Cheryl/IL - Hello, everyone
Jody - I teach 3rd grade, but 5th & 6th previously.
starz3540 - i have actually not heard of it
Jody - it's a book to help teach the word block.
Jess - it's part of 4 Blocks, right?
Cheryl/IL - I taught first for 9 years, now a reading specialist for K, 1 and 2
starz3540 - i am a college student studying education and am going to be doing an investigative study this summer with pattern books with programs such as kid pix and we'll be using the 4 blocks
Jess - Do parents of your students like 4 Blocks?
Jody - my parents don't know the difference. i'm at an at-risk school. i'm lucky if they sign their prog reports.
starz3540 - i think that in the past the parents have really liked it, we hold a summer reading camp and the students increase their reading level but we don't have a postassessment until this year when we do the studies
Jess - starz, you sound like an experienced teacher! where did you learn about 4 Blocks?
starz3540 - lol, we are going to be working with it this summer in our summer reading clinic
Jess - Jody, do you like using 4 blocks with that population?
Jess - Should I join the 4 Blocks mailring? Is it helpful?
Jody - yes, i love it, but this is my first year to implement it & it's my first year in third grade so i'm really just learning.
Jody - i love the mailring. it can be helpful to read other people's responses & their problems.
starz3540 - is it school wide or just in your classroom that you are using the blocks?
starz3540 - is the mailring here at teachers.net?
LR52477 - Hi all! I'm a fifth grade teacher in GA and we have a statewide curriculum (Quality Core Curriculum). DOes anyone have a standardized curriculum and how does four blocks work with that?
starz3540 - hi LR
Jody - no, i'm all by myself in a fairly large school. i think our school is trying to go toward fountas & pinnell---but they don't seem to know a lot about that philosophy either.
Jess - yes, the mailring is here at Teachers.Net
starz3540 - oh okay
Jody - not sure what you mean by standardized. we have a curriculum that we are to follow in the district.
LR52477 - our county is just beginning to implement four blocks
Jess - LR52477, the whole county? Did you all have training? What kind of training?
LR52477 - well, it's a small county---three elementary schools, one middle, one high...we've been doing some in-service training, but a lot has been reading on our own
LR52477 - we're also implementing slowly
Jess - Hi bbh, are you expert at using 4 Blocks, or just learning, like me?
Cheryl/IL - LR, do you find the majority of teachers to be willing to do the reading on their own?
starz3540 - how is the reception of the 4 blocks and the implementation going LR?
LR52477 - for the most part, yes
bbh - have been doing 4 block for 3 years
LR52477 - slowly, but it seems to be gaining momentum and it is well-received
bbh - just finished 5 days of advanced training with Libby Turner
4 Blocks Chat 9pmE - You like it, bbh? Is your whole school using it?
Jody - oh wow bbh. so, you're experienced--lol!
Cheryl/IL - bbh, what grade?
Jess - 3 years is a long time, you must like it
bbh - Not our whole school, just K, 1 and one section of 2
bbh - i really do like it
bbh - very energizing
Jess - Does K use 4 Blocks? I thoguht there was a special program for K, Building Blocks?
bbh - hope it reflects in our test scores
bbh - sorry, K uses Building Blocks
Jody - so how are the students regarding levels in reading & writing by the time they reach third, where they're not using it anymore?
LR52477 - in fifth grade, I'm having trouble with the writing block due to the lack of emphasis on writing in lower grades before now
Jess - Test scores are everything these days.
bbh - hard to say---kids in 3rd were very low
Jody - our school is very transient so it's very easy to see which kids have actually spent time writing & which haven't.
bbh - don't know if anything impacted them that year
Jess - LR, were the younger grades using 4 Blocks with the students you have now?
Cheryl/IL - Hi, REI ! Everyone, she is someone who really knows her 4Blocks business!
bbh - our trainer (Libby) was excellent in the writing area
LR52477 - no
bbh - She pulled ideas from Six Trait, and 4 Block and about 3 or 4 more
Jess - REI, what is Month by Month Phonics? Is it one of the 4 blocks?
Jody - it can be used in the word block jess
REI - Jess~Yes, MxM Phonics is one of the 4 Blocks books. It is designed for your word block.
Jody - the 4 blocks are words/writing/self-selected reading/guided reading
LR52477 - Jody, I agree. The school I worked at prior to the one I'm at now had a transient, minority population as well.
LR52477 - Month by Month Phonics gives some good ideas for Word wall activities etc.
Jess - Well, NYC schools are going to be using a curriculum called Month By Month Phonics by Pat Cunningham, is that the same as 4 Blocks?
Jody - actually, i thought the main book gave better ideas for the word wall itself
Cheryl/IL - Hi, sioux. Did you have a hard time staying on? I did.
Jody - yes, it's the same book
REI - Jess~It is a companion book.
starz3540 - i was just going to ask if anyone has used ideas by pat cunningham, my phonics instructor uses her all the time as examples for us and activities to use
bbh - Yes, NYC is using 4 Block, but the gov. is not sure they want to pump funds into and "unproven" program
bbh - Read it in the NY Times
naneb - Pat is one of the originators of 4 blocks
Jody - well, i use the mxm in my room & that's cunningham
sioux - m X m gives some structure to the word block as well as helps you to pace throughout the year
Cheryl/IL - hello, tc.
LR52477 - starz, I've used making words activities in my word block as well
tc - mxm was the first 4b book I read
starz3540 - has anyone used pattern books within the four blocks and how did it go?
LR52477 - nice chatting with you guys, but must grade a few papers
starz3540 - bye LR
REI - Even after teaching 4 Blocks for 7 years, I still refer to my MxM book.
sioux - pattern books are good for several things - both in the WWW as well as GR
tc - when I saw the detailed activities, I was hooked
Cheryl/IL - REI, that's good to know. I need my books!
starz3540 - i am doing an investigative study on pattern books used along with programs such as kid pix this summer and just wondering how it goes for others so that maybe i will be more comfortable doing the study and working with the 4 blocks
Jody - this is my first year so i've been using the mxm book every day & have been following the lessons
tc - I've started literature circles, with assigned roles, this week , and loving it
Cheryl/IL - My struggling readers have made progress with the predictability of patterned books.
Jess - oh, literature circles, that sounds interesting. What grade?
tc - what grade, Cheryl?
tc - I teach 3rd
starz3540 - yeah the students i will be working with will all be at-risk and struggling
sioux - starz- are the kids using Kids Pix to create pattern books?
Cheryl/IL - now, I have k, 1st and 2nd.
Cheryl/IL - For the past 9 years I was in the first grade. And LD/EMH 4 years prior to that.
starz3540 - yeah, after they read a pattern book they'll make their own and then maybe read them to a pair or partner, i'm not sure, i'm working out the details soon
Jess - starz, could the pattern books be transferred to chart paper for group reading?
starz3540 - ooh, that'd be cool to do
sioux - starz - are you doing some action research for a class?
starz3540 - i'm just trying to formulate ideas right now to convince the studies board that this is an important study and for them to support my idea
sioux - what is a "study board"?
starz3540 - sort of sioux, it's a summer reading clinic and i'll be working with my education professor to do this study grant and then present at a couple of conferences next year on the results
starz3540 - a study board is the group of people who will read my proposal to see if it will be a viable study
sioux - which college?
Jess - Cheryl, can 4 Blocks be used with most LD kids?
starz3540 - it's a college program that they let students do their own investigations
tc - A friend of mine is doing a project on how writer's workshop meets our state SOL
starz3540 - marietta college in ohio
naneb - I teach middle school LD kids and I do 4 blocks
Jess - naneb, middle school LD, sounds challenging!
naneb - the program is so multi-level that it is perfect for all the different abilities in my classes
Cheryl/IL - Jess, because of my Spec. Ed background, many students were placed in my room, even though they qualified for a separate program.
naneb - just the 8th graders
Jody - oh my gosh starz. that's my hometown. my family all lives there!
REI - Jess~You bet. 4 Blocks in an excellent framework for special needs kiddos. My Special Ed kids grow by leaps and bounds.
Jess - Sounds as though NY governor should fund 4 Blocks in NYC!
Cheryl/IL - that was before the emphasis on inclusion
starz3540 - jody that is unbelievable!
Jody - small world! we're going to be visiting at the end of the month. my mom wants me to move back--lol!
starz3540 - lol, that's funny, i've lived around marietta all of my life but i want to teach in texas i think or someplace with a high latino population so i won't be sticking around marietta i don't think
Cheryl/IL - I believe 4Blocks is "balanced literacy". No debate. Just balance of all the essentials.
sioux - Did you all know that the governor of NY was coming under fire for wanting to adopt MxM because it is not "scientifically based"????? (As in NCLB)
Jody - i didn't want to. too small. my aunt couldn't even find my 4 blocks chart that i wanted. she had to special order it in parkersburg. have they even heard of 4 blocks in that area?
Cheryl/IL - Jody, what 4Blocks chart?
Jess - Do you consider 4 Blocks "whole language"? I was surprised to read that in NY some are suspicious of 4 Blocks because they don't like whole language.
Jody - yes, i saw the newspaper article. they didn't evaluate the other portions of 4 blocks---just the mxm word block.
Jody - the large 3 ring/ colorful pocket chart---for deciding who reads w/ who. it was $30 & i decided to ask for it for christmas---lol!
starz3540 - well, i haven't heard it in the schools where i have field experience, mostly saxon, kinderoots, write track, things like that
REI - Four Blocks is NOT whole language.
starz3540 - we are using the 4 blocks as part of our summer reading clinic
Jess - Jody, that's what's confusing me. They keep talking about "Month by Month Phonics Curriculum" when I thought Month by Month was just a book that goes with 4 Blocks. I don't get it.
sioux - Actuaklly people aren't suspicious of 4B because they think it is too much like whole language, but rather its supposed lack of scientificaqlly based research
Jody - gosh, it's been so long since i learned about whole language at kent state. i think it follows some of the same philosophies doesn't it?
Jess - REI, that's what I thought.
tc - I think 4B is very different
Jody - well, you can use the mxm to teach 1 of the 4 blocks. but, the point is to take what they learn in word block & apply it in reading & writing.
Jess - sioux, I wonder what kind of scientific research they need, blood tests??? 8-/
tc - all I heard in college was whole language: immerse the students in literature and they will just soak it up
sioux - yes - Jess - they just don't get the concept of balanced literacy - they are looking for the silver bullet - the quick fix
Jess - so true, sioux.
starz3540 - where did you go to college tc?
tc - 4b is very clear in its objectives and how to meet those objectives
Jess - tc, that isn't what I learned is whole language, but i guess the problem is, that's what too many people were taught.
Jody - well, a good whole lang program does use phonics, but many people jumped on a bandwagon & weren't quite sure what they were doing.
sioux - Yes - Jess - it should be that easy -!!!!
Jess - I agree, Jody. WL was misunderstood and mis-applied
tc - small college in VA- Mary Washington
sioux - You are sure right there, Jody! As someone said "Phonics fell off the boat when whole language came from New Zealand to the states!"
Jody - i had a very good mentor in kent ohio. she's been working on her doctorate forever. not sure if she's done yet--lol!
Cheryl/IL - Jody, I agree. I had professors who were totally WL and some who were more traditional. In grad. school, balance was emphasized.
Jody - well, my school is jumping on the guided reading band wagon---but aren't quite sure of that either---including the literacy specialists. it's frightening.
sioux - hey tc - i got my masters at UVA - my mother in law went to Mary Washington!
Jess - Can't go wrong with balance in anything
starz3540 - i get a mix of phonics and whole language instruction from my phonics instructor, as a balance
tc - small world!
Jody - well, i learned that whole language included phonics & my mentor taught that way.
Jody - she wrote a book w/ timothy rasinski. i learned she was good---much later--lol!
sioux - i think good teachers always had / have a balance of all parts of literacy
Jess - Jody, that's what whole language was meant to be, WL DOES include phonics. Lots of people just didn't know what it meant, how to apply the philosophy
starz3540 - jody sounds like you had a really great prof
Jody - it certainly makes sense--balanced literacy.
sioux - hey - I got to hear Timothy Rasinski speak a few weeks ago - he was quite good!
Jody - no--i student taught for her. although rasinski was at our university, i didn't have him.
Jess - Just the way now some teachers don't know how to properly apply 4 Blocks framework.
Cheryl/IL - Jess, I agree with you too. I started undergrad work with WL emphasis. Phonics WAS included.
starz3540 - wow, that's cool, i have one of his books now for this project
Jess - Is anyone here forced to use the F&P guided reading in their 4 Blocks classroom?
Jody - well, i will admit, i'm not fully implementing it correctly---only cause it's my first year. we're not doing writing workshop, but we have writing every day.
Jess - Jody, well , you have to start a little bit at a time from what I read.
Jody - i will be working on perfecting that block next year. i'm still grappling w/ the new grade level as well. but, i think i'm aware of what i'm doing right/not right--kwim?
tc - i don't have to use F&P this year, but I think it's coming
Cheryl/IL - I'm not forced in any framework. Teachers in our district have lots of freedom.
Jody - i'm afraid we're going to be forced to do f & p. although, like i said, our literacy specialists are still a bit clueless. the one is big on taberski.
Jody - our grade level was going to have a meeting w/ the new principal about meeting our kids needs, but it was canceled last minute.
Jody - i was getting really nervous & then it was up & canceled. so, now i'm just waiting & wondering.
sioux - good night all! got to rejuvenate my brain cells!
REI - I like Sharon Taberski's stuff. Use her On Solid Ground book all the time as a resource.
Jess - Clueless breeds idiotic decisions sometimes
sioux - ha ha ha
tc - me too, good nite all
Cheryl/IL - good night, sioux
Jody - but, i know i'm really trying, but some of the other teachers are still doing textbook/wkshts. so, i'm on my own--especially at my own grade level.
starz3540 - what is your grade level jody?
Jess - Jody, you can be their role model
REI - We are a 4 Blocks district.
Jody - i just loaned by taberski book to a new teacher that just tracked out.
Jess - REI, is anyone using your district to study ("research") 4 Blocks?
Cheryl/IL - REI, do you still invite visitors as well as do 4Blocks training?
Jody - ha ha! yeah right! it's best to keep to yourself regarding opinions on teaching methods--at my grade level--unfortunately
Jody - I teach 3rd grade, but 5th & 6th previously.
Cheryl/IL - Jody, at one time I had to keep my mouth shut, but times are a'changin'
Jody - our second grade is moving toward f&p or somebody's philosophy of guided reading---anyway--w/ literacy centers. i cringe.
starz3540 - oh no lol
REI - Cheryl~Yes. In fact, had visitors today and will have more tomorrow and again on Friday. I have been doing a lot of trainings this year. Just returned from the Chicago area.
Cheryl/IL - New teachers are more receptive. I'm an informal mentor (who is learning alongside the newbies)
Jody - well, i talk to this one teacher that is a literacy specialist, but she isn't allowed to talk to us--lol! how dumb! nobody likes her either, but seriously, she's the only one i can talk to professionally.
Jess - Jody, moving AWAY from 4 Blocks guided reading?
Cheryl/IL - I would love to come to your classroom !
starz3540 - well, i've got a lot of work to do, it was nice chatting with all of you
Cheryl/IL - bye, starz.
Jody - i'm typing fast. no, they're moving toward literacy centers/guided reading groups. i'm all alone on 4 blocks. my grade level is mixed between wkshts/text & newbies trying out guided reading groups due to administrative pressure.
Jess - you too, starz, good luck with that project!
Jody - by starz!
REI - Cheryl~You are invited any time. Have groups coming all the way through May.
Cheryl/IL - Jody, why the pressure? Do you know? There are opportunities within the 4 blocks framework to address occasional small groups -- we just don't make it lifelong low groups.
Jody - we got an nrea grant starting this year. so, now, we have literacy specialists. it's very disorganized & the lit specialists aren't doing much. they are being sent to meetings & such & a couple of distant conferences. i took a reading class for a nice stipend (governor's reading intitiative program). one of our lit specialists was the instructor.
Jody - it was very disorganized & you could tell she didn't know a lot of the stuff. she's done a lot of "book learnin" but hasn't applied it & i think she's been into so much, she doesn't really know a lot about any one thing. kwim???
Jody - i asked to borrow her deb miller book & later got in a discussion about a prof development day she taught. it was called nonfiction matters too. well, i asked her why she didn't offer the original book as a resource.
Cheryl/IL - Speaking from experience, many of my students would be considered the ones "left behind". Every single one of them has benefitted from 4 Blocks, and I'm not an expert at it.
Jody - she says she's not even sure if she has it, but she'll look. that's weird to me. how do you not know about a book like that?
Jody - well, my babies are mostly ell. and, i've seen benefits & i really need to work on my instruction, but one of my really low ones is really starting to come around. if i kept him completely in "baby books" i don't think he would've been making the progress.
Jody - i keep remembering way back to the beginning of school & he was a behavior problem. not anymore. he really likes me i think---lol! i'm very proud of him.
Jody - how do you assess your kids reading levels?
REI - Jody~it happens all the time. I am always asked about my "Professional Library" when teachers visit my classroom (it's hard to miss. Takes up a LARGE area behind my desk.).
Ali~3/PA - Hi ! I'm glad you are still here
REI - I use a variety of methods. DRA, running records, STAR test, etc...
Jody - well, i guess my library is kind of small. i guess i could see if it was an older book. but, i'd think i could remember if i had one & read it.
Cheryl/IL - DRA, running records mostly
Cheryl/IL - Hi, Ali
Ali~3/PA - I use running records to determine their independent and instructional reading levels also
Cheryl/IL - I have a question about running records.
Ali~3/PA - anyone here read/ applying Strategies that Work to their comprehension block?
REI - Ali~Yep.
Jody - i've just started. but, i'm definitely not a master at it---lol!
Ali~3/PA - REI.............. Good!!! Can I ask you about synthesis??????
Ali~3/PA - If you were to create a poster to explain this strategy to your students, what would you say?
Jody - i'm here, but still struggling w/ mastering my guided reading block so i can't help you ali. sorry!
Ali~3/PA - well, it's been a long day.... Night ALL!!!
Cheryl/IL - What grade did you say you taught, Jody?
Jody - 3rd
Jody - what grade for you cheryl?
Cheryl/IL - I did student teaching in third. Our 2 third grade teachers are trying to implement some components of 4Blocks. Now I teach k, 1 and 2, small groups and whole classes
Jody - oh okay. 1 of our 2nd grade teachers said she did a little bit of mxm last year. i got excited. but, i know the lit specialist won't support her going any further.
Cheryl/IL - I am the reading teacher (similar to Title 1) for K-2.
Jody - she said she was interested, but i think she's kind of a new teacher & the one lit specialist has been spending time in 2nd grade.
Jody - so, a pull out for additional reading instruction?
Cheryl/IL - The first block I started was the word block (in first). My students loved it!
Jody - that is really the easiest block--imo. i love that block. it's my favorite--lol!
Cheryl/IL - yes, my salary is paid through our "reading improvement grant". I had to be highly qualified, so I had to get the middle school endorsement.
Jody - i've had problems w/ reading & writing rhymes lately.
Cheryl/IL - I use MOT strategies for "whole groups" once a week for each homeroom, then pull-outs 3, 4 or 5 times a week for strugglers.
Jody - we also have a grant, but our specialists didn't need to be highly qualified. one was a teacher i worked w/ the year before last for 3 years. so, they've not been much help to me. they've left me alone so far. but, we just got a new principal a couple of weeks ago....
Cheryl/IL - The reason I don't "go into" classrooms is because of conflict of professional opinions. You know what I mean.
Jody - i've been trying to do mot too, but not too organized. i feel like a new teacher since i'm in a new grade---so i've been struggling. actually, this is my 8th year.
Cheryl/IL - It's better if I do what I feel is right for the students. Worksheet pile-ups is not the way!
Cheryl/IL - Jody, I started with making connections -- spent lots of time on it, then visualizing. Now questioning, but I'm not doing very well with that.
Jody - i know exactly what you mean. see, that's part of our problem. the literacy specialists really didn't know what to do--since this is the first year. the one who's taken over our grade level due to pressure by admin for one to step out of her position. our third grade isn't very open minded.
Jody - lol! i'm doing questioning too! ahhh! i swear, i'm working w/ my low ones & i'm about to pull out my hair--lol! then, my 2nd to lowest pops out w/ a question. now, how did he do that---lol!
Cheryl/IL - I would love to go into the classrooms as part of the writing block, or pull out half the class to my room and do Writing workshop, and let the homeroom teacher have the other half.
Jody - i feel like i'm getting more of an idea about guided reading this term. 1st term--i was really struggling in all aspects.
Cheryl/IL - but, we don't share the same philosophies.
Jody - see, i'm not doing writing workshop per se & i feel so guilty. i swear i'm going to tackle that block next year.
Cheryl/IL - I'm sure you've heard that GR is all about comprehension.
Jody - i think writing block would be great---to have one of our lit specialists in. i'm only dreamin'---lol!
Jody - no, i know that totally. that's why i'm pulling out my hair. i feel like no one has asked them to think before.
Cheryl/IL - But, I don't want to be an "aide" and I respect that the homeroom teachers don't want to "follow my lead". So, it's better if I pull the students out when my time comes.
Jody - i was looking at kevin today, & he's pretty smart & i thought i was guiding him in the right direction, but he was clueless. then, my really low kid piped in (preprimer---very ell)
Cheryl/IL - Exactly...thinking is such a new invention for them!!!
Jody - well, if you came in an assisted in a block, would you feel that you were an aid?
Cheryl/IL - yes, in most of the classes. Differing philosophies.
Jody - see, i would love assistance in my room----and a certified teacher would be better to me that a parent or volunteer coming from some group. kwim?
Cheryl/IL - that's why you're logged in to this meeting and learning on your own time. Many teachers don't want to grow.
Jody - our one lit specialist, i really like. she's nationally certified & really knows reading. but, they assigned specialists at the beginning of the year & there were actually issues w/ other grades talking to the wrong ones.
Cheryl/IL - what did the really low kid say?
Jody - i was kind of wondering what would happen during this reading meeting that was directed at our grade level. i was going to bring it up. the one is of no use to me. but, this woman has ideas for everything i tell her i'm doing. nobody likes her though. to be honest i think they're threatened professionally.
Cheryl/IL - Where did that really good reading specialist go?
Jody - well, it wasn't that profound, but we stopped & i asked them what they might be wondering--based on whatever was happening. can't remember. but, i swear i about lept off the floor---lol!
Jody - well, she belongs to 4th & 5th. how silly. she's not doing much at all--from what she said. and, seriously, my whole grade level complains about her all the time. it makes me uncomfortable.
Jody - anyway, we've been reading a ruby bridges book--which i thought would be perfect for questions since they're only in the third grade & don't know a lot about the subject.
Cheryl/IL - my kids stink at questioning -- probably because I stink at teaching them. They have such a hard time sustaining a thought beyond 1 statement.
Jody - well, i'm not doing great. i figure, they're all my guinea pigs. i'll be better next year. they really don't know how to think though. no wonder they have low reading comprehension.
Jody - i've been using the 6 traits program---developed by vicki spandel. she has a workbook which guides them through different things. i try to do 1 every week or 2 & then we write using that objective.
Cheryl/IL - I need to find out about 6 traits. I don't have any books or references for it.
Jody - i introduced them to leads yesterday & we really looked at examples---good & bad. tomorrow, we'll be going through books & identifying good leads too. but, they don't all get it.
Cheryl/IL - 've heard good things about it.
Jody - well, i went to a workshop & got a lot of great writing ideas for using pic books.
Jody - then, i bought the book that lists the books by traits for instruction.
Cheryl/IL - well, if you just started yesterday, there's still hope. i'ts early
Jody - but, i need a lot of structure---lol! spandel got w' great source & developed a "kit". anyway, she has a student workbook in it that guides the students in each lesson---w/ examples & then they write their own.
Cheryl/IL - does the workbook resource go down to 1st or 2nd grades?
Jody - the kit is $135. but, to be honest, i could just do w/ the xeroxable student book. it comes w/ a teacher's manual, overheads of writing pieces for each lesson, post it's for sticking on kids' papers & rating their paper following the traits. but, i'm not that far into it yet.
Cheryl/IL - Have you been to Ginny Hoover's site?
Jody - oh, sorry. don't think so. i think it starts at 3rd & is now going up to middle or high school.
Cheryl/IL - I think she does 6 traits?
Jody - hmmm.... can't remember. maybe. but, i'm in so over my head now---lol! probably, when i first started looking into 6 traits.
Jody - anyway, go to www.greatsource.com to just check on the writing program. maybe they will go lower.
Cheryl/IL - She might have some easy-to-follow lessons there. You could use them to supplement what you're doing.
Jody - come to think of it, i think i talked to ginny through email about this program. she was emailing vicki for me before i purchased the program.
Cheryl/IL - ok, thanks, I will. I'm trying to prepare the 2nd for next year's ISAT year. State testing in 3rd.
Jody - i will definitely keep that in mind. i have ideas coming out my ears--hee hee!
Cheryl/IL - yea, me too. Ideas that overwhelm me and keep me from thinking straight -- but they're great ideas!
Jody - gosh, we're a mase school too & we are having monthly meetings. gosh, the meeting is tuesday & i haven't combed through this math book yet.
Cheryl/IL - what's mase?
Jody - i feel like i have so many things to look into for teaching----but not enough time or energy.
Jody - math & science education. i think it's a federal grant of some kind.
Cheryl/IL - yeah, and I'm a grandma, too.
Jody - awwww. i'm a mommy to a 3 year old. we're thinking of another too.
Cheryl/IL - How wonderful. Boy or girl?
Cheryl/IL - I have a 2 granddaughters: 4 years and 6 months old.
Jody - a boy. i told hubby if i don't get a girl next, i will be trading him in for a new husband---lol! i want my girl, but don't want to have 12 children waiting for it to happen--lol!
Jody - i'm really looking forward to having a girl. i hope----fingers crossed. dh's brother's had a boy first & then a girl. so, i'm hoping he'll follow their lead!
Cheryl/IL - Well, Jody, it's nice chatting with you, but I have some work to do before tomorrow. I hope to talk again. Do you join the professional reading chats on Friday night?
Cheryl/IL - Girls are great. I have one son and one daughter.
Jody - no! to be honest, this is the first chat i've been on. i just happened to see the reminder & it hadn't happened yet. i'll have to keep it in mind! it was nice chatting w/ you about school. i don't get that much at work. i just get to vent. no professional talk. i'm off for dinner!
Jody - bye!
Cheryl/IL - have fun! bye for now.
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The Language Arts Chatboards are for educators who teach Language Arts or have an interest in the English curriculum.
