Thank you for visiting #ksedchat. We welcome all educators to our chat that runs Mondays at 8 p.m. Central. Though many of our educators have their homes in Kansas, all teachers are welcome to pop in and join in on the learning.
Welcome to #ksedchat! Hopefully you are staying warm.
Let’s start with introductions.
Q1- Introduce yourself. Share where you teach and the grade level of your readers.
Welcome to #ksedchat! Hopefully you are staying warm.
Let’s start with introductions.
Q1- Introduce yourself. Share where you teach and the grade level of your readers.
Hi, my name is Abigail! I teach English in Olathe, KS, and while my students are 9th graders, as readers they range from
1st grade — college level #ksedchat
Welcome to #ksedchat! Hopefully you are staying warm.
Let’s start with introductions.
Q1- Introduce yourself. Share where you teach and the grade level of your readers.
Welcome to #ksedchat! Hopefully you are staying warm.
Let’s start with introductions.
Q1- Introduce yourself. Share where you teach and the grade level of your readers.
Sam, I really like your last statement, "Conversations create community." It can happen like this in music as well. Allow the discovery & passion of your subject, regardless of what it is, guide you. When we create music with our Ss, it's joy. #ksedchat#musedchat#altedchat
Every time I see teachers ask for anticipatory guides for a novel, I cringe a bit. Jump into the story alongside the kids & let the conversation guide you. Worksheets do not create readers. Reading creates readers. Conversations create community. #booklove#nerdcampks#ksedchat
A1: Hi, my name is Abigail! I teach English in Olathe, KS, and while my students are 9th graders, as readers they range from
1st grade — college level #ksedchat
Heather from Neodesha. I teach 6th grade and we currently use the SFA program and levelize our grouping. I work with readers who are not yet meeting grade level standards. I hate when it’s referred to as the “low” group. 😒 #frustratedbythesystem#ksedchat
What an awesome group! The first official question is scheduled for 8:10, but let’s do
Q1a What was your favorite book when you were the age of your students? #ksedchat
A1a: My favorite book when I was in 4th and 5th grade were non-fiction sports books. (Still are...)
My favorite fiction book was Bridge to Terabithia. Actually teaching it right now to my 5th grade reading class in @SFAeducation! #ksedchat
What an awesome group! The first official question is scheduled for 8:10, but let’s do
Q1a What was your favorite book when you were the age of your students? #ksedchat
A1a) I remember out teacher had us do a book report where we dressed up as the character and I really loved the American Girl books, so I did one of the Samantha books! #ksedchat
A2: #ksedchat
I arrange my classroom library by topic, author, and interest. I have baskets of books labeled accordingly. This has changed from year to year as kids have determined different ways they would like to organize it.
A2. We organize books by genre and credit our LMC staff for doing creative ways to introduce new books (ex. Author Skypes, book chat N chew, interactive games) with our kids. #ksedchat
A1a: first book that I couldn’t put down, and read over and over again, was Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine. Little Women shortly after, and then an obsession with anything related to ancient Egypt! By the time I hit 9th grade, Jane Austen was my favorite author #ksedchat
A2: I use @librarything to enter all my books. Its a great reference tool for when I'm looking for a book or at the store trying to decide if I "need" that book. You can add tags to sort however you organize your books to help find the bin it should be in.
#ksedchat
Q2. As a traveling teacher, having a classroom library is a challenge! Therefore, I rely a lot on individual conferences to find out who needs help getting access to books. I bring the titles they need to them on my cart OR with with the librarian. #ksedchat
Q2: I have my classroom books divided by event--Rev. War, Civil War, Constitution, ... as well as a section of fiction. I use the non-fiction when I am talking about a specific event...I try and read stuff to them to see that they are more than just props. #ksedchat
A2 Our class library is organized according to Lexile level. Ss are able to check out 2 books at a time, one on their lexile and one above. I’ve modeled this off our school library and the class is loving it. #ksedchat
A2: Technology has replaced my traditional classroom library. My students use @EpicKidsBooks. Students can find incredible books on nearly any topic right from their iPad. #ksedchat
A2- Our school district uses the accelerated reader system. When my students checkout books from the school library I have them choose one book that is a "good fit" that they can read alone and one book can be anything they want to foster that love of reading. #ksedchat
A1 This is funny because this is what our media specialist asks at the beginning of the year for the first display case. I always answer the same three: Lord of the Flies, The Giver, and Fahrenheit 451 #ksedchat
A2: When I taught fifth grade I bought tons of books at garage sales and whatever Ss wanted to borrow they could nothing formal about it. I used all the If You Give books from our school library to have the Ss learn sequence & they'd write their own version #ksedchat
A2:In our reading center,we change out our books every other week to go along with a season or area of study study.Children can take the books home to share with their families & we just write it dow. I send a text to the parents letting them know when I'd like it back. #ksedchat
Q2a - I am curious. Do those of you in middle school and high school take time to take kids to the school library regularly or is this in their schedule? #ksedchat
Welcome to #ksedchat! Hopefully you are staying warm.
Let’s start with introductions.
Q1- Introduce yourself. Share where you teach and the grade level of your readers.
A2 Classroom library is arranged and rearranged by children by genre. Working on getting some baskets to showcase interests. Dedicated reading/check out/conversation time each day. We have weekly library lessons and daily access to check out. #ksedchat
A2: I have zero organizational system in my classroom library currently! 😖#hotmess I try to recommend books based on interest and also read and order new books as my students do to spark curiosity! #ksedchat
A2 I organize by genre. I have sections for biography, sci-fi/fantasy, teen drama, etc. My checkout system is to take pictures of the students holding the books, but I haven't kept this up well. @TheBooksource has a free program that I might try next semester #ksedchat
A2: in my building we move classrooms, so I keep a portable library in a rolling bookshelf. Kids can check out any title, which I organize according to genre, much like our school library. Ss can visit library any day during first 10 mins while everyone else reads. #ksedchat
A2 continued: I also keep track of who has what book but only through my own notes. I find the classroom library to be so important in keeping readers’ momentum #ksedchat
My kids place a tongue depressor with their student number on it in the container they took the book from. They also take a picture of the book and upload it to @seesaw. #ksedchat
My students are fundraising for a “presidential library”! Each 8th grade student of mine has selected a book about their president that they’re doing a big research proj on. They’ll check them out from me to read and then “pass them on” to next year’s students! #ksedchat
A2: I read the Book Whisperer and Reading in the Wild this summer for teacher book club, it inspired me to build my classroom library. I use a website: classroom source to keep it organized. Kids can check out books before or after class. I do book commercials to intro📚#ksedchat
A2: My class goes to the library once a week, and we also use our class library as one of our centers. I switch out the books in the library depending on students’ interests and what holiday/season we’re celebrating. #ksedchat
A2 Books are organized by content: lab/science fair ideas, specific content, puzzle/logical riddles, and just fun ones like Ripley's, we go to the library at least once or twice a unit for independent research topics, and texts are always used for a reference for a lab #ksedchat
A1a. I really cannot remember what I might have loved when I was in 1st grade. I remember that when I was in 2nd grade our teacher started reading the series of The Boxcar Children and I loved that! #ksedchat
Q2a: I teach HS + allow Ss to independently visit library during class time, while the rest of us are reading. We visit the library about once a quarter, but more often if I feel that their reading momentum is waning #ksedchat
When I was teaching I didn’t have a formal system with my classroom library. Just the honor system and if it was never returned the student must have needed that book more! #mostmybooksweregaragesalefinds#ksedchat
A2a: I teach HS + allow Ss to independently visit library during class time, while the rest of us are reading. We visit the library about once a quarter, but more often if I feel that their reading momentum is waning #ksedchat
A2) My music library consists of three bookshelves that I use for my Ss to undergird and support their learning. We want Ss to sing with understanding and purpose. Our small music library provides these resources. #ksedchat#musedchat
Another T in my school helped me lexile the books, she had an app on her phone and I totally forgot to get the name. Yes, we are currently talking about commitment & have many Ss want books outside their range. We make commitments to finishing the book if we choose it #ksedchat
Not sure that extensive amount of time is realistic, for Ts or librarians, but allowing small groups of Ss to independently visit the library regular when they need to abandon or have just finished books is feasible and extremely valuable to developing reader identities #ksedchat
Q2: I added birthday books this year in our building. I have books (PTO purchased) organized in my office by age and readability. After morning announcements students who have birthdays come down to pick out a book! #ksedchat
A3: We don’t have any scheduled time YET! (#growthmindset ) but we are really pushing for it and going to make it happen in or daily schedule! #ksedchat#ksderedesign
A3. For myself - I try to put aside 5 hours a week for professional reading. For our kids - the amount of time for free reading is limited. This is probably something we need to examine. #ksedchat
A3: My students read every day for their guided reading groups. Then, if they have their reading response is done and their stations completed, then they read. #ksedchat
A3) I set DEAR time up after lunch, for about 20 minutes. Students know that when they are done with all their work they can read. DEAR time is currently getting replaced as I try to figure out the best way to get cursive taught. #ksedchat#constantschedulechanging
Q3: This is where I struggle. We don't have a dedicated time in my class. I try to schedule a little downtime each week but ... I wonder if any Social Studies teacher have kids do a Stop Drop and Read sort of thing in their classrooms. #ksedchat
I like to give my students time to “read” or look through the books they’ve checked out from the library when they’ve finished their morning work or if we’re in between transition times. They love laying down at the carpet to read and using earphones to “whisper read” #ksedchat
A3. The biggest barrier I face in allotting DAILY time to read a book of their choice is TIME when teaching Honors/AP level classes taught in a PLC environment with common assessments. I treat the 20 minutes on block day as sacred but know they need time every day! #ksedchat
A3: With my preschoolers, I read to them every day, at least twice. In addition, they are free to choose the reading center during reading time. In addition, they choose a book from the reading center, if they have time after snack, before it's time to go home. #ksedchat
A3 10 minutes at least each day but I will say I haven't been as consistent as I need to be and my students are ASKING for it. Love my time for status of the class and conferences but just BUSY gets in the way! #ksedchat
A3: I like to give my students time to read the books they’ve checked out from the library when they’ve finished their morning work or if we’re in between transition times. They love laying down at the carpet to read and using earphones to “whisper read” #ksedchat
A3: I read about 30 minutes a day. I try to balance professional learning books and fun books. Right now I am reading Talk to Me by @kimbearden and it’s 💯!! Love it and the wisdom written on each page! #ksedchat
A2) I don’t have classroom books. Instead, I notice what kids are reading and then read those. Then I strike up conversations about them and offer recommendations. My children’s librarian wife is good asset here. Has literally. I thing to do with our math. #ksedchat
A3: #ksedchat
I set aside 25 minutes a day for independent reading. This is a time that I try to keep sacred. If we have to miss something during the day I try to avoid taking away independent reading.
Q3: There is a small amount of independent reading time during our SFA (reading program) but not much. Also it happens in other subjects but our BLT was just talking about how to add more! #redesign#ksedchat
A3: I have made it a priority to have independent reading time EVERY day. They LOVE this time! They read for 30 minutes after lunch. I do pull my students who have the least stamina halfway through that time and start their reading group.
#ksedchat
A3 Oh where does the time go, most of my structured class time is not for reading unless for a specific lab or project time, our 7th grade team implemented a specific day of the week that is used for independent reading for 10 minutes then work on homework #ksedchat
A3- My students have rotations when I am working with small groups. They have one 20 minute rotation to read a book of their choice. I wish I could gove them more time!! #ksedchat
A3 My 1st grade reading group is Reading Roots through SFA so there's not really any independent student choice reading time, they have built into the curriculum stories they read w/ a partner & a story I read to them #ksedchat
We share a librarian with the elem. school. I will sometimes comb the library and pull new/ interesting books into my classroom, but without someone to guide them, some of my Ss get overwhelmed. They need a specific book put in their hands and some1 to say "try this"#ksedchat
A2. I use my classroom library for Ss who need more reading material than others. They can choose a book, write the title of the book and their name on a sticky note and put the sticky on the book box to check it out while letting me continue to work with groups. #ksedchat
A3) Many students use our homeroom as private reading time. Again, I read a lot of what I see so we can chat about books. Then I share what I’m reading in return. #ksedchat
A3: We read every day for the first 10 minutes of class on regular days, first 15 minutes on block days. Never have regretted this. Conferencing is a huge part of this time as well #ksedchat
Agreed - it just NEEDS to become a habit for me. This 10 minutes is in addition to our Daily 5 rotations so there is other time given....but this is universal time PLUS it is my best time for conferencing and check ins! #ksedchat
A4. Most fake readers are willing to read if they are given the opportunity explore their likes & read WHATEVER they want. Those who are reluctant....I just keep working on them! #ksedchat
A4: Check-ins! If they've been reading the same book for a while, I suggest they pick a different one. My students also write in a journal about what they've done other than their "Must Do" areas. So, I have students come up and tell me something they read! #ksedchat
A4 My classroom is the first one in my school which allows "FREE" reading - all others are locked into AR mode. So my first step is exposure to available variety/genres, then book talks/tasting, conferencing and knowing student interests. #ksedchat
A4: If they don't "see themselves" as readers, it helps to learn a bit about the Ss and then pick a book that you think they may connect w/. When I taught 5th they also had to read books w/ some accountability which helped combat the 'fake reading' a bit #ksedchat
Q4: For class reading, I ask something of them: see their annotations or questions. I also have a visual thinking strategy I use when we read as a group. We read quite a bit in my class for content.
For free reading, nothing. Sometimes I think fake reading ok. #KSEDchat
A4 I've found reading with them and sharing is a great strategy, it also deters them from asking you questions and staying focused in the book, I share what I have read, what I found interesting and provoking, this is a strategy I use in my debate class and it works! #ksedchat
A4: I'm not perfect at this, but I always tell Ss if they are "mindless" reading they may not have found the right book. I make it my mission to find the book that's perfect for them. When I show I'm invested in helping them find the right book they seem more engaged. #ksedchat
A4- I have found that students are more motivated when I take an interest in what they're reading. Reading becomes more than a chore, but can be a way for us to connect. #ksedchat
A4: I make it my mission to find one book that they love! Just one. Then we can build from there. I’ve really been trying to get some of my reluctant readers into graphic novels this year. Some are really loving the @boltcity Amulet series! #ksedchat
Q4: Allow students to stop reading a book and to keep trying until they find what they like. Model this yourself (I do!). They will eventually find their love and it will become easier. #dontgiveup#ksedchat
A4
1. Read with your students.
2. Place high-interest books in their hands.
3. Conference with them on their reading.
4. Give them time to read. Make it sacred, but non-negotiable.
5. No. Book. Reports.
6. Let them switch books if they want. #ksedchat
A4: choice is the answer to yielding authentic motivation! And if we say choice, let’s mean it. No Lexile scoring, no grouping according to MAP scores. And no belittling picture books, graphic novels, or other books deemed too “babyish”. Books are books! Let them read! #ksedchat
Also, as a HS teacher, I’ve moved further away from whole class novels. In order to accomplish a communal reading experience, Ss must have a reader identity first.#ksedchat
A4: If you've built those essential relationships with your Ss, then discussing their interests should make finding a suitable book for them much easier. Just hook 'em! #ksedchat
A4: LET. KIDS. READ. WHAT. THEY. WANT. DURING. INDEPENDENT. READING!
If they want to read comic books, GREAT! If they want to read an old encyclopedia, GREAT! If they want to listen to an audiobook, GREAT! If they want to read, Captain Underpants, GREAT! #ksedchat
A4) I know you should NEVER tell kids a medium they’re reading isn’t *actually* reading. Trust the kids to know themselves.
@neilhimself says it best (obviously) here. Had the pleasure of hearing him read this in Lawrence, Kansas last week.
https://t.co/56ecLhLNjK#ksedchat
A4: Daily student led booktalks have really helped promote an interest in reading & finding books for my most reluctant readers. Students speak about books in a way their peers relate to & connect with. #ksedchat
Yes!!! Modeling our own reading lives can be transformative for a classroom culture! And having Ss share out books they’ve finished can also help #ksedchat
A3: I read about 30 minutes a day. I try to balance professional learning books and fun books. Right now I am reading Talk to Me by @kimbearden and it’s 💯!! Love it and the wisdom written on each page! #ksedchat
A4a: I also invited my colleagues into my classroom this week to share out their reading. They need to see I’m not the only adult in the building reading good books! #ksedchat
A4. I don't feel that I know how to light that fire on reluctant readers. Modeling. Enthusiasm. I teach 1st grade so it is still true that whatever I am excited about Ss will be excited about. #ksedchat
A5 we dive into discussions about our “book of the week” which is a book the S selected on their own. Starting with groups, then going to whole class discussions about what they like, or dislike in their book. #KSEDchat
A5: Sometimes we talk a Book Walk before I read the story. I stop & ask a lot of open-ended questions or ask the Ss to make predictions. If I can, I find a table craft activity that ties in to the book. #ksedchat
One of my favorite books to read to my Ss is "The Bear and the Piano," by David Litchfield @dc_litchfield I could read and relate this story to any grade level. Just a fantastic story...Here is a promo video for it: https://t.co/QcMDVC5UKw#ksedchat#musedchat
In reply to
@heather_newkirk, @boltcity, @dc_litchfield
Q5: one thing we did as an elective was Pages and Paintbrushes...the group selected a book or book series and then created a piece of art insprired by the books. Using an idea by a New York artist Tim Rollins. #KSEDchat
A5: I need to do this better! If it’s not a book I’ve personally read I know my convos are not as impactful. I really try to ask students to empathize as much as possible with the characters. I need creative ideas! #ksedchat
A5: it’s pretty casual.... my AVID students and I will chat about what we are reading towards the of class or or during transition times during tutorials nothing formal but I hope to make more intentional time for those conversations. #ksedchat
A5: With my fifth graders it would be as simple as asking them if I should read whatever book they were reading or not and why #HowIGotSuckeredInto39Clues#ksedchat
A4: Our reading facitlitator, @mmerando, does a great job reminding us as teachers that with @SFAeducation "the power is in the discussion," We spend a lot of our time working with kids to get deeper, more meaningful answers through group discussions. #ksedchat
A5: Oh I've never seen that book before... do you think I'd like it? Hey I know that author but not familiar with that book, could you tell me a little bit about it? May I read the blurb so I can see if I would enjoy it? Hey I'm reading this book and its about... etc #ksedchat
A5. I rely a lot on conferences so I try to have some basic questions in mind to spark discussion. One of my faves is "Why should I read this book?". #ksedchat
A5: I ask my students to summarize what they've read and then ask them deeper level questions to get them thinking more in-depth with the text. #ksedchat
A5: during daily independent reading time I conference with Ss. I track how often they read, whether they enjoy and understand what they read, look at their journaling together, etc. This allows me to personalize lessons to meet the needs of that one S in that time #ksedchat
A5 continued: I also plan on using @Flipgrid for Ss to share their favorite books so far this year. They will create a 30-sec movie trailer synopsis. Then they can watch their peers and take notes as to what they want to read next #ksedchat
A5 Beginning to use @Seesaw for in class recs. My hallway bulletin board has student/book photos to reach outside the classroom and invite others. I check in weekly with students with pretty casual conversations as well. #ksedchat
I offer book talks daily for about 5 minutes before my reading and writing mini lessons. Sometimes I will share a new genre or series but primarily students lead them. Modeled after suggestions in @pernilleripp book Passionate Readers. I highly recommend it.
A5 continued: I also plan on using @Flipgrid for Ss to share their favorite books so far this year. They will create a 30-sec movie trailer synopsis. Then they can watch their peers and take notes as to what they want to read next #ksedchat
Q5: I would love to have a book tasting! Set up the classroom with books selected by Ss and then plan a menu where students would be book critics and share what they love or why they would want to read a book. I know I’ll do this with staff soon. #ksedchat
A5 also I have an options list for my 1st grade Ss for their reading homework for their sharing activities so they have ownership in being able to choose how they share about what they read vs. the standard write 3 sentences about what you read #ksedchat
Even though the weather is getting colder, #ksedchat is just heating up!
Be sure to join @marykmyers73@rascalrue285 and @aewatkins8 in December.
This promises to be the best month yet!
Q5: Definitely something I want to improve on. BUT one thing we do that the students love is creating @Flipgrid videos about the books they finish. We just have an ongoing grid all year that Ss add to when they finish a book! #ksedchat
A6: Book projects! The kids love them because they get to use research skills for NF texts and the sky is the limit when creating them. Fiction texts are fun because the kids are able to really dig into the book with their project. #ksedchat
A6. We use “voice and choice” so kids demonstrate learning in a way they feel passionate about (Ex. Video, make a song, standard presentation, blog ). We are trying to give kids creative ways to share their learning. #ksedchat
A6: I want them to write a reflection of the book. Did they like it? What was the best part? Did they enjoy the author? Will you continue to read this author? Do you like this genre. No quizzes b/c that would scare them away but I want to know what they think #ksedchat
A6. Accountability is the least of my concerns when it comes to choice reading to be honest. They make reading goals, adjust them, reflect.... and just focus on enjoying it. And I am okay with that! #ksedchat
A6: I don't, really, in preschool. I do share visuals and other ideas about the importance of reading with your child with parents/guardians. #ksedchat
A5 The ELA department does have student accountability pages/week and is different for each reader, I do not enforce the reading, but I do enforce having a reading book in class and reads if there is free time, I then reward Ss with the school currency if reading #ksedchat
A5: At beginning of small group reading I take notes in composition book w a couple Ss per group about what Ss are reading, we set goals for qtr, star favs to share in book talks, & they track books read in journals. About 2-3 min per student #ksedchat
A5) It is important to support Ss love of different genres in music. I also encourage my Ss to ask their families/friends to share their musical journeys as well. We all have our like and dislikes. Educate Ss so they can articulate their interests as well. #ksedchat#musedchat
Q6 My students keep a book log similiar to @donalynbooks The logging does take some getting used to however. We are moving to more documentation via @Seesaw too. My goal is reflection and conversation. Love the art and @Flipgrid suggestions! #ksedchat
A6: I mentioned Flipgrid, but another thing I do for accountability is I confer with every student at least once a week 1:1, at this point we talk about what they are reading, do a running record, and I look back to last time we met so I can ask about a previous book. #ksedchat
A6: Accountability comes in demanding that Ss read every day, at home + at school, + thru conferences. Sometimes we have book clubs + Ss read the same book together. #ksedchat
A6 continued: Sometimes we have a project-based unit based on a whole class novel. All depends on where the Ss are at in their reading identities #ksedchat
A6: We use AR and it’s challenging to find the balance between accountability and making sure students are finding the joy of reading. It drives me nuts when students pick books based on “points” and not topic. #ksedchat
Q6: for the content reading there is accountability. For free reading I try to do it for their enjoyment. I ask them what they are reading and invite them to write a review or podcast, but if they just want to quietly enjoy it... ok. #ksedchat
A7: If possible, have your students participate in the Global Read Aloud. It is a great way to introduce your students to great books through a shared experience. #ksedchat
A7: Magic Tree House. They are a quick read and the students I've worked with really seem to enjoy them. I am also a firm believer that there should be more than just fiction books in the classroom! #ksedchat
A1: Late with this one but I loved the Beverly Cleary series & Ramona was a favorite because my 4th gd teacher gave me a book set when I was hospitalized for a tonsillectomy. I read them all. ❤️ #KSEDchat#stillonmybookshelf#teachersmakeadifference
What an awesome group! The first official question is scheduled for 8:10, but let’s do
Q1a What was your favorite book when you were the age of your students? #ksedchat
A7 my class loves diary of a wimpy kid, a and a series of unfortunate events. I loved these growing up, so knew I needed them in my class library, even if it was just for me. #KSEDchat
A7. Aristotle and Dante Explore the Secrets of the Universe because it's beautiful and an important mirror for some students: https://t.co/MVzYxiqmya#ksedchat
A6: We use Accelerated Reader so there is accountability with AR tests. We also take advantage of @bookitprogram and @Braums_Inc Book Buddies. Students earn coupons when finished reading books. #ksedchat
A7: Harry Potter and Percy Jackson are a tie for me. Students need high engagement books. When I taught Ancient Civ. Percy made sense. Harry Potter because it’s so well written and there is just great life advise in that series. Plus it grows as the reader does. #ksedchat
That’s trickier so get creative, meet them occasionally for chat & chew over lunch, or check in at breakfast from time to time when they first arrive, or even chat briefly at recess or dismissal. #KSEDchat
Besides @xtina, who else wants to host #ksedchat in 2019?
Here are the available dates. Let me know!
2/18/2019
2/25/2019
3/25/2019
4/22/2019
4/29/2019
5/6/2019
5/13/2019
