Welcome everyone to our #KaganChat for the month of July! Today we’re chatting about the #Kagan 7 Keys! Let’s begin with introductions. (Don’t forget to use #KaganChat each time.) Who are you and where are you joining us from?
#KaganChat Hi, everyone! Rick here. I’m an international Kagan trainer and coach from Orlando. Tonight I am in Frankfort, Kentucky working with teachers in Anderson County tomorrow.
Welcome everyone to our #KaganChat for the month of July! Today we’re chatting about the #Kagan 7 Keys! Let’s begin with introductions. (Don’t forget to use #KaganChat each time.) Who are you and where are you joining us from?
A1 I would say probably class building and team building simply because they are the ones I have the most practice and experience with and am most comfortable with #KaganChat
A1 structures, Teambuilding and classbuilding is where I am strongest. Why? Because I use a variety and use them often! Practice makes perfect 😊 #KaganChat
A1: Of the 7 Keys, I think my strength lies in management. I remember as a student teacher, watching the classroom run like a well-oiled machine. I wanted mine to be the same way. Routines and procedures, routines and procedures. Can’t stress that enough! #KaganChat
A1 Classbuilding and Teambuilding... I’m getting better at these each year. I start on day 1 to create a safe culture where all students can thrive! Makes the year go smoothly. #kaganchat
#KaganChat A1: they are so inter-dependent that it’s hard for me to choose 1. I’d say social skills because it’s such an integral part of Kagan & 1 of the benefits — being able to help Ss develop, refine, and expand their social skills without sacrificing time away from academics
#kaganchat We are working on management with our kinder kiddos. Things like the sitspot type markers for them to learn where to go when finding a partner and how not to crowd one another and such.
A1 structures, Teambuilding and classbuilding is where I am strongest. Why? Because I use a variety and use them often! Practice makes perfect 😊 #KaganChat
A2 I use test data from last year. It’s not perfect, but it is a start. Give me six weeks to get to know them, the teams change for the better! But I’m not opposed to moving before then if needed. #KaganChat
A2: I always start by ability grouping then place one from each level in a team. Next I look at gender, behavior and needs before assigning specific teams. #KaganChat
#KaganChat A2: if you teach more than one group of students, start with the class that is easiest to manage. Get your feet wet in forming teams with them, and then slowly move onto other classes
A2 My 1st tip is to def take the time to get to know Ss before forming teams. You must give them time to acclimate to their new environment and get a true picture of levels. #kaganchat
A2 As a P this looks different 4 me especially knowing how important it is I model. So it depends on the content of the PD/mtg. Sometimes I make groups based off years of experience, GL’s, experience w/ content working w/, etc. I try to mirror it to S achievement data #KaganChat
#Kaganchat A2. I used to not form official teams until at least two or three weeks into the school year. I wanted the flexibility to change and move students around daily, if necessary. I usually started with alphabetical order to learn their names the first couple of days.
A2 My 2nd tip would be not to place levels in consistent seat #s. Kids will figure this out. Teams are different than guided groups and station groups. These groups may be homogeneous by skill or content. #kaganchat
A3 I love using RoundRobin and RoundTable variations. The RoundTable variations provide something tangible that can be posted and viewed by classmates and visitors. Those visuals can really support building culture among the class. #kaganchat
A3 Just as we are taught in training, use safe content and introduce structures. For me being in a new school this year this will be the 1st experience w/ Kagan for most of my staff so it’s important I’m intentional #KaganChat
#KaganChat I strongly recommend that you get the little ones just learning to take turns before you worry about a structure. Give them something concrete to pass as they say, “It’s my turn. Now it’s your turn.” Have them pass and say this with a partner many times until routine
A4. Team helper! Each day a different team member is the helper. They get papers, supplies, and if we do a team structure the y know the team helper starts #KaganChat
There are some great Kagan users in this chat. I’m far from an expert but I’ve been a “Kaganite” for several years so feel free to reach out any time #KaganChat
In reply to
@Ltngbugg, @KristineAtKagan, @rickatkagan, @EliaChesnoff, @RachelAtKagan, @VernAtKagan, @SpencerKagan
A4: attention signal definitelyon day one. Having seats labeled for numbers and letters (primary use the primary mats with colors and animals) on day 1 is important, too. #KaganChat
Going to have to check out now. I have about an hour drive ahead of me and should probably focus on the road. Thanks for a wonderful chat everyone! #KaganChat
A4 Start using seat #s & A/ B partners right away. Creates a habit as much as reinforces procedures. If you use #s and letters you will maintain instructional momentum and minimize confusion when identifying who starts or who completes a task... like getting the team tub.
A5 Taking turns, coaching, praise, and active listening. Practice, practice, practice using structures and safe content. That’s my simple answer #KaganChat
Going to have to check out now. I have about an hour drive ahead of me and should probably focus on the road. Thanks for a wonderful chat everyone! #KaganChat
I focus hard on listening and complimenting. Students have a hard time paying attention and feel awkward complimenting. It’s a barrier I have to break through almost always. #KaganChat
A5 Quiet Voices! We talk about voice level for various activities. I also reinforce non verbal communication and have students practice open stances and facial expressions. #kaganchat
I implement music a lot, so my students have more of a sense of urgency. Coming to the Intermediate School, they are still in an elementary mindset. #KaganChat
A5: even part of active listening is to not interrupt, so patiently having that impulse control was something I really focused on right away. Also, I set clear expectations for pair voices and team voices. #KaganChat
A6 Monitor, monitor, monitor. Move around, smile, lean in and listen. Keep monitoring and being present until the structure ends. You must be present to win!!! #kaganchat
I like to pause the structure after a few minutes, give a compliment on what’s going well, and give them something to fix a little. Doing this during the structure helps them see better what to do to keep PIES in place. #KaganChat
A6: I try to make sure I always preplan for what structure will be used in my lesson plans. This helps me have a better feel for the types of responses from the Ss and to make sure PIES is not compromised! #kaganchat
#Kaganchat This is so smart! If you wait until the structure finishes, they can’t fix and improve it. We want them to practice correctly so that it becomes a solid procedure.
I like to pause the structure after a few minutes, give a compliment on what’s going well, and give them something to fix a little. Doing this during the structure helps them see better what to do to keep PIES in place. #KaganChat
A6 It isn't until the past year or two I've really started to feel I'm getting the hang of this. @VernAtKagan did a great job really breaking down how to PIES analysis. I rely on my PIES Smart Card when pre planning structures too #KaganChat
Bonus Q: I’ve really enjoyed some opportunities to be the Best-Aunt-Kris-Ever! (In case you didn’t know- that’s me!) Got to watch tee ball and softball! Chilling in a tiny pool with nieces! ❤️❤️ #KaganChat
Bonus #Kaganchat I loved reconnecting with old friends and making new friends at the Kagan Summer Academy at Disney earlier this month! I also really enjoyed an extended weekend pleasure trip to Puerta Vallarta, Mexico
Thanks #KaganChat friends for reflecting on the 7 Keys. So many awesome ideas were shared. Thanks for being here tonight! Mark your calendars for Tuesday, August 28th and join us for the August #KaganChat about Thinking Skills 😀
