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scott - where is everybody from
Paulie - presently in Vancouver WA
isube - Hey, Scott? I am from Charleston, SC. What about you?
Paulie - originally from Idaho but lived in many states
scott - Albany Ny
Paulie - I lived in Charleston Heights for 4 months long ago
Paulie - I lived in upstate NY for almost 4 years too
scott - cool
isube - I remember you saying that Paulie. I believe I remember you had the Navy husband who moved you around a great deal, right?
Paulie - no the government did that lol
isube - you're right
isube - my husband was in the Navy for 2 years, but we weren't married at the time
isube - He was stationed to the west coast while I stayed here and got my ed degree
isube - are you still there kinder -tx?
isube - hi Jen!
Jen2nd/PA - I just got a phone call yesterday, I'm teaching 2nd next year!!!
Jen2nd/PA - Hi all
scott - thats good
scott - HI Jen
isube - Yeah,Jen!!!
Paulie - congratulations
isube - Is that the grade you wanted?
Jen2nd/PA - thanks
scott - your welcome
Paulie - (or you're welcome)
Jen2nd/PA - now the nervousness/excitement starts!
scott - what grade does everybody teach
isube - Jen, have you taught 2nd before?
Paulie - I taught 2nd one year I loved it
isube - kindergarten
Jen2nd/PA - nope, first yr in a reg classroom
Paulie - I teach kids not a grade
isube - Hey,JAG!!!!!!!!!!!
Lisselle - I am barely a student teacher
Jen2nd/PA - taught spec. ed for 2 yrs
Paulie - hi JAG
isube - Is that really you, Jag?
JAG - Hey isube looked for you earlier glad your here
JAG - Yep its me
scott - I just graduated and been subing for the last couple months
JAG - good for you scott
isube - I guess my comp worked itself out. Sorry about the other night. I really wish I could have stayed on. It not only knocked me out of the chatroom but it knocked me off of aol as well!!!!!!
Paulie - I subbed 8 long years
JAG - NOt your computer isube its the site
scott - yea did u get tired of it
scott - and want your own room
isube - When I first graduated there were no jobs to be found and I had to sub for 2 years.
Jen2nd/PA - this position is a Long Term Sub position full year
isube - How do you know that Jag?
Lisselle - where is everybody from?
isube - How did you get a long term full year sub position?
isube - Charleston, SC
scott - albany ny
Jen2nd/PA - but I have to do SUPER well b/c other subs for long term and we're all fighting for a contract!!!
JAG - I found the names of the two books on centres Lit centres by sue nation and eliteracy on line classroom management
Jen2nd/PA - teacher is on leave for the year
Paulie - I went one time to sub for 10 days and ended up being there 6 and a half months
Jen2nd/PA - Harrisburg, PA
scott - kool
JAG - Hey scott I'm just across the bridge from you kingston ontario
scott - i wish i had that luck
isube - wow, I wonder what she is on leave for...probable a sanity break
scott - kool
scott - i know where that is
isube - jag, what is the literacy on line classroom?
scott - what do you do for the summer while u dont teach
isube - I do summer school like a nut!!!
JAG - Now isube everyone needs a mental pause every now and then
scott - haha
Paulie - I will be back in a few -- something came up and I can't stay here and do this other thingie brb shortly
Jen2nd/PA - she's not on leave, she's actually changing to IST for a year then going back to her classroom
isube - pause? that is more like a sabatical!!
JAG - bye paulie
isube - what is IST?
isube - hey, darsue. Join the crowd!
darsueRR - Lissile, from Birmingham, Alabama
JAG - elit is an online course thru Mich virtual University its excellent
isube - wow, sounds fun
darsueRR - do we have a topic, or just enjoying chatting?
scott - i am taking a course now and my profesior wants me to talk in a teacher chat room
isube - I think we are just chatting - throw out a topic for us to talk about
darsueRR - That's a good assignment, Scott
isube - how do you like it so far Scott?
JAG - What is your profs rationale for talking in a chat room scott
scott - yea i know i just have to find something that we talked about so i can write a summary to my prof
darsueRR - I'm considering moving to Jacksonville, Florida - anuyone know which schools are best???
scott - its like a normal chat, i thought you talk but more about teaching but i am not complaing
isube - all I know about FL is it's hot, hot, hot, hot, hot, hot
darsueRR - Yeah, isube, but it's the very same way in Birmingham, Alabama
isube - same way in SC too!!!
JAG - Dar does the RR stand for reading recovery?
darsueRR - Scott, I teach "Reading Recovery" are you familiar with that program???
isube - hey, darsue, I am flying to Alabama in two weeks. You think it will cool off by then?
darsueRR - Yes, JAG
isube - , Jacqueline Hey, Cher
scott - some what can u refresh my memory
isube - I love Reading Recovery
Cher - Is this the primary chat?
Jacqueline - I'm wondering if any of you are as concerned as I am about the "academization" of Kindergarten??
Cher - I have never been to one of these and have a question or two?
JAG - Yep but you know how our train of thought often derails
isube - I am Jacqueline!!!!!!!
isube - Go for it Cher
darsueRR - Maybe we'll have a cool spell just for you, try for below 80 Hi, Jacqueline, Cher
scott - Jag how is rr working for u
Cher - JAG..thank you for the welcome..
Cher - Isube you too!
Jacqueline - The recent strand on the Kindergarten chat board about...Is snack really necessary for K's and how they skip recess frequently...not good.
isube - why are they skipping recess? and I think snack is very essential
Cher - I wanted to ask about state required testing and what age level you feel is appropriate for starting this type of assessment?
darsueRR - Jacqueline, I'm very happy that my K granddaughter will be in a high achieving group - she has an Oct. B'day and missed starting school and she is SO_O_O ready
scott - snack is very important for kindergarden because its a real long day for them
JAG - Sorry jacqueline but my attitude is they are in school to learn and I teach them
darsueRR - Cher, Alabama begins formal assessment in 3rd, I wish they would wait until 4-5
huck - what a nice greeting.
JAG - Cher what does the testing consist of and what is it used for labelling or teaching?
darsueRR - JAG, I fully agree with you - I have the lowest 20% of 1st in RR and it's a struggle
isube - SC starts formal assess. at first grade but our school opted not to do it the last two year.
Cher - darsue.thank you...in California we take standardized tests starting at 2nd....and most IS ALL oral!
cheribaybee - Hello to everyone...why does this keep jumping back to the top?
darsueRR - Cher, how in the world do you get that done?????
Cher - JAG...just in reading comprehension (grade 2) in that section alone (and there are approx..11 sub tests given) in reading comp..alone 14 pages !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
JAG - Dar I am in k after 8 years as a TL My kids avg level leaving k was 9 PM.
darsueRR - Cher, that sounds like overkill
Cher - darsue...more to the point..what does it indicate or demonstrate at this young age when they can not read fluently yet..(over half and 2nd language students)
JAG - Cher I think we're much better off with informal assessments that inform our teaching rather than label a school
isube - Right on, Jag!
isube - Hi janette
JAG - If your really concerned about testing and programs read Resisting the reading Mandate
darsueRR - WOW! JAG, that is super - my granddaughter is so ready for K, she will have a great teacher , my Principal let me chooseHello, Jen, welcome
isube - I have so much assessment to do that I feel I don't have enough time to teach
Jacqueline - I agree we're there to teach, but I think we need to remember that these are five and six year olds.
Cher - JAG..they tell us NOT to label.....yet....that is JUST what this does..and it turns smack dab on the kid who is 2nd lang learner and only proves the point we already know...????????? it takes a good years to assimulate into a culture and language
Jacqueline - I agree, Cher...I bet it leads to a lot of parents holding kids back a year, too!
darsueRR - Jac, my school decided to do more teaching instead of long nap time - they will meet individual needs - but we decided they don't nap on weekends
Cher - isube...exactly,....testing has overrode curriculum..we teach to the test (excuse me"standard")
Janette - i live in puerto rico and i am an english teacher as a second language i will like to know some tips to teach my third grader students conversational english without teaching bookse
isube - That's right, Cher. Don't you feel like you can't teach the "fun" stuff anymore?
JAG - DAr if we interest them they don't want to nap
Cher - but be that as it is...how can we as professionals get it turned around for these age 7 kids?????????????
Jacqueline - isube- and are the kids getting to do any of the "fun" stuff?
isube - Do your kids napJag?
cheribaybee - Our children here are in 1/2 day KG
JAG - At home isube
Cher - isube fun went out with testing 4 years ago...and fun was the academics but more "heightened academics" like the arts, the science, the music appreciation..and exploration at this age!
Cher - who asked about snacks/
isube - I try to make it fun, but I feel like when the district accountability people come in my room they do not want to see "fun" stuff
Jen2nd - sorry I got kicked
JAG - Oh Cheri we are full day every day
Cher - JAG AND who wrote Resisting the reading mandate?
Jacqueline - I did.
JAG - E Garan Cher
Cher - wvb darsue!
Cher - thank you Jag!
darsueRR - Jannette, have you used cassette tapes?
Jacqueline - I think that most families are catching meals on the fly...at least a short K snack could help build some ability in the kids to have a conversation, use good manners, etc.
cheribaybee - Even with 1/2 day KG, our children have snack. But they don't have lunchtime of course.
Jen2nd - any good suggestions on classroom management?
Jacqueline - I feel as though kids are being pushed, pushed, pushed....!
Cher - Hi Jen..I thought maybe this was Kdgn...only..
JAG - Jen Get harry wongs book and Helen Depree's book
Cher - Jacqueline..I have taught kindergarten also..snack time has always been at recess time..not during instructional minutes..does that help?
darsueRR - Did Scott leave??
Jacqueline - kindergarten used to be blocks, easel panting, singing, playing...I don't believe 5 year olds (and their needs) have changed that dramatically in the past 20 or 30 years.
Jen2nd - EC-Primary
isube - You must read alot Jag, you know all of these books . I've heard of Wongs books. They are fabulous!!!
Cher - Jen..I agree with JAG..harry wong is awesome..I also use...Lee Canter management/discipline....for my 2 and 3rd grades
cheribaybee - I teach 3/4yr old nursery...it is blocks, easel painting, singing and playing.
darsueRR - My school has morning snack time for K, and they are the last grade to eat lunch.
Cher - Our entire school gradesK-5 allows and encourages nutritional snacks at recess!
huck - use the card system for management. what grade level?
JAG - Cheri don't over look the fact that some 3-4 yr o are reading and it behooves us to instruct them
Cher - huck..me too..card system...grade 2
huck - do you use it strictly for behavior?
huck - individual/whole class/both?
cheribaybee - Oh I know, some of mine are reading. And writing too. Our school just doesn't believe in pushing academics. We push cooperation, getting along with others, respect..etc
Cher - AS educators..and primary educators..I feel we are obligated to get them to read..and that by beginning of 3rd grade..they should beREADERS....
JAG - has any one read Mosaic of thought I use alot of the text to text ideas with my k's
Jen2nd - I have won's book except I just had a baby in March and all my time right now is on her (she's sleeping now)
Cher - huck...I use the card system individually...don't have whole class problems....I just use marbles for positive classroom behavior
isube - That is what my school is focusing on too Cheri
isube - hi blondie
Cher - HI blondie welcome!
huck - that's what I meant
Cher - jen..read just a chapter a day...but get through it!
JAG - congrats jen
huck - If everyone is on green for the day, the class get marbles toward an activity
huck - "special day"
cheribaybee - We poll the KG teachers each year to ask WHAT they wish the children entering would know...and they always say "not the alphabet but how to sit still an listen and get along with others" so.......that's what we do
JAG - Cheri you have to do what your poll tells you
Cher - cheribaybee...but when your school is judged by it's test scores and you are in an impoverished area you must deal with academics and ALL the rest....character education comes from the home first.. *sigh*
Jen2nd - I have an idea for race track, they all start in the right track (get it "start on the right track") and then as behaviors become a problem their car moves to the left lane, then grass, then pitt stop
isube - Before they can learn the alphabet, they need to learn to get along and share. I teach a six week unit on Character ed the beginning of each year. I have to or the kids are so out of control that i am disciplining all day instead of teaching
Cher - huck..class gets nothing for cards....indv. students EARNS the consequences of his/her action!
cheribaybee - heh...I work in a very affluent area...and you'd THINK character education would come from home...LOL
Cher - huck.I expect then to stay on green period..no reward for expected individual behavior
JAG - Cheri I've taught in all SES areas and my low SES kids are most polite
huck - can't you work both together/kids help eachother behave
cheribaybee - Test scores here are a BIG deal also...given every year now. Posted in newspapers, state gives big $$$ to higher scoring areas
Cher - cheribaybee..I know what you are saying...but character ed..needs to be in place school wide!
huck - totally agree w/ modeling moral behavior. EVERYONE
Cher - besides test scores being posted..realtors and families moving into an area...ask about the schools and individual school performances....competition is there!
JAG - Cheri that never made sense to me taking money away from those in need( not doing well)
cheribaybee - Character ed is in place school wide here.
Jen2nd - another Idea : then I have a picture (worksheet) for each month....and they get stickers for good behavior. Example: September: Apple tree, they get stickers of apples for each time they are caught being good.....the student at the end of the month with the most apples gets a prize from the prize box
cheribaybee - Makes no sense to me either JAG..none at all.
Cher - Hi and welcome Harley!
isube - me either Jag. I am at a Title 1 school and we lose money every year!!!
isube - great idea Jen. I might use that one!!!
cheribaybee - I like the idea of stickers for being GOOD, my daughter's 1st grade teacher this year used stickers as demerits.
Harley - hi! any ideas for homeade math manipulatives?
huck - do you seem to find it's always the same kids
Jacqueline2 - I love the race track idea too!
JAG - hi jacqueline 2 are you j 1 rebooted
Jen2nd - could I or should I use both ideas simulataneously?
Cher - harley..cereals....noodles...beans.... money
Jacqueline2 - yep...I think my computer is too hot!!
JAG - harley buttons , femo shapes, dough shapes
Jacqueline2 - beans on popsicle sticks to make the 10's
huck - Thanks...gotta jet
Jacqueline2 - pennies are great, too!
Cher - huck...I don't do"cute" for discipline...at 2nd grade..I just expect they will be role models and good citizens...when infraction occur...it isdealt with one to one.at recess. orlunch or after school
huck - great idea Jac 2
Jacqueline2 - bye huck...have fun on the river!
isube - Jen, you could use the race track idea for individual and youcould have a huge tree where they class is earning stickers. Set a goal and if they reach that goal then have an ice cream party or popcorn and vidio party. I do that with marbles.
Cher - Hi bob welcome
bob - hi cher
cheribaybee - Hi bob
Cher - bye huck1
isube - hey, bob
huck -
cheribaybee - I don't like the idea of anything visible to all that shows "bad" behavior ratings.
Cher - cheribaybee...it is not named....they are coded...
Cher - and cheribaybee not labeled either..as behavior..just hangs up !
cheribaybee - Ah..I see, missed that part. My daughter's teacher was not so wise
Jacqueline2 - i agree with cheri...i'm also not a big fan of rewards...but I realize I'm in the minority
Jen2nd - rulers are great math manipulatives too
JAG - NO jacqueline you are NOT
Jacqueline2 - What do you mean, JAG
Cher - you know what..they see the card change by moving it themselves..and they know it is a disappointment to them...not to point out..but to discuss at recess what went wrong and how to make it better....takes 5 minutes after 3 warnings.and they talk with me..usually nips in the bud
bob - I use hundred charts a lot with my students
Cher - bob..yes...same here..for teaching multiplication....!!!!!!!!!! 100's charts are awesome
JAG - That i dont agree with behaviour rewards
Jacqueline2 - Also, little plastic bugs, airplanes, cars are good for manips...not homemade, but they are cheap...for SORTING
isube - how do youdeal with behavior Jag/
Cher - manipulatives...playing cards?
bob - when the students have a mental picture of a hundreds chart they are really good at addition with two digits
Cher - I use dollars dimes and pennies for teaching subtraction with trades/regrouping..works wonders!
JAG - We create what is expected together and the students are always working at their level and therefore not bored enough to get up to things they shouldn't its about classroom management not discipline
Cher - bob..yes...they see the number and also....can start seeing a pattern for repeated additions ie: like 10's
bob - for instance add 38 plus 23 , the student say 38, 48, 58, 59 60 61
Cher - bob.yes.it is sooooooooooo simplistic "seeing" it on the chart..vs...no chart...especially at first!
(mka)cosmo - hey pam is that you?
Cher - welcome cosmo! and HI
(mka)cosmo - howdy
Jen2nd - ooo, I have a big tree (already laminated)....I have lots of laminated apples too....hmmm that could work!
isube - so are you saying you never have discipline problems?
(mka)cosmo - anyone out there from nlu?
JAG - Not after the first 3 weeks isube
Cher - Isube..I really have very few discipline problems..as the parents are called about it right away!
bob - nlu?
isube - How are you meeting every child's need in the class?
isube - I have very few also but there is always those few that seem to creep in when you aren't looking.
JAG - assessment evaluation planning teaching
(mka)cosmo - national louis university
Jacqueline2 - Sorry, got distracted...I agree, JAG, the secret is meeting the kids' needs...then ...why would they misbehave? Learning is fun!
isube - be more specific - in your classroom. You are more center based right?
JAG - the few that creep up are usually asignal that the kid is out of sorts its a one off
Cher - JAG..good 4 words to remember! AEPT!
isube - so you mean we need to do more small group teaching?
lynn - Where do you teach?
Cher - hi lynn...
Jacqueline2 - So JAG, how do you see the difference between assessment and evaluation...just wondering?
Jen2nd - lagging big time, brb
JAG - Yes everyday
Jacqueline2 - isube- I do a lot of small group or individual teaching...
isube - so you teach from centers Jag? How do you do that?
lynn - jag and isube--where do you teach--that you don't have discipline problems???
JAG - Jac(may I shorten your name for typing) assessment is the raw info evaluation is the analysis of said raw info
Cher - I do small group interventions at recess for math...and I do small group instr...during reading..and also have spelling groups at instructional level 1 grade higher
isube - what are the other kids doing while you are woriking i small groups. I do alot of small group too.
Jacqueline2 - ahh...I've been blending them together
Jacqueline2 - jac is just fine
Cher - learning environment needs to be rich in center work..of course modeled how to perform at a center (aka how to act/behave)
Jacqueline2 - Cher- how do the kids handle being in at recess?
isube - Lynn - I teach in Charleston, SC and I do have a couple of behavior problems, but I also call home and it is sometime taken care of but not ALL the time
Cher - Jac..it is only a few who are below grade level....and we have a 20 min.recess...twice a week they have intervention time...12minutes...
JAG - i spend all of sept working the kids thru how the centres work and what is expected and that you do not disturb me at the privacy tables for anything short of blood or death
Jacqueline2 - my kids would be SO upset if they had to stay in...
isube -jag
Jacqueline2 - JAG- LOL
cheribaybee - 20min recess twice a week is all??
LG - hi
isube - So you are at centers all day jag
Cher - Jac..it is using the concrete manipulatives...over and over that they have forgotten to transfer abstractly ! so...we do it together...repeated activities.. hands on
cheribaybee - What is a privacy table?
isube - no whole group instru. at any time?
Jen2nd - can I do centers in 2nd grade?
JAG - It works jac you should have seen them when i gave the hand to the principal when he tried to interrupt me at privacy table
Cher - cheri.every day is recess..20 mins...2 days of those we take the math objective that week..those who didn't reach the goal...are helped again....it is called double dosing a student!
JAG - a privacy table is used only for guided reading,writingor math lessons
isube - I bet the kids loved that Jag
JAG - Oh jen yes!!!!
Jacqueline2 - Cher- I understand...I just don't feel I can keep kids in at recess...it's such an important social and physical time...and it's always the lower performing or younger kids in the class...The ones who are working HARDER ALL the time than the others...but they just aren't as quick.
Cher - jen...I do a writing center block, a reading center block of time.and a math center block of time each day 4 days a week
Jen2nd - I want to I want to!! I need more info!
Jen2nd - how do I set it up?
JAG - look at sue nations book primary lit centers
Jacqueline2 - Do the kids call it a "Privacy Table" too?
isube - Jag, do you have parent help with the centers?
bob - i love the term privacy table
Jen2nd - what is it called?
Cher - Jacqueline..for us we feel it is the "catchup"time the kid needs...and it is a time that the entire school uses for intervention...parents have to sign to okay intervention and..they truly do want it...most times...intervention is with less than 5 students...in math twiceaweek....to reinforce that week's skill...
JAG - Thanks bob it helps the kids understand privacy and what it means
Jen2nd - now I'm so excited
JAG - isube parent helpLMAO
Jacqueline2 - Oh, I see, Cher...that's different...so it's pre-arranged, etc. Got it1
Cher - Jen..we have "offices" we call them they put their office up to indicate ..do not disturb!
bob - lmao?
Jen2nd - do you have a system so you know what exactly they did in the center?
Cher - jac..yes...very pre arranged....and measured assessment driven...not a guessing game of who needs what
Cher - centers are all repeat ALL standards based....no matter what subject
Jen2nd - about how many activities per center?
JAG - Jen are you looking for product or process i assess their understanding at guided time the centres are for extension
bob - jag, what does LMAO stand for
JAG - bob laugh my a -- off
cheribaybee - How do you know the kids doing centers are not just goofing off? Watchful eye?
Jacqueline2 - got it...what I was reacting to was a friend's son who would not meet the goal on a Mad Minute, and then would lose his entire recess (to practice multiplication facts with teacher). This boy still hates math and he's in high school. Humiliating for him. And recess was the highlight of his day.
Jen2nd - extension...ok, so do you check their work there then?
Cher - Jen.ditto what JAG said.but mine includeEXTENSION, AND RETEACH games, activities...etc...
isube - Jag, you are too funny
Jen2nd - I have lots of file folder games
JAG - Cheri it doesn't matter because i get them a guided time and that is where the power is
isube - Hiya Paulie. We missed ya!
Cher - Jac..this has nothing to do with a one shot thing....at all...like a mad minute...I thought mad minutes were fillers....LOL
cheribaybee - I hate mad minutes...frustrated the@#$%out of both my children.
Paulie - sorry a friend I hadn't seen in a long time Imd me
Paulie - but I stay for the late chat so . . .
Jacqueline2 - I totally agree JAG...one-on-one time is where the true achievement occurs.
Jen2nd - JAG so you have guided times for math, reading and writing?
JAG - hey paulie
Cher - cheribaybee...all work goes in one place..all unfinished work stays with them...and I see them at computers...at the science center,etc..as I am working in a small group environment
JAG - yes jen
Paulie - hi again JAG
Cher - HI paulie
Paulie - hi Cher
Jacqueline2 - well, not for this teacher, Cher. The interesting thing is that the threat of losing a recess finally got my son to learn the darned times table...but then he felt bad for his friend
JAG - isube you are getting sooooo good with the emoticons!!!
Jen2nd - approx how many students in guided time?
isube - Oh say Hi to them but not me!!
Paulie - hi Kaylyn
JAG - hi kaylyn
Paulie - 8-)
Jacqueline2 - Hi Paulie and Kaylyn
isube - that's the only one i know HAHAHA
Paulie - I thought I said soemthign to u isube . . . HIHIHIHIHIHIHIHIHIHIHIHI
JAG - jen depends on grade level need and strategy to be worked
isube - :<
Paulie - darn the sunglass one won't work
cheribaybee - I just found out I can't say "hell"..lol it turns it into funny symbols..rofl
Jacqueline2 - So, I have a slightly different topic...if it's okay with everyone...
Cher - Jacqueline..the madminute "moving up" I do incentively with space ships moving towards and beyond the planets! that is their reward...spaceship to PLUTO...the guys love it...want to be first to Pluto!
isube - Hey, just me wonderin when you were goin to join us
Jen2nd - ok, makes sense JAG
cheribaybee - hmmm unless you put it in quotes
JAG - you can if you add "" cher
isube - &
Jacqueline2 - I am grappling with how to handle religious holidays during the school year. The emotions around the "under God" ruling have me thinking...hard... about what our roles as teachers should be in the classroom.
Jacqueline2 - Cher- that's great...this boy would have loved Pluto...wish he'd had you as a teacher.
cheribaybee - I teach in a Christian school...so we'll be talking about God anyway.
isube - wow look at them now Jag!!!!
Jen2nd - 8
Jacqueline2 - I am pondering tossing the topic out to the parents at Back-to-School Night.
Cher - Jacqueline...I have 2 sons of my own...so know that those boys need motivation..space craft movement works! and on to OUTER LIMITS AND THE BLACK HOLE!
Cher -
JAG - isube just too technogeek for me
Jacqueline2 - yes, cheri, that's different, for sure. I teach at a non-denominational private school
Jen2nd - what topic Jac?
isube - I think Cher has me beat
Cher - isube...let me see if I remember..first..no spaces between symbols..here we go : - )
Cher - : - D
Jacqueline2 - Jen- how or whether to try to introduce students to the religions of the world.
JAG - yeah cher
Jen2nd - :0
isube -
cheribaybee - :Þ
Cher - : - (
Jacqueline2 - woah...different font
isube -
Cher - : - p
isube - ;-*
Cher - : - P
JAG - Jac its required in our district to teach celebrations around the world in grade 3
Cher - I just play with them!
Cher - JAG..we teach customs and celebrations in 2nd grade...
Jen2nd - sorry to keep bugging JAG but....how long do you meet with each group?
Cher - :- | :-|
isube - i'm on a role now Cher
Cher - darn..that didn't work1
JAG - not bugging jen my groups last no longer than 5 min.
Cher - need to go and stack the dishwasher..great chat! have a wonderful evening everyone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!((((((((((((((((((((((hugs))))))))))))))))))))))) oh..I am a hugger.hug all my kids EVERY DAY OF THE YEAR! bye!
Jacqueline2 - So, what do you all do when a Jewish parent asks to bring in Potato Latkes and dreidels (sp?) Yes, No?
Jen2nd - just 5 mins? woah
cheribaybee - Bye Cher...nice name btw...lol
Jen2nd - umm do you do whole group instruction?
Cher - OH Jacqueline..we play the game..we eat the latkes.we sing the songs! and we public...but that is a custom and tradition ofDecember!
JAG - more than 5 min and it pours over them
isube - way to go Jag-
PS it's me paulie - lol I got thrown off for making smiley faces I guess
cheribaybee - Our Christian preschool this year had a child who wished we would talk about Ramadan..so we did
Jacqueline2 - bye (((((((Cher))))))))
JAG - paulie are you getting booted what is it with this site?
Jacqueline2 - So, do you just deal with the different religions on a case by case basis?
Cher - we are a public school...celebrate las posadas, Kwanzaa, hanukkah, christmas you name it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!celebrate!
PS it's me paulie - who knows
isube - I can't believe I haven't gotten booted yet!!!!!
Cher - ))))))))))))))))))))
Pam/CA/1st - I got some news today....Instead of teaching Kindergarten I'm going to be teaching 1st grade. I feel like I'm starting from square 1 again. Any suggestions?
isube - My cat is sitting here eating my phone book - crazy cat!!!
JAG - Yes jen whole group is where you instruct /demo guided is where you see if they got it (with support)
Jacqueline2 - What grades have you taught before, Pam?
cheribaybee - My daughter's class had one Jewish child so his holidays were recognized...so yeah, I guess it was case by case
PS it's me paulie - heck you just start where u left off witht he Kidners but u get to use 4 Blocks instead of building blocks
PS it's me paulie - u r supposed to feed it isube
Pam/CA/1st - Well that's the problem. I'm a first time teacher and had just started researching and finding things for Kindergarten. *RME*
PS it's me paulie - (Kinders)
isube - Pam - I moved from K to first last year and thought i was drowning. Sorry i know that doesn't help but it did feel like I was starting all over.
Jacqueline2 - Pam- And LOTS more writing!
Jen2nd - Pam, centers! I'm just learning too!
JAG - Hey pam remember in sept they are still kindergarteners
Cher..to PAM - hi pam..just one thing..join this mailring..they are awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! http://teachers.net/chatrooms/mailrings choose first grade! won't regret it
Pam/CA/1st - True Jag.
PS it's me paulie - well post questions on the boards and u will get lots of help
Cher..to PAM - pam...sorry take out the chatroom and insert mailrings!
Cher..to PAM - http://teachers.net/mailrings
JAG - here goes isube
PS it's me paulie - and you can join the first gr newsletter write to TchersRus@aol.com and subscribe It comes out on sudnays
cheribaybee - I can't remember how I found this place the other day but it is the most amazing! Thanks for chatting. Night!
Pam/CA/1st - It says error, document not found Cher
Jacqueline2 - Pam- Yes, you'll find the chatboards here VERY useful.
isube - I think you've got it
PS it's me paulie - (Sundays)
Jen2nd - JAG...ok, so how long do you do whole group instruction?
Jacqueline2 - g'nite cheri! Come back again!
Pam/CA/1st - Aha! Got it!! Thanks!
JAG - OMG isube i did it i did it!!!!!!!
PS it's me paulie - bye cheri . . . come back
JAG - bye cheri
Jen2nd - I'm trying to do a schedule here
Jacqueline2 - what is a mailring...forgive my ignorance...is it the chatboard messages? or something different?
Pam/CA/1st - How do I do that Paulie?
PS it's me paulie - you get email in a mailring
PS it's me paulie - you can ask for help or others and you get all the answers
isube - Jag - you'll have to tell your husband you did it - or did he HELP you?HAHAHAHA
Jen2nd - what about science /social studies/health instruction?
PS it's me paulie - How do u do wht Pam?
JAG - okay jen do you say i write abook? whole group last 10-30 minutes depending on the share and interactive activity
Pam/CA/1st - The AOL thing? I'm not on AOL, does that matter?
Jen2nd - ok ok write a book! LOL sorry!
Pam/CA/1st - *L* Remeber last week? I was the one worried about being with another teacher in the same class. Well, I don't have to worry about that anymore. *L*
Jen2nd - JAG do you have a website where maybe your book is already written? LOL
PS it's me paulie - no Vonnie sends to lots of people that are not on aol write to her at TchersRus@aol.com and ask to subscribe to the first gr newsletter that comes out on sundays
JAG - That is it isube just because a married a technogeek for the money and the IT help doesnt mean you can pick on me LOLOLOLOLOLOL
PS it's me paulie - why Pam? what happened to the team teacher? o not in K anymore?
JAG - Jen i'm kidding i got to where i am because i asked ?'s and someone answered them KEEP asking
Pam/CA/1st - Thanks Paulie! I'll do that. Well, instead of teaching K I'm going to be teaching 1st. They switched me.
PS it's me paulie - to subscribe to the first gr newsletter u do NOT have to be on aol
PS it's me paulie - Yes, Pam I got it too late -- had already posted
PS it's me paulie - Just Me are u here?
Pam/CA/1st - No prob Paulie.
isube - is there a kindergarten newsletter?
Jacqueline2 - Pam- I would request a sub, and go visit a bunch of 1st grade classrooms in your district...the BEST way to learn!
PS it's me paulie - JAG, where "are you"
Pam/CA/1st - I can do that Jacquline? Just visit?
PS it's me paulie - yes K newsletter can write to Farrm@aol.com
Just Me - I'm still here. Just listening to all of you. I learn a lot from all of you.
PS it's me paulie - It comes out daily
Jen2nd - ok, then JAG could you give me a rough schedule of yours?
JAG - south eastern ontario
Jacqueline2 - I can. Most teachers are really flattered by the request.
isube - ps what is farrm?
Jacqueline2 - Is it a T-net newsletter?
Pam/CA/1st - Great, I'll check into that. I subbed in 1st a few times last year, but thought up until today I'd be in K so I had been saving and researching all kinds of K things.
PS it's me paulie - Farrm is her last name lol
Jacqueline2 - The K newsletter is DAILY?
isube - whose last name?
PS it's me paulie - she sends out the K newsletter daily
PS it's me paulie - yes it is
isube - oh, i gotcha
Jacqueline2 - Wow, that's a lot of work for her!
Jen2nd - psst, JAG can't wait til I leave LOL
Pam/CA/1st - I was getting lots of good ideas from the K info here, but there never seems to be much specific to 1st.
PS it's me paulie - Maureen is her name for the K newsletter but her screen name is Farrm@aol.com
PS it's me paulie - no everyone contributes to the newsletter
JAG - Jen I'm having a hard time typing my schedule out for you not hiding from youLOL
Jen2nd - oh ok
PS it's me paulie - Pam jsut ask away here and also post on the priamry chat board
Jacqueline2 - Pam, I just want to acknowledge what a switch this is for you...in a few days...you'll be feeling better about it (if you're anything like me.) There are a lot of nice things that 1st graders can do...they've already been in school for a year, so there's less teaching of the pre-basics...line up, sit and listen, etc. And teaching kids how to read is a HIGH!
PS it's me paulie - Many of my Kinders learned to read also
Just Me - I think I'll sign up for the newsletter, too. Mosst of my email lately has been dumb ads. I'd like to get something useful.
Pam/CA/1st - Thanks Jacqueline.
JAG - Yeah Paulie
PS it's me paulie - Just me, they are always there to help -- u can send the newsletter questions and Maureen posts them and many people answer them within a day
Pam/CA/1st - If you were me, and you only had a few weeks to prepare, without being able to go into the classroom or look at the teaching books, what would you do?
PS it's me paulie - Make file folder activities
Jacqueline2 - Most school districts or states have more specific standards for 1st grade..I'd get on-line on your state's or district's curriculum website and order their social studies, math, science, language arts "frameworks" This should be a big help in planning your year.
PS it's me paulie - think fo a bulletin baord idea to welcoem them
Jen2nd - Ok JAG I have a big chunk of time from approx. 8:30 - 11:15
Pam/CA/1st - File folders.. check. Thanks Paulie.
JAG - Pam redo the last month of K in the first week of one it gives them a sense of security and you a breather
PS it's me paulie - (learn to read my typos!)
Pam/CA/1st - Frameworks...okay.
iris - hey, it's me isube - I got knocked off and it would not let me log back in under isube
Jacqueline2 - I would think of the Master Schedule for your week. Start blocking out times for different subjects. Then I'd think
PS it's me paulie - find goodies in stores like Target , dollar store
JAG - Jen when do they enter ?
Pam/CA/1st - Great idea Jag! I even have the teaching resources for that here at home!
Jen2nd - 8:00
Pam/CA/1st - Welcome back isube/iris.
PS it's me paulie - you can't block out times until you know when your specials like music, art, PE are going to be
Jen2nd - then some go to breakfast then attendance/morning announcements/etc
PS it's me paulie - hi iris
Jacqueline2 - about a theme that I could connect the learnings with that would meet one of the social studies or science requirements..then I'd
Jen2nd - my specials are in the afternoon
PS it's me paulie - buy soem pocket charts
JAG - iris this is my vengence for picking on my tech abilities
Just Me - Go through your Kdg things. See what you can use this year. Some of it may be just right for the first weeks, some of it can be adapted. I went from 5th to Kdg and was able to use a few bulletin board things. You might be surprised at how much you will be able to use.
Jacqueline2 - You still know the number of minutes and the specials...so you could rearrange if need be
iris - keep talkin Jag and you'll get booted
Pam/CA/1st - Pocket charts..gotcha!
PS it's me paulie - read First days of school by Harry wong
PS it's me paulie - read and learn about 4 blocks
iris - Just me - what was that like going from 5th to K?
Pam/CA/1st - I just got Wong's book.
Pam/CA/1st - What if the school doesn't use 4 blocks? Can I still use it?
JAG - JEN start with settle in I have pizza boxes then attendance while they are at pizza boxes then calaendar (very fast) then whole group.
PS it's me paulie - think of having a class mascot or getting involved with a mail thingie where u send soemthing and others send it to u too
JAG - paulie do flat stanly
PS it's me paulie - sure u can use 4 blocks individually
iris - what are pizza boxes Jag?
Jacqueline2 - figure out some good getting to know you activities
PS it's me paulie - I went from K to 4th!
Jen2nd -
Pam/CA/1st - How did you like going from k to 4th?
PS it's me paulie - find some good beginning of school stories
PS it's me paulie - I liek Chrysanthumum
Pam/CA/1st - Betginning school stories
JAG - All the books that they can read go into their pizza box and they RE read them
PS it's me paulie - I loved 4th
Jen2nd - cool
PS it's me paulie - find a 4 or 5th gr to do reading buddies with have them read to your kids once a week for 20 min and when they are good at reading, they can read to their buddy
Jen2nd - ok, 8-8:30 settling in and reading
Jen2nd - 8:30-9ish group instruction???
Pam/CA/1st - I thought I would spend the first week really working on class organization tips. Teaching what I expect and modeling and having them repeat.
Just Me - It took awhile to adjust but since I was low in seniority my only choices were Title I or Junior Primary which was not really kdg but a transition room between K and 1st.
PS it's me paulie - find a way to plant a small garden with your kids
Pam/CA/1st - Good idea Paulie!
Jacqueline2 - The best 1st grade teacher I know...constructs a HUGE tree in the corner of her room, and sticks Arnold up in the tree. He became the class mascot.
Jen2nd - do you do math, reading , writing instruction everyday?
PS it's me paulie - absolutely about the modeling routines
JAG - Yes
Pam/CA/1st - Do you know how she constructs the tree Jacqueline?
PS it's me paulie - Arnold the pig?
PS it's me paulie - can make a tree from a rug roll covered
iris - Well, my hubbie just go home and he wants me to spend some quality time with him. I'll talk to you guys next Tues. Same time, same place?
Jen2nd - what about science/soc. studies/health?
PS it's me paulie - bye isube/iris
Pam/CA/1st - Bye iris! *Waves* Have a nice night.
JAG - bye isube/iris
Jacqueline2 - She used brown paper and rolled it. Then rolled one slightly smaller and stucke it in the top. Large green leaves stapled on the top. One year she did a giant daisy!
PS it's me paulie - integrate science/soc st and health healthy eating with planting a garden
iris - Jag, behave yourself
Jacqueline2 - Sorry, Arthur, not Arnold... *
JAG - science soc/ and health can all be done in conjunction with reading
PS it's me paulie - also science with garden cause if u make a butterfly garden and use marigolds to ward off bugs that is science
Pam/CA/1st - I was thinking of using a garden as my basic year long theme. The tree or daisy would work great!
Jen2nd - duh that's true JAG, sorry I'm dense!
Just Me - bye iris
PS it's me paulie - I have planted a small garden every year I taught
PS it's me paulie - with the kids
Jacqueline2 - garden is a great theme! especially in CA.... Teachers who have done that have told me that you have to get going ASAP at the beginning of the year, so you're not trying to grow things in the winter.
JAG - Not dense just thinking linearly
Pam/CA/1st - How did you do it Paulie? Inside or in a small container indoors?
PS it's me paulie - in CA in Long Beach we grew garden stuff in the winter
JAG - boy my spelling is bad sorry
Pam/CA/1st - Any ideas on where to go for tips on the garden theme Jacqueline?
Jacqueline2 - There's a great science experiement where you plant and grow a lima bean plan while it is spinning 24/7 on an old turntable...(It grows toward the center!)_
Jacqueline2 - plant, not plan!
PS it's me paulie - we had small areas to plant at school -- like the side of a building (ran pole beans up the side of building one year) One year we got a grant and they came and built all grade levels a little box we did it in big pots too
Just Me - Do you have a county extention office? They have lots of information.
Jacqueline2 - be right back I got a book on it in my office..
JAG - for gardening buy the rootvu from scholastic
PS it's me paulie - who wants a record player going alld ay long lol
Jen2nd - well I must still be thinking that way cause I'm still trying to get this figured out in my head (time wise) I have 8:30-11:15 then it's lunch and recess til 12:15 then 12:30 is special til 1:15 so 12:15-12:30 I figure read alouds....1:15-2:30 is another time slot and then preparing for dismissal
Pam/CA/1st - Rootvu?
PS it's me paulie - no the root view is not really gardening You need to do soemthing outdoors and daily take care of it and write in journals about it
Jacqueline2 - the GROWING classroom by Roberta Jaffe and Gary Appel (HA-HA) publisher: Addison Wesley
Pam/CA/1st - Thanks Jacqueline!
JAG - the rootvu has a clear wall so students can view what is happening underground
Jen2nd - I'm going crazy
Pam/CA/1st - Sounds interesting Jag.
PS it's me paulie - true but u can see the same thing if you start you seeds in food handler gloves hanging in the window
JAG - Jen it takes trying and rethinking and muddling thru
Jacqueline2 - Pam, one teacher I knew had the theme of CYCLES rather than GARDEN...and it worked quite well...you can still do the gardening. but you can do caterpillar/butterfly...she hatched eggs in an incubator...
Pam/CA/1st - Food handler gloves??
Jacqueline2 - Jen- don't be afraid to change your schedule as needed.
Jen2nd - guess it doesn't help that I'm a perfectionist
Pam/CA/1st - That would be very interesting for the children Jacqueline.
PS it's me paulie - yes those disposable cloves that food handlers use
Pam/CA/1st - Neat idea!
Jacqueline2 - Pam- I think it's a great first grade theme...can go in many directions
PS it's me paulie - u write the type of seed on each finger, put the seed in a wet cottonball and hang in window put kids' name onthem first
Pam/CA/1st - True, now I just need to find ideas on how to decorate the room.
Jacqueline2 - Also, trees, seasons...etc
PS it's me paulie - and when they are sprouted u can take certain kinds and plant in garden by cuting off the tip and leaving others to sprout more
Jen2nd - I just feel like I dont have much time
Jacqueline2 - Do you know anything about your room yet?
Jacqueline2 - Paulie, that's a brilliant idea!
PS it's me paulie - I got hired one year a week before school started
Pam/CA/1st - Nope, no idea, and I can't see it until August 5th.
Just Me - School is out by the time gardens go in in Michigan but at Easter time I bring in an Easter Lily and we watch it bloom. Every day we rocord what happens to it. As it blooms we talk about what plants need to grow. We go into light, water, etc. As it begins to die we cover life cycles. Then we unpot it and plant it in the flower bed in front of the school. I show them a picture of my last year's lily blooming in my flower bed at Halloween next to a jack-o-lantern.
JAG - Jen there's never enough time
Terri F. - hi everyone
PS it's me paulie - Jacqueline it works great and the kdis compare their seeds with other kids'
Pam/CA/1st - Oh goodness! I'm glad they didn't wait that long to hire me. I would have been a basket case!
PS it's me paulie - plant bulbs
PS it's me paulie - in winter and they are ready in spring
Pam/CA/1st - Hi Terri.
Terri F. - hi Pam, I'm from california too.
Pam/CA/1st - Good idea Just Me.
PS it's me paulie - well now that I moved I am still looking for a job
Jacqueline2 - Pam, the important thing is the learning...you don't need to decorate all that much (my opinion) I cover the walls with bright paper, sometimes put up a few posters...but by the third day of school, the kids work is UP! (Which is the whole point, in my opinion) It's THEIR room!
Pam/CA/1st - What grade do you teach Terri?
Terri F. - I teach K
Jacqueline2 - Just Me- how educational and fun!
JAG - Good on you Jac
Just Me - We write a book about our observations, talk about fiction and non-fiction. It takes several weeks but I really like doing it. The kids like to look in the flower bed to see last year's classes lily.
Pam/CA/1st - I've heard that before Jacqueline. Just put up paper and let the class help you decorate. I might just do that.
Pam/CA/1st - I was going to teach K, but now I'll be in 1st. *L*
Just Me - Thanks
Terri F. - I agree with decorating. I have no time this year and luckily I already have the alphabets up from last year. The main thing is the calendar area
Wendy - Hi. I've never done this before.....
Terri F. - hi wendy
Jacqueline2 - Pam- I used to think it was a cop out...I'll be honest...but the kids' eyes light up as their work goes up...and the parents (at Back to School night) are interested in their kids work, not some bulletin board that I might have created...And don't forget TAKE PHOTOS, and put LOTS of them up!!!!!!!!!
Pam/CA/1st - So you focus on the calendar area and the alphabet first Terri?
Pam/CA/1st - Hi Wendy.
JAG - Hi wendy there's a first for everyone
Jacqueline2 - Hi Wendy!
Pam/CA/1st - It sounds like an excellent plan. The kids will truly believe it is their room, since they helped decorate.
Terri F. - pam, for decorating yes. I spend lots of time in the calendar area as it's also my shared reading/writing area/morning message, etc...
Wendy - Also, letting the kids decorate is a lot easier on the teacher.
Terri F. - I also might put some stuff up high, leaving the lower areas for photos and class work
Jacqueline2 - Yes, Pam! In fact, I knew a fourth grade teacher who pushed all his tables, chairs, bookcases, boxes of art supplies and books, rugs, etc. into the center of the classroom...and the kids arranged the room the first morning...
Just Me - I put up temporary decorations so it looks nice for the parents on opening day orientation. I have a poem on one board about hands and by the end of the first week each child has added a paint handprint to it.
Jen2nd - welcome wendy, lots of great techers with LOTS of info to share
Just Me - Hi Wendy
Pam/CA/1st - Wow! That is a clever idea Jacqueline!
Jacqueline2 - Yes, Terri, I do that too...Once the kids work goes up, I move my posters higher.
JAG - well i need to go before i get sleep drool on the key board good night one and all
Terri F. - brb.......
Jacqueline2 - Exactly, Just Me! We're in the teaching business, not the decorating buisness!!!!!!
Just Me - bye Jag
Wendy - HAve you ever put up pictures of last year's kids doing activities?
Pam...again - Got booted, but I'm back.
Jen2nd - night and thanks SOO MUCH JAG!!!!!
Paulie - bumped again!
Jacqueline2 - G'nite JAG...thanks for a good chat!
Jen2nd - I need to try and sleep too but I know I'll be thinking more than sleeping
Jacqueline2 - I haven't put up photos of last year's kids...because then my class tends to want to do the same things...and I want to follow their lead
Jen2nd - night all
Jacqueline2 - Goodnight Jen, and good luck. You're gonna love it!
Paulie - barely 8:00 here
Pam...again - Have you allowed your class to arrange the room, etc. Jacqueline?
Pam...again - Night Jen.
Jen2nd - I believe I will Jac as soon as I get started and get passed this worrisome stage
Jen2nd - 11:10pm here, night
Just Me - bye Jen2nd
Terri F. - 8pm here
Pam...again - 8 here too and still hot as fire outside.
Wendy - 10:00 here
Paulie - good time for the 2nd chat
Terri F. - pam, get my pm?
Jacqueline2 - Pam- I haven't done it at the beginning of the year... I knew the kids would LOVE it, but I was worried about the impression it might leave on the parents... BUT, I have given the kids the opportunity mid-year, to rearrange and change the walls...and they were SO proud...many of them stayed in at recess to put up some artwork, place plants around the room...but this was fourth grade.
Pam...again - Sure did Terri, get mine?
Jacqueline2 - Jen- I hope this helps...but once I'm through the first day of school, it's so much fun from then on...I know the kids, etc. at that point.
Pam...again - Do you have lots of parents show up for the first day Jacqueline?
Wendy - What is your first theme of the year?
Jacqueline2 - Hot HOt hOT
Terri F. - wendy, being a k teacher I start with basics: all about me, all about school, colors, shapes
Pam...again - That's your theme Jacqueline or how your feeling? *L*
Jacqueline2 - Pam- I'm at a private school that has a parent event the first morning, so we get lots of parents stopping in for 2 to 10 minutes on the way to the event.
Jacqueline2 - Pam- LOL
Pam...again - Oh, I'm not sure what to expect where I'll be. So many children are bused.
Wendy - I usually do an insect theme, but i am looking for something new. I teach first.
Paulie - do a watermelon theme
Terri F. - believe it or not I have had parents send Kindergartens TO school the first day- they don't even know where the room is!!!
Jacqueline2 - Pam, Jen- One thing that has really helped me with parents is I have an Open Door Policy BUT I ask that they give me the first month or so to get to know their children first...This has worked GREAT for me. Since the parents can drop by ANY time, they never seem to ever drop by.
Pam...again - That's what I've heard Terri. It's a shame. The little ones seem so young to be going by themselves.
Wendy - Paulie - do you have a certain book you use?
Terri F. - it's the one thing I hate about where I teach- parent apathy for their child's education
Jacqueline2 - Pam- If you're thinking of Cycles, there's lots of good activities, songs, Ms. Frizzle at the Waterworks on the Water Cycle
Paulie - for?
Pam...again - Good idea Jacqueline. I think I'll try to use that.
Wendy - the watermelon theme..
Paulie - I will go find the book brb
Pam...again - True....I was also looking through an oriental trade mag a few days ago. They have lots of ideas in there. One was under the sea and there were so many cute ideas!
Jacqueline2 - Check out the Water Cycle Boogie! You can make bracelets to remind the students of the Water Cycle...yellow bead=sun, white bead= clouds(condensation) etc. etc.
Pam...again - I would feel the same way Terri.
Jacqueline2 - The Ocean and the Rainforest of surefire hits as themes. LOTS of great literature, and art projects, and science
Jacqueline2 - gotta go, you guys...good luck...and remember to have some fun this summer too!
Pam...again - Bye Jacqueline! Thanks for all the great ideas!!
Jacqueline2 - Take Care!
Paulie - I was thinking of One watermelon Seed but it doesn't look like what I was thinking of now It is counting book for K BUT if you write in watermelon lesson plans in a search engine like Google.com u will get lots of ideas
Just Me - bye, come back soon, Jacqueline
Terri F. - you could check out the lesson bank here at tnet also
Paulie - the Beach is another good theme to start with
Wendy - Do you keep all of your personal items for school at home? What kind of activities do you do with a watermelon theme? Do you weigh a watermelon and measure it? My class did that with a pumpkin last year... it was a huge pumpkin.
Paulie - You could do jsut about anything you wanted with a watermelon theme
Terri F. - wendy- during the summer I'm required to. During the year, I try not to, but I don't always succeed
Paulie - I keep much of my school stuff at school
Pam...again - I have to go everyone. Thanks for all the hints and tips! Have a great night and I hope to see you next week!
Terri F. - talk to you later Pam, have a good nite
Paulie - You could do jsut about anything you wanted with a watermelon theme
Pam...again - You too Terri.
Just Me - bye Pam
Wendy - terri- is there a reason you are not allowed to leave your personal "stuff" at school?
Terri F. - we're told it's for our sake- so it won't get taken or destroyed. But frankly I'm the one who should make that decision. School stuff stays, but personal stuff should be able to if I choose
Terri F. - wer'
Terri F. - we're also made to completely clear our walls so that they can be scrubbed down- which they never are according to the janitor
Wendy - where do you teach?
Just Me - Some of my personal things came up "missing" once. I try not to leave things that I can't live without at school over the summer.
Terri F. - bakersfield california
Terri F. - paulie, get booted?
PS it's Paulie again - we had a outdoor cabinet --huge one -- that we padalocked
Wendy - i have to clear the walls too, but i would hate to lug my stuff back and forth........
PS it's Paulie again - No, I tried to find a watermelon book fast and could not get back in
Terri F. - I'm in a trailer with very little storage. We can't keep anything on bookshelves if they are portable, etc...
Wendy - paulie - why outside? insurance reasons? thanks for looking for the watermelon book.
PS it's Paulie again - no room indoors
Just Me - My room is being used for summer school right now. I brought my file folder games and my class library home so they will be in good condition for fall.
Terri F. - I've spent most of the summer making file folder games
PS it's Paulie again - we could cover our bookcases
PS it's Paulie again - ith apper so they would not be used
PS it's Paulie again - e custodians just moved them carefully when they washed and waxed
PS it's Paulie again - with paper I meant . . . lol
Wendy - terri- what is it like teaching in bakersfield? isn't bakersfield inbetween the sequoa park and san bernadino?
Terri F. - I believe so. we are 2 hours north of L.A. and 2 hours south of Fresno and currently it's very HOT here
PS it's Paulie again - 95 here in WA state
Terri F. - I teach in the 3rd largest district in the state of california. Large is not always a good thing
PS it's Paulie again - I know Terri I taught 3 years for LAUSD
PS it's Paulie again - and one year in Lakewood near Long beach, one year in Granada Hills and one year in Culver City/Palms
Wendy - my family visited the sequoa park last year..... what a relaxing time. is there a high crime rate? since i am from iowa, we don't seem to have the problems larger districts do.
Terri F. - is washington better?
Just Me - What kind of file folder games are you making, Terri? How will you use them?
PS it's Paulie again - I lvoe WA state lived here ten years before I went to teach in CA
PS it's Paulie again - in this town alone we have two (2) school districts!
Terri F. - it's hard to say about the crime here...I don't think it's any worse than other places, but I see things from a cop's point of view since I am married to one
Wendy - is it pretty easy to get a job in californina? my mother lives there and i've thought about joinng her - gets toooo cold here.
PS it's Paulie again - lol Terri
Wendy - guess you would see the cops point of view
Terri F. - just me, I bought 2 books from Cason Delosa (sp?) and have been using them. They are mostly reading and math. I plan to change them out each week or every other week. That's why I'm making so many. I'm looking for some science ones though
PS it's Paulie again - It depends on the districts u apply to and remember the cost of living is very high
Terri F. - I agree with paulie
Just Me - Carson Delosa has a science one too. I have it. I use the games with my 5th grade buddies
Wendy - i just figured out how to make those cute little yellow smile faces on the screen.
Terri F. - need a soda, brb..........
PS it's Paulie again - Terri, u can adapt the folders u have to science think of themes liek leaves and snowflakes and flowers and bubbles
PS it's Paulie again - Wendy if you look to the left of this printing you see "live chat" and where the ? is, it shows u how to make them all
Terri F. - ahhh, much better now (I'm addicted to that caffine)
PS it's Paulie again - I jsut ate a delicious juicy pear
Wendy - oh.... how cute.
PS it's Paulie again - I gave up soda pop three months ago
Terri F. - for science file folder games I would like to switch them as the chapters/units change in the curriculum we have (placed in the science center)
Just Me - Terri - to me unless you add ice cream it's not a soda, it's pop
Terri F. - I wish I could paulie
PS it's Paulie again - you could make a fiel folder game with sink and float items
PS it's Paulie again - It was very hard for me to do -- was drinking 4-5 Pepsi's a day
PS it's Paulie again - or living and non-living
Wendy - i guess i should be happy with iowa - at least until my children are grown and gone. did you know that districts in iowa get to write their own standards and benchmarks. we are not tied down to state standards?
Terri F. - paulie- ideas on how? I have an idea for sorting how things move or maybe if animals live in sea or land
PS it's Paulie again - WA has no state standards either
Terri F. - wendy- how lucky you are
Terri F. - paulie, I drink 3-4 diet dr. peppers a day
PS it's Paulie again - well u could make two pockets
Terri F. - california DEFINATELY has state standards, that's all they talk about these days
PS it's Paulie again - have laminated pictures they are to place in each pocket depending on the thing u are asking for
PS it's Paulie again - self check on back
Wendy - what about an observation science center?? you could put a little critter in a container and have the children at the center record their observations.
PS it's Paulie again - well a few years back CA did NOT have state standards
PS it's Paulie again - I was there when they changed
PS it's Paulie again - d Ibeen gone one year
Terri F. - I don't currently have any critters, but that's a good idea if I get one
PS it's Paulie again - good wendy but that is not a file folder activity
Just Me - Michigan has standards , each district writes it's own based on the state standards
Wendy - you could chase down some insects.
Terri F. - I have only taught here since 1996, and boy have things changed in that short of time
PS it's Paulie again - in WA they have benchmarks for 4th, 7th and 11th gr just liek CA used to have
PS it's Paulie again - I went to teach in CA in 95
Terri F. - I was thinking for games- sorting if something travels by land or by air. Would that be science or social studies
PS it's Paulie again - we got real crazy using rubrics too
PS it's Paulie again - science
Wendy - we have benchmarks for all grades, but do not have to report out on all of the grades. i am sure things will change.
Just Me - I have a file folder game on seasons - pictures of objects that have to be sorted summer or winter
Terri F. - california has standards for every grade starting in kindergarten. They are for math, language arts, science, soc. studies and I think PE. I hear they are working on creating technology ones now.
PS it's Paulie again - and also for art
Terri F. - that's a good idea just me. I could print up some pictures from clipart
Wendy - i bought a center book that the pieces were all colored. all i had to do was cut them out. laminate them, and organize a pocket folder.
PS it's Paulie again - Now that I ahve a digital cmera I can take photos of things to use too
Terri F. - I wish Carson Delosa would do that!!!! I have spent all summer scanning them, using the paint program to color them, printing out , and saving a copy for future use
PS it's Paulie again - Hey that is neat that you scan and color that way I jsut did by hand
Just Me - Also land, air or water animals and colors
Terri F. - my husband wants a digital camera
Just Me - clip art, stickers, wrapping paper all work
Wendy - this is more of a math folder....... i cut strips of ribbon - a bunch of diferent lengths and laminated them to a file folder. the kids measured and recorded answers.
PS it's Paulie again - mine is about two weeks old
Terri F. - I figured it took just as long or maybe a bit more time to do it this way, but when the game is lost or destroyed I just have to print a new one already colored
PS it's Paulie again - you could use realia for rough and smooth for science
Wendy - paulie- what kind of camera did you get?
Terri F. - paulie, I like your ideas. Maybe I could gather up some small things for rough/smooth
Wendy - you could also have them sort food groups for science.
PS it's Paulie again - Olympus C-700 Camedia
Just Me - I have a note I send home asking parents to help. they color and cut out the game pieces. I assemble the games. Parents love to help and kids take better care of the things their parents make.
Terri F. - wendy, my kinders could record the 2nd semester- I might do that one
PS it's Paulie again - and you could do a money one
Terri F. - I have 1 money game, but would like more.
Just Me - I could post the letter on the chatboard if you would like it
Wendy - what about sorting and graphing pictures of critters?
PS it's Paulie again - Just me do it anyway good idea
Terri F. - I even got overly organized and put all math on green folders, reading on blue, opposite on orange, 2 player games on yellow, and misc (science/etc...) on red
PS it's Paulie again - for social studies maybe you could do the animals on land, water and air
Terri F. - just me, great- thanks
PS it's Paulie again - good idea
Just Me - I used colored garage sale dots and keep the folders in different crates. I have over 100 games
PS it's Paulie again - or north pole and south of equator animals
Wendy - wow- impressive. i have a tough tiem with keeping things orderly.
Terri F. - wow!! I hope to have 40 to start the year off with and about 100 by the end of the year
PS it's Paulie again - when my son was in 2nd gr I think I colored 100 file folder games for his teacher
Terri F. - I was thinking of using a sticker on the back on the folder and matching sticker on each loose piece, so if pieces get lost they could be sorted back to their right folder easier
PS it's Paulie again - Then I got a job as an aide and got paid to do it
PS it's Paulie again - can use initials or numbers for ID also
Wendy - terri-good idea.
Terri F. - I didn't want to ask my parents because I usually ask them to help folder and staple student take home books. I have 3 go home every week of the year per student
PS it's Paulie again - I did those for his teacher at home
Terri F. - it's alot of work isn't it???
Just Me - I have an envelope in each folder that holds the game pieces. I made an extra copy of a game piece so they know which pieces go with which game
PS it's Paulie again - sure is
Just Me - This year only 3 pieces got lost
PS it's Paulie again - I always laminate a small fodler with a string tab to the back for parts
Terri F. - I hope these games help my center time.
PS it's Paulie again - folder is not what I meant I meant sm envelope
Wendy - what are some of your centers?
Terri F. - it's not what they are, just how they are. It was not well planned. I like open centers, but there was no accountability so several students would just walk around. Also, I didn't change some of the materials as often as I should have
PS it's Paulie again - why do u have to ahve accountability?
Wendy - i tried to do centers during guided reading - didn't work with last year's group. i am going to have a seperate center time for the kids next year so i can interact with them.
Terri F. - I have already made many changes...listening center now has other activities not just listening to books for example
PS it's Paulie again - maybe responsibility is better
PS it's Paulie again - (makes more work for u)
PS it's Paulie again - and not do guided reading?
Terri F. - I think if I had something the child had to show me then they would spend less time wondering. They would know they had to complete 3 (for example) centers before using playhouse, etc...
PS it's Paulie again - Terri what grade?
Terri F. - I try to do guided reading during centers, but I'm constantly stopping to get others on task, stop arguements, etc...
Wendy - terri - i know what you mean. i had the same problem. i used center sheets, but they were a pain in the rear.
Terri F. - Kindergarten
PS it's Paulie again - when I was in K, I had them use certain centers freely when they arrived
Terri F. - of course completing something could be drawing a picture of something from the center, journal writing, etc....
PS it's Paulie again - the centers I did when I was havign a sm group they all did the same thing
Terri F. - me too because I have late arrivals. They have a table task to do first thing in the morning then are free to "play"
PS it's Paulie again - they did that for 20 min while I greeted them, did juice money and any business I ahd to
PS it's Paulie again - we never had playhouse during rotating of centers
Just Me - I'm still working out the "bugs" too. Some days things went well, other days didn't
Wendy - paulie - of course i will still have guided reading - i use four blocks and love it. i will just make a time for the kids to explore. i haven't done this in the past and now that i am reading about the benefits of play and time i feel a little guilty.
PS it's Paulie again - wendy are u first?
Wendy - yep
Terri F. - I'm thinking of taking out blocks and playhouse and using them for afternoon and when they finish their work early during the day
PS it's Paulie again - ok glad to see that u aren't K and using 4 blocks
PS it's Paulie again - soudns good Terri
PS it's Paulie again - we had half day K
Terri F. - there is a version of 4 blocks for K- building blocks, I use many aspects of it
Wendy - what grade are you, paulie>
PS it's Paulie again - but the work has to be good quality and not rushed thru
Terri F. - don't have time for all however. I use predictable charts and name activities
PS it's Paulie again - looking for a job moved from CA
Terri F. - oh, and morning message
PS it's Paulie again - taught K, first, 2nd and 4th
PS it's Paulie again - yes BB is great
PS it's Paulie again - always a mornign message
Wendy - i just finished reading morning message and the first six weeks. i am changing the way i start the morning.
PS it's Paulie again - great
Just Me - I lost my playhouse area when the district decided to add a huge computer cabinet to each classroom. With 1/2 day kdg playtime is becoming rare
PS it's Paulie again - Just me that is for hooking up to the internet
Terri F. - I think using a morning message is great. And my kids learn just about the whole alphabet with names alone
PS it's Paulie again - I moved the year we got the internet
PS it's Paulie again - we bought garden sheds for outdoors for all the Kinder classes
Terri F. - I'm at a school with extended day kindergarten. We are longer than 1/2, but shorter than whole 8:30 to 1:04
PS it's Paulie again - put a lot of play stuff in there
Just Me - no this cabinet holds a printer
Terri F. - I'm not sure I could effectively teach 1/2 day anymore
PS it's Paulie again - I taught one year of all day K form 8:45 to 3 I lvoed it
PS it's Paulie again - o
PS it's Paulie again - Yes I prefere whole day
Terri F. - full day is the only way to keep the playtime anymore, it's such a shame
PS it's Paulie again - CA does not require Kidnergarten yet they have state standards for it
Just Me - 1/2 day is so short - I often feel I'm rushing the kids to get everything in
PS it's Paulie again - first gr is shoved down to K now
Wendy - are kinders as well prepared for first if they only have half day k ?
Terri F. - That describes California perfectly doesn't it???? They also have a starting age for K very young, don't have to be 5 until dec 2
PS it's Paulie again - heck sicne it is not mandatory in CA u get first grers with NO K experien ce
Just Me - Probably not but like CA kdg is not required but if you have it you must follow state standards
PS it's Paulie again - I really can spell just can't type
Terri F. - we had one last year as a matter of fact. Parent wanted child in first, so we had to. Child is now repeating first grade. Big mistake on the part of california in my opinion
PS it's Paulie again - heck our preschool in public school had standards too
Terri F. - hi there wendy2
PS it's Paulie again - yes that is true when I grew up in Idaho if we had late birthdays and could not start first gr we went to K all year but if we had early birthday we went to K just in the summer
wendy2 - for some reason i had to log on again. guess i am here twice
Just Me - This year I had 10 four year olds on opening day. They have to be 5 by December 1st
PS it's Paulie again - o another wndy hi there wendy 2
PS it's Paulie again - o lol
PS it's Paulie again - well why should u be any different I ahd to log on 4 times tonight
Terri F. - last year school wide, we retained 13 kinders and wanted to retain another 5 but parent wouldn't appove. Almost all happened to be children with birthdays after the first day of school
PS it's Paulie again - Wendy where are u?
wendy2 - that is way tooooo young. all of my first graders were seven and a couple were eight by the end of the year.
PS it's Paulie again - (besides infront of your computer)
Terri F. - a bill has gone before the state every year for several years to change the date, but keeps failing to pass
wendy2 - i could be a real smarty in answering your question........ i am in iowa.
PS it's Paulie again - I know hehe
PS it's Paulie again - so two of us are night owls and two it is still early for us
wendy2 - if you retained 13 kinders, do you have to hire an extra kinder teacher or do you increase class size?
wendy2 - paulie, where are you??
Just Me - I have to go - son wants to instant message a friend - I'll try to get back if I can
PS it's Paulie again - I retaiend two one year but the mom's insisted I teach them again worked out for one but not the other cause I was PM kinder that year
PS it's Paulie again - nite Just ME
Terri F. - nope, they get placed first, then new enrollees. We max out at 20 each teacher. Parents don't often enroll their kids in the spring they wait to sept. So if we fill up, then we have to disallow district transfers or tell parents to go to another school
Terri F. - good nite just me
PS it's Paulie again - Washington state -- Vancouver on the border across the river from Portland OR
wendy2 - i was up till 4am reading and dinking around on the computer.... can't do it tonight. have to go to chicago.
Terri F. - at our school we've agreed not to have our kids again. Hoping that a different presentation style from a different teacher will help
wendy2 - our max is 25. no aid. no nothing......
Terri F. - we no longer have aides either. We did have an americorp tutor last year though, don't know if we will this year or not
wendy2 - i have only recommended retention of one student. i am not sure if it was the right thing to do.
Paulie - got knocked off again Think I will call it a night
Terri F. - good nite paulie
Paulie - come back next week
Terri F. - why wendy?
wendy2 - good night, paulie
wendy2 - i believe her problem was a result of adhd. her parents refused to get her evaluated. a little bit of behavior modification and parenting classes might have helped the situation.
Terri - just me again, tried to refresh, but got booted instead
wendy2 - that's what booted means.
Terri - but in the end, if she didn't learn the information for whatever reason and has the ability to do so, retention is the right choice in my opinion
Terri - you did the right thing I think
wendy2 - yes, she has the ability, but it is too bad that she had to suffer the way she did. i ahve never seen a child unable to concentrate like she did. i just wish she had some assistance.
Terri - I understand that....it breaks our hearts when parents don't do anything and everything possible to help their child learn and succeed
wendy2 - she couldn't even focus long enough to write a word without it going off her paper. she had a wealth of background info to share - jsut couldn't get it out.
Terri - well, it's getting late and I want to head over to the main chatboard for a few minutes. I'll try to remember to come back next tuesday
wendy2 - good night.
Terri - good night
