#4thchat Archive
#4thchat is a hashtag for teachers or anyone to talk about educational issues relating to 4th grade. Using #4thchat will create a network of 4th grade teachers or teachers working with 9-10 year olds across the world. We welcome anyone who 1. teaches 4th grade 2 .Works with 4th grade students and or 4th grade teachers 3. Likes 4th grade teachers (Groupies are encouraged).
Monday August 8, 2016
Hello to those of you joining in this evening. Paula here from New Orleans. Tonight’s topic - Prepping for the New School Year.
Today was my first day back for the 16-17 school year. When you do begin? Our Ss start on Aug. 11.
Hello from Alabama. We started last week and b2s is in full swing
It was also the first day back for co-moderator .
Wow, starting at the beginning of August must be tough and hot in AL. Welcome to .
Wow that is early. We start back on the 22nd. Ss on the 29th.
Megan from MN enjoying my last few weeks of summer!
We seem to start a little earlier every year. Hope you are enjoying the rest of your summer break
It was a fast start. Ts on Aug 1 Ss on 4th
Okay, I’ll stop complaining now. LOL
Q1: How much of your time during summer vacation would you estimate you spend on prepping for the next school yr?
A1: I spent days each week during the summer prepping for the new school year. Gathering resources, planning, etc.
A1) too much but not enough
I never feel totally prepared to start each new school year. Way too many things to work on.
A1 hard to quantify. Does pinteresting, tweetering, instagramming etc count 😉
I think that’s about the same amount of time I spent on prep this summer.
It most certainly does. I consider that serious prep time!
yeah, but it is usually the non-classroom stuff that trips me up. All the beginning of the year non classroom things.
I used to plan a good part of the summer & then come back & told I was teaching something different!
What picture books should I start the school year with! Gimme your ideas!
Hate when that happens. I has given new state soc st standards last yr after prepping during summer.
Q2: How far ahead of school reopening do you start working on your classroom for the new school year?
Yes, today was spent in all-day meetings and Ts just wanted to be in their rooms planning.
I was told we were getting PD and supplies for science before school started and that all fell through- starting with nothing
Used to be a couple weeks, but only went up for half a day and I'm done! Just have new books to add to my library
A2 as soon as they wax the floors in July. I like working at my pace during my off days
A1 I usually spend 3-4 days in conferences and a few hours a week on both Twitter and Pinterest gathering new ideas.
A2: About 4 weeks prior to school starting Then the last two weeks of summer are for SUMMER!
Do you feel ready when school starts? Do you work with any of your co-workers?
A2 usually that time is built into our workshop week. New principal this year so I may go in before workshop this year.
A2: I wait and go in about 2 weeks before school starts and try and save last few days of summer for fun.
Q3: What takes the most time when preparing your classroom for the new school year? Classroom design? Curric mapping? Other?
Never completely ready! LOL Yes, I collaborate with other ts! This year I moved schools AFTER I had one room ready!
Yes, I like that I can go in when I want and leave when I want. No schedule to follow.
This year curriculum design has been huge time focus. We are 1:1 but shifting from iPad to chromebooks
Oh NO! Having to prep one room is enough for me. Hope you will be happy in your new school.
A3 All the added junk admin through a our way when we'd rather be planning and setting up classrooms.
Why the shift from iP:ads to Chromebooks? Any part of your curriculum design you can share?
Looking at starting genius hour, book talks, and makerspace this year
I think my new school is going to be wonderful! Now I'm in the same district as !
That is great! I have done this the past two years. Ss and I love it!
WooHoo! That’s great. Love like a sister. Wish I lived closer.
Q4: Have you ever left most of your classroom undecorated and let the Ss do that so they have more ownership?
Bet part of that decision had something to do with state testing. I don’t believe iPads qualify for most EOY tests.
A4. I now leave bulletin boards blank and kids and I add after school starts.
A4: i put up bulletin board background and border. Ss design what will go on them.
A4 I often leave bulletin boards bare to later hang up class generated anchor charts, student work, etc.
Q5: Have you made any progress toward flexible seating in your classroom for this school year?
I use to stress over BB, but no longer. Now that time is used for planning better lessons.
I have stools, benches, and crates. Haven't adjusted height on any desks or tables yet. But they move around a lot.
A5: I have added rugs, a couple of bean bag chairs and floor pillows for Ss to grab and find a spot for reading to self.
A5 plan. to try this a bit by adding choice. Pillows a balance ball & a few camp chairs. Need to keep trad desks too for now.
Q6: Are you given a paper allotment for copies? What do you use to help cut down on paper consumption in your classroom?
A5: Very little. Rugs in front of desk w/beanbags & lap desks. Want to c if they take to it.
KMart, Wal-Mart and Big Lots have worked for me.
Yes, unfortunately, still have to use traditional desks, but in non-traditional setting arrangements.
A6 no paper allot but we have to purchase each copy. We are trying Google classroom this year
A6: Each Ts gets one case of paper each quarter. I use , Google Docs, and will use this year to cut down on paper.
A6: No allotment. Did CK12 book & GClassroom last yr. Couldn't remember that last time I used copier. (just science tho).
A6 last year we used notability and shared via emailed with the kids
Start with desks grouped in fours, but it is easy to move them out of way to gather for whole group when needed.
A6 no paper restrictions. Responsible use only. We are not 1:1 so paperless is tough. School won't allow byod for Ss.
Use most of my copies for weekly assessments.
love all the Google for education apps! Kids all adding a slide in Google slides to share their learning 😊
Q7: How much money would you say you spend on average to prepare your room for a new school year?
Wish my district was GAFE or used Google classroom.
A7: $0. We got a start up budget. Then I get a monthly one. I still spend on maker projects throughout the yr. Prob 2-300
A7 eek more than I'd like to admit. This year I bought a new teacher desk space so more than usual
A&: It varies. Last year I spent about $500 dollars on beanbag chairs, pillows, rugs, throws, and lamps. Less this year.
We get $80 per year for our classroom. Doesn’t go very far.
A7 I spend 100-200 per year but not all on prep lots on supply's for me and personal PD books or Ss books.
Met a guy got GAFE setup for him. He has the entire infrastructure off the schools grid. Crazy I know but
I've worked hard on grants and the like. I still dig in my pocket for the things I want my kiddos to have access to
Q8: How much would you say you spend on buying classroom supplies for your Ss?
Yes, my 12 Chromebooks, one MBP, and one iPad mini secured through .
I’ve been trying to figure out how to go rogue. LOL
3 to 400 a yr. Not counting the annual Dodger Dog party where I feed the mid sch a& staff.
looks interesting. Is it something like digital portfolio? https://t.co/CdrFoSnwUm
A6: Each Ts gets one case of paper each quarter. I use , Google Docs, and will use this year to cut down on paper.
A8: I have spent around $40 this year of school supplies for my Ss. I work in a school that is 92% f/r lunch. Want my Ss prepared.
Ipevo does a monthly giveaway. Pretty awesome.
Hi, Jose. Long time, no chat to you. Yes, is a dig portfolio and blogging platform.
A8 Not much. I create reading and genius hour folders for Ss ahead of time so I buy those. Gifts for fam @ holiday. Maybe 50 .
Hey Paula, long time no "see". Will have to give@Seesaw a try! Thanks!
A6: Back to the paper thing. Anyone use Live Binders? Trying to figure out a use. Seems great.
Q9: Do any of you ever score money from individuals to help you defer classroom costs?
How are you? I just became a Ambassador. It is a wonderful product even on the free side.
I have some friends who have used with their Ss. They were thrilled with options it provided them.
A9 gift cards from parents. I also put my wish list on post its by the door at open house and throughout the year to score items.
A9: I have had a few of my personal friends give me some money toward my classroom. I think to shut me up. LOL
Yes, Megan. That is one of the major reasons why I will be using this year. My Ss are bloggers.
A9: Parents donate from their companies... Had someone tell me to write a proposal 4 3D printer etc to the Rotary Club.
my sister and mom help out too. Now I'm thinking it was "hush money" 😂
Definitely, let’s stay in touch and get our classes connected.
Oh, like that - hush money. Seriously, my friends know how much I love what I do, so they are willing to help.
Q10: What online programs does our school or district pay for?
Just want to pop into and say hello. Can't stay... first day back & need to get things in order for tomorrow! Enjoy!
