kinderjane - Hello Kelly! How's that entry #3 going?
Debbie Mc. - Kelly, I'm going to Seattle to be officially trained as a facilitator.
kinderjane - I have a couple of science questions today. I am finially writing this one.
Debbie Mc. - Let's have 'em Jane.
Kelly - Jane - It's coming...still waiting for a good video, though! Debbie, I forgot about your trip! (another senior moment!) I saw you come in and out of the chat last night!
Debbie Mc. - Kelly, I'm sending the info that I promised you out on Monday. Not much help, but good info.
Kelly - Debbie, as always, you KNOW I appreciate anything! I need to access all the help I can get!
Debbie Mc. - I'm tired of trying to get in that room. I'm going to start trying once a week and stop frustrating myself.
kinderjane - When I list my science goals, it says to tell scientific processes I want them to employ. Do they mean list the skills like observation, prediction, evaluation, etc.?
kinderjane - Kelly-what's the hold up on the video? Anything specific?
Debbie Mc. - Jane, that's what I did. Not those goals specifically but science process skills.
Pat - I have 2 literacy questions today
Kelly - Jane, no nothing specific in the way. Things like state accreditation (so they kept coming in my room and I didn't want to be taping during it!), me falling and hurting my ankle, so our meeting turned into the kids trying to help me, and I didn't want the tape of THAT!....just stuff like that getting in the way!
Debbie Mc. - Kelly, I hope your ankle is okay now.
kinderjane - Pat, what are your questions?
Kelly - I hate to tell you this, but those chats ARE like a slumber party. PLEASE write to help@onelist.com and tell them specifically what you are doing and that you can't get in! Maybe if someone other than me bombards them it will help!
Pat - When they talk about the stradegy you will use in the coming weeks do they mean after the weeks of artifact collection.
Kelly - Debbie - it's better, that's for sure. Not normal, but better.
Debbie Mc. - I'm sure they're tired of hearing from me too.
Debbie Mc. - Pat, I'm looking at my entry to see what I did.
kinderjane - That's what I did Pat.My strategy was for her to leave space between words. I made sure I addressed that she was NOT as I analyzed all artifacts. Showed there were some clues she was getting close.
Kelly - Hi cheeky - what are you working on?
Pat - What does "in the coming weeks mean" zAm I then going to evaluate the effectiveness of the stradegies?
Kelly - Pat - I think you can't evaluate their effectiveness because it's what you are doing AFTER this window of time....
kinderjane - Pat, i am a candidate so take my advice with a grain of salt. I did not address how she did with the new strategy. That was in the future when I selected it.
Debbie Mc. - Virginia, could probably better answer your question because it could be interpreted in different ways.
Debbie Mc. - Pat, how did you interpret the question?
Pat - I'm concerned that my writing artifacts aren't long enough. Most are only a couple of sentences. Is this a problem. I teach first grade.
Kelly - Alice - you got some feedback on the ring. DId that help?
kinderjane - When I tie the big ideas into my science entry, should it be through out the whole thing? The logical place to me seems to be when I tell why I selected these particular goals.
Teresa - That is what I did jane
alice - started on the classroom community. seems easy, but it is really hard. yes the feedback did help. i went to the onelist web site and posted the question there. was that what I was supposed to be doing all along?
martha - Hi to all! I have been writing for days on this science entry. Can anyone tell me how much reflection I need to include? I have added more and I'm not sure how much deeper or more revealing I should hunt for? Any help?
Kelly - Maria - I'm still sleepy - last night we were there until about 1:30 Eastern! I've been there almost every night.....
kinderjane - Martha, I just started my science entry. My last one to start! :-)
Maria - When I've been going this week it tells me I'm in but that none is there. Do you get there at 10 eastern or later?
Kelly - Alice - you can do it that way, but also you can just address a message to EC_GEN@onelist.com but don't forget that _ between the EC and the GEN
Debbie Mc. - Martha, read the standards and make sure that you are reflecting based on those. How would you do it differently after reading the standards?
kinderjane - Alice, I thought that one would be easy, too. Told my husband I thought I could write it in a couple of hours. It took a couple of weeks!
Pat - Any comments about the my aritifacts only being 1 or 2 sentences
martha - Jane I'm jealous! I have so much to do. I've at least started all but,# 6
cheeky - I've been trying to find teachers to talk to and I just happened to come across this room.
Debbie Mc. - Maria, the same thing has happened to me.
Teresa - Pat-I think it is normal for first grade to be 1-2 sentences. At what point in the year are they from?
kinderjane - Pat, Mine are mostly the same. I teach kindergarten. Being that short, I was able to analyze them thoroughly in that short space.
Kelly - Maria - we're usually in there by 10 Eastern....sometimes earlier....
Pat - Some are longer. They begin just before Christmas break
Debbie Mc. - Pat, my first artifacts were, but they became just a bit longer after working with my student.
Maria - Debbie- I di get a note from them (onelist) saying they were working on it and I might have trouble. thought they were kidding.
alice - Kelly, I had it that way, but it didn't work, so I went to the website. I won't be able to stay on long because i want to keep writing. I better keep the writing momentum going while i have the energy.
Debbie Mc. - Maria, I got the same note--about ten times.
Teresa - Is he/she writing more now?
alice - kinderjane, thank you for all of your helpful suggestions. I appreciate it.
Kelly - alice - I know what you mean! If you've got the bug to write, you HAVE to use it! :)
Debbie Mc. - Teresa, are you asking me or Pat?
Teresa - sorry, Pat.
martha - Are verification letters all that is needed for #5 or should I have pictures/letters/ a collection of things?
Maria - I'm really missing those chats. I guess its a message that I should be writing instead of chatting..
alice - being a retaker, i only have two components to do. I am also doing the literacy. and one section at the assessment center
martha - I miss chatting too. But the day is only so long and I have so much to get done! Days are flying by.
Debbie Mc. - Martha, I think different candidates have sent different assortments of verifications. Some just verifications and some an assortment.
Maria - Isn't that the truth, Martha!!
kinderjane - Martha, I have a variety of things. I only have one letter. I am a packrat and keep everything, so I had a lot of letters and other things to use. I'm pretty organized so could locate them all easily.
Pat - Teresa he is writing more now
Teresa - Then I would reflect on that.
martha - I have four entries for #5 and feel good about those. Is that enough? The writing comes to 8 pages. I can come up with more if needed.
alice - kelly, which sections are you working on?
Maria - How much did you all write describing you student. For literacy. I thought a short paragraph. Is that enough?
Kelly - alice - I'm redoing community
alice - lucky you. why is that one such a problem?
Pat - Where do i write about how his writing improved after working with him or do i just discuss his developing capacities as I see them emerging?
Debbie Mc. - Maria, I described mine in about a page.
kinderjane - Maria- I think my description took a half page or so. I don;t have it right here with me. What kinds of things did you tell?
Kelly - alice - my first time through (2 years ago) I had NO idea what I was doing....NONE! :) I'm at least a bit better off this time, thanks to everyone on the ring!
martha - Can anyone help me on the entry #3 for a third grade class, the video portion. i have tried so many times. I promised the kids on Friday if they made a good video I'd give them a party! Desperate
Teresa - As they are developing
alice - kelly, I was the same way.
Maria - I haven't really fleshed it out but I have her age, some important characteristics, learning style...
Debbie Mc. - I think that those of us who went through this process with mentor or list serve were shooting in the dark and had no idea what they were asking for.
Debbie Mc. - Maria, do you have anything about his/her likes/dislikes so that you can use those to motivate.
Maria - Debbie- No I don't but that's a good idea!
Debbie Mc. - I included some strengths in other content areas so that I could use these to enhance reading.
alice - martha, i am having the same problem. i also teach third grade and i am going to keep on taping until we get the discussion right. i have this really difficult class, putting it nicely and i am working with the morning meeting ideas to come up with solutions to some of the class problems
kinderjane - Maria- a little bit about her family too, since you will tie to them later in the entry
Maria - Thanks!
Kelly - Debbie - you mean "withOUT" mentors or listserve I hope! :)
Pat - Kinderjane was putting spaces between words your only stradegy. Seems like it would be hard to write much. Do they really mean just one stradegy? This must only take a para. or 2
Debbie Mc. - Right Kelly, think faster than I type.
kinderjane - I could not do this without the help on the EC-GEN ring. NO certified teachers in my district. (YET!!!)
Kelly - I was hoping that things got better once we got the list going! :)
Debbie Mc. - Pat, my student loved weather and maps, so I let him write scripts for plays that the other students could help him perform. He was always the weatherman doing the weather. He was so cute.
Maria - Jane- I thought about that because they're a big part of why I chose this child but I didn't want to overkill. A little would be good though. thanks!
Debbie Mc. - Jane, You
martha - Alice, is this the same morning meeting book I have been reading about on the list? I have a very difficult class also. Could you send me some of your ideas?
Debbie Mc. - Jane, you'll be the first. Hit enter to quickly.
Debbie Mc. - Pat, remember to include the child's family in whatever strategy you choose. Let him/them work at home on some things.
kinderjane - Pat-It all ties in together with all my artifacts. When she starts leaving space she will read it better. Will then be able to start some self editing when she can see words distinctly. Several other things like that. It has happened, too!
martha - Jane there are certified teachers in this area and nothing helps me like this group!!! i do have one woman who is avail. some. But this group is always here. You are all so special to me!
Debbie Mc. - Kelly, I would have loved this list last year. I think I would have been more confident.
Donna - Hi everyone! Can anyone tell me if the contextual info. sheet is scored in any way?
Debbie Mc. - Contextual info sheet is not scored. Just gives assessors background info.
kinderjane - I have vowed that when I certify, I am going to repay the big favor so many others have done by helping me!
kinderjane - Hey Donna! NO it is not scored.
Debbie Mc. - Jane, that's why we hang around. How could we not help those who need it after we've been where they are?
alice - martha, i sent away for that book and did not get it yet. working with a book called creating a caring classroom by nancy letts. it has helped.
Pat - If i don't feel like I have enough essessments, can I do some more now that I'm near the end of collecting artifacts?
Donna - Jane, Did you just write one paragraph? or answer each of the 4 ?s in the space after each question?
kinderjane - Debbie, I would say you don't know how much we appreciate you, but I think you do! You've walked in our shoes! :-)
Debbie Mc. - Jane, I think NBCTs don't really think we know that much independently. We're smarter as a group and are the first to say "I don't know" or I'm not sure". After this process, you know that you don't know everything.
kinderjane - Donna- I answered after each question and then a paragraph at the bottom.
Pat - do i compare earlier assessments taken at the beginning of the 8 weeks collection with assessments done at the end or am i just assessing allsorts of skills to answer my questions about my child?
Maria - Jane- this is somewhat unrelated but since I know you've designed a wonderful website I was wondering What program you used?
Donna - Literacy ? How long did everyone use for the literacy entry? Is 3 or 4 months too long?
martha - I have not done much on entry #2. I'm working with the student on specific obser. and assess. Is it really hard? I'm kind of scared of this one.
Kelly - good for you! It will help you immensely to get acquainted with it all now!
Maria - Pat- You must be reading my mind. I was wondering that too! :)
kinderjane - Maria- I used Front Page. I took a 5 session class, then worked some on my own. I wish I had time to update it, but for some reason, I seem busy right now.
alice - martha , this chat doesn't seem to be moving too quickly. i am going to log off soon because i want to continue with the entry. you can reach me at alicebob@msn.com and we can compare our notes.
Maria - Wonder why??? lol
Debbie Mc. - My literacy artifacts were gathered over a six week time period.
martha - alice-thanks. I
Pat - Donna I have about 8 weeks of artifacts but assessments from beginning of the year. Do I use early assessments in my writing.
Maria - Jane- After I'm done with my portfolio I want to design mine. And I can order some software now so...
Donna - Debbie Mc. Do you think I should only focus on the samples from the 8-10 weeks?
Debbie Mc. - Correction, my literacy artifacts were ten weeks.
martha - Alice, I didn't finish. Sorry. I have to logoff too. So much to do. I'll write and compare notes. If you want I could read some for you and you for me.
kinderjane - Martha- Entry #2 was the easiest for me to write. I have just started science which is the one that scared me the most. That is why I saved it for last. Plus, I needed to work on being a better science teacher!
Donna - Pat, I'm not sure.
Maria - Mine are a similar time frame Donna.
Donna - Maria, do you mean you covered a longer time? :-)
Debbie Mc. - Donna, I think that may help your writing if you can show how you helped move the child along with those artifacts.
martha - Jane, Science was not easy for me. But, I'm about finished. Good luck! Talk to you later. I better go and type!
May - if your're referring to the literacy entry, the child does not have to show improvement
alice - signing off. have to type. see you next week.
kinderjane - I've enjoyed visiting with you. we are going out to dinner with friends. She is working on her disertation, so our time together is limited and valuable! See you next week, friends! :-)
Pat - How can I analyze oral language with the artifacts
Donna - Thanks everyone, time is precious! Back to the literacy entry. Can you tell the deadline is getting closer? Good Luck Everyone!
Kelly - Bye Martha and Donna! See you on the ring
Debbie Mc. - Pat, I'm sorry but my husband was talking to me (imagine that) and I missed your question.
May - if you have transcribed conservation from a child, you could use that as an artifact and analyze it for fluency
Debbie Mc. - March, that's the title of our math calendar I think.
Maria - Pat- How does your child talk about the artifacts? Does s/he add to the written words? Change them? Not want to share these pieces with the class? That's how I looked at it.
Pat - I'm using optian B so everything has to be the child's own writing
May - why do you want to use an artifact to analyze a child's oral language?
Debbie Mc. - Pat, my child loved to talk but not to read, that's one reason that I wanted him to do the plays. He had to write before he could speak and he loved doing it this way.
May - I just talked about my child's oral language and used specific examples but I didn't refer to an artifact
Pat - May I don't want to use artifact to anal. oral lang. but don't they expect this?
Debbie Mc. - Pat, what grade do you teach?
Debbie Mc. - Pat, I don't think that an artifact is necessary to discuss his/her oral language, just remember to discuss the child's oral language ability because that is part of literacy.
Pat - Debbie i teach 1st grade
May - they want you to take into consideration the child's oral language, refer to it and use it in how you help the child read, but I don't htink you need a n artifact for it, unless I'm mistaken
liz - i've been working in entry 2 all day, i just discussed oral language by talking about how student interacts with peers, shares written work, etc.
Debbie Mc. - Pat, I do too.
Kelly - Maria - go to teachers.net and click on live chatrooms. The people in the room will be listed so you can "see" where you find our names! :)
May - and my child is an englishlanguage learner so I had scores I could use to explain fluency
Pat - Debbie you teach 1st grade?
Debbie Mc. - Pat, I do and I'll be glad to discuss literacy with you. But remember, Virginia has assessed and is probably more knowledgeable. I don't mind helping you and this was one of my highest scores.
May - well, i'm going to go work on entry 3, my last one!!!!
Maria - I think I'm going to write some more but I may come find you all later! Thanks!
Kay - Hey, Kelly. How was your week?
Kelly - Really awful actually....
Kay - One of those, huh? What happened?
Kelly - slipped on a grape at the grocery store - goofed up my ankle/foot on Monday. Our dog died on Tuesday. Really a bad week....
Debbie Mc. - Kelly, I am so sorry that you had such a bad week.
Kelly - Oh well, it has to get better, right??? :)
Kay - I AM SOOOO SORRY! I hope things get better this week.
Debbie Mc. - Right!
Pat - Traveling cyberspace to this room wasn't as hard as I thought
Debbie Mc. - I am really jealous that I can't participate in the nightly chats.
Kelly - Debbie - I'm writing to onelist.com again about that. It's ridiculous that you guys can't get in! We miss you!
Kay - Me, too!! I have tried many nights, but can't seem to get it to work.
Debbie Mc. - Cheryl aren't you certified?
Debbie Mc. - Kelly, if I could just lurk and read, I'd be happy.
Debbie Mc. - Is that you Rachel?
Pat - With the literacy artifacts, we need to provide a transcription of the child's writing. Does it have to be on a separate paper? I have room to put it at the bottom of the artifact. Seems this wouls be easier for assessor too
Debbie Mc. - Pat I did a separate sheet. Didn't want to take any chances.
Rachel - Yes..what's left of me & my brain.....
Debbie Mc. - Sometimes you need to take a couple of days off to refresh your brain.
Pat - Debbie I was thinking the same thing
Rachel - I just downloaded 67 pages from the NCSS site, trying to get the SS standards!!! Ugh!!!
Kay - I need some advice on Entry 2. Did you all use any of the informal written assessments you did as writing artifacts or did you use separate pieces that the student created?
Debbie Mc. - Rachel, that always frustrates me. But I hope you found what you needed.
Debbie Mc. - I used separate artifacts, just included the assessments in my writing.
Cheryl - No, I'm working on certification this year. I've got a lot left to do and should be writing, but this is more fun. I'm the Cheryl from MS, the other Cheryl is certified. I think her last name is Wolfe. I may have spelled that wrong.
Debbie Mc. - I'm sorry for mistaking your identity Cheryl.
Kelly - Okay, kids, I just wrote onelist another nasty note about our frustrations with people not being able to get in the chatroom there every night. I asked them to tell me what to tell those of you who are having that problem......we'll see what they respond with.....
Cheryl - Debbie did you get my e-mail about the Summer Prep course. I sent it earlier today.
Debbie Mc. - Cheryl, I went to the MS. World Class Teaching website. I think that it is super.
Rachel - Hope so...Catharina Ringer (?) in an earlier post from JAn 31 said that it was a 33-page doc.....Oh well, maybe what I need is in there somewhere
Debbie Mc. - Thanks Kelly.
Debbie Mc. - Cheryl, thanks for putting me in touch with them.
Debbie Mc. - Rachel, can we help you with something today?
Kay - My little guy is not a very prolific writer and really hates the process of writing, but I administered tests 1-5 of the Observation Survey. Should I stay away from using this?
Debbie Mc. - Kay, you might be better off asking Virginia. I didn't use any assessments but I didn't read that you couldn't.
Debbie Mc. - Kay, for your strategies have you thought about using something that he really enjoys as his writing topics?
Pat - Kay it's my understanding that those assessments aren't scoreable. But I'm not sure. Anyway I'm not using them. What grade and what option are you using
Kelly - Kay - do you mean to "use" them in your write up? ....or do you mean to use the Observation Survey as artifacts?
Rachel - I need to be writing, but am starting my Soc St unit & trying for my Sci video this week...and those are on my mind today...In fact, I'm worried that my mealworms are 'dead'..gonna run to the school & ck on them in a bit...
Kay - Hey, Rachel!! I'm Catharina Ringer (aka Kay to friends and family). When I printed the standards it was 33 pages. Look through the TEACHER STANDARDS. That's where I am getting my info.
Debbie Mc. - I can't believe that I used one book and my DWOK program for that entry.
Rachel - Thanks, Kay!!! (That's my middle name!)
Kay - Yes, Kelly. He has to do a hearing sounds in words activity and a vocabulary activity where he writes for 10 minutes all the words he can think of. I just wasn't sure if these would be acceptable as artifacts, or do I need to use something else.
Debbie Mc. - Kay, what grade is this?
Kelly - Kay - I think you want to use writing samples for artifacts. But you can use the observation survey information in your write up....
Kay - I'm doing option B--this is a 2nd grader who is way below grade level.
Rachel - For literacy....is it best to use a student that's weak, middle of the road or very proficient (SP?) ???
Debbie Mc. - I don't think that writing just words that he can think of is a good artifact.
Debbie Mc. - Any of the three would be alright, Rachel. I used a really good reader who hated to write.
Kay - Thanks, all. You know how it is when you are in the middle of a write-up and suddenly you begin to doubt what you absolutely knew 2 minutes ago.
Rachel - I've been collecting artifacts from all 3 b/c I c/n decide which to do...I have read that they do not have to show improvement in the 8 wks.... Is that correct?
Debbie Mc. - My child didn't become a better reader, but he did find that he could enjoy writing and thus wrote for more sustained periods of time.
Kay - That's right, Rachel. Do you have more contact with one child's parents?
Pat - Kay how long are your students writing artifacts
Debbie Mc. - Kay, my brain hasn't recuperated yet.
Kay - They aren't very long, but they come from math, science and language arts. They really show his dislike for the medium. On one he even scribbled over his writing, he was so frustrated.
Rachel - Kay, my weakest, most below grade level child is new (Jan. 6), and I h/n had an awful lot of contact w/ his mom...but, that's why I did a hime visit with Codey...
Rachel - Sorry...I MEANT HOME visit!!
Debbie Mc. - Kay, is he frustrated because he can't spell as his classmates do?
Kay - That's part of it, Debbie, but another is that he is VERY young. I have had lots of contact with Mom and we are doing several interventions. He really is a baby!!
Debbie Mc. - Did you say that he was a 2nd grader?
Kay - Yes.
Debbie Mc. - I hate when parents start kids to school too early. It is so frustrating for the child. And it just creates problems.
Debbie Mc. - I have two very young first graders who would have made excellent kinders this year.
Kay - This child performs wonderfully orally, and his reading is coming along. In the scheme of things, he's right where he should be developmentally, he's just in the wrong grade. Thankfully, Mom is seeing this and she is supportive of keeping him in 2nd nex
Pat - I've found out that young is a releative term. When is his birthday
Kay - He just turned 7 (!!!!) in mid-November.
Debbie Mc. - By young, I mean that they are not ready to take on the expectations of formal schooling.
Rachel - I've got a student who loves to read (esp. AR cahapter books!), but he d/n necessarily like to write...He rushes through, writes as little as possible, and has almost illegible handwriting...I've had lots of contact with mom (& DAD) and we've tried several interventions ...Would he be a good literacy candidate?
Pat - That's young. What is the cut-off date in your school
Debbie Mc. - Gosh, that is young for a second grader.
Debbie Mc. - Rachel, that sounds an awful lot like my featured child. He loved maps, weather, etc. Logical-mathematical intelligence and spatial too. Hated writing.
Kay - Our cutoff is October 15th, but this child began in a CHARTER SCHOOL. At that, he began Kindergarten 6 months late. He is simply missing a lot of basic skills. Didn't even know how to cut and trace. I don't know that he has ever worked with glue befor
Debbie Mc. - Where did Kelly go?
Kay - My writing keeps getting cut off. I was saying that I don't know that he ever has worked with glue before coming to my room.
Rachel - This little guy wants to be a meteorologist....We just finished a big weather unit...He also goes to speech...
Debbie Mc. - I'll bet his fine motor skills are delayed.
Kay - I think he sounds like a good candidate for Entry 2.
Kelly - I'm here, Debbie - but if a person doesn't post a comment in a certain length of time, their name disappears from the top. I'm still here, though.....
Kay - That was for Rachel. Sorry...
Pat - I just got a child from a voucher school. Her records say she was doing fine but needed to memorize 2 Bible verses. She's at the bottom in my room and dad can't understand why
Rachel - Debbie...are you speaking of my little guy? THat's entirely possible..He's got veryt developed GROSS MOTOR skills...avid hockey player and loves to dance!!!
Debbie Mc. - Rachel, mine did too! My strategy was writing plays as the weatherman. He wrote the plays, included parts for other children and the parents helped him make props at home. I also gave them tips on not just reading bedtime stories and such, but questionsing about plot, what if...
Debbie Mc. - No, I was speaking of Kay's young child.
Kay - Yes, Debbie. We are working on fine motor skills. I have has to work very closely with K and 1 teachers to get him materials to improve this. It is really sad. And the Charter School will not return my calls. I've tried 4 times now.
Debbie Mc. - I always hate it when I have to be the person who tells parents that their child is not working on level.
Pat - Debbie at least you are being honest and up front with the parents.
Rachel - Debbie, I won't take eime here, but maybe you could email me some suggestions...for artifacts, interventions, etc. Or, I'll send you my FAX #, if that's help...I have friendly letter, fiction, writing from Science log, non-fiction,....Have plans to do poetryt, just haven't...Thanks!
Debbie Mc. - Sometimes they don't want honesty. They want their child to be tops
Kay - Pat--my student was promoted to 2nd with the stipulation of being placed in the "Opportunities Room". All of his scores indicated that he needed another year of 1.
Pat - I have a S.S. Artifact question. Do you think a picture of our guest speaker(family counselor), his notes, and the notes I took while he spoke with the children is OK.
Rachel - Maybe I could do something with hockey....I have one paragraph he wrote abt "MY Favorite Sport"...
Debbie Mc. - Okay, Rachel. I'll just e-mail some suggestions and if needed I'll mail you some things. Have you ever been to a Wright group workshop or have any materials from them?
Debbie Mc. - Pat, I think the SS artifacts have changed this year, so I'm afraid to comment.
Rachel - Debbie, no, but have heard of it!
Debbie Mc. - I love their books. Our principal made us choose another series--wouldn't even take the time to speak to their rep.
Debbie Mc. - They have great reading and writing checklists to use with k and 1 students, maybe even 2s.
Pat - Debbie I have written NB about my S.S. artifact. Takes 2-5 business days for a reply. I hope they are clear, concise, and convincing with their answer!
Kay - What a shame, Debbie. I am goi to their Phonics workshops at the end of April. I would love to get a copy of the checklists.
Debbie Mc. - They won't be, Pat.
Rachel - That seems like there's smthg wrong w/ that picture...since you KNOW the kids you teach (STANDARDS!!) better than h/she does!!
Debbie Mc. - Kay, I'll try to get them copied and e-mail them to you. I have been to a few and have never been disappointed.
Pat - Gotta go guys. Thanks for all your help!
Kay - Thanks, Debbie. My e-mail is catharinar@mindspring.com.
Debbie Mc. - I would love to use their whole series. We have Sunshine kits that we like to use with low achievers and they build such confidence.
Rachel - OOps...Just completely lost the web page!
Debbie Mc. - Bye, Pat. Let me know if you need suggestions for lit.
Kay - I was a teacher assistant as I was finishing up my degree, and the teacher I worked with used Wright Group books. I really liked the materials.
Debbie Mc. - He really pushes Houghton-Miffling. At least their new series is better but doesn't compare to the WRight Group. I come away from their workshops so fresh and excited.
Rachel - Had to REFRESH again! What's going on?
Debbie Mc. - Sorry, Mifflin.
Kelly - I bought $1,000 worth of books from Sundance with a grant I wrote. The books are great.....the kids love them. Some fiction, some non. Great pictures....
Debbie Mc. - I have heard they're great.
Debbie Mc. - Kelly, I would love to write a grant for books. How and through whom did you do it?
Kay - Wow!! Now I'm REALLY looking forward to going at the end of April!
Rachel - Kay, that's neat...I'm sure you see many things from different perspectives, having been an assistant. Mine is WONDERFUL!!!I'm so-ooooo blessed!
Debbie Mc. - Kay, you will absolutely love it. Their presenters are teachers and are they tops!
Debbie Mc. - What does it feel like to have an assistant?
Rachel - Debbie Mc...you don't? Why not?
Debbie Mc. - If you want your students to have a real purpose for writing, Joy Cowley who writes for the Wright Group, among others, loves to respond to children.
Kelly - Debbie - I'll email my grant to you. It was from our local "education foundation"....
Debbie Mc. - Why don't I have an assistant? The state doesn't provide one and our district only provides for kinders.
Kay - I do, Rachel. I feel very fortunate having been an assistant first and then going into my own room. I got to see the pitfalls before I fell into one!
Debbie Mc. - Thank you Kelly. Our local doesn't give out grants.
Debbie Mc. - Maybe I can find somebody who will though Kelly.
Kelly - Debbie - it's not our local. It's an education foundation set up privately for our school district. They get local businesses and people to donate money to it. Lots of districts around here get citizens to set these things up.
Rachel - Deb...I forgot your grade level...I think I thought it was K ...in Kentucky!!!
Kay - Does your district have a grant writer, Debbie? If so, they would be able to let you know where you could write a grant for books.
Debbie Mc. - We don't have that either, but I'll try other places.
Debbie Mc. - I teach first in Kentucky, Rachel. I'm really supposed to say P2s.
Debbie Mc. - No we don't have a grant writer at district level but at the regional one I think.
Debbie Mc. - We're just a small district-about 5,000 students.
Rachel - Is that like a transitional first grade?
Debbie Mc. - No, we use a primary program of different multi-aged groups. I teach with a primary first year teacher (P1) and we combine classes a small portion of the day.
Debbie Mc. - Students work with which ever group they need to.
Rachel - Kelly, this is probably a dumb question, but since I've never posted on the EC _GENonelist (I just DEVOUR the digests!) How do you access that to post smthg? Just go to onelist site....?
Kay - I've gotta go. Thanks for the help everybody!! My sister took my children for the weekend, I have had all day to write, and my husband is getting off of work soon and we are going to dinner BY OURSELVES!! Have a great weekend, and hopefully I'll get to
Kelly - Rachel - you can go to the onelist site and click on post message. OR - you can just address a message to EC_GEN@onelist.com but be sure to include that _ between the EC and the GEN.
Debbie Mc. - Good luck, Kay. Enjoy.
Kelly - Bye Kay - enjoy your time without the kids!
Debbie Mc. - Rachel, I'm glad you're not so overwhelmed today. Have you given yourself any rest time?
Rachel - Oh, OK ...Thanks.. Well, kinda sorta...Not a tremendous amt...Need to go to bead earlier....I'm going out to eat w/ my husband in about an hour, so that will be pleasant..
Rachel - I think I'm going to take 2-3 professional days...just to write ...NC gives us 3. I took one in Feb. , am scheduled for March 24, and April 10 (TO PACK the box)!!
Debbie Mc. - Enjoy your time with your husband. And don't talk or think about NBs.
Debbie Mc. - That's a good idea. I did that and took the phone off (after I gave my husband and son directions for any emergency that could arise.
Kelly - Debbie - you KNOW how hard that is! (not talking or thinking about NB!)
Debbie Mc. - Kelly, I still dream about this process. Now, it's about helping somebody and giving the wrong directions.
Kelly - Debbie - your advice is ALWAYS so sound!
Debbie Mc. - Don't you always wonder when you give it though Kelly?
Kelly - Debbie - I always have to preface my "advice" with my status!
Rachel - The time crunch is really worrying me...I'm going to do the best I can...The biggest problem is that myt SS/arts sequence starts Mon. and runs thru Mar 23 (At least, that's my plan...) I'm doing the MEALWORM thing this week , and w/ Sci being a 3-part lesson, that will be going on for the next few weeks, so I can't write too much on those yet...
Debbie Mc. - I always say I'm not an assessor, I don't even say I'm certified. I guess it goes with the territory of not being sure of yourself.
Debbie Mc. - Rachel, do everything you can and leave only the SS for writing after March 23 (if that's possible).
Robin, here! - Trying to finish all NB stuff in 3 weeks
Debbie Mc. - Good luck, Robin. You can do it!
Rachel - Robin, are you one of the 'Robins' that posts on the EC_GEN onelist?
Robin, here! - After I go off track I have to vacate my termite-infested house.
Kelly - Robin - what have you finished?...or gotten a good start on?
Debbie Mc. - Robin, make sure that you don't lose your box and everything that goes with it.
Robin, here! - Rachel- I don't know, actually. I have posted things various places
Rachel - Do you need any beetles???????
Robin, here! - No thnaks!! Termites are forcing me out of the house for three days early in April.
Robin, here! - Kelly- I've made good headway on all entires, but still have to collect work for Entry 2
Debbie Mc. - Robin, what's the incentive in California for board certified teachers?
Kelly - Robin - have you collected anything?
Robin, here! - Oh boy! Now I hear the dishwasher making bad noises!
Debbie Mc. - Maybe it's just a dish banging.
Rachel - Well, I'm gonna go send an email or two & then dry my hair....Have a SUPER week-end Kelly, DebbieMac, and Robin!!
Robin, here! - Deb -- The promise is $10K, but the gov. said he wanted to make it $30K!
Debbie Mc. - I'm impressed!
Kelly - I need to move to some other state!
Robin, here! - Not the dishes in there, weird sounds of motor!
Debbie Mc. - Kelly, I'm with you. Not much incentive here in KY.
Rachel - I came back..Am going to try to print this page!
Robin, here! - Gosh Deb, KY is pretty. I like Louisville, got good memories of that place. Where are you?
Debbie Mc. - Rachel it might print everything that's been written in this room.
Kelly - Rachel - it will appear in the teachers.net archives within a day or two....I'll post to the ring when I find out it's available.
Debbie Mc. - I'm in Western Kentucky and I do like it, but I meant the incentive for NBCs is not good.
Kelly - Hey Debbie - I met Tressella this week! She was in St. Louis for a conference. I met her at the airport after it, and we had dinner while she was waiting for her plane to go back to Louisville!
Debbie Mc. - We have a candidate from Jefferson County on the list serve.
Debbie Mc. - I'll be you too had a good time. That's who I was talking about being from Jeff. Co.
Robin, here! - I understood Deb -- just letting you know that I like KY, even if there is not much $$
Kelly - Yes - it was fun to meet her. I can't wait until LOTS of us get to meet sometime!
Debbie Mc. - Robin, did you live here in Ky. How do you like South. Ca.
Kelly - Robin - where in South Carolina? (Have I asked you that before??)
Debbie Mc. - Kelly, since we live in a central location, maybe we won't have to travel so far!
Rachel - Gosh, le't all move to CALI_FOR_NI_AAA!!! OKAAAAAAYYYYY!!! Bye!
Robin - I am from Northeast Ohio -- moved to California (not Carolina) three years ago.
Debbie Mc. - Gosh! what a change in climate!
Robin - Hate the traffic, hate the graffiti, hate the housing, love the weather, like the job
Robin - Hubby was college prof , I was stay-at-home Mom. Hubby lost job, hence, here we are.
Debbie Mc. - Do you live in an urban area?
Robin - Hubby is now Mr. Mom, and helping me keep on track with Ntl Board stuff.
Debbie Mc. - Hope he finds a job soon. We've been there too.
Robin - Yes -- and teach in another urban area. COuldn't afford to live in nicer place.
Cindy - Started teaching headstart in Tx
Robin - Moved from a college town where Amish buggies went down the street.
Debbie Mc. - You're a teacher. What would teachers need with money?
Debbie Mc. - What a change for you and your family.
Kelly - Debbie - I thought I was supposed to be happy to have a place to go every day! :)
Robin - Are we all working on Early Childhood Generalist?
Debbie Mc. - Kelly, you are and don't worry about food, clothing, or shelter.
Kelly - Robin - yes - I'm a banker....
Debbie Mc. - I, thankfully, am finished.
Cindy - Hi Debbie Mc. Where are you from?
Robin - OOOOOOOH Kelly, I commend you.
Robin - I don't think I could muster the will to return to this project next year.
Debbie Mc. - Kentucky.
Debbie Mc. - Kelly is great!
Robin - Deb -- Are you a 99 NBCT?
Debbie Mc. - Robin, you'll be surprised at your stamina and perseverance.
Cindy - Debbie Mc. do you have a Headstart program
Debbie Mc. - Yes, so it still doesn't sink in unless somebody asks me directly.
Robin - You're right -- I would be :)
Kelly - Absolutely....I"d still be working on this even if I certified....I learn SO much from all of these great teachers!
Debbie Mc. - Yes, we do. Mega bucks sunk into it. I would love to have their equipment and rooms.
Debbie Mc. - Kelly is going to stick around, she started this ring. Isn't she a great leader? Lots of foresight.
Debbie Mc. - Cindy, how is your program? Do you get lots of money.
Debbie Mc. - At my school, we have a Head Start program and a preschool program.
Kelly - Debbie - I'll stick around so I can be around great teachers like YOU! :) But of course, we'll be in our NBCT charter school within a few years! :)
Cindy - Debbie Mc. I have 17, 4-5 yr olds, not alot of money
Debbie Mc. - That's right Kelly. Are you saving your pennies?
Debbie Mc. - Cindy, I meant do you get a lot of funds. I should have realized that you don't get paid a lot. Sorry.
Kelly - I'm going to have to go. Yes, Debbie, I'm saving them! :) I'll see you guys later! Be good!
