#5thchat Archive
#5thchat is for people interested in chatting about topics in education, especially as they relate to Grade 5. The goal is to connect people who enjoy learning & sharing, plus supporting & creating partnerships worldwide!
Tuesday October 11, 2016
Here from upstate NY. Chilly this morning but the woods stoves are cranked.
Shelly from Texas. 6th grade ELAR
Justin from Jersey here. and tech integrationist just did my first mystery animal hangout today!
Nick Baskwill Kingston NS Canada Grade 5
Hello ! We are new here, but we are a tech startup all the way in Auckland, New Zealand and we would love t… https://t.co/vAG4MYcp49
Jenna from NE. Rocking the middle school this year
Hi all. Dianne 4/5 T from soCal.
Chris from Wilmington, DE. Excited to be back.
I'd like to hear more about the mystery animal hangout.
What's your mystery animal. Hi Justin. Thx for stopping by! https://t.co/YpdwiuMJgy
Justin from Jersey here. and tech integrationist just did my first mystery animal hangout today!
Jordan from Princeton, NJ.
Instead of mystery skype which takes a lot of scaffolding mystery Snimal come from list I made. Both schools pick animal
Using yes or no qs try to eliminate all the other ones. See who guesses who's animal first
u going to in west Windsor in nov? I'm from HAMILTON
A1: Ss take ownership and control of what they are learning Ts dont stand and deliver content
A1 ts & ss working together to create shared learning experience ss taking more control with ts guiding them when needed
How do you know when they need guidance https://t.co/Tfnm5w9WzY
A1 ts & ss working together to create shared learning experience ss taking more control with ts guiding them when needed
going to try an join in on this one, current credential student
too hairy. More like an anteater. (Big nose as u pointed out to entire crowd during keynote)
A1: Ts inspire and get out of the way. Help Ss get out of their own way.
Seriously curious about the mystery animal
Yes, not "sage on the stage," but "guide on the side." https://t.co/dbJCBvJLtc
A1: Ss take ownership and control of what they are learning Ts dont stand and deliver content
A1: 1 idea I get about ss led learning means their choice in what is learned and how maybe almost like genius hour
when arguing occurs engagement is waning, progress doesn't seem to be happening during check ins
What kind of learning do you use this with? Explain your process. https://t.co/Tc9Qsy4CYv
A1: Ss take ownership and control of what they are learning Ts dont stand and deliver content
A1: S led learning is a strategy where the teacher becomes more of a coach than a commander + the env. is based around S, not T
A1: As get choice in what or how they learn and voice in the classroom community to share their learning. Ts actively learn w/ Ss
I have a teacher ready to go whenever u wanna try. She might be jumping in tonight.
yes being able to ask guiding questions is essential https://t.co/T9OAiCK6EC
Yes, not "sage on the stage," but "guide on the side." https://t.co/dbJCBvJLtc
A1: Ss take ownership and control of what they are learning Ts dont stand and deliver content
I do what I can https://t.co/6svy9zl2YM
too hairy. More like an anteater. (Big nose as u pointed out to entire crowd during keynote)
A1: Ss led learning: Ss choice determines activities/how to demonstrate knowledge
instead of me delivering content, Ss do the legwork and present back to class. I fill in blanks if needed
Super hard to do sometimes. What's your strategy? https://t.co/hqOwKUH2WD
A1: Ts inspire and get out of the way. Help Ss get out of their own way.
A1. I have students teach content in their style.
Good evening Michelle, principal, from Saskatchewan, Canada joining in. Rushing home but still late.
hit me up we can do this quickly! I also do mystery numbers
you do this a lot in your class. Math is truly fun for the Ss. Can you give pointers? https://t.co/Cs490BSrcS
A1: 1 idea I get about ss led learning means their choice in what is learned and how maybe almost like genius hour
Great point. Do you coach up that time? https://t.co/OYC3PcJ8qv
when arguing occurs engagement is waning, progress doesn't seem to be happening during check ins
more about questioning. Hopefully they can step up.
That's awesome, https://t.co/RUXSiNjqNd
I have a teacher ready to go whenever u wanna try. She might be jumping in tonight.
Way more meaningful! Love! https://t.co/s0WmgVi1Os
A1: As get choice in what or how they learn and voice in the classroom community to share their learning. Ts actively learn w/ Ss
A1: BreakoutEDUhttps://youtu.be/S6kEvikYOQE
A1: thru the use of#pbl has helped me be more of a guide instead of the sage!
we can do mystery colors anything u want. I have md class would be a great match for u
A2: IMO, the biggest difference is level of autonomy given to Ss + opportunity for Ss to engage with lesson/learning
prek-6 health physed and tech.
Your Ss love it https://t.co/KOOugjm0cD
A1: thru the use of#pbl has helped me be more of a guide instead of the sage!
Parents are surprised, but like the results Ss come up with and how involved they are in the class
Huge fan of PBL, did novel studies with Ss choice for book. Ss loving it & I am more facitilating, they doing greate!
A2 one is about what involvement of ss and ss ownership. One isn't always better than other. Why we have and
I need to pick your brain for this. Do you have any sharable resources https://t.co/OXvFejmtca
Huge fan of PBL, did novel studies with Ss choice for book. Ss loving it & I am more facitilating, they doing greate!
Hi Maria from NJ jumping in late!
2A: Teacher instruction is very limited. More students leading the instruction and project-based activities.
A2: Engagement, meaningful learning, empowerment...so many positives when Ss lead the learning
A1: Ss not only help others to learn but further reinforces the material overall.
A2: T led is T doing talking, Ss not engaged, S led keeps Ss engaged, higher level thinking usually involved, T acts as facilitator
A2 Teachers take a step back and allow students choice and to set direction to the destination.
Do you have any resources you can share to help others release the sage and embrace the guide?
A2: student led learning is active and evolves as Ss explore/discuss more
Not really. Need to put it together more formally. Kind of making it up as we go, but successful so far.
Ss led classroom=collaboration
Ts Led classroom=limited interactions
A3: Students feel they have a voice, promotes confidence, inspires students, teaches imp skills like leadership + independence
A2 there is still a time and a place for direct instruction though. Let's not let pendulum swing too far
Learning is not an isolated process, but a collaborative process.
Have your students commented on the difference?
A2: let ss have more discussions about their learning. Justify, price, debate, peer teach & vary the format how they show learning
Any strats for engaging quieter/shyer students or even classrooms? I remember my teachers having difficulty eliciting S response
A2: Ss led = more unscripted / discovery. T led = more control and predictability.
Even w/ heavy PBL math classes, need direct instruction for math algorithms #
Did someone mention pendulum shifts? https://t.co/CwseOzDaOX
A2 there is still a time and a place for direct instruction though. Let's not let pendulum swing too far
Mine haven/t directly commented, but more engaged, more fun, Ps notice difference
A4: small groups all the way.
A3: Students feel more confident around peers and are more open to sharing ideas
Response systems used by apps like and are helpful; also blogs and eportfolios like
A3: T energy lvl higher, Ss miss less school, more engaged, higher crit think, more "real world" learning occurs
A3: Collaboration, communication, listening, & problem-solving. 21st Century skills.
A3: I've found that student led learning leads to deeper connections, interesting reflection and increasingly more engagement
A3: high engagement, memorable, on Ss level/ability, aligned with their interests, often surprises T with their products
A3: benefits of Ss led lrng-share passions, celebrate individuality but learn about own & others strengths& weakness.
is a big fan. https://t.co/a4cJ5fymzn
Response systems used by apps like and are helpful; also blogs and eportfolios like
Find shy Ss collab /speak more when using PBL or Ss led activities, also use back channels when Ss "talk" by computer
I agree! There are so many tools that give our quieter students a voice and a way to share their learning. https://t.co/qNXeKgCe7u
I find that shy students do well with anything online. They might not want to spk up, but google gives them voice… https://t.co/NFp6fN26CD
Any strats for engaging quieter/shyer students or even classrooms? I remember my teachers having difficulty eliciting S response
I love it...Parents in my class have started accessing Ss portfolios
Great point https://t.co/QrZsQpuuWO
A3: benefits of Ss led lrng-share passions, celebrate individuality but learn about own & others strengths& weakness.
A4: It looked liked Ss being empowered, building communication & collaboration skills while I assessed their needs & facilitated.
totally agree with the "real-world" learning...Ss find what they are learning more meaningful to themselves
I have mine set to roll, but haven't rolled out yet. Pointers? https://t.co/Znpa15kN34
I love it...Parents in my class have started accessing Ss portfolios
A3 is biggest game changer in education since choc milk
A4: NOISY! FUN! engaged Ss, lots of group activities, relevant Ss ?s, Ts interacting w/all Ss to support
A4: ss led learning looks a little chaotic. Ss collaborating learning from and with each other
Hey! I am Krystin, a 5th grade language arts teacher from Virginia. I am just jumping in but can't find the most recent question.
That's a pretty big claim Love me some chocolate milk! https://t.co/iH1X4lnX7N
A3 is biggest game changer in education since choc milk
A4: Genius hour. Also, a lot of creation of their own assessments - how do they want to show their mastery of what we are learning
please find me I love all these above! Nearpod made my keynote rock
Q5: What has been the biggest surprise you have found by incorporating student led learning? https://t.co/e7K0yHl56H
A4: looking to start more Ss led learning in class...so far it looks like kids all over the room engaged in meaningful convos
They definitely learn from each other, this time it's approp behav/concepts, rather than "bored, whatcha doin" stuff
What type of assessments do you have them create? Haven/t tried that yet
A5: Ss problem-solving & possessing grit to stick with a task.
A5: I've been surprised at how well they do. They take things to higher levels than can be imagined! https://t.co/pLeOQOiv8D
Q5: What has been the biggest surprise you have found by incorporating student led learning? https://t.co/e7K0yHl56H
A5: Ss ALWAYS bring up some point or connection or idea that had never even crossed my mind
A5 they are like deer in headlights at first
A5 I don't have to be "the" expert. There is a whole room full of experts.
Ex - decomposing numbers. Ss had to show how to do it. Some drew comics, couple videos, some flyer & others
A5: Ss find ways to teach each other skills that I wouldn't think to include
Had them sketch-note for the first time yesterday and they blew my freakin' mind...
A5: have much more fun I'M having. Inspired to do thus another 20 yrs
That sounds awesome. What were they learning? https://t.co/Ai920jEgQl
Had them sketch-note for the first time yesterday and they blew my freakin' mind...
You can tell they have mastered how to "play school" by 5th. Throw them a curve & they are shocked! But I love it
Hello all, Derek, Dir at chiming in a bit late. On the road traveling is tough for Chats.
I agree. It's definitely not boring! Every class is different! https://t.co/bynmMacmeM
A5: have much more fun I'M having. Inspired to do thus another 20 yrs
A5(2): also, which Ss struggle w/not being told directly what to do, can't handle choice
Watched a powtoon on making inferences. Pulled out key steps as a class and then they created sketch-notes to rep.
Waving at Thx for stopping by! https://t.co/dlVC6Ppxm3
Hello all, Derek, Dir at chiming in a bit late. On the road traveling is tough for Chats.
A5 I loved letting my Ss lead he learning. I wish I would have done it more. I learned they could do it VERY well!
A5: ss products , their engagement & they feel ownership:)
Do you find it's the kids that do school so well? https://t.co/UGOX6l9O1q
A5(2): also, which Ss struggle w/not being told directly what to do, can't handle choice
It seems to very often be the typically high-acheivers who already "do-school" well
Q6: Talk about a time when something went wrong during student-led learning? How can this morph into a su… https://t.co/zLsVElO10Y
Did you use and app or paper? If an app, which? Mine have struggled learning app & presenting material unless paper.
But is that b/c it happens so infrequent as opposed to being capable?
Exactly! The GATE Ss often struggle
Mine did paper in their notebooks. Physical act and planning made it that much more meaningful
Now, you can lead other Ts to it! https://t.co/MV9k0s9mwA
A5 I loved letting my Ss lead he learning. I wish I would have done it more. I learned they could do it VERY well!
I loved NOT being the expert in class! My Ss were amazing & I loved learning w/ and from them! https://t.co/YtF2iv7Pnq
A5 I don't have to be "the" expert. There is a whole room full of experts.
A6 Not enough set up for and projects didn't have enough "meat" to them. Spend more time front loading
Pretty much. Fonts, colors, pictures, etc. By planning how to do it, they synth. much more
they need practice at being teacher-learners just like anything else
Very much. Have Ss two yrs now. Still struggles with this, even though he did similar act w/me last year,
Love it when Ss teach me!!! https://t.co/hqtqXcYOIB
I loved NOT being the expert in class! My Ss were amazing & I loved learning w/ and from them! https://t.co/YtF2iv7Pnq
A5 I don't have to be "the" expert. There is a whole room full of experts.
That's the plan for sure!
I relate to this. Genius hour can b chaos. I use method to organize it. https://t.co/XZoN6zFAGq
A6 Not enough set up for and projects didn't have enough "meat" to them. Spend more time front loading
Agreed! It takes a lot of pressure off.
could you post a picture of one when you get a chance?
A6: Happens a lot. Class theme = try everything & don't give up. Remind Ss this when they "fail", take opp to make fail success
I think choice is hard for Ss b/c we don't let do it enough. They need even more chances to choose.
A6: As a SPED teacher my "went wrong" moments led to successes in the area of thanks to social/behavioral mini-lessons.
What is this method of which you speak??
I have rearranged and used lots of ideas from Way more successful.
Agree. Want Ts below me to embrace it so not as big a shock in 4/5 & what's good for Ss anyways
Sure! If you google search you'll find amazing ones but I can post an authentic 5th grade one tomorrow!
Agree this was a big area of need 1st time did genius hour, much better at it now
A6: periodic learning checks/assmts, help with organization they need to refer to their need to do/ know list often
A6 Pt2 I still haven't figured out how to motivate all my students. Some require more work for buy in.
A6: things go off course often..important for Ss to know that's ok and part of learning! To be flexible is to be ok and keep going
A6 I always told my Ss they were my guinea pigs & to expect issues. The learning often went new directions & was more interesting.
This is 7 p method for Really works
A6: Science. I know it shouldn't be that hard, just started w/other areas 1st as I could do multiple sub/Standards in 1 act
Wanting to do more Ss led things. Any good ideas on how to start?!
Q7: What are some pointers you can give other Ts to help with handing over the reins in Ss led learning? https://t.co/lqloixPNcO
THANK GOODNESS! I found this last week and couldn't find it again. So glad it came back to me!
A7 it won't always go as planned, but let the ss try and solve those problems before rushing in
I loved doing w/ my Ss! Great way to use both sides of brain!
Can't reach them all, all the time, but have to try :)
ideas please! My A6 was going to be that I am looking to truly turn over the leading to the students https://t.co/Pjveh8Sy7p
Q7: What are some pointers you can give other Ts to help with handing over the reins in Ss led learning? https://t.co/lqloixPNcO
A6 I worry tech is too much can distract from learning of content. Reached out to comp teacher for dedicated tech time
I have it saved in 3 places https://t.co/flArUpTRq1
THANK GOODNESS! I found this last week and couldn't find it again. So glad it came back to me!
Yes, keep mixing it up with choice and responsibility, setting them up for success and it will pay off.
I always had my Ss use paper/pencil/markers b/c I wanted them using tools!
We say they get to do it first in school cuz their T is awesome, they r eager to be guinea pigs for all kinds of things :)
No problem Paul! I am a true groupie. I am always selling your book!
Sometimes the paper wins!
Starting learning w/o some training can be a train wreck. We need to help them start.
A7: be flexible, open-minded, listen to your Ss and it is okay if it is not success the first few times
Genius Hour is easiest to start and short time to get used to before full day/week
I need to do a better job at sketch noting
I feel this. Tech is sometimes not the answer. https://t.co/VcXYyzd6v4
A6 I worry tech is too much can distract from learning of content. Reached out to comp teacher for dedicated tech time
A7: Jump in & let go of the fear, need supportive admin willing to let you try new & innovative
We embraced tech as part of learning, Ss too worried about losing it, even for 5 min, to get distracted from act
A7 Planning & training are key. Make sure you have helped your Ss understand what you want to do. This is prob new for them too.
A7: Start simple, one activity, one lesson, one unit, one project and build up, both for your own confidence and the Ss
A7: Student led learning starts with the teacher and relinquishing control!
A7 Also, just do it! Don't be afraid to "fail" b/c failure is part of learning. No one is perfect on 1st try.
Flexibility is KEY, willingness to try again when goes wrong, which it WILL
We use tech a TON, just not when we don't need it.
A7: sounds weird when talking about ss leading learning but they need structure. teach them strategies/organize/technology
Tech for learning, not just to say use tech
Way to start something awesome! My Ss LOVED & I loved their excitement.
It sets a great example for your Ss, because you are asking them to do the same.
Thanks for the chat everyone! Have a wonderful week. is starting right away-join us to talk about writing.
Sometimes the tech does get in the way which is why I always opened it up to how they chose to work.
Y'all have an amazing night!!
Have seen too many Ts say have tech only to use it do more WS or websites that don't create
Great Jon moderating. Gotta cut out early. Thx everyone.
Exactly! My Ss knew it was okay to "fail" b/c they saw me do it regularly & then they saw me get back up & keep trying.
Sometimes pencils and paper just feel right. Some Ss prefer to tech. Choice and Voice. https://t.co/S5NEt8XiFR
Sometimes the tech does get in the way which is why I always opened it up to how they chose to work.
I think our way we use it most is which I use for 100% participation during mini-lessons.
Thanks Cindy! We need to be the examples we want our Ss emulating!
We sing "Try Everything" from Zooptopia every morning. It's this exact message
And sometimes I prefer while other times I prefer ! Voice & choice for the win!
This was a wonderful chat! Thank y'all lots of grt convo:) ty your questions sparked the thinking!!!
