rdgradeteach - I am really going now....
meeha/ece/tx - 3rd ... this Texas teacher is about to fall asleep at the keyboard!
just me - nite meeha!
3rdgradeteach - night meeha
PS - I am wide awake in WA
3rdgradeteach - PS how do you like WA..
just me - I'm awake now but I'll pay for it tomorrow
PS - I love it moved here in 85 til 95 and then did a 6 year teaching stint in Ca which I ahte
3rdgradeteach - PS you are three hours behind us righ
PS - ((((((just me))))))
PS - if u are east coast I am three hrs
PS - MI was 2 hrs
PS - 10 here
3rdgradeteach - I heard a lot of people from California are moving up to washington area
PS - I am NOT from CA
3rdgradeteach - 1:00 here
PS - rom Idaho moved to WA after graduating
PS - I really like WA
PS - n Vancouver on the Oregon border the Columbia river separates the two states
just me - This "troll" is going under her bridge. Catch you again soon I hope. It's been fun!
3rdgradeteach - PS why did you like teaching in CA
PS - I did not like to teach in Ca
PS - bye Just me
3rdgradeteach - night night Just me...I will be thinking about you when I am yawning tomorrow
3rdgradeteach - ooopsss why didn't you like teaching in CA
PS - nite 3rd grade teeach

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