#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 March 14, 2016
It’s time for the come out you people and tell us when your break happens? I have 3 days left… 3 days left...
Amy here. 10 more days until break...
Christine from southern Alberta and my break is in 8 more get-ups!
Hello . Meg here waiting 5 WEEKS until break in Chicago.
Ashlea from SF Bay Area! :) Spring break starts April 10. Time is flying.
Spring break starts on the 24th
Thanks, honey! We were watching the curling last week-were annoyed that PEI's team only had PE on the jersey!
Greg here. Ontario March break is now, which is why I’m in Whistler!
Ugh! 5 weeks! Yuck. We’re on break now .. much needed. Hang in there.
That just sounds silly to me.
Well, PE is the official postal identifier from PEI… ;-)
I know. We felt it was still annoying. We like the "I"!
Here from AR, Elem. Ed. College student, break is 4 days away!
It’s SO far away. It aligns with Chicago Public School’s spring break.
I’ll make sure to tell them the next time I see them ;-)
It’s really brutal. No days off since winter break.
Do you finish for the summer or are you year round?
Melva in northern Saskatchewan, 10 sleeps until break
It seems like cruel and unusual punishment.
This is a random throw-out there ? Thoughts on year round school?
I see some merit in it but would need a/c in schools to make it work.
I would LOVE a year-round schedule, but seems unlikely in my school. My opinion is not popular!
I can see some of the benefits. I know they have shorter breaks more often. Plus still 6 weeks in summer.
For parents who cannot afford child care and separate preschool, it’s a necessity.
SB end of March 4old school. Looking forward 2sub a few times in coming weeks say so few Ts. LOL Faige retired K tcher in L.A
That’s what I think. There would need to be some major overhauling of schools
And it’s not like we’re overly funded as it is!
It certainly is a tough sell. Sometimes teachers are the worst for hanging on to things!
I don't view school=child care, so not in that sense.. I do think summer loss is a real thing&kids lose a lot during that time.
Too true. And too often that is the last thing we take into account!
It can be extremely exhausting for the staff however to be on a full year schedule with out many breaks.
The school calendar is based on farming practices from the 1870s or something.
We have an agrarian/fishing/tourist economy here. I wonder how it would work
year-round school would be ideal for the students with few exended breaks to reset. we lose so much in the summers.
Yes! I can identify with that-coming from Early Childhood! Burnout is easy to happen
That is a good point. I live in ranching/farming country and none of my Ss have to work in the summer
Hello I'm Angela from MN and two more weeks until break.
We have a lot that help out on the boats or the farms. Plus the families that run tourist cottages.
Thanks for the thoughts on year round school! Tonight we’re talking sharing documentation with parents.
What are your reasons for wanting this schedule?
Q1: How do you generally share your Ss growth with parents? Meetings? Blogs? Portfolios? Other?
More consistent for kids, shorter stretches between breaks for teachers.
Hello Everyone! I think year around school is very ideal. Everyone including kids need a break
Hey I'm Jonathan From NC. I am an Elem Ed major at App State and this is my first twitter chat.
I’m personally on the fence about it. I see benefits and I see drawbacks.
Makes sense to me, Amy. I was just curious about your reasoning.
Welcome to the Jonathan! Jump in whenever!
A1: I use app!It's the BEST thing I've done in my classroom all yr.Well maybe Rdr's Wkshp&Tinker time are close second..
formally: report cards, but I’m excited to be getting started with seesaw.
From classes I've learned communication is KEY for success! I think my route will be a mixture of many, but I'm planning on blog
A1: I used to send daily journals w/snippets of the class’ day and documented individual ss through portfolios.
A1: We use an online reporting system for parents. I e-mail, make phone calls, and write notes. Lots of pics sent home, too!
Weekly newsletters for info, open houses, report cards, portfolios, and student led learning conferences
A1. Report card or email. I teach PE so our class is a special.
Don't get me wrong, I like the long summer break, but would also like to travel at non-peak times!
A1: As a new director, I’m working on getting my staff to reflect together on how and why to communicate with the parents.
Have been hearing more about this. One of my Kdg. colleagues uses it in her room, too. She loves it!
right! It’s a tool I’m just beginning to implement. Like it because kids can be in charge.
I'd like year round school with well spaced breaks but so many of our staff are so far from families need long break
Cool article. I thought basically teachers just wanted the summers off.
A1: Another tool that I think is awesome is ClassDoJo
A1: I firmly believe that if my teachers doc the PLAY the kids are doing, they will stop getting so much push back from families
I can't rave enough.Families have shared it's helping their Ss talk about School&things they're proud of!
One of my biggest struggles this year is getting parents to communicate with ME. I’m finding little interest on their part.
Plus I can add recordings of reading, use it for assessment, the possibilities are endless!
We also control the weather for snow days too!
A1: I used to use a mix of emails, website updates, calls, texts, PDFs...
Ss and Ps to school, shared their porfolios, taught them a game, and did an activity we had done
A1 Emails phone some Ts text to share immediate information. Then conference times. Haiku page give Ps glimpse into class events
A1: I would share through progress reports and weekly communication logs.
I agree with you 100%! I think it’s important for parents to *see* what their child is doing- gives them evidence
A1: I cant answer this question but I am taking notes from the you guys. thanks for the great insight
We have a divisional parent communication plan, where parents get some kind of formal communication each month.
Hi all! We've had recent conversations w/ and know they're making school-home comms a priority: https://t.co/zIbvbzcNdE
A1: anyone use freshgrade? I've heard they use it here in BC. Our ontario board is exploring it.
Hi Everyone. Sue K teacher Maine. A1: Communicate w/Ps SeeSaw, website, Portfolios, meetings, website, texting photos
Especially in context where families nervous over kinder choices & don’t understand how kids learn thru play
That's so good to know! Our class has 10 and was weary of trying it since I didn't know if I had enough.
Q2: Piggy backing on comment- how can documenting child’s learning instruct parents?
I wonder why? Do you have any thoughts on this? https://t.co/36RGVVRi6a
One of my biggest struggles this year is getting parents to communicate with ME. I’m finding little interest on their part.
They have amazing support for getting it up & running, too. I did the PD in your PJs & it really helped!
I do and I don’t. I have sent home notes, I have blogged, I have e-mailed, I have (tried) to phone.
Maybe we need to rething HOW wer're communicating? Families are busy- words take too long.
I have a very transient class this year, in a non-transient community, if that makes sense. It’s an anomaly for sure
This is a great thought- what do you think might be better?
I will be teaching health for 12 classes of K Ss am looking to create a space for parents to see what my classes are up to
A1: love but wonder about their business plan. How is it free? Will it be monetized?
I think, especially with a specialty class, some form of documentation to communicate is key for involvement
A2: Pictures show the process of a child's learning. I often take pics when kids are halfway thru a task
My parents love getting a quick text or pic to show Ss learning something new. Quick and effective.
A1 Share growth face to face and via on a regular basis.
I'm finding that too. We blog but parents don't comment, just like my link to the blog on fb
Pics,videos,esp videos done bySs. There are apps that can help do this! Like: &
Q2: I'm a little uncomfortable with the idea of instructing parents, but I think doc can open a window to school experience
How often would you meet with parents face to face? We usually just have 2 p/t interviews, would you do more?
I agree that we need to include photos/work samples/video, also a place for short descriptions.
I have thought about this a lot, I have no answers, other than see what next year holds
This is an important thing to consider when using apps for student data... https://t.co/PaKn7nuQ4I
A1: love but wonder about their business plan. How is it free? Will it be monetized?
Our units of inquiry run 6 weeks or so. I'd like to have a parent open house at the end of every unit.
ESPECIALLY when it comes to connecting play and learning and intellectual growth.
A1: also have a number of parents that follow along on Twitter.
Do you get much parent turn out?
I'll figure that out if/when the time comes :)
A2 Parents want to know what is going on at school. Ss may not talk. Documentation can help open communication
Think we need 2be sensitive 2Ps wanting 2know but then again reluctant 2hear if cause 4concern. So much easier when all is good
I have very good turn out for conferences and also for our open houses. Almost 95%.
We have 2 student-led conferences, 3 rounds of PT interviews, and 1 big open house for ea grade level each yr.
I find that school policy is so far behind public opinion on such things as FB and Twitter. School- NO, others-Yes!
Sometimes a bit of parent ed is necessary when it helps put what kids are doing in context of skills parents want.
This is important ! Not everyone is going to always have great news https://t.co/XNHvEZb0AJ
Think we need 2be sensitive 2Ps wanting 2know but then again reluctant 2hear if cause 4concern. So much easier when all is good
greetings all, joining late and I will hurry to catch up. Just wanted to say hello!
A2: I've found where I teach, it's important for parents to see what they're kids are ACTUALLY ready for.
A2: I've found where I teach, it's important for parents to see what their kids are ACTUALLY ready for.
I ended up having “unofficial” student led conferences- kids came with parents, I included them. They were shy at first!
2formal P conferences but are available to meet when need arises. A quick hello at arrival/dismissal is nice
My first conference is in October and I only ask the S the questions. I don't talk much to the Ps!
We have P/T conferences Wed. I love to share Ss growth this time of year. They are reading and have come so far.
95% or more of our kids are bussed- we rarely see parents
is devoted to keeping it free for individual teachers and Ps https://t.co/VeUjDpsIXv
A1: love but wonder about their business plan. How is it free? Will it be monetized?
opposite for me, supposed to be student led, but parents don't bring them
I find that too- the more affluent, the more they push. Sometimes I find the older parents do this more
Spring time in kindergarten is awesome! Everything is clicking. :)
I had an open door policy. However some parents would try to take advantage of this
Here too. Conferences 100% Most class & school events good turn out from 100th day to holiday times
RE:Ss led conferences- as a teacher- love them. As a parent- do NOT love them. Couldn’t ask the ?s I needed to w/kids there
I feel fortunate. Our schools town is a 8 mile square so turn out great.
So sad to wish their kids’ lives away like that!
This happens in my little school and it comes down to being nervous about the options for kinder.
We offer to have other conferences/meetings w/o S if needed
There are always those aren’t there? ;-)
We have grade level meetings in evening led by level head and grade level Ts. Turn out depends
Yes agree. I just video taped my students reading and put in SeeSaw for parents. Conferences will be exciting.
is why it’s imp to show how kids develop intellectual and social skills that build the academics.
Q3: How much of your personal educational philosophy do you impart through your documentation, whatever you use?
I’m working with some to re-think curriculum here: looking at the whole child, not just intellect
would something like be good to use for teacher of multiple (14) classes all K health? I'm signing up now
A lot! Showing what happens and the growth that comes, helps understanding and acceptance of what we do
It’s a big challenge and a totally change of thought process
A3 Great question! I include aspects from play time to pics of pencil grip, to reading writing, to special moments & art
Confession: My kids didn’t have academic issues, I was always concerned abt social stuff
A3: I definitely think I document, photograph, video etc my Ss doing what I think is imp in K. Lots of learning through play doc
Well… someone’s daughter is working at Northwestern for the summer… Someone will be in N.IL at some point ;-)
I can definitely relate. Some parents use their affluence in a negative way
This is the BEST NEWS ever! Please let me know when you are here and we will meet up.
A3: I don’t think we can be totally neutral in what we chose to show parents. I think we all have our bias
A3: 150% YES. It's important they see that we are doing what I know&believe to be best for their individual children!
I totally will! I should say *someones* sons also live in Rockford… They shouldn’t be left out ;-)
A3 I chose "focused portfolios" and have adapted the forms -- lots of photos and reflections.
Haha. True, but Evanston is much closer to Chicago. ;)
agreed 100% bias is inevitable
Q4: So what is your bias when documenting?
Have to run Once again will check back. Have a great week.
A3: My believes definitely come out in my documentation. How can they not? They shape me as an educator.
Visuals are important. I would show work samples and pics of what they did in the classroom
I agree. I love to pop into music and art class and video Ss then pop into SeeSaw for Ps.
A4 Try to document the action of the classroom and that means inquiry and play
Exactly! https://t.co/hsb6BIhztL
A3: My believes definitely come out in my documentation. How can they not? They shape me as an educator.
I think documentation has come so far in terms of being able to not only show photos, but voice, and thinking
And with that last typo-ridden tweet, I am out . It’s been way too long of a day and those time thieves stole my sleep yesterday!
I think showing voice of child and thinking is a huge benefit to documentation vs. reporting
A3: As I become a teacher, I think its important to visually show the parents what is happening in the classroom
Good night my friend! We will be in contact!
you have a great week too, Faige
Love the Ss reflection and Ss begin able to share their thinking with Ps
It’s so true! Especially in younger years- most parents love to see what their kids are doing
Night! Thanks for leading the chat!
Have a great week Faige! I always love your wisdom!
Yes and even better when they choose what to add. We lose some things in notes
A4: My bias is definitely demonstrating the importance of play in learning.
A4: Videos of Ss Reading for sure. Early literacy is my passion!!
do you ever find parents discount the child’s voice?
do you ever find parents discount the child’s voice?
A4 Bias is probably lots of hands on, engaged learning, when I have a chance to sit back and observe their wonder
I love to step back and watch. I think it’s my favourite thing to do! I always learn something
How so? That it does not have meaning?
That it’s inconsequential. I have had some parents not as interested in what their child has to say
A4: Honestly my bias is making sure I document each child's strengths. Making them shine and celebrate what they excel in.
That’s a great bias too! Making sure each child is honoured for who they are
Play is so important. We need to get back to doing more of it
Ohh. I have not run into that much. When we meet F2F I also elaborate. But always start conf w/ Ss perspective
Listen, if I had my way, we’d all be playing all day!
yes! I try to catch strengths, especially in hands on learning
We had P/T interviews last week-the best compliment I received: When I read the report card, I felt like you really knew my kid
all incorporate play to some extent so that is exciting for all Ss
Especially with a play based curriculum I think it’s important to give that voice to the importance of play- to tell by showing
what's the best way you get to know your students?
Yes That is one reason I did Global School Play Day and promoted it.
The first thing is to play *with* them, the second is to stand back and watch them in action w/out interfering
Talk with them, watch how they play, connect
Alright I have 5 minutes left by my clock. Share the best way you demonstrate to parents their child’s growth
Yes. The self regulation and cooperation my Ss have learned this year from play are life long skills.
Goodnight heading to bed head is aching from long afternoon, with lots of NOISE! Enjoy the countdown to brea & break too!
Love looking at things from September in March! That's growth, baby!
Agree. Like no other grade level.
I keep a once a month journal and show it to parents. I love to watch their eyes light up when they see that growth
Any advice for new teachers that classes can't prepare you for, on any topic?
Prepare to be more tired and more fulfilled than you ever thought you would be in your life! Also play with them
The best way I show parents growth is showing them photos, voice, learning that their child added in highlight growth
