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Kim/K/SCal - I am almost to the end of Wondrous Words.........great book
Karla - I am curious as to how much reading everyone is "hoping" to tackle this summer?
KathyB1stIA - Kim, I am going to try to get that book SOON. My local book store won't order it.
Karla - st picked up a copy of Wondrous Words yesterday
Kim/K/SCal - LOL Karla......... lots. Some professional, some for fun..........
KathyB1stIA - I have a special chair set up and the right lighting. Now, I just need TIME! LOL!
Karla - What was I saying??????????? I think my intent was to say the "I" picked up a copy. Who is "st" anyway? It must be Friday!
Kim/K/SCal - It is an EXCELLENT book. I already had Calkins' s "The Art of Teaching Writing." I think WW is one you can really sink your teaching teeth into...........I know what you meant, Karla!
Karla - I also picked up Calkin's books (Writing and Reading). They are on my list as well.
Kim/K/SCal - I was telling everyone on the Prof Chatboard that WW is an EXPENSIVE book to read cuz you want to go out and BUY all her recommendations. BE STRONG!
KathyB1stIA - This is only somewhat related, but I was telling a friend that I needed something different to read. She told me about reading three books by the same author. She liked reading to gain style, etc. But, now she is ready for a new author.
Kim/K/SCal - (((Judy)))How are things in NCal? HOT here.......
judy3ca - Ooooh, I'm so glad you're discussing WW!
Kim/K/SCal - We waited for YOU , Judy.......just now in the "drooling" phase..........
judy3ca - Georgeous here, Kim, but "they" say rain is heading this way.
Karla - It has been pouring in Illinois for weeks on end. Anyone have a boat for sale?
Kim/K/SCal - Judy, Danny LOVES Chico! We go up on 14June to register him............SOB
Kim/K/SCal - Karla......need a raft?
KathyB1stIA - Karla, they say we will have 5 days without rain... maybe you will, too.
judy3ca - I tried Ray's choral reading exercise and what my kids chose as examples of "striking language" was excellent. Then I gave all my materials to my friend who teaches 5th and they went further--to small group performance. Wow! I love WW!
Karla - A raft sounds good. I will have to brush up on my whitewater rafting skills.
judy3ca - Oh, Kim, I'm so glad to hear that about your son! My daughter can be so obnoxious that we sometimes wish we could ship her off early, LOL.
Kim/K/SCal - OH, I found the MOST wonderful book by Jane Yolen..........did a B&N run last Sunday.........(I needed a FIX).......it is called "The Pirate Queens." GREAT for choral reading............!!
Rudy - Hi everybody! Give me a summary of WW. Guess I must get it since you are all raving about it but I'm not sure why.
KathyB1stIA - Kim, I love Jane Yolen books. I'll have to look for this one.
Kim/K/SCal - To clarify........I wrote "sob" like in mournful cry. NOT SOB as in S.O.B. ............ LOL
judy3ca - I love Jane Yolen! But you rememember that Ray's choral reading is very different than what I used to think of as choral reading, right?
Karla - Is WW written for primary grades, but adaptable to upper?
Kim/K/SCal - Yes............tell me how you did yours
judy3ca - Hi Rudy
Kim/K/SCal - Hi to Rudy!!!
Rudy - Hi judy3ca!
KathyB1stIA - Watch your mouth, I mean typing Kim!
Rudy - Hi Kim!
Kim/K/SCal - Yes, Kathy......;-D
judy3ca - Karla, I think Ray taught at least middle school, if not high school. There's no need to adapt (at least what I've read so far).
Karla - Kim - I was wondering about the SOB comment, in fact, I called my teenaged son to inquire what else it could mean. LOL
judy3ca - Kim, do you know the book Basket Moon?
Kim/K/SCal - no......Jane Yolen?
judy3ca - I read the kids Basket Moon and then gave them copies and they had to read and find examples of "striking language." Then they narrowed to one example, finally we circled and each read his/her fave---oh, it's a group poem!
Karla - Did we find out who the author to Basket Moon is?
Barb/2/NE - oh Judy! Is that activity taken from Wondrous Words?
Kim/K/SCal - This Pirate Queens book is just WONDERFUL......strong women and true historical context......rhyming, great illustrations.........
Kim/K/SCal - I had my grad students do it in a choral reading last night.......then I passed out lots of good books and had them look for CRAFT!!!!!
judy3ca - Barb, straight out of WW--I was holding the book and reading the directions to my kiddos--and then my 5th friend told her kids what we'd done. She was so excited that she brought her kids over to perform for us. It blew me away.
Karla - DO you utilize any of Ralph Fletcher's Craft Lessons?
judy3ca - Kim, I wanna be in your class!
Barb/2/NE - Judy, I wrote up an invitation for my co-workers to join me in reading Wondrous Words for the summer
judy3ca - We spent most of the year with Craft Lessons and Nonfiction Craft Lessons.
Rudy - Sounds great, Kim.
Barb/2/NE - Kim, can you define, Craft?
Kim/K/SCal - I have the book , Karla.......haven't used it yet. I need somebody like YOU in my class Judy. I want ALL of you to come be in my class. So many of these prospective teachers just don't GET it. I feel like I am doing a dog and pony show.
judy3ca - Great, Barb, I hope you get lots of positive responses.
Rudy - LOL, Kim!!
Karla - I have not been able to get my hands on the Nonfiction Craft Lesson book. Is it as good?
judy3ca - Kim, really you should just show them my kids at this point in the year--they amaze me.
Kim/K/SCal - CRAFT......i would say it is the tools that writers use in order to put their words together, to create their message. It is a WAY with words, language........rhyming, alliteration, repeating phrases, choices of words..........
Barb/2/NE - Karla, where have you tried to get it?
Kim/K/SCal - Will you bring them next week Judy? Call it a field trip.
Karla - Kim - How sad. I would love to have someone talk to me about these great books that I am seeing. I am so excited that I can't wait for summer! I definetly have too many to get through, but I am going to try.
Kim/K/SCal - HEAR ya, Karla!
Barb/2/NE - Kim, didn't they use to use a different word for that? It seems so new
Kim/K/SCal - ((((Jan!))
judy3ca - Kim, great! At this point, my kiddos love showing off.
Rudy - So now I must get WW and Ralph Fletcher's Craft lessons?
Kim/K/SCal - Probably, Barb.......it is the GOOD STUFF we have always known, but perhaps we just hadn't articulated it. You know...............?
Karla - Barb - Only through fellow teachers and libraries. I like to thumb through before I purchase. I know I like the Craft Lessons, so I am thinking I should just order the Nonfiction.
Kim/K/SCal - Text structure, too, is CRAFT. Wondrous Words teaches us to teach our kids to READ like WRITERS.
Rudy - where is the best place to buy now? Amazon.com?
Barb/2/NE - Kim, that statement is so obvious!
Kim/K/SCal - $$Ch-ching, Rudy. Or you can do like Brad........call it up on Amazon and then just lick the screen. SAY........where is BRAD tonight?
judy3ca - Yes, Barb, what took us so long to see it that way?
Barb/2/NE - Kim, my sons are all very good writers AND very good readers, it's like a 'duh' moment to me
Kim/K/SCal - Yes, Barb........so true. But it helped me to sort of cement everything together.
Jan - Rudy, Barnes Noble has free shipping and prices are about the same as Amazon, maybe cheaper
Kim/K/SCal - FREE SHIPPING, Jan? Don't TEASE................
Karla - I just recently came across other "writer" books by Fletcher that look like a must. They are written to be read by the writer. I thought I could use them as a read aloud and then they could be springboards for discussion.
judy3ca - I'm going to a Scholastic Warehouse Sale tomorrow. Has anyone been to one?
Barb/2/NE - Judy, I'm amazed at all the good professional literature out their for new teachers! When I think about the textbooks I had to buy in college.....way back in the dark ages.....I cringe!
Jan - IF you buy 2 books...and who doesn't buy 2 books at a time?
Rudy - My story is so many books and so little time!! Very happy that school is drawing to a close. I'm tired! I think it is from ALL the rain we've been having in OH!
Kim/K/SCal - I am soooooo tired, too, Rudy.
Barb/2/NE - Rudy, Borders gives educators 20% off purchases. DO you have a Borders near you?
Kim/K/SCal - LOL Jan..... I can ALWAYS think of ONE more. .....
Rudy - Thanks for the info.
judy3ca - My principal got to my room last for last night's Open House and announced, Mrs. M, you have the most books.
Karla - Judy - I have only heard, but I am going to my first on Monday. We have some $ to spend and we (a coworker and I) thought we would buy some guided reading sets.
judy3ca - Karla, did you hear good things?
Barb/2/NE - Judy, what a compliment!
judy3ca - Barb, ROFLOL, I don't think it's a compliment--just an observation. I can't seem to resist buying books, LOL.
Karla - I heard GREAT things. Bad news...people I know usually return with a tab that exceeds $100...BUT they are excited about their purchases.
Rudy - I think you should get an award, judy!! Not to long ago one of the 1st graders in my building whined, don't give me anything to read! I hate to read! Couldn't understand "how" she could ever have that attitude!
Kim/K/SCal - I have been boxing up my books for the past two weeks. About halfway done. I told y'all I am changing schools?
judy3ca - Karla, I need to decide on a limit before we get there!
judy3ca - Rudy, oh, how sad!
Kim/K/SCal - Not uncommon, Rudy.............
Rudy - I mean 1st grade teachers!
KathyB1stIA - Judy, I would take it as a compliment. You not only have books, but from your comments you USE them in class and your students benefit. I wouldn't mind being a 3rd grader again in your room.
Kim/K/SCal - A TEACHER said that, Rudy?
Barb/2/NE - My 4th grade son just completed a WONDERFUL Fairy tale unit. Tonight he brought home a book with everyone's stories. They were amazing!
Karla - Judy - good luck! I know I will end up buying more than I set out to.
judy3ca - Wow, Kathy, thanks!
Kim/K/SCal - ((((Grace!!)))
Rudy - Yes Kim.
Kim/K/SCal - I have been reading ROOTS, Grace. More meaningful to me now.........
KathyB1stIA - Oh, Rudy, a first grade teacher hate reading?
Grace/IL - Hi all! This looks like a friendly place. Just observing tired teachers. One doesn't even have to be working to be tired.
judy3ca - Barb, that's great. What was your son's fairy tale. One of my kids just wrote "The Three Jinxed Pigs" and it was darling.
Kim/K/SCal - You see, Rudy.......I just DON'T understand teachers like that. I don't see HOW you can teach reading and writing if you are not passionate about it. You HAVE to be passionate about it.
Jan - Rudy, that is incredible! Why is she teaching first grade?
Barb/2/NE - His booklet is divided into 3 types of stories. Another point of view, modernization and COntinuation(what really happened)
Karla - Rudy - I feel for the 1st grade teacher's class. She needs to rethink her profession.
Kim/K/SCal - Rudy........tell her WalMart is hiring..........
Barb/2/NE - Judy, he and a partner wrote, The three little pigs, modernized!
judy3ca - Karla, that's a nice way of saying she should be run out of town!
Karla - Kim -LOL
Rudy - I am so happy to find you folks. Yo love to read profesional books. Truly, my experience has been that you folks are a rare and wonderful group of educators!
Jan - Has anyone used the picture book, "Leah's Pony?
Karla - Judy - I am trying to be nice.
judy3ca - ROFL
Rudy - LOL,Kim.
Kim/K/SCal - No Jan........ author? ALSO.....who wrote Basket Moon?
judy3ca - Jan, I don't know that book. Good?
Karla - Who wrote Leah's Pony?
Jan - My granddaughter & I just read "Leah" and we BOTH were sobbing!
Kim/K/SCal - Some would say, Rudy, that we belong in a 12-Step Program.
Karla - DItto on the authors
KathyB1stIA - Rudy, I only like to read professional books when I have some to interact with... my building isn't really into that... you know... book study.
Rudy - Karla, I agree!
Barb/2/NE - Judy, I was so happy to see him not use 'said' over and over, but things like, whispered, screamed, etc
judy3ca - Mary Lyn Ray is the author and it's illustrated by Barbara Cooney.
Grace/IL - Since we've moved away from strictly MOT, has anyone seen books by Options Publishing? I picked up one called "The Math and Literature Connection" and I'm thinking of using it with my little tutee.
Kim/K/SCal - The principal at my NEW school BUYS professional books for her staff. She LOVES my staff development proposal, Jan and Kathy!
Jan - It is wonderful---about a little girl during the depression.
Kim/K/SCal - That's Marilyn Burns, isn't it, Grace?
Barb/2/NE - Kathy, come join ME this summer while I read Wondrous Words, how far are you from Omaha! LOL
Karla - Kim - WOW! You are fortunate.
Jan - Leah's Pony written by Elizabeth Friedrich
KathyB1stIA - OHHHHH GRACE ... math and lit... count me in!
Rudy - Kathy, slowly my building is deciding that professional reading is a good thing. I've been trying to convince them for 5 years. Didn't think it would take so long!
Barb/2/NE - Grace, I believe I've seen that book in catalogs. Doesn't it have the books with it?
Kim/K/SCal - Well,,,,,, I am not THERE yet. Not until end of August.
Jan - Kim, that's wonderful news!
Grace/IL - Options book -- This one was written by Karen P. Hall. It's a little workbook with lots of good ideas in it.
Karla - Marilyn Burns has GREAT info on the math and lit connection
KathyB1stIA - I don't know about Options Publishing? Tell me more, Grace.
Kim/K/SCal - She was asking me about Brain research books..........any suggestions?
judy3ca - Jan, on your recommendation I bought Elizabeth (author Nivola). I read it to my class yesterday and had a hard time not sobbing. What a rich discussion we had! Thank you.
Barb/2/NE - Grace, just this past fall I wrote a grant for Math Take home bags with a writing componet in it. It's be so fun for my kiddos!
Grace/IL - Options Publishing -- <www.optionspublishing.com>. I picked this book up as a freebie at IRA.
Barb/2/NE - Kim, LOL, eimmik's the one to ask about that!!!
Jan - I'm glad you posted that, Judy. I was just going to suggest it also. I loved it.
KathyB1stIA - Kim, my principal teaches summer classes on brain research. I think she uses Jensen, but I am not sure.
Kim/K/SCal - Jan you missed MY suggestion.........Jane Yolen's "The Pirate Queens." Terrific. Illustrated by David Shannon (NO! David)
Rudy - Smart Moves by Karla Hannaford is a good brain research book. She is a neural physiologist that could not read herself until she was ten. Now she is trying to figure out her puzzle to help others.
Grace/IL - Kim, you might look at Mel Levine's "A Mind at A Time." He cites lots of case studies of students he's worked with and how their learning difference play out.
Kim/K/SCal - Your principal, Kathy? PUHleeeeze...................
judy3ca - Jan, we had a wonderful discussion of history and the kids were totally engaged. It wasn't where I intended to go with the book, but (especially at this point of the year) I'm willing to veer.
Kim/K/SCal - Thanks Rudy
Kim/K/SCal - looking for a pen
Rudy - David shannon is wonderful. Have you read Stripes?
Jan - Brain research, Kim...not by big thing, but I just got Pat Wolfe's book, Brain Matters. I can recommend her highly.
judy3ca - Oh, I love Stripes!
Kim/K/SCal - yup...........he is pretty funny..........
KathyB1stIA - Kim, I was hoping you would pick up on my point... LOL!!!
Kim/K/SCal - LOL Kathy.....yeah, stay away from Jensen.........hee hee hee.........
Jan - The Pirate Queens? I've not heard of it. Is it good?
Rudy - Jane Healy Phd. writes an overview of learning and the research Kim. She talks about learning and the brain. I like her stuff.
Karla - Back to nonfiction...I have two classes this summer. One is on informational literature for children. Our primary textbook is Nonfiction Matters by Shelly Harwayne (I am not certain the name is correct). I am excited! I started using her book this year and I love it!
Kim/K/SCal - Jan.......very visual. Rhyming, formal "pirate" language, based upon a true story............super CRAFT.
judy3ca - Do you all know the author Eloise Greenfield? I love her poetry and books. Grandpa's Face is marvelous and Honey I Love is a fabulous collection of poetry.
Jan - Karla, I'm glad you are using informational lit. It is so often overlooked, but it is so important.
Kim/K/SCal - WW highly recommends Greenfield.
Rudy - I own those books judy but they are in the "to read" pile. Now I will have to get them read. Thanks judy.
Jan - trying to type and take notes on the books is a real challenge. LOL
Kim/K/SCal - Thanks for the suggestions. I wrote them all down.........it is DARK so I hope I can see what I wrote later.
judy3ca - Jan, Jane Yolen is a great author! Pirate Queens is great. Didn't she write Encounter, too? I love that book!
Karla - Honey I Love is on the reading list for my other class. I just picked it up yesterday. Another good one by Greenfield is Childtimes. It is a memoir.
Jan - I have Jane on my list! Thanks.
Karla - Jan- LOL for I am doing the same!
Rudy - We had a Four Blocks trainer in our building for a few days this week. Anyone doing Four Blocks?
Karla - RUdy - Two other books added to my MOUND for summer reading.
Jan - Does anyone use the famous people biographies by David Adler. My granddaughter loves those things and will choose them over fiction. Right now she is head over heels in love with Paul Revere from reading about him.
Kim/K/SCal - I'd donate an organ if I could work for a school doing 4-Blocks. AND attend a seminar. All day. For a week. With Cunningham herself. SIGH
Jan - Adler writes about everyone under the sun. He was on C-Span the other day.
Rudy - LOL, Karla. My books are piled to the ceiling last time I checked!!
Karla - Kim - Be careful...Cunningham might be viewing the chat tonight!
Grace/IL - Kim, we need to chat via email again.
KathyB1stIA - Rudy, I have gone to two different school to observe 4 Block. I liked what I saw, but I would have to say that these teachers are teaching more than just 4 block. They were definitely using Craft, too.
Kim/K/SCal - Then she would know that I REVERE her. I have read all of her books. I think 4-blocks is the way to go.
Rudy - We had Sigmon. Good 4 days with her.
Kim/K/SCal - Yes Grace.......I have added WRITING to my Making Words lessons. They write it RIGHT AWAY.
Karla - Rudy - Last night, because I picked up 22 MORE books from the library (am I NOT kidding), I had to rearrange my bookshelf and am seriously considering tossing my son's books off of his shelf and taking over!
Rudy - A few teacher are using Pinnell & fountas and Taberski, too. I like Allington.
Barb/2/NE - The trend is Nebraska is using 6 traits, can that be used with craft?
Kim/K/SCal - LOVE Allington. I would marry him. Or Jim Trelease. So hard to choose.
Rudy - Lol, Karla!!
Kim/K/SCal - I think 6 traits and craft work well with 4 blocks and F&P
Jan - David Pearson for me, Kim! Love that man!
Barb/2/NE - LOL< kim!
Kim/K/SCal - Oh yes, Jan. I am so fickle.
Karla - Kim - SO glad to hear you say that. I dabble in many, such as yourself.
Grace/IL - Kim, that would make Allington a bigamist. He's married and sent his children to private schools.
KathyB1stIA - Barb, my district is into 6 traits, too. But, so far VERY LITTLE training has been offered.
Kim/K/SCal - Grace..... you are a wet blanket.
Rudy - I like Zutell from OSU!! He'''s got the cutest ponytail! Writes about word studies.
Kim/K/SCal - ......and I have to wonder if I really could marry a man named Dick.
Barb/2/NE - Kim, so you don't have to use just one method? Sometimes when I listen to the 4 blocks people, I feel like they look down at me if I don't use it all, or in the 'right' way
Grace/IL - Yep, I like Zutell too. I've learned a lot from him. And, oh, that pony tail.
Barb/2/NE - Kathy, us too!
Karla - Barb - There is too much out there to be married to just one thought. Mix it up! (That's for you Kim)
judy3ca - Kathy and Barb, we're starting 6 Traits next year--but for us I think it will be mostly an assessment tool. I love my new Writer's Workshop and won't change much there. 6 Traits will fit in.
Kim/K/SCal - Barb........I think of 4 blocks as a BALANCED approach. This is why I like it so much. I don't know how the "purists" would view me, but I can't see how ADDING flavor to it could hurt. More craft, more writing "style," etc.
Rudy - Ditto, Barb! Also, don't agree with all of 4 blocks. I taught 5th grade 10 years. would have lost a few kids along the way with a few of the ideas.
Grace/IL - Barb, you just listen to all of them and use what fits your teaching style and works with YOUR kids.
Karla - RUdy - tell me more, as I have 6th graders
Barb/2/NE - That all sounds good! THanks for the back up---- that's what I've been doing!
Kim/K/SCal - Yes, Grace. And teaching them to SPELL, recognizing word "chunks" and spelling "patterns" goes well with the "working with words" block, don't you think?
judy3ca - Ladies, thanks for the chat. We had Open House last night and I'm bushed! Thanks for a fun chat.
KathyB1stIA - Judy, I think 6 traits for us will also be assessment, but we still need goals/benchmarks...
Kim/K/SCal - ((Oh Judy.......)))) I understand.
Grace/IL - One of the sessions I attended at IRA was on the ISEL (Illinois Snapshot of Early Literacy). It's still in the making but offers so much promise for assessing kindergarten and first grade students. And it's all being developed by friends of mine at National-Louis University.
KathyB1stIA - I mean the goals and benchmarks keep getting changed to the point that it seems that is all we are doing... rewriting.
Karla - Grace - Where in IL are you?
Kim/K/SCal - What happened to Jan?
Grace/IL - Kim, yes! I'd definitely substitute direct instruction in spelling for most of the Making Words block.
Karla - Jan logged off awhile ago.
Grace/IL - Karla, McHenry County if you know where that is -- on the Wisconsin border.
Kim/K/SCal - Guess I am slow on the uptake, Karla.
Karla - Making WOrds block, I assume, is part of the 4 block that I have on my list to read?
Karla - Grace - I am in central IL...you know...south of I-80.
Kim/K/SCal - It is one of the "4 blocks, " Karla.......... part of a balanced literacy approach, in my opinion.
Barb/2/NE - THis weekend is our scholastic wearhouse sale!
Rudy - Well, 4 Blocks says self select is the only way, plus conference. I did that, but some kids still didn't really read. they kept switching books and trying new, but never read deep or long. Finally I meat a Judith Katz who instructed a workshop. She was working on a reading doctorate. she had swithced to teams of three with Literature circles. she said that was the only way she got accountability for all. I tried that idea. My last three 5th grade years were a best learning environment. I feel very satisfied form the experience. Plus, I have stats to prove kids grew.
Karla - I purchased 4 blocks for the upper grades and one other 4 block book (I have forgotten which one).
Grace/IL - Karla, yes. The four blocks are guided reading (whole class), independent reading, word study, and process writing -- may have slightly different terminology but essentially, that's it.
KathyB1stIA - Barb, do you have $$$$?
Barb/2/NE - Rudy, I enjoy Literature circles too! It reminds me of the way I read books today and share with my friends
Karla - Does anyone have suggestions for conferencing information (both in writing and reading)?
Grace/IL - Karla, what county?
Barb/2/NE - Kathy, LOL, You heard about the $250 deduction teachers can make on taxes next year?!
Karla - Macon
Kim/K/SCal - I think Lit Circles are part of the "guided reading" block...........
KathyB1stIA - Oh, give me a break! Even my dad laughed at that $250 JOKE!
Rudy - I think that Literature Circles plus MOT is the ultimate answer!! I'm doing 1-4 Title I reading now so not sure I'll be able to prove it to myself, but that is my instinct.
Kim/K/SCal - So if you don't go for "self selected," Rudy, what DO you do?
Barb/2/NE - Kathy, really? what do you mean? *seriously*
Barb/2/NE - Rudy, good luck! I think that's great!
Rudy - 4 Blocks has a lot of really good stuff, but I'm still waiting for the long term research results to arrive to buy into ALL 4 blocks insists.
Kim/K/SCal - Okay, Rudy. I can understand that. And I will say that I can SAY I like 4block, but I teach Kinder so I really can't USE it. LOL.......
KathyB1stIA - Barb, my brother and I are both teachers, so dad knows we spend any more than $250. He wanted to know WHERE they dreamed up that amount! He thought it was so low, that they must be joking.
Grace/IL - Hmm, Kim, I don't recall the literature circles being a part of the guided reading block. Regie Routman really took the GR issue to task in her presentation at IRA. She felt too much time is spent on "guided" and too little time on "reading."
Barb/2/NE - Kathy, I see! That's true, but it's something!
Grace/IL - According to Routman, literature circles should replace guided reading.
Karla - We are mandated by the board to allocate a specific amount of minutes to various content areas. This would not support 4 block in its intended time frame.
KathyB1stIA - Something -- would have been $1000.
Kim/K/SCal - Well, the Cunningham version of "guided reading" is really "comprehension support." So.......lit circles are ONE way of encouraging comprehension during "guided reading."
Barb/2/NE - Kathy, LOL!
Grace/IL - Rudy, not to be a snob, but I have some evidence that my first grade results were better than any I've read from the 4blocks research.
Rudy - Kim, it's not the self select I disagree with. It is just that some children will not just read no matter "how" good the books are. Accountability on a long term basis was the only answer. Without real careful monitoring I found a few that would not really read just because lot of good books were available.
Kim/K/SCal - So you have to sit on them, Rudy? I can relate. Sounds like my second grade reading academy kids.
Barb/2/NE - Rudy, I find that in my room! some of my more'active' students really have a hard time staying with one book
KathyB1stIA - Karla, our district is talking to us, too, about minutes, etc. But, in our case we aren't spending enough time in total.\
Barb/2/NE - Grace, are you saying that 4 block helped your kids or didn't?
Rudy - Interesting Grace. That would probably bee my call too. In fact, sigmon herself just told me today that you shouldn't have the kids read too long. my respons was, then how do they get through several books the length of Red Fern?
Grace/IL - No, Barb, 4blocks was just becoming popular when I retired. I attended one of the four seminars the IRA provided for her to launch her program. I used a combination of spelling instruction with individualized reading.
Karla - We have to allocated minutes each day for reading, LA, math, science, s.s., vocabulary, PE, and music/band. Then we throw in art and DARE and we have a full meal deal.
Rudy - I always felt that I had to really atch if they were realy reading or not. As soon as I didn't carefully monitor, kids will be kids!
Kim/K/SCal - So how long did Sigmon say they should be reading.........?
Grace/IL - But Karla, you can integrate vocabulary, language arts, science, and social studies into your reading program.
Karla - Grace - Oh I do! I am a huge fan of that. I do it every chance i get!
Rudy - She did not give a time. I said I thought the upper grades 4 Blocks books wanted you to stretch the reading time and vary the 4 Blocks over days even. She realy didn't answer me.
Karla - With my S.S and science this year, I have been utilizing nonfiction strategies and collaberative strategic reading. I take every opportunity to use picture books and novels in all subjects.
Grace/IL - I think it's really funny. I always prided myself in being a phonics oriented teacher. Yet, others observing my classrooom said I did more whole language than any other classroom -- simply because I was always integrating everything. One doesn't have to do it in designated blocks.
KathyB1stIA - Rudy & Karla, the difference in "reading" minutes might also be with the difference between lower and upper grades. Big Blocks for upper grades, 4 rather equal blocks for lower grade. I agree with Grace ... integrate.
Grace/IL - I think this is where we sometimes get lost in following gurus. We need to adapt it all to our own use.
Rudy - Kathy. There were 4th and 5th grade teachers in our disscussin mix. that's why I'm confused, I guess.
Kim/K/SCal - I agree Grace. I think it is the IDEA of a balanced literacy approach that appeals to me so much.
Karla - Grace - you are absolutely right. Even within a given grade level, it varies from year to year, group to group.
Kim/K/SCal - Now, Grace, you know I exaggerate sometimes. I don't genuflect at any alters and I don't think I could really marry Dr. Dick.
KathyB1stIA - Balanced literacy doesn't have to mean equal -- but something from all 4 components for the various learners in the classroom.
Karla - good thought kathy
Rudy - I LOVE all the stuff I've learned from the gurus, and the books. I'm thankful that I've found Cunningham's Phonics They Use and the others. I sure am a better tacher because of their work!
Grace/IL - Kim, you are so funny! There was a time when I worshipped at Allington's feet. Then I realized he was just as human as the rest of us.
Rudy - However, I still can't type, I see!!
Karla - I just picked up one of Allington's books. Another one for my summer reading.
Rudy - I love Allington, too!!
Grace/IL - Rudy, who of us can type perfectly all of the time?
Kim/K/SCal - I often SAY these things because I want to get across the idea that what these folks have taught us is just so valuable.
Karla - not I
Rudy - I just finsihed his latest Struggling Readers book.
KathyB1stIA - Rudy, you are so right. I am a better teacher for what I am continuing to read and discuss with others. I am sure glad I am not teaching the way I was taught.
KathyB1stIA - Brad, where have you been?
Rudy - Hi Brad, and Yes, Kathy.
Brad/3 - LOL, Kim, I knew you'd get it
Kim/K/SCal - Grace, have you met Brad? He is a Literacy God.
Brad/3 - watching the Amazing Race and Survivor finales before I accidentally heard winners on TV or radio
Barb/2/NE - When I read MOT, last summer, I thought it was so cool that so much time was spent by the authors thinking about reading. I loved how she just thought about reading all the time.
Brad/3 - I'm a nerd
Grace/IL - Yes, we continue to learn. Sometimes I wish I were back in a classroom but don't have the energy.
Grace/IL - No, I haven't met Brad. I bow before the literacy god.
Kim/K/SCal - I painted my kids' feet today. Made footprints and then put together the Foot Book.
Kim/K/SCal - We will do the stinky feet poem with Interactive Writing next week............
Rudy - The literacy foot book?
Karla - DO you think my 6th graders would go for that Kim?
Barb/2/NE - Fun! Fun! Fun! Kim
Rudy - LOL
KathyB1stIA - Kim, do you have the Father's day poem to go with those feet? I will email it.
Karla - With the way they sweat now (phew!) I think I will pass having them take off their shoes.
Kim/K/SCal - Well........ i photocopy the prints and then cut around them. Glue stick them down. Sentence frame: "Teddy's foot is ______________cubes long." YOU could have them actually measure the footprints........
Grace/IL - Brad, if you're a literacy god and a nerd, you definitely need to belong to the History of Reading Special Interest Group of the IRA.
Karla - Kim - who writes the stinky feet and Father's Day poems?
Rudy - I still am not sure what the contents of Wonderous Words is??
Kim/K/SCal - Then photocopy all the feet/sentence frames. each kid gets all his classmates' feet........they have to measure them all. takes a few days
Brad/3 - grace, that's too many words for me. Do what?
Kim/K/SCal - Hang on Rudy.....let me post the stinky feet poem.
Barb/2/NE - Why is Wondrous Words spelled that way? I thought it was Wonderous>
Karla - That soundslike fun Kim. I wish I had little ones to teach.
KathyB1stIA - The father's day poem came from the EC chatboard. author unknown
Grace/IL - Brad, it's a group that discusses all the important people who have contributed to the reading field.
Kim/K/SCal - Karla, you could do it!
Kim/K/SCal - "I see one foot. I see two."
KathyB1stIA - Is the sticky foot poem on Britt's website, Kim?
Rudy - Isn't it fun how most any topic can turn into a marvolous and fun literacy lesson!!
Kim/K/SCal - "I see red feet. I see blue."
Barb/2/NE - Grace, who developed Dick and Jane?
Kim/K/SCal - I see green feet. I see pink.
Kim/K/SCal - I see feet that REALLY STINK!
Brad/3 - sounds like what we do here, grace
Brad/3 - Kim, should I tell Grace who I really am?
Kim/K/SCal - you have to draw little fumes around them
Karla - I would like to set up a bi-weekly meeting with a first or kindergarten classroom next year. My 6th graders can be buddies for reading , science, writing, the list goes on. I used to do this in a previous district and I miss it.
Rudy - Too cute!
Kim/K/SCal - yes kathy..........fess up brad
Grace/IL - Dick and Jane -- William S. Gray was one of the authors. J. Sterl Artley may have helped with it. It was first published as Elson-Gray Basic Readers.
KathyB1stIA - LOL, Kim
Barb/2/NE - Grace, thanks! Was that the first real reading series? What did early day students use before, the Bible?
Grace/IL - Yes, Brad, are you using an alias here?
Brad/3 - You're quite knowledgable Grace, you should go on Jeopardy (does she realize I'm kidding, KIM?)
KathyB1stIA - Karla, I would LOVE to set up meetings with you... wish we were in the same district.
Grace/IL - Barb, the history of reading is so rich. The first real series was done by William Homes McGuffey.
Kim/K/SCal - They used Chapbooks, didn't they?
Karla - THanks Kathy. Me, too!
Barb/2/NE - Grace, oh yes! McGuffey readers!
Kim/K/SCal - Grace has been around a LONG time, Brad. She is a veritable history lesson.
Rudy - Aha! That's why my reading professor said a guy named Gray was the one who just thought up "how" he thought reading should be taught. but now reading is research based.
Grace/IL - Do you want me to go to my dissertation and list all the reading series I conjured up from the 1800s? And that doesn't even scratch the surface. LOL
Brad/3 - Then it looks like I'll be passing on my crown again tonight
Karla - I vote that Grace rules the history nook.
Grace/IL - Kim, set me straight! Who IS Brad?
Kim/K/SCal - I second that, Karla.
Barb/2/NE - Grace, just think how far we have come with reading instruction.......and how far we have still left to go!
Brad/3 - Truly, Grace, what is the history of the "Dick and Jane's?" Is it as Rudy says?
Brad/3 - Why were they created?
Kim/K/SCal - LOL, Grace. Last week we joked around that everybody was REALLY somebody else. He was Mem Fox or Cynthia Rylant or somebody like that...........then we called him a literacy god.
Grace/IL - Brad, more or less.
Rudy - Speak, Grace, speak. Tell, Grace, tell.
Barb/2/NE - speaking of CYnthia Rylant, has anybody read her new book on the missing 2 years of Laura Ingalls Wilder?
Grace/IL - Dan ran. Pat ran. Jan ran.
Kim/K/SCal - Plus, Grace....we tease Brad because he is a first year teacher and he KNOWS so much....NOT YET, Barb!
KathyB1stIA - Grace, I appreciate learning about the history of reading, as we reflect on how far we have come and how much our world has changed.
Rudy - Gee, forgot that conversation!! I was really someone famous, but can't remember who?
Karla - Brad - just a guess, but don't you think that the Dick and Jane books were a first attempt to make a "connection" with reading. Weren't the personalities, dress, actions, etc. for Dick and Jane meant to allow the reader to be able to relate to the text?
Brad/3 - Pat sat on a hat. No Pat No, don't sit on that.
Brad/3 - I could see that Karla
Barb/2/NE - Karla, that's true!
Brad/3 - Kim, I have such news to relate
Rudy - Run, Brad, run.
Barb/2/NE - The Bob books sort of do that today
Kim/K/SCal - Relate Brad, Relate!
Karla - What are the Bob books? Are they primary readers?
Brad/3 - LOL KIM
Brad/3 - You crack my s### up
Grace/IL - Kathy, I asked my advisor why spelling and reading had been separated from the way they were taught in earlier times and she said, "Grace, that's your dissertation." Oh, what fun to dig up info on reading series of the past.
Rudy - Lol, Brad. Lol, Kim!
Brad/3 - can i say that? hope no offense
Barb/2/NE - Karla, yes, little paperback books, phonics based, predictable stories
Karla - THanks Barb. I guess I have not seen them yet.
Brad/3 - Here's my news, I went to turn in my Professional Development Plan the other day. . .
Kim/K/SCal - Karla...they are very simple, very "cheap" looking controlled text "reading " books........"Nan sat on a fan." "Dan can fan Nan."
Karla - Are they as dry as Dick and Jane?
KathyB1stIA - Karla, Bob books are phonics books for Kindergarten/First. Very repetitive, but not what you would call quality.
Kim/K/SCal - You are keeping us on the EDGE of our seats, BRAD!
Barb/2/NE - Karla, my oldest son, used that to teach himself to read when he was 4 years old
Brad/3 - and the lady in charge of lang. arts for district came up and asked me if I was one who did 4B
Rudy - Still wondering about Wondrous Words? what info does it contain?
Kim/K/SCal - ..............yes.................
Grace/IL - I have trouble with the Bob books but my grandsons really enjoyed them and it helped them learn to read.
Brad/3 - I said, "Yeah, I did," Get this!! She wants me to draw up a proposal to conduct a training on 4B this summer for the district
Kim/K/SCal - Sorry, Rudy! You have been so patient!
Barb/2/NE - Grace, yes, I agree
Kim/K/SCal - Congrats, Brad, Congrats!
Barb/2/NE - Brad, wow!
Rudy - I'm waitng, but I'm really getting sleepy!
Brad/3 - I said, "Um, you know I'm a first-year, right?" I am simultaneously honored, embarassed, nervous. . .
Rudy - Do you mean 4 Blocks, Brad?
Kim/K/SCal - Okay. Wondrous Words talks about the teaching of writing. How one has to teach students to "read like writers"
Brad/3 - Rudy, yes
KathyB1stIA - Rudy, I don't have WW, but when I get some $$$$$$. I will. They tell me it shares a lot about books that should be shared in the classroom.
Rudy - Good for you!!
Karla - I am really jealous of districts who have literacy coaches, LA curriculum developers, etc. In my corn-feed school, we have no such luxury.
Kim/K/SCal - The focus is upon the power of reading aloud and immersing children in wonderful literature..........."wondrous words." This way they can see how writiers use words to tell stories and relate information.
Brad/3 - She said she had heard rumours in the district about me, and was going to contact me and was glad I had stopped by. . . (kim, were you talking about me)
Grace/IL - I came in my den to do some printing tonight and ended up in this very interesting chat. I need to go get my beauty sleep. How often do we get this really neat group together -- but I'm always gone so I miss the firday night chats.
Brad/3 - Then I got back to my building and my principal came to me and said two other principals had called her this morning about me. . . I'm freaked out
Kim/K/SCal - (No Brad...Rudy askd the question a long time ago. I am trying to answer as best I can. I will congratulate you more in a minute!)
Brad/3 - grace, I'm glad you stopped by. Try to come by again
Grace/IL - Oh, my -- Friday, not firday -- what did we say about typing?
Rudy - We are working with a CSRD grant for 187,000.
Barb/2/NE - Kim, I can't wait to read Wondrous WOrds!
Kim/K/SCal - Yes, on FIRDAYs Grace.
Rudy - Fun!!!
Karla - I am lost...what is CSRD?
Brad/3 - I"ll help. Rudy, wondrous words is really noticing the writer's craft in a particular text.
Brad/3 - ie. noticing how a writer uses sentence fragments for emphasis or alliteration for poetic effect. It's very easy read
Barb/2/NE - Grace, thanks for your answers about the history of reading instruction!
Kim/K/SCal - Rudy...she also talks about the writing process itself. The "office work." The "envisioning." the crafting.............conferencing by relating the kids' seed ideas to the work of wonderful writers............
Brad/3 - I love her office work. You know I had my kids buy magazine files like Calkins suggests and they just love them, and the room looks really professional and I love to see the kids just "filing" their work away
KathyB1stIA - This has been a wonderful discussion, but I am getting tired too. I am so glad ALL of you were here tonight. Bye
Rudy - I forget the exact words for CSRD, but it is a continuous improvement grant. Had to prove that something that we had done literacy wise with our previous Ohio Reads grant had worked, and then we got the money.
Kim/K/SCal - Brad......I am very proud of you. You must read MOT right away so that you will have all kinds of ideas floating around your head.
Brad/3 - what district are you in rudy
Brad/3 - I'm waiting on it kim
Brad/3 - the problem is they're already floating Kim, I just have to tie them down
Kim/K/SCal - well give me a CHANCE to get to the postal center, brad..................
Rudy - Hancock County
Brad/3 - east, west, north, south?
Kim/K/SCal - LOL Brad....bet they keep you awake at night.......
Barb/2/NE - I'm calling it a night too! Thanks for the chat!
Kim/K/SCal - Mosaic of Thought, Brad. (lick here......>>>
Brad/3 - bye barb, i feel like i'm driving everyone away
Barb/2/NE - Night all!
Kim/K/SCal - Oh, Barb! Thanks for the chat
Karla - Some day I will get the full run down on Brad and his licking. I haven't got a handle on the spaghetti from weeks past. For now, though, I am hitting the hay with my newly acquired Wondrous Word book. Thanks for a great chat. It is uplifting.
Barb/2/NE - Brad, oh no! But it's 11pm here
Brad/3 - Oh, Karla, have wondrous dreams.
Kim/K/SCal - G'night, Karla!
Kim/K/SCal - and you didn't wake me up?
Rudy - What grade do you teach, Brad?
Brad/3 - 3, thus my screen name
Brad/3 - so is the han with the rooster county in north south east western OH
Rudy - I am a computer illiterate. Probably never would have figured that out!!
Rudy - Northwest
Brad/3 - near Toledo?
Kim/K/SCal - I am going to have to reconfigure my name. Since I will be K-1 next year. Kinda long.
Rudy - Yep.
Brad/3 - i'm going 2nd according to latest
Brad/3 - I'm SW
Barb/2/NE - Kim , that's ok, add the -1, I think it helps! But some people ask me if I'm in New England!
Brad/3 - what grade are you rudy
Rudy - I did 5th for ten years, and now reading 1-4 for 5 years.
Brad/3 - are you nebraska barb
Brad/3 - just reading?
Rudy - I have always featured literacy as my main mode of instruction.
Kim/K/SCal - actually, somebody on the EC chatboard GAVE me that name. I was just plain "Kim".............. Hmmmm. Kim/K-1/SCal.
Brad/3 - but are you reg ed?
Barb/2/NE - Brad, yes
Brad/3 - I vote for Kim "Dishtowel" K-1
Rudy - Just reading right now.
Brad/3 - pull-out, push-in, Title?
Kim/K/SCal - Kim/K-1-Dishtowel/SCal
Rudy - Title I, actually.
Brad/3 - I"ve been thru Nebraska, very flat
Brad/3 - do you enjoy that rudy?
Kim/K/SCal - I have been to the midwest once. That is what I remember the most. Very flat...........and basement windows!
Brad/3 - Well they say OH is Midwest, but we're not flat
Rudy - Inventing the wheel. Wwe are a schoolwide. As a result I go in, pull-out, and push a few teachers to really teach something besides crafts!
Brad/3 - LOL Rudy, I have a long story about "baking bread and reading"
Brad/3 - Why are you inventing wheel? Someone's done that.
Rudy - Sometimes its a tough job, Brad.
Barb/2/NE - LOL
Barb/2/NE - I really should go! Night all!
Brad/3 - I just ask Rudy because you're so close.
Rudy - Trying to figure out the best way to ensure I kids read at their very best potential is a science project!!
Kim/K/SCal - Brad..........I have the perfect poem for you to share with your teachers during your professional development workshop. I will send with the book.
Brad/3 - sounds good Kim
Kim/K/SCal - It is referenced in MOT. I typed it up and then bought the whole poetry book........LOL
Brad/3 - My baking bread thing has to do with the other bit of drama in my school this week
Rudy - What do you mean, close?
Kim/K/SCal - ....share the drama. we need a nighty night story
Brad/3 - I"m in Dayton
Brad/3 - Okay, my cluster leader is a certified nutcase. . .
Rudy - Oh. Hi, OH.
Brad/3 - I can't stand her. . .
Kim/K/SCal - ooooh......certified.
Kim/K/SCal - tell us how you REEALLY FEEL............
Rudy - So blunt, Brad!!!
Brad/3 - In Dec., she's reading a story from basal called Tony's Bread by DePaola. . .
Kim/K/SCal - ....okay. it is a real book, by the way................
Brad/3 - and one of the suggested activities in basal is making bread with children
Brad/3 - Now I'm all for enrichment, if you have the time and the kids are performing up to par, but. . .
Kim/K/SCal - "connections" "making it real" "hands on"
Brad/3 - (yes, I know, we actually have decent Houghton Mifflin)
Rudy - LoL,Brad!!
Brad/3 - She began complaining that she had went to 3 bakeries looking for the "pannetone" the story calls for
Brad/3 - she complains she's "just tired" of shelling out all this money for these things, trying to do what the "reading program" says
Rudy - A teacher in my building was tryin to get us to agree today that making puppets was an authentic 4 blocks reading lesson.
Brad/3 - Her idea is we should all split up and each pay for the various "cooking" activities that go with stories
Brad/3 - I said, "Well you can bake bread while I tteach my kids to read."
Kim/K/SCal - LOL rudy, just add a die cut letter to the puppet, right?
Rudy - Ha Ha Ha!!!
Brad/3 - That nutjob just wanted me to pay so she could stuff her face with panettone
Kim/K/SCal - She seems a bit too..........uh............literal, Brad?
Brad/3 - she's always doing stuff like that, "crafty" things.
Rudy - Brad, you missed the part that a 4 Blocks trainer was in my building this week.
Kim/K/SCal - ..she just wanted you to buy her lunch, Brad. She secretly likes you.
Brad/3 - Nothing against that stuff, like I said, but I know who has her class from last year, and they tell me they don't know a darn thing
Brad/3 - Certified trainer, Rudy? (or someone like me)
Brad/3 - What does baking bread have to do with reading?
Rudy - I have her reading scores to compare with the test scors the year before. she helps everyone unlearn about 8-10 points!
Kim/K/SCal - We made carrot pudding after reading "the giant carrot." but i made it a literacy lesson.....did the recipe as group writing, measured with the kids,,,,,,,,,had them mix the stuff up..graphed "yum" and "yuck"
Brad/3 - who is this rudy?
Brad/3 - see, now that's a lesson, Kim, and very practical too. KUDOS
Rudy - One of the 4 Blocks biggies. Sigmon.
Brad/3 - (I've always wanted to say kudos to someone)
Brad/3 - Sigmon helps everyone unlearn?
Kim/K/SCal - well.......you see we also GREW carrots as part of our science unit. and the kids expressed an INTEREST in the recipe at the back of the book
Brad/3 - Tell us your story, Rudy, and I'll finish mine cause I haven't even come to best part
Rudy - No no. the teacher that makes the puppets and calls that her guided reading block.
Kim/K/SCal - thanks for the kudos, brad
Brad/3 - What did you think of Sigmon Rudy, I would've liked to been there
Rudy - Liked her a lot. she was very good with all the staff. I think everyone grew alt except maybe one.
Brad/3 - do you 4B Rudy?
Brad/3 - grew alt?
Rudy - Boy, sorry for all the missing letters.
Brad/3 - where's the During Reading part of making puppets?
Rudy - I am Pinnell & fountas trained, 1st. I am trying to learn all the 4 Blocks jargon for communication. 4 blocks has lots of good stuff.
Kim/K/SCal - the cutting is the "during reading" part...................sheeesh, brad
Kim/K/SCal - the gluing is the "strategies" portion
Brad/3 - I buy F and P materials because I think they can align with 4B. I know everyone sees them as competing philosophies, but really I think they can blend
Rudy - The teacher actually asked Sigmon if her craft item was OK for the guided reading block.
Brad/3 - oh, my, what'd she say
Kim/K/SCal - yes........... i think of f&P as being the "5th" block
Brad/3 - it can be, although I think sigmon says its not necessary
Kim/K/SCal - LOLOLOL Rudy! Did Sigmon keep a straight face?
Rudy - Well, the upper 4 Blocks book actually devotes one whole page talking about all the Pinnell stuff that one can buy.
Brad/3 - I wonder if sewing a dishtowel can be guided reading? 0
Kim/K/SCal - sure brad, why not?
Brad/3 - this woman sounds like my cluster leader
Kim/K/SCal - they are probably related.....all schools have one.
Brad/3 - ok, so ready for second half of story? rudy, i'm still waiting on your full story
Rudy - Sigmon did a very good job of trying to tactfully help the teache grow. Howevr, I never saw the light bulb go on for the teacher. So sad. However, I had always thought that all of her whole approach was to do a craft. At least I now know for sure.
Kim/K/SCal - YES..........neeed to hear your stories, Rudy and Brad
Brad/3 - perhaps she should join forces with martha stewart.
Brad/3 - is this crazy jess from LA?
Rudy - Hi jess.
Kim/K/SCal - hi jess.............finish your story brad
jess - lol no I'm from MS.... and I'm not actually a teacher but I need to talk to some teachers, are y'all teachers?
jess - I'm sorry I didn't mean to interupt.
Brad/3 - darn, I always wanted to know a crazy jess from LA
Kim/K/SCal - actually we are fly fishermen
Rudy - Kim, later in the hall we giggled together about puppets!! she made my day!
jess - haha I'm a crazy jess from MS though, if that countslol
Brad/3 - LOL, go on jess, do you have question?
Brad/3 - You giggled with Sigmon, Rudy?
jess - well I am trying to start a petition in my school because they don't allow us to have a drama club right now and it's on the ciriculum that we could get a credit for that class and we have an English teacher willing to teach it too.... so I was wanting to study up and see how I should go about doing this.
Rudy - Yes. Sorry, I'm not making myself real clear. Getting really tired!
Kim/K/SCal - you are on the right track, jess.......... have you met with the administration?
Brad/3 - it sounds like you're moving in right direction.
Rudy - So you will be teaching 4 Blocks, Brad?
Brad/3 - I do
jess - I've not done anything yet... I just decided to do it today actually. We've been talking it up for the past few days. I'm starting the petition Monday...
Kim/K/SCal - if it is going to cost them MONEY jess, you may have a problem.
Brad/3 - Are enough students interested, jess? Try to get at least 20. How big is school?
jess - one petition will be for students willing to participate in the class and the other will be for students willing to pay to watch the shows and support the club.
Kim/K/SCal - present your argument calmly and professionally, jess................dress nicely and be respectful. find out what their "problems " are with your request.
Brad/3 - Are you thinking of it as class or club? Those are two different ballparks.
Rudy - Going to bed. Talk next week. God bless.
jess - oh there are WAY more than 20 interested in the H.S. in doing that.. There is about 500 students in the H.S. it's not too big.
Brad/3 - No, Rudy, don't go
Kim/K/SCal - ((Rudy)) next week............
jess - same to you Rudy
Brad/3 - sniff
Brad/3 - Rudy can't hang. It's almost one here
jess - I think that maybe I an suppose to call the School board and tell them that Iw ant to have a meeting to present them with something, but I'm not sure. My principal told me it was a headache and I shouldn't do it.. this is his first year as our principal and I think he's leaving next year anyways though!
Kim/K/SCal - brad.you are a night owl
Brad/3 - Jess, do it
jess - I don't mean it to sound disrespectful but he can't actually stop me from doing this, right?
Brad/3 - We started a club in high school to watch performing arts in nearby cities. All we had to do was find a sponsor. Of course we didn't put on many shows (and the fact I started the club was looking really good on college app)
Kim/K/SCal - Jess.......don't give up. call and find out what you ar e supposed to do..to get on the agenda. prepare a presentation
jess - okay, I am going to do some research to show how our school would benefit from this club, but I don't know where to start with the research? I dont' really know what to look up? I was wanting to maybe talk to someone that teaches drama at a school.
Brad/3 - Jess, do it. Do it all. Don't look back on your high school career and say, if only. . . grab a couple of your more serious friends and make it fun and just do it.
Kim/K/SCal - good start, jess.....talk to the teacher
Brad/3 - <---Nike
Kim/K/SCal - good luck jess..........keep us posted
jess - okay, I will do it. thank you for your help
Brad/3 - bye, good luck (break a leg)\
jess - take care and God bless
Kim/K/SCal - tell me the rest of your story before i fall over
Brad/3 - ah, isn't that why we're in it, to free the young ones? lol
Brad/3 - ok, kim, get a tree trunk to lean against. For heavens sake don't fall over
Brad/3 - you really need to work on your balance then
Kim/K/SCal - yeah................
Brad/3 - seriously, Kim, you crack my s@@@ up
Brad/3 - i come in here every Fri now looking for your name
Kim/K/SCal - aw shucks, brad...................(toe shuffling)
Brad/3 - And now, the rest of the story. . .
Brad/3 - i came into school Wed. and there's a strange tone and gaggles of teachers gathered in various hiding places, so I go up to someone and ask what's going on
Brad/3 - so, someone says, "Have you read the article?" I say, "What article?" "Go read it, there's a copy in the office."
Kim/K/SCal - ........yeah..............................?? the suspense is killin' me.......
Kim/K/SCal - .........not THAT article?????
Brad/3 - So I go read it. It's about the new board and their new initiatives for the district, and how we'rre going to online grading, blah, blah, blah
Brad/3 - and then I come to (by the way my cluster leader's name is Kelly)
Kim/K/SCal - yadda hadda blah blaha.....
Kim/K/SCal - Kelly the Baker?
Brad/3 - And I quote (because the article's right here now on my desk)
Brad/3 - Kelly (last name I'll refrain from divulging), a 3rd grade teacher at (my) school likes the idea. . .
Brad/3 - "I work with a lot of incompetent people who take a day off work the day before grades are due to make up grades to turn in," she said.
Brad/3 - "This way the can see how many grades there are and how they are counted. One teacher may have nine grades when another has 90. Teachers need to stop complaining."
Kim/K/SCal - .........she believes this? She knows this?
Brad/3 - What would you think of that, Kim, if one of your colleagues said that to a rreporter and it was in your local daily paper
Kim/K/SCal - ..............gawd...................................
Brad/3 - Incompetent kind've throws me
Kim/K/SCal - awful...............................and the paper just eats it up
Brad/3 - Then, I was informed later in the week, that at this same session,. . .
Brad/3 - She claimed, "I am the only 3rd grade teacher in my building teaching the 3rd grade curriculum. These other teachers down the hall are teaching first and second grade stuff."
Kim/K/SCal - front page today............some senior photo students took some nude pics of each other...................said teacher didn't know. butr she was put on administrative leave and the PAPER just assumes she is guilty. front page today
Brad/3 - took the pix in school?
Kim/K/SCal - so brad...........she ALLUDES in the paper that you are "incompetent.....?" sounds like libel to me............. '
Brad/3 - by the way, Kelly must not have been talking about me, cuz technically, I'm UP the hall from her. LOL
Kim/K/SCal - took the pics in school
Kim/K/SCal - sounds like she has a big mouth. rotten thing to say.............really
Brad/3 - She is just pathological liar, How could she possibly know what we're doing. She's NEVER stepped in my classroom. And it's not like I'm her biggest friend to share with (especially since bread incident)
Kim/K/SCal - does he know you were asked to do an inservice?...........she sounds petty and jealous. not worth your frustration, really.................
Brad/3 - And (not that I've spent much time in her room) but, what qualifies her to say what is competent and incompetent, anyway. We're talking about the wench who thinks baking bread is teaching reading
Brad/3 - A friend of mine in building thinks we should all get T-shirts with INCOMPETENT on front
Kim/K/SCal - brad.......is her shenanigans can, IN ANY WAY, harm you..............it might not hurt to document. just keep a record.
Kim/K/SCal - that would be SWEET...........i like it!
Brad/3 - And then I (cause I'm a smart a##) said, "And we should spell it I-N-C-O-M-P-E-T-I-N-T"
Kim/K/SCal - yes...LOL....
Brad/3 - but we can't do it, cause we had a call from union to stop harrassing her
Kim/K/SCal - seriously...............your colleagues need to get together..............a united FRONT (incomatint) and let her know that her insults were not appreciated.
Kim/K/SCal - WAIT....she can defame you in the local paper............but you can't confront her?
Brad/3 - We are trying to get something together. She claims she was misquoted. So I , (in my infinite smart a## wisdom) said,"If that was a board meeting, then it is public record and we can order transcripts."
Brad/3 - <----deserves spanky
Kim/K/SCal - hee hee hee
Brad/3 - now, did I or did I not tell you it's been a long strange trip this week. ANd I haven't even begun third story
Kim/K/SCal - don't let this go.............be a smart ass and keep your colleagues mad.............maybe she will leave
Brad/3 - above and beyond fact that kids' behavior is sliding downhill exponentially
Kim/K/SCal - i thought they would censor me uh oh
Brad/3 - good, i'm glad we can say ass
Kim/K/SCal - you have a third story? i will sleep well tonight! 3 bedtime stories!
Brad/3 - ready?
Kim/K/SCal - ..............yesssss....................
Brad/3 - We're out at recess, and it's about time to go in
Brad/3 - when this crazy green ice cream truck starts weaving, hits a fence across the street and then comes up on the curb of the school
Brad/3 - Black smoke comes pouring out the back
Kim/K/SCal - cool................!
Brad/3 - So my kids and I are walking up to door when a guy goes running down the street, I'm hustling the kids in a little quicker
Kim/K/SCal - any terrorists?
Brad/3 - And then from the other side of the school building where the guy ran comes the sound of gunshots
Brad/3 - I bring my kids inside (they're nonchalant, I'm inner city remember)
Brad/3 - They're lined up to go into the room, when my principal says to clear the halls.
Kim/K/SCal - YIKES.....!
Brad/3 - I lock the door and shut off the lights. Turn around and half my little buggers are under the desk on the floor (they're not stupid)
Kim/K/SCal - Too bad Kelly wasn't out there. They might have wanted a hostage!
Brad/3 - I told them to get up, I'm just playing safe.
Brad/3 - A colleague of mine was a little closer to the occurrence lining his kids up to go in.
Brad/3 - He saw the guy go down the street carrying the gun, BUT
Brad/3 - he tells me this morning that when school security advisor came from district came he said, "you didn't see no gun. he was carrying a big stick."
Brad/3 - Ice crream truck driver won't press chargges (I'm figuring "safe school zone" and someone has a record, or he ain't selling ice crream out the back of that truck)
Brad/3 - So legally, this never happened
Brad/3 - And although local news showed up, there was not coverage on air
Kim/K/SCal - (sound of disgust...)
Brad/3 - What do you think of that?
Kim/K/SCal - sheesh.......................surrounded by jerks.
Brad/3 - So much drama this week, I was almost frightened to go in this morning to see what was happening next.
Brad/3 - So much drama this week, I was almost frightened to go in this morning to see what was happening next.LOL
Kim/K/SCal - TGIG
Kim/K/SCal - I mean TFIF
Brad/3 - Not to mention my principal is shaking up everyone's grade levels for what? Fun?
Kim/K/SCal - No! TGIF
Kim/K/SCal - so tired can't type
Brad/3 - You know, I kind/ve like TFIF (and you know what that first F stands for)
Kim/K/SCal - yes.....your prinipal is secretly a sadist
Kim/K/SCal - hee hee heehee.
Brad/3 - you don't know how close to truth some would say you've come (about principal)
Kim/K/SCal - does he bake bread?
Brad/3 - she has people who have taught first for 20 years going to fourth simply because "they haven't had those experiences."
Brad/3 - ??????????
Brad/3 - Principal is woman (and some would say, therein lies the trouble)
Kim/K/SCal - (another sound of disgust)
Kim/K/SCal - don't go there.............
Brad/3 - PRince likes me
Brad/3 - the some who would say in my building ARE women
Kim/K/SCal - of course she does! LOL...........good thing.............
Brad/3 - I don't mind working for woman
Kim/K/SCal - women are their own worst enemies, sometimes.......
Brad/3 - but she's laughing off this "incompetent" thing and that bothers me
Brad/3 - I dont' think she realizes what this has done for (already low) staff morale
Kim/K/SCal - it should bother her.............a lot...............
Brad/3 - I mean I know I'm not incompettent, most of the faculty is not, but the average joe reading paper thinks, "Glad my kid don't go to that school."
Kim/K/SCal - on her watch..................some teacher disrespects colleagues...............her own staff?
Brad/3 - Gee I misspelled incompetent. lol
Kim/K/SCal - You are right..........
Brad/3 - The most incompetent person in my school is ironically. . . "Hello, pot, This is kettle, you're black."
Kim/K/SCal - Brad...........I gotta go. Son needs compuer for an online appointment...............some game he plays. Ultima?
Kim/K/SCal - I will send the book tomorrow...................with the Pearson research and the poem.
Brad/3 - oh, goody, I shall be licking my mailbox till it arrives
Kim/K/SCal - Good...........it will stay cleaner that way.
Brad/3 - nite
Kim/K/SCal - talk to ya later brad..........
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