#1stchat Archive
Weekly chat for excited 1st grade teachers who love to learn and share ideas. Participants are interested in a variety of topics including literacy, math, technology, play, inquiry, and being the best educators they can be!
Sunday January 31, 2016
Happy Sunday! It's time for . I'm Val from Michigan. Super excited to discuss Metacognition with guest-host tonight.
Hi I am Terry, 2nd gr T in Fl and very excited to be guest-host with my favorite people at
Hello everyone! Leka from Iowa excited to have my friend as a GM this evening!
I'm Shannon from Michigan, first time chatting.
Tonight I'm knee-deep in Report Cards and Lesson Plans! Yikes!
Amy from Kingston, Ontario here. It's been awhile. I teach SK/1 in an inquiry-driven, reggio-inspired classroom.
Hi thanks for this oportunity, very excited! it will be a great discussion!
Hello Lynne from MI joining in tonight!
Yay, Shannon! Great to see you here
Faige retired kinder teacher in Los Angeles.
Hi! Rachael from North Carolina. Currently an education major in college!
Hi Shannon, welcome. You will love it here.
You will love this PLN, it's the best
Andrea from Bay Area, California. Checking in for just a little while tonight.
Hi I am Sally Taylor a pre-service teacher at Grove City College. I'm very excited to participate in this chat!
Hi Michele! Love the new photo!
Hi. I'm Cameron from Saskatchewan, Canada. I text first grade
Amazed that I figured it out!
Hi, Amy! Wow sounds like my kind of learning environment! Welcome to
So excited for this topic, Terry!
Jeanne from Port Orange, FL and love, love, learning from everyone including the famous
Chris, rdg spec & former 1st gr. T, lurking and may jump in from time to time.
Hi Everyone! I'm Holly, K-5 STEM Coordinator from Tampa, FL
Hi everyone, Traci from KS here, ready this great chat
Hello, Lynne. Glad you are here!
Glad you are here. I am a virtual co-op teacher for your program!
Hey ! Andrea from Kansas.
Hi all! I'm Caleigh from North Carolina. I'm in college majoring in elementary education!
Hi Traci, glad you're here.
Happy last day of January! Jane here from SW Kansas!
Hi, Rachael! Glad you are joining us tonight
Hi Lynn, Love having more Michiganders in the house :)
Hellow . Lori checking in from MO. Can't wait for all the great info coming tonight.
Hi, Andrea. Great to see you.
Hi from Missouri! Ready for the chat tonight
Cassie from MN - first time for
Hi, glad you are here with us at
Welcome Shannon! You are the 2nd Michigander that I see tonight:) Yay!
Hi, Jacki! Great to see you!
Hi and welcome, you will love this group!
Hi, Lori. Hope you had a good weekend!
Q1 is up in about a minute
Hi It's Molly from Seattle. I was trying to do some planning but I will learn more from you.
Where is everyone in MI?
I teach 1st grade in Royal Oak.
I told you it was a good resource…I use it all the time.
Hi, Jane! How are you tonight?
Hi, Andrea! How are you tonight?
hey all. SR, severe sped MS T from the Boston area.
Q1: How would you define metacognition?
Please make sure you are following so that you can see the questions as they are tweeted.
I love this book. My pages are looking well loved.
Love to see all the new faces tonight! Adding you to my PLN:)
Aly from CO Moved up to 2nd this year but wanted to pop in and out tonight!
words cannot express how excited I am!!
I did the same and I still come here every week!
Please answer questions with A1, A2, A3...
A1 reflection on the process. In Ontario, metacognition is part of each area of our curriculum.
Doing great! Hey watch out Kayla is coming! !
A1. Metacognition=Thinking about thinking, but usually we mean talking about thinking when we say it.
A1: Metacogntion simply put is thinking about our thinking. I find it important to get Ss to listen to that voice and see it helps.
A1. I would say that it is knowing how you think and process information.
Beth from MO. Excited for
Hi, Molly! and we get inspired:)
A1; thinking about our thinking, I found it quite funny when I first heard the term
I do think it is important we have time to talk about it. But I want them to do it on their own as well.
A1: I would say that metacognition is the ability to understand how you take in and think about information
I teach 1st grade in Rochester.
I think that might be meta-meta cognition. Or self-advocacy.
A1: Metacognition is thinking and tracking our thoughts! Allows for deeper understanding of former and new knowledge
A1: metacognition is a new way of thinking about information- going more in depth about what you’re learning
It is a funny word, even funnier when the kids use it.
A1. Thinking about thinking, planning and self evaluation processes
My Twubs site is wacky tonight. I feel like I'm a step behind the feed:(
my point is that when we assess the skill - it is the ability to communicate the thinking that we are really assessing.
Oh yes. Listening to my Ss try to say it is the best. But they can tell you what it means. :)
Davina from Honolulu, Hawaii
A1 Metacognition Kids need time to articulate and think what that means for them More then just a term
A1 metacognition is thinking about your thinking.
I have found it isn't always new, I just didn't realize it had such purpose.
A1 metacognition is thinking about thinking and understanding the process
A1: "Thinking about thinking" Helps the kids know what strategies work best for them. Derek here from PA.
I had never heard of it before, but I am excited to learn more!
Mine too, and I love it! https://t.co/69sCo2gqFd
Oh yes. Listening to my Ss try to say it is the best. But they can tell you what it means. :)
A1 Thinking about our own thinking.
me too, my answer didn't show up
A1: Metacognition is thinking and analyzing your own thinking. 5720
I would add one more...and how does it help you to understand?
Hi Kathy from PA joining late
That is how I explain it to my firsties as well
A1: Thinking about what we are doing which leads to questioning and wondering and discovery.
I explain to the Ss as "thinking about your thinking"
Love seeing so many amazing educators in 💓
I didn't either and once I did it changed me as a T...forever.
Hi, Christine! Great to see the founder of !!
Yes! Agree! Qs like these help students develop learning. https://t.co/84LGT86IYR
I would add one more...and how does it help you to understand?
Q2: Can metacogntion be taught? If so, how?
I think it would be an awesome strategy for me to use in the future to allow my students to learn more in depth!
I often kids are being metacognitive but don't know that they are. They are not aware of the thinking they are doing.
A2: Yes, it can be taught through questioning the text and pointing out the students' thoughts.
5720
A2: It needs to be taught with purpose, and not rushing. One strategy at a time with modeling and scaffolding to independence.
A2: MODEL, MODEL, MODEL!!! I also consistently use Making Thinking Visible strategies to help!
A2: 1st grade should be all about explaining what Ss are thinking and why they are thinking that way. We should create thinkers
Was reading "Amplified" and in Chap 2 it mentions --- which reminded me to sign in! Thanks ! https://t.co/BqBxVHTCYX
A2 I'd say yes. Think-aloud my own thinking to model. Young ss need to learn to slow down to think but first need to be taught
A2: It can be taught, but it is a process and can't be rushed.
I absolutely agree. They need us to show them to listen and see its purpose. https://t.co/NJWXnpqE1P
I often kids are being metacognitive but don't know that they are. They are not aware of the thinking they are doing.
Yes I think that it's important to teach students how to think about how they think! Can be done by modeling
A2: Yes. Teach to slow down and pay attention to what they are doing in small chunks. Stop, did I understand,continue
A2 As with a lot of teaching practice/ example. Read aloud a help. And Time
A2 absolutely. I do it with my kindergartens. Modelling, use of success criteria, conferencing, CAFE reading strategies. Etc.
A2: Metacognition can be taught but may take time to teach
q2 asking can you show me your process and questioning
I think firsties do this without even knowing. We are putting into words what they are doing & helping them expand.
I agree...one strategy at a time. Give them time to practice, discuss and honor their thinking. https://t.co/fClpvEu6Hf
A2: It can be taught, but it is a process and can't be rushed.
A2: Yes I think that it's important to teach students how to think about how they think! Can be done by modeling
A2: Yes. As Ts model metacognition, asking Qs and having convos to explain thinking-Ss will adopt this process as part of learning
those sound like great steps to help with teaching strategies to kids
A2. Yes, through modelling, guided practice, and building self-reflective practice.
A2: Modeling our own thinking important step, slowing the process down
A2: I think so - through modeling, scaffolding and purposeful questioning .. allow students time to reflect on what they are doing
A2: . I model this to my first graders by thinking out loud while problem solving. 5720
Q2 I model how to think for my S's daily. .
Love when students can voice the reason n for their thinking. Shows you if they really get it or not.
I do a reader's workshop daily. We focus on a strategy during instruction, they practice and we share.
A2: teach students to use strategies that work best for them and modeling your own thought process.
So true! https://t.co/T3iA6NWoXN
Love when students can voice the reason n for their thinking. Shows you if they really get it or not.
A2 I follow up their answers with "What makes you think so?" Instead of "you are right."
A2 Making and analyzing mistakes is great for metacognition and .
We all process and think differently - it's very important for Ss to explain their own thinking - helps the T understand too!
sharing is so important, sometimes this part of workshop can be skipped due to time!
in the beginning when I ask Ss why do you think that, they always think they are wrong.
Naomi from Florida...coming in late-following some great conversations
A2 Yes. modeling, think alouds, questioning & digging deeper. Ex. asking them, "What makes you say that?"
that is an awesome idea that I will have to make sure to use so that you can understand their thinking!
Reflection is such an important part of growth and something that should be focused on more
A2: We accept all thinking as well. I love when they see from a perspective I didn;t think of.
Q3: What strategies do you teach that tie to metacognition?
Yes! lessons on fix up strategies. Our thinking certainly breaks down. We discuss why and how to fix it. https://t.co/6R0EV6XgsP
A2 Making and analyzing mistakes is great for metacognition and .
I reinforce that idea while we explore addition strategies. We talk about how one way might work better for us
A2: meta cognition takes time, modeling, targeted practice,and repeat!
Yes, I ask, what did you do as a reader today? https://t.co/bfVoSjWNKU
sharing is so important, sometimes this part of workshop can be skipped due to time!
Helps me to "see" their misconceptions & helps me to know better how to help them
Including both phrases could let the Ss know they're correct, but also asking why they came to that conclusion
I have accidentally tricked kids doing this & they change their answers.I tell them "Don't let me trick you https://t.co/NBaNbAnHHZ
A2 I follow up their answers with "What makes you think so?" Instead of "you are right."
A2:Having Ss record their thinking process as they wrk through a problem helpsme undrstnd theirthinking process as I conf. w/ them
Yes, metacogntion fits in to ALL subjects. https://t.co/vx0o2X8x1l
I reinforce that idea while we explore addition strategies. We talk about how one way might work better for us
A2 Repeating back what they said with more concise language…"I think what I heard you say is…Is that right?"
My sts as well...takes time to get them past this
A3: asking questions to get them to a deeper level of thinking and relfection
A3: math is the easiest for me to have students explain thinking, so many ways to see numbers
A3. Through conferences is writers and readers workshop. Will have to think how to include it in workstations. Suggestions?
A3: I ask Qs to have Ss explain thought process. Still need to be better with this!
Hi all! SOrry joining in late! Wking on a project- lost track of time. Sara from WI
A3 Asking questions before, during, and after reading.
this is a great way to make them think about what they're saying
I am also loving to have ss explain their learning to me
A3 Using evidence from the text to support your thinking.
A3: Asking questions during all parts of the lessons to track how their learning is progressing
A3: I teach to listen to their thinking voice, schema/connections, questioning, inferring, determining importance and mental images
A3: Making Thinking Visible strategies! Varying thinking routine to help Ss track/define their thinking- especially as it changes!
has become the best for my Ss to explain reasoning, but also a quick assessment for me! https://t.co/28xN4aVOJh
I am also loving to have ss explain their learning to me
this is a great idea and allows for deeper thinking to go on at all times!
has been tremendous in helping me see Ss thinking. I come home and listen to recordings. https://t.co/2SqE4srK3s
A2:Having Ss record their thinking process as they wrk through a problem helpsme undrstnd theirthinking process as I conf. w/ them
A3 After I ask "What makes you think so?" after ss explain I ask others if they agree or disagree, why/ why not? Long process:)
I'm good. Just got done w/ 2 days of jury duty. Ready to be back in the classroom!
A3: I have students explain their thinking using .. easy way to track their thinking, provide feedback & watch their growth
I stick to one strategy at a time, then add more. We begin with just hearing that voice and use lots of wordless books.
great way to keep every student engaged at all times, even when they aren’t the main one answering
will have to check back later as plans changed. But I am learning to be flexible. My motivation is strong as is my resolve
A3 opinion writing really taps into their thinking.
We create anchor charts and always go back to how these strategies help us to understand/comprehend.
I use making predictions before and during, and then discuss ideas from there.
Q4: What are the benefits for students to be able to think about their thinking?
I think that is such a great way. I love to use wordless books.
A3 Making connections is another important strategy- text-to-self connections are great for 1st graders.
A3: Monitor and clarify for reading comprehension. Also explaining their thinking to a partner.
A4: Ss will more deeply understand their own thinking when they explain it to others
A4: Develop Ss who are problem solvers, creative thinkers.
A4: Students are much more engaged and motivated if they are thinking about their thinking. They can and will go beyond surface.
I would love to a picture of your anchor chart! https://t.co/AITi8rvvDb
We create anchor charts and always go back to how these strategies help us to understand/comprehend.
A4 Benefits include engagement and improved comprehension.
I will share my anchor charts. I don;t have any available tonight.
A4: Allows students to think critically, be creative, and have a deeper understanding of what they're learning and themselves
A4. Ss will have a greater understanding of what they are doing and that will help when trying to explain to others.
A4: I find that they often change their initial thinking when they really start paying attention to their thinking.
I am really excited when they listen to others thinking and I watch it evolve. We have REAL discussions.
Identifying reading strategies used is, acc'ing to recent PD, useful in learning how to read. CAFE helps
A4: Critical thinking skills are enhanced because they understand why they gave the answer.
that's a really good point, paying attention to thinking can allow for a more in depth response
A4: they become better critical thinkers and give more profound answers and explanations!
That was my thought, we can learn and change our thinking by being able to voice our thinking https://t.co/s7qs4AdCYB
A4: I find that they often change their initial thinking when they really start paying attention to their thinking.
A4 Another benefit is when they share their thinking we have a window into their understanding or lack of.
They carry it with them through the subjects.
A4: problem solving, comprehension, depth of knowledge
A4 Benefits include and taking time to appreciate and see value in process. Enjoy learning. Learn from others.
good point, it allows for us to be better teachers
A4. They can better understand their thinking and try different deeper ways of thinking
True, on the spot assessment. I also confer with them while they ind read and find this. I take notes. https://t.co/3TgLhUr8cq
A4 Another benefit is when they share their thinking we have a window into their understanding or lack of.
A4: better comprehension, deeper understanding of concept
I also like to ask why they changed their thinking.
Signing out for tonight, - can't wait to read the rest of the convo! Have a great week!
Additionally, other Ss see that there are multiple ways to solve a problem. They learn more from each other than from me
Putting their thinking on anchor charts is huge for them. They love to have their thinking honored.
A4: Ss learn that we all learn in different ways. They create a toolbox of strategies to solve problems.
And sometimes they changes my thinking.
Yes, we are giving them tools they will carry with them and use for yrs. It changed me as an adult! https://t.co/XJcylgT1DP
A4: Ss learn that we all learn in different ways. They create a toolbox of strategies to solve problems.
YES! And anchor charts are co-created WITH student ideas, instead of those pretty ones we find on Pinterest!
I contiually reinforce that we all learn differently. There isn't always one right answer.
A4: it allows students to think more critically and creatively about topics and be able to see things in a different way
A4 If there are any misconceptions, peers will notice and question them rather than the teacher.
A4 Voicing thinking & being heard make ss feel confident and realize they are important part of learning process.
Yes, you hit a pet-peeve of mine! Anchor charts need to be real and authentic, purposeful! https://t.co/GKZwusBorj
YES! And anchor charts are co-created WITH student ideas, instead of those pretty ones we find on Pinterest!
Exactly! https://t.co/kC0WNuwJUL
I contiually reinforce that we all learn differently. There isn't always one right answer.
great way to learn the importance of group work!
Btw, hello everyone! ( just ended)
I remember one child said, "Asking questions makes me want to read and find answers." Loved it!
Q5: How do we make such an abstract concept more concrete for our little ones?
keeps everyone learning at all times
And don't we have to have a classroom where each is respectful to the speaker--so all can actually hear others explain thoughts
A5: A great book by called Comprehension Connections is awesome for concrete lessons.
Preaching 2 the choir, Terry! Every year anchor chart SHOULD look different, to reflect ideas of new group of students!
Hi Claire from VT joining a bit late.
Our district uses that book.
I LOVE her book and go back to it often when creating concrete lessons! Love the purse inferring!
A5: I also use Beanie Babies and stories I wrote that go with them every time I introduce a new strategy.
A5: visuals, modeling, tangible things for little ones to understand!
A5 Notice and note their thinking as often as possible.
Allow them to use post it notes and have those anchor charts available. Anchor is to hold it there for them. Point them out.
I use the Beanie Baby strategies also, would love to hear your stories to go with them.
A5 take longer on a topic. Consistency. Slow down the process. Give them time to think, process, reflect, communicate
A5: tangible objects and visuals to help them see what they’re learning instead of just hearing it
Post It notes are great for this.
A5: we have to be intentional with lessons and consistent, lots of visuals, modeling & practice
A5: By giving it context and connecting it to THEIR real world! Ss need help to create personal meaning to new concepts
A5 modeling is so important in 1st .. they look up to what we do! Ss can then be a model for others in the classroom
I think starting with photos before text is helpful to little ones as well. Wordless books so they can just focus on the thinking.
I LOVE post-its and they love them too. It gets them excited to share ideas.
A5:using multiple ways for us to "see" their thinking, not just always writing, oral and with drawings, etc.
A5 I record their thinking as I read aloud. Q for qs, F/feeling, I/ inferring, MC/making connections, etc. Make thinking visible
this is so important to remember! Personal meaning and connection is the key to understanding
has a great app for sorting and collecting those post its full of their thinking as well!
A5 Refer to your strategy board each time as an anchor for these strategies.
stuffed animals helped me learn, so I can’t wait to use them when I teach
Yes! Celebrate their thinking! https://t.co/23MiYj456D
A5 I record their thinking as I read aloud. Q for qs, F/feeling, I/ inferring, MC/making connections, etc. Make thinking visible
A5: Using the document camera and allowing Ss to share their work/thinking, They love to present their work up on the 'big screen'.
A5 after modeling how to record their thinking, ss record on post-its while they read.
me = 1 read-aloud/week - sometimes 2! Picture book, big book, , YouTube/Vimeo -switch up delivery
A5: Go slow! No need to rush. Give lots of time for them to think, to talk, to share. It will pay off, I promise!
A5: By frequent modeling. Also using examples/analogies they do understand and showing things in context.
RT A5: Go slow! No need to rush. Give lots of time for them to think, to talk, to share. It will pay off, I promise!
Q6: How do you plan for lessons focused on metacognition?
A5: I found I needed to model longer with my 1st graders, that gradual release is important. Let go when they are ready, scaffold.
A6; I begin with books. I choose specific books and authentic thinking.
RT Q6: How do you plan for lessons focused on metacognition?
What are some books that you use? https://t.co/myfxgOcp4d
A6; I begin with books. I choose specific books and authentic thinking.
A6: I use Reading with Meaning by Debbie Miller almost as a bible for these lessons. : ) I always go back to that.
RT A6; I begin with books. I choose specific books and authentic thinking.
I could tell you but if you're thinking is different it wouldn't work. Your schema and connections would be different.
Another must read!! https://t.co/macHDCkDnO
A6: I use Reading with Meaning by Debbie Miller almost as a bible for these lessons. : ) I always go back to that.
Debbie Miller is such a great resource.
A6: I read LOTS of books, I pay attention to my thinking. When I model it has to be truly authentic.
A6: I consider the content/skills then I try to pick texts/resources that will support the strategies I'm wanting Ss to showcase
I love brainpopjr, they have a way to introduce so many topics and the Ss love it. Then I jump into different texts
I love to use books that will be a challenge for them to understand. I want them to NEED those strategies.
We can not be afraid for them to struggle a little. Especially when we are reading the books.
Agreed! It's a great resource!
A6 usually, it's part of routine in conferencing and guided work for me - not really whole-class lessons
A6. Reading with meaning by Miller is awesome. Using in art, music, science social.
I plan out where I will stop and share my thinking. I show them the difference and importance to stop and think.
A6: I'm not a teacher (yet), so I'm unsure where the best place to start would be. Many people have said books, which sounds great!
A6: Comprehension Toolkit is another great resource for strategy lessons
A6: would love suggestions of how to teach this since I haven’t started teaching yet
A6 Visualizing/Making Mental Images is a good start. Then focusing on schema.
I'm not a teacher yet, but I love hearing all of your ideas on how to incorporate this into the classroom!
A6 I love "No, David!" books. Students have to infer a lot. We laugh, explain and laugh some more:)
teach the vocabulary, I used to skip the big words and that was a mistake
Q7: What connection do you see between metacognition and mindset?
I was early in my career and went on a search to learn this stuff. I'm glad you are hearing it now. https://t.co/m0hI24BSWE
I'm not a teacher yet, but I love hearing all of your ideas on how to incorporate this into the classroom!
Thanks for the resource! https://t.co/hT68sf6z4b
A6: I use Reading with Meaning by Debbie Miller almost as a bible for these lessons. : ) I always go back to that.
I use "big words" when I speak my class too. We go back and talk about the meaning.
RT Q7: What connection do you see between metacognition and mindset?
I agree, I start with those, then focus on questioning, inferring
We work thru CAFE strategies, starting w/connections. Keep anchor charts posted &refer during read aloud &guided groups
A7: I feel giving kids tools allow them to dive into They have less fear. See sometime there is no right/wrong.
"Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn." - Benjamin Franklin
A7 Reflecting on the process includes evaluating/problem-solving hardships. Metacognition requires Ss to stick with task.
I I start with schema only because I found they use schema to create those mental images.
great idea for visualizing “big” words!
A7 when we teach them to slow down to think, we may take the impulse or "I can't do this!" or "It's too hard!" out.
We are equipping them to go out and search for meaning. That is huge. It is not skill drill...it is meaning.
A7: It allows Ss to see/hear multiple perspectives and ways to think- helps develop creative and innovative thinkers over time!
A7: by thinking about your thinking, you can change from fixed to growth mindset
Honored to be mentioned in ! Thx, Terry! https://t.co/hFaGBiS0VY
A5: A great book by called Comprehension Connections is awesome for concrete lessons.
I should have invited you to come chat with us!
A7 They both involve thinking and everyone's schema is different based on their experiences.Where they are & supports differ too.
A7: metacognition gets them out of a “set” mindset that they might have for certain topics
A7. Teach Metacognition and mindsets grow. And vice versa!
We are nearing the end. So if you have thoughts or Qs to add please do. Can you tell this topic means SO much to me!
A7 Reading is Thinking! (Love that!)
signing off. Thanks for a great 1st chat!
Are there any other books or resources we can use to learn more about metacognition?
A7:Ss that are able to think about their own thought process are determined and confident when challenged.
first time in a twitter chat, and loved being surrounded by current and future educators, makes me so excited to teach!
Mosaic of Thought by Ellin Keene was first for me. It helped me to have a real understanding for me. Strategies that Work is good .
their learning gets to help others learn as well
RT We are nearing the end. So if you have thoughts or Qs to add please do. Can you tell this topic means SO much to me!
There are many out there now. Those are what started me.
When showing visuals or vocabMy favorite question to start with is, what do you notice? Followed by, what does that remind you of?
loved my first twitter chat! can’t wait to teach in the future!
Thanks Terry and everyone for another amazing chat with an amazing PLN!
Glad you came! Keep coming and keep that excitement!
Heading out. Thanks moderators! Great job, as always. Have a wonderful evening, everyone.
Glad you joined us! Come back next week!
Have a fantastic week everyone! See you next week at the same time and place!
Thanks! I am here to support if anyone needs any additional info.
Glad you joined us tonight. Come back again next week!
Awesome tonight! Thanks 4moderating Have a great week! HUGE snow is on the way for WI this week
