#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! My name is Kristin and I teach ELA and SS in Lansing, MI. I will be moderating tonight's gamified chat! Please introduce yourself, where you teach, and what subjects!
Ryan from Michigan -- 6th grade social studies.
May be in and out as I'm putting together a stockpile of images for a see-think-wonder activity on types of government and might get sidetracked. #6thchat
A1) Dang, I wrote these and I struggle with this one. Since I rarely teach the same way twice, I would have to pick the "teach a new curriculum" every year. I thrive on "new" experiences, but I really enjoy my 6th grade kids. #6thchat
A1: Teach a new curriculum every year. I can relate to Ss at the 6th grade level much more than those outside that level. It's easier to find the stuff than hook a new audience you're not used to. #6thchat
I'm with you. I've moved to a new school this year and the one constant has been that 6th graders are going to be 6th graders regardless of where you are. #6thchat
A1) I would definitely choose to "teach a new curriculum every year". I love the "tween" personalities so much and new content would keep my mind alert. #6thchat
I was a guest teacher (in your district) in a 2nd grade classroom. Realized right then and there that I'm much more equipped to handle the middle grades and older. Almost regret my elementary endorsement. #6thchat
A2) I could do wither but I enjoy the 2 hour delays as I feel folks are more focused and we have more consistency as well as time to dive into ideas, and revisit the ideas throughout the year. #6thchat
A1: Teach new grade level. I've done both. When we opened in '01 I had the oldest 2/3 class. They moved me up with them every year till they graduated 8th grade. Once in a lifetime opportunity. #6thchat
A2: I've done both and I prefer late-start (or early release) days much more than the all day PD. You get more interaction with your peers because often the PD provided is sit-n-git with little collaboration. #6thchat
Lots of different topics could go with this game! It was fun to think about....will have to re-visit this for future chats! Hoping you'll consider guest moderating #6thchat soon! :) Check out my form https://t.co/eQ74uThoYV
Q2) I would choose the full day deep dives. I like to dig in completely then go implement. Plus, it's nice to go out to lunch with coworkers that might not be on the same campus. #6thchat
Yes. The routine of more frequent meetings often keeps me on task. Longer PD days, when the topic isn't of high interest or is a repetition of other PD you've attended is not conducive to my work style. The ADD is strong with me on those days. #6thchat
I went to Grad Parties. The drove by on way home from local college to say hi! I see them around! They still talk about chili dogs on my birthday. #6thchat
A3) Because we have some great tech in our district, I will pick flexible seating so that my students can have more choice when it comes to comfort and learning. #6thchat
A3: As a tech guy, I'd love to say I would spend it on new tech, but honestly flexible seating is the better answer here. Making the Ss comfortable in learning is far more important than the new gadget I would pick.
Although, a new green screen setup would be sweet...#6thchat
A3) Flexible seating for sure. Our district places a high priority on tech, but I'd love to have a flexible seating make over. But, I actually love my room with the changes I've made. #6thchat
A3. I'm imagining a cycle... Most years tech, but flexible seating options every couple years. They're both integral! You can reapply for grants, right? lol. Can always scavenge for flexible seating options on the bargain counter! #6thchat
If you are selecting flexible seating, what would you want most? This is a selfish question because I got a grant and am currently deciding... :) #6thchat
A few stabilizer balls, some stools, and beanbag chairs. I'm currently looking for a cheap garage sale loveseat to move into my library corner. #6thchat
Definitely doing stools...also looking into some of the sports folding out canvas chairs (like what you take to games) and lap boards for Ss to work on. Figure chairs can be stowed easily when not in use. #6thchat
A4) I believe that first impressions matter so I would rather miss a last day than a first day. I think setting a tone is and setting the "table" for learning is something that happens best in the first day(s). #6thchat
A#: New tech. 1:1 chromebooks, ipads, 3d printer, and gaming chairs with speakers in them which makes them tech. Good wifi and a chromebook and you can sit on a box. #6thchat
A4. Man, WYR Questions are so tough! How can I prefer one over the other??? How about... last day? All memories and impressions have been made, but only have one chance to make a first impression. #6thchat
A4: Very tough question. Day 1 is where you set the tone, but Day 185 is where you say goodbye.
I'll say Day 1 because you still have plenty of time left to build relationships and set routines with your Ss. #6thchat
I hope #6thchat will continue through the summer when I have some energy left on a Tuesday night to think about responses in a timely manner. Tonight I'm just enjoying watching the questions and answers go by! Jess - 6th Language - Iowa
A4) Wow, @mrskochheiser, you're making it tough on us. I really can't answer. Both are so important for different reasons. I can't imagine a sub on the 1st day and can't image not saying good-bye the last days. #6thchat
A5) I prefer them to work over several weeks so that they can continue learning, and researching, at home, too. My projects seem to be better when they have more weeks. #6thchat
A5: The 10 week option. This provides more think time between sessions for planning and shaping the growth of their product. 2 weeks is such a limited time to work. #6thchat
A1: New curriculum because I like changing things from year to year. Although at this time of the year, the idea of looping is pretty appealing. I wouldn't mind looping just between 6th and 7th for Language. #6thchat
A4: First day. This happened to us when my daughter was in my wife's class (I think it was that year)! They did a video chat. The last day is when you feel the sadness and get closure. That pain verifies that I wasn't checked out. Even the really difficult years. #6thchat
Happy to have folks lurk, peek, or review! Love when you can participate. I will be honest...I nap and have the alarm wake me so I can moderate! I am usually asleep at this time! hahahah #6thchat
Ok . . . I think I'd miss the first day. @HowardKiyuna convinced me. The closure on the last day validates a year of hard work, growth, and success. #6thchat
A6) I would rather teach in a block or design my own schedule (which we do since we team teach with 2 subject areas). I like having a longer ELA block for reading and writing experiences. #6thchat
A4: I'd rather miss the first day. 6th graders new to middle school barely remember their own names, much less anything important I might try to say in the first few days... #6thchat
A5: Long periods of time over two weeks. I think people create in this manner don't they? This is what I do now. I'll open up genius time after testing. They all want to cook! #6thchat
A6: Block format. I don't know how I ever accomplished anything with a traditional class period of only 45 minutes. We have a flexible system where we design our own schedule and on 5 day weeks, Friday is our only traditional day. It's amazing. #6thchat
I was in a classroom that had the longer folding tables where 6-8 students could sit. The teacher put them out for some projects and away when not needed. Could work for you. #6thchat
A6: FULL DAY BLOCK. We've been doing this for two years. It's been so great. You can meet so many more needs. The only downside is that can be a long time for someone who struggles in the subject. You have to individualize. #6thchat
A5: Depends what sort of topics/projects are being explored and produced. For ongoing learning without a defined "end product" I would pick the 10 week option. When a specific product is needed, I prefer short term so that they are more focused right away. #6thchat
A7) I think it would be extremely hard to be without my actual books, but since they are accessible via technology, I would have to choose that I'd rather have the technology. Glad I don't really have to worry about this. It's a coin toss because both would stink. #6thchat
We grouped 7/8 and 5/6. We split Mondays. Im considering asking them to move to an AB schedule. Over a 2 week span both grades get even amount of subjects. Spreads holidays across all classes. #6thchat
Such a great point about the struggle some Ss have. I agree, I see this too. You are right, you have to keep things moving and offer Ss engaging experiences. #6thchat
A6: FULL DAY BLOCK. We've been doing this for two years. It's been so great. You can meet so many more needs. The only downside is that can be a long time for someone who struggles in the subject. You have to individualize. #6thchat
Hahaha...I know. I thought it was kind of an impossible question BUT so goes this type of game...designed to make you choose between tough choices...#6thchat
A7: No books or hands-on manipulatives. Simulations and other enhancements that I use on the tech side outweigh the hands-on tools I use in my classroom. Rarely use a book anyway. #6thchat
I'm making an assumption that A6 is referring to textbooks. Although, with the increase of free online texts, we wouldn't miss out on those stories we read to our classes. #6thchat
A7: I love Chromebooks, but if I had to give up one or the other, I would give up Tech. I don't think there is any substitute for the actual books and their penmanship would probably improve too. #6thchat
A8) I think I would enjoy more breaks throughout the year, even though Michigan summers/warm weather is so short that I do enjoy the time then. I know for students, though, the shorter breaks from learning are better. #6thchat
A8: I've done both, and honestly I really enjoyed having small breaks during the year. But, I'm super excited to have a long summer again for the first time in 3 years. I choose the latter option. #6thchat
This is an activity in the Tribes book - Take a Stand. You sway others to your side. Cake or pie... Rich isolated island or just get by and have great friends. S picked the cash. After he explained he's never had much & wanted to know what it was like the room got quiet #6thchat
Well, and honestly, I take classes, go to conferences, and sometimes work an extra job. Not sure I would do that if I had a shortened summer. Have wondered about that part of my own PD/goals. #6thchat
You would be surprised how little you can get done with a 6 week summer. By the time you get recharged, you have to go back to PD and don't get much extra planning time to create great content for your Ss. #6thchat
A8: Year Round. We do 9:00-2:30 45 weeks (9-1 in summer term). 1 week off in July, 3 in August. The other breaks are normal. Still more time off than a desk job. Late start better for emotional challenges, shorter breaks better for Ss on autims spectrum. #6thchat
A8: Year Round. We do 9:00-2:30 45 weeks (9-1 in summer term). 1 week off in July, 3 in August. The other breaks are normal. Still more time off than a desk job. Late start better for emotional challenges, shorter breaks better for Ss on autism spectrum. #6thchat
Yes, this is a concern. Also, what about Ts who want to make extra money in another job. They can get hired for a summer, but likely not 6 weeks. #6thchat
Well #6thchat this was a lot of fun tonight! Many answer made me rethink my initial answers! That's what this game is all about! I know one thing... I would always rather spend my Tuesday evenings with #6thchat! Thank you!
