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sherri - Do you teach 4th grade?
sherri - I'm teaching SS for the first time this year and really struggling with it. How do you guys do it?
sherri - What do you find works best?
Kim - SS is my favorite
Kim - right now we are doing problem-based learning power point presentations on Ohio during the Revolutionary War
sherri - wow. we don't even have many computers
Kim - we have five in a room
sherri - wow
Kim - where is your location, sherri?
sherri - GA
Kim - is Georgia history part of the fourth grade curriculum?
sherri - We have so much in our curriculum
sherri - yes
Kim - what are you teaching now?
PS - we have to share social studies books -- not enough to go around It is a pain
sherri - the colonies, then the Amer. revolution...got any good ideas for that
KK1 - I love the America Rocks website
PS - We are in CA got settlements and missions and gold rush
Kim - well, we are doing AM. Rev now...but as part of Ohio history
sherri - I'll check it out
Kim - I incorporate children's literature as much as possible
KK1 - They have videos/songs to go with colonies and Am. Revolution
sherri - that would be so much better than the boring texts. How do you assess them?
Kim - there are tons of lesson plans online, sherri
Kim - I am going to assess their power point presentations
KK1 - I also use internet scavenger hunts
sherri - I dont' have the internet in my classroom
sherri - how many computers do you guys have in your classroom?
Kim - I have 5
KK1 - We have five computers in each room and two computer labs
Kim - with internet access
nmverde - I have 5; 2 are pcs
Kim - how many do you have sherri
nmverde - Do you want the sites?
KK1 - Unfortunately, our county has been stressing the four block literacy model and they have not addressed how to integrate technology at all
sherri - I moved last summer and I'm in a new school which is very concerned about test scores and I really want to make sure the kids are learning what they are supposed to but the texts are so filled with info and sooo boring. There is no way they can learn it all...and remember it.
Kim - how do you like 4blocks?
sherri - Yes, I'd love the sites
KK1 - I feel like I have to really work this year to integrate technology
nmverde - Do any of you have the word list for Word Walls?
KK1 - Well, I don't like it so much
sherri - I've read about schools that have a big colony day and the kids do activities like kids in the colonies did etc. Have you ever done that?
Kim - that would be fun, sherri
Kim - takes a great deal of preparation
KK1 - I didn't realize PS was another person..duh..thought it was someone adding a ps to message
PS - gosh we could pan for gold here I guess . . .
Kim - yes, that would be fun PS
PS - nope that is my initials
sherri - but the other teachers would have to work with you...I'm not sure mine would.
nmverde - I do a big colonial thing
Kim - aren't they cooperative sherri?
Tanja - What is everyone's morning routine?
sherri - I don't want to sound rude, but they are very by the book, read a chapter take a test type people. Nice but by the book.
PS - I need help with how you do lang arts period in AM
nmverde - PS what do you need?
PS - My admin says not to use groups I called them centers and she said that was primary . . .
PS - how do you use 4 blocks if you don't have sm groups?
sherri - I'm kinda hyper and like more hands on stuff. When I mentioned it to them they said, "No, the students have to learn the book so the test scores will be up."
Tanja - What is everyone's morning routine?
Kim - you can do both, sherri...have them read the book for homework and do the fun stuff in the room
sherri - does your admin want all large group instruction?
nmverde - Oh. I see books=high test score!
sherri - supposedly.
sherri - We do morning activities:journals, handwriting, dol, etc. then annoucements, then silent reading, then math, then reading.
nmverde - I don't think so! When was your admin last in a classroom as a teacher?
sherri - you?
Kim - Tanja...mine come in and get settled and do COPS (a letter I write on the overhead). They have to make corrections, ommissions, punctuation, spelling
PS - I told her that
PS - she says I am teaching primary this is my first yyr in 4th
Tanja - morning challenge
sherri - so does she want all large group, teacher initiatied instruction?
Kim - then I do reading rotation...i have 5 groups...and they all meet with me, go on the computer (CCC), silent read and respond, and two other reading or language activities
PS - yes
PS - I had 5 groups
Kim - every 15 min. we switch and by the end they all do everything
PS - I called them centers
PS - they lasted 20 minutes
sherri - Can you talk to her about how this is a type of cooperative learning...which is very popular right now?
sherri - It has research to back it up.
Kim - mine are in 5 table groups...one for each day of the week..on TUes. everybody in that groups does everything first..line up, restroom, snack, etc.
PS - we had a group with me, a group with my aide, computer reading library book and writing activity
PS - I did It fell on deaf ears
sherri - How can you assess their reading weaknesses with large group? Did she say?
nmverde - What about lit circles?
PS - got bad evaluation -- first time in teaching career
Tanja - I do lit circles!
PS - she said do large groups and have aide and me circulate
Kim - how do lit circles work
nmverde - I can't believe it
sherri - I got one once. It floored me
PS - I was shocked
nmverde - You have groups of kids reading different books
nmverde - each kid has a different job
Tanja - yes...three levels of books at once
PS - can u do lit circles and still do basal stuff?
Kim - interesting
Tanja - yes, each role is different...and they rotate
Tanja - yes, PS
PS - at same time I mean -- not stop doing reg treading stuff
nmverde - actually I usually have five books going
sherri - we have to use the basal. I do them in groups, very similar to lit circles.
nmverde - Yes, there are differnt rolls
Tanja - which books nmverde?
PS - I want to do them
nmverde - I suae trade books. Right now I have an author study going
sherri - will your admin let you?
Tanja - lit circles are so much fun, and it really motivates the students to read!
Kim - That sounds good..I would like to try it
PS - did u teach kids how to do them with a book first? what book?
Tanja - nmverde....what author?
PS - I have no idea
sherri - My prin said no to trade books. Later I found another teacher was doing them. So I may ask her again.
nmverde - My kids are reading Cleary from 2.8-5.9
PS - probably not but I still want to
Tanja - yes, ps...we model altogether with one book first
Tanja - sherri....why no trade books?
PS - what book did you use?
sherri - She said the county curric is the basal and that is what I am supposed to use
Tanja - lit circles by harvey daniels is a GREAT resource
nmverde - I use the daniels book
Tanja - would you also like a website that is pretty good?
Kim - is there a web site with info about lit circles?
nmverde - Introduction to Literature Circles
Tanja - yes, kim....would you like it?
Kim - please, Tanja
sherri - Some of my student have horrible spelling in their journals. Do yours? What do you do?
Tanja - http://home.att.net/~teaching/index.htm
Tanja - that's a SUPER site
nmverde - http://fac-staff.seattleu.edukschlnoe/LitCircles/
nmverde - Here is one site
sherri - spelling ideas guys? They do good on spelling tests, but about five write horrible, very invented spelling in their journals.
Tanja - there were a bunch of spelling ideas posted on the primary or elementary messageboard recently...check it out!
PS - those were fun ways to study words
sherri - do word walls help with that?
nmverde - Do yopu do individual spelling
sherri - someone on my web ring suggested they did
nmverde - I need a list of words for the wall. My admin wants word walls
sherri - I tried ind. spelling, do you?
PS - use the Dolch list
PS - or check vocabulary in back of book
nmverde - 3. http://www.plimoth.org/
PS - I do inndep spelling have folders kids choose their words one girl does less words
nmverde - I know there is a list from Cunningham's book
PS - I have word lists going out my ears
nmverde - I have the book of list and Dolch words, but she wants Cunningham
alihiam - I would love to do individualized spelling, but can't seem to find the time
nmverde - I give a pretest on MOnday using Fry's list
sherri - how do you fit it in PS?
nmverde - have moms come in on Monday along with my student teacher
PS - I give pretest on Monday that is first 10 words from Dolch list
Kim - I use words from Month by Month Phonics for my spelling
alihiam - Kim do you use the word wall from that also?
alihiam - My problem is finding a daily instructional time for spelling....very sad
Kim - yes, I love that book
Kim - there isn't enough time in the day for everything
PS - I have to integrate things
alihiam - and our district keeps adding and adding, but they aren't adding onto our daily time frame for school, etc.
nmverde - O agree, it is time consuing for each child to get his/her own list, but why would you have them study words they know?
Kim - I am always integrating
nmverde - If you have parent helpers it's doable
sherri - and we have to remember those all important test scores...and keeping those up!!!!
PS - my indiv spelling is not that individualized
alihiam - NM I agree with you, but it's finding the time for me to develop the program along with everything else I try to od
nmverde - Kim, I agree with you--you are right
alihiam - HA!!! What's a parent helper..I beg for parents just to help their children and don't even get that.
PS - mine is individualized from a list
sherri - I don't have any parent helpers. But I do use peer tutors, they help my resource kids with their journals, could they help?
alihiam - I am in a Title 1 building, with a 42% transient rate, and 90% or more free lunch
Kim - and as I said before..I use children's lit, even some picture books to assist
nmverde - I know, I have been doing it for 9 years. I used to teach a multiaged 1-2-3
PS - got u beat we have 99 percent on free lunch and breakfast
Tanja - kim...what pic books?
alihiam - ours might be that...not sure lately
nmverde - Al, that is hard, I used to be in a Chaper !--Title I school
PS - I have 5 resource kids this year had 6 . . .
Kim - well, I use lots of books to integrate with social studies
alihiam - we have 3 womens shelters, and 1 drug/alcohol treatment facility that feeds into our building
Kim - but mainly they are related to Ohio HIstory
PS - I use lots of picture books to integrate all sunjects
nmverde - Al sp sad for the kids
nmverde - They are lucky to have you
sherri - ali, what percent of your students cannot read?
Kim - wow, ali...that is interesting
alihiam - our building uses the success for all program for reading (90min) with all different students, then 75 min. fortheir math program
Tanja - PS...can you name some titles....I am always looking for new pic book titles!
Kim - yes, teacher....haven't been to a chat on here
sherri - I read a picture book Friday to discuss MLK day. They liked it. Is that what you mean kim?
alihiam - ALOT....about 50% of my kids or more are not on grade level
nmverde - Al do you like that program?
Kim - yes, sherri...I did lots of MLK stuff on Friday
Tanja - same here sherri!
alihiam - I really do....this is my 3rd year with it, it's TONS of work, but the kids learn
PS - we use Open Court for K-2 so far and next year they say it will go thru 5th
Tanja - I read "I Have a Dream" which is a forward by Coretta Scott King
PS - am dreading it
Kim - I read them 2 on Fri. after we did the brown eggs/white eggs experiment...then we scrambled the eggs
alihiam - we dont see results on our proficiency testing, but we see it in our classrooms
sherri - Gotta go, my son has they flu and he's calling me. This has been fun.
Kim - bye sherri...take care
alihiam - bye sherri, hope he gets better
PS - I did the egg thing too! Then we made a cake by adding one more and oil and water
Tanja - What other pic books do you find useful?
alihiam - Kim, has there been any great things going on with State Social Studies?
teacherjpk - watched vidoe My Fiend Martin...great
sherri - Oh, I copied a choral reading from an MLK web site. I put it on the over head...the kids loved it.
Kim - Tanja, where are you?
nmverde - Who asked me about my spelling program?
Tanja - Massachusetts
Kim - Ali nothing new...I have a SS org. Executive Board meeting next Sat. in COlumbus..I will find out more then
alihiam - NM, if it's individualized I'd love to hear about it...I didn't ask, but I'd like to know more
Kim - we watched the video too..I love that video
Kim - Tanja..there are tons of books about Massachusetts
Tanja - What picture books do you use for Valentine's Day?
PS - I used Snowflake Bently for studying being unique
teacherjpk - sherri---what site
Tanja - MA history is part of the 3rd grade curriculum
Kim - we read that choral reading too about MLK
PS - Rhis was in connection with MLK Birtday holiday and all having something to contribute
nmverde - Al what is you raddress?
Kim - what is 4th grade, Tanja?
PS - where can I get a copy of the choral reading?
PS - someone post it to fourth gr teacher net
Tanja - ancient civ,
Kim - Tanja you should join your state social studies organization...there are some great people there that are resources
alihiam - have you heard of catching snowflakes on a piece of acetate (hard plastic) by putting a spray adhesive on it, then you put it on the overhead to view snowflakes
nmverde - Kim, I agree
alihiam - NM It's alihiam@aol.com
Kim - ancient civ in 4th???
Tanja - what's the name of the spray adhesive?
Tanja - yes..mesopotamia, ancient egypt, ancien greece and china
alihiam - you can buy any kind....i don't know of any brand names
Tanja - and ancient rome
Kim - we do that in 6th?
alihiam - you can get it at places JoAnn Fabric, WalMart
Kim - Passports, by Demco has wonderful resources for those topics Tanja
Tanja - we do ancient civ in fourth!!
alihiam - Kim, if you don't mind send me some info. about joining state social studies...i think i need to do that.
Kim - but seriously Tanja...there are good SS people in Mass. organization
nmverde - Wow--we only do states and NM
Kim - our conference is in WOrthington, end of March Ali
Tanja - where are you kim?
PS - we just do California
Kim - I am in Ohio..but I am very involved in state and national social studies organizations
Tanja - states...part of third grade curriculum also
nmverde - I had a 3/4 last year and that was harder
alihiam - Tanja, Kim shared with me a book about Children's Books for the MidWest but I'm sure there are books out there for Mass. as well....it's a WONDERFUL resource......I'll see if I can find the link
PS - all the states belong to 5th here
Tanja - in fact, I am beginning ancient egypt on Tuesday
Kim - I love teaching about Egypt...
Tanja - thanks ali!! I'd love the link!
nmverde - In NJ I taught state, but in NM it's community and Albuquerque
Kim - You must read BIll and Pete go down the Nile
Kim - Tanja...that is a wonderful book
Tanja - I have that one Kim...kids love it!
Kim - and very simple
alihiam - I love teaching about Egypt too, also Egyptian Cinderella
Tanja - what do you all do for read alouds?
Kim - I'm reading Running out of Time right now
Tanja - Kim....That's a GREAT book!
PS - I started the year with Dear mr henshaw because we have a trucker buddy pen pal
Kim - I love it
alihiam - I'm reading Danger Along the Ohio
Tanja - my kids loved it, and begged for me to read it!
nmverde - This year I am on trimesters, so it does seem easier
Kim - I have that one too Ali
Tanja - I just finished Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing, and the kids loved that , too...any suggestions for the next one?
alihiam - I went to school where we were on Trimesters...it is much easier
alihiam - Taste of Blackberries is a good book,
nmverde - How about Manaic McGee
Tanja - read that already!
PS - The View From Saturday is excellent
Kim - we read taste of blackberries together at the beginning of the year..I have a class set
nmverde - I like it so much better becaue there are fewer grading periods and I can ge5t more done
Kim - Charlie and the Choc. Factory is great
PS - How about Holes?
Tanja - what about Wayside series?
Tanja - Read Holes, too!
nmverde - What about Mud Bloosom
Kim - The kids want to read Stuart Little because of the movie out last year
PS - Bud, Not Buddy is really good
Tanja - we did E. B. White author study in the beginning of the year
nmverde - I like Byars books too
Jewel - mine read Stewart Little and Bud Not Buddy, both were big hits
Tanja - Has anyone read any of the Wayside series? Are they any good?
alihiam - a funny book is The BFG...some things are kind of iffy to read, but it is awfully funny!!
PS - Heard they were excellent
Kim - Why don't you read The Egypt Game, Tanja...it would go along with your unit
Jewel - mine like Wayside series, esp first one
Tanja - yes, i definitely could do that...
PS - How about an old one? same author as The View from Saturday : From the Mixed Up Files Of Mrs Basil Frankenweiler
Tanja - ali.....did you ever find the link to the children's book site?
Kim - I love Mixed up Files
alihiam - Ramona books are good to......
alihiam - I'm searching...I have way too many fav. places..LOL
PS - she is only author to get two Newberry awards
Kim - which site is it Ali?
Tanja - same here! I am trying to find a good way to organize my favorites!
nmverde - Tanja what book site do you want
Tanja - the children's book site
alihiam - the one with the books of children lit books for a particular area of US
Tanja - PS...that's a great trivia question to ask my students....we are doing Newbery Book Projects this month!
PS - and I love katherine Patterson -- especially Bridge to terabithia and Dicey's Song
nmverde - I have leveled sites, but not regional ones
Kim - there are books you can order for that ali...
Kim - by Oryx Press...CHildren
PS - and Lois Lowry -- Number the Stars especially
Kim - CHildren's Literature in the Great Lakes States
PS - glad I could help
Tanja - LOVE Bridge to Terabithia.....BUT 5th grade reads that as a class
PS - I buy all the caldecott and newberry award winners
Tanja - yes, I am using Number the Stars in one of my lit circles
nmverde - Best School Year Ever
Tanja - so do I PS!
PS - and Captain Underpants series
PS - is funny series kids love them
Tanja - I also LOVE the Witch of Blackbird Pond, but 5th does that one as well!
PS - I am a certified media specialist working in classroom sicne this district has no paid media specialists
PS - Hatchet was good
alihiam - Kim that's the books...i thought it was you that sent me the link...i ordered the books through barnes and noble.
Kim - yes, I remember telling you about the books, but don't remember a web site
nmverde - I love Sign of the Beaver
Kim - do you like the book, ali?
PS - I love Mr. Popper's penguins but I read that to my Kinders last year . . . lol
alihiam - maybe I just did a search at barnes and noble...i'll tell ya for being 26 years old, i have no memory
alihiam - Love it....i use it all the time
Kim - Good...I am glad it is a great resource for you
PS - Homer Price was good when i was a kid still popular
Tanja - ali...where are you?
PS - I remember my teacher reading it to me in 4th gr
nmverde - PS are you Pearlsmith
Jewel - i have all these books you all are naming, this is great ... i haven't gotten to them all yet
nmverde - I thought you were someone from another serv
Jewel - this is only my 2nd yr and this year i inherited a retiring teachers book collection - now i know where to start
Kim - lucky you Jewel
PS - lucky u Jewel
Jewel - yes, i am very very lucky
Jewel - i have thousands of dollars in books, unbelieveable!
PS - I have several thousands in books -- most of them I bought new
Jewel - and then i go out and buy more, lol, but i am adding non-fiction instead of fiction
PS - you changed your name in here?
Tanja - Alison....where are you located?
PS - I have both kinds and I keep buying can't pass a bookstore without going in
Jewel - i know PS, i am the same
Alison - Ohio
PS - but that isn't so bad . . . except for the pocketbook
Alison - yes, i changed my name because I typed it in wrong when i rejoined..lol
PS - does this chat happen every week?
Tanja - yes PS
Alison - Tanja, I can't find the link...but the book I ordered was called Exploring The Great Lakes Through Children's Literature by Oryx Press
Tanja - OK...thanks for looking!
Kim - Tanja just needs to join her state ss org
Tanja - this is my 3rd year in fourth
Alison - I think at one time I found the publishers site, and found the books that way...bought it at Barnes and nobles
Tanja - too many other things to do!
Alison - This is my 2nd year in 4th grade
PS - hope u will be back each week then tanja as I can use your expertise
Tanja - well....I don't feel much like an expert! But I am willing to help!
PS - that is what we need support
Tanja - this is the best place for support!
Kim - If you want Tanja, I have an elem contact person in Ss in your state from North Reading
Alison - how many of you do in depth Grammar study...I just can't seem to find the time for Language Arts as much this year
Tanja - Thanks anyway, Kim...I have so much going on right now. I appreciate you offering though!
Tanja - I focus on one part of speech per week
Kim - no prob Tanja
PS - I do that in daily oral language
Kim - what do you do with the parts of speech?
Tanja - introduce, practice, paragraphs, games, etc.
PS - we are required to do at least 2 hrs of LA at our school
Alison - I know it sounds like I don't teach much, but with the way our reading is set up.....we just don't get to it...we do an hour a day of social studies, science, 75 of math, and 90 of reading
Kim - what kinds of games?
Tanja - we don't have a language arts program, so I had to develop my own
PS - we write a lot
Kim - what did you develop
PS - we have pen pals, collaborative story pen pals
Tanja - we also sing to the SchoolHouse Rock CD...my kids LOVE it!
Alison - I wish we could write more........we write alot but I don't feel like it's enough
Kim - could you share something with us?
PS - and trucker buddy pen pal
Tanja - I also use the John Collins method of writing, so a lot of the grammar lessons are included in their writing
PS - we write write write cause 4th gr has a sstate writing test in march
Alison - do you find with the songs that they transfer to their writing and other areas? I use songs in social studies and science
PS - who Kim?
Kim - what is John COllins method?
Alison - we have a state test in every subject in March so something has to give....
Kim - we have state tests in March also, PS
Tanja - yes, I do Alison! I have a rock version of Mr. Morton, and the kids BEG to listen to it each day!
PS - we also write stories, paragraphs, poetry
PS - yes that is how they remember it
Alison - Hmm is there a website for John Collins?
PS - we have SAT9 later in spring
Tanja - John Collins' writing method is pretty in-depth method of teaching writing...it has FCA's which are Focus Correction Areas (this is basically when kids focus their writing on 3 key things)
Tanja - for example....each of the three criteria that kids have to focus on for FCA's have a point value...for example:
Alison - we have really been working on subjectverb agreement in my classroom
Tanja - if kids were writing a paragraph on a specific topic and you were just teaching "varied sentence beginnings throughout" that would be one FCA..."varied sentence beginnings" 35 points
Tanja - and you ONLY correct the FCA's
PS - sounds like a good way to do it
Tanja - once kids have "mastered" a skill, you have a Responsibility Chart" posted in the classroom with everything they are responsible for
Tanja - in their writing
Alison - I think I've heard of this before
Kim - is there a web site for this Tanja?
Tanja - it's actually much more involved than what I just described. I took a course on it recently, and it was FAB. No website yet...he is developing one right now
Tanja - BUT, maybe you could find something if you did a search on John Collins Writing
Alison - NM thanks for the info on spelling...
nmverde - Are you talking about rubrics
Kim - well post it to the ring when you find it OK Tanja?
Tanja - yes, the fourth grade mailring on T.Net
Kim - yes Tanja
Tanja - do you belong?
PS - not rubrics
PS - language rules
Kim - yes, Tanja
nmverde - Sure did you understand it? I mean was I clear
Tanja - ok...I will definitely do that. Taking this course was helpful in organizing my students' writing. Do you teach the 4x4 essay?
Simply Ani - hello everyone...I wanted to pop in and invite you to join a new yahoo club I have started. It is about National Board Certification. I recently certified and found colleague support very valuable..so if you are thinking about the process or in the midst of it or through with it..please join us. To join..merely go to www.yahoo.com....clubs...then search and find National Board Quest...would be happy to have all of you!
Alison - I am taking a workshop through our district in February on using rubrics (somehting I need to use more).
Kim - what is that Tanja?
PS - waht is 4x4 essay?
Alison - Perfectly NM
Tanja - it is a VERY organized way of teaching writing
nmverde - good
Tanja - I can send you it via email, or post on messageboard
nmverde - Do you think it is do-able
Tanja - rather, teaching essays
PS - How can I find out more about it? the 4 x 4?
Kim - ok Tanja my email is khess@uoft02.utoledo.edu
Alison - does anyone here use AR in their building....?
Tanja - ok...I have your email...I am sending it in about 10 minutes
Kim - thanks Tanja
Alison - Tanja....my email is alihiam@aol.com I'd be interested in seeing it as well....
Tanja - Yes, PS...got it!
nmverde - http://www.odyssey.on.ca/~elaine.coxon/rubrics.htm
Alison - PS where are you?
PS - thanks look forward to receiving it
nmverde - I just posted a rubric link
Number404 - I was lurking. (I am not an elementary teacher.) I took up the challenge of finding John Collins sites.
Tanja - any luck Number 404?
Alison - NM I like that link..i've use it before
Number404 - Tanja, I found this: http://www.mec.edu/amesbury/aes/John%20Collins.htm
nmverde - good
Tanja - Thanks Number404....do you teach?
PS - thanks for the sites
nmverde - IHave you seen or heard of Cooper?
Number404 - Tanja, when I taught it was part of many duties related to my being an optical coatings technician. I am now retired.
PS - Cooper?
Number404 - Google yielded a few more, but most are announcement of courses.
nmverde - I heard him speak on Thursday
Alison - Looks as if the John Cooper site just gives parents some insite to the program
Number404 - Alison, I like to search, which has something with why I chat as Number404.
Number404 - Alison, that site is a site belonging to a school and telling about the program.
nmverde - I dodn't understand what you said about Cooper site
Number404 - Now I am heading back out. Bye.
Tanja - I just send the 4x4 Essay
Alison - It just briefly explained what the child did through each draft...it's another elementary schools site with information...not really about the program detail like we were wanting.\
Tanja - PS and Kim...let me know if you get it!
Kim - there is a teacher guide for The Egypt Game on that rubrics site, Tanja
Tanja - I meant to say "I just sent the 4x4 essay"
PS - did u send it already?
Alison - Tanja....me,me,me too please..LOL alihiam@aol.com
Tanja - can you post that site again, Kim...I missed it
Kim - not here yet Tanja
PS - I do not know your email so could not say if I did not get it
Kim - http://www.odyssey.on.ca/~elaine.coxon/rubrics.htm
Kim - I love that Tanja...we have been doing so much with topic sentences and details all year
Tanja - that's great! I am glad you can use it!
nmverde - Do any of you teach 6 1 Traits?
Kim - no, nm..tell us more
Tanja - no, nmverde
Alison - Tanja...when you get a chance could you send me the info. about the 4.4 writing?
Tanja - oh, sure alison...I'll do it right now...what's your email address?
nmverde - I don't know what 4x4 is. I guess because I am a 6 Traits district
Alison - Oh well i am going to go watch a movie with my husband...we're watching Double Jeopardy.....and I'm going to grade papers
Kim - I will get you the stuff for state ss org. Alison
Alison - well i really gotta get off of here....great chatting with you all. Hope to see you here again on Sundays.
Alison - Bye!!!1
PS - 821?
Tanja - what are you currently teaching in Math?
Kim - long division, Tanja
sunny - just started multiplication
Tanja - definitely check out this website....it offers some general ideas about John Collins Writing Method I briefly perused through it.... http://www.mec.edu/amesbury/aes/John%20Collins.htm
Tanja - wow...you're far ahead of me!
Tanja - what topics have you covered so far, Kim?
sunny - but kim is doing long division!!!!!!
Kim - geometry, measurement, multiplication, and division
Tanja - what about addition/subtraction?
Kim - going to start fractions in Feb.
Tanja - kim....do you review subtraction/addition?
Kim - we did a bit of that at the beginning Tanja...going to refresh before the state tests
Kim - yes, it was a review
Tanja - I am in the beginning stages of mult. teaching the properties of mult right now
sunny - anyone doing guided reading?
Tanja - no, lit circles here sunny
sunny - i'm ready to start one soon, but need a good novel
sunny - some books seem too long for lit circles
Kim - where are you located, sunny? Ohio here
Diane - Tanja, how do you divide a long book into 10 meetings?
Tanja - sometimes
Tanja - here are the ones I use:
Tanja - Discussion Director, Predictor, Summarizer, Word Smith, Scene Setter,Quotations Quizzer
Tanja - I only use 5 roles per book though, so they do the roles 2 times each
Tanja - for example, I divided The Year of the Boar and Jackie Robinson into 10 meetings....some meetings are about 20 pages long, and students have the option of reading during SSR time
sunny - So how much do you expect them to read before the next meeting?
sunny - oh.gotcha
Tanja - basically, my students read the selected # of pages for meeting, complete the role sheet, and then have discussion.
Diane - I've got readers with high accuracy and high comprehension but low fluency...how do you handle them without overloading them with too many pages?
sunny - me too
Tanja - if the reading for a particular meeting is long, they are allowed to read during SSR time, or at home (whatever is decided among the members)
sunny - gina, what are you teaching now?
Tanja - vary the way they read....have them read orally one session
Tanja - and then silently another
Tanja - so that they hear parts of the story read aloud by other members of their group
Diane - have any of you read the new book by fountas and pinnell for 3-6?
sunny - It is wonderful!
Tanja - no...never heard of it
Kim - no, Diane, what is it?
Tanja - (embarrassed to say)
sunny - I didn't think the primary one was that good
sunny - I am devouring it
sunny - The book is GUIDING READING 3-6
Diane - Kim, it is "Guiding Readers and Writers"...it's a follow up to their "Guided Reading" for upper grades
Tanja - Oh...I don't use Guided Reading
Kim - Oh OK...sounds very interesting
Diane - Sunny, any good pull-out advice so far? I just started it
sunny - pull out?
Tanja - How do you do Guided Reading in the Upper Grades?
Diane - Tanja, I think it is more Lit Circle and writing based
Diane - Sunny, I just meant anything really stand out so far? I don't actually mean pulling the kids out...oops
sunny - same as lower grades tanja, flexible grouping, running records,
Tanja - I'd like to learn to do running records....is that book easy to follow for learning that?
Tanja - I have done running records before
gina - other than lit. circles, does anyone do "reading groups"?
sunny - I love the graphic organizers in the appendix
Tanja - nope....just lit circles and whole group instruction, although lit circles is the same as reading groups in my room!
Tanja - are*
Diane - Gina, I do combine a few lit circles for Junior Great Books
sunny - we MUST do guided reading
gina - We are tied to a basal and it is required. I haven't tried lit. groups with the basal - maybe that's an idea!
Tanja - we don't have a basal...our district thinks it's too traditional
Diane - which basal are you using, gina?
sunny - good idea gina; we have an anthology I might try that with too.
gina - Houghton Mifflin
sunny - How do you like the Houghton?
Tanja - we use all trade books and supplement for skills
sunny - Can the lower kids handle it?
Diane - is that the publisher of "Collections", do you know?
Tanja - although, I teach 4th
Diane - my district adopted a new basal this year, but my principal insists it is just a supplement to our trade books, jr great books, and novels...
sunny - so what's your opinion of houghton?
gina - The stories are somewhat interesting -and we do ability group, therefore I usually have three different texts going with three different themes! It is a nightmare sometimes.
sunny - kim what do you use?
Tanja - what state are you all in? I am in Massachusetts
Diane - I'm in Oregon
sunny - PA
gina - I do a lit. book each quarter... so far Charlotte's Web and The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. I'm from OHIO.
Tanja - Well....it's been great chatting! Have a great night....maybe "see" you next week!
sunny - gina, grade 3? What book next?
Diane - nite Tanja
gina - Next is Mr. Popper's Penguins. They seem to love it this time of year. I too must go, thanks for the lit. circle idea.
