Re: [MOSAIC] file folder lesson for schema
I am a Literacy Coach in my school and I would appreciate an honest frank exchange with any of my teachers. I am sure you are flattered to have your practice shared with others, but if you feel your lesson should be a new and unique experience in 4th grade, then certainly share that with the Literacy person. There are tons of other ways to expose kids to the strategies in each of the preceding grades without duplicating your lesson. That is valid and NOT selfish. Ok, so what is this file folder lesson, anyway? Leslie ** See what's new at http://www.aol.com ___ 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] file folder lesson for schema
Angela, Your situation is tough. Maybe they don't know how to go about figuring this out for themselves. Instead of going through the literacy facilitator, why couldn't you meet with the other teachers directly and go through the process of developing the lessons, without disclosing the books you use? Let them in on your though process, make them think of their own books and examples. Maybe if you tell the literacy facilitator how you feel she would respect your wishes. Explain to her that you think it would do them more good to learn how to do this than to constantly rely on you to spoon feed them. (The old give a man a fish, vs. teach a man to fish idea.) Angela Almond [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I know I posted a very long reply to the original post but I have a question and didn't want it to get lost. I am actually hesitant to ask this question but it is one that I have been struggling with and would like to know others' opinions and views. As I said in my other post, I have been using the file folder lesson for several years along with other wonderful lessons I have gotten off of this listserve and other MOT resources. However, for several years I was the only teacher in my building that wasn't teaching directly from a basil or using just whole class novel reading. The literacy facilitator at my school is always coming in and watching what's going on in my class and going back and telling the younger grade teachers the lessons I am doing and several other grade levels have picked up on MOT and are slowly moving to a more strategy based program. This is very exciting because I am able to see a difference with each passing year on what the students are able to do as readers. The problem is that it is getting to the point that third grade is using almost every lesson I am using and many of the same texts. I sometimes feel the kids aren't getting anything more from me than they did in third grade when I'm doing the exact same lessons. The literacy facilitator wants me to share the file folder lesson with third grade so they can start doing it. Am I being selfish in not wanting to? What do other schools do when all grade levels are on the same page? Do they all do the same lessons? I know you can use different texts but the exact same lessons? I'm very torn on this issue. I want to be a team player but at the same time, I have spent a lot of time and effort researching, reading, and planning and feel that I may need to start over if third grade begins to do the same thing I'm doing. Please don't bash me for asking. I am honestly trying to figure out what is best for the students. Thanks in advance! Angela Hatley Almond Fourth Grade East Albemarle 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. Joy/NC/4 [EMAIL PROTECTED] How children learn is as important as what they learn: process and content go hand in hand. http://www.responsiveclassroom.org - Need a vacation? Get great deals to amazing places on Yahoo! Travel. ___ 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] file folder lesson for schema
It's tough at first to give away everything you feel you worked so hard to complete and prepare. I am in the same situation at my building. However, by giving it I have gotten teachers on board with the balanced literacy approach more so than the basal approach. Those teachers took if you will for lack of a better term, but the more they learned the more they had to give. Now we really collaborate rather than lead and take. I am getting so many ideas, sharing research, etc. now that they're on board. So really in the end it will pay off and they'll add to your lessons so that things will be different at each grade level. Plus, I'm finding that when some of the teachers at the grade below are teaching similar things it makes my job easier that they're prepared, and those kids become leaders for the kids that haven't been exposed to that style of teaching. Hope that helps! From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] on behalf of Karen Shook Sent: Sat 9/15/2007 10:53 PM To: Mosaic: A Reading Comprehension Strategies Email Group Subject: Re: [MOSAIC] file folder lesson for schema I think that you are right to want the children/teachers to have the opportunity to use the format, but maybe not the same books. Have you discussed with your Literacy Coach the idea of maybe having a day where the other grades could look at this, then come back together with books that they think might also make for great lessons. This way they could see the format, but have the opportunity to look through their books and think of ones that could work. It would also give everyone a chance to ask questions and maybe solidify some ideas for themselves. I think teachers often want to copy while they get their feet wet for fear of doing it wrong. If they have a chance to discuss why the books might/might not be good for these lessons they would feel more confident using different books, but the same format. I think that having your blue print in front of them would make the task easier as they make their own lessons and this way you are sharing, but also giving them and your literacy coach a chance to create their own lesson. Karen 1st/MI Angela Almond [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: The literacy facilitator wants me to share the file folder lesson with third grade so they can start doing it. Am I being selfish in not wanting to? What do other schools do when all grade levels are on the same page? Do they all do the same lessons? I know you can use different texts but the exact same lessons? I'm very torn on this issue. I want to be a team player but at the same time, I have spent a lot of time and effort researching, reading, and planning and feel that I may need to start over if third grade begins to do the same thing I'm doing. Please don't bash me for asking. I am honestly trying to figure out what is best for the students. Thanks in advance! Angela Hatley Almond Fourth Grade East Albemarle Elementary School - Pinpoint customers who are looking for what you sell. ___ 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] file folder lesson for schema
In her book Reading with Meaning. Jennifer In a message dated 9/16/2007 7:24:00 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Where can I find this lesson from Debbie Miller? ** See what's new at http://www.aol.com ___ 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] file folder lesson for schema
This is from the Mosaic Listserv http://www.readinglady.com/mosaic/tools/Schema%20-%20file%20folder%20lesson.doc Hope it helps! Liz - Original Message - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: mosaic@literacyworkshop.org Sent: Sunday, September 16, 2007 7:58 PM Subject: Re: [MOSAIC] file folder lesson for schema In her book Reading with Meaning. Jennifer In a message dated 9/16/2007 7:24:00 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Where can I find this lesson from Debbie Miller? ** See what's new at http://www.aol.com ___ 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] file folder lesson for schema (long)
Angela, Ah! New computer...please ignore last response if it went through! Anyway...thanks for posting your procedure. I do a similar lesson, but not with the laminated folders, which is brilliant! It was a neat twist to add the trash pocket...I think I may borrow that if you don't mind! ;o) I generally use the Solar System for my lesson, and I do use fiction and non. BTW...could you use Private I. Guana by Nina Laden as a fun fiction read aloud to tie into your nonfiction iguana lesson? It's not rich, deep text...but it is fun! :o) Lisa 2/3 IL --- Angela Almond [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I have used the file folder lesson several times. I teach fourth grade. I actually took file folders, glued a book pocket that said Trash on the outside of it, and a blank book pocket on the inside. Then I laminated them. I made about 20 of them so I can reuse them each year and the studens can have their own to actually add things to their file cabinet. I also cut up lots of different color construction paper into very small strips. I introduced the concept of schema being like a filing cabinet in your brain. Then I pulled out a nonfiction magazine article. I usually use one about pet iguanas. First, I tell them I have to decide what I'll be reading about. After I decide the article is about iguanas, I write Iguanas on the tab of the folder with a Vis-a-vis marker. We talk about how that file is kept in the drawer labeled Animals and how I have to sift through my files to locate this particular animal. I make a big deal about closing my eyes and reaching in my head to open the drawer and sift. Then I model activating my schema on iguanas by writing things I already know on strips of paper and putting them in the folder. I purposefully come up with some things that I know are not true. (For example, I say, I have heard that iguanas often bite people's fingers off. Something I know is not true and will get the kids VERY interesting.) I don't put them in the book pocket in the folder. I tell them that pocket is only for proven knowledge and since I've never actually read anything about iguanas, I'm just placing it in the folder for now. Then I start reading the article. I stop after each paragraph and add to my schema by writing new pieces of information on strips of paper. These can go in the book pocket inside the folder because they are proven facts. If I read something that I have already written on a strip, I add that to the book pocket. If something that I have written is disproved, it goes into the trash pocket on the outside. After I finish reading, we talk about the strips of paper that are left in the folder but are not in the pocket. We discuss how these are things I know but are not proven facts and they just stay in there until I read something else. I go back and reread everything I have learned from the article. I then make a big deal about opening up my Animals drawer and putting the file back in. They then go and practice on their own using a nonfiction book of their choosing. They each have a file, strips of paper, and a Vis-a-vis marker to use during the activity. I also keep these things in a basket in my classroom library and tell them they can use this activity anytime they are reading if they need help activating my schema. I have actually had several kids do it during SSR. One thing I'm going to add this year because I think it has been the link that has been missing in my lesson is that I am going to find a fiction book to go along with the non-fiction text. (Which means I might not be able to use my iguana article.) On another day, I will pull out that book and we will decide what cabinet and file I need to look in to find my schema for that book and I will model the process all over again with the fiction book. I hope this will allow my kids to see it is not just important to make a new file but to continue to add and adjust them, as needed. This is one of my favorite lessons and every year I cannot wait to teach it. I would love to hear how you and your teammates adjust it and the outcome of your research! Good luck! Angela Hatley Almond Fourth Grade East Albemarle Elementary School Mosaic: A Reading Comprehension Strategies Email Group mosaic@literacyworkshop.org writes: I know there are some of you out there who have done Debbie Millers' file folder lesson for teaching schema and connections. We are probably using this one for our next round of lesson study. What I am interested in hearing from all of you is how it has gone for you and what modifications you have made, if any, to help your kids get the idea of schema... Jennifer ___ Mosaic mailing list Mosaic@literacyworkshop.org To unsubscribe or modify your membership please go to
Re: [MOSAIC] file folder lesson for schema (long)
Lisa, I hadn't even thought of Private I. Guana. That is one of the stories on that website where famous people read (I can't think of the name of that website off the top of my head). Now I can keep using Old Faithful! Thanks! Angela Hatley Almond Fourth Grade East Albemarle 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.
Re: [MOSAIC] file folder lesson for schema (long)
I have used the file folder lesson several times. I teach fourth grade. I actually took file folders, glued a book pocket that said Trash on the outside of it, and a blank book pocket on the inside. Then I laminated them. I made about 20 of them so I can reuse them each year and the students can have their own to actually add things to their file cabinet. I also cut up lots of different color construction paper into very small strips. I introduced the concept of schema being like a filing cabinet in your brain. Then I pulled out a nonfiction magazine article. I usually use one about pet iguanas. First, I tell them I have to decide what I'll be reading about. After I decide the article is about iguanas, I write Iguanas on the tab of the folder with a Vis-a-vis marker. We talk about how that file is kept in the drawer labeled Animals and how I have to sift through my files to locate this particular animal. I make a big deal about closing my eyes and reaching in my head to open the drawer and sift. Then I model activating my schema on iguanas by writing things I already know on strips of paper and putting them in the folder. I purposefully come up with some things that I know are not true. (For example, I say, I have heard that iguanas often bite people's fingers off. Something I know is not true and will get the kids VERY interesting.) I don't put them in the book pocket in the folder. I tell them that pocket is only for proven knowledge and since I've never actually read anything about iguanas, I'm just placing it in the folder for now. Then I start reading the article. I stop after each paragraph and add to my schema by writing new pieces of information on strips of paper. These can go in the book pocket inside the folder because they are proven facts. If I read something that I have already written on a strip, I add that to the book pocket. If something that I have written is disproved, it goes into the trash pocket on the outside. After I finish reading, we talk about the strips of paper that are left in the folder but are not in the pocket. We discuss how these are things I know but are not proven facts and they just stay in there until I read something else. I go back and reread everything I have learned from the article. I then make a big deal about opening up my Animals drawer and putting the file back in. They then go and practice on their own using a nonfiction book of their choosing. They each have a file, strips of paper, and a Vis-a-vis marker to use during the activity. I also keep these things in a basket in my classroom library and tell them they can use this activity anytime they are reading if they need help activating my schema. I have actually had several kids do it during SSR. One thing I'm going to add this year because I think it has been the link that has been missing in my lesson is that I am going to find a fiction book to go along with the non-fiction text. (Which means I might not be able to use my iguana article.) On another day, I will pull out that book and we will decide what cabinet and file I need to look in to find my schema for that book and I will model the process all over again with the fiction book. I hope this will allow my kids to see it is not just important to make a new file but to continue to add and adjust them, as needed. This is one of my favorite lessons and every year I cannot wait to teach it. I would love to hear how you and your teammates adjust it and the outcome of your research! Good luck! Angela Hatley Almond Fourth Grade East Albemarle Elementary School Mosaic: A Reading Comprehension Strategies Email Group mosaic@literacyworkshop.org writes: I know there are some of you out there who have done Debbie Millers' file folder lesson for teaching schema and connections. We are probably using this one for our next round of lesson study. What I am interested in hearing from all of you is how it has gone for you and what modifications you have made, if any, to help your kids get the idea of schema... Jennifer ___ 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] file folder lesson for schema
I know I posted a very long reply to the original post but I have a question and didn't want it to get lost. I am actually hesitant to ask this question but it is one that I have been struggling with and would like to know others' opinions and views. As I said in my other post, I have been using the file folder lesson for several years along with other wonderful lessons I have gotten off of this listserve and other MOT resources. However, for several years I was the only teacher in my building that wasn't teaching directly from a basil or using just whole class novel reading. The literacy facilitator at my school is always coming in and watching what's going on in my class and going back and telling the younger grade teachers the lessons I am doing and several other grade levels have picked up on MOT and are slowly moving to a more strategy based program. This is very exciting because I am able to see a difference with each passing year on what the students are able to do as readers. The problem is that it is getting to the point that third grade is using almost every lesson I am using and many of the same texts. I sometimes feel the kids aren't getting anything more from me than they did in third grade when I'm doing the exact same lessons. The literacy facilitator wants me to share the file folder lesson with third grade so they can start doing it. Am I being selfish in not wanting to? What do other schools do when all grade levels are on the same page? Do they all do the same lessons? I know you can use different texts but the exact same lessons? I'm very torn on this issue. I want to be a team player but at the same time, I have spent a lot of time and effort researching, reading, and planning and feel that I may need to start over if third grade begins to do the same thing I'm doing. Please don't bash me for asking. I am honestly trying to figure out what is best for the students. Thanks in advance! Angela Hatley Almond Fourth Grade East Albemarle 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.
Re: [MOSAIC] file folder lesson for schema
I think that you are right to want the children/teachers to have the opportunity to use the format, but maybe not the same books. Have you discussed with your Literacy Coach the idea of maybe having a day where the other grades could look at this, then come back together with books that they think might also make for great lessons. This way they could see the format, but have the opportunity to look through their books and think of ones that could work. It would also give everyone a chance to ask questions and maybe solidify some ideas for themselves. I think teachers often want to copy while they get their feet wet for fear of doing it wrong. If they have a chance to discuss why the books might/might not be good for these lessons they would feel more confident using different books, but the same format. I think that having your blue print in front of them would make the task easier as they make their own lessons and this way you are sharing, but also giving them and your literacy coach a chance to create their own lesson. Karen 1st/MI Angela Almond [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: The literacy facilitator wants me to share the file folder lesson with third grade so they can start doing it. Am I being selfish in not wanting to? What do other schools do when all grade levels are on the same page? Do they all do the same lessons? I know you can use different texts but the exact same lessons? I'm very torn on this issue. I want to be a team player but at the same time, I have spent a lot of time and effort researching, reading, and planning and feel that I may need to start over if third grade begins to do the same thing I'm doing. Please don't bash me for asking. I am honestly trying to figure out what is best for the students. Thanks in advance! Angela Hatley Almond Fourth Grade East Albemarle Elementary School - Pinpoint customers who are looking for what you sell. ___ 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.
