#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 October 9, 2016
Happy Sunday! It's time for . I'm Val from Michigan and I'm moderating w/the amazing .
Hi, everyone! Leka from Iowa co-hosting with the amazing
Tonight is an Open Chat! Nothing is off-limits!
Hi all! Kyli White, preservice teacher and graduate student at Wake Forest University. Excited to collaborate with everyone!
Hi everyone! I'm sorry to say this is my 1st of the new school year. I'm so happy to be back!
HI ! Alicia from Seattle! Excited to connect with my crew!
Hi Kyli, glad you are here.
I'm ready to see what it's all about
Hello! Jen from MN in and out tonight.
Hi Molly, so good to see you again!
Hi friends. Terry here in FL, 3rd grade teacher who loves her PLN
Hi, Molly! Great to see you!
Hi--I'm Shannon from WA & so glad to be here tonight. Best part of the week for me.
Hi, Alicia! Great to see you!
Good Evening my friends, Claire here from Vermont.....I love open forum chats.
Hello! Glad you are here.
Hi Laura! Hope you had a wonderful weekend!
Awesome…You are in for a treat!
Great! I am teaching a 1/2 this year and have been really enjoying the challenge!
Hi, Jen! Glad to see you!
Hi Jen, hope you are more in, than out, lol.
Hi, Terry! Great to see you!
Traci from KS here, good evening friends
Caryl from NH here. Glad I'm not rushed to get to bed tonight!
Hi, Shannon! Great to see you!
Happy Birthday weekend hope you celebrated well!
Hi Terry, you can't get away from us even if you tried.
Hi, Claire! How are you tonight?
Hi, Traci! It was great to connect with your class last week!
Thank you. Looking forward to a great chat with .
Glad to see you! That's a huge compliment. https://t.co/VMXlAqUfTo
Hi--I'm Shannon from WA & so glad to be here tonight. Best part of the week for me.
A parent says her Ss refuses to read at home to her but he does ok with me (Level C). What suggestions can I give to help at home?
Hi, Caryl! Great to see you!
Hi all! Jane here from Kansas! Ready to learn from my friends!
Thanks! It was a great weekend!
Hi Clair. Everyone gets what they want in an open chat, right?
I love it because it feel so honest & judgement-free.
Hi, Jane! Great to see you!
What's the hardest part when teaching a split?
Kelly from KS - Happy Sunday!
Hello Traci, how are you?
It's great to be seen! Sept was long, I'm so glad I've finally made it to October.
That's what I love @ this chat...we're friends, not competitors.
Hello, Sandy! Glad you are here!
Learning a new science curriculum has thrown me for a loop. it doesn’t help it’s soil & my room is constantly dirty now!
Who plays soccer? My oldest plays too! My youngest hockey... busy mom life!
thank you! Happy to be back after missing last week.
So true! Love the support from friends don't you?
Yes, I'm not fond of a dirty room. Would drive me a bit crazy!
I think if there is a struggle like this the parent should be doing a lot of reading to the child trying t… https://t.co/NMDtl1z9Ij
A parent says her Ss refuses to read at home to her but he does ok with me (Level C). What suggestions can I give to help at home?
I coach Varsity... I was a former Varsity hockey coach also... Your kids have sports figured out!!
Hi, all! Sunday rush....feeling tired, but excited for a new week. I'm from Wisconsin.
It's been the best for me...I tend to be quite shy & hold back but it feels safe to be me w/ my chat buddies.
Hi all. Marie from Texas here. I think it's my first chat of the year too.
Does he have the books at his level at home? Can he take the books home to reread at home? https://t.co/YpckQI0iCL
A parent says her Ss refuses to read at home to her but he does ok with me (Level C). What suggestions can I give to help at home?
Hi Sarah! I ask parents to just read to their children rather than have the kids read to them - less stress 4 all
I would suggest reading alternating pages or echo reading with mom.
Hey, Jessica! Great to see you here
They do:) Soccer field or hockey rink, I'm cold at either place:)
I stumbled upon it....was looking for info on the Packer Game that's on tonight...LOL
Hi everyone! Andrea from Ca. I'm so happy to be here! This is such an awesome chat, but such a hard time for me! Finally made it!
I feel your pain...should be getting my worms, snails, & fish any day now for our unit.
I agree! S needs to learn to <3 what reading is/can be. Being read to at home can make it fun not a fight.
talk to the Ss, ask them why...
My name is Dawn. I teach in Camden, DE. Intrigued to try out this twitter chat.
I agree! Start by having parent read to child. See what his interests are & build on them in books.
Oh I had snails once that escaped in my room! I found one a month later!
But they are very lucky to have a mom supporting them in whatever they do!
I hope so! Often times parents give books that are too hard. Ss get frustrated. Rereads would be the best!
Welcome Dawn! Jump in anytime.
Have the P read to them instead. Take the pressure off. Nothing good will come from someone being forced to read
Marian from Kansas. Hello!
Hi everyone! My name is Amy and I am so exhausted! I took a break from preparing for my evaluation just to be here!
I'm late... but here! Natalie from Louisiana! 🎉🎉
I say take the stress away and just tell her to read to him! He will read when ready
Hi, Andrea! I know it's a little early for people on the west coast! Thanks for being here:)
Hi Amy, glad you are joining in.
at least it's hands on. My first science unit is Air and Weather! It's so hard to get the kids engaged.
Who is participating in ? What are your plans for The Troublemaker?
Hi, Dawn! Welcome to the BESt PLN ever :)
I am struggling with finding time during D5 to see all my low Ss in Guided Reading. Extremely low class. 😭Ideas?
Hello, Karen here a Grade One, Two, Three combined classroom teacher.
Kellie from Deerfield, IL. Glad to be here!
Have you seen the We Both Read books? There is a parent page with more info about the story and a student page.
how does it work exactly? I don't really use twitter...am I already in the chat group? Can I post a question?
and world traveler hi Karen! https://t.co/wLCveRM62f
Hello, Karen here a Grade One, Two, Three combined classroom teacher.
Hi, Amy! Glad you are here!
Sometimes Ps don't have strategies to support Ss besides "sound it out". Maybe send home a few simple strategies?
Hi, Natalie! Glad to see you!
We predicted the color of the snail poo based on diet...my kids loved it.
What are you thoughts on book shopping. Do any of you give your first graders total choice. Do you guide/steer them for JR books?
Hi Marian! Glad you joined us! !
Hi Karen! Great to see you here!
what about just practice sight words? I count that as reading.
I hear ya! Last year, I rarely met with my at and above grade level Ss...lower Ss NEEDED me! Still saw TONS of growth
-- LOVE this! Great example of and appsmashing
How many groups do you have? I don't see everyone everyday. I see my lows 3x a week, plus they have intervention 4x
Make sure you are doing quick conferences with each child one on one daily.
I'm on my couch in Vancouver, right where I belong.
SO TRUE! The codes on many readers sold at grocery stores, etc make leveling so confusing 4 parents
Yes, post your question or comment. Be sure to include the hash tag so we can all see it.
I often see lower groups in smaller time slots (attention span is not built up) at this point in the year.
Here is a question for everybody. What uses of tech do you use with your class and what gives you the most bang for your buck?
Like wise. I need to get back to Seattle to visit you and or maybe we meet midway?
This is my 3rd year to give S's total choice when book shopping. It pays off big but so hard in the beginning.
I need help on NGSS! With no curriculum but standards, I'm having a hard time finding resources. Anyone have any?
My kids have options depending on their reading levels We focus on finding good-fit 📚
is most bang for the (free) buck...hands down!
We love our iPads and Chromebooks for skill development (fluency) and app smashing!
We use Explain Everything and Book Creator. Creation based apps that are flexible are the best imo
Just discovered last Monday. Didn't realize there are more books. I loved Nana in the City/Bra… https://t.co/XES0UWSMHe
Who is participating in ? What are your plans for The Troublemaker?
Hi Karen Happy Thanksgiving 🍁🦃🇨🇦Enjoy your day tomorrow!
Do you find that their book bins have enough just right books in them?
Lots. lol What are you looking for? is a must. and are great for assessment.
I have 25 Ss and only 2 are on level. I know,,,, so sad! My work is cut out for me!
I would love to meet half way! Or maybe a trip to Canada is in order ???
We love for student initiated and managed journals/portfolios
yes! Either of those would be amazing !
Plus Parent communication!
That is the hardest part! How do you do it?
Come to Canada! That would make me smile!
Does he have books he's interested in? Who's choosing his books? https://t.co/oXvtVVfIfG
Does he have the books at his level at home? Can he take the books home to reread at home? https://t.co/YpckQI0iCL
A parent says her Ss refuses to read at home to her but he does ok with me (Level C). What suggestions can I give to help at home?
I did some from there last year for waves and liked them. Going for full integration this year...
I use Seesaw a lot. But, this year I've been trying some app-smashing w/ it. Book creator and pic college
How to you use your iPads? We just go them...I would love ideas.
I signed up to participate and forgot it started last week! My days are flying by and I'm not fitting it all in!
It does seem to be a focusing prob. For most! And most are boys! Double dose!
That's standard where I teach.
We looked through all the lessons and found the units that would best fit in with what we were doing in reading.
is a great free app to watch students' thought processes as they solve complex problems.
is an engaging app to smash also!
Most do I will say in the beginning you keep reminding the 1's who are not and guide them towards those good fit books.
I let my Ss do their book shopping. For Ss who struggle to find good fit books I place preview stacks on their desks.
Anyone use the for Guided Reading and Guided Math groups
total choice w/ their free reading books-we talk about reading words and/or reading pictures-all books are accessible
That sounds like what we do. Giving total choice to all the books/levels is a bit daunting for most 1st graders.
My books are all leveled. My students pick leveled books guided by me and also interest based books. https://t.co/h1U9l3m7El
What are you thoughts on book shopping. Do any of you give your first graders total choice. Do you guide/steer them for JR books?
Have you seen Site yet? U can use it free for a year if you share with 5 teachers. It is… https://t.co/K8JMlbuRVc
I need help on NGSS! With no curriculum but standards, I'm having a hard time finding resources. Anyone have any?
It's funny this year my biggest problem is some of my higher kids are grabbing books that are to easy.
Does anyone use Seesaw for student led parent teacher conferences? Want to do this this year but would love some advice.
lots of fluency skill development and some app smashing (we only have 4)
This is year 3 for 1:1 iPads in my district. I am happy to share ideas if you need them!
I think that's ok for a few of their books to be lighter reads. Thoughts?
I am putting out 3 tubs of books on their level & they can pick 1 from each tub to keep on their desk.
Any specific apps that you would recommend?
A new-ish reading planning app that can be used for math planning too (small groups) - can record obs/notes
I always gave a wide zone to choose from. I would explain why. I continually shifted that zone.
Oh wow...that's opening a can of worms! LOL
I haven't, but a friend made Seesaw folders for conferences so they would have things to discuss.
Are you liking it? Is it free?
I believe does both. https://t.co/OEdxcW4MON
Does anyone use Seesaw for student led parent teacher conferences? Want to do this this year but would love some advice.
I don't mind the Ss challenging themselves they can't read it at all or I have Ss who are sneaky and reading too easy 📚
I do something similar. Kids shop leveled books and "free choice" books using IPICK.
I am in a class for technology. Any 1st grade friendly apps out there????
I apologize i am having trouble with following the chat. What are you all using?
You're fast! I don't have a cute icon....will share some. To start
how do you use with pic collage. This is my 1st yr with it and I've only had Ss take pictures.
Please...esp. would love anything to improve fluency. English is the 2nd language for 20 of my kids.
You do a lot of modeling and then those 1st weeks you r just doing quick conferences -coaching kids towards good fit
I'm doing student led this yr for the 1st time, made a sheet with what I'm good at/need help with for each subject
Someone asked about apps I also love and
I just started. Not free $10. Just added my groups and was going to watch the packer game and plan this week's groups
I like a lot. Are your parents connected?
Too many to list! Lol. My students love Math Seeds and Book Creator.
Take the pics, add them to Pic Collage, save to ipad and upload to seesaw to annotate
Oh yes is another favorite
This is coming from TweetChat. Hope it works.
I see iPad questions that I know I can answer! LOL
YES...they are. Loving it. Our title Ts just created accounts last week. Excited for them to start
Can't wait to explore these!
I think light reads are great. I've also seen kids who are so motivated by higher level texts - high interest motivates
I will be doing student led next round! Not quite ready yet!
LOL Those are kinda creeping me out!
I see people answering questions but I've missed all the questions! Ah!
Lots:) Draw & Tell for creating for blogging lots more!
I actually did see this yesterday when I was doing some research. How many artifacts do the kids share?
I am using Tweetdeck It i an open chat...lots going on https://t.co/bo61yNbyHK
I apologize i am having trouble with following the chat. What are you all using?
Not sure if anyone is using ENY or Eureka, but is aligned with the program and has been fantastic this year!
Hi, this is Amanda, I am a first grade teacher and the creator of GRō. Love to answer any questions you have!
You rock Traci! You will love it!
We are only doing the Self-Evaluation/Reflection this round (in ). Spring we hope to do more Ss leading.
Have a large number of students at level a or pre a this year. Book shopping is tricky but their Look books are higher levels.
Those of you using are you also using the blog? What's the difference?
Once kids make collage you can upload directly to Seesaw. Then they can talk about what they made.
Hi Amanda! Thanks for joining us!
and are also good for computers and ipads
Happy to hear! It's been a struggle to coordinate friendly apps for my kids and the course I'm taking. Will check them out! Ty.
I love this common core math site for some great tasks to foster growth in the math standards https://t.co/d0grDGUMz6 Check it out
I would love to do student led conferences this year! Did parents complain?
How long did each conference take? Wondering if I need to schedule more time.
Hi, Amanda! Welcome to tell us about your app! https://t.co/LpdhRl7qTw
Hi, this is Amanda, I am a first grade teacher and the creator of GRō. Love to answer any questions you have!
Anyone have any ideas on animation and life cycles? What can students create that is not scripted..
It's an Open Chat tonight Karen so it's all good:)
One did last yr on the way in, but then changed her mindset after. My parents love it. https://t.co/7pL40G9phN
I would love to do student led conferences this year! Did parents complain?
what do you think I would love to do student-led conferences this year at https://t.co/OkL2aRMjDz
This was my 2nd year, absolutely love student led conferences. I can see a big difference this yr. They get it! ( I… https://t.co/CkrwkEQtZr
I scheduled 30 minutes, some go over a little. The students who love to share all about the room. : ) https://t.co/rwfpKaXEdz
How long did each conference take? Wondering if I need to schedule more time.
Could you do a stop motion project?
love your iPad book... awesome ideas
I see the possibilities and I love the idea of our youngest learners showing what they know and reflecting on learning.
I'm starting this week with the app, so I might have Qs later on! Thanks!
This it the first I've heard about the app. Tell me more!
You will LOVE it! My Ss are getting so much out of it.
I had some students acted out a life cycle of butterflies. :)
It goes along with the whole idea that it truly is all about them. Very empowering. https://t.co/4aWenekdT2
I see the possibilities and I love the idea of our youngest learners showing what they know and reflecting on learning.
Toontastic may be fun for the kids. Ss manipulate the characters and record their voice to tell about the life cycles.
Technology: Last year I used Plickers as formative assessment tool. Will use again this year. All you need is your phone!
Anyone use ? We'll do art and mazes for sure. Not sure if we can build strong enough bridges to cross. What else?
I have to pit stop for some Old Maid. Be back soon!
In short, It helps manage small group instruction and track data. Has a focus on reading but will be expanded.
I just added students to Zearn. Plan to start using it this week.
Isn't it a great resource! Lineman was the reason I asked to pilot 1to1at my school
I'm seeing some amazing ideas with tech. Do you have 1:1, did you Ss use tech in K?
how do 1st graders do with Plickers? I used it all the time in 3rd but have been nervous to jump in with 1st.
I love and value small group instruction but I was tired of paper tracking systems.
They do great. I've seen some K classes write the ABCD in marker, but mine didn't need it.
my fiesties did great last year. A bit more tamed than Kahoot:)
yes I've done that. Also taught them how to use kahoot.
was amazing - you can do videos with it too. LOVE your example!
I interviewed teachers from all over the US and the app was created from what we all needed.
I started with Team Kahoot last year before they actually had Teams. I think it helped!
Apps like where students can share their thinking and create their own work.
So I'm wondering if anyone believes a blend learning classroom can apply to first graders. If so, how would you do it?
We use ENY. I will definitely check out ! Thanks!
I just signed up to beta test...can't wait.
They did great with them. Started out with fave read aloud book, ice cream, etc to get them used to it.
We are now getting feedback from T's that are using it and improving it and moving it to more platforms.
"Stealing" this! :) Thanks!
I've had good experiences w/ Plickers and my kiddos. Super simple. it holds them accountable. Can't copy each other.
It has made planing, organizing groups, collecting data, PT conferences and other meeting so much easier.
Love ! Tried too! Easy S response systems
So sorry. Was pulled away. In tweetchat hoping to add to this conversation.
Talk about making the learning come alive - this is great!
So exciting to hear - I'm definitely going to talk to my team about this Monday!
Love this idea - can you tell more about it?
There are many ways to have a blended classroom. My students are only in the building 4 days a week.
It's two apps actually - and (this app allows easy sharing out of projects with Ts and Ps)
Yes, we have just started using it. Are your parents connected?
There is tech/non tech blending. On line/off line Etc. Many ways to blend.
How did you get students to add the circles on Seesaw? I can do it when I'm logged in as teacher; but, they can't
want to dabble with the green screen myself this year
Time for me to go! There is a debate tonight that I don't want to miss. See you next week I love the open chat!
Thanks Val. I'm in tweetchat now. Nuts since I've done a zillion twitter chats but my tweetdeck just doesn't load well.
is our residential expert with https://t.co/yweJaEJHTv
Time for me to go! There is a debate tonight that I don't want to miss. See you next week I love the open chat!
Read a poem & guide ss to draw their visualization, or even some handwriting tutorial?
We'll get something planned for a meet up.
What? There is an election in the states? LOL!
care to share? ☺ I find its pretty time consuming to teach how to use technology what with everything else.
Thanks for the great conversation . I’ve got to leave a few minutes early tonight.
I got a piece of bright green felt that I tack up when we want to do it - so easy!
I'm debating on WHAT to watch... the or the or Driving Miss Daisy
Students are quick learners. GIve them a content task as they learn. Do you have iPads?
We had fun with for Nana in the City last week!
Getting ready for presidential debate. Cringing as I get ready to hear more craziness. Thx going to check out apps you're using
The use of technology also helps many learners do what was too difficult for them with out technolgy.
Interested in guest-moderating a ? Have a passion, interest, or expertise related to primary learners? DM
How did you get your background for the Paris vid?
Is it Thanksgiving for our Canadian friends or did I get it wrong?
We were but unfortunately they decided to change. I love the concept & still try and focus on the habits.
I use free creative commons images from either or
Yes, it's Canadian Thanksgiving this weekend. But our thanksgivng isn't anything like yours.
our tech is limited. We are a huge school. I have 4 stationary pcs and 6 chrome books (new this year).
It does. That's why I didn't get to do it last year. This year I had a tech coach take ss out to do their green screen
Ah sorry I thought you had iPads. You can use your tech to have the write on blogs. Have a class twitter account.
Focus on family, food, and lots to be thankful for?
seesaw works on chrome books, also adobe spark and Buncee work good too
Yeah...I was thinking rather than the or the or the
Thanksgiving in Canada can be celebrated last night, tonight, or tomorrow. But we have tomorrow off!
Yeah...I was thinking rather than the or the or the
Yeah...I was thinking rather than the or Driving Miss Daisy or the
works on Chrome books as well https://t.co/pXheKySOHb
seesaw works on chrome books, also adobe spark and Buncee work good too
No one is using ? https://t.co/Wj3mwQoG96
Anyone use ? We'll do art and mazes for sure. Not sure if we can build strong enough bridges to cross. What else?
I apologize. There was a time when I added to this conversation but today I've added noise. I'm so sorry.
I have one...haven't done much to share yet. In explore mode right now. https://t.co/je0FmcUZXJ
No one is using ? https://t.co/Wj3mwQoG96
Anyone use ? We'll do art and mazes for sure. Not sure if we can build strong enough bridges to cross. What else?
Goodnight all! Glad I "bumped" into you tonight!
That's so nice - we have tomorrow off too for Columbus Day. Love a 3-day weekend!!
We do! We do! Well not yet this year but we have!
I'm in explore mode too, but I'm ready to move into awesome. ;)
tell me how u use . I want to try it out. https://t.co/Xr29MsK65g
seesaw works on chrome books, also adobe spark and Buncee work good too
I would love to use but no money. :(
I need to get my classroom Twitter up and running for this year. Think my first graders are ready for it now.
You always add to the conversation and inspire us all. https://t.co/38NibDsQV0
I apologize. There was a time when I added to this conversation but today I've added noise. I'm so sorry.
If you have any ideas on integration, I'd love to hear! Mazes and art, check! What else?
We do! Let's chat later! We also have and Ollies
The kids in this video are from my class last year using Sphero! :-)
I love using AdobeSpark myself but SS have only used once. How do you use it with your SS?
it's like pic collage/PowerPoint but easy for kids and pics are built in, they will add any you need too
All my robots except for my Beebots (principal) came from
Adobe Spark is great! Used it to retell stories!
We have no kids tomorrow but lots of adult learning to be had... PD day!
My district allows us to use donorschoose, but not for tech projects. How crazy is that?
No my internet is crap today. I can't keep up and I see parts of conversations. I know I could add more.
Just starting coding/robotics this year. Do you like ozobots?
never heard of would like to learn more
Would love to hear how it goes.
That would be awesome Jessica! We have ozobots too! Love them!
we make class books, narrate our work/ illustrations anything really, we love it
Ladies I want to join in this convo too. Ive been exploring coding in many ways.
thanks Traci I'll check it out
Awesome! We made feelings posters over the summer. I'm excited to use with my kiddos this year.
Ugh. Do robots count as tech though? Frustrating, but I've heard the ipad/chromebook complaint, but not for robots.
I don't know...our tech department is super weird about stuff. Maybe I'll try to sneak it into another project. Ha ha
Retelling a story with Sphero, using it to review a life cycle. Slow shutter speed colour art
Yes! We just used them for adding this week. We also used Beebots for partners to 10
Same here! LOL We talk about it but don't get to Twitter most of the time. https://t.co/7rTkQbv0PJ
We have been participating in . Need to get better at sharing the math we see on Twitter.
Not tonight! Way too scattered (or relaxed?) .
yes i need to do the same thing. i think the Ss are ready too
. https://t.co/EkqCoh9fkc
I need to get my classroom Twitter up and running for this year. Think my first graders are ready for it now.
I'd love to explore non computer ways of coding if you have any to share...send them my way!
They are a robotic ball. Can code using blocks or simply drive. Very cool, just working on purposeful integration.
Our time is coming to a close. Thanks everyone for a great chat & for sharing all the wonderful things you do with kids each day.
I'm working on a 90 min presentation on coding with and without tech and curriculum in K/3
Honestly, ask about robots. I think they are different.
Not necessarily sphero specific but ways to integrate coding/computational thinking in meaningful ways w/content.
Going to Day 2 of Next Step in Guided Reading training on Tuesday. Pumped:)
We need to talk! I would love to hear more about the nitty gritty!
