#6thchat Archive

#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.

Tuesday April 12, 2016
9:00 PM EDT

ARutschke - Moderator Apr 12 @ 9:07 PM EDT

@mrskochheiser Hi Kristin! I forgot it's TUESDAY!! 😳😱 I'm not prepped for a #6thchat, but I can wing it!
RoomRecess Apr 12 @ 9:08 PM EDT

Geo Tombs: Area & Perimeter Adventure 5 different shapes! #4thChat #5thChat #6thChat Play: https://t.co/MMrVXaVJS8 https://t.co/gGebiqU31f
pjcerullo Apr 12 @ 9:09 PM EDT

@mrskochheiser @ARutschke I was just about to ask :) #6thchat
ARutschke - Moderator Apr 12 @ 9:10 PM EDT

#6thchat teachers, it's Tuesday! Drop in for a chat about ending the year well! 1st question coming right up!
ARutschke - Moderator Apr 12 @ 9:13 PM EDT

Q1: How do you keep Ss and your own energy levels high during the last few months of the year? #6thchat
pjcerullo Apr 12 @ 9:15 PM EDT

A1: May does it for the Ss. Lots of school-wide activities, a field-trip, etc. May is a BUSY month! #6thchat
mrskochheiser - Moderator Apr 12 @ 9:16 PM EDT

Looking for my glasses! I'll be right with you! :) #6thchat
pjcerullo Apr 12 @ 9:16 PM EDT

A1: I also try to bring in some AWESOME experiences. This year I am trying a science fair and hopefully #breakoutedu #6thchat
DV699 Apr 12 @ 9:17 PM EDT

@ARutschke Try something different and let the student teach a lesson #6thchat
mrskochheiser - Moderator Apr 12 @ 9:17 PM EDT

A1) Great question. I just got back from Spring Break and with only 2 days in...feeling weary! #6thchat
ARutschke - Moderator Apr 12 @ 9:17 PM EDT

@pjcerullo do you find it too rushed at times? June is our final month & there several provincial exams to do as well. #6thchat
mrskochheiser - Moderator Apr 12 @ 9:18 PM EDT

A1) I try to keep the pace active. #geniushour projects are peaking and that balances all of the standardized tests! #6thchat
ARutschke - Moderator Apr 12 @ 9:18 PM EDT

@pjcerullo I just ordered a @breakoutEDU box too! I'm excited to try it with the kids! #6thchat
DV699 Apr 12 @ 9:19 PM EDT

A1) Take advantage of the weather and go outside! #6thchat
ARutschke - Moderator Apr 12 @ 9:20 PM EDT

@DV699 I really like this idea, Diane! I was hearing about S-lead EdCamps that highlight S's expertise. This would be fun! #6thchat
ARutschke - Moderator Apr 12 @ 9:21 PM EDT

Question 2 coming up in 1 minute #6thchat
ARutschke - Moderator Apr 12 @ 9:22 PM EDT

@DV699 a change of scenery is a great way to change things up for Ss! #6thchat
pjcerullo Apr 12 @ 9:22 PM EDT

@ARutschke Yes! We have our Std test now, so we have a cool down until June. #6thchat
kirk_humphreys Apr 12 @ 9:22 PM EDT

A1: By having fun with my students everyday! #6thchat
ARutschke - Moderator Apr 12 @ 9:23 PM EDT

Q2: What kind of assessments do your Ss have to end their school year? Are they effective, why or why not? #6thchat
cherandpete Apr 12 @ 9:23 PM EDT
Thanks! Give the M.A.D Project a try😃#6thchat #5thchat #pbl #cbl #studentvoice https://t.co/Ocj8HcvcyJ
- Jennifer_Hogan Apr 12 @ 7:46 PM EDT
  
  Love this concept! Kudos to you and your students! https://t.co/gTqm4wga1U
pjcerullo Apr 12 @ 9:24 PM EDT

@ARutschke @DV699 Me Too! I am going to try Student-led edcamps this year too. Great idea! #6thchat
mrskochheiser - Moderator Apr 12 @ 9:24 PM EDT

A1) Aimsweb (fluency), NWEA (district), MStep (state), end of year benchmark tests for content areas=too many! NWEA pretty good. #6thchat
pjcerullo Apr 12 @ 9:25 PM EDT

@DV699 Great thinking! Blending learning and the outdoors. We played Geometry Basketball last week. The ss had a blast. #6thchat
mrskochheiser - Moderator Apr 12 @ 9:25 PM EDT

Shoot, meant "A2" on last tweet...thank goodness we're informal and friendly here #6thchat
ARutschke - Moderator Apr 12 @ 9:26 PM EDT

@kirk_humphreys this is definitely energy-boosting! I am finding myself feeling rushed & that dampens my own sense of fun at times! #6thchat
JenAnderson37 Apr 12 @ 9:26 PM EDT

@ARutschke #6thchat Jen from Red Deer signing in! Sorry I'm late! 😊
kirk_humphreys Apr 12 @ 9:26 PM EDT

A2: My 6-8th graders take two day summative finals. 7th graders take same final as freshman. 8th graders take same as sophomores. #6thchat
ARutschke - Moderator Apr 12 @ 9:27 PM EDT

@mrskochheiser always informal and friendly, thank goodness! If not, I'd be fired for sure!😜 #6thchat
pjcerullo Apr 12 @ 9:27 PM EDT

A2: NWEA MAP (District), PARCC (State), SGO (State), Benchmarks as well. #6thchat
mrskochheiser - Moderator Apr 12 @ 9:27 PM EDT

@ARutschke @kirk_humphreys Yes! Just today I was thinking that I couldn't take the time to do "X" because I have too much to teach #6thchat
ARutschke - Moderator Apr 12 @ 9:28 PM EDT

@JenAnderson37 happy to see you Jen! Never fear, I was pretty late myself! It has been Monday for me all day!! #6thchat
JenAnderson37 Apr 12 @ 9:28 PM EDT

@ARutschke #6thchat My gr. 6's have PAT's 😞, but we also have some cool culminating events like our Grand Council! 😊
pjcerullo Apr 12 @ 9:28 PM EDT

@ARutschke Mine is almost ordered! Let me know how it goes!!!!!!!!!!! #6thchat
mrskochheiser - Moderator Apr 12 @ 9:28 PM EDT

@pjcerullo Do you prefer the NWEA information? I like the immediacy of the feedback. How quickly do you get state results? #6thchat
kirk_humphreys Apr 12 @ 9:29 PM EDT

A1:I always try 2 be as inventive and fun at the end of the yr as the beginning by doing things like this. #6thchat https://t.co/O0RfFXWrfY
ARutschke - Moderator Apr 12 @ 9:30 PM EDT

A2: Alberta 6th graders have Provincial Achievement Tests in all all 4 core subjects. The writing test is not very effective #6thchat
mrskochheiser - Moderator Apr 12 @ 9:30 PM EDT

@kirk_humphreys This is great! What did you use to create? Any special program or just google drawing? #6thchat
pjcerullo Apr 12 @ 9:30 PM EDT

@mrskochheiser Mixed feelings on NWEA; I like the immediate results, but I have had a good amount of "flukes" on them with Ss. #6thchat
ARutschke - Moderator Apr 12 @ 9:30 PM EDT

@JenAnderson37 I LOVE our Grand Council activity, I can hardly wait! #6thchat
kirk_humphreys Apr 12 @ 9:31 PM EDT

@mrskochheiser I used picmonkey to add effects and quotes and blockposter to blow them up. All free. #6thchat
mrskochheiser - Moderator Apr 12 @ 9:31 PM EDT

@ARutschke I find most writing tests to be ineffective. I think this should be done at a district/local level. #6thchat
JenAnderson37 Apr 12 @ 9:31 PM EDT

@ARutschke #6thchat I agree!
pjcerullo Apr 12 @ 9:31 PM EDT

@mrskochheiser We did not get our state results until December last year. Hopefully quicker this year. #6thchat
ARutschke - Moderator Apr 12 @ 9:31 PM EDT

Question 3 is coming up right away! #6thchat
ARutschke - Moderator Apr 12 @ 9:32 PM EDT

@kirk_humphreys @mrskochheiser I REALLY like this project! I'm sure the Ss do as well! #6thchat
mrskochheiser - Moderator Apr 12 @ 9:32 PM EDT

@kirk_humphreys Have not heard of blockposter. Is that an app? #6thchat
kirk_humphreys Apr 12 @ 9:33 PM EDT

@mrskochheiser No, it's a website. https://t.co/RHg1RQK6Sa . It's amazingly easy. #6thchat
mrskochheiser - Moderator Apr 12 @ 9:33 PM EDT

@pjcerullo I've never seen any results for my students from last year. I have no idea how any of them did. #6thchat
ARutschke - Moderator Apr 12 @ 9:33 PM EDT

Q3: How do you support Ss that experience test anxiety? #6thchat
ARutschke - Moderator Apr 12 @ 9:34 PM EDT

@kirk_humphreys Thanks for sharing this Kirk! It's a new one for me! #6thchat
kirk_humphreys Apr 12 @ 9:34 PM EDT

A3: Ss are allowed to reassess at anytime over the standards. Classroom tests should never be a "one and done" approach. #6thchat
JenAnderson37 Apr 12 @ 9:34 PM EDT

@ARutschke #6thchat I love all our collaborations! So fun and memorable for the Ss (and me)!
mrskochheiser - Moderator Apr 12 @ 9:34 PM EDT

@kirk_humphreys Wonderful! Thanks for sharing! I will check this out. We do end of the year time capsule for Ss; perfect for this #6thchat
DV699 Apr 12 @ 9:34 PM EDT

@pjcerullo It is amazing how much some sunshine and a ruler can teach when it comes to Mathematics and Science. #6thchat
ARutschke - Moderator Apr 12 @ 9:35 PM EDT

@JenAnderson37 I feel the same way! Learning becomes so much more fun when we can do it together! #6thchat
pjcerullo Apr 12 @ 9:35 PM EDT

@JenAnderson37 @ARutschke What is the Grand Council? It sounds fun! #6thchat
mrskochheiser - Moderator Apr 12 @ 9:36 PM EDT

A3) Ss can have peppermints, gum; we take brain breaks and jog in place and other exercises; positive talk #6thchat
pjcerullo Apr 12 @ 9:36 PM EDT

@ARutschke @kirk_humphreys Me as well. Thanks! #6thchat
mrskochheiser - Moderator Apr 12 @ 9:37 PM EDT

@pjcerullo Yes...we all worked hard to prepare, and I know that Ss's families got information, but I've never seen school data #6thchat
pjcerullo Apr 12 @ 9:38 PM EDT

A3: Positive Thoughts is a must. I never mention the test at all until the week of. I tell ss is nothing more than a week of no HW. #6thchat
ARutschke - Moderator Apr 12 @ 9:38 PM EDT

@mrskochheiser I love that you mentioned movement & gum. So many Ts forget that those little things make a BIG difference! #6thchat
ARutschke - Moderator Apr 12 @ 9:39 PM EDT

@mrskochheiser @pjcerullo How frustrating! #6thchat
pjcerullo Apr 12 @ 9:39 PM EDT

@mrskochheiser Bought gum for my students to chew for test. I felt like a black market trader #6thchat
mrskochheiser - Moderator Apr 12 @ 9:39 PM EDT

@pjcerullo @ARutschke @kirk_humphreys It has an "s" on the end, just FYI. https://t.co/m9LYDwaker Otherwise goes to a non-site. :) #6thchat
ARutschke - Moderator Apr 12 @ 9:40 PM EDT

Q4 coming up in one minute #6thchat
mrskochheiser - Moderator Apr 12 @ 9:40 PM EDT

@pjcerullo I love being a rebel! #6thchat
kirk_humphreys Apr 12 @ 9:40 PM EDT

@ARutschke Precisely! Sometimes I just tell students to "show me mastery" on the standard. They pick the method how. #6thchat
ARutschke - Moderator Apr 12 @ 9:40 PM EDT

@pjcerullo @mrskochheiser 😜 YOU are a rebel indeed! I bet the kids loved it though! #6thchat
pjcerullo Apr 12 @ 9:41 PM EDT

@mrskochheiser It is a lot more fun that way! #6thchat
pjcerullo Apr 12 @ 9:42 PM EDT

@kirk_humphreys What methods do they have the option of choosing? #6thchat
ARutschke - Moderator Apr 12 @ 9:44 PM EDT

Q4: At this time of the year, Ss can become a little short with one another, what are your best ways to combat negativity? #6thchat
kirk_humphreys Apr 12 @ 9:44 PM EDT

@pjcerullo They can choose any method they want. #6thchat
kirk_humphreys Apr 12 @ 9:45 PM EDT

A4: By creating a positive environment where students are always collaborating with each other so much so they are comfortable. #6thchat
ARutschke - Moderator Apr 12 @ 9:46 PM EDT

A4: We have Class Meetings, share compliments & encouragements, choose secret pals, do RAOK, plan FUN, celebrate successes #6thchat
mrskochheiser - Moderator Apr 12 @ 9:46 PM EDT

A4) More freedom in seating; provide more choice in work; go outside for extra time #6thchat
JenAnderson37 Apr 12 @ 9:47 PM EDT

A4: Discuss ways to deal with stress. Have a joke-telling rally - *laugh. #6thchat
ARutschke - Moderator Apr 12 @ 9:48 PM EDT

@kirk_humphreys Collaborative classrooms definitely help Ss focus on helping & encouraging each other! #6thchat
pjcerullo Apr 12 @ 9:48 PM EDT

A4: Choice seating, Collaborative projects. Ability to choose partners for activities is a plus. #6thchat
pjcerullo Apr 12 @ 9:48 PM EDT

@ARutschke Secret Pals? You peaked my interest. #6thchat
ARutschke - Moderator Apr 12 @ 9:49 PM EDT

@mrskochheiser I think going outside is highly underused & SO effective! I had my Ss bring a blanket/towel for exactly this reason!#6thchat
kirk_humphreys Apr 12 @ 9:49 PM EDT

@pjcerullo Yes to rubrics. I use Themespark. #6thchat
mrskochheiser - Moderator Apr 12 @ 9:49 PM EDT

@kirk_humphreys @pjcerullo @ARutschke Looks fun! Can't wait to try it! Did you have them write own "quotes"? How'd that unfold? #6thchat
kirk_humphreys Apr 12 @ 9:49 PM EDT

@mrskochheiser @pjcerullo @ARutschke Yes, I asked them to either make their own quote or find their favorite quote. #6thchat
ARutschke - Moderator Apr 12 @ 9:50 PM EDT

@JenAnderson37 Joke telling is always a great hit! I forget this strategy! I bet they'd love a funny picture time as well! #6thchat
ARutschke - Moderator Apr 12 @ 9:54 PM EDT

Last question! #6thchat
mrskochheiser - Moderator Apr 12 @ 9:55 PM EDT

@kirk_humphreys @pjcerullo Another tech tool I haven't used! That looks great too!. Free...easy to use? #6thchat
MsMarshallCMS Apr 12 @ 9:55 PM EDT

I'd like to start participating in #6thchat I see it Tuesday. Did it start at 6 PST?
ARutschke - Moderator Apr 12 @ 9:56 PM EDT

Q5: What event/activities do you have planned that make you most excited in the next few months? #6thchat
kirk_humphreys Apr 12 @ 9:57 PM EDT

@mrskochheiser @pjcerullo It has saved me so much time! Punch in grade and then standards and instant rubric! (It's editable too). #6thchat
pjcerullo Apr 12 @ 9:57 PM EDT

@mrskochheiser @kirk_humphreys It is pretty easy to create a rubric based solely on the standards. #6thchat
kirk_humphreys Apr 12 @ 9:58 PM EDT

@mrskochheiser @pjcerullo Yes, very easy to use. https://t.co/jHd1d24boX @ThemeSpark_Tool is free too. #6thchat
ARutschke - Moderator Apr 12 @ 9:58 PM EDT

@MsMarshallCMS Hi Heather! #6thchat is at 6 PST on Tuesday's! We'd love to have you join!
mrskochheiser - Moderator Apr 12 @ 9:58 PM EDT

@kirk_humphreys U @pjcerullo Hahaha...read your tweet too fast...thought you said "edible"....must need a snack #6thchat
pjcerullo Apr 12 @ 9:58 PM EDT

@MsMarshallCMS Awesome! Yes that is right. 9 Est for me. Everyone at #6thchat is amazing!
JenAnderson37 Apr 12 @ 9:59 PM EDT

A5: Field trips, Dragons Den unit in grade 7, Grand Council, WE Club Bake Sale... #6thchat
kirk_humphreys Apr 12 @ 9:59 PM EDT

@mrskochheiser @pjcerullo Here is a screenshot of one of my 6th grade rubrics made on Themespark. #6thchat https://t.co/nriJ2U5HQg
pjcerullo Apr 12 @ 9:59 PM EDT

@mrskochheiser Haha. I need one too! #6thchat
ThemeSpark_Tool Apr 12 @ 9:59 PM EDT

@kirk_humphreys @mrskochheiser @pjcerullo Thanks for the shoutout. You can customize stds-based rubrics w/us & make OER lessons too #6thchat
mrskochheiser - Moderator Apr 12 @ 9:59 PM EDT

A5) Lots of end of the year field trips; creative projects; #geniushour concludes #6thchat
ARutschke - Moderator Apr 12 @ 9:59 PM EDT

A5: Crime Scene, 2 day field trip, Iroquois Grand Council, @breakoutEDU games, EdCamp student sessions, PBL party planning #6thchat