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MO/WV - Welcome. How are you?
Jenn - fine and u
David A. - Okay...just nervous for school.
MO/WV - aren't we all
MO/WV - still nervous after 29 years
David A. - I was hired friday, and school starts for kids on wednesday!
MO/WV - wow - you must really be excited
Jenn - its the third year for me
MO/WV - and 4th grade is definitely the best
David A. - VERY! Just a little overwhelmed right now...
David A. - Is it getting easier for you, Jenn?
MO/WV - did you work in your room over the weekend?
Jenn - this past year was extremely better
David A. - No...they wouldn't let me in!
MO/WV - oh, that's a shame
MO/WV - any other 4th grade rooms at your school?
Jenn - keep up with class management
MO/WV - yep - read Harry Wongs book
David A. - I picked up the Wong book to help me out...
David A. - Great stuff.
MO/WV - any other 4th grades at your school?
Jenn - very helpful book
Jenn - 1 other in mine
MO/WV - Lee Canter's Parents on your Side is wonderful too
David A. - A couple others, I think. I haven't met the rest of the staff yet!
MO/WV - there are just 2 4th grades at my school too jenn
Jenn - Mo when do you start?
MO/WV - 24th for me and 29th for kids
Jenn - Sept 6 for the kids
David A. - Wow...lots of time to prepare, Jenn.
jo - we start this thursday~kinda nervous and excited.
MO/WV - jo and bee - where do you teach 4th?
jo - I teach in a suburb of chicago/30 kids!
MO/WV - david is in michigan and jenn is in NJ
David A. - suburb of detroit
MO/WV - anybody here do kagan's version of cooperative learning?
MO/WV - where do you teach 4th jen?
Jen - Thanks. Are you all 4th grade teachers?
MO/WV - so far, I think
jo - I heard of Kagan, checked out a website from Candlier's file cabinet~she has a lot of information and lesson plans there.
Jen - I teach in the center of the San Joaquin Valley, CA.
Jen - Hey Jenn, are you there?
MO/WV - I checked out that website too this summer - bought 2 of his books
jo - how are the books?
MO/WV - classbuilders and teambuilders - look real good
MO/WV - lots of things to try
jo - sounds good, I want to try cooperative learning, so the book gives lesson ideas and activites?
MO/WV - good ideas for reviewing for tests and for building classroom
jo - I think I may have to but these books!
MO/WV - not really lesson plans, just things to do and lots of ideas to go with each idea
Jen - Are any of you from CA?
jo - Mo, have you started school yet?
MO/WV - ways to do think-pair-share, ect
lwilling - Wondering about your core lit choices for the year. Looking for something new.
MO/WV - david - since you are new to 4th grade - you MUST join the 4th grade mailring
jo - what's the mailring?
David A. - Sounds like a great idea...where can I sign up?
MO/WV - at the mail chatboard up at the top it says mailring - click on it and you can join up
MO/WV - main chatboard I mean
David A. - Great! Thanks.
lwilling - mailring provides great resources, although it can clog up email with subjects you aren't interested in; just delete those, I guess!
MO/WV - and if you need help with something - just ask and someone usually has an idea
lwilling - wondering about your core lit choices for this year. Looking for some new ideas
MO/WV - we have basal text - harcourt brace and I take a lot from an old silver burdette
jo - we also have basal, trying this year to use more novels, starting out with Zeely~anyone read it?
David A. - Thanks, MO...I just signed up.
MO/WV - no is it good?
Beth - havent read that one yet jo...what is the theme?
Beth - what are some first day/week activities that you all do?
lwilling - I have a class of 32 gifted this year. Looking for some challenging, but not widely read novels to use.
jo - it deals with wishes~african american stories~it's the only novel we have a class set for~given by the district
MO/WV - I found a personality bingo where the kids write their favorites to different things like color, movie, book, ect Then they go try to find people who answered the same as they did
jo - Have you read any gary paulsen books?
lwilling - beth, we're still here:)
MO/WV - I like georges marvelous medicine by roald dahl
Beth - we start the year with War With Grandpa
jo - have you read any of gary paulsen's books
MO/WV - name one jo
lwilling - Hatchet -by Paulsen
MO/WV - gmmed has a grandma in it - terribly funny
jo - hatchet, brian's winter, woodsong, tracker~survivor themes
Beth - havent read hatchet yet, but want to...is it good?
MO/WV - oh, I liked hatchet
jo - they are very good
David A. - Hatchet is great.
lwilling - I usually read Hatchet aloud with older groups, but love Dahl also - I generally read aloud The Witches, but use BFG and others in lit circles
MO/WV - shilo is set in an area about 30 miles from me
Beth - lwilling...what activities do you do with lit circles? do you use the "role sheets" with lit circles?
jo - has anyone read tales of a 4th grade nothing?
MO/WV - I wish they would quit making videos about my favorite books
MO/WV - I always read that jo
lwilling - I was thinking of actually tackling the Wizard of Oz this year, but haven't read it in ages. Anyone have opinions about readability, obsolete language, etc.
Beth - I agree wholeheartedly mo/wv
lwilling - Tales of a 4th is wonderful either as a readaloud or unit. Kids love it and want to read sequels
MO/WV - I guess you can always read and compare, chapter by chapter
MO/WV - ramona books are fun too
Beth - i read tales...the kids really like it...I would also like to read "there's a boy in the girl's bathroom" anyone read that one?
jo - love that one!
lwilling - Beth, I develop lit circles slowly and train first. I teach roles and model a book with class first. After they do one on their own I relax with roles and encourage them to move around and swwitch roles frequently so they don't get hung up with a "role".
jo - i start the year out with it
Jon - Hatchet is a wonderful book to read.
Beth - i think anything by roald dahl is entertaining, and the kids love them
MO/WV - I think I read that one - I have read so many
MO/WV - read a couple of frog prince type books this summer and darn if I can remember their names
Beth - same with me lwilling...do you model an entire book with lit circles?
Jen - 1willing, are you doing anything special for CA's big birthday year?
Jon - I do a whole unit with Dr. Seuss.
David A. - What do you do with Seuss?
lwilling - Beth, there is a mailring for Harvey Daniels Lit Circles (the author who has the prominent book on lit circles. I model a picture book or take one from the basal so the kids can use post its and all refer back to text.
Beth - Jon...what do you do with Dr Seuss..love to hear...I read "Oh the places you'll go " on the first year
lwilling - Jen, haven't thought much about CA birthday yet :) any suggestions?
Beth - i mean on the first day!
Jon - We read ten books and then I use learning centers I created for each book. I do it with a third grade inclusion class. I teach fourth grade inclusion.
Beth - lwilling that sounds great....using picture books...what book do you use?
Beth - lwilling...where can i get info on the lit circle mailring?
lwilling - Beth, I've used Oh the places at begining and end of year. Also, for read acros america - I have used Bartholemew and the Oobleck and created Ooobleck (GEMS science unit)
Jen - 1willing, I have a Happy Birthday CA bulletin board, the kids are going to illustrate CA symbols. I hate these white-outs, it cramps my style!
Jon - One of my centers is creating Oobleck. Then we write a group story.
Beth - lwilling...can you give an example of what you might do for lit circles using a picture book, and what pic book do you use?
MO/WV - has anyone read island of the blue dolphins to their 4th graders
Jenn - Nice to meet you.
lwilling - Beth, I think if you search for Harvey Daniels, you will find his site and then sign up for mailring. If not, post me on the Teachers.net upper elementary board and I'll get it for you. I have some other sites for lit circles if you want them, too.
Beth - Oobleck is done in 3rd grade at my school, so I cant do that...unfortunately!
Jon - I read Island of the Blue Dolphins as a trade book with my fourth graders.
Jen - Jen - Nice to meet you too! It has been fun w/e-mail, but this is better!
jo - no i haven't
eli - have read island of the blue dolphins to 5th
Beth - lwilling....that would be great! I will try searcing for harvey daniels site
Jenn - its even better with IM
MO/WV - running out of time is a wonderful book also
Jen - Jenn, I forgot to thank you for the websites. I haven't had a chance to tap them yet.
Jon - You can do A LOT with Dr. Seuss. We spend two weeks on it.
Jenn - I have to change ur name
Jenn - dont mention it
Beth - what do you do with "Oh the places" Jon?
Jen - How can we connect with IM, don't we have to have a set time?
Jon - Dear Mr. Henshaw is a great book to read with fourth graders. I've even made a quilt with the class after we are done.
Jenn - You have too much to do anyway when you have free time'
lwilling - Island of the Blue dolphins is California 4th grade core lit
Beth - I also read Dear Mr henshaw!
Jon - Oh the Places was given to me by a parent.
MO/WV - I have a question
Jenn - no we can talk anytime we're both on
jo - has anyone heard of Shannihan and his reading ideas? I have a workshop coming up.
MO/WV - do any of you subscribe to mailbox or teachers helper?
Jon - My favorite Dr. Seuss is The Butter Battle Book.
lwilling - what are class sizes like out there? I have 32 - coming from less than 20 in K-3!
Beth - i subscribe to mailbox and creative classroom
MO/WV - my kids are pretty smart, but I find everything I buy that is 4-5 or intermediate just too hard
Jen - Island of the Blue Dolphins is a great book. We read it then I show fhe film. Great way to teach CA Native Americans.
jo - i feel the same way mo!
lwilling - I mean, they're coming from less than 20 - I love upper grades and have been there a while:)
Jon - I have 30 this year. 10 will be classified with special needs. Of course, there are two of us in the room all day.
MO/WV - I had 27 last year and 23 this year -
Jenn - never read that book Jen should i look into it
jo - I have 30 too, what's up with all these 4th graders!
Beth - lwilling...i am searching for harvey daniels....several pages come up with links to buy his book..does he have an official website?
MO/WV - 27 is too many with all the testing that has to be passed in 4th
lwilling - beth, I thought so, but try searching under Literature Circles.com
Jen - It's a great story Jenn. There are so many activities you can spin off of the book.
Jon - We have ESPA's to take in New Jersey.
MO/WV - doesnn't teachers net have a literature circle chatboard?
jo - we have isat's in IL
Beth - ok...will try!
MO/WV - SAT9 and state writing assessment in WV
Jenn - Ok I'll see what I can find on it
lwilling - island is a very readable, survival story. There are many novel study guides out there to go with it as well.
Jon - There are 600 public school districts in New Jersey. Only 5 passed ESPA last year. Does that tell us something???
MO/WV - I really like island too
Beth - ok...found literaturecircles.com....any idea on how to get to mailring from there? there is no link that says "mailring"!!
MO/WV - k-4 should be set at 20, not k-3
Jenn - Jon where in Jersey are u?
Jon - I agree MO.
MO/WV - of course 5th grade teachers say it should go to 5th
Jon - I teach in Brick Township.
Jenn - whatever you go by is fine with me
jo - does anyone do a friday folder system?
MO/WV - yes, we HAVE to
Jon - I do. We send Friday slips home along with the work for the week.
lwilling - Beth, i'm stumped :( - looks like something has changed on their page. I'll have to check my favorite places and old emails and get back to you.
MO/WV - I don't care for it - since I give tests on friday and have to send them home the next friday
jo - is anyone teaching the solar system this year?
Jenn - I am Jo
MO/WV - I think it is in my new science book jo
Jon - I do Jo. It's my favorite unit.
Beth - thanks lwilling...i already posted a message on the upper elementary message board!
jo - everyone at my school does the folder thing, I haven't but have pressure from other teachers
Beth - luckily, we gave the solar system to 5th!
Jen - Which science books are good? We're adopting this year.
MO/WV - any great ideas for the olympics - besides the aims classroom olympics
jo - there are soooo many cool planet sites on the net
MO/WV - can you post them on the upper elem chatboard jo?
jo - what do you do ,jon?
Beth - MO...have you tried the aims classroom olympics?
Jon - My kids chose a planet to visit last year. Then they went on the web and researched it. Then they planned their mission, made a patch for the crew, and presented their findings to the class. It was great!!!
jo - sure thing:)
MO/WV - would be easier that writing them - could just print them out
MO/WV - neat jon
jo - that sounds great!
Jenn - wow jon
Jon - They worked in cooperative groups. Then we developed a rubric for grading the written the work and the oral presentations.
Beth - MO....have you tried the aims olympics?
MO/WV - yes - it is wonderful
lwilling - Itell me about aims olympics, please
MO/WV - I would like to get a list of the sports played and let kids choose their favorite and watch to see what country wins in that sport
Beth - I haven't had time to peruse thoroughly through it, but printed out all 17 pages (re: aims project on olympics)
lwilling - if it's aims isn't it math and science?
MO/WV - it has a classroom olympics you can do using measurement, ect - site is very detailed and has everything you need to do it
Beth - there is a website that lists several sites for olympics
:) sobo - MO---I missed the site addy---could you or someone post that again?? thanks!!
jk - I you are looking for all kinds of things olympic, try http://www.geocities.com/jk02.geo
lwilling - so, should I go to aims site or somewhere else?
teacherdobb - is everyone having a successful year?
:) sobo - for the aims materials---sorry!
Beth - we haven't started yet teacher...
Jon - Mine hasn't started yet teacherdobb.
teacherdobb - we have one week down
:) sobo - will start Wed. here!
teacherdobb - starting week 2
Jen - We start tomorrow, I'm ready and can't wait!
Jon - We don't go back until September 7.
lwilling - I don't start until 9/5, but we go so late in spring!
:) sobo - good luck Jen!!! sounds like your enthusiasm will carry you far!!! :)
Jenn - starting on Sept. 6
Beth - lwilling...i posted a message for harvey daniels on upper elem message board...if you get a chance, can you post the link?
Jon - I agree Jen. Is this your first year?
Beth - Jen...what activities do you have planned for tomorrow?
:) sobo - lots of Sept. beginning days---when are you all done then--June??
Jen - I will have a great class this year sobo. After last year, thank the good Lord!
Beth - Jen...where from?
Jon - I get out the middle of June barring no snow days.
lwilling - Beth, saw your note and will come back to boards after I do the dinner thing. Look back later, 'k ? Gotta go, bye
Beth - I am so nervous to start.....this is my 3rd year!
Beth - THanks lwilling!
:) sobo - great Jen---we all need a break if the year previous was stressful!!!
Jen - Beth - from CA. I have all kinds of stuff planned, more than we can finish, I'm sure.
:) sobo - hold on Jon------- must have snow in your computer all ready!!!! :)
teacherdobb - i have a question for you all
Beth - Jen...are you doing any academic related things, or just get to know you/procedures?
teacherdobb - there is a little girl in my class who speaks no english
Beth - I had a boy in my class last year that did not speak english
jo - is there someone in the class who can translate for her?
Jen - Beth, some pre-testing to see where they are in reading and math. I'll start the mathbook Tues.
Beth - pair with a strong "buddy"
jo - thanks for the ideas jon
Beth - cool, jen...by any chance are you "Jenny from CA"? i see a lot of your posts on the chatboards
Jon - No problem.
Mo/WV - the aims olympic site - http://www.aimsedu.org/Activities/primary.html - http://www.aimsedu.org/Activities/cOlympics/colympics.pdf
Jen - Yes Beth, I'm the one! I think we e-mailed a couple of times.
Beth - I have so many activities to do on the first day,too...I am sure I will not finish everything!
Jen - It's better to over-plan, than to under. I have nightmares about that!
Jenn - Im planning on really going over procedures
Beth - what read aloud are you all starting with?
Jen - This is my 3rd year also, and I still have those nightmares.
Jenn - havent really worked on them the past two years
Beth - Yes, I need to be a bit more "strict" with procedures and rules this year
Jen - Procedures are important, a lot of my day the firstr day will be the same.
Beth - i need to be more consistent without sounding like a drill sergeant...any ideas?
Jenn - simple things as getting books out can turn into a nightmare
Jen - The kids need, and appreciate I think , structure and strictness. So many don't get it at home anymore.
Jenn - practice makes perfect or so they say
jo - isn't is funny how they will all RUN if they aren't taught to walk
Jen - I have the books all assigned by number, already in the desks.
Beth - I am very structured (even as a learner!!)...what are your ideas for discipline/rules/consequences? i am still refining mine!
Jen - Runnin's fun!!!!
Jenn - i had a bunch of singers this past year
Mo/WV - and take two steps at a time instead of one
Jen - Make sure you have your discipline system in place and everyone has an understanding, from day one.
Jenn - i have the PIN system
Beth - what are your ideas for rules/consequences?
Jenn - everyone has their own number
jo - what are some of the discipline systems you use? i don't know how I feel about awards and stuff, but I need something
Jen - I had walkers and talkers last year, it was a nightmare, even with a strict discipline plan.
Jenn - i give silent snacks or silent lunches
Jen - Anyone heard of Joan McClintoch from LA?
Jenn - i dont use rewards for behavior
Beth - i need help for discipline , too
Beth - do you have a list of things that could earn a consequence (for example talking in class, etc?)
Jenn - their job is to behave without expecting something
Jen - She has a wonderful system. Consequences are all listed on the chart with the rules. I refer to it. It has to be taught.
jo - what do you do jenn?please share! i told my kids that same thing~good behavior is expected and they all just stared at me.
Jenn - no, if I see constant talking or not raising hands Ill talk to him/her privately and inform them of silent snack
Mo/WV - treat people including yourself with dignity and respect #2 keep in mind your safety and the safety of others #3 follow directions the first time #4 come to class prepared #5 raise your hand to speak and wait to be called on
nicole - i just started teaching 4th grade. our school does this 1.warning 2. time out from recess or free time and fill out a problem report 3. go to another teachers room for time out 4. call or note home
Jen - I have three simple rules, with a series of consequences. Each day we start new. It's all posted.
Beth - MO...what is the consequence if they are "disrespectful" ?
jo - i like that jenn, very private, and gets the job done
Beth - Jenn...do they get silent snack right away...first warning?
jo - i agree with love and logic about children do not need warning, and consequences should be student~teacher created
Jenn - than all the rest can see what has happened and automatically know to expect if they act up
Beth - love and logic? is that a book?
Mo/WV - #! name on board #23 inappropriate behavior slip put on desk #3 inappropriate behavior slip filled out and sent home - 2 slips in a week earn detention #4 time out in another classroom
jo - yep, read it~it's very good
Jenn - right away no warning
Jenn - im extremely strict
jo - good for you jenn :) i am going to try that
Beth - wow...no warning! I like that idea...makes them really think about making the right choice
Jenn - learned the hard way my first year
Jen - You have to be strict. Rules are non-negotiable. Kids have to know.
jo - it really works, no freebes
Jenn - i tried names on the board my first year and it didnt mean anything to them
nicole - do you all ever let kids grade papers?
Jenn - you cant be "nice" so to say about behavior in class
Beth - so, jenn, if a student is talking when he/she should not be, you give them silent snack and talk to them right off the bat, right?
jo - it is just a power struggle with the names, and oh why isn't her name on the board too~ i hate that
Jenn - if one gets away with something youll see that behavior from other ones
Beth - i hate that too jo
Jenn - yes Beth
Beth - i agree jenn!
Jen - Nicole, sometimes we exchange homework papers in class to check. No grade is taken here.
Mo/WV - so sorry - please repeat what silent snack is
Beth - I will try that this year...is that from the love and logic book?
Mo/WV - I have the love and logic book
Beth - Jenn...can you repeat what silent snack is?
Jenn - we have snack at our school for 10 mins
Jenn - the student would not be allowed to talk to anyone for that time
Beth - Jenn is your idea about no warnings from love and logic book?
Jenn - never read the book i made that one up lol
jo - love and logic does state no warning too
Jenn - works well for lunch too imagine not talking for 30 mins
Mo/WV - well darn, I can't do silent snack then
Mo/WV - could do it for recess tho
Jen - Jenn, perhaps you should write that book. Sounds convincing to me!
Beth - lol...i just love the silent snack idea...
Mo/WV - and lunch
Beth - do you also take away recess time, jenn?
Mo/WV - left out something - could do it for recess
Jen - I guess we will all be doin' the silent snack.
Jenn - there is no recess time at my school
Jenn - the kids dont go out
Jen - I can't imagine not having a recess break.
jo - yikes
Jenn - lol Jen sounds like a dance
Mo/WV - we do not have a designated time, we just put in 15 minutes and share duty with other 4th grade teacher
Beth - I love the "no warning" idea...I am sure it is powerful.
Jen - Jenn, what sounds like a dance?
Mo/WV - no recess on days we can't go outside
jo - we have 15 minutes and the aids watch the kids~sound good until you meet our aids
Beth - Jen....what is your discipline policy?
Jenn - gets your point across and they really learn you mean business
Jenn - when you said we'll all be doin the silent snack
Beth - i have to do recess duty every other week....BLAH!
jo - its good to have teachers out there, i wish my school had that
Mo/WV - so - the whole class does silent snack or just the offenders
Jenn - Mo it depends if it was a group project and the class was extremely noisy it will be a class silent snack'
Beth - Jen....can you share your discipline policy?
COZ - My school uses a warning policy too with silent lunch and/or walking instead of playing
Jenn - imsgine 30 mins of silence
COZ - I mean a no warning policy
Mo/WV - and what do you do when someone talks or whispers
jen - yes Beth. Three simple rules. First infraction is a reminder. Second a reminder, a check 5 minutes to work by self. 3rd, reminder, 15 minutes, note home. 4th , 30 minutes, call home.
Jenn - i make them stand in the doorway
jen - There is more, but I don't want to "hog the show."
Mo/WV - go on jen
Beth - jen...one question...do you have specific rules posted in your classroom, or just general ones like "be respectful" ?
Beth - please, go on jen...it sounds great!!
Jenn - my first year if someone was bad i made them write the SS chapter or as much of it in a given time
jen - Beth, the rules are very specific. 1 Follow all directions. 2 keep hands and feet to yourself, 3 no teasing or name calling. This covers it all.
jen - I make the admininstration aware of my plan. This eliminates sending the kids to the office too soon.
Mo/WV - jen - when do you send kids to the office - it was not on your list of consequences
Beth - thx for sharing jen
Mo/WV - yes jenn, the more ideas the better we all become
Mo/WV - good idea jen
jo - we don't send kids to the office, only severe things, we pair up with another teacher to send our time out kids to
