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Second Grade Teachers Chatboard

Reading A-Z

by Charliethecow

Jun 16, 2012

I am a Kindergarten teaching jumping up to 2nd grade.I taught 2nd grade from 1988-1990, so I know things are very different. I have been teaching K for the last 10 years, and I find I use many of the same methods/concepts I used when I taught 2nd grade. I do use Reading A-Z, but I only use Levels aa and A and then move on to Rigby books. I don't th...See More

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kathyb2ndia retired It was not a choice to change from Reading A-Z Benchmarks to Fontas- Pinnell Benchmark Assessments.

Originally, the district paid for Reading A-Z Benchmark membership, as well as, provided training, compiling and actually gave us subs, so we could learn to use it with Reading First funds. We were already using Reading A-Z Benchmark booklet...See MoreIt was not a choice to change from Reading A-Z Benchmarks to Fontas- Pinnell Benchmark Assessments.

Originally, the district paid for Reading A-Z Benchmark membership, as well as, provided training, compiling and actually gave us subs, so we could learn to use it with Reading First funds. We were already using Reading A-Z Benchmark booklets, so we were thrilled. However, after using Reading A-Z for two years, then the district purchased the F-P Benchmark Assessment Kits and provided training and provided subs for testing. That quickly ended. We were required to use the F-P kit, but no more subs to help figure out when you are going to give these benchmarks tests, which are involved a great more with little or no difference in results. I felt the Reading A-Z gave just as good results, easier to use and teacher-student friendly.

F-P is expensive.

Of course, I sure don't miss this part of the teaching world. I am very bored with retirement, but my legs made is necessary for me to start taking care of myself and retire. I hate missing school and writing SUB Plans, so teaching and getting help for my legs at the same time was not possible for me. Last year I volunteered some, but only in math. We had a new math program for our district with big changes (Everyday Math). Students were afraid of the vocabulary change and thought they couldn't do it. So, I worked with them until they could see that they could do it. Big rewards to my personal feelings about retirement. We have a foster Grandparent program, but most won't work on math, but are great listeners with any reading level.

On 6/28/12, Charliethecow wrote: > I have used Reading A-Z with my Kindergarteners, and the PTA has > provided an account for me. My principal isn't thrilled with it, > and the word on the street is she is going to cut it. I am > thinking I need to print like mad before my access is cut. I have > copied everything from aa-B; my kids used Rigby books after B > since the K team had leveled readers. > The 2nd grade team has nothing. Our new principal is buying Math > materials, but I assume everything else is up to me. > If I read your response correctly, you are recommending F-P for > 2nd grade. > > On 6/27/12, kathyb2ndia retired wrote: >> I was at my last assignment - 2nd Grade for 8 years and loved >> every minute of it. My school used Accelerated Reader, but I >> had many books that weren't in the tons of purchased >> comprehension tests. Therefore, when the three of us started >> using Reading A-Z it was a lifesaver! >> >> The Benchmark books were very useful, even endorsed by the >> school district, until they got enough money to purchase >> Fontas-Pennil (sp). Reading A-Z Benchmark books are much >> easier to use than F-P. I purchased CHEAP orange two pocket, >> three prong folders and ran off what I needed with the >> nonfiction booklets in one pocket and the fiction booklets in >> the other pocket. The prongs were set up for personal use, so >> I could keep track of my students in my class. I set the >> pockets on their side and put in a convenient tub for easy >> access. I marked the levels, so I could quickly thumb through >> to find what I wanted. >> >> So, I used leveled running records for partner reading. I ran >> off several copies, backed on same colored cardstock and >> laminated it. I didn't actually use it as running records, as >> my Title I Reading teacher did the same with other materials. >> I just needed same leveled reading materials. Reading A-Z was >> a big help. >> >> REading A-Z also has test questions that you can run off. >> Reading A-Z also has teaching lessons for many of their >> booklets. >> Reading A-Z also has Common Core listings of the standard, >> then what booklets in their series that teaching to that >> Common Core standard by level. >> >> We didn't really get into Writing A-Z, nor Raz Kids. Our >> district had other materials for us to use. >> >> We ran off several books that were multi-leveled with the same >> topic. >> >> I think you will be happy with Reading A-Z. >> >> On 6/16/12, Charliethecow wrote: >>> I am a Kindergarten teaching jumping up to 2nd grade.I >>> taught 2nd grade from 1988-1990, so I know things are very >>> different. I have been teaching K for the last 10 years, >>> and I find I use many of the same methods/concepts I used >>> when I taught 2nd grade. I do use Reading A-Z, but I only >>> use Levels aa and A and then move on to Rigby books. I >>> don't think the books are leveled very well, so I use the >>> Rigby books since they match the DRA2 text levels. We have >>> a book room filled with books, but I'm thinking I should >>> use a variety of reading material. >>> Do you use Reading A-Z with your students? Can you give me >>> some advice on your perspective of the levels so I can >>> begin downloading and printing books? Thanks!

Jul 3, 2012

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kathyb2ndia retired John, thank you for explaining why I, as a teacher, was so comfortable with using Reading A-Z program. It is teacher- student friendly with results in the leveled readers that were best for our students. Yes, Reading A-Z has a membership fee, but nothing like what other programs cost with much more uses in addition to the benchmark testing aspect. ...See More

Jul 3, 2012

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interactive notebooks

by Allie

Jul 1, 2012

I am hearing a lot of buzz about interactive notebooks. Can anyone share what they have done with these? Is it appropriate for 2nd grade? I can see where they would be benficial, but I don't know if it is something I want to venture into.

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Charliethecow I'm a Primary Science Lead, and I've taught K for 10 years. I'm moving up to 2nd grade, and I plan to continue to use interactive notebooks. I would caution you on what interactive notebooks are and aren't. Many people use interactive notebooks as a way to glue in worksheets into a notebooks: the kids are "interacting" with a resource while they wo...See More

Jul 2, 2012

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Work SMART, and not hard with all our paper work!!!

by ona

Jul 8, 2012

Teachers please share some of your SMART ideas for our paper work. I'm looking for some short cuts to make my life easier. These days, there seems to be more and more to do, beyond teaching. The days of having a teacher assistants to help has passed, unfortuneately. Whew, I won't even mention the added computer work, new evaluations, and profession...See MoreTeachers please share some of your SMART ideas for our paper work. I'm looking for some short cuts to make my life easier. These days, there seems to be more and more to do, beyond teaching. The days of having a teacher assistants to help has passed, unfortuneately. Whew, I won't even mention the added computer work, new evaluations, and professional development. I'll share first:

1. Each child is assigned a number according to my current alphabetical student list. These days I use the numbers on my common core check lists instead of my a grade book.

2. I teach my students to write their number on all of their papers.

3. This number system helps my student "secretary" to record homework completion, returning newsletter/conduct sheets to their folders, and sorting graded papers to go home. It also helps me with marking mastery and nonmastery of skills.

3. My students are taught to pass in papers to the labeled and color coded folders and trays in order to assist with sorting.

4. Shhh, don't tell anyone but I only grade 10 items on many papers, whether they have more items or not! That,of course, makes the grading easier. Occasionally, a "smartie pants" student will catch-on to me and question why should they do the rest of the worksheet page. I tell them I may switch up and grade the middle or the end items on the page "you'll never know!!".

5. I buy a huge package of red ink pens and easy graders at the beginning of the year, and stashed them here, there, and everywhere, for easy access.

6. My main times and places for grading have been at school after the students leave, in the car(when waiting for my own children), on the kitchen table, in front of the TV sitting on the sofa (if I can stay awake LOL!).

7. When my children were younger, I use to carry around a file of papers to grade with me in the car. When I was waiting in the car before, during, or after dance lessons, ball games, after-school jobs, I'd pull them out and get busy. I'm not sure if this suggestion is SMART, but you do what you have to do.

That's all I can think of right now. Do you have any suggestions?

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ona Judy2, oh my goodness when it comes to assessments, I think you could use a few short cuts!! I realize there are some test we have to give according to our school system or principal, but if I were you, I would question the need for many of the others. There is something to be said about over testing our children. Whenever I make my own test, I do ...See MoreJudy2, oh my goodness when it comes to assessments, I think you could use a few short cuts!! I realize there are some test we have to give according to our school system or principal, but if I were you, I would question the need for many of the others. There is something to be said about over testing our children. Whenever I make my own test, I do my best to use only one side of one page with 5 or 10 items. That way, there is less page turning when I'm checking it and it's an easy grade.

I too use a rolling cart and on some days a rolling briefcase. Sometimes I get carried away, at the end of the day, by over loading my rolling cart which makes it too heavy to put in the car. I've been trying to resist the urge to take home too much "in case I get the urge to work on this or that". On the occasion that I can't resist, I'll take a few items out before lifting it into my car. Admittedly, I've had more than a few accidents with my filled to the rim rolling cart. While going up and down the stairs at my house I've been known to accidently lose my grip and generally the rolling carts have not survived the fall! Also, if you tend to over load your cart be certain to use the handicapp curb ramp on your way to and from the parking lot, instead of rolling it off the curb. The carts have a seemingly sturdy plastic bottom until you load it up too much and jiggle it the wrong way. Luckily, Office Depot has an occasional sale on them for $15 (and even less if you use your reward points).

In regards to giving up our desk for a kidney-shaped table, that was a sad day. Well yes, I do enjoy gaining some space in my classroom. However, when we gave up our desk we also gave up some valuable storing space, and that was sad. I think I found the solution to the lost desk-storage on Pinterest (a great place for teaching ideas). Apparently, at least some of the plastic storage with drawers, you see at Target or maybe Walmart, will fit under the table. You could place one storaage unit on either side of your chair! And what's even an improvement over the desk storage, some of this storage is ideal for your guided reading material!!

On 7/09/12, Judy2/CA wrote: > I use the milk crates too for the kids' portfolios - it takes 2 for the > homeroom(32 kids) and 2 for my lang arts group(35 kids). What we > correct together in class is the work they've done by themselves. Part > of the math we would have done together and they continue by > themselves. Then we go back and check/work it together. I don't collect > those papers. I don't correct/grade work in class. Anything I am > correcting I do after school or take it home. I had to laugh when one > of the 6th grade teachers was complaining because he had such a badly > behaved class this past year that he couldn't give them work to do > while he worked at his desk - he had to monitor them constantly! My > lang arts assessments are one on one and have to be done before each > report card. That has to be done in class and then I have to give the > other kids work to do so I can get the assessments done. Each child has > an assessment booklet and the scores are entered in it. Then the report > mark that goes with that score. We have district math benchmarks that > are given each trimester. I correct them at home and parts of them I > use for the math mark on the report card. I also give my own > assessments for the report card and I take those home to correct and > then match them to the district rubric for report cards. The tests I > give are assessments for the math standards on the report card. On the > front of each test I show the report card mark for each standard. Then > each trimester I have to go back and assess the kids on the standards > that they didn't show proficiency(pain in the neck!). I take my stuff > home in a rolling cart. I've tried to get away from using it but > parking is in the front of the school and my classroom is in a portable > waaaaay in the back. The wash tub fits in it okay. We also have writing > assessments for each trimester. I take those home and score them > according to the rubric. Lang arts scores for my group are entered into > the computer by our reading intervention teacher but we have to bubble > each child's math tests into the computer ourselves(at home on our own > time). That's way more info than you want! Basically, I teach when the > kids are present - everything else is done when they're not there - at > lunch, after school or at home! I have never sat at my desk. It is in a > corner and has a couple of tubs with resource books, Mailbox magazines, > etc on it. My horseshoe table is my real desk. > > > On 7/09/12, ona wrote: >> Judy, we have similar ways of using the assigned number system. I >> also keep files for the office,facilitator,reading coach,etc., but >> mine are in a hanging files. I have been keeping files lately beside >> my kidney-shaped table in a "milk" crate. Most teachers at my school >> have given up our teacher's desk,where I use to keep my files. So my >> hub for paper work tends to revolve around the kidney-shaped table. >> I have seen the vertical file holders that hang on the wall and I >> actually think they may work for me. I like the idea of being able >> to see some files at a glance without hunting for them. Thanks!! >> >> How do you take your dish pans home with you? That sounds like it >> could be problematic if you trip or the car stops short on the way >> home. >> >> How and when do you grade your math tests? My principal frowns on >> using instructional time to grade test and my support period time is >> usually used for a million other things. Since you are not recording >> grades, do you have a check list of skills? Do you include a date or >> partial mastery? >> >> Thanks again Judy!! >> >> On 7/08/12, Judy2/CA wrote: >>> I have one group of students for lang arts(we're leveled) and my >>> homeroom group is for math/soc studies/science, etc. My lang arts >>> group doesn't have written homework. The homeroom group has >>> homework 4 days/week and it is usually a math paper. I try to >>> correct those homework papers before I go home. They usually take >>> a math facts time test every day and those are usually corrected >>> before I go home also. If not, I correct them at home - usually >>> doesn't take long. I don't keep a grade book since we don't >>> average grades for the report card. I don't keep track of who or >>> who doesn't turn in homework. Most kids do their homework so it >>> isn't a problem. Work that we do in class is usually done >>> together or at least part of it. We correct the part they do >>> alone. My homeroom students are assigned a number - it is on >>> their mailboxes which are hanging shoe holders I got at Walmart. >>> Their number is on their pencil boxes, practice books, folders, >>> etc and they also put it on any paper they turn in. Most of the >>> paperwork is generated from the office, principal, project clerk, >>> etc. I bought a pocket chart file that is pinned to the wall near >>> my desk. It has 6 or 7 vertical pockets -each holds a manila >>> folder. One is for info from the principal, another from the >>> reading intervention teacher, grade level, nurse, office, staff >>> meeting notes, notes to and from parents, etc. I really like this >>> because I can keep track of everything. I have a plastic dish tub >>> that holds all my info for report cards, another holds the >>> assessments, etc. When I need to work on any of these I can just >>> take the tub home with me. Probably doesn't sound very effective >>> but it keeps everything in its place and is there when I need it. >>> >>> >>> On 7/08/12, I'm a k teacher wrote: >>>> I made a template for my lesson plans on my computer and only >>>> need to fill in the details that actually change from day to >>>> day or week to week. I saved them on my computer and hope to >>>> be able to use them again with some tweaks. Rather than >>>> labeling the dates on the pages I have them as week #1, week >>>> #2, etc. >>>> >>>> Make and use templates when possible. We made a year long >>>> planner (tweak it each year) and quarterly planners (tweak as >>>> needed). Saves a lot of time for the long term planning. >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> On 7/08/12, ona wrote: >>>>> Teachers please share some of your SMART ideas for our >>>>> paper work. I'm looking for some short cuts to make my life >>>>> easier. These days, there seems to be more and more to do, >>>>> beyond teaching. The days of having a teacher assistants to >>>>> help has passed, unfortuneately. Whew, I won't even mention >>>>> the added computer work, new evaluations, and professional >>>>> development. I'll share first: >>>>> >>>>> 1. Each child is assigned a number according to my current >>>>> alphabetical student list. These days I use the numbers on >>>>> my common core check lists instead of my a grade book. >>>>> >>>>> 2. I teach my students to write their number on all of >>>>> their papers. >>>>> >>>>> 3. This number system helps my student "secretary" to >>>>> record homework completion, returning newsletter/conduct >>>>> sheets to their folders, and sorting graded papers to go >>>>> home. It also helps me with marking mastery and nonmastery >>>>> of skills. >>>>> >>>>> 3. My students are taught to pass in papers to the labeled >>>>> and color coded folders and trays in order to assist with >>>>> sorting. >>>>> >>>>> 4. Shhh, don't tell anyone but I only grade 10 items on >>>>> many papers, whether they have more items or not! That,of >>>>> course, makes the grading easier. Occasionally, a "smartie >>>>> pants" student will catch-on to me and question why should >>>>> they do the rest of the worksheet page. I tell them I may >>>>> switch up and grade the middle or the end items on the >>>>> page "you'll never know!!". >>>>> >>>>> 5. I buy a huge package of red ink pens and easy graders at >>>>> the beginning of the year, and stashed them here, there, >>>>> and everywhere, for easy access. >>>>> >>>>> 6. My main times and places for grading have been at school >>>>> after the students leave, in the car(when waiting for my >>>>> own children), on the kitchen table, in front of the TV >>>>> sitting on the sofa (if I can stay awake LOL!). >>>>> >>>>> 7. When my children were younger, I use to carry around a >>>>> file of papers to grade with me in the car. When I was >>>>> waiting in the car before, during, or after dance lessons, >>>>> ball games, after-school jobs, I'd pull them out and get >>>>> busy. I'm not sure if this suggestion is SMART, but you do >>>>> what you have to do. >>>>> >>>>> That's all I can think of right now. Do you have any >>>>> suggestions?

Jul 13, 2012

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Judy2/CA Other than the math assessments I give to assess kids for the report card, the other tests are district tests that must be given. My rolling cart is bungee corded together - this is the last one I'm buying. I didn't get rid of my desk - it still there. Most of us don't store anything in our desks. For a long time our district was year round and we ...See MoreOther than the math assessments I give to assess kids for the report card, the other tests are district tests that must be given. My rolling cart is bungee corded together - this is the last one I'm buying. I didn't get rid of my desk - it still there. Most of us don't store anything in our desks. For a long time our district was year round and we moved from room to room during the year. Each teacher had a rolling cabinet that stored teacher supplies. Even though we are no long year round (for now anyway) each room still has a teacher cabinet and that is what we use. I have several of the plastic storage cabinets also and they work well also.

On 7/13/12, ona wrote: > Judy2, oh my goodness when it comes to assessments, I think you could use > a few short cuts!! I realize there are some test we have to give according > to our school system or principal, but if I were you, I would question the > need for many of the others. There is something to be said about over > testing our children. Whenever I make my own test, I do my best to use > only one side of one page with 5 or 10 items. That way, there is less page > turning when I'm checking it and it's an easy grade. > > I too use a rolling cart and on some days a rolling briefcase. Sometimes I > get carried away, at the end of the day, by over loading my rolling cart > which makes it too heavy to put in the car. I've been trying to resist the > urge to take home too much "in case I get the urge to work on this or > that". On the occasion that I can't resist, I'll take a few items out > before lifting it into my car. Admittedly, I've had more than a few > accidents with my filled to the rim rolling cart. While going up and down > the stairs at my house I've been known to accidently lose my grip and > generally the rolling carts have not survived the fall! Also, if you tend > to over load your cart be certain to use the handicapp curb ramp on your > way to and from the parking lot, instead of rolling it off the curb. The > carts have a seemingly sturdy plastic bottom until you load it up too much > and jiggle it the wrong way. Luckily, Office Depot has an occasional sale > on them for $15 (and even less if you use your reward points). > > In regards to giving up our desk for a kidney-shaped table, that was a sad > day. Well yes, I do enjoy gaining some space in my classroom. However, > when we gave up our desk we also gave up some valuable storing space, and > that was sad. I think I found the solution to the lost desk-storage on > Pinterest (a great place for teaching ideas). Apparently, at least some of > the plastic storage with drawers, you see at Target or maybe Walmart, will > fit under the table. You could place one storaage unit on either side of > your chair! And what's even an improvement over the desk storage, some of > this storage is ideal for your guided reading material!! > > > > On 7/09/12, Judy2/CA wrote: >> I use the milk crates too for the kids' portfolios - it takes 2 for the >> homeroom(32 kids) and 2 for my lang arts group(35 kids). What we >> correct together in class is the work they've done by themselves. Part >> of the math we would have done together and they continue by >> themselves. Then we go back and check/work it together. I don't collect >> those papers. I don't correct/grade work in class. Anything I am >> correcting I do after school or take it home. I had to laugh when one >> of the 6th grade teachers was complaining because he had such a badly >> behaved class this past year that he couldn't give them work to do >> while he worked at his desk - he had to monitor them constantly! My >> lang arts assessments are one on one and have to be done before each >> report card. That has to be done in class and then I have to give the >> other kids work to do so I can get the assessments done. Each child has >> an assessment booklet and the scores are entered in it. Then the report >> mark that goes with that score. We have district math benchmarks that >> are given each trimester. I correct them at home and parts of them I >> use for the math mark on the report card. I also give my own >> assessments for the report card and I take those home to correct and >> then match them to the district rubric for report cards. The tests I >> give are assessments for the math standards on the report card. On the >> front of each test I show the report card mark for each standard. Then >> each trimester I have to go back and assess the kids on the standards >> that they didn't show proficiency(pain in the neck!). I take my stuff >> home in a rolling cart. I've tried to get away from using it but >> parking is in the front of the school and my classroom is in a portable >> waaaaay in the back. The wash tub fits in it okay. We also have writing >> assessments for each trimester. I take those home and score them >> according to the rubric. Lang arts scores for my group are entered into >> the computer by our reading intervention teacher but we have to bubble >> each child's math tests into the computer ourselves(at home on our own >> time). That's way more info than you want! Basically, I teach when the >> kids are present - everything else is done when they're not there - at >> lunch, after school or at home! I have never sat at my desk. It is in a >> corner and has a couple of tubs with resource books, Mailbox magazines, >> etc on it. My horseshoe table is my real desk. >> >> >> On 7/09/12, ona wrote: >>> Judy, we have similar ways of using the assigned number system. I >>> also keep files for the office,facilitator,reading coach,etc., but >>> mine are in a hanging files. I have been keeping files lately beside >>> my kidney-shaped table in a "milk" crate. Most teachers at my school >>> have given up our teacher's desk,where I use to keep my files. So my >>> hub for paper work tends to revolve around the kidney-shaped table. >>> I have seen the vertical file holders that hang on the wall and I >>> actually think they may work for me. I like the idea of being able >>> to see some files at a glance without hunting for them. Thanks!! >>> >>> How do you take your dish pans home with you? That sounds like it >>> could be problematic if you trip or the car stops short on the way >>> home. >>> >>> How and when do you grade your math tests? My principal frowns on >>> using instructional time to grade test and my support period time is >>> usually used for a million other things. Since you are not recording >>> grades, do you have a check list of skills? Do you include a date or >>> partial mastery? >>> >>> Thanks again Judy!! >>> >>> On 7/08/12, Judy2/CA wrote: >>>> I have one group of students for lang arts(we're leveled) and my >>>> homeroom group is for math/soc studies/science, etc. My lang arts >>>> group doesn't have written homework. The homeroom group has >>>> homework 4 days/week and it is usually a math paper. I try to >>>> correct those homework papers before I go home. They usually take >>>> a math facts time test every day and those are usually corrected >>>> before I go home also. If not, I correct them at home - usually >>>> doesn't take long. I don't keep a grade book since we don't >>>> average grades for the report card. I don't keep track of who or >>>> who doesn't turn in homework. Most kids do their homework so it >>>> isn't a problem. Work that we do in class is usually done >>>> together or at least part of it. We correct the part they do >>>> alone. My homeroom students are assigned a number - it is on >>>> their mailboxes which are hanging shoe holders I got at Walmart. >>>> Their number is on their pencil boxes, practice books, folders, >>>> etc and they also put it on any paper they turn in. Most of the >>>> paperwork is generated from the office, principal, project clerk, >>>> etc. I bought a pocket chart file that is pinned to the wall near >>>> my desk. It has 6 or 7 vertical pockets -each holds a manila >>>> folder. One is for info from the principal, another from the >>>> reading intervention teacher, grade level, nurse, office, staff >>>> meeting notes, notes to and from parents, etc. I really like this >>>> because I can keep track of everything. I have a plastic dish tub >>>> that holds all my info for report cards, another holds the >>>> assessments, etc. When I need to work on any of these I can just >>>> take the tub home with me. Probably doesn't sound very effective >>>> but it keeps everything in its place and is there when I need it. >>>> >>>> >>>> On 7/08/12, I'm a k teacher wrote: >>>>> I made a template for my lesson plans on my computer and only >>>>> need to fill in the details that actually change from day to >>>>> day or week to week. I saved them on my computer and hope to >>>>> be able to use them again with some tweaks. Rather than >>>>> labeling the dates on the pages I have them as week #1, week >>>>> #2, etc. >>>>> >>>>> Make and use templates when possible. We made a year long >>>>> planner (tweak it each year) and quarterly planners (tweak as >>>>> needed). Saves a lot of time for the long term planning. >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> On 7/08/12, ona wrote: >>>>>> Teachers please share some of your SMART ideas for our >>>>>> paper work. I'm looking for some short cuts to make my life >>>>>> easier. These days, there seems to be more and more to do, >>>>>> beyond teaching. The days of having a teacher assistants to >>>>>> help has passed, unfortuneately. Whew, I won't even mention >>>>>> the added computer work, new evaluations, and professional >>>>>> development. I'll share first: >>>>>> >>>>>> 1. Each child is assigned a number according to my current >>>>>> alphabetical student list. These days I use the numbers on >>>>>> my common core check lists instead of my a grade book. >>>>>> >>>>>> 2. I teach my students to write their number on all of >>>>>> their papers. >>>>>> >>>>>> 3. This number system helps my student "secretary" to >>>>>> record homework completion, returning newsletter/conduct >>>>>> sheets to their folders, and sorting graded papers to go >>>>>> home. It also helps me with marking mastery and nonmastery >>>>>> of skills. >>>>>> >>>>>> 3. My students are taught to pass in papers to the labeled >>>>>> and color coded folders and trays in order to assist with >>>>>> sorting. >>>>>> >>>>>> 4. Shhh, don't tell anyone but I only grade 10 items on >>>>>> many papers, whether they have more items or not! That,of >>>>>> course, makes the grading easier. Occasionally, a "smartie >>>>>> pants" student will catch-on to me and question why should >>>>>> they do the rest of the worksheet page. I tell them I may >>>>>> switch up and grade the middle or the end items on the >>>>>> page "you'll never know!!". >>>>>> >>>>>> 5. I buy a huge package of red ink pens and easy graders at >>>>>> the beginning of the year, and stashed them here, there, >>>>>> and everywhere, for easy access. >>>>>> >>>>>> 6. My main times and places for grading have been at school >>>>>> after the students leave, in the car(when waiting for my >>>>>> own children), on the kitchen table, in front of the TV >>>>>> sitting on the sofa (if I can stay awake LOL!). >>>>>> >>>>>> 7. When my children were younger, I use to carry around a >>>>>> file of papers to grade with me in the car. When I was >>>>>> waiting in the car before, during, or after dance lessons, >>>>>> ball games, after-school jobs, I'd pull them out and get >>>>>> busy. I'm not sure if this suggestion is SMART, but you do >>>>>> what you have to do. >>>>>> >>>>>> That's all I can think of right now. Do you have any >>>>>> suggestions?

Jul 13, 2012

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Which Math Program best aligns with Common Core?

by Chris

Jul 11, 2012

Our district is trying to adopt a new math curriculum for this school year. Which do you think best aligns with Common Core Standards?

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Kimberly earson Envisions Math Common Core 2012 is what we purchased for this year. It's too soon to tell how close the alignment is but I'm very optimistic! I think everyone has to realize that you can't just use any one program but probably will need to supplement

On

8/25/12, Leanne/CA wrote: > On 7/11/12, Chris wrote: >> Our di...See More

Sep 4, 2012

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dan hoffman On 9/03/12, Paul wrote: > Everyday Math is a disaster. Would not choose this one. > > On 8/25/12, Leanne/CA wrote: >> On 7/11/12, Chris wrote: >>> Our district is trying to adopt a new math curriculum for >>> this school year. Which do you think best aligns with >>> Common Core Standards? >> >> ...See More

Sep 10, 2012

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Cognitively Guided Instruction (CGI)

by Teri/2

Jul 11, 2012

I have an opportunity to go to CGI training next month. I was wondering if anyone has experience with CGI and whether you thought the training was worthwhile.l

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KinderESL YES! I am starting year 2 of training tomorrow. I was amazed at what my kiddos did last year!

On 7/11/12, Teri/2 wrote: > I have an opportunity to go to CGI training next month. I > was wondering if anyone has experience with CGI and whether > you thought the training was worthwhile.l

Jul 22, 2012

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Common Core and Second Grade

by Edyth

Jul 12, 2012

Help! Does anyone have any suggested sites and or related suggestions of materials to help teachers who arw aligning common core standards for the first time. I have used Teachers Pay Teachers but amy looking for standards that are broken down in simple but yet in depth terms. I have seen many sites with "I can _______" but I am trying to get to th...See More

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Easy back-to-school art project?

by Lisa IL

Jul 13, 2012

We are having a come-and-go open house/drop off your stuff for our second graders and their parents. We would like to have a simple project ready for them to do together at the open house. Any ideas? All we can come up with is decorating a paper with their name and drawing a picture about themselves...Thanks.

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Amber Our school has the same thing and I am thinking about taking a well known art piece (like Van Gogh's sunflowers) and enlarging the outline. You can then cut the piece into squares, give one to each student/family and have them trace that part of the image onto a blank piece of paper the same size and color/paint it in. Then assemble the pieces toge...See More

Aug 2, 2012

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Lisa IL Thanks for the ideas! > > On 7/26/12, Lisa wrote: >> We don't have this open house before school, but this idea >> might work. If you are giving your class some information on >> class procedures or rules, maybe you could give them a >> scavenger hunt to do that they would have to read the info to >> find the ans...See More

Aug 3, 2012

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U.O.P student looking to interview a teacher

by alexis

Jul 24, 2012

Hi my names i alexis and im am a university of phoenix student > going for my associates degree in elementary edu and I have to > interview a teacher for a assignment the interview is 5 questions > long if interested could you e-mail me at [email removed]

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best way to gain fluency in math

by Froggybee

Jul 26, 2012

In your opinion, what is the best method for students to achieve math fluency in the second grade? Daily quizzing, flash cards, games, etc? Do you have any particular products you use?

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Practice Good old practice, practice, practice

Jul 30, 2012

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7 Ways to Encourage Reluctant Readers

by Steve Reifman in Teachers.Net Gazette

Aug 4, 2012

Reading is a tremendously appealing, satisfying activity, and children will become hooked once the adults in their lives consistently build it into their daily schedules. The key is getting children started. The following seven strategies will help even the most reluctant reader become more enthusiastic about the endeavor...

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