#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.
My name is Kristin and I will be moderating tonight's #6thchat! It was a great break, and time to get back into the swing of things! I teach ELA and SS in Lansing, MI
A1) I have done the #oneword activity and this year used @SEANJFAHEY hyperdoc! Students are enjoying reflecting and sharing their ideas. More engaged w/hyperdoc. #6thchat
I did it at the beginning of the school year, and felt it didn't go as well...the hyperdoc and having the Ss see what other Ss were doing definitely improved their focus and word selection! #6thchat
A2) I find Ss are more engaged when they are interacting w/Ss from other parts of the country/globe. They seem to rise to the occasion. Want to find more ways to have Ss connect. #6thchat
A lot of my Ss were not very willing to record themselves at first, but then came around and really liked watching others. I'll definitely use it again! #6thchat
One thing that has helped is I have a lit circle that I'm a part of and also pick some kids that will "dig deeper." We model our convers. for the class. Call it a chat within a chat. #6thchat
A3) During the cold months I find that Ss sometimes appreciate being able to be inside for a reprieve. Plan to have Ss in small groups down to play a game, read, or help w/projects to increase talk/interaction & getting to know them. #6thchat
A3: I think I have to make the cognitive effort to connect with the students I haven't during the 1st half of the year. It's so easy to just fall in with the ones I have a relationship with
#6thchat
A3 I have been totally invested in taking time for Monday Meetings and Friday Farewells, sharing our books and writing. Taking time to enjoy each other. Well worth the time invested. #6thchat
Agree. It's easy to fall into the comfort zone with the kids that are easy to connect with. I need to remind myself it's the kids that don't put themselves out there that really need a connection. #6thchat
Yes, I recently connected with a pair of great quiet kids over pics of hairless cats...honestly not sure why that was what they chose to look at, but they did and then wrote poetry about it #6thchat
A3. I’m going to make an effort to talk with my students, ask lots of questions, show them lots of artworks and see where we can connect and find places to bring their interests and passions into the art room. #6thchat
A4) My #oneword for 2018: change-maker--for my Ss and for myself...make positive changes for each person I meet, and for myself, continue with the healthy/positive changes I have made in my own life. #6thchat
Great idea! I am working on having a Haiku Journal this year to reflect and focus. Haven't done one before but someone gave me that idea on #6thchat one time, and I have been remembering it...finally doing it!
Thanks, Kristin! I run a 100% choice art room but I still struggle with always engaging the kids who don’t jump in. That’s what I’m working on, helping those kids find joy in their work #6thchat
A5) For my Ss, I want them to work on passion projects or genius hour projects that they are interested in and take the lead in creating new information or exploring new ideas and sharing them. Personally, I hope to continue being a tech leader in my community #6thchat
A5: For myself I want to start on a Masters program later this year (either summer or fall start)
For my Ss I want to do more small groups with Ss in charge of groups
#6thchat
Another great word. I often find myself "thinking ahead" and "missing the present" in doing so...have to keep the focus and head in the time zone. #6thchat
A5: For myself I want to start on a Masters program later this year (either summer or fall start)
For my Ss I want to do more small groups with Ss in charge of groups
#6thchat
Oh yes...for me as well. I needed a break, and was very busy with family and vacation. It is nice to see familiar friends who inspire me. Breaks are good! #6thchat
A5 For students I like to use @PaulSolarz silent day idea. This year I'm not giving them a warning ahead of time. They will need to function on own. Builds class leadership. #6thchat
A6) I am planning to leave work earlier on 2 out of the 5 days to go home and read/write; I am planning to workout 5-6 days a week (as I have), and continue w/ healthy food prep/planning. #6thchat
I held one right before winter break and it was so empowering. They can't wait for another. I take plenty of notes and it makes for a powerful reflection the next day. #6thchat
A7) If I don't enjoy teaching something, my Ss won't enjoy learning it. So, I try to mix up my lessons to include elements of fun, interaction, and exploration. I keep reading professional books/blogs to get new inspiration. #6thchat
I never thought of doing a Silent Day at the conclusion of this book. We read it toward the end of the year, so it would be perfect timing for that! @PaulSolarz#6thchat
In reply to
@PrincipalSmart, @thedevineone, @PaulSolarz, @PaulSolarz
A7 As I'm planning I ask myself is this something I would want to sit through. If I'm looking forward to teaching it and introducing it then I know I'm on the right page. If not, need to go back to drawing board. #6thchat
A7 I try to practice gratitude and we do as a class as well. I take their feedback whenever possible. We just totally quite a read aloud I had picked out because they were not enjoying it. #6thchat
That's a great way to be responsive. Quitting a read aloud shows that it is okay to not be interested in every book/topic, etc. Great role modeling. #6thchat
A8) I am looking ahead to lessons that are "weak" and looking to see how to change them to make them more engaging; I will read professional books and books that my Ss might enjoy to book talk more! #6thchat
A8: I need to finish planning out my lit circles and making sure they are something Ss will want to do instead of something they feel forced to do #6thchat
A8 I have been working on my goal of writing conferences and doing a better job of giving regular feedback. I am going to try and change our routines slightly to keep moving forward with this goal. #6thchat
Thanks #6thchat folks for joining in and sharing your ideas, and your resolutions to make a difference! Have a great rest of your week, and see you next week! #6thchat
Thanks for the great chat tonight. I loved being back and the questions were fun to think about at this time of year. Have a great week everyone. #6thchat
