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!
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
#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.
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
#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!!
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Yes, you're right. I am certainly assessing at all times...seeing what they are learning, strategies, ideas, leadership....many different areas. #1stchat
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
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
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
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
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
#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.
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
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
