#Satchat is a weekly Twitter conversation for current and emerging school leaders that takes place every Saturday morning at 7:30 EST. Co-founders and co-moderators are Brad Currie, Scott Rocco, and Billy Krakower. #Satchat's mission is to expand educator's Personal Learning Network (PLNs) that in turn will promote the success of all students.
WELCOME TO #satchat
Today's Topic: Fininishing Up the School Year Strong, Motivated and Energetic
Moderators: @TheBradCurrie@wkrakower@ScottRRocco
The chat starts right now!
Please introduce yourself, what you do and where you are from...
Good morning and welcome to #Satchat. Today starts our 7th year. Shout-out to @ScottRRocco@wkrakower for your hard work and dedication over the years. Today’s topic is Finishing Up the School Year Strong, Motivated and Energetic. Please introduce yourself.
Good morning everyone! Brad Currie here welcoming you to #Satchat. I am the proud co-founder of this wonderful Twitter Chat and the Director of Planning, Research and Evaluation for the @ChesterNJSchool.
Good morning, #satchat.
I'm Lee, district coordinator of instructional technology, from foggy Long Island, NY.
Excited to learn with you all today! :-)
Will you be joining me and hundreds of other educators at the 4th Annual Tomorrow’s Classrooms Today Conference on May 18 and 19? It’s less than 3 weeks away! @E_Sheninger & @Principal_EL are keynoting. Register today! https://t.co/WgZ9zFNx71#satchat#TCT18
Good morning, #satchat buddies! Beth, STEAM Lab teacher for grades 2-5 in central NJ. Foggy morning in central NJ. The air smells like coffee - there's a Nestle Nescafe roasting facility nearby.
Good morning, friends! Fourth grade teacher, instructional tech guy, and future admin from central Illinois! I'm also currently trying to raise money for a teen leadership camp. Please donate to a great cause! https://t.co/qTDmI0rCNm#satchat
So great to see so many of our PLN who have been with us for some, most or ALL of the last 7 year of #satchat
Scott, Proud Superintendent of @wearehtsd and co-founder of this chat!
Here we go with the start of YEAR 7:
Q1 Summer is just around the corner. How do you maintain your and your students' focus on learning until the last day of school? #satchat
A1. Why not simply take them out, have field activities that engage them in subjects as well as with nature? They'd feel more comfortable and would want to continue learning even when summer has arrived. #satchat
A1: The end of the school brings about a great opportunity for leaders to support, teachers to plan and students to collaborate on a learning experience that gives time for students to explore their passions, solve a societal issue, and reflect on what they have learned. #satchat
A1: As @ToddWhitaker says “The best way to make sure students do not act like the school year is over is to make sure teachers do not act like the school year is over.” #satchat#FinishStrong
A1:This is actually my favorite time of year! (Just as soon as we finish testing) Projects, book clubs, skits, debates, poetry, celebrations. I’m planning a room transformation for the first time! #satchat
Good morning and welcome to #Satchat. Today starts our 7th year. Shout-out to @ScottRRocco@wkrakower for your hard work and dedication over the years. Today’s topic is Finishing Up the School Year Strong, Motivated and Energetic. Please introduce yourself.
A1: As @ToddWhitaker says “The best way to make sure students do not act like the school year is over is to make sure teachers do not act like the school year is over.” #satchat#FinishStrong
Good Morning #satchat I am here to help, and learn from others strategies of how they are removing the clouds ⛅️ so the sun ☀️ can shine through the final stretch of the school year.
A1- one way is to keep expectations high!! My SLT (SW, PSY & Me) will be visiting all classrooms to discuss the EOY and the need to finish strong #satchat
A1: We are doing horror/suspense stories right now. The kids love it! Also work in fun cooperative learning activities and rotations to keep Ss moving, playing, and engaged. #satchat
A1) Go with the flow. You know students are winding down so offer tasks that are more relaxed. Take advantage of the sunshine and outdoors.
Still cover the curriculum just cover it with this in mind #satchat
A1 Keep the routine as normal as possible, keep the expectations high (for students and yourself), and stay engaged with the kids and their learning. #SatChat
Here we go with the start of YEAR 7:
Q1 Summer is just around the corner. How do you maintain your and your students' focus on learning until the last day of school? #satchat
A1: Treat each & every day as a new day of learning. We can't create a life-long learner mindset if we take time off from the learning process. #NoCountDown#MakeEveryDayCount#satchat
"Getting Started with STEAM: Practical Strategies for the K-8 Classroom" is now available for pre-order save 20% off with discount code IRK69 on https://t.co/2ux9KrHQMF#edcamp#Satchat
Here we go with the start of YEAR 7:
Q1 Summer is just around the corner. How do you maintain your and your students' focus on learning until the last day of school? #satchat
A1 It starts at the top with teachers/administrators not promoting a countdown. I've been counting up all year, as every minute matters to make a difference in students' lives. Make every minute count. #satchat
A1: Keep working! Don’t take these last few weeks for granted. Plan engaging lessons, get kids outside of you can, and it’s a great time to try some new things...we have Ts trying #gridpals for final few weeks. Kids are into it! #satchat
A1 I save some of the more fun topics for the end of the year such as presentations on their home countries, creating ideas for the new ELs who will arrive over the summer, reflecting on the year etc. #satchat
Teacher attitude and regular routines are important. Including collaborate activities that require sensory input will keep students more engaged, too. #satchat
A1) Keep following routines, revisit expectations, sprinkle in some fun, strengthen those relationships, and keep learning through the last day. #satchat
Here we go with the start of YEAR 7:
Q1 Summer is just around the corner. How do you maintain your and your students' focus on learning until the last day of school? #satchat
A1: Provide opportunities to learn about concepts and ideas that are relevant and useful to the students. The standardized testing is over, so now we can get back to the process of learning that is 1. Interesting, 2. Useful, and 3. Fun to learn. #satchat
Schools usually focus on teaching comprehension skills instead of general knowledge—even though education researchers know better. Great article via @TheAtlantichttps://t.co/R8OQik6NCW#satchat
Good morning and welcome to #Satchat. Today starts our 7th year. Shout-out to @ScottRRocco@wkrakower for your hard work and dedication over the years. Today’s topic is Finishing Up the School Year Strong, Motivated and Energetic. Please introduce yourself.
A1: We sat down together and brainstormed ideas to "endstrong." They had great thoughts for academics and behavior. And they suggested an ice cream party🍨🍦#satchat
A1: As a science 8 teacher we are building stand alone hands on science demonstrations for the 5th graders at a close by elementary school to learn from for our last project! They choose concepts they learned over the course of year to teach others! #scienceisfun#satchat
Yes, and spring is an ideal time to implement a project with purpose that takes kids out into the community (or at least outside their building) to explore, collaborate and maintain a high level of engagement as summer draws near. #satchat
A1 - Maintaining routine is essential. It's business as usual but educators can use the excitement of the summer to their advantage. Make the classroom exciting and fun with activities that lead into summer.
#satchat
I TELL MY STUDENTS THIS EVERY DAY
-Read more
-Write more
-Practice public speaking
-Sharing is caring
-Memorising is not learning
-Ask questions
-Be original
-Effort matters
-Find a mentor
-Believe in yourself
-Be a role model
-Learning new skills is the new currency
#satchat
Q1: I keep my own focus by remembering the first day is just as important as the last. Also, engaged Ss make better choices, so meaningful planning helps for a smooth end to the year. I maintain Ss focus by keeping the learning relevant & involving their interests. #satchat
A1 This can be hard, but by using more Project Based Learning activities and tapping into their interests you can hold their attention a little bit longer. Make it fun for them as they learn! #satchat
Here we go with the start of YEAR 7:
Q1 Summer is just around the corner. How do you maintain your and your students' focus on learning until the last day of school? #satchat
A1 I save up fun projects, games, and stories until the last month. 8thgradeitis is strong here. Ex: we played Mafia in Spanish. 100% engagement, all in target language. #Satchat
A1 my mindset is always - you're the best thinkers you've ever been at this point so we are going to take advantage of being our best. Then providing rich, engaging projects that really encapsulate the year's knowledge #SatChat
A1. We do a lot of hands on science labs/projects at the end of the year. It’s fun so they want to work. Also, since the assessment scores are the only grades, they know they can’t slack too much. #satchat
A1: Keep Ss engaged, in learning through staying engaged with them-take advantage of the relationships you built all year, and tap into high interest topics with S V&C, get creative! #satchat
A1: If you have built a culture of learning in your school - maintaining focus until the final bell on the final day should just be what you do.
It’s who you are, what you do, and is embedded in how you operate as a school. #satchat
A1: We are sooo busy right now! I try to acknowledge the craziness and remind everyone to take one step at a time...and be esp. mindful to give staff the time they need to get things done! #satchat
A1 Our final unit on Animal Farm is a study of self-interest vs. solidarity and complacency vs. resistance. The unit incorporates art, poetry, restorative justice, intertextual analysis, and toys. Maintaining rigor, relevance, and play is essential this time of year. #satchat
#satchat Good morning Tom from Ham. Sq. 23 yr tchr in Rville MS. Stay structured and keep the routines in place. Stay passionate and ramp up enthusiasm. Continue commitment to relationships with students and staff. A1
A1 The key has to be keeping the learning relevant to their studies and interesting. Excursions/ Field Trips should be purposeful. Some schools have end of year traditions that can help keep Ss engaged. Tasks / Work needs to be purposeful
#satchat
A1 The end of the school year can be a great time to try out an idea for next year. Your students know you and your classroom so well, they give great feedback at this time of year #satchat
A1) Since spring is FINALLY here, we can get outside! Outdoor classroom, Design challenges, environmental projects related to #STEAM and #makered . #satchat
Here we go with the start of YEAR 7:
Q1 Summer is just around the corner. How do you maintain your and your students' focus on learning until the last day of school? #satchat
A1: end of the year is the best! Routines are clear & (hopefully) understood but there's room for freedom- projects you've wanted to work on, outdoors as the classroom, energy levels of the kids are greater which energizes me! #satchat
A1: #satchat I make a wall-sized calendar in the classroom for my students listing all of our upcoming assignments and assessments. They appreciate it becaus not only does it help them focus, but it also shows them that summer vacation is within arm’s reach!
A1 We go outside, hunting for erosion, corrosion, invasive species, depending on grade level. Students are building Mountainside Mouse Motels to withstand spring storms. Our elementary problem-solvers team designed their own teacher resource kit! https://t.co/v2X9QKy9gV#satchat
A1: 1) Start early (now) and let them know that we don't stop learning after state testing. 2) Plan learning activities that are high in engagement and the four Cs. I like to begin my intro to debates toward the end of school, Mystery Hangouts or #MysterySkypes too. #satchat
#satchat A1. I think it's a great opportunity to give Ss time to explore more of their interests/passions..Ask for their voice..What haven't we done this year that you'd like to learn about?
A1. More student choice! Louder student voice. Lots of self-directed learning & the chance to tie major course themes together through regular Seminars & final portfolio. Socratic method all the way to the very end as we connect the dots. “I dunno, gang. You tell me!” #satchat
Here we go with the start of YEAR 7:
Q1 Summer is just around the corner. How do you maintain your and your students' focus on learning until the last day of school? #satchat
A1 we have a focus on PBL that often is about culminating work - expositions and so forth but we also celebrate our communities’ year long time together and do field days and other team gathering activities that represent our commitment to SEL #satchat
Good morning ed friends #satchat Samantha here, school media specialist at a public K-8 school in beautiful Shrews, NJ! Eager to connect and make magic
Now's the ideal time to model what true learning looks and feels like, beyond the school walls. Inspire students now and they will be doing these things autonomously in July and August. #satchat
Here we go with the start of YEAR 7:
Q1 Summer is just around the corner. How do you maintain your and your students' focus on learning until the last day of school? #satchat
A1: Remind student about how much time is left in the year - Lots of time left for learning even after PARCC (26 Days) - As far as myself - spend time in the classroom connecting with students and discuss instruction with Ts - Good time to try new ideas #satchat
A1: Live ans lead by this mantra:
“If a task has once begun, never leave it till it’s done. Be the labor great or small, do it well or not at all.”
#satchat
A1: We are working to create more opportunities for students to go outside during lunch and Flex and just be more active. @MsMac105 started Friday morning kickball! @CosgroveMSPE hosts intramurals/PRIDE Club before school. #Satchat
Yes! I did this last week with allowing students to explore the standards by asking their own questions and guide their own learning! Took the first step and Its going to change everything! Super excited! #satchat
A1: end of the year is the best! Routines are clear & (hopefully) understood but there's room for freedom- projects you've wanted to work on, outdoors as the classroom, energy levels of the kids are greater which energizes me! #satchat
A1: I don't have S's now, but I always kep the room put together until the last day, added more #PBL and choice to the learning. #satchat Keep them engaged! Great resource for EOY https://t.co/Hoi5qZdm4X
Here we go with the start of YEAR 7:
Q1 Summer is just around the corner. How do you maintain your and your students' focus on learning until the last day of school? #satchat
A1 - Intentionally plan for high-interest projects; and provide opportunities for students to reflect on their own growth from the year.
#satchat
Here are some more great ideas....
https://t.co/Oydpr0rLV3
A1 I maintain focus for my class by not changing my energy. I keep things consistent. I don’t lower my expectations and most students continue to do well. #satchat
A1: historically that has been a struggle for me. This year I'm adapting an idea from ctrl alt achieve Ss will make "Googlethinks" for enlightenment ideas in the news #satchat
#satchat A1. I think it's a great opportunity to give Ss time to explore more of their interests/passions..Ask for their voice..What haven't we done this year that you'd like to learn about?
A1 Instead of counting the # of days until summer break count the # of days left to learn this school year. Time for highly engaging & hands on activities. And stick to routines! #satchat
A2. It's not easy to distract them from the weather. Instead, asking them questions about their plans for the summer and using the same to introduce and work on topics from your lessons can be effective in gaining their attention. It has to be something they don't know. #satchat
A2: Bring the learning outside! Educational spaces that contain fresh air and grass can do wonders for students. Especially after being cramped up inside all winter! #satchat
It’s just 3 weeks away
Get your tickets for #TCT18 now!
It’s going to be an amazing conference for educators by educators
#satchathttps://t.co/99JV7Jpdbh
A1: I've tried to establish a classroom culture of cooperation and engagement all year. Now that we are done with state testing, we are reestablishing that culture of learning together. Extra recess helps, too! #satchat
A1: Recognizing that we have such limited teaching/learning/appreciating each other time with each of our students, I constantly remind myself that each moment with them is precious time...keeps me motivated and rubs off on students! #satchat
A2: Bring the outside into your lessons, connect your lessons to nature, take kids outdoors when possible, to explore, read, write and play! 👍 #satchat
A2: Involved the outdoors when possible. Take them out to do literature circles, do a science lesson on force on the basketball court, make it interactive and fun. #satchat
YES. Instead of being the only ones to “unpack” the standards, we can ask our students, “What are some ways you can imagine learning how to do this?” #satchat
It's time to share your short story about your classroom or building for the Stories in EDU Book. Submit here https://t.co/UcV0UXckaW by clicking contest. Pick your category 1.Overcoming obstacles 2.Relationships 3.Voice&Choice 4.Hooks 5. #edtech use 6.That One Kid #satchat#tlap
A2: Bring the learning outside! Educational spaces that contain fresh air and grass can do wonders for students. Especially after being cramped up inside all winter! #satchat
Sometimes engaging is about trying to eliminate distractions, or the 800 pound gorilla sitting every teacher's classroom ... state testing. Hard to keep kids flowing when disrupted by testing ... twice this week ... 3 times next week #satchat
A2: #satchat Looking forward to some good ideas from fellow educators here! I can tell you what NOT to do: DO NOT turn off the lights and play a video 😂
A2: Use the warm weather to Ss advantage! Bring Ss outside to write nature myths as part of our #GreekMythology unit. Outside for our EARNED fun field trip (ziplining, pool, tennis, games, food) #satchat
A2: The other big thing is the teacher has to stay engaged and excited. They can smell a bored teacher from a mile away. One of the many reasons I don’t do the same thing every year. #satchat
A1 If you create a culture that says - “learning never ends” and you remind them of that, students will remain focused. I also had my Ss watch Boosting Math by @joboaler to refocus their efforts. #satchat
A2 Take the lessons outside when you can! Or make the outside part of the lessons! Take advantage of the beautiful weather and enjoy it with your Ss while they learn! #satchat
A2: Try to bring the learning outside, or at least add more virtual field trips to their day. Mystery #Hangouts or @googlearts#satchat Use "Summer bucket list" as a theme for the last month. #satchat
A2: Keep Ss engaged by incorporating challenges & competitions in the learning, like an escape room. Bring the learning outside when the weather is nice. If you can't beat spring fever, use it to your advantage. Also, Ss love projects that are fun with a purpose. #satchat
A2: If your kids aren’t engaged they aren’t learning. #satchat
Your lessons must be relevant to the learner(s).
Can your students answer these questions:
What am I learning?
Why am I learning this?
How will I apply it?
#satchat
A2; Depending on the class & lesson, we go outside for sure! There's no rule that says we have to be in our class to learn, so I use the #tlap *safari hook* and outside we go! HS Ss LOVE that! #satchat
A2 SSR time outside is a must. It is so easy to confer 1-1 outside in the sunshine or under a shade tree about a book of THEIR choice. Also, chalk is your friend (even with older students). #satchat
#satchat A2Student directed learning opportunities are more important than ever during the home stretch. Continue to give choices and set realistic deadlines.
A2: I love to bring my Ss outside! Teach the lesson in the classroom for improved focus and listening if needed, then head outdoors for independent or group work activities. Change of learning environment keeps the motivation strong. #satchat
A2 Relevant and authentic topics need to be discussed. Engage students in the most authentic activities. This is when you know kids the best so they will be able to be engaged in creative and in depth projects! Be bold! #satchat
#satchat A2- we’ve been very fortunate @IslipUFSD to have over 20 Ts work with @SeatuckEnvAssoc Greentree to understand the power of outdoor education. It doesn’t have to be just science. Take students outside to change the learning environment.
A2: Get kids outside! You can do most indoor lessons outside. Read, write outside! Had a teacher doing math outside the other day. Gives the kids the fresh air they crave and engages them in a different way too #satchat
In Florida, we are moving away from our best outside weather ... heading into hot and humid days, but I have a picnic table that sits under an oak tree that provides awesome shade. #satchat
A2 Brain breaks. Dance. Change things up. It’s already hot here so making sure they are cooled down and hydrated. Always having paper towels for dripping sweat after recess. #satchat
A2: I sent home a paper asking for something the Ss would like to learn more about. We made a class chart of their ideas & have been having fun researching & exploring. #satchat
A1: As a school librarian, I try to do something totally different; something that is new/exciting. If you keep serving same meal... nobody will want to eat. #satchat
A2. I have windows and poor heating in my room so that helps. They forget what the outside looks like and that it’s warm. And we do projects. Flipped vids for basics, research or my activities to expand, then create something to show learning. And lots of labs. #SatChat
Here we go with the start of YEAR 7:
Q1 Summer is just around the corner. How do you maintain your and your students' focus on learning until the last day of school? #satchat
A2: by keeping it light and giving time to just be. My 2nd floor classroom gets HOT & sometimes we need a 10 min break to make paper fans. I get more from my Ss when I build in breaks during hot days. They need it. Learning = hard enough w/o heat!! #satchat
The end of the year is not the end for me. School is continuous, and I encourage all stakeholders to view learning as a continuous cycle rather than be defined by the date on a calendar 📆 . #WeTrainInTheOffSeason#satchat
One day I went outside and saw that high school calculus students had solved integrals in chalk on the concrete path around the track. Each section of the path was a different problem. So cool. #satchat
A2 I keep students engaged with authentic praise and by giving them a chance to share their successes with their parents via snail-mail postcards and with others via class Twitter account #satchat
A2: Go outside, creat active learning opportunities that requires students to use their imagination along with their bodies to engage, explore, and build their sense of wonder while using up some of the built-up energy and excitement for summer. #satchat
Ciao from Milano! A1 - keeping our classroom routines in check and not emphasizing how much time is left in the year. You don’t give up towards the end of a race, you just push harder, and so should we! #dailyreminder#satchat
A2 There is no reason why good learning cannot occur outside and be beneficial. Sometimes the change of scenery can be a big plus and reason to engage.
#satchat
The end of the year is not the end for me. School is continuous, and I encourage all stakeholders to view learning as a continuous cycle rather than be defined by the date on a calendar 📆 . #WeTrainInTheOffSeason#satchat
A2) I’ve seen many outdoor lessons be engaging & a great motivator as the seasons change. From outdoor plays in English to Eco walks in Earth/Env have been amazing #satchat
A2: Bring the warm weather to the students - Warm weather is always a nice opportunity for reading - Students can also analyze the environment for science, measure objects on the playground, or write descriptive pieces about the weather - Just a few thoughts ☀️🌻🌞📚 #satchat
#satchat A2. Create the lessons connected to the outdoors..measuring, experiments, area, perimeter, lots of opportunities... and also taking a break- Playing
A2: As a math teacher, I take advantage of warm days outside especially the last few days of school. There are many opportunities for cooperative learning groups to explore & review geometric measurements outside. #satchat#pclearn
A2 We need to channel kids energies. Not fight back against them.Get up and move. Get outside. Get curious.Get them talking to each other and to us. #satchat
A2 I'm so lucky to teach STEAM labs. Students are highly engaged in engineering design challenges, testing, re-designing for improvement. Chemical reaction vehicles have been meaningful & tons of fun. Thanks to #NSTA Science & Children mag for the lesson resource! #satchat
Thnx @TheBradCurrie@wkrakower@ScottRRocco for your collaborative spirit, sense of humor, digital leadership and citizenship, and social entrepreneurship in establishing and committing to leading #satchat all these years #nufsaid
A2 What are you doing at the end of the year to keep the students engaged through the summer. Teasers, projects, etc... NOT HOMEWORK but curiosity work/fun adventures? #satchat
Q1: The end of the year - especially in upper grades after testing - needs to continue to have a focus on engaging and exciting learning! We have science fair, field day, fun run, talent show too to keep up the community energy! #satchat
I feel we underestimate #stupower and exaggerate our own. Whose lessons? Whose motivations? Whose learning purposes and goals? All theirs. If we coaches/guides somehow harness their energy & admit they learn all the time, the May task is easier #Satchat
A2: as a preservice educator in classes now, I absolutely love when class is outside. I’m a huge proponent of outdoor education. It inspires creativity and fresh air does good for the soul. #satchat
A2 My S's favorite EOY act's have been marble runs of recycleable and nature walks looking for beaver dam...supposedly on school property + learning about beavers, dams & man made ones too. S's loved these! #Satchat
A2 Now is the time for guest speakers. Bird watching. Connecting to nature. Or organizing mini-courses where you swapped students and teach your passion. #satchat
A2. Self-care is important too! In order to be at our best for learners, we must be at our best for ourselves. Taking a few minutes to get outside and enjoy the weather, take a brisk walk, etc. is energizing! #satchat
A3: I love visiting classrooms to see end of the year culminating projects and products, Ss presenting their learning and celebrating their accomplishments! #satchat
#satchat A3) Love doing @Desmos projects with my Algebra 1 Ss at the end of the year. Get to show all the functions we learned, and get to be creative! #edtech
A2: As a math teacher, I take advantage of warm days outside especially the last few days of school. There are many opportunities for cooperative learning groups to explore & review geometric measurements outside. #satchat#pclearn
A3 Towards the end of 7th Grade math we are looking at linear equations. We go outside to Time ourselves running to investigate slope as rate of change. We also go outside and record our heights vs. jump heights for a class scatter plot. #satchat
Love this question. As we design an outdoor classroom, we want to make sure we don't just "take the inside lesson outside." Thinking about how we create different learning experiences in the outdoor setting.... #satchat
REPOST OF #satchat Q3
Is there a special end of the year project or activity that you or your class will engage in at the end of the year? If so, describe it.
A2 We need to channel kids energies. Not fight back against them.Get up and move. Get outside. Get curious.Get them talking to each other and to us. #satchat
A3. Reaching out to the local community to meet their educational needs is what schools usually do, but taking up a summer initiative to encourage students as teachers for those who cannot afford education is something we would like to do in the future. #satchat
A2 We took advantage of the warm weather and beautiful campus as a natural backdrop for the students' stand-ups in broadcast journalsim - so much better than an indoor set. The freedom of movement also empowered them to feel and act professional. #satchat
A3 We end our school year with Celebration Day, a full day of physical activity and teamwork with all students and staff. @mertonpto, volunteers, and our PE teachers make this happen every year. #SatChat
A3 the best end of year project my child engaged in. A doctor dad (ophthalmologist) brought cows eyes and led a dissection with kids who wanted to try. #satchat
A3: I don’t do the same thing every year so I’m not sure what this year’s entire plan is. Last year we built medieval villages in Minecraft, made green screen plays about Robin Hood and King Arthur. #satchat
A2: At our elementary school we have multiple recesses to give kids a break throughout the day, and we also take the learning outside when applicable #satchat
A3: Ss use Google Docs to collaboratively create a timeline of the events, activities, and projects they remember from the year. We then print & decorate the timeline as a keepsake to remember the great year we had together. Remember when... #satchat
A2 - On exceptionally hot days I will embrace the hot. Make it a theme. Tropical themed problems, tropical music; or we do “hot facts” and work on our speed. #satchat
#satchat joining late but here is one reminder that can help keep Ss engaged as the school year is winding down. Have lessons that are relevant- something that hooks the student interest & then builds on prior knowledge & real world relevance. I don’t see a WS doing all of that
A1: #satchat Check with your principal before doing this, but you can paint a section of your classroom wall with Dry Erase paint. The area can be used for instruction, enagagement, and announcements. https://t.co/ih4alN2MMw
A3 We end our school year with Celebration Day, a full day of physical activity and teamwork with all students and staff. @mertonpto, volunteers, and our PE teachers make this happen every year. #SatChat
A3 Although it is difficult with scheduling, I always try to plan my end of the year concert close to the end. Music is generally more pops/movie/musical in nature and mostly student choice. Keeps them active up to the end and gives them voice in the process. #satchat
A3: I love visiting classrooms to see end of the year culminating projects and products, Ss presenting their learning and celebrating their accomplishments! #satchat
A3: currently no BUT we have toyed w/idea of a mount Rushmore of WHIST ppl. Prob=too many units & not enough time b/t last unit assessment and grades being due. Need fewer inputs for more freedom @ end of year! #satchat
A2: Use any opportunity to get outside for curriculum connections or just a new environment to work in! Everyone needs more outdoor time, even us adults! Gets the blood moving and makes the brain 🧠 more efficient! #satchat
A3: My favorite project is in 6th grade SS. They learn about all different civilizations as the strands of social studies. Then they get to make their own civilization and present to their peers. I love going in to listen and grade these personalized projects! #Satchat
Q1. It’s so important to continue to uphold our high expectations, maintain a healthy learning environment, & instill creative lessons which keep Ss engaged. I personally do more community reflections at this point in th year. #satchat
A3: #Inquiry research on an #GreekMythology hero/god/monster. Writing an original myth. Presentation as if the S is the hero/god/monster including costume, props w/ symbols, taking on the persona. #satchat
Thnx @TheBradCurrie@wkrakower@ScottRRocco for your collaborative spirit, sense of humor, digital leadership and citizenship, and social entrepreneurship in establishing and committing to leading #satchat all these years #nufsaid
A3. Chem - giant stoichiometry lab, Anatomy/Phys- fetal pig dissection. Both are year end reviews for the final. Biology/Physical Sci - no actual projects a review of their standards tracking sheet and work. #satchat
A3: Letting the Ss become the Ts- they chose a topic they are really passionate about and teach us! They must complete a lesson plan that we worked through together with a pattern then with me #satchat#theythensayteachingishard
I have my SS create a @BookCreatorApp project that highlights their learning in each subject throughout the year. SS post on @Seesaw so parents have access and can comment on their SS learning #satchat
A3: i am trying the @Rubiks_Official program the last few weeks of school! It’s new to me + I am pretty certain my Ss will be engaged/challenged/criticallythinking to the very end. #satchat
A3: My kiddos school yesterday had Choice Learning Day! Huge success! Authentic tasks including: Movie making, health and wellness, cultural foods and crafts, repainting the playground, ecosystems, and lots of cool creations!! #satchat
A3 Students write articles describing a personal struggle and offering advice to those who face similar struggles. Some of their chosen topics: getting distracted in class, having asthma, coming out as bisexual, being called the N word, coping with depression. #satchat
A3 For our 6th graders, we take them off campus to a day camp in lieu of Field Day. One activity we do is a Cardboard Boat Regatta. They will spend a week perfecting their boat to take onto/into the lake. #satchat
A3: We always do field day. This year, many classes have already begun going outside with classes to do lessons...on the two nice days we have had in NY #satchat
A3 If Your Gr12 Ss are graduating-traditions around that can give the school focus. At 1school, the Gr12s would visit the local railway station with roses and carnations to say thank you to the local community for hosting their educational journey for the last 13 years
#satchat
A3: In the past, students showed off their best skills and presented what they learned. Paintings, songs, one-act plays, movies, animation, and the list goes on. Kids do AMAZING things when we ask them to show us what they got! These days, the testing gets in the way. 🤬 #satchat
A2 I try to give the Ss choice in how they complete the lessons. Right now they are working on the novel so instead of everyone reading the same novelI had each S choose their own. #satchat
Get outside: walk and talk, grab a clipboard and document what you see, beautify your school grounds, plant flowers, sketch the neighborhood, look for architecture. So many possibilities! #satchat
We host a red carpet event to showcase #appsmashing#appsmashed book trailers & invite vips! Also use the end of the year to mix grades and have reading buddies- huge success! PreK, K, and 1 begin by being read to by 2-4 & then the tables turn & they read to their buddy #satchat
A3: In the past we have done creative and reflective activities like writing a T who really helped you at note of thanks, creating a book spine of the best book you read that year, making a marble maze out of straws and a folder and having other students try it. #satchat
A3: I like to have the Ss create a project & compose a letter to next year's Ss about what they can look forward to & tips for "surviving". It's a nice welcome to the new Ss & helps set a positive tone. It reminds the current Ss they are role models to younger Ss. #satchat
A3: Eng 2 class do debates. Ss pair up, decide a topic to debate, must have a visual, & food visuals must have enough for class to partake. Love when Ss debate that chocolate chip cookies are better than oatmeal raisin. We eat & score the debate. #satchat
A3: I like to pick a couple of new ideas to try out and practice to see if it’s something I want to fully implement the next year. Introduce students to Socratic seminars, philosophical chairs, or the use of any tool you’ve been wanting to try. Don’t be afraid to fail #satchat
A2 As a parent, I'm always looking for ideas, so I send home some suggested spring/summer activities with my students to keep the fun and learning going #satchat
A3: Our instructional coaches recently acquired six @breakoutEDU kits; we are going to do a few breakout activities to review concepts and skills from the year. Successfully breaking out will have result in special rewards for the class! #satchat
Take time to reflect on the year, on Ss learning, their accomplishments and challenges-offer Ss relevant feedback, and get feedback from Ss to improve your teaching for next year! #satchat
A3: Our campus does a Day of Giving each year where Ss go into the community performing random acts of kindness and asking people to “Pay it Forward” - an amazing experience for all involved! #satchat#KindnessMatters#TrendThePositive#KidsDeserveIt
A3 I used to have my students write welcome letters to the next incoming class. They would share all their helpful tips about being in that grade and my class. The letters were on the desks the first day of the next year. Each new S got one. #satchat
One thing I have planned for after testing is to turn the room into an operating room while we study human body systems and then dissect frogs. They ask me every day “Are we dissecting today!?” LOL #satchat
A3: The kids and I have decided to make a book store. We are going to price books and set it up like a real shop. I have a large collection of books that they can buy with their play money for the summer. #satchat
A3. We took 100 American Lit students to the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum. Explored a real life abandoned insane asylum to explore the scope & impact of this dark chapter in our history. Tying together Poe, Plath, American Realism, Faulkner & O’Connor. Kids LOVED it. #satchat
Q3 Our school is planning a Robot challenge out of recyclables with families and S's after school. F's and S's will build a robot from recyclables, name their robot and tell the story of their robot. We are igniting summer literacy and maker movement. #satchat
A3 - My students worked in teams to build 3D 'robots' that solved a real-world problem; Ss calculated volume, surface area, and production costs of their robot. #satchat@mtsdshapiro
A3- my first year @IslipCRES and it looks like we have a lot of amazing things planned. Field Trips, Field Days, collaborations with sister school @SESIslip to bring Ss together before @IslipMS#satchat
Tickets...Tickets
We have just a few left for #TCT18
See 2 awesome keynotes and over 80 presentations for educators by educators
#TCT18 Is just 3 weeks away!!!
#satchathttps://t.co/99JV7Jpdbh
A3 We create a bank of videos in @Flipgrid giving advice and welcoming the new ELs to the high school. I show these to the new Ss during new student orientation. #satchat
I did that last year, in a simplified way. Had Ss work in pairs, came up with their product, then recorded their pitch on @RecapThat (like @Flipgrid but free, and Filpgrid would work too), then we could all watch their pitch/commercial. #satchat
Register for the 4th Annual Tomorrow’s Classrooms Today Conference taking place at Rider University in Lawrenceville, NJ on May 18 and 19. Learn more about #TCT18 here https://t.co/WgZ9zFNx71. #satchat
We have class end of year trips (local) - we are also engaging in reviewing our mission and vision and how we are doing towards it with staff, students and families #satchat
A3: For K students, it’s always a very special time at the end of a school year with ‘graduation’ celebrations! This first formal transition is meant to be celebrated! 😊 #satchat
A2 I thnk that I'd like to set up a reqward system like a class store, and have the students be able to earn larger prizes as the year goes on. This might help them as they work towards the end of the year #SATchat
A3) The end of the year Field Day is always a big hit. #Batman usually makes an appearance.
Excited for the 5th grade celebration when our scholars will demonstrate their learning around how they achieved academic excellence, were respectful, responsible, and safe. #satchat
A3: We always do field day. This year, many classes have already begun going outside with classes to do lessons...on the two nice days we have had in NY #satchat
A3. Students are put in pairs and given a topic we Learned about this year. They then do their own additional study, research, question writing, study support making. They Each present to the class and we make a “year in review book” #satchat
I used to LOVE when my teachers did this for us! It got us out in the weather so instead of looking out the window we were actually out there and then, could focus. #Satchat
A2: Teachers have to continue coming in each day with energy and excitement about what they are teaching! Students will act like the tear is over if teachers do. Continue to have high expectations and ENERGY! #satchat
A3, start trial and error of new ideas, methods I want to implement next year. Incorporate with select groups to evaluate. Know Ss, easier to evaluate changes #satchat
A3 Students research important figures throughout history & choose one who made an impact that is personal to the S. Then Ss dress the role & conduct a “Wax Museum” for parents & other classes #satchat
#IFIWereASuperhero I would fly on the Moon with bicycle😊
Watch out, I'm coming on the TOP you know😋
With my Crazy style & perfect Vibe - Flow😇
So, Let's Go💃
It's not #oldheadshotday but It's still Awesome💞
#satchat🌺🌷🌸
Q4 A number of high schools removed mid-terms and final exams when PARCC exams were put in place. What type of culminating assessment or activity do students do at the end of the year in your class or school? #satchat#satchat
Q2.I like to remind them the final stretch of anything is hard, but the best of people dig deep and continue to push themselves. They maintain high expectations and keep fighting for their goals. We are worth it, we are the best. #satchat
Environmental Activism through art and expression on display today. ESA kiddos participate in painting Blue trees to bring awareness to global deforestation and importance - with Brownsville elementary and WAHS art collaboration @wahsnews@GoGreenACPS
#satchat A3. After school program ended yesterday..Fifth grade created Math games..🙂 They were engaged and excited to play them yesterday. Student Input for something before school ends
RT or like if you believe animals deserve freedom from:
-Hunger
-Thirst
-Pain
&
-Fear
RT o similar si crees que los animales merecen libertad de:
-Hambre
-Sed
-Dolor
y
-Miedo
#SaturdayMorning#SatChat#FelizSabado
A4: Instead of having students take mid terms and final exams have them instead 3D print or create a virtual reality experience or code a program that integrates various learning experiences from the school year. #satchat
Q2 outdoors= new backdrops for book/library commercials, outside reading, @Flipgrid s, inspiration for creating books/comics, and outdoor theater for live improv performances of Guess the Book! #SatChat
A3 Have older students visit a younger class for a fun lesson. Our problem-solving club read the eBook they created to a 2nd grade class and brought plant samples and stuffed animal props. My CmPS team kiddos are super role models of creativity & passion! #satchat
A4 Our culminating project is for students to identify what makes learning meaningful and create portfolios of work based on their own definitions of “meaningful.”
Learn how: https://t.co/sQ9DwyrLJE#satchat
A3: The end of the year is a great opportunity for student reflection - Also, a time to celebrate through activities such as community events and Field Day - Very special year for us as we are going through a reconfiguration in the elementary level #WCBMEMORIES#satchat
A3: My “Genius Squad” (student-led tech team) is also planning coding activities to run with all the K-5 students: work with Ozobots, Meebots, and Spheros. Plus a 6th Grade battlebots challenge! #satchat
A4. We aren't a part of a school yet, but we'd like to know more about the practices followed in schools around the world! It would be good to find similarities and differences. #satchat
Q4 Rhode Island recently just moved from PARCC to RICAS assessments. So far they have been much better! We also take the STAR screening assessment in both reading and math. We are middle school though. No cumulative exams in subjects #satchat
A3 End of year we smash a pinata that held their notes written at the beginning of the year. They reflect on the yr & everything they've learnt & how they've changed. In the younger grades their writing, friends, fav subjects usually change #satchat
I let them wear "costumes" which may just be a hat and sunglasses that they typically have with them, if they wanted too since hats aren't allowed on in buildings. They loved the "taboo" of that too. #satchat
A2 and if you wonder what painting trees blue this spring has to do with environment and learner agency - here’s the story #satchathttps://t.co/0xKcCmFh7r
A4: we have end of year reading levels and required interim assessments at the end of the year. I wish we had portfolios and students end with a reflection on their learning #satchat
A3) Like I've seen in other districts, this year the seniors from @HopkinsHigh270 will visit their elementary schools and walk the hallways in their caps and gowns high fiving the students! #satchat
We are doing an autobiographical unit. Students are engaged in writing about themselves and families are engaged. We are working up until the end when we invite families and friends in for an exhibit. Engaging families helps! #satchat#familyengagement#buildingculture
Q2.I like to remind them the final stretch of anything is hard, but the best of people dig deep and continue to push themselves. They maintain high expectations and keep fighting for their goals. We are worth it, we are the best. #satchat
A4: We used to do a culminating portfolio essay reflection for the year. Ss would write to next year's ELA teacher explaining: strengths and struggles as readers, writers, students, and anything else they wanted the T to know #satchat
A4: Instead of having students take mid terms and final exams have them instead 3D print or create a virtual reality experience or code a program that integrates various learning experiences from the school year. #satchat
A4: We don’t this year and it crushes me that we don’t. That changes next year (along with the culture classroom) to be more year-old learner rather than test-to-test driven. #satchat
A4. We still have finals. But my Ss have a choice between at test and doing a portfolio exam. They also are responsible for only sections they have not mastered through standards based grading. #satchat
Q4 A number of high schools removed mid-terms and final exams when PARCC exams were put in place. What type of culminating assessment or activity do students do at the end of the year in your class or school? #satchat#satchat
Students of mine engaged in a music video activity where they would remix lyrics to historical periods and events and I would show them to the next years kids at that time in our studies. #Satchat
A4: currently no culminating activity bc of length & # of units. Would LOVE to implement Mt Rushmore activity from A3 or an @flipgrid of advice to my incoming 8th graders to start next year with #satchat
Q2 outdoors= new backdrops for book/library commercials, outside reading, @Flipgrid s, inspiration for creating books/comics, and outdoor theater for live improv performances of Guess the Book! #SatChat
A4. I never quite get to as much statistics as I would like before testing. So we always do that chapter as a project. The design surveys, collect data, Analyze data, create digital visual representations and present their findings. #satchat
A4) Many of our students in NC still have finals & end of year assessments. AP testing is fast approaching along with EOGs/EOCs, CDMs - it’s alphabet soup time 🍵 #satchat
A3- I would love to help organize portfolios for some of the Ss work, and have a showcase for them at the end of the year. I'd like to have them work on this throuhgout the year, and have them put the finishin touches on it at the end. #satchat
A4: I would love to develop a sort of personal/academic development reflection project for Ss throughout the year. They can look back at how they answered a few reflective Qs at various times in the year and see how they have changed as a person and student. #satchat
Q3. To get my Ss outside but to maintain rigor and Ss engagement my 4th graders participate in a innovators project where they design bubble wands using @tinkercad. We print them on the 3D printer, test our prototypes and redesign. It’s a fun way to keep Ss engaged. #satchat
A4 Not sure currently... Still in the middle of three weeks of state testing. While not all students take three weeks, we have to schedule it that long to accomodate all grades being tested. #satchat
A4 Our culminating project is for students to identify what makes learning meaningful and create portfolios of work based on their own definitions of “meaningful.”
Learn how: https://t.co/sQ9DwyrLJE#satchat
Just want to put out a PSA
My superintendent colleauges and I in Mercer County, NJ have committed to a
Call to Action
about
Teen Mental Health and Suicide
Here is our next free event for parents, community & educators.
Please pass it along, retweet, forward, etc.
#satchat
A4 I'm passing back your EOY assessment that shows what you learned this year. To those students that failed, let this serve as a positive start of your summer that you did not accomplish everything that was expected of you.
Does this sound like a useful practice? #satchat
A4- I’m actually working with key groups of Ts, P’s and Ss to assess the year and establish goals for next year. What did we do well this year? What do we need to do better? What learning needs to take place to promote #SuccessatCRES#satchat
A4 many high school educators have traded PBL and other more in-depth culminating work for final exams and also have eliminated exams for kids who have mastered content to a specific level of assessed performance #satchat
Kanye was saying The Democrats DO NOT OWN YOUR THOUGHTS and ACTIONS DNC treats Black America like SLAVES... THAT is the MESSAGE FREE THOUGHT in USA Stop the VICTIMIZATION MENTALITY RISE ABOVE #SaturdayMorning#AMJoy#satchat
#satchat A4. They wrote letters to themselves in September and are starting to ask about them..☺ They're in 5th, they visit the Middle School for Orientation..Today's inspiring me to get some ideas together
A4: Definitely not more testing. Fantasy book clubs (and possibly fantasy) story writing require students to use everything they’ve learned thus far. Lots of challenge and lots of fun! #satchat
A4. On the heels of our field trip, Ss will create Google Sites where they select ANY character from ANY work of fiction we’ve read & “commit them to an asylum:”
💡Creative (in-character blog)
⚖️Rhetoric (rationale)
📝Expository (DSM-V research)
⏳Personal Reflection. #satchat
A4 Transfer Tasks filled with real life experiences that include all concepts learned this year for our 5th graders...Design Your Own Candy Shop and Friendship Bracelet Businesses so far! #satchat
A3- we start the year making our own favorites collage (3 faces/sports/foot/etc) and at end of the year, we’ll look closer at those collages and see all the things we’ve learned about each other #3rdgrade#satchat
Wow, I love this approach. I love the option of exam or portfolio. Is it kind of an even split of Ss choosing each or do most pick one over the other? #satchat
Q4 A number of high schools removed mid-terms and final exams when PARCC exams were put in place. What type of culminating assessment or activity do students do at the end of the year in your class or school? #satchat#satchat
A4: I would love to develop a sort of personal/academic development reflection project for Ss throughout the year. They can look back at how they answered a few reflective Qs at various times in the year and see how they have changed as a person and student. #satchat
We talk a lot about grit and perseverance with students BUT if we keep class work relevant and compelling & offer student choice in reading & writing, that grit and perseverance will come quite naturally ~ authentic #satchat
A4: I would love to develop a sort of personal/academic development reflection project for Ss throughout the year. They can look back at how they answered a few reflective Qs at various times in the year and see how they have changed as a person and student. #satchat
Genius Hour projects are an awesome way to finish the year strong with passion-based, student-directed learning!!
#satchat
My updated collection of Genius Hour resources is here:
https://t.co/9S0xguppFU
I loved having my Ss create Wordles that included key words they felt summed up their learning. They also included words that reflected on how they changed. Second, I loved having my Ss create a report card for me based on how well I taught each of the subjects. #satchat
A4- I’m actually working with key groups of Ts, P’s and Ss to assess the year and establish goals for next year. What did we do well this year? What do we need to do better? What learning needs to take place to promote #SuccessatCRES#satchat
Q4. We begin wrapping up our @geniushour projects & begin thinking about how to present to a larger community, rather than just ourselves. For ex. this yr. 1 Ss is presenting @ a local cheese store.The owner is providing cheese samples&hosting an open house for us. #satchat
A5: Help Ss find summer learning opportunities that interest them, help them make a plan to connect & stay strong and be ready for the start of next year! #satchat
I was thinking of having my Ss write their own scary stories as a culminating activity for our scary story/narrative unit. Just need to work out the basic guidelines for them. #satchat
A5: Take pedagogically sound risks at the end of the school year. When leaders take risks, teachers take risks. When teachers take risks, students will take risks. #satchat
Q3. To get my Ss outside but to maintain rigor and Ss engagement my 4th graders participate in a innovators project where they design bubble wands using @tinkercad. We print them on the 3D printer, test our prototypes and redesign. It’s a fun way to keep Ss engaged. #satchat
A5 We brainstorm meaningful reasons to read, and then each student looks at the summer books and identifies at least one reason they personally would benefit from reading that book. Then it’s their choice which books they read. Learn more: https://t.co/qjyOOgKjGL#satchat
A5 I need to do a much better job with this. I'm considering having some book clubs or discussions during the summer. I also have students help me out in our community garden. #satchat
A3 Lots of hands-on! Yesterday, 4th graders made contour maps of their sweet potato mountains. One student shared the Russian words for sweet & potato. The class chose his words, milaya kartoshka, to name their mountain range! https://t.co/iv6L2RjY6L#proud2bmillstone#satchat
A5. We have said it before and we'll say it again: we need to identify their interests first and plan accordingly. If a group loves math, we can take up math workshops where we plan practical demonstrations. If they love English, we can organize book readings. (1/2) #satchat
A4: We do iready testing and inotready! I find a big disconnect between how and what my students learn and what is measured. It's a computerized test I hate it. Fortunately I have a multitude of ways to measure their growth and I witness the amazing things these kids do #satchat
A5. Students from classes 1 through 12 have constantly asked this question: why is something they're being taught, important? Vacations are a great opportunity to show practicality and how it holds more importance than a textbook. (2/2) #satchat
A4: We’ve been trying to help Ss build portfolios in Blogger that they can add activities and projects to slowly throughout the year. However, sometimes it winds up being an end of the year culminating project. As long as they leave us with something, I’m happy #satchat
A5 Reading & looking for mathematics in nature is strongly suggested. Elementary level they need to play, create, explore etc... I am not a fan of summer text books to prepare for the following yr. #satchat
60/40 test (used to that approach and don’t want to write are common reasons) but the portfolios are really well done. First year with Chem and standards are harder to connect. They did awesome. #satchat
Q5 #satchat I have been creating a voluntary Around the World reading challenge for all Ss/parents to explore different continents/countries/cultures inspired by my trip to the Bologna International Kidlit Book Fair. @Flipgrid passport for participants 2 share their “visits.”
A5 - just being outside with friends will enable them to learn. That might be about themselves or how they work with others. I encourage them to challenge and push thrmselves and make memories. #satchat
A3: last year, I had Ss request to create countries with governments and economies after I created my own for an Enlightenment unit. I plan on repeating this year #satchat
We also end our year with school-based ed teams with a professional learning community institute after kids leave that builds the work and sets the stage for next year’s work #satchat
Allegations made by Senator Jon Tester against Admiral/Doctor Ron Jackson are proving false. The Secret Service is unable to confirm (in fact they deny) any of the phony Democrat charges which have absolutely devastated the wonderful Jackson family. Tester should resign. The.....
A5: This year I’m going to offer students to take a book from the #ProjectLit bookshelf and write a review for next year’s students to use to encourage new students to take the plunge and read. Books that kids WANT to read, not required reading. #satchat
A5 next year’s Honors Ss have a book study, looking for activities for next year’s regular Ss and this year’s Ss who will be leaving me. Probably some visual storytelling creating history for enrichment points. #satchat
A5: The AP at my building creates a choice board with local events and has teachers make content based suggestions for students to engage in the world over the summer! #satchat
A5: Use new tools that you've wanted to try but weren't sure where to tie them in. @Summer_Slugger gives Ss challenges but reviews concepts from the year prior to strengthen going into 5th or 6th grade #satchat
A5 Keep the summer activities fun! Moving away from mandatory reading logs to something kids will want to do can help with engagement! Provide fun challenges and encourage Ss to get outside and be true active learners! #satchat@ScottRRocco@TheBradCurrie@wkrakower
A5. Love to end the year with a suggested learning list. “If you liked (book x), you might really enjoy...”
Liked “As I Lay Dying?” You’ll love “The Sound and the Fury.”
Enjoyed @HamiltonMusical? You need to see “In The Heights” which is playing at...
Etc. Etc.
#satchat
Try something new, and tell students they are the beta testers and you need their feedback to help plan for next year. They will analyze the heck out of it and work out the kinks for you. #satchat
A5: Take pedagogically sound risks at the end of the school year. When leaders take risks, teachers take risks. When teachers take risks, students will take risks. #satchat
A5 In June, I hand out a summer scavenger hunt list of activities for summer learning. In the fall, students come back to visit and tell me how many moments they collected! #satchat
A5: Honor that Learning can occur anywhere and at any time. Allow for students to authentically engage in their world through their experiences and share what they have learned through them with others. #satchat
Are any of y’all going to ISTE or NASSP this year? We should schedule a PLN meetup if so. I’d love to actually meet some of the people who inspire me daily! So proud to be a part of the group!
In reply to
@LitCoachCCIS, @bethhill2829, @burgessdave, @mrsramireza, @MarshaKGreen, @rickmball, @SteeleThoughts, @fastcrayon, @smgaillard, @HalLRoberts, @Jennifer_Hogan, @HeidyLaFleur, @jeffreykubiak, @LaVonnaRoth, @ManuelScott, @Sara_Utecht, @nankr1120
A5: I encourage them to find a book they love & go & read it in the sunshine! Play w/friends. Enjoy family time. Building relationships = just as important as academic learning. Well adjusted Ss are more ready for the upped rigor in next year #satchat
@LeeAraoz Thx for sharing! Gave Ss this opportunity this year for the first time and definitely need to work out some kinks so I am looking for resources! #satchat
Genius Hour projects are an awesome way to finish the year strong with passion-based, student-directed learning!!
#satchat
My updated collection of Genius Hour resources is here:
https://t.co/9S0xguppFU
A5) Summer motivation is often very hard. Many students/adults are burnt out by May/June. Building a growth mindset & intrinsic motivators is vital for lifelong learning #satchat
I'm very interested in launching capstone projects, which I learned about from a fellow NY MS mentor colleague. Students are challenged to research, defend, and present their response to the question, "What global or local problem will you solve?" #satchat
Q4 A number of high schools removed mid-terms and final exams when PARCC exams were put in place. What type of culminating assessment or activity do students do at the end of the year in your class or school? #satchat#satchat
A5: Have them set goals for themselves. Remind them that they can learn anywhere. Maybe have them spot/document (pics) times when they find school lessons in real life #MakeItReal moments keep Ss on their toes and always on the look for learning. #satchat
A5- this is something that I need to spend some time on. One thing I think that is successful is our partnership with @IslipLibrary to engage students in summer reading, but I think we can do better and more for the Ss #satchat
A5 - Summer learning should allow for choice and be relevant, fun, and social - not a packet that will be collected and graded on day 1 of the new year. #satchat
A5: I have to leave early friends, but thanks for a great chat this morning! I'm looking forward to a strong finish to the year! Encourage students to attend a leading and learning camp over the summer! https://t.co/qTDmI0rCNm#satchat
I remember my 5th grade teacher telling us how hard and scary 6th grade was going to be at the end of the year. Motivated the hell out of me to get ready. #satchat#DougLife
A5: If your school culture has embedded that learning is a life long pursuit than that pursuit will carry into the summer. Set the stage and students will authentically engage through empowerment. #satchat
A5: I'm doing a summer slide workshop for parents/guardians in June. Among other things, I will provide the families with library info, ways to read & write daily, free local history tours, a list of apps, & ways to turn dollar store finds into learning. #satchat
A5 Inspire them with activities they can do at home. On rainy days, create a virtual reality experience with CoSpaces (easy coding with Blockly). Plant a garden and include the weird and wonderful. #satchat
Q5 #satchat I have been creating a voluntary Around the World reading challenge for all Ss/parents to explore different continents/countries/cultures inspired by my trip to the Bologna International Kidlit Book Fair. @Flipgrid passport for participants 2 share their “visits.”
May Alfie evans be a Shining Light on the World..and over all the Children who still suffer under Leadership of the Cabal RIP Angel #SaturdayMorning#satchat#TheGreatWakening PS Socialsm is Communism
A1 I've had "6,000 hours" on the front board all year. It's the number of hours a student spends in school K-5 roughly. How have you spent that time previously, what are doing with the remaining time I ask my 5th graders? Time is precious in the classroom. #satchat
#satchat Absolutely Heather.If we accomplished nothing else in the last month of school Than Inspiring our students to be Voracious readers then That would be worth Any amount of effort.
A6: Accentuate the positive! Provide Ss with feedback about what they are doing well & opportunities to be successful. Give leadership opportunities. On challenging days, I like to try to send home "Good News" postcards to help focus @posproject#satchat
A3 I love the end of year expositions that our #acps schools do @stonypointschl has a Quest Fest where all children share projects, maker work, art, performances from the full year with families, guests, and each other #satchat
Q5. All year long I stress high expectations, hard work, and perseverance. When I get to the end of the year I have a lot of Ss ask me what they can do to continue their path of growing because they’ve been able to see what their hard work has done. #satchat
A5 Reading & looking for mathematics in nature is strongly suggested. Elementary level they need to play, create, explore etc... I am not a fan of summer text books to prepare for the following yr. #satchat
A5: We use a Summer Reading Kick Off at our school and hope to continue this year - Last year, there was a book swap and students were able to win a book of choice from Barnes and Nobles #satchat
A5 - just being outside with friends will enable them to learn. That might be about themselves or how they work with others. I encourage them to challenge and push thrmselves and make memories. #satchat
A6: As Harry Wong always says “procedures, procedures, procedures.” Maintain normalcy and routine as the school year closes out. Connect with your students, provide engaging learning experiences, and continue to make learning fun! #satchat
Last question from the kick off of year 7 of #satchat
Q6 Explain your best instructional technique or classroom management skill to keep the students' energy levels up until the last bell of the year rings in school
A5 The public library offers an awesome summer reading program that provides cool prizes like free baseball tickets when Ss reach reading goals. Tablets & computers “entice” kids to go as well. Bribery gets them there & great books keep Ss going back each week #satchat
A5 some elem schools keep libraries open for families in the summer - other librarians take books to children’s neighborhoods - we send books home - offer free summer time options such as Coder Dojo and Maker summer programs #satchat
Q6 Explain your best instructional technique or classroom management skill to keep the students' energy levels up until the last bell of the year rings in school #satchat
A6 We do lots of special end of the year community building events. Field trips, field days, movies, student awards, etc. End of the year is a time to celebrate! #satchat
Why is this a thing? Why are parents forced to get attorneys to get services the law requires? Special Education IS a social & civil rights issue. But, for those who resist, I wonder what in their heart is so dark they are willing to deny a child opportunities to excel & grow?
A6 My best strategy for maintaining their energy in class, September to June? Empower them to make learning meaningful for themselves. #satchathttps://t.co/gJkpGucobu
#satchat
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A5: I post different learning opportunities in my classroom @facebook page. I also check in with parents and ask questions about what SS are reading and have them suggest books for other SS. #satchat
A6. Our editor @book_tastic recently wrote about flow theory, a technique that might be relatively unknown since it's mostly used in games. Flow is one way to keep attention and engagement levels of a student at a maximum. Read more here! #satchathttps://t.co/gqsXti94He
A6: My best technique or management skill is to keep my energy up until the last bell of the school year. If I keep my energy, enthusiasm, and attitude going, then I will plan the learning activities that keep the Ss going. It's a mindset. #satchat
Students are more motivated to learn when their teachers are motivated to teach. Some teachers seem to be going through the motions... and some teachers are fired up. Kids recognize the difference. And they are more likely to be inspired by the ones who are inspired themselves.
A6: YOUR Passion is the great energizer. It’s impossible to be successful without it. Show me a person with passion & I’ll see a person with energy. Passion makes us excited about what we do & where we are going. Our passion ignites & inspires others. #satchat
If effective leadership and bad behavior management is established from day 1, there won’t be a need to add any new tricks when things get tougher. #satchat
A6: Relationships, relationships, relationships! If they believe in you, and you them, then the energy and focus is locked in until the very last day. #satchat
A6) Allowing agency in student assignments until the end is important. Voice & choice goes a long way with engagement in whatever project or lesson that is assigned. #satchat
A6 My best tip was to model the energy I wanted them to have. I avoided the countdown to the last day. Make everyday as fun and engaging as possible! #satchat
A6. Movement - energy - passion. They are ready for the freedoms of summer. Play, exploring, being active, etc.. i try and tap into those urges. Outside lessons, exploring tasks, movement galore! Meet them where they are!
#satchat
A6: The best instructional technique you have to keep the school year full of energy & excitement through the last day is yourself. As Ts our attitudes & enthusiasm are contagious to our Ss. If you show the Ss you're still excited for learning, they will be too. #satchat
A6: For the end of the year we do a lot of student Ignite talks and comics books made from Google Drawing and Google Slides. Always a blast, kids always create amazing stories #satchat
A6: when Ss get too crazy/lethargic I just remind them we're all hot/tired BUT we have work to do. I build repore w/my Ss all year so they usually comply with my reminder easily. If not? a couple mins of music/dancing bf back to work #satchat
5A) We have had a free summer meal program where we have had fun summer book groups happening 1 or 2x/week, followed by a field trip~prevent the "summer slide" #satchat
#satchat A6. It's reinforcing that I Believe in All of them. Celebrating their successes and we can create a Summer Goal too. Getting them excited about middle school, it'll be different, but they'll succeed if they work hard
If effective leadership and behavior management is established from day 1, there won’t be a need to add any new tricks when things get tougher. #satchat
Good morning and welcome to #Satchat. Today starts our 7th year. Shout-out to @ScottRRocco@wkrakower for your hard work and dedication over the years. Today’s topic is Finishing Up the School Year Strong, Motivated and Energetic. Please introduce yourself.
A6: The best instructional technique you have to keep the school year full of energy & excitement through the last day is yourself. As Ts our attitudes & enthusiasm are contagious to our Ss. If you show the Ss you're still excited for learning, they will be too. #satchat
A6. @EquityMaps & #spiderwebdiscussion, without question. GORGEOUS visuals of how well we’re sharing the conversation as a group helps us compete against ourselves (and other class sections). Turns Socratic Seminar into a high-energy game of teamwork and self-reflection. #satchat
Every 20-30 mins, I wld hit a button that had 20 seconds of music -eg I feel good, whoomp. Sts wld dance & then freeze when I made it stop. 1 minute spent doing this, kept the sts engaged. #satchat
A6 I’m my Ss biggest cheerleader 📣 . I give authentic praise as much as possible. #satchat I truly feel that my students are the best. My feelings are genuine and they can feel it.
A6 - Avoid doing a 'countdown' until the last day of school! which sends a message that 'we can't wait until this over'. Continue to foster your classroom community until the very last moment. S can make a memory book for the year capturing their personal highlights! #satchat
A5 all year we focus on our goal as life ling learners. I start to talk about me excitement in my summer learning around spring break. I model intentional summer growth. It's a start to fuel the value within them.
#satchat
Q6. The heat, beautiful weather can all be distractions. But the truth is we always have distractions. I like to teach my Ss to be present, I ldo this by using @Headspace the downside is they you do have to pay for a membership; which is hard for us Ts. #satchat
A6: Student centered brain & movement breaks incorporated purposefully in teaching and learning will keep Ss engaged, focused and the pace of the lesson flowing naturally #satchat
A6 Opportunity to redesign engineering solutions to make them better. My students are passionate about redesign & don't fret if their first attempts are less than successful. #satchat
A6) I model the learning focus and desire to be present, however when it comes to classroom activities as the end of the year approaches I try to incorporate more discussion/debates/etc - opportunities for them to use what they have learned #satchat
We do 5th grade capstone projects with a similar focus. Culminates in “CapCon!” which is a student conference of Ignite and TED style presentations: https://t.co/53Djz8AuWA#satchat
Why is this a thing? Why are parents forced to get attorneys to get services the law requires? Special Education IS a social & civil rights issue. But, for those who resist, I wonder what in their heart is so dark they are willing to deny a child opportunities to excel & grow?
Why is this a thing? Why are parents forced to get attorneys to get services the law requires? Special Education IS a social & civil rights issue. But, for those who resist, I wonder what in their heart is so dark they are willing to deny a child opportunities to excel & grow?
A5 #satchat motivate parents to create a family summer learning-is-fun plan: think out loud wonder & research while visiting living museums, botanical gardens, & maker spaces.
A6 if the whole year has been about amplifying voice, agency, and influence kids will continue to do learning that matters right up to the last moment of school and they will go home and their curiosities will continue to motivate interests #satchat
Thank you to the founding fathers of #Satchat@TheBradCurrie and @ScottRRocco for including me as a moderating on #Satchat for the past 7 years. The learning that takes place on this chat is truly amazing. ThANK YOU to our #PLN!
We’ve got people eating dogs for food in Venezuela, rape epidemics in Scandinavia, and gov’t killing its own infant citizens in the UK.
How can anyone still think socialism is the answer?!
Women are often emotionally less intelligent than men, and cause men a LOT of stress. Fuck political correctness and snowflakes, let's say it as it is. Want a high powered job? Stop being so fucking pathetic.
THANK YOU #satchat PLN
Another great chat and a great start to our 7th year!
Thanks to my co-moderators @TheBradCurrie and @wkrakower
Have a great week and see you back here next Saturday at 7:30am EST
A6 Give your learners the strength and motivation to be responsible for their own learning. Maintain this tension. And stay authentic and open minded. #empowerment#satchat#edchatde
I love the work that libraries do to keep kids engaged over the summer. Our library closes, but we use Epic Books and Learning Ally to ensure kids have curated lists to read #satchat
A6 if learners have been in spaces where they learn because of what we do to situate learners through internal motivation and their own efficacy, they won’t need us to tell them what to do when we aren’t there - #satchat
Doing them with 4th and 5th graders right now about Colonial America and Social Issues. We adjust the format to 7 slides but keep the timing and simple visual requirement. #satchat
The British government just let a child die because the doctors refused to let the parents make a decision for their child. This is socialized medicine. #SaturdayMorning#satchat "RIP Alfie Evans"
A6 #SatChat I was a theater major/improvist and I use every class as a performance to engage students from the moment they walk through the door for roll call shout outs to lining up to leave. The energy never fades and the students feel that and are motivated by it.
#satchat A6: Was lurking but agree with everyone about our own enthusiasm as teachers. Personally I cannot believe we have so few weeks left until the end of the year. This year has just flown by!
Acknowledging this time of year is tough for Ss & Ts & discussing this with struggling Ss helps them build resilience by knowing we all work to overcome challenges #satchat
#SaturdayMorning#satchat it is not too late to invest in the stock market join Robinhood and we'll both get a stock like Apple, Ford, or Sprint for free. Make sure you use my link. https://t.co/IurXCUgBSz
A3. Ninja Experience. We design a series of application tasks based on content. Kids master the application and earn a karate belt. They work their way up to black belt. Finally, they design an application that shows the 5th grade mastery. Then the earn "ninja status."
#satchat
