#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 July 10, 2016
Happy Sunday! I'm Val from Michigan and I'm moderating tonight's Summer Book Talk on A Mindset for Learning by Mraz & Hertz.
Please share your name, location, position and One Word that describes your summer so far.
Traci here from KS, so excited to talk with all of you again.
I'm Allyson in Ballwin, MO. I haven't finished the chapters yet, but I'm looking forward to a great chat!
Hi Traci, so glad to see you this summer!
Hi Allyson, so glad you are here.
Summer has been fantastic!
1st grade T, summer is fun, busy, hot!
Kathy from PA...summer so far RELAXING
Hi ! Michelle from WI just returning from a camping trip!
I'm Val from Michigan. 1st grade teacher. My one word to describe my summer is Peaceful!
Mary from Texas. (Hot & relaxing) love this bk & glad to learn with this group.
- Kelly from KS - 1st grade teacher - summer crazy busy!
Hi Kathy, glad you are here.
Hi Michelle, did you have a good camping trip?
Nice to have a tonight. Glad your summer has been peaceful.
Hello, Lori K/1 teacher in MO. Back to K this year. Summer has been relaxing.
I'm Jen from NY. Summer has been fun so far!
Kristi from Texas, moving from 1st grade to GT K-4 teacher; summer: change-filled (if that's even a word) https://t.co/RkIYQsrGKb
Please share your name, location, position and One Word that describes your summer so far.
Kelly, Crazy-busy? That's only for the school year. lol
YES:) We just got a goldendoodle and brought him for his first trip. He's only 8 lbs and 8 weeks old.
Georgina from SoCal, one word...Packing:/
Hi Kristi, that's a big change!
Awww.. I've always wanted a goldendoodle.
Hi Georgina, glad you are here.
Hello friends! Leka from Iowa joining late. Will be in and out tonight.
Natalie from Louisiana here tonight! I didn't get to finish the section for book chat, but I will still be here for a few! :)
thanks, I've been looking forward to tonight
Hi Jen, my summer has been fun as well. It just started on July 1st though.
One word for my summer, hmmm....grieving.Lost my father in law the first day of summer and our family has been trying to cope since
Tracey from Texas 1st grade, My summer has been busy (but fun)
Hi Tracey, glad you are here.
Condolences to you & your family.
husband is now a STEAM TOSA and he had to pack. It's all home now:/
Hi Leka, you're here! Yay!
so sorry, Michelle! You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers!
so sorry, prayers coming your way
I know how you're feeling. I'm moving schools & had to bring everything home.
I'm so sorry to hear that Michelle.
Thank you friend! Such a hard thing to see someone get so sick so quickly, just got really bad in Feb. had leukemia:(
I am moving campuses and HAVE LOTS TO DO! Doesn't help with 3 weeks of PD back to back to back.
Mine started June 26th, but was back curriculum writing last week. I can't stay away
Hi friends! Jess from CT. Sorry for being late. One word for my summer is busy! but in a good way.
Wow! That's a lot of PD. Just think of how smart you are getting. You were already smart, right? :)
I bet you are so energized!!
Adorable!!! What kind is it??
Oh my! We just got a goldendoodle last weekend. Forgot how hard this is and the sleepless nights LOL!
I think so! Also, planning/leading some in house PD too at school! Haha! I just need extra time to set up for kiddos.
Oh my goodness! Look at that face!!
Too cute! Have you seen the adorable video of the bulldog puppy on the treadmill
Q1 is coming up in a few minutes.
Might need a couple of days to recover from all this PD! :)
One word for my summer? Travel!! Was in FL then Denver tomorrow we will fly to Japan!
do you have to get up middle of night??
Hi Jess, Busy in a good way is very good:)
Enjoy your trip! Safe travels!
How long will you be in Japan?
All kinds. Tomorrow I am doing Creative iPad Apps & BreakoutEDU. Then going to conference.
WOW! You have been traveling. Such great experiences I'm sure. Enjoy!
Next week, I am going to National Conference in Vegas! Then moderators PD
Tonight's Book Chat: A Mindset for Learning. Chapters 1-3.
Gail from PA. Just got home from a cruise!
Claire here from chilly rainy Vermont! Brrr 62 degrees.
We are using the Q1, A1 format again tonight.
Hi & meeting you guys f2f was definitely one of highlights of the summer so far!
Q1 Ch. 1 focuses on classroom culture & reflection. What are your plans for creating an environment that fosters learning/growth?
Hi Claire, glad you are here.
Starting summer school tomorrow, not sure if I'm ready:) well I know I"m not ready for the early mornings again! LOL!
Thanks Valerie, glad to be here....I miss our Sunday night chats.
A1:I will continue to have morning meetings. They had an amazing impact on classroom culture.
A1 Our building has been focusing on a culture for learning. We'll continue that focus this coming up school year.
sounds like fun! I'll be leading an EdCamp presentation 7/29 @ CalStateFullerton
A1: Morning meetings to start the day off in a welcoming/positive way. Hold class meetings to discuss any problems/issues
A1 I'm always looking to provide an environment that is safe for taking risks & making mistakes.We grow and learn from mistakes.
A1 have lots of class discussions to set expectations. Planning on learning from mistakes TOGETHER.
A1 We will continue with goal setting. Setting an ELA and a math goal. I want to add daily morning meetings to our schedule.
A1 SWPBS will be a building focus = culture. 1:1 data binders =focus growth.
A1 I have a lot of design thinking and collaboration activities planned for the first two weeks of school. Can't wait! :)
I agree. We create a very trusting environment where we can share and discuss whatever we need to. https://t.co/d8w9EacOTt
A1: Morning meetings to start the day off in a welcoming/positive way. Hold class meetings to discuss any problems/issues
A1: focus on a classroom that is safe for risks & failure, owned by all not just T, morning mtgs, PLAY
A1: Morning greetings/mtgs, set expectations, hold mtgs to talk about problems/solutions, learn from mistakes
A1: lots of discussions and we build the room together. Ss start school with only paper on the walls, no decorations.
Send me a google email please. I made it on Google Slides. Basically, I am using slides for lesson planning. :)
I will continue morning meeting with a greeting every day to build my community.
A1 Morning meetings have been important for my class. I enjoy our lightening round-we share news. I learn so much about students.
A1: creating an environment with the Ss where they have a say and work on goals together, lots of SS choice and voice
A1 I want to create culture that makes mistakes ok, even good. GT students are perfectionists and need to know mistakes are ok.
Will send your way soon! Looking forward to see your thoughts. A lot is hyperlinked to my google drive where I save.
Modeling risk taking & when things don't go as planned (socially & academically)
Play is powerful...I need to keep that in mind.
A1 I thought it was important that ch.1 emphasized to think about the "kind" of community we are trying to create.
I love this! Planning to do this myself in my new rooms. I'll be at 2 schools this year.
A1: I plan on incorporating more play. Such great learning happens when Ss play and problem solve together
Awesome! That sounds great! I will send to you as well. A lot of stuff is from & other things I found online.
YES! Just read a great article today about how play will relieve all anxiety. Have you seen the book Zen teacher?
So glad you guys mentioned play. I need to do better w/play and allow more time for it.
I haven't see the book. I will look for it after chat. Thanks!
A1 get to know my students through conversations & observations to apply personal learning opportunities
YES! I get so caught up with "This has to get done:?
PuttingMM back in last year was a game changer,missed it so much. Can get long, but encompasses all aspects of acad/soci
I also like the way chptr 1 talks about teacher setting the tone. How, what we will learn, flexibility, etc.
Those of you who do morning meetings, what does your meeting look like?
A1 In my classroom "play" is called "choice time". I wish more educators would understand the benefits of playful engagement.
Yes. I can tie interests into learning to help with engagement.
I haven'tread it but its on my list.Got a 30 day free trial to Kindle unlimitedbooks for free.Reading as many as I can:)
doing a book study on Purposeful Play. Excited to find more ways to bring play into my class
Some calendary stuff,celebrations,share time, math stuff, poems, content connections, new vocab, review, games
Morning Meeting: Greeting, share news, calendar work and jobs.
I like the part about just right challenges and failure that leads to success
To start we learn how to look at each other, say good morning using name, handshake, hi 5, fist pump. https://t.co/o6mSpqBi9W
Those of you who do morning meetings, what does your meeting look like?
If you are talking about the Morning Meeting book…I think it's been around awhile.
I also see Guided Math time as a "play time", they have choice and love to do math play.
I have a quote for failure "Mistakes are proof that you are trying." I focused on that last year and we celebrate our failures.
Love that! I stand at the door to greet everyone but at beginning not many can say hi back to me. https://t.co/DfgB3IQpto
To start we learn how to look at each other, say good morning using name, handshake, hi 5, fist pump. https://t.co/o6mSpqBi9W
Those of you who do morning meetings, what does your meeting look like?
MM mine starts with a greeting, group choice, usually a get to know you game, Review of our class focus and ends with a mini lesson
Love this quote. It's hanging in my classroom where all can see!
Our morning meeting deals more with social/emotional issues. How we are feeling, who we can talk to, how to help friends
those things are HUGE! Social skills that I know I will need to spend a lot of time on w this new bunch:)
That sounds great. I often use some of my centers for Maker Spaces during Choice Time.
last year Ss said, "mistakes are ok. It helps you learn to do it better next time."
Q2 Ch. 2 Invites us to consider our students. What are some ways you connect with students & get to know them as individuals.
I will do Daily 5 math next year. More free exploring w tools w choices
I hand out matching cards to everyone, they find their match and greet each other then go to the carpet.
Hey everyone! I know I'm very late, but I couldn't pass up a chance to say hi to the most influential group of teachers around. :)
Awesome idea! https://t.co/jkU6f76E70
I have also had them greet each other in different languages. Ss teach each other different lang, or cultural greetings.
It takes a little time to get going but it is well worth it. It pays off in the long run.
Keep sharing great ideas please! :) https://t.co/Wm2DhZDuFu
I hand out matching cards to everyone, they find their match and greet each other then go to the carpet.
A2 Listening to Ss is the most powerful! Just take time to listen.
Hi, thanks for stopping by to say hello. Hope you can join us for a bit.
A2 I love having lunch bunch! I got to know my students on a different level. I also like to call them over to just talk.
what kind of get to know you games?
I agree, I had some Ss that would only want to work/talk with a few Ss and I really want to work on changing that.
A2: I greet every S at the door every morning. I find the best way to get to know my kids is in small group & 1:1 conf.
Hi - Jennifer a K teach from Atlanta has been lurking 😁 Love the topic tonight!
that's what I want to focus on rather than business.
I was thinking the same thing. Those are the best times to connect with students.
I found that when we did whole group activities in morning meeting it really helped that.
A1 a& 2 I also want to do a compliment circle. Where everyone gives a compliment and gets a compliment.
Hi Jennifer, glad you are here. Please join the conversation.
It always amazes me that so few Ts do this regularly. I did it probably once a week & its so valuable.
A2: relationships are #1 priority, comes before all.T must make time for S, lots of discussion during academic&non-A, ?s, 1:1 time,
Yes. I changed them up pics/beginning sounds, ten frame/numbers, etc.
A2 I listen in to Ss convos especially at snack time.
A2: Starts w/ Open House, greet sts at door each morning, sitting/talking w/ them before day starts, kid watching
Also, looking them in the eyes. They can say Yes, I'm fine but their faces can't hide the issues.
A2 Greet each student by name in the AM. Attend after school and evening events. I also share with them about my life.
A2 sharing during morning meeting, team building, just talking and listening
I feel once Ss feel safe and loved the rest comes easy.
A2 May be a little artificial at first, but getting interested in their interests, ie Legos or the new hit PokemonGo!
A2 In the past, I took time to listen, at recess, small group, beginning/end of day, every opportunity. Asked questions & listened.
A2 I like eating snack or lunch and chatting with my Ss.
I am doing Daily 5 with math and ELA/Reading! Can't wait!
Easy, free and such a valuable experience!
I found a cute, simple ice breaker for 1sties last year. I plan on doing the same thing.
I agree Valerie, I always feel guilty allowing my kiddos play time. my Ss are engaged and growing in their learning goal
Also find I learn lots when conferring during readers and writers workshops
A2: Ss filled out a getting to know you paper so when I wrote questions I could include their favorite topics or family names etc.
A2 Observations at unstructured events are so helpful. Love joining them for recess. It's great to see them with peers.
I have a new principal this year and I'm worried they might now allow it.
A2: Their writing also tells you so much about their likes, dislikes and family. Just need to listen. :)
A2: I love going out on the playground and watching them at recess.
A2 watch closely during choice time. What are their interests? Risk taking? Also listen to them during morning sharing time.
This is a great way 2 start a morning meeting! A member of our team is a T, & she's done the same! https://t.co/UkMbc9QWId
To start we learn how to look at each other, say good morning using name, handshake, hi 5, fist pump. https://t.co/o6mSpqBi9W
Those of you who do morning meetings, what does your meeting look like?
Q2:I just got done reading Innovator's Mindset & talk about having an Identity Day for SS where they get to share about passion
This year, I'll have students 2 hrs per week in GT class. It's going to take more effort. Any suggestions? https://t.co/8UhAPmRz3p
A2 In the past, I took time to listen, at recess, small group, beginning/end of day, every opportunity. Asked questions & listened.
can you share it with us?
My students love for me to share during morning meetings.
It's important to scaffold Ss w/ talking about their feeling & class issues https://t.co/QL8hGIkcvv
Our morning meeting deals more with social/emotional issues. How we are feeling, who we can talk to, how to help friends
Love this book! I want to incorporate Passion Projects or Genius Hour someway next year :)
It's such a privilege Ts have to enjoy Ss' trust and desire to share
I know I may need to get on the PokemonGo Train
And a great opportunity to help them work on social skills;)
I'll find. I believe I found it free on TPT.
A2 The bus ride on field trips is another great opportunity to get to know students. Lots of time to talk and listen.
Relationships are EVERYTHING! https://t.co/DptMWeCV1y
A2: relationships are #1 priority, comes before all.T must make time for S, lots of discussion during academic&non-A, ?s, 1:1 time,
I have done Genius Hour the last 2 years and it will truly amaze you how much this will transform your classroom
Hey all! Popping in for a few because I've missed you all this summer!
- I agree! As a new teacher this helped me get to know my Ss when I didn't know how to ask!
Can't wait! I know my students are going to love it!
Mine too! That's always the first question they have when we meet. "Can we share today?"
I also have star Ss, they bring something special each day of the week, like pics, a book, a game, treats. They love to share
So glad to see you. Pop in anytime!
What time of year did you do this?
You should see their little faces when they pick a classmate and they give a compliment. It's the best!
Agreed. Important to honor that trust too.
Love this! Saving this for later! :)
My Star Student invites a mystery reader and picks a book for me to read aloud to the class.
Can you imagine what recess will look like if they are on campus and teachers lead the hunt? OMG! Woot! https://t.co/2RhAtmyfPX
I know I may need to get on the PokemonGo Train
A2: I love that ch2 stated Observe Intentionally. Don't just go about business in class. Pay attention!
I do Star Student during their birthday week, but some won't get theirs till May. Perhaps I should rethink...
A2 Each week when my daughter was in 1st grade they had a Student VIP who was celebrated by all the members of the class.
inspired me to do Show and Teach next year with my first graders! Can't wait for that! :)
button grab, tell that many things about your self, toss a koosh ball favorite things color, food, etc,
Did you have any books to introduce a compliment?
I need to talk with you Michelle about how you do it. Got some ideas at edcamp today, but need more!
A2 1st few weeks of year, we interview the student of the day. We love learning about interests, family, favorites, etc.
I just pick out of a jar a new one each week to make sure we get to everyone!
I'm going to add this idea to my Student Teacher of the Week activities.
Sure! Would love to collaborate! :) I am actually creating a PD on this topic for the end of July! :)
I read lots of books on character but after our morning meetings and working in partners it just sort of happened.
love that! It can extend to so many things! I would love to know more about it though.
Regular contact talks are great! Take advantage of little moments to have them/make connections! https://t.co/oLkyDbMGtj
Q2 Ch. 2 Invites us to consider our students. What are some ways you connect with students & get to know them as individuals.
I think I may have gotten as much out of this as the student did. I just made my heart sing.
REALLY!?! I would state your case on that one, so valuable.
Please DM me tonight so I won't forget about this topic and connection! :) I have a lot going on right now.
We have student of the week, students nominate and have to give evidence.
A2 My students earn celebrations. We have dance parties, toy & stuffed animal days,etc. Another opportunity to make connections.
I love reading so I wanted to find some resources instead of just modeling.
I agree. My first principal didn't allow it because of the carpet.
A2 I usually call my Ss at the beg. of year to help me get to know them better. this year we have a 30 m P/T confer. before school
A2: I have lunch one to one weekly. Love that time!
Q3 Constellation of Stances were described in ch 3. What resonated with you? A stance, Aha moment, an idea? Please share details.
We have dancing with the Panthers (mascot) every Friday end of day, it's like follow the leader with dance moves
I have had the best luck with this! Kids ❤️it.
my wheels are turning... Maybe I will combine with Identity Day that shared!!
A2 I spend time during snack time once a wk hanging out with the class just getting to know them all better in a less formal way
theyhave a "special table"n the lunchroom that you could sit at with them?I've done that before also and its fun.
A3: my a-ha..."It give the students new lens to see the world & themselves"
A3: I like the idea of the S def., pictures and teaching 1 at a time. I can't wait to add this to MM
A3: I really work hard on Empathy. I feel like that is so important.
I think a lot of us are interested in the topic Genius Hour.
WOWWWWW! That is a genius idea! :)
A3: I had never thought of teaching optimism. Definite aha for me. Plan to add that definitely!
A3: I was very curious about the constellations. I think it will be great to reflect on.
Kind of like show n tell but more extensive, would need P support for our kiddos I think.
A3 Stance of Flexibility. I use this a lot during guided reading. "If one ready strategy doesn't work, try another one." .
A3.want to teach the stances love the idea of posting the words& what they mean- easier to ref. all year long! Start with empathy!
Maybe we can have a geared towards Genius Hour. I don't mind leading with someone or by myself! After Aug. 1. What y'all think?
A3 Going to intro 1 stance at a time and have Ss illustrate the stance
A3: We use persistence during math time, especially in word problems.
If one reading strategy doesn't work, try another one. https://t.co/OMWAewht3p
A3 Stance of Flexibility. I use this a lot during guided reading. "If one ready strategy doesn't work, try another one." .
A3 these qualities have been important & focus in my room, but I feel that I owned those. Ready to let my Ss own them & run!
I agree I love this book and so do the SS.
A3: also loved the student definitions for each stance- anxious to share these with my learners.
Great reflection, Leka. https://t.co/juOAzshExu
A3 these qualities have been important & focus in my room, but I feel that I owned those. Ready to let my Ss own them & run!
Right? So cool. And so timely for it to show up on my feed. ;)
love that! Instead of Star of the Week, I may consider doing that. Thanks for sharing!
I taught the stances without ever giving Ss the vocab, It will be good to give them the language https://t.co/xpl4SBv0kK
A3 these qualities have been important & focus in my room, but I feel that I owned those. Ready to let my Ss own them & run!
I was thinking about having students create their own book about the stances, illustrate for individual meaning. To go w/ chart
Great idea! Sts can share that at home.
A3 Our report card has -"recovers from setbacks". Now I'm going to teach them "When you have trouble, bounce back".
Yes, I use it a lot on math, too esp. with problem solving.
Yes. I feel that if they can understand how important they are to everybody & take ownership it will help.
Love that! https://t.co/8M4hWu7k0t
I was thinking about having students create their own book about the stances, illustrate for individual meaning. To go w/ chart
I love that I now "hear" your voice as I read your responses!
A3 Empathy was flashing at me. I want my Ss to feel what others feel in their hearts..... <3
Another great idea! https://t.co/8ZFLA8v2Cr
I was thinking about having students create their own book about the stances, illustrate for individual meaning. To go w/ chart
I agree, would love to have us share some books that would help us introduce empathy.
This might be a neat collaborative project for Ss to share theirs. https://t.co/jJPJ4JJBzv
I was thinking about having students create their own book about the stances, illustrate for individual meaning. To go w/ chart
Q4 Final Question: What is your favorite Teacher Tip from ch. 3? Please share 1, 2 or more.
Q4 is on deck! Final Q of the night.
Maybe creat a Google sheet for each stance so that everyone can contribute? https://t.co/FVjRVQ3Vwf
I agree, would love to have us share some books that would help us introduce empathy.
That would be great! https://t.co/AXKkRbVUU5
Maybe creat a Google sheet for each stance so that everyone can contribute? https://t.co/FVjRVQ3Vwf
I agree, would love to have us share some books that would help us introduce empathy.
Thanks so much! Wonderful!
A4 Teacher Tip: Tackle tricky topics on a reread so the general understanding is already out of the way.
A3 I love the definition of optimism as "I can try." We talked about it a lot last year-being brave and just trying.
A4: Often times adults walk in room & can't find me b/c I'm sitting on floor w/kids, let's me be part of group & not observer.
A4: repetition leads to clarity,we can pretend ourselves into the people we want to become,Who do we want our Ss to be in the world
A4: "Engagement is not obedience; focused attention is more imp than still bodies" (pg. 38)
A4 Teacher Tip: Seeing, saying, and hearing the word activate different areas of the brain and make it more memorable. p.42
I have lived the book do far. Truly connects with my teaching heart and soul!
A4: "Engagement is not obedience." Sometimes even students think being still is the point when attention is goal.
