Paulie - hi all
cat - hello
Grace/IL - Hi everyone
Paulie - hi cat (you are using my favorite color for chats)
Paulie - hi Grace
Grace/IL - What grades are represented here? I'm retired from first.
Paulie - I hoep I don't get thrown off this chatboard tonight like last week
leeann - 1st
Paulie - looking for a job after moving
Paulie - anyone starting school this month?
leeann - me...8/19
Grace/IL - leeann, when does your school start?
Grace/IL - Oops, we posted at the same time.
leeann - 8/19...in-service is 8-8
Paulie - I guess you will be out in May then . . .
leeann - yep
Grace/IL - Hi, Laura
Paulie - hi laura
laura/md - hello
laura/md - we start 8/26 and I teach k
leeann - cool
laura/md - where are you moving to, Paulie?
Paulie - Is it all day K or two sessions of half day?
Grace/IL - Hi debbie
Paulie - I already moved from CA to WA
laura/md - two sessions
laura/md - hi debbie
Paulie - laura do you have an aide or a team teacher?
Paulie - hi debbie
leeann - if you're looking for a teaching job, Texas is the place to be...
laura/md - Here in Maryland, there are lots of jobs
Paulie - I would never move to TX with their TAAS not hanks
laura/md - we have four teachers and one assistant
leeann - you're right!!
Paulie - do u have to be Maryland certified?
laura/md - I have special ed kids included in my classroom
Paulie - when I team taught K we each ahd an aide also
Paulie - wow
laura/md - Maryland has reciprocity agreements with most states
Paulie - I am almost finished with my 20 page online portfolio just have some more photos to add
laura/md - I was originally certified in CA!
laura/md - wow
Paulie - How would I find out about jobs in Maryland?
Paulie - I am certified in WA now
laura/md - The counties here are like school districts back in Ca
Paulie - I worked for LAUSD for three years BIG district
laura/md - So, you would contact the county you are interested in (their Board of Ed office)
Paulie - and is there a url for the state?
laura/md - I don't know
Paulie - ok
laura/md - shouldn't be too hard to find. My county is Howard County
Paulie - Please join in all the rest of you here. . .
laura/md - The highest paying county is Montgomery
laura/md - did we drive them off?
Paulie - why do they pay more? less desirable jobs?
laura/md - no
Paulie - no they are just listening I guess
laura/md - rich county
Paulie - so probably no jobs then
laura/md - they hired 1700 teachers last year
laura/md - lots of jobs
Paulie - why so many? teachers leaving because of something bad?
laura/md - no
laura/md - it is a big,rich county near to DC
Paulie - do they have Open Court reading?
Addie/mo - hi all
Paulie - hi Addie
laura/md - no
Paulie - I don't want to teach scripted reading
laura/md - no
Addie/mo - what reading do you have, paulie?
Paulie - none
Paulie - I came from a school with Open Court
Addie/mo - so how do you teach reading?
laura/md - sorry, i got cut off
Addie/mo - i have never taught scripted reading, but i wouldnt like it either. teachers need to have some freedom to do what works
Addie/mo - i wondered about you laura!
laura/md - not scripted reading
Paulie - BB or 4 blocks and bring in other things too can use a basal just don't want to use scripted reading and be checked by the "police"
Paulie - wb laura
Addie/mo - when i taught k, i used literature based instruction, which is now being called balanced literacy
laura/md - well, our county is using guided reading a la fontas and pinnell
Paulie - AMEN! Addie
Addie/mo - i used parts of bb the last several years i taught
Paulie - yes F and P are great too
Paulie - How is your new school Addie?
laura/md - well, this year i plan to use more bb
Addie/mo - that is what my new school uses. it is a missouri reading initiative school and that is the form of guided reading everyone is in the process of being trained in. mri is a balanced literacy approach
Paulie - I hope to find a school where I can teach using BB or 4 Blocks or F and P
Paulie - hi marcie
Addie/mo - i have worked two days and so far, so good. all the teachers i have met are super enthusiastic and really seem to love what they are doing. my secretary is great
Paulie - I loved balanced literacy rooms
Addie/mo - hi marcie
Marcie - Hey all
laura/md - hi
Paulie - neato Addie and congrats on the new position!
Marcie - I'm in Ohio--2nd year teaching (well, soon to be!)
laura/md - what grade?
Addie/mo - and the principal at the middle school is about my age (well, a little younger) and she is great too. she has good ideas and a good head on her shoulders. she will be super to work with
Marcie - 1st (last year was 4th)
Addie/mo - thanks paulie
Michelle - Hi!
laura/md - hi
Addie/mo - hi michelle
Marcie - We start 8/29 and I'm SO not ready
Paulie - my last year teaching wss 4th also I resigned when they went to scripted OC reading for upper grades
Paulie - hi Michelle
Addie/mo - are you looking forward to the younger guys?
Addie/mo - we start 8/19
Marcie - YES!!!! can't wait!!!!
laura/md - never heard of oc for 4th grade!
liza - hello everyone --
Paulie - hi liza
Addie/mo - hi liza
Michelle - what grade does everyone teach?
Marcie - OC=???
laura/md - kind
liza - anyone here a grade 2 teacher?
Marcie - Michelle--I'm 1st
Paulie - I never teach a gr always teach kids
Addie/mo - it really seems ridiculous at those older grades, not that it is good anywhere
laura/md - oc is open court
Paulie - OC= Open Court
Addie/mo - i am an elementary principal
liza - i just switched froim grade 4 to grade 2 -- i am in need of help!
laura/md - it is very dull
Paulie - I taught 2nd a few years back love it
Addie/mo - scripted....
Marcie - I was staff-reduced from my position--district reduces a number of teachers every year, for NO REASON. No matter, as I am MUCH happier with a 1st grade class!
Paulie - want to teach 2nd again or go back to K
laura/md - 2nd grade is great
Paulie - liza what do u need?
liza - a ny sugggestions for me in terms of center tubs for when they are finished work?
Marcie - Liza--I'm going from 4 to 1
Michelle - I am liza!
Michelle - why?
liza - wow thats a jump!
Paulie - liza most teaching stores have center activty books Also, teachers net just started a centers board listed under K but ideas from there would work in 2nd also
Marcie - Yes--but I student-taught for a year-long placement in a 1/2 split, and that's what I'd rather!
Paulie - I went from K to 4
liza - i am excited about 2cd but scared! i dont want to be too hard!
Marcie - Same here, Liza!
liza - why did you switch grades marcie?
Paulie - Liza, you can make centers about just almost anythign u r studying at the tiem to give them further practice
liza - i moved to another state so i got what i got!
Paulie - brb gonna get another color
liza - where is everyone from?
Michelle - paulie- know of any good sites with center ideas?
Marcie - I was staff-reduced from my old school--my district reduces the staff each year at each school for no rhyme or reason. Anyway, I was rehired in my same district, at another (much better!) school to teach 1st grade.
laura/md - maryland
Marcie - Liza, I am from Ohio
Addie/mo - think of different games, like go fish or old maid, but program them to give practice in whatever skills the kids need
Michelle - Washington
Paulie - here I am again did u miss me?
Marcie - Yes Nice new color
Addie/mo - also, old board games can be made into good practice activities.
laura/md - paulie is in washington, too, right?'
liza - oh -- i student taught in 1st -- loved it -- but its more training than teaching!
Paulie - Michelle where in WA I am in vancouver WA
Michelle - 30 minutes south of Seattle
Paulie - someone had teal when I signed on
liza - I am from MA but just moved to GA
Addie/mo - there is a good website with lots of literacy centers. i am trying to remember at least part of the url so i can search for it.
Marcie - Yes but it was a year-long placement, more like an internship, I was there from August thru June, so I did quite a bit of teaching. By the end of the year, I thought of them as "my kids"!
Paulie - I am two hrs south of seattle where exactly are u?
Michelle - good addie...thanks!!
Paulie - how neat marcie
Michelle - Kent area
Marcie - welcome sue
Addie/mo - i know there are a couple of postings on the t.net lesson bank that have center ideas. you might search the lesson bank and see what you find
Paulie - hi Sue
laura/md - hi sue
Paulie - oic Kent is not too far from me are there any openings there?
liza - any ideas for discipline for grade 2?
Michelle - not too many...good district...difficult to get on
Paulie - read harry Wong's book liza
Marcie - It really was, Paulie. The worst part of it was that my CT looped with the kids, so this past year she had them all in a 2/3 split... I envied her so much! They were a great group.
Paulie - not too many???? all I need is one!
Sue - hi
Marcie - Liza, Teachers.net has a new classroom discipline/managment section. Check it out.
Michelle - haha!
Paulie - neat marcie good memories
Michelle - a few 5-6th....not many primary though
Michelle - uld you ever move here?
Sue - having a hard time with 'timing'... freezing up
Paulie - darn I was hoping for 2nd or K oh well
liza - paulie are you looking for a ob?
Paulie - sorry Sue it can only get better
Marcie - Hi Lynn
Paulie - ob?
Addie/mo - it knocked me out of here!
Sue - I teach K
laura/md - hi lynn
liza - i am starting school the 21st....cant wait!\
Paulie - hi lynn
Paulie - Yes I want a job in WA
Marcie - Liza, are you ready?
Paulie - but I will go anywhere but TX and FL
Marcie - Why not TX or FL?
Paulie - I loved K Sue
liza - have you been a teacher before?
laura/md - you just moved but you will move again?
Sue - what did I miss?
liza - did you just graduate?
Paulie - hate frogs in FL and don't want to deal with TAAS in TX
Marcie - Liza, yes. This will be my 2nd year.
Sue - hi ateacherwantaB
Paulie - nope
laura/md - hi
Paulie - hi taecherwantaB
Sue - is that Addie... from last year?
laura/md - well, seriously check out md
liza - no you didnt just graduate?
teacherwantaB - hello everyone
laura/md - we have jobs
Marcie - Frogs LOL never would've thought!
Sue - the one who published something???
Michelle - bye for now!!!
Marcie - No, I didn't just graduate. 2001 I graduated.
Paulie - the one who is now a Principal at her own school
laura/md - bye
Sue - I teach K and have been for 10 years... always something to learn
Paulie - bye Michelle
Sue - is there a given topic tonight??
laura/md - no
liza - no but ew should make one
Paulie - I will search the internet for Md Laura thanks made a note
laura/md -
Paulie - why do we need to amke a topic?
Sue - is someone moderating the discussion?
Marcie - Paulie, if you feel like moving to Ohio... check out http://www.columbus.k12.oh.us (my district)
Paulie - talk about anything related to Primary school
liza - paulie did you just graduate? or have you been a teacher before? where are you looking for a job? are you certified?
Paulie - no Sue free chat tonight
Marcie - I think this is a primary chat--no given topic.
laura/md - hi kem
Just Me/Mi - Hi everyone, what's new?
Paulie - Yes am certified, taught the last 6 years in CA taught as a sub for 8 years before that
Marcie - Gosh it's getting crowded
Paulie - hi Just Me
Paulie - Hi Kem
Addie/mo - here is a site with a lot of centers listed. it is kindergarten,though, but you could probably use the ideas to practice second grade skills and concepts http://www.kinderkorner.com/centers.html
Paulie - I laove crowds here
Sue - Hi, Just Me, I'm from Michigan, too
liza - You cant find a job now? Teachers are wanted everywhere --
Marcie - ICK Michigan!! (I'm a true Buckeye fan, born and raised!)
Paulie - Addie, teachers net also has a centers place liek a lesson plan place It is a link on the K board
Just Me/Mi - I'm from the thumb Sue. How about you?
Paulie - hi Pat
Paulie - I have not found one
Pat - Hi Paulie
Sue - it's tough to find one in MI
Marcie - Paulie--I've heard that North Carolina is hiring.
liza - Massachusetts is in desperate need!
Sue - I'm from South Haven
Addie/mo - cool! i knew there was a centers board. i thought it was like a chatboard, though
Sue - are you using the MLPP?
Paulie - do they recognize other states certificates?
Marcie - Welcome Jen
Paulie - also ehard that N Carolina is lowest paying in the US
liza - Mass does!
Pat - Need idea---I want to do a turtle bulletin board--any cute sayings to go on it?
Paulie - hi Jen
Jen/2nd/PA - Sorry I'm late, have a 5 month old who is teething!
Kem - I'm attending school now,how many credit hours do you all think I should take a semester?
Paulie - what is MLPP
Marcie - Oh really--didn't know that!
liza - Hi jen -- i am second too -- just moved from fourth
Jen/2nd/PA - Hi all
Marcie - Yikes, Jen, and you have to leave him/her soon!
Marcie - (for school I mean)
Addie/mo - kem, it depends on what else you have on your plate and how demanding your classes are
Sue - Michigan Literacy Progress Profile
Paulie - will check out mass tooo
Just Me/Mi - Yes, Sue. I'm in a title 1 building so we have been using parts for several years. I'm not completely trained. Too many other things to do this summer.
Jen/2nd/PA - Hi Liza, I'm a new teacher
Sue - a state mandated 'balanced' literacy series of assessment tools
Paulie - Gosh I ahd children in jr high when i went back to college took 21 semester credits and worked part time too
Paulie - congrats jen
Just Me/Mi - Lots of individual testing.
laura/md - how is it different?
Pecos - Hi, all. This is my first time in a tnet meeting. I teach third grade.
laura/md - we do that now
Sue - We have a open house soon... need to come up with my 'theme' on the door to welcome students - want to use their names
Sue - ideas?
liza - Is this your first yr jen?
laura/md - there were lots of ideas on the primary board
Marcie - Sue--what grade again?
liza - Sue - how about "open a door to a great lass " have their name on keys
Pat - I'm doing dalmations "Look who has been spotted in first grade"
Sue - My last semester 10 years ago I took 28 credits... worked full time and had to volunteer 3 days each week
Jen/2nd/PA - I was in learning support for 2 yrs as long term sub, this will be my first full year in classroom and YES Marcie I have to leave her soon
Sue - I nearly went insane
Kem - I have a 12 yr.old ,9 yr.old ,and a 7 yr.old
Sue - oh, Pat... that is really cute
Just Me/Mi - Have you checked the chatboard? There have been some good ones in the past few days.
Pat - You can print cute dalmations off the internet
Marcie - Jen, what's her name? I love babies My mom is babysitting an 8 month old... she is so cute! My own baby is BIG, he'll be 5 next month!
Sue - 12 of the credits were the kind ya mail in, correspondance
Addie/mo - i have seen a cute chicka chicka boom boom tree with the kids names written on the letter they start with (die cut) all around a coconut tree and the caption reads: chicka chicka boom boom! look who's in our room!
Sue - not yet
Sue - did post, tho
Sue - will check tonight
Jen/2nd/PA - Her name is Lindsey
Paulie - were those semester or quarter credits?
Addie/mo - do you have to work?
Marcie - My son is Hunter.
Paulie - the college I went to only allowed 21
Marcie - I do--I'm a single mom.
Marcie - welcome Darcy
Darcy/PK - hi all
laura/md - goodnight
Kem - The college I am attending only allows 21
Kem - I was going to reg. for 16 credit hours
Paulie - hi Darcy
Just Me/Mi - Good night Laura. I'd like to talk to you about 1/2 day kdg some time.
Sue - another teacher in my building did that last year - she moved to another building - would hate to have others think I was trying to 'take her place'... is that legit thinking???
Jen/2nd/PA - I do, my hubbie is going to go back to school to be a teacher!
Addie/mo - i started with a watermelon theme and had a watermelon patch. each melon had a child's name on it. the caption said, "look who's growing to kindergarten"
Sue - cute Addie
Sue - I'm saving these ideas
Addie/mo - later i added self portraits and digital photos
Marcie - Jen, where are you in PA?
Addie/mo - you could do that caption for anything that grows, like sunflowers or any garden thing
Jen/2nd/PA - 20 mins. north of Harrisburg, you?
Sue - I want to add pictures, too
Marcie - I am in Ohio (central)
Darcy/PK - <---in Philadelphia
Marcie - My ex-hubby is from Abington (suburb of philly)
Jen/2nd/PA - I'm starting the year with Charlotte's Web (read aloud) friendship theme then
Sue - I've done the garden theme in the past
Jen/2nd/PA - ok
Marcie - And I went to college for a year at LaSalle (in Philly)
Marcie - Darcy, where do you teach?
Addie/mo - i ordered border that was sparkly with a black background and stars....what could i do with that on a main school hallway bulletin board
Darcy/PK - I teach 8 minutes from Las Salle, Marcie
Marcie - Neat--I can't remember the school I had to do my observing at (for my first year)...
Just Me/Mi - I do SuperBees -- Be kind. Be helpful, etc. on bees buzzing around a hive.
Marcie - it was VERY inner city... about a 10 min. walk from LaSalle
Addie/mo - later, i am going to take digital photos of all the new kids and staff and put them on the board, probably like a collage with their names
Sue - was thinking about "Look who's in great shape" or something like that and putting their names in shapes (triangles) etc... but no pictures
Sue - Addie, do you do a name wall?
Marcie - Sue--I like that!!
Just Me/Mi - The class leader is the Superbee. I pin a cut out bee on him/her.
Sue - really???
Jen/2nd/PA - oh man, I forgot about my door decorations, oh man, now what do I do? LOL
Sue - I was thinking it was kinda dorky
Addie/mo - when i taught k i did and then it evolved into a word wall (although i know that building blocks tells you not to)
Paulie - Shing Stars of _____ school?????
Sue - That sounds great Just Me
Just Me/Mi - I like it, Sue.
Marcie - No way, Sue--I might copy it
Addie/mo - good idea, paulie
Just Me/Mi - Marcie, where are you in Ohio?
Addie/mo - what could i do before i get the photos done, like for open house
Sue - we have this great grant and we will be getting all kinds of books related to physical education
Marcie - Just Me--I'm in Columbus. Well that's where I teach. I live in a suburb.
Sue - course... it would be a constant reminder to actually get out of the building at a reasonable time so that I can actually get to the gym
Sue -
Marcie - LOL Sue
Addie/mo - lol, sue!
Sue - my folks just moved from Grove City
Marcie - WELCOME everyone who just came in
Marcie - JINX Addie!
Just Me/Mi - I'm one hour north of Detroit in a small town on the St. Clair River across from Canada.
Sandy Fitzpatrick - Hi Everybody
Darcy/PK - I bought three of the cheap chart board from Walmart, now I'm trying to figure out where to put them all! lol
Jen/2nd/PA - Hmmm, let's think....something with webs...
Marcie - Sue, that's right by where I student taught! About 30 minutes from here.
Addie/mo - hi sandy
Addie/mo - pinch poke, you owe me a coke!
Sue - hey it's easy to gain weight little by little teaching the young ones... all those snacks and birthday treats
Sandy Fitzpatrick - Guess my name is too long-
Marcie - Hi Sandy
mrsteach - hi!
Sue - hi Sandy
Sandy Fitzpatrick - guess you can tell I'm not a regular chatter
Sue - how cheap??
Marcie - LOL Addie--never heard that one!
Sue - I'm going broke - do every fall
Addie/mo - what do you mean your name is too long? i can see it all
Marcie - neat--I am starting to think it WAS Pastorius... the name sounds just too familiar!
Just Me/Mi - Hi to everyone who I didn't get to say hi to earlier.
Sandy Fitzpatrick - I hear you about gaining a few pounds from those snacks
Addie/mo - we used to always say that after jinx
mrsteach - does anyone know of any good primary websites??
Sandy Fitzpatrick - but it practically takes up the whole line
Darcy/PK - $10 per "sentence strip" board at Walmart. During the summer. You have to get them before the start of school or the other teachers will have bought them out.
Jen/2nd/PA - Sue! LOL I know, the last 2 yrs I umm walked the halls going to and from classrooms since I was in Learning support
Sandy Fitzpatrick - abcteach.com is one of my favorites
Darcy/PK - I sometimes end up having two lunches because we have to eat with the kids, but not with our food from home. Pre-prepared stuff. ugh.
mrsteach - sandy- I like that site too, but they don't update it very often
Marcie - abcteach is a wonderful site
mrsteach - f any other super sites?
Jen/2nd/PA - now I'll be in a room with snacks and birthday treats!
Sue - I have a ton last school year... got lots on this site, too
Marcie - MrsTeach--the webmaster is a teacher herself, so it's understandable why it's not often updated.
Sue - web sites, I mean
Sue - web sites, I mean
Sue - ma;ybe I'll go to Walmart tonight yet, eh
Marcie - Here's one... http://www.busyteacherscafe.com/
Sue - hi Carrie
Darcy/PK - those chart boards usually cost like $20, so it's worth grabbing them at Walmart when you can.
Carrie - Sue, I like enchantedlearning.com for theme/science stuff.
mrsteach - I know...it is a great site
Addie/mo - is your walmart open 24 hours? here in branson they are only open til midnight....even the supercenter in branson west
mrsteach - otten lots of things there!!
Just Me/Mi - got one in Wal-Mart in Port Huron.
mrsteach - thanks marcie : )
Marcie - And another one for themes... http://www.alphabet-soup.net/theme.html
Shannon - Hi! Someone else from Mi?
Darcy/PK - When I came in, someone was mentioning chicka boom boom. I have a neat website for it. Does anyone want it?
Marcie - WELCOME all newcomers
Just Me/Mi - Before you go shopping Sue, are you near Albion?
Marcie - YES, sure Darcy
Sue - hi Shannon
Sue - hi ShannonI'm from Michigan
Shannon - Cool!
Jen/2nd/PA - I'm trying to get centers together, I feel like I don't have enough material
Just Me/Mi - I'm from MI too
Sue - I'd like the web site Darcy
Sue - I live in South Haven, Shannon. You?
Shannon - Do you have magnet letters fro centers yet? They are so awesome!
Sandy Fitzpatrick - sorry everyone- my computer is a mess!
Darcy/PK - Oh great, the link is messed up, but the chicka site can be found by looking up (Mrs. Fischer's Kinder~Themes)
Shannon - I live in Hillsdale...just moved from StJoe Benton Harbor area
Sandy Fitzpatrick - anyone from NJ?
Addie/mo - you will want to start slow with your centers though and spend time teaching the kids exactly how to use each one and have them practice, even with second grade. you really dont need a bunch right off the bat. that will give you a little time to create them in the next several weeks
Sue - did you teach there?
Carrie - I just discovered the book Primary Literacy Centers by Nations and Alonso. I am so excited to have another resource for centers.
Just Me/Mi - Hi Shannon. I'm on the other side of the state, just south of Port Huron.
Sue - I do a LOT of whole group at first
Addie/mo - plus, you will be able to see where your kids are and design activities that meet their needs
Shannon - Yes..taught in BH for three years...enough to learn I never want to teach there again! Just got a new job here!
Jen/2nd/PA - PHEW! That is SOOO true Addie! *RELIEF*
Darcy/PK - Jen, a neat series of book that came out recently are titled :What do I do now? - activities kids do when they are finished their work. Pretty neat.
Shannon - Centers are so very awesome though! The kids love them!
Marcie - Jen--I got a neat book called "Instant Math Centers" I got it for K-1, but there's a 2-3 version. It's put out by CTP ($13.99). As soon as I found out I'd be teaching grade 1, I bought it (I got it last year for a friend who was starting K; it's really neat!).
Jen/2nd/PA - Yae, I'm excited about centers, NO ONE in our building does them
Sue - I don't love centers as much as I used to
Marcie - Sue, why not? (just curious)
Shannon - No one where I taught did centers either...watch for the looks of shock from the other teachers!
Marcie - welcome CG
Sue - I do a lot small group
Sue - I provide choices within groups
Sue - I have done a lot with Work Boards
Carrie - Do you do centers during guided reading, or at a different time of the day? We are being required to do them in guided reading (F and P style) so it will be new to me.
Just Me/Mi - With the standards we have to teach it is hard to keep centers going.
Marcie - My problem is, WHEN will I do centers???? We do Four Blocks, so that's basically 9:00-12:00, and after lunch/recess we have math, specials, etc.
Sue - I think honestly because I've been watching some other teachers even in Kdg
Shannon - I am doing a combo of four blocks and centers this year...
Darcy/PK - I got started 4 years ago with no center toys. I'm not to proud to say that I've gotten some of my best center "stuff" from the curb on trash day. You'd be surpised at what great stuff you can get. Plus, go to flea markets. They're a gold mine.
Marcie - Ditto, Just Me. The standards are great in some respects--but wow, do they ever limit you in others!
Shannon - and garage sales!!!
Sue - I did F & P for guided reading (second semester) in Kdg and K/1 multiaging... but the other teachers I mentioned have been limiting 'centers' and are getting better results
Marcie - OOOO, and E-Bay! I'm a newly-formed E-Bay fanatic!
Carrie - I do 4 blocks, too, so I'm in the same boat as you Marcie. I don't want to give up 4 blocks for something I'm unsure about and will require so so so much of my time to come up with.
Sue - course... that might not be because of centers
Darcy/PK - yes, garage sales are great because you can get stuff even cheaper then flea markets.
Sue - it's good to watch others, tho... and share
Marcie - Carrie, this will be my first year doing 4B, so I'm excited My school implemented it 3 years ago (but it's my first year teaching there)
Just Me/Mi - I lost my aide last year so they are on their own while I work with one group at a time.
Sue - there are so many things about 4 Blocks that I like for the beginning of Kdg. (building blocks, I meant)
Shannon - when practicing spelling words...have some kids at a magnet letter center, spelling them there...other kids at chalkboard, one at overhead..others cutting the words out of magazines...etc
CG/2/SC - i am like Marcie 4 blocks and FROG and not a lot of time for centers. I like to use them for things to do when you are done.
Darcy/PK - Speaking of Ebay, I just put 15 items that I bought before I started teaching Pre-K on EBAY. You can locate my stuff on EBAY under the seller:netherfield.
Marcie - Hey, speaking of 4B, here's a COOL website that's floated around on the 4B rings: http://www.bookcloseouts.com You can get books for SO CHEAP here!!! Brand new ones!!!
Sue - I only get an aide for 30 min. or so
Shannon - I have always done it on my own in K...no para help..with a class of 25..it can be done
Sue - what is FROG?
Marcie - What's FROG?
Carrie - I love 4 blocks- I had great success, even though I was the only one doing it.
Sue - thanks Marcie
Marcie - JINX Sue
Marcie - Darcy I will check you out there
Sue - someone slug me so I can speak again
Darcy/PK - thanks.
Jen/2nd/PA - 8:00-8:15 Breakfast/Lunch Count/Problem of the Day
CG/2/SC - FROG stands for Facilitating Reading for Optimum Growth. It is a reading program where the children are broken up into small groups among several teachers for reading instruction. It is kind of like a mini 4 blocks all in 45 min a day.
Marcie - Carrie, I went to a 4B workshop presented by Dottie Hall (co-author of the Teacher's Guide), and it really inspired me!
Darcy/PK - slug
Jen/2nd/PA - oh nevermind, can't cut and paste the whole schedule! LOL
Just Me/Mi - I've done it alone. We only had parapros for 3 years. When we had them it was for one hour a day Monday thru Thursday.
Sue - Shannon, do you teach Kdg?
Carrie - I am SO jealous, Marcie!
Marcie - OK Carrie I have heard of that. Do you like it?
Marcie - LOL Jen
Jen/2nd/PA - I could possibly have 2 aides! I only have 15 students
Shannon - I did..now going to be doing multiage 6,7 and 8 class..taught K first four years as a teacher
Just Me/Mi - I have two groups so I got her for 2 hours.
Marcie - Carrie, it was wonderful... not to mention the various vendors there selling stuff! I got some great cheap kids books
Marcie - LUCKY Jen! I hope I have one! I have NO CLUE what I'll have.
Jen/2nd/PA - anyone hear of Ganske developmental Spelling?
Shannon - I MIGHT geta apara this year...either way a class of 18 will be a dream after two sets of 25 each! lol
Carrie - Sorry I lost you there, Marcie. Do I like WHAT? Trying to keep up with everything!
Just Me/Mi - Jen, You are so lucky. I have 20 to 25 kids in each class.
Carrie - Last year I had 16 for about 9 weeks-- then up to 18 the rest of the time. It was heaven!
Marcie - It's okay Carrie Do you like FROG?
Marcie - I had anywhere from 23-29 last year (for 4th grade). My new school is alternative, so I shouldn't have more than 20 or sol
Sue - I have 25 Kinders so far but our migrant children haven't registered yet... and all the later comers
Darcy/PK - I have a max of 19 kids in my class. But then again, they are just 3 years old, to just missed the K cut-off date. Makes them seem like 50 kids.
Jen/2nd/PA - I had 14 til I was at my college roommates bridal shower and spoke with a lady from the school's town, well guess I must have made a 'good' impression, her granddaughter who WAS home schooled is now in my class, they requested me!
Sue - I heard it's going to be high... but... I had 33 once ... God grants graces, let me tell ya'
Paulie - am I still on?
Paulie - my bottled water guy finally came
Marcie - 33!??!!!
Carrie - Yes, I really saw a lot of progress with FROG. I kept pulling the same ones, and they were at grade level (barely) by the end of the year. I do it at the end of the day with centers going.
Marcie - Hi again Paulie
Paulie - scrolling to see what I missed
Just Me/Mi - Welcome back Paulie!
Darcy/Pre-K - what grade was that sue?
CG/2/SC - Carrie are you the only one doing FROG?
Sue - I know... all that stress from college prepared me - sorta
Marcie - Sounds cool Darcy.
Sue - Kdg
Shannon - 33!!! And they questions teachers burning out??
Sue - I had 30 in AM group and 33 in PM group (we all did)
Sue - we
Jen/2nd/PA - no one has Ganske Developmental Spelling huh?
Shannon - no
Marcie - Not I, Jen!
Sue - we've had a grant for a few years to lower class size... I think the 24 IS lower... but I had 22 a couple years ago
Sue - I've never heard of it
Carrie - I'm the only one doing 4 blocks period in my school, so yes, only one doing FROG.
Addie/mo - l8r!
Marcie - Carrie, what do the others at your school do??
Just Me/Mi - I've got to look up more often. Hi to whoever I've missed saying Hi to.
Sue - what grade, Carrie?
Shannon - We had a grant one year...but it never quite happened! oh well, you adjust!
Paulie - Oh nuts by screen is all white now
CG/2/SC - Oh, we have three other second grade teachers besides myself who becomes a FROG teacher during my kids time in FROG. It takes up a chunk of our day everyday!
Marcie - WElcome Rachel
Sue - funny face, Shannon
Sue - hi Rachel
Carrie - My teaching job is a class size reduction grant- We have to have less than 20 to keep it.
Jen/2nd/PA - alright, well its developmental.....so I could have as many as 4 different spelling lists each week
Just Me/Mi - I haven't heard of it Jen. Has anyone heard of Animated Literacy? We plan to use it this year.
Sue - I think maybe I will go with the 'Look who's in great shape' idea
Carrie - I teach 2nd.
Sue - that or just "We are in Great Shape"
Marcie - I would, Sue
Paulie - I hope this works
Sue - Hi Paulie
Marcie - Carrie, what do the other teachers do for reading/writing at your school?
Sue - We just got Rigby
Jen/2nd/PA - there are 4 groups LN (Letter Name), WW (Word WIthin) and SJ and DC can't remember those tho
Rachel/PK - Hi Sue!
CG/2/SC - Carrie I meant to say three other FROG teachers besides me. FROG is all they do everyday.
Sue - anyone using it?????
Sue - hi sheila
Marcie - Not I, Sue.
Sue - wow... it's getting crowded
Marcie - Welcome suezq
Sue - welcome suezq
Marcie - Sure is, Sue!
Carrie - They do a little bit of everything-- mostly whole group instruction- one doing Open Court, the rest doing McGraw-Hill and then me. Believe it or not, we all get along great!
Darcy/Pre-K - I grouped the books with similiar levels, so it would be good for he same grades.
Just Me/Mi - Hi sheila and suezq
Shannon - what a strange district...everyone is allowed to choose the curriculum? that would be awesome in so many ways!
Jen/2nd/PA - hello all that entered
Sue - wow, Carrie, very traditional... our charter schools in MI are using Open court
Just Me/Mi - Hi Darcy
Marcie - That's good, Carrie. In my district, each school voted 3 years ago on one of 3 different programs: Success for All, Direct Instruction, or Literacy Comprehensive (which can include the choice of Four Blocks). So everyone in the school MUST do what the school voted on. It does establish some continuity, I suppose.
Just Me/Mi - You are at a charter school, Sue?
Shannon - I am at a charter in MI...and we are going to be using Harcourt...just ordered it...did not like Opne Court at all
Sue - NOOOOOOOO
Carrie - Our principal lets us be as long as we are teaching state standards.
Darcy/Pre-K - HI, Just me. I keep on getting the boot.
Jen/2nd/PA - I have to make a good impression this year
Sue - you switched from BH, right? or am I confusing you?
Carrie - Why do you feel that way, Jen?
Just Me/Mi - Hi PeachyK
Sue - you will Jen
Shannon - Me, yes from BH to Charter school...started teaching ata different charter school..,maybe I will stay in one place for a while now?
Jen/2nd/PA - I don't have a contract but there will be a LOT of contracted positions available next year
Darcy/Pre-K - I'm in an off-school-site classroom with only two other classrooms. No principal there everyday. AS long as we have our rooms decorated the right way, she pretty much leaves us alone.
sheila - I need a good idea for our lunch board in our classroom. Any suggestions?
Marcie - Jen, you don't have a contract???
Marcie - Darcy--sounds nice!
Sue - I considered leaving for awhile... almost went to the charter in BH, too, but they were having start up problems
PaulieS - I got booted again too
Carrie - Gotcha! We are desperate for teachers in AR.
Jen/2nd/PA - nope
Jen/2nd/PA - Long Term Sub for full year
Sue - Munch with the Lunch Bunch
Shannon - That charter school in BH is DISASTER!!!
Darcy/Pre-K - Very!!! Especially if one of us has to leave early.
Marcie - Gotcha... well I hope it works out!!
Sue - what a pity
Sue - I think competition is good
cindy84 - hi all
Sue - it's been good for us
Darcy/Pre-K - I wish there were more positions in my part of PA. We ahve many teacher's colleges here that attract people from everywhere. Then they stay and take all the jobs.
Shannon - we got kids that in the middle of first grade had not started any type of reading yet...so sad!
Marcie - Sue, do you mean between charter schools and non-charter schools?
Shannon - where in PA?
Jen/2nd/PA - Yea, our one elementary school and our middle school is switching places 2003-2004 school year, should be LOTS of openings
Rachel/PK - Shannon, where do you teach?
Sue - but at this point in my career if I went to a charter I'd have to take a 15,000 pay cut
Darcy/pre-k - this is driving me nuts.
Marcie - Darcy--LOL that would've been me, had I not returned home to Ohio!
Shannon - now in a charter in Jackson MI...da vinci institute..befoire Benton Harbor MI
Darcy/pre-k - Philadelphia area. you know, Bryn Mawr, Ivy league school - U or P and many others.
Shannon - I did awesome..I am making $500 more at charter than BH!!!
Darcy/pre-k - let me thank you then, Marcie. lol
Carrie - I have to go, but I have so enjoyed visiting. It's nice to know there is so much support for teachers. Thanks! Good night!
Sue - in michigan a charter school is a public school (funded by state monies according to alotted amount based on student enrollment) but they are privately owned by someone - or a group - they have to have oversight from an existing educational system
Marcie - LOL
PaulieS - come again Carrie
Shannon - Yeah...I got my master's in ECE from Penn..student taught in W Philly and Cynwyd
Sue - by Carrie
Marcie - NIght carrie
Darcy/pre-k - Q: What is the one item that you couldn't live without in your classroom?
Just Me/Mi - Shannon, you are near Albion. DO you know about Dr. Thomas Johnson's program 1st steps?
Marcie - Sue, that basically sounds like charter schools here in Ohio
Shannon - No...just moved here
Jen/2nd/PA - my dress for my interview wasn't "revealing" enough LOL
Sue - MY COMPUTER
Marcie - Ours here in Columbus are NOT succeeding at all.
PaulieS - bulletin boards
Marcie - One thing, Darcy?? Wow... I don't know...
sheila - How do you you put "Mucnch with the Lunch Bunch" up as a board??
Sue - The National Heritage group has schools there and here
Darcy/pre-k - cool, Shannon
Jen/2nd/PA - STUDENTS!!!! LOL
Shannon - dry erase board
Rachel/PK - That's a tough one, Darcy!
PaulieS - amen Jen u got the A answer
Sue - you can get a lot done without kids, tho
Marcie - In my old room, it would've been the overhead projector.
Shannon - National Heritage is basically rote learning...not the best thing, I think
PaulieS - but why are u doing it then Jen
PaulieS - o yes I lvoe overheads
Darcy/pre-k - I couldn't live without antibacterial soap or lotion!
Jen/2nd/PA - doing what?
Marcie - Not sure how much I'll use it this year though.
Just Me/Mi - Pocket charts
PaulieS - I meant Sue
Marcie - I think... My Word Wall!
Rachel/PK - Don't even get me started on pocket charts...
PaulieS - I really could not choose one thing I jsut like a big room
sheila - Can anyone give me some ideas on lunch boards??
PaulieS - what is a lunch board?
Darcy/pre-k - I have a pocket sized room, I had a huge room WITH water fountain and bathrooms before, and I really miss it.
Just Me/Mi - Why Rachel?
Sue - Oh, I love to teach... I was just making a joke... actually, that was in poor taste because I cherish my students very much
TL/OK/1 - Hi All! I'd say Word Wall, too on the one best thing.
Jen/2nd/PA - I have a board "Today's Lunch, it is divided into three categories....Lunch A, Lunch B and Packers, they clip their clothespin to the category they are choosing
PS its Paulie - This room does not like me
sheila - where the students can choose what they would like for lunch!!
Marcie - It's ok Paulie WE like you
Shannon - I loved that about Philly...choices in lunches! No choice here! All the kids have to pack\
Just Me/Mi - We like you Paulie
PS its Paulie - glad to ehar that Sue
PS its Paulie - thanks marcie
PS its Paulie - and Just Me lol
Sue - my great frustration, tho, is it's hard to get everything done
Darcy/pre-k -
Jen/2nd/PA - names are on clothespins
Sue - always so much to do
Shannon - true enough Sue!
Just Me/Mi - I hear you, Sue
PS its Paulie - I will go get another color brb sorry I took Sue's color
Marcie - OK guys, gonna have to go... I'll come to the next one, though, PROMISE
Shannon - when is the next one?
Jen/2nd/PA - take care marcie
Darcy/pre-k - yes, just like the rabbit from Alice in Wonderland. "So much to do, so much to do. I'm late!"
Sue - I think for the Lunch, thingy, I'd possibly turn it into a graphing tool
PSit;s Paulie - o nuts
Sue - black is the default color - I don't care
Sue - Pooooooooor Paulie
Marcie - Buh-BYYYYYYYYYYEEEEEEEEEEE
Jen/2nd/PA - oooo!! I like that idea Sue!!!
Shannon - I feel bad for Paulie\
Sue - tee hee, Darcy, that's how it gets
Shannon - I feel bad for Paulie\
Darcy/pre-k - bye Marcie
Just Me/Mi - Bye, Marcie - it's been fun talking with you
Paulie 2 - maybe this will work
Sue - have the students do it when they walk in first thing in the morning
Paulie 2 - We meet every Tuesday
Sue - left over name things are your absent or late students
Paulie 2 - thanks Shannon . . .
Sue - keep your attendance near it (everything all handy)
Shannon - I never knew that!
Jen/2nd/PA - yes Sue and then the graph can be part of calendar time!
Paulie 2 - This is the early chat the late one is 8 PM west coast
Sue - pero como no - but of course
Jen/2nd/PA - ok, good thing I didn't make my other chart!
Sue - always kill 2 birds with one stone if possible
Just Me/Mi - We do a question each day in the pocket chart. I can take attendance by see who's name is left on the table.
Jen/2nd/PA - alright!!!
Sue - you could have a student make as many equations from the results out of it each day
TL/OK/1 - I have students make a name tag about the size of a bumper sticker. When they come in, the first one in sets out the graph headings. Hot, Sack, Absent and lays out all under Absent. As they come in they graph it. Some days the days helpers do a venn diagram and everyone else has to figure out what the variables were.
Paulie 2 - bye marcie if u r still here and leaving
Jen/2nd/PA - writes that on To DO List
Shannon - does anyone have cool ideas for spelling activities?
Paulie 2 - play hangman for spelling words
Sue - what grade was that again, just me??
Shannon - cool idea!
Paulie 2 - for homework have them trace with several rainbow colors the words
Jen/2nd/PA - Great Idea Sue! Thanks!!!!
Just Me/Mi - Kdg - Two groups 1/2 day
TL/OK/1 - Gadz! It's been a long time since I chatted . I miss everything getting my stuff typed in. LOL
Shannon - Never have done spelling before...now that I am with the big kids...want to make it cool and fun...not like I remember...
Jen/2nd/PA - $pelling $hop!!!
Paulie 2 - for kids hoemwork spelling have them write it one letter at a time until they spell the word
Shannon - what is that??tell more pelase!
Paulie 2 - liek the word mountain
Paulie 2 - m
Paulie 2 - o
Paulie 2 - ou
Paulie 2 - oun
Just Me/Mi - Hi, TL/OK?1 I missed seeing you join us
Paulie 2 - mount
Paulie 2 - ounta
Paulie 2 - ountai
Paulie 2 - untain
Paulie 2 - might ahve goodfed but u shoudl get the idea
Shannon - got it Paulie!
Sue2 - hi TL, sorry, I missed you too
Paulie 2 - they like that better than writing the whole word 5 tiems ea
Jen/2nd/PA - You assign a value (penny, nickel, dime, quarter) to each letter of the alphabet (I have it on a poster)....then they decide which spelling word is worth the most and then actually do the work and find out!
Sue2 - I'm heading out, too, you guys
Sue2 - Wal Mart is calling m
Paulie 2 - always have to have the preceeding lettrs tho The board here did not show it right
Paulie 2 - Jen that sounds liek fun
Jen/2nd/PA - see ya Sue2 , twas nice chatting w/ you
Just Me/Mi - Good idea Jen.
Sue2 - see you around
Shannon - that is a very cool idea! Thanks!
Just Me/Mi - Have fun at Wal-Mart Sue.
Paulie 2 - well my baord has gone white again sigh
Jen/2nd/PA - they like it! Plus it works on spelling and math!
Shannon - paulie you haev the worst time!
Just Me/Mi - Two birds with one stone. Good job, Jen
Paulietoo - wonder why this happens to me so often
Paulietoo - (I know)
Jen/2nd/PA - welcome back Paulie
Just Me/Mi - Thank goodness you don't give up easily, Paulie.
Shannon - gotta go!! Bye everyone...thanks for the ideas!
Jen/2nd/PA - bye Shannon
Paulietoo - thanks Jen
Paulietoo - bye Shannon coem for tomorrow sp chat
Jen/2nd/PA - what's tomorrow's chat?
Just Me/Mi - Question - Are any of you familiar with Animated Literacy? How about Phonological Zoo? or Handwriting Without Tears? I'm going to be using all three next year plus trying to do building Blocks in two 1/2 day classes.
Paulietoo - a speaker
Paulietoo - I never used any Just me but heard of the handwriting one
Jen/2nd/PA - oh ok
Paulietoo - How can they have u use three new things without training?
Jen/2nd/PA - nope not familiar Just Me, sorry
Just Me/Mi - My district has adopted Phono Zoo and HWT
Paulietoo - I am sorry I forgot who the speaker is He was scheduled last week adn tnet had trouble He will be on at 5PM west coast tiem tho
Just Me/Mi - We had training in HWT last year. I like it. The kids did well with it.
Paulietoo - I used Zoo Phonics for two years in CA
Paulietoo - but know nothing about Phono zoo
Jen/2nd/PA - ok
Paulietoo - the speaker's name should be listed in the chat site schedule
Jen/2nd/PA - for individual classroom management, I'm doing the race track thing, "Stay on the RIGHT track"
Just Me/Mi - Phonological Zoo is different from Zoo Phonics I think. It has puppets, a camel, bunny, and spider that teach sounds, rhyme,etc
Jen/2nd/PA - here's my site, http://www.myschoolonline.com/PA/Mrs_McCurdy
Jen/2nd/PA - I just made it so let me know what you think
Paulietoo - Zoo phonics has a zoo animal for each letter shaped in the form of the letter the kids learn the sounds and shape together
Just Me/Mi - Phono Zoo is OK but a lot of the materials we were shown when inserviced are no longer available so it doesn't have much "meat" to the program.
Paulietoo - are u gonna stay with myschoolonline when they start charging in Oct?
slikchik10 - hi there
Jen/2nd/PA - yea, I figured it's only 20 for a year
Jen/2nd/PA - that and it's already been done, wouldn't know how to copy it to somewhere else
Just Me/Mi - That's why the other Kdg teacher and I want to use what our Speech teacher has been useing - Animated Literacy. It has a character for each sound, lots of activities,writing, reading, music, etc.
PaulieS - sigh
slikchik10 - this is the 4 Block discussion room, isn't it?
PaulieS - well u just view source and copy the html for it BUT then u would have to get graphics uploaded again
PaulieS - nope
PaulieS - his is early childhood primary chat tonight
Jen/2nd/PA - I didn't know how this site would turn out, first one
PaulieS - this
Just Me/Mi - Hi slikchik10
slikchik10 - uh oh....hhmm, well, the site said today...so, anyone know when it is?
slikchik10 - uh oh....hhmm, well, the site said today...so, anyone know when it is?
PaulieS - I did not look but glanced at first page looks good to me
slikchik10 - I sure could use some advice regarding this
PaulieS - no it is always for primary on Tues night
Just Me/Mi - I will go to your site ASAP Jen
PaulieS - what do u need to know mayeb we can help?
slikchik10 - hhhmm, well, it's been a wild and wooly week anyway, so, I"m not surprised =->
Lis/1 - hi all!
PaulieS - hi Lis
Jen/2nd/PA - ok, just me
Just Me/Mi - hi Lis/1
Jen/2nd/PA - hi Lis
Lis/1 - Hi Paulie...how's it going?
Just Me/Mi - hi milymo
PaulieS - terrible night keep getting knocked out of here
milymo - Hi everyone!
PaulieS - hi milymo
Lis/1 - Oh! That's how it was here last night!
PaulieS - waht was happening last night here?
Lis/1 - Hi milymo
AC - Hello
PaulieS - hi AC
Just Me/Mi - hi AC
Lis/1 - er wise!
Jen/2nd/PA - I'm back, was chatting w/ a cousin
AC - is everyone a teacher here?
Just Me/Mi - I think we all are
PaulieS - slikchic what kindmof help do u need?
AC - what grades do ya'll teach?
PaulieS - no I am an ax murderer
Lis/1 - oops..that was supposed to say weather wise it was a terrible night last night
PaulieS - teach kids give grades
Just Me/Mi - I'm in AM and PM kdg
Jen/2nd/PA - 2nd
Jen/2nd/PA - Paulie ROTFLMAO
AC - Jen, how many yrs have u been teaching?
milymo - I have AM kdg and Extended Day.
Lis/1 - So, I just about have my room ready! Now I have been trying to get first week lesson plans finished. I have too many ideas! I am overwhelmed by them.
PaulieS - Hi Trish
Jen/2nd/PA - 3 but 2 were in Learning Support
Trish - hello
AC - hi trish
PaulieS - Lis is this your first year?
PaulieS - what is Learning Support?
Just Me/Mi - hi Trish
Trish - i have 2 weeks left of vacation... what about everyone else?
AC - any tips for a new 2nd grade teacher?
Jen/2nd/PA - Learning SUpport=Special Education
Lis/1 - No, it is my 5th year
PaulieS - hi IluvK
PaulieS - o
AC - school starts on the 15th here and man, i'm feelin so out of it
Jen/2nd/PA - counting this week....2 1/2
PaulieS - I am still looking for a job after moving from CA to WA
milymo - AC I loved 2nd grade!!! I was involuntarilly switched to kdg.
Trish - hi AC- just remember to be fair and consistant
PaulieS - oic
Lis/1 - But this is the first time I've taught the same grade level two years in a row. I start on Monday, AC!
AC - ah ic, do u have any tips for the first few wks?
PaulieS - I thought I would ahte K I loved it
Just Me/Mi - Hi I_LUV_K
milymo - Is this your first year AC?
PaulieS - hi Trish
AC - milymo, how many yrs u teach 2nd?
AC - yup, first yr
milymo - 3 years.
AC - i go to new employee orientation tmr
Trish - i teach 2nd also!
AC - i haven't even done my room yet or anything
AC - feelin kinda overwhelmed by it all..
Trish - do you have a theme- AC?
Lis/1 - Well, you know the usual AC..focus on the rules, procedures, review, get-to-know-you activities...go over and over the rules and procedures
milymo - I used the Four Blocks framework for the last two years of second.
Jen/2nd/PA - I did a lot in 2nd when I was in Learning Support though
AC - welcome back trish
Just Me/Mi - Let the kids help. It's their room too.
PaulieS - I love 2nd because I love to teach writing and they have some skills behind them from K and 1st
Trish - i got booted for some reason?!?!?
PaulieS - hi Miki
milymo - I'm feeling overwhelmed with my move to k.
Jen/2nd/PA - Model the rules and procedures, don't expect them to just know them by hearing them!
Just Me/Mi - hi Miki
PaulieS - milymo do you read the posts on the k chatboard?
AC - any ideas of themes for the beg of the yr?
Trish - keep them active and moving--- they learn best that way
PaulieS - also sign up for the news
Lis/1 - When are you going to do your room AC?
Trish - i have a fish theme
AC - later on this wk and next wk
PaulieS - get the Building Blocks book for teachers and read it and use it for K
AC - work day on friday and monday
milymo - I always read "Oh the Places You'll Go!" by Dr. Seuss on the first day.
Jen/2nd/PA - I"m doing friendship w/ Charlotte's Web
PaulieS - Trish I been booted tonight at least 5 times
Lis/1 - what part is overwhelming you milymo?
Trish - cute milymo
PaulieS - but there are many beginning of year books to read for K The kissing hand is great
milymo - Yes Paulie. I visit everyday. I just need to start organizing. The other k teacher needs to start sorting stuff out to give to me to get my room together.
AC - i'm feelin a bit overwhelmed..cuz I taught PreK this past yr at a private school and now i'm going to be teaching 2nd in the public schools
Just Me/Mi - Keep 'em busy. Go over the routines. Go over the routines... Go over the routines.....
Trish - officer buckle and gloria is perfect to read when discussing rules
PaulieS - good luck milymo
Trish - i have the kids come up with the rules
PaulieS - I went from k to 4th gr!
Jen/2nd/PA - OOOooo Trish I have that book! Never would have thought of that! thanks!
Just Me/Mi - Get Month by Month Building Blocks, too
PaulieS - also Pollaco books are good
Trish - yw
milymo - Probably the room organization Lis. I got to keep my 2nd grade room and I have to switch it to K.
AC - who's that book by?
Lis/1 - The Crayon Box That Talked is really great for getting along and teamwork teaching
AC - just me/mi, u talkn to me?
PaulieS - Thank you Mr Falker is esp good for older kids
milymo - I LOVE Polacco books!!! I read Thank You MR. Falker the last week of school - I just about cried!
PaulieS - A new one I got last yr is A Fine Fine School by sharon creech
Trish - peggy rathman--- officer buckle & gloria
PaulieS - I did cry
Just Me/Mi - no AC - milymo? you are in Kdg, right?
Lis/1 - Lots of containers helps and labeling things so you know where it will be and giving space for the kindergarteners to move around...they need that!
AC - oh ok
milymo - I good amount of my kids had reading/learning problems last year.
Trish - spider school is a good one about jitters
AC - trish, how did u decorate your room?
Trish - on the door- Mrs. Macalka'a Lucky Catch- with Ss names on fish
Jen/2nd/PA - spider schooL?
AC - trish, u said u're 2nd grade teacher..right?
PaulieS - milymo then Mr Falker book by Pollaco is good for them
milymo - Yes, moving to k this year. I have the BB book and I think I'm getting the M by M. Also the predictable chart one.
Trish - Dive Into a Good Book- for library corner
Trish - yes- 2nd here
Trish - Fishing for Good Work-- for putting up their papers
Lis/1 - Hi Eilene
Eilene - Hi!
Just Me/Mi - I read Owen by Kevin Hanks (?) I like to do Miss Bindergarten gets ready for Kindergarten on the 1st day. (I've never been able to figure out how she can get it set up so quickly) lol
Jen/2nd/PA - Just Me, did you get a look at my site?
milymo - That's why I about cried Paulie!!! It reminded me of how far they had come.
Trish - Get Hooked on 2nd Grade
PaulieS - The finefien school one is about a pricipal who decided to have school on saturday too and then sunday and then holidays and then during the sumemr
Jen/2nd/PA - hi Eilene
PaulieS - in the end he goes back to Mon-Fri
PaulieS - It is really cute
milymo - LOL Just Me!
Just Me/Mi - Cute idea Trish
AC - trish, is there like learning centers for 2nd grade?
Lis/1 - That sounds like a good one Paulie...do you know author?
Just Me/Mi - hi Eilene
Trish - i haven't quite figured out how to manage that yet
AC - or will i like learn that when i go to workday and stuff?
Trish - i only do 2-3 centers
AC - like what?
Trish - computers- listening center- writing center
AC - heh, i hope u don't mind me asking u so many questions
AC - how long do u keep your theme?
Trish - i have a lot of students so not a lot of room in my classroom
milymo - The biggest help in figuring things out like scheduling were the other teachers on my second grade team.
Trish - no problem
Jen/2nd/PA - I'm having math, science, social studies, reading, writing, computers, spelling and hopefully listening,
Trish - its seasonal
Just Me/Mi - Jen - I'm going to have to look later tonight. I'm trying to talk with family and do chat at same time.
AC - hey trish, do u have an email address?
Trish - i also have a "quiet activity basket" filled with things that Ss can take to their desks when they finish their work early
Trish - yes
Jen/2nd/PA - no Prob Just Me was just curious
Trish - tmacalka@attbi.com
AC - can i email u?
Lis/1 - What sorts of things are in the quiet activity basket, Trish?
Trish - sure can!
AC - k..gotta go
Trish - flash cards, math manipulatives, wipe off filel folder games, puzzle books, etc..
Jen/2nd/PA - bye AC, good luck!
Eilene - What grade is everyone in? I was in first last year, but moved to toddlers this year to have more time w/my own kids
Just Me/Mi - bye, AC
Trish - 2nd grade
Lis/1 - good luck AC!
Trish - good luck AC
Jen/2nd/PA - 2nd
milymo - Kdg
Just Me/Mi - I'm in KDG - AM and PM
Lis/1 - Do they use them by themselves or with another person if they want?
Trish - mostly by themselves-- but they have to use them quietly
Lis/1 - I'm in first Eilene.
milymo - Just Me, Is that all day or two half days?
Just Me/Mi - Did we lose Paulie again?
milymo - We must have
Just Me/Mi - 2 groups each day about 20 to 25 in each group
Lis/1 - That's a good idea...I am making a file folder container with a file for each child with coloring, mazes, crosswords, etc. for them to do if finish early.
Jen/2nd/PA - well everyone, I should be getting to bed just incase my little girl decides to wake up in the middle of the night ...she's been sleeping through the night since 3 weeks but she's teething now
Trish - cool!
Lis/1 - That'll be fun with the toddlers Eilene but I bet you miss the first graders too!
Trish - i should go also-- it was fun chatting with you all!
milymo - I think my morning will have around 20. (It's at 14 right now.) My pm is around 10.
Lis/1 - take care Jen!
Paulie - A Fine Fine day by Sharon Creech
milymo - How old is she now Jen?
Just Me/Mi - Night Jen - can I reach you from your site?
Paulie - sorry I got frozen
Jen/2nd/PA - take care and thanks for all the GREAT ideas
Eilene - I really will miss first grade. I'm going to love not having to do progress reports and report cards though.
Just Me/Mi - bye Trish Hope to chat again with you
Lis/1 - good night Trish...welcome back Paulie
Paulie - and Marshall is the speaker tomorrow at 5PM west coast on discipline
Paulie - Eilene what you going to teach?
Paulie - thanks Lis
Lis/1 - No kidding! I hate writing out all those progress reports!
Paulie - I meant A Fine Fine School
Eilene - Paulie - Toddlers./Lis/1 - we did them every student every three weeks.
Jen/2nd/PA - night Paulie
Paulie - oic
Paulie - bye jen
Paulie - every three weeks? good grief
milymo - Yikes Eileen! That's a lot.
Lis/1 - yikes! That's TOO much! How old are the toddlers you'll be teaching? I taught 3s before. They were adorable. I miss playing with them.
Jen/2nd/PA - alright, night all....Smile, it will brighten your day and someone elses!! :) :)
Just Me/Mi - how did you have time to report so often? How many kids did you have?
Paulie - amen Jen
Jen/2nd/PA - jnj@pa.net
milymo - My little one turned two this summer. I am enjoying her so much - although I'm not sure I'd want to spend a day in a room full of them!
Eilene - 16-19 (they kept dropping in and out) & letter grades for math, science, ss, reading, writing, behavior & then S,E, or N for handwriting & spelling
Eilene - This year - two year old room. They all start out two
Just Me/Mi - hi Mrs. Keisha
Lis/1 - hi Mrs. Keisha
Mrs.Keisha - I kept trying to log in and it would not let me. I was trying to put the nickname in the email slot. LOL
Eilene - Hi Mrs. Keisha
Lis/1 - That'll be fun Eilene!
Mrs.Keisha - Hello all
milymo - Hi Mrs. Keisha!
Paulie - no wonder lol Hi MrsKeisha welcoem I been booted 6 times so far
Mrs.Keisha - Keisha is fine, Mrs.Keisha a joke between dh and myself.
Just Me/Mi - Poor Paulie, she has boot marks all over her lol
Mrs.Keisha - eewww, Paulie, I don't like when that happens
Lis/1 - Is it storming where you live Paulie or your server is just acting up tonight?
milymo - Hi TL!
Lis/1 - hi TL
Paulie - hi TL
milymo - Didn't you get booted several times last week too Paulie?
Mrs.Keisha - hello TL
Paulie - server prob I think
Paulie - yes I did
TL/1/OK - Hi All!
Paulie - teachers net loves me so much they boot me on a regular basis
Mrs.Keisha - lol
Paulie - sunny today no storms
Just Me/Mi - hi TL/1/OK
Paulie - don't want me to feel neglected I guess
Lis/1 - How's it going TL? Ready for school?
Just Me/Mi - beautiful here too - heatwave broke- gentle breezes
milymo - I'm tired. I think I'll get to bed early tonight.
TL/1/OK - Is anyone starting school with a cool theme?
Paulie - I always go to bed early -- about 3:00 Am every day
Eilene - I stole my theme from the ec board
Just Me/Mi - bye, Milymo, sleep tight. Talk to you soon.
Mrs.Keisha - I have too many themes, lol
Paulie - u leaving us milymo?
Paulie - that is a good idea to steal ideas from
Mrs.Keisha - I can never stick with one
Paulie - well if I ahd a job I would start with a theme
Lis/1 - What's your theme, Eilene?
Paulie - but don't know what to plan for yet
milymo - I usually go to bed about 1:00. It's 11:30 now. I had to get up early for a meeting.
TL/1/OK - I wish I were ready! My oldest is starting softball. Games the rest of the week.
Just Me/Mi - Isn't that the unwritten teacher's law - Beg, borrow, steal ideas
Paulie - just 8:30 here in WA
milymo - Goodnight everyone!
Lis/1 - my theme is suns and sunflowers because it's hot here! (Arizona)
Eilene - Sorry, dh wanted me to look up airline tickets that we won't buy or use
Mrs.Keisha - goodnight, milymo
Eilene - Anyway I'm going to do the chicka chicka boom boom
Paulie - bye milymo see u next week
Eilene - Goodnight milymo
Lis/1 - take care milymo
Paulie - don't forget the chat tomorrow on discipline guest marshall at 5 PM west coast time
Just Me/Mi - bye, Milymo, sleep tight. Talk to you soon.
Eilene - I found some cool stuff - an inflatable palm tree that I figure can go in the reading center
Paulie - I did chicka chicka one year
Eilene - Any tips?
Mrs.Keisha - how often do you change themes? I know some people keep their theme the whole year and some do not.
Eilene - I'm going to try & make a big palm out of butcher paper
milymo - Thanks everyone! If babe is in bed by 11:00 next week, I'll be here!
Paulie - Heck right now Albertson's grocery has palm trees hanging from the ceiling u could ask for their old display later on
Eilene - And I found some plastic coconuts to hang off of it
TL/1/OK - Our principal chose Patriotic Parkview. I'm a very patriotic person, but we did so much last year.
Lis/1 - That sounds neat Eilene
Paulie - ok milymo c u
Eilene - Oh Albertsons left here
Paulie - Oriental Trading has lots of stuff for that theme
Lis/1 - I change my themes monthly
Paulie - never too much to be patriotic
Eilene - Yeah, I saw the exact same stuff I bought at Party City at Oriental
TL/1/OK - You've got it goin' on, Eilene
Eilene - I keep up the same theme for the whole year
Paulie - One year I ahd a theme of Trees, travel adn tales and it was all year
Eilene - Last year I had an ocean/water theme. That was fun.
Paulie - One year I built an ocean hanging from my ceiling in one corner
Mrs.Keisha - Scholastic has the Chicka Chicka Boom Boom Magnetic book for 12.95
Paulie - another year I built an igloo from milk jugs
Eilene - Cool!
Lis/1 - those sound good Paulie because they are broad
Just Me/Mi - I made my doorway into a coconut tree once for Reading Month. Every two classrooms have a little space where their doors are. the other Kdg teacher and had our kids decorate their initials and hang them in the tree. We sat under the tree each day to read stories.
Paulie - Just me both are on my portfolio site
Mrs.Keisha - we are not allowed to put anything on the walls or hang anything from the ceiling
TL/1/OK - We had a school-wide camping theme last year. Broad enough for all to find something they could integrate.
Just Me/Mi - We kept it up from March until the end of the year. It was so much fun.
Paulie - gosh why not MrsKeisha? fire regulations?
Paulie - I don't want to work for a school that is so rigid
Mrs.Keisha - No, I teach at a school that is private and is based out of a church
Eilene - Wow Mrs. Keisha, that's aweful.
TL/1/OK - Cute, Just Me. Kids liked that !
Lis/1 - I've never worked anywhere that had a school-wide theme. Is it hard to think of original ideas?
Mrs.Keisha - and they will not allow us to put anything up
Paulie - I taught in Lutheran schools for three years and I even stapled things to the ceiling
Paulie - wow
Just Me/Mi - I saw your site Paulie. Neat ideas! Love the igloo!
Lis/1 - Oh I want to try building an igloo this year...was it hard to do Paulie?
Eilene - Where's your site?
Mrs.Keisha - and we have to pull their nametags off of their desk, and put all things up before we leave
Paulie - I added more pictures Just Me
Paulie - Yes it was hard because I started with no directions just a picture on the internet
Paulie - ahve a page that tells the story
Eilene - Why Mrs. Keisha? Does the room get used for something else?
TL/1/OK - Last year was our first year. A few grumbles at first, but I was so impressed with how everyone just took off with it. Key is plenty of notice, I think.
Mrs.Keisha - Paulie, they built a new church and they said the thing
Lis/1 - may I have the website, Paulie?
Mrs.Keisha - that attracted people to a church was it being sterile.
Mrs.Keisha - My fault I thought it was the word of God
Mrs.Keisha - but what do I know.
Lis/1 - Would certainly make it easier than having to come up with own theme!
Mrs.Keisha - there nursery has Nothing on the walls at all.
Mrs.Keisha - they use the rooms for children
Eilene - How strange. And parents like this?
Paulie - Yes it was hard because I started with no directions just a picture on the internet
Paulie - http://expage.com/myreadingigloo
Mrs.Keisha - NO, but the majority are members of the church (1200 people)
Mrs.Keisha - and they will not say anything
Paulie - that is the story page when u go to the picture it is on a first gr site and is the 2nd igloo pictured
Lis/1 - Thank you Paulie! Yes, I've seen pics on the internet but never good directions...was thinking I'd have to wing it.
Mrs.Keisha - We get cork boards and I do my best to spruce it up for the kids,
TL/1/OK - Kid stuff would be a lot better to me. A promise of a future.
Just Me/Mi - Churches are for people. People are not sterile. I like a warm feeling church.
Mrs.Keisha - we can not even put tape on the floor or velcro
Paulie - Lis I have good directions on that site
Just Me/Mi - Our church nursery has handprints painted on the wall with the kids hands.
Paulie - Gosh our church has a preschool and daycare and there is stuff all over the walls and down the hall
TL/1/OK - Paulie-How many jugs? what size?
Paulie - remember when u read my igloo story online that I did not have directions for making it
Paulie - it is all there on my site
Paulie - It fit 3 5th graders and 3 K kids for reading comfortably and the v principal even went in it
Just Me/Mi - I'm not supposed to put tape on my carpet, it's only two years old - the newest in the school.
Paulie - http://expage.com/myreadingigloo
Paulie - you could use that new colored masking tape It does not stick bad
TL/1/OK - Haven't chatted in a while. If I go to your site, Ill log off here, right?
Just Me/Mi - I have things all over my walls. I even stand on tables to reach above the chalkboards.
Lis/1 - I am so glad you made up that page Paulie!
Paulie - big jugs half gallon I think
Paulie - gosh I will eventually have the whole story in pictures soon
Paulie - because I now have a scanner and know how to use it
Paulie - no u can come back
Paulie - went to site to get url and just used back button
Paulie - thanks
Mrs.Keisha - we used to be able to use carpet buddies, what we used tape for, but it had to stop
Paulie - gee jsut me typing did eveyoen go to my site lol
Mrs.Keisha - we used to be able to use carpet buddies, what we used tape for, but it had to stop
Paulie - carpet buddies?
Mrs.Keisha - no, i am still here,
Paulie - I will let you all know when i get all my pictures on a new page
Paulie - hi me
me - hello... may i join the group?
Just Me/Mi - Hi me
Lis/1 - great site Paulie! Hi me
me - hello everyone
Paulie - we have just me and me in here tonight of course
Just Me/Mi - Tell us about you, me.
Paulie - It is old site but it tells the story
Paulie - and sends u to a page to see two photos fo it
me - im a highschool math teacher from the philippines
Eilene - Paulie - is there a picture of the igloo? I can't find it.
me - and im trying to get a job in the usa but it seems hard
Paulie - o and you want to join us preschool-primary teachers tonight?
Mrs.Keisha - yeah, because alot of the children spent alot of their time together Sundays Wednesdays and School. We would use carpet buddies to sit on. That way they would not sit next to the same person each time.
Paulie - on the last page it directs u to another page that shows u the igloo It is under Reading It is not the first igloo you see scroll down
Paulie - good idea MrsKeisha
me - it's ok... i just want to have a great conversation with teachers like you... to get the hang of it
Paulie - one day I will get all the pictures of nuilding it online got lots scanned jsut have to get the page put together
Mrs.Keisha - this y