Some teachers need classroom lessons modeled for them. Perhaps the LD
teacher would become a believer if you did a lesson with her students with
material on their instructional/independent level and showed her that they
are capble of using the explicit comprehension strategies.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

From: "Andy & Shelly Kennedy" <pristine@aclass.com>
Subject: [mosaic] Experiences and Connections
Date: Sat, 22 Feb 2003 09:26:40 -0500

Tell that teacher to provide the experiences in the classroom. For =
example, after a study trip (which could even be right on the school =
campus) pick books that will be automatic connections for the students. =
You can start here easily. Many times, we have to provide the =
experiences for many of our students.
Shelly
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

From: "Andy & Shelly Kennedy" <pristine@aclass.com>
Subject: [mosaic] historical fiction
Date: Sat, 22 Feb 2003 09:32:12 -0500

The Jean Fritz books (mostly about the American Revolution) are SUPER!!!
Titles include:
_Can't You Make Them Behave, King George?_
_Patrick Henry, Where were you on the 29th of May?_
_And Then What Happened, Paul Revere?_
_Why Don't You Get A Horse, Sam Adams?_
_SSHHH...We're Writing The Constitution_

Also, the If You Were There Series - They have them related to =
Exploration, Revolution, Civil War etc.

Other favorite individual titles include
The Sign of the Beaver (Pioneers)
Charley Skedaddle (Civil War)
Johnny Tremain (Revolution)
Just a quick list off the top of my head! :)
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Date: Sat, 22 Feb 2003 06:56:49 -0800 (PST)
From: Pamela Friedman <pfried66@yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: [mosaic] [PERIODIC mosaic DIGEST POSTING]

I would also like to know which publisher you bought your leveled
s.s./content
area books from?
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

From: "Wendy Weter"
Subject: Re: [mosaic] nonfiction in guided reading
Date: Fri, 21 Feb 2003 07:16:52 -0500

What science and social studies programs did you adopt that came with =
these leveled reading books? I would love to look at them.
Wendy
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

From: NCNYGA@aol.com
Date: Sat, 22 Feb 2003 11:34:25 EST
Subject: [mosaic] nonfiction publishers

What our county did was ask several publishers to pull an assortment of
books
for us. They must have provided the publishers with a list of the theme
areas or our state objectives at each grade level. We examined many, but
decided on Sundance/Newbridge.

Marcia/1st/GA
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Date: Sat, 22 Feb 2003 14:31:37 -0800
From: Lori Jackson <ljackson@gwtc.net>
Subject: Re: [mosaic] nonfiction publishers

I really like Newbridge, as I can find some 'companion' titles at varied
reading levels. I think Marcia is right--look at your curriculum and
themes and do your won shopping, so to speak.

Lori
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

From: CheriSumm@aol.com
Date: Sun, 23 Feb 2003 00:56:53 EST
Subject: Re: [mosaic] nonfiction publishers

When I examined our book collection I found that we had lots of nonfiction
in
science. We had lots of social studies, but very little history. I found
some great books on history for our collection from the "On Deck" collection
from Rigby Education, from the "Core Knowledge", "Book Treks" and "Chapter
Books" collections from Pearson Learning. All of these books span the late
first to sixth grade reading level, and are for fourth - sixth grade
students.

Cheri/CA
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

From: "Kathy" <teach@willinet.net>
Subject: [mosaic] Possible Study group starting on MOT
Date: Sun, 23 Feb 2003 21:30:01 -0600

MessageI have a group of teachers that may be starting a study group on =
MOT. Does anyone have any suggestions of a format to follow. Any study =
guides available online with discussion questions?=20

I'd love to hear about how some of you studied the book with fellow =
teachers!=20

Thanks,
Kathy
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

From: Readinglady1@aol.com
Date: Mon, 24 Feb 2003 06:36:39 EST
Subject: [mosaic] MOT Study Guide

Kathy,

I have a MOT study guide on my site at -

<A
HREF="http://www.readinglady.com/Comprehension/Study_Guide/study_guide.html"
>http://www.readinglady.com/Comprehension/Study_Guide/study_guide.html</A>

I also have my chatroom that you are welcome to use with your group should
you wish to have live meetings. We currently have a Strategies that Work
group using the room.

I think the success of a study group with MOT is the text itself. It is so
thought provacative and really sparked some great discussion in my school.
We broke the book down into sections and discussed them, then brought in any
work samples from the classroom, then rediscussed the results. It was quite
motivational and 6 years later we are still plugging along.

Laura
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

From: CheriSumm@aol.com
Date: Sun, 23 Feb 2003 00:56:53 EST
Subject: Re: [mosaic] nonfiction publishers

When I examined our book collection I found that we had lots of =
nonfiction in=20
science. We had lots of social studies, but very little history. I =
found=20
some great books on history for our collection from the "On Deck" =
collection=20
from Rigby Education, from the "Core Knowledge", "Book Treks" and =
"Chapter=20
Books" collections from Pearson Learning. All of these books span the =
late=20
first to sixth grade reading level, and are for fourth - sixth grade=20
students. =20

Cheri/CA
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

From: "Barbara Yakovich" <barbarayak@cox.net>
Subject: [mosaic] Mosaic/Strategies list serve
Date: Sat, 15 Feb 2003 13:22:23 -0500

Hi ,
I just found this site and I am amazed at the quality of discussion that is
taking place here. I too work as a RR teacher and a Reading consultant. I am
currently involved district wide with other reading teachers on presenting
staff development based on MOT and STW. I was stunned to see that Ellin
Keene is a participant in the discussions too. Thank you for all the
wonderful information and thoughtful discussion that takes place here.

Barbara
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

From: "Ginger/Rob" <elephant@foxvalley.net>
Subject: [mosaic] Ellin Keene's Assessment Piece
Date: Thu, 27 Feb 2003 18:10:39 -0600

Hello everyone! I'm feeling lonely on the list. Where is everybody???

I have a new addition to the "Teaching Tools" webpage from Ellin Keene.
Actually I would like to thank Annette for sending it to me. Annette saw
Ellin recently and got this assessment Ellin offered to send out. I have
permission from Ellin to post it for us all to use.

Here is the address once again:
www.u46teachers.org/mosaic/tools/tools.htm

I have added Ellin assessment piece (Ellin Keene's MRIP Assessment) at the
very top under ASSESSMENT.

If you have any trouble opening this webpage PLEASE do not clog up the list
letting us all know. JUST email ME at home: elephant@foxvalley.net and let
ME know so I can help you.

Ginger
moderator
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

From: "Ginger/Rob" <elephant@foxvalley.net>
Subject: [mosaic] Debbie Miller
Date: Thu, 27 Feb 2003 18:42:48 -0600

Debbie Miller came to our district today. She is actually speaking tomorrow
all day at our county institute day. Today she worked in two classrooms at
one of our "at risk" buildings. She worked with a first grade class and a
third grade class. I was fortunate enough to be able to observe her all day.

I hope that Sandi will write in more detail about Debbie working with her
students so I won't go on and on (Sandi: PLEASE fill everyone in!!) but what
I will say is that it was thrilling to see Debbie in person. She is just as
gracious, positive, and amazing in real life as she is on her tapes and in
her book!

There were about 20 teachers from various buildings in the classroom
observing. Sandi has done a great job of teaching her students the
strategies. They BLEW US ALL AWAY with their understanding and their talk.
Looking around her room we saw complete walls FILLED with anchor charts and
evidence of their strategy work together. The teaching is in place in
Sandi's room. It was validating for me to witness Sandi's growth as a
teacher. I told her I felt a little like a proud mama sitting in the
audience as Sandi was once MY student in the graduate courses I co-teach.
She has made this work her own.

The POWER of this teaching was shown LOUD AND CLEAR today in Sandi's room.
Because of Sandi's work Debbie was able to "do her stuff" with ease and
success. Many of the teachers observing were new to strategy teaching and
the predictable format that Debbie encourages us to use. More than anything
else I appreciated witnessing those teachers lighting up like a bright
burning flame. The energy in the room was "on fire" as teacher after
teacher seemed to "catch" the bug most of us have already captured in our
hearts.

I just wish there was a way to bring more teachers together to SEE and HEAR
the children in our rooms "doing" the comprehension work. Just THINK what
could happen!!!! Reading the book, taking a course, talking on the
listserve all help move us along, BUT the real POWER is in the actual
witnessing of the children (and teachers) talking the talk and walking the
walk.

I can't wait to hear Debbie tomorrow. She has to be the MOST affirming and
empowering teacher I have ever met. She made each and every child who spoke
today feel like what they said was not only heard but important. That they
were SMART thinkers. THAT is what I came away knowing I can do more of.

And don't let ANYBODY tell you that "at risk" children can NOT learn to
think this way. As Debbie said today (and as many of you have said on this
list) the struggling readers and "at risk" children are EXACTLY who need
this explicit instruction. After today, seeing it for myself, there is NO
DOUBT in my mind that there are no exceptions. Just opportunities waiting
to happen. Keep spreading the word!

Ginger
moderator
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

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