#4thchat Archive
#4thchat is a hashtag for teachers or anyone to talk about educational issues relating to 4th grade. Using #4thchat will create a network of 4th grade teachers or teachers working with 9-10 year olds across the world. We welcome anyone who 1. teaches 4th grade 2 .Works with 4th grade students and or 4th grade teachers 3. Likes 4th grade teachers (Groupies are encouraged).
Monday May 2, 2016
4th Grade is the best and is awesome!
Kathy from VT here to discuss questioning
Hello tweeps. Tonight we’ll be discussing - Developing Our Ss Critical Thinking.
I want to thank every teacher here tonight.
We are so glad to have you joining us. I have taught 4th grade for many, many years and love .
Sammy from MI checking in!
Hi Glad to be here for another great chat! Shouting out to our sick co-mod Hope you feel better
Hello Kathy and thank you.
Kelly from Texas, 3rd & 4th grade GT.
Katy from IL-excited for tonight's topic :)
Hello! I'm a Special Ed/Elementary Ed major from Grove City College in PA
Wish we could send her some homemade chicken soup. Feel better soon, Jenn.
Hi Kelly! Looking forward to learning from you!!! :)
I am Abby and I am a Pre-K - 4 major at Grove City College in PA.
Hi Katy! Hope your week is off to a great start!
Welcome, Linnea. I went to high school and college in PA. Have lived in New Orleans for 40 yrs.
im Madelyn from Grove City College!
Hi Linnea! So glad to have you here. We love our soon-to-be teachers joining in!
Welcome to Abby. Glad to see preservice Ts joining in. This is a great way to build your PLN.
Question 1 is coming right up. Remember to answer with A1 and in your answer.
Q1: What does critical thinking look and sound like in an elementary classroom?
Thank you I totally agree w/ this (26 years and going strong!) https://t.co/qweMi52QVO
4th Grade is the best and is awesome!
Welcome to , Madelyn. Thanks for joining us.
A1: Ss having discussions, persevering through difficult problems, and making choices
A1: Ss solving problems multiple ways and/or defending another S's answer although they don't agree initially
I think some professor @ Grove City College is doing something right. Ss join in a chat! https://t.co/aZSWSCFoES
I am Abby and I am a Pre-K - 4 major at Grove City College in PA.
Good evening friends. Colleen from Syracuse here. Just back from spring break!
A1: Critical thinking is collaborative, open-ended, safe, free, and modeled in an elementary classroom!
A1: Critical thinking is when students are learning using inquiry and asking lots of questions
Hi Madelyn - Hope you enjoy our group!
A1: SS being able to defend/argue each other's responses respectfully and collaboratively.
A1: Ss solving problems, formulating and answering questions through collaborative efforts. Lots of discussions.
A1: When students are together in small group discussing what they have learned and they sort the problem out through an activity
A1 Ss are thinking, asking each other probing questions, listening and using evidence to enhance their ideas
A1: Critical thinking looks like Ss, discussing, researching, putting ideas together, collaboration, disagreements, debates, etc.
A1: Ss thinking about & solving problems; lots of think/pair/share Creating arguments & critiquing answers.
A1: i think its important to encourage Ss to ask questions and remind them that asking "why" is good!
A:1 critical thinking in the room looks like students creating, thinking out loud, pulling things apart 4 closer look, reflecting
Hi Colleen - so glad you are here! I love learning from you! Hope break was rejuvenating!
A1: Ss adding to what classmates say or disagreeing in a respectful matter with accountable talk.
A1: I think it is important for ss to understand that questioning things is how they learn. Asking why is GOOD!
Hi, Jerry, and thank you for sharing your wonderful resources with us at .
Yes! We have a big "Accountable Talk" poster in my room. "I agree" "I disagree" I wonder" I want to know" "What if" etc
I love that, and have seen it work successfully in the classroom. As long as they know how to do it respectfully
A1: Collaborating with other students and talking about different ideas.
Solving problem “multiple ways” is key.Knowing when to change direction whenthings don’t work https://t.co/CRkGggOD3Q
A1: Ss solving problems multiple ways and/or defending another S's answer although they don't agree initially
A1- Allowing the students to be creative & inquire about topics interesting to them& asking guiding questions to encourage thinking
Q2: To foster critical thinking skills, our Ss need to be creative and to inquire about topics that are of interest to them. How?
Hello . Jumping in a little late!! Cara from MO
A2: My SS LOVE Genius Hour. It allows them to question the things they are passionate about and really learn more!
Talk moves are important to assist students engaging in critical thinking during discussions. https://t.co/2g1pDsTrl8
Yes! We have a big "Accountable Talk" poster in my room. "I agree" "I disagree" I wonder" I want to know" "What if" etc
I contemplate Genius Hour each year, I'm really going to try next year!
You are right about modeling.While it takes time to do- it is an important step in the process. https://t.co/CHPNKk3zFF
A1: Critical thinking is collaborative, open-ended, safe, free, and modeled in an elementary classroom!
A2: listening to natural convos from our Ss and using them in our lessons!
A:2 build relationship, offer choice, model passion and curiosity, and provide space
I also like to include as much student choice as possible daily. A2
A2: Allow student choice in assignments-outcome, the process.
A1: I agree Ss should be able 2 work together, - also important - Ss should be able to do this independently, and reflectively.
Actually working out the problem is the most motivating part for the Ss! https://t.co/tDWqgK42n2
A1: When students are together in small group discussing what they have learned and they sort the problem out through an activity
A2: even giving Ss the simplest choices help them buy into what they want to do. You can use the book on Butterflies or Hurricanes
A2: Give the student some choice in what they learn about or do a project on. They will pick a topic they are interested in.
A2- Build relationships with your students, ask about their interests, and create a student-centered learning environment
“probing questions” is something we often have to model, but sometimes it’s just natural! https://t.co/BIIQVpWbLW
A1 Ss are thinking, asking each other probing questions, listening and using evidence to enhance their ideas
student choice is always a great way to motivate them!
A2: Allowing our Ss to pursue their passions such as #20%Time, , etc.
Q3: Questioning plays a critical role in cultivating critical thinking skills and deep learning. How do we teach our Ss this?
A2: Group activities are great ways for every student to have their own creative ideas and for them to be engaged in the topic
A2: Student voice, student choice! build relationship, and allow for learning & failing!
this is my first yr w GH. has a useful book out that will help
A2 We need 2 engage student in phenomenon regardless of disciplines, driving ? compels Ss to want to learn?
A3- I think modeling is so important. We have to show them how to effectively question&also allow them multiple opp. daily to ?
Those kinds of sentence starters work across the curriculum - yes? https://t.co/LaW5N8JVL4
Yes! We have a big "Accountable Talk" poster in my room. "I agree" "I disagree" I wonder" I want to know" "What if" etc
We need to connect next year & help each other accomplish this!
A3: Let our Ss formulate questions that will drive their thinking and learning. They know what they want to learn.
A2: I even let my students choose their seating arrangements, and how the room is arranged. They just moved furniture today!
Definitely! It's easy in Math and ELA, but always eye opening when a student uses them for Science too!
A:3 questioning comes through modeling, discussing, natural curiosity, convo, and expanding on what we think we already know
& this will allow them to be more involved in their education and want to learn!
Hi Cara - always great to have you join us here at
A3: Make it so that they Ss aren't embarrassed to ask questions
A3 My Questioning Techniques page https://t.co/jGOrq4PH6U "The important thing is not to stop questioning." - Albert Einstein
You’ve got that right, Scott. https://t.co/4XOWTNYuud
A:3 questioning comes through modeling, discussing, natural curiosity, convo, and expanding on what we think we already know
A3: ... I like to show my students how their thinking changes throughout a unit. Much like a KWL chart...
A3: Model questioning and encourage Ss to question each other! Discuss how Ss can ask ?s when in groups
A3: As teachers we should encourage having an open discussion with our students and make sure they know that any answer is good
A3: I will ask 3 simple questions at the beginning, and check in several times to see how our answers change and other qs develop
I tired this beginning of this year my Ss struggled w it
and tapping into that natural curiosity is a must!!
A2: Introduce Ss to wonderful website: Great inspiring, thought provoking questions.
A3: I also think that modeling is important. Having discussions and "asking questions" to "facilitate"
We are in the midst of a novel study right now doing lit circles, I facilitated nearly a 45 min convo w/o me saying a word
Model all sorts of questioning.
Student choice is often underestimated. It’s so powerful when Ss have a say in what/how https://t.co/V2YgBrSp3Q
A2: Allow student choice in assignments-outcome, the process.
A3- creating a safe learning environment where students are comfortable and encouraged to ask a lot questions
A3: For ex. don't accept simple ? for their research --enc. them to dig deeper; use Making Thinking Visible strategies
A2&3 has given us a way 2 pose Q's.Have a "Wonder" board & R hoping 2 someday C ours posted. Meanwhile we research.
A3: I give my Ss opportunity to question me, lessons, etc...I teach them how to ask those important questions.
do u have an example of ur identity day?
Q4: What are your best question strategies that promote critical thinking skills?
This is so absolutely true “regardless of disciplines”! https://t.co/gVmNzI0lvW
A2 We need 2 engage student in phenomenon regardless of disciplines, driving ? compels Ss to want to learn?
A3: Teaching Ss to do interviews is a way to help them learn to ask deeper questions.
No, but I will try to take one to morrow and post it:-)
Multiple opportunities daily!!! We sh/ listen for them & point them out when we hear them!
A4: Don't reaffirm answers-ask Ss to decide whether a classmates' answer is correct, ask diff kinds of questions for all learners
Definitely a must for Science!
They think this is great! Something as simple as moving furniture is meaningful! https://t.co/qLTpzgxrXM
A2: I even let my students choose their seating arrangements, and how the room is arranged. They just moved furniture today!
Hello ! Sorry I'm late. Just catching up, looks like a great topic tonight!
A4: Letting every student answer/participate and build off each other's responses.. no wrong answer!
I try to give choices with their digital content especially in Fridays. They look forward to it.
A:4 Stems, growth feedback, more questions, repeat
A4: Ask questions that are the highest levels on Blooms Taxonomy (evaluation) - assess, criticize, support
A4- Asking open-ended questions that will encourage more collaboration and thinking
His Dave. We’re just glad you’re here. Thanks for joining us for .
Homework is very much a choice. One sheet of recursive math practice and then options beyond that are up to the kids.
A4: Make sure S's are answering their own questions, and ask the class whether or not they think that S's answer is correct
Hi Dave! I miss you! Hope you are well! Glad you're here!
I think it is great to "turn the tables" & allow Ss to question the Ts! Fantastic! https://t.co/trgokELaVF
A3: I give my Ss opportunity to question me, lessons, etc...I teach them how to ask those important questions.
Hi Dave. How are things going for you this week? We finished state testing, but still have EOY benchmarks to do.
I'm testing out notebooks in GClassroom.In 1 assign. 2 b added to daily,Ss record their thinking & thought change.
That site is just fabulous! So many great questions that are engaging! https://t.co/iQ9jLrKa2v
A2&3 has given us a way 2 pose Q's.Have a "Wonder" board & R hoping 2 someday C ours posted. Meanwhile we research.
A4: Using PBL will help our Ss become problem solvers.
I must go; glad I could stop in for a few minutes. Have a good night!
-- Gotta run early-- will definitely catch up after the girls bedtime.
-- Gotta run early-- will definitely catch up after the girls bedtime.
This will be on my Summer Reading list. The key to knowledge is intellectual curiosity!
Thank you for joiningin tonight! Hope to see you next week!
Q6: What strategies do you employ that help your Ss become better problem solvers?
A reminder for those who want to receive a reminder: Sign up here: https://t.co/UhgyvqwUQZ We send out one email a week.
A6: I love using STEM activities to help develop problem solving skills!
Read https://t.co/FOpa5G8Zx2 you will be even more excited! Gr8 4 the needed feedback & 4 U 2 pose Q's. Ss can too!
A6: Give them multiple scaffolds to help them complete the task in different ways. Also let them know it is okay to make mistakes
A6: Trying to provide a variety of opportunities to solve problems that each have multiple entry points.
Here’s another graphic that would make a great classroom poster to help facilitate critical thinking. https://t.co/jFmmhFaGZn
A6 we debate multiple choice questions. Break into groups and defend or refute choices using rich details.
Hi great topic tonight trying to catch up
A6: You have to allow time to Problem Solve, I don't give answers in my class, I guide Ss to find them themselves, STEAM, SOLE, PBL
A6: I like to set my ss up with PBL pojects that have an end goal and then let them decide how to get there.
Ss need to know it is okay to make mistakes. It's how we ALL learn! I make them daily!!
Hi Kim!!! So glad you're joining in! Hope all is well!
A6: 's Problem Solving Framework has changed my life when solving problems in math. Ss truly understand the prob
tough class this year, making me crazy!
I like this strategy Dave. Somehow it takes some of the pressure off then they can use these as a start.
A6: Giving Ss scaffolds and manipulatives allows them to be problem solvers. And giving them time, not just giving them the answer
A6: Practice, Practice, Practice. We don't give our S's answers but rather turn the problem around and ask how they would solve it
A6: Use real world problems - Ss are more invested and see the relevance.
Q7: Through collaboration, Ss dev understanding of what they are learning and improve crit thinking skills. How do we do this?
I agree with you on both counts.
A7: ... learning to work collaboratively with others is HARD but a MUST. It develops a great understanding for others.
As a dear consultant has said to us numerous times: "Scaffold NOT Spoon Feed" Words to live by!
A7: I allow Ss to participate in real world challenges. Writing, art, video contests - working together, to create a product!
A7: Flatten our classroom walls through calls, global read aloud, blogging, coll. projects of all types.
create blogs, website development, skypepals, etc... Going beyond the classroom.
Yes! Real audiences and real contests make the learning more important/meaningful! https://t.co/YsPO6waRWd
A7: I allow Ss to participate in real world challenges. Writing, art, video contests - working together, to create a product!
A7: Make collaboration and group work the norm. Give Ss time to discuss and come up with an answer. Teach Ss to accept other ideas
Thanks for the AWESOME shout out, Nancy! We appreciate you spreading the word about Wonderopolis!
A7: When trying to improve Ss critical thinking, collaborating with their peers is one of the best ways to do it.
I need to do more calls. I did so well at the start of the year.
A6: I am not sure this is a strategy, but I try to model it's OKAY to feel frustrated, just try to keep plugging away.
This is an awesome video!!!
A7: A connected Ts leads to connected Ss. Ts needs to be willing to step out of comfort zone and try new things to flatten walls.
Thanks for the KIND words, Nancy! We appreciate your enthusiasm!
We had a writing contest about their favorite tree. The top three stories got to help us plant a tree at recess today.
We appreciate your awesome inspirational site!
RT:A7:A connected T leads2 connected Ss. Ts need 2b willing 2 step out of comfort zone & try new things to flatten walls.
Q8: What are some of your Ss favorite ways to collaborate within the class and across the globe?
Haha - you and me both! I am so behind right now!
A7: Have many opportunities to have a collaborative group setting or activities and know that all S's will collaborate differently
Perseverance gets the job done!!
A7 Making collaboration and cthinoing the norm, empowering Ss through discussion. Making Ts presence known but letting Ss lead.
That is awesome! I bet they worked hard on them. https://t.co/bzyt5G3vEy
We had a writing contest about their favorite tree. The top three stories got to help us plant a tree at recess today.
As long as I've taught I still literally have to bite my tongue sometimes to give that wait time!
A8: Flat Stanley is such a great way to not only collaborate but learn from others around the globe!
A8: my ss LOVE connecting on
WE are working on "Wait Time" as a class. It's hard. https://t.co/X8wECXKHY1
As long as I've taught I still literally have to bite my tongue sometimes to give that wait time!
A8: my ss also LOVE connecting with each other in Google Docs.. sharing and revising with each other!
A8: Newest collaborative addiction - playing via GHO with several classes.
That sounds like a ton of fun! I'd love to join in on a with you!
Have you tried Quizlet Live? I’ve heard from that it’s FAB!
A8: Will also be playing with Ss since my box arrived today. Great for developing crit. thinking skills.
Can’t wait to hear about how that goes - I’d really love to try that! Wldn’t it be fun to make THAT global?
Wondering how many games I can play with my Ss in the 17 days we have left of school?
We are going to read PAX too! I read it during break & just LOVED it!
So excited about Pax for my class next year! Love that book
I can't wait to read PAX!!!
