#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 April 24, 2018
8:00 PM EDT

  • HN_Bernstein Apr 24 @ 8:02 PM EDT
    Hi! I am a preservice teacher studying El Ed and MS Math/Science Ed from PA. I’m excited to be involved in this chat! #5thchat #gccedu
  • mrskochheiser Apr 24 @ 8:02 PM EDT
    #6thchat is looking for guest moderators for the upcoming quarter! Have a topic you are interested in exploring with this amazing tribe? Please fill out this simple form! #5thchat #learnlap #tlap #xplap #satchat https://t.co/eQ74uThoYV
  • MsBazar5th Apr 24 @ 8:03 PM EDT
    Good evening 5th chatters! Liz, 5th grade, Virginia #5thchat
  • ACornelius98 Apr 24 @ 8:03 PM EDT
    Hi, I'm Ashley and I am a pre-service teacher from Grove City College! #5thchat
  • Mr_Ullman Apr 24 @ 8:04 PM EDT
    Hi there! I'm Jordan, a 5th grade teacher from Princeton, NJ! #5thchat
  • HowardKiyuna Apr 24 @ 8:05 PM EDT
    Howard SF Bay Area, CA. #5thchat
  • PaulSolarz - Moderator Apr 24 @ 8:05 PM EDT
    I'm Paul Solarz, a 5th grade teacher from Arlington Heights, IL. #5thchat
  • RLvballcoach Apr 24 @ 8:06 PM EDT
    Greetings from Rib Lake, WI. I am Barb Anderson and I teach 5th grade. #5thchat
  • 4XSoccermom Apr 24 @ 8:07 PM EDT
    Hello, I'm Angie, 4th grade teacher from Va. #5thChat
  • MrNasife Apr 24 @ 8:07 PM EDT
    Question 1 #5thchat
  • PaulSolarz - Moderator Apr 24 @ 8:07 PM EDT
    #5thchat
    • CristinaDajero Apr 24 @ 8:06 PM EDT
      Cristina from Virginia Beach, VA ☀️ 🏖
      In reply to @MrNasife, @PaulSolarz
  • MissSmith_RRD5 Apr 24 @ 8:07 PM EDT
    Morgan Smith, 5th grade teacher from VA. #5thchat
    In reply to @MrNasife
  • Dale_Chu Apr 24 @ 8:08 PM EDT
    HAPPENING NOW: @MrNasife moderating a chat on end-of-grade testing. Follow along at #5thchat!
  • MrsW2nd Apr 24 @ 8:08 PM EDT
    Come join us tomorrow night at 7 pm!!! We’ll be chatting it up about Math/Number Talks! Any grade level is welcome! We 😍 new ideas. #kchat #1stchat #2ndchat #3rdchat #4thchat #5thchat #gmttck #gmttc1 #gmttc2 #gmttc3 #gmttc4 #gmttc5
  • MsBazar5th Apr 24 @ 8:10 PM EDT
    In our classroom, it’s important to my Ss and I that we continue to enjoy learning. We spiral inn #5thchat
  • HN_Bernstein Apr 24 @ 8:10 PM EDT
    A1: Well, I don’t have my classroom yet, but I think it’s important for Ts to continue to keep students engaged. Maybe teach test material but don’t drill it into them. Keep lessons creative like any other lesson #5thchat #gccedu
  • 4XSoccermom Apr 24 @ 8:11 PM EDT
    A1 Good question. I try to keep it business as usual as best I can and review as normal with the help of a few activities or games. I let them know that they have been working all year for this and the test is only a reflection of all they've learned this year. #5thChat
  • ACornelius98 Apr 24 @ 8:11 PM EDT
    A1: While I don't have personal experience with this yet, I think that the best way to incorporate test review without making it overwhelming would be to turn it into some type of game, like using Jeopardy or Kahoot, keeping it fun while still reviewing. #5thchat
  • RLvballcoach Apr 24 @ 8:11 PM EDT
    A1 Since we don’t get a spring break and this year have had over 40 inches of snow in April, we have been working hard and no push back. Kids are totally in work mode. Thanks for the long winter I guess???#5thchat
  • PaulSolarz - Moderator Apr 24 @ 8:11 PM EDT
  • MsBazar5th Apr 24 @ 8:12 PM EDT
    Our classroom focus doesn’t transfer to “testing mentality”. We spiral through things we need to work on through morning groups and stations, but don’t inundate ourselves in test prep questions. We make sure to keep having fun while learning #5thchat
  • MrNasife Apr 24 @ 8:13 PM EDT
    Yes, we do a lot of this. When I first started teaching, these apps and online games weren't available. I think it makes it a lot easier. So many Ts are contributing questions and review material. There is always something readily available. #5thchat
    In reply to @ACornelius98
  • CristinaDajero Apr 24 @ 8:13 PM EDT
    A1: I implement activities and tasks that have students talking with one another and sharing what they know without doing a worksheet. We even take typical TEI questions and turn them into hands on activities. #5thchat #LoveLiteracyLearning
    In reply to @MrNasife
  • PaulSolarz - Moderator Apr 24 @ 8:13 PM EDT
    A1 - I try to do the fewest practice tests possible that still allow my students to be exposed to all the different types of questions. I also do each test with them (& project it on the board) so we can talk about the reasons for each answer & the new challenges. #5thchat
  • tikaee Apr 24 @ 8:14 PM EDT
    Hi Everyone, Sorry for jumping in late. I usually incorporate test review with games and room transformations. 😊👍🏼#5thchat
  • HowardKiyuna Apr 24 @ 8:15 PM EDT
    A1: It's how I frame the testing itself. I put it in perspective of all that we do. I also have great success stories of alum who did both well and struggled. It does NOT define them. If anything it indicates MY ability to teach THEM. #5thchat
  • MrNasife Apr 24 @ 8:16 PM EDT
    I started doing this with my class this year. Occasionally I have them work in groups and contribute what they know to an activity, a math problem, or a reading passage. #5thchat
    In reply to @CristinaDajero
  • MrNasife Apr 24 @ 8:16 PM EDT
    Hello, What do you mean by room transformations? #5thchat
    In reply to @tikaee
  • HowardKiyuna Apr 24 @ 8:17 PM EDT
    I bring in snacks. Chewy, crunchy and healthy. We do projects in the afternoons. No homework. #5thchat
  • HN_Bernstein Apr 24 @ 8:17 PM EDT
    A2: I’ve been learning about interactive formative assessments like @plickers @quizizz and @GetKahoot , some of these interactive games would be nice to get Ss excited about learn while still giving the T info on Ss knowledge.#5thchat #gccedu
  • PaulSolarz - Moderator Apr 24 @ 8:17 PM EDT
    Yes! I try to minimize any stress the tests might cause. We don't have a school culture that demands high test scores, so I'm able to tell my kiddos to just try their best & the results are more a reflection of my teaching than them. #5thchat
    • MsBazar5th Apr 24 @ 8:15 PM EDT
      Discussion as a class takes off that individualized pressure of test prep! Hearing different thoughts and perspectives on situations and queation types=👍
      In reply to @PaulSolarz
  • 4XSoccermom Apr 24 @ 8:18 PM EDT
    A2 Hands on, drawing, games such as zap or basketball, talks with each other, projects that incorporate some of the skills they learned, races to beat their previous time or level #5thChat
  • tikaee Apr 24 @ 8:18 PM EDT
    Hi, I transform my room into a cafe, a game show, or a lab of some sort to ignite the excitement. I highly recommend the book Wild Card by @hopekingteach and @WadeKing7 #5thchat
    In reply to @MrNasife, @hopekingteach, @WadeKing7
  • PaulSolarz - Moderator Apr 24 @ 8:19 PM EDT
    #5thchat
  • MrNasife Apr 24 @ 8:19 PM EDT
    These are also good because they give Ts some data about how the students are doing and what still needs review. #5thchat
    In reply to @HN_Bernstein, @plickers, @quizizz, @GetKahoot
  • MrNasife Apr 24 @ 8:20 PM EDT
    Thanks @PaulSolarz for the retweet. Forgot to check my spelling. #5thchat
  • MissSmith_RRD5 Apr 24 @ 8:21 PM EDT
    A1:We do this thing called blitz.About 4 to 5 days before each standardized test,each fifth grade teacher teaches standard a day 4 that content area;we teach the same lesson through out the day as fifth-graders rotate classrooms & get 4 activities/ 4 standards that day. #5thchat
    In reply to @MrNasife
  • MrNasife Apr 24 @ 8:21 PM EDT
    This sounds great. Thanks! #5thchat
    In reply to @tikaee, @hopekingteach, @WadeKing7
  • HowardKiyuna Apr 24 @ 8:21 PM EDT
    I focus on formulas and geometry. We have a few days of measuring madness in the room. Area, volume, etc. These topics can get covered late every year so I take some time about now. #5thchat
  • MrNasife Apr 24 @ 8:22 PM EDT
    I messed up on Q2. Here is Q3 just to keep things moving and not fall behind. I guess we can answer both at the same time. #5thchat
  • tikaee Apr 24 @ 8:22 PM EDT
    A2 We play figurative lang. Jenga, affix checkers, analyze songs like “This is Me.” I try to change up the games every few days. They love it. #5thchat
  • MsBazar5th Apr 24 @ 8:22 PM EDT
    Stinky Feet game, Tic Tac Booyah, students teaching each other #5thchat
  • ACornelius98 Apr 24 @ 8:23 PM EDT
    A2: I would make test prep fun by playing games and using different types of technology, such as Kahoot, Jeopardy, Quizizz, and Plickers. Creating scavenger hunts is another fun way to review. #5thchat
  • MrNasife Apr 24 @ 8:23 PM EDT
    We do something like this with science. Might be something we can try in Math and ELA, too. Thanks! #5thchat
    In reply to @MissSmith_RRD5
  • RLvballcoach Apr 24 @ 8:23 PM EDT
    A2 @ProdigyGame is aligned with our state test and we use it for one math round every day for two weeks before testing, Kids ❤️it. @breakoutboxes and @escaperooms are a fun and newer way to review and are engaging. #5thchat
  • theMrOlson Apr 24 @ 8:24 PM EDT
    A1 - I work hard to minimize the amount of time spent on “test prep.” We do daily number talks and I throw in an extra 2-3 minute review of past concepts, but I try not to do much more than that for standardized math tests. #5thchat
  • MrNasife Apr 24 @ 8:24 PM EDT
    We started using Quizziz as a grade level and having competitions every Friday afternoon on various standards. #5thchat
    In reply to @ACornelius98
  • CristinaDajero Apr 24 @ 8:25 PM EDT
    A2: we call it “show what you know” rather than test prep- it alleviates some of the stress. We incorporate games like @Jeopardy, who wants to be a millionaire, guess who. We use @plickers, @GetKahoot ,@Flipgrid to share responses. #5thchat #LoveLiteracyLearning
    In reply to @MrNasife, @Jeopardy, @plickers, @GetKahoot, @Flipgrid
  • tikaee Apr 24 @ 8:26 PM EDT
    A3 I differentiate with different entry points on math tasks, build background information with small groups, and teach to my Ss who attend tutoring first to give them the chance to be leaders. #5thchat
    • MrNasife Apr 24 @ 8:22 PM EDT
      I messed up on Q2. Here is Q3 just to keep things moving and not fall behind. I guess we can answer both at the same time. #5thchat
  • theMrOlson Apr 24 @ 8:27 PM EDT
    A2 - Our school provides all students with 45 minutes of physical activity (gym or outside) on mornings of standardized tests. They get bananas too. #5thchat
  • MissSmith_RRD5 Apr 24 @ 8:27 PM EDT
    A2: one way I help prepare for test prep, is have students create @GetKahoot on standards they struggled with. So by the time they finish creating it, they have a better understanding. #5thchat
  • MrNasife Apr 24 @ 8:28 PM EDT
    This sounds like a great idea. I find myself struggling with differentiating the most in math. #5thchat
    In reply to @tikaee
  • HN_Bernstein Apr 24 @ 8:28 PM EDT
    A3: I think practicing test taking strategies like focus should be practiced throughout the school year leading up to the tests. Once testing becomes closer, then content should be emphasized more. Start with the basics and build. Hopefully Ss remember earlier material! #5thchat
  • CristinaDajero Apr 24 @ 8:29 PM EDT
    A3: we analyze the data we’ve collected all year & the observations we’ve made. We collaborate as a team with specialists and “map out” a strategic plan to provide remediation, reinforcement, & enrichment opportunities. Whatever Ss need to succeed #5thchat #LoveLiteracyLearning
    In reply to @MrNasife
  • MrNasife Apr 24 @ 8:29 PM EDT
  • PaulSolarz - Moderator Apr 24 @ 8:30 PM EDT
    Don't miss another #5thchat! Get an email or text message 30 minutes before the chat each week FREE from @RemindHQ: https://t.co/aZVIw1x0LK
  • theMrOlson Apr 24 @ 8:30 PM EDT
    I’d argue this should happen every day! #5thchat
  • ACornelius98 Apr 24 @ 8:31 PM EDT
    A3: Giving students tips and advice about focusing on the test would be beneficial. Taking time each day to work on different parts of testing would be helpful for students. #5thchat
  • MrNasife Apr 24 @ 8:31 PM EDT
    Yes, it should be an every day thing. We have at least 30 minutes of recess daily. It is absolutely necessary. #5thchat
    In reply to @theMrOlson
  • tikaee Apr 24 @ 8:31 PM EDT
    A4 We try to motivate each other with shout outs, positive notes to each other, lunch together,and class kickball. #5thchat
  • HowardKiyuna Apr 24 @ 8:32 PM EDT
    A3: Throughout the year I'm watching (I have 13 Ss per class) for what tools help Ss. Some like paper, ixl, khan, 1:1 with me. Even interventions can be specific. So at this time they have tool options. #5thchat
  • HN_Bernstein Apr 24 @ 8:33 PM EDT
    A4: I think giving Ss the chance to focus really hard on test material and then giving them rewards in spurts would be effective. Let them choose the rewards they want and what they need to accomplish to receive them, so they are more excited about the reward. #5thchat #gccedu
  • HowardKiyuna Apr 24 @ 8:33 PM EDT
    My wife @ginakiyuna does this for her 4ths! #5thchat
  • MissSmith_RRD5 Apr 24 @ 8:34 PM EDT
    A3:for math,we use results from an EOY sum. test & analyze how students do on indiv. standards.We group them based on that & work out each standard w/groups needing help on the same things.Students that dont need help on the specific standards work on extension projects. #5thchat
    In reply to @MrNasife
  • theMrOlson Apr 24 @ 8:35 PM EDT
    A4 - I think this is most effective when it is intrinsic. Our goal is to help Ss develop a sense of pride in his or her work/effort. This effort starts from day 1. If we hype the test too much, we can end up causing unnecessary stress. #5thchat
  • RLvballcoach Apr 24 @ 8:36 PM EDT
    A4 We will make a hot breakfast for our class before the test and continue our discussion of extrinsic motivation instead of intrinsic. This is how we discuss most topics. We do because it is right, not because we get something or rewarded.#5thchat
  • tikaee Apr 24 @ 8:36 PM EDT
    A3 During testing, I make signs of encouragement all over the classroom, make candy bags, and yell cheers right before the test. #5thchat
  • MissSmith_RRD5 Apr 24 @ 8:37 PM EDT
    A4: I have them set class goals and throw out some potential rewards like pizza party, ice cream party, class breakfast, etc. 🍕🍦🥞 #5thchat
  • MrNasife Apr 24 @ 8:37 PM EDT
    Q5 - #5thchat
  • CristinaDajero Apr 24 @ 8:37 PM EDT
    A4: morning announcements, we tell colleagues so they too can offer praise, we send @ClassDojo messages home. Our primary classes adopt out grade levels testing & make cards and banners for them. We also have a pep rally & schoolwide spirit-days. #5thChat #LoveLiteracyLearning
    In reply to @MrNasife, @ClassDojo
  • ACornelius98 Apr 24 @ 8:38 PM EDT
    A4: Giving students rewards such as candy or fun activities would be a good way to motivate students. #5thchat
  • HowardKiyuna Apr 24 @ 8:38 PM EDT
    A5: Have them do ungraded cool things. #5thchat
  • MrNasife Apr 24 @ 8:38 PM EDT
    We also have K-2 make banners and posters for grades 3-5. They love it. #5thchat
    In reply to @CristinaDajero, @ClassDojo
  • PaulSolarz - Moderator Apr 24 @ 8:38 PM EDT
    A4 - I honestly don't do anything more than show sincere appreciation for the time and effort they put into their work. They know I care about them much more than I do their grade, so they don't worry much about the results. #5thchat
  • HN_Bernstein Apr 24 @ 8:40 PM EDT
    A5: 1) be confident in what you’ve been teaching and what the Ss have been learning all year. Remember that testing is important but not the end all be all 2) build relationships from the start of the year and continue to develop and grow them throughout the year #5thchat #gccedu
  • theMrOlson Apr 24 @ 8:40 PM EDT
    Amen! Great “Family Meeting” topic each day before/after testing. #5thchat
    • PaulSolarz - Moderator Apr 24 @ 8:38 PM EDT
      A4 - I honestly don't do anything more than show sincere appreciation for the time and effort they put into their work. They know I care about them much more than I do their grade, so they don't worry much about the results. #5thchat
  • MissSmith_RRD5 Apr 24 @ 8:40 PM EDT
    Q5: on Standardized testing days, morning work is always coloring! If students finish early I also throw some fun academic games on Google classroom and ask them to do a couple before letting them go free on @ProdigyGame, it’s a favorite. We also do a super long recess #5thchat
  • tikaee Apr 24 @ 8:41 PM EDT
    A5 Our Ss do not have HW on testing days (we only assign minimal HW on a daily basis). They also know we believe in them know matter what. #buildrelationships #5thchat
  • Mr_Ullman Apr 24 @ 8:41 PM EDT
    A5 Always de-emphasize the grades. I almost never give grades, instead of giving feedback, like with qualitative rubrics. #5thchat
  • RLvballcoach Apr 24 @ 8:41 PM EDT
    A5. I found this and am having my high school work study student creating this for our hallway. Ss know that grades don’t make the person. #5thchat
  • HowardKiyuna Apr 24 @ 8:42 PM EDT
    A5: I put new genius projects on hold till after testing (for my sanity). They chomping at the bit! I've given them vision beyond this test window. #5thchat
  • ACornelius98 Apr 24 @ 8:42 PM EDT
    A5: I think that just telling our students how important they are and how a test doesn't define their worth will show students the importance of their well-being. For teachers, just taking time to relax will take the stress off. #5thchat
  • Mr_Ullman Apr 24 @ 8:42 PM EDT
    A5 Our standardized tests are computer based and they last all morning, so in the afternoon, weather permitting, we're outside! #5thchat
  • MrNasife Apr 24 @ 8:43 PM EDT
  • CristinaDajero Apr 24 @ 8:44 PM EDT
    A5: Remind then that they are #morethanatestscore. You have to have a relationship established well BEFORE testing begins- show them that you care about them and who they are. #5thchat #LoveLiteracyLearning
    In reply to @MrNasife
  • MrNasife Apr 24 @ 8:44 PM EDT
    I am also starting to lean towards less and less homework. I think they do enough in class throughout the day. Also, if Ss are struggling with something in class, chances are it will not be any better at home. Possibly lead to more frustration and loss of confidence. #5thchat
    In reply to @tikaee
  • tikaee Apr 24 @ 8:45 PM EDT
    A6 Number Talks,Morning Choice Game Review, and Socratic seminars are great way to make learning more student-led. #5thchat
  • HN_Bernstein Apr 24 @ 8:45 PM EDT
    A6: We could have students vote in a Google form on the information they want to review, have students who already understand the content teach to small groups, stations for different content areas with standards would also allow student choice. #5thchat #gccedu
  • theMrOlson Apr 24 @ 8:46 PM EDT
    A6 - A simple start would be to ask the class, what do you need so that you feel ready for “the test?” An empowered class will take the discussion from there! #5thchat
  • RLvballcoach Apr 24 @ 8:46 PM EDT
    A6. We have been “brain dumping” this week by writing everything we learned on whiteboards and having Ss share what they mean. My co-worker and I sit back and smile when we see how excited they are sharing everything they have learned. Great review and student led. #5thchat
  • ACornelius98 Apr 24 @ 8:47 PM EDT
    A6: Having students choose how they want to review could be a good way to involve them in test prep. We could also ask students what they feel they need the most work on, and review that. #5thchat
  • PaulSolarz - Moderator Apr 24 @ 8:47 PM EDT
    A6: I've enjoyed assigning my students a Responsibility Partner, doing a practice test together, then pairing up with another pair of students and going over the results. They actually had a fun time with it! I walked around and helped with hard problems & gave feedback. #5thchat
  • MrNasife Apr 24 @ 8:47 PM EDT
    I have done Google Form surveys in order to gauge how the students prefer to work (1:1, with me, small group, etc.) and what they would like to work on. It was effective and I have already done with one of my classes. - #5thchat
    In reply to @HN_Bernstein
  • MrNasife Apr 24 @ 8:48 PM EDT
    This sounds great. Will have to give it a try in the next few days. #5thchat
    In reply to @RLvballcoach
  • CristinaDajero Apr 24 @ 8:49 PM EDT
    A6: incorporate student voice and choice. Create groups that teach one another about various topics. Allow Ss to step up and become the “experts”. #5thchat #LoveLiteracyLearning
    In reply to @MrNasife
  • MrNasife Apr 24 @ 8:49 PM EDT
    Q7 - #5thchat
  • MrsBreisacher Apr 24 @ 8:49 PM EDT
    A6: So simple, but I have had Ss write anything they aren't clear about on the board, and then other Ss who are go up and explain them...it goes so much farther than you would think, yet so easy! #5thchat
  • MissSmith_RRD5 Apr 24 @ 8:52 PM EDT
    A6: with students creating their own @GetKahoot on standards they struggled with, they then lead thag kahoot and answer questions. #5thchat
    In reply to @MrNasife, @GetKahoot
  • HN_Bernstein Apr 24 @ 8:52 PM EDT
    A7: I find @IXLLearning and @khanacademy always help to explain concepts to Ss in a different and engaging way. #5thchat #gccedu
  • tikaee Apr 24 @ 8:53 PM EDT
    A7 I would recommend @achievethecore, Teach Like a Pirate, @hopekingteach @WadeKing7 @SmarterBalanced #5thchat
  • MissSmith_RRD5 Apr 24 @ 8:54 PM EDT
  • MrNasife Apr 24 @ 8:55 PM EDT
    Q8 - #5thchat
  • RLvballcoach Apr 24 @ 8:56 PM EDT
    A7. @Prodigygame is awesome for math review! #5thchat
  • khoggardGRT Apr 24 @ 8:56 PM EDT
    Students must understand their strengths and know that they are #morethanatestscore #5thchat
  • ACornelius98 Apr 24 @ 8:56 PM EDT
    A7: I think that @GetKahoot @quizizz @quizlet are very helpful as well as creating a Jeopardy game. #5thchat
  • PaulSolarz - Moderator Apr 24 @ 8:57 PM EDT
    Thanks everyone for participating in this evening's #5thchat! Hope you'll be back next week as @Tikaee moderates on "Metacognition." Thanks so much @MrNasife for moderating this evening on short notice! Great discussion everyone!!!
  • tikaee Apr 24 @ 8:57 PM EDT
    A8 My Ss have told me that the tests don’t feel like tests because we do constructed responses and read complex text all of the time. The high cognitive demand is always there. They don’t complain😊👍🏼 #5thchat
  • khoggardGRT Apr 24 @ 8:58 PM EDT
    A1 keep review fun and focused! Don’t toss collaboration, discussion, or hands on just bc testing season has arrived! Keep it exciting, engaging and fresh! #5thchat
  • MrNasife Apr 24 @ 8:58 PM EDT
    Thank you so much for joining this chat. Thanks for all the great ideas and resources. #5thchat
  • HN_Bernstein Apr 24 @ 8:58 PM EDT
    A8: Help your students know that you understand how exhausting testing is. Give them little notes and treats each day to encourage them at the start of the day. #5thchat #gccedu