Melissa Buchhop Century 4th grade. Right now I am doing a water challenge with a couple people from work to try and drink more water during the day #gfedchat
Becca Lord - Intervention Strategist at VMS. My sister invited me to participate in a 30-day Yoga challenge last year at some point! It was hard, and some days I didn't want to do it, but I learned a ton and came out healthier! #gfedchat
Kristy Page, School Psychologist at Red River, Community, Adult Transition, RMAC, Lake Agassiz, & Twining. Exercise challenges that I continually fail :) #gfedchat
A1: YES! :) We have "learning walk" days at Discovery where teachers can go around to any teacher who is willing to observe. A lot of fun to see what others are doing! #gfedchat
A1: MANY times! Last year, Valley had a "pineapple chart" which teachers used to invite colleagues into their classrooms for informal observations. LOVED it. I've also observed in the classrooms of new teachers that I am mentoring. #gfedchat
A1 - I have observed colleagues several times and had the opportunity to have colleagues in my classroom for various activities.....been a mentor teacher at the HS level.....#gfedchat
A1: I have observed many colleagues many times ( I don't have an exact number). I love learning from my peers and reflecting on my own teaching! #gfedchat
A1: I was able to observe quite a few colleagues while subbing a couple years ago. It provided so many great ideas for me when I was back in my own classroom #gfedchat
A1a: Beautiful thing about being a CTP is that I get to see other educators in action all the time as a guest in their rooms! I learn so much and get so many ideas! #gfedchat
Q1A: Yes, I have been observed by 4 different colleagues already this year. Although I want to believe I know it all... I definitely do not. I welcome any and all advice or suggestions I can get. #gfedchat
A1: My first year of teaching I had a mentor teacher that I observed multiple times throughout the school year, also working at LA we have 2 PE teachers where I have the opportunity to observe the other PE teacher! #gfedchat
A1: I have had the opportunity to observe several colleagues as I do classroom observations for our students. I love learning from my colleagues and our school is in the process of creating a "formal" peer observation program!! #gfedchat
Laura Manstrom, I teach FACS at Valley. I got to participate in Character Challenge course with our 8th graders last year for a field trip. It was physically & mentally challenging. #gfedchat
A1-Formally, not that much. However, if I'm walking the halls and see engagement, I am instantly drawn in to see what is going on in the class. #gfedchat
A1: Yes, while in the classroom we got the opportunity to observe others. However it is AMAZING all the opportunities to observe other teachers as a tech partner. I learn something new everyday. #gfedchat
A1: Yes, I have been able to observe a few colleagues in the beginning of my teaching, and it provided me with great ideas to incorporate into my setting! #gfedchat
Kaia Lunde, Valley Middle School, world languages and cultures, I have been challenged to read my Bible every day in the Bible app and with the physical book #gfedchat#alwaysgrowing#alwayslearning
A1: Yes, all the time when I get students or observe students for speech, especially in the preschool rooms. Also observe my work roomie @AbbyGoldenstein daily! #gfedchat
A1. I, too, have a mentee that I'm observing. I have observed others but it hasn't been a formal thing. Wlukd live the opportunity to do so more. #gfedchat
Kevin Carney A1: - I have observed colleagues several times and had the opportunity to have colleagues in my classroom for various activities.....been a mentor teacher at the HS level.....#gfedchat
A1: Yes many times, for SPED evaluations I observe students in the classroom which also gives me the opportunity to observe other teachers in action as well. #gfedchat
A1: I did a lot observations last year as a first year teacher. I went to see 4 other FACS teachers in the district, as well as watching 3 or 4 teachers in my own building. It was so helpful to see what they all did and get advice. #gfedchat
A1: Several times... when I started Kindergarten, I observed 2 teachers in the same building & one at another GF school. I have also done learning walks. #gfedchat
A1: yes I have done many observations of my co-workers. I have enjoyed seeing the way the work with students and how they run their classrooms. #gfedchat
A1: Yes! We did a lot of observations in college and when I first started teaching. Now, I like to pop in & chat w/ kids in the hallways or the library when they are working on projects to hear about what they are doing and learning. So cool to have Ss explain it! #gfedchat
A1: I have observed a few colleagues throughout my years. I like it better when I team teaching - fun to bounce ideas around & learn at the same time #gfedchat
Jennifer Becker, 7th Grade Literature, Schroeder...late to the chat...toddler wouldn't go down. I've done fitness challenges, reading challenges, nutrition challenges...I love a challenge!
#gfedchat
A1: I have observed a few colleagues over the years. I like it better when we team teach - fun to bounce ideas around & learn at the same time #gfedchat
A1: I've observed colleagues on many occasions. I used to observe due to being a Specialist...I love going into other classrooms, I always walk away with inspiration.
#gfedchat
A1b: Different teaching strategies for similar units. Being able to adapt my lesson from class to class, what works for each other and what doesn’t. #gfedchat
A1B: what to do, what not to do and what I could approve upon. I see things that could work for me and things that I couldn't see working for myself. #gfedchat
A1B: Different ways to address behaviors, different ideas to engage students, observed what they are currently learning in classrooms. There's so much to learn from colleagues! #gfedchat
A1B: Observing in other classrooms reminds me that there are many ways to achieve success. I liked my classroom to look and feel a certain way, but that didn't make it the "right" way. There are SO MANY roads to success and growth! #gfedchat
A1B: I learned some different methods to help my students with daily 3 rotations. One great help was different ways to get students to partner up for read to partner so they're reading with different people. #gfedchat
A2: classroom management, interactive activities, discussion strategies, variety of informal assessments, relationship building and benefits of positive environments... #gfedchat
A1B: A few new tricks for classroom management, how to set students up for the first day of a new quarter, and a few new techniques for taking attendance and teaching content #gfedchat
A1: I have observed many of my colleagues. It has opened my eyes to many different styles of teaching.
Challenge A1A/B: Challenge yourself to do another observation in a different department or building level too.
#gfedchat#teacherchallenge
Q1B: my favorite time to observe teachers is during small group reading workshop. It is so valuable to learn ways to engage our learners and to learn effective teaching stragegies #gfedchat
A1B: It is so refreshing to see new ideas & ways to do things (collaboration, organization, teaching styles, differentiation, behavior mgmt, etc). Cool to see what works for different disciplines & in different settings! #gfedchat
A2: I learned how they begin class: as the students were coming in and they had assignments for students to get started with. The fun projects the science classes were working on. #gfedchat
A2: different strategies, tricks, management...and the curriculum they are covering..often we don’t get to meet as Ts to see what the grade level below is covering #gfedchat
Q1B: I always learn so many new things from my colleagues. While I value advice and strategies, I love when others simply watch my kids and tell me what they are observing. Just a different perspective on things I am used to or might overlook. #gfedchat
A1B - I learn many valuable lessons from my colleagues daily. Behavior management strategies, teaching strategies, and how to remain the calm in the storm are just a few! #gfedchat
A1b: All of these, plus the little shortcuts that save you time as a teacher that would have taken me years to realize on my own. Those shortcuts that allow you to spend your time focusing on students needs rather than many other tasks teachers do. #gfedchat
A1-B: I learned different ways to engage students. What was great is that it was a different content area than my own, so I was completely absorbed in the lesson. #gfedchat
A1B: I love seeing how other people interact with the kids. Sometimes a kid who might be tough for me will act totally different in a different room and I like to see the good in those kids in those other spaces. #gfedchat
A1A & A1B: I have observed colleagues, I used to be a Instruction Profiling Coordinator in my other district. I learned some strategies on connecting with students.
#gfedchat
A1: Yes, I observe colleagues every chance I can. I love watching teachers do what they do best! It is so interesting to see different teaching styles and classrooms. #gfedchat
AB: I always learn so many new things from my colleagues. While I value advice and strategies, I love when others simply watch my kids and tell me what they are observing. Just a different perspective on things I am used to or might overlook. #gfedchat
One thing that led me to become a teacher was a history teacher's opening for a Cold War unit. Running into the room with tin foil on his head yelling for us to get under our desks. Left us wondering what would happen next.. Well at least me #gfedchat
A2: I challenge others to walk by other Ts who use different arrangements in the class and ask, what were you just doing with the class, this brings creativity in others. We can not always think traditional ways are best.
#gfedchat
A3: I would start off by asking the students a question that pertains to what they are learning. This way it is relatable for the students and works into their real life experiences. #gfedchat
A3: An interesting opener of a lesson for my class is one that gets the kids moving, but that I can move with them. When they see me as a part of the lesson, they seem to get a kick out of it.
#gfedchat
A3: We start the periods with meditating and bringing all students to a calm place. They then have to wish well for themselves, someone they know who is struggling and for someone they don't know.#gfedchat
A3- I love using corny songs that are catchy to introduce topics. Mr. Betts has a channel on YouTube and he's fantastic. I use hisvids all the time for 5th grade History Alive. #gfedchat
A3: Set up the classroom as a restaurant to introduce students to new books for lit circles. Wouldn't let Ss in room until I was ready to "seat them" #gfedchat
A3: Introducing a big concept with a video that demonstrates one of the examples of that concept, and asking Ss to name the big concept - engaging beginning, practicing critical thinking. #gfedchat
A3: I do a zombie geography unit and I come to school on the first day of the unit with a t-shirt that says Preparing for the Zombie apocalypse. Has them guessing until Social Studies #gfedchat
A3: My FAVORITE go to for anything that is related to the Industrial Revolution is to show the introduction to the winter Olympics in London. Students 💛 it! It always opens things up for conversation and research. #gfedchat
A3: Try to pique interest by telling a story relating to topic about to be taught. Then begin teaching about topic. Music is also fantastic to keep my students ready to learn. #gfedchat
A3-If you can have a hook go for multiple days it drives the kids nuts but also gets them so engagedin the class.When I teach about the Amazon Rain Forest, I tape out the amount of land deforested for a Brazilian hamburger. They go days guessing what the box represents. #gfedchat
A3: I often have a photo on the board from another culture, ss try to figure out where it's from and the story behind it. It peaks their curiosity and it is fun to hear their guesses. Soon, they are able to explain it's significance to a friend. #gfedchat#curiosity
A3: Create a mystery, have a focus question, mystery object, sound clip, image, video, scavenger hunt, wear a costume, sing a song, anything novel! #gfedchat
A3: For our classroom Shark Tank project, my students make a product out of junk. The day they come in to class I have tables of "junk" (picture a rummage sale scene) - they are hooked instantly and my room is buzzing! #gfedchat
A3: My favorite opener I have had was relating to my students interested and play a tagging game called Dental Floss, It involved that silly dance called the floss, but got all the students moving and sparked their interests once they entered PE! #gfedchat
A3: Social Thinking lesson on being more like Superflex. Each student got a cape and had to answer the question, "Who wears a cape?" After the lessons are given, the students act out how to be Superflex! #gfedchat
A3: Leading with a question that allows kids to work through instead of just being told what something is...or leading with something false where they have to prove me wrong #gfedchat
A3: I begin class with meditating for 5 minutes and then they have to wish something good for themselves, for someone they know, and then for someone who may be struggling. #gfedchat
A3: Start with an anticipation guide--series of statements related to the story we will read. Then have students move to the side of the room that corresponds with their choice (agree or disagree). #gfedchat
A3: During an intro to my Titantic Unit (when I taught elementary), I have a picture artifact walk...the lights dimmed, somber music playing. The students walk through, almost like museum.
#gfedchat
A3: I love when teachers use HOOKS to engage and invite students into the learning...build suspense. https://t.co/a1rFtse81L (HT @burgessdave#TLAP) Speaking of challenges...here is a 30 day pirate challenge.
A3: To begin a lesson with excitement and enthusiasm, I always try to draw the students in somehow. I love to stir their curiosity by asking questions about what they already know. It is important to ensure you find a way to relate it to their lives. #gfedchat
Q3: I start out with getting students moving which will then tie into the concept main lesson later. Music is also another way to get the students started for the day! #gfedchat
A3: I like challenges that somehow relate to the unit or lesson. I recently wrote a unit on Global Leadership that begins with students playing a "Mine Field" game to see how leaders are established and come out in THEIR groups #gfedchat
Q4: We read many books in my room and there are always crafts we can do that correlate with the book! Sooo many language opportunities when doing art! #gfedchat
A4: Music is huge with my lessons in Psych and US History....I use a music video from the British metal band Iron Maiden that describes the D-Day landings in WW 2....kids love it....#gfedchat
I've used music videos that portray what the day's lesson is about as a way to draw in students. Parodies as well as other forms of entertainment (YouTube) really help intrigue students to the material in my mind. #gfedchat
A4: Giving students choices on how they show us (Ts & Ss) what they've learned - write a rap, draw a picture, film & edit a commercial, create a sculpture, etc. They always blow me away with their creativity! #gfedchat
A4: I love to get music playing once the students are into their activity in PE. It does a great job in keeping up the energy in the gym during PE! #gfedchat
A4: I use music in many of my lessons to help establish a different connection to a vocabulary item! It's amazing how firing those extra neurons help these new concepts really stick with kiddos #gfedchat
A4: I feel that I could utilize a lot of those elements into novel studies. In the past when reading stories about Vietnam we've looked at live band performances and picked apart the meanings to the musical protests. #gfedchat
A4: Youtube and Pinterest are great for connecting music, art, or performances to a book! I wish Pinterest was accessible via our district issued computers! #gfedchat
A4 I have the kids sing a preposition song and a helping verb song to help them remember them. I also have had the kids perform idiom plays that they really have fun with. #gfedchat
A4: This is a tricky question but I would say but having the student come up with a song, drawing or act out the lesson they they learned. I once did a fresh prince of bell air rap of an english essay while two other students danced around. #gfedchat
A4: I use music often. I sometimes make up my own corny tunes that go along with content or there are many songs out there on youtube, etc! My Ss favorite is the verb song! I also play quiet music during writing which is calming.#gfedchat
A4: Ss are currently exploring the medium of comics/graphic novels. This allows them to communicate stories through utilizing art and minimizing the stress that writing put on them. #gfedchat
A4: analyze music and look for literary devices, play songs that address main ideas that you are teaching in class, draw a quote from a text or visual to define a word, and/or act out scenes from a text. #gfedchat
A4: I use music when the students are doing their warm-ups, as well as, when they are in their activities! It's a great motivator for them and a helpful tool for me when the music is off, they stop! #gfedchat
A4: I used a lot of songs in the target language when I taught World Languages. It was a good way to welcome kids into the classroom and/or to a new language unit. #gfedchat
A4: In my social skills group today the Ss got to color a volcano and glue strategies that they can use to reset on the volcano. Our theme was to "reset before you erupt" It also went along with the Julia Cook book we read "My mouth is a volcano" #gfedchat
A4: We do "WIK Pics" - What I Know = WIK. I have Ss draw, doodle, use words to reflect on what they got out of a lesson. What stuck with them. It's a great exit slip! #gfedchat
songs are chalk full of figurative language. Fun for students to pick them out and break them down. Also music contains lots of reference to history having them research a certain era/time period through music. Plus its really just poetry in action. #gfedchat
I do it all the time Australian artist when we study Australia. Start every class for Africa unit blaring Toto. Today, studying Southern states, played Georgia on my mind, FloRida, Take me home(West Virginia), Sweet Home Alabama and Tennessee by Arrested Development #gfedchat
A4: For my littles, connecting music and art throughout the day to SO important. Music and art are a way for my kids to be moving and getting their wiggles out. I search for music and videos that pertain to the lesson as a way to engage other learners. #gfedchat
A4: As a middle school social studies T, I used soundtracks of related movies (i.e. Lewis & Clark Corps of Discovery, Civil War) to capture the music of the period in history. #gfedchat
A4: I incorporate music in my classroom on the daily. I usually have brain stimulating (classical, new wave) playing during independent time. I also try to have the students present (perform) pieces of literature, it's usually during our poetry unit.
#gfedchat
A5: I think the two go hand in hand....I always try to integrate the terms students need to study by giving them memorable connections to the terms....if they can relate, they can remember....#gfedchat
A5: Depends on the topic. Foreign language can be a lot of memorization with new vocabulary, but it's also application and how the vocabulary is used. Balance is a big thing. #gfedchat
A4: Flocabulary is one site that has thematic songs by skills, even rap! We have also used the music unit from "Mensa for Kids" last year with our literacy Ss, playing the songs and analyzing the lyrics meaning and literary devices. #gfedchat
A5: That's a tough one. I definitely think it depends on the student and their own abilities and study habits. I always encourage students to put forth effort into their school work so they can reap the academic and intrinsic benefits. #gfedchat
A5: I believe that when you are studying you are building memory of a certain topic. The time you spend working on a subject helps builded your memory. #gfedchat
A5: Time spent studying and practicing from memory is totally dependent on the student and their needs. Many of our students are building stamina and short periods of learning is best. #gfedchat
A5: I think that it depends on the subject and the student. Sometimes it depends on the content...some concepts are easier for students to grasp than others.
#gfedchat
A5: For elementary students they are still developing the stamina to be able to study. I think it is more beneficial for them to work on memorizing foundational building blocks such as math facts, sight words, etc. #gfedchat
A5- Almost zero. They should be creating, experiencing and engaging instead of memorizing. Memorized material is purged from the Brain. When students put themselves into their learning, that is the material they remember forever. #gfedchat
A5: Studying will vary from student to student. If we can get them to spend a small amount of time each night and develop proper study habits it save a lot of frustration. Memory is good for some topics!
#gfedchat
A5: For conversation purposes, what are your thoughts on this quote from @garystager on studying?
"Studying is what you do in the absence of meaningful learning experiences."
#gfedchat
A5: I feel kids learn better when it is something that is used on a regular basis. I understand there are some content areas that need extra time. #gfedchat
As we learn about another culture, it’s important to learn about music, art, and dance in a particular region or part of the world! Maybe playing music from a different country and having students guess would be a fun and engaging way to start class? #gfedchat#newideas
A5: I think it depends on what you want kids learning...math facts I feel need to be memorized. Most kids don't just pick them up along the way, they need to drill themselves until they become fluent #gfedchat
According to Universities, 2 hours for every credit they have per week. However to me I find that a bit too much. Studying, IMO is something that is separate from homework (if there is any). The amount depends on the breadth of the content as well as student's #gfedchat
A5: I think practicing from memory time should be increased, including memorizing the poems or presentations - our students rely on scripted text too much! #gfedchat
A5: Students should spend time memorizing, but that shouldn’t be the focus. I desire my ss to be critical thinkers, not just robot memorizers! #gfedchat#thinkonyourfeet
A4: Incorporating music, theatre, drama, art, or any other form of creativity enhances student learning and understanding is always a good thing to incorporate. #gfedchat
A5: I believe that students should study (however best works with their individual learning styles) until they master the content. To me, if student finds an effective way to study that works for them, the time spent studying can be decreased. #gfedchat
A5: How much studying is done to take a summative assessment to be forgotten by students a short time thereafter? Just ask the students how much short term learning they do. #gfedchat
A5: I think it depends on the student and their ability. I believe that practice is very important at a younger age, but you have to find the right way for those students to be effective in their studying. #gfedchat
A5:Some things are important 2 learn 2 memorize(basic facts 4 math) to speed up the harder tasks, however some things we still work 2 memorize that we would just use Google 2 look up in the real world. It's important 2 help Ss learn when 2 dive deep & when 2 use google. #gfedchat
A6: I connect with Prairie Harvest Mental Health in the Spring and bring in to my AP classes individuals with Schizophrenia and their therapists.....they talk to students about the disease....fastest hour of the year...#gfedchat
A6: My most creative lesson were ones that the students were highly engaged with movement/activity. They are game play where everyone is included, no one is eliminated.
#gfedchat
A6: Anything that goes beyond traditional paper/pencil. Successful because Ss just want to MOVE, explore tech, sing, create, play, make connections in exciting ways. #gfedchat
A6: My most creative lesson would be when a co-teacher and I role played the civil war and each of us took a side trying to get Ss to join our cause. Both of us played off each other and gave the Ss both reasons to join us (based off lesson material) and not to #gfedchat
A6: Students have to take recycled materials or materials and make something completely different out of the materials. Ex: a student took plastic forks, spoons, and knives and made a dragon out of it #gfedchat
A6: With a group of colleagues (@EricSanders3), we created a "Game of Life". We used the activity/ lesson to discuss privilege, justice, equality, and more. Worked well because ss had movement, restrictions/ challenges, rewards/energy, and CHOICE! #gfedchat
A6: My most creative and successful lessons were dependent on excitement (on my part and that of my students), curiosity, action, and something novel... whether it would be the content or the methods of learning #gfedchat
A6: I think for the best, most creative lessons, teachers have to be willing to fail and step outside of their own comfort zones. We can't be afraid to look silly, or act weird, to get a concept across. We have to push ourselves in the same ways we push our students. #gfedchat
A6: sensory bins to have my Ss find their speech words is always a hit! My Ss love when we can make slime. Movement and hands -on have been the best for me. #gfedchat
A6: So far, my most creative lessons have been literacy-based. As an avid reader, I love to connect the content or material to a great book. There is nothing better than an interactive read-aloud that targets certain skills, themes, or lessons. Book, books, books! #gfedchat
A6: my most creative lesson was when I was working with a small group, teaching how to be kind to others by means of being a bucket filler versus a bucket dumper. in a weeks time to have enough good things to say about someone even ourselves that it filled our bucket #gfedchat
A6: lessons in the resource room tend to come from research-based programs that are followed with fidelity. The most enjoyment for students come when we stray from the norm!! Love surprising them with projects #gfedchat
A6: Some of my most successful lessons have been when I've let the Ss take control of how they learn content. It's had increased engagement and Ss are very creative! #gfedchat
A6: My energy unit. We start out by investigating and learning about alternative forms of energy, we have an energy debate, and then the student redesign our school to be a net zero school. It works because they are engaged and excited #gfedchat
A6: My most creative lessons are my project based around the units of study. The projects are student choice, the students get to choose their project where they are in charge. Many enjoy it because they say they have a voice.
#gfedchat
A6: 8th grade social studies example, reenacted the Constitutional Convention. I was Washington while the students role played, in character, other key delegates. Great discussion!! #gfedchat
A6: My Ss ended the school year with a "slime-a-bration"! For my older Ss they had to research the best recipes and make a recipe list and a step by step guide on https://t.co/3emAnl6g74. with my younger Ss we talked about concepts and the sequence. Then we created! #gfedchat
A8: Our adjective fashion show was a hit this year. Ss prepared by thinking of various adj for their own outfit, then Ss wrote the adj they saw in others' outfits #gfedchat
A6: I think when I find different modifications during lessons that best fits the needs of the students. I love seeing the enjoyment they have when they are successful #gfedchat
A6: My most creative lessons involve sensory bins. I like to try do a new one every 2 weeks, students get so excited to see what's in the bin, so much new vocab comes out! #gfedchat
A6-At the end of the year, we do a capstone project where they create their own country. All characteristics come from what we've learned all year (economy, government, physical features, etc) Everything comes from their creative mind and not from Google #gfedchat
A6: My Ignite project, Ss chose their topic and presented with slides automatically advancing every 15 seconds. They could only use images, drawings, or graphs to display information. It challenged them to practice, know their topic, & not read off of slides. #gfedchat
A6: Taxation without representation lesson for history was probably my best. Ss were asked to "pay" taxes on items for a few days, then the "Queen" came to discuss how they felt to be taxed. #gfedchat
A6: Self-Regulation Elf project...ss helped an Elf that was going through some difficulties that connected to themselves and shared their tools through youtube #gfedchat
A6: While reading Peak last year, I created an "Everest Experience" for students. They had to set up a tent outside with all their snow gear on, put on climbing equipment, and prepare a dehydrated meal using snow as their water source. #gfedchat
A6: I think my most engaging lessons are the ones I don't have planned! For example when Ss are talking about certain things that day and then that is our writing topic. #gfedchat
A4: I love music and art and getting to share those things in class with students. Sometimes different songs are great at getting an idea across to the kids. “Cats in the cradle” is a great one to listen to during family living/child development #gfedchat
A5: Students should not spend their whole night doing homework. I always try to give ample work time in class to minimize work outside of school. #gfedchat
A7: I often wonder if we as teachers think about students as a whole or just focus on our class. Are we assigning homework that seems reasonable, until you look at the child who just got 45 mins of homework in 5 classes, totaling 4 hours of homework that night? #gfedchat
