#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 May 15, 2018
9:00 PM EDT

  • mrskochheiser - Moderator May 15 @ 9:00 PM EDT
    Welcome to #6thchat! Please introduce yourself, what you teach, and where! Questions are tweeted from @6thchat and RT by me. So excited for tonight's ideas!
  • mrskochheiser - Moderator May 15 @ 9:02 PM EDT
    I am Kristin and teach ELA and SS in Lansing, MI Welcome! I moderate #6thchat. Looking forward to tonight's topic!
  • mrskochheiser - Moderator May 15 @ 9:03 PM EDT
    Questions are also located on our website here if you like to plan ahead, or schedule tweets: https://t.co/nXsh95Lpkf #6thchat
  • staceyreeder May 15 @ 9:04 PM EDT
    Stacey, ELA in Cincinnati. Is it actually the end of this year? Wow...so fast! #6thchat
  • SteinatDavis May 15 @ 9:05 PM EDT
    Well, we'll see how well I split my tweets between #teachwriting and #6thchat. Both so important for my growth as an educator!
  • mrskochheiser - Moderator May 15 @ 9:05 PM EDT
    Welcome Deb!! So excited to have you join us for your first chat! #6thchat
    In reply to @dmaj627, @6thchat
  • 6thchat May 15 @ 9:06 PM EDT
    Question 1 is on the slide! #6thchat
  • Mr_Lisek May 15 @ 9:06 PM EDT
    Ryan, World Geography, Saginaw Township, MI. Haven't been counting down, but just heard from somewhere in the building that we have 20 days. That's sad to think about, but I could use a recharge since I've been teaching since August 14. #6thchat
  • mrskochheiser - Moderator May 15 @ 9:06 PM EDT
    Welcome Michelle! @SteinatDavis Glad to have you here for any time you can share! #6thchat
    In reply to @SteinatDavis, @SteinatDavis
  • mrskochheiser - Moderator May 15 @ 9:06 PM EDT
    #6thchat
  • mrskochheiser - Moderator May 15 @ 9:07 PM EDT
    A1) 6th Grade Class of Geniuses Reveal Magnificent Multi-Genre Projects #6thchat #geniushourreveal #multigenrewriting
  • mrskochheiser - Moderator May 15 @ 9:07 PM EDT
    Hi Ryan! So glad to have you with us tonight! #6thchat I know...time is ticking!!
    In reply to @Mr_Lisek
  • mrskochheiser - Moderator May 15 @ 9:08 PM EDT
    Hey folks! I have put together a @padlet with resources that might help some of you with your epic end of year celebrations and planning! Please visit, use, and you can ADD ideas/resources to this! :) https://t.co/xUMlvzaQam #6thchat
  • Dale_Chu May 15 @ 9:08 PM EDT
    HAPPENING NOW: @mrskochheiser hosting a chat on celebrations and closure. Follow along at #6thchat!
  • mrskochheiser - Moderator May 15 @ 9:08 PM EDT
    I know @staceyreeder Seems like it was just yesterday we were talking about planning for a great year! Now we are talking about closing it! #6thchat
    In reply to @staceyreeder, @staceyreeder
  • mrskochheiser - Moderator May 15 @ 9:10 PM EDT
    #6thchat My tweetdeck is down tonight. Haven't had that happen for a long time...anyone else? Hmmmm....
  • Mr_Lisek May 15 @ 9:10 PM EDT
    A1: Mr. Lisek's Amazing Social Studies Race Winner Announced - Crowd's Go Wild! #6thchat
  • Mr_Lisek May 15 @ 9:11 PM EDT
    Mine was running a touch slow, but I have been receiving and sending messages just fine. #6thchat
    In reply to @mrskochheiser
  • 6thchat May 15 @ 9:12 PM EDT
    Question 2 is on the slide! #6thchat
  • Mr_Lisek May 15 @ 9:12 PM EDT
    A1: Mr. Lisek's Amazing Social Studies Race Winner Announced - Crowds Go Wild! #6thchat
  • mrskochheiser - Moderator May 15 @ 9:13 PM EDT
    A2) Do: Creative projects that allow Ss to express themselves, talk in small groups, share idea & make memories; Don't expect perfection. #6thchat
  • Mr_Lisek May 15 @ 9:13 PM EDT
    A2: End of year means learning outside. We get out into the fresh air and do team building or community based work. We also do plenty of gamification to keep Ss in the zone. #6thchat
  • mrskochheiser - Moderator May 15 @ 9:13 PM EDT
    #6thchat
    • Mr_Lisek May 15 @ 9:12 PM EDT
      A1: Mr. Lisek's Amazing Social Studies Race Winner Announced - Crowds Go Wild! #6thchat
  • mrskochheiser - Moderator May 15 @ 9:13 PM EDT
    I love this! Great fun! I did Amazing Race last year...hoping to sneak it in! So fun! #6thchat
    In reply to @Mr_Lisek
  • staceyreeder May 15 @ 9:14 PM EDT
    A1 6th Grade: The year I was empowered to ask questions and find the answers for myself. I was safe to wonder, try, fail, create, and innovate. I learned I am ready for wherever I decide to go next! #6thchat
  • Mr_Lisek May 15 @ 9:15 PM EDT
    I used to have a trophy I would give out to Ss. When I got my new position, I wasn't sure if the tradition would carry on, so I gave it to the most recent winners. It was like the Stanley Cup, because previous winners' names stayed on it forever. #6thchat
    In reply to @mrskochheiser
  • SteinatDavis May 15 @ 9:15 PM EDT
    #6thchat A2: Get 'em moving as much as possible! Lots of positive energy to go around.
  • mrskochheiser - Moderator May 15 @ 9:15 PM EDT
    Here's mine....oh well! Doing it the old-fashioned way. #6thchat
    In reply to @SteinatDavis
  • Mr_Lisek May 15 @ 9:16 PM EDT
    A2: Don't -- Ease up in expectations. They may not be perfect, but need to be accountable. #6thchat
  • mrskochheiser - Moderator May 15 @ 9:16 PM EDT
    Yes, they are coming along well! I think they thought it would all be done quickly, and didn't realize the depth of it all. They are learning a lot! Thank you so much for pointing me in this direction! #6thchat
    In reply to @staceyreeder
  • 6thchat May 15 @ 9:18 PM EDT
    Question 3 is on the slide! #6thchat
  • mrskochheiser - Moderator May 15 @ 9:18 PM EDT
    Wow! That's "amazing!" Love it! Great memories I am sure! #6thchat
    In reply to @Mr_Lisek
  • mrskochheiser - Moderator May 15 @ 9:19 PM EDT
    A3) Wish I had built in more time for Ss to be outside; last year I had Ss find favorite quotes and do chalk art on last week of school. Will do again; they loved it. #6thchat
  • mrskochheiser - Moderator May 15 @ 9:19 PM EDT
    It just returned! Guess it needed a break #6thchat
    In reply to @SteinatDavis
  • SteinatDavis May 15 @ 9:20 PM EDT
    A3: Provide a positive memory to every Ss to make sure they feel a personal connection. #6thchat (such as "I remember that riddle you challenged me with and I finally got it!")
  • Mr_Lisek May 15 @ 9:20 PM EDT
    Former winners would come back and look for their name on the trophy. Then, they'd talk up how "hard" their puzzles were compared to the recent winners. (even though they were virtually identical). It was a blast. #6thchat
    In reply to @mrskochheiser
  • mrskochheiser - Moderator May 15 @ 9:21 PM EDT
    Hey #6thchat My colleague is on her first twitter chat with us...lurking and learning. Please follow her and welcome @dmaj627
  • staceyreeder May 15 @ 9:21 PM EDT
    A2 Our students leave our school after 6th. To DO... ask them what they want their final days to be! Our kids are planning a goodbye breakfast to enjoy with the staff, and they are planning a full day of activities for the last day. Student led all the way! #6thchat
  • mrskochheiser - Moderator May 15 @ 9:21 PM EDT
    #6thchat
  • HowardKiyuna May 15 @ 9:22 PM EDT
    I wish I had more mastery of content and relied less on material. I'd have more projects. So - I wish I did even more projects. #6thchat
  • dmaj627 May 15 @ 9:22 PM EDT
    #6thchat
    • dmaj627 May 15 @ 9:21 PM EDT
      I wish I had celebrated personal successes more in the past. I will try to do that more in the coming weeks. Want to revisit the goals they made at the beginning of the year so they can discover how far they have come!
      In reply to @mrskochheiser
  • mrskochheiser - Moderator May 15 @ 9:22 PM EDT
    Too funny! Amazing Race was the best last year. Thanks for bringing it up as I really do need to make this happen again! #6thchat
    In reply to @Mr_Lisek
  • Mr_Lisek May 15 @ 9:23 PM EDT
    A3: When reflecting at the end of the year, I look back and try not to have any regrets. But, I always end my year with my Ss saying that the next group will have a way better teacher than they do. I always learn something new and Ss say "But, we didn't do that!" #6thchat
  • 6thchat May 15 @ 9:24 PM EDT
    Question 4 is on the slide! #6thchat
  • mrskochheiser - Moderator May 15 @ 9:24 PM EDT
    I feel the same Howard! The engagment and learning is always higher with projects! #6thchat
    In reply to @HowardKiyuna
  • mrskochheiser - Moderator May 15 @ 9:24 PM EDT
    Wow! Those are epic activities for sure! Love it! I'm inspired! #6thchat
    In reply to @staceyreeder
  • mrskochheiser - Moderator May 15 @ 9:25 PM EDT
    A4) This time of year should build in active lessons where Ss spend time collaborating & sharing; reflection time is important to find out what Ss like/disliked about year. Stop testing or give Ss a break from tests as much as possible. #6thchat
  • Mr_Lisek May 15 @ 9:25 PM EDT
    A4: Honestly, they shouldn't at all. We need to bring choice and engagement all year. Being in a winter state, it's hard to get outside, so I guess that is my only true difference. #6thchat
  • staceyreeder May 15 @ 9:25 PM EDT
    A3 So important to spend time enjoying your students on the last days! Give them a feeling they won't forget when they reflect about your year together! #6thchat
  • mrskochheiser - Moderator May 15 @ 9:25 PM EDT
    What a wonderful personal way to touch each of your students! We have a time capsule we make for Ss to open as Seniors in HS. It would be cool for a T to put a note in for each Ss. #6thchat
    In reply to @SteinatDavis
  • mrskochheiser - Moderator May 15 @ 9:28 PM EDT
    I agree...it is important to make as many connections as possible to touch as many Ss as you can with the hours and days dwindling! #6thchat
    In reply to @staceyreeder
  • 6thchat May 15 @ 9:30 PM EDT
    Question 5 is on the slide! #6thchat
  • mrskochheiser - Moderator May 15 @ 9:31 PM EDT
    A5) I directly instruct students on the "summer slide" and what it really means to their skills & future success in the next grade. I have Ss come up with a plan for what they will do to keep skills sharp, and how they'll do it. #6thchat
  • SteinatDavis May 15 @ 9:31 PM EDT
    A5: That's difficult as the large majority of our Ss base attends sleep away camps. We have required reading, but related assignments are often completed the week before school. #6thchat
  • HowardKiyuna May 15 @ 9:32 PM EDT
    A4: I think end of the year lessons should be able to add a layer of creativity and freedom (maybe not my hot plate). We've trained them in the tools all year. I'm in the dilemma of having too many options. Robotics, maker session, aquaponics, or cooking? All? No. #6thchat
  • Mr_Lisek May 15 @ 9:32 PM EDT
    A5: Our school has a 40 book goal for each student per year. I have been talking up that they get to count their summer reading for that to earn the incentive. Hoping it motivates them to continue enriching their brains with challenging text. #6thchat
  • HowardKiyuna May 15 @ 9:33 PM EDT
    A5: Zero. Zip. No way. We give them 3 weeks - it is theirs to enjoy. #6thchat
  • staceyreeder May 15 @ 9:34 PM EDT
    A5 As they've grown to own their learning all year, they are starting to better understand and consistently make decisions that impact their learning every day whether in school or out! Help them see the importance in the work and then send them off to do it! #6thchat
  • mrskochheiser - Moderator May 15 @ 9:34 PM EDT
    Yes, when you think about how hard it is for homework to be completed during the regular school year, the summer is virtually impossible. #6thchat
    In reply to @SteinatDavis
  • mrskochheiser - Moderator May 15 @ 9:35 PM EDT
    I think more options are better. I'm like you in that regard. I think that when you've taught the tools, let Ss use their imagination to figure out how to collaborate and bring ideas to life! #6thchat
    In reply to @HowardKiyuna
  • mrskochheiser - Moderator May 15 @ 9:35 PM EDT
    Great idea...start early! #6thchat
    In reply to @Mr_Lisek
  • 6thchat May 15 @ 9:36 PM EDT
    Question 6 is on the slide! #6thchat
  • mrskochheiser - Moderator May 15 @ 9:36 PM EDT
    This is a great point...some schools don't have long breaks so the "summer slide" is not a real issue! Thanks for the reminder! #6thchat
  • mrskochheiser - Moderator May 15 @ 9:37 PM EDT
    A6) Discuss w/Ss the emotions that people have during times of transitions. Have Ss brainstorm how "other" Ss could feel & why. Discuss ideas for coping. #6thchat
  • mrskochheiser - Moderator May 15 @ 9:37 PM EDT
    #6thchat
  • SteinatDavis May 15 @ 9:37 PM EDT
    A6: So timely! We have a few Ss definitely reacting to the impending transition. I try to devote extra time with mindfulness, breathing, and lots of freedom to move around. #6thchat
  • Mr_Lisek May 15 @ 9:37 PM EDT
    When Ss have a love for reading, they don't view reading over the summer as work. I try to read a book while my son reads at home so we can be doing it together. This helps grow that love. I wish more Ps had time to do the same. #6thchat
    • staceyreeder May 15 @ 9:34 PM EDT
      A5 As they've grown to own their learning all year, they are starting to better understand and consistently make decisions that impact their learning every day whether in school or out! Help them see the importance in the work and then send them off to do it! #6thchat
  • mrskochheiser - Moderator May 15 @ 9:38 PM EDT
    I agree totally. I prefer to have Ss read. I had some Ss a couple of years ago who loved blogging so much that they continued to blog about books to keep in touch. That is more authentic. #6thchat
    In reply to @SteinatDavis
  • mrskochheiser - Moderator May 15 @ 9:39 PM EDT
    #6thchat This is a great idea!
    • dmaj627 May 15 @ 9:35 PM EDT
      A5) I was thinking about having a padlet where kids write a short summary of the books they read over the summer. Put their name in drawing for each entry & winners a gift card to Barnes and Noble. Send them out at the beginning of the next school year. #6th chat
      In reply to @mrskochheiser
  • Mr_Lisek May 15 @ 9:39 PM EDT
    A6: Continue the calm steady demeanor with them. Focus on the ways we can keep control of our emotions and find ways to touch base with those Ss when they are not in your classroom to let them know you're there for them #6thchat
  • Mr_Lisek May 15 @ 9:41 PM EDT
    Le sigh. :( #6thchat
    • SteinatDavis May 15 @ 9:39 PM EDT
      @Mr_Lisek, I have a P who told Ss not to bother reading the book - he would take her to the movie. Sigh.
  • mrskochheiser - Moderator May 15 @ 9:41 PM EDT
    Wow #6thchat! Great ideas tonight! Just a couple of Qs left! :)
  • 6thchat May 15 @ 9:42 PM EDT
    Question 7 is on the slide! #6thchat
  • HowardKiyuna May 15 @ 9:42 PM EDT
    A6: Don't stop communicating and collaborating with your team. They might have useful insights into yoru Ss or class ideas. I agree with @Mr_Lisek, too much or too little tips the scale. #6thchat
  • mrskochheiser - Moderator May 15 @ 9:43 PM EDT
    A7) Ending a school year is like dropping the reins on a galloping horse--sometimes you just have to enjoy the ride and not control every turn. #6thchat
  • mrskochheiser - Moderator May 15 @ 9:43 PM EDT
    @SteinatDavis What Ryan said....sigh....#6thchat
    In reply to @Mr_Lisek, @SteinatDavis
  • mrskochheiser - Moderator May 15 @ 9:43 PM EDT
    #6thchat
  • mrskochheiser - Moderator May 15 @ 9:44 PM EDT
    Boom...this! We are better together! #6thchat
    • HowardKiyuna May 15 @ 9:42 PM EDT
      A6: Don't stop communicating and collaborating with your team. They might have useful insights into yoru Ss or class ideas. I agree with @Mr_Lisek, too much or too little tips the scale. #6thchat
  • Mr_Lisek May 15 @ 9:45 PM EDT
    A7: The end of the school year is like a group of geese in a V-formation. When it works, it works well. But, if one misstep takes place, the whole group can be thrown out of wack and our final goal is put in jeopardy. #6thchat
  • HowardKiyuna May 15 @ 9:45 PM EDT
    A7: School is child as life is to adult. Give them to tools and vocabulary to navigate their neighborhoods and hopefully they'll apply to their futures. #6thchat
  • SteinatDavis May 15 @ 9:46 PM EDT
    Well, it finally happened. I answered a #6thchat question with a #TeachWriting tag!
  • mrskochheiser - Moderator May 15 @ 9:47 PM EDT
    So this is awesome #6thchat
    • Mr_Lisek May 15 @ 9:45 PM EDT
      A7: The end of the school year is like a group of geese in a V-formation. When it works, it works well. But, if one misstep takes place, the whole group can be thrown out of wack and our final goal is put in jeopardy. #6thchat
  • HowardKiyuna May 15 @ 9:47 PM EDT
    Thanks #6thchat. Gotta be somewhere soon!
  • SteinatDavis May 15 @ 9:47 PM EDT
    A7: The EOY is a Taylor Swift concert (or BTS) right before the main act takes the stage. PANDEMONIUM! #6thchat
  • 6thchat May 15 @ 9:48 PM EDT
    Question 8 is on the slide! #6thchat
  • mrskochheiser - Moderator May 15 @ 9:48 PM EDT
    Well...I did throw some writing Qs in tonight with writing headlines and writing similes/metaphors! :) #6thchat #teachwriting Both great places to be!
    In reply to @SteinatDavis
  • mrskochheiser - Moderator May 15 @ 9:48 PM EDT
    Thanks for being here tonight! Have a great evening! #6thchat
    In reply to @HowardKiyuna
  • mrskochheiser - Moderator May 15 @ 9:49 PM EDT
    A8) I like the idea of having Ss write headlines for an end-of-year activity. Thinking they could create a classroom collage. #6thchat
  • mrskochheiser - Moderator May 15 @ 9:49 PM EDT
    #6thchat
  • Mr_Lisek May 15 @ 9:49 PM EDT
    I have a group of girls who are OBSESSED with BTS. They have learned Korean so they can understand their interviews. So, I guess the cultural diffusion there has piqued their interest in foreign language. #6thchat
    • SteinatDavis May 15 @ 9:47 PM EDT
      A7: The EOY is a Taylor Swift concert (or BTS) right before the main act takes the stage. PANDEMONIUM! #6thchat
  • staceyreeder May 15 @ 9:50 PM EDT
  • Mr_Lisek May 15 @ 9:50 PM EDT
    A8: I think metaphors and similes will be making their way to Mr. Lisek's classroom to describe our school year. I will post them in my room for next year's group to see and wonder about what it all means as they begin their 6th grade journey. #6thchat
  • mrskochheiser - Moderator May 15 @ 9:51 PM EDT
    You never know where inspiration lies! #6thchat
    In reply to @Mr_Lisek
  • SteinatDavis May 15 @ 9:51 PM EDT
    A8: The reminder about Ss in transition who need extra compassion. So, so timely for me. TY!!! #6thchat
  • mrskochheiser - Moderator May 15 @ 9:51 PM EDT
    This is absolutely terrific! Laughing, and need one! #6thchat
    In reply to @staceyreeder
  • mrskochheiser - Moderator May 15 @ 9:52 PM EDT
    That Q came out of my similar experiences with Ss in my classroom. Glad it helped! #6thchat
    In reply to @SteinatDavis
  • Mr_Lisek May 15 @ 9:53 PM EDT
    We had a day where most of my elective class was on a field trip, so I let them DJ the class. It was BTS for 55 minutes. It wasn't SO bad I guess. #6thchat
    In reply to @mrskochheiser
  • mrskochheiser - Moderator May 15 @ 9:53 PM EDT
    @amysoupy Hi Amy! Glad to see you! Hope all is well! #6thchat
  • mrskochheiser - Moderator May 15 @ 9:54 PM EDT
    #6thchat Thank you again for your time and talent! Your words and ideas inspire me! Have the best week, and work on making your school year end in epic fashion!
  • SteinatDavis May 15 @ 9:55 PM EDT
    Thank you @mrskochheiser ! Always well worth my time. #youareappreciated!! #6thchat
  • Mr_Lisek May 15 @ 9:56 PM EDT
    Loved the topic tonight @mrskochheiser! Thanks to the entire #6thchat crew for engaging me and rejuvenating me for tomorrow. Until next time, I bid you all a a very fond farewell.
  • mrskochheiser - Moderator May 15 @ 9:56 PM EDT
    Now I need to sneak over to #teachwriting to see what I missed there! :) #6thchat
    In reply to @SteinatDavis
  • mrskochheiser - Moderator May 15 @ 9:57 PM EDT
    Thanks Ryan! Have a great week! #6thchat
    In reply to @Mr_Lisek
  • dmaj627 May 15 @ 9:59 PM EDT
    #6thchat Thanks Kristin! I loved it! I appreciate you inviting me!
    In reply to @mrskochheiser