#4thchat Archive
#4thchat is a hashtag for teachers or anyone to talk about educational issues relating to 4th grade. Using #4thchat will create a network of 4th grade teachers or teachers working with 9-10 year olds across the world. We welcome anyone who 1. teaches 4th grade 2 .Works with 4th grade students and or 4th grade teachers 3. Likes 4th grade teachers (Groupies are encouraged).
Monday April 11, 2016
Hello tweeps. Paula here joining in from New Orleans.
We will as we discuss Our Inner Pirate tonight on .
Hello, Paula! So happy to be here for !
Hey , Sammy from MI joining in! Finally making a chat!! Woohoo!
Hello all, Rebecca from SoCal here.
Hi Jenn. So glad to “see” you. Your smile always brightens my day.
We are glad to have you here, Sammy! Hooray! How was your Monday?
phew! First day back from spring break. It was tiring! I'm exhausted, and COLD! lol! Happy Monday!
Hi, Rebecca! How’s the weather in CA? VERY rainy here in IN.
REBECCA!!! Hello and so glad to see you. and I talked about seeing you in Denver at ISTE.
Boo to cold Spring Breaks!
Hi Sammy. So excited that you are here for .
Randy from Gwinnett County, Georgia! Special Education.
Very glad to be a part of this chat!
While tonight’s questions were inspired by ’s book Teach Like a Pirate, don’t worry if you haven’t read it.
Rainy here too. Well, it sprinkled.
Hi all popping in for a bit...Hope all is well
Hi and welcome, Randi. So glad you are joining us for .
Happy Monday! Katy from Chicago suburbs. Just finished Learn Like a Pirate. Teach like a Pirate is next on my reading list!
Q1: P is for passion. What makes you passionate about education? What drives you?
I am so excited to be going to ISTE16! My techie friends are jelly.
Hi Scott. I’ll reply to your email after .
Hello, Katy! Happy Monday to you!
I haven't actually read either or but I've heard a lot about both! I'm excited to learn more!
Love both of those books. Welcome to .
It was a good ol’ fashioned downpour here! Sounded great on the roof!
Learning, learning, learning!
Hi Jerry, and thanks for sharing.
A:1 students, creativity, challenges, building a strong community, literacy, and my PLN drive me ❤️
Jerry, it makes me so happy to always see you jumping in to offer a great resource!
Jerry, I saw Angela this weekend in Houston.
A1: My Passion is sharing great things with other educators.
Inspiring teachers and students to tackle a chance and try something new fuels my passion for Edtech
A2: Another passion of mine is seamlessly integrating technology into my lessons.
A1 modeling & instilling keeps me passionate about teaching!
A1-The students! I was at a workshop at school today. I was truly happy when I saw a couple Ss in the hall after school.
A1: Sir Ken Robinson refers to the standardization of education. As a victim of it, I aim to be a chain breaker!
A1: My biggest passion is to continue growing professionally and personally!
A1: My passion is growth. I love learning new things, and sharing my learning, wonders, and questions. Especially with my SS!
I agree, Amy. There is never an end to growing and learning.
Even after 40 years, I love doing this too, Jenn. https://t.co/UWSDJNTl8L
A1: My biggest passion is to continue growing professionally and personally!
Hey feels like I haven't talked with you in forever, hope all is well
Q2: I is for immersion. How do you immerse yourself into your classroom culture?
= continuous improvement & I love when my Ss strive for it!
Sing it Sister! You're preaching to the choir!
Mr. Filner- How are you?! Very busy at school. Round 2 of testing next week! Are you doing any projects?
Hi Kim finally made it! In and out while serving dinner to my kiddos
"seamlessly integrating" - agreed Is there any point using tech if it's not seamless??
Kim- great multitasking. So glad you can work it all in!
A2: By getting to know each and every student, as best you can, on a individual level. Their likes, hobbies, goals, history, etc.
A2: I try to truly and deeply be involved in my ss lives. Ask them questions, drive their thinking, attending extracurriculars
A2 It's all about relationship and making a connection!
A2: I like to let my Ss help lead lessons and take their seat as they are taking the role as the teacher.
hmmm burnt dinner or food on the computer tonight? :)
A:2 build an inviting community get to know my Ss, families and colleagues a little better everyday and learn with all
A2: I like my Ss to feel like our classroom is our family at school. Getting to know them as individuals is paramount.
Hello to everybody in tonight!! Thank you for the Teach Like A Pirate theme!!
A2: (Pt 2) I love just conversing with my ss, getting a feel for their lives, and where they stand. Knowing their hobbies, & likes
LOVED the book! I reread parts all the time!
A2- Now that I'm a TOSA I try to be in classrooms as much as possible. I immerse myself in the school culture.
A2: getting to know Ss on their level shows them we are all in!
Can’t wait to see what you come up with!
Hi . Your book has inspired to get in touch with our inner pirate. Thanks for stopping by https://t.co/uJGxi0lMaY
Hello to everybody in tonight!! Thank you for the Teach Like A Pirate theme!!
you are one of my heroes! Thanks for joining us
so true! Ss are people beyond the school day & knowing what happens outside or classrooms
A2: I also like to talk to my ss about what I did as a 4th grader and what I loved when I was their age.
A2: I let Ss take the lead with decorating our classroom so they feel as though it truly is their classroom.
Wow! Thank you! Made my night!
In-class demos, coaching teachers, trainings, clubs and plcs are just a few ways I get immersed.
Aw, I forgot my patch. Love it.
Q3: R is for rapport. How do you build rapport with your students?
Some countries overcome this disadvantage.
A2: I try to immerse myself in the classroom by relating to kids’ home lives and by connecting to the academic problems sets have.
A3: Constantly checking in, setting goals, and discussing where we are in that process. Guiding,and letting them see the journey!
A3 Ss need to see us make and learn from our mistakes. Builds trust when they see we aren't perfect & have
A3- I build rapport by caring. Currently I'm running a lunch club for kids with discipline prob. We are doing coding and robotics.
A3: I like to share my success and failures every day too. It's important for them to see that failure is important, and normal!
A3:
R. is a direct result of confidence and trust. As we set our Ss up for success and ensure their safety, both can be achieved!
A3: I try to eat lunch with my ss at least once a week, and I'm working on setting up a lunch club once a week after testing too!
A:3 build repoirte by deeply listening, learning along side, being enthusiastic setting high expectations and fostering creativity
A3: I build rapport by reminding myself I have one mouth and two ears. I need to listen to my Ss. https://t.co/2AUBBpOJe8
Q3: Thinking about the Ss' interests and infusing that into lessons. Letting them be part of the decision making process.
just did that last week! Students had some great ideas
They really do become invested when they are part of the decision process. Which things have they decided lately?
I always have students' names & interests in math word problems - they think they're famous solving probs about them
Q4: A is for Ask/Analyze “How can I become more creative when designing my lessons?”
A1: the challenge of reaching all students! Being able to deliver content in so many different ways! https://t.co/V0TO6X1k0F
Q1: P is for passion. What makes you passionate about education? What drives you?
Including Ss in decision process of classroom builds my group and classroom rapport
And you are a master of all this, for sure Scott. Would love to be in your class. https://t.co/q1563gJu22
A:3 build repoirte by deeply listening, learning along side, being enthusiastic setting high expectations and fostering creativity
Love it! Did they choose ?
A:4 connect with others, take risks, don't be afraid to laugh & be goofy, reflect and grow
A4 Really study the material and think about how your Ss will receive it.
https://t.co/PVPCubDiFE
A4: I like to do a lot of think-pair-share, and then ask the ss to think about what they have questions about...involves them in the process
I let this school year get away from me. I didn't use Skype or Google hangout w my kids.
We haven't skyped yet either this year. I can't believe it's already April! Hoping to get a few in!
Q4: It seems I am always asking that question!! Always looking for how I can really grab my kids and pull them in
A4: I think that I can add more student choice in assessment. Still exploring seesaw too!
A4 Let go! Take time to let students ask questions, explore...
A2: I am everywhere in my room! My students are my family and we work things out like a family! https://t.co/Qtu72FQ7gV
Q2: I is for immersion. How do you immerse yourself into your classroom culture?
50 days left and so much testing still ahead including 3 days of math testing this week ugh.
: We use a lot of thinking maps2, which helps 2 guide questions, and can help me C what direction we are headed in for learning.
A4: Incorporate multiple teaching styles, technology, and material that is culturally relatable to your Ss. Always remember FUN!
Those minutes around the edges often work out to be the best times according to my students
I will have to check it out!
Hi Dave, we start state testing in two weeks. Still have last benchmark and subject posttests to complete also.
Opt out movement iis hitting close to home this year. Aftermath uncertain.
Don't be afraid of failing. Let your students know mistakes = growth.
Lol. I show my kids this most every day- and not always on purpose!!!
continues to sadden me that we have to endure this but I'm glad there are amazing educators like those who follow
The Best School Year Ever- I haven’t used it as a read aloud!
A3: follow through! Keep my word, talk to them about life outside of school, show interest in their life! https://t.co/GGR4Eg3yfi
Q3: R is for rapport. How do you build rapport with your students?
Q5: T is for transformation. In what ways have you transformed your lessons, your room, your teaching style this year?
A5-I have done a lot with math-approaching it through prob solving. I was inspired by 's conference last year.
A5: I focus so much more on my SS this year. They have a lot of control. We focus a lot on choices, and leadership.
A5: Transformed our classroom - no teacher desk, lots of flexible setting, task lighting, comfortable seating too.
A4: collaborate with older grades, wow factor, use multiple modalities, and include Ss input in subject! https://t.co/lxOTQUvHzk
Q4: A is for Ask/Analyze “How can I become more creative when designing my lessons?”
A:5 focused deeply on structures to develop and sustain community, student voice, reflection, creativity, and choice
A5: I've shifted so much into a focus on thinking and changing our thinking as we learn, and how our thought processes play roles
A5 power of yet = transformational, started chat w/local & out of state Ts to connect & expand our experiences
A5: Ss centered classroom much more than Ts centered. After all it is all about their learning.
A5: I got rid of my teacher desk, and work side by side with my ss all day long, too!
A5-I'm the one whose been transformed. As a new TOSA I've made huge growth. It's been a journey.
A5: Something new every Mon. at with this amazing PLN. I try to integrate a piece or two right away. Change a bit weekly!
A5: Something new every Mon. at with this amazing PLN. I try to integrate a piece or two right away. Change a bit weekly!
A5: Lots of celebrations, a few BYOD days, and ways to make everyone feel included.
Hi Laura! I will have to check that one out!
Q6: E is for enthusiasm. How do you infect your lessons and everything you do with enthusiasm? Can you “fake it”?
Hi! It's SOOO good. We are reading another of her amazing books now, Mark of the Thief.
Thanks for sharing, Louise. Will read it after .
A6: I think I am the BEST enthusiasm faker on the planet. Some ss can pick up on it now though, and they think they're hilarious!
A6: But really, I try to genuinely be excited about everything I teach, and to share that I am excited about it. I LOVE learning!
A:6 when you are comfortable in your own skin, you know your content, you know where you are going and why...anything is possible
A5: more cooperative learning with accountability! More projects, group work, less whole group!! https://t.co/Lf09q8rPQx
Q5: T is for transformation. In what ways have you transformed your lessons, your room, your teaching style this year?
Thanks for the suggestions! I appreciate it! I hope you are doing well!
A6: A genuine love and knowledge of what you are teaching carries a natural enthusiasm. A lack thereof can easily reveal a fake!
A6: I had a student call me a nerd once because I was so excited about microscopes. That's when I knew I hit it with enthusiasm.
A6: Yes, I can fake it if I have to, but must of the time I learn my lessons and am enthusiastic to share them with my Ss.
A6-Adopt a positive mindset. Be supportive. Help others reach their goals. Choose optimism.
No two days are the same in my room! Have to go with the flow a lot. https://t.co/Rk4DY1GYyt
A:6 when you are comfortable in your own skin, you know your content, you know where you are going and why...anything is possible
Well said, Rebecca. https://t.co/KujerVZaYS
A6-Adopt a positive mindset. Be supportive. Help others reach their goals. Choose optimism.
A6-Ditto! Couldn't have said it better myself. Also encouraging Ss to have that same mindset. https://t.co/qHTB1JD21p
A6-Adopt a positive mindset. Be supportive. Help others reach their goals. Choose optimism.
A6: Being well-planned lets me change course as needed which is happening all the time in our room.
Q7: Dave has a whole section in his book on presentational hooks. What are some of your best hooks?
A6: being excited is easy! My Ss smiles are encouraging. Positive thoughts and laughs at myself help too! https://t.co/0TaQmBQkqE
Q6: E is for enthusiasm. How do you infect your lessons and everything you do with enthusiasm? Can you “fake it”?
FYI I recommend Mathematical Mindsets by It totally changed the way I think/feel about math.
A7: Love using musical pieces to “hook” my Ss at start of a new social studies unit. Ss love it too.
Hope you're doing well, too!
A7: Thankful to have genuine enthusiasm for my sts. On days when needed, I am lucky to be able to be “Stage Jennifer” and perform.
A:7 Davy Dividend the fair share pirate, Hocus Pocus mult/div Decimal Magician are just a couple of fun character in math lessons
A7: Hang up lots of pictures that go with a new read aloud is a great hook to excite Ss about what is coming.
A1: I love learning! I love helping others learn! :)
Q8: Do you have any lessons that Ss would pay to attend? Will be talking about 10 years from now?
A7: I love using technology to hook a lesson. I can create a game online and use that to promote learning and increase motivation!
A7: I use a lot of songs, raps, music, and videos for my hooks. Pictures are great too!
Sure am- I meet myself coming and going, and sometime lose things for a bit, but it always works out! Lol.
A:7 music, video clips, picture books, plays, movement..whatever it takes
Yes, using a game ‘hooks’ my students every time.
A7 Letting the kids be presenters and teachers!
A8: My Ss would pay to be in my class for the O.R.E.O. Project. Thanks .
I think my Google Slides 2.0 class is pretty off the chain.
Q9: How can you be more of a “pirate” starting tomorrow?
That's exactly what I was talking about, just ran out of room! haha!
A8-We do . What 9/10 year old doesn't love to play with Hot Wheels?
A3: I get to know them. I ask for their opinions about what they would like to learn
A8: They would pay for the special visitors-paleontologist, shark expert, penguin scientist, and .
Tomorrow I'm flying to a conf. I could demand everyone's pretzels!
Yes, those are big favorites in my classroom too. Skyping authors too.
A:9 Not be afraid to care and try new things!
A9: Just dive in and try the things I've been wanting to. No fear!
Actually. Pirates have no fear.
A9:Be more of a “pirate” by being fearless heading toward a goal, bring the crew along, and change the sails when the winds change!
Hey don’t get thrown off the plane. LOL https://t.co/7iIH0m3ZiT
Tomorrow I'm flying to a conf. I could demand everyone's pretzels!
We did this, too!! Kids were so engaged!
A9-Stop worrying about the "what ifs." Let go of some control and try new things
A9 Keep trying for that creativity. My Ss year are a tough wiggly crowd and need lots of moving and mini-bits
Now that’s the pirate spirit. https://t.co/uP3aInrcwX
A9-Stop worrying about the "what ifs." Let go of some control and try new things
We just did that too for speed and motion!
