#5thchat is for people interested in chatting about topics in education, especially as they relate to Grade 5. The goal is to connect people who enjoy learning & sharing, plus supporting & creating partnerships worldwide!
I'm Paul Solarz, a 5th grade teacher from Arlington Heights, Illinois. Will be in and out tonight, but I'm sure it's going to be a great chat! Thanks to @Mr_F_Learning for moderating!
#5thchat
A1 We do have the same time. We use it to plan sometimes together and other times solo. We always discuss and collaborate though because we each take a subject to plan. #5thchat
#5thchat A1: We're a team of 5. 4 have common planning. We're all new to the school or grade level.Collaboration is very superficial. We'll get there...just not yet!
A1 - We meet twice per month before school for team meetings, every week at lunch for a Math PLC, and we schedule other times to work on curriculum or specific events like field trips. #5thchat
We have a team of 6 teachers with 90 minutes of common planning time. We meet every twice every six days for curriculum planning or business items. #5thchat
A2: Planning with Ts that teach in the same style - student led, inquiry/project based. Common grades do not always mean common planning or ideas #5thchat
#5thchat A2: Having a scope..knowing what our end goals are...preparing to share before MTG to be able to meaningful collaborate,,,,reflect and know where you need assistance and be ready to ask
A2 This 1 stumped me. I feel like we're very lucky in our district and I know I'm lucky with my team. We work well together and meet daily even if just for a few minutes. #5thchat
The 2 unit leads send out a google form with ideas on how the mtg could go then plan it based on feedback. It’s been AMAZING since we started it! #5thchat
A3: Not currently, my students leave the building after me and head to 6th grade at a middle school. It would be interesting to see what is happening in the grade below #5thchat
Agreed. We know the standards covered, but mtg with those Ts could allow a share of S common strengths and weaknesses instead of figuring it out by trial and error #5thchat
#5thchat A3: No vertical planning. Have done some in the past. It helps Ts become forward planners. Having open, honest discussions amongst grade levels makes a schools program more effective.
A3 Great question! We do have the opportunity to hold spiral discussions. which helps us maintain existing successful strategies & also to see how the curriculum is aligned. Where they've been and need to go. Plus fresh ideas! #5thchat
#5thchat A4: Short answer: Always stay focused on what's best for students. Their needs keep us humble. If Ts become cliquish with each other, they usually don't have good relationships with their students.
A4: Work on different committees w/other Grade Levels. Support your school’s extracurricular activities-BBgames, plays, concerts, robotics etc... #5thchat Get to know people in your building! 😎
A4 Stay open, seek other opinions and input, and always keep that door open literally...if you can. When people come in to share something, make sure they feel welcome to do so. #5thchat#IHateCliques
A4 Good question. Ask about cool things you see going on in other’s rooms, partner up on projects across grades, interact w/ their social media #5thchat
A5 Communication, communication, communication! Conflict will always be there, it's our reaction that we can control to help us move forward and do what's best for our students. #5thchat
Do you document this? Shared Google Docs? I am looking to start building a document of writing skills necessary for 3-5th, but thinking about the best way to get started. #5thchat
A5 conflict is best handled right away, not ignoring the situation. Talk it out 1-1 or as a group if necessary. Remember that it’s IDEAS we are conflicting with and not PEOPLE. #5thchat
I know. We don’t have time to meet with others so our team building is during our meetings. It’s not meant to alienate anyone, but to bring people in. I really appreciate being pushed on this thought #5thchat
A6 We meet every 2 weeks with our principal, reading spec, and rest of the team to go over data and strategize on any changes we need to make. #5thchat
A6 our admin is almost always present at our meetings. It’s helpful bc she always knows what’s going on, has ideas to share, and its never weird that she’s there. #5thchat
#5thchat A6: Personally I would like to meet with my Adm every month. It's easier to clarify in person. Having admins at every grade level mtg inhibits some personalities and realness.
Depends on what we're discussing. We discuss individual students as we look at each skill and look at the intervention planned. We also look at the whole group as we discuss whole group plans/lessons. #5thchat
A6: 🤔 Monthly? (Could be online chat) It’s important to be in front of data and goals to provide growth for Ss and differentiation. Ts and P should be on same page. #5thchat
A7 tough ? Our school is pretty intense; it takes a good 2-3 years to get somewhat comfortable. Change is good for T and Ss. Maybe every 5 Years? #5thchat
#5thchat A7: Are you talking moving Ts to other grade levels! If so, I feel it depends on individual Ts. I prefer to change every 4-5 years because I get bored. However, I know some who have taught same grade for 20 years who are phenomenal.
Thank you to all who participated in this weeks #5thchat Consider the conversations we had this evening to help facilitate positive change for your schools and students.
