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czarlenne - I am to be subbing in a K class tomorrow
patty - Charleene Bless YOu
czarlenne - Does anyone have any tips for me?
patty - sorrry czarlenne keep them busy
Jean - czar, your first time in K?
patty - down time is when they get into trouble
Jean - Hi Pattty, I'm in MD, where are you from Jan and Becky
patty - I am from SC
Jan - I'm from SD
czarlenne - yes first time
czarlenne - i'm in pa
Jean - Hello Kindercop
KinderCop - Hi, I' m from MI
Becky - I'm from Maine. Not even enough snow here for a snow day!
Jean - How long has everyone been doing K?
patty - 18 years
Jan - I've been doing K 10 years! Doesn't seem that long!
KinderCop - Hi Jean. This is my 11th year in K, 23rd year total
czarlenne - Wow, that's a long time. I'm just starting out in the teaching field. THis is my first assignment...tomorrow in a K class
Jan - We haven't had snow since late November. Temps have been so warm that we don't have much left.
Jean - Becky, we were promised snow yesterday and we all expected at least a delayed opening and nothing happened except a bunch of kids were tired cause they stayed up late also thinking about another play day
czarlenne - This is our first snow here in PA this winter.
KinderCop - czarlenne- just think BUSY
Jan - Good luck with your K's czarlenne
Jean - I've been in K 11 years
patty - Czar where in PA
czarlenne - thanks everyone
czarlenne - I'm excited and nervous, this being my first time as the actual teacher.
czarlenne - outside of philadelphia, why? are you from pa?
KinderCop - czarlenne - my easiest suggestion is using names of K's in any story you read - get's them interested!
Jean - Czar, are you going to persue a full time teaching job you think or continue subbing?
patty - czar, you can always read books
Jan - R'member, little minds are busy minds-
patty - I have close family in Indiana PA, I was born there
czarlenne - KinderCop, what do you mean by names of K's? names of the students?
czarlenne - I'm looking to pursue a full-time teaching job. Currently I have returned to grad school to obtain my teaching cert. I currently hold an emergency cert. to sub.
Jean - I was wondering how frequently everyone does report cards
KinderCop - yes - if the story has a boy, I try to use the name of a "wiggly" boy - sure grabs their attention. Also, K stands for Kindergartner, just shorter
Jean - Czar, do you prefer early childhood or elementary?
patty - Jean we doe them twice a year
Jan - Instead of reading the book word for word, substitute any names used in the story with a child's name. It enhances listening!
KinderCop - We do report cards quarterly, just like the rest of the school
czarlenne - Either. I am looking into eventually teaching K-3.
patty - they also love to act out stories, they listen if they know they might be able to get to do it
Jan - I do report cards every nine weeks with progress reports/conferences in the middle of every quarter.
czarlenne - Thanks for the advice with reading stories. I'll use that tomorrow.
czarlenne -
Jean - Czar, in my state, you would need early childhood certification to teach k-3. You may want to look into it in your state.
patty - I SC we have authentic state assessments that are done three times during the year. tons of record keeping
Jan - I have to go! Hubby just crawled out of bed. (He works night shift and sleeps all day! Will have to do this again! This is a great way to see what others are doing!
czarlenne - As far as I know, with Elementary cert. I can teach K-6. But I will look into it to make sure.
Jean - Patty, that sounds like something we do just once a year right now though it will likely be 3 times eventually, we call it the Maryland Model for School Readiness
Jean - Kindercop, any favorite activities coming up that you could share?
czarlenne - Has anyone here ever done Substituting?
Jean - not really, covered classes for colleagues in emergency situations but that's not at all the same
KinderCop - Jean - am having the entire ele (220 kids) save milk jugs so we can make an igloo to read in
Jean - I'll tell you what I like in a sub
KinderCop - Good idea Jean, lets tell czar what makes us happy with a sub
Jean - Kindercop, I've been reading about that on the chatboard, even saw a picture of one at someones site
Jean - Czar, I like to know that my kids were not wild and out of control
Jean - I like to know that my plans were followed as best as was possible
czarlenne - that would be very helpful
KinderCop - czar - I love it when the work I specify NEEDS to be done gets done, and if the K's are behaved and happy, I don't worry too much about the rest
czarlenne - you suggestions as to what you like in a subthat is
Jean - I like to find everything back in it's place when I return it's awful coming back and having to spend a half hour putting my room back together
KinderCop - LEAVE a NOTE - I LOVE to know how the subs day went
KinderCop - Hi, Mrs. R
KinderCop - Jean - this is my first time with the igloo - I hope it works out
czarlenne - do most of you have a set of emergency plans in case you were out unexpectedly? if so, do these plans end up taking up the entire day, or should subs bring extra stuff to do.
srs - hi
Jean - That's good Kinder, I like to know how things went, preferably not too much negative, My colleagues will tell me if the kids were wild or off the wall and the sub looked like she needed help. You don't have to be in an open classroom for others to tell
KinderCop - Hi, srs
srs - I saw a good idea during the summer about Sub tubs....
czarlenne - also, we were told that we should bring some candy in, if any of you do that, what types of candy do u suggest?
srs - maybe you already do this in your school, but
czarlenne - I will def. leave a note, we have to fill out reports everyday.
srs - each classroom teacher prepares for 2 days of absence
Jean - czar, I always leave way more than is possibly done with a note explaining to work to get it done but not to worry if it all is not completed
KinderCop - czar - I have emergency plans, however, they are a few years old. I usually leave TOO much - and prioritize it. If you bring candy, save it for near the end.
srs - not necessary the curriculum, as such
srs - one teacher said she likes to have "Clifford days" for her sub
czarlenne - yup, that's what we were told about the candy, to give it out at the end for good behavior
Jean - Hi have both, emergency plans are left if I am out unexpected, that's pretty much fluff and review, If I know I'm going to be out I leave work that coincides with my teaching curriculum
srs - she felt that it won't hurt them to go off for a couple days
Jean - Czar, kids love stickers and respond well to praise
srs - guess that is kind of neat to have these tubs ready and waiting just in case, what do you think?
KinderCop - srs - that sounds interesting! I could make up a day on ANY subject (author or book series) and have it for emergency sub plans
czarlenne - srs, that sounds like it would be very helpful for subs.
Jean - Truth is though, I don't leave the sub stuff that I look foward to covering, favorite stories of mine and such
srs - i think so too, staff mtg. tomorrow, i'll bring it up! Glad I showed up tonite, you guys reminded me!!
srs - Jean, i know what you mean
srs - i just had to get ready for a sub for quite a while...What a complete pain...HOURS
KinderCop - Jean - I agree about the stuff I want to do, but there are some books I think are good, but they're just not in my year plan, so... I could make them into an emergency day plan
Jean - Kinder there is a series of resource books that are literature based activities. Just get the book run off the worksheets and write up the plans. They're pretty good activities and
Jean - Srs, I agree, it takes me so long to prepare for subs, I hate being out, After 11 years of teaching K you'd think I could wiz through them!
srs - is it just me, or do all of us not like getting ready for subs?
KinderCop - Actually, it could work for flu season, or a chicken pox break out, when I don't want to teach my "regular" stuff and then re-teach when the sick ones come back
czarlenne -subs def. appreciate the prep that teachers put into a plan
Jean - I sound contradictory, the resourc books are goodand I'm just maticulously ridiculously slow
srs - i now czar, thanks if you are subbing currently!
KinderCop - Somedays, I'd rather go in sick than make plans
McD - I teach first, but I have a question for you K teachers
srs - know*
McD - do you have full day or half day K?
srs - KinderCop, I do too
czarlenne - srs, I am currently beinging to sub. I have my first assignment tomorrow in a K class.
srs - Hi McD...I still have half day
KinderCop - I have all day, alternate day
srs - Czar, that is so great!! My best wishes
McD - We are trying to "convince" our school board to consider full day
Jean - I'm full day going on my second year
srs - I am ready for full-day , myself,
KinderCop - czar - you're back
Mel - Hi! Hope everyone had a great holiday!
czarlenne - sorry 'bout that, i got a computer error and the screen blanked
czarlenne - thanks srs
Jean - Hello Mel, had a pleasant holiday, how about you
Jean - wb czar
czarlenne - Hi Mel! I hope everyone did too!
Mel - pretty good. Hard to get back at it today though!
srs - Question: there are 2 positions opening up in my bldg. after this year, 1st and 2nd gr. Anyone here ever consider moving up?
McD - any good websites with "data" that we could show them
KinderCop - I'd LOVE to try 2nd
Jean - I've taught first then came down
Mel - I've taught 1 & 2...prefer the JK/SK scene myself!
Jean - Hello Val
srs - Kinder, please tell me why; my husb. is trying to talk me into that
Jean - srs, I missed something, websites for who and what?
KinderCop - McD - most of the data shows all day is best, and 1/2 day and all day, alternate day are about the same for growth
czarlenne - I observed a 2nd grade class for 1/2 day, and the class was good. I observed a 5th grade, and it confirmed what I thought, I like the younger kids better. THough the 5th grade was also good.
srs - sorry, Jean, dont know what you mean
czarlenne - hi val
McD - jean, to show the school board to validate full day program
Jean - It's getting late, sorry I'm not keeping up well
Mel - we have all day every other day programme
KinderCop - srs - I think 1st has a lot of the reading and the kids are still BUSY, but by second they are starting to become more independent
srs - Yes, agree about research, actually, I simple dont have enough time anymore it seems; I always feel rushed.
McD - kindercop, I realize that, but that want FACTS to look at
Jean - thanks McDsrs, I've heard that 2nd is easier cause the kids already have a handle on the academic basics and even know how to walk in line
KinderCop - Mel - I would LOVE to talk with you more - I teach all day, alternate day
Mel - where do you teach Kinder?
KinderCop - Northern Michigan
Mel - I have JK/SK
KinderCop - Where do you teach, Mel
Mel - I'm in Ontario, Canada
KinderCop - Mel, have you always been this system?
srs - I'm wondering if there is a LOT of pressure on the 1st gr teachers with the reading requirements
Mel - I have taught 1/2 days everyday and kind of prefer that...but the all day thing has its pros
Mel - what do you mean Kinder? in what system?
KinderCop - McD - for facts about all day, check out ERIC - it has some info
McD - thanks kindercop
Mel - there is a LOT of pressure here in Ontario with our new curriculm
KinderCop - Mel - you answered the question - 1/2 day vs. alll day, alternate day
Jean - I got to go, hope we can do this again, goodnight all
Mel - in ALL grades..not just grade one
Mel - how many kids does everyone have in their classes?
KinderCop - Mel - do you basically run your program the same way as 1/2 days?
KinderCop - I have 16 and 13
val - I teach full day english to french kids
Mel - not really...have more time during a day for stuff
KinderCop - val - what age kids?
Mel - nice size classes Kinder! I have 20 in one and 19 in the other. A child with Downs in both classes
srs - Mel, sorry, I missed what grade you teach - K??
Mel - where are you val?
srs - oops,now I know!! lol
val - five year old- kindergarten
KinderCop - Oh Mel, I've had those years!!!! One year 22 and 23 - with a Downs boy in one and an autistic boy in the other !!
Mel - Junior and Senior Kindergarten..so when they come in Sept, they range in age from3 years to 5 years
Mel - the kids are with me for a 2 year programme
srs - I have 19 and 22 - guess what! I just got a boy who has never gone to school - ever! Same with his 2nd grade brother!
KinderCop - Mel- that's one thing I've been thinking about - looping - having the same kids two years. Do you like it?
Mel - what grade srs?
srs - How did the parents get away with this?
czarlenne - srs where r u from? sorry if u already said, i 4get.
McD - thanks for the info everyone, just found out we have a 2 hour delay in the morning , I have to make a few phone calls
srs - Kindergarten
Mel - kindergarten?
val - every year there is talk of keeping them for 2 years but we've yet to try it
srs - McD no fair - I want a 2 hour delay!
Mel - kindergarten is not compulsory here so they can get away with that
Mel - why the delay?
KinderCop - Mel, no, I would move to 1st with them
srs - Mel, from Canada, boy and i missing stuff
McD - snow
srs - ???
srs - Where are you McD?
McD - pa
Mel - you're from Canada srs?
srs - oh I see, heard it was bad, there
McD - we got 12 inches last night
srs - No Mel lol are you?
McD - no school today and a delay (so far) tomorrow
srs - McD Where in PA around where?
Mel - ah you're getting the snow we got yesteday..we didn't have delay this A.M....no Fair!!!
McD - northeast right on the NY state border
McD - binghamton, NY is 20 minutes from me
KinderCop - McD - I "bet" on today being a snow day for us, in MI, but no such luck
srs - Did they declare a snow emergency?
McD - It is beautiful here
McD - no emergency
Mel - emergency for 12 inches???
czarlenne - McD, where in PA?
srs - from OH I want a blizzard, and yes, that would have been situation here with 12 inches
McD - I told my first graders we would build snowmen if we ever got snow
czarlenne - I'm from west of Philly.
McD - czar, northeast, susquehanna county
srs - McD Tell me about 1st if you have time....I have chance to move up
farhad - hi everybody
McD - above Scranton and Wilkes Barre
McD - LOVE first
Mel - guess you can keep your promise when you get there McD
farhad - i'm from iran
srs - have you taught K?
KinderCop - Time to go - have to be in bed by 10. Nice talking to everyone. Have a good day tomorrow - school or not.
McD - they are great, so eager to learn and the joy they bring to you when the learn something new like reading
Mel - nite Kinder
srs - Bye KinderCop, nice talking with you
KinderCop - Good luck tomorrow, czarlenne
srs - don't blow too hard on that whistle!!
McD - srs, I had a child tell me once that they could read because I taught them , I thought I would cry, they were so sincere
Mel - I'm going too so goodnight
McD - srs, I think it would be great to try a "looping" year from k to first
srs - McD, I really love 5-6 year olds, but seems like so much to do always with parents, I try to conference throughtout entire year if needed
Mel - http://www.gta3warehouse.com/images/sitescreens/yardielobocar.jpg
McD - I subbed for 10 years before I got my contract in first
Mel - oops sorry just trying something
srs - wow McD, congrats on perm position
Mel - Nite!!!
McD - thanks
czarlenne - wow, 10 yrs
czarlenne - i'm just starting out now
McD - yea, 10 years! but it was worth the wait
czarlenne - that's good
srs - how many kids in your 1st gr?
czarlenne - McD, r u early child cert or elem ed cert?
srs - is it really hard to teach reading??
McD - I didn't want to leave my area, I love where I live and built my house, so I waited to get a job here
McD - czar, both
McD - srs, yes and no on reading, challenging , but very rewarding
czarlenne - since u'r from pa, someone mentioned earlier, that to teach k-3, i might need to get early child ed cert instead of just the elem. ed
czarlenne - is that correct?
czarlenne - it is my understanding that elem. ed cert will allow u to teach k-6
McD - I don't think so czar
srs - McD - I'm afraid administration would expect a lot from me - current 1st gr teachers work those kids to death!!
czarlenne - is k or 1st when kids r taught to read?
McD - I know I am certifide to teach birth to 6 or 8
McD - grade that is
srs - Czar, i do have some reading at end of K
McD - czar our school starts in K
czarlenne - hi iloverecess?
McD - srs, I do things very different than the other first grade teachers in my building
srs - and yes, the rewards are tremendous, arent they
czarlenne - oops ignore the "?"
McD - well, I think I do
iloverecess - hello
srs - dont you just get so excited when a kid's light bulb turns on?
McD - My kids have homework every night, but it is usually reading a reading sheet or a "book" we make together
srs - hi i love..
McD - yes srs
iloverecess - I march to a different beat as well
McD - gotta go
srs - well all, afraid I'm hittin' the sack. It was brief, but enjoyed talking with you
iloverecess - bye McD ... I wasn't sure anyone would still be here.
iloverecess - I guess I came in too late. I'm really avoiding some work I need to do.
czarlenne - nite McD & srs
czarlenne - ilove... r u a K teacher?
iloverecess - yes I am
iloverecess - I taugh pre-k for 5 yrs and 1st for 1. This is my 2nd yr in K
czarlenne - I'm starting out subbing...
czarlenne - my first assignment is K, which is tomorrow
czarlenne - i am getting my teach cert through a local grad school
iloverecess - I did the subbing bit too. I was lucky to do a lot at a k thru 2 school.
czarlenne - decided to do a career change, and have always wanted to teach k-3
czarlenne - hi kdgtch
iloverecess - K is the best! It's been my favorite so far
czarlenne - so far i've obsereved a 5th grade for 1 day, and 1/2 day at 2nd grade
czarlenne - now i'm going to b subbing in a K class tomorrow
czarlenne - i'm excited & nervous
czarlenne - hi eim
czarlenne - ilove...since u subbed b4, any suggestions for me?
iloverecess - Well, I sing a lot! I always wowed them with how quickly I could learn their names.
czarlenne - sorry bout that...computer error again ... grrrnow i remember y i got out of computers
iloverecess - If the teacher didn't leave name tags, make some. Masking tape with perm marker does fine
czarlenne - good idea...thanks
iloverecess - I'd sing Willoby Wallaby and do their names...they love it. I also bring a stash of stickers...kids'll do a lot for a sticker. A favorite book or 2 is good...funny ones with good pix.
iloverecess - Most teachers will leave a lesson plan to follow but I would find that I had to improvise often.
czarlenne - ilove...thanks for the help
iloverecess - When I subbed in a school that I wasn't familiar with I'd tell the lineleader to take us to _____ and I'd follow the class. This is good because you can see what is going on too.
iloverecess - No problem, subbing is a valuable experience.
iloverecess - Well, I should probably do the homework I'm putting off. I'm working on ESOL cert. and my class is tomorrow nite.
czarlenne - what is ESOL cert?
iloverecess - English Speakers of Other Languages...in some states it's ESL.
czarlenne - gotcha
iloverecess - Nite czar...enjoy tomorrow
czarlenne - nite
czarlenne - *thanks
