Britt - ok, how about four blocks?
TN 1st - GATeacher do you use 4-block
trina - Does anyone out there use 4blocks?
cloc - yes, I do!
Donna Mae - yes
GATeacher - how many of you use 4 blocks? How many just learning?
trina - please give me an honest opinion of it?
Donna Mae - although i don't think i used it very well last year -- hope to do better this year
cloc - i have been using it for 2 years and LOVE IT!!
Britt - I do four blocks....and I LOVE it
Britt - I think if my principal told me I couldnt use it, I would quit
GATeacher - Not yet. Will be teaching 1st next year. I am just learning
rpb - Yes I used 4 blocks for the first time last year in first grade.
trina - What was the selling point for you?
teach1st - I use 4 blocks and have for the past four years-see a lot of pluses about it!
Britt - All of my kids learned
Britt - it's so much fun!!!!
TN 1st - I can't get it all in everyday but I love the word block
cloc - GA teacher, are from GA?
Donna Mae - i saw a beachball formatted for 4-blocks for sale in a catalog toward the end of school, and now i can't find it...has anyone seen it anywhere for sale?
GATeacher - yes I am from outside of Atlanta
teach1st - check reading lady.com
cloc - I am from Gray, close to Macon
Britt - try applesnacorns web site Donna
Donna Mae - thanks
Pam - Has anyone used four-block in a departmentalized sixth grade?
teach1st - I have the beach balls-two to the set for $3.99 diff. ?s on each ball-well worth the $
Linda - Donna,Is there one in Crystal Springs catalog?
dany - I am being trained in balenced literacy. Does anyone know the difference? They seem very similar.
rpb - I have been teaching for 32 years and last year was the best for students. Their gain were awesome!
TN 1st - I think I saw it in Teachers Resources or Crystal
Britt - Dany, the difference between 4blocks and a lot of other programs are the way they do guided reading
Britt - I dont know about the program you are talking about
Britt - but take a look at how they do guided reading
teach1st - In blnced literacy do yo do centers while teaching g. reading to small groups?
Donna Mae - teach1st, where did you get yours
cloc - has anyone seen a copy of the powerpoint presentation for working with words? it was on the ring and I missed it!
trina - Glad you brought that up, Our school is elli trained and some of us want to do more 4 blocks but are told by the"gurus" that it is weak in guided reading. how do I respond to that?
GATeacher - I am thinking of calling guided reading "comprehension block" and maybe avoid some confusion with administrators and other teachers...
TN 1st - 4block is balanced literacy
Britt - that is a great idea GAT
teach1st - Great idea GA! Comprehension is the key!!!
Britt - yes it is TN...but many people call their program that
Pam - If you had to give up one block which one would you choose?
Britt - how do they think it is weak in guided reading?
dany - They seem to have the same components.
Britt - none Pam
Britt - you can't
teach1st - NONE-ALL are important!!!!
Britt - Guided reading take a LOT of trust...my first year I was hesitant
cloc - me either, i am too converted
ROOM 29 - You aabsolutely must include all 4!
Britt - But after my first year I couldnt believe how well they did
Pam - What is the least amount of time the four blocks would take?
cloc - i think alot of folks give up the working with words, it's a shame because it's so much fun for the kids
ROOM 29 - I'm not sure I've got the guided reading down. I teach 3rd!
Britt - well, each block takes about 30-40 minutes
Bubba~Sue/1st grade - Does anyone use McGraw Hill Reading? and how does it work with Four Blocks???
Britt - Thats the best one Cloc!!!
rpb - I too agree all four blocks are needed
ROOM 29 - The Word Work was what hooked me.
TN 1st - I see the greatest gains with the word block
Britt - Pam....many people are worried about time
teach1st - working with words is not only fun but so important in teaching so many skills!!!!
ROOM 29 - We used McGraw Hill last year - just plug it in.
cloc - i think you have to be realistic and dedicate the 40 minutes to both g. reading and writing,
Britt - but honestly...how else would you teach?
Pam - I am in a departmentalized sixth grade and I love what I heard at a recent workshop, but I only have 75 minutes with each group. Help!
Bubba~Sue/1st grade - Room......does it go right along with it/
Britt - I mean, with any program, the kiddos need that kind of exposure
rpb - Even my lowest students knew almost all the word wall words by the end of the year.
teach1st - It is fine to use the basal with 4 blocks-we do not have a literacy library and use the basal often
Britt - well Pam....what are you supposed to be doing during your time
cloc - some folks substitute thier phonics program for www, but it doesn'y work
Bubba~Sue/1st grade - I have my whole first grade team doing four blocks this coming year.we are excited
Pam - I teach language arts.
ROOM 29 - Pam, maybe hit 2 one day and 2 the next.
Britt - in other words, what is your goal? Comprehension?
rpb - did fivewords a week until April and then we reviewed and reviewed.
Pam - Wow, room 29...what two go together best in your opinion?
Britt - Cloc....I substituted working with words for our phonics program!
Bubba~Sue/1st grade - thanks teach !!!!!!
teach1st - ABSOLUTELY Britt!
ROOM 29 - Today our grade level attended a Four Frame Workshop which is a math spin off. It was good too.
cloc - room 29, are you talking about two diffeent blocks a day?
Donna Mae - Pam, how about WWW/Writing and GR/SSR
ROOM 29 - That was what I was thinking if she only has 75 min.
Britt - I wouldnt recommend doing an every other day approach
ROOM 29 - Donna Mae has a good pairing, I think.
Britt - think about what these kids are getting during the time with their other teachers
ROOM 29 - Britt, what would you do with only 75 min.
Britt - what is your goal Pam
Pam - Thanks a bunch for the ideas...I know this isn't the perfect situation.
Donna Mae - britt, what would you recommend
trina - I love the SSR. That is the one component that we did well this year. Our low readers accepted the challenge and worked with many books that I would not have chosen for them. big improvements....lots of self esteem!!
Bubba~Sue/1st grade - We have mandated writing progeam...Write From the Beginning..that will go fine with writing
cloc - maybe she could include writing everyday. we use our resource teacher that way, it's worked incredibly well. I also read in cheryl's column that separating the blocks was a no no
Pam - Britt...my goal is to make sure I meet the students' needs. I love the writing block.
Britt - Well, if these kids have a language arts teacher, they would, hopefully, get the working with words stuff there
Britt - lol, thats everyones goals
Britt - I mean, what do you teach? what should the kids learn at the end of the year
Britt - If they have study hall, perhaps they would get some silent reading done there
Britt - what do the kids come to you for
sajnh - tell me more about ssr, it is the one component I felt least comfortable with.
Pam - A love of reading and writing. Hopfully they will feel that they are competent...no more that that in each area.
Britt - I guess I am not clear....you have a math teacher right?
Bubba~Sue/1st grade - I bought the four blocks lesson plan book and looked athe ample schedule inside.......I was amazed because it is my exact schedule for next year....heehhehehe
Britt - you have a science teacher....what are you?
Donna Mae - I started with the book baskets at the beginning of the year, but found them hard to manage and rotate. i ended up just have them self-select books to read during that time and i conferenced with them
Vic - What would yu like to know sajnh?
cloc - i read once that the ideal time for ssr was first thing in the morning, i tried it this year and did work pretty good
Grace - Here to join discussion
Britt - I did the same thing Donna
Linda - In our K class we put out book boxes of multi leveled books that the children would "read".
Bubba~Sue/1st grade - i can not type tonight...LOL
Pam - I teach one class of math and the other three periods of language arts.
teach1st - SSR-important to train the children from the beginning to choose their books and then remain in place to read, read, read. I do not allow mine to wander to choose another book-they take several at the beginning-that way they don't waste time or disturb others.
trina - I teach K but during our SSR time, we put tubs of books on the tables....all levels and the students self selected their reading. I had many that paired up or worked on a difficult book for a long time. We would also allow them to read to the class.
cloc - anyone having to do AR too?
sajnh - i felt that some of my kids were not well focused during that time and that made me uncomfortable.
ROOM 29 - I have my kids assigned to a day during the week for conferencing that way I have about 4 or 5 students each day to conference with and they know when they'll be my priority.
Bubba~Sue/1st grade - I do AR!!!!!!
Vic - I agree with teach1st. This time is for reading. I too let the students what they want to read.
Britt - I give each child a book bag. Then I have different crates with books in them
Pam - Trina..I did AR last year, but not with 4 block.
Donna Mae - i do AR testing
Britt - Each day a different table picked 5 books. The picked new books every 4 days
Linda - each day a different student would decide how long we would read & we would set the timer. The book boxes were set on their tables. So they wern't wandering around the room.
trina - I should clarify that we did not allow the books to be read to the class during our SSR time. It was towards the end of theday.
Vic - sajnh, I would recommend more time teaching them what you expect during this time.
Donna Mae - britt, how does that work if they're reading a chapter book and aren't finished with it? that's the problem i ran into
Pam - Do any of you teach upper elementary?
Bubba~Sue/1st grade - I thought that AR time would be great for SSR time
cloc - i have tried to find the beat way to incorporate both because htere's not enough time to do both. i have finally decided on conferencing with my first graders as they come to test, i have to read them the teast anywyas....
Grace - For SSR I begin by "blessing a book" I choose an I can Read book and then read it to the class. The idea is that I am modeling how to read the book. I begin by looking at the basket and talking out loud, "Let's see, this looks interesting. I really like dogs. Okay, I would like to read this one today." I even bring their attention to how to turn the pages, etc. Then I turn the baskets to the children and the only rule is that they must read a book that is just right. They may sit anywhere in the room as long as they are quiet. At the end, I choose one or two students to share their book with the class.
Britt - They could keep a book or two from their bag
ROOM 29 - Mine have to make their reading selection early in the day or have it ready before SSR. They can read anywhere in the room if they're focused
cloc - wow did i spell that? sorry
Britt - at the beginning of the year, they always wanted to change books. At the end, they almost always passed getting new books
Vic - Bubba, I believe that Susan or maybe Cheryl recommends that we not use AR during SSR time.
Grace - When they know that they get to share at the end, they are apt to pay attention to what they are reading
Donna Mae - my kids take AR tests on their SSR books...during ssr time i conference and they read or can sign up to take a test...why would that be a no-no?
Bubba~Sue/1st grade - but that is the only time i can......we have soooo many mandated programs it is pitiful
Grace - On Fridays, I open the library and they no longer have to read at their level, but rather anything they want
teach1st - Grace1 I love the blessing the book! you can intro lots of genres that way too!
Bubba~Sue/1st grade - Thats what i am gonna do Donna mae
teach1st - Grace how do you make sure they are reading a book on their level?
sajnh - You have given me some great ideas to foster a more successful ssr time, Thanks.! I love the blessing of the book too!
Donna Mae - i've never felt i "do" AR time
trina - CAn someone take me through a typical 4 block morning?
Grace - Yes, when the teacher models it, it sort of inspires them to really read and pay attention
Britt - I think SSR is meant to be a time to relax and enjoy a book. Not worry about a test
Deb - I'm going to use AR during SSR as well.
Britt - that would be my guess on why
Pam - I agree that SSR time should be a relaxing time.
trina - Britt I think that you are right.
Donna Mae - but shouldn't they be understanding the book they're reading...i haven't felt that my kids stress out over AR
Deb - They could take an AR test first thing in the morning. Tests don't usually take more than 5 minutes.
Britt - I dont do AR, so I dont know that problem.
ROOM 29 - What do you mean when you say AR?
Britt - Like I said, I dont do AR...so I am not sure how kids respond to it
Bubba~Sue/1st grade - AR....is already leveled..i wont AR test at that time.....just read
Addie/mo - accelerated reader
Donna Mae - accelerated reader --- computerized comprehension tests
Britt - Accelerated Reader
ROOM 29 - SR should be choice time, I think/
Grace - Yet in my opinion the goals of SSR are to encourage children's reading interest, expose them to all types of lit, provide instructional, grade level reading and build intrinsic motivation for reading
Pam - I use a three ring binder that lists AR tests with author and reading level. I then tell my students what level they can read.
Bubba~Sue/1st grade - Accelerated Reader
Donna Mae - but they get to choose they AR books they read
Addie/mo - some kids would want to do AR, couldnt you let that be a choice, but not forced?
Britt - Trina...I start with Working with Words...word wall first, then activities. I then do guided reading. I finish with Writers workshop. After lunch we do SSR
Linda - Can't it be at any level, not just instructional?
Grace - Four blocks has four basic components: Guided Reading / SSR / Writing / Working with Words
Deb - Any advice for someone about to start 4B with 6th graders?
teach1st - How do you all get the right level books in a child's hands?
Grace - Each block should be 30-40 minutes long
ROOM 29 - There needs to be a time in the day for total injoyment and involvement with the joy of reading that we preach to them.
Bubba~Sue/1st grade - At the beginning of the year.i do a lot of the reading of AR books and test the whole class.....but we also have their own AR time too....I usually test in the afternoon....or early in the morning
Britt - Thats is what the conferencing is for Teach
Addie/mo - deb they have a book for the upper grades. have you seen it? the blocks are all there, but they are structured differently
Pam - Deb..that is what I need.
cloc - i feel know that the kids are reading on their level because I am testing them. i donot require atest everytime the read, so i think that takes out the "stress" factor. I also sit down with the kids and discuss individually how many tests the feel comfortable with. we don't compete with other classrooms, that's where you can go crazy trying to keep up, and the kids, too
Grace - I have two different libraries- one for leveled and one for pleasure reading
Deb - I've been reading it. still need to buy the phonics book.
Britt - They will bring a books to you and read. if it is too easy, encourage them with something harder. The reverse if the book is too hard
Donna Mae - we do STAR testing three times a year which results in a range for each student...the AR books are leveled, so they can choose any books in their range
Pam - I have the book Addie is talking about. It is great!
Britt - I find that they really get good at finding the right books
Bubba~Sue/1st grade - teach.....I do "Status of the CLASS" I walk around and conference witht he students....to make sure...... they know their level all the books are labeled and it is in their "Pig Out" reading log
Nancy - I have the book too and I am thoroughly enjoying it. Great help for upper level.
Deb - I just wish I could observe it in action before school starts!
Addie/mo - most of our kids dont stress out about AR unless they are down to the wire for a deadline for one of the incentives. the way we have our incentives set up, anyone who works really hard and consistently can achieve the top honors. the ones who procrastinate, may get a little stressed out in the end, but such is life!
teach1st - Bubba, tell me about "Pig out!
cloc - i had problems in the early part of the year with kids not wanting to read during ssr/ar time, bit i promise, i had none by the middle of the year
trina - How does guided reading work in 4 blocks? How often do you meet with each student?
Donna Mae - choc, what caused the change?
Donna Mae - oops -- cloc
Nancy - Deb, the Monthly Phonics for Upper Grades is also a very helpful book. I really like it.
Vic - When does everyone start writing with their 1st graders? or nonwriters/readers?
Britt - you dont meet with each student Trina
Britt - first day Vic
Deb - I'm planning to get the phonics book soon. any other recommendations?
ROOM 29 - All of the publications are worthwhile.
trina - Britt,,,is it done in small groups that are ability grouped?
cloc - i believe it was the read aloud, "baiting" them into the reading, and then we bought lots of "Pebble Books", short, non-fiction books. My lower kids thought they were super, then after they felt successful, they didn't want to stop
Britt - NONONONO
trina - I loved the true stories from a 4 blocks classroom.
Linda - Britt, do you meet with groups?
dany - I got kicked off, I'm not sure if my question went through. Does anyone use centers or literacy corners?
Pam - There is a planbook especially for the upper grades. I am going to get it just to help me organize this first year.
Vic - Britt, do you explain the 3 ways to write that is talked about in the True Stories Book? What other resources do you use for the minilessons?
Bubba~Sue/1st grade - OH i love PIGS...LOL I have a book shelf that i found for 5 dollars and re painted it its the shape of a pig....all my leveled books are on it.......(AR books) they write in their pig out logs what book they are reading and i initial it when they are ready for a test after conferecing..then I have a big pig on the wall.and when they become independent readers I write their name on a piglet and put it with the pig......MY SSR time is called Pig Out on Reading Time
Nancy - True Stories from the 4 Block Classroom is also great reading and very helpful.
Addie/mo - when i taught kindergarten i started them writing from the first of school. we talked about different kinds of writing, scribble writing, just putting down any letters that they want, trying to sound out wordds and writing the letters that go with the sounds, copying words, and writing words they knew. i expected the kids to start where they were and grow throughout the year
Britt - Vic, I got a book from scholastic that helped. But you pretty much take one topic at a time and cover it....you start with how to write, what to write about, etc
Addie/mo - bubba sue, that is too cute!
Deb - Is there anything I should be making to prepare?
Britt - Linda...no, you do not meet in groups for guided reading
teach1st - LOVE it Bubba SUE!!!!
Britt - Four blocks Guided reading is completely different than how you may know guided reading as
Donna Mae - deb, i'm making Making Words cards this summer
cloc - Bubba, I knew that i would get an awesome idea tonight THANKS!!!
trina - Britt please elaborate.
Bubba~Sue/1st grade - I start modeling writing at the beginning of the year......Our school uses the thinking maps program and the Write From the Beginning writing program...lots of modeling and using the maps to aid with writing at the beginning
Pam - Does anyone do a literature group with guided reading? If so, how do you run this block?
Deb - donna mae, what do those entail?
Britt - well, F&P method is what many are familiar with
ROOM 29 - Britt, do you use the ideas in the Guided Reading book?
Nancy - I picked up the plan book for the upper grades. It looks pretty good. I've created my own planbook in the past so this will be something new to try.
Britt - YOu meet with a group of same ability while the other kids are doing somethiing else
teach1st - Carson Dellosa has come out with a super making words package!
Britt - Yes Room 29...
cloc - Bubba, i start with journal writing
Deb - Nancy, how is the plan book structured? I usually make my own, too.
Bubba~Sue/1st grade - LOL....heehhehe My big pig on the wall is saying..."WOW WEE...Look at Mrs. HAM~rics independently Reading Piglets..it is cute
Vic - I have already made my cards for the Systematic Sequential Phonics Book.
dany - LOVE the pig out! What are the Makeing Words Cards?
Donna Mae - deb -- in Making Words there is a mystery word and a number of other words that can be made using the letters from the mystery word...i'm just making card sets for the Making Words i want to do...i do them on the computer
Britt - in Four Blocks, the focus is on comprehension....Dottie has even said they wished they called it the comprehension block because it is often confused with F&P version of guided reading
cloc - ladies, if you go to the 4blocks ring, there's a bunch of ideas on how to make the cards, i use my saxon letter tiles
Deb - donna mae-is making words a separate book?
teach1st - How do you all begin to use journals? unlined paper into books etc.?
Britt - During guided reading, you start with a pre-reading...you introduce the book, and give the kids a comprehension skill to focus on when reading. For instance, you may say, "today when you are reading, I want you to focus on the characters and how so and so felt about such and such"
Vic - There are also many ideas on the goodies pages as well
Donna Mae - deb -- yep..there's making words, making more words, making BIG words, making more BIG words
Pam - I use the black and white composition book. They write daily.
Deb - yikes!
Addie/mo - i used notebook paper and a loose leaf binder. they could work on their page as many days as they wanted and they had to use front and back before getting a new page. they were not allowed to complete more than one page per day
trina - Are there any good articles or such to look for to go over the guided reading?
Bubba~Sue/1st grade - Okay....first grade teachers...help!!!! How do you do guided reading.please explain....so i can see if i am thinking right
Donna Mae - deb -- don't be scared...i only have making BIG words, and it's plenty for me
ROOM 29 - Using a question of the day and partner reading during guided reading really adds confidence to your low students.
trina - I am having a hared time distinguishing how it is different from what I do?
cloc - teach first, I write on the overhead then I give them blank paper to do their driting with .. after about two weeks i give them their own journal, spiral notebook and we have a journal party
Britt - Then they read....now obviously at the beginning of the year you do a lot of reading to them, easy readers, etc
Deb - which books would you MOST recommend for 6th grade? I don't want to spend a fortune and not use it!
Vic - Go to ReadingLady.com, there is a ton of info. there.
Donna Mae - deb -- there are also sights on the internet called Words from Words that you can use to make your own Making Words...it's just a little more involved
Pam - Deb...Nancy Atwell's In the Middle is excellent. I have used the writer's workshop approach for many years.
Nancy - Deb, it's got the basic info for 4 blocks...summary, ideas, etc., place for class roster, parents names, phone nos., etc, pretty basic way. Pages are blank with 4 block space for you to plan. I like that part. I know I haven't done a very good job of explaining. My concern is I make a template and copy each week so I'm not rewriting weekly. I won't be able to do that with this planbook.
Britt - what do you do now Trina?
ROOM 29 - Go with Making Big Words Deb, your 6th graders will love it.
Donna Mae - deb -- i teach 3rd, but i couldn't do without 4-Blocks Guide to Guided Reading and Making Big Words
teach1st - Cloc, that is how I do! Tell me more about the journal party?
trina - So K guided reading would look like a small group read aloud at the beginning of the year but the students would know what to look for (listen) in the story and then proceed to them actucally reading?
Vic - I just read in one of my books that by starting with predictable charts is a good way to begin guided reading with young/new readers. Is this right?
cloc - bubba, i do it the exact way it's outlined, three days on grade-level that would be our basal, and then two days off level, i use poetry, scholasticc new K level, and big Books, multiple copies etc
Britt - do you teach Kindergarten?
Nancy - I have the Making Big Words book also...it's great.
Bubba~Sue/1st grade - thanks cloc
Pam - Where do you get the Making Big Words book?
Deb - nancy, I usually use a template,too. Maybe I can just incorporate some of the ideas into my template. I really like how I plan now!
ROOM 29 - It's popular - any teacher supply store.
Donna Mae - pam -- teacher's supply, reading lady website
teach1st - What do you all use for below grade level reding?
Bubba~Sue/1st grade - cloc....do you start with the story in the basal....focusing on comprehension..then let some do partner reading then you do reading groups?
Vic - You can get any of the 4blocks books off of the Apples and Acorns site, or from your local teacher supply store.
Pam - Thanks, Vic.
trina - Now I do about the same. I do have students of similar abilities because they have similar needs grouped together. We meet apx. 2 a week and intro a book. Do a book walk and then read it. I might intro any difficult books and then they read to themselves and with a partner or with me. The book is usually taken home for practice. How far off am I/
Britt - I use a lot of those books you can make...Scholatic puts out a lot of them
cloc - teach first, i read a book two years ago where the author said thaby tempting them to have their ownjournal, you were bulding up such enthusiasm for their personal expression. So you have a journal party to celebrate the owbnership of their journal. I usually invite the principal to share a journal entry with us, then we play this classical music, and stra writing, we of course have some kind of refreshment
Bubba~Sue/1st grade - here is a great teachers store that has alots of four blocks....... http://www.teacherscatalog.com wonderful store
Nancy - Deb. that's my dilemma. I really like the planbook, but I'm afraid I will be wasting time rewriting weekly.
teach1st - Has anyone used the Sequential Phonics book? If so, is it good for first and shoudl it be started right away?
Britt - Four Blocks, you do whole group, and all the kids are reading the same book
Bubba~Sue/1st grade - alots?? LOL oppppps meant lots
trina - Britt...are you familiar withkeep books?
Britt - Trina, do you teach Kindergarten?
Vic - teach1st, I have used it and have gotten wonderful results, but I teach K-3 special needs.
teach1st - Thanks Cloc! I can't wai to try this party idea!!!
trina - Yes
Britt - no Trina
cloc - bubba, i usually start with the basal and find teh best type of comprehension element that suits the story
Britt - Then you shouldnt be doing Four Blocks, you should be doing Building Blocks...
Pam - Britt..when you have all students' in the same book, do you conference with groups?
cloc - ladies, i am so sorry, i am not a typist!!! good luck with the party
Bubba~Sue/1st grade - you teachers are HELPING me sooooo much..I appreciate it
Deb - Does anyone use literature circles with upper grades during guided? I'm planning to use them, as well as some ss/sci text. I'll probably start the year with everyone reading 1 novel to teach procedures.
Britt - no Pam, you walk around to all the groups to keep them on track, provide help if needed
trina - Keep Books are paper books that are purchased for about 25 cents each. The kiddos can colr themand take them home. However, they are leveled. does 4 blocks stay away from levels?
teach1st - Thanks Vic! i just got the book and am anxious to use it. Well laid out!
Vic - Britt, who were you referring to when you mentioned Building Blocks?
Pam - I have used literature circles for several years in grade six. I train a group of students to lead the groups.
Britt - They dont stay away from levels per se, but they dont advocate them
Deb - I guess I don't use true literature circles because I don't assign roles. I just give them a list of possible responses.
cloc - bubba, a great resource is to order the scholastic news one grade level below what you teach, if you order for one year, laminate the ones that really fit into yout social studies, science and health objectives you have a very inenexpensive resource
Britt - Building Blocks is for Kindergarten teachers...Four Blocks should NOT be used in Kindegarten...Dottie says that is a big no no
trina - What do they do for assessment? Our benchmarks are leveled books.
Pam - I love Maniac Magee and Mick Harte was here. jBoth excellent books.
Deb - My kids loved Maniac. I haven't read Mick.
ROOM 29 - You find ways to support your low readers but keep them in the same material as everyone else.
Bubba~Sue/1st grade - working with words......word walls....I bought the portable word wall to put into a folder..does anyone use them?
Vic - trina, we use the DRA
Britt - When you conference during SSR you hear the kids read
Pam - I have done lit circles several different ways. I don't always assign roles, but I do have the kids elect a leader.
Britt - If you want to use leveled books, go ahead...like I said they dont tell you not to. They say teachers should be able to tell the level of any book
Deb - Maybe if they elected I'd step back and keep my mouth shut more.
Bubba~Sue/1st grade - cloc....i am getting Time for Kids already...
cloc - bubba, no i use a velcro word wall that we bought from Lakeshore about 4 years ago
Vic - Britt, do you do running records durring SSR time?
Britt - Yes I do Vic
trina - WE use the DRa too.
Pam - My kids love Mick Harte because it is written in their style of language. I don't know about me stepping back. LOL I have a hard time letting go.
cloc - bubba, you can change your subscribtion, i know i did from first to k
Bubba~Sue/1st grade - I have no wall space and our fire marshall is very strick
trina - Do you do rr on books that they have read before or cold turkey?
cloc - time for kids i am sure is just as good
Deb - I don't so much have a hard time letting go, at least most of the time. My problem is having them step up!
Britt - both
Bubba~Sue/1st grade - hmmmmmm...i look at it .....thanks
Vic - trina, we do rr cold turkey
teach1st - RRecords on something not read
Britt - The SSR book they have read previously...I also assess them using a book I choose they haven't seen before
Pam - Bubba...the lady at our workshop suggested shower curtains.
Deb - Pam-would Mick be good for a beg. of year read-aloud?
ROOM 29 - I sometimes assess them on a passage from the basal.
Deb - Frindle is GREAT as a read-aloud by the way!
Bubba~Sue/1st grade - I talked to aggie..another four blocker.she said that the folder word wall is good too.......
teach1st - Pam shower curtains for the w wall?
teach1st - How do you attach the words?
Britt - Thats what I do ROOM....
Vic - Bibba. you can use many different things for your word wall. A 3 sided board has been recommended on another board. This sounds interesting. You can use velcro to attach the words.
Pam - Deb..yes...it is an easy read and it is easy to teach procedures and reading strategies with this one. I read certain chapters aloud especially the first one and the last one.
Vic - Sorry Bubba, misspelled your name.
Bubba~Sue/1st grade - LOL its okay VIC
Pam - She attached the words with duct tape. She said it was more portable this way.
Vic - I have also heard about stringing clothesline across a room or a wire, and even a pocket chart.
trina - I used a word table...at the writing center. Covered it with clear contac and wrote the words on it. Handy, easily visible and easy to clean. i also had portable word walls (file folders) for students to write in any corner of the room that they desired.
ROOM 29 - Susan Jenkinson said one class had their word wall on the ceiling. That brought a big laugh!
cloc - i need suggestions on a way to hand out the letter cards for making words any ideas?
teach1st - Trina!!!! great idea!!!!
Britt - I use one of those hardware holder thingys
Pam - Deb...do you have any suggestions for books your sixth graders enjoy?
Britt - You know, it holds screws and stuff in little drawers
Vic - Does anyone do Writing/Reading the Room? What activities do you do with this? I have used it, but I'm not sure that the students get anything from it.
cloc - like where you put nuts and bolts?
ROOM 29 - I use a standard worksheet with squares at the top for writing in each letter then cut the letters apart and start making and copying words.
trina - I'm sorry I'm going back to guided reading
Britt - yes Cloc...and I have a kid take a drawer and pass out the letters needed
Britt - one letter per kid
Britt - it is the best way I have found so far
cloc - Britt, i mean a way to get the letters to each child that doesn't seem to cause such a commotion
teach1st - cloc a lingerie/jewelry bag also would work with individ. pockets
Bubba~Sue/1st grade - We have four county mandated tests during the year.....These poor first graders have to write Five complete sentences with periods...capitals...three deliberate describing words within those sentences..have good spacing....and have complete and coherent sentences that stick to one topic....they have to make a 16/20 points on the test to pass first grade....i had someone have a word wall up during the test ........the administrators were upset..said it was cheating....
Britt - thats what I mean....it goes very quickly and smoothly
trina - Do you keep the class as a whole group during this time or do you randomly divide into small groups to do some checking? Do you use mostlly antecdotal records and rr for grades?
cloc - hey what happened?
Deb - Number the Stars, Tangerine, the Hatchet series, pretty much anything they CHOOSE; they always think they're in the "best" lit group!
cloc - sorry, suddenly my screen went blank....
Marie - Sixth Grade students seem to enjoy a book called Avalanche by Arthur Roth
Pam - Who is the author of Tangerine?
Britt - The class is whole group....sometimes I split them into smaller groups, sometimes pairs, sometimes alone...its always different. I do not do RR during guided reading
cloc - Britt, so you just let like the helper pass them out...
Britt - sorry, when I say whole group, we start that way and end that way
dany - Letter Cards: I saw someone use the clear business card holders in a binder. They had all the letters of the alphbet already there.
Britt - when they read the story, it is always different
Britt - yes Cloc
Marie - My 6th graders also enjoyed Crash by Jerry Spinelli
trina - So you do break into groups? Do they vary daily depending on need?
Pam - Marie...have you used 4 block in the sixth grade?
Britt - yep
cloc - dany, iread that this week, too, except they said they used basball card sleeves and put them in folders for each child, then each child got out what they needed
Marie - I have not tried it yet
Britt - I looked into that Cloc....it was pretty expensive
trina - The lights just went off....so the kids never know they are not doing what everyone else is?
cloc - britt, thanks, sometimes the obvious just doesn't seem to click!
Addie/mo - when we did word building, i did it the "worksheet" way too. we had the letters needed across the top in boxes. the kids cut them out. then as we did the lesson the kids wrote the words that they built on the worksheet. we called the last word, the "star" word. the kids would glue it down on the page at the end of the lesson. i made an overhead transparency one. that is the one where everyone checked their work
Britt - they are doing what everyone else is...
dany - That sounds like the same thing. She had printed the letters on cardstock using her computer. Uppercase on one side and lowercase on the other.
trina - Many dollar stores have baby shoe hangers that might be perfect for your letters and each child could have theri own pocket.
cloc - britt, arn! i was hoping it might work, oh well i guess i'll just keep the screw box thing
Bubba~Sue/1st grade - so is keeping the word wall up during writing tests considered "cheating" for first grade? Another thing......if they are so used to using the word wall to help with writing.....what do you do for the writing tests?
Sara - I know it's late but...any advice for a resource teacher? I can't go into rooms cause no one else is into 4 blocks...so I have to do pullout!
derat - I just completed the third day of a four day 4 Block workshop! Wow! What a refreshing group of ideas and methods...
Britt - I dont think it is cheating...they can use the word wall on our end of the week spelling test!
Britt - I have to say, if they need to look there, so what??? Do you think they will learn it faster or easier without it?
teach1st - Sounds great Derat! Please share some!
cloc - bubba, what do you mean writing test's?
trina - Bubba...we have been told that if it is up all year it can stay up during testing. YOu just cannot put anything new up right before the test.
Bubba~Sue/1st grade - Britt.the administrators think it is cheating
Britt - If you dont know how to spell a word, what do you do...you look in a dictionary, you ask someone, you do what you can tyo spell it
Vic - I agree with Britt, I don't think that it is cheating either. I use spell check on my computer, is that cheating? and I am known as Mrs. Dictionary.
Bubba~Sue/1st grade - Our county has four mandated writing test for K-5th grade
cloc - Sara, do any of the teachers do writing daily?
ROOM 29 - We want them to be responsible and go to a source when they can't spell. Word Wall just gives them a source. I just wish they'd all use it, but by the end of the year 90% do!
cloc - bubba ugh!!
Vic - Are they looking for spelling or writing mechanics on the test? I think that that would be my defense.
Britt - maybe you will remember it and never have tolook it up again....maybe you will...but eventually you will know it. Its the same for kids. Why are they punished because they can't memorize it fast enough??? What happens when you test them on it, and they get it wrong? Do you go back and reteach it? No, you tell them they have to learn it.
Bubba~Sue/1st grade - I dont think it is cheating either......
trina - I know that I have been pretty dense but you guys have helped me a lot. Of course I still have many questions but I gotta work them out in my head first. Thanks so much!
Sara - Yes, most do writing but I'm still mandated by IEP's to see these kids for 45 min to anhour in MY room. I want to make the best use of that time.
derat - I am a reading teacher for third graders... have had some reading recovery training...The 4 Block concept seems to parallel many of those ideas. The teachers did the workshop...Any ideas for using 4 Block with Title I students???
trina - bye
Britt - well, I have cleaning to do...Good Luck to everyone!
ROOM 29 - Pointing out the word wall to a student helps them recognize their own need to spell a word correctly. At 3rd they become very good at that
teach1st - Sara, I suggest you do word block at least in your resource-great review!
cloc - sara, at our school, the eip teachers are helping the regular classroom teachers with the writing block
cloc - bye brutt
Vic - derat, our Title 1 teacher do a push in program and work hand in hand with the regular ed. teacher.
cloc - sorry!!!! bye BRITT i have got to get better at this !!!
Britt - lol
Bubba~Sue/1st grade - Cloc...they have their first test in Sept. they are supposed to make 16 points out of 20 ...yeah right!!!!!!! They are supposed to have 5 complete sentences that stick to one topic....within those sentences have three deliberate describing words.have good spacing....capitals...periods....and show transition words too.....it was pitiful last year in sept...all of first grade only had one student to pass in sept...LOL
derat - Vic: Does your Title I teacher work only with one block or all?
ROOM 29 - cloc don't give up. 4-Block just takes the various things you need to do in L. Arts, block them for you, and emphasizes the importance of each area.
Vic - Bubba, did any of the students even put enough words together to make 1 sentence?
Vic - Bubba, did any of the students even put enough words together to make 1 sentence?
Bubba~Sue/1st grade - Vic....we couldnt even read over half of them.......
sajnh - logged on.
cloc - bubba, we had a workshop this year that told us thatnwe may have to tell the kids that there were times for "school writing" and to focus on those exact skills that were going to be tested
ROOM 29 - Bubba, where are you teaching? I don't want to go there.
Addie/mo - bubba, what are they supposed to learn in first grade if they can already do all those things?
Bubba~Sue/1st grade - All first grade teachers in our county are throwing fits over this
ROOM 29 - Good point Addie
cloc - gee i wonder why!
Vic - derat, they do whatever the classroom teacher would like help with and each teacher is different. One might want her in there just for conferencing during SSR or to do running records while another one might want her help with all 4 blocks. Just depends.
sajnh - Wow, bubba, that seems like a lot for a sept. first grader.
Addie/mo - they should be throwing fits! and the kids' parents!
sajnh - who set that standard?
ROOM 29 - Bubba, do you have all day K to help prepare them?
dany - Bubba, What do they have to do by the end of 1st grade?
Bubba~Sue/1st grade - addie.....they dont know how to do those things at the beginning.......but they better by the end of the year......or they dont go to 2nd<<<<<<<<not my feelings...the county's
derat - Do any of you think the 4 Block methods help your ADD students to focus on the task at hand?
ROOM 29 - Bubba, is this just a district policy or state?
Addie/mo - it is ridiculous to expect 16/20 in the beginning
trina - Bubba is it just a measuring tool to see growth at the end of first grade?
Bubba~Sue/1st grade - the same..DANY...tested on the same skills.........believe it or not.....I had 23 out of 25 pass the writing test with an 18 or better in May
ROOM 29 - Some guided reading techniques help them stay focused.
Vic - derat, for the first time in many years, I did not have any ADD kids this year, they were all MD students. It worked GREAT with all of them. I couldn't believe the progress they ALL made.
dany - That's good
Bubba~Sue/1st grade - trina.yep a measuring tool.....but is scares the crap out of the little ones.....i have children cry.makes me soooooo mad
cloc - derat, i think yes, i had a student whose best behavior and time "on Task" was during the writing block, he loved to hear the classical music playing and was so absorbed in his own work
Suz - Chanting and clapping, helped. Also buddy reading.
ROOM 29 - Hate to say it but it's only measuring a teacher.
cloc - suz, thats true
Bubba~Sue/1st grade - addie.it is ridiculous........come be our ASSISTANT superintendent..PLEASE...LOL
Sara - Is it ridiculous for me TRY to do all the blocks in my resource room?
cloc - i don't believe you'll have time,
Suz - I think knowing they are going to be able to move helps!
trina - we do a dictation sentence similar to this. I don't sweat it and tell the kids not to. Many of the kids draw a picture and don't write any letters. But I take alot of pride in the fact that that changes over the course of the year.
sajnh - Bubba, are your first graders using caps and periods consistently? Are they writing five sentences by year
Addie/mo - LOL, bubba!
Vic - How much time do you have Sara with them?
Suz - Sara, how long do you have them?
Bubba~Sue/1st grade - room.....YOU ARE SOOOOOOO RIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! i had a wonderful class this year....my very first wonderful class......that is another reason scores were high
ROOM 29 - Sara, it really depends on your time.
derat - Sara, goals are good...but how long do you have your students?
Sara - Usually an hour a day.
teach1st - Sara, I don't think you will have time to do all the blocks
sajnh - OOps! Are they writing five sentences by year end on a consistent basis?
Bubba~Sue/1st grade - sajnh......yes.....I have the rubric right on their desks so they can self check their writing
Vic - Will 4blocks fit into their IEP's Sara?
ROOM 29 - Don't do too well, or they'll placed the big challenges with you because you soooooooo good!
teach1st - Bubba, tell us what the rubric is like.
Bubba~Sue/1st grade - LOL room...you sound like my MOM!!!!!!!! lol she said the same thing.......But i feel that teaching writing is my strongest area LOL
Sara - Since most of my kids have reading/writing problems, perhaps I could concentrate on Words and Guided Rdg?
ROOM 29 - Keeping that rubric to the forefront is a good idea.
derat - Room 29, ...sounds very familiar...
ROOM 29 - Sara, are you responsible for their total L.Arts?
Addie/mo - room it does work out that way
Vic - Sara, I think that the writing minilessons are crucial to improving students writing goals and objectives.
Suz - Sara, that sounds like a good idea. You could also do the writing block...?
cloc - Sara, helping them with their writing will also be helping them with their reading
sajnh - I find my kiddos write the way they talk....with lots of "ands". they do not seem to see the end of a sentence. what is your secret?
Suz - My resource kids would go for 1 hour for reading and 45 minutes for writing...
Sara - I do have some kids that are in resource for only written expression...maybe concentrate on writing block with them? Yes, usually i am responsible for all Lang.Arts. Actually, I can pretty much set up my program the way i want...very supportive principal.
cloc - sajnh, sorry to butt in but i modeled that right out , it became a mini lesson several times last year
Vic - I also have lots of, what does Joe call them, students who write I like or I love forever, no matter how many times I conference with them.
Bubba~Sue/1st grade - lets see if i can remember..... 7 points for five complete sentences.....2 points for spacing...2 points for periods....2 points for capitals....2 points for deliberate describing words....2 points for an "and" & "because" sentence....1 point for Transition words.....letss see does that add up?
ROOM 29 - Writing is usually beyond a doubt a student's weakest area but writing strengthens overall more than nearly anything else. Hit writing.
derat - I think having reluctant readers read one sentence at a time helps them identify sentences.
Bubba~Sue/1st grade - shoot i am missing one
cloc - sara, is there any way to get more than one child in with at a time?
Suz - If you don't have enough time could you alternate blocks on dif. days. Not ideal, but better than nothing. Also, what grades/levels do you have?
Sara - Cloc, I have groups of 4-6 kids.
Bubba~Sue/1st grade - i am missing a skill...let me think
teach1st - Thank you Bubba~Sue!
cloc - sara, then the writing block is doable for you,
cloc - sara, even if you concentrated on journal writing with them at first
ROOM 29 - Sara, do they get their ssr in the classroom?
Suz - Sara, do the homeroom teachers use 4 Blocks?
Bubba~Sue/1st grade - hold on
Sara - Yes, they get SSR in class, no, homeroom tchers do not do blocks
Bubba~Sue/1st grade - OHHHHHHHHH 2 points for readable spelling
ROOM 29 - Well, that's one block you can leave out.
teach1st - Great! thanks! Bubba~Sue!
cloc - bubba, i missed it what are you counting for?
Deb - Is anyone still here? I had to put dinner in the oven!
ROOM 29 - I'd probably do guided reading everyday then alternate between writing block & word work on the other days.
Bubba~Sue/1st grade - I gave the Rubric for the writing program
Suz - I agree, room29
sajnh - Thanks, bubba and cloc...
ROOM 29 - Deb, what time zone are you in?
cdfaulkner - Deb, did you send in one of your stories for the guided reading book
Sara - I guess I'm just so excited about this and want to do it right....thanks all of you for your advice. It 's helped a lot.
cloc - oh, i'll go back and read it, was it for your writing tests?
Deb - Central-we're really late eaters!
ROOM 29 - Oops, that didn't make sense. I'd do G.R. & WRITING then the next day G.R. & word work. There that's better.
Bubba~Sue/1st grade - yep cloc......
Bubba~Sue/1st grade - CIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
cdfaulkner - Sara, is this your first year to do 4b
Suz - Deb, we just finished...
Sara - Yes, my first year...I've read and re-read everything I can get my hands on about 4 blocks.
Bubba~Sue/1st grade - SO........do you do all the blocks everyday????
cin - hi bubba....just dropped in to see what information was being bandied back and forth. Doing 4 blocks for first time this next year.
Bubba~Sue/1st grade - me too CIN!!!!! LOL
ROOM 29 - You're gonna love it Cin & Bubba
cin - bubba....what grade, probably asked you this 100 times. L)
cdfaulkner - Sara, Me too what grade do you teach
Bubba~Sue/1st grade - I am just stuck with the guided reading part...
Sara - Exceptional Children grades K-3rd
Deb - I'll be a first-timer, too. Can't wait. Primary end in my bldg. has had much success with it.
Bubba~Sue/1st grade - cin.......look at my name again...LOL ehheheheheeheheheheh
cloc - what do you mean bubba?
Bubba~Sue/1st grade - cloc.......just unsure about it....still
cin - Room 29....school has put together core team to kind of get things rolling. Have interested people @ all grade levels starting this next year...little kit @ at time with goal of having entire school involved.
cdfaulkner - I teach 3rd Are you having trouble Im worried about establishing routines
cin - Bubba ....how about a great big DUH!!!! for me. hehehe
Bubba~Sue/1st grade - we are the first in our school to do it.......nobody knows about it..and I am in NC..LOL
Bubba~Sue/1st grade - heheehehehehehehe LOL LMAO!!!!! CIN
Deb - cin, that sounds good! we have a few in my bldg. that would never give up basals and worksheets.
cloc - it really works, at first i though i had to have a worksheet or something tangible to prove that i had actually taught something that day, then i realized that the interaction that comes from the guided reading is way more meaningful to the kids
Bubba~Sue/1st grade - anyone else in NC here???????
cdfaulkner - HEY GUYS!!!!!!!!!! what should the beginner do to get started?????
teach1st - Bubba!Sue ! N. C. is the home of Pat Cunningham!!!! what is the deal?
cdfaulkner - CLOC do you do report cards with number grades
Bubba~Sue/1st grade - I know!!!!!!!! teach.......nobody has heard of it in my school and in some of the others
teach1st - You should have Pat come and work with you all!
Sara - I'm from NC, too.
cloc - nope, we have an objective report card
cin - cd...i teach third too. Did the 'framework' of 4 blocks last 6 weeks of school. Solved a lot of of scheduling issues and problems. In other words, it organized me-and that is quite an accomplishment. LOL
ROOM 29 - cd, start with 2 blocks, Word Work and Sr and go from there.
Bubba~Sue/1st grade - I know....its the latest and greatest thing.....out.but others just do not know.......I learned about it from aggie a chatter in room one
cdfaulkner - Cin Thanks
Deb - Do you think it's okay to spread the SSR block out at dif. parts of day? I'd like to do SSR right before lunch and teacher read aloud right after. Sharing after SSR.
teach1st - Hate to say it but I think Pat is getting rich traveling the country-get her to teach yo all in N. C. too! lol! I am in S. C.
cdfaulkner - Room 20 We do Accelerated Reading which is SSR Should I do Guided REading
Bubba~Sue/1st grade - word work......could that be writing too? ROOM... Gosh i hope i am not sounding stupid...LOL...i just need to get a feel of it
ROOM 29 - Bubba, it just takes the 4 things that you KNOW to be true and necessary for good readers. It makes you include each area as being equally important and adds some fund hands on activities to do with your kids.
cloc - bubba, since you are in the hub of 4block country why don't you go observe a first grade teacher then move in the blocks slower?
ROOM 29 - Guided reading is really your reading/comprehension
Bubba~Sue/1st grade - cloc....thats just it......nobody around here is doing it....I have asked......all around....even in other counties..they say...."What is that?"
Bubba~Sue/1st grade - I am gonna go to clemmons to the four blocks conference
cin - cloc...that is what I want to do, observe teachers who are using 4 blocks.
Bubba~Sue/1st grade - I think i am the PIONEER of this around here......LOL
cloc - bubba, that's the ticket! you'll be fine, trust yourself as a teacher
cin - cd...we do AR too. I used that as SSR, then used basal reader for Guided Reading.
cdfaulkner - Do you give grades?? Anyone
Deb - I want to observe, too, but no one in my area is doing it in upper grades yet, just primary.
Sara - Bubba, I know what you mean...my school is still in the worksheet packet every day stage! Very frustrating...especially for my learning disabled kids.
ROOM 29 - We're in Indiana and our universities are sending new teachers out with workshop training in 4-block. Just interviewed 10 people for new position and all but 2 were up on 4 - block.
cdfaulkner - CIN don't by the videos, I paid $30 for nothing!!
cloc - cin where are you?
teach1st - where is Clemmons, Bubba ~Sue?
Bubba~Sue/1st grade - cool.....you know.....i dont even think our local university is dicussing four blocks.....I will have to check on it
cin - Bubba the Pioneer....has a nice ring to it Bubba.
Deb - room, I'm in IN, too. It was unherad of at IU 3 years ago!
Bubba~Sue/1st grade - teach......heck if i know...I think near Winston-Salem.....LOL
cin - cd....the school bought the videos and all materials for core team to use.
cdfaulkner - CIN I am too what grade what basal
Bubba~Sue/1st grade - LOL CIN..YEEEEEE HAWWWWWWW..here we go
cin - cd....third grade, Scott Foresman
cloc - bubba, ours wasn't either, actually one of them was. we told the other one that they'd better get on the stick if we were to work together
ROOM 29 - I attended a workshop 5 yrs. ago with Pat Cunningham and Phonics/Word Work. No one knew 4-blocks. It's the new wave,
cdfaulkner - Cin Me too Im so excited
Sara - Yes, it's about 30 min. outside of Winston-Salem.
Bubba~Sue/1st grade - hey.....maybe i could be the pioneer for the whole county and get everyone else to do it......and get Pat to come here to train us too
cdfaulkner - are you starting with Miss Nelson is Missing
Deb - I think it's a good wave. Hopefully it's here for a while!
cin - cd, understand what you are saying about grading....have to change a few things there.
cdfaulkner - CIN can't District thing you know
cin - cd....you use Scott Foresman?
cin - bubba...there you go. Gain some notice...
Bubba~Sue/1st grade - I love Miss Nelson is Missing.....I change the words to Mrs. Hamric is Missing...LOL the kids love it.and when they start acting up.....I come in waering an ugly BLACk dress and wig...and is as mean as spit fire.....LOL heeheehee..they get the point......but they love it
cdfaulkner - CIN yes what is your first story
ROOM 29 - We just adopted Scott for next year. Problem?
Bubba~Sue/1st grade - no......no notice...LOL that means more work..LOL
cloc - hey, thanks eveyone for some great chatting and ideas, take care and may the 4blocks force be with you!!!! bye...
cin - cd....do you mean the first story in the book or the first story I will use?
Bubba~Sue/1st grade - THANKS CLOC
cin - bye cloc
cdfaulkner - Bubba that is funny our gifted teacher has the best witches cackle and i ask if we need to go get her
cdfaulkner - Yes in book
Bubba~Sue/1st grade - I heard scott foresman goes great with four blocks
cin - Room 29....no, fits very well into 4 blocks framework. Those who are very experienced with word wall though, say 4 blocks word wall is better. Word is that the new revised version of SF has been made 4block friendly.
cdfaulkner - BUBBA, I honestly like most of the stories I usually bring in the actual trade book too
Bubba~Sue/1st grade - well....as much as i need to chat more.....i really do need to go..YOU all have been very helpful.....boosted my confidence level too THANKS (((((HUGS)))))
cin - cd...I really an not too sure yet.....need to get yearly plan done, but want to do more block reading first.
cin - bye, bubba....see you in room 1.
cdfaulkner - Bye Bubba
teach1st - thanks you all! It has been fun and helpful! good luck with 4 blocks!!!!
cdfaulkner - bye teach1st
cdfaulkner - Not Many of us left
cin - The only thing I really dread about getting set up is reorganizing my personal library....putting everything in 'crates' for SSR....I shudder @ the thought. LOL
cdfaulkner - Are you guys new to this also
cdfaulkner - CIN how do you organize your books
cin - cd.....very new....
cin - A few of us got together @ school and went through writting grants in order to get more books.
cin - hello rebe3rd....
cdfaulkner - rebe3rd have you used 4b
rebe3rd - anyone teach 3rd
cdfaulkner - YES I TEACH 3RD
cin - cd....that's just it...I am not sure how I am going to do it. Know I need to pick up other typed of reading 'genre'. If you use Scott Foresman, they have the levelled guided reading books that you can use.
cdfaulkner - CIN how many years have you been teaching
rebe3rd - this is my 2nd year teaching and I am going to use it for the first time next year
cin - rebe....teach 3rd.
cin - cd....24 years....
rebe3rd - Yes, I teach third
cdfaulkner - CIN iM very lucky
cin - rebe...sorry, I meant I teach 3rd too....
cdfaulkner - Our school does Accelerated REading Heard of It?
rebe3rd - yes, we use ar
cdfaulkner - REBE3RD, ME TOO
cin - cd.....our school does AR too, really fits nicely into 4 blocks.
rebe3rd - I really like it!!!
rebe3rd - do you use ar for ssr time
cdfaulkner - YES the books are leveled already is that what you mean
cdfaulkner - Yes to AR but this will be my first year for 4B
cin - The thing that I like about 4 blocks is that it has organized all the things I was doing, puts them into a workable and doable system....
rebe3rd - So, how are you going to start 4b? Are you going to start all 4 at once or gradually?
cdfaulkner - Im nervous about routines and planning the first initial lessons
rebe3rd - ME TOO
cin - rebe....I use AR for SSR. Using the 4 blocks construct gave me time that I had not had before to conference with kids.
cdfaulkner - CIN, YES! But I tried the WW and was not successful last year
cin - cd...understand that. I did not get into WW myself, but plan to this year.
cdfaulkner - REBE, I've already done SSR, WRITING WORKSHOP, and Guided Reading although not called them the "4B"
cin - cd...what problems did you have. I can use your experience to make my year go better. LOL
rebe3rd - I already do ww and ssr, but this will be my first time with guided reading and the organized 4b
cdfaulkner - REBE I am going to practice some of the Before During After reading activites and add the Word Wall
rebe3rd - ME TOO
rebe3rd - good idea
cdfaulkner - CIN, honestly, I couldn't get the time committed to WordWall we are requierd to give spell ing grades and had trouble fitting it in
rebe3rd - I have a solution to the spelling problem!
cdfaulkner - REBE , as I was told , GR is just teaching comprehension strategies
cdfaulkner - Need solution!
cin - cd...that was one of the big discussions the core team had....spelling. Found some articles that C. Sigmon wrote for this website.....gave some alternative ideas that would work for giving grades.
rebe3rd - Last year I did a word wall and introduced 5 words a week. Those were the same 5 words on all of the kids lists. Then, I looked thru their writing and chose words they had been missing to add to their list to make 10 words. I gave the ww test on friday and then had a buddy give the individual list
cin - rebe....what do you do for spelling?
cdfaulkner - QUESTION, how many students do you conference with during SSR and Writing Workshop
rebe3rd - We had to give grades to and I thought this was the best way to individualize spelling. Sometimes I also incorporated useful words that we were learning about for the challenge club.
rebe3rd - too
cdfaulkner - GREAT IDEA,
rebe3rd - It might take a little bit more time, but I felt that even my LD and lower students could succeed!
cdfaulkner - QUESTION what is a good test to give to find there reading level
rebe3rd - I had a child who had been making d's in 2nd in spelling and went to making A's with individual spelling lists!! I was so proud
cin - cd....the system that best worked for me was to put my kids into groups, Monday-Tues-Wed...etc...on their days, I conferenced with the kids on their writing and reading. Really worked well for me. I had 5 groups with 6 in each group. If I kept myself to the recommended times, I was able to see all 6 kids two times on their assigned days.
rebe3rd - great idea
cin - cd....we give the STAR Tests...quite a few districts that use AR give STAR to establish reading levels.
rebe3rd - cin, how did you decide who went on what day
cdfaulkner - My school requires 3 reading grades a week
rebe3rd - I have LD inclusion next year, will I want to space them out on different days or on the same day
cdfaulkner - Oh , yeah we gave is last year for 1st time Im talking about a Running Record test or something
rebe3rd - do either of you give DRA's or IRI's
rebe3rd - they establish reading levels
cdfaulkner - NO where can I obtain them
cin - rebe....I just grouped the kids making sure I had all ability levels in the group. As advised, tried to always start with kids having problems first since they really need more time....
cin - rebe....space them out.
cdfaulkner - rebe, I will have those kids too, my the special needs teacher comes in my room
rebe3rd - my district bought the dra's and Iri's for us to give. I have copies of all IRI's for pp-9th grade and can send you a copy if you want
cin - rebe...have given IRAs but STAR Test makes it easy. Student takes 10 minute test on computer....
rebe3rd - Is the star accurate
cdfaulkner - I KNOW THIS IS CRAZY BUT......
cin - rebe...pretty accurate. We gave the test three times to measure growth.
rebe3rd - There is also a book called QRI-3, qualitative reading inventory which give passages also
cdfaulkner - maybe we can plan our first lesson for 4B somehow INTERESTED OR TOO CRAZY
rebe3rd - Sound like a great idea
cin - cd...sounds good to me. When do you start the new school year?
cdfaulkner - WHEN AND HOW, online like this?
cin - cd....we can get each others e-mail address.
cdfaulkner - CIN, AUG 7 maybe im jumping the gun, but i like for things to be planned ahead B/C my life is full of surprises
cin - cd and rebe, where do you live?
rebe3rd - I do too
rebe3rd - We start on Aug 22
rebe3rd - Missouri
cdfaulkner - Mississippi
cin - cd....understood, I feel the same way. We start Aug 13.
rebe3rd - cin, where do you
cdfaulkner - it gets earlier and earlier
rebe3rd - live
cin - we can send each other a pm and get e-mail addresses. I live in Phoenix, AZ
cdfaulkner - EMail cdfaulkner33@aol.com
rebe3rd - Email rebe3rd@aol.com
cdfaulkner - Oh No was I not supposed to do that
cin - ickypoo_3@yahoo.com
cin - cd....
cdfaulkner - Great, I guess we need to decide on a story
cin - Let' set a time when we can get together....give me a little time to get the 'stuff' together.
cin - ...should I say, my 'brain stuff' together...
cdfaulkner - THANKS GUYS my team teachers are all great, but 2 are "burned out" and the other is scared to share ideas (insecure) wants to be "the teacher"
rebe3rd - THANKS, I don't have many resources either here in MO
cin - cd...sometimes I feel more comfortable working with people 'outside' the district...
cdfaulkner - Im pretty sure I starting with Miss Nelson is missing and I'll bring all the books by Harry Allard The Gym teacher from the Black Lagoon Ect.
cin - Have to go now. I am looking forward to doing 'planning' with you. Have to go now. Hope to hear from you soon.
rebe3rd - bye, thanks again
cin - ...cd....always start out with those too, kids love them
cdfaulkner - YEAH there not much competition and then your not the one doing all the work
rebe3rd - I purchased the book and the phonics month by month to get started
rebe3rd - have you purchased any?
cdfaulkner - I know like what do we do on the first day, start it up
cdfaulkner - I have Teacher
rebe3rd - Well, in the 4 block book it sets it out week by week and says to gradually introduce all blocks
cdfaulkner - I have 3 books Teacher's Guide to 4B, Guided REading, and the phonics book
rebe3rd - They said it will feel like drowning if you start all 4 at once
cdfaulkner - which book is that
rebe3rd - I also bought a individualized reading book too and its a great resource
rebe3rd - The Indiv. Reading sets things out by week and day
cdfaulkner - What will you start with
rebe3rd - I am not sure,
rebe3rd - you?
cdfaulkner - Ind. REading is it a spiral bound book with an outline you fill in
rebe3rd - maybe the writing, because I already understand that one and then move into the whole reading block
rebe3rd - Indiv. Read is spiral,but not sure about the outline
cdfaulkner - Well I have already got SSR 7:20 - 7:45 and the last 10 min of class is SSR too
meki - I am going to be implementing the 4block program in my classroom this year...any advice for a beginner?
rebe3rd - I am a beginner also for next year
cdfaulkner - We are both beginners talking about how we are going to start
rebe3rd - that is a good chunk of time for ssr!!
meki - I am teaching 3rd grade....what about you?
rebe3rd - 3rd!
cdfaulkner - I know I need help with the Writing so I'll start that first too
cdfaulkner - ME TOO this is great
rebe3rd - how are you going to start the writing?
meki - I have been reading a lot of different articles and books about it but I am somewhat overwhelmed
MarciKG - I could not help but notice there are fellow 3rd grade teachers in here
cdfaulkner - Good quistion I think I will start with the procedure of what we to expect with the writing workshop
rebe3rd - you're 3rd, too?
cdfaulkner - MARCI it's our lucky night
rebe3rd - have you used writer's wrkshp before
cdfaulkner - Meki Me too it all makes since but how do you start
MarciKG - yep! And I will be starting 4 blocks so there are now a few of us inexperienced beginners in here
meki - With the writing I have somewhat been doing that block in my classroom ....I started it last Spring...it was very rewarding
rebe3rd - all of us are beginners!!
cdfaulkner - I call my self doing it at least we write everyday, but im working on it
MarciKG - now I don't feel so intimidated about being here
cdfaulkner - I didnt conference like I should have I started out great then ??????
meki - lol.....are you guys having problems with other teachers in your building that are not interested in the four block...and are doubtful it will work?
rebe3rd - YES YES YES YES
MarciKG - my grade level is OLD fashioned
cdfaulkner - Me Too
meki - I am the only 3rd grade teacher in my district
rebe3rd - The other teachers in my grade are so traditional
MarciKG - but the 1st grade teachers and most 2nd grade teachers have tried it or are trying parts of it
rebe3rd - wow, meki
MarciKG - I am the youngest teacher on my grade level by about 30 years
cdfaulkner - I THINK WE ALREADY DO MOST OF THESE THINGS DONT YOU
meki - but the other teachers ......k-1....are doubtful
rebe3rd - I am the 1st in my school to try it. I am also the youngest. I am 22
cdfaulkner - MEKI how is that
meki - I am 22 too!!
rebe3rd - i think the traditional teachers think i am naive
MarciKG - I am 28 but the other teachers are old enough to be my parents
rebe3rd - meki-is this your first year teaching
rebe3rd - This next year will be my second
meki - I don't feel like I receive very much support from them when I introduce new ideas...
meki - this will be my 2nd
MarciKG - this will be my 4th year
cdfaulkner - I am 25
MarciKG - me neither meki
rebe3rd - cd.. that was what I was thinking. I already do these things in my classroom. It is just not organized in the way the book sets it out '
cdfaulkner - this will be my 3rd
MarciKG - they just look at me like I am nuts
rebe3rd - ME TOO
cdfaulkner - all new teachers trying to figure out how to teach????
meki - I feel like I do these things too...but I don't do the assessment like I should
MarciKG - I took a bunch of my kids to a hockey game last year for making principal's list and they just about freaked out
rebe3rd - it's hard to keep up with assessing while doing so many things at once
rebe3rd - marci-great idea
MarciKG - especially if you have 33 kids
meki - Tell me about it....but the book has given me new ideas that I am willing to try this year
cdfaulkner - ASSESSMENT is what henders me b/c i must give grades
MarciKG - my principal thought so but my colleagues were skeptical
rebe3rd - do you give grades in all subjects?
meki - I have also been talking to other area teachers and getting ideas from them
rebe3rd - we give grades in all subjects except history. this is the first grade with letter grades
cdfaulkner - YES
MarciKG - yes, we have to give lang, spelling and reading
MarciKG - me too rebe
MarciKG - we give a social studies grade
meki - my principal and a team of teachers.....which I am on....were looking at changing our report card.....so that it more accurately portrays what is expected from each of the children at each grade level....not just ABCDF...
cdfaulkner - ADD ALL THE PAPERS UP !0 sets for 24 kids
rebe3rd - great!
rebe3rd - meki-how did you approach that idea to your principal
meki - but my principal just left for a new position
meki -
MarciKG - our primary multiage and also some 1st and 2nd grade teachers have a new report card they made up
MarciKG - but 3rd grade and up still does traditional grades
meki - We were actually at a meeting and the speaker showed us the report cards that a district had created that reflected the curriculum....
cdfaulkner - Are you 3rd grade teacher
cdfaulkner - I SERIOUSLY DOUBT our district will do that
meki - I am a little confused about spelling.....does anyone have an idea of what they are going to do this year with spelling
MarciKG - still working on it
cdfaulkner - DO, we are all new to 4B trying to figure out how to get started
do - sorry meki, my major is math and computers
do - what's 4B
cdfaulkner - MEKI, rebe3rd has a good idea
MarciKG - what is it?
rebe3rd - spelling...last year this is the way I approached it
meki - yes....please share
cdfaulkner - DO, Four Blocks Framework to teaching reading
MarciKG - rebe keep going, I would love to hear
do - CD what is 4B?
do - OH
cdfaulkner - Spelling - take 5 Word Wall words and 5 words from children's writing and make list
rebe3rd - I introduced 5 word wall words a week and this was the main part of the list. everyone had the same 5 words. I then took a look at their journal writing and took words from that to individualize their list. The kids now have 10 words.
rebe3rd - next, I would choose words from our topic of study for the challenge words.
do - How does that work,CD,?
meki - Did you take a grade....a spelling test?
MarciKG - but the month by month book says to do 14 words a month for 3rd grade
rebe3rd - I would give the ww words as a spelling test and have their buddy give them the individual test
rebe3rd - yes, I graded spelling.
MarciKG - How do you test the word wall words if they are up on the wall
rebe3rd - I saw so much improvement in the lower kids because the spelling was so individualized
cdfaulkner - DO, 4 parts, Guided REading, Self Selected REading, Writing Workshop, and Word Wall Activities
meki - Sounds like a great idea
do - sorry everyone I have to go...the baby is crying
rebe3rd - I covered the words just during the test. It worked out fine.
rebe3rd - as long as I remembered to cover
MarciKG - I am so bad at remembering things like that...my kids were always reminding me to cover the mult chart during timed tests
rebe3rd - Me too, at 22 I am already losing my mind
meki - Did you keep track of the words each child was going to take on their test each week...if so how did you organize it all?
rebe3rd - If a child is still missing the words in their writing, I will have them try that word again on another spelling test. I graded a lot on improvement per child, also.
cdfaulkner - ANY writing ideas???????
meki - CD....this is more of a lesson but it worked great with my kids......
MarciKG - my friend suggested a book called "Words Their Way" and it gives ideas on how to organize which words you are giving for spelling
cdfaulkner - REbE, i will have to work my way into that I might concentrate on word families and spelling patterns
rebe3rd - Each child has a baggie with a list of words on it. Every time I would find a misspelled word in a journal writing, one that I thought they needed to know, I would write it on the paper. Then each Monday, we would cross of 5 that would be tested. They would fold a piece of paper in half and write the list on both halves so I would have it and so they could study at home
MarciKG - I might go in the same direction as cd
meki - I would put the students into groups of 3-4.....i would give the students a transparency and a dry erase marker.....then I would have the students work together to write a persuasive...narrative...or expository paragraph....then we would share them on the overhead and correct our mistakes....we would make comments on how to improve their paper and what we liked about the paper
cdfaulkner - GREAT IDEA!
MarciKG - have any of you been to a 4 blocks workshop?
rebe3rd - cool
rebe3rd - no, but would like to
MarciKG - I can't seem to find anything to go to anywhere near where I live
cdfaulkner - My focus this year in writing was having a topic sentence, 3 deatails, and a closing sentence
meki - Yes....kind of an introduction course
MarciKG - meki...did you learn alot there?
meki - The last activity I just told you about worked great for that....the kids were able to pick up on what they did not include in their paragraph
cdfaulkner - I stumbled across the book one day and had no Idea it was "sweeping the nation:"
meki - ya.. I did actually...I received a lot of resources...and great ideas
MarciKG - meki you are lucky...you must be in a different part of the country
meki - I am going to one on guided reading at the end o fJuly...I am really excited abou ti
meki - about it...sorry about the typos
meki - I am in Illinois actually
MarciKG - quite a ways from Arizona
meki - lol
cdfaulkner - Unfortunately, I am in a part of the country reluctant to change I guess
cdfaulkner - Mississippi
meki - no...i think that is everywhere
rebe3rd - missouri
MarciKG - hmmm....arizona is not much of a better place to be
MarciKG - we rank dead last in per pupil spending in the nation
MarciKG - pathetic huh?
cdfaulkner - I went to an Accelerated Reader confernce and I think we are the only people that still give grades
meki - We are getting AR this year...do you like it?
rebe3rd - you give grades off of ar-cd
cdfaulkner - YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!TO AR
cdfaulkner - The idea is that 3rd an up get 1 hour of SSR a day
meki - I used in when i was student teaching and I loved it....I am so excited that we are getting it...along with accelerated math
cdfaulkner - Grades are not part of the program, but I do there is a way you can do it
MarciKG - what is accelerated reading and math?
rebe3rd - ssr for an hour? Does that fit into your schedule
cdfaulkner - AR is this: Students are given a test to determine reading level then...
meki - AR is a program that allows your students to take a test on a computer about a book they have been reading......great incentive program to get students to read
meki - The students were hooked
MarciKG - I think we got something similar for next year from scholastic called Reading Counts
cdfaulkner - all the books in library are leveled like 3.1 3.7 ect. students read books in their level take tests They have a perecentage goal to reach and all kinds of rewards LOVE IT
meki - Ya...I saw that program...it is very similiar...i think AR has been around a little longer that is all
MarciKG - oh ok
cdfaulkner - REBE The hour can come from anywhere Science Guided Reading ect.
MarciKG - I have to go...we are having problems with our AC and its 100 degrees outside so this room is way toooooo hot
MarciKG - it was nice talking to you
cdfaulkner - Ideally, AR program wants an hour in AR books
meki - I felt the same way REBE but like cd said....it doesn't have to be just reading ...it can come from social studies and science too
cdfaulkner - BYE
meki - bye
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