#2ndaryELA Archive

#2ndaryELA is a group of middle and high school English Language Arts teachers looking to share ideas and best practices. We chat every Tuesday night at 8 pm EST using #2ndaryELA. We'd love for you to join us!

Tuesday November 14, 2017
8:00 PM EST

  • literarymaven - Moderator Nov 14 @ 8:00 PM EST
    Welcome to tonight’s chat! Please introduce yourself. Tell what & where you teach. Share your blog link if you have one. #2ndaryELA
  • literarymaven - Moderator Nov 14 @ 8:00 PM EST
    I'm Brynn Allison, chat co-host. 9 yrs teaching HS English & reading interventions in Philly. Blog: https://t.co/cyx1WlfdS8 #2ndaryELA
  • participatechat Nov 14 @ 8:00 PM EST
    Participate in the upcoming #2ndaryELA by sharing resources and collaborating at https://t.co/7JVSn6BeQg
  • Ashlie224 Nov 14 @ 8:01 PM EST
    Tonight's #2ndaryELA chat will be hosted by @Ashlie224 so look for questions coming from me.
  • jthompedu Nov 14 @ 8:01 PM EST
    Hello, everybody! Josh here from Blacksburg, VA. I teach 9th, 12th, and 12th dual enrollment (Brit lit survey). Excited for the chat tonight! #2ndaryela
  • KeGaffigan Nov 14 @ 8:02 PM EST
    Kassidy in outside the perimeter south ATL, GA Socratic seminars are my Favorite Thing #2ndaryELA
  • SpanglerMiddle Nov 14 @ 8:02 PM EST
    #2ndaryELA
  • jordyn_pistilli Nov 14 @ 8:02 PM EST
    Hi all! My name is Jordyn and I'm a pre-service teacher studying at Grove City College in PA. I'm looking forward to tonight's chat! #2ndaryELA
  • JJ_Burry Nov 14 @ 8:02 PM EST
    Good evening #2ndaryela! I'm Jess (7th grade writing in Texas). I haven't updated my blog in awhile (plan to this week), so here's a post from my students!
  • MichaelaE16 Nov 14 @ 8:02 PM EST
    Hi there! I’m an ELAR teacher in training from Tyler, TX #ed4338 #2ndaryELA
  • MsScotchmer Nov 14 @ 8:02 PM EST
    I’m Jennifer in SW Ontario. I️ teach Grade 7&8 ELA students. #2ndaryELA
    In reply to @literarymaven
  • Ashlie224 Nov 14 @ 8:03 PM EST
    Ashlie from GA here. I teach 10th, 11th, and 12th. So glad to be here tonight. #2ndaryELA
  • literarymaven - Moderator Nov 14 @ 8:03 PM EST
    We're so glad to have you! #2ndaryELA
    In reply to @Ashlie224
  • WeRWhatWeWere Nov 14 @ 8:04 PM EST
    I'm Kim from St. Louis. I'm 9-12 and getting ready for NCTE this week! #2ndaryELA
  • Stanton_Lit Nov 14 @ 8:04 PM EST
    Misty in Georgia. I teach 6th ELA. Happy to be back with you all tonight at #2ndaryELA
  • MsScotchmer Nov 14 @ 8:04 PM EST
    Not quite sure why odd characters are popping up in my post. I will try to sort that out. #2ndaryELA
  • Ashlie224 Nov 14 @ 8:05 PM EST
    Q1: What seating arrangement(s) do you use for your Socratic seminars? #2ndaryELA
  • glick_kami Nov 14 @ 8:05 PM EST
    Hey there. I'm Kami Glick, 9 and 10H ELA teacher in Utah. I'm a Twitter newbie so we'll see how this goes #2ndaryela
  • MsScotchmer Nov 14 @ 8:05 PM EST
    Thanks for the warm welcome! Tuesdays are a challenge, but I️ have missed these chats! #2ndaryELA
    In reply to @literarymaven
  • SpanglerMiddle Nov 14 @ 8:05 PM EST
    A1: I like to sit on the floor in a big circle. (Other teachers have called it my kum-by-yah circle and I'm ok with that.) #2ndaryELA
  • literarymaven - Moderator Nov 14 @ 8:06 PM EST
    A1 I like to do an inner circle who talks and an outer circle who listens, also called a fishbowl #2ndaryELA
  • jthompedu Nov 14 @ 8:06 PM EST
    A1: I prefer a full or semicircle, depending on class size and available space. If space is tight, will do a semicircle inside of another #2ndaryela
  • jordyn_pistilli Nov 14 @ 8:07 PM EST
    A1 I like the idea of arranging chairs in circles for seminars so everyone can see everybody and there won't be any distractions on the desks in front of Ss #2ndaryELA
  • literarymaven - Moderator Nov 14 @ 8:07 PM EST
    A1 cont 2 circles means more students can participate in each discussion, outer circle helps me track inner circle's comments #2ndaryELA
  • Stanton_Lit Nov 14 @ 8:07 PM EST
    A1: Inner and Outer circle but I am intrigued to try the kum-by-yah circle, LOL #2ndaryELA
  • KeGaffigan Nov 14 @ 8:07 PM EST
    A1: inner circle/outer circle. (Sometimes squares because of space) Inner talks and outer notes then they swap. #2ndaryELA
  • Ashlie224 Nov 14 @ 8:07 PM EST
    I have them split in half and face each other just like a real college discussion.I used to do inner/outer circles #2ndaryela
  • glick_kami Nov 14 @ 8:08 PM EST
    A1 So far I've only ever done one giant circle, but I want to try the inner outer circle for my next seminar #2ndaryela
  • MsScotchmer Nov 14 @ 8:08 PM EST
    A1: started with inner & outer circles. FB from Ss was that they felt scrutinized/outside, so we are now in a big circle. #2ndaryELA
  • mamawolfeto2 Nov 14 @ 8:08 PM EST
    Hi! Jen from nor. CA I teach 7/8/9 AVID and ELA - blog at https://t.co/gPzZEqwbyq #2ndaryela
  • MichaelaE16 Nov 14 @ 8:09 PM EST
    This is something I can see in my classroom, sometimes I just prefer sitting on the ground #2ndaryELA #ed4338
    In reply to @SpanglerMiddle
  • MsScotchmer Nov 14 @ 8:09 PM EST
    I️ did this as well, but have Ss work in partners so 1 is tracking the other. #2ndaryELA
    In reply to @literarymaven
  • Ashlie224 Nov 14 @ 8:10 PM EST
    Q2: What rules/procedures do you have in place to ensure successful seminars with your students? #2ndaryELA
  • mamawolfeto2 Nov 14 @ 8:10 PM EST
    A1 I love pilot/copilot - similar to inner/outer circles. #2ndaryela
  • literarymaven - Moderator Nov 14 @ 8:11 PM EST
    A2 I model discussion sentence starters and leave them up on the board to help students discuss, i.e. "I agree and would like to add" #2ndaryELA
  • mamawolfeto2 Nov 14 @ 8:11 PM EST
    A2 Respectful dialogue. 3 before me. Use the person's name who spoke before you and continue conversation. Use sticky notes to coach your pilot if they are silent/stuck. Attack ideas not people. #2ndaryela
  • jthompedu Nov 14 @ 8:12 PM EST
    A2: Listen while others speak. Be respectful. We can disagree and still be pleasant. Refer to textual evidence whenever possible. Ask for clarifying questions when needed. #2ndaryela
  • jordyn_pistilli Nov 14 @ 8:12 PM EST
    A2 To avoid anyone dominating the conversation, I'd suggest a possible time limit on responses (60-90 seconds maybe?) and everyone must speak up a handful of times #2ndaryELA
  • mamawolfeto2 Nov 14 @ 8:12 PM EST
    Yes- I have a little square handout with sentence starters they can keep in front of them. #2ndaryela
    In reply to @literarymaven
  • jordyn_pistilli Nov 14 @ 8:12 PM EST
    Thank you, happy to be here for my first #2ndaryELA chat!
    In reply to @literarymaven
  • Ashlie224 Nov 14 @ 8:12 PM EST
    A2: they write the questions and are responsible for keeping the discussion going. They have question stems and discussion "continuers" to help. #2ndaryela
  • Stanton_Lit Nov 14 @ 8:12 PM EST
    A2: Model what it should look like and then give suggestions for feedback starters. 6th graders need the guidance. #2ndaryELA
  • glick_kami Nov 14 @ 8:13 PM EST
    A2: Sentence starters for sure. Anyone who says something inappropriate has to leave and write an essay instead. Only happens once and no one misbehaves again #2ndaryela
  • MsScotchmer Nov 14 @ 8:13 PM EST
    A2: 1. Watch video demo https://t.co/7ZmiW1JnEu expectations & post it on the board for the 1st round. So far, it’s worked. #2ndaryELA
  • SpanglerMiddle Nov 14 @ 8:14 PM EST
    A2: Ss must back up their words with evidence from the text, everyone has a right to pass, attentive listening & respect req'd. #2ndaryELA
  • MichaelaE16 Nov 14 @ 8:14 PM EST
    How do you get your students to participate? Sometimes I can’t seem to get anyone to participate #2ndaryELA #ed4338
    In reply to @literarymaven
  • Ashlie224 Nov 14 @ 8:15 PM EST
    Q3: How are your Socratic seminar questions prepared (by students or teacher)? #2ndaryELA
  • jordyn_pistilli Nov 14 @ 8:15 PM EST
    I see your point. Maybe you start w/ Ss using their desks and as the year progresses, you eliminate the use of desks in seminars. That way Ss are hopefully growing in how comfortable they feel about seminars and feel safe to participate w/o their desk in front of them #2ndaryELA
    In reply to @jthompedu
  • literarymaven - Moderator Nov 14 @ 8:15 PM EST
    I always ask for a volunteer to ask 1st question to start things off. I also set an expectation of students asking 1 of 2 questions they prepared and responding to 3 others #2ndaryELA
    In reply to @MichaelaE16
  • SpanglerMiddle Nov 14 @ 8:15 PM EST
    Not that you asked me specifically, but I tie it in with my super improvers system. #2ndaryELA
    In reply to @MichaelaE16, @literarymaven
  • literarymaven - Moderator Nov 14 @ 8:16 PM EST
    A3 Students prepare 2 questions using graphic organizer the day before discussion. Must ask 1 of the 2 during the discussion #2ndaryELA
  • SpanglerMiddle Nov 14 @ 8:16 PM EST
    A3: I usually make the Qs at the beginning of the year, but once Ss get the idea, I let them make some Qs too. #2ndaryELA
  • literarymaven - Moderator Nov 14 @ 8:16 PM EST
    Not all students meet those expectations, but for quieter students it helps them to have a manageable goal #2ndaryELA
    In reply to @MichaelaE16
  • MsScotchmer Nov 14 @ 8:16 PM EST
    Some Ss are hesitant. For me, working with partner teams to ensure they have a good Q&A for first time or so helps. #2ndaryELA
    In reply to @MichaelaE16, @literarymaven
  • Ashlie224 Nov 14 @ 8:16 PM EST
    A3: I model questions and provide them with question stems that promote discussion. #2ndaryELA
  • Stanton_Lit Nov 14 @ 8:16 PM EST
    A3: At first by the T but should move to Ss having input. Hopefully when they move to higher grades they can take charge. #2ndaryELA
  • jthompedu Nov 14 @ 8:17 PM EST
    A3: I focus on the entire seminar process. Ss generate ?s in groups ahead of time, and I select from their list. I have my own, of course, when needed. Extra credit is offered for ?s chosen. Encourages high quality. #2ndaryela
  • jordyn_pistilli Nov 14 @ 8:17 PM EST
    A3 I like the idea of Ss preparing open-ended discussion questions. This will give them a feeling of ownership over their learning #2ndaryELA
  • mamawolfeto2 Nov 14 @ 8:18 PM EST
    A3 - Kids must write 2 questions to bring to seminar - I have questions in mind, but typically they like their own better! #2ndaryela
  • MsScotchmer Nov 14 @ 8:18 PM EST
    A3: we have lessons on asking “thick” questions using Q charts. Then work towards gradual release when they write their own. #2ndaryELA
  • glick_kami Nov 14 @ 8:18 PM EST
    A3: I teach essential questions at the beginning of the year and then they write the questions, though I always have a list of my own as well #2ndaryela
  • SpanglerMiddle Nov 14 @ 8:18 PM EST
    Here's what I use for discussions: #2ndaryELA
  • Ashlie224 Nov 14 @ 8:20 PM EST
    Q4: In what ways do you encourage/track seminar participation? #2ndaryELA
  • SpanglerMiddle Nov 14 @ 8:20 PM EST
    A4: I encourage it through my super improver system. We focus on progress not perfection. #2ndaryELA
  • literarymaven - Moderator Nov 14 @ 8:21 PM EST
    A4 I have a tracking sheet with columns for asking Qs, thoughtful response, used text evidence, etc so I can check off next to students' names #2ndaryELA
  • jthompedu Nov 14 @ 8:21 PM EST
    A4: I keep tallies for each quality contribution and note effective discussion behavior. I write furiously! Ss also track noteworthy peer contributions, which I take up at the end #2ndaryela
  • SpanglerMiddle Nov 14 @ 8:21 PM EST
    A4: I don't track particpation but I do note those who are quiet to be sure to ask them to start next time. #2ndaryELA
  • jthompedu Nov 14 @ 8:21 PM EST
    A3: I also talk about Bloom's Taxonomy and what higher-level questions look like to help Ss see the kinds of questions they should be writing themselves. #2ndaryela
  • Ashlie224 Nov 14 @ 8:21 PM EST
    A4: I tell them they must speak at least twice and keep track. If time is running out I encourage them to speak, if they don't, they can answer 2 Qs written. #2ndaryELA
  • literarymaven - Moderator Nov 14 @ 8:22 PM EST
    A4 Outer circle has same tracking chart so I can compare my notes afterwards with theirs. I feel less worried about missing something. #2ndaryELA
  • Stanton_Lit Nov 14 @ 8:22 PM EST
    I like having them generate ?s ahead of time and encouraging those that get chosen. I'm going to try this. #2ndaryELA
    In reply to @jthompedu
  • MsScotchmer Nov 14 @ 8:23 PM EST
    Q4: I️ have a tracking sheet with codes adapted from @KellyGToGo for me. Ss use a diff tracking sheet for notes/partner. 1/2 #2ndaryELA
  • glick_kami Nov 14 @ 8:23 PM EST
    A4: I tell Ss the 1st 10 mins will be a bit painful but to challenge themselves to speak up. After that they usually get things going and have fun with it #2ndaryela
  • SpanglerMiddle Nov 14 @ 8:23 PM EST
    A4: I never really thought about giving a grade for a socratic seminar...hmmm....#2ndaryELA
  • MsScotchmer Nov 14 @ 8:24 PM EST
    A4: Ss also have to hand in prepped Q&A, tracking sheet/notes and a reflection so I️ can see if they are listening/learning. 2/2 #2ndaryELA
  • Ashlie224 Nov 14 @ 8:25 PM EST
    Q5: How do you assess student seminar performance? #2ndaryELA
  • jthompedu Nov 14 @ 8:26 PM EST
    A5: I assess by listening and observing. Are Ss using textual evidence or other support? Are Ss respectfully listening and responding? Ss tracking noteworthy elements helps assess too. Ss who have major anxiety about speaking write responses to the seminar #2ndaryela
  • literarymaven - Moderator Nov 14 @ 8:26 PM EST
    A5 I use a check, check plus, check minus system for participation in the discussion. More important is the graphic organizer used to generate Qs before hand and reflection afterwards #2ndaryELA
  • glick_kami Nov 14 @ 8:26 PM EST
    A4: I don't require all to participate in the in class discussion. The seminar continues in Canvas afterwards and all must participate there #2ndaryela
  • Ashlie224 Nov 14 @ 8:26 PM EST
    I tell them that every voice is equally important and that goes a long way with some of them. #2ndaryELA
    In reply to @glick_kami
  • MichaelaE16 Nov 14 @ 8:26 PM EST
    I like that a lot, that way they are paying attention and involved even if they are not always talking #2ndaryELA #ed4338
    In reply to @MsScotchmer
  • SpanglerMiddle Nov 14 @ 8:26 PM EST
    A5: Up until tonight it was rather informal....it was more about if the group discussed the concepts and reached new ideas/concl. about the big ideas. #2ndaryELA
  • literarymaven - Moderator Nov 14 @ 8:27 PM EST
    A5 You can read about my whole process here: https://t.co/7Cng8MaFW2 #2ndaryELA
  • MsScotchmer Nov 14 @ 8:27 PM EST
    Yes, exactly! We also have a hot seat, so Ss can jump into the conversation if they wish to share their ideas. #2ndaryELA
  • SpanglerMiddle Nov 14 @ 8:27 PM EST
    A5: But now I'm thinking I should be at least a little more formal...maybe a bit less kum-by-yah! :) #2ndaryELA
  • Ashlie224 Nov 14 @ 8:27 PM EST
    A5: I have a reflection sheet that they fill out. They have to connect and respond to the text and others. #2ndaryELA
  • jthompedu Nov 14 @ 8:29 PM EST
    The beauty of twitter chats: you get awesome ideas! I don't think you should totally scrap the inf. It has great benefits too! #2ndaryela
    In reply to @SpanglerMiddle
  • literarymaven - Moderator Nov 14 @ 8:30 PM EST
    Thanks for chatting with us tonight. Here’s a sneak peek at our next chat on 11/28. We'll be off next week for Thanksgiving break.#2ndaryELA
  • MsScotchmer Nov 14 @ 8:30 PM EST
    A5: Observations/notes of how they speak and listen to one another; Q&A & reflections to gauge DOK and reflection on learning #2ndaryELA
  • MichaelaE16 Nov 14 @ 8:30 PM EST
    I think there should be a good mix of kum-by-ya and formal discussion #2ndaryELA #ed4338
    In reply to @SpanglerMiddle
  • literarymaven - Moderator Nov 14 @ 8:31 PM EST
    And don't forget #2ndaryELA You can join us on FB to continue the conversation all week long https://t.co/p48Rqn7hbe
  • jthompedu Nov 14 @ 8:31 PM EST
    Thanks for a great #2ndaryela chat tonight! This topic is one that I haven't heard or seen discussed much, so I was glad to chat about it.
  • glick_kami Nov 14 @ 8:31 PM EST
    I have an informal in class discussion but then extend the discussion online, and that's what I grade. Maybe that could work for you? #2ndaryela
    In reply to @SpanglerMiddle
  • jordyn_pistilli Nov 14 @ 8:32 PM EST
    Thanks for a great chat everyone! I enjoyed hearing all of your tips and strategies for effective socratic seminars! #2ndaryELA
  • SpanglerMiddle Nov 14 @ 8:33 PM EST
    Thanks #2ndaryELA, @literarymaven @Ashlie224 and Happy Thanksgiving! See you all soon!
  • JonathanSBernal Nov 14 @ 8:48 PM EST