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cavey - Oh Grace, I can't wait to pick your brain at the lake.
Grace/IL - Are both of you finished with the school year?
cavey - I need a spelling program for my kids.
Grace/IL - Yes, I'm getting excited about next week.
cavey - Our kids finished today, but I have to work Mon. and Tues.
jodi - yes, i'm waiting to take my national boards next friday
Grace/IL - I'm bringing samples.
Alta Rose - I still have two weeks left!
Grace/IL - Oooh, Jodi, good luck!
jodi - Alta Rose, where do you teach?
Alta Rose - Grace, I am teaching first next year, so I'll be ordering your program soon.
cavey - Oh good Grace. I can't wait. Were you the one advocating an individualized plan for upper elem?
dc - Hello everyone. I have two more days next week with kids.
Alta Rose - Jodi, I am in Alberta, Canada>
jodi - Thanks, I've really been studying hard
Grace/IL - I'll bet those Canadian days are getting long.
dc - I found out this week that I am teaching the 2/3 again. Kinda disappointed, but oh well, it's a known road.
Grace/IL - I've been chatting about individualized programs at various levels.
Alta Rose - Yes, very long. Kids very restless. We always go until the very end of June.
Nan - cavey, my Dad would love that Nanny Bee, he used to call me nanny goat!!
cavey - Well Grace, I can't wait to hear what you have to say.
jodi - When does your school year start?
Grace/IL - We were in northern Wisconsin last week and it got light before 5 a.m. and stayed light until 9 p.m.
cavey - That's just what I "call" you Nan.
Alta Rose - After Labour Day in September, Jodi.
Nan -
dc - I was hoping for a straight grade level so that I could really dive in to the standards full bore and teach the way I'm supposed to teach, but it looks like a combo for yet another year!
Alta Rose - When I was a kid I had a few penpals in the U.S
Nan - my new house has walls and a roof
cavey - Why the combo class, Carolyn?
Alta Rose - Finishing--I was always upset when they finished in early June and I had to go to the end.
jodi - Everyone please think about me next Friday. I need all of the help that I can get on the boards. Bye all, got to go study!
cavey - Woo HOO Nan, almost ready to move in!
cavey - bye Jodi, good luck!
Nan - not for awhile yet but it is fun to walk through it and dream
Grace/IL - dc, I had a 2/3 combo one year. I think it was my most difficult year of teaching. We had to do it strictly because of class sizes.
Nan - good luck jodi
dc - Because of class size reduction and the cap at 20, he has to have a combo at every grade level to give him flexibility in case a grade level gets completely full. You can't go "one" kid over in a 20-1 class here in California, so that 's why he keeps a combo in every level.
Alta Rose - My stupid "shift" key is sticking. If I type all caps, I'm not yelling at anyone!
Grace/IL - How exciting, Nan. I know the feeling of new walls and a roof.
jodi - Thanks all
cavey - Carolyn, I had a 3/4 this year. With the state standards, it just about killed me.
dc - This will be my third year of the 2/3.
cavey - How do they decide which kids get in the combo?
Alta Rose - New house, nan?
dc - Yes, it is very hard with all of the standards and assessments.
Grace/IL - 'bye jodi
cavey - I get to spread mine back out into their own grade levels next year. Numbers were too big.
dc - Testing week nearly killed me, because I had to test all of my kids separately because 2nd graders have to have the whole test read orally to them. My testing "week" was twice as long as everyone else's.
dc - The only one BIG advantage of doing the combo is he doesn't give the combo teachers any duties! No playground duty, yeah!
Grace/IL - Eilene, is your school out yet?
dc - Hi Eilene!
Alta Rose - That would be a nice advantage, dc!
eilene - Oh, yeah. We've been out for a week now. It's so wonderful!!
Alta Rose - Grrr....Eilene....
dc - Yes, it is! I do appreciate it. But I really need it too. I'm running every recess break just to catch up!
eilene - what?! people are still teaching???
Alta Rose - I suppose everyone else is done, too!
eilene - ((Poor Alta.))
Alta Rose - Until the end of June, Eilene! (Did I mention that already?)
michelle - I'm done! yay!
cavey - ((( Sleek One, Michelle)))
dc - I just want to do some of the things that Judy is doing with the standards and MOT, etc. and it seems so overwhelming to try to organize it all with two sets of standards.
michelle - last day with kids was tuesday, and I worked wednesday.
michelle - slept a lot on thursday.
Alta Rose - Hi Judy!
eilene - Alta, that's when I start teaching summer school.
judy3ca - Hi all! Hooray, my last day!
cavey - Know exactly what you mean, dc
dc - Luckily there are some standards that do overlap a little bit! Welcome Judy! You must have known I was going to bring up your name!
Nan - (((((((((((((Judy)))))))))))))
judy3ca - Carolyn, I don't know what I'm doing--one step at a time.
dc - Congratulations, Judy. I have two more days next week.
Alta Rose - Ok everybody, that's about enough now....LOL>
judy3ca - (((((Nan))))) How's it going?
Erin - I made it.....70 boxes and 20 kids later I'm done
dc - Hello Erin, Michelle.
eilene - Yeah, Judy!!
Nan - good and you?
Alta Rose - Hi Erin.
cavey - Poor Alta!
michelle - hi erin!
Grace/IL - (((Michelle, Judy)))
judy3ca - (((Erin))) I just got here, too.
cavey - (( Erin))
Erin - Judy, high five to you!! We did it
Nan - ((Erin))
Alta Rose - Is there ANYBODY besides me still working?
dc - My mom just had her last day of school for FOREVER yesterday. She is 70 and finally retired from teaching! What a die-hard!
judy3ca - Yay for us, Erin! At least you packed, I stuffed a lot in cupboards to deal with later, LOL.
michelle - I had to pack up a lot, too. I'm not moving classroom or changing grade levels, but since summer school is going to be in my room, principal insisted everything get packed and put in closets.
eilene - I don't think so, Alta. I think you are definitely the lonely Lone Wolf
judy3ca - sorry Alta
dc - Yes, Alta. I'm still working!
Erin - I won't be here long. Can barely keep my eyes open. All that packing has left me truly exhausted
cavey - Well, Alta, I do have two more workdays, and I really need to clean my house
michelle - I packed like a madwoman. I was ready to start my vacation!
Alta Rose - Whew, dc, I feel better now!
judy3ca - Nan, any house news?
Erin - Four workdays next week....
dc - We'll commiserate together!
cavey - Packing Erin?? You had some packing???
Nan - it has walls and a roof ready for shingles
Alta Rose - We don't have summer school. Do you all have it there?
judy3ca - cavey, that's the next step! My house needs a LOT of work now.
Erin - Hmmm....did I hear some sarcasm?
michelle - I've been working on cleaning my house. Soon I will pay my (overdue) bills.
cavey - Moi???
michelle - we do, but I don't see much benefit in it.
Alta Rose - Nan, I completely missed that news!
judy3ca - Super, Nan! I love seeing the framing!
Grace/IL - Houses clean? What's that?
judy3ca - LOL, Grace! I'll bet your house is perfect!
michelle - it's a summer thing, and a christmas thing, grace.
Nan - my husband and I went out to the house tongiht and spent at least an hour planning and measuring
dc - I wouldn't know, Grace!
cavey - My kitchen floor is so dirty that I won't even eat dropped food off of it anymore!
judy3ca - What fun!
Grace/IL - Ha, ha, ha!
dc - Fun, Nan!
judy3ca - ROFL cavey!
Erin - I had to let my housecleaner know she could only come once a month while I'm out for summer. I won't give her up completely
Nan - my house is clean everyday so that people can come and look and buy
judy3ca - Nan, have you had many lookers?
dc - Housecleaner? What's that? On a teacher's salary?
michelle - guess what, I'm stepping up in the world. I actually have A wine glass now!
Alta Rose - Are you moving far, nan?
Erin - Very true Nan. I couldn't do it.
michelle - I got it for free from our union cheese and wine tasting party.
judy3ca - cool, Michelle!
Erin - carolyn...she comes every other week....$55.00...well worth it
eilene - Well, I have company, so I have to go . I'll see you around. (I may be back.)
cavey - OOOh Michelle, no holding your head under the spout anymore. I'm impressed!
Alta Rose - Hi Teach 1.
Erin - LOL at cavey and michelle
michelle - what does she do, erin?
Nan - Alta, no we are building a new house about 10 miles or so from where we live
michelle - lol, cavey.
cavey - Bye Eilene!
Erin - What if you have a guest though Michelle? Who sticks their head under the spout?
michelle - erin, how much do you clean, or pick up, before she comes?
Erin - Kitchen..floors, counters, wipes down appliances, polishes all wood, cleans all glass, floors, vacuums, and bathrooms
dc - I wish I could convince my husband of that....he thinks that 55.00 should go into the three kids' college funds. I say "Let them skip college and let them become housekeepers for us teachers!"
cavey - Now Erin, you know Miss Manners says the guest would get the coffee mug.
michelle - erin, I'll let them have the glass. They will probably drip if they do the head thing.
judy3ca - Carolyn, my husband is like yours. I do the cleaning.
Alta Rose - LOL, Michelle, we have major pick up the stuff the night before our housecleaner comes!
Nan - you all did an excellent job of ignoring
dc - Just kidding of course. I have a poem on my refrigerator that says:
cavey - No house keeper here either, cept me.
judy3ca - Thanks, nan! I got it!
cavey - thanks Nan!
Erin - PIckup before she comes
Nan - I got the isp so if they come back we can report them
judy3ca - Let's revise our slogan: I am the program, I am the housekeeper.
cavey - Teachers - Maid to Order
dc - On judgment day if God should say "Did you clean your house today?" I shall say, "I did not, I played with my children and I forgot!"
Alta Rose - When will the private message he / she sent disappear?
Alta Rose - Oh, it's gone now.
Erin - I have never been a good housecleaner and was tired of trying. I figure I work hard and I don't want to do it. My husband has his motorcycle I have my housecleaner
cavey - It's because you look so pretty in purple Alta!
michelle - I go out to eat a lot!
Alta Rose - We've had a housecleaner since I went back to work after my daughter was born.
Grace/IL - I love it, diane!
michelle - that saves on a lot of work in the kitchen.
Nan - I hate housecleaning, I only di it when I absolutely have to
Alta Rose - Thanks, cavey!
Nan - husband used to do it but somehow he quit and it is back to me again
Alta Rose - Is dc diane?
Erin - LOL michelle....I also don't cook very much. I was raised to be a career woman...my grandma lived with us and cooked and cleaned while I was growing up
dc - dc = carolyn
Grace/IL - I don't mind CLEANING the house; it's trying to keep it that way that's impossible for me.
cavey - Erin, I think that's called spoiled, honey!
michelle - my sister has it good...she's a stay-at-home mom, but her husband does all the cooking.
Nan - my daughter used to clean and my oldest son was the cook, they spoiled me for life and now I have to do it all
dc - There used to be a Carolyn from MA who posted here when I first started so I am dc
judy3ca - Michelle, now that's perfect!
Erin - cavey...it was called spoiled, I like my phrasing better
Alta Rose - Oh. Somebody addressed diane, and I didn't see her here, so I thought you must be her.
Nan - my husband does do laundry though and he will clean the bathroom
cavey - Erin LOL
dc - Amen, Grace! Why clean it if it is just going to look bad again tomorrow! HA!
michelle - alta, i was thinking the same thing.
Grace/IL - I messed up. I thought dc was Diane
dc - My hubby does laundry too! I love him for it!
dc - No problem!
cavey - My hubby will clean the kitchen, but I do most other stuff
Alta Rose - My husband does a lot around the house.
Alta Rose - More than I do, I think.
Erin - Just got my hubby a cool recliner for Father's Day. I sat in it for 2 hours when I got home. I hope he doesn't get too attached to it...I love it
judy3ca - My husband does the yards.
cavey - Wnna here a funny kid story?
Grace/IL - I cook and Hubby does all the dishes.
michelle - erin, you were just helping to break it in. you were doing him a favor.
Alta Rose - Go for it, cavey.
Erin - My husband does the yards and takes our son motorcycle riding...which gives me some much needed alone times each weekend
michelle - sure, cavey
Nan - I haven't bought anything for Father's Day, I guess I better go shopping
dc - What are the popular Father's Day gifts this year?
judy3ca - Erin, when we moved from SoCal up here, my stipulation was that we would BOTH have recliners. Now they need to be replaced and I'm going that route again.
Erin - Got this one at Costco
white - Hello, where is the NBPTS chat I need info about the assessment
michelle - on our local news, they were touting massages as father's day gifts.
judy3ca - YES cavey!
cavey - After doing bees, my son's teacher asked them to write the immortal prompt" If you were a bee???"
Nan - I have a small recliner but I hardly ever sit in it, it is going in the master bedroom of the new house
cavey - Guess what he said?
michelle - and one of the news anchors took a couple seconds to tell his daughter that he'd REALLY like that!
dc - We have two reclining couches, so we have recliners for four people in our family room. It's simply decadent on Friday nights.
Grace/IL - White, the NBPTS chat was supposed to be earlier. I don't know if anyone showed up for it this evening.
michelle - what did he say?
white - Ithanks, I tried to check it out but did not see one
michelle - sting someone?
cavey - I quote " I'd want to be a drone. The only thing he does is mate with the queen and be lazy until fall when he is kicked out of the hive."
judy3ca - ROFL!!!!!!!!!!!! Go cavey's son!
Nan - spoken like a true male!! LOL
michelle - hehe. funny!
Alta Rose - LOL, Cavey!
Erin - good for him cavey
Grace/IL - LOL, cavey
white - do you know of any othe that might help me . Need help now
michelle - that's ok, my son thinks it would be best to be the queen bee.
dc - He got a little too much testosterone in his cereal that morning, I think cavey!
Alta Rose - How old is he, cavey?
judy3ca - white, this isn't it.
cavey - He's nine Alta. He's not sure what mating involves, but how hard can it be?
Erin - Well I got my son's report card today and was very curious to see what he got in Science since his teacher hasn't taught any since December
Grace/IL - Nan, your board certified, aren't you? Can you help White?
Alta Rose - White, this is the professional reading chat. You're welcome to join in!
Erin - He got a "3" out of "4", but...HOW?
dc - What? How can she get away with not teaching science?!
Nan - White, when do you go to the AC?
michelle - well, i don't really teach social studies...
cavey - 3 out of 4 what?
judy3ca - Bye.
Erin - carolyn...that's what I wonder. I talked to my principal the other day...but that is probably her weak point...instructional leadership
Erin - 3out of 4 on the rubric
Grace/IL - Oops, you're, not your!
michelle - oh, I wonder what the criteria was?
Alta Rose - Gone already, Judy? It's early yet!
cavey - Judy!!!! Where you going???
Erin - Judy, bye
dc - We are beginning to be tested in science now in our state assessments. It was really hard, I guess. Our resident "science" expert tried to answer all of the questions and only knew 50% of them. It was HARD!
Grace/IL - 'bye, Judy
dc - Quick exit, Judy?!
Erin - Much as I like to teach how I want I have to teach the standards. It is then up to me to decide how to teach them...but I can't ignore them
michelle - science is tested in 5th grade here, and it's actually not difficult.
dc - Is that California Michelle. Our 5th grade team thought it was really difficult.
cavey - Same here Erin.
michelle - no, it's Oregon.
cavey - Our third and fifth get everything tested.
Erin - Everyone knows this is what that teacher does, but no one steps in and says "there are certain things you need to teach".
michelle - in third grade, we only get reading, math, and writing tested.
Erin - We only have reading and math at third grade here
Alta Rose - HEY! im my moms daughter
Erin - writing in 4th
Grace/IL - Brad, dad!
Erin - science in 5th
michelle - although, writing hasn't been tested the last few years due to lack of funding to score the samples.
cavey - Hi Brad!
michelle - hi, brad!
Erin - Hi brad
dc - We teach science twice a week and actually next year the science and social studies standards will be met entirely through reading and writing during our literacy block. We have written literacy units for each science and social studies standard for each grade level. I'm pretty excited about this new approach.
brad - I've been dying to talk prof talk all day, so if you all are discussing Trading Spaces.....LOL
cavey - Standards, Brad, right up your alley
Sadie T - Alta's daughter?
michelle - housework, brad.
cavey - You missed the housecleaning discussion
michelle - until a minute ago.
brad - ANd let's hope my system doesn't screw up like last week
dc - Soc and Sci standards. What was the last sci or soc you taught?
Erin - I'm very excited to start my planning for fifth grade this summer.
brad - Yes, house cleaning. Bane of my existence.
Grace/IL - Everybody's professional tonight, Brad. But I'd love to discuss Sally Shaywitz's "Overcoming Dyslexia."
judy3ca - Returning--anyone talking Prof Reading yet?
cavey - Hooray, Judy's back!
Erin - The social studies is great with all the American History.
michelle - i checked a bunch of prof. books out from school to hopefully tide me over this summer.
Sadie T - Judy, they're talking about science and social studies standards and testing
brad - I was just saying judy, that I was dying to talk prof talk....
Alta Rose - That brat! Snuck in while I was tucking son in!
judy3ca - LOL, cavey. You sweetie.
brad - Michelle Im envious of your prof library
dc - And combining soc and sci with literacy through reading and writing.
judy3ca - Right, Brad--what are you thinking?
michelle - but right now I'm reading a bunch of kids' books that I brought home from my own library
Sadie T - Alta, she said "I'm my mom's daughter" - I wasn't sure if it was your daughter or you! LOL
michelle - I got Knee to Knee, Eye to Eye
Erin - Michelle, what are you reading?
cavey - What are you reading michelle?
brad - Well, I don't know. I figure I'm slightly ill since I"m already considering next year's group.
michelle - On Solid Ground
judy3ca - Michelle, did you start it yet?
brad - Solid Ground is good.
michelle - Right now I'm reading A Long Way from Chicago.
dc - I want to reread Taberski--When I first read it, her style really spoke to me, but know I need to reread it with an eye for teaching the combo again next year.
cavey - I've been thinking about next year for a month or more
michelle - I checked out Katie Wood Ray's Writer's Workshop book.
cavey - Oh Michelle, I love that one!
dc - I mean "now" I need to reread it.
Erin - Do we want to start Eye to Eye? I have it too
Grace/IL - Right now I have three of four books going at the same time
brad - I think I'm jonesing because I've been re-organizing ALL my files. (keeping trash man busy)
michelle - I've been thinking about next year's group...but didn't want to interrupt the housework discussion
judy3ca - I need to do some serious rereading too, Carolyn. I need to stop looking for the next new thing and start deeply considering some concepts I've previously read.
brad - Even I have Eye to Eye now (cheep cheep)
Grace/IL - Just finished Tovani's book. Want my daughter to read it with her son. Good luck!
Erin - I can finally start thinking about next year now that I'm done packing
michelle - I'm going to revisit some stuff from Art of Teaching Reading, Conversations, and several other books.
cavey - Housework , schmousework, let's talk books!
dc - YES, Judy! That's exactly what I've been thinking.
brad - Ooh, judy, that one hit home for me.
michelle - There are some concepts I want to develop more.
Alta Rose - I'll be doing MOT with first graders next year, so that'll be new for me. (Where's Sharon?)
Nan - I have Reading Lolita ready to start
Erin - Judy...excellent point. I tend to like that new spark all the time...but I need to reflect on what i know and how to improve upon my instruction
michelle - I've been thinking for a year now about my Reading Journals the kids keep
brad - Yes, Alta, talk to Sharon
cavey - I'm going to read f&P 3-6 and 6 traits
Nan - I have the f&p book too
michelle - I am about ready to commit to not having the kids do weekly letters to me anymore.
Erin - Me too, cavey. I'd like to those journals with my fifths
dc - I will have some of my same kids next year. Only some, though, not a true loop. I'm trying to figure out how to do MOT next year, so that I'm not just repeating the same thing I did this year. Any suggestions?
brad - I'm still waiting for Judy's star turn in 6 Traits for Primary
Alta Rose - That's where I'm coming from, too, Judy. Want to really polish MOT next year.
michelle - that's straight from GRW 3-6, cavey.
brad - Michelle, why do you want to drop them?
Erin - I'm thinking of trying those michelle...what didn't you like?
michelle - I started doing pretty well with Writer's Workshop this year, but really slacked toward the end of the year. Want to do better next year.
brad - Judy, what areas are you looking at for improvement?
dc - I saw Reading Lolita discussed by the author on Booknotes the other night. We have the Lolita book on the shelf, so I'm reading that first before reading Reading Lolita. Did that make any sense? I was really impressed with the author's discussion though. What an articulate woman.
michelle - ok...I really love a lot about the letters, but they get in the way sometimes.
judy3ca - Brad, that would be "Creating Young Writers," LOL.
Alta Rose - I need to improve think alouds. I really sucked at them this year!
michelle - Like, when my kids are working with a partner on a book, someone's got a letter due.
Erin - How would you change them Michelle? Do you think older kids would do better?
brad - You'll still be 3rd Michelle?
michelle - and sometimes when I want to confer with a kid, they are busy writing to me
judy3ca - Brad, I'm looking for improvement in ALL areas, but right now I'm considering discussion.
cavey - I'm having a really hard time thinking everything through becasue I'll only have my kids for 75- maybe 90 minutes max
Grace/IL - Hey! Nobody's listening to me! I think it's imperative to read Shaywitz! I can't help but think what we now know about the brain will change the way we implement all these other strategies. Not in a bad way, of course, but there's a whole new viewpoint to consider.
dc - Michelle, why are you going to change? I'm thinking of starting the reading response journals, but want feedback from those who have done them first before committing to them. I have mixed feelings about them.
brad - Improving discussion or open to discussion about what to improve.
Erin - Is that in a week cavey?
Sadie T - Cavey, why do you only have your kids for 75 minutes?
michelle - so, they are so busy doing the assignment, they can't respond in other ways as much.
brad - Where is this Shaywitz thing Grace? (And I thought you were gone)
michelle - erin, I don't know. maybe. my kids did fine with them, and I think it helped them in their writing, for sure.
cavey - Every day, GT resource, LA only
Sadie T - Grace, what is the title?
Alta Rose - Shaywitz, Grace? Not familiar.
Terry - Hi friends!
judy3ca - cavey, that makes it VERY tough. The RS teacher asked if she could bring a pushin group into my WW next year. I'll probably say no because we'd lose the community that is so important to the way we write.
michelle - yes, still third
cavey - Grace, I'm interested. See lots of LD in my GT kids.
Grace/IL - Sally Shaywitz is an M.D. who's done a lot of brain research at Yale. Her book is called Overcoming Dyslexia.
Nan - Grace, you should join the ReadNow yahoo group, shaywitz has been a major focus of discussion
dc - Not me either, Grace.
Erin - I know that one of our fifth grade standards is response to literature and I was hoping those letters would help in addressing that standard...kill two birds thing
brad - Having done third, I would see why you may wanna drop. Fluency with writing down thoughts can still be a big issue for them.
judy3ca - Hi Terry!
Grace/IL - I've been following the brain studies since the early 80s. It's tremendously fascinating.
dc - Hmmm, thanks for the things to consider, Michelle.
Sadie T - Isn't your response to literature very specific Erin? How do they do that in letters?
Erin - Good point brad. I noticed that with my thirds this year. Very good verbally...struggled when they had to write the response
cavey - Hi terry
brad - OH, ok, Grace, I saw that book. Didn't think much of it because saying that Dyslexia can be overcome is hyperbole to me. I tend to ignore grandiose titles like that
dc - Hi Terry!
cavey - Yes, Judy. What to choose to focus on???
Grace/IL - They can now identify the exact areas of the brain that are active during reading.
Nan - Grace, have you heard of Rueven Feuerstein? Instrumental Enrichment
michelle - actually brad, that's why I'm still hanging on to the idea. Their fluency really improves with the letters.
Alta Rose - They've learned a lot about the brain in the last 10 years, haven't they, Grace?
Erin - Sadie...looked it up. Write resonses to leterature:
Grace/IL - Haven't readFeerstein but have heard of him.
Erin - Demonstrate and understanding of a literary work
judy3ca - cavey, it's tough. This year my focus was the WW conference. I'm thinking about next year, but I think it will be our discussions.
brad - ANd that's another half to it Michelle. If anything, my seconds don't bellyache about writing more than one or two sentences anymore.
Erin - support judgments through references to the text and to prior knowledge
dc - It is all a juggling act, isn't Michelle. You give up something to get something else.
michelle - by feb-march, the letters really start to feel like a conversation.
Nan - very interesting work, his program will raise IQ a significant amount
Erin - Develop interpretations that exhibit careful reading and understanding
cavey - Judy, mine really need help with their writing. I think I would like to focus more there.
dc - Where has Jan been lately? Is she on vacation?
Erin - I think the letters, which are a response, would work here. My responses back could cause the children to look deeper into the book
Grace/IL - The left side of males' brains are activated while reading. Females activate primarily the right side but can activate both sides.
brad - Nan, ;but the significance is in the mediation itself with the adult, and not the activity, per se, correct?
cavey - But, I'm responsible for it all, in that short time frame!
Sadie T - Wow, you had your standards right there? Erin what state are you in?
michelle - next year I will be teaching kids who know me mostly as my son's mom. Should be a fun year
brad - Erin, I think they'd be great in fifth. I'd probably do them. A little like Atwell
Nan - right Brad and in the discussion and the ability to bridge to another area and explain their thinking
judy3ca - cavey, right, my focus this year was writing. We made pretty good progress, but I have a long way to go.
Erin - California....I put all my fifth grade standards in notebooks to help me organize this summer
brad - So isn't that difficult to do whole class, nan?
Erin - Pretty darn impressive, huh, Sadie?
michelle - i still want to read 6-Traits this summer.
dc - That's what I wanted to do this summer but now that I have the combo again, I'm not sure HOW to organize? Two notebooks?
brad - Judy, I think that'll be MY focus this year. Along with discussion and re-organizing my math program
michelle - but I'm taking 3 classes this summer, and then my 3-wk road trip...so we'll see.
cavey - So Judy, you tied every thing back to your writing?
Alta Rose - How many of the traits can / should be taught to first graders?
Erin - Michelle, I have all the books you want to read and will be re-reading them in light of my grade change
judy3ca - That's part of my quandry right now, Brad....the size of the discussion group.
Grace/IL - Brad, the brain patterns of dyslexics change as they learn to read. They figure we can reduce the percentage of non-readers to 3 per cent.
brad - Alta, Ideas and Organization was all I went for in second. We talked some about the others, but really hit those two hard
cavey - Michelle, I'm reading 6 traits this summer.
dc - What do you mean, Judy?
Nan - it is a totally different way of teaching and managing, the teacher is more a facilitator and the students learn to mediate each other it is fun
Sadie T - Erin, your fifth grade standards don't have Literary Critisism, Structural features, and narrative analysis for "Lit Respons and Analysis"?
judy3ca - cavey, no. But a lot of reading and writing went back and forth.
michelle - i want to work more on including the thinking strategies across the curriculum.
Sadie T - Yes, Erin, I'm impressed!
Sadie T -
brad - Hmmm, is this threaded all through the book, or is there a specific chapter I can skim at B and N? (Shrink wrapped???)
Nan - my focus next year is going to be documentation of IEP objectives
brad - that was for grace
Sadie T - But I'm surprised how different they are from mine! California too
Grace/IL - The book approaches all of it very systematically.
cavey - Judy, I know that with my limited time frame, I'm going to have to go for tie in
Erin - Yes, Sadie I have that under Reading. That other was under writing. The criticism basically says to identify main problem and solution, characterization, theme, liteary devices
judy3ca - I learned a lot about 6 Traits this year and I'm excited to hope I do a better job next year.
dc - So does anyone know if Jan is on vacation. I haven't seen her posts lately on the board.
judy3ca - Right, cavey, and of course your kids can get a lot more done in that time than mine could.
brad - Judy, I may get the Almasi book Lively Discussions to look at a different approach than Cole. Any other resources you can think of?
Grace/IL - I'm about a quarter of the way through it. I devour this kind of research.
Erin - I was thinking that the Analysis would be addressed in Reader's Workshop minilessons, the weekly letter would help them address that writing standard and reading standard
cavey - gifted is as gifted does, Judy. Don't be so sure.
brad - Jan did some posting just yesterday, carolyn. She's busy with some end of the year thing. She says she's been lurking though
michelle - as for the Reading Journals...I'm going to keep them, but have the 4 sections be "Reading Interests, Reading List, Response, and Reading Focus"
Sadie T - Oh, right, I was thinking of the reading part. Not that different from mine after all. LOL
dc - Oh, thanks, Brad. I haven't been to the board the last two days.
dc - to know she's OK.
cavey - Erin, I'm looking at ways to double dip too with standards
michelle - the response will be their own personal responses...like the "Book Club" section described in GRW.
dc - What is Reading Focus, Michelle? I understand the other three.
michelle - Reading Focus will be the area of focus they are working on, as per our reading conferences.
Erin - Jeez, no rest for the weary around here. I was thinking I would take the weekend off and Sadie has me pulling out my fifth grade standards already LOL
judy3ca - Brad, I need to think about what I want to happen and go from there. I'm not sure if reading is the answer to this problem for me. I think I need to do some serious reflecting and come up with my own solutions. Does that make sense?
brad - Cavey, I've been meaning to do that too
Sadie T - Sorry, Erin.
Erin - cavey, I have to. They are very in depth and the social studies and science standards are intense
brad - Does anyone around here have to do Terra Nova Standardized tests
Erin - Just kidding Sadie....you know that
michelle - When we have a reading conference, we decide what the student shall work on, and write it down.
Sadie T - You should know I was totally shocked that you had them right there!
brad - Perfect sense, Judy. I think that's what I need to do for my math thing.
Alta Rose - brb...
Nan - Brad, we have 2 grade levels a year do Terra Nova but it is not always the same grade level
dc - Nope, we have our own California tests now.
brad - Sadie, Mine are right here too. Is it that shocking that my bookcase is next to my desk?
Erin - Judy, I'd love to bounce ideas around with you. I wasn't happy with how I finished up my year...I'd like to be more organized next year and not feel like I let the ball drop
brad - (I hate that I'm asking this) Nan, do you know of any test prep materials so I can see the format
judy3ca - I feel like I've read an awful lot and now I need to do some considering.
cavey - It is easy to get overwhelmed with so much research, so many books. I have recently realized that I am going to have to chill a little and not try to do everything right all the time.
Nan - I don't but I am sure there is some online, you know there are old Texas tests online
dc - Yes, I agree with all of you on this.
brad - You're like me Judy. After a while it all starts to sound the same and that's when I know it's up to me. Correct?
judy3ca - Erin, ROFL, you're talking to the woman who crammed the 6th Trait into the LAST week of school!
michelle - you know, I am going to do more test-prep stuff this year.
judy3ca - Exactly, cavey!
Erin - You are talking to the woman that abandoned WW for videos so that she could back. Nyah, nyah, I win ?
brad - nan, I tried a search today under "Terra Nova test prep and standardized tests," but most are ads for test-prep materials. I don't want materials, I just want to see format
Erin - should say "pack" not back
dc - Well, it's Friday and we had Field Day outside with massive amounts of kids today, so I'm burned out! I'm going to have to call it a night already. Goodnight all and thanks for the chat!
judy3ca - Brad, I was serious when I said, "I am the program." We've read so much in the last year--I need to think how it will help me with my "floating on a sea of talk" goal.
brad - night carolyn
judy3ca - You win, Erin!
Erin - good night carolyn
cavey - Bye Carolyn!
Erin - We'll figure out this standards thing
Alta Rose - night carolyn.
Grace/IL - Erin, sometimes you just don't have a choice. You can't teach and pack at the same time. Don't feel guilty.
Terry - bye carolyn
brad - Yes, Judy. I think the same thing. I need to trust myself more. Reminds me of what Regie said. But I get nervous because of my newness. Make sense?
Erin - LOL judy..i'm not proud of that, but it was survival mode to be done
Grace/IL - 'night dc
cavey - Erin, you had to pack???
Terry - your new brad?
Erin - Thanks Grace. I appreciate that
michelle - brad, you're still doing 2nd next year, right?
Alta Rose - You may be new, but you know your stuff, brad.
cavey - Brad, you are wise beyond your years, sweetie
brad - Look, Erin. If it makes you feel any better, I was Video King myself the last week. I showed more videos the last week than I did all last year and this year combined.
Erin - Hmm, the words SHUT UP! (cavey) come to mind
brad - yes, 2nd
Nan - ((((Terry))) when did you sneak in ??
brad - This was my second year, Terry
judy3ca - Perfect sense, Brad. I admire your thoughtfulness tremendously. It's only been recently that I've begun to trust myself. In the end, isn't the real research what happens daily in my classroom with my kids?
Alta Rose - I have run off a few of your posts from the 4Blocks board, when you so articularly explain something to somebody new.
Erin - Oh yes, it does make me feel better. I was totally feeling guilty b/c I knew judy was still doing WW
Sadie T - Brad, I don't know about formats, but I've seen Califorina's test referred to as "Terra Nova CAT 6" - it might be the same test. I'm not sure.
Terry - A little while ago, was wondering why you didn't say hi Nan
brad - Yes, Judy. Someday I hope to do my own action research when I get it all together. (When does that happen again?)
cavey - Erin
Nan - I must have been out looking for stuff for Brad
brad - I do feel very confident in 4B, Alta. I don't know why. I think because it just fit me. And I've done it with five classes now.
Grace/IL - Brad, it happens when your kids are grown and flown! LOL
Terry - Brad 2 yrs, I am VERY impressed with your knowledge!
michelle - This was the first year that I wasn't completely exhausted at the end of the year.
Terry - and your confidence!
brad - Hey, Erin. I did do WW until the next to last day though. (Our last day is a half day)
Erin - I have to say though. My class and my partner's class had a writing morning. Had hot chocolate and shared writing....40 kids for 45 minutes...they all listened politely and clapped. I was so proud
Alta Rose - SSsss (Tha'ts brad's head swelling up!) Just kidding!
michelle - i did reading workshop on the last day of school, even! I'm mean.
Erin - And this was yesterday...next to last day
michelle - WW on the next-to-last day.
Erin - I did do RW until the end...We just finished our novel "Dear Levi" today
brad - That sounds good, Erin. I want to do more cross the hall sharing and hopefully cross grade sharing next year in WW. (But I'm a-feared no one else is doing it properly)
Alta Rose - Michelle, that's me too!
judy3ca - Brad, my friends at work were laughing at me because we had a last day half-day today and I STILL taught WW.
michelle - I finished my read-aloud on the last day...The Landry News.
Erin - I taught science until the bitter end to finish one of the standards
cavey - Michelle, how do you like that one? My son loved Frindle.
judy3ca - So did I, Michelle, wasn't our timing excellent?
brad - Judy, I had mine help polish desks and stack them on the side. We have carpet ripped up this summer, so there was a little more to do. LOL. Good for you
michelle - i wish we had a half-day on the last day. They get crazy at the end of that day.
Erin - Frindle was awesome!!
Grace/IL - Love that "I'm a-feared" statement. Sounds like a regional dialect
michelle - My kids loved that book! They asked if they could start a paper.
brad - My last read-aloud, right before buses.----Walter the Farting Dog
michelle - I reminded them that school was just about out, so they asked if they could do it over the summer.
Erin - Brad...if you share across the hall you will have a positive influence I bet
michelle - I like Frindle, Landry News, and School Story.
cavey - I'm thinking of starting one next year. Easy to say in June eh?
Erin - Love that brad!!!!
brad - I think it is regional Grace. I'm geographically above "I'm a-skeered"
Alta Rose - brb
Grace/IL - Sending them off with a gas! LOL
judy3ca - Speaking of regional, where is Sharon?????
michelle - cavey, I'm thinking of it, too.
Erin - LOL Grace
brad - ERin, my teaching partner is across the hall. We traded on occasion in SSR block. (We each had some of the cutest fluent LISPING readers) but I don't know why we didn't think to do it in WW
michelle - The School Story seems pretty inspiring also. I can't decide which of the 2 to begin the new school year with.
cavey - the teacher who does our literary mag is retiring, and the principal says she may want a newspaper instead. I'd like a combination sort of.
brad - cavey, that would be great to be in charge of
michelle - our schoool "newspaper" is so dang lame.
Erin - My partner and I traded ...I did poetry workshop for my class and his and he did Lit circles. That worked well
cavey - Judy, I'm representing the Souther contingency tonight
judy3ca - cavey, you'd be great!
michelle - It's done by the TAG 5th graders...and the school I student taught at had a better paper published by the LD Resource class!
Grace/IL - Heading out for the evening. I have a no-put-down novel to finish. 'night all.
judy3ca - cavey, we couldn't ask for a better representative.
Erin - Now that our elementary schools will go up to fifth (instead of just third) a newspaper sounds like a great idea
brad - nite grace
Erin - I'll be teaching GATE fifth so that might be something they could do
judy3ca - Grace, wait, what's the book?
cavey - You can be in charge of anything you want at my school if you do it for free. We've got a Today Show every morning.
Alta Rose - Goodnight, Grace.
brad - Our school only goes up to third, but I'd love to do a monthly literary anthology
Erin - G'night Grace.
michelle - one of our 4th grade teachers does a sign language class after school for 4th and 5th grade kids...completely voluntary
cavey - Goodnight Gracie!
brad - Hey Judy, I started "Crimson Petal and the White" Talk about BAWDY
cavey - We have that too Michelle
Erin - Judy, I bought Atonement...I'll start it next week
brad - Raunchy even (so of course, I like it)
judy3ca - Bawdy, yes, Brad, but do you like it? I'm loving Three Junes.
cavey - Bad Brad the Cad
Alta Rose - Has anyone read the Diana Gabaldon books? I'm starting the first one now. Haven't read too much, as I've been having headaches.
brad - Three Junes--I saw that in the bookstore, a little too frou frou for me I think. A little too Rosamunde Pilcher, lavyrle spencer
cavey - You okay, Alta???
judy3ca - Erin, good, my best friend didn't like it, but everyone I've recommended it to has loved it. And we're doing it for our summer book club. Those words amaze me--I wasn't sure the book club would fly, and now we're meeting in summer.
Alta Rose - Yeah, just getting old, cavey. I hit a milestone tomorrow!
brad - It's a long one though Judy. I'm only hoping I can get it done and still squeeze in HP 3 and 4 before 5 hits in 9 days
judy3ca - Brad--no way! I hate Pilcher! Three Junes won the National Book Award!
Erin - Judy, that's so awesome. You continue to inspire me....
cavey - 30? Alta?
michelle - well, next friday I may only be here a very short time...going to the Harry Potter party at Barnes & Noble!
Terry - Nan, did you start Lolita in Tehran?
brad - Really?? maybe it's not what I'm thinking of. Pic of storefront on the cover? Yellow border?
Alta Rose - I wish, cavey...Keep goin'
Grace/IL - The book I'm reading is "The Rescuer" by Dee Armstrong. This is her latest one. It's a series about seven orphans who decided to become a family and each one of them chooses a wonderful career. (Warning -- Christian content).
Nan - I got it yesterday but I have not started reading yet
cavey - 31?
Nan - brb
Alta Rose - No, it's a new decade.
judy3ca - Well, it has a little yellow (rising sun) at the bottom and blue sky at the top.
cavey - I just keep buying kid's books from bookcloseouts like a fool
Erin - All right, I'm going too. After placing items in boxes (don't want to say packing around cavey) I'm pooped. Adios my friends
Sadie T - Yikes, my computer is really acting up. I am going to give up and leave...
brad - hmmm....wonder what I'm thinking of....
Erin - Can't wait to have some good discussions this summer on the board
Alta Rose - Sadie, weren't you here earlier?
Sadie T - But, waaay back in the conversation when Brad asked about Terra Nova I looked up a link
Sadie T - http://www.ctb.com/netcaster/article.jsp?NC_ARTICLE%3C%3Earticle_id=1623&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=51543&CONTENT%3C%3Ecnt_id=50739&bmUID=1055562194387
brad - ERin, you have knee to knee?
judy3ca - Brad, The New Yorker: "Enormously accomplished...rich, absorbing, and full of life."
michelle - I'm like a recovering alcoholic...I've got to keep myself from even wandering into bookcloseouts. I can't handle it.
cavey - Goodnight my little pack rat friend!
Sadie T - has sample questions for CAT 6 and I really do think it may be the same test as Terra Nova but I'm not sure
brad - Sadie, what a sweetie
michelle - I keep thinking "vacation, vacation..."
Erin - yes brad? Ready to roll on it?
michelle - erin, I agreee.
brad - Ok, Judy---you know I read the New Yorker just for the cartoons.
Erin - Good night everyone!!!! Enjoy your weekend. Happy Father's Day Brad
Alta Rose - 'night erin.
cavey - Michelle, have you read Interstellar Pig?
brad - I'm ready Erin
michelle - I've been looking forward to being able to think and discuss more on the board this summer. I really enjoyed last summer!
Sadie T - Hmm, maybe I will stay, computer seems to be better. But don't be surprised if I mysteriously disappear again. LOL
michelle - cavey, no I haven't. What is it?
judy3ca - Brad, sorry to be so vehement--but I really don't think it's a chick book. I could be wrong.
Alta Rose - Yes, that's true, Michelle.
Sadie T - http://www.ctb.com/netcaster/article.jsp?NC_ARTICLE%3C%3Earticle_id=1623&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=51543&CONTENT%3C%3Ecnt_id=50739&bmUID=1055562194387
judy3ca - Sadie, I couldn't open your site. what was it?
brad - LOL, not a real BIG deal Judy. I don't mind chick books. Loved some of Oprah's books.
michelle - i will do Knee to Knee, if you all are.
brad - SAdie, it says it's experiencing unusual problems. LOL
cavey - Don't know Michelle, but it's one I've heard lots of buzz about and it's only 84 cents at bookcloseouts, so I bought 10 of them
brad - Yes, Michelle. Let's all do Knee to Knee.
Sadie T - Really Brad?? LOL!
Nan - cavey, what book?
Sadie T - It worked for me... I'll post it on the chatboard.
Alta Rose - Is Knee to Knee an expansion of Debbie Miller's stuff?
cavey - Interstellar Pig
brad - Is that so strange, Sadie.
brad - 'weren't all chick books
Nan - what level do you think?
judy3ca - My son LOVED Interstellar Pig years ago!
cavey - Upper elem, middle nan
michelle - cavey, you aren't supposed to be telling me about the good deals at bookcloseouts!
Sadie T - Well, sounds strange to me - my computer never says that...
brad - Sadie, are you and I talking about the same things?
Sadie T - but it certainly does experience unusual problems sometimes!
cavey - Oh good Judy, only 84 cents a copy!
Sadie T - Probably not!
judy3ca - I think Interstellar Pig was a precursor to Douglas Adams.
brad - Oh, now I get it. Yeah, the Mcgraw site said that it was having "unusual problems"
Terry - Judy, if I really liked RWM, do you suggest Knee to KNee?
judy3ca - Sadie, what is it that I'm trying to look at?
michelle - (vacation...North Carolina, Washington DC, Mt. Rushmore..."
michelle - )
cavey - Sorry Michelle, forget I said anything. I
brad - Interstellar Pig sounds like one of those psychedelic garage bands of the sixties. Strawberry Alarm Clock or something.
judy3ca - Terry, Knee to Knee doesn't have anything to do with RWM really. It's about discussing literature.
michelle - i was thinking "Pigs in Space" from the Muppet Show.
brad - yeah, RWM and K2K have little to do with one another
Sadie T - Link = sample questions for CAT 6 which I think is the Terra Nova that Brad was looking for
Terry - so it's onluy about discussion, not the strategies?
brad - LOL, Michelle. My wife got Best of Muppet Show from library to show our kids
Sadie T - It was supposed to have been a simple thing, I've just made a mess of it. LOL
brad - They do mention questioning and connecting Terry, but no
cavey - I love the Muppets!
brad - She cites STW a lot
judy3ca - There WAS a band named Blodwin Pig.
michelle - brad, i saw that on an infommercial....looked tempting.
brad - Swedish Chef rocks
Alta Rose - That's what I was wondering, too, Terry.
brad - Look out Judy's dating herself
michelle - I always liked Beaker.
judy3ca - Dark Ages.
Terry - brad and judy, think it's worth buying? (knee to knee)
brad - Beaker was the s---
michelle - he was funny!
brad - with Bunsen Honeydew
judy3ca - Terry, it depends on what you're trying to do. K2K is very specific and sort of prescriptive.
michelle - poor guy, always getting burnt by what's-his-name's experiments.
brad - Terry, I'm a cheapskate (some might say I was raising small children) and I bought it, so if that's any indication
michelle - that's right.
Alta Rose - I liked the dog surgeon...can't remember his name.
brad - My brother used to think Beaker was a French Fry
michelle - lol
brad - Rowlf, Alta. I have a stuffed one I'm about to sell
Terry - judy, prescriptive to what symptom?
judy3ca - ROFL Brad!
judy3ca - Terry, having a discussion about literature.
Terry - ok, got it, thanks
cavey - Gotta run, imaginary friends. If no rain tomorrow, it's a lake day!! Yippee!
brad - I liked when they were operating and that voice would come on "Tune In Next Time..." and they'd all be looking all over the room for the voice...
Nan - bye cavey
Sadie T - Good night cavey!
judy3ca - Bye, cavey!
michelle - have fun, cavey!
Terry - night cavey
brad - cavey, take a dip for me
Alta Rose - Take Care, Cavey!
michelle - I liked Pigs in Space.
cavey - But, it always rains on Saturday anymore.
brad - "me--me-meme--me-meh"----Beaker
michelle - not here. It's going to be nice! (it better, we're having a family get-together to celebrate a cousin's graduation)
Alta Rose - We are so happy to be getting rain this spring, after 2 years of drought. I sure appreciate the green this spring!
brad - Speaking of, Kim's son is graduating tonight--hence, her absence
Sadie T - I wondered where she was!
michelle - we just had over 20 days of no rain. and people think it rains a lot here!
michelle - I've been looking for her to log on, also.
Alta Rose - Big weekend in our little town...Celebration of when it was founded....firemen's breakfast, parade, lots of other stuff...
brad - She's been in quite the bind this week. What with ending school in a new district, son graduating, and stupid Open Court meetings.
judy3ca - Wow, michelle, that surprises me.
Terry - well all I should go too, I am photographers assistant for a wedding tomorrow
brad - Michelle, I was just saying to someone the other day, I feel I live in Seattle. Lots of rain here the past month.
Sadie T - Open Court meetings at the end of the year??
michelle - i've been checking out weather stats for my trip...and found that it rains less here in the summer than basically every other state I'm visiting!
michelle - apparently, for many states, summer is the "rainy season"
Sadie T - LOL, Michelle, about the rain... 20 days...
brad - Yes, Sadie, she told me how last Saturday they had to spend the day making up spelling lists. Waste of her time since she neither uses OC nor has a specific grade level next year. Discuss.
Nan - Michelle, where are you going on vacation
michelle - see what you know? I was in Seattle last weekend, and it was in the 80's and beautiful.
Sadie T - Here, sometimes we have 6 months with no rain!
Alta Rose - The farmers were so happy the drought was over this year, and now the Mad Cow scare...
michelle - what is kim teaching next year?
brad - She'll be in a transitional first
michelle - nan, I'm taking a cross-country road trip to NC/DC and back.
michelle - I'm not going to CA
judy3ca - Michelle, wow, thanks for letting me know how biased I was to your poor weather! It's cooler here in sunny CA.
michelle - of course.
Nan - did you say you were going to Mt. Rushmore? I used to wrk there
brad - I still think you should stop by Cavey's, Chel
michelle - I can't make it at that time...summer classes.
brad - So when's your vacation?
michelle - yes. I remember being very disappointed in Mt. Rushmore when I visited it at age 10. but my son has yet to visit, so we will.
michelle - I'm traveling August 1-21
brad - Really Michelle. I thought it was a beautiful area
Alta Rose - Who is all going to Cavey's?
judy3ca - Good night, friends, time to read.
brad - Oh, yeah, that'll be a little late
brad - nite judy
brad - don't mull too much. LOL
Alta Rose - 'night, Judy.
michelle - well, it's so little, compared to the pictures you see. I expected it to look bigger, or to be able to go to a closer place
Sadie T - Good night Judy
Nan - I will be back in school then
brad - yeah, have you been back?
Nan - good night Judy
michelle - bye judy!
Nan - it is really pretty big if you are clos to it, the dorm I lived in is on the same mountain
michelle - but I can visit people on the trip! but, no california.
brad - I was there about seven years ago. (Interesting story involving people with no teeth). You need to go in the back way.
michelle - oh, maybe I need to research that. My family went the "regular" way.
Sadie T - Michelle, is that a California joke again? I thought you got over that!
Alta Rose - I know a tidbit about Mt. Rushmore.
brad - The back way in over the log bridges is very scenic. And animals got in my way a lot, which made it imore interesting
michelle - I've never been to DC. We are both very excited about that.
Sadie T -
michelle - No, sadie, I'm saying I can't visit anyone in CA because my trip isn't going through there this year.
Alta Rose - It was given it's name by the brother-in-law of Laura Ingalls Wilder. He named it for a visiting lawyer.
brad - Michelle, I learned about it in a book. Maybe you can get it. I think it's National Geographic's Scenic Highways and Byways. We took a lot of interesting detours on that trip thanks to that book.
Sadie T - I know, Michelle, but you kept point it out so I was wondering... LOL
michelle - I will be going to Rushmore on my way home, so I will be able to go the same direction you would, brad.
michelle - ok, thanks brad.
brad - ACtually, we went to Cali on southern states and came back on Northern. LOL
michelle - I know a lot of people in CA, and they're disappointed I won't be visiting this year. but there's just not enough time.
brad - We also traveled down a canyon in Texas and inadvertently up a 10000 ft. mountain in Albuquerque
brad - and why was nan working there?
Sadie T - Yeah, that's too bad you're not coming through California
michelle - I'm going through a little southern, and coming back a little northern. going to hit St. Louis, Mammoth Caves, Smoky Mts. on the way out.
michelle - Rushmore, Yellowstone, Tetons, on the way back.
brad - Mammoth caves? So you'll be coming fairly close to OH?
Sadie T - And then there's that California Exit Exam you have to pass to leave.....
michelle - I worked at Big Bend National Park in Texas when I was in college. I loved it! Maybe next year I will take my son there.
michelle - yes brad, in both directions.
Nan - Mammoth Cave is wonderful
Nan - we went there last summer
michelle - well, there's the fruit test on the way into CA also.
brad - I've never been to Mammoth, so you'll have to tell me if it's worthwhile
michelle - nan, how much time did you spend there?
Nan - Brad, I was in college when I worked there, I grew up in South Dakota
brad - Yes, the fruit test that had me wildly eating all our apples the night before
Nan - I worked there one summer in the gift shop
Sadie T - LOL!
brad - hmmm, you should stop by for a few hours...
michelle - The concessioners who run Big Bend also run Mammoth Caves. Everyone says Mammoth Caves is one of the best.
Nan - we took the susnet cruise on the river, it is fun
brad - That's a beautiful gift shop too
michelle - that would be great, brad!
Nan - should be sunset
Nan - it was a fun place to work
michelle - worked at Mammoth Caves, nan?
brad - We're about half hour above Cincy if you're taking 75 any. And about 2 hours below Columbus, if you're on 70 any
Nan - make sure you do one of the cave tours, you should make reservations, we could not get the tour we wanted because it was full
Nan - no Mt. Rushmore
Sadie T - good night everyone!
brad - I could take you to Books and Co. which is the 2nd largest independent bookstorre in the nation. LOL
brad - Why is Sadie good night. She mad at Michelle for not coming to Cali
Alta Rose - 'night Sadie!
michelle - ok. i think i'm going to stop by to see cavey on my way to DC, too.
michelle - how far in advance should I make reservations?
michelle - funny, when we have the largest one here.
Alta Rose - Who is all going to Cavey's? And when?
Nan - how long are you going to be there?
brad - That's why I suggested, Michelle.
michelle - you come to portland and see what a Real bookstore is.
michelle - I'm not going when the others are. Wish I could.
brad - In a heartbeat. When I was getting directions for Cavey's, the mapquest would tell me all the Borders within a 2 mile radius. LOL
Nan - we wanted to do the lunch tour but it was booked, you go all the way to the bottom of the cave and eat lunch and come out a different way, it is very long
michelle - Since I have my son with me, I plan to do a shorter tour.
brad - Alta, Kim, Grace, Kathy and myself (with my wife and baby) the last week of June
Nan - when do you all go to cavey's?
Nan - the one we did will be perfect
Alta Rose - Oh, so that's pretty soon!
brad - Alta's not going, I'm addressing her. LOL
Nan - it was long enough, make sure you have a jacket cuz the cave is cold
brad - yes, I'm jealous of the southern get-together too
michelle - my classes start on the 24th. If I didn't need them so much, I would go to Cavey's instead!
Nan - it will be thursday!!
Alta Rose - I thought there would be more. I want to see a picture of all of you!
brad - I'd love to do a big blowout, but I suppose we'll all have to go to California to do that.
brad - Yes, I have a class next week.
michelle - it's so hard to find a time that fits for everyone.
brad - Yeah, that's a problem.
brad - That was the issue this time
brad - Honestly, we planned this way back in Feb, so I think we'd have to start planning this fall to get everyone near the same time free.
Alta Rose - So if they send you a picture, nan, can you post it?
michelle - how does your class list look for this next year, brad?
Nan - yes, I will post it I will take pictures in Birmingham too
brad - Most of you are out west, so....that should probably be the way we head....
Alta Rose - Hear that Brad? You need to send a picture!
brad - who knows, Michelle. We don't learn those things right away.
michelle - yep, next year should be out west.
brad - Oh, I'm sure we will, Alta. there's a pic of me floating out there somewhere
Nan - mayb Las Vegas, you can usually get cheap flights to Las Vegas
brad - Ooh, Vegas. Tempting.
Alta Rose - Where, brad?
michelle - well, I hope you were assured that you wouldn't be loaded down like you were this year.
michelle - Vegas is a good idea.
Alta Rose - That would be a blast!
brad - I think it's on mosaic. Michelle, my principal swears up and down she didn't stack my deck
michelle - especially if there are Navy Pilots.
brad - Lotta personality issues.
michelle - how many 2nd grade teachers at your schoo, brad?
Nan - my husband works in a casino
brad - 4
brad - I always wanted to be a dealer. Thought it'd be fun.
Nan - he is a pit boss
michelle - brad...i was thinking about you several weeks ago... (haven't seen you since then)...
brad - Maybe 5 next year, though. Depends. We're getting people from school closing
Nan - he used to be a dealer
michelle - on the radio the dj was talking about some upcoming contest thing and said, "Now don't go all salty on me!"
brad - michelle, I hope you weren't thinking, "When the hell's he gonna return that book?" LOL
michelle - first time I heard "salty" from other than you.
michelle - no...i'm thinking you are wondering the same.
brad - ROFL, VINDICATED!!
Julie - I got two new books today... Making Sense and the Differentiated Instruction one
brad - Julie, let me know about Making Sense. I'm considering that one
michelle - julie, have you finished school for the year?
brad - Is it practical and is it applicable to primary. That's what I wanna know
Julie - brad, I thought you told me to get it!
brad - LOL, I don't think so. LOL
Julie - I have been done for a couple of weeks but somehow
michelle - ooops....hope it's good, julie!
michelle - couple of weeks?!!
Julie - got talked into teaching VBS the Monday after we were out
Alta Rose - A couple of weeks....(Groan)
brad - Alta, when do you finish up?
michelle - when do you start up again?
Julie - I taught the preschool class - wore me out!!!
Alta Rose - Two more weeks, Brad!
michelle - yeah, they sure take a lot of energy!
brad - You'll make it. And then no more looping?
Julie - We have 4 testing days the last week of August then start full schedule after Labor Day
brad - So Nan whole room to yourself. whatever will you do?
Alta Rose - Maybe. The principal said we would consider looping again if the parents want it....
Julie - Alta Rose - those final two weeks are the longest, aren't they?
brad - Oh, ok, so back to first?
brad - Michelle, what are you looking to change next year? Still third?
Julie - Michelle - will you be heading this way for a visit?
michelle - so you'll be home when I come by, right?
michelle - still third...
Alta Rose - So I'm going back to first, and we'll see. So far only a couple of parents have requested a looping program for next year. Principal says I don't have to make a decision until next year...
brad - where is julie?
michelle - I'm trying to improve on a lot of things I started on this year.
brad - That's good, Alta
michelle - coming in August, julie.
Julie - Colorful Colorado - the drought is ending!
Alta Rose - So I was thinking of waiting and seeing what kind of class I have next year...Bad, eh?
brad - That's right. That's right.
Julie - I haven'
brad - Not at all, Alta. I'm glad I wasn't forced into it this year, like was planned.
michelle - no, alta. it makes sense to me.
brad - I still would consider it next year.
Julie - Will you be stopping by, Michelle? Do you have path marked out for your travels?
brad - Alta, you still 4Blocking next year?
Nan - sorry, I was out looking at something
michelle - this will be my third year in the same grade level and same classroom. It's actually starting to feel weird to still be in the same place.
Alta Rose - Definately, brad!
Nan - I had better have my room to myself, he promised
michelle - Julie, I'm planning to. I have a preliminary plan mapped out.
Julie - Nan - how is the house coming?
brad - LOL nan, I was wondering what you'll do differently. spread out?
michelle - expect to be in your area around august 3rd.
Nan - it has walls and a roof! they should start shingling soon and then the brick goes on
Julie - Great Michelle - just let me know
brad - Good Alta, I'm reverting back a little after some experimentation. I was all over the place this year.
Julie - How exciting! Expected moving date?
Kris - Hello everyone, am I intruding?
Alta Rose - I really like looping, but one of the problems is that I've been getting all the special needs kids, because those parents tend to request it....I love the kids, but there is a lot of extra work (we write our own IPPS) and this year I really need a break....
Julie - Hi Kris!
Nan - end of September first part of October
michelle - welcome, kris!
brad - Have a break. Have a ho ho
Alta Rose - So the mother of my autistic boy, who has another autistic boy coming said, "I want so and so in a looping program in Gr. 1"
Julie - brad - I had to ask at a staff meeting if anyone knew what a ho ho was!
Alta Rose - I went to my principal and said, "I am NOT going to loop next year!"
brad - No ho ho's in Colorado?
Nan - she has 2 autistic sons?
Julie - Only 2 people knew what a ho ho was! Most thought it was something I made up!
michelle - i'm worried about my boy who has aspergher's. I'm afraid the teacher he's getting for next year won't understand him.
Alta Rose - He agreed I need a break, assigned the boy to another class and said I could decide about looping next year.
brad - Does anyone else loop alta, cause if not, there's your problem
Kris - I am not sure that are any more Ho Ho's in california cuz I am pretty sure I ate them all! Just did the NB thing!
michelle - from the way she talked when i tried to explain.
Julie - michelle, I have a couple of "special kids" that it was very hard for me to let go of
Alta Rose - Yes, brad, but the other "looper" does the opposite grade. So when I'm in Gr. 1, she's in Gr. 2.
michelle - i've had this kid 2 years...in 1st and in 3rd grade. Those kids I had for 2 years really feel like "my" kids.
Julie - Today was the day my district shut down -
brad - what does she want to do? she'll be going up to second with this group?
Julie - principals and secretaries are done until Aug.
michelle - ours work through the end of June.
Julie - Superintend and Asst. both completed their last day
michelle - they only get the month of July off.
Alta Rose - Julie, I love the kids, but I've had 6 of them in 5 years. We had to cluster special needs kids this year, so I had two autistic boys. They're great, but I spent HOURS on the IPPS, meetings, etc. and my family really suffered for it.
Julie - michelle, I had a call yesterday about a little girl who was still crying herself to sleep - a drawback of looping for sure
Julie - Alta - I was actually typing "Good For you!" Ha.... If we don't pace ourselves we'll never make it
brad - Hey, Michelle. Heard from eilene?
brad - Brave Eilene? LOL
michelle - she was here earlier.
Alta Rose - Yes, brad.
michelle - I see her online a lot lately.
Julie - Kris, are you still here?
brad - but not on board apparently, because I haven't seen her....
michelle - she posts every once in a while...more often than I do these days.
michelle - we IM each other a lot.
brad - she needs to be my math guru
michelle - oh yes, she's doing that whole math think this next year.
Julie - brad - have been following your math thread
brad - Well I need to get off here. Late on east coast
brad - Michelle, tell her im looking for her.
michelle - yes, actually, I need to get going...family stuff tomorrow.
brad - yes, julie?
michelle - I will brad
Alta Rose - Yes, I think I'm ready to turn in too.
Julie - Too late on a Friday to get too deep - will post later this weekend...
brad - ok do so please
Julie - I better get going also - only wanted to say Hi to my imaginary friends!
Alta Rose - 'night all!
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