#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 March 14, 2016
Welcome to . I’m glad to be back together to lead the awesomeness.
Tonight for we will be discussing "How Do You Personalize Learning for Your Students?"
Hello friends. Colleen from Syracuse here tonight:-) Looking forward to a great chat!
It's the best time of the week, !
Hey, Billy. How are you doing?
Hi So glad you're back! Great topic for tonite's chat.
Hey Dave! I agree with that statement!
Hi Colleen! So glad you're here tonight! Looking forward to learning from you!
Hello , Mark in Minnesota where the lake is all melted. Amazingly early. Last year a week later than this year, the median isApr 9
Glad to be “back in the saddle” as they say. Thank you for the last few weeks.
Hey Billy! How you doing???
Hi Colleen. Nice to see you here for .
We have a great team! All working together to help create a great community!
Hello! Cara from Mo here for ! Excited about the topic tonight
Hi Mark. Spring is on its way.
, figuring out tweet deck, one column for another for the moderator--sure makes it easy to follow things.
, figuring out tweet deck, one column for another for the moderator--sure makes it easy to follow things.
Hi Cara! Great topic - can’t wait to hear everyone’s ideas. Glad you’re here!
So Dave, after last week's I signed my SS up 4 . They R gobbling it up and I'm learning too:-)
first day of sun for 14 days, indoor recess was hard on us all ha
I got them all signed up and we are starting this week.
Q1: One element to personalized learning (PL) is creating a learner profile. How do/would you do this?
Ok-I’m just a wee bit jealous- Poolside!!!! (Ok-I’m A LOT jealous!) Glad you’re spending some time with us! https://t.co/osPQkpBRSZ
Yes I'm happy with the lake being open. Poolside! Sigh.
I just shared this with the math Ts at my school.
Well you are all welcome! We love it!
A1: Usually do an Interest Inventory at beginning of yr. Need to look closer at it for PL purpose.
A1- at the beginning of the year I always do learning inventories-one for each subject and some general ones. Great way to get info
I signed up for a Prodigy webinar being offered 3/22.
Sigh is right! We still have some months left before water activities- lol
Do you have the link? I'd participate.
With the day so filled with ELA and math standards and curr, how do you folks use the information in the interest inventories?
I do same Cara - but haven't really look at data for planning purposes. How about you?
A1: we use data from many assessments both digitally and hard copies, also S and P questionnaire and students can add work to
I can't even imagine. The Ss need to be outside - 14 days no sun...ugggg
Melissa, teacher from AZ, this is my second chat, excited for the topic
A1: One way I developed personalized learning was to start everyone one at the same level but have a weekly plan for indv. growth.
A1 So PL is interest and differentiating is tchng at gr. level. Is this correct?
Hi Melissa! So glad you're joining in . Lots of gr8 folks here willing to share & learn.
No- was just thinking I need to be better at using them. I use the info more for me, but need to do more.
A1: we use illuminate, accelerated reader, GO math, go formative, kahoot, plickers, padlet &mind point quiz to gather digital data
Hello A little late from TN, but drier tonite! Great topic!
Weekly plan for growth shows differentiating for sure! https://t.co/IyKYUtSWC2
A1: One way I developed personalized learning was to start everyone one at the same level but have a weekly plan for indv. growth.
I use them to get info about attitudes& self-thoughts. Currently, I use them more for me - need to use better
Same - I hadn't really thought about using it for planning purpose. Will rethink this for future use.
Q2: Element 2 to personalized learning is developing a personal learning path with Ss, Ps, and Ts. How would you go about this?
Janette from Denver here. Rookie to the chat
We take late!!! Glad you're here!
A1: I feel I am improving on giving much better individualized feedback with the tech tools we have, need to work on front end too
Hi Janette. We love rookies. Welcome to .
Crazy busy....I'm exhausted with the time change.
A1: I use learning interest surveys
Amanda from MA--reading to learn...
A2- Tech is great for this. There are many great adaptive sites for rdg & math, but still need the face 2 face time on their level
Feeling swamped under. Report cards due and test prep frenzy from admin in full swing.
Hi Glad you've chosen us for your first chat. Feel free to ask questions as you go along. Lots of gr8 helpful folks here.
A2 I have been thinking lately that ind learning means Ss must have personal idea/connection to growth mindset and grit.
Welcome to Janette. Glad you are here.
A2: questionnaires, we do goal setting as a class & w/ families every unit, parents have logins 2b included, lots of communication
A2: I like using tech, I would love to have conferences at the beginning of the year to do this for portfolios
Great point - I guess I feel that way too. Feedback has improved immensely with tech (more timely too). https://t.co/JTu6siLfeH
A1: I feel I am improving on giving much better individualized feedback with the tech tools we have, need to work on front end too
A2: We use iReady diagnostic testing to establish a path at beg. of yr and did another one in Dec to change path.
The feedback piece is huge in personalized learning!
With the student identity where they are and where their individual goal is. Then fill in path between.
what tools are you using for this?
we just watched TedEd speech onGrit as a class. I show them what I learn too
Do you have link to this TED ED? Would love to see it!
Is iReady related to iStation? Starting it next year.
Hi Amanda - I’m from MA too! :) Feel like home when there’s fellow MA friend here! :)
Hi Nate. Glad you are here for . Looking forward to having you on .
is PL for a 1:1 environment? Like using edpuzzle and Classic to meet the needs of the different level? or is it Ss choosing path?
I think I will do that for a morning meeting or snack activity. Thx for the idea.
AR and GO math for parents & SS, we have a group response page, weekly emails, online homework that includes P and S
Don’t believe it is. iReady is a paid subscription through Curriculum Associates.
Q3: Element 3 requires a flexible learning environment - options to learn in various ways. How would you go about doing this?
I don't on my phone, YouTube it! My students parents watch it at back to school night
Ugh sorry to hear! What question are we on? the little one was up.
It is okay but I liked Lexia better. Used that last year.
we are also trying a new blog system through our district on outlook, and then HMHCo player includes all for math
I agree, but newsela doesn't go far enough below grade level for some of my kiddos.
A2: Those adaptive prgrms give us timeto meet w/ indiv.Those using the programs r getting what they need 2. https://t.co/AdtINm7nXB
A2- Tech is great for this. There are many great adaptive sites for rdg & math, but still need the face 2 face time on their level
A2: Our district uses MAP testing paired with Study Island. This creates an individual learning path for 3-5 students.
A3- Haven't done this yet but a goal of mine- giving Ss more flexibility in showing they have mastered a standard - not just a test
A3: Flexible seating arrangements with desks. bean bag chairs, rug areas, work stations, large group mtg area.
Yes! Some Ss who don't have that growth mindset yet aren't as motivated when it comes to personal learning.
Love this idea! I think it would be more engaging for kids
Just watched a scope with WBT on using Grit. Interesting idea to add to the mix.
there's a few really good ones X My class loved TedEd, and we have a TedEd club after school
Q3: Element 3 requires a flexible learning environment - options to learn in var ways. How would u go about doing this?
I think showing that we are continually learning is very meaningful.
A3: We did this by creating projects for students to leave mini lessons when they show mastery, projects were based on Science
Can't wait to try EdPuzzle. Is it easy to use?
Love this- it was very simple to use!
Yes, Nancy. Edupuzzle is easy and can used ones created by others.
A3: ss pretest at their level on MobyMax & set personal goals. We meet to check progress and reevaluate
Super easy & allows kids to see youtube links I approve. Plus you can add questions that have to be answered.
I have been meaning to try it for over a week now :(
I wish we could us Edupuzzle, youtube is blocked but working on it!
Q4: The fourth element to PL is competency-based progression - showing mastery before moving on. How would your Ss achieve this?
A3: movement always allowed, parallel working, digital access, production can vary digital, project, or essay, learning menus
Do you use the essay q'a as well?
yes! Pre tests have been key in my class this year, I have 10 on IEP but also a lot of GATE
Do you have an example you can share with me? Would love to see it!
Hope you're having a wonderful time at one of my most favorite places!!!!
I feel like we need to be more proactive about these blocked sites. :(
A4: We use mini formatives, 5 questions quizzes on the standards. I would love to move to other avenues though
A3 cont: move at own pace, work on paper or digital curriculum, start or finish projects early, different roles for group projects
Sorry…not familiar with essay q’a. We’ve just been introduced to the website. Toes in first :)
A2 I use Newsela. I like to use it for a close reading mini lessons for S's. It's easy to differentiate for S's.
I want to work on kids creating tutorials for others as one way- if they can teach it, then they know it.
A4 portfolios (digital or analog) provide students a space to demonstrate progression through competencies
I'm going to have to check this out.
A4: A new goal for me since we are now a GAFE district is google form assessments that differentiate to resources/review and back
Here from AR. Elem. Ed. College student just "listening" in. Great thoughts/ ideas!
Thank you Paula - I’ll watch after
That's a fabulous idea! I was thinking infographics too would be fun and creative!
Yes- also on my to do list!
We had many problems with MAP that we no longer use - the info was FAB.
A3: Love flexible seating in room. Ss choice has BIG impact. Looking at changing math to choice stations as well. Reading up on it.
A4: a lot of ways through project menus, formal and informal assessments, presentations, lots of pre tests or midpoint tests
A3 I use Seesaw as a tool for S's to share their thinking.
Keep at it - Show the admin some things you’ll be doing. It will matter!
You have an option of turning them on or off:-) You can also respond personally to Ss.
Love SeeSaw, we just started it and the kids are enjoying it!
A4: Mastery is important, but sometimes we just have to move on. Give Ss extra assignment to help attain mastery.
Thank you Paula for sharing.
A4: We have intervention groups we meet with twice a week to help them attain mastery.
I think this is where those adaptive programs are great. As a whole we may move on, but they can keep working on it!
A3 Ss need options in how and where they want to learn.
Think you have to be a Ss in my class to see my assignments. Not sure how to share :(
A3: Allowing choice of work; content & Products; choice of work space; choice of homework. Trying to build in more.
The real question I have is what kind of pie did you eat today?
Yes, Ss can do indeed work on their needs using computer based program like iReady, MobyMax, TenMarks, more.
I wish- I am doing a sugar detox but dreamed of apple pie all day! You?
Q5: The 5th element to PL is nurturing socially-engaged contributors - Ss who interact and contribute locally and globally. How?
A4: We use a process called reteach and enrich built into our day, Kids who need extra time go to reteach
in math I allow retakes bc mastery is goal, sometimes just need2 finish division as class. calms intense parents down
A4 mastery may not be "demonstrated" when we're expecting it - provide multiple opportunities for Ss to surprise Ts!
I’m so DONE with all the tests!!!! I feel like I spend half the year testing. Crazy!
This should be a topic by itself - would love to brainstorm ideas.
This should be a topic by itself - would love to brainstorm ideas.
Oh man- now I am dreaming of that too!!
Sounds like great tool. Will have to explore more tonight! Thanks!
Celebrated Pi Day with apple pie. (and chocolate ice cream)
im the only 4th grade teacher doing St party's party at my school. They are still kids!!!!
Wish I had that option of approving youtube links! It would make everything so much easier. Jealous!
AMEN I worry we are turning kids into numbers and not remembering that they are kids!!
Not just youtube videos-learn zillion as well. My kids love math antics, but stopping for questions makes them think :)
, one issue of mastery is need to look at retention, long term memory, connections & being able to apply to different situations
I am using tweetdeck for the first time, little overwhelming! Sorry if i am behind
Good for you! They are still kids-I think we are so focused on data/assessment we forget that sometimes. :(
I need to check out Math antics too. Thanks for all these great reminders & inspiration.
A5: Connecting with other classes for calls, playing Kahoot via GHO is how I do it.
A5:group projects w/different roles, school beautification, class visitors, researching for field trip, mystery Skype, penpals
Alright -- hate to cut out early but it is bedtime and bottle time for my daughters! Will definitely be checking out end of chat
Creating good assessments for mastery is challenging and not something that many of us get good training in. We figure it out.
A5: Having your Ss blog and sharing the URL on Twitter with the hashtag gets them global comments.
we use to show our solutions & thinking as we solve math tasks with join in to
My Ss have really gotten into this year. Do you have the blog set up? Would love to connect.
A5: We participate in Projects by Jen. I am going to try using a class twitter.
A5 cont: news in education, kid scoop, , my class helps w/our projects, help a group monthly, read buddies,
I like that. I’m going to start calling them our WIN (What I Need) groups.
apple and cherry of course! It’s what Little Debbie & Hostess made :)
Started collaborating back in 2004 with . Love .
PIE!! Whoops I keep forgetting to include .
No I haven't set that up, I didn't know about that component, but I will be checking into after this chat.
Q6: What other elements do you think are important to PL for our Ss?
A6: I think Feedback is super important, whether from us or peers.
A6: Choice is so very important in Personalized Learning for our Ss. From what book they read to how they show what they know.
A5: We enjoy answering math tasks from the Global Math Task Twitter Challenge Join in the fun to share the learning
Let me know if you’d like to connect class blogs to share comments.
How awesome! I will be participating.
So true, Feedback is very important and the love getting constructive feedback from peers.
Thanks 4 reminding me of LearnZillion. I've used it be4 and kids really like it. Nice for flipping.
A6: alternating roles: some projects i make groups based on strengths, other times based on goals, choice of topic or final product
My thoughts exactly! Coming from 2nd to 4th…CRAZY testing schedule
Have you been flipping your classes?
A6: Ss react so much better to timely, specific, and personal feedback. Like , plus parents can see. My task tonight.
I am going to have to look into this LearnZillion thing.
Great! Just search for find a task Ss want to solve and share back the solution to the class.
True. Ss learned division - dusted off mucho cobwebs a month later.
Great for kiddos that are absent during direct instruction too :)
Have your read Amplifyed? The book is a life changer! She mentions grouping based on tech skills.
I hope you come to love it as much as I do. Couldn't do chats w/o it now.
A6: I like that I can send differentiated assignments to my Ss on Edmodo. PL at its best.
Not fully, but there are many things I do try to do with a flipped attitude :)
My "like" folder always blows up on nights....
A6: When I find a video or article about a topic a I know one or tow of my Ss are interested in, I can share link in .
Exactly! It helps me to workpost in GoogleClassroom.
Q7: Is PL shaping up like you hoped it would for your Ss? Why or why not?
reviewed multi-digit X today. We reviewed several dif methods Long term retention- the struggle is real!
Ss building leprechaun traps at home then giving talk on how it works at school Should be fun!
, I'll have to check it out, that's how our current tribe projects are based on. Has helped my IEP ss feel valued
Wish we had googleclassroom :( District went with edmodo this year.
we are building them in class as collaboration and STEAM, then leprechauns visit
A7: The key I think is to fully figure out a few tech tools while still trying out others. Makes balancing time difficult but fun!
to kickoff leprechaun traps we wrote a full narrative about trying to catch leprechauns
Do you have the narratives online anywhere that we could read and respond?
A7: I would love to figure out the best route to fully implement first thing next year. I get very ambitious though
Do U use ? I've had a hard time getting used 2 new platform-hence not much blogging this year. Feel guilty.
yes, I bit the bullet and paid for it. Ss love using it as our platform.
We didn’t start until Jan. this year.
we don't! We sent 2our penpals and they respond. I def need 2get on Ss blog now w/laptops
Brings back memories - the Leprechaun traps! :) Good STEM activity.
Oh - what were you thinking??? lol
A7: My other hurdle is we are a 4 day school week due to funding issues. Hard to fit it all in
Q8: Off our scheduled topic, but what is the one tool you are itching to try out?
I leave green footprints and put green food coloring in the toilets
That I needed to go back to 2nd :)
I think part of R problem is district blocks so much access,what should B easy becomes convoluted:-(
A8: I want to take the plunge but haven't yet!
A8: My Ss and I love , but just discovered . Made one but haven’t used it with Ss yet.
A7: yes all my students feel confident in approaching new learning tasks, and learn how to master and everyone learns different
A6: Parental involvement/support; Student buy-in & understanding that Fair is not equal. Planning to get the most out of all
I’m doing leprechaun eggs this year. has polymers that “disappear” in water.
A8: I found out about yesterday, and am interested to explore it
A8: need to get back in the online blogging with my SS we just got laptops available a few times a week
We use Google - but I LOVED using My Ss last year preferred it over Google Classroom
A7: Starting to dig into it more now. Just bought great readers theater from TpT on growth mindset to work with fluency.
This is great if you are in a 1:1 environment. My dream one day.
That’s because so many wonderful folks sharing what they know!! https://t.co/0v7u5MOH48
My "like" folder always blows up on nights....
A8: SmartNotebook! Just got the software but know NOTHING about how to use it.
That’s encouraging. Actually sending assignments through now. Thanks to
That is one area I am lucky in. I can use netbooks, chromebooks, and ipads daily
Fair is not equal - such a hard concept to communicate.
Teaching with Appitude is my favorite periscope channel!
ha that's funny I just heard about it this weekend too!
More on the 5 elements Personalize Learning: Validating the Learner and Nurturing their Passion for Lrning https://t.co/CQXduWWKST
More on the 5 elements Personalize Learning: Validating the Learner and Nurturing their Passion for Lrning https://t.co/vWELn4JPOz
Loved it before the new platform came online. Had hard time blogging this year with it too. :(
I literally just registered so my class could do biography reports
