[LIT] Management Details...mini conferences

[kimberlee hannan]

I use the 3x4 inch labels.  I preprint the labels with the kids' names down
the side and the strategy/standard I am focusing on with the class OR what
the specific strategy I want to focus on with that individual child.  My
SPED kids or EL kids may need a different strategy focus than my advanced
kids. I can copy and paste most things, but it takes a few minutes to type
them out and I really only get to everyone only once or twice a month as
they only have independent reading/writing two-three days a week.  I only
try to ask a child one learning-type question as I conference.  If we are
studying connections in reading, I write that on the label and ask them
about their connections.  If we are studying word choice in writing, I ask
them about a section where they can use some more sentence combining, or
powerful language.  I make a note of the question and the kid's answer on
the label.  When all the labels are full, I have conferenced with everyone.

I hope that's what you meant.
Kim

On 3/15/07, Sherri Neofotist <sneofotist at anamosa.k12.ia.us> wrote:
>
> On 3/15/07 1:13 AM, "ReadersnRacers at aol.com" <ReadersnRacers at aol.com>
> wrote:
>
> > Kim   writes:
> >> I had a binder for the class with a piece of paper for each student
> inside.
> >> On my computer I have a program for printing mailing labels. I make a
> >> template that has the criteria for this round of conferences and room
> for
> >> name and date, and print enough labels for each student. I think I can
> even
> >> pre-name them. During the conference I make notes on the labels about
> what
> >> was said or done. At the end of the conferences I just peel the labels
> and
> >> stick them on the student's paper the binder. When all the stickers are
> >> gone, I know I've met with everyone and can move on to the next round.
> >>
> >> Over time I have a wonderful chart of growth. I have very little to bog
> me
> >> down during the conference. I learned quickly to keep my notes short
> and to
> >> the point because even the large mailing labels have only so much room
> to
> >> write. I am pretty sure this would work for as many students as you
> need.
>
> Could you expand on what you mean by 'make a template that has the
> criteria
> for this round of conferences' means?
>
> I've been intrigued by the talk of workshops, which I used to do and got
> completely away from because of pressure from administration in one of the
> schools I taught in.
>
> My personal professional development plan for this year is to delve into
> differentiated instruction and try to implement it in my classroom.  I
> teach
> 7th grade language arts.  I'm finding much more information on DI at the
> elementary level and when I find it for middle level, the information
> seems
> more geared toward math, science, and social studies.
>
> Come to find out as I've read about DI, I was actually "doing it" when I
> had
> workshops.
>
> Any and all information I can collect from the group as to workshops and
> DI
> would be greatly appreciated.
>
> Thanks in advance,
>
> Sherri Neofotist
>
> The greatest gifts you can give your children are the roots of
> responsibility and the wings of independence.
>
>
>
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-- 
Kimberlee Hannan
Department Chair
Sequoia Middle School
Fresno, CA

kxhanna at fresno.k12.ca.us