#1stchat Archive

Weekly chat for excited 1st grade teachers who love to learn and share ideas. Participants are interested in a variety of topics including literacy, math, technology, play, inquiry, and being the best educators they can be!

Sunday July 29, 2018
8:00 PM EDT

  • lekadegroot - Moderator Jul 29 @ 8:01 PM EDT
    Hi friends! Leka from Iowa joining from Japan! #1stchat
  • valruckes - Moderator Jul 29 @ 8:03 PM EDT
    Happy Sunday! It's time for #1stchat. I'm Val from Michigan. Please tell us who you are and what you teach.
  • mmhole17 Jul 29 @ 8:03 PM EDT
    Hi, Melissa from Minnesota. I hope you are enjoying Japan:) #1stchat
  • allaidlaw Jul 29 @ 8:04 PM EDT
    Hello! Amy from Fraser MI and this year I am teaching 2nd grade #1stchat
  • valruckes - Moderator Jul 29 @ 8:04 PM EDT
    For tonight's book chat we are discussing chapters 7-9 of #Empower! #1stchat
  • valruckes - Moderator Jul 29 @ 8:05 PM EDT
    Hi Melissa, glad you are here! #1stchat
    In reply to @mmhole17
  • valruckes - Moderator Jul 29 @ 8:05 PM EDT
    Hi Amy, glad you are joining us! #1stchat
    In reply to @allaidlaw
  • lekadegroot - Moderator Jul 29 @ 8:05 PM EDT
    Hi Melissa! Great to see you. I’m having an awesome with my family! #1stchat
    In reply to @mmhole17
  • lekadegroot - Moderator Jul 29 @ 8:06 PM EDT
    Hi, Amy! Are you looping up to 2nd? #1stchat
    In reply to @allaidlaw
  • valruckes - Moderator Jul 29 @ 8:06 PM EDT
    Please be sure to use the #1stchat hashtag in all your tweets. We are using the Q1 and A1 format tonight.
  • valruckes - Moderator Jul 29 @ 8:06 PM EDT
    Q1 is coming up! #1stchat
  • valruckes - Moderator Jul 29 @ 8:08 PM EDT
    Here is Q1 #Empower #1stchat
  • ChismD300 Jul 29 @ 8:08 PM EDT
    Stacy from Illinois...I teach 1st! :) #1stchat
  • lekadegroot - Moderator Jul 29 @ 8:08 PM EDT
    #1stchat peeps truly helped me transform my teaching. Glad you are part of this PLN!
    • allaidlaw Jul 29 @ 8:07 PM EDT
      No this year I'm going back down. I loop 2nd to 3rd. But #istchat is my favorite-so many good connections/idea that can be used in all grade levels
      In reply to @lekadegroot
  • lekadegroot - Moderator Jul 29 @ 8:09 PM EDT
    Hi, Stacy! Glad you are here! #1stchat
    In reply to @ChismD300
  • allaidlaw Jul 29 @ 8:10 PM EDT
    A maker to me is a creator and thinker #1stchat
  • valruckes - Moderator Jul 29 @ 8:11 PM EDT
    "They were the Makers. Building a better future and changing the world." Ch. 7 Q1 How would you describe a Maker? #1stchat
  • lekadegroot - Moderator Jul 29 @ 8:11 PM EDT
    A1 Makers are curious, ask questions and seek answers, which may lead to creating new ideas or products. #1stchat
  • mmhole17 Jul 29 @ 8:11 PM EDT
    A1: A maker is not afraid to try something new even if that means not getting it the first time. They know when they need support and is not afraid of considering others ideas. #1stchat
  • valruckes - Moderator Jul 29 @ 8:12 PM EDT
    A1 When I think of Making, I think of exploring, investigating, and creating. #1stchat
  • valruckes - Moderator Jul 29 @ 8:13 PM EDT
    Yes, and I love how naturally curious first graders are. #1stchat
  • allaidlaw Jul 29 @ 8:13 PM EDT
    so true #1stchat
    In reply to @mmhole17
  • allaidlaw Jul 29 @ 8:14 PM EDT
    I love watching ss help each other thru problems. #1stchat
    In reply to @valruckes
  • valruckes - Moderator Jul 29 @ 8:15 PM EDT
    Q2 is coming up! #1stchat
  • mmhole17 Jul 29 @ 8:16 PM EDT
    1st graders love to be helpful. #1stchat
    In reply to @allaidlaw, @valruckes
  • valruckes - Moderator Jul 29 @ 8:17 PM EDT
    “Sometimes you need a framework for your creative work or a roadmap along the way.” #1stchat
  • ShannonDescamps Jul 29 @ 8:18 PM EDT
    Late again! Shannon from Fraser, MI. I teach 4th, but spent most of my career in 1st. Plus, I 💕 my #1stchat friends!
  • lekadegroot - Moderator Jul 29 @ 8:19 PM EDT
    Me too. Some are natural at helping others and taking suggestions. Some need practice. A safe environment to take risks is important for every learner! #1stchat
    In reply to @allaidlaw, @valruckes
  • mmhole17 Jul 29 @ 8:20 PM EDT
    A2: Students have choices during reading time. I was thinking I would add put more opportunities for creative work during this time. #1stchat
  • FirstAtBat Jul 29 @ 8:20 PM EDT
    Just got home from celebrating a grandson's birthday, sorry to be late. #1stchat
  • valruckes - Moderator Jul 29 @ 8:21 PM EDT
    A2 I try to take advantage of small blocks of time and any "down time" that we may have. Days when we have no specials usually are my best days/times. #1stchat
  • lekadegroot - Moderator Jul 29 @ 8:22 PM EDT
    A2 I do a lot of STEM challenges especially at the beginning of the year. They help students and I to get to know each other, practice social skills and build expectations. #1stchat
  • valruckes - Moderator Jul 29 @ 8:22 PM EDT
    Do you mean within your reading block? #1stchat
    In reply to @mmhole17
  • lekadegroot - Moderator Jul 29 @ 8:22 PM EDT
    Hello, Terry! #1stchat
    In reply to @FirstAtBat
  • FirstAtBat Jul 29 @ 8:22 PM EDT
    A2: Creativity can come out in so many ways. Sometimes just listen to their ideas, or let them explore new options for response to learning. #1stchat
  • mmhole17 Jul 29 @ 8:23 PM EDT
    Yes, I am thinking of opening this up more than I have previously. #1stchat
    In reply to @valruckes
  • valruckes - Moderator Jul 29 @ 8:23 PM EDT
    Yes! That's a great time to do that. We did some team building challenges last year and my students loved it! #1stchat
    • lekadegroot - Moderator Jul 29 @ 8:22 PM EDT
      A2 I do a lot of STEM challenges especially at the beginning of the year. They help students and I to get to know each other, practice social skills and build expectations. #1stchat
  • Woods1stgrade Jul 29 @ 8:23 PM EDT
    Sorry to be late friends, I’m working now my last project for school. My hubby got me an electric spool that we are turning into a table😀 #1stchat
  • allaidlaw Jul 29 @ 8:23 PM EDT
    We do that too, it helps build our community #1stchat
    In reply to @lekadegroot
  • lekadegroot - Moderator Jul 29 @ 8:23 PM EDT
    I’m re-structuring my reading centers from literacy activities to creation oriented activities which will be tied to literacy. #1stchat
    In reply to @mmhole17
  • valruckes - Moderator Jul 29 @ 8:24 PM EDT
    Sounds exciting! #1stchat
    In reply to @Woods1stgrade
  • ShannonDescamps Jul 29 @ 8:24 PM EDT
    My goal is to do more of that! So awesome for team building! #1stchat
    In reply to @lekadegroot
  • valruckes - Moderator Jul 29 @ 8:24 PM EDT
    Q3 is coming up! #1stchat
  • FirstAtBat Jul 29 @ 8:25 PM EDT
    I love this idea...what are some ideas you have for this? #1stchat
    • lekadegroot - Moderator Jul 29 @ 8:23 PM EDT
      I’m re-structuring my reading centers from literacy activities to creation oriented activities which will be tied to literacy. #1stchat
      In reply to @mmhole17
  • lekadegroot - Moderator Jul 29 @ 8:25 PM EDT
    Can’t wait to see it! #1stchat
    In reply to @Woods1stgrade
  • FirstAtBat Jul 29 @ 8:25 PM EDT
    #ISTE18 was very focused on creativity and had inspired me. #1stchat
  • valruckes - Moderator Jul 29 @ 8:26 PM EDT
    Q3 is on deck! #1stchat
  • Woods1stgrade Jul 29 @ 8:26 PM EDT
    A2: I’m working on really teaching Ss the why of each center and things they could do and then going to have them come up with other ideas for each center, math, reading, art, etc. #1stchat
  • mmhole17 Jul 29 @ 8:26 PM EDT
    I am trying to think of ways to open up math rotations also, but am struggling a little about how to do this. #1stchat
    In reply to @lekadegroot
  • allaidlaw Jul 29 @ 8:26 PM EDT
    A2: I am making STEM bins for students to use in the morning when they come in either before morning meeting or after-not sure yet #1stchat
  • FirstAtBat Jul 29 @ 8:28 PM EDT
    A3: Inquiry and exploration of items, books, clips...things that will make them wonder before we teach concepts, read books...get them engaged with curiosity. As well as reflect with what do they still wonder. #1stchat
  • mmhole17 Jul 29 @ 8:28 PM EDT
    A3: I think that exposure to many different concepts is important, maybe something will pique their curiosity. #1stchat
  • valruckes - Moderator Jul 29 @ 8:28 PM EDT
    A2 We don't do any literacy centers in my building. It's strictly Reading Workshop and Units of Study for reading and writing. I have to incorporate in other areas and at other times. #1stchat
  • valruckes - Moderator Jul 29 @ 8:29 PM EDT
    A3 Taking advantage of teachable moments as they come up. Letting their interest and questions guide us. #1stchat
  • lekadegroot - Moderator Jul 29 @ 8:29 PM EDT
    I will share my doc with you. #1stchat
    In reply to @FirstAtBat
  • ShannonDescamps Jul 29 @ 8:30 PM EDT
    A3 Encourage it! Daily wonders are a great way to do it. Sometimes answering one question led us to many. Making sure to provide time is important. It needs to be a focus. #1stchat
  • mmhole17 Jul 29 @ 8:31 PM EDT
    I would love to see more of your ideas also if you would be willing. #1stchat
    In reply to @lekadegroot, @FirstAtBat
  • valruckes - Moderator Jul 29 @ 8:31 PM EDT
    A3 Displaying a picture from the Wonder of the Day using @Wonderopolis has been a good way to get my students started. #1stchat
  • Woods1stgrade Jul 29 @ 8:32 PM EDT
    Here's a doc that @lekadegroot and I have been working on to help Ss guide their centers https://t.co/FtlF3wlHxd #1stchat
    In reply to @mmhole17, @lekadegroot, @FirstAtBat, @lekadegroot
  • valruckes - Moderator Jul 29 @ 8:32 PM EDT
    Q4 is coming up! #1stchat
  • mmhole17 Jul 29 @ 8:33 PM EDT
    Thanks so much. #1stchat
    In reply to @Woods1stgrade, @lekadegroot, @FirstAtBat
  • lekadegroot - Moderator Jul 29 @ 8:34 PM EDT
    Can you open this? https://t.co/m3LWNyOF4C chatting from my phone 😜 #1stchat
    In reply to @mmhole17, @FirstAtBat
  • valruckes - Moderator Jul 29 @ 8:34 PM EDT
    An Empowered classroom involves tapping into THEIR interests. #1stchat
  • mmhole17 Jul 29 @ 8:34 PM EDT
    I could, thanks for checking. #1stchat
    In reply to @lekadegroot, @FirstAtBat
  • Woods1stgrade Jul 29 @ 8:35 PM EDT
    yes please let me know if the link doesn't open #1stchat
    In reply to @lekadegroot, @mmhole17, @FirstAtBat
  • lekadegroot - Moderator Jul 29 @ 8:35 PM EDT
    🤗😍 #1stchat
    In reply to @FirstAtBat, @Woods1stgrade
  • hawkeye_teach24 Jul 29 @ 8:35 PM EDT
    #1stchat Amy from Iowa but currently in New York snuggling my neice hopping in a little late.
  • Woods1stgrade Jul 29 @ 8:36 PM EDT
    sounds like a great place to be! #1stchat
    In reply to @hawkeye_teach24
  • mmhole17 Jul 29 @ 8:36 PM EDT
    A4: I think the first important step is to form trusting relationships and opportunities to share so that I know what their interests are. #1stchat
  • lekadegroot - Moderator Jul 29 @ 8:37 PM EDT
    A3 I brought back a wonder wall last year. We had a lot of fun exploring what they are curious about through wonder projects #1stchat
  • Woods1stgrade Jul 29 @ 8:37 PM EDT
    almost the same, I altered mine a little because I"m kdg. Basically the same #1stchat
    In reply to @FirstAtBat, @lekadegroot
  • lekadegroot - Moderator Jul 29 @ 8:37 PM EDT
    Hi Amy! Have a wonderful time with your family! #1stchat
    In reply to @hawkeye_teach24
  • RCSLitCoach Jul 29 @ 8:37 PM EDT
    #1stchat Choice, choice, choice. Books, writing topics, conversation . . .
    In reply to @valruckes
  • FirstAtBat Jul 29 @ 8:38 PM EDT
    A4: We have to know them to know their interests. But I think we can also introduce them to things and take note when they are interested and build on that. #1stchat
  • hawkeye_teach24 Jul 29 @ 8:38 PM EDT
    #1stchat a2: im going to have a soft start to our day. Also going to work in passion projects. I want to make sure my SS know that they can use any medium to show their thinking.
  • valruckes - Moderator Jul 29 @ 8:38 PM EDT
    A4 I think really listening to our students is vital. They tell us a lot when we really listen. One of my students shared his love of Excavators. I started buying books on the topic, peers starting writing stories. It was contagious! #1stchat
  • Woods1stgrade Jul 29 @ 8:39 PM EDT
    #1stchat We have to get to know our students and "be present" watch and listen to them as we are learning and when they are playing, RELATIONSHIPS are key!!
  • hawkeye_teach24 Jul 29 @ 8:40 PM EDT
    I want to model my curiosity. I ask many questions and show how I work through the launch process. I recently learned what 3M stands for and their first product because I was curious. #1stchat
  • Woods1stgrade Jul 29 @ 8:40 PM EDT
    One year I had a couple boys in love with dirt bike so I found any book I could on dirt bikes, the whole class had a love of dirt bikes by the end of the year. #1stchat
    • valruckes - Moderator Jul 29 @ 8:38 PM EDT
      A4 I think really listening to our students is vital. They tell us a lot when we really listen. One of my students shared his love of Excavators. I started buying books on the topic, peers starting writing stories. It was contagious! #1stchat
  • valruckes - Moderator Jul 29 @ 8:40 PM EDT
    Choice is key! We can tap into "their" interests and engage them as well. #1stchat
    In reply to @RCSLitCoach
  • hawkeye_teach24 Jul 29 @ 8:41 PM EDT
    A4: i think the biggest way would be to listen first then encourage and give opportunities to explore #1stchat
  • hawkeye_teach24 Jul 29 @ 8:41 PM EDT
    ohh love this idea. #1stchat
    In reply to @Woods1stgrade
  • mmhole17 Jul 29 @ 8:41 PM EDT
    You make a great point. My students love it when I share with them what I am learning about. #1stchat
    In reply to @hawkeye_teach24
  • allaidlaw Jul 29 @ 8:41 PM EDT
    A4: you can learn a lot from Morning meeting. It has been an awesome way to build community and trust in our room #1stchat
  • Woods1stgrade Jul 29 @ 8:41 PM EDT
    Yes!! We must not do school "to" our kiddos, we must do school "with" them. #1stchat
    In reply to @valruckes, @RCSLitCoach
  • valruckes - Moderator Jul 29 @ 8:41 PM EDT
    A4 When we build a relationship with them we get to really know them as individuals and what their interests are. #1stchat
  • valruckes - Moderator Jul 29 @ 8:42 PM EDT
    Q5 is coming up! #1stchat
  • hawkeye_teach24 Jul 29 @ 8:43 PM EDT
    Was it in the moment or did you have a set time in your schedule to be able to investigate? #1stchat
    In reply to @lekadegroot
  • valruckes - Moderator Jul 29 @ 8:43 PM EDT
    Q5 is on deck! #1stchat
  • lekadegroot - Moderator Jul 29 @ 8:43 PM EDT
    A4 getting to know the students and let them share their passion. I have done Identity Day and Show and Teach day. Both were very successfu! #1stchat
  • lekadegroot - Moderator Jul 29 @ 8:44 PM EDT
    At the beginning as a whole group. Then they posted a wonder every Wednesday then explored during literacy time. #1stchat
    In reply to @hawkeye_teach24
  • ShannonDescamps Jul 29 @ 8:45 PM EDT
    A4 I learn so much about them during morning meeting! I find I am better able to encourage once we have those AM convos. We also learn who has similar interests that way too! #1stchat
  • FirstAtBat Jul 29 @ 8:45 PM EDT
    A5: If we could make all the decisions it would probably look very different. But when it comes to the assessment area...it is pretty much dictated in my world. #1stchat
  • hawkeye_teach24 Jul 29 @ 8:45 PM EDT
    I was trying to figure out how to slowly integrate it. #1stchat
    In reply to @lekadegroot
  • RCSLitCoach Jul 29 @ 8:45 PM EDT
    A5 students can articulate their learning goals and understand next steps toward self-regulation #1stchat
  • valruckes - Moderator Jul 29 @ 8:46 PM EDT
    A5 In an Empowered classroom students are taking stock, monitoring own progress, reflecting on what worked or didn't work, and making adjustments. They keep trying! #1stchat
  • Woods1stgrade Jul 29 @ 8:48 PM EDT
    A5: my goal this year is to really help my young SS learn to monitor their learning and make goals. I've made a data book with kdg stadards and graphs for them to use from the beginning. #1stchat I will have to be very intentional with this
  • lekadegroot - Moderator Jul 29 @ 8:49 PM EDT
    Does this link work? https://t.co/rqZPIjyEww #1stchat
    In reply to @mmhole17, @FirstAtBat
  • valruckes - Moderator Jul 29 @ 8:49 PM EDT
    What about formative assessment? Self-reflection is a type of assessment. I'm sure they do that when they're "Making". #1stchat
    • FirstAtBat Jul 29 @ 8:45 PM EDT
      A5: If we could make all the decisions it would probably look very different. But when it comes to the assessment area...it is pretty much dictated in my world. #1stchat
  • hawkeye_teach24 Jul 29 @ 8:50 PM EDT
    Focus on assessing their own progress and making adjustments. As teachers we do this on the daily and I feel like it occurs in life a lot. #1stchat
  • lekadegroot - Moderator Jul 29 @ 8:50 PM EDT
    We mainly posted science wonders at the beginning. Later it was whatever they wanted to know. #1stchat
    In reply to @hawkeye_teach24
  • FirstAtBat Jul 29 @ 8:51 PM EDT
    Yes, you're right. I am certainly assessing at all times...seeing what they are learning, strategies, ideas, leadership....many different areas. #1stchat
    In reply to @valruckes
  • mmhole17 Jul 29 @ 8:51 PM EDT
    Most of the wonders in my class were about different animals. #1stchat
    In reply to @lekadegroot, @hawkeye_teach24
  • hawkeye_teach24 Jul 29 @ 8:51 PM EDT
    Agree but I also want to add in some peer assessment and more self assessment. #1stchat
    • FirstAtBat Jul 29 @ 8:45 PM EDT
      A5: If we could make all the decisions it would probably look very different. But when it comes to the assessment area...it is pretty much dictated in my world. #1stchat
  • FirstAtBat Jul 29 @ 8:52 PM EDT
    I will be anxiously waiting to hear your reflection and process with this. #1stchat
    • Woods1stgrade Jul 29 @ 8:48 PM EDT
      A5: my goal this year is to really help my young SS learn to monitor their learning and make goals. I've made a data book with kdg stadards and graphs for them to use from the beginning. #1stchat I will have to be very intentional with this
  • lekadegroot - Moderator Jul 29 @ 8:52 PM EDT
    A5 Students knowing learning goals, how to self assess and setting goals with support is my goal. #1stchat
  • valruckes - Moderator Jul 29 @ 8:52 PM EDT
    I agree! We make adjustments all the time. Students make adjustments when they decide they are ready to take on a new reading goal. I think we have to change our mindset. #1stchat
    In reply to @hawkeye_teach24
  • valruckes - Moderator Jul 29 @ 8:52 PM EDT
    Q6 is coming up! #1stchat
  • allaidlaw Jul 29 @ 8:52 PM EDT
    A5 last year we started working on setting goals for their learning. I am looking forward to building on the work we started #1stchat
  • valruckes - Moderator Jul 29 @ 8:53 PM EDT
    “Failing is all about the process.” #1stchat Q6 last question of the night!
  • lekadegroot - Moderator Jul 29 @ 8:53 PM EDT
    Wouldn't it be powerful if students could do that on their own learning? #1stchat
    In reply to @FirstAtBat, @valruckes
  • lekadegroot - Moderator Jul 29 @ 8:54 PM EDT
    Teaching my students to do that is on of my goals this year. #1stchat
    In reply to @hawkeye_teach24
  • mmhole17 Jul 29 @ 8:54 PM EDT
    I think it is important that Ss see that we also fail. #1stchat
  • Woods1stgrade Jul 29 @ 8:56 PM EDT
    A6: We need to teach growth mindset, show our failures, and have a classroom environment that is safe and values failure and the trying again #1stchat
  • FirstAtBat Jul 29 @ 8:56 PM EDT
    A6: I think they need to know we expect it. I tell them from day one...if they are not making mistakes it is likely they are not learning. Help them to see how they learn from that point and continue to grow from there. #1stchat
  • valruckes - Moderator Jul 29 @ 8:57 PM EDT
    A6 Failing and quitting are very different things. We fall, we get back up. We keep at it. We don't give up! (I sound like a bumper sticker!) Lol. #1stchat
  • tjggmueller Jul 29 @ 8:57 PM EDT
    #1stchat - looks like you had a great chat. Was hoping to join, but had to make a quick shopping trip to get last minute things for 4H fair projects and a shirt for my son’s play opening this week.
  • lekadegroot - Moderator Jul 29 @ 8:57 PM EDT
    A6 I make a lot of mistakes so I try to point out to my students. Also we play games and focus on process rather than the results. We keep taking about making mistakes makes us smarter (that's why Mrs. DeGroot is super smart:). #1stchat
  • RCSLitCoach Jul 29 @ 8:58 PM EDT
    A6 Is failing really something that happens in the primary grades? It sounds so permanent. Mistakes and errors, yes. But I am not convinced that's "failure" - So, we validate risks, get children to self-correct mistakes, we TEACH to clear up errors and misconceptions #1stchat
  • allaidlaw Jul 29 @ 8:58 PM EDT
    A6 Mistakes are hard for ss, but a safe environment and seeing that everyone makes mistakes-esp me :) shows them it's OK #1stchat
  • valruckes - Moderator Jul 29 @ 8:59 PM EDT
    Ch. 9 talks about the difference in Failure and Failing. #1stchat
    In reply to @RCSLitCoach