#BPOPchat Archive
The official educational chat of BrainPOP. Like most Twitter chats, BPOPchat is structured around six to seven open-ended guiding questions, so there’s easy entry points for sharing and getting ideas.
Thursday February 4, 2016
7:00 PM EST
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Happy Thursday! Welcome - Introduce yourself, what you do, & share something successful from your day!
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Hi from Honolulu I'm going to try to participate but also helping students with a project
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Hi all! I'm Bev Fine from BrainPOP ESL!
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I'm Andrew from BrainPOP, former teacher: I viewed & evaluated 150 BrainPOP Certification online course applications today, whew!
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in Rayna. I teach 5th grade in MA. And I went for a walk today outside because I could.
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HI Rachel! nice to "see" ya. . . you to !
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Tell us if you're differentiating with your Ss during the hour!
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Rachel, 8th grade teacher -- today was a good day as my students wrapping up a project
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RT Happy Thursday! Welcome - Introduce yourself, what you do, & share something successful from your day!
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RT Happy Thursday! Welcome - Introduce yourself, what you do, & share something successful from your day!
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not sure its differentiating -- Ss get to pick how to share their learning about the Judicial Branch by educating a new immigrant
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Hello I’m Nikki from Montana, I teach K-1 We have a sound booth in our classroom now for recording on iPads So fun!
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I met with today for an hour of great discussion!
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Hello, all - Marifran, HS librarian from NY - gearing up for schoolwide starting tomoro
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perfect tool for meeting the needs of all students
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Cathie, Pittsburgh, 6th grade. Kids digitally organized themselves and were amazed how good it felt
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Sounds great - great to see you, too!
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I bet we could all use a digital organization
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We'll get started in about a minute, we follow a simple q/a format BrainPOP posts Q#, you answer with A#
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back at you! So good to see you!
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Lane from Atlanta...
HS math. Checking out and playing with at the same time.
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I am an newly BP certified educator in Florida and I use it will 19 3-5 grade classes
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how did they do that? Plz share!
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Hello ! Cathy, Edtech specialist in NYC fr NJ. So happy to be home working on a Beef Wellington while chatting tonight.
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Hey all! Steve from NJ here - I teach cool kids how to make video games and I'm a
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Q1: Ts differentiate instruction via content, process & product. What challenges you most? Why?
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hi friend hi! Glad to hear you're home & in your comfy kitchen
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is happening now!! This month's topic: Differentiation!💡
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We went through contacts, google Drive, Adobe. Being 1:1 iPad you need to teach it
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A1: Differentiation in terms of process is challenge as you must truly consider all different learning styles - but so important
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Also getting ready for ski club on Sat, and for in AC this weekend
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Hey Jordan! Nice to see you :)
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Probably differentiating content is what we think about first?
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A1: at the HS level, I think its the product that's the challenge - I think often we automatically think "paper" as product
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a1. Every day is different so u have to differentiate on the fly. Have to take risks. No such thing as a lesson plan anymore.
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Proud to have been involved in the PD Advisory commitee that worked on brainpop PD with emphasis on differentiation
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Just checking in on ! Monica, Special Education teacher, Texas
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A1: I found “process” most challenging. I’d encourage Ss to produce learning artifacts, but couldn’t support individuals enough
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that requires a culture of support though. . .dont you think?
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Nicole from NJ. I teach 2nd grade. Today we had an amazing inpromptu debate whether "lions are dangerous" is a fact or opinion.
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A1: Knowing where the kids truly are, differentiating based on ability, and not effort
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A1: but , we can be more prepared, know more about the Ss...
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A1: More of the process in terms of differentiated instruction due to many ways of going about it.
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A1 Differentiating process is hardest for me. It is hard to differentiate the process for all Ss all the time
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I am a media/technology specialist and acting guidance counselor
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what are your strategies?
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A1 Process is always so hard to plan and maintain consistency
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A1: Some Ss don't need whole group or guided. Letting those Ss go to do something more in depth is a challenge for me.
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there are tons of options in BrainPOP, for sure, but sometimes they don't match the learning objectives or outcomes
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A1 how to create assignments that don't make Ss feel lesser because they get work that is at their level
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Hi Nicole :) always nice to see more NJ in the house - join us for one of our meetups!
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My Ss are always surprising me. I push them to limits and that limit changes each day. Set the bar high! They jump!
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indeed, I sometimes wonder if our role as teachers is really just to help Ss build honest confidence!?
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A1 how to juggle all the different students when you have 92 students
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a1 content, as so much of what is in curriculums, books are not 21st century literate
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RT My Ss are always surprising me. I push them to limits & that limit changes each day. Set the bar high! They jump!
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Great point! RT A1 how to create assignments that don't make Ss feel less because they get work that is at their level
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Agreed and pacing guides must go!
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small group inst to vary the pacing learning centers, manipulative where appropriate, always looking for others though!
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Having Ss design, frame and reframe their own Qs has always helped differentiate the process for me - Ss working toward own A
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Barry in the house! maybe we should play pinball after the chat
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true, again, I think that comes down to school culture. . . some places are more strict about culture than others.
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I provide much choice through a quest based approach to teaching / learning - built in differentiation by
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This is a tough one for me too—they get discouraged easily if their work doesn’t seem “hard” enough
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provides them with directions and ownership too
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And the opposite. If it's too hard!
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internet connectivity issues are my biggest stumbling block
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I don't see as culture issue, more how we define learning, learners
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absolutely - and can help push beyond indiv. boundaries
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Hi, ! new to nurph & late to the party. Jaime, Curriculum & Tech T from Ohio. :)
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Hi, ! new to nurph & late to the party. Jaime, Curriculum & Tech T from Ohio. :)
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welcome, nurph can be a bit wonky, but also super helpful!
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A2: through 20%time / students are empowered to work on projects that are passion / interest driven
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A2. Ask them. go 2 an event they invite me 2 out of school. Google Drive has great tools for this! Kids could also do a Make-A-Map
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A2: When I taught 1st grade, I spent the first 6 wks doing tons of “get to know you” activities, included surveys, show/tell etc.
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A2: I'll be doing this tomoro w Ss to determine future topics - survey, discussion, indiv exit tickets
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A2: Getting to know students personally just by talking to them
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Hi everyone! Joining in late! Lauren, 4th grade teacher from Florida!
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A2 I use interest inventories sometimes, 1on1 conferring, lots of drawing and writing
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A2 I survey at the start and really learn their interests it's in a spreadsheet that I skim each day to connect and group them
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A2: asking them! how their night/weekend/holiday was & really listening to them. I have a before school club too.
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A2: When enough choice in content and process is provided student interest emerges in authentic way
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I love the idea of going to an event outside of school. When I taught 1st grade, we did home visits, that sure helped!
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I have my Ss fill out a resume on day 1 and Ps fill out a Getting to Know My child form.
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A2) Just talk with the Ss. Take a few minutes to chat them up during a work session about something other than math
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A2: I eat lunch with them!
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A2 I send a Google Form to Ps at the start of the year to gather interest info as well.
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Viewing students submissions on MyBrainPop and feedback during classes
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is you "before school" club structured in any way?
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A2 asking questions like What would your book title be called and why
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A2: When we develop relationships with students they share their interests
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Talking to them and having individual conferences
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love that you're so excited about using BrainPOP's new features!
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A2: one of my own kids' Ts gave us parents hw. 1000 words on our child.
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Hate to skip out - so many good ideas, such creative thinking! Thx friends
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a2 all yr long, Ss change, some take longer to open up, if we teach 1 thong, it's be cool being u
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I love all these A2 answers! You guys are awesome!
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A2 again, we have sharing circle everyday. All Ss share about their news and make comments and ask questions
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A1 I'm exploring a current events site which differentiates for the Ss based on their quiz scores hoping this helps.
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yep! it's . we explore robotics, programming, coding, & making. super fun!
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Yeah, I loved having reading conferences as part of reader's workshop.
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I do something similar… Have the Ps fill out a reading interest inventory on their kids
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I also have Ss fill out a weekly reflection on Fri. This is HUGE and can watch their personal growth!
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I'm super impressed with for leveled AP articles. is anyone using ?
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I like this idea! Great way to end the week and start the weekend!
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A2 Ss save their points to have lunch with me or bring in something important to them and share
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A2 - beginning of yr we have Ss figure out interests, also sometimes ask them straight up what ?s they have and want to answer
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do they keep a personal journal, or is it digital?
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A2: You can also learn a lot from silly inventories- favorite song, super hero power. Love a kid that loves 90’s music!
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A2 my students take attendance electronically and have a space to say anything - it's amazing what I learn
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A2 -- sometimes take a survey, as year progresses learn about them, free choice projects
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RT love it: A2: "silly inventories"- favorite song, super hero power. Love a kid that loves 90’s music!
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Every child needs to know that you understand them. You must be observant and ask questions.
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A2 A2- surveys, class/team discussions, videos, allowing them to choose activities, etc
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brilliant, build additional communication into something you "have" to do everyday anyway. .
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Sent home a “Hopes and Dreams” sheet for Ps to fill out for Ss. Reading them made me cry!
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RT A2 my students take attendance electronically and have a space to say anything - it's amazing what I learn
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Listening to group conversations.
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I set up a Padlet wall where the Ss post whatever they want. Teach appropriate posting on social media & get to know them
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love that idea...plus teaches them how to do a resume
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That’s a great way to get a pulse for the day! Love it.
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A2 also- just listen and observe. What do they talk about? What books do they pick? Etc.
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What do you use to have them do that? We use
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MyBrainPop provides such so many opportunities for teacher and students to share
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Giving them time to express themselves in writing and art.
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clever, is it just running in the background all day? A special URL that the all use?
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A3 1on1 conferring in writing and reading, blog posts, screencasts, concept maps, observations
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A3 electronic formative assessments so I can group or DI on the fly
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A3: When I was a tech integrator in 3-5, each S created an online portfolio documenting & post work & type reflections too!
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How do you do this??? RT RT A2 my students take attendance electronically and have a space to say anything
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I love I just shared it at a conference and the Ts thought it was magic!
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Rachel I have the same question for Cathie? How?
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Me too! It’s so easy to use too!
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what are some of your favorite formative assessments?
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Using games, activities, listening to conversations,
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I've used google sheets and forms. love it!
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Padlet Rocks! RT I love I just shared it at a conference and the Ts thought it was magic!
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BrainPop Quizzes !!! RT what are some of your favorite formative assessments?
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My students take attendance using an embedded Google form in Schoology- it really helps me know when a kid needs help
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A3. Online blogs, informal observations, exit cards, writing samples. I look for growth.
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ah, the answer! RT My Sstake attendance using an embedded Google form in Schoology-
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Love projects that involve creating things.
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A3: Just started portfolios with my students for formative assessments. Love BPOP quizzes after lessons & vids too
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sorry I am on the tredmill very hard to tag and read :(
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RT A3 1on1 conferring in writing and reading, blog posts, screencasts, concept maps, observations
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Looking for growth is the BEST way to assess if you ask me!
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I do Ss led conferences too!
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Remixing a BrainPop Quiz .... or have your students take the Game quiz after playing GameUp
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A3: , , and are one of the many ways that I evaluate student skills.
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A3 Kahoot is an excellent way
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It is hard to follow along when BrainPOP is hosting a HH at TCEA! Wish you were here!
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I use almost DAILY! The kids are excited to show what they know!
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How empowering for them! RT I do Ss led conferences too!
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How empowering for them! RT I do Ss led conferences too!
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folks! This month's is underway! Join by using the hashtag .
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folks! This month's is underway! Join by using the hashtag .
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Has anyone used for formative assessment? It works in theory, but I wonder if anyone has actually done it!
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pour our a sip for your missing homie!
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Getting points can be fun.
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A3 love formative but it's a ton of work to plan the outcome - don't Kahoot and stop - formative needs direction
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I'm late to the party, but I love to make quizzes and .
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I actually did last week for parts of speech. It was enlightening to see where everyone is! Def driving my instruction.
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A3: My favorite way to evaluate students is through their reflections to demonstrate understanding and their completed projects
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that's worth repeating: "Dont kahoot and stop" formative is only useful if you take action on the results
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I tried but not successfully. Sortify is still tough for the K-1 crowd.
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A3 instant feedback like Google forms, . also use exit tix, ind. practice, pre assessments... the list goes on
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I'd love to hear more about it!
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I used form for grammar using Sortify. Like it because the answer always can be different and you can give a hidden challenge
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Would love to see more GBL activities for early learners!
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I agree! That’s why my lesson plans MUST be fluid!
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Google forms is great!Then you can use summary of results to analyze data like lunch count/quick ?
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A3 mixer works great - luv it
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DI on the Fly and Don’t Kahoot and stop—you are on a roll! That treadmill is working for you!
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A3: Does anyone use Peardeck? I'm not sure I'm willing to pay for it when there are so many other good choices.
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have you used the summary results as formative assessment?
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BrainPop mixer is a great tool to customize quizzes
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Sarah, third grade teacher from MA... Sorry for being late! Bedtime duties called!
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thanks. I'll fall off in a minute and not be allowed in the chat anymore :)
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No haven't but should RT have you used the summary results as formative assessment?
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I love the games on BrainPOP with the quiz.
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I’m looking forward to BPOP assignments ombined with mixer quizzes for flipping my lessons!
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I still wish the kids could create their own mixers for their presentations!
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we try to model using quizzes for formative assessment at the beginning of the certification courses
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I love PearDeck - but don't like cost...I haven't found anything quite as good -what else do you use.
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there are typically a few a month throughout the state - where in NJ are you? I am central (somerset county)
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I remember.... just forgot about doing it with the kids
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I used the Sortify results to group and excuse kids out of grammar lessons also used it with quill
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Q4: How do you accommodate for a wide range of developmental, cultural or linguistic differences? pls rt https://t.co/0Osiz4klOs
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Ts at my school love quill
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A4 - that's life in 8th grade!
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RT Q4: How do you accommodate for wide range of developmental, cultural or linguistic differences? https://t.co/XtozQJAUr0
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Inclusion & ESL T here… constantly differentiate each lesson for S success. Different levels of scaffolding and S leadership
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Look at you! Multitasking. Drinking a Mexican martini and promoting BrainPOP chat. I am impressed.
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A4 Tired lessons - hence why BrainPOP has so much power to plan and meet all learners if you really use all features
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A4 personalized learning which is a lot of work and using diff tools to meet Ss needs. Sometimes it is not a tech tool either!
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I agree! A lot of work, but worth it!
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So hard to participate in tonight's from HAppy Hour! I'll have to catch it another time.
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S leadership is a huge piece here. strategic AND flexible. . . easier said than done.
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A4 Genius Hour has been very successful for my first graders, also flexible groups mixing Ks and 1s
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A4 if a topic has a game and a primary source attached = it's like being at the end of Naiobal Tresure
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I am a huge fan of Kagan grouping for S support & ownership
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the value of a mixed grade class is that, by nature, it flexible and differentiated.
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Q4: This is part of the reason I love Make-a-Map! All students can participate on many, different levels!
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A4 give Ss a variety of ways to communicate their understanding. Or let Ss come up with it on their own!
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Also known as passion pursuits, 20% time, ind. projects chosen by Ss
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I tried using "tribes" one year but didn't stick it out.
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My 4th graders created amazing make-a-maps on so many levels last week! Even my ESL S made one!
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Yes, the only group that I worry about not reaching are the high level first graders
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and soon Make-a-Map will be on BrainPOP ESL. . . patience!
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A4 Make-a-Map - great for everyone!
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That is just what she needs! And I do too!
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Make-A-Map .. provides students with a path to be creative in the way they learn!
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enjoy yourselves , we're having a serious conversation here :)
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and also MBP! RT and soon Make-a-Map will be on BrainPOP ESL. . . patience!
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we did make a map today too. Ss just love it !
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Make-a-Map is coming to BrainPOP Jr. soon too. . . again, patience!
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Looking forward to having Make-A-Map on BrainPopJr in the future!
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A3 I try to provide Ss w opportunity to choice how they demonstrate learning - hopefully they select a way that shows their best
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Q5: How do you organize flexible grouping and your physical space to support differentiated instruction? https://t.co/088FaAE4yx
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how do you present choices to your students?
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A5: I was fortunate to have trapezoid tables with wheels in my 1st grade classroom. We moved things around all the time!
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A5 I have Node chairs where students wheel and cab move and collaborate and I use an app by amplify to move them into groups fast
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A5: Ss are Kagan grouped, allowed to sit in a comfy spot if needed. Some Ss use yoga balls instead of chairs! Lots of pillows too
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A5: I ditched my desks! I now have 10 trapezoid tables and LOVE it! No one has an assigned seat, third graders constantly moving.
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A5: in my class, groups are self selected by choice of quest / interest - space provides studio like environment to accommodate
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A5: which was especially important with 25 kids in 500sq feet! we had an old ikea couch too!
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I LOVE LOVE LOVE my trapezoid tables!!!!
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Interactive quiz with students choosing a corner in the classroom for their answer
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A5. I am lucky & have large classroom w lots of tables, spaces, reading corner, computer stations, etc. We are movers and shakers!
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Usually have a set group of activities set up some including some that are openended for higher levels.
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A5 move furniture - sometimes Ss pick their groups sometimes assign
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A5: totally hoping to complete my epic learning space with two awesome sitting areas!
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love this approach! get's em moving. Also letting them explain their thinking AND change their mind if convinced!
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A5 did a project to get bean bags and cushions got rid of almost all chairs lowered tables
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Collaboration is the key!
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awesome! what brand beanbags? Looking at currently - fun and super comfortable
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A5: I use the app teamshake to break the kids into groups according to levels too
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Sorry guys...something came up with my kids:( Hope it was a great chat.
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I have a very flexible space. I am always moving tables and desks.
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Q5: When we rotate in stations (Gr 1 Math) we use a PowerPoint slide show. That way it can B edited when groups need 2 be changed!
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gonna check out for now - gotta do a few things before chat - thanks for a great chat!
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a5: tables also made it very easy to transition in student #26 after winter break!!!
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A5. Different areas house different learners. Just have to keep track & check in often. Need 2 send pics, no trap tables, couches
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A5 i keep a small group weekly schedule & leave slots open for flex groups. Tables & comfy reading corner are perfect for groups
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wait, explain a bit more, I'm wanna understand but I'm confused!
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Do you usually agree with how teamshake groups them?
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A5: When working with small groups Ss know they shouldn’t interrupt if I’m wearing my captain hat. lol
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you should wear your captain hat for your twitter avatar!
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I always have tons of them.
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I found them on Lakeshore, one of the approved vendors
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I have set up filters in the background so that certain “friends” never end up together if you know what I mean
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That visual reminder is key! Even with upper elementary!!!
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if the need to fall asleep, it's great that you're providing a safe place for that to happen!
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LOL! Taking my pic tomorrow! Maybe my hubby will know that I’m tweeting if I wear it at home too! lol
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140 char makes it difficult. We project it so students know which station to work on.I lengthened the amt of time 2.
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And it keeps me from having to stop and redirect!
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yeah, 140 characters can be a stinker.
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Q6 A & I talked today about guided math and how every day my group changes based on Ss needs.
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A6: Lots of small groups and teaching to each modality. Love songs, movement, visuals
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are you transparent about the standards with your Ss?
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A6 Standards should be your focus and I've started tying everything I teach and assess to a standard in Schoology and see results
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when I had a classroom helped me so much!! I had those big bean bags and soft seats.
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A6 When Ks meet their standards I take them into the first or second grade standards
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A6 If you have ELs, do you also use WIDA or ELPA21 standards?
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A5 my Ss love meeting with a group in our comfy reading area. I hold small group there on occasion 😊 https://t.co/PO45hRwtXU
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A2: In K5, the kids just tell you what they love. Kind of lucky, that they (usually) love everything you do
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A6 has made differentiatiating much more meaningful
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A6: My Ss have learning scales where they track their progress. Small groups change every day and are open to all.
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When scholars are allowed to design and construct their own understanding of concepts, differentiation is made easier!
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A3: I load them up w tools (framed w a recurring theme) so they can have when it comes to demonstrating knowledge
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A6 when a S doesn't grasp a concept, it is easy to go back and target what standards they haven't mastered
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you certainly get insight into where conceptual breakdown occurs when Ss design their own demo of understanding!
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A7 have student accounts. T can create assignments and track progress. Or is this already possible?
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A7 Love to see a feature to assign by clicking specific games and items - a BrainPOP workflow
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A7: I think being able to make individual assignments for enrichment or remediation would be amazing
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A3: Working on introducing Ts to portfolios, but also becoming a fan of recently
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A6: the necessity 4 diff. is greater when there is that type of curriculum. That's when we use small groups and targeted stations.
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I used to have students keep portfolios in the (now defunct) iweb, then google sites.
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A7. It is all about grouping. Have sts lead discussions & look for certain details. They are short enough to watch several times.
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It is possible! You just need your school’s code! Then you can set up your class account in myBrainPOP
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A3: might not be so pretty as a K5 S, but can evolve w the S as they progress through school...and it's free!
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A7: ability to assign specific games, movies, and mapping!
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A7. Oh this goes back to my thoughts on Ss writing their own questions in a mixer for classmates!!!
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Looking forward to capability to assign tasks to students in MyBrainPOP!
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Please follow my 2nd graders' student-run twitter . We get so excited for every like, retweet, and follower!
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A7 I’d like to see a “report” that summarizes student progress by student. Sort of a BP portfolio?
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I’m loving seesaw since I started in January!
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A7: assignments are coming, we're gonna ask CBEs specifically for feedback soon.
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You always impress me! I did not like until a month ago. How old were your Ss?
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thats interesting, right now we have a "feed" but you have to click into each and every artifact to see how they did
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You know I’m willing to share!
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3-5th graders, this was back in 09-11 though. we used iweb from 06-09 I'm older than I look :)
