#worldgeochat Archive
#worldgeochat is a weekly chat focused on teaching geography and global studies. Chats vary between geography specific topics as well as general teaching and education topics. ALL are welcome in worldgeochat!
Tuesday May 17, 2016
Welcome in to ! Tonight we End the Year Strong (or Strongly)?
Who are you, where are you tonight?
Chris from IL - 7th grade Geography - Trying to make the last few days matter!
Hi , this is Bill Chapman, a retired secondary social studies teacher, checking in from Berkeley, CA. Watching election res too
Dear 'rs,
Pete here from the great state of Maine. Ready to chat about finishing strong at the end of the school year? YEAH!
Always happy to have here!
Welcome to I'm Jennifer from , teaching to 9th graders. Looking forward to talking about ending the year strong
Hey Bill, What's your take on the results coming in so far?
Long day, but ready for here in Austin
Hi ! Jessica from Oswego, IL. 7th gr ELA/SS!
this guy. His knowledge about geography+passion for the teaching the subject is unsurpassed https://t.co/GOPZdvg5Q9
Chris from IL - 7th grade Geography - Trying to make the last few days matter!
It is a true cliffhanger in the Dem primary in KY.
Welcome in - so glad to have you here!
Great to see you here, Jessica! Welcome
Evening Andy from NC, world history. Been awhile, but joining in tonight, hope you all are well
Hey ! Sarah from Mass here. I teach world geo to 6th & 7th. June 3rd's around the corner, but I'm staying strong!
I'll be asleep in 45 seconds or so, but hope to learn something from a tweet or two until then !
Hi Penny from Virginia. Cam't wait for one month from today END OF SCHOOL
Welcome and looking forward to your input tonight.
I know I've asked before, which building are you at?
So glad you're here tonight! It's a crazy time!
and glad to see you here tonight!
wow. In a closed primary, none the less....
yeah, hectic indeed. ready for crunch time though
Great to see you again, Andrew! Feels like its been forever!
Great to have your voice again, Sarah!
Coal country does not like to hear that coal jobs are going away.
interested to hear everyone's input on this one.
A1: my seniors , we review all the things they shouldn't be allowed to graduate w/o knowing .
too long, work, Blues playoff run, and allergy season taking there toll. Good to be here, hope you're doing well
I snuck Q1 in while no one was looking...
End of the year countdowns. Discuss.
A1 We have 4 days left. I don't count until it's less than 2 weeks. Unfocused. Uninterested. Un...fill in the blank.
A1: Countdowns...I avoid them! They have a negative connotation to me.
Parent here. Thanks for tagging me. Love tho can't always contribute to the teacher-y questions.😉 Intrigued by primary tho...
A1 Personally, I hate the countdowns. What message does it send to say, "I'm done with you."?
A1
I have a running fraction on the top corner of my whiteboard from Day1. When we get 2 160/180+beyond Ss start getting giddy
I'm right there with you!
Always great to have a parent voice here, Jeremy. Your perspective is always welcome on any topic
14 days. On top of teaching&monitoring study hall, today was spent making certificates for sports banquet & graduation
A1 did countdowns teaching AP for exam, I have a countdown in my head now & then, but don't do it w/Ss. Puts focus onto summer
On the other hand, life in our society is full of countdowns. We are obsessed with ticking clocks.
I love this - not a countdown, but a connection to math - & technically a countUP!
That's one way to look at it but also a countdown to celebrating the time we were able to share together
This is a fact. I have a countdown for school to start that I post on my Instagram page. Ss dont love it.
so glad to have a parent voice in our discussions -- glad you are hear tonight
A1- we do count down how many Fridays are left so they make the most of each class-
A1 create list-cross off items-creat list-cross off items-loose list-create another-ask myself where all these lists came from
A1- PBL now until June 17; keeps kids engaged and happy = fewer behavioral issues :)
Missing another :-( It's our late night at school finishing records. Will catch up later!
It takes some of the kids a little while to figure it out but it fits perfectly with 6th grade fractions et al.
Ryan Staudt MKE, WI. Experiment these last days of the year!
That's practical - not really a countdown so much as a reality check!
YES! Take risks with these days!
Did this last yr w/for after AP exam, Ss enjoyed it, def keeps them involved til the end
We can forgive you I suppose. :) When is the last day?
If I knew my death date, I'd proby begin a countdown timer for that. I wonder if it would change the way I live.
You're sneaking in to Q2! :)
exactly countdown to the exam, but not the end of the year, I don't want them to think I'm ready to push them out
I did a plan on Amazon deforestation that I never tried before-so far so good!
Yikes! Sorry- not a fan of countdowns as I am sad to see my students go :(
that's what I've thought too, plus can be bittersweet too, end of time w/ that group you worked so hard with
This times 1000!
https://t.co/WsGh5XATbZ
Yikes! Sorry- not a fan of countdowns as I am sad to see my students go :(
No worries Emily! Always glad to see you when you can.
thank you! One of those nights with a topic that's more for listening.
A1- since many of us teach history - don't we have a weird relationship/obsession with time and dates to begin with ?!?
But we'd love to get the parents perspective!
I try to avoid countdowns. Keep Ss engaged till the end.
But Ss need to know the value of what they are losing (and gaining) by moving forward with their life.
A2 - relevant, interesting, and timely .
or for offering "in a perfect world" what would you like to see :)
A2 ask them what they want to do from a menu of activities
A2 Games, special activities that involve choice. Move it or lose it. Surprises. I just wish I had a lot of ideas.
Q2 is in part due to trying to stay sane after the AP exam!
A2- I'm sure the 4th marking period paper will keep them enthused ! Ok now that I think of it maybe not ...
Popping in late and running on 2 hours sleep...awww finals week!
A2 Part of it is not phoning it in weeks ahead of time. Ss are willing to follow our lead. If we're done, they're done.
A2 Running 4 projects:1 using Google Map/GIS, 1 using 360 camera, 1 current issues blogs, and 1 painting memes on walls
yep---- always a struggle :-). We evaluate exam FRQs and are doing a Socratic seminar on global challenges
I like the e-books idea! We are looking to revamp an old-school picture book project we do for Europe...
Yes! Choice is important; gives the students a voice!
With all the chat about countdowns 'rs should read this https://t.co/wF5YW34Qtw + why sometimes a countdown/up IS important
A2 Pull out all the stops, fun projects, more engagement, get outside, mix it up & empty the bag of tricks
A2: Ss work on creating a functioning fictional society from Day1. Final days are a mad scramble 2 see if it's working/not
I'm partial to my 6th grader's experience in social studies. Super-enthusiastic teacher, real-world problems...
A2 - This is where I try out new strategies and ideals to see how they will work next year.
A1 & A2: do a class grade check about 3/4 through with where class is now and what's mathematically possible.
Build in brain breaks & physical movement. I did w/ my 7th graders which went well today!
Interested to hear more about painting memes on walls
getting outside is so important for Ss. See + interact with the world
in an ideal world, we'd all know how to handle this election with our kids/Ss. We adults need to figure this out.
It's an open ended/student run/non-graded yearly experiment. Very loose. Sometimes it works, sometimes not.
Ss then have a chance to debate and discuss why societies (like their own) succeed or fail
looks interesting. I can share. And I LOVE 12 Angry Men. Happened to be thinking about it today for no reason!
In 10 seconds I love it already!
For younger kids, is great
Q3 is right around the corner!
I even use those in ELA. Students love choice!! And I get to see different end results of mastery.
Making it about how Ss navigate and understand the real world is how the good/great Ts do it. Nice!
This looks awesome! My 6th graders are so energetic. Can't wait to try it out!
My wife teaches 2nd grade & does . I assumed it was too immature, but nope - JH kids love it!
These are great -- so many possible conversations
A3 Short on time this year so interested in reponses.
A3 I used to (& should again) have Ss develop a Sesame character appropriate for another country - what issue would they focus
So many great maps! I am envisioning so many insightful and engaging Qs from Ss already!
A3 like doing tournaments that wrap up content, May Madness! Also could do speed dating or autopsies to review too
thanks for sharing- this looks great!!
A3 :
1 Olympics (by section)
2 Build a massive map of the world.
3 Create a perfect fictional society
4 Geocaching
Saw a cool Amazing Race project which would be cool too, haven't figured out how to incorporate yet
A3) I had my Ss use the CIA Factbook to create their own health v wealth data graph
We also used to check out MTV internationally - Pimp My Farhad (Pimp my Bike) from Germany was a fav!
6th grade students LOVE it. Makes them use all sorts of inferencing/geographic skills
like the new Afghan character
Short on time made me have Ss do 30 second arguments - claim, support, conclude. Boom.
We used to find data and make maps in
Looks like a great way to end the year!
Sadly my kids have gotten to old - tell me about this character!
Love this! Where's ? https://t.co/pQuowTSYrz
We also used to check out MTV internationally - Pimp My Farhad (Pimp my Bike) from Germany was a fav!
Very cool! What age Ss Ryan?
A3 Ss documenting campus identity for up coming 9th graders using photospheres and 360 video
That's awesome! Great legacy for your students!
too busy with his college Ss to hang with us. ;)
Very cool. I'll have to find out more!
A3 Teaching students how to use Google Maps API and geojson. My geo version hour of code
Q4 is coming up in a minute. It deals with all the issues we deal with at the end of the year - as Ts, Ps, and spouses!
A3: Getting me thinking about asking next yr Ts what games engagement would help them best
Important https://t.co/mp5F89Flcn
A3 Teaching students how to use Google Maps API and geojson. My geo version hour of code
Made it! Merri from Socal - no official countdown but Finals = 1st week in June where does the time go!
A4 You don't have to grade everything - some things can be practice - AND THATS OK!!!
A4 lots to do/cover, makes lists, tackle everything one by one, day by day. Don't stress about things you have no control over
Ss will understand if you explain that it's practice too
A4 Don't allow Ss behavior to get under your skin. Also, breathe.
Jrs working on War Unit & Dinner Party Culminating activity! Srs working on Frankenfolio & Senior Portfolios
I thought that was taken for granted ;p
Yes. A To Do list would do me a world of good rather than running around like a crazy person!
Q4 - stay organized -- kids are so scattered, that a teacher that is also scattered is asking for more problems.
A4) How can we parents help? Collaborate on a classroom/family bash connected to a theme of what you've been learning?
A4 start packing up now, ask Ss if you can keep items for examples/models for next year, label all your boxes, Ss love to help
Yes. Breathe. And then, breath again.
A4: Turn off the email machine until grades are done. Hear the compliments & positivity.
Most helpful lesson I've learned this year! It has made paper management a breeze.
I need one all the time, if I'm not writing it down, I'm likely to forget it
A4 Thank all your co-workers from principals to hall monitors for all their help this year.
A4 - remember why you started!
A4 Take time to reflect and celebrate Ss successes!
I'm a huge fan of to do lists. couldn't make it without mine
Need to think about how to do this! I think its a great idea!
A4) go to ! 's lowest # game. No prep needed
A4 Have the students do the teaching.
Learning about is on my Summer to do list!
Wow. Heavy. Maybe we should all come up with one. https://t.co/QSLrAg99Jv
If I knew my death date, I'd proby begin a countdown timer for that. I wonder if it would change the way I live.
Tips for Teachers:
1. Reflect, always.
2. Relax, when you can (with friends)
3. Replenish your beer/wine/spirit
Repeat
Great point. If you've had Ss for 180 days & cant find something to celebrate, the problem lies with you!
Also, marry a teacher. That way your hellish months are at the same time.
A4: Started composing EOY emails to Ps, celebrating successes of child; may ask Ss to share what they would celebrate
Do you remember the movie Krull? The Cyclops were born w/the knowledge of the day they would die
Great plan! I need to do more of that!
A4) Pick a really nice day, go outside, and play kickball. Don't plan it out - just go, have fun, & forget testing 😊
May is very hectic in our house, but we both know it going in. :)
I'm always planning ahead based on success and failures of the year before.
A4 be kind to yourself to Ss & all the people around you! Celebrate everyone reflect on the year to make the next year better
Q4 Not to be a downer, but any advice on how to have tough convos w/ Ss relating to if a S or T is not returning the next yr?
I'm really interested to hear what we say to Ss on their way out the door.
A5 do year end survey to see what worked, what didn't, tell them I'm here for them for anything they need in the future
No, but maybe I should check it out.
Honesty. You just have to lay it out there for Ss - it sucks.
Q5 - You are now geographers, go and study the world.
Q5 - it was a pleasure getting to know you this year. You're awesome. I can't wait to see you next year.
Same here. May is testing/silly season in Texas
I left my old school after 11yrs. There is no easy way. Be honest, be real. You will cry, and so will they.
A5 Geography is everywhere...... and it's so much more than a test!! YOU are much more than a test!!!
Also review beginning of yr survey I do, hide names but Ss got a kick out of it seeing what they wanted out of class & year
A5 For me, I try to hit my message one last time - Different isn't good or bad, it's just different.
Q5 - cont. You made this year great. YOU rock!
A5 always tell Ss to be the best person they can be everyday focus on positives & you never know who you'll meet so smile!
year end survey are the most useful tool for Ts, but so many are afraid to use them
I know some Ss don't take it seriously, but those that do give really useful feedback
I come full circle from my Day1 conversation (blog post from earlier).
"We have reached the end of our 6.25days together..."
Q5 - For seniors - Go do great things.
Also had AP Ss write down advice for next year's group, hung on the wall so Ss can see what others did year before
yup. same here. reflect reflect reflect on my art
I also try to tie in that Geography is the study of the living Earth & future - history classes just focus on dead people. ;)
I do love when they say less homework, quizzes, and tests!
A5 I have a lot of learning to do this summer. Should probably lead by example and tell Ss my summer learning goals.
yeah, the helpful stuff, like class was good/fun.
That's a great piece of advice! I'm planning to tell them that I'm off to Colombia to see schools there
A5: Final words are same as every day
Me: "What do you do with my chairs?"
Ss: "Push them in!"
Me: "Get out of my classroom!"
Thank you for the advice. I wish I could take them with me!
Ha! Me: "Have a great rest of the day!"
There are great kids everywhere - it's hard to say goodbye, but you say hello to new friends soon!
It's hard. There is no easy way. They will remember you, always
Thanks everyone! Have a great end of year!
My Ss loved hearing grad school! I interviewed a group of Ss for a paper, and we had a pizza party to celebrate the A
Everything is connected. Follow your interests long enough, and you'll be surprised where they will take you.
Thanks so much for a great - next week is our Season Finale. Will survive post AP test duldrums...
Will be hired by Google Earth?
Will be try to be there, appreciate the conversations and insight
Have a good one everyone
Dear 'rs,
Thanks for making this week a fantastic collection of ideas+thoughts for me to digest for the rest of the week!
Sounds like an interesting topic. :)
Will make a return to to pitch the Death Star one more time...
Will make a return to to pitch the Death Star one more time...
Once again, the BEST group on Twitter. thanks to everyone
Answers will be revealed in the Finale next week...
Reflections on the Year & Looking Ahead!
Great chat everyone! See you all next week :)
Thanks and everyone for a great ! Now to add all these resources to my !
Thanks to & for a nice reflective to Ts finishing the year right now try to breath!!
