#EDthink Archive
Run by Texas educators Aaron Peña and Mandy Vasek, #EDThink is a great way for dynamic educators to share teaching strategies, educational resources, and more.
Sunday May 1, 2016
Let's get ready to do this!! Jon Snow is back on and I'm guest host on
Hey guys! Andi...gifted ed teacher in Texas. Excited about tonight's chat with my friend !
Hi, I am Kayleigh and I am a freshman elementary education major at Grove City College in PA!
Hello everybody! I'm Aaron, a principal in TX. Welcome to !
I'm Jessica, instructional coach/elem AP guest hosting from Waco, TX this evening
I am Abby and a Pre-K - 4 major at Grove City College in PA. I really love going to the beach in the summer!
Forgot to mention that I love going to Great Wolf Lodge w/the fam!
I am a pre t from grove city college in PA, so excited to be with you all tonight
Hello everyone. I am Angie, elementary media specialist from NC.
Welcome to , Abby! Sure with we had some better beaches down here in TX! https://t.co/v5HHJ4O8iz
I am Abby and a Pre-K - 4 major at Grove City College in PA. I really love going to the beach in the summer!
Love the preservice teachers joining us tonight!! Way to rock it early in your career!
I'm Brian. I teach MS students English in Colorado. If summer finds me on a trail in the mountains, I'm happy.
Hello my friends! Hope everyone enjoyed the weekend. Russ, FL principal.
Dan, business teacher from St. Louis bouncing in and out tonight.
Hard to beat hiking in Colorado! https://t.co/V5k6rNYHS3
I'm Brian. I teach MS students English in Colorado. If summer finds me on a trail in the mountains, I'm happy.
Thanks for dropping in, Dan! https://t.co/d8TRC0A2tX
Dan, business teacher from St. Louis bouncing in and out tonight.
Sabrina McClard, Principal, TN.
What's up my friend!? https://t.co/Ks8rprKzju
Hello my friends! Hope everyone enjoyed the weekend. Russ, FL principal.
Please make sure to use the Q1/A1 format tonight and tag it with
A1: I don't necessarily explain the slide but give suggestions for how to keep Ss on track & learning new things during the summer.
Hi chat! Julie here from Brandon, FL. VP & Co-Founder consulting co Fave vacation anytime: Caribbean!
Oh, you know! The year is flying by..looking forward to tonight's topic. Thanks AJ.
A1: It's important to tell parents that ss will lose a lot of the information they learned if they don't practice over the summer
Jumping into while I can. Andy, principal in the Winnipeg, Canada area. Fave summer spot. Clear Lake, Manitoba.
Jumping into while I can. Andy, principal in the Winnipeg, Canada area. Fave summer spot. Clear Lake, Manitoba.
Hello Julie! https://t.co/s9Y94VNh50
Hi chat! Julie here from Brandon, FL. VP & Co-Founder consulting co Fave vacation anytime: Caribbean!
Hey . Damien, 5th grade teacher from PA stopping by.
A1 note the importance of learning over the summer and suggest free/low cost Ed camps for kids to attend or have a reading list
I'm curious to see how might help with the summer slide issue.
I second the Caribbean!! https://t.co/gHKmrLk4iY
Hi chat! Julie here from Brandon, FL. VP & Co-Founder consulting co Fave vacation anytime: Caribbean!
A1, This isn't something I usually do. Just encourage kids to read and play. Maybe I should do more?
We've definitely got a question for tht tonight!
A1 Kids can lose what they've learned over summer if they don't read, write, think or question.
Do you feel like it's an issue for your campus?
A1: Encouraging summer activities like engineering camps, sports, etc. really helps parents combat the summer slide.
A1: I would tell them that if their student doesn't practicein the summer they will lose some of what they have worked to learn.
A1 Yes, I am going to show them the research and then offer suggestions on how to help their child at home over the summer.
A1: We provide our Ss with a Take 5..5 things each grade level could do over the summer 2 be prepared for day 1 the following year.
Yes! Yes! Yes! (Mike, MD ES Librarian)
Playing is so important! https://t.co/67BA5pgbwZ
A1, This isn't something I usually do. Just encourage kids to read and play. Maybe I should do more?
A1: I just encourage my Ss to learn on their own to stay sharp. This makes starting up in the fall less challenging.
A1 I am going to be hosting an afternoon reading session for parents to come and see how playing games w/Ss can help w/reading.
Yes... we see a slide in a few after long weekends. Not a huge fan of homework though. Hard to balance?
Love this idea a lot!! https://t.co/arS2Z4EaTh
A1 I am going to be hosting an afternoon reading session for parents to come and see how playing games w/Ss can help w/reading.
A1 We're sending home a suggested rdg list, math sites, science experiments, free camps to our parents.
A2: I tell them to find something they're interested in reading, even if it's the sports section of the newspaper.
Joining a little late! But I'm a preservice teacher from Grove City College!
taught me that the most neurologically active time for Ss was on the playground. Not in Classroom.
A2 a fun reading list or make it a school contest to see who can read the most books. Reading needs to be made enjoyable for kids
Agreed...not a fan of homework..would prefer more experiences for Ss that inc core content learning https://t.co/8QLyHZavGq
Yes... we see a slide in a few after long weekends. Not a huge fan of homework though. Hard to balance?
Some grade levels send home suggested book lists. This is something we need to do in every grade level. https://t.co/eChdo2LrkF
A2: A school here in our district is going to open their library several nights each week this summer for Ss.
A1: Every summer our team gives 10 books to each student - their choice thanks to
A2 Assign summer reading assignments and allow ss to choose from a list of books !SS are more motivated if they can choose
That's awesome! Have you done this type of thing before?
A2: Maybe give students a couple suggestions of books you think theyd be really interested in
No one's ever late to learning...thanks so much for joining tonight!!
Play scrabble, boggle, and hangman for vocabulary. Pictionary, Headbandz, and legos for comprehension.
A2. I want to give them all books. $$ is an issue. We have a at our school. I try and share ideas on social media.
A1.2: Allington inspired combat for summer slide - 10 good fit interest books will hold the levels. If they are read!
I'm Cody from Kansas. I teach 1st grade.
A2: Give Ss a choice of books to read that WILL be discussed/included during 1st week of school.
This is a great way to ensure that ALL Ss have the opportunity to do so. :)
A2 We're going to send postcards. "Are you enjoying a good book?" "Have you been to the library?"
A2: Anyone use the Scholastic Summer Reading Program?
Thanks - saw the topic via and couldn't help but jump into tonight
Check out They provide books to low income schools, etc.
A2: Give them a list of current books where they can pick a few to read over the summer for an assignment.
A2: By sharing tools like , , and summer reading programs before the break.
Great suggestions! And the activities can help pull families together too. Bonus! https://t.co/eH9fqJeSpb
Play scrabble, boggle, and hangman for vocabulary. Pictionary, Headbandz, and legos for comprehension.
Yes, they are so much fun. Here is my blog on one session. https://t.co/SiE6peacl4 I had an article in the SLC also.
A3: Have ss play online math games like Funbrain or sheppardsoftware!
A1: We tell them about the importance of keep reading with them for at least 20 min a day and now give them access to
Hello from San Diego! I am learning and hope to jump in it time permits
Mike from MD. Getting late, lurking, trying to stop. (ES Librarian)
A2 Reading guide accompanies 1 required SR book for 8th graders. To that, I add more choices & resources. https://t.co/c37Mm4umlr
Simple and a great idea!! https://t.co/Gcfkatqt9s
A2 We're going to send postcards. "Are you enjoying a good book?" "Have you been to the library?"
That would definitely be the goal I think. Sharing opportunities with parents is key. They have to run with it.
Q3: The everyday kind-math to hang pics; math at the grocery store; math for building a book shelf https://t.co/SKl3nYTKgx
Hi , John from Manitoba, Canada. Grades 3/4 teacher.
Okay, we've got to steal your idea! I love it! https://t.co/l9gJDIXshy
A2 We're going to send postcards. "Are you enjoying a good book?" "Have you been to the library?"
Is another creative and affordable way to infuse books into a community. https://t.co/gnnuLIHjG6
A2. I want to give them all books. $$ is an issue. We have a at our school. I try and share ideas on social media.
Glad you are here Rex. You have lots to add to this.
A3: everyone loves cool-math games.
This is fantastic! Does this happen during school hours?
A3: encourage parents to include math during everyday activities
A2 We offer a Summer reading challenge to our Ss. If they meet their goals then they have prizes when they return to school.
A3 different free math sites or using sites like quizlet to keep up on certain types of skills this way they can create their own
Great idea. Who opens it?
A3-not quite home but a group of teachers from our school hold fun math classes at the local park. It's a blast!
Has it been successful Angie?
We buy a pallet of 2000 random kids books for a few hundred $
A3 . Give kids a weekly budget to purchase their own snacks.
A3 if tech is available contests are great over the summer
Exactly. Better chance they will do it if it's not something additional. https://t.co/ewh8aB3cmx
A3: encourage parents to include math during everyday activities
A3: Ss can continue to use their login to get on Think Through Math, Sumdog and others.
No, I do this after school from 3-4. The parents that are picking up their children just come into the media center.
A4 ask students to keep a travel journal of all the places they visit or have them chose a dream vacation spot and do a brochure
That seems like even more fun than at home! Great idea!!
I love this idea. https://t.co/MCfRY7ASk0
A3-not quite home but a group of teachers from our school hold fun math classes at the local park. It's a blast!
A3: By encouraging application during the summer. Using math to make, design, and create.
A3: I encourage parents to visit my class blog during the summer to try some of my maths challenges
I'm increasingly noticing public libraries doing this, too, so I aim to put those opportunities on students' radar.
I like this idea as well! We tried mailing small books to families but the buy in wasn't evident in August. https://t.co/vbz1DYu3Rf
Simple and a great idea!! https://t.co/Gcfkatqt9s
A2 We're going to send postcards. "Are you enjoying a good book?" "Have you been to the library?"
A3: I love to encourage cooking with your kids...so much math in cooking!
A3. We are (were) 1:1. Kids get apps on their school device. Encourage them to play with them over the summer on their device.
A4: Will be psoting a padlet where students and parents can post their summer adventures.
A2 I send my Ss home with a writing toolbox. Stationery, labels printed with classmates's addresses, envelopes. They write letters
We use our campus FB acct very similarly https://t.co/DwR69cbsxQ
A3: I encourage parents to visit my class blog during the summer to try some of my maths challenges
A5 I don't know too many web based resources since I'm a pre t but I would love to hear what you all think!
A4: Encourage students to attend a science camp at the local school. Have them do science experiences with friends too!
a friend of mine started it at a neighboring district. We call it TIPS (Teachers in the Park)
I used to keep Ss writing over summer by posting what they did, visited, read etc
my favourite summer spot is my upstairs deck.
That is a big part of my discussion w/Ps about the summer slide. I show them the resources at the public library.
Your school is lucky to have you! Love this idea. Thanks for sharing!
A4: Try to post info about CampGoNoodle which runs online during the summer for kids
A3: being a personal finance teacher, I sure hope they maintain a checkbook register and such during the summer after class.
A6 I know that some businesses and organizations give perks for good grades such as Pizza Hut and other food chains
The ideas are really flying here on tonight!
A4: Wonderopolis runs an amazing free camp that has a ton of science worked in
A5 has a Wonder Camp that is great for summer reading & learning. It combines making with learning for all subjects.
A4; As well, i post what's happening in our local library on blog and Twitter. Guess I will also go to FB which is where Ps are
Interesting idea - do you see them taking the letter writing on? Evidence/impact? https://t.co/MpolQSZJIC
A2 I send my Ss home with a writing toolbox. Stationery, labels printed with classmates's addresses, envelopes. They write letters
A4: Encourage Ss to be outdoors! Explore, pay attention to all that surrounds them.
Nationwide...all online...but gives ideas for hands-on activities that Ss can do https://t.co/B4rIiu6GOz
is this a local camp? Or nationwide
A4. We've partnered with the & they have a CSI program. We share via social media. Throw it out, hope it sticks.
A4: Some students will be adopting the school pets for the summer.
At the same time encourage them to take pics with their devices and write a comment and post to Padlet
A4: students should keep up with current events in the world and politics today and make connections to past historical events
A4 virtual field trips to smithsonian museums.
A4-we live in such a great area to visit historic sites. I encourage kids/parents to get to as many as possible!
Some of our classes take a tour of the library and sign up for cards - hope they return@over the summer! https://t.co/v2Px0vpRvG
That is a big part of my discussion w/Ps about the summer slide. I show them the resources at the public library.
Love it! My son had a bunny for the summer-great learning tool! Glad to see schools still do that https://t.co/uHXyFKg75S
A4: Some students will be adopting the school pets for the summer.
So many great ideas and educators tonight...be sure to follow these guys to enhance your PLN
So true! My brothers & I learned so much those summers just running through the woods and canoeing a river. https://t.co/bJlrHFFZXl
A4: Encourage Ss to be outdoors! Explore, pay attention to all that surrounds them.
A3 What time is it? How long until dinner? Telling time/elapsed time is such a difficult concept for kids.
Do it! I went to FB and it definitely helps. I use to post there from blog/Instagram. Makes it manageable.
Walden lessons are the best ones!
A5: Remind is a great app to remind students to read, do math, etc. On Remind ts can give suggestions of fun websites ss can use!
A3 set up a class blog for summer writing
. Kids love and can use it for any subject.
Same with me! Those were the days!!
i use CLass Messenger and works the same way. Good way to stay in touch with Ps over the summer.
For my family, I combine vacation w camp. Cocoa Beach + Camp Kennedy Space Center = awesome!
Did you see the tweet about opening up your school library? Wonder if that could fly here?
Public Libraries do a lot too.
That sounds awesome! https://t.co/TPUAGF7Uo0
For my family, I combine vacation w camp. Cocoa Beach + Camp Kennedy Space Center = awesome!
A2: We take "reading on the road". We do activities w/kids in their neighborhoods. Schools w/o walls!!
A5: If they look on any app store there are many educational apps that the students could download and play throughout the summer.
A5 will keep kids writing all summer
A5 . , including edmodoplay keeps kids learning. I post interesting stuff all summer!
What's the logistics...how do you transport? https://t.co/HHXINjXHg8
A2: We take "reading on the road". We do activities w/kids in their neighborhoods. Schools w/o walls!!
So awesome!! So many learning experiences in our state! Going to this week with 81 of my Ss.
it's on our dream list with a few other openings - big $$...
Take selfies. Use them in class lessons. Ss love seeing Ts in action
Figured you're on it. Can't help but promote our partners.
Don't forget to follow some new tonight. Grow your !
Maybe we could teach the painters how to sign out books. :)
A6: We get local support from diff. agencies. They help us feed the students and provide prizes for participation!
A6: In my area of New Jersey, PizzaHut gives ss free pizza for reading a certain amount of books
A5 Here is a link to a handout that I'm giving parents this year. https://t.co/UFEhpVGqP5 Some are county based but most are not.
A6 At the risk of repeating myself & others, I'll shout: libraries!
A6. GREAT question. Something I need to investigate. Huge potential here.
A6 Barnes and Nobles, Chuck E Cheese, Books-a-million are just a few.
A6: The library in my town will do a summer reading program and give out prizes after the children read so many books!
A6: Libraries, makerspaces, zoos, museums, almost anywhere...just have to ask.
in Winnipeg we have home reading - they also donate $$ to the school per 'pizza' achieved.
A6: I'm a huge fan of Barnes & Noble summer reading program and
Absolutely love our local library system Lots of activities offered https://t.co/yLpvIHa8z6
A6 At the risk of repeating myself & others, I'll shout: libraries!
A6: We're lucky to have here in our backyard. They support our community with so many learning opps for Ss!
What is edmodoplay exactly? I've done some things with
A6: Think of all the math in bowling!! helps w/that and physical activity!!
A6 . Bookopolis is not local but kids can earn free books.
A5: Using programs like ten marks or scholastic summer reading can make summer learning fun and Ps can set goals for Ss
A6 My principal is creating a book mobile this yr. We're going out to the community & giving books away to promote summer reading. .
offers $ when you open a S acct & bring in list of books read. Encouraged my son to read & do math!
A6: public library has many incentives & activities for kids -usually partnered with our baseball team
This is awesome!! Will def look into! https://t.co/Ma7zMUnyBk
offers $ when you open a S acct & bring in list of books read. Encouraged my son to read & do math!
A6-was privileged to do history sing-along shows in about 20 libraries last year!
Wonderful idea! https://t.co/uH03vk36Yw
maybe they could keep a diary from the eyes of the pet? Could be a fun way to write over the summer.
A7: By helping them understand that learning can happen anywhere and everywhere. Teaching them to be lifelong learners.
Thanks I'll have to check that out.
A7. By encouraging them to get outside, play, and read. Not necessarily at the same time but maybe.
A7: School-wide book reading competition and providing free educational game days at the school
A6.2: Our community challenge is the lack of a library accessible to our families - long walk to closest.
Watching sporting events & talking with your child about the math involved. So much of it!!!
This chat gave me an idea to set up a stats 'project' for our summer sports team. Lots of math. Dealing with negative numbers. ;)
A7: Challenge them to create something and share it when they come back...movies, songs, choreography, visual art, poems, etc.
Love this...especially since we are at the baseball field all summer! https://t.co/MfYtQNtNUL
Watching sporting events & talking with your child about the math involved. So much of it!!!
Go outside, climb a tree, read a book.
A7 During school if Ss see learning as more of an adventure instead of something they have to do, it should continue in the summer
A7 . I motivate some by keeping in touch on or twitter. I post intriguing questions or puzzles.
Part1We're the only school in the county. We take ourselves/activities to our kids in their towns/neighborhoods.
Some libraries revving up digital circulation via services like Overdrive or Hoopla. Presumes Internet access, though.
A7: I like the idea from of sending postcards - will probably try that!
baseball stats=great math!
I know the feeling! We actually get a 2 week break from baseball during the summer. Only break if the year. https://t.co/gLlERi9hJe
Love this...especially since we are at the baseball field all summer! https://t.co/MfYtQNtNUL
Watching sporting events & talking with your child about the math involved. So much of it!!!
A7 . Help them learn to explore, create, and make so they will continue throughout the summer.
A7 Online summer school where each week earns points towards prizes. Activities vary each week and the school is open for help
A7: I used to work with kids on "Summer Challenges" they had to meet the challenges and bring them to me the first week of school
A4 Make a list of states, cities you visit. Mark on a map. When traveling write all license plates u see. Play state bingo in car.
A7 make different challenges for each week and have rewards for doing the challenges use a little extrinsic motivation
Potential family read-aloud? Summerland by Michael Chabon. Baseball/fantasy mash-up.
We don't get many breaks either. Year round but we can't get enough!
True - & I serve same community - lack of devices for kids are out there. https://t.co/uooLv4w8QR
Some libraries revving up digital circulation via services like Overdrive or Hoopla. Presumes Internet access, though.
Promoting a culture of where learning happens everywhere is key for Ss
Part2-Kids live close. Walk to wherever we set up. We keep it fun/food/free books/etc. Staff volunteers time!
Happy Teacher Appreciation Week! You matter! Great ideas- keep making the world better for kids. https://t.co/i0HNGASXw5
Get Ps engaged during the school yr, so they help cont. to promote learning over the summer
A7 Help them discover a passion and show them ways to learn more. They will want to continue even after school is over.
We need to create a # where Ts share ideas for other Ts to share suggestions to take the idea to the next level!
A1: I would! it could be very helpful and strengthen the teacher-parent relationship. Explain using info.flyers with !
Thank you everyone for a GREAT tonight! I'm off to bed. Goodnight.
Great idea. I agree fully.
I would love to see families hook into audible and listen to books...my family does this while driving (no videos)
Thanks for a great chat! You rock! Have a great week.
Definitely helps with visualization skills!
Great job moderating tonight !!!
Thanks . Great topic. Fun to see some Manitoba folk jump in. cc and
A7 I am creating a online book club this summer to keep the students reading and giving them a way to connect to others about books
A7 Channeling Jonathan Mooney & "Get good at something" days that he celebrated periodically w/his mom. I see summer applications.
Happy Teacher Appreciation Week! You all deserve all of the appreciation we can give...every day of the year! Thank you.
You too Andi! Thanks for joining!!
thank you so much for a valuable and informative chat
Don't forget, ! Educators change the world one child at a time!
Thanks to you and for asking me!!
Thanks for the great chat!
Great conversation tonight! Don't forget to tomorrow!
Thanks & I look forward to adding a few new voices to my PLN!
Appreciate your contributions as well tonight!!
Great chat tonight ! I enjoyed joining in :o) TY new followers, so excited to learn & grow together!
Thanks for contributing to the convo, Rex! https://t.co/3opFIcFP0o
Thanks & I look forward to adding a few new voices to my PLN!
A4 We encourage Ts to set up science mini science kits for Ss to do experiments at home. Many experiments encourage being outside
Thank you so much for this chat. I am going to use ideas for my last "Afternoon Parent Reading Session."
Glad to have you as part of my PLN!
Thought just occurred to me: Could even use tech to record own audio books or favorite passages for sharing/comparing.
A7] Choice&Voice! Submit book review w/ or level up thru stages . Lots of possibilities & routes!
Great topic choice for tonight - happy to drop in!
How about creating & record own story telling?
Have you tried A Story Before Bed...it's a web-based service that does that for free
Thanks for moderating . Lots of great ideas. Great job!
Great ideas from both of you
Thanks!! Your contributions were extremely valuable!
or make a movie, music video, puppet show, etc
I'm sure I got more than I gave. Much appreciated everyone!
Continue coding with , math with and reading with
