#2PencilChat Archive
The #2PencilChat is a weekly conversation about educational technology. As we enter a more student-centered age, let's talk about using all the tools in our toolboxes to be innovative and dynamic teachers.
Tuesday April 19, 2016
Hey there ! I'm Sean in St. Augustine, FL, 3rd grade, and I remember how many plays we put on when I was a kid.
Katie from Sunny Indiana. Teachers USED to be able to do show & tell and celebrate student success and creation
Hey everyone! Amber here (live from the ridiculously slow line at Steak and Shake!) π Ts had control of decor- reading bathtub
Hey! Kimberly, Media Specialist from Daytona Beach here! In Kg, we used to have cool centers like housekeeping & Dramatic Play!
Hey Katie! Heck yeah for Show & Tell! It's also great for parties!
I only remember the stuff Ts did when I was a kid. Being a T is not exactly what I thought it would be.
Hi Kim! Yeah, no more of that real life based learning!
Aww! I'm from Indiana originally! Which part?!? https://t.co/jlo4LD5cYt
Katie from Sunny Indiana. Teachers USED to be able to do show & tell and celebrate student success and creation
Hey Jamie! Yeah, where is all of the crafting that we did when I was a kid?
I grew up north of ft wayne in NE Indiana back when we had field trips and reading caves in the room!! https://t.co/BVMxIZFFoL
southern Indiana right across from Louisville KY ;)
and teaching more than just reading writing and math? We only got state tested in 4th grade/8th/12th and SAT
Hey Jay from Gimli, MB here for a bit. I miss all the public speaking we were encouraged to do.
playing is learning! You should watch/hear my 5YO Niece re: Minecraft. Fractions, cause/effect, problem-solving!
Hey! Shelby, elementary ed student at WFU. School used to have more crafts and creative projects!
Hey Jay! Right on for public speaking! Dag, we've gotta bring all this stuff back!
A1: we risk moving forward!
A1. We risk losing a generation of Ss. Many are developing a loathing of learning.
A1: Fun. The ability to wonder and take side trips. The side trips used to exist to avoid work. Now, they're part if it for me.
And we PLAYED outside. Kindergarten was dress up, story time & FUN
Hey Leslie! I look forward to checking 'em out.
A1: what if the great history makers simply did things the way they were supposed to, where would we be?!
A1- developing a generation of Ss that are great at test taking and short essay response, but horrible at Social interactions
a1
We risk losing divergent thinkers, and anyone who isn't a pleaser!
A1 we risk educating them for 1950 instead of 2050
A1 We can still do those things but just turn them into a major must -see and be -there event.
So excited to be home for my first
yes! Field trips. Now they r all virtual. It's kinda sad. We complain Abu TV then make Ss see the world on the web
Hey ! A little late-- didn't get a remind text.
Kelllllllllyyy! Welcome to the
it's sad that some Ts are scared to step outside the box bc of risking pay loss (pay for performance).. Take a chance!!! ππΌππΌ
My Tweetdeck is like a slot machine right now. LOVE THIS!
Oh no! I'll make sure to pop over to the remind account and add dates thru June! Thanks for the heads up.
Hi - jumping in late w/o an answer for Q1
A1: Fun, excitement, curiosity, wonder, creativity, innovation...basically everything worthwhile!
Make speaking a focal point. Speeches, tour guides of a student museum, plays, etc.
True (although I really do love google expeditions, haha!!) https://t.co/Ru2BuPiwMJ
yes! Field trips. Now they r all virtual. It's kinda sad. We complain Abu TV then make Ss see the world on the web
So true, plus Ss think they can keep re-testing to get the grade they want instead of learning from it.
True! Teacher evals tied to test scores has resulted in less risk taking. https://t.co/GIbbZMg3n1
it's sad that some Ts are scared to step outside the box bc of risking pay loss (pay for performance).. Take a chance!!! ππΌππΌ
thx, Sean! I'm getting caught up in semantics, we all know what we're supposed to do is advocate for our Ss
A1: many curr. have to much "haftado" which robs us of time to explore and learn. Memorize, regurgitate, repeat.
and Letter People! What ever happened to those inflatable friends?
Couldn't agree more, but unfortunately we are in the thick of test mode.used to be a wk now month! https://t.co/ddlyHb5NmO
Make speaking a focal point. Speeches, tour guides of a student museum, plays, etc.
A2: I would love Friday's to guide the following week's lessons.
a2
Make movies.
Have them create.
Let them go down rabbit holes of interest.
Play games.
Learn/sign/write songs together.
A2: I would let their passions direct their learning. We would ask questions all day. We would share every day
yes but I shouldn't replace the real world
Letter people! That's a blast from the past!
Thankfully I'm at a school that still does 2 field trips per grade level! have friends that do none https://t.co/YwjBveyVDg
Yass! I think that's doable!
A2: read, talk, walk, wander, view, play, create... Y'know, what I do know, just more of it.
Have to build curric around standards + allow Ts to design creative ways to meet standards +engage Ss. https://t.co/OAaOxozJ0J
A1: many curr. have to much "haftado" which robs us of time to explore and learn. Memorize, regurgitate, repeat.
Letter People! Went the way of Good stuff!
Q2: explore the rabbit trails that the students are curious about!
A2. Let them build, play, explore their passions.
I would love for Genius Hour to be an elementary class, alongside the core subjects.
WHAT?!? Is the there an edcamp at Branford?!? ππ³ Don't let know!!! Haha! ππ shameless promo2 https://t.co/brkHOCnXB2
I'm blessed with a curriculum that has much freedom. Many aren't.
We have that time at our school!
Agreed. I teach global studies- I can't take my Ss to climb Everest- for this, it is brilliant. https://t.co/baFYNuxz4Y
yes but I shouldn't replace the real world
I have enough time for it once a week. It should be daily (or nearly?)
thanks! The Ss may not know it, but the rambling side trips are purposeful!
As a HS teacher, I regularly reflect on how much of the "fun stuff" we she'd as they get older.
We have it daily. Use it wisely.
well, when is your personal genius hour? Do you follow ur passion and check in daily? Should you?
would love to have time to do a makers space with any spare time everyday! Such great creative outlet!
I would warn my students that I take the side trips, but there is a method to my madness.
A2 Make science fully personal choice exploration. I might also need a clone in this scenario! https://t.co/e8PAIVm6i0
I need to organize my time better next year! Also: Working on a plan to have our team offer it.
And what's the worst that could happen if it came back? What's the best?
A2: uh, READ! Anything they wanted - & explore topics that get parked b/c there's no time &&& (endless list)
Yes! We designed a new course called InnovatED. Hope to include passion projects/ . https://t.co/C58qN2Q75K
I would love for Genius Hour to be an elementary class, alongside the core subjects.
Ha! That's shed btw. Planning a photo taking walk this week. As much for the walk as anything.
with 1:1, my rambling turns to "someone look it up!" Which turns into research!!
Right now: and learning the history surrounding the musical.
Each classroom has 45 min. Teacher discretion.
A3: I ditch things that don't promote discussion or collaboration. If it's boring, it gets dumped like a hot rock.
A2: More of the, "Oh wow, species do this? Nature does that? Let's check it out!" Inquiry-based. More SEL activities too.
Love ! My Ss use it a LOT! https://t.co/Y8SApaUsQz
diff also between Augmented reality and Virtual reality. I can't take my kids to 1600 England
a3
I'm paying attention more to this one because I don't always know what to dump.
It's a dysfunctional metamorphosis, isn't it? Being an adult is more fun in this regard, we can try things out
A3: I'm not an active ditches per se, but I make a clear distinction between the Things We Must Do & the the real work.
A3 CURSIVE handwriting!!! 1000xover unless you have a personal passion for hand lettering
A3 If I can start a sentence "well we've always..." I usually question finishing it.
watching kids go down Google wormholes is the best!
A3: I've stopped tracking dispositions so seriously. Ditching compliance learning, trying for engagement instead. Ss know this.
I'm there with you. I've started writing on the board in cursive to amp up interest, but no drilling!
A3: Ts r professionals. Treat them as such. Allow them 2 make decisions that are research and evidence-based. Allow Ts to teach
depends who you're asking, but the answers the same... They'd have fun!
A3: I'm betraying my English teacher roots but... do we need all of those "whole class" reads?
Ha... .. I think I'm guilty of this https://t.co/Cgt7wKXbif
A3 CURSIVE handwriting!!! 1000xover unless you have a personal passion for hand lettering
Only if you wanna lose the kids who hate the book!
A3. Maybe not so much ditch, but look at what can be combined.
A3b) Process > product, therefore if we start something and we don't finish but learning happened, we're good. e.g., posters
<-- Smart, ahead of the game!
A3 cont: With that said, if it's not directly good for a student, one student, bc each one matters, I say ditch it!
I'd love kids to be able to "25 page test" everything - I'm a heretic
I tried one of these in biology b/c reading skills are assumed but not actively taught/modeled as much in HS.
Yep. And with fun comes more engagement.
once we're confident! Teaching at a HS & working in one are way, way too similar.
I'm not in the reg classroom, but spelling would go...π study your list at home. No sense in writing words a ton @ school
my vote, yes...sometimes, to build some common ground. 1 & done though.
I think it's an insulting practice!
Possibly correlation to better reading.
Yeah, I get bored so easily that I try new things with regularity. It's super fun! :D
And let's be real.. You know EVERY kid writes them one letter at a time 20x's. No learning. Zero. https://t.co/enCfV2Y65p
I think it's an insulting practice!
and, I teach stuff I love, hoping the passion catches on.
We'd be more than happy to chat w/ anyone about how we can help :)
Do workbooks still exist?
A4: collaboration. T and t. S and s. T and s.
I agree! Passion is contagious!
a4 Ss need to learn the skills to communicate with and investigate the world.
A4: teach with your heart & mind. Infuse passion, and awaken a fire for something in a kid. You know it, do it.
A4. Help our Ss develop their thinking, communication, & problem-solving skills. Help them develop their passions.
Really curious about spelling. Why do we still do that as we always have 4the last hundred years? Is it working?
Unfortunately, yes. Spelling, grammar, all kinds of workbooks. Ugh!!
A4: 60 min math, 90 min ELA, 60 min science, 30 min SS. Mandatory.
A4: we have a lot of chats about why we do what we do. There are systemic things we haftado. We figure 'em out, & do our thing.
Be authentic, model kindness, foster inquiry, nurture citizenship, and cultivate a genuine love of learning.
A4: let the students be active participants in their own learning, not just lecture them.
Teacher must-dos:
Be authentic, model kindness, foster inquiry, nurture citizenship, and cultivate a genuine love of learning.
A4) Teach a strong foundation of reading, writing and problem solving early and often!
I am THRILLED you have mandatory SS. It seems to be skimmed over in most schools! https://t.co/Xcd8uvsJxf
A4: 60 min math, 90 min ELA, 60 min science, 30 min SS. Mandatory.
A4: encourage inquiry; model learning; share information & nurture questioning (teach questioning, ftm)
I think Ts hear curriculum and think content. Curriculum is skills, what and when, not how and why
A4: Care and actively demonstrate that we do. See and treat Ss as individuals because they are. Take risks and learn from them.
and hw about workbooks masquerading as (costly) digital products?
Also, lots of emphasis on computational thinking to prepare student for future.
. Even better if subjs are all fully integrated, all standards addressed via one deep n' wide dive on the S's part!
Some teachers hear curriculum and think--teacher's manual π
Always the scapegoat. Part of reason Ss come to me and have NO idea what continents vs countries are π https://t.co/WoO5ze58cW
so true. How can we work to refine and support curriculum?
Free: .org I use all of them.
Even worse, the companies force you to buy 6-year digital license to access it! https://t.co/hWXc6LMadr
and hw about workbooks masquerading as (costly) digital products?
the use of tech to replicate the things we already have bugs me. Fully digital is bogus.
I think we should start a movement!
A5: look at the S first, the skills second and the way S can show they know third. It's not about content or tests
A5: Students are more engaged when they're asking questions. Prompts/hooks promote questions, and it's a great skill to nurture
There feels to be an inherent devaluing of analog skills, also needed in the future.
A5: I have to teach , I want to get them working on their professional presence, thus, my Ss blog.
A5: technology can help with that! Time savers, and curation and creation sites and apps!
A5. encompasses many ELA standards. Integrate that kind of learning as much as possible!
I was going to answer but this says it all https://t.co/2E6Qnl0l8a
A5: look at the S first, the skills second and the way S can show they know third. It's not about content or tests
Social Studies and Science have both fallen by the wayside. It's tragic.
Do you have an app creation tool or site you like to use?
. and get them back with engineering and .
A5: Unless there's a thing/person/org. saying how you teach what you must, too thine own teacher's heart be true.
A5 Use mandated content/standards along with the broadest creation and sharing skills you can find!
I now know we do not suffer alone. What else could we do instead? S-generated content/skills compendia? https://t.co/n3Rrl6k7EX
Even worse, the companies force you to buy 6-year digital license to access it! https://t.co/hWXc6LMadr
and hw about workbooks masquerading as (costly) digital products?
Yep! New things keep coming out. will keep u updated. Move on from the old.can
Parade your freedom around here Canada, and make us all jealous! ;)
Cross-curricular?!?If I can tie in a science mini lesson on volcanic activity while learning Filipino.. https://t.co/Ny8sQyAlJu
Social Studies and Science have both fallen by the wayside. It's tragic.
I β€οΈ and and Adobe slate and cartoon makers and I could go on
A5) We are sneaking in some social studies in our new gaming course with - "the evolution of games"
Full integration of topics/phenomena would address stds of all four subjects at once. Imagine!
hey, we have a provincial election today. We may wind up with a gov't less friendly for teachers.
There are many seeking power up here that would adopt much of the worst of what you have.
Remember when Ts used to do THEMATIC units? Tie in all subjects? Ahhhh... Those were the days https://t.co/IMzuohIdcO
Full integration of topics/phenomena would address stds of all four subjects at once. Imagine!
me too, but you guys get way more cool flavours.
Volcanic activity vocabulary terms (processes and products) in Filipino? How bad do you want to make it work?
I did my part. Fingers crossed!
A6: Google apps for education!! And get those Ss to take over tasks. They will learn if you let them
This is why I'm such an advocate for education- integrated approach with hands-on learning. https://t.co/bbQv9SWNvw
I am either too young or too old for this, but I am environmental science trained and it really is everything!
q6 is a lot like q5 (and q7 is a bit of a rerun, too!) I'm a hack! Meanwhile, the idea from remains solid.
A5: look for opportunity & overlap. I've been using poetic response to literature. Two birds, one stone there!
It's great! It's like spiraling. Ask again and again creates deeper understanding π https://t.co/oQm46ceKx6
q6 is a lot like q5 (and q7 is a bit of a rerun, too!) I'm a hack! Meanwhile, the idea from remains solid.
A6: Have to address AND simple /inheritance patterns? Do both w/ one project. Math = language of science.
chiming in from Milton, Ontario. We are always in a thematic unit or three
<- gotta love a pal who can reframe your negative self-talk!
a6 Overlap as many things as possible. Create weird hybrids and Frankensteins of learning!
Hey, who here is going to this summer?
And can we please tie in some social interaction for these poor kiddos while we are at it?!? https://t.co/eYIGWc4hW7
a6 Overlap as many things as possible. Create weird hybrids and Frankensteins of learning!
I wish - not this year *sad face*
a7
Games!
Songs!
Building!
Takin' stuff apart!
Followin' rabbit holes!
Make school weird!
A7: celebrate, create and consider the possibilities
OF COURSE! Yes, yes, YES!
I'm road tripping/camping there after , camping and mountain biking until it starts! Then
I'm inviting you! I can't pay for you, but you should sneak in. I did last year!
Awesome!!! https://t.co/kd3N81YXUn
I'm road tripping/camping there after , camping and mountain biking until it starts! Then
A7: tackle skills that seem to petrify my hs Ss - making a business phone call? Writing a check? Let's give it a try!
Final thought: Ts: you r professionals. Keep learning & keep doing what's best 4 ur students, schools, families and communities
In near future, would anyone here be interested in a for an upcoming
A7: Go outside, go (no cells) to enjoy the shade and breeze on a summer day. Take frisbees, soccer and basketballs.
You. Are. Lovely.
https://t.co/ICByJ6FtNO
Final thought: Ts: you r professionals. Keep learning & keep doing what's best 4 ur students, schools, families and communities
My desks have been in group format since Day 1 for the first time this year. No regrets!
Hamil short for Hamilton. I'm obsessed with and the genius of and his team!
