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naneb - Hi, everyone
kathyb1stia - I will pick up my RWM book tomorrow. Finally!!!
naneb - judy, I got some of my books today, The Wall, Fly Away Home, Cheyenne Again, Every Little Thing
judy3ca - Nan, what did you think of them?
naneb - I have ordered so many books that i got one today that I ordered again yesterday, forgot i ordered it
Kim/K-1/SCa - LOL Naneb....... I can RELATE
naneb - I love all of the Eve Bunting books, I read Every Little Thinking planning lessons
Kathy/IA - I think I'm going to have to get Wondrous Words, we do a lot with text structures here ... will the boo
Kim/K-1/SCa - LOL Judy...... I could PREDICT everything that was going to happen.........a shame, really since the beginning was well-written.
Kathy/IA - Opps ... will the book help teachers understand text structures better?
kathyb1stia - Oh, NAN, been there, done that!
naneb - my son came in today from Florida, hasn't been home in a while
judy3ca - Kim, I actually liked Sum of All Fears quite a bit.
naneb - the book was good
Grace/IL - Hi all, just thought I'd join in as a listener since I haven't read all the books you've been discussing.
Kim/K-1/SCa - Is he in school, naneb?
naneb - just join in Grace
judy3ca - nan, aren't those Bunting books great for inference? and aren't they great for older kids?
Kim/K-1/SCa - But GRACE, you KNOW this stuff. By osmosis.........really.
kathyb1stia - Oh, Grace, then I must only listen, too! Does that make a difference?
judy3ca - Grace, I have a question for you. Are you the Grace who's the spelling expert? If so, what do you think of Rebecca Sitton's program?
naneb - no, Kim he just moved there with significant other girlfirend, cocoa, FL they had lived in Maryland, she worked at the Pentagon
naneb - judy, they are going to be perfect, now, I have to buy more
Grace/IL - I guess it shouldn't make a difference. I'm still looking for someone who's read "A Mind at a Time"
Alta Rose / 1 - I haven't read all the books, either. But now that summer's here.....!
Kim/K-1/SCa - I have read the first few chapters, Grace. Dry..........sigh.
judy3ca - nan, the problem is that she's written a zillion books! I have a lot and still want more!
naneb - Grace, I haven't read that one but I have read Educational Care by Levine
Grace/IL - Judy, if you want a program that deals with high frequency words, it's OK
kathyb1stia - Oh, you guys, I am going to Border's tomorrow... and I thought I could AFFORD this trip!
naneb - between Bunting and Rylant I will be broke, I will have to break into my car money
Grace/IL - Kim, it's dry at the beginning but he ties everything to gether toward the end.
Kathy/IA - Bring your checkbook or credit card, Kathy, it is going to be an expensive trip - if you are any thing like me!
Kim/K-1/SCa - judy......grace's program teaches developmental spelling patterns. 1st and 2nd grade.
judy3ca - Grace, we're going with Sitton next year. I think the powers-that-be chose it because we've always had traditional spelling books and were going nowhere with those.
kathyb1stia - Grace, AMAAT is by my bed, but I haven't read it yet!
kathyb1stia - Thanks for the words of encouragement Kathy/IA.
Kim/K-1/SCa - Also, Judy......Grace's program is very inexpensive. No bells and whistles. If you ask for bells and whistles, she'll bag some up for ya.
Kathy/IA - You are welcome!
Grace/IL - Our district used Sitton for a couple of years in the middle grades, then moved on to something else.
naneb - Oh Mae!!!??? Mae??? Where are you??
judy3ca - Oh, gosh, Grace, I had no idea you had your own program. How embarrassing. I apologize.
naneb - Hey!!!? Where is Brad?
Kathy/IA - I usually spend a ton when ever I'm around the NJL booth (company in Des Moines).
Kim/K-1/SCa - Brad will MAKE an ENTRANCE. When you hear music, he will be here.
Grace/IL - Judy, don't apologize. I've looked at a lot of programs over the years and finally came up with my own for first grade, then expanded it to second.
judy3ca - Thanks, Grace, good thing I'm third grade, LOL.
kathyb1stia - I was just visiting with a 2nd grade teacher friend that teaches at "THE" school in my district. We were talking about Caught Ya' with a Giggle and Elementary, My Dear. Both are on daily oral language. What do you guys know about this?
naneb - there has been a discussion about them on the 4 blocks mailring
Kathy/IA - I used Caught with a Giggle whenI taught 5th.
kathyb1stia - Judy, Grace is very informative. I am glad you aren't being silent tonight, Grace.
Kathy/IA - It's just a different version of DOL - kids liked it .
Grace/IL - Kim, I think you scared Brad away with your last post to him LOL
kathyb1stia - Kathy/IA... NJL is popular in this part of the state, too... I just try to keep my distance LOL!!! $$$$$$$$
Kim/K-1/SCa - LOL, Grace.....he looks forward to me teasing him.
Sharon - hideeho!
Kim/K-1/SCa - Ola, Sharon.......
Grace/IL - In case none of you have met Kim, she's a stitch -- even funnier in real life than on these boards.
Kathy/IA - I'm probably their best customer!
Kim/K-1/SCa - I mean "hola" Sharon.......sheesh........
Kim/K-1/SCa - Yeah, Grace.....I quack myself up..........
Alta Rose / 1 - I Hello, Sharon!
judy3ca - click, clack, quack, quack
Sharon -to everyone! Judy, how many books have you ordered from that new site?
Grace/IL - Kim, I think of you every time I go through a toll booth -- only we have passes now and don't have to stop.
Kim/K-1/SCa - Oh yes, Grace! That means I can visit the midwest again.....!!!
Kathy/IA - I have SO many books I need to get read. I pulled a few off the shelves at work today to bring home!
judy3ca - LOL, Sharon, I ordered a lot. $25 the first day and then $100 when I went back. When some of those books are 37¢ that's a LOT of books.
kathyb1stia - When are you FLYING out, Kim?
Kim/K-1/SCa - .....without that nightmarish FEAR that I will toss the coins and miss the basket..........with a million cars behind me. Oh, dilemma!
Kathy/IA - Where did you order from, Judy?
Sharon - whew! where will you put them all? and NAN, have you put up your gutters yet?
Kim/K-1/SCa - Next summer, Kathy..........
teach/3/ca - Good evening everyone
Alta Rose / 1 - That's my plan for the summer, too, Kathy! To read MOT, STW, RWM and 4Blocks Writing book.
naneb - I haven't been to school yet, Sharon maybe next week
naneb - I have been painting my chair
Grace/IL - So where will we have the midwest get-together next summer?
kathyb1stia - Hey, Kim is looking into gutters, too. OOH, that sounds bad.! LOL!
Alta Rose / 1 - I was awfully quiet, Kim. LOL. Last day today, Yay!
Kathy/IA - I need to get a lot of Content Area Reading things read for the fall - working with several districts ... need to get my plans in order!
teach/3/ca - judy, i went to bookcloseouts and ordered but when I went to buy it said my cart was empty. I tried a few times. Did you have any problems/
Kim/K-1/SCa - do tell, naneb.........and what SITE are y'all yammerin' about?
Sharon - me either, nan... i figure i'll let you work through the 'kinks' of installation and then advise me
kathyb1stia - I will be at the airport waiting for you, Kim!
naneb - Sharon, I downloaded You Must Have Been A beautiful Baby
judy3ca - Nan, I envy your chair painting. I'm looking for the perfect chair. But since I spent all afternoon painting lines (terrible lines) on three boxes, I should give up painting forever.
naneb - okay, I will do that
Kim/K-1/SCa - Congrats, Alta. You made it another year. I was out last Friday but today was my first real day off.
Kathy/IA - Kathyb - do you have the PWIM book? I just noticed you can print it off at the ascd site!
Sharon - awww... they'll love that boogie book
judy3ca - teach, Erin, right? No problems--they took my $$ right away, LOL.
naneb - judy, my lines are awful!!but it is a fanciful chair, wait until you see it
Sharon - i'm looking for 'take me out to the ballgame'... wouldn't that be a great one?
teach/3/ca - AAGGH I'll have to try again
Grace/IL - Kathyb, she needs to go through Chicago in order to get to IA (I think) or St. Louis or somewhere. I'll pick her up and we'll drive out to IA.
Kim/K-1/SCa - Raffi has it Sharon.........there is a book also.
diane - oooh, sharon, that would be great for a book
naneb - http://www.bookcloseouts.com/
judy3ca - Nan, I want a fanciful chair!
Sharon - do you know the author, kim? i can only find one that is a story and not the song
Kim/K-1/SCa - thanks naneb......is this a dangerous site?
Alta Rose / 1 - Thanks, naneb!
Sharon - diane, i think so too
judy3ca - Thanks, nan, for posting the site--I couldn't remember the name.
Kim/K-1/SCa - i have it sharon but it is in a box......lovely illustrations.......i saw it a B&N last time I was in..........give me a few minutes and I can look for it
naneb - Sharon, here it is http://www.niehs.nih.gov/kids/musict.htm
kathyb1stia - KATHY/IA! I have the book, but loaned it to a friend, that KEEPS saying she'll return it! Now, I can go to ASCD. Do you have to be a member? I dropped my membership, so I could afford more children's bookslLOL!!!
judy3ca - Kim, it is a great site! I found wonderful books for great prices.
naneb - Sharon, that site has all kinds of songs and lyrics, right click to download
Sharon - thanks kim... and thanks nan... i bookmarked that site when you suggested it on the yahoo ring
Kathy/IA - No, I'll get the site ... just a minute...
diane - okay, guys, i am looking for great writing lessons to wow my writing class...anything you do that you swear by??
kathyb1stia - Sharon, the poem book of songs? IS IT FUNNY?
diane - oh, sorry, writing project class, not my students
judy3ca - kathy, pretty soon I'm going to be giving up groceries for children's books!
Kathy/IA - Here - you can print it out chapter by chapter: http://www.ascd.org/readingroom/books/calhoun1999/calhoun1999toc.html
Kim/K-1/SCa - brb........i think my music books are IN the house.........i think i think i think............
diane - lol, judy
Sharon - poem book of songs?
Kathy/IA - I was shocked you could print it - but I printed chapter 5 from work today.
kathyb1stia - OH,, WHOA GRACE, DM is getting Continental starting JULY 8th with direct flights. DM is moving up in the WORLD!
judy3ca - diane, I swear by Craft lessons--or do you mean something fancy?
Kathy/IA - Glad some airport in Iowa is moving up in the world! Ours is going down hill!
diane - lol, judy, i don't know what i mean...
Alta Rose / 1 - My family just got home, so gotta go for now. I'll pop back in later!
judy3ca - Diane, is this for your adult class? I have an idea....
Sharon - kim, share any other titles you have of books that are songs... btw, i LOVE My Favorite Things (rodgers and hammerstein) book
judy3ca - bye alta rose
naneb - man, I am sitting here eating Edwards choclate sundae ice cream pie and it is out of this world good
Kathy/IA - Hmmmm ... would Iowa be a central meeting place for us all to get together in person!!
Kim/K-1/SCa - sharon.......my favorite things? in a book? OMG! Must have it......!
diane - yes, judy. the idea i had was pretty much done by a different person, so i am in a lurch.
diane - yum, nan
naneb - I could do Iowa, I could visit my twin sister in South Dakota
Grace/IL - naneb, have you had Edwards Turtle Pie? It's to die for.
Sharon - *covering eyes* I can't believe you said "chocolate" to me..... i'm trying to drop 10 pounds!
Kim/K-1/SCa - I collect books that are song lyrics, Sharon. Any and all sharing would be much appreciated.
naneb - this is my son's birthday pie!! We don't have birthday cakes
Sharon - Kim, book illustrator is renee graef..... it's wonderful!
Kathy/IA - We should think about something for next summer - a meeting place.
kathyb1stia - Sharon, Take Me Out of the Bathtub. I'm sorry I got mixed up on the title! GREAT book of poems to familiar songs.
Sharon - kim, me, too... we'll share...... do you have 'lady with the alligator purse' and 'little bunny foo foo'?
Kim/K-1/SCa - I have a Patriotic Songs CD....... I have "This Land is Your Land" and "America the Beautiful" to go with that.
Kathy/IA - Did you get the PWIM site, Kathyb?
Kim/K-1/SCa - I also have Chet Atkins' CD......with a book to go along with "On Top of Spagetti."
Sharon - oooo... thanks kathyb... i'll write it down
Kim/K-1/SCa - Bubblerock.com has lots of big books to go with song titles............charlotte diamond, greg and steve........
kathyb1stia - Omaha is even coming to DM now! DM is working hard on their airport and air fares.
Kathy/IA - Sorry for repeating myself!
judy3ca - Okay, diane, here's one I did with my kiddos this year and it was pretty cool. I happen to be the pocket chart queen at my school and I just LOVE sentence strips. So I searched around for what children's authors had to say about writing (found tons at Scholastic's site) and wrote each one on a sentence strip. I had the kids come up and read them and then asked them to think about what writing is for them. I called headed the pocket chart "Writers on Writing" and then made a chart that said "Writers on Writing" and had the kids write their thoughts on the chart. Amazing!!!
Kim/K-1/SCa - Yes.....sharon, but not the MUSIC
kathyb1stia - Kim, do you have TAKE ME OUT OF THE BATHTUB?
Kim/K-1/SCa - NO! Too cute..........
kathyb1stia - Yes, Kathy/IA I copied the PWIM site and I will look at it later! THANKS!!!!
judy3ca - diane, I should have said that it was amazing for their powerful thoughts AND the excellent discussion it engendered.
Kathy/IA - Your printer will be humming.
kathyb1stia - I wrote ON TOP OF MT EVANS ALL COVERED WITH SNOW...
diane - judy, what a GREAT idea!! addresses the students as writers...
Kathy/IA - I wonder what other ascd books are like that!
Kim/K-1/SCa - Wow, judy............more info?
judy3ca - Diane, lol, I really am working on authenticity. No flashy lessons, but the depth is pretty amazing.
diane - kim, is "greg and steve" a song? my two brothers are named greg and steve
kathyb1stia - Thanks, Judy for sharing that idea!
diane - yes, judy, i recognize authenticity as a priority from your posts....lol
Kim/K-1/SCa - LOL diane......no, Greg and Steve are a musical group. ... lots of really neat CDs for kids. I love them.
judy3ca - kathy, I didn't mean to be obnoxious, but diane was looking for a lesson.
naneb - judy, you could never be obnoxious!!
kathyb1stia - I will be looking into that, too. Thanks, again. Kathy/IA
diane - i have 80 minutes to use...i may steal this...thanks!!
diane - not obnoxious, judy (:
judy3ca - nan, better ask my husband--he'd differ, lol
diane - not obnoxious, judy (:
Kim/K-1/SCa - I meant.........judy, could you tell us about where you got the "writers on writing" quotes...........just collected them? A source? Inquiring minds want to know.........
naneb - Aw!!! What does he know!!!
kathyb1stia - Which Kathy/IA? I didn't notice anything wrong.
Kathy/IA - Huh?
diane - grrrr....darn cat....brb
judy3ca - Kim, go to the Scholastic site http://www2.scholastic.com/teachers/authorsandbooks/authorstudies/authorstudies.jhtml this page, and there's tons of info about authors. Almost every single one gives advice.
Kim/K-1/SCa - cool, judy.....thanks
Kim/K-1/SCa - Question for y'all......what would an author study look like on the graduate level?
judy3ca - nan, you'd better be impressed how fast I got that site up, lol
kathyb1stia - I meant Judy... which Kathy? I didn't notice anything wrong.
naneb - I am suitably impressed!!!
judy3ca - kathy, I was just kidding because I took up so much space--bad joke, sorry.
naneb - what kind of graduate class?
kathyb1stia - Good question, Kim. I would start with Patricia Polacco and the video that Judy recommended to me called Dream Star. My team partner and I plan to get it for our ILLUSTRATORS, ILLUSTRATORS, ILLUSTRATORS graduate course!
diane - judy or anyone else who owns it, i have finally received my copy of craft lessons...how user friendly would you say it is?
judy3ca - diane, here's a great great great lesson that takes a long time. Do you have Wondrous Words? Do the Choral Reading lesson she describes. It is so cool! I did it with Ray's Basket Moon and it was phenomenal. Then I gave it to my 5th grade study partner and they did and even more amazing job and took it to groups. This would be amazing with adults!
Kathy/IA ..again - I got booted out! Now I'm here twice. Sorry for the confusion!
Kim/K-1/SCa - noted........kathy. Now, if I were to ASSIGN an author study to credential candidates........what would I ask for?
naneb - she also has an autobiography called Firetalking
diane - judy, i have wondrous words, but i am only in chapter 2. where is the choral reading lesson?? i would love to use this book because it is the text i am reviewing for the class...would be a great tie in
kathyb1stia - Judy, I meant to let you know that my team teaching partner loved the idea of this video!
naneb - will you assign the authors?
Kim/K-1/SCa - thanks for the reminder about the choral reading lesson, judy......i think i can do that with my credential "kids" also.
Grace/IL - Kim, it would be neat to have them write a short biography. So many authors' lives from the past are simply lost.
Kim/K-1/SCa - well, naneb.......i think that their experiences are limited but I don't know about ME assigning authors................hmmm.
naneb - I did an author study of Roald Dahl and of Polacco, we looked for similar characters in Roald Dahl and themes in Polacco
Kim/K-1/SCa - Of course, i would have to HURT anyone who attempted Cynthia Rylant. Only I can do that in MY class.....
judy3ca - Diane, I can't remember how far in the lesson is--maybe 50 or 60 pages. It is really fabulous! And you could easily spend your whole time--and the adults could get very creative. If you read it and like it, let me know and I'll give you some hints.
Grace/IL - I belong to the History of Reading SIG in the IRA and sometimes it's just impossible to gather information about authors from years ago.
naneb - Kim, I am now a BIG, BIG, BIG Cynthia Rylant fan. I have been buying her books like crazy
judy3ca - kathy, I'm so glad to hear the video will work well for you. I'm usually hesitant to recommend stuff because I hate the feeling when nobody likes it.
Kim/K-1/SCa - I would imagine, Grace. If their books are out of print, that "dust jacket bio" is definitely hard to come by........
diane - lol, judy, i just reread your post about the choral reading lesson...i notice you mention it could take a long time. that is part of my struggle. i do minilessons with my kids and then we just write...i never use 80 minutes on anything
Sharon - ooo.. kim, do you have her new book Let's Go Home? I love it!
Kim/K-1/SCa - naneb..........i commiserate. I know, I know...........
diane - it sounds better and better from your description...
Grace/IL - Some of them didn't even have dust jackets. Many authors clean out their files late in life and throw everything away.
naneb - I love the Relatives Came, Every Living Thing is wonderful, A Little shoppin!!
kathyb1stia - NAN, hold down the CR endorsements or KIM will get a BIG HEAD. LOL!!!
Kim/K-1/SCa - Sharon ! I didn't KNOW that! Oh I am such a BAD fan.........really I am.
Kim/K-1/SCa - So is Whales, Mr. Griggs' Work, This Year's Garden.......
diane - nan, i bought tulip sees america last week....i laughed today when i realized tulip was the dog. i thought it was an unusual name for the boy
naneb - I ordered it Sharon, Nanny nanny boo boo!! Ha!!Ha!! I will have it and Kim won't
judy3ca - Diane, I bet we spent almost an hour in third grade and my fifth grade friend probably did spend 80 minutes--especially if you had a follow-up discussion. It really would be perfect.
Sharon - i'm thinking it will be perfect for t-s connections... they all have homes in their schema
Sharon - lol nan!
Kim/K-1/SCa - I use her stuff to illustrate craft, imagery..........affective stuff............
naneb - I love Eve Bunting too!! i got The Wall, Fly Away Home, Cheyenne Again
Grace/IL - Kim, if each member of the class researched a different author, you could "publish" their bios for everyone in the class to have a copy.
Kim/K-1/SCa - Also, did you catch my post awhile back on the wonderfulness of Mr. Putter and Tabby?
Kathy/IA ..again - I'm going to have to bow out early tonight! Nice to chat with all of you!!
judy3ca - Grace, great idea! What a resource that would be for all of them.
Sharon - are they better than henry and mudge?
naneb - I sneak in and order books late at night! I think I am addicted!! Is there a Books Anonymous
Kim/K-1/SCa - Oh, yes, Sharon! I can't wait to get it. I am also ordering Tulip Sees America.
Kim/K-1/SCa - We are the charter members of Books Anonymous, Naneb.
naneb - Kim, have them find one overriding characteristic of their author's writing, like Roald Dahl has wonderful descriptions and characters
diane - found it, judy, i'll be scrutinizing after i log off!!
judy3ca - Confession: I am really truly running out of places to put books in my classroom.
naneb - Kim, could I use these books with 6th graders?
Kim/K-1/SCa - Yes, naneb..........matilda's exchange with her dad is hilarious.
diane - hi daphne
daphne/2/ar - Hi! I've never done this!! I'm behind the times, but eager to learn.
judy3ca - Good, Diane, let me know if you decide to use it.
naneb - I can spend a week on The Relatives Came
Kim/K-1/SCa - Oh yes, naneb..........simplicity camoflauges the really deep and profound ideas at work in her books.
Sharon - first time? we'll be gentle
naneb - same as bunting, I love her books. I loved fly Away Home and cheyenne Again
Grace/IL - Hi Daphne, Welcome!
Kim/K-1/SCa - Link The Relatives Came with Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge........great for a study on memoir and our own "memories." Great for a writing activity.
judy3ca - Hi daphne! Sharon, ROFLOL.
diane - nan, cheyenne again makes me cry
kathyb1stia - Gee, Kim, IF YOU PUBLISH the book, then I could use it as a text in my class... BIOS, BIOS, BIOS... and next Summer you could visit the class as the AUTHOR of the book... OR editor, if you prefer!
daphne/2/ar - Thanks! I have been reading about CR books. Any place special for lessons?
naneb - Every Living Thing made me cry, the first story about the turtle is a t-t connection with Thank You Mr. Falker
Kim/K-1/SCa - oh great, judy......now i have to buy THAT book too.
naneb - When he won the prize I cried
diane - okay, i have been toying with the idea of ordering every little thing...is it truly wonderful?
Kim/K-1/SCa - Now, the most profound for sixth grade I think would be the wonderful Missing May. Wow.........what a tremendous book.
naneb - Kim, I might but I might not be teaching writing maybe only reading
judy3ca - Nan, I'm finding that every class seems to have a book nature. Last year my class were huge fans of Roald Dahl, so I gave them each a copy of The Twits on the last day of school (thanks to Scholastic 95¢)
naneb - I loved it and the stories are short
Sharon - daphne, have you read Mosaic of Thought or Reading With Meaning? That's the type of teaching we do with these books they're referring to
Kim/K-1/SCa - it is wonderful, diane......... NANEB........you don't have to do the writing activity.......but it might help. They could "read" each other's memoirs and edit them. Bind them up..........?
naneb - I loved the twits, we made jigsaw puzzles with Roald Dahl books, They cut cardboard into puzzle pieces and drew in one piece a picture of a character and then described them in another, then swapped puzzles
diane - judy, i broke one of my own rules this year by reading a book aloud without having read it first...i know, not the greatest....but that book was the twits. my reactions were as genuinely surprised and amused as the kids...what a great read aloud...especially with 17 boys (out of 21 kids)
Kim/K-1/SCa - daphne.......CR's books go wonderfully with a professional book called "Wondrous Words." They are excellent models of craft.
daphne/2/ar - Yes, I am currently reading RWM and love it.
Sharon - is there another good book out there that has the subject of telling the story about the night/day the child was born... i wanted to save knots on a counting rope for later in the year
naneb - I read books now and I focus on the strategies that I can teach with each book. If I had a pack of pos@#$% my books would be covered with them
Kim/K-1/SCa - yes..........."on the day you were born" i think is the title.............
daphne/2/ar - OH NO! Another book to buy. My husband thinks I'm crazy!
judy3ca - Diane, once in a while I'll read a new book with a small group and tell them I haven't read it before--they love it. And wouldn't you know, the book I did that with this year was Dahl's The BFG...we had such a good time!
naneb - LOL!!! I love it I wrote post its
Kim/K-1/SCa - He will get over it, daphne, in time. He is not one of US so he doesn't truly understand. But we are here for you. (wink wink)
naneb - How about Love You Forever
judy3ca - Sharon, what about On the Day You Were Born by Frasier?
diane - lol, nan
Sharon - isn't that about an adopted child, kim?
naneb - I bought Knot on a Counting Rope too
Sharon - i'll check into it, judy... thanks
kathyb1stia - On the Day that you were Born by Debra Frazier.
Kim/K-1/SCa - hmmmm........ i think so. ..... Cynthia Rylant also has a good book along that line.......Birthday Presents. Truly cute.
diane - i use knots on a counting rope with the hickory chair...great T-T
naneb - Judy, have you read Maniac Magee? That one is good too!!
daphne/2/ar - Post-its are on my supply list this year
judy3ca - Nan, I love that book--but it's a little hard for my third graders.
judy3ca - nan, do you know Frindle? It's one of my favorite small group reads.
naneb - I love that one too, Judy
naneb - Judy, you should get Blackberries in the Dark, it is really good too
naneb - it is a 3rd grade book
judy3ca - LOL, it's on my wish list!
kathyb1stia - Speaking of Frindle... have you seen MISS ALIENOUS? It takes place in 5th grade.
naneb - I got it from Scholastic for almost nothing, bought a class set
diane - i did frindle as a whole class read aloud this year. i got the flu for about 3 days and mayhem broke out in my absence due to frindlemania....i'll never read frindle and get sick at the same time again!!!
diane - oh, kathy, i love miss alaineous
judy3ca - ROFLOL, I can see that happening, Diane!
daphne/2/ar - Thanks for being gentle with me! I have to tuck in my daughter!
naneb - I read Maniac Magee and just the idea of no chapter made everyone behave all day long
diane - i learned about miss alaineous from esme's site...if you haven't been there yet, it is wonderful
Kim/K-1/SCa - Esme has a site?
kathyb1stia - ESME's site? Where is that Diane?
judy3ca - My favorite thing about all of these wonderful books is that we wound up discussing them all year--and they came up in both reading and writing discussions. This is such a FUN way to teach!
Grace/IL - Grace/IL -- back again. Guess I was bumped.
diane - lol, as soon as i posted that i knew i'd have to find the address...i believe it is www.planetesme.com
Kim/K-1/SCa - Now Educating Esme was one terrific read! I passed it around to my teacher friends and we all wrote comments in it. Then my room partner begged to borrow it and that was 2 years ago......she still hasn't returned it.
naneb - Judy, that is one reason I hope I am teaching writing, i was pulling books out all year long
kathyb1stia - thanks, Diane, I will look into that site...
judy3ca - The cool thing about Esme's site is that she'll send you autographed bookplates for free. Kim, if you can get your book back, she'll even send you one for it.
Kim/K-1/SCa - Well, at Brad's urging I pulled out Lucy Calkins' "The Art of Teaching Reading." It really is a good book. What strikes me as a recurring theme in all of these books is the importance of creating a community first.
kathyb1stia - l am tired tonight, so I am going to say goodnight What great discussion!
Kim/K-1/SCa - Yeah, get to sleep Kathy for tomorrow you get to SHINGLE a roof. Be careful up there..........
judy3ca - Kim, I've been noticing that, too. It was the basis for a book I just read about conferring during writing, too. But if we stop to think about it, how can the kids do anything if they don't feel okay about it.
Kim/K-1/SCa - First I have to get the book BACK, Judy. This woman is a notorious packrat who puts Oscar Madison to shame. I bet she lost it. I keep getting put off...........'
diane - you're right, kim. i've been seeing great lessons all week at the writing project, but what has really been wonderful is the community of supportive writers. now, since we are all adults, that community was built quickly, but it was absolutely necessary
Kim/K-1/SCa - diane I am jealous......i would love to access to something like that...............
diane - i couldn't have done any of the writing work i did, revising and working without that community
diane - kim, it has been amazing. it will have long-lasting effect on the way i teach and relate to kids...it's been thrilling
Kim/K-1/SCa - Debbie Miller describes how she does it so well............I do a lot of the same things. But I can never seem to completely quell the
naneb - diane, you are absolutely correct about kids needing to feel safe, my class this year was wild and crazy, they were not like that in other classes but they were so intimidated in the regular ed classes that they wouldn't talk, In my room they knew they were accepted and they showed their true colors
Sharon - sorry to be a party pooper tonight... think i'll turn in... too tired ... have a great weekend everyone
Grace/IL - Good night, all. It's been fun.
diane - nan, the kids are lucky they have a place to feel themselves with you!!
diane - oh, man, my husband is looking for something in the kitchen...bad news
naneb - I asked them why they were like that in my room and they said it was because they loved me and I asked them to please love me a little less!! LOL!
Kim/K-1/SCa - let him forage, diane.....
diane - he's looking for a part to an espresso machine i haven't seen or used in 3 years. somehow the notion to "make himself a mocha" hit at an odd moment...
judy3ca - Nan, LOL, that's great!
Kim/K-1/SCa - Well, exploration in the kitchen is a GOOD thing, right? Maybe he will clean out a cupboard.
naneb - I think i will have them all again this year
judy3ca - Time to read, good night all!
Kim/K-1/SCa - Lucky you, naneb........... truly.
diane - more likely, kim, he will open drawers, mess them up, then leave them open!!
naneb - I think so, Kim really it is lucky them, that sounds really pretentious but what I meant is they get to have the new improved version
Brad/3 - not surprised
Kim/K-1/SCa - You know, we LIKE Judy, Brad.............
Brad/3 - no comment
naneb - I need to go too, son wants the computer
Kim/K-1/SCa - I was just tellin' the folks, Brad...........Lucy Calkins is a good read.
naneb - talk to y'all later
diane - okay, he's officially driving me crazy...i'm going to have to either help him look or drive to starbucks...talk to you all later!!
Kim/K-1/SCa - I would love to be a teacher in one of those Teacher's College Writing Project Schools. Sheesh.............
Brad/3 - did mae show up tonite?
Kim/K-1/SCa - But the discussions earlier were really good. Glad I came........why did you stay away?
Kim/K-1/SCa - hmmmm..........well..........maybe i missed something. last week you said some interesting stuff about teaching strategies during the "guided reading" block.............
Jacqueline -
Brad/3 - That's what I thought, maybe I missed something. She sent me an email that said, "End subject, please." I thought it had ended a while back!
Jacqueline - 11 X 17 book with mostly blank pages for first half of year, and some blank and lined bottoms of pages for second half of year. Kim, what system do you use, if I could ask.
Kim/K-1/SCa - I don't do journal writing or dictation...........and I encourage invented spelling.....it is developmentally appropriate.
Jacqueline - Kim- do you use a book, or separate sheets of paper?
Jacqueline - I encourage invented spelling as well...to develop phonemic awareness...
Kim/K-1/SCa - I like "Kid Writing" by Feldgus and Cardonick..........I like Building Blocks. Most of my writing is Interactive......they write to describe stories, pics..........kind of like language experience......?
Jacqueline - I'm going to get Kid Writing...it sounds good.
Brad/3 - Just a word to wise, don't call it invented spelling anymore. It's too "whole Language." And I guess that's bad right now. I call it phonetic spelling, cause that's what it is.
Kim/K-1/SCa - I call it "developmental spelling" cuz that is what it is...................
Jacqueline - Do you do any of the Story Play...kids write/dictate plays, then act them out?
Kim/K-1/SCa - we make books every week PLUS we have a science journal........observations.
Brad/3 - that's a good term too, kim
Jacqueline - I like both of those terms better than "invented"
Kim/K-1/SCa - No.....i let them act out fav stories.
Brad/3 - i find for primary, it's just easier if i write it the majority of the time. too much teaching, too little time
Brad/3 - talking about reader's theater of course
Kim/K-1/SCa - Get Interactive Writing by Fountas and Pinnell.........excellent..........
Kim/K-1/SCa - I also do Making Words later in the year.......does wonders for their spelling
Brad/3 - that is a good one kim. (judy would be proud)
Kim/K-1/SCa - Brad do you use a word wall?
Brad/3 - Kim, there's an activity for kinders called Scrambled Words that's like Making words for kinders
Brad/3 - constantly using word wall
Kim/K-1/SCa - do you change out the words......vocabulary/theme or high frequency?
Jacqueline - Thanks, Kim
JBear3 - Making words is a fine activity for all ages. The scrambled version is good also.
Brad/3 - high frequency on word wall. theme on charts above the word wall, and I change those as we move on
Jacqueline - can you describe Making Words or Scrambled Words in a nutshell?
Kim/K-1/SCa - I really like it. For Kinder I use the Judy Lynch version. For older kids, I like cunningham's first grade versions, on up...........
Brad/3 - LOL, those Judy Lynch videos crack me up
Kim/K-1/SCa - There are videos?
Kim/K-1/SCa - The kids manipulate letters to create words, changing one letter at a time............make h a t
Brad/3 - Jacq, for making words you scramble up a word and cut it into letters. the childrren manipulate the letters making different words that use more and more of the letters until they reach the final word that uses all the letter. IT's really fun and interactive. Then you sort the words according to patterns and then transfer to make new words with other letters (If I can spell sock, I can spell clock)
Kim/K-1/SCa - ...change ONE letter and change h a t into c a t
Brad/3 - In my opinion, Judy is a "little" off her rocker. Maybe teaching primary just a "leeetle" too long
Kim/K-1/SCa - ...change one letter and change c a t into c a r ........
JBear3 - Making words begins with a single word (ex -> motorcycle) the letters are placed in alphabetic order with vowels first (eoocclmrty) Kids are encouraged to make as many words as possible.
Brad/3 - Even when she was speaking in the adult portion, it was like she was talking to kinder's or firsties
Jacqueline - sounds great...sort of like word families...but more fun?
Kim/K-1/SCa - Or....you make the little words first and the kids have to guess the big word.....motorcycle.......they like that
Brad/3 - you could do word families, jacq, it incorporates a lot in one short lesson, and I haven't met a class yet that doesn't think it's DA BOMB
Jacqueline - Kim- yes, that does sound good.
JBear3 - Kids try to figure out the "big" word also. I encourage use of dictionaries. Can be used to work on specific phonemes or patterns.
Jacqueline - But in kindergarten...? Wow!
Alta Rose / 1 - Brad and Kim, how do you let your kids tell you when they think they know what the mystery words is? I had one so smart she almost always figured it out before we even started>
Kim/K-1/SCa - Lots of sound mapping going on (auditory), word families, spelling patterns (visual) plus they TOUCH the letters (kinesthetic)
Brad/3 - They get so excited to figure out the target word before you get to it. Usually my 3rd's had it figured out, but couldn't spell it correctly or had another version (Neighbors for neighborhood)
Alta Rose / 1 - So what do you do when they think they know it? Do you let them say it out loud?
Kim/K-1/SCa - No, no, no.....jacquie........ the Judy Lynch version is for Kinder. What JBear describes and we elaborate is for older kids.................hee hee hee.........or GATE kinders
Kim/K-1/SCa - No Alta.........they have to cover it up and wait to see...........the suspense is unbearable for them.
Jacqueline - yes, that's what I thought. sounded pretty advanced for K!
Alta Rose / 1 - Cover it up, Kim?
Brad/3 - alta, yes, they can say it out loud, because usually one person figures it out and after the first time doing the activity, they want it to be their "secret" that they know. Besides it's a "spelling" activity, so to me, it's not whether they know the word, it's whether they can spell it, (and most get it wrong, even though they know word, but in 3, I occasionally use "big" words, electricity or Australia)
Kim/K-1/SCa - they usually hurl their bodies on top of their desks, actually.........very dramatic@!
JBear3 - I have students write the words in a journal and circle the big word. If it is correct they earn small rewards.
Alta Rose / 1 - I don't understand. They have to keep making the other words don't they Kim?
Brad/3 - LOL, Kim, mine would start putting up the folders.
Kim/K-1/SCa - I also have the kids WRITE the words immediately after making them. Make the word, write it down. So they get that tactile reinforcement.
Jacqueline - Kim- What is the Judy Lynch version of this?
Brad/3 - as soon as they put up folders, I ran over to check
JBear3 - Alta, I encourage children to start with 2 letter words and "build" other words. This encourages rhyming patterns, substitutions, etc.
Kim/K-1/SCa - Yes, Alta.......they make all the little words first. I tell them what to make, they make it, write it, I check quickly, then I say "go for it" find the mystery word.
Brad/3 - but once the activity gets going, they're too busy to think about target word
Kim/K-1/SCa - Every teacher store has it....it is put out by Scholastic. Teaching Word Families
Alta Rose / 1 - Ok, but what about my girl who always knew the mystery word before we start? Do I let her say it out loud right away?
Brad/3 - Thanks for the name Kim, I was trying to think of that one talking to a Kinder teacher today
Kim/K-1/SCa - JBear grants more independence. But I am working with at risk second graders here.................
Jacqueline - t y
Brad/3 - I'd have her cover it and call you over, alta
Jacqueline - Alta Rose- you could give her a different word...or several words
Brad/3 - and even then, I'd probably say, "I think you might be right" Play it up!
Alta Rose / 1 - OK, she has to make it, cover it up and call me over? Then she continues to make the other little words with the rest of the class?
Brad/3 - Anytime anyone in my class calls out an answer I go "Hmmmmm. Maybe. maybe not." After a while my kids would do it.
Kim/K-1/SCa - Alta........give her a reallly realllly realllllly hard word.........LOL
Jacqueline - I'd probably give her a more advanced activity...sounds like she would need it...
Jacqueline - Crossword puzzles of homonyms, for example.
Alta Rose / 1 - Not really, Jacqueline, because even tho she could read and figure out the mystery word right away, the spelling part of it was good for her.
Kim/K-1/SCa - Alta....do you use word sorts at all?
JBear3 - Kim is correct about independence, I encourage students to do more on their own. I usually use 3 topics during making words such as biggest build, most words starting with a particular blend, and most 3 letter words. Students choose the area then write the words. Lists are shared at the end of the session.
Jacqueline - So, she wasn't a strong speller?
Alta Rose / 1 - This is Making Words from 4Blocks that I did.
Brad/3 - OOH, Jbear, you are moving into advanced territory there
Alta Rose / 1 - Yes, she was a strong speller, but she was in grade 1. The reading often comes before the spelling.
Kim/K-1/SCa - Good stuff, JBear.....
Brad/3 - brb, thirsty
JBear3 - Brad, I teach a title class and have had much success
Jacqueline - I believe students learn to spell from their reading primarily...especially GATE kids
Alta Rose / 1 - But I get it now. I just wasn't sure how to handle the "guessing" part.
JBear3 - Jacqueline -- What is GATE?
Jacqueline - gifted and talented
JBear3 - THANKS!
Brad/3 - back
Alta Rose / 1 - Yes, I agree, Jacqueline. This girls spells at 3rd grade level now, at least.
Kim/K-1/SCa - Opposite end of the spectrum from Title 1.............
Kim/K-1/SCa - Alta Rose.......do you do word sorts?
Brad/3 - Our title actually took middle kids, you know bubble kids for state testing
Alta Rose / 1 - Brad, I like your idea of saying "Maybe, maybe not." That's sort of what I was looking for.
Alta Rose / 1 - Yes, Kim, we sort the words after we make them.
Brad/3 - Kind've a "wait and see" approach; it just kind've lessens the importance of being right and heightens the activity (or learning, sorry jan) itself
Jacqueline - yes, Brad, I like that too.
Alta Rose / 1 - Yet, it gives the kids the chance to say it.
Kim/K-1/SCa - I will have 8 first graders next year.....all alone once the Kinders leave. I am thinking of small group word sorts, making words, etc.
Brad/3 - is this same diane as earlier?
Kim/K-1/SCa - Did you find the missing espreso part, diane?
Brad/3 - guess not
Brad/3 - LOL, missing espresso. Make your own @#$% coffee!
Alta Rose / 1 - I was just concerned that my "reader" was always saying the word at the beginning of every lesson and not giving the other kids the chance to try and figure it out.
Kim/K-1/SCa - Hoo kay.........guess I asked the wrong question.........
Brad/3 - LOL, that was suppposed to go to kim, sorry. (unless you know judy too)
Kim/K-1/SCa - Typical of a GATE kid, Alta.........steamrollers...........LOL
JBear3 - Bye All - Good luck with Making Words
Jacqueline - gifted kids aren't steamrollers...but they also need challenges!
Brad/3 - What wrong question, KIM
Jacqueline - give her a different challenging task...good for her and for the others...just more work for you...
Brad/3 - I love when Nan said, "Let him forage"
Alta Rose / 1 - That's the beauty of Making Words. Even though she could read them, the spelling part was enough of a challenge.
Kim/K-1/SCa - Without exception, every single gifted kid I have had was a steamroller.............a personality quirk to be sure. I suppose many are not steamrollers. All of mine have been.
Jacqueline - good
Brad/3 - multilevel, alta, that's the key with 4B (hey I'm poet and don't know it)
Jacqueline - Kim- really? Define steamroller for me...
Alta Rose / 1 - You got it, Brad!
Kim/K-1/SCa - I said "let him forage" Brad..she didn't listen.......
Jacqueline - verbal? quick? hmmmm....
Brad/3 - oh, okay, some women just bow to their men don't they?? LOL (hope I don't offend) Kim, your man's probably a regular caveman, foraging all the time
Dr. Gene - hello everyone, I have been a way, working away at my books, and getting my hourse ready to sell and job search..... How is everyone?
Kim/K-1/SCa - Well........... typically this is a child who is very intelligent and is making excellent connections all the time. So, he/she doesn't wait............they need gratification now. Others don't get "think" time.....they just shout out, blurt out, etc....................
Jacqueline - I see.
Alta Rose / 1 - Hello Dr. Gene!
Dr. Gene - Hi Alta Rose/1
Kim/K-1/SCa - I don't mean it as a negative, Jacqueline. Their energy just needs to be challenged.............channelled............LOL
Kim/K-1/SCa - So are you selling your horse or your house, Dr. Gene?
Dr. Gene - As busy as I am, it is not like being in the classroom huh?
Brad/3 - LOLol Gmta kim
Dr. Gene - house!
Dr. Gene - I sold my horse a long-time ago
Jacqueline - I understand, Kim. What gratification are they getting from shouting out? internal, external?
Brad/3 - some gifties, in my opine, just need some "recognition"
Jacqueline - why, do you think, Brad?
Kim/K-1/SCa - Ummm.....they are perceived as correct. Smart............hard to say. Yes, brad is right. Attention, too.
Dr. Gene - I have sent out maybe 125 resumes so far, to Business, and Education, at this point I do not care who hires me I must get a new job...
Brad/3 - they may not get it at home?
Brad/3 - aren't you a doctor, gene?
Alta Rose / 1 - I would say it's internal, depending on how the teacher deals with it when they shout out. My girl didn't shout out, but she always put her hand up and wanted to say the answer.
Kim/K-1/SCa - Most urban school districts in CA are desperate Dr. Gene...............horse or not, you will get hired!
Dr. Gene - My new house will be 60 miles down the 91 to my old school and if you live in So. CAl you know what a problem that is....
Jacqueline - I think it's a trap for gifted kids...because when all the other students can read/write/calculate and make abstract connections, the gifties can feel a great sense of loss. Important to not let them dominate and to keep them challenged. Each student having challenges...
Brad/3 - LOL, Kim,
Dr. Gene - PhD - Marketing Management
Dr. Gene - Why?
Brad/3 - then are they truly gifties, Jacq, that's my question
Kim/K-1/SCa - Ugh, Dr. Gene. I relate............time to get another house.
Brad/3 - I think you're just talking about bright kids, there is a diff
Dr. Gene - The new one is a single story, and I am gaining a office to write my books in
Dr. Gene - We have a two story now
Brad/3 - if you're marketing, just curious, why are you here?
Jacqueline - I agree there's a BIG difference between bright and Profoundly Gifted
Kim/K-1/SCa - You might be "over qualified" Dr. Gene...........School districts are cheapskates.
Kim/K-1/SCa - You might be "over qualified" Dr. Gene...........School districts are cheapskates.
Brad/3 - ("Why are any of us here? What's the meaning of it all?")
Dr. Gene - No one is over qualified, but I know what you mean..... I am also over aged!
Kim/K-1/SCa - I agree Jacqueline..........
Brad/3 - I don't know about you but I'm just gifted, but not profoundly.
Alta Rose / 1 - This also depends on your definition of giftedness. My girl was very bright, but I never thought of her as gifted. The 4Block framework has a lot of "built-in"challenges, or as Brad says, is multi-level.
Dr. Gene - and I am over cred. I have 5, and in Calif. this seems to be a bad thing today
Jacqueline - <---has taught Profoundly Gifted...knows I am not PG, just bright. hee hee
Dr. Gene - We want to hire people who have never taught, and without a Cred.
Kim/K-1/SCa - Have you tried L.A. Unified?
Brad/3 - she's probably not gifted, in the true sense of the word, In essence, only 2% of the population is truly gifted. You can see, then, that a lot of kids considered "gifted" by school systems really aren't.
Jacqueline - <--no way one could miss a PG... calculus as a 5th grader!
Dr. Gene - That would be a 70 mile drive from my new home. I am tenued now in Lawndale
Brad/3 - I'm kidding, Jacq. They didn't have things like gifted when I was in school.
Dr. Gene - tenured
Jacqueline - 2 percent is only an IQ of 130 which shows up as bright. Above a 145, then we're talking truly gifted.
Kim/K-1/SCa - My elementary school had a way of dealing with high achievers when I was a kid..........just stick 'em in a combo class!
Jacqueline - Kim- LOL
Brad/3 - or a corner
Kim/K-1/SCa - So you choice is........new house or job security?
Dr. Gene - I have to leave because of the drive, I have a job. They, my "chair" and others in the department do not want me to go
Dr. Gene - Yes!
Kim/K-1/SCa - Then don't go! Stay.................get another house.
Dr. Gene - You have hit the nail on the head!
Jacqueline - and a new horse!
Brad/3 - LOL, Jacq
Kim/K-1/SCa - If I wasn't a teacher, I would be a therapist..............LOL
Dr. Gene - But it goes futher than that, I have falling down the stairs several times, and this is not a good thing
Jacqueline - Kim, LOL
Brad/3 - If I wasn't a teacher, I'd be making a lot more money
Dr. Gene - If I was not a teacher I would be a Sales Manager, and I have
Kim/K-1/SCa - Uh, no.............a new house WITHOUT stairs. Or a horse to carry you UPSTAIRS.
Dr. Gene - By-the-way, I am also an Author, working on my second book, I just sent it to the Libary of Congress for copyright today
Brad/3 - Don't look a gifted horse in the mouth
Jacqueline - LOL Kim
Kim/K-1/SCa - Or you could be one of those absent-minded professors who LIVES in his office.
Alta Rose / 1 - Lol!
Dr. Gene - I am getting an Electic car
Dr. Gene - Could be!
Jacqueline - Dr. Gene...you have accomplished a lot!
Brad/3 - dr. gene, were you born here?
Dr. Gene - From high school drop-out too!
Jacqueline - Dr- I read the electric cars are better around town than on long freeway drives...FYI
Dr. Gene - Where is here?
Dr. Gene - Des Moines, Iowa
Kim/K-1/SCa - You see.......the sales from your book will allow you to get an elevator in your existing house.
Brad/3 - a high-school dropout with a PHD? That's impressive
Dr. Gene - True, so true!
Jacqueline - 1/3 of all high school drop outs are gifted...
Alta Rose / 1 - What is your book about?
Dr. Gene - I have one eye and one leg too!
Dr. Gene - Not true!
Kim/K-1/SCa - Seriously.................I wouldn't move. If you love your job...........stay put. Which college?
Brad/3 - 1/3 of all chat roomies are snerts
Jacqueline - LOL Brad!
Alta Rose / 1 - ? What's a snert??
Kim/K-1/SCa - No wonder you fall down the stairs, Dr. Gene.................
Brad/3 - Dr. Gene, you're a one-eyed, one-legged falling down phd!
Dr. Gene - The book is called 7,001 RESUMES, this is on the Websites now, the next book will be "JUMP START YOUR CAREER"
Brad/3 - What a sight to see!
Brad/3 - LOL kim
Dr. Gene - And one arm too!
Kim/K-1/SCa - You know what Ph.D stands for right?
Dr. Gene - and three toes!
Jacqueline - Wait a minute... you wrote 2 books on job searches...and you're doing a job search?
Alta Rose / 1 - No, Kim, tell us.
Kim/K-1/SCa - Piled Higher and Deeper.........LOL
Dr. Gene - That is right I do know!
Brad/3 - LOL, jacq
Jacqueline - Do you know the difference between compliment and complement?
Kim/K-1/SCa - "The Saga of the 3-Toed Job Search"
Brad/3 - Dr. Gene, have you ever thought of star search? That's how Rosie and Sinbad got their start
Alta Rose / 1 - Lol, Kim!
Dr. Gene - Three, the third is called: "JUMP START YOUR COMPUTER SKILLS" I hope to publish this spring!
Brad/3 - but then they didn't have chat rooms back then
Dr. Gene - The second I am shooting for this fall.
Jacqueline - What is the derivative of "x cubed"?
Brad/3 - x
Dr. Gene - That will be my next book!
Dr. Gene - I am working on becoming a star, one of my goals.........
Brad/3 - Dr. Gene, who is that behind you?
Dr. Gene - If you typed my name in Yahoo.com you would find me there
Dr. Gene - Also Google
Kim/K-1/SCa - Well of course..............you could be on Fox News................! And we can say we knew you when...............
Jacqueline - Do you really teach, Dr.?
Dr. Gene - It is my intel man
Dr. Gene - Yes very much so at all levels
Kim/K-1/SCa - Sign my computer screen, please!!!
Dr. Gene - Why?
Brad/3 - when, what, Kim? When he was a dateless @#$% with nothing to do on Fri nite but play with the big boys and girls?
Dr. Gene - Go to 1stbooks.com
Jacqueline - well, it's just...well, what do you teach, exactly?
Dr. Gene - Go to Amazon.com
Kim/K-1/SCa - A bona fide celebrity in our midst.......................I am star struck..............
Dr. Gene - Go to Borders.com
Dr. Gene - Not yet!
Dr. Gene - Go to BN.com
Dr. Gene - Go to JLBooks.com
Jacqueline - Well, Dr. Gene... I don't see why you'd be on a K-3 literacy chat room if you were that famous!
Dr. Gene - and so on!
Brad/3 - You dot com a lot, Dr. Gene, I guess you don't get out much with your one leg
Dr. Gene - This is more fun!
Jacqueline - Brad, Alta Rose, Kim...It's been real...
Dr. Gene - Really!
Kim/K-1/SCa - ...and it's been fun............
Jacqueline - I'm gonna go try and order Kid Writing
Dr. Gene - Go see!
Brad/3 - I think Dr. Gene wrote that one, Jacq
Kim/K-1/SCa - You will like it Jacqueline...........
Alta Rose / 1 - Enjoyed chatting with you Jacqueline! Same time next week?
Kim/K-1/SCa - I had to get it directly from Wright Group
Jacqueline - don't need a resume book or a job search book, gotta job I love right now!
Dr. Gene - Go to www.outcrybooksreview.com
Kim/K-1/SCa - Join us again next week, J......
Dr. Gene - But your students might!
Alta Rose / 1 - How old are your students, Jacq?
Dr. Gene - My second book is for HS students and Adults entrying the world of work for the first time
Jacqueline - Alta Rose...sounds great. You guys were really helpful, thanks! I'll see you next week...I especially would like to "pick your brains" on handwriting... My students are gifted kindergartners (some PG, some bright!)
Alta Rose / 1 - How many gifted K's do you have, J?
Jacqueline - 19
Dr. Gene - Brad/3 if this is a question for me, I am 62!
Alta Rose / 1 - You must have a big school population, eh?
Kim/K-1/SCa - No wonder you weren't sure about my "steamroller " comment..............mea culpa, Jacqueline.................
Dr. Gene - That was fun!
Alta Rose / 1 - To have that many gifted K's I mean. That's one fourth of our K population!
Jacqueline - tis okay, Kim...I understand your situation...easier to teach gifted when the whole class is gifted...for sure
Brad/3 - no offense, but how can someone be gifted in K?
Kim/K-1/SCa - I get one a year, max..........it must be the water.........
Dr. Gene - Advance sand pile!
Alta Rose / 1 - Brad, one of my K collegues had a girl who could read at least 6th grade level, and comprehend.
Brad/3 - but that isn't necessarily gifted. do you test them?
Kim/K-1/SCa - EASILY, Brad! I had one this past year who came in reading on a 3rd grade level........lots of higher order thinking that didn't match "developmentally."
Dr. Gene - Good night guys!
Jacqueline - Kim- exactly...don't need to test them...they're easy to spot...
Kim/K-1/SCa - Good t-t, t-s, t-w connections, 2 digit addition/subtraction in her head......
Jacqueline - You can tell by the questions that they ask, and the speed with which they learn new ideas
Brad/3 - still, though, you should test, and the standard WISC isn't always accurate until you're about eight or nine.
Brad/3 - WHEW
Kim/K-1/SCa - You probably can't formally identify them.................but you can spot them a mile away.................
Kim/K-1/SCa - Whew
Jacqueline - Actually we've retested kids at age 10, that were tested when much younger, and results have always remained the same
Brad/3 - I'm of the opinion that you shouldn't declare "gifted" until about the age of nine or ten. Most gifted programs I know, (except the one in my school) don't begin until the fourth grade. Now if there are exceptionally bright primaries, sometimes the teacher would take them
Jacqueline - why Brad?
Brad/3 - well, jacq, that number seems abnormally high. are you sure that they just don't put the "bright" kids in a separate class for behavioral reasons
Kim/K-1/SCa - Well.....I am of the opinion that there should be heterogenous mixing of all children.....except some SDC and SED kids. I think a nice mix is better than separating them.
Brad/3 - IMHO, Primary is a time of development. We shouldn't be labeling or grouping anyone.
Brad/3 - . . . All childhood is development reallly. . .
Kim/K-1/SCa - True Brad................needs can be met through differentiated instruction
Alta Rose / 1 - Jacq, I'm just asking--not being critical, but are these kids truly gifted, or they just very bright? It's just that I've been teaching for 14 years now, and I've only had one child that I'd consider gifted. Please don't take offense--just asking!
Jacqueline - research shows gifted kids do better with gifted kids, and that lower performing kids do better without the gifted kids around...because then they get the instruction and the "think" time that we were discussing earlier...
Brad/3 - The "smart" ones in k-1 aren't necessarily bright per se, maybe they just come from better backgrounds than others. Studies show kids even out around third or fourth grade despite backgrounds as far as predictors of schools success
Kim/K-1/SCa - hmmmm.........good point, J
Jacqueline - all kids have an IQ above 129... 8 or so have IQ above 145...
Brad/3 - I agree with you jacq that gifted should be grouped with gifted, just quibbling with your school's definiton of gifted.
Jacqueline - brad- I had read that too, but it isn't based on reality...
Kim/K-1/SCa - I think I am mixing up "gifted" with "high achievers" ............. who serve as excellent models for the other children
Jacqueline - yes, gifted is different than high achievers...
Brad/3 - In other words, good performers in K may be good because of coming from literate backgrounds, but good performers in 3 may be good performers despite backgrounds
Alta Rose / 1 - Brad, what do you mean by even out?
Jacqueline - i agree family and SES are big factors (plus or minus) nature AND nurture
Brad/3 - Kim, I'd have to agree with you. There probably are a few gifted, and a lot of high acheivers (not that there's anything wrong with that)
Kim/K-1/SCa - Well yes..............but you are born with a "range " of intellectual possibilities. And education , background experience, etc. determines WHERE in range you might fall.............
Alta Rose / 1 - Yes, but I've also seen good performers despite backgrounds and vice-versa in grade one.
Jacqueline - By high achievers, do we mean bright?
Brad/3 - bright = high acheivers
Brad/3 - see what I mean, alta, there's an example of it "evening out" already
Kim/K-1/SCa - Yes, J...............i think so. Bright but not "Albert Einstein" gifted............different characteristics, right?
Alta Rose / 1 - Do you mean by 3rd or 4th they are roughly the same level, Brad?
Jacqueline - Also, highly gifted children, usually aren't globally gifted, so there can even be areas of LD...
Kim/K-1/SCa - If you are referring to the fourth grade "slump" Brad, this refers only to children who were "hothoused" in the primary grades............
Brad/3 - not by any means, alta, just saying home life is less a predictor of performance by this age, and therefore true performance on ability can be more accurately assessed
Brad/3 - kim, what the ? are you talking about
Jacqueline - an especially difficult thing for a child who finds some things effortless to learn, and has to work very hard to learn other areas...Alta Rose, that's why I asked if your girl student was a good speller. There are many gifted readers with excellent comprehension and interpretive skills who CANNOT spell!!
Kim/K-1/SCa - thought you were referring to some research about the 4th grade slump..............sorry
Brad/3 - no prob, explain please
Jacqueline - Kim- I SO agree! That's why 1/3 of our high school drop outs are gifted...they're hothoused through high school!
Brad/3 - hothoused?
Jacqueline - Yes, what is the 4th grade slump? I haven't heard of this either.
Alta Rose / 1 - I used to think "nature" was far more significant than "nurture." The more I teach, the more I think "nurture" plays a big factor. Many children struggle in spite of good homes, and then you find out that the parents struggled, too.
Brad/3 - LOL, I always tell my 3rd's parents, 3rd is where a lot of kids "hit the wall" It's true
Kim/K-1/SCa - Okay........some people believe that "hothousing" is a good thing. Witness commerical programs that promise to teach your baby /preschooler to read. Academic kinder programs that PUSH kids to read ................
Brad/3 - I agree alta, and many kids soar despite bad homes. it has a lot to do with temperament and methods of fulfilling needs in my opine
Alta Rose / 1 - Yet, if the kids aren't ready those programs aren't going to do a thing, are they?
Kim/K-1/SCa - Push, push , push, as if learning to read were a race........................
Brad/3 - hothousing is pushing kids to academics that they aren't developmentally ready for?
Jacqueline - ...and these kids miss out on so much...so many things that are critical to developing schemas on which to hang their learning...
Jacqueline - While we're at it, I am SO worried about T.V. and computer games and their effect on kids' thinking ...
Brad/3 - are you referring to any program in particular kim?
Kim/K-1/SCa - If a child is ready, this is sort of okay, but not all kids are ready. They need to learn to love books and number first, you know? So these kids who were "forced" to master letter/sounds, write sentences before they had a chance to "love" books..............show a slump in the 4th grade
Alta Rose / 1 - Hooked on Phonics Worked For Me!
Brad/3 - where did you get this kim? In that pretty little head of yours?
Brad/3 - Hooked on Phonics worked for the publisher!
Alta Rose / 1 - When my K nephew got out of school for the summer last year, the first thing he said was, "Guess what Mom? I don't have to read anymore!" Now, that's sad!
Jacqueline - I so agree with that Kim... and don't get me started on all the "rewards" that are used that undermine children's internal motivation to learn.
Kim/K-1/SCa - Exactly......Alta. Couple that with the natural tendency of parents to be competitive...............yu have these kids being burned out before they could love books and words..........and themagic of numbers.
Jacqueline - Alta- That is SO sad. That K teacher should be fired...seriously...
Brad/3 - i guess i don't experience that
Kim/K-1/SCa - There is research.............I will ask Jan.
Brad/3 - LOL, Jan
Brad/3 - I"ve never heard of it called hothousing though
Alta Rose / 1 - And, my brother was told that my nephew needed to work on sight words over the summer! Coming out of K!
Jacqueline - So, Kim, do you think that the word wall in K is developmentally appropriate?
Kim/K-1/SCa - Look, Brad. If a child is ready to read and WANTS to learn about letters/sounds, so be it. Most kids who are read to a LOT will naturally internalize some of that. They are ready to learn the rules and apply them.
Brad/3 - oh, k's a different beast these days
Jacqueline - I have always thought it should begin in first grade.
Kim/K-1/SCa - For your kids, if they are writing, J, yes..................they need words for their writing.
Brad/3 - I know my son's ready and he won't even be entering for another year. OF course, I like to think this is a literate background. My daughter was a good reader too. They always had to find her something more challenging to read in school
Kim/K-1/SCa - But the word wall in MY classroom is their NAMES which we use as an anchor for all their "invented" spelling.................
Brad/3 - IN building blocks, there is no word wall in K per se, just environmental print
Brad/3 - some k's are not ready for letter/sounds?
Kim/K-1/SCa - Kid Writing has quite a lot to say about environmental print......you will be intrigued, J
Brad/3 - what do they say, kim?
Jacqueline - Okay, yes, names and environmental print is what I do. I know that a nearby district requires word walls in their K classrooms, and my teacher friend is having a fit...
Kim/K-1/SCa - Well, you read Trelease, Brad............you know the power of reading aloud............................
Jacqueline - Amen
Brad/3 - okay, just wondering if they considered good or bad
Kim/K-1/SCa - REady or not, we have to teach it................i use lots of context and lots of connections to stories, names, meaningful words, etc.
Brad/3 - i can't imagine environ print as a BAD thing
Alta Rose / 1 - brb
Brad/3 - what kind of words are on a k wall, jacq
Kim/K-1/SCa - I can teach them until the cows come home. (Moo) But can they use that information? Maybe..............depends upon readiness. J and I can tell who is ready to read and who is not..............
Jacqueline - It depends on whether the goal is reading...or setting up a passion for learning...I know we want to do both, but sometimes one has to make choices.
Brad/3 - that's so true, j
Jacqueline - She had: am, like, the, and a few others. I could find out.
Kim/K-1/SCa - Not a bad thiang...............at all. But it has to be meaningful.
Brad/3 - this is interesting to me, because i was reading by k so i didn't get "reading instruction" in school.
Jacqueline - Brad- do you remember how you learned how to read?
Kim/K-1/SCa - like.............they need the words "up" and "down" and "on " and "off" in their writing. So , when it is needed.....you put a label on the light switch..........UP DOWN ON OFF
Brad/3 - j, towards the end of the year in K under building blocks, they do start a "mini-word wall" with a, the, and others like that, but it's not a word wall like you think of word walls, it's just like a randomly placed bulletin board
Kim/K-1/SCa - The sign on your bathroom..................."go" "stop"
Brad/3 - not at all, jacq, i read at a VERY young age. I can always remember reading.
Kim/K-1/SCa - Then you have little crowns. Because they will need to add "ing" to words. The crown says "The King of ing."
Brad/3 - They call it "popcorn words" cause these words are always "popping up" in big books
Jacqueline - most people I know don't remember how they learned to read...interesting.
Kim/K-1/SCa - "the Wiz of is"
Brad/3 - Oh, Kim, our presenter shared that at the workshop I was in this week. That's from Kid Writing?
Jacqueline - k and b- very interesting... I like the term "popcorn" words!
Alta Rose / 1 - Kim, I teach in Canada and the push is the same here. My teacher friend and I were just discussing it today. I wish my K collegues shared your beliefs!
Kim/K-1/SCa - Yup..embedded in context. Sound familiar?
Brad/3 - I'm thinking about doing something like popcorn words when i do ss/sci themes. like words that pop up when studying butterflies, etc. as a bulletin board
Kim/K-1/SCa - Alta.........you might like Kid Writing. It is a quick read...............
Brad/3 - kim would kim writing have any app in 2
Alta Rose / 1 - OK KIm, I'll add it to my list! Lol...
Kim/K-1/SCa - Yes...........a word wall of thematic words............see Phonics They Use by Cunningham
Brad/3 - kim writing??? LOL
Alta Rose / 1 - Brad, that sounds intriguing. Tell me more.....
Brad/3 - I had a word wall of thematic words, (LOVE that book) but I like calling it something catchy, like popcorn words. I'm always into catchy things, cuz I think the kids get into it more that way
Kim/K-1/SCa - Hmm...........maybe. Limited application because of the developmental differences. But fershure................some good ideas.
Alta Rose / 1 - Do you add the words with the kids as they "pop" up?
Brad/3 - I called SSR, SQUIRT time, and they like that, next year though I'm changing it to DIRT
Kim/K-1/SCa - YES! Alta............exactly.
Brad/3 - I didn't this year, alta, but am going to next year
Alta Rose / 1 - I really want to improve vocab. Sounds like a good way.
Kim/K-1/SCa - I like Flop, Drop, and Read........Brad you need a classroom teepee for reading...........
Brad/3 - I think so, I also want to get more charts on spirals and keep them handy as references like for anchor lessons, and writing lessons, or vocab brainstorming.
Kim/K-1/SCa - ............and a bathtub the kids can climb in to read..........
Alta Rose / 1 - What's DIRT stand for?
Jacqueline - DIRT- Drop it, Reading Time?
Brad/3 - I would LOVE a bathtub, (and you might find me in there KIM)
Brad/3 - Daily Independent Reading Time
Jacqueline - SQUIRT?
Kim/K-1/SCa - Me too......my new principal is going to think I am nuts..............
Jacqueline - Silent Quiet Uninterrupted Independent Reading Time?
Brad/3 - SQUIRT was Sustained Quiet Uninterrupted Reading Time, but I want to change it, because I 4B, which means I conference, and that's not really uninterrupted then is it?
Kim/K-1/SCa - Wellll.............Dustin needs the 'puter..............
Brad/3 - So DIRT says it all and leaves out uninterrupted and is still catchy . I can't wait to say, "It's time for dirt!"
Kim/K-1/SCa - So I gotta make like a banana and split
Kim/K-1/SCa - make like an egg and scramble
Jacqueline - This was fascinating everyone. Thanks for being so committed to teaching...
Jacqueline - Dirt made my lunch!
Brad/3 - catch you in the tub, kim? by the way, YES, i have calkins, and it's even dog-eared
Kim/K-1/SCa - make like a tree and leave
Alta Rose / 1 - Well guys, the next time we meet I will be much smarter now that I finally have time to start reading some of those books!
Alta Rose / 1 - Lol, Kim!
Kim/K-1/SCa - GOOD read, bRad..........i dipped into it againtoday
Jacqueline - good chatting...hope to see y'all here again soon!
Kim/K-1/SCa - I have to make like a prune and go........
Jacqueline - Writing between the Lines?
Brad/3 - it's solid, like i said, dense
Alta Rose / 1 - Good night everyone! See you next week!
Brad/3 - art of teaching reading
Jacqueline - Oh, tis good too!
Jacqueline - g'nite
Kim/K-1/SCa - J...........go to the prof chatboard we are all there
Jacqueline - the main chatboard...or the professional chatboard?
Alta Rose / 1 - Yes, J, please do!
Kim/K-1/SCa - make like a hockey player and get the puck out of here..................
Jacqueline - KIM!!! LOL
Kim/K-1/SCa - yes............the prof reading chatboard
Alta Rose / 1 - Kim, where do you get all of these? LOL!
Alta Rose / 1 - J, it's the Professional Reading chatboard.
Jacqueline - okay...thanks!
Kim/K-1/SCa - leftover from jr. high..............when can i use them
Alta Rose / 1 - Goodnight! See ya next week!
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