Re: [MOSAIC] need evaluative tool for kindergartners and first graders
Can anyone use this site or is it just for teachers in Virginia. Pat Kimathi On Apr 12, 2010, at 3:24 PM, Elizabeth K. Hiles (ekhiles) wrote: One of the best diagnostic tools for kindergarten and first grade is the Phonological Ability Literacy Screening (PALS) - go to www.pals.virginia.edu or google PALS PALS was designed by Marcia Invernizzi and colleagues at the University of Virginia. Also, Beverly Tyner has a screening inventory in her book that you can get through the International Reading Association www.ira.org The book is Differentiated Instruction K-2 From: mosaic-bounces+ekhiles=henrico.k12.va...@literacyworkshop.org [mosaic-bounces+ekhiles=henrico.k12.va...@literacyworkshop.org ] On Behalf Of Amy Lesemann [amy.lesem...@gmail.com] Sent: Monday, April 12, 2010 3:08 PM To: mosaic@literacyworkshop.org Subject: [MOSAIC] need evaluative tool for kindergartners and first graders Hello - I am a reading specialist who needs to assess students entering our kindergarten and first grade. I have used Clay's Observation Survey. Any other suggestions out there? Opinions on DIBELS? Can you use it for entering kindergartners? How expensive is DIBELS? Thanks - Amy -- Amy Lesemann, Reading Specialist and Director, Independent Learning Center St. Thomas the Apostle Elementary School ___ 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] (Book Whisperer) Book Discussion Post
1. I was a good reader and still hated round robin for 2 reasons. 1. I was very shy 2. It took so long that it kept me from getting into the story. I just couldn't wait. I had great role models. Both parents were avid readers. My mother didn't have enough time when I was young (she had 5 kids) but her book sat waiting for her with its bookmark holding her place. My father was always reading something and our trips to the library were our binding time. At first he would help me find my way through the stacks to something I loved but as I grew familar with the libraries in town, I would find some books and curl up with one while he hunted for his own. I remember loving series books. I read Nancy Drew, Hardy Boys, Ivy Sisters, Bobsie Twins and Honey Bunch. I loved being familar with the characters. 2. I think that our enthusiasm for books is contagious. My class is filled with hundreds of books that I have purchased for my students to share. They get really excited when I say I've found a new book by one of their favorite authors. When I am reading aloud and it's time to stop and they beg for one more chapter, I know I am getting them excited about reading. 3. Recently in a faculty meeting we were discussing science inquiry. One of the teachers said, How do you get kids to wonder? I piped up that kids are naturally curious and that we need to do our best not to squelch it but to build on it. I think that some of our assignments and rituals in the classroom kill kids' interest in reading. For example, at our middle school, the students are required to read 25 books over the year. It is reflected in their grade, they complete the same book report format over and over. A 300 page book counts the same as a 89 page book so you know what the kids choose. Many make their selections on the pages not on their interest. It makes me crazy but there is no talking to them. OY!! They also use Accelerated Reader there like it is the end all be all. Sue -Original Message- From: jvma...@comcast.net To: Mosaic: A Reading Comprehension Strategies Email Group mosaic@literacyworkshop.org Sent: Thu, Jul 1, 2010 12:52 pm Subject: Re: [MOSAIC] (Book Whisperer) Book Discussion Post Okay, I've read the intro online and (against my better judgment) ordered the book. 1) Think about your history as a reader. Recall a book that sticks out in your mind and complete the following: Title: Half Magic Author: Edward Eager Give two reasons why the book is important to you: Half Magic was one of the books I picked up from the library the summer after 5th grade. I read, I went to the library, I read...but I'd never experienced the joy of reading until Half Magic. To this day I am grateful to Edward Eager for showing me the magic of reading. This book also taught me a lot about series. I discovered the joy of familiarity and the disappointment of the next one not being quite as good as the first. 2) Donalyn advocates for teaching children to love reading. Take a critical look at your classroom and ask yourself to what extent you have created an environment that celebrates reading in an authentic way such as described in the introduction. Shirley Brice Heath wrote, children become literate by establishing a bonded relationship with a joyfully literate adult. I want to be that adult for my 5th graders. 3) Open response to the introductory remarks. I am concerned about Miller's statement that the book may only be a validation. I hesitated about ordering it; I hope it has something new to offer. Judy ___ 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] (Book Whisperer) Book Discussion Post
Carol just curious which program you have to use. Are you a BIA school? I do have some culturally relevant curriculum that can be used to teach with Houghton Mifflin? Actually can work regardlessthere is a K set of themes developed around culture (starting with Native American but including other multicultural lit) and progressive approaches to literacy! Email me off lit if you'd like me to send it. sally.thom...@verizon.net On 7/3/10 7:53 AM, Carol Meyer schoolteacher52...@yahoo.com wrote: It has taken away the joy of teaching reading or any subject and turned it into a race to have the best test scores and keep your job. When I first started teaching kgarten in 1993 I really loved what I did...it was about movement, music, literature, art, outdoor and indoor play, centers, discovery.now 17 years later trying to fit in all those wonderful words takes a backseat to the 90 minutes of guided reading I have to fit in each day with the scripted reading program we use. Carol ___ 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] What's hot in California?
32!!! My students are saying that their FL classes are increasing as well but I think to 27. Philomena Marinaccio-Eckel, Ph.D. Florida Atlantic University Dept. of Teaching and Learning College of Education 2912 College Ave. ES 214 Davie, FL 33314 Phone: 954-236-1070 Fax: 954-236-1050 -Original Message- From: Carol Lau c...@ca.rr.com To: beverleep...@gmail.com; Mosaic: A Reading Comprehension Strategies Email Group mosaic@literacyworkshop.org Sent: Sat, Jul 3, 2010 12:06 am Subject: Re: [MOSAIC] What's hot in California? yes, my class will increase from 20 to 32 -- that's 60%! - Original Message - From: beverleep...@gmail.com To: Mosaic: A Reading Comprehension Strategies Email Group mosaic@literacyworkshop.org Sent: Friday, July 02, 2010 5:27 PM Subject: Re: [MOSAIC] What's hot in California? I'd reword that to say gravely increased class sizes. Sent from my BlackBerry Smartphone provided by Alltel -Original Message- From: Carol Lau c...@ca.rr.com Sender: mosaic-bounces+beverleepaul=gmail@literacyworkshop.org Date: Fri, 2 Jul 2010 15:27:37 To: Mosaic: A Reading Comprehension Strategies Email Groupmosaic@literacyworkshop.org Reply-To: Mosaic: A Reading Comprehension Strategies Email Group mosaic@literacyworkshop.org Subject: [MOSAIC] What's hot in California? Thousands of teacher lay-offs Increased class size Legislation to ignore teacher seniority Unpaid furlough days Using test scores as teacher evaluation Poor staff morale - Original Message - From: Mena drmarinac...@aol.com To: drmarinac...@aol.com; mosaic@literacyworkshop.org Sent: Friday, July 02, 2010 8:25 AM Subject: Re: [MOSAIC] Here is my list of CURRENT Trends and issues IN LITERACY PEDAGOGY TODAY? I really appreciate the IRA resource but I find that nowadays anything that is a trend or current issue cannot come from a publication..it is already outdated...LOL. I have found some issues and trends that are up-to-the-minute... C Content rich curriculum vs academic skills for ELLs Charter schools Boysin crisis in reading Two-waymultiliterate or biliterate curriculums Schooland classroom library research (Barack Obama's 2011 budget eliminates the $19million for Libraries) Digitalliteracy Neuro-education on brain testing and fMRI research Raceto The Top Funds/tests NAEP Board Curbs Special Ed and El exclusions Orallanguage and literacy National or Core Common Standards Public Education under Attack Readingscores on the latest NAEP testing no growth since 2007 Techno-Reading and Teaching Power of the Internet Value-laden teacher evaluation Literacy and Poverty Title One Inclusion Arizona's English Fluency Critical Literacy and critical reading Summer school out of school factors Philomena Marinaccio-Eckel, Ph.D. Florida Atlantic University Dept. of Teaching and Learning College of Education 2912 College Ave. ES 214 Davie, FL 33314 Phone: 954-236-1070 Fax: 954-236-1050 -Original Message- From: Hillary Marchel march...@hawthorn73.org To: Mosaic: A Reading Comprehension Strategies Email Group mosaic@literacyworkshop.org Sent: Thu, Jul 1, 2010 8:31 am Subject: Re: [MOSAIC] ***SPAM*** WHAT ARE THE TOP TEN TOPICS IN LITERACY PEDAGOGY TODAY? Perfect and thank you for that information. Doing a presentation on Differentiated instruction. What are the best web sites for this topic? Have already read Tomlinson and just need any websites with further information. Make it a great reading summer. Hillary On Jun 30, 2010, at 12:43 PM, hccarl...@comcast.net wrote: What's Hot , What's Not Hot and What Should be Hot. ___ 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
[MOSAIC] (Book Whisperer) Book Discussion Post
Hello to All, I have also been a quiet reader and observer on this website gleaning ideas to share with teachers at my school. I am an avid reader wanting to soak up as much knowledge as I can about reading, struggling readers and motivation. I am pleased this book discussion has begun and know I'll gain additional insight as we go along. 1. Remembering back to my early reading days, I was one of those children who would read under the covers with a flashlight, take books to the dinner table (a no-no with my mom :) ) or spend as much time as I could reading. My favorite books were series books: Nancy Drew, The Hardy Boys, etc. and I absolutely loved tall tales and comic books (Spiderman, Superman, The Green Hornet). Books were a way for me to travel all over the world, to experience new adventures, to become the character, to escape when necessary, to be thrilled by the action. Books are a part of who I am and even now I cherish the opportunity to read whenever I can be it professional books, novels, series, etc. I too as a teenager became hooked on the VC Andrews series as a young adult!!! 2. When I was in the classroom, books were everywhere and read aloud was my favorite time of the day which might explain why we had read aloud at least 3 times each day in my classroom. Today as an assistant principal I dress as book characters, do read alouds and continue to recommend books to the teachers I work with. I am a believer in children spending their time reading and become a master reader. For years there hasn't been enough time devoted to reading in school as one reads at home or in the real world. I agree it's time for all of us to change that and get back to the joy and love of books regardless of our age. 3. As more and more emphasis is placed on testing, the joy of a great book and the wondrous literature of my childhood and today seems to be losing it's place in the education of our children. It tears at my soul to see basal reading programs becoming the be all/end all for some schools and the time devoted to actually reading and escaping into the book deemed inappropriate by some. Oh for a day when our children hide under the covers with a flashlight even in our classrooms!! ___ 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] need evaluative tool for kindergartners and first graders
Contact the PALS office at 866 372-7257 to see if you or your school school district can use the site. From: mosaic-bounces+ekhiles=henrico.k12.va...@literacyworkshop.org [mosaic-bounces+ekhiles=henrico.k12.va...@literacyworkshop.org] On Behalf Of Patricia Kimathi [pkima...@earthlink.net] Sent: Saturday, July 03, 2010 11:02 AM To: Mosaic: A Reading Comprehension Strategies Email Group Subject: Re: [MOSAIC] need evaluative tool for kindergartners and first graders Can anyone use this site or is it just for teachers in Virginia. Pat Kimathi On Apr 12, 2010, at 3:24 PM, Elizabeth K. Hiles (ekhiles) wrote: One of the best diagnostic tools for kindergarten and first grade is the Phonological Ability Literacy Screening (PALS) - go to www.pals.virginia.edu or google PALS PALS was designed by Marcia Invernizzi and colleagues at the University of Virginia. Also, Beverly Tyner has a screening inventory in her book that you can get through the International Reading Association www.ira.org The book is Differentiated Instruction K-2 From: mosaic-bounces+ekhiles=henrico.k12.va...@literacyworkshop.org [mosaic-bounces+ekhiles=henrico.k12.va...@literacyworkshop.org ] On Behalf Of Amy Lesemann [amy.lesem...@gmail.com] Sent: Monday, April 12, 2010 3:08 PM To: mosaic@literacyworkshop.org Subject: [MOSAIC] need evaluative tool for kindergartners and first graders Hello - I am a reading specialist who needs to assess students entering our kindergarten and first grade. I have used Clay's Observation Survey. Any other suggestions out there? Opinions on DIBELS? Can you use it for entering kindergartners? How expensive is DIBELS? Thanks - Amy -- Amy Lesemann, Reading Specialist and Director, Independent Learning Center St. Thomas the Apostle Elementary School ___ 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] GREAT new book/teacher stress
One of our Mosaic members, Maureen Robins, has just put out a new book on teacher stress called- The Pressures of Teaching: How Teachers Cope with Classroom Stress. Maureen is the editor as well as an author of one chapter. I took a look inside and read the first three chapters. Great pieces! For anyone who is teaching teachers or preservice teachers, these short text pieces would be excellent to discuss or to use to teach teachers to annotate their thinking. I found myself in each of the entries. This is very timely, needed book. Take a look for yourself: To read the first few chapters: http://books.simonandschuster.com/Pressures-of-Teaching/Maureen-Robins/9781427799661/browse_inside Here is the Amazon.com link where you can read more about the book: www.amazon.com/Pressures-Teaching-Teachers-Classroom-Stress/dp/1427799660/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8s=booksqid=1271286932sr=8-1 Maureen wanted to let us all know there is also a discussion about the book going on now on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/group.php?gid=323021511542 Way to go Maureen! Ginger Weincek Mosaic ___ 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] (Book Whisperer) Book Discussion Post
What a touching post. It did my heart good!! Sent from my BlackBerry Smartphone provided by Alltel -Original Message- From: Debbie Mason dma...@lexcs.org Sender: mosaic-bounces+beverleepaul=gmail@literacyworkshop.org Date: Sat, 3 Jul 2010 15:09:32 To: mosaic@literacyworkshop.org Reply-To: Mosaic: A Reading Comprehension Strategies Email Group mosaic@literacyworkshop.org Subject: [MOSAIC] (Book Whisperer) Book Discussion Post Hello to All, I have also been a quiet reader and observer on this website gleaning ideas to share with teachers at my school. I am an avid reader wanting to soak up as much knowledge as I can about reading, struggling readers and motivation. I am pleased this book discussion has begun and know I'll gain additional insight as we go along. 1. Remembering back to my early reading days, I was one of those children who would read under the covers with a flashlight, take books to the dinner table (a no-no with my mom :) ) or spend as much time as I could reading. My favorite books were series books: Nancy Drew, The Hardy Boys, etc. and I absolutely loved tall tales and comic books (Spiderman, Superman, The Green Hornet). Books were a way for me to travel all over the world, to experience new adventures, to become the character, to escape when necessary, to be thrilled by the action. Books are a part of who I am and even now I cherish the opportunity to read whenever I can be it professional books, novels, series, etc. I too as a teenager became hooked on the VC Andrews series as a young adult!!! 2. When I was in the classroom, books were everywhere and read aloud was my favorite time of the day which might explain why we had read aloud at least 3 times each day in my classroom. Today as an assistant principal I dress as book characters, do read alouds and continue to recommend books to the teachers I work with. I am a believer in children spending their time reading and become a master reader. For years there hasn't been enough time devoted to reading in school as one reads at home or in the real world. I agree it's time for all of us to change that and get back to the joy and love of books regardless of our age. 3. As more and more emphasis is placed on testing, the joy of a great book and the wondrous literature of my childhood and today seems to be losing it's place in the education of our children. It tears at my soul to see basal reading programs becoming the be all/end all for some schools and the time devoted to actually reading and escaping into the book deemed inappropriate by some. Oh for a day when our children hide under the covers with a flashlight even in our classrooms!! ___ 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] What's hot in California?
I love my class size of no more than 22 here in Texas and hope it doesn't change. But when I started teaching in 68, 32 students was the norm. There was no planning period, no time off for lunch and salaries were 3-5 thousand a year. I will repeat again however that I do not want to go backwards and students in 2010 are not the same as those in 1968. - Original Message - From: Mena drmarinac...@aol.com To: mosaic@literacyworkshop.org Sent: Saturday, July 03, 2010 1:59 PM Subject: Re: [MOSAIC] What's hot in California? 32!!! My students are saying that their FL classes are increasing as well but I think to 27. Philomena Marinaccio-Eckel, Ph.D. Florida Atlantic University Dept. of Teaching and Learning College of Education 2912 College Ave. ES 214 Davie, FL 33314 Phone: 954-236-1070 Fax: 954-236-1050 -Original Message- From: Carol Lau c...@ca.rr.com To: beverleep...@gmail.com; Mosaic: A Reading Comprehension Strategies Email Group mosaic@literacyworkshop.org Sent: Sat, Jul 3, 2010 12:06 am Subject: Re: [MOSAIC] What's hot in California? yes, my class will increase from 20 to 32 -- that's 60%! - Original Message - From: beverleep...@gmail.com To: Mosaic: A Reading Comprehension Strategies Email Group mosaic@literacyworkshop.org Sent: Friday, July 02, 2010 5:27 PM Subject: Re: [MOSAIC] What's hot in California? I'd reword that to say gravely increased class sizes. Sent from my BlackBerry Smartphone provided by Alltel -Original Message- From: Carol Lau c...@ca.rr.com Sender: mosaic-bounces+beverleepaul=gmail@literacyworkshop.org Date: Fri, 2 Jul 2010 15:27:37 To: Mosaic: A Reading Comprehension Strategies Email Groupmosaic@literacyworkshop.org Reply-To: Mosaic: A Reading Comprehension Strategies Email Group mosaic@literacyworkshop.org Subject: [MOSAIC] What's hot in California? Thousands of teacher lay-offs Increased class size Legislation to ignore teacher seniority Unpaid furlough days Using test scores as teacher evaluation Poor staff morale - Original Message - From: Mena drmarinac...@aol.com To: drmarinac...@aol.com; mosaic@literacyworkshop.org Sent: Friday, July 02, 2010 8:25 AM Subject: Re: [MOSAIC] Here is my list of CURRENT Trends and issues IN LITERACY PEDAGOGY TODAY? I really appreciate the IRA resource but I find that nowadays anything that is a trend or current issue cannot come from a publication..it is already outdated...LOL. I have found some issues and trends that are up-to-the-minute... C Content rich curriculum vs academic skills for ELLs Charter schools Boysin crisis in reading Two-waymultiliterate or biliterate curriculums Schooland classroom library research (Barack Obama's 2011 budget eliminates the $19million for Libraries) Digitalliteracy Neuro-education on brain testing and fMRI research Raceto The Top Funds/tests NAEP Board Curbs Special Ed and El exclusions Orallanguage and literacy National or Core Common Standards Public Education under Attack Readingscores on the latest NAEP testing no growth since 2007 Techno-Reading and Teaching Power of the Internet Value-laden teacher evaluation Literacy and Poverty Title One Inclusion Arizona's English Fluency Critical Literacy and critical reading Summer school out of school factors Philomena Marinaccio-Eckel, Ph.D. Florida Atlantic University Dept. of Teaching and Learning College of Education 2912 College Ave. ES 214 Davie, FL 33314 Phone: 954-236-1070 Fax: 954-236-1050 -Original Message- From: Hillary Marchel march...@hawthorn73.org To: Mosaic: A Reading Comprehension Strategies Email Group mosaic@literacyworkshop.org Sent: Thu, Jul 1, 2010 8:31 am Subject: Re: [MOSAIC] ***SPAM*** WHAT ARE THE TOP TEN TOPICS IN LITERACY PEDAGOGY TODAY? Perfect and thank you for that information. Doing a presentation on Differentiated instruction. What are the best web sites for this topic? Have already read Tomlinson and just need any websites with further information. Make it a great reading summer. Hillary On Jun 30, 2010, at 12:43 PM, hccarl...@comcast.net wrote: What's Hot , What's Not Hot and What Should be Hot. ___ 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
[MOSAIC] First Response (Book Whisperer)
The Book Whisperer 1) History as a Reader My parents were both teachers and readers, so I was off to a good start at a very early age. When I was in first and second grades, my mother enrolled me in the Weekly Reader Book Club, and boy did I feel special ( as the oldest of three, this was something my brother and sister were too young for). Some of these titles remain near and dear to me still - Gus and the Firefly, Saucy, Cannonball Simp, Sam, Bangs, and Moonshine. I have memories of buying Charlotte's Web from a school bookclub and falling in love with it, reading it over and over. I discovered the public library in third grade, and was able to go there on my own. I then discovered Laura Ingalls Wilder and read all of the books in the Little House series (I would later visit the places where she lived, on a trip cross-country). Little Women captured me for years as I read it over and over. I continue to be an avid reader!. 2) In my classroom, I have gone through different phases of showing my students the wonderful world of reading. I begin each year by sharing with the class, what I read over the summer. We have a sustained silent reading time that the students pick the books to read. I have cushions for my students to sit on or lean on, while getting comfortable with a book. I read parts of the New York Times with the class at least once per week - I put it up on my SMARTBoard, so that we can all read it. 3) Reading the introduction has me very excited about reading this book. I like to see the research here too, so I feel that there is proof that what I am doing is worthwhile and meaningful! Suzanne/4/NY ___ 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] What's hot in California?
In my California district, the intermediate grades have been at 34 for a long time. Californina partially funded class size reduction for K-3 and 9th grade English. My second grade has been maximum of 20 for the last 15 years. But now with the budget deficit, we reduced the staff and increased the primary grades to maximum 32 for next year. Depressing! - Original Message - From: Laura lcan...@satx.rr.com To: Mosaic: A Reading Comprehension Strategies Email Group mosaic@literacyworkshop.org Sent: Saturday, July 03, 2010 4:23 PM Subject: Re: [MOSAIC] What's hot in California? I love my class size of no more than 22 here in Texas and hope it doesn't change. But when I started teaching in 68, 32 students was the norm. There was no planning period, no time off for lunch and salaries were 3-5 thousand a year. I will repeat again however that I do not want to go backwards and students in 2010 are not the same as those in 1968. - Original Message - From: Mena drmarinac...@aol.com To: mosaic@literacyworkshop.org Sent: Saturday, July 03, 2010 1:59 PM Subject: Re: [MOSAIC] What's hot in California? 32!!! My students are saying that their FL classes are increasing as well but I think to 27. Philomena Marinaccio-Eckel, Ph.D. Florida Atlantic University Dept. of Teaching and Learning College of Education 2912 College Ave. ES 214 Davie, FL 33314 Phone: 954-236-1070 Fax: 954-236-1050 -Original Message- From: Carol Lau c...@ca.rr.com To: beverleep...@gmail.com; Mosaic: A Reading Comprehension Strategies Email Group mosaic@literacyworkshop.org Sent: Sat, Jul 3, 2010 12:06 am Subject: Re: [MOSAIC] What's hot in California? yes, my class will increase from 20 to 32 -- that's 60%! - Original Message - From: beverleep...@gmail.com To: Mosaic: A Reading Comprehension Strategies Email Group mosaic@literacyworkshop.org Sent: Friday, July 02, 2010 5:27 PM Subject: Re: [MOSAIC] What's hot in California? I'd reword that to say gravely increased class sizes. Sent from my BlackBerry Smartphone provided by Alltel -Original Message- From: Carol Lau c...@ca.rr.com Sender: mosaic-bounces+beverleepaul=gmail@literacyworkshop.org Date: Fri, 2 Jul 2010 15:27:37 To: Mosaic: A Reading Comprehension Strategies Email Groupmosaic@literacyworkshop.org Reply-To: Mosaic: A Reading Comprehension Strategies Email Group mosaic@literacyworkshop.org Subject: [MOSAIC] What's hot in California? Thousands of teacher lay-offs Increased class size Legislation to ignore teacher seniority Unpaid furlough days Using test scores as teacher evaluation Poor staff morale - Original Message - From: Mena drmarinac...@aol.com To: drmarinac...@aol.com; mosaic@literacyworkshop.org Sent: Friday, July 02, 2010 8:25 AM Subject: Re: [MOSAIC] Here is my list of CURRENT Trends and issues IN LITERACY PEDAGOGY TODAY? I really appreciate the IRA resource but I find that nowadays anything that is a trend or current issue cannot come from a publication..it is already outdated...LOL. I have found some issues and trends that are up-to-the-minute... C Content rich curriculum vs academic skills for ELLs Charter schools Boysin crisis in reading Two-waymultiliterate or biliterate curriculums Schooland classroom library research (Barack Obama's 2011 budget eliminates the $19million for Libraries) Digitalliteracy Neuro-education on brain testing and fMRI research Raceto The Top Funds/tests NAEP Board Curbs Special Ed and El exclusions Orallanguage and literacy National or Core Common Standards Public Education under Attack Readingscores on the latest NAEP testing no growth since 2007 Techno-Reading and Teaching Power of the Internet Value-laden teacher evaluation Literacy and Poverty Title One Inclusion Arizona's English Fluency Critical Literacy and critical reading Summer school out of school factors Philomena Marinaccio-Eckel, Ph.D. Florida Atlantic University Dept. of Teaching and Learning College of Education 2912 College Ave. ES 214 Davie, FL 33314 Phone: 954-236-1070 Fax: 954-236-1050 -Original Message- From: Hillary Marchel march...@hawthorn73.org To: Mosaic: A Reading Comprehension Strategies Email Group mosaic@literacyworkshop.org Sent: Thu, Jul 1, 2010 8:31 am Subject: Re: [MOSAIC] ***SPAM*** WHAT ARE THE TOP TEN TOPICS IN LITERACY PEDAGOGY TODAY? Perfect and thank you for that information. Doing a presentation on Differentiated instruction. What are the best web sites for this topic? Have already read Tomlinson and just need any websites with further information. Make it a great reading summer. Hillary On Jun 30, 2010, at 12:43 PM, hccarl...@comcast.net wrote: What's Hot , What's Not Hot and What Should be Hot. ___ Mosaic mailing list Mosaic@literacyworkshop.org To unsubscribe or modify your membership please go to
Re: [MOSAIC] (Book Whisperer) Book Discussion Post
I just got my copy of the book today, and am very eager to take part in these conversations ... 1. I, too, was one of those flashlight under the covers readers ... and bedroom door cracked to take advantage of the hall light readers (quite sure it's one of the reasons I need glasses today). As a child, I read everything I could get my hands on - from great classics like Little Women and Roots, to quick-read series' such as Sweet Valley High (a little ashamed to admit that here). Although I wouldn't deem It Can't Be Happening At MacDonald Hall by Gordon Korman a classic in any sense of the term, I must admit it is a book that sticks out in my mind. I remember I was in grade 6 when I learned Gordon Korman wrote this book when he was a student in grade 7. His teacher let him forgo all other writing assignments that year so he could concentrate on writing this book. I was drawn into his characters, and humorous plots, and found myself wishing I could have a teacher who could be so flexible, understanding and supportive. I teach grade 6/7, and each year I tell my students on the first day of school, Gordon Korman wrote his first book when he was in grade 7. What will you let yourself accomplish this year? 2. It is one of my main goals to inspire an absolute love of reading in ALL of my students. I have a wall full of great literature filled with many of my favourites, current popular books, and student favourites. I consider myself to be a book hoarder, and have collected so many that I have had to buy numerous new bookshelves, as my original classroom shelving became quite inadequate. I have a display shelf that I change every few weeks - highlighting new books, classic books, and books that fit curriculum content we may be studying in class. This last year I was fortunate to have a smaller number of students (only 19) so I finally had the room to bring in a great chair and footstool, side table with reading lamp, and rug. This inviting reading corner changed the whole atmosphere of my class and hopefully showed the students, as well as visitors to my class, the importance reading has in my classroom. I have always believed in the importance of free reading for students. We do it every single day. However, because it is not considered as important as our scripted programs by our administrators, I have found that in order to fit it in, I have had to be very creative with my time. I now do my read alouds during the students' nutrition breaks. I teach at a school that has a balanced day - two twenty-five minute nutrition breaks during the day, and all students stay at school during these breaks. The students love to be read to during this time, and it has eliminated any behaviour problems during this previously unstructured time, but it does take them a bit of time at the beginning of the year to adjust to this (my not-as-eager readers aren't overly excited by this at the beginning of the year), and I do give up these breaks and opportunities to have down time with my colleagues. I wouldn't change it though - it only takes a few chapters of a great book to get the kids hooked, and as for my colleagues ... well, I see and talk to them daily anyway, and frankly, some days I would rather spend my time with my students ;). 3. One of my current concerns is the trend my board has taken over the last three years to concentrate on summary writing in the first weeks of school. Eager to raise the DRA and EQAO scores, administrators have told us to have a six-week intensive focus on summaries. Everything a student reads in language should be then turned into a written summary in the intermediate grades. I can't think of a bigger way to kill the love of reading in students. I begrudgingly completed this focus at the beginning of this last year, and it took me months to turn my students into readers again. We were told at our end of the year staff meeting that this would be our first focus again, and it literally brought tears to my eyes. I am hoping that through this book study, I can bring back proven research to my administrator that this is not the way to go. ___ 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.
