#6thchat is used to chat, collaborate, and grow with other sixth grade educators from around the globe. Each session we discuss a topic voted on by #6thchat participants. It's a great way to help grow your PLN and share ideas with others.
A1) Most likely to lose time at the start and end of the day, and just before lunch. I have gotten better now that I have community meetings in the a.m. Also, Ss getting settled as they transition = lost time. #6thchat
A1 I feel like I "lost" more time at the elementary level than I do at the middle school level. We have 4 min. passing periods to get kids in classes. #6thchat
Yes, I'm sure that is true. We run our building (5-6 school) like an elementary in that Ss do not all pass at same times; no bells; on our own schedule #6thchat
A2) Use a timer for transitions; give cues ahead of time such as "two minutes left to work; find a stopping point"; ask a Ss to buddy w/a Ss to help them wrap up. #6thchat
A2: When I had tables, I used to do a competition between tables for various things. One way they could earn tallies was by being the first to transition or follow directions. Or they were the quietest, etc. #6thchat
Kind of along these lines... I created a "task" on my comp. that would begin playing a song the last few min. of class. It kept me on track & Ss knew the rule was to not pack up until then. #6thchat
I like the competition, but sometimes my Ss can get "ugly" if they feel a table member is causing them to "lose". There have been groups I can't do this with. #6thchat
If that ever happened, I also gave indiv. tickets to kids as a "thank you". That way they weren't bummed about always being last b/c of one student #6thchat
Yes, this does help. Becomes seamless part of day rather than constant interruptions. Do need to teach kids appropriate times to leave class for this. Not during mini-lesson. #6thchat
(joining late, apologies) I try to post what needs to be done DURING a transition on the board, so students have a quick "anchor" of expectations. #6thchat
A4) Transition trap: Assuming Ss will remember because they've done a procedure once or twice. Need to practice; be explicit in the directions. #6thchat
A5) I like @flippitynet for the Random Name Picker to help w/names, lines, grouping. https://t.co/EbYR6PWAZ3 I use @onlinetimer as it has fun timers, too. Use a Google Doc with "Studio Time" (work list) so Ss can see all work expectations, have choices, etc. #6thchat
A4 I generally follow a similar format throughout class. Students know once rd aloud ends we are heading to studio time. They know routines which saves time. #6thchat
A5) I like @flippitynet for the Random Name Picker to help w/names, lines, grouping. https://t.co/EbYR6PWAZ3 I use @onlinetimer as it has fun timers, too. Use a Google Doc with "Studio Time" (work list) so Ss can see all work expectations, have choices, etc. #6thchat
A5 When Ss come in at start, I have them check out day's @GoogleDoodles or @Wonderopolis wonder of the day. Gives me time to check in & Ss engaged right away. #6thchat
Great ideas! I have a community building question that they discuss in their groups and then we report out. Today's was: What is your favorite holiday sweet treat? They want to talk, and this helps get it "out of their system" in a productive way. #6thchat
In reply to
@TracyMailloux, @GoogleDoodles, @Wonderopolis
A6) They are challenging to manage. Having Ss trained to answer the door, phone can be helpful. I keep a "work order" on the screen so Ss know what they should be doing at all times, but id doesn't always work. #6thchat
I had Ss being pulled spontaneously and unplanned for most of the day yesterday. Was at a loss on how to maintain class flow. Would value any tips on addressing in the future. #6thchat
A7) Have a place for "missed" work (copies or work missed). Teach Ss that it is THEIR responsibility to ask for missed work. Often have table buddies catch Ss up who are tardy. #6thchat
My doc has a green space for "today's" work, "yellow" for already assigned and should be "in progress" and then "red" for late work. Ss check it all the time. I think it is so helpful to have these docs! #6thchat
Thanks for tonight's #6thchat! This is our last chat of 2017! Many folks are tied up with end-of-the-year activities or already on vacation. So, our next chat will be January 10!
Thanks for tonight's #6thchat! This is our last chat of 2017! Many folks are tied up with end-of-the-year activities or already on vacation. So, our next chat will be January 10!
