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Primary Elementary Teachers Chatboard

Do you consider gr. 3 a primary grade or upper elementary

by Which chatboard category does it belong with? (nfm)

Mar 21, 2009

nfm

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my school 3rd is primary nfm On 3/21/09, UPPER...nfm wrote: > I said.... UPPER! :)

Mar 22, 2009

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Melissa rimary. They do not become upper until MAy

Mar 22, 2009

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Help organizing writers workshop

by Lynne3

Mar 22, 2009

My mind is numb trying to figure out a better way for my third graders to keep their writing organized for writer's workshop. I have 0 budget. I started the year with spiral notebooks (the 10 cent variety) divided into sections and had the children glue in special pages that helped with vocabulary/ideas/spelling ect. Well, it only took a few weeks ...See More

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Jenetty77 Thank you so much for sharing all your organizational tools, ideas, and hard work with us! I can see how your system really streamlines writers workshop. I love it!

On 3/22/09, Stacy/2nd wrote: > On 3/22/09, Lynne3 wrote: >> My mind is numb trying to figure out a better way for my >> third graders to keep their writing orga...See MoreThank you so much for sharing all your organizational tools, ideas, and hard work with us! I can see how your system really streamlines writers workshop. I love it!

On 3/22/09, Stacy/2nd wrote: > On 3/22/09, Lynne3 wrote: >> My mind is numb trying to figure out a better way for my >> third graders to keep their writing organized for writer's >> workshop. I have 0 budget. I started the year with spiral >> notebooks (the 10 cent variety) divided into sections and >> had the children glue in special pages that helped with >> vocabulary/ideas/spelling ect. Well, it only took a few >> weeks before the pages fell out, got torn and wrinkled. >> Students couldn't find their graphic organizers or drafts. >> Just a mess. I then tried to get them to keep their >> writing work in paper folders, but again - stuff is lost, >> folded, torn , ripped... Folders are smashed into desks >> and bent. Help! Need cheap and efficent way to organize my >> writers! I would like the students to be able to access >> their writing work easily without me collecting and >> distributing daily. > > About five years ago, I used my own money to purchase very > inexpensive binders and materials for my writers workshop. > This was when I didn't really have a budget to work with, > like you explained. I got the cheap, 1 inch binders at a > local store, along with two folders (two different colors) > and hole punched those folders to fit inside the binder. > Students brought in notebook paper and I put a bunch of it in > the back of each notebook. This is the paper that my > students use to write on during workshop time. The notebook > paper is on the back-to-school supply list. All resource > papers like you mentioned above (special pages) go inside > this binder, along with their special writing pens (blue for > drafting, green for editing, and red for revising). My > students rarely lose any writing papers because these binders > help them to stay organized. I spend a lot of time at the > beginning of the year going over how we use these binders > properly. > > You can see how I organize my writers notebooks on my website > if you'd like. Maybe you speak with your principal about > finding some extra money somewhere for these? OR maybe you > can have the students each bring in the materials at the > beginning of the year, as part of the back-to-school supply > list? These are just some options for you. I could not use > anything else during my workshop time now that I've used > these binders! I bought all of these materials about five > years ago, and they have pretty much lasted me this entire > time. I replenish the pens every year and maybe a binder or > two, but most of the materials have held up well. > > Good luck to you! I hope you find something that works out > for your young authors! > > Stacy

Mar 22, 2009

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lynne3 On 3/22/09, Jenetty77 wrote: > Thank you so much for sharing all your organizational tools, > ideas, and hard work with us! I can see how your system really > streamlines writers workshop. I love it! > > On 3/22/09, Stacy/2nd wrote: >> On 3/22/09, Lynne3 wrote: >>> My mind is numb trying to figure out a better way for ...See MoreOn 3/22/09, Jenetty77 wrote: > Thank you so much for sharing all your organizational tools, > ideas, and hard work with us! I can see how your system really > streamlines writers workshop. I love it! > > On 3/22/09, Stacy/2nd wrote: >> On 3/22/09, Lynne3 wrote: >>> My mind is numb trying to figure out a better way for my >>> third graders to keep their writing organized for writer's >>> workshop. I have 0 budget. I started the year with spiral >>> notebooks (the 10 cent variety) divided into sections and >>> had the children glue in special pages that helped with >>> vocabulary/ideas/spelling ect. Well, it only took a few >>> weeks before the pages fell out, got torn and wrinkled. >>> Students couldn't find their graphic organizers or drafts. >>> Just a mess. I then tried to get them to keep their >>> writing work in paper folders, but again - stuff is lost, >>> folded, torn , ripped... Folders are smashed into desks >>> and bent. Help! Need cheap and efficent way to organize my >>> writers! I would like the students to be able to access >>> their writing work easily without me collecting and >>> distributing daily. >> >> About five years ago, I used my own money to purchase very >> inexpensive binders and materials for my writers workshop. >> This was when I didn't really have a budget to work with, >> like you explained. I got the cheap, 1 inch binders at a >> local store, along with two folders (two different colors) >> and hole punched those folders to fit inside the binder. >> Students brought in notebook paper and I put a bunch of it in >> the back of each notebook. This is the paper that my >> students use to write on during workshop time. The notebook >> paper is on the back-to-school supply list. All resource >> papers like you mentioned above (special pages) go inside >> this binder, along with their special writing pens (blue for >> drafting, green for editing, and red for revising). My >> students rarely lose any writing papers because these binders >> help them to stay organized. I spend a lot of time at the >> beginning of the year going over how we use these binders >> properly. >> >> You can see how I organize my writers notebooks on my website >> if you'd like. Maybe you speak with your principal about >> finding some extra money somewhere for these? OR maybe you >> can have the students each bring in the materials at the >> beginning of the year, as part of the back-to-school supply >> list? These are just some options for you. I could not use >> anything else during my workshop time now that I've used >> these binders! I bought all of these materials about five >> years ago, and they have pretty much lasted me this entire >> time. I replenish the pens every year and maybe a binder or >> two, but most of the materials have held up well. >> >> Good luck to you! I hope you find something that works out >> for your young authors! >> >> Stacy >

Mar 23, 2009

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National Board for NEXT Year

by NOT A PROCRASTINATOR

Mar 22, 2009

Hello to all NBCTs!

I am considering trying for National Boards next year, in Literacy. This is something I've wanted to do now for several years. I am wondering when is the earliest that I can get started on this process? I know that I have to first pay, apply, and then I will receive my materials. Everything is due by March 31st. I'm jus...See More

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*To current candidate** Wow! Thank you so much for your insight! Good luck to you on your boards!

I want to start as early as possible because I get stressed out easily. So, hopefully, if I get a head-start on things now, maybe the process won't be so overwhelming as I hear it is.

So far, I have 3-4 solid accomplishments but they all fall within the Lead...See More

Mar 24, 2009

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current candidate On 3/24/09, *To current candidate** wrote: > Wow! Thank you so much for your insight! Good luck to you on > your boards! > > I want to start as early as possible because I get stressed out > easily. So, hopefully, if I get a head-start on things now, > maybe the process won't be so overwhelming as I hear it is.

For me the...See MoreOn 3/24/09, *To current candidate** wrote: > Wow! Thank you so much for your insight! Good luck to you on > your boards! > > I want to start as early as possible because I get stressed out > easily. So, hopefully, if I get a head-start on things now, > maybe the process won't be so overwhelming as I hear it is.

For me the process wasn't overwhelming until now (but now I am very overwhelmed). My advice to you is keep plenty of time for packing the box. You have to do a crazy amount of cover sheets and stuff. So it got overwhelming for me because I thought I was done and it was just a matter of printing everything. But getting things ready to mail is very time-consuming. I would advise you to complete all of the forms and paperwork as you finish the entries, not to wait until it's time to pack your box.

> So far, I have 3-4 solid accomplishments but they all fall > within the Leader/Learner category. I see that I need to work > on Parent/Community. Right now, I don't have any in the > community area. I will need to work on this right away next > year...I will start up a communication log as suggested for > sure to help with parent communication. I love the idea of a > Literacy Night. Boy, that's a lot of work!

Since accomplishments can be in more than one area of learner/leader/partner with family and community you might be able to incorporate the community into a Literacy Night. You could have the local librarian come and do a story hour and promote the local library.

Maybe also something with a non-profit in the community.

>I have a classroom > website that students, parents, and other teachers access all > the time. NOt sure how I can incorporate that, but I put in a > lot of work on it. I'll keep thinking...

Did you (or can you) attend a training that taught you how to make a website or taught you something that you incorporated into your website? (i.e. a training on reading strategies and then you wrote up tips for how parents can help their children and put it on your website). I also think it would be fine to use the website itself as the accomplishment. Then you might be able to incorporate a communication log as documentation--where you say that a parent called you after reading something on the website, for example. If you don't already, can you track the number of hits on your website?

>

Mar 26, 2009

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Help Needed..How to Make DVD from Pictures

by instead of memory books

Mar 22, 2009

I want to take all the pictures that I have taken over the course of the year and make a CD or DVD for each one of my third graders. I don't know which would be best, but I am thinking DVD. All of my pictures are on my computer. I have no idea how to begin, what program is available or which one I should use. I need any advice that any of you could...See More

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Mrs. G. I did last year. I tried Ulead and MovieMaker. I found movie maker much easier. You can check on YouTube for moviemaker tutorial and it will give some lists. The only mistake I did last year was to save all my pictures in high resolution. I had to resaved all of them in low resolution, otherwise the moviemaker will freeze. I will do it this year ag...See More

Mar 23, 2009

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teachfirst Moviemaker is the best and you should have it if you have Windows. Other options - Photo Story (also free if you have Windows) and Powerpoint.

I prefer Moviemaker because I do a lot of presentations that include video and pictures.

On 3/22/09, instead of memory books wrote: > I want to take all the pictures that I have taken o...See More

Mar 23, 2009

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A quick question for second grade teachers

by TeachinNC

Mar 22, 2009

I teach first grade. What STAR score and running record do your low medium and high students usually have when they come to you? I am aiming for beyond second grade for most of my students as far as their STAR test and an 18/19 or higher after summer regression for most of my students with the high ones having a significantly higher running record....See More

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Samantha/NC Hi, I teach first also but know that... our second grade teachers assess on a 15/16 at the beginning of the school year. we can only test up to a 15/16 in our county kit, we can take them above that in an alternate kit. we do not use the STAR assessment at our school Samantha

On 3/22/09, TeachinNC wrote: > I teach first grade. What STAR...See More

Mar 22, 2009

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Teaching as a Professional Career

by monique barton

Mar 22, 2009

What are some examples of typical, quick decisions teachers make on a daily basis

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first grade teacher On 3/22/09, monique barton wrote: > What are some examples of typical, quick decisions > teachers make on a daily basis

Which child needs support on which skill at which point in a particular lesson. Repeat endlessly! Which child needs his/her behavior reinforced at which time during any given moment. Which child is truly ill, tired,...See More

Mar 22, 2009

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Debbie On 3/22/09, first grade teacher wrote: > On 3/22/09, monique barton wrote: >> What are some examples of typical, quick decisions >> teachers make on a daily basis > > Which child needs support on which skill at which point in a > particular lesson. Repeat endlessly! Which child needs his/her > behavior reinforced at which...See More

Mar 23, 2009

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StoryTown

by Mary - 1st

Mar 22, 2009

Hi folks,

Our district recently purchased the StoryTown program. Unlike many of the veteran teachers who I work with (who have been teaching for years and have found what works for them) I'm a bit of an odd man out as I silently feel pretty excited about starting this! I certainly understand my colleages' perspective, but since I'm a first...See More

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Switching from private to public?

by 1st grade

Mar 22, 2009

I am currently teaching at a private school and am considering switching to public school next year. I am tired of not getting paid the salary that I could be making at a public school. Other benefits like retirement and tuition reimbursement would be better too. However I know I have it pretty easy where I am as far as what I teach and how I teach...See More

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Tell me about third grade

by brew

Mar 22, 2009

I may be moving to third grade. I've taught Kindergarten the past three years and taught second for five years before that. I'm guessing that third isn't too different from third. So, to the third grade teachers out there... What do you love about teaching 3rd? What are the challenges of teaching 3rd? What fun activities do you love? How different ...See More

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paulaj On 3/22/09, brew wrote: > I may be moving to third grade. I've taught Kindergarten > the past three years and taught second for five years before > that. I'm guessing that third isn't too different from third. > So, to the third grade teachers out there... > What do you love about teaching 3rd? > What are the challenges of teachin...See More

Mar 23, 2009

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Nora in Texas I moved from K to 3rd and challenges are there just like in K.. The difference is that they are not there to learn to read but to read to learn lots of content information. Standarized testing is there also. If they are somewhat on level for reading you will be able to climb them for the standards. If they are below level, you will be able to climb...See More

Mar 24, 2009

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Need some advice, considering changing schools

by so torn

Mar 23, 2009

I need some advice please! I am currently working at a terrific school- great colleagues and grade level team, awesome principal. It is not my 'perfect match' as far as educational philosophy because we use a basal program and I prefer leveled texts for guided reading (this is first grade)but I am adapting things to my own style and learning to app...See MoreI need some advice please! I am currently working at a terrific school- great colleagues and grade level team, awesome principal. It is not my 'perfect match' as far as educational philosophy because we use a basal program and I prefer leveled texts for guided reading (this is first grade)but I am adapting things to my own style and learning to appreciate the basal in some ways. This job is 25 minutes from home, I leave at 6:30, so I do not see my kids before they leave for school in morning. I get home between 4 and 4:30 usually. I stay later on Fridays to prepare for the next week, but am home by about 5.

Before coming to this school, I worked half time at the school my kids attended, 2 blocks from my home. The position was only half time with no prospects for full time for a couple of years, so I moved to my current school. I loved it there and hated to leave, but needed to for $$ reasons. Now, a position is opening up at the grade level I teach now (and love!) for next year.

I was nervous this year that I might lose my current position due to BIG budget cuts, but found out last week that I will be okay here. Yesterday, the school near my home posted their opening. Budget times are very bad this year where I live, and I will finally have professional status after this year where I am. If I move, I will be at the bottom again. BUT, I'm torn because the other school is SO close to home and my youngest will be going there in a couple of years. My mom is doing well, but getting older and she lives right near there as well. I often feel so 'far away' from my family here at work, even though it is only about 25 minutes. Being closer would mean more time at home with a little one and 2 teenagers and my husband too! And some more sleep. Money would probably be about the same, but there might be the possibilty of being laid off if cuts happen again next year. There is not guarantee I would get hired at my old school, there is a new principal who I know, but not very well and she will be leaving this year already.

I need advice! My husband worries about the risk of being cut, but told me to make my own decision. All my friends work at one school or the other and want me to work with them (it's nice to be wanted at least).

WHAT WOULD YOU DO???????????

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jenny Why not apply and see what happens? They may already have someone picked out for the job or there may be 100+ applicants. It never hurts to go on an interview if you get called for one.

On 3/23/09, so torn wrote: > I need some advice please! I am currently working at a > terrific school- great colleagues and grade level team, > a...See MoreWhy not apply and see what happens? They may already have someone picked out for the job or there may be 100+ applicants. It never hurts to go on an interview if you get called for one.

On 3/23/09, so torn wrote: > I need some advice please! I am currently working at a > terrific school- great colleagues and grade level team, > awesome principal. It is not my 'perfect match' as far as > educational philosophy because we use a basal program and > I prefer leveled texts for guided reading (this is first > grade)but I am adapting things to my own style and > learning to appreciate the basal in some ways. This job > is 25 minutes from home, I leave at 6:30, so I do not see > my kids before they leave for school in morning. I get > home between 4 and 4:30 usually. I stay later on Fridays > to prepare for the next week, but am home by about 5. > > Before coming to this school, I worked half time at the > school my kids attended, 2 blocks from my home. The > position was only half time with no prospects for full > time for a couple of years, so I moved to my current > school. I loved it there and hated to leave, but needed > to for $$ reasons. Now, a position is opening up at the > grade level I teach now (and love!) for next year. > > I was nervous this year that I might lose my current > position due to BIG budget cuts, but found out last week > that I will be okay here. Yesterday, the school near my > home posted their opening. Budget times are very bad this > year where I live, and I will finally have professional > status after this year where I am. If I move, I will be > at the bottom again. BUT, I'm torn because the other > school is SO close to home and my youngest will be going > there in a couple of years. My mom is doing well, but > getting older and she lives right near there as well. I > often feel so 'far away' from my family here at work, even > though it is only about 25 minutes. Being closer would > mean more time at home with a little one and 2 teenagers > and my husband too! And some more sleep. Money would > probably be about the same, but there might be the > possibilty of being laid off if cuts happen again next > year. There is not guarantee I would get hired at my old > school, there is a new principal who I know, but not very > well and she will be leaving this year already. > > I need advice! My husband worries about the risk of being > cut, but told me to make my own decision. All my friends > work at one school or the other and want me to work with > them (it's nice to be wanted at least). > > WHAT WOULD YOU DO???????????

Mar 27, 2009

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OP That's what I have decided to do....thanks for all the advice, it really helped! :)

On 3/27/09, jenny wrote: > Why not apply and see what happens? They may already have > someone picked out for the job or there may be 100+ > applicants. It never hurts to go on an interview if you get > called for one. > > On 3/23/09, so t...See MoreThat's what I have decided to do....thanks for all the advice, it really helped! :)

On 3/27/09, jenny wrote: > Why not apply and see what happens? They may already have > someone picked out for the job or there may be 100+ > applicants. It never hurts to go on an interview if you get > called for one. > > On 3/23/09, so torn wrote: >> I need some advice please! I am currently working at a >> terrific school- great colleagues and grade level team, >> awesome principal. It is not my 'perfect match' as far as >> educational philosophy because we use a basal program and >> I prefer leveled texts for guided reading (this is first >> grade)but I am adapting things to my own style and >> learning to appreciate the basal in some ways. This job >> is 25 minutes from home, I leave at 6:30, so I do not see >> my kids before they leave for school in morning. I get >> home between 4 and 4:30 usually. I stay later on Fridays >> to prepare for the next week, but am home by about 5. >> >> Before coming to this school, I worked half time at the >> school my kids attended, 2 blocks from my home. The >> position was only half time with no prospects for full >> time for a couple of years, so I moved to my current >> school. I loved it there and hated to leave, but needed >> to for $$ reasons. Now, a position is opening up at the >> grade level I teach now (and love!) for next year. >> >> I was nervous this year that I might lose my current >> position due to BIG budget cuts, but found out last week >> that I will be okay here. Yesterday, the school near my >> home posted their opening. Budget times are very bad this >> year where I live, and I will finally have professional >> status after this year where I am. If I move, I will be >> at the bottom again. BUT, I'm torn because the other >> school is SO close to home and my youngest will be going >> there in a couple of years. My mom is doing well, but >> getting older and she lives right near there as well. I >> often feel so 'far away' from my family here at work, even >> though it is only about 25 minutes. Being closer would >> mean more time at home with a little one and 2 teenagers >> and my husband too! And some more sleep. Money would >> probably be about the same, but there might be the >> possibilty of being laid off if cuts happen again next >> year. There is not guarantee I would get hired at my old >> school, there is a new principal who I know, but not very >> well and she will be leaving this year already. >> >> I need advice! My husband worries about the risk of being >> cut, but told me to make my own decision. All my friends >> work at one school or the other and want me to work with >> them (it's nice to be wanted at least). >> >> WHAT WOULD YOU DO??????????? >

Mar 28, 2009

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