#4thchat Archive
#4thchat is a hashtag for teachers or anyone to talk about educational issues relating to 4th grade. Using #4thchat will create a network of 4th grade teachers or teachers working with 9-10 year olds across the world. We welcome anyone who 1. teaches 4th grade 2 .Works with 4th grade students and or 4th grade teachers 3. Likes 4th grade teachers (Groupies are encouraged).
Monday January 25, 2016
Join on Jan 28 at 8pm CST. Topic: getting out of ruts & shaking up math instruction w/
It's time for I'm Nate from Nebraska. Elementary Integration Specialist. Hey there!!
Hi tweeps, sorry but was having some tech difficulties. Paula here from New Orleans.
Hello, Nate! How was your Monday?
Hi Friends! How are you tonight. This is my reason to Love this group!
What's up ?? Joshua here from Charlotte, NC
Hey Jenn! My Monday was fantastic, you?
So who had no school today because of snow and temps?
Hello! Lindsey from North Dakota!
A bit crazy, but we survived! I definitely need some PLN discussions tonight!
We were off school today and tomorrow as well. 30 inches here
Hi Having trouble replying to tweets. Logging off - will be right back
Love with you, Nancy, and the rest of the gang.
Welcome, Joshua! How’s the weather in NC?
Hey, Jenn and Nate. Glad to see you here for . How’s your weather?
Pretty good today but we got another snow day for tomorrow! :)
He, Billy. How are you surviving the snow?
That is our year's worth, lol.
Hello, friends! We finally went outside today! First time in a few weeks bc of weather. How was your Monday?
Hi Sylvia, nice to have you here for .
Good heavens! How long with you be out?
Thank you, happy to be here
We had school today only ad 25 inches of snow but went in today.
Q1: How do you define “Service Learning?” Is it the same as Community Service?
Hi Josh - glad the snow didn’t stop you from joining in tonight! :)
That would shut us down for a week or more!
NJ must be rocking snow removal - only 25 inches.
Crazy - That’s what happened to us last year!
A1: I think they are pretty much the same, but maybe I'm wrong Isn't it just about serving your community (whether local or larger)
It would definitely cripple NOLA.
ONLY 25 - lol Yikes! That’s a lot to snowplow!
Who knows, lol, city said it will take a week to clear, but they are doing everything they can to get ot done faster
A1: I think Service Learning is where children learn skills by working together for others.
A:1 I see service learning as giving yourself (mind, body, spirit) to something to benefit others. Community service is a byproduct
A1: I believe the are basically the same. Some ppl refer to them as community service projects,
We had some nasty black ice this morning.
OOhhhhh- that’s SO dangerous. We have it occasionally. Hope you stayed safe!
A1: Before I read the article I felt they were the same. lol (TBH)
Better late than never! Hello
Q2: How is Character Education incorporated in your class/school ?
A1 Service learning provides more student buy-in, effort, and reflection
Black ice is NO fun and very SCARY! Be careful!
My Service Learning page https://t.co/KG1OaIftMQ Life’s most persistent & urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?” MLK
Thanks for the awesome definition.
I had some scary moments dealing with black ice when I used to live in the NE. Glad you’re safe.
I love ur description! Service learning needs to go beyond the community. Something that is longer lasting. https://t.co/K2kWJWpg2C
A:1 I see service learning as giving yourself (mind, body, spirit) to something to benefit others. Community service is a byproduct
just a little surprised sliding. Made to school safely.
A1: The difference is that service learning - the learning is intentional. Service projects the learning is passive.
A:2 I incorporate and through structure
A2: We have a character word of the week and it is referred to each morning during announcements.
DAVE!!!!! Glad you’re here! I’m sure you can add loads to this topic! https://t.co/Mt9d7lZo8d
Better late than never! Hello
DAVE!!!!! Glad you’re here! I’m sure you can add loads to this topic! https://t.co/Mt9d7lZo8d
Better late than never! Hello
Really like this distinction. https://t.co/kpxPghpSSy
A1: The difference is that service learning - the learning is intentional. Service projects the learning is passive.
A2- Every month we have a new character trait and we meet with buddies to do an activity about that trait.
I think this is true especially if it’s real world & they have a say in it. https://t.co/v4NZ05NA4z
A1 Service learning provides more student buy-in, effort, and reflection
How are you? Yes, lots of side streets still to go!
Haven't been to in forever, miss everyone and the awesome ideas!
A2: We have learner profiles (similar to PYP) for personalized learning. I really like them https://t.co/c8FA5siJKf
A2: We have learner profiles (similar to PYP) for personalized learning. I really like them https://t.co/NcWMlXnWOy
A2: every month we get a new character word and a book of the month to read with it
A2: Wish my school did more about character education. I think our Ss would benefit greatly. It is needed.
I don't live in the city but heard it isn't good. I am good! Been missing for awhile! Seemed like a good day to reconnect
A2: We don’t have a “formal” Character Ed program but we bring it into daily lessons.
Loving all these great ideas on how to incorporate character ed into your classroom!
WOW! Really love that your district has put this together. Think it is needed in today’s world. https://t.co/G3N5C0lOhR
A2: We have learner profiles (similar to PYP) for personalized learning. I really like them https://t.co/NcWMlXnWOy
What have been some of your words Paula - I love this idea! https://t.co/qdEPOUWOhh
A2: We have a character word of the week and it is referred to each morning during announcements.
This is true for us as well https://t.co/FV4dCgnLbx
A2: We don’t have a “formal” Character Ed program but we bring it into daily lessons.
We teach Boystown social skills in my district. We also have teach 5 character traits at my school. https://t.co/lFy0IIkJRX
Q2: We use https://t.co/5pdCKBKb4Q . Each month, a new subject like perseverance, fair play, community + Olympic athlete mentor.
You can thank our fearless leader for spearheading this effort!
Q3: Which areas of the curriculum lend themselves to Service Learning Projects? Why?
A:2 also use closing circle to reflect upon our day.
Probably because it isn't tested! Hi Paula. Nice to see you still on Twitter.
Great way to follow up - Have you seen a difference in your students? https://t.co/S5qcNl1qqL
A2- Every month we have a new character trait and we meet with buddies to do an activity about that trait.
Hi Terry. Yes, still on Twitter, especially Monday nights for .
Incorpor. bits of a morning meeting-would love to hear how you conduct yours! Seen a little bit of differ https://t.co/KJm3vvgkKb
A:2 I incorporate and through structure
A3: Recognizing need in others is the first step.
So glad to have you hear with us Jess! :)
A3: Great question b/c I struggle with this. I usually see service learning associated w/ clubs not curriculum -would love to learn
A3: Mostly those curricular areas which are devalued because of state testing mandates.
A3: Loved when our school did morning meetings back at the turn of the century. Now testing is the purpose for everything.
A3 We can incorporate easily since we have Religion class daily
in our education program they talked a ton about morning meetings, but it's so hard to fit them in.
I can't say we see a huge difference! Would like to see more of a curriculum that is taught.
A3: I have incorporated service projects into ELA and social studies this yr. and science and math in the past.
Q4: What are some local problems which your students might be able to solve/help out?
Instead of a Thanksgiving party we always do a Thanksgiving service project.
You would love it—right now serving schools with poverty rate of 50% or lower.
We are trying to adopt the Responsive Classroom philosophy - Do you find it makes a difference?
These are not the Boystown skills. I designed this specifically for our building.
There needs to be a firm commitment to do them every morning. Some think it is a waste of 10-15 minutes, but not me.
Hi Terry! It’s been a while - glad to see you here!!!
Yeah I feel like if I'm going to do it I need to be all in.
We also use morning meetings but it is seriously hard to fit them into our schedule.
A4 We collect items every Christmas for other students in the city in need
Fits in rather nicely with religious education for sure! https://t.co/vXH7TtqRO5
A3 We can incorporate easily since we have Religion class daily
A4: Poverty is high in our area, so collecting needed school supplies, donating books and old toys etc. make good projects.
A3: I would say you could tie Service Learning into any area -but espec ELA; Soc St, Math .
I agree, I like them just hard to find time in our schedule to fit them in. Great benefit though!
A4: Would love to see our ESL students start an English tutoring club for ESL parents.Our district has Ss from 86 countries.
Love the STAR - So easy to visualize & remember. Important too!
The items actually go to the SDoL We are happy to help out each year
I’d say that makes perfect sense. Good to have this structure on both counts. https://t.co/y36uYtVs76
If the structures are in place for students and teachers in professional learning...than YES!
I think our school might have the time built in next year.
We recite it every morning, "I am a Starr Stallion: S. I use self control. T. I Treat others with fairness…"
That's what neighbors are for!
A2:my school does a program called R-time to teach character. It is great to have a set time throughout the week to teach character
Q5: What are some “service Learning projects’ your students have been involved in?
Hope to see you more - I’ve learned so much from you! :) One of my first Mystery Skypers! :)
Q5: Ss write several notes/cards throughout the year to the Local Veterans Hospital. Would like to take this further. Ideas?
A4: Clothing drive, making blankets for homeless shelter, painted holiday cards for nursing home, posters of fav quotes in hallways
A5: Our school typically involved in community projects - food collection, toys for tots, old cats mainly at holiday times.
Assessing mathematical thinking is more than counting checkmarks
My Ss were challenged by me to perform no cost Random Acts of Christmas Kindness. They enjoyed doing it.
A5 Valentines for Veterans, food and clothing drives, cards/cookies for fire fighters, our bus drivers
Reflection is huge to excell Ss. I'm interested in how morning meeting&closing circles make a community! https://t.co/56vOm3o1HP
A:2 also use closing circle to reflect upon our day.
We put donated candy canes on all the Ts cars, invited the PK up to our room for story hour, cleaned up the school grounds.
A4: Recycling; Water conservation are big concerns. Use of styrofoam trays in cafe. bothers me.Wld like to do something about it
Our 2nd and 3rd graders did cards for local firemen and policemen in December.
We have taken over 2,000 kcups out of the environment and repurposed them for classroom lessons too
A4b: Always feel the ideas should come from the kids. How much leading is the right amount when it comes to SLProjects?
For several years my Ss participated in the Souper Bowl of Caring and collected soup to be deliver Super Bowl weekend.
Became a community project when parents involved their workplace https://t.co/mXslKO7uFN
We have taken over 2,000 kcups out of the environment and repurposed them for classroom lessons too
Q6: What are the benefits of involving students in service learning projects?
A4 We took our classes to a nursing home for Veteran's Day to read poems and books
A6 Students need to be aware of the needs around them & understand that they can be a part of the solution. https://t.co/ZS0FbxiKhV
Q6: What are the benefits of involving students in service learning projects?
Let’s plan a video conference so they can explain to my Ss want they are doing.
A5: Ss donated money for St. Judes - not sure that counts as “Service Learning”
Service projects don’t necessarily involve money- sometimes gifts from the heart are just as important.
A4: a teacher in my school district got Ss to make a peanut butter jelly sandwich assembly line for the homeless for thanksgiving
Q7: How can we incorporate the use of technology in service learning projects?
Gifts from the Heart are WAY better! Not all Ss have $ to give-but ANYONE can do something from the heart! https://t.co/bBbeK0CDTj
Service projects don’t necessarily involve money- sometimes gifts from the heart are just as important.
A7: Ss can blog about their experience; make video Public Service Announcements. Learn from others via Soc Media
A6: it provides them with a fantastic sense of community and feeling like they're making difference.
I LOVE themes and plays on words! That is an adorable idea https://t.co/GbEMHhe4ek
For several years my Ss participated in the Souper Bowl of Caring and collected soup to be deliver Super Bowl weekend.
Hi Kim! Thanks for sharing - will check it out after chat! :) Hope you’re well.
A7; Using Google Docs and Forms to collect ideas and data. Paddle to let Ss express how project makes them fell.
Kids see that they can make a difference right now…contributing citizens today, not just one day in the future! A6
Priceless is right! I feel like some Ss will remember it forever! https://t.co/qM6cKHhPM0
A6: it provides them with a fantastic sense of community and feeling like they're making difference.
A7: Of course blogs to document everything and make videos of all the steps involved in the project.
just saw u were chatting and something I'm passionate about!!! 💗
they absolutely WILL remember forever! Experiences "stick". I call experiences learning Velcro!
I know your school is all over this, Kelly. Which every school had your philosophy. https://t.co/O5tvnzMOBS
Kids see that they can make a difference right now…contributing citizens today, not just one day in the future! A6
Love that term-Contributing Citizens- There’s a group in the making! https://t.co/tUYUPUvRqk
Kids see that they can make a difference right now…contributing citizens today, not just one day in the future! A6
A6:Ss need to see how big the world is and how they can directly impact it for the better!The things you do today affect the future
do u use blogger for this?
Q8: How do we involve parents/families in these types of projects?
My blogs on on Blogger, but my Ss are using .org even though it now costs.
Really awesome! Love when the Ss are involved in the decision making too!
A7 incorporating cell phone technology with polls brings a greater audience to your campaign.
I wanted to see if my Ss will b on board for visits to a senior home, read. In CA tho...makes it hard
I wanted to see if my Ss will b on board for visits to a senior home, read. In CA tho...makes it hard
That says it all right there! Nice! https://t.co/XMn2wnSBpt
Pretty awesome when 9 year olds live this enough that they take the initiative to do something for others w/out adult prompting.
A8: Our PTO spearheads several community projects throughout the year, but I would love to see them work more closely with our Ss.
hmmm something to think about as we started genius hr projects and they r to b shared w the world!
Hard for us to go places as the cost of the busses is ridiculous! ($900 per bus for field trip) Limits some actions.
I can’t wait to see- be sure to share!
exactly :( I have to home to visit just no way to get there
Q9: Does your school have a “Student Council”? What role might they play in service learning?
A8: If asking for Ss donations-ask parents to have their child do a ‘service’ for the $ donated
A regular yellow school bus - should be a limo for that price! lol
A9: yes, we have a student council. Only 5th graders can be members. They do a few projects throughout the year.
A9: We have a great student council! Everything from planting flowers around the school to putting on plays on the Golden Rule.
A9 ours does have student council, they raise awareness. Recycle for $, supports school spirit.
National Service Learning Clearinghouse: An online community for those interested in service learning: https://t.co/kugtyhGCIw
National Service Learning Clearinghouse: An online community for those interested in service learning: https://t.co/Wh49I41S1V
exactly lol wish it was cheaper than we would go many places
A9: Our Ss council is made up of 4th & 5th. They suggest ideas. I’d like to see them Poll rest of student body for ideas too
Q10: Where do Acts of Kindness fit in with Service Learning?
A10: I hope my Ss will always - Choose Kind.
Our school adopted the “One Book, One School” format w/ the book “The Golden Rule.” Tchrs pass out Golden Tix for good behavior.
Ours sound similar :) School spirit is big (and fun!) https://t.co/ZZiBXdHY8Z
A9 ours does have student council, they raise awareness. Recycle for $, supports school spirit.
my student council kids are taking it a step further, planning an event to connect school and community!
Great tonight everyone. Have a fabulous week!!
A10 ..and be spontaneous with them. They don't need to be planned, but to just become part of their nature https://t.co/B3SLVOVcmx
A10: I hope my Ss will always - Choose Kind.
a10 I would say time. I always tell my kids that time is invaluable. We must b willing to give time in our efforts to help.
Well said Paula! Well said! “Always choose KIND” (makes me think of https://t.co/QLQ54ap9x4
A10: I hope my Ss will always - Choose Kind.
I think Act of Kindness builds the awareness of others needed to effectively engage service of all kinds. Great start!
what do they get for the ticket?
Thank you tweeps. Kudos to for generating a list of great ? for tonight, and for archiving.
This is what I love to see - getting the school & community involved together. What kind of activity? https://t.co/wU6uNYWZva
my student council kids are taking it a step further, planning an event to connect school and community!
