We chat every Tuesday night at 8:30-9:30 pm CST. All are welcome, especially EarlyEd teachers, leaders & experts. Co-founded & moderated by @techwnancy @JessicaCabeen & @VealHeidi
Good evening #ECEchat PLN! My name is Nancy. I am the very proud principal of Celina Primary School in North Texas. I am passionate about things #ECE and #EarlyEd#STEAM#STEM
Hello! I am from California and am a Senior at Chapman University majoring in Integrated Educational Studies to become an elementary school teacher! #ECEchat
Hi #ECEchat friends! Heidi here, #EarlyEd District Program Administrator in North Texas. Still pumped after #KTOT2018 this past weekend!!! Raise your hand if you were there!
Anna, Nature Preschool Teacher from Minnesota. I'm multitasking on another project so I may be lurking more than participating tonight, but I always look forward to learning from everyone! #ECEChat
A1 The purpose of small group is to give concentrated instruction to students in a particular academic/social-emotional area based on their need. #ecechat
A1: Small group instruction in the classroom is beneficial because students tend to comprehend more information in smaller groups with a more one-on-one interaction with the teacher. #ECEChat
I think it’s important to note that small groups don’t have to only be academically focused… Social emotional needs are equally if not more important in the early years! #ECEchat
A1 The purpose of small group is to give concentrated instruction to students in a particular academic/social-emotional area based on their need. #ecechat
A1: To me, the purpose of small group is for students to be able to not only learn from their teacher (me) but from their peers as well in a smaller setting than our large groups. #ecechat
A1: The purpose of small group instruction in the classroom is to get that time to truly differentiate based on needs/skill levels in whatever area that may be. #ecechat
A1. Small groups allow students opportunities to practice work independently or with peers to enhance knowledge of content and application of skills. #ECEChat
A1: Sm gr instruction allows us to provide Ss intervention based on their differentiated needs & learning styles. It allows focus on a specific skill while building strong T/Ss relationships. #ECEchat
A1: Small group instruction is used for differentiation. This can be by ability, need, or interest. I also use small group instruction to work with students in a smaller setting and get to know them better. #ECEchat
A1. I enjoy working with students in small groups to provide more individualized instruction, as well as to focus on a particular interest the students have shared (i.e. bug identification & classification) #ECEChat
A1: The purpose of small group instruction in MY classroom is so that I can personally speak to each one of my ss on a daily basis. It allows me to see what ss know and don't know. I only need to get 4 ss attention rather than 25. #ECEChat
Hey #ECEchat leaders! Hope all are well. Greg- Pre-K, MD. Having a great start to the school year. Glad to join in the conversation for some time tonight.
A2 I use magic stones with small groups, each kid gets a cup and I almost continually put stones in their cup as long as they are on task, non-verbal and Ss notice when they don’t get 1 and their neighbor does and then as soon as back on task I give stones again! #ecechat
A2. I really only have Guided Reading groups to go off of from when I taught Kinder. I am interested In hearing more what it looks like at the PreK level! Regardless it needs to be focused and purposefully planned! #ECEChat
A2: I teach pre-k in a state funded program, so mine may look a little different than others. My associate teacher and I both have a group of 8 kids. We design lesson plans based on the group's interest and needs. #ecechat
A2: Learning takes place everywhere. I see many ECE Ts working w/ Ss at a particular center in the classroom, or in a reading nook, on the playground and in the halls. Every school space allows for an opportunity to work w/ small groups. #ECEchat
A2: We design activities that can meet a multitude of skill levels. When we actually do the activity, I introduce it to the kids and let them go. I go from student to student scaffolding and helping when needed. #ecechat
A2. Differentiated Smart Board Activities based upon skills, Seesaw based lessons, small group hands on activities based upon standards Ts has identify for skill development. #ECEChat
A2 A teacher or teaching assistant with a small group of students, in a center, on the floor, or at a table… manipulatives, books, writing materials, iPads… The options are endless! #ecechat
A2: Small group instruction needs to be focussed on the area of need/skill being addressed, and no longer then 10 minutes. Work hard, and then let them go back and PLAY! #ecechat
A2- Depends on the grade level. In Pre-K, often times we do hands-on activities and projects in small groups. Allows for more 1-1 dialogue and engagement. Helpful for anecdotal notes as well. #ECEchat
A2: Visuals for expectations, and visual script for communicating the target goal. Students should be leading the learning with teacher assistance for specific students if need be. #ecechat
A2b: important to provide Ts & Ss w/ flexible spaces that are warm and inviting. By having multiple areas available, Ss can manage in groups while Ts circulate #ECEchat
Fun, engaging activities, hands-on, and meaningful. Today we were counting our kindness coins to spend at the school store. Everyone was so excited and I was able to see many skills in action, students helping each other, and strategies for problem solving! #ECEchat
A2: #ECEChat I meet in small groups for reading and math. Reading look like reading with @brookebrowntpt reading STEM mats I also use iPads to integrate writing about reading @PicCollage@ChatterPixIt@Seesaw Math looks like games and hands on.
A3: My data is organized in a google sheet, so that I can quickly sort by each subject. Based on level, I can create small groups for each subject that needs more concentration. Lower levels meet more often; higher meets less. #ecechat
A2: Small group work needs to be things that anyone can d- match cards. Build with Legos. They have to be easy and quick to assess as well so I can move around the room quickly. #ecechat
A2 Many use horseshoe tables as a meeting place for small groups to work on specific skills & make notes. S’s here are sorting, counting, and creating groups of large, medium & small. #ECEchat
A3: #ECEChat data is so important for Sm Groups and keeps them flexible and fluid. I use pre-test data to help see what Ss know to guide am group instruction lessons.
A3: my skills groups are ability based and switch as necessary skills are achieved, math is free choice of groups, play is usually free choice but I like to have play plans once a week where I assign them their partner to build social emotional skills #ECEchat
A3 I use anecdotal info from Ts and Ps about behaviors or what the target was, referral data is more quantitative! I also ask Ss if they notice differences and how what they are learning are helping or not helping, what else do they need? #ecechat
A2: Sm gr instruction looks like FUN! It's all inclusive w sensory, fine motor skills, visuals, kinesthetic, tactile-this wk we have cool "Super Reading" glasses we use for ltr rec/sound, blending/reading! We hug, hi5, & use @ConsciousD smart lotion & all differentiated #ECEchat
A3. I have observed PLC teams review data to differentiate groups within the classroom and across teams-helpful to involve support staff in decision making. #ECEChat
A3: Data drives a lot of my small group instruction. I find that I can only pull my Ss for a few minutes once we‘re ready for that step, so being intentional is key. I also spend a lot of time getting to know them & their needs at the beg. of the year #ecechat
A3: When I become a teacher, I will organize my data through word documents so I have easy access to them. I will also use applications in order to engage and create fun learning experiences! #ECEChat
A3: Data should be the driving force behind PLC. Everyone ( T's and para's) should be able to take data during a SG lesson. However, it doesn't mean for every SG lesson you need to take data. But data should drive the planning for students! #ecechat
A3: Data drives the need! We differentiate how often a group may meet based upon levels or need. We have a schedule of what subject area is focussed on during a certain day. Like @KLCseedtotree says a google sheet is a life saver! #ecechat
A3. Data drives instruction. I have my more formal assessments and use formative assessments to make groups fluid and change instruction as needed! #ECEChat
A3: Data drives 99% of my small group instruction. For instance, I noticed mid-year last year that my students were lacking in number recognition, so I designed as many small groups around that as possible. #ecechat
A:3 Data should always be used to drive instruction to ensure we are meeting the needs of all students. For small group it helps ensure we are being purposeful with our lesson #ecechat
I create mini charts of every station. Write ss names and names of station for each group. Meet with groups at each station. Mark off when I talk to each ss so I know 1, I talked to each of them, and 2, are they understanding the material. #ecechat
A3 Data also shows me how simple or complex my lessons should be. I also use it to set goals for my students for the next marking period/checkpoint. #ecechat
A3 Teachers have just completed beginning of year baseline assessments. Teams will next meet in PCLs to examine student data, create small groups & plan instruction based on what their students need to master next. #ECEchat
A3: I use summative & formative data-dig deep rather than just looking at a tier level. Distinguish Ss strengths & weaknesses. Ss groups will change based on the skill/objective with a goal for growth-always continuing to assess & plugging in PLC's & not leaving out PLC4 #ECEchat
A3 In PreK, by having a strong knowledge and sense of where Ss are at (i.e. data), you can readily embed a "small group", personalized learning experience into the daily routine of choice time in classroom or outdoor learning using the materials the Ss are engaging with #ECEChat
A4: My lower level group meets 3 times per week, mid-level meets for 2 times per week & the high group meets 1 time per week; all per subject area in need. Not all Ss are in the same level group for each subject. It depends on what their needs are. #ecechat
A3: I use data from our online math system and our ELA assessment system to create small groups for math and reading instruction. I also use it to choose levels for reading on RAZKids #ECEchat
A4. I feel like small groups should meet daily. Being in a full day program with lots of time, I really want to make the most of it and have an impact on my Ss learning. #ECEChat
A4: Our SG's meet daily for 5-10 minutes. Content of the SG is based on data and what skills need to be mastered in accordance to our scope and sequence. Groups differ depending on content and student need. #ecechat
A4: It depends on what level placement I have them at. My L and ML groups meet 3 times per week, my M group meets twice, and my H meets once. A student may be in different level groups based upon the skill we are working on. #ecechat
A4: as long as the groups are effective, go for it! Monotony sets in if we repeat just for the sake of repeating. Ss interest and growth will indicate success #ECEchat
A year’s worth of PLC’s at work focused on students & helping every child grow is evident by the literal movement seen on the @LJJacksonECC data walls! #ecechat
A4: Why do I do it this way? Because I'm state funded and this is their model haha. However, I will work with students on an individual basis during play time. #ecechat
A4: I strongly believe that small group instruction should happen daily for all Ss. This happens through intentional lessons outside of center time as well as creatively engineering targeted learning experiences within children's play! #ECEchat
A3 Data from essential learning outcomes guides who and what we teach in small groups. As students excel, their instruction changes to challenge them at their level. #ecechat
A4: Ideally, I’d meet daily, but reality quickly sets in to remind me that this isn’t always possible. I need to remind myself to plan efficiently and effectively. Quality over quantity! #ecechat
Q4:I meet with my small group 3 times a day to work on skills. We follow the Highscope model so we do Planning and Recall before and after play time and for one 10-15 min time frame in the AM #ecechat
A4: Data drives frequency & be creative with the time and space. My last year in the classroom (4th grade) I pulled Ss before school & during lunch for “Writing Cafe”, during class, recess , & after school. However, make sure you are the funnest person on the planet. #ecechat
A year’s worth of PLC’s at work focused on students & helping every child grow is evident by the literal movement seen on the @LJJacksonECC data walls! #ecechat
A4 some classes have small group rotations up to 3 or 4 times a day. Phonics, guided reading, math, and sometimes science. Kids are engaged and on task. Instruction is differentiated, appropriately timed, and gives the students more choice and voice. #ecechat
A4: Sm grps in K class rm looked like L: 5days/wk, M:4-5 days, MH:4 days, H:2-3days, HH: 1day w project/check in & 1-1. In PreK between myself & Para we saw Ss daily. As an ECE specialist I am able to pull groups 4 times a week & they are bubble Ss. #ECEchat
A5: This depends on Ss need outside of subject area: Could be a need to sit close to T, props for small motor skill (pompom, smaller/larger utensil), larger print, quiet area...its creating the BEST environment for small group so learning ocurrs! #ecechat
It from the office corridor at @LJJacksonECC The paper slips have the individual student scores for BOY, MOY, & EOY (not showing names but a number code assigned by the teachers). #ECEchat
In reply to
@mcnaryclass, @LJJacksonECC, @LJJacksonECC
A4: This is my first year teaching full day K. I try to meet with groups daily, and I meet with some groups for a longer amount of time than others. We are still working on establishing routines for what others are doing while I'm meeting with groups. #ECEchat
A5: Every student is different, even though you have them in the same small group! Remember what each Ss needs (longer time/different type of work/etc). #ecechat
A5: With the small groups it is easier to incorporate differentiation and specific student need. Being able to determine more clearly in a small group what each student may need more help on and be able to meet the needs for each student more directly #ecechat
A5: I start by getting to know where my Ss are in various areas. I’m flexible with grouping and I make sure to have a variety of materials and manipulatives on hand to help me scaffold activities in the moment #ecechat
It's all dependent on the S's. Differentiation can come in various forms: Visuals, proximity, adapted materials. It really comes down to what the student needs to be successful in that particular setting. #ecechat
A5: It's a combination of knowing the interests, developmental level, and attention span of each child in my group. I look for activities that can cover more than one objective and are flexible. #ecechat
A5: Keep small groups SMALL! This allows you to know each Ss goals in order to tailor your instructional approach, questioning AND take meaningful data at the same time. #ECEchat
A5: sm gr lessons are differentiated by Ss needs / skill level / fine or gross motor skills...as well as Ss likes & interests along with their learning style. Its strategically & purposefully planned based on Ss academic needs/character/SEL level/development #ECEchat
A5: Easy tip for differentiation. Differentiate by content, process, or product. This video will touch your heart. Promise. https://t.co/ev1OzqPy3S#ecechat
A5 Lessons are planned for small group instruction around the students learning needs in that group. In phonics some groups may work on letter sounds, and others are building sentences. Meet the child where they are at and give them what they need to grow. #ecechat
A6 I am looking forward to diving into more ways teachers organize their small group instruction so I can better support my teachers! #ECEchat@KLCseedtotree I’m coming to visit!
I love the idea of social emotional groups! Meeting more often and finding creative times to meet with smaller groups are goals for this year. #ecechat
A6: I am going to video my small groups I am able to pull from classrooms and ask them what they like, want, and would like me to know! Thank you @StefLRichard for the video!! It will be an instant reminder for me! #ECEchat
A6: I want to know more about data collection systems for teachers and teams to use to not only provide individual instruction but also drive the work of the Pre-K PLC! Making data visible is a necessity to move toward shared accountability across a campus or team. #ECEchat
A6:One idea from tonight that I would like to know more about would be how to come up with more ideas on how to engage more creativity within small groups! #ecechat
Thank you @KLCseedtotree for guest moderating and #ECEchat for giving me my HAPPY on Tuesday's!!! Always enjoy learning from everyone - you're the best PLN!! Have a great night! #ECEchat
Thx @KLCseedtotree What a great chat, and it was perfect timing too! With all the beginning of year data rolling in, our small groups are even better informed to meet the indivdual needs of all our studetns! #ECEchat
