#1stchat Archive
Weekly chat for excited 1st grade teachers who love to learn and share ideas. Participants are interested in a variety of topics including literacy, math, technology, play, inquiry, and being the best educators they can be!
Sunday March 6, 2016
Hello, everyone! Leka from Iowa co-moderating with the incredible
Happy Sunday! It's time for . I'm Val from Michigan and I'm co-hosting with the incredible .
Hi everyone! Traci here from KS, looking forward to our Sunday night chat.
Hi everyone. Lori checking in from MO. Beautiful day today.
Hello and glad you are here.
Hi! Michelle from WI, live the topic tonight!
Hi Michelle, glad you see you.
Val from Mi. Can't wait to start book club tomorrow!
Beautiful evening here in Kansas! Hi from Jane!
Hi Claire, glad you are here.
Hi. Shannon from Washington state.
Our topic tonight is: Book Clubs in the Primary Classroom.
Hi Shannon, glad to see you.
Good! It's been a LOOONG time! I miss !!
I like how mod messages are in green.
Q1 What do book clubs look like in your classroom?
Hi Happy Reading Month from MI!
And I don't have to type the #
Hi Everyone! I'm Holly, K-5 STEM Coordinator from Tampa, FL!
We are using the Q1 and A1 format again tonight.
Hello! Glad you are here!
Great .. and you? Ready to learn! :)
Awww...I hope your are blazing a trail.
Hi, Holly! Glad you are joining us!
A1: I've tried it once this yr, gave diff inform topics, groups chose their fav, prepared, then met to discuss
Good Evening my fine teacher friends, Claire here from VT. Looking to find out about Book clubs in first grade.
A1 I haven't started this year yet, but usually pick about 5 books and let ss choose which one they want to read.
Hi, Claire! Glad to see you!
Seriously, I know this is going to get old but is really cool. See the column for Q & A.
A1 - haven't tried book clubs yet .. want to start something with my independent readers .. just don't know how to start
A1 we did once for informational unit. Kids picked topic, read books, created a poster and presented
A1: lots of focus on conversational moves and social skills in addition to book knowledge
A1: Book clubs are inquiry circles based on a topic/concept/guiding question! Or they are student-requested (i.e. Series/title)
A1 I usually start around this time of the school year. My book clubs are informational book clubs.
I have not done any book clubs!
love the idea; what about their just right level?
A1: I used the Fly Guy Presents info books (I had 6 diff topics), Ss love those books
Agree! https://t.co/eC8qxo1zYn
Seriously, I know this is going to get old but is really cool. See the column for Q & A.
I just got some of those. They're great.
Usually kids' abilities will vary so that they can help each other.
A1 haven't tried book clubs yet, looking forward to learning!
I've haven't formally called it a book club but I think I'm already doing it. :)
so Leka does that mean you have 5 books groups going at once?
A1 There are so many different ways to set up book clubs. I'm sure you'll see lots of examples tonight.
I don't get too stuck on levels for these, want mix of Ss and abilities/student choice, they infer pics
I have chat & chew groups that meet over lunch 1 time a week with a parent, that's how we start
whatever kids choose... They may not pick all 5...
A1 I have 4 Book Club groups and they are arranged by topic using informational books.
Stealing that!! You have such great ideas. I think I just want to camp out in your room for a week or 6. https://t.co/hpqg5mL6ro
I have chat & chew groups that meet over lunch 1 time a week with a parent, that's how we start
When I did informational books, I had more than 5 groups.
A1: I usually have about 5 choices,we learn how to be indep, Ss lead, so not too hard to manage
Great idea! Do they tell parents what the book is about? https://t.co/CIrvVvUi7O
I have chat & chew groups that meet over lunch 1 time a week with a parent, that's how we start
the Ss and Ps love their chat & chew day, really builds relationships and fun
Do you start with modeling what a group looks like, sounds like?
Traci I love this idea and love the name Chat and Chew.
A1 Sticky notes come handy for book clubs. Ss are trained to jot down what they think while they read.
Q2 How do you prepare for book clubs? How do you get yourself and students ready for this kind of learning?
Q2 https://t.co/OA3OQIp45Z
Q2 How do you prepare for book clubs? How do you get yourself and students ready for this kind of learning?
yes, I have ? in the book box to help guide parents for comprehension, each group on something diff.
What kind of modeling do you do for S behavior/expectation? Do you assign jobs?
A2: I try to do "interest groups". I find out what their interests are & go from there.
LOVE that! Thanks for sharing!
A2 We start by reading informational books about their topics, taking notes, and focusing their topics.
YES! We come up w a few codes,noticed when my Ss wrote too much they just read the note, less is more!
A2 I model how to think while we read. They ss practice how to use sticky notes. During BC they share what they wrote.
A2: I'm hoping that using My Father's series will help set tone and establish routines
A2 We create a list of their interests and I try to match those to the books we have in classroom library.
A2: Model the desired reading behaviors and metacognition! Read and learn aside your students
They sure will! Ss will enjoy what they think while listening:)
A2 We talk a lot about how to work in groups & share ideas. Stress that all ideas are important & all members should add to convo.
excited to start tomorrow!
Do Ss read their books along first and then discuss with each other, or read together?
I can't take credit for it. I observed in another classroom & adopted the idea. Ss love it.
A2. I'm planning on starting book clubs next nine weeks. I'm not sure where to start for first graders.
Wow! Lots signed up! Can't wait!
Yes, they read books alone first and meet in groups later.
me too, it's that time when most are reading and ready to fly
https://t.co/S6FimjyRzY
A2. I'm planning on starting book clubs next nine weeks. I'm not sure where to start for first graders.
A2:I have my Ss plan on their own first, then meet w group, sometimes we do this a few times
I've only know about it for a short time so I've only used it with nonfiction. So far....
I'm feeling the same way!
A2:inform themes with a variety of diff books on topic (birds, fish, etc), might pick 1 book, meet, pick another on topi, meet
Hi all, sorry to be late. Special church service this evening. I'll catch up.
A2 Last year I allowed all kinds of topics & had to hit public library for books. One group chose WWI as topic & focused on tanks.
Pondering possibility of chat around topic of students w/ ADD/ADHD- challenges, strategies, etc. Who'd be interested?
Gotta love the public library:) Except when you have to transport 60 books! LOL!
That is super fun! has great collections of nonfiction books!
Yes, that was about how many I had :)
Q3 What do your groups look like? (Do you group by reading levels? By topic? By interests?)
We are using them for some of our animal research info.
Q3 https://t.co/QQyNcTQaSk
Q3 What do your groups look like? (Do you group by reading levels? By topic? By interests?)
Putting off dragging them all back, but had no problem checking out books on our new wonder project topics. Oh, boy!
A3 I usually group by topic and Interest only.
Do you have PebbleGo? That's the best. https://t.co/01tLv5hu6n
We are using them for some of our animal research info.
HI all! Sorry I'm late. Had to mend my son's jacket so he'd have something to wear tomorrow. Boys! LOL
I'm using the 2 week trial. But I know schools that use it and love, love, love it.
A3: By interest, try to get a variety of reading levels if possible, but have found Ss infer/read pics, prepare w helper/teacher,
My 1st teachers are working on grouping clubs by series.
A3: I try to group students by their personal interest- student choice is a powerful motivator!
A3 Keep in mind that there are benefit to grouping by level. Higher readers don't steal thunder from lower readers.
We have a broken zipper, so I get it! Come on spring...
A3: Are we discussing book clubs or just independent reading for this Q?
A3- I group by rdg level and interest- groups are flexible and change based on student need
Book clubs and how we group them.
Any suggestions on the best way to begin?
The whole chat is about book club.
A3 Sometimes higher readers tend to take over the club and lower readers don't know how to assert themselves.
No, but before they meet, I have them prepare and sometimes,that is when they might meet w an adult to help
Thanks, I never tried book clubs in 1st or even 2nd. I was considering adding that as we enter our final quarter.
I have grouped both by level and by interests and sometimes kids who just need a friend who will support them
A3 I try to get different reading level texts for the same topic so that everyone has something to contribute.
A3: my ss are grouped by level and some personality , I have some very high readers this year
I think inform topics are easy to start, if you are doing animal research, that might be the way to go (animal groups??)
Or maybe I have, but called it a different name. My vision has Ss with roles and coming together for discussion.
Exactly! Covers all your bases, doesn't always work
A3 When your clubs are based on topics you can easily find books on same topic but at different levels.
I would like to tie it to Sci/SS topics and then get different levels.
Animals are always a pretty safe bet for finding multiple level txts- does get tricky when topic become more specific
Always can use more time for those topics:)
A3 I like keeping the groups small. I feel engagement is higher when there are only 2 or 3.
I need a lot more time with it. I have really squeezed it out fitting in writing and reading, need it in. https://t.co/FdFmRI3fBi
Always can use more time for those topics:)
I will do American symbols inquiry circles, which is social studies/reading/writing.
I've had some issues with 2 though, just a back and forth conversation, you talk, I talk, not really adding on, etc.
are we seesaw blog buddies? We could match our kids up for blog book club
I agree! Sometimes helps to think about topics within topics. For ex- animals that fly, animals that live in the ocean.
A3. My reading groups are organized by level.
I was thinking more for inquiry circles when they have to research. But I see your point.
Sign me up!!! We aren't right now and I can't figure out why. Class is - AwesomeFirsties https://t.co/hLVD91slMG
are we seesaw blog buddies? We could match our kids up for blog book club
Q4 What skills and learning experiences do book clubs provide? Why are those skills/experiences important?
A4: Listening and verbal skills, stamina, reading with purpose. These skills are necessary to be engaged in all learning.
A4: Huge for speaking/listening skills, also social skills, reading, content
A4 Listening and having conversations so that it's not just answering questions.
Q5 Students focus on reading for meaning. Learn to use search engines 4 research & practice valuable listening & speaking skills.
A4: Helps with stamina and allows Ss to collaborate and work through a text together; great time to model reading strategies
A4:Import as these are life skills, need to know how to communicate w others, like that it provides a reason for reading/audience
A4: communication, listening, turn taking, comprehension
A4 some kids are natural to have conversations but most are not. right, ?
A4 agreeing and disagreeing, showing evidence for beliefs and opinions
A4: practice listening to their partners and being able to respectfully agree/disagree and prove why.
A4: reading stamina, collaboration, critical thinking, speaking, listening, social skills, comprehension
Some have conversations without purpose, just want to hear themselves talk. https://t.co/8Z8oTM4qn8
A4 some kids are natural to have conversations but most are not. right, ?
A4 Speaking/listening, organization of thoughts, reading w/purpose- research, questioning, social skills
A4 I think that book club can provide a different way of learning about books/reading. gives the ss an opportunity to be in control
A4 being able to voice their thoughts from reading.
A4. In my 3rd grade class,my kids learned a lot about each other as people. They learned to value each other more as a person.
A4 Students are using higher level thinking skills and take more responsibility for own learning.
Got to scoot out early today, no hubby and mom duties call. have a great week everyone! Great stuff! Check more later
One of my 5th grade teachers used this chart and I'm thinking how to scaffold it for younger grades. https://t.co/Vzkso4sIEd
We're connected. This is gonna be good.
LOL even when they're older- son FTs friends & they do other things while they're talking Don't get it
A4 My students do presentations at the end of their book clubs and they have ownership of products they present.
What if you write those things on strips and a club picks 1 out of an envelope and practices that strategy https://t.co/4N8jdxlNL7
One of my 5th grade teachers used this chart and I'm thinking how to scaffold it for younger grades. https://t.co/Vzkso4sIEd
NIght MIchelle! Have a good week! Looking forward to the 50 degree weather coming (just not the indoor recess)
A4 Students have more choice and control in their learning. Can pursue topics and take in any direction. Powerful!
I like to give roles tied to comprehension strategies. It gives me a window into their application of strategies.
Q5 What are some challenges you face when starting BC's? What advice would you give to others? What tools are needed?
A5: Books/resources, management of time, keeping Ss on task.
Gotta run. I'll come back and read. Happy week everyone
My son's lit circle has roles. There is "Illustrious Illustrator", "Super Summarizer", "Quality Questioner", etc.
A5 Advice: It will get "messy" but let go of the control and turn it over to your students.
Yes, that sounds like I have tried doing. https://t.co/ErXwy73Ejr
My son's lit circle has roles. There is "Illustrious Illustrator", "Super Summarizer", "Quality Questioner", etc.
you assign jobs for your book club, don't you? https://t.co/euOWIrX8P2
I like to give roles tied to comprehension strategies. It gives me a window into their application of strategies.
Book can be an issues but getting creative with topics helps. Ex. Animals that have fur. Helps to expand choices.
Q5 https://t.co/AVhdzZLK8f
Q5 What are some challenges you face when starting BC's? What advice would you give to others? What tools are needed?
True, however I mean having enough copies of the books, etc. https://t.co/l9KETDL5NB
Book can be an issues but getting creative with topics helps. Ex. Animals that have fur. Helps to expand choices.
A5 If you do informational book clubs, start by letting students organize your informational book library.
Deeper learning always looks messy! https://t.co/2Vjq5x9gja
A5 Advice: It will get "messy" but let go of the control and turn it over to your students.
Each of my students uses a different book. We have no multiple copies of the books they are using.
I'm always buying copies of the $1 book from scholastic and our used book store, finally have a good library of sets
A5 Tools Include: Search engines and group folders to hold all the information each group collects.
A5 training kids to be able to have a meaningful book club/inquiry circles
If your ss are reading ch. books, do they meet after each ch or the whole book?
Yes! I have done this too. Still feel somewhat limited. I do use their deals with my points all the time. https://t.co/GnXwy0TSYR
I'm always buying copies of the $1 book from scholastic and our used book store, finally have a good library of sets
We meet after 2 chapters to discuss & talk about what happened.
Time is always a factor. Discuss the plan ahead of time & set your timer. If they're productive 20 min can work.
Ok, that is a different vision of a book club than I have. Would love to hear how you do that. https://t.co/6zYSR2rTrs
Each of my students uses a different book. We have no multiple copies of the books they are using.
it's more an issue of them being SO engaged that it's difficult to stop the instruction!
When I do it, we do it after an "assigned" reading https://t.co/dP6uCWsRHh
If your ss are reading ch. books, do they meet after each ch or the whole book?
The focus their topics and all search for the same information using the books they have. They also trade books.
I think difference between fiction (book club) vs nonfiction (inquiry circle). BC=same book IC=same topic https://t.co/Vw02dwT4J1
Ok, that is a different vision of a book club than I have. Would love to hear how you do that. https://t.co/6zYSR2rTrs
Each of my students uses a different book. We have no multiple copies of the books they are using.
That's a great problem to have:)
any padlets or ideas started yet?
Our time is almost over. Thanks for sharing so many great ideas! Not sure what happened to my last Question. Hmmm...
