JanKWV - Hi Susan... how's it going?
Becca - Jan---are you jan that sent me the card yesterday?
JanKWV - I could use some therapy...... or a mentor...Yes Becca, i sent the card.
Becca - Shopping...I'm just ignoring Christmas this year. (Just kidding!)
JanKWV - I feel good about my progress.. then I read someone's posts and i feel sick...
sue - not heading to the mall, I;m typing on my new HP computer from santa
sue - jan- what's up?
Becca - Sue are you a candidate?
sue - no, I'm a brand new NBCT
JanKWV - Way to do Santa! Agood computer is a must for this process... Congratulations Sue!
sue - thanks jan. I needed a new one because NB killed my other one last year.
sue - becca- did you see my post about assessments?
Becca - I did! I was thinking that was you. I looked it up on line and it seems like a sight word list. I"m looking for something that shows understanding of vocabulary etc...
JanKWV - I've tried to type and check off each instruction as I finish. I've had a good feeling that I was doing the right thing. But, I'm worried I am being to symplistic.
Becca - opps sorry sue. I was confusing you with someone else. You suggested the google search. i've yet to have time to do that.
JanKWV - I guess I'm scared as the time is growing shorter
AdrienneHC - hello everybody...you mean you all are not at the mall ha ha ha lol
sue - becca-- the site I was talking about listed all the assessments with data on each'
Becca - That the eric sight right?
sue - jan- just answer the questions
Kelly M - Hi everybody! Hope you all are doing well!
sue - becca-yes. but there was more to it than that. I used it for a grant
Becca - Hi Kelly!
JanKWV - why does that sound so easy... but then feel so hard?
Becca - I went to the Clearninghouse for Reading, English and Communication. But I don't see the assessment part YET. I'll keep searching
JanKWV - On our local tv this week they did a feature on our area's first NBCT! It was great! he is an MC teacher. This is so new to our area.
sue - will check it out-brb
sue - becca- click on " extensive online resources". this will bring you to a grid. then click on assessement.
sue - it even has a link for the literacy standards for all states
Kelly M - Sue - what's the URL for that - I should add it to the files!
sue - kelly- did you get the article yet?
Becca - Was this the original site http://www.indiana.edu/~eric_rec/
sue - http://www.indiana.edu/~eric_rec/www/index.html
Kelly M - Ah...sue - YES....I wasn't sure that was you! Thanks! You've made us famous!
Becca - Silly grammatical question. What is the difference between students' and student's?
Becca - Sue- thantks
Kelly M - Sue - that was a great article about all of you!
sue - kelly- you said you uploaded it last year
Kelly M - Sue - did I?Could be....I'm always searching for stuff to put in there!
sue - student's belongs to one student. students' is something that belongs to the entire class
Kelly M - Becca - student's is possessive for one student - students' indicates possessive for more than one....
sue - kelly- it was sent to you in July when I was working on the early reading first grant
AdrienneHC - I have a few queastions about the literacy entry
sue - kelly- it's already started. I started my new job last week. The district has me and the other NBCT doing a workshop for teachers on staff development day
sue - adrienne- go ahead
Kelly M - Sue - then I probably put it in the literacy file! I've copied it again just in case!
AdrienneHC - I wanted to know if the samples they want include the testing that you adminstier or do they want actual samples of classwork completed by the students selected
AdrienneHC - or both
sue - adrienne-- I used student work samples but referred to the results of other testing in my write up
AdrienneHC - thanks
Kelly M - Adrienne - I think they want more of student work samples and less of the actual testing....you can report the testing data in your written commentary....but talk about their writing samples to influence (I can't think of the right word!) your instruction....
Patrice in KY - Greetings all!!! I am just dropping in to say hello.
AdrienneHC - I am using things like word tests, writing sprees, dicated writing, letter id and running records is this what you guys used
sue - hey patrice!
Patrice in KY - Hi Jan....Hey there Sue!!
sue - adrienne- I'm a little people teacher
JanKWV - Hey Patrice... the Italian traveler!
Patrice in KY - I am still trying to get over the jet lag. lol
AdrienneHC - I teach first grade aren't they little people two
Patrice in KY - Jan...did you get my email
sue - should we say bonjourno
JanKWV - not yet patrice
sue - adrienne- four year olds!! it was mostly student dictation and drawing
Kelly M - Hi Patrice - welcome!
JanKWV - Yes Patrice.. it just came. Thanks!
Patrice in KY -
Patrice in KY - Hi Kelly
AdrienneHC - well that help[s me to think that the things I am using are on the write track. except I think it says not to use running records or maybe it just says not to include them in your work samples.
sue - patrice-- LOL! you should have emailed me. I could have told you some other useful Italian ( actually Sicilian) words
AdrienneHC - Just curious are all of you NBCT's that have achieved certification?
Patrice in KY - Adrienne...I am class of 2002 NBCT
sue - so am I!
Patrice in KY - sue...the "how much" came in handy more than anything. lol
Kelly M - Adrienne - I'm certified, too..
JanKWV - Adrienne.. I'm a candidate, box due feb 15th
sue - hs class of 75, undergrad 79, master;s 92 and NBCT 2002!
Becca - I have a question for literacy as well. I find my self saying a statement regarding his ability followed by.For example, FOR EXAMPLE: He regularly made text-to-self, text-to-text and text-to-world connections. For example, while reading Grandpa’s Slipper’s CJ stated, “He needs to get rid of those slippers. They look like my blanket. But I don’t want to get rid of it either.” any ideas on how to BREAK this pattern.
Patrice in KY - I can't linger....I have a couple of entries I am about to look over....may you all have a WONDERFUL Christmas
AdrienneHC - For the social studies entry I have the overall unit goal ...The learner will explore differences between themselves an others in order to begin to develop an appreciation of diversity in our communities. What do you guys think?
JanKWV - My house is wreck.. Decorated for Christmas, but books and files everyhere.. You know the feeling. I hope my son dosn't want to use the pool table, because entry 3 is all laid out there....
JanKWV - Thank Patrice.. You're the best!
Patrice in KY - Hey sue!!! I am hs 76 and undergrad 79, masters later than you though....so close!!! lol
tmw1 - Hello everyone@
sue - becca- can you lump together by saying something like this. " progress was noted by an increase in ____ behaviors observed during ----- time.
AdrienneHC - Jan what is your topic for entry 3 are you ec/gen
Patrice in KY - take care Jan...
Patrice in KY - all
Patrice in KY - bye all
sue - becca- then you cam use one example
sue - adrienee- ask yourself-- how? and how does this fit into the stanadards
sue - patrice- great minds think alike.
Kelly M - Sue - I'm a lot older than the rest of you!
sue - somewhere in those years is 8 transfers with husbands, too
sue - kelly- I celebrate age! the alternative is not acceptable
Kelly M - Hi tmw1 - How are you today?
JanKWV - EC Gen... big idea is systems, order and organization.. I used a trees unit
JanKWV - and a foss kit
AdrienneHC - jan that sounds cool
tmw1 - I'm alright. Trying to get ready for christmas and work on NB at the same time.
sue - jan--is your unit inquity or observation?
Kelly M - Adrienne - I think you can develop that idea well. What will your art concept be?
sue - tmw- ask Santa for gift certificates to fast food places for when you're writing
AdrienneHC - I think the social studies objective fits perfect with the standards however what I really want to say is that the students will learn that friends come in all colors, shapes, sizes and genders.
sue - adrienne- doing land of many colors?
JanKWV - It was fun for all of us...Inquiry on the video..
tmw1 - That is so true. Hardly have time for everything especially with a 2 year old.
AdrienneHC - I want to have them creat a self portrait and create a classroom mural. But I am just beginni g to think about the art
AdrienneHC - I will add land of many colors to my reading list for the unit.
Kelly M - Hi dede - welcome!
JanKWV - kids with magnifying glasses, balance, etc, sorting objects from trees.. leaves.. nuts, lumber... blocks....fruits
sue - adrienne- try a paired drawing-- give every 2 a piece of mural paper to help build sense of community
AdrienneHC - k,elly what do you think about the self portrait idea
sue - jan- sounds great. just had to ask. had a candidate who was struggling with trees.
dede - Hi Kelly M...Thanks for such a wonderful welcome.
AdrienneHC - sue with the paired drawing they draw on the same paper right...do they draw themselves or each other
Susan (NC) - Hi everybody-
sue - adrienne- you could do the old egg trick, too
dede - Hi Susan!
sue - adrienne- it would be great if they drew their friends portrait!
tmw1 - Hello Dede and Susan!
sue - brb
AdrienneHC - what is the old egg trick
dede - Hi tmw1
Becca - sue--Progress was noted by an increase in CJ’s ability to comprehend and make strong oral connections while reading. I still feel the need to insert in a SPECIFIC example. How do you balance the general statements with the specific observations?
Susan (NC) - Kelly, I'm having some problems getting to the EC files.......have they changed the log on?
dede - What are we talking about teachers?
Kelly M - Adrienne - but be careful....it can't just be them drawing...you need to come up with an art concept that integrates with the SS concept....so that the two are very interdependent on each other. It was explained to me that each goal (SS and art) are reached more easily because of the content of the other...
AdrienneHC - dede I was talking about my social studies unit about having friends of all races and what kind of art I should use
sue - becca- as evidenced by the number of times he.........
AdrienneHC - Kelly can you give me some clarification on what you mean
dede - Social Studies sounds like so much fun. I teach writing AdrienneHC
Kelly M - Becca - I think you CAN list a specific example......
tmw1 - I am not good at teaching writing. I think it is because I did not like it when I was in school.
Becca - Kelly I am, but I am trying to get rid of the : For example, pattern I seem to be stuck in!
Becca -
Kelly M - Adrienne - for example...the totem pole example given recently on the ring....where the building of the totem poles in the class helped the children see what was depicted by the Native Americans they studied....that's not a very good explanation, but it was on the mailring!
AdrienneHC - you know I used to hate teaching writing too but when I started using the 4 blocks model of teaching writing along with editing and publishing I really started to like it.
dede - I know tmw1. It is a challenge because the kid hate writing.
Kelly M - Sue's example work, Becca!
tmw1 - I enjoy science and math much more.
sue - adrienne- the arts are the medium for teaching the ss
AdrienneHC - so what you are saying is that the art they create must help the social studies become clearer
dede - Adrienne what is the 4 blocks model ?
sue - tmw- what entry are you working on now?
Kelly M - Adrienne - go to the files and read the SS ones from the old generation, too. Remember, though, that they don't include community, since at that time community was an entry all by itself!
tmw1 - My buddy teacher LOVES to teach writing and it shows in her kids excitement when they write. Where as my kids seem to not enjoy writing like me.
tmw1 - The 4 blocks model is a method by Pat Cunningham.
sue - adrienne-reread your instructions. that's how I interpreted them last year
Becca - I just weave in Sue's example. IT works well! Any ohter tips?
Kelly M - Susan - you should be able to access the files the same old way. Go to http://groups.yahoo.com/group/EC_GEN/files . That should work.
AdrienneHC - you can check it out on teachers.net and click on 4 blocks and their are tons of books at most teacher stores. YOu can also try readinglady.com
sue - becca- your assessments should answer your questions. those questions should lead you to adapt or change instruction that will lead to further questions
sue - it's cyclical.
Kelly M - Adrienne - I love 4 Blocks! I still struggle with publishing, though. It's what I'm working to improve on this year! Do you know that readinglady (Laura) is on our mailring?....she also has a Four Blocks ring...and a great professional reading one!
sue - becca- don't forget about any schoolbased personnel that you networked with for the students
AdrienneHC - Kelly do you remember the name of the post about the totem poles
Becca - Thanks for the help everyone. We have to run to dinner!
AdrienneHC - didn't know the real READING LADY was here that is wonderful :}
sue - bye becca
JanKWV - Sue, schoolbased personal? Please explain...
dede - Thanks for the info ladies. I do love writing myself but I dont know why is does not spill over to my middle schoolers.
tmw1 - bye becca
sue - oops personnel---
sue - speech therapist, readinf specialist,e tc
Kelly M - Adrienne - I'm checking....brb
sue - sorry for all the typos. I have a new keyboards
tmw1 - I guess the thing that gets me the most when teaching writing is how my kids seem to want me to spell EVERYTHING for them. I try to get them to use inventive spelling, the word wall, and other sources but they still ask me to spell things for them.
AdrienneHC - Kelly maybe this will help...I created a schedule for my kids and I see four of them a day during reading group time (which I don't agree with but anyway) so during that time I do writing conferences. We go through the editing of their pieces and then when they have completed the editing I type their stories and they illustrate them. At another time during the day I do a whole group mini-writing lesson. I just ordered a book on mini-lessons for first grade and hope that it will help me get better at the lessons.
tmw1 - What was the name of the book Adrienne? I teach 1st grade too.
sue - I have to start cooking. I'm giving a major dinner party tomorrow
Kelly M - Adrienne - sorry! I thought I had copied it into my document that I end up posting into the files...but it's not there. You could ask on the ring. It was within the last two weeks. Also, you could just go back and read the messages with SS in the subject line, but that doesn't always work!
sue - have a great evening
AdrienneHC - tmw1 my kids know from the first day of school that the one thing I don't do is spell words for them. It is "the rule" and when they know I really mean it they start to look for other sources like the word wall etc.
sue - merry christmas all!
tmw1 - You too sue!
AdrienneHC - thanks for your help sue
sue - to the "newbies" spent some quality time with your family~
AdrienneHC - kelly while you were gone i typed in how I teach writing using the four blocks...scroll down if you can
dede - Sue....Is this a TEXAS party?
Kelly M - Adrienne - yes, that's what we're working on. Except that they do the typing (by choice!...I offer!). But I do guided reading during that time, too. It's complicated....but I try to alternate between individual guided reading and individual writing conferences each day. Some days it just doesn't happen that way, though!
AdrienneHC - I think the name of the book is writing mini- lessons for first grade...by Carson-Delosa...I think it is on the reading lady's website or on apples and acorns
tmw1 - Does everyone here have to grade composition at there school?
AdrienneHC - Do you agree that the arts is a tool to make the social studies concept easier to "see"
dede - Adrienne can this be done in a 50 minute class?
AdrienneHC - not me
Kelly M - Adrienne - I have the book. I don't have a problem with the mini-lessons. Pretty much I use THEIR writing to influence what I need to do for mini-lessons. But getting them to the publishing point is always hard for me -especially during the first part of first grade. It gets much easier as the time goes on, though. I'm just focusing on it this year to try to get the rough spots smoothed out!
AdrienneHC - dede what grade do you teach
AdrienneHC - kelly do you like the book
dede - tmwl I do grade many compositions at schol
Kelly M - Adrienne - yes, I do think that the arts should be that tool....
Kelly M - dede - we're all Early Childhood teachers - ages 3-8.....we don't have 50 minute classes....
Kelly M - Adrienne - yes...I really like all of their books. I get something out of all of them!
dede - Adrienne I teach 6 grade
tmw1 - On our report card, we have to give a grade for composition. In the past we have had to give a number grade, but we are in the process of trying to change that. I personally don't feel that composition should be on the report card.
AdrienneHC - well when I mean publishing it is just that they have gone through the editing process and fixed mispellings of words on the word wall, caps and punctuation, making sense ...stuff like that then I put an editing stamp on it and put it in my folder to be typed
JanKWV - How about using student made puppets to dramatize the ss concept.. is that a good idea or am I not even close?
dede - Kelly M - Oh I see
Kelly M - Adrienne - it really helps me especially when I notice the kids having difficulty with a particular thing...then I read up what the books say to include in that mini-lesson. Often I find things (or ways of explaining) that I might not have thought of on my own!
AdrienneHC - ded you might want to check out modify the four block for upper grades...that is the name of a book
Kelly M - Jan - I think the puppets is a great idea!
AdrienneHC - I think that is great I have puppets and the students could act out how the ladbug puppet and the elephant puppet can be friends even though one lives in the field and one lives in the jungle what do you think kelly.
dede - Adrienne - Thanks. And It is called Modify the Four Block for Upper Grades
AdrienneHC - yes that's it
dede - My kids too are so bored. That is the one word I Hate to hear from my babies.
JanKWV - Thanks Kelly.. When I ask things like this during the chat and on the ring.. I'm holding my breath.. hoping I am close... You guys are my only (but best) mentors!!
AdrienneHC - then i think in the video I could show the students develping their own little play of how friends work together even though they are different
Kelly M - dede - our little ones don't often get bored! They're pretty excited to be learning new things!
Kelly M - Adrienne -using drama is a perfect use of the arts!
JanKWV - I have to admit I am jealous of those with study groups and friends to help
dede - I agree JanKWV - and I just started. Wonderful ideas Teacheres Helping Teachers.
Kelly M - Jan - remember that we don't hold all the answers, though! YOU do! We can just talk it over with you until YOU find what works for you!
JanKWV - but then.. You all have always been there for me.. so I guess I do have friends!
AdrienneHC - I have a study group but after going the fourth time I am just finding someone else in the same certfiicate area
dede - Kelly - I would like to know what happens by the time they get time
dede - Kelly - That was - By the time they get to middle school?
dede - Kelly - That was - By the time they get to middle school?
Kelly M - Study groups are great for face to face! We have them here, too. But I think the mailrings have become a huge resource for people going through this process - because you have the wealth of so many people's opinions! You know, one person doesn't have all the answers that will help you to see what YOU need to do with YOUR teaching situation!
dede - Adrienne are you in Houston
Kelly M - dede - I think lots of us would love to know the answer to that. I think teachers have to work harder each year to capture the interests and imaginations of the children. As the kids grow, so do the outside influences. And those outside influences are not always geared toward academics!
AdrienneHC - Now the community part is them working together in groups in the classroom and maintianing a postive climate correct?
AdrienneHC - I am in Virginia
dede - Kelly M. - Nicely said. I agree. My team tell me not to take it personal, but I do.
dede - Kelly,I love Virginia through pictures only.
AdrienneHC - jan are you still out there
AdrienneHC - kelly does this room get full as it gets closer to the end
Kelly M - Adrienne - yes - the climate shows through in your video...how they treat each other, how they conduct their conversations, etc.
Kelly M - dede - Adrienne's in Virginia.....it IS beautiful, though, I agree! I'm in St. Louis.
dede - Well it really has been nice talking to such professional ladies. I was in a room but the climate was bit different from this one. Thanks
JanKWV - I'm here.. I had a phone call
AdrienneHC - alright today has been really helpful the only thing I amworried about is that my objective for the unit sounds big and my mentor advised me to keep it simple
JanKWV - Well, I'm from West, by Gosh Virginia... WV!
AdrienneHC - your welcome dede check out the four blocks
Kelly M - Adrienne - it's pretty hard to tell....sometimes it's packed and other times there are only a few. I'm here every week unless I'm at an event. It does pick up from January until the boxes are all due, though!
AdrienneHC - I am in alexandria I think we are a ways apart
JanKWV - Boxes for many of us are due Feb 15th!
Kelly M - dede - have you signed onto the MC-GEN ring? Is that your certificate area?
JanKWV - Yes, I am in Southern.. WV near the New River
Kelly M - Adrienne - you do want to keep your goal as simple as possible. Makes it a lot easier to clearly state it and note how you follow it consistently throughout the entry!
AdrienneHC - my box is due march 15th
dede - Kelly M - the MC-GEN ring
tmw1 - Guess I need to go, my toddler is calling my name and I can't resist. Have a very Merry Christmas!
Kelly M - dede - are you a National Board candidate?
Kelly M - tmw1 - and a Merry Christmas to you and your family!
AdrienneHC - bye tmw1
JanKWV - Thanks to all of you for your help.. Especially Kelly! Merry Christmas!
Kelly M - The flow of the mailring will be different this year with the different 'due' dates! In the past everything has been due at exactly the same time for everyone!
dede - Kelly I am still not certain what you are speaking about. I am a Texas Certified Teacher...Is that the answer?
AdrienneHC - Jan bye and thanks for your great idea...I knew the were out there
AdrienneHC - kelly maybe she does not know about NBPTS
Kelly M - dede - we're all involved with National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. This particular group is made up of people working on or already certified in the Early Childhood/Generalist area. This is our regular meeting time here in this "Meeting Room" at teachers.net . I thought you were perhaps a Middle Childhood/Generalist candidate. It's different than state licensing, though...quite a bit.
dede - Oh I guess I am intruding. Sorry
Kelly M - dede - no problem!
AdrienneHC - you are not intruding you should check it out at www.nbpts.org
AdrienneHC - kelly if you see that post again let me know on the ring and I will look throuhg the posts at yahoo. I am working on this entry until Jan 1 and want to shoot video the week that we are back..
AdrienneHC - do you read entries?
dede - Adrienne and Kelly - I will. You all have a happy holiday.
AdrienneHC - you too dede
Kelly M - dede - Happy Holidays to you!
Kelly M - Adrienne - no, I don't! I can't! I average 1-3 hours per day...every day....to the mailring. I also mentor candidates locally. No more time left!
AdrienneHC - just asking I really apreciated your help today ...should I be able to find a mentor locally...how would I?
Kelly M - Adrienne - write to whoever doles out the state funding for your application fees. They might know who mentors in your state. Also, contact NBPTS directly. They have a candidate outreach program that might have the same information.
Kelly M - Adrienne - also, you can ask on the mailring.......who knows? There might be others from your area!
AdrienneHC - ok thanks for your help today is there a chat next weekend
Kelly M - I really need to go....have to go get dressed up for a couple of holiday parties this evening!
Kelly M - Merry Christmas! We'll be here next Saturday!
