#Kinderchat Archive

#Kinderchat, glue, glitter, gogurt, bringing daily joy to twitter. Find us Mondays, 9 pm EST and 8:30PM London time when we talk all things Early Years!

Monday November 12, 2018
9:00 PM EST

  • MrsMurat Nov 12 @ 9:00 PM EST
  • happycampergirl - Moderator Nov 12 @ 9:00 PM EST
    Come out, come out wherever you are, it's #kinderchat time. Say hello, where you are, & whether you got today off in lieu of Remembrance/Veterans/Armistice Day. What did you do to honour them?
  • CarrieMarshall1 Nov 12 @ 9:02 PM EST
    #kinderchat Carrie on PEI. Had today off. Yesterday had a service at church to recognize our Veterans. Today I did report cards
  • happycampergirl - Moderator Nov 12 @ 9:05 PM EST
    (My kinder-ed spirit,@mmekathleen, will be helping me moderate, as soon as she gets her wee munchkin into bed.) #kinderchat
  • happycampergirl - Moderator Nov 12 @ 9:05 PM EST
    Tonight, we are talking about sitting still, and why it is so hard for some kiddos, based on this article: https://t.co/K5EyuLBiiS #kinderchat.
  • KC_SEASportsFan Nov 12 @ 9:05 PM EST
    Good evening!!! Brett, aspiring T, Lamar, Mo. #KinderChat
  • edu_ksSkukalek Nov 12 @ 9:05 PM EST
    Kimberly from FL. Had to work. #kinderchat
    In reply to @happycampergirl
  • samanth61290094 Nov 12 @ 9:06 PM EST
    Hi, I’m in Ohio, I am studying at a university so we did not have today off but we had a chapel to honor veterans! #kinderchat
    In reply to @happycampergirl
  • mrsdrewscrew Nov 12 @ 9:06 PM EST
    #kinderchat Hi!! South Carolina here. We worked and wrote thank you notes to Veterans! 😍
    In reply to @happycampergirl
  • CarrieMarshall1 Nov 12 @ 9:07 PM EST
    That is awesome! #kinderchat
    In reply to @mrsdrewscrew, @happycampergirl
  • happycampergirl - Moderator Nov 12 @ 9:08 PM EST
    Amy here, moderating from The Canada. I was off today (private school), but our public board had classes. We had a ceremony at school on Friday. #Kinderchat
  • MmeKathleen - Moderator Nov 12 @ 9:08 PM EST
    Hello everyone! Ducky is IN THE POND and I am here to co-moderate! 🦆 #Kinderchat
  • CarrieMarshall1 Nov 12 @ 9:08 PM EST
    Is it not a statutory holiday in Alberta? It is in PEI, I think in all of the Maritimes it is #kinderchat
    In reply to @happycampergirl
  • KC_SEASportsFan Nov 12 @ 9:09 PM EST
    @CarrieMarshall1 Look what we got overnight here in SW Missouri!!! #KinderChat
  • happycampergirl - Moderator Nov 12 @ 9:10 PM EST
    Ok, Q1: How much does sitting still matter to you? What does "sitting still" mean in your classroom? #kinderchat
  • MmeKathleen - Moderator Nov 12 @ 9:10 PM EST
    Kathleen from Edmonton, Alberta here. We had today off, which was excellent for me because I spent 14 hours on a bus returning from my annual Spokane shopping fest yesterday! #nomoneyleft #kinderchat
  • CarrieMarshall1 Nov 12 @ 9:10 PM EST
    None here…yet… I’m not prepared for snow. I need more time! #Kinderchat
    In reply to @KC_SEASportsFan
  • edu_ksSkukalek Nov 12 @ 9:11 PM EST
    A1 doesn't matter as long as the student is able to comprehend and actively engaged in the content #kinderchat
    In reply to @happycampergirl
  • CarrieMarshall1 Nov 12 @ 9:12 PM EST
    A1: sitting still means sitting with the group for whole group instruction (usually about 15-20 min @ a time now). BUT! If someone needs to get up and move, and they aren’t a distraction, I’m cool with that. Also if sitting in a chair works better for them #kinderchat
    In reply to @happycampergirl
  • tiegradloeppky Nov 12 @ 9:12 PM EST
    Hi #kinderchat! Liane from Abbotsford, BC, Canada lurking about tonight as I finish my last two report cards. Thankful for the day off today to push through them.
  • CarrieMarshall1 Nov 12 @ 9:13 PM EST
    Hi Liane! I’m working on mine too- almost finished! #kinderchat
    In reply to @tiegradloeppky
  • samanth61290094 Nov 12 @ 9:14 PM EST
    Sitting still is not a huge concern of mine. As long as students aren’t creating too big of a distraction. If it helps the student focus on the schoolwork, I will create a way to help movement be effective #kinderchat
    In reply to @happycampergirl
  • tiegradloeppky Nov 12 @ 9:14 PM EST
    A1: sitting still isn't the big goal for me. But when I'm reading a story to the class, I'd like the students to find a space they can stay at and not get up to change seats halfway through. I can't sit still so I understand why a 5 yo can't. #kinderchat
  • MmeKathleen - Moderator Nov 12 @ 9:16 PM EST
    A1: It’s important for me to have students be able to sit still for 5 minutes. This is a developmentally appropriate task at this age. #kinderchat
  • dubioseducator Nov 12 @ 9:17 PM EST
    Sorry to miss #kinderchat Did read the article and see the “whirling dervishes” not only in younger kids but with elementary kids as well. How it impacts others often guides my response.
  • happycampergirl - Moderator Nov 12 @ 9:18 PM EST
    Wow, am thrilled to see such kid-friendly approaches to "sitting still!" Glad we are moving away from old-school definitions of attentiveness! #kinderchat
  • edu_ksSkukalek Nov 12 @ 9:18 PM EST
    Several of my Ss through the years did prefer chairs. I was just strategic about having their seat near the whole group gathering area so they were still very much a part of the community #kinderchat
    In reply to @CarrieMarshall1, @happycampergirl
  • tiegradloeppky Nov 12 @ 9:19 PM EST
    I guess I'm wondering how we define "sit still". My fingers might still tap or I'll play with my bracelet. Does that mean I'm sitting still? Just wondering. #kinderchat
  • mrsdrewscrew Nov 12 @ 9:19 PM EST
    A1: sitting still we call "in control" during whole group instruction which doesnt last more than 10-15 mind at a time. As long as it's not distracting I try to keep the lesson flow moving. #kinderchat
    In reply to @happycampergirl
  • MmeKathleen - Moderator Nov 12 @ 9:19 PM EST
    In a classic move, my mom just called. I informed her it’s #kinderchat time, just like it has been the last 8 years of Mondays. #lovehertobits
  • CarrieMarshall1 Nov 12 @ 9:19 PM EST
    Yes! Me too. As long as they are still a part of the community. And some might start on the carpet but move to a chair and vice versa #kinderchat
    In reply to @edu_ksSkukalek, @happycampergirl
  • tiegradloeppky Nov 12 @ 9:19 PM EST
    Oops. There was article. I forgot to do the homework! #kinderchat
    In reply to @dubioseducator
  • happycampergirl - Moderator Nov 12 @ 9:19 PM EST
    If it' not your mom calling, it's mine! #Kinderchat
    In reply to @MmeKathleen
  • happycampergirl - Moderator Nov 12 @ 9:20 PM EST
    Q2: How much did the article (here: https://t.co/Sru1OEdPkD) resonate for you? Did you picture specific kids as you read the descriptors? #kinderchat
  • edu_ksSkukalek Nov 12 @ 9:20 PM EST
    I think the definition varies from teacher to teacher #kinderchat
    In reply to @tiegradloeppky
  • MmeKathleen - Moderator Nov 12 @ 9:20 PM EST
    This is a big strategy of mine as well. #kinderchat
    • edu_ksSkukalek Nov 12 @ 9:18 PM EST
      Several of my Ss through the years did prefer chairs. I was just strategic about having their seat near the whole group gathering area so they were still very much a part of the community #kinderchat
      In reply to @CarrieMarshall1, @happycampergirl
  • KC_SEASportsFan Nov 12 @ 9:21 PM EST
    Pretty much where I stand as well #kinderchat
    • CarrieMarshall1 Nov 12 @ 9:12 PM EST
      A1: sitting still means sitting with the group for whole group instruction (usually about 15-20 min @ a time now). BUT! If someone needs to get up and move, and they aren’t a distraction, I’m cool with that. Also if sitting in a chair works better for them #kinderchat
      In reply to @happycampergirl
  • CarrieMarshall1 Nov 12 @ 9:21 PM EST
    A2: We’ve been talking about kids and core strength with our OT lately. I was glad to see that was a main point of the article. We as a society really need to change how we view early childhood. Our kids need to be up and playing to develop all of their motor strength #kinderchat
    In reply to @happycampergirl
  • seana_blake Nov 12 @ 9:22 PM EST
    I find working in lots of different movement breaks helps with a lot of the movements during carpet learning time. I try to do many different types of movements to engage different muscles such a yoga, guided dance, balancing, etc. #kinderchat
  • CarrieMarshall1 Nov 12 @ 9:22 PM EST
    Does anyone ever really sit still? #kinderchat #IknowIdont
    In reply to @tiegradloeppky
  • MmeKathleen - Moderator Nov 12 @ 9:22 PM EST
    A2: This article resonated a LOT with me as I have a student who VERY much struggles with this, to the point of disrupting others on a regular basis. It’s attention seeking behavior that is starting to hurt peer relationships. 😞 #kinderchat
  • edu_ksSkukalek Nov 12 @ 9:23 PM EST
    A2 honestly, I pictured different adults that complain about Ss and mov't. The good news: I can pair this article with my other feedback #kinderchat
    In reply to @happycampergirl
  • MmeKathleen - Moderator Nov 12 @ 9:23 PM EST
    I was waiting for someone to point this out! The way kids are playing has changed, and more and more students are coming to K with less of these “base muscles.” #Kinderchat
    • CarrieMarshall1 Nov 12 @ 9:21 PM EST
      A2: We’ve been talking about kids and core strength with our OT lately. I was glad to see that was a main point of the article. We as a society really need to change how we view early childhood. Our kids need to be up and playing to develop all of their motor strength #kinderchat
      In reply to @happycampergirl
  • mrsdrewscrew Nov 12 @ 9:25 PM EST
    A2: I get caught up in the day to day and with a room full of littles I forget to stop and think of underlying issues that could be causing all the wiggles. Good reminder and good information. #kinderchat
    In reply to @happycampergirl
  • samanth61290094 Nov 12 @ 9:26 PM EST
    A2: the article did a great job putting focus on the importance of developing important muscles through active play. I also think it’s important to understand why they can’t sit still opposed to just telling them to sit still #kinderchat
    In reply to @happycampergirl
  • CarrieMarshall1 Nov 12 @ 9:26 PM EST
    So many times what an adult perceives as inappropriate behaviour or lack of boundaries is really just a kid with poor motor development. I find myself second guessing a lot of my Ss behaviours lately in light of this #kinderchat
    In reply to @MmeKathleen
  • MmeKathleen - Moderator Nov 12 @ 9:27 PM EST
    Yes! Especially since there isn’t an outcome (in our curriculum) that states “the child will build core muscle strength” but as teachers, it’s a building block we need to teach in order to achieve so much more. #kinderchat
    • mrsdrewscrew Nov 12 @ 9:25 PM EST
      A2: I get caught up in the day to day and with a room full of littles I forget to stop and think of underlying issues that could be causing all the wiggles. Good reminder and good information. #kinderchat
      In reply to @happycampergirl
  • seana_blake Nov 12 @ 9:29 PM EST
    #kinderchat
    In reply to @happycampergirl
  • happycampergirl - Moderator Nov 12 @ 9:30 PM EST
    Q3: What do you to in your classroom to support the development of the core strength kids need to be able to "sit still?" #kinderchat
  • mrsdrewscrew Nov 12 @ 9:30 PM EST
    Yes We do a lot of GoNoodle breaks!! #kinderchat
    In reply to @seana_blake
  • seana_blake Nov 12 @ 9:30 PM EST
    I have found that often the ones that need to do the most playing to build their core strength are the ones that just walk around the playground or don’t engage during centres time very well. #kinderchat
    In reply to @CarrieMarshall1, @happycampergirl
  • happycampergirl - Moderator Nov 12 @ 9:31 PM EST
    The article also reminded me that kindergarten students still need A LOT Of sensory play - think of those kids who run their fingers through a bucket of beads over & over & over... #Kinderchat
  • happycampergirl - Moderator Nov 12 @ 9:32 PM EST
    One of the best, easiest things we can do for core strength is to let kids sit ON THE FLOOR to work, play, eat, read, etc etc. #Kinderchat
  • feltham_heather Nov 12 @ 9:32 PM EST
    Learning from our heads to our hearts through our hands: Representing the Zones of Regulation through collaborative art. #zonesofregulation #artsbasedlearning #yycbe #selfregulation #kinderchat #howareyoufeeling #kinderart
  • edu_ksSkukalek Nov 12 @ 9:32 PM EST
    A3 not in my own class this year, but when I was, if have some sensory cushions and play with my kinders during recess #kinderchat
    In reply to @happycampergirl
  • MmeKathleen - Moderator Nov 12 @ 9:33 PM EST
    A3: A couple easy things I’ve been able to integrate to build core muscle strength is 1) having students write on hehe stomachs and 2) working on a vertical surface. #kinderchat
  • CarrieMarshall1 Nov 12 @ 9:33 PM EST
    It’s almost as if they never had the chance to play like that before they came to school (and they probably didn’t…) #kinderchat
    In reply to @seana_blake, @happycampergirl
  • edu_ksSkukalek Nov 12 @ 9:34 PM EST
    Ah! The floor. I didn't realize this was helping with the core. I definitely let my kiddos sit & lay on the floor. I'd often join them 😁 #kinderchat
    In reply to @happycampergirl
  • MmeKathleen - Moderator Nov 12 @ 9:34 PM EST
    Amen! 🙌🏻 #kinderchat
  • CarrieMarshall1 Nov 12 @ 9:35 PM EST
    A3: we play a lot of games that involve core strength. One that always stands out to me is “stand” on the knees (not sitting on the feet) and toss a ball. Our OT gave us a whack of ideas for this #kinderchat
    In reply to @happycampergirl
  • seana_blake Nov 12 @ 9:35 PM EST
    I have a student that struggles with the same thing. Always touching or moving into another students space. #kinderchat
    In reply to @MmeKathleen
  • tiegradloeppky Nov 12 @ 9:35 PM EST
    I do this. Except for the eating. That's my hill to get over. #kinderchat
  • cogswell_ben Nov 12 @ 9:36 PM EST
    @KindRockets are ready to go with @hwtears Our class is set! Can't wait to see these rockets shoot to the 🌜as they develop more keyboarding fluency! #K2Cantoo #AlisalStrong #AlisalFuerte #BardinStrong #WeAreCUE #Kinderchat
  • tiegradloeppky Nov 12 @ 9:36 PM EST
    Would love more ideas. We don't have access to OTs anymore. #Kinderchat
    In reply to @CarrieMarshall1, @happycampergirl
  • CarrieMarshall1 Nov 12 @ 9:37 PM EST
    They are on my work computer, but I’ll be glad to send them your way! #kinderchat
    In reply to @tiegradloeppky, @happycampergirl
  • edu_ksSkukalek Nov 12 @ 9:37 PM EST
    Oh I like this. You could use this for a morning circle or content circle too and have the ball as the talking piece #kinderchat
    In reply to @CarrieMarshall1, @happycampergirl
  • MmeKathleen - Moderator Nov 12 @ 9:37 PM EST
    Along with working on OT goals, I did quite a few whole group and individualized lessons around Julia Cook’s book “Personal Space Camp.” Check it out! Pricey on Amazon, but worth it, imo. #kinderchat
    In reply to @seana_blake
  • happycampergirl - Moderator Nov 12 @ 9:37 PM EST
    Using a "picnic blanket" may help with the germ worries? #kinderchat
    In reply to @tiegradloeppky
  • seana_blake Nov 12 @ 9:37 PM EST
    Yeah that is how I feel too! I have actually found that getting them away from the playground and into a nature space is what really gets the kids I want to be running around and playing moving. #kinderchat
    In reply to @CarrieMarshall1, @happycampergirl
  • CarrieMarshall1 Nov 12 @ 9:37 PM EST
    Yes! You could roll it, throw it over and/or underhand, all kinds of things #kinderchat
    In reply to @edu_ksSkukalek, @happycampergirl
  • seana_blake Nov 12 @ 9:38 PM EST
    I will have a look at that. Thank you! #kinderchat
    In reply to @MmeKathleen
  • MmeKathleen - Moderator Nov 12 @ 9:38 PM EST
    You can also have them throw the ball against the wall at a certain letter or number - I’ve used that one before and it was a hit! Also, throwing crumpled up paper into a garbage can, from their knees. #kinderchat
    In reply to @edu_ksSkukalek, @CarrieMarshall1, @happycampergirl
  • CarrieMarshall1 Nov 12 @ 9:38 PM EST
    Imagine that…! #kinderchat
    In reply to @seana_blake, @happycampergirl
  • happycampergirl - Moderator Nov 12 @ 9:40 PM EST
    Q4: Think of your wiggliest, fidgety-est kiddo. Have you identified what needs are being met by wiggling? How are you working to meet those needs? #kinderchat
  • mrsdrewscrew Nov 12 @ 9:40 PM EST
    Agree!! I will be encouraging the floor even more now! #kinderchat
    In reply to @edu_ksSkukalek, @happycampergirl
  • edu_ksSkukalek Nov 12 @ 9:40 PM EST
    This is great. I've done a lot of activities with actual standing and mov't but never thought about doing it on knees. I can definitely see the benefit! I'll be passing this info along 😁😉 #kinderchat
    In reply to @MmeKathleen, @CarrieMarshall1, @happycampergirl
  • CarrieMarshall1 Nov 12 @ 9:42 PM EST
    A4: Funny you should ask this, lol! We were just talking last week about giving one of my kiddos something he could use with his hands, like play dough or something along those lines. Trying to keep the hands occupied because that seems to help his attention #kinderchat
    In reply to @happycampergirl
  • mrsdrewscrew Nov 12 @ 9:48 PM EST
    A4: I've given a couple of them their own space away from friends on the carpet so they can move freely and not distract/touch others. I just hope they are listening while they are performing their acrobats. #kinderchat
    In reply to @happycampergirl
  • seana_blake Nov 12 @ 9:48 PM EST
    It is so lovely to see how the students all play together and how they break themselves off into little groups to play in different ways. #kinderchat
    In reply to @CarrieMarshall1, @happycampergirl
  • happycampergirl - Moderator Nov 12 @ 9:50 PM EST
    Q5: The article (here: https://t.co/Sru1OEdPkD references the role of motivation. How much do you think about kids' motivation when you plan your lessons? #kinderchat
  • edu_ksSkukalek Nov 12 @ 9:51 PM EST
    Don't discount those movers & groovers. One of my Ss who preferred the chair, would be leaning back and tossing a crayon in the air... He'd be the first to turn back around and share his (correct) answer when I asked questions #kinderchat 😁
    In reply to @mrsdrewscrew, @happycampergirl
  • MmeKathleen - Moderator Nov 12 @ 9:52 PM EST
    A5: For the most resistant students, motivation can make it or break it. For example, I had a student really struggling with letter recognition. He loved superheroes. I put together a whole superhero letter ID pack with activities and sent it home. Game changer. #kinderchat
  • BillieM64413848 Nov 12 @ 9:52 PM EST
    Yes! Our new curriculum is not all that interesting as is IMO. So, I try to find ways to make it more fun for my kiddos whenever I can. Then being motivated is a total game changer when it comes to attention and focus. #kinderchat
    In reply to @happycampergirl
  • edu_ksSkukalek Nov 12 @ 9:54 PM EST
    A5 you've got to build relationships with Ss and their parents, esp in K. In doing so, you'll learn their motivation and interests allowing you to purposely plan for lessons with activities the Ss want and need #kinderchat
    In reply to @happycampergirl
  • CarrieMarshall1 Nov 12 @ 9:58 PM EST
    Hey #kinderchat have a great week! Time to catch some zzzzzz’s!