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Mary/PA - Are you here for the EC/Primary meeting?
Hat - Hi m and Mary
Mary/PA - Hi Hat
m - Hi all. Yes
Hat - do we have a topic tonight or anything we want?
Mary/PA - I don't think there is a topic set for this evening....have any ideas?
frei - Hi...all...I teach Art...any questions....
Hat - first day of school
frei - I teach K-8 Art...any ideas.
m - How about Open House ideas?
frei - Aug.23 here.
Mary/PA - Quick and easy art projects for the little ones....have any suggestions?
Hat - yes, i like your idea m
Hat - august 27
Mary/PA - Something the kids can do without a lot of intervention from the teacher
Mary/PA - Something that is truely theirs
frei - I like to teach art to the little with classroom themes...books, stories etc.
Hat - i don't usually get a big turnout for open house
m - not till the 3rd week of school in Sept.
frei - What grade....Mary
Mary/PA - Kindergarten
frei - Wow...m
m - Does anyone know where I can get some getting to know you posters?
m - oops, for Kdg. or 1st
Hat - no, i don't m
frei - Kinders are a lot of fun. Do you run themes throughout the school year.
Mary/PA - Not off hand, m...have you searched the web?
frei - Open House is always way to early for the Art teachers.
m - Saxon phonics was ordered for K, 1, and 2--so I have to do this. It is very structured, but I lighten things up by trying to get creative with a theme starting with the letter we are on with Saxon.
m - what grades do you teach?
Hat - i teach k
m - do you use themes, Hat?
Mary/PA - I was teaching Kindergarten in the mornings and Reading Recovery in the afternoons, but this year will will be teaching RR all day
Hat - yes, i think it makes it more fun for everyone. i think i'm starting with watermelons this year
Mary/PA - What books do you read to the kids on the first day of school?
Hat - my school had 2 rr teachers and now we have none. too bad
Mary/PA - Hat, why did they stop the program?
Hat - that's great that you can concentrate just on rr, mary
m - I am going to use watermelons, too, even though we will be starting with "Ll". The Saxon program does do a letter a week--watermelon--LUSCIOUS???
Hat - our two teachers transferred to other schools and the school didn't try to go out an recruit new teachers
Mary/PA - Hat, I'm hoping that I can do a better job since I won't be stretched so thin time wise
Hat - are you going to go on a watermelon hunt?
Mary/PA - and work wise
Mary/PA - There will be plenty of work, but it'll be more closely related to the same thing
m - please tell us how (watermelon hunt)
Hat - I have two humongous watermelons sitting in my living room. too bad i can't save them for school!
Mary/PA - Hat, why are they in your living room?
Hat - addie-are you the one who posted the watermelon hunt idea?
Hat - oh, they are there because we got them last night and they are too big to fit in the refrig and we haven't move them
Addie /MO - i have it on my website: http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Aegean/2221/melon.html it is a whole watermelon unit.
m - sounds yummy
Mary/PA - Oh, I see.
Sandi - Did any of you take part in the BB meeting last week. I couldn't log on
Hat - i really like your ideas addie. i love teachers.net. i have learned so much from everyone
Sandi - I was really looking forward to that. I am addicted to the teachers. net
m - No, but I am going to try to implement BB ideas with the Saxon
Mary/PA - Sandi, I didn't, I wasn't at home, but the meeting is in the archives now
Addie /MO - thanks, hat. i am glad when people use ideas off my website. makes the time it takes to put it together worthwhile
Hat - i am going to try to have my students start journaling from day one this year. i'm going to try and follow kidwriting
Sandi - I've seen your stuff on your site, it's great. How do you have time for that?
m - I am so hooked on teacher.net!!! Thanks for the great ideas.
Mary/PA - Hat, that sounds like a very good idea
Addie /MO - i built it little by little over the course of several years
Mary/PA - The first two years of school....kinder and first grade should have lots of writing
Sandi - Hat. Me too I started kid writing part way through the year after coming across in on the teacher.net.
Hat - yes, me to Sandie. i had never heard of kidwriting until i read about it on here
Mary/PA - In the beginning of literacy development writing really drives the reading
m - This year, I am going to try the poetry journal idea I got from the primary chatboard. I am going to buy pocket folders and write Rhyme Time on the front--I also am going to start writing right away
Sandi - I was pleased with the success. My kids never said, I don't know what to write.
Sandi - I'm trying to decide if I should try modeling for a week or two or start immediately.
Hat - i bought a little buddy and a back pack for my students to take home. i got that idea from here too. i'm including a journal.
Addie /MO - my kids journaled from the beginning. i just explained that there were all different ways to write and accepted them where they were. then as they learned new skills, i tried to conference with them and stretch the kids a little further all the time.
Mary/PA - Sandi, model each day and then let them go at it.....every day
Hat - Mine either. They all wanted to write
Hat - it
Addie /MO - ditto, to what mary said
Sandi - That should be great. Oh I have to go, my family just got back. I'll try and get back on. I wish I didn't miss it.
m - Please!!! Anyone know where I can purchase already-made drawstring bags so I can start with Literacy bags??
Hat - no, I don't know m
Addie /MO - m, have you tried a craft store like hobby lobby?
Mary/PA - m, I don't know....can you sew?
Hat - m-the only thing i can think of are the sleeping bag bags. they are usually plastic. i don't know if that will work
Mary/PA - m, take a look around this site - http://www.yourbaglady.com/
m - I just don't have the time this summer--I have an 87 year-old dad who has been taking up a lot of time recently. No, I haven't tried the hobby stores yet. But, I couldn't find any on the online stores I tried.
m - I am looking for the cloth kid with the cute kid stuff on them. I have seen them, but can't remember where!
Mary/PA - My computer just groaned at me
LindaCa - I got my drawstring bags a few years ago from Scholastic. You could try there.
Hat - Someone posted something like that m. It was a cloth bag but it was open at the top
Hat - did you byte it?
m - Thanks, LindaCA, do they have an online store site?
Hat - no drawstring
pooh - I am curious how you are going to do the poetry journals. I have first grade this year and would like to do that with them.
LindaCa - Hi: m - I know all about looking after eldery parents. My parents died two years ago -ages 81 and 90 within 3 months. You probably don't have time for anything else.
LindaCa - I know they have a website I think it's www.Scholastic.com.
m - Very sorry about your parents---within 3 mos., wow, must have been hard for you
Addie /MO - pooh, i posted an answer to a similar query on the ece board. it was kind of lengthy, so i wont retype it here, but you might want to check there after a while
pooh - Thanks Addie. i will go there and see what I can find.
Mary/PA - I was looking for bags....there are many sites...just have to sort through them to find what you want
m - Appreciate it, Mary. I want to send these home on weekends with the kids--any ideas if I can get it started?
Hockeyrabbit - what do you do with the kids the first week of school? I teach Spec Ed. K-2 Self contained
Melissa - Does anyone have those chair pockets?
Melissa - I'm thinking of buying them
Hockeyrabbit - I am thinking about doing alot of things with their names
LindaCa - I use my bags to send home Shared reading books with my kids after we have finished a Shared Reading book, usually a big book, I send home the matching small books or sometimes I send home the big book with a magic reading wand. that's a big hit.
m - I was thinking of buying them, too. It sounds good for center ideas.
Sandi - Names are a great idea. Also colors
Addie /MO - name activities are great. nothing is more interesting to them than themselves!
Mary/PA - m, so far the sites are saying that you have to order 100 or more
Hockeyrabbit - also, how effective is the building blocks program? I have diff leveled kids but mainly low level K-begining 1st level
Addie /MO - later, all. hubby is starting a movie...the wedding planner
LindaCa - i have a great name chant that I posted on the Building Blocks board if anyone is interested.
Hockeyrabbit - boy I am FULL of questions tonight
Melissa - great movie
m - 100?? Well.........how much $$ do you know?
Hockeyrabbit - Linda-BB good to use? do you also do guided reading along with BB?
Sandi - BB would be great for them. You'll still want to make sure you provide structured opportunities/drill like things for letters/sounds but they'll really understand that the letters/sounds are print related and will help with reading/writing from the BB
Mary/PA - We have to put our chairs upside down on the tables and deskes every day after school so the floors can be swept....I was wondering what kind of a mess the chair bags would be because of this
pooh - at that rate m you will have bags forever. lol
Hockeyrabbit - SPED..HI..what grade do you teach?
SPEDTeacher - Anyone have any good ideas for career awareness
Melissa - hm Mary havent thought of that
m - I didn't think of that. We put ours upside down, too.
Mary/PA - This site is asking $1.33 for one color bags - http://www.bagsco.com/wondra/wondradraw.htm
Melissa - guess we could put them up without turning them upside down
LindaCa - I like using A lot of ideas from BB, I also do Guided Reading as well. Our school board says that K kids have to read level 3-5 when they go to grade 1. But I find Shared Reading the best, along with read alouds.
Hockeyrabbit - Sandi- what kind of literacy centers do you do?
SPEDTeacher - I teach in a Middle School 7/8
Hockeyrabbit - Linda-shared reading is you reading a BIG book/poem with the kids..right?
Mary/PA - Melissa, that sounds like a good solution
Melissa - Lemmons.....have you found any 1st grade pen pals?
SPEDTeacher - I work with low academic functioning students
m - Thanks, again, Mary.
Hockeyrabbit - in Guided reading. do you give the kids a new book to read every day they are with you, or sometimes do you review the book they read yesterday?
Melissa - wait...i think we are talking about different types of bags
Sandi - I have many different ones. Letters-magnetic letters/tiles/stamping letters; listening center; writing center; reading center; retelling; pocket chart/nursery rhyme poster; motor/puzzles/writing, computer, leap frog
Hockeyrabbit - SPED-I work in a 12-1-1 rm..K-2
Sandi - games,
Hockeyrabbit - Sandi-how do you use the pocket charts? do the kids like them?
LindaCa - Yes; We read it over and over again for about a week. Looking at different things each day. Then I send it home on a rotating basis to share with their family. They all love it. At lot of times it's just memorized but that's ok. I always send home a parent/child response book and a letter outlining what we've done.
Mary/PA - m, have you thought about buy the material and hiring someone to make them?
Hockeyrabbit - Linda-how do you know to move onto the next level? take a running record?
m - Another good idea. You've been very helpful.
Melissa - Linda ..i missed it...what are you sending home?
Melissa - i am teaching guided reading for the 1st time this year....Will it be hard for me to learn how to do running records?
Sandi - I have nursery rhymes that have the different verses on different strips and word cards so they need to sequence the strips and match. I also have small ditto activites for retelling from the Mother Goose site from Enchanted Learning I think.
Hockeyrabbit - what is leap frog?
Sandi - Running records just take PRACTICE
LindaCa - I do shared reading all year. I do running records when I start my quided reading. WHen I start guided reading often depends on when the kids are ready. I teach jk/sk and sometimes my jk/s are ready before some of my Sk's. I try to get every one in Sk started by Christmas or January.
Hockeyrabbit - oh ok..thanks
m - Sandi, what grade do you teach?
Mary/PA - Hockey, I read a new big bok every day or two...I don't like to stay with the same book too long...I don't want the kids to think tha reading in memorizing....that's what many of the kids that I work with in Reading Recovery think.....I causes them problems and is a bad habit that has to be broken
LindaCa - m-I send home my Shared reading books on a rotating basis.
Melissa - SAndi i would love that site...If you have it on hand
Hockeyrabbit - mary-when you do guided reading, do you introduce a new book everytime you meet with the kids then?
LindaCa - I haven't add a problem with kids thinking that reading is memory. Because at the same time we are doing shared reading we are also doing shared and interactive writing and learning sight words etc.
m - With the lit. bags, I though I would put in a stuffed animal, book/s, maybe a game or a puzzle, a notebook/journal, and maybe a worksheet.
Sandi - Leap Frog -different things Leap Mat which has a pad that goes on the floor and has the different letters on it. Makes sounds, spells words. I have the leap pad that is like a book and you use this stylis to hear words, and a Leap desk that has individual letters, phoneme cards, rhyme cards, sight words. It's hard to explain but it is based on the Leap Frog materials that have been "toys" for years.
Sandi - I teach kindergarten
Mary/PA - Here's the Nursery Rhyme site - http://www.enchantedlearning.com/Rhymes.html
Melissa - thank you thank you thank you
Hockeyrabbit - Sandi-where did you get the mat?
m - K-teachers: full or half day?
Mary/PA - Hockey, every other day a new GR book
TS/1 - Anyone using 4-blocks, I am going to implement this year.
LindaCa - I teach full days/alternate days- so I have 2 classes.
Sandi - Sorry I pushed the wrong button. Oh I see that someone already put up the site (that's what I was trying to figure out)
Hockeyrabbit - Mary-at the same level? right? then when do you know they are ready to move on?
Hockeyrabbit - TS-I want to use Building Blocks
Mary/PA - Read it one day....pull out the elements that I want to stress...then the next day the kids read it to me, with my support as needed
Sandi - We got it through the Leap into Literacy. The mat was part of that.
m - LindaCa-how long have you been doing this?
Hockeyrabbit - is it easy to incorporate BB and Guided reading into your curriculum?
LindaCa - Hockey: You will really like building blocks. Do you have any of the books? I saw a bit difference in my kids this year.
TS/1 - I bought the book, The Teachers Guide to 4 Blocks. I still have a lot of questions.
Hockeyrabbit - Mary-how do you know what to stress?
LindaCa - I've been doing this for 3 years.
Sandi - Yes. It is not so much adding something as much as organizing what you are already doing and making it more meaningful.
Mary/PA - Hockey, when they start to notice the things in print that are needed and are applyng the strategies that we have been practicing...we move up levels very gradually
Hockeyrabbit - Linda-I just bought the Month by Month BB..should I get the teacher's edition too?
Melissa - Since this is my 1st year teaching guided reading....Are there any helpful hints?
m - I teach half-day, but I think we are going to offer full-day soon. I hope it is full-day, every day.
TS/1 - LindaCa- can you tell me more about your GR block
Sandi - You know what to stress by knowing what their strengths and weaknesses are. if they don't have print concepts you'll target that but more specifically which print concepts..is it left ot right, letter/word, punctuation, etc.
LindaCa - Hockey: I'm not so sure what you mean by Teacher's edition.
Sandi - Wish I could stay but need to go now. thanks and good luck.
Hockeyrabbit - Teacher's guide to BB
Mary/PA - Of course we have large supply of books from which the kids can choose each day to "read" on their own or with a partner while O go around and observe and coment
Hockeyrabbit - thanks Sandi
Melissa - Could anyone explain how they set uup a morning block...with ALL of the components of balanced literacy?
Melissa - I am afraid I wont have enough time to teach guided reading and writing
Hockeyrabbit - does anyone use discovery bottles?
Mary/PA - Hock, do you mean the teachers guide to BB?
Mary/PA - Ho, yse, get it...it helps as well
LindaCa - Ts/1 I do Gr with my children that are ready when the other children have Free Choice activities. We work on the book together and they take it home to practise. I'm not entirely happy with my method. I am going to try and improve and change somethings this year.
Hockeyrabbit - ok
Melissa - i am teaching 1st grade
Melissa - Help
Hockeyrabbit - does it take a LONG time to get the kids in the flow of doing literacy centers while you are doing GR?
Mary/PA - Melissa, do a little every day, you can't fit all that is listed or suggested in a half day program, but you need to fit in reading and writing every day.....if you are really short on time in a particular day, do the writing....writing is very important
LindaCa - No; because I start off with the centres first and then start the G.R. I don't do GR right away.
Mary/PA - Hockey, I don't do GR that way....we do it as a whole group
Melissa - ok thanks......roughly tho...how much do I spend on each component?
TS/1 - I do GR as a whole group too.
Mary/PA - Each child gets what he/she is able from it and then have time for freee exploration of books and writing
Hockeyrabbit - ok..I am not going to do GR right away anyway because the kids will not be ready
LindaCa - I can't do Gr as a whole group. Last year I had one children reading at Level one and 4 reading at level 18 with many inbetween.
Mary/PA - Later in the year, you can do some group work if the need arises
TS/1 - It's get confusing- 4 blocks research indicates that whole group GR offers something for all regardless of level
Hockeyrabbit - Linda-so do you do BB as a whole seperate block than the GR?
Mary/PA - Small group work, that is
LindaCa - Hockey: You;ll be able to tell when the kids are ready. Start with ones you know have started to read and watch for the others that show interest. Eventually you'll have every one there that needs to be.
Hockeyrabbit - I'm confused
max - hi gang, I am teaching pre-k sp ed this year, gotta learn from yall
LindaCa - Yes; My day is set up that I do Calendar, Morning Message, Colour Groups, Shared Reading/Writing /Free choice in the a.m. I do other things too. That is the first day.
Mary/PA - Half dayLinda, are you first grade?
Melissa - Is there anyone in here that teaches first grade?
Hockeyrabbit - max- I teach K-2 Spec Ed..12-1-1rm..cool!
LindaCa - No I'm Kindergarten, which in Canada is ages 3/2 to 6years.
TS/1 - I do!
Mary/PA - What did I do there?
abra/1/ny - Hello all ... I teach 1st grade.
Hockeyrabbit - max-how many kids are you working with?
Mary/PA - Linda, what grade?
LindaCa - Hockey if you like you can e-mail me later and I can help you through it.
TS/1 - Melissa - Is this your first year in Grade 1?
max - 7, they are "tagged" emotionally handicapped...first time the district is implementing this program
Lish - Hi. I teach Junior and Senior Kindergarten in Ontario Canada
Mary/PA - Oh, you had kinder kids on level 18 at the beginning of the year?
Hockeyrabbit - max-I would like the pre-k though..would be FUN
Melissa - going inot my 2nd year....but first year with guided reading
Melissa - I am sooooooooo lost
LindaCa - Lish =so do I where are you?
abra/1/ny - Does anyone use centers like in the Gay Su Pinnell book about guided reading?
Hockeyrabbit - YES!!!
TS/1 - Me too! Taught K for 6 years too.
Hockeyrabbit - I GREATLY appreciate this!
max - i'll have one K student that didn't "fit" into the other classes
TS/1 - Do you have the BB books?
m - Going to to the "bags" website. Bye
Hockeyrabbit - max-..well..I had emotionally dist kids last year and hated it..good luck
Hockeyrabbit - BE FIRM
Lish - Hi Linda! Hagersville and you?
Mary/PA - Not me, I don't like centers like that in Kindergarten....to much opportunity for the kids to practice things incorrectly and deveop confusions and misconceptions
LindaCa - Hockey my e-mail is lindaclark@canada.com
Hockeyrabbit - I have only 4 kids right now..2 LD and 2 MR
max - lol, hockeyrabbit, have worked with them for 10 years now, out of 24
LindaCa - Hi I'm in Markham.
max - mary,,,,,what kind of centers should I use??
max - hockey, that sounds like a great group
Lish - do you teach JK/SK?
max - i think this district puts too many in a class, but not up to me
Melissa - abra.....can you explain your literacy block?
LindaCa - Yes!
Mary/PA - Art, dress-up, kitchen, blocks, etc. things that kids can do naturally on their own...that's the kind of centers I did
abra/1/ny - sure
Hockeyrabbit - Mary-what kind of centers are you talking about?
Melissa -
max - thanks!
Lish - Linda..Did you take any Summer Institute courses this summer?
abra/1/ny - When the kids come in, they do journaling ... I don't correct anything in it ... it is merely for free and creative expression
max - i drug out my maple blocks this afternoon and put them into the car
Hockeyrabbit - max-I could be getting more kids..depends on the district..but NO ED kids for me this year..at least for now
Melissa - ok about how long?
Mary/PA - YOu do what works for you, max and your kids....I have many children who get nothing at home, so I can't rely on them knowing how to do things already
abra/1/ny - Then, we gather on the rug and do a calendar board (Math Their Way) ...
LindaCa - Yes: I took accountable classroom practises with Joan Barrett and Joan Littleford in sudbury.
Melissa - just trying to get an overall picture of a literacy block
TS/1 - Abra -do you write back in journals?
abra/1/ny - journaling is usually about 15 minutes
abra/1/ny - No TS, I don't
Melissa - ok
max - that will be my class, mary...from what I have heard
Lish - I took their assessment course in Hamilton just last week. What do you think of them?
abra/1/ny - It's a nice idea, TS, but I just do not have the time.
max - our district doesn't really have a "Published" pre k curri..
Hockeyrabbit - max-how old are the kids you will be teaching?
LindaCa - I really like them. I've taken courses from them before. I seem to follow them around. I always learn something new.
TS/1 - I'd like to a least once a week, we'll see!
abra/1/ny - After calendar board, we do a morning message ... in the beginning of the school year I write it, then progress to writing it with errors and omissions, and then progress to the kids writing it.
Melissa - after calandar,,,then what happens?
Melissa - oh
Lish - Hey me too! I went to London last year and Chatham the year before...I especially enjoy Joan Barrett. Unfortunately she wasn't there the entire 4 days....her dad passed away
Melissa - cool..can you give me an expample of the morning message?
Mary/PA - I have foundthat kids don't like others...teacher included to write on their work....
Melissa - so thats shared reading or shared writing or both?
abra/1/ny - I also do a shared writing during this time ... the helper of the day comes up with a "news item" and the rest of us sound it out and I write it on a sentence strip ... then we read it, and I cut it apart into words and the helper hands the words out ... then they assemble the sentence on the pocket chart.
Mary/PA - they like their stuff to be theirs
Hockeyrabbit - what do you do after morning message?actually this site which I can;t seem to find had a thing called a "Buzz Book" similar to your Morngin Message
LindaCa - That's too bad. I think I'll send her an e-mail.
max - not sure hockey, 3 and 4 and one perhaps K (5)
Lish - Are you with TDSB?
abra/1/ny - My morning message is usually something like this:
TS/1 - I like the idea of cutting up the new item
Mary/PA - Well, it's time for me to go...see you all next week
Hockeyrabbit - max- just have fun and play
abra/1/ny - be forwarned that it changes over time, because morning message has a tendency to bore me to tears.
LindaCa - After morning message, I have directed group activities. Which include a group working with me on a specific tasks.
LindaCa - I'm with York Region. How about you.
Lish - Grand Erie. Do you have Joan's email?
Hockeyrabbit - I am thinking about doing Calendar, Buzz Book and then into centers..cuz I don't think my kids can sit for that long..is thi a BAD iudea? Centers will be academic stuff..mainly lit ones
Melissa - ok..so journaling,,,calendar...morning message...
abra/1/ny - Morning Message: Good morning, children! Today is Wednesday, September 5, 2001. We have Art this afternoon. We will be making a graph on how you get to school. I hope you have a great day!
LindaCa - I have it somewhere. If you'd like to e-mail me. I think it's the same as the other Joan/s just her name instead.
max - hockey, i'll find out tomorrow who /ages, etc...
abra/1/ny - Aaaackkk, just reading it now bores me out my skull!
Melissa - fun
Melissa - LOL!!!
abra/1/ny - after the shared writing, we do shared reading of a big book or a poem
Lish - I think I got it last year but don't know where I might have put it
Hockeyrabbit - abra-haha
Hockeyrabbit - abra=will you do an example of your shared writing?
Melissa - wow..and this is everyday?
abra/1/ny - I usually focus on a poem for several days ... we highlight sounds, choral read, find rhymes, etc etc etc ... and then on the last day of the poem, they get a copy for their poetry binders.
LindaCa - I can't say enough about Shared REading. I think that the kids get so much from it. And they think right away that they are readers.
abra/1/ny - Hockey, the shared writing is a "news item" that the helper comes up with ... like "Sarah's tooth fell out last night!"
abra/1/ny - Melissa, it is really less time-consuming than you might think ... it all takes only about 1/2 hour.
max - so shared writing is you write the news and then they read it with you???
Melissa - hm
Melissa - nd then guided reading?
abra/1/ny - After shared reading, they do centers for an hour and I meet with guided reading groups.
Melissa - ok
abra/1/ny - Max, the kids sound out the words for me and I write it.
LindaCa - I also do predictable charts with my kids for wriing.
max - thanks...
max - like??? ran can fan???
Melissa - so we got ......journaling, shared reading/writng..guided reading
abra/1/ny - We get into interactive writing along about January. They work in small groups to write one sentence for the morning message ... they write the sentences on sentence strips.
Hockeyrabbit - abra-so the sraed writing last about 5 mins max?
abra/1/ny - Um, no Max, the helper will come up with a "news item" sentence about themselves and then the rest of us sound it out ... like "Danny went over to Matt's house yesterday!"
max - what are predictable charts....
abra/1/ny - yep, Hockey.
Hockeyrabbit - Linda- how do you use the pocket charts?
Melissa - how long is your literacy block all together?
abra/1/ny - We start the day at 8:50 and go to lunch at 10:50.
Melissa - and the children can handle one hour of literacy centers?
Melissa - ok
Hockeyrabbit - Linda-I meant predictable charts..sporry
abra/1/ny - then after lunch, i teach some whole group language arts
Hockeyrabbit - abra-when do you start guided reading with your class?
abra/1/ny - Yes Melissa, they are great during centers ... they visit 3 centers per day for 20 minutes each
Melissa - whoa
Hockeyrabbit - the first week of school?
abra/1/ny - Hockey, I don't start guided reading with the class until I know they are able to handle the centers on their own.
Hockeyrabbit - abra-what kind of centers do you do? the norm such as ABC, Read the room etc.?
abra/1/ny - I model and model and model the centers for about 3 weeks.
max - what do you do to transistion between centers....
Hockeyrabbit - oh ok..so you will actually sit and help them for the first few weeks or more with the centers..
max - max bets she never "sits" lol
Hockeyrabbit - abra-how many centers do you introduce in the beginning of the year?
Hockeyrabbit - max-LOL
abra/1/ny - My centers: Pocket Chart, Poetry, Writing, Listening, Read Around the Room, ABC, Computers, Art, Games, Independent Reading, Partner Reading, Reading Journal ... ummmm ... am trying to think of them all.
abra/1/ny - lol Max
abra/1/ny - I have a timer that rings after 20 minutes, and the kids just clean up and go to their next center.
abra/1/ny - I tend to introduce them all except Partner Reading
Hockeyrabbit - abra-I am a little confused with the lit centers..do you store the stuff in tubs? like your ABC stuff?
max - and they have learned to transistion from the modeling at the first of school
abra/1/ny - Art and Games are like a little reliever for the kids.
abra/1/ny - Yes, they tend to catch on really quick ... I don't feel rushed to start reading groups if I feel the kids are not ready to do centers on their own ...
abra/1/ny - Nope, it's all on my counters and on shelves.
abra/1/ny - What they eventually need to learn is when I introduce a new item into the center ... I always have to keep in mind that centers are for practice, though, and not for new things.
Hockeyrabbit - abra-if the kids were doing lets say the ABC center..its on a shelf right there for them to use? or do you want them to take it to a table?
Hockeyrabbit - also how do you manage the centers..do you have a work jobs board?
abra/1/ny - Hockey, yes, sorry ... they take it to their table to work on.
Melissa - i got my pizza
max - all this is really helpful to me
abra/1/ny - We have a work jobs board, Hockey.
Melissa - hey abra.......you've been most helpful
max - share, Melissa...
abra/1/ny - It runs like a well-oiled machine ... LOL
Melissa - would you mind exchanging e-mails?
Hockeyrabbit - oh ok..so how do you do that..wherever their name is on their table they just take the center with them and do the activity inside the container?
abra/1/ny - But, I am ALWAYS looking for new ideas ... so, now I will shut up and I want to hear some of your ideas!!!!!
abra/1/ny - Yes, Hockey.
Hockeyrabbit - what kind of ideas?
max - i have 20 pounds of rice that I used for measuring last year/ fill and pour, lol
Hockeyrabbit - I have a TON of stuff on Dental Health and Hygiene (sp?)
Hockeyrabbit - abra-do you have a sensory table too?
Hockeyrabbit - this will be my first year doing lit centers
Melissa - abra.....I have to go...would you mind?
max - ooohhh, a sensory corner
abra/1/ny - What do you all teach?
Hockeyrabbit - I teach Spec Ed. mainly K-1..but can be up to 3rd
abra/1/ny - melissa ... abra@pronetisp.net
Hockeyrabbit - max-there is a GREAT SIGHT for sensory table ideas
max - abra, I teach sp ed, this year I am doing pre-k...they have pulled 7 behaviorally challenged
Melissa - thank you much!!!
Hockeyrabbit - its www.perpetualpreschool.com
Melissa - have a great night!
max - THANKS!!!
Hockeyrabbit - max-you will find a TON of ideas for eveything
abra/1/ny - No, Hockey, I don't have a sensory table
abra/1/ny - night Melissa
max - i taught autistic last year....sensory was such a part of that population....
Hockeyrabbit - max-god bless ya
max - I now have theraphy balls, weighted vest, blankets
max - it was a fantastic class.....loved it
Hockeyrabbit - max-I had a kid last year that many ppl thought had aspbergers (sp?)..he was amazing..just like rainman with numbers
Hockeyrabbit - what are weighted vests..what are they used for?
max - i thank yall for I do feel like I have some direction for my room....
max - yep, I had the other end of the spectrum....low, low functioning and non verbal....\
max - vest with weights in special pockets...same with blankets...many autistics need/desire pressure...we used them to teach them to obtain the pressure without aggressive actions (restraning them the only way they "knew" to get pressure
Hockeyrabbit - abra-what is the hardest part about doing centers with the kids? what if they just hurry through the center and do not takle their time?
Hockeyrabbit - max-did you do this "brushing" technique with your kids?
max - `i bet if you model them enough atthe beginning of the year they won't ..., is that right abra
abra/ny/1 - dang, i got booted!
abra/ny/1 - and it is still showing that i am here under my other name
max - no, i wouldn't do that without the direction of an OT...and research isn't in on that
Hockeyrabbit - abra-what's the hardest part about doing the centers?
max - happens sometimes abra...ghosties
Hockeyrabbit - max-my OT person MADE the aid do it and it was such a bunch of BS
Hockeyrabbit - hi kiddie..what grade do u teach?
max - well, if its documented to help, I'd do it if someone in the know told me to....but..
max - hi kiddie
kiddieteach - Does anyone know where I can find a cheap reading loft for my kindergarten classroom?
Hockeyrabbit - max-there was NO evidence that showed any progress in his motor skills from it
max - gosh kiddie, I was thinking about that today!!!! school we had an inservice had on built in the library...
max - sometimes the benefit is an inner peace, hockeyrabbit...from what mothers of kids that do it have told me....I don't know
Hockeyrabbit - abra-so what kind of ideas were you looking for? I am going to do discovery bottles with names this year
Hockeyrabbit - max-oh
abra - unbelievable!
max - I had some visual discrimination task my kids did last year, they had to cut out shapes and then glue them to another paper to match the model...
max - abra, you getting kicked around!!!!!!
Hockeyrabbit - max-that may be another idea..discovery bottles..fill H20 bottles with stuff..like buttons, bananas, etc. for the letter B..I found this site with some cool bottles on it
max - ~~~~~~~~~~~@~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ knotted rope for abra to hand on to
abra - i'm getting my butt kicked around in here!
Hockeyrabbit - LOL!!!
max - oh, I am really gonna have to teach letter sounds, lol, hadn't thought about that!!! can you imagine!!!
Hockeyrabbit - abra is it ok if I email you if I have some questions?
abra - i've had two students with aspergers ... and a new one next year
max - what is the site hockey
abra - i was mainly thinking of literacy ideas
max - abra, I hear their needs are similair to the sutdents I had, but mine were in the low, low IQ range...yet they were fantastic
sue - hi yall
abra - thanks for the rope max, but if i get the boot again, i am just going to bed
max - (((((((((((((((((((sue))))))))))))))))))))))) *max is now a pre-k teacher*
abra - that's fine hockey
sue - yeah!! I will start sending you good stuff
max - lol, are you around abra, under another name, or ???
Hockeyrabbit - max-its not on this computer, but I found it in the index of the listings under mentors in the primary section
kiddieteach - Max - do you know where the library got the loft? I have found some on the net, but they are SO expensive, and I am a new teacher, and I don't want to spend a fortune!
abra - whoa ... now the screen went blank!
max - I did making words and guided reading in the past and would like to learn to do it this year
abra - help, i can't see anything!
max - get a parent to build it kiddie....
sue - max- reg ed or spec ed?
max - abra, perhaps you need to empty your cache
max - emotionally handicapped!!!!
sue - kiddie- got to be very careful with building lofts-- need to meet safety guidelines
max - i have a mattress tent that is "see through" that I think I'll use flat on the floor
Hockeyrabbit - I am off..good night
max - safety is a biggie....
sue - max-there's a great series by Ms Jo-- songs and big books about what to do with feelings
max - nite hockey!!!! thanks
Hockeyrabbit - max-GOOD LUCK this year..maybe I'll catch ya on this chat again some other time
max - sue, send me any references you can!!! I am looking!!!
kiddieteach - Thanks so much, that is a great idea. So, does anyone have any good discipline ideas for kindergarten? (other than the pocket chart)
sue - max- got any ideas for your schedule yet?
max - for sure hockeyrabbit, and thanks a lot for tonite
Hockeyrabbit - I have a bunch of other sites on the other computer that would be of some help..but the perpetualpreschool one is by far the best..nite
max - ahhh, got the job yesterday sue, went to a behavioral workshop today...start tomorrow
Hockeyrabbit - kiddie-pull cards
sue - kiddie- I've done birds in trees-- everyone starts out on the branches
Hockeyrabbit - max-one more question..do you give REWARDS i your classroom?
sue - when the kids act up they move to lower branches. anyone who get to ground level gets a report home
max - use proactive, positive behavioral support
abra.is.back - this is so weird
max - yep....the guy today said NOT to....I'll change the way i do it some cause what he presented made sense....I use strong positive reinforcers rather than rewards...lol
sue - I also did the magic word-- I wrote the word for a special treat on the board and covered with post its.
max - abra...perhaps your puter memory is prettyfull.....
abra.is.back - could you see my posts before?
Hockeyrabbit - ok..thats what I am going to lean towards too..anyway..thanks and good nite
max - yes, i could
sue - when class was " caught doing good" I revealed a letter. all letters revealed equal treat
abra.is.back - fell like i was talking to a snow storm
max - i like that sue...
kiddieteach - Thanks everyone for your great advice, I will take it to heart...Maybe I will chat with you again soon! Good Luck with school!!!
max - lol, that happened to me all the time about a year ago abra...haven't had much problem lately
max - let us know about the loft, kiddie
abra.is.back - it seems to happen whenever i am online for an hour or more
sue - max--what grade level were you before?
abra.is.back - sooooooo frustrating
abra.is.back - well, while i can actually log off MYSELF, i am going to bed
abra.is.back - night all
max - me....last year, 14 - 17 year old on a pre-k functioning level....year before high school sed, and 7 years before that, K-6 SED
kiddieteach - I will let you know! Thanks again, and have a great night!
max - nite abra, hope to see you again , you helped me a lot
sue - max- just remember the avg attn span of little ones is about 12 minutes
max - for the 7 years before...
max - 12 min, how about mine, less???
sue - LOL! you are going to be exhausted !!
max - hi mm and pixel
PIXEL - Hey I need advice
sue - occupatinal hazard- I can't sit still for more than 10 minutes now
max - the assistants will tire me out more than the kids i bet!!!
sue - hi mm and pixel
max - whats wrong pixel
sue - max- class size? number assts?
PIXEL - I have with severe ADHD-parents refuse meds
max - often times they do pixel, it is their right
PIXEL - It's cruel. The student suffers
max - research supports that a strong behavioral management program is more effective than meds if one or the other has to be used....and not both (which is best often).....
sue - pixel- you can't require parents to medicate kids. we had 5 at summer camp who were " off" for the summer
max - teacher suffers most...
sue - and the other kids
max - 7 kids and 2 assistants, a behavioral resource teacher in the area, etc
PIXEL - What about the other students?
sue - max- sounds great- brb
max - strong behavioral program will help...regular ed or sp ed, class size pixel??
PIXEL - 20 second graders
PIXEL - I understand the state of CA is going to start offering teachers homicide insurance!
max - yikes....start keeping records, make a check list/time thing, and bring it up at your grade level meetings....kid may need to be "tested"
max - we need it
max - student in our state just got 28 years forl killing his middle school teacher last yer
PIXEL - Where do you teach max?
max - florida
sue - max- check your e-mail just sent some resource info
max - pixel, you may be able to get your district to provide you with a behavioralist to observe and acquire a baseline of behavior for the student...and then write a behavioral intervention for you, would take a lot of time consuming off your hands
max - got it, thanks!!!!!!!!! big time
sue - max- are all your centers fully stocked already?
sue - more info to come
max - nope....nothing in the room....NOTHING
PIXEL - Sue-do the parents think their kids will "heal" during the summer? Thanx max-great advice!
max - the school is brand new and still under construction
sue - max- do you have a budget???
max - the pre k director wanted the new teacher to get to help choose for the order, I talked to her before i interviewed to learn about the uinit
sue - pixel- no, they just thought summer camp was for fun. the impulsivity was still there, though
max - i interviewed on a Thurs (school closed summers on FRI)
sue - max- great!!! I got to do that, too. I had a $10,000 budget for everything
max - prin said he tell me beginning of the week....I called everyday for 2 weeks...
PIXEL - Camp was probably the best thing in the world for them.
max - i finallywent out there WED am and sat in the doorway until he arrived
sue - pixel-- LOL! but not for me-- I have grey hair
max - wow, thanks for the number....interesting
PIXEL - At least you HAVE hair!
sue - max- that's initiative--was he surprized?
max - i have heard from the other 3 eh teachers that they will get crap and i will have everything...
max - not sure sue, but he gave me the job....
max - LOL2pixel
max - other eh units aren't pre-K
sue - max-- been there done that...get ready for the resentment
PIXEL - Hey! We are hiring teachers like crazy in CA
sue - max- just make sure when you order supplies like paint and paper there's enough to share
max - yea...I could see it today....and they picked the assistants and guess I am getting who they didn't want....
PIXEL - No questions asked
max - great idea!!!
max - teacher shortage here also,.....and especaially if you are sp ed, lol
sue - I had a big budget until last yr-- we're finally running out of supplies for both classes
max - this one job is the only one i applied for...and almost played the game too late....
PIXEL - I thought everyone in Fla. was home taught! LOL
sue - max- do you want a list of must haves and basics for the 4 and 5 yr olds?
max - no, but there is a large home schooling group in our area...large meaning maybe a hundred families
max - absolutely, sue!!!
sue - max- ok will do that tonight
sue - I'm starting to get tired-- cooked all day
PIXEL - Sue-will you come and set up my class in mid august?
max - i stopped at my favorite teacher store and grabbed several pre k teacher books ( it was closing time when I walked into the store) and I think i got some good ones....
max - cooked?????
sue - 14 quarts spaghetti sauce, 2 huge trays of lasagna, barbque pork, stuffed potatoes
PIXEL - I'll be over for breakfast
max - ahhh mid august.....i just fini summer school (which i did love and don't resent that i did it) last friday and this district I am moving to starts tomorrow
sue - pixel- you can go on line and key in your space and your cabinets and it will design it for you
max - yikes sue, just what my family loves
max - where sue???
PIXEL - Where Sue?
max - LOL
sue - that's why I cooked-- am going into 3 weeks of craziness
max - pixel, our great minds are thinking alike, lp;
PIXEL - I know a sucker when I see one. ME!
max - gosh darn, news just reported a florida worker was killed by a tiger today
sue - I think it's childcraft-- will get the address and post it to the ec chatboard
max - thanks!!!!!
PIXEL - I took down everything from my walls this last year hoping the district would paint. Guess What?
max - did you order furniture also sue??? my room has a full kitchen and dirty carpet (or, new school, we are all in PORTABLES"!!!!
max - one school i worked in we had to paint our own rooms.
sue - max- sure did-- I had 2 chairs, 1 cubby and 28 wooden blocks when my class started
PIXEL - At least it got done, didn't it max?
max - sue, i loaded my son's maple building blocks into the car last nite....
sue - max- depends on what kind of portables
max - these are large and have a bath room and the kitchens, which is nice, but the carpet is gross.....and BIG
PIXEL - G'nite all. Good luck!
sue - I am the proud occupant of a 1 yr old double wide, extra long with it's own potty, refrigerator, microwave, sun deck and covered walkway
max - nite pixel, enjoyed chatting
sue - night pixel
max - that sounds really great......ours are rotting wood.....half of our schools are mostly portables
sue - max- I waited 5 yrs for this one
sue - so how many centers will you have?
max - i really don't mind the portables....they have some advantages....i guess, lol
max - don't really have a clue (don't knowwhat I am doing!!!)
max - really don't "know"
sue - yes they do-- we can be as loud as possible
max - quick course.....we only have 3 days of preplanning, only about one int he room......
sue - ok-- the kids themselves are they overly stimulated if you give them too many choices?
max - and our little group of eh is all down one sidewalk...the behavioralist is in a portable within our group...we have sidewalks, back yards...
max - i am sure they will be sue....they are "sick" kids
max - i plan on observing them play, have snack, listen to stories....to get a handle
sue - max- some of mune are, too. we just don't know til they start!
max - but i know i don't have enough structure to get through the day, gotta get some things done....not sure they ahve and "skills"
sue - basic centers-- listening center, blocks, art, house/dramatic play, table toys
max - table toys???
sue - hold on a sec
sue - Pre-K Schedule
max - great!!!
sue - max- tried to cut and paste-- didn't work..will email
max - thanks....
sue - table toys-- manipulatives, puzzles
max - at least I'll have some things I can "say" tomorrow whent he director comes out
max - what type of manipulatives....specific
max - how many pieces of puzzles....
sue - I don't recommend starting out with the maple blocks in the beginning of the year
sue - puzzle-- start with 5-9 then increase
sue - go to toys r us and get a big bucket of bath blocks
max - ok....on the puzzles....what about smaller wooden blocks, or should I stick with the large cardboard box-blocks
max - ahhhh, good idea....
max - what about trucks.. (all boys)
sue - max-- I don;t do anything wood until I'm sure the kids can handle it
max - ok...you mean aggression like...
sue - little tykes trucks for toddlers hold up the best
sue - max- aggression, following rules of buidling ( nothing higher than your nose with wood blocks)
max - ok, is that when they are kneeling or standing???
max - i remember doing that before....
sue - all materials in the centers are introduced at small group time before the centers are open
sue - standing
max - ok
sue - we go very very slow until all the rules are followed
max - will they usually "play" with you while you are modeling???
max - for 12 min, lol
sue - the first month is basically rules, introducing centers
max - do you teach the rules though modeling???
sue - what? I am playing/interacting with the kids at center time all the time
max - ok, so do you have students rotate through different centers...is there always an adult in the center???
sue - max-- pretty much, we do a lot of class meetings, discussions.... especially when a rule is not followed
sue - max- I'm high scope-- my kids get to choose their centers
max - do you have a description of how you do your class meeting...that is something we discussed today...
sue - we divide the room into quads--all centers have a clear line of vision.
max - high scope is their program/curriculum, right
sue - my asst takes basically one half and I do the other
sue - brb- potty is calling
max - ok, and once they are familair with the centers do they become somewhat independant....or are you always in there withthem
max - lol
max - bed is calling here real soon, almost time to "get up"
sue - max-yes but not always in the same center
sue - we are interacting, and taking anecdotal notes at the same time
max - how "much" do you record....
max - what do you record...targeted behaviors??? gnereal
sue - we record notes on the hs key experiences- things they should be able to so
max - i have a feeling where ai am going they do not do mych data keeping (I do)
max - where do you determine your key experiences...from high scope....right
sue - basic note taking- ex. HC ( House area) Max placed one dish and one plate in front of each doll.
max - what might be two key expereiences i would start with
sue - are you doing high scope?
max - cool
max - i haven't a clue....afrraid there isn't really a curriculum, i couldn't believe it....
sue - high scope ismore of a framework-- I like the COR ( assessment) though
max - i asked and the lady told me they wrote one (two weeks ago she told me) because there are not state standards for pre K, well, asked her today if I could stop by and get pre k curriculum, and she told me it really wasn't organized, jsut bits and pieces.....
sue - max- what a copy of our standards and benchmarks? they are correlated to our state ones
sue - oops want?
max - over the past 10 years I have been responsible for developing the total curriculum each year....
sue - send me your snail mail
max - yea....so they have them on line???? we have them for K-12...but not pre k
max - coming
sue - I do to, but it's based on the kids interest
sue - max- not on line--in the handbooks I spent 3 years of my life writing!
max - you wrote your curriculum, wow
max - thank you so much for offering to share....
sue - max- I wrote the curruclum for my church day school, too. it's not that difficult when you plan it out
max - did you get the addy
sue - just got ot
sue - will send you stuff next week whe I have access to a copy machine
max - lol, pms must run over bob's desk....take so long...
sue - first thing is you need to set up a schedule--
max - thanks, and I will send you a check ofr any charges...
sue - max- don't even think of it!
max - i hope I'll find out the skeleton of it tomorrow...we have special areas (art, music and pe) and go to lunch in the cafeteria...not certain about the therapies....
max -
sue - therapies? our ed/bd kids do not get 'therapy' at school
max - what will I do when they first come in the first day!!! I can remember this same feeling last year!!!
sue - max- smile and fake it? LOL!
max - am i am shocked last year went so well....cause I din't know what was up....
max - speech, OT, if they qualify....and I don't know about counseling...depends on the district
sue - day 1-- have your schedule posted in rebus ( pictures)
max - can only stand there for so long and smile,....lol. do you attempt to sit them int circle???
max - ok
sue - have them set up the rules-- write the rules on chart paper
sue - But, first start with music
max - ok....i usually do that with the older ones...
sue - we open every morning with Jack Hartman's Brand New Day.
sue - positive message and lots of movement, following oral directions
sue - the rules need to be written with pictures and words
sue - www.dotolearn.com-- picture word cards
max - i used do to learn before,
sue - tour of the school-- we followed a footprint left in chalk to the cafeteria, etc
max - i have boardmaker in my old classroom which i stillhave access to...but no time to go there.(gotta move alll my stuff out asap)
sue - select cubbies and symbols
max - ok
max - symbols???
max - for their names??
sue - each kid needs a symbol of their own-- for their cubbies
sue - pair it with the name until they recognize both
sue - punkie doodle calendar cutouts
max - do you use shapes....
max - punkie poodle
sue - sometimes... depends on what we have left fromt he yr before
max - ok
sue - punkie doodle is a brand na,e
max - ic
sue - bye the time we introduce each other, talk about the schedule, find the cubbies, go on a tour, each lunch, have outdoor time, it's time for nap, snack and home!
max - how long is nap time and waht is a safe/sure snack
sue - parents must supply snack-- snacl calendar is sent home
max - ok, hope that happens....
sue - nap mandated as 20% of instructional day. all snacks are low sugar, individually wrapped
max - ahhhh
sue - do you want my traveling dragon to visit your class?
max - absolutely!!!!!!!!!!!
max - oh, how fun!!!!
sue - great!! he begins his travels in October
sue - but, he may not be a dragon this year.. I might change him, he's looking kind of ratty
max - sue, I am so excited....and you are so much helping me!!
max - lol, I have those Felix, the traveling bear books...
sue - he comes with a journal, news about our school, Mardi Gras goodies, and a disposable camera
sue - max- glad I'm helping
sue - meeha- max is now a new Pre-k teacher
meeha/ece/tx - goodto see you both! getting ready for another year?
sue - meeha- you bet!
max - meeha, start tomorrow!!!! workshop today
meeha/ece/tx - max -- welcome to Pre-K!
sue - I'm doing national boards so I've got to get more organized
max - oh my gosh sue, good for you
sue - so what new and wonderful things are you adding this yr meeha?
meeha/ece/tx - tomorrow I get to go over to the school and check out the situation .... just finished up 9 hours of grad/university work today.....
sue - meeha-- great!
max - boy, i bet your are glad meeha, good for you!!
sue - I know my room is a disaster. we used it for summer camp
meeha/ece/tx - sue -- we got a new curriculum for the fall, i've not had opportunity to explore it yet.
sue - what is it meeha?
max - just fini summerschool with my last year's class last friday....they don't go back for 3 weeks....
meeha/ece/tx - 2 kiddos will be coming for 1.5 sessions a day (4.5 hours vs 3 hours)
max - what is your curr meeha
max - our day is full day
sue - we have 375 minutes of instructional time
meeha/ece/tx - sue, it is something by scholastic -- pre-literacy focus ... i remember 3 puppets, don't have a clue what the name is.
max - i think 8-3
meeha/ece/tx - sue, that is a long day!
sue - meeha- I saw a preview of it
max - that last hour or two drags
max - i HATE to do this, but I have to go to bed, nearly midnight and I have to get up around 5555555555
sue - meeha- I know but it's the only way they would approve funding
max - see yall really sooooooon ok
sue - max- will email other stuff soon
max - thanks bunches (((((sue))))) (((((Meena)))))
meeha/ece/tx - spoke with one mother yesterday evening, her son with down syndrome will be coming into my class. she wasn't happy with his progress at the "special" school ... i have already asked her to help me with materials regarding programming for him.
max - opps heeha
max - meeha, he will be so well placed with you!!!!!
meeha/ece/tx - max -- have a wonderful first day! just remember to take things slow and easy and stay VERY literal! (meeha! )
sue - meeha- let me know what she says
meeha/ece/tx - ((((((((((max))))))))))
sue - bye max-- enjoy your day
sue - Ihave a friend whose son has downs.
meeha/ece/tx - max -- i've not had a stellar record with kiddos with down syndrome ( just haven't figured out the best way to approach their learning style ) sue, she actually sounded quite receptive to my request.
sue - she wants him in a regular class
sue - he's going to be 3 but still isn't talking. I don;t think that will work
meeha/ece/tx - sue, they do okay for awhile, but then they just kind of get lost.
sue - guess we'll see
meeha/ece/tx - sadly they won't ever "be normal" ... seems to me he'd be best placed where he can achieve his personal best ... high expectations are one thing -- unrealistic are quite different!
meeha/ece/tx - is he heading into a preschool class (school district) this year?
sue - meeha-he's in an inclusion preschool setting.
sue - in a medical cente
meeha/ece/tx - sue, for now that is probably a good placement for him ... good peer language models!
sue - have to share my latest find-- caterpillar shaped pasta
sue - it looks just like caterpillars
meeha/ece/tx - where'd you find that, sue?
sue - grocery store!
meeha/ece/tx - haven't seen that yet -- sounds fun!
sue - radiatori by Davinci
meeha/ece/tx - that helps -- i've seen Davinci pastas before, i'll keep my eyes open. thanks!
sue - did a major grocery shopping and cooking day
meeha/ece/tx - my daughter will be arriving from germany in 20 hours ... i'm so excited to see her! she was my exchange daughter 3 school years ago, this will be our first meeting since i had to put her on the plane back to her "real" parents.
sue - have lasagna, pasta sauce, stuffed potatoes, barbque pork to cover my crazy schedule for the nect 2 weeks
sue - meeha- I know you're excited
meeha/ece/tx - great plan, sue! i'll probably just eat with my parents or a friend for the first week or two!
sue - is she staying awhile?
meeha/ece/tx - (but, i'm just one person!)
meeha/ece/tx - she has to leave at noon on the 9th ... going back packing in Canada
sue - meeha- I have a 17 yr old son-- he's 6 ft 4 and now weighs in at 205
sue - I need to feed him real food- McD's doesn't cut it
meeha/ece/tx - no kiddos (by birth) for me ... but lots of kids all over the world and the nation!
sue - well as much as I am enjoying this, I need to go
sue - I have a presentation to do Thursday and haven't finished the handout
meeha/ece/tx - sue -- have a wonderful rest ... take care and God Bless! good luck with the school year!
sue - meeha- that's great meeha, everyone needs someone special
sue - thanks!
sue - goog night
