#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!
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
