I've wrestled with not being able to make sure each group is on task for years. I also worry they might be missing wonderful nuggets of inferred info or the opportunity for a great strategy. Since I've been involved with an EETT grant for the past four years, I decided to have the groups record their discussions on a computer. We have Macs and garage band, and a microphone they call a "snowball" that can tune out any noise outside a five or six foot area.
I haven't tried this yet, but I think I will sit in with one group while the others record. If you can only afford one or two computers and mics then the others could be working at another literacy station and they con rotate through the lit circle tech station through the week. Since I live almost an hour from where I teach, I've decided the recorded discussion will be copied over to a little USB drive so I can listen to it anywhere, even in the car! Just an idea! Wish me luck! Shirley Miller Hyde Middle School Cupertino, CA "You don't have to read every day, just on the days that you eat!" -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Diane Baker I'm glad that you brought this up. I am also struggling with the same thoughts. I also hope to sit in on each meeting for a short period of time and listen to the 'talk'. If I notice that groups are missing strategies or concepts that I feel are important, I'll cover them during a mini-lesson the following day. I hope this helps alittle. I'd love to hear some ideas from the group as well... Diane Baker Grade 5 teacher Connecticut ________________________________ From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] on behalf of [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hi Everyone, I'm the one that asked about Hatchet. First off, thanks so much for all of your ideas! Now my next question...many of you mentioned lit circles. I just can't get a handle on them. How do you organize and maintain all of the groups going at a different pace? How do you make sure that they're on task? AND...what about those struggling readers? I tried a lit circle before and felt like I didn't have control. I wanted them to "get this" and "get that" but didn't know if they really did. Am I a control freak? lol Any ideas? Michele **************Biggest Grammy Award surprises of all time on AOL Music. (http://music.aol.com/grammys/pictures/never-won-a-grammy?NCID=aolcmp0030000 00025 48) _______________________________________________ Mosaic mailing list [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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.
