#5thchat Archive
#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!
Tuesday December 29, 2015
We'll be using the Q1, A1 format. Please introduce yourself and post a pic of your pet if you have one.
https://t.co/lNDB8hi12r
Yay! I am finally doing my first ! So glad to be here. Teacher in Columbia, MO
Hi folks, Jon Wennstrom here! Elementary principal in MI and here to show support for my friend
Welcome! You are my first guest!
Howdy my friend! It's a small BUT impactful group here!
Hello from KY! 4th grade T here...and Twitter has been giving me fits tonight, but happy to try to visit
Darling! What's his favorite thing to do?
go on walks and chew most things in the house ;)
Hi Jamie! Great to have you here!
Wow! You have quite the family!
Hi Anthony! LOVE LOVE the family!
I'm Paul Solarz, a petless 5th grade teacher from Arlington Hts., IL. Here are my educational guinea pigs: https://t.co/IX3OXXpqdF
He'll get over that chewing stage!
Side question: What did you give your pets for Christmas?
Aaron, principal in TX. Hello!
Hi from sunny Manitoba, Canada. I am a gr. 3/4 teacher in a small rural school.
A GIANT rawhide "Candy Cane"
Oh, to have some sun! I'm freezing here in Utah!
Hey, it's Aaron! Welcome to Do you have a pet or are you a pet wanna be maybe ????
Freezing, but finally dry, in Missouri... hoping for sun soon! https://t.co/ORYsPjOj4w
Oh, to have some sun! I'm freezing here in Utah!
Pig ears??? Is that yummy?
Well we were. It is now 11C which is not too bad.
Q1: Open image to see -
Fill in the missing words:
My pet ___ is like Ss,Ts, or admin. because _______ https://t.co/qHODg3aRFJ
Delicious! I bet your babies feasted!
Puppy got lots of toys and treats! And new bed from his grandma ;) spoiled doggie!
Anne from VA with a curmudgeonly redbone hound.
Too many to count...dog, snakes, lizards, frogs... https://t.co/Hiqp1oKH2w
Hey, it's Aaron! Welcome to Do you have a pet or are you a pet wanna be maybe ????
A1 My cat Curtis is like my students because he is curious and can't wait to be fed!
A1: My pet Columbo is like Students because he is always full of energy & eager to learn new things!
They deserve to be spoiled!
My Kyra is like my students because she's so brave- 2 shots a day bc of diabetes
Welcome! Look how adorable!!!
Does he run around- do your Ss run around a lot? LOL
Hey ! Rosy, 5th gr T in DE-no pets; never had one. Always wanted a dog though: a Great Dane, grey
We could use that Florida heat up here in sunny Manitoba, Canada
Kids always watch clock for lunch!
Hi Rosy!!!! You need a pet! So does
Maybe Paul and I can co parent one!
I know it's a lot to ask, but really needs moderators for upcoming weeks: https://t.co/yJZcW6DwU8 Please consider signing up! Thx!
My cats are like my Ss because they require stimulation to be their BEST!
A1 I would like a pet sugar glider for my class. I imagine that it would need me to care for it and feed it regularly
there ya go! He does have cute guinea pigs though!
A2: I think when Ts won't listen to what Ss have to say. We need to build relationships and we need to listen.
I am currently pet-less but had a dog as a child, Shasta
Awesome- My cats just love attention- period!
A2 we can be boring and inconsistent! sometimes!
I think should get an iguana.
I had some students with a couple one year- they were cool!
Hi christine and Welcome!
A2: That Ts don't allow enough time to play, slow down, and think.
A2: When Ts refuse to admit that they can make mistakes and are human just like SS.
A2: When we are too busy "covering material" and not allowing for S voice and listening to their stories.
A2 I agree- when a teacher blows off curiosity and a teachable moment to get through the plans.
A2 Ss ALWAYS think the stuff is "too easy" or they already know it, esp. when intro it! ha!
A2 when a teacher is cranky because of outside issues and gets bent when kids do the same.
I thought I saw you on here, Mari!
A2 Kids are different than when I first started teaching- are Ts STILL teaching the same way? Unfortunately!!!
A2 I asked students to write what they do and don't like about our classroom. They were surprised when I made suggested changes.
They smell. Especially the males. https://t.co/Q2al3YpGzW
A1 I would like a pet sugar glider for my class. I imagine that it would need me to care for it and feed it regularly
A2 - When I am more focused on plowing through the curriculum to prepare for the almighty TEST therefore not following my Ss!!!
Hi Rob- Ts definitely affect the climate of the classroom by their attitude
Q3 is coming in a minute!
I feel like that's a big reason why I'm always behind-and my Ss sure know how to get me "off track"! ha!
A2 Ss don't like it when they can't talk.
A2: Ts should never, never, never show Ss they are frustrated.
"Can you read just one more chapter..."- pretty much does it!
BOOM! This is big! Never let them know you have buttons https://t.co/aHf8y4vDxr
A2: Ts should never, never, never show Ss they are frustrated.
A3 I hate even saying this bc it is so minor but slamming the lockers!
Really??? I think that shows Ss that Ts are human too, and part of classroom community. We should be real w/each other
All mammals smell, but hedgehogs aren't too bad if kept clean. https://t.co/SwXdYJHZ1T
like, smell bad :( maybe i will revise my plans
i do share when i'm frustrated, explain why, and commit to something that will reset me +
A2: Sometimes Ts don't let their wall down. If Ss know they can be themselves with you, they will learn more.
We can choose to teach to the test or teach the child. Child trumps test every time. https://t.co/trxHQvQHQN
A2 - When I am more focused on plowing through the curriculum to prepare for the almighty TEST therefore not following my Ss!!!
A3- the post-gym Axe-Bomb 😷
+ however, I try never to show if i'm frustrated w/ student or b/c they don't get something
Ts have to be personable for sure- be authentic- get to know kids personally
So true. I try to show my SS what I care about and what I like to do after school.
Ss should never have to be worried if the T is in bad mood one day and a good mood the next. https://t.co/rd6LWJi4qd
Really??? I think that shows Ss that Ts are human too, and part of classroom community. We should be real w/each other
I thk there is a diff betwn showing frustration & saying, I am frustrated right now& modeling how to handle https://t.co/6If4ewbkSb
BOOM! This is big! Never let them know you have buttons https://t.co/aHf8y4vDxr
A2: Ts should never, never, never show Ss they are frustrated.
I meant frustrated with them. https://t.co/NQRPJkVIxi
i do share when i'm frustrated, explain why, and commit to something that will reset me +
That's awesome to bring your passions/interests to your students!
yes, whenever we don't practice what we preach
Yes--we need to model how we handle frustrations and bad moods, etc.
I would agree that Ts decisions & reactions should never be based/made depending on Ts feelings, yes
Good point Shelli! Ts shouldn't just go off yelling at the kids- what does that accomplish?
A3 When Ss roll their eyes and make the sound with their tongues! 🙄
I have certainly owned up to being crabby and apologizing but I snap out of it pretty quickly impt to see 2 https://t.co/QeWdmhK6qu
Yes--we need to model how we handle frustrations and bad moods, etc.
I know that's one of Ron Clark's rules too
I just think sometimes Ss don't see Ts as part of classroom community & Ts have feelings too.
A3 - Ss who don't come to school are extremely frustrating especially when the WANT to be there & parents keep them home!!!
I want 2 share my blind dog Jewell with . She came 2 sch w/me almost everyday B4 she died. The Ss read 2 her https://t.co/Wn6ejDK0xR
Me, too. I tell the kids when I am not feeling well and I appologize if I have been short with someone.
this is TRUE TRUE TRUE. I worked 6 yrs in corrections & it was my greatest lesson & transferable skill...be consistent
I also agree w/ using as a teaching model. "Remember that time I was frustrated in class..."
OHhhhhh! My dog is blind too but she's a dog so she gets around pretty good!
Q4 is coming in a minute!
Sorry, I have to drop out early tonight ! We have some family from OH coming over in an hour & I'm on cleaning duty:)
Q4: How is teaching your pet something similar to teaching and learning in your classroom/school? https://t.co/WENHk2Qe75
An apology from a T-a sincere one, can make more gains that anything sometimes w/Ss
A2: Ts need to support & learn about Ss passions, even if it isn't their own. has been great for this.
I hope your 2016 is wonderful my friend!!
Thanks for coming- sorry if I neglected you :) Love your dog! Have fun!
yes, i try 2 model approp way 2 deal w/ frustration part of being consistent, plus I can expect same from Ss
Oh my gosh! I know! That is so frustrating!
kids remember these honest moments. They often come back and recall years later.
Yes- we need to show that we are human and we do mistakes.
Aww...They are amazing, aren't they. This little girl brought out all kinds of in our Ss.
A4: Probably being consistent. I don't feed my cat early just because he drives me crazy. I stay consistent.
I hope that keeps growing and growing Ss benefit so much from this!
it accomplishes the worst teaching and learning environment EVER!!!
A4 Lots of repetition and patience! 😻
If you're not consistent, they act differently
A4 Although my cat does pretty much what he wants regardless of what I do :) https://t.co/sGnhPE4u8l
A4 Lots of repetition and patience! 😻
A4 No pet, never taught one
A4: If something doesn't go well the first time, don't give up!
True. I've just seen moody Ts and Ts who are even keeled. The later build the great relationships. https://t.co/a7gdE9nmaz
I just think sometimes Ss don't see Ts as part of classroom community & Ts have feelings too.
A4 - Pets, just like our students, need to be given freedom and a LONG leash! Don't keep them locked up - let them make mistakes!
hahaha, yes yes it does! Somehow we need to incorporate this cat analogy into class w/.Ss. Is there a book? hmm...
Get comfortable with being uncomfortable- be flexible
my mantra: I am the adult, I am the adult, I am the adult
There's a video coming- take a minute to watch!
I like the book Mr Pusskins. 😻
I like reading everyone else's responses
A5: Dogs easily forget... Ts should sometimes do this too! Whew, almost did
Everyone here is a trooper! Awesomeness here in just this little group!
"The aim of education should be to teach us rather how to think, than what to think-rather to improve our minds..." John Dewey
A5: Have more fun. I always ask my SS -Are we having fun? If not, what's wrong?
A5 ha, i'm much more of a cat lover! I appreciate their independence. But we should be amazed and engaged
I hear Ts say that learning shouldn't be fun- What? I don't get that! I have FUN when I'm learning Ss should too!
A5 - Teaching should be fun! Let loose, be a little crazy, try something new! Change it up so the students feel your excitement!
A5: First of all... That. Video. Was. AWESOME!
A5 - Love the video - think I'll show my Ss and ask how it relates to growth mindset!
sometimes I am saying it to myself as i try to fight back guffawing at a poop joke my 4th Ss make
How can you build a caring/respectful class if there is no fun? I used to think that way but I found it didn't work.
Did anyone else notice that the dog had other dogs join him???
When Ts are enthusiastic, risk-takers, etc. their Ss are too! Real learning happens! https://t.co/Kh1IoiwSJR
A5 ha, i'm much more of a cat lover! I appreciate their independence. But we should be amazed and engaged
Why would I want 2 teach every day for decades if learning were not fun? It HAS to b or we need to get out! https://t.co/mscisekVF2
A5 - Teaching should be fun! Let loose, be a little crazy, try something new! Change it up so the students feel your excitement!
A4: Both need consistency and lots of patience.
also don't ask what's happening in that pic 😹😹😹
A5: Second of all...I must play the Flash Gordon Theme Song for my Ss as they enter the classroom!
Yes! Growth mindset is so important for our students!
A5: Be adventurous! Be daring! To be afraid to fail!
I play "We Are Family" or Queen's "your my best friend" (not for me...) must try Flash https://t.co/p350k383GW
A5: Second of all...I must play the Flash Gordon Theme Song for my Ss as they enter the classroom!
I want my kids to run down the hall each and every morning just to get to the classroom. Sell tickets https://t.co/u332h0wEeN
A5 - Teaching should be fun! Let loose, be a little crazy, try something new! Change it up so the students feel your excitement!
In case you didn't know, our own wrote a book to demo how to be "More Dog"!
Don't let student learning "Go to the Dogs"! Little shifts and changes make a difference to students! https://t.co/m5b3omTPu6
When I taught 5th gr years ago we'd play kickball every Fri after lunch. It was our highlight of the week! https://t.co/RMPxbYxyRG
How can you build a caring/respectful class if there is no fun? I used to think that way but I found it didn't work.
A5 We dance daily and are preparing an elaborate Flashmob!
Sorry folks- Tweetdeck is freezing up on me a bit! It's cold here in Utah!
A5 Be risk takers. Why? b/c our kids should see us do the very thing we ask them to do. We would never accept that "cat" attitude
A5 I think Ts should not be worried about being like others. Be innovative. We all can't be cats!
You must share when done! We started a dance in Aug... but stopped...
A5: We play video Renegades from X-Ambassadors .SS love it .Shows how all people have talent. https://t.co/538UmRKHO9
We do GoNoodle which gets us up dancing and moving to stir our brains.
A6 Whatever they come up with!
A6: We tried no desks this year. It's been so great!!
Chats like this sure make me miss being in the classroom!
Jeekers! I can't even tweet! Paul drop a link to your book! It's pretty awesome! Learn Like A Pirate is a must read for Ts
me too! Although I feel like I may have too many tables??? Idk
A6 Ss beg me to play "Hard Knock Life" from Annie while they clean the room...they demand that I boss them around "clean this/that"
A6: Ss can sit where they want each day. No assigned seats ever
A6: We always try to reach out to other classrooms using Google Hangouts, Twitter and Padlets to try new ideas and to work together
I really want to move in this direction with my students
A5 - I am trying Genius Hour this year - looking forward to trying Mystery Skype in January! Any other suggestions?
Are you going to participate in Global Play Day? So FUN! can give more info!
A6: I let Ss plan more of the things that we are doing in class and that really builds enthusiasm and interest
Oh my gosh! I have to steal that! This yr they're so bad w/ cleaning! I think they'd love this! We always do music
A6 we spent a ton of time rearranging a crowded room with their input. They loved it.
Totally doing this when school starts back up! https://t.co/s6mc3TbIpp
A6 Ss beg me to play "Hard Knock Life" from Annie while they clean the room...they demand that I boss them around "clean this/that"
ANYTHING so they know I want them to never know what to expect when they get to room 18.
Love this! I rewrote the words once for a musical
A6 I am going to try 1:1 chromebooks this year. Tech is my thing but now it's a reality!
Here's a link to "Learn Like a PIRATE." Has some ideas for being "more dog" in the classroom! https://t.co/GGcUW4Q1kn
Shout out to these superstars today! - they inspire me! And let me be crazy and take risks in my teaching https://t.co/YRqP8RRayZ
So excited for you! I went 1:1 Chromebooks this year and it's changed a lot of what I do!
That's awesome! We went to 1:1 IPads 2 yrs ago and it's been great. https://t.co/G8vV4IyzDp
A6 I am going to try 1:1 chromebooks this year. Tech is my thing but now it's a reality!
A6: Want to invite Ps in to the room as we do our Google Hangouts like my friend Stacey Murphy did in her Ohio class for a family d
I'm STILL having trouble with tweeting but you guys ROCK!!!
Big difference is accessibility- I can use tech whenever- don't have to wait for lab time/check out HUGE dif!!!
God only knows what Ts think when they hear it blasting down hallway
They look like an AWESOME group of kiddos!
A6 - Looking forward to trying to gamify one of my units for next year, thanks to 's new book: "Explore Like a PIRATE."
Q7: Share a RESOURCE or PLN member that can give support for meaningful changes. Give a shout out! :) https://t.co/kFsRRGyS2n
A7 I am giving a s/o to and because they changed the way I saw tech in the classroom
A7: A big shout out to Stacey Murphy who has been a real help on many class matters. Great resource and great person
Q7 is our tech guru and is such a great support with all our changes in tech!
I have to give a SHOUT OUT to my whole PLN because they support me, challenge me, and inspire me to do more for the kiddos!
Thanks Robin! I hope you enjoy it!!! :)
A7 If you want support for heading down that rabbit hole you gotta get in touch with and
A7 - This year I've been departmentalized- only teaching ELA/writing - missing math & science. Would love suggestions for writing!
I have to PLN shout out to who have the best ideas and are very supportive w mine
Make sure that you're connected with bc she's connected and talented!
Thanks for the fun tonight! I gotta bounce though! Good to see some familiar faces and meet new ones too!
A7: Follow these educators for gr8t ideas ~
A7: Join every Monday at 8:00 pm cst. We would love to connect and learn from all of you!!
OH MY GOSH! Double ! You owe me a Coke now!
It's NOT too late to join to learn about etc. Awesomeness there!
We have a couple more minutes and an EXPERT is in the house! Feel free to ask a ? about having more student engagement!
Thanks ! Welcome to those who now follow me! Glad to connect!
Thx for my first time with this group! Now, for much awaited Kennedy Center Honors! Love! Hope to remember to hop in next time!
Love these peeps! https://t.co/PP7MYr7MRs
I have to PLN shout out to who have the best ideas and are very supportive w mine
Thanks so much to for moderating tonight's ! AMAZING job my friend! Thanks to everyone who participated! Goodnight all!
Thank you so much for jumping in Shelli- usually there's more people to meet/chat with so come again!
Great time chatting with all these amazing people. Thanks for letting a gr. 3/4 teacher from Canada in on the fun.
Thanks John for your contributions! It's been a pleasure to meet you!
Thank you ! Have an awesome week!!
If everyone did just ONE, we'd keep the learning alive! There's help if needed! Learn somethingnew https://t.co/n7z12k5ARP
