Join a Mailring at the
Teacher Mailring Center
http://www.teachers.net/mailrings/
1st-year-KINDER - Hey Paulie... Is this the ECE Chat?
Paulie - I don't make graphics I use other people's graphics and have link back to them they are free
Paulie - It sure is KINDER welcome
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - I tried that but I am still lost! LOL
jeanne/ece/tx - I'm back ...
Paulie - wb Meeha
jeanne/ece/tx - Tina -- if you go with the right program you don't have to know html!
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - We would make a great team ! I make graphics but can't do the other stuff....tried table but it got all mixed up LOL
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - Like what Jeanne
jeanne/ece/tx - hi 1st year Kinder -- yes, this is the ECE/Primary chat!
Paulie - I can give u a neat site to learn from Tina Have you ever hear of a kid named Lissa? she explains it in easy terms
jeanne/ece/tx - Netscape communicator has a program that skips the html programming for you
Paulie - I write all my html myself I do not use a program
Paulie - brb
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - Netscape is what I have been using only I can't add backgrounds to my tables
jeanne/ece/tx - when i DO write or work on my webpage (at school) all I do is type ... the program does all the work!
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - I saw Lissa explains it all....I guess I need to go back to here site and read up
Paulie - # http://www.lissaexplains.com/ this is the site Tina
Paulie - Yes she is great
Paulie - I learned how to make tables from her and do many other things
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - Thatnks Pauile! I am gonna try that! Maybe I can get the hang of it...Printed out a million pages from web monkey but it was confusing
Paulie - just join in the rest of the people here . . . we can ahve many conversations going on at once
jeanne/ece/tx - Tina -- keep on trying ... you'll get there!
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - Ok, here's my question for tonight...
Paulie - <=======don't really like web monkey much
jeanne/ece/tx - 1st year ... you still here?
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - have been working on new curriculum ideas for my school
Paulie - I charge for answers . . .
Paulie - (never get paid . . . but I charge)
jeanne/ece/tx - you still charging this week, Paulie?
1st-year-KINDER - still here--
Paulie - see below
Paulie - of course I charge always
jeanne/ece/tx - We're glad you're here ... how is your first year going?
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - we have been using th same one for the last 4 or 5 years and I have been complying new ideas to add to id
1st-year-KINDER - kinda tough. I'm not quite sure I'm cut out for K.
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - Mostly stuff from the web ...
Paulie - I hope u mean compiling
Paulie - that is good
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - oooops! Yes!
jeanne/ece/tx - GO Tina!We're adding a dinosaur unit this year in my classroom ... kiddos seemed really excited about it.
Paulie - no snow ehre yet but we are finally getting it in the mountains
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - I had planned on "unveiling" it to the teachers in August
Paulie - ay for snow pack for water this summer we need a ft of snwo every day for 39 more days we will be hurting this summer
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - but since we were a bit shy of ideas this month (rodeo) I went ahead and gave them what I ahd found
jeanne/ece/tx - 1st ... it takes a bit of time to get into the swing in any grade level ... be patient with yourself. Is there anything we can help you with?
Paulie - great let me know when u work on it Tina and I can critique it
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - Much to my dismay I was met with "It's too much reading"
Paulie - <--------love K thought I would ahte it wanted to teach 4 or 5th
jeanne/ece/tx - Tina -- isn't that (too often) the case?
1st-year-KINDER - aaah. the ultimate question. How do I manage 19 active kinders and still run guided reading groups?
Paulie - real sad Tina
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - My first thought was to say fine I'll keep all of this for myself and you can find your own ideas, but I don't want to seem childish...what do you think
Paulie - u got to train them practice practice practice
prekteacher/nj - Hello all...did I miss much?
jeanne/ece/tx - best solution I've met yet, 1st is "learning stations" ... some teachers call it "tubbing" ... where other children in the classroom have assigned quiet work assignments to complete while the teacher does reading groups
Paulie - jsut let it go Tina u did the professional thing
Paulie - nah preKNJ we are here for 2 and half more hours
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - Nope just getting started
jeanne/ece/tx - Hi prekteacher! Welcome to tonite's early childhood/primary meeting
prekteacher/nj - thanks jeanne...
1st-year-KINDER - we do "centers" right now. I guess I just need to tighten the reigns.
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - I think what I might do is offer it to them...if they want it they will have to come and ask me for it....sound fair?
Paulie - (gee I said answer to u too guess u did not see me)
jeanne/ece/tx - Tina, it is hard to understand what goes through other teachers minds ... I think too often we are stuck in what always used to work -- and we don't try to fix it when it quits working!
Paulie - nope Tina just give it to them a copy
jeanne/ece/tx - Hi Lucy!, Welcome to tonite's early childhood/primary meeting
prekteacher/nj - I have a centers question...
jeanne/ece/tx - go, prek
Paulie - Yes KINDER and like I said practice practice practice
jeanne/ece/tx - hi prekassistant! Welcome to tonite's early childhood/primary meeting
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - I guess your right Paulie...let them do as they wish
Lucy - Hi everyone, what are we talking about tonight?
Paulie - hi PreKTN can't u guys come in here with names?????
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - PK asst.
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - Just getting started Lucy....
Paulie - Lucy most anythign u want to that concerns your class
jeanne/ece/tx - For those of you who are new tonite ... the transcript for this meeting will be available at http://www.teachers.net/archive in a day or two ... web addresses and ideas shared here will be available there soon.
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - Go ahead Pk Nj
prekteacher/nj - Right now, my school does what is called centers, but there are not planned activities...children go to any center with no "tubbing" I guess...I am trying to find a way to have learning activities for my kids without rocking the boat too much
PreKassistant/TN - im sorry to butt in however, i would like to know if any of you have ever dealt with a child with down syndrome?
prekteacher/nj - simmer paulie...
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - I haven't prek TN
Paulie - preKNJ just schedule three or 4 centers oen of them your reading They rotate around after u give them directions for all on the rug
Paulie - forget it NJ out of here
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - PK NJ what about a work board
jeanne/ece/tx - prek -- how about having "work jobs" for each child to complete prior to going to centers ... maybe each child has a folder with a different group of assignments each day (set them up for a week at a time) ... two or three tasks a day (these would take maybe five minutes each) ... THEN go to free choice centers
PreKassistant/TN - thanks for the welcome
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - Wow! What was that?
prekteacher/nj - that makes sense...I am in pre-k, so I don't do reading
prekteacher/nj - tina--what was that about I was kidding!!!
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - Yes....Jeanne! That's a great idea
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - Hi milymo!
jeanne/ece/tx - You can "assign" tasks using shape or color symbols ...
prekteacher/nj - jeanne, what type of activities could I set up for pre-k
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - I know....She must have taken it wrong?!
jeanne/ece/tx - those learning tasks can be file folder games, a patterning activity, listening to a story at a listening center, etc.
jeanne/ece/tx - 'evening, mily!
milymo - PreKassistant - my cousin has down's and I worked with a little boy at a day care who has down's.
1st-year-KINDER - Well, gang! Thanks for the intro to the ECE Chat! But dinner calls! G'nite!
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - I have seven four Groups that the kids go to before they can go to centers....we rotate to one center a day
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - Bye!
jeanne/ece/tx - Tina, look at the file folder games at http://www.preschoolprintables.com for starter ideas ...
prekteacher/nj - the management of it seems confusing to me, like I said I am not expected to do it, but my center time is basically free play...my math small group is basically nonexistent any more
PreKassistant/TN - Great! we (the preK i work at) are getting a new student and she has down's just wondering if anyone had any advice
jeanne/ece/tx - 1st ... we're here every tuesday evening ... come back soon and often.
jeanne/ece/tx - PreKassistant -- consistency ... be firm and gentle ... what is her developmental level?
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - Thanks Jeanne!
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - PK NJ my groups are math, language, writng, and art
PreKassistant/TN - not sure yet....she doesnt communicate a lot...the parents are using picture cards instead of sign lang.
jeanne/ece/tx - preKteacher, I had to revamp my classroom after the holiday ... we do a LOT more structured learning before going to free choice now ... you'll probably spend the next two months teaching them how to do "learning stations"
PreKassistant/TN - yes...her speech teacher has told us we must be firm with her
prekteacher/nj - I know I am wondering in February is it worth it?
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - The kids rotate to a different group each day and have to complete their work before going to free centers
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - You might get it all set up now and start it in March
prekteacher/nj - I am going to be observed 5 times for NAEYC accrediting
jeanne/ece/tx - PreKassistant -- I teach in a special needs preschool classroom. If she uses picture cards, you'll want to have a full set of what she uses at home PLUS cards for her to learn at school. I would STRONGLY recommend a picture schedule to help her plan her day.
prekteacher/nj - I have set up tables while I do math small group...I let some do geoboards etc and we rotate that way, but I always get 1 or 2 who are done early and l want to leave the table
PreKassistant/TN - her speech teacher made us a set of cards to keep in our room for her...i will talk to the teacher about the schedule
jeanne/ece/tx - I set one up once for summer school ... kids learned it very quickly ... a color wheel, different kiddos in different color groups ... wheel turned one place each day and the kiddos rotated from one area to next based on what the picture symbols said
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - You might set a time limit....say start out with 30 minutes and move up to an hour...use a egg timer
jeanne/ece/tx - one resource for picture cards is http://www.dotolearn.com ... if you dont have access to boardmaker it may be helpful to be able to pull some symbols up in a hurry at times -- that one is free
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - Don't be afraid to try it...if it doesn't work...try something else
jeanne/ece/tx - When I started teaching in PreK we had a "sponge box" ... a crate at the circle area filled with activities that take about three minutes to complete ... lacing beads, buttons to sort, books to read, paper to color on, patterning activities, file folder games, puzzles, etc.
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - I have done centers three different ways this years and finally found the one that works best for my class
milymo - My pm class is having problems following directions. They need such specific details about how to do things, but seem to have no attention span to listen to directions.
prekteacher/nj - tina--forgive my confusion...which way should I try?
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - I have 13 boys and 5 girls so I have to work quickly or I lose them completely
jeanne/ece/tx - Tina's advice is good -- you have to find something that works for you AND the kiddos in your classroom this year ... what works this year may not even begin to work next year!
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - Well, Try breaking your kids up into groups....4 -5 depending on how many you have
prekteacher/nj - I have 9 boys and 4 girls...
jeanne/ece/tx - Tina -- one thing that works remarkably well for me is the use of a kitchen timer ... when we sit down at certain areas we set a timer for x minutes ... no one leaves the assigned location until the bell rings when we are in that setting. You might have related activity box in the center of each table for kiddos who finish up early.
prekteacher/nj - right now the way every one does it is center time is free play an dI hate that!
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - then paln for thise groups, one activity for each. Each morning have them go to there assigned group for that day and do the activity...If they finish before the timer goes off, then they can find something off the shelf (like geoboards) to work with
PreKassistant/TN - i checked out the website...thanks...i will bookmark the page for future reference...the picture cards she uses are homemade...theyre of her doing the activities....for instance; if she wants to read a book, shell bring us the picture of her reading a book
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - My math activity for the week may be someething as simple as cutting out 5 smiles from a magazine or maybe be patterning strips
prekteacher/nj - I like that Tina...
jeanne/ece/tx - PreK -- unfortunately, the work-job then go to free-choice can be a bad habit maker ... kiddos can learn to rush through the work to get to the fun ... that is a good reason to work with the timer -- all go to free choice at the same time!
prekteacher/nj - i like that too jeanne
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - My writing center started off with blank books that they could color it and then I would write what they dictated to me
jeanne/ece/tx - her picture cards are photos, then, assistant?
prekteacher/nj - tina--then these activities planned for each group have to be pretty simple so that I can only work with one at a time, or I am misunderstanding?
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - Now in writing they do write the room....Are you familiar with that?
PreKassistant/TN - yes, taken with a digital camera
prekteacher/nj - tina--you have 1 math activity per week?
jeanne/ece/tx - preK -- you'll find that the "other" activities are review of familiar activities, you get to introduce new ones at your center.
prekteacher/nj - yes I have read a little about it...another thing that I can't figure how to implement
jeanne/ece/tx - Hi Cheryl! Welcome to tonite's early childhood/primary meeting
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - usually have one group that I work with and the others are self directed....Every Monday we go over each activity so that the are clear on what they do when the get to this activity...there are still a few questions, but for the most part they go to it and do their work
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - Yes
Cheryl/NH/pre - Good evening!
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - Hi Cheryl
Cheryl/NH/pre - Hey Tina!
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - In writng the room, I have 4 or more clipboards and the children wlak through the room and copy words. I have labeled EVERYTHING!!!!! in my room
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - plus we do a word wall where we add words according to ur theme
PreKassistant/TN - well thanks for the info jeanne...unless cheryl has input on teaching a child with down syndrome, im going to get ready for bed
prekteacher/nj - That's great Tina...some of my kids are so into writing...and some can not write the letters of their name...
Cheryl/NH/pre - I am just beginning to label the room. My 3's are HIGHLY interested in print since the holidays.
Cheryl/NH/pre - No...sorry....I don't have any info on that. (Down's)
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - I found a trick when teaching children to wrte their names
prekteacher/nj - do tell tina
jeanne/ece/tx - preKassistant -- check out the website http://www.ourkids.com -- I think that one is by parents of children with Down syndrome.
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - If you write their name with a YELLOW highlighter then they can copy inside of it....I have one who is having a very hard time with his name and this has doen the trick
PreKassistant/TN - thanks again
Cheryl/NH/pre - That is a great idea Tina!
PreKassistant/TN - yes tina...thats how we've been wirking with name writing with some of our students
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - It's simple....I wish I would have found it years ago
prekteacher/nj - cool, I will try that..I am not supposed to be sitting down and teaching them to write...some people "sneak-teach" and do it, but I am not supposed to teach them to write any letters...
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - Three is a great age to introduce print
jeanne/ece/tx - Tina -- that trick works for kiddos who have a hard time with cutting, as well. Some kiddos different colors of highlighter work better, though
Cheryl/NH/pre - I have the opposite going...I have their names written in mini photo albums....they use dry erase pens on them. I also have their names on laminated cards that they can take with them to each center if they want.
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - Hmmmm. hadn't htought of that...
PreKassistant/TN - thanks again! g'nite all if you find anymore info for teaching preschoolers with down's please email me: jdwhite166@hotmail.com Thanks again and good nite
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - I have that too Cheryl
PreKassistant/TN - thanks again! g'nite all if you find anymore info for teaching preschoolers with down's please email me: jdwhite166@hotmail.com Thanks again and good nite
jeanne/ece/tx - http://www.our-kids.org/ -- I got it wrong the first time.
Cheryl/NH/pre - preknj.....perhaps if you have it at a writing center as a choice...I don't "teach" it either, but the interest is there so I have it available.
Cheryl/NH/pre - nite prekassistant.
prekteacher/nj - I hate to harp on the centers idea...are there good websites for this? I have another snow day tomorrow so I am trying to think of things
prekteacher/nj - I do cheryl...but to sit there and hold their hand and show them how, we aren't supposed to...
Cheryl/NH/pre - wow NJ.....still snowing there??
jeanne/ece/tx - I usually just keep sentence strips or cards with names printed on them in the room ... the kids learn by using them.
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - I just got some letter beads from Discount SS, and I have told them if they can make a necklace with their name in the right order they can take it home...boy was that a great idea...they work everyday on it
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - Hmmmmm......I can't think of one off hand...Jeanne your good at that
prekteacher/nj - no cheryl, but I guess cleanup is still going on...
Cheryl/NH/pre - www.perpetualpreschool.com and www.childfun.com may have some ideas for centers.
jeanne/ece/tx - websites for centers? Let me check a couple real quick ...
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - Snow....I wish...a high of 70 here today
prekteacher/nj - I am not complaining..eventhough I'll be going to school until July at this rate. Our district has NO snow days built in
Cheryl/NH/pre - I also like ABCTEACH.COM
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - No harping NJ ...Centers is my passion
Cheryl/NH/pre - Neither do we...but we've only had one day off (today). How many days have you been off so far?
prekteacher/nj - it's nice to have help..no one in my building is helpful at all
prekteacher/nj - one last week. 2 this week
Cheryl/NH/pre - Are you in a private center prekteacher?
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - Some people are very set in their ways and don't want to change...I'm having that problem myself
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - brb
jeanne/ece/tx - check out http://www.enchantedlearning.com, http://www.janbrett.com,
prekteacher/nj - I'll tell you tina, I come up with ideas and they actually ask me why do you bother doing that? and then weeks down the road they present to the director and she loves their idea (which was mine and scoffed at)
jeanne/ece/tx - you may want to also check out http://www.pbskids.org
prekteacher/nj - It is subsidized to a private company but part of a public district
prekteacher/nj - I don't get any public benefit or pay, but when it's convenient the district throws its name on what we do
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - Are your sure you don't work at my school...sounds very familiar
Cheryl/NH/pre - wow prek...it must be hard to have no support where you are.
prekteacher/nj - It pretty much stinks!
jeanne/ece/tx - Tina -- where in TX? (((I'm sure I know, but I forget!))) I'm in Arlington!
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - Well, NJ we are here every Tuesday night..I have come to look forward to it
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - Houston
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - It's my only night for ME
jeanne/ece/tx - I kinda thought I remembered that ... sad to know it is the same almost everywhere -- right?
prekteacher/nj - I try to make it, but sometimes I am so tired with grad school etc...I am sure I don't have as great advice, but I love the support and help I get here!
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - Right!!!!!!!!!
Cheryl/NH/pre - This is a great place....this chatroom got me through many a day of "That's it....I'm done" type days!
prekteacher/nj - we all have them...I have had many this year!!!!
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - You never know...I thought I wouldn't either but gosh I talk to much sometimes
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - Me too Cheryl
jeanne/ece/tx - prekteacher ... grad school is quite a grind -- I had a great professor inform me about 6 months before I finished up my masters' that "the light I see is the end of the tunnel ... not a train!" Keep that in mind!
prekteacher/nj - So has anyone gone through NAEYC accredidation? (I can't spell that word)
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - BTW_ May 10 is Child Care Provider Day
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - Hi Jen
Cheryl/NH/pre - lol.....great advice jeanne!
jeanne/ece/tx - not I, says the me ...
jeanne/ece/tx - Hi, Jen!
prekteacher/nj - true jeanne...
JenTX - Hi everybody!
prekteacher/nj - hey Jen
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - Many of us fall under this heading I believe since often we are not thought of as "real" teachers
Cheryl/NH/pre - The center I used to work at did prek...quite gruelling!
Cheryl/NH/pre - Hi Jen.
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - I love Pre-K
prekteacher/nj - yeah right tina! We are going through it now...and our new "big boss" as I call him is a pain in the butt
prekteacher/nj - I love pre-k too...just wish I was in a better center
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - You have to like it to work it
jeanne/ece/tx - Tina -- didn't the IRS (and the U.S. government) confirm that we're not "real" teachers by not including us in the tax deduction for teachers this past year?
prekteacher/nj - so true jeanne!
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - LOL You are not kidding Jeanne...Talk about unfair...I spend WAY over that 250 dollars
Cheryl/NH/pre - Yes jeanne...that was definitely silent admission on their part.
JenTX - Your fellow kinder teachers think you're all doing a great job! We can tell the difference in prek or not.
jeanne/ece/tx - preK ... make it a better center, just by being there and not being afraid to do what's best for the children you work with. "Brighten the corner where you are!"
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - NJ_ Sometimes you have to make it better yourself...my center is not the best by far, BUT my room is...I have complete confidence in what I am doing
Cheryl/NH/pre - Thanks Jen!
prekteacher/nj - true jeanne, so true! I just have to get this learning center stuff under control!
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - Thanks Jen!!!!!!!!!!! That means alot to me!
jeanne/ece/tx - I don't know many teachers that spend less than 1000 on their classroom in a year!
prekteacher/nj - I love my classroom...just stepping out of it is tough...some real doozies
JenTX - You're welcome & very much appreciated!
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - Baby steps NJ.....Don't try to change everything over night
Cheryl/NH/pre - prekteacher...there is a great book that goes into detail about every center if you can get a copy of it.....Creative Curriculum (4th ediction). I love it!
prekteacher/nj - True tina...this has been such a year for me...
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - It's on sale on E bay right now
jeanne/ece/tx - Creative Curriculum ... is that the "pinwheel book"?
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - Creative Curriculum that is
Cheryl/NH/pre - you can read more about it at http://www.teachingstragegies.com
Cheryl/NH/pre - Sorry...pinwheel book?
jeanne/ece/tx - gotta go get my clothes out of the dryer ... brb ...
Cheryl/NH/pre - Do you mean the cover of it?
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - I was going to buy is but ALAS I am broke
Cheryl/NH/pre - oooops http://www.teachingstrategies.com
JenTX - LOL, I was trying to pronounce stragegies
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - NJ- do you have a adie or do you go it alone like me?
jeanne/ece/tx - unfortunately ... I have a 17-year-old who is lazier than sin ... she'll dump anything in the dryer on the couch in a wad to dry HER clothes. Hasn't got the common decency to fold or lay out or anything ... GRRRRRR
prekteacher/nj - I am on my second aide , since my first on is buddies with my boss and demanded to be removed from the room b/c my class is so bad and i told her to stop undermining me (she told everyone I called her a jerk!) Anywya, my boss took her out, after I had been complaining since october about how she treats my class...so now I am on my 2nd aide who has a very loud voice...and yells if they breathe...my first aide expected them to be perfect sitters and angellic...
Cheryl/NH/pre - There are letters to parents that you can send home...one for each interest center. I have been sending one out each week.
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - Yikes...you got dealt a bad hand this year...
jeanne/ece/tx - hang on a sec ... I think I have another website for you ...
JenTX - NJ, I work with a K teacher who is very LOUD
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - Jeanne, I have a clone of that here
prekteacher/nj - you are not kidding!!!!!!
Cheryl/NH/pre - ouch prekteacher....what a year for you...
prekteacher/nj - so anyway, I liek my aide now, but she just speaks loudly...I am trying to teach her
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - Hang in there girl! You can do it...Times like these make for a GREAT prek teacher
prekteacher/nj - to speak kindly
Cheryl/NH/pre - I had an aide like that one year..director did not want to do anything (had blinders on) until 4 parents went into her office threatening to pull their children.
JenTX - How do people who don't like little kids get their jobs?
prekteacher/nj - the first day in my room she cleaned and restocked all my shelves, something my previous aide thought beneath her
Cheryl/NH/pre - WB jeanne!!!!
prekteacher/nj - and the room where she is now can not stanc my previous aide b/c she does nothing...
prekteacher/nj - i don't know jen, it's scary isn't it?
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - That's a good start....I don't know Jen, wonder that myself sometimes
jeanne/ece/tx - http://www.preschooleducation.com/ and http://www.preschoolprintables may have some good ideas for you nj
JenTX - Yes, it is. Kids deserve better.
Cheryl/NH/pre - I wish I had the article from a few years ago...I think from Young Child magazine.....about tone of voice and modeling..anyone know of one?
Lucy - I had to clean and organize my own classroom. My assistant is very unorganized. She was not real happy about me doing it either
Cheryl/NH/pre - Hi Lucy
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - There was a case here in Houston a couple of weeks ago where a two year old teacher TAPEd a childs eyes shut because he would not nap....UNBELIEVEABLE
JenTX - Do you plan and share with other prek teachers at your schools?
jeanne/ece/tx - Jen -- I have an aide in my classroom who shouldn't work with kiddos (or people!) ... sometimes we get SO frustrated!
JenTX - hi lucy
prekteacher/nj - Yeah, they don't like to do it and then whent he teacher does it they get offended...funny huh lucy?
jeanne/ece/tx - Cheryl -- contact NAEYC and ask them ...
prekteacher/nj - tina...I seriously could see my old aide doing that
Lucy - I have been here just trying to get things done for tomorrow.
jeanne/ece/tx - I AM the pre-school program on my campus
prekteacher/nj - actually cheryl I just printed one out today
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - I would ove to do it back to them
Cheryl/NH/pre - OMG Tina....unbelievable....we had one...actually in Massachusetts where the child's mouth was taped shut.
JenTX - are you at school now, lucy
Lucy - I don't ask my assisstant to do anything. Easier to do it myself and it gets done correctly.
prekteacher/nj - lucy..I know how you feel
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - Jeanne carries the program....She great at ideas
jeanne/ece/tx - the gals who work in my classroom are clean-freaks ... they love me to stay home or go to a meeting ... they clean and clean and clean .....
Lucy - No I''m at home. I was lazy this weekend and we had a snow day today
Cheryl/NH/pre - I run a homebased preschool program now...when I was centerbased we had meetings....but some teachers were not developmental so it could be frustrating
prekteacher/nj - the title of the article is: "Wanted: A Childcare program with no screaming" by Carolyn Ross Tomlin
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - I know Jeanne...I am not the neatest person
jeanne/ece/tx - thanks Tina -- I really wish there were more preschool classes at my campus ... it gets frustrating when there isn't another teacher to plan or share with ...
JenTX - hi, Mauce
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - Cheryl, that is what I am having a problem with now
jeanne/ece/tx - Hi Mauce!
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - Hi Mauce
prekteacher/nj - the funniest is my director tells us to do certain things for naeyc like snack as a center, process art, etc...and I do it and my colleagues don't and they get pats on the back!!! and they say well when naeyc comes i'll do it...seems strange to me
Cheryl/NH/pre - That's why I love this place....great ideas....I attend monthly childcare association meetings but they do "cut and color" ...cookie cutter...activities with the kids, so it's pretty isolating.
JenTX - Nice color Mauce
Cheryl/NH/pre - hi Mauce
Mauce - Hi, everyone!
prekteacher/nj - he mauce
prekteacher/nj - I meant hi...getting sleepy I guess
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - The teaches in my school don't keep up with the developmental levels of the children they work with, and aren't planning what I consider appropriate lessons
Mauce - Thanks Jen - didn't want to take yours
Cheryl/NH/pre - prek..exactly...and that is why naeyc accred. can be so gruelling for many centers.
prekteacher/nj - I agree tina, I find that also...
JenTX - What do they do, Tina
prekteacher/nj - cheryl--so that's why I only worry about my classroom!
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - Mostly colorsheets
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - No painting...it's too messy!
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - No gluing...It's too messy!
Cheryl/NH/pre - That's the best thing you can do prek.
Cheryl/NH/pre - Arggghh Tina...how frustrating.
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - No cutting...they might hurt someone
JenTX - We had sand all over the place today, but my kids just used their brooms & dustpans to take care of it
jeanne/ece/tx - we're adding more color and cut sheets lately in my classroom ... helping the older group of kiddos "get ready" for "life in Kindergarten" -- our K teachers do a LOT of worksheet activity ... but we also have lots of free-draw, cut and glue, paint, process activity ...
Cheryl/NH/pre - I have a sign on the Parents' Place board "If your child goes home clean, I didn't do my job" !!
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - The best is one teacher who hands them a color that she has chosen for them.... one color they can't even chose their own
jeanne/ece/tx - Cheryl I LIKE THAT!
JenTX - we don't do a lot of worksheets in our K program.
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - No sand...TOOO messy! They would say any way...I have two sand centers
JenTX - I love your parent board sign, cheryl
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - I love that Cheryl...can I use it!
Cheryl/NH/pre - LOLOL That'll show them Tina....not one but TWO sand tables!!!!!
Cheryl/NH/pre - Of course! I stole it from someone else!!
jeanne/ece/tx - I wish I had room for a sand table!
JenTX - Question about the restrooms..Do you guys have little boys who MISS?
jeanne/ece/tx - (or even a sand box!)
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - And two water centers...and a rice center...I'm big on that stuff
prekteacher/nj - we share a sand table between two rooms...
jeanne/ece/tx - yep ...
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - I use tubs in small swimming pools
jeanne/ece/tx - I keep hearing how big my classroom is ... but people don't know how much furniture I've had to kick out to make it look that big!
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - You know with sand and water, you cover sm motor, lrg motor math and even lang
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - I have to admit I have a huge room
jeanne/ece/tx - don't forget science, TIna!
Cheryl/NH/pre - Another sign I liked I ahem "stole" from a Crayola magazine. There was a picture on the left of a collage of oranges, browns and greens....the subtitle was "This is what you see"......on the right was a picture of a beautiful mountainside at sunset and a subtitle of "This is what your child sees" Great for process art communication huh?
jeanne/ece/tx - Cheryl, I like that, too!
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - How could I forget!
prekteacher/nj - my classroom isn't that big, I made an igloo out of milk jugs that is HUGE and we love to sit in it and read...I am going to change it into a spring type of house I think....
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - Great Cheryl!
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - Add flowers to the outside
Cheryl/NH/pre - prek...too funny we just made an igloo as well.....now we have one inside and one outside!!!!
jeanne/ece/tx - Tina -- that will be cute!
prekteacher/nj - that is cute! I am going to try to find some springy fabric and cover the jugs
Cheryl/NH/pre - Or you could make it into a cave!
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - Yeah there you go!
jeanne/ece/tx - nj ... that may make it darker than you want inside ...
Cheryl/NH/pre - One of my kids fell into the milk jug igloo today.....we need to repair it tomorrow.
prekteacher/nj - true for hibernation...we talked about that when we made it...if my husband can think of a way to save it i will definitely doit for next yeat
prekteacher/nj - my typing is sloppy sorry
Cheryl/NH/pre - right now we have winter animals, winter books, flashlights and a sleeping bag in ours.
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - brb
jeanne/ece/tx - Mauce -- you're quiet this evening!
prekteacher/nj - cute!!!
Mauce - Quiet as a Mauce, I guess
jeanne/ece/tx - we finished up our "winter" activities about two weeks ago ... now we're into a long unit on dinosaurs ...
Cheryl/NH/pre - ok, that was a sign......the whole top of the igloo just fell of ....I jumped a mile!
Mauce - I'm reading my son's resume - almost done
prekteacher/nj - this week is a wash for me--2 days left thursday and friday..not much of a teaching week there, huh?
prekteacher/nj - I just finished dinos about 2 weeks ago jeanne!
Cheryl/NH/pre - we are on pets and pet care....my 3's are puppy crazy!
prekteacher/nj - at work cheryl?
prekteacher/nj - I forgot...your home based sorry
jeanne/ece/tx - prek -- do a "winter safety" unit ... make the most of it!
Cheryl/NH/pre - No home....I am officially self employed....home based preschool program.
JenTX - Can't you hot glue the top back on, Cheryl
jeanne/ece/tx - who is home-based?
prekteacher/nj - I am keeping that igloo and transforming it...a leprechaun's house? a spring bird's nest? something will hit me!
Cheryl/NH/pre - I will try that tomorrow....but it is pretty big Jen!
Cheryl/NH/pre - I am home based jeanne
jeanne/ece/tx - I like the bird's nest idea ...
JenTX - I wanted to do an igloo...maybe next year
prekteacher/nj - mine doesn't have a full top..with 9 boys..i don't trust them!
Cheryl/NH/pre - It was supposed to take 125 jugs....and we have 161 so far!
prekteacher/nj - It's a great teaching tool jen!
prekteacher/nj - mine is 200 jugs big
JenTX - Talk about big jugs LOL
Cheryl/NH/pre - wow prekteach!! That is big!!
Cheryl/NH/pre - ROFL Jen!!!!
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - ok...hubby came home hungary
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - HI PS
jeanne/ece/tx - Hi PS!
Cheryl/NH/pre - Hi PS
PS - <----My igloo was left up til school got out for summer I had it featured in the Gazette this month
JenTX - Tina, tell him it's Tues & you're busy working tonight
prekteacher/nj - it;s huge!!! It is my entire library area..I have mats in it for them to sit on...it fits about 4 kids comfortably...to stretch out and read
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - Jen...LOL
JenTX - hi PS
Cheryl/NH/pre - Yes...this is ME time, remember?!!
PS - hi all
prekteacher/nj - I just saw your joke jen.too funny...
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - I tried that but he gets too cranky when I don't feed him LOL
prekteacher/nj - hi ps
PS - mine fit 3 K kids and 3 5th gr reading buddies very comfortablly and adults could go in it too
Lucy - I have got to get going time for bed. Thanks all.
Mauce - Hi PS!
PS - nite Lucy
jeanne/ece/tx - 'nite, Lucy -- come back next week!
prekteacher/nj - bye lucy
JenTX - by lucy
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - I tried one but it just kept falling apart
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - Night Lucy
Cheryl/NH/pre - nite Lucy
Mauce - We'll get through it - Look who is back - PS
PS - You didn't read about mine then I used no hot glue except on the entrance part
jeanne/ece/tx - Tina -- I've heard some teachers have great luck with the igloo and others struggle with it for extended time before "giving up" on it
PS - hi Mauce good to see u
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - I used hot glue too but it just kept falling apart...I probably did something wrong
PS - Meeha did u read the gazette and check out the link to how I made mine?
jeanne/ece/tx - I'm guessing that hot glue pops too easily to be genuinely effective on the milk jugs
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - That's what I did Jeanne
prekteacher/nj - I am trying to find that creative curriculum book on ebay and can't seem to find it
PS - I used three stapeles in every side and it ehld up forever
prekteacher/nj - I used high temp hot glue and mine is very very sturdy
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - Hold on and I'll send you a link NJ
prekteacher/nj - thanks tina!
jeanne/ece/tx - PS -- I've not tried the igloo venture yet ... probably will wait until (at least) next year!
Cheryl/NH/pre - Sorry, I have to go all.....I hope to see you next week!!!!! Keep your chin up prek.....the kids need you!
PS - bye Cheryl
prekteacher/nj - thanks cheryl...see you next week!
Cheryl/NH/pre - Nite everyone.
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - Ooops! I'm sorry NJ it ended last night....
PS - I am gonna go get her gree outfil brb
JenTX - Did you guys see the debate on the kinder board about Inuits vs Eskimos
prekteacher/nj - that's ok tina..I'll scour the web tomorrow for it! Any other must have books?
jeanne/ece/tx - Jen -- no, missed it ...
PS - I like green better
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - Nope...But I am in the KinderKorner group and there was one there too...got almost NASTY!
prekteacher/nj - is that group good tina?
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - Looks good PS
JenTX - Yes, it did. I always try to view info as educational
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - I have Dr. Jean Book and I would live with out it....good center ideas there
prekteacher/nj - what's the name? i have her transition book--it's so-so
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - Well, it is but you get a lot of e mails...and a lot of the ideas are a bit too old for my kiddos, I just scan them and keep what I can use
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - Hold on let me think...Old age setting in
jeanne/ece/tx - http://half.ebay.com/search/search.jsp?product=all&keyword=Creative Curriculum&ad=54065
prekteacher/nj - what kind of science activities do you have? (anyone)
Mauce - To those of you who were here last week - I talked to Dr. Johnson - He would like to come to speak at a chat. I emailed Kathleen about Project First Step but haven't heard from her yet.
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - Jeanne you are amazing!!!!!!!
jeanne/ece/tx - prek ... science?
prekteacher/nj - thanks jeanne!!!!! yeah, science for pre-k
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - Great Mauce!
jeanne/ece/tx - science ... that really wasn't a question ... what kinds of science was more where I was going!
prekteacher/nj - hi terri
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - Jeanne maybe you know what the name of Dr, Jean's book is...Red and yellow cover...ring a bell
JenTX - In the science center, I have a sand tub with solid shapes to fill, mesure with, compare & paper to trace the sides of the solids. My kids love that!
prekteacher/nj - oh duh...sorry! I am expected to have a science center by the time my "big boss" comes for a visit again..I made some discovery bottles and I have magnets but that;s it! And I have no window to set it up by unfortunately
prekteacher/nj - I can cehck her website tina
jeanne/ece/tx - let's see ... emulsification (Breaking up fat) demonstrated with the milk kaliedoscope -- whole milk at room temp in an alumnium pie plate ... drip food color on top, slowly add drops of DAWN dish liquid for breaking up the fat in the milk ... interesting effect!
JenTX - Oh, I have the four seasons discovery bottles, too
jeanne/ece/tx - I don't use Dr. Jean much .
PS - why not plants seeds for science?
Mauce - Right now I'm doing a lot of social studies - presidents, country, flag, etc In March I will do spring. I do oviporous animals (Chickens Aren't the Only Ones) and the life cycle of the Easter Lily.
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - I don't think it's on there...I had to order it through the school supply
PS - and do bubbles
prekteacher/nj - true PS...I like to do things thematically so when spring comes I can do that!
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - BRB I'll check something
JenTX - I still have a pumpkin from TG
Terri F. - my kids love my magnet activities in the science center, but I don't know what other science center stuff would be fun and independent (k classroom)
prekteacher/nj - true terri...that;s the tough part, have it be independent
PS - well u said te next tiem they come in spring is around the corner here no snwo for us this year
PS - sink and float si science
prekteacher/nj - true ps...that is a great idea...planting
jeanne/ece/tx - planting flower seeds/vege seeds now is appropriate ...
prekteacher/nj - that's a good one too
PS - plant seeds in food handlers see thru gloves
PS - hang in windows to sprout
prekteacher/nj - I guess with 2 ft plus of snow outside it's hard for me to think of planting anything but my butt on the couch in my pj's!!!!
PS - grow in a garden
prekteacher/nj - great ideas PS!
jeanne/ece/tx - if you want a classroom garden ... 2 swimming (wading pools), 1 a bit smaller than the other -- plant in the smaller pool (placed in the larger to catch spills) ... plant a "salad" to enjoy later in the year.
JenTX - One seed in each finger? What else do you need?
Terri F. - our water district just did an assembly and gave every teacher radish seeds, soil, and see thru cups
PS - kids have fun with radishes
PS - they get to eat them quickly
PS - a wet cotton ball and label each finger
PS - they get ready to plant elsewhere cut off finger tips and sliede out bottom
PS - leave rest in fingers til they grow enough to transplant
jeanne/ece/tx - when the weather gets warmer, give a couple of kiddos a white sock to walk across a field in ... then "plant" the seeds on pie plates ... watch the seeds they pick up grow! "plant" a bird nest and see what happens
PS - be sure to put child's name on them too tape to windows for sun which keeps the moisture on the cotton ball and for the plant to grow
prekteacher/nj - you put seeds on the cotton bsll that is wet, PS?
jeanne/ece/tx - egg shell gardens, potato gardens -- cut off top (empty eggs and wash, fill with dirt or cotton balls) ... sprinkle with grass seed, let kiddos give "hair cuts" as needed
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - Aa survial guide for Preschool teachers
PS - don't wrap the seed too tightly in wet cotton ball just loosly folded over
prekteacher/nj - thank you tina
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - That's it!
PS - label ech finger did I say that already??? with name of plant
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - Your welcome
jeanne/ece/tx - How about looking at sink/float in "fresh" and "salt" water ... very salty water provides a lot more bouyancy than fresh ...
Mauce - Carrot tops will grow in a shallow dish of water also
prekteacher/nj - those are great ideas PS! I can't wait to do them!
JenTX - What are some of your magnet ideas, Terri
jeanne/ece/tx - how 'bout the celery that you put in colored water ... the veins draw the colored water to the top -- colors leaves
jeanne/ece/tx - (you can do that with a daisy, too!)
PS - also science buy a few carnations -- white ones-- cut the stems in half lengthwise and put one half of stem in blue water (dye) and the other in pink or any colors you will get a two toned carnation
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - or a carnation
prekteacher/nj - I did that with carnations jeanne...I am going to try celery next!
PS - that talks about how the plants get water
PS - lol I wasn't watching what was being typed GMTA
jeanne/ece/tx - prek ... for BEST outcome, use water that has been in a jug or bottle for a day or two ... once the bubbles settle out it works better.
jeanne/ece/tx - absolutely, PS!
Terri F. - nothing special.....I have a small dowel and a bunch of circle magnets with holes and they love to experiment with attrack and repel. I have a basket of items that may or may attrack to a magnet- they try them out and place them on a sorting sheet. Finally I have a sealed, see thru container of iron ore I have gathered over the years from our playground (really fun activity w/kids) and they get to see what iron ore looks like and run a magnet across the container to move it
jeanne/ece/tx - you can have kiddos use senses to match similar objects ... by sound, by smell, by feel ...
JenTX - I put some iron shavings in a coke bottle & attached a magnet to it
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - I mad a discovery bottle with small screws and added a magnet...they lost the see how many they can attract
PS - rock center have the kids dip their rocks in a pan of wter and see the colors change have a twoel under the pan because there will be lots of drips
prekteacher/nj - those are neat ideas too terri...my kids take our magnets and pick up any loose staples...my tricky stapler on bulletin board hanging days--gives them a lot to find
prekteacher/nj - I like the bottle ideas
jeanne/ece/tx - something I've done with the "right" kiddos is in the block center, as they "build" vehicles ... experiment with different shapes of 'wheels' for those vehicles ...
JenTX - Is the magnet inside with the screws
PS - also look at rocks with magnifying glass
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - No, attached to the outside with yarn
PS - sort rocks according to color, feel, shape size
prekteacher/nj - I have that PS...shells are cool too
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - Wow PS...I love all these ideas
PS - Yes next I was gonna tell about shells lol
PS - there are way so many thigns for science u can do with young learners
JenTX - I'm going to make that one Tina. Just need the screws from hubby's messy garage
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - Good idea Jeanne, my kids seem to be getting bored with blocks
jeanne/ece/tx - COOKING is a wonderful science activity ... how 'bout making jello with your kids? or pudding? or ice cream? or .....
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - Always plenty of screws around
Terri F. - during my 5 senses unit I had 3 sealed opaque (sp?) cups. They had to sort from softest to loudest by shaking them. Magnifying glasses with some spider books. Sorting some plastic toys by each of the senses (mat w/pictures for senses). Items to examine like a scented candle, sandpaper, photograph
JenTX - We have mealworms in the scinece center & my kids love them. Ours are jumbo.
PS - in fall they can investigate leaves with magnifying glass sort into shapes that are same size or colot or same amount of leaves
PS - also amth
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - I have a individual ice cream recipe I can send you
PS - you can also do a worm farm in a plastic container
prekteacher/nj - true..i guess I knew more about science than I gave myself credit for! I do a lot of these things, just when presented with created a center..I found that tough..thank you!
JenTX - What was in the cups, Terri
jeanne/ece/tx - Tina -- add some sticky notes to the blocks (or paper/pencils/tape ...) --- ask them how people know where they're going in the 'cities' they create ... let them make street signs ...\
prekteacher/nj - what do you do with the mealworms?
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - Where di you get mealworms, and what do they do?
PS - the ice cream in a bag is very accessible on http://www.Gogle.com
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - Might try that Jeanne
Terri F. - my kids this year are awful in the playhouse and block areas. There have been days I just want to pack it all up
JenTX - Mealworms come from the pet shop...CHEAP. You watch them turn into pupa, then adult black beetles
prekteacher/nj - what kind of container do you put them in? What can you feed them?
jeanne/ece/tx - got that idea at a literacy class recently. also had a poster with animal names ... the kiddos made it their business to put a label on every animal in the center!
Terri F. - what do you store mealworms in? Dirt? Empty bottle???
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - I have taken my Housekeeping out for a while...They were playing baseball with the food
PS - you can use plastic sheets fo colored plastic and they can put two together to make another color red and blue = purple etc
Terri F. - sounds just like my room tina!!!!!!
jeanne/ece/tx - Tina -- when I taught K, one class never did anything except move ... every day ... made me crazy!
JenTX - When we take restroom breaks, my kids make 4 groups on the floor. They can ask for books, games (Bang) or mealworms to observe. They take them out & watch them crawl up their arms
PS - I also ahd silkworms in classroom but u got ot have a mulberry tree because that is all they eat Mulberry leaves
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - I know ! They other teacher call me the mover....My room never stay the same for more than 2 weeks
JenTX - My mealworms are in a plastic tub with bran ceral, oatmeal, & apple chunks EASY
prekteacher/nj - I don't know if I could handle that jen!!
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - Yuck! But I guess kids like that stuff
PS - My K kids put those silworms on their arms too yuk! but I allowed it
jeanne/ece/tx - we pretty much don't have a home center ... furniture got kicked out two plus years ago ... my assistants tried to bring it back last spring and decided I knew what I was talking about when I said it didn't fit the room!
JenTX - You learn to. At first they gave me the creeps, but after 12 yrs, I'm a pro
PS - Mauce are u here?
prekteacher/nj - pretty cool jen. I think I'll toughen up and try that!
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - LOL...I guess so! Jen
JenTX - I also have learned to like spiders
prekteacher/nj - You don't have to clean up after them or anything and they turn into beetles? I am bug illiterate
Terri F. - I will never learn to like spiders-never
JenTX - NJ, it's easy to have mealworms. They thriive on neglect
PS - not me I don't tolerate spiders or many other bugs either or insects
Mauce - My "house" left when the computer moved in - my room is too small
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - It's good center to do in spurts but I can't handle it for long periods of time
JenTX - I love the home center, but it sure gets messy
PS - of course u ahve to clean up everythign has to "go potty"
Terri F. - I'm thinking maybe I could make an "animals" science center. Mealworms, life cycle sequencing cards, picture cards to sort by skin covering...hmmm, the ideas are starting to flow
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - I've even tried cahnging it with no success...we move it in every other month
JenTX - No, you don't have to clean up after mealworms
prekteacher/nj - I love my home center too...I recently combined my blocks with it..(big boss suggestion)
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - Good idea Terri...might have to try that myself
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - How's it going NJ
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - Does it work that way?
JenTX - I just put the mail center in the home center with envelopes, paper, mail carrier shirt
jeanne/ece/tx - Terri -- sorting could include: animals that fly - walk - swim ... animals that lay eggs - live birth, animals that eat leaves - meat - both, animals that are pets - work for us - wild
PS - where did you get the mail shirt?
PS - I saw a hat for mail person at Lakeshore but it cost a arm and a leg
JenTX - I found it at the Goodwill store several yrs back
Terri F. - I like that, I could change the sorting activity every few days
prekteacher/nj - actually tina, I was leary...but my kids really do ok with it....they have there block area that faces the kitchen so they could combine the two...(they haven't come up with that yet)
PS - <=======loves Goodwill
Terri F. - I live at goodwill (and garage sales)
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - Where so you find the time...I am stressing out just listening to ya'll? I can't seem to get my lesson plan ready by the next month
JenTX - Especially the sales, huh, PS
prekteacher/nj - well, I'll try it Jen as long as I don't have to clean up mealworm poo...
prekteacher/nj - I don't get time for that either tina
PS - oh yes and since I get a senior discount I love that too
JenTX - No poop, I promise. The apples get smelly, but mealworms like rotten stuff.
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - I might have to try that NJ... thanks for the idea
PS - of course u have to clean up poo where do u think it goes?
PS - u got to eb kidding
prekteacher/nj - So all I need is: a plastic tub (how big?), mealworms, apple chunks, oatmeal (cooked?) and bran
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - Ok...next month is life in the seas...any good ideas
PS - <======= don't believe that
jeanne/ece/tx - Tina -- my lesson plans are on my computer (at home, of course) ... I just make necessary changes with each unit change ... only write one plan for every 2 - 4 weeks (depending onlength of unit)
jeanne/ece/tx - Tina -- I love the ocean unit we do! This is our year of outer space -- it is fun, too!
Terri F. - how many mealworms at one time in one container?
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - I need to do that...just change it year by year
JenTX - No, not cooked oatmeal. Dishpan size tub or one of those shoebox size tubs
JenTX - I have 30 mealworms right now
PS - I love doing ocean
Terri F. - will they climb out?
jeanne/ece/tx - OCEAN -- hang nylon netting from ceiling, then display kids' art projects (fish, octopus, boats, submarines, etc.) in the "ocean" ...
prekteacher/nj - tina-- I like to have my kids create our bulletin board background so for oceans when we do it...blue paint in a spritzer bottle and a white sheet....hang it on the playground fence and let them spray it!
PS - hey my silkworms climbed out and were makin their cocoons on my big book stand one weekend
PS - I got a netting to go ove the box
JenTX - They can climb out of shallow containers like piepans, but not dishpans
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - Ooooh! Good one NJ
prekteacher/nj - do you cover the box? jen
JenTX - That is too funny PS. Did you ever try butterflies
jeanne/ece/tx - we've made "sea urchins" by making a small ball of hardening clay and sticking 1/2s of tooth picks (painted purple - blue - red) with pointed side out around the ball
PS - Gosh I did that when we were blowing bubbles they made a wonderful backfround paper on the fence for my door
JenTX - No, I don't cover it.
prekteacher/nj - that's cool too ps
PS - I have the butterfly house but I never did it
Aksteel - are u all teachers?
prekteacher/nj - so a big tub and you leave the apples in there...sorry to ask so many questions, but I really want to do this!
prekteacher/nj - hey terri again and aksteel
JenTX - The butterflies go fast & sometimes you miss changes over the weekend
PS - wb Terri
Mauce - Several teachers at my school have hatched butterflies - I haven't but was there to watch them
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - Yes!
Terri F. (again) - how much does a butterfly house run?
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - You aksteel?
PS - <=======looking at certificate on wall . . . yup, it says I am a teacher
JenTX - you will do fine NJ. It is so easy!
Terri F. (again) - yes, we're all teachers in here. How about yourself?
prekteacher/nj - Sounds good jen...you'll be around when i have questions?
PS - I got my butterfly house free but I was supposed to send for the butterflies and didn't I think when u buy it u get a free coupon for them because they are ready only a certain time of year when they come back from mexico
JenTX - Yes, NJ. Just post them on the kinder board. I check it daily.
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - LOL NJ....
prekteacher/nj - laughing at me tina?
JenTX - It is amazing to watch the butterflies flap their wings & get their color
jeanne/ece/tx - $39 at Lakeshore learning
Mauce - The teacher next door to me used a large glass jar with netting across the top
prekteacher/nj - that is so cool isn't it jen
JenTX - I made my butterfly box with poster board & laminating taping it al together
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - No laughing at your comment..I was thinking of you walking into your room with mealworms all over the room.. screaming Jen's name
JenTX - Yes it is cool, NJ
PS - I like silworms better
PS - hehehehehehehehe
JenTX - I was thinking the same thing Tina
PS - good plan Jen
jeanne/ece/tx - http://www.earlychildhood.com/Store/index.cfm?FuseAction=SGIN&Alias=PNTDLADY -- 26.67 at discount school supply
prekteacher/nj - That's what I meant tina (the comment, not me) That would be quite comical, wouldn't it?
Terri F. (again) - now that you mention it, I could see me doing that!!
Terri F. (again) - mealworms are sounding much cheaper
PS - Mauce u ahve a birthday this week? nope next Monday
Mauce - She had a cacoon that a parent found on a stick inside the jar. Unfortunately the monarch butterfly hatched on a weekend and died by Monday morning
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - Yes! It would...I can see it now
JenTX - When you first do the mealworms, BE BRAVE, girls!!!!!!
Aksteel - im a sustitute teacher for now
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - Oh, how sad
Terri F. (again) - brave? in order to touch them?
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - What age akstell?
PS - o so sorry mauce
jeanne/ece/tx - Aksteel -- we couldn't do it without you!
prekteacher/nj - why be brave, jen is there something you are leaving out?
Mauce - PS - you are right - I must be getting old I'm so slow tonight!
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - OOOPS! I mean aksteel
JenTX - You might want to try the small mealworms at first & then, jumbo another year so you won't be so scared
JenTX - Didn't I tell you about their teeth, JJ
Terri F. (again) - oops, meant to that to be vg
PS - appy birthday to you, Happy birthday ot you, Happy birthday dear Mauce, Happy birthday to you on Monday!
Aksteel - thank you jeanne!
PS - Happy
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - LOL Jen...don't scare us!
Aksteel - im 28 and u?
PS - mealworms and teeth hehehehehehehehe
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - Bravo! Mauce! Happy Birthday
JenTX - Just kidding, but you guys are so funny.....as cute as kinder
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - No I mean what age do you teach?
Mauce - Thanks, PS!
jeanne/ece/tx - let's just say "I remember 28!"
prekteacher/nj - jenso small worms first?
JenTX - happy mirthday, mauce
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - Comes from being around them so much!
PS - <===========very old lady here
Aksteel - prek what part NJ are u from?
prekteacher/nj - Happy happy b-day
JenTX - Yeh, go small at first
PS - My kids are older than 28
JenTX - How old PS
prekteacher/nj - central
PS - old
PS - a 17 year old GRAND daughter
JenTX - My oldest is 26 & my baby is 23
PS - have
Terri F. (again) - guess vg doesn't like mealworms
PS - <===== I don't like mealworms either
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - LOL Terri! You think we scared her?
JenTX - maybe she got kicked off
Mauce - Thank you everyone - This is birthday month. Mom on Saturday, mom-in-law today, me next Monday
Aksteel - r there any young single women in here?
JenTX - I loveeeeeeee mealworms & so do kids
Terri F. (again) - okay, think I'm ready for the mealworm thing....last question (I think)- dirt in the tub with all that food?
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - Nope! Not I!
jeanne/ece/tx - I"ve done silkworms ... once ... don't have source for fruitless mulberry leaves, so not again yet.
prekteacher/nj - nope I am married...
jeanne/ece/tx - Aksteel -- this be not a pick-up room.
JenTX - No dirt. Oatmeal, bran (not raisins), apple chunks
PS - <===== we don't give marital status in this chat
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - Wrong room.. wrong site for that matter
Aksteel - everyone is married in here? im just curious that all
Terri F. (again) - got it, thanks...I think this coming weekend I'll head out to get some- won't my kids be surprised!!!!
JenTX - I've been married almost 30 yrs
PS - <======== not anymore
Terri F. (again) - aksteel- ;not sure what this has to do with teaching?
Aksteel - thats wonderful Jen
JenTX - My husband says I'm married to my classroom
jeanne/ece/tx - OH! Who's doing the ocean?
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - I am !
PS - Jen good one wish I had thought of that
JenTX - I am in May. What your fav ocean activity
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - Mine too Jen...Hates my job!
PS - <=======always do ovean
Aksteel - how long u all been teaching?
PS - ocean
prekteacher/nj - 5 years
PS - forever
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - I have been teaching for 16 years
Terri F. (again) - well, time to check out the rest of the t.net. Great talking with everyone. Thanks for the wonderful ideas
jeanne/ece/tx - do you do 'jelly fish' ... streamers from 6" paper plates, hanging from edges ... we hang them in our 'ocean'\
jeanne/ece/tx - 'nite, Terri ... take c are!
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - Bye Terri! See you next week!
JenTX - 13 yrs yikes. Went back to school when my boys were in gradeschool
PS - nite terri
JenTX - bye terri
Terri F. (again) - bye all
prekteacher/nj - bye terri
jeanne/ece/tx - I'm trying to think about what all we do in the ocean unit ... been thinking 'space' t his year!
Mauce - bye terri
PS - we did jelly fish usign that colored cording they ahd in schools
Aksteel - bye ladies nice chatting, learned a lot
jeanne/ece/tx - octopus "stew" ... cut hot dogs in half, then cut 8 "legs at one end ... boil ... enjoy
JenTX - have you ever tried fish prints? That's my fav activity
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - Colored cording????
PS - we paint on paper (finger paint) like Eric Carle and then cut shapes for octopus body and legs
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - I want to try that Jen...another slimy one huh?
PS - yes very soft stuff I think they call it ROVING
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - Bye
jeanne/ece/tx - I've done it once or twice, Jen -- don't normally remember it when in that unit now. in Austin it was a part of athe curriculum ... need to write it down!
PS - we always made those hotdog octopi
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - Hmmmm. never heard of it
JenTX - Yeh, paint the fish with a nice fat brush, then have the kids put construction paper on top & smoooth it over. The detials are so neat!
PS - hot dogs when sliced up to within inch of one end in 8 legs put in boiling water and they curl legs
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - We do that PS
PS - brain dead can't think of my ocean projects
prekteacher/nj - any good transition ideas?
JenTX - Octopus bubbles can be made with Sprite & pineapple juice 1/4 cup of each
jeanne/ece/tx - it is kind of fun to make 'ocean pictures' on white meat trays ... kids color back blue with markers, add sea life, algae, sand and shells glued at bottom, then tape or glue a piece of blue plastic wrap over the tray when they're done...
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - Oh good one Jeanne... I have a ton of meat trays
PS - o we cut out star shaped starfish and put crushed rice chex on them and cheerios on the underside for their suction cups and it is two layers of paper and we stuff them to make 3 D
JenTX - transitions can be so hard
PS - I did that on paper plates
jeanne/ece/tx - prek ... nursery rhymes are good filler ... the "sponge box" I talked about earlier is good, as well ...
prekteacher/nj - That's neat PS...
TRinVA - HIya ROOM
jeanne/ece/tx - 'evening, TR!
prekteacher/nj - thanks jeanne...
PS - hi TR
JenTX - I love the starfish idea, PS!
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - Last year we cut margarine tops in half, puched holes in the straight part and had the kids tie yarn through the holes
PS - they looks so neato Jen
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - Hi TR
JenTX - Hello TR
PS - of course we hung them from ceiling and put some on the bb that looked like a beach at the ocean edge
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - Jeanne, so you go to archive to get the transcripts from tonight?
Mauce - We don't do ocean so I have very little to share. Off hand I can't think of any ideas.
PS - and I ahd a hanging ocean once blue plastic cut in strips hanging from corner ceiling
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - I need to print this stuff out!
JenTX - What are you doing right now mauce
jeanne/ece/tx - Tina -- yes ... http://www.teachers.net/archive ... you'll find several years of transcripts on all kinds of topics there!
prekteacher/nj - I did jelly fish with coffee filters (painted with watercolors) and curling ribbon hung from ceiling
PS - Tina for octopi?
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - Yes...
PS - and of course rainbow fish with the silver fin
jeanne/ece/tx - I think we did those last year, too, prek/nj!
PS - I used the silver that changes to colors
PS - ever it is called I forget
jeanne/ece/tx - 'evening, Grey!
JenTX - What silver is that PS
Mauce - I'm doing presidents, country, flag, patriotic theme - social studies
JenTX - Hey Grey!
PS - you know the paper that changes to pinks and blues
prekteacher/nj - a neat thing for social studies that is not really related but I learned it from a workshop last weekend...draw different landforms on index cards. And have rice in a shoe box. Children fill the landform (island, peninsula etc) with the rice...
Mauce - hi Grey
PS - do u need any ideas Mauce? Tell us what u do with this theme?
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - I saw a cute idea...paint a apron with blue fabric paint, and add velcro. Make a rainbow fish out of fun foam and tell the story suing the spron. The fin were put on with velcro and at the end othe story the teacher gave each child a fin
JenTX - Mauce, my kids are finding W words on a Washington shape (head)
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - Hi Matt
prekteacher/nj - me too mauce! but I haven't had school yet this week! Not until Thursday
Mauce - I can use that for Michigan week in May - we talk about peninsulas
PS - maybe that foil is called translucent? but that still doesn't sound right
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - Did that makes ense?
JenTX - how come you have been off, snow?
PS - sure Tina nice idea
PS - <========== no snow ehre sigh
prekteacher/nj - We were supposed to do red, white and blue collages, star sizing and patterning, coin rubbings, log cabin from pretzel sticks (I haven't seen my lesson plan book since thursday!)
JenTX - My kids were out without jackets today
jeanne/ece/tx - PS -- some gift wrap is laser-printed and the paper takes on lots of different hues in light ... is that what you're talking about?
prekteacher/nj - Yes Jen, Mon was a holiday and today and tomorrow are snow days
PS - 54 here today
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - Mine too Jen...where in Texas are you?
PS - yes that is what I am talking about Jeanne meeha
prekteacher/nj - lucky you guys! I am dealing with 4 ' snow drifts!
JenTX - I keep forgetting to buy pretzel sticks
JenTX - I'm in San Antonio
PS - <========= would love any size snow drift winter forgot us this year
Matt - It's cold here, but luckily not a LOT of snow. Just had ice rain all weekend, which has mostly gone. (Though the snow is still out that we did get)
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - Oh...I think I remember that from last time...right/ you were here last week huh?
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - Old age sets in quick
jeanne/ece/tx - hate to chat and run, but I gotta go to bed ... rapdily fading here!
JenTX - I miss the snow. I grew up in southern Illinois eating snow ice cream
Mauce - I have certificates for everyone who can recite the Pledge. We make log cabins from Lincoln logs, tri-corn hats to wear while we sing Yankee Doodle and march with rhythm instruments.
PS - nite meeha
JenTX - nite Jeanne
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - Bye Jeanne!
PS - neato mauce
prekteacher/nj - cute mauce
jeanne/ece/tx - I'll see you all again next week. 'nite all.
Mauce - bye Jeanne - Thanks for cheering me up!
Matt - night jeanne
PS - sicne they love to sing carols for Christmas did they sing for the other grades too for patriotic month of Feb?
PS - Mauce . . .u needed cheering up? I missed something
PS -
Matt - I need cheering up, but that's beside the point. LOL
prekteacher/nj - ok guys, I am going to get going! Thanks for everything@ Maybe we'll meet again next week?!
JenTX - Why do you need cheering up, Matt
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - Coeem back next week NJ and let us know how it's gopoing
JenTX - Bye Nj. Let me know how the mealworms do
Matt - Jen, just a bad day overall. Just tired right now to top it off.
JenTX - Welcome to the brain dead club. We are good support tho
prekteacher/nj - thank you!!!!
Mauce - It's been a long week for me too - and it's only Tuesday!
JenTX - hi, paulie. Was wondering where you were tonight
Paulie - have u had school Mauce?
Paulie - Hi Jen I was here and got mad so left
Matt - Paulie, what did you get mad about?
JenTX - what happened paulie?
Mauce - We have had school every day. It takes a lot of snow to shut us down.
Paulie - this is transcripted chat I am not saying
Matt - Mauce, our director lives at the school (Literally, actually) So it's hard to close us down.
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - I gotta run too! My son is STILL awake... need to get him in bed
Paulie - o wow Mauce schoolon holiday Monday too?
JenTX - oh, sorry. I forget about that at times
Matt - night Tina
JenTX - nite Tina
Paulie - nite Tina
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - Thanks for all your great ideas!
Mauce - That's why I do presidents, etc this week, no holiday for us
Paulie - see u next week Tina
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - I missed you tonight Paulie..
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - See ya'll next week!
Paulie - oic Mauce are you in n or s Michigan?
Paulie - Tina I been ehre all along almost
Tina/Pre-K/Tx - Bye!
Mauce - bye Tina, see you soon
Paulie - Mauce so u got all your ideas huh?
Mauce - I'm in the bottom of the thumb
Paulie - Mauce where u in Michigan???? North or south?
Paulie - I don't know what a thumb is
Mauce - I'm always look for ideas - do you have any?
Paulie - well now I forgot what your themes were lol
Paulie - zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
Mauce - Look at a U.S. map - Michigan has a thumb - I live in the bottom of the thumb lol Michiganders carry their maps with them everywhere they go lol
Paulie - zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
JenTX - Kinder question...What do you think about K retention?
Paulie - I don't know what a thumb is on a map
Paulie - I retained two boys one year
JenTX - Was it a parent/teacher decision?
Paulie - one missed much of school and was very young His mom only let him be retained if I taught him again so I did and he was a leader the following yr and better attendance did him wonders!
Paulie - (I gues I will never know what a thumb is . . .north or south or in middle would ahve helped me)
Paulie - and in first gr the next year he was with several gifted kids and kept up
Matt - Jen, we have one that we're going to have to keep in K for next year. But that's up to the parents, mostly.
Mauce - Lower Michigan is shaped like a mitten - I live in the thumb - that's what it is called around here
JenTX - I didn't know what a thumb was either.
Paulie - the other boy coudl not come to PM Kinder the next yr so he got another teacher and did not improve
JenTX - I just don't know how I feel about retention
Paulie - ok will look at map Mauce I did not know if top was a thumb or what
Mauce - I may be retaining a child this year. He is very young in age, ability, etc. Parents are very much in favor.
Paulie - is it the part that goes into the water?
Matt - Jen, in this case, the child said to his mom he doesn't think he's ready.
JenTX - Gee whiz, what a kid! Old for his years
Paulie - yes parents always ahve the last say but if they want child to go on be sure that u write in perm recods u advised another year
JenTX - What kind of skills does the child have, Mauce
Paulie - Mauce? she asked a ?
Paulie - o she did I missed it
Paulie - happens with boys I like to retain in K than in first
Matt - This child has a problem with concentration. Just afraid if he doesn't develop it before grade school, it will eat him alive.
JenTX - Yeh, better K than first. I taught 1st for 12 yrs
Mauce - in speech and language class for poor verbal skills, poor motor skills, easily upset by day to day events
JenTX - I have about 4 space cadets this year. Have to tough their arms to get their attention sometimes
Paulie - touch?
JenTX - yeh, yeh, I'm tired
Paulie - It is that time
Matt - Jen, had me scared. Thought you were yanking arms
Paulie - Have a special birthday mauce on monday
JenTX - No, that's the mean teacher down the hall
Paulie - Take care everyone back to building my website
Matt - Paulie, need help?
Mauce - Thanks, Paulie!
JenTX - have fun paulie
Paulie - nope getting it doen just fine thanks
Matt - ok
Paulie - have taught myself html don't use a canned program
Matt - But figured I would ask
JenTX - Well, Mauce & Matt...what now?
Matt - Have a good one
Paulie - o thought you were gonna help me free geee
Mauce - Bye all, I'm really tired tonight. Must be "old age' creeping up on me!
Paulie - nite
Matt - Paulie, I will if you get stuck...but not if you want me to build part of it. That's $25/hr. LOL
Matt - night
Paulie - <========poor unemployed teacher
Matt - Jen, not sure
JenTX - Me, too. Guess I should hit the sack 2. What about you Matt
Matt - I'm staying online, but can find other htings to do if you pple are heading out.
Paulie - I wish I got paid 25 dollars per hr I spent lots of time on it already It is 27 pages long
Paulie - byeeeeeeeeeee
JenTX - ok, matt fire away
JenTX - what happened today
Matt - We had a new student today. She did really well for her first day.
JenTX - what was the rough part
Matt - Just getting used to the limits in the classroom. Every time one would come up that she didn't like, she would try the "I want my mommy" thing. Luckily, she wasn't good at it. Didn't even cry with it or anything, just kept saying it
JenTX - I am always so thankful when they don't cry
Matt - So I just kept repeating the message a few times and inviting her to do what was expected and she just easily went along with it after a minute or so.
JenTX - You work in the montesorri (spelling) school?
Matt - yes.
Matt - And perfect spelling
JenTX - and a capital M
JenTX - I always thought that would be the ideal setting for young children
Matt - Yes...capital M
Matt - Hey...no arguments here
JenTX - Are you expectd to do very detailed lesson plans
Matt - well....we have about $10,000 in materials that we use.
Matt - Most of our work is with detailed observations of the children and what they are doing/how well they are doing it.
JenTX - is it hands-on learning for you or do you have to be trained
Matt - I'm an assistant teacher right now. You don't need training to be an assistant teacher (it's the job of the school you're at to train you for that job). But I have grown up in the Montessori world
JenTX - Lots of observational notes? What are the parents like? Real involved?
Matt - Varies from school to school, but in our school they are. Most Montessori schools they are just because the teachers try to do a lot of educating the parents what Montessori is like.
Matt - Some parents look and think, "Why are they playing with beads all day?" They don't realize the ins and outs of the math that goes with it.
JenTX - I remember you posting about your parents being teachers. When did you find the kinder board? I know the bit about parents thinking kids are playing without purpose. We get that from the principals.
Matt - I found this web site about 2 weeks ago I think? I think it's a fantastic resource.
JenTX - I found it almost 2 yrs ago & couldn't live without it now. Just started the chatroom about 3 wks ago & always learn something new there.
Matt -
JenTX - It's the keep up that sounds hard
JenTX - I mean, keeping it up. Boy, I am tired.
Matt - *nod* I am behind on upkeep on 2 web sites right now. I am looking forward to catching up this weekend.
Matt - LOL! Should I let you go?
JenTX - We always think we can catch up on the weekend. Do you need to go?
Matt - I'm fine. I can talk all night. LOL
JenTX - And, still teach those kids. What a guy!
Matt - hehe. I have class 2 nights a week right now, so this is my wind down time.
JenTX - That's exactly what I call my computer time
Matt - What part of TX are you from?
Matt - (And I do not usually end my questions with a preposition)
JenTX - I teach in San Antonio. I live in Universal City near Randolph Air Force Base. I can hear & see the pilots practicing manuevers every dayticing
Matt - I would love that...if it wasn't for the noise at times.
JenTX - I was taught not to end with preps, but not many people pay much attention to that in computer land
Matt - this is true
JenTX - Hey, the noise isn't bad. It's great to watch them. My youngest son used to climb on the roof & watch them. He can name all the palnes.
JenTX - planes
Matt - I love watching them.
JenTX - He used to have model planes hanging from the ceiling of his bedroom.
Matt - ok...my brain is crashing now. aaahhhh!
JenTX - He was in the Marines for 4 yrs & came home safely to us this past July. Now, he's back in school. At one time, he wanted to be a teacher. Now, he wants to be a cop!
JenTX - What do you mean?
Matt - I have a friend that is in the marines. She's the first female to fly in combat missions. whoo hoo
Matt - I'm just getting tired and my brain is going blank
JenTX - Wow, that is some accomplishment. So, where are you now that you can stay up so late?
Matt - Ohio. That's Eastern time. LOL
JenTX - Where in Ohio? I've been to Mt. Gilead.
Matt - Cincinnati
Matt - ok...I am ducking out. I'm too tired to think any more
JenTX - Well, my neck was hurting & now, my shoulder is hurt AND my toes are cold. Guess I'd better cut out or my kinders will have a cranky teacher. It's been nice.
JenTX - goon night
Matt - good night
