#6thchat is used to chat, collaborate, and grow with other sixth grade educators from around the globe. Each session we discuss a topic voted on by #6thchat participants. It's a great way to help grow your PLN and share ideas with others.
Welcome to #6thchat! Please introduce yourself and share where you teach, and what subjects! I am Kristin and will moderate tonight's chat. I teach in Lansing, MI and teach ELA and SS.
@Mr_Lisek I was thinking of you the other day. On August 1, there will be a Capital Area Educators Summit and the keynote speaker is Bill Cecil. I will tweet out more info as I get it. I'm on planning committee for it. #6thchat
A1) I post my lesson goals on a whiteboard in my classroom, but I also try to re-post it on assignments. I need to be more consistent on that as I think the more it is in front of Ss, the more they keep it top of mind. #6thchat
A1: Learning targets and success criteria are posted on the board, discussed prior to lesson. Then, as the lesson goes on, we analyze the success criteria to check for understanding and whether we have deviated from the path. Correct on the fly. #6thchat
A1: I make sure to review the goals with students as we begin the work and review as they are working. I try to make clear directions as well that help
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I post it on my CHAMP board when we are working and have them write the LT and Success Criteria on a form for self assessment. Sometimes feels like I'm beating them over the head with it, but it helps. #6thchat
A1: Anytime my Ss are working on a summative assessment, I remind them to check into how the information ties into their LTs for the unit. This helps them recall what their objective for the assessment should look like. #6thchat
A2: Tech tools for questioning -- Google Forms, Quizizz, Today's Meet, Padlet, the question feature on Google Classroom. All provide ways to get individualized input of what Ss know. #6thchat
When I was at Google Camp last year, I saw this feature in action, but I never actually saw how they got it to work. If you can share the process, I would be forever in your debt. #6thchat
A3) I am grateful for @jmattmiller for these google graphic organizers. I made copies and use them for a variety of visual learning opportunities & lessons. #6thchathttps://t.co/uIpgeDksJ3
A3: I work to get Ss to create their own organizers based on the type of task we are working with. I provide them with examples at the beginning of the year, then work with them to understand what they need to create. #6thchat
A3: Last year we were "introduced"/forced into Thinking Maps which is a set of 8 organizers. Some of them are silly, but some are great. Learned to use one (Flow Map/Timeline) for essay outline in Slides
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If you go to present Slides make sure you have the presenter tools up (notes) and from there you can open up audience questions giving them the link on the slides
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I haven't tried it recently, but it's a solid mix of both. Some are distracted by the screen, but I think you can turn off answering if needed for a short bit
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A4: Our curriculum covers this a lot by having Ss learn a skill with an assignment and then as the days go on Ss need to fill in more of the boxes and then eventually are doing it all on their own
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A4: We have been working with close and critical reading in my classes. I like to upload readings into Google Docs & allow Ss to highlight the different annotations with various colors. Ss have gotten way better at working with informational texts through this practice. #6thchat
A5) We have an intervention block where Ss have time for re-teaching, or practice; It is the same time every day, and Ss either go to math or stay in ELA for this time. #6thchat
I have them work with their own document. When we first start, I model the practice and have them follow suit. Then, they collaborate to discuss why they highlighted certain parts of the text. I get a feel for understanding by listening to their discussions. #6thchat
A5: I would love to say yes, but with the curriculum I currently have that isn't an option. We have to get through certain lessons by certain times and doesn't allow a lot of wiggle room
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A5: I am in a new district and have yet to discover the whole of the curriculum. In the past, I've created checklists for Ss to follow and graded based on the time frame provided. Continuous grading periods (w/SBG) made it easier. #6thchat
A5: Want my Ss to accomplish learning based on where they are at and not hold those who master a skill back. I try to provide extra time before school and during lunch to allow Ss who need it to come in and work with me. #6thchat
A6) This is a good question as it is something that I really need to pay more attention to; I try to make sure everyone has a role, and that I mix groups up, but sometimes, I find the same voices are dominating. Being more intentional on my part is necessary. #6thchat
A6: I use Kagan strategies to ensure all Ss get a chance to speak to their peers and they cannot rely on someone else to speak for them. Ss learn it is about getting their ideas out vs. being wrong or right. The pace of the conversation is key. #6thchat
A6: Being intentional in groupings. Making sure to make groups that have some "louder" and "quieter" students and "highs" and "lows".
And being thoughtful in assignments. Giving things that require different perspectives
#6thchat
You would love Kagan grouping. Groups of 4 have a High, High-Avg, Low-Avg, and a Low. The High and the Low can never be paired up at the table. This allows everyone a fair shake when collaborating. #6thchat
Hahaha...this reminded me of my son saying that "participation is overrated" to me several years ago....you are right. Some really dislike it. #6thchat
A7: I assess using a rubric and provide written feedback to Ss for revision. I don't provide a "grade" until they have submitted a product that is worthy of grading. Usually takes 2-3 attempts. #6thchat
A7: I use the comment feature on Google Docs mainly. I have heard of one called Kaizena which allows for audio feedback just haven't gotten around to trying it
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I've heard (though I've never looked for it) that there is a way to leave verbal feedback on GDocs. I may have to look up Kaizena and see if it is valuable. #6thchat
I always found when doing my Master's that collaboration meant relying on others to actually do their assignment so I could earn my score. Not always the best at that level. #6thchat
A8) I work hard at having my Ss reflect on their own work, and to reinforce that learning is a process!! I have Ss set their own goals, and identify what they need to improve upon within the ELA classroom. #6thchat
A8: I try and do it a lot with reading and getting Ss to realize reading is more than just to finish an assignment. I try and do book trailers and book talks and just get Ss interested
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A8 We have a new wholistic writing rubric this year and I have focused on self reflection and peer reflection much more using it. We are making progress. #6thchat
That's why these chats, especially #6thchat, is so great! Often we get new ideas, or are reminded of other "good and true" ones we've used. Keeps our compass North! :)
I have tried to be better at modelling for them. Students struggle with self reflection and need to be taught how with lots of practice built in. #6thchat
