#LearnLAP Archive
#LearnLAP occurs on Mondays starting at 7pm Central Time. Guest moderators and participants discuss topics from author Paul Solarz's book Learn Like a PIRATE.
Monday March 28, 2016
Welcome to this week's ! We're talking about class meetings and goal setting tonight. I'm excited about this chat!
I'm Angela Rutschke from Caroline, AB. I'm a 6th grade teacher, whose quest is to become a full-fledged pirate!
Please take a minute to share who you are, where you're from & what you teach.
ESE lead teacher @ title I public all boys middle school. Just finished a webinar with cteched on learn like a pirate
Thanks so much for sharing! I hope it went well! Please consider joining the conversation starting NOW at . https://t.co/gKSw8mgmjZ
We will be using the standard Q1, A1 format and our discussion will be archived after the chat.
Cara from Missouri- 4th grade! Excited for my first tonight! Love the topic!
Nick Baskwill, NS Canada Grade 5, will be in and out with Report Card writing tonight
Welcome Laura! What an interesting teaching assignment you have! Glad to have you here!
I'm Kim from IL. I am a high school special education teacher. I co-teach biology too! Glad to be checking in tonight.
Melissa, fifth grade teacher in MA. In and out unfortunately. Monday nights are tough.
You're already there my friend! :)
Welcome Cara, you've joined a pretty awesome crew! I hope you enjoy!
Please include the hashtag, so we can all share your brilliance!
Hi All! Anthony from MashUp Math here in Denver, CO :)
Hi NIck! Great to see you, my friend! Good luck with the report cards!
I'm Gillian MacIntosh. I will teach primary/one in Nova Scotia in 2ish weeks, post maternity leave!
Hi Kimberly, it is wonderful you can join us tonight!
Question 1 is on its way in one minute!!!
Sarah Darnell, 4/5 Gifted Teacher, Southern Indiana
Hello crew! I'm Stefanie from Peoria, IL & I teach 2nd grade!
I wanted a challenge--boy I got one.
Happy to see you Melissa!
I'm Paul Solarz, a 5th grade teacher from Arlington Heights, Illinois.
Thanks Angela! Not down to crunch time yet, so hope to pop in!
HI! Paul! Looks like another great topic tonight!
I sure am :) Great to see you Paul! Thanks for allowing me to moderate tonight :)
A welcome diversion! Love the chat! and would love to set up a with you, it will be our 1st
Jordan from Princeton, NJ. Fifth grade T, on Spring Break this week.
I just participated in a webinar on your book Paul, in Tampa, FL tonight.
Hi Anthony, glad you could join us!
Hi! Jared from NYC, English Teacher for the Deaf
Katie from CA. High School teacher librarian. Impatiently waiting for my pirate books to arrive.
Hi, and . 6th grade GATE T from CA. Working on dinner. Will read between stirs.
A1: Class meetings set the stage for collaborative problem-solving, empathy & celebrations. We grow together through them.
Wish I could join the discussion but dinner calls. Hoping to catch one of these chats in the near future.
Really tough lately. Want some quality time with hubby before sleep. Sick lately, so making sure to get my zzzzs!!
We are glad to have you join us Gillian :) Great to see a fellow canuck!
I'm Kelly Ferrara from NJ. I teach 1st grade. I'm a 1st year teacher, so I'm always looking for strategies to add to my toolbox!
A1: it gives us all a chance to be on the same page, and make sure we all hear each others voices
A1: gives S opportunity to talk, have input into class.
A1b: Consequences must follow the 4Rs:
Respectful
Related
Reasonable
Responsible
Applies to ALL consequences outside meetings too
Hi Stefanie, we are happy you could join!
A1: Class meetings offer an opportunity for S voices to be heard. S choice/input is vital for a successful classroom.
A1- I think class meetings help establish a tone of community. Also gives students a chance to have a say in decisions
A1: Ss become more comfortable with each other, less fearful of making mistakes, better environment for a
I can only imagine :) I have 17 boys in a class of 26, a full class of boys would keep me hopping :)
A1: How you begin the day sets the stage for the entire day. Just like we need schedules and reminders, students are no different.
A1: It puts Ss at the center of the learning process & helps to create a classroom community!
A1 Morning Meeting sets the tone in our class from Day 1.Ss love it!
A1: Class meetings build community and trust
A1: class meetings are a time to practice social/communication skills, celebrate accomplishments, and learn about each other
A1: Class meetings positively impact climate. Meetings let us hear all voices and let Ss know they have a say.
Hi. John from Ontario teaching gr5&6 science
Welcome, Pirate Captain extraordinare!
A1- Class meetings are amazing. Just like family meetings to make all feel important, the class is a family with valuable opinions.
Thanks for having me! Excited to join!
Hi Jordan, I'm on Spring Break as well. It is a nice way to spend a Monday!
Welcome Jill! We are glad you are here!
Q1 Our meetings are led by the ss and help the class run smoothly. Question box for issues, decisions about class org. etc.
Welcom Jared! We are happy you could join us!
I like the question box idea. Allows Ss to offer ideas without feeling the pressure of attention.
Hi Katie! It is almost better than Christmas!
Thank you for having me! Glad to join!
Hi Marilyn! It is great to see you my friend!
Our next question is coming up in in just 60 seconds!
Aw, love the idea of creating a family culture in the classroom.
We will make sure to archive the convo for you :) It looks like it will be a lively one :)
Welcome Kelly! We are happy you are here.
A1 - Classroom Mtgs are the device I use when I want to be REALLY serious about something. Max. attention & seriousness from Ss.
A1 outdoor meeting space helps engagement. Class mtgs develop listening skills
A1: builds community too, gives ownership
Absolutely true! Ss become more empathetic when they work together to solve problems.
A1 - Classroom Meetings are one way we build our family atmosphere, correct problems, build philosophy, learn perspectives.
I love the celebration part of meetings SO much!
A2- We do a daily community meeting, but our class meetings are 1/week. Sometimes there is an agenda based off student inpit
A2: Nothing set. We have them when we need to shift thinking, focus, or when we celebrate something or share with the class
A2: Now I'm thinking not often enough. Agenda is usually loose as I prefer to let Ss dictate where it goes.
A2: We have a weekly class meeting with a set agenda. Ss add to the new business throughout the week. https://t.co/U3iji85Z2D
A2 I use morning meeting. It starts every day. 4 components: Greet, Activity, Share, News.
Q2 We have 2 sched. mtgs., but ss can request one if necessary. Happened once this year when ss knew cafe behavior was issue.
A2: In a perfect world, we'd do it every day first thing. But in the real world it happens almost daily sometime before lunch.
I really like the question box idea Melissa. I'm sure my Ss would like this too!
A2: not as often as I would like, Middle school gets 50 mins (40 on some days), & I co-teach, so they have to agree
A2: We open and close each day together but hold more formal meetings whenever necessary. Agenda depends on students' needs
Hey, Thomas Mision, college elemedu Stu. in MN. The Q2 caught my attention
It definitely sets a different tone. Ss change their demeanor the second the circle forms!
A2: More at the beginning of the year, mostly as needed. Several are scheduled, but impromptu ones happen too. Based on our needs.
A2: Hard to do this in HS classes w/limited time but happens when needed by T or S.
esp. considering my vol. work consists of mediating morn. meets. as approved by the T
A2: I also will hold meetings as the need arises. Sometimes we have to just come together to hit reset.
A2: I don't have officially scheduled meetings, but we do discuss choices as a class every so often.
A2 - We have REARJMCL daily where we discuss things specific to that day. Like a classroom meeting, but less formal & student-led.
so I come up w/ variety of topics, for this F, we're finishing up on how Unsung Heroes + Narrative connect w/ claudette colvin
A2 - almost every day! Built in to schedule 10:30-11:00am then recess. Usually agenda to share inspirational video, reflect, plan
A2 2/2 These are usually organic and everyone is expected to input. Class meetings helps show off Ss' awesomeness.
unfortunately, only small window of time, abt. 10 mins. b/c its unofficially on class schedule & thats how much we can spare 10min
A2: Formal class meetings every Monday before lunch for 30 min. Use 7 Habits for Happy kids to start. Informal meetings daily!
Glad to have you join in Thomas :)
A2 REARJMCL always at the end of day = ritual!
It was ss idea, but it is straight out of Responsive Classroom. Great way for them to solve issue without naming names.
Thanks! Sorry for swooping in like random Batman through window lol
What's Responsive Classroom?
Question 3 is up in just one minute!
Our REARJMCL is daily, but we have a weekly class meeting, even if it's short. Ss won't let us miss it!
This is why I like doing them Monday....before you fell the time crunch of high school.
I LOVE the sharing of awesomeness!
Agreed on that- my kids always look forward to them!
& yes, Evry Mon/Fri, when I'm there vol. for the whole day, we try and have convos abt. variety of issues
I like that idea & need to give this a try. It will be a good way to wind up the school year for us.
A3: Ss run our meeting! We have a rotating Class Meeting Leader & Ss vote on solutions, make suggestions & decide on consequences.
A3: Once regularly scheduled meetings were set up, Ss would become used to routine and take over. Also, Ss would be given roles.
YES! 4th quarter is when I experiment for what to change for next year.
A3: So we talk regularly, but not as S-led, so I didn't count them. S R in charge, set tone & topics etc
A3. Oh man, so ashamed to say its not vry Ss-centered, we sit on ground & I usually introduce topic then ask ?s
Looks like I need to get the book! I have Explore Like A Pirate. I need the rest of the pirate series.
Routine for end of day: Recap, Evaluate, Announcements, Reset room, Jobs, Mail, Chairs, Line up
A3: something new I'm trying is how students are seated, more circles, alternate seating. More comfortable, less teacher directed.
I think it'd like to try this!
A2 HS Bio 2. 15-20 mins on Mondays. Review week and everybody discusses how they are doing (usually hi lo format)
I am that person. Mostly because pobody's nerfect.
OH YES! All the "laps" are game changers for any educator and must reads for sure!!!
A3 after establishing/developing skills like REARJMCL, students naturally lead meeting too :)
You'll LOVE all of them Jared! I use daily, it's changed everything!
A3- Students present problems/Solutions, we vote-- I still feel like it could be more student centered even!
A3 - In our classroom, I distinguish between teacher-led "Class Meetings" & student-led "REARJMCL." Purposes are often different.
A3: Student led; use me for resource but I don't need to be in charge & have Ss prepare agenda & notes. Google Doc would work!
A3: Main weekly meeting (usually Mon) is led by different S each wk. This S also helps with weekly video newsletter.
yes. protocol shared district-wide by our ss facilitator several years ago
A3 - I hope that both are student-centered, though! The purpose for having them is to improve our classroom culture/atmosphere.
A3: Jumping in late - Jessie, from GF. Weekly class mgs start w/ a status of the class. This helps to guide the rest of our mtg.
I'm excited to own the series. I loved Explore Like A Pirate. Can't wait to read the rest.
A3: Use Gradual release of responsibility & early meetings to infuse leadership skills so Ss equipped w/ all tools needed to lead
It definitely makes this process easier. I went the other way, Ss were leading mtgs, now they leading REARJMCL :)
A3: mine aren't very student centered. I ask ?s and lead a discussion, Nervous about turning it over to 1st graders. Suggestions?
A3 still,our topics r a bit serious. We've delved into some religionempathyresponsibility,cyberbullying, butonly so much in 10mins
A3 Kids choose what we talk about based on their red dots--what was hard or what we should fix https://t.co/YKita9KNZk
We often have a small portion of the Class Meeting that is T-led, but I have to put it on the agenda ;)
A3-Ask myself if poss solution is to make my life easier or help Ss. There is a correct answer that magically fixes the other.
Ooooo, I LOVE the connection with the weekly video...I'll be borrowing that ideas for sure :)
Hard to believe how fast the time is flying! Question 4 in just 60 seconds!
A3: Mini meetings held Tu-Fri are more for schedule/reminders for day. Mostly by myself. Mondays are for Ss to set weekly goal.
My Ss have come up with solutions that I don't love, but if they are suggesting and voting, there is auto. buy-in
A3: District requires a weekly class mting (anti-bully program), I start them with weekly focus, but turn it over to Ss quickly.
I wonder if LOTS of practice &gradual release of certain pieces of the meeting first might work for this age-group?
Hopefully,Ive been getting lots of good topics/exp. so I can add meetings when I grad. bcome a T/get own class tho
If you've not already connected w/other educators at your grade level starting to implement , do so here: https://t.co/yqOsvP7qVV
Sentence starters help with gradual release. It's amazing with the little ones come up with.
A4. I think adding in pratical aspect can work, have project along meeting topic, 1/2
A4: class management has lots to do with it. Doesn't work if Ss are just calling things out.
A4: We start the year w/ a lot of modeling and gradual turn over to Ss. I tend to be controlling & have to make myself step back.
A4: Establish routines/procedures and norms. We come to the carpet and sit in a circle. Everyone has a choice to share/voice.
A4: have S leader, have an agenda, include a roundtable type item so things can be brought up, also spot 4 items to add to agenda
A4 2/2 Ex. For UnsungHeroxNarrative meet, I will be asking Ss to find an unsung hero in Hist.& explain how social narrative=unsing
Works for older Ss too! Compliments start with "I like..." Encouragements with: "I notice that..."
A4: Have an agenda, Ss sit in a circle, become a participant, not the leader, listen more than talk, support their decisions
I love the idea of sentence starters even for older Ss. Good way to model idea of class meeting.
Great chart! love the idea, gives you feedback for the week! Stealing it!
RT:We have a weekly class meeting with set agenda. Ss add to new business throughout the week. https://t.co/fojrYXUmdx ”
A4: Good classroom management is a must, also having a set agenda to stay on task.
A4-Ss have to believe T cares above all else.
If you're trying out some of the ideas in & would consider moderating a future chat, please sign up here: https://t.co/ND1yt8VMG0
SO true! They also have to know you will support their decisions. That can be challenging sometimes :)
Are you ready? Question 5 is coming up in the next minute!
Ss discuss w/out raising hands. At beg. of year we would do it and then reflect. Ss came up w/ideas and solved issues.
A4 - Tips for Effective Classroom Meetings:
- Familiar STRUCTURE
- Purpose
- Quick-moving
- Student-led as much as possible
Anyone use a class meeting to check in on 20%time/genius hour projects? I haven't thought of that.
anyway, that's all for me, gtg. Good chat, see ya!
At every level they help the convo move. Starters for new ideas,building,disagreeing, complementing.
Actually, Q5's worth staying for
A4: consistency, routines, and good listening from t and s
Interesting idea! I hadn't thought of it either! We usually use them for other purposes, but what a nice way to share
A4 - formative assessment
A5. So the 4thgraders I vol w/ are actually pretty energetic, lots of interruptions, distractions, side convos. Prob. my bad manag
A5: We sometimes go LONG! Some silly behaviours at times, but Ss brainstorm & set goals for improvement & this helps!
A4 I try to introduce Robert's Rules of Order, but I think the Agenda is missing - learning in stages.
A5: Biggest challenge: TIME! When you make time for little things it pays off in bigger things. It's about building relationships.
A5: I have a couple of Ss who like to dominate the air time - working to pull out the more shy Ss
a5 Used to hold class meetings on friday afternoon, not good to many emotions, moved to Thursday, and Monday goal setting!
Also, some have issues w/ self control, so I usually try to make some meets vry Ss-led, less me talking, but also reinforce expect
A5- Class meeting challenge- Ss addressing each other by name. Adding that extra level of respect isn't normal for them.
A5b: My own challenge is to trust the Ss. They take it very seriously, especially the Leader!
A5: at times my primary/ones over rely on me to lead rather than listening to each other. Any strategies to help with this?
A5: Time, convincing co-teachers it is for middle school too. S learning structure early in year.
A5 - Challenges:
- Finding time for Class Mtgs (Prioritize them!)
- Getting Ss to get the most out of them (Have strong purpose.)
Like with all things--time is a challenge, focusing on prob SOLVING, not just whining
its something I struggle w/ my own inexperience anyway XD
A5- Getting kids to genuinely listen to one another! Something we work on all year!
I often times have to look down or somewhere else so they discuss and don't rely on me ;-)
We do this during every compliment and encouragement. Nothing sweeter than hearing your name :)
In addition, 10 mins. time limit a struggle,so not enough time to do much w/meets so, constant-revisiting of topics
A5: Need time in HS classes for this & then need 100% participation.Ss let other Ss do all the talking. Some choose to be left out
A5 over time, Ss have a way of helping each other with "rules of engagement" This is most rewarding outcome of . Thanks
A5: Watching clock. Ss have a lot to say, we practice getting to the point and not being so wordy. Also, practice disagreement.
Raised hands bug me....I just want to have a conversation.
I wonder if that happens in every classroom! Certainly does in mine too https://t.co/BWp74OfEYG
A5: We sometimes go LONG! Some silly behaviours at times, but Ss brainstorm & set goals for improvement & this helps!
A5 biggest challenge making sure everyone is heard,
Start the year w/ Marble Theory so Ss learn that everyone has something to offer. Get Ss in random partners daily.
Question 6 in 60 seconds!
In K, I wore a big red circle with a line through it (no teacher) to show when they needed to help each other :)
but as you move through the year hasn't it gotten better? Mine is up and down, depending on barometer
We all have those one or two students who can't just answer with a simple response. A story always ensues...:)
We use talking chips at the beginning of the year. Each child gets 3, they must use a chip to comment.
We had many convos about telling vs tattling, what was meeting material, etc. It's a process for sure!
A5: a few Ss interrupt, throw temper tantrums to get attention from group. I ignore behavior & giving positive compliment ASAP
Such an important a difficult skill for anyone to master!
A6: Class goals are set during the Class Meeting & Ss brainstorm solutions, reflect & determine consequences & give feedback.
Can only use 3 (no giving chips away) - on the other hand, you must use all your chips (must talk)
but it also helps that my own planning's gotten better & reinforce concise answering/discussions instd of tangents
A6: We used to to discuss growth and fixed mindset - awesome caonversation there, then Ss talked goals for getting to GM
a round Table! why can't it be a conversation like you say?
Great idea to set a class goal and use meeting to check in on class progress.
A6: we make a plan on a page at beginning of the year w/mission & 3-4 goals (some short term some long) Used to guide meetings
My Ss are trying this out right now! Many didn't like raising their hands either!
A6: We always use SMART goal setting on Monday for the goal for the week.
A6: challenge them to solve issues that come up in meeting, then can springboard to other goals
A1: Think of small ways to give students real choices as often as possible, ie Choose 1 of 3 readings, offer various outputs, etc.
I like the "Cateyes!" because they have many foci!
I have used those as well, also for group discussions, even within table group
We just finished a great unit by on a growth mindset!
A6: Speaking and listening goals for sure. Also, can turn status of the class into a goal setting session: What is our goal?
A6: We set whole-class goals everyday in REARJMCL & work on personal goals every Fri using SMAARTER Goals: https://t.co/swzeEljsSk
A6: We also use school agenda books to keep track of events and goals (not just for homework). Also setting organizational skills.
A6: set goals about how we can show respect, usually several times per week. Ss pretty good at making their own goals!
Question 7 is right on deck!
A6 with a leaderboard. Use board to discuss class and make goals. Like a company would with a business profile.
We're entering the final week of the Bulk Order Promotion to celebrate the book's 1-year anniversary: https://t.co/J2Ku7c71Ep
Now that we use REARJMCL Ss are MUCH better at making goals. I like using the Class Meeting to reflect.
(oops, my A1 was for old Q from November that popped up somehow when searching....) It's my first Edchat, sorry!
A7: It let's them hear how others are doing, allows for more feedback from others and can get pumped up by classmates
A7: This is built into our routine. We always look at old business first to determine if our solutions & goals are working.
at the beginiing of the year they were not used to being asked what do they want to work on? How are you going to do that?
A7: a report out session, in smaller groups then share some key ones, or turns at each meeting (4 or 5 S today, more next time)
that acronym is something I definitely need to look into and try! I've been hearing so many positive things about it
Thanks for joining us Melissa! I hope you have a great week!
A7: Reflection is area I'm constantly working to improve. I rush and often forget how important reflection is to a goal/lesson.
A7: Love reflecting. Show them my chart that keeps track of ? missed/not missed & what concept, then we make plan/celebrate!
A7 Reflection is also a challenge with Ss who haven't had a lot of experience w/it also
thanks fr discussion abt. class meetings, allowed for some self reflection!
A7- Use class meeting as midpoints of bigger goal. Maybe Ss aren't there, but even little progress deserves celebration.
I find a lot of reflection on my way home every night, but find little time to write down redirection myself
A7: We start with discussing and reflecting on whole group goals
How can I use class meetings in a HS classroom? Much of the convo seems geared to elementary.
This is an area I'm working on too!
Final question coming up already!
A7: asking Ss if they met goal from yesterday. Pack-up may be a good time to reflect too
A7: We reflect daily - part of our status of the class. Always reflect on what we learned and then, ask where are we headed.
Celebration of progress leads to more progress and greater gains and greater celebrations.
Thanks for joining us, Thomas! It was wonderful to have you here!
A7 - agree! Making goals public is good plan for your reasons.
If you're yearning for some MORE learning, don't miss in just 5 minutes!
A7 been working all year getting my Ss past "I did well" or "I didn't do well." and stopping there.
Do you use socratic seminar? I apply a lot of that to class meetings/discussions.
Class Meetings can be used with every age group. I'd talk to your Ss about what they think it should look like.
A7: Students evaluate themselves daily using a rubric to evaluate our progress on our toughest goals. https://t.co/NUz7TgOQhO
It can be hard w/time but it's imp. It's good to start class w/mtg & keep agenda. I'm HS T & try once a wk.
Responsiblity Partners & Quality Boosters from might help Ss dive a bit deeper with their reflections?
A8: Need to make time for HS classes. Also like idea of sentence starters to get the meetings going if Ss can't find voice.
A8: I am going to try a more structured agenda and am looking into marble theory. Thanks
Paul how often do Ss complete the rubric? Do you share with parents?
A8 class meetings can be organic as long as they are genuine. T isn't the only solver or encourager in the class.
You also work through those amazing 21st century non-academic skills!
A8: some of the obstacles associated w/the upper grades. 7 classes a day, etc
This is awesome. How long would you say it takes Ss to finish? And do you ask follow-up Qs?
A8 Reflection, The Ss need more time to reflect - changing plans fro coming week immediately
A8: Tips for engaging Ss who seems to not care or laughs at other students consistently, even after T meeting with him 1-on-1
A8: Worth the time invested. Ss need to know they are part of the community and are cared for before they can learn.
Tremendous thanks to for moderating tonight! Awesome as always!!!
Thanks for wonderful chat, the Question Memes were simple and elegant! - learned lots tonight.
Thanks Paul! It is always such a pleasure :)
