#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!
I’m Paul Solarz, 5th grade teacher (4th grade next year), from Arlington Heights, Illinois. On my phone, so no gif for now! :) Thankful to have @bmiller_FSTS moderating tonight! #5thchat
Shanda Seibel 5th grade Andover Ks..Today needed to replace AC and kitchen sink busted leaking water into basement but can only go up from here 😁#5thchat
Tonight's chat will be focusing on building connections, more specifically we will be discussing communication with students. The first question is UP! #5thchat
A1 My favorite way to build connections with my Ss is to ha e lunch with them and to attend their extra curricular activities. I also have found developing TED Talks is a great way to learn what they are passionate about. #5thchat
Q1: My favorite way to build connections is by having lunch with a small group of students. I also have to create a handshake with each student. They love it! #5thchat
This past year I started the year off with having my students introduce them selves on @Flipgrid. Thought out the year I post random questions on their for students to share about themselves to me and their peers. #5thchat
A1. Welcome them with a smile , listen to their stories they have to share, ask questions, learn about their families. A special time for sharing before we get started on projects and activities while their having snacks. #5thchat
This past year I started the year off with having my students introduce them selves on @Flipgrid. Thought out the year I post random questions on their for students to share about themselves to me and their peers. #5thchat
I did this last year, but only having kids share their names. I wanted to be able to connect names and faces on day 1, and wanted to pronounce them correctly and know preferred names! #5thchat
Q1: My favorite way to build connections with students is my Teacher Lunch Party. Students earn points and can go once every month. We have games, food, and prizes. #5thChat
A2 effective communication between teachers and Ss is essential for Ss growth and learning. We always start by building class norms and a class pledge. Number Talks is a great way to build that trust and to get kids to talk authentically. #5thchat
Hey #5thchat Relaxing for a bit as I’m digging about pi x 10.5” x 17” of dirt at a rate of 1 ft3 every 3.3 minutes not could bring the 30 minute breaks.
A2. By working 1:1 with a Ss, a Ss is more apt to open up and share details about their lives and home situations. A Ss will tell you by behavior or a special way, that they may need help or something is wrong. By working with them, communication opens up! #5thchat
A2: Effective communication is critical to building relationships with students. Without relationships, learning and risk taking will not take place. #5thchat
I have found music to be an effective form of communication. I have songs for math and writing teams. Songs for students to share with each other. Songs to clean up or pass out papers. Once students are taught the routine. The music does the rest. #Music#5thChat
A2 communication builds trust and respect. I think if students feel that they can trust and respect you then you have them. they are willing to go the extra mile for you if are willing to go the extra mile for them. #5thchat
I've been known to "spy" on work in progress through Google Classroom and leaving feedback on it so kids know they're on the right track or need to change their strategy. #5thchat
A3: Technology such as @Flipgrid@ChatterPixIt, etc. allows students to express and be themselves where they might not be as bold to do so in front of the class. #5thchat
I've been known to "spy" on work in progress through Google Classroom and leaving feedback on it so kids know they're on the right track or need to change their strategy. #5thchat
A1: I try to greet them all as soon as they come in the classroom every day. I love listening to them talk about their night/wkds and attending sporting events. Lunch with them is also a great way to build connections!
#5thchat
I had a few who were camera shy one year create paper avatars they used instead of their faces. It was interesting how they rigged their Chromebooks to make that work for them. #5thchat
In reply to
@luke_bremer, @Flipgrid, @ChatterPixIt
A3: I love using Google Docs for students to log their independent reading notes when they are away from my small group, that way I can respond and comment to their notes/questions. #5thChat
A2:I believe that communication between Ts and Ss is critical to Ss learning and growth. Ss that feel cared for and loved are the ones that succeed and put their trust in you and show you the most respect. Relationships first!
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Q2: Effective communication enhances a studen't classroom experience. A better classroom environment is likely to encourage students to WANT to learn. #5thChat
Every year I give my Ss a name to live up to. Last year they were the “Luminaries.” The entire school knew our name. It built relationships and effective communication. #5thchat
A3. Tech is important especially for Ss who may have writing issues for communication. Ss who may be shy, it's easier to communicate with on problems. Ss love tech, and are quite advanced in some areas, which they are willing to do different things. #5thchat
A2:I believe that communication between Ts and Ss is critical to Ss learning and growth. Ss that feel cared for and loved are the ones that succeed and put their trust in you and show you the most respect. Relationships first!
#5thchat
Great idea! I will be using Google Docs for my students next year, and I think an independent reading log will hold the students accountable. I look forward to seeing their comments and thoughts from each book. #5thChat
A3: I think technology allows students that are maybe more shy a chance to be a voice and communicate with their Ts. @Flipgrid is a great example of a tool that can be used for this. I also love to leave feedback on their notes in @Seesaw and on their Google Docs.
#5thchat
A3: (continued) - I have also used technology as a way to allow Ss a chance to show their work/ideas, and then we can project it to the whole class. It can keep the Ss anonymous but they still get feedback from Ts and Ss.
#5thchat
A4 I always am sure that my parents know how and when communication takes time place.#5thchat I copy them or use tech that parents have access to follow.
A4: I think it is still very important that our communication with Ss is face-to-face. However, if using tech as a means to communicate, you need to make sure that it will be interpreted in the same manner you sent it. And to know if all Ss can see it or just that one S.
#5thchat
A4. The tone in the feedback used towards Ss, try to highlight positives, good things, growth, but also areas that they do need to improve in. Relationships first, Ss must feel cared for and know you believe in them! #5thchat
That is an excellent idea. My first graders enjoyed being in front of the camera. I'm moving to 4th grade next year, so this could come in handy. #5thChat#Avatars
In reply to
@acurriculumnerd, @luke_bremer, @Flipgrid, @ChatterPixIt
A4: I agree that privacy and tone is important. On the flip side, it is also important to teach your kids how to respond to you via technology. It is a critical life skill. #5thchat
@luke_bremer brings up a great point. We have to teach kids how to respond digitally! We have to give feedback, but we also need to make sure our Ss know how to respond! #5thchat
A4: I agree that privacy and tone is important. On the flip side, it is also important to teach your kids how to respond to you via technology. It is a critical life skill. #5thchat
I have a myriad of challenges to consider. I feel responsible for whatever they do on whatever I give them access to. Being full inclusion I am on the cautious side. #5thchat
A5: Positive interactions & learning how to communicate with one another are important skills we can teach our Ss simply by doing! Showing empathy & kindness, & truly listening to one another can build those skills. Not all Ss have an adult at home to communicate with.
#5thchat
A5. Ss model what they see taking place in the classroom. If your communicating positively, good honest professional feedback, Ss should learn how to communicate w/ others and what is acceptable behavior! #5thchat
A5: I once had a student say “Mr. Dunbar, you are the same every single day.” I take that as a compliment bc what it meant is that even when days don’t go as planned my attitude towards the Ss was the same. They spoke calmly to me because I ALWAYS spoke calmly to them. #5thchat
A5: One of the communication areas that I try to model the most with my students is body language. This is a hard concept for most students to understand and demonstrate. #5thchat
Underscores the importance of being a rock for our students. We never know what sort of topsy-turvy stuff they might be going through, so consistency counts. #5thchat
Give them sentence starters, ask questions when they're stuck or frustrated, give them words that will help them be heard, and help them understand point of view of others when they need it. #5thchat
A6 Model, Model, Model and make it relevant. My Ss learned the importance of well written cover letters editing ones that were actually sent to a business owner. We also practice handshakes, looking people in the eye, & speaking in complete sentences. #5thchat
These are good strategies, Tracey. I also like to have students build off of one another (e.g. "Ms. Surrett, I'd like to add to what Andre just said."). This helps to promote trust and active listening. #5thchat
A5: A minor tangent, but if we communicate our errors in thinking, assuming Ss motives, our weaknesses, I believe it carries through the room. Apologizing included. #5thchat
A6: I think we just need to model with positive examples of communication with our Ss - this also includes the nonverbal side of communication too - eye contact, body language. They will follow our lead if we're good leaders.
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Absolutely! I my 3rd graders this year practiced sharing another reason they agree what was said is correct, or disagreeing with evidence. Lots of this type of talk in lit circles. #5thchat
Call them on things and think them though it out loud. I believe this to be much more effect for resolving conflicts than straight forward discipline and expecting an apology. They usually apologized every by the time I’m done. Everyone sees justice prevail.#5thchat
Great point. Trust is essential for effective feedback. Students need to know that you are there to help them succeed. Like you said, "ownership not compliance." #5thChat
A7. It allows our Ss to think through problems verbally, and reflect upon critiques and answers as to how they need to problem solve and move forward on their tasks for succession and completion! #5thchat
