#5thchat Archive
#5thchat is for people interested in chatting about topics in education, especially as they relate to Grade 5. The goal is to connect people who enjoy learning & sharing, plus supporting & creating partnerships worldwide!
Tuesday June 7, 2016
Hey everyone! Thanks for joining to discuss the ins & outs of math stations. I'm excited to learn! https://t.co/i7X0JGwHkg
We're using the standard Q1 & A1 format. Make sure to include in your tweets! Introduce yourself :) https://t.co/Df42tPBzEL
Karina Vu from Katy, Tx. Excited to get back on my workout game.
Linda Vasquez 3rd grade Math/Science
A1: Maggie from Idaho. I will be traveling to North Dakota to visit family.
I'm excited to spend time with my family! My daughter will be a senior in high school.
Marisa, IC from Katy, TX excited about math station ideas!
, Hi, Jessica McAleer, Nova Scotia. This is my first twitter chat., Excited to go to the beach!
Amanda- 5th grade Indep., MO excited to travel this summer!
Melissa Plunk, Springfield MO, K-5 Numeracy Coach
Welcome there's always lots of great ideas!
Hi , Shauna from Arizona.
A1: I group my students based on ability according to objective. Groups are constantly changing and flexible.
Jordan from Princeton, NJ
, A1Depending on the activity, I group students as friends or similar strengths or to support one another. Always chaning
A1: mixed ability. Ss can help and learn from each other
A1 I really like to let kids pick their own groups.
A1: groups are constantly changing, flexible, sometimes mixed ability sometimes focused on specific skills needed
A2 Students are often grouped randomly...I make use of 's Super Grouper a lot
A1: I group my students based on the objective/TEK being taught. Groups aren't fixed & can/will change as needed.
I've never heard of super grouper. I will have to check it out! ,
I love the ideas y'all are sharing so far! Remember to add to your tweets so all participants can see. Thanks! Next Q coming soon.
Hi! Jill from Nova Scotia, Canada. Excited for hot weather!
Here's Q2. Name specific apps or programs if you can! The more specific we are in our sharing, the better. https://t.co/scnrgdALtZ
For the most part yes. If they can't be productive they lose the privilege.
A1: It depends on what I'm doing. I changed it a lot depending on the lesson/activity.
Oh, BTW, I'm Nikki from TX. Hello, everyone!!!
A1 My groups change depending on the activity and the students that day; their moods demand change, too!
A2: fastt math from scholastic, and were HUGE for my kids.
I love using apps such as to share S work, for graphic organizers & Reflex from
YES! Love Kahoot. Haven't used it too much, that's one of my goals for next year so I'll be asking you for help!
I've never heard of that... is it an app? Specific age group?
A2 Tech is all over my classroom...assignments through Google Classroom, various other apps as well.
A2 my kids liked Khan Academy. I thought it was very user friendly.
A2: I use technology as much as possible. I like IXL Math, Kahoot, interactive games that I can use on the smartboard ,
A2: I integrated tech by allowing Ss to create with it. Tech is a tool, not a teacher.
Couldn't have said it any better myself. https://t.co/Qp0rioBWq7
A2: I integrated tech by allowing Ss to create with it. Tech is a tool, not a teacher.
A2: District uses Dreambox and ALEKs for individualized learning. Post videos and assignments through CANVAS.
A2 Ss use for online portfolio.
Agreed! What programs/apps do you use specifically, or which ones do you prefer?
I am a big fan of Kahoot too. .
A2: When Ss needed to create a PPT, the computer was the tech; when we were out in the garden, tools were the tech. All depends.
is awesome. Started using it last year, and I'm hooked!
A3: This is something I struggle with and am trying to improve on... all suggestions are appreciated!
A3: I give students a sentence stem at the end of each station rotation to reflect on work they've done. Usually a quick sentence.
A3 Writing is integral to math. Ss must clearly explain solutions in order to truly show learning.
try to find literature connections to activities in stations. Have students record findings in writers notebook ,
A4 We break apart word problems to determine which operation we need to use and find any unnecessary information
I agree, but I struggle finding a way to have Ss write in a way that benefits them & is effective. Suggestions?
. Programs: Quia, Quizlet, Adobe Connect, Google Apps, GameStar Mechanic, Math Playground, IXL...
Word problems are a great lead into any activity ,
A3 Reading wall. Includes math and sci books from our lit library. Ss use wall after ind work, or I do math/sci read aloud
Q.3 Reading to them. Connection to literature is huge. Going them several opportunities to reflect in writing (ticket in/out).
A3 weekly problem solving activities where kids need to represent and code answers (need to write answer in sentence)
A3: Ss write to explain their thinking, create math books, explain what they understand and don't; read math related books
I need to do more of this. Ss sometimes write letters to each other exp solutions https://t.co/Z7Vj1FA1kJ
A3 Writing is integral to math. Ss must clearly explain solutions in order to truly show learning.
Students love to be read to.
I gave Ss the answer to a word problem Ss had to write a problem to get that answer how they got there was up to them
I love the thought of making the work backwards... what better way to prepare them to tackle a word problem?
Love Anno's Mysterious Multiplying Jar to teach factorials!
I have Ss write problems, place in basket,then answer each others. They love to see how many they can get ,
I was impressed with the different operations they used. Not just adding
A3: I like students to read about interesting things about our world. I integrate math scenarios with the reading.
A4: I have no more than 2 Ss per station. Harder to get distracted with 1 partner as Ss are engaged in play ,
"24 is the answer. What is the question?"
A4: I've tried menus before where I have to sign off after a S has completed a station... too time-consuming & ineffective.
Great way to differentiate for all! ,
A4 upload activity to is amazing at this! Even logic puzzles are uploaded
A4 Using or a Google Form for students to record learning helps.
I have a class of 25 so I have 12 math stations in clear plastic tubs ,
Q.4 This has been a learning experience for me. I have learned that you have to have a way to do a quick check daily.
I keep hearing about & need to just break down and try it!
Do it! I took the plunge this year and I'm not going back!
A4 if you have Google Classroom or other LMS, this helps as well.
Yeah, menus didn't work for my class either.
A4 sometimes even a quick lap around the room is enough to get them back to work
A4 Class captains choose different leaders for class discussion after activity (can use the smartboard to display work!)
A4: I usually have one station that's a grade so if they've done the stations correctly & focused, their grade reflects it
A4-menus work well when the Ss initial each other's activity completion. Ss must work in pairs, or group of 3.
A4: Ss record thinking for day on sheet. Want to go paperless next year with Ss taking pictures of their work like a portfolio
. This is a great idea! Are you using Google Classroom?
A5: I use a data sheet when I work w/ a group. Includes date, sm grp activity & observations. Need reteach, mastered or on track.
A5 I use a lot of Google Sheets...learned this year how to use formulas to pull data from different sheets.
A5: When Ss need help individually, I use a sheet to record date, activity & result. Need intervention, mastered or on track.
Q5: K-6 ninja app, checklists, pictures, observation notes, Ss reflections
District uses CANVAS which is like google classroom We are going 1:1 chrombooks in grades 3-5 next year.
Q5: I have a binder. It will have anything from tests, informal assessments, & notes from small group.
Wow! 1 - 1 chromebooks! I wish!
A5 Exit tickets, sticky note check-ins, observation checklists, conversations!
I use binders for each subject too. So easy to organize!
I take pictures of them showing what they did. Place for it in K-6 ninja app
A5: I also have Ss track their own data. Make grade predictions, conference with me about grade & note strengths/weaknesses
Like index card exit tickets that show work on one type of problem; easy to analyze & group by strength & challenge
A5: I actually allow students to track their progress and they share their reflections with me.
A5: exit slips, observations, check-ins, pre post tests, number talks, conversations,
I also use it when Ss have a Q & don't want to interrupt. They leave their Q posted & I answer it later.
THIS IS HUGE! Ss take ownership and realize their strengths & weaknesses. Hence, it motivates them. https://t.co/XbXfGDmO9i
A5: I also have Ss track their own data. Make grade predictions, conference with me about grade & note strengths/weaknesses
A6: Stations are always activities Ss know how to do but need to practice. That way, no interruptions
THIS IS HUGE! Ss take ownership and realize their strengths & weaknesses. Hence, it motivates them. https://t.co/e0we5SDQ9D
A5: I also have Ss track their own data. Make grade predictions, conference with me about grade & note strengths/weaknesses
A6: I use the standard "ask 3 before me". We have silent signals for restroom & water.. that helps a lot! Ss can pass me notes also
. Congrats on the 1:1 Chromebooks! You'll love them.
A5 Also use Coach functions to see time spent on problems, amt & types of hints, + accuracy
teach a 3/4 - often have to use stations with 1grade as the other gets a mini lesson. Interruptions must be minimal
A6 Ss are chosen to be "experts" that others can go to for specific Qs on activity; 3 Before Me, too.
A6: Ask 3 before me, parking lot area to post questions, task cards with pictures to explain stations, help videos posted on CANVAS
A6 visualize how to start, how know when finished, what do next & problem solve BEFORE stations, 3 before me, then parking lot ?s
A6: I was at a table for one of my stations. I was able to "help" all students and no one felt "singled out."
I like the problem solving BEFORE the stations. "What could happen? What could you need me for?" Thanks for sharing!
A6 Ss developed own "help board" so they know who is available to help when I'm otherwise engaged.
A6 I let them ask me. I don’t want them practicing incorrectly-if they’re really stuck I say ask, no matter what
A6 I'm also a big believer in C3B4ME
Do you have document(s) you use for them to track? Great idea!
Here's the folder for the student data recording sheets. It was POWERFUL for them last year. https://t.co/EkjL7HYtFb
Q7: Ss often choose another station or create own math game to fit current skills we are practicing
Q.7 Fact Fluency game, exemplars, & TTM.
A7 Ss can always update blogs, work on projects; other various challenges.
A7: Depending on grade, Ss pick another activity, or extension for that activity, work on individual goals, play a math "game"
A7: Ss work on their own math projects or challenging task cards. I want create a makerspace for early finishers
Q7: Ss love to code. I have started to allow them to use Scratch, Tynker or Kodable
A7- 3 act math, STEM projects, project based learning,
Hungry Teacher & thought-provoking, relevant work, Ss get very engaged in; leveled activities in HT
Just tried makerchallenges this week. I want a makerspace in my room!
Thanks for recommending Kodable! :) Let us know if you need any help this summer!
Ss have own blogs through . I've been tweaking my approach but the experience has been very positive!
A7 math-art journals, Math Frog, Think Tank box of questions, and going to try "Side Quests" for game points next year!
Ss do love coding and it helps with teaching perseverance and problem solving
I'd love to see samples of your math art journal!
You are so kind to share! Thank you!
I want to try side quests too. Trying to figure out what kind of currency to use...
I'll try to get a pic when I'm in the class this week!
Q8: My Ss need structure or parts of stations go missing. I have a cool bell from Highlights that I use to signal transitions
A8: I set a timer & when it goes off, Ss pick up station & come back to meeting area to regroup & prepare for next station.
we should work on this together for next school year!
Time interval based on my small group (15 to 20 min.); chime signal
A8- my Ss become more responsible & engaged in their learning when I allowed them to move freely.
Basically, it is a space where Ss can be creative and explore. They have tools and materials w/ no limits.
I would like that. What grade level do you have next year?
Love a good chime! Agree - need closure & regrouping, then Ss verbalize next choice (variation of Daily 5)
A8 Made jump to student-led classroom this year! Students manage many transitions themselves!
A8: Timer. Keep it moving. :-)
A6 I can't forget for letting me moderate my first twitter chat on .
A8 Depends on the activities and groupings... smaller groups/individuals move freely, use visual timer for structured
A8: Some classrooms rotate w/ audible signal such as bell, song; other classes move freely as they get done
How did the student-led classroom work for you?
