#1stchat Archive
Weekly chat for excited 1st grade teachers who love to learn and share ideas. Participants are interested in a variety of topics including literacy, math, technology, play, inquiry, and being the best educators they can be!
Sunday April 10, 2016
Please using A1, A2, A3... in all responses. Thanks!
My (future) first graders will be awesome innovative thinkers!
Hello lost track of time!
A1: My (future) first graders will be awesome innovative thinkers!
Hi - I’m Jenni. I’m a grade 1 teacher in Ontario.
Excited 2 relax w/ my awesome PLN. Been running all day getting rdy for conference tomorrow
A1: rockin it! full of it:) very busy
A1 My first graders are self-confident, eager, enthusiastic lovers of learning.
My first graders are chatty!
Haha…that's funny. Mine are too.
A1: Amazing! Their drive, excitement, ❤,independence️, & inspire me.
A1: My first graders are ready for second grade.
A1 Husband's answer: Energetic, full of life, excited, happy, and love their teacher: Mrs. Chustz! :)
My first graders are ALMOST SECOND GRADERS :) (That's now how I refer to them).
A1: my first graders are caring and empathetic. And chatting right now!! Ha
So are my 2nd graders! :) I love them but the sure do love to chat!
A1 I am currently in a second grade classroom and my students are currently talkative and ready for summer break
I love that! https://t.co/WvujlpGhsx
My first graders are ALMOST SECOND GRADERS :) (That's now how I refer to them).
Yes! keep reminding them of how much more knowledge they have after a year of learning!
Hi Claire from VT joining in.
A1: Growing (academically, socially, physically!) & loving rdg
A1 enthusiastic, curious, loud, busy, problem solvers, thinkers, ready for second grade!
Albright College student going to school to become a elementary teacher. Following this chat for a tech class! Excited to listen in
A1 My Grade Ones are energetic, willing to try new things, creative, and have grown so much since September.
Hi, Claire! Glad to see you!
mine too, they are really pushing me with my knowledge this year.
Hello! I'm a 2nd grade teacher in Lincoln, NE. First time joining and
Yeah! Another 2nd grade teacher!
Welcome, Anne! It is a GREAT CHAT!
's first graders are full of personality.
My first graders are chatty, enthusiastic, problem solving, engaged learners.
I'm having our 2nd grade T come in and teach a lesson. I want them to get to know her.
When does school end for most of you? We still have until the end of June.
I taught 2nd in 2013-2014! Loved every second... Haha!
Angela here from bracebridge Ontario Canada, first grade teacher
It's great to see how much they have bloomed. They bloom in 1st grade and totally blossom in 2nd.
... Each time I say this, ss get a huge smile on their face are I always remind them that we still have LOTS to learn!
# edu5720 My first graders are also curious and love to read. I teach first grade in royal oak, MI.
A1. My first graders are very kind and are working hard on writing and notice /wondering
Lol. To say the least! They are a fun bunch of kids! https://t.co/TKwCTiPlux
's first graders are full of personality.
It really was! Going to be in 1st next year after being a coach for 2 years &a lot has changed in my career! So excited
Yes! The growth 1st graders make in a year is astonishing! https://t.co/Tfk5hOizz4
A1 My Grade Ones are energetic, willing to try new things, creative, and have grown so much since September.
A1 my first graders are creative problem solvers...and also chatty!
...bundles of enthusiasm, positivity, curiosity, kindness, and hope!
We go until 2nd week in June
A1 My first graders are....chatty chatty chatty also happy, smart, independent, incredible readers and mathematicians.
's second graders are compassionate & great mentors to my first graders!
Loud! That should be on my list too!
Yes, Kindness. First graders are so kind & I love seeing that!
Funny!!! I forgot funny!!!!
A1: My 1st graders are also becoming teachers along with growing learners. So cool to see!
A1: ...kind, caring, exasperating, loving, forgiving, wonderful. They are the best!!!
https://t.co/dWqhLNfNk5
Q1 How would you finish this sentence? My first graders are… (Current Reality)
:) Only a couple but that's enough to raise the whole class's volume up:)
Welcome back to 1st. It's my fave grade:)
I taught 1st too and loved it.
Yes! So happy to see Ss working together, helping and teaching each other! https://t.co/YZswEbLGjL
A1: My 1st graders are also becoming teachers along with growing learners. So cool to see!
We have kindergarten buddies. They love the opportunity to be teachers and the "big Kids"
I loveddddd K and 2nd, hoping I really enjoy 1st too!
Yes, so funny! They keep me laughing.
Mine are chatty too but it's usually on topic.
My 2nd graders had kindergarten buddies too!
it's fun watching them learn how to "help" a peer w/out giving answers. I have many Ss teachers this year https://t.co/sTU7k0xNOo
A1: My 1st graders are also becoming teachers along with growing learners. So cool to see!
Oh, okay. So still 2 months to go. It was sounding like school was ending this month! :)
I may be biased but 1st is the best!❤️
I know you will! Also this amazing PLN
I see some global projects and maybe pen pals in the future? :) via Google... Haha!
In some ways, I wish, in other ways..still too much to do to even think about the end of the year yet
Joining a little late, Katy from
YES! : ) https://t.co/wDsyaSeEtC
I see some global projects and maybe pen pals in the future? :) via Google... Haha!
Hi, Katy! Hope you had a good weekend!
yes! This group is picking up "coaching" very well!
I am all about that! I learned about Hyper DOCS!!!! Oh my goodness... From She is fabulous!
This is our 2nd year together so they really know each other well and how to help.
you need to join us on Sundays with :)
Q2 What is the most important thing you want learners to take away from 1st grade?
It brings me such joy to see how happy they are when they talk about becoming 2nd graders!
YAY!!!! :) Let's collaborate this summer when things slow down.
Kids' last day is May 27.
Oh yes. Lots do to from now until the end of the year!
A1: my 1st graders are incredible little humans that I learn life lessons from daily! (Especially when it comes to tech 😉)
Started early this yr & we don't have many breaks so out early...
Wow. Only a few weeks away!!!
Wow! THat's right around the corner!
I know! We still have so much to accomplish!!
A2: I want all my students with an empowered feeling that they can do science and to observe their world around them
A2 Confidence in themselves as learners
A2: They will be most successful if they are strong on Phonics, number sense and have a love of learning. 2nd grade polishes.
A2: I want them to LOVE learning, reading and asking questions
A2: How to be independent learners that are able to effectively & how to think critically & handle failure & .
A2 Take risks, we learn and grow from our mistakes, and learning never ends.
I think love of learning can take you a long way.
A2 Love for learning, problem solving skills, empathy towards others including friends & teachers.
A2:From day 1, I tell ss and parents that I don't teach first grade, I am teaching them to be future grown ups and lifelong skills.
Just stumbled on this amazing chat. I'm amy from Iowa.
I agree, I wish no grade level would allow that to be taken. https://t.co/MmaEidDtHb
I think love of learning can take you a long way.
Hi, Amy from Iowa! I'm Leka from Iowa:)
Welcome. This is a great place.
A2: Also to continue to reach for the stars & love the learning they encounter along the way.
A2: I want my first graders to remember to never stop trying. There is always another way to learn.
A2 Tough one! Empathy, collaboration, develop a growth mindset, question things...find answers!
A2: Rdg opens the door, be a thinker & you can do it!
A2 I hope that my future first graders will leave first grade knowing how to ask questions and explore for the answers.
A2 They really get excited about learning new things and I don't want that to be jaded as they get older.
I want them to leave loving school & learning. THey have long road in front of them & don't like it now, they'll have a hard time.
Yes! A will also take them to the best learning and experiences. https://t.co/IZCF2hPzWJ
A2: I want my first graders to remember to never stop trying. There is always another way to learn.
Q2. I want them to ask great questions, be curious and continue to be kind
So many great take-aways being shared!
A2: Now that they are reading to learn, Not learning to read,I want them to understand the difference.
A2: As a 2nd grade teacher I want 1st graders to be ready to grow, work together, and love to learn/read
A2: I want ss to take away that life & things can be hard but if you work hard and put in best effort you can achieve great things
A2 I want my firsties to be kind to their fellow man and to have manners......life skills.
I agree, Loving school is a big one. It saddens me when I meet kids that hate school.
A2 Cont. to take risks w/ a positive . I'm their biggest cheerleader & my door is alwys open https://t.co/KRdiHJalhV
Q2 What is the most important thing you want learners to take away from 1st grade?
Q2: 2 love learning, be problem solvers, & 2 not be afraid to ask ?s & take risks
A2: 2nd grade is a big year! I want students to go into it confidently as they become more independent learners
A2 To be kind, love learning, enjoy the process, to always try hard and know it’s okay to make mistakes as long as you keep going
A2: To know that they are loved, safe, cared for, & capable...that there is someone who will always care.
https://t.co/wIicjIhBwF
Q2 What is the most important thing you want learners to take away from 1st grade?
A2: giving your best effort is another big one!
To understand the power of "Yet"
hi! Danielle from Alberta! Popping in - pot luck tomorrow so heading to grocery store in a few min! :)
A@: Would like firsties to be flexible math fluency, feeling comfortable with strategies in computing benchmarks sums to 10 & 20
Absolutely! Mama # 2! https://t.co/yLD5FSy738
A2: To know that they are loved, safe, cared for, & capable...that there is someone who will always care.
https://t.co/wIicjIhBwF
Q2 What is the most important thing you want learners to take away from 1st grade?
Flexibility is so important. We use a "Zigzag" which I place on schedule to alert them to changes in our day.
I became a teacher because I had teachers who cared @ me & helped me to know that I could do awesome things.
unless they call you "grandma" by accident:) lol
Thanks for stopping by…Enjoy your day tomorrow!
Q3 What subject/area/aspect of learning do you feel your first graders still need time to work on?
Thank you ma'am! You too! Already have a reminder to read up on when I get to school at 7:30am
A3: Writing their thoughts. They are so hung up on correct spelling or they just don't want to write.
They still do this in 2nd. I always tell them- write your ideas first & then we can edit!
A3 for some students, it's number sense.
A3: Writing. Narrative and expository, with clear, focused ideas.
A3: I'm heading into 2 digit addition w/regrouping. I'll let you know.
I love this! All kids need a great cheerleader and supporter!
A3 Explaining our thinking process and effectively expressing with pictures AND words.
A3: Writing is an area that I would like ss to improve on!
Definitely writing. New program this yr. Don't feel they have gotten enuf practice and experience. Makes me sad.
Yes, that may be a bit challenging. :)
What program are you using?
A3: Math & Science. So much of day is which is important but need more time to dive deeper into math & science.
A3 Reading for fluency is another focus.
A3: Reading...kids are loving it but since 95% of them are dual language learners there are challenges.
https://t.co/J8nuzNfn03
Q3 What subject/area/aspect of learning do you feel your first graders still need time to work on?
A3: Writing thoughts down...kiddos this yr really need to talk, talk, talk, talk, talk before they write it down
A3 I think first graders should be working on writing and creativity.
A3: my ss are still working on conventions of writing. They have wonderful ideas just missing the conventions.
A3:We have a new math program.We need to focus more on what's best practice for kiddos rather than follow the script of the program
A3 Science & Social Studies! I find myself being creative with cross-curricular initiatives to fit in more!
A3: we are working on writing with more details and expression, I'm working hard to make lessons for each students where they are
Pam Allyn's Core Ready. Great ideas, good teaching, but just not enough writing. Need to ponder/revamp for next year.
So are my 2nd graders :) They know the conventions but forget but it's a process.
A3: Deeper thinking,explaining thinking process,writing what they think in detail
Our second grade switches for science so they are "forced" to allow time for it.
Yes. My students do so much better when they partner write.
A3: Also just fact fluency in . math is foundational.
A3. All of them! Haha mostly their writing and math
A3 Writing Tip: Don't get caught up in the Text Type for writing. Help students set goals to work on across various text types.
A3 (Part 1) Explaining their thinking. "Why is do you think that?" "How do you know that is correct?" https://t.co/AcxMjiFHfr
Q3 What subject/area/aspect of learning do you feel your first graders still need time to work on?
A3 applying what they have learned about writing to all subjects. Sentences have spaces and periods even in math!
Fluency has been more difficult for my 2nd graders this year rather than comprehension
A3: they struggle with math language the most. Ex.determining whether they are adding or subtracting in a word problem
No Seesaw for me, but we buddy read with via GHO. It has been great way to practice fluency.
A3 (Part 2) Majority of my Ss are ELL so visual & audio talking stems are crucial for scaffolding https://t.co/AcxMjiFHfr
Q3 What subject/area/aspect of learning do you feel your first graders still need time to work on?
A3 My Ss need more work on their writing. Ss are doing a great job of writing in their own words but grammar needs work.
have you used FactDash and/or ?
Last week we discussed reading fluency. You should check our archives. Some great tips resources there.
I agree. Teach traits of writing, Choice is important in writing, just like reading. https://t.co/zPEcAWibfO
A3 Writing Tip: Don't get caught up in the Text Type for writing. Help students set goals to work on across various text types.
Q4 Is coming up…These are geared toward 2nd grade but all of us can chime in as we see fit.
A3 Reading. Decoding, fluency and comprehension is one of our goals we’re still working on.
I like this idea of partner writing.
Okay ...great ready to answer questions! https://t.co/cvfRBfjyGn
Q4 Is coming up…These are geared toward 2nd grade but all of us can chime in as we see fit.
it's all about progress! Many of my Ss are ELL & below grade-level, but have come such a long way since Sept.
A3: I agree conventions can be difficult but these are 6-7 yr olds. Content should take priority. Finland starts age 7.
Q4 What are some foundational pieces/skills 2nd graders need to start off the school year successfully?
They love it. Great conversations and encouragement.
I totally agree. We just need to get the teacher evaluation system to reflect that.
A4: I love having 1st graders that are eager to learn and are willing to take changes. No worries about making mistakes!
A4 Excited learners that are ready to succeed
A4: No matter what reading level, I wish my new class can think about the text and make connections.
Second graders need to be ready to dive in with extending their thoughts, being able to ask questions
A4: Phonics/Decoding. Strategies in all subj. Number Sense. Writing sentences.
A4: In math, I love when they can take apart numbers easily- fluency.
Yes, not afraid to make mistakes.Also, love when kids tell you what teacher did the previous year."This is a new year!"
A4: I love for them to ask questions and want to take initiative to find the answer.
agreed! I teach 70% of time is content and 30% time is conventions, mostly capitals spacing & punctuation. https://t.co/drzRGnsJIN
A3: I agree conventions can be difficult but these are 6-7 yr olds. Content should take priority. Finland starts age 7.
A4: Making a ten is huge, fluency with that.
My second graders are still struggling with this! https://t.co/Vv0DwU3xwp
A4: In math, I love when they can take apart numbers easily- fluency.
A4: I think fact accuracy, strong skills, & accurate readers (even if not on or above level) are important.
I would like for students to come in ready to collaborate, be ok with making mistakes, show kindess
A4: In writing- I want them to just write and get all of their ideas out and then worry about spelling.
A4: number sense/place value, phonics/decoding, complete sentences, take risks and learn from them
A4: Comfortable with conversation and listening to one another would be awesome.
A4: Fluency with math facts and understand how to take numbers apart.
Terrific! My kiddos have this under their belts...visualization of the 10s frame.
We are using lots of 10 frames to help with that.
I also agree with listening to one another :)
YES! Making ten is SUCH a big foundation that helps us build on for place value, addition and subtraction.
A4: Reading: Be able to read with expression and prosody and of course comprehension
Yes, we stress that they should get ideas written down and spell as best they can.
Are there lots of students who have a hard time with math facts coming into second grade? https://t.co/UGy9nWQ0HT
A4: Fluency with math facts and understand how to take numbers apart.
A4: Reading/math fluency, writing skills, but most of all--they are loved & capable.
https://t.co/wi3NTj5wDd
Q4 What are some foundational pieces/skills 2nd graders need to start off the school year successfully?
We are too! This seems to be skill 1st gr need more practice with instead of multiple types word problems. https://t.co/yEDfATiqDy
We are using lots of 10 frames to help with that.
A4: Experience with group work, problem solving and some stamina in reading. *Wish List* not necessarily basic.
A4: Writing-Focus on getting information on paper and not hung up on spelling.
YES! I love when kids coming in doing that.
We need to work more with place value. Some get it and others not yet, but close to getting it.
I do not assist with spelling, I instead ask ss to write down what they hear and know (from phonics patterns already!)
Thank you! We can work on finding ways to spell accurately in 2nd. Ideas are more important!
I have been using sentence stems w/ my kids to help them practice listening & speaking. They ❤️ it.
A5 Math facts, decoding skills, ability to work with others, and critical/creative thinking.
Awesome, make them completely comfortable with this. Spelling can be fixed during editing. https://t.co/2DHo7wi4vT
I do not assist with spelling, I instead ask ss to write down what they hear and know (from phonics patterns already!)
Q5 If you could identify on area/thing for first grade teachers to "hit hard", what would it be?
Great start, then move from that. Don't let them become dependent on the stems. https://t.co/1WhfmJ7rar
I have been using sentence stems w/ my kids to help them practice listening & speaking. They ❤️ it.
In writing, have words they are held responsible to spell correctly and add to it
A5: Inquiry and problem solving in all subject areas.
A5 Getting their thought out on paper and not worry so much about spelling
A5: Phonics: both as readers and writers. So many come in still at cvc level.
I totally agree. My firsties struggle with this a lot.
A5: I am so curious to hear 2nd Ts opinions on this bc feel like have to hit SO many areas hard.
A5: Number fluency to 10. This really helps us with the big numbers we have to work on.
Problem solving is difficult especially when multiple steps are involved.
A5: Also number sense. Take the time in math to have number talks, work with mystery numbers, etc.
I know, right? I'm tired just thinking about it. Lol https://t.co/4xnkf1Atjp
A5: I am so curious to hear 2nd Ts opinions on this bc feel like have to hit SO many areas hard.
I am thinking more about not giving up and trying to solve problems without relying on me.
A5: Number sense, benchmark facts of 5, 10 & 20, estimating, flexibility in fluency https://t.co/rSI9BTvt7K
Q5 If you could identify on area/thing for first grade teachers to "hit hard", what would it be?
This takes care of everything- math, reading, phonics, writing etc...
we've been working on asking questions to extend what we already know. Practicing how to as good Qs. https://t.co/W92ak5Iin9
A5: Inquiry and problem solving in all subject areas.
... Heading out early... Thanks to all for another great chat! Finish the school year strong!
Encourage them to move to independence. Show them they have strategies.
We switched our spelling program in hopes of hitting more vowel teams to help them read. https://t.co/Vq6505N7tc
A5: Phonics: both as readers and writers. So many come in still at cvc level.
Have you ever done a mystery number skype?
we have worked and worked on number fluency to 10....I tell my Ss that 10 is the most important number..they love it!
Yes, I thought so. Some of my students tend to answer without looking at entire problem. Given 2 numbers…add them…NOT!
Thank you for some great ideas 2nd grade teachers!
Yes! We actually team with and do it on GHO twice a week in partnerships. https://t.co/YvtNHIz3wp
Have you ever done a mystery number skype?
Yes! It is really important. Then tell them how 10 can help them with 9. 9 is a helpful number to work with too.
A5: fluency has been a big one this year but can vary, story problems, creativity, problem solving skills with classmates
A5. Reading (which is a cop out because it's so many answers in one).
In my opinion, reading fluency can happen more in 2nd grade if they have the decoding down.
Plus their mistakes help me know how to help them. I can see what they don't understand.
A5 I'm really trying to groom leaders. Leaders make good choices AND encourage peers to do the same.
I agree but w/ my kids English is a 2nd language & has been a great help to get them to feel confident.
I agree. I would rather 1st grade work on phonics, decoding & comprehension skills.
Thanks for all the great input!
Same here! https://t.co/LjhLCGmzdE
A5 I'm really trying to groom leaders. Leaders make good choices AND encourage peers to do the same.
Do you just have a number in mind and Ss give clues?
oh we make all kinds of connections to 10 with all of the numbers...Sum Blox help kids to connect.
Teaching to using multiple cueing systems (meaning-structure-visual) is so important. Look right, sound right, and make sense.
They ask yes and no questions. Is it a 2 digit number? Is it greater than...Does it have 3 tens? https://t.co/4Jkeq4r2D0
Do you just have a number in mind and Ss give clues?
The class picks a number and then ask yes or no questions to figure out the number.
Q6 What would you like 1st grade teachers to know/understand about 2nd grade? (Compliment, Criticism, or Random Fact)
Q6 is on deck! Final Q of the night!
A6: As one that has taught 1st and 2nd, I understand your challenges & all that is on your plate. THank you for all you do!
A6 I bet having 1st graders meet some 2nd grade teachers would help them know that 2nd grade is not scary.
I truly feel 2nd grade is a polishing year of 1st grade. You teach many of the same things, but with higher expectations.
A6: I feel like math is the place we jump the most from 1st. Keep working on breaking numbers apart and putting them back together.
I like this Q! How can we refine our teaching, celebrate it, restructure it? https://t.co/t7Qq2jwaCb
Q6 What would you like 1st grade teachers to know/understand about 2nd grade? (Compliment, Criticism, or Random Fact)
A6: Playing with and understanding number is better than being able to complete a worksheet quickly. :)
I may contact you both. I have to get through our last testing (ugh!) window. I'll be in touch.
We do a teacher swap day where we read stories in other classrooms.
very nice to hear what 2nd gr Ts need from 1st gr Ts! thanks for the great chat tonight!
A6: I agree that 2nd grade builds upon the foundational skills of 1st. Need Ss to have confidence & keep growing!
A6: 1st grade sets the foundation for 2nd grade to expand on skills, great age for reading to really take off!
That's a great idea I love it! I hope to do that in my classroom someday!
I also feel if we are to retain, 1st grade is the yr to do it. They need the basics of 1st, not kindergarten.
A6: We couldn't do what we do without you!
Yes, that's a great way to look at it! https://t.co/lg0frNI7hJ
I truly feel 2nd grade is a polishing year of 1st grade. You teach many of the same things, but with higher expectations.
We do this as a school at the EOY so all grades/classes get chance to peek at their next teacher/grade. https://t.co/0ipzZSwRJE
We do a teacher swap day where we read stories in other classrooms.
We also do Ss shadowing Ss in next grade level for a time in day just to see how it is, expectations, etc. https://t.co/0ipzZSwRJE
We do a teacher swap day where we read stories in other classrooms.
Wow! This has been an awesome chat! Thank you and all of our friends for joining our conversation tonight!
Thanks for a great chat for a soon to be student teacher in 1st grade!!!
Thanks to all of and ! IT was great to have a chat smash up! :)
Our last day of school is called move up day where everyone gets to meet their next year's teacher.
& thanks for a great chat! Enjoy your night! 😊
Have a super week! and friends
Thanks to for inviting me and tonight! Remember , this is our chat for this week. Our next chat is April 27th.
Thanks for letting me lurk
We have an Open House/Ice Cream Social at end of year where parents/kids visit classrooms.
Thanks for the great chat great insight from teachers! Have a great week!
You guys rock! Carol, Thanks again! https://t.co/mCoigRImeI
Thanks to for inviting me and tonight! Remember , this is our chat for this week. Our next chat is April 27th.
That is a great idea! https://t.co/vlzj7ykeqt
Our last day of school is called move up day where everyone gets to meet their next year's teacher.
Join us next week at the same time and place. We'll be discussing Reading and Assessment with as our guest-moderator.
Thanks for a great chat. See you all next week.
