#1stchat Archive
Weekly chat for excited 1st grade teachers who love to learn and share ideas. Participants are interested in a variety of topics including literacy, math, technology, play, inquiry, and being the best educators they can be!
Sunday October 16, 2016
Happy Sunday! It's time for . I'm Val from Michigan. Excited to discuss Student Led Conferences w/guest moderator tonight
Hi friends, Traci here from KS, doing SLC for the 1st time this year, very excited.
Kelly from Kansas - just finished end of the quarter testing and next week we have conferences
Please be sure to follow so you can see the questions as they are tweeted! Thanks!
Hi Traci, good to see you.
Shannon from WA; will be assessing my Ss to place them in language classes while doing everything else.😊
Hello, Kelly! Glad you are here.
Brittany 1st grade from CO first time with and with SLC in 2 weeks!
So excited to be with tonight. I have done some student led conferences in the past but this year I"m all in!
Howdy Claire here from Vermont. We have our picture day this week. The foliage is gorgeous right now. Great topic tonight!
Hi Shannon, I know how that works. It took me 3 weeks to get that done!
Hi Molly, how are you? Glad you are here.
Hi everyone! Michelle from WI!
I'm good Valerie! I just got home from a trip to see family and friends- wasn't sure I'd make it but I"m here! :)
Hi Michelle, how are things going?
Andrea from Kansas. This week in 1st grade: pumpkin patch field trip and family Spooktacular event!
Sounds like a busy week is in store for you!
This week we are wrapping up our first units in Lucy Calkins reading/writing and learning about moon.
Student Led Conferences sounds a bit daunting…I think I'm ready to wrap my head around this!
Hi there! 2nd grade teacher stopping by. I'm excited to discuss Student Led Conferences!
Well to say its been a bumpy start would be saying it lightly. Getting into a rhythm now hopefully. How about you?
Hi! Kellie from Illinois. Go Cubs! 💙⚾️❤️
Hi Jane here from SW Kansas! Short week as it's conference week for us! SLC next time!
We just finished our first reading unit and starting unit 2 this week.
Conferences? Really? You must have started school in August, yes?
Sarah from Kansas. This week brings conferences (but not student led. )
Hi Kristin, we love it when our 2nd grade friends drop in. Welcome!
I'm interested to learn more...20 of my Ss are ELLs.
Yes, around the 20th? This was an amazingly fast quarter!
Hi I am late. Terry here. A1: They are more in tune to what is happening with their learning.
SLC empower our learners and help them to see the role they play in their learning.
Hi Barbara! Thinking of you often as I kept my Superhero theme this year!
A1 It promotes ownership. Students are taking an active role in the process of demonstrating & sharing their learning.
A1 S's are able to explain their learning and reflect on what they do well and what they need to do better.
Absolutely! Students build ownership of their learning.
Yes, I totally agree with you on that! https://t.co/n2uzdKrlop
SLC empower our learners and help them to see the role they play in their learning.
A1: I have found it gives them tools to set goals They hear how we are all working to success. They are celebrating their learning.
I love that SLC invite students to identify strengths and areas for improvement.
We have that same issue in my room! Translations take so long and so much is lost with each translation!
A1 I think student led conferences are a great way to celebrate growth in learning...Ss share how they have gotten smarter.
student reflection is key. This way it isn't just about the teacher.
Marie from Texas joining late. We just had student led conferences last Monday.
A1 the improved positive relationship between student and family as it relates to school
Would love to see this issue addressed or hear how other Ts make it work.
https://t.co/YLNrpYa0gP
We have that same issue in my room! Translations take so long and so much is lost with each translation!
ours are the 20th as well, can't believe it's here
I think the goal setting and reflection pieces are really key components in our learning.
I love the word celebrate! That is definitely a word I will use as to teach students about SL conferences.
A1-Ss not only see what they need to work on,they can set goals for achievement.
A1: It's also a great opportunity to partner with parents and have students share the goals they have for their learning.
A1 Often parents say that their first graders are not sharing their learning. SLC would give them a vehicle to do it successfully.
It is so powerful for Ps and Ts to hear Ss share about their learning.
Yes1 I really think it empowers families to talk more about school!
A1: I enjoy seeing the quality time Ps and Ss spend together discussing academics!
Especially if you throw in the use of !
I agree I learn more about them as I hear inside their thinking.
A great way to boost their confidence as well. https://t.co/zl6VhyGmEQ
It is so powerful for Ps and Ts to hear Ss share about their learning.
I'm just curious if all the Ss in your schools do SLC or is it an option for Ts to choose.
Me too! And I get proud too (right along side parents)
So important to model this!!
I've was amazed as I sat with Ss this week talking data & goals Ss know what they need to work on and want to work on, eye opening
It's an option for us. Our Principal will encourage everyone in the future.
Do you practice conferences with Ss before Ps come? How do you prep?
Our SLCs are school wide, but we do offer parents a choice to have an additional private conference if wanted.
I would saymany of our teachers do SL conferences but not everyone. My 1st grade cohort has done it the traditional way.
It fits so well into the student centered classroom and growthmindset as well.
This is a great idea for https://t.co/CmWs2RFZp3
Our SLCs are school wide, but we do offer parents a choice to have an additional private conference if wanted.
Do SLC increase attendance? Do more parents participate when it's student led?
Do you have Ss practice a lot before hand? This is new so lots of ? My own children have done it in middle school
It has been an option in the past, but this year, they are trying to get everyone to do them for our March conferences
Very important to offer this choice for Ps!
Totally understand but I wonder how SLCs would work when needing an interpreter...
A2: I made an organizer for Ss to tell Ps about, good at- need to practice- fav part of day- 1 thing learned and then some data
just joining in from Canada - I am a K-8 Prinicpal and LOVE when teachers choose to lead SLC instead of the regular 'interview'
Traci, what kinds of data is shared? https://t.co/qR7sXUrhKz
A2: I made an organizer for Ss to tell Ps about, good at- need to practice- fav part of day- 1 thing learned and then some data
I send reminders to bring child on and in mailboxes. 18/19 brought their 1st grader. https://t.co/SYghqSeHpM
I wonder that also, plus what if Ss don't come with, I have many that don't.
A2: I found a great resource on TPT to assist me. Students have a data folder. I send home Ps a list of questions as well.
It is very difficult for Ss to do these in their Native language. Most vocab is Eng lang.
Hi Kathy, glad you are joining the conversation.
A2: I have a resource I have used in the past that I fill out for each student about strengths and goals. Kids complete this year.
sight words read/goal, fluency & goal, then Ss rated their handwriting and grammer skills so far and feelings on math.
What are your specific concerns surrounding SLCs with ELLs?
A2 Students will use their portfolios as well as reading, writing, and math goals.
Here is my blog post about what and how Ss share. Also listed are free docs that help us do . https://t.co/MYtJHXG0EJ
Every year I have S's write a written reflection that includes goals for academics how they see themselves as a learner
A2 - tons of prep needed -from reviewing how to greet and seat the parents - to taking the lead on sharing their growth in learning
We have conferences 2x/yr. How often are SLC?
. Another great idea! I think SL conferences are going to be an important learning tool.
Hi, everyone! Leka from Iowa joining late.
Hi Leka! Glad you made it!
This is a fantastic resource! Thanks again for sharing!
and others. What would be a good first step when starting the process for SLC?
A3: I started with deciding what data I wanted to share. We created our student folders. They started their reflections. Practice.
A3: Would love scheduling ideas! We have 2 partial days. Do you even request time choices they're coming in?
So sorry I'm late . I should know but what are you referring to when you say SLC? Oh wait, student led conferences?
Is there a reflection piece for everything that goes in the folder?
Our office schedules for us. We only have 10 minutes each but with SLC, 15-20 is ideal.
I was wondering how long a typical SLC is?
How long does everyone take with their students to prep for a SLC? How many days and how long each day?
Mine are scheduled for 10 minutes, but ideally are 15-20 min.
No way I could fit them all in. I have had Ps stay for an hour before. Tried having 2-4 at the same time. ???
I have set up 30 min conferences, sent out a google spreadsheet that Ps could pick their times and also emailed
Our conferences are all 20 minutes whether they are teach or student led.
Wondering how much writing is involved in the reflection process…That part would be challenging in beginning of the year for many.
A3 we have a chat about what in class learning is important for us to show our parents. Things we can't share in our portfolios.
We do all of our prep the week of conferences. About 30 minutes for 3 days lead up to SLC.
Whoa! Only 10 min? Geez! That seems short!
A3 We take all ideas and make a big list, then see where we can group things together to make the list more concise.
I agree. I think it sends a message if the T does not attend them!
Please give shout out 2 my principal who is camping on top of the building & reading books live https://t.co/OnGsJ8tCOp
Please give shout out 2 my principal who is camping on top of the building & reading books live https://t.co/E6ySN2Nt0t
. The writing is challenging that's why I believe SL will be much more powerful! They will be able to say so much more
Mine are scheduled for 30 minutes. Some go over if there isn't someone waiting. They love to share so much. https://t.co/k6LTnR0UnH
I was wondering how long a typical SLC is?
What device do you use to upload things into Seesaw?
do you reserve some of the time for parents to ask you (teacher) questions?
A3: Seesaw folders will be perfect for organizing. It will be interesting to see what students want to share with their parents.
Great question! Yes! I always end the conference with my tidbits - discuss grade card, etc.
What do they put in their reflections?
Yay! Hope the weather there is as nice as it is here?
Thanks! That helps me better envision the process. https://t.co/D4AR8QvIAT
Great question! Yes! I always end the conference with my tidbits - discuss grade card, etc.
Mine room is open over a period of time. Students really lead the conference. Some families stay longer than others.
I use ipads for Very easy!
Do you have students keep all of their work or do you send work home weekly?
For those of you doing SLC, are you doing them digitally? Are these digital folders you're referring to?
We have Chromebooks, but I don't know if they're as good with Seesaw
Here is a great short tutorial vid if you want to learn more about digital folders! … https://t.co/149xYXqzoP
For those of you doing SLC, are you doing them digitally? Are these digital folders you're referring to?
My us, , we try not to reshare what we already have in our portfolios or on our blogs. We show what isn't shared there.
Mine are not. I have a physical folder with data. They do share their blog with Ps. https://t.co/Ozl2kEkhnW
For those of you doing SLC, are you doing them digitally? Are these digital folders you're referring to?
That is good to know! Thanks!
A4 My students share how they learn, what they are learning, and how they are doing with their learning and where to nxt.
A4: I want Ss to be able to express their strengths and share successes, where we are headed!
A4 Not that different to what they are putting in their digital portfolios in but with them leading and doing w/ prnts
A4: Mine share: Class Dojo report, initial scores and goals for end of yr, GR level, celebration, self reflection, goals
I agree with this. We will be sharing new things parents have not already seen.
S's should share strengths and weaknesses also share S work and reflect on 21st century skills like collaboration etc.
A4- important to highlight a student risk taken or a FAIL (F-first A-attempt I- in L- learning) as a positive step towards growth
. My students enjoy "teaching" their parents. Parents also have a reflection piece and can request follow up too.
Yes, and things they are working on but are not secure in, YET.
This year they also explain to Ps and I have a handout that goes home to support that.
Do students take parents on a bit of a classroom tour to share artifacts and show parents where some of their learning takes place?
it is a drop in basis over a schedule of time so sometimes many at once sometimes only one.
Love this! Do you have a specific resource you use?
Many of mine did I allow them to share anything additional they want to share. Always the latest conferenc… https://t.co/ZrybiKfW2d
Do students take parents on a bit of a classroom tour to share artifacts and show parents where some of their learning takes place?
Karen, what grades are you teaching this year? 1/2 split?
. This is great and could go further by having stdnts record how they do those things or wys they could do more of these.
Tgus year I am a multi age 1/2/3 but have more 2s.
My secret tip for SLC - like anything else in 1st grade - practice, practice, practice! Ss should be prepared to share!
Yay! I love free! I'll have to share this with my school. :)
A5: Be prepared for nerves (some are very nervous), have everything laid out, organized. Practice.
Wow! Sounds exciting! How many students!
Do they just take pictures of the things they want to save with the Chromebook camera?
oh I love this idea, do all of the Ss sit at their own desks? Do Ps give you an idea about when they wil… https://t.co/aM87hviPRB
it is a drop in basis over a schedule of time so sometimes many at once sometimes only one.
. Yes, yes, yes! But not just at SLC, all the time! We should all be asking these questions - Student, Teacher, Family
We are maxed at 16 because of the nature of our learners.
Here's a great webinar you can watch with lots of tips for using on Chromebooks! … https://t.co/VTtJ4aSMTZ
Do they just take pictures of the things they want to save with the Chromebook camera?
IA5: I agree, lots of practice!
A5 Get the students involved with the planning and execution of the conferences. We can learn so much from them.
Thank you so much , hadn't really thought about SLC, but now I really want to give it a try, we'll see
Thanks! I'll check it out!
. We don't have desks, and no I have no idea when parents will come. I may hear from those that will be at the later end.
As our time comes to a close, I want to thank for sharing with us on Student Led Conferences in the primary classroom!
A5 - preparation & practice! Also, be sure kids have an 'audience' if a parent does not show up - maybe a neighbouring teacher
A5 use Red and Green Solo cups on desks during multiple conferences so that Ss can signal the T for help during the conference.
Thanks everyone for adding to the conversation! Have an amazing week of learning with your students this week!
Yes! Thank you. Together we are all stronger.
Great chat and I just have to tell you, if you haven't tried this please DO, you won't return to traditional!
Thank you for joining in the conversation tonight! Hope you all have a wonderful week! Best of luck to those doing SLC's this week!
