#1stchat Archive
Weekly chat for excited 1st grade teachers who love to learn and share ideas. Participants are interested in a variety of topics including literacy, math, technology, play, inquiry, and being the best educators they can be!
Sunday May 1, 2016
Happy Sunday! It's time for chat. I'm Val from Michigan and I'm co-moderating with the fantastic .
Hello, everyone! Lela from Iowa. Co-hosting with the wonderful
Good evening friends Terry here in Fl
Happy Almost Monday! Jen from Minnesota
Tonight's topic: Preventing the Summer Slide and Preparing for next school year.
Happy Sunday night Claire here from Vermont! How is everyone tonight? Happy to be here.
Hello Terry, Glad to see you.
Happy Mayday! Jane from Kansas here!
Hi Jen, glad you are here.
Hello friends. Lori checking in for Missouri. Hope everyone had a great weekend.
Hi Claire, glad you are here.
Hi friends, Jess from CT here.
Happy Sunday Friends, Traci here from KS
Cassie checking in from a sunny day in MN
Hi Lori, glad to see you.
Hi Jess, glad you are here.
Hi Laura, glad you are here.
I can't believe we are in a final weeks of school!
Good evening! Katy from Mo
Natalie from Louisiana! So excited for tonight!
Q1 How does the summer slide impact learning and instruction in the beginning of the year?
Hi Natalie, glad to see you.
Hi Kathy from PA. Can't believe it's May 1st!
Hi Kathy, glad you are here.
A1: Some of the skills that were not solid are gone. While teaching routines, you are playing catch up as well. (looping helps)
Hi Damaris, glad you are here.
when are you done? I remember last year there was two waves of end of school year for Ts
A1: I always have to remember to go slow and do lots of review! Go slow to go fast!
A1: Lots of time to review but not all Ss need it.
Hello friends! Just finishing up putting our new trampoline together, that was a good 4 hour project today:( Michelle from WI!
A1 Some lose in confidence and are fearful of taking risks and trying something new & challenging.
My Ss last day is the 25th, This yr went fast
A1 Ours kids come from 1/2 day K to full day 1st so there is a BIG transition. We do lots of review the first 6 weeks.
A1: Very critically for my Low SES students and ELLs. This is always a concern of mine!
A1 Summer slide impacts vocabulary and strategies for reading development......math facts and patterns in numbers.
A1: Not as bad for our Ss that attend summer school. We also have a learning league for Ss who need just a little help
I have to remember that they are not where my first graders were in May/June.
A1: It's a game of catch-up and review to recover what's been lost to the slide.
A2: I use the first 30 days to prepare routines and set expectations. Teaching at this point of the year is a warm-up for the year.
A1: I think a big difference in Ss over the summer are parents. Same as the school yr
A1 If new instruction is rushed Ss may have difficulty acquiring new concepts. I think it's important to start slow.
That's the hardest thing for me to remember! They're a year younger than I remember!
I remember how hard that was for them. We switched to full day 3 years ago.
A1 Summer sometimes makes the gap bigger. Ss exposed to different opportunities. Both Like to have common structure back .
A1: Besides all that has been mentioned already, rebuilding stamina in self as well!
I like that learning league.....what's that all about?
A1 There is a big gap in students abilities to begin with. It's better if we could prevent summer slide.
A1: I'll be back in Kindergarten next year.
What % of your students are low SES and ELL?
Hard to remember when they become so independent at the end of the year.
It is very hard! They are so tired and spent by the afternoon, so we have to do a lot of movement.
This is big! https://t.co/zMzxb2gbLv
A1: Besides all that has been mentioned already, rebuilding stamina in self as well!
my class is the first group to have full day K. HUGE difference!! Best thing to happen to our district!
A1: Ss have to get back in the habit of taking risks & learning new things; lots of review & practice
It's for students that are close to moving to the next level. Small class sizes. A little extra instruction.
Mine too. Many sts have come so far this yr academically & socially
absolutely and to do review - Ss who may not need it can rise as leaders
A1 I'm not so sure info is lost but may need the dust blown off the top :-)
Things we did this weekend:
1. Watched Mission Impossible
2. Went to a horse competition
3. Swimming
4. Played at home
5. Running
A1 When Ss start in fall, they still act like kinder ss. However, I remember seeing them the previous fall. They mature so much:)
Wow! Back to kinder. Hope you continue to join us on Sunday nights.
A1 time must be spent establishing routines and forming relationships before combatting the summer slide
Great idea. We do lots of :)
Do Ss stay the whole year or move on to another class after some time?
Very first time on chats. Not sure what I am doing. Thank you for letting me sit in. First grade t in NY.
Amazing how much growth they can make academically when their language is so low huh?
Our Kindergarten is full day. By week 2, Ss are falling asleep on the bus.
Yes, I'm counting on that maturity factor:)
I have 95% ELL students and 100% low SES...it's a tough group but I love it and wouldn't trade a thing.
A1 When I used to loop K-1st, some ss forgot how to write their name... :(
I think that is why I love first grade so much! :)
I absolutely will. I'll be looping with those Kinders. So you're stuck with me :)
Welcome, this is an awesome chat to begin with.
It's just a short period during summer break. Just to give them some more strategies and less time away from instruction.
I wouldn't trade either! Having trouble finding other teachers to come to our building that feel that way though!
Those Ts work so hard! Ss definitely come prepared to tackle 1st grade!
Yay! You're stuck with us as well :) https://t.co/HfZOdADTnw
I absolutely will. I'll be looping with those Kinders. So you're stuck with me :)
Welcome! Chime in whenever! :)
Very first time on chats. Thank you for letting me sit in. 1st grade t in NY
Hey everyone! Can I please ask you to answer this brief survey about teacher PD? https://t.co/ZzjFM2h6Uf Please RT.
Q2 What classroom measures do you use to help students leave first grade strong?
Very thankful for kinder Ts!
I was just thinking that last week when I watched them solve problems without having to involve me.
In our school we use DRAs and On Demand Writing assessments. We also use DIBELS to measure fluency.
A2 Let them see evidence of how much they've grown over the school year. Comparing BOY writing to EOY writing is powerful.
A2: Always a hope they leave us as curious learners, lovers of reading and seeing the world as a place to continue to learn.
A2 send home books with each Ss, book lists, a math game with dice and cards,
Heidi from Michigan - newbie this evening.
A2: We read as much as possible in the last wks of school & try to get them super interested in continued summer rdg
Yes! Problem solving has been such a big focus this year for use!
A2 Having students know that mistakes constantly happen, the most important thing is to not be afraid to give things a try.
We just did that last week. I passed back beginning year writings. My Ss giggled. They couldn't believe it.
Welcome, Heidi! Glad you are joining
A2 We open our time capsule and compare first day of school writing to last day of school writing! So fun. https://t.co/NlHQbHYob9
A2 Let them see evidence of how much they've grown over the school year. Comparing BOY writing to EOY writing is powerful.
I love doing this! Ss are always amazed by this as well! https://t.co/INr3lzfogM
A2 Let them see evidence of how much they've grown over the school year. Comparing BOY writing to EOY writing is powerful.
A2 In the classroom I use observation notes, to track Ss progress.
A2: If Ss love learning, it's been a successful year! Will be checking out our AMAZING year of growth on
Welcome. This is a great place.
A2 Start introducing some books they could read over the summer.
A2: Usual academic measures but in addition, practice/reinforce social-emotional skills to set them up for a more rounded success
This time you know you're looping....do this and you will really get giggles on how they have changed. https://t.co/vJHTRm2nYy
We just did that last week. I passed back beginning year writings. My Ss giggled. They couldn't believe it.
A2 Transition Ss from learning to read to LOVING to read . Done through ample time spent independently reading all year
I even forget how far they've come. Good reminder.
Sorry I’m late friends. (I’m multi-tasking watching in game 7). What’s the topic tonight?
Love the idea of a time capsule. Might be 'borrowing' this idea for next year.
A2: Give them ways to learn over summer. Journals, book ideas, application for library card, teach math games to play
Create "how to" videos. Teach K about first grade.
Same here. We talk a lot about the Library's summer reading program.
My students are hooked on the My Father's Dragon books. Many are planning to buy them and reread over summer.
Hi, Jenni! Summer slide and EOY. Check 's feed for Qs.
A2 Love to pull out their writing from beginning of year. Ss are amazed when they see growth. We send home summer packets as well.
can't wait to show them their growth from Sept to May - whoa!
It's on for free if they have access to computer.
Some of my students have started setting reading goals for the summer.
Hello from Missouri! Sorry so late
Library rep comes to our school to talk about summer rdg program/prizes
Q1 - as a looping teacher, the summer slide became very clear. Looping allows communication over the summer...
A2 I try to keep my website current throughout the summer with great links to sites for firsties to use independently.
We had that last year. I hope we do it again. Ss get very excited.
It's an ongoing issue with the district I am in...a shame because we have the BEST kids/parents/staff.
Does anyone track reading growth for students using some sort of visual, graph, etc.?
I have some Ss that are loving Henry and Mudge and Magic Treehouse books! Exciting
It's so fun! And they love it. I just covered a shoebox with foil and wrote do not open until last day of school
Since I am looping i hope to use over summer and give tips and ideas.
End of the Year... but topic is on preparing for next year:)
They do love that series. I have a student that has practically memorized it.
We will do this soon! Can't wait to "see" what goals my sts set
What kinds of things are in the summer packet?
Setting reading goals is great way to send them off.
Ahh… Gotcha! Thanks! :)
HI all! SOrry I"m late- trying to get laundry folded- Ugh!
- R for ABC Countdown can also be reflection day - look back at previous work and see the growth :)
Crazy thing is, I didn't bring it up. They did. (proud teacher).
Maybe change to individual access over summer and provide weekly challenges?
Mine too...a few sts are creating list of books in series they have not read yet
My kiddos have a simple graph of Running record levels. They love watching it grow!
Q3 What are some ways you encourage summer learning?
Laundry is my least favorite part of Sunday! Glad you made it here!
we use a few websites/apps over the summer months to support learning over the summer. I can see & support their progress...
Ps can get 30 days free on if you send the email from your T dashboard. I"m waiting to send til end of school yr.
we can push out to Ss when we have a our weekly meet up!
A3 last year we did a summer reading program-Catch the Wave and Read! Kids who could attend loved it!
There's a possibility that it may even be 3 months free.. waiting for that to come to fruition. :-)
A3: Just thinking about trying a weekly challenge that could be done at home and
A3 We are planning to have students bring in caught reading photos from summer.
A3 We send home a summer packet and I also email my families reminding them of all the online resources they can utilize.
A3 I encourage summer learning by not destroying it with homework packets or reading logs
Summer packet would include things like website listings, book lists, June, July, August math calendar (problem each day)
We use Lucy Calkins writing and she uses Henry and Mudge as a mentor text. Ss love them.
A3: I am sending a calendar of ideas and plan on posting frequently during the summer on for those Ps signed up.
Oh this might be a great challenge for me with Ps can send me photos. https://t.co/73VmvQhko1
A3 We are planning to have students bring in caught reading photos from summer.
Thanks for that info! Adding that to the list of to dos!
Summer learning is encouraged w/ summer challenges, goal setting, info about local rdg programs.
Great idea! fun for the kids too!
A3 I think educating parents about the importance of summer reading is a must.
I have a visual graph that is in Ss data binders. Kids excited as they see their growth! https://t.co/IQlD7J3Bu2
Does anyone track reading growth for students using some sort of visual, graph, etc.?
A3: I also have shared with families some "non-academic" summer fun activities to promote authentic learning together.
I have some Ps who purchased the for home use. But I will definitely be sending the invite again.
A3: We have used Google Classroom all year, and I plan to keep it updated 2 encourage summer learning
Agreed! So important to get parents on board. https://t.co/AN5Ryynoyx
A3 I think educating parents about the importance of summer reading is a must.
A3: in a previous school they had a calendar and if it was brought back they got a prize at the start of the new year
I could probably use Google Classroom for some ideas as well.
A3: I also did the local library & Barnes and Noble summer reading programs with my niece and nephew
Wow. That’s great to hear! Will need to look into that closer to the end of school. https://t.co/dbhIrbt7bE
Ps can get 30 days free on if you send the email from your T dashboard. I"m waiting to send til end of school yr.
A3 I feel Ss should relax in the summer, but I encourage them to continue to read by giving them a reading list.
I agree -so much parents can do to prevent the summer loss
A3 joining late from KY---send suggestions for learning on a tic tac toe board---SS that bring it back completed entered for prize!
A3: Send ideas home w/ kids, most of all make learning an everyday thing so it becomes a habit.
https://t.co/KJRd7V9NCA
Q3 What are some ways you encourage summer learning?
A3 We promote lots of summer learning camps. I'll be directing Camp Invention this year. It's a blast!
A3 I talk to the kids about keeping active and experiencing lots of activities....it's all about the journey through the summer
A3 also join Camp Wonderopolis!
A3 Our public library also has a summer reading program to motivate kids to read over the summer.
I love this! Sent it home midway through the year to encourage them to keep reading with their child
Sounds so much better than "summer school"!
A3) We send home a summer packet. With an incentive to get it done by the next school year!
Hi, glad you are joining us.
A3 summer camps are another help! I've worked with coworkers on MadScience Camps and ELL summer reading program
I think it's important to send some support for the parents. Maybe list of some activity ideas.
our principal opens the library for our students to check out books
Ours does a nice job on that also. Very thankful as a teacher & parent:) https://t.co/GKF3fmXITa
A3 Our public library also has a summer reading program to motivate kids to read over the summer.
It’s a fine line between giving them a “burden” of summer homework and just enjoying learning together
great that your prin will open the building!
absolutely, in the past I have sent home a calendar of activites Ss can do as suggestions
A3: My sts will take part in a book swap, used loads of bonus pts to get titles. Loading them up w/ books
principal & colleague also have had a bookmobile - delivering books in our subdivisions.
Q4 How or what might you plan or prep now for next year?
A3 check out books can be read to ss in mult. languages
Destiny from South Dakota. Student teaching. First time here. Happy Sunday <3
I love that idea! https://t.co/RiySoGP3ok
A3: My sts will take part in a book swap, used loads of bonus pts to get titles. Loading them up w/ books
Here's a letter I send to Ps to help w/ summer book choice- needs ot be updated for this yr yet. https://t.co/ikRd0N57A6
has books that can be read in mult languages
a4: Global project info is starting to come out. Reflection on routines and adjustment.
I do this too, It is a way to thin out my book shelves to make room for new ones....Ss love getting books
Working toward more blended learning approach---adjust setup...quadblogging?!?
A4: & I started organizing our year long scope & sequence. Time saver!
Love the idea with the prin opening the school library. Our public lib does a super job with a reading theme all summer.
A4: I’m all about reading PD books throughout the summer. I have the time to read and reflect!
A4: It takes me a month to just reorganize and put things away! Never take time to put it away after using.
Good idea to give out some of my books... my bookshelves are getting pretty packed;-)
Don't like to make it all about levels, but also want Ps to have some ideas on approp. bks 4 their child. https://t.co/fNfzMtPdOB
Here's a letter I send to Ps to help w/ summer book choice- needs ot be updated for this yr yet. https://t.co/ikRd0N57A6
I have to move again, do you?
A4: I haven't but will look back at my notes and make a new plan of attack...every year I learn more @ getting better..perpetual S
Hoping my sts will pass on books once they read them to other kiddos
A4 I would like to plan some things for early finishers to do. Something they can work on independently but very engaging.
A4 Before the year ends, my teammates and I place all of our BOY graphics orders so it'll all be waiting for us when we return.
access to books is so important
Like it! Gives parents an idea of books their child can read successfuly Not their only choice, but a good starting place
A4 I like to read some professional books over the summer.
Yes. I will be in a new building. This yr I have to take everything home. I have A LOT of stuff!
Some studies of the person.
It's always chaotic in beginning of the year when rest of teachers are coping and planning too. Would be great to prepare early.
A4 I want to reread some professional books this summer. Every summer I read so many... this summer is my review year:)
A4: doing a 2 get fresh new ideas, stay connected w/ Ts, plan 1st day activities & meet the teacher night ides
That's a lot of work! Hoping it goes smoothly for you.
On all your plane rides? https://t.co/6JlAtjwzAx
A4 I want to reread some professional books this summer. Every summer I read so many... this summer is my review year:)
love the idea of reviewing!
Oh my gosh! I would need a UHaul!
Xactly what I want it 2b-starting point. If I did gd job tchng "Just right bks" my Ss should do ok on own https://t.co/mv2iizxUpU
Like it! Gives parents an idea of books their child can read successfuly Not their only choice, but a good starting place
A4 does anyone have suggestions for summer pd books they are reading??
It's a little overwhelming.
A4My team is already talking about planning for math for the first month of school. I love to be ready to go. It saves time.
A4 Another thing I plan is the layout of my classroom for the following year.
A4 New idea learned from Create a Monday journal in a binder for next year. Every Monday Ss journal. Growth record:)
Planning for Curriculum Night before school year ends would be awesome! I have to try and do that. https://t.co/osxE29441p
A4: doing a 2 get fresh new ideas, stay connected w/ Ts, plan 1st day activities & meet the teacher night ides
I should have plenty of hours;-)
Is there going to be a summer book chat this year? https://t.co/6rfuHqzToS
A4 I want to reread some professional books this summer. Every summer I read so many... this summer is my review year:)
I start to experiment with that a bit toward the end so I have some sts in room.
Wouldn't that be a great way to start the new year? https://t.co/sURS11y09M
A4My team is already talking about planning for math for the first month of school. I love to be ready to go. It saves time.
Tell me more about the journals. Journal about something specific?
Yes. Right ? https://t.co/s44Q4chtUr
Is there going to be a summer book chat this year? https://t.co/6rfuHqzToS
A4 I want to reread some professional books this summer. Every summer I read so many... this summer is my review year:)
Doing conferences in June will probably give me a lot to think on and learn from.
I haven't decided yet. It might be more guided at BOY. What do you think?
A4 will be doing lots of PD to keep up to date on science and technology. Planning for next years projects.
Q5 What have you wanted to try that you could test out before the year ends? (teaching method or educational practice)
A5: I"m starting full genius hour where Ss get to pick their topics this last few weeks, I'm excited
I think guided but open ended at the BOY. Maybe find out what they are expecting out of the school year?
and I meet up each week to work on planning, lessons, etc. It's great to feel organized!
A5 always love to try new things but really using google classroom and new learning today
A5 started a passion project cycle!
A5 Speaking of "A Mindset for Learning". I'm planning to incorporate some of the things/stances from the book with current group.
A5: I really want to do more service based learning w/ my kids.
It really opens my eyes to how much money I have spent. YIKES!
A5; We have started Lit Circles. I will keep some things, but improve on them such as Hour of Empower.
I think I will be doing this too! Any organizational ideas to share?
A5 This is my first year teaching Dual Language Immersion, so I'd like to try centers in a DLI classroom before the year ends.
Doesn't feel overwhelming only once a week but keeps us in the groove!
A5: before the EOY, and I are planning on trying out team teaching as this is a goal for us!
any going to ISTE need roommates. My T partner and I are looking to help share hotel costs.
A5: Using more with the iPad in my classroom.
A5: I would like to try a google hangout, but I am so nervous!
Just this title has me totally intrigued. https://t.co/8EjdRxa022
A5 Speaking of "A Mindset for Learning". I'm planning to incorporate some of the things/stances from the book with current group.
A5 Some passion driven projects. Coding. We also want to do again. Ss have been begging:)
Oooooo! Me too! Had our first shot at it Friday. https://t.co/Ht6apAy5se
A5: I"m starting full genius hour where Ss get to pick their topics this last few weeks, I'm excited
A5: also need to use more! Let the Ss actually use it instead of just me!
A5 This is a great time to incorporate Maker Spaces, Genius Hour, etc.
Yes - please share as we will be doing this next year!
I don't, it's pretty open ended, I'll discuss all the ways we know how to show our knowledge and go
I want to do this too! Geez! so many ideas, so little time! Ahh!
start with if you haven't already! It'll transform your teaching! :)
A5 Just finished dinner-popping in for last ?- Starting flexible seating 4 last month. Can't wait to see how it goes- starting tmrw
A5 I still have to add more centers to my STEM Playground.
Sorry I've been in and out a lot tonight!
They'll amaze you if you give them the chance!
Yay! Good for you! Your kiddos will love it! So empowering for them! https://t.co/dow5gkohI8
A5 Just finished dinner-popping in for last ?- Starting flexible seating 4 last month. Can't wait to see how it goes- starting tmrw
Q5 Will be coming up shortly.
and the summer to do list just got longer! :)
You will love flex seating! I'll never go back!
has some great resources for that. https://t.co/yMky8i6DP3
A5: also need to use more! Let the Ss actually use it instead of just me!
started it a month ago & am in love! Incorporating more in the fall!
They'll love it! What do you have?
Ditto! Have had to do some reteaching the past cpl weeks- but end of the year wiggles happen everywher!
I would like to know more about your STEM Playground.
Oh I love this idea STEM Playground.
A bit of housekeeping. No chat next week due to Mother's Day. Only 2 more chats left for this year. Last chat is on 5/22.
I think students would like it and it would be good for or passion projects sharing
Yay for Mother's Day- Boo for only 2 more chats til fall. https://t.co/XOGJCUmsYe
A bit of housekeeping. No chat next week due to Mother's Day. Only 2 more chats left for this year. Last chat is on 5/22.
A5: I would like to do more hands on activities in science. We are studying plants. Any Suggestions?
I got resources from Donors Choose: Snap Circuits, Little Bits, Makey Makey's, Lego blocks, etc.
A5 I'd like to try out some engineering projects with the Ss during the last few weeks. I want to send Ss out wanting more 1st gr
could you beautify the school property by adding flowers or a community garden?
Q6 What personal professional goal are you considering for next year?
Last Q of the night is coming up!
I just put up a STEM project on Donors Choose. My fingers are crossed. Right now Lakeshore is matching donations.
Thank you, I have heard so much about this. Excited to jump into it.
planting a seed, collecting leaves to create art, soak beans & explore inside of a seed, etc.
is the meet up in the works for
? I am excited about this!
Our firsties wrote about it as their narrative practice / model writing .. they LOVED it!
Would love to pick ppls brains on scheduling- finding time to get genius hr/makerspaces/coding in
We are too. We just planted beans, peas, 3 types of flowers.
Who is attending ? I am! Would love to have a meet up breakfast! Let me know:) https://t.co/Jojg4zU9DN
is the meet up in the works for
? I am excited about this!
Stability disks, wobble stools & balance balls w/legs, + throw rugs and short tables; probably add more next yr
What nooooooo only 2 more chats before our summer break? I will miss our sunday nights......need a way to stay in touch
if you ever have ?s - feel free to ask!
A6: I really want to focus on coding nextyear, it has scared me, but I'm ready.
I've got one for - fingers crossed, too!
A6 Kind of hard to wrap our heads around goals for next year, right?
We may have to set up informal get together chats/ coffee clutches! LOL
We are soaking beans too. That is a favorite. Not sure if its the bean or using the magnifying glass.
I would like to learn coding myself
A6: more of a team teaching model - especially for reading & math .. I think it would be very beneficial!
Q6: I still need to improve on the voice and choice with technology.
A6- Spring cleaning, reorganizing- may be switching to a new school
Is this a goal that you can incorporate in the your teacher eval? Just wondering. https://t.co/uFvOhxtYrI
A6: I really want to focus on coding nextyear, it has scared me, but I'm ready.
Thank you to teachers! Happy Teacher Appreciation Week!
A6: Trying to find a way to participate in these chats that I love to creep so much!
A6 to continue to develop strategies for teaching a foreign language.
not sure how to show growth with it, but I"m sure I could
I think I followed one ... do you know the names or what they are called? Thanks!
We have scheduled 45 min/week for "Innovative" type learning...other 4 days during that time is grade level RtI block
Puzzlets are great for coding with the iPads. My kids LOVE it.
I put mine on DC last Monday & rcvd items Friday. It was amazing!! Hoping yours is as fast!
Do you use any coding apps now?
Thank you to and for hosting our chat-fun to learn as always!
