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cathie - what do you teach?
Cherie - Second grade. How about you?
cathie - I teach third grade
cathie - where are you from?
Cherie - I'm in Oklahoma. Where are you?
cathie - North Carolina
Cherie - I was just going to log on and see what everyone else had to say. Do you think we are the only ones here tonight?
cathie - I taught second grade for many years and have just started in third lately
cathie - I don't know. I thought the topic seemed interesting
Cherie - This is only my second year in second grade. I taught 5th and middle school math and science before.
cathie - that is a big change. do you like it?
Cherie - Yes. I really like this age child. They are so excited about learning.
cathie - second graders are great. and they love everything the teacher does too!!
Cherie - Also, you see so much change from year to year.
cathie - you are right. I like third too. In third they are beginning to be more independent and can do more things.
Cherie - That is the only thing I miss about upper grades. The independence. Second grade is so much more teacher directed.
cathie - I can imagine you do miss that. what made you switch?
Cherie - It was my choice. The opening came up and I wanted to try it. I had worked with this age child in my internships and really enjoyed it.
cathie - Oh I see.
cathie - Are you in a public school?
Cherie - We are a very small school - one teacher per grade. We really get to know the students and watch them progress.
Cherie - Yes, it is public. How about you?
cathie - that is nice too. I am in a huge public school, 6 classes to each grade, Prek through 5th
cathie - we are very overcrowded around here
Cherie - I think there would be some advantages to that. In a small school you can discuss things with teachers in other grades, but all the decisions about your grade fall on you, good or bad.
Cherie - I had 10 students last year, 16 this year. It is a good situation for class size.
cathie - yes, we do grade level planning and try to be consistent within our grade level
cathie - boy, I can't even imagine having that few. I have 25
Juvie - Hi Cherie and Cathie. Just spent the afternoon discussing this with 2 other teachers
cathie - and we change classes in reading and math, which gives me even more kids
Cherie - Ten was great. I can't imagine 25. I had that many in middle school, but the most I have had in elementary was 16.
Juvie - I had 41 kids in one class my second year of teaching
Cherie - I can spend more time one-on-one. I can't imagine you can do that with 25.
Cherie - 41??!!??? Oh my. I hope you had lots of help.
cathie - no, it is difficult to have one on one. but the way we group students helps
Juvie - I had a wonderful 1/2 time aide and many parent volunteers but I nearl died of exhaustion
cathie - I do have an assistant
Juvie - Both of my friends are thinking of leaving teaching because of the stress. They are outstanding teachers too
Cherie - I have an interpreter for a deaf student that is willing to help when she can, and then we have a college student that is helping for college credit. Usually we don't have any aides.
Juvie - One has taught 26 years and the other 22 and do not like where education is headed
cathie - things are very stressful, especially with the state testing we have to do
Juvie - Cathie, what state are you in? WA here
Cherie - I can relate. Many teachers around here are either leaving the state or going to other areas. I'm in Okla.
cathie - North Carolina
Juvie - Because of my unique type of school we do no testing so I don't have that stress
Juvie - I just get to teach and I choose the curriculum. I LOVE it
Cherie - Testing is a big thing here. Our problem now is budget cuts. Our state says they are out of money. No money for education.
Juvie - What are the better states?
cathie - that's the way it is here,too, cherie
Juvie - Some Oregon schools have gone to 4 days school weeks because of $ issues, yet they are still to bring up those scores with 20% less contact time
Cherie - Many teachers here are going to Texas. Lots and lots.
Juvie - Isn't Texas high stakes testing too?
Cherie - Some schools here have considered 4 day weeks but state won't approve it.
cathie - what do you teach, winkie
Cherie - Yes, but many teachers increase income by $5,000-$10,000/year. That is a lot more money
winkie - I teach 1st grade
Juvie - I have my sons in private school and am so glad that those pressures aren't there. Their schools are top performing and still treat kids as kids
cathie - what state?
winkie - what is the topic?
Juvie - The money wouldn't be worth it to me if there were more pressure
Juvie - Winkie, stress in teaching
Cherie - The pressure isn't more than Oklahoma
Juvie - What is the end goal of testing anyway. Kids who can make more money as adults? Is that a good goal?
Cherie - That is one reason I got out of 5th grade. Second isn't a testing year. Somehow my school thinks everything is taught in the year of testing. All the pressure is on the teachers in that year.
cathie - the main goal of testing here in NC is to rate the school
Juvie - Not to mention Cherie, that the homes they come from are even more important than the teachers
cathie - in NC, third, fifth and eighth are state testing years
Juvie - In WA it is fourth, seventh and tenth
Cherie - That is what Oklahoma is doing. rating the school. My last year in fifth I was told to teach nothing but math and reading because those are the two areas schools are rated on.
Cherie - We test in 3rd, 5th, 8th & 11th.
Paula - Hi Juvie and all. Third grade teacher from MN here
Grace/IL - Cherie, that's too bad but one CAN teach so much subject matter in the context of reading
dede - I am just listening. Juvie you certainly know how to make everyone feel welcome. Thanks
Grace/IL - Paula, where in MN?
Juvie - I just cannot figure out what we are competing with. Why push the kids so hard?
cathie - Paula, I teach third also
Juvie - Thanks dede
cathie - I hate putting so much pressure on these young third graders . they know they can not go to 4th if they do not pass that test!
Paula - We do state testing in 3rd and 5th. (ITBS in fourth and sixth
dfm - NH tests in 3rd, 6th, and 10th
Cherie - My ideal teaching situation would be where there wasn't ANY testing. I have had kids who got so stressed out. I always tried to downplay the importance a little bit.
Paula - Our testing scores are "going down", but what "they" do not think about is that each year they are different students. It drives me crazy
Juvie - Kids need to feel safe, not threatened to learn. The tests are undoing what we are trying to do IMO
cathie - our school did not pass by .5 and it is not fair!!
dfm - yes, the make-up of your class does make a difference
Cherie - We only have one class per grade. Small class sizes too. One or two students that do not perform well and our averages look bad.
dfm - Sounds like we all have common concerns
Paula - Between testing and lack of funding, I don't really know what is more frustrating
Juvie - To me the tests really don't say much about how kids function. Some can test well but can't live life with common sense. There are others who don't test well but find open doors all over
Cherie - Parents are frustrating too. Attendance, importance of education, home life. All make teaching difficult
Juvie - I think we are trying to measure the wrong things and on top of that I don't know why
Paula - I just saw your question, about where I am in MN. I am in a suburb of Minneapolis. Brooklyn Park.
Rachel5 - once I showed a kid his standardized test scores (where it said "below average" like 10 times) and he cried
Juvie - Oh, Rachel. That is so sad. Kids do care
Rhonda - I teach my kids that tests are just something we have to live with. I teach them they are more important.
Rachel5 - I think the hardest thing for me is that I teach 6 subjects but can't do any by the textbook or even follow teacher's guides, it takes so much planning
Rhonda - We have to cover everything in the classroom.
Rhonda - If it isn't covered we take it down. So we cover it with their favorite posters, pictures, etc.
Rhonda - because they are more important....smile
Rachel5 - what do you mean by cover everything?
Cherie - I have a parent who doesn't bring her daughter until 9-10 each day. Class starts at 8:25. When I told her she was missing reading every day she told me I should teach something "unimportant" until all the kids arrived!
Paula - And that is it, we "cover" so much that not much is learned and retained.
Rachel5 - cherie, that parent is nuts!
Rhonda - we have to literally cover the walls or take things down
Rhonda - I have one that does that Cherie...
Rachel5 - does anyone else teach TERC math? I think it's very hard to teach.
Rachel5 - cherie, I'd get social services or someone to go after those parents.
Rhonda - what is TERC?
dfm - How about Every day math . Does any one teach this program?
Rhonda - what is TERC math?
Rachel5 - some company. some people call it "Investigaions"
Paula - We have Investigations!
Rachel5 - schools here do Everday Math or TERC
Paula - Personally, I HATE IT!
Rhonda - I miss Saxon Math
Rachel5 - paula, did you find it really hard at first? my kid hate it
Rhonda - I don't miss Saxon Phonics.
cathie - we teach Saxon Math and Phonics
Rachel5 - they hate it because they want to use all the standard algorithims they learned last year. maybe it will be better after a few years when the kids are used to it
dfm - How do you like everyday math
Paula - It is hard, because the district tells us to teach the curriculum, but it really has some "leaps" and gaps!
Cherie - We teach Saxon phonics and math. We love it. I teach that and reading everyday, then our school says to fit other subjects in if and when you can, and in the context of reading.
Rhonda - We are required to teach multiplication the second grading period.
Rachel5 - elementary folk, do you feel pressured to do all these extra time-consuming things, like plan Halloween parties and things like that?
Rhonda - Some cannot regroup/borrow with addition/subtraction...
dfm - I find everyday math very difficult for the the slow learners
Cherie - We don't have to give a grade in socialstudies or science. Reading and math are main subjects.
Rachel5 - rhonda, what grade?
Rhonda - We have too many interruptions.
Rachel5 - paula, are you allowed to supplement TERC?
Rhonda - That is pressure because there isn't enough time as it is.
Paula - "allowed", no. Do we do it, YES!
Rhonda - I'm third grade. They barely get the basic addition and subtraction facts.
Rachel5 - I worry about that, how do I reteach multiplication facts to some fifth graders when the TERC program is dealing with 2X2 digit multiplication
Rachel5 - paula, what I hate is that the program doesn't let you just TELL kids how to do it much. but lots of the kid sjust can't figure it out on their own, nor by hearing their classmates' strategies
Rhonda - I think each grade thinks the grade before should have done better, but the problem is the curriculum is a bit advanced.
Juvie - I find my teacher friends who have taught a long time, closing the door and doing what they know works and ignoring much of the politics
Rhonda - No time for mastery of anything.
Paula - We have parent volunteers to do the halloween parties and such
Rhonda - Juvie, that is the trick...to teach the required in a way that works.
Rhonda - politics
1st - I have first grade, we are in the middle of addition, had students who came in not knowing worth or recognizing numbers, made it tough at first
Juvie - Mastery learning is what I learned in the 70s. I still think it is the best way to go
Cherie - We just have a quick party - 15 minutes at the end of the day. Rest of the day is teach as usual. Kids are a little restless, but we don't give up the whole day like some schools.
Rachel5 - well I'm a first year teacher so I don't have "what I know works" to fall back on
Rhonda - I think mastery is so very important, but even then they need practice to build self esteem before we throw something else at them.
Paula - We do listen to strategies of others, but also give out our strategies too. Sometimes I have "told" kids what strategies to use, becuase they get way too overwhelmed with all the "options".
1st - we also have room parents, but also need to really give them some type of itinerary as far as the parties go
Rhonda - We have a Fall Celebration at the end of the day and send them home.
Juvie - Most humans need to have time for things to sink in, to practice more, before being rushed to the next concept when the foundation is not yet firm
Rachel5 - that's what I feel like, even calling parents to organize them to do it is a huge burden
1st - i agree Rachel
Cherie - I like Saxon for mastery learning. It has a spiral curriculum so the students don't forget what was taught as easily.
Rhonda - I know we need time to understand what is required of us and it would be even more so for young students.
Paula - We just give our parents the names and numbers of the other volunteers and they do it all. The party is about an hour.
Rachel5 - sometimes i wonder if middle or high school would be easier, fewer subjects to prep and none of that jazz like field trips, parties, fund raisers, less concern about classroom decor, etc.
Rhonda - Our middle school has all that as well.
Rhonda - Many teachers having to go back to school and teaching out of field.
Juvie - Does it seem like we have forgotten all we know about child development and are telling the kids to develop whether they like it or not?
Cherie - I taught middle before elementary. Too many hormones and attitudes. Prep is easier, but a lot more grading.
Rachel5 - recess duty lunch duty teaching computer lab
Rhonda - Yes, Juvie, it does.
1st - might be so, but there is something about the genuineness of my first graders, that I really enjoy
Paula - it does seem like that at times Juvie. Sad, but true at times
Juvie - Rhonda, after 25 years of teaching in public, parochial, and jail at all age levels I will have to say each level has it's own joys and own forms of torture
Rachel5 - juvie, there's a book titled something like "Where did recess go?" have you heard of it?
Rhonda - Ready or not here the curriculum comes.......
Cherie - Very true Juvie!
Juvie - No Rachel, but I think I already agree with it LOL
Rachel5 - isn't this why they used to have ability groups classrooms? (5A, 5B etc?)
Rhonda - I agree. Changing levels is just changing sets of problems.
Juvie - I think one of the reasons homeschooling is doing so well is that kids learn at their own rate without threats of tests and retention
Cherie - We are being criticized for having two recesses in 1st and 2nd - one morning and one afternoon. The kids need a break. Their attention span isn't two hours long.
Liz - Hi there. Just checking in to see what the chat's all about
Rachel5 - we have two recesses in 5th
Juvie - Liz we are discussing the difficulties in teaching in recent years
Rhonda - I think I need the break because my attention span gets shorter as the day goes on as well...smile
Liz - We have one break in morning. Not just the 6-8 in the middle school, but also the 9-12.
Rhonda - We have 45 min PE each day and 20 min recess.
Juvie - My friend who teaches first grade was just told no more recess at all and no more crayons in the classroom
Rachel5 - wow, we have 40 minutes of PE once a week
Rhonda - crayons?
Juvie - Teachers DO need the breaks too
Rachel5 - but we have 1,000 elementary students
Cherie - No more crayons? I use crayons in math and reading.
Liz - Yes, definitely!
Rhonda - sounds like the janitors there have more say than they should like at our school
Rachel5 - no more crayons? why no crayons?
Juvie - Yep, she was told crayons don't help with testing and to get rid of them
Cherie - We have the recess duty. No breaks for teachers, just for kids. They need it though
Juvie - She was told they are "time wasters"
Rachel5 - is she in Texas?
dede - I taught fifth grade and I now teach middle school. Seriously thinking about going back to elementary.
Liz - Our duty schedule shifts, so I only have break duty once a week.
Rhonda - our janitors sometimes pull strings to get us to sweep floors...etc....
Juvie - Nope, in Oregon
Rachel5 - I thought crayons built eye-hand coordination
Rachel5 - dede, why?
Rhonda - We have recess duty as well. No duty free lunch either.
Juvie - You and I know that Rachel, but some of the test crazy people don't
Cherie - fine motor skills?
Rachel5 - our janitors only sweep twice a week. I woudln't mind if the school gave me a broom but I don' twant to spend my own money on a broom
Juvie - She said glue and scissors will be next to go. They are trying to make little robots out of the kids
Rhonda - there is pleasure found in the colors as well....
Liz - Yes, I have duty the first half of lunch once a week. Once again, the schedule shifts so everyone has to put in time but nobody has to do the same duty every day.
Rhonda - ahhh but I guess we shouldn't have those kids enjoying school...tsk tsk....grin
Rachel5 - we have 3 duties a week. but it's a huge school, you need like 5 teachers for bus duty, 5 for recess..
Liz - Man, this crayon thing is depressing. So I suppose I should not ever have any creative assignments in class then? Argh!
Juvie - Absolutely Rachel. When we finally get all the "pleasure" out of the classroom some people will be happy
Cherie - Rhonda, sounds like our school. We have breakfast duty, lunch duty, recess duty. We have 40 min plan time every day though.
dede - The same reason. Hormones. I also thought middle school would be easier-but it is not. I have more grading to do. Plus the kids hate to write.
Juvie - Many of our schools have dropped all art and music. PE will stay because of the sports emphasis, of course
Rachel5 - how do they fit in 40 minutes planning time?
Rhonda - We have the 45 min pe time as our plan time.
Liz - Dede-do you do any creavtive writing?
Cherie - How about coloring patterns in math? Too much fun?
Juvie - I make sure I do at least 2 things a day that my students will look forward to
Rhonda - We have art once a week and music once a week.
paula2 - We gave up our afternoon recess. I just let the kids have free time in the classroom for a few minutes. I needed the time to get through the curriculum. We have early release on Wednesday.
Juvie - I get 45 min. of planning a day and 3 15 min. childfree breaks
Rhonda - My children love writing because of their journals. (They copy in something in the morning...to be official and practice handwriting.) At the end of the day they write whatever they want and I take them home on Fridays to write them back.
Rachel5 - with all these politicians try to do to "improve education" I think adding more plannign time would be something they'd discuss, but they don't
paula2 - Our day starts 30 minutes before the children arrive, and is "over" when we finish!
Juvie - Yes, Rachel and lower student numbers per teacher
Liz - My "planning" time just seems to fly by. I get 40 minutes. I come in early to do my palnning.
Rachel5 - if I only planned in "plannign time" I would be fired within a week
Rhonda - Ga went with lower class sizes this time.... I have 18
Cherie - My plan time is from 12:40 - 1:20. If I have to go to the bathroom in the morning I have to get another teacher to cover my class. That is a cause of burn-out in teachers. I would like to at least be able to go to the bathroom without announcing it to another adult and getting someone to cover my class!
Rachel5 - do you think it helps?
paula2 - I have 19, and am waiting for the 20th
Juvie - I think lower class size is something we all know will make a real difference
Rachel5 - I had 27 but they hired a new teacher and brought it down to 24
dede - They do like to write in their journal. It is the formal stuff that they resist more. I tell them in their journals they can write without the hassle of form, and making mistakes. They love reading them outloud too.
Liz - My classes range between 22-27. At my last school it was 30-45.
Juvie - My kids like their journals also
Cherie - These class sizes are incredible. I had 10 last year, 16 this year. I love that about my small school.
paula2 - I have lower class size, but the amount of assessments that are required are still almost impossible to get done.
Rachel5 - my students started off exctied about journals, but their entries are getting shorter and shorter
Juvie - The year I had 41, it was basically just crowd control (8th graders)
Rachel5 - i feel sorry for the teachers who have to do running records on all the kids, I only have to do them regularly on my lowest kids
Rhonda - My students are allowed to write about home or ask me questions. Some take it pretty seriously.......grin
Juvie - Rachel, I have contests where the best journal entries get prizes randomly
Liz - Yeah. My class of 44 was juniors. It WAS crowd control. At least now I am able to teach.
Rachel5 - most of my students don't writ eback to the questions I write in their journals and only a few asked me questions (which surprises me!)
dede - Great idea Juvie!
Rhonda - having Keypals or e-pals has really excited my students this year
paula2 - I am doing something this year that was suggested in a class last summer. We look for golden lines in the literature that I am reading or that the children are reading. I had three girls bring me a golden line this week. I teach 3rd grade.
Rhonda - the postcard project has caught their attention as well
Rhonda - golden line?
paula2 - Writing and looking for golden lines has helped my children to read like writers.
Rachel5 - I like that "golden lines"
paula2 - A golden line is a line from the text that is touching to the reader in some way.
dede - explain "golder lines" please paula2
Rhonda - Oh, I like that........smile..........
paula2 - I had a child interrupt my reading with, Wow! that is a golden line.
Rhonda - I suppose I should go get an early night's rest, but this has surely been helpful.
Rhonda - This is the first time I visited the chat. It's been very nice.
Rhonda - I hope to visit with you again sometime. I'll pay more attention to the schedule!
Rhonda - night all........ Have a sweet Monday at work tomorrow.
dede - Nice talking to you Rhonda. Have a good nights sleep.
Shades - Has anyone noticed a huge change this year in their expectaions? or am I the only one feeling the pressure.. *sigh*
paula2 - I find that I am being asked to do things this year that I would have never been able to do as a first year teacher.
dede - Welcome Kris. This is also my first time chatting. It is fun!
paula2 - I feel for new teachers, and I am exausted almost every evening
Liz - Every year there is are the same requests....even though we spend each year trying to comply with them!
Shades - Same here.. if I was asked to do all that is required during my first year, I would need therapy..*L*
dede - Yes. I feel the pressure. It gets worse each year. This is my 3rd.
Shades - We started a new math series which devours our time to do any Science and Soc. St., not to mention the projects that the kids remember from year to year.
paula2 - One thing that is really getting to our grade level is the way classes are put together. WE have a magnet school, and basically 80 kids are in the class for K-3. The teachers work and work to get the students in a balanced classroom with children who can work together and then the administration moves kids around that look like they can be moved on paper.
Shades - Science standards for PA are coming along soon, too!
pateach2 - pressure is something you will always feel no matter how long you teach!
paula2 - California has standards and we try to use them to our benefit.
Liz - Yeah Shades-we're noticing this in the middle schools. I get students who have had socials studies, students who read the book and answered the questions, and students who got little social studies. Sad, really. Social studies is a great medium to teach logic, reasoning, writing, creativity, problem-solving, and so many other skills!
pateach2 - My district only does the state testing but with the no child left behind we may be going back
Shades - I can imagine how degrading that must feel to you all involved, Paula...I had a multiage class for 3 years and fought tooth and nail to keep it.. although it was not on your degree, I was quite upset how they "threw" the students into any regular room..
paula2 - Our gradelevel team planned our year using the science standards as our core.
pateach2 - accountability is the word for us
Shades - Well, to satisfy my students needs, I am integrating the science and social studies as much as possible into my guided reading.. its the only way.
kris - I'm not sure if this is the place for me, I'm special ed aide and working on my teaching degree.
Liz - [Shades]-wow! good luck. I'm sure it isn't easy and I'm always in awe of elementary teachers.
paula2 - We have decided to let the administration deal with the classes this year. We must have spent 4 hours putting our classes together last year and one of our teachers has 10 children recieving services for something and 5 more that are up for evaluation. I have one.
pateach2 - we are using the standars in Pa. and have to put eh standard in our lesson plans with the objective and activity
Shades - We had a principal chew out a teacher who was caught fuming about science and soc. st. not being covered.. she told her she was NOT to be teaching them! (Mind you, they are on the report card!)
pateach2 - if on the card how do grde if not teachinh?
paula2 - The administration would like us to do that, but we aren't yet, we are sort of a militant group!
kris - Is anyone from Arizona out there?
Shades - Something we would ALL like to know, PA....if only we had more hours in a day..
Liz - [shades] That's kind of twisted reasoning. After all, wouldn't a teacher get chewed out for even grading assignments without a justification?
pateach2 - They would fill up with more to teach!
paula2 - I guess if your principal told you not to teach a subject you would put NA on the grade card?
dede - Texas here.
Shades - Hence, the reason I am a frustrated wreck this year, Liz..*L*
pateach2 - I can't imagine telling a parent I am not teaching SS or Sci.
Liz - Man, a virtual drink on a virtual bar tab for you! [no offense intended to non-drinkers, nor am I an alcholic]
Shades - Thats right, Paula.. but I am a different grade than she is.. I am doing all I can to get it in... its bad enough we have adults that cannot read a map or name cities and capitals..
Sue - what grade nott eaching science or ss?
jolly hollyl - hello, I am really in need of some help, it looks like you are busy... do you have time to listen?
Shades - *CHEERS TO LIZ!*
Shades - Sure, Jolly..
pateach2 - I teach 2nd but do teach the subjects we alternate each month
pateach2 - Whats up jolly /
Shades - Hi Sue.. they are 1st and 2nd grades
paula2 - I integrate all day long, because we have to teach a complicated science, and need to get the other content areas in. I do a lot of my writing in social studies and science, and pull stories from the basal and such to support the content area. Another big time constrain
jolly hollyl - I am trying to select a topic for my masters inquiry project but I have so many ideas what are Your #1 concerns with teaching?
paula2 - Assessment, and meeting unreasonable demands from the administration.
jolly hollyl - Paula2 how do you assess now?
Shades - You got it, Paula.. I will not face a parent and tell them I am not teaching those subjects to my 3rd graders.. its involves being creative.. I do what I can to get it all in..
paula2 - Also air conditioning, we are not, and it has been brutal in CA since school started.
pateach2 - we are full inclusion in my district and I knmow that whether that is working and how to make it work are hot topics with us
inatizzy - Hey Kris-I just started teaching this year after being an instructional assistant for 5 years..
dede - Well guys it has been fun. I have got to go and hit the suds before bed. But before I go can anyone identify with what I have been feeling lately. I have been feeling like I am not gowing enough as a teacher. It bothers me because I am somewhat of a perfectionist.
Shades - Jolly, theres a book called, "Prisoners of Time".. highly recommended if you go with meeting the demands of assessment and administration.
paula2 - I don't mean assessment of my daily instruction, I mean the assessments that the district says have to be done two to three times a year that do not inform my instruction.
Liz - Being so caught up in the standards battle, demands from parents/admin, the unending paperwork, inability to enforce discipline, lack of admininstration support, and ever-increasing extra demands that make it nearly impossible to teach. These factors make teaching seem more like paper management and CYA rather than showing kids new and interesting things to learn and discuss.
kris - hello inatizzy, sounds like a perfect screen name! I feel that way quite often!
jolly hollyl - ohh.. well I teach GED classes at Job corps and the true assessment is the GED test
paula2 - Dede, do you read? I love Heinemann and try to get a professional book every other month or so.
pateach2 - reading a prof book or taking a course is the best way to grow
inatizzy - me too! : 0
jolly hollyl - I have to identify a concern and then pick one thing I want to change about my teaching
kris - I feel so frustrated that I can't do more for the kids but I am in a distance learning program and won't finish until Spring 05.
paula2 - Our county offers amazing staff development that is current and also excellent. Check it our!
Shades - Dede.. meeting in these chats is also a way to grow as a teacher.. it also lets you vent and know youre not alone..
dede - Yes I read. I will check into Heinermann. What is it about paula2?
paula2 - Oops Out not our!
jolly hollyl - I have to reacha 53% success for students to get them their GED.
Liz - Hey all-have to bug out here. Hubster is back after a weekend up north, so over and out!
NLove - Hi everyone, I have been in school for 8 weeks now and I already feel so far behind. My students were not prepared at all for 3rd grade math.
pateach2 - What county Paula?
jolly hollyl - and they all suffer from "I don't know math syndrome"
paula2 - Heinemann is a publisher, they have professional books that touch just about any topic that you might be interested in.
dede - I fell what you mean Shades. I am really enjoying it!
Praline - But here in Louisiana, 4th graders have to take the LEAP and it includes Science and Social Studies.Our 3rd graders also take the IOWA ..it also includes SC and S.S.
kris - Does anyone have any curriculum ideas on giving gifted students self paced work. Like in history or science?
paula2 - I went in yesterday afternoon and did a few things that have been bugging me since school started. I am really looking foreward to going in tomorrow, too, it is a non-student day, and I should be able to get some stuff done in my classroom.
jolly hollyl - Kris- I just did a lesson on Native Americans they had to research and then make a board game from their research
Praline - What grade , jolly?
paula2 - Orange County, CA
Sue2 - Who gets frustrated parents have no control at home?
jolly hollyl - I teach GED classes , you can modify it for any grade
Praline - NLove, What kind of skills do you feel your 3rd graders are lacking?
kris - jolly- what I'm look at is finding something for my own daughter to do. Our school doesn't have a gifted program and the teacher in her 3rd/4th grade class is apologizing to me for her not having enough work to do.
ktealindi - what makes teaching so difficult--in my kindergarten room it is the lies that the children tell (parents acknowledge this up front then deny it) and the parents who go to the principal over their child wetting themselves and the principal threathening to write me up if a kid wets again. I teach in an innner city school
Sue2 - these kids come to school without respect
Sue2 - awful ktealinda-many in kind wet themselves
Praline - kris,would you be interested in a site to find activities?
jolly hollyl - SO can you give me feedback on this.
ktealindi - Sue, even in K, there is no respect. I agree with you but try telling that to my principal
kris - ktealindi---wow I can't imagine--we are a small school of approx 135 Prek-12 and have a good relationship with the administration!
jolly hollyl - my concern is this stupid 53% RATE
Lynn - Kris--I taught gifted Kdg-2nd for five years.
ktealindi - I love teaching, but I hate the school I am at. I can't put in for a transfer until June
jolly hollyl - and the one thing I want to do is develope some kind of planning with the math teachers, do you t hink they are going to get all bent out of shape?
kris - I was thinking of some home schooling resources that she could do on her own. Any web site would be appreciated too.
Sue2 - kteal-last year a parent was concerned her son was embarrassed from wetting his pants-she had just been released from prison
Lynn - The answer isn't to give the gifted students MORE work to do.
dede - ktealinkd what do love about teaching. I am searching.
Shades - Well, bedtime is approaching.. inservice day awaits in the wee hours of the morning.. nite nite all! have a good week!
dede - I agree Lynn.
Lynn - Even the young ones enjoy doing projects. I would have them choose a topic that they were interested in.
dede - good night.
kris - I have tried to ask her teacher to give her more indepth assignments.
ktealindi - Those family things they don't tell you but you they think you should know by some means
Lynn - They can get books from the library and then make a project to display what they have learned.
Vic - ktealindi, family may not tell, but students sure do. "My dad's in prison."
paula2 - If kids are behind, don't start with where they should be but where they are, if they can't add and subtract, and don't know placevalue, you won't be able to teach third grade math to them
jolly hollyl - you have internet at home... can't she use it at night?
kris - Does gifted fall under special ed in any circumstances or is labeled differently for funding purposes?
Sue2 - true vic
Lynn - I have found the librarians enjoy helping the children find lots of books, magazines and will help with teacher resources too.
paula2 - Sorry I got a phone call and lost my place
ktealindi - Some kids do, but some are threatened to be quiet
Lynn - In our State the state mandates testing for the gifted.
Lynn - Our school has a K-2 program and a 3-6 program.
ktealindi - These parents are also threatening. I don't know which end is up. Like I said I dread going in every day
Sue2 - sad home situations
paula2 - For us gifted is special ed, and gets some funding, but not much. Our gifted kids are pulled in 4th - 6th grade. I don't know how much I agree with this, it is acceleration not enrichment
Lynn - I have a Master's degree in Gifted Education--and yes is does fall under Special ed.
kris - Our school has been telling me that the test should be here in a week. We are already finishing up our first 9wks.
Lynn - What kind of test do they use to qualify students for the gifted program?
Vic - What I dread is lesson planning. I am a special ed. teacher and now not only do I have to do IEP's and be accountable for those, but I also have to teach k-3rd gr. curriculum and know all the standards and benchmarks and teach those as well.
dede - My husdand says Hi to all the teachers
jolly hollyl - Lynn- any suggestions about my class inquiry project?
Vic - All while managing children clucking, and threatening to kill me, and spitting on me. Then the phone rings or a parent comes in. I love my job!
Lynn - Let the students pick what they are interested in.
Sue2 - parents need to do more parenting
paula2 - I do a tic/tac/toe themed project for my kids when we do little house in the big woods. I make some projects simple and others more involved, and one is student choice withmy approval.
ktealindi - I wish my parents would talk to me instead of the principal. They would find out more. He protects the parents, not his teachers
Vic - Boy you sure have that right Sue2, we also have a free breakfast program at our school and then I get food from the food bank for a.m. and p.m. snacks. The only meals they get are at school.
Sue2 - bad kteal
kris - I feel that as a parent it is partially my responsibilty but I think that the teacher should make an effort to teach to all students, those that are below and above grade level.
paula2 - I have my lowere kids do two projects of their choice, and the higherkids are responsible for 4, and one must be a difficult one.
Ape - Saying hello...I am April a new to 3rd grade teacher in Seattle, WA
jolly hollyl - well...I guess I gotta go and remember this wonderful saying by Churchill..... Never, never , never give up
ktealindi - I am not the only one in my boat at my school
Ape - Saying hello...I am April a new to 3rd grade teacher in Seattle, WA
mechele - I teach Bilingual pre k
Lynn - Sure--but in our school the State TEST rules our lives...!!! If it doesn't relate to improving test scores you better not get caught spending time on it.
ktealindi - Lynn, you must be from Ohio
Sue2 - too much stress today on testscores
Lynn - I would love to have the time to do the wonderful units that I used to to that the children enjoyed.--Now it test--test--test practice.
paula2 - I hate that focus that some schools are doing, Lynn
Lynn - YOU BET--Ohio Proficiency Test Scores!!!!
paula2 - How do they defend this when the standards say that certain things need to be covered in other areas?
inatizzy - hi mechele-I teach special ed preschool
lynn/sc/3 - hiya paula and room
ktealindi - At our school the principal comes in every other week to obsserve that we are teaching the right things--if our school gets any lower he is out of a job, or so he says
kris - Our district has had terribly low test scores and this year our supt implemented 6week criterion refernce testing. Those students that don't pass with a 70% are required to attend a restart program afterschool and attend Friday school. The teachers not only have to worry about SAT 9 but these scores as well.
mechele - my class have not had any experiences do I like helping parents know how to help their kids, and weekly communication lertters
paula2 - We have intervention classes after school, but the administration wants us to teach them (for pay) on top of our daily grind!
Sue2 - you will only be testing
Ape - I am trying to get the hang of this chat room...sorry for repeat postings
paula2 - 20 children who are behind and don't want to be in school during th school day, lots of fun!
kris - Our after school restart classes are taught by a couple of teacher that are not part of the 6 week testing.
Sue2 - those are ones low scores
ktealindi - at our school, they tried after schol tutoring, but only 8 kids parents signed them up
paula2 - I am going to log off, this has been fun to vent
inatizzy - ack! I keep getting bumped off
mechele - what is your spec ed pre school like?
Sue2 - those need tutoring say have no transportaTION pick them up-they always get them from sports practice
inatizzy - I have the 3 year olds-a mix of developmental delays and typical kids.
kris - Our district is suppose to have the power to report the students for truency if they do not attent these classes. We'll see if it happens.
ktealindi - these kids are in walking distance
mechele - my kids just turned 4
mechele - they speak only spanish but have had 0 experiences
kris - We also have a bus/van that does bus runs so there are no excuses.
ktealindi - Got to go--I don't want to go in. Maybe things will get better
inatizzy - I know what you mean by no experiences!
FunTeacher - my district offers no transportation for after-school tutoring, but the district my daughter attends does.
mechele - inatizzy my daughter needs the comoputer
inatizzy - Bye!
Lynn - Got to go too....Bye!
mechele - they can't hold scissors, have never painted never used playdough etc
kris - I find that many of the students that need the after school program seem to like the extra attension they get there.
Sue2 - I know mechele
mechele - i wish i didn't have to go but bye
kris - I mean attention
inatizzy - I have been in K wiht kids who can't do scissors-and they are typical kids, not special ed
Sue2 - sleepy-better go rest little-never go bed thids early
FunTeacher - i have a ? how many hours a day do most of you work? not contract hours, REAL time.
Sue2 - some have never held crayon or colored
Sue2 - school different than when i went
inatizzy - 8.5, most days
Sue2 - more support from parents those days
kris - I'm an aide and only allowed 8 but spend an hour or two planning at home for the next day .
inatizzy - gotta go, bye all
FunTeacher - i do 9 or 10 a day and at least 5 every weekend. I am TIRED!
kris - Seems like our state is going to start holding parents more accountable for seeing that their child has every opportunity to learn.
doodah - I get in 10-12 hours every day and still don't get it all done
Sue2 - kris-would be great
FunTeacher - I never feel like I get DONE. Does everyone feel this way?
Sue2 - yes fun
FunTeacher - This is my 6th year. I thought I would be getting the hang of it by now!
kris - Arizona Dept of ED is suppose to be labeling all school on Tuesday 15th. They will label then failing, improving, meeting and exceeding standards. This time around no will be failing. In the future they will use this to penalize the school or require state or private take over. Good thing we are on our fall break all week so it won't be such a stressful situation at school.
doodah - FunTeacher, just as soon as you get the hang of it, you will be moved and starting over.
FunTeacher - I really love teaching, but sometimes I think it is just TOO HARD!
doodah - Teaching would be a lot easier if the little kiddos wanted to learn something. Mine are so darn content with whatever they learned in 1st and 2nd
kris - It seem that all the little stuff that has nothing to do with the students seems to cause a lot of the stress of the job. Like dealing with the lunch ladies, the technology guy, etc!!! If you could just teach the kids things would be a lot easier!
Browser4400 - Funteacher, yes, I have always felt the way you do. work at least the same number of hours you do and 7 days a week.
kris - Could you give me a run down on your typical class schedule for 3rd grade?
Browser4400 - I love it too. In fact it was the central focus of my life.
FunTeacher - mine just want to know what answer to write down. they don't actually try to understand what they are doing (3rd grade)
kris - and how many little darlings do you have?
doodah - It's the same way in 6th, Fun
FunTeacher - only 20 -- much better than the 34 I had in 5th grade
Browser4400 - FunTeacher , explain to them what you are teaching but the acid test is in having them apply what you have just taught. Do not forget to have them explain it to you in a couple of days too.
Ape - I'm going to try posting again....I started teaching in 1972...changed careers to raise a family and returned in 1989
FunTeacher - many can do fairly well on a multi-choice test, but they can't explain anything. is this what we are creating with the emphasis on standardized testing?
kris - The largest class in our district is a combined 5th/6th grade with 23.
Browser4400 - take the time, ask them to tell you what you just said to them? Maybe explain is just too abstract for them.
Ape - I finally got a continuing contract this year and at age 52 am bowled over at the demands
doodah - You have my sympathy, Ape
doodah - Just going through the evaluation process is a full-time job
Browser4400 - Funteacher--but if they cannot tell you what you have just taught or they cannot do what you have just shown them, what did they learn? I understand you are between a rock and a hard place!!
kris - good night all. Thanks for the info
Ape - We are in the 6th week of school and I'm still fighting stagefright and feeling prepared
FunTeacher - my district is content that I am doing a good job if they schore well on the standard tests, I am NOT!
doodah - Ape, we are expected to have meetings during our planning time now that are robbing precious time I could use for grading, or PLANNING
FunTeacher - we don't get any planning time
Browser4400 - FunTeacher-I understand.That is what I meant when I referred you being between a rock and a hard place!!!
Ape - Our district went to the wire on a strike for a 45 min. planning time which we finally won...and they are extending the school day to accomplish it. Yea like that makes sense!
doodah - Well, we don't either...it's just a name
Browser4400 - Funteacher, planning time is a given, and you still take work home.
Browser4400 - and work on the weekend.
Browser4400 - Ape, not much they do makes sense.
doodah - Schools here are being run like a business, and the business owns me...I am just their property
FunTeacher - well, i guess i should get back to work on next week's plans. it has helped just to vent a little and get some sympathy. thanks!
doodah - You are not alone, Fun
doodah - Make the best of it
Ape - I have just have to accept my limitations this first year of full-time after such a gap. I, too, should be doing plans as I went into school to get manuels straight from covering my daughter's Girl Scout outing
doodah - Ape, my plans for this week had to be turned in by last Thurs at 7am. How useful do you think that is for me?
DeeBee - Hello, all! I just got back from school after spending my ENTIRE Sunday afternoon there getting ready for conferences, putting up bulletin boards, sending out book orders, etc, etc.. Does it EVER end?
doodah - When I'm doing plans on Wed nite, I don't have a clue what we will be able to do 5 days later.
doodah - But I make those plans. It is just busy work. I never look at my plans after they are written. I'd be afraiod to
Ape - I started out the year trying to do a week's worth of pland in advance and it was such a mess by Weds. that I have gone to almost daily plans
Linda K - This is year 29 for me, and, although I love the kids, right now the only thing keeping me in the profession is the fact that I have 3 kids of my own going through high school - which is tres expensive!
Ape - Fortunately we have a laid back principal who could care less about individual plans...so I guess I'm fortunate
DeeBee - Quite honestly, I am usually lucky to have my plans ready for the next day...fortunately, I have a wonderful principal who does not require lesson plans to be submitted to her each week.
Linda K - Our district has recently (last few years) required that lesson plans be turned in weekly, and that you surely better have decent sub teacher plans!
Linda K - I made a template that I use week to week, then on the weekend I tweak it according to the following week's schedule - which is ever-changing!
Ape - I post our weekly schedule (specialists, etc.) on my bulletin board so in case of emergency at least a sub knows who is going where when
DeeBee - Do any of you use last year's lesson plans and just tweak those?
Ape - I think I am procrastinating the inevitable...so I'm going to sign off and grab those manuels.
Linda K - Each week I make 4 copies of my plans - one for the principal, one for my desk, one for my sub teacher notebook, and one for the wall.
Ape - I have always hated homework..that sense of never being "done"
DeeBee - Well, like Ape, I am also procrastinating, so goodnight everyone...have a great week!
Ape - But in my many career changes I found boredom and routine to be more deadly
Linda K - Ape, I use the same basic framework, but always am open to adjustments. As an example, we adopted our first new reading series in over 15 yrs - by definition, my plans are changed. But I still do a baseball unit around World Series time, a sci-fi unit, an eerie unit (near Halloween), etc. I usually make my plans in accordance with the calendar - Black History month remains, but what I cover during that time may change.
Ape - I hope to get a framework like that going this year so next year will not feel so unformed
Ape - Bye all...thanks for the moral support
