#miched Archive
The #michED chat is a grassroots effort dedicated to giving teachers, students, and parents across Michigan a bigger voice in the conversation about education in our state. We welcome all voices through a variety of projects, media, and social networking. Weβre trying to address educational issues through apolitical conversation, spreading ideas and stories of success from Michigan classrooms across the state, and helping teachers and students regain the courage to connect and demonstrate that schools in Michigan are creating amazing opportunities for learning. We want the face and voice of education in Michigan to be a mural of shared experiences and positive examples of connected learning.
Wednesday August 31, 2016
And....it's time! Welcome back . Excited to have our first chat of 16/17. Introduce yourself - and maybe a favorite summer pic
Hi all, I'm Stacy Turke, an OT from ready for this school year!
Hello SO good to be back! Summer was softball diamonds & trying to just play! One fav pic-crazy timing! https://t.co/8XEZBEz3vH
Hey crazy educators! Jay Gross from Shepherd High School! 3 days already in and LOVING it!!
hello ! Eric Strasshofer from Madison School District in Adrian. this is also my favorite picture I took. https://t.co/hDZEXxlkAF
Rachelle from St. Clair. Secondary Supervisor a favorite pic from 6 day backpacking Isle Royale https://t.co/fH1nNOjlAW
Welcome Eric! Great to see one of our student participants officially in the profession. And back in Michigan
Excited to be doing this adventure with you & tonight!
Thanks for joining tonight!
Wish I could join this awesome chat but am headed back from Oregon-I wonder if I can chat on the plane? Have a great first week!
Glad you are joining tonight. Welcome!
Hello , Marcia Kish checking in from Ohio. I enjoyed a summer of Wakeboarding, surfing, and paddle boarding. https://t.co/uHxAfxkWur
Where are you? We use to live out that way!
New sweatshirt reads- stay positive- love your life
Welcome to Glad you are stopping by. Fun pic too!
great message! Great way to start the school year!
Sorry, my computer just died . Ready for Q1?
First up, we have helps us think of relationships in context of beginning of year housekeeping Q1-3
We lived up in Washington. I use to teach at Mount Baker High School in Sumas, WA:)
Hey ! Matt from Mattawan, just finished a great Open House!
Hey - checking in. Tomorrow will be my 4th day back. We started Monday. Today, we speed dated books! https://t.co/H85k6DvWwJ
Q1: What does your ideal first day look like?
Jackson started last week also.
Getting the year started on the right foot for me is key. I only see students 1/2 a year
A1 exactly like have done. Get to them Ss and them know me. Talk. Question each other. Laugh a lot. Lite and fun and relationships!
I'm gonna cross 2 borders and join Can't wait to move there when I retire. Maybe sooner
. so much fun. I got great responses from my high school students!
A1: Making sure that all of our learners feel welcome, know where to go and how to get there - so they are ready to learn.
A1: Setting expectations, communicating that I care, learning names, coming across as a fan of them and a fan of technology
always nice to have backups... then backups to your backups
Pretty sure I could talk my wife into that one - she's a Hope College grad.
A1: Not screwing up any names 2 badly. In WA we had a huge Russian pop, really sweaty the first few days trying to get names right.
Kids need to know you are on THEIR side! https://t.co/oyydKSAp3n
A1: Setting expectations, communicating that I care, learning names, coming across as a fan of them and a fan of technology
A1: An ideal first day looks like smiles, active students, and excited ideas about what is to come
A1 read and then make Jitter Fritters, collaborative fun, to begin the important first days of school bonding and climate building
A1: light and fun. Save the paperwork. Hook 'em and reel them in, make them want to come back tomorrow!
A1...I spend a lot of time watching, listening, looking for connections.
A1: An ideal first day is one where no one wants to get sent to the hall/office - everyone puts best foot forward
A1: Perfect day meant Ss knowing I WANTED to be there with them. Same goes for Ts now as I work with them
A1: Be light, be vulnerable, be real. Coming across as approachable, accessible, relatable, and humble goes a long way.
learning faces/names is always something I hope to get done by end of first week
A1: for me honestly just making sure that the expectations and rules are there; everyone has a clean slate and a clear understanding
Yes, Kim! Never to early to start being a listener https://t.co/35VsOeW1Vl
A1...I spend a lot of time watching, listening, looking for connections.
π¬π
I π where Edward + Bella lived (live?)
Also CA hasn't processed my ppwk.
πTs began 2 weeks ago https://t.co/Q890FqUxCH
A1 Show how excited I am to start! Expectations are set, they understand that we are going to work hard, but have a lot of fun!
First day of school is the pivotal point for the whole year. I have to be funny, engaging, and able to set the ground rules.
teachers making me want to be a student again! https://t.co/94yCYmxzG3
A1: Perfect day meant Ss knowing I WANTED to be there with them. Same goes for Ts now as I work with them
A1: I encouraged our Ts to put the syllabus & rules online and get to know their Ss. Quite a few of our Ts used
A1: Ideal day 1 is getting Ss comfortable, talking & working together. One fav activity is 9 card puzzles. https://t.co/2mXxeAR8ez
One of my Ts promised me I was going to want to be a student in her class!
Great ways to get thinking about first day - Q2: What opening activity do you do to engage students in content?
A1: Ss feeling welcomed into class and knowing this is a fresh start.
Q2: What opening activity do you do to engage students in content?
I was always honest with them, that I was horrible with names and to please help me/correct me.
Principals, Lead Teachers, , etc.
Join - This 2moro, September 1 at 8:00pm
TOPIC: The 'Principals" of Back to School
A1: Day 1 Ss also fill out an index card. Find out who can listen, see handwriting, get answers about what Ss needs!
Love that Janine combines engagement with content! Yes, it is possible. https://t.co/RZ2g19fmYm
Great ways to get thinking about first day - Q2: What opening activity do you do to engage students in content?
A1...part two. I'm be honest. A good day is not confusing the triplets' names!
asking for help is a skill we all need, use, and can model.
A2: was an amazing activity to see in action on the first day!
A2: I have kids start with Clay on the First Day - sounds scary, but so fun Get messy with materials right from the go.
Honesty is key! Having a name that is mis-pronounced myself, I always want Ss to correct me!
A2: Going to try out the new Breakout EDU kits!
A2 soap box / intro speeches. They share info on them/family proudest moment likes/dislikes school learning styles etc
A1: The ideal 1st day is me being in the ClassRM WITH the Ssπ«π¬π.
I compensated.
π¬πEduConsultant π‘ https://t.co/ucMoYnjhNB
In "Creating Cultures of Thinking" they ask a great Q: Expect to learn or expect to follow rules? Big difference.
So important to show humanity with students https://t.co/n1XOwiNyRD
A1: Be light, be vulnerable, be real. Coming across as approachable, accessible, relatable, and humble goes a long way.
A2: a quick demo or idea that students can't explain. Get them asking questions. Curiosity is key!
A2 play how much is my name worth (math), make words to spell names of classmates, all about me posters, interview a new friend-
A2: My opening math stuff are a few basic problems from previous grades that they do. Need to rework that piece!
man that must really break the ice!
Am I doing this right? π
A2. I open a Google Doc and have the whole group adding to an ABC list while projecting. Great ice breaker and collaboration piece.
Please tweet about this and share goods/bads. Want to try that too this year.
A2: our first day had 22 minute classes. Choirs sang, bands made some noise and set goals for the year.
I was so inspired by your talk about this at the camp PD this summer!
A2: nothing says class bonding and teamwork like sight reading music...lol
A2: I actually use live flash polling where they anonymously text in their answers to stimulating questions. Gets everyone involved!
new to Twitter chats? . Moderators tweet questions using "Q" and number. Reply with "A" & number. Don't forget hashtag
A special evening as I met our students at 's family picnic. Very excited for this new school year!
you are going to learn SO much about your Ss w/o even doing much talking. You see all the personalities come out
I love to start with a QR code challenge scavenger hunt or a maker space challenge with K'nex.
We created a Google Slides file & had Ss add a slide with a selfie and a WordCloud about themselves. All in 1 presentation.
It is almost like putting a pilot together for a show - you want them to stay tuned for future episodes
looks right to me! Welcome!:)
A2: Have done "math words" day 1-2. Find words that have math meaning & other meaning. is key & it can be confusing!
teachers are sharing so many fun ideas for team building in the beginning of the year! https://t.co/eIGHOH3pbb
A2 play how much is my name worth (math), make words to spell names of classmates, all about me posters, interview a new friend-
Boarding now-- have a great week and be the amazing teachers that you are! Cheers to 2016-17
A2: They're usually age 5 or 6.
π£/π What I Did Over the Summer.
1stGr Instagram/ArtsπIntegration
https://t.co/gAjKkFo3oo
Such great ideas Keep them coming. Definitely a chat will need to be gone back through!
So once you have them engaged with activities - Q3: How do you establish routines while emphasizing relationship building?
Q3: How do you establish routines while emphasizing relationship building?
A2 - a task that sets the tone for collaboration and participation. "We do lots and work together in here."
Q3: I usually walk through routines and expectations while they work with clay. Then remind as we work with other activities
A3: I make clear there are rules about tardiness, interaction, cell phones, but I don't shame them publicly if they mess up.
Q3: try not to make it all sit and get - get them up and experiencing materials while going through it
Yes! Reply to questions using "A" and quesiton number before response. Include
A2: try using have kids take a selfie, give their name and tell something about themselves.
A3 - Step 1: make sure your class routines support relationship building.
Welcome to ! Former colleague at Algonac, now Secondary science consultant
A3: Introduce Ss to the I created + hope they'll continue creating w/me + explain: the Crayons cannot be used during DI.
Q4: So now that you've got em in the door, what are some of your favorite tools to encourage/allow movement in the classroom?
A3: Have the kids come up with the expectations with you! Write them down & agree. Then practice, practice, practice!
Q3 share stories of my own failures/successes. Let them see I am human & have good/bad days. I show them what former Ss have said.
A3...when appropriate I have Ss help create routines and procedures in class. Much better buy in & builds rapport between all of us.
Thanks, friend! It is always fun to share ideas
Seating alternative favs: yoga balls, seat cushions, standing desks, kneeling-height tables, hokki stools https://t.co/yrAd2Bh3kh
A3: Many activities days 1-5, I model expectations, they discuss expectations, we practice! Gradual release & constant redirection
Next moderator , sharing her OT expertise to consider classroom movement and arrangement Qs 4-6 https://t.co/yswCGjItgt
THIS! Involve the students!!! https://t.co/HqOFEXPqnx
A3...when appropriate I have Ss help create routines and procedures in class. Much better buy in & builds rapport between all of us.
I like this. This gives them ownership and investment in personal and group compliance! https://t.co/j1Z8xHMdjB
A3: Have the kids come up with the expectations with you! Write them down & agree. Then practice, practice, practice!
A3 thinking how models dig cit expectations in online getting to know you activities.
A4. Yoga balls, standing stations and donated office chairs that swivel.
Mine's the example, but I stole the word cloud from Of Mice and Men. I did mine in 2 min to show the T how to do it.
As usual. Meant A3 on the last one. I'm a dork... π€
A4: I love stations. Rotate every 10-12 minutes. Other review/practice activities that gets kids up and around the room.
A3: My friend did an escape room activity with her elementary art kiddos - so amazing!
This is SO good for Ss to see. Share our goods & bads! Add in how we overcame bad to find success! https://t.co/hXTCyUiYpr
Q3 share stories of my own failures/successes. Let them see I am human & have good/bad days. I show them what former Ss have said.
A4. I shoot them with air soft guns! They really get moving! π (kidding! π)
Standing desk w/foot wiggle bar reduces strain on low back. Use stool w/elevated table for same protection https://t.co/Jz0Jl4NTx4
practice is key, I drill this stuff the first two weeks of school and revisit as necessary
Use foot fidgets to keep kids moving while seated are one example. Also "Big Ass Bands" 12" fit k-5 chairs
Need to add movement between activities? You use right?!?
what's the name of that special floor chair I had in the classroom? I have one at home now & can't remember name!
A2: I do the first week of school! Begins growth mindset & math discussions
A4: all I know is no matter what they need that break to cool down their "engines." I can't expect to focus 100%, that's hard for me
BACKJACK Chairs! Will find one and post! Thanks for the reminder!
I like to do gallery walks mid way through projects - great way to model real life experience and see what others are making
Glenn from Port Huron joining late
A4: To encourage movement within my classroom we use during our blended learning transitions
very lucky to have had mostly supportive admins. And...I'm pushy. π squeaky wheel, people!
A4: Many teachers doing yoga breaks now days.
lurk the rest of
π π+ editingβ¬οΈπ + π
π π cont'd
π reached out to the
MayorofLondon directly
π¬πPoliticalAsylum
A3: Need good transitions that include a formative assessment. Find out where Ss are before moving on. Might need to slow down
A4: I use to let kids go outside and run to the end of the soccer field and back. It was right out my classroom door.
fine line between allowing Ss to help create versus guiding them toward what's needed.
I worked really hard with students to label everything so kids could be more independent from the start https://t.co/kVVKFlvGa9
As many creative ideas as there are teachers to encourage movement! https://t.co/4hxxDlqDtV
A4: I use to let kids go outside and run to the end of the soccer field and back. It was right out my classroom door.
A4: implementing more stations and around the room activities this year
Q5: How do you group students to encourage/allow movement throughout the day?
A4: 1 of my students' favs was the BackJack chair. So comfy! Supports core. https://t.co/LXgbeapTcA many sizes- have 1 at home now!
Late to the party, , but I'm here! Kyle from Mattawan joining in!
A5: Groups can be done many ways. Depends upon intent of activity. Sometimes mixed ability, sometimes homogenous. Choice, random
A5: Students are given roles based on odd criteria - like longest sleeves - to get something, put something away
A5: More hands on activities with groups or partners. Gets them up and moving.
That way not always picking on same group, keeps it random
Per state law, the State Reform Office is expected to publish the 2015 list of the lowest performing 5% of schools tomorrow.
Per state law, the State Reform Office is expected to publish the 2015 list of the lowest performing 5% of schools tomorrow.
A5: corners activity gets students up and moving, discussing ideas, and building relationships
A5. I struggle hear. Seating chart = sit where you can do your best work TODAY. Ss rarely in the same seat. Drives my admin nuts!
I'm out early! Wishing all of U a school year that ROCKS! Go after their hearts and make those bonds w/ Ss stronger than ever! π
A5: I try to mix up my groupings as much as possible. Fresh eyes and interpretations move discussions differently
A5: groups change constantly throughout day to support the activity sometimes student choice, sometimes chosen by me or random
A5: Ask Ss to find someone with same colored shirt as them or other random things like same number of pets
Or here.
I can spell!
I'm a dork, too!
A5: Teach Ss that seating and movement are TOOLS to help get work done.
A5: Not as much about the grouping as it is about the task. Use smaller/shorter tasks to encourage movement to next step/group.
A4: We do a gallery walk to share Google Doodles. I learn a TON about Ss through these drawings. https://t.co/vPpxNAlZap
A5: Flexible furniture forced me to look at groupings differently and explore how groupings impact the classroom
My Ss always thought I wasππ½one of them.
That can beπ¬difficult: 1st few weeks.
SizeβοΈπ
Live w/our PsβοΈπ
A5: could gather data and movement by having corners marked as yes or no modifiers and ask questions to see how Ss feel about topics
Ss write a class Preamble. We all then sign. Just one strategy.
I am kind of tied to the seating chart. It is the only way I can handle attendance.
I did an Escape Room as team building today with my staff - so fun!
Awesome. Including seating as a tool in learning - because it IS! Different tools for different jobs - just like tech
Q6: Need YOUR help, can you share design ideas that encourage/allow movement for secondary students?
This sounds amazing - did you come up with the puzzles and clues? https://t.co/JW8xPgpwGJ
I did an Escape Room as team building today with my staff - so fun!
Yes! Start by involving students in design of expectations. Becomes reference for movement, expectations https://t.co/y7zEX4SssG
Ss write a class Preamble. We all then sign. Just one strategy.
A5: Different partners for different activities. Helps Ss see diff. points of view and hear from others.
I have 102 kiddos in 8th grade. We design name cards day one. π
I did not for today - but did for her kiddos - her blog has it all!
A6: I post answer keys in 3 places so Ss need to get up to check often!
That actually would be fun if there were enough for all the 1st few days. Good ice breaker. (1stGr)
A6: Here is a model classroom we had in a 11th grade classroom. Lost of levels and rocking chairs/stools. https://t.co/GRz7beW6fD
A6: I do A LOT of activities that involve movement- a debate where students move according to opinions, TPS that requires movement...
Principals, Lead Teachers, , etc.
Join - This tomorrow, September 1 at 8:00pm
TOPIC: The 'Principals" of Back to School
A6: Station rotations, gallery walks, discussion posts where they post and respond thorughout the room...
I want rocking chairs added to my room!
A6: Clock buddies makes them get up and move to new partners easily.
A6: no specific secondary, but look at spaces teens like to sit in other contexts. Barnes & Noble atmospheres & Biggby come to mind
A5 I sometimes put Ss into groups randomly and sometimes by the Ss ability
A6: For 8th math, I use degree partners instead of clock to add some geometry! 45 deg, 90 deg partner, etc. https://t.co/xQJ7nX8z1B
A6: Clock buddies makes them get up and move to new partners easily.
Thanks for letting me crash the party. Gotta run and pickup my daughter before we start at 9 EST 'sTaxi
Actually just1οΈβ£where the Ss have to catch the ball +remember the name of the S+ "shoot"= good MM game.
Is that like speed dating??? https://t.co/WNokh7eMFF
A6: Clock buddies makes them get up and move to new partners easily.
Do they know when they are grouped by ability? And is it always homogeneous ability?
Here comes Q7 ...
Here comes Q7 ...
Here comes Q7 ...
In general. We just need Ts to make better use of transition time. Use or GForms or
Yep. They get a partner for 12, 3, 6, 9 oβclock and you can tell them to get with their ___ oβclock partner to___.
A6: Gallery walks for student-student feedback (sticky notes)
Q7: What does it sound & look like to have quality group work in your classroom?
A6 - start triangles unit by drawing, cutting measuring and taping triangles to the walls.
Other ideas: https://t.co/0xmWeh5yqk
If iDid thatπ³Ss would start crying. That happened during a 3rdGrSub job- πgirl twinππΌboys. https://t.co/nSSTD9kLOX
A7: Meaningful, on topic, collaborative, constructive conversation.
Thx for an awesome learning experience (as always) Great moderating Gotta get kids to bed:)
What an AMAZING conversation tonight! So much excitement at the beginning of the year, and so many good ideas! Loving this!
A7: to me, there's always a lull, whether it's questions or on topic conversation. lack of communication is not quality group work.
Only 15 minutes until we start - Discussing classroom management in the 21st Century classroom
A7: I hear all voices, I see bodies turned in towards the group, I hear questions being asked!
Thanks for joining us Mary! Been thinking about you as I sit in blue/gold shirt
A7. Depends on the group. No two groups collaborate in the same way, so not sure how I'd describe.
just jumping in. Have a wonderful start!
A7: A lot of the time, quality group is loud- there's movement between groups, resources, peers, and the T, there's a lot of talk
That place is dangerous.
I heard a T there was a victim of PoliceBrutality.
Stay in groups.
A7: Flexible seating, messy, engagement
What would you see, hear if the group is working well?
A7: no cell phones-Ss actually talking to one another! Hearing Ss defend their point of view. Respectful body language.
A7 I like hearing the use of sentence stems when we're modeling structures for positive listening and feedback
Yes! training yesterday discussed convos by Ss can sound like chaos! Need a good gather them back strategy
A7: Flexible seating, messy, engagement
A7 sometimes its loud with Ss working together and sometimes it will be just Ss working on their own
A7 Reminding each other of their group contracts and norms!
Q8: Time to share! ... Link lessons, show images or provide videos of any activities you do to promote quality group work.
A7: Looks like engaged S's, Sounds like respectful, thoughtful dialogue, Feels like authentic, real world.
Good evening! new to this, so I just plan to sit , observe and think about how this works. Hope to join soon!
Students monitoring themselves! A sure sign of engagement! https://t.co/o3PmO4uRAA
A7 Reminding each other of their group contracts and norms!
A7: I also want to see them using different tools. Maybe some searching on their phones or ipads, some in the book, some writing...
Whatcha got ? Share your stuff https://t.co/o8HXC8Bffg
Q8: Time to share! ... Link lessons, show images or provide videos of any activities you do to promote quality group work.
And it's so important that loud is OK if Ss are engaged, communicating, participating, etc. https://t.co/YkOC4vmWzn
A7 sometimes its loud with Ss working together and sometimes it will be just Ss working on their own
i.e. had a group work rather silently & still while others seemingly "hyper". Ss progression w/group work is individual.
All great descriptions here! https://t.co/qBL70L9JcA
A7: Looks like engaged S's, Sounds like respectful, thoughtful dialogue, Feels like authentic, real world.
A8: is a great way to help with collaboration and communication skill building.
A7 Student lead (T guided) dialogue with creative and unique ideas.
Great point that group contracts and norms need to be established at start to allow for good interaction https://t.co/sc5R28C58a
Students monitoring themselves! A sure sign of engagement! https://t.co/o3PmO4uRAA
A7 Reminding each other of their group contracts and norms!
Great point. Each Ss progresses through differently! Love the reminder that they all look different! https://t.co/BPCkxuHrTE
i.e. had a group work rather silently & still while others seemingly "hyper". Ss progression w/group work is individual.
A8: My stuff is pretty embedded in my daily lessons, but feel free to explore! Socratic circles are good! https://t.co/qWxZC27Hlo
A7 this will be a huge thought moving forward for the Danielson Model
A8: Having a MakerSpace in your classroom is a place students can chat and collaborate with no strings/standards attached.
So glad you joined Feel free to chime in or sit back and take it all in!
You bet it does - usually in the BathRM, on SocialMedia or behind closed doors in a girl's BedRM.
A7. Groups today talking, sharing asking Qs. Yet, foster care kiddo said hi...and that's it. I still call that a win for HER.
you will be hooked! So many good math ones out there now!
A8 I like to use group work when analyzing primary resources for APUSH and APWH, so many fresh ideas that some Ss don't think of
A8: Just tried to "write it all down" as to how I set up my classroom. Ideas are on this webpage! https://t.co/XbWkiyiGYx
A8: Love the nearly 200 video story problems created by students and teachers collaborating! https://t.co/X4giMVL4DX
Another great example of Ts sharing their stuff
Feel free to include as we finish our back to school chat!
Last one ...
Q9: How do you measure/check in to make sure the first day of school was successful?
Last One? Where did the time go??? https://t.co/YyPypWqSmm
Last one ...
Q9: How do you measure/check in to make sure the first day of school was successful?
