#fcsvanguard is the home of the Vanguard team's Thursday Twitter Chats. It is also a great place to post success stories, updates, and so much more. It's a chat that anyone can join and a great way to find new ideas. Join the community today!
I will be your host for the evening. I'm a 3rd year Assistant Principal at Holcomb Bridge Middle School. Chris Shearer (@hbprincipal ) has also contributed to tonight's chat. We hope to inspire some new learning tonight! #FCSVanguard
A1: I like routines, however during different blocks of time I change it up. I like to keep them on their toes too!! Like instead of notes doing a #breakoutEDU#fcsvanguard
When I was in the classroom I had a lot of structure that was definitely intentional. However, I also appreciated having flexibility to adapt to student needs. #fcsvanguard
Yes and no. I do follow the standards that have been set up by the county for each quarter, but I try to make sure that I cover the standards in a variety of ways year to year. #FCSVanguard
A1. Negative. Iām so against the grain itās ridiculous. I get a feel for my audience and cater to them. Prob a gift and a curse there. #FCSVanguard#VanPoints
Using an instructional framework doesnāt mean you have to do the same instructional strategies all the time. Thereās room for varied strategies too. š #fcsvanguard
#FCSVanguard A1: Some may follow a predictable instructional model due to familiarity and comfort level...However, in the words of @Technitkali āGrowth and comfort are antonyms.ā We must get uncomfortable to be innovative
A1: Nah! My audience determines what I do, I can plan for something, but because education is sooo unpredictable it's hard to be predictable...gotta have management of it all though. #fcsvanguard
A1: I like to encourage collaboration when teaching in Media Center, so often use cooperative learning, group/partner discussion to involve all students. #fcsvanguard
A1 itās a mix! Thereās a lot of structure in my first grade classroom but we also go with the flow depending on need, student interest, etc. I think a balance of structure but being prepared and okay with breaking away from that is key! #fcsvanguard
A1: I follow a combination of instructional models based on what I am trying to accomplish. I find that circumstances cause me to tweak and try various approaches. #fcsvanguard
A1: I tend to let my students dictate direction. I am pretty flexible with learning styles and make it fit into the school vision. #BrainyWizards#FCSVanguard
#fcsvanguard A1: We are looking so much at instructional frameworks so that we can measure growth and alignment in instruction. To me, a model doesn't mean i'm not innovating, it just means that you can know what to expect each day in the classroom, and that is learning!
I am consistently changing my model. In a music room, itās all about varied strategies. Whole group, differentiated stations, collaborative groups... the sky is the limit! #fcsvanguard@mrsjennshaffer has awesome choice boards!
Think about the FCS Literacy framework... minilesson, guided reading groups, independent reading, etc. This is the structure @davieskdawg, but HOW you do each part and the stations can change. #fcsvanguard
A1 Predictable is a word you would very rarely use to describe any class setting..lol With so many diverse learners your instructional model is constantly modified to meet the needs of your students.#fcsvanguard
A2: my openers and class discussions of the economy lead into our daily instruction. We connect the real world first and dive into the material. #fcsvanguard
A2: Because lessons look different almost everyday, I find itās effective to have structure in the way class starts and ends, as well as in how students transition from 1 activity to another. Itās too chaotic otherwise. #fcsvanguard;
A2 behavioral expectations help everything run smoothly regardless of what weāre doing. Iām in the Media Center, so every student comes through my doors. PBIS has been a great help in this regard. #fcsvanguard
@heathervanlooy there are a ton of different structures. Mine vary day to day and unit to unit. I donāt believe I have an overall framework that I use for a unit. The overall plan changes depending on need.
#fcsvanguard
A2 COLLABORATION! I teach TAG so my students love to work with a partner or a small group where they can research, talk, think, talk, design, talk, make decisions, talk. Did I mention talk? LOL #FCSVanguard
The station rotation model is a great example of a classroom structure that provides lots of flexibility within a predictable structure. You can employ tons of varied strategies, flexible pacing, choice, etc. #fcsvanguard
The most effective classroom structure is one where there is student exploration... dialogue.... creativity.... and minimum teacher talk!! #fcsvanguard
A2: I am working to try and change the way our students use the library. I want it to be a space where they can come and explore by providing them with new and inventive tools. The structure behind this is pretty difficult. Stay tuned to see what we come up with
#fcsvanguard
A2: flipped videos are everything! Low on time to check HW? Need math help at home? Need to teach a concept/review a spiral skill? Thereās a video for that. š #fcsvanguard
A2: I have found that the best structure for my classroom is the one that is flexible and that offers variety. In the 13 years I have taught, I have never had the same class twice. The classes and the students in them change year to year and so should my teaching. #FCSVanguard
A2 Most effective classroom structure is holding a RECALL bell ringer using @Socrative or @Mentimeter of months old knowledge or from the night before or from the week. Allows me to differentiate from there #notpredictablebutpredictable#FCSVanguard
A2 consistency with student expectations. I give students a Literacy Contract each week that is differentiated. Students then know their purpose for completing their work. #fcsvanguard
A2: In PBL the entry events to projects are EVERYTHING! I try a myriad of things from movie trailers, poems, to real life stories, etc to get my students excited about what's coming #fcsvanguard
A2: I see over 100 students a day. I live by assigning students numbers & a team. Great for team building, collaboration & structure! (Also helps quickly track data & group Ss) #fcsvanguard
A2: I love a good station rotation! For me, this offers all the things I love to see in a classroom- collaboration, student choice/voice, tech integration, just in time instruction, flex pacing, co-planning, and opportunities to remediate and extend learning #fcsvanguard
A2:I believe that it is essential for scholars to know what to expect in terms of a consistent format for accountability regarding their roles in the classroom and my role as the teacher/ leader in the classroom.#fcsvanguard
A2: My most effective classroom structure is making sure that students feel safe and are not afraid to take risks as it relates to their learning #fcsvanguard
A3- whole group start to the day and then various activities that are student drive and focused that allows me to facilitate and meet all student needs #fcsvanguard
A3: The most effective PL structure would be one that is based off of the students. You have to know your students in order to be successful with PL. #FCSVanguard
A2: The most effective classroom structure, is having structure. Expectations have to be clear and students need to see us follow through. #fcsvanguard
Thereās not just one way to do personalized learning effectively. Some that Iāve seen used successfully to #personalizeFCS are stations, playlists or choice boards, & flipped classroom. #fcsvanguard
A3: Station rotation and flex model are tied. It has made my life with 30+ kids per class everyday. Thereās so much you can do for so many kids with these. #fcsvanguard
A3: Choice assignments. āWe need to learn about battle in the Pacific during WWII, you can use the text to fill out this graphic organizer, or look through this website to answer these questionsā, etc. #fcsvanguard
A3 I like using #GoogleClassroom to post assignments and announcements for students. Giving them an opportunity to comment and giving me an way to check to see what they have done in real time. #fcsvanguard
A3: With AP Physics students it is always a challenge. I enjoyed using the Gradual Difficulty approach where they got to work on a level that best works for them. #fcsvanguard
A3: Finding a really good tech tool that does a lot of the leg work for you, for instance I am an IXL fanatic & with the new features they have, it is seamless trying to personalize learning for all students...a good way to start #fcsvanguard
@jonathanadel Iād love to pick your brain about personalized learning for band! (I know you arenāt in the band room now, but would still be fun to chat!) #fcsvanguard
I was forever changing my setup in the band room...not the best idea for the 3 years that I had a visually impaired student, but she learned to ask me at the door if anything had changed before she came in.
A3: oops-I think I kind of answered this in A2, but I love station rotation, as well as choice boards/menus, blended learning strategies- anything that allows students to be in the "driver's seat" of their learning #fcsvanguard
A3 I would say @GoogleForEdu and #HyperDocs has been the best for PL! I can gateway my s's where they need to be based on so many things, data driven, choice learning, and my favorite making them 21st century learners and sharing what theyve leaned w/the world #FCSVANGUARD
Teachers can provide many different tools to provide information and students have the opportunity to choose what is best for them. The facilitation works well afterwards because it takes away some of the leg work for the teacher.#fcsvanguard
#FCSVanguard A3: I find station teaching to be the highly effective for personalized learning by providing an ideal environment for flexible pacing, choice and voice, and choice for demonstrating learning.
A3: We have to remember that personalized learning isnāt always adaptive programs so a framework could involve studying student work regularly and having students self assess to co plan using learning progressions or a prof. scale. #FCSVanguard
A3: I used station rotations in my classroom for awhile but personalize learning introduced me to voice and choice options in my stations. #fcsvanguard
#hyperdocs is a fancy navigate student learning. š them so! its also a great way for kids to make their own study guides to other notes and such! #fcsvanguard
#FCSvanguard I think having a workshop model classroom helps the students with their routines! They know what to expect during math writing and reading!
A1: lots of structure in my first grade classroom but lots of flexibility, too, depending on student need, interest, opportunities, etc. I think balance is key! #fcsvanguard
Honestly, I love in class flipped learning w/ leveled instruction to meet the needs of students w/ @Nearpod, @TouchCastEDU, & @Seesaw leading the way managing large class sizes! #fcsvanguard (Not always bout the tech, but canāt live w/out it!)
A2: Routines, but change and flexibility within those routines. We always follow a guided math model or balanced literacy, but what we read, work on, explore, etc. changes within that structure! #fcsvanguard
A4: #VanPoints is one way that flexible pacing with choice had help #fcsvanguard accountable this year! I love that Ts have choice for which activities to complete and that some coaching is required.
A4: Guided reading because it provides protected time for teachers to build strong readers and insure all students are getting their needs met. #fcsvanguard
A3: I like station rotations because they allow scholars to move around and it gives me the opportunity to focus on those learners who need extra assistance. In addition, scholars seem to be more comfortable expressing themselves and asking questions. #FCSVanguard
#FCSvanguard I use a lot of choices boards and choice activities in my room! It great with the workshop model. They can go online and find the activities I have posted for the week, and choose based on what they need to work on
A4: Tough question as what I have seen work in one setting does not in another. For instance what works great in a English classroom bombs in a math classroom. #fcsvanguard
A4-Google Classroom is the Best Structure for my students. It will take a few years to have everything on that platform. I wish there was a way we could program our announcements for a later time. #fcsvanguard
A4: Tough question as what I have seen work in one setting does not in another. For instance what works great in a English classroom bombs in a math classroom. #fcsvanguard
A3: We have to remember that personalized learning isnāt always adaptive programs so a framework could involve studying student work regularly and having students self assess to co plan using learning progressions or a prof. scale. #FCSVanguard
A3: I found that the most effective instructional structure for personalized learning is to merge it into everyday instructional practices. #fcsvanguard
A3: My favorite instructional model for Personalized Learning would be blended learning. Being able to provide students with the instruction and providing them with supplemental instruction via sites such as @Tes_Teach Blendspace seems to be pretty effective. #fcsvanguard
A3: independent learning stations mixed with guided math/reading or conferences. Indp work is personalized but I can also really target student needs when working with a smaller group so Ss are met at their level the entire block #FCSVanguard
Learning Progressions that operate as a GPS for instruction. Students self assess and teachers study student work to develop next steps for instruction to level up the work. #FCSVanguard
A4: #VanPoints is one way that flexible pacing with choice had help #fcsvanguard accountable this year! I love that Ts have choice for which activities to complete and that some coaching is required.
A4: Co-planning helps- "Must Do/May Do" accountability trackers-when students create a plan of what they are going to accomplish during a class period, it helps them to self-pace. Checking in with the teacher, getting feedback and adjusting the plan as needed is key. #fcsvanguard
A4 when I see students struggling based on formative data in the classroom I am able to give them extra videos, websites or sources that can help them. Also at our school we have "office hours" for this kind of help #FCSVanguard
Learning Progressions that operate as a GPS for instruction. Students self assess and teachers study student work to develop next steps for instruction to level up the work. #FCSVanguard
A3: I do like the Balanced Literacy Model and at my school there is a framework for math. The model itself leads towards personalized learning, if implemented correctly. #FCSVanguard
If you want great examples of student paced lessons with choice on the unit scale, you should contact Christy Jolle or Rodney Floyd at AHS. They have it down to a science! #fcsvanguard
Learning Progressions that operate as a GPS for instruction. Students self assess and teachers study student work to develop next steps for instruction to level up the work. #FCSVanguard
Itās important to remember that the structure is only effective when it meets the needs of the class. Sometimes you need the flexibility to deviate. People can become ātrappedā by the structure if they forget to reflect. #fcsvanguard
Learning Progressions that operate as a GPS for instruction. Students self assess and teachers study student work to develop next steps for instruction to level up the work. #FCSVanguard
A4: In my school there is not much room for flexible pacing. We have a really tight schedule to follow daily. Teachers must adhere to the balanced literacy and math frameworks. #fcsvanguard
A5: I think that what works in one class one day may not work the next. Teaching is an art that changes and it is hard to make a formula or algorithm that consistently works. As a math person, I love formulas, but it is hard to find one in teaching. #fcsvanguard
A5 every day bring something different and studentsā needs are constantly changing...which is why flexibility coupled with structure is so important! #fcsvanguard
A4: The best structure for flexible pacing is using data to drive the instruction so students can be self directed learners and move at pace that fits their individual abilities. #fcsvanguard
A5: I think that what works in one class one day may not work the next. Teaching is an art that changes and it is hard to make a formula or algorithm that consistently works. As a math person, I love formulas, but it is hard to find one in teaching. #fcsvanguard
A5: I think timing. It is difficult to say you will be teaching something at an exact time (round about time...no problem). Many things happen in the course of a day, so I think making sure you have hit every aspect of that structure could be challenging. #fcsvanguard
A5 I guess the structure in my classroom is I hold a high standard for behavior and accountability for work from the beginning. They know my expectations for assignments and behaviors. Learning is expected but the Students OWN the learning #FCSVanguard
A5 You have to know what your students CAN do. Ss really do crave structure and routine a break in that routine can make for A LOT of hurdles #fcsvanguard#SPEDteacher
A5 The biggest hurdle to adopting a defined structure is finding a structure that works with for all lessons. Comfort level is also a hurdle. #FCSVanguard
The Literacy Framework is built on the idea of flexible pacing! You assess students and they progress through the reading levels at their pace. You will be working with kids who are at many different reading levels in one class. #fcsvanguard
A5: Every class brings sooo many personalities, moods, and dispositions it gets interesting maintaining structure, but because it is so important to progress, I know where I need to be rigid and where I can have some flexibility...the luck of the draw #fcsvanguard
A5 You have to know what your students CAN do. Ss really do crave structure and routine a break in that routine can make for A LOT of hurdles #fcsvanguard#SPEDteacher
A4 Iām on a rotation schedule with other specials, so time isnāt always my friend. On the flip side, I have lots of opportunities to work with teachers. #fcsvanguard
A5: Iām in a position to be flexible with my teaching practices. I just have to make sure that the standards are being taught and the students get the most out of each lesson. #fcsvanguard
#FCSvanguard I think having a workshop model classroom helps the students with their routines! They know what to expect during math writing and reading!
A4: When scholars are presented with supports like varying assessments, and accommodations for time to complete tasks, then then they have a flexible classroom community that supports differentiation and that meets individual learning needs. #FCSVanguard
A6: CHOICE. The first year I had students do research to later turn into a podcast, I had to swear on so many things that I wasnāt kidding when I said they could research anything they wanted. #fcsvanguard
That is a great question! My older Ss wanted to work more collaboratively & experience music hands on! The babies wanted to learn through playing (b/c those djembes & Xylos just look TOO cool!) #fcsvanguard
#FCSvanguard I use a lot of choices boards and choice activities in my room! It great with the workshop model. They can go online and find the activities I have posted for the week, and choose based on what they need to work on
I canāt wait to hear these responses. Iām curious how often people are asking their students for feedback too! Bring on the choice & VOICE! #fcsvanguard
A6 this is hard because I'm not sure they always know what they need. More individual attention and assurance that they are headed in the right direction. #fcsvanguard
A5: Every kid and every class is different. What works for 1st period may not work the same way for 5th period. Flexibility is key, but also taking the time to reflect and adjust as needed. #fcsvanguard
A6: it varies depending on student interest. If they live the subject, they want time to dig and discover. If they donāt, they just want to be taught what they need to know. #fcsvanguard
A5: the hurdles that I face in adopting a defined structure in my class is sticking with it! Iām quick to abandon ship š¤¦š½āāļø #FCSVanguard
I did a quick check 1st-5th at the beginning of the year as a opening activity with post-it notes on the way out the door. Loved āhearingā what & how they wanted to learn. (My first activity among many) #fcsvanguard
I canāt wait to hear these responses. Iām curious how often people are asking their students for feedback too! Bring on the choice & VOICE! #fcsvanguard
A6 #FCSVanguard my older Ss sometimes enjoys music playing in the background while working, so they wish to listen to YouTube. My younger Ss just want the devices to be easier, quicker to use. They don't like to wait.
A6: I haven't done a survey related to this topic but I know my kids like choice and voice in what they are doing. Many like their own way to show what they know and it changes #FCSVanguard
@medlockmusic thatās your homework for tomorrow! Lol. Ask your kids what they think! Itās powerful for building relationships and meeting their needs. šš» #fcsvanguard
A6 this is hard because I'm not sure they always know what they need. More individual attention and assurance that they are headed in the right direction. #fcsvanguard
A6: Student voice/choice- students want input in how they learn and then be able to decide how to show their learning. Options in general but be strategic in those options- too much choice can overwhelm some, but offer a few and then always a "You choose" option #fcsvanguard
A6: My scholars like to have fun. When I find ways to make their learning challenges interactive and fun using technology, then they are usually more engaged. #FCSVanguard
