Jennifer - Hi everyone. I'm going to be starting my first year teaching so I thought I would come see what I can learn
meeha/ece/tx - How is everyone doing this evening?
Julie - What grade Jennifer?
meeha/ece/tx - Hi Jennifer, welcome to this evening's early childhood/primary teachers' meeting! we're glad you're here!
Jennifer - 1st and I'm very excited
Robyn - Anyone have a "hot" topic?
Jennifer - but also nervous
meeha/ece/tx - Hi Bil gal, KBC, Robyn, and Julie!
Julie - I teach 1st grade
Jennifer - i did my student teaching in second grade so I'm not as familiar with the QCC's
Julie - 1st grade is a great age
Paulie - hi meeha I'm here cause I quit my summer job
Robyn - Jennifer, when do you start your school year?
Jennifer - the first day is august 11
Julie - what grade does everyone teach
Jennifer - i feel comfortable once the year gets started...it's getting the year started i'm nervous about
meeha/ece/tx - Jennifer, the teachers go back on 11 August here -- kiddos return on the 18th.
Julie - wow I start on Sept. something after Labor Day
Robyn - Wow! We go bck right after Labor Day-Oregon.
meeha/ece/tx - I work with 3's, 4's, 5's ... and occasionally a 6 year old ... preschool-aged kiddos who have "special needs"
Jennifer - we started after labor day when I lived in PA
Robyn - I'm gonna log off and back on with my grade and state....
Jennifer - i've already been to my room and started getting stuff organized
Jennifer - i'm starting to work on planning now
Julie - wow Jennifer I feel like I just started my summer vacation
meeha/ece/tx - Jennifer, Harry Wong has a GREAT book about the first days of school for new teachers!
meeha/ece/tx - hi Jen of PA ... welcome to this evening's early childhood/primary teachers' meeting! we're glad you're here!
Julie - does anyone use learning centers in their room?
Jennifer - i'm going to take this class offered by my county so next week is my last week off before preplanning
meeha/ece/tx - 'evening, sah!
Jennifer - and i'm not planning on having much time to get things done during preplanning
Julie - wow I start back Aug. 25
sah - I use learning centers, and am looking for a way to make them more independent. Any great ideas?
Julie - Jennifer my best advice is to over plan for the 1st month
meeha/ece/tx - 'evening, shayde! welcome to this evening's early childhood/primary teachers' meeting! we're glad you're here!
Robyn/K/OR - Jennifer-part of getting started is thinking about how you want your room set up, and what kind of feeling you want it to have for you and the kids,
Julie - sah thats what I am after too
Jennifer - that's what i was thinking Julie
sah - Hello all! We have open house on Aug. 21st. First day with kids is the 26th.
Jennifer - I'm having a hard time planning things that I know my students will be successful with the first week...I don't want to give them things that are too hard and frustrate them
Julie - I know that I always have extra to keep things going for the first month they need you constantly
Jen of PA - hi Paulie
Julie - I play a lot of getting to know you games and review the ABC's
Jennifer - i've been reading old issues of the mailbox I got from our teacher resource room
meeha/ece/tx - Julie, I would suggest having a number of different levels of activities available for the first week or two ... if one activity presented is too easy you can bump it up ... or the reverse!
Robyn/K/OR - Learning centers at the beginning of the year have to be s-i-m-p-l-e!
Jennifer - i've also been writing a list of procedures that I want to practice with the students the first month
Julie - Those are great I get one every month. I also can go online and get stuff from their site
sah - As far as my centers go, I've run between four and six centers different years. I always, always have kids that finish quick and kids that are super slow. I've been toying with a workboard idea or task cards as someone mentioned on the K chatboard this past week. I'm nervous that things will get too out of control. I really like order.
Paulie - I don't think I would have learning centers the first week I might have free choice at tables but not "center stuff" u have to teach procedures first
Jennifer - what grade are you in Paulie?
Julie - Jennifer I do a lot of modeling of how we do things in first grade and then I have them practice it works great
Paulie - I don't have a job this year yet
Jennifer - oh, I hope you find one Paulie
meeha/ece/tx - sah -- when you set up a "learning center", you have one specific task or objective to be acoomplished in that area?
sah - Jennifer...list some procedural ideas you have. I'm always looking for some new ideas.
Jennifer - when do you think is a good time to teach centers?
Julie - I like to run centers during reading groups but I hate the noise and those who inturrupt me
meeha/ece/tx - Could you set up a "choice board" system with the learning system where the students can work on skills related to the objective of that center, keep those materials right there?
Jennifer - like the basics...what to do when you have to go to the bathroom, sharpening pencils, signing in when you get to school, etc.
Julie - I start teaching centers the 2nd full week of school
meeha/ece/tx - Julie, do you have the "Ask three, then me" rule in place in your classroom?
Robyn/K/OR - Julie- did you ever wear a special hat or necklace that means "don't ask me right now"?
sah - meeha, I typically have had one focus task with a "if you finish early task" at each center, but it's not working to my liking.
Julie - yes it doesn't always work but we try
Julie - Robyn I like that idea
Paulie - thanks Jennifer me too I love K and 2nd gr next taught both
Julie - what are some of your center ideas?
Julie - does anyone have a good book on centers?
meeha/ece/tx - I work with younger children, so my centers are REALLY different from the primary grades! We're just learning to put puzzles together, identify colors, early counting skills, early letter identification , etcl.
Robyn/K/OR - You can get great center ideas by visiting classroom websites!
meeha/ece/tx - Hi Midge, welcome to this evening's early childhood/primary teachers' meeting! we're glad you're here!
Paulie - hi Midge and anyone else I ahve not said hi to
Julie - do you have 1 student use the center at a time or a group
Paulie - I have a good book but everythign is in storage presently
sah - center ideas: name writing, name writing with wikki stix, rainbow writing, write the room, wikki stix shapes, file folder games
Paulie - depends ont he center soemtimes have up to 5-6 kids in one center
Midge - Has anyone used the book "The Essential 55?"
meeha/ece/tx - 'evening, mudbug ... welcome to this evening's early childhood/primary teachers' meeting! we're glad you're here!
Julie - my room is so small and I have 26 students so I have some that they take to their desks
sah - more center ideas: puzzles, floor puzzles, listening center, poetry books, letter writing practice.
Midge - it is featured on here
meeha/ece/tx - I've not heard of that book, Midge
amy/k - do you let the students choose where they go to centers?
Julie - me either
Midge - How about KidWriting....
Paulie - hi mudbug
mudbug - i give them a choice of two
Julie - I did this year but that didn't work
Robyn/K/OR - I think everyone has his/her own idea of what "centers" means. For some, it's an independent station, others have groups, and some have adult guidance.
sah - I read the part of the Essential 55 that was in the July gazette. Interesting...
Paulie - meeha that book is from the Disney teacher of the year he was on Oprah
mudbug - hi jef
Paulie - also ahs a thing in the Gazette about the book from the teacher
Jennifer - does anyone here teach the 4 blocks?
meeha/ece/tx - I think when I taught kinder we called "learning centers" 'stations' ... the kiddos rotated from one to another each day. There were 4 different colors of centers for a week -- Fridays were reserved for "fun" ...
Julie - what is the book about
Jen of PA - I uised an aide at reading groups so I wouldn't be interrupted
sah - I assign students to a center, and we rotate, but I really want to get away from that system.
Robyn/K/OR - I do Building Blocks in K.
jef - Yes, Ron was on Oprah. He mentioned some parent rules. Does anyone have any?
Paulie - rules
meeha/ece/tx - OH... I remember hearing him talk about it!
amy/k - i hadn't heard of a rotation like that meeha....that sounds good
shayde - Jennifer, I teach 4 blocks
amy/k - does anyone just have free choice centers and let the students choose academic or "fun"?
Midge - Sah, what did you think of it?
Jennifer - what grade shayde?
Julie - I used to have one group of kids with me one group at their desks doing workbook pages and one at centers
sah - I use some building blocks and some Kidwriting. I'd really like to get my students flying with Kidwriting this year, and do it full fledge.
meeha/ece/tx - sah -- how about a folder for each student with the "required activities" for the week ... they check them off as they complete the tasks each day -- papers can be turned in or left in the folder as completed. When tasks are complete students have an alternate list of activities for learning center time.
Julie - amy I did that this year
mudbug - i have free choice on fridays, the other days are my literacy centers and I have a choice of two each day
Jennifer - the school i student taught did 4 blocks and i loved it
Paulie - I had three free choices when the K kids entered the room while I did attendance, checked int heir library books and did mil or juice money
shayde - 3rd
Jennifer - i want to do it at the school i'm working at now but there aren't very many below level books available
Paulie - well u ahve to sue the Building Blocks in K and 4 blocks first gr up
meeha/ece/tx - 'evening, herminoe! welcome to this evening's early childhood/primary teachers' meeting! we're glad you're here!
sah - meeha, yes...my thinking about centers is currently along those lines. I'm a bit nervous about letting my kiddos go, but I realize that if I spend the first 6-8 weeks teaching procedures, it should work.
shayde - The books are the most important part of the guided reading. Get with some other teachers and pool your resources.
amy/k - its helpful to see how everyone does centers - i just don't know how I want to do it at all yet!
Julie - sah what do you teach
herminoe - well look at the time ........look at my husband goin ta get wihd!
Jennifer - has anyone ever used starfall materials?
meeha/ece/tx - sah, if the teacher control over "learning centers" is really tight at the start, it should transfer easily into the year. Children can learn to self-police ... and NEED to learn to make "good choices", even within the school setting!
Julie - never heard of them Jennifer
meeha/ece/tx - hi, jef!
sah - I'm known as the calm, collected, organized teacher, and my kiddos know what to do. I'm nervous about "losing control."
shayde - What are starfall materials?
rosemary - sah, that is what I do. Spend the first 6 weeks on routines, routines, routines!!
meeha/ece/tx - Jennifer, I've seen them, not used any yet (just learned of them a couple of weeks ago!
Julie - meeha you are so right
amy/k - so you don
sah - Julie, I teach Kdg. in an all day/alt. day setting.
Paulie - go to http:'//www.starfall.com and get free journals for class
Jennifer - i was thinking about ordering some but i don't want to get them if i'm not going to use them
Robyn/K/OR - Not to sound like I'm repeating myself (did anyone hear an echo?) but I have learned so much from other teachers' classroom websites...you can see how their centers/workjobs/stations/groups all work and then see if something sorta fits your style...then tweak it.
meeha/ece/tx - sah, you stay "calm and collected" and the kids will, too!
amy/k - so, you don't let the students choose their own centers until after 6 weeks or so?
sah - I used starfall as send home activities this year.
Paulie - o darn http://www.starfall.com
meeha/ece/tx - Robyn -- that is a wonderful idea -- I saw it earlier and didn't acknowledge it -- but I remember when I used to sub I carried a notebook with me to make notes about what works and what doesn't ...using the internet to peek into others' rooms would effect the same!
Jennifer - is starfall something usefull for all students or just lower level students?
rosemary - I do offer choice, very limited. But my main point is to stress the routine of the center, so when I do take a group, the children are completely self supporting.
Robyn/K/OR - I used Starfall materials this year...the kids loved them, and they are absolutely free!
meeha/ece/tx - amy, if they can manage themselves in centers at week 2, start them then. You may only have 3 "learning centers" open for independent use at the beginning, but that is OKAY!
Paulie - I believe the idea is to sue the books/jpournals in class and give them feeback That is why they give u free. . . if you jsut send them home where can u get feeback?
Paulie - is to USE
Jennifer - that's a good point paulie
meeha/ece/tx - hi, holly ... welcome to this evening's early childhood/primary teachers' meeting! we're glad you're here!
amy/k - i never have observed having group "centers" or a rotation system, so I don't know how to start it....thats what concerns me until they can go on their own
Paulie - hi rosemary (that is almost my middle name Rosemarie)
Paulie - the teacher supervises the first week or so and doesn't ahve her own group of people at a center so she can help kids follow procedures
sah - Paulie, they were presented to parents as tools to use at home with their child to support what we were learning in the classroom. Kids would bring their work back to show. Parents in my school don't know what to do to help their kids, and this was a great tool to give them something tangible to work on.
meeha/ece/tx - amy -- I used the 'rotation system' successfully one six week block in summer school and loved it! Since that time I've changed student population and only barely remember how I did it!
Robyn/K/OR - I have a pocket chart listing the members of each group (colors). Then there are three time slots, or a big 1, 2,and3. Each group looks under the time slot (or order) to see which table they go to .
amy/k - robyn, so your table groups go together? that sounds like an easy system to follow that they would understand
mudbug - there are awesome center charts on abcteach
meeha/ece/tx - I am thinking the kiddos were divided into 4 groups (red, yellow, green, blue) ... each had a nametag or clothespin with their name in their group color ... a large board w/ith a circle divided into quarters was marked daily to indicate what area each group was to work in each day.
amy/k - i will check those out, mudbug...thanks
meeha/ece/tx - Took all of 2 days for the kids to understand how it worked!
Paulie - amy/k my K kids jsut rotated from table to table for centers no choosing no record keeping
sah - I used the same system paulie described. The kids did all 4 centers each day, that way there was no record keeping for me.
amy/k - those are easy ideas.....and did each of you end up "giving control" later and letting the kids rotate on their own as they understood how centers worked?
Robyn/K/OR - Yes, except my kids don't have a particular table they call their own. MAterials and kids move around all the time, but they do stay with their group.
mudbug - i have 4 groups--each day they have 2 centers to go to.
mudbug - same with me robyn
Paulie - and I gave directions for all 4 centers while on the carpet at morning stuff
sah - same as robyn and mudbug here.
Paulie - ours always went to three centers half day K but they got three centers in each day
amy/k - mudbug, were the 2 required centers "academic" or was one academic/fun, etc.?
rhonda - speaking of carpets, does Lowe's have an inexpensive one that looks like a community?
Robyn/K/OR - As the year progressed, my group make-up changed- at first for social practice, later for reading groups.
meeha/ece/tx - amy, as I understood it, the "control" came in what they chose to do after meeting the objective of that particular center/station. All activity remained in the immediate area of the station, so there wasn't really any loud or confusing behavior to happen.
sah - I know Home Depot has that community rug. I believe it was $9.95, though that was about 4 yrs. ago.
mudbug - literacy centers but fun--art, computer, playdough, sewing--but in an academic way -does this make sense
Julie - I just ordered the star journals
meeha/ece/tx - Robyn, I think rotating group 'membership' is a good idea ... to help children learn to share with the entire class and to build those social ties!
Robyn/K/OR - After the routines were established, I would somtimes give them free rein over the choice of centers, but not often.
Paulie - all of my centers were academic they used the free choice ones liek blocks, kitchen, building/carpentry and even pattern blocks as free time choice in mornings before we started out mornign work on rug
meeha/ece/tx - hi, Lee! welcome to this evening's early childhood/primary teachers' meeting! we're glad you're here!
amy/k - oh, i see what you mean now...
mudbug - playdough--have to form letters, art-maybe making something that we read in shared reading etc.
rhonda - thanks, sah i'll check into it
Paulie - I also cahnged my groups every so often so they got to learn to work and play with all
Lee - Hi. I teach K, but my principal is trying to talk me into teaching 1st, so I thought I'd drop in for a few minutes.
rhonda - are you all K here?
mudbug - my block, kitchen etc . are on fridays
sah - Kdg. here.
Julie - i teach 1st
meeha/ece/tx - rhonda, I'm preschool-special education
rhonda - i'm 1st lee
mudbug - yes--K for me
Julie - Lee 1st grade is great
Paulie - what gr are u rhonda
Jennifer - i'm a first year teaching but i'm going to teach 1st
rhonda - l love 1st.........30 yrs. for me
Julie - 20 for me
mudbug - wow rhonda!!!!!!!!!!
Julie - rhonda congrats
mudbug - 14 for me
amy/k - mudbug, i just found the center signs you were talking about....wow, that is so helpful! THANKS!
rhonda - look at all this experience!!!!!
Robyn/K/OR - i taught Music for 23, been in K for 3
Lee - I imagine 1st is similar to full day K, which I did for the first time last year. I have taught K for 20 yrs.
Paulie - I wish I could ahve gotten a K class and stayed there for 30 yers
Paulie - years
Julie - amy where did you get them?
mudbug - i've even made some that look similar that I couldn't get
sah - tell me about the most exciting new teaching tool you used/implemented last year...or one that you're trying out this coming year.
Paulie - gosh amy/k I thought I ahd sent u that site. . . hmmmmmmm
amy/k - abcteach.com - there are a ton of other things on there....this is great
mudbug - they have signs for christmas, harvest time, Halloween, etc. They love doing special holiday art using these signs
rhonda - i'm a 4 Blocker
Julie - I love that site too
amy/k - you did send that site to me, Paulie - but, somehow I missed the center signs...I printed up stuff from there earlier, but now I can add to it
meeha/ece/tx - some teachers have a set of centers set out each week and a sheet of paper for the children to "sign in" on as they complete the tasks at each ... children are expected to rotate through all centers in the course of a week ... still very "business oriented" and kiddos learn to manage their time but make choices along the way.
Robyn/K/OR - Amy- there are lots of sites that have free stuff..I'm an Internet scavenger!
Lee - I love Building Blocks for K. We got a new reading series last year (Houghton Mifflin, and I hated it. Building Blocks is so much better.
Paulie - no first is NOT liek all day K I taught all day K my first yr and later on half day K andd also first gr There is no comparison except the time factor
Jennifer - rhonda do you teach 1st grade?
Paulie - wb Jen of PA
Julie - Robyn do you have some favorite sites?
Lee - I'm sure 1st graders take off with their reading.
rhonda - yes, Jennifer
Paulie - great amy
sah - I'll tell you that I started implementing 6 traits writing in the spring. My kids' vocabulary in their writing really took off...plus their understanding of voice.
Jen/PA - I'm going nuts
Jennifer - great
Julie - Yes Lee they do it is awesome
Julie - Yes Lee they do it is awesome
Jennifer - i just finished reading the phonics for 1st grade book
Julie - oops
meeha/ece/tx - sah, that is encouraging to see and experience, isn't it?
Jennifer - a little confused with how to start the year
Julie - why Jen
amy/k - i considered taking a first grade teaching position and interviewed for one, but had to stick with K, my love!
rhonda - beginning first is nothing like ending 1st; lot of growth
Robyn/K/OR - Yes! You can e-mail me privately and I'll send you some...let me know if you want printable stuff, online games, teacher info, classroom websites...rlasb@comcast.net
Jennifer - it said to do interviews with the students to begin the year
Lee - I bet. But, I see lots of growth in K, too. I love K.
Jen/PA - cause I need a job! Interview was last week, and well won't know til August! I have 2 mortgages to pay for!
Jennifer - I do that then when do my students write?
amy/k - i considered taking a first grade teaching position and interviewed for one, but had to stick with K, my love!
rhonda - the phonics for 1st grade...doyou mean Month by Month?
meeha/ece/tx - Jen/PA ... bless your heart!
Julie - Thanks robyn
Paulie - Jennifer remember to establish procedures and start year with a book depending on what gr level tie it in with a first gr activity or a K activity etc
meeha/ece/tx - hi, Nettie -- welcome to this evening's early childhood/primary teachers' meeting! we're glad you're here!
Jennifer - yeah
Jennifer - that one
Nettie - Hi, thank you
mudbug - waiting for vanna to log on--i heard from Kim Adsit (she presented in Dallas) and Kim told me she asked for a Vanna in the audience and vanna raised her hand. She told her she heard of her from mudbug on the chatcenter. Vanna said she remembered me. I waiting for her to log on
amy/k - sorry about that...my computer messed up
Paulie - o darn Jen of PA I hoped u would know so u could plan all summer
Lee - I have to go and pick up my son. Thanks for the quick chat.
Nettie - Has anyone seen the new Fountas and Pinnell series?
Jennifer - i'm going to start the year with procedures but i don't want to do it all day and overwhelm the kids
Jen/PA - yea me too Paulie
rhonda - Jennifer, do you know about Teacher's Helper by Mailbox?
Julie - Jen good luck sorry you have to wait so long to find out
Paulie - mudbug vanna told us about that last week
Paulie - o no you ahve to show them some fun stuff too each day
Jennifer - yes
sah - what's the new Fountas and Pinnell?
Robyn/K/OR - The offer for my web favorites is open to any and all....rlasb@comcast.net
mudbug - how do you know vanna--do you teach with her
Paulie - wb amy/k
meeha/ece/tx - Jennifer, even preschool-aged kiddos can "write" in their journals ... I taught the format for the district's journals with my special needs preschoolers this past year ... they drew the picture at the top of the page, those who were able "wrote" at the bottom ... we took dictation if the kids wanted us to.
Jen/PA - a teacher from the school I was at this past year was at the school today and asked the Principal about me...all he said was "We interviewed 9 people. We ranked them. I requested Jen"
Nettie - its a phonics month to month
Paulie - what is web favorites Robyn?
rhonda - Jennifer, everything in first grade at the beginning is about modeling what you want
Nettie - they have a set for k-2
holly - Never been on a chat before & not real sure what I'm doing. Left a minute ago to go straight to Starfall & order their materials. My kids have used the online books before, but I'm really excited about the hard copy.
Nettie - rhonda: so true.
sah - nettie...is it a set of early readers?
Paulie - wow Jen
Robyn/K/OR - My favorite websites..I'm a bit of a WWW-junkie
rhonda - at beginning of 1st grade, it is a lot about seeing where they are to begin
Nettie - robyn: I am a web junkie too`
mudbug - what's the hard cop holly--I have all the other books
Paulie - oic
Jennifer - i understand about modeling everything and practicing routines but when is a good time to switch from procedures to actual teaching
Nettie - No, its lessons
Julie - Robyn I look forward to your e-mail
rhonda - and kidwatching and lots of good read alouds
Julie - Jennifer you model while you teach
Paulie - can start that right at the beginning but not all
sah - what is the title of the Fountas and Pinnell new stuff?
holly - Hard copy may not be the right word. The books & journals are what I meant.
rhonda - you will know........build thelessons into procedures
Nettie - I haven't used them too much yet but you can see a sample on the Heinemann site.
amy/k - (I'm watching Dirty Dancing while I am chatting w/ you all - so, I'll be back and forth...lol)
meeha/ece/tx - hi, becky -- rlasb@comcast.net
rhonda - are you ever on www.readinglady.com
mudbug - i love dirty dancing
meeha/ece/tx - oops! hi becky! welcome to this evening's early childhood/primary teachers' meeting!
Jennifer - thanks for the help...starting the year is ALOT harder than i thought
rhonda - lots of good stuff on readinglady site Jennifer
Jennifer - thanks
Nettie - I watch House and Garden myself. or law and order when I am wiritng.
Jennifer - i'll have to visit it
Paulie - jennifer are u first gr?
amy/k - Jennifer, are you a first year teacher as well? just wondering because I am
Jennifer - yes
Nettie - I am not sure what the titles are for f and P
Paulie - (I forgot)
Jennifer - yes i'm a first year first grade teacher
mudbug - well, my son wants me to go watch a movie with him--I'll talk later
Paulie - well a good thing to do in beginning of first gr is to use Nursery Rhymes with kids
amy/k - first year K for me - I am trying to set up my room, but I have no idea where to even begin or what to do for anything! lol
Nettie - I am the old woman of th egroup
Julie - bye mudbug
Paulie - theya re a great review and help you to understand how much exposure the kdis ahve had to them
rhonda - isn't the Harry Wong book supposed to be good for new teachers?
Jennifer - tell me about it Amy
Robyn/K/OR - Nettie, what makes you say that?
amy/k - werent you looking at possibly another grade or something, Paulie?
rhonda - Nettie.........more than 30 years?
Paulie - <=======old here
Jennifer - I have about 25 boxes of stuff I've been saving and I don't know what to do with half of it
Paulie - The First Days of School is good for ANY teacher
Jennifer - i read that like 3 times already
meeha/ece/tx - rhonda, it is supposed to be an excellent resource for new teachers!
Nettie - no. but i did start back in the Dark ages: 1973. but i haven't taught that whole time.
rhonda - i mean, more than 30 years of teaching, Nettie?
meeha/ece/tx - Jennifer -- hang on to it, you'll be surprised!
Nettie - I stayed home for ten years with the kiddos
rhonda - Jennifer, you will be very prepared LOL
becky - I will be teaching first grade this year. I have been in Kindergarten.
Paulie - o that way nope old teacher young in teaching just 6 years of own class and 8 years of subbing
amy/k - the Harry Wong book is one I have...but, I still need and want more, Rhonda! It's not enough for me - it's more secondary, I think, but I need more "elementary" stuff...hehe..he has some good stuff though.
meeha/ece/tx - Jennifer and amy, are you checking the new-teachers chatboard regularly?
Nettie - no. I have been back for 12, so its more like 20
amy/k - Jennifer, I had five carloads of stuff to take in my classroom! Finally, I have everything in the room though after nearly six carloads! lol
Nettie - my oldest is going to be ,,yes, 22 next week
Jennifer - yes i've been going there and getting the mailring
amy/k - yes, I am a faithful T.netter now (everyday - lol)
Jennifer - that's how i was
Nettie - I have shoes older than some of the teachers in my building
Paulie - no amy wong si good for all
Jennifer - none of the teachers could believe it was my first year with all my stuff
amy/k - i still haven't gotten the mailring yet
Robyn/K/OR - Nettie-Too funny!!!!
Paulie - I ahve a grand daughter that just graduated from high school!
rhonda - i'm a pack rat so I threw out like 5 car loads at the end of the year!!LOL
amy/k - hehehe - Nettie, fashion always comes back! Keep those shoes! haha
Nettie - oh,,,, I feel better
amy/k - have you convinced your granddaughter to become a teacher yet, Paulie? lol
Robyn/K/OR - Nettie- I teach with teachers who were in my music classes 20 odd years ago!
Paulie - o yes she is going to college to become a teacher
Robyn/K/OR - And now, I have the children of children I taught!
Paulie - she already ahs scholarships to help her
rhonda - i have former 1st grade students that have bcome 1st grade teachers
meeha/ece/tx - Jennifer, I think that the hardest thing to understand about the first year of teaching (in your "own" room) is that you will work L-O-N-G hours the first year ... it gets better (shorter) as you develop your 'style' and teaching skills
amy/k - how wonderful!!!
Jen/PA - I hate this computer
Jennifer - i'm ready for the long hours
Paulie - jennifer will u have a mentor at the school?
Paulie - poor Jen/PA
amy/k - I was looking around at the other teacher's rooms today and def. saw their "personality" - i wondered how long it will be before I know how I want my room to look and have my own "personality" - that will be fun
Jennifer - the other teachers seem really helpful
meeha/ece/tx - hi, johnny
Paulie - great jennifer
rhonda - maybe keep a journal and take some pictures of yourroom and your students
Robyn/K/OR - OOOh, good question about a mentor. If there is no formal program in your district, find someone willing to be that mentor/hand-holder for you!
Paulie - amy make it your own so u will be happy not to be better or compete with the others who already ahve neat rooms
Jennifer - yes i will have a mentor
rhonda - my "personality" is PACK RAT LOL
meeha/ece/tx - my room changes every year! i put up colored paper on the walls, pick a theme for the border ... calendar area is purchased ... pretty much other than that the kiddos are responsible for decorating the walls of my room -- it is THEIR classroom!
rhonda - i don't think i'm alone
Robyn/K/OR - Rhonda, we must be long lost ssters!
amy/k - i just need to remind myself that my room will come in time and not everyone had it as it is their first day of teaching! haha
Paulie - don't knock us packrats I save stuff cause I know there will be ause for it someday and usually ia m right
rhonda - Robyn, glad to know there are others!!!
Jennifer - i have to do the same amy
Jennifer - compared to other teachers my room is so BORING!
Robyn/K/OR - Right, Amy...it takes time to collect all of that good junk!
meeha/ece/tx - I have scrapbooks of two years in PPCD ... will do a scrapbook again this year (5 years later!) I think they help with telling parents/familes about my program.
rhonda - yeah, like the time the super came to me with ink on his tie
Paulie - why do u say that jennifer?
rhonda - and he'd been calling me a pack rat
amy/k - do you have a theme or anything Jennifer? I am trying to be creative but it's not happening much yet! lol
Jennifer - i'm doing animals
Jennifer - i made some lamps and put printouts of animals on them
rhonda - and I whipped out a can on hair spray and told him to use it on his tie
Paulie - Amy has been collecting for K job she hoped she would get
Jennifer - i also have pillows in my reading corner covered with animal type fabric
Paulie - you made lamps or lamp shades?
amy/k - I have the stuff, Paulie - I just don't have the room for it all! just kidding!
meeha/ece/tx - I'm trying to decide between "jungle" and "tropical" for this year ... jungle will probably win because I already have the border for that! LOL
Paulie - amy guess what no teacher ever has enough storage room
Jennifer - i got lamps at a garage sale and painted them and glued pictures on them
amy/k - i like the journal/photo album idea - i love to do that kind of stuff anyway, and that would be neat for the parents to see, too
Julie - i have no storage
Jennifer - then i painted the lamp shades to go along with the lamp
Paulie - some are using nemo themes and doing ocean in beginning of year
amy/k - your room sounds cute, Jennifer!
Julie - how many students do you all usually have?
Robyn/K/OR - I teach colors with animals...1 did a web search and printed out pictures of unusual and/or brightly colored animals instead of the little crayons or bears or whatever that everyone buys.
Paulie - oic and what will the lamps go on at school?
Jennifer - thanks
rhonda - i use plastic tubs for a lot, Julie
meeha/ece/tx - amy -- i know the feeling! I actually get BACK a bit of storage room this year .... heck I get a LOT of room this year -- the principal at the school I'm going to is letting me use a second room for a GROSS MOTOR LAB!!!!!
Jennifer - i've been working on it since I was in high school
Nettie - have to go, thanks phone
Julie - me too
meeha/ece/tx - bye, Nettie
amy/k - i randomly decided "stars" as my theme, but I keep debgating about changing it to something "better"
Paulie - jennifer so has Amy!!!!!!!!!!
Jennifer - stars is cute...there's alot of things you can do with it
amy/k - i bet you are so excited about that meeha! Yahoo!
Julie - where in the room do you use the lamps?
Paulie - Julie what did u say "me too" to?
meeha/ece/tx - amy -- I absolutely am! we've always had to store the equipment in the classroom ... the kids didn't get to use it often enough.
Julie - I use a lot of tubs for storage
rhonda - julie, I put a lamp on a bookshelf in my library corner
Jennifer - sorry paulie...i put the lamps on book cases in the reading corner and i put them on the tables where they are going to do centers
meeha/ece/tx - ... and the Pre-K class next door has some different equipment that will complement what I already have ... both classes of kiddos will benefit from the lab!
Paulie - where do u plug the lamps in on tables?
rhonda - julie, tubs can stack, too, which is great
Julie - Jennifer that sounds really cute
Jennifer - to the outlet behind them
amy/k - i would be afriaid some of my wild kids would knock over a lamp and break it! seriously, though, that sounds great and gives it a real "homey" atmosphere
Julie - I have a lamp on my desk it is a crayon
Paulie - oh so your tables are by the walls
Jennifer - i was trying to get the homey atmosphere...i think it helps the kids learn better
rhonda - my lamp is on a shelf next to a wall
Paulie - amy/k u expecting "wild things"
meeha/ece/tx - I would like to get some lamps in my classroom this year -- depend less on the overhead fluorescent lights. I really think they are a big factor in children's flighty behavior!
Robyn/K/OR - We have outlets in the floor, which makes it nice for setting up anything just about anywhere.
Jennifer - i put the tables by the walls becuase i couldn't figure out another way to set up my room
amy/k - oh, i just hear horror stories, so I am preparing myself for anything this year! haha
Julie - rhonda i have a lot of activities in tubs so they can take them to their desk or out with a helper in the hall
Paulie - lamps make subdued lighting and not so glary as flourescent lightint which bothers some kids
rhonda - yes, I have flurescent I hate them
meeha/ece/tx - we generally ran only 1 or 2 of 3 "banks" of lights last year ... every adult in the room could tell the difference in children's and adults' behaviors when ALL the lights were on!
amy/k - Julie, are the activities in your tubs for one person or several in a group
rhonda - julie, nice idea with act.
Paulie - I heard of a teacher asking the custodian to remove one side of the flourescent lights so it would be dimmer
meeha/ece/tx - unfortunately, we have NO WINDOWS in my classroom
Jennifer - that's why i got them paulie...after a while the flourescent ones bother me
meeha/ece/tx - natural light is my first choice, but it isn't available.
Julie - some of both amy
Robyn/K/OR - You won't have to worry about "wild ones" if you teach the procedures, state your expectations, and follow through, follow through, follow through!
Paulie - meeha that sounds like mauce's triangular room with no windows
rhonda - meeha, so make some mock windows
meeha/ece/tx - just no windows -- no triangle. wish i'd gotten to see her triangle room, though!
Jennifer - i'm lucky enough to have a window but it's not very big so i don't get a whole lot of light from it
Paulie - Yes mock windows help
meeha/ece/tx - rhonda, i may make one at the home center ... but no natural light will be available.
Julie - I have a whole wall of windows and I love it
Paulie - meeha I keep telling her to submit the photos she sent me to Tnet gazette it is really organized
rhonda - yes, meeha, thats bad about no natural light
meeha/ece/tx - come to think of it, I may make one for the reading center, too!
Paulie - Yes I liek to do the glove planting in the windows
Robyn/K/OR - My room is a wedge of a pie...with the center of the pie removed for storage. All of the walls are not straight though, nooks and crannies everywhere, and I love it...I DO have two big windows on the outter "crust"
amy/k - i have one short and tiny window in the room, meeha - you hardly notice it, so I feel for you!
meeha/ece/tx - I would like to be able to plant a garden in a plastic swimming pool ... just don't know about how it will work with only fluorescent light ...
rhonda - you can bet that big business has windows, lamps, and storage!!!
meeha/ece/tx - Robyn -- that sounds interesting!
meeha/ece/tx - rhonda -- that is because they KNOW that people work better in that setting -- WHY don't engineers understand that children will learn better in similar environs?
Robyn/K/OR - I am very fortunate!
Julie - This has been so fun and informative tonight
Paulie - Robyn that is kinda like Mauce's triangular room
Paulie - are u leaving? we are here two more hours
Julie - our school is looking at building a new building. they wanted to build with no windows in the rooms I let them know that is really not wise.
Robyn/K/OR - From the air (we're near the airport) we kinda look like crop circles :-0
amy/k - i can't believe they would build a brand new building with no windows!!!! that is crazy, Julie!
Julie - they met again and really listened to us teachers and guess what we get windows.
rhonda - put bathrooms in and plenty of storage
meeha/ece/tx - Robyn -- I was at Roswell last week ... I know w hat you're talking about! LOL It sounds like your building must be really interesting!
Jennifer - we have limitied windows because of tornados and stuff
Julie - thats what I said
meeha/ece/tx - Hi, Mauce! welcome to this evening's early childhood/primary teachers' meeting!
Julie - half would get windows and half not
Mauce - Hi, everyone How are you tonight?
Julie - now we all get windows
Robyn/K/OR - I've got to scoot...it's been fun everyone. If you e-mailed me for websites, I'll get them to you by tomorrow.
Julie - I asked for a bathroom and a sink in my room haha not going to happen
meeha/ece/tx - Good for you, Julie! You advocated and the ch ildren (& teachers!) won!!!!!
Jenny/Ga. - What's the topic tonight?
rhonda - bye robyn
meeha/ece/tx - Robyn, it has been good chatting with you! thanks!
Paulie - hi Jenny/GA
Julie - thanks Robyn
Jennifer - if there are alot of windows where does everyone go when there's a tornado
meeha/ece/tx - hi, Jenny! welcome to this evening's early childhood/primary teachers' meeting!
Jennifer - what part of GA do you live in Jenny?
Julie - meeha I have learned in the past 20 years to speak up
Jennifer - I live in GA too
Paulie - a sink is great in room but be ahppy u don't have the bathroom can be a mess
Julie - we go to the basement now there are few windows there
rhonda - we head out of our classroom for a safer lower location
Paulie - Jennifer same place as u go when there is earthquake under the tables and desks
Jenny/Ga. - Conyers,GA. About 26 miles from Atlanta.
amy/k - Paulie, you DON"T like having a bathroom in the classroom? i don't have one, but think it would be nice to have
Julie - I do want water in my room. Now I can't paint or anything
Jennifer - but when the glass breaks the wind will blow it around the room
meeha/ece/tx - Julie, I"ve learned to write letters requesting what I think is important ... put it in writing, back it with facts ... it generally works for me ... but ....
Jennifer - I live in Kennesaw
rhonda - i have a bathroom........has been o.k.
Paulie - nope they are a big pain but u need sinck for painting and such
amy/k - oh, i see....
Paulie - hi JenTX ltns
Julie - meeha I wrote a long letter and told them what I felt needed to be in a primary room and I think they listened somewhat
meeha/ece/tx - Julie, I have water in my room -- but have learned to request diaper wipes as part of each child's supplies for clean-up jobs. water can come in in a bucket and you can use water-colors or "tempra blocks" ... that is what we usemost of the time anyhow.
meeha/ece/tx - hi, Taylor! welcome to this evening's early childhood/primary teachers' meeting!
Mauce - we have two bathrooms - one girls, one boys. They are in the closet between the two Kdg classrooms. We share them
JenTX - my computer crashed. am using hubbie's laptop
rhonda - and the wipes are good for their desk tops
Paulie - gosh Mauce I did not see that in your class room photos and did u send them to Tnet yet for gazette?
amy/k - the bathrooms we use are down the hall...not too far, though, from the room
meeha/ece/tx - the w/ipes are good for stains on clothes ... quick clean-ups ... we really enjoy having them available in the classroom!
Paulie - my computer crashed a few weeks ago but I restored everythign myself
rhonda - we also request a box of kleenex and a roll of paper towels
Jennifer - our bathrooms are close but the teachers bathrooms are on the other side of the school..i don't know what i'm going to do...I drink ALOT of water
Julie - meeha we use them too
JenTX - wish you were my neighbor, paulie
amy/k - wow, Paulie - that is impressive! congrats on fixing it!
Jen/PA - I'm calling another school tomorrow...they have 2 openings....5th and 6th....it's a private school though
Mauce - The bathrooms are in the closet, Paulie - next to the art area and the sink which is outside of the bathroom. The closet doorway is next to the fire escape/window
Julie - I work at a private school
JenTX - what's the current topic
meeha/ece/tx - Jen, here's hoping! bood luck
amy/k - how far is the school, Jen?
Paulie - It took me two days to fix it but I did not want to lose the stuff i ahd not saved to my zip disk on it
Jen/PA - well ok, private isn't the problem...it is affiliated with the school I just interviewed with!
Paulie - wb Jenny GA
Jen/PA - it's about 10 miles from my house!
amy/k - maybe the schools could fight over you then, Jen...hehe
Paulie - Jen u want to teach upper grades?
Jenny/Ga. - I understand. I usually walk all the way down the hall to the teacher's lounge
Paulie - I meant jenPA
Julie - being close to school is great for me
Jen/PA - Paulie...NOT really but I need a job
meeha/ece/tx - I request 35mm film, paper towels, kleenex, manilla paper, wipes, antibacterial hand soap (liquid), CRAYOLA no-run glue, construction paper ...
Paulie - I understand . . . me too
meeha/ece/tx - like to get crayons and markers from school -- "true colors" are easier to teach colors with than the dollar-store crayons!
amy/k - i think i want to write film on my "Giving Tree" wish list - that's a great idea
rhonda - i've heard of teachers putting up some sticky notes on Open House night for things for the classroom
meeha/ece/tx - I even specify the speed of film I want ...
Paulie - not me amy/k I use my digital camera from now on -- no developing
Taylor - amy/k-ask for parents who are willing to develop it, too!
meeha/ece/tx - amy -- Ive read about the giving tree idea -- really like it!
Paulie - rhonda yup on a giving tree on door
amy/k - i use my digital, but i think i would like to use my regular camera, too
Jennifer - i already made my wish list...and I still have more stuff to put on it
meeha/ece/tx - I take my film to SAMS to develop -- best price I've found anywhere!
JenTX - do you like to request disposables
amy/k - the giving tree really worked at a school i was at, so I want to implement it and try it here
Julie - what kinds of things do you all put on your wish lists
meeha/ece/tx - I have a 35mm camera in the room ... don't really like the quality of disposables.
Jennifer - i used both when i student taught...some things come out better with a real camera
Mauce - My crayons, paper, scissors, paint, folders, post-its come from the school. I ask for kleenex, baggies, paper plates, paper bags, paper cups from parents. I use room money for baby wipes.
amy/k - so, do you all put items that you want for your class up on the first day of school or wait awhile (a few weeks) after school starts
Paulie - when I taught in Los angeles it was against the rules to ask aprents for anything theys aid PUBLIC SCHOOL schould provide all supplies
Taylor - I have a banner that says "we need your helping hands"--each hand cut out has an item that I would like to be donated written on it
amy/k - i agree, Jennifer - I did the same and agree w/ you
Jen/PA - it's a small private school...very small...so I'm not sure how the salary and benefits would be
JenTX - I have a laminated giving tree i pull out each year
Taylor - Paulie, I teach in Orange County---we can ask for things.
Jennifer - the other teachers in my room said to have it up for sneak-a-peak so the parents can get the stuff before school starts
meeha/ece/tx - extra film, parent volunteers, beads/buttons/lace/ribbons/fabric "scraps"/old gift-wrap paper (ends, left-over pieces)/ 'zipper' bags .....
Jenny/Ga. - Our K team is asking for 2 dry erase markers form each student. Our Kindergarten Coord. bought each class dry erase boards but no markers. I bought mine last year.
rhonda - that sounds cute too, taylor
Paulie - Jen/PA good luck on whatever gr
Julie - we put up a list during the first PTO meeting each year
meeha/ece/tx - also ask parents for lids (plastic or metal with no sharp edges) for sorting and crafts ...
JenTX - amt, i wait awhille to make it easiwer on the parents' budget
Paulie - and don't forget gallon milk jugs so u can make an igloo for yoru reading center
Julie - meeha you sound sooooo organized
Paulie - lol
Jenny/Ga. - I have a sign up sheet with items needed posted at open house.
Jennifer - i did alot last year i did 20 weeks in second grade, my junior year i did two weeks in each K, 1, and 5
meeha/ece/tx - Julie -- sometimes yes ... with different teaching aides this year I don't know what will happen! LOL
Paulie - Taylor well LAUSD is different
amy/k - i love the igloo - i have been saving up milk cartons and toilet paper tubes already
Jennifer - what's the igloo thing??
JenTX - sticky notes work well on the giving tree. some parents take 2 or 3 notes
Julie - I try to be so organized but after a month or so it just falls apart because I am so busy with the kids
Julie - what is the igloo idea
rhonda - what about the students birthdays?
Paulie - jsut a sec and I will give u the url for my igloo
Mauce - I ask for things on the first day during orientation. I also include a message that says I am looking for anything that anyone thinks is "usuable junk - ribbon, trims, wrapping paper scraps, etc. and empty grocery bags to use for those who forget their backpacks. that way even parents who can't afford to buy something for the class can still contribute something. they know that they can send things in at any time during the year.
Julie - on birthdays my students bring a treat or a book for the class
JenTX - you can always ask for items in your weekly newslwtter
Julie - thanks Paulie
Taylor - The igloo is a 3-D igloo house made out of gallon jugs
meeha/ece/tx - Julie -- one of my questions when we interviewed new aides was "do you consider yourself an organized person"? I HAVE to have at least one assistant who IS!!! (I'm NOT!!!!!) LOL
rhonda - do u give the students anything?
Julie - sounds cool
amy/k - that's a good idea, too Jen because some parents dont pick up their kids or come to school
Jennifer - there was a cute idea in the aug/sept. mailbox
Julie - I give mine a card(award) and a pencil
meeha/ece/tx - Jen -- yes! the newsletter is a great way to share what you're working on and what's coming up! Sometimes I even put the requests (current) on the monthly calendar so they're in front of the parents every day!
Paulie - My igloo story was featured in Feb Gazette but here is the url for it http://www.geocities.com/pauliesportfolio/igloo2.html
Julie - Jennifer what was the cute idea
JenTX - my parents were very generous this year. alittle too generous with candy tho
meeha/ece/tx - Julie or Jennifer --w hat was the idea?
Jennifer - you take empty paper towel rolls and put a piece of candy and a homework pass in it and wrap it in tissue paper and use ribbon to tie the ends
Taylor - Did you guys see the "If you give a mouse a cookie" stuffed animals and books at Kohls for five dollars?
JenTX - i saw your igloo, paulie. i am thinking od making one this year
meeha/ece/tx - Taylor -- no ... too cute?
Mauce - The igloo is really neat! Unfortunately my room is so-o-o-o- small that I'd never have room for it.
amy/k - Are they still at Kohl's!!!
Paulie - start collecting right away jen
rhonda - not yet Taylor. but it's a good cause too
Jennifer - it's not real expensive but you needto start saving empty papertowel rolls
JenTX - no. kohl's had the mouse stuffed animal
Paulie - takes lots of jugs
rhonda - they just came out didn't they taylor
Jennifer - thanks paulie
Paulie - and mine used cut down jugs not whole with lids so I saved all the lids for game markers, etc
JenTX - that was supposed to be a question...sorry
Taylor - I think they have a pig and moose stuffed animal, too
Paulie - sounds cute Jen
Paulie - welcome
amy/k - I would love to get it! I wish I knew where a Kohl's was for me....
Jenny/Ga. - I make birthday goody bags at the beginning of the year w/ a sucker, B-day bookmark, sticker. I buy the treat bags from the Dollar Store. I also say a B-day chant, ask questions,etc.. The students get to choose a special b-day book out of our B-day basket. We also spell & cheer the name of the B-day child.
amy/k - I have been looking everywhere for the character-type animals or puppets!
meeha/ece/tx - Hmmm ... wonder if I can swing the $15 to pick them up!
Julie - Taylor when did you see that
JenTX - i founf a moose last year to help introduce my moose folders
rhonda - koh's probably has locationson their website
rhonda - i heard they've got all theLaura Numeroffbooks and animals
Taylor - It was in my newspaper this morning. It showed the books, too. Hardback or paperback--I don't know
Jennifer - that's a cute idea jentx...
meeha/ece/tx - amy/k ... oriental trade catalog has a lot of puppets and masks for characters
Paulie - I have a Moose with a neckscarf lol but I don't do Moose folders I ahve always had a communication folder but never named it
JenTX - i made a simple book using joy cowley's birthday book. the b'day child gets to read it to the class. i read the birthdat surprise by eric carle & insert the b'day child's name
Julie - I have tons of animal characters to go with books I get most from Scholastic
amy/k - i have animal puppets and other things but would love to get book character puppets or animals - the ones kids could recognize as a certain "character" from a book or something
JenTX - paulie, i always used a communication folder, too, but love the moose folders
Julie - amy put that on your wish list
Taylor - amy/k - Scholastic often has character animals that you can get with bonus points
amy/k - do you all celebrate the summer birthday kids at the end of the school year?
Paulie - I think I ahve over 100 bears and many other animals and many puppets too
amy/k - that's exciting and good to know! I love Scholastic already!
Julie - Taylor what state are you from?
Jenny/Ga. - I saw some stuffed animals at the Dollar Store. I bought my son a blue fish. They also had turtles, dolphins, snakes, etc...
Julie - Taylor what state are you from?
Carol/pre K/WI - Hi to all tonight
Paulie - JenTX u can name them anything now I helped name one called HEDGIE recently for a first gr teacher
Taylor - California
JenTX - we celebrated "unbirthdays" got the idea from my granddaughter who has a july b'day
Mauce - I have a "birthday box" It is a box covered with birthday paper and a bow. Inside are things I've collected from cereal boxes, carnivals, book club posters, etc. The birthday child gets to pick one thing. The whole class makes a book for the birthday child and I give them a crown and a certificate.
Jennifer - i'm going to celebrate summer bithdays on their 6month bithday
Paulie - hi Carol glad u could come
Julie - I do summer birthdays at the end or on their half birthday they get to choose
meeha/ece/tx - amy -- at some point in the school year we have an "unbirthday party" and celebrate everyone's birthday! for some reason the last year or two my parents haven't really sent in treats for their children's special days ???
Jen/PA - any one doing grad courses online or correspondence courses?
meeha/ece/tx - JenTX -- gmta!
Jenny/Ga. - I love all the cute Birthday ideas.
Mauce - Hi Carol
Paulie - my summer birthday kids always did half birthdays
meeha/ece/tx - Hi, Carol!
rhonda - mauce, tell us how the kids make the book for bithday kid
JenTX - what is gmta, meeha
Julie - I have to go to Kohls tomorrow and look for the books and animals
meeha/ece/tx - Jen -- not online, but really wanting to get back into grad school and work on pursuing the doc degree!
Mauce - I do "unbirthdays" in May on the child's last turn to be the "superbee"
meeha/ece/tx - Jen -- great minds think alike!
Carol/pre K/WI - been kind of busy
Paulie - great minds think alike = gmta
Julie - Hi Carol
rhonda - julie, don't knock people out of the way to get to them, o.k. LOL
Paulie - still in school Carol?
meeha/ece/tx - glad you made it, Carol !
Julie - Carol where in WI are you?
amy/k - i found a Kohl's near me on the website! yeah - guess where I am going tomorrow! lol
Julie - rhonda I'll try not to LOL
JenTX - watch out for me 2 julie. i want that mouse
Paulie - amy u will be broke come first day of school
Julie - I want them all
Taylor - I have started a Kohl's frenzy!!!!!!!
meeha/ece/tx - me, too, Julie!
rhonda - hey, if you don't have a Kohl's card, sign up and get an extra 10% off!!!! LOL
Jennifer - i'm already broke
Julie - Yes you have do you get a cut?
Jen/PA - I'd like to do a correspondence course but not sure where to find one
Paulie - <======no Kohl's here
JenTX - i never wanted to go before now...to kohl's
Taylor - The five dollars goes to a children's charity, too!
amy/k - actually, i think i am going to make most of the stuff for my classroom now rather than buy all that stuff in the teacher's stores to save money....
Jenny/Ga. - A teacher friend of mine has her students draw a picture of the Birthday child & compiles a book as a gift. I think I might try it this year.
Julie - starting thurs if you spend 50 you get a 10 dollar card to use later
Carol/pre K/WI - No but had trainings and volunteer to observe in some of our full year programs and preparing for my trip to Montana
Paulie - jen/PA there are online courses advertised at Tnet
Carol/pre K/WI - Madison
Jennifer - sign up on staples with your school supply list to get a 10.00 gift certificate
Julie - Carol I live near St. Paul Mn
Paulie - waht u going to Montana for?
meeha/ece/tx - amy -- i thought that once ... spent MANY hours making things for my room ... then looked at the teacher store ... check the prices first! some things are cheaper to buy than to make! (Of course, what you make will have more "personality" for your room than what you make!)
Julie - I have family in Madison
rhonda - get a free cup of coffee at Border's if you're a teacher, while you're at it!!!LOL
Jen/PA - yea, I've looked at them...just checking all my options :0
JenTX - amy, most of the things are easy to make. just go to lakeshore, check out the idea, then go make it
Mauce - Each child gets a page with a border I made with Printshop. They draw a picture or write a message to the birthday child and sign their name where it says, "Happy birthday from ______" The birthday child gets to make the cover. HIs/her page has a wide border that matches the other pages. There is room for him/her to write or draw in the middle. It says, "Happy Birthday to ____" They really look forward to getting their own book.
Paulie - lol Jen
JenTX - free coffee?????
rhonda - just kidding!!
Paulie - that is nice mauce
Jen/PA - what?
Julie - hmmm I wonder how early Kohls will let me in. LOL
rhonda - but they do send coupons once in awhile
Carol/pre K/WI - A service learning project on the Blackfeet Indian Reser
rhonda - julie!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Julie - Taylor I am soo glad that you told us about this
amy/k - ok so i am checking on this Kohl's thing - it's a If You give a mouse a cookie and a moose, right?
Jennifer - buy stock in kohls, it's going to go up tomorrow
JenTX - what time does kohl's open anyhoo?
Paulie - soudns interesting Carol o wlong will that take?
Taylor - I always like a deal
Julie - if it wasnt so late I would be there now
Julie - 9 or 10 around here
Paulie - early here in WA but no Kohls
JenTX - are you familiar with the books, amy
rhonda - do you guys have TJMaxx? Sometimes you can find stuffed animals, videos, games, etc. there
meeha/ece/tx - Carol -- how fun! Be safe and learn a lot!
Julie - I have the mouse already I would love to have the others.
amy/k - YES! I have them and LOVE them!
Mauce - Just before parent/teacher conferences in Novenber I send out a note asking parents to help make things for the room. I have materials, directions, etc. ready to give them at their child's conference. When they are finished they return what they have done with their child. That's how I got over 200 file folder games made.
Paulie - I have a shirt with the first three book characters on it they ahdnded out free at a math conference if u bought a book
Carol/pre K/WI - I'll be there for ten days plus the train ride out there and back
Julie - the kids love them
rhonda - amy, TJMaxx?
Julie - Mauce I like how you think
Paulie - mauce I made over 300 file folders for my son's 2nd gr teacher!
JenTX - i find so many of my animals at the Goodwill & thrift shops
amy/k - I know of TJMaxx, but dont kno if we have one here (I jsut moved to this area...lol)
Jen/PA - I love TJ MAXX
Mauce - I get most of myn animals with bonus points from Scholastic.
Paulie - wow Carol that sounds so wonderful How did you get in with this project?
Carol/pre K/WI - I was out there last year and I'm going with the UW Madison Alumni group
Julie - I do too Mauce
Julie - Paulie I'll teach yourson
Jennifer - ok, i'm going to go...thanks for the advice everyone
Paulie - nite jennifer hope u come next Tues
Paulie - waht Julie?
JenTX - Paulie, I'm tryin g to figure out what onica means, LOL
Mauce - bye Jennifer
Jennifer - i will be here tuesday
JenTX - nite jennifer
Paulie - It is the last of Monica
Carol/pre K/WI - We actually live in a Head Start site and sleep in the classrooms on cots and air Mattress
Jenny/Ga. - Has anyone gone to a Dr. Jean workshop this summer? She is coming to Atlanta July 19.
amy/k - bye Jennifer - email me
Monica - how do i change my print color?
Julie - If you will make me file folder games I would love to teach your son Paulie LOL
Paulie - sounds ok to me Carol
Paulie - My sons are old julie they ahve kids oldest graduated from high school lol
Taylor - Dr. Jean will be with Angie on Thursday
JenTX - who lives there, carol
Julie - ohhhhh
Paulie - Julie if you were closer I would make some for u
meeha/ece/tx - Monica -- when my printer doesn't print "true" I have to clean the heads ... that generally cleans it up ... if you want to alter the picture colors you'll need to get it into "paint" or "drawing" or "KidPix" or some similar program.
Julie - Paulie I'll move LOL
Carol/pre K/WI - The non-preschool teacher don't the charm
Paulie - did anyone get to that early morning chat today about using names to teach today?
Monica - no i meant on here
Julie - I used to make stuff for my kids teachers too I was their favorite volunteer lOL
Monica - paulie... was that on phonemic awareness?
JenTX - did you, paulie? names are soooooo important
Carol/pre K/WI - There's about twenty volunteers who call it home for a week
Jen/PA - night all
Julie - How often do they have the primary chat here?
Paulie - u sign out Monica and choose a color in the area right next to email
Mauce - I've never seen Dr. Jean - just read about her and have bought some of her CD's
JenTX - night jenpa
Paulie - bye jen/PA good luck
Julie - night Jen
Taylor - Monica, the only way I know how is to log off, change colors and come back!
Monica - thanks
rhonda/IL - i got kicked off and can'tget back on as rhonda, so now I'm rhonda/IL
meeha/ece/tx - Julie -- every tuesday evening!
Paulie - no it was at 8 AM here and I worked last night and was still sleeping
JenTX - worked?
Paulie - o thought we had another rhonda wb rhonda
Julie - ok I think this is great so many fun ideas
Mauce - I missed the early morning chat today - had to get my eyes checked - took all day to get the drops to wear off!
rhonda/IL - 2 rhondas might be a bit unusual
Monica - Much better
Paulie - atleast it was ona t ten for u mauce lol
Jenny/Ga. - Dr. Jean used to work in our county. She would always present at our area Kindergarten meetings. She has great ideas for Pre-K, K & 1.
rhonda/IL - was anyone inthe morning chat?
meeha/ece/tx - Julie -- if you go to http://www.teachers.net/archive you'll find transcripts of many of our meetings fromt he past several years!
Monica - no i forgot about it
Paulie - all the good colors were chosen when i signed on
meeha/ece/tx - i didn't even know there was a morning chat!
Paulie - not me I did not get up in time for that early 8 AM worked last night
Monica - where do you work paulie
Paulie - meeha the archives don't always have the meetings
Paulie - I don't I quit today
JenTX - i have been going thru extreme withdrawal without a computer. really miss t.net
Paulie - it was a notice in mailrings and also on the chatboard about this special mtg
JenTX - quit?
Mauce - hi, Melissa
Paulie - well Jen TX we missed u
Paulie - yup I quit
melissa - I missed this morning's chat, how was it?
rhonda/IL - time for the news..........night all
Carol/pre K/WI - Hi Melissa
JenTX - thanks, i have wondered how wvweyone was doing
meeha/ece/tx - 'evening, melissa -- welcome to this evening's early childhood/primary teachers' meeting!
Paulie - no one here went to it melissa
Paulie - bye rhonda see u next Tues
Jenny/Ga. - Anything new & excting discussed at morning chat?
amy/k - well, gang, i think i am about to head out for the evening....
JenTX - it is hard to type on a laptop when you hav shoet fingers
melissa - I emailed Kathleen w/ the idea for the names chat & then couldn't get online.
rhonda/IL - that will be the night before I leave for TX
Paulie - no one knows becaue we did not go to it
JenTX - bye rhonda
meeha/ece/tx - amy, it was good talking with you ... come back next wekk, okay!
melissa - I printed out the archive, but didn't read it yet.
Paulie - I was hoping it was 8 my time at night between the two scheduled chats where we jsut keep talking
meeha/ece/tx - rhonda -- where in TX/
Paulie - bye amy/k
Paulie - melissa the archive is there already?
Paulie - usually takes two or three days
melissa - Yes!
Taylor - Bye everyone! I have to go to the airport now to pick up relatives
Paulie - wow great I will read it later then
JenTX - bye taylor
melissa - I wanted to contribute...I have a good book for names activities.
Paulie - bye taylor drive safely have fun
Paulie - well tell us melissa
Monica - for what grade?
Mauce - bye, rhonda, amy, and taylor - hope to talk to you again soon!
meeha/ece/tx - melissa -- you'll have to read through the session titles (or dates) to select which you want to read -- there is som good stuff there. ALL sessions aren't archived, just those which offer good support and ideas for reference down the road.
JenTX - the name chat is already on the archives?
Julie - bye Taylor I hope we all have luck at Kohl's
Paulie - I wanted to go to it too but I could not wake up
meeha/ece/tx - 'nite, Taylor
Paulie - it was first gr schedule they said
melissa - It's by Debbie Diller - I'll go look at it for the title, hold on one minute
Paulie - JenTX that is what she said
JenTX - what is the book melissa
Paulie - o I heard of that Diller book
Paulie - it is at stenchouse .com
Paulie - oops
Paulie - stenhouse
Monica - I signed on late... can someone explain to me what names activities your talking about?
Paulie - that was a terrible typo sorry
JenTX - i have beyond the names chart by d.diller
Monica - lol
melissa - Okay, it's called Beyond the Names Chart by Debbie Diller.
melissa - It's put out by Teaching Resource Center.
meeha/ece/tx - Hi, BilGal! welcome back!
Paulie - thanks both of u
JenTX - melissa, we have the same book excellent, huh?
meeha/ece/tx - Monica, the names chat/activitites happened earlier today ... check the archives in a day or two and the transcript should be posted.
Jenny/Ga. - I have Teaching With Kid's Names by Scholastic. It has a lot of cute ideas for teaching names.
Julie - well time for some popcorn and the news thanks everyone for a fun chat
JenTX - i sure hope so, meeha
JenTX - bye julie
Carol/pre K/WI - I'll talk with you all next week. Need to volunteer tomorrow actually video tape children and staff interactions
Paulie - meeha she said it is already in the archives
Monica - THANK YOU Meeha
meeha/ece/tx - 'nite Julie -- hope to see you soon!
Paulie - Julie u prefer popcorn to us?
meeha/ece/tx - 'nite, Carol!
Paulie - nite Carol take care
Jenny/Ga. - Bye Carol
melissa - The archive is there- teachers.net/archive/pa070803.html
Julie - Paulie it's not that I just smell popcorn in my house and it is calling me
Monica - Great...
meeha/ece/tx - Julie -- I understand that "call"!
Paulie - http://teachers.net/archive/pa070803.html
Julie - I hope to chat next tues
Paulie - sounds good Julie go for it
JenTX - somebody (angie or vanna?) said to name an animal such as Walter if you don't have a W name in the room
Paulie - heard that one from the author s of BB
melissa - Anyone have the new book by Debbie Diller? It's Literacy Work Stations, I think.
JenTX - I am going to make sure i hav names for all the letters next year
Mauce - bye, Julie talk to you next week
JenTX - bye julie
Paulie - I was gonna read that at stenhouse.com but I could not figure how to read it online
meeha/ece/tx - melissa, i'd not heard of Debbie Diller before this evening ... will her ideas work with preschoolers, too ... or do they really kick-in at K/1?
Paulie - It is one of the ones they list
melissa - I wish we got our class lists early, so I could prepare all kinds of activities.
JenTX - there are many ideas you could use for prek, meeha
meeha/ece/tx - Jen -- thanks! I may look into them soon.
melissa - meeha, I think the names book would be good for pre-k. Lots of matching names to pictures, sign in ideas, etc.
melissa - It also has blacklines to use.
JenTX - meeha, do you hav pictures with your names?
Paulie - I used stickers with names for coat hooks for my K kids
melissa - I looked at it at stenhouse.com, but I can't sit in front of the computer and read, I'd rather sit somewhere comfy - so I'm going to order it.
meeha/ece/tx - Jen, last year we used polaroid snaps of the kids with their names on their lockers ... elsewhere, no ... but the kids who "will" recognized their names early in the process.
JenTX - on my name chat=rt, i write the first name, then glue the picture on the sentence strip
Paulie - if they didn't recognize their name yet they could rememebr the animal sticker
Bil Gal - hi
JenTX - hi bil gal
Paulie - but now that I ahve a digital camera I can do other things IF I get a class again
meeha/ece/tx - My first year in Pre-K I had stickers to go with each child's name ... within 4 weeks of the year starting i KNOW they could read the names without stickers, as they read the bleed-through on the backs of the cards! it was quite interesting!
JenTX - i will be doing lots more name activities next yr
Mauce - I know how you feel, Melissa - I get my class lists a day or two before school starts with just enough time to get bus info and tags made
Bil Gal - i'm trying to get a job that's not half day and they've hired all these alternative certifications for very little pay....that there is no where for the certifi=ed's to go
Paulie - lol
Paulie - understand Bil Gal
meeha/ece/tx - we get our lists about a week before school starts ... send out invites to "sneak-a-peek" right before school starts.
melissa - I think it's frustrating to get the class list so late, then you have to re-do things with nicknames!
Paulie - Mauce and then sometimes it even changes that close
JenTX - that stinks bil gal
Bil Gal - so therefore I don't know what I am teaching next year
Paulie - that is why I like to do home visits before school starts I get nick names before
Jenny/Ga. - We get our list about 2 days before school starts.
meeha/ece/tx - BilGal -- I hope all works well for you! (((hugs)))
Paulie - join the crowd Bil gal
JenTX - I start out with names on sentence strips with one sticker, then when I know names for sure, I write them on the nice nametags
meeha/ece/tx - I already know the names/addresses of about 1/2 of the kiddos who'll be in my class this fall --
Paulie - meeha they might move lol
Bil Gal - d't know =do on a job....maybe I should just work at Kohl's and forget teachingt
JenTX - one year I wasted about 10 nametags, so i quit until a week or 2
Mauce - I always have to make nametags at orientation because some parents do not register until the first day of school, change sitters so they need a different bus, etc.
Paulie - sometimes I feel like that Bil gal
Bil Gal - Paulie what might you do next year?
Paulie - still hoping for a teaching job Bil gal
Paulie - I miss teaching will move almost anywhere but TX, FL or CA
soccerimma - what is the current topic?
Jenny/Ga. - I've enjoyed chatting with everyone Goodnight!
JenTX - any intervirws. paulie?
soccerimma - nite
JenTX - bye jenny
Paulie - had one for a 2nd gr in IL did not get it
JenTX - we are discussing nametags & job possibilities
Bil Gal - yes../..math and reading
Bil Gal - yes../..math and reading
Paulie - wb melissa
melissa - my internet keeps coming in & out...yuck
Paulie - Jen TX I like everydasy
meeha/ece/tx - Bil -- at this point there are a couple of other issues I'd like straightened out ... and the pay would be a non-issue.
Bil Gal - there also bringing me water
Mauce - I'm going to have to go - I promised my son the computer - bye until next week
JenTX - are you making fun of me, paulie?
melissa - Everyday Math is a math program put out by the University of Chicago - based on problem solving & using strategies versus memorizing
Paulie - nope Jen TX NEVER! You are entertaining me
JenTX - sounds similar to investigations
JenTX - thanks, paulie. i like to be useful
Paulie - gosh makes it so ealy for us west coaster people
melissa - I don't know about investigations, but I like Everydaisy Math
Paulie - and jenTX I missed u so much I want u to know u r appreciated
melissa - Oh, it's 9 pm, not am. Does that help Paulie?
meeha/ece/tx - melissa -- it sounds interesting!
Paulie - dinner time at 6 PM in the Pacific zone!
JenTX - ah, shucks....and i thot nobody cared
melissa - It's very structured. But I think I'll like it.
Paulie - {{{{{{{{{{Jen/TX}}}}}}}}}}}
JenTX - melissa, i like math their way with a little bit of investigations
Bil Gal - I want to teach pre k (which I'm doiing now halfday) unlless somebody wants me that'll pay me full time. I have an interview thursday for 2nd Bilingual with 2 good recommendations from within that school/
Paulie - good luck Bi gal
melissa - I loved teaching pre-k, but I couldn't afford it. Now I teach 1st.
Paulie - bil gal I meant
Bil Gal - we are supposed to do everydaisy math, but nI haven't finished making everything
Paulie - take the best of both huh?
melissa - BilGal, what are you making - the games?
JenTX - yes, paulie, especially what helps kids really learn
melissa - I like Math Their Way too.
Bil Gal - I love math their way
JenTX - in MTW, the kids help you make a lot of it
melissa - I think Everyday takes tons of preparation, but I really think it will pay off (i hope!)
Bil Gal - I'm making the kit what they say
melissa - I don't think I'll ever call it Everyday again! It's Everyday from here on out!
JenTX - good luck with it melissa. let us know how it goes. i found in investigations that the kids were not ready for some of the prob-solving because they needed more of the basics...more concrete actvities first
melissa - What is investigations?
melissa - Someone made a typo & wrote everydasy
JenTX - it has many of the ideas from math their way & lots of large group prob soving
Tina/1/OK - Jen-were you the one with the interview last week?
Paulie - o right that was jen TX long ago how easily I forget
Paulie - no it was jen/PA and she hasn't gotten it yet has to wait to hear in august
Bil Gal - I'm having trouble scrolling and its not the margarita
Paulie - she was ehre earlier
meeha/ece/tx - well, I'm going to excuse myself ... will see you all next Tuesday evening (if not sooner! ) Have a wonderful week!
Tina/1/OK - AUGUST--no time to prepare!
Paulie - bye meeha
JenTX - just like any of the LATEST programs, it has good parts (taken from Math their way)
JenTX - bye meeha
Tina/1/OK - Paulie-any word on a job
Tina/1/OK - Bye meeha
Bil Gal - I probably made the typo
Paulie - not for teaching
Paulie - noep Bil gal it was jen TX lol
Bil Gal - paulie whereare you again?
Tina/1/OK - Sorry, Paulie. Tough economy...'
JenTX - it went from everydasy to everydaisy.....too funny
Paulie - hey I will go almost anywhere
Bil Gal - what do you teach?
Tina/1/OK - Any advice? I'm doing a workshop in October on Comprehension Strategies.
Paulie - (kids I hope)
melissa - I think I'm going to go now, I have a dr. apt. bright & early.
Paulie - for teachers at yoru school or the district?
JenTX - what is your audience, tina
Tina/1/OK - bye, melissa
melissa - Hopefully I'll join you all next week - this was fun, thanks!
Paulie - nite melissa thanks for letting me know chat was archived
JenTX - bye melissa
Bil Gal - I would say try texas,but the unqualified alternatives have the ball'
Tina/1/OK - state early childhood teachers associatiion
melissa - Wait - I have a question - does anyone use the downloadable books from readingatoz.com?
Bil Gal - bye mellissa try comprehension strategies with take home bags
Paulie - I have printed off the free ones
Paulie - hands ons tuff helps u comprehend
melissa - I would like to know if the levels are accurate on the leveled books, before I pay the 30 dollars to join.
Bil Gal - what state?
Paulie - If I were in a school I would get the school to buy the subscription to the rest of the leveled books
Tina/1/OK - what do you do with the take home bags? Like the ones from lakeshore?
Paulie - melissa why not get a school site membership paid by school
Bil Gal - I'm selling literacy bags on yahoo.com teachersgarage sale
JenTX - melissa, i've heard good things about them...good leveling. i've only printed the freebies
Paulie - I don't know about the levels but why would they not be accurate
melissa - Because it's only 30.00 for personal use & over 100.00 for school site license, that won't happen.
Paulie - lakeshore bags look neat but are expensive I make my own
Paulie - o
Bil Gal - well, you have one or several, and have activities, and a journal for kids to complete at home overnight
Bil Gal - Mine are cheaper than Lakeshore
JenTX - me 2 paulie. literacy bags are another addiction i fight
Paulie - melissa go for it
melissa - I just didn't know about the levels, because you never can tell. It depends who is doing the leveling.
Paulie - milymo is doing her research paper on homeowrk bags
melissa - I think I'll do it - I have a 3 year old who would like them too.
Bil Gal - mine are 2.50 for each item starting with the very c
melissa - Literacy bags - share please.
Paulie - Jen TX I don't fight them I lvoe using them
JenTX - you could make your own for your 3yo
Paulie - I make my own
Bil Gal - mussery@houston.rr.com write me tomorrow if you are interested
Paulie - themed bags that you put in a couple books, journal and maybe other activities soemtimes a prop like a puppet or stuffed animal or beanie
JenTX - paulie, my fav is my gorilla bag. founf things at a yard sale in one day & made it for under $5
melissa - I could make my own books, but I'd rather spend the time doing other things-I have a 10 week old too, so they don't let me get much done.
Paulie - My bags are made from muslim with colored cord (flat) handles and a 4 inch border of the theme material around top of abg
Bil Gal - I've been looking for cheap stuff to put inthem. I've found Scholastic books for 2.50 for any book as long as it is in stock
Paulie - wow melissa u are a busy mom
Paulie - I use books I own personally already
JenTX - i admire you melissa
Paulie - amen jen
melissa - I do a simple bag with If You Take a Mouse to school - I just send home a book & stuffed animal. THis year I'll incorporate a journal too, any other ideas?
Bil Gal - wow i have teens and they drive me crazy... this is my teen escape..
Tina/1/OK - Do you have enough lit bags for each child to take one each night? YIKESs!
Paulie - the neat thing is you tie reading and writing into soemthing fun and almost anythign goes
JenTX - i do like paulie. round up all your books & see what themes jump out at you.
melissa - I am insane...or at least close to it.
Paulie - mine I put in a mini ice cream maker with the ice cream books and they followed the simple recipe and made ice cream i did not give ingredients
Tina/1/OK - Clever, Paulie!
JenTX - i put in games that were really too difficult in literacy centers
Paulie - well, I also look for the material to match themes but one day I went and bought one fourth a yard of any theme print I liked
Paulie - and after they made the ice cream they wrote about it and told me what kind
Paulie - yes sometimes I add games
melissa - Is there a book about shoe tying? I send home this cute little wooden shoe to help them practice.
Tina/1/OK - How often does each child take one home/
JenTX - my bags are all different - yard sale finds
Paulie - be sure to include a pencil u would be suprised how amny hoems don't have a pencil
Paulie - before they get to take it home parents sign permission and promise that they will replace anythign missing and in each nag I ahve list of what is in bags
JenTX - tere is a boardbook for tying shoes don't know the name tho
Paulie - I send mine home on wednesday and expect them back the following Monday
Tina/1/OK - Our principal's son plays basketball for Oklahoma U. He gave us one of Kevin's HUGE tennis shoes to practice with.
Bil Gal - I have giant pencils, and magic reading visors, and lady bug pointers, and glove puppets, and tons of books, and journals. I do lady bug bags, bee bags, back to school bags, or plane bags with a giant 18" x 3 inch pencil, or just animal puppets made with paper plates to fit a theme
JenTX - that is so cool tina
Paulie - if a parent doesn't sign for this i just let them take a school library book and not mine
Paulie - I don't care for the giant pencils
melissa - Tina, that's cute. They'd love it. I also use baby shoes. They always think it's my daughter's shoe.
Paulie - lol Tina
JenTX - your bags sound great for busy teachers. hope your sales go well on our garagesale
Tina/1/OK - Aren't they funny!
melissa - Does anyone else notice the smokey smell that comes out of the literacy bags when they come back? That's sad.
Bil Gal - teachersgaragesale@yahoo.com group
Paulie - I only browse at the garage sale can't afford to buy now
JenTX - yes, melissa. sad, huh?
Paulie - o how sad melissa
Paulie - I also have some literacy bags from animal back packs from Goodwill
Paulie - ake home, wash and use for theme I have bears and bats and others
Bil Gal - they have lots of neat stuff for sale on that teachersgarage sale'''''one teacher just started it about 3 weeks ago. Its now got over 800 members
Paulie - and they are already abck packs with zippers Oh yes I also ahve an apple one and a pig one
Paulie - <======am member of garage sale but just browse
JenTX - eckerd's had someclear backpacks with 3 boos for $4.99
Tina/1/OK - WOW! 800!
melissa - I didn't know it just started. I made 125.00 since July 3.
JenTX - i mean 3 books
Tina/1/OK - Is it an auction or does the teacher price the item?
Bil Gal - You can also use old little suitcases or lunchpails. I've never seen deprived lids so happy when they take them home
Paulie - yep jsut recently
Paulie - Yes i ahve some plastic lunch pails too
melissa - You can sell your stuff on auction or by price. It's all private sales, it's really just like a bulletin board to post sales.
Bil Gal - sometimes you can get backpacks at the dollar storesd
Paulie - and some rectangular suitcases that are plastic
JenTX - i bought a big book called Two Feet & Transitions
Tina/1/OK - Melissa-did you charge for postage or figure it in?
Bil Gal - mellissa what's your screen name on teacher garage sale?
Paulie - JenTX did u get it yet?
JenTX - paulie, you & i think alike for literacy bags
melissa - I set the price & then said "plus 2.00 for shipping" or whatever.
melissa - I set the price & then said "plus 2.00 for shipping" or whatever.
Paulie - lol
melissa - My screen name is just melissa. I've only posted maybe 5 times.
JenTX - i got Two Feet yesterday
Paulie - waht is Two Feet and transitions about? manners in moving around?
Bil Gal - I've read almost all the posts, but you'd be broke if you bought it all
Tina/1/OK - I spent a wad at Target today. Playground balls for 1.45, TV stand for 18.
Paulie - I jsut window shop at the garage sale
melissa - I'm trying not to buy anything, I have way too much stuff.
JenTX - Two Feet is a bog book with a pattern that builds
Paulie - u could get a TV stand at Goodwill for two dollars lol
melissa - Tina, are you using the tv stand for your overhead?
Paulie - o
JenTX - big book
Bil Gal - I met Vanna at her house in Dallas. We traded Bilingual Spanish books for literacy bags
Bil Gal - vanna started the teacher garage sale
Tina/1/OK - Paulie-good thing you're window shopping. You don't need another storage unit full!
melissa - She is a smart lady. How does she support the site?
Paulie - lol I know especially sicne I quit my summer job
Bil Gal - I certainly have enough stuff
Bil Gal - its just advice a=nd soothing the grumpies
Paulie - <=======never have enough If I were teaching presently I would be buying
Tina/1/OK - No, home use, Melissa. I have an overhead cart that is really low. I let my first graders write on it as a center.
Helen G - LOL Sounds like you are doing like me...garage sale that is....look but seldom bid although I got my first two books off of there yesterday
Paulie - melissa what do u mean "support the site"
Bil Gal - helen we are talking about teachersgaragesale@yahoo,com groupss
JenTX - i am always looking for more "stuff"
melissa - Oh, I have my overhead on a tv cart.
JenTX - hi helen
melissa - Doesn't she have to pay a charge for keeping the website up?
Paulie - I would love to buy but I can't afford to now
Paulie - I look too
JenTX - i use my overhead on the floor
melissa - I guess maybe it's free, since it's a yahoo group?
Helen G - Do not think there is a charge for e-groups on yahoo
Bil Gal - I used the overhead last year to can
melissa - I should think before I type.
Tina/1/OK - Bil Gal, is there a backslash between com and groups?
Bil Gal - dle eggs we were hatching...
Paulie - my websotes are free on yahoo
Paulie - no charge for groups on yahoo
Paulie - websites not websotes
JenTX - wish i had a websote
Bil Gal - t a black piece of paper over the glass with a tiny hole in the center....set your egg on it with the light on and you can see all the way through the egg, y
Paulie - I knew u were gonna say that jen
Paulie - is why i tried to correct it so fast
melissa - BilGal, I thought you were going to say one of the kids dropped the egg on the overhead.
Bil Gal - can see the heart beating, or see it move or see the shadow from the fertile egg.
Helen G - I have a box of stuff at school that I put aside in the spring...several coworkers have gone through it and gotten materials..but I probably should put the rest up for grabs on garage sale
JenTX - i was just waiting .............
Paulie -
JenTX - you could get a few bucks for it. helen
Helen G - Neat idea..I will have to remember that
Paulie - and with that I will say goodnight and hope to see u all next Tuesday
Paulie - (even u JenTX) hehehehe
JenTX - bye paulie nice to see you
Helen G - I had threatened to have a yard sale at school..Principal laughed and wanted to know when..I am the old fogie with allllll the stuff crammed everywhere..and get teased about it..BUT who do they come to when they needs something?? LOL
Tina/1/OK - Bil Gal-will you type that website for teachers garage sale one more time?
Bil Gal - ok. go to yahoo.com then groups then search teachersgaragesale then join the group then start posting. if you like a lot of email mark e mail if you don't then mark digest only....generates lots of email maybe 500 to 700 day
Helen G - JenTX Where are you?
Tina/1/OK - My sentiments exactly, Helen!!!!
Bil Gal - do you need it again?
JenTX - san antonio
Helen G - I really should throw out or get rid of a lot more...Have 32 years worth of stuff and still buying..LOL
Tina/1/OK - Omigosh--5 to 700!!
Helen G - Jen I asked because although I am now on the east coast..NC I went to college in Abilene
JenTX - tina, what were you thinking about doing for your workshop? did you hav any ideas of your own?
Bil Gal - Hey jen ask in your district how many alternative certification teachers they are hiring, and what are they paying them?
Tina/1/OK - By choosing digest, will I just get one email per day?
JenTX - i know of one only at my school
melissa - Now I'm really going-something is in my eye.
Jannyteach - Hey BG!
Helen G - Yes but some things sell sooo fast you would miss them
JenTX - yes, tina the digest is the best way to get the email. then, you get one big one per day
JenTX - bye melissa
Bil Gal - see they are making the principals hire them over those who are qualified
Bil Gal - some things don't sell so fast
Tina/1/OK - Jen-I have many plans for a 45 minute session. I'm going to do some read-aloud strategies.
Jannyteach - Tina, are you presenting?
Helen G - I came in late..what is the topic of your workshop?
Tina/1/OK - I do "Poetry Cafe" which is oral reading and we invite parents and other classes.
Bil Gal - tina whereare you presenting
JenTX - what books will you use, tina
Julieteach - I am looking for some information on teaching a combo. Does anyone know where to look?
Bil Gal - what grades?
Tina/1/OK - Yes_presenting in Oct. --Reading Strategies, mostly comprehension and fluency. Alternatives to round robin.
Jannyteach - Do you mean multi-age Julie?
JenTX - what 2 grades? maybe the primary board
Tina/1/OK - I'm presenting at the state early childhood conference. Dr. Jean is the keynote!!
Julieteach - No, two grades 3rd and 4th.
Jannyteach - How cool is that Tina
Bil Gal - when is your conference?
Helen G - WOW You are presenting with the "Big Dogs"..gotta really get it right
Tina/1/OK - I used to present all the time but moved to the boonies and had a wee one.
Bil Gal - goodnight all
Jannyteach - Julie, I would check Crystal Springs Books website.
JenTX - bye bil gal. hang in there
Tina/1/OK - Uh--yeah, big dogs. I offered and they said "YOURE IN--and can you do it for two sessions?
Julieteach - thanks Janny
Bil Gal - maybe next week I'll have a fulltime fob of something?
Tina/1/OK - bye bil gal
Bil Gal - job
JenTX - come back & tell us
Bil Gal - sorry the margarita....you know
Bil Gal - sorry the margarita....you know
Helen G - Jullie from one who has taught 1/2 and K/1 comblos...integrate everywhere you can so that you do not kill yourself covering two curriculums!
JenTX - we go have good M's in TX
Bil Gal - yes.......
Tina/1/OK - I think I'm going to share story bit info. for my hand-out. I haven't heard of many teachers doing them.
JenTX - i love story bits. that's a good idea
Helen G - Tina I know whow that goes...I have been Assessment trainer for our District and have presnted at regional NCTM conferences etc. unitl I decided they were tired of me and needed to hear a fres woice
Helen G - Think MrsMartin's website has some good stuff on story bits
JenTX - my granddaughter had a story & story bit per wek. at the end od the week, the story bit went home to be placed in her stoery bit bag after she retold the story/
JenTX - i think the bag was just a slide lock ziploc
Tina/1/OK - Yes-thanks. That's what I do, Jen. Mrs. Martin has the children provide the bit, which would work in a bigger community.
Helen G - I have thought of doing that but have sooooooo much else going on..You cannot do it all...Trouble with being arund so long..You find many many good things and do not know what to use
Tina/1/OK - We don't even have a Walmart!
Jannyteach - YIKES!! NO WalMart!!
JenTX - what do you mean...the children provide it?
Tina/1/OK - Yes, Jen. I'm guessing the teacher gives them some ideas, but don't know for sure.
Helen G - Mrs martin's site explanis that she assigns a book and has the children bring a bit
Helen G - I do not see our students doing that...
Helen G - Tina...I told my husband that if Wal Mart didn't see it you didn't need it...How do you survive?
JenTX - oh....we read a story & gave the kids a story bit to take home to share
Tina/1/OK - I noticed on her site she wrote--Lambchop and her mother provided the umbrella story bit.
Helen G - OOOP typing in the dark..sell not see
Helen G - Are any of you using minioffices?
Tina/1/OK - Gotta drive to the next town. I haven't been to Walmart in a month. I did go to OKC to a movie with teacher friends. Hit Target!!
JenTX - mini offices are on my list to possibly make this summer
Tina/1/OK - mrsmartin's site used to describe her spelling differently, too. She used to do all word families spelling.
JenTX - the idea was on tnet for the offices
Helen G - Read on Teachersnet mailring in the spring about school having to tyime readers as part of their fluency assessment. Do any of you have to do that? What do you think about it?
JenTX - word families (or rimes) are great . I concentrate on the 37 rimes from reading recovery
Helen G - I am working on mnioffices now..Have finally gotten folders taped and pages run to paste on..Just getting the time now??????
Tina/1/OK - now, what, helen? tyime?
JenTX - it isn't appropriate to put that stress on kids in my opinion
Tina/1/OK - Is the mini-office post recent?
JenTX - no it was old
Helen G - I totally agree with the stress part..NC was very developmentally appropriate when I was training K-2 assessors but now it is becoming Test score driven!!
Helen G - I totally agree with the stress part..NC was very developmentally appropriate when I was training K-2 assessors but now it is becoming Test score driven!!
JenTX - you could ask on the kinder board & i bet someone would know the site
Helen G - There is an egroup working on minioffices also
Helen G - Site about mini offices?
JenTX - Helen, we're going to turn off all kids from learning at even earlier ages. huh?
Tina/1/OK - just joined teachers garage sale. 960 members--961 now
JenTX - you will love it, tina
Tina/1/OK - Does anyone here use a portable word wall?
JenTX - what is a portable WW
Helen G - I totally agree..BUT I am the old fogie....I do not know anything...We are NCLB or soon No Teacher Left Standing!
Tina/1/OK - I'm trying to decide to add to it each week.
JenTX - what do you mean, tina
Helen G - I downloaded one that DGreen shared this week but have not put it to use of course
Tina/1/OK - Well--my plan is to have all of the word wall words on a folder or in a book. I want each child to have one in desk.
JenTX - i write out the words in front of the kids to modeling handwritimng, sounds, stretching the sounds
JenTX - oh, individualnword walls? i sent home word wall folders with my kinders at the end of the year, this year i will probably put one in the moose folder
Tina/1/OK - If the ww was just on a folder, they would all be in one place. Otherwise the page-flipping would be a nightmare!
Helen G - You could add them to a minioffice.
Tina/1/OK - Well-is a mini-office like a study carel?
JenTX - i put the word wall on the inside of a manila folder. worked very well.
Tina/1/OK - sides all around?
JenTX - yes, helen.
Tina/1/OK - Jen-did they add their own words each week?
Helen G - Sort of..YES You tape two mile folders together and there fore have eight frames to put references onto
JenTX - no, biu i thot of that when i taught first (12 yrs). this was my first yr in K
Tina/1/OK - I thought about having the words to cut and paste. I really want the words to be correct. Anal?
JenTX - my kids were great writers this yr. have to gwt better with rdg using the Harcourt program. don't really like their leveled books
JenTX - no, the words should be correct
Tina/1/OK - I expect them to use the actual word wall now to spell correctly.
Helen G - minioffice site http://www.geocities.com/jankwv/minioffice.html
JenTX - yes, tina. I expected that of many of my kinders as well
JenTX - that's the site i used helen. excellent!!!!!
Tina/1/OK - thanks, helen!
Helen G - We had notebooks for our 1st graders...with dividers and In the Working With word Section we often had them paste down the letters of their spelling words (WWW) for the week
JenTX - where will the officves be stored? i use tablrs
Helen G - Sorry It took me a while to find it
Helen G - I plan to store mine like I do sothe folders..we have some we use as carals for assessment
Tina/1/OK - good idea, helen. I could even tab the notebook pages by cutting, like used to for behavior notekeeping.
JenTX - are your offices all the same, helen
Helen G - We use 1 1/2 inch three ringed notebooks
Helen G - LOl NO not at this time...I have one made completed...24 more waiting...taped but without gluing anything on them yet
JenTX - who buys the notebooks, helen
Helen G - You are talking wit her!!
Helen G - I buy them from WalMart usually $.69
Helen G - During preschool sales that is!1 I am recycling last years this year
Tina/1/OK - My husband is needy. Better go!
Helen G - Am trying to recycle my MOOSE notebooks too but may have to repalce a few..some are kinda roughed up
Helen G - Mine is asleep Tina..It is later here
JenTX - bye tina
JenTX - should we go 2 helen
Helen G - Bye Tina
Tina/1/OK - maybe next week...bye
Helen G - Guess so..Nice talking with you Jen..Keep the Eyes of Texas shing!!
Helen G - Goodnoght
JenTX - sure will bye

 
 

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