Mary/PA - Welcome to this evening's 4-Blocks meeting with Cheryl Sigmon, author of Modifying The Four Blocks For Upper Grades - http://www.applesandacorns.com/
Mary/PA - Hi /CherylThank you for coming this evening!
Linda929 - Welcome, Cheryl!
Cheryl - Hi, everyone!
Cheryl - Glad you're here to talk about upper grades. The enthusiasm from primary has been contagious!
Ness - Cheryl, how does 4 blocks work in a departmentalized situation?
Cheryl - Ness, there are lots of ways to work with dept. classrooms. I'm hoping that you have some flexibility, though. What's your block of time?
Ness - I teach reading for 75 minutes to 2 classes. My partner teaches the writing and language block for the same time
Michelle - Cheryl: Is is OK to have kids read and take AR quizzes during SSR?
Cheryl - Michelle, wish we didn't have to mesh AR with SSR. It's supposed to be about intrinic desire and enjoyment. The tests really get in the way! Sometimes takes your time away, too, having to work with computer, etc.
Jennifer/4/Alberta - Cheryl, what % of 4 block classrooms are upper grades now?
Newf - I have a 80 minute block for Language Arts. How can I divide that up to do 4 blocks?
Cheryl - Newf and others, I know lots of you have to deal with different schedules. In my new book, there's a whole chapter devoted to scheduling. I would prefer, though, that the decisions be made in regards to kids' best interest---not the bus schedule, the special areas or what we've always done before.
Deb/6 - Cheryl, would AR be more appropriate as an optional thing outside of the SSR block?
Mae - Cheryl, in Tx 4th has to take the writing TAAS (state test). I need more time for writing and an intense program. How do I get it all in?
Cyna - I have the same dilemma as Mae. Reading seems to get all the attention and writing is pushed to the side. How do we get it all in?
Cheryl - Mae, 4-Blocks is an "intense" program. It addresses all of your language arts. You have to learn where everything plugs in.
Rook - Integrate. That's how to get it all in?
Star - Cheryl, do you have an opinion as to how well you feel 6 Trait writing meshes with the 4B writing block both primary and upper grades?
Cheryl - Star, I've gone through 6-trait training with the creators of that program. I thought it was great! I finally had a handle on how to instruct in quality writing. I think it meshes really well.
Star - Great - I am going to a workshop in November and was hoping it would mesh. My only concern is how to start it in Aug until I get "official" training in Nov.
Jennifer/4/Alberta - Cheryl, I've just finished reading your new book and found the information on scheduling answered many of my concerns.
Linda929 - And merging 4B with a basal system??
Michelle - I understand that the purpose of SSR is to get the kids interested, but..If the baskets have a variety of materials how can we insure they're reading on their level?
Cheryl - Michelle, the conference time allows you to provide that "gentle" guidance. It's still Self-Selected Reading, though, so you can't make them read what they don't want to. Try your best to match kids and books they'd like at their levels, though.
Ness - I am concerened in my 5th grade class that the other subjects are going to get lost
Mae - Cheryl - I match kids with AR books on their zpd during self selected time
melissa - I just got my books today, but I'm anxious to get things ready, what can I do to prepare for the new school year
Linda929 - My sister's district has adopted THE LITERACY PLACE basal system, and my sis wants to know the best way to integrate that system with the 4 blocks, which she had great success with last year with 4th graders.
Cheryl - Several of you have asked about using basals with 4-Blocks. Yes! Basals work fine with upper and lower grades. Today those basals are quality literature. You'll need to supplement, though, especially for below level days.
Rook - I've used SSR for a year, Michelle, and the kids generally choose their level.
Linda929 - supplement how?
Cheryl - Begin to take advantage of what your basals have to offer. Do you have problems plugging in, especially during Guided Reading?
Joie - Cheryl, I have read Stragties that Work this summer, I keep wanting to teach the strategies during SSR readaloud instead of Guided...I already have to use my basal then...
Cheryl - Joie, hope you'll rethink that desire to teach during SSR read-aloud. It's tempting, but don't!
Mae - Joie - May I add that reading aloud is a critical componenet of teaching reading
Rook - So how do we find time in the 30-40 minute GR block to use literature AND basals?
Michelle - Mae- that's what I was hoping to do... I hope that's OK. I just don't want them looking at books they can't read...?
Ness - Cheryl, how do I use novel units during guided reading. Is it still 3 days on level and 2 days below?
Jennifer/4/Alberta - Michelle, I think it's ok for kids to harder and easier books some days. Think of the reading we do..not all of it is at our "grade level"!
Linda929 - I don't know how to answer--I'm asking for my sister--she is leaving a district where they pretty much "did their own thing" to a district that is very much basal oriented.
Cheryl - Linda, you'll want to read grade-level (usually your basal days) and below grade level materaials. You'll also want to use a variety that even your basal doesn't satisfy. Use magazines, newspapers, letters, etc.
Lori - I use shared reading whole group for comprehension strategies and guided reading I use leveled trade books with small groups.
Linda929 - Thanks Cheryl!
Mae - Cheryl - do you extend time for writing?
Cheryl - Once upon a time, before 4-Blocks was really published, Pat was calling the Guided Reading Block the Basal Block because her state and mine used basals for Guided Reading time. So, don't worry if that's your main source of material. Just don't let the basal lead you.
Rook - So how do you set that up Lori? Small groups everyother day, whole group the other days or what?
Michelle - Thanks for all the SSR advice, I feel much better
Newf - In Grade 7, should I let the students decide their own writing topics or assign genres that I want them to work on?
Rook - It seems like it would take forever to read a trade book if only looking at it 2-3 days a week!
Lori - I do whole group every day and pull small groups (usually only 2 groups a day) while the other students are doing independent (centers) work.
Cyna - I am required to do guided reading during SSR. I don't have a choice about this. How can I make the best of this bad situation?
Cheryl - I'm not sure why you would need different materials for shared reading and guided reading. Shared reading in 4-Blocks is just a type of guided reading. It's a format we might choose to support our students.
Rook - Are the centers part of the 4blocks?! When do you do them, Lori?
Linda929 - I have ordered your new book, in hopes that that will give me a lot of direction for my 8th grade English classes. Are there any pitfalls off the top of your head that I should avoid?
Jennifer/4/Alberta - When I'm working through a novel study, I try to turn some of my science and social classes into guided reading lessons and use easier material there.
Cheryl - Newf, I'd do both. It's realistic that they must learn to write on demand---just as we must. But, they also need to generate their own topics. They'll write best and most what they know best and most about!
Cheryl - Mae, yes, if you need to you can "borrow" time for Guided Reading and for Writing Blocks at upper grades.
Newf - Thanks. That's what I'm doing. Just needed some reassurance.
Donna - Donna
Star - Cheryl, I need to do a little venting. This past year I ditched the spelling lists and went to a modified version. I gave the kids a list on Monday with therir 5 www for the week(2 of them had common chunks) and the 2 chunks. Their test was made up of 15 words. They knew 5 of them and the other 10 came from the chunks, which they should have practiced building words with at home in addition to class time. They also have 2 dictation sentences. I finally felt better about the "Friday" test. I just found out that my principal is going to require me to send home a list of possible words. I can pick from that list which words that they will get. I feel that this defeats the purpose. Advice???
Cheryl - Lori, when are you doing the centers?
Michelle - I don't teach strategies during Shared Reading, but is it OK if I say,..."I'm making a personal connection here"... the kids really seemed to tune in and find connections as well...
Cheryl - Jennifer, I think that's a good use of the materials. Students need more help coping with expository materials.
Mae - I probably will cut working with words time -
Lori - Rook, there were independent activities such as spelling, language practice, etc. I think they called it Working with Words. Those activities can be done independently. My entire morning is a language art block. I'm self-contained. Makes it much easier.
Rook - Cheryl, I'm confused about using centers with 4blks. Are they a part of it?
Deb/6 - How do you keep the kids from peeking at the word wall if you HAVE to give a spelling test? I'm considering taking them elsewhere in the building. Other ideas?
Cheryl - Star, why did he make this decision? You were expecting more of your students---not less. You had them applying what they were learning. We know in 4-Blocks it's more important to teach HOW to spell than WHAT to spell. Did parents complain? If so, did you try the homework sheet for spelling in one of my articles?
Rook - Working with Words is independent?
Mae - The term guided reading here does not necessarily me small groups, right? I use whole group and occassional flex groups. Does this mesh?
Newf - Would you use word walls in middle school?
Linda929 - Deb--I always run into that problem! However, I've communicated to my kids that it's sometimes just as important to know WHERE to look for answers as to have the answers in their heads!
Rook - I believe so, Mae. They've mentioned that it can be either.
Deb/6 - Linda, that's true!
Cheryl - Rook, centers are not a part of the 4-Blocks time. In the Pinnell/Fountas Guided Reading they are used to occupy students while the teacher works with small groups. We don't need to find that kind of activity, because all of our students are engaged all of the time duringn GR Block. Centers are good for exploration at other times, but there's really no time during 4-Blocks.
Divy - I wouldn't think that word walls would be appropriate in midlde school.
Star - Parents from other classes doing the same thing (after my repeating how much better I felt about the grade) complained loudly. She felt we were asking the parents to teach the kids. I needless to say was insulted because I know how much time I spent doing these supporting activities.
Linda929 - And they think they're so hot when they know a word that they need is on the wall someplace! Am I way off base here?
Star - I took your idea and wrote a lengthy explanation and examples to demonstrate as well.
Cheryl - Deb, not all of your words for spelling should be on the Word Wall. If they borrow the patterns that are there, that should be okay. They still must make the connection. You can hide the new WW words for that week. I do that.
Rook - That's what I thought, Cheryl.
Melissa - Divy I would use word walls in the middle grades especially commonly misspelled words
Michelle - Deb- The five words for that week are not put up on the word wall until Friday after the test for early elem... But...Good question...What about in the upper grades b/c you don't add 5 new words each week (if I'm remembering correctly...)
Cyna - Cheryl, could you give us a typical schedule for a 2 hour language block time?
Mae - For writing test (TAAS, that is) we have to take down word walls (state rule!). I plan to keep words up 6 weeks, test within writing and then take them down. Would this defeate the purpose?
Cheryl - Newf, I would use them if my students need them. There are 6 goals that we concentrate on. The "bottom" two goals may become less important in some upper grades rooms.
Rook - Thanks for asking, Cyna!
Deb/6 - Mae, will you put it back up?
Ness - Thanks for the chat. Mae, good luck with TAAS , I remember it well.
Rook - When you buy the "Word Wall" do the lessons and instruction for teaching come with it or it is a book or what?
Melissa - I have a stupid question...where do i begin. I just got the blue book and the phonics book, but where do i go from here
Mae - Geesh! I lost my connection. Deb/6, I don't know. I haven't thought that far.
Joie - Cheryl, how is your granddaughter, reading yet???
Janet - Mae--could you just cover it up for the test for TAAS? That's what we did with our displays
Cheryl - Cyna, it's hard to come up with the typical schedule. What the schedule chapter in my book promotes is trying to determine the needs of your students. It's not so clearly defined as lower grades where everything gets equal time. I can borrow at upper grades to make GR Block longer, to have SSR only a couple of times a week, to shorten the Words Block, to lengthen the Writing Block, to combine some blocks----all based on my students' needs.
Linda929 - For our state test in Michigan, anything can stay on the wall that has been up there for a long while--can't put something up the day before the test to help them out!
Divy - So, how do I know what words to put on the wall.
Michelle - Rook- Month by Month Phonics for the upper grades
Deb/6 - I think covering it would be best. To take it down altogether and put it back up would be a lot of work!
Rook - Thanks, Michelle.
Mae - I can cover it, but the point is that at some point I want to wean (sp? lol) their dependence on the wall.
Linda929 - divy, I'm planning on those most frequently misspelled words, or the most frequently used words. Would that be appropriate? (Totally a newbie here!)
Cheryl - Rook, it might be good to start with the Month by Month for the Upper Grades (Pat and Dottie's book) if you're upper grades. I would really encourage most upper grades teachers to use the words your kids REALLY need. It's so individual at upper. Don't waste time on words that you know your kids already know. Too many people do that!
Melissa - Divy planning to do the same as Linda
Cyna - We are required to do one hour of reading. That one hour would include SSR (which will be our AR program, which is required), guided reading (which will use our new basal), and read aloud.
Linda929 - Woo hoo!!
Joie - So for teaching comprehension strategies I should find a way to fit them into my basal texts somehow. I just liked the idea of how easy it would be to use the stories that they use for examples
Mae - I'm also putting up "sparkle" word and vocabulary groups
Cheryl - Mae, again, most of what I would include on a spelling test wouldn't be on the Word Wall. So, there would be no need to cover it. Life is way too short for you to climb up and cover the words every week!
Linda929 - what are sparkle words?
Janet - I haven't read the book yet, but I've heard a lot about 4b. What would I need to do to get started with this?
Michelle - in regards to the word wall, thanks cheryl, that's good to keep in mind..
Cheryl - Cyna, what happens to writing in your schedule? So important at upper grades!
Mae - I only have to cover it for the TAAS test - state rule
Linda929 - It would be fun to put glitter on the sparkle words!! (can you tell that I used to be an elementary teacher???) : )
Rook - Cheryl, what books would you recommend buying if we want to implement this fully this school year?
Jennifer/4/Alberta - Janet, start by reading some of Cheryl's columns on www.teachers.net
Mae - Cheryl, do you still give regular spelling tests?
Cyna - We have another hour to cover spelling, vocabulary, and language skills (including writing).
Linda929 - Or what baby steps should we take to ensure success?
Cheryl - Joie, you can use any materials to teach your comp strategies. That's ALL you concentrate on during GR anyhow.
Janet - ok....I've read some of them already
Mae - Linda929 - I thought of that! I found gel markers!
Cheryl - Rook , what grade do you teach?
Cyna - However, the problem is, it takes a lot more than an hour to cover all the reading stuff and the writing gets whittled down to nothing.
Linda929 - Great idea, mae!! See?? I told you she had great ideas!
Michelle - Yes! Jennifer is exactly right! If you are just starting Cheryl's articles on teachers.net will answer so many questions!!
Melissa - Mae what makes a word sparkle
Rook - 4th
Cheryl - If I miss your question and you've directed it to me, please be sure to ask again. The screen is moving so quickly that I'm having trouble keeping up! Sorry! I don't mean to ignore anyone.
Newf - Mae, what kinds of words would you put up as "sparkle" words?
Cheryl - Thanks, Michelle. I hope the articles have been helpful. I get great ideas from all of you on the mailring!
Rook - I've learned that giving plenty of time to writing will really real rewards!
Melissa - Cheryl I have skimmed the books and read the articles, what can I do now that I have free time to prepare for the upcoming year
Star - Cheryl will you be at the August Leadership conference?
Mae - Thomas Kinkade makes word sparkle! illuminate, enchanting, enlighten, and the list goes on...
Cheryl - Cyna, maybe you're trying to cover too much "reading stuff" during the time you have. Is that possible? I would be glad to try to help you. Maybe you should email me after this and let's work on a schedule. Do you have the Modifying book already with schedules in it?
Linda929 - Baby steps to ensure success in 7th/8th grade?
Joie - I know, I am really looped into using our textbook--the entire grade level works together I have only converted one to four blocks so far though
Cyna - No, I don't. Should I order one?
Mae - Cheryl, what is the name of your book?
Linda929 - So mae, sparkle words are words that communicate that uplifting mood?
Michelle - Mae- Is that T.Kinkade a program or a book? Are sparkle words helpful to kids?
Rook - Yes, asking for books we need to buy to fully implement!
Cheryl - The new book was written for grades 4-8 and it's called Modifying Four-Blocks for Upper Grades.
Linda929 - Isn't kinkade the artist whose pictures appear to be lit from the back?
Joie - I'm off to a concert in the park with my kids, thanks for the helpful input
Divy - Cheryl, I remember seeing a website with monthly mini-lessons related to Four Blocks, do you know where it might be?
Deb/6 - Rook, I got the Modifying for the Upper Grades, Month by Month Phonics, and Making More Big Words.
Cheryl - Linda, depends on your definition of baby steps! One school's plan was to implement one block per year!!!!! Talk about baby steps!!!!
Cyna - Can this book be ordered from Amazon?
Mary/PA - Modifying The Four Blocks For Upper Grades - http://www.applesandacorns.com/
Janet - Deb--are those the books needed to get started?
Rook - Is it necessary to read the original 4B book before the Modifying?
Melissa - Deb what is the making more big words about
Jennifer/4/Alberta - Rook, I also like the Guided Reading for 4 blocks.
Cheryl - Divy, I'm not sure. It wasn't at T.net on the "goodie" page?
Mae - T.K. is a famous artist - painter of light. He has written books too. His words light up the page the way his art lights up a canvas. I pulled words from his writing and taught them to kids. It totally recreates kids writing.
Cheryl - Deb, that's a good list for upper, I think.
Michelle - cyna- readinglady.com or applesandacorns
Deb/6 - I'm not sure they're absolutely necessary, especially if you're familiar with 4b already. I had a lot to learn, and the Modifying book was an excellent resource!
Rook - How about Guess the Covered Word?
Mae - Did I miss the name of Cheryl's book? Everything is going so fast.
Linda929 - We don't have a text book per se--we are up for adoption this year!!!! So we use several sources--just wondering how to implement--the book is on order, will be here soon. Will that answer most of my q's?
Melissa - Mae i like the idea of sparkle words,s they can be anyword that sparks something in the writing then, am I correct
Cheryl - Linda, I hope so.
Star - Will you be at the August Leadership Conference?
Mae - I'll do a post on the main chatboard on sparkle words. It's too hard to explain here.
Cheryl - Have many of you concentrated on goals in Words Block other than the high frequency words? I think there is so much territory to explore with words and language that will really interest students at upper.
Rook - Should we buy Guess the Covered Word?
Linda929 - Can you think of any huge mistakes that middle school teachers might inadvertently make when trying to implement 4B?
Melissa - Thank you so very much Mae, I'll look for your post
Mae - Cheryl - what about grouped words - words around a root word or theme?
Michelle - Cheryl: Is it OK to say.."I'm making a personal connection here" during shared reading... I'm not teaching the stretegy, just reinforcing and the kids really seems to tune into their own connections when I do this..
Cyna - WORDS - I found this cool book at Books-a-Million that used cute cartoons to teach words. It was awesome
Cheryl - Linda, one big "mistake" that I see often is that upper grade teachers tend to use too many long novels for teaching language arts. That's not the majority of reading that we're really trying to prepare students to deal with.
Linda929 - cyna--do you know the author?
Mae - I have a book called Vocabulary Cartoons
Deb/6 - Michelle, do you mean during the teacher read-aloud portion of the SSR?
Melissa - Cheryl can you base the 4blocks around a certain theme such as Harry Potter/Fantasy
Michelle - I'll be focusing on the goals when I try it out this spring...I will be teaching ESL kids so I've read that vocab. is very important
Cyna - I knew you'd ask...it's at school...so no, I don't know. I'll post it on the Upper Elementary Chat board. Okay?
Cheryl - Michelle, I'm still wondering about your use of the term "shared" reading. Are you talking about read-alouds?
Linda929 - I tend to use short stories, and one novel at the end of the year (Across Five Aprils), in conjunction with the history class.
Rook - So, Cheryl, are you saying we need to use more short stories? Or just more "real life" reading like newspapers?
Michelle - Yes, sorry, during the teacher read aloud
Linda929 - or cyna--click on my name and you can e-mail it to me? I don't usually go to that room--just to the teacher chat room or check the chatboard posts.
Mae - Cheryl - I do novels, picture books (fiction and nonfiction) and every kind of expository reading that I can get my hands on. I only spend 2 weeks on novels.
Newf - We are supposed to teach three novels per year.
Melissa - mae what happens if you dont finish the novel
Cheryl - Mae, so much of what I included in the Modifying book in the Words section was about that kind of word exploration. Students love trying to figure out what "astronaut", "aster," "asterick," and "astronomy" all have in common and what the Latin base word might mean that would give them a clue. That's what I think we need to do more of at upper. Get kids to explore language and grow to appreciate it.
Linda929 - Yikes! What ivory tower goof thought that up, newf??
Mae - For Upper Elem., I consider shared reading when I'm reading aloud while they are reading along. Am I off?
Michelle - very interesting to hear that we shouldn't focus so much on novels, I think that is pretty common for upper grades teachers
Rook - Is three novels a year too many?
Cyna - Linda, will do!
Jennifer/4/Alberta - I think novel studies help some kids make that transition from picture books to longer books.
Mae - Rook - I do 7-10 and still all of the other. Read novels quickly.
Newf - I try to get them done in Literature circles and actually teach one.
Rook - And only spend TWO WEEKS on each?!
Cheryl - Rook----newspapers, essays, letters, research, short stories of all genres, poetry, etc., etc. Just lots and lots of genres. I don't mean that you personally use too many novels, but generally I see that practiced too much at upper.
Linda929 - Thanks cyna! I limited my novel to one because of lack of time--not opposed to novels!
Rook - HOW do you read 7-10 a year?! I can generally only fit in about 6!
Jennifer/4/Alberta - Mae, tell more about the 2 weeks.
Cheryl - Mae, do you mean you're reading aloud and they're following what you're reading in their own books?
Mae - Rook - 2 weeks tops!
Rook - I understand, Cheryl. What do you consider a reasonable amount?
Mae - I'll post Scaffolding 3,2,1 for novels (2 weeks) on the main chatboard
Cheryl - No, I don't think three novels per year is too many. I would probably include one per marking period on the average.
Star - Cheryl, as always you have been insightful and helpful! Thank you and good night all!
Rook - Thanx Mae.
Newf - That's the intention.
Linda929 - OOh--mae!! So many good ideas!
Mae - Cheryl - yes. Kids are on diff. levels and this ensures that we stay together and everyone understands.
Rook - We have SIX marking periods!
Rook - Night, Star.
Linda929 - I do some units--a sci-fi unit, a crime unit, Black History Month-and-a-half (too many good things to get it all in in one month!).
Janet - Linda- what grade do you teach?
Rook - And these units are integrated into 4B, Linda
Cyna - It's been very insightful, all. Thanks for answering my questions, Cheryl. Have a good eve!
Cheryl - I think the going from picture books to novels means the transition was left out. Ha! The point I want to make is that we aren't in the classroom to prepare students to read novels. I think they'll be better prepared for what's ahead if they've been taught to read all types of materials for many different purposes and for many different audiences----just like writing.
Linda929 - Now that I actually think about it, my units (which I do in each marking period) probably take up the time of a novel.
Linda929 - I'm just starting 4B, Rook, so I don't know how to answer. I'm pulling lit from available books that I think the kids will enjoy, and grouping them into units.
Michelle - Cheryl: Where did they pilot the upper grades program? Any good success stories or tips to encourage everyone?
Cheryl - Oops! 6 marking periods would mean that I wouldn't do one novel per marking period. I'm thinking more about 9 weeks periods.
Rook - I agree, Cheryl. How do we GRADE for those other types of reading? And where do we get the resources?
Mae - Cheryl - I agree.
melissa - Cheryl I have students that are very reluctant readers, and behavior problems, have you seen 4blocks work with my unique individuals
Rook - Ok Cheryl.
Lori - Nite, room! Sorry for the confusion Rook. Apparently, I've combined 4b and Fountas and Pinnell's Guided Reading. Sorry for the confusion.
Linda929 - melissa, my sis in colorado taught at an all-at-risk school, and found 4B to be Extremely successful!
Rook - Got it, Lori. No problem!
Janet - that's great to hear!
Cheryl - Michelle, my own state of SC has been "into" 4-Blocks probably more so than any state has for a longer period of time. Many of our upper grades use it. What I shared in the new book were their successful adaptations.
melissa - Linda did she need to makre modificatioons to the program, any other insight
Cheryl - Grading for the other types of reading is done in the same way. Can they apply the skills and strategies that you taught during that selection?
Linda929 - Basically what I know is that she had tubs of books, and that these kids were all reading well below grade level; by the end of the year, most were at grade level or even above--and they liked it!! I think that's really important, because I have 8th graders who can read but who choose not to.
Divy - So, what basically is the the differences between the regular Four Blocks and the modified version?
Michelle - In the rumor mill I've heard that "guided reading the 4 block way won't work for at risk kids" ...glad to hear of one success story... I've heard that F&P guided reading is more effective for those kids (I don't want to debate F& P etc...I was just glad to hear that 4 blocks works!
Cheryl - Melissa, yes! 4-Blocks works wonders with your type of students. It's hands-on, engaging and gives them more responsibility for learning.
Mae - Cheryl - I use a learning process rubric for grades. Would that be in tune to 4B?
melissa - Linda thanks for that, my students dont want to read, and are way below grade level
Rook - Good question, Divy. If I understand correctly, we can modify the amount of time spent in each block, increasing GR and Writing.
Cheryl - Linda, please email me and let me know more about your sis---where she is, what she's doing, and what data she might have to offer. Please.
melissa - Now I cant wait for school to begin, what can I do now to get ready
SpEd - What is the newest book you are referring to, Cheryl, as I would like to use the materials, but have been afraid to put the $ into it without knowing if it would work well in Spec. Ed...
Divy - I see.
Michelle - Thanks for the info on SC, I prob. haven't got to that part of the book... still reading...
Linda929 - I try to instill Leisure Lit requirements each year--that they must read 15 min a day outside of class--you can't believe the number that say "But I don't like to read!"
melissa - Cheryl would your sis be interested in emails for someone looking for help
Cheryl - Michelle, there is NO DOUBT that 4-Blocks works! At last, we really have an alternative to labeling children.
Rook - MAE~I would LOVE to get my hands on those rubrics! Any chance I could get copies or the name of the book you got them from?
Cheryl - Rook, that's right about changing the time frames----always, though, based on kids' needs.
Mae - I made the rubric up. I'll post it on the main chatboard. I'm going to start forgetting what I've promised to post!
Linda929 - Click on my name melissa to e-mail to me, and I'll e-mail her--don't want to speak for her, but I'm pretty sure she'd be more than willing to help!
Rook - Thx. Mae!
melissa - great thank you for sharing with me Linda
Cheryl - SpEd, the book can be bought from Apples and Acorns at T.net where my column is located or from any store that sells Carson-Dellosa materials.
Linda929 - BTW--my response to those kids ("But I don't like to read") is "Oh honey--that's just simply not an option!"
SpEd - Thanks!
Linda929 - GIVE US ALL YOUR KNOWLEDGE MAE AND NO ONE GETS HURT!! : )
Mary/PA - Modifying The Four Blocks For Upper Grades - http://www.applesandacorns.com/
Linda929 - No prob melissa!
Cheryl - Linda, good response! We'll just have to assume that if a child doesn't like to read, he just hasn't found the right book yet!
Mary/PA - Don't forget to read Cheryl's articles at - http://www.teachers.net/4blocks/column.html
melissa - thanks Linda
Mae - Linda929 - LOL!!!
Linda929 - That's exactly my point, Cheryl! I also put myself on the same program--that wipes out their argument that they have no time!! They see me reading all kinds of books!
Divy - I went to Apples and Acorns several times and had difficulty ordering the book. I clicked on the link but it is not listed.
Rook - Same here, Divy.
Cheryl - I really meant to ask you all a question about what the greatest obstacles have been at upper grades from your experience. Maybe we can do this again???? I really want to offer assistance to anyone who needs it.
Divy - Good, I thought it was just me.
SpEd - Thank you, Mary!
Deb/6 - Linda, do you have a form for them to complete detailing nightly reading? How do you keep them accountable? I tried something similar last year, but so many "forgot"!
Divy - I checked at my local teacher's store but they are not stocking it yet.
melissa - thank you so much cheryl for your imput
Linda929 - This has been awesome, Cheryl! Really has me fired up to get back to school! But I betcha I'll have LOTS of q's in the future!!
Cheryl - Mary, are you aware of a problem with Apples and Acorns?
Mae - Writing is my greatest obstacle - the time to write!
SpEd - Thank you all!
Mary/PA - It's right at the top of this page - http://www.applesandacorns.com/four_blocks_literacy_program.htm
Janet - I assigned nightly reading last year....I mad e the parents inital that they read...it worked well
Mae - Writing is a priority in Tx in 4th
Mary/PA - I just went there without a problem
Michelle - Before you leave us I just want to say THANK YOU for taking the time out of your busy schedule to help us! Like I said earlier, your articles are awesome and that answer pretty much everything... And thanks for such a teacher friendly book...
Newf - I have the students write a response to their nightly reading which is not just a summary, but tells me what they thought about it or what reaction thaey had to what they read.
Cheryl - Mae, gotta find the time to write and to teach writing directly and explicitly. Upper students really need more work in communicating in written language. It's a definite weakness.
Deb/6 - Cheryl, thanks so much for this opportunity and the great resources! I'm sure I'll be full of questions after I actually implement!
Mary/PA - Cheryl, thank you so much for coming tonight
Rook - Deb~I required a minimum of 15 minutes 5 nights per week. Parents had to write name of book, amount of time spent reading and WHO read (child to parent, parent to child?) then a signature.
Linda929 - Deb, I've gone through many incarnations of that--I basically challenge them to keep up with me, and use it as a determinant--if they read a lot, their grade may go from A- to A, etc.
Newf - Thank you Cheryl. THis was really helpful.
Mary/PA - I know your fingers must be all tuckered out by now
Mae - I usually spend 45 minutes and sometimes an hour. Geesh - I could teach writing all day!
melissa - Cheryl would a day where everything is communicated in notes be a good way to start
Divy - I tried the nightly reading routine, but it didn't work. I now incorporate the time into my class period.
Cheryl - Michelle, thanks for your very kind words. I love being a 4-Blocks "missionary" and getting to spread the word about something this great and powerful for the classroom!
Rook - Thx, Cheryl.
Jennifer/4/Alberta - Janet, Rook: how did you get that support?
Michelle - Newf: Do you get a lot of : It was good. It was funny. (in their reading response logs)
Linda929 - I'm really more into trying to model that reading in a life long learner activity, and that I value it so very much. It's very subjective, and truthfully doesn't work with all kids. But I've been happy with the results I get.
Mae - Reading time - Jan F. has a great idea! Post to her on the main chatboard.
Cheryl - Melissa, did you read my email a few days ago about that? It was an idea of Tom Romano's. I loved it!
melissa - Divy thining of doing the reading during our homeroom time, otherwise we will never get the materials back
Mae - Cheryl - I still don't know the name of your book.
Rook - I gave the kids a grade! 20 points per night for 100 points a week with extra credit if they read 6 or 7 days. When they don't read at home, then, it makes a BIG dent in their report card grade.
melissa - no where are the emails Cheryl
Cheryl - Mae, it's Modifying Four-blocks for Upper Grades (4-8).
Janet - I taught 3rd last year....some kids still didn't read...but I explained to parents about research and since I had kids that were reading below level...the parents were very supportive about the extra reading
melissa - i know how much middle schoolers like to write notes to their friends
Mary/PA - Cheryl's book ---> Modifying The Four Blocks For Upper Grades - http://www.applesandacorns.com/
Mae - Thank you!!!!
Linda929 - That worked for me in 5th grade, Rook--totally out the window in 8th. I have more success when I prevail upon the kid himself/herself. Makes them accountable, they own the responsibility.
Mary/PA - http://www.applesandacorns.com/four_blocks_literacy_program.htm
Rook - Gotta go, all! Thank you again!
Mary/PA - Thanks again for coming this evening, Cheryl
Linda929 - Night Rook--thx for all your ideas!
Mae - I'm going to log off. Chatrooms makes my head spin trying to keep up. Back to the boards! Thanks Cheryl.
Mary/PA - This was a great meeting
Cheryl - I shared a similar idea on the mailring about having a class with Tom Romano where we came in and he had written on the board, "You're not allowed to talk today, but you may write notes to anyone." We wrote frantically (after being stunned) for an hour and a half. It was wonderful and gave him a chance to talk about "voice" later and many other attributes of writing.
Janet - Rook--I think that I'm going to try that this year
melissa - How do you make the words for the word walls, do you use stencils, the computer or what
Mary/PA - Thanks to all the participants as well
Linda929 - That sounds like fun, Cheryl!! 8th graders would really like that!
melissa - Cheryl that is a great idea, I think I might try it
Mae - Goodnight everyone!
Jennifer/4/Alberta - Thanks! Good-night, all!
Deb/6 - 6th graders, too!
Linda929 - Good night to everyone--thanks so much Cheryl!!
Cheryl - Thanks again, Mary and T.net, for making this sharing time possible. I'll look forward to doing this again soon and towards seeing you on the mailring, too. Have a safe and happy summer----ending all too soon! Bye now!
Mary/PA - Good night
Mary/PA - This has been great
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