[MOSAIC] Listserv purpose/from Ginger

[ginger/rob]

I need your help if this is going to work.

1.  PLEASE DO NOT write to the ENTIRE list for help switching to the DIGEST. 
Write to me at: read.think at sbcglobal.net or Keith at: kmack at keithmack.com . 
We have over 1000 members and we don't all want/need to get those messages.

2.  There are other excellent mail rings for teachers where we can discuss 
other important aspects of our teaching.  It is my hope that we can stay 
true to our original intent and purposes (see below). Yes we have a narrow 
focus.  I see that as a strength.  Seek each other out for questions and 
support and guidance and learning about your reading comprehension 
instruction and understanding.  Talk together "off list" about topics that 
will veer us off in a different direction.

As a reminder, the idea for this listserv was born out of teachers taking 
the journey to teach reading comprehension strategies. Wanting to jump right 
in and get started, but often feeling unsure and alone, we wanted a forum to 
share our questions, our joys, our successes, and our frustrations.

To preserve our original  intent and purpose we welcome discussion about:
-comprehension strategy instruction
-questions about implementation
-action research conducted by teachers based on experiences in strategy 
teaching
-reading workshop
-authentic assessment
-strategy instruction as it relates to high stakes testing
-professional reading suggestions/reflections to continue our learning 
process
-lesson write ups/book suggestions
-online book talks related to comprehension teaching
-textmapping
-personal reflections, challenges, roadblocks, opportunities

Some of the most powerful emails have been when members reflect openly on 
the listserv about their comprehension teaching. Being reflective "outloud" 
on the list is one way to grow professionally. Try taking the risk to tell 
us specifically what you are doing in your teaching. Talk with us about how 
you feel the teaching went and what you plan to do next. When we share our
own thinking (just like we are asking our students to do) we often move to a 
new level of clarity and understanding.

If you've read the books Mosaic of Thought, it will strengthen your 
connection to our conversations.

We all look forward to an active, stimulating, and supportive discussion 
with you on these topics! Remember- no question is too simple to ask.

I believe I can speak for our membership when I say thank you for your 
cooperation.
Ginger
moderator