#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 April 24, 2016
Hello, everyone! Leka from Iowa ready to chat with the incredible PLN co-moderating with tonight.
Happy Sunday! I'm Val from Michigan and I'm co-moderating with the incredible .
Hi I am Terry. How are you and ? I hope you have had a nice weekend.
Hello friends. Lori in Missouri. It's a beautiful day here.
Nice, but too short as usual.
I had wonderful opportunities to listen to & last week. We'll base our discussion on their inspiring words!
Hi everyone! Cassie from MN .. excited for
... Laura from MN... good evening Valerie and Leka!
Hi Everyone, Dawn from Indy. I teach K-5 science.
Hi ! I feel like I've been off for a few weeks, but here tonight! Michelle from WI.
Hello! Glad you are here.
Hi Michelle, glad to see you.
Hi, Dawn! Great to see you
Hey PLN. Jenn from MO, I will be popping in for some of th chat tonight!
Hi, Michelle! How was your weekend?
Hi Val! How's your weekend? I can't believe how close we are to MAY!!!!
Hi Jenn, glad you are here.
Hi, Jenn. Glad you are here.
Hi Everyone, Claire in sunny but chilly Vermont!.
Yes, it's flying by. Which is both good and not so good:)
Pretty good! Got outside yesterday and spent like an hour at the library getting books for my Ss. LOL!
Hi . This is Shannon from WA.
Hi Claire, glad you are here.
Hi Shannon, good to see you.
Right??? I have lots of kiddos that I need to get moving. YIKES!
Hi, Shannon! Glad you are here!
We will use Q1, Q2... A1, A2... format.
Traci from KS here, happy Sunday!!
IKR…I'm working on my self-assessment for my teacher eval…Yikes!
Thank you. This chat is my fav part of the week. I always come away happy & excited @ teaching.
Hi, Traci! Happy Sunday to you too!
Lucky you! It's rainy and cool here today. Sounds like indoor recess tomorrow:(
Our evals are already done! This yr is closing in. https://t.co/FAdfm5GDw8
IKR…I'm working on my self-assessment for my teacher eval…Yikes!
Curious to know what it looks like...
Awesome Sauce! That makes my heart sing! https://t.co/l9ES2UDKIu
Thank you. This chat is my fav part of the week. I always come away happy & excited @ teaching.
Hello! Derek fro PA! Nice to be here!
Well it's MO. Never know what will happen in an hour.
same here! .. Thank goodness for !
Hello, Derek! How are you tonight?
I love it so much that my principal had me host a chat for a Monday morning mtg.❤️
A1: Amount of time, amount of work, expectation level, amount of support will all be different.
or next two weeks... yikes!!
A1 altering reading assignments, writing expectations, writing for students that struggle to write.
A1: Ss are working on what they need, many lessons going on and lots of planning for me, but I lvoe it
A1 Fair means everyone gets what they need. Students are individuals that need different things.
A1: students doing and receiving different things that meet them at their needs .. my kiddos are very understanding and flexible!
A1:My staff just had this convers. last week,can't feel "bad"for the Ss doing things right when you have ss that need more practice
A1: right now book clubs are based on choice, but different groups get different choices.
A1: My students know this quote, I say it often. Some students get sensory breaks, all students get what will help them learn.
...I hold ss accountable for their own actions.My motto is"Work first, then play!"If ss do not complete tasks, they miss out. FAIR:)
Now that's cool! I wish more administrators were connected.
A1:differentiated for each Ss needs,not all the same, what they need
A1: It means that I fight for what my kids need...some kids need different support/scaffolding.
https://t.co/9Lhwg2qovs
A1: We talk about getting what we need to succeed. It's just what we do.
What's best for the kids, right?
A1:The book THAT"S NOT FAIR! was a great one at the beg. of the year for my SS, refer to it often
A1 I addressed this at the beginning of year......S needed a bandaid, I put a bandaid on every child in the same place, discussed
I'm late! I'm late! Jane here from Kansas joining in!
My principal was the 1 who introduced me to Twitter...told him he created a monster. I love it!
... Following the motto, I provide assistance for students as needed.
A1 Giving students what they need also includes enrichment and not just remediation.
A1: I have a young lady in the spectrum who does not want Ss to look at her when she speaks. For her, we accept that.
So true! https://t.co/Rv8rreKujX
A1 Giving students what they need also includes enrichment and not just remediation.
A1 Ss are provided w/ different instruction, resources, & support based on need, which can vary greatly from S to S.
Hi Jane, you are never too late for this PLN.
Hi friends, sorry it's been awhile. New position teaching but still love my first grade classes!
I agree. Too often the 'high' Ss are ignored.
The work is done before the fun. Same in my room.
A1 I read Giraffes Can't Dance to talk about how everyone needs their own song.
Good point and can be hard to find balance. That's where inquiry can make a huge difference in a classroom! https://t.co/xYVNopQvaN
A1 Giving students what they need also includes enrichment and not just remediation.
I'm loving workshop style of teaching. Easy to have flexible grouping based on ss needs.
We have a class discussion early about what that looks like since they will see it all year!
Great book! Thanks for sharing! https://t.co/Nzeqd4TbRX
A1 I read Giraffes Can't Dance to talk about how everyone needs their own song.
Sometimes the "work" is fun also :)
A1: This has been "one of those years!" Lots of differentiation for behaviors and encouragement! Whew!
Using formative assessment is the key. You can support and enrich in the moment it's needed.
Q2 Ts can differentiate based on Ss readiness, interest or learning profile. How do you find out about your students & their needs?
sometimes I find it tough to find the right balance!
LOVE everyone's mindset here!!
I had a student with anxiety who couldn't answer ?s unless we all looked at the ceiling...it worked 4 us.
I love this book and we also have the fairness discussion.
A2: constant observation and meeting with each Ss, lots of discussion
A2: Another + to looping.
A2 Your Formative Assessment will guide your teaching. It provides important feedback to the teacher and students.
A2: I send home a get to know you at open house .. ask students what they're interested in .. watch what they do - tells a lot!
I'm w/ you...it's a true balancing act. Ha, ha...we would be great tightrope walkers.
A2 I believe it's part of getting to know my Ss and their interests.....morning meeting time is my time to get to know my Ss daily.
A2 Love listening into ss conversations during snack time & indoor recess toy picks, etc.
A2 love writers workshop for this reason. Write/ draw what you like, tells so much.
A2 Observations and conversations! Give a task for diagnostic info. Know your Ss not just academically. https://t.co/LSfxTJd8tB
Q2 Ts can differentiate based on Ss readiness, interest or learning profile. How do you find out about your students & their needs?
A2: For reading, having those 1 to 1 conference times. Assessments. I have started doing a pretest in math units. Really helps.
I love finding these things out about Ss - really builds a relationship and community!
I do that too. I also ask Ps to tell me something they think I should know. Very interesting responses.
A2:Just listening to them and watching their actions, you can learn so much from this
I also have one that has anxiety when answering....I hate pushing him to talk....we wait him out.
Agree. I find out a lot of things.
A2:We start our morning meeting with "How are you feeling time", gives Ss chance to share right away
I think this is the very best way. https://t.co/8K6GZcO0Lr
A2 Observations and conversations! Give a task for diagnostic info. Know your Ss not just academically. https://t.co/LSfxTJd8tB
Q2 Ts can differentiate based on Ss readiness, interest or learning profile. How do you find out about your students & their needs?
So true! https://t.co/TZ4Yn2UDJW
A2 love writers workshop for this reason. Write/ draw what you like, tells so much.
A2Continuous observation & keeping in mind that each s is an individual & learning needs may change because of life outside school.
A2: Multiple sources--tests, getting to know Ss as individuals, talking to parents
https://t.co/JWFtOxKJ93
Q2 Ts can differentiate based on Ss readiness, interest or learning profile. How do you find out about your students & their needs?
A2 Morning meeting shares, assessments, conferences,informal chats,observation, & attending events outside of school!
A2: Using has really helped me get to know my SS also, can watch their posts even when I can't meet 1:1 w them
Do you know what you will be teaching next yr yet?
A2 The important piece to the formative assessment: observations, conversations, notes, etc. is what we do with the information.
Sometimes we find out a bit too much information;-) Like "my mom's boyfriends' sleep over. LOL https://t.co/idZp9ANZ09
A2:We start our morning meeting with "How are you feeling time", gives Ss chance to share right away
We do too. Then we talk about how we can help each other out if we're having a hard day.
I like this! Thanks for sharing!
Q3 Here r different ways to differentiate. Which one have you NOT tried but would like to? Any thoughts? https://t.co/ONzxDg9JCt
Yes! I love MM! First year doing it, and I can't believe what we've been missing!
A2 A passing option during morning meeting sharing gives me some insights in how ss are feeling also
A3: Learning environment. I have not varied much there. Tell me about affect.
Hahaha yes too much info sometimes...
Isn't it amazing to see what they can accomplish? I rarely "see" my kids working in live time .. Love
We started recording our goals for the day on so Ps can see what Ss are working on.
I have heard things that would break your ❤️. It's amazing the level of trust you can create w/ your kids
https://t.co/eHxaInyDNG
A2:We start our morning meeting with "How are you feeling time", gives Ss chance to share right away
had it, took out due to time constraints, added a longer session this yr w lots of lit/math/content/socemotional
A3 I am differentiating product but really watching the process! Allowing them to naturally diff. Process to reach goal.
Hi and friends A2 I've also seen closing circle at end of day to reflect on how day went
I was wondering about affect too.
A3: not sure what affect means? I do use the rest
With the Inside Out movie (I LOVE) I use those emotions this year
I thought the same thing!
You have inspired to me create all kinds of tasks for - Summer project
I know, right! Such trauma some of these Ss deal with on a daily basis and we are their constant many times
Hello friends. My timing is awful these days. I hope all is well.
Affect = emotion or desire, especially as influencing behavior or action. Social readiness?
I'm not sure @ these...can you tell me more?
That's a great idea! Might steal it:) Especially this time of the year
How do you differentiate that? What are some examples? https://t.co/uGICcSEXLL
Affect = emotion or desire, especially as influencing behavior or action. Social readiness?
A3 I'm very comfortable with differentiating the content but always learning and improving.
Aww! It has been such a meaningful integration this yr! Formative assessment all the way and the kids LOVE it!
A3 do we think differentiating for affect includes providing breaks, calm down area, and EI?
ok, KS is now really pushing the social/emotional growth of each SS https://t.co/iYxlDVsQ4j
Affect = emotion or desire, especially as influencing behavior or action. Social readiness?
A3: Not sure what you mean by affect, want to learn more there
We have such a wonderfully terrifying responsibility as teachers...I feel so honored.
https://t.co/hWIVWVf0s0
A3 I find it hard to differentiate hands on science. Any suggestions on how to adjust activities and experiments?
I have found myself making a lot of cross-curricular connections, just to fit things in. Subjects fuse into one another.
A3 Our building provides a lot of support for social/emotional and teaching self-regulation.
Wow, I feel like we may have the same class. We talk about the movie as well. Ss really relate.
With a multi age/grade variety of learner types and need differentiation is a given for my students and I.
I took it as risk taking. Who is more comfortable with exploring? How can we help those who r not? https://t.co/Y3qGiIMdYb
How do you differentiate that? What are some examples? https://t.co/uGICcSEXLL
Affect = emotion or desire, especially as influencing behavior or action. Social readiness?
Q4 What are some tips to manage your class during differentiated instructions? How can we set up a successful learning environment?
https://t.co/owiWavWc7j
A3 yes, if that is the case look into Zones of Regulation and Superflex. Great SE resources.
A3 I wondered about affect too......is it my affect in the way deliver a lesson or react to my Ss? I have differentiate w/others
we do a closing circle every day! Brings everyone back together .. leave with a rhyme and high-five
A4 It is important to teach skills that promote independence. Where to go for help, how to find answers/supplies etc.
What does it look like? https://t.co/Q3jfAorwy3
A3 Our building provides a lot of support for social/emotional and teaching self-regulation.
A4: lots of practice and follow through in the beginning when Ss are learning expectations, reminders throughout year
I bet! https://t.co/tVYA3a0hSM
With a multi age/grade variety of learner types and need differentiation is a given for my students and I.
A5: love Daily 5 .. teach reading and math starting on day 2 .. we go slow to go fast!
Have been recently exploring Zones of Regulation. Really like the way it lays things out.
A4 Creating a culture of learners who support each other to be their best helps. We are all there for each other.
A4 I've been using "Stop Light" chart. Students post note on color related to their understanding…green is got it! Red is reteach.
Wonderful! This is all too often a forgotten problem--s/e learning is essential & influences all other areas.
Lots of modeling up front, but it pays off! Nice to have Ss leaders to go to as well.
A4: Drill into ss that everyone is unique and learns differently!... Attempt to challenge/push all students to the next "level".
A4: I think this is where voice and choice fit well. Give students choices in ways to respond, tools, materials. Ins based on need.
And those kids on green can help others! Cool:) https://t.co/tkf1WcNoPt
A4 I've been using "Stop Light" chart. Students post note on color related to their understanding…green is got it! Red is reteach.
A4 Use student strengths as models for each other. No need for there to be one teacher where there is a class full of teachers.
A4 Students who "get it" can also teach others who are struggling with that skill/problem.
A4 Teacher has to be okay letting go and letting students learn "their" way.
A4: we are getting ready to make Ss videos of procedures to show Ss next year,
Haha, you read my mind. I was just typing that.
I use this idea with iPads, too - Ss have iPad buddies to help them troubleshoot before coming to me
A4: Have well-practiced routines for every little detail; might seem like a chore but it will help you & the Ss so much.
A4 Give students choice! When Ss chose a task they typically stay engaged. Also helps dev. self-reg https://t.co/7W0eNogTmq
Q4 What are some tips to manage your class during differentiated instructions? How can we set up a successful learning environment?
A4 Clear procedures are useful.Ss need 2 understand their needs differ from others.Teaching empathy is important too.
what tool are you using to create videos? What app?
A4 Reinforcing that it's important not to give up, even when it's hard. That's how we grow as learners…by stretching ourselves.
Letting go seems like such a hard thing to do some times:) https://t.co/rmV6yxsWln
A4 Teacher has to be okay letting go and letting students learn "their" way.
this is a great idea. I usually make a video at the beg. of year. The end of year sounds like a super idea.
Marnie from MI, joining in late sorry. I agree with you Traci! https://t.co/TwyUsOmlGe
A2: constant observation and meeting with each Ss, lots of discussion
just video on ipad and will put on my google drive so can share
I created folders in for the same thing.
Absolutely, but with good modelling, and teaching those who still needs skills taught it's very POWERFUL.
perseverance has be one of my favorite words this year. Also empathy. https://t.co/VWq5FlsIgC
A4 Reinforcing that it's important not to give up, even when it's hard. That's how we grow as learners…by stretching ourselves.
When Ss have ownership of learning they seem to be much more engaged. Choice is a motivating factor.😀
Q5 We'll switch gear to student agency. "85% of school day is spent on low level intellectual work." What are your thoughts?
We have app experts. Kinda like a mini edcamp :)
A5: Looking at all classrooms maybe, I think that is too high, way too high for mine.
Makes total sense. I appreciate ownership of my learning too. I hate being told how and what to learn.
A5: it can be if T just follows curriculum from a book, we have to be intentional to add the rigor and thinking to our lessons
So excited to become a ambassador and share - I've been waiting!! ;)
A5 We have to watch our "teacher language" and draw attention to the process of how they did something. No more "good job".
You must be my twin. I hate being told what to do...I have so much empathy for my Ss.
awesome! That's great! Have you tried screencastify?
Yes, can't wait to have you share with us.
A5: As teachers, we need to be engaged in the lessons we teach,demonstrate that everything is important and subject areas connect.
I love having the choice of adding in my own ideas as supplemental material .. feel blessed I can do that!
A5 we always have to be intentional when we plan. Provide with authentic purpose, audience, tools.. Why is important for Ss
Making feedback specific has helped my Ss know what they did well .. Now Ss reflect it when they're on Seesaw blogs!
I agree. We need to watch our tendency towards praise vs. encouragement.
https://t.co/55fld68fbk
A5 We have to watch our "teacher language" and draw attention to the process of how they did something. No more "good job".
oh this takes work. But I fully agree....no more "good job"
Feedback is so important!! https://t.co/UNqy1RZsL9
A5 We have to watch our "teacher language" and draw attention to the process of how they did something. No more "good job".
A5 We have to know our objectives and make sure that our students know the why and the how.
I know!! It's a habit and ss like to hear that as well. Takes a practice on my end.
Kids went to bed early- sneaking on for a few! I miss
Q6 Autonomy leads to engagement & building agency. What do you do in your classroom to give Ss more autonomy?
I give students a fair amount of choice. They're more motivated when they have a say. has been key in helping me do this.
A5 True in most traditional settings. Tasks should be rich, involve choice, engaging, thought provoking. https://t.co/w9bObGUPUL
Q5 We'll switch gear to student agency. "85% of school day is spent on low level intellectual work." What are your thoughts?
I know that I have been guilty of this. Such an eye opening thing to think @...shakes your foundations.
A6 I'm open to really listen to what they have to say an be willing to change my idea for theirs.
A6: I try to teach many ways to show their knowledge in the beginning so now they can pick how to show me what they know
A6: Celebrating growth Setting individual goals. Allowing choice to use their talents and abilities. Give them strategies and time.
A5 This year I've been trying more than ever to give students more choice and control. Letting them lead more.
I'm a huge fan of student choice. How does help with that?
A4: I give students a fair amount of choice. They're more motivated when they have a voice. is key in helping me do this.
Same here! Some choose paper & pencil, others manipulative or app. https://t.co/I2U6bIWmVn
A6: I try to teach many ways to show their knowledge in the beginning so now they can pick how to show me what they know
A6: Working hard this year on getting ss to explain their "thinking" students expand their own learning by making connections.
Totally! I also think it's essential that our kids know that we care @ them. https://t.co/1bJlpps9BU
A5 We have to know our objectives and make sure that our students know the why and the how.
A6 Here's the goal choose how to get there. Like a choose your own adventure book :-) takes time to build though
Growth mindset! You are good at that! https://t.co/yy2V7swwdO
A6: Celebrating growth Setting individual goals. Allowing choice to use their talents and abilities. Give them strategies and time.
It takes careful and intentional planning as well. https://t.co/1tVn5IW9ne
A6 Here's the goal choose how to get there. Like a choose your own adventure book :-) takes time to build though
A6 Autonomy is sooooo important in 1st, I try to prep Ss to ask others before me....& to try it on your own...encouragement try it
A6 I stress that I am not the only teacher in the room. Also, Important that my students become independent.
Choice is so powerful! By giving choice, Ts do not loose control. Win-win! https://t.co/yA9JCiAiVj
A5 This year I've been trying more than ever to give students more choice and control. Letting them lead more.
A6: Within each subject I try to give options & opportunities for student voice but would love to get some more ideas.
A6 really helped foster this thought process. So many different products and processes
Is it a book title? https://t.co/6kE8qOwl7u
A6 Here's the goal choose how to get there. Like a choose your own adventure book :-) takes time to build though
My free iBook - Starting with Choice https://t.co/0OEpk1e6Tg Might help those who are new to giving students choice.
Q7 Can students' passion drive learning? What are some passion based projects that you do in our classroom?
Choice is powerful even for redirecting behavior. "You may do this or this…What's your choice?"
A6: lots of encouragement to build self-esteem which usually builds independence
You need to move to WA! I get so excited when I get to chat w/ my Twitter PLN & the ideas just spark & catch fire.
I find I am clear w/ what is expected to show mastery of concept. Provide ideas and/or let them come up with their own.
So important for them to try. I always have them ask their iPad buddies before coming to me.. Can usually solve the problem
❤️ how you emphasize the individual!! Ss are unique & that gets lost too often.
https://t.co/km3iybRHLG
A6: Celebrating growth Setting individual goals. Allowing choice to use their talents and abilities. Give them strategies and time.
A7 We are all building boats. The only requirement is that they be able to float. Lots of collaboration and problem solving.
Q7 https://t.co/MmOjwMxO1l
Q7 Can students' passion drive learning? What are some passion based projects that you do in our classroom?
A6 How to problem solve independently, & how to choose their learning methods/strategies.
Haha…thanks! I would love to visit you at your school. Road trip!
A7: I have certainly explored this passion idea this yr. I look forward to taking my learning and improving it. It is powerful.
Learned about choice from you 4 years ago. So glad you were there to show me the way!!
A7: we do animal reports - students choose animal they want to research .. moving into more meaningful GH projects next year
I have differentiated content easily available. "Play" Lit Bingo & items are on "feed" whenever they choose it.
Make sure to share their products with us! Bet it's been a blast! https://t.co/7C258z28fe
A7 We are all building boats. The only requirement is that they be able to float. Lots of collaboration and problem solving.
A7: YES!! I believe so deeply that passion will drive learning.Our wonder projects, engineering projects are great examples of this
A7- We've had some of our curriculum move into our Makerspace time. It makes it more fun!
We still need to connect our students so that your ss can show us how its' done! https://t.co/uUwFdZ892v
A7: I have certainly explored this passion idea this yr. I look forward to taking my learning and improving it. It is powerful.
I need to understand a bit better. I was curious but it sounds like you have different activities on seesaw?
A7Absolutely Ss passion can drive learning in the classroom..Genius projects help steer the learning.Ss drive others to like topics
Q8 The last questions of the night coming up...
A7: we also do maker mornings and have an innovate time set aside on Thursdays to build, explore and create!
A7: My Ss created a cookbook because they were interested in traditions--took on a life of its own. It was so organic.
A7 We have also been doing Lego challenges. It's amazing what they come up with.
That is absolutely awesome! https://t.co/y0jMrWIJKQ
A7: My Ss created a cookbook because they were interested in traditions--took on a life of its own. It was so organic.
A7 Absolutely! The students begged to do a photo story and song on coral reefs...here it is! https://t.co/XFkFV03KDf
Q8 How about Ts? Does your school differentiate PD or give autonomy to teach and be innovative?
A7 Bringing in Minecraft has changed some kids game!
A8: PD is not differentiated We do have and are encouraged to be innovative and to use curriculum as a resource only.
A8 We've done a lot of collaborative learning. Just had a group of teachers observing in my classroom for Formative Assessment.
Stuff like this makes me smile. Shouldn't learning be organic? i LOVE this! Following their interests is so important.
A7: We had 1 day where we got to pick the sessions we went to; it was how I was introduced to Twitter chats. We need more of this
We have an app. They can use it to show their learning. Some showed fraction concept the other day:)
A8 Sometime we have a menu of options to choose from for our PD days. Pick and choose they type of learning that's best for you.
A8 They sometimes do, but what I'm really curious about is the genius hour approach to PD! That would be something!
It's amazing what they will build when given a simple challenge like "build something that starts with b".
no my school does a poor job at PD....I seek out my own to keep me in the know.
The best learning that has ever taken place w/ my kids evolved organically...it is what makes teaching/learning joyful.
Yes, also edcamp approach... https://t.co/oCRrL7yfQ4
A8 They sometimes do, but what I'm really curious about is the genius hour approach to PD! That would be something!
Yes, and they are super engaged!
My students also use it to document their learning. It has totally changed my life!
And it's THEIR learning not ours. We are very much alike. :-) Edcamp Puget Sound?
We did have a Digital Learning Day and had many sessions to choose from. It is coming back in August. Very successful.
