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RoseB/CA - I'm here for the first grade chat meeting. Anyone else coming aboard?
McD - hi rose
RoseB/CA - Hi McD. What grade do you teach?
McD - I teach first grade
McD - and you
RoseB/CA - Great. I have spent most of my time in second grade, but my most recent year is in first.
McD - I was asked today if I would be interested in looping to second grade with my class
RoseB/CA - I hope more teachers join us soon.
McD - what do you think?
RoseB/CA - What do you think about looping? I think that if you have a good thing going on with your kids, then looping would be great.
RoseB/CA - But if you have some that you just can't wait until your last day with them, then you might feel differently. How is behavior?
McD - why did you move to first from second
RoseB/CA - Hi sugartoy
McD - behavior is good, the one I have a problem with is moving
RoseB/CA - I moved to first because the teachers at that grade level were more collaborative
McD - hi sugartoy
sugartoy - Good evening RoseB and McD.
McD - do you teach first, sugar
McD - hi mel
RoseB/CA - Hi Mel
McD - nice to have co workers who work well together
sugartoy - i am doing my internship, is that enough to come in here?
RoseB/CA - Sure.
sugartoy - thank you
Mel - HI All! I haven't been to a chat in a while...glad I could make this one
McD - does everyone do guided reading with first?
Mel - Where are you in the intern process sugartoy?
sugartoy - i am in arkansas
Mel - Yes...for guided reading...flexable groups
RoseB/CA - I have to tell you all that right now I am a full-time coach because I was recently released from my classroom for this position. I am here though, because I am assisting teachers at all grades, K to 5 and I have some questions I want to put to first grade teachers.
RoseB/CA - Yes, I did guided reading in first.
McD - mel, do you have a "goal" for the students by the end of first?
sugartoy - We have only one more week of internship before our semester ends. I graduate the may 9.
Mar/Ont. - Hello. Off to tuck kids into bed, be right back
Mel - Yes many goals. 1st is such a busy, busy grade
RoseB/CA - McD, what state are you in?
McD - mel, what level do you want them at by the end of first?
McD - PA
Mel - I had an intern this semester. Her last day was last Friday.
McD - why
RoseB/CA - Just curious because you asked about goals. I am in California, and we now have state content standards for each grade level
Mel - I guess you could say 1.9
McD - I meant reading level goal.... sorry
RoseB/CA - Oh, okay.
Mel - Fla here & we also have standards that guide our goals & curriculum
McD - not familiar with 1.9, we use wright group materials and theirs are letters
RoseB/CA - Hi chris, didn't see you there
Mel - First year, 9th month...basic levels
Mel - It is really much more involved than a pure level number or notation
RoseB/CA - Hi JoAnn
McD - does anyone else use wright group materials?
McD - I love their shared reading stuff
RoseB/CA - Do you have assessments built into your language arts program? Our assessments indicate that our students are either meeting or not meeting the standards for their grade level.
Mel - We use Ready Readers from Modern Curriculum Press. I am familiar with Wright Group however
McD - some of the guided reading books are "boring".... the kids don't really get too excited over them
Mel - Next year we are adopting Houghten Mifflin
RoseB/CA - We used to use Wright Group as supplemental materials. Now there is a big push for Open Court in California
McD - I also use the books from reading a-z.... the kids love those
Mel - Yes for a-z books...I try to have some for SSR time, & free reading
RoseB/CA - I would like some feedback on the different ways you incorporate daily writing and the writing process with your first graders
Marcia - we use the pm readers
Mel - We were between Open Court and HM. Open Court has been around for a LONG time & hasn'r changed much.
Mel - Writing you say...I LOVE writing!
McD - rose, we do Kid Writing
RoseB/CA - Mel, that is what I have heard. WE have only been using it for two years in most parts of our HUGE district, LAUSD
McD - I find it hard to get the kids to write everyday
McD - I try to give story starter ideas to those who say.. "I can't think of anything to write about".. others I just let write about their choice
sugartoy - I am sorry I am not able respond to any comments being made. Thank you for your understanding.
RoseB/CA - For daily writing I have used the concept of Daily News that the teacher writes with the students on chart paper. I have also used journal writing as an opening activity at least three days a week. Any other ideas?
Mel - Rose...Open Court is very phonetic
RoseB/CA - Yes, Open Court is stronly based on phonemic awareness and phonics in grades K and 1.
Mel - No prob sugartoy. Listening is the best way to learn.
McD - my students enjoy writing about the stories we read during shared reading.... I often have them do that
McD - I use prompts to get them started and they seem to do great
Mel - For writing we have a Writing Workshop, 45 min each day. Als, lots of writing in math and science journals
RoseB/CA - What is Kid Writing?
McD - you can learn all about it at kidwriting.com
RoseB/CA - thank you, I'll check it out
McD - the kids write and then the teacher underwrites "adult" writing and you do mini lessons using their writing
RoseB/CA - sounds interesting
McD - if you have a chance to purchase the book, go for it, it really helped me to understand
RoseB/CA - can anyone recommend any other web sites for first grade writing ideas?
Mar/Ont. - reading a-z, do you laminate the books? I'm thinking of subscribing. Pros? Cons?
McD - I don't laminate the books
McD - I let the kids take them home
McD - I love it
Mel - McD, don't you have some writing sites on your web site?
McD - I have printed out all of the books so far. I have them all in file folders so I can share them with my coworkers
Mar/Ont. - So, you don't use them for Guided Reading or Self-Selected reading?
McD - Mel, I don't have a website, sorry
Mar/Ont. - Do you have a site lic. or individual subscription (a-z)?
McD - yes, I use them for guided reading and then send them home
Mel - I have also printed most of them out. I make copies for the children to keep
Mar/Ont. - What level are most of your kids on now?
McD - I have also used them for shared reading when they go along with our science or social studies curriculom
McD - i have individual
McD - subscription that is
RoseB/CA - who is the publisher/company for reading a-z
Mar/Ont. - I love the integrating idea!
McD - my kids are on H, I, J, and K
Mel - Sorry McD. My mistake
McD - and yours
sugartoy - I have a question about phonetics and guided reading
RoseB/CA - go for it sugartoy
Mar/Ont. - Mary Pope Osborne's Magic Tree House website has some great tips in her Readers & Writers Club (Characters, Setting, etc.)
RoseB/CA - thank you Mar/Ont
sugartoy - There is one student in my first grade classroom that has a very severe hearing problem and phonetics or guided reading isn't helping me teach them reading. what other choices are there for me to teach these type of children?
Mel - My kids have enjoyed tree house books this year as read alouds.
kay - the site is readingatoz.com
McD - Mar, what level are your kids at?
Mel - Wow...good question. I would think sight reading may help
RoseB/CA - my first question would be, has this child been referred for assessment to determine special placement for hearing impaired?
McD - how about the word wall?
Mar/Ont. - My kids are addicted to Magic Tree HOuse books! Only trouble is they want to read them and can't. Mine are about H,I,J too. Most, that is some still at G.
sugartoy - sight reading? i haven't heard much about that one...where can i find out more information on it at?
Mel - Have they tried an audio system with this child? The kind that they wear like headphones.
RoseB/CA - that's a good one Mel
sugartoy - yes mel, but it is still not helping this child.
McD - our school goal is level J at the end of first, some just aren't going to make it there
Mel - Sight reading is just where some childern learn by sight words...memorizing the words rather than phetically.
Mel - He.she must have a major hearing loss. Have they incestigated the possibility of a learning difficulty/
RoseB/CA - thank you all for your help. I am going to check out the recommended web sites.
sugartoy - ok mel, but they still have to be able to clarify the soundage of each word
Mel - But if they can't hear it..what then?
sugartoy - yes, mel, but parents won't accept this
Mel - Then there are additional obstacles. More than meeting the child's needs...meeting the parents needs to except limitations
Jenn - Hello
Mar/Ont. - Any ideas on how to get kids to focus on writing? I have a creative, artistic, verbal kid who just won't write! I've tried having him rehearse stories in the morning with Mom, wear headphones to keep auditory distractions out, seat him where he sees only a few kids, work in the hall, keep in at recess, nothing is working. Any other ideas???
Mel - hello Jenn & Lissy
Jenn - Anyone use the DRA
Mel - Mar my question would be do they have a problem with fine motor skills or just not like to write
Jenn - We just recently got it. Within the last month.
Lissy - hi Mel and everyone else!
Mar/Ont. - fine motor skills seem weak in one way, letters a bit sloppy, yet he's a great artist! won't print his name, just initials on work
Mel - Can't help Jenn.
sugartoy - Mel, i appreciate your advice, and now, HOW DO I MEET THE PARENTS NEEDS IN ACCEPTING THAT THEIR CHILD HAS A DISABILITY?
Mel - Is this child very bright...reads well...likes math
Mar/Ont. - social skills are low too, always wants to poke, bug kids, doesn't know how to interact with them, just wants their attention
Mar/Ont. - Yes, he's bright, reads fairly well, likes math
Jenn - We are using the DRA to assess reading and comprehension. I am just wondering if you have the kids keep reading until they hit their frustration level or do you just let them pick one book and see where they are on that? I have a couple of kids that technically could have read a higher level but they just happened to choose a lower level. I wonder if it looks bad that they are lower than others that I know are at about the same level. Any ideas?
Mel - Time sugartoy...time. It is very difficult to except when your child has a learn problem or a special need. Just keep lots of documentation and be patient
Mar/Ont. - Jenn, with our system, we keep going until we hit a level with 90-94% accuracy
Mel - Sounds like he may be gifted also. Plus, I hate to say it but boys develop writing skills a little behind girls
Jenn - What system do you use?
sugartoy - ok mel, but this child deserves more than this, i should know, my daughter has a physical disability that interfers with her writing, but this is different than that though
Mar/Ont. - He could be gifted, I guess. I need to have a meeting wtih parents, etc.
Mar/Ont. - Jenn, The system we use is based on Reading REcovery levels 1-30.
Lissy - it is really frustrating sugartoy...I have a child that I think must have mild autism but again the parents don't want to have him tested.
Mel - Sugartoy, you are new to the classroom... right? Some parents take longer than others. There is no way that you can force the issue
Mar/Ont. - We do running records. Does DRA use running records?
sugartoy - i know mel and lissy, but i don't like what i am seeing from parents,,,it's not fair
Lissy - well eventually the parents will figure it out...usually not until the child actually causes them some sort of problem or embarrassment...not fair and just not the best for the child...sad!
Mar/Ont. - I still have kids doing numeral reversals. I've heard this is fairly normal until 2nd grade. Do you worry about them? If so, what do you do? I started the year with rhymes that describe how to make the numbers, some still don't get it!
Mel - I have a child you tested and qualified for special needs (IQ 66) in K.Parents were very defensive,,,insisted on 3 different evaluations. He was placed in my classroom (reg 1st) to see hoe he would fit in,,,progress he would make...etc. After almost a whole year the parents finally agreed that he was not having his needs meet and agreed to a fukltime placement to help. It was extremely fristrating because you could see that his behavior often stemed from a lack of ability to do the same basic work as the other children. It tool many days of confernces
MC - Mar-- I think it depends on how much experience the child has had with writing numerals
sugartoy - so, i have to the best i can with these kids and keep my fingers crossed that parents accept the truth abouth their children's disability and the effect it has on them getting an education
Mel - Mar..yes it is normal. I would worry if they write complete words backwards, read right to left. As time goes by and with gentle reminders they usually pull out of the reversals
Mel - You got it sugartoy...frustrating "ain't" it
sugartoy - VERY
Mar/Ont. - Next year I'll be trained to do Reading Recovery in the AM, Grade One in the PM. Does anyone do their Language program in the afternoon? Comments?
MC - If the child has had lots of "schooling" though I'd make a mental note of the reversals
Mel - sugartoy are yu finishing and going into a full position in the fall?
Lissy - but you are setting it in motion sugartoy...it may take lots more caring teachers but it is good the child doesn't fall through the cracks!
Jenn - Mar/Ont. Yes DRA has a booke for each DRA level. It has exactly what you are to do and say as you work with an individual child. The text is preprinted on the form so you just take the running record on top of it. I was used to just making the ticks on a blank form or a blank sheet of paper. Do you use certain books for each level or just have running records taken as an ongoing type of assessment? We do regular running records on our kids too. Just as an ongoing type thing I guess. This is my first year in a classroom and the first year at this school. So I'm really still learning lots.
sugartoy - thanks lissy, does it get harder when i am actually out there teaching besides internship?
Mar/Ont. - The kid I have is a binder with one book at each level and a script. We do RR on other books in between, but this is strictly for assessment, not for instruction.
Mar/Ont. - Sorry, KIT
Mel - Yes & no sugartoy. It all depends on the team you will be working with & the suport they will offer.
sugartoy - yes mel, i am finishing but i am only working as a sub this fall due to my daughter's needs
MC - Mar is the kit you are using Benchmarks
Mar/Ont. - THanks, MC, good idea
Mar/Ont. - Yes, PM Benchmarks
Mel - Being a sub is an excellent way to also get your foot in many doors and find out about different schools. You will be very surprised about the diversity between schools
Jenn - Mar/Ont., interesting. I was trained 1999-2000 school year in Rdg. Rec. but at my school is got you sort of 'blackballed'. Also there was no hope of getting to be in my own classroom. I really am glad I was trained because it has really helped me be a better reading teachin gI believe. But I relaly didin't want to just do reading all day long. That;s what was happening where I was at.
MC - They have changed some of the thinking on dyslexia and have broaden the definition to include trouble learning letters and sight words
sugartoy - i have seen alot of diversity already during the observations we have been required to do before our internship began.
Mar/Ont. - What do you mean by blackballed? By other teachers? Admin?
Jenn - How do you like PM benchmarks? I've just recently seen that kit. I'm assuming it's a newer product. I absolutely love all the Rigby products I have already used in the past few year.
Jenn - By other teachers and somewhat the admin.
Mar/Ont. - I don't want to get sick of it. I'm sad that I probably won't get to teach Language.
MC - I use PM Benchmarks and I like it but I think some of the levels have gaps in them
Mar/Ont. - I like PM Benchmarks, I've never used a similar resource, though.
Mar/Ont. - I know what you mean about gaps. Level 3 was really hard for some of my kids, then they could do 4.
sugartoy - Mel, Lissy, thanks for offering me some advice on this type of situation...now i have learned the hard way, but it's been worth the effort.....Again, thank you.
Mar/Ont. - Tried to find the www.kidwriting.com site. Is that the right url?
Mel - Glad to help. You have many years of continued learning ahead of you. It is the kind of profession that never stays the same. There is always something new to learn and experience
Jenn - We were the reading recovery teachers who were being taught a very different way to teach reading than what was presetly being done in our school. Not that things weren't working the way they were, it's just that improvements could bemade. I just think there was some tension to a few of the rdg. rec. teachers being younger also got some of the teachers' feathers ruffled because what they had been doing the last X amount of years had worked so why would we need do do anything different.
Mar/Ont. - Is teaching Reading Recovery awful? I was told I could get out in a couple of years if I'm tired of it.
Lissy - am sure you will continue to do great things sugartoy!
sugartoy - Goodnight everyone. I wish you all the best working with the first graders.
Jenn - It was just a very stressful situation at our school. I've heard that at other shcools it's a big selction process within schools to see who even GETS the chance to be trained.
Mar/Ont. - Jenn,Oh, that makes sense. I'm new to my school and would have been bumped out of my class half time anyway if I hadn't volunteered to take it.
Mar/Ont. - Nobody else wanted it at my school. THey seem excited for me, though.
Lissy - thank you for moderating tonight Mel...goodnight too!
Mar/Ont. - Goodnight. Thanks for all the help, everyone!
Mel - I guess it's closing time for me also
Jenn - Reading Recovery was not awful. Like I said it will help you grow. But just be careful I guess, I was also told that I wouldn't be forced to stay in a position that I didn't like. What it came down too was, well duh - if you don't like the job theat you have, maybe you should check out other options. I was VERY frustrated. But everything works out for the best. I am now in a classroom - by myself with 15 wonderful kids that I really love. That's what I had missed during reading recovery was the classroom realtionships.
