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Addie/mo - hi all
Pooh - this chatroom is a part of my assignment for an online class
Addie/mo - what class are you taking?
Bookworm - I will be teaching first grade for the first time this school year. I have been a kindergarten teacher for many years. Can anyone recommend any "must have" books?
Pooh - interactive design classroom
Addie/mo - there is a really cute book by miriam cohen (i think) called when will i read? i think that would be good for first grade
Mel - Bookworm...many of the books you used in K can still be used in 1st
Addie/mo - that is what i was thinking, mel
dude - What is Reading Recovery all about?
Bookworm - reading recovery is supposed to be a program for at risk first graders.
Addie/mo - i am not real familiar with reading recovery. i know that it takes extensive training and involves using a set of specific procedures with one on one instruction
Bookworm - I know a lot of people who love readiing recovery. Yes, it does take a lot of training.
dude - Is reading recovery a good program/
Mel - basically RR its a program to assist struggling readers in a small group setting. Aren't we here to talk about reading in K-1?
Addie/mo - i think that it is good for the students who participate, but it is very expensive to deliver because of the limited number of students each rr teacher can teach
dude - We are talking about reading
Mel - In Fla RR is loosing popularity...how about other places?
Addie/mo - we have never had it in my school
Bookworm - In Louisiana it is still big.
dude - What's the best way to teach reading comprehension to first graders
Vic - Can I enter a new topic such as kindergarten building blocks?
Addie/mo - dude, that is a hard question. i think that you have to use a variety of approaches to help the children improve in reading. if i knew one answer, i would be rich! LOL
dude - What is guided reading?
Tim5763 - Sounds like an interesting topic Vic
Addie/mo - different students respond to different methods
Bookworm - Education Center (mailbox) has a new book out called Comprehension Connections. I looks real neat for a worksheet. It has a story, then questions, and has the child show where in the story they found the info
Pooh - guided reading is going to be piloted in my schho next year in New Jersey
Vic - Thanks Tim, Do you use the 4 blocks in your school?
dude - You have to tap students prior knowledge and give them a purpose for reading or listening
Mel - I second that addie...oral retelling, acting out stories, lit journals just to mention a few
gelly - 4 blocks???
Doug - guided reading is the link between shared and independent reading. It is using a gradient of difficulty usually beween 90 to 95% accuracy levels. Does that help?
Addie/mo - there is more than one kind of guided reading. in four blocks it is one of the blocks and done mostly whole group using grade level text three days per week and below grade level two days per week. in fountas and pinnell, the books are leveled in very close increments and you work with small fluid membership groups
Carole - Anybody use Open Court.
Bookworm - Guided reading is part of the balanced reading program. You introduce a leveled book by doing a "picture walk". It's hard to type fast enough to tell all
dude - Does anyone here use a lot of graphic organizers?
Tim5763 - would it be possible to narrow the topic down a little?
Addie/mo - i have used some graphic organizers, but probably not as often as i should. sometimes to introduce a unit...then you can add to the organizer as you learn throughout the unit
Vic - 4 block is a reading program by p cunningham the day is blocked into four segments very popular in the midwest at this time
Mel - just a few dude...I find them a little difficult in k-1
gelly - what grade???
dude - Does anyone here know how to do a running record?
Bookworm - yes to running records
Addie/mo - i used parts of building blocks in my kdg classroom. i really liked it and thought that the students progressed nicely. i did other things too. and i did my own assessment, not the bb one, because it wasnt detailed enough to complete our report cards
leftcoast - yes to running records
Carole - We had to do running records.
Vic - we use the venn, webbing, and mapping for graphic organizers in k It is mostly to get the students familiar with the term graphic organzers for and familiarity for state testing in the upper grades
Mel - also yes to running records
Bookworm - Louisiana has a state wide testing program where we do running records grades 1 through 3 twice a year.
Addie/mo - we are going to learn to do running records this year. we are starting in a new program called missouri reading initiative. we will be implementing balanced reading in grades k-3
Doug - dude- what do you want to know about running records...Clay just published a new little book for teachers on using running records it is called Running Records by Marie Clay it is at http://www.heinemann.com
gelly - what parts of the blocks did you use in k
Addie/mo - we will get ongoing inservice ed., coaching, etc. this is over the course of three years
Vic - Addie, did you feel that the program for building blocks in k should be all inclusive or did you pick and choose
dude - It's go to have students do a quick write and make predictions before reading a story.
nancy/k/ar - addie...in arkansas we call it ELLA.....it is a good program
leftcoast - Our school does a reading screen inlcuding running records three times per year grades one to 5
dude - I know how to do running records
Addie/mo - in building blocks i used the "getting to know you" activiites at the beginning and the predictable sentences and activities
Addie/mo - i am looking forward to it. i hope our teachers like it
Doug - nancy- hello does ELLA have a website/
nancy/k/ar - no, Doug....but it is very similiar to building blocks....
gelly - dude what grade did you teach
Addie/mo - we have a librarian that used to be in AR and she said that it sounded like ELLA when we were first discussing going to this service
Doug - nancy I was at the arkansas dep of ed and they have a primary reading page...was this related to ELLA?
Addie/mo - vic, i think BB could be all inclusive, but i had some other things that i had done for years that i knew were successful, so i didnt want to let them go. i think that BB could stand on its own, though
nancy/k/ar - Addie..I think it is probably pretty similiar
Addie/mo - have you been an ELLA school
dude - yes
nancy/k/ar - doug...they have a good website, but nothing detailed about ella
Vic - Fill me in on ELLA
gelly - dude what grade did you teach
bette/tx - dude by what other name??
Peachy - I used a mix of BB andKidwriting.
nancy/k/ar - addie...they have several model classrooms (mine will be soon) but have not seen a model school
Vic - also, for graphic organizers, there is a web site graphicorganizers.com
Addie/mo - neat, nancy, how did you get to be a model classroom?
bette/tx - not seen a model school either
nancy/k/ar - Ella stands for Early Literacy Learning in Arkansas...it is a balanced reading program.....
Vic - Addie, did you use the word wall in k?
bette/tx - nancy we have something like that in texas ..can not remember the name....
Doug - vic- New Zealand has a site for guided reading also...http://www.guidedreading.com
nancy/k/ar - addie.....mainly because I have been using the balanced methods for years (went to lots of Wright Group Seminars) and am willing to put forth the effort
dude - Addie, what can u(or anyone else) tell me about teaching reading that I don't already know?n
nancy/k/ar - Vic..I definitely use a word wall in K
Vic - Nancy, did you use words used in their writing or color words how did you choose your words?
Addie/mo - yes, i had a word wall. in our district, we give a difficult achievement test and the kids have to be reading to do well, so i used some first grade stuff from four blocks (even though BB says not to) so that the kids who were ready could go as far as possible
nancy/k/ar - All of my k's were "at risk", but all learned to read this year...and all could write at least ONE sentence..some wrote stories
Doug - nancy- rigby publishing will soon have a lesson bank just like wright group
hilton - I just purchased the teacher's guide to building blocks. I had been using the month-by-month K, and doing the name activities which were real successful with my kinderkids. Any buddy else do this?
nancy/k/ar - vic....I supplied some words (names, color words, etc) but they began to add words they wanted to use in writing.....
Peachy - I started with Wright Group Seminars, too, nancy.
Dave MontrealCan - Does anyone have a sight impaired child in their class and have any concerns about how to assist this child in reading better?
bette/tx - nancy that is great....what is your favorite story in your classroom???
dude - Addie, what state do u teach in?
Vic - I did the name activities and the morning message, some predictable charts at the beginning of the year
pez - I used BB for the first time this year and really saw great success in my room
Bookworm - Month by month is wonderful! The kids got used to me cutting up all of their work!
hilton - I used simple sight words from Morning message activities...I did one whenever I thought they were ready. They'd beg for more!
Addie/mo - yes, hilton. i thought that the "getting to know you activities were the best part of BB
Doug - dude- don't jump into word family teaching too soon. It is important to learn letters their shape, feel , sound etc. We in the US tend to jump into onset/rime teaching way too soon
Addie/mo - missouri
nancy/k/ar - bette..it changes...year to year....
dude - Does anyone here use reading journals?
Carole - I used reading journals with my k-1 class.
bette/tx - doug i agree...
Peachy - I do, hilton.describe reading journals, dude.
nancy/k/ar - my kids love the magnetic letters and their magnet boards
bette/tx - nancy my class loved Chicka chicka boom boom
dude - Doug, are u into phonics or something...I like the whole language approach
Sarah - I also use reading journals in 1st
Addie/mo - i just chose the words for the word wall from the sight words we were matching to our big book for the week. i typed them out in a large font with the onset in red and the rime in black to help the kids who were ready to begin to call attn to that
Peachy - Mine, too, bette.
pez - I was so pleased with the Getting to Know You activites. The difference in my children after only a day in their interviewing skills was great
okbeckles - i used rdg journals
nancy/k/ar - mine, too bette....but mine this year got so engrossed in classical music for some reason that they wanted to read Nutcracker over and over....and also Berloiz the Bear
hilton - I let my kids bring up the word families...whenever I did a word that was in our message that had many others in the family, lo and behold one of my kids would just start rhyming the words. That's when I knew they were ready, and we'd look at the endings as being all the same. Never pushed it though.
Addie/mo - plus, it makes so much sense to use their names to teach letters initially. those little buggers are so egocentric! what do they like better than their name?
Doug - dude- i believe in connecting what kids know to new information.....
Vic - Do you feel we are bringing the actual reading program down to k too soon and not allowing them to become learners and learning the environment when we take on the formal reading program at the k level?
nancy/k/ar - My new prek students (will be in k this coming year) have already learned alot of the CAP skills this week
bette/tx - addie true i some times use students names in the stories
bette/tx - Vic there are alot fo children exposed to early reading and they are for the most part ready or try to read by kindergarten...
nancy/k/ar - vic...we learn from our environment.....the reading instruction is highly individualized...flexible grouping....teaching to needs of each child
bette/tx - dude what do you teach?
dude - That's called scaffolding Doug, are u a part of that reading readiness movement?
nancy/k/ar - I write alot of stories using the children's names
Doug - nancy- i just learned a fun way to review CAP skills You put a chart by the big books and do a show me activity...its also masking. You can use a fly swatter to show one letter, two letters, punctuation ...bottom of picture etc.
Addie/mo - yes, and no, vic, some kids are ready, but others are not. when our minimum standard is too high for a lot of our kids, then we are expecting too much. but i think that we need to provide whatever opportunities children are ready for
nancy/k/ar - yes, doug....that is a good way
bette/tx - nancy they love to hear thier names being used
dude - I will be teaching 5th grade in Sept.
bette/tx - having two children with reading problems i have learned alot of things
Sarah - Dude phonics is a big part of learning to read. You can't really seperate it from instruction....raather you intertwine it with all reading activities
Peachy - Would someone please describe reading journals?
Vic - We are really being pushed to start the building blocks in our district and some of the k teachers are ready to embrace some of it but resent buying into a whole program rather than choosing the good bits and pieces of working programs
Addie/mo - phonics and its precursor, phonemic awareness are both very important to reading. but, we need to remember that phonics doesnt = reading
Doug - reading journals such as two way journals are interactive. You copy a quote and write about it or you have a dialogue with a character there are thousands of ways most ways are connected to textual information
dude - Sarah you are correct...phonics is important...but,how did people learn to read 20 years ago
Sarah - I taught 5th for 4 yrs. You will be able to use a lot of literature selection/chapter books...some exciting extension activities for reading
hilton - it's not like bb dictates materials to use...you chose what's appropriate for your theme. And do what works for you and your students.
Doug - peachy- reading journals were really popular last decade. Loook in past issued of Reading Teacher published by the IRA
Addie/mo - vic, if your district is supporting using BB, i think that the teachers will be pleased with the results. it doesnt go quite far enough for what is expected in our district
Sandi - Those reading journals that Doug describes are for Kindergarten?
Addie/mo - true, BB is a framework. there is a lot of flexibility in the program
hilton - gotta run and get dinner...thanks for chatting.
Sarah - i think we're getting hung-up on semantics ...phonics was always used...it may not have been stressed...but it was used.
Vic - Addie, what about science and social studies. Also there is only 30 minutes allowed for math in a given 4 block day. You know what is required for the state tests heavy on science, social studies
Sandi - To me reading journals are responding with pictures or writing about what has been read in shared reading, listening center, independent reading etc.
dude - It's more like a writing journal, no?
hilton - one last comment...vic, science and social studies could be your themes...use literature that supports these themes and you have it all covered...
Vic - dude, have you heard of writer's workshop it is really good for the 5th grade age
Addie/mo - i would integrate to get the science and social studies in. if i made a four blocks schedule, i could do more than 30 min of math. 4B only takes two hours total. how long is your instructional day?
Doug - Sandi- reading journmals for K may look like drite journals...drawing and reading as a response to a story
Addie/mo - in a writing journal, the students would write about topics of their choice...in a reading journal they respond to the assigned literature
Sarah - reading journals are an excellent tool for responding to literature...I sometimes give them a prompt & other times just let them respond to their favorite part, etc.
dude - What are good ways to assess childrens reading?
Vic - The 4 block for grades 1-2 are running from 8:30-12:30. This uses the prescribed 4 block schedule.
Peachy - Thank you, Addie.
dude - I would have a writing journal that incorporated the reading stuff
Sarah - explain dude
Addie/mo - why? vic, where are they getting the schedule and what else are they doing besides four blocks? the way i understand it you would have thirty minutes for each block...that is only two hours
Sandi - In kindergarten the building blocks is wonderful but in a half day program it is very difficult. I saw such great progress in reading/writing this year. It was terrific but they need more math than what is implied in the schedules I've seen from BUilding Blocks
dude - All writing samples would be contained in one book.
Peachy - Does anyone else who uses BB have a 1/2 day program?
Addie/mo - it would be hard to get BB in a half day. we had full day
Addie/mo - we had at least 45 or 50 minutes of math daily in my FDK. we did math their way.
Sandi - I have kindergarten until 1:00 for at risk kids but the other teacher at our school has two half day sessions.
dude - What are building blocks? Isn't that for K students?
Peachy - I have 1/2 day and it is hard to get it all in....I realy can't, but they learned SO much this year.
Addie/mo - i would think you would have to shorten or leave out some BB activities. they intend for it to be used in FDK
Peachy - really
Addie/mo - yes, BB is for kindergarten students
Sandi - I know. I felt I was doing the flavor of the month constantly changing my schedule; part of it is because of their individualized needs but it was often because of time..I don't like that
dude - Addie, you have a lot of info u know : )
Sarah - I'm not real familiar w/BB. How does it compare to regular 4 blocks.
Vic - I'm not sure Addie, I am just in on the beginning as I am in K but my understanding is the 4 block goes all morn with no recesses I thought they were using the prescribed schedule in the program.
dude - What is 4 blocks?
Sandi - Yet, I think next year I'll really make calendar a much stronger math component and with the extra time I have with the 1:00 dismissal, I should still be able to introduce math concepts and give time for math centers.
Vic - What is math their way?
Addie/mo - it is different. BB has 6 components and 4B has four. BB is not as formal of a program and provides good exposure to literacy. 4B is much more structured
LALA - HEllO!!!! This actually does not have anything to do with reading, but I need to ask you kindergarten teachers!!!
Sandi - Building Blocks in kindergarten has more reading to/with/by and writing to/with by.
dude - Addie, where can I find out more about BB?
Addie/mo - MTW is a manipulative based math program developed by mary baratta lorton. an excellent program that allows the children to construct mathematical knowledge through manipulating objects and then later they learn to record what they are learning
Sarah - thanks Sandi & Addie
Vic - Addie, do you think I could access info if i tried maththeirway.com?
Addie/mo - there is a BB chatboard here at t.net. also in past issues of the t.net gazette, you can read articles by cheryl sigmon. she wrote a really good article about why BB is for K, not 4B
dude - I like this room : )
Sandi - Building Blocks has provided my students with such a rich print background. When they learn their letters/sounds they really know they are connected to reading/writing where before some kids just didn't get it.
Addie/mo - i dont think so. you could search for math their way or for mary baratta lorton and see what you come up with. the program is not a new one.
Vic - dude Building Blocks is a program sponsored by Dorothy Hall It is a literacy program
LALA - HEllO!!!! This actually does not have anything to do with reading, but I need to ask you kindergarten teachers something!!! I am going to have an interview tomorrow afternoon for a kindergarten position and I am nervous. What are some of the questions you think they might ask and what were some of your answers??????
Sandi - There is a MTW site I think on the Internet. You'd have to look but
Sarah - Is this your first reaching job LALA?
dude - My daughter, who is in 1st grade is in a 3rd grade reading class
Vic - Addie, do you know who publishes Math Their Way?
Sandi - I got to go, wish I could stay longer. Thanks
LALA - What do you mean sarah???
Addie/mo - LALA, you can expect a question about classroom managment, how you would teach reading, how you will teach math, how you will relate to your colleagues, how you will promote positive parent relations, and how you will incorporate technology into teaching
Addie/mo - vic, i am not sure....addison wesley, maybe?
Sandi - O
Vic - LALA, We are interviewing now questions asked were how to handle discipline, how you deal with both at risk and enrichment, parent communication, why you would be good for the job
Sarah - If you have ever interviewed for a teaching position...the questions will probably be similar. It is a difficult question to answer because principals are SO different from one another...their questions will vary.
dude - Is it good for men to teach first grade?
Addie/mo - LALA, you just have to think through the possible questions and how you actually feel about them. there arent necessarily right and wrong answers. the school is looking for someone who is a good fit. even if you knew exactly what answers they wanted and you gave them, but you didnt really believe them, then you would be unhappy. so my advice is be yourself
Addie/mo - dude, i think that if a man was interested in first grade, then he could be effective. we have a male second grade teacher at our school
Sarah - Yes dude...education always needs primary level teachers
Vic - Dude, I think the more male role models we can get in primary is great
dude - I'm looking for a teaching position...I will be certified K-6...I prefer the upper grades, may consider 2nd
Robin - yes, I agree - male teachers in primary grades are a must!
Robin - I'm a Kdg. teacher - anyone use SFA reading program?
dude - I always think of that movie Kindergarden Cop
Addie/mo - no SFA. do you use it? if so, what do you think?
Vic - Not familiar with SFA
dude - Okay, back to reading stuff
Addie/mo - LOL, dude! that is not realistic! there are male kindergarten teachers that post on t.net. one is named mr. fontanella. he has an awesome website.
dude - Doug, r u still here?
Doug - dude- yes...doing a litle multitasking
Robin - We're in our 3rd. year of Success for All (Success for Most). Actually, it has done wonders for our program as far as having our K's ready for 1st grade. Although, it's a pretty intense program for the little ones that really aren't ready.
Sarah - dude. when will you finish your certification? I thought you said you were going to teach 5th?
dude - I was offered an interview for K and I turned it down...what if they wet their pants? : )
Addie/mo - robin, isnt it very scripted? and if so, how do you deal with that . i dont think i could teach from a scripted program.
Vic - Robin, do you think we are trying to make our kindergarteners grow up too fast?
Doug - sorry about not responding....MTW has a site in southern california...its the center for innovation in education. they wanbt you to go through their class before you use the program
LALA - Well I guess you all are right, it will depend on the principal. However this interview is going to be a panel interview. Myself, the principal, a teacher and a parent I believe.
Addie/mo - in my school, you send them to the nurse! i didnt do body fluids!
dude - Sarah, a pricipal promised me a 5th grade position already
Sarah - How do you like it Robin? I've heard a great deal of negative lately.
Robin - They just may - but that won't hurt - just call the nurse!
Doug - About interviews.....I think the non verbal behaviors are as important as the verbal ones....act interested, good eye contact, smile, etc.
Vic - I agree with Doug, go in confident by not cocky
Addie/mo - the MTW workshop is awesome and i would recommend it highly. i went through it prior to my second year teaching and i learned so much about math! and what it takes to truly understand math
LALA - I have never had a panel interview before. Are they more difficult?
Addie/mo - doug, that is true. that shows the person's general interpersonal skills
dude - i can't keep kindergardeners after school for detention either...that's no fun
Sarah - We do our interviews that way also. We, the grade level team, sit in. We are usually looking for a particular teaching style that is compatible.am
Addie/mo - the panel interview i was on was harder, because i felt that each person was only listening to the question he/she asked and not really to the other answers. it moved really fast
Vic - do you contact the place in CA for the program?
Robin - Sarah - I really like SFA. I've heard negatives also, even in my school which had been reconstituted. Most negatives are regarding the amount of work a teacher has to do to be prepared. First year is mighty tough, but does get easier.
Doug - they always end your interview with are there any questions.....that's when you can open up a little and send subliminal messages
LALA - As far as discipline plans goes what do you all think of the green light for good behavior, and etc.
dude - What's a good question when they ask do u have any questions?
Robin - Regarding interviews: our district looks for team players. Our ending question goes like this: what impact or rememberance of you will your students have many years from now?
Addie/mo - honestly, LALA, i like to hear someone say that they establish procedures and teach appropriate behaviors to the students. that they keep them interested and engaged in learning. i want to hear something about consistency and having structure in the classroom.
dude - I know u guys thought I was a season vet, but I'll be taking over my first class in Sept>
Doug - it's been my experience LALA that at upper income schools, parent involvement is muy importante....lower income schools, child centered approaches are popular...its easy to peg the school out when you look at the bookshelf
Addie/mo - but, that is opinion, i dont really like the "assertive discipline" flavor is classroom management, but that doesnt mean that the principal you are interviewing with would agree with what i am saying
Doug - I used to be on interviewing committees but I would give the teachers situational/simulation questions
LALA - here is a tough question that I have been asked before, " What things do you need to know about a student to help them succeed in your classrooom
dude - Does anyone here work in an inner-city school?
Addie/mo - that is a good question, robin
Vic - LALA all advice has been good. On a panel each person is looking for something for that particular area, principal controlled discipline plan, teache team player, parent meeting thier child's needs
Doug - I need to go ...keep you sense of humor everyone...
Robin - Bye for now!
Sarah - I agree Addie. I'm still thinking how I would answer
Vic - This has been my first chat on the site and it has been good.
Addie/mo - LALA, i would say that i would need to understand the student's background and culture, especially if it differed from mine. I would need to know where the student is academically in all subjects and know the grade level objectives so that i would know how to help the student grow towards our goals, and finally, it helps to know the students interests and favorite books/authors so that i could help make the objectives meaningful and interesting for the student
Vic - Take care, enjoy the summer, signing off.
dude - Addie, you're hired
Sarah - I'm a first timer also. Is there a primary meeting every Tues? This will be my hitching post for the summer
Addie/mo - LOL, i already have a job
Addie/mo - yes, there is a primary meeting every week...same bat time, same bat channel
dude - Sarah, I'll be coming here often too
LALA - YOu all have been a big help
dude - Addie, what night is classroom management night?
Sarah - Must go. Need to let the dog out. See ya' next Tues
Addie/mo - i dont know that there is any certain class mgt chat. there is a chatboard at t.net devoted to class mgt, though where you can post questions and get opinions
dude - Addie, do u recommend Harry Wong's book on classroom management?
LALA - I would also think that if they asked you how you would deal with difficult parents, you would say that you remain calm and professional. Listen to the parents concern or complaint and work together to find a solution. How's that answer?
Addie/mo - yes! i think his book is excellent. i used some ideas when i taught k, but they needed to be adapted. i would say it is excellent for mid elem. grades and up
Addie/mo - that is a great answer, LALA.
Addie/mo - you should seek common ground with the parent and find a way to work together. keep the child's best interests at heart
dude - Addie, what's the first thing your students do when they enter your classroom in the morning?
LALA - Thank you Addie!!
Addie/mo - my kids came in the door, signed in, hung up their stuff and went to work at math tubs (manipulatives)
LALA - Addie do you teach kindergarten?
dude - Addie, your students sign in?
Addie/mo - some k teachers in my bldg didnt agree with this and they wanted the kids to do something quieter right off the bat, but i thought that this more active, talking time was a better transition, since they always had things to tell me and each other
Addie/mo - i taught kindergarten for 11 years. i am now an assist. principal
LALA - How do you deal with the students crying at the beginning of the year?
Addie/mo - signing in allowed them to practice writing their name daily. eliminated those worksheets where k'rs would practice their names over and over. they practiced it once each day when they signed in . then i required them to always put their name on their work, so this gave them more practice
dude - Addie, are u familiar with DOL's?
Addie/mo - LALA, that was hard. it is frustrating, and i might say that the first month of school is not my favorite! i would try to reassure them that they would be fine and encourage them to engage in a classroom activity to get their minds off of homesickness. i tried not to pay too much attention to crying. it stops quicker, than if it gets attention.
Addie/mo - i have never used DOL, myself, but i have seen it in other classrooms.
dude - I plan to put DOL's on the board or overhead for student to do first thing in the morning?
Addie/mo - i think that would be a good way to start the day. the kids would know exactly what to do.
