Good morning! I'm Jim McClain, middle school math teacher for 32 years and creator of the graphic novel Solution Squad! This is my one plug. #sunchathttps://t.co/FKYZEIMGv3
Hi Kevin! Heard there was a scare at Hamilton show - was it in San Fran? - someone yelled "gun" and the theatre emptied. Scary! #sunchat Hope you had a great experience at your showing!
I’m fortunate to have seen it twice, first time with students thanks to @Gilder_Lehrman#eduham, and this time with my wife. Amazing every time! #sunchat
#sunchat Susan from the Jersey Shore - back from a weekly food shopping and ready to chat! Would love to know what's on the mind of newbies this morning!
What is one big tip would you give to a regular Ed teacher who doesn’t teach English about to help Ss improve their reading ability at the high school level #sunchat
Coffee is working like novacaine this AM...slowly. Need another shot.
How y'all doin', #sunchat?
Karl, 3rd-6th basic skills ELA teaching on the Jersey shore.
Something on my mind is student choice in assessment, as my Ss will be starting this next week. I offer three choices- MC, Written, and Creative; would love to hear if anyone else uses this, what options you offer #sunchat
Morning, #sunchat. Open forums can be nifty because they show us what we chat about when nobody tells us what to chat about! I'm Brian. I teach middle-school English in Colorado.
Let them read what they want - even comics or graphic novels, and there are some fantastic non-fiction graphic novels out there now.... Focus on the book "talk", not tied to assessment. Bring in newspapers to talk current events and sports... #sunchat
They paid a “Hamilton” to see the show. We took a school bus to Chicago, watched fellow Ss perform some amazing original acts, and then saw the show! It was legit life-changing for some, and an incredible experience for all! #sunchat
To piggyback on what Susan just said, I will often find a graphic novel that ties in to a TV show that my students enjoy. There's an animated show called Young Justice, for example, for which the comics take place between and sometimes within episodes, filling in gaps. #sunchat
Quoting deceptively simple recipe from @markseidenberg for how to grow reading skills: "Read. As much as possible. Mostly new stuff." From _Language at the Speed of Sight_. https://t.co/LKt8kPkI5G#sunchat
In reply to
@thnorfar, @Scollier034, @markseidenberg
Provide choice, change up from the traditional assessment method. I have a lot of reluctant readers based on Ss voices. I read a book- “Readicide” and try to find ways to get away from that. #sunchat
My state's legislature is trying to introduce laws to train teachers to be able to carry guns in school. I think this is the worst idea I have ever heard. Is there anyone with actual classroom experience who thinks this is a good idea? #sunchat
For social studies, reading should happen nearly every day, especially with primary sources. But with that comes the need for literacy strategies, eg text chunking, bias identification, etc; this can apply to any subject area #sunchat
It surprises/saddens me, that students today don't take an interest in what's happening around the world. Internet keeps usconnected, yet we in the US are oblivious to what's outside our borders. How do we change that? Our classrooms are diverse, but not our curriculum. #sunchat
Haven’t jumped there yet. Hard one for me to think about with math. Will watch your journey. Wait!! We are supposed to be collaborating on something else right 😳#sunchat
Good morning #sunchat! Was a teacher, was a principal, was a supe. Now consult/build teacher learning fun with districts/universities.
Happy Sunday from my deeply frozen Western 🇨🇦
I'm not on board.
Just shrinking the middle man on the school-to-prison pipeline. No need to commit a crime; school is jail. Sadly no longer, then, a metaphor.
#sunchat
I grew up hunting, would only hunt with a select few because that was all I trusted with a gun. If T's had guns, I would be first in line to protect myself from an emotional wreck of a T going south. #sunchat
I, for one, would NOT want to do this. Too much liability for me. But if my neighbor had one, I'd feel better. Does that make me a hypocrite? I just want to go to work and feel safe and not think about it. (As do my kids!) #sunchat
I teach high school social studies and am a reading specialist. Show them comics. Seriously. Trust me. Talk to them about the books you are reading. Model. Pair comics with prose text. So many have gotten needed reading confidence though comics - including my son. #sunchat
Each time I offer something different; for one a newspaper that features the material covered, other times a short doc, but it is designed to show knowledge but thru a different kind of expression #sunchat
LOVE that you offer Ss choice! Ideas: 1) tier assessments from basic knowledge to adv allowing Ss to show off what they know and leave blank what they don’t - too often we omit the basics and/or don’t challenge Ss that are ready 2) R.A.F.T is a create strategy for choice #sunchat
#truth Love the classics, but today's kids can't relate (they can't put themselves into the past settings). They need relevance and reflective reading in order to engage. There are TONS of books out there to choose from. #sunchat
Quoting deceptively simple recipe from @markseidenberg for how to grow reading skills: "Read. As much as possible. Mostly new stuff." From _Language at the Speed of Sight_. https://t.co/LKt8kPkI5G#sunchat
In reply to
@thnorfar, @Scollier034, @markseidenberg
Also one of my concerns. I grew up with guns and I'm not afraid of them, but I just don't see how this works in a school setting where I am among students literally all day. My attention would have to be divided between them and the weapon. #sunchat
Wouldnt carry, lockbox in a closet opened by palm print or some other biometric. Self-defense shouldn't be about a "quick draw McGraw" type stuff. #sunchat
In reply to
@TheJimMcClain, @MrU_ishere, @susankotch
Love it! Also the “blank sheet” strategy is a great option! After assessment offer kids a blank sheet with question “What do you know that wasn’t on the test?” #sunchat
I also see opportunity to introduce classics as (paradoxically) new stuff via purposeful, guided 'tastings' -- rather than slogging whole-class death march from first page to last. #sunchat
Something on my mind today is how, more than ever, we need to model leaving a positive digital footprint, using social media to spread kindness & good news, and just being good digital citizens overall. #sunchat
I think this is a great idea to give choice for the assessments. I think choice will help to overcome maybe some issues of being uninterested in assessments. #gcitech2360#sunchat
Actually I’m working on summer book talk program for my HS. I’m thinking Instagram or Snapchat or tweeting or using https://t.co/97jqik5d6G to show they read it. Thoughts? Additions? #sunchat
To improve writing across content areas, it should be simple: read more, write more. The problem lies with the vast amount of content one has to teach, as well as the high-stakes test connected to it. This means teachers cannot devote as much time to literacy/writing #sunchat
@PMcPeake1@TheJimMcClain@hoffmanteambret thanks. I guess I should be specific. I need specific reading strategies for a non-English based subject area like science. I get reading anything they like but don’t have class time for that in science #sunchat
In reply to
@susankotch, @Scollier034, @PMcPeake1, @TheJimMcClain, @hoffmanteambret
For those in this mornings #sunchat who teach social studies, most definitely check out this awesome resource! I’ve been uploading stuff for a year along with so many incredible Ts! So many great ideas!
Here is the link to the Social Studies Drive. It's an assortmentment of teacher created PBL, and other engaging learning activities. Click to view and make copies for yourself. https://t.co/mvUhmUofac. To become a contributor, fill out the Form pinned to the top of my profile.
I did a test once that had a final question: Tell me anything you know about this topic that wasn't covered above. Use words, diagrams, graphics of any type - just communicate it.
Worked great! #sunchat
You can also mix up the classics... then have them read the original text. Compare. What are the universal/timeless messages/theme? How can we reinvent them? #sunchat
Yes but the most important thing is simply proving knowledge. Not every student will take this option, but for those who do they love the option! #sunchat
definitely agree. Being an English teacher I feel time is against me. Our district implements a writing component across all subjects, so some sort of writing will be done in all subjects, all are accountable. #sunchat
Love the concept of SM being used, gotta be VERY careful in that many adults fail to see HOW kids are connecting and we (as T's) have got to find a way to model behavior. #sunchat
In reply to
@Media_Barber, @susankotch, @thnorfar, @Scollier034
In my experience, _Book Whisperer_ and _Readicide_ are cut from similar cloth. Other panels I've noticed in this quilt: _Book Love_ by @pennykittle, _Reading Zone_ by @NancieAtwell. #sunchat
In reply to
@susankotch, @Scollier034, @thnorfar, @pennykittle, @NancieAtwell
I also see opportunity to introduce classics as (paradoxically) new stuff via purposeful, guided 'tastings' -- rather than slogging whole-class death march from first page to last. #sunchat
Hi Kim! You should check out @projecthappy and have Ss join there 21 day challenge! I sponsor @Bekindandunwind for HS Ss and the Ss are immersed in RAKs #sunchat
In reply to
@KimGriesbach, @projecthappy, @Bekindandunwind
Works with assessment too. I use passage-based assessment where students work with smaller parts of a text that are representative of larger ideas. Students can tackle it where they are + if they haven't read, it encourages them back to the text like a move trailer. #SunChat
Actually I’m working on summer book talk program for my HS. I’m thinking Instagram or Snapchat or tweeting or using https://t.co/97jqik5d6G to show they read it. Thoughts? Additions? #sunchat
If having a hard time in HS, assuming that reading itself is a challenge. Try @neswsela to differentiate, and find areas of the topic that the kids can relate too. #sunchat
In reply to
@thnorfar, @susankotch, @Scollier034, @PMcPeake1, @TheJimMcClain
What's on my mind this morning is teacher retention and recruitment. We're on the verge of a national crisis (this is already being felt in urban districts) in regards to the teacher shortage. We have to make teaching a more attractive and sustainable career #sunchat
SS is an awesome tool to improve a students English ability. In a ss classroom there is always reading being incorporated or vocabulary. These tools in the ss classroom can make a huge difference. #sunchat#gcitec2360
Thanks. I get the reading as much as possible but I was meaning specific strategies to help with non-fiction reading like talk to the text. I’m not an English T so just reading anything and lots of isn’t in my available class time 😢#sunchat
In reply to
@brianrozinsky, @Scollier034, @markseidenberg
That's a good question. I'd like to know someone had my back if needed. But.... not sure I'd be able to react safely with a weapon. Bad enough I now have to throw staplers at someone in an emergency. I'm really torn up about that. (ALICE training) #sunchat
As a future administrator the statistics on college graduates entering the field and then STAYING in education is frightening. As important as education reform is, it's a moot point if we aren't attracting and keeping strong dynamic educators #sunchat
I chatted w/group of middle-schoolers 2 weeks back, & gap between their perceptions of social-media positives & many adults' pervasive fears of online dangers (to which student themselves weren't turning blind eye) was striking. Glass 1/2 full, 1/2 empty split! #sunchat
In reply to
@hoffmanteambret, @Media_Barber, @susankotch, @thnorfar, @Scollier034
Isn't a shortage, it's T's leaving the classroom. "People don't leave jobs, they leave bosses", we should be focusing on training Admin to be better. #sunchat
Kids go to sports practice every day after school to get better, but they don't want to "practice" reading and writing.... I try to show them it is the same thing. Don't show up with practice gear, you don't play. Why is school any different? Write daily, read daily. #sunchat
What’s on my mind is the inconsistency of educational practices from school to school and state to state. Particularly things that (I assume) have been researched extensively, like RTI. Why are the philosophies and approaches so different depending on where you teach? #sunchat
I can’t remember either but I thought last #sunchat we were trying something. I’ll look at my likes later and get back on that. I feel like it was something really good!!
Thanks for clarifying, Telannia. In the vein you're describing, I like explicitness of notice & note strategies taught by Beers/Probst as one resource: https://t.co/VtIBhhpvZz (There's a version for fiction, too.) #sunchat
In reply to
@thnorfar, @Scollier034, @markseidenberg
Newsela. Free online. Articles on all subject topics, relevant and current, and you choose the level. Same article written at different lexile levels. You can have a class discussion that ALL kids can get involved in by reading same (but leveled) article. #sunchat
In reply to
@thnorfar, @Scollier034, @PMcPeake1, @TheJimMcClain, @hoffmanteambret
At my Jr High in the late 70's, shooting 22's was actually taught IN THE SCHOOL! Did it in a basement hallway through a bank of lockers on each side. S wanted a locker with a bullet hole in it. #sunchat#timeschange
In reply to
@KeishaMcHargue, @TheJimMcClain, @susankotch
I've used several frameworks that model some readerly moves for students when tackling non-fiction texts that might help. The emphasis here isn't on a single "right" answer, but on getting students to think about how they're reading + how they're moving beyond agreement. #SunChat
In reply to
@thnorfar, @brianrozinsky, @Scollier034, @markseidenberg
Agree, it's fundamental to growth and learning. I think this indicative of a larger cultural issue; we simply don't value and respect intellectualism. We would largely rather be entertained, then engage in edifying experiences and challenges #sunchat
Agreed! We need to inspire the next generation of teachers. Follow your passion. Change the conversation about education. I love speaking to education students in universities and watch their eyes light up. https://t.co/E78rYmmiAu#SunChat
Each morning during homeroom we watch the CNN10 student news and then spend time discussing the topics. Also in my ELA class, I try to incorporate articles about various things going on in the world. #sunchat
I am not opposed to it. I think if we are to do it those these teachers require extensive training. I also grew up with guns and have no issue with them, but I want to think about the students safety as well. Carry a gun around students is a risky game. #gcitech2360#sunchat
Okay, I’m going to be brave. I’ve been thinking about how much racial inequity happens in school but it never gets addressed or is hard to address because of white fragility @RobinDiAngelo#sunchat
I totally understand this. I want the protection of it but the responsibility is a lot to handle on top of everything else teaching comes with. #sunchat#gcitec2360
We have to also make it an attractive career from a practical standpoint. With the rising cost of college tuition and stagnate teacher pay, students simply cannot go into the field even if they are inspired to do so. Either college tuition must drop or teacher pay rise #sunchat
I think that the historical apsect of states rights plays a part. There also is some need for differentiation due to the different students and communities we serve. I do think we are moving in the right direction though! Collaboration from Vegas to SC! #sunchat
Has a lot to do with the values & T education of the #eduleadership team For ex some states require superint to have Ed degree while other states don’t. It amazes me that a district would have someone in charge with no Ed exp or time in the classrm yet that exists #sunchat
Adding to resource deluge for reading responses... See Tracking Your Thinking Form link on this resource list from @KellyGToGo: https://t.co/kh3BKlv8Ex Sentence stems & frames galore! Plus, under Resources, Article of the Week approach could prove relevant, too. #sunchat
In reply to
@MrAustinA2, @thnorfar, @Scollier034, @markseidenberg, @KellyGToGo
While something may have been researched, we can't assume it's gotten into the hands of practitioners in a usable way that impacts instruction + learning + we also can't assume that practitioners are using research to make important decisions. #SunChat
Lead Your Students To The Top! FREE digital curriculum that combines PBL, Service Learning, and Leadership all in one. Learn more -> https://t.co/HP8P2K0Dfi#whyPbl#sunchat
Ask them! Give the Ss a chance to give input on their learning. When I started assessment choice, I asked Ss to give their ideal options, and some said they prefer the usual objective, some expression thru writing, some wanted a creative direction. So that’s what we do #sunchat
Not like there is right now. It's not even comparable nor is there a debate. Simply look at the research which examines enrollment in educational programs, as well as the average span of a teachers career. This is widely reported and accepted knowledge #sunchat
I can't imagine how anyone can be in charge without experience in the classroom. I try go back to the classroom every once in a while so that I have experience with what Ts are going through (easy to forget & things do change)
#sunchat
Yes teachers are some of the most important people in our country they are teaching the future! I think pay and unpredictable draws a lot of people away but we need to show more of the benefits to the world. #sunchat#gcitech
Ss do love Snapchat. Instagram is really popular too. I’ve noticed I have to ask because it changes from grade level and even class to class. Love this idea!! Do you mind collaborating on it? #sunchat
In reply to
@Media_Barber, @susankotch, @Scollier034
Principal turnover is 3 to 5 years. It costs ~ $75,000 for each turnover & culture suffers. It takes 3-5 years for principals to have influence on school culture. So, why not hire a principal for a minimum of 5 years & provide effective mentoring for them to succeed.
@AASAHQ
If I had a do-over, knowing what I know now, I wouldn't go anywhere near teaching. The focus on testing began almost as soon as I did. And I hated it and still do. #sunchat
Sure, but that doesn't account for declining enrollment numbers in education programs on college campuses. The cost of college tuition and teacher pay I fear is creating a roadblock before people even enter the career. But leadership and the workplace is also essential #sunchat
Great point about parents @brianrozinsky. I often forget to think about their perceptions. I’m fortunate that our parents really trust us as educators in my building and don’t get a lot of questioning. Actually offer help whenever they can #sunchat
In reply to
@brianrozinsky, @hoffmanteambret, @Media_Barber, @susankotch, @Scollier034, @brianrozinsky
Yes. It’s no mystery why teachers are leaving the profession or even not joining it in the first place - weak administrators and misbehaving students. #SunChat#TeacherShortage
Thanks for a great #sunchat this morning, and keep the convo going! Looking ahead to next weekend, I hope you can join us for an important and timely discussion!
Literature Circles/Book Clubs offer numerous opportunities for student-centered learning experiences. Choice is a critical component of sustaining interest.
#sunchat
Read about how we facilitate it in my Literacy Today @ILAToday article here:
https://t.co/IYichTgaVO
I think this starts in the ss classroom and needs to work it’s way into the other subjects. We should find ways to incorporate these world events into these other subjects. This will hopefully interest them in a way that they understand. #gcitec2360#sunchat
I struggle with a solution to this. I want philosophies to be related to best practice ALWAYS, but I also do not support regulating things so much that innovation cannot occur. I believe it comes down to knowledge level of leadership. When you know better, you do better. #sunchat
In reply to
@carlameyrink, @susankotch, @DrStephensEdD, @clairecummings
Many Ss are 3 to 4 grade levels behind and then the other challenge is ELL (typically they have only been learning English for 2 years). Probably should have said that 🤪#sunchat
In reply to
@hoffmanteambret, @susankotch, @Scollier034, @PMcPeake1, @TheJimMcClain
I can agree with this-starts with admin. Last year (my 1st year) was my worse due to the combo of both. This year in a new environment- admin is stronger with misbehaviors still- but much happier. #sunchat
In reply to
@DCDougCampbell, @hoffmanteambret, @phillbmartin00
Everyone in education needs training! I’m really bothered by the idea that anyone can just come off street and teach well. Methods prep and experience don’t guarantee good teaching, but man do they help! #sunchat
I struggle with these as well. I have 2 ELL students in my reading class who just moved to our district this year. Finding appropriate material and structuring the lessons has been a positive challenge. #sunchat
In reply to
@thnorfar, @hoffmanteambret, @susankotch, @PMcPeake1, @TheJimMcClain
I think this is a huge problem the classrooms need more with less time. I think you need to find way to incorporate it into your other subject. When you are using it say with a ss lesson then you are teaching more than one thing in a short amount of time. #gcitec2360#sunchat
Ahh. Love the idea of questioning. Now you are going to make me look up some history. Don’t remember this proclamation from my history knowledge. COOL!! #sunchat
If student misbehavior is out of control, both teachers and students can’t wait to get out of there. Good administrators have a fair but strict system for it. #Sunchat
@TheJimMcClain in regards to your daughter’s school, What platform do they use? Google classroom or another tool? How do they address access ie people with no internet or device? #sunchat
In reply to
@TheJimMcClain, @susankotch, @KeishaMcHargue, @TheJimMcClain
They use Canvas, and every student has a Chromebook. Internet access is the one flaw but there are many local wi-fi hotspots. I suppose that's their line of thinking, but I couldn't say for sure. #sunchat
In reply to
@thnorfar, @susankotch, @KeishaMcHargue
I'm ok that not all researched practices agree or are 100% adopted everywhere. Diversity in teaching keeps the laboratory open, keeps the down-side of 1 practice from dominating education for a generation. There is strength in GOOD diversity! #sunchat
This is an issue, but is a hard one to fix. Every state has different influences that make them do different things with their education system. I feel these influences come from the type of people that are from that state and the states history. #gcitech#sunchat
Some states that did not require it in years past are now requiring it so there is hope that things are moving in the right direction. Many states still hold elections for this position #sunchat
I’ve found letting them talk about new content in Spanish helps a lot. I give them a couple of days to do this and then ask them to try in English next. #sunchat
In reply to
@Scollier034, @hoffmanteambret, @susankotch, @PMcPeake1, @TheJimMcClain
