#ECEchat Archive
We chat every Tuesday night at 8:30-9:30 pm CST. All are welcome, especially EarlyEd teachers, leaders & experts. Co-founded & moderated by @techwnancy @JessicaCabeen & @VealHeidi
Tuesday April 5, 2016 9:30 PM EDT
Hello PLN my name is Nancy. I am an AP on a bilingual early childhood school in N. TX. Looking forward to the learning tonight.
Tiffany, AL, reading and math interventionist
Hi! Laura, K Dual Language teacher (Spanish side) in South Florida! Excited to be here!
Hello
Michelle, K Teach, TX
Looking forward to making every minute count!
hi! I'm Sara, from Lake Tahoe NV. This year I'm on leave from a k-5 pbl public school & next year I get to teach k at a private sch
Julie, elementary counselor from Plano TX
is in a Q/A format with Q1, Q2, etc. Mark responses w/ A1, A2, A3,...etc
Remember to include the hashtag so everyone can follow along.
Welcome Michelle! So glad you joined tonight!
Hey Justin 4th grade teacher from Baltimore ready to rock and roll!
Hello everyone! Reba from Dallas and I am a Literacy Consultant with Hougton-Mifflin-Harcourt
Bridget Visser, Literacy Specialist from GCISD. Ready to learn w/ tonight!
Hi Nancy! Nice to see you, friend :)
Hi Laura! is lucky you joined in tonight!
Here are the Qs for tonight's about Making Every Minute Count heading into the final months of the year. https://t.co/WLaFUj6P5z
Welcome Allyson! So glad you could join tonight.
hi Heidi! I'm so happy my schedule worked out for tonight!
Welcome, glad you joined tonight.
Hi everyone Mike sahd here. Small home daycare. Preschool teacher
Just made my night! I know you will bring it! :)
aw thank you! i feel lucky to be here! I love learning from passionate fellow educators! :-)
Welcome, glad you joined tonight.
Tonight's tonight is about Making Every Minute Count heading N2 the final months of the year https://t.co/H1gWgpl3Mo
Welcome, glad you joined tonight.
Hi! Amanda, pre-k dual language teacher (English)
Keeping an eye on womens game too!
Welcome back, glad you joined tonight.
Welcome back, glad you joined tonight.
Hello Milangee, 1st grade from NJ.
hi Justin! Are you having a great week?
love having the ?s in advance!
q1 childhood is short! Let your children explore and play and discover everything
Welcome Margarita!! Will you be at this weekend?
Hello Glad to here for the chat
Welcome Patricia! So glad you are joining tonight.
what we take for granted children love!
A1: Making every minute meaningful for students and maximizing every second of the time we have together.
I had a principal who preached esemed - every s, every minute, every day. use transitions & antsiness for learning
Q1 let children have danger play, let children explore everythibg and let kids have recess!
So happy, happy to welcome you to tonight!!! My sister!
A1: Exactly what it says! Make every minute count!
Jessica, instructional coach from TX popping in to a bit late tonight
Transitions can be a HUGE waste of instructional time if they are not meaningful.
A1: To be intentional in every decision you are making for kids. Whether it is in academics, behavior, having fun. Be Intentional.
They're so fun to watch! I really admire their hard work and focus during the season.
A1: Every minute to win it for kids. Everything we do should be driven for them! Life is an opportunity not an obligation.
A1: making every moment meaningful - whether it's with a lesson, an activity, a game, a conversation w a S, so many ways!
A1: Continuing to support the connections, remaining present, planning for quality not quantity, instilling a β€οΈ for learning!
A1-Be purposeful in all you do!
Hi Heather! Welcome to tonight!
Ossa Fisher, CMO of , excited to join and listen & learn!
A1:Ms. T. Sanchez she makes every second count until you can't pack anything else in that second! https://t.co/18F3dsLzgS
A1. Using time to the fullest. Engaging students in meaningful learning for the time you have them and beyond.
Welcome friend! Howβve you been?
Kyra, here from MN. Work at Kaplan Early Learning Company.
Lauren from dual language 50/50 teacher.
Love that, "Be intentional"
Hola! Hola! Hola! Abe from NYC! I'm making every second count in this group. The ninjas don't let you waste any time.
Time isπ
! Between breaks, ancillary, recess etc. time w my ss is precious & actions need to be INTENTIONAL https://t.co/lGaMzaNOFU
Hi Danielle! So glad you are here tonight! Let the goodness begin!
A1: Ensuring that the learning activities are meaningful and purposeful. Not just busy time.
I love this bc the Ss, especially little ones, don't know they're learning while they're chanting, singing, dancing!
A1: Making every minute count means make your actions/words/time matter. Life's too short not to enjoy!
Hello friends. Keri from SC. Kinder teacher. Back from spring break and ready to learn from you guys!!
A1: multitasking, making every min count, maximizing teachable moments.
A1: I am intentional and open to all Ss, Ts, and Ps ... in that order.
Absolutely! That is my passion...whole brain teaching! Make it fun. :) https://t.co/WmGyKJq5yz
I love this bc the Ss, especially little ones, don't know they're learning while they're chanting, singing, dancing!
Q1: time w/ children is precious. Teaching, talking, playing. All are learning moments
A1: using data to drive every moment of instruction.
Hi ! Bethany here. Kinder teacher in Idaho
A1: Making every min count for early el Ss means being intentional with time, & being developmental appropriate for young learners
A1: utilizing every minute intentionally for the purpose of student achievement or engagement.
Just curious about your thoughts on Free Range Parenting? Yes to RECESS!
A1 hello from Karen Nemeth - author/consultant on dual language learners
To me "Making every minute count" means trying to be mindful of every moment, but with no regrets when we fail
A1: It's also about stopping to listen to Ss and their needs to make sure that you don't miss a critical "aha" moment!
This makes me remember what we were talking about in - how Ss bring home what the school day is for them
A1: offering your very best as much as you can for yourself, your Ss and families.
what data points do you use?
A1) Give clear, short instructions and let Ss do the doing
Carl from Emerald Australia gatecrashing here
I am not surprised. The ninjas always keep me coming back for more!
A2 some routines don't need to be shortened - just better used to build language interactions!
It's great if Ss can use what they learned in class, but even more powerful when it extends beyond school. https://t.co/D3h7K0CYUz
This makes me remember what we were talking about in - how Ss bring home what the school day is for them
A1b) Recognise that the time you are in teh room belongs to the Ss
Every second
what about everyone else?
Welcome Lauren! Always great to connect w/ you and learn together on
A1-to make sure students learn at all times. Well planned lesson and activities to have them engaged in learning
This is when we know they are engaged & we have empowered them to take control of their own learning. https://t.co/eYFlEliEpM
It's great if Ss can use what they learned in class, but even more powerful when it extends beyond school. https://t.co/D3h7K0CYUz
This makes me remember what we were talking about in - how Ss bring home what the school day is for them
Just got to my tweet deck
RT Q2 How could you creatively change parts of your day that take up TIME to help your day flow better? https://t.co/qQHSheT0gY
Q2 How could you creatively change parts of your day that take up TIME to help your day flow better? https://t.co/6dJRGY27hu
what everyone else think of free range parenting ?
Had to quickly stop by and say hi I'm Angela a K teach in MN
That's a huge part of it, huh? If we don't make the most of failing forward, we are just teaching how to fail.
Welcome Operium! Love your digital calling card ; )
That is hilarious! Its gonna be a long chat. I gotta buckle myself in.
Q2 lunch time! I hate lunch time! No one ever eats! I hate lunch time!
So excited you're gatecrashing! Your tweet reminds me of Working on the Work. Ss should be studenting!
A1 it's about quality more than quantity, being all in
A1: I think it means don't take any second for granted. Make it count for the Ss because deserve it
A2: I try to add questions as much as possible to get Ss speaking Spanish in every moment, such as during lining up, transitions
q2 and bedtime for my own kids. Lol
A2) marking teh roll. It's online and sometimes does not connect. Feel you are wasting to long for connection
A2: Walking back and forth to get to breakfast/lunch. If you are allowed to make noise in the halls, sing and chant.
A2: Love sneaking in movement breaks like tracing words with fingers for transitions. Teachable moments can't be planned sometimes
Oh Lunch Time. Oh how much, too much time you take. https://t.co/56JjErli0g
Q2 lunch time! I hate lunch time! No one ever eats! I hate lunch time!
A2. Combine academics during routines/procedures. Ex: While Ss are walking in think about a number that is great than...
A2: Whole group bathroom breaks eat so much time..love when Ts get creative to handle Ss needs
A2: lunch and restroom breaks!
A2-Standing in line for bathroom and drinks. I've posted "passwords" they have to use/say when they are finished.
we skip lunch time half the time and just go play outside
Is that similar to free range chickens? En serio soy medio bruto about these things.
A2: I have random transition times (15 minutes) btw RA/lunch/recess & I've reorganized them 100 times already B/c nothing fits
A2: there's no room for give in routine. It sets the pace and helps mgmt. Maximize every moment even while practicing routine.
A2: My 1st year teaching, forming a line and walking to lunch took forever. Practicing, using songs and modeling helped a lot
A2. Have Ss come into classroom with something to engage their mind. This can be crossing the midline or playing a game.
A2: As we near the end, assessments pick up and take time. Using technology to capture what kids know could reduce time spent 1:1.
A2:I try to balance my time because I don't have much to spare.I do snack orders which take up about 30 min of the day. Not too bad
A2 Use transition times for riddles, word puzzles, jokes, number talking
I gave up on group restroom transitions a long time ago...saves time and let's ss feel independent. https://t.co/H0GTToySAl
Q2 How could you creatively change parts of your day that take up TIME to help your day flow better? https://t.co/6dJRGY27hu
A2: Allowing individual Ss to share what has been the best time during the day. Practicing oral lang and listening skills.
A2 Bathroom/drink breaks and eating time is rough. Luckily, I have a drinking fountain and bathroom in class and we eat in class.
Hi everyone - I'm joining a little late. Dawn Kramer, ECSE teacher from Iowa
I think snack and lunch time can be so tricky. Do you guys have any hints I can use next year?
why they have to be in line? Just sing songs
We have the luxury of delivered breakfast! It's the best! https://t.co/RyOgnlRCSF
A2: Walking back and forth to get to breakfast/lunch. If you are allowed to make noise in the halls, sing and chant.
A-2 restroom breaks at the beginning of the year take so long in kindergarten. I have learned to take a basket of books to read
A2.I love to do quick writes with Ss. When we don't have lots of time Ss respond to a picture. Either writing/drawing
A2: Agree, transitions. We try to make them purposeful as possible but still suck up so much time https://t.co/Je1nYwL4C7
A2: I have random transition times (15 minutes) btw RA/lunch/recess & I've reorganized them 100 times already B/c nothing fits
A2cont: Ask the kids. They know what is efficient and what needs to be done. They are the lead learners and architects of the class
i agree!Had lunch w my kids on Fri & got them talking in Span & finding seeds in their food-unplanned learning!
Yes! https://t.co/xEyJHyUWec
A2: As we near the end, assessments pick up and take time. Using technology to capture what kids know could reduce time spent 1:1.
So True! π€ https://t.co/oKvlNatNLv
We have the luxury of delivered breakfast! It's the best! https://t.co/RyOgnlRCSF
A2: Walking back and forth to get to breakfast/lunch. If you are allowed to make noise in the halls, sing and chant.
Last time I taught kinder (several years ago) -- we whisper sang all over the school!
Hello everyone! I am a K teacher in Tennessee!
A2: Like all you have been saying, do this oral language sharing during the bathroom breaks and lunch line waiting. Great ideas!
Welcome Becky w/ LearnSafari! So glad you could join.
We start at age 3, with no bathrooms in class so in the beginning our aides do a lot of RR runs
tell me more about your passwords, please? I forgot how much I hate lining up for the water fountain!
A2: Yes! Many schools are going to Breakfast in the Classroom. Saves so much time!!!
during lunch is when the kids talk to most. They talk to each other instead of eating lol
A2: One activity that boosts language and math skills, having students line up according to height. Set the timer and GO!
Q3: Coming up in 1 minute
Make it a time to informally & meaningfully engage & connect w/ your students. Relationship building time. https://t.co/Zmpuglnc7u
I think snack and lunch time can be so tricky. Do you guys have any hints I can use next year?
Yes! If ss are not hungry they can grab a book and while they're waiting they're adding, writing or reading https://t.co/ZnkOGtYVHs
A2: Yes! Many schools are going to Breakfast in the Classroom. Saves so much time!!!
oh Man I remember those days the bathroom was in hall always taking kids there
A2: We have a breakfast program that lasts for over 60 minutes! Needed but very complicated.
In every moment is a learning/discovery opportunity.
let them have water bottles in the classroom!
drives me bonkers when kids are asked not to talk during these times AH! Just use the right voice level!
Hi guys rizza here! Happy to be joining today
Do you monitor your kiddos while they eat or is it someone else?
Post letters, shapes, words, colors, right now there's a part/part whole mat with leaves and they have to say the whole...
truth! Couldn't agree more!
absolutely! That's why I love free choice play in !
Absolutely! And it cuts down on discipline problems and promote positive learning choices
I do. But since we are half-day, I don't have anyone for lunch, just for breakfast
A3: No matter what age, Ss can do way more than we allow. Let them DO! It empowers them & creates sense of importance to class.
I love that! Let kids direct there learning!
Building communication skills and engage in meaningful dialogue! Vocabulary will flourish
is there recess or play time too during that 60 min
Love that you mentioned crossing the midline! Do it often, every day, & intentionally! Make it a game ; ) https://t.co/2gHtylWZVk
A2. Have Ss come into classroom with something to engage their mind. This can be crossing the midline or playing a game.
A2:Housekeeping items. Have your students take charge and run the classroom!
I'm not sure what you mean about the basket of books but I love the idea of lots of visuals inside the restrooms
I never mind the S talk but I do mind that which is disrespectful and dirty.
Agreed! So much wisdom in stopping to smell the roses! "Learning" and "Fun" are the same thing in https://t.co/Yakc4tLWjL
In every moment is a learning/discovery opportunity.
Hi Meka! Looks like you had a wonderful spring break. I'm so happy to see you here tonight! :)
yeah me too! I worked with this one teacher who wouldn't let kids talk durning lunch
A3: we line up by colors we are wearing, by saying a word from our syllables of the week; we sing routine songs/chants
Agree. You learn so much about a childβs development by observing & engaging w/ them at play. https://t.co/X9OzQiVWaB
absolutely! That's why I love free choice play in !
A3 Ss have a signal to let me know that they need to go to the bathroom. I have a signal back to say ok. No break time in teaching!
Q3: involve the children in taking care of the room
YES!!!!! So many activities that are brain-based learning out there. Amazing how they work at all levels. https://t.co/pD7uQLnoEC
Love that you mentioned crossing the midline! Do it often, every day, & intentionally! Make it a game ; ) https://t.co/2gHtylWZVk
A2. Have Ss come into classroom with something to engage their mind. This can be crossing the midline or playing a game.
Totally agree! People talk at lunch. Ss are people It is how we learn from others and learn how 2 listen.
it drove me crazy! Glad I work for myself now.
A3:We have a ten minute snack after specials. Provides time to build community & relationships, empower Ss, and save time for later
No bc its arrival time and breakfast, Need lots of supervision.
PACE routine is great for crossing the midline.
love this! I use brain gym! Students love it!
Yep bc we receive lots of Title III funds.
Joining super late can't wait to see all the good thoughts this evening.
(I'm on leave this year) This year they snack in classroom before am recess and eat lunch in the cafeteria w big kids
amen amen amen let kids have free choice
A3: assigning Ss jobs around the classroom helps with time management & taking care of the classroom
We use hand signals when Ss need to go to the restroom
A3) I come up for songs for the attendance roll. Each S has a line and if they are absent the song stops
yes! I love having bathroom/water hand signals! Makes everything so much smoother :-)
A3. Provide Ss w/opportunities to own routines & procedures. Make them consistent & meaningful. Set expectations & model.
Breakfast time is my favorite time to incorporate name writing, vocabulary words, etc. https://t.co/cr7aKQsRv2
Yes! If ss are not hungry they can grab a book and while they're waiting they're adding, writing or reading https://t.co/ZnkOGtYVHs
A2: Yes! Many schools are going to Breakfast in the Classroom. Saves so much time!!!
Thanks & for tonight's got to run! Time to get after it again tomorrow! Have a great week everybody!
couldn't agree more! Give kids more choices less trouble
Yes it's their space to. Shared responsibility to care for it! https://t.co/rVpjVnpI2Q
Q3: involve the children in taking care of the room
Did someone day I <3 me some Dr. Jean!!! Her songs are quintessential faves. https://t.co/HtkXRY9GIJ
Last time I taught kinder (several years ago) -- we whisper sang all over the school!
yes!! My timer is a lifesaver!!
A3-While other Ts show videos during snack we always have a working snack. Snack in centers or finishing a task.
Making a pattern as we line up, who's name sounds like...so many quick transitions. https://t.co/pPC56wYj7b
A3: we line up by colors we are wearing, by saying a word from our syllables of the week; we sing routine songs/chants
Absolutely! Hallway transitions can be noisy if itβs meaningful, learning noise. A song, rhyme, chant, etc. https://t.co/HKINViz2qc
drives me bonkers when kids are asked not to talk during these times AH! Just use the right voice level!