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kat - welcome to our meeting on Learning Centers..just "jump right in" anytime with ideas, questions, comments! Read about a special offer from ChildWood: http://www.teachers.net/mentors/early_childhood/topic789/6.02.98.17.29.25.html
Addie k/mo - welcome, kat
Addie k/mo - WELCOME TO OUR MEETING ON LEARNING CENTERS! JUST "JUMP IN" ANYTIME WITH IDEAS QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS!
Gumdrop - so is that offer from chldwood in american dollars???
Jill - I am very curious about how early childhood teachers are using learning centers. (I'm still a pre-service teacher)
Peachy/K/NC - Yes, Gumdrop.
Jill - I'd like to know what centers you put in your classroom. I know some of the basics- art, reading, writing, manipulative, science, etc.
Addie k/mo - what are you interested in, particularly jill
Emmy.4/OK - I've never been able to get this to work for me. I'm probably just going to observe.
Peachy/K/NC - Blocks, creative arts, math
GUMDROP - is that childwood offer in american $ ???
Peachy/K/NC - Yes, Gumdrop!!
Cathy G./AR/2 - I've used centers in kdg., but would like to hear how other primary grades organize theirs.
Addie k/mo - i have two sets of centers: language arts and reading workshop. lang. centers are: guided writing, art center, alphabet/phonics center and listening center....reading workshop is: listening center, free reading, read the room and "bag it books" (where i listen to a small group of kids retell a predicatable book they have taken home and read)
becca - so what was the childwood offer?
Peachy/K/NC - Welcome back, Kat
Kat/Kathleen/K/CT - Hi!welcome to our meeting on Learning Centers..just "jump right in" anytime with ideas, questions, comments! Read about a special offer from ChildWood: http://www.teachers.net/mentors/early_childhood/topic789/6.02.98.17.29.25.html
Jill - Addie-How do you do your reading workshop? I've read about it but I'm still not sure how it works.
talkative - addie could you tell me more about bag it books
Beverly - I just finished my first year in kindergarten. I have a goofy question but, at the start of the year how do you have multiple centers going on. My kids can do very little independently.
Gayle - I have a hard time utilizing centers in first grade. Any suggestions will help!
Jill - Addie- also, do you use different pointers when you "read the room"?
Kat/Kathleen/K/CT - WE'll stop and give Addie a chance to answer
Addie k/mo - they are take home books from the wright group "sunshine at home collection" they are in ziplock bags and i have extension activities contact papered to the bag. the kids check them out once a week. each child is on a "team" and is assigned a certain day of the week for checkout
Addie k/mo - when i start the year, i dont have the centers up and going. i introduce them carefully one at a time so that the children learn to use the materials properly. that reduces problems during the year
J@Va - I would like to find some interesting centers for next year. I am getting kind of bored with the regular centers. I need something to give the room and my day a boost.
Addie k/mo - yes, on the pointers i have 6 or 7 and that is how many kids are on a "team"
Jill - How often do you introduce a new center? What do you do in the mean time?
becca - How long do we have for the childwood offer?
Jill - J@Va- What centers do you have right now?
Kat/Kathleen/K/CT - becca, oh, probably a week or more for Childwood, not sure yet, it's hot off the press!
Jay - Thanks, I'm looking for some new ideas for next year.
becca - I'll be teaching in a transitional first next year and just received a childwood catalog. It looks very promising for my needs. Has anyone used them in first?
Tex - How do 1-2 grade teacher assess center activities?
Addie k/mo - we do lots of free reading in the beginning after we discuss proper book handling. also they do some color sheets in the beginning which i normally dont do, but you are right, it is hard to find things that kinders can do independently at first. it takes about 2 to 3 weeks to get the centers up and going before i try to have a teacher-led center
Kat/Kathleen/K/CT - I forget who asked about early in the year...I open centers a couple at a time, begin with the play centers
sandy/k/Mo - I ordered the cat. and it hasn't come yet
Kat/Kathleen/K/CT - I spend a lot of time going over organization, center rules in the beginning, slowly, it pays off in the long run
Addie k/mo - i try to let the kids know that when they are using one center properly, i will introduce the next thing...that motivates them to pay attention and try to remember what they are supposed to do
Addie k/mo - yes, kat, it is an investment, so that you dont deal with the same problems over and over throughout the year.
sandy/k/Mo - At the beginning of the year I have a listening center, puzzle center and one that I help with at first.
Kat/Kathleen/K/CT - I've found that with some of my k groups I don't have to post limits to how many use centers, they self-monitor..but other groups, well, they REALLY need more rules and limits!
Pip - How do you know who goes to what center?
Tex - How do you evaluate center work?
becca - Last year my firsts continued to interupt my guided reading group when they had a problem in centers. I usually just ignored them, but some were very persistant. I used a friends idea of sign language and would sign no to them while others were reading but I know that there has to be a way to keep them in their centers. Any good ideas?
Jay - I'd like to kno about evaluation also
sandy/k/Mo - ok.. I will re-order thanks
Addie k/mo - yes, groups are different... some years i can just let the kids get up and use things like the pencil sharpener or get up and get supplies as needed without asking permission and other years, the kids seem to take a mile when you give them an inch.
sandy/k/Mo - I don't give a grade for centers is that what you mean??
Addie k/mo - grades for centers??? i missed something
Tex - Yes sandy that's what I mean. I guess it's an older grade question. Some students won't do center work unless there is some type of assessment.
Jill - Do you use planning forms, a rotation wheel, total free choice, or what?
Kat/Kathleen/K/CT - No, I don't grade center activities
becca - I used a work board as discussed in Gay Su Pinnell's Guided reading
Jay - I am looking for meaningful activities- not just busy work
Addie k/mo - but, indirectly i do give grades on centers...things like following directions, doesnt disturb others, makes good use of time....etc. not only in the centers, but all day. what they accomplish in centers, does affect their report card
JJ - Tex, I used centers in older grades and evaluated their work by anecdotes or portfolio items.
Kat/Kathleen/K/CT - Jill, I ususally give total free choice for children who aren't working with my asistant or with me...but I do intervene gently if a child nevers goes to a particular center
sandy/k/Mo - Ok Tex... :-) I have kids grouped by rows mostly.. but depends on my objective for that center
Cathy G./AR/2 - I've tried a couple of ways: having 5 centers per week and rotating 5 groups through one day at the time and another time I had a pegboard with necklaces that had a colored wooden bead to match the sign for each center. The children were assigned the first center of the day on a chart. After that they could change necklaces as long as there was one available on the pegboard.
Addie k/mo - i use a bulletin board and have a sign posted for each center and an icon for each team. i rotate the icons and tell the kids which center to visit. they visit each center weekly
Tex - JJ, so students put their itmes in a portfolio?
JJ - Neat idea Cathy G. Where did you get the necklaces??
Kat/Kathleen/K/CT - jay, one example at Science & Discovery..a maget testing acitvity in which the kids have to test and record on an observation sheet what happens when they try to use a magnet to attract a collection of objects. They have to check their names off the list on a clipboard at the cetner upon completion
Tex - JJ, how did you organize that exactly?
Pip - How long does it take to set these centers up? Doesn't it doing it weekly take an awful lot of time?
Peachy/K/NC - How do you evaluate their work at centers? How do you know they are doing what they need to be doing
Peachy/K/NC - becca, what grade?
Jill - Kat- Since you have free choice, do you limit the number of children in each center?
Cathy G./AR/2 - I just got boot laces and used my stringing beads--made my own signs for the centers.
Kat/Kathleen/K/CT - As we were saying earlier, different groups in diff. years need various systems for organization
JJ - Tex, yes they had a working folder that they kept possible items for their portfolio. Every 2 weeks or so, we would sit down and go through their papers and select some for the portfolio.
sandy/k/Mo - Jill I try only having 4 kids per group
Kat/Kathleen/K/CT - ill, I usually start with posted limits, sometimes do away with limits depending upon how well the group manages themselves
becca - Jay, I take activities that I present in large group and they become centers. Kids get to practice what they've seen and done before. But now it's their own work.
Jay - Kat/that sounds good
Addie k/mo - well, maintenance on my listening center involves adding a new book and tape, and my alphabet phonics center has an assortment of items. a few things change weekly, but most things remain longer, until the children are not using the item. the guided writing and art center projects change weekly though
Ginger - how long do you allow center activities daily?
becca - 1st, Peachy
Addie k/mo - i wish i could have 4 kids per group...i have 6 or 7!!!
Pip - addie - sp basically you add to your centers, not take away and change all together?
Addie k/mo - we usually work in centers about 20 minutes at a time
Jay - When I taught K, I used centers daily. I have a harder time with 2nd grade
Kat/Kathleen/K/CT - Except for Group (Circle time) Specials, snack and outdorr play, we have mostly Center time (1/2 day session)
sandy/k/Mo - laughing next year might be 5 kids.. we do centers for 30 min
becca - My centers last as long as my Guided Reading time: about an hour to an hour and a half
Jay - Does anyone use parent volunteers?
Pip - Jay - I teach 2nd too!
Addie k/mo - becca, that is how my math tubs for math their way operate...the activity is introduced small group then out for practice for about 6 weeks
Joyce - Has anyone used the students desk groupings as a center area...keeping the center in a basket?
Ginger - I agree with Jay, I find centers much harder to use in first grade than Kinder
Kat/Kathleen/K/CT - I just changed my dramatic play area from housekeeping to supermarket
Jill - Addie suggested I should share an idea I read about for "reading the room" Instead of just using regular pointers, you could use a variety of pointers including: puppets on a stick, a flashlight, flyswatters with the center cut out, back scratchers, a spatula, or a giant toothbrush. Also, take the lenses out of a pair of old galsses to let the kids have specs to read the room.
Tex - Does anyone use boxes or tubs for their centers?
Addie k/mo - i have some years, but it is hard when you are depending on a parent volunteer and they cant show up that day!!!
sandy/k/Mo - I was lucky last year, had a Mom that could come in for anything I wanted to do
Pip - Yes Joyce - I do that now. I have things in a basket or tray and they bring it to their tables.
Jay - Pip, how do you use centers?
becca - Peachy, I do a lot of phonemic awareness activities that way . Working with sounds, letters, and using word chunks to build new words.
JJ - I'm still listed, but got booted!
Kat/Kathleen/K/CT - I use my volunteeers (the few that are reliable) to take kids aside for indiv. "lap reading" experiences (tho not really on lap)
Addie k/mo - i keep my alpha/phonics center, art center and guided writing centers in tubs.. the kids have to bring their school boxes to the designated area and get out the tub and supplies
Cathy G./AR/2 - Me too, Jay! I have really only had centers available for use as they finish other assigned work. I would like to do more, but haven't seemed to work up to it. We have a hard time getting everything done. The kids love it, but I have used it basically as reinforcement and challenge --not for a grade.
becca - I have some centers in tubs that go to their tables for center work.
Tex - What is an example of a guided writing center?
Kat/Kathleen/K/CT - Yes, I think a lot of people are intimidated by the term "Centers".. a center can be a tub of manipulatives on a desk top
JJ - What areas or centers does everyone have set up??
Joyce - Those of you who do Guided Reading...do you have kids in centers whenever they are not in their reading group or do you have them do some seatwork too?
Melissa/Nj - dramatic play, open ended art, library, Gross Motor, Writing, computer, chalk "Board, Math and science
Pip - Jay - I have a sheet made up with the things they need to do for the month. As they do them they need to check it off or keep the sheet in their folder as proof that it was done. If I ask them a question and they can't answer it, I send them back to do the activity again.
Melissa/Nj - Hey JJ
Addie k/mo - we do guided writing as a teacher led center. it relates to whatever big book we are reading that week....usually we use the pattern from the book to write an innovation. the children begin the year dictating and move into invented spelling and some conventional spelling, depending on the student
Peachy/K/NC - Kat, are you going to archive this?? It's great, but I can't think, type and keep up all at the same time.
becca - JJ-I do science, math, ABC, writing, Big Books, poems, Independent reading, Buddy reading,computer, pocket chart, puppets
Kat/Kathleen/K/CT - Jill, by projects do you mean like Syliva Chard, reggio Emilia??
Jay - pip, great idea. Monthly would be more manageble
J@Va - I have logged on three times I keep getting lost out in cyberspace--help:(
Pip - I have a listening center (2 tape recorders), a math center ( 3 students can go at a time), a language arts center (with choices to choose from but all need to get done eventually), a writing center (I choose what they will write about but they choose from that)
Addie k/mo - that is right, kat...most classrooms are pretty limited on space, so the thought of having all these freestanding centers...well where do you put them???
Jill - Kat- Yes. We call it The Project Approach but it's pretty much the same thing.
Kat/Kathleen/K/CT - I don't do the projects that Chard talks about,l would love to get there..we should have a meeting on the Project Approach
sandy/k/Mo - I have puzzles, art activity that they follow directions, patter block designs, listening center puppet theater
Kat/Kathleen/K/CT - Sleepy, welcome to our meeting on Learning Centers!
Jay - I have used center days with parents coming in to help and kids rotating around. It is exhausting!
JJ - Kat, are you talking about the Reggio System???
Kat/Kathleen/K/CT - Pip, why do you choose what they will write about at the Writing Center?
becca - I've found that those carboard storage drawers from Wal-Mart are great for Math manipulatives and they are portable
Melissa/Nj - i also have blocks and puzzles, and next year I will add listening to books on walkmans in the library, and puupets to go with the puppet theater that is being built.
Jill - In my Cognitive Development Class, we did a sample project approach (but we didn't have the kids to make the decisions, so we did). I would be really interested in a session on that!
Kat/Kathleen/K/CT - Yes, Jill, I am talking about Reggio Emilia
Addie k/mo - i am planning next year to do center days on fridays in addtion to our weekly centers. it would be nice if there happen to be parents available. i guess i will just ask at our opening meeting.
Smitty/1/MS - I use centers every day and chidlren are required to put finished projects in folders and TA keeps a check to see they are doing so.
Sleepy/MA - I teach 3rd grade and have learning centers this year. I would like to manage them better. Right now it's a free for all.
Tex - JJ and anyone else, what centers do you recommend for 2nd grade?
Pip - I also have a reading center (they wrok with me or read with their partner), sometimes I'll add a special center(an art activity to go with the season), this month I have a handwriting/art center(they have to copy a poem in script and then make a kite, that's the title of the poem)
J@Va - does anyone have the old standby of kitchen and block centers anymore?
Addie k/mo - i would like to learn more about the project approach... i could see that working in our afternoons with full day kind
Smitty/1/MS - I still use blocks in 1st to duplicate patterns, etc.
becca - Tex, have you used any of those centers from the Education Center(mailbox publisher). They're great skill activities
Melissa/Nj - Our second grade does computers, art, table games appropriate to subjects being learned and library. Not sure what else she does.
Tex - Sleepy, what centers did you have in 3rd
Sandy/K/Mo - I have a puppet & theater, puzzles, pattern blocks, listening center, at center
Melissa/Nj - J, I do and the kitchen is one of their favorites.
Tex - Becca, I have never been very excited about pure skill centers, so my kids aren't either. heh.
Kat/Kathleen/K/CT - Center time is a good opportunity to offer totlaly free choice of activity, something we're told we need to provide more of
Pip - Kat - In my writing center I have a guided activity, for example, this month they are writing creative stories using 1 sticker. They choose a sticker, place it on their storypaper and illustrate it, then they write the story to go with the picture.
becca - I felt guilty having a water/sand table for my firsts . Older teachers in the building would die if I had a play kitchen
Peachy/K/NC - The Education center Is here in greensboro. They have an outlet center!!.
Sleepy/MA - Writing, math, library, listening, computer, games, science, they weren't as organized as I would like.
Sandy/K/Mo - that's nea Pip.. how old??
JJ - Tex, I had library, listening, writer's workshop, math, science, music, building, water table, computers, and real world (of course not all running at the same time.)
Smitty/1/MS - We do a lot of writing centers and book making using stamps, colored paper, typewriter, bookbinder, tape, stickers, etc. Kids are pretty good about choosing, cleaning up etc.
Melissa/Nj - I did the sand table but it got everywhere, and I am not a stickler for neatness, so next year I'm going to try something else in the table.
Addie k/mo - what do you mean by "not as organized"? sleepy
J@Va - One of the bad things is that the children like to "play or use" the center for 10 or 15 minutes and then would like to go to another center. they do not take the time an really explore the area. I like to have my children choose where they will go also.
Melissa/Nj - Peachy, that is not fair, they are my favorite company!!!1
Pip - Kat - last month I had them write a story and answers to What If ... questions. I had about 10 What if questions on an index card and they choose which one they would like to answer.
becca - Lucky you, Peachy
Jill - Why feel guilty about having a water/sand table? The kids need exploration with it to develop concepts of volume and measurements. It also porivdes tactile experiences.
Pip - Instead of blocks - I use Legos in 2nd grade.
Kat/Kathleen/K/CT - Pip, once in a while, try and see what the kids will do at a well stocked writing center w/o an assignment..
Smitty/1/MS - We choose where we go but everyone must stay until the timer bell goes off!
Sandy/K/Mo - scholastic is just down the road AND a lot of my parents work there sooo
J@Va - Here in Greenboro is the outlet, Peachy?
JJ - Pip, we had legos and k-nex!!
Tex - Math manipulatives are good for the older kids, you know exploring... and they don't look like sand or blocks.
Jill - I have ideas for other materials for the sand/water table on my web page, if anyone is interested...
Kat/Kathleen/K/CT - I wish I could keep up!! I think it's great when primary teachers provide sand and water table activites!
Tex - Look! I said something helpful!
Addie k/mo - sandy, scholastic is opening an office in my neck of the woods too, neosho mo
becca - That's how I feel Jill. But so many others think they have to do those worksheets to learn
Smitty/1/MS - A well-stocked writing center works great Kat some of my chidlren's best work for portfolios comes from this center and it is self-generated.
Melissa/Nj - They get to choose where they start and three othe people to be with, then they have to stay with the group and move around to the different centers in order.
Kat/Kathleen/K/CT - Jill, give the url so people can bookmark and visit later
Tex - Gasp, my helpful though disappeared!
Sandy/K/Mo - Jill I had a sand table and the Janitor made the principal tell me to get rid of it.
Jay - Pip, mine are always building with the pattern blocks!
Jill - www.galstar.com/~davii/jilllink.html
Sandy/K/Mo - Addie.. then get ready to be spoiled.. :-)
Tex - Okay, I said that you can have students do free exploration with math manipulatives... pattern blocks, color tiles, tangrams etc, and they are just as valuable as sand and water, but they "look" more grown up.
Pip - Kat - I tried with this class and it didn't work. They wrote about two sentences and claimed they were done. No story, barely sentences or the girls would wind up writing about the same thing (Leonardo, Backstrret Boys, The Spice Girls) so I went back to letting them think they were choosing.
Sleepy/MA - I just had too many things to do at each center. I am planning on keeping very focused activities at each center next year. This year all my math manipulatives were in the math center, not too good when ALL the pattern blocks are out and being used as dominoes!
becca - How awful Sandy!
Pip - Sandy - It each 2nd grade.
Smitty/1/MS - Math Their Way provides great center ideas!
Addie k/mo - sandy, they already donated two books per child for every child in the entire school at the end of the school year
Peachy/K/NC - J@VA, it is just off Battleground Road. 220
Joyce - I'm thinking of having a rice/measurement center within my math center. Is this too young for 2nd grade? I have all my reading centers up in the morning and then they switch to math centers.
Kat/Kathleen/K/CT - Sandy, please tell me the principal backed you up on deeping the sand table in kindergarten!?
meeha/ece/tx - Hello! We're talking about learning centers tonite?
Sandy/K/Mo - nope had to get rid of it.
Kat/Kathleen/K/CT - Pip, sometimes it's takes a while for them to get into creative experimentation,
becca - Joyce, I think your kids will love it
Tex - Sleepy, I'm thinking of more open ended things: Writing, EBS (AR), Spelling and a Recording Studio
JanK/WV - My kids have had a lot of fun with our sand and water table this week. We added some plastic fishing worms. I found them in the fishing department at Walmart. They come in a variety of sizes and colors. The kids try to catch them, and sometimes they sort them or count them into pails.
Sandy/K/Mo - Addie.. people that work there get a WONDERFUL discount
Kat/Kathleen/K/CT - Imagine, a principal who wouldn't defend sand play in K!
Smitty/1/MS - I have a sand table and use it for my measurement center and alternate with water table. Some of my fellow 1st grade teachers think I'm crazy but I think children need to explore and discover for themselves!
Sleepy/MA - I would like ideas on how to keep kids from always going to the same centers. I started by signing my kids up myself, and then went to a system (honor) of letting them sign up whereever they wanted. Didn't work too well, they weren't honest, the table games center was so popular that they would just about knock each other down to get there to sign up.
Addie k/mo - sleepy, other things you might want to keep in mind is to allow some free play at the beginning of the year with different materials so that the kids get this need out of their system... and when you begin introducing specific tasks in the centers take those first few weeks and really monitor what they are doing, dont try to have a small group lesson. establish the habits you want and they will keep them all year long.
meeha/ece/tx - Jan -- what a great idea?
Sleepy/MA - Tex, EBS? Tell me about the recording studio, please.
meeha/ece/tx - Sleepy -- what about a 'sign in' book at each center, and they can only sign in x number of times per week?
Kat/Kathleen/K/CT - Someday, if I find time, I'll try to post some articles or links to them defining the educational purposes served by activities like sand, clocks, water, etc. play
Addie k/mo - you could set up a rotation system...or they could have a specific time period ( a week maybe) where they were expected to visit all centers, but in the order they chose
Sandy/K/Mo - recording reminds me.. we do that in the computer lab to put on the computer :-)
Smitty/1/MS - Do you take time early in the week to explain all the centers or do you just let your children go there at will and figure it out for themselves?
Tex - Sleepy, Electronic Bookshelf is our version of Accelerated Reader. And recording studio: students will write poems in cursive, practice reading to at least 3 people, then they can record their poem on a tape. Hopefully it will be a record of reading fluency (but also a fun way to do handwriting?)
Peachy/K/NC - Mine have the week to do all the centers, but they must do one "must Do" each day before going to a play center.
Pip - In my Phonics center I have them tape record themselves reading a mini book (story) found in thier phonics books. This is another form of assessment I use.
Addie k/mo - i explain each center on monday...and then the children are supposed to ask other people on their team for help after that
Kat/Kathleen/K/CT - It's exhausting, I know, but we always have to be ready to defend DAP when faced with threats similar to what Sandy encountered over the sand table in kindergarten..good articles with research to back them...make those people back down
Pip - Here is a good rule I use: Ask 3 before ME! Which simply means that if a child has a problem with a center they need to ask three other children before they can interrupt me.
Kat/Kathleen/K/CT - Pip, that sounds like a great actviity, I'll bet the kids love it , too
Sandy/K/Mo - I wish I would have had something to show her
Jill - Kat- YES!!!
Smitty/1/MS - Gret idea Pip! Thanks!
meeha/ece/tx - Each of my centers has a "rationale" posted over the center -- intention being to 'justify
Tex - Sleepy, so hopefully at the end of the year, students will have some nice collections of their favorite poems too. What doyou think? heh
Kat/Kathleen/K/CT - Pip, ask 3 before me...good way to channel questions away from interrupting me...I'll try that with my tattling bunch!
Jay - pip, great idea
Pip - Kat - Especially the shy ones who won't read in front of anyone but soemtimes it gets a little difficult to hear them but at least I hear them reading.
Sandy/K/Mo - I wish I would ave had something to show her
Sleepy/MA - good thought, meeha. I really like the taping idea, I've been thinking about it for a while now I never thought to put it at a center. I am planning on 7 centers, do you think that is too many? I have 26 kids now, and who knows for the fall?
meeha/ece/tx - oops! hit return too quickly. Intention beint to 'justify' centers -- and to help parents understand why the room is as play based as it is.
Ginger - agree with the ask 3 before me - I'm using that also, thanks!
Jay - Pip, does everyone have their own tape?
Jill - Meeha- I've heard of this before. I'd be interested in the wording that you use.
Kat/Kathleen/K/CT - Yes, Pip, that would be great for the shy ones...
Melissa/Nj - you can never have to many centers
Pip - Jay - I have everyone bring in a tape at the begiining of the year. It's on their supply list.
Addie k/mo - kat, i made 3 tattle per day rule last year, because i had a really tattly bunch and it really worked!!! some of the kids prided themselves on not using any of their tattles...if someone came up and began talking in that "tattle voice", i would ask them how many tattles they had left and they would tell me and then procede with their tattle. they learned to be very careful with them
Smitty/1/MS - My problem is finding corners to put all my ideas for centers in to. (Bad grammar sorry!
Kat/Kathleen/K/CT - meeha, great idea... I have signs I put out for Open House, but why not hang them above each Center ALL THE TIME..great idea!
Pip - Sleppy - I think I have about 7 centers and with 25 children it's great b/c someone is always somewhere and can't say they have no where to go.
Peachy/K/NC - Am I spelling last name right: Majello? I will get it next Monday!
JanK/WV - We hae three more days of school. I'm going to have centers all day tomorrow, and just see how it goes!
Kat/Kathleen/K/CT - Addie, do you mean each child got to tattle 3 times every day??
Melissa/Nj - peach it is Maiello
Kat/Kathleen/K/CT - Jan, some years I have groups who can go 90 mins in centers, other years 10 minutes and they can get out of control :-(
Tex - I have kids getting "done." I want them to go on to another writing topic if they finish the first. Is this reasonable?
Sleepy/MA - Also, how should I fit them into my day? This really troubles me. Our sys tem is getting back to reading, writing, etc. and I would like to be able to fit them in without taking up hours of my day.
Pip - Addie - I Like that, maybe I'll start that tomorrow. I don't know what's gotten into my bunch!
Ginger - Sleepy, how often do you change the activities in the 7 centers?
Melissa/Nj - We have a Ms. tattletail that the kids go to, unless there is blood or someone hits them.
Sandy/K/Mo - we usually go until there is fussing but at least 30 min.
Peachy/K/NC - Is J@VA still here?
Addie k/mo - thats what they were told, but they didnt...and what i discovered is that it wasnt "everyone" as it seemed it was a select few and breaking them from tattling improved our class atmosphere tremendously....in fact after several weeks, some of the kids were suggesting that we cut down to two tattles per day!!!
Jill - Ms. Tattletail?
Cathy G./AR/2 - What is Ms. tattletail? You or an assigned child?
J@Va - That's my group this year 10 minutes and the room goes haywire. How can a child learn anything in 10 minutes if I have to stop cneters?
JanK/WV - Tell us more about Ms. Tattletail, sounds interesting!
Addie k/mo - when the worst tattlers in the room were out of tattles, the problem was gone
Sandy/K/Mo - um Like that idea.. Ms. Tattletail.
Smitty/1/MS - I have a tattle tale box made to look like a person the mouth is cut really big and has a mirrror inside, kids get up there and really TATTLE to the box! Helps their feelings to "talk : to someone!
becca - Here's a great center idea I got from Lori from the message board. Velcro books-used for comprehension, letter/sound connections,ect. Make copies of familiar books white out one word per page(I use post-it correction tape) Add a piece of velcro. Type the missing words on computer , add velcro, and you have a center. No worksheet!
meeha/ece/tx - Tex -- have you workde with the 2-sided writing pages? The 'working/editing' version is on the left, this being where the child practices and plans. The final, 'published' writing and illustration is on the right. You get varied levels of collaboration and such with this -- might that help?
Sleepy/MA - that's the problem Ginger, this year I didn't have specific activities at the centers. Next year I am planning on "fine tuning" this was my first year in 3rd grade.
Jay - I have trouble with the volume of centers
Joyce - I had a tattle box last year. They had to write the complaint down on an index card and drop it in the slot. As long as they're going to tattle, they might as well practice writing it down.
Melissa/Nj - Actually it is a picture of a cute looking lady that hangs on the wall. Her name is Ms.Tattletail. This way I can keep an ear out for what the kids are tattleing about, but they do not bother me!!!
Tex - Meeha is that a piece of paper folded the "hot dog" way?
Kat/Kathleen/K/CT - Smitty, that tattle box is GREAT!!!
Kat/Kathleen/K/CT - Jay, then scale back, there's nothing wrong with that..we each have our own style and limits
Tex - meeha, oh I see, hamburger way turned in landscape fashion
Jay - I like that, Joyce write it down:)
meeha/ece/tx - Tex -- actually where I saw it done it was left and right sides of a spiral notebook.
Pip - Joyce - Ilke that tattle box idea. I hope I remember it for next year.
Kat/Kathleen/K/CT - I love these tattletail ideas, I really lose it with tattling some years (like this year) :-(
Peachy/K/NC - J@VA, I need to tell you that the teacher store for the Education Center is only open to teachers on Mondays from 1:00 until 4:00.
Addie k/mo - this year we used class meetings and if someone had a problem that didnt involve bloodshed, it had to be put on the agenda (i wrote a key word or phrase to trigger their memory) and it was discussed the next day.
Sandy/K/Mo - seems like the end of the year was really bad for tattles..
meeha/ece/tx - Jay -- it is ok to have a lot of centers and only open a certain number daily. I used to use a sign with the 'no' symbol over a small hand to designate 'closed' centers.
Ginger - Addie, what grade do you teach?
Addie k/mo - kindergarten
Sleepy/MA - Same here addie, worked really well.
Kat/Kathleen/K/CT - Addie, good idea using the meeting...."promoting social competence"
J@Va - Thanks,Peachy, I plan to drive down one weekend with my family on a mini-vacation.
Peachy/K/NC - Well, since it's so cheap, I might send you one of something to see if you like it. They have learning center games that are ready to use. If you like it I'll get more another time.
Ginger - Are your students reading when they leave Kindergarten, Addie?
Jill - What about the two centers that scare me the most- Woodworking and Cooking?
Tex - Sleepy, do you have computers?
Cathy G./AR/2 - I have read to use a tattle box. At the end of the day, check with the authors to see if the problems still need to be addressed. Many times they have been resolved. If not, involve the class in solving. This seems time consuming also though.
Jill - ...
Kat/Kathleen/K/CT - Jill, cooking I do with the kids..well, except for some things like fish in ponds...
Sleepy/MA - Tex, I have A computer. My kids double up when they are on it.
Addie k/mo - yes, they were expected to try to "talk it out" with their classmates...sometimes they didnt want to put the prob on the agenda, so they had to solve it among themselves. i will listen to the kids talk it out and guide them at the beginning of year until they learn how to do it
JJ - Jill, have you tried woodworking? I wanted to, but never did.
Sandy/K/Mo - I only do cooking when I have help.. I have 2 computers in my rom
Smitty/1/MS - Jill in 1st we use cooking as a cooperative group activity, that way I can get colunteers in to help each group so no burned fingers, etc.!
Jill - fish in ponds???
Addie k/mo - if they are ready!!! i dont push them to read, nor is it an exit requirement, but many of them are if they are in a print rich environment
meeha/ece/tx - Once upon a time I kept a 'tattle tail' in my closet at school, but it didn't work well with the kiddos, so it was quickly retired. (If they needed to tattle, they needed the 'tail'!) Had too many negative connotations for some of the kiddos.
Jay - I,ve got 5 computers -used most of the day
Tex - Sleepy hmmm okay. well I had trouble this year when half the class (I have 4 computers) were on computers, the others would watch instead of concnetrate. So that's why I want centers
Smitty/1/MS - That way everyone has a job and there is no hassle over let me let me!
Kat/Kathleen/K/CT - I haven't done much wordworking, but I had wood scraps from my husband's workshop for kids to sand..they loved it!
Jill - I haven't tried woodworking. I'm still in school. I taught at a day care center last summer, but I did not have the nerve (or the supplies)
Tex - But I did elaborate centers when I was in 1st grade and they were MOST of my prep time. I don't want to do that anymore. Tooo OOOOOoooold
Melissa/Nj - Kat, what else do you have them do with the wood besides sand?
JJ - Tex, I just moved the computers so they were out of view of the other centers.
meeha/ece/tx - Woodworking is reserved for those times when a 'special helper' is present -- their only job is to monitor that center! Cooking is determined by the needs and abilities of the group I work with each year.
Pip - Are your centers theme related?
Sleepy/MA - I'm one of the only classes in my building that uses a computer on a regular basis IN the classroom.
Jay - Tex, I put up a divider at first, then moved it. They don't even bother the computer people
Ginger - I agree with you, Tex! They take a considerable amount of time to organize.
Kat/Kathleen/K/CT - Melissa, I've supplied glue for them to glue wood scraps together, but never had tools for them to hammer or saw, etc.
Melissa/Nj - pip, that is my goal for next year!1
Addie k/mo - my language centers are theme related, but my reading workshop centers are not necessarily
Melissa/Nj - Sleepy, how sad!!
becca - Pip, I tried theme related centers but it is really hard. I use theme related when I can mostly science center.
Jill - I plan on talking my dad into soming in for woodworking. I'm sure there are some easy cooking activites without "cooking". I just need to find them.
meeha/ece/tx - I have 4 computers in my room. Have to have at least one day a week without them on -- the kids don't talk when the 'puters are on!
JJ - Most of my centers were theme related, but go have others that are not.
Sleepy/MA - I would like to know when people have their kids use the centers? After work is done or at a specific center time?
Cathy G./AR/2 - I think that is part of my problem. In my mind weekly centers would require time and thought to keep them fresh. I'm afraid I will run out of time and ideas, and they will become stale. Then the kids would be disappointed if I couldn't keep them up!
Pip - Where would I start if I want mine theme realted? I di it this month around the 100th Day of School.
Tex - Ginger, I have 9 year old center charts that are yellow and rotting, but I won't throw them away because I worked so hard on them. grin.
Addie k/mo - i have a specific time for my centers
Smitty/1/MS - My children are in centers while I go guided reading with small groups or remedial work.
Peachy/K/NC - I love woodworking and have a neat workbench, but these days it really takes one adult to watch only that area.
Tex - meeha, what doyou mean? YOu turn them off if the students aren't doing their centers attentively?
Melissa/Nj - We have particular center time for about an hour, and this is when I do a particular theme related craft with the kids.
Kat/Kathleen/K/CT - Like smitty, my kids are in centers while my assistant and I work with small groups or indivs.
Ginger - How about 20 year old things, Tex?
J@Va - Jill, there is a great book on the market that has no cook receipes that are literature based- like Chocolate Monkey treats for Caps for Sale. I will post the name of it tomorrow on the EC chatboard.
Tex - Sleepy, if you are going to spend the time to make the centers.. REQUIRE Them... don't make it stuff todo when they are done.
Jay - I think centers should be a specific time not as a reward for finishing fast!
Pip - My center time begins after the children have done their journal writing and problem of the day. Sometimes it causes a problem to those who hardly ever finish their journals but it reflects their grades. Completes classwork, etc.
meeha/ece/tx - Tex -- I just tell the kids today is a no computer day, we need to "play" and parctice talking today. (My kiddos are speech and language impaired -- they need to talk in lots of different type settings!
Sleepy/MA - Thats what I was thinking about Smitty. How are the kids in the centers monitored? I'd hate to have to keep stopping to address problems in the centers.
Melissa/Nj - J, I would like it too, I'll check the board tomorrow.
Ginger - do most of you that use centers have a teacher's aide in the classroom with you?
Kat/Kathleen/K/CT - Jay, I agree, Centers shouldn't be a reward, but part of the curric.
Tex - hehe Ginger.
Jill - In the schools where I live, only the pre-K teacher has an assistant.
Addie k/mo - there is a literature/cooking book called "book cooks"
Smitty/1/MS - When reading is over, my assist and I become a center each at separate tables to reinforce a concept or demonstrate a new game or what ever, I use a timer and we move about every 15 minutes so all go to us and several other centers!
Peachy/K/NC - J@VA, is it Book Cooks?
Kat/Kathleen/K/CT - I have a full time assistant, yes
Pip - My centers run through the month. On Fridays I have a long center time. Those who get done through everything eraly have free time for the rest of the month. Of course, I never except sloppy work.
Addie k/mo - i only have an assistant when there are spec. ed kids in the room
Jay - extra help? What is that?
JJ - Didn't have an assit this year, but still did centers. Kids made a plan for their centers.
Melissa/Nj - Smitty I wish I had the time to do that!!
Ginger - Kat, how lucky you are!!
J@Va - Peachy, you are so on top of things tonite, I think you are right. Does it have a colorful cover with a bear picture?
becca - Do you do High Scope JJ?
Pip - I need help. I really don't want to ask parents of the class to help. Is it possible to get other parents to help?
Kat/Kathleen/K/CT - Should I look into getting bob to post a link for Book Cooks, so Teachers.Net will get a commission on sales???
Jay - I plan on using some parents next year.
Jill - JJ- like planning sheets?
JJ - Yes, becca! Do you!
Addie k/mo - that is a good idea, kat...dont know the publisher though
Sandy/K/Mo - It is my 4th for tonight.. Laughing Book Cooks 1 & 2 are great
Jill - Kat- Yes! I'll buy!
Smitty/1/MS - We have rules established Sleepy at the beginning of the year and they pretty much follow the do not interrupt the teacher groups unless it is an emergency. Do what you think is best until T or Ta can get to you!
Kat/Kathleen/K/CT - Pip, why not parents of the students you have??
Jay - No I don't Peachy
Sleepy/MA - I don't really want my kids filling out worksheets in a center. How can I monitor what they have worked on while I'm not there?
becca - No, but I'm interested in it. I did some preschool stuff with it in college.
Kat/Kathleen/K/CT - is Laughing Book Cooks I and II real titles?
Smitty/1/MS - Pip your local AARP will also provide volunteers!
Tex - What kinds of things do you suggest for an upper primary spelling center?
Addie k/mo - at our school parent volunteers are not supposed to work in their child's classroom....but i let a mom do it a couple of years ago (had to talk the office into it) and it was fine
JJ - Yes, Jill! They really got used to planning their day. If they saw an area was full, they signed up for something different! Problems of overcrowing solved themselves.
Sandy/K/Mo - not the laughing but Book Cooks 1 and then 2 yes..
Smitty/1/MS - Sleepy we have a oflder for each child and they insert their work when complete. I keep a running eye on who is producing and who is not so I can encourage the ones who need it!
Pip - There has just been negative things. Like the parents who want to help wind up being the ones who talk to all other poarents about things that happened in the classroom and gossip. I don't need that.
Tex - Sleepy, JJ had an idea about that...
Kat/Kathleen/K/CT - I don't understand the rationale of discouraging parents from being in their child's classroom?
Peachy/K/NC - I sometimes tell mine to "ask 3 before me", when I'm working with a group.
Jay - I had stamps, giggly writing pens and shaving creme to practice spelling words with
JJ - What Tex????
becca - Tex, check out discovery toys spelling star(?) it is neat!
Peachy/K/NC - Pip, that can be a real problem!
Kat/Kathleen/K/CT - Jay, that sounds motivating!
Sleepy/MA - yeah ,Tex.
Smitty/1/MS - I love ask 3 before me I'll defintely use that next year!
Addie k/mo - i understand it, (small town talk) but it has never been a problem for me (knock wood!!!)
meeha/ece/tx - Every now and then I get a glimpse of why, Kat! The child is great when no parent is about, when they arrive the child goes off the deep end!
Tex - JJ, I think Sleepy wanted to know about your way to evaluate center work... the portfolios?
Kat/Kathleen/K/CT - Yes, I like the "ask 3 before me" idea, too!
Jay - I like parents in the class--especially those that cause you "trouble" keep them busy and informed
Pip - Kat - It's not that I don't want them but I don't want any negativity in the room either.
J@Va - tex, have you tried the boggle jr. It is great for my k children. It helps them learn letter sounds and spelling.
Tex - Sleepy, I'm thinking of tying center work to 1) portfolio and 2) Those study skills/behavior grades on the report card.
meeha/ece/tx - A couple of teachers I know wear a special hat or glasses as a signal to the kids that now is not a good time and to do the ask 3 thing (unless it is an emergency!)
Kat/Kathleen/K/CT - meeha, I see happen at first, then the child forgets the parent is there ususally
Cathy G./AR/2 - So, Smitty do all of your centers involve some kind of paperwork?
Kat/Kathleen/K/CT - I can't think of a time when a parent was a problem in the classroom. Lucky I guess
becca - I love having parents involved until they step over the line and hold their child in their lap, carry them around, feed them, and go into special classes where the teachers aren't comfortable
JanK/WV - Is there a website for Discovery toys? I have several of their toys in my room that once were used by my son ( he is now 15, and likes to visit his old toys at Mom's school)
Smitty/1/MS - To evaluate portfolios, I have private conferences with those who need it and write such things as we generally say I like the way you, great illustration or have you read the book??? it is about __ too!
Addie k/mo - when i had the parent volunteer with a child in my room, she was told up front that if it caused her child to behave disruptively or made him clingy or caused any other probs, we would have to reevaluate the situation. the child knew it too...that if he acted up because his mom was there she wouldnt get to help in our class anymore
JJ - Oh! I had a working folder for students work from the centers. That way you knew what they were working on. Then about 2-3 weeks, you and the student sit down and go through their work to put in their portfolios.
Peachy/K/NC - great idea, meeha!!
Jay - Tex, mine also cut letters from magazines to practice spelling words-kind of like a randsom note!!
Kat/Kathleen/K/CT - Meeha, I wear a special face 8-<
Kat/Kathleen/K/CT - addie, and what happened?
meeha/ece/tx - Kat -- I even saw it at our (night time) end of year picnic! Only one child with the problem, but he really acted out every time either of his parents showed up! Everyone else did fine when parents were in.
Smitty/1/MS - No Cathy, some are check offs that they were there and handled the material, then I ask for an opinion on the activity and they REALLY let me know!
Tex - Thanks for the spelling ideas.. I will check out discovery toys, and boggle jr.
Pip - Kat you are very lucky!!
Addie k/mo - of course, any parent volunteer can carry tales into the community...we always have an orientation for them and they are briefed on confidentiality
becca - That's a good policy Addie. I'll remember that for next year
Peachy/K/NC - I did that in one particular case, too, Addie. It worked!
Kat/Kathleen/K/CT - The special offer from Childwood is called "Three Little Pigs Literacy Center" (story magnets, tent shaped magnetic board, extra magnet tape, suggetions for literacy center
Addie k/mo - everything went fine...the mom came up once a week and it was great!!!
Sleepy/MA - Most of my center activities are not pencil and paper activities. I'm wondering how I should have the kids keep track of what they have done?
Tex - JJ, I think the 2 week working folder thing is a great idea. With computer work, and anything else, it is hard to assign an exact time for them to get finished with a product.. especially if I choose to pull them back to conference with me.
Kat/Kathleen/K/CT - sleepy, would a clipboard checklist help?
Smitty/1/MS - Sleepy you could put a checklist in their folder and have them check it off or draw a smilly face!
Pip - Well I gotta go, Remember: Ask 3 Before Me:) Goodnight
meeha/ece/tx - Give them a little record sheet with a pictogram of each center area and have them initial each area as they do the work there?
Peachy/K/NC - I really like having my kids file their papers!
JJ - Sleepy, I had a weekly planning sheet so the students knew what they did. Then put it in their portfolio to show independence.
Smitty/1/MS - Mine enjoy the fact that when required centers are complete they can put their completed folder in the DONE file and I know to check it and conference, etc.
JanK/WV - My newest center is one of our favorite, and one of our least expensive!
Sleepy/MA - I hadn
becca - Does anyone use the math manipulative rubber stamps as a way for kids to record what they've done in centers. I have some but have yet to use them
Kat/Kathleen/K/CT - If anyone wants a certificate of participation, e-mail me
Kat/Kathleen/K/CT - What, jan?
becca - Please tell us Jan
Addie k/mo - taking off!!! L8R, everyone!!!
Tex - Becca, I have used those back in 1st. We also had the die cut manipulative shapes too.
Sleepy/MA - oops! I hadn't even thought of a checklist! thanks! I'm still stuck in this year's thought pattern!
becca - Neat! How did they work Tex
JanK/WV - Discovery Bottles: Clean, empty plastic pop bottles, each bottle conatining something different. We have a wave bottle, a density bottle, (hair gel & marble)
Kat/Kathleen/K/CT - Addie, thanks for the help and ideas!!
JanK/WV - Magnetic bottle ( paper clips, nails, etc with a magnet attached
JJ - Cool Jan! Did you just use soda bottles????
J@Va - I have to go, too. We are going to the zoo tomorrow. EEEek!!! Kat, are you going to try and find a link to Book Cooks 1and 2? I will put the info on EC chat tomorrow about the author and publishers. I'm so glad we had this time together just to play and laugh and sing a song. But.. before you know it...it's time to say so long...... :)
Kat/Kathleen/K/CT - So, Jan the kids explore and observe? they love it?? You should put that in the lesson exchange!
becca - Jan-marbles(?) Do all the bottles have water?
Peachy/K/NC - Neat!!!! Great center, Jan!
meeha/ece/tx - Jan -- cooking oil and water with food color, glitter, etc. works well. So does a bottle with light (white) Karo syrup with beads in it!
Tex - becca it worked well. But I like having some project the students complete to show their center work.
JanK/WV - Yes, empty soda bottles. Some bottles have sand or salt, with hidden objects kids have to find.
Peachy/K/NC - Wow! I love these bottle ideas!!!!
Kat/Kathleen/K/CT - J@ve, spoken like a tru teacher..yes, post that info and I'll get Bob to put it out..to help teachers.net, buy through our link
meeha/ece/tx - 'night J.
Tex - Jan, have you seen the liquid explorations unit from Gems? We kinda did that with baby food jars..
becca - Does anyone know how to make the ocean bottle that really looks like an ocean
Kat/Kathleen/K/CT - becca, I think Jan knows how to create the ocean bottle
Smitty/1/MS - I have a bottle with colored water and dice, children shake, write down the two numbers and add or subtract whatever we are doing or greater than less than sign and then after several "rolls they put it in the folder!
Tex - Becca, that's one of the activities in the Gems unit... ocean in a bottle. I think it worked.
JanK/WV - Holiday gltter is fun too. What could you use for a static electicity bottle? Not familar with Gems, sounds interesting
meeha/ece/tx - Cute, Smitty!
becca - Please share instructions
JJ - Wow Smitty! You are so creative!!! I'll have to remember that one. Looks like I'm doing a bottles workshop next year.
JanK/WV - Water, 1/3 of bottle, cooking oil, 3/4 of bottle, and blue food coloring
Smitty/1/MS - At my house we always have empty bottles so had to find some uses for them!
JJ - What are some math activities that people have done in the math center???
becca - I threw out a bunch at the end of the year. I could kick myself.
Smitty/1/MS - Wish we could all get together and brainstorm we could be fantastic!
Tex - Gosh... It's Great Expectations in Math and Science.... I was looking for a web site..
meeha/ece/tx - becca, just tack up a note at your church -- I bet you'll get plenty!
Cathy G./AR/2 - My kids love my tornado tube bottle!
JanK/WV - The dice bottle is one of their favorite. We just put the bottles on the floor in a big box, with magnifying glasses, magnets, and paper to record observations. The rust bottle was fun (water, nails, etc.) Just remember to seal all bottles with a glue gun or heavy tape!
Sleepy/MA - I'm going to go, thanks for the help. It's SO nice to talk and listen to a whole bunch of teachers at the same time!! I'm going to tell everyone about this!:) Have a great night and an even nicer tomorrow!
Smitty/1/MS - JJ I have junk boxes with items to count such as toy soldiers, beads, etc and they add, or do tens and ones on little 1/4 sheets I've prepared and added to the boxes, then they always play with them, too!
Kat/Kathleen/K/CT - JJ. scale activities are good
Kat/Kathleen/K/CT - sorting
Smitty/1/MS - Kat where do I find the "archives?
Cathy G./AR/2 - Did you put the magnetic stuff and the magnet inside a bottle with water? I thought maybe you dumped that one out.
becca - I put bathroom scale, a diet scale, a balance scale in mine
Kat/Kathleen/K/CT - Smitty, there is a link in the frame to the left..it's written small..see it over in the left frame, scroll if necessary. it's near the top, right uner "TEachers.Net"
Smitty/1/MS - Y'all are great thanks for at least 100 new ideas! I can hardly wait to try them!
Peachy/K/NC - Great meeting tonight!!! Goodnight all!
meeha/ece/tx - measuring... use a string, around a table, chair, a person's height or waist, an apple, anything in the room -- the mark items from smallest to larges
Smitty/1/MS - Got it Kat, thanks! I'm new to this!
Kat/Kathleen/K/CT - smitty, the archive is new for all of us :-)
Kat/Kathleen/K/CT - meeha, good measuring ideas there!
Kat/Kathleen/K/CT - bye meeha!!and jj!!
Kat/Kathleen/K/CT - I think I'll go now, too...still some word processing to do...bye all, thanks for a great meeting!!
