#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.
Welcome to #6thchat! Please introduce yourself, what you teach, and where! I am Kristin and teach ELA and SS in Lansing, MI. I will be moderating tonight's chat. Questions will be tweeted out from me.
While we will only scratch the surface of may of the ideas presented by author @DavidGeurin in his book Future Driven: Will Your Students Thrive In An Unpredictable World, this is an important discussion for us to have. David may be able to join us tonight! #6thchat
Talking about building a culture and having evidence of building a culture are clearly two different things. We have an amazing opportunity to influence our school culture with daily, small, incremental, intentional choices. Let's get to work.
#LeadUpChat#edchat
Welcome to #6thchat! Please introduce yourself, what you teach, and where! I am Kristin and teach ELA and SS in Lansing, MI. I will be moderating tonight's chat. Questions will be tweeted out from me.
Team building activity today! Put a random 4 items in bags, have teams choose bags and rank items in order of usefulness in random survival strategies. #TeamworkTuesday#firstyearprincipal
Hello #6thchat friends! Amy from MD, LA & SS (new this year) I just got back from a “Teach the parents Tech” session for our incoming MS students. I am bushed! Will catch up another day.
A1) Five years ago my classroom was more teacher driven; Ss used writing/worksheets to share thinking; we had to reserve time in computer lab. Little opportunity for Ss choice; Today, 1:1 devices. Students have lots more voice & choice opportunities. #6thchat
A1 If your classroom hasn't changed much in the last five years, are you truly staying relevant? The world on the outside is moving fast. Classrooms should be moving fast too. #6thchat#FutureDriven
A1: Same- I was never a row person. Always tables. Diff- I ask more questions than give answers, a little freer to be myself, ss don’t fill on the blank answers anymore, much more facilitating less standing in the front blabbing. #6thchat
#6thchat Jess from Iowa, I teach ELA. Excited to join although I'm pulling myself away from the first free reading I've done in a few days. Starting school is hard!
A1 Our teachers are now "guides on the side" where in the past they were "sage on the stage". The experience is now about students and their experience and the skills we help develop. #6thchat
#6thchat I think one change for me is that there is more collaboration. Ss talk & share ideas rather than work quietly & independently. More authentic writing too.
A2) A time capsule classroom holds onto the past & resembles teaching strategies of the past that may or may not be relevant to our Ss today; a time machine classroom works to prepare students to navigate the journey of their future. #6thchat
A1: I have worked hard to make my classroom a space that is inviting for kids. With grants, freebies from stores going out of business as well as my own purchases I have tried to make my classroom less institutional. #6thchat
A2) A time capsule classroom holds onto the past & resembles teaching strategies of the past that may or may not be relevant to our Ss today; a time machine classroom works to prepare students to navigate the journey of their future. #6thchat
A1: I have worked hard to make my classroom a space that is inviting for kids. With grants, freebies from stores going out of business as well as my own purchases I have tried to make my classroom less institutional. #6thchat
A2 Think about characteristics of a time capsule (static) vs. a time machine (dynamic). Only dynamic, forward-thinking classrooms can adapt and offer the type of experience our students need. #6thchat#FutureDriven
A2. The time machine is one where kids are empowered in their learning (student agency, voice/choice) and we gather their feedback - they are at the heart of the learning; in a time capsule the learning was forced upon them; #6thchat
A2: time capsule- everything stays the same even though it should change. Awkward. Inappropriately placed. Time machine- classroom adapts with the change in time, it progresses, and makes necessary adjustments, based on we have learned from the passing of time. #6thchat
I agree. I think some Ts believe they are doing innovative work when they use technology, when often, the technology is simply a fancy worksheet where Ss are doing work in silos. Better to think how Ss can be the creators of ideas, and innovators themselves. #6thchat
The lights I got at IKEA in the clearance bin for about $5 each. I wrote a grant for my chairs. The white pillars are from a Hallmark store. The hightop table is from a Quiznos. The chairs are from Office Max. The school didn't have to purchase anything in that picture. #6thchat
A2: time capsule- everything stays the same even though it should change. Awkward. Inappropriately placed. Time machine- classroom adapts with the change in time, it progresses, and makes necessary adjustments, based on we have learned from the passing of time. #6thchat
A2: Do you want your classroom to look into the future or preserve the past? I would always want my classroom to push the envelope and look into the future. #6thChat
A3) More than ever, Ts need to guide, coach, facilitate--provide Ss with time to explore their interests, be makers, creators, & assessors of their own learning. Voice & choice are truly necessary; we must be responsive to their needs. #6thchat
A3: teach them to think for themselves. To be risk takers and people who think outside the box and to reflect, plan, and make changes. Tt can constantly provide opportunities to practice and model and reflect on these skills. #6thchat
A3 In #FutureDriven classrooms, you'll find...
1. More student ownership
2. Better thinking, not just right answers
3. Opportunities to solve real problems
4. Mistakes are valued as chances to learn/grow
5. Creativity and empathy are as important as responsibility
#6thchat
A3. From "Future Driven" and David Geurin - learning content is important but if kids know how to learn (flexibility, adaptable, 4 C's) then they are indespensable. Classrooms need to be student centered where they are at the heart of all decisions #6thchat
A3: Students having an understanding that they need to be proactive about learning and not wait for someone to tell them what to learn or what to be interested in. Sometimes I feel like I have to teach them to even have an opinion! #6thchat
A3: I think when you plan for your classroom, you should always include students' ideas, input and vision. They are the ones learning and should have input in how they do so. #6thChat
We cannot wait for schools to catch up with where we need our students to be. I did a similar thing...applying for grant, and changing the options for where Ss can be in my classroom. We need to blast off even if our schools are there yet with $ .#6thchat
A3) It is important to also teach them social skills like conflict resolution and self control so their collaboration time is productive. They definitely need these skills for the future. #6thchat
A3: Students having an understanding that they need to be proactive about learning and not wait for someone to tell them what to learn or what to be interested in. Sometimes I feel like I have to teach them to even have an opinion! #6thchat
A4) I work on providing Ss with lots of collaborative work experiences; I enjoy games in the classroom and adding twists or "new information" that Ss need to use and respond to helps Ss practice flexiblity & adapt. #6thchat
A4: let the struggle on their own without stepping in. Allowing them to be uncomfortable. Have high expectations for all ss. Modeling flexibility and adaptability ourselves. #6thchat
A4: Put students in situations where they can't just follow directions to succeed. Students need to learn to collaborate, find resources, and deal with changing environments. #6thchat#FutureDriven
A3 In #FutureDriven classrooms, you'll find...
1. More student ownership
2. Better thinking, not just right answers
3. Opportunities to solve real problems
4. Mistakes are valued as chances to learn/grow
5. Creativity and empathy are as important as responsibility
#6thchat
A4 Working in groups with their peers, throwing fun activities into the middle of a critical thinking activity, and allowing them to pursue their wonders. #6thchat
A4: My 6ths has me last year as well. We had done downtime & they hit the filter block. A few said ‘I’m gonna plan my genius time. I’m going to look up recipes’. #6thchat
A4: I think honest conversation about the value in doing things that are hard vs. doing things that are easy can really sink in for 6th graders. They're old enough to start understanding how their brains work and the value in exercising them! #6thchat
A4: Collaboration is a must in my class. Working alone is not an option. Students must always collaborate in my math class to gather ideas with others. It helps them become adaptable to the class environment and their learning. #6thChat
I know what you mean! We have to develop the safe spaces where Ss can have an opinion, express it, and realize that it is okay to think differently than others. #6thchat
A5) One of the changes I will be making this year is to provide Ss with more feedback on their writing and provide Ss time to revise/rewrite. We will focus on how resiliency and perseverance are necessary when working to create our best work. #6thchat
A5 BHS students who work as consultants with our business partners know what it's like to have ideas rejected, deal with difficult situations, and still have to create value for a client. Real. Experience. #6thchat#FutureDriven
A5: Part of a child's score in our district is including the mathematical practices in their grade. It helps them exhibit perseverance in their math work. #6thchat
A5. We use lots of PBL and Design Thinking so students have to use inquiry and solve real problems. It has been fascinating seeing how they are developing as learners. #6thchat
Just had the Michigan State rowing team in to talk with our Ss today and they said that as a team they have high expectations of one another and that they work hard to be comfortable with being uncomfortable. Great discussion! #6thchat
The drop in price point & availability of tech has made making a sensory spot possible. I’ve wanted this for 18 yrs... & I started it with other staff throwaways. Now to build the music App. #6thchat#inclusion
Yes! I like to throw in a curve every so often when they are in the middle of an activity--a small challenge to add or change the direction of their thinking. #6thchat
A6) Ts must know Ss well for anything to matter in the classroom--Ss interests, worries, home lives, etc., all play a role in Ss ability to learn. So, relationships, & then relevance. Lessons & experiences become relvant when you plan with & for the Ss you know well. #6thchat
A5 I've moved to standard based grading which allows kids to show mastery of standards throughout semester. Teaches resiliency and not just a one time grade and move on. #6thchat
Q6: Your school's success is largely determined by the quality of relationships in your school. Stronger relationships=stronger schools. #6thchat#FutureDriven
A6: Relationships first because if students don't trust that you have their best interests at heart, they won't do much important for you. Rigor might beat relevance because if you learn to do hard work you can apply those skills to whatever is relevant. #6thchat
A6 Ask your principal/teachers what they believe in, what they stand for? Their answers will define your culture and climate. https://t.co/LY2kNhXRCA#6thchat
A6) #6thchat I think Relationships first and then Relevance. In our district, we are spending the first 2 weeks with activities that build relationships between Ts & Ss and Ss & Ss. This is imperative to make the most of our learning time together.
A7) Create share experiences w/Ss thru #classroombookaday; intentionally teach classroom habitudes; greet Ss at the door & have classroom meetings to help Ss get to know each other. #6thchat
A7: I work really hard to learn all kids names by day 2. I did this even when I was teaching 160 of them. With only 100 now, it seems easy! I feel like this shows them that I am working hard and my focus is on them. #6thchat
A7: Specifically in a math classroom, to instill a growth mindset. Let them know that not only mistakes are okay but they are expected. Homework is practice and should be used for such and should not be graded. By grading it you are penalizing practice/mistakes. #6thchat
I am loving the time that our district has given us with the expectation that we will build the foundation for our team through relationships! It's been great! #6thchat#waverlyedu
A7) @mrskochheiser & I are underway with #classroombookaday. In just 2 days, Ss are having great discussions about the idea that all are welcome. Inspired by #chadceverett, Ss wrote about what school should be like. Their responses floored me. So much positivity.
A8) Yet! I help Ss put this important word on the end of sentences when they lament that they don't understand something...yet! I also like to say, "we will figure it/something out together". "I believe in you." #6thchat
#6thchat Last question and I'm still chasing down answers and great thinking from a few minutes ago! Great thoughts tonight! So glad I am here with all of you!
A8 Words every kid should hear more often...
1. I believe in you.
2. I won't give up on you.
3. I have very high expectations for you, because I know you can do it.
4. It's going to be hard, but I'm here to help you get through it.
#6thchat#FutureDriven
A7: Class rules should create the culture. Today we did Take a Stand activity. I emphasized being able to disagree without tearing each other down & honoringbither views. #6thchat
A7: Class rules should create the culture. Today we did Take a Stand activity. I emphasized being able to disagree without tearing each other down & honoringbither views. #6thchat
A8: I just did an activity asking for feedback on what to say / not say, do / not do today (stolen from Twitter). Got some good insights. I regularly tell them how great they have done, especially when the class has done a great job as a whole. Max. love needed! #6thchat
A8 I try to stay up on what's going on in their lives and ask them about it. How was gymnastics last night? How was your game? Did you see the Indians won again? #6thchat
A7: You sharing that you feel that way is commendable. I like that you said... That is a great point. When you say that, others might fell [insecure/hurt] even tho u don’t mean it that way. Lots of preemptive work on my part. #6thchat
A8) I also try to point out when they have done something that they might not realize like...I noticed you compromised. I am sure your partner appreciated that. It was respectful of you to wait your turn to talk in your group. Simple things but specific. #6thchat
A7: I work really hard to learn all kids names by day 2. I did this even when I was teaching 160 of them. With only 100 now, it seems easy! I feel like this shows them that I am working hard and my focus is on them. #6thchat
Before you get away, thank you to everyone for being a part of #6thchat tonight! And, thank you to #futuredriven@DavidGeurin for joining us and pushing our thinking tonight! I hope everyone continues to push toward more innovate opportunities for our students!
