#6thchat Archive
#6thchat is used to chat, collaborate, and grow with other sixth grade educators from around the globe. Each session we discuss a topic voted on by #6thchat participants. It's a great way to help grow your PLN and share ideas with others.
Tuesday August 16, 2016
Hi everyone! I am Kristin and moderate the . I teach ELA and SS in Lansing, MI. Thank you for joining tonight!
Hello . I'm Tracy from MA. I teach 6th grade science and I'm happy to be here to reflect with you all!
We use a Q1/A1 and Q2/A2...format!
Hello , Paul Ikonen, social worker in Waterford, MI just north of Detroit. I work in a sped classroom.
good evening, - michael teaching in columbus, OH math, science, and reading
On my way! Signing in to tweetdeck now!
Hi, I'm Karl, 5th/6th elem T from the Jetsey shore. I'll be binge eating pretzels while we chat. 😵
https://t.co/3GpBtUq2cM
Question 1 coming up in one minute! Welcome everyone!
Hello Bryan, 6th gr ela from Ohio.
A1) Ss need to see learning activities as connected to them, others, the world & not isolated, unrelated experiences
A1: it helps Ss get to know themselves as learners, what are their strengths, areas of difficulty
A1. One bene is awareness / mindfulness of their own work. S/ts just realizing certain habits moves you forward.
Teresa, MS Literacy Teacher, NY.
Hey , I got home from vacation & found I have a 101 degree temp; I will respond to as many of your great ideas as I can! Bear w/me!
a1: reflection is the key. we can tell them lots, but only they know what they acquired. Puts info into long term memory.
Habits of learning remain a focus in my classroom as well!
A1: Self-reflection leads to stronger understanding of how Ss learn, grow, change. Creates positive experiences.
1. Helps kids learn from mistakes without someone else pointing them out
A1 I don't think students often take time to reflect. It's a skill that will carry them far in life.
A1 Ss need awareness where they are&where they need 2 be.Then they can choose how 2 get there.W/out reflectionthis can't happen.
NOPE! I'm very protective of my sourdough pretzels.
The value of S reflection allows Ss to become meta-cognitive about learning and what works and doesn't for them to improve
I don't think adults do either.
Their own personal learning journey must be a focus!
What do you mean "you again"? LOL
Exactly. Fewer comparisons to others, more personal benchmarks.
A1: it gives them more ownership over their learning
Yes! Thinking about our thinking is something that we must intentionally teach. https://t.co/2We42zGxpk
The value of S reflection allows Ss to become meta-cognitive about learning and what works and doesn't for them to improve
Question 2 coming up in one minute~!
Ah now, that's better! LOL
Hi ! Mackenzie from TN. I teach 6th math.
NAILED IT! https://t.co/TqP3b0dpR8
The value of S reflection allows Ss to become meta-cognitive about learning and what works and doesn't for them to improve
A1: they can be honest with themselves, it's personal
A1 Reflection is where learning takes place! It's where new brain connections grow stronger. https://t.co/NxVJzxXWiX
Welcome Mackenzie! Happy to have you here tonight!
A1. In a world where Ss no longer know how 2b 'comfortably bored' forcing them to slow down & think beyond the superficial is imp.
A2) Ask Ss to quietly think about experience first or use music to signal change in focus; review reflection goals
I agree. The metacognative piece is huge! I used to teach this w/ 2nd graders!
our first day was today, and students were reflecting on videos, name games - it is part of my curriculum.
A2: Model, model, model. I have my personal journey linked to my class blog. Ss have Digital Portfolios. Provide specific prompts.
A1: reflection allows learning to "sink in." It provides time for Ss to make connections based on what they know & can improve on
A2: The best way to set the tone for S reflection is to show them that you do it too as a T. When they see you they will follow
A2 Model reflection daily. Make it a common routine in their day. Show different methods/ways for them to reflect.
Oh! Did you have a good day?
Well said! https://t.co/EB2m2KEuGs
A1. In a world where Ss no longer know how 2b 'comfortably bored' forcing them to slow down & think beyond the superficial is imp.
2) post its anonymously at end of class, partway through a task, or questions embedded in tasks
yes - was a pretty solid day overall. learned lots of names and got some kids on board
A2 Modeling is key, but Ss also need guidance and practice. I use checklists, rubrics and turn&talks to help reflect.
A2: I will say, "I was reflecting on my lesson yesterday and......" Think aloud in front of them.
Absolutely....need time to do this!
A2 Time given = value. We have to give space for reflection often enough it's expected and not an add-on.
a2: imp. to not connect reflections to academic grades - Ss need to give honest reflections, not impress you
A2. Reflection looks an awful lot like 'doing nothing.' Making my thinking VISIBLE is important. Still not good at this.
A1: Reflection allows students to be aware of their abilities, thought process, and gets them thinking!
Having some discussion stems for ourselves as teachers is very helpful in modeling! https://t.co/F1sQuUry3E
A2: I will say, "I was reflecting on my lesson yesterday and......" Think aloud in front of them.
Question 3 coming up in one minute!
Love the think aloud! (After the kids realize you're not losing it. ;)
A2b. I'm not "doing nothing". I'm figuring out how to work better, smarter.
I agree. I must intentionally practice this myself. Easy to just "move on"
I also get their feedback on my lesson! Serves several purposes.
A2: MAKE TIME for reflection. Then model it. Reflect on your learning with Ss.
A2: Model reflection! Model! Model! Reflect yourself and show students you value it.
This is where anchor charts are helpful. Use as a group refection scaffold independent reflection.
A3) Reflect upon first day in school & how it went & things you'd do differently, why; share next day; show/share reflection
Anchor charts are my best friends!
A3 I model reflection daily through my writing. I do a lot of think alouds, making changes in front of them.
I let my kids see me make mistakes and problem solve solutions in front of them. I also try new tasks and ask for feedback
Wow! As always, wonderful thinking with the PLN!
A3: using the writing rubric and my own writing as a model
I am crazy for anchor charts!!! I might be addicted,,,,
They need to see & hear our thinking.
A3: Model reflection by explaining to kids how you come to ideas and activities done w/ them instead of just doing it
My Ss know how to use them! LOL
A3 Use my own work - writing, experiments, lessons - as models of where I am compared to learning targets
A3: Reflect on a lesson you taught to the students. Show them how you use it to grow and develop.
A3: I do throughout writing process (for example), not just at end
I like the humility that this brings & your willingness to point out your own mistakes/concerns https://t.co/2G7xOVmEew
Question 4 coming up in one minute!
A3: I reflect on how I can make my lessons better outloud and with the students, asking their feedback on what went well/didn't
A3: I ask Ss to reflect on my teaching. How do they think I'm doing? Just like I provide feedback for them.
A3. Writing and science seem to lend itself most readily to reflection. Easiest for me to model my thinking here.
A3 Using language that emphasizes reflection: "I think this (insert task) challenged you, tell me if I'm right or wrong here..."
A3: when we write I write, when we make or build apps I have an ongoing project brewing. It's always out there in front.
A4) Use partner, small group discussions; well-thought-out questions; also journals, blogs, , ; sometimes a combo
A3: I had my 8th graders reflect on why we were not starting class on time, very eye-opening to them!
A4: jot down on post-its while working (reading/writing)
A4 During lessons & formative assessments Ss check work against posted learning targets. Even a yes or no response is reflective
This has been my favorite professional read of the summer.
Then they created an action plan. It was brilliant! (if I do say so) LOL
Hi, just saw the notification-joining late.
I don't. Not w/ any consistency and purposefulness. Need to make that time a valued part of instruction
https://t.co/KxaOCrx28O
A4: Lots of journals and reflection ?s at end of assignments (Google Forms)
A4:weekly reflections must have at least 3 thoughts: 1) something they learned 2) something they struggled with 3) memorable moment
A4: Partner sharing, , Post-it notes around the room, and blogging.
A4: using rubrics for writing (Units of Study checklists/rubrics)
A4 I also started using Google Forms as exit slips this year for Ss to check their understanding. Quick & powerful
Yes....the 3-2-1 is informative and variable!
Hi everyone. I use padlets, exit slips, and today started writing their reflections on desks for the first time. Ss loved it.
A4: I had them use double entry journal last year, sometimes that's a good scaffold
Question 5 coming up in one minute!
Yes, I'm a big Harvey Daniels fan. He gets it and I love the insights from Sara and her clsrm.
I also put white board contact paper on doors of closets so Ss can write there, too! May do desks!
A lot of time up front is time well spent! The kids get deeper and deeper.
I love Google Forms to send out annon. surveys to get student feedback/reflections
a4: we use different reflections: 3/2/1 slips, tweets, paragraphs, drawings, discussion
I have a colleague that invested in chalkboard paint.
A4: we start & end projects or lessons with similar questions. At end they reflect on what they learned. They get ok not knowing.
A5) Provide several ?s for Ss to select/consider/respond to; offer Ss choice in how they want to respond (writing, voice )
A5: drawing, writing, speaking, etc.
Whover knows it is their turn to tweet out our learning for the day is sure to be reflective!
Oh! New to me! Thx 4 sharing.
I like the idea of assigning this job to one person!
Mylar (like the balloons) is dry erasable as well if you can get a roll of it :)
A5: Offer multiple options for prompts. This also leads to more learning on your end
Great...I focus on habits of learning and mindset; I like the intentionality of blending reflection w/these
A5 I think the 3-2-1 approach gives choice because it is so open-ended.
A4.3 I also have them reflect on the design of the lesson through that I've made, I can tweak things based on feedback
A5: set loose/tight or must/may standards ex. "you must reflect on the day but you may choose which part of the day"
I think is another great tool to set up for intentional reflection
Question 6 coming up in one minute!
A5 Trying to give them diff. options to reflect, blogging, letsrecap, padlet, conferencing.
Like this approach. Will be trying this strategy out for sure.
I enjoy it - Ss can be very direct or abstract. also need to be precise w/ lang b/c of char limits
Have to bail early, .
The twins are not cooperating.
This gentle return to school sleep patterns is stupid 8/
I have wood tables, as well. These come off with wet paper towel. These are diff than any I've tried.
What a fun chat and wonderful community! Have to get going, but hope to join again soon!
Definitely helps w/ summarizing & main idea!
will the vlog/podcat be strictly for personal reflection or evidence of classroom learning or other things?
A6) Provide sentence stems for Ss to use; Ask probing questions about their responses; partner share w/ Ss who can role model, too
Say more about letsrecap. Thanks!
A6 I think the quality of the response can be improved by improving the quality of the question.
A6 Teach them to be specific. We practice this with our socratic circles. Outer circle has to give more detailed reflection.
Truth! We must really spend time on our questions and teaching Ss how to question for best reflection! https://t.co/TA5Byjesuw
A6 I think the quality of the response can be improved by improving the quality of the question.
A6: provide authentic chances for Ss to practice and set guidelines/give examples of what you expect as you move through the year
A6 I think this is where Ss goals&learning targets are paramount. W/out a clear idea of where they need to be,how can you get deep?
A6: pretend I'm a 3 year old and ask them "why?" repeatedly until they elaborate ;) if I do it enough they don't need the reminder
A6: I also have a banned words wall. Requires Ss to be specific and descriptive.
a6: give students sentence starters and exemplars. Let them follow the models. restrict to-be verbs
I just discovered it. Looks promising. Free tchr acct, pose ? to kids, they give video response. Lots of possibilities.
Wonderful ideas that are making me think about my practice! Thank you!
A6: 1) Explicitly. I want you to not know. 2) Model = think & process slowly & out loud.
Question 7 coming up in one minute!
A6 Comprehension Connections by was a huge influence in how I teach metacognition & self-reflection. Make it concrete!
Yes! Show me the progress!
A6: I'm not adept at this yet, but I will tour classroom and confer with, "Say more" or "What does it mean when you say...."
A6 That's where Q5 comes in brilliantly, if the S prefers reflect. via blogging to other form, how else will we engage that voice?
A7: What went well with the process? What would you do differently? (Used those today...)
A7: "Look back at ur 1st jrnl entry. What changed abt ur writing? What's the same? What can u do differently to be a better writer?"
A7 I'm wondering...I'm noticing...It could be that...What else...
I love those questions! We're working on creating a growth mindset culture at school and those questions are perfect
A7: What part of your "insert activity here" do you think is your best? What makes this your best part?
Last question coming up in one minute!
A7 "What went differently today? How can we keep/remove that tomorrow?"
A7: "How could we do this differently/more efficiently/etc?"
A8) Take notes on day of the lesson; focus on specific Ss who have specific needs & see if instruction is meeting needs
A8: I have done most of mine through Google Forms so it becomes a Sheet that I can reference as needed and sort to show me diff ?s
A8 When I use Google Forms or Docs, it's all right there. When I've given a hard copy I try to have them inserted into ISNs
A8: Padlet handsdown! I can look at it later and it is organized neatly.
I've got to start using this. Hear so many good things
A8: Another winning Q from ! Metacognition in action. Prepping for Ps confs, review Ss growth to see best practice.
A8: Google Forms, Google Sheets, photos, or screenshots
I just read about these the other day! Great tool!
A8 My 6th gr. teammates and I currently working on form 4 kids as they receive feedback and make changes. https://t.co/geKJUZ1y44
A8: also post-it notes in my lesson plan book with suggestions for the following year
a7: If today's lesson was a taco, what part of a taco would it be?
Which color represents today's lesson? why?
Love, love, love pushing thinking into metaphor!
Fun, engaging, critical thinking, out of the box question. Love it! https://t.co/u1d5nyddCO
a7: If today's lesson was a taco, what part of a taco would it be?
Which color represents today's lesson? why?
Like that outside - the- box thinking. Really meets many needs
I feel it really gets them thinking. How can a color relate to slope of a line?
Once again, you all amaze me. Thanks for your thoughtful responses and willingness to share! See you next week!
Thank you for hosting. I hope you feel better!
Thanks Kristin. See you next time.
Stealing this idea for my class. This is such an abstract question that could yield some cool answers https://t.co/OlSLh4mWPZ
a7: If today's lesson was a taco, what part of a taco would it be?
Which color represents today's lesson? why?
what I like about padlet is Ss benefit from seeing everyone else's reflections too.
Be ready for lots of confused faces - just repeat and remind them 'no wrong answers as long as it connects
Thanks for hosting, I'm already excited for next week's discussion. Going to try to recruit more from too
That's one of the great things about reflection. You can't be wrong no matter what the format. :)
A8: I will differentiate and record keep as a result. Now I'm nervous.
Thank you for hosting and thanks for all the great ideas, everyone!
