I conferenced with students during my independent reading block. It was
nothing formal. We just had a conversation about their latest book.
Sometimes they would ask for help finding books or series. I usually
recorded what was read and interests on a conference form. I found I had to
be very organized or I would miss a student. I tried to see 2/3 students
each independent reading block. If I was pressed for time I would have a
small group share and then I would circulate around the classroom. I always
recorded what I heard or who had a fantastic share. I found
as the
year progressed, I had students share with me between classes or while I was
doing hall duty. I hope this helps. I know there are not too many middle
school teachers using MOT.
Mary
Gr.8
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
From: Casey1532@aol.com
Date: Wed, 4 Jun 2003 00:40:30 EDT
Subject: Re: [mosaic] Lucy Calkins writing institute
I have attended workshops at TC with Lucy and others. She can be a dynamic
speaker but with all things, keep expectations within realistic range. The
workshops can be very overwhelming or it can leave you feeling vague and
wishing
for help in implementing the material. Take opportunities to ask questions
and
to have things clarified including. You may want to include possible
scenarios
in your questions to make it more realistic for implementation.
I have applied for TC this summer and am awaiting information regarding
acceptance.
Have a great time in NYC.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
From: "lois driggers" <loiso@dbtech.net>
Subject: Re: [mosaic] [PERIODIC mosaic DIGEST POSTING]
Date: Sun, 8 Jun 2003 07:09:28 -0700
Well, based on Allington and most of the good research out there--you need
to have a large block of uninterrupted time--that means no pull-outs, etc.
This has to be decided on the school level. A lot of buy-in on the part of
your school faculty is what makes it a reality.
Schools around the country are scheduling 90 minute literacy blocks that do
just this.
Here is just a clue on how to get in in based on just one schedule I have
shared with my folks at our state initiatives.
Reading Workshop (90 min)
1. Read aloud with a strategy mini-lesson based on the read aloud (20
min.)
*2.. Workshop with 3 (20 min. literacy center rotation)
a. self-selected reading (students employ the strategy taught
independently
b. guided reading with the teacher or Lit. circle
c. word work (word sorts, vocabulary)
3. Share time (10 min.)
** Throughout the week, these centers can change as needed to include
written response, books on tape at a listening center, etc.
Just one idea--know you wll get many more.
Lois
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
From: Patty526@aol.com
Date: Sat, 7 Jun 2003 22:07:48 EDT
Subject: [mosaic] reading series
Janet, Cece, Lois..
Thanks so much for the ideas. I will read the suggested excerpt. While I
have never used the reading materials supplied by the district in the past,
or
ordered them, this year I don't have that option. They are making a
"commitment" to this (sadly). But I love the suggestion of using the
pages
as homework,
or "extra help" for parents. It's a great way to get around the use
of so
many worksheets. Thanks to all, and I'll still be looking for more ideas,
so
keep them coming!
Patty
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Date: Sat, 07 Jun 2003 22:20:40 -0400
From: Dave & Deb Smith <d-smith@cybersol.com>
Subject: Re: [mosaic] reading series
As a parent who is a four block teacher, sending home those useless
workbook pages to all kids isn't fair. I am sure some of you wil be
offended. I don't want teachers to have to assign workbook pages EVER,
not in class and not for homework. My kids don't learn from doing
workbook pages so don't make me the mom sit with my child while they
fill in pages and pages. If we don't believe that kids learn phonics
from doing workbook pages, why do I the parent have to have my kids at
home doing them? I am playing devil's advocate.
deb
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
From: "Debbie Lacy" <dklacy@usmo.com>
Subject: Re: [mosaic] [PERIODIC mosaic DIGEST POSTING]
Date: Sat, 7 Jun 2003 22:11:38 -0500
Here's what I suggest re: districts buying boatloads of materials that you
don't need and don't teach. Hand out the workbooks, make sure the kids have
them in their desks. Check your curriculum guide, make sure you teach the
skills listed in whichever way you feel children learn best (hmmm, wonder
how that would be?) If a workbook page can help that process, fine. At the
end of the year, get a black garbage bag (or two or three) and each day cart
out a small boatload of the wonderful materials that have been in the kids
desks all year (minus the two or three pages that you used) and deposit in
the proper receptacle. (<: This is what I did for the first three years we
used Open Court, until last year when I finally went to my principal and
convinced her that it was a waste of money to buy the workbooks and she
"excused" me from having to have them. Now about half our grade level
doesn't use the workbooks. We teach kids and curriculum, not programs.
Debbie
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Date: Sat, 07 Jun 2003 23:01:29 -0700
Subject: Re: [mosaic] reading series
From: "Janet Holbrook" <jmholbrook@earthlink.net>
Deb--
I agree that these workbook pages are not the best instructional method.
But sometimes teachers don't have a choice. Some districts buy them and
expect them to be used. I was offering a compromise to teachers in just
such situations.
Janet
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
From: MAMASWIRLZ@aol.com
Date: Sun, 8 Jun 2003 08:23:19 EDT
Subject: Re: [mosaic] reading series
Years ago I began using independent reading of literature as the core of my
reading program (with conferencing). Without the benefit of strategy
instruction (which I fully support) my 5th grade inner city students
flourished and be
came avid readers. One student, who entered my class with a 2nd grade
reading
level, came in real late one morning, looking very tired. I asked him what
had happened. He responded, "Oh Ms. Smith, I just had to finish my
Encyclopedia Brown book."
Not long after that the district got a new superintendent who implemented a
mandated basal reading program, a mandated "Golden Hour" during which
the
reading had to take place and a pacing chart. It totally destroyed what I
was
doing, even though I tried to maintain my independent reading program.
I think the use of the materials for homework is good. Perhaps the reader
can be used for guided reading groups, for particular strategies, etc. But
try
to continue the independent selection and strategy instruction. Hopefully
you
have an intelligent administrator who knows quality instruction when they
see
it.
Naomi
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
From: "Dorothy Ridge" <dorridge@cox.net>
Subject: [mosaic] Choosing a reading series
Date: Sun, 8 Jun 2003 08:46:25 -0400
Does anyone have any on a reading series that complements teaching the
strategies? This summer, I will be involved with choosing a series for our
district. I would like to go to the meetings armed with as much information
from teachers as possible.
Thanks for your input,
Dottie
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
From: "btillman" <btillman@farmerstel.com>
Subject: Re: [mosaic] Choosing a reading series
Date: Sun, 8 Jun 2003 08:57:42 -0400
Believe it or not, Open Court uses comprehension strategy instruction. I
guess it's not so hard to believe when you know that Michael Pressley is a
contributing author, and a researcher who has studied comprehension for many
years.
The 2002 edition of OC scripts the use of Connections, Summarizing,
Clarifying, Inferring, Visualizing, etc.
Now, I know for many of the teachers on this ring OC would be stifling to
your creativity, but in my school only one or two teachers had read MOT or
even tried comprehension strategies. When I was hired as literacy coach at
my school, I knew I wanted my teachers using Comprehension strategies, but
with all the job responsibilities and the lack of knowledge of my teachers,
I knew I couldn't possibly do it well. With Open Court, I could ask my
teachers to follow the script, and then in the second semester, when they
were familiar with the strategies being used, we could talk from a common
knowledge base about why strategies are important and why kids should use
them. Our kids begin using strategies in kindergarten, and it was very
exciting hearing the same language from kids in 1st or 5th grade. My own
daughter, who was in first grade, uses the strategies all the time. The
other day she asked permission to do something and said, "I'm predicting
you
are going to say yes!"
I realize many people are anti-basal, but basals are tools to be used, and I
think we have made good use of the tool. There is no way I could have gotten
all my staff using comprehension strategies without it. Now we are learning
how to apply the strategies in read-alouds not in the basals. The teachers
know what good think-alouds sound like, and are working to become more
comfortable with the strategies.
Hope this helps!
Cece/LC/GA
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
From: "Mary Kaleta" <mekaleta@hotmail.com>
Subject: Re: [mosaic] 9 good habits
Date: Sun, 08 Jun 2003 09:49:20 -0500
The reading teachers in my building bought the series The 9 Good Habits. The
books are terrific. The books are non fiction stories at several levels
starting at about 3rd grade. You can also buy them without the levels
showing. They are written at one reading level below grade level. The 9 Good
Habits are three different strategies for before, during and after
reading which equal nine habits. There is a workbook , CD
and a
test booklet. The series would compliment MOT especially if someone is not
on board yet. The strategies will then transfer to any text.
Mary
Gr.8
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
From: "Patricia K. Evans" <patreads@pacbell.net>
Subject: RE: [mosaic] 9 good habits
Date: Sun, 8 Jun 2003 09:27:43 -0700
Mary, I went to check out the Zaner-Bloser website to get more
information about this series, but there isn't a lot of detail. Do you
know what's on the CD? It looks like a good series. The math reading
series looked interesting, too.
Pat Evans (patreads@pacbell.net)
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Date: Sun, 8 Jun 2003 09:35:38 -0700
From: "hey,it's-katharine!" <katha@syix.com>
Subject: Re: [mosaic] reading series
Hello,
We have Open Stupid Court and we are expected to use the workbooks
and follow the manuals as written. We have to send to the district
the scores from each end of unit test. (I think we have to send them
the scores just to prove that we are following the program)
I'm writing to remind you to be aware of what your district expects
in the form of assessment accountability. No matter what I choose to
add to or subtract from the curriculum, I have to be constantly aware
of what is going to be tested at the end of each unit and make sure
my students know those concepts.
(It took me a couple of assessments with miserable scores to figure
this one out, lol)
With all the budget cuts, I recently offerred my principal my set of
next year's workbooks, in case some other teacher needs them -- just
to help save money, you know. She didn't laugh. Maybe she'll take me
up on it. BTW, Open Court consumables cost $54.00 per student.
Katharine/1st/N.California
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
From: Abcde1142@aol.com
Date: Sun, 8 Jun 2003 12:49:36 EDT
Subject: Re: [mosaic] reading series
Janet,
I agree with your suggestion.
1. It follows the school system's directive. The pages are being
used.
2. It allows Four-Block or MOT teaching to take place in school.
3. Some parents are familiar with the workbook/sheet method thus
feel more comfortable with the tried and true.
4. A number of parents use homework as a babysitter and don't help
the kids so it helps the kids do their homework with less frustration.
Alexa
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
From: Abcde1142@aol.com
Date: Sun, 8 Jun 2003 12:57:18 EDT
Subject: Re: [mosaic] fountas and pinnell
Having used the Guided Reading by Fountas and Pinnell this past year, this
is
the way to go for upper elementary teachers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
My kids loved it! The expanded thinking the majority of the class
experienced was wonderful to watch happen. Every year prior to GR I always
had to ask
"Why?" to have students explain their thinking. This year is the first
year
I
don't have to do it anymore. The kids do it automatically. Even struggling
readers gained significantly.
To be honest, I wasn't able to do everything Irene and Gay suggested, but
what I was able to do shows.
Alexa
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
From: SKosmoski@aol.com
Date: Sun, 8 Jun 2003 13:00:45 EDT
Subject: Re: [mosaic] 9 good habits
Pat--
The CD has all the text from the series and can be used with voice support.
We did not purchase the CD's.
Mary Anne
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
From: Annette201@aol.com
Date: Sun, 8 Jun 2003 13:44:10 EDT
Subject: Re: [mosaic] 9 good habits
do you mean the reading series? we just adopted the handwriting series.
They LOVE to send free little books to look at in the Reading Series if you
request..not many maybe two but at least you can get an idea what it looks
like.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Date: Sun, 08 Jun 2003 11:23:12 -0700
From: Carol Lau <cllc@attbi.com>
Subject: Re: [mosaic] Choosing a reading series
Cece- I want to compliment you on this brave, honest statement. I was a CELL
Literacy Coordinator at my
site. I found it very difficult to teach and coach teachers in new
strategies with no support system
to guide them. On a large site, it's difficult to provide demo lessons and
guided practice for so
many teachers. Many teachers do not read professional books and need to
start at a procedural level
first, then begin to move into a strategic level. (Why do you think so many
teacher workshops are
promoted with "Ideas You Can Use Tomorrow Morning!"?) I see your point
and
can appreciate how a well
written basal series could really help unify a school staff's knowledge,
understanding,
communication, and eventually professional growth in a
school wide approach to literacy instruction.
Carol
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
From: Readinglady1@aol.com
Date: Sun, 8 Jun 2003 16:10:59 EDT
Subject: Re: [mosaic] fountas and pinnell
I too like this resource VERY much. It is very comprehensive. I find that
when I work with the upper grade teachers the format makes sense to them. I
have it in the store and it is a best seller. I like the layout much better
than their early grade Guided Reading, which I personally think needs to be
reworked and updated.
Laura
www.readinglady.com
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
From: "Carrie Becker" <pigsrock@hotmail.com>
Subject: Re: [mosaic] fountas and pinnell
Date: Sun, 8 Jun 2003 16:15:21 -0400
Hi everyone--
I use the journal letter aspect of Fountas and Pinnell's reading block. I
t's a lot of fun, but also a lot of work. Each week the students write me
a letter about the book they are reading including a summary, thoughts
(which I consider Mosaic strategies like connections, questions, predictio
ns, images, etc.) as well as answers to any questions I've asked them (like
what would they do in the character's shoes, how did they pick the book,
etc.). It's a super way of communicating with each child on a weekly basis
about their reading. It's also a way you can individualize for the different
levels of children.
Like I said it requires a lot of time each week to respond, but it's so
worthwhile!
--Carrie :)
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
From: Readinglady1@aol.com
Date: Sun, 8 Jun 2003 16:15:05 EDT
Subject: Re: [mosaic] reading series
I used the worksheets in the workbooks for paper maiche and they worked
great. I also left the pages for sub plans and the subs found it easy to
manage.
Very teacher directed. Other than that the books were not used in my room.
I
sent them home with them at the end of the year to do what they liked with
them. I will say that my principal DID not say we HAD to do the pages. He
was
very supportive after we "retrained" him - smile.
Laura
readinglady.com
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
From: "Ed Asselin" <sharoned@charter.net>
Subject: Re: [mosaic] reading series
Date: Sun, 8 Jun 2003 17:41:03 -0500
Ha!...paper machie...that's a great idea!
Luckily in our district we can choose either the workbook option OR use
the money for books. Each school has worksheet masters that are like
the workbook for those few pages that you might find useful. I haven't
used any yet.
Sharon--1st--Wisconsin
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Date: Sun, 08 Jun 2003 15:44:11 -0700
Subject: Re: [mosaic] reading series
From: "Janet Holbrook" <jmholbrook@earthlink.net>
Laura--
That is the funniest thing I've ever heard -- paper maiche! And I thought
my suggestion of using them for homework was "sneaky"! "-)
Janet
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
From: Readinglady1@aol.com
Date: Sun, 8 Jun 2003 18:52:58 EDT
Subject: Re: [mosaic] fountas and pinnell
The book is geared to grades 3 - 6. Primary teachers can adapt the
information but I really think it is more suited for the upper grades. I am
hoping
when they redo the lower grade book they redo the format and make it
similar.
For now, the better choice for the primary grades is On Solid Ground.
Laura
www.readinglady.com
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Date: Sun, 08 Jun 2003 18:53:34 -0700
From: Lori Jackson <ljackson@gwtc.net>
Subject: Re: [mosaic] reading series
Long ago when I met my first fellow subversive teacher, she suggested we
'cover' them with a blanket. I like paper mache even better--so hands
on!
Lori
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Date: Mon, 9 Jun 2003 09:04:38 -0500
Subject: Re: [mosaic] MOT and reading series
From: carol carlson <carlsonca@dist102.k12.il.us>
Hi, all
There is a literacy program evaluation matrix at
http://www.ncte.org/governance/committees/reading
which would be helpful in evaluating a new series. It lists the=20
components and rates them from 1 to 4, with 4 being the most important=20=
component.
Hope this helps those of you considering adopting textbooks.
Carol C.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
From: "Mary Kaleta" <mekaleta@hotmail.com>
Subject: Re: [mosaic] 9 good habits and CD
Date: Tue, 10 Jun 2003 17:36:27 -0500
If you want to check out The 9 Good Habits ask the publisher to send you a
sample. In my district we received samples to view and try. The CD is a
waste of money. The workbooks are better. They can be torn apart and used
for additional practice. The textbook is intended for guided practice. The
workbook has lessons for the students to try on their own. I pick and choose
what I want to use. Since this is a teacher directed series, the workbook is
great to use when you have a sub. It reinforces the lessons you have been
teaching. I love the series. It was a great springboard for me to move onto
MOT.
Mary
Gr.8
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
From: "Ginger/Rob" <elephant@foxvalley.net>
Subject: [mosaic] other cultural picture book sites
Date: Wed, 11 Jun 2003 16:37:31 -0500
Here is a listing of ALL the "powerful images" picture books.
Ginger
moderator
Powerful African-American Images Revealed in Picture Books - Part I (A-L)
http://www.scils.rutgers.edu/~kvander/ChildrenLit/afro.html
Powerful African-American Images Revealed in Picture Books - Part II (M-Z)
http://www.scils.rutgers.edu/~kvander/ChildrenLit/afro1.html
Powerful Asian-American Images Revealed in Picture Books
http://www.scils.rutgers.edu/~kvander/ChildrenLit/asian.html
Powerful Hispanic and Latin-American Images Revealed in Picture Books
http://www.scils.rutgers.edu/~kvander/ChildrenLit/hispanic.html
Powerful Native-American Images Revealed in Picture Books
http://www.scils.rutgers.edu/~kvander/ChildrenLit/native.html
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Date: Wed, 11 Jun 2003 16:12:13 -0700
From: Bekah <bekalex@ocsnet.net>
Subject: Re: [mosaic] other cultural picture book sites
Thank you, Ginger! :)
Here's the front page to the collection (links are in the text):
VANDERGRIFT'S CHILDREN'S LITERATURE PAGE
http://www.scils.rutgers.edu/~kvander/ChildrenLit/
Lots of good stuff in there.
Bekah
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++