#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 June 28, 2016
Welcome to ! Please introduce yourself, where you teach and something you've been enjoying this summer! https://t.co/SuEliwnL63
I am Kristin and I will be moderating ! I teach in Lansing, MI and one memory so far was where I learned many fun ideas!
Deana from AL..joining my 1st I teach SS and Science and I have truly been engaging quiet time to rest..reflect and recharge!
We will be using the Q1, Q2, etc., format. Please respond with A1, A2, etc. Don't forget the hashtag!
Welcome Deana! I haven't had a lot of rest time yet...next week! Looking forward to it!
Stacey from Cincinnati, teach 3 sections of 6th ELA each day. Summer so far = vacation, relaxing, learning, recharging.
I'm Bryan and I teach in Cincinnati. Just arrived at the lake this afternoon and looking forward to a few days of total relaxation.
Just got started this week..and it is amazing!!
I'm Anne from Indiana, I teach ELA. I've been traveling this summer! .
Hello Phil, 5th grade teacher from NJ. Excited to be back! I have gotten to read a few books and gotten to catch up on a show!
Welcome Bryan! Sounds like a perfect place to unwind. Need a photo! I haven't relaxed much yet!
Sounds great! What show did you catch up on! Thanks for joining tonight!
Question 1 coming up in a minute! Keep introducing yourself!
My guilty pleasures of "How to get away with Murder and Once upon a time" I hope you get to relax soon!
Q1: What summer games do you enjoy & how might one of them engage your students in the classroom? https://t.co/BCJ7SQ26pn
Looks quiet and restful! Hope you enjoy!!
Oh yeah! That's some summer fun!!
A1) I love putt-putt! Think a review game or using a putt-putt like game to reveal clues toward a learning challenge could be fun!
We all need some guilty (or not so guilty) pleasures! :) I hope I get to relax too!
A1: We love road trip games...thinking about creating geography
A1: I enjoy volleyball. Maybe a review game using volleyball would be fun!
A1: Catching fireflies takes me back to childhood. Love when lighting in the room is altered to create a mood for S learning.
I am going to definitely try this! I love mini-golf! Great idea!
I love road trip games too. I like the alphabet game. What are others you play? Great idea for geography!
Oh, I like this perspective. Jar lighting is so fun. I imagine it can recreate a summer feeling...great for writing!
Road Trip Bingo/Scavenger Hunt is a family favorite!
A1 Just having downtime. After we come back from recess is good time to give them 5 or 10 min. to refocus how they see fit.
Question 2 coming up in a minute!
Do you have pre-made bingo boards or does everyone fill in their own?
The alphabet game takes me back to looong car rides. My brother and I would fight over the X.
Q2: Summer reading! What professional books are you reading that will influence your teaching this fall? https://t.co/1s5IHQWMCG
We always decided whether it had to "start" with and "X" or just have "X" in the first syllable!
Have to say the X is still causing generational problems!!
A2) Reading Innovator's Mindset and Mindsets & Moves Look forward to continuing to build class
I use the news during this time. My Ss love it and !
Q2: Reading Amplify by and --Coordinating tech with best practices for inspiring student thinking.
A2: Who's Doing the Work, A Mindset for Learning, Passionate Learners, & Upstanders + Middle Literature and NF .
Do a little bit of both..think this will give my Ss more ownership of the lesson
I read that soon after it came out! What have you enjoyed most about it? Loved it!
We allowed X-tra in our game.
I love the book. So many great ideas!!! https://t.co/Tq4dbpklUE
A2) Reading Innovator's Mindset and Mindsets & Moves Look forward to continuing to build class
Ditto. Stacey and I and several other teachers in our district. are in a book club for the first 2 mentioned.
I want to read the "Who's Doing the Work". What have you found in this that is an "aha" moment?
A2: Currently reading So inspirational and encouraging
We did too...the trucking company helped here!
What a great way to tie in current events and possible writing/socratic circle topics.
I am just starting but loving the "three things to try." https://t.co/YBen855By6
I read that soon after it came out! What have you enjoyed most about it? Loved it!
Deana that's another one in my "wish list" basket on Amazon! Glad to hear you love it!
A2: My list includes Launch, finish the Classroom Chef, rereading Learn like a Pirate, and a few others I got from earlier
It reconfirmed my leaning to a student-led, personalized learning classroom and clarified my pov re: pedagogy.
Yes, filling up my Amazon cart. :)
Just bought Launch! Have to keep re-reading "pirate" books as I find another gem with every read.
Question 3 coming up in one minute. Keep sizzling with these answers!
Leads to more engagement and less behavior problems, too! Side benefit!
I have reread it too many times to county..always a new take away
My Ss loved it and had amazing questions about the primaries, the Olympics, and others!
A3) Reading PAX right now because I plan to do the Global Read Aloud with it. Seems like a winner!
I have the same gem-finding issue! You will love Launch, it is awesome so far!
A3 I just started Soar by Joan Bauer. I've heard great things about it.
A3: Just read Some Kind of Courage, PAX, and Orbiting Jupiter. All good reads.
Woot! I cannot wait! It got rave reviews and was a discussion starter at every turn at the conference
A3: Oh my. Orbiting Jupiter, Raymie Nightingale, Dorothy Must Die, and I just downloaded All Rise for the Honorable Perry T Cook.
Just opened up my Amazon account...glad I'm teaching a camp this week...I think I just spent the money!
I think my money will go to Amazon as well...
A3: Coworkr recommended Peak: Roland Smith, Auggie and Me by and the new book by Looking into Pax. Thanks
I have Raymie Nightengale in my Amazon basket, too. Dorothy Must Die has sounded great too. I'll have to check that out
We're happy to have you in our audience and will resume our current events coverage on 8/15!
what did you like about Dorothy must die? Seeing that title pop up frequently.
These sound great too. I haven't read them. Better get my glasses clean and ready to go!
Question 4 coming up in one minute!
Funny you bring up Peak. Been on my shelf for yrs. but never read, one of my S's said I had to rd it this summer.
Q4) How might you structure your time differently during the school year to benefit you and your students? https://t.co/ES0YzVVpvL
I like the twist on the familiar Oz story. It was popular among 6th grade girls last spring. https://t.co/zpCPnrU6w9
what did you like about Dorothy must die? Seeing that title pop up frequently.
A4) Allow more time for pleasure reading, incorporating play (Legos, games, etc) to build relationships
A4, Been working hard on giving them a lot more ownership during wksp time. Instead of all doing 1 thing, they get choice.
A4: Getting a new schedule this year...hoping more time for kids to share their voices!
It is funny how Ss can get us to read. I just finished Pinballs; a S rec. We will have chat about Peak over break!
A4: This year I have 3 ELA's for 1st time.We also have STEAM time but I'm thinking about Genius Hour once a month in ELA.
A4: Less time pressure during summer; need to build this into the classroom so Ss have time to reflect, think, plan learning, grow!
That is my goal as well. The more ownership they have, the more engaged & less behavior issues I have...truly summer!
Started Genius Hour last year with one class..it was a big hit! Definite plans to incorporate this year with all my Ss
Definitely, love when kids steer us to "must read books."
A4: I want to include genius hour this year and give the Ss time to expand their horizons!
We are doing that, too. More of a block schedule so they have more time. My goal as well
love this! Ditto. Trying to find ways to build in more student inquiry & research = engagement.
Love Genius Hour! May need more than once/month. Another T does Genius Hour immersion on the 2 weeks surrounding breaks
Question 5 coming up in one minute! Wow! Love these "hot" answers!
We know it is good for us to do this, so why limit it to "vacation"? I need to be more intentional about this
Q5) Summer means being outside! What lessons, games, activities might be revamped to bring Ss outside? https://t.co/GUnPQrq1Vc
That is a brilliant idea! Thanks! https://t.co/CA3jjRviIJ
Love Genius Hour! May need more than once/month. Another T does Genius Hour immersion on the 2 weeks surrounding breaks
I am doing this week in Lansing...I love how engaged the students are innovating, creating, collab.
A5) Use chalk to respond, create, share ideas for writing; walkNwrite; use Frisbee toss in hula hoop for review games/vocab review
A5: My Ss always seem to enjoy writing scripts for reader's theater and then performing them. An outside stage would inspire!
A5, Excited I'm moving to diff. part of bldg, great spot outside clsrm for rdg. Hope to get PTA on board/create something special.
Ss at my writing camp last week writing facts about animals before fable writing; loved chalk writing! https://t.co/55718ZhDxp
A5: Perhaps decimal hopscotch for reading decimals or fractions.
Would love to hear more about writing camp. Looks fun.
Question 6 coming up in one minute!
should post a picture of her outdoor classroom in Holt...loved it!
Q6) Summer often = travel! How can you plan to help your Ss experience places beyond the classroom walls? https://t.co/jcw4hdozMy
have outdoor classroom, but it's so hard...stone benches, concrete circle. Need softer nature
Michigan State has Spartan Writing Camps, & Ts who are Teacher Consultants for National Writing Project create camps
A6) Participate in global read aloud ; use again for cultural exchange; mystery skype
A6: Definitely doing Mystery Skype this year...
A6: In SS I started using the Guardian and the Chr Science Monitor Pictures of the Day to spark student wondering. It was a hit.
That's true. Another T I know has Ss bring in beach towels to sit on grass, etc.
A6: Mystery Skypes more often, virtual field trips, and I want to try a pen pal program. We did the Great Mail Race this year.
A6 Hope to bring back next yr. A hashtag that our 6th graders can tweet throughout day, develop and lrn from their pln.
My studentsalso Kidblog with and BelindaFreeman from Cinncinnati Public Schools!Best partnership ever for a bigger world.
A6) Read Aloud A Long Walk to Water; want Ss to help solve Africa clean water problem, raise funds, etc. Connect Ss to their world.
Also reminds me of GeoGuessr and SmartyPins--2 fun google maps type games https://t.co/Sn2cQ1qWho
A6: Mystery Skypes more often, virtual field trips, and I want to try a pen pal program. We did the Great Mail Race this year.
A6: Also planning to have Ss blog; share their ideas with a larger audience.
I love this idea. Is that a class only hashtag, or could all of us do this?
A6: Looking to start social media interns with my Ss..tweeting throughout the day!
I'm so looking forward to seeing this idea come to life this year. My kiddos are going to love it!
All of us. We tried it 2 yrs ago. Started off grt but lost its momentum.
Have you done this yet--raise funds for Africa clean water? Love love love this!
Question 7 coming up in one minute! Can't wait for "S'more"!
I love Geoguessr; haven't incorporated into class yet. Thank you!
is another great resource for students to write and connect w/others from around world
Q7) Building sand castles! How might you use construction toys, art, & creative activities to engage Ss? https://t.co/hJfq1uyDdq
Time is flying during this chat!!
Maybe we can reignite this again. Let's plan to publicize it more; I will make note of it and plan a chat around this
A7: My Ss LOVE Legos..they recreate historical events!
A7) Learning to use Legos again with from has inspired me to use them for writing, ice breakers, & challenges!
Yes. Sounds great. Such a powerful way for our kids to connect.
Kids love Smartypins too...a little easier for them I think
I haven't yet, but plan to put something together to support Salva Dut's organization, https://t.co/jtSU9iHRML chat
I just read Play Like a Pirate & went to workshops with Had several "V-8" moments! Glad to hear you do it
how does work? Have you used it? chat
I stole the idea from my buds!! So easy but so engaging and creative!
A7: I'm a big fan of --she incorporates art into writer's notebooks. Would love to do the same.
Getting lots of ideas about this! Thank youj!
A7: We used Play-dough to create symbols. Bought a bunch of play-dough for next year.
A7 is a guru on sketchnoting. Kids loved it during rd aloud. Helped them retain info. as well.
Play-dough is a favorite in my class too!
EVERYBODY should have Playdoh breaks!! https://t.co/BFtEh9eN5g
A7: We used Play-dough to create symbols. Bought a bunch of play-dough for next year.
Yes! There are photos & prompts for Ss to respond to; you create class; can create your own; Ck it out!
Final question coming up in one minute! I wear my sunglasses at night! Summer fun is right here!
Play-dough grt way to start the yr.
Wow! is amazing!! So many great ideas...my Amazon cart and idea journal are full! Thanks for a great chat! Have a blessed evening!
A7: Students love to MAKE anything; inspires, gets brain going, makes learning multi-modal and multi-dimensional. chat
I have Ss draw maps of their neighborhood and think of stories they've seen or been apart of, then write. Best stories!
You as well! Thank you for all you awesome ideas!
Yes! Play-dough! I can't wait to use this, and modeling clay!
A8) After attending , I'm busy gamifying my class for next year; excited to combine Amazing Race and Mission Impossible
Thanks so much for joining us!!
would love to hear more about this! Ss will love it! chat
Sounds awesome. Perhaps we can have a about those as well. Would love to hear more.
I will definitely be returning
Great idea! Would love to share and discuss!
A8: Word of the day for me was: Hyperdoc. Still learning what it is, but it sounds like a great addition for the new year.
Thank you for welcoming me as moderator tonight! I am excited to carry on the torch that our fantastic started!
Thanks for the brain jump start and motivation. Great chat!
With next week being the 4th of July and Canada Day weekend...let's take the week to read and get refreshed! See you on July 12!
You did a great job! Creative! Thank you so much!!
Thanks for moderating. Great chat. Lots of things to look forward to lrng about. We will bring back
See you then; can not wait!
