#Kinderchat Archive
#Kinderchat, glue, glitter, gogurt, bringing daily joy to twitter. Find us Mondays, 9 pm EST and 8:30PM London time when we talk all things Early Years!
Monday May 2, 2016
Welcome all! Tell us who you are and a teacher that made a difference for you!
Christine from HOT southern Alberta. Miss Rung, G6 T, made me feel like I could do anything - runner up Mr. Hobson G12
I am an El. Ed./ Special Ed major from PA
Hello, friends. Amy here, ECE admin in Calgary, Canada. My HS drama teacher was and is my hero.
Did you skip spring and go straight to summer?
Welcome, Joanne! How are things in PA? That's my old stomping ground!
From just west of calgary also enjoying the ☀️. Grade 4- Mrs Adams
Feels like it! It was 28C today which is a million degrees F.
Hi! New to twitter! I'm Rea, from San Jose CA. My Kinder teacher made me want to become a teacher!
HI Amy! Why is your drama teacher your hero?
Just started. Introduce yourself and what teacher made an impact on your life?
Hey ! Carrie in PEI. Mrs. Fouch, my 5th gr teacher will always be my standard for teaching. Always ready for “teachable moments"
Kathleen from Edmonton. I've had MANY good teachers with whom I have fond memories.
Hi Karlee! How are the temps in Calgary?
I really want to do some still life tomorrow- think my neighbours will mind of I take a few first flowers?
Welcome, Rea! You will find lots of great ideas and support at You'll be hooked after tonight! Glad you are here.
Hi Carrie! How are things in PEI?
Hi Kathleen! Any one teacher inspire you to be a teacher?
He treated us like adults, but looked after us like the kids we were. Took kids into his home when things were tough.
Of course not! It's all for the kids. How can they argue that?
Courtney Seattle, WA My friend Connie is my insp. She was an awesome science T.
Taught us to love words, to work hard, to take care of each other. Listened to all our angst.
No. I coached rhythmic gymnastics for many years and always knew teaching was what I was going to do. A calling.
Sounds like a great inspiration! Have you been able to share with him his influence on you?
I think the weather is finally starting to warm up! First cruise ship in the harbour today too
Thanks! I have to moderate one of these things soon, so I'll need as many ideas as I can get!
Hi Courtney! How is the weather in Seattle?
Hi ! Karen of WA. I teach K. I was overly shy growing up & my Ts were so sweet. Mrs. Dassler, Mrs. Luther, Ms. Smith, Mrs. Locke
Hi! Shari here! Future 4th grade teacher and current Title I Tutor. my mom as a teacher encouraged me to be a teacher
Sounds like the teacher we all want to be. Have you been able to share how inspiring this teacher was?
Welcome, Karen! Where in WA?
Weather is GORGEOUS! Sunny and 80 today!
Yes, we're still in touch. He is amazing. Hey, , we're talking about you!
Tonight's topic is Springing Outside: Toys and Tools for outside. We will use the Q1/A1 format.
I know him and taught his grandchildren!!
She sure was! Thanks for moderating this chat!
Qi: What kinds of outside learning experiences are you able to provide for your Ss?
of course you did! is one of his students, too.
A1: The first thing that comes to my mind is weekly nature walks. We see how things both change and stay the same
who should I follow for questions tonight?! Thx!
A1 We have a great outdoor playground, back onto a natural reserve, and live near the Kananaskis!
A1: One of the best experiences I have had was building a community/school garden! Wonderful social studies and science lesson
Just follow the hashtag, and the questions will come up!
A1: I have been in many schools with fabulous outdoor playgrounds. The students are motivated to earn playground recess time.
I take pictures and post them to the blog. Plus we write about what we see/hear/taste/smell/touch each time
Nature reserve sounds awesome! What are kids able to do?
My friend Connie taught me how 2 have passion in what I teach
What did you grow? Were Ss able to eat it? Our cafeteria uses the produce from our garden in school lunches.
Sad they have to earn it! K's should have lots of recess time built into the schedule.
We have our outdoor pursuits classes out there and also can do some pond/wetland experiences near by
A1: here's one of our experiences from today. I taught some students how to play real hopscotch. https://t.co/60iTkQC8ZT
That's the best kind of friend!
I am confused about why recess has to be earned? Can you explain?
What are outdoor pursuits classes?
Ouf! Ya- outdoor access isn't something to be earned (in jail I think it's even a right...)! :)
A1- fresh air Fridays- blocks, art, math,science,literacy centres outside, bioblitz week long exploration, outdoor story time...
I wish we would have planted actual food! Good idea for my upcoming year! We just focused on flowers that grow quick
We were lucky to have volunteers paint hopscotch boards on our playground. Also tens frames and a hundreds board!
Outdoor ed! We are fancy! Lots of walking, exploring, respecting, learning how to be in the outdoors.
I couldn't agree more! School programs need to be educated on developmentally/age appropriate practice
A1) We do a chat w/ for an outside classroom exp!
I've been doing the walks as well and they are fabulous!!
Love that idea! Will have to do it next year!
We grow kale, radishes, lettuce
I, thinking of the Office episode where they figure out prison is better than their workplace.
I’m hoping now that it’s starting to warm up we’ll see some “real” changes. All of the brown isn’t that inspiring!
Tell us more about what you do!
Do you see any dandelions?!
I had to have a talk with my Ss who started putting ladybugs in their lunch bags, ziplocs, pockets etc. Hah!
Not yet! Give us a week. Our grass is just now starting to green up!
At a school where I have done many fields the outside playtime is earned.
We will try growing veggies for our Guinea pig- do you think there is enough time?
Ladybugs are lucky, aren't they?
we did an inquiry/test the software chat and next is a book chat!
I had to have that same talk, only it was about worms!
My K classes have started doing long nature walks all together (4 classes = 80 kids) on Friday afternoons, rain or shine. LOVE.
Q2: What toys/tools are must have for your outside experiences?
So.... some kids don't get recess? That is tragic. I suspect the kids who need it most are least likely to earn it?
Next year I'm going to try monthly nature walks, since the closest place is a little far for weekly walls
A2: Proper outerwear and 2 good, or even not so good, legs!
A2 I had to pop in tonight so I was sure to mention the UK teachers affinity for... the MUD KITCHEN!
A2 Magnifying glasses, butterfly nets, black construction paper to lay stuff upon, an empty picture frame
A2- magnifying glasses, clipboards, chalk, are my top 3
oops...I was thinking outside the box...not literally outside the classrm.....
Would LOVE a mud kitchen!
Oh how I’d LOVE a mud kitchen! Sometimes I miss ECE. Not in the summer mind you
Its been a game changer for me and the class! They can id over 20 trees now!
we asked questions about the weather
Hula hoops work for frames too
that is awesome! Can't wait to try it.
Hey all, big thunderstorm here and A2: sticks, pebbles, water, sand, and things to carry them in/move them.
All of the students get recess, but as a class they have to "earn" getting to use the playground facility.
A2- Love the idea for magnifying glasses! Gloves might be a plus, especially if allowing students to touch unknown plants
What do they do for recess if they don't use the playground facility?
oh! That might work w/ us! I am WA and she in FL!
It's crazy all of the things you observe teachers doing in fields. Learning what to do, & also what not to do!
It's awesome! We guess their temp and they tell us higher or lower. Incorporates math.
Yes, clipboards! Along with black felt line pens. I also love to bring the kids camera along for their photos.
A2 Magnifying glasses are perfect for exploring their outdoor surroundings! https://t.co/tJe0mFf2VR
A2- Love the idea for magnifying glasses! Gloves might be a plus, especially if allowing students to touch unknown plants
That may be in the Top 5 weird rules we've ever heard category!!:)
I have Ss bring rainboots and coats to leave at school. We go outside regardless of the weather. Some teachers still skeptical.
The students are given time in the gym or in a grass area close to the school
Hi, sorry I'm late. Beautifully sunny day in northern Saskatchewan, where we are watching the lake melt & having fun at recess
We have been out every Friday from +30 to -20C this year
I've learned, some always will be. Ppl are SO STUCK on going out in weather for 10 minutes being detrimental to health.
I have a dream... and it is class sets of rainsuits and rubber boots, that belong to the classroom.
a2) My Ss use sidewalk chalk to write numbers and show thinking w/ math equations
I attach zipper pouch to clipboards w/ pencil, markers, crayons, scissors, highlighter.
Hi Melva! Glad you are here. We are talking about Toys and Tools for Outside.
yes, I dream of zip-up notebooks for each kiddo with their research tools inside.
If my kids don't have extra boots, they just bring extra shoes to wear for puddles and mud.
My grandpa always said, "You need to get outside to get the stink blowed off." That's what I tell my kids.
That's what my mom told us growing up!!
Danielle from Alberta! Just popped in before I run to for freezies!!
Really would love some biocculars and small field guides that are kinder friendly...
Q3: What challenges do you face with outdoor tools/toys/time?
We were very clean children, guys. Never heard this saying.
love being outside. Every recess my class carries out & brings in two bags of balls, skipping ropes etc. to share
Hi Danielle! Glad you were able to pop by. We are talking Toys and Tools for outside.
A3 Keeping it real and authentic and also showing respect to the environment - look, gently touch, leave it behanid
A3) Biggest challenge is time!
A3-Wish we had a better Park nearby to exoplore. School yard is OK but wood love a natural wild area
A3: I'm scared I'll run across a bear or moose!
A3: For me, the hardest part is staying motivated in the winter. I try to think of fun things, but winter gets looooong
That last word should read "behind"
A3 Making sure students don't pick all of the flowers can be a bigger struggle than anticipated! ha ha! https://t.co/nUOuC3LBRn
A3 Keeping it real and authentic and also showing respect to the environment - look, gently touch, leave it behanid
A3 not enough time out side, children without appropriate clothing (Ts too!) and opposition to "bad weather".
A2b) another challenge is science kits don't supply all native species. We can't go look 4 animals in our own habitat.
A3: Biggest challenge is administration support. Some schools are not supportive of outdoor learning. Luckily mine have been
Respect is tough some kids just want to collect or throw rocks instead of observing and enjoying
A3 we carry out the bags of toys for 12 classes & very few others help with cleanup. The gym teacher put the bags together
Yes! No picking! Noses or flowers please!
haaaa! :) You never had that kids in the car smell? The apple juice smell? The sort of sour one?
A3: Taking students outside and keeping them from returning with grass stains!
A3 also being open and flexible - we are in nature and should be open ended rather than structured most of the time.
A3 I agree with . I almost feel like we're in trouble when we're outside if it's not recess. :(
If only people realize no one will melt in the rain and snow play is good!
let's throw that one in too! eeeewww! :)
A3 Our schoolyard is by the lake, but in town, reserve school 7km away has a bear wandering in the trees adjacent to their field
A3 Returning without grass stains, or dirt, or sand, or bark. :)
Going out is fun for sure. We love to sled and build. Staying motivated when the snow is no longer snow but ice is hard.
Grass stains are a sign of a great day in K! I tell parents if kids aren't dirty when get home, I didn't do my job.
We have a whole (large!) collection of sticks that we sand down. Great to develop focus! They work at it!!
A3: we go out all the time! It was sunny & +28 degrees. we went looking 4 bugs! We saw 4 deer on Friday! https://t.co/ZHvu0FJFJm
A3: Biggest challenge is time. I have my students for 2 hours and 40 minutes per day. Anything extra we can squeeze in is a win.
Do you repurpose the sticks into something else?
Also confession- I've been literally barking at dogwood trees. They explain the joke- "get it Ms Echternacht?" ha
yes yes. I'm in Washington state and it rains a lot -we cannot consider that bad weather, we'd be inside all the time.
They are just walking sticks but we used fibers from the sanding to make paper. Also lashing together
Nice thing about 3rd grade is that they can get ready quickly so we can pop out and in quickly for quick observations etc.
One of my favourite activities is hospice up sticks - uses them in building and art and math
A2c) challenge i face is Ss who don't want to get dirty..... don't worry...they get over this by end of year. :)
That is very cool! Do they wear safety glasses? I'm not kidding with that question . . .
Oh my goodness, my kids love sticks.
another one from UK teachers have actual FIRES and cook things on them in the rain!!
Pick up sticks not hospice sticks hehe
No safety glasses! :) Just sand paper. They can do it anytime- circle, etc.
They are so hardcore, I love it.
I think my principals my have a moment of panic if we did that.
yes I went to the secret garden forest school in Scotland yrs ago and it was amazing: fires, dens, rope swings!
sticks are great! We love them! Cherished part of our "Treehouse"
I think I'd have to get some safety glasses to make sure eyeballs were protected.
Yes!! They are always talking about the dens!!!
I keep missing the Qs ! Sorry about being behind in my answers.
Story dens!! Sounds so cosy!!
I'm thinking of going to Dollar Tree and buying swim mask/googles for safety goggles.
A4) My Ss love legos! They will build 4 hours w/ them!
Love, love, love Scotland. Lived there 3 months when I was 6.
A4b) my Ss also love bubbles.
They might fog up too much! Then you'd need to get Goop to defog them!
swim goggles are great idea! no issues though- just sandpaper- not too much comes off! :)
A joke: what's brown and sticky? A stick!
We will be going out to collect soil samples later this week. Will take clipboards to sketch locations & other stuff.
. We had a cougar living in forest area off our playgrd for a few weeks/ March- a bit tense, but had my baseball bat
Be sure to connect w of the Europe time
Your students look SO much older than my students!
Love that idea Melva! I am stealing it!
We do! Do they have kid size googles?
A4: dollar store - clipboards, magnifying glasses, see thru plastics containers to collect bugs for observation all so cheap
I don't think they are in Canada! I do have a Peavey Mart
Safety goggles should be cheap at Princess Auto or Home Depot
A4 Sand toys like shovels and buckets.
We call the Dollar Store the "Teacher's Boutique." Spend way too much money in there.
So sad I missed the chat tonight. We will be going outside for 2 weeks solid at the end of may.
We have them too! Kinda look adorable in them too.
Q5: What would be on your list for the dream outdoor experience for your K's?
Bubbles are a great way to go!!
A5) CAMPING. SMORES. Gotta have smores.
dollarama and ! Parents get me gift cards for Xmas and end of yr! Very kind and perfect!! :)
A5: I would love a true outdoor classroom. With a garden and seats and really cool stuff like that
Anyone tried wood working? Hammers, nails and the like...
A5 Allergy medicine for me. :) JK!
A mud kitchen, obviously! And an outdoor faucet or shower place for our muddy boots!
Do outside field trip at a Camp. Have Asst Super lead a sink/float station by river, Tech Ed person does craft. Dad does rockets.
Used to when I was in PreSchool! Hammering worked really well. Hammered into a stump!
A5: Ducksuits and rain boots for every kid! Also an easy and reliable outdoor shelter so we can have shade.
A5: campfire IN the woods. We have campfires at the school OR go into the woods. Would like both at the same time
Kindergarten field trip to arboretum! Learning about habitats, planting, plant care, ladybugs https://t.co/mMKkGIv6sk
We have 1:3 iPads. I would like to let my trusted Ss take pictures of the class having fun.
I am going to get a woodworking table for next year. Had one when i ran Child Care Center. Kids love it! Lifelong skill
A5: learning to fall, scrape their knee, get up, and keep running with a smile on their face.
A5: bear spray... Jk. We have it pretty good! Warmer winters? :)
A5b) I would like to have a water sensory bin.
Mud kitchen, outdoor easels, large loose parts ( tires, planks, ladders, bricks), tables, Fort, lots of trees/nature a stream
A5 I think a true, natural outdoor space for exploration, a forest/beach/river/meadow area for open ended play.
We recently spent an entire day outside for Lights Out Day/Earth Day. It was -4 but we were just fine. https://t.co/252IW3JscW
I have a "photographer" take pics on special days. Wears badge. We Tweet and send to families.
Outside time is botany. Naming the trees, plants, birds and world around you!
A5: A school yard with trees and hills, natural loose parts, storage, a shaded area with seating.
If only parents would help teach them that instead of making big deal out of every fall.
Argh! Have to go! Why do we need clean dishes???
years ago the kids loved it, hammering didn't go well with migraines but other than that it was great!
In UK they do it ALL THE TIME! :) Interesting its so scary here for us and not them
Good Alberta field guide suggestions for K?
Maybe they don’t have bubblewrap in the UK?
thanks and goodnight all and thanks
I am in the same boat!!!! Argh!! :)
