#5thchat Archive

#5thchat is for people interested in chatting about topics in education, especially as they relate to Grade 5. The goal is to connect people who enjoy learning & sharing, plus supporting & creating partnerships worldwide!

Tuesday July 17, 2018
8:00 PM EDT

  • teachchoice Jul 17 @ 8:00 PM EDT
    Welcome Everyone to #5thchat !! Please introduce yourself and add a gif of how your summer is going!
  • mrsseibel5th - Moderator Jul 17 @ 8:01 PM EDT
    Shanda from Andover Ks. 5th grade teacher #5thchat
  • MsBazar5th Jul 17 @ 8:02 PM EDT
    Hello Twitter fam! Liz from Virginia Beach! #5thchat
  • teachchoice Jul 17 @ 8:03 PM EDT
    Hello Everyone! Welcome! I am an educator, coach and own a small education development company. #5thchat
  • yenneam Jul 17 @ 8:03 PM EDT
    Ann from Colorado Springs #5thchat
  • MrsKToms Jul 17 @ 8:04 PM EDT
    Karyn from Cincinnati ELA summer is lots of puppy time #5thchat
  • lchew_Willbern Jul 17 @ 8:04 PM EDT
    Hi, everyone! I’m LeeAnn, a PK-5 instructional coach in Houston, TX. #5thchat
  • teachchoice Jul 17 @ 8:05 PM EDT
    Q1: What is something new you learned this summer that is a must have to implement this year? #5thchat
  • Acruiks Jul 17 @ 8:05 PM EDT
    Amanda here! 7th Grade SS Teacher. Always looking for great ideas! #5thchat
  • yenneam Jul 17 @ 8:07 PM EDT
    A1 Switching schools and will be using Chromebooks, so I've been digging into the world of all things @GoogleForEdu . Some new things, some reminders, but all things that I'm excited to implement! #5thchat
  • mrsseibel5th - Moderator Jul 17 @ 8:08 PM EDT
    A1: read Mathematical Mindset and researching self paced math. I have been reworking my class to implement this next year. Also a self picked center for reading #5thchat
  • MrsKToms Jul 17 @ 8:08 PM EDT
    A1: I've been learning about the Global Read Aloud so would say it's a must have for new year. Way to learn to connect with other Ts/Ss in various formats to discuss literature #5thchat
  • cass_lowry Jul 17 @ 8:08 PM EDT
    Cass from Melbourne, Australia - my summer has been cold at it is winter here #5thchat
  • lchew_Willbern Jul 17 @ 8:09 PM EDT
    My favorite read this year has been Who’s Doing the Work by @BurkinsandYaris. I am going to dedicate time to sharing this with my teachers - we get frustrated when kids don’t do the work independently, but we don’t always guide them appropriately. #5thchat
    • teachchoice Jul 17 @ 8:05 PM EDT
      Q1: What is something new you learned this summer that is a must have to implement this year? #5thchat
  • MsBazar5th Jul 17 @ 8:10 PM EDT
    A1: I have been working on adapting my soft start activities for the day! Engaging the kids at the beginning of the day with the "I wonder.." mentality to get the brain juices going right away! #5thchat
  • cass_lowry Jul 17 @ 8:11 PM EDT
    A1: I recently saw failure from a different perspective thanks to @dylanwiliam Every Teacher Can Improve https://t.co/jdolFbHK34 via @YouTube #5thchat
  • teachchoice Jul 17 @ 8:12 PM EDT
    Q2: As you prepare for this year...what is the biggest challenge you're facing? Please share ideas/suggestions on others challenges. #5thchat
  • cass_lowry Jul 17 @ 8:13 PM EDT
    A2 - as I am in a math leadership role with a number of schools the biggest challenge I face is getting the doubters on board #5thchat
  • MrsKToms Jul 17 @ 8:15 PM EDT
    A2 I would say my biggest challenge every year is always having enough time in my block for ELA-we used to have 90 min and now only 70-75 so loosing even 15 min makes a huge difference. Getting everything covered is challenging! #5thchat
  • JackieNieukirk Jul 17 @ 8:15 PM EDT
    I will be Google level 1 certified and I hope to use some of the tools I have learned in the classroom #5thchat
    In reply to @teachchoice
  • yenneam Jul 17 @ 8:16 PM EDT
    A2 Biggest challenge will be bringing Next Gen/blended/personalized instruction to a new building and maintaining focus on the kids in front of me. They are a reason I'm there, and I need to make sure to keep the main thing the main thing. #5thchat
  • lchew_Willbern Jul 17 @ 8:16 PM EDT
    My biggest challenge is balancing all of my different tasks. I want to make sure that all of my teachers feel supported so that they can give their all to the kids. #5thchat
    • teachchoice Jul 17 @ 8:12 PM EDT
      Q2: As you prepare for this year...what is the biggest challenge you're facing? Please share ideas/suggestions on others challenges. #5thchat
  • MsBazar5th Jul 17 @ 8:17 PM EDT
    A2: My biggest challenge is time. I want to allow my Ss to form portfolios and really dig deep into lessons, but work speed and schedules are speed bumps. Also my PC: going full on paperless! #5thchat
  • mrsseibel5th - Moderator Jul 17 @ 8:17 PM EDT
    A2: Always making sure I find creative ways to teach without losing the students and making sure they stay motivated. #5thchat
  • KRScienceLady Jul 17 @ 8:17 PM EDT
    Kathy, Saying hello from MA ##5thchat
  • Acruiks Jul 17 @ 8:18 PM EDT
    A2: standards based grading. I know it’s a process, but I like having my ducks in a row and I don’t right now #5thchat
  • JackieNieukirk Jul 17 @ 8:18 PM EDT
    Q2: last year was about survival, I felt like a first year teacher, having been out of the classroom a decade. The biggest challenge for me is going deeper with my content, I felt like I just skimmed the surface last year. I am not afraid to make mistakes this year #5thchat
    In reply to @teachchoice
  • teachchoice Jul 17 @ 8:19 PM EDT
    Q3 How do you stay connected with your team/school when things get hectic? #5thchat
  • PenguinBrendaB1 Jul 17 @ 8:19 PM EDT
    #5thchat A1. I'm Brenda, and I teach high school students in the math arena.
  • mrsseibel5th - Moderator Jul 17 @ 8:20 PM EDT
    I finally made a sheet and borrowed some ideas and I know have all standards mapped out.. it has taken me a while to get the hang of it! #5thchat
    In reply to @Acruiks
  • HowardKiyuna Jul 17 @ 8:21 PM EDT
    Hi #5thchat! My summer is going. Still teaching my 2 electives. We worked on videos and made tamales.
  • MsBazar5th Jul 17 @ 8:21 PM EDT
    A3: I am a total Kramer when I need to remind myself of the connection with my team. Going into their rooms and asking/creating discussion helps so much since we are self contained #5thchat
  • MrsKToms Jul 17 @ 8:22 PM EDT
    A3 we have weekly team PLC meetings to stay connected on things to address Ss & bldg things. We also sit as team often and just grade/chat/connect so it helps elevate hectic piece since Ts stay connected daily #5thchat
  • mrsseibel5th - Moderator Jul 17 @ 8:22 PM EDT
    A3: very lucky that our principal sets aside time each week and gives half day sub days throughout the year to help stay connected with our team #5thchat
  • PenguinBrendaB1 Jul 17 @ 8:23 PM EDT
    A2 #5thchat. Teach Like a pirate #tlap, Learn like a pirate #LeadLap, #ditchthathomework, and #mindfulness leadership from The Mindful Leader.
  • yenneam Jul 17 @ 8:23 PM EDT
    A3 That's always a challenge, since time is a limited resource. Helping each other remember that relationships and fun should be a priority! #5thchat
  • lchew_Willbern Jul 17 @ 8:24 PM EDT
    I try to make sure that I make my rounds after dismissal at least twice a week. This lets me at least touch base with all of my teachers and gives them time to do the same. #5thchat
    • teachchoice Jul 17 @ 8:19 PM EDT
      Q3 How do you stay connected with your team/school when things get hectic? #5thchat
  • JackieNieukirk Jul 17 @ 8:24 PM EDT
    Technology, email, text and good conversation. Teamwork makes the dream work! #5thchat
    In reply to @teachchoice
  • cass_lowry Jul 17 @ 8:25 PM EDT
    A3: We go somewhere together- a night out to debrief. If this is not possible- sometimes just getting a proper coffee and taking 5 mins to chat can help revitalise spirtis #5thchat
  • teachchoice Jul 17 @ 8:26 PM EDT
    Q4 Reflection is a powerful tool! Do you make time for it? How do you stay consistent and make it useful? #5thchat
  • MsBazar5th Jul 17 @ 8:27 PM EDT
    A4: The planner I use is divided into 3 sections each day. I save the bottom section to reflect on my day and set a goal for the next day. Even if it just a small thing like an affirmation or encouragement! #5thchat
  • yenneam Jul 17 @ 8:28 PM EDT
    A4 My reflection time is in the evening when the only distractions are my dogs and cat. I can relax my brain and heart and reflect/plan. If I don't reflect, I can't improve intentionally! #5thchat
  • mrsseibel5th - Moderator Jul 17 @ 8:28 PM EDT
    A4: I spend ALOT of time each summer and on breaks to think about what is going well and what needs changed. Sorry to have to leave but wanted to join for a bit!! #5thchat
  • PenguinBrendaB1 Jul 17 @ 8:28 PM EDT
    A3 We have a common planning period every other day on to our ur block schedule, so it is easy for us to stay connected. However, meaningful connections don't always occur, so that is my main goal this year...to make our time about deeper learning and communications. #5thchat
  • MrsKToms Jul 17 @ 8:29 PM EDT
    A4 I try my best to adjust my docs, make notes as I see things that need fixing, get feedback from Ss. We can honestly only grow from learning from mistakes and feedback so need to make time for this. #Priorities #5thchat
  • cass_lowry Jul 17 @ 8:29 PM EDT
    A4: must make time for reflection - good or bad - get it out, say it, debate it, celebrate it - learn from it and begin the next thing #5thchat
  • teachchoice Jul 17 @ 8:30 PM EDT
    Relationships with teachers too! They take effort =) #5thchat
    • PenguinBrendaB1 Jul 17 @ 8:28 PM EDT
      A3 We have a common planning period every other day on to our ur block schedule, so it is easy for us to stay connected. However, meaningful connections don't always occur, so that is my main goal this year...to make our time about deeper learning and communications. #5thchat
  • PenguinBrendaB1 Jul 17 @ 8:32 PM EDT
    A4. I find reflection time each morning before school by setting a specific intention for the day, writing 3/4 new things I'm grateful for,and spending a short amount of time in #mindful #meditation. I also reflect during my planning..I schedule it in every day. #5thchat
  • teachchoice Jul 17 @ 8:33 PM EDT
    Q5 What are you committing to improving this year or starting in your classroom, with your team, or in your school? How? #5thchat
  • JackieNieukirk Jul 17 @ 8:34 PM EDT
    Q4- I reflected at the end of each day before I go home. This gives me a chance to prepare for the next day. Being prepared before I left has helped me find balance. #5thchat
    In reply to @teachchoice
  • yenneam Jul 17 @ 8:36 PM EDT
    A5 Google Classroom/tools, and gamification. #5thchat
  • MsBazar5th Jul 17 @ 8:36 PM EDT
    A5: I am committing to improving my goal setting: weekly small goals with meetings at the beg/end of the week, as well as just general organization. For myself, I am committing to being less hard on myself and going with the flow. If I am stressed, kids can feel it. #5thchat
  • cass_lowry Jul 17 @ 8:37 PM EDT
    A5: helping teachers build on their strengths and using this to help improve in other areas #5thchat
  • HowardKiyuna Jul 17 @ 8:38 PM EDT
    A1: We set up several electives this summer. Ss chose. Parents weighed in thru email. We allowed transfers. Ss engagement is very high. Cooking (3 sessions), woodwork, film, drama, chess, Basketball, Soccer, Creative Writing, Guitar. Now we find ways to integrate all yr #5thchat
  • teachchoice Jul 17 @ 8:40 PM EDT
    Q6 - When you are faced with a personality conflict how do you turn it around? What is your secret to a positive and collaborative relationship? #5thchat
  • JackieNieukirk Jul 17 @ 8:40 PM EDT
    Q5- I am going to see if I can pilot portfolios instead of grading individual projects. I have been wanting to do this for awhile and not sure how to present this idea to our admin when we still have to assign letter grades. #5thchat
    In reply to @teachchoice
  • PenguinBrendaB1 Jul 17 @ 8:40 PM EDT
    A5. #tlap #Learnlap #ditchthathomework. The first two ar about teaching/learning like a pirate. The third one is self-explanatory. Pirate is an acronym for engaging students and loving them so they will learn and be excited about 21st century skills. @burgessdave #5thchat
  • teachchoice Jul 17 @ 8:40 PM EDT
    Q6 How do you turn around personality conflicts? #5thchat
  • JackieNieukirk Jul 17 @ 8:43 PM EDT
    Q6: First, I have to look at myself...what is my role in the conflict; then I pray. Praying for someone I don’t get along with has changed me and my perspective towards them. #5thchat
    In reply to @teachchoice
  • MrsKToms Jul 17 @ 8:43 PM EDT
    A5 we are trying something unique. We are a 4man team/2-2man teams-we will have 2ELA/2math so we will have only 3 blocks to teach our team. The 3rd blk will be content. Several week all do SS,then switch to sci. Will be interesting to plan & collaborate #5thchat
  • PenguinBrendaB1 Jul 17 @ 8:44 PM EDT
    A6. I use #mindfulness techniques such as Thich Nhat Hanh's Four Mantras. I use lovingkindness, compassion , and mindful breathing to settle myself as well @thichnhathanh #5thchat
  • yenneam Jul 17 @ 8:45 PM EDT
    A6 It depends on the conflict. If I already have a functioning relationship with the other teacher, I will address it on my own. If I need help, I'll bring in a third party to keep things objective. #5thchat
  • juliethorp Jul 17 @ 8:45 PM EDT
    A5: Increasing student ownership in the learning process through student self-reflection, learning portfolios and enhanced voice and choice #5thchat
  • MrsKToms Jul 17 @ 8:45 PM EDT
    A6 if personality conflict always try best to work thru it for the kids may not always see eye2eye but everyone has different things to bring to the table. Should be able to grow and learn together #5thchat
  • MsBazar5th Jul 17 @ 8:45 PM EDT
    A7: Telling yourself that everyone is different+open to compromise.I know that my personality and quirkiness isn't going to jive with everyone, but being self aware and knowing when to adapt to the audience is key. We wear many hats, there is always another one to try on #5thchat
  • teachchoice Jul 17 @ 8:46 PM EDT
    A6 I like to find something they love and start a conversation about it. Breaks the ice and gives us something in common. Hopefully that starts the process #5thchat
  • teachchoice Jul 17 @ 8:47 PM EDT
    Q7 How do you build collaboration across grade levels, halls, building? How do you plan on leading growth outside of your classroom? #5thchat
  • cass_lowry Jul 17 @ 8:47 PM EDT
    A6: it is difficult - you need to remember why you are there - for me it is to help develop math programs & teacher knowledge of math - it's about finding out what approach works with each person & being flexible - it will be the students that ultimately benefit #5thchat
  • juliethorp Jul 17 @ 8:48 PM EDT
    A6: Everyone is different and unique. When conflict arises, and it can, it is important to recognize the strengths everyone offers to balance a team. It also helps to always put the students FIRST and focus on what is best for our learners #5thchat
  • MrsKToms Jul 17 @ 8:48 PM EDT
    A7 Last year we started cross grade level/subject PLC meetings to chat about topics to see what's covered and how to make sure we were all meeting needs of our learners. Was so eye opening and great conversations took place #5thchat
  • yenneam Jul 17 @ 8:48 PM EDT
    A7 Building relationships, investing in people, so that we know we're all there for the same reason. #5thchat
  • JackieNieukirk Jul 17 @ 8:50 PM EDT
    Q7- I teach between 2 buildings and it has been a challenge to find collaboration time. I also teach grades 4-12. I feel somedays like an island somewhere in between the 2 buildings. Traveling ed has its challenges and rewards. #5thchat
    In reply to @teachchoice
  • cass_lowry Jul 17 @ 8:50 PM EDT
    A7: Lead by example, reply to emails, answer questions, go to conferences, present at conferences, be involved in twitter chats - share your knowledge and share what you have discovered with others #5thchat
  • juliethorp Jul 17 @ 8:51 PM EDT
    A4: Being a reflective educator is so important, but time is of the essence. I find I often reflect on my drive to and from work. Sometimes I use a voice text to capture my thoughts. My goal this year is to find time for my own personal reflection/mediation daily #5thchat
  • PenguinBrendaB1 Jul 17 @ 8:51 PM EDT
    A7 we meet in our math group weekly, and the dept. monthly. I plan to use authentic #PBL projects where we reach out to other schools, the community, and district admin staff. #5thchat
  • teachchoice Jul 17 @ 8:53 PM EDT
    Q8 - What do you hope your co-workers take away this year after working with you? How will you make sure that happens? #5thchat
  • MsBazar5th Jul 17 @ 8:53 PM EDT
    A7:It doesn't have to be big.Have a low reader or a math pothole that needs filled,go down low and ask how they teach it.Getting perspective helps break barriers and encourage cross grade level discussion.Also interactive bulletin boards in the hall encourage kid collab! #5thchat
  • juliethorp Jul 17 @ 8:54 PM EDT
    A7: Relationships, relationships, relationships! I think the key to effective collaboration is rooted in relationships. Taking time to listen, getting to know one another and respecting what everyone brings to the team is important. Norms are also helpful. #5thchat
  • teachchoice Jul 17 @ 8:54 PM EDT
    A8 This is a big one for me personally, as I am not in a school building anymore. I hope that every person I collaborate with absorbs my passion for education and creating the best learning environments possible. Here to help, always, any way i can. #5thchat
  • teachchoice Jul 17 @ 8:55 PM EDT
    Love this! #5thchat
    • MsBazar5th Jul 17 @ 8:53 PM EDT
      A7:It doesn't have to be big.Have a low reader or a math pothole that needs filled,go down low and ask how they teach it.Getting perspective helps break barriers and encourage cross grade level discussion.Also interactive bulletin boards in the hall encourage kid collab! #5thchat
  • PenguinBrendaB1 Jul 17 @ 8:57 PM EDT
    A8. My passion for mindfulness, its importance and necessity today, and creating a student-centered environment using #tlap and #learnlap #5thchat
  • MsBazar5th Jul 17 @ 8:57 PM EDT
    A8: I hope my team can see that classroom community needs to come first. Building the relationships and mindset comes before academic successes. Also that you can be a little silly and embrace your inner kid, and still get the job done! #5thchat
  • juliethorp Jul 17 @ 8:58 PM EDT
    A8: That taking on a new challenge, and teaming in a different way, was worth all the time and effort so that we could work more collaboratively. Also, I hope our new team model will help us all see what amazing ideas we can bring to help our learners. #5thchat
  • teachchoice Jul 17 @ 8:58 PM EDT
    REMEMBER TO HAVE FUN TEACHING! #5thchat
    • MsBazar5th Jul 17 @ 8:57 PM EDT
      A8: I hope my team can see that classroom community needs to come first. Building the relationships and mindset comes before academic successes. Also that you can be a little silly and embrace your inner kid, and still get the job done! #5thchat
  • JackieNieukirk Jul 17 @ 8:58 PM EDT
    Q8- I hope they take away that I like to have fun! Inside I am just a big kid, let’s not forget our audience and model what it’s like to have fun while learning! #5thchat
    In reply to @teachchoice
  • teachchoice Jul 17 @ 8:59 PM EDT
    #5thchat Thank you so much for joining me and collaborating. This gets me excited for the new school year! I hope that you have your best year yet!
  • cass_lowry Jul 17 @ 8:59 PM EDT
    A8: be passionate about what you teach - students can see through BS - you need to believe that what you are doing makes a difference and despite setbacks and failures - tomorrow is a new day where we can try to fail better #5thchat
  • PaulSolarz - Moderator Jul 17 @ 8:59 PM EDT
    Thank you @teachchoice for moderating #5thchat this evening at the last minute! Hope everyone enjoyed the chat!!! #5thchat