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meeha/ece/tx - Hi! Who's coming in to this evening's early childhood/primary teachers' meeting?
meeha/ece/tx - I'm online and will stay in the room for awhile -- will be in and out, watching for friends!Come on in, the water's fine.
RK - ((((((((((((((((meeha))))))))))))))))
RK - LTNS
RK - I'm going to be teaching PreK next year
RK - Hi, kc
kc - i'm going to have k and prek next year
meeha/ece/tx - Hi RK and kc! welcome to this evening's early childhood/primary teachers' meeting!
RK - I've never taught PreK before. I've taught 1st ,2nd & 3rd
meeha/ece/tx - kc -- that will be quite a mix! You've taught 1-2-3 and you're going to p/k & k?
RK - Yes,meeha
RK - I'm going to be teaching PreK only
Carol/pre K/WI - Good evening everyone
RK - Hi,Carol
meeha/ece/tx - RK -- Pre-K is fun! They are expecting a LOT more or Pre-K teachers (& children!!!) now than ever before ... but it is still fun. half-day program, I assume.
meeha/ece/tx - Hi Carol! welcome to this evening's early childhood/primary teachers' meeting!
kc - no - i've taught k and will get a mixed 4 and5 yr old class -
RK - Yes, AM & PM group
meeha/ece/tx - kc -- do you teach in a private school? how did they come to choose to mix the groups?
RK - I just found out on Friday I'll be teaching PreK.....I'm not early childhood endorsed ,so I'm going to take the Early Childhood ExCet
kc - yes - private- low enrollment, so they combined the classes
meeha/ece/tx - RK, I'm sure you'll do fine!
meeha/ece/tx - Hi, Debra -- welcome to this evening's early childhood/primary teachers' meeting!
Debra - what is the topic?
meeha/ece/tx - kc, did anyone give you TEA's Pre-Kindergarten guidelines to consider over the summer?
Carol/pre K/WI - Welcome Debra
meeha/ece/tx - Debra, we're just getting started ... havent hit on one yet. Suggestions?
meeha/ece/tx - Hi, na-na ... welcome to this evening's early childhood/primary teachers' meeting!
kc - no - i pretty much get to design my own program
RK - It'll be a big change...but I'll have an awesome mentor--I'm going to take the room of a retired teacher (who happened to be MY Kinder teacher) and she's leaving me lots of things
Carol/pre K/WI - na-na welcome tonight
RK - Meeha,I printed the guidlines and put them in a binder
Debra - no, first time here - teach 1st am I in the right place?
Carol/pre K/WI - Hi JenTX
RK - Hi,Jen
RK - HI,Carol
RK - Hi,nana
Debra - I found a neat web site called busy teacher
meeha/ece/tx - Debram absolutely the right place! Welcome, we're glad you found us!
Debra - http://www.glavac.com/updates.htm
Carol/pre K/WI - that describes all of us
Debra - we are near the end of our year, last day for students will be Thurs
Debra - If you haven't seen that site, it is worth looking at
meeha/ece/tx - Debra, my students finished up this past Friday, I finished up on Saturday. TOmorrow I start a 2-day training on STRUCTURED TEACHING.
kc - i just started using kid writing with k this year - do you think i can use it with 4 yr ols, too?
Debra - Oh, I found something else cool for next year from Starfall, go there and they will mail you free stuff
RK - Our last with the kids was on Thursday and Teachers had a workday on Friday.
Debra - I ordered level 1 and 2 writing Journals and cut up take home books, they will come to me at my school in Aug!
meeha/ece/tx - kc -- I believe you can use KID WRITING with 4's ... earlier exposure to such concepts can't hurt (and might help!
Debra - What about interactive writing with your PreK?
Debra - I would go with Fountas Pinnell Interactive Writing
kc - any other good books for pre k i should get?
Carol/pre K/WI - hi Cheryl
meeha/ece/tx - Debra -- thanks for the website ... it will be a good read some evening soon!
Debra - what are you looking for - PreK?
meeha/ece/tx - Hi Cheryl -- welcome to this evening's early childhood/primary teachers' meeting!
Debra - Go to Starfall and order their stuff for next year, it is pretty neat it is all free
Carol/pre K/WI - kc general resources or specific area
meeha/ece/tx - Debra -- what is the website for Starfall ... and what kind of products do they have?
Cheryl - I am taking a technology course and I am wondering how others implement technology in their classrooms. Any feedback is GREATLY appreciated!
RK - I'm just looking for any tips/resources..anything I can get since I'm new to PreK
kc - mainly how curriculum is different from k
Debra - Well, I know that there are many sites that you can log onto that will go with your themes such as webquests. And the obvious would be powerpoint stuff
Debra - Well, I know that there are many sites that you can log onto that will go with your themes such as webquests. And the obvious would be powerpoint stuff
meeha/ece/tx - Cheryl -- I use the computers with my children to practice number, matching, and letter skills. Occasionally a child will express an interest in a specific topic and we'll pursue it online in my classroom.
Debra - Prek is very different than Kinder
meeha/ece/tx - One EXCITING Thing that happened this year was a child (I work with sp. needs preschoolers) asked me a question about a planet that I couldn't find the answer to. ......
kc - i got starfall stuff - plan to use it with summer school class of k going to 1st
meeha/ece/tx - he dictated a letter to me and I typed it into my e-mail ... to NASA ... about 2 weeks later we got a reply!
Cheryl - Do you have access to computer labs for your students or do you have computers in the classroom? If in the classroom, how many pc's and how many students?
Debra - how does it look? What are the journals like?
Carol/pre K/WI - I relay on my digital camera I use the pictures to make class books and poster and for kids portfolios
meeha/ece/tx - I have 4 computers in my classroom ... 3 for students use, 1 for mine
meeha/ece/tx - There are a maximum of 10 students in my classroom.
JenTX - Any tips on the best digital camera for the classroom? I want to get one this summer.
Debra - Next year we are getting a mobile wireless class set, plus in class PCs
Debra - Next year we are getting a mobile wireless class set, plus in class PCs
Carol/pre K/WI - Ihave two in the classroom
meeha/ece/tx - In reality, 1 of the 3 student computers is "surplus" ... if something happens to it, it is history -- but it has some GREAT programs on it for kiddos who are very low functioning!
Debra - I have an Olympus, love it
kc - ok - if you don't have amuch of stuuff - worksheet etc - that you have to use with your regular program - that's why i didn't use it this year during regular year (starfall)
Debra - Oh, I know use the Letter Land stuff with the PreK and Kinders, it is really awesome
meeha/ece/tx - Jen -- it may not be the peak of technology, but the MAVIKA is one of the less expensive units to use ... you can save pictures on floppy discs rather than memory cards!
Debra - KC - so you don't like it? (Starfall)
JenTX - I don't know anything about them, but want to learn!
Debra - A-Z.com has some nice printable resources also
JenTX - Is the Mavika inexpensive & simple, meeha?
Carol/pre K/WI - I like having the option of using a floppy or a memory stix.
meeha/ece/tx - Jen -- I"m a hold-out from the ice-ages ... still use an old 35mm camera and develop them at SAMS!
meeha/ece/tx - I think they run between 300 and 400 dollars -- but I've not looked on e-bay of late -- you might get one for considerably less $$$ there!
kc - I haven't used it yet - it was too hard to fit in kid writing, building blocks, mcgraw hill and my own themes and literature!
JenTX - I use a camera almost every day in my classroom. Just gave the kids about 6 pictures each yesterday!
Debra - You use the building blocks? Are you Kinder? KC
kc - i still buy disposable cameras and pay a fortune for developing
JenTX - I want to learn how to use a digital camera, so I can put pictures on our school website.
JenTX - I do too sometimes, kc
meeha/ece/tx - kc -- i've found SAMS to be very inexpensive for developing ... then just scan into computer.
Carol/pre K/WI - I was lucky to have my son to do that for me.
kc - i am kinder and will get 4 yrs too next year - i use ideas from building blocks, but still have to use school bought series
meeha/ece/tx - I think that if I find another donor for my classroom the next big purchase will be a video camera ... THEN a digicam.
Cheryl - THANKS EVERYONE FOR YOUR RESPONSES!
JenTX - what is the series, kc
meeha/ece/tx - Cheryl -- did you get all the answers you need?
Debra - We are using the Literacy Collaborative model this year over Building Blocks 4-blocks and had great results, (F/P) work.
Carol/pre K/WI - To learn more about digital cameras he suggest doing a web search for information
JenTX - Are you Cheryl from Virginia?
Cheryl - YES, THANK YOU MEECHA
JenTX - Thanks, Carol
meeha/ece/tx - Jen -- you might think about asking on the ECE and TECHNOLOGY chat boards ... should get a LOT more info from there!
RK - back
JenTX - I will, meeha. I want to know what the early grades like to use.
JenTX - Debra, what is the Lit Collab
Debra - For PreK also the Book a Week site is good, let me find that url
Debra - Literacy Collaborative is the Guided Reading From Fountas/Pinnell
meeha/ece/tx - brb ...
Debra - Hold on, let me find that resource
JenTX - Oh, we call it Balanced Literacy. Have used F&P for 6 yrs now, but our school got Harcourt last year! YUCK!!!
kc - on technology - sundays paper had john rosemond (guy that doesn't believe in adhd) saying no cumputer til child is literate - 5th grade!
Melann - I am checking out the room, a coworker told me about it
JenTX - what do you teach, melann
meeha/ece/tx - Hi, Melann -- welcome to this evening's early childhood/primary teachers' meeting!
Debra - We are being trained by Ohio, F/P themselves are training our Literacy Coach
Carol/pre K/WI - Welcome any burning questions
Melann - thanks
Melann - Your district a literacy coach?
meeha/ece/tx - Melann -- where do you work? what age group do you work with? I get to teach special needs preschoolers near Dallas, TX
Debra - LOL that is a hoot KC
Melann - I teach first grade in fort dodge iowa.
meeha/ece/tx - Nice to meet you, Melann!
JenTX - How many schools will the literacy coach serve?
Carol/pre K/WI - a fellow midwesterner
RK - Thank you all for letting me listen in. I have to go now
Melann - Our school district hired a literacy coach two years ago to help us with the transition to balanced literacy
Debra - Yes to be a Literacy Collaborative School, you train a Literacy Coach, she spends a year learning how to do it, Interactive Writing, the Guided Reading Groups, and all, then the 2nd year, we all are trained by her
Carol/pre K/WI - good bye RK
Melann - yea--
Melann - bye
kc - bye good luck with prek
Debra - Sorry it took me so long for the webbing into literacy link, for the PreK person it is http://curry.edschool.virginia.edu/go/wil/
JenTX - I teach K in San Antonio, Tx. First year in K. Other 12 yrs were in 1st.
JenTX - bye RK
Debra - I have been mostly K, and then 1st, and some 2nd and 3rd, but the bulk of the 21 in K and 1st
meeha/ece/tx - Debra, you are a wealth of information this evening! Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us!
Melann - One of our first grade teachers got the literacy coach
JenTX - We were all trained after school, on Saturdays, & in the summer. We had a trainer that was trained in Ohio.
Debra - The site webbing into Literacy is great for the preK, but I have used it in 1st this year as well. The literature is much the same, and you can adapt it for your kiddos
Carol/pre K/WI - Debra I'm always looking for web sites to help me plann
Melann - what exactly did the training involve?
Debra - Jen, I bet it is the same thing, In 1st we have the literacy centers while I do the groups, I did a modified Lit Collab this year and began with the interactive writing. We are moving from 4-Blocks, so Istill did a few of the standard 4-Block stuff
Melann - what exactly is the webbing into literacy about
Debra - You might want to see one of my pages called Themes, just a sec and I will get the url Carol
Debra - http://lovetoteach.homestead.com/Themes.html Here it is - it has a ton of resources on it.
Debra - The webbing into literacy has books and book ideas, and lots of poetry
JenTX - Right, Debra. We do guided rdg, interactive writing, shared rdg & wtg, etc. Interactive writing is a very important part of our kinder & prek classes.
Debra - Oh and ABC books, it is a great resource for you to bookmark and check on to see what literature they have that you might be using.
Debra - Yes, Jen, The interactive writing is the ticket. We also bought the new Phonics books, they have them now for K, 1st and 2nd
JenTX - What are the phonics books?
kc - i need to write a prek handbook and info for parents Any ideas?
Debra - So please book mark the site Webbing into Literacy - interestingly I think its roots are from Head Start, but again, the literature is tops, http://curry.edschool.virginia.edu/go/wil/
Debra - Well, make sure that they understand constructivism, and don't expect worksheets
JenTX - Vanna has a handbook on her site, I think. Do you know her website, Meeha?
meeha/ece/tx - KC -- keep emphasis on the absolute importance of the participation of parents in the education process ... daily reading and writing in the home .... incorporating children into the daily activities of the family
Debra - Oh, I know, I just made up a cool page called class books - teacher made big books, let me get the site, it has some wonderful bookmarks for you to look at also
melann - Is the website loveto teach your website Dabra?\
meeha/ece/tx - Jen -- not right off ... let me check and see if I can find it at kinderfriends.
Carol/pre K/WI - Thanks for sharing these sites again. I work for Head Start and my lessons are all literacy based
kc - sorry - what is constructivism
Debra - http://lovetoteach.homestead.com/Classbooks.html Here it is. The one called Hands of a Child I believe had some PreK stuff
carrie - i have been thinking of becoming an elementary teacher. i have put in my application for school, but i really don't know where to go from there, like what you have to take, and how hard is it to get a teaching job after school? can anyone help?
Carol/pre K/WI - No I think hers is different I'm looking
Debra - Then Carol that Site - Webbing into Literacy is definately for you
meeha/ece/tx - http://www.pre-kpages.com ..... does that look right for Vanna/s home page?
melann - I have the website bookmarked. i look at it all the time.
meeha/ece/tx - Yep ... I"m pretty sure that is the correct website for Vanna's page.
Debra - constructivism is a Piagetian term - it means basically that the child constructs his knowledge from his or her experiences
Debra - hold on, I have another good site for that also
JenTX - That's it meeha
Debra - Here it is - http://carbon.cudenver.edu/~mryder/itc/constructivism.html I have tons of stuff like this on my index page, I am going through the National Board process
meeha/ece/tx - carrie -- employment in education is a function of where you are seeking employment, how many teachers retire this year, and a number of other factors. I applied for 7 years in michigan and got NO nibbles ... came to TX and was hired on ONE interview!
kc - so young child needs lots of hands on experiences for knowledge to build on?
melann - A friend and I are going to go through the national boards next school year. I wanted to wait until I finished my masters this summer
meeha/ece/tx - I will STRONGLY encourage you to spend some time WORKING In elementary classrooms EARLY in t he training process so you know if you will enjoy teaching!
melann - As far employment in Iowa, it isn't good, there is no money to keep what teacher's the majority of the districts already have
Debra - www.lovetoteach.homestead.com that is my index pg, and it has a ton of stuff on National Board Melann
melann - thanks
meeha/ece/tx - Mily asked me to "say hi to everyone in the chat for me tonight. I am spending time with my daughter and writing report card comments." ... tomorrow is her last day of school!
JenTX - also, kc, the teacher uses the child's prior knowledge to build experiences on.
melann - are you about finished with your boards
kc - or work with kids in day care or after school care - it gives you ideas to ask college profs about
Debra - Def get your Masters done first, this is a time consuming project
JenTX - mily is doing report cards or you are, meeha
Debra - Will find out in Nov if I got it, have done everything, just waiting now
melann - I have two classes left to take this summer and then comps in next spring so I figure it won't be a problem
Carol/prek - It is just me my computer did something to kick me off but didn't really
meeha/ece/tx - Jen -- mily is working on comments now ...
melann - My friend decided to work on the boards and I had been thnking about it and since she is going to teach first then I figured why not
JenTX - O
meeha/ece/tx - she just asked me to tell everyone hello.
JenTX - what about paulie & mauce?
Debra - Yeah, you could start it in Sept, and then you would be fine. But get on their web page and start reading, and join the EC-Gen group and start looking at the emails they will help you get started
Carol/prek - Vanna's web site is www.pre-kpages.com It is a great resource
melann - how do i do that
meeha/ece/tx - Mauce I've not heard from ... Paulie said to tell everyone Hello and she misses them, but .....
Debra - Do it, it is very worthwhile, but again, you need to join the email group and read the stuff on the NB web site. They sorta changed the rules a little so the timing of when you begin makes a difference
melann - Is Vanna's website great for the info on the boards too?
Debra - go to my index page and it is all there for you to read and you can join the email group from my site also
melann - I already have all the info and I am starting a workshop this month to help to prepare me for the school year.
JenTX - She doesn't have that info that i know of, melann
melann - ok
Debra - Roses site and Wizzlewolf have excellent sites for National Board
Debra - But you need the email group, they have files and the site is active, so you can get lots of your questions answered
melann - can I access their webpages from your website?
Carol/prek - more classroom information
melann - thanks
Debra - Oh, I was going to tell about the changes. It depends on when you sign up as to when your box is due, so they have a staggered date now for turning in your portfolio
melann - for the national boards?
Debra - Also, you can take the test before or after you mail in the portfolio. My personal preference was to do the portfolio first then the test
meeha/ece/tx - does everyone remember/know that a transcript of this meeting will be available for review at http://www.teachers.net/archive/ in a few days?
Debra - Yes Melann
melann - Thank you Debra, I think I will check those websites out now. Thanks again
Debra - This is Roses site http://home.nc.rr.com/jrmarlow/
JenTX - meeha, have they been updating the archives? I missed a meeting & checked & it wasn't update in May
Debra - Here is wizzlewolfs site http://www.wizzlewolf.com/nbc.html
Debra - They are worthwhile to bookmark if you want to tackle National Board
Carol/prek - It seems that the last archive date was actually March when I checked last.
meeha/ece/tx - Jen -- I think the past few "meetings" have been such general chat that there wasn't much need to archive them -- a lot of personal stuff ... no topcis. This meeting seems to be hitting some good information, so I'll ask Kathleen to help be sure it gets left in the archives!
melann - Have you worked on your masters Debra?
Debra - Already have 2 masters
JenTX - O
melann - It sems that when I looked over the info for the boards it looked like at lot of the stuff I have done
meeha/ece/tx - I'll send Kathleen an e-mail right now and ask her about it ...
melann - what in?
melann - Dumb question to ask? Way to go
kc - thanks for ideas and links - got to go now
Carol/prek - That would explain the missing dates, I was hoping they were all archived I miss placed some e-mail addresses
Debra - They have some rules about who can apply, but they are not difficult at all. You will want to read the National Board site, they have a ton of downloads, and after you pay the fee, you can download the portfolio stuff as well and begin working on it. The first thing to start thinking about the the Professional entry (#4), you have to document the past 5 years of what you have been up to!!
Debra - First was in curriculum and instruction and the 2nd was Bldg Administration
melann - I thought about getting a masters in curriculum but the college I worked with didn't have a degree in it
JenTX - Well, I have a workshop tomorrow - author study (Ezra Jack Keats) & am whipped from packing up my room today. I am going to HIT the SACK!!!! Nite, all.
meeha/ece/tx - Curriculum would be an area I would enjoy trying my wings ... or to do masters' work.
Debra - Let's see, they have the staggered date for the portfolios, the first one is due in Feb, 2nd was Mar, and 3rd was April - the due dates I believe had to do when you applied, so you want to read up on that part, so you plan it well for our own schedule.
meeha/ece/tx - 'nite, Jen -- enjoy the workshop tomorrow!
JenTX - See you next Tuesday. Nite all.
Hut - I'll be teaching 1st grade Art next year -- after 15 years of middle school.
Hut - Any pointers?
Debra - My personal fav Meecha - I love curriculum
meeha/ece/tx - Hut ... first grade ART ... where do you teach that you get ONE grade level? (((Our art teacher has Kinder - Sixth grades!)))
melann - I figured that is a good reason to take the workshop to help prepare me for the boards for next year
meeha/ece/tx - emphasize process well over product!
meeha/ece/tx - my masters' is in behavior intervention/special education.
Debra - Well, I had better log off here also - best wishes to all who are going for National Board - be sure to sign up for the Yahoo EC-Gen mailring - it is a must, and we have a weekly chat here on Saturdays at 4pm every week, Kelly is our leader. She is wonderful.
melann - I always wondered how a person became a curriculum director with out a degree in curriculum
Hut - Well, actually, Monday's I'll teach 5th grade Art and 7th and 8th grade Science. Tuesday/Thursdays I'll teach 1st grade Art, 4th grade Art, 7th grade Science and 8th grade Science.
meeha/ece/tx - Hut -- be VERY literal as you address 1st g raders! Sarcasm does NOT work!
melann - Thanks Debra
Debra - that would be really hard melann, you need to know the scope of curriculum, my prsonal fav is the backwards plan model - it fits in so right with the standards movement
Hut - That will really be different from middle school. Middle school kids are MADE of sarcasm.
melann - I am going to check out those webpages. Thanks for informaton
Debra - Best wishes to all, I know this is a busy time of year
melann - thanks again
meeha/ece/tx - Hut -- that is QUITE an age-span! will definitely keep you hopping!
Hut - The only challenge will be the 1st grade Art.
meeha/ece/tx - Bear in mind, with 1st graders that you'll have kiddos who can barely hold a pencil and kiddos who are, in their own rights, already artists extrordinaire!
meeha/ece/tx - CAROL???
Hut - I can come up with the Art, but I like to do edible art, and our school wants art that can be saved for "THE annual art show."
meeha/ece/tx - "Edible Art" focuses a lot on process ... can you do a few artists and work on their techniques?
meeha/ece/tx - maybe the kids can create some "quilts" demonstrating several different techniques well-known artists have used ....
Carol/prek - meeha suggestion of process art with serve you well having a product outcome may be very fraustrating
Hut - I don't even know where to begin...
meeha/ece/tx - or look at the art in childrens' books -- E.J. KEATS, ERIC CARLE ...
meeha/ece/tx - HUT -- your district should have grade 1 art books ... or the state grade 1 ART standards
Hut - Good idea. I thought I'd try to tie Science into their Art -- the metamorphism of butterflies would be good.
Carol/prek - You may want to look at some young children's authors and illustrators and their techniques Like Eric Carle
Hut - We have no first grade art books. I don't know if Missouri has grade one Art standards or not.
Hut - Missouri is just now releasing grade level expectations for the core subjects.
Carol/prek - Or focus on introducing different mediums and techiques they will be using in 2nd grade
meeha/ece/tx - Check the website for the state board of Education -- if they have them (& I believe they will!) they'll be available there! IF NOT< TEXAS has standards for art ... look for the tea website ... let me look it up!
Hut - I thought I'd try introducing the elements of design in the beginning...a lesson on LINE, then on shapes, then color...
meeha/ece/tx - check out this website for Texas' "Fine ARTS" Standardshttp://www.tea.state.tx.us/rules/tac/chapter117/index.html
Hut - Thanks! I'll do that.
Hut - That site looks good. I'll bookmark it. I have to write the curriculum for the class this summer.
Carol/prek - Hope these ideas help
Carol/prek - Are there lessons plans from last year
meeha/ece/tx - Hut -- there will always be ideas here! You might also post a question at the grade 1 chat board and the art teachers' board ... I'm sure there are lots of folks who'll be willing to help!
Hut - Not that I know of. The art teacher will be taking them with her.
Hut - How do I find those boards?
Carol/prek - But can you ask her the type of lessons she did
meeha/ece/tx - Hut -- try to network with another art teacher in your area so you can get some idea of where to go with your classes.
Hut - We talked for a while before she left. She only knew that she was leaving the past two weeks.
meeha/ece/tx - when you leave, click on the "Teachers.Net" in the top left corner of the board ... then click on "chat boards"
meeha/ece/tx - brb ...
Hut - I'll bet I could contact an art teacher in a nearby district. Our districts are rural and small. Some have only one art teacher, some none.
Carol/prek - that can be your best resource
meeha/ece/tx - Hut -- when you post at the ART chatboard, ask if someone will "volunteer" to "mentor" you for this year!
meeha/ece/tx - Carol -- this meeting WILL be archived ...
Carol/prek - hat will be a good thing i copy the site addresses down but a back up is good to know
meeha/ece/tx - Hut -- set your behavioral expectations clearly from the very first day your group meets ... before you EVER put any media in their hands talk about appropriate use of that media -- and review it before passing it out the next time!
meeha/ece/tx - Carol -- when do your children finish up? (You're not done yet, are you?)
Carol/prek - I have been finished for almost three weeks with children and two weeks from work
meeha/ece/tx - Hut, did you get the boot?
meeha/ece/tx - WOW! How did you finish up so early?
Hut - No, I posted on the chat boards.
Carol/prek - I'm just about ready to start planning for next year
Hut - I never thought about discussing HOW to work with each media product.
meeha/ece/tx - Carol -- I'm attending a 2-day class (tomorrow and Thursday) on STRUCTURED TEACHING ...
Carol/prek - Hut, the chatboard may become a great resource for you I use the pre-k one daily
meeha/ece/tx - Hut -- if you don't you're liable to find it flying or attacking! ("You never said we couldn't ...")
meeha/ece/tx - even scissors and crayons and markers ...
Carol/prek - meeha I have a week of training in two weeks; fostering freindship, focused portfolio and music and movement
Hut - It could be a VERY interesting year. I have so many little things laying around the science lab...
meeha/ece/tx - every introduction won't have to be a long drawn-out affair ... but be clear of your expectations when you present a material!
meeha/ece/tx - little things laying around may draw interest ... may actually spur some interesting art experiences ... just be sure all the "little things" are safe!
Carol/prek - Hut you are going to have to 1st grade proof the science lab
Hut - It's just been a very long time since I've worked around little guys.
Hut - I guess the cactus plants will have to be on a high shelf.
meeha/ece/tx - Carol -- be sure to share LOTS of info with me on the focused portfolio ... that is something I've been working to improve over the last 2 years!
Hut - I wonder if I'll have to get rid of the dumb cane plant?
meeha/ece/tx - Hut -- don't put them "up" ... just teach the kids!
Carol/prek - Hut you may want to do a poster with the rules or expectations posted that they can say and you can referr to for consistantancy
Hut - But they can't READ...
meeha/ece/tx - Hut -- some can ... I do preschool and pair words with pictures!
meeha/ece/tx - Try to keep the expectations positive ... quiet voices vs. no talking ... walking shoes vs. no running, etc.
Carol/prek - meeha I will do that I'm looking forward to that training
Hut - We use "table voices" in middle school. No one except the people at your table should hear you.
meeha/ece/tx - Carol, with my population I often see the kiddos 3 or even 4 years in a row. I'm hoping to begin video portfolios on ALL kiddos I work with beginning this August ... record progress every 12 weeks (more as needed!)
Carol/prek - You will need to be more specific quiet voices or inside voices
Hut - Thank you for all your help.
meeha/ece/tx - Hut -- we're always happy to help! You know, if you come in at 7 p.m. Eastern Time you'll find ART teachers meeting here on Tuesdays!
Carol/prek - Hut check with the first grade teachers and ask them what their classroom expectations are and use the same wording
Hut - I'll try to catch them. I'm scorekeeper for a high school baseball team that plays at 8 on Tuesdays. Will the Art meetings continue after July?
meeha/ece/tx - Carol -- that is a great idea!
Carol/prek - meeha, I have some of my kids for two years and seeing the growth is amazing
meeha/ece/tx - Hut -- probably!
meeha/ece/tx - I've not had video documentation of progress, but am deciding more and more that it is a necessity anymore!
Hut - I've been in the district for 16 years, and the primary teachers were my son's teachers. I'm sure they will help. Talk to everyone later.
Carol/prek - It is the consistancy or lack of that may make next year really LONG
meeha/ece/tx - Just looking at still photos of kids and seeing the changes that have happened is incredible ... too often I don't remember where a child was six months ago ... I think the video footage will help across the board!
Hut - Bye now.
Carol/prek - meeha, I have a lot of photos and it is amazing but I agree that video taping would really document growth
meeha/ece/tx - I keep telling my parents about how we measure progress in inches rather than feet ... sounds rather than sentences ... to be able to SHOW them could REALLY make such a difference!
Carol/prek - Let especially a good idea it would enable me to have a language record for my ELL kids.
meeha/ece/tx - ... and could also help if outside -- or district -- assessment needed some type of performance documentation!
meeha/ece/tx - yes!
Carol/prek - and it is easier for parents to see the progress instead of just the deficiets
meeha/ece/tx - Carol, I won't be available this coming Tuesday evening ... my niece will be graduating from high school in Michigan and we'll be going up to share in the event with her and her family!
Carol/prek - I'll see you or chat then in two weeks You'll be in the same part of the country as myself Welcome to the Midwest
Carol/prek - It has been along day and we had a good chat tonight
meeha/ece/tx - Thanks! I grew up in Michigan ... by way of Texas, Oklahoma, and Iowa!
meeha/ece/tx - I think it was a GREAT chat tonite ... lots of literacy and nat'l board chatter ... lots of s haring!
Carol/prek - Have a good rest of the week and safe journey to Mich
meeha/ece/tx - Well, have a great night ... thanks for the good wishes. Enjoy the break! Blessings.
Carol/pre K/WI - and the sharing is what the chat is for and in the process hopefully improve our teaching
Carol/pre K/WI - Goodnight meeha
Carol/pre K/WI - from both of us
meeha/ece/tx - Good night!
