#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!
I'm Paul Solarz, a 5th grade teacher from Arlington Heights, Illinois. Thanks to @KelleyJAndrews for moderating #5thchat tonight! Looking forward to the discussion! :)
A1 I think it looks different every day, but it is interactive, sometimes noisy, Ss working on different things, helping each other and sharing ideas. #5thchat
A1: It has students moving creating partners and groups when and where needed. It sounds like all voices can be heard, and important questions and info are presented to the whole group by Ss or Ts #5thchat
A1 - Productive noise, conversation, Ss working in partners or small groups, Polite disagreement & adding on to what peers are saying, head nods, eye contact, speaking freely without worry, comfortable with each other, teacher walking around listening/providing feedback. #5thchat
A1: It can vary, but I think it often has the sounds of conversation and discussion with a good deal movement throughout the classroom to share and learn new ideas #5thchat
A1 - students have the sweat in their brows. They’re doing the thinking, posing the questions, answering the questions, debating ideas, & getting their hands dirty. #5thchat
A1:) Good collaboration produces a lot of smiling. ...And I hadn’t thought about it like this before... : I guess good collaboration makes kids happy. #5thchat
A2: We do flexible seating so they are able to freely move around the room/ I would like more adjustable furniture to create different work zones when we need it. @TradeWestEDU#5thchat
A2: Flexible space, tables and desks of different heights, floor seating - no place is off-limits. All with the understanding that if it’s not productive, they’re invited to move. You are not a tree. #5thchat
A2. I removed my desk and allow students to use my computer and promethean board. They sit at high tables or large tables, and some have desks pushed together to allow for conversation. #5thchat
A2: Make desks, tables, and chairs easy to move around and make sure there is ample space for students to move around the classroom to work with each other #5thchat
A2 I've opened my room up as much as I can. Would love to take out the desks/chairs, but have been denied approval on that. I made my counter tops an effective work space. #5thchat
A2 - We LOVE our trapezoid tables in the middle of the room. Kids are free to sit wherever they want all day and most congregate to these tables. They are easy to spread out and combine in unique ways for different purposes! #5thchat
A2 I think there should be groups or partners at least. Have different seating areas if possible. Let students choose where to work. Choice as long as you're working! #5thchat
A2 - This is a great task to assign to Ss. Let them design their learning environment. Some parameters may need to be put in place, but you’d be surprised by the inventive layouts they come up with. It requires planning, teamwork, execution, & a little bit of sweat ;) #5thchat
Many of our teachers are diving into PearDeck and loving it! Whole group and small group instruction are more engaging, & Ss can access everything from home. #5thchat
MODERATORS NEEDED!
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A3:) Not to get too retro..... but we have large numbers of overhead projectors that no one wants to use anymore in the library .... so we confiscate ‘em -kids LOVE planning with them! #5thchat
A3 Google Docs and Slides tied into Classroom are my stand boys. Have really enjoyed using #flipgrid, #bookcreator, #doink green screen to allow for more collaboration between learners. These then can be shared via Google for all to see. #5thchat
A4 - Responsibility Partners: On assignments where students would typically work alone, I have them work side-by-side with an assigned partner who ensures they each understand directions & manages time wisely. They ask each other questions, as needed & provide support. #5thchat
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A4: we do @Emergenetics_ youth reports, and combining groups with like/different Ss is fairly magical! Productivity goes way up when they rely on those with different thinking preferences. #5thchat
Just put @teamshake on my phone which allows for quick partner pairing. Kids will shake it and get a new partner for the day who they are working with for directions and guiding when one has been away at specials. Also is math presentation partner.#5thchat
A5 Mine do well with tech. They can type, or record their voice in private. One of mine was afraid to present science fair today. she is recording tonight! #5thchat
A5: I agree about giving them a tech option for collaborating. Also, pairing shy with shy can allow them to be more vocal and not get lost with the talkers. #5thchat
A5: Tech is a great tool for students who don't yet feel comfortable with oral presentations or sharing their ideas with a group of other students. Another idea could be grouping students based on if they are more intro or extroverted to make sure they are comfortable #5thchat
A5 @padlet, back channels, and finding that one friend who they do feel comfortable with to get them started. Finding their interest has been helpful in getting them to share. Also created a wall where kids can put up anything and everything they want to share. #5thchat
A6 - Conflict Resolution! We use three methods when we disagree with each other:
(1) Rock-Paper-Scissors
(2) Think Win-Win
(3) Choose Kind
#5thchat
Excerpt from "Learn Like a PIRATE"
A6 - Discussing what listening looks like and feels like; the importance of respecting others’ ideas/opinions; how to disagree respectfully. Hanging conversation starters (stems) on the walls make for an great resource. #5thchat
A6. We talk a LOT about looking out for others. We ask questions: is it about me or will it help someone else. We discuss about our above the line behaviors. #5thchat
A7 It depends on the task. Sometimes I group by ability, personality, or just mix it up. I am a firm believer that kids have to learn to get along with everyone in a respectul manner. #5thchat
A7: Because I want ALL of my kiddos to become comfortable with everyone in class, I pull sticks for random partnerships 90% of the time. The other 10%, I choose the groups purposely ahead of time to mix abilities. Ss only work near friends during whole class instruction. #5thchat
A7 I have sticks that have matches ie: Chip and Dale, Pumba and Timone, Milk and Cookies The students have to find their match. It's entertaining! #5thchat
A7. It all depends on the task....ability, friends, boys, girls, birthdays, my new app@teamshake, We talk about the importance of working well with everyone and doing your share #5thchat
I made tongue depressors. But I also have some from TPT. :) l think there is a free one. if I find it, I will post it. I date myself since some kids don't know who some are! ha! #5thchat (lucy and ricky..don't do that one!) :)
If you guys have anything left in the tank, would you please consider jumping over to #Peekachat starting in 3 minutes?
It's only 30 minutes and we're discussing "Perseverance in the Elementary Classroom" tonight! Thanks!!! :) #5thchat
