#Kinderchat Archive
#Kinderchat, glue, glitter, gogurt, bringing daily joy to twitter. Find us Mondays, 9 pm EST and 8:30PM London time when we talk all things Early Years!
Monday April 4, 2016
Hi ! I'm Michelle from BC, Canada and I *love* it when my students finally realize they are writers.
Hi kinder peeps...Tracy here from Beautiful British Columbia where it is most definitely
hey Michelle....glad you could stop by
Christine from just outside Calgary. Love our upcoming unit about cycles. Charlotte's Web and growing butterflies
Me too, Michelle! It's so awesome!!
Glad to be here! Seems like forever since I've made it to
I know...when they start writing stories and want to read them to the class
Hello Melva, teaching grade 3 in northern Saskatchewan, my favourite thing about this time is the huge growth in writing
Carrie here from PEI. Where it was -10C with a -20C windchill this morning…
Melva, Michelle just said the same thing so true
Hi Christine! How was Palm Springs?
I am karen, kinder teacher from the teeny tiny town of Ellensburg, Wa. I love to see them writing me notes :)
It was fantastic and perfect. I miss my lounge chair.
Great minds think alike! Hugs Melva!!
Hey Carrie thanks for coming to play...would it be bad to say it was +18 here today :(
April disappoints me every year. Every. year.
it was like that here yesterday, I hope you are staying warm
I miss my lounge chair...and my pool...and my hot tub...and my golfing...
Courtney Seattle, WA thrilled to b here!
bad, no. But boo! I am so jealous!
And my long walks each morning, admiring Flintstone houses from 1962.
Why hello there Courtney...thanks for stopping in to play
Carrie, you need to come and visit here...we are WARM!
All bundled up in sweats and sitting on the couch!
yes! Hugs to you too! I stayed late to mark a bunch of writing & was amazed at the growth
honestly though, I so want to come and play in your neck of the woods one day
The house I stayed in was a 1950's CLASSIC!
it was heavenly here, 74 yesterday, warm, and breezy. Today, rain and 50, but it beats snow :)
Hi!! Kelsey from Tampa, FL!
Maybe next year at break! Went to New Hampshire and Maine for March Break this year. it was gorgeous!
I need to know more about that place. I shall DM you later.
Courtney Seattle, WA my fav thing is the excitement for learning
Hi! Erin from Wisconsin. I love seeing my kiddos as readers. They are SOOO proud of themselves!
Hola hola. Checking in from Kgn tonight. But participating in another chat
Does anyone have any book recommendations to help teach subtraction to kindergarten?
Hello . It's been awhile. Time to check in on soon to be 1st graders. :)
I know...this is THE BEST!!! that and when they start =inventive writing
Hey Lori, thanks for stopping in to play...we have missed you
You totally should! I can set you up with some good places to see and things to do!
Hi Erin! Happy Baseball season!!
I love seeing the growth they've made and the independence they are fostering!
Q1 is coming up in just a few moments
Hi Erin! This time of year is awesome, isn’t it? They realize they are readers and writers!
Hi Michelle. I was just thinking of you the other day. Hope all is well.
hello!! Yay! Baseball is back! Poor Brewers though. :( How are YOU?
they get so tickled! It's contagious!
All is well, thanks! Except today felt like it was a full moon.
yes! It makes me so excited when they start writing things on their own and realize that they CAN do it!
sometimes I forget they are still 5 and 6 :)
Showing it to parents was the best this year. To see the pride in everyone’s faces about it!
I'm doing well, thanks! But your little Brewers fan is so darn cute...makes up for the tam? ;-)
It was my first day back from spring break. I'm tired.
That was me last week. You’ll make it!
I know that tired! We had a four day week last week and it was the longest ever.
A1 I love it when I see kind, caring, respectful friends playing well together and enjoying each other's company
A1 Students working independently and successfully
oh! Thanks! It does help!
A1 I expect that my students will know routines and show me that they are ready to take learning risks.
yes! we have come full circle in being respectful friends and enjoying our time together
I sometimes 4get they are still young despite the independence they have gained
Are you talking behaviour or academic growth?
A1: my expectations for each child will be different as they are all different. Not a one size fits all.
A1b) I find that I reteach expectations A LOT.
Hi! Jumping in from Oregon a little late.
A1: I expect that they won’t be climbing the bathroom stalls when they go pee!
I learn a lot about what they can do when I see how their social lives are growing
never too late to jump into Glad you could come and play
A1: I agree about independence. I love being able to refer small problems to our class problem solver (a kid's job).
I just took back my class from my St T. It is neat to see my kiddos still respond to the same to me now.
They grown so much as little humans in this year...it is amazing to reflect on this
A1: I think academically, it depends on where they were when they came in. Though I suppose I assume they have letter knowledge
I think the growth in Kinder is unmatched to any other time in their academic lives.
Laugh today! tomorrow it could be you!
I would have to agree. The biggest is learning to get along and maneuver around 21 other people
Q2 is just around the corner
I looped this year. Watching my Ss in 1st is wonderful and they have grown but nothing like Kindergarten.
Question 2 coming up shortly...
I love looping. I love looping. I love looping.
This time of year is the best time in Kindergarten. They really start to “own” their learning
I've thought about doing that!
I teach K/1 and often keep some of my K's and I LOVE IT!!!!
why do you love it? It's something I've thought about.
Looping K-1 is THE BEST! Will you stay in 1st next year or go back to K?
It is amazing, wonderful, joyful, peaceful, (throw in some more words). I love it so much.
I would highly recommend it. I have parents asking me if I'm going to 2nd grade (I'm not).
A2: this time of year I see that they understand what respect is, but don’t always apply it. They tend to annoy just because
A1c) I revamp my routine. Currently trying positive discipline
A2 Showing care, understanding & working together, listening to our friends
A2 They can get tired of each other but that's when we get gentle reminders to be ESPECIALLY kind and respectful.
I have heard of people looping 1 2 3 but looping K 1 would be awesome!
At my school we teach through the 4cs of stem- 2 of them being collaboration and communication. My Ss do a great job with these!
Beginning of the year is a breeze. Very little time on routines and procedures Trust already there
I had 1/2 multiage loopers for 8 years. The. best.
that makes a lot of sense! I'd be nervous teaching a new grade level (never taught 1st before)
my sis looped from K -1-2. She had several kiddos from her K class. She loved it.
A2 Most of my Ss are respectful, but there are a few who still struggle w feeling entitled to ALL attention. It's exhausting.
NOT the same class for 8 years! Just taught that way for 8 years.
lots of littles are feeling entitled today
That would be awesome. Is there a reason some schools have more loopy teachers? :)
It's so much easier to start a new gd when you know the kids and have a community.
I was wondering about that :0
This year in third I have some formers & 1s. It's great!
Knowing the parents is a big + too.
I imagine the relationships would be that much stronger
That's called a One Room School House
that's true! You already have relationships established
several of my 3s are like that, simply can't wait for help or a turn it's scary
A2: My kids are getting restless, but at least they know the expectations.
You do have to know two year's curriculum and that may be overwhelming?
A2) Yes very restless and
What brings on this sense of entitlement? What kind of adults will they grow to be?
:-(
yes very strong with them and their parents, which is great
Hi just coming in from a late afternoon walk. Not sure of topic so will listen
I've taught kinder, 2nd and 4th. So I would need to learn a new curriculum!
It is amazing to know where they've been and where they are going though!
I don't know...this scares me. And they will be adults when we are old YIKES
A3: I have 3 rules in my class that we refer to all year: Be Respectful, Be Responsible, Be Really Fun To Be With. 1/2
that would be like such a comforting hug xxx
2/2 Because of this, we are always working on those skills. And we ‘get’ it. Esp. how rules 1 and 2 equal rule 3
A3 With growing independence comes more responsibility. Need to be careful about not asking too much of people
Sorry to have to run...have a meeting to get to. Take care !
it scares me too, especially after January's tragedy they get sooooo angry & have a hard time with no
A2) Respect look lik following dir. And sharing
yes!!! without 1 and 2 there is no 2. You are awesome!!!
I LOVE that last one. That's great.
I like that Be Really Fun to Be With. That's a good one!
A3: I have taught my Ss 2 B independent/problem solvers. I will not give them a solution until they provide one 1st.
A3 We teach the LIFESKILLS & Lifelong Guidelines all year. At this point we continue to review and practice procedures daily.
Melva you and your community have lots to deal w/ and healing is certainly big, doesn't happen over night
Nice! Tried 2instill "go for it" attitude to let Ks know it is ok to try w/out fear of ridicule Be Kind https://t.co/9Y9Wut7zOi
A3: I have 3 rules in my class that we refer to all year: Be Respectful, Be Responsible, Be Really Fun To Be With. 1/2
very jealous! I need to do that! Too many Girl Scout cookies 😝
thanks for popping in...always nice to have you
Agree. I want them to be independent thinkers. https://t.co/LeEqFrT892
A3: I have taught my Ss 2 B independent/problem solvers. I will not give them a solution until they provide one 1st.
I was just thinking this.
It’s a pretty easy rule to follow!
It is a great one! Because we all want to be fun
that's so true and I am impatient
Hey Today, I complimented a S on her ponytail on top of her head. She looked at me shocked, saying "No, it's a whale spout!"
me too... I totally understand...but peace in your heart will come again
A3: I still have a group that struggle w/personal space & not hitting/kicking etc. But the majority are there :)
I had to run for a post it note for that one!
That is GREAT!! I love that kid.
LOL....only laughing b/c I have the same...no boundaries and licking...yes licking
But it tells volumes for the kinder who isn't & that's where we come in, isn't it?
this excites me since we are reading Dear Mr. Blueberry this week!! Haha
Still laughing about it!!!! It is totally her too!
Perfect! That's a cute book
A winner QOTD https://t.co/CKM5th9MCj
Hey Today, I complimented a S on her ponytail on top of her head. She looked at me shocked, saying "No, it's a whale spout!"
A3) this yr I have Ss who tattle. A LOT. Young. I ask Ss. 'Who r u in charge of?" To help w/ responsibility of self.
personal space seems to be a difficult concept to grasp!
You just can't make up their little choice of words!
Exactly. Never met a kid who didn’t want 2 be fun 2 be with. Sometimes they just need a little help
I say that as well.They know the answer but still lots of tattling
Don't you ever wonder what is going on in their little minds right before the lick?
Oh I know...I have started writing it down...I love when they start inventive writing...I take pics of those words
Question 4 coming up soon!
A3b) I find that it is harder. Ss want to show they understand rules but may no follow expt. Themselves.
All of that sensory input just waiting to be had!
OMG...just snorted water...totally...what are they thinking
yes-they all want to be a part of a group-sometimes people just show it in different ways
Love that idea. Phone at hand
I'm thinking of busting out the tattle phone
1st wk school- Ms H he licked me! I asked the S- yeah that's ok right? 😂 we've come a long way!
Q4 is getting ready for lift off
Enjoy your break! Ours was 2 weeks ago. So nice, but good to be back too!
I tell them if it's really important to write it on sticky note and I'll read it. Not so much is THAT important.
I gotta say, at least the tattlers let me know what I missed, LOL
A4: At our last P/T interviews I actually saw the light go off in many parents’ eyes when they saw how far their kids have come
A4 1/2 In my Canadian province, I don't feel the pressure to have Ks reading before G1.
A4: Only parents who I have that are panicky, are the parents who really don’t need to worry
we just had ours and I show them work from September and Now and WOW such growth
A4) I tell them that numbers don't tell the whole story
I found, this year esp, that the jump from Jan to Feb was HUGE!
A4 2/2 Ps mostly respect the dev process. All on the journey, but some in different places on the road
the middle term I find is where the most of the learning takes place and the light bulbs come on
A4b) I let them know that kid brains learn stuff in a specific order & sometimes XYZ Ss may not b ready
I just tweeted about that book too 😂 great minds think alike!!
Yep! That’s why I love after March Break, because they come back just ready to take off
A4: I agree - focusing on progress already made is helpful.
My Ss love to read this book!!
Some want to know where kid is in relation to peers in class! For some concern was overwhelming https://t.co/7b8zzXK8Us
A4: Only parents who I have that are panicky, are the parents who really don’t need to worry
I like to say "I think I see your tongue turning colors".
it's a more wholistic approach!
This is what I say, we all take different routes to our destination https://t.co/ne1KwYuNuR
A4 2/2 Ps mostly respect the dev process. All on the journey, but some in different places on the road
A4: I also share that many kids write b4 read, so we give lots of opps for purposeful writing @ school & home
And it’s so hard to help them see it’s where their child is in relation to themselves, not others
Agreed. I also let them know how I "assess" how their child is learning. Think ZPD.
It's a good one. Talks about the difference in tattling and keeping ppl safe.
We might have the same bookshelf. :)
A4 I know kids grow at own pace, but I still get panicky come spring if the S isn't reading or X, then I look at where they were
Yes! The reading/writing dilemma in kindergarten I wonder how the pendulum will swing in coming years
It is so crazy. Nobody would believe. But it's true.
it will be interesting to see where it will be indeed
I feel like it’s swinging back towards play. I think people are starting to see the light
Not ready "Yet". I believe in the power of "Yet". It will come.
good reminder! Remember how far they have come- because that might be the best they can currently give!
A4 cont: and then I say RELAX, they GREW!
A4c) At beg of yr I tell P learning is a process. Not 2 expect perfection. I use newsltt & face 2 face convo to help w/ this
they beg me everyday to read "the book with no pictures"
I think we definitely have to advocate for that in whatever capacity we have in the field of education https://t.co/JH5NqFT1RZ
I feel like it’s swinging back towards play. I think people are starting to see the light
Yes, but, being a bit cynical, I hope we don't get a play program.
that is THE BEST book!!! they laugh every time we read it...they love when guests come in and read it too
My Ss last year LOVED this book. This yr, not so much. Mmmmm.....
we always "trick" guests to read it!
my kiddos love that story too!
A5 I only see them two or three days of the week. I miss what we could do with more time.
A5) biggest challenge is when I can't figure out what Ss is "missing" in order 2 lrn
I love the books by Bob Shea, they have sass :)
Don't forget to follow all the amazing people here at gr8 people gr8 resources gr8 friends
Don't think that will happen Just would like that pressure off & give Ks time to learn in many ways
If it’s a “play program” then it isn’t play ;-)
grow your A year ago I didn't realize how great Tw was! https://t.co/Fv9ULNuIno
Don't forget to follow all the amazing people here at gr8 people gr8 resources gr8 friends
I just read about adding this word to the phrase "I don't know." I'm going to give it a try! Gr8 to add 2 P convos 2.
That would be a good thing. But I worry a bit. Publishers like programs and money
Not just a hat rack Faige!
I don't know about these books. But I'm going to find out.
If any of you are interested in using to connect our classes- let me know!
That’s why we need to stay vigilant. It’s like “purposeful play.” Hell, all play is purposeful!
A6 Very last day. Don't say goodbye. Say I'll see you soon...and thanks for all the fun.
Saw today. Reminded how important it is to connect with the gang. Great chat as always.
Saw today. Reminded how important it is to connect with the gang. Great chat as always.
That is exactly what I was thinking. Saw a twitter feed ALL DAY about that.
I saw "I'll see you next year" cuz that's another + to looping!
I/m interested. How do we make it meaningful?
A6) Last yr I made a HUGE mistake. Didn't mention the last day of sch. This year, doing some sort of party/moving on cer.
Thank you for letting me join in. I miss you ppl. See you next week.
I could go on an on about “purposeful play”.. Or how adults ruin good things
thanks for coming to play Lori
As my Ss are Bcoming writers- I know they'd love an authentic audience.
A6: I write a heartfelt letter to parents, thanking them for sharing their child with me. Hard to say goodbye to families too!
Yup. Look what happened to guided reading and levelled texts.
also we are working in addition/subtraction. Creating word probs for each other to solve.
Thanks for coming out to play tonight...I won't say good-bye I will say good-night and see you next week
with earth day coming up we could somehow tie that in too!
Have a great week my dearies!!! Teach your children well!
Thanks for coming to play Christine :)
