A chat where literacy education students, preservice teachers, and literacy mentors connect to discuss research and practice, share ideas, and meet new mentors for professional learning.
Good morning friends. Mary curled up in a corner at Starbucks to chat with my #preservicelit friends. Love this group so committed to learning FROM THE START! #G2Great
Hi my name is Daisy and I am a student at Bank Street and a Pre K teacher in New York City. Happy to join this Saturday morning chat. #preservicelit#LitBankStreet
Happy Saturday! @pranikoff here. What a great way to begin the weekend. I'm in NYC looking out the window and drinking my morning coffee. Happy to see so many friends here! #preservicelit#LitBankStreet#G2Great
Hi my name is Daisy and I am a student at Bank Street and a Pre K teacher in New York City. Happy to join this Saturday morning chat. #preservicelit#LitBankStreet
This just makes me so happy to see new teachers putting their own learning first. Nothing is more powerful than OUR dedication to learning - and combine that in the company of teachers…. WOW! #preservicelit#G2Great
A1: I stay organized by keeping a big planner in which I color coat. My best hack is to label everything and have a designated spot for all items and making sure that the items are put back where they belong. #preservicelit
A1 Being organized is key! I use my Google Calendar to stay on top of everything I need to do. I also use my note app to make to do lists. Google Drive helps me organize and share my files but I also use an old fashioned file cabinet too. #preservicelit
Good morning! I’m Emily and I’m a preservice teacher. Soon, however, I’ll be switching my major from ECE to English on account of my ultimate goal of becoming a full time staff member at my library where I currently work. These chatsstill interest me though. #preservicelit
A1 I am a chronic notetaker - not for the sake of notes but because I THINKING on paper and scribbling new thinking on paper gives me a paper trail. I like to go back to it later and use a new color to see how my thinking has changed #preservicelit#G2Great
A1: Organization is key. If we empower our students to be a part of the organization it encourages them to have more ownership with their learning environment allowing us to spend more brainpower on the imperative work of observation and instruction. #preservicelit#LitBankStreet
Good morning! Finally have a quiet Saturday morning to peek into this chat! I'm Leigh Anne 6th grease ELA from Indiana. This is my 11th year of teaching. #preservicelit
A1: I’m an organized person to begin with, but tips...maintain a digital calendar, use @GoogleKeep for to-do lists, and just pace yourself on tasks. Do a little bit everyday but make sure that you give yourself daily non-negotiables #preservicelit
A1: I LOVE Evernote as a way to keep track of digital docs. I'm also never without my trusty clipboard and weekly TODO list for writing notes and adding info on the go. #preservicelit#LitBankStreet
A1: Organization is key. If we empower our students to be a part of the organization it encourages them to have more ownership with their learning environment allowing us to spend more brainpower on the imperative work of observation and instruction. #preservicelit#LitBankStreet
A1: My best advice is to do what works for you. I just have folders and schedules on my computer. I lose stickies but there is an app haha Google Keep is the best #preservicelit
A1. To organize my digital tools/websites, I use Symbaloo. You can easily access all your favorite sites and organize by tabs https://t.co/9eOXYU0ZL1#preservicelit
A1: I love all things Google including Google Keep to stay organized, the collaboration aspects are key. But I have not given up the notebook. #preservicelit
A1 Organization is key but we must always remember that we are teaching KIDS who don’t always fit our organizational focus. Pure organization without intentional flexibility will always leave kids out of the mix. #preservicelit#G2Great
Good morning! I’m Emily and I’m a preservice teacher. Soon, however, I’ll be switching my major from ECE to English on account of my ultimate goal of becoming a full time staff member at my library where I currently work. These chatsstill interest me though. #preservicelit
I think labeling everything really help to stay organized. It will also allow the student to help keep the room organized. Also planning a couple weeks in advance would also help keep you organized. #preservicelit
A1 I use google calendar which is shared with my co teachers. I also use google drive. I enjoy making to do lists. I have a column that is labeled “to do”, another is labeled “working on” and the last column is “done”. This helps me stay organized #preservicelit#LitBankStreet
A1 Each year I keep a notebook. I start in the summer and add ideas I glean, notes from summer conferences, lesson ideas, PD learning. It contains each year's thinking. #preservicelit
A1 I have two organization superpowers: Google and an amazing friend named Fran McVeigh who taught me how to organize in folders. Totally showed me a new way of thinking. #preservicelit#G2Great
A1 I have two organization superpowers: Google and an amazing friend named Fran McVeigh who taught me how to organize in folders. Totally showed me a new way of thinking. #preservicelit#G2Great@franmcveigh
A1 I also think it's important to help students organize. We have to teach into this. Color-coding, putting papers neatly in folders, maintaining supplies. It's part of being strategic and efficient. These skills can help student independence. #preservicelit#LitBankStreet
A1: Being organized is very important for teachers, because teachers have to keep track of so many papers and files. I stay organized by managing my space. #preservicelit
A1 I have two organization superpowers: Google and an amazing friend named Fran McVeigh who taught me how to organize in folders. Totally showed me a new way of thinking. #preservicelit#G2Great@franmcveigh
A1: Create an organization system in the classroom that is not complex and can be easily navigated (and maintained!) by the Ss. Label parts of it in the room; delegate the Ss to support it. #preservicelit
A1: Organization as a student is just as important. It allows me to take better ownership of my education & become more responsible. Time management after planning out all my to-do lists is important. Always getting things done early so I don’t feel overwhelmed. #preservicelit
YES we can’t do it all for them or it’s about US. This is every bit a life skill (wish it had been emphasized more when I was in school! #preservicelit#G2Great@franmcveigh
A1 I also think it's important to help students organize. We have to teach into this. Color-coding, putting papers neatly in folders, maintaining supplies. It's part of being strategic and efficient. These skills can help student independence. #preservicelit#LitBankStreet
A1: I once had a teacher in high school that was incredible organized and always gave work back quickly. She’s given great advice. Labeling has a lot to do with it and having dates and deadlines you put in place for yourself. Everything should have it’s place. #preservicelit
A1 My new favorite organizer of information is @wakelet - such an amazing way to collect and gather both chats and things I want to remember. INCREDIBLE resource! #preservicelit#G2Great
A1 I have two organization superpowers: Google and an amazing friend named Fran McVeigh who taught me how to organize in folders. Totally showed me a new way of thinking. #preservicelit#G2Great@franmcveigh
A2: We can organize classrooms by labeling everything. We can inspire learning by having a reading area where the book so are categorized by genre and allowing centers to be present in certain areas of the classroom. #preservicelit
Fran is a master. I would NEVER have thought of doing it that way. Our #G2Great chat is now organized solely because of Fran’s wisdom (certainly wasn’t my idea but I’m in love with it) #preservicelit#G2Great@franmcveigh
A1 I have two organization superpowers: Google and an amazing friend named Fran McVeigh who taught me how to organize in folders. Totally showed me a new way of thinking. #preservicelit#G2Great@franmcveigh
A1 Organization is key but we must always remember that we are teaching KIDS who don’t always fit our organizational focus. Pure organization without intentional flexibility will always leave kids out of the mix. #preservicelit#G2Great
A2: Listening to Bob Dillon on Jennifer Gonzalez @cultofpedagogy he suggests for sections in the classroom for learning and organization to think about - space for quiet, process, create and collaboration. #preservicelit
A2: Classrooms must be created with and for student learning. Organize and label so students can own the classroom and the work. By creating predictable routines, students can focus on the learning! #preservicelit
This is VERY important! Our middle school used to offer a semester of study skills to all 6th graders. Organization for Success was one component. Sadly budget cuts have eliminated the course.
#preservicelit
A2 I’d say that we start with a spirit of INSPIRATION and the passion that rises from that will help us stay organized. I just think inspiration comes first! #preservicelit#G2Great
I think that labeling is one of the best ways to organize and inspire. Labels tell each student what they need to know but also inspires them to read by simply reading the label. #preservicelit
A2 As social beings kids desks should be in groups. I like flex and comfortable seating options with soft lighting rather than harsh florescent lights. An organized class library is key. Organize by author, subject, genre, NOT level! Materials should be accessible. #preservicelit
A2 Top priority is that the children can navigate with independence. Things need to be neat, well labeled and easy to reach. Hang only things that are beautiful, useful or kid produced. It needs to feel like the students run the space. #preservicelit#LitBankStreet
A2. When you map out your room, make sure you can see all the designated areas from your conferring/ small group table. You want to be able to survey the room quickly! #preservicelit
I always say that your best friend in a school is the secretary because (s)he is the keeper of the closet of stickies! The sticky note closet is like a pot of gold for teachers! (The custodian is also a good friend to have!) #preservicelit
This sounds so frustrating. It's a life skill that many do not learn at home. We are remiss if we do not lean into it in school. It can really make or break it for students. @LeeAraoz#preservicelit#LitBankStreet
This is VERY important! Our middle school used to offer a semester of study skills to all 6th graders. Organization for Success was one component. Sadly budget cuts have eliminated the course.
#preservicelit
Yes, it seems there is sometimes a correlation between organization and student success. Some kids have never been taught how to do this. #preservicelit
A1 I also think it's important to help students organize. We have to teach into this. Color-coding, putting papers neatly in folders, maintaining supplies. It's part of being strategic and efficient. These skills can help student independence. #preservicelit#LitBankStreet
A2: Keeping the classroom organized can help students focus because when classroom are not organized it can be distracting. Keeping a classroom organized by having space and nothing in the way for students can help the students focus. #preservicelit
A1 When we create a learning culture where inspiration permeates the very air we breathe, we are motivated to organize since that just lifts inspire even higher (but we also leave room for surprises) #preservicelit#G2Great
I always say that your best friend in a school is the secretary because (s)he is the keeper of the closet of stickies! The sticky note closet is like a pot of gold for teachers! (The custodian is also a good friend to have!) #preservicelit
A2: In the past I had a much more organized room. With a change of assignments and not having "a" class keeping things efficient and organized has been more of a struggle. Areas for each class is the goal but not always the reality. #preservicelit
A1 My best advice for the teachers who I have the honor of coaching is to find a system from a colleague that makes sense to them and just stick with it for a year. After that you can tweak what does not work. It's just about what works for you. #preservicelit#LitBankStreet
Labeling is essential for organization. It’s also a great way to foster pre reading skills. We also write multi step directions to help give reminders of routines #LitBankStreet#preservicelit
I always say that your best friend in a school is the secretary because (s)he is the keeper of the closet of stickies! The sticky note closet is like a pot of gold for teachers! (The custodian is also a good friend to have!) #preservicelit
A2: I think labeling can help, too, in the classroom with students of any age. Knowing where your students are to put things can make them feel more confident and in control of their learning. I also think having though organizational tools in bright colors helps. #preservicelit
A2 Collaboration and organization go hand in hand. I'm a big believer in collegial conversations and it almost always helps me find a more organized way to do something. #preservicelit#G2Great
A1: Haha - I try new organizational systems each year. I am always looking for help! Sorry I don't have tips besides trying to have all your papers ready for the next day. #preservicelit
A2 Collaboration and organization go hand in hand. I'm a big believer in collegial conversations and it almost always helps me find a more organized way to do something. #preservicelit#G2Great
A2 Being a middle school teacher, my biggest organization success is to have trays for each period. Ss know the safest place for their work is in that tray. Also a separate place for students who are absent to find materials upon return. #preservicelit
A2 We do not all have the same level of organizational prowess. I am a very disorganized organized thing an proud of it but as a result I’ve had to create MANY tricks such as color coding, lists and folders. We have to find what works for US #preservicelit#G2Great
A2: Keeping the classroom organized can help students focus because when classroom are not organized it can be distracting. Keeping a classroom organized by having space and nothing in the way for students can help the students focus. #preservicelit
Does anyone do both English and Spanish labels, and do you ever have a difficult time finding the correct Spanish translation? #preservicelit#SpanishTeachers
A2 Top priority is that the children can navigate with independence. Things need to be neat, well labeled and easy to reach. Hang only things that are beautiful, useful or kid produced. It needs to feel like the students run the space. #preservicelit#LitBankStreet
#preservicelit A2. I love a teacher store, but only buy basics..border, letters, a Welcome Back sign..Really, your walls should be pretty empty..The Ss will help create what's included, including posting their work..
Q2: There’s a fine line between too much organization and creating an inspiring environment: have routines built in BUT be flexible with delivery, groupings, activities, assessments offered. Ex) Workshop model. #preservicelit
A2. When you map out your room, make sure you can see all the designated areas from your conferring/ small group table. You want to be able to survey the room quickly! #preservicelit
So true. Working with new teachers always humbles me and reminds me of the beauty of the challenge of this job. So many places that require energy. You have to prioritize. It's a gift to work with those beginning their careers. #preservicelit#LitBankStreet
We've gone way too far with this. Leveling is useful for teachers but there is no need for students or their parents for that matter to know the child's level. I suggest books within a level band based on interest rather than telling levels. #Preservicelit
A3: I believe other teachers inspire teachers. At this point for me Susan Vincent and everyone on this chat inspires my teaching and you all are providing great resources this morning. @ssvincent#preservicelit
A2. When you map out your room, make sure you can see all the designated areas from your conferring/ small group table. You want to be able to survey the room quickly! #preservicelit
Yes times 100 Dina. IT’s impossible for us to have a death grip on the organizational plan and still keep kids at the center. Plans are meant to change when we keep kids in mind. #preservicelit
Q2: There’s a fine line between too much organization and creating an inspiring environment: have routines built in BUT be flexible with delivery, groupings, activities, assessments offered. Ex) Workshop model. #preservicelit
A3 Oh goodness who doesn’t would be better. I have an amazing Voxer group, everyone who comes to our #G2Great chat week after week, my #curiositycrew and my many friends who are committed to doing this beautiful work even better day after day #preservicelit
When I walk into a classroom with walls covered with pre-made charts and "stuff", I have a hard time figuring out what is important and how would this help a student? Just imagine how Ss feel. #preservicelit
Q2: There’s a fine line between too much organization and creating an inspiring environment: have routines built in BUT be flexible with delivery, groupings, activities, assessments offered. Ex) Workshop model. #preservicelit
love the phrase “navigate with independence” regardless of age, students should have confidence in finding & putting away materials on their own #preservicelit
A2 Top priority is that the children can navigate with independence. Things need to be neat, well labeled and easy to reach. Hang only things that are beautiful, useful or kid produced. It needs to feel like the students run the space. #preservicelit#LitBankStreet
A2: 1 must have an exciting reading area! I started flexible seating and Ss really enjoy it and seem to be more engaged & focused. The 1 thing I learned my 1st yr - behavior management is the key so start there and then worry about teaching. #preservicelit
I struggle with this, but I've found if it's a digital file, I can organize it much easier. I save notes and dates on my phone calendar. I use https://t.co/I6LLApbvKA to schedule conferences. I use Excel to keep spreadsheets of parent/student info. #preservicelit
A3 Every school I’ve ever been in, the 1st thing I did was to find my inspiration crew. Sometimes it was ONE & sometimes a group but I ALWAYS found it. NEVER allow negativity to dissuade your focus on kids. Find your passion tribe & hold on for dear life! #preservicelit#G2Great
I completely agree @DinaMWeiss I think that planning ahead and being organized allows for flexibility if you prioritize the students in the teaching moment. Organization helps me stay present and open. #preservicelit#LitBankStreet
Q2: There’s a fine line between too much organization and creating an inspiring environment: have routines built in BUT be flexible with delivery, groupings, activities, assessments offered. Ex) Workshop model. #preservicelit
A3: Teachers inspire other teachers. People who have done great things in teaching and in education inspire me. An inspiration of mine is the professor. @ssvincent She’s an amazing and kind hearted person. Sometimes that’s all students need to achieve. #preservicelit
A3. You MUST follow @DrMaryHoward and join in #g2great chats in Thursdays. The variety of topics and experts will grow your knowledge exponentially! #preservicelit
I think teachers inspire teachers. I know that’s who inspired me, good and bad. As a teacher, you want to do the things that made you love school, but also avoid the things that made you hate school. My chemistry and biology teachers inspired me! #preservicelit
A3: I believe other teachers inspire teachers. At this point for me Susan Vincent and everyone on this chat inspires my teaching and you all are providing great resources this morning. @ssvincent#preservicelit
Yes! Yes! Yes! All these amazing educators and thank goodness for Twitter. I was slow to start, but now I cannot imagine my teaching and thinking and learning without #G2Great#curiositycrew#preservicelit and the connections I've made there.
A2 I think getting student as involved in the daily routine of the classroom is how we get them inspired. When students feel like a valued member of the classroom they will want to be there abd be more opened to learn. #preservicelit
For physical space organization, it truly depends on your students. I know mine are able to be successful with some seating arrangements v.s others and I have to trial and error it sometimes. #preservicelit
A3 The only reason I’m not tagging people who inspire me is that I know I’ll leave someone out & feel awful all day. I;m so grateful for so many people & I hope I let them know in so many others ways that a list sure to miss someone inadvertently ❤️ #preservicelit#G2Great
A3. Spend your days with eyes and ears open.
Watch for ideas.
Watch rot words.
Groups - voxer, twitter, professional
Seek and ye shall find!
#preservicelit
A3 I could NEVER have survived these past 46 years as an educator without co collaborators, co conspirators and co curiosity seekers. It truly is what keeps me wanting another 46 years in this beautiful profession! ❤️ #preservicelit#G2Great
Always important to surround yourself with like minded individuals, no matter the situation. So much more can be accomplished when determined people come together #preservicelit
A3 Oh there are so many I know I would leave some out. But Twitter and the connections made there have been teacher-life changing. #TeachWrite#g2great#6thchat
#preservicelit A3. Your PLC building based can help connect and share ideas on your grade levels..You'll be busy but find a balance to pursue other passions..Make opportunities and Stay on Twitter
Agreed! #curiositycrew = constant source of inspiration. Speaking of which, @NowakRo your recent post encouraging us all to JUMP was beyond beautiful and just the motivation I needed this morning. THANK YOU. #preservicelithttps://t.co/wcE3WAZl1V
I find translations tricky too. There are some words that have many variations from different Spanish speaking countries. When in doubt we use the real academia española website and teach our students that there are many ways to say certain words. #LitBankStreet#preservicelit
Thank you., thank you @AffinitoLit for this opportunity to share professionally and create a path for continued support and connection with a wonderful PLN! #Preservicelit#G2Great#LitBankStreet
What I've found is that if it's too organized and not easily visible, we won't use it regularly. I want our materials to be accessible to the kids! Now my math/science tools are labeled and sorted (and VISIBLE!) so students can get them easily. #preservicelit
It's always been sheer desperation.
Totally a Love/Hate with Google Drive but I do know some tips that make it bearable.
Function
Utility
#preservicelit
Thanks, Emily. I agree that independence breeds confidence that transfers across classes and years and makes for powerful shifts in learning. #preservicelit#LitBankStreet
love the phrase “navigate with independence” regardless of age, students should have confidence in finding & putting away materials on their own #preservicelit
A2 Top priority is that the children can navigate with independence. Things need to be neat, well labeled and easy to reach. Hang only things that are beautiful, useful or kid produced. It needs to feel like the students run the space. #preservicelit#LitBankStreet
A3: I'm an ECE major so a lot of my elementary school teachers inspire me, i look back to when I would help them organize the classroom and how the teachers had the students names on their desk and all their books already in their desks before they enter the class. #preservicelit
A3. Spend your days with eyes and ears open.
Watch for ideas.
Watch rot words.
Groups - voxer, twitter, professional
Seek and ye shall find!
#preservicelit
Thinking of multiple arrangements helps keep things exciting for students throughout the year. I know for lower el it truly depends on their level of flexibility in routine so this may work against you, but my 5th graders definitely need the change periodically. #preservicelit
Thank you to all #preservicelit educators chatting today! Let’s keep the conversation alive and slow chat throughout the month. Be sure to check the feed all month long! The archive of our chat will be posted soon!
A3: I'm an ECE major so a lot of my elementary school teachers inspire me, i look back to when I would help them organize the classroom and how the teachers had the students names on their desk and all their books already in their desks before they enter the class. #preservicelit
Thank you to all #preservicelit educators chatting today! Let’s keep the conversation alive and slow chat throughout the month. Be sure to check the feed all month long! The archive of our chat will be posted soon!
I even forget what we have sometimes if I’m not actively thinking about it. So if it’s true that we forget the students do the same thing, great reminder! #preservicelit
#preservicelit is a wonderful reunion with my friends on a Saturday morning and a chance to meet new ones. Thank you @AffinitoLit and all who participated
Special note to our #preservicelit Ts Pause for a moment & soak up he wisdom & inspiration flashing across your screen. Do not forget that you're NEVER alone in this profession. There are always people waiting in the wings you may not even know to support you ALWAYS!❤️ #G2Great
Thank you for such a lovely start to my Saturday morning. I learned many things that I’m excited to try. It was a wonderful experience learning from all of you! #preservicelit#LitBankStreet
A3: New Ts are professionals too. Veteran educators should be opened to learning from new Ts; So, new Ts, share, give your perspective, innovations...It’s a 2-way relationship, and one that will sustain the profession. #preservicelit
Thank you for such a lovely start to my Saturday morning. I learned many things that I’m excited to try. It was a wonderful experience learning from all of you! #preservicelit#LitBankStreet
Thank you for an amazing chat Stephanie and our #preservicelit friends @Affinito Inspired learning and collaboration is my favorite way to start any day!
Love Voxer because "voices" are important...so is the printed word. But to hear the questioning,
the wondering,
the thinking
in progress
is priceless!
#preservicelit
In reply to
@Teachr4, @aschoenborn, @PaulWHankins, @laffinteach
#preservicelit is a wonderful reunion with my friends on a Saturday morning and a chance to meet new ones. Thank you @AffinitoLit and all who participated
.@AffinitoLit you've got it! Time to get up it is. Just glad they slept so I could tweet in peace! LOVE our collaboration as well. Excited for more to come. #preservicelit#LitBankStreet
Three ways ANY educator can be a LEADER:
1. Curate, create, and share valuable resources with faculty and staff.
2. Invite colleagues into your classroom to see awesome instructional practices.
3. Start a PD book study chat at your school or on Voxer.
#pd4uandme#preservicelit
