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Mary/PA - Welcome to Teachers.Net! This is an open chat, there is no moderator tonight, just start chatting about Guided Reading
teach4ever - I will be teaching 1st grade for the first time next year. Does anyone have any advice for me to do with guided reading groups. WE are using Harcourt Brace reading series
Mary/PA - I'm guessing that everyone here teaches Guided Reading one way or another, right?
Teach 1st - I mainly use guided reading four blocks method, what do yo all use? I am reading Fountas and Pinnell this summer
Mary/PA - teach4ever groups for GR, do all of you Group?
Teach 1st - Focus in g. reading four blocks is on comprehension-anyone have some great comp. activities?
Nan - I use scholastic guided reading
Mel - yes...I think some people are hesitant to admit
Mary/PA - Nan, do you group your kids?
teach4ever - I did group my kindergartners last year for comprehension, phonics and sight word reading
dbwv - This is my first time also. I teach guided reading with thematic units.
boomer - What do you enjoy about guided reading?
Nan - explain how you do this dbwv
teach4ever - when I was in K, I did thematic units too. I Hope I can continue when I teach first
Mel - I group because it helps focus on strengths and weeknesses
Nan - Mel yes I do group them
smiles - do you group by level?
jeanie/ne - I group as I teach title 1-- have struggling readers
smiles - I have intermixed abilitites in my groups...
Mel - I agree that themes are wonderful. It allows for the incorporation of experiences/intersts for children
jeanie/ne - I try to have them on their reading level, not particularly together as a group. This is often more of a self-selected type of reading, but worked well last year
Nan - what grade are you talking about tfor themes
dbwv - I teach first grade and use themes.
Mel - Our school changes for a language block by ability. Not very popular these days but it works. I use a 4 blocks
Mel - 1st grade here also
Nan - any 3rd grade teachers using themes
dbwv - How many of you use the total 4-blocks approach? Or do you choose certain parts to incorporate?
Mel - I have taught 3rd grade and yes I used themes. I used them in 5th also. themes can beused in any grade level
teach4ever - How many of you use a lot of literacy centers during your reading instruction time? Do some of you use seatwork activities?
Teach 1st - I am very interested in using literacy centers!
Nan - I use both literacy centers and seat work during reading
Mel - I use a modified 4blocks approach...Nan tell how you use literacy centers/typesch
dbwv - Yes, I would love to use literacy centers during my guided reading
Mel - Are your literacy centers going on while you work with a group
Nan - Scholastic does a wonderful job of guiding one through this. There is technology, guided reading, independent reading, and projects related to the unit.
teach4ever - That's what I was going to try this year-literacy centers during reading groups
dbwv - Where do we find this information at on the scholastic website?
Teach 1st - Nan, is Scholastic a reading series that you use or are you using a profesional book as a guide?
teach4ever - What I want to know is this? When you are doing 4 blocks and are doing small groups in guided reading block, what are the rest of the kids doing?
Mel - I use literacy centers in conjunction with a book or theme...
Nan - we actually have the scholastic reading series. I am investing into SRI on their site for next year to get my books all a lexile number
Teach 1st - Can you give examples, Mel?
dbwv - There is an excellent book about the use of literacy centers entitled "What the other children are doing"
teach4ever - It seems like for most of the other blocks, the whole group is assigned the same activity. Is this correct?
dbwv - Where do you get your information from Scholastic? Is the information available on the web?
teach4ever - readinglady.com has that book "What the other children are doing...
teach4ever - Nan, what's SRI?
Nan - yes, scholastic does have a web site
dbwv - You are correct. During the writing block children write on their on level and interest.
Teach 1st - that one is great and there is one for grades 3-5 that I found I can use with first too! It is really great!
teach4ever - I like the writing block idea. I can buy into that
Mel - Frog & Toad pops to mind..they will use related word wall words in write letters to one of the characters telling why they are a good friend; SSR-read related books about frogs or other stories by the author; to name 2
dbwv - Does scholastic provide information on their website about the use of literacy centers?
Nan - Scolastic Reading Inventory - it is used to find out what lexile level your students are reading at
Teach 1st - thanks for sharing Mel!
Nan - no I don't think it is on their site, but not certain
teach4ever - Fountas and Pinnel's Guided REading has a lot of ideas about open ended centers-the kind that kids do every week, but just change words or activities slightly
Mel - I agree with the use of What the Other... I" It is wonderful. I set up some of those also...Great resource for a beginner
dbwv - What reading series do most of you use? We just adopted Scott Foresman which I did not want. I had hoped for McGraw-Hill?
txtchr - remember that centers have to be either practice or discovery
Nanc - any 4th teachers using 4 blocks
SLP - Has "Wright Reading Group" been mentioned, yet?
txtchr - centers can't be something you want to grade
boomer - I'm curious about how many elem. teachers are using the 4 blocks method now? All? 80% or what?
Mel - can't centers be used for on going assessment though
dbwv - I use my centers only for practice and review
Nan - not me
Nanc - we're just getting started in our building...slowly
Nan - i think centers are a great place for assessment
SLP - Anybody hear of Wright...?
txtchr - I'm in an SFA school (boo) so I just incoporate some of the methods---i did it 3 yrs ago
dbwv - Not as many as you think. I recently read an article on this subject. It was acutally much lower than I thought. I personally use a little of everything and do not stick totally with the 4block strategy.
Mel - we use Ready readers from Modern Curriculum Press
txtchr - informal assessment
teach4ever - I think in South Carolina there are more school that use 4 blocks. Am I right Teach 1st?
Nanc - what's SFA school
txtchr - Success For All
Debbie - We use Harcourt Brace although I do not use it much. I thought the older series was better. These stories don't seem to have much meat to them.
SLP - when you say "4 block" - do you mean block scheduling?
Nanc - thanks!
Mel - I agree dbwv. we learn to use what works for us and our children.
Teach 1st - Yes, I have been doing 4 blocks four years now. Principal came in and dictated we would do it. I am in S.C.
Nan - yes informal - we have everyday math and it is a great place to continue learning if they haven't developed the concepts neeeded
txtchr - a horrid structured reading timed scheduled.......
teach4ever - debbie, do you use the signature series of HBJ?
Teach 1st - I refused to adhere to the time schedule of four blocks!
Mel - Isn't SFA going out the door?
teach4ever - txtteachr, what do you mean?
dbwv - I agree with too rigid of a schedule. I also do not care for the selected reading part. My children are constantly getting up flipping through books and really not reading for pleasure.
txtchr - I hope so
Mel - Teach1st-remember you can adapt the parts that work for you. Some of the ideas a very goo
Teach 1st - You have to establish ruless for SSR from the first. they take several books to read with them an are not allowed to get up for others.
teach4ever - I have a problem with self-selected reading. I haven't done 4 blocks but as I am reading this stuff, I am thinking, "No way"
Debbie - I'd like to know if any of you have a systematic approach for teaching Guiding Reading strategies?
SLP - Are there any K-1 teachers here?
txtchr - it is ver structured, you have daily schedules posted on the wall and they check to see if you are on the right skill at the right moment
boomer - I agree about the new series out now having enough meat in them. We use to use Houghton Mifflin until they change d to the new thinking about "whole language". Now they are really poor except the literature is very good, so I use the literature and some of the old( 10 years back) worksheets) which are -were exccellent.
dbwv - And after they have read these books and there is 15 min. left, then what?
Teach 1st - I am a first grade!
teach4ever - Debbie, what do you mean?
dbwv - I am a first grade!!
teach4ever - SLP, I taught K last year and 1st next year
Teach 1st - At the beginnig of the year, I only have SSR for a very short time. Remember that you the teacher reads to them for part of SSR too.
SLP - Teach 1st: What do you expect first graders to know when they come into 1st from K - in terms of reading?
boomer - It is true, you need to extablish rules about self-selected reading or else students waste time.
Mel - SSR can be only 10 min if you want. The time span is your choice. Or you can do it at a different time of the day
Teach 1st - I apologize for my typos! When typing fast, I goof!
dbwv - I just find it difficult to do everything they want you to do and teach science, social studies, and health. This is why I pick and choose the parts I like and teach health, social studies, and science through thematic units which my first graders love.
teach4ever - I think that if I start 4 blocks I will reduce the time right at the beginning of the year and phase the length in slowly. Do more centers in the beginning of the year, particularly during assessment times
teach4ever - dbwv, that sounds like a great idea!
SLP - We are in a transition now to Guided reading - our K teachers are not excited about it - Being ECSE SLP, I don't really know a lot about Guided Reading.
Cathy - Anyone ever used McGrawHill?This is our new readinf series
Nanc - dbwv, same dilemma in 4th...too much, not enough time
dbwv - Thanks!!
Teach 1st - SLP, We have really seen a major difference since kinder is all day now. All know the alphabet and usually all the consonat sounds, many are reading!
Mel - If you do anything in 4blocks or want to get started...I say try the working w/words section and word wall
Debbie - Teach4ever - NO, we the Signature was the old series. We kept some so were able to use them. I am moving to a brand new school this year so there will be none of those old readers.
boomer - You can use social studies, science , ahealth etc. during you reading time! Too many teachers think you need to teach those by themselves. Use a theme and place those subjects within the theme.
Nanc - I still think it has its merits though
dbwv - I had really hoped our county would have adopted McGraw Hill but they went with Scott Foresman.
dbwv - I totally agree with Mel. The best part of 4-block in my opinion.
Nanc - we adopted SF last year
Cathy - Do you think McGrawHill will fit into the 4 blocks?
teach4ever - so debbie, the Signature is old series?
Mel - Amen boomer...incorporate..incorporate...incorporate
dbwv - McGraw Hill will fit very well. I especially liked their leveled readers.
teach4ever - how do you all find time to get all the leveled books together for guided reading?
SLP - So, you don't expect them to have basic sight words and spelling some words/sentences?
Cathy - dbwv Have you used McGraw Hill?
boomer - We just adopted McGraw Hill. There again the worksheets are too easy for most. I will use some of the older Houghton Mifflin workbook pages etc.
Mel - don't most series level them..ours is
Debbie - What do I mean about what? The reading series or the strategies?
teach4ever - I mean leveled readers other than the basal. Do you have additional books available for the kids to read to provide them extra practice
Nanc - word wall/working w/ words is great...4th graders love it
dbwv - No, I have not used McGraw Hill but I was on the adoption committee and went to a conference where all of the companies presented their series.
teach4ever - I like the activities for Word Wall and that fact that this a scheduled part of the program for 4 blocks
Mel - Oh I see...yes I have additional books but they are multi-leveld.
Cathy - dbwv Glad to hear you like it. I am anxious to try it
boomer - I use lots of sets of leveled rchapter books to go along with the stories in the basil. I teach third. Ex. I begin with the original Boxcar Children. We read that together, Then I go into the Junit B. Jones series . We read the first one together as a group. I could go on and on. I have accumulated many class stes ober the years.
boomer - Sorry for my poor spelling. (not a good typist)
dbwv - I also use many leveled books which all come from Scholastic.
kypper - Do any of you do your guided reading as a whole group? Or do you do in small groups?
Mel - Class sets are wonderful to use. I remember using them in 3rd & 5th. Great for Lit. Circles
dbwv - yes, I am.
SLP - It seems as though today's early reader focuses so much on the WHOLE LANGUAGE approach, that they really don't get the true READING part of it. I have so many kids that come into my office and want to "read" to me - I don't allow them to look at the pics. - This really stumps them, because they have memorized the book by the pics. - Our prof. Dev. opportunities have told the teachers not to "follow the words w/ their fingers because this slows down the reader - at least when they follow the words w/ the fingers they're looking at the words and not the pics. - I truly believe that all of our strategies need to be mixed with a variety of things, but I feel that we have drifted to far from phonics and "sounding out the words".
dbwv - SLP: I agree 100% with you.
Nanc - I use guided reading as whole group...title teacher may work in small groups when necessary
teach4ever - actually, SLP, I think there is a push for balanced literacy whic incorporates a lot of comprehension and phonics
boomer - slp, you are right on!
dbwv - I feel the children need to learn the skills of reading first
teach4ever - I think that the themes help provide a purpose for reading and motivation
Mel - Well put SLP! The finger pointing is a good for tracking, ecpecially if they are a struggling reading
SLP - Our K teachers do guided reading in small groups - they don't understand how they can do "guided raeding" when they can't read at all - don't you all feel that K is too early for true "guided reading" - how do you feel "GR" should be modified for the VERY beginning reader?
kypper - That's one of the nice things about 4 blocks, is that the working w/words blocks work on "phonics" strategies and helping kids see chunks and patterns in words, etc.
Teach 1st - Foru Blocks focus is on comprehension in guided reading.
Nanc - I like that part about it
teach4ever - that's why I like the four blocks method with Word Wall words. It gets the children to make the connection between those words for reading and writing and gives them daily practice with them
Mel - kypper=that's why I like the working w/words block so much...
Teach 1st - Me too Nanc! The phonics skills are taught in the other blocks. I really have to think when I plan guided r. now-focus on comprehension and I have seen such growth!
dbwv - Do you not teach skills during the guided reading part?
Indychick - Is anyone an upper grade 4Block teacher
teach4ever - dbwv, what kind fo skills do you mean?
Teach 1st - Just comprehension skills
Nanc - I teach 4th grade...is that what you are looking for?
Mel - yes teach4-they have real success when they can locate a familiar word on the word wall and use it in their writing
teach4ever - how many of you use the metacognitive comprehensio skills that are discussed in Mosaic of Thought?
Indychick - Do you use the Nifty Thrifty Fifty words?
kypper - During the guided reading block I teach comprehension strategies to my students. During our coaching groups we work on learning strategies to figure out words.
dbwv - Such as sounding words out when they come to a word they are unfamiliar with for example
Nanc - Just started 4 blocks this past year...used Nifty Thrifty very limited. How about you?
teach4ever - Oh, sure dbwv, I would teach a phonics skill while they were reading. That's what I call a teachable moment
louisianaangel - Hi all, I have a "dumb" question about guided reading/
Teach 1st - Please tell about Nifty Thrifty!
Indychick - Nanc - Do you use the Nifty Thrifty Fifty words?
boomer - No question is dumb.
louisianaangel - I have been using GR in my classroom as part of a balanced iteracy program
louisianaangel - I am not sure that it is the same for four blocks
teach4ever - louis-angel, it is probably the same dumb question I have. Go ahead
Mel - yea..spill it louis...
Nanc - Indychick...very limited since I just got info toward the end of the year on it.
Indychick - Nanc - Did you put them on the Word Wall?
Mel - the guided reading block is pretty much the same
Nanc - Yes, but in a different place...not with the others.
SLP - I also feel that there is so much of a push for reading, we are forgetting about the spelling part - I am a strong advocate (and highly trained) in Lindamood/Lips/ADD - this program really encourages the student to HEAR and FEEL the sounds - today, when early learners are spelling words, they are not HEARING all the sounds - the "experts" feel that if they can read, then the spelling will come naturally, - I totally disagree with this - I think spelling should be pushed more
louisianaangel - I have GR groups that I meet with during center time. In 4B, is GR whole group?
Indychick - Yes
Nanc - yes, it is
teach4ever - SLP, as a former resource teacher of LD studente, I totally agree with the fact that some children are not hearing the sounds and need that motor and physical manipulation of sounds to cue them
4/5 Looper - Does anyone have any experience in using GR with fluent readers?
louisianaangel - I keep everyone on the same level then? I have my GR groups leveled by DRA or Reading Recovery levels
kypper - Yes, in 4 Block the guided reading is done whole group, but there are times when students partner read, choral read, etc.
teach4ever - I was trained in a limited way in LiPS. Very complicated program to learn for me
Indychick - Nanc - I teach 2nd grade, but had an upper grade teacher ask the question, so I wasn't sure where she should be putting the Nifty Thrify Fifty words - thanks for the help
louisianaangel - Thanks, I am new to 4B and want to try to implement in the fall
4/5 Looper - Describe for me the sequence of a good GR lesson.
boomer - I disagree. those who are good readers are almost always the good(best )spellers. Reading for pleasure needs to be pushed more! Some kids just can't find a book or series that like! If the teacer can find somthing the kid likes to read the reading for pleasure will begin the then the better spelling will then result from it. does any one oyt there agree with me? I've been teaching for 19 years.
Nanc - Your're welcome
louisianaangel - I am going to be at a brand new charter school and I am very excited
Mel - I agree SLP...many times they go to spell a familar word that they have read many times & can't sound out/stretch and shrink to spell it correctly. Invented spelling put a damper on that for awhile but many of us are seeing the need for teaching spelling again
Indychick - I am training 1st and 2nd grade teachers around the state
SLP - 4ever: I found that to teach it comfortably, I needed over 40 hours of training in it - Luckily for me, I worked in the summer for a clinic that used this method - Well worth the time!!
Mel - Explain your new charter school
kypper - With four blocks I use on grade level text 3 days a week and easier materials 2 days. I am to able to conference each week with each child in Self-Selected Reading. This gives the more fluent readers the chance to read at their level.
Nanc - What type of material do you use on those 2 days of easier text?
Indychick - kypper - what grade do you teach?
SLP - angel, how are charter schools funded? Do they have to follow all the same guidelines, IDEA, etc?
teach4ever - Indy, what program are you training people in?,
louisianaangel - We are a small rural town and s group of parents and teachers had become VERY dissatisfied with the public school, so we wrote a charter than was approved.
kypper - I teach 1st.
Indychick - teach4ever- I am a 4Blocks trainer
teach4ever - what state? Is it Indiana?
louisianaangel - WE are still considered public so the majority of laws have to be followed- IDEA, etc.
Indychick - teach4ever- Yes I am in Indiana
Mel - what is going to make you different
boomer - I'll tell you what. There are more and more home-schooled children than I ever thought nowadays. And with GOOD reason! All this educational new jargon really annoys me. Some parents have had enough of it and are doing a great job educating atheir own kids.
Indychick - kypper - what state are you in
kypper - This past year I used lots of poetry of the 2 easier days. The first day we introduced the text and talked about it. Lots of times we would illustrate as well. The second day we would partner read the text and highlight our word wall words. They loved doing this and then we would add them to our poetry folders. I tried to find poems that dealt with animals, etc.
louisianaangel - However, we are allowed to try innovations. Our charter requires that parents volunteer a number of hours each year and they they stay involved in their child's education. We know that this sound ludicrous but in our area this is a huge problem
teach4ever - kypper do you teach 1st?
Mel - parent involvement..don't we all need more of that!
kypper - Indy, I am in Illinois. I will be in Indianapolis in a few weeks to attend Cheryl Sigmons conf.
SLP - angel - I think that's an excellent idea!! I don't think enough responsibility needs to be placed on the parent!!
dbwv - I am going to try poetry books next year. I like your ideas.
Teach 1st - Lucky you kypper! I would LOVE to hear her!
Indychick - kypper - I am a trainer in Indiana and you sound like you are right on the target! Way to go!!
SLP - rephrase that!!! I think MORE respons. needs to be on the parent!!!!
Indychick - kypper - Cheryl trained me and she's wonderful - you will LOVE her!
madi - I need some expository ideas, I am trying to locate some books for a workshop and can't seem to find too many , any suggestions. I teach 2nd grade
SLP - does C. Sigmons train in GR??
Nanc - I'm hoping to attend a conference in Dayton in August.
louisianaangel - We are also going to have a very strict discipline plan. No more giving children an unreasonable number of "chances."
boomer - Isn't thisa hoot! I';m from Indiana too! Are we the only teachers who use this chatroom?
Indychick - SLP - Cheryl trains in all of the blocks
Nanc - No, Ohio does too!
Indychick - boomer - I think so!!!
kypper - This is has been a very exciting year for me. I have had the opportunity to hear Pat Cunningham and visit Lennette Holden. We are trying to get 4 Blocks up and running. I'm hoping to attend the Leadership Conf also in Jan. I have e-mailed Dottie and things sound promising.
4/5 Looper - Colorado is here too!
SLP - angel - have you ever heard of BIST- (for behavioral intervention)? - it is excellent!!! - Would you like to more about it?
louisianaangel - If the parents and students do not hold up to their end of the contract, the students will be asked to leave. This is a school of CHOICE. They can attend the regular public school.
teach4ever - Georgia is represented
louisianaangel - I would love to hear more.
Teach 1st - South Carolina too
Indychick - I love 4 Blocks - my kids have made so many gains in reading and writing!!
rhonda/il - Illinois as well
SLP - Missouri is here!!!
madi - Attention: any ideas for expository textbooks, i need some fo r a workshop
Retta - I am an Indiana girl too. This my first time to join the chat.
Pam - Missouri is also represented!
teach4ever - madi, what do you mean?
louisianaangel - This is the reason that I am here. I would love to try this at the new school. I am very excited.
SLP - sorry, i don't know what you mean by "expos..."
Indychick - Welcome Retta!
Mel - sunny, hot Florida here
louisianaangel - SLP- I would love to learn more about BIST
madi - I only have a few books available and am trying to find an exository textbook for a workshop any suggestions
sada - I was told that 4 blocks is on the way out. Test scores were dropping. We've been at it 7 years.
Retta - I just started using 4 block this winter. I am really excited about it. I was trying to do Guided Reading the F & P way and was driving me crazy.
kypper - Sunny, I wish. We've had nothing but rain since school got out, but it has given me the chance to work on getting some new things started for next year.
boomer - See! That's what I mean. All the jargon. Tell me what an expository textbook is.
SLP - angel: BIST is a program that focuses on "choices", "consequences", and "consistency" - it stresses to the child that they are not in trouble-that they just need some time to "think about it" - Very small children go to the "safe place" - it's not time out anymore
Indychick - sada - have your test scores dropped?
Nanc - Wow, where did you hear that?
louisianaangel - Retta- I have been using the Fountas method, how do you rate the 2?
Mel - what level? I don't think I've ever heard of an "expository textbook" in elementary
teach4ever - sada, where is this occuring wit test scores dropping?
louisianaangel - SLP- Where can I get more info?
Retta - I much prefer the 4 Block. I am much less stressed in dealing with my class.
Indychick - retta - I soooooo agree!!!!!
teach4ever - retta, how does it help lower your stress level?
kypper - Me too!!!
louisianaangel - Retta- I am trying to make the switch but I feel so overwhelmed, just like when I was trained the first time.
Mel - I've never heard that either...I'm just getting started
SLP - CHildren 'process out' of the "safe place" - tell me what happened, why wasn't that safe? what will you do next time - show me what that looks like - lets practice that - show me that you are ready - are you going to be able to be safe in this area..with your friends, etc - it is a VERY language based program - very "SCRIPTED"
madi - well, i remember discussing this in college but now that i have been out for several years, i am not really sure and i have to have one for a workshop, i guess a specific type of childrens book, like narrative ,
louisianaangel - I have not been trained in 4B. Just reading everything I can get my hands on.
sada - no , my scores have stayed pretty consistent. However I heard that from a convention, another teacher
Retta - I don't have to worry about keeping the rest of my class busy for 40 to 60 minutes while I am working with small groups.
Indychick - In GR the Fountas method, you have to plan for several different groups. In $ Blocks everybody is reading at the same levell.
louisianaangel - Retta & Indy - Sounds wonderful!!!!!
teach4ever - that's what I am thinking. I think teachers might create a lot of stress for themselves with the way they structure their time. I know I do sometiems
kypper - The kids work so much better as a team in a four blocks classroom. We are just like a big family. Once you have it set up I think that you'll find it less stressful. It is a lot of work, but so much more fun!!!
louisianaangel - SLP--Is there a web site or a book?
Indychick - kypper- I agree! 4B keeps you moving, so there is much less discipline problems as well.
Mel - I agree kypper
louisianaangel - Will just reading the 4B books help? I don't know of anyone in my area using it.
SLP - I will log off to see if I can find something - I will be back - don't leave!! I'll put up a PM when I find it!
louisianaangel - SLP--Thanks!!!
Retta - I haven't had any training. Just did a visitation to a wonderful school in Indianapolis and am reading everything I can about it.
Indychick - reading the book will help, but do you know of anywhere you can go and observe?
teach4ever - what's a PM
sada - l,angel-see if you can get a tape of someone teaching each of the blocks
Nanc - Reading everything I can get my hands on too.
4/5 Looper - What are the four components of 4 Block?
Retta - I went to Sunnyside School.
Mel - discipline isn't the problem if they children are given plenty of opportunities to succeed and keep them interested with meaningful "tasks"
louisianaangel - I am in northeast Louisiana and most everyone is content doing the same of thing.
Nanc - Guided reading, Self Selected REading, Writing Block, Working with Words
Indychick - 4/5 looper - the four components are Guided Reading, Working with Words (phonics), Self-Selected Reading and the Writing Block
louisianaangel - Pm=Private Message
kypper - The books are great, but there are two terrific websites to get you going, They are teacher.net (which have articles by Cheryl Sigmon) and thereadinglady. com. You might want to check those out.
teach4ever - do a search for Four Blocks and you will get about three great websites. I did just last week.
teach4ever - thanks l, angel and Pam
boomer - None of you will agree but the best way to teach reading is with the whole class listening to me teach the strategies. Then we all silent read, then we all read aloud or partner read, then we all do out lesson worksheets. Everyone learns to read and there is NO monkeybusiness!
louisianaangel - Teach4ever-I found a list of 35-40 sites which are wonderful but I feel so overwhelmed. There is too much information for me to digest.
Retta - Go to readinglady.com and you can to link to several other sites. I have printed off tons of stuff from this site.
sada - I think we are most effective teaching in whichever style we are most comfortable in. 4 blocks allows many styles.
teach4ever - angel, I have been reading readinglady.com and some of the websites.
4/5 Looper - Indy-- is each block given equal time? How much time for each?
Mel - The important thing is that it works for you boomer. remember we have all different teaching/learning styles. The important thing is the chldren are finding success. Many times we get boged down in "differences" and forget that we are here for them
teach4ever - I think the beauty of 4 blocks is the structure of time and activity, but hte flexibility of the content of the theme and skills that you are teaching
louisianaangel - Y'all are so wonderful! This is such wonderful info.
Nanc - I agree Mel
Indychick - 4/5 looper - Guided Reading is given 30 - 40 minutes, and the remaining blocks are given around 30 minutes
teach4ever - angel, keep reading about it. I have been reading about it for a week and it does take a while for it to sink in.
4/5 Looper - Indy -- That doesn't seem like enough time for writing.
louisianaangel - Well, I do have all summer
Indychick - 4/5 looper - oops I see you are upper grades. They devote more time to each block. Around 40 - 50 minutes for writing block
4/5 Looper - Indy -- I'm assuming that one has the flexibility to increase the writing time.
louisianaangel - I just like to begin prepartions early.
4/5 Looper - I'm really looking forward to next year; I'll be looping with my students.
Mel - Can't the times be adjusted
kypper - Indy, What grade do you teach?
Indychick - kypper - I teach 2nd grade
Retta - One conference I went to said to stay pretty much on you schedule and make them want to get back to the project the next day.
teach4ever - Mel, the books say keep the time pretty strict so you don't teach the parts yoiu like best and avoid others, but I am sure when you need to, you could adjust
teach4ever - retta, I like that idea. Gives motivation for another day!
Indychick - looper - I bet you're kids will really make great gains next year!
kypper - I agree Retta. I have to set a timer. They moan when we have to stop, but otherwise I'd never be able to fit everything in.
Mel - So what do you do if you run into time restraints/scheddules/etc
louisianaangel - Do y'all use your basals or sets of books or something else?
Indychick - kypper - a timer is a must!!!
4/5 Looper - Indy -- I know exactly where to take them on the first day of school!
teach4ever - angel, I am going to use the basal and tie in other literature, plus the leveled books that are available at my school
kypper - Louis, I use my basal anthology for our on grade text when I can't find sets of trade books.
Indychick - louisianna - We use basals, trade books, poems, Scholastic News little books, etc.
louisianaangel - What basal do you use (We are in the process of adopting new ones for the Charter school.)
kypper - We currently use Harcourt Brace.
Indychick - louisianna - we just adopted Scholastic .
teach4ever - we use harcourt brace, but I think the Open Court reading program is the best. It incorporates all the new metacognitive strategies and phonics skils
4/5 Looper - Is anyone familiar with Richard C. Owens and the Literacy Learning Institute?
louisianaangel - kypper- Is that Collections?
Retta - I am excited about starting next year. We have adopted a new reading series and I am going to start the year out doing 4 Block completely. This last year I sort of dappled because I was doing somethings with the other second grade teachers and didn't want to back out of those things.
Indychick - teach4ever - what's open court?
teach4ever - Open Court basal reading program
kypper - I think so Louis, but we've had the series for about 8 years. Great stories though!
Indychick - retta - where did you receive your training?
Retta - Indychick was just adopted Scholastic too. I think I am going to like it. I haven't had any training, just reading.
teach4ever - kypper do you use the Signature series? I cant remember what you said
louisianaangel - We wanted to find a publisher with correlations amoung all of the content areas and using that. We could not wind that though. (We were trying to save ourselves some work. LOL)
kypper - I'm not sure what series from Harcourt. Whisper a song is the first book in the series.
louisianaangel - kypper- What grade?
kypper - 1st grade.
louisianaangel - Thanks
teach4ever - kypper, don't know about first volume. New series for me as I am changing schools. The second volume is called Big Dreams
teach 1st - I think kypper is using Treasury of lit as I am teach4ever.
kypper - What grade are you Louis?
louisianaangel - 3rd
kypper - I think that you've got it Teach 1st. Thanks
Indychick - retta - are you close to a school that you can go and observe 4 Blocks in action?
teach 1st - You are welcome!
Retta - I went to Sunnyside in April. I would like to go back and see so more.
kypper - That just tells you how much I rely on my basal I guess.
Indychick - sunnyside in Indy?
Retta - Yes, Lawrence Township
Indychick - I went to training with them. I am at a 4Block Pilot school in Warren Twp.
kypper - Indy, Where exactly is Warren Twp?
teach4ever - does anyone know if you can save the chat to read later?
Indychick - kypper - we're on the far east side of Indy
Indychick - teach4ever- sorry don't know
louisianaangel - SLP- Could you find the info?
kypper - North or south?
teach4ever - or will the chat be posted somewhere
Mel - They are usually saved in the archives. It usually takes a few days
Retta - I would really love to go through some real training. I am about the only person in my corporation who is doing 4 block. Most of the others in my school are really into the F&P Guided reading.
Indychick - retta - what school system are you in?
SLP - angel - did you not get the private message? - No I couldn't find anything immediately on the internet, but email me : tshelly@warrensburg.k12.mo.us - I won't be there until sometime next week.
kypper - Indy, my sister lives in Evansville.
Retta - Crawfordsville
SLP - pam what part of MO are you in?
Mel - retta I don't feel so alone now. i to am trying to be a "4blockser"...learning as I do...muttling through...adding a little at a time
teach4ever - retta, you mentioned a corporation?
louisianaangel - Gotta go but I really appreciate the help from all of y'all!!!!!
Indychick - kypper - I am training teachers in New Albany, IN . It's just outside of Louisville, KY.
Kate - does anyone do guided reading with 3/4?
Indychick - Retta - I would love to have you come and observe out school. Crawfordsville isn't too far away is it?
Mel - sorry Kate..1st here
Retta - We are about 35 miles from Indy.
Indychick - Retta - I used to do GR the F&P way too - 4 B is soooooooooo much better in my opinion.
teach4ever - indy, what parts do you like better
kypper - Retta and Mel, been there done that. It does get better. If you have the chance to go to any training go! I'm the only one in our district, but I've recruited our two kinders for next year and the other 1st grade teacher in our building is going to try it next year.
Indychick - Retta - do you think you could take a professional day and come and visit?
Retta - Indychick what school are you in?
Kate - How many hours of your week are spent on 4 blocks??
Indychick - Hawthorne Elementary - we are teaching the 4B way as of this coming school year.
kypper - I spend 30-40 minutes each day on each block so that is about 800 minutes a week, I think.
Retta - When does your coming school year begin?
Indychick - Retta - sorry - K-3 has been using 4B for 2 years now. Our 4-5 grade teachers and Sp. Ed teachers are being trained this summer.
Kate - I only have 9 45 minute periods to do my L.A. which is not enough to fllow the 4B schedule.
kypper - Indy, your whole school? Cool! What grades are in your building?
Indychick - Retta - we begin August 16. Would love to have you come in September!!
kypper - Sorry, Indy didn't see your other message.
Indychick - kypper- We are a K-5 building. Our Principal believes in it wholeheartedly!!
Mel - Thanks kypper for the encouragement!!! I also an using it with an "ability grouped" reading class. Hard to believe but it works great. Not the ideal...BUT...you do what ya' got to do
Retta - Indy I might be able to arrange something. My principal is pretty good about those sort of things.
kypper - My principal does too, it's just convincing everybody else. I've really talked it up and I think that we're making progress, but still a ways to go.
Indychick - kypper - our principal wrote a grant 3 years ago, and we became a pilot school which means we have visitors a lot!
Indychick - Retta - would love to train your school/district.
teach4ever - bye. Thanks for all of your help
kypper - How do you go about finding out about the grant to become a pilot school? I just finished writing two grants to two companies in hopes of getting help with materials?
Indychick - kypper - it was sponsored by the state of Indiana. You're in Illinois aren't you?
kypper - Yes, do you think Illinois has such a thing? I hope so!
kypper - It amazes me that so many states seem so far ahead of us in this area.
Indychick - kypper - I don't know, but you certainly could look into it. You sound like a wonderful 4 Block teacher. You could "head" everything .
jane - Hi, just noticed the chat notice, guess I missed most of the discussion
kypper - I still won't know anything about the 4blocks if I hadn't stumbled upon it last summer. I gobbled up everything I could and started spreading the word.
Retta - Indy we spent this year working on SWP to become a Title School. We are trying to find the way we want to go to improve our testing scores especially in Language Arts. I have been trying to generate an interest in 4 Block.
Indychick - Retta - Oh my gosh ! We went through SWP as well ( I was on that committee). So we are a Title 1 school as well. We looked at MANY strategies, and we found 4B was the best. Our test scores are increasing too!!
Mel - Night All...keep up the great job with reading
kypper - Are there other ways to continue to keep in contact after this discussion ends. I'd like to keep in touch.
Indychick - kypper - I would too!
jane - Title I children are pulled out for various periods of time., how do you handle 4 blocks with that?
Indychick - kypper - just send everything to slorch2@home.com
jane - We have Title I Paraprofessionals NOT reading specialist who pull children for help
kypper - Could you give me your e-mail address. Mine is kmclaren@cantonusd.org
Indychick - jane - Like with Literacy Groups and REading Recovery?
Indychick - kypper - did you get my email?
kypper - yes! Thank you!
jane - Misc. skills, small groups of 5 or 6, really whatever the teacher plans for them
Indychick - kypper - great looking forward to hearing from you!!
Retta - Indy- I copied your email and will contact you later about a possible visit.
kypper - I'll have to let you know how the other 3 people like Cheryl that are attending with me. Two are 1st and one 3rd. I can't wait!
jane - I don't want them missing any of the blocks, but paras don't have much training, so I struggle with just what to trust them to do well.
Indychick - jane - are paras like assistants?
jane - I teach 3rd grade so the pressure is on for state tests , scores were fair this year
kypper - Jane, Do they have to pull them during your 4 block time? We try not to have anyone pull during this time.
jane - yes, they are like assistants.
Indychick - Jane - when I took Chery's training, I had the same question. But Cheryl said if they are being pulled for reading help, then do GR while they are gone.
kypper - Can you coach them on reading strategies and have them work on this with your kids?
jane - The para works with children from all three third grades so we have to schedule around that. they are not to pull during math either. This year I had 90 min. of para time scheduled, Made it hard to work around
kypper - Wow! That's a lot. Can they work within your room with you?
jane - Ah, that might do it. I want them there for the WWall time, and certainly writing time
Retta - We are planning on having our assistants in the classroom for an hour block of time. I am thinking I will do SSR and Writing while they are in there so they can help conference during those times.
jane - yes, we can use them in any manner we want to.
Indychick - jane - perhaps you could use your para during the Writing block. They could watch your mini-lesson and then help with the lower ones while you are conferencing with others
kypper - My reading aide (assistant) works along with me the two mornings that I have her. It works out great.
Indychick - jane - you could also use them during the Guided Reading Block and have them read with your lower ones
jane - I was in a new school this year, and I wasn't very sure of the way to work it out
Indychick - I would just try to keep the kids with you in the room.
jane - I have 4 days left this year, and I am typically trying to get ready for next year in my mind
Retta - Well, I am going to logoff and check what has come in on the 4 block mailring.
Indychick - jane - wehn do you start back . It seems like you're going late into the summer. What state are you in?
kypper - Me too! Isn't it great to already be excited about the next year.
jane - I am in Delaware, we start back the last week of Aug.
jane - I am SO happy to see this year's group leave, that's why I am excited LOL
Indychick - Wow ! We've been out for a week and a half, but we start back Aug. 15.
jane - Are you in Indiana?
Indychick - jane do use 4B in your classroom?
Indychick - Yes I'm in Indiana.
jane - I have not fully incorporated it, but I want to push myself. I have "dabbled around the edges. I
jane - I went to a 4B workshop last year with Dottie Hall and was impressed with the ideas, but the school change threw off my intention. I
kypper - Jane, It's one of the best things I've done for myself and mainly my kids. Go for it!
Indychick - I agree kypper! I can't believe how well my kids have done since 4B!!!!
jane - I didn't have the books for ssr I would like,but I will have to put more time in with our library. What grade do you teach?
Indychick - I teach 2nd grade
kypper - I teach 1st. Do you have a public library? I take a huge box in once a month and check out about 40-50 books at a time, as well as my class books. That helps out a lot.
jane - I have read most of the resources. OUr district is big on 6 Traits all of a sudden, but I see that as workable with 4 B
Indychick - I haven't heard of 6 Traits.
kypper - I think so to from what I've read about 6 traits.
jane - Yes, and our school has a decent supply of books for AR
Indychick - AR ? Accelerated Reader?
jane - Six traits of writing....teaching writing by using literature that is rich in each trait. Yes, accelerated reader.
Indychick - 6 Traits sounds interesting.
kypper - Well, I best sign off and go visit with my husband for a bit. I'll keep in touch.
jane - 6 traits is interesting.the traits are taught one by one, papers are scored for each trait.
jane - I can send a link to 6 traits, but I don't know how. LOL
jane - give me your e mail address , and I will send you some links..It is very good,
jane - Or if you go to REading Lady.com she has links
jane - That is my favorite site for 4B too.
jane - Laura and I sat next to each other at Dottie's workshop.
jane - I really am supposed to be working on report cards, so I'd better get going. thanks for the ideas. I am going to jot them down, and call it a night
