Lee Gabor has joined the chat.
Bonnie Barnes : hi lee
Lee Gabor [7:15:22 PM]: Hi Bonnie - I was just calling you.
Bonnie Barnes : i just came in from outside.
Bonnie Barnes : you've been busy today!
Lee Gabor [7:15:58 PM]: And I just got in from another meeting about our new principal at my school - we're trying to put together qualifications.
Bonnie Barnes : i've been trying to rest a little today... running a fever.
Lee Gabor [7:16:39 PM]: I'm so sorry you don't feel well and we can get right to the point so you can rest.
Lee Gabor [7:16:43 PM]: I'll go ahead and type.
Bonnie Barnes : ok
Lee Gabor [7:17:14 PM]: I've sent you and Toni my comments on your questions. All of your questions are great and I needed clarification (just a tiny bit) on a couple of things.
Lee Gabor [7:17:20 PM]: Regarding my own questions - I sent them.
Bonnie Barnes : i got them.
Lee Gabor [7:17:39 PM]: I will be talking to Mr. Amaya in the next couple of days and working with him on our next lesson plan.
Lee Gabor [7:18:00 PM]: He is 3rd grade bilingual and we'll do a hands-on Science activity.
Bonnie Barnes : i like hands-on.
Bonnie Barnes : science is good for that.
Lee Gabor [7:18:30 PM]: It really works well for the bilingual kids, especially lower grade.
Bonnie Barnes : what grade level?
Lee Gabor [7:18:47 PM]: I feel like I understand this process and we'll begin designing the full level. Mr. Amaya is 3rd grade.
Lee Gabor [7:18:53 PM]: I normally teach 5th grade.
Bonnie Barnes : all subjects?
Lee Gabor [7:19:21 PM]: He and I are both self-contained and both know the Science TEKS and TEKS for other subjects.
Lee Gabor [7:19:30 PM]: Therefore, we can do some cross-curriculum in our lesson.
Bonnie Barnes : good
Bonnie Barnes : most of the schools i work with are self-contained
Lee Gabor [7:19:41 PM]: We will do technology as well.
Bonnie Barnes : what type of technology are you doing?
Lee Gabor [7:19:57 PM]: The lesson itself will be using small cars on ramps to learn about speed and distance.
Bonnie Barnes : does that cover motion in the TEKS?
Lee Gabor [7:20:32 PM]: Technology will be computer - using LCD projector and Internet showing some animations of cars and speed and being hit by other cars.
Lee Gabor [7:20:51 PM]: The TEKS is showing motion, acceleration and stopping (friction).
Bonnie Barnes : good!
Lee Gabor [7:21:08 PM]: The acceleration will be taught by our using ramps and placing one end at different heights.
Bonnie Barnes : are the cars already built or legos?
Lee Gabor [7:21:24 PM]: Little metal cars.
Lee Gabor [7:21:35 PM]: Althought the kids can bring larger model cars if they wish.
Lee Gabor [7:21:44 PM]: For one experiment, we have all teams using same size cars.
Bonnie Barnes : i've seen older grades using lego cars.
Lee Gabor [7:21:55 PM]: We measure how high the end of ramp is.
Lee Gabor [7:22:10 PM]: Yes, lego cars could be used and we could consider making some, since I have lego sets.
Bonnie Barnes : good... so you are covering the weight of the car & how it affects the speed?
Lee Gabor [7:22:23 PM]: I think you are right that lego would be a good alternative.
Lee Gabor [7:22:32 PM]: Not so much weight of car as height of ramp.
Bonnie Barnes : it just takes longer for legos.
Bonnie Barnes : weight will affect the speed.
Lee Gabor [7:22:57 PM]: We'll measure one foot for height and they'll let cars go then measure how far car went from end of ramp.
Lee Gabor [7:23:06 PM]: Then we'll measure 2 feet, etc.
Lee Gabor [7:23:20 PM]: Yes weight affects speed, but it isn't covered in 3rd Grade TEKS.
Lee Gabor [7:23:28 PM]: We covered that in my 5th grade Science class.
Bonnie Barnes : have you thought about graphing in Excel?
Lee Gabor [7:23:42 PM]: The 3rd great is more of an introduction.
Lee Gabor [7:23:52 PM]: Yes, in 5th grade (we already did this), we graphed distances.
Lee Gabor [7:24:08 PM]: We also used marbles but that experiment was done in the hall so the marbles could go a long way.
Lee Gabor [7:24:20 PM]: We used Excel to graph for 5th grade.
Bonnie Barnes : we are trying to use excel graphs in kindergarten and up.
Lee Gabor [7:24:46 PM]: That is great. To my knowledge, Mr. Amaya hasn't used Excel.
Lee Gabor [7:24:55 PM]: Do you have a sample of a graph you've done for lower grades?
Bonnie Barnes : i was amazed how easily the kids understood the concept.
Lee Gabor [7:25:06 PM]: We'll team the kids.
Bonnie Barnes : yes... have a couple of lessons like M & M math.
Bonnie Barnes : i can email them to you.
Lee Gabor [7:25:24 PM]: That is great that the younger kids can do Excel. We will do that.
Lee Gabor [7:25:35 PM]: Thank's for the idea and I'll look forward to the email.
Lee Gabor [7:25:44 PM]: The Special Ed child can easily participate in this, also.
Lee Gabor [7:25:52 PM]: I'm trying to think what else we need to cover right now.
Bonnie Barnes : yes, it's good for special ed.
Bonnie Barnes : Excel is so graphical.
Lee Gabor [7:26:11 PM]: I may even video them doing this.
Bonnie Barnes : Bilingual kids love it too.
Bonnie Barnes : good idea about the video!
Lee Gabor [7:26:40 PM]: We could do the experiment in Spanish with editing add voice over in English.
Bonnie Barnes : wonderful idea!
Lee Gabor [7:27:09 PM]: Mr. Amaya's entire class is bilingual, but we could show this as a sample to the regular and other bilingual 3rd grade classes.
Lee Gabor [7:27:24 PM]: Thank you and I want to have them make a lego car - that will be great for them.
Bonnie Barnes : yes, they would enjoy seeing it.
Lee Gabor [7:27:37 PM]: Thank you so much for suggesting that. It will help with eye hand coordination.
Bonnie Barnes : what size is your school?
Lee Gabor [7:27:53 PM]: About 1000 kids, 97% HIspanis, the rest Black.
Bonnie Barnes : wow!
Lee Gabor [7:28:04 PM]: (misspelled HIspanic)
Lee Gabor [7:28:18 PM]: Our principal is being transferred so we are in process of getting a new one.
Bonnie Barnes : i work with really small schools... the whole school district is 65 to 75 kids.
Lee Gabor [7:28:36 PM]: You're kidding!!!!!
Bonnie Barnes : spelling doesn't count in chat!
Bonnie Barnes : punctuation either!
Bonnie Barnes : yes, i work with 5 school districts.
Lee Gabor [7:28:55 PM]: Good! No worry on the grammar, I hope.
Bonnie Barnes : i go to a different school every day.
Lee Gabor [7:29:04 PM]: I can't imagine a district so small.
Bonnie Barnes : i love it!
Lee Gabor [7:29:16 PM]: It is great they have you as a resource.
Lee Gabor [7:29:22 PM]: Do they have a lot of computers?
Lee Gabor [7:29:42 PM]: By the way, I'll figure out some more technology for the lesson - probably something on the Smart Board.
Bonnie Barnes : yes... 1:2 ratio... some have 1:1 ratio.
Bonnie Barnes : that's good with the smart board.
Lee Gabor [7:30:10 PM]: Wow - that is fabulous. I have scrounged up a bunch of old Windows 95 and Windows 98 computers for my classroom, plus 2 new ones.
Lee Gabor [7:30:27 PM]: We'll also do an assessment using the hand-held CPS system since the kids love that.
Bonnie Barnes : all of the schools got laptops for the classroom through the TARGET grant that funds me.
Lee Gabor [7:31:06 PM]: That is so great for the kids. Technology is their world and kudos to you for being a part of that development for them.
Bonnie Barnes : we don't have CPS though.
Lee Gabor [7:31:28 PM]: Courtney and I didn't do much of an initial Pre-Conference, so I don't know what all we should cover.
Bonnie Barnes : we tried to cover any questions... like you've done.
Bonnie Barnes : also just get to know each other.
Lee Gabor [7:32:07 PM]: We got CPS through a grant (EInstruction.com, I think). It is expensive, but the kids love using them. Teacher writes test and it is projected on screen. Kids each have remote to key in answers.
Bonnie Barnes : Toni teaches jr. high journalism & keyboarding & yearbook.
Lee Gabor [7:32:34 PM]: I feel like I understand all the lesson components so that my discussion with Mr. AMaya will be productive.
Bonnie Barnes : some of the TARGET schools in Denton have them.
Lee Gabor [7:32:53 PM]: Yes, Toni mentioned that in one of our lessons and it seems like that would be so interesting.
Lee Gabor [7:33:06 PM]: The company that makes CPS is in Denton.
Bonnie Barnes : It's good that you have things all lined up for your lesson.
Lee Gabor [7:33:25 PM]: There are a number of other companies now that make response systems.
Bonnie Barnes : yes, my co-worker in Denton used to work for them.
Bonnie Barnes : i have had training with the TI calculator system called Navigator that is like a response system.
Lee Gabor [7:34:07 PM]: I got the School Pad also, with CPS and the SchoolPad lets me stand on other side of room and use wireless remote so I can write or draw and it goes to the screen.
Bonnie Barnes : that sounds great!
Lee Gabor [7:34:27 PM]: I'm not familiar with TI Navigator. Will have to try that out.
Lee Gabor [7:34:47 PM]: By the way, I do apologize for the schedule being so messed up. I seldom know whether I"m coming or going right now.
Bonnie Barnes : it's a little expensive for elementary but great for high school.
Bonnie Barnes : i understand about your schedule.
Lee Gabor [7:35:11 PM]: Have you and Toni decided exactly on your lessons?
Bonnie Barnes : it's a wonder you haven't gone crazy!
Lee Gabor [7:35:40 PM]: Actually, I am crazy. I try to write down everything and just keep going. Things will settle soon, I PRAY!
Bonnie Barnes : not sure about Toni... we sent each other lessons last time.
Bonnie Barnes : i think i am going to work with a high school art teacher.
Lee Gabor [7:36:01 PM]: By the way - regarding the Special Ed lesson plan you asked about
Bonnie Barnes : yes
Lee Gabor [7:36:21 PM]: I am going to redo it and take out the two TAKS graphics and questions, since they are now trademarking TAKS.
Lee Gabor [7:36:32 PM]: I'll throw in two other questions and repost it (it will take a few days).
Bonnie Barnes : really?
Lee Gabor [7:36:44 PM]: That way I don't have to worry about the state saying something about my using THEIR stuff.
Bonnie Barnes : i asked a special ed teacher to look at it and give me some feedback.
Lee Gabor [7:37:03 PM]: I wrote the whole test but included 2 questions from an old Science taks.
Bonnie Barnes : i thought it was really good.
Lee Gabor [7:37:24 PM]: That is fine - just don't want it going around with TAKS stuff in it (official stuff from the actual TAKS).
Lee Gabor [7:37:36 PM]: Thank you. I enjoyed making it for our kids.
Bonnie Barnes : i'll let you know what she says.
Lee Gabor [7:37:53 PM]: Apparently the state has had commercial companies using their stuff and so they are now being a little more particular.
Bonnie Barnes : i like getting feedback on some of my stuff.
Lee Gabor [7:38:14 PM]: I don't think they would really say anything since it is for students. Howver, I don't even want to chance having to write a letter to explain anything.
Lee Gabor [7:38:23 PM]: So I'll change those 2.
Bonnie Barnes : too bad that the state is getting picky... the purpose is to help the kids.
Lee Gabor [7:38:39 PM]: What stuff are you getting feedback on.
Bonnie Barnes : i do a lot of technology integrated lessons and also staff development.
Lee Gabor [7:39:18 PM]: That is great. Everything you do in our class is so helpful and always so well done.
Bonnie Barnes : i spent a year doing pre-TTCC materials that ESC 11 used for online classes.
Lee Gabor [7:39:43 PM]: Do you work for the REgion rather than the individual school districts or is your contract with the specific school districts.
Bonnie Barnes : it's helped my teachers make it through TTCC.
Bonnie Barnes : yes, i work for ESC Region 11.
Lee Gabor [7:40:05 PM]: Wow - that must make you feel good - so many people taking the TTCC and learning from something you've done.
Bonnie Barnes : i've got over 60 teachers through so far.... it's been a challenge!
Lee Gabor [7:40:38 PM]: I'm so glad I found the MTTC class. A&M in Mesquite has a MTTC program but it is over $2000 and I'm paying for this myself.
Bonnie Barnes : some of them could barely do word processing!
Bonnie Barnes : your school doesn't have staff development funds?
Lee Gabor [7:41:11 PM]: You must be very proud - 60 teachers and just think how that is going to expand into hundreds and then thousands of students.
Lee Gabor [7:41:43 PM]: My school is very strange. I don't quite know what goes on. We have two computer labs but my kids get computer every 6 weeks.
Lee Gabor [7:42:01 PM]: Most of us have quit asking about it and try to do our own thing as much as possible in the classroom.
Lee Gabor [7:42:09 PM]: As I say, I've got old computers and put the kids on those.
Bonnie Barnes : too bad... some of my schools have computer class almost every day!
Lee Gabor [7:42:28 PM]: We have portable laptop setups (2), but I haven't been able to get a set to use yet.
Lee Gabor [7:42:35 PM]: The kids need it every day. This is their world.
Bonnie Barnes : some of the schools don't use their technology like they should, though.
Lee Gabor [7:42:55 PM]: I'm one of the teachers that pushes for technology all the time. I bought my own Smartboard on Ebay.
Bonnie Barnes : yes... a third grader taught me about Skype... free internet phone calls.
Lee Gabor [7:43:07 PM]: We have teachers who don't use their computers at all.
Lee Gabor [7:43:20 PM]: Yes, Mr. Amaya told me about it - uses it to call Mexico all the time.
Bonnie Barnes : i love ebay!
Lee Gabor [7:43:32 PM]: I do too. I've bought so much stuff to use in the classroom.
Bonnie Barnes : good idea!
Bonnie Barnes : i'm shopping for corvette t-top right now.
Lee Gabor [7:44:02 PM]: Oh that is right - you and your sports cars.
Lee Gabor [7:44:04 PM]: You will enjoy this:
Bonnie Barnes : not too educational but fun!
Lee Gabor [7:44:26 PM]: Every once in awhile I go out on Ebay about 2 am and up will come a Maserati or some fabulous sports car withi beginning bid of $100.00
Bonnie Barnes : do you bid on it?
Lee Gabor [7:44:56 PM]: and I always bid. Even big $1000 on a 2001 Vette. Of course it went for $23,000 and the Maserati went for $104,000.00. However, I loved bidding.
Bonnie Barnes : yes, that does sound fun!
Lee Gabor [7:45:18 PM]: I don't mind losing those bids since I'm having such a good time doing it.
Bonnie Barnes : i tracked a yellow 1981 Corvette last week.
Lee Gabor [7:45:46 PM]: Well, I want you to get your rest. Is there anything else we need to cover before you go drag racing???? Ha.
Lee Gabor [7:45:55 PM]: How much did it go for?
Bonnie Barnes : i think about $14,000.
Bonnie Barnes : i only paid $6900 for mine.
Lee Gabor [7:46:25 PM]: Not that bad, of course beyond my teacher's salary.
Lee Gabor [7:46:35 PM]: You're kidding!!! Where???????
Lee Gabor [7:46:40 PM]: That is great!
Bonnie Barnes : here... guy needed money & his wife said sell!
Bonnie Barnes : my granddaughter was jumping up & down in delight.'
Lee Gabor [7:47:10 PM]: Great deal and I'm so happy for you. Every teacher needs a Corvette!
Bonnie Barnes : couldn't disappoint her!
Lee Gabor [7:47:25 PM]: I'm sure. I sent the photo of that 2001 silver Vette to my grandson in Waxahachie.
Lee Gabor [7:47:40 PM]: He is 7 and we're always talking about getting us a vette some day.
Bonnie Barnes : yes, you should!
Bonnie Barnes : i see some good deals around here in Stephenville.
Lee Gabor [7:48:21 PM]: Oh that's right, you're in Stephenville. I think that is a great town and I'm always checking on
Lee Gabor [7:48:30 PM]: Tarleton Stat's online curriculum.
Lee Gabor [7:48:47 PM]: I wish they had more online Masters degrees (I don't need an MBA).
Bonnie Barnes : i've lived here 20 years.... love it!
Bonnie Barnes : that's what i have... MBA.
Bonnie Barnes : i wish they had doctorate for Business.
Lee Gabor [7:49:22 PM]: Granbury is a nice town also. I live near downtown Dallas and teach in East Dallas, the heart of gangbangers area.
Bonnie Barnes : tough area!
Lee Gabor [7:49:40 PM]: Maybe they will add that.
Bonnie Barnes : i love Granbury, too.
Bonnie Barnes : i think the online education classes are increasing from Tarleton.
Lee Gabor [7:50:12 PM]: The kids are precious and I want to help them have choices. Actually, they all know the other car I want is a pink hydraulic one!!!
Bonnie Barnes : i know the department heads real well.
Lee Gabor [7:50:25 PM]: I hope so - I have emailed Tarleton asking for more.
Lee Gabor [7:50:38 PM]: They're still reasonably priced.
Bonnie Barnes : i used to work for Tarleton... College of Business.
Lee Gabor [7:50:45 PM]: Tarleton I mean - not the car.
Lee Gabor [7:51:00 PM]: I've tried to find some history on the college.
Lee Gabor [7:51:07 PM]: I have some friends named Tarleton.
Bonnie Barnes : it's on their website... John Tarleton started it.
Lee Gabor [7:51:30 PM]: Related to Bloody what's his name Tarleton from the Revolutionary War.
Lee Gabor [7:51:42 PM]: I'll check that out - somehow missed it as I was looking on the site for history.
Bonnie Barnes : he didn't have any kids... left his estate for the college.
Lee Gabor [7:51:53 PM]: I'm blonde - that is my excuse!!!
Lee Gabor [7:52:01 PM]: What a great thing for him to do.
Bonnie Barnes : i'm blonde, too.... bottle blonde.
Lee Gabor [7:52:14 PM]: Big bottle for me.
Lee Gabor [7:52:32 PM]: I tell everyone it gives me an excuse to never do anything right!!!
Bonnie Barnes : Tarleton is part of A&M... but only A&M school without the A&M name in it.... part of Tarleton's request... his name needs to stay.
Lee Gabor [7:52:50 PM]: This is my first time on the chat. It is a great way to do this.
Bonnie Barnes : yes
Lee Gabor [7:53:14 PM]: I didn't know that about it being part of A&M - thought it was totallly independent of all the other state colleges. Yes, after that gift, his name should stay.
Bonnie Barnes : i wouldn't mind having A&M on my degrees, though!
Bonnie Barnes : it's really small...
Lee Gabor [7:53:57 PM]: I'm very glad you saw me as I got online. I had read your email and then listened to my voicemail and had just dialed your number when the chat came up.
Bonnie Barnes : i heard the phone ring once.
Bonnie Barnes : thought it might be you.
Lee Gabor [7:54:23 PM]: I see what you mean about A&M on certificates. That should be an option if it is part of the system.
Lee Gabor [7:54:36 PM]: That was probably I ringing - I hung up immediately.
Lee Gabor [7:54:59 PM]: The college I received my BA from was sold to the Sioux Indians ( South Dakota) and it went bankrupt.
Bonnie Barnes : you lived in South Dakota?
Lee Gabor [7:55:28 PM]: I was so excited about the first real Indian college in the United States and then the financing got out of control.
Lee Gabor [7:56:02 PM]: I lived there one year - 1972 for my final year of college (scholarships and grants) - I had 2 small children and was single parent and relative was there, so I went there.
Bonnie Barnes : i've always wanted to go see mt. rushmore.
Lee Gabor [7:56:57 PM]: By the way, do we copy all of this and put it on our website and also, please refresh my memory on doing that - upload to file and can't quite remember how to link from my webpage.
Lee Gabor [7:57:09 PM]: I'm so spacy these days - never enough sleep.
Bonnie Barnes : yes, i usually do a copy & paste into word.
Bonnie Barnes : 2 a.m. ebay sounds like it... i take a sleeping pil... have for 10 years.
Lee Gabor [7:57:46 PM]: I can't believe I did all that linking just 2 weeks ago and now I can't seem to remember anything.
Bonnie Barnes : i can't sleep at all!
Bonnie Barnes : sleep is important!
Lee Gabor [7:58:08 PM]: I get involved in two many things - very hyper and have a hard time saying no when someone needs my help.
Bonnie Barnes : sounds like me!
Bonnie Barnes : i had to learn the hard way... got diagnosed with Lupus 10 years ago.
Bonnie Barnes : at 35 years old.
Lee Gabor [7:59:32 PM]: Oh my - that must have been awful.
Bonnie Barnes : it's been tough... but a blessing, too.
Lee Gabor [7:59:49 PM]: (Sorry, I lost you for a moment - the chat minimized for some reason!)
Lee Gabor [7:59:53 PM]: What a blessing?
Lee Gabor [8:00:02 PM]: You must be such a special person to think that way.
Bonnie Barnes : i learned what's important... God, family, love.... i appreciate life so much more.
Bonnie Barnes : don't take things for granted.
Lee Gabor [8:00:48 PM]: Yes - I agree with you and it takes tough times to make us appreciate the important things and to learn to prioritize those.
Bonnie Barnes : yes... i still do too much but i pick and choose a little more.
Bonnie Barnes : just got my last child out of the house and it's an adjustment.
Lee Gabor [8:01:54 PM]: That is good. And you add so much to what we're doing, so I know you do that for everyone.
Lee Gabor [8:02:17 PM]: Both of mine are gone - one 38 and the other 36 and lots of grandchildren. They're a joy.
Bonnie Barnes : i am available to my teachers by email & chat all the time... even weekends.
Bonnie Barnes : i have 8 grandchildren now. how many for you?
Lee Gabor [8:03:06 PM]: How special of you. Very few of our teachers use computers - I would love to be on chat with them and especially with the kids so I could be sure they're doing their assignments at home.
Lee Gabor [8:03:38 PM]: My son has 2 children plus 2 step-children and 2 foster children. My daughter has 5 children and 1 step-daughter. I consider them all mine.
Bonnie Barnes : me, too!
Lee Gabor [8:04:26 PM]: Well, I'm going to try and get this put into Word and get my linking done so I can get started on the info Toni sent.
Bonnie Barnes : i have 2 children & 2 step-children... raised one of them, though & consider all 4 mine... have a mother's ring with all 4 names & birthstones.
Lee Gabor [8:04:52 PM]: I've been doing ev erything at the very last minute and I really want to get out ahead of things with Spring Break.
Lee Gabor [8:04:58 PM]: The ring sounds great.
Bonnie Barnes : yes... need to let you get back to work.
Bonnie Barnes : do you have Spring Break next week?
Lee Gabor [8:05:20 PM]: It takes me longer to do things than I think the rest of you.
Lee Gabor [8:05:32 PM]: Yes Spring Break next week and my house looks like a tornado hit it.
Bonnie Barnes : mine, too.
Lee Gabor [8:05:48 PM]: I want to get organized for the next round of TAKS tests.
Bonnie Barnes : but i'm going to the beach... Galveston.
Lee Gabor [8:06:06 PM]: That will be great. Have a good time for me too. I love the beach.
Lee Gabor [8:06:49 PM]: Do you and Toni chat throughout the process or only when the conferences are due?
Bonnie Barnes : i'll work on my laptop... don't know how much internet access I will have.
Bonnie Barnes : i'll have internet withdrawl!
Lee Gabor [8:07:30 PM]: Ha Ha! I know how you feel. I love technology and can't stand to be away from the computer even a day.
Bonnie Barnes : sometimes we chat when we see each other on... just for fun & have gotten to know each other a lot... called each other once.
Bonnie Barnes : I was going to tell you that once i sent my students assignments by email when i was gone out of state... they loved that!
Lee Gabor [8:08:46 PM]: How do you have the chat up to know when someone is online?
Bonnie Barnes : look under Collaborate and then Who's Online.
Lee Gabor [8:09:18 PM]: I did an extensive website for my kids this year and set them all up with email, but then not a one had a computer at home, so I didn't follow through with that, but do keep info for teachers.
Lee Gabor [8:09:33 PM]: Great, I will do that and will touch base when I see you or Toni that is if you're online about 2 am!!!!!!
Lee Gabor [8:09:56 PM]: This FirstClass is a great system. I would love to know a lot more about distance education and creating classes, etc.
Bonnie Barnes : i used to do a daily Spring Break website for my students so they could have a "Virtual Vacation" with me!
Bonnie Barnes : probably won't have that luxury this time... got a smaller house without internet access.
Lee Gabor [8:10:52 PM]: Wow - fantastic. You are so creative. I'm so glad to know you. I know there is a district in Virginia that is giving all students a laptop to use. I wish we could do that at my school or even my grade level.
Bonnie Barnes : i facilitated one online TACP class for UNT a few years ago.
Lee Gabor [8:11:14 PM]: I couldn't do without DSL - have SBC right now but may change to Comcast.
Lee Gabor [8:11:29 PM]: How did you learn to do the distance ed setup, etc.
Bonnie Barnes : i love distance ed and online classes...
Bonnie Barnes : look up webct and blackboard... 2 main interfaces.
Lee Gabor [8:12:12 PM]: I love taking online, but don't have a clue how one would set all that up. I think Connie's degree is in distance and isn't she at that convention this week (or last?).
Bonnie Barnes : first class is ok.... hard to navigate, though.
Lee Gabor [8:12:45 PM]: We have blackboard at DISD and there is a staff development class on it, but during tutoring time so I can't go. Maybe next time around.
Bonnie Barnes : Connie has an art background... she works for the same ESC i do... same department.
Bonnie Barnes : she has learned by doing... me, too.
Lee Gabor [8:13:14 PM]: She has certainly been helpful and patient with me.
Bonnie Barnes : yes, just play around and navigate through the menus and you'll learn it.
Lee Gabor [8:13:45 PM]: Learning by doing is what I like best - it is harder for me and sometimes it takes me a long time to get something, but I usually learn it well and then I especially can help others when they have the same problem.
Lee Gabor [8:13:55 PM]: I'll keep the distance learning development in mind.
Bonnie Barnes : i will try to find you some information on distance education.
Lee Gabor [8:14:14 PM]: I'll let you go so you can get your Vette ready for the beach - sounds like a 1950s movie!!!!
Lee Gabor [8:14:37 PM]: That would be great, Bonnie and thank you so much for sharing with me so much of your time. I'm so glad to get this preconference done.
Lee Gabor [8:14:59 PM]: Please let me know if we're suppose to do anything else that relates to this.
Bonnie Barnes : yes... have a good spring break, too.
Bonnie Barnes : i can't really think of anything else.
Bonnie Barnes : i think you are right on track and doing very well.
Lee Gabor [8:15:23 PM]: Thank you. And before you go, I just hit Edit and copy all this?
Lee Gabor [8:15:28 PM]: Thank you Bonnie.
Lee Gabor [8:15:42 PM]: Of do we do File Save As?
Bonnie Barnes : I copy the words in the window and then paste into word. it works better.
Lee Gabor [8:16:13 PM]: Great, I shall do that right now.
Lee Gabor [8:16:21 PM]: Goodnight and talk to you when you get back.
Lee Gabor [8:16:24 PM]: Bye Bye.
Bonnie Barnes : ok... have a good evening... thanks for joining me.
Bonnie Barnes : bye
QUESTIONS I WILL ASK MY MENTEE
The remainder of this posting consists of questions I will ask my Mentee. I will again work with Mr. Juan Amaya, 3 rd grade bilingual teacher. This time the lesson will be Science instead of math. This is important because in 5 th grade, the students will have a Science TAKS test. It is wise to begin a strong emphasis on Science in 3 rd grade so that students are comfortable with testing and higher level thinking.
The lesson will be from TEKS 3.6 (A) – measure and record changes in the position and direction of the motion of an object to which a force such as a push or pull has been applied.
A quote I am trying to think about often: Mentors KNOW they have asked a "high impact question" when there is a pause and then the protege answers, "I'm going to have to THINK about that a bit before I can answer it." This quote is available at http://www.mentoring-association.org/membersOnly/Mentors/HiImpactQues.html, accessed 3-6-06.
While I would like to ask these “high impact questions,” I’m not quite there yet. My questions are still more basic and I want to cover every area.
PRE-PLANNING THE LESSON
How much time do you think you need to pre-plan the lesson?
Do you have resources you typically use to help you plan the lesson?
Do you use pre-packaged lessons or do you prefer to start from scratch with
only the TEKS to guide you?
GOAL OF THE LESSON
What do you want the students to grasp from the lesson?
What specific knowledge do you plan to facilitate?
TEKS COVERED
Do you present the TEKS in written form to the students as you begin the lesson?
How many TEKS are you covering in this lesson?
If more than one, how will you handle combining multiple TEKS.
Do you have a way for students to keep track of the TEKS as they master them?
IMPLEMENTING – RESOURCES AND EQUIPMENT NECESSARY AND AVAILABLE
Do you have resources readily available?
Is there any resource that you desperately need and feel isn’t available?
Are you able to borrow resources from team members or other teachers?
CONDUCTING THE LESSON – WHOLE GROUP
How do you plan to initially engage the interest of the students?
What alternatives, such as music or art, can you think of that would help
encourage the students’ interest in this topic?
What is your effective or engaging question?
What hands-on activity do you plan for whole group?
CONDUCTING THE LESSON – SMALL GROUP
How do you determine which students to put together in small group setting?
What activities do you plan to help the various groups?
CONDUCTING THE LESSON – INCLUSION
How do you plan to modify the lesson for your Special Ed student(s)?
CONDUCTING THE LESSON – ESL, BILINGUAL, REGULAR
How do you plan to modify the lesson for your students with varying language
skills?
CONDUCTING THE LESSON – TECHNOLOGY
What technological tools do you plan to use so that this lesson is the most
effective it can be?
Do you plan to use technology to assess the student’s ability to comprehend
and use the lesson?
How can this lesson be used on the computer – do you plan writing or is there
a software program that augments this lesson?
FEEDBACK FROM STUDENTS
What questions do you plan to ask the students so that you can clarify any
misconceptions they may have?
How can you determine if the students would be able to use this information
in a real world setting?
ASSESSMENT
What type of informal assessment(s) do you plan?
Will you do a formal pre-assessment or post-assessment?
How important to you is your observation of each student?
Do you plan to use this lesson to add to the student’s portfolio?
How will you know if the student masters the lesson?
RETEACHING
What will you do to re-teach the lesson?
REINFORCEMENT – HOMEWORK
What type of homework assignment do you think can best help to reinforce
the lesson?
How will you modify this for your inclusion students?
How will you modify it for your ESL or Bilingual or Regular students?
STUDENT PROFILES
How do you profile your students so that you keep track of the level of mastery of
the TEK(s).
SELF-ASSESSMENT
How do you determine if your planning and presentation of the lesson has
achieved what you expected?
CLASS MANAGEMENT PROBLEMS
What types of class management problems do you typically have in a day?
What have you done so far to address this or these problems?
What are some other alternatives for dealing with the misbehavior?