#2ndaryELA Archive
#2ndaryELA is a group of middle and high school English Language Arts teachers looking to share ideas and best practices. We chat every Tuesday night at 8 pm EST using #2ndaryELA. We'd love for you to join us!
Tuesday July 26, 2016
Welcome to tonight’s chat! Please introduce yourself. Tell what & where you teach. Share your blog link if you have one.
Hi, I’m Christina & I teach 6/7 ELA in central IL. Another softball game tonight so I’ll catch up later! https://t.co/RC3D4rnEQj
Welcome Everyone, thanks for joining us, Kristy, co-host middle school teacher in Canada. Blog https://t.co/4oVU89UpbB
Don't forget: use on responses & replies to others, label your responses w/A1, A2, & follow anyone chatting with us
Katie from St. Louis. I teach 7th grade ELA.
I'm Erin, from upstate NY, I teach English, history, and Literacy in a special education program for grades 9-12
Hello! Cristina from Ohio! ELA 10 /Honors 10 and Creative Writing for JRs and Srs. Super excited to join for the first time!
Hello! I'm Laura Brichetto & I teach HS English (10 & 12) in NW Florida.
A1: I'm Amy in Illinois, and I will be teaching 7th grade ELA this year!
Hi! I'm Jennifer from northern CA - blog @ mamawolfe https://t.co/gPzZEqwbyq . teach 8th gr English and 8th/9th AVID and Reading
My blog is https://t.co/5mUI6sz3WV and my goal every year is to blog more regularly .... but... you know how that can go...
Hello I'm Heather from 115 degree Vegas. I teach Eng 9 and AP Eng Lang.
I’m Jennifer, teaching Grades 7&8 ELA, in SW Ontario.
Hi! Regina from NC. I have been in education 23 years and currently serve as a curriculum specialist in grades 6-12.
Hi all! I teach HS English, journalism, and newspaper in Indiana! Here is my (brand new) blog: https://t.co/sVVvTONQry
I love Cbus! But, I'm from Northwood, which is a suburb of Toledo. :)
I teach 8th grade ELA in northern NJ
Hi! Emily from IL teaching MS ELA in the gifted program (one year ahead in standards)
Amy from Minneapolis. I teach honors American lit, world lit, and AP Lit!
A1:Ss fav books/genres, how often they read, & fun facts (fav food, hobby, etc). Help determine future writings, read alouds, etc
Q1: What student information do you collect at the start of the year? How does it help inform your instruction?
A1) I use GOOGLE FORMS to collect information such as who has wifi, cell phone, etc. This will help me decide on a flipped class.
A1: I print a BtS survey from double-sided with SSR logs. I make sure to pay attn to kids' fav titles for books.
A1 (cont): This helps me make recs for books -- hugely important for getting Ss to read. Also note hobbies to make connections.
I work in a very small school and am the only 10th grade ELA teacher. So, I love connecting
A1: How they feel about reading and writing when they walk into my classroom. Helps me gauge attitudes toward both.
A1 student interests and learning styles are most important to collect so I can tailor lessons based on that info
A1 B/c I work in sp.ed. I get a LOT of info on my students. I usually ask students about learning preferences & likes/dislikes
A1: I collect information on their interests and hobbies, this allows me to select texts that would interest them
Collecting info on wifi is such a smart idea!! Haven't thought of that before
A1: I survey Ss about likes and dislikes and reading and writing habits.
I teach 10th ELA. Also am a college student studying edtech.
Excited to connect with other sophomore ELA teachers!
Hi! From Texas, but just moved to NC. Teaching 7/9 ELA and 9 Comp.
Hi! I'm Marcia from NC. Entering my 4th year. I teach English 9, British Lit (12th), and Senior Seminar (college writing).
A1:overall interests, reading/writing attitudes, “I wish my teacher knew,” parent survey. Using Google Forms this year. 1/2
A1: I'm debating what I want to collect. I really want 2 get 2 know my sts better this yr rather than speed through the process.
A1: I use this doc for the first day https://t.co/YreMJ4KZdX , but also like to do a reading, writing, and tech survey
I'm going to a Google Forms training on Thurs. I'm excited to start implementing it for stuff like this
A1: Letter to teacher. Ss tend to be very open and honest. I use it to engage & build relationships!
I teach 8th grade LA in Iowa. First Chat for me . . . so excited to join you all!
A1 cont- Use the info to make students feel safe & comfortable so they can feel secure in taking risks & working hard
A1 Our first writing is about their names, and name story - I find out about family relationships, if they are new to the area
A1 These give me an idea of where each child is at in their reading and writing, as well as info re:home life/schedules/needs.
A1: Honors Ss write a letter of intro. They intro themselves, & goals for the year. I like it bc it's informative & sets the tone
A1: I have the students do a bio poem (fill-in-the-blank) the very first day. I get to see their interests & senses of humor!
Google forms are great for collecting info
A1 I want to learn more about student interests and previous reading successes.
This sounds like such a cool assignment! Any more info to share for it?
Truth! So easy to analyze data.
A1: I do a general survey of S interests, along with a Reading Interest Inventory to get to know my Ss as readers
A1: Just finished reading the Book Whisperer and I am planning to collection a lot more information about their reading life
It’s so easy - you will love it!
Hi, Julie from KS, HS ELA & speech. In and out tonight for !
A1: basic/fun info (extracurriculars, fav books, fun facts) to get to know my Ss but we also do a learning styles assessment!
A2: What Ss need to bring to class, homework policy, possible read alouds, classroom setup & fun facts about me!
Q2: What information do you include in your syllabus? Share a sample if you’d like.
A2) This year I am using for my syllabus. I include office hours, email, remind codes, and Apps to view student work.
A1: College Prep Ss do a fill-in-the-blank resume w/ past experiences, favorites, and other info. they want me to know
A2: I'm revamping my syllabus so it incluldes infographics: grading, contact info, expectations. Anyone have a template?
A2: Book list, info about SSR, and info about ISNs. I also add my three core classroom rules (Be respectful, responsible, safe)
That’s on my summer reading list - just finished Book Love and In the Best Interest of Students!
A2 I actually do not have a syllabus!
A2 I use a newsletter template to keep syllabus simple. Include grading policies, expectations, supplies, etc.
I have used forms for past surveys, but I don't love how the results are just in a chart. It's hard to read longer answers.
I'm going to redo my syllabus soon. I hope to use or another tool to create a visual syllabus.
A2: The scope and layout of our year. I try to keep it simple & not overwhelming.
I just got In the Best Interest of Students today at a training w/ KG!
I've heard Google Forms recently revamped but I'm not really sure how yet. I go to a training Thurs
A2: Used this last yr but may tweak it. We still have a month of vaca so I'm not quite in the mood yet :) https://t.co/k7rNWhp4Bw
A2: I am trying out visual syllabi this year! So excited to pass these out to my kiddos tomorrow! https://t.co/ubtYHBJyFB
A2: Topics of study; rules; supply list; contact info
I love that book. I would love to see sometime.
I use a newsletter template in Word
I teach 7th and 8th grade ELA and 7th grade New Testament at a private Christian school in metro-Detroit! Excited for this convo!
I need to make my syllabi shorter & more to the point. Love the piktograph idea!
A1: I just want to know what floats their boats & what pushes their buttons!
A1: My students create a mind map of their interests, activities, passions, etc. using words, graphics, etc. Share in class.
I need to make my syllabi shorter & more to the point. Love the piktochart idea!
Beautiful job! I love your syllabus. Love Henrietta Lacks too.
A1- I used to survey students reading/writing habits- looking for new ideas to bring into 2016
A2: Surprisingly for me, usually the usual in usual format.
I’ve seen one recently that was shared - maybe in our FB group page? People are using Canva or Piktochart 2create.
A2: I'm only going into my 2nd yr teaching MS, so my goal is to keep the syllabus basic and flexible as I learn more myself!
I also used Powtoon last year to make a presentation. So much better than just talking. Here's the link https://t.co/Ik2lUvKim0
I also used Powtoon last year to make a presentation. So much better than just talking. Here's the link https://t.co/h6swwEG7Ls
Looks great! Will you print this or will it just be online?
Thank you! I taught HeLa for the first time last year as a collab. unit with history & biology teacher. So Much Fun!
Q3: What are your must teach routines/procedures the first day/week?
A3) BTS this year is getting to know my students vs. lecturing about syllabus. I am doing 6 stations this year!
A3: Classroom library check in/out, set up journals, turning in HW, getting from class to class, & more practice w/padlocks!
A2: I don't have a syllabus, either. I used to, but I didn't think anyone ever read it.
A2: Also trying infographic this year: daily routines, expectations, contact info, grading, Remind codes, and extra resources.
We use , so it will be in my beginning of the year folder!
I've never used Piktochart. I like it! :)
A3 Most impt routine is at start of class. 5 min to complete bell ringer, have out HW, get settled so rest of class is smooth
A3 I go over beginning & end of class procedures, fire drills, how to borrow a book, how to submit assignments
A3: Workshop norms. What does it look like, what my role is, what Ss role is. A conversation about norms!
A2: I taught English language development so in my syllabus I included some tips for school success and some app suggestions
A3: I intentionally & obnoxiously rehearse classroom routines in a humorous way. Attention choral response, silence at bell, etc.
A2 I am focusing on methods of communication (email, Twitter, Skyward, Remind, maybe Facebook group?) https://t.co/SgN3BQ81LU
A3: Choosing books and SSR, Writing notebooks, Google Classroom, and google docs.
. Happy to share the lesson - after the chat I'll put it in the 'free' resources on my blog https://t.co/EYzwlLbu1E
Sooo jealous! I would love to see some of these educators speak! I really am excited by some strategies in the book!
It's like they've never unlocked a lock before!
A3: Silent reading each day, so book selection and discussion. Trying to figure out other routines.
A3: Using my class page, late work policy, and beginning of class expectations
A1: I'm considering using This I Believe essays as the 1st major writing assignment w/my 8th graders. Set the tone for the year
A3: Getting quiet; getting in groups/around the room; asking for things; using classroom supplies
A3: We focus solely on getting to know each other the 1st day. This means icebreakers & other activities
A3: we are starting iPads 1:1 so the first day of school I want to set expectations and discuss the value of having the iPads
At least 10 minutes. If I don't ask them to read, they won't. Highly important for me.
So important to teach my Ss how to write a professional email! I was shocked my 1st year that they didn't know how!
We have 1:1 iPads too. Spend the whole first day doing set up
A3: Workshop structures and expectations, which end up tying in most everything else. Focusing more on book selection this yr
Great writing opportunity! Have had much success in the past!
A4: I like to talk to my students while they are working during the first week to get to know them more.
A4) I begin building relationships by shaking their hand on the first day back and learning their names individually :)
A4:Greet Ss at the door before every class, share books & ask how their day is going. Ask simple ?s & we can learn a lot about Ss
A4: Mutual respect is the key to building relationships & trust w/ secondary Ss. There's no magic trick; it must be authentic
A2: Last yr I used the former teacher's standard template - This yr I want2do infograph& more explicit explanation of procedures
We also do 10 minutes at the start of each class. The routine is key
A4: During work time of our 1st proj, I go around and have short confs about books they're reading/have read and liked.
A3: I set expectation that Ss participate; we are up, moving, & collaborating fm Day 1 Min 1. Urgency! https://t.co/iZdOJhdpJI
Such an exciting time. This is our 3rd year 1:1 ipad. I can't even remember how I did it before!
A4 So important to VALUE building relationships & dedicate time - ASK students Qs about interests, share info about myself
A4 1st lesson is a writing workshop where students write about childhood/young adulthood experience = great insight into students
Hi All. Sorry for jumping in super late. Just got home from football practice. I'm Melissa from Ohio & I teach middle school
A2: Basic routines bellringer & ticket out expectations, when 2 have computer out or not, where 2 find daily agenda and homework.
Q3: First day is about building relationships, some behaviour expectations, class scavenger hunt to learn room & routines.
A4: Taking time to know my Ss as writers and readers. Conferencing, listening, exploring.
A4: Go2their sports games. Share stories from my life. Take advantage of time in class/after school/in hallway 2 have 1on1 convos
A4: Participate in get-to-know-you activities on Day 1. Try to learn names right away. Personally greet & speak at door each day.
A4: Read them a children's story and discuss it.
Getting to know you activities.
I'm excited to do stations on the first day. Have small groups walk around and spend one station with me.
A4 When kids are doing stations, I move around, watching, interacting, commenting. I share abt me, too https://t.co/YFshNr3mC9
Fancy meeting you here! ;)
How long is your writing workshop? Reading "In The Middle" rn but idk if I will do my entire year in workshop.
A2b One of my other syllabi tools is an intro video for parents. Last year several asked me to keep making them.
Aww... I missed question 4 ...
Also happy to talk workshop! I do mine yr round and love it.
Sounds interesting. How would you set this up? Model?
I often wonder. I like the infographic idea, but there is so much at the beginning, leading to info overload. 1/2
A4: I try to bring up info they mentioned on their general interest survey in convos (I took notes last yr to help myself out!)
A5) I establish parent relationships at BTS to communicate the positive things their students are doing ! :)
A5 Con't: I call to introduce myself and invite them to the open house.
A5:Weekly emails/calls. MS is scary for both Ss & Ps! Also, asking Ps to read aloud to class. Ss are never 2 old to be read to!
Q5: How do you begin establishing partnerships with parents?
Q4: How do you begin building relationships with your students?
A5: I try to call all the parents of students I teach within the first week or two of school.
A5: I include parents in my Remind communication. They receive the same updates as the Ss.
You have me reconsidering a short half-page note, with a link to the class website. :)
awesome! How do you balance novels/"required" or necessary texts with the free-choice workshop?
A5: I email every parent within 1st 2 weeks, sending a quick note about something + about each student. Worth the time later.
A5: I have a class contract that parents fill out with contact info as well as "what do you want me to know about your child"
I think there has to be a way to do Writing Workshop weeks at a time.
A5 Call all parents on the 1st day of school. Nothing negative to say yet & they know they can expect to hear from you
A5 I struggle w/ this! Lots of hard to reach parents w/ phones that work sometimes or have no way to get to the school
considering a parent/guardian and student partnership ... Open lines of communication about reading.
A3 Using Chromebooks, turning in work (paper and digital), using , classroom climate.
A1 I will be finding out the students lexile level, so that I am better informed on who my non-readers (and readers) are
Yes! I finished National Writing Project Summer Institute this summer, and we wrote TIB essays. I'd show my own
I use the copy machine now more for scanning/sending to my PC rather than copies
We have meet the teacher night before school starts. Drop off supplies & get your schedule. Amazing attendance at that.
I use our class website, Remind and Google Classroom
A5: School has open house night, but I want to improve parent relations from Day 1. I send positive emails throughout the year.
We ended up axing required novels & went to all choice. Used 's method 4 tracking rding.
A5 I send out 'happy' emails, use Remind, and try to ENGAGE on BTSN. Being proactive is so important
This podcast episode has a great idea for preventing first-day information overload! Check it out! https://t.co/Q6aZMms4Ly
talk to them! Ss are so interesting! Help them set goals!
This podcast episode has a great idea for preventing first-day information overload! Check it out! https://t.co/F6jTm2GxNi
A5: At BTS Night, I quiz parents w/pics of authors to see how many they know. This starts a great discussion on what ss study!!
How many students do you have? I can't imagine making 140 phone calls!!
What do you use Canvas for?
Our open house is 6 weeks into the school year! :(
A5: I have the parents write me a letter about child in a million words or less. I respond to each one. https://t.co/MLGZ8tyNdx
Q5: How do you begin establishing partnerships with parents?
I certainly do! I love it. Happy to talk logistics!
A million words or less...haha. That's great!
Awesome! What grade level do you teach?
We just bought new txtbooks & novels last yr. Not sure I'd want/could ax them...
A5: I send home a parent letter to introduce myself and my teaching philosophy. Parents sign it & can write comments/concerns
- How do you encourage parents to sign up for Remind?
Day 1: mentor texts Day 2: brainstrom/write Day 3: Share Day 4: Revise Day 5: Share again
Considered lit circles? Can be super authentic and engaging.
Awesome! Thanks so much. I usually have them write me a letter about themselves, but this sounds so much better.
A5: Was thinking today of having an Edmodo group just for my parents. Not the official parent group. Just to KIT w/parents.
I love remind. Printing the posters with the QR code is great for Open House
A5: I ask parents to write what I should know about their S. I also make positive phone calls home to all Ss!
Thanks for chatting with us tonight. Next week's chat: curriculum & unit planning. See you on 8/2 at 8pm EST
Can’t wait to catch up after my game! Great again this week! Thanks 4 hosting ! One of my fav weekly chats!☺️
I blended my workshops this year and loved it! Individualized the process!
A5: I send a wkly update email every Snday. It takes some time, but the results have been great! Definitely doing again this yr
No easy feat! So rewarding though!
Wow! That was fast! I def. enjoyed connected with I'll def. be back!!!
I had to discuss not sending professional emails from an email addy that wasn't school appropriate.
thats why I call the 1st day to find out whose I'm going to need to track down
A5: This was tough for me last yr. Had some good interactions, but still felt I didn't really know most parents/families @ end
It's amazing how much I learn from parents. I also learn about the parent from their letter. https://t.co/N4XJbpRgrw
A5: I have the parents write me a letter about child in a million words or less. I respond to each one. https://t.co/MLGZ8tyNdx
Q5: How do you begin establishing partnerships with parents?
professional and public is the way to go!
A3 The students write ideas for a class that they would like to learn in on sticky notes, and then we hang them up all year.
A4: Be authentic and honest, have a sense of humour, let them know they have a voice in their learning, and listening to them.
Blended, as in reading and writing? Can you share more?
WOW that was fast. Looks like I have some reading to do.
I sent a separate email for each class: 7thgrELA parents/8thgrELA parents...took about an hr ( haha)
Love This I Believe! My 8th grdrs wrote their essay, created a podcast or video and posted to blog. https://t.co/QD5ElatpoG
A1: I'm considering using This I Believe essays as the 1st major writing assignment w/my 8th graders. Set the tone for the year
Twitter chats are fast, furious, and fun! Thank you for hosting and
- QR code is a great idea.
, I've done This I Believe essays before. Kids love writing about things that MATTER!
I have parent surveys as well! Provides great insight!
Advancement Via Individual Determination - program to help kids get into/succeed in school/college
I love this, but struggle to keep up. I need to make this a priority this year.
So many great ideas in this group! Thanks for sharing!
Great brainstorm/pre-write for "This I Believe" essay - 6 Word Memoirs!
I love 6 word memoirs and 6 word stories. I do them w/ Creative Writing class!
Blended as in combining tech and face-to-face instruction and colab work, giving Ss control over the pace & process.
I love this! Could be a fun group assignment for Ss too!
Would be really cool for Ts to write their own 6-word memoirs! Mentor text?
Thank you for hosting . I came late and STILL walked away with an idea.
Started as I book (I think) - SMITH magazine recreated...many websites have samples
But think of how cool it would be to get to know their Ts in a new way!
- Definitely. I also wrote my own This I Believe essay and podcast and shared with Ss.
I have never heard of This I believe...looks like I have some research to do.
A5: I use Remind, class website, and phone calls. I meet many in the hall on the first day, and our BTS night is a week later.
I was just doing some! :)
They even offer lesson plans for middle and high school level students on their website
We teach the Ss how to send emails to their teachers. They tend to be a little 2 "texty"
Thanks and can't wait to dive into this.
That sounds intriguing. Eliminates the "summer brain drain" and allows for more regular breaks.
Sweet resource for 6 word memoirs! Thanks!
Excited to be following my first chat tonight!
