#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.
A1) Each year I get a bit better at it. Helping Ss explore their passions thoroughly and providing the time up front is important. Rushing the process results in more frustration, and changes. Time...the greatest part of this! #6thchat
A1) I've done various passion projects over the years. The students love exploring their own interests. I feel like a coach in these types of projects. #6thchat
A1) We literally did our #PassionProject launch last week. I'm super excited, know that there will be bumps in the road, but full of optimism. #6thchat.
A1: Started building robotics 4? yrs ago. Quickly moved to building/making. Found including all Ss populations to be the challenge. Physical building was more accessible than coding, but even that worked for some. #6thchat
I've had 'explore' time in the mornings before school in the past with various materials (sewing kits, programming), but the buses get to school too late this year. #6thchat
Krisitn, I'm thinking the same about time. I'm giving myself 2 months. Go slow but go deep is what I'm planning for. What is your general time frame? #6thchat
I think some of the fault comes back to me and how I structured it, but it was disappointing to see some Ss really take off and others barely get by
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A1: I like this in theory, but I struggle with the idea of wasted time either intentionally or unintentionally. We are opening up our researching to any interest area without a specific "product" in mind, so maybe this is a step. #6thchat
A2) My Ss each create their own @padlet to gather ideas, links, pictures, and more for their research. They share their padlet link on a classroom padlet for me, and then Ss can check each other's progress out, offer ideas, etc. along the way. #6thchat
A1) Yes - time is the key! Students need time to explore. I like having them follow their interest in layers, to uncover deeper aspects, but all that takes time! I haven't figured out the balance with this because some students work so quickly and others need more time. #6thchat
Yes, I definitely take blame as well. Since it was an enrichment group I didn’t feel so bad about it, but that is why I’m not ready to incorporate in my regular classes yet #6thchat
A2: Wondering what "content" area this time is coming from? Or is it mostly in elementary settings? At middle school, I could see it being a challenge to decide where to take time from. We already feel stretched thin in Language. #6thchat
My colleague does Caine's arcade with her 7th graders each year. It is a huge hit with the students! They run the games with their second grade buddies (we have kids paired throughout the grades). It is a terrific program! #6thchat
I had similar experience my first year. I realized I needed more time w/some Ss to guide than others. I also found that it was okay for some to "fail." There is learning in that, too. #6thchat
A2) We launched last week. We rotated between 3 classes. Each T covered a different aspect: videos, what is passion, authentic pieces etc.
Here's my blog about it. https://t.co/7hMMMfce2F#6thchat
A3) Provide students with question starter stems such as the ones found here. Found it on a Pinterest board and saved. Sharing here: https://t.co/KCfu7Pyy3j#6thchat
I am adding in a focus on multi genre writing this year where finished products will have different writing elements. This will help with focus, I hope. @staceyreeder gave me lots of ideas to think about on this. #6thchat
A2 I would showcase the different explore activities available and try to give them explore during the school day to test. I will add, that to @DonorsChoose for my first year items. #6thchat
My Ss just completed a Utopia project where they create a world. I've gone back to having them present with trifolds, which feels really old-fashioned, but it does make grading easier. When I let them present in lots of ways, it was hard to compare them. Any thoughts? #6thchat
A3: This is what I think is difficult! How do we avoid crushing their creativity and also avoid having 6th graders running around the building doing surveys about solar powered pets? #6thchat
A3: it’s hard to know for 100% about an inquiry question until Ss begin research. If answers feel like you can google in 5 minutes, it’s probably not going to be a good fit. #6thchat
A3: Started spacing out and missed this question...The best way I can think of is to have the Ss tell you. Ask them what sort of info and project they would be able to do with it and if they can't think of anything or just 1 idea chances are it's too simple
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A4) Ss are highly engaged. They are driving their learning and the T is really the guide on the side. Checking in w/Ss and helping them stay motivated is important. #6thchat
A4: I would expect it to get Ss interested in their education. Too many either don't care or don't see the purpose in learning some times and if they were learning for themselves like this it would help
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This is why I am incorporating it into LA this year with multi-genre writing elements a requirement for final passion projects. Better integration of project and content. #6thchat
A3) We're pairing Ss passions with society. We have an EQ to start the process, then Ss will generate their own EQ. Here's our template. #6thchathttps://t.co/vc1pjZ62Ae
A4: most important is when Ss are passionate to take it out outside our classroom- working on it at home, sticking with it the following year, etc. #6thchat
A4: I feel they revolutionized the class is when they can take what they've done and teach others something new for meaning and rich understanding #6thchat
A4) Student passion flattens a classroom. It feels like a flow and I love the excitement it creates. I love it when I hear that they've made connections with other classes they're taking. #6thchat
A4) I'm really hoping that student agency, intrinsic motivation for learning, collaborative skills, and public speaking will be outcomes. And at this age group, learn about themselves, others, their community, and the world around them. #6thchat
A4: When projects make an impact- on themselves, on our team or school, on the world. We’ve had Ss do drives for charity, make art, start recycling programs, etc. #6thchat
A5) I give check points as "soft" deadlines. it helps the students know where they should be in the process. They share their work with me through Google docs, so I can drop in and see how they are progressing as well. #6thchat
A5) Last yr, I used a google form for Ss to complete that tells me what they learned/accomplished, and their next steps, and do they need help. Quickly done in last 3-4 min of class. #6thchat
It happens, but it’s rare! Students aren’t used to having time in their week that’s truly their own- that takes some getting used to. They get more impressive throughout the year. #6thchat
A5: we made a little Genius Journey that has a bit of a checklist. We start every #geniushour looking at that to reflect and goal set. Ss have a Genius Journal where they take notes too to be held accountable. #6thchat
A4: I feel they revolutionized the class is when they can take what they've done and teach others something new for meaning and rich understanding #6thchat
Kami, what have you found to be a good way for Ss to collect and organize their learning? Or do you let Ss choose their own organizational technique? #6thchat
A6) I start in Feb. and end in May w/ Ss spending at least one hour a week on their project. Ss often choose to work on it on their own, over lunch, etc. I try to have a couple of weeks where I dedicate more than one day while still teaching expected curriculum. #6thchat
I used to teach 6, 7 & 8 science. 3 1 hour session per grade. I had this rolling shelf that was laying around and a lot of bins. Oversized plastic shoe boxes for Ss work. I'd move in and move in & out in an hour. Thus the boxes. Stuff lined the walls till the next time. #6thchat
I've done both. I used to give guidelines on having a certain number of research sources and a few ways they can show what they've learned. Now, I give a number of options and have them show it the same way. I'm still figuring out the best way to do this! You? #6thchat
I'd love to see some S work. This is my first time implementing. If you have a chance, send some photos my way. My Ss and I would love to see them. (You can be a motivating factor for them.) #6thchat
Good comparison. Yes, building independent agency is a process itself. Helping Ss develop stamina and responsibility. But, this is the best outcome. When Ss leave your class understanding their own passions. A gift! #6thchat
I'm leaning towards your 2nd option. I know I want research and reflection. I'm really good with flexibility, so as long as Ss are providing "evidence" of their growth, I think I'll be good. #6thchat
Do you hae any samples that you'd be willing to share? This is our first time implementing. I have a feeling I'll get a lot of G-slides. Hoping some Ss will be a bit more courageous. Love the green screen news cast. #6thchat
I use these projects to teach writing, so it works well for me to have certain guidelines, but the content is their own. When students feel that they own it, they invest in it in my experience. #6thchat
A7) I plan to let Ss develop the criteria, and let them assess themselves. Conferences to discuss the learning acquired. I think this will enhance ownership over project. #6thchat
A6) I plan to provide 30 minutes during Monday Station Rotation and Friday afternoon for at least an hour. Ss will probably need more time as they start working on their authentic pieces. #6thchat
One way to get kids thinking is to do 5 min. spotlights on different tech applications so they learn what is out there/available. Often ask Ss to list if they are an "expert" on a specific type of tech, etc. #6thchat
A6) I find that once a week (or 6-day rotation) isn't enough to keep their interest consistent. I like to give at least 15-20 minutes per class several times a week and keep it moving forward. Sometimes, full periods. #6thchat
A7: projects are never graded but every Ss gets feedback during presentations from peers and teachers. We have Ss finish sentence starters like:
I was inspired by... or I will remember.... or A suggestion for next time... #6thchat
I love that idea!!! We brainstormed a list of authentic pieces as part of the launch. I'm sure we'll be adding to it. This is a great project for the "experts" to reveal themselves. :)
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A8: I think this is something that I might be interested in asking my team about again for next year. I would like it to be a team effort, not just something that I am trying to do. #6thchat
Here's a great resource from @trev_mackenzie. The map was easy for Ss to understand and I was able to get my head around the process. Check out his website and book, #DiveIntoInquiry. #6thchat
I will have to re-read the stream. I feel like I missed some nuggets here tonight. So many conversations. Inspiring. Thanks to all who have participated tonight! Let's keep adding and tagging #6thchat as we all move forward on this area.
A8) I had my students use a very detailed checklist for their own work. Then, I used a much more limited list as a rubric to grade their work. #6thchat
