#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 September 13, 2016
Greetings! I'm Kristin and the moderator. I teach ELA and SS from Lansing, Michigan
Hi everyone! Kristin from Michigan- ELA/SS educator
good evening, - Michael from columbus, OH Math, Science, and Language teacher 6th & 7th this year.
Lorena from Dodge City, KS. I teach 6th Social Studies.
Welcome Kara! Thanks for being here tonight!
Hi Kristin. Bryan 6th grade ela from Ohio.
Hello 6thchat! Anne from NE IN. I teach ELA.
Also, if you are looking for specific advice for an issue you have this year, please ask tonight! We are better together!
Howard from NorCal. 15th yr full inclusion K-8. Currently 5 & 6 math/sci.
Hello. I am Brett Baker. I taught 6th for 12 years, now I am an E-Learning Coach integrating tech in all grades. Pennsylvania
Hi Bryan! Hope your school year is off to a fabulous start!
I love how this chat is open to collaborating above and beyond the questions! Thanks!
hello!! Ready for an exciting chat tonight!
During this chat, use the Q1/A1 format, BUT feel free to answer the same Q many times since we are sharing best practices!
This chat is an opportunity to share our thinking & resources! There are no formal Qs but rather big topic areas to share ideas!
Absolutely! So many Ts have needs beyond the Qs! :)
Leigh Anne from southern Indiana ELA
A1) I have Monday and Friday "Briefings" w/my Ss and allow them to add topics. Great way to open and close each week.
A1 Get the kids involved in everything. It's our room not my room. Celebrate successes and learn from our failures together.
Happy Tuesday
Phil, 5th grade teacher, from NJ ready to share. You guys are an awesome PLN!
a1: build positive culture. learn names. assume EVERYONE wants to learn and do well
Welcome Leigh Anne! So glad you are here!
A1: Kids need to move at least every 15 minutes. Let them know why they are doing each activity/lesson. https://t.co/RPJtcf0IHs
A1) Hand signals for bathroom and drinks allow Ss to ask w/o interrupting the flow of our activities and I respond w/head nods
Thanks - I got it in early to get here on time :)
A1: to me it all about building strong, trusting relationships with kids. They need to know you care
A1 first days of school I let Ss choose where they want to sit. Let's me see who are friends, who is left out, who works well
A1: To go off ; this year I let my Ss design the room. It is a process, but it is awesome. They are into it.
A1: A strategy I learned during S Teach is to just wait for students, don't yell over instead wait for them to stop talking on own
Learning names quickly is impt. If I mess up after day 3, the student gets a treat from me (and any time after!)
A1: community each day: a greeting, a discussion/activity/game, reflection. Ss love this time to connect & share their voice
A1 Good classroom management begins with relationships. When you have great relationships, behavior plans aren't needed as much.
I'm Lezlie-from Missouri & I teach 5th & 6th Grade Gifted Students ~Just able to stop by for a moment but wanted to drop in!
A1: to me its all about building strong, trusting relationships with kids. They need to know you care
A1: I try to be honest with the kids at all times--with reasons for why we do what we do and how it's important for their lives.
ohhhh that's cool. I challenge Ss to walk up to me and quiz me
A1- cont. Then I can form groups based on leadership, skills, or need.
A1 clear, high expectations, say what you mean, allow students room to fail, grow, and contribute to their learning, good lessons
A1: best management strategy? Listen! :)
- I gave up seating charts 2 years ago. Let kids move/stand/sit when they want equals less wiggling/sleeping.
I did this also. It really worked out; no problems yet. Knock on wood.
A1: Set specific routines, students know as they enter we do ind. reading and to get out a book (I also stand in door and tell them)
I do the same for the first week! Get a lot of information about Ss needs and friendships (or lack of them)
Hello everyone! Michelle, principal and 6th grade teacher from Saskatchewan, Canada joining in late again!
What has surprised you about them designing the space?
A1 building leaders not followers, who aren't afraid to take risks. I teach 6/7 in ONT
A1: I invite my Ss to question... They need to feel confident & comfortable knowing WHY we do what we do.
A1p2: lots of brain breaks, move magnets for restroom breaks, CHAMPS assignment checklist, humor
Agree...sometimes we want to hurry, but they are people, too and 6th graders are so social!
give them challenges (vs time or them vs. you) - get them united!
A1: So many answers with movement. I schedule a brain break every day.
Awesome! I'm almost there, I have a class with many leaders, that clashes at times. Using chart to spread them out
A1 Something working well this year is a noise level chart. I point to the chart and it gives a frame of reference.
a2: same answer: NAMES! you can't create community w/ Ss saying "you" and "that kid"
A1: The first 4-6 weeks really are important to establish routines & expectations for a smooth year.
A2) Play games like Breakout EDU, use Lego, PlayDoh, and gamify the classroom as much as you are able!
They wanted a library nook to use for reading (move it across room) They wanted a floor space for meetings....
A1b: Google Classroom has been a lifesaver! It's streamlined things for distribution & collection of digital work.
For me evryday and evry class looks different. Fortunate to have flexible furniture easy to move.
A2: classroom meetings! Modeling empathy
A1 Setting routines and practicing them takes time but is worth the investment.
A2 learn about your ss, care about them, let them get to know you, expect that they can do great things
They placed all my posters in great places, Took votes, drew diagrams, and made sure Seats provided space for them.
a2: make sure they are working with everyone at some point - random grouping
A2: Stealing an idea from & who do daily Q/A with students and respond daily outside of class on paper
A2: haha! See answers to question 1 😉 wow, are management & relationships/community SO intertwined.
A2: I work to build a community of readers. Book talks, Ss posting current books on padlet on bd, allowing Ss to chat up new books.
A2 We did a Google Slides "introduce yourself." Less threatening than speaking in front but we learned so much about each other.
A1b I agree Lezlie.
Google Classroom has changed the way we teach.
A2 Be comfortable being yourself. Let them know you and get to know them. Listen to them.
A2) Seating chart games and standing tables so Ss can get to know one another.
a2: part of my was an item that lets Ss pick a song to be played during class.
great idea! Can you share a picture?
A2 We worked on STEM type challenges the first week to help build teamwork, perseverance
The reflection piece is so important--one of the best "best practices"!
A2: Start each period with an attendance question and fun warm up. Play name games in beginning. https://t.co/lR56naAaic
Any ideas you can give? For 2 years, I used Gonoodle, but my current group despises it. Looking for ideas.
A2: Bring in reading material based on what students want to read. Had a high interest in comics so brought in comics Ss LOVE them
So glad you could! Jump in with any ideas to share! We are better together!
A2: Scheduling Bibliotherapy 1st. We used to "run out of time" regularly- & it's too important for Affective Needs to miss it!
I've used my iPad and an app called decibel 10th that measures volume. VERY visual
Agree! Without the relationship, nothing else happens nor matters
Amazing how much it means to kid when you tell them I was thinking about u when I read this bk. Think you'll like it.
Gotta reach them before you teach them
exactly! AND it's so rewarding!
I'm going to check that out! Thanks!
There are many websites with brain breaks. They love the partner games the best.
A2b: I still see the community oval w/everyone (including me) @ the same level to talk as powerful for relationships.
No I do not, unfortunately. It has been a challenge, but the Ss are working with it. Taking flex-seat.... To be con.
problem this yr is my class is SO QUIET. Can't get them to engage or discuss! Lots of pulling sticks
A3) I pretend my workouts are doctor appointments & will tell people that "I can't as I have a dr. appt". Keeps me away from DR!
What are some examples of your attendance questions?
That sounds awesome! Thanks!
A3 For me it's about balance. I need to be in the moment at school and at home. Still need to make time for myself.
A2 Something new I tried with Ss this year is the I Never Game. They learned many things about each other.
Flex seating to literal chairs. No room in our space for different tables and such, yet diff seats I think I can do.
a3: no checking e-mail after 7pm.
A3) I've been making smoothies for lunch w/protein powder, fruit & yogurt. It allows me to keep moving w/o skipping nutrients/lunch
Share any brain break ideas you have, too! Thanks!
A3 using tech like Google classroom or "formative"website for assesment. Saves time and shoulder ache.
A3 Get out of the building in time to go to the track and leave my laptop behind.
So many good ideas! I keep scrolling! Thanks for being here everyone and sharing! Inspiring!
we do this too! we ask ?s related to content, others are random like 'which came 1st, chicken or egg?'
A3: Fitting running in around the margins. Wish I could do better.
A2: Inclusion lssns: I notice, I wonder. Then "As an inclusive sch, what do the boxes represent for us, https://t.co/vQ3dWaBKs5
A3 Lots of reading and writing/blogging.
love the step by step directions for this! Great resource!
I am having the same problem. I have a few speakers, but many do not raise their hands.
A3 Using saves me a lot of time. My plan can be accessed from all devices, I can make notes, add links, and much more.
Thanks - was part of a 5 part blog I did on games and community. feel free to check it out when you get a chance!
Such a great idea! This allows our introverted Ss to talk!
A3: I value every second with my family.
A3: Uhhh. I'll let you know next year.
A3 Some teachers at our school are going for walks at break. VitD
Not familiar with that. Will check it out. Thanks for sharing.
AT least you're in the margins...I am not even on the page! https://t.co/Tl3n8svW50
A3: Fitting running in around the margins. Wish I could do better.
A3: 1 small thing is having a set time for when I should have finished a certain amt. of water & then refill & go 4 the next goal.
Agree! I love putting a book w/a note like that on their desk for when they arrive! Like a holiday!
A4: Manage time by living through Google calendar. Health - walk a lot, read before bed, and go outside. https://t.co/f9PideNvWy
A3 family first, eat well, exercise, SLEEP. You can't teach well if you're not well. For the ss you have to be healthy
This is cool. My brain is concocting an idea.
A4) I use student voice/choice boards, genius hour, and "race against time" to spur motivation and interest
What is race against time?
A4 Ss love genius hour, and coding in math, classroom economy
a4: coincidentally I'll be presenting on engagement at https://t.co/4FA4BCTYUf {E3D40E53-A501-E611-83DB-00505691327C}
what kinds of things do you have on your student choice/voice boards?
A4: Genius Hour is great for Ss engagement. If Ss have choice in learning they're more likely interested & engaged!
Thanks! I will check it out!
A4: Today, we mapped a story, and then for each event (exposition, climax, etc.) the kids acted out the scene. They loved it!
A3: I keep up with video games and watch movies...
A4 give ss actual choices, and reward effort not answers
A3- Saturday is a day for me and my family. No grading or planning allowed.
A4: for sure... Can't get much more engaging than being able to choose some of your OWN learning!
I'm trying to start every class with a great hook...YouTube, cartoons, and memes.
Does anyone use class blogs for engaging students?
A3: A problem for me. I can't pull myself away. I have problems :)
A4: Open maker sessions have rarely failed to bring in every Ss.
A4: Survey Ss about projects. Have them help you plan out project. Lots of choice. Give them time to lead. https://t.co/81DsCRBadf
A4: After rdg , I now try to let the kids get physical with crafting stories.Sticky notes, index cards to move around.
A4: I'm seeing a bunch of people talk about Genius Hour and thats something I want to try this year, just don't know where to start
What is student voice/ choice boards? https://t.co/Tej5mHpklx
A4) I use student voice/choice boards, genius hour, and "race against time" to spur motivation and interest
That's been a goal for two years now. Just need to make the jump!
I do. Each ELA class has a sister class in Indy or Cincy and they comment on each others blogs.
Cool idea. We just got a reading series and this would work perfectly for it.
Great idea. Very disciplined idea!
I can't find one right now, but I will send you one tomorrow.
A4: Today, I sat with a group to think through our next project. They had so much fun planning how to make it work.
we went to Admins as a division and asked for a hard line- too many Ts, Ps, and Ss were expcting responses after 9pm
- Race against time just sounds fun.
A4: Writing Assign: Write list of signif events in your life. You share your list b4 they start - get deep. Absolute engagement.
A4b:Implementing Periscope helps w/depth & engagement Ss go deep when the camera's on & there's an authentic live audience
I'm usually asleep by 9 (except on night). I wake up at 5! Couldn't do that!
A4 is my favourite. Students engaged and we can cover many of our ELA learning outcomes at the same time.
A4 Nothing like a crazy exciting game of
a5) and are two ways to get formative data in a fun way. lots of ways to use the programs in and out of class
. One class has connected and love it. It's working so well!
One of my favorites! Thanks for sharing!
I'm starting projects tomorrow that will allows ss to use their devices to make videos about the 1st amendment.
This! is amazing! https://t.co/6I9jKQ5Wa4
A3 Using saves me a lot of time. My plan can be accessed from all devices, I can make notes, add links, and much more.
A5: Google Classroom, I don't know what I would do without it
I'm not saying i'm always successful at it :) It's nice to know I don't HAVE to though!
I have used for a year...LOVE IT. Their team is very helpful too!
A5 Love to use for group collaboration.
A5 Hopscotch and scratch coding in math. Minecraft in math and science. Blogging math/lang. Seesaw for sharing with parents.
A6: I use MIT Scratch for everything: Science demos vs flash cards, math games...
A6 Schoology is a great platform for my class. Share daily agenda, can have conversations, post assignments.
I loved ; school moved to a web-based lesson planner. Had to say goodbye to last week :(
This is so true. We think we are heroes when we put ourselves last, but we are not doing anyone any favors
I must finish grading speeches. Thank you for a great chat.
A5: I start the yr. w/a Digital Bootcamp 2 teach how 2 use what they'll later have choice 2 choose w/Technology.
do you have any examples, tutorials, or such? I've never played with that
A5: All of the above. Yes to Scratch! We will code stories this year!
Agree! They are always there to help.
Any game where I moderate (I'm thinking of a word, number); they ask yes/no but I set a timer I win if timer goes off
A5: Use to create book trailers, very simple interface and with little effort can make HQ videos
My admin bought it for us. It's a really good investment...!
How is the new planner going?
A5 I am going to try out iMotion next week. Ss show step by step, building of their own civilization.
Thanks - i'll check that out tonight or tomorrow :)
A6) I use the comments in google classroom and & . Also old-fashioned sticky notes on their work!
A5b: I train a "techspert team" of Ss to help Ts & Ss integrate tech. They create video tutorials & speak @ our Ts conference.
Yes! So true! Students love using it. https://t.co/l5SmPVuRwL
A5: Use to create book trailers, very simple interface and with little effort can make HQ videos
A5 Google classroom has been our biggest tech push this year. Still learning.
A6: I love Classroom! When Ss are in the middle of writing project, I do formative assessment--commenting on stories/suggestions.
Authentic writing publishing options (blog, , website, video) depending on their audience
I'm loving Google Classroom!
A6: Do a lot of digital work, so post feedback as comments Ss can then see what needs to be fixed and can do then and resubmit
I am not loving it so far, but I am willing to give it a chance. Creating a sched (template) was ugh
A6 Time consuming but powerful are one on one conferences. With writing I love google docs and being able to leave comments.
Thanks for the love, Kristin! Hi - here to answer and Q's you might have on Kaizena for feedback :)
A5c: Google Class, Doctopus & Goobric w/GAFE for grading student essays from Google Docs! You can even record feedback 4 Ss!
Love . IT has changed how I look at my writer's workshop. Now a designer's studio!
a6: lots of comments / work on google docs. direct specific feedback eliminating "good job" and "nice work"
A5: I just discovered Zimmer Twins as well. Ss complete the animated story lines. Use the free "school" version vs the reg one.
A6 "Formative" website let's you give ss real time feedback and so much more
Me, too! I even call a studio!
Thanks for sharing Judi! Best wishes for a great week!
A5d: Remember to ask if it makes things more effective/efficient/easier for you. If not - it's ok to drop kick it.
A7) I love the for newsletters because I can embed them into my website, and send them via (my other fav)
a7: take your roster, divide it up over 5 to 7 days. send that many emails per day. find one positive thing for each child a week
A5e: EdPuzzle is great for flipped class videos that can be paused w/embedded questions.
A7 Just started having students post a weekly report on our class blog directed at parents. Pictures and video as well.
A7: recently found an extension for Sheets that allows multi-email from draft. Sent a Thank-You letter for coming to Open House
Me too! They love that they have freedom to create!
A7: Every Friday, Ss look up grades on Pschool, write on a wkly grade summary, take home to be signed. Parents are never surprised.
ohhh, what extension is that?
yes. when they are doing well I let them try and set a new high score :)
Oh my gosh...we are getting near the last response and I'm still reading answers from 5 and 6!!!
A6: Again G.Class w/GAFE, Doctopus & Goobric are great 4 feedback. It adds your rubric 2 their essay & embeds your voice comment.
Definitely. I understand there is a learning curve with anything new; so I'm keeping an open mind.
We switched our school newsletter to
Have not heard of this! Do I google "Zimmer Twins?
A7: Using 3 apps this yr. work samples (pics), Class Messenger 4 HW, GroupMe for sch emergencies (school closed down)
I can't wait to try it! It's what I've been looking for!
This is so good. Kudos to you! You inspire me!
I can't keep up tonight! So many awesome responses. I think I only got to A1 myself.
A6b: VoicethreadEdu is great for asynchronous video/audio or text feedback.
let me know how it goes. my Ss loved it last year
Agree! I love that app. Putting some together now!
A7: Google Classroom now allows to add Guardian e-mails and sends weekly e-mail with assignment updates missing/coming up
Love I too, am making one right now!
I seriously have about a dozen tabs open to "check out later"
A6- Notes on Google Classroom or sticky notes. Some times paper is better!
Q8: Your voice, your choice: What other Best Practices and ideas would you like to share with us? https://t.co/Uex7gemOOD
A7: Remind is a lifechanger! It's so fast! Put a direct link to your blog and send it out!
A7: Oh yes and Go Guardian sends Homeroom T's any internet filter red flags. We fwd those to P's. Part of our Tech Use Contract.
You can send a Smore through Remind? Mind blown!
I know! Lots of great ideas...I have lots to read and follow up on! I'll do a storify!
Gotta go, but thank you for keeping the going and for the reminders!
a8: I do a bi-weekly (not weekly b/c ) blog where I share some of my best practices-would love fdback: https://t.co/4UBGnJvr79
I did not know this! https://t.co/4rGiKofHC5
A7: Google Classroom now allows to add Guardian e-mails and sends weekly e-mail with assignment updates missing/coming up
A7b: Embedded links in your website to instagram, Periscope, vine, & your class twitter help this too!
Mine are generally 3-4 sentences long, nothing mind blowing
I know! Check out your stats on hits on your website...amazing how many people go there right away!
A7- Ps sign up for Remind 101- school wide texts.
SEnd the link! I also send the link to my website page where it is embedded!
That is how we send out our school newsletter. We can track views.
Thanks Leigh Anne! Have a great week!
A8 virtual field trips are awesome along with games!
Yes, Remind is an app. You can access it online as well!
make it bi-weekly per child, monthly - start small and be successful.
A8: Spend time with people on ! Great ideas every week! We really are better together!
Sorry Lezlie, meant this one. Is this an app? https://t.co/TXAmluLOTZ
A6b: VoicethreadEdu is great for asynchronous video/audio or text feedback.
A8: If you like look into Google Teacher Certification, I learned a lot about how to use GAFE better for Ss and myself
A very short, practical, do something tomorrow read!
I second that! What a creative bunch to hand out with. https://t.co/pVIyM1yiRX
A8: Spend time with people on ! Great ideas every week! We really are better together!
Oh! I use the online site & Ipad app but this year I just heard it's a chromebook app as well!
You taught me a new trick! Thanks
Great! The purpose of this chat! :)
thank you! This is another one I want to try it!
Remember to follow these awesome educators !! They are only a tweet away!
Until next week ! Stay tuned for so you can find all these good ideas!
Have to run! Thanks for all the idea sharing everyone! Thank for getting us together. Have a great rest of your week
can not believe the number of new resources I have to check out after just 60 minutes
Absolutely! I didn't mention voicethread also lets you upload docs etc., & annotate on videos!
A8: I started a blog that combines podcasts to listen to and lessons. the . Please check out! https://t.co/CSrnS8MFcd
thanks for the amazing chat ! so glad I was able to make it :)
Absolutely! I didn't mention it also lets you upload docs etc,. and annotate videos!
If you missed , look for coming soon so you can find the resources too! https://t.co/yLZ75LKVyw
can not believe the number of new resources I have to check out after just 60 minutes
so glad I was able to make this week! have an amazing Wednesday and beyond everyone!
A7: 2 more before I go-Pixton & Go Animate are great for comic creation and animations
Thanks everyone! You are an awesome community! Thanks for the great topics and leadership, !
Thanks moderators - Have a great night everyone!
