#6thchat Archive
#6thchat is used to chat, collaborate, and grow with other sixth grade educators from around the globe. Each session we discuss a topic voted on by #6thchat participants. It's a great way to help grow your PLN and share ideas with others.
Tuesday October 18, 2016
good evening, - michael from columbus, OH middle school teacher
My name is Kristin and I am the moderator for ! I teach ELA and SS in Lansing, MI!
Good evening! Lorena -6th gr Social Studies teacher from Dodge City, KS
Hi Michael! Glad you could join us! Hope you have had a great week. Read the blog by ! Enjoyed it!
We use the Q1/A1, Q2/A2 format on . If you have other questions or specific needs, please tweet them...remember the hashtag!
Hi I teach English at John Adams MS in NJ. Currently working on personal narrative, what are other ELA teachers doing!?
Bryan 6th gr ela from Oh.
Brett from Iowa lurk through!
Hi Chelsey! Working on writing "most important book" entries after reading and learning about a global issue.
Q1 What are other ELA teachers working on? We just finished notice & note signposts & personal narratives.
a1: my is not only nationwide but worldwide. so many dif. perspectives give me so many dif. ideas and feedback
A1) Often PLCs are focused on a specific topic/concern within a school to make positive changes using the talents of the teachers
A1 I choose my PLC. Traditional meetings follow District agendas. Not my ownership.
Yes! Many of us have at school and twitter groups, too. Feel free to answer questions accordingly. https://t.co/JRH25BJdcE
a1: my is not only nationwide but worldwide. so many dif. perspectives give me so many dif. ideas and feedback
A1: Less griping, seems more productive
That's true. Like students, teachers respond to voice and choice withing a meeting.
A1 PLCs are teacher-led and are given on chosen topics. Our school usually has a variety of PLCs to choose from once a month.
Finished narratives (memories from maps Ss created of their neighborhoods); working on responding to
A1- PLC is geared toward what my Ss need, what worked , what didn't, exchanging ideas sharing artifacts
A1: Tough to have a nationwide meeting traditionally, but PLCs now include even global meetings! An exciting time, new ideas, etc
Can I join in on your chat? I'm a preservice teacher from Grove City College. Can't wait to learn form you all.
My most powerful local plc is a grp of ela teachers that meet monthly not because we have to but because we want to.
Please do! We are happy to have your voice! Jump in with ideas or thoughts! We all learn from one another
Im an early adopter. Love my school family, but find sooo much awesomess online.
A2) Ideally Ts explore issues/concerns & decide what PLC they desire, & then help w/ the creation of it vs. being told to be on one
So, it's not school directed but T-developed and directed?
hello again! good to see you!
A2: I honestly have gotten a great deal from Twitter chats, like
Yes, I find the same to be true. I find intention and energy different online.
Yes we started getting together last winter and it's just continued. We plan, share resources and grow together.
A2: Make it as grassroots as possible. Just like in classroom, activities guided by interest are most impactful and meaningful
Are you all at the same school, district? Or across school districts? I would love to do one across diff. districts.
A2- I've honestly get most ideas and strategies from PLN on Twitter rather than at PLC time at school
Is this like a monthly edcamp? SOOO jealous.
We are all part of the same district.
A PLN is the fuel behind a PLC. PLCs focus on student learning. Our PLNs provide ideas & strategies to reach all students.
We have school-wide PLC initiative w/"delayed" starts & one PLC on ELA & one on Math for school improv. Not as organic as I'd like
A3) When I am motivated to move outside my comfort zone to try new strategies or explore new ideas
It is. Fortunate to have so many teachers committed to being there for each other and our kids.
Hey everyone! Michelle from Saskatchewan, Canada joining in late. Distracted by the ball game. Sorry about that!
Love this! Yes...fuel=energy which inspires us to bring the best to our classrooms. https://t.co/i5VaZ1wedh
A PLN is the fuel behind a PLC. PLCs focus on student learning. Our PLNs provide ideas & strategies to reach all students.
Hi Michelle! Welcome! Glad to have you here!
A3 I think when it is getting me feeling excited and motivated to try things just like any other learning activity.
A3: Try and create goals/objectives for creating PLN that can be defined. This way, relatively easy to look back and see progress
A3. I find myself turning to my PLC daily. Constantly gaining and sharing ideas that pushes my thinking forward.
I teach Social Studies, Thursday evening chat , another great one is KS Ts on Mondays at 8 I love
A3: Changing teaching practices , evaluating what works and especially what doesn't work and why.
That is definatly a good sign. What kind of things keep you excited about learning in general?
A4) PLCs should be T-driven w/ clear goals. Ts should take turns sharing best practices.
A4: open ended , thought provoking q's that are debatable
Yes, same here! https://t.co/rfQwbZg54L
A3) When I am motivated to move outside my comfort zone to try new strategies or explore new ideas
I think PLCs should be loosely structured so that all teachers feel comfortable sharing ideas.
Seeing where I can use whatever it is to improve student success. Motivates me to try something new.
Definitely need to create a culture of sharing and feeling a desire to share
I agree! It can be too easy to get off task if we don't have a clear goal. https://t.co/4iTaQ8fkio
A4) PLCs should be T-driven w/ clear goals. Ts should take turns sharing best practices.
I will say I like an agenda in PLC's. It's good to stay on track, even if you don't finish the agenda
A5) PLCs in school=specific school-wide initiatives that meet on long-term; Twitter grps support w/diff. topics=personal interest.
It does allow everyone to have a common target with which to frame ideas and conversation
A5: Twitter chats are more positive often times.
BAM! Why Im here! https://t.co/coKhjSK8zJ
A5) PLCs in school=specific school-wide initiatives that meet on long-term; Twitter grps support w/diff. topics=personal interest.
I agree. Why is that? How can we work to change that? It's such a curious thing to me.
Twitter pics help me think beyond my school/district. Helps me to look at things differently and bring new thinking to the table.
Q5 I find it easier to connect with my twitter PLN than my building PLC sometimes.
Twitter dosent get bogged w/ personal agendas or anti student. Plus, on twitter I can MUTE anyone!!
It is so nice to get ideas that are global or offer new perspectives away from a "group" think or negativity
A5: Are the "in person" PLCs?PLNs more helpful because they are face to face? or does that hinder support?
. change in culture takes a while. Take one day at a time, meeting by meeting
A5- PLN - Twitter allows me to share w/out fear. PLC limits me to be careful what I say because it might be "too outside the box"
Coming in so late! Kristin from Holt, Michigan
A5 I agree with I am also trying to expand my PLN.
Ha, ha! Easier to walk away! https://t.co/pzF1qzzAGo
Twitter dosent get bogged w/ personal agendas or anti student. Plus, on twitter I can MUTE anyone!!
Depends on the building culture & how group was created; twitter plns are always filled w/people who WANT to be there
When I talk at school, I can FEEL the eyerolls. I get tired.
Hey Kristin! Welcome! Glad you are here! Jump in!
A6) Allow Ts to showcase best practices is the best way to celebrate Ts work and talent
A5: Twitter lets me connect much bigger w/ more & diverse perspectives!
Yes! Lol I know the feeling!
Got caught up at dinner and lost track of time, but here now for
A6 When you have a PLC that's willing to share resources back-and-forth everyone benefits and should celebrate. No longer isolated
A6 Recognition of each teacher and their weekly accomplishments
A6: They allow the chance to learn at my own pace, when I want from fellow educators using strategies that interest me
A5: I love that I can seek out like-minded passions on Twitter...I've leaned SO much from many willing to share & collaborate
A6) On Twitter PLNs I find so many ideas shared and such a willingness to help each other raise our own best practices.
A6 Every teacher has something to bring to the table, something to share to make a positive impact on their staff.
So many great ideas and thoughts! Hey --what about starting a slow chat for our group?
A6 Because PLC's are usually self-directed teachers are passionate about sharing and working as a team. Not always about other PD
A7) Negativity or "way it's always been" thinking or simply "being there" but not contributing. Invite Ts to play a role in PLC.
Sometimes it is nice to take it our beyond our school goals and data.
yes I'm in. Just getting around to introducing Twitter to my kids this wk. How about we plan something for next wk
A7: when the PLC isn't safe or doesn't have trust...needs community building just like a new group of Ss do.
A7: Problem- getting bogged down w/ too much new; Solution- Take it a bit at a time
Yes, I think that will work. Maybe we can have teachers trade off on posting Q's for the days/week?
Yes, I think that will work. Maybe we can have teachers trade off on posting Q's for the days/week?
meeting with other six grade ELA teachers tomorrow night. Will bring up .
negativity is so difficult!! Agreed.
A7- problems could be Ts not willing to listen to other Ts, discounting their input. Solution use a collaborative document to
Great! We are doing a slow chat w/ and
Sounds like a great idea!
A7- (conti.)to show all Ts input like a Google Doc
Hey we decided several chats ago to use a hashtag to connect our Ss from our classes w/class accounts.
A hashtag we are going to start using with our six grade students to help them develop a PLN
A7 Being too focused on " the way we used to do it " or " that'll never work here " , emphasis on solutions, not the problems
A7: when groupings are not authentic or without an engaging purpose or task. Having a vision or strong 'why' is key!
is the fastest hour of my week, I swear.
I missed this, please share. https://t.co/rUgGUytEQ2
Hey we decided several chats ago to use a hashtag to connect our Ss from our classes w/class accounts.
A8) Have Ts share outcome of trying new lessons or ideas w/PLCs; discuss the positive transformation.
A8: Show a general interest in members, if they don't feel appreciated they won't want to contribute or stay
I just don't have time for it, really. Time is precious!
A8: support each other- compliments, observations, encouragement, celebrating successes!
A8: have a strong 'why' something to rally behind as a team.
A8- bring doughnuts to your next PLC! It makes the smile.
Any SS T's have minute to give an op on class site? Try to go concept based w/ anc civ. Just first 2 page
https://t.co/eCh5kC2LuP
A8: surround your work in PLC around Ss... It's always easy to stay the course when your Ss are at the forefront & the priority
A8 Candy. I always give out candy in every meeting I lead. Everyone tolerated me better when I was grade chair & I had bad news
A8 Need to feel listened to and know that it is making a difference and worthy of the time commitment
food does make things better! True!
Well...food does seem to do that!
We never have a staff meeting or grade group PLC meeting without food.
Hey I'm shuffling off to bed. Outstanding , I really dug it ! Thanks ! Have a great week !
Just saw all the s! Love it! Your curric is so diff. than mine! I like yours better. We are world geo
Hey ! Thanks for another great chat! See you next week!
Good night! Have a great rest of your week!
My SS got reduced by 75%, trying to get main ideas across
Sounds good! Don't want too much time to go by before we launch this!
as always, great chat tonight!!thank you!
