Tricia - Hey guys, I am still working on Entry 1 but I haven't been with my kids due to the weather and so I am at the piont where I need to move to something else until I get some artifacts
Tricia - I have written about everything up to this point that I have done
martha - Kelly, I have several questions about the entry #3. When I videoed on Friday, it really looks like a general day in the classroom-no real topic. they were didcussing sicence finding and recording in community groups. Should I have a specific topic and have them all in a similiar discussion. Also, how important is the spanning of the camera? Also, do you need to get all children in the video?
Tricia - I haven't even touched entry 2,3, or 4. I have collected almost all of my samples for the literacy entry and am in the middle of my science unit but haven't to the videos yet as i am not to the section that i want to video
Kelly - Martha - I think you want to get as many kids as possible (if not all) in the video. Lots of people don't have anyone to film, so camera is on a tripod...and they can't span. I wouldn't worry about it. I think you want a topic that demonstrates the community you've built in the classroom, though. Anybody else help out on this?
Tricia - i have a question about one of my ss/arts goals for you guys
Tricia - The students will explore different types of architecture and use this information to analyze and build a pyramid. My unit is on Egypt - does this incorporate the arts enough?
martha - I'm also interested in SS/Art goals. Should you have sep.art goals?
Tricia - my goal pertains to my ss part and the art part i believe
Tricia - how does that goal sound to you guys
Kelly - Tricia - do you talk about the lines and stuff like (perspective, etc.) that for the pyramids?
Tricia - we are talking about the structure and how you must construct to get a pyramid to stand...
martha - The community in my classroom is fairly openended. I'm not to structured and tight with letting the students be up and about. I want to show the comm. in a regular routine. Any comments? I don't want to appear a free for all.
Mary - I would think you'd be able to coordinate at least a couple of your goals to show both--and then wouldn't your assessments and other artifacts demonstrate that combination ??
Tricia - Jane, are you getting any weather up there yet?
martha - Thanks, Mary, that helps me with art/ss. I think I'm on the right track
Kelly - Martha - can you write it up about how the groups work together effectively because of the structure you have established (I know that obvious, but you know what I mean!)....
Eliz - Martha, are you referring to the writing or the video?
Tricia - kelly, what do you think about the structure architecture tihng?
Debbie - Kinderjane are you still working on entry 3?
martha - Eliz., I'm referring to the videoing. The video looks good through parts, other parts look like a little to loose.
Kelly - I'm AWFUL in art...but I think if you talk about the lines, etc....that's art...someone help me out here! :)
Kinderjane - Yes, Debbie- I'm still on #3. It's moving a little better.
Tricia - I am so tired of entry 1
Tricia - but art is much more than just lines
Debbie - I am slowly working on the rules and routines part
Kay - Martha, I might be wrong, you have to judge for yourself, but the "too loose" parts might be perfect for your analysis and reflection portions.
Eliz - martha, I think that you should show what your room really looks like. on the other hand, you want to make sure taht you are showing on the video a community that is controlled(hate to use that word) by you. You want to show yourself off so that you look like a winner.
Bonnie - I'm on # 1 Nd feel like I keep saying the same over and over
Donna - Debbie, I 'm on the rules and routines part. I've rewritten twice.
Tricia - Bonnie, I am having the same trouble with repetition.
Debbie - I feel like I have to say the same thing for each question
Mary - Does everyone have entries #5 and 6 already done? They seem to be the easiest to do by yourslef while waiting for the rest on the lessons and videos to shape up. I have to "borrow" classrooms for some of the other entries but that's OK because I'm doing teaching in them weekly anyway.
Diana - Bonnie, I also felt like I was repeating myself a lot on #1. I think the format could use a little revision.
Kinderjane - The rules part is easy. I have no idea what routines to include there are so many.
Eliz - Debbie, I went to a conference in Nov. attended by many successful candidates. they said the same thing. you are saying it over and over.
Donna - I agree, as soon as I answer, the next question asks for what I jsut wrote
Bonnie - Any good idea for kind. assessment in SS?
Debbie - I always think of something else after I reread what I just wrote
Diana - I tried out your new microphone set up? I just got a mike today. I was not happy with the sound in my experimental tapes last week.
Lana - Eliz, glad to hear that. My entries are making me sick, and I, too, seem to repeat myself endlessly!
martha - Eliz. I was told by someone to not "control" the discussion. They don't want to hear me doing all t he talking. I think I understand what you are saying. I have another session talking about character dev. and traits we have been discussinigand writiing about for several weeks where I have the upper hand. Maybe I'll take that one a bit further. Thanks!
Diana - Mary;, I have #5 done and hope to finish 6 quickly. They are the easiest.
Tricia - Mary, I am about half finished with 5 and 6. I started those first and then left them to get started on #1. My problem is that I am the type of person that likes to start something and finish it before starting something else.
Dana - Bonnie, what's your SS topic?
Bonnie - Diana, Which mic did you get?
Donna - Kinderjane-Debbie, the constructing curriculum is helping with this one, ch. 2 &3
Lana - Are most of you working with mentors or doing this by yourselves?
Lorna - Donna... you guys got really nailed out in West End, didn't you?
Kinderjane - I borrowed a videocam from our fifth grade and used their omnidirectional boundary microphone. It worked great! I think I have a winner for entry #3.
Eliz - martha, I agree. what I heard is that they want to see how you guide the discussion but not control it. I was getting an idea that during the video kids were walking in and out of the camera.
Kelly - My mentors are my cyberspace buddies! :) Not much other help here in St. Louis
Diana - Bonnie, it was a floor mike. Got it at Radio Shack. It cost $49, but the peace of mind will be worth it. I couldn't hear my kinders little voices with the regular mike.
Dana - Lana, There are 2 cert NBC in our building EC but they are busy. We have done it together in our group mostly that is going through now.
Debbie - Donna -is that off of responsive classroom? I am using Morning meeting book
Bonnie - There are 8 of us at my school,but we don't really know what they want.
Tricia - I am working with a group. There is no way to do this by yourself I don't think...I would have to find someone.
Donna - Yes, some people no power or phone for 5 days. Needlessto say I don't want anymore. Its sleeting now
Bonnie - There are 8 of us at my school,but we don't really know what they want.
Donna - Debbie, its the one from teaching strategies
Bonnie - Thanks for the books. They are great!
martha - Jane, where did you get the mic.? Also, where did you get the book constructing curr.? I would like to use it.
Diana - Our mentoring program is just getting off the ground. It hasn't been any help yet, but I hope that will change SOON. We meet next Wed.
Bonnie - How much are you all writing about the standards?
Diana - We have one EC-GEN certified in our district. Of course, she is on the opposite end of the county from me. :) There is no one else at my school willing to tackle the process.
Kinderjane - Martha- Radio Shack is the place to get the mike. I borrowed from our fifth grade. They got lots of equipment thru grants.
Kelly - I just ordered constructing curriculum from barnes and noble....I used the coupon thing that I put on the ring. With shipping, my charge is $33.90. I know there were some who got it for $16, but I hear that there are blank pages in that book...maybe why it was so cheap! :)
Nancy - I got mine for $16 and no blank pages
Tricia - Bonnie, I am using the buzz words from the ring and plugging them into a lot of my writing
Tricia - do you have a copy of the buzz words bonnie?
Diana - Am I the only one having trouble with the screen today? It worked fine last week. Today, I keep getting bumped back to previous screens
Lana - Kelly, I just got that book... Hasn't even occured to me to look for blank pages... Oh oh....
Kinderjane - Kelly- I got one of the 16.00 books and it is complete! I think the reason it is cheap is that they are reprinting under a new name and with a new cover.
Tricia - is constructing cuuriculum really helpful? what entry is it good for?
Nancy - I use the buzz words from the NC group
Kelly - Nancy - oh....you're going to make me feel bad! :) Shirley wrote to me about her blank pages, and I didn't want to go through that. So I ordered the full priced one. Sad.
Dana - What do you guys think it means on our Science entry at the end when it says, " What questions arise about your teaching based upon this video?" I have already addressed what I would do to improve myself and my lesson?
Lana - Tricia, I heard it was good for the AC
Diana - No blank pages in my $16 book.
Eliz - martha, are you on the ec gen address? If not we'll tell you and they are sharing lots of great books and ideas.
Donna - Rules entry 3, I talked about children helping to create rules. Is it okay to have teacher made rulses and should I address this, if so , how?
Eliz - Kelly, don't feel bad. As soon as I heard I tried to order. They were all out and I could only get the 39 book.
Tricia - I am not even thinking about the Ac right now. I will think about that toward April
martha - Eliz. My address is 341 Thomas Rd. , Hendersonville, NC 28739 No I'm not an any list.
Kelly - Tricia - I haven't seen the book yet, but I hear it's really good for community and several AC exercises (at least - probably more)....
Dana - I think it's okay to have teacher made rules as long as you say how they are used to build community in the classroom. Have your children helped create any rules?
Bonnie - Tricia, Yes I do ,but I am just writing now and going back and adding later, maybe?
Diana - How have others placed the camera for the community video? If the kids are in a circle, obviously some faces will not be visible. Do you just get as many faces as you can?
Lana - Dana, a science assessor recently perused my science entry. These were my questions: how could I faciliitate the development of the students' abilities of inquirey? How could I develop process skills in context? (Just examples; there were a couple more). She said they were good.
Dana - get as many faces as possible and your face too.
Donna - Dana, the children help with the rules at the beginning, but I do have try to direct them sometimes during the discussion/
Lorna - Kelly... no, I thought about it though.
Kelly - Lorna - we're all somewhere in the process.
Dana - Donna, I would talk about the rules the children have helped you develop.
Bonnie - Dana, Should you pan and then focus on students talking? I havea very small room and I can't get everybody's faces w/o zooming some.
Nancy - I panned and zoomed in
Dana - Bonnie, I didn't pan. I just set my on a tripod and made sure as many as possible were in and went from there. I of course am only a candidate though so...???
Diana - Panning and zooming assume you have someone knowlegeable to operate the camera.
martha - A question about entry #1 formal and informal assess. Can I use the assess. from the text book series as an informal. I use the test from the text and found a good assess. from the text company?
Diana - Martha, what are you assessing?
Kinderjane - I had the camera sitting still the whole time. We were in a circle, but I had some move over so their faces would show. Some still didn't.
Tricia - I am planning to get someone to pan with the camera
Bonnie - Jane, What formal assessments did you use for #2?
Dana - Martha, Are you talking about the literacy entry - #2
Diana - Would I be cheating if I chose whose faces (and wiggly bodies) might not show up? :)
martha - I'm asess. the literacy dev. of my students.
Tricia - I am planning on having a couple of my wiggly bodies go to another teacher's room on this day
Kinderjane - Bonnie- I did Marie Clay's assessment- Concepts of Print and writing samples.
Kelly - Diana - I would say you were being smart! :)
susan n:) - Can you tape an art artifact to a page for submission
Donna - Kinderjane, we give COP three times a year, which would be the best to use?
Diana - martha, then you're on entry #2. I am using Marie Clay's CAP too.
Tricia - susan, you need to go to kinkos or something and have them copy it for you
Eliz - Diana, I would think you should do it. You want it to be successful. You still have to reflect and show how you make things work. The wiggles will be there no matter what.
Kinderjane - Susan _take it to Staples or somewhere and have it color copied. They look great!
Tricia - use a color copier
Lana - Susan, why not tape it then copy it at a copy shop? It would look neater...
Kelly - Susan - sure - that's fine as far as I know....
martha - Sorry you're right. I get all these numbers and entries mixed up. Even in my sleep!!!
Bonnie - Jane, Did you do opt. A or B? My child is writing sentences-simple,but no stories.
susan n:) - Since the literacy site only had test samples and no directions for administering or scoring, does anyone have a source for this info?
Tricia - Bonnie, are you kindergarten
Kelly - Susan - do you have all of Virginia's posts about the literacy entry?
Kinderjane - Donna- I would use the first. Then you can focus your questions on what your child needs. Then maybe a later one to compare and see where to go from there.
Tricia - susan, what literacy site are you talking about
Diana - I'm wondering about opt A vs B too. If the child can write sentences does he still fit into A?
Eliz - I teach 2nd grade. I am using several assessment pieces for entry 2 and would be happy to share but don't want to if its unnecessay.
susan n:) - Yes, I have her posts, but the Marie Clay things sound like something I'd like to try, regardless of NBPTS, any sources?
Donna - Jane , what about the phonemic awareness assessments given later in the year?
Kinderjane - Bonnie- I did option B. My kindergarten children write every day- at their own levels.
Shirley - Hi Jane, this is the Shirley from Oregon. I made it and I'm soooo happy to find you all.
susan n:) - the site that kelly suggested earlier this week
Diana - What kind of questions are you using for the literacy entry?
martha - Eliz, What is you e-mail address. I'll write you later if that's ok.
Kinderjane - YEAH SHIRLEY! See, you know more than you thought you did!
Kelly - Susan - oh - you mean the Reading Recovery site? The one that has all the testing printed for you?
Diana - I'm talking about where it says "What questions did you have about this child's literacy development?"
Kinderjane - Donna- I did not focus on phonemic awareness assessments, just on what her writing samples showed.
Tricia - kelly i am looking for that site also
susan n:) - Yes Kelly, but the test forms are the only thing there, no directions for administering or scoring
Kelly - Shirley - GOOD WORK! AND welcome to Rachel ! Glad you could make it!
Shirley - Elizabeth, Thank You for the Information on how to get here
Lana - Diana, Virginia is the expert; you can find her wisdom on the EC_ Gen web site. Are you familiar with that?
Kay - Diana- I just wrote all of the questions that popped into my head about this child, from his ability to read, write and comprehend to parent involvement and parental concerns.
Tricia - on entry 1 your unit must be only 4 weeks, if you are out of school for a week does that get included
Eliz - I seem to be missing parts of the conversation. I would like to know what types of questions people are asking for what qeustions do you have for this child's literacy dev. I would like to hear what people are asking.
Diana - yes, I subscribe to the list and have saved much advice from Virginia, but I don't remember her specifically addressing questions. Maybe I was too absorbed in a different entry at the time. It is hard to keep track of everything.
Debbie - Mary, are you a candidate
Mary - Yes, and working with two others in my distrcit. We seem to be farther behind at this point. Everyone's hue April 17??
Kinderjane - Kay and Diana- Remember speak and listen, too. Those are part of literacy dvlpmnt.
Lana - Eliz, I put the quesitons under three categories: comprehension, Written expression and Speaking ability. Under each category I asked a few questions. Does that help?
Donna - Any ideas to stimulate my thinking about family involvement for community? classroom volunteers, reading take home kits, reinforcement charts,
Kinderjane - Bonnie- I will be GLAD to read, but I am a novice, too!
Diana - Kay, for example......??? Do you mean the obvious like What can I send home that will help his parents support his literacy development?
Lana - Literacy: Ask LOTS of quesitons.
susan n:) - We don't have Reading Recovery in my district, and I would like to explore some of the assessments that are part of that program, someone mentioned a Marie Clay title earlier this week, but I don't know where to order it.
Diana - Thanks Jane. That's why I've chosen one of my special ed students for my subject. He is language delayed and I have a wealth of info on his oral language development.
Lana - Susan, try Amazon.com - http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0435087630/teachersnet - http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0435005561/teachersnet
Tricia - susan, try amazon.com- seems that they have everything. I don't know if it would be cheapest here but you can check it out
Eliz - Lana, yes, thanks!Questions I asked focused on reading comprehension, including semantics, syntax, graphophonics, . I didn't think about family involvement as a source of questions. good tip.
Kay - Have you asked any of your student's former teachers any questions? Include those. If you haven't spoken to anyone, what would you ask to clarify where this child is and what you might be able to do in order to help this stu
Kelly - Susan - no need to order - you can print the assessments off the net...here comes the address. I'll repost it on the ring after the chat, too, in case you don't get it here... http://www.pburg.k12.nj.us/GuidedReading/page2.htm
Bonnie - Donna, Expert projects- I did them for #1 and I was surprised how well some did. They did auto biographies. I sent some forms they could choose to use.
susan n:) - I went to the Guided Reading site Kelly, but only the forms are there, no directions
Bonnie - Jane, You sound so tog. and kindergarten,too. I am still trying to figure thingd out.
Kelly - Susan - try your library and see if they have Marie Clay's stuff...maybe a univ. library if you have one closeby
Kelly - Susan - but I have to admit I just went with what I printed out....
susan n:) - thanks kelly, that's a resource I hadn't thought about
martha - Bonnie could you explain more about you project. Thanks
Kinderjane - I bought the Reading Recovery guide off the shelf at Barnes and Noble.
Tricia - try the heineman site also for any books
Kay - Susan-maybe you could ask your school librarian to order a copy for the professional section of your media center. Then any future candidates will have the benefit of the book as well.
Tricia - not reading recovery though
Shirley - Jane,Did the RR guide help you as you were putting together #2
Diana - I called our district reading specialist to administer the COP because I didn't have all the materials (there are special books). I observed while she did the testing. You could figure everything out from the forms except for the special book. It has some pages upside down, distorted text, etc. to test the child's understanding of how print works.
Eliz - I've lost track of who asked for this. Parent ideas for literacy involvement: book lists for trade levle books. bingo for spelling words and sight words made from index cards and stored in a recipe box,
Tricia - your principal should support the purchase of any professional books
Kelly - Susan - don't forget you can get $20 off at Barnes and Noble ! One coupon expires Monday! That's the one I used today....
Diana - Do you have to have RR training to get the materials (like the book "Sand" or "Stones"?
Kinderjane - Shirley- More than the Rdng Rcvry books- Guided Reading by Pinnell and ??? helped me.
Diana - What pleased me most about the COP assessment is that it validated EXACTLY what I already knew from my informal assessment.
Tricia - I don't know that question diana but my roommate is reading recovery trained and i will ask her
Lana - Kinderjane: Fountas (Irene C) and Gay Su Pinnell
Kelly - I'm partial to Four Blocks myself....
Diana - Guided Reading is by Fountas and Pinnell from heinemann pub.
Eliz - Guided Reading by Fountas and Pinnell
Tricia - three of the teachers at my shcool going through this year are rr trained
Eliz - what is Four Blocks
Kelly - Eliz - right...that book is great, too
Tricia - Eliz, pat cunningham
Diana - Gosh, aren't we the knowledgeable bunch?? Everyone knows about guided reading. :)
Shirley - Kelly, do you keep a transcript of todays conversation
kim - This is my first time in a chat room, and it looks like you guys are talking about how helpful Marie Clay's stuff will be with entry 2. Becoming Literate by Marie Clay is one that I plan to use. I used it as a former reading recoveryteacher.
martha - Kelly, I use Four Block daily, I'm still wondering about assessment for NB from 4/block. Any advise?
Lori - Hi All Is it true that we all get 3 emotional break downs during this process? If so, I've used one LOL
Tricia - guided reading, shared reading, independent reading, and writing
Diana - There is a website and a listserv for 4 Blocks. In kindergartenit is called Building Blocks.
Bonnie - Martha, I wrote the parents and told them I needed their help again! We did a family gallery and wrote to our relatives all over the country. They wrote us back about when they were young in school. we read When I Was Young by Joy Cowley and When I as Little by Jamie Lee Curtis to give them an idea. I took Black and White photos for the cover. Some students wrote , some copied, some wrote interactively w/parents. I displayed at our gallery.
Kay - Diana-make sure you write about that. Your informal assessment lead to a formal assessment that validated your original findings and help to shape your teaching for this child.
Betsey - 8 years ago Pat Cunningham spent most of the year with us and word walls are fantastic for 1st graders. It was not known as 4 blocks then
Kelly - Martha - You can use any assessment with Four BLocks....I"ve used some reading recovery stuff.
Betsey - Teach in Thomasville about 30 minutes from Winston where Dr C is
dana in MS - Lori, was it you I wrote back to the other evening? Was that your first emotional breakdown? I am sick and I think mine is today - first time I have felt discouraged!
Diana - Betsey, I think she started with the making words block and added the others to make it more well-rounded. When she speaks, she focuses mainly on making words. I think perhaps she saw a need to help wholistic teachers address phonics.
Kelly - Shirley - Yes - this will be archived - I'll post about it on the ring...there's a slight hitch, but teachers.net and I are working on it....
Sherl - Did anyone use a small group to do community video and score well?
Kinderjane - I think people with RR training will do great with this entry. They have all that good training in assessing lit development.
D. Mc. - So those of you who use 4 blocks like it and think it is good for struggling readers? I just logged on and missed most of the conversation
Betsey - We did not know how lucky we are to have her in person all year ....now we wish we had paid more attention. At the time it was just another thing thrown to us as non-negotiable
Kelly - Dana - you know southern belles aren't allowed to be discouraged! :)
Diana - I think the point of the community video is to show how the whole class interacts.
Eliz - I sound dumb but is 4 bolcks a book or a program?
Bonnie - I use 4 block/Open Cout Some-What kind of asess. Anecdotal? Lightning words? Make words? Writing samples using pictionary words? Help,
Tricia - it is a program eliz
Diana - Eliz, both.
dana in MS - Kelly, I know - but I NEED TO GET ALL OF THE 'STUFF" IN MY HEAD DOWN ON PAPER!
Tricia - there are books to help you understand the process
Kelly - TO ANYONE INTERESTED - I have saved the "meat" from almost all of the postings since November. I have them in word documents...one for each entry. I'd be happy to send them to anyone who wants them. Of course, I saved Virginia's recent epistles separately! :) Virginia, you're wonderful! :)
Lori - Hi Dana-Did you know that I had about 10 emails of encouragement that evening. I also came down with a terrible cold and cough that I am just now getting over. Everyone was so sweet and kind-what a group. Any way my turn for encouraging words-take a break, take a walk, take a jog etc-take a day off?? This feeling will pass and you will be happy to be back at it again.
Eliz - Virgionia, dito to your being such a super help. You too Kelly.
Diana - Virginia, glad you're here. Can you help me by giving a couple of examples of suitable questions for the literacy entry (what ? do you have about this child's literacy development?)
Kelly - Four blocks is terrific with all of my kids. I teach first - have some who don't know all the letters yet - others reading at 5th ...and they're all doing well.
Virginia - what age are you doing?.
Bonnie - Kelly, I would love them.
Lana - Yes, Kelly, Virginia - everyone - there is NO WAY we could do this without your help. THANK YOU ONE AND ALL!
Kelly - Four BLocks is a balanced literacy model. Great email rings -
Debbie Mc. - Is 4 blocks a lot of work/
Diana - I'm in kindergarten this year
Virginia - Ok....ask if interested in reading yet...
Sherl - Virginia, how do you get a video of the whole class if some said parents said no to video?
Lori - Just can't do 4 blocks on a 2 and half hour schedule!
dana in MS - Right now my head and chest has something foreign in it besides ideas and nb information! Thanks Lori! I sent the email I wrote to you to my son - he called to say he loves me! Now, that makes every day a good one!
Kelly - Four Blocks makes teaching fun again for me! It's what I've tried to create myself all 30 years I've been teaching - it lays it out for us - it's wonderful!
Virginia - Sherl, you'll just have to send them to another room.what age are you doing?.
Virginia - a, ask about concepts of print...
Diana - Virginia, who am I asking? Myself? His parents? The child? Does it matter?
Kelly - Bonnie - email me at lkelly46@cs.com so I get your email address - tell me which ones you want! :)
Virginia - You're asking questions about the child
Virginia - You can ask the parents in your writing to gather more info too
Tricia - how about some for second grade virginia...anything like their comprehension related to decoding, do these affect each other
Debbie Mc. - I've read a a little about it and am interested in trying to use it in my classroom. Lori, what do you mean you can't do it in 2 and 1/2 hours and Kelly what do you mean it's all laid out for you? Is it a manual? Do you use a series or trade books?
Bonnie - Debbie Mc., 4 block is not a lotof work -more of a format to organize some of the things you already do. The book lassrooms That Work helps
dana in MS - I want them too, Kelly! I have Virginia's epistles of wisdom printed out, but I would like the other things you have, please. THANKS!
Virginia - Diana, also ask if child can read...
Virginia - Tricia, Yes...ask if oral relates to reading...
Diana - Virginia, so this is just kind of basic, what do "I" need to know about this kid if I'm going to be teaching him?
Eliz - Literacy questions: Does she have a good sight word base. Is she strong in phonics. Comprehension: does she retell the sequence in order of events, does she understand the ain point of the story, does she recognize the character, setting, problems and resolution in the story. iscomprehension clear on the following levels: literal, inferential, explicit, implicit. why does she have continued spelling difficulty.What realistic goals should I help her set in writing? Can she recall relevant information: Can she make asumptions about a characters development?
Debbie Mc. - Our principal insists that we use the same reading series in first grade? Can I still do that and do four blocks, too?
Virginia - Eliz, these are good questions
Diana - For example, my subject is labeled "language delayed", I can ask, In what ways is his language delayed? How is this likely to affect his understanding of the written word?
dana in MS - Elizabeth, will you post what you just said to the ring? It sounds terrific!
Bonnie - Debbie, If I could type maybe I could do this! Classrooms That Work by Patricia Cunningham and Richard Allington
Virginia - Diana, this is pretty basic,,...it'ss the same type of questions you'd ask yourself at the beginning of the year.
kim - i would be interested in virginia's wise words also--my email address is kimlane@coastalnet.com Thanks a bunch!!!
Kelly - Debbie - You plug in all the stuff you have (that you like!). It's a wonderful format. Use your basal (if it's good) or trade books. Lots of poetry. Really a great balance. All kids thrive....
Virginia - Diana.. you got it!
Virginia - Kim, about what??
Kinderjane - Lori- Do you have half day kindergarten? The kindergarten level is Building Blocks and it will fit in with what you are already doing. Will help you do it better! It is not a curriculum in itself, but a "curriculum delivery system".
Debbie Mc. - I've seen a teachers resource guide to four blocks. Can't remember if it was at responsive classroom. I guess I should order it.
Diana - Debbie, Phonics They Use by Patricia Cunningham can be a good starting point. She has many other books including "Making Words" and the 4 blocks book.
Diana - Virginia, Thanks. That was so simple, but it was making me crazy.
Lori - I guess I need to read the book again-I do have it. I have a lot of other things to get in to. I know I started doing it this year but it (I) fell apart.
Eliz - I am teaching 2nd. I will psot the questions. sorry the entry was so long.
dana in MS - Bye everyone. I will read the digest form of this later. I hate to leave good company!
martha - The teacher's guide for 3rd grade 4/block is very heloful. I have had to tailor the 4/block to fit the rest of the curr. but, it's working.
Virginia - Diana, I found that it is simple...now that I've completed the process!By dana
Debbie Mc. - I couldn't begin until 8:30 and then would have to stop at 10:00. We have a special class(we hate the time)at 10 and then go to lunch. Could we pick up later and still make it work?
Diana - It's hard to do anything else while doing NBPTS. For some reason, this had to be the year that my personal life suddenly needs more attention. also some exciting but time consuming professional milestones arrived this year.
Kelly - You can learn lots about Four BLocks right here on teachers.net. On the opening page, look down the column on the left. There is a whole four blocks section...and articles by Cheryl Sigmon (one of their guru presenters)....tons of lesson plans in the teachers.net lesson bank.... http://www.teachers.net/4blocks/
Virginia - Diana, its' funny. Once I finished this process, I mentioned to my family how I would have all this extra time. My daughter stopped me right then and said...Mom you'll just pick up 4 more things to do!! She was right!
Kristie - Dana, What do you mean read on the digest?
Tricia - I think that I will try to read and write some - see ya guys later on
Bonnie - Debbie, You can do it any time. First grade is alot of word wall and making words that you could anytime.
Debbie Mc. - Kentucky. With our education reform, fourth and fifth grade get top priority. We know that it's too late by then but the "powers that be" apparently don't.
Mary - Great! This isssso informative--some things we know others we don't.
Diana - Virginia, I guess you're right. I told my kids that once I finished my masters life would slow down, but it barely has and that was quite a few years ago. :)
Virginia - Lana, did you get your entries yet?
Bonnie - Virginia, Where are you and what do you teach?
Kinderjane - Thought I would take the pressure off and plug first this week, Kelly! :-)
Virginia - I'm in Idaho. I teach a 1-2 loop. Currently in 1st grade of the loop
Kelly - Kristie - this chat will be in the archives later - or actually, I'll post info about how we can access a transcript of it. Teachers.net is having some space problems.....I'm working with them to see if they'll just send it to me, so I can make it available to any of our ring who would like to read it. (or anyone else, for that matter!)
Bonnie - Jane How much have you done?
Diana - Oooh Virginia. I am also a "looper" . I do K - 1.
Virginia - NO WAy!!
Debbie Mc. - Virginia, do you enjoy looping 1/2. I always thought that I might. When we implemented KERA, we teachers wanted 1/2. Our principal insisted on k/1.
Kristie - Debbie, I taught first grade forever. Now I'm third. I taught a course on the four bolcks. There are lots of materials out there. The Month by Month book Phonics for First Grade is good.
Eliz - Thanks for all the support and ideas. It is really impressive to be part of this group.
Virginia - I love it!! I work awfully hard the first year, so I set myself up for a wonderful 2nd year!
Bonnie - Virginia, Your help is the BEST!
Debbie Mc. - Is it available here on teachers net, Kristie?
Shirley - Diana, Is your K full day?
Virginia - Thank you so much.. But remember, I still learn right along with you!
Kinderjane - Bonnie- I've done roughs of 1, 2, 4 and 5. I am working on #3 now.
Virginia - Carol, is that you in NC?
Diana - Some day I want to do 1 - 2, but I'd have to stay an extra year in 1st to do it. I get nervous thinking about teaching first graders when I wasn't the one laying the foundation for them. The second year of the loop is always my favorite. Such great community.
Bonnie - Kelly, Your helping is never ending and always the BEST! Many thanks!
Virginia - Diana, mine too!
Carol - No, this is Carol from Ohio
Kelly - Bonnie - it's my pleasure - I'm still working on this, too, you know! I'm the permanent banker....
Eliz - Is anyone familiar with REading Reflex? If not, it is a quick and easy guide to some good phonics practices and some solid theory.
Kelly - well- hopefuly not permanent! :)
Diana - Yes, we are full day K. I agree that I work very hard the first year, and the second year is a breeze. I should have done NBPTS when I was in first instead of kinder.
Kinderjane - Bonnie!-- NO! NO! I haven't done #4 yet. 1, 2, 5 and 6.
Rachel - Jane, you sound like you really have your act together !!
Carol - Thanks...I have been a silent observer on the ring
Virginia - Diana, I did 2nd grade when I went through the process. It WAS a lot easier.
Kelly - Eliz - yes - I have reading reflex - it does have some great phonics stuff in it....I use a little of it still - even though the phonics in four blocks is terrific....lots of transfer -
Virginia - CArol, you need to start talking! That's how we all learn!
Shirley - Diana, I have a half day, four day Kindergarten in Oregon
Kinderjane - Rachel- I do not have children (except at school). I'm sure that makes a differnce!
Bonnie - Jane, What are you doing for #4? I think am doing sink/float? AIMS Plus some more fun experiments.
Diana - I would have waited until next year, but I was afraid that the funding from the state might dry up.
Kelly - Carol - don't be shy! Chime in with your questions and comments! I don't think anyone seriously undertakes this without already being a terrific teacher! Your input is valuable! :)
Rachel - Virginia, I'm 2nd Grade...What do you mean it's easier? HELP!!
Virginia - Diana, You'll prabably be better for it !
Kay - I have almost finished #4-would have a complete rough draft if we ever go back to school:-)
Diana - Jane, I am envious. You keep me working to "catch up". I've "finished" #1, and #5 and am working on #3 and #6 this weekend. I am also busy collecting for #2.
Virginia - Rachel, I was talking about looping my second year when I went through the process. I knew the kids so much better!
Lori - Shirley-Tell me about your schedule, Half day I got, but a four day schedule??
Bonnie - Kay, What did you do?
Diana - Shirley, I've never taught half-day kinder. I think it would seem very rushed to me.
Kinderjane - I am gathering ideas for #4, but need to read some more. I amt thinking about doing rocks from the AIMS unit.
Virginia - Kinderjane, That's a fun unit!!
Diana - Jane, which AIMS unit? I keep changing my mind about this entry. I'm afraid it will be so last minute that I won't do a good job.
Kay - Matter. Did some sink and float under the heading of matter.
Mary - #4 is the hard one for me as I'm a reading resource teacher and will need to "borrow" a class for that one. Am thinking about birds and beaks expreiment.
Carol - Those of you that are interested in 4blocks might be interested in ELLI which is now the Literacy Collab. -Ohio State U.
Kristie - Debbie, I'm new to this chat. I'm not sure what is available here on Teacher's Net. I need to explore some more. I just know that these chats are great for keeping me going with National Boards. Thanks, Kelly!
Eliz - I'm getting nervous hearing that poople are actually completing entries. I teach in Franklin.
Diana - Arent' Fontas and Pinell at Ohio State?
Kinderjane - In thinking about the rocks unit, I had them bring sticks this week and we did some of the same things with sticks- weigh, measure, describe. I taped to watch and evaluate how I did so I can do better with rocks!
Virginia - ELiz, don't worry, you still have 2 2/2 months!
Carol - Yes...this is their baby..kind of an extension of the Reading Rec. but a framework for the classroom teacher.
Kinderjane - AIMS rocks is in Primarily Earth.
Diana - Eliz, Don't get nervous. Get motivated. When I say I've "completed" an entry, I really mean I have a complete draft. I am still making changes every time I reread.
Debbie Mc. - Carol, what does ELLI stand for?
Bonnie - Carol, Is there a web-site for ELLI?
Kelly - The big difference between Fountas and Pinell and Four Blocks is that Four Blocks does NOT do ability grouping. Fountas and Pinell do.
Carol - Actually only Pinnell is at OSU...I think Fountas is at Lesley College
Shirley - Lori, MT&TH Ks are at school from 8:00 until 10:55 Wednesday 8:00 until 12:55 and no Friday. Our District wanted Kindergarten teachers to come in on Wed afternoons for meetings, but didn't want to pay us, for a while we did a 5 day program with alterna
martha - What do you gals think of doing the entries 5&6 last. Like in mid March so I'll have time to collect lots of entries for this year. I'm not sure of this whole family/community bond.
Carol - You are right...the guiding reading format is different
Kelly - But Four Blocks refers to Fountas and Pinells's book - but their literacy models are very different....
Debbie Mc. - Martha, I did my four and five last.
Rachel - Lizzie....Don't feel bad..I'm right there w/ you... I'm just really getting started a I just rec'd. THE BOX in late Dec. I'm in Kinston!
Virginia - Martha, just make sure that you have all your forms ready to go. These verifcations can take time to collect. Don't cut yourself short.
Nancy - I am doing literacy last
Kristie - Eliz, Don't be nervous. You can do this. I have received several encouraging comments from people. I haven't finished any entries yet. After talking with people on the chats, I know I can do this. I've got to make time everyday. There are lots of people that didn't get their boxes until January and still got everything done in time. We can do this!
Diana - Guided reading is the one block I don't quite like in the 4 blocks model. It is quite different from the kind of guided reading I do. What Cunningham describes sounds more like shared reading to me.
Mary - Virginia, could more than one person have the same ideas/ experiemtns/ AIMS units for #4. Like what if I and some other person in Timbutu both did one on sink and float? Is it the reflective thinking that they're looking at? Thanks so much for your help !
Sh.mcgee - Sh.mcgee-Kelly, I thought I would never get in.
Shirley - Lori, we did a 5 day program with alternate Wednesdays, but Parents had trouble remembering which day to send their kids, so we literally stacked Fridays time on Wednesday calling it two days with an early dismissal. If you want more info I'll e-mail you
Carol - I'm not sure on the website, but their books are everywhere...Guiding Reading, Word Matters, Interactive Writing etc...ELLi stands for the EArly Literacy Learing Initiative, but they have since changed this
Virginia - Sure. I don't think that would be a problem as your approaches to the units are your own.
Carol - I agree with you Diana
Bonnie - Jane and other Kind teachers, Are you having classes on certain parenting skills like early writing stages,etc. My parents really don't want to come in. Also I have lettered them to death? Any Suggestions?
martha - I have not completed any entry either. I'm writing and writing rough notes. I know I can do this for sure! This group is so important to me, daily! Thanks to all!!
Eliz - Virginia, the questions that I asked earlier are theones in my entry. Is this right to be sharing them?
Lori - Shirley-Yes, we need to talk. Do you do one section of K then or do you have 2? My email is MeyeRosie@aol.com Thanks! Gotta get off line now, son wants the phone!!
Diana - We do Partners in Print sessions for K-2 to introduce parents to early literacy support strategies.
Virginia - I don't see a problem...
Nancy - I have been typing my entries from the start rather than writing on paper and then typing. Trying to prepare for the assessment
Shirley - Bonnie, I had the kids perform 4 songs one night called it a family night and when I had them all there I talked for a few minutes about literacy. They love seeing their kids perform and I had a captive audience. Question and answer time followed.
Virginia - Nancy, I wouldn't worry about the assessment until your box is off and GONE
Diana - I have to go. Much typing to do tonight, and a grumpy teenager who had to go borrow the neighbor's phone. :)
Kelly - Eliz - it's no different than getting leading questions from a store-bought book or something....we're just sharing helpful ideas, that's all. No one could pass an entry by "copying" just your quesitons! I think letting someone copy your whole entry is obviously cheating and not acceptable - but sharing ideas is what collaboration is all about! :) Okay, I'll get off my soapbox for a minute!
Nancy - Don't worry - I am not
Debbie Mc. - Are there any NBCTs going to Seattle in March?
Bonnie - Nancy, I am likewise, but i type so poorly. I am thinking of handwriting,but I lwrite horribly fast! I am worried about my typing.
Kelly - Kristie - no - I didn't get it....can you ask here ? otherwise email me at lkelly46@cs.com
Kristie - What's in Seattle in March?
Nancy - Don't you have to type at the assessment center
Debbie Mc. - A facilitator's workshop.
martha - Kelly, I will e-mail you about the onelist. Thanks for the information. I will be reading all week! Thanks to you and Virginia and everyone out there.
Kelly - Nancy - you have an option to handwrite - but think about doing that. It's 6 hours of writing. I know one who did it who says it was a big mistake....
Sh.mcgee - Sh.mcgee-I am doing my community during the only time that my children are all in my room. They start leaving at 9:00 daily. One or two are out of the room until lunch. We are back together for 7 minutes. They are gone for the next 50 minutes except for me running them up and down the hall to related arts classes. Some rejoin me at 12:45 for for guided reading while the others are in a Title class. The Reading Recovery child leaves and returns at 2:00. Selective mute child returns. I then have my class for 20 minutes. Does any one else deal with this. Should I address their comings and goings in the paper I am writing? I almost depend on the children to help me cue the others to what we are doing. My largest group leaving is the Title group.
Kelly - Sh.mcgee- yes write about it.
Virginia - Sh.mcgee, you may want to request that you keep your kids on the day you video.
Nancy - In the video reflection, I find myslf being very critical of myself in the video and how I handled some situations. Is this what I should be doing?
Kristie - I don't know how to tackle Community. Any helpers out there?
kim - Rachel--Isent you an email this afternoon. I'm from Greenville, my husband is from Kinston--small world! My dad was also from Kinston.
Virginia - Nancy, this is reflective practice!!
Debbie Mc. - Kristie, what do you want to know?
Nancy - Guess I am right on target!
Kelly - Kristie - do you have access to the "Morning Meeting" book? It's great. It's available at http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/189298900X/teachersnet
Virginia - Isn't that a great feeling!
kim - Kay--what a sweet husband--My husband just asked me if he brought me flowers would I get off and talk to him!
Nancy - Kim- where are you from? I live in Goldsboro - have a business in Kinston
Debbie Mc. - Krisite, Kelly's right. I have that book too and it's great.
Nancy - Morning Meeting is great!
the kid - do any of you teach in CA
Kelly - I read it once - but I'm going to re-read it tonight! :)
Kristie - Kelly, I haven't seen that but will definitely look this up. Thanks!
Sh.mcgee - Sh.mcgee-I purchased the Punished by Rewards book right before I started on NB. Has any one read it? I have a card chart up in my room. I know do not give stickers for cards not being changed, but I do have time outs for those that have to move. Second time and third times have consequences. A bad day is a red card, therefore home is notified. I am thinking about going to self-assessment. I just have to make the form easy enough to read. I do have daily report that is sent home the first six-weeks. Should I write about this if I try the self-assessment?
Kristie - Debbie, I don't really know. I just kind of don't know what to do for that entry. I did some community type stuff at the beginning of the year but have not focused on it in a while. I have two new students. One is mean, the doesn't speak English. I thought about trying to do something with that kind of thing.
Virginia - Pattie, Did you complete your science?
Kelly - Kristie - do you have the wrinkled heart activity? It's great for this building community. http://www.teachers.net/lessons/posts/1254.html
Debbie Mc. - Kristie, you mght want to borrow or buy Morning Meeting book. It has some great ideas and they won't take long. Also, my children still refer to the wrinkled heart if they get their feelings hurt.
Virginia - Nancy, You've got to learn to ski!! That's the only reason I stayed in Idaho!!
Pattie from AL - I love the wrinkled heart act. I video taped it but cut my head off when taping.
Kelly - Pattie - LOL
Melinda - Pattie, Did you go to the meeting in Montgomery?
Pattie from AL - I've got to retape a community tape. I am thinking about doing something for valentines day.
Melinda - No, I didn't make it, I wrote that day! Did I miss anything? I had seen the tape on making a video at UAB. I heard they were showing that
kim - Morning Meeting sounds great--is it a program, resource book, etc.? I'm not familiar with it.
Debbie Mc. - I've also used a lesson that centeres around differences in appearances. For instance, I have all the blond haired children stay in the back of the line, back of the rug. Then go to brunettes, etc. Or I use blue eyed, then brown eyed. etc. It really drives the point home.
Kelly - Kim - it's a book - a real format for conducting your morning meeting. It's fabulous.
Sh.mcgee - Sh.mcgee-Anyone, the snow missed Middle Tennessee. What is it doing in Atlanta where the Titans are? Anybody know?
Kelly - Kim - it's a pretty quick read, too - I think 117 pages plus tons of ideas to use implementing it.....
Pattie from AL - I thought I would tape my kids coming up with a plan of something we could do for someone else in our classroom, ? I don't have the morning meeting book.does it really give ideas for community taping?
Kelly - Sh.mcgee - of course you mean in Atlanta where the St. Louis RAMS are....don't you?????
Kelly - Pattie - lots of great things for taping....also just the way it helps to build that community in your students minds and hearts! :)
Pattie from AL - workshop basically consisted of 3 newly cert.s telling what they did. There were so many lost people in the meeting for EC. But I helped by giving them the EC GEN mail ring and this chat time.
Nancy - One of my co-workers used Martin Luther King, Jr. and did a role play for her video to demonstrate discrimination because the kids could't understand why people were treated that way.
Kelly - Mr. Jason - we're talking about entries for Ec-gen for national boards. We're ages 3-8 (well, our students are!) :)
Pattie from AL - I can honestly say I had a good handle on things because of LKelly and her fabulous idea to begin this ring. The new certs. were unfamiliar with the new requirements in the portfolio.
Mr.Jason - oh, cool, my students are 7 and 8.
Mary - What new requirements?
Pattie from AL - 12 pages for artifacts in entry 1, optional artifacts for clarification on science video, ?
phyl - I haven't taped community yet. I am planning to tape our discussion when we plan for our visit from our preschool Book Buddies. We also have a hard time keeping our backpacks off the floor. Can't seem to keep them in the coat closet. I think this would be another good opportunity to tape. What do you think?
Sh.mcgee - Sh.mcgee-Patti, the Morning Meeting book has helped helped me establish a ritual in our classroom that everyone loves. It has four components. The components involve student interaction. That is where I bombed out last year! I keep coming up with situations to video because of that book. Kelly is right. It is an easy read.
Pattie from AL - Does it give problems to discuss?
kim - phyl--I have the same problem with my students--backpacks are always on the floor at the coast closet and kids are always tripping. Great idea for a taping!!
Virginia - Kelly, I'm going to need to get with you. I have been asked to fly to Oregon fairly soon to help the 24 candidates there. When I joined the "ring" I didn't copy all the wonderful lists (buzz words, action words, et...). Now I'm wondering if I should have them for my trip as supplements for these teachers... I'll privately e-mail you about it.
phyl - Kim, Well, it is an ongoing problem, isn't it?
Nancy - I In my video, we decided how to make new students feel welcome. The kids got into cooperative groups. Each group had one aspect of our day to discuss and decide what they would tell a new student. Then we came back together as a group to share our results.
Debbie Mc. - Virginia, where do you live? How wonderful to be asked to fly to help candidates in another state.
Pattie from AL - I found a bookcase with deep closed shelves. Each group now keeps their coats and bookbags on the right shelf. It is great for dismissing. Each group gets all their stuff and one time.
Melinda - Glad I wrote!! I am suppose to start my science unit on Body, Mon. However, we were out from school Fri. and we have a school assembly Mon. and Tues. is 100 day. So I might wait until next week. I am starting to worry about Body for my topic. I have a lot of hands-on experiences, but I don't want to be considered inappropriate. What is your opinion on this topic for K. It is always one of our favorites!
Kelly - Pattie - lots of stuff do to...LOTS of stuff! :) You'd love the book
Kelly - Morning meeting is written by Roxann Kriete....
kim - My spelling is horrible--maybe I need to examine my own literacy development!
Pattie from AL - Virginia, a friend sent the buzz words to me in an easy to read form. I would be happy to email them to you. Thats the least I can do.
Debbie Mc. - Virginia, I'm just glad to be going to a facilitator's workshop and have it paid for!
Virginia - The problem is that there are very vew NBCT's in the northwest...
phyl - Pattie-Tell me more about the bookcase.
Kelly - Virginia - do email me. I have TONS of stuff that would be great help to them. (Plus, of course, our email ring address! ) When giving out info about our ring, be sure to distinguish it from the "other" ring. Ours has LOTS more communication on it.
Virginia - Kelly, that's for sure!!
Pattie from AL - workshop basically consisted of 3 newly cert.s telling what they did. There were so many lost people in the meeting for EC. But I helped by giving them the EC GEN mail ring and this chat time.
Debbie Mc. - Pattie, is it the same format that we got off the ring?
Kelly - Pattie - do you mean the "simplified" version? I have that one, too! (Can you tell I'm a rat-packer?)
Virginia - It's amazing how I used to visit the NB web site continually. I haven't been there in 4 months. They are so negative there...
Kelly - Virginia - when I started this ring I vowed to myself that I would demonstrate "building community" with US! Boy, has this group responded in positive fashion! :)
Pattie from AL - He put them in word document. They are nice and neat with the heading dark. Give me an email and I will attach
them.
Mr.Jason - My class is full of boys that could use some community building skills.
Virginia - Kelly, it is absolutely amazing!! There are more viewpoints, sharing, and caring! You've started something BIG. Now if we can only get a web page for our wonderful lesson ideas!!!
Pattie from AL - The bookcase was one I rescued. It had 4 huge shelves. Deep enough to hold about 4 book bags and coats. The shelfs are labeled for my 4 groups.
Kelly - Virginia - I'm working on that. I have a sort of "in" with someone at nbpts who is checking out if their technology person will help us. Turns out it's one of the things they envisioned as they set this whole process up! :)
Mr.Jason - My class could also use lessons in careing and sharing. They do so little of it.
phyl - Pattie, Thanks I can use lots of help with the backpack problem. I can't wait to see what my students come up with, If they ever get back to school. They've been in class one day for the past two weeks and there's more wintry weather on the way!
Melinda - Any thoughts on Body for K? It is a large unit. I combine body, personal health and nutrition, but would probably just stick to body for NB.
Debbie Mc. - Melinda, Dental Health week is coming up. Maybe you could tie that in. Or not.
Kristie - Any ideas for third grade science entry? I teach Language Arts and Social Studies but am excited about doing a little science for this.
Debbie Mc. - Did you get the post of the good science book the other day?
Kelly - Kristie - have you done anything with either AIMS or FOSS or GEMS units? They're great. AIMS is expensive, but the others are cheap....and terrific
Melinda - I'm off to write, if any thoughts come to mind on Body for k, let me know on the ring! Thanks
Kristie - Kelly, I've done lots of AIMS when I tought 1st grade. So that kind of thing would be good you think?
Kelly - Debbie - I'm thinking of the one about teaching...."what do scientists do" or something like that. The science standards one is Pathways to the Science Standards - put out by the Natl. Science Teachers Assoc.
Melinda - Kristie, mepayne26@hotmail.com. I have a unit already planned. It is body, personal health and nutrition combined. I'm just worried it will be considered developmentally inappropriate. I guess it is how I write it up!! I wish I could write about the whole unit instead of just 3 learning experiences.
Debbie Mc. - Doing What Scientists Do. But wasn't there another posting just a couple of days ago?
Debbie Mc. - Gotta go! Bye
Kristie - Kelly, I also a good book dealing with the coastal areas. I found three activities in there dealing with how a grain of sand becomes a grain of sand. I thought that might be interesting too since I talk a lot about the low country(coastal area of SC). Actually, Hannah gave it to me. Thanks, Hannah
kim - Good bye all! I've enjoyed chatting! Rachel --keep in touch!
Kristie - Hannah, Have you finished any entries? I can't rememver what you said. You're close to finishing #5 aren't you?
Kelly - Kristie - I think the sand idea sounds really interesting....
Kelly - We'll be here every Sat. at 4:00 p.m. Eastern Standard time - this site is here always, but ec/gen has it for this time period.
