#ctedu Archive
#ctedu is a great way for Connecticut educators to share teaching strategies, educational resources, and more.
Tuesday April 5, 2016
8:00 PM EDT
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Hello everyone. I’m Sean and I teach 4th grade in Stamford. Please take a moment to introduce yourself. https://t.co/9vXhsgxvZ3
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Hey thanks for dropping by for this evening’s chat
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JImmy from Stamford checking for a bit.
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Hi Starr from NY - HS English and journalism teacher, author :) Happy to talk Homework
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Scott from near Lansing Michigan. Middle School Principal.
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Life is good except for the snow and ice . I thought this was spring break
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hey guys Keisha from Norwalk is here
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Hey! Melissa from Stamford - 3rd grade teacher
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Hi Keisha! Welcome to ! How are you?
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thx for joining. This should be a good chat.
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Hey Scott thanks for dropping in this evening
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Hi Scott!! How are you this Tuesday?!
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Good evening . Jess from CT
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Hello everyone- Rob from Norwalk. Excited for the chat tonight.
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Hi, ! Maura from New Fairfield. 6th grade sped/ELA. Multitasking tonight!
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Long time no see! How are you doing?
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Paul from Stamford - 4th grade ela/ss
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Hi Maura!!! Happy Tuesday!!! When are we NOT multitasking?!
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Maura thanks for dropping in this evening. This chat should be interesting.
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It always takes me a second to recognize you with the new avatar - Happy Tuesday!
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Hi, Melissa! True that! lol
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Hey Jessie! how are you doing?
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I feel that hmwk is necessary but it can be done in new and exciting ways that can even reach Ss who come from lower socioecon sit's
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Hey, Sean! Looking forward to the chat!
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Hi Christie!! Happy Tuesday!
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Jeremy, parent from West Hartford. Interested in perspectives on homework.
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Thanks. Will there be homework assigned after this chat? https://t.co/rH6an1Nybh
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Hey Scott thanks for dropping in this evening
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A1 HW in the traditional sense is NOT necessary. Nightly HW for all that is graded is a waste of time
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Hey looking forward to a great conversation
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Great. On Spring Break. I need some learning tonight. https://t.co/ZFJHZo7tah
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Hi Scott!! How are you this Tuesday?!
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A1 - not all students need to do HW every day. And if Ss learn something wrong and it gets graded, it creates more damage
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A1: For awhile I was that teacher that use to give a ton of homework, but now I have shifted to more meaningful assignments
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A1: Most nights Homework is not necessary. It takes away from valuable family and extracurricular time.
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A1: I think HW that is authentic is the best...prep for tomorrow's discussion, flip a lesson, practice for presentation.
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A1: No HW is not necessary. Maintaining that mindset is outdated.
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A1. HW for HWs sake isn't necessary. I think it's the purpose that matters.
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Loved your Hacking Assessment book! Read the passage on pg15 to my Ss & they agreed w/ yr idea of a gradeless classroom
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A1: I don't think it's necessary to give homework...especially if it's just 'busy work'
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in my early career, I was required to give numbered, nightly homework for a grade. I hated it
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Devils advocate , but what those who it maintains skill level and reinforces learning
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A1: However, focused integration using a can quickly prep kids for tomorrow's lesson.
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My fav professor said no homework. I give educational opportunities outside of class. https://t.co/DJ60ygZgGQ
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A1 HW in the traditional sense is NOT necessary. Nightly HW for all that is graded is a waste of time
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A1: homework is not necessary; only when needed to complete; for a reason
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a1 practice is important. Not necessarily teacher assigned hw
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Great! How are you? What an excellent topic to explore at this time of year
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A1:No more busy work. HW is not allowed to count towards grades at our school.
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like flipped classroom. I fell in love with in while in grad school. Tried it out while interning and it was a hit.
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We want to promote a curiosity outside the classroom that gets kids into the habit of learning https://t.co/2TmJfzAysf
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A1: No HW is not necessary. Maintaining that mindset is outdated.
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Totally agree - especially when homework turns into a frustrating experience that doesn't support learning.
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A1) Especially hate weekly homework packets sent home at the beginning of the week. https://t.co/DJ60ygZgGQ
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A1 HW in the traditional sense is NOT necessary. Nightly HW for all that is graded is a waste of time
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A1: Time spent on passions is more valuable than a 59th grammar worksheet or multiplication drill sheet
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Thank you. That's great to hear! We have to talk to kids more and more about these things https://t.co/TCFL4vnnsF
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Loved your Hacking Assessment book! Read the passage on pg15 to my Ss & they agreed w/ yr idea of a gradeless classroom
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I totally agree!! There is so much more learning to be done than what's inside the classroom
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A1: It seems math is given a lot to practice. Kids def need that.
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We're working on a hacking homework book now
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if done properly the teacher can see what children have q's about and see their struggles. Plus the kids like it
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A1) Big problem is when Ts assign HW before students have achieved a success rate on the skill.
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it's all about the purpose. It needs to be meaningful to kids
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If we do our jobs systematcally and with precision in the classroom, HW is not needed.
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A1) HW not guided by the T often leads to misconceptions being formed.
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I agree, but I am finding ways to shorten assignment and include more reflections on process.
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not sure it does that. If we call it practice, differentiate it appropriately and only provide feedback, maybe
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A1: If parents have to "help" Ss get HW done, it's not appropriate. Leads to too much frustration.
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Homework shouldn't be given just because it is expected or someone feels like it SHOULD be given because it always has
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matters! When will the homework book be published?
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kids should have a say in it though. We can't control everything and it's presumptuous to take over family time
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A1: We teach in a data driven society. Recent studies show very little to no impact of nightly HW, especially in elementary.
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A1: I dont even send home reading logs. Intrinsic love over extrinsic "fear".
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you are 100% right, but flipped classroom, previewing lesson?
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Yes! https://t.co/5VK2W0SoTc
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If we do our jobs systematcally and with precision in the classroom, HW is not needed.
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I agree but that is the push back and it is real in this era of standardized testing
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A1) And reinforces a child's fixed mindset leading to avoidance of new learning. https://t.co/e8iZ9M0WOw
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Totally agree - especially when homework turns into a frustrating experience that doesn't support learning.
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Especially when parents end up doing the HW for the kids or they copy the answers - what's the point?
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A1: We need to inform and explain research to parents and admin. That is where the shift must occur.
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Q2: How do you balance a parent’s expectation for more homework with your desire to give less homework https://t.co/Q9zRtoHkYJ
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Love that. Words matter and how we package it also changes how it is received
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So true. Ts use classroom time wisely Ss learning is like squeezing all the juice from an orange https://t.co/PUF2Kus9C8
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If we do our jobs systematcally and with precision in the classroom, HW is not needed.
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does CT have specific requirements? Up to district/school? Do teachers have complete/partial discretion?
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A1: We want to start including HW in habits of mind to promote life long learning of responsibility.
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how do you know that homework reinforces learning?
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down with worksheets and packets! I HATE them and I'm using the work hate... strong
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Reading is the only "homework" given. Other than that, kids need time to be kids.
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So instead of teaching kids to be learners we teach them to do what we tell them and kill their curiosity https://t.co/w9LCq67qEj
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A1) And reinforces a child's fixed mindset leading to avoidance of new learning. https://t.co/e8iZ9M0WOw
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Totally agree - especially when homework turns into a frustrating experience that doesn't support learning.
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A1: Necessary if purposeful. ex: assigned "hw" to on my blog. Helped me troubleshoot home tech issues & gauge independence
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I usually have kids watch lesson at the end of class periods. Some chose to rematch at night, too.
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Hopefully by Septemberish, I think?
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Should school districts adhere to the 10 minute rule? It seems difficult as teachers try to extend their instructional time
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in my experience the school
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I know the NEA has standards for homework
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we don't move forward as a society by doing things "the way we always have", homework included!
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I hear you. There is push back, but we need to explain that the research doesn't support it
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Allow our little ones time to lie in the grass and look at clouds. Let them look for 4 leaf clovers or count cracks in sidewalks.
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how awesome that you started so early! Is yours video-based for home learning?
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A2: I don't know a lot of parents that want more HW! Some find ways to get their kids from doing it now.
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A1: and please, I can't stress this enough. JUST SAY NO TO READING LOGS.
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it has been school by school in NY
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A2. We have to educate parents. Have to have open discourse.
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I wish I could TRIPLE retweet this!
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This year I gave up HW. Only expectation is to read 20-30 minutes of their choice text a night. No Ps argued. Ss said less stressful
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I totally agree but we are pushing back against a culture of homework that is pretty intrenched
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Hi Sorry I'm a bit late... VERY passionate about your topic ! Connie Hamilton co-author of Hacking Homework w/
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A2: I tell parents at open house night that I don't send home reading logs and HW is minimal - I want them to PLAY
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How has that been working for you?
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Hahahahahahaa!!!! That's what I always remember about you!
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I've used flipped lessons w/mixed results. Sometimes feels like a lecture at home.
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A1) I think better life long skill is curiosity/responsibility for being active learners. https://t.co/wIYQeTKgia
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A1: We want to start including HW in habits of mind to promote life long learning of responsibility.
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haha! So my message is out there, huh. Good!
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A2 Projects in my class are done over time, so are therefore flexible. Kids can decide how and when they choose to do the work
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But if we don't push back who will? We need to be ones to start the change otherwise it won't happen
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A2 I'm happy to engage in a dialogue with parents about how and why we do or don't do what we do in class. Ss need to learn to manage
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In Stamford, my 5th grader HW exceeds 10 minutes daily. Ts need 2b considerate of Ss after school life 2 https://t.co/O69R65IkWa
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Should school districts adhere to the 10 minute rule? It seems difficult as teachers try to extend their instructional time
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A2: Ps have to understand the rigor and stress of the school day. When they do, they will get why downtime at night is crucial.
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A2: I also assign 'play outside' as HW -then kids are technically getting homework?
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And how many kids don't do the flip anyway?
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A1: Homework is not necessary. Especially not daily.
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I agree. What will you do to change that?
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Very cool Connie. I didn't know you were writing a book. Can't wait. https://t.co/C5zy6YMHHa
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Hi Sorry I'm a bit late... VERY passionate about your topic ! Connie Hamilton co-author of Hacking Homework w/
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Love that! Nothing wrong with asking kids to spend 20 reading, either!
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Love it. Now I see what my Ss can write in class. Not what their tutors & Ps write for them :)
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A2: We must clearly communicate research & inform parents. This message should be ongoing and reiterated w/ a focus on family time
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If you want to change what they are used to you have to engage parents to help them understand why https://t.co/3u2wapzwVU
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A2 I'm happy to engage in a dialogue with parents about how and why we do or don't do what we do in class. Ss need to learn to manage
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Most Ps welcome less hw. Tends to lessen home frustrations once they understand the reasoning.
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and learn to ride a bike. Balance helps with many things
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Choice is important when designing any type of learning experience (including homework) for students.
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Could we assign homework - have a conversation with your mom/dad/bro/sis about their day? Technically it IS homework
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I agree but we need a consistent message across classroom and the field of education as a whole
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Show Ps how the cycle of instruction,practice, support,feedback,practice,learning occurs efficiently @ school making HW less relevant
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Yea Sept;) Have you received any feedback from teachers who have tried this assessment method?
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I always ask teachers when they give piles of HW. "Do you correct that?" Most times they say no. Breaks my heart.
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Love that - take a walk, read something, enjoy time w/friends & family. Notice something new - that's what HW should be
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Ah yes - I don't want to grade it - so why give it?
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Next question is coming up
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Yep! That's a good one! https://t.co/DiQr72qhtE
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Could we assign homework - have a conversation with your mom/dad/bro/sis about their day? Technically it IS homework
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agreed. I hate when my 10 year old comes home with ridiculous homework that means nothing https://t.co/wrYHXxt95X
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Most Ps welcome less hw. Tends to lessen home frustrations once they understand the reasoning.
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I don't want to grade piles of papers - I'd rather have a convo about what you experienced & learned & saw
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unfortunately, the general population still believes in this outdated practice. I have to do right by what kids need.
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A2) We need to show Ps the great impact of effective written feedback over arbitrary grades and percentages.
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If homework is supposed to be practice, then it shouldn't be graded anyway.
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We do have some Ps who expect it- Important to have these conversations.
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I'm curious: In your experience, parents most often want more homework? That's not the case with us. https://t.co/C5wm3wceHD
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Q2: How do you balance a parent’s expectation for more homework with your desire to give less homework https://t.co/Q9zRtoHkYJ
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When I see Ss copy HW off each other during lunch, Im upset w/Ts for assigning work that's easy to copy & Ss https://t.co/6pUYMYHCgN
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I always ask teachers when they give piles of HW. "Do you correct that?" Most times they say no. Breaks my heart.
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Also brings about the idea that it's tough to grade something you aren't sure the student did.
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A3. I find this to be the challenge, especially when everyone is expected to hit the same mark at the end of each semester.
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that's another layer for sure.
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What can happen w/HW:
1. Didn't do it.
2. Copied
3. Got help
4. Did it wrong
What good is all of that?
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I think you have both - I think some ps equate hw with class success? I have never had a parent say less hw tho...
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We need to add student choice into what we give and offer different, meaningful long term work Let kids have flexibility
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Im really into this for Ss to show me what they know, learn, & do. Using it for projects now
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A2:"Less is more"-Does your child understand the concepts? If so, have them read enrichment articles for science (Wonderopolis/ TNFK)
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everything is smoother when we're transparent
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Ooo...I will have to check that out! Thanks! ...that's my next project
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A3: Since I teach ELA/SS students are expected to read. Students reading something engaging that they understand is differentiated
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this is where the struggle happens informing Ps is a must
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especially if parents can't figure it out. Flipped classroom model seems a worthy alternative. We could even learn along!
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Just heard say this weekend. "Homework is often given too early in the learning progression"
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How do you hold them accountable for their reading?
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it should be clear from the onset of what the expectation is and the conversation on-going
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Agree! Kids have really stepped up reading this year with 's reading challenge! https://t.co/f9r8R39TUy
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A3: Since I teach ELA/SS students are expected to read. Students reading something engaging that they understand is differentiated
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TO differentiate work in my classroom Ss have choice menus like bingo boards, think tac toe, 2-4-8s.
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A3: Can differentiate homework by accessing student voice. Let them have input on how to show their own learning.
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can you send a picture of your board?
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A3: If it is math I write on it and differentiate it - otherwise HW is to read...read whatever you want for however long u want
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A2: I provide a list usually of online games to practice skills, used them in class so students knew how to access them
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Without a reading log... please?
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just say no to reading logs. Parents were so happy when I started this!
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huh! Interesting. Well, here's one parent who would support your efforts to change!
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A3) That's the key. It's about learning target mastery and not compliance assignments. https://t.co/WlGzhSIOjb
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A3. I find this to be the challenge, especially when everyone is expected to hit the same mark at the end of each semester.
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Agreed. And it involves student choice. Independent reading doesn't count as hw in my book. More a necessity.
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not so much held accountable as seeing the value in it. If they enjoy it and see the importance they will do it
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How do you hold them accountable of the games you assign?
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5. Created misconceptions and false understandings that are hard for Ss to unlearn. https://t.co/8ZWKhhXdD5
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What can happen w/HW:
1. Didn't do it.
2. Copied
3. Got help
4. Did it wrong
What good is all of that?
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100% it is expected in my class
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What if homework was to play a board game or TALK at the dinner table? What would that do for learning and families?
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I feel like more kids actually READ each night if they don't we talk about it -I don't read each night
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Plus accountability comes through conferencing f2f & journaling. Learn a lot through that.
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which all happens at school if managed correctly, maybe not every day but as much as possible!
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yes! https://t.co/vPEbRCPe6h
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What if homework was to play a board game or TALK at the dinner table? What would that do for learning and families?
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Yes! I suggested this earlier! I feel like SO much more learning can be done with this! https://t.co/65BmTLUrqq
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What if homework was to play a board game or TALK at the dinner table? What would that do for learning and families?
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if we created passionate and wild readers, most kids will read because they want to. .
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A3: Differentiate in the way it is completed, when its handed in, or points to be earned Ss may find intrinsic motivation
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As a parent I can definitely see the value in that non academic time. It is time to make connections and sharing
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Would we still call it "Homework"? https://t.co/r0R38418S2
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if we created passionate and wild readers, most kids will read because they want to. .
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"Passionate readers" -- isn't that all we want? Kids who love to read - thats so powerful
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Qt5: How do you prepare and support parents to help them assist their child at home during homework https://t.co/qRqyLTnFyN
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it all comes down to the love of it!
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It'd bring back traditional homework mighty fast.
Jk.
https://t.co/Ds0uxUG1vB
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What if homework was to play a board game or TALK at the dinner table? What would that do for learning and families?
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absolutely not. Negative connotation that comes with that word.
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most important "homework" of all. Tons of research on family dinners. Its undeniable.
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A3) Utilizing tech to engage Ss with their peers outside of school. Google Classroom, Twitter Chat, Podcasting
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It's important to get kids excited about reading- anything and everything.
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careful. Not teaching the parents. Changing mindsets is one thing. But not telling what to do.
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Building towards that should be the goal. "Skills" come from Ss ability to comprehend & discuss text at a high level
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A5: I find this to be the big work because Ps are the one that are supporting learning at home . I think parent nights are key.
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A5: open house explain try on own, come in with questions, let the teacher handle the teaching don't fight the battle
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A5) Becomes more challenging now for Ps with harder content and diff teaching methods. https://t.co/HF9zEncYtm
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A5: I find this to be the big work because Ps are the one that are supporting learning at home . I think parent nights are key.
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A5: Don't expect Ps to be able to understand Common Core math!
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A4. Continual coaching and not just on tools but on the process of meaningful use. We are only limited by our creativity.
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We always start with 'Math looks different than what you did'
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agreed, which happens in class during small groups, conferring, whole group, etc.
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I find with math we have to move away from skill & drill and shift toward application assignments that mimic the real world.
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A5: Providing online support and perhaps answer keys for Ps can help if Ss do have to accomplish some HW.
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What a great discussion! My mind is still spinning! Please follow new friends and expand your connections. Thank you all!
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Sounds like you've rebranded "traditional" homework.
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A5:Have a parent mtg to discuss short/long term goals. Ss should dev strategies for completing the assignments. Empower, not enable.
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I find that the flipping my classroom is helping.
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Even hard for us ELA Ts, too!
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Thanks for stopping by tonight!!!
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Thank you all for a great chat! Have an awesome week! So close to spring break! Bring it on!
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I see elements of collaboration & "good failure" in these outcomes. But homework may not be the best avenue. https://t.co/ihJeSr2LFg
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What can happen w/HW:
1. Didn't do it.
2. Copied
3. Got help
4. Did it wrong
What good is all of that?
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Thanks for dropping by and sharing with us
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Thank you for rocking the chat tonight. Please share with your colleagues to join the conversation.
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always helpful to get feedback! Sounds like you have a positive approach.
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CC math isn't much different than "old math" as written. Instructional strategies have changed, I'll grant you that.
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Great chat tonight !!! Never knew I was so passionate about HW until now!
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for sure. YOu def bring up a valid point about how we approach it. So thanks for that.
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Inviting to shift conversation to encouraging reluctant readers/writers in starts at 9pm EST https://t.co/9gfHmaqw5u
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Thanks participating and sharing this evening. We are all better when we share and collaborate
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thank you so much! Great chat.
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Thank you for participating this evening. . There is a lot of energy out their changing us for the better.
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that's def better. I don't get excited when my boss says "it's due tomorrow".
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