My sub plans were detailed, but I'm pretty sure I always do that. The kids might have been better (less talkative) than usual--and my #1 huge behavior problem was absent--but I left her plans for a normal day with regular lessons.
I went in early, before going to my meeting, to finish up my report cards. Imagine my surprise when the superintendent walked in at 7:00 a.m. to give herself time to prepare.
All in all, I think it was a good experience for everyone, Judy
Sorry for a delayed response. This is a weekend activity for me. I just wanted to clarify a point that was brought up by a poster on this topic, albeit a week later.
Perhaps for this idea to be a cost-cutting measure it would have to take place in a huge school system, and my system is huge. Also along with the supe subbing, there would be the assistant supes, and associate supes, principals and assistant principals, and another approximately 50 other college degreed administative types that work at the Board of Education. So I'm talking about up to 100 people or more who will be subbing.
So you see, even without adding those numbers you can see the cost of sub salaries would add up!
On 3/19/11, Ona wrote: > On 3/13/11, judy5ca wrote: >> On 3/13/11, brad wrote: >>> Right, dc...that's not EVEN a drop in the bucket. To me, it's more >>> symbolic than anything. Don't get me wrong; I think it's a great >>> idea, but shouldn't be touted as a cost-cutting measure. >>> >>> judy, how large is the district that the supe can do this? >>> >>> brad >> >> Right, it is a small amount. We are a small district with 1 >> superintendent and 6 principals. So it's only about $2,000, but that's >> something, isn't it? I could buy a lot of pencils for $2,000. And, >> like us, she still has to do her job--I know because she was driving >> into the district office parking lot as we were leaving it. We all >> went back to our real work, LOL. >> >> And, as you say, I think it sends a great message to staff and > community. >> >> Judy > > Judy, > > Sorry for a delayed response. This is a weekend activity for me. > I just wanted to clarify a point that was brought up by a poster on this > topic, albeit a week later. > > Perhaps for this idea to be a cost-cutting measure it would have to take > place in a huge school system, and my system is huge. Also along with > the supe subbing, there would be the assistant supes, and associate > supes, principals and assistant principals, and another approximately 50 > other college degreed administative types that work at the Board of > Education. So I'm talking about up to 100 people or more who will be > subbing. > > So you see, even without adding those numbers you can see the cost of > sub salaries would add up! > >
Our collaborative team h...See MoreThe advice I received here and our reading together have really helped me improve my teaching of history. And I'll just bet the kids even like it better than last year's smarter bunch. My goals were to surpass the content covered last year, and I just achieved that, and to make the content more interesting to kids.
Our collaborative team has been looking at how best to teach kids to read nonfiction. Our coach brought in a series of 5 lessons (I'll just bet they're from Harvey/Goudvis) that I've adapted to using WITH our social studies text. Here's how that looks:
The history lesson was French & Indian War. The reading lesson was notetaking. We read the history text together, bulleting notes (and with me telling it as a story a la Willingham). We stopped at the description of the difference in fighting tactics to act it out. Finally, we used our bulleted list to retell the event. And finally-finally, since we'd had a math test that day and had no math homework, I told the kids to go home and retell the French and Indian War to someone in their family.
I feel I'm, for the first time in a long career, rolling as a history teacher. Unfortunately, we have just started our terrific Toastmasters public speaking program and that really cuts into SS time. But I'm going to keep plugging until the very last day of school. Last year, oh I'm embarrassed to admit this, we barely made it out of the Colonial Period. This year we WILL make it through the Revolution....yes, we will.
Thanks for your help. There is now one group of 28 5th graders who have a decent understanding of Colonial America. Judy
dcThat's so awesome, Judy! It was fun reading your explanation of it. I agree, how wonderful would it be to teach every new concept/unit/lesson just the way that we wanted to with no time requirements and no need to "move on"! Keep up the great work.
On 3/30/11, judy5ca nfm wrote: > On 3/30/11, Sam5 wrote: >> On 3/21/11, cavey wrote: >>> I thought the French and Indian >>>> War was the French vs. the Indians. >>> >>> >>> You mean it wasn't? >>> >>> Glad you got your Social Studies teaching mojo back, Judy! It >>> sounds great. The stars aligned for a lesson for me tomorrow. I >>> am getting ready to start "Out of the Dust" and last week, I got >>> my SCOPE magazines with an article about teen hoboes in the >>> 1930's. Then, yesterday in our local paper was an article about >>> the rise in homeless teens in the area. I love it when the >>> fiction goes with the non fiction and it all can work together. >>> Must have been the super moon that did it! >> >> Have you seen this series: >> [link removed].
On 4/17/11, judy5ca wrote: > It took until April for me to fall in love with this class. > I am disappointed in myself that it took so long, but I'll > have some new strategies if this situation ever occurs again > (I pray it doesn't). One of the things I've discovered is > that I must be relaxed. Sounds so simple, doesn't it? I > realized that I was constantly on edge with this group and > it made my teaching suffer. We've managed to get to a place > where I'm loving teaching again and feeling good about it. > I'm not sure about the kids though--they're a tough bunch to > read. I laugh heartily at those who make fun of experienced > teachers as "deadwood;" I'm learning every day. > Judy
Our big state tests are next week and my 5th graders seem to be taking them quite seriously. They've really paid attention to our test prep. I'm sure we'll all be glad to have the tests behind us and I am wholeheartedly anticipating some wonderful teaching AFTER tests. And we'll have some special activities (including a promotion ceremony) for our 5th graders as they prepare to leave our school. Oh, the places we'll go.
Just finished testing last week. I ran a before school session for 3 days the 2 weeks previous. Spent the time reviewing 4th grade Science standards. Go figure, 5th graders need to know 4th and 5th grade Science for the test. The kids seemed to think it was helpful.
May is full here. 3 field trips, practice for celebration, assemblies, Open House, 6th grade math placement test...the list goes on.
On ...See MoreOur state tests don't even start for a few weeks. Then, they are scattered until almost the end of the school year. I am doing A Midsummer Night's Dream with my class, plus trying to keep my head above water with my "other job". Can't wait for summer! And this year, we are not doing any home remodeling projects to suck up my time away!
On 5/02/11, Erin wrote: > HI Judy and DC > > Just finished testing last week. I ran a before school session > for 3 days the 2 weeks previous. Spent the time reviewing 4th > grade Science standards. Go figure, 5th graders need to know > 4th and 5th grade Science for the test. The kids seemed to > think it was helpful. > > May is full here. 3 field trips, practice for celebration, > assemblies, Open House, 6th grade math placement test...the list > goes on. > > No one better say they're bored. > > Looking forward to summer, > Erin
Just curious...anyone else going to the International Reading Association's Annual Convention in Orlando next week? Even though I'm beyond busy right now, I have to admit I'm getting kind of excited to hear some of my favorite reading gurus in person--Harvey Daniels, Kylene Beers, Robert Probst....
I really won't have time to process everything (go back over my notes, etc.) until summer, but will be happy to write in more detail then, if anyone is interested.
On 5/15/11, sioux wrote: > Wish I had gone, but too much going on. Can't waitto hear > about it!! > Sioux > > > On 5/03/11, Teri wrote: >> Just curious...anyone else going to the International >> Reading Association's Annual Convention in Orlando next >> week? Even though I'm beyond busy right now, I have to >> admit I'm getting kind of excited to hear some of my >> favorite reading gurus in person--Harvey Daniels, Kylene >> Beers, Robert Probst....
On 5/16/11, Teri wrote: > It was phenomenal! So many new ideas (I'm still "processing.) > My favorite parts were the Sunday institute on popular culture > and digital literacy (13 presenters including Kylene Beers and > Robert Probst), another workshop with Kylene and Robert called > Notice and Note (will be featured in a new book that will be out > sometime this fall or early spring), and a workshop by Smokey > Daniels (based on his newest book "Text Lessons.") Other good > workshops/seminars included the Young Adult Choices with Ellen > Hopkins, et. al. and Reaching Reluctant Readers. > > I really won't have time to process everything (go back over my > notes, etc.) until summer, but will be happy to write in more > detail then, if anyone is interested. > > On 5/15/11, sioux wrote: >> Wish I had gone, but too much going on. Can't waitto hear >> about it!! >> Sioux >> >> >> On 5/03/11, Teri wrote: >>> Just curious...anyone else going to the International >>> Reading Association's Annual Convention in Orlando next >>> week? Even though I'm beyond busy right now, I have to >>> admit I'm getting kind of excited to hear some of my >>> favorite reading gurus in person--Harvey Daniels, Kylene >>> Beers, Robert Probst....
Jan, I remember your statements 2 years ago about the studies that bore out Reading Street's efficacy when followed to the letter and it's one of the reasons I posted here. I'm still unconvinced about programs that jam so many objectives into a single week then seem to jump, hither and non, one week to the next. But in looking at studies about comprehension strategies, I keep finding that it's not so much the order in which they're taught, but the ways in which students are assisted in combining these strategies for the text they're using. This is not something I think I've done effectively.
This will be a summer of much study on teaching reading and I am welcome for it, as I am always thrilled to have such knowledgeable and skillful teachers to assist me in my reflections.
I have purchased Comprehension Going Forward and it is on its way from Barnes and Noble to my house. Can't wait to start some summer readin' and discussin'!
Hope you are all not TOO far off from singing the song that I just sang!
> On 5/30/11, dc wrote: >> Due to many furlough days, we are now out for summer. >> Whew! That went by fast! It's weird to have Memorial Day >> be the beginning of summer vacation instead of just a >> holiday that helps us squeak through to the end of the >> year. >> >> I have purchased Comprehension Going Forward and it is on >> its way from Barnes and Noble to my house. Can't wait to >> start some summer readin' and discussin'! >> >> Hope you are all not TOO far off from singing the song that >> I just sang!
On 5/30/11, judy5ca nfm wrote: > But I'm HAPPY for you! > Judy > > >> On 5/30/11, dc wrote: >>> Due to many furlough days, we are now out for summer. >>> Whew! That went by fast! It's weird to have Memorial Day >>> be the beginning of summer vacation instead of just a >>> holiday that helps us squeak through to the end of the >>> year. >>> >>> I have purchased Comprehension Going Forward and it is on >>> its way from Barnes and Noble to my house. Can't wait to >>> start some summer readin' and discussin'! >>> >>> Hope you are all not TOO far off from singing the song that >>> I just sang!
I would like to participate in the next professional reading group discussion. Can you please announce when that will be and what will be read? Thanks, so much!
On 6/10/11, Kathy wrote: > I feel like a little kid, but I want to say, "Me Too!?" I > have a need for stimulating discussion and this is just the > group to bring it to me. I am out for the summer and will > order the book this afternoon. > On 5/30/11, nina wrote: >> I would like to participate in the next professional >> reading group discussion. Can you please announce when >> that will be and what will be read? Thanks, so much!