#6thchat Archive
#6thchat is used to chat, collaborate, and grow with other sixth grade educators from around the globe. Each session we discuss a topic voted on by #6thchat participants. It's a great way to help grow your PLN and share ideas with others.
Tuesday January 12, 2016 9:00 PM EST
Welcome to ! We're talking about our chat's direction & brainstorming ideas. I'm looking forward to this discussion!
I'm Angela, from Caroline, Alberta. I teach the core subjects, leadership & as well.
Please share who you are, where you're from & what subjects you teach.
Tonight's the night! Help grow & inspire! Join us now for a chance to guide our group!
Leigh Anne from Indiana 6th ELA
Welcome Leigh Anne! It is great to see you!
Q1: What educational topics are you most interested learning more about?
Thanks Angela. I wish more were here!
ME TOO! I've been feeling a bit discouraged...hence tonight's conversation :)
I usually just forget - not because of lack of interest.
A1: Effective math strategies, PBL, gamification, coding, boy-friendly strategies, teaching empathy, motivation/engagement
Michelle from Avon, Indiana. I teach 6th gr LA
There's a fellow Hoosier!
Hi Michelle, it is wonderful to have you join us :)
That is good to hear :) Any suggestions on how to help ppl remember us ?
I think I missed he question.
I like frequent reminder tweets, but that is just me. I am on a lot but seems like I miss these.
Q1:What educational topics are you most interested learning more about?
A1: I would like to know how you monitor/grade student blogs.
Q2: Which guest moderators would you love to hear from & why?
Thanks! I have been doing reminder tweets, but perhaps I need to up the number over the week a bit :)
A1 I am really interested in assessment right now. Formative/summative, grades/standards based.
Awesome topic Michelle! Do you blog with your Ss already?
My students blogged when I taught 4th, but I haven't tried it yet with 100+ students.
These are definitely timely! Do you have any specific assessment strategies you are most interested in?
Our LMS is Schoology & there's a discussion assignment I use. It works kind of like Facebook. The kids like it.
No, I just need ideas in order to make changes. Our assessment practices need some work.
We just started a book. I would love for them to blog about it.
I am sure students love interacting with each other, can other people participate? (Ps, etc.)?
They will definitely love it! Do you have a blog platform in mind? and are both good IMO
Q3: Which educational books would be interested in talking about most?
I do have a weebly account. Haven't used it yet. I need to do that this week!! https://t.co/HXPCbz5bBd
They will definitely love it! Do you have a blog platform in mind? and are both good IMO
I just finished Teach Like a Champion. Great read!! https://t.co/AKnODpJfjo
Q3: Which educational books would be interested in talking about most?
This is a hard question b/c it is a grade level chat. I tend to read reading/writing PD bks because that is my subject.
I think that we can look at a few different ideas :) I'll keep my eyes & ears open for some gurus :)
I haven't read that one yet :) Thanks!
Good point! We could do some focus chats on ELA though, as that seems to be pretty popular :)
What about writing across the curriculum? That would include content area teachers too.
A3: Teach Like a Pirate, Learn Like a Pirate, Zen Teacher, Guided Math, Explore Like a Pirate, Innovator's Mindset, Well Spoken
EXCELLENT idea Leigh Anne :) That is an area that many Ss struggle with as well!
Q4: What are some challenges you have when teaching this age group?
I also liked Learn Like a Pirate. Great book!
My FAVORITE books of all time! We are trying many of 's ideas this year.
A4: I think the kids are occupied with clothing, friends, boy/girl things. And they're emotional.
His 21st century skills...love it! https://t.co/s1RYyDFpMV
My FAVORITE books of all time! We are trying many of 's ideas this year.
I also feel like 6th grade is the year their love of reading dwindles for a lot of kids.
A4:Keeping all Ss engaged, encouraging excellence over done, emotions, incomplete assign, attendance
Q5: We all are doing AMAZING things! Please share a topic or project you might like host a chat about.
Talking about these skills could definitely be a chat topic. Are you interested in hosting, ?
Isn't that SAD! This is the age reading can become AMAZING if they hold onto their passion.
Jen from Red Deer checking in... Sorry for being a bit late!
YAY! I'm glad you made it :)
thank you! I am currently in a spa finishing a pedicure! Lol! A5: I'm not sure I have expertise to share!
Do either of you have hygiene issues with Ss? If so, how do you handle those?
Once your Weebly is set up, we'd love to connect with you! Ss LOVE it when other kids comment on their posts!
I might try hosting but would like to stick with more of a literacy topic.
I know!! I agree!! So I read what they're reading and we just chat about books. It helps!
YES! I try to address these topics in health class as a group, but I've had convos with Ss privately.
Why do you think their interest in reading dwindles?
I'm going to work on getting that set-up! I'll let you know when we do! Ty!! 😃
YOU have so much to share! Your Dragon's Den project is VERY worthy of a chat!
Not all of ours have health at the same time and we have had private convos. Still not working.
Have you ever involved parents in the discussion? Thinking that might be next step.
Q6: What are some ideas you would LOVE to try this year?
I wonder if this is the age that Read-Alouds & Independent Reading time often stop?
I'd love to share philosophies on building rltnships & authentic assessment to honour my mentor. I'll need to research..
What is the Dragon's Den project?
I try hard to keep parents informed. They can participate in any way they would like.
Thank you! I am humbled... We both worked on that! I'd love to chat about it!
P involvement is crucial! They're the ones that can help their child the most, but they're often unaware
THAT would be so wonderful Jen! You let me know if you need anything & when you might be ready :)
A prjct where Ss create an innovative product & learn about business plans, persuasive writing and speech.
Sort of like genius hour but more business oriented?
A6: Gamifying one topic in science, effective math centers, coding, more green screen videos
I have forgotten...do you do AR?
A5: FAR from an expert, I'd be willing to talk about room arrangement, boy-friendly strategies, tech integration
Q7: What educational trends do you really disagree with?
That helps SO much! Ss stay connected to reading through YOUR connection to them :)
I'd love to learn green screen and I'd also love to do my first google hangout...
Accelerated Reader. Comprehension based question online program. YUK!
I was not really a fan, but after reading ,I'm completely convinced there are better ways.
You are AWESOME for doing this while you are at the spa...that is dedication my friend!
I would love that! Let me know when might work for you & if you need anything. I can hardly wait!
lol! It actually is a great place for reflection and introversion! 💘
Not behind the times at all...cutting edge all the way! We'll get you going on both! :)
I need to sign out. Thanks for the chat !
Not familiar with Penny Kittle, I will have to do some research :)
Thanks! You guys are great!!
Well thanks to you and I can whole-heartedly announce my aversion to whole class novel studies!
I really appreciate your ideas tonight! Archives will be at https://t.co/GNhnK91DCF shortly. Thanks for being part of , you ROCK!
I'm so glad you joined us Michelle! Same time next week? We now have LOTS of chat ideas :)