#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 22, 2016
Hello, Leka from Iowa. Co-hosting with the lovely
Happy Sunday! It's time for . I'm Val from Michigan & I'm co-hosting with the amazing tonight. It's an Open Chat!
Hey . When is your last day?
Hello! I am Shannon Donner from New jersey. This is my first chat and I looking forward to it!
Welcome Shannon! So glad you are joining in!
Hi everyone - Cassie checking in from sunny MN .. weather was gorgeous today!
kids' last day is this Friday. Ts' last day is June 7... :(
Claire here for our last chat from Vermont. I love the open format on this beautiful evening.
Hi, Cassie! Great to see you!
That seems like a big space in between!
Hi Claire, glad to see you.
Really? Different, but sounds great!
Jen from NY here! 1st time joining this chat
Jen, welcome! Glad you are joining in!
I don't know if I agree with you. Ts have to make up all the snow days & state sport days. Ss had enough hours built in.
It is the end of my first year I am a little overwhelmed. I feel like I am running behind in math .
Hi, I'm Shannon from Washington state.
I forgot to tweet the app that I use for audio recording. It's called AudioMemos. Sorry about that. Simple to use
That seems like a lot of time for PD at the end!
Hi, Jen! Glad you are joining us! Welcome to
Oh, okay. Not as good as it sounds:)
Hi, Shannon! Hope you had a good weekend!
I'm running behind in math, too. So don't feel bad.
Hi, Katy! How are you tonight?
Time for ! Kendra from Iowa here!
Hi Katy, glad you are here.
Very relaxing & managed to get report cards done. Looking forward to tonight's chat.
Hi, Kendra! Great to see you! Ready for summer?
Hi, Kathy! How was your weekend?
I'm great! hope you had a good weekend!
Tonight is an Open Chat! Nothing is off-limits! We're ready when you are.
Hello ! Michelle from WI, working on a coding scope and sequence, report cards, lesson plans, YIKESSS!!
Faige from Los Angeles. First year as a retired kinder teacher. My commitment this year as substitute in my old school & 1 other
Hi Michelle, how are you?
Hi, Michelle! coding scope and sequence? Tell me more!
Hi Faige, you get to see things from the Other Side:)
Hi, Faige! Great to see you!
We're supposed to have rain off and on all week! Ahh!
great to be here.I always miss you friends!Dare I say, I'm already on summer, or at least in the flexible work part?
Terrific! Rainy days but had some time to catch up on things. Hope yours was great
Hello Everyone. Marie from Texas here.
Dare I say, I'm a bit jealous, Kendra :)
Hello friends. Hope everyone is well tonight.
Hello, Marie! Great to see you!
My tech integrator and I are trying to get a scope and sequence so all grades the same vocab, all getting coding in
Hi Marie, glad to see you tonight.
Yes and I still get to blog about my learning, my "kids" and teaching. I do love being in the classroom
Hi, Lori! How are you tonight?
It's great that you are still connected to the classroom. Love that!
Doing well. Relaxing and enjoying first days of summer break.
taking the key vocab and the tools that we have and stretching it across 4K-5,what can we do w each unit to add coding
Yeah hoping that we can get outside for recess this wk.
sounds awesome! Would love to see what you create.
Me too. Not ready to leave that behind, yet. https://t.co/qj6EoHKtVW
It's great that you are still connected to the classroom. Love that!
We've had amazing weather this week, especially today. I'm so ready for summer break.
Like how you guys are flexing make-up days!
Congrats! My favorite people, kinders!
Are you going to Kinder next year?
We got lucky! We didn't use any snow days! We have a 5 day Memorial Day Weekend!
I agree! This week is supposed to be rainy off and on .. hoping to get outside for recess.
Can't wait! Putting the dates in my calendar
I've read most of it and I love it! It's just what I've been searching for.
yay! I was just going to ask what everyone was reading. :).
Purchased book earlier this school yr but haven't done "deep" rdg so looking forward to the "push" to do so.
Getting ready. Looking forward to it.
There is so much I miss about Kindergarten.
Yes. I'm moving buildings and will be in a K/1 loop. :)
I just realized that I forgot a ? in that tweet! I think I will still be in 1st grade next yr!
I have started reading it. Love, love, love it.
I would love to do a loop!! I can;t imagine the progress you would see
I know what you mean Lori. I'm so excited when I sub in kinder https://t.co/8W5ifqj51X
There is so much I miss about Kindergarten.
It's so nice to be able to share the learning with others and see how they will incorporate it.
Has any1 tried stop motion with their students? I did a mom's Day project with my Ss. It was easy and fun. https://t.co/Eqtu2msglL
I looped for the first time this year. So many things that make it wonderful.
I might be! with some of these teacher done!
Is the building K/1 only?
Kdg was my 1st teaching position! I do have times of longing to return.
I'm learning more about them as I have sub with them
What grades do you guys have in your buildings? We are k-5.
No, it's K-5. It's a k/1, 2/3, and 4/5 loop.
That looks coo! What is Stop Motion?
Holy-Moly! That's a lot of looping.
I think I love the willingness to try anything. Fearless.
Are the blue tapes there for a reason? Love your iPad stands.
Just finished year one In a PreK-8 building. Loved it.
I have P3-8. I am in a Catholic school.
Is anyone doing Nerd Camp this summer?
it's like claymation only we used other things. you animate the objects. So fun.
My Partner teacher and I are trying to but we are not getting the turnout =[
Seeing everyone's comment is making me think maybe I should start reading tonight.
. been wanting 2 try! a 4th gr T was doing them, was thinking how to make it 1st gr level looks so cool!
It looks like it. Is there an app for it? my kids would love that!
Blue tape is to show the Ss where the "stage" is that shows up on the iPad camera.
I used it this year with my Ss. So.powerful. can't wait to hear other thoughts!
I am still trying to figure out if I could get it to work. Went about 2-3 years ago. Loved it.
I'm in a K-6th independent school. Also has toddler preschool. In other school K-4th (adding a grade till 6th) Also preschool
I am super excited to start a Family Maker Project w my school families,we will have a Back to School Maker Fair, anyone do this?
App called Stop Motion. so simple to use and the kids get it so fast they didn't want me there anymore
Thanks sounds great. Tell me more.
I am going to try it the last week of school!
I'm the director for Camp Invention at my school this summer. It's a lot of the same kind of learning.
We're becoming a school of innovation next year - would love to hear more about this
Ss can work on a Maker project of their choosing throughout the summer, then bring it to school to show it off at BOY
That sounds like fun! We have that around here also. Love this kind of learning
What is your must read book this summer to grow professionally?
Basically, just giving families the option to work on a maker project of their choice, then showcase it at BOY
Sounds wonderful. After Rube Goldberg machine I reflected about this experience for me & kids
https://t.co/05wWCigH3F
I've never gone but I'm trying to make it this year. It's around my husband's bday which makes it tricky for me.
What is a your favorite classroom management tool?
Sorry to be missing tonight! I'm at a concert. Have a great summer friends!
Do you share some resources with families?
I want to look at The Innovator's Mindset. Heard good things,
No Nerdcamp for me this year...just peeking at calendar. Will be at camp Okoboji. (Ahem..). :) 1stchat
I'm going to send home a flyer, have a P meeting after our engineering fair and then share some ideas
It's the best camp I've ever seen. The kids LOVE IT!
That is sitting on my end table :) Our team is having a book chat through Voxer on it this summer.
It is a good one. Well worth our trip from Iowa. Would love to get back.
So much to think about in this book
I am also! Think it will be a great way to showcase the cool things that Ss can do
I don't know much about it, but sounds good!
Camp what? Tell me more…am I missing something?
What day?? I'm leaving to Japan for 4 weeks!!
Tell me more! I found it was a weeknees this year and I am planning for next year already!
I heard speak at the TIES conference this past December .. by far the best presentation!
maybe meet-up there next year??
maybe meet-up there next year??
I have the book, just haven't had time to read it yet - it's on my to-do list!
spoke at our district Tech Symposium last yr. He was great!
Thanks!! Visiting my family:)
I'm jumping in late to tonight. We've got 7 days left.
WOW! That is quite a trip! Family going??
I agree. He was a keynote speaker last year at NETA.
That just might work! Love that idea!
I don't know about you, but my to-do it is HUGE! and growing.
Yes. That's where I'm originally from, so all of my family is in Japan. We visit every other summer.
It seems like everyone likes that book! I might have to buy for this summer!
does any1 currently do flexible seating in 1st? starting next yr, open 2 suggestions & things to be aware of!
Enjoy, Leka! Family time is so important!
Oh, cool! Have an amazing trip!
Every other summer. My parents come here when we don't get there. We r leaving when you r up here! Next time:)
DOT Book includes sight word list keyring, ABC's of 1st, folder, monthly calendar, spelling pouch, etc.
Mine too! and we are not out of school until 6/2
My list of books keeps growing! Grandkids will be in L.A. So everything goes to the sidelines then! https://t.co/NWw5mnDdTV
I don't know about you, but my to-do it is HUGE! and growing.
looking forward to this book chat.....just got the book.
That sound like a really fantastic tool! Do you make it yourself?
I doSs have a HOME spot that they go to at times,otherwise,they choose,have standing tables, stools, floors spots, etc
I started mid yr. Worked great Follow for great ideas
I'm lucky to have a colleague whose to-do list looks identical .. we're meeting up once a week to tackle everything!
What advice/words of wisdom, for the summer, would you guys give new teachers and not so new colleagues? Please share.
Have a great trip! I'm sure we'll venture that way again.
OK, friends! Gotta go and enjoy this weather and the hubby made a fire outside, Hope all have a great summer!Keep in touch!
I wonder how to organize kids materials (pencils, crayons, math journals, notebooks, etc.) w/ flex. seating.
Yes! Jumped on board after spring break. Hoping my project gets funded to get some stability balls!
Still on the look out for those rockers...never in our walmart
Thank you! Hi friends at ! :)
is home a desk? when do they go there? just whenever u say? & how do u manage supplies?
We go until June 9th for Ss and the 10th for Ts!
They are able to do their work anywhere as long as you aren't doing a whole group lesson?
Awesome...time for smores! Enjoy your summer
I wondered about the HOME spot, too. What is housed there?
Yes! Hoping to get it into my TPT store sooner or later .. maybe 1st summer project?! :)
For New Ts: You will fail and that's ok. Expand upon your strengths with a willingness to correct weaknesses. Watch other Ts teach
Yes, no assigned seats. Some choose to sit on the wooden T-stools during carpet time.
Use ! Also, look into changing or trying something new!
awesome! How do u manage supplies? If Ss get something out 2 use do the put it back between each subject & choose new?
We share supplies in our classroom. All supplies are shared by the community.
Read. Practice self care: eat good food, see your friends, exercise. Work just a little. :).
me too!! & how/when they get new spots/materials
Kendra, I love all of those! Thanks for sharing. https://t.co/LIE4ZQfWpG
Read. Practice self care: eat good food, see your friends, exercise. Work just a little. :).
Can you order online? I noticed the scoop chairs are getting stress marks this time of year!
We have community supplies of pencils & erasers whenever they need them.
How do you keep them from getting out hand? I want to give more freedom but I feel like I lose control.
how about things like journals, notebooks, binders, etc. Do you have those kinds of things?
We have community supplies too - so many extra pencils this year - it's not on our supply list for next yr!
I have two huge bins, full of markers. Students love using them. Grab what they need and return them.
When I started using I created a pretend class & practiced during summer.
I haven't been able to find but I haven't searched too hard...summer to do
What is the link to your TpT store?
Speaking of pencils...my electric sharpener died. Can anyone recommend an inexpensive model?
With so much to think about as school year ends & many chats about it, I wrote this
https://t.co/EF9rQwg4ta Make It Your Own
I finally found them at our Wal-Mart. You would have thought I won the lottery!
I keep math journals & notebook in a bin. That way they never come up missing.
I haven't been able to find those seats either! I look online & they're expensive or sold out.
I think that is the best way to become familiar!
Teach where they want to work vs where they can focus Main goal is to find a spot where they can work.
That's hilarious! I am sure I will react the same way!
I always signed up as a parent so I could see what Parents see. Very helpful.
Thanks! That's a good price! It'll come out of my pocket, so I have to be a bit frugal! :)
do Ss choose new spot 4 each task? Im worried Im going 2 lose tons of instruction time if Ss put back everything each time
do Ss choose new spot 4 each task? Im worried Im going 2 lose tons of instruction time if Ss put back everything each time
If shipping wouldn't be crazy, I would send you some! Haha
some loose privilege of freedom and need to be guided my me to choose a good spot to work.
good to know...my "school" item budget is done for this yr.
Relationships are more important than any curriculum. Once you can bond with students, families, colleagues, rest is easier
I took sharpener off the wall & electric one is on my desk. I send bags of pencils home & volunteers sharpen & return.
Each S has a bin to keep some books, folder & journal. Others go in baskets at my table.
Great advice! https://t.co/DRxPbMbsqE
Teach where they want to work vs where they can focus Main goal is to find a spot where they can work.
Okay. I'll have to look for an email from . Maybe I overlooked it.
Thanks! I am very interested. My school lectures and I don't like and and neither do my kids
Do you have shelving to hold all of these bins?
Are you going? I will be there this summer! Can't wait!
They have no assigned seats. Every work time, they find a spot. Ss help each other to clean up.
I'm not certain, yet. Still trying to work it around family obligations.
Does anyone do parent conferences before school starts? That's what we are doing in the day before school starts.
I have team buckets for supplies and the 6 cube wooden organizers for journals, etc.
Each s can have a bag of supplies to grab also.
We do an Open House. That ways students & parents can meet teachers prior to start of school & see classrooms.
We have an open house a wk before but that's to meet sts and families
Space a factor. Ks had book bags, own pencil boxes/bags &bins 4journals. Bins 4class library
I don;t think i could get rid of my desks. Too many workbooks.
maybe get rid of workbooks?! lol
I wish!! There are so many! It is my school requirement though.
these are actual conferences....not sure the Ss are coming. new P wants us to make connectiions at beg. of year.
Do you expect a good turn out?
Thx Have a gr8 summer. From my heart I share what we do 4kids can't be measured. Know we make a difference
We have Meet the Teacher before school starts. Come and go for an hour.
we are doing actual conferences. I don't know how many Ss will show up. looking forward to meeting fams.
I got some really great ideas 2night! Thanks !! Great chat like always! Have a great week!
. So good to catch up with you! Happy Summer! Take care Friends!
