#Kinderchat Archive
#Kinderchat, glue, glitter, gogurt, bringing daily joy to twitter. Find us Mondays, 9 pm EST and 8:30PM London time when we talk all things Early Years!
Monday September 12, 2016
Good evening, pals! Introduce yourself and tell us your favorite 1998 or older Kindergarten memory.
THIS is going to be an amazing with . She speaks our truth!!
this is my first twitter chat...i am sooo loving that it is with and so loving this article!
Just finished your article
Christine from small town Alberta, Canada. I wanted my Kinder teacher to be my mum if my mum died
We are excited to join the conversaton to discuss the very interesting article and developm appropriate practice in Kinder
I only hope our discussion lives up to par of the article! ๐
Hey I made it! Who knows how long the internet will hold though. Fav 1998 memory? My youngest was 1 that year. He and I had fun
Welcome! Thanks for coming.
Our discussion always rocks my world!!
Carmen from Arkansas. I remember kinder from 1987 with my T on piano, nap rugs, cookies and milk.
Hi, I'm Mia! My favorite kindergarten memory was playing outside at recess with my little brother when my mom would come help
Hey pal! I'm deep in the EYE...thought of you. ๐ญ
Excited to join for the 1st time tonight. I'm a K/1 teacher in MO.
My kindergarten memory is OLD. My mom had to donate green stamps so I could paint on the easel.
Hi everyone, my name is Jessie and I'm a student at Michigan State Univ in the College of Ed. I'm excited to join
Gen from BC. Pre 1998 K memory? That is tricky. My memory isn't that long or that good.
In the comments from my article I've read comments from many K teachers who agree that standards are not age appropriate
Hi favorite Kinder memories are learning with the "letter people" and playing with my friends!
Hi ! My meeting ended early today, so I can come and play! Liane from Abbotsford, BC, Canada.
But my1998 memory is of my own 4 year old daughter NOT being in preschool
Welcome! Thanks for joining.
public kindergarten in the US is a mess. a MESS. (common Core UGH)
Faige retired kinder teacher in LA. My kinder years in Montreal were play based. My kids in Jewish Day schools play based PLAY
I remember my teacher singing every day with us and playing on her piano...so much fun...i still remember the songs!
My EYE begins to "water" in a week or two
Oh and in 1998 my youngest was in kindergarten. Her teacher yelled all the time :(
We will get to that! ๐
What can parents do to change this mismatch between standards and child development?
Wonderful kinder memories include painting w/big brushes, finger-painting & storytelling, curiosity, discovery - lot's of fun!!
HI Courtney here. I teach K WA
Hi ! Michelle here from BC, Canada...already exhausted by school start-up.
My Kinder memory, pre 1998? The paste was tasty (apparently) and the Hot Wheels car center was fabulous..
Kathleen, moderating from Edmonton in The Canada. I remember clapping erasers together, laying on cushions, and crafting.
Parents have more power than they think. They need to speak up. Teachersโ hands are tied.
A teacher yelling constantly indicates need for support with professional development, https://t.co/zF59OLSwJx
Oh and in 1998 my youngest was in kindergarten. Her teacher yelled all the time :(
Guess who doesnโt have to do the EYE anymore!!! They only do them on incoming Ks now !
Every year I forget how tiring school start-up is. You'd think I'd learn!
When I started in Ks in 1991 integrated curriculum w/SEL & play focus Intermingled letter sounds math but more organic.
Hello ! Very keen to be a part of the chat! Keely from MSU, studying global elementary education and early childhood development!
RT : Good evening, pals! Introduce yourself and tell us your favorite 1998 or older Kindergarten memory.
Wonderful way to support children's social emotional development, oral language and math sense https://t.co/3KLvwSZIuH
I remember my teacher singing every day with us and playing on her piano...so much fun...i still remember the songs!
Often pressure to have K's reading comes from parents first.
Did you see the Meme on FB โAinโt no tired like first week back to school teacher tiredโ
Excellent question. Is it enough to go to the principal/school board or to the State Capitol/DC?
1998 was the end of my first year as a TOC or substitute. I loved going into the K classes and singing with them.
I'm already in Week 5 of kindergarten in Arkansas! I've been waiting on the rest of you to catch up! ๐
Q1: The article mentioned some statistics about kindergarten in 1998 vs 2016. Which statistic struck you the most?
If we remembered, weโd never go back :)
who do I follow for Qs tonight? Thanks!
We know so much more now about the critical need for play & social emotional development in children https://t.co/6kGguu25HP
When I started in Ks in 1991 integrated curriculum w/SEL & play focus Intermingled letter sounds math but more organic.
My most vivid memories of K are of my fabulous teacher Mrs. Doust. I loved her!
My husband actually sent me that one... said it looked just like me.
Back to 1980...half day, my teacher traced our shadows and read us Stuart Little
Please answer using the A1, A2, format. Watch for a new question to be tweeted out!
when that happens, if we have the okay of admins, we need to inform parents of truth.
Hello friends! Kelsey from Tampa, FL. My favorite was always cleaning the chalk board. ๐
So true...like pregnancy and delivery! ๐ shhhh...don't tell ...
It is one thing I talk about with all my parents at first conferences.
A2 By 2014, almost 75% of kinders had taken a standardized test. Probably for US kids, but still disturbing
My favorite kindergarten memory is of the giant slide and sandbox in my classroom & the big pillows on the floor for naps!
I am moderating tonight, but please follow the hashtag and you will be able to see the questions.
I was actually in Kinder in 1998, my favorite memory would be learning to love learning and love school. My teacher was awesome.
A1: that 80% of teachers think Ks should be reading by the end of the year. NOT a focus in my program AT ALL.
My K teacher was Mrs. Noble. She had an undo and wore white go-go boots. I wanted to be just like her
is our moderator tonight!
I was a kinder in 1988...all I remember is having to pick up toys from under teh heaters
Nice!! I would love a slide and pillows!!
Pillows. I yearn for them. Our fire marshall will not allow :(
parents can advocate 4 policies/practice that align with brain science & child development https://t.co/jsClkE4QwC
What can parents do to change this mismatch between standards and child development?
80% of my kids are NOT reading by the end of Kinder and I'm okay with that
Q1: The article spoke of some statistics about kindergarten in 1998 vs 2016. Which statistic struck you the most?
A1 Sweden and Finland don't start formal school until age SEVEN!
A1 I think that it is crazy that 80%of kindergarten teachers think their students should be able to read by the end of the year
The provincial expectation here is instructional C by the end of K.
That is terribly disturbing...and so NOT Canadian.
Thanks Jessie! Don't forget to use the hashtag at the end so everyone can see your tweet.
A1 - in 1998, the testing question wasnโt even on the researchersโ radar!!!
RIGHT?? I tell parents that this is not the year for academics, but laying the foundation of inquiring and discovery.
. So incredible, right? Other countries don't start formal academics until later too!
We don't have any "letters" to get to in AB
Not all of my K's are reading by the end of the year and I am A-ok with that.
A1 The push for reading whether parent drive or CCSS is WRONG & taking a stand is hard but find a T voice necessary for change
Social emotional dev is foundation 2 cognitive development-Rich dev appro literacy exper support all https://t.co/khuyUCo57f
A1: that 80% of teachers think Ks should be reading by the end of the year. NOT a focus in my program AT ALL.
Oh donโt even get me started!!!
where do you think this message comes from dispite knowing dev approp skills?
A1 I think we really need to put everything in perspective by realizing that our Ss were 4 not that long ago
North Americans (more US) are so wrapped up in testing it takes the fun out of childhood.
A1 The statistic that in '98 31% of students should be able to read by the end of the year, then grew to 80 in 2014
Formative assessments provide info 2 scaffold children's learning &build capacities - no high stake test https://t.co/GZVok6CaBL
A1 - in 1998, the testing question wasnโt even on the researchersโ radar!!!
would someone plz RT teh article link?
A1: I also found it very disturbing that not ONE Early Childhood educator was in on making the standards.,.not developmental!
And, my mom just called. ๐ cc:
Some as little as 4 weeks ago....
A2: if some of the Ks are reading by the end of the year,it's incidental and has developed through play and exploration
I agree...how do we get Ts in gvt?
Getting caught up in how well your kids read whether it's the P or T hypes up this focus of 80% readers
Children learn alot during complex play: critical thinking, measurement, collaboration, problem solving https://t.co/d1MZUkzKX9
A1: This may be crass but, most of them just finished toileting on their own, and now it's time to learn to read.
Sorry...tweetdeck is glitchy and I'm not seeing replies...
Unifix Cubes were my favorite thing back in kindergarten
You have a wicked sense of humor Kathleen and I love it
I agree! How can standards be set without input from the teachers who will have to meet that standard
That is NUTS!But I find so many things in education aren't developed by people who research/work with actual kids
Q2: We all complain, BUT what can ALL teachers do to respect developmentally appropriate timelines in the classroom?
Play is active learning - children's literacy/oral language foundations are strengthened during play, https://t.co/8uKC174y5v
A2: if some of the Ks are reading by the end of the year,it's incidental and has developed through play and exploration
It's seriously what gets me through the day!
Paren from ontario, ES student favorite kindergarden memory would have to be being taught improv by my SR K teacher.
LIke Lucy from Peanuts would say, "it's run by a big Eastern syndicate, you know".
A1) that fine motor skills r expected. Do not see standard 4 gross motor.
plus how many k's are half day in our world? Cause our full day k's curriculum did not double, but expectation seems to have
. So true! My son just gave up his BINKY for naps! Incredible to me that he'd be expected to read in months
A2 Embed the literacy pieces into the play pieces and look for authentic opportunities for literacy connections
A2: I think the first thing is to recognize there is DAP in the classroom. Look it up, learn it. Iโve seen too many who donโt
A2 Our team developed a curriculum map that includes fine motor play and building classroom community for our 1st few wks
A2: Differentiate instruction, some students will come in knowing some sound and some will not know what a pencil is.
Cubes, blocks, etc, support creativity, symbolic representation, mathematical concepts 1 to 1 corresp https://t.co/JBlDx74lvd
Unifix Cubes were my favorite thing back in kindergarten
Play and inquiry based activities lead to developmentally appropriate, open ended exploration. Even in ELA.
A1 that by 2014, 80% of teachers expected K's to read by the end of the year, there should be other focuses as well
A2 Depends where you teach. Can be an advocate for DAP & back up w/research. Share your concerns w/admin & develop options
A2: Foster a print rich environment and a โค๏ธ of reading. Let those who are ready 2 read. Focus on playing w/ language for others
. And if you are, us half day folk use the hastag to complain about it a bit. ๐
A2: I think teachers need to know the developmental timelines.Many do not or do not remember them.I had to look them up to check
A2: encouraging learning through play, games, and hands on activities. Teach kiddos to skills but in fun engaging ways.
Many district kindergartens have only been full day for 20-25 yrs. Lot of change since then.
A2 every child develops at their own pace & taking time to work at their developmental level is so important
developmental appropriate practice is essential 2 lower stress in children, build on children strengths, https://t.co/VCaNCjmOET
A1: I also found it very disturbing that not ONE Early Childhood educator was in on making the standards.,.not developmental!
Q2 that has been my dilemma for years :( Fighting in my state is useless and career-killing.
A2) Use purposeful play to encourage inquiry
A2: Work with the needs of the students you HAVE, not WANT to have or what the standards THINK you have.
YES! Mardelle! When our K went from 1/2 to full day, our outcomes never changed, but expectations did https://t.co/1qLHYPpyx4
plus how many k's are half day in our world? Cause our full day k's curriculum did not double, but expectation seems to have
I am not such a big fan of fdk if truth be told. is it dap to have 4 and 5 in school seeing all day?
Or what the PARENTS think you should have
A2b: I am lucky, I get my kids for 2 years, this will help me get them where they need to be by the end of 1st!
A2 teachers can come up with fun learning games that are easy to do so the students to want to learn how to read
A2 So I shut my door and teach covertly the way I know I should. Still have to do DOZENS of assessments.
I'm torn as well, but for an immersion language program like I teach, YES.
A2: Developing a safe, and confidence building environment will get a child much further in life than reading a year earlier
A2: Have conversations with Grad1 teachers, talk about the timelines in K, so that they see where K kids are coming from.
I only want to like the first part of your tweet about the door. Not the dumb assessments
I think voting 4 is a step to this!
I like FDK because it is more relaxed that half day. I always felt rushed in half day!
goal must be 2 support children's innate desire 2 learn-explore-create-build capacities through exper https://t.co/nWn2IFzAWC
North Americans (more US) are so wrapped up in testing it takes the fun out of childhood.
A2: Invite those Grade 1 teachers into your K class to see how these students are learning, growing and developing.
. Love this. "Play is the work of kindergarten."
Agree. I canโt say no to the assessments. My kinders wouldnโt have me as a teacher :(
In my perfect world, we'd be together from 9-2, 4 days a week. Or maybe only 3.
A2 respect the standards but find time in our day for kids to play and help them learn and read at their own pace.interventions!
stepping out early Night all!
I agree! It's all people in power that make the calls..yet they don't truly know what goes on in the classroom! ๐
I donโt hate full day K. But boy are they exhausted by Fri for the month of Sept.
Yes! recognizing/supporting the developmental journeys of young children-vitally important https://t.co/E9brsaBmNy
A1 I think we really need to put everything in perspective by realizing that our Ss were 4 not that long ago
I like this, ! https://t.co/U5c9v0IwUW
In my perfect world, we'd be together from 9-2, 4 days a week. Or maybe only 3.
Agree! I think grade 1-6 teachers need to know what we do and how far our kids come!
Make the 10-2 and Iโm there! hehehe
Sadly I donโt respect the standards.
I interviewed 2 40 yr. K teachers. Learned so much. Both are saddened by the focus on more formal academics.
Yes! Important to bridge communication between grade levels to support continuity and deve approp pract https://t.co/pWRtBqlUZR
A2: Invite those Grade 1 teachers into your K class to see how these students are learning, growing and developing.
Honestly, I hi K the world would be a better place if we had four day work weeks and three day weekends. For ALL!
A2b: It was freeing for me to say, โI donโt teach pre-grade 1. I teach K. This is how we do K.โ
I see my guys every other day. I'd like them for a few days in a row. But shorter time!
Q3: Committees create standards & are not made up of teachers - how can we mould standards in a favorable way for students?
A3 Educators on the committee and NO publishers or politicians allowed!
Honestly, I think the world would be a better place if we had four day work weeks and three day weekends. For ALL!
A3 Somehow get teachers on the standards committees? How, I don't know.
Stress impacts childrens ability to self-regulate, engage in directed learning-Include Play in the day https://t.co/uVDxpd7jeC
A2 respect the standards but find time in our day for kids to play and help them learn and read at their own pace.interventions!
Hey I subbed in music: 1sts 3yrolds & Ks. Not responsible for any silliness here
A3: I may have been known to speak my mind about some standards a time or twoโฆ
It would be nice if a thing like collaboration existed. LOL maybe actually talking & interacting and implementing Ts opo's
A3 have them succeed the standard by growth instead of mastery
A3 - In the US we need to PRESSURE our politicians to support our kids appropriately. They run the show UGH
I think we need to keep pushing for educators (and I don't just mean uni teachers) to be on those committees.
My article has been shared ~100,000 times on FB. The saddest comments from K teachers. Who listens to them?
A3 I think that we need to get teachers on the committee but also keep some of the people that are already on it
Current! ๐ And assuming things keep going this way...
A3 also make them developmentally appropriate for the wide range of Ss in K
A3: Volunteer to sit on curriculum committees in your district and be the voice for developmentally appropriate practice.
I'm wondering about the role of the in this?
Guess who just got a letter from her federation about being on that committee?
Who would you keep? The people who wrote the Common Core were NOT early childhood people. Most were not edu!!
Iโm actually excited that many places are looking at curriculum in K differently these days
A3: In order to mold the current CCSS, focus on the verbiage "with prompting and support"
How do we go about this if committees continue to disrespect DAP?
A3: if you have a union,start using your voice at union meetings.Start a Kindergarten association where you can work with others
a long time since politicians have had a clue about lots of things. Education highlights that list https://t.co/Dc7ypEZRDV
A3 - In the US we need to PRESSURE our politicians to support our kids appropriately. They run the show UGH
For anyone who is wondering: DAP = daily appropriate practice.
Forgive my Canadian-ness, but can you do that when they write the tests?
Kinder teachers working in professional learning & care communities strengthen planning & supports https://t.co/vf6KAvVBQC
It would be nice if a thing like collaboration existed. LOL maybe actually talking & interacting and implementing Ts opo's
A3: Change happens from the top down. It's our job to write to our legislators and other govt officials.
Seems like a good workaround for those super sticky schools who follow CC!
A3 If teachers can't get on the committee, next best thing is to try adapting the standards to ur students/needs
In addtion to advocating for aprop policie, collaborate w/ Ts to create deve approp pract in your spaces https://t.co/PyeABZdzYc
Q3: Committees create standards & are not made up of teachers - how can we mould standards in a favorable way for students?
How do we go about this if committees continue to disrespect DAP?
And I completely agree with you! I just feel so badly about all the assessments. . .
record what is going on in K, send it to those on the committee & invite them in to see. Try to get our voice heard
I learned DAP as Developmentally Appropriate Practice
I can't bare to hear that! In Ed lingo we talk sts voice/choice what happened to T voice/choice
Yes, that is the question. HOW do we go about this?
my goal is to get a go pro camera and attach it to one of my kiddos I can improve on my teaching skills, & show admin
Yes! children and teachers benefit from the creative energy around making learning exper accessible https://t.co/GrsPZKUCMf
A3 If teachers can't get on the committee, next best thing is to try adapting the standards to ur students/needs
it may be extreme, but have teachers protest if passionate
Guys, I think meant that to be developmentally and daily
Guys, I think meant that to be developmentally and not daily
We need experienced teachers to create a supportive educational/social environment for children! https://t.co/ivPAtOlHR9
A3 Somehow get teachers on the standards committees? How, I don't know.
Teacher voice is essential in early learning spaces. Positive Teacher exper can impact child exper. https://t.co/UR9prz7T2q
I can't bare to hear that! In Ed lingo we talk sts voice/choice what happened to T voice/choice
Write to representatives and report out, we always have our Ss best interest at heart
Q4: The author enrolled her son in a Waldorf program where literacy instruction starts in Gr 1. Thoughts? Questions? Ideas?
The good of our children (our future) over business/money politics
Q1 what is the best way for EA's to get in on the conversation?
A4 When I taught G1, I still strived for DAP when thinking about literacy reading
Sadly, thatโs not how our country works when it comes to education :(
A4 Literacy instruction does not = testing or standards. Reading books to children and talking about them is literacy!
Hi Paren! Please use the Q1, A1 format. We are currently on Q4. ๐
A4: I still want to teach Lit. Just maybe letters, nursery rhymes, read alouds, and oral Lang focus
set/up professional learning and care communities to support teachers as leaders in their school communities
Agree! There is so much more to literacy than children reading and writing https://t.co/t5vSTAgi73
A4 Literacy instruction does not = testing or standards. Reading books to children and talking about them is literacy!
You can never have too many read alouds in my book! (Pun intended)
Ding ding ding! We haaaaaaave a winner! https://t.co/3ZCDlUbnNs
A4 Literacy instruction does not = testing or standards. Reading books to children and talking about them is literacy!
A4 I agree with the author. I think that literacy is a large part of 1st grade & that the students will learn more in 1st than K
don't forget about writing! Having them start tracing letters
Sad truth. You would think the US would look to more educationally successful countries and mimic practices.
Legislators need to hear from kinder teachers - write letters, call, partner w ECE schools & orgs https://t.co/UROqxJkcqS
a long time since politicians have had a clue about lots of things. Education highlights that list https://t.co/Dc7ypEZRDV
A3 - In the US we need to PRESSURE our politicians to support our kids appropriately. They run the show UGH
Writing, telling, drawing & acting out stories literacy instruction! The testing/standards the pits https://t.co/ksRFyJrBir
A4 Literacy instruction does not = testing or standards. Reading books to children and talking about them is literacy!
We look to business. What a mess!
I do lots of literacy activities including writing. My kids are just not tested or expected to "achieve".
A4.2 Just cos you're in G1, you should continue playing and inquirying and being curious all the day long
No problem! We all get the hang of busy chats sooner than later. ๐
well yes! Recognition and practice is a solid step at that age
A4 grade 1 material, where K is where kids learn to focus somewhat. they learn what manners are, not how to spell it.
Yes! research indicates that young child brain develop best within context of supportive relationships https://t.co/mKk7FdUV6v
Ding ding ding! We haaaaaaave a winner! https://t.co/3ZCDlUbnNs
A4 Literacy instruction does not = testing or standards. Reading books to children and talking about them is literacy!
A4 I don't think exposing students to literacy in K was a bad idea, it was just the CCSS that was too much
Singing to your baby, saying nursery rhymes, sharing stories in your native language, too!
Absolutely! I just ran out of characters. 140 is too short! https://t.co/0PLVOhxyWq
Singing to your baby, saying nursery rhymes, sharing stories in your native language, too!
With young children, we must expand our lens to recognize their many developmental achievements- https://t.co/Z4wnwWmnzi
I do lots of literacy activities including writing. My kids are just not tested or expected to "achieve".
Q5: Should teachers be fighting back as far as DAP in regards to reading goes OR encouraging children to start K later? Why?
A4 Literacy instruction starts at birth when you read to your babies and talk about the world around you
A5 I vote for DAP because age doesn't necessarily mean "ready"
A5 We should never stop fighting for DAP. It's what's best for our kids.
I'm wondering if a concern in the article form & many others is the focus on leveling readers in Ks.
Strengthening kinders self-regulation skills & social emotional devlop are vital to school success, https://t.co/8kNFPW4LSJ
A4 grade 1 material, where K is where kids learn to focus somewhat. they learn what manners are, not how to spell it.
A5: I always vote for DAP, but I also think itโs not always a bad idea to keep a child out of K for a year
A5 I think we need to fight for DAP. Some kids are fine in K at 5 or 6. DAP gives us leeway for each individual child.
Yeah, Faige. Great wonder!
A5: I'll go with both bc change takes time. Until then, encourage a late start.
Q5 K Ts should encourage/practice/model strong literacy skills introduce strategies, but have appropriate/realistic expectations
A5 I'd go with DAP that's where the flexibility & differentiation in teaching instruction & understanding of kids is so strong
A5 Teachers should be fighting back because each student is different and has different needs
That's everything for tonight, folks. Thanks to the author, , for joining us. So special! ๐ See you next week!
Yes! families infuse rich culturally reponsive literacy foundations into their warm intertactions. https://t.co/RYTpIT80V6
A4 Literacy instruction starts at birth when you read to your babies and talk about the world around you
Thanks for being a fab moderator tonight !
Don't forget to follow some new Ts before you go to build your PLN! Together we are stronger!
Very interesting article and great convo! Thanks for moderating!
Thanks! Have a great week everyone! Be good to those kids!
Holy cow an hour already. Thanks and for a great chat
