#TeachersAtED Archive
Our chat is once a month on the third Tuesday at 7:00 EST. These chats are hosted by teachers working at the US Department of Education as Teaching Ambassador Fellows in order to hear from teachers on policy issues and share resources. More about our program at: http://www2.ed.gov/programs/teacherfellowship/index.html
Thursday July 14, 2016
Join now for a chat on promoting
A1: Aman Dhanda - Teaching Ambassador Fellow from Woodland, CA.
A1: Erin Wedereit coming from Augusta, GA and I teach 8th grade ELA
A1: Anna Baldwin, English teacher, Flathead Indian Reservation in Western Montana.
A1: Teaching Ambassador Fellow from Washington, DC
Robert from Los Angeles. Middle school English.
A1: Ryan Dawley, Vocal Music Director at Geisler Middle School, Walled Lake, MI
A1: Hey! I teach 3rd grade in the south! Here to learn! I wish I could count these twitter chats toward my pd requirement
Vice principal private school Richardson Texas
A1: Rick Stevens, educational consultant and creator of https://t.co/PHRWimI9qm K12 admin and teacher for 25 years.
A2: is key for 21st century college/career readiness. A constantly changing world requires constant learning.
Stacey Dallas Johnston/HS teacher from LV,NV--currently tweeting from the mts of Colorado! 🏞
A2: ensures students' maintain skills developed over the year by engaging in active liearning over the summer.
A2: I think should be rich and focused while using foundational skills to prevent
a1: 5th grade teacher in PA.
A1: David Jimenez / Teacher / Admin. Dallas ISD Texas
A1: Teaching Ambassador Fellow, Teacher, Principal-northern CA.
Marifran, HS librarian in New York
A1: Bethany Thompson/ Instructional Technology/ After School Coordinator, CA
A2: It is a time to regenerate and learn with new perspective. Folks should always care about learning
A2: can be enriching,self-driven,inquiry based, many things.
A2: self-directed, engaging, passion-driven, valued by Ts
A2: ensures students' maintain skills developed over the year by engaging in active learning over the summer.
A1. Adriana , Wisconsin, Lower School Division Head and Technology Director at University Lake School
A2 I think the best summer learning combines free reading with experience & exploration. Adventure & outdoors can be featured
a2: ensure that students do not lose the gains they made durnig the school year
A2 Maintaining the focus staying on target with trouble areas as well enriching and engaging activities
RT annaebaldwin: Join at 7 pm EST tonight to talk usedgov
Alright about to start . This is first time that we've moderated so thank you for the opportunity. Lets get rolling.
A2: is important so Ss can start the school year with a strong foundation instead of taking a step backward!
A2: Opportunity to share, learn, and reflect
A2: Summer Learning - the opportunities we provide for students that help them continue to grow.
A2: people should care about because it helps July kids and September teachers be happier!
Rural educators join chat w/
A2 Parents, shld care abt bc the less time a T has to spend catching Ss up the more progress they can make
A2: maintains and develops skills gained during the school year. Big picture--how we learn throughout life.
is equally as important for educators as well! We need to stay sharp too!
A2: Summer learning is what all kids deserve but not all kids have access to. We need to close that gap.
usedgov: RT annaebaldwin: Join at 7 pm EST tonight to talk usedgov
usedgov: Alright about to start . This is first time that we've moderated so thank you for the opportunity. Lets get rolling.
A2: Some students lose ground with reading/math skills over summer because they don't have opportunities.
A2. Summer learning is important to different kids for different reasons. Play should be part of the agenda!
A2 I'll add imagination, creativity, & play to valuable summer learning experiences.
A3: My wife has used "reading bingo" as a very effective tool to keep elementary aged kids reading! https://t.co/WlQYcBS0Ty
A3: Families foster by visting public libraries, reading & having convos w/their kids about current events.
A3. Read, read, read! Read together and to each other. Play and create strong bonds. Be curious. Read the world!
A3: Parents can initiate a trip & ask kids to help plan, whether it's a city bus trip across town or car to the beach.
Q3: on steps patents can explore edu. res. available on District web site.
A3 Family board/word games & puzzles are excellent ways kids can sharpen their skills.
Everyone needs to have a plan
A3 Libraries! Museums! I know it's hard but that's what you signed up for as a parent. Have to make it happen for our kids!
A3: Public libraries are vastly underutilized free learning resource. My kids love time . Great staff and books!
A3: does not have to be expensive or hard. It's as easy as reading with your kids. Personal Fav: The Library!
A3: Parents & kids can tell, write, & illustrate stories together. Add to it for 15 mins a day! Quality time + skill building
Then create time to use it and engage with other community opportunities
A3: isn't just reading. Ss need to get out and do! Go to the zoo, the park, a play, a concert, etc.
A3 Do a book study with your kid! Allow them to read aloud to you! Download the app and let your kids read!
A3:Library,crafts,at home projects via Pinterest, travel, reading, games, the list goes on for teachable moments 😊.
A3: There is variety of resources on US Education web site
A3: Look for learning opportunities in ordinary things. My kids have learned a lot of math from cooking this summer!
Agreed. should be a time to do everything you don't have time to do during the school https://t.co/BXaCsJprOM
A3: isn't just reading. Ss need to get out and do! Go to the zoo, the park, a play, a concert, etc.
A3 agree with everyone reading is key, opportunities are out there and a lot are free or affordable! Get in the game parents!
Don't forget about high school kids' . Discuss current events, read the paper, ask questions together.
A3: Dallas TX Libraries, great hand on activities with snack included
A2 ~ is students continuing learning beyond the scope of the traditional school year.
A3: Parents need to support summer reading . Most effective way to avoid summer slide. New experiences also help.
A2: Summer learning is the education students continue to achieve beyond the typical school year. https://t.co/ihEt1zMmnb
Q4: What are some of the top barriers for summer learning? How do we change that?
A3: Create mini-challenges for them to solve where they have to think critically. Ex: Who can make a floating device using...
is now trending in USA, ranking 44
A2: We need to be extremely careful it doesn't become, "How do we make sure schools' ideology prevails over students' lives?"
A4: Families often are unaware of resources already available to promote . Talk to your child's teacher.
Q3 challenge kids to build Redstone wiring in Minecraft
Q4 lack of knowledge of the resources available.
A4. Trying to make summer look like school ruins it. There are learning opport. everywhere. Let them b curious and explore.
A4 having money to send kids to summer programming grants help!
A2: Students' education should ALWAYS go past school, if it's not connecting during summer, probably not during the yr either
A3: Parents can setup a computer corner for & teaching computer skills. Families can discover new together.
How do we encourage hesitant/reluctant parents to do this? https://t.co/Gm23uyqv9R
A4: Families often are unaware of resources already available to promote . Talk to your child's teacher.
A4: One barrier is vacation mindset: belief that summer is for taking a break from learning. Engage Ss in projects.
A4 We need to convince all parents that they are our allies in education. Provide menus of summer activities they can use.
A3:Agree about public libraries. 1 here has a maker space & our system has a free book a month program 2 build home libraries
A4: For ELL at any time of the yeat lack of good literature in Spanish
A3: Work w/community orgs, existing movements. Maintain calendar of rallies, community meetings. https://t.co/qF1ayud6wb
A4: For some of our more rural areas it's as simple as more funding for transportation in the summer
A4 Top barrier=access to books. Can't assume all parents have the $$. My grade level team gave out free books before summer.
A4: Barrier #1-no access to books. Connect with you local ILA chapter to find reading resources.
A3: Support students to develop their summer explorations during the year. Don't make them homework!
usedgov: Q4: What are some of the top barriers for summer learning? How do we change that?
A4: at high school level, work gets in the way of , although sometimes work can be educational too.
A4:Lack of access 2 enrichment activities and experiences due 2 $. Need things like Museum Day Live all summer
A4: Solution: classes on Grant writing to empower parents and community to get more local resources.
Students don't know how to "learn" outside of the classroom. No assignment can cause a barrier https://t.co/TyJ15VuJg7
Q4: What are some of the top barriers for summer learning? How do we change that?
A4 I tell parents they need to provide a balance of leadership, love, laughter, & learning to their kids through the year.
A4: easy to lose a schedule, kids cooped up w/TV, patents might be working. Kids feel burnt out.
we start the conversation. We have to be proactive in talking to parents about opportunities
Foster a welcoming environment during the year so Ps are part of the team working towards Ss success. https://t.co/Qt3GXVFavF
How do we encourage hesitant/reluctant parents to do this? https://t.co/Gm23uyqv9R
A4: Families often are unaware of resources already available to promote . Talk to your child's teacher.
Q4: What are some of the top barriers for summer learning? How do we change that?
Seeing lotsa A3s about school and municipal libraries. Places where they've been defunded, this=activism flashpoint.
I'm not saying they need a packet. I'm saying students should know the resources available to them.
A4: Summertime mindset often reflects"no thinking time." gets pushed to the side bc it's perceived as "boring"
After school programs who offer summer programs know how to make the learning look and feel different https://t.co/LWFa46d1AI
A4. Trying to make summer look like school ruins it. There are learning opport. everywhere. Let them b curious and explore.
A4: Kids in my rural district can't get to school programs, libraries, enrichment in summer due to no buses.
A4: Options and opportunities should be provided almost processed at first
Give parents activity ideas that incorporate learning in a fun way to do over the summer, Pinterest is a great resource!
Q5: What can educators do to make summer reading programs more engaging and productive for students? https://t.co/oFRwAOdgZ7
Which is so sad! I loved summer as a kid because i could read whatever I wanted, whenever I wanted. https://t.co/uWR2vk4hWr
A4: Summertime mindset often reflects"no thinking time." gets pushed to the side bc it's perceived as "boring"
Joining late - A1 I am a semi-ret 3-6 teacher now doing coaching in SJ, CA
A4: It also can come down to a lack of resources. The library is free but the gas to get there is not.
This is any interesting thought. What do you think, https://t.co/5lWeATFjlP
Students don't know how to "learn" outside of the classroom. No assignment can cause a barrier https://t.co/TyJ15VuJg7
Q4: What are some of the top barriers for summer learning? How do we change that?
A4: School/life divide. Students WILL learn all summer, have we taught to reflect, integrate learning? https://t.co/Q7CkwV0X0M
Q4: What are some of the top barriers for summer learning? How do we change that?
, , , , Mike Pence , Dombrowski , Dale Jr. , Tim Kaine
A5: Educators can inform students/families of the importance of & set reading goals promoting student choice
A6: Use online resources to promote reading & take a field trip to the local library to show how to access resources & tech.
great point. Applies to some parents' barriers too. A4 Work sponsored family learning days/events could help.
A5: Foster reading yr. round and build up to summer when you can read what you want, when you want.
A5: I plan to send postcards with literary references to my 2016-17 students during months of July and August, wake them up!
Learning inside of the classroom can be one dimensional due to an overemphasis on standardized testing. Environment
A5: Connect summer reading to the school community; host summer events for book sharing and reconnecting.
A5 ~ Ensure that readings are relevant to students lives/environments.
A5: Summer reading has to be aligned to student interests, and students must be given choice.
YES, for both teachers & students play, fun and relaxing are critical to renewal! https://t.co/dmEq2IlYS6
That's a good point. Summer has to also be a time for family and relaxation.
A5. Local resources, meaningful titles. Use of technology to connect the dots. Reading for pleasure without a hidden agenda.
A5:Partner with parents! My nephews love summer reading programs because it means reading time with adults who love them.
A5 I always end the year with a class novel that has sequels. Ss are hungry for more! Hatchet, Roll of Thunder, Holes, Giver
Yes! It's vital to investigate what barriers are getting the way of parent engagement too.
A5:been a hot issue w/my Eng dept.My 2cents:autonomy,high-interest,collaborative,choice. Encourage reading as fun/interesting
A5 Give your curriculum topics/text lists to the Ps & libraries so that there will be synergy around getting ready for school
A5: I'm a fan of suggested reading. Get ideas from librarians, teachers, & other students. Make a bookmark w/titles.
A5: use the freedoms that come with summer to your advantage. GO OUTSIDE. Get wet and messy in the name of learning
A4: After modeling them how to, parents will be able to replicate for their childrens and community
A5: Ensure the reading is selected by students and allows them to pursue their interests and passions.
A5 stay connected through social media virtual book club could be fun
A5: Teachers should read WITH students! Most powerful incentive is a personal invitation to share a book over summer.
Q5: Bring the into the community!Think:Where do your students go during the summer?What can we bring to them?
A3 making learning fun & engaging so they barely know they're learning! let kids dig deep into what they love!
Overtesting culture contributes. If school isn't a student-directed exploration, escaping it is natural.
A5: We can use District web resources to connect with parent and student throughout social media
A4:Same barriers 2 resources in general for underserved communities.We need 2 dismantle structural inequality in ed & society.
First of all school libraries should not be closed for the Summer hire summer help. Some cannot get to the PL but can sch
We have to continue to teach kids the importance of inquiry & curiosity.
A4 ~ Getting students motivated to continue learning beyond that last bell.
This might be one of the reasons she Teacher of the Year 😀 https://t.co/gPhTMMTmiw
A5: I plan to send postcards with literary references to my 2016-17 students during months of July and August, wake them up!
A5 Make it relatable, share stories of you as a T are doing to learn, so they see
A5 make sure every kid has a library card before school let's out. Give incentives
A5: Use services like so students can talk about what they read
A5 if they can't get to library at least they will then have digital options with their card
A4: Incorporate authentic experiences- create a play w favorite characters, write a postcard from a scene in a book
A5: Integrate reading with films and projects (like Lego robots). Have discussion groups that are social + academic
are 1st and third thursdays so next Thursday at 5 PM PT - re: Summer Learning! Preview tonight on
A5: My ILA council collects book donations all year/ in summer takes them to rural city parks.
A5: Set up social media based peer sharing of summer reading. Connect that reading ot social activism.
Q6: How can teachers effectively utilize technology to promote student learning during the summer? https://t.co/0BhvvKMM6w
A5:as a parent,bookstores on our travels are part of the fun. Kids use own $ on souvenirs,I will always pay for a new book.
A5: Money, gift certificates, etc are a great motivators in encouraging kids to read during the summer.
I disagree.Seen as not necessary . Educators need to reinvigorate independent learning https://t.co/B6rPJbNsVd
A4: Summertime mindset often reflects"no thinking time." gets pushed to the side bc it's perceived as "boring"
You are SO right. It's all about the test. The learning they do at school is often not authentic to "real" life
That is very sweet! Learning something new and spending time with loved ones is the best of both worlds
A5 YES! XIan, I do this with 5th graders summer reading club using https://t.co/ezRSUhyzMW
A5: Set up social media based peer sharing of summer reading. Connect that reading ot social activism.
A6: Use tools like email and social media to push out relevant and timely reading materials to students during summer.
Q6: encourage students to create videos of their summer experiences and learning to share at school start.
Many great options: movie adaptation nights, draw your own illustrations, literary field trips, cosplay...
A5: Allow Ss 2 choose texts they like. Build lists that are culturally responsive & high interest 2 guide them.
A6: I love 's idea of connecting. Use tech to create digital communities, talk issues and reading. Share links.
A5: My 4th graders learn to love reading WITH friends during school and continue with summer book clubs because IT IS FUN.
A5 One year we went to DC for vaca and posted pix to my S group so they could see what we'd learned about in Civics
Utilise free tools like to run collaborative writing sessions across time zones with other students.
A6: Before school ends, projects hands on using technology bridging parent teacher communication.
A6 honestly struggle with this not on contract in summer and pick up extra jobs to supplement income.
Thanks. I feel like too often, educators neglect the fact many students ARE connecting to each other all summer.
Q6: Encourage rural students to take virtual field trips and summarize their learning in a medium of their choice.
Google Classroom is a great way to reach students over summer months- access to classroom resources from anywhere
A6: I email former parents of previous class in August with ideas and links to jumpstart the next year.
A6: I post things on my classroom website. I like to include fun links as well.
Q5: What can educators do to make summer reading programs more engaging and productive for students? https://t.co/832fT4M9UM
This is any interesting thought. What do you think, https://t.co/6og87g6KvN
Students don't know how to "learn" outside of the classroom. No assignment can cause a barrier https://t.co/TyJ15VuJg7
Q4: What are some of the top barriers for summer learning? How do we change that?
This might be one of the reasons she Teacher of the Year 😀 https://t.co/EGpZvF2p5K
A5: I plan to send postcards with literary references to my 2016-17 students during months of July and August, wake them up!
Q6: How can teachers effectively utilize technology to promote student learning during the summer? https://t.co/DuzoF3fpUd
A6: Social media is underused w/ parents. Have parent education events with food. Host at school or library
A6: 2 answer Q w/ a Q how can we ensure ALL Ss have access to tech over summer so ALL Ts can promote learning? 2 many Ss w/o
Use Olympics as writing stimulus for pupil/class blogs. to connect students with authentic audience.
A6 and dare I say etc are all ways to keep connected w kids where they are in summer
A6: I have found giving incoming students an Edmodo to join to talk,ask ?. I post fun videos, memes, ? to interact w/them
A6: Teachers should keep their class website current and up to date with new information\even in summer.
A6: Like writing collaboration in bith languages for ELL
A6: Create a hashtag for your class and encourage kids to post materials. I love learning from my students at !
A6 ~ sites like Edmodo/Google Classroom allow Ts to stay connected to students through the summer, sharing resources.
Really good point - postcards, wifi on busses, getting creative to reach this kids
A6: Practiced paragraph summaries of news articles, have stayed sharing/discussing all summer. https://t.co/Yjo9jWfF9l
Q6: How can teachers effectively utilize technology to promote student learning during the summer? https://t.co/0BhvvKMM6w
A6: social media platforms are plenty. Pick one and promote the connecting, questioning & learning all summer long!
I feel like I'm doing some myself on this chat!
Yes!! Keep class website current so that you model the message that learning is a 12-month activity.
A6 I would prefer my Ss to power down or power off as much as possible during summer. Kids need balance & more face2face time.
usedgov: This is any interesting thought. What do you think, https://t.co/Hxqlky5iXQ
Students don't know how to "learn" outside of the classroom. No assignment can cause a barrier https://t.co/TyJ15VuJg7
Q4: What are some of the top barriers for summer learning? How do we change that?
usedgov: This might be one of the reasons she Teacher of the Year 😀 https://t.co/j9NODxmDD9
A5: I plan to send postcards with literary references to my 2016-17 students during months of July and August, wake them up!
Personalized PD with twitter chats! Yes! We need to keep learning, too! https://t.co/8YK6QDQUUx
I feel like I'm doing some myself on this chat!
Q7: What is a program you have seen succeed in combating the “summer slide” and promote learning? https://t.co/1qG8wTn5PR
A7: Programs that make reading a fun and pleasurable leisure activity are more likely to result .
A6: Students Creating video blogs about books already read at class to share with peers
if the learning is fun, engaging & using platforms Ss are already going to be using, we are missing an opp.
Txt parents email send flyers everything mist important get the Ss psyched about it they will bug the parents
A7: I can't wait to see what other people have found helpful to prevent
I think we need conversations about year round.Most students need the consistency.Year round still provides breaks
Q7: Barnes and Noble Summer Reading program encourages reading and kids enjoy it!
and camps can serve as great PD for teachers and strong experiences for students.
A7: An after school program in our district- ss rush to get in. Ss explore subjects based on a theme.
A6: We are never truly disconnected from Ss.When I run across something,I post on our team Instagram https://t.co/40KJtvwmjO
A7: For teenagers I have seen as engaging & effective. Girls in this case produce original films
Кто путешествует, тот познает.
A7 I've been teaching tech Minecraft and creating video games! They love it! So creative!
A6: Teachers can connect parents with opportunities using digital communication channels like
A7: Ran service learning/social justice programs w/HS students teaching 8th graders. Got defunded :( https://t.co/MB0h94Bygl
Q7: What is a program you have seen succeed in combating the “summer slide” and promote learning? https://t.co/1qG8wTn5PR
curious though - it is not all about scores and money... oh god i am so naive...
Ss don't know how? I think they learn all summer long. The ? is what are they learning?
Yes! Does BN provide scholarships or free books to kids who can't afford them? That would be great! https://t.co/cdED7WtYKl
Q7: Barnes and Noble Summer Reading program encourages reading and kids enjoy it!
Opportunities are seized in many ways. Capture kids' hearts, spirits, minds&manners not just digitally https://t.co/lzv8QfhJm0
if the learning is fun, engaging & using platforms Ss are already going to be using, we are missing an opp.
A7 I Dallas PL gets even the adults involved, with prizes too. it's pretty successful. They offer a lot of free oportunities.
A7: Getting students involved with summer school funding cuts keeps them on their toes w/budgeting and institutional racism.
A6 - virtual summer sch promotes teacher-stud interaction from anywhere - start of sch rewards for stud don't hurt!
Plane is taking off! Thanks for a great chat!
Hopefully learning how to be kids! Physics of kites,science experiments in the forest, counting sand @ beach
A7: never about programs. It's about people. We use our people to engage w/ Ss in a "jumpstart" program leading up to school
Q6: , , , are some effective ways Ts can utilize tech summer learning
Man. Lots of questions in rapid fire. Is always this fast paced?
Ton of big <3ed folks on . Makes me think this is another aspect of Ed where society has to actually choose to fund/prioritize.
A7: Lakeshore free books package before end school, the best for my low income kids (all). They return talking about their exp
A6: Kids record their experiences on social media, cell phones, iPads to teach story-telling techniques, 21st Century skills.
A7 Higher Achievement yr-round enrichment prgm 4 mid skl kids. Their Summer Academy battles the slide & ends w/ college trip.
A7: For summer, programs can't replace intentional & authentic opportunities w/ print text, numbers & mathematical experiences
This is gast pacing and powerful
A6... Love it! Hi tech version of "what I did last summer"essay! https://t.co/1OFQDZ8Vur
A6: Kids record their experiences on social media, cell phones, iPads to teach story-telling techniques, 21st Century skills.
Q8: What types tools or resources can ED provide to help you prepare for start of a new school year? https://t.co/gYg0gMyAGu
A7: "Program" implies almost a 1-size-fits all mentality. The beauty of is the unstructured nature
let's hope so, but do we wait through the temporary? The access gap continues to widen each day we wait.
A7: Summer should also have opportunity for parenys to enjoy reading.
A8: Teachers need culturally inclusive resources and materials that meet the needs of our diverse families and students.
A7 gives boxes of books to teachers too check them out it would be way to get books in hands of students
usedgov: Man. Lots of questions in rapid fire. Is always this fast paced?
A8: There is alot of resources in ED website but mayoriry in English, my parents only know Spanish. Hard to compensate for me
usedgov: RT sandramc59: A6... Love it! Hi tech version of "what I did last summer"essay! https://t.co/WFqATWAjQi
A6: Kids record their experiences on social media, cell phones, iPads to teach story-telling techniques, 21st Century skills.
A8 I wish there was a way to keep quality staff at my tough school. Provide support for new teachers and buildings w turnover
A6. Creative use of SMedia, being curators of reliable information, being available, trying to understand how kids use tech.
A8:I appreciate talking/get ideas from others.I'd like to see how Ts are going to talk w/Ss about recent current events.
a8 I plan to use coding blocks this upcoming school year!
Q7: What is a program you have seen succeed in combating the “summer slide” and promote learning? https://t.co/HUdhYqsWGS
Man. Lots of questions in rapid fire. Is always this fast paced?
A7 "Give 5, Read 5!" Ts donate gently used books for students to adopt and read over the summer. Very effective!
Q8: What types tools or resources can ED provide to help you prepare for start of a new school year? https://t.co/KrhC2WH7H7
RT sandramc59: A6... Love it! Hi tech version of "what I did last summer"essay! https://t.co/tNbUdoKv0o
A6: Kids record their experiences on social media, cell phones, iPads to teach story-telling techniques, 21st Century skills.
A8 I'd love to see continue to work towards
A6: Students can share pics or a short video of their favorite moment from a family vaca via their journal
Love for sharing what kids know! https://t.co/KkNU8p6jpw
A6: Students can share pics or a short video of their favorite moment from a family vaca via their journal
See this in action in "Chef" on Netflix. The kid teaches his dad how to use Twitter et al, helps dad's business
Q8: A one page handout about what ESSA means for parents and students.
Q8: Good question for this 1st year teacher! Conferences/ Meetups from edchats. Enjoy the PLN on
A7. I revamped the B. of the Books and now we use Kahoot for the matches. Kids are really excited about reading more titles!
Having kids teach something solidifies learning! I love this! Will check it out!
