#TeacherFriends INTROS! Where are you? Your edu-role? New here? Need Twitter support?
Have you ever met one of your favorite picture book authors or illustrators or author/illustrators? Tell us!
#TeacherFriends We are happy that you have found us! We are here every Tuesday for support, inspiration, friendship and general RahRah! WELCOME.
Be sure you enter to win tonight's door prizes!
#TeacherFriends I'm back in FL! I'm an author/illustrator of pic books and music-lady/conference presenter. Always in search of a school visit, wearing my many hats! Founder of our happy chat.
Thanks to Maggie, Kristen and Cindy for keeping it alive!
#TeacherFriends Hello! I am Maggie, a K Teacher, Blogger,co-mod here at chat, STEM Author, musician and nanna from Missouri. Back at school for the next roller coaster ride in December!
We are here weekly at #TeacherFriends with different topic/different guest every week
Tonight we have Eric Litwin Author of picture books with us! @ericlitwinbooks
#TeacherFriends Q1. Eric Litwin @ericlitwinbooks incorporates music into all his books. How does music help children learn to read? What are your students favorites?
#TeacherFriends Music to me is ALL about rhyme and meter, rhythm, anticipation, patterns.... all the good building blocks of reading.
Here's my best scholarly article from my blog on all of the above: https://t.co/4pjqHGgaot
A1: Music is amazing! It makes the book predictable and provides them with the opportunity of success! My kids love Groovy Joe, The Nuts, Pete the Cat, Big Pumpkin!!! #teacherfriends
#TeacherFriends A1: We love singing with @KweezleQueen and learning ASL through You're Wonderful, Red White and Blue, and Tall Giraffe. We love all of the Pete books/songs, the Nut Family and how Groovy Joe is good at sharing. We even sing Mrs. H's 7 Days of the Week Cha-cha!
#TeacherFriends A1: Music gets kids to take notice in patterns in language.Repetition helps to cement those concepts. Music is the key to many early learning skills.
A1: #teacherfriends Having any words set to a musical background helps my learners to read much faster! They pick up lyrics faster than words, so they read/sing books and boost their confidence!
#TeacherFriends Here's a mind map on music benefits. Freebie download at TpT. https://t.co/kpeZekjtW8
*It would be sweet if you rated it, just because you're nice like that. Just sayin' :)
A1: #teacherfriends Having any words set to a musical background helps my learners to read much faster! They pick up lyrics faster than words, so they read/sing books and boost their confidence!
A1: #teacherfriends The longer I teach the more I sing everything. Even just a simple set of directions often turns into a quick song or chant and they remember much better and with more accuracy.
A1: I absolutely love Groovy Joe! My kiddos have all the nuts books memorized and they have all the groovy joe books memorized! These are what they beg for daily!!! #teacherfriends
I am the author of the original four Pete the Cat books. The ones with music. White Shoes, School Shoes, Groovy Buttons and Pete the Cat Saves Christmas. Then I moved on to The Nut Family and Groovy Joe. Learn more at https://t.co/y0LtHmPFGw#TeacherFriends
And we LOVE that you do!! My Kinders listen to your books on CD and sing them at the top of their little lungs (with headphones on) and rock out!! Its so CUTE and they all love that they can "read" #TeacherFriends
Tonight absolutely COUNTS! #TeacherFriends are getting up close and personal with a legend!
Thanks @ericlitwinbooks for taking the time to share tonight!
#teacherfriends you must must must read them to your kiddos!!! they are great for numbertalks, just reading, story retelling, math, all day everyday!!!
A1: I play music any chance I can. Right now it is Christmas tunes without lyrics with a fireplace video showing while they read/work. I also LOVE @GoNoodle Just got Plus funded through @DonorsChoose#TeacherFriends
Yes!!!!!! I totally agree! kids need to interact and become one with their books!!! it should not be a parallell experience!! they must be immersed!!!! #teacherfriends
#TeacherFriends Q2. The books from @ericlitwinbooks always have an optimistic message such as "It's all good". Can we teach optimism and resiliency? What other titles/authors come to mind? Favorites?
A2: Definitely! Students need to realize that the world is not a bad gloomy place! There is positivity everywhere we look. No matter what happens to us, we can get through it. That is why these books are so important for the kids to be exposed to!!! #teacherfriends
#TeacherFriends A2: In Kindergarten, it is all about optimism and resiliency.We must help our littles understand mistakes are learning experiences.Our minds must grasp the power of "yet", because it's all good!
#TeacherFriends My own book/song combo entitled "You're Wonderful" is one that adds to the resilience account and uses "I messages" throughout: simple & repetitive.
What Cindy said.
#TeacherFriends hold each other up and remind one another of the network, just a click away -- when the going gets rough.
Thanks again Tweeps!
A2: Definitely! Students need to realize that the world is not a bad gloomy place! There is positivity everywhere we look. No matter what happens to us, we can get through it. That is why these books are so important for the kids to be exposed to!!! #teacherfriends
The power of yet has become a big thing. I have to tell my K's many times a day, Yet, You might not be able to do it yet but keep working and you will. #teacherfriends
Kids need to know that no matter what they are going through, it will all be good!!!! positivity, optimism, resiliency a must and can be all taught all together!! #teacherfriends
A2: #teacherfriends Rosie Revere Engineer, Iggy Peck, Ada Twist Scientist by @andreabeaty and The Most Magnificent Thing all teach about optimism and perseverance, not giving up when your ideas don't work or adults rain on your parade!
Yes! In our classroom, we have the #powerofpositivethinking. It's our thinking that can change how we problem solve, interact w/one another, think, etc. #TeacherFriends
The predictability. The empowering sense of knowing what comes next. So calming. So encouraging. Ease. #TeacherFriends
Gives courage, when lyrics can be anticipated. "I know what comes next! I can do it!"
This is SO true for big kids, too. I just think that sometimes we forget to continually deliver these messages. It's also a reason why big Kids sometimes stop trying. They stop believing in yet. #TeacherFriends
A2: Books are AWESOME for teaching resiliency - and optimism. Kids can see book characters fail, learn and grow/succeed. Faves include @andreabeaty’s books - Iggy Peck, Rosie Revere, Ada Twist #TeacherFriends
I agree. Prediction is also important in early literacy. When children can predict words and meaning they enjoy the reading experience more. #TeacherFriends
#TeacherFriends I have seen students begin the day with tears, then immediately smile when we play @ericlitwinbooks Eric's songs. It is comforting to them to hear something familiar, and makes them forget the present peril.
@ericlitwinbooks have given my kids the confidence they need to read and write! It has increased their confidence in math since I use all of his books for numbertalks #teacherfriends
#TeacherFriends Q3. As a former teacher who focused on early literacy, @ericlitwinbooks used his knowledge of early literacy to write books that help children learn to read. Why don't more teachers write books for early literacy? How would this benefit early literacy content?
#TeacherFriends A3: I think the main reason Ts do not write/publish more is time! I love to write songs, record music, write for my students, etc., but working full time and other responsibilities limit that time for creativity. I still do it, but not as much as I would like.
A2b) we sing from our poetry notebooks and my students love it! What a great feeling when they know the song by heart and “read” for their classmates! They are so optimistic by nature! #TeacherFriends
Dr. Jean is wonderful. I love her and met her a few times. There are other great musicians as well. I also have eight music CDs for children #TeacherFriends
My absolute 'thing' about a school visit, is being greeted in the parking lot, hallway, play ground with the enthusiasm of the kids singing my work.
When they sing it, they 'own' that piece of literature. #TeacherFriends
I hope teachers will write and share books that are interactive and benefit emerging readers. Teachers know what helps children learn to read. #TeacherFriends
A3 #teacherfriends Good question why don't more teachers write books? @ericlitwinbooks are great and I'm sure other teachers could use their skills to write some interesting books too.
Day to day they hear and see optimisim. Eventually the kids start using what they hear without even realizing it. Just today I heard a little girl tell another students that he was "almost there" while working on 2 digit multiplication. Made my heart happy. #TeacherFriends
I agree with @maggieskinder but also the fear of rejection. As Ts, we make things up all the time that work for our kids. Time and perhaps, fear may hold us back. #TeacherFriends
In reply to
@KweezleQueen, @ericlitwinbooks, @maggieskinder
#TeacherFriends My three picture books (based on early songs I had written for children) are self-published, but appreciated when they are "located" by ECE teachers. At the request of others.
***SHAMELESS PLUG***
#TeacherFriends A3: I think the main reason Ts do not write/publish more is time! I love to write songs, record music, write for my students, etc., but working full time and other responsibilities limit that time for creativity. I still do it, but not as much as I would like.
It's funny and I love it, we are working on adjectives and the kids always answer with an adjective is a word that describes a noun, whic are the words in the Grammar Jammers #teacherfriends
I hope teachers will write and share books that are interactive and benefit emerging readers. Teachers know what helps children learn to read. #TeacherFriends
Multi-sensory approach, by adding a 'song' and movement to a book is guaranteed to help children succeed.
VAK Attack=Visual, Auditory, Kinesthetic
#TeacherFriends
Hi Dan. I really believe this. However, it is important that they use their knowledge of multi-sensory techniques. So the teacher book stand out! #TeacherFriends
A3 #teacherfriends Good question why don't more teachers write books? @ericlitwinbooks are great and I'm sure other teachers could use their skills to write some interesting books too.
#TeacherFriends Some of my songs tie in with learning concepts like rhyme, and some are about a character overcoming some learning difficulty. I think we need more of these "can do" books in the world.
#TeacherFriends A3: I think the main reason Ts do not write/publish more is time! I love to write songs, record music, write for my students, etc., but working full time and other responsibilities limit that time for creativity. I still do it, but not as much as I would like.
Day to day they hear and see optimisim. Eventually the kids start using what they hear without even realizing it. Just today I heard a little girl tell another students that he was "almost there" while working on 2 digit multiplication. Made my heart happy. #TeacherFriends
making reading fun and successful is so important! writing books that our kids can read and enjoy is so important and adds so much to our day! when they feel successful, the possibilities are endless!!! #teacherfriends
Mrs Parker did you know that both I Love My White Shoes and Groovy Buttons were initialy rejected? I am rejected all the time. I just never give up ;) #TeacherFriends
I agree with @maggieskinder but also the fear of rejection. As Ts, we make things up all the time that work for our kids. Time and perhaps, fear may hold us back. #TeacherFriends
In reply to
@KweezleQueen, @ericlitwinbooks, @maggieskinder
@ericlitwinbooks i think kids are naturally optimistic! our classroom environment and attitude will keep them there if we are positive and optimistic!! #teacherfriends
It is sooooooooooooo encouraging to hear of the 'over-coming rejection' mindset needed to become visible, break through, follow your dreams, make it happen. #TeacherFriends say YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!!
Mrs Parker did you know that both I Love My White Shoes and Groovy Buttons were initialy rejected? I am rejected all the time. I just never give up ;) #TeacherFriends
I agree with @maggieskinder but also the fear of rejection. As Ts, we make things up all the time that work for our kids. Time and perhaps, fear may hold us back. #TeacherFriends
In reply to
@KweezleQueen, @ericlitwinbooks, @maggieskinder
#TeacherFriends@LWMrsParker , I think all teachers are different. I am never afraid to try something, and accept there will be fails. But when there is a success! It's heaven! Don't let fear of rejection keep you from your genius!
I agree with @maggieskinder but also the fear of rejection. As Ts, we make things up all the time that work for our kids. Time and perhaps, fear may hold us back. #TeacherFriends
In reply to
@KweezleQueen, @ericlitwinbooks, @maggieskinder
#TeacherFriends Q4: The new books from @ericlitwinbooks have line disco dances. Do you dance in your classroom? What are some of your fave dances? Brain breaks?
Of course you are! And, I say that with admiration and respect. But, as Ts, that would require us to put ourselves "out there" in a diff way. Not all Ts are ready for that. #TeacherFriends
I would like to think kids are born optimistic. Unfortunately, life for many takes that away from them. As teachers, we can help kids find it again or keep it growing. #TeacherFriends
Please dance in class, have fun and connect to literacy. Here is how to do the new Groovy Joe Dance, Disco Party Bow Wow. https://t.co/lu6EuFvM0A#TeacherFriends
A4 #teacherfriends yes we are dancing all the time in my classroom. Music is a great way to help learn new concepts. Let's all do the 10 dance! https://t.co/7QypM8BiRd
Lately, I have been playing classical music while Ss work independently (currently teach 5th). At first, they noticed. Now, I've noticed it calms them down enough to focus. #TeacherFriends
Lately, I have been playing classical music while Ss work independently (currently teach 5th). At first, they noticed. Now, I've noticed it calms them down enough to focus. #TeacherFriends
A4: I love to dance in my classroom!! we do the disco when we read Groovy Joe! we also do the dance for the nuts polka dot pants. we also make up dances for our books and songs!! #teacherfriends@gonoodle is a must
I think success leads to more success. And music helps make this possible. How do you incorporate music into literacy in your classroom? #TeacherFriends
making reading fun and successful is so important! writing books that our kids can read and enjoy is so important and adds so much to our day! when they feel successful, the possibilities are endless!!! #teacherfriends
Q4: We move & groove in the library all the time! We ❤️ Sing & Dance in Your Polka Dot Pants!!! Monday was 50’s Day at school - we danced to Elvis Presley songs. Not a book, but cultural literacy! #TeacherFriends
I taught at an impoverished school and moved to a school that is not title 1, the children from a poverty background had a tough time being optimistic. I think all kids are pretty optimistic but some more than others. #TeacherFriends
Day to day they hear and see optimisim. Eventually the kids start using what they hear without even realizing it. Just today I heard a little girl tell another students that he was "almost there" while working on 2 digit multiplication. Made my heart happy. #TeacherFriends
Dancing and singing is so important in the classrooom. Allows S's to let loose a little & b themselves. They need 2 b silly. They need 2 b kids. They need 2 b active & they need to be able to do all of this while learning! Makes it more relevant, internalizes it! #teacherfriends
I don't let rejection stop me. I also perform my stories hundreds of times live before I submit to a publisher. So I know how kids respond to them already. #TeacherFriends
It is sooooooooooooo encouraging to hear of the 'over-coming rejection' mindset needed to become visible, break through, follow your dreams, make it happen. #TeacherFriends say YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!!
Mrs Parker did you know that both I Love My White Shoes and Groovy Buttons were initialy rejected? I am rejected all the time. I just never give up ;) #TeacherFriends
I agree with @maggieskinder but also the fear of rejection. As Ts, we make things up all the time that work for our kids. Time and perhaps, fear may hold us back. #TeacherFriends
In reply to
@KweezleQueen, @ericlitwinbooks, @maggieskinder
YES!!! Let's build gigantic success empowerment growing machines from this era of children. There are big issues to confront, problems to solve.
Music/dance/the Arts can be such an amazing collaborative tool.
#TeacherFriends
I think success leads to more success. And music helps make this possible. How do you incorporate music into literacy in your classroom? #TeacherFriends
making reading fun and successful is so important! writing books that our kids can read and enjoy is so important and adds so much to our day! when they feel successful, the possibilities are endless!!! #teacherfriends
My kids learn a lot of their concepts through music. I also make songs up and sing books that are not written as songs. They love it when I sing the story instead of just read it! scary since my voice is not all that! #teacherfriends
I would like to think kids are born optimistic. Unfortunately, life for many takes that away from them. As teachers, we can help kids find it again or keep it growing. #TeacherFriends
#TeacherFriends Q5: The original four Pete the Cat books, The Nut Family and Groovy Joe share common themes and writing approach. What are they? Thoughts on how your Ss respond?
#TeacherFriends A5: Most important theme running through all of Eric's books: You can persevere and keep things from ruining your day every day! That is so powerful! Love it!
A5: no matter what happens it is all good! There is positivity in all that we do and see! we can overcome anything all we need is love and positivity!! #teacherfriends
#TeacherFriends A5: Most important theme running through all of Eric's books: You can persevere and keep things from ruining your day every day! That is so powerful! Love it!
I have a new CD coming out soon called Classical for Kiddoes. I made it with Mr. Michael Levine who created The Learning Groove with me. It is classical music made interactive and silly.
A5)they have sight words, music, singing, rhythm, and rhyme with the same encouraging “keep moving” and keep on “goodness no” attitudes!#TeacherFriends
I would like to think kids are born optimistic. Unfortunately, life for many takes that away from them. As teachers, we can help kids find it again or keep it growing. #TeacherFriends
#TeacherFriends BONUS Q6. The new book Groovy Joe Dance Party Countdown has "doubling" in the story. Can you use this book to teach doubling or a related math concept? @ericlitwinbooks
Can I just say, I love this page in groovy joe ice cream and dinosaurs! I show them and have them go back and imagine what he takes out! they draw it and write about it! #teacherfriends
I acknowledge the tough things my Ss go through but I remind them that in our room anything is possible. I let them know that between 7:45 and 3:30 they have choice to be positive. They have the power. I hope this stays with them well after they leave my room. #TeacherFriends
#TeacherFriends We continue in the picture book vein, next with @mariadismondy on 12/5 on all things Character: Modeling & Building in the Classroom.
Please ReTweet and set an alarm to attend.
#TeacherFriends BONUS Q6. The new book Groovy Joe Dance Party Countdown has "doubling" in the story. Can you use this book to teach doubling or a related math concept? @ericlitwinbooks
#TeacherFriends Thank you @ericlitwinbooks Eric for this most engaging chat! Your personal connection with each participant has cause everyone to reflect on what we do. I feel good!!!
A6: I used this book for doubling! I also used it for number talks. i wrote a blog post about how this book can be used! My kids loved this book!!! #teacherfriends
#teacherfriends I love learning right alongside you. Next week is the Hour of the Code. Here's my blog post about Coding in K. Great for Ts just starting as well.
https://t.co/DhiK2UsOnB
