The #2PencilChat is a weekly conversation about educational technology. As we enter a more student-centered age, let's talk about using all the tools in our toolboxes to be innovative and dynamic teachers.
Ben from NC. 5th grade. Everything. All tweets are my own and written by me (except for retweets) I am a writer at heart and used to write a mean blog (like really good mean not mean mean) I also wrote a song about it. Like to hear it? Here it goes! #2PencilChat
Good evening, #edchat and #2pencilchat. I can't decided on one, so you are set up in side-by-side columns on Tweetdeck.
Just rolling off a 3-hr negotiations meeting. Let's see what's left in the tank!
Karl, 3rd-6th gr basic skills ELA teacher from the Jersey shore.
How's it?
A1: I want my Ss to see learning/writing everywhere. So let's write to express/explain our ideas about social studies, science, math & to learn how to communicate our ideas #2PencilChat
Hi all! My name is Sarah Polanc.
I'm a 6th grade ELA teacher. I'm studying Social Media in #EDET543 w/ @dianadell. We're learning about Twitter chat. This is my 1st time participating w/this chat.
#2pencilchat#EDET543
FA1: Title: What in the World. Trailer would read: The most organized and put together person in the world. He only has one mission: keep his room clean everyday #2pencilchat it is of course quite fiction.
A1: Because writing helps Ss create meaning like nothing else. I think we undersell how complex writing is and how much it can help clarify and refine thought! #2PencilChat
Because being able to express yourself is a universal need not just english. I teach science and require my students to write a 5 paragraph paper at the end of each unit. #2pencilchat
Purposes & needs change. Assimilation & application of skills & knowledge changes. Writing provides an avenue for critical analysis and evaluation. Those are necessary in all content areas.
#2PencilChat
A1: People use writing skills in every part of their life not just in one area, so their writing should not happen in isolation. It should reflect real life. #2pencilchat
Writing will be required and used in all areas of life beyond the applications within our classrooms. Students deserve relevancy, preparation, and consistency in learning to write #2pencilchat#edchat
A1: To help students understand how to put their thoughts on a page. I have really been loving sketch notes with my Ss. Though it is still tough for some of them to pick up that heavy #2 #whodoesnumber2workfor? #2pencilchat
A1: Writing does not happen in isolation in life, so why should it happen in isolation at school? SS need to see that connection bc of our modeling. #2pencilchat#EDET543
A1: Writing is a process that isn’t afforded in any other way. To be able to put your thoughts to paper, reflect on those thoughts, edit those thoughts, and assure they an accurate portrayal of your thinking is intellectual gold (no matter the subject area) #2PencilChat
I would also add can help most students connect their understanding in a way that is not JUST choosing the correct choice. Knowing the why. #2pencilchat
A1: In real life, writing doesn't just happen if you have a job in communications. Kids need to be able to express their thinking across all areas. #2PencilChat
writing is about creating opportunity ... i think "creating opportunity" is my mantra ... Maybe I need to do a #hacklearning by Creating Opportunity or or Maybe Create Opportunity like a Pirate or UnTeach through Creating Opportunity ... #2pencilchat
Yeah, looked at the gif after I posted... why is it fake? and what's a fanfiction? I tried Wikipedia, but couldn't figure out how it could be about my life? #2PencilChat
Conceptual >>>> procedural understanding. Many of my Ss are strong w/ math facts but I'm more concerned if they can explain HOW they got their answers #2PencilChat
I'll piggyback this and say that I like my students to see *their* ideas. I want them to see *their* thinking. I want them to value what they have to offer. We value artistry and athleticism. I want them to value their ideas, their opinions, their reflections.
#2PencilChat
A1 When I write down (and draw) about what I've learned or discovered, I'm writing it into my memory. Using writing to define your process or your findings helps you to strengthen your growth.
#2PencilChat
A1 i think this is the way it has been for years so now we have the opportunity to make change & engage Ss in creative ways to write & amplify their voices to authentic audiences. #2PencilChat
A1: Writing literacy is a MUST-have skill. How can you answer open ended questions in science or history or whatever if you don't know how to articulate yourself in writing? #2PencilChat
A2 sketchnotes and blog posts are two of my favorite ways, but I find that if you allow children to show their thinking how they want to, they can be very creative. #2pencilchat
A2: I really like quickwrites at the beginning of any class for any subject. The idea would be the students write about what they learned last class to retrieve that information in their minds. Importantly they shouldn't look at their notes during this time! #2PencilChat
A2: We usually write a Revolutionary War essay. We also write haikus about things we have learned in all of our classes and create haiku tunnel books. #2pencilchat
A2: Again with sketch notes, we can tie concepts/vocab for Science to a visual and written model. Also I love having Ss add to either my wonder wall as well as @googleclassroom to get those typing skills and digital citizenship (and convos) going. #2pencilchat
I'm bored with compare/contrast. In ELA we are making Ss sort novel characters into groups based on traits. They have to justify their categories and their character placements. C/C by another name.
Same can be done in science, math, social studies.
#2PencilChat
A2 ... just wrapped up this poetry activity in US History ... you can listen to some of them in Soundcloud link within the blog. https://t.co/k8jAhL7iqC#2pencilchat
A2: as an ELA T I love having students write authentic pieces for career readiness beyond a resume (work emails, memos, description of service, police report) - the more authentic the better #2PencilChat#edchat
A2: My principal's goal is to incorporate more writing into our classrooms, so I try to do a quick writing prompt at the end of the day 1x/2x week..I'll model, then have a few Ss share ideas then let them get to work. My paras & I support during working time #2PencilChat
A2 I teach science and I have my students write 5 pp papers to practice essay writing. I teach 6 graders and they have to be able to pass the SOL (state test) so it helps them get ready for that big test. #2pencilchat
A2 In anatomy and physiology I have students blog, it is a free write style as long as they connect their learning to authentic experience #2PencilChat
A2: As an ELA teacher, it was amazing to assess students’ writing when it came to their emails & exchanges with local leaders, business owners, and professionals for their Genius Hour Projects. Writing for real world change brought out the best in my students. #2PencilChat
A2: Also interested in ideas of incorporating various writing methods across discipline for 1st graders! We use graphic organizers & quick writes but I'm very open to more ideas #2PencilChat
A2 Here's engaging micro-writing technique from @BrainsOnFire that I learned in their seminar at @Wonderopolis retreat. I modified it. Trading Cards for SS/ELA class Think-Research-Create-Defend Choice #2PencilChat#writing#making
In reply to
@MagicPantsJones, @BrainsOnFire, @Wonderopolis
I am starting to try and let them make up stories and situations for word problems as well. As a teacher, I find this a great way to help me understand what operation to use and does it make sense. #2pencilchat
Michigan is releasing literacy essentials for all content areas soon, which is a huge step in closing achievement gaps in our schools. The lack of consistent, meaningful opportunities to write in the disciplines is a significant equity concern + it needs to change. #2PencilChat
A2 (cont): Tomorrow I'm going to read "Grace for President" (In honor of President's Day) and ask Ss what they would do if they were president #2PencilChat
A2 I like having students write notes, but then record their thoughts in a video. Writing for speaking is different, and such an important skill. The pressure of recording makes them respect the process.
#2PencilChat
A2 After our first grade play we wrote thank you letters to our families helping prepare and coming to watch. Math- we write how we solve problems and why we chose our strategies. #2PencilChat
When I tell Ss they will share their responses / I'm hanging up their work I notice much harder work. My kids love authentic/ genuine tasks #2PencilChat
A2 When students write in in real-world genres for that discipline: science students writing articles, history students writing documentaries, math students writing proposals, PE students writing fitness journals, art students writing reviews of each other’s work. #2PencilChat
A1 the opportunity to expand your mind is limited by exploring in one content area(LA). Expand your boundaries by exploring in different areas! #2pencilchat
Content area reading/writing has been a topic of literacy for years but we need teams of teachers working together to find common ground on how to make this happen. #2PencilChat
A2: In history I love RAFT assignments. Having students transport themselves to a different time and write from varying perspectives helps me see how well they can empathize and comprehend material. #2pencilchat
We're big on thank you notes too- first thing we did after the Christmas break was leave one for the custodian who fed our fish while we were gone. #2PencilChat
A2: I always love two-voice poems as well. If you’re not familiar, students write a conversational poem between to characters, concepts, or ideas. Left Column=character 1, Right Column=character 2, Middle Column=shared traits between both characters #2PencilChat
A2 I've found that as I make sillier and more detailed examples, my students are doing the same thing unprompted. When they enjoy your efforts, they want to impress you with theirs! #2PencilChat
A1 #2pencilchat It's important to write in all classes, because the process requires creativity and critical thinking-which is a valued skill-regardless of the subject area. Plus, I think students need to know that writing is not just something to do in English class!
A3: I let them draw still, I give sentence frames to use if they need it, I put common words for the prompt on the board but encourage creative spelling, I let them work with a para, writing frequently, getting excited about writing, letting them share #2PencilChat
A2. The purpose for writing isn't to gain skills. It's to express thought.
Skills are what you need to make those thoughts clear and meaningful.
Writing across the curriculum is an act of reflection. We often just provide what we want them to reflect on.
#2PencilChat
A3: I have them write every day, make sure to emphasize the process over the product, and give them permission to write a crappy first draft. #2PencilChat
A3- I think a lot about this. I have some Ss coming into 1st grade already identifying as non-writers. So we write for purpose. We write for a real audience- other students, authors, the principal, pen pals, etc. We celebrate growth and we share our work daily. #2PencilChat
A2: Science is a good example...non-fiction writing based upon research and experimentation or fiction based upon adventures that take us into the solar system, being part of new discoveries, etc. #2PencilChat
A2 #2PencilChat My favorite ways to incorporate writing is to challenge students to find their power through writing by engaging lawmakers, or business owners to help solve a problem.
A3 With some reluctant writers I literally have them use voice to text. These students find spelling unbearable. In order to find out what they know/think I use tech. #2PencilChat
It's a reading/writing/researching/speaking/listening activity. Ts choose their historical figure, research a quote, write a rationale, #create/#make their trading card digitally. Pair with a colleague to defend their rationale on why the figure was chosen. #2PencilChat
In reply to
@killyalison, @MagicPantsJones, @BrainsOnFire, @Wonderopolis
It’s harder when it’s not a routine. My students do writing-to-think every day. It’s a basic expectation and an integral part of the class, the way solving problems is in math and running is in PE. Some don’t like it, but they figure out why it matters and do it. #2PencilChat
I am constantly hearing "I'm done!" and they only have one or two sentences down.... I just tell them to tell me more about a specific thing they just wrote #2PencilChat
A3: A time out!!! 😁
I give them choices using different platforms such as @Flipgrid@canvas discussion boards, @nearpod discussion boards. When they have a different set of audiences, they tend to prepare their written responses with a renewed motivation. #2pencilchat
A3: I write at the same time as my Ss. My work can be seen as I'm typing it. I share my struggles, thinking, strategies every so often...asking Ss what they would do next. For the most reluctant, we set a goal for writing stamina. #2pencilchat#EDET543
Absolutely! The new Michigan essentials are focused at the classroom level, which I think makes conversations around implementation easier. The essentials more easily integrate with practice + district professional development plans than previous attempts. #2PencilChat
A2,I’m a Special Education 4th grade teacher, Social Studies is easy, I have students write about things they’re learning. Example, topic civil rights, pretend your Harriett Tubman, write a narrative of going through the Underground Rail Road #2pencilchat
This year I have found that paper has a bigger impact than I every thought. @garycally#2pencilchat#tcrwp We have all different kinds of lines, spaces for pictures, etc. We also have different kinds of pens
In reply to
@ChrisQuinn64, @MagicPantsJones, @garycally
A3 We definitely brainstorm first with partner/group. I model, model, model. We create anchor charts with phrases they may want to include. PRAISE their efforts. #2PencilChat
A3: choice is key to kindle love BUT some kids get stuck on “anything” kind of options. If I assign a Nar. Assessing sensory details I give a tiered prompt (open ended, with a sentence starter, and an image) kids need to feel free and safe at the same time to write #2PencilChat
Thank you notes are SO important and I feel like they're a dying art. No one should be too busy to say thank you. I love that you have your students do this! #2PencilChat
A3 Since I require my students to write 1 paper per unit they don't have a lot of choice. However, I explain that it's not just for a grade in my class it's to get them ready to pass their english SOL and they seem to get moving then #2pencilchat
With some activities I'll print out big lines, small lines, space for drawing / labeling & let (some) Ss pick. So interesting to see what format works best for them! #2PencilChat
In reply to
@kathyiwanicki, @ChrisQuinn64, @MagicPantsJones, @garycally
A3: I get them angry enough about a topic, that writing to impact change seems worth it. We have to tap into a student’s passions. If they only write when assigned to do so, they will never become lifelong writers. They must see the inherent power of the pen. #2PencilChat
A3 Rather than motivating students who won’t write, I help them find the internal motivation by connecting the act of writing to their own values. Why does it matter to them? What kind of like is writing a part of? #2PencilChat
A3: For me, engaging reluctant writers has a strong connection to reading and discussions about what matters to kids...I try to spark interest through read alouds and discussion topics that students are passionate about! I praise them for any honest efforts! #2PencilChat
I found giving choice was too much during work on writing for my Kiddos. I am working on giving them a task to complete before free choice writing #2PencilChat
A3 provide choice-real world activities that are meaningful to the age-group, allow them to collaborate with others, celebrate the success #2PencilChat
When doing our narratives (scary stories), we build the setting first using #googledrawings before using words to describe what is in it and how things in the setting will be used to affect the story and those in it. #2pencilchat#EDET543
A3: I use #gamification and game-based learning. Extrinsic motivation - they get XP and resources to use in the shop. Intrinsic - I have them write the narrative and their avatar's story. #2PencilChat
I encourage my Ss to add their writing to our walls- slippery floor? Better make a sign! Change of plan- let's add a new note to the schedule- who will do it? Something special happen? Add it to our class calendar- it's how we use writing in our daily lives- #2PencilChat
A3: When kids are reluctant, I celebrate the progress and not the product. For some 4th graders simply getting words on paper is a big hurdle to jump. They need to be encouraged along the way and built up, not torn down #2PencilChat
A3.2 It also helps to have students write about topics that genuinely matter to them. I’ve seen students who say they “hate”/are “bad at” writing do it willingly when it’s about their homes, their neighborhoods, their identities, and their struggles. #2PencilChat
I love @google apps.. we have read/write as an extension and that really helps! I also love @Kidblog. I love their writers notebook, especially at this time of year as they get all beautifully worn and used! #2pencilchat
A3 #2pencilchat Writers are usually reluctant for one of two reasons: 1-They have had bad experiences in the past with writing
2-They aren't inspired by the topics they are given to write about
I do my best to offer choice and the safety of writing without concern about grades
And I feel many can be super creative, they are just unsure of what they want to say or how. I don't think it is they are afraid of what others might think. Some are certainly more motivated than others. #2pencilchat
Awesome! Our sharing vulnerability with students + students sharing vulnerability with each other reduces anxiety around writing that comes from our product-oriented environments. Students need to give themselves + others mercy to forgive the first draft. #2PencilChat
Absolutely! For some, it helps to draw what they're thinking and then explain it to me as I scribe. Then they can move into a mix of drawing and writing before transitioning completely into writing. Kids need scaffolds to help them be successful! #2PencilChat
I have kicked myself for not using @kidblog I have a year subscription and haven't even used it. I may start using it during Guided Reading as a Menu Option. #2pencilchat
In reply to
@kathyiwanicki, @Google, @Kidblog, @Kidblog
A3.2 It also helps to have students write about topics that genuinely matter to them. I’ve seen students who say they “hate”/are “bad at” writing do it willingly when it’s about their homes, their neighborhoods, their identities, and their struggles. #2PencilChat
I wish I did it more often. I think my Ss benefit from the structured time of only writing. I wish I could do it everyday, sometimes the day just goes by too quickly #2PencilChat
Students get labels early: "I'm a _____ writer." I have students write autoethnographies to unpack these labels + to reimagine their writerly identities. This helps them interrogate the labels. Anything that is constructed, like a label, can be deconstructed. #2PencilChat
I have tried that with Classroom, but I am finding many of mine are not into typing. I am of course trying to change that up. Have them write and then type works well. #2pencilchat
A4 Best resource for helping students develop their writer-voices is a book, poem, article, etc. of the type they’re writing in. They try some of the devices/techniques in their own work. #2PencilChat
A5 As I've said, I both love and hate writing, but I love having written. I need someone to push me and help me organize because I struggle with a terrible attention span when I'm imagining book ideas.
#2PencilChat
A4: Any blogging platform... my students loved @wordpressdotcom... some have maintained their blogs years after class... that’s some proud teacher moments when that happens... #2PencilChat
@msiwanicki and I do a blog..though I have to admit that I haven’t been active in a month or so. #2pencilchat. We try to give the good, the bad and ugly of teaching by keeping it real.
https://t.co/7e7ldqfrsy
A4 ironic I work in tech now and my suggestion is a book 😂 If you need step by steps for ANY kind of real life writing this is the best investment. My high schoolers loved contesting traffic tickets and wedding vows 👏 Options are endless. #2PencilChathttps://t.co/WGxrwETCmO
Will it be fiction or nonfiction? Will there be tragedy and laughs? Will there be surprise twists? I can't wait to find out the truth about me!
#2PencilChat
Be sure to listen to @DennisDill ! Students (and educators) need to be clear about their ‘why’...understanding purpose can make a huge difference! #2PencilChat
A5- I've started writing about every book that I read. It forces me to slow down and really think about the story. Something I would have hated doing when I was in school but now that I've come to it on my own terms many years later- it's great! #2PencilChat
A5 New book coming out this August! We don’t know the title yet, but it’s about incorporating opportunities for students to explore & enact their own values into academic units. In the meantime, I hope you’ll check out EMPOWER Your Students: https://t.co/gJkpGucobu#2PencilChat
I’m so impressed with @msiwanicki ! This young teacher is wise beyond her years! She is a passionate, dedicated young educator who inspires others! Thanks, Kelsey! Go girl! 😊💕 #2PencilChat
I think doing anything with regularity is rough! Every Tuesday morning/afternoon, I haaaaate this chat, then once it starts, I'm in love all over again until it's time to work on new questions! The people are waht makes it for me....
#2PencilChat
A3 with the craze of Marvel movies, I have students create their own Super Hero. Describe and design their costume, identify their super powers their side kicks, to who their enemies are. I craft a scenario, the students write a story. #2pencilchat
In 6th Grade ELA, we read about Immigrants entering the US through Ellis Island and what that was like. They then write a fiction story about an immigrant taking that trek and going through the trials and tribulations of that journey. ELA/SS are perfect together. #2PencilChat
Thank you so much, Chris!!!! Always means so much getting recognized by super star teachers like yourself. Thanks for supporting my journey! #2PencilChat
Oh that too..I meant, opening up yourself, being vulnerable to let people read your thoughts #2pencilchat. People can be incredibly kind and then not so much
A5 I would love to say I am working on all of the above but not so much. 😞 My husband encourages me to begin a children’s book. Who knows... #2PencilChat
A5: This might be too simplistic, but I thoroughly enjoy micro-blogging through some of my tweets...it helps me connect and share my thinking with so many friends around the globe! #2PencilChat
I used to love reading this poem with students and asking whether they e ever felt that way about writing... my hope is that, by the end of the year, they’d all be the writer from the poem with words ready to burst out from within https://t.co/ObMambr3wS#2PencilChat#Bukowski
Gosh, I love you, #2PencilChat Pals! Thank you for joining us tonight. I hope you and your students all get some good writing time in this week. We'll see you next Tuesday at 7 PM EST!
A2: I really like quickwrites at the beginning of any class for any subject. The idea would be the students write about what they learned last class to retrieve that information in their minds. Importantly they shouldn't look at their notes during this time! #2PencilChat
Thanks so much for another great Tuesday!! Learned so much tonight & can't wait to revamp my writing teaching this week!!! Cya next Tuesday! #2PencilChat
Couldn't be any truer!!! I learn from her every single time we talk about education #2PencilChat (Actually I retract that, I learn something new from her every day!!)
