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pez - Hi everyone
pez - Does anyone have good ideas for a signing in routine? I have a small table by my front door that I can use
Melissa - where in NJ relean
teachermomof1 - Pez--my friend uses library pockets and clothespins
ChickaBoomBoom - pez- A friend of mine incorporated data collection/graphing into her sign-in. She would have a question such as How did you get to school today? Then draw a bus, a person walking, a bicycle, and a car. The students would write their name in the picture that applied to them.
Darcy/Pre-K - do you mean, the parents signing in or the kids, pez?
Melissa - wow is that where you teach
pez - I have 2 of those shoe thingys. Each one has 12 sleeves
terri - I teach in mississippi
relean - no - stillwater
pez - DArcy, the kids-
Melissa - public school
terri - my 20 yr to teach-first yr in first
Darcy/Pre-K - that's a neat idea ccb.
pez - chicka, I like that, I would have to think of 180 different graphs. LOL
terri - i used paper plates last yr-looked like a redlight
Melissa - I would just do the yes and no graphs
terri - clothespins moved for poor behavior
Darcy/Pre-K - I would definitely start messing it up if I had to think of 180 graphs.
relean - i use magnets on my door, with names or phone numbers, then they stick them to the blackboard under different categories like girl/boy, etc.
relean - yes, melissa, public school
pez - I have a wooden door. Very little magnet space
Melissa - any openings out your way I am looking for a job closer to home?
relean - too bad
Melissa - my only magnet space is my filing cabinet
relean - we will have an opening for an LDTC and a special ed teacher
pez - WE just had magnetic whiteboards installed, but I already put my word wall on it
teachermomof1 - you could always hang the shoe organizers on the door
teachermomof1 - hi addie
Darcy/Pre-K - What I did last year was get those paint stirrer sticks from Home Depot (which are free). Then I would put masking tape with their names on each. They had to find their name and stick it in a can.
Melissa - to bad i am not qualified
relean - how long to do have to travel?
Addie/mo - i had a large black overhead projector cart. i used the front of it as a magnet center
teachermomof1 - can you paint a wall with magnetic paint
pez - Darcy, I like that
Melissa - over an hour
SheliaB - hello everyone!
Melissa - hi sheila
pez - Hi Sheila and Addie
teachermomof1 - hi sheila
ChickaBoomBoom - hi Sheila
pez - oops, Shelia
Addie/mo - hi sheila
relean - i am really spoiled i have only ever taught in Stillwater - 20 minutes, all back roads
Darcy/Pre-K - yes, very simple and I put stickers on in the beginning of the year for easier identification.
Melissa - there is still a month before school so I am still optomistic
Addie/mo - relean, did you go to osu?
Melissa - how long have you been teaching there
pez - We go back tomorrow, although I've already worked this week. Kids come back next week
relean - no, mount union for a year though
pez - Hi Carrie and les
Melissa - my problem is I don't know the right people
Addie/mo - you can use cookie sheets if you want small or portable magnetic centers
Melissa - I do have the magnet boards and the kids love them
relean - it will be 19 years in Jan, I student taught there in '84 and they gave me a job when i graduated
Melissa - hi carrie and les
Melissa - wow
teachermomof1 - we go back august 27. I am heading in Fri. to get started
pez - I have some of those cookie sheets, Got them at the dollar store
ChickaBoomBoom - pez- what do you want the students to get from the check-in. My friend wanted them to practice writing their names. I usually just track the kids as each arrives. I'm thinking of having a parental check-in so they can verify the pick-up plan...our students can leave school at two different times. I've also read the suggestions to put the list of names on a clipboard and have it be a class job to check off the names...helps students learn to read the names.
Carrie - Hi All! I am blessed to get to walk to the school I teach at!
teachermomof1 - i use my old cookie sheets
relean - wow is right, i used to be the young kid on the block, not anymore and i'm not even 40 yet!!
teachermomof1 - I drive 5 miles, which takes 10 minutes through town, it's great
Darcy/Pre-K - An idea that I want to use this year is something I got from Mailbox. You make med. size rectangles with the days of the week on them. Each tag has a string hanging from them. The kids have clothes pins with their names on them. If they are "present," they clip on the right day of the week.
ChickaBoomBoom - <---wishes she could walk to school ... LOL
Melissa - and I feel old at 29, he,he
Addie/mo - we start aug 19
Darcy/Pre-K - It takes me an hour to get to school everyday. ;-(
Melissa - like I said I am not giving up, in fact I am more determined then ever this year
relean - i have some friends that teach in sparta
pez - Chicka, I'd like it to be for a variety of skills. MAybe I'll alternate between graphs and questions. I'd like to incorporate the results into my morning message
teachermomof1 - Melissa just wait until you hit 30..then you feel really old. lol
Addie/mo - it will take me about 30 minutes or so
SheliaB - What a nice welcome! We started school on Monday and we have orientation on Aug 7th for the kids.
pez - I meant graphs and handwriting practice
Melissa - only seven months to go
pez - Hi BJ
Melissa - that would be my dream to work in Sparta, but I would settle for any public school job at the moment
relean - did you grow up around here?
Melissa - hi bj
Melissa - yep same house same street all my life
Addie/mo - hi bj
relean - I have not seen any adds in the Hearld for anything local
ChickaBoomBoom - pez- Mondays could be yes/no questions, Tuesdays..a graph, Wed - day of week with clothespins, Thursday- tape a sheet of paper on your small table and have them write names anywhere on itm, Friday- ??
Melissa - actually live in Byram right on the border
relean - me, too, in fact my husband and i bought my parents house about 7 years ago
pez - ooh, chicka, I like the way you think
Melissa - Herald will have some the place to look is the Star Ledger
relean - did you go to sparta hs
Darcy/Pre-K - Friday - drive yourself nuts thinking of all the things you have to do next week.
Addie/mo - you would have to rotate that schedule, or the kids would only have to practice reading the word "wednesday" instead of all the days of the week
ChickaBoomBoom - pez- I think variety is key!!
Melissa - nope Leanpe Valley
Addie/mo - LOL, darcy
ChickaBoomBoom - true, Addie!
relean - i went to kittatinny
ChickaBoomBoom - LOL Darcy!
Melissa - your husband too
Melissa - hi laura
relean - yes
pez - That's true, addie. it could just be a rotation. Like a pattern
laura/md - pez, why don't you try each for a month?
ChickaBoomBoom - What activities do you do with your class on the first day?
SheliaB - Hi Laura
Melissa - If you hear of anything keep me in mind
relean - i like to read the Kissing Hand
laura/md - different things each day seems a little confusing but for a month they could get the pattern
relean - okay, melissa
Melissa - when they come in they make a crown because it is the kingdom of kindergarten
Addie/mo - yeah, by the month would work too
pez - I'm doing chicka stuff since that's my bulletin board.
Melissa - thanks
Darcy/Pre-K - me too! The kissing hand is a great first book.
Melissa - then those who are done early work on a castle puzzle
ChickaBoomBoom - Oh, nice Melissa! Do you have a book you read the first day?
Darcy/Pre-K - Scholastic has this great tape of Ray Charles reading Chick...... He does it so well.
pez - Here's a question: I went to the orlando k conference Sunday and heard Dr. JEan. She did a firecracker clap, but I wasn't close enough to see how she did it. Does anyone know it?
Melissa - yep I usually do Kissing Hand and Miss. Bindergarten
pez - I have a Jack Hartmann CD with Chicka on it.
Darcy/Pre-K - They also have an audio tape of Kissing Hand. I play it during rest time a lot.
ChickaBoomBoom - I have another K teacher friend who has a king puppet...he introduces each new letter...and instructs his "subjects" (the kids) to "Practice writing the letter, by Royal Command!"
ChickaBoomBoom - The kids love it.
Darcy/Pre-K - I saw Dr. Jean 2 years ago. I think I remember the firecrack cheer.
pez - In fact, I'm going to a Jack H. workshop at Friday.
Melissa - also the puzzle leads into talking about how we all are important to be a perrect fit for the class. We then decorate puzzle picture frames and I have a Puzzle and each child decorates their piece for the bulletin board
relean - i just got a new chicka tape with lots of different songs on it
Melissa - where did you get the tape
SheliaB - Hello Robert & Meldy
pez - Hi Robert and meldy
Melissa - cute idea chicka
relean - i thought i had it right here but my home kids must have moved it
relean - the teacher's store in sparta
SheliaB - Pez, where do you work?
Darcy/Pre-K - Firecracker - touch all fingers together on left hand. Open hands with a "psssssst" sound, do same with right, then do both hands at the same time and make a loud "psssssst"
Meldy - wha't the topic this morning?
ChickaBoomBoom - She tells a lot of stories about the king and queen and their kingdom...there's also a gnome who will occassionally bring gifts to the subjects, such as sight words written with silver glitter paint on flat stones...such as "This" or "is" then students write "This is a ..." sentences.
Melissa - ok, the new one is ok but not as good as the old one
mhw77 - Hi all
pez - Shelia, west coast of Florida. JAck lives in my district and works with the K teachers. He's always doing workshops for us
ChickaBoomBoom - hi mhw, welcome!
mhw77 - This is my first time using this chat room I am moving from 5th grade tom 2nd and am very nervous
relean - found it, it is called chicka chicka boom boom and other coconutty songs
mhw77 - I live in Ft Lauderdale Florida
pez - Thanks, Darcy. Teachers were also doing a clap.
Robert - Teachers where can I find good American Civil War lesson plans?
laura/md - that sounds good
relean - it is by john archambault and david plummer
mhw77 - Try history.com
Addie/mo - have you tried the lesson bank at t.net?
pez - Sorry, Robert. Did you check the archives here at tnet?
ChickaBoomBoom - Robert- have you tried Google...searching on American Civil War lesson plans.... I find that usually works well.
Melissa - where do you get the kissing hand audio tape
mhw77 - Anyone teach 2nd grade?
Darcy/Pre-K - A neat idea I just read was cutting apart a bulletin board border that has pics of cupcakes on it. Punch a hole in the top. Write child's name on it. Attach string for necklace. Easy birthday "souvenoir."
Darcy/Pre-K - You get it from Scholastic, Melissa.
pez - On one of my mailrings some teachers use the book What a Wonderful World. I like the idea, but maybe for later in the month
pez - Darcy, that is a good idea. I always cut up my borders
ChickaBoomBoom - pez- I've been thinking of What a Wonderful World...before 9/11 anniversary...
relean - anyone have any ideas on a job board, my afternoon kids already know their first and last names and their phone# and addresses
Darcy/Pre-K - what planet are your kids from, relean. lol
laura/md - when did you start back, relean?
pez - Chicka, I'm thinking of using the book for open house decorations.
relean - if i do it everyday they learn quickly, most of my afternoon kids have already been with me for two years
ChickaBoomBoom - relean- what grade?
pez - Robert, I don't know where you can get civil war lesson plans
relean - i just finished summer school today
relean - preschool disability
ChickaBoomBoom - pez- what are you thinking of doing?
pez - Chicka, take the words and have the kids paint pictures or make big books. Not sure yet. I still have a month
ChickaBoomBoom - I didn't know there was a book, pez...had just heard of the Louis Armstrong song.
Darcy/Pre-K - my kids can never remember ph numbers or addresses.
ChickaBoomBoom - do you know who the author is, pez?
Robert - Anybody from Louisiana
pez - Chicka, it was mentioned on one of my mailrings. I did a search and found it at amazon and B&N
relean - i do them everyday, most of the kids can recognize theirs and then tell me
ChickaBoomBoom - ok, ty pez
pez - Bob Thiele and George Weiss
Carrie - I'm from Arkansas--on the border between AR and LA
pez - LOL I found the paper from my research. It's $11.20 at amazon and $12.16 at B&N
relean - Darcy - do you have your kids everyday?
ChickaBoomBoom - Thanks, pez!!!!!! Great!
BJ - ChickaBoomBoom- What grade do you teach?
ChickaBoomBoom - Kindergarten in California, BJ.
SheliaB - Darcy when do you go back to school?
BJ - Hey, what do you know, I got on! I teach K-2 in CA.
ChickaBoomBoom - brb
rita - hi - I don't know how to do this. This is the first time I've done this.
BJ - Rita, welcome. This is the first time I've ever been on a chat room.
relean - gotta go walk the dog ~ its been fun
ChickaBoomBoom - back
SheliaB - you are doing well rita
pez - Welcome to tnet chat BJ and rita
laura/md - bye relean
ChickaBoomBoom - bye relean!
SheliaB - by relean
pez - Bye relean
Addie/mo - rita, just read and respond....the new messages come at the top
Addie/mo - by relean
ChickaBoomBoom - BJ and rita- I think you'll find this a useful place!
Carrie - What are some activities you have planned for the 1st week?
ChickaBoomBoom - I'm wondering how many of you teach traditional printing and how many of you teach D'Nealiean?
rita - Addie, are you the Addie with the website? I've enjoyed that!
pez - Our classes are going to be full. Already have 20 and still a week of registration
Darcy/Pre-K - traditional
pez - D'Nealian
laura/md - trad
Addie/mo - yes, i have a website
Carrie - D'Nealian
BJ - Does anyone else teach other grades along with Kindergarten?
rita - I've taught D/Nealiean but I teach traditional now in a different district
Addie/mo - i am glad that you enjoy it
pez - I like to do Chrysanthemum the first week
laura/md - what is the name?
Addie/mo - traditional
Carrie - I teach 2nd
rita - I really like D'Nealian, the older kids learn cursive really easily
Carrie - Addie, what is your web address! Would love to visit!
Darcy/Pre-K - Chrysanthemum is good, but I think it's a bit long. Especially when your mouth gets tired saying "chrys..." a bunch of times.
Carrie - I agree about the D'Nealian and cursive. They are ready by 2nd semester.
Addie/mo - http://www.geocities.com/athens/aegean/2221
pez - I use it in Math. We count the letters in our names and graph.
laura/md - i have it bookmarked already-it is great
laura/md - i plan to do a lot with names this year
ChickaBoomBoom - BJ- I have taught a combined 3/4 but not at the K level.
pez - I might even use Meanies early this year. Talk about what the meanies do and what kinders do
rita - me too! I am going to try and use building blocks, i have read the book and want to use some of the ideas
Addie/mo - laura, do you have the month by month reading and writing for kindergarten book?
laura/md - I like Chrysanthemum, too. We have a lot of diverse names in my classes.
pez - rita, you will really enjoy building blocks.
Addie/mo - pez, i used to do that and it was effective. it was a good way to build our class rules
laura/md - yes
SheliaB - sorry got to go..bye
ChickaBoomBoom - <---going to have the kids do more sewing, weaving...thinking of having kids poke holes in paper then sew using them...
laura/md - I am trying hard to fit everything into 2 1/2 hours
Addie/mo - i thought the name activities were the best part
rita - i have the building blocks teacher's guide, predictable charts, and alphabet books.....should i get the month by month book?
Darcy/Pre-K - I like doing Manners by Aliki during the first part of the year. It does wonders with teaching the kids, well, manners.
pez - I made up a newspaper headline sheet. Every day we choose a special person to interview. Then everyone draws that person and we turn all the drawings into a book. Kids can't wait to take their book of themselves home
Addie/mo - i'll bet. i used to teach half day a long time ago, then i switched to full day. it was great to have the extra time
ChickaBoomBoom - wb mhw.
laura/md - I did the special person once a week last year
pez - Welcome back, mhw
laura/md - they all wrote sentences, too
mhw77 - question about webrings
BJ - 2 1/2 hours? I teach from 8-3!!!
mhw77 - do you have to have a site?
laura/md - this year I plan to do it one a day and skip the sentences at the beginning of the year
Carrie - I like that idea pez! 2nd graders would love it!
Addie/mo - rita, the month by month book is good, but i dont know how much it overlaps what you already have
pez - For the first 20 days of school we did all name activities. The same activities for each child every day. The cheers, the puzzles, placing their name on the word wall, the works
laura/md - our state plans to go to full day by 2007
mhw77 - Anyone teach 2nd grade that can share ideas..I am moving from 5th to 2nd adn am panicing
ChickaBoomBoom - <--- I also want to set up a real miniature work bench for woodworking...get parents to supervise it...
mhw77 - and...oops
Addie/mo - missouri finances full day, but not all districts have it. the district i used to work for has had it for 7 years. the district i am going to also has fdk, but i dont know how long they have had it
pez - IT also gives the kids practice in interviewing. We turn the interviews into a class book that travels with our bear
Carrie - I teach 2nd. What can I help with?
ChickaBoomBoom - mhw- I'm moving from 4th to K, so I know how you feel!
Darcy/Pre-K - I would be afraid of having the kids saw and nail things. I worked with wood today and gave myself a million cuts and scratches.
mhw77 - I just am looking to get an idea what an average day is like, what main skills they learn and an tips or great start lessons
pez - Chicka, big change
mhw77 - Well Chic I hear it should be easier after our anxiety attacks..lol
ChickaBoomBoom - Darcy- I think it builds the kids' confidence ...real work! Dewey and other schools have done woodworking in the past, so there must be a way! I hope to find it.
mhw77 - Resources are just expensive to keep buying for different grades
BJ - I'm teaching grade two and it's great. Don't panic. I just taught K-2 for the first time after being out of teachng since 1974, so if I can do it so can you!
pez - mhw, my sister teaches 2nd and uses 4 blocks as a guide.
laura/md - we did woodworking in preschool years ago
laura/md - the kids loved it
mhw77 - what do you mean by four blocks
laura/md - they used up a lot of wood, as i recall
ChickaBoomBoom - mhw- I keep reminding myself that most of what we teachers do applies in 4th and K, treating children with respect; supporting them as we challenge them, communicate with parents, etc.
Carrie - 2nd graders still like to be 'coddled' , but are starting to look to their peers. Main skills are counting money, regrouping and borrowing
mhw77 - true
rita - i did woodworking when i taught at-risk preschool a few years ago
ChickaBoomBoom - mhw- THAT is for sure...spending SO MUCH here.
Addie/mo - i have seen schools where the kids do woodworking and it seems to be fine. the kids wear eye protection and are taught specific procedures for using the tools. i never did it, myself. i always worried about kids getting hurt, but the places i have seen it done said the kids are careful
pez - Need to go, Thanks for the great signing in ideas
rita - i went to a workshop at a state conference that was great, ill have to look for my book
mhw77 - what about lang arts and reading
Darcy/Pre-K - but how do you deal with the kids getting splinters or hurting themselves with the tools?
BJ - Have band-aids and tweezers on hand!
Darcy/Pre-K - thanks, Addie
rita - we start out real slow....first thing was to paint wood, then to use sandpaper to scrape off the paint
Addie/mo - the blocks of wood they were using were sanded, so i dont think splinters were a problem, but i dont know about the tools....they just said that they taught the children to use them properly
ChickaBoomBoom - one of the things I've been thinking a lot about lately is how schools might be different if most teachers were men... I think there would be more wood working and taking apart of mechanical things...so trying to make that happen.
laura/md - you could have them wear gardening gloves
rita - and eventually we worked into nailing, sawing w/ clamps was way after we had experiencesg
Darcy/Pre-K - and the number to the emergency room, BJ. lol
rita - they wore goggles also
ChickaBoomBoom - Darcy- my brothers did woodworking as preschoolers and never got hurt...
Carrie - They should be able to write a 'good' paragraph with correct caps and punc., learning to identify parts of speech, plurals, lots of comprehension, but still teaching phonics
ChickaBoomBoom - that's a great idea, laura!!
Darcy/Pre-K - do they have all their fingers, Chicka?
rita - we worked w/ wood glue which was really elmer's glue that had been dried out a bit
mhw77 - thanks...any ideas for beginning of year
BJ - Abanged finger is the bes way to teach them to be careful. Gardening gloves are for gardening.
ChickaBoomBoom - LOL Darcy!
mhw77 - I thought about having them write a mini book all about them
ChickaBoomBoom - mhw- our second grade teachers have students physically cut their rough drafts apart and rearrange them and tape them up...empowers the kids to revise!!!!!
mhw77 - Also when do you usually actually start a regular daily schedule with all subjects
mhw77 - good idea thanks
Carrie - I start on the first day- a little of everything to let them see what our schedule will be like.
BJ - Being a male, I probably look at the using of tools differently than some of you
ChickaBoomBoom - mhw- quilting can be an awesome theme for 2nd grade age...lots of work with patterns, pattern blocks, LOTS of great literature...could actually sew a quilt ...can move into memories from grandparents ...interview them...memoir...
mhw77 - okay
ChickaBoomBoom - BJ- PLEASE tell me more!
laura/md - good night all
rita - nite laura
mhw77 - I am at an innercity school so not much parental support
Carrie - Same here.
Darcy/Pre-K - The Patchwork Quilt by Flournoy is excellant for that theme.
mhw77 - parents want no involvement it is sad
BJ - CBB- tell you more what?
Addie/mo - There is a quilt alphabet book too, but the title escapes me at this moment
Carrie - I had thought about doing a quilt theme this year at Thanksgiving time.
Darcy/Pre-K - I work in an innercity head start where parent volunteerism is required, but they still don't do it.
mhw77 - Wow..I olnly wish
ChickaBoomBoom - 2nd grade teachers also do Book "Shots" -- they draw a picture of a scene from book they have read, write author, title, and a few sentences about book. These are compiled into a binder, so other kids can reference them to find a book to read.
mhw77 - We have very poor involvement
ChickaBoomBoom - Also, The Quiltmaker's Gift is awesome
mhw77 - I like that idea
BJ - I teach on the high desert and last year had only 8 kids in K-2. What a great year!
ChickaBoomBoom - yes, Addie, it's great!
Carrie - mhw77, themes are a great way to incorporate science and SS.
Addie/mo - i have a quilt unit on my website that i did in kindergarten, but there are probably ideas that could expand into second grade. http://www.geocities.com/athens/aegean/2221/quilt.html
Darcy/Pre-K - you know, there sure are a lot of books about quilts.
ChickaBoomBoom - BJ- how do you think of tools differently?
Carrie - Thanks, Addie. I visited your site briefly. I put it in favorites to look at later.
mhw77 - me too
BJ - I guess I've used them all my life and I don't think we have to worry about them hurting themselves. At least if they are not power tools.
Carrie - I am starting my year with an all about me theme with the interviews and then expanding into the body and senses. Should be fun!
mhw77 - Humm cute
Darcy/Pre-K - have a good night all
mhw77 - My theme for my classroom is wildlife
mhw77 - Just as decors etc
ChickaBoomBoom - thanks, BJ. that's what I thought!! Night all! hubby just got home. I enjoyed chatting with all of you! See you again, next time, I hope. Good luck mhw!
mhw77 - THought about reading at least 1 wild life book to them a week like every FRi just to keep with the theme
ChickaBoomBoom - mhw- can do adaptations of animals...always fascinating.
Carrie - I thought about doing a safari theme with African folktales. The kids could write their own folktale then!
BJ - How long does this chat room go?
Carrie - Till we stop
Addie/mo - the "official" time for the meeting is one hour, but the unofficial time is when the last people leave
mhw77 - cool idea
Addie/mo - i like the Anansi the Spider stories
rita - We always start with an all about me theme, too. We have full inclusion in our building, and we really try to get the kids to appreciate each other's abilities.
BJ - Thanks for the answer. This has been a new experience for me. How often does this group meet? Every night, or just when it's posted?
Addie/mo - the early childhood group meets on tuesdays at 9 est...there is a late meeting at 11 est also
mhw77 - Would anyone be interested in exchanging emails to continue to send ideas and questions?
Carrie - mhw77,a fellow teacher studied each of the kinds of animals for about 6 wks each. They wrote a book with an example of each type- amphibian-frog, etc.
BJ - Mrs. WW- where did you get that name?
mhw77 - Cool they can make class resource books
mhw77 - Very good idea
mhw77 - Any ideas how to work in an environment where your team does not get a long at all and are very cometitive
Addie/mo - mhw, they have mailrings at t.net for different grades and topics for the purpose you are suggesting
mhw77 - but don't you have to have a website for that?
Addie/mo - that is a hard problem....i think that you have to start by finding some common ground. could you plan a special day or event together to begin with?
Addie/mo - no, you dont have to have a website, you just register with your email.
mhw77 - I have tried but eveyone else is competive and won't share or talk to each other...
Carrie - I've got to tuck in my little one. Gotta say bye. Been fun!
rita - MHW77, that would be tough. I feel fortunate that my teammates feel like my best friends. Since we're any early childhood building, everyone seems to share the same feelings and philosophy.
mhw77 - oh okay cool thanks
mhw77 - thanks carrie for your ideas
Addie/mo - what are they competitive about? being the best teacher? being the most popular with the kids or the parents?
BJ - Bye Carrie. Give your little one a special hug from us all
mhw77 - I wish I can transfer but my prinipal wil not let me go
mhw77 - being the best teacher, etc
mhw77 - having the best lessons
Addie/mo - maybe, you could share some ideas that you find online or something that you are excited about
BJ - mhw, that means you're probably a good teacher!!
Addie/mo - it is nicer when everyone gets along
mhw77 - I am coming from a team that I was close with so it seems overly frusterating
mhw77 - True..but I am a team player adn hnave a hardtime with those that are not
Addie/mo - and the principal may be hoping that you can provide the leadership to get the team to work together
mhw77 - especailly moving from 5th to 2nd bif move
mhw77 - Take higher powers then me...lol.
Paulie - I forgot to come earlier . . .
Addie/mo - or maybe there is one person you could partner with for something, but then you run the risk of appearing "cliquish" to the others on the team
BJ - Hey Rita I thought we had lost you!
Addie/mo - LOL, mhw
mhw77 - Well, most of the teachers have taught sencond for years so only try to get better and become more competetive
rita - I type slow and am still trying to think of something helpful to type
mhw77 - I am miss personality at my school are you kidding..lol
mhw77 - You need couseling at the end of the day...it is depressing
BJ - Where did Mrs. Wishy Washy go, I thought that was sudh an interesting nickname.
Addie/mo - i dont know what else to suggest...it is a frustrating situation for sure
mhw77 - not sure
Paulie - why is it interesting -- It is the name of a book
mhw77 - I will just have more bonding time with my class...what can i say
Addie/mo - well, gotta go! L8r, all!
mhw77 - thank addie
rita - How many teachers are at your grade level? What are the teachers like at the next grade levels (did you say you taught 2nd?)
mhw77 - yes
mhw77 - they are okay very clickish
BJ - Okay, you got me! Since I'm a new K-2 teacher I haven't heard of it.
rita - the book Mrs. Wishy-Wadshy is from Wright group. The kids always love reading it.
Paulie - check it out -- very cute book for k and 1st
mhw77 - well guys must get going hope to see you all again
Paulie - repetive book
mhw77 - good night
Paulie - Was Metoo in here tonight?
rita - good night and good luck with your new school year
BJ - Paulie, I'll do that, thanks.
Paulie - great
rita - I just started this not too long ago
rita - I don't know
BJ - Is Metoo also the name of a book ?
Paulie - Metoo is a teacher
BJ - That sounds about right, I think we could all write a book!!!
Paulie - I want to get paid for writing mine
rita - Paulie, I think I've seen your name on teachers' net posts....very helpful ones. I odn't remember - do you teach kindergarten?
BJ - Well I'm checking out. Thanks for being patient with a new chat room participant.
rita - Bye BJ.
Paulie - I taught K, first, 2nd and 4th and subbed 8 long years but I moved and did not teach this past yr.
Paulie - come again BJ
Paulie - Yes, I check the boards frequently to keep up with teaching buzz and help out where I can
rita - Subbing would be hard. I have admiration for subs.
Paulie - I did not want to sub that long
Paulie - district is very political and I moved from out of state
BJ - Just one more word. I think you're all swell. Have a good night and a good school year.
Paulie - u too BJ
rita - I found the teachers' net site last Christmas vacation and have become almost "addicted" to it. It's great to hear what so many different people are doing. Sometimes we get caught up in what our district is doing and need to get a bigger picture.
Paulie - Yes it is always good to learn from others
Paulie - I been in and out of teacher's net for 5 years
Paulie - making online portfolio now trying to get a new job
Paulie - I missed teaching last year
rita - I'm being bugged by my teenaged daughter to let her have the computer for her e-mail so I have to go. I do appreciate your ideas. I've enjoyed my first time here.
rita - See ya.
Paulie - I subbed at Sunday School and did the bulletin board every month but that is not the same
Paulie - come again soon Rita and we keep talking
Paulie - until 11:00 eastern some nights
Mancy - When do you start school?
Paulie - depends on when I get a job this year . . . lol
Lis/1 - Aug. 12th for me
Paulie - I moved and did not get to teach last yr
Paulie - oh no! But then u must get out in May
Lisa - I meant to log on earlier. Did anyone log on early enough to chat with Marvin Mitchell?
Lis/1 - Yes, the end of May.
Paulie - Nope I forgot to come earlier
Lisa - We don't start until Aug. 21st. That's early enough for me!
Paulie - Marvin is tomorrow I thought
Lisa - Tomorrow? I hope you're right!
Lis/1 - That's tomorrow isn't it?
Paulie - the speaker is tomorrow
Lisa - Yes. I just checked my email. It is tomorrow night. Guess I have summer brain!
Paulie - I forgot his name
Lisa - Dr. Marvin Mitchell.
Paulie - so don't forget to come back tomorrow!
Lis/1 - Have you started getting your room ready, Lisa? And how's the job hunting going Paulie?
Paulie - no job yet making an online portfolio tho and progressing nicely with html and no program to do it for me
Lisa - Not me. I figure I'll be back soon enough! I'm just doing the mental planning right now. How about you?
Paulie - Is this Mancy from belfore or a new mandy?
Mandy - I love when my computer freezes!
Lis/1 - Yes, I have been putting up bulletins and organizing.
Lisa - That sounds interesting Paulie. I didn't have to do a portfolio when I was hired in '87. I guess there's one advantage to getting old!
Paulie - I love to go 3-4 days a week during the sumemr and get things ready
Mandy - this is mancy..supposed to be Mandy
Lis/1 - hi millymo and welcome back Mandy
Paulie - Lisa, I am old
milymo/oh/k - Hi everyone!
Lisa - Old has some advantages
Paulie - I don't have to do it either but thought it might help sell me with technology skills
Lisa - Hello milymo
Paulie - Heck, I graduated at 40
Lisa - Better late than never. I just turned 40 on 9-11.
Paulie - I graduated in 85 so subtract and you know how old!
milymo/oh/k - We had to do a small portfolio when I graduated in 95.
Paulie - sorry that your birthday was ruined. . .
Lisa - This must be your second career?
Paulie - I made up my own portfolio
Paulie - yes, first was being a mom
Lisa - Well it made me put things in perspective. Turning 40 wasn't so bad in the scheme of things.
milymo/oh/k - For my Master's our notebook for our portfolio is supposed to be 3 inches.
Lisa - That's great that you were able to spend time with your kids. They grow up too fast as it is.
Lisa - Wow! That's quite a portfolio!
Paulie - I had no choice was a single Mom after 10 yrs of marriage
Paulie - well what did you put in your notebook portfolio?
milymo/oh/k - I've got 2 classes down, 8 to go. I wouldn't use that portfolio for an interview though.
Mandy - Our portfolio could only be 1/2 inch when I got my Master's
Lisa - So it's quite an accomplishment to have graduated now. I'm sure a job will come your way.
Paulie - I liek mine online cause they can access what page they want instantly
Paulie - I taught for 6 years and moved last yr so did not get a job
Lisa - That should be good for helping you stand out in the crowd.
Paulie - (hope so)
Lisa - Well good luck! I have to log off and get to bed!
Paulie - I ahve not even worked on a Master program yet when i was in college my advisor finally said to me
Paulie - Go and graduate and make soem money
Paulie - I wanted to take more classes
Paulie - lol I had so many above what I needed for graduation
Paulie - Bye Lisa
Paulie - (OK your turn to talk)
Lis/1 - you could do both now...work and classes
Paulie - I take some classes while working but not for a Master's program
Paulie - nt to do that in Library Science and not all schools ahve that program
Paulie - I ahve a monor in it already
Paulie - can't spell/type
Paulie - have minor
milymo/oh/k - That's what I'm doing - 2 classes a semester. It will be more stressful when school starts. I'm a little nervous about doing it all.
Paulie - need a job again to afford more classes
Paulie - Good luck Milymo
Lis/1 - seems like you should have a strong advantage for getting a job Paulie
Paulie - I wish
Lis/1 - That's what I NEED to start doing milymo but I don't want to!
Paulie - just not connect with right school district I guess
milymo/oh/k - Thank you! I'm going to need it - I have a two year old to go along with all of it!
Paulie - My kids are grown just me to think about
Paulie - God bless u milymo
Lis/1 - oh my goodness milymo you are going to be so tired
milymo/oh/k - I'm doing distance learning courses through Marygrove - No campus to drive to.
milymo/oh/k - I decided to do it now, before I have any more kids.
Lis/1 - still that's a big undertaking...have to schedule your time wisely
Paulie - do u like classes online?
Paulie - do u have to buy books?
milymo/oh/k - Yes - it will definately be stressful - especially here at the beginning of the year - I have to teach K now, after teaching 2nd for 3 years.
milymo/oh/k - So far my classes have been on video and through books. I meet with my required study group and we answer questions on audio tape.
milymo/oh/k - We have a study guide to follow.
Paulie - I taught K after teaching 2nd one year
Paulie - on audio tape?
Paulie - on audio tape?
Paulie - on audio tape?
milymo/oh/k - I LOVED 2nd grade.
Lis/1 - K is fun but you do have to have lots of energy
milymo/oh/k - Yes. We read the questions from the study guide on a tape recorder and then answer them. We have a mentor who grades all our work and sends it back to us.
milymo/oh/k - Before 2nd, I did 1/2 day kindergarten for a year.
milymo/oh/k - I hope not having papers to grade at home will be a good trade off!
PSit's Paulie - I got thrown off after screen went white and I did see that my response was sent three times lol I only sent once
PSit's Paulie - hi Just Me I thought I had missed u wehn I did not see u earlier
PSit's Paulie - I hoep to teach 2nd again or K
Lis/1 - hi Just Me
PSit's Paulie - K has papers to correct
Just Me/Mi - Friends invited us over to visit - just got home
PSit's Paulie - I don't think I would like to record my answers
PSit's Paulie - Glad u came Just Me
milymo/oh/k - Not as extensive as second grade though.
Lis/1 - when do you start back Just Me?
PSit's Paulie - I ahd tons of papers the school made us give homework 4 times a week too
milymo/oh/k - That's the part that I like the least. I'm so nervous talking on tape.
PSit's Paulie - I liek to write I thought answers would beby email
Just Me/Mi - I start August 22 - kids come on August 26
PSit's Paulie - Of course in a chat room I can't type
milymo/oh/k - That's a lot of homework for kindergarten!
Just Me/Mi - What is our topic?
PSit's Paulie - well CA was pushing first gr down into K
PSit's Paulie - JustMe anythign u want to talk about
PSit's Paulie - I almost have my portfolio finished JustMe
milymo/oh/k - I think that's happening a lot of places Paulie.
PSit's Paulie - Learned to scan photos Now I need to find them to export
PSit's Paulie - Is everyoen coming for the chat tomorrow?
Just Me/Mi - Good for you Paulie. I liked what I saw last time I looked. I'll check it again.
PSit's Paulie - It is sad milymo -- heck K was not even required in CA and yet they had state standards for it
milymo/oh/k - I probably won't. My daughter doesn't go to sleep until about 10:30.
PSit's Paulie - Yes I ahve done lots sicne then Just Me
PSit's Paulie - glad I am in WA now
Lis/1 - yep, no playing in kindergarten!
PSit's Paulie - I changed soemthing on evey page too just Me lol
PSit's Paulie - Milymo but it is later where u r
Just Me/Mi - MI doesn't require K but if you have one you must follow state guidelines. 4 year olds come in to be treated like 6 year olds. Hard to have fun when you have to do so much in so little time.
milymo/oh/k - When I was in school, not many kids went to preschool. Now it's almost necessary.
PSit's Paulie - no lie
PSit's Paulie - kills
milymo/oh/k - Oh yes! It's about 11:30 here. I came for the late chat, since she's alseep
PSit's Paulie - and when there is no time for learning to get along you just have trouble in later grades
PSit's Paulie - well I guess all the chats are archived so u can see it later if you choose
PSit's Paulie -
PSit's Paulie - oops
Just Me/Mi - There is a big gap. Those who are ready and those who are clueless - very few in the middle.
PSit's Paulie - 8-)
Just Me/Mi - milymo, u and I are on the same time
milymo/oh/k - My afternoon class is extended day K. They are the ones who tested low at screening.
milymo/oh/k - ...the clueless ones
Just Me/Mi - We no longer screen. I don't even get to go to Kdg round-up. If they are 5 by Dec. 1, have had their shots, have a birth certificate, and can prove residency they are "ready" for kdg
Paulie is back - got thrown off again
milymo/oh/k - You aren't having any luck tonight Paulie!
Paulie is back - One year I taught all day K from 8:45 to 3:00 I loved it
Paulie is back - unless u call gettign thrown offline luck (bad luck)
Paulie is back - One first gr teacher in here
milymo/oh/k - I was one of the 4 year olds in my kindergarten. I was socially behind most of my school career.
Just Me/Mi - Is this like getting back on the horse that throws you, Paulie? lol
Paulie is back - I guess
Paulie is back - when I went to K, if you would be 5 before school started u went for 6 weeks in summer only
Paulie is back - those of us with late birthdays -- mine is in Jan -- went to K all year long
Paulie is back - that was in southeastern Idaho
milymo/oh/k - My mom didn't have to go to K.
Paulie is back - did Lis leave?
Paulie is back - all the rest of us have long names now
Just Me/Mi - I didn't see her go
Paulie is back - she snuck out on us I guess
Paulie is back - sneaked
milymo/oh/k - That is definately an interesting Kindergarten rule Paulie.
milymo/oh/k - As if age was the only thing to do with kindergarten success.
Paulie is back - well I think it was because the school was crowded
Just Me/Mi - milymo, you may not have been socially behind for a 4 year old - just in with older kids
Paulie is back - we had 27 sets of twins when I was in K not all in K tho jsut in that school
Paulie is back - I was one of them
Just Me/Mi - Wow, our school made the papers when we had 14 sets
Paulie is back - lol
milymo/oh/k - Yes, if I had repeated kindergarten another year, it may have helped.
Paulie is back - and here you are back in K (repeating) lol
milymo/oh/k - There were 3 sets in our kindergarten this year.
Paulie is back - in one room?
milymo/oh/k - LOL Paulie! and again and again and again!
Just Me/Mi - I don't like to see kids repeat kdg - I used to teach Junior Primary (1/2 way between K and 1st) I liked that better
milymo/oh/k - 2 sets were in the morning class and 1 in the afternoon I think.
Paulie is back - Milymo -- you will be in K til u get it right!
Paulie is back - o
Paulie is back - I ahd two kids repeat
Paulie is back - and they were regular leaders the next year
milymo/oh/k - We have a Jr. First also. I have 3 in my class this year who are repeating.
Just Me/Mi - I started in 6th, then 5th, then 4/5 split, JP, and now K I'm really regressing!
Paulie is back - I started in all day K, first, second, then half day K, then 4th
milymo/oh/k - Wow! You've had many different experiences! Which has been your favorite?
Just Me/Mi - I have had two repeat - 1 with me, the other with the teacher next door
Paulie is back - and 8 years of subbing in all grades including one day in high school
Paulie is back - I liek 2nd gr because they can write -- have some basic skills and I love to teach them better writing
milymo/oh/k - I've had 1/2 day K, 3 years in 2nd, and now back to K 1/2 day and Extended Day K 1/2 day.
Paulie is back - I also like K -- don't tell anyone -- I turned down jobs for a few years because they were K
Paulie is back - I did half day K two eyars in row
milymo/oh/k - I subbed for a year and a half for whatever they called me for! Preschool and the way to High School Home Ec, Computers, and Spanish!!!
milymo/oh/k - I liked subbing high school better than middle school.
Paulie is back - I taught advanced shakespeare in high school lol I ahte shakespeare
Paulie is back - I only subbed in media centers in middle school I am also a media specialist
Just Me/Mi - There was something special about each one so it's hard to say. Probably JP and Kdg because I have more freedom to pick what and how I will teach something. More creativity, more hugs, less homework to check. I have 5th grade buddies so once a week I have my chance to work with older kids.
Paulie is back - one tiem I went to sub for ten days and ended up being there 6 and half months
milymo/oh/k - Most high school teachers just give busy work when subs are there.
Paulie is back - Yes I always had older buddies too
Paulie is back - not us we had to discuss a SH. play in the middle of the story
Paulie is back - but they were in class that they wanted to be in so they cooperated
milymo/oh/k - Our kindergartens do that too!
milymo/oh/k - That would have stressed me out Paulie!
Paulie is back - this techer did not know she sould not be there
Just Me/Mi - If I don't know the sub I sometimes leave busy work, whole group activities, and cut center time to keep from having my room trashed.
milymo/oh/k - I really liked 2nd. I won't miss the phonics and math grading though.
Paulie is back - They ahd to have a certified person in room so I said ok . . . got my choice of advanced shakespeare or math or physics
Paulie is back - It was ok because it was not a class that was required -- they wanted to be there and the sub office said they had to have a certified body in the room even if we just took attendance and read
Just Me/Mi - with those choices I'd do Shakespeare too
milymo/oh/k - I like to give movies for subs to show.
Paulie is back - I lvoed 2nd hoep to get that or K again
Paulie is back - lol
milymo/oh/k - I wouldn't do the Physics!!!
Paulie is back - I never gave a sub a movie heck I subbed 8 long years and was as qualified to teach as any teacher I subbed for
Just Me/Mi - I leave Scholastic magazine - Let's Find Out
Paulie is back - hate when the teachers jsut left a bunch of busywork
Paulie is back - and I always graded every paper no matter how long it took
Paulie is back - Is this a substitute chat? lol
Paulie is back - we had phonics in K to grade
Just Me/Mi - I try not to leave something that will take more than one day to do or something that we are in the middle of
milymo/oh/k - They're usually movies I would show any way. I hate to be absent, so I don't subs that often.
milymo/oh/k - I mean, I don't HAVE subs that often.
Just Me/Mi - I sometimes leave several things and allow the sub to pick the one(s) they are most comfortable with.
Paulie is back - I had perfect attendance the first 5 years i ahd my own classroom
milymo/oh/k - I was pregnant my first full year of teaching. I missed some 1/2 days for appointments, and 8 days at the end of the year to deliver.
milymo/oh/k - The last two years most of my absences have been professional days.
Just Me/Mi - I try not to be out too often. It's too much work setting things up for a sub. Besides I remember my subbing days and I think sometimes I over plan so he or she doesn't get that desperate feeling I sometimes had when there was nothing in the plan book
milymo/oh/k - I agree Just Me! I always go overboard and try to make things PERFECT for the sub.
milymo/oh/k - Sometimes are subs are not wonderfully qualified to teach.
milymo/oh/k - I can't believe I type are instead of OUR! Please forgive me!
Just Me/Mi - I've often wanted to be the one who got to sub for me. lol
milymo/oh/k - LOL! I've had that same thought before!
Just Me/Mi - be right back gotta get a drink
milymo/oh/k - I wondered where you went!!!
Paulie - bak
Paulie - The screen would not move
Paulie - so I restarted my computer
Paulie - when I subbed I always took extra stuff to do
Paulie - I was certified when I subbed
milymo/oh/k - I did sometimes. Most teachers I subbed for knew they would be out and they planned wonderfully for me.
Paulie - How many kids do you ahve milymo? I forgot if you said
Paulie - I subbed for teachers who had NOTHING
Paulie - I mean of your own . . .
milymo/oh/k - I have one 2 year old girlI know yours are older, but how many do you have?
Paulie - 3 2 boys and a girl and 4 granchildren 2 of each
Paulie - three
Paulie - not 32 boys
Paulie - d a girl lol
Paulie - I rememebred someone saying they ahd a two eyar old but I forgot who it was
milymo/oh/k - I subbed for one teacher who had one line written in his plans for the whole day - I just about freaked out. I count it as my only bad sub experience.
milymo/oh/k - It was a Friday and I was their fifth DIFFERENT sub for that week.
milymo/oh/k - Well, I better get going. I'm getting tired and I have a ton to do tomorrow.
milymo/oh/k - Hi Mary! I'm getting ready to go, but Just Me is getting a drink and will be back.
milymo/oh/k - I'm wondering if Paulie has been booted again. If so, she'll probably be back as well.
Just Me/Mi - I'm back - I must be the one in the middle. My boys are 22, 18, and 16 - no grandchildren but I just became a great-aunt
milymo/oh/k - Sounds like it Just Me!
Just Me/Mi - are you in school?
milymo/oh/k - All boys! Wow! My nephew has soooo much energy. I get tired just watching him.
milymo/oh/k - I'm working on my Masters. I'm on my 5th year as a teacher.
Just Me/Mi - I have a plaque that says "Mothers of boys work from son up to son down" They are busy but it is fun.
milymo/oh/k - LOL! I like it!
milymo/oh/k - My physical therapist has four boys - the oldest is 15 and the youngest, 3.
Just Me/Mi - Hi I-Luv_K and memo
milymo/oh/k - Well, I better get going like I said about 5-10 minutes ago.
Just Me/Mi - Physical therapist? milymo
milymo/oh/k - Oh yes, I had knee surgery this summer, so I had to do some strengthening exercises.
Just Me/Mi - Working on a masters and have a 2 year old You are a busy one.
milymo/oh/k - It was a medial meniscal tear. It was arthroscopic surgery that fixed it.
milymo/oh/k - Yes - the summer has been a tad more eventful than what I had originally planned.
Just Me/Mi - Ouch! What happened?
milymo/oh/k - I'm not actually sure. It just started hurting and after an xray and then an MRI, they found the tear.
Just Me/Mi - Hope you are well soon.
milymo/oh/k - It was very painful in May. Right now, it's feeling much better than before the surgery.
Just Me/Mi - Memo, what's new with you?
milymo/oh/k - Thank you Just Me!
milymo/oh/k - Goodnight! It's been nice chatting!
Just Me/Mi - bye, milymo, take care! Hope to talk to you again soon.
thelma - anyone want to talk?
Just Me/Mi - hi thelma
ChickaBoomBoom - hi Just Me/Mi and thelma!
ChickaBoomBoom - I teach K in Calif. How about you two?
Just Me/Mi - hi ChickaBoomBoom
Just Me/Mi - I'm in kdg in MI
ChickaBoomBoom - When does school start for you?
ChickaBoomBoom - I go back Aug 26.
Just Me/Mi - Are you in school? I go back on August 22, kids start on August 26
thelma - I teach in CA too
ChickaBoomBoom - wb thelma!
Just Me/Mi - Kdg?
thelma - yes Kdg
Just Me/Mi - When do you go back?
thelma - I started July 8th
ChickaBoomBoom - What methods do you both use when students have a conflict?
Just Me/Mi - I have 2 groups each day - AM and PM
thelma - I teach A.M and do Reading Recovery in the afternoon\
ChickaBoomBoom - I teach 8:30 - 1:30 ...supervise extended program from 1:30-3:30
ChickaBoomBoom - okay, what's your favorite art project to do with K'ers?
thelma - I really enjoy or spring activities, lots of insect stuff
Just Me/Mi - open ended ones where no matter how them do it it comes out "right"
ChickaBoomBoom - I just read about a cute one...mix black tempera paint with glue...put in 1 oz. glue bottles...kids draw a design with the glue. Let it dry. Then next day or later, they paint in the areas...
Just Me/Mi - I have an art area piles high with "junk" that they can make things out of .
thelma - have a good evening, I have to go to bed because I have to teach tomorrow my class begins a 7:45 to 11:15 Goodnight
ChickaBoomBoom - goodnight here too.
