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Anne/K/FL - Welcome to our meeting! Are you still in school?
Anne/K/FL - What are you going to change for the next school year ?
Amy k/va - I'm going to use the word wall next year.
Anne/K/FL - What would be your first change in reading for your new class?
canuk - Hopefully we're going to get a school wide two hour literacy block every morning
Anne/K/FL - What do you do in your two hour block?
canuk - Anne, adapted version of Cunningham
Anne/K/FL - Yes, an adaption of the Four Blocks tell us more?,
kat/Kathleen/k/CT - Hello, everyone...it's the top of the hour..Anne, why not into yourself (and your credentials;-)
Anne/K/FL - I am a 30 year veteran I had my own school and now I teach train write and tutor
Ruby/Tx - What is train write Anne?
kat/Kathleen/k/CT - Bob, you know Mrs Alphabet :-)
Bob R/CA - Hi Mrs. Alphabet :o)
Bob R/CA - Thanks for being here tonight for us!
kat/Kathleen/k/CT - Anne, at what level/s is your experience?
Anne/K/Fl - Mrs. Alphabet was born in a classroom the size of a closet with 17 boys and 7 girls.
Anne/K/Fl - 30 years and a Masters
Anne/K/Fl - I use multiple intelligences and a lot of humor and acting.
kat/Kathleen/k/CT - So, Anne, trial by fire and water!! Thanks sooo much for agreeing to do this meeting..I'm ready! :-)
Anne/K/Fl - Now please share your expertise!
Grace - Anne, how do you deal with multiple intelligences -- what types of activities?
Bob R/CA - I have the best group of mentor teachers anywhere on the planet :o)
kat/Kathleen/k/CT - Anne, would you like us to ask questions, or give you a chance to present first?
Anne/K/Fl - What would you change in your program for the next school year?
kat/Kathleen/k/CT - I will be trying to use more word wall activities
Amy k/va - Me too, Kat
Anne/K/Fl - I would like to use the resources we have here tonight>
Sandy/K/Mo - I want to do word walls too just got the book today
Ruby/Tx - I need to do more language experience stories for modeling and then allow the kids to do more writing.
aggie/1/ca - I tried the word wall thing at the end of this year. It really worked and the kids loved it!
Anne/K/Fl - Why do you think word walls will enhance reading?
Janet/3/NM - I have noticed the word wall mentioned on the board but I'm not familiar with it
Jane*k*MO - I want to learn to effectively use the material that my school has purchased before I start to change
JJ/NM - What book Sandy?
kat/Kathleen/k/CT - the mini-word wall I used this year encouraged the children to seek out words that they wanted to use in their writing, made them more aware of words that they might want to use
Sandy/K/Mo - Patricia Cunninghams month by month
canuk - Word wall is great, especially in conjunction with read around the room inguided reading centres
sue - hi yall, are we talking about word walls?
Anne/K/Fl - Modeling is an excellent tool for teaching that is what makes the four block system successful.
aggie/1/ca - Have you all been able to find Pat Cunningham's book? I can't find it!
Ruby/Tx - We reviewed the words on the word wall periodically because so many of my kids could not read or remember the words.
ksteach1 - I interested in word walls too. I teach first grade.
Cathie - What is the four block system?
canuk - How do you do think alouds in your room?
Sandy/K/Mo - Aggie.. the teacher store had to order it
Anne/K/Fl - I also am going to incorporate the Flat Stanley project,etc.
sue - aggie, check the ec ring, there's a site and a toll free number
Ruby/Tx - I am not familiar with the four block system Anne.
aggie/1/ca - That's just what I did, Ruby. At first we did it every day.
JJ/NM - Anne, I want to use the 4 blocks. How would you suggest starting?
aggie/1/ca - I was going to try amazon.com, Sandy.
sue - anne, I'm going to do Flat Stanley with my class, too
~Sea~ - we had some great adventures with our Flat Stanley this year
Anne/K/Fl - Why do you think your children couldn't remember the words on the wall?
~Sea~ - hi kat
meeha/ece/tx - I was reading about Flat Stanley today -- I think I'll try it, too! The kids will love it!
Jimmie/ESL/TX - Patricia Cunningham's book, Phonics They Use is a wealth of excellent invormation concerning word walls! Excellent book.
Ruby/Tx - aggie, my students have an index card with writers words on their desks to refer to also.
Peachy/K/NC - I agree Jimmie!
Donna/ne - nothing to associate it with
JJ/NM - Aggie, I tried Amazon.com. They had other books of hers, but not the 4 block one.
kat/Kathleen/k/CT - we illustrated the words on our word wall to help the kids read them
Sandy/K/Mo - meeha... I have done Stanley for 8 years
Janet/3/NM - How picks what words go on the wall, the teacher or the students?
ksteach1 - What in the world is Flat Staley?
Anne/K/Fl - I would suggest starting 4 blocks by purchasing the book from Teachers. net and networking with teachers that have used the system
Ruby/Tx - Anne, some did not know sounds of letters and had problems with decoding.
Jane/k/mo - I want to get one of Pat's books, which one should I get first
aggie/1/ca - I want to do that next year, Ruby.
Ruby/Tx - What is flat Stanley?
sue - I did a modified version of word walls with my fours. When they saw a word in a book or in the enviornment they recognized they wrote it on chart paper
Grace - Ruby, children not remembering the key words -- that's what Irene Gaskins discussed in her Reading Teacher article. Some children need more than just word walls.
~Sea~ - kat, how did they illustrate sight words: (been for instance)
Anne/K/Fl - Ruby, I use a rainbow reading code I designed myself e-mail me!
JJ/NM - Janet, I had the kids pick the words. They were words they frequently used in their writing.
sue - sandy, any advice for a first timers with FS?
Ruby/Tx - kat, that is a good idea. My kids liked that.
aggie/1/ca - Hi, Shirl.
Jimmie/ESL/TX - Anne, Cunningham says that word walls are for high frequency words. Many of those words have no concrete meaning (of, for, from, etc.). Therefore, the children have nothing concrete to fix the word to. Also, many of those words have similar letters (the, their, there, who, why, etc.).
Anne/K/Fl - Any visual cues will help children remember.
kat/Kathleen/k/CT - ~Sea~ my word wall didn't have many words..none of the sight words, I had sight words in sentences..I need to improve, that's my goal, to learn more about how to do word walls more effectively
Shirl - Could you tell me the Publisher for Pat Cunningham's books please.
~Sea~ - hi jimmie, we try a "chant" when these words are introduced...
aggie/1/ca - Carson Delossa, I think, Shirl.
kat/Kathleen/k/CT - Shirl, we'll be posting links to Pat Cunnigham's books on Teachers.Net soon
meeha/ece/tx - I honestly think that the kids who are ready 'remember' the words -- and can refer to / use the word wall well -- those who aren't there yet are exposed to the print and see it used by teachers and students, continuing their exposure to the print and concepts of correlating print to speech. I will use it with my 3 - 5 year olds (sp.ed.) next year as an added tool.
Anne/K/Fl - Jimmie, I use the walls, but I use rainbow code Patricia suggests framing the word to produce an outline.
Donna/ne - I put up our vocabulary words-under the story's name so could remember them
Amy k/va - You could teach the sight words from songs and poems and then add them to the word wall
kat/Kathleen/k/CT - Pat Cunningham has agreed to come here to do a session in July
Jimmie/ESL/TX - Kathleen, Cunningham had sight words in sentences and phrases, too. :)
aggie/1/ca - I introduced 5 words a week with my kiddos. We read those words every day.
kat/Kathleen/k/CT - framing the configuration, right?
sue - I like that idea Amy
canuk - A spin off from the morning message. Yesterday's leader gives the news, I transcribe it, some phonetically, some missing lettters. Kids edit.in whole group (good to have ones and twos) They choose words to add to the wall. Then they take turns making wh questions about the news
~Sea~ - the clap chant helps by involving the whole body...
kat/Kathleen/k/CT - Jimmie, I'm glad Pat agrees with me ;-)
sue - when Kathleen?
Shirl - Great! They sound interesting and I have never come across them before.
Anne/K/Fl - Aggie, that's great and how else could you help children to remember?
~Sea~ - slower group uses a pointer stick to review in small groups later...
Sandy/K/Mo - I found pictures from a phonics clip art book and attached to the word on the wall
kat/Kathleen/k/CT - sue, hopefully July 14, still working to confirm that
~Sea~ - sounds good, canuk
Peachy/K/NC - Good idea Sandy
Anne/K/Fl - Sandy, that's important too
sue - thanks Kat
kat/Kathleen/k/CT - HI, Tamara! Welcome to our meeting about reading in early childhood and primary grades
Jimmie/ESL/TX - I haven't used word walls before, but I'm going to this coming year. :) Logistics always stopped me before. I know what I want to do, sort of.
Sara/K/Tx - I'm going to try word wall this next year. May need help!
Betty - To order Pat's books call Carson Dellosa @ 1-800-321-0943
Jimmie/ESL/TX - Phonics They Use has a multitude of activities to use with word walls!!! It's a must have book, IMHO.
aggie/1/ca - Well, i used the Dolch word list. When I finished the pre-primer list, I switched colors. Sometimes I would have the kids read all the red words, etc. Also, they loved, at center time, to use the pointer and read the words.
Anne/K/Fl - I do a Safari Hunt for letters and words using flashlights, loop straws and magnifiers.
aggie/1/ca - Thanx, Jimmie.
~Sea~ - with the clap chant, you clap low for low letters and clap above your head when spelling a tall letter (ball would be: tall clap, low clap, 2 more tall claps while spelling the word aloud)
Peachy/K/NC - Sara, just get Phonics Their Way. Pat C explains it so well.
Jimmie/ESL/TX - Sara, :). We can lean on each other as we stick out the first year of word walls. :)
~Sea~ - mine too, aggie
Sara/K/Tx - Who is the pub., Jimmie?
ksteach1 - No one cleared up Flat Stanley
Anne/K/Fl - Does anyone use word necklaces?
Tamara - Thanks! I am eager to learn from you all. In which ways do you evaluate your students in reading at the beginning of the year?
Peachy/K/NC - Phonics They Use!
JJ/NM - Can someone who has done the 4 blocks explain how you started them??
Ruby/Tx - Patricia Cunningham and Richard Allington wrote CLASSROOMS THAT WORK and it also has word wall examples in it.
kat/Kathleen/k/CT - I haven't used word necklaces...?
aggie/1/ca - I also had the kids look for rhyming words, words that end like ___ etc.
Betty - Anne what are word necklaces?
~Sea~ - Flat Stanley is a short chapter book by... (?)
Peachy/K/NC - What about word necklaces?
Sara/K/Tx - Thanks!!! I just got Mon x Mon. Reading and Writing!! Love it.
aggie/1/ca - Tell me more about word necklaces!
~Sea~ - Stanley is flattened by a bookcase (but unhurt) and can be mailed different places
Jimmie/ESL/TX - Phonics They Use: Words for Reading and Writing, 2nd ed. Harper Collins. ISBN is 0-673-99087-7. :)
kat/Kathleen/k/CT - meeha and all, when teachers.net posts a link to a book through Amazon, it helps us when you purchase..but you pay no more
~Sea~ - me too aggie!!! :)
Sandy/RR/PA - Cunningham also has a great Word Wall kit that comes with high frequency words and charts. I think it is only about 20.00 and will be available from Carson-Dellosa in July.
Anne/K/Fl - Build sentences by having children wear neckaces with words on them.
JJ/NM - Ruby, I'm reading her book "Schools that work" and it's great!!!!
Amy k/va - What I do to teach sight words is to take a poem like Orange is a carrot. It has the word "is" in it a lot. So we cirlce "is" and other freq. words. I also teach the color words by poems and hand motions. Then you can go from there making new sentences. Then the sight words can be put on the word wall
Anne/K/Fl - Children love to act out and perform.
aggie/1/ca - Oh, thanx, Sandy! I will look for it!
~Sea~ - i do high-frequency words and sight words
Jimmie/ESL/TX - Tamara, in our district we administer the Flynt Cooter Reading Inventory. Teachers also take writing samples.
~Sea~ - sounds cute, anne
Amy k/va - I think sight words need to come from something meaningful not isolated
kat/Kathleen/k/CT - Oh, arrange the kids in order to build sentences out of their word necklaces!
Anne/K/Fl - Do you do a poetry book?
Betty - I never know how many words to put on the wall in my 1st class.
Jimmie/ESL/TX - Sandy, yippee!!!! July isn't far away!
Peachy/K/NC - I have made word cards worn around their necks to make sentences.
~Sea~ - true, any
~Sea~ - true, amy
aggie/1/ca - Does anyone use the John Shefelbine test of basic phonics skills?
Amy k/va - I have a reading folder with all the songs and poems in it.
kat/Kathleen/k/CT - I'll look into getting a link to Cunningham's word wall kit, then your purchase will help Teachers.Net
Jimmie/ESL/TX - No, aggie, we don't.
Anne/K/Fl - Peachy, how do the kids respond?
ksteach1 - I recently got a lot of great poems from a co. called Literacy Links
aggie/1/ca - I had over 70 up in my room, betty.
Ruby/Tx - Betty, I introduce a few (5-6) at a time.
Amy k/va - I mean each student has a reading folder
Anne/K/Fl - Amy, rhymes and poems are excellent facilitators.
aggie/1/ca - wow! this is neat! We've got a lotta ideas flowing here!
~Sea~ - i try to put most of my songs/poems on charts
Peachy/K/NC - They loved it and wanted to do more, Anne.
Donna/ne - when school got out, we had all of the vocab. words from their last reading unit-and they were using the words in their sentences and stories-it was great
Betty - I have about 25 up now aggie, the kids really use these words in their writing.. I am always hesitant to put too much up??? What do you think?
Sandy/K/Mo - By everyone.. have to go :(
Anne/K/Fl - I am going to do a rhyming wall.
JJ/NM - Amy, what all is in the reading folders?
Jimmie/ESL/TX - betty, about 5 a week or less. Either one a day or 5 on Mon.
Ruby/Tx - Tex is coming out with a new Reading Inventory that we are suppossed to use for evaluation. Our district has its own however.
Sara/K/Tx - Does anyone use any Macracken material?
~Sea~ - bye Sandy
kat/Kathleen/k/CT - bye, Sandy, watch for the transcript!
Anne/K/Fl - What did you do this year that you didn't like?
Betty - I have a seperate chart for Vocab. words that aren't high-freq.
kat/Kathleen/k/CT - Anne, tell us about your rhyming wall
Jimmie/ESL/TX - I love mine to be on charts too, Sea. I tape them to coat hangers (they're on tagboard). Then the kids can get them as they want.
canuk - A quick and quite accurate assessment of phonemic awareness is the Rosner
kat/Kathleen/k/CT - no, Sara/k not familiar with Macracken
JJ/NM - Sara, who is Macracken???
aggie/1/ca - Betty-- if you are afraid that you are getting to many, I suppose you could type out some of the "older" ones and tape it to their desks. Ruby said she does something like that.
Peachy/K/NC - We make "word Family" lists (rhyming words) and the children contribute words. Then I post them around.
Ruby/Tx - Sara, we use Macracken for Phonics along with Open Court.
Betty - I have heard of MacKraken
kat/Kathleen/k/CT - Anne, I didn't like that I had a group that made it difficult to meet in small groups
Anne/K/Fl - Macracken's material is excellent and varied.
aggie/1/ca - I use some of the McCracken spelling, Amy.
~Sea~ - good way to display them, jimmie! we learned the first 3 verses of Paul Revere's Ride plus lots of others! (Parents were impressed,t oo!)
aggie/1/ca - You are talking about Bob and Marlene, Amy?
Betty - I like that idea aggie, it would give the slower ones a reference right on their desks!
Sara/K/Tx - They are a husband and wife that have lots of 'Whole Language" materials and ideas. Use songs and poems.
~Sea~ - we make "word family" charts...not part of my word wall
Jimmie/ESL/TX - :-O Mcracken ! I've heard that that's wonderful stuff. But I've not seen it. :(
~Sea~ - sounds good, sara!
Tamara - The McCracken program focuses on initial and final sounds in words. It's very effective!
ksteach1 - How can I check into their material?
~Sea~ - do they have a web page, sara?
aggie/1/ca - The McCracken's are great! If you ever get a chance to see them "live" do it!
Amy k/va - We do word family charts too, once they have the sight words at, it, etc. We also use word banks. I guess that would be a word wall in a box!
Sara/K/Tx - I went to a workshop yearssss ago. Loved it and still use materials.
Anne/K/Fl - There are so many resources available don't you wish we had more money for materials?
~Sea~ - LOL amy!
aggie/1/ca - They do have a web page--- I think it's McCracken.com or something like that.
ksteach1 - Any address or web site
aggie/1/ca - Isn't that the truth, Anne!
Anne/K/Fl - What would you buy for your next class?
kat/Kathleen/k/CT - yes, money is always a problem ;-(
~Sea~ - each of my students have a "writing folder" for individual tricky words they misspell...they are then responsible to NOT miss them again!
~Sea~ - thanks aggie
kat/Kathleen/k/CT - I would buy more resource books for me to read!
Anne/K/Fl - I have been to Macracken's site, but don't knowit email me!
Jimmie/ESL/TX - Word families, also called rimes, are excellent. We had suggested to us at our literacy institute that we put one word of the word family on the word wall for students to refer to, or else have a word family big book or little book for the kids to refer to. :)
kat/Kathleen/k/CT - (but where would I get the time to read them all? ;-/)
meeha/ece/tx - I would buy more books and tape sets -- and just plain books!
Ruby/Tx - I have read the reading specialists are frowning at using isolated word lists. They recommend words used in sentences. For example: I like .... then underneath write the words. This can be done whole group then used for reading with small group.
Amy k/va - I would like more multiple copies of trade books for my book groups.
~Sea~ - i'd probably purchase more children's books...even though I already spend a personal fortune on them
Peachy/K/NC - I would buy more from The Wright Group
Betty - Ruby the spec at my school would agree with you.
~Sea~ - we made class books too, jimmie! great idea!
Anne/K/Fl - I would also like more books.
JJ/NM - I would buy more books on tape! The kids loved them!
Tamara - Amy - please tell us more about your book groups!
Jimmie/ESL/TX - I'd buy books by the "gurus" and trade books. :)
kat/Kathleen/k/CT - Yes, more big books
Anne/K/Fl - What class books did you make?
Sara/K/Tx - Wouldn't it be great if the navy would have to have a bake sale and schools would have all the money they needed?
ksteach1 - I think students need to see it is print then they can add it to their word wall
canuk - McCraken Educational Services 1-800-567-7505
Peachy/K/NC - Has anyone used the 15 minute tapes to record your own stories?
~Sea~ - ruby, i think there is much value in that idea...but also have seen results of word walls...
Ruby/Tx - Peaachy, we use the Wright Group literacy booklets. I like the leveling in them also.
Janet/3/NM - I do too, spend a personal fortune, but I would really like more low level picture books in group sets with tapes
Anne/K/Fl - Thanks canuk you saved the day
Sandy/RR/PA - Peachy, I use a ton of Wright Group books in Reading Recovery. Joy Cowley books are great . the kids love them!!
~Sea~ - what are they peachy?
Jimmie/ESL/TX - No, Peachy. Where can you get 15 minute tapes?
Mary K&1 - We have hundreds of Wright Group books, that's basically all I use. I teach for strategies, and the kids do very well, both in reading and writing.
Anne/K/Fl - What CD's do you have?
Betty - Peachy I have.
~Sea~ - Joy Cowley is the best author they have
Betty - Ally McBeals CD :)
Peachy/K/NC - They are just blank tapes the children can manage after you have recorded your book.
canuk - Yeah for Joy Cowley
ksteach1 - I use a lot of books from Modern Curriculum Press.
Ruby/Tx - Sandy, Reading Recovery is really big in Texas. We have 2 teachers on our campus that work with 1 on 1's and small groups.
Anne/K/Fl - Sea, I met Joy Cowley and she looks just like Mrs. Wishy Washy!
Betty - Jimmie you can get the short tapes from most record stores
meeha/ece/tx - What type of CD's, Anne? I have between 40 and 50 children's CD's in my personal music library!
Jimmie/ESL/TX - The children *love, love, love* Joy Cowley!
Sara/K/Tx - So do we, Ruby.
kat/Kathleen/k/CT - Betty, I didn't know that, thanks!
~Sea~ - we do contraction books (little car with two wheels...contraction on car...two words on the wheels) and a sentence at the bottom using the contraction...and LOTS of other books
Sandy/RR/PA - I heard Joy Cowley speak at IRA in Orlando. She was wonderful!
Jimmie/ESL/TX - Wow, Betty! Never thought to look for short ones there.
Anne/K/Fl - meccha, which ones do the children like!
Amy k/va - In my book groups, I put out 4-5 different books based on our theme, and I let each child pick which book they want to read for the week. Then after that have choosen, they get into groups and practice the books at the same time. It get pretty loud! I go around the room and listen to them read. On Fridays, each group reads to the class. The children also take these books home each day in a special made book bag.
Ruby/Tx - Sara, where are you in Texas?
Sandy/RR/PA - Ruby, you're lucky. I'm the only one in our county in PA.
kat/Kathleen/k/CT - Anne, you were at IRA in Orlando, right? Did you hear Joy Cowley?
~Sea~ - i'm sure she was sandy!
Betty - Jimmie the kids love to listen to you on the tape, for Esl it will be great for them to hear a familiar voice!
Sara/K/Tx - Ruby, by Houston. You?
Jimmie/ESL/TX - Bye, Sea!
Anne/K/Fl - Amy, I like your system will you continue to use it?
Mary K&1 - Has anyone been to the Wright Group training sessions?
Amy k/va - Excuse my typing, I'm trying to type too fast!!!
Ruby/Tx - Sara, south of Dallas in Ennis.
meeha/ece/tx - Barney CDs, several of Greg & Steve, Witches Brew - Gettin To Know Myself - Can a Cherry Pie Wave Goodbye (Hap Palmer) are probably the tops! Seems they choose one or two songe on each!
Anne/K/Fl - Joy Cowley looks just like Mrs. Wishy Washy, I love her!
Jimmie/ESL/TX - Betty, I can just hear them giggle the first time they hear me reading. LOL!
aggie/1/ca - Kat--- did you hear Joy Cowley??? She's my kids favorite.
Amy k/va - Anne, yes I will. It's been pretty successful!
ksteach1 - This has been very interesting. I could learn a lot from you all. I've got to get back to my thesis writing. Thank you.
Sandy/RR/PA - I was just at a Rigby training session yesterday. Very helpful!
Anne/K/Fl - I'm hearing more music and musical reading coming into light!
meeha/ece/tx - Mary -- yes -- about 2 years ago. Fascinating training, isn't it?
aggie/1/ca - I have, Mary K&1.
Sara/K/Tx - Mary K& 1, I have. It was wonderful!!!
kat/Kathleen/k/CT - no, aggie, I didn't get to go to the IRA convention :-(
Ruby/Tx - I have Mary, several times. They were at a gifted conventions, presented a workshop with lots of ideas to do along with their books.
kat/Kathleen/k/CT - INterest is high in Pat Cunnigham materials here
Betty - They do Jimmie the best tho' is at the end you tell them to stop.. they don't then you tell them to stop now! They usually jump the first time
aggie/1/ca - Yes, kat. i can't wait til she gets here!
Anne/K/Fl - I saw Hap Palmer live it was like hearing the Beatles.
Jimmie/ESL/TX - Betty, ROFL!!!!
Ruby/Tx - Sandy, I like rigby reading booklets also.
Sara/K/Tx - Kat, you Bet!!! Now let me get this straight. PHONICS THEIR WAY is where I look to find out about word walls?
aggie/1/ca - I saw Hap Palmer about 30 years ago when he was just getting started! he was a hippie then!
Anne/K/Fl - Do any of you use Mondo books?
Sara/K/Tx - LOL, Annie!! I would love to hear Raffi!
kat/Kathleen/k/CT - What is the best Pat Cunnigham book for us to make available here first???
Jimmie/ESL/TX - Sara, the one I'm reading is Phonics They Use by Patricia Cunningham. :) Short and easy to read.
aggie/1/ca - I would like to see Phonics Month by Month or Phonics They Use, Kat.
kat/Kathleen/k/CT - ooops! Which Pat Cunningham book would you like us to post first??
Sandy/RR/PA - Does anyone do cunningham's Making Words? My kids loved it this year.
JJ/NM - Me too Sara. I have his CD on broadway!
Amy k/va - Well, since we are talking about reading. How any if any kindergarten students do you expect to read each year? Our principal wants every child to read and reading is dev. not something you can make students do. As long as I expose them to the right things, that's all I can do.
kat/Kathleen/k/CT - Blocks, Phonics They use or Phonics Month By Month?
Jimmie/ESL/TX - Are the month by month books done according to grade level?
meeha/ece/tx - Snowstorm here! Sara, I think I've heard Raffi no longer performs. :-(
Anne/k/Fl - Pat has many innovative ideas that I think you would all like.
Sara/K/Tx - Thanx Jimmie!
kat/Kathleen/k/CT - Amy, I agree with you
Betty - Sounds like you answered your own ? Amy
aggie/1/ca - There is no way that every K child is going to be reading by the end of the year, amy!
Sara/K/Tx - Yes, Jimmie. I've got a Kinder one.
Anne/k/Fl - Amy, I like your attitude!
JJ/NM - Can someone give examples of make word activities by Cunningham??
Ruby/Tx - It would make our job easier, wouldn't it aggie?
kat/Kathleen/k/CT - Anne, how do you feel about expecting every K student to become a reader?
aggie/1/ca - Yes, indeedy, Ruby! LOL!
Jimmie/ESL/TX - Well, then I probably wouldn't buy the month by month. I teach 4 different grade levels. LOL!
Sarahw?2/TX - HI all--Jimmie- the month by month phonics--I know there is one for K and here the 2nd grade will be available in the fall
Anne/k/Fl - Word activities could be seeing and making words from words.
kat/Kathleen/k/CT - I think such a lofty goal detroys children's DISPOSITION to be readers
Mary K&1 - The great majority of Kinder Kids can read by the end of the year. Out of a class of 24 - 25, all but 4 or 5 will be reading.
meeha/ece/tx - Amy, we can expect lots of things -- and work for all reading -- just so long as the kiddos know that if they do their best they can be proud!
Sara/K/Tx - You can lay the foundation for reading but not all will be ready to "read".
Sandy/RR/PA - JJ, It's kind of diffficult to explain in this short a time.. Get her book "Making Words".
Anne/k/Fl - Depends on if the child is an emergent reader or fluent reader.
aggie/1/ca - I think it's wrong to expect all K's to read altho all K's can usually read something by the end. For some, it's just their names, tho!
Amy k/va - Tamara, I have lots of multiple copies of books. Yes each person in each group is reading the same book.
Jimmie/ESL/TX - Amy, I agree with you. Not all students will read by the end of Kinder. Many can, though. But you can't legislate something like that.
meeha/ece/tx - OR..... we could say "Yes, they can all read!" because all can read environmental print at some level!
canuk - Just checking, what age is you kindergarted class
Betty - This is a good subect becasue I am moving from 1st to Kinder :O
Tamara - Thanks Amy!
kat/Kathleen/k/CT - I think the definition of reader is important
Mary K&1 - Teaching for strategies the Reading Recovery way makes it possible.
Anne/k/Fl - What is considered reading?
kat/Kathleen/k/CT - Yes, entry age is a factor..
Sara/K/Tx - In Texas it is 5 and 6 years.
Anne/k/Fl - How would you defien reading?
Sandy/RR/PA - I agree, Mary!
canuk - our ks are 4 and 5
Amy k/va - Well, we are getting a new principal, so I hope the pressure is off! But I will still teach the same way, but not feel so pressured!
aggie/1/ca - Canuk--- it varies state to state. Here in CA they can be 4 until December 1st and enter K in September.
Mary K&1 - When kids know how reading works, they just take off!
Sara/K/Tx - Great , Betty!! You'll love it.
meeha/ece/tx - aggie -- that must be so hard.
Betty - ANne the question should be what is the difference between word calling and comprehension..
Anne/k/Fl - When children learn to decode?
Mary K&1 - Sandy, is the RR for Reading Recovery?
canuk - our ks can be four till the february after the Sept they start!
Anne/k/Fl - Betty, what do you think is the difference?
Sandy/RR/PA - Mary, Yes it is.
Betty - Thanks Sara I am very nervous because i am moving to a new district too :(
aggie/1/ca - That sounds like the system they have in England, Canuk.
Jimmie/ESL/TX - Wow!!!! Lots of places take really young Kinders! Ours have to be 5 by Sept 1, to enter in August.
Ruby/Tx - sarahw, where are you in Texas?
JJ/NM - Important point Betty. Are kids reading when they are word calling?
Betty - Anne I think that Reading is comprehension.
kat/Kathleen/k/CT - If they are comprehending sight words..
meeha/ece/tx - Jimmie -- K teachers here think THAT is young!
Anne/k/Fl - I look at the children's writing to determine success.
sarahw/2/TX - Ruby-near Lubbock
Ruby/Tx - It is my opinion that reading is when a child comprehends with he/she is reading.
aggie/1/ca - I would like to see K's being 5 in June before entering in September.
Jimmie/ESL/TX - Betty, I don't teacher Kinder, but I have helped with the kinder class sometimes. They are so very sweet. :) You'll like them.
Sara/K/Tx - Betty, we will be glad to help you. Just hollar!!
canuk - I had a grade two who could "read" fluently, and with expression, could not comprehend a word!
Tamara - I've heard varying opinions on whether it's beneficial to have students read orally - for example if we were all following along in the same text. Does this just embarrass the weaker students in the class? ARe there benefits?
Amy k/va - Me too Anne!
Anne/k/Fl - Betty, that's a good point and what value do you put on their writing?
Betty - Isn't memorizing sight words a tool for readers to use to read and eventually to comprehend
sarahw/2/TX - canuck I had 2 fluent non comprehenders this year! frustrating!
canuk - Fletcher suggests a lot of Choral reading
Grace - My theory is that reading equals decoding plus vocabulary knowledge. That leads to comprehension.
Ruby/Tx - canuk, that has always been a problem, comprehension, on standardized tests.
aggie/1/ca - I do it on occasion, Tamara. I want my lower students to hear good reading. I do lots of choral reading.
kat/Kathleen/k/CT - Tamara, I think one consideration what you mention, also question the benefits of using class time that way, audience restlessness
Vicki/1/OK - canuck-what state do you teach in?
meeha/ece/tx - sarah -- how do you tell their parents they can't read? (Or do you...?)
Jimmie/ESL/TX - Tamara, reading aloud individually or in a group. Reading aloud in a group is very beneficial and has little stress.
kat/Kathleen/k/CT - Choral reading supports the "lower" readers
Betty - I like that Grace.. Anne My kids write every day
Mary K&1 - choral reading is another example of modeling
Amy k/va - Anne, do you think it matters what time of day the students journal. I like to do it at the end of the day, so they can use all they have learned throughout the day. Some like it in the morning since the students are fresher.
Anne/K/Fl - I think the walls help to surrond the child with text
Grace - Tamara, with beginning readers, the only way you can tell if a child can read is to have him read orally. Sometimes this has to be one on one with you.
Mary K&1 - peer model, or group modeling
canuk - Journal writing, I think is one of the best assessment tools
Tamara - I was referring to reading aloud individually. It sounds like many of you recommend choral reading. Thanks...!
Ruby/Tx - meeha, parents usually know if they have had any contact with their child and the reading material.
Jimmie/ESL/TX - Tamara, Kathleen has a good point. Mainly, a lot of the children who are supposed to "follow along" as someone else reads, don't do it.
sarahw/2/TX - meeha--parents?? you mean the ones who never showed up for a conference? the ones who get the report card that asks for homework/reading help and conferences and never help or show? those parents?
Anne/K/Fl - I have used journal time at various times and they have all been positive.
Mary K&1 - canuk, I agree, that's where you can see the details that they are picking up
Betty - Grace do you use Running Records and what do you expect from their reading?
Ruby/Tx - Amy, mine usually respond to their literature so they write at anytime. Journal writing is done when they have free time.
Vicki/1/OK - Do you have students read to you every day? I know some teachers just listen to the kids read once a week?
aggie/1/ca - LOL, sarahw! sounds like the parents I deal with!
Jimmie/ESL/TX - Reading individually should be to the teacher or a selected friend. Probably not in front of the entire class. :)
meeha/ece/tx - I think sarah and Ruby have very different parents to deal with!
Tamara - I agree Jimmie. Should we just not do this individual oral reading? That seems drastic!
Anne/K/Fl - I love yes and no questions where the children explain their thinking.
JJ/NM - I think that writing is helpful to those who may not be reading because they have to read back their writing and therefore are reading for meaning.
Ruby/Tx - Tamara, you will do it all during the day, choral read, group read, independent reading, etc.
Grace - Betty, I'm retired -- just as running records were coming into vogue. I just knew from their reading what they needed and we worked on that.
Amy k/va - Well, my students this year loved reading in front of the class.
kat/Kathleen/k/CT - Tamara, if a child volunteered, I would do it for a brief reading
aggie/1/ca - I have tried listening to every child read every day, Vicki. It's hard to do but beneficial.
Anne/K/Fl - Writing and reading are very integrated.
Mary K&1 - My kids read their writing to the class, and love doing it
canuk - Simple readers theatre is really good too, the kids don't seem to get embarrased for that, they are playing a part
Jimmie/ESL/TX - Vicki, I think that depends on the individual child. :) That's the way I decide how many times to listen to students. Strong readers less often than struggling ones.
Tamara - Thanks Jimmie. I agree with you.
meeha/ece/tx - Individual reading is one of those activities you could do with the tape player -- keeping a sample of the child's fluency and response to what he/she has read at different times in the year, too.
aggie/1/ca - Same here, Mary. At first I did have to give a small reward for reading, tho.
Ruby/Tx - Vicki, mine read to me every day except Mondays.
Jimmie/ESL/TX - Good idea, meeha!
Betty - Grace I find it beneficial to do to look back at growh, but it also helps me as a newer teacher to put everything into perspective.
sarahw/2/TX - calmer now--I do the best I can at informing the parents and at getting the kids to understand it is not just calling words--so many have language barriers too, not listeda s ESL, but really they are......
Amy k/va - Mine read to me everyday too
JJ/NM - Meeha, I think that's important to do. I've also placed those tapes into portfolios for parents or future teachers.
Sandy/RR/PA - Ruby, do you take running records when they read to you?
canuk - If your first running records are familiar passages, they want to see all those check marks, later on they don't take much notice
kat/Kathleen/k/CT - Mary, yes, having them read their writing, they can do that, feel successful, it's meaningful, not tedious for the listeners
Jimmie/ESL/TX - sarahw, those children whose parents have denied the ESL program often struggle greatly. :(
Ruby/Tx - Sandy, I do reading records once each 6wks period.
kat/Kathleen/k/CT - JJ, I like the idea of passing on tapes to teachers
Betty - Meeha I have tried taping but I like to watch them to see what they are doing...
Anne/K/Fl - I like using a mike when they read.
Ruby/Tx - I also like to do word sprees once a six weeks. That really tells you if the child can generate words.
canuk - I do running records on yellow stickies so they can go straight into the kids files
sarahw/2/TX - jimmie--yes they do.
kat/Kathleen/k/CT - Anne and Grace, please, both of you: provide the url for your sites before you leave here, okay
Amy k/va - Ruby, what's a word spree?
Janet/3/NM - the tapes I pass on and sent home have a sample from each period, really shows improvement! (or the lack of it)
sarahw/2/TX - word spree?
Jimmie/ESL/TX - Ruby, can you explain word sprees to me?
Betty - ye everyone gotta go fight the dust devils on my nightly walk:)
Anne/K/Fl - Anne@mrsalphabet.com
Mary K&1 - canuk, how do you fit it on a sticky?
Jimmie/ESL/TX - Mary, I was wondering the same thing! :)
Sandy/RR/PA - Writing SPrees are great. You really get to know what words they have under control. But it's hard to do in a regular classroom--to much to copy
Anne/K/Fl - Please write and keep me posted.
sarahw/2/TX - big stickies ;-)
Mary K&1 - Sandy, what do you mean "too much to copy"
canuk - Right sara the ones that are 3*5 with lines
Ruby/Tx - Word sprees can be an evaluation tool. You give each child a clean sheet of paper and a pencil. The children are timed, in first grade I do 5 minutes. Everyone starts when you say go. They write as many words as they can in those 5 minutes. You count the words later and keep a chart of how many words they write.
kat/Kathleen/k/CT - Ruby, can they copy from environment?
Vicki/1/OK - Has anyone ever been to Chicago to observe Marva Collins?
sarahw/2/TX - ruby--can they or do they copy from the wordwall?
*Janet*AR* - Yes, it is tough but I have enjoyed it.
Anne/K/Fl - No, tell us about Marva.
Jimmie/ESL/TX - Thanks, Ruby. That sounds like fun!
kat/Kathleen/k/CT - No., Vicki, I'm not familiar with Marva Collins
Ruby/Tx - Only count the words once. They can copy words for around the room, etc.
JJ/NM - Ruby, sounds interesting. Do you look at complexity of words too?
*Janet*AR* - Can someone tell me about word sprees?
Anne/K/Fl - Janet, do you want full time?
Ruby/Tx - You will find that they realize that they do better if they just spell from memory because they find that it takes too long to copy.
kat/Kathleen/k/CT - Ruby, what would word sprees measure in addition to control with writing?
*Janet*AR* - Word sprees is a new thing to me.
Sandy/RR/PA - Mary, they copy words they see in the room. In a writing spree you want them to write as many words as they can (by themselves) in 10 minutes. They must be spelled right to be scored, but don't use aas a grade. It's only to help you learn more about their word knowledge.
meeha/ece/tx - How goes the search, Janet?
kat/Kathleen/k/CT - Oh, Ruby, I see..
*Janet*AR* - Anne, yes! I work in a local hospital for 20 yrs. and I am itching to teach.
Mary K&1 - That's right, Ruby, they soon learn to write what they know, they do better
Grace - I heard Marva Collins years ago. She's fantastic! She has a private school in the inner city -- uses lots of phonics and positive feedback with students.
*Janet*AR* - meeha, no calls yet. But it is still early.
JJ/NM - I've kept a running list of words they use in their writing. Showed the parents at each meeting. It was interesting to see their progress.
Ruby/Tx - Kat, how many words that they can generate. The students that write more words are better writers. By doing this periodically, you can tell if a student is learning words.
Vicki/1/OK - Marva Collins was on sixty minutes a long time ago and she also has a book out. She has taken getto kids and teaches them using fables and classical literature.
kat/Kathleen/k/CT - Grace would you provide the url to your site for us to bookmark?
*Janet*AR* - If someone wants to tell me about the word sprees they can e-mail me.
kat/Kathleen/k/CT - Thanks, Ruby!
Anne/K/Fl - What is Marva's philosophy?
Ruby/Tx - Sandy, 5 minutes is better. 2nd grade uses 3 min.
Jimmie/ESL/TX - I'm going to use word sprees this coming year! :)
kat/Kathleen/k/CT - fables and classical lit..empowering!
Mary K&1 - Sandy, I just didn't know what you meant, now I do, if all they do is copy, just make a note of that
Grace - URL - http://user.mc.net/~gsh
kat/Kathleen/k/CT - Oh, Janet, you missed word spree?? kids have a certain amt of time (5 mins or so) to write as many words as they can (can copy from walls, etc)
Ruby/Tx - Janet, I'm sorry that you did not get in on it earlier. What is your email address and I will share it with you.
Sandy/RR/PA - Ruby, I use 10 minutes because that is the amount of time used in RR Observation Survey.. I tried it with first graders and they loved doing it. They wwere always asking to do it again.
*Janet*AR* - OH, I see. that sounds like a lot of fun for them.
Vicki/1/OK - Marva is also big on phonics and using open court phonics.
canuk - stories from the oral tradition are great for playmaking, retelling and sequencing with storyboards. Also a good intro to using graphic organisers like webs
Anne/K/Fl - Children like variety so we must continue our search for new options.
*Janet*AR* - Ruby, nsjz36b@prodigy.com. I would also love some inventive ways of using word walls.
Jimmie/ESL/TX - Janet, I just now learned about word sprees. Give the students a designated period of time to write as many words as they can on a clean sheet of paper. They can use environmental print or words from the word wall, but they soon find out they will score better without copying. Count each correctly spelled word (but each word only once). This helps you to monitor words that they are familiar and comfortable with in writing and to see if they are learning new words.
kat/Kathleen/k/CT - Anne, I didn't see your url here yet tonight, would you provide it so that we can bookmark it?
Ruby/Tx - Sandy, I can see how they would need 10 min.
Anne/K/Fl - http://www.mrsalphabet.com
Grace - Marva Collins philosophy runs along the line of "Learn to Read; then Read to Learn". She's heavy into decoding and then uses good literature. Her school is the West Side Prepatory School and her students get scholarships everywhere.
*Janet*AR* - Jimmie, I love the idea of word sprees.
kat/Kathleen/k/CT - Hi, Trish, we've been talking about reading programs/practices in the early years
Ruby/Tx - check your mail tomorrow Janet at the latest.
*Janet*AR* - Anne, what is your website all about?
Jimmie/ESL/TX - They sound fun, don't they?
Anne/K/Fl - Marva sounds like an inspriration.
*Janet*AR* - Thanks Ruby, that is nice of you to take time to share with me.
canuk - How does eveyone use think alouds early readers?
kat/Kathleen/k/CT - I have seen Marva coverage, didn't recognize the name, she's been around for a while. inspiring
Anne/K/Fl - A fun site for kids and growing to provide resources for teachers and parents.
*Janet*AR* - Yes, Jimmie they do and I will be using it if I get a teaching position.
Mary K&1 - also, with writing sprees, it's ok to prompt their thinking, if they get stuck for ideas, like "write all the animal words you can think of" etc.
Vicki/1/OK - I've visited her school before and it's amazing what the 5 & 6 year olds can do.
*Janet*AR* - Anne, I will put a link to your site from mine.
kat/Kathleen/k/CT - Vicki, maybe you can help me contact her for a possible 'appearance'here?
Grace - Whoops -- that's Preparatory School
*Janet*AR* - Mary, word sprees sounds like an endless amount of fun.
Vicki/1/OK - This was my first visit. I'll have to come back again.
Ruby/Tx - This has been fun. This is the first time that I come in here. Are you all in here all the time?
*Janet*AR* - Anne, i will do that really soon!!! I will sign your guestbook.
meeha/ece/tx - Ruby, Tuesdays, 8 pm (Texas time!)
Jimmie/ESL/TX - Not like in the chatroom, Ruby. This is where we come for scheduled meetings that are posted throughout the site.
kat/Kathleen/k/CT - Ruby, every Tuesday night a meeting..check out our homepage for schedule infor: http://www.teachers.net
Grace - Canuk, I used Think Alouds with first graders. It was an interesting experiment but you need good students.
kat/Kathleen/k/CT - Janet, why don't you post your url so that people can book mark it, too :-)
canuk - We are being told that teachers should demonstrate think aloud as an intervention stragtegy
JJ/NM - Grace what are think alouds?
Ruby/Tx - Thanks, I will remember that. I knew you were Janet. I am usually there also but I never check the homepage.
Jimmie/ESL/TX - Janet, I think that everyone does that at some time or other. :)
*Janet*AR* - My site deals with geography and social studies. http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Academy/5146/
kat/Kathleen/k/CT - Ruby, homepage is a good source of info via links to announcements, boards, events, etc.
Jimmie/ESL/TX - You'll have to start checking out the meetings, Ruby. They have author visits, and other things going on, too. :) They're great!!
canuk - Hey Janet, a fellow geocitizen
*Janet*AR* - I am a little behind in the updating due to having to work overtime a lot but will be updated soon.
kat/Kathleen/k/CT - Anne, it's after 10 :-) We had a good group here again.
*Janet*AR* - canuk, do you have a website?
Grace - Think Alouds -- A small group of children read a short story. The teacher has marked places where they stop reading to discuss what they think. This can involve "What will happen next?" or "I don't understand something here." It was great fun. Think Alouds were developed by Susan Lytle at the University of Pittsburgh or U of PA, can't remember which.
Anne/K/Fl - Grace, have you returned from all your travels?
kat/Kathleen/k/CT - Do the children decide what to :"think about" at each signal, Grace?
*Janet*AR* - Due to my hearing impairment as a child reading was always my toughest subject.
kat/Kathleen/k/CT - I don't think Grace EVER stop traveling!
*Janet*AR* - Comprehension problems!
canuk - Grace, we ar e being told the teacher should verbalise the process of reading as a think aloud eg, i wonder how I'm going to find out what this says, what shall I try, can I read any other words- sort of a running commentary
Anne/K/Fl - Janet, how did you overcome your problems?
meeha/ece/tx - Janet -- How can I help preschool children with histories of ear infections to prepare (better) for reading? (Other than speech, singing, reading -- the 'usual' array of activities?
*Janet*AR* - I don't really know Anne. I am wearing hearing aids now. Lost my hearing for the third time during college.
Mary K&1 - canuk, that's teaching for strategy! That's good
Jimmie/ESL/TX - Bye, Janet/NM. Best wishes for your paper. :)
Grace - Anne, I'm in and out -- supposed to be on jury duty this month but they didn't want my panel this week. May go to the lake next week if they don't need me. Should be home all of July. Tough life I have.
Anne/K/Fl - Nursery rhymes, Meecha
*Janet*AR* - meeha, while in college the special education instructor worked with me. We tape recorded things and I had to listen. Hearing aids were a problem at first.
kat/Kathleen/k/CT - Grace is doing a meeting here on July 21 :-) on Mulitsensory Instruction
Jimmie/ESL/TX - :) Multisensory Instruction. Will probably get great ideas for ESL! :)
Grace - Canuk, that's true. Teacher models first but once you get them going, they can do almost anything. A group of us experimented with it and everybody did something different.
*Janet*AR* - Does anyone know Georgeann Steinmiller? She was my special education instructor in college. Meeha, I was already a good lip reader.
Jimmie/ESL/TX - No, Janet, I don't know her.
*Janet*AR* - Meeha, the main thing to do with a student with persistant ear infections and hearing problems is make sure they can see your mouth and get their attention first.
kat/Kathleen/k/CT - Thanks, all, I'm going to get some Cunnignham titles for posting links! :-)
meeha/ece/tx - Gotcha -- I am thinking about one little fellow -- after his tubes were placed he had intermittent hearing episodes -- doesn't seem to relate meaning to the spoken word yet. I'm thinking he may need to be placed in deaf ed if things don't pick up for hiim!
*Janet*AR* - meeha, he needs some special attention that a reg. ed teacher does not have the time for. mainstreaming him would be a good idea.
*Janet*AR* - He probably needs help with attention span and watching the other persons mouth. People with hearing problems do have problems with their attention spans, meeha.
meeha/ece/tx - Janet -- he's in early childhood special ed now! 1:9 was the highest ratio we saw with his class. We do the eyes on lip, speech therapy, look at me, types of teaching -- he just seems to need more. His best successes have been where signs can come first and the words(spoken) second.
Jimmie/ESL/TX - Mostly it is, Peachy. :(
meeha/ece/tx - Make that 2:9!
meeha/ece/tx - Thanks for your help! I"ll keep that in mind when working with him this fall!
*Janet*AR* - His hearing sounds more serious than what i am thinking. I would try and conference with the deaf ed teacher.
meeha/ece/tx - Hey -- I can do that! They are moving to our campus in the fall!
*Janet*AR* - The Deaf Ed teacher may need to do some testing on him and will need your input in order to help him. The sooner the better.
*Janet*AR* - I noticed that my nephew was deaf when he was only a year old and she got him help and he is doing great!!!
meeha/ece/tx - I know he's set up for another hearing test with the district's audiologist just before school starts. (Only 6 weeks away now.) We'll go from there -- his dad is great at responding to requests needing midical intervention!
*Janet*AR* - That is great that parents are really involved.
*Janet*AR* - I have had tubes in my ears numerous times/ 2 major surgeries/tonsils out twice and adnoids out twice.
*Janet*AR* - Surgeries on my ears
meeha/ece/tx - His dad is single custodial parent -- they divorced last summer. The boy's hearing problems were noted at school and reported to him -- he thought it was behaviors in response to mom's absence. He responded well -- and seemed to appreciate the input (almost seemed to be 'naggy' it came so often for awhile!) Sounds like REAL problems with your ears! I'm sorry it has been such a challenge for you! Congrats on overcoming!!!:o)
*Janet*AR* - Thanks meeha, when I graduated from college I was sooo happy. I didn't think I would ever make it but I did.
*Janet*AR* - My Mom thought mine was behavior problems. She thought I was a very abnoxious child!
meeha/ece/tx - I guess parents do the best they can with the knowledge they have!
meeha/ece/tx - 'night, Janet. God bless.
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