Re: [MOSAIC] 5th grade State Pals
Hi Kathy, I am a fifth grade teacher in Michigan's Upper Peninsula and I would be willing to work with you on this! Melissa On Wed, Jun 17, 2009 at 12:24 PM, katdu...@aol.com wrote: I'm looping to 5th grade this coming year. Any other 5th grade teachers interested in pen palling for information about their respective home states? Would even love to try Skype-ing if our tech teacher would be willing to set it up. Kathy Hawai'i ** Dell Days of Deals! June 15-24 - A New Deal Everyday! (http://pr.atwola.com/promoclk/100126575x1222865043x1201494942/aol?redir=http :%2F%2Fad.doubleclick.net%2Fclk%3B215692145%3B38015538%3Bh) ___ Mosaic mailing list Mosaic@literacyworkshop.org To unsubscribe or modify your membership please go to http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/options/mosaic_literacyworkshop.org. Search the MOSAIC archives at http://snipurl.com/MosaicArchive. ___ Mosaic mailing list Mosaic@literacyworkshop.org To unsubscribe or modify your membership please go to http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/options/mosaic_literacyworkshop.org. Search the MOSAIC archives at http://snipurl.com/MosaicArchive.
Re: [MOSAIC] TRENDS and ISSUES In Literacy Pedagogy
This is wonderful..thank so much!!! Marzano's work is about getting kids to really understand what a word means Not just the definition of the word. In fact, he states that often the definition of a word is not helpful to a student who doesn't understand the word. You use academic vocabulary as the words sometimes go across the curriculum. Marzano has a six step method that leads towards fully understanding the word. He maps it out (and shows you in the DVD how to do this) and has a worksheet the students fill out. Example: compare/contrast I had a second grade class work on the word compare. Some things the teacher does is use the word in a sentence, read a book where the word is used or has good examples of comparing... It goes way beyond the word compare means the same. The students come to a deep understanding of the word. They draw a visual representation and other words that are like compare, plus some other things... Anyway, through our study of the word compare, a little boy makes this statement. Well, I know why they put it with contrast -in order to tell if something is the same, you have to know when they are different. So when you are comparing, you are also contrasting. You choose words that you use a lot in the classroom where kids are expected to understand what to do. Some other words we worked on: Explain Justify Subtraction Multiplication Infer Predict Connection Synthesize Sentence Noun Verb Contraction Community Energy Phase Estimate There are also some vocabulary games in the book that we used in the classroom. Jan On 6/17/09 1:37 PM, Stephanie Perry zeal4learn...@gmail.com wrote: I recommend Bring Words to Life by Isabel Beck over Marzano's. Her book not only gives the research but it provides things that you can use in your classroom immediately. On Wed, Jun 17, 2009 at 12:09 PM, drmarinac...@aol.com wrote: This is unbelievably helpful You do not really understand something unless you can explain it to your grandmother. -Albert Einstein -Original Message- From: Jan Sanders jgou...@hotmail.com To: Mosaic: A Reading Comprehension Strategies Email Group mosaic@literacyworkshop.org Sent: Wed, Jun 17, 2009 12:42 pm Subject: Re: [MOSAIC] TRENDS and ISSUES In Literacy Pedagogy Robert Marzano is wonderful for academic vocabulary. As a literacy coach I did district wide staff development (3, 3 hour sessions) using his Building Academic Background Knowledge work. He did some work in conjunction with Stanford University and a brain researcher. He has DVDs, one that explains the research and a rep from Stanford (can not remember the name and it is probably some big shot) and the brain guy both speak on it. It gives the WHY we should teach academic vocab. There is also another DVD that has the 6 step process for teaching vocabulary. There is a book too -paperback 8 1/2 x 11. I believe the DVDs are quite pricey -they come together. They are published by ASDC (Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development). Jan You do not really understand something unless you can explain it to your grandmother. -Albert Einstein On 6/17/09 4:22 AM, kjcec...@aol.com kjcec...@aol.com wrote: Marzano discusses this in? great detail Kristine -Original Message- From: drmarinac...@aol.com To: mosaic@literacyworkshop.org Sent: Wed, Jun 17, 2009 7:17 am Subject: Re: [MOSAIC] TRENDS and ISSUES In Literacy Pedagogy Academic vocabulary. Interesting Is there an author who I can read up on?? ? -Original Message-? From: cnjpal...@aol.com? To: mos...@literacyworkshop.org? Sent: Tue, Jun 16, 2009 9:50 pm? Subject: Re: [MOSAIC] TRENDS and ISSUES In Literacy Pedagogy? ? ? ? ? ? ? Academic vocabulary.? Jennifer? In a message dated 6/16/2009 7:03:25 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,? drmarinac...@aol.com writes:? ? Can anyone thi nk of the most recent trends and key issues in reading? pedagogy? ? ___ Mosaic mailing list Mosaic@literacyworkshop.org To unsubscribe or modify your membership please go to http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/options/mosaic_literacyworkshop.org. Search the MOSAIC archives at http://snipurl.com/MosaicArchive. ___ Mosaic mailing list Mosaic@literacyworkshop.org To unsubscribe or modify your membership please go to http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/options/mosaic_literacyworkshop.org. Search the MOSAIC archives at http://snipurl.com/MosaicArchive. ___ Mosaic mailing list Mosaic@literacyworkshop.org To unsubscribe or modify your membership please go to http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/options/mosaic_literacyworkshop.org. Search the MOSAIC archives at http://snipurl.com/MosaicArchive. Jan Unless we reach into our students¹ hearts, we have no entry into their minds. -Regie Routman
Re: [MOSAIC] 5th grade State Pals
Thank you all who have replied! Please add your name below and send to my email please at katdu...@aol.com (off-line of the Mosaic group so we don't crowd everyone's inboxes). This will be a great opportunity for our 5th graders to practice making connections and synthesizing! 1. Alaska 2. Alabama 3. Arkansas 4. Arizona 5. California 6. Colorado 7. Connecticut 8. Delaware 9. Florida 10. Georgia 11. Hawaii- KATHY D. 12. Iowa 13. Idaho 14. Illinois 15. Indiana 16. Kansas 17. Kentucky 18. Louisiana 19. Massachusetts 20. Maryland 21. Maine 22. Michigan- MELISSA B. 23. Minnesota 24. Missouri 25. Mississippi 26. Montana 27. North Carolina 28. North Dakota 29. Nebraska 30. New Hampshire 31. New Jersey- MAURA S. 32. New Mexico 33. Nevada 34. New York 35. Ohio- MINDY 36. Oklahoma 37. Oregon 38. Pennsylvania 39. Rhode Island 40. South Carolina 41. South Dakota 42. Tennessee 43. Texas 44. Utah 45. Virginia 46. Vermont 47. Washington 48. Wisconsin 49. West Virginia 50. Wyoming ** Dell Days of Deals! June 15-24 - A New Deal Everyday! (http://pr.atwola.com/promoclk/100126575x1222677718x1201465083/aol?redir=http:%2F%2Fad.doubleclick.net%2Fclk%3B215692163%3B38015526%3Be) ___ Mosaic mailing list Mosaic@literacyworkshop.org To unsubscribe or modify your membership please go to http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/options/mosaic_literacyworkshop.org. Search the MOSAIC archives at http://snipurl.com/MosaicArchive.
Re: [MOSAIC] TRENDS and ISSUES In Literacy Pedagogy -anything else new and exciting?
Sounds good. So academic vocabulary, RTI, anything else new and exciting? I also like the textmapping but I learned about that two years ago on this LISTSERV. I'm a little bored:) If there are any teachers out there...What do you NEED in terms of issues in your classroom? -Original Message- From: Stephanie Perry zeal4learn...@gmail.com To: Mosaic: A Reading Comprehension Strategies Email Group mosaic@literacyworkshop.org Sent: Wed, Jun 17, 2009 4:37 pm Subject: Re: [MOSAIC] TRENDS and ISSUES In Literacy Pedagogy I recommend Bring Words to Life by Isabel Beck over Marzano's. Her book not only gives the research but it provides things that you can use in your classroom immediately. On Wed, Jun 17, 2009 at 12:09 PM, drmarinac...@aol.com wrote: This is unbelievably helpful You do not really understand something unless you can explain it to your grandmother. -Albert Einstein -Original Message- From: Jan Sanders jgou...@hotmail.com To: Mosaic: A Reading Comprehension Strategies Email Group mosaic@literacyworkshop.org Sent: Wed, Jun 17, 2009 12:42 pm Subject: Re: [MOSAIC] TRENDS and ISSUES In Literacy Pedagogy Robert Marzano is wonderful for academic vocabulary. As a literacy coach I did district wide staff development (3, 3 hour sessions) using his Building Academic Background Knowledge work. He did some work in conjunction with Stanford University and a brain researcher. He has DVDs, one that explains the research and a rep from Stanford (can not remember the name and it is probably some big shot) and the brain guy both speak on it. It gives the WHY we should teach academic vocab. There is also another DVD that has the 6 step process for teaching vocabulary. There is a book too -paperback 8 1/2 x 11. I believe the DVDs are quite pricey -they come together. They are published by ASDC (Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development). Jan You do not really understand something unless you can explain it to your grandmother. -Albert Einstein On 6/17/09 4:22 AM, kjcec...@aol.com kjcec...@aol.com wrote: Marzano discusses this in? great detail Kristine -Original Message- From: drmarinac...@aol.com To: mosaic@literacyworkshop.org Sent: Wed, Jun 17, 2009 7:17 am Subject: Re: [MOSAIC] TRENDS and ISSUES In Literacy Pedagogy Academic vocabulary. Interesting Is there an author who I can read up on?? ? -Original Message-? From: cnjpal...@aol.com? To: mos...@literacyworkshop.org? Sent: Tue, Jun 16, 2009 9:50 pm? Subject: Re: [MOSAIC] TRENDS and ISSUES In Literacy Pedagogy? ? ? ? ? ? ? Academic vocabulary.? Jennifer? In a message dated 6/16/2009 7:03:25 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,? drmarinac...@aol.com writes:? ? Can anyone think of the most recent trends and key issues in reading? pedagogy? ? ___ Mosaic mailing list Mosaic@literacyworkshop.org To unsubscribe or modify your membership please go to http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/options/mosaic_literacyworkshop.org. Search the MOSAIC archives at http://snipurl.com/MosaicArchive. ___ Mosaic mailing list Mosaic@literacyworkshop.org To unsubscribe or modify your membership please go to http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/options/mosaic_literacyworkshop.org. Search the MOSAIC archives at http://snipurl.com/MosaicArchive. ___ Mosaic mailing list Mosaic@literacyworkshop.org To unsubscribe or modify your membership please go to http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/options/mosaic_literacyworkshop.org. Search the MOSAIC archives at http://snipurl.com/MosaicArchive. ___ Mosaic mailing list Mosaic@literacyworkshop.org To unsubscribe or modify your membership please go to http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/options/mosaic_literacyworkshop.org. Search the MOSAIC archives at http://snipurl.com/MosaicArchive.
[MOSAIC] Fiction v. NonFiction
After reading Chapter 10 (Determining Importance in NonFiction) in Debbie Miller's RWM. I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions for great nonfiction books to really catch the children's attention. Specifically nonfiction books geared toward a first or second grade. How do you begin your non-fiction lessons and do you find the kids are engaged, or do they just want to jump right back into fiction? Thanks in advance for the suggestions! Lauren _ Lauren found her dream laptop. Find the PC that’s right for you. http://www.microsoft.com/windows/choosepc/?ocid=ftp_val_wl_290 ___ Mosaic mailing list Mosaic@literacyworkshop.org To unsubscribe or modify your membership please go to http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/options/mosaic_literacyworkshop.org. Search the MOSAIC archives at http://snipurl.com/MosaicArchive.
Re: [MOSAIC] Strategies for Stronger Readers
Thank you Jan for those words of encouragement. I have observed a classroom and loved what I saw! Darlene S. Cook KindergartenLone Oak ElementaryPaducah, Kentucky 42001http://www.mccracken.k12.ky.us/loneoak/les/Teachers/dcook/home.htm --- On Mon, 6/15/09, Jan Sanders jgou...@hotmail.com wrote: From: Jan Sanders jgou...@hotmail.com Subject: Re: [MOSAIC] Strategies for Stronger Readers To: Mosaic: A Reading Comprehension Strategies Email Group mosaic@literacyworkshop.org Date: Monday, June 15, 2009, 1:58 AM Yes! I have been using Readers' Workshop for 10+ years now. I was even a literacy coach for 5 years. All I can say is when I got started it felt like organized chaos. The more I learned the better it got. My readers' workshop today does not look like my readers' workshop of 10 years ago. Hang in there, keep reading, and if you can, go observe in a classroom where it is being done successfully. Jan On 6/14/09 8:34 PM, Darlene Cook dscook...@yahoo.com wrote: Our school is implementing Reading Workshop (7 strategies). We have read many books by Ellin Keene, Debbie Miller, etcbut it still feels overwhelming on just how to get started. Did any of you feel the same way? Darlene S. Cook KindergartenLone Oak ElementaryPaducah, Kentucky 42001http://www.mccracken.k12.ky.us/loneoak/les/Teachers/dcook/home.htm --- On Fri, 6/12/09, Heather Green heath...@gmail.com wrote: From: Heather Green heath...@gmail.com Subject: Re: [MOSAIC] Strategies for Stronger Readers To: Mosaic: A Reading Comprehension Strategies Email Group mosaic@literacyworkshop.org Date: Friday, June 12, 2009, 8:13 AM The Reading Zone sounds like a very intruiging book! Do libraries generally have books like this? I hate to buy another book, but I really want to read this one!! On Thu, Jun 11, 2009 at 9:49 PM, Stewart, L lstew...@branford.k12.ct.uswrote: Kim, Glad you butted in. You said what I am thinking much more eloquently. I have the book The Reading Zone ready to read for summer. Thanks for reminding me. Leslie I hope you don't mind my butting in... My understanding of the strategies is that they become instinctual. My middle school readers that are fluent readers find my reminding them of the strategies is cumbersome and destroys the entire reading experience. Nancie Atwell, in *The Reading Zone*, says she never teaches the basic reading strategies to experienced readers. It would defeat the purpose. If I have one really struggling in his/her reading, I would see what strategies he/she does use judge from there as to how to use the strategies. Kim ___ Mosaic mailing list Mosaic@literacyworkshop.org To unsubscribe or modify your membership please go to http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/options/mosaic_literacyworkshop.org. Search the MOSAIC archives at http://snipurl.com/MosaicArchive. ___ Mosaic mailing list Mosaic@literacyworkshop.org To unsubscribe or modify your membership please go to http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/options/mosaic_literacyworkshop.org. Search the MOSAIC archives at http://snipurl.com/MosaicArchive. ___ Mosaic mailing list Mosaic@literacyworkshop.org To unsubscribe or modify your membership please go to http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/options/mosaic_literacyworkshop.org. Search the MOSAIC archives at http://snipurl.com/MosaicArchive. Jan If you are teaching children something they already know, you are not teaching them anything. -Harry Wong ___ Mosaic mailing list Mosaic@literacyworkshop.org To unsubscribe or modify your membership please go to http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/options/mosaic_literacyworkshop.org. Search the MOSAIC archives at http://snipurl.com/MosaicArchive. ___ Mosaic mailing list Mosaic@literacyworkshop.org To unsubscribe or modify your membership please go to http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/options/mosaic_literacyworkshop.org. Search the MOSAIC archives at http://snipurl.com/MosaicArchive.
Re: [MOSAIC] 5th grade State Pals
Kathy, what a great idea. I was just about to say that my class would do that with you and then I saw Hawai'i under your name (I'm on Maui). I'd still be interested in doing the same thing. Carmen From: katdu...@aol.com Date: Wed, 17 Jun 2009 12:24:58 -0400 To: mosaic@literacyworkshop.org Subject: [MOSAIC] 5th grade State Pals I'm looping to 5th grade this coming year. Any other 5th grade teachers interested in pen palling for information about their respective home states? Would even love to try Skype-ing if our tech teacher would be willing to set it up. Kathy Hawai'i ** Dell Days of Deals! June 15-24 - A New Deal Everyday! (http://pr.atwola.com/promoclk/100126575x1222865043x1201494942/aol?redir=http :%2F%2Fad.doubleclick.net%2Fclk%3B215692145%3B38015538%3Bh) ___ Mosaic mailing list Mosaic@literacyworkshop.org To unsubscribe or modify your membership please go to http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/options/mosaic_literacyworkshop.org. Search the MOSAIC archives at http://snipurl.com/MosaicArchive. _ Insert movie times and more without leaving Hotmail®. http://windowslive.com/Tutorial/Hotmail/QuickAdd?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_HM_Tutorial_QuickAdd_062009 ___ Mosaic mailing list Mosaic@literacyworkshop.org To unsubscribe or modify your membership please go to http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/options/mosaic_literacyworkshop.org. Search the MOSAIC archives at http://snipurl.com/MosaicArchive.
Re: [MOSAIC] Fiction v. NonFiction
My 2nd's LOVE nonfiction! I usually introduce them to biographies in the fall, but before that--anything having to do with units of study. We've looked at many butterfly books, while our monarch butterfly caterpillars grow change. The boys typically devour books about sharks (they're out there--many different levels). They even love our social studies textbook, which I even like--it was written by a former VA teacher, so it aligns perfectly w/ our standards. I usually choose a really interesting nonfiction book (Gail Gibbons has a bunch, Jerry Pallotta, Seymour Simon), and before and during the reading, I either ask what they notice as compared to, say, the Skippyjon Jones book we read earlier that day. I've found that nonfiction is an excellent way to get reluctant boy readers engaged. Hope that helps. Melissa/VA/2nd On Thu, Jun 18, 2009 at 11:08 AM, Lauren Fahey lfahe...@hotmail.com wrote: After reading Chapter 10 (Determining Importance in NonFiction) in Debbie Miller's RWM. I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions for great nonfiction books to really catch the children's attention. Specifically nonfiction books geared toward a first or second grade. How do you begin your non-fiction lessons and do you find the kids are engaged, or do they just want to jump right back into fiction? Thanks in advance for the suggestions! Lauren _ Lauren found her dream laptop. Find the PC that’s right for you. http://www.microsoft.com/windows/choosepc/?ocid=ftp_val_wl_290 ___ Mosaic mailing list Mosaic@literacyworkshop.org To unsubscribe or modify your membership please go to http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/options/mosaic_literacyworkshop.org. Search the MOSAIC archives at http://snipurl.com/MosaicArchive. ___ Mosaic mailing list Mosaic@literacyworkshop.org To unsubscribe or modify your membership please go to http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/options/mosaic_literacyworkshop.org. Search the MOSAIC archives at http://snipurl.com/MosaicArchive.
Re: [MOSAIC] Fiction v. NonFiction
Gail Gibbons has a variety of titles. If you have money Rigby has a series of books called Sails that have nice leveled non-fiction. There is also a series I like called The Kids Can Press Wildlife Series. They have: Bears, Wild Cats, Wild Dogs, Whales, Beavers, Salmon, Eagles, and Deer, Moose, Elk and Caribou. Jim Arnosky has some good ones -All About Rattlesnakes, All About Turkeys. There are also the Backyard Books: Are You a Lady Bug?, Are You An Ant?, Are You a Bee?, Are You a Butterfly?, Are You a Dragonfly?, Are You a grasshopper?, Are You a Snail?, Are You a Spider? And... The Nature Upclose Series: A Ladybug's Life, A Monarch Butterfly's Life, A Luna Moth's Life, A Salamander's Life, A Slug's Life I hope this is helpful. Debbie Miller also lists books at the end of each strategy. Did you see that list? Jan On 6/18/09 8:08 AM, Lauren Fahey lfahe...@hotmail.com wrote: After reading Chapter 10 (Determining Importance in NonFiction) in Debbie Miller's RWM. I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions for great nonfiction books to really catch the children's attention. Specifically nonfiction books geared toward a first or second grade. How do you begin your non-fiction lessons and do you find the kids are engaged, or do they just want to jump right back into fiction? Thanks in advance for the suggestions! Lauren _ Lauren found her dream laptop. Find the PC that¹s right for you. http://www.microsoft.com/windows/choosepc/?ocid=ftp_val_wl_290 ___ Mosaic mailing list Mosaic@literacyworkshop.org To unsubscribe or modify your membership please go to http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/options/mosaic_literacyworkshop.org. Search the MOSAIC archives at http://snipurl.com/MosaicArchive. Jan Unless we reach into our students¹ hearts, we have no entry into their minds. -Regie Routman ___ Mosaic mailing list Mosaic@literacyworkshop.org To unsubscribe or modify your membership please go to http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/options/mosaic_literacyworkshop.org. Search the MOSAIC archives at http://snipurl.com/MosaicArchive.
Re: [MOSAIC] Fiction v. NonFiction
When I taught second grade I found that the children LOVED nonfiction. Joy/NC/4 How children learn is as important as what they learn: process and content go hand in hand. http://www.responsiveclassroom.org --- On Thu, 6/18/09, Lauren Fahey lfahe...@hotmail.com wrote: From: Lauren Fahey lfahe...@hotmail.com Subject: [MOSAIC] Fiction v. NonFiction To: mosaic@literacyworkshop.org Date: Thursday, June 18, 2009, 11:08 AM After reading Chapter 10 (Determining Importance in NonFiction) in Debbie Miller's RWM. I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions for great nonfiction books to really catch the children's attention. Specifically nonfiction books geared toward a first or second grade. How do you begin your non-fiction lessons and do you find the kids are engaged, or do they just want to jump right back into fiction? Thanks in advance for the suggestions! Lauren _ Lauren found her dream laptop. Find the PC that’s right for you. http://www.microsoft.com/windows/choosepc/?ocid=ftp_val_wl_290 ___ Mosaic mailing list Mosaic@literacyworkshop.org To unsubscribe or modify your membership please go to http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/options/mosaic_literacyworkshop.org. Search the MOSAIC archives at http://snipurl.com/MosaicArchive. ___ Mosaic mailing list Mosaic@literacyworkshop.org To unsubscribe or modify your membership please go to http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/options/mosaic_literacyworkshop.org. Search the MOSAIC archives at http://snipurl.com/MosaicArchive.
Re: [MOSAIC] Fiction v. NonFiction
I use Gail Gibbons for many non-fiction books. I have used text-mapping to find non-fiction conventions and the kids are really engaged. In a message dated 6/18/2009 11:08:56 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time, lfahe...@hotmail.com writes: After reading Chapter 10 (Determining Importance in NonFiction) in Debbie Miller's RWM. I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions for great nonfiction books to really catch the children's attention. Specifically nonfiction books geared toward a first or second grade. How do you begin your non-fiction lessons and do you find the kids are engaged, or do they just want to jump right back into fiction? Thanks in advance for the suggestions! Lauren _ Lauren found her dream laptop. Find the PC that’s right for you. http://www.microsoft.com/windows/choosepc/?ocid=ftp_val_wl_290 ___ Mosaic mailing list Mosaic@literacyworkshop.org To unsubscribe or modify your membership please go to http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/options/mosaic_literacyworkshop.org. Search the MOSAIC archives at http://snipurl.com/MosaicArchive. **Dell Days of Deals! June 15-24 - A New Deal Everyday! (http://pr.atwola.com/promoclk/100126575x1222677718x1201465083/aol?redir=http:%2F%2F ad.doubleclick.net%2Fclk%3B215692163%3B38015526%3Be) ___ Mosaic mailing list Mosaic@literacyworkshop.org To unsubscribe or modify your membership please go to http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/options/mosaic_literacyworkshop.org. Search the MOSAIC archives at http://snipurl.com/MosaicArchive.
Re: [MOSAIC] Fiction v. NonFiction
Hi Lauren, My kids love reading non fiction! This year we started non fiction Tuesdays. Everyone was supposed to spend time reading non fiction books on topics of their choice. Afterwards, we shared interesting information that we learned. After a while I decided to frame their responses in a non fiction paragraph format for sharing. They continue to read non fiction, especially the boys. Elisa Elisa Waingort Grade 2 Spanish Bilingual Dalhousie Elementary Calgary, Canada The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt within the heart. Helen Keller Visit my blog, A Teacher's Ruminations, and post a message. http://waingortgrade2spanishbilingual.blogspot.com/ After reading Chapter 10 (Determining Importance in NonFiction) in Debbie Miller's RWM. I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions for great nonfiction books to really catch the children's attention. Specifically nonfiction books geared toward a first or second grade. How do you begin your non-fiction lessons and do you find the kids are engaged, or do they just want to jump right back into fiction? Thanks in advance for the suggestions! Lauren ___ Mosaic mailing list Mosaic@literacyworkshop.org To unsubscribe or modify your membership please go to http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/options/mosaic_literacyworkshop.org. Search the MOSAIC archives at http://snipurl.com/MosaicArchive.
Re: [MOSAIC] TRENDS and ISSUES In Literacy Pedagogy
http://jc-schools.net/tutorials/vocab/TN.html Look at this website for information about Marzano's Academic Vocabulary Joy/NC/4 How children learn is as important as what they learn: process and content go hand in hand. http://www.responsiveclassroom.org --- On Wed, 6/17/09, drmarinac...@aol.com drmarinac...@aol.com wrote: From: drmarinac...@aol.com drmarinac...@aol.com Subject: Re: [MOSAIC] TRENDS and ISSUES In Literacy Pedagogy To: mosaic@literacyworkshop.org Date: Wednesday, June 17, 2009, 3:09 PM This is unbelievably helpful You do not really understand something unless you can explain it to your grandmother. -Albert Einstein -Original Message- From: Jan Sanders jgou...@hotmail.com To: Mosaic: A Reading Comprehension Strategies Email Group mosaic@literacyworkshop.org Sent: Wed, Jun 17, 2009 12:42 pm Subject: Re: [MOSAIC] TRENDS and ISSUES In Literacy Pedagogy Robert Marzano is wonderful for academic vocabulary. As a literacy coach I did district wide staff development (3, 3 hour sessions) using his Building Academic Background Knowledge work. He did some work in conjunction with Stanford University and a brain researcher. He has DVDs, one that explains the research and a rep from Stanford (can not remember the name and it is probably some big shot) and the brain guy both speak on it. It gives the WHY we should teach academic vocab. There is also another DVD that has the 6 step process for teaching vocabulary. There is a book too -paperback 8 1/2 x 11. I believe the DVDs are quite pricey -they come together. They are published by ASDC (Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development). Jan You do not really understand something unless you can explain it to your grandmother. -Albert Einstein On 6/17/09 4:22 AM, kjcec...@aol.com kjcec...@aol.com wrote: Marzano discusses this in? great detail Kristine -Original Message- From: drmarinac...@aol.com To: mosaic@literacyworkshop.org Sent: Wed, Jun 17, 2009 7:17 am Subject: Re: [MOSAIC] TRENDS and ISSUES In Literacy Pedagogy Academic vocabulary. Interesting Is there an author who I can read up on?? ? -Original Message-? From: cnjpal...@aol.com? To: mos...@literacyworkshop.org? Sent: Tue, Jun 16, 2009 9:50 pm? Subject: Re: [MOSAIC] TRENDS and ISSUES In Literacy Pedagogy? ? ? ? ? ? ? Academic vocabulary.? Jennifer? In a message dated 6/16/2009 7:03:25 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,? drmarinac...@aol.com writes:? ? Can anyone think of the most recent trends and key issues in reading? pedagogy? ? ___ Mosaic mailing list Mosaic@literacyworkshop.org To unsubscribe or modify your membership please go to http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/options/mosaic_literacyworkshop.org. Search the MOSAIC archives at http://snipurl.com/MosaicArchive. ___ Mosaic mailing list Mosaic@literacyworkshop.org To unsubscribe or modify your membership please go to http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/options/mosaic_literacyworkshop.org. Search the MOSAIC archives at http://snipurl.com/MosaicArchive. ___ Mosaic mailing list Mosaic@literacyworkshop.org To unsubscribe or modify your membership please go to http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/options/mosaic_literacyworkshop.org. Search the MOSAIC archives at http://snipurl.com/MosaicArchive.
Re: [MOSAIC] TRENDS and ISSUES In Literacy Pedagogy -anything else new and exciting?
I still need help coming up with themes for my units. Don't know why, but I guess I can't see the big picture. Do you have any suggestions as to how to develop an overarching theme? Joy/NC/4 How children learn is as important as what they learn: process and content go hand in hand. http://www.responsiveclassroom.org --- On Thu, 6/18/09, drmarinac...@aol.com drmarinac...@aol.com wrote: From: drmarinac...@aol.com drmarinac...@aol.com Subject: Re: [MOSAIC] TRENDS and ISSUES In Literacy Pedagogy -anything else new and exciting? To: mosaic@literacyworkshop.org Date: Thursday, June 18, 2009, 10:44 AM Sounds good. So academic vocabulary, RTI, anything else new and exciting? I also like the textmapping but I learned about that two years ago on this LISTSERV. I'm a little bored:) If there are any teachers out there...What do you NEED in terms of issues in your classroom? -Original Message- From: Stephanie Perry zeal4learn...@gmail.com To: Mosaic: A Reading Comprehension Strategies Email Group mosaic@literacyworkshop.org Sent: Wed, Jun 17, 2009 4:37 pm Subject: Re: [MOSAIC] TRENDS and ISSUES In Literacy Pedagogy I recommend Bring Words to Life by Isabel Beck over Marzano's. Her book not only gives the research but it provides things that you can use in your classroom immediately. On Wed, Jun 17, 2009 at 12:09 PM, drmarinac...@aol.com wrote: This is unbelievably helpful You do not really understand something unless you can explain it to your grandmother. -Albert Einstein -Original Message- From: Jan Sanders jgou...@hotmail.com To: Mosaic: A Reading Comprehension Strategies Email Group mosaic@literacyworkshop.org Sent: Wed, Jun 17, 2009 12:42 pm Subject: Re: [MOSAIC] TRENDS and ISSUES In Literacy Pedagogy Robert Marzano is wonderful for academic vocabulary. As a literacy coach I did district wide staff development (3, 3 hour sessions) using his Building Academic Background Knowledge work. He did some work in conjunction with Stanford University and a brain researcher. He has DVDs, one that explains the research and a rep from Stanford (can not remember the name and it is probably some big shot) and the brain guy both speak on it. It gives the WHY we should teach academic vocab. There is also another DVD that has the 6 step process for teaching vocabulary. There is a book too -paperback 8 1/2 x 11. I believe the DVDs are quite pricey -they come together. They are published by ASDC (Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development). Jan You do not really understand something unless you can explain it to your grandmother. -Albert Einstein On 6/17/09 4:22 AM, kjcec...@aol.com kjcec...@aol.com wrote: Marzano discusses this in? great detail Kristine -Original Message- From: drmarinac...@aol.com To: mosaic@literacyworkshop.org Sent: Wed, Jun 17, 2009 7:17 am Subject: Re: [MOSAIC] TRENDS and ISSUES In Literacy Pedagogy Academic vocabulary. Interesting Is there an author who I can read up on?? ? -Original Message-? From: cnjpal...@aol.com? To: mos...@literacyworkshop.org? Sent: Tue, Jun 16, 2009 9:50 pm? Subject: Re: [MOSAIC] TRENDS and ISSUES In Literacy Pedagogy? ? ? ? ? ? ? Academic vocabulary.? Jennifer? In a message dated 6/16/2009 7:03:25 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,? drmarinac...@aol.com writes:? ? Can anyone think of the most recent trends and key issues in reading? pedagogy? ? ___ Mosaic mailing list Mosaic@literacyworkshop.org To unsubscribe or modify your membership please go to http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/options/mosaic_literacyworkshop.org. Search the MOSAIC archives at http://snipurl.com/MosaicArchive. ___ Mosaic mailing list Mosaic@literacyworkshop.org To unsubscribe or modify your membership please go to http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/options/mosaic_literacyworkshop.org. Search the MOSAIC archives at http://snipurl.com/MosaicArchive. ___ Mosaic mailing list Mosaic@literacyworkshop.org To unsubscribe or modify your membership please go to http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/options/mosaic_literacyworkshop.org. Search the MOSAIC archives at http://snipurl.com/MosaicArchive. ___ Mosaic mailing list Mosaic@literacyworkshop.org To unsubscribe or modify your membership please go to http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/options/mosaic_literacyworkshop.org. Search the MOSAIC archives at http://snipurl.com/MosaicArchive. ___ Mosaic mailing list Mosaic@literacyworkshop.org To unsubscribe or modify your membership please go to http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/options/mosaic_literacyworkshop.org. Search the MOSAIC archives at
[MOSAIC] Come join me on Taking Back The Classroom
Taking Back The Classroom: Education Reform Begins With Teachers and Parents Join our cause exploring sensible options to the madness created by standardized testing and NCLB mandates. Help us find solutions and reccomendations for the sake of the children. Thank you. Click the link below to Join: http://takingbacktheclassroom.ning.com/?xgi=g9pWx0Q If your email program doesn't recognize the web address above as an active link, please copy and paste it into your web browser About Taking Back The Classroom It's time for teachers and parents to speak up for sensibility and professionalism in the classrooms. Taking Back The Classroom includes: Blogs Events Groups Photos Videos To control which emails you receive on the corner, or to opt-out, go to: http://takingbacktheclassroom.ning.com/?xgo=dw-ocQEG3NlWx8G6B9kj31PE/GkZed2xtV7FkLOxdn6m5rafryJtco2UQ68X-C9H ___ Mosaic mailing list Mosaic@literacyworkshop.org To unsubscribe or modify your membership please go to http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/options/mosaic_literacyworkshop.org. Search the MOSAIC archives at http://snipurl.com/MosaicArchive.
[MOSAIC] sorry
I did not mean for the message to go out to the whole group. Please accept my appologies. Joy/NC/4 How children learn is as important as what they learn: process and content go hand in hand. http://www.responsiveclassroom.org ___ Mosaic mailing list Mosaic@literacyworkshop.org To unsubscribe or modify your membership please go to http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/options/mosaic_literacyworkshop.org. Search the MOSAIC archives at http://snipurl.com/MosaicArchive.
[MOSAIC] Professionalism
Hello everyone, I have a side question for everyone. I know that at every school you can find at least one more more teachers that say come the end of the year that they are not going to have anything to do with teaching all summer. I am really curious as to how many teachers in your school, to your knowledge, actually take it upon themselves to do their own professional development. This can be in the form of reading, classes, or workshops. What percentage of teachers at your school actually do this? Thanks, Stephanie 3rd/CA ___ Mosaic mailing list Mosaic@literacyworkshop.org To unsubscribe or modify your membership please go to http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/options/mosaic_literacyworkshop.org. Search the MOSAIC archives at http://snipurl.com/MosaicArchive.
Re: [MOSAIC] Professionalism
at least 50% **Dell Days of Deals! June 15-24 - A New Deal Everyday! (http://pr.atwola.com/promoclk/100126575x1222677718x1201465083/aol?redir=http:%2F%2F ad.doubleclick.net%2Fclk%3B215692163%3B38015526%3Be) ___ Mosaic mailing list Mosaic@literacyworkshop.org To unsubscribe or modify your membership please go to http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/options/mosaic_literacyworkshop.org. Search the MOSAIC archives at http://snipurl.com/MosaicArchive.
Re: [MOSAIC] Professionalism
50-70 percent for me. I am lucky. Jennifer In a message dated 6/18/2009 9:00:47 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, zeal4learn...@gmail.com writes: Hello everyone, I have a side question for everyone. I know that at every school you can find at least one more more teachers that say come the end of the year that they are not going to have anything to do with teaching all summer. I am really curious as to how many teachers in your school, to your knowledge, actually take it upon themselves to do their own professional development. This can be in the form of reading, classes, or workshops. What percentage of teachers at your school actually do this? Thanks, Stephanie 3rd/CA **Dell Days of Deals! June 15-24 - A New Deal Everyday! (http://pr.atwola.com/promoclk/100126575x1222677718x1201465083/aol?redir=http:%2F%2F ad.doubleclick.net%2Fclk%3B215692163%3B38015526%3Be) ___ Mosaic mailing list Mosaic@literacyworkshop.org To unsubscribe or modify your membership please go to http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/options/mosaic_literacyworkshop.org. Search the MOSAIC archives at http://snipurl.com/MosaicArchive.
Re: [MOSAIC] Professionalism
It depends...elementary, junior high, high school. During the end of the summer I would say about 30%...not great! -Original Message- From: mosaic-boun...@literacyworkshop.org [mailto:mosaic-boun...@literacyworkshop.org] On Behalf Of Stephanie Perry Sent: Thursday, June 18, 2009 9:00 PM To: Mosaic: A Reading Comprehension Strategies Email Group Subject: [MOSAIC] Professionalism Hello everyone, I have a side question for everyone. I know that at every school you can find at least one more more teachers that say come the end of the year that they are not going to have anything to do with teaching all summer. I am really curious as to how many teachers in your school, to your knowledge, actually take it upon themselves to do their own professional development. This can be in the form of reading, classes, or workshops. What percentage of teachers at your school actually do this? Thanks, Stephanie 3rd/CA ___ Mosaic mailing list Mosaic@literacyworkshop.org To unsubscribe or modify your membership please go to http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/options/mosaic_literacyworkshop.org. Search the MOSAIC archives at http://snipurl.com/MosaicArchive. ___ Mosaic mailing list Mosaic@literacyworkshop.org To unsubscribe or modify your membership please go to http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/options/mosaic_literacyworkshop.org. Search the MOSAIC archives at http://snipurl.com/MosaicArchive.
Re: [MOSAIC] TRENDS and ISSUES In Literacy Pedagogy -anything elsenew and exciting?
Jay McTighe and Grant Wiggins Understanding by Design! There is a professional book and workbook...it helps you with the enduring statements and essential questions to help you with designing a unit. McTighe's website also has resources to help you with those units. -Original Message- From: mosaic-boun...@literacyworkshop.org [mailto:mosaic-boun...@literacyworkshop.org] On Behalf Of Joy Sent: Thursday, June 18, 2009 7:52 PM To: Mosaic: A Reading Comprehension Strategies Email Group Subject: Re: [MOSAIC] TRENDS and ISSUES In Literacy Pedagogy -anything elsenew and exciting? I still need help coming up with themes for my units. Don't know why, but I guess I can't see the big picture. Do you have any suggestions as to how to develop an overarching theme? Joy/NC/4 How children learn is as important as what they learn: process and content go hand in hand. http://www.responsiveclassroom.org --- On Thu, 6/18/09, drmarinac...@aol.com drmarinac...@aol.com wrote: From: drmarinac...@aol.com drmarinac...@aol.com Subject: Re: [MOSAIC] TRENDS and ISSUES In Literacy Pedagogy -anything else new and exciting? To: mosaic@literacyworkshop.org Date: Thursday, June 18, 2009, 10:44 AM Sounds good. So academic vocabulary, RTI, anything else new and exciting? I also like the textmapping but I learned about that two years ago on this LISTSERV. I'm a little bored:) If there are any teachers out there...What do you NEED in terms of issues in your classroom? -Original Message- From: Stephanie Perry zeal4learn...@gmail.com To: Mosaic: A Reading Comprehension Strategies Email Group mosaic@literacyworkshop.org Sent: Wed, Jun 17, 2009 4:37 pm Subject: Re: [MOSAIC] TRENDS and ISSUES In Literacy Pedagogy I recommend Bring Words to Life by Isabel Beck over Marzano's. Her book not only gives the research but it provides things that you can use in your classroom immediately. On Wed, Jun 17, 2009 at 12:09 PM, drmarinac...@aol.com wrote: This is unbelievably helpful You do not really understand something unless you can explain it to your grandmother. -Albert Einstein -Original Message- From: Jan Sanders jgou...@hotmail.com To: Mosaic: A Reading Comprehension Strategies Email Group mosaic@literacyworkshop.org Sent: Wed, Jun 17, 2009 12:42 pm Subject: Re: [MOSAIC] TRENDS and ISSUES In Literacy Pedagogy Robert Marzano is wonderful for academic vocabulary. As a literacy coach I did district wide staff development (3, 3 hour sessions) using his Building Academic Background Knowledge work. He did some work in conjunction with Stanford University and a brain researcher. He has DVDs, one that explains the research and a rep from Stanford (can not remember the name and it is probably some big shot) and the brain guy both speak on it. It gives the WHY we should teach academic vocab. There is also another DVD that has the 6 step process for teaching vocabulary. There is a book too -paperback 8 1/2 x 11. I believe the DVDs are quite pricey -they come together. They are published by ASDC (Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development). Jan You do not really understand something unless you can explain it to your grandmother. -Albert Einstein On 6/17/09 4:22 AM, kjcec...@aol.com kjcec...@aol.com wrote: Marzano discusses this in? great detail Kristine -Original Message- From: drmarinac...@aol.com To: mosaic@literacyworkshop.org Sent: Wed, Jun 17, 2009 7:17 am Subject: Re: [MOSAIC] TRENDS and ISSUES In Literacy Pedagogy Academic vocabulary. Interesting Is there an author who I can read up on?? ? -Original Message-? From: cnjpal...@aol.com? To: mos...@literacyworkshop.org? Sent: Tue, Jun 16, 2009 9:50 pm? Subject: Re: [MOSAIC] TRENDS and ISSUES In Literacy Pedagogy? ? ? ? ? ? ? Academic vocabulary.? Jennifer? In a message dated 6/16/2009 7:03:25 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,? drmarinac...@aol.com writes:? ? Can anyone think of the most recent trends and key issues in reading? pedagogy? ? ___ Mosaic mailing list Mosaic@literacyworkshop.org To unsubscribe or modify your membership please go to http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/options/mosaic_literacyworkshop.org. Search the MOSAIC archives at http://snipurl.com/MosaicArchive. ___ Mosaic mailing list Mosaic@literacyworkshop.org To unsubscribe or modify your membership please go to http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/options/mosaic_literacyworkshop.org. Search the MOSAIC archives at http://snipurl.com/MosaicArchive. ___ Mosaic mailing list Mosaic@literacyworkshop.org To unsubscribe or modify your membership please go to http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/options/mosaic_literacyworkshop.org. Search the MOSAIC archives at http://snipurl.com/MosaicArchive.
Re: [MOSAIC] TRENDS and ISSUES In Literacy Pedagogy -anything else new and exciting?
Joy, So just bouncing off of academic vocab and RTI and on and on, thematic teaching is a big answer in my view. When we teach thematically, we can involve kids in inquiry at many different levels of reading and writing and research and modes of communication. This allows us to differentiate while they have a common overarching theme - thus ALL can contribute in authentic ways. And vocabulary is going to be benefited in huge waysbecause the words are all connected and thus easier to learn because they are meaning based. And they are used over and over throughout the reading and writing and so on. So thematic teaching is a big overarching picture that often never gets mentioned in all this focus on different aspects of literacy!!! AND THANK YOU FOR BRING US BACK TO THIS IMPORTANT FOUNDATION FOR LEARNING. I teach in an American Indian school as I've mentioned. This fall the whole school is focusing on oceans initially. So I've started playing with all the ideas. My social studies focus is communities...and I'm thinking that connects with the ocean as an interconnected community of living things. I'm also thinking of oceans being interconnected to planet earth so taking care of the ocean matters. Native American connections - the emphasis we are all connected. and I can use a number of traditional American Indian stories centered on the sea. I found a book by the son of a friend All the Way to the Ocean connected to Save our Seas Foundation with tons of activities and links and resources and that definitely brings activism to the front. And then the issue of salmon and dams and use of water are critical issues to Native Americans in California (and further north)right now. In fact, the dams are coming down as a result of Native American activism. And on and on and on and so exciting. And I can teach differences between fiction and non fiction and bring us back to community and still focus on interconnections by using Swimmy and Rainbow Fish and use those to be teaching some readingin addition to all our non fiction. Even thinking about a contrast between NEMO AND A NEW MOVIE COMING TURTLE: can't quite rmemeber the title but it's non fiction and will be out this year. EGAD THIS IS ALL SO MUCH FUN. Now I will need to start pinning this down to the actual days and shape of the unit for my second and third graders. But just think.this is so ideal for RTI and differentiation and building vocabulary and teaching all the language arts strategies and skills as well as social studies and science. This is why we need to go back to thematic teaching and many of the approaches so advocated in whole language. We will not neglect the skills. We can of course do phonics and words families and fluency. But our foundation is a meaning-centered inquiry into something that matters! Sorry I am just flat out getting so excited to be back to an elementary classroom in a place that values meaning-centered learning. Good luck Joy. I know you will do the same. Of course I thought at first that oceans was just a topic. But when I then crank it up to we are all connected the universe is possible.. Sally On 6/18/09 4:52 PM, Joy jwidm...@rocketmail.com wrote: I still need help coming up with themes for my units. Don't know why, but I guess I can't see the big picture. Do you have any suggestions as to how to develop an overarching theme? Joy/NC/4 How children learn is as important as what they learn: process and content go hand in hand. http://www.responsiveclassroom.org --- On Thu, 6/18/09, drmarinac...@aol.com drmarinac...@aol.com wrote: From: drmarinac...@aol.com drmarinac...@aol.com Subject: Re: [MOSAIC] TRENDS and ISSUES In Literacy Pedagogy -anything else new and exciting? To: mosaic@literacyworkshop.org Date: Thursday, June 18, 2009, 10:44 AM Sounds good. So academic vocabulary, RTI, anything else new and exciting? I also like the textmapping but I learned about that two years ago on this LISTSERV. I'm a little bored:) If there are any teachers out there...What do you NEED in terms of issues in your classroom? -Original Message- From: Stephanie Perry zeal4learn...@gmail.com To: Mosaic: A Reading Comprehension Strategies Email Group mosaic@literacyworkshop.org Sent: Wed, Jun 17, 2009 4:37 pm Subject: Re: [MOSAIC] TRENDS and ISSUES In Literacy Pedagogy I recommend Bring Words to Life by Isabel Beck over Marzano's. Her book not only gives the research but it provides things that you can use in your classroom immediately. On Wed, Jun 17, 2009 at 12:09 PM, drmarinac...@aol.com wrote: This is unbelievably helpful You do not really understand something unless you can explain it to your grandmother. -Albert Einstein -Original Message- From: Jan Sanders jgou...@hotmail.com To: Mosaic: A Reading Comprehension Strategies Email Group mosaic@literacyworkshop.org Sent: Wed, Jun
Re: [MOSAIC] Come join me on Taking Back The Classroom
How? do I join? -Original Message- From: Joy invitati...@takingbacktheclassroom.ning.com To: mosaic@literacyworkshop.org mosaic@literacyworkshop.org Sent: Thu, Jun 18, 2009 8:30 pm Subject: [MOSAIC] Come join me on Taking Back The Classroom Taking Back The Classroom: Education Reform Begins With Teachers and Parents Join our cause exploring sensible options to the madness created by standardized testing and NCLB mandates. Help us find solutions and reccomendations for the sake of the children. Thank you. Click the link below to Join: http://takingbacktheclassroom.ning.com/?xgi=g9pWx0Q If your email program doesn't recognize the web address above as an active link, please copy and paste it into your web browser About Taking Back The Classroom It's time for teachers and parents to speak up for sensibility and professionalism in the classrooms. Taking Back The Classroom includes: Blogs Events Groups Photos Videos To control which emails you receive on the corner, or to opt-out, go to: http://takingbacktheclassroom.ning.com/?xgo=dw-ocQEG3NlWx8G6B9kj31PE/GkZed2xtV7FkLOxdn6m5rafryJtco2UQ68X-C9H ___ Mosaic mailing list Mosaic@literacyworkshop.org To unsubscribe or modify your membership please go to http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/options/mosaic_literacyworkshop.org. Search the MOSAIC archives at http://snipurl.com/MosaicArchive. ___ Mosaic mailing list Mosaic@literacyworkshop.org To unsubscribe or modify your membership please go to http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/options/mosaic_literacyworkshop.org. Search the MOSAIC archives at http://snipurl.com/MosaicArchive.
Re: [MOSAIC] TRENDS and ISSUES In Literacy Pedagogy -anything else new and exciting?
drmarinaccio wrote: ...What do you NEED in terms of issues in your classroom? Report card grading policy which reflects differentiated instruction ___ Mosaic mailing list Mosaic@literacyworkshop.org To unsubscribe or modify your membership please go to http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/options/mosaic_literacyworkshop.org. Search the MOSAIC archives at http://snipurl.com/MosaicArchive.
Re: [MOSAIC] Professionalism
10% here...maybe! From: mosaic-boun...@literacyworkshop.org on behalf of Stephanie Perry Sent: Thu 6/18/2009 9:00 PM To: Mosaic: A Reading Comprehension Strategies Email Group Subject: [MOSAIC] Professionalism Hello everyone, I have a side question for everyone. I know that at every school you can find at least one more more teachers that say come the end of the year that they are not going to have anything to do with teaching all summer. I am really curious as to how many teachers in your school, to your knowledge, actually take it upon themselves to do their own professional development. This can be in the form of reading, classes, or workshops. What percentage of teachers at your school actually do this? Thanks, Stephanie 3rd/CA ___ Mosaic mailing list Mosaic@literacyworkshop.org To unsubscribe or modify your membership please go to http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/options/mosaic_literacyworkshop.org. Search the MOSAIC archives at http://snipurl.com/MosaicArchive. ___ Mosaic mailing list Mosaic@literacyworkshop.org To unsubscribe or modify your membership please go to http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/options/mosaic_literacyworkshop.org. Search the MOSAIC archives at http://snipurl.com/MosaicArchive.
Re: [MOSAIC] Professionalism
In the school I last taught in, I would say about 60%. In the two schools I worked most closely with in the past year, about 50% for one and perhaps 10% in the other. The latter has tremendous turnover. Lori Jackson District Literacy Coach and Mentor Todd County School District Box 87 Mission SD 5755 - Original message - From: Stephanie Perry zeal4learn...@gmail.com To: Mosaic: A Reading Comprehension Strategies Email Group mosaic@literacyworkshop.org Date: Thursday, June 18, 2009 7:01 PM Subject: [MOSAIC] Professionalism Hello everyone, I have a side question for everyone. I know that at every school you can find at least one more more teachers that say come the end of the year that they are not going to have anything to do with teaching all summer. I am really curious as to how many teachers in your school, to your knowledge, actually take it upon themselves to do their own professional development. This can be in the form of reading, classes, or workshops. What percentage of teachers at your school actually do this? Thanks, Stephanie 3rd/CA ___ Mosaic mailing list Mosaic@literacyworkshop.org To unsubscribe or modify your membership please go to http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/options/mosaic_literacyworkshop.org. Search the MOSAIC archives at http://snipurl.com/MosaicArchive. ___ Mosaic mailing list Mosaic@literacyworkshop.org To unsubscribe or modify your membership please go to http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/options/mosaic_literacyworkshop.org. Search the MOSAIC archives at http://snipurl.com/MosaicArchive.
Re: [MOSAIC] Professionalism
Stephanie, All the teachers in my district (Elementary through High School), for that matter in the valley, are required to have Professional growth hours every year. The number of hours can fluctuate anywhere from 21 to 45 hours. You have the choice of taking a class at the college, workshops or book discussions. The hours may be done before school starts, or can be fulfilled during the school year, if that is when they are offered. A list of choices are posted and when they are offered, before the end of the school year for the next year. You have to submit your plan, and then you are given credit after participating. A reminder is sent to you in March to let you know if you have fulfilled your hours or not. If you do not complete your required hours by the end of the school year, you will not receive your last paycheck until you have. I thought this was pretty standard. You also have to have so many hours or credits to renew your teaching certification for the state as well. Trish Shults Reading Recovery Montessori Teacher Montana - Original Message - From: Stephanie Perry zeal4learn...@gmail.com To: Mosaic: A Reading Comprehension Strategies Email Group mosaic@literacyworkshop.org Sent: Thursday, June 18, 2009 7:00 PM Subject: [MOSAIC] Professionalism Hello everyone, I have a side question for everyone. I know that at every school you can find at least one more more teachers that say come the end of the year that they are not going to have anything to do with teaching all summer. I am really curious as to how many teachers in your school, to your knowledge, actually take it upon themselves to do their own professional development. This can be in the form of reading, classes, or workshops. What percentage of teachers at your school actually do this? Thanks, Stephanie 3rd/CA ___ Mosaic mailing list Mosaic@literacyworkshop.org To unsubscribe or modify your membership please go to http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/options/mosaic_literacyworkshop.org. Search the MOSAIC archives at http://snipurl.com/MosaicArchive. ___ Mosaic mailing list Mosaic@literacyworkshop.org To unsubscribe or modify your membership please go to http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/options/mosaic_literacyworkshop.org. Search the MOSAIC archives at http://snipurl.com/MosaicArchive.
Re: [MOSAIC] Professionalism
In the school district from which I'm retired we were required to have so many hours of training each year. We had professional growth contracts we kept and our school system provided staff development which they required us to attend during the school year. In the summer months they also offer more staff development for teachers and that goes toward the professional growth contract for that year. At the end of the year we had to provide documentation of professional training and evidence of implementation. It was signed by the principal and filed in our personnel file at the county office. Everyone had to participate. Many times we had so many new concepts or programs or techniques to try it was hard to tell which was effective. We were exposed to alot but used very little. Deidra Chandler MA Early Childhood Ed. MA Reading Retired - Original Message - From: Stephanie Perry zeal4learn...@gmail.com To: Mosaic: A Reading Comprehension Strategies Email Group mosaic@literacyworkshop.org Sent: Thursday, June 18, 2009 9:00 PM Subject: [MOSAIC] Professionalism Hello everyone, I have a side question for everyone. I know that at every school you can find at least one more more teachers that say come the end of the year that they are not going to have anything to do with teaching all summer. I am really curious as to how many teachers in your school, to your knowledge, actually take it upon themselves to do their own professional development. This can be in the form of reading, classes, or workshops. What percentage of teachers at your school actually do this? Thanks, Stephanie 3rd/CA ___ Mosaic mailing list Mosaic@literacyworkshop.org To unsubscribe or modify your membership please go to http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/options/mosaic_literacyworkshop.org. Search the MOSAIC archives at http://snipurl.com/MosaicArchive. ___ Mosaic mailing list Mosaic@literacyworkshop.org To unsubscribe or modify your membership please go to http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/options/mosaic_literacyworkshop.org. Search the MOSAIC archives at http://snipurl.com/MosaicArchive.
Re: [MOSAIC] Professionalism
At least a third of my old school. In fact a couple of teachers put together their own prof. development using a very talented teacher that will be leaving the islands soon. We met at a friend's house and had a compact workshop on classroom mgmt. and literacy. It was wonderful. Many of them and a few others are taking courses on inclusion, techonology and/or integrating the arts, literacy, and science. I didn't get to ask what my current co-workers were up to this summer. Many are traveling this year. _ Insert movie times and more without leaving Hotmail®. http://windowslive.com/Tutorial/Hotmail/QuickAdd?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_HM_Tutorial_QuickAdd_062009 ___ Mosaic mailing list Mosaic@literacyworkshop.org To unsubscribe or modify your membership please go to http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/options/mosaic_literacyworkshop.org. Search the MOSAIC archives at http://snipurl.com/MosaicArchive.
Re: [MOSAIC] TRENDS and ISSUES In Literacy Pedagogy -anything elsenew and exciting?
Thanks! Joy/NC/4 How children learn is as important as what they learn: process and content go hand in hand. http://www.responsiveclassroom.org --- On Thu, 6/18/09, Kim Catano catano8...@roadrunner.com wrote: From: Kim Catano catano8...@roadrunner.com Subject: Re: [MOSAIC] TRENDS and ISSUES In Literacy Pedagogy -anything elsenew and exciting? To: 'Mosaic: A Reading Comprehension Strategies Email Group' mosaic@literacyworkshop.org Date: Thursday, June 18, 2009, 9:13 PM Jay McTighe and Grant Wiggins Understanding by Design! There is a professional book and workbook...it helps you with the enduring statements and essential questions to help you with designing a unit. McTighe's website also has resources to help you with those units. -Original Message- From: mosaic-boun...@literacyworkshop.org [mailto:mosaic-boun...@literacyworkshop.org] On Behalf Of Joy Sent: Thursday, June 18, 2009 7:52 PM To: Mosaic: A Reading Comprehension Strategies Email Group Subject: Re: [MOSAIC] TRENDS and ISSUES In Literacy Pedagogy -anything elsenew and exciting? I still need help coming up with themes for my units. Don't know why, but I guess I can't see the big picture. Do you have any suggestions as to how to develop an overarching theme? Joy/NC/4 How children learn is as important as what they learn: process and content go hand in hand. http://www.responsiveclassroom.org --- On Thu, 6/18/09, drmarinac...@aol.com drmarinac...@aol.com wrote: From: drmarinac...@aol.com drmarinac...@aol.com Subject: Re: [MOSAIC] TRENDS and ISSUES In Literacy Pedagogy -anything else new and exciting? To: mosaic@literacyworkshop.org Date: Thursday, June 18, 2009, 10:44 AM Sounds good. So academic vocabulary, RTI, anything else new and exciting? I also like the textmapping but I learned about that two years ago on this LISTSERV. I'm a little bored:) If there are any teachers out there...What do you NEED in terms of issues in your classroom? -Original Message- From: Stephanie Perry zeal4learn...@gmail.com To: Mosaic: A Reading Comprehension Strategies Email Group mosaic@literacyworkshop.org Sent: Wed, Jun 17, 2009 4:37 pm Subject: Re: [MOSAIC] TRENDS and ISSUES In Literacy Pedagogy I recommend Bring Words to Life by Isabel Beck over Marzano's. Her book not only gives the research but it provides things that you can use in your classroom immediately. On Wed, Jun 17, 2009 at 12:09 PM, drmarinac...@aol.com wrote: This is unbelievably helpful You do not really understand something unless you can explain it to your grandmother. -Albert Einstein -Original Message- From: Jan Sanders jgou...@hotmail.com To: Mosaic: A Reading Comprehension Strategies Email Group mosaic@literacyworkshop.org Sent: Wed, Jun 17, 2009 12:42 pm Subject: Re: [MOSAIC] TRENDS and ISSUES In Literacy Pedagogy Robert Marzano is wonderful for academic vocabulary. As a literacy coach I did district wide staff development (3, 3 hour sessions) using his Building Academic Background Knowledge work. He did some work in conjunction with Stanford University and a brain researcher. He has DVDs, one that explains the research and a rep from Stanford (can not remember the name and it is probably some big shot) and the brain guy both speak on it. It gives the WHY we should teach academic vocab. There is also another DVD that has the 6 step process for teaching vocabulary. There is a book too -paperback 8 1/2 x 11. I believe the DVDs are quite pricey -they come together. They are published by ASDC (Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development). Jan You do not really understand something unless you can explain it to your grandmother. -Albert Einstein On 6/17/09 4:22 AM, kjcec...@aol.com kjcec...@aol.com wrote: Marzano discusses this in? great detail Kristine -Original Message- From: drmarinac...@aol.com To: mosaic@literacyworkshop.org Sent: Wed, Jun 17, 2009 7:17 am Subject: Re: [MOSAIC] TRENDS and ISSUES In Literacy Pedagogy Academic vocabulary. Interesting Is there an author who I can read up on?? ? -Original Message-? From: cnjpal...@aol.com? To: mos...@literacyworkshop.org? Sent: Tue, Jun 16, 2009 9:50 pm? Subject: Re: [MOSAIC] TRENDS and ISSUES In Literacy Pedagogy? ? ? ? ? ? ? Academic vocabulary.? Jennifer? In a message dated 6/16/2009 7:03:25 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,? drmarinac...@aol.com writes:? ? Can anyone think of the most recent trends and key issues in reading? pedagogy? ? ___ Mosaic mailing list Mosaic@literacyworkshop.org To unsubscribe or modify your membership please go to http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/options/mosaic_literacyworkshop.org. Search the MOSAIC archives at http://snipurl.com/MosaicArchive. ___ Mosaic mailing list Mosaic@literacyworkshop.org
Re: [MOSAIC] TRENDS and ISSUES In Literacy Pedagogy -anything else new and exciting?
Sally, I've been doing this for many years, and YES it is fun and engaging, but I always struggle with coming up with the overarching theme! I'm trying to help our third grade teacher, so if I can't understand it, I know I can't help her! Joy/NC/4 How children learn is as important as what they learn: process and content go hand in hand. http://www.responsiveclassroom.org --- On Thu, 6/18/09, thomas sally.thom...@verizon.net wrote: From: thomas sally.thom...@verizon.net Subject: Re: [MOSAIC] TRENDS and ISSUES In Literacy Pedagogy -anything else new and exciting? To: Mosaic: A Reading Comprehension Strategies Email Group mosaic@literacyworkshop.org Date: Thursday, June 18, 2009, 9:10 PM Joy, So just bouncing off of academic vocab and RTI and on and on, thematic teaching is a big answer in my view. When we teach thematically, we can involve kids in inquiry at many different levels of reading and writing and research and modes of communication. This allows us to differentiate while they have a common overarching theme - thus ALL can contribute in authentic ways. And vocabulary is going to be benefited in huge waysbecause the words are all connected and thus easier to learn because they are meaning based. And they are used over and over throughout the reading and writing and so on. So thematic teaching is a big overarching picture that often never gets mentioned in all this focus on different aspects of literacy!!! AND THANK YOU FOR BRING US BACK TO THIS IMPORTANT FOUNDATION FOR LEARNING. I teach in an American Indian school as I've mentioned. This fall the whole school is focusing on oceans initially. So I've started playing with all the ideas. My social studies focus is communities...and I'm thinking that connects with the ocean as an interconnected community of living things. I'm also thinking of oceans being interconnected to planet earth so taking care of the ocean matters. Native American connections - the emphasis we are all connected. and I can use a number of traditional American Indian stories centered on the sea. I found a book by the son of a friend All the Way to the Ocean connected to Save our Seas Foundation with tons of activities and links and resources and that definitely brings activism to the front. And then the issue of salmon and dams and use of water are critical issues to Native Americans in California (and further north)right now. In fact, the dams are coming down as a result of Native American activism. And on and on and on and so exciting. And I can teach differences between fiction and non fiction and bring us back to community and still focus on interconnections by using Swimmy and Rainbow Fish and use those to be teaching some readingin addition to all our non fiction. Even thinking about a contrast between NEMO AND A NEW MOVIE COMING TURTLE: can't quite rmemeber the title but it's non fiction and will be out this year. EGAD THIS IS ALL SO MUCH FUN. Now I will need to start pinning this down to the actual days and shape of the unit for my second and third graders. But just think.this is so ideal for RTI and differentiation and building vocabulary and teaching all the language arts strategies and skills as well as social studies and science. This is why we need to go back to thematic teaching and many of the approaches so advocated in whole language. We will not neglect the skills. We can of course do phonics and words families and fluency. But our foundation is a meaning-centered inquiry into something that matters! Sorry I am just flat out getting so excited to be back to an elementary classroom in a place that values meaning-centered learning. Good luck Joy. I know you will do the same. Of course I thought at first that oceans was just a topic. But when I then crank it up to we are all connected the universe is possible.. Sally On 6/18/09 4:52 PM, Joy jwidm...@rocketmail.com wrote: I still need help coming up with themes for my units. Don't know why, but I guess I can't see the big picture. Do you have any suggestions as to how to develop an overarching theme? Joy/NC/4 How children learn is as important as what they learn: process and content go hand in hand. http://www.responsiveclassroom.org --- On Thu, 6/18/09, drmarinac...@aol.com drmarinac...@aol.com wrote: From: drmarinac...@aol.com drmarinac...@aol.com Subject: Re: [MOSAIC] TRENDS and ISSUES In Literacy Pedagogy -anything else new and exciting? To: mosaic@literacyworkshop.org Date: Thursday, June 18, 2009, 10:44 AM Sounds good. So academic vocabulary, RTI, anything else new and exciting? I also like the textmapping but I learned about that two years ago on this LISTSERV. I'm a little bored:) If there are any teachers out there...What do you NEED in terms of issues in your classroom? -Original Message- From: Stephanie Perry zeal4learn...@gmail.com To: Mosaic: A Reading Comprehension Strategies Email Group
Re: [MOSAIC] Professionalism
All but one or two. Sent from my BlackBerry Smartphone provided by Alltel -Original Message- From: Stephanie Perry zeal4learn...@gmail.com Date: Thu, 18 Jun 2009 18:00:23 To: Mosaic: A Reading Comprehension Strategies Email Groupmosaic@literacyworkshop.org Subject: [MOSAIC] Professionalism Hello everyone, I have a side question for everyone. I know that at every school you can find at least one more more teachers that say come the end of the year that they are not going to have anything to do with teaching all summer. I am really curious as to how many teachers in your school, to your knowledge, actually take it upon themselves to do their own professional development. This can be in the form of reading, classes, or workshops. What percentage of teachers at your school actually do this? Thanks, Stephanie 3rd/CA ___ Mosaic mailing list Mosaic@literacyworkshop.org To unsubscribe or modify your membership please go to http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/options/mosaic_literacyworkshop.org. Search the MOSAIC archives at http://snipurl.com/MosaicArchive. ___ Mosaic mailing list Mosaic@literacyworkshop.org To unsubscribe or modify your membership please go to http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/options/mosaic_literacyworkshop.org. Search the MOSAIC archives at http://snipurl.com/MosaicArchive.
Re: [MOSAIC] TRENDS and ISSUES In Literacy Pedagogy -anything elsenew and exciting?
I've heard it said that topics are small are ofte single words. Themes are connected and must be stated in a sentence. Sent from my BlackBerry Smartphone provided by Alltel -Original Message- From: thomas sally.thom...@verizon.net Date: Thu, 18 Jun 2009 18:10:15 To: Mosaic: A Reading Comprehension Strategies Email Groupmosaic@literacyworkshop.org Subject: Re: [MOSAIC] TRENDS and ISSUES In Literacy Pedagogy -anything else new and exciting? Joy, So just bouncing off of academic vocab and RTI and on and on, thematic teaching is a big answer in my view. When we teach thematically, we can involve kids in inquiry at many different levels of reading and writing and research and modes of communication. This allows us to differentiate while they have a common overarching theme - thus ALL can contribute in authentic ways. And vocabulary is going to be benefited in huge waysbecause the words are all connected and thus easier to learn because they are meaning based. And they are used over and over throughout the reading and writing and so on. So thematic teaching is a big overarching picture that often never gets mentioned in all this focus on different aspects of literacy!!! AND THANK YOU FOR BRING US BACK TO THIS IMPORTANT FOUNDATION FOR LEARNING. I teach in an American Indian school as I've mentioned. This fall the whole school is focusing on oceans initially. So I've started playing with all the ideas. My social studies focus is communities...and I'm thinking that connects with the ocean as an interconnected community of living things. I'm also thinking of oceans being interconnected to planet earth so taking care of the ocean matters. Native American connections - the emphasis we are all connected. and I can use a number of traditional American Indian stories centered on the sea. I found a book by the son of a friend All the Way to the Ocean connected to Save our Seas Foundation with tons of activities and links and resources and that definitely brings activism to the front. And then the issue of salmon and dams and use of water are critical issues to Native Americans in California (and further north)right now. In fact, the dams are coming down as a result of Native American activism. And on and on and on and so exciting. And I can teach differences between fiction and non fiction and bring us back to community and still focus on interconnections by using Swimmy and Rainbow Fish and use those to be teaching some readingin addition to all our non fiction. Even thinking about a contrast between NEMO AND A NEW MOVIE COMING TURTLE: can't quite rmemeber the title but it's non fiction and will be out this year. EGAD THIS IS ALL SO MUCH FUN. Now I will need to start pinning this down to the actual days and shape of the unit for my second and third graders. But just think.this is so ideal for RTI and differentiation and building vocabulary and teaching all the language arts strategies and skills as well as social studies and science. This is why we need to go back to thematic teaching and many of the approaches so advocated in whole language. We will not neglect the skills. We can of course do phonics and words families and fluency. But our foundation is a meaning-centered inquiry into something that matters! Sorry I am just flat out getting so excited to be back to an elementary classroom in a place that values meaning-centered learning. Good luck Joy. I know you will do the same. Of course I thought at first that oceans was just a topic. But when I then crank it up to we are all connected the universe is possible.. Sally On 6/18/09 4:52 PM, Joy jwidm...@rocketmail.com wrote: I still need help coming up with themes for my units. Don't know why, but I guess I can't see the big picture. Do you have any suggestions as to how to develop an overarching theme? Joy/NC/4 How children learn is as important as what they learn: process and content go hand in hand. http://www.responsiveclassroom.org --- On Thu, 6/18/09, drmarinac...@aol.com drmarinac...@aol.com wrote: From: drmarinac...@aol.com drmarinac...@aol.com Subject: Re: [MOSAIC] TRENDS and ISSUES In Literacy Pedagogy -anything else new and exciting? To: mosaic@literacyworkshop.org Date: Thursday, June 18, 2009, 10:44 AM Sounds good. So academic vocabulary, RTI, anything else new and exciting? I also like the textmapping but I learned about that two years ago on this LISTSERV. I'm a little bored:) If there are any teachers out there...What do you NEED in terms of issues in your classroom? -Original Message- From: Stephanie Perry zeal4learn...@gmail.com To: Mosaic: A Reading Comprehension Strategies Email Group mosaic@literacyworkshop.org Sent: Wed, Jun 17, 2009 4:37 pm Subject: Re: [MOSAIC] TRENDS and ISSUES In Literacy Pedagogy I recommend Bring Words to Life by Isabel Beck over Marzano's. Her book not only gives the research but it
Re: [MOSAIC] TRENDS and ISSUES In Literacy Pedagogy -anything elsenew and exciting?
I don't know how much reading on inquiry circles, but that should be helpful. Jerry Harste and also the work by Heidi Hayes Jacobs Sent from my BlackBerry Smartphone provided by Alltel -Original Message- From: Joy jwidm...@rocketmail.com Date: Thu, 18 Jun 2009 20:56:23 To: Mosaic: A Reading Comprehension Strategies Email Groupmosaic@literacyworkshop.org Subject: Re: [MOSAIC] TRENDS and ISSUES In Literacy Pedagogy -anything else new and exciting? Sally, I've been doing this for many years, and YES it is fun and engaging, but I always struggle with coming up with the overarching theme! I'm trying to help our third grade teacher, so if I can't understand it, I know I can't help her! Joy/NC/4 How children learn is as important as what they learn: process and content go hand in hand. http://www.responsiveclassroom.org --- On Thu, 6/18/09, thomas sally.thom...@verizon.net wrote: From: thomas sally.thom...@verizon.net Subject: Re: [MOSAIC] TRENDS and ISSUES In Literacy Pedagogy -anything else new and exciting? To: Mosaic: A Reading Comprehension Strategies Email Group mosaic@literacyworkshop.org Date: Thursday, June 18, 2009, 9:10 PM Joy, So just bouncing off of academic vocab and RTI and on and on, thematic teaching is a big answer in my view. When we teach thematically, we can involve kids in inquiry at many different levels of reading and writing and research and modes of communication. This allows us to differentiate while they have a common overarching theme - thus ALL can contribute in authentic ways. And vocabulary is going to be benefited in huge waysbecause the words are all connected and thus easier to learn because they are meaning based. And they are used over and over throughout the reading and writing and so on. So thematic teaching is a big overarching picture that often never gets mentioned in all this focus on different aspects of literacy!!! AND THANK YOU FOR BRING US BACK TO THIS IMPORTANT FOUNDATION FOR LEARNING. I teach in an American Indian school as I've mentioned. This fall the whole school is focusing on oceans initially. So I've started playing with all the ideas. My social studies focus is communities...and I'm thinking that connects with the ocean as an interconnected community of living things. I'm also thinking of oceans being interconnected to planet earth so taking care of the ocean matters. Native American connections - the emphasis we are all connected. and I can use a number of traditional American Indian stories centered on the sea. I found a book by the son of a friend All the Way to the Ocean connected to Save our Seas Foundation with tons of activities and links and resources and that definitely brings activism to the front. And then the issue of salmon and dams and use of water are critical issues to Native Americans in California (and further north)right now. In fact, the dams are coming down as a result of Native American activism. And on and on and on and so exciting. And I can teach differences between fiction and non fiction and bring us back to community and still focus on interconnections by using Swimmy and Rainbow Fish and use those to be teaching some readingin addition to all our non fiction. Even thinking about a contrast between NEMO AND A NEW MOVIE COMING TURTLE: can't quite rmemeber the title but it's non fiction and will be out this year. EGAD THIS IS ALL SO MUCH FUN. Now I will need to start pinning this down to the actual days and shape of the unit for my second and third graders. But just think.this is so ideal for RTI and differentiation and building vocabulary and teaching all the language arts strategies and skills as well as social studies and science. This is why we need to go back to thematic teaching and many of the approaches so advocated in whole language. We will not neglect the skills. We can of course do phonics and words families and fluency. But our foundation is a meaning-centered inquiry into something that matters! Sorry I am just flat out getting so excited to be back to an elementary classroom in a place that values meaning-centered learning. Good luck Joy. I know you will do the same. Of course I thought at first that oceans was just a topic. But when I then crank it up to we are all connected the universe is possible.. Sally On 6/18/09 4:52 PM, Joy jwidm...@rocketmail.com wrote: I still need help coming up with themes for my units. Don't know why, but I guess I can't see the big picture. Do you have any suggestions as to how to develop an overarching theme? Joy/NC/4 How children learn is as important as what they learn: process and content go hand in hand. http://www.responsiveclassroom.org --- On Thu, 6/18/09, drmarinac...@aol.com drmarinac...@aol.com wrote: From: drmarinac...@aol.com drmarinac...@aol.com Subject: Re: [MOSAIC] TRENDS and ISSUES In Literacy Pedagogy -anything else new and exciting? To:
