Hey everyone, David here! Former special educator, @goformative Head of Community Engagement & #formativechat fan! I am looking forward to seeing how teachers use #goformative this year!
I'm looking forward to having conversations with students and getting their feedback on curriculum #LetThemSpeak & also supporting teacher's goals to #ShiftThis#FormativeChat
A1: If there was no budget for Back to School night, I think that I would have a dinner, massage chairs, and supervised activities for the kids outside. The parents rushing from work would be fed, relaxed, and focused before talking with the teacher. #formativechat
#formativechat Simon, Sci T from NE OH. Looking forward to trying some new tech based instructional strats this year. Excited to go through year 2 and year 1 again of #ibbioSL
Hi- it is Renee from Hershey Middle School,PA- 8th grade ELA. I am super excited about our first read aloud (Bronx Masquerade) and having a Poetry Slammer visit our classroom. #formativechat
A1: Make it a family event with opportunities for hands-on activities and learning #makerspace , video chats with educators & students from around the world for Q & A with families & staff, and oh so much more! #formativechat
A1: Make it a family event with opportunities for hands-on activities and learning #makerspace , video chats with educators & students from around the world for Q & A with families & staff, and oh so much more! #formativechat
A1 Feed families, offer educational and fun sibling service, create "stations" where families can join a group and "research" what they want to learn. Show them how cool school could be #formativechat
A1) How fun would it be to just sit and drink some coffee with my parents and chat about their kids and what I can do to meet their needs?
#formativechat
#formativechat A1: Dinos, lots and lots of dinos - dino teams/departments/grade levels, teams of Ts, teams of Ss, etc. I'd like a business orientated, but relaxed way to get all stakeholders engaged in the learning process. We're a team after all.
A1 I would make it a back to school event and have ss there too to really show parents what we do all day. School had changed so much and I’d love parents to see not only what ss are learning but how and why classrooms and teaching have changed #formativechat
Teresa tech coach from SW PA I'm excited to meet the new students and staff coming to our school this year! I'm excited to introduce @goformative to more teachers! #formativechat
A1. What a great question... I've never ever thought of this one. I'm thinking supplies for something STEM oriented that also says THANK YOU to the parents... Also thinking of something that builds up that parent-teacher relationship! #formativechat
A1 I would have a lot of stations full of activities for parents to engage in, displays of student work, fun things to try that we use in class #formativechat
A1- I would have different stations where parents felt welcomed and supported. One would be learning tech, learning the curriculum, and a food station to chat.
#formativechat
I would provide every students with their classroom supplies and have it waiting for on their desks in a fun arrangement. Start the excitement the first time they walk in the door.
#formativechat
A1 - Food is always a great place to start. Have a guest speaker start off with topic like relationship building, mental health, goal setting, something along those lines. Promote the learning, fun and culture of school. Set tone for many good conversations. #formativechat
We LOVE the idea of being able to connect with other schools around the world! Learning about different experiences can bring context to the one you are in! #formativechat
I would provide every student with their classroom supplies and have it waiting for on their desks in a fun arrangement. Start the excitement the first time they walk in the door.
#formativechat
A1. If money was no object, I'd have a Back to School Day at a large venue with food, music, lots of food, an indoor pool..Celebrating Relationships between Home and School #formativechat
A1: I would celebrate by providing ALL of the students with a “back to school” clothes shopping spreee while listening to their favorite live music and eating snow cones. #formativechat
A1: I’d do a class dinner. A big old family dinner with kids introducing their parents to other parents. Really establish us as a community. It’s not about looking in desks and on the walls. It’s the people connections. #formativechat
Hello everyone!
I'm Jen, a 6th grade ELA teacher from IN!
I am excited to continue exploring with the possibilities of a gamified classroom. #formativechat
A1: Have a grade level dinner for each grade and invite all parents, students and teachers to “get acquainted” 😊 give links to teacher presentations in all languages so parents could see them more than once, at thier leisure 👍 #formativechat
A1 - No restrictions? Put on a full celebration. Band, photos, dance, dinner, the whole 9 yards. Make people feel welcomed and pump them up for the year ahead. #formativechat
That would definitely build some excitement! Also have some random things and have students brainstorm ideas, or come up with a fun story, an icebreaker, get to know each other #formativechat
A1. A camping trip with team building exercises for an entire weekend along with immersive learning experiences. That would be a great back to school celebration. #formativechat
Q2: Imagine that you could determine what happened during back to school night…
What kind of data would you collect to help you start the year with more personalized instruction? #formativechat
Great point! I think it's awesome always assumed that Ps and Ts have the same goals (good grades). It's important to find out what really matters to them. #formativechat
Might even be interesting to set up some type of edcamp style sessions that address some of the challenges, anxieties, concerns that Ts, Ss, and Ps have #formativechat
A2: I want data on the whole family. How are they? What concerns do they have? What needs do they have? Are there health issues? #ItTakesAVillage#formativechat
A2: To better know students personally, I think any activity where they create something and talk to you about their creation, dreams, fears during that creation helps the T learn more about the Ss. #formativechat
Q2: Imagine that you could determine what happened during back to school night…
What kind of data would you collect to help you start the year with more personalized instruction? #formativechat
A1 I would like to remove the constraints that prevent Ps from coming. Free babysitting, free dinner and free transportation as needed. Every child should have someone be able to show up for them #formativechat
A1 I would like a catered event, entertainment, maybe a band booth areas for families and students to get information on products and win prizes, similar to education conferences like ISTE I know that sounds crazy, but I think our families and students deserve it! #formativechat
So many sharing the ideas of a dinner, food, stations to learn about diff learning experiences, and more important, building connections and relationships! #formativechat
A2: Good question! I would like data about the st's early experiences, development & learning, as well as parent insight into their own ed experiences & goals for their child; I would also like to observe the family together working through a problem or experiment #FormativeChat
A1:It start w/ dinner & of course Hershey's famous PB pie (PB free options too. During dinner, Ss would share w/ parents what they've been working on in each class. Ss would take their Ps through a gallery walk of their first month of school.#formativechat
A2: To better know students personally, I think any activity where they create something and talk to you about their creation, dreams, fears during that creation helps the T learn more about the Ss. #formativechat
#formativechat a1 Wowser never had a back to school night. I'd love to have video booths filled with pop quiz videos. Students could collect up things they'll need in VIP bags. No budget equals big dreams
A2: Other than collecting data from families about what they need, I would really just want to be spending time with the kids and their families. #formativechat
A2. How can I best serve YOUR child? How can I best serve YOU? What would you like for me to know about your child to make this a great year? #formativechat
A2 Id love to better understand ss home life and cultural backgrounds. I’d love to have parents set realistic goals for ss to help them grow as learners and become more independent too #formativechat
A1 I would make it a back to school event and have ss there too to really show parents what we do all day. School had changed so much and I’d love parents to see not only what ss are learning but how and why classrooms and teaching have changed #formativechat
A2 tell me hat you like to do in your spare time. What is your favorite color? And if you could be attacked by anything what would it be? #formativechat
A2 I'd like to give families the opportunity to share what they want in a school...if the school had unlimited funds, what do they want to see for their child? Their answers will tell you their values, their beliefs and their goal for their children. #formativechat
A2 I as for a lot of data from my MS Ss. I would like to know what the Ps do for work, and if they would be interested in coming in to lend their expertise if related. #formativechat
#formativechat dinosuars It would be interesting to theme out the year (i'm at a HS only building) to include all stakeholders as teams and stations and really build a team atmosphere for the year as the Ss progress
Q2: Imagine that you could determine what happened during back to school night…
What kind of data would you collect to help you start the year with more personalized instruction? #formativechat
A2: I wish parents did more of the talking and sharing about their child. Instead of it becoming impromptu interviews where I don’t really know the child well enough to say anything meaningful yet. #formativechat
A1 Dinner but good dinner from a local place and have servers but not the school staff. This way they can sit down w. families to share. Have a red carpet welcome committee. Have technology and it's reps available to teach about it, then let P take it for home use #formativechat
that would be the best part of these different ideas for bring students and families in, have that time to really learn about one another #formativechat
A2 - I would collect data from parents about what they feel is important this year and from Ss about what they want to learn this year. I would love to incorporate this data into lessons throughout the year. #formativechat
Love videos of teachers explaining the traditional...nobody remembers it after the regular meeting anyway so let's let them watch it over and over #formativechat
A2. I've seen many rooms do a @Flipgrid share night where parents can leave messages for their kids. This isnt even really hypothetical, I think I want to do this. #formativechat
#formativechat A2: anecdotes from stakeholders, parents about their learner, community about what they need from learners, Ss how they learn, Ts and admin have options to facilitate the needs of the greater community into action in the classroom
a really important point! So often there is a constraint like that, we need to think of best ways to engage all families, use tech as needed #formativechat
Might even be interesting to set up some type of edcamp style sessions that address some of the challenges, anxieties, concerns that Ts, Ss, and Ps have #formativechat
A2: Ask parents about how they believe thier children learn best, then ask students to explain how they like to learn, what excites them, what makes them successful? Use the info to personalize learning! Conversations! 😊 #formativechat
Q2: Imagine that you could determine what happened during back to school night…
What kind of data would you collect to help you start the year with more personalized instruction? #formativechat
A2: I would want to know the type of learner the student is as well as reading levels from previous years as well as previous year and state predicted scores. #formativechat
Have a family ice breaker and get an insight into my S's home lives. I would ask to provide a list of the S's Top 5 favorite books and activities that are not electronic related to hopefully find some strong reinforcers for the year. And of course a dance off bro!
#formativechat
Q2: Imagine that you could determine what happened during back to school night…
What kind of data would you collect to help you start the year with more personalized instruction? #formativechat
I am sure you could find a few. Even one would be a huge success. Food trucks? Local musicians (student bands even?), and some giveaways for door prizes. Honestly, it may be able to be done at low cost to the school. #formativechat
A2 - What success looks like for each student? Strategies that will help each learner? What areas school culture needs to address to help students feel welcomed and excited to learn at school. #formativechat
Q2: Imagine that you could determine what happened during back to school night…
What kind of data would you collect to help you start the year with more personalized instruction? #formativechat
A2 I would want to mingle and talk to everyone to find out who they are invite families to ask questions to make them feel comfortable...I would love to take them to a special room to go "shopping" for supplies, to get clothing to get food for packing lunches #formativechat
A2 invite all stakeholders. Get to know families and community. Find out needs, wants, expectations, goals. Find out who families are: who lives in the house, where they work, likes/dislikes #formativechat
We have asked parents to do this in the past "In a million words or less" we call it; we want to know how the Ps see their child and what they want for them and from us. #formativechat
A2. I'd want their questions and opinions of the school...How can we help strengthen relationships? How would they like to support, be involved? Health records..have volunteer doctors there..Curriculum presentations...We need to start thinking Back 2 School Day 🙂 #formativechat
A2. Having parents answer a variety of questions about their children in response to different situation! Anything special we need to know! How you may handle situation at home vs. classroom! Having Ss and P work together on an activity for completion to observe #formativechat
A3; Imagine if curriculum was put on hold while relationships were built at the start of the school year.
Looking forward to reading all of the other responses to this. #FormativeChat
A2-(2) I would also like to see the data from the Ps about how many and to what extent they would like to be truly involved in their Ss daily activities. Meaning more than just bringing in snacks. Volunteer to lead a lesson in their profession, etc. #formativechat
Great insights! I agree with wanting to see how the family works together. What do they enjoy doing together? What interests do they share? #formativechat
I partnered with my local @Starbucks they were amazing. They donated for several events. As a treat we had our chorus sing at the store during holiday season. If you have one near, check with them! #formativechat
A2 As I think about this,I am starting to envision Ss sharing their wishes/goals for the year in a way that best expresses their thoughts - art work, music, writing- I would love to know the impact their child's wish declaration had on them.... #formativechat
Hello everyone. Joining in very late. Very long day but wanted to say hello. A1 If budget was not an issue I would like to celebrate #BacktoSchool night with the unveiling of a brand new classroom space with flexible furniture that is kid friendly & comfortable. #formativechat
“Imagine if every student felt a sense of community, inspiration, pride and wonder at the beginning of the school year!”
What a significant journey we could take together learning and laughing along the way.
#formativechat
A3 Imagine if every teach took on 5 kids as a project and championed them for the school year. Caring and ensuring those students have all they need and are successful. #formativechat
#formativechat A3: This is hard to imagine.....change ? relationships? foundation for a better tomorrow and a lifetime of learning? all the things?
After that stream of consciousness..... my answer is "the best start for each student".
A3 More events that focused on spending time with families... Maybe even events that happened in their neighborhood and not just school 🤔☺️ #formativechat
A3- Imagine if STUDENT WORK celebrations happened at the beginning of the year! Yes, bring them back from the previous year and put them on display. Run videos celebrating the best days from the year before. Celebrate, celebrate, celebrate! #formativechat
A3. I'm definitely drinking Koolaid with dry ice in it day 1. My dream is to freak out my kids on the first day so that my name gets around the school quickly and kids want to take my class because of rumor and intrigue. #formativechat
A3 - Each Ss had a learning plan with supports from Ts,Ps, and other agencies if necessary. That each Ss came in with a #growthmindset and knew that they could build a positive relationship with Ts and peers. #formativechat
A3: Instead of looking at last years test results to inform the success of instruction, we focused on an instructionally agile response to realtime formative assessment to be sure that ALL student learn, not just those that got it the first time. #formativechat
A3 imagine if every child came into the first day of school without worries each child had the same advantages no prejudices associated with them a clean slate new clothes food and no worries about home life. Imagine if they felt loved and safe in school. #formativechat
A3. These are great questions! Now thinking abt them, A Dream would be to re-think format..This year Back to School Night looking different #formativechat
Shameless plug...September’s @ELmagazine is filled with really great advice for back to school. You’ll find me on page 78! “Finding Your Classroom’s Greatness” #formativechat
A3: Imagine if every student felt that school was a place they felt safe, accepted, loved - a place where being themselves was more than okay ... #formativechat
We all need to make time for those interactions with every student, those in our classroom and those in the halls, welcome them in and connect #formativechat
Thank you for a great start to my week yet again! My own children started school today and I’m excited for everything they will learn from their Ts! Have a great week making the magic happen! #formativechat
I love everything about what you just wrote. I am in a new role this year and this speaks exactly to what I am trying to accomplish schoolwide. #formativechat
Getting started with #goformative? You can preview a formative you've made before giving it to Ss and even try it out to see your own sample responses appear live!
#backtoschool2018#formativechat
Love this! Now I am thinking that at BTSN- I would love all of my parents to agree that grades do not matter as much as learning - and sign off on "no grades" - jsut feedback and reflection. #formativechat
thank you so much Jim! I believe it completely, and have not always been that way, but work in progress and learning as I go, this is where we start and continue #formativechat
#formativechat Thanks for another great chat @goformative and thanks to @mlarson_nj for hosting! It's always fun interacting in these PLNs to see what ideas are out there
Thanks for hosting tonight, @mlarson_nj ! Your Q's encouraged me to think BIG and consider new possibilities for building relationships with students and families! #formativechat
Shout-out to everyone who joined #formativechat tonight! We love how you applied your creativity to share great ideas for helping Ss feel more welcome, engaged, and excited about school! #formativechat
always love the idea of taking the 'show on the road'...little community pop ups in different areas. many people didnt have great experiences in school and coming back to the schoolhouse brings up anxiety and bad memories #formativechat
I would imagine so! tap into the high school for student bands for entertainment. A family owned food place(s) could support with food catering; loved @inspire0818 idea of volunteer doctors there for health checks; giveaways could be lots of things from the locals #formativechat
