#BFC530 Archive
The Breakfast Club β #BFC530 β is a 15 minute, 1 question Twitter chat every weekday. We chat in 4 timezones Mon-Fri β 5:30am Eastern, Central, Mountain, and Pacific Times. The mission of BFC is to empower participants to make a difference in education by engaging in consistent reflective practice in a supportive community that inspires and challenges one another.
Thursday January 28, 2016
Good Thursday morning ! What's today's topic? Chris here from Ontario...just a dusting of snow over night. π
Good morning, ! Anyone headed to the West Coast to this weekend? If so, let's do a meetup there as well :)
My wife's office is a disaster. I may tackle that today. Excuse to go to ikea,
Good Morning! Kathy from CT grade 3 here! How is everyone?
Today's - "You have only 1 rule - Do what's best for Ss. No mandates/tests/programs. What would a day look like for your learners?"
Oona from NJ here. I am a HS ELA T from NJ and I work in the same building as Though we see e/o more on Twitter :-)
Good morning, crew! Alex here from Central FL. ELA/AVID Elective MS T and aspiring admin...
This is going to be a fun morning! https://t.co/4G0frgzthO
Today's - "You have only 1 rule - Do what's best for Ss. No mandates/tests/programs. What would a day look like for your learners?"
This isn't the question, but yesterday I was asked about by a co worker. Had a hard time defining it. What would u say?
Good morning Lori from Ohio joining inπ
Sitting on a carpeted floor having open discussion on topic of the day https://t.co/kVb71vwiku
Today's - "You have only 1 rule - Do what's best for Ss. No mandates/tests/programs. What would a day look like for your learners?"
I would do more that is for sure!
Abner from the DC area here, friends. Good morning!
Good morning friends. Steve from NJ here.
Good morning Cynthia in VT. How are you?
(To the Ss): You know what you are passionate about & where you need to go. Your rule: Let me know how I can help you get there.
Differentiated reading followed by a socratic circle on a common them and then a discussion on how to best assess.
Good morning to all at from Massachusetts. Brian, HS principal
Let Ss take ownership for the learning...think Genius Hour for the day! π
There would be 10-15 minutes of unstructured play for every 45 minutes of instruction/work.
Complete experiential learning. Kids completely immersed in projects for as long as they need to be w unlimited time to speak w each
It is the reason I get up at 5. It is my shot of caffeine. It is the best bunch of support
Good morning. Kaarina from Ontario.
Good Morning, Lois from FL 2nd grade
Help my AP Ss destress and drive their own instruction. Help my freshman Ss to organize their calendars and do more self reflection.
More cohesive, across curriculum learning. Difficult to mesh those in HS consistently. https://t.co/LfHNqqScgt
Today's - "You have only 1 rule - Do what's best for Ss. No mandates/tests/programs. What would a day look like for your learners?"
Michala from Virginia Beach!
A quick thoughtful online meetup over coffee. :)
I'm happy to say that this rule is already in effect in my class! Just finished my first rdg workshop memoir unit w/ 12th graders
Good morning! Jessica from Denver in NJ coning to you from 's car headed to the train. here I come!
Good morning! Stacey from NJ. The rooster is at it again today, reminding me school ( I am a 4-5 tech coach) is on the way.
15 minute "spark chat" 1 topic each day, great passionate group of educators kicking off their day together :)
Jerry, do you have a snow day page?
Hey, that sounds familiar! Love it! :)
Thankfully I see some of this ideal at school! Blended learning environments feel right for Ss and Ts! Performance tasks, too
Start HS students am, classes w/engaging instruction that are more student-led, time 2 meditate https://t.co/ySP6CARx59
Today's - "You have only 1 rule - Do what's best for Ss. No mandates/tests/programs. What would a day look like for your learners?"
Most certainly, welcome student voice and choice in guiding the learning opportunities.
Happy Thursday. Kelly, K-5 principal from Des Moines.
. I'd start with desks in a circle, "Let's talk" on the board. Middle School kids have life questions, and things on their minds.
My question would be - Wanna start a school up?
No testing = more time Imagine, no SBAC, no MAPs, no F and P..Wait, I used to teach that way
No testing = more time Imagine, no SBAC, no MAPs, no F and P..Wait, I used to teach that way
Good morning from NC. Love your one rule.
Unfortunately, getting to what's best for Ss also involves knocking down some long-constructed walls. With a sledgehammer.
... you hear voices ... lots of voices ... talking - communicating with each other ... hands will be dirty from exploration
Fortunate not to have testing in WL; would love to still see more communication between Ss
YES!! we start at 7:25 and Its clearly so bad for the kids.
This is a hall of fame tweet right here! Good morning everybody! https://t.co/vguaTFpk9U
Good morning! Jessica from Denver in NJ coning to you from 's car headed to the train. here I come!
I would also have mindfulness time. And I would be learning alongside them!
Love today's topic! For me it's about student choice, empower student learning, provide the opportunities for learning and support
For Elementary it would be explore, reflect, refine, practice, repeat.
I can think of several times when I have asked several ppl the same question.
School would be void of subjects. Instead, Ss and Ts would collaborate on projects. Learning would be experiential. A man can dream
Our topic today! https://t.co/HQvVJHmwxa
Today's - "You have only 1 rule - Do what's best for Ss. No mandates/tests/programs. What would a day look like for your learners?"
a daily PLN. For those of us who dont have formal PLNs/PLCs in our school, it's a place to spur thinking & get inspired
We have it now. I make sure of it! ; just 2 minutes
What is best for students depends on resources. decisions are made about resources. Anyone with resources can decide what's best
rule is in effect in my class too :)
Word! https://t.co/dtxBoFj2WA
Unfortunately, getting to what's best for Ss also involves knocking down some long-constructed walls. With a sledgehammer.
I really love the idea of different students working on different assessments of the same knowledge.
I've grown my network of colleagues past my high school's doors!
Dan I'll get the coffee ready !!! https://t.co/KrAWhHta0E
This is a hall of fame tweet right here! Good morning everybody! https://t.co/vguaTFpk9U
Good morning! Jessica from Denver in NJ coning to you from 's car headed to the train. here I come!
Just because we test doesn't mean we can't do what is right for kids ... if you're an Admin support your Ts in doing what is RIGHT
Maybe I should have proofread for typos first, then? Lol
There are schools that're like this - that follow what I would want. Expeditions that happen in or w/
Since the day doesn't revolve around high stakes testing at my school, it would look like today...or tomorrow..or next week.
spell check, we don't need no stinking spellcheck !!! https://t.co/qkWYrC6X13
Maybe I should have proofread for typos first, then? Lol
Difficult, yes. But possible. Here's how we are doing more cross-curricular/cross-grade learning: https://t.co/NbDUXCEJ8N
and I would go to English class with the kids!
It's pretty much what I do now, but I wouldn't be worried about what the kids are worrying about!
can I get an AMEN https://t.co/Ui1MPjX5nv
Just because we test doesn't mean we can't do what is right for kids ... if you're an Admin support your Ts in doing what is RIGHT
Easier in elementary school to do integrated assignments/projects. Could HS T's do project btwn 2 classes? https://t.co/RFKB6n9q1W
More cohesive, across curriculum learning. Difficult to mesh those in HS consistently. https://t.co/LfHNqqScgt
Today's - "You have only 1 rule - Do what's best for Ss. No mandates/tests/programs. What would a day look like for your learners?"
give the Ss a chance to have their voices heard. Teach what they WANT to learn.
a whole lot more student driven, real world, hands on learning infused with stu voice. That's the dream
If I could do whatever I wanted... Class would be like ! Ss submit Qs about US history, I'd choose order, class time=learning the A
Honestly, the biggest difference would be a lot more discussion in my classroom.
I went to HS, read All Quiet on the Western front in English and WWI in history and never linked the two. Boo!
Yeah, the plow showed up at 9:15 am yesterday. Freedom! :) All well up there?
I agree, I would do a lot of what i am doing now, but would gain more time and lose stress of record keeping assessments
OMG Knew my socks would be knocked off, but they are still on fire from the efu-AWESOME
Agreed! Formative assessment helps drive instruction. I would get rid of end of the year, high-stakes tests and HW.
We are a starting at our school this year. I am looking forward to it.
They *really* would guide the day/learning! No time restraint; get done what we do & go off on tangents https://t.co/vPlkLVmtpe
Our topic today! https://t.co/HQvVJHmwxa
Today's - "You have only 1 rule - Do what's best for Ss. No mandates/tests/programs. What would a day look like for your learners?"
When you really immerse Ss in experiential and keenly listen to their input, it opens up so much. True game changer.
we would be using the walking classroom more. Also, outdoors maximizing experimental learning.
There'd be lots of open assessments. Is just provide the rubrics and for each topic, I'd say, pursue something interesting.
yep - let's knock 'em down!!!
Yes. Differentiation of instruction and of assessment. https://t.co/r6dWuJVvkL
I really love the idea of different students working on different assessments of the same knowledge.
Exactly! I would remove the transition from class to class structure. But Sts are so used to that model! https://t.co/w74TLKM3pS
School would be void of subjects. Instead, Ss and Ts would collaborate on projects. Learning would be experiential. A man can dream
there would be way less content. Exercise/play would be integrated into the day as well as mindfulness and nutrition.
Agree, I learn more what my students learned through everyday class work & discussion 3 hr tests yeech https://t.co/7Vv5MrDEAB
Agreed! Formative assessment helps drive instruction. I would get rid of end of the year, high-stakes tests and HW.
I agree we test too much- "Measure what you treasure" but sometimes the other assessments inform us too https://t.co/b3DfttJE2b
Agreed! Formative assessment helps drive instruction. I would get rid of end of the year, high-stakes tests and HW.
I would love to do it one day.
And the kids would be teaching each other. I would become more of a coach/ facilitator.
I agree - in K most of the assessing is one on one so we lose a TON of teaching time doing it.
With this dream also comes $, right? I could totally redesign my classroom :)
Learning alongside the Ss is so vital. Let them see YOUR joy & wonder of learning. Let them see YOU fail forward.
it would look very similar to High Tech High in the new doc Most Likely to Succeed,
It takes time, which seems like a short commodity in class... https://t.co/pfPtzIPVtg
Honestly, the biggest difference would be a lot more discussion in my classroom.
co-learning is my mantra. Such a wonderful way to model learning and stay excited about teaching
yes don't forget the kinesthetic Ss , movement vital
I tried to make it through on Monday. Notice I said try.
and those handling the money ... talk to your teachers before you spend ... do they want/need those items
I would SLOW the pace and we would take our time to delve deeper.
In a 4th/5th: topic to topic, brainstorming, costumes, exploration areas, reflection, lots of movement https://t.co/bFHLdIW5fh
Today's - "You have only 1 rule - Do what's best for Ss. No mandates/tests/programs. What would a day look like for your learners?"
I know. How awful. We do enough 1:1 in grade 3 and it is long!
Amen. Goodbye ugly desks!
Students are resilient to change. It's us who are resistant. Starting with small changes may help.
Seriously! I went sledding with my kids yesterday after school. We were all so much happier! Play deficit is toxic!
Dream! And bring that dream to reality! https://t.co/QEfoGD1j9P
School would be void of subjects. Instead, Ss and Ts would collaborate on projects. Learning would be experiential. A man can dream
They do all the time. I reflect out loud! LOL
could you imagine sending a fidgety kid to the gym for 15 minutes and then come back to learn? I bet it would work
I don't think I get much from PARCC or other big tests like that, plus we spend time covering test prep, which is a waste.
Play is so important and under realized! Agreed.
I'd spend a good chunk of my day doing social skills and mental health.
A schoolwide summer reading followed by interdisciplinary day is one way we do this. Tough during the year! https://t.co/AZPbngQE0z
More cohesive, across curriculum learning. Difficult to mesh those in HS consistently. https://t.co/LfHNqqScgt
Today's - "You have only 1 rule - Do what's best for Ss. No mandates/tests/programs. What would a day look like for your learners?"
Yes pls & thank you! School could have K-College & multiple philosophies personalized for different Ss & Ts https://t.co/rIR8aROlUx
My question would be - Wanna start a school up?
Find a way to make this happen, if you can (Critical Friends/Learning Forward style). Changes the culture!
CREATIVITY ... not just from the kids, but from the TEACHERS ... move beyond the book.
I can't even imagine how long it would take in 3rd grade. Goodness!
Theres a question. design your perfect classroom.
Theres a question. design your perfect classroom.
yes, better to teach less in more depth than rush through it all and have them not comprehend much https://t.co/paCUi2AKAe
I would SLOW the pace and we would take our time to delve deeper.
A1: I would do PBL with come sort of community service component. The world can teach our kids a lot.
A1: I would do PBL with come sort of community service component. The world can teach our kids a lot.
How about deep immersion into some of the amazing tech resources so many Ts offer for Ss?
Here is a question for . Do all of these tests make a difference? Are Ss smarter than they were 15 years ago?
Here is a question for . Do all of these tests make a difference? Are Ss smarter than they were 15 years ago?
thats rough. My wife has a 2 hr delay.
Project based learning all day! Allowing students to learn through doing and experiences!
Wouldn't it be great. Not to mention one that was less mandated by 'ticking boxes' to satisfy government regulations.
A Day of Listening! Intentionally foster conversation about Ss life in a competitive educational world.
I know. I guess from the "bigger lens" it helps us level the player fields across districts (or at least that's the goal)
Love it! Student-led productive talk!
...and if you focus on what's right for the Ss (engaging, S-centered teaching & learning), the test results will come.
Oh my! Still? One of my Ss wrote that DC is a good place to go sledding. I'm in CT!
the hardest thing for a teacher to do, say to a supervisor: "That's not what is best for kids." ...
Absolutely. Money can't be the roadblock. Invest in Ss.
Hating to go all "Negative Nellie" but I don't think that testing makes anybody smarter.
I'd prefer people come in and watch the learning/instruction instead!!
we've just split two learning levels over 3 years and I love the extra enrichment/exploring this allows
Im not as anti testing as most teachers. I do think we have way too many. But its not like we do anything with them.
My Ss got to choose their mid-year exam. I provided 2 assessment choices and it worked very well! https://t.co/l0CVajFcIP
I really love the idea of different students working on different assessments of the same knowledge.
I would be interested in vertical groupings as T facilitates. Older Ss could coach the younger to go deeper. Personalized learning.
Great question. Here's a follow up, if they are smarter is it because of easy access to information or testing?
I would ask Sts "what do you want to learn about?" They've been dictated their learning for so long & rarely anyone asks them.
Nice! Same here, proud to say! :)
1) NO,NO.A2) not smarter necessarily, but have access to so much info so much faster open up chances t learn https://t.co/BLMZf22UtM
Here is a question for . Do all of these tests make a difference? Are Ss smarter than they were 15 years ago?
Does your district use common (district created) assessment?
I feel fortunate my school does allow for more freedom and creativity. The change would be to lighten the stress and empower more
Boom! Wow! Hand's thought of that!
Absolutely! Standing desks have "fidget" bars bc kids can't sit still! Test scores improve after exercise! https://t.co/L7AkPoALwi
could you imagine sending a fidgety kid to the gym for 15 minutes and then come back to learn? I bet it would work
Picking the right topics to go deeper with is key = help the others along ex. ratio table. https://t.co/avGg6qXNBT
yes, better to teach less in more depth than rush through it all and have them not comprehend much https://t.co/paCUi2AKAe
I would SLOW the pace and we would take our time to delve deeper.
Could do this on a smaller scale- book buddies, etc.
I would push students to have deeper discussions and dive deeper into subject matters.
well maybe after all this snow melts! AmIrite, ?
Empower Ss, Ts ( or both) ?? https://t.co/eWHPuMrtpj
I feel fortunate my school does allow for more freedom and creativity. The change would be to lighten the stress and empower more
Kids would have more time to socialize. It's just as important as academics.
YES PLEASE Active involvment in the community leads to much more experiential + broad Learning gain https://t.co/wl1WiHkfNt
A1: I would do PBL with come sort of community service component. The world can teach our kids a lot.
and often the Ts should decide, right. https://t.co/XEyU20rPc6
Picking the right topics to go deeper with is key = help the others along ex. ratio table. https://t.co/avGg6qXNBT
yes, better to teach less in more depth than rush through it all and have them not comprehend much https://t.co/paCUi2AKAe
I would SLOW the pace and we would take our time to delve deeper.
My kids would complain so much about having to go outside.
You have my support!!! π
Yes- we have common grade level assessments across all grades
