#symchat Archive
#symchat conversations focus on classroom integration of SymbalooEDU, the educational version of Symbaloo developed for students, educators and schools.
Wednesday January 13, 2016
Good evening, Kimberly, Media Specialist from FL here to host this evening! Topic: play in the classroom. Please intro yourself!
Hello ! Sylvia, 4th grade teacher from PA
The questions will be in Q1/A1 format. The first questions will be here in a couple of minutes.
Hi, Sylvia! Glad you're here!
Join and starting now! Topic is play in the classroom.
Glad to be here. Good topic
Q1. How often do your students get to just play?
Q1 (part 2). I guess I should have stipulated at school.
A1 Physical play at daily recess, indoor recess gives opps for other type of play. Other opps with little buddies arise as well.
A1. Since I teach library/tech, I try to work in at least a class period a couple of times a month where they get free choice.
I love that! I believe that Sts need that time for their brains to recharge!
Yes, recharging is important at any age! https://t.co/SQ4FwF1Y2d
I love that! I believe that Sts need that time for their brains to recharge!
Q2. Follow up to #1: How do you feel about Sts playing at school? Pro/Con? Why?
Ooh! I haven't heard of that! (I shall investigate!)
A2. As I am learning more about the importance of play, I have come to believe that play develops important skills for Sts.
Follow ! No Tech-no structure-just let them play with their own choice of toys, games, etc. https://t.co/DiA9F6zYg9
Ooh! I haven't heard of that! (I shall investigate!)
Sure does & all the pushing of academics is detrimental to Ss who are not ready. https://t.co/esxsekVG6z
A2. As I am learning more about the importance of play, I have come to believe that play develops important skills for Sts.
Done! :) That sounds like a great time for all! MAybe I can at least do it with my media classes!
Agreed! I teach high-risk elem Sts and I can see it manifest in their behavior.
We did it for 1 hour last year. Sts brought in dolls, board games, legos, etc, then we sat back & watched! https://t.co/sFfNd8KoTU
Done! :) That sounds like a great time for all! MAybe I can at least do it with my media classes!
When I was in the classroom, I scheduled a few days like that throughout the year. I brought in games, tinker toys, etc.
That is great! It was interesting to see what the kids brought in and how they interacted with their classmates
I'll bet! We did a Family Game night not too long ago that was fun too. Nice to see parents play!
Q3. What is te biggest barrier to play in school that most teachers face?
That is a good idea. What kinds of games did they play?
They brought in Apples to Apples (Kid edition), Jenga, checkers, chess, some card games.
A3 I would think it is finding time to doing it consistently and the pressure to cover curriculum
A3. Testing, testing, testing, covering curriculum, not viewed as important by admin.
That's awesome! I'm checking it out after we finish tonight!
Q4. OK, so we decided that play is important. How do we sell it to our admin?
So glad to see play is being recognized more as important for students!
A4 I showed admin the GPD website & she was onboard that day. If we are creative and reasonable w/play, it shouldn't be a problem
A4. Mine will be a much harder sell, but I think if I point out all of the social/emotional/problem-solving skills they will use ...
I shall share this with my 4th grade team. Nice!
Q5. Now:tech or no tech for play time? Maybe a mix? What do you think?
A5 For Global Play Day it is no tech, but other times it has to be a mix. I learn new tech tools/gadgets, etc. by playing with them
A5. I think there should be at least one part of the day devoted to non-tech play, preferably outside.
In my ideal world, Sts would get plenty of both. Many of my Sts don't get to play outside at home. Too dangerous.
Oh yes, I agree. Our students get daily recess after lunch from K-8
That's great! Our 2-5 Sts only get recess when they don't have PE. :(
Looking for the dislike button! https://t.co/6Q0mRuudLv
That's great! Our 2-5 Sts only get recess when they don't have PE. :(
Q6. What was your favorite thing to play as a kid?
I know, it's a shame that isn't an option!
A6 We were outside all day when possible: 4 Square, hopscotch, tag, sports, jump rope, the list goes on and on!
A6. I played whiffle ball, football, climbed trees, & skateboarded as a kid. When inside I would play with dolls. I also wrote.
Awesome! Thanks for sharing these!
A6 Inside, we played a lot of board games, and read, drew pics. I loved my Spirograph too, lol!
Yes, Spirograph was always fun! I was lucky to have cousins close by. We always were up to something!
Q7. Not really a question, but...Please share your final thoughts.
A7 The benefits of play is an important topic that needs to be discussed more
A7. I want to thank you for coming to tonight's chat, Sylvia (). It is appreciated! And thanks again for the resources!
