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Kim/K/SCal - Yes... we are discussing "Mosaic of Thought".... MOT
Jan - I briefly ran through MOT to update my schema before coming on line.
Kim/K/SCal - ((Kathy)) O.K. wz, are you familiar with the book, Mosaic of Thought?
wz - Nope.
Kathy/IA - Yes, I am
Jan - Sorry, that's DEBBIE
Mae - ok - I'm planning text to text lessons next week -I'm going to use the same book that I started w/for T-S
Kathy/IA - I read it several years ago ... I haven't had time to really go back recently and dig though it ... but I'll attempt to join the conversation!
Kim/K/SCal - Well, there is good solid research out there that shows what good readers "do." There is evidence to support the idea that TEACHERS can model and explicitly teach these strategies to kids.
Kim/K/SCal - The book is written by a staff developer/teacher and is very readable. Very common sense. If you are a reader, you will LIKE this book.
Kathy/IA - Yes, explicit teaching is important. We work with our teachers a lot with that concept through various strategies.
Kathy/IA - Jan, Shelby will enjoy your t-t lesson!!! What are you using?
Jan - I have been thinking about my own thinking as I read. I can tell how complex it is
wz - Is it a book I could order through Barnes and Nobel or such? Sounds great? Anything brain based is up my alley.
Mae - I'm still trying to figure out an order or balance between strategies and skills, or how they will match up
Jan - I'm thinking of "Relatives Came" Rylant
Kim/K/SCal - Oh.... the pretzels are in the blue bowl, ladies.
Kathy/IA - That is so important Jan ... and as you know it is a HARD thing for teachers to DO!
Kathy/IA - I love that book!
Kim/K/SCal - YES, wz.... get it tonight on Amazon or BN! Then come to the board and join us
Jan - I'm concerned about the modeling. I have not done it a lot.
Kathy/IA - Teachers have to analyze how they read, in order to assist their students.
Mae - Next week is book fair - I will be looking for Rylant and Fox books
Kim/K/SCal - Anything by Cynthia Rylant will work, Jan.
Kathy/IA - I tell teachers that we have the "good reader syndrome" going on.
Jan - I do love Rylant.
Kim/K/SCal - Mae, I MUST stay out of book fairs. Danger danger. The PTA salivates when I come to their book fairs.
Mae - Jan - just stay aware and think of things that come naturally - or preplan 3-4 times that you will stop and think out loud
Jan - Kathy, what is good reader syndrome
Mae - what can i say - books are my weakness (phooey on caps in here)
wz - Thanks, a million guys. I'm checking out now - been on line in another chat room almost 2 hours - going to bed - i WILL get this book!!! Have a good week all. The analyzing parts sounds like National Board which is what the other chat group is doing.
Kim/K/SCal - Good luck, wz
wz - You, too,. Night
Kathy/IA - When we use a book or a story in a basal or a chapter from a content text, we as teachers have read it many times before.
Mae - join us on the pro rdng board - wz
Debbie (still me) - ok, trying again
Kathy/IA - We need to realize that it is probably the first time the child is approaching the text.
Jan - Gave me an autographed copy. Looks fabulousA university friend of mine just had a new book come out. "The Reading-Writing Connection."
Kim/K/SCal - Okay, let's reintroduce ourselves. I'm Kim, teach Kinder and Remedial Reading 2nd gr. Also teach a credential class. I live in SoCal, 60 miles north of L.A.
Mae - it's quicker w/4th graders who are good readers
Debbie (still me) - I teach multi-age group of 4th and 5th graders in an inner city setting, low reading scores on state test haunt us every year
Jan - Sorry the last message is garbled. Too many margueritas
Kathy/IA - We need to think about introducing the text, and the strategies that we want to explicitly teach in a way that meets there needs, not ours.
Mae - I'm Mae - teach 4th - near NASA/Houston area
Kathy/IA - I'm Kathy and I'm a reading consultant for an education agency in Iowa.
Jan - Friend gave me copy of a new book. The Reading-Writing Connection.
Kim/K/SCal - Pass me a managrita. I mean margnita. I mean....
Mae - Rdng-Writing conn. sounds familiar - who is the author
Jan - I'm Jan. A staff development consultant from California
Mae - too much tequilla kim?
Kim/K/SCal - Where in CA, Jan?
Debbie (still me) - I feel very optimistic about using this explicit instruction, my kids seem to have made great strides already
Jan - Author: Carol Booth Olson, Univ of CA Writing Project director
Kathy/IA - I'll have to look for that book, Jan.
Kim/K/SCal - Well....no. Actually I have a raging bladder infection and am on Motrin horse pills.
Jan - I live in Laguna Beach. Work in Redondo Beach and other districts.
Mae - I've been using explicit instruction for 4 years -and for two yrs. w/the strategies. MOT has helped me get it more focused.
Kathy/IA - I've already told the book company in Des Moines that I buy from to be ready for me at the Iowa Reading Conference
Jan - Book looks wonderful! I have an autographed copy
Kim/K/SCal - OH... you are somewhat close to me,geographically speaking. Philosophically, too of course.
Debbie (still me) - Mae, my sister lives in Houston near the GW Bush airport
Kathy/IA - She sounds like she will have Debbie's book waiting for me. She is suppose to get them at the end of March.
Mae - Debbie that is north - i'm south
Jan - About explicit instruction....how difficult is it as a model of teaching?
Mae - It's hard to get started w/explicit - I just about need a script at first
Mae - Jan - remember my bookmarks from my workshop? I'm going to modify them
Mae - giggle - are you here to talk about MOT?
Jan - We taught Ex Inst to a group of teachers in study groups. They had difficulty implementing
Kim/K/SCal - I'm a bit confused. Is "explicit instruction" a particular methodology?
Jan - A script would help.
Mae - You have to have a crutch for awhile and plenty of practice - same thing w/asking good questions
Kathy/IA - Teachers seem to have a hard time with the concept of expl. instruction ... it isn't in their "regular" tool kit, in some cases. Other teachers have been doing it all along .
Mae - explicit means "think out loud"
giggle - This is my first time on chat in this site and I am looking for some info on spelling programs. I'm not sure what MOT is--sorry
Kim/K/SCal - I have been looking at it more generically....like to EXPLICITLY teach the skills you want them to adopt....
Jan - The think-alouds were difficult for teachers
Mae - sometimes we do it naturally - like when we are reading aloud and we stop and say oh my that reminds me of...
Kim/K/SCal - OH sheesh, Mae..... Now I get it. I have been doing that all year with my kinders but not telling them what I was doing.
Debbie (still me) - I gave my STW book to my principal to look over, she still has it this weekend, I wish I did, I might just have to order another copy
Mae - giggle - this is a planned chat on Mosaic of Thought - try the primary chat board - post to grace - she is the resident guru
Jan - With ex inst, I think the gradual release of respons is important. That is the scaffolding.
Kim/K/SCal - I guess I have been doing IMPLICIT instruction, LOL.
Kim/K/SCal - Yeah, Grace/IL knows ALL about spelling. Post a query on the main board.
Kathy/IA - I love STW ... we have Anne Goudvis coming in April (along with Debbie Miller) ...
Mae - the kids need a chance to think out loud too - like w/partners
Jan - That's funny, Kim. Must be the pills!
giggle - Mae, I have heard of this book and I am going to purchase it as soon as I can. It has been highly recommended. Thanks for your input.
Mae - kathy - you lucky girl!
Kim/K/SCal - Yes, and that gradual release is so ..... nebulous because it is different for each situation, each child
Jan - Kathy, where are you getting those smileys
Debbie (still me) - yes, Jan, I am having a littl etrouble with that area. I think I tend to release responsibility too soon
Mae - when you get it giggle, come join us on the pro rdng board
Kathy/IA - I'm thrilled! Debbie was here earlier ... and was WONDERFUL!
Kim/K/SCal - Yeah, Kathy.... I heard from my friend Kathy in IA....I am so jealous.
Kathy/IA - So was Anne.
Jan - How do you actually know when to release?
giggle - Will do?
Kim/K/SCal - I release responsibility too soon too. WAY TOO SOON.
Mae - gradual release is different for grade levels/reading levels - MOT spends lots of time in primary
giggle - Sorry meant Will do. Can you tell me how to get to the primary chat board?
Kathy/IA - Where is your friend Kathy in Iowa from again ?
Kim/K/SCal - True. MOT inspired me to buy a Billy Collins book!
Mae - click on chatboards and then look down the list
Kim/K/SCal - Ottumwa.... James Elementary
giggle - Where is chatboards>
Debbie (still me) - I judge by how they do with me in guded practice, if they are answering and responding correcting, I think they are ready. They are ready as far as motivation is concerned but
Jan - Mae, the release of resp is something you do because these are STRATEGIES, not SKILLS.
Kathy/IA - Anne and Debbie will be using the Strategies that Work video (Debbie's part) again. It is really good.
Mae - i think that you model first, then let the kids practice w/partners, and then use sticky notes and oral assessments - depends on the age too
Kim/K/SCal - You have to logoff outa here and then the screen will have it.
Jan - Yes, the GP should be the clue.
Kathy/IA - Adding student applications for the strategies will also help you to see if they are gaining the strategy.
Mae - you know i have used think alouds for skills too - is that wrong?
Mae - Kathy - what kind of applications?
Kim/K/SCal - I only have my 2nd graders from 2-4 twice a week. It is hard to do anything DEEP with MOT because they are so unprepared.
Jan - No, think alouds are excellent for skills
Kathy/IA - Could you explain an example Mae?
giggle - Mae-where is the chatboards at??
Mae - hi irene - are you here to discuss Mosaic of Thought?
Kim/K/SCal - I use a lot of think-alouds and a LOT of t-t, t-s, t-w......
Mae - Context clues
Jan - We have always talked about TA in our instruction class. We called it "modeling the process."
Kim/K/SCal - Jan... have you started the Pressley book, the chapter about MOT?
Jan - Yes, I have skimmed Pressley
Mae - you have to log off and then you should see the a link for chatboards at the top or side
giggle - okay, thanks alot!
Debbie (still me) - many of my kids get stuck simply using visualization when I conference with them or they ask a lot of questions, the other strategies are not as easy for them
Jan - I have to agree with him on MOT. They do not make explicit instruction obvious. I have always complained about it.
Kathy/IA - If a teacher is explicitly teaching ... lets say a particular text structure, like compare contrast - a student application would be for them to then find examples that they could share with the class. (This really isn't a piece in MOT ... but is tied to an Initiative we are doing in Iowa)
Mae - Debbie - what grade again?
Irene - I think you have got to get STW for the explicit model,
Irene - I think you have got to get STW for the explicit model,
Jan - I recognize that initiative, Kathy!
Kim/K/SCal - Yes. I just couldn't put my finger on it.
Kathy/IA - I wonder why .... Jan!
Kim/K/SCal - Me, too..... again from the other Kathy.
Mae - xip - are you here for Mosaic of Thought?
Kim/K/SCal - Can you get us that initiative here in CA Jan?
Jan - Kathy is in an initiative that I was involved in here.
Mae - Texas too!
Kim/K/SCal - BRB ladies.... restroom again
Jan - It is Models of Teaching with Bruce Joyce and Emily Calhoun
Kathy/IA - It has been a wonderful learning journey for me!
xipetotec - Hi there. Yes I am.
Jan - We did models of teaching over the reading-writing connection
Mae - Models of Teaching is $85!
xipetotec - The browser is binging, but I'm concerned...
Kathy/IA - Is your friend Kathy's school still doing the Every Child Reads strategies - Kim?
Irene - Does anyone else use the six traits writing as a compatible piece with MOT?
Jan - It is fabulous! I was involved 5 years working with Bruce and Emily. Best experience of my life!
Mae - I use 6 traits - I've already noticed some compatibilities
Irene - restroom...brb
Jan - Yes, I know. It's worth it. My name is in it!!
Mae - I need a grant for all of these books! LOL!
Kathy/IA - It sure is ... and I skipped right passed it the first time I read it ... didn't I Jan!!!!
Jan - Bruce is coming out with a new book in April called Models of Learning
Kathy/IA - Are you in it???
xipetotec - With 5th grade. I've been moved from 1st grade to 5th. I hav read your admonitions that we should "teach our hearts out this year," but I am concerned
Mae - Tell him to put a lower price on it!
Mae - xip - you are from Tx
Jan - It gets more expensive every year!
Kathy/IA - What is your concern, xip?
Mae - I think I will look for a used copy at the Univ.
Jan - Good idea,Mae. Theyuse it as a text book
Kathy/IA - Good idea Mae ... I found a great copy of Fountas/Pinnell's Guided Reading at the Iowa State bookstore - used, it great condition!
Kathy/IA - I wish I lived closer, I'd be checking the book store out A LOT!
Mae - I've borrowed a grad Ss copy of MOT - but I think I'm going to get it so that I can write in it
xipetotec - Yep, I'm from Texas. The TEKS looms large. You have said to teach our hearts out. My grade level feels that the kids aren't capable of that. Suggestions?
Jan - I just got Fountas Pinnell yesterday
Kathy/IA - Which one?
Jan - Didn't think about University bookstore! I will check it.
Mae - Yes they are xip - what grade?
Mae - Or best yet - a starving college student who is ready to sell!
Jan - Fountas Pinnell upper grade
xipetotec - I have Mosaic of thought and Fountas Pinnell 3-6. Can I be secure that they will put my kids where they need to be/
Mae - I have Fountas Pinnell - I've just scanned it - I really need to read it thoroughly
Kathy/IA - If they are going into teaching and use Models of Teaching ... I'd hope they keep it ... in on the other had I hope they sell it ... so you can get it!
Jan - I have so many books stacked up, I will never get them read.
Mae - xip - if you use research based strategies - they will do well
Kathy/IA - I need to continue diving in to F/P upper grade - I use a lot of pieces of it for workshops.
Jan - Models of Teaching is not an easy read. But a great resource!
Mae - they won't keep it - it's too hard to connect to until you have been in the classroom
xipetotec - Ok. I really believe that, too. What I DON'T want are more TAAS worksheets.
Kathy/IA - True ... Mae
Mae - Use real literature, mag. articles, etc. Have you looked on TEA's site - they have samples now
Jan - Of the MOT strategies, which is the most difficult to teach?
Kim/K/SCal - Do you recommend F&P 3-6? I have G.R.
Mae - xip - what region of Texas are you from?
Kathy/IA - Can you explain your TAAS worksheets. I try to explain to teachers how good we have it in Iowa .. and they don't seem to understand .... I know your TAAS is a very high stakes test.
xipetotec - I went to a grade level workshop where everyone seemed to thonk that the poor kids weren't capable of the work I wanted to ask of them.
Kathy/IA - Yes, I like the 3-6 book - it goes into much more than just Guided Read -
Kathy/IA - Nice Jan ... trying to get us back on target ... great staff developer!
Mae - It's all comprehension questions after a passage. Nothing exciting. Check out any m/c workbook w/reading passages and questions
xipetotec - I'm from El Paso.
Jan - F&P is huge! It will take a month to get through it.
Mae - xip - I've taught in a low-socio ec area - they can do a lot!
Kathy/IA - And you are to keep having the kids practice these types of worksheets?
xipetotec - I'm hoping, Mae.
Mae - F&P is summer reading - and at the rate I'm going so is STW - I'm still on MOT
Kathy/IA - So many books, so little time!
Jan - I've been reading MOT since 1998.
Kim/K/SCal - Amen, Kathy!
Mae - Kathy - I don't do it anymore - rebel! hehehe - We will do a few before the test - but not everyday. Some places do it every stinkin' day. Never any strategies - just comprehension.
Kathy/IA - I want to get Pressley's new one, too. I copied a few chapters of it from Anne Goudvis when she was here.
xipetotec - How much can you reasonably expect 5th graders to jump with a MOT approach?
Mae - Jan - Geesh! - I thought I was slow!
Kim/K/SCal - I read it the first time in '00 I think. But re-reading it really helped me.
Jan - Pressley's book is good. Very "researchy."
Mae - My 4th graders love it! I even taught them the terms metacognition and schema
Debbie - I am having so much trouble , I am missing the good discussion
Jan - I'm finally getting the hang of MOT
xipetotec - Don't worry- MOT has been on my reading shelf since 1999, too.
Kim/K/SCal - Yes, Jan. Very RESEARCHY. And ESOTERIC.
Kathy/IA - The great thing about the MOT book is that any grade level can use it. When it first came out I was part of an on line book discussion of it. The amazing thing was that K teachers were hooking into it .... and all the way up to 12th grade!
Mae - 5th graders can do it - I've taught the high ones, the low ones, the poor ones, the rich ones, the gang ones...
Jan - It will be good if you have insomnia.
Debbie - birds can do it, bees can do it LOL
Mae - Debbie - I think that our discussion will go into the archives
Kim/K/SCal - You know how Keene talks about text structure? Well, WE needed to understand some text structure in order to understand MOT.
Kathy/IA - Pressleys ... yes, I know. But in this line of work (as you know Jan) I need a good handle on the researach.
Debbie - good Mae, thanks, sometimes I hate computers
xipetotec - I was told that the 5th grader's writing was so atrocious that a writer's workshop approach wouldn't be adequate or appropriate.
Kathy/IA - Yes, text structure is so important!
Mae - Kathleen wants to know if we would like to do this on a regular basis
Jan - I wonder if I will ever read fiction again! All I read is research.
Kathy/IA - Sure .. I love having these kind of conversations!
Kim/K/SCal - Oh yes, please! I will feel better and be more productive next time.
xipetotec - I NEED to do this on a regular basis.
Kathy/IA - I use to monitor the elementary chats here ...
Kim/K/SCal - Jan.... I bought some fiction, finished it, went back to the research.
Mae - xip - check into 6 traits of writing - it's made a world of difference
Kathy/IA - It was so helpful to be able to have conversations about the things I had a passion for - it moved my thinking and learning SO MUCH
Jan - Yes, I'm figuring out, finally, how this chat works.
Debbie - I love reading this research but I don't know anyone else in my school who does
Mae - Friday nights, same time, same channel?
xipetotec - I plan to check that. Thanks, Mae.
Mae - Jan - it takes a little while to get the hang of it
Jan - Teachers, as a rule, resist research like the plague!
Kathy/IA - OH Debbie ... a teacher that likes research ... I'd love to come to your school. I usually get the "deer in the headlights" look!
Mae - grins - are you here for Mosaic of Thought?
Debbie - I wonder why, Jan?
grins - Hello Everyone...anyone ever talk here about problems with parents?
Kim/K/SCal - Yes Mae....
Jan - It is a big problem in education. Kathy and I have talked about this before.
Mae - Jan - that is because most college teachers never make the connections between research and reality
Kim/K/SCal - They tell me at my school that I "make them tired."
grins - No, Mae....I'm not acquainted with that. Sorry.
Kim/K/SCal - (((((Ginny))))
Jan - You don't know how unusual a group like this is.
Ginny - Hi, I'm lurking.
Mae - grins - this is a preset chat on Mosaic of Thought - you might try rm 1 or 2
Debbie - oh Kathy, you don't wanto come to my school. My principal is trying to have collaboration meetings and you quite a war has started
Mae - Hey GINNY!
grins - oops...thanks
Kim/K/SCal - You're LURKING good, Ginny!
Mae - Oh yes I do - I am flying all by my lonesome!
Jan - Mae, I think that's true. We are trying to remedy that with induction programs for new teachers.
Kathy/IA - Schools keep saying they are using research based practices, but they look at you so strange when you mention key reading researchers!
Ginny - Sanks a lot
Jan - Hi, Ginny.
Ginny - Hi all...
xipetotec - Hi Ginny. I have read your commments on the boards, too. What are you going back to school for?
Jan - Administrators don't want it either. It is a very anti-intellectual profession!
Kathy/IA - What type of collaboration meetings, Debbie?
Kim/K/SCal - Yeah.... like you mention ALLINGTON and your superintendent looks blank..... CUNNINGHAM? I say...?
Ginny - Masters of Arts in Teaching
Mae - I think too many teachers don't ground their instruction in research
Kathy/IA -Jan
Jan - In the 20 years I have been in staff development, I have not been successful in getting many to read any research
Irene - I am so lucky...I work in a district that is very forward thinking and moving toward MOT at all the elementaries.
Kim/K/SCal - Yes, Jan THAT IS EXACTLY IT!!! What an irony.
Jan - Mae, you are so right! Cutesy ideas are what they want!
Debbie - well, the purpose is to discuss ways to improve our test state test scores by lookin gat our lowest areas, working together to target goals, teach ,assess and collect data
Mae - Jan - I'm the only one that ever asks for the journals in the library - the librarian thinks I'm strange!
Kim/K/SCal - Once I referred to Marilyn Adams. Same look. THEN I said, well she WROTE that curriculum you jammed down our throats. Open Court.
Kathy/IA - If I find a SHORT Reading Teacher article ... I've had a little success .. which really isn't the "heavy" research, but is based on it.
Irene - How long do you take for a strategy study? It seems like we take forever!!
xipetotec -
Jan - It is ironic, isn't it Kim? And, sad.
Ginny - I have to read research in small amounts so I don't get bored...and give up. But I love learning/
Kim/K/SCal - I need a research question. I think I want it MOT related.
Jan - Some Ed Leadership articles work. Also many like P, David Pearson's stuff.
Kathy/IA - You probably should continue a strategy study for a long time. - your student data and your teacher implementation data will drive you to your next strategy. (part of that Iowa thing again)
Mae - The problem w/most research articles is the writing - dry - they need to jazz it up a bit to get teacher's attention
Jan - Kim, that would be a wonderful research question!
Kim/K/SCal - The Pearson article in Pressley's book aligns well to MOT
Kathy/IA - Yes, I use Ed Leadership too and Primary Voices
Irene - I think too many districts want a prepackaged, quick fix to test scores. Open Court and Success for All reading programs weasel their way in with the heavy marketing blitz.
Kim/K/SCal - WOT would be a MOT research question......????
Debbie - I told on eteacher about STW and she said she wanted to see it, so when I showed it to her she said oh, that looks like a text book and she wasn't interested
Mae - Kathy - I think it depends on your readers - my kids are getting it really fast
Jan - I haven't read Pearson's chapter yet. He is an excellent writer
Kathy/IA - I didn't mean with students, Mae - I meant with teachers.
Mae - Oh - sorry - you are right!
Kim/K/SCal - Debbie LOLOLOL! I mentioned a book club to one of my colleagues. She asks, well, will there be food? I said sure..... then she says, well.... will I have to read? Can't i come for the food?
Mae - Kim - what is your research question? I missed it.
Kathy/IA - Yep ... all they want is the current issue of Mailbox Magazine!
Jan - MOT question? I don't exactly know, but I think a study of kid's growth in reading would be wonderful.
Debbie - exactly, Kathy!!!
Kim/K/SCal - I don't KNOW what my research question is..... yet. I but I want it to be MOT related.
Mae - Teachers want practical, walk into the classroom and do it now
Irene - Wow--is anyone working at a school or in a district that has embraced MOT as a philosophy for all campuses?
Jan - Especially in K - reading comp is thought to be in higher grades only
Debbie - SO the key is to write research and make it look like a copy of Mailbox
Kim/K/SCal - You see... I HAD a research question. Then the university putzed around with my reading certification program. So I am waiting. Meanwhile, the question is stale and uninteresting to me now.
Kathy/IA - Our agency gets a journal/mag subscription for every 10 teachers who request it (we circulate them out to the teachers) We get SO many copies of Mailbox!!!!
Jan - You've got it, Debbie!
Kim/K/SCal - NO,Debbie.... like PEOPLE!
Mae - You've got it Debbie!
Kim/K/SCal - Stupid Mailbox.
Kathy/IA - Hey ... good idea Debbie ... I think we should try that!!!!
Mae - Jan - we jinxed - make a wish
Kim/K/SCal - What.... GUSSY up a Pearson article? Illustrate it.....hmmmmmmm.....
Jan - I would like to try study groups reading research!
Kathy/IA - And ... I hate to admit it ... I have a basement full of Mailbox and FLUFF from my teaching days!
Debbie - NO, Irene, not here, but I am working on it having talks with my principal about it . She is coming in on Monday to watch me when I have my class. I will be a think aloud and also have kids show how they think aloud
Jan - I noticed, Mae!
Irene - Jan--that is what we do on our campus and it is great. Our district uses a small group approach to staff development, and it has paid off huge.
Kim/K/SCal - Yes Jan.... I am THERE. I wish you could steamroll my asst superintendent who is still "checking regulations."
Debbie - I get Mailbox ,too LOL
Mae - Irene - what state are you in?
Kim/K/SCal - Small group, Irene? Sounds great.
Jan - I love study groups. I worked with a school for 5 years who did them wonderfully!
Irene - Texas...I live in San Antonio.
Kathy/IA - Sure ... keep the research in tack, just put some cute graphics with it so it doesn't look like a "text book" ... I'm only kidding.
mkr - Hi! I can gloat a little bit. Several teachers on our staff got together this past SUMMER to read MOT and have implemented it. We love it and share ideas quite often.
Kim/K/SCal - Mailbox usually has ONE useable idea for every 500 pages they print.
Jan - Study groups IF they are doing something substantive, is the best staff development you can have.
Mae - I don't thnk that there is anything wrong w/Mailbox - the part that is wrong is that the REALLY good stuff, like MOT isn't pkgd. as well.
Kathy/IA - Great MKR!
Debbie - wow mkr, that's great
Kim/K/SCal - Oh, don't TEASE us mkr!
Mae - Irene - I'm from Texas too - Houston area
Jan - In my current district, I am struggling with study groups! Teachers are resisting extra work
Mae - I've thought about trying to get a study group together - I'm feeling a little shy about it though
Debbie - Texas seems to be leading the nation in education lately,
Kim/K/SCal - Yes, Jan. I know I am on the right path and have a good idea.
Ginny - When we started talking about writing a book, I did an internet search on educational journals and found quite a few...including Ed Leadership online. http://www.geocities.com/ginnyks/resources.html
Kathy/IA - Did you feel it worked to study it in the summer and have a plan of implemention in the fall, MKR? I'm thinking of offering something like that this summer to teacher in my area. I just worry that they wouldn't have immediate practice of the strategies - they could practice with each other ... but kids make the difference!
Irene - That's fairly typical of our school, too--we get together and really talk about best practice. Summer is a great time, since everyone is free. It's very casual. Very relaxed...but powerful, as well.
Jan - I do have an administrator's study group. They read research!!
mkr - Yes, a friend of mine and i came back from a conference and heard Keene present and watched her work with a group of kids. We were so amazed and wowed it really fired everyone else up,too.
Jan - Ed leadership is great.The whole mag is not online unless you belong.
Kim/K/SCal - I stand in awe, mkr. You SAW Keene work with kids? Wow....
Kathy/IA - There's a good article on our Iowa Initiative in the March 2002 Ed. Leadership ... did you find it online, Jan?
Mae - It's the direction that I'm worried about (Tx)
Debbie - I know what you mean Mae
Jan - I would kill to see Keene.
Irene - Mae...you should go for it. Study groups are so powerful.
Kim/K/SCal - NOBODY in my school reads research. I am hounding a small group of teachers to read MOT or something with me.
Debbie - LOL Jan
Jan - Irene, I'm impressed. Does everyone participate?
Mae - Kim - I may have to hound someone
Irene - I have been very lucky. I met both Keene and Michelle Stanley from STW. What great women!!
Ginny - One of the most successful study groups we had was when central office said do the study group, we send you to meet the author.
Debbie - Not at my school either, I work with a bunch of complainers, sorry to say
Jan - Let's find a Keene conference and all of us can meet there!
Kathy/IA - I can see it now ... small pockets of teachers sneaking around to read research so that their fellow staff members won't see.
Irene - Well, yes, in some way or other. We have several philosophies that are always being supported somehow through a study group.
Mae - Great idea Jan!
Ginny - Met Howard Gardner and Thomas Armstrong that way...also Susan Kovalic.
Debbie - LOL Kathy, that is how I fel exactly!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Jan - Kathy, that is what you have to do!
mkr - Summer was a great time. We had the time to study how we sue the strategies and go through books we might like to use with kids.
Mae - The underground research readers!
Kim/K/SCal - Subversive Teachers Reading Research..... the ol' STRR. STIRRING things up.
Jan - How do we find out about a Keene workshop?
Kathy/IA - We tried to get her to come here ... but that didn't work (Keene) but working with Anne and Debbie has been very beneficial.
Jan - I like STRR, Kim!
Mae - Zimmermann has a website
Irene - Our district plans an early dismissal day each six weeks so study groups can meet/discuss/touch base.
Debbie - maybe all the other teachers in our schools are sneaking around reading research ,t oo!!
Kim/K/SCal - Just add water....
Jan - I had an email from Zimmerman!
Kathy/IA - I know ... Jan and Debbie ... it is so sad that that is the way it is.
Mae - Kathleen said she would try to contact Zimmermann about a chat
Kim/K/SCal - NO WAY, Jan!
Kathy/IA - I can ask Anne if she knows of any.
Irene - Keene will email you if you email her...she loves contact with teachers.
Mae - How did you manage that Jan?
Debbie - Hey, I had an e-mail from Harry Wong, one time!! LOL
Mae - Let's invite Keene to our chat!
Kim/K/SCal - Pat Cunningham once eMailed me back.....
Mae - I had several emails from Marilyn Burns!
mkr - Yes, she has popped on to the mosiac list serve a couple of times.
Jan - Zimmerman will let me know if she comes to CA. Only does whole districts
Mae - We have all touched fame...
Irene - And actually, everyone who works for the Colorado groups that started the ball rolling on MOT is very accessible to teachers...they are very personable and easy to contact.
Jan - Harry Wong! Wow! My favorite! LOL
Kathy/IA - I've found that is the case for most of these authors we put on a pedestal (sp ...). I've email Pearson and he has written back, called Hoffman and he had a lengthy conversation with me.
Jan - I had emails from Alfie Kohn!
mkr - I know of a Keene workshop in Portland, Oregon in August if you want info. But its at school and I just started spring break and I'm off to Palm Desert in the am
Irene - How long do the strategy studies last in your classrooms?
Kathy/IA - I email Katherine Schelk-Noe often about literature circles ... and she is SO helpful.
Kim/K/SCal - Jan, if she comes to your district don't forget your "long lost employee" up in the Antelope Valley. Can you sneak me in?
Jan - You're right Mae!
Debbie - Jan, I submitted my calssroom procedures and he e-mailed me and asked if he could use them in his next book, I was thirlled but am still waiting to see if it happens
Jan - Portland, Oregon? Not bad. Almost my hometown
Mae - I've just started T-S, and will begin T-T next week
Debbie - That's Harry Wong, boy my typing skills are bad
Jan - Debbie, that's great!
Irene - So, how long do you spend on each strategy?
Mae - I've noticed that the REALLY big researchers are from everywhere but Tx. - I wonder what that tells us?
Jan - You're right--these researchers will email you. I think they are very lonely!
Kathy/IA - Hoffman is in TX ... I think. Not many are from Iowa!
mkr - I spend about 6 weeks. We've done Connections, Questioning and Inferring
Mae - Irene - I think it depends on your kids - a few days, weeks, months, and always spiraling
Kim/K/SCal - Good question, Irene. I spend the whole year modeling since my Kinders are not independent readers yet.
Debbie - I have trouble teaching only one strategy at a time, they are so interdependent
Jan - Barak Rosenshine and I email on a regular basis! He loves to hear how things are going in classrooms.
Kim/K/SCal - Debbie... that is Pressley's criticism.
Kim/K/SCal - yes mae...SPIRALING
Jan - Debbie, in the new Pressley book, he criticizes MOT for suggesting that you teach one at a time!
Irene - I seem to spend closer to 8 weeks...it seems too long, but the kids love it and we just go deep, and then deeper.
Mae - Debbie - you can still have focused lessons, and then later combine - spiral what they already know
mkr - yes, I agree it's hard to teach only one at a time. I just try to focus, focus, focus on one but the others come up constantly.
Debbie - well, I have introduced them one at a time but my guided practice and think alouds include all of the startegies, well, the ones that fit the particular piece I am reading
Irene - I only say it seems too long because I get caught up in that old "worksheet" drive. I have to fight feeling like we need to move onto something else.
Jan - It makes sense that they are interdependent, but I think you have to focus on one so the kids can learn it.
Mae - I think it's okay if they come up - they should - it's natural -we should go for focus, not isolation
mkr - I've not read the Pressley book. What's it called?
Jan - Comprehension Instruction, Mkr
Mae - Irene - worksheets seem to come up for the gradebook!
Kim/K/SCal - It is new, a collection of articles written by researchers.
Mae - judy - we are discussing Mosaic of Thought
Jan - High Judy!
Irene - How do you assess? I am using rubrics, and the conversation is powerful. We use the exemplars model--expert/practitioner/apprentice/novice.
Kim/K/SCal - is this our judy?
Judy - Anyone have ideas for teaching inventive spelling?
Mae - Comprehension Instruction is Miller's book, right? That one will have to wait for the summer.
Ginny - Have you noticed that you may have used the strategies mentioned in MOT without using the MOT terms? I've read some of the comments and I think that is possible.
Judy - Hello, I'm new here.
Irene - Is Miller's book compatible to MOT?
Debbie - hi Judy
Jan - That's HI...SORRY
Kim/K/SCal - Yes, Ginny..... I have always "done" MOT without realizing it. I think it is what passionate readers do.....
Mae - I found the 6 traits reading analytical assessment - it's also grounded in Pearson's work. Ya'll should really check it out
Jan - MILLERS book is Reading for Meaning I think
Irene - Is there a website on that, Mae?
Kim/K/SCal - Thanks, Mae.....great idea.
Kathy/IA - Yes, that's right Jan
Mae - www.nwrel.com
Debbie - Yes, Jan, that's it. Great book, lots of practical applications
Kathy/IA - Debbie Miller was one of the teachers in MOT.
mkr - I've been sneeking a peek at miller's book at stenhouse.com and I love what I've read. I can't wait to get my hands on it.
Mae - I posted a more direct link on the pro rdng board
Jan - I think Miller's book is a real winner.
Irene - So, it's in line with six traits? I think 6 traits and MOT are great together!!
Kathy/IA - She has worked closely with the authors and is featured in part of a video by Anne Goudvis and Stephanie Harvey
Kim/K/SCal - me too, mkr
Jan - Miller fills in the gaps of MOT
Mae - I will probably ask ya'll for the name of Miller's book later on because I'll forget!
Irene - I mean six traits writing.
mkr - sneaking a peek, rather.
Kathy/IA - 6 traits of writing or reading?
Jan - MILLER is the main teacher in MOT
Kim/K/SCal - What is this video, Kathy? I think I saw it in the Stenhouse catalog I just got
Mae - I think it lines up w/6 traits - I haven't had a chance to analyze it, but it looks really good
Debbie - http://www.stenhouse.com/ Miller's book on-line
Mae - Irene - I caught ya
Kathy/IA - Strategies Instruction in Action (video)
Kathy/IA - You can find it at Stenhouse
Kim/K/SCal - Is it good for NEW teachers?
Kathy/IA - Yes, it is on page 5 of the catalog - I have it right here
Jan - I have nearly blinded myself reading Miller on line!
Mae - I am going to look for the video through my region service center
Debbie - How much is it
Jan - How much is the video?
Judy - time for glases?
Mae - I bet Jan - I just can't read like that .
Irene - We use the 4 blocks model, with MOT and six traits writing for the Guided Reading and the Writing block. How does everyone put this altogether? We're also a Core Knowledge School and a Basic School. It sounds like alot, but it creates a seamless curriculum, because everything is compatible.
Kim/K/SCal - LOL Judy...
Jan - Great minds definitely think alike. We are all saying the same thing! lol
Debbie - Jan, I read so much last week on-line that I got a migraine headache the next day!!
Kathy/IA - It has 4 30 minute tapes: Creating a culture of thinking, modeling questioning in a reading workshop, reading and understanding nonfiction, and using strategies to enhance book club discussions - would be good for all teachers.
Mae - Hi Judy
Kathy/IA - I've asked my agency to order it@
Mae - Irene - I can see that! I like 4 blocks too.
Judy - Hi Mae
Kathy/IA - $395.00\
Kathy/IA - $395.00
Irene - Wow--I would LOVE to see those videos!!!
Debbie - 395!!!! OOOPS!
Jan - The videos sound wonderful!
Kim/K/SCal - Sounds terrific..$395!!!!! American dollars?
Kathy/IA - Yes ... they are expensive.
Mae - Kathy - will you post the info about the video on the pro rdng board? High dollar - but service centers may have it available
Debbie - I just ordered three books for about 30 dollars this week, hubby doesn't know it yet
Kathy/IA - We got to preview part of it in October.
Kathy/IA - Sure, mae
Mae - Debbie - I feel your pain!
Jan - I have a book a day arriving from Amazon
Kim/K/SCal - GEEZ.... who do they think BUYS their stuff? I hate it when stuff is priced so exorbinently. I mean, I teach, I don't roll nekked in my money.
Irene - Does anyone have any great tips on implementing MOT? My greatest tip is that I always need to model more, not less. I'd love to hear from everyone their greatest "aha's", since those can be so helpful.
Judy - Bill passed - teachers can spend 250 and receive reinmburse on next yr taxes.
Mae - I just got a notice that Wondrous Words is on it's way - FINALLY!
Kathy/IA - I am fortunate to be able to have my agency order things like this for me to use in staff dev't and for our teachers. Since Anne and Debbie are coming to our agency, I've requested that we get this video.
Kim/K/SCal - e x o r b i n a n t l y
Mae - Kim - LOL!
Jan - That is great, Kathy!
Mae - Don't hold back on the terms - kids eat them up. I told mine they were college words.
Debbie - My greatest aha this week cam eas I was having the kids practice asking questions, as they asked they formed their own answers, thereby made inferences, I thought AHA!! SO this is how it works. Pardon my ignorance but I didn't see it until I experienced it.
Kim/K/SCal - e x h o r b i n i t e l y
Jan - I agree on not holding back on terms!
mkr - My biggest aha was giving the kids more reflection and share time about how these strategies help them read better.
Kathy/IA - I'm afraid of how much I will spend (of my own money) at our Iowa Reading Conference and then the same book company will be at our workshop in April. YIKES!
Jan - Kim, put down those margueritas!
Kathy/IA - Wonderful Debbie. I love AHA moments!!!!
Judy - I have to explain my terms-SDC class
Mae - I always thought that I was suppose to get good at asking questions - I never realized that it should be the other way around
Kathy/IA - Yea! Mkr!!!!
Mae - Kathy - I spent $200 on books at the conference in Arlington!
Kathy/IA - Love your new learning Mae! I think where you were is where many teachers are still at!!
Kim/K/SCal - Okay Jan
Kim/K/SCal - I've done that, Mae...
Kathy/IA - I'll post the grand total when I get back ... if I remember!
Kathy/IA - I've been circling things right and left in the Stenhouse catalog.
Ginny - I was bumped there for awhile. Didn't realize it until I tried to comment. Have any of you used QAR?
Kim/K/SCal - Those AHA moments come along just often enough.....
Jan - Agree, Mae!
Kathy/IA - I have a work copy of the catalog and a home copy ... that I keep drooling over!
Kim/K/SCal - LOL, Kathy.... you should see MY catalogue. Bent pages everywhere.
Irene - How do you have them track their thinking? I've begun using Reader's Response Logs, but I'm new at it. What has worked for your class? (anyone)
Mae - I use QAR all the time. I have new terms - simpler - book or brain and book to brain
Kim/K/SCal - QAR intrigues me. I tried it once with an 8th grader. Frustrating. The questions were superficial
Mae - Sticky notes
Debbie - My classroom discussions have been so wonderful and fun since the kids now now how to discuss the text by sharing connections, inferences, questions, etc. They show pride in their discussion , pride that they can use these strategic terms when sharing
Kathy/IA - QAR is a good strategy - I've read a lot of Taffy Raphal's research on it.
mkr - we've been making lots of charts; but I loved the way Miller organized hers
Ginny - Kansas reading tests are based on QAR
Mae - QAR is great for content reading and TAAS
Debbie - I bought tons of sticky notes and just started using them this week
Irene - What is QAR?
Kathy/IA - My first initial background to all of this was Literature Circles ... MOT, QAR, STW, all fit in so well with it - but it is a long process to get there.
Ginny - Questions Answers Relationships
Irene - What do you do with the sticky notes? Do you grade them? Are they part of the assessment piece?
Ginny - Right there, Search and find, Author and You, On your OWn
Kim/K/SCal - Irene...LOL. I can imagine a parent conference. Hand them a zippy bag full of sticky notes, graded.
Jan - The kids love the sticky notes!
Mae - Question Answer Relationship Strategy - questions w/answers that are right there, q w/anwers that you have to search and find, and q w/answers that you have to use your brain. Connections are great for helping w/those brain questions
mkr - I use the sticky's as I am "releasing the responsiblity" to the kids and guide their practice.
Debbie - I jsut typed up a reading log, I am going to have kids write the book title, tally the startegies they used with each book, analyze which one they use the most and are therefore proficient at and then try to consciously use the ones that their tally marks show they don't use much
Kim/K/SCal - Ladies.... I really have to go now. I WANT to stay but I am sooooo uncomfortable sitting here. I am one miserable puppy.
Irene - QAR sounds like an explicit teach piece for Questioning strategy. Am I in the ballpark?
Jan - Some classes do all their work on sticky notes!
Kathy/IA - I wouldn't say you grade their sticky notes - they are the tool to guide their discussions - you as an observer of their discussions would be assessing where they are at and where they need to go. Then you provide the explicit teaching. It is hard to hook it to the "grade book"
Mae - QAR helps w/answering questions - mainly for textbook and test reading
Jan - Good bye, Kim! Take care!
Kathy/IA - I did something similar Debbie - I used a lot of Nancie Atwell's work in devisiong my response journal format, etc..
Debbie - bye kim
Ginny - Yes, it analyzes the question to help in the search for an answer.
Mae - I had kids write a T-S on a comprehension quiz they took - if they they did it I check it
Kim/K/SCal - C-ya on the board and next week fershure.
Kathy/IA - I think you are, Irene
Mae - Goodnight Kim! Next week, same time, same place...
Ginny - Kim I missed that you were not feeling well..sorry..hope soon better.
Kim/K/SCal - Please come back next week..... I am so sorry to leave you.
Debbie - Take care , Kim
Kim/K/SCal - Ginny.... I have the "mother of all bladder infections."
Kim/K/SCal - On meds but slow working I guess
Mae - I want to look further into 6 Traits Reading assessment - I think it might be just waht we need
Ginny - Take care KIM!!!
Ginny - Would you believe I have researched the topic and have a webpage with top links?
Debbie - I need to go to, it is after midnight here and I can't believe I am still awake. It is way past my bedtime. See you on the chatboard!
Irene - What's the web address, Ginny?
Jan - Ladies, I am going to sign off. Busy day, tomorrow!
Mae - Ginny - have you? What do you think? I've been looking at it.
Ginny - Six Traits REading, I mean. NWREL won't let people use the trademark name so most are NWREL
Kathy/IA - I've been using some of the 6-traits of writing stuff - basically the rate, expression, fluency piece - when giving the BRI. It has been helpful in writing up my summaries on the students.
Mae - Bye Debbie. Bye Jan. Come back.
Jan - See you on the PR board. Can't make next week's chat but will be here other times!
Ginny - http://www.geocities.com/ginnyks/readinghelp.html
Kathy/IA - NIGHT JAN!!!
Debbie - Bye Mae, Jan, Ginny, Irene, Judy, Kathy, and mkr!!
Mae - It's been fun Jan!
Ginny - Jan, good night!
Kathy/IA - I should go too ... I have class tomorrow ... and I'm still working on part of my assignment.
Ginny - You too Debbie
Mae - Goodnight Kathy! Come back again!
Kathy/IA - Night everyone!!!! Happy reading
mkr - I guess I'll go too. Thanks this was my first chat and it was fun!
Mae - This event went for almost 2 hours!
Ginny - Well, I'm off too. I was lurking this week. Maybe next week I will have read enough to contribute.
Irene - Me, too. Night all.
Irene - I'm going to stenhouse to read that book everyone raved about.
Mae - night irene - come back again
Mae - night ginny
Mae - Okay - I guesss I will call an official end to our MOT chat and let Kathleen know that we would like to do this again.
Mae - Goodnight.
