#ukedchat Archive
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Thursday June 23, 2016
Welcome to - This week exploring the "summer dip" - 6 Questions will follow. Answer with A1, A2, A3 etc :-) Remember the hash tag!
- Q1:
Shouldn’t summer be a time to unwind and should we accept the dip as a consequence of better well-being?
A1 The summer may not = increased wellbeing in many vulnerable Ss it represents uncertainty & loss of routine
In other words, shouldn't we just welcome the long break that students get - to be children once again? https://t.co/sK4kto6VHk
- Q1:
Shouldn’t summer be a time to unwind and should we accept the dip as a consequence of better well-being?
Where are the questions to ?
A1 is the code-word: holiday, recharging your batteries, spare time, hobbies, relax ... but also a bit or mind-reshaping?
Search Thinking Kit App on App Store then download task number 6 for a free 'school uniforms debate' activity by
a1 summer hols should be shorter. Smaller dip and for many chn, they struggle without routine of school for so long.
A1 Should have the chance to unwind, but also keep good learning habits, even if academic learning is minimal.
Well being in student's shouldn't necessarily cause a dip
Q1:
Shouldn’t summer be a time to unwind and should we accept the dip as a consequence of better well-being?
The summer for some vulnerable students may represent a decrease in well being
How? Homework tasks? A shorter break?
I was thinking that too. It would be good if there were enriching holiday experiences provided for certain children.
A1 More to learning than academic learning. Keep learning ticking over during the summer, in whatever form fits best.
It's hard to avoid the summer attainment dip - teachers and learners will relax, unwind and forget. Why would they do otherwise?
Very true. Are you saying the break should/could be shorter?
If you've really learnt something you might get a bit rusty if you don't do it for a while, but you'll pick it up again quickly.
It's worth setting them a few simple tasks to work through over the summer and A Level students often ask for work
Is this acceptable? https://t.co/NfzgVZRr9H
It's hard to avoid the summer attainment dip - teachers and learners will relax, unwind and forget. Why would they do otherwise?
Maybe but we should as a society be asking where the youth clubs etc have gone.
Key is to make sure children have really learnt it in the first place https://t.co/XGsSzQrUQg
- Q1:
Shouldn’t summer be a time to unwind and should we accept the dip as a consequence of better well-being?
Perhaps a dip is a sign of the brain constructing previous learning. So long as the dip can be quickly returned & improved
I think that maybe the holidays could be better spread over the year
Yeah, so I'm not really sure why we're questioning it?
- Q2:
Is a long summer holiday the best configuration for the school year?
Or if funding was available for things to run over the summer?
I mean, it has to be: a break and well deserved is good for everyone. Also, our summer hols are the shortest
funding cuts I'm afraid. It will lead to more problems in the long run
Yes it is, A2: I have enjoyed all my summer holidays up to now and have returned at the end of August with a smile for years!
yes. Schools shouldn't be expected to pick up all the slack, although they have the skills no doubt
The point has been raised in that some kids hate the holiday, as they are neglected. Not good for them :-(
When is the typical holiday period (for education) in Belgium?
A2 On average, that is 1 July to 31 August. Sometimes, it depends (further/higher education can differ a bit)
A2 yes. Everyone needs a proper break to be in a good place for learning.
Q2:
Is a long summer holiday the best configuration for the school year?
Long holidays can signal a break from much needed routine for many children https://t.co/p7gvSvk8Gl
Agree. Don't need such a long holiday anymore. Would rather 3 weeks Christmas, 2 weeks at half term.
Q2 I'm convinced that for Ls, too, a long summer holiday is more useful than a short one.
How long do people think would be optimum for a break? Any research out there on this?
I wouldnt argue with that
Without sounding awkward, but can you define a 'proper break' means? Can everyone have one?
Maybe a 4 week summer holiday and make the half terms longer may work better
Many private school have a good 2 months off. Surely what works for them should work for the rest of us? https://t.co/ZXWIj6xvyM
it certainly gives you a sense of the school year finishing, but it doesn't have to be so long, 3/4 weeks maybe? More week breaks?
Why do we have to have the whole issue on our backs? Let us all enjoy our summers. Parents you've got this, we trust you. Hehe
Would be interesting to see. A 'good break' is very subjective depending what you are doing. https://t.co/2yTjdwX9Gr
How long do people think would be optimum for a break? Any research out there on this?
A long enough time away from the same people and place to come back to it refreshed https://t.co/7jBg8XfSQU
Without sounding awkward, but can you define a 'proper break' means? Can everyone have one?
Maybe. We don't send the kids out to the fields anymore, picking the crops. Perhaps we should ;0) https://t.co/Ww9Tw28Vl1
Maybe a 4 week summer holiday and make the half terms longer may work better
Hi- I was a Head of House last year and this is what I set my students as a summer challenge. https://t.co/sHgC5GcE3X
- Q3:
How can we help pupils build up good habits in term time to avoid the summer dip?
Good evening all - Gosh is it hard to get up when it is dark outside. Enjoy the warm weather guys - it is freezing here in Oz
The US is even longer, my friends stateside struggle to believe that we're still in termtime come June.
Yep, agree Do all our pupils get this though? Again, apologies for being awkward.
Neglected by their family or something?
https://t.co/dpAfvUygbI
encourage them to read and take part in the summer reading challenge which runs in all libraries and is free. Research shows it...
Please remember to use the hashtag in your responses ;0) Thank you
# # # # # # # # #
https://t.co/tJ89PnqE41
It sometimes takes me 2 weeks to even start to sleep, then two weeks to relax, then its back to work. 5 weeks please!
I think it's important to give them something to keep the minds ticking over without it seeming like school work.
not being awkward. No they don't, and there should be more provision for those children who don't have positive holidays
A1. The heat saps energy so a break is good & it gives time for other learning - swimming, cricket, watermelon seed spitting
Q3:
How can we help pupils build up good habits in term time to avoid the summer dip?
Agree. Who provides this? Schools?
Ideally, yes. Who provides this?
although most private schools have much longer schooldays & many also work Saturdays
And again this year? Or are you updating it? You should add to ;0)
Oh dear ;0( https://t.co/wAgVYEJv0Y
I would love that but I seem to spend my life saying we did this last year for students to stare blankly back :/
that's a tricky question. By schools do we mean teachers?
Yes. Perhaps that's the time we are allowed to be more creative, and do 'fun' stuff
A3 Just let them be kids and enjoy their summer, as should teachers
yes, but only really if supported by parents. Opportunity to feed the communication triangle
Hi – our Ultimate Acting Programme coaches help students become professional actors in just one year. https://t.co/nPKy3heIIN
Agree But does society allow children to be kids anymore? Stuck in house on computer games? https://t.co/SYYJ20WlwY
A3 Just let them be kids and enjoy their summer, as should teachers
- Q4:
What are your top activities, projects, ideas and tips for avoiding the dip?
I switched from a teaching job to a job @ university. No more summer holidays, but I've got much more free time than before!
YES YES YES https://t.co/GomNV6SDIT
yes, but only really if supported by parents. Opportunity to feed the communication triangle
teach them how to use their time, show them a range of alternative things they can do to help them learn
A4 Pupils have asked us for some summer design projects. Do creative or academic activities work best?
A4 There's no such thing as "avoiding the dip", in my opinion.
good point Roy …it’s often us better off folk forget about those kids .. thanks for reminder
Will leave you with your thinking hat on
they need to be independent learners who really want to learn.
I actually find the long summer hols tremendous as time for deep reflection in practice. Easter & Xmas too rushed .
Q4:
What are your top activities, projects, ideas and tips for avoiding the dip?
agree .. the dip is a myth - they don’t become stupid, they focus on (and learn) other things
A4 There can't be such a thing as "a summer dip": when doing sports and relaxing enough during the school/academic year, no dip!
Learners are often eager to start again in September and learn new things, although they do not really admit it ... ... dip?
With the talented staff at your school, what interesting and creative activities could you run over summer?
much to be said that kids return at start of year refreshed but actually eager, well intentioned & inspired
With the EU referendum near the end, how do you feel education will be affected by the result?
- Q5:
How can pupils transitioning be school ready over the summer?
Some are even busy exploring textbooks, workbooks, previous Ls' notes, etc. for the next school/academic year.
Hope that you persist - possibly via Snapchat or something (e-safety considerations though)?
Q5:
How can pupils transitioning be school ready over the summer? Transition activities from primary to secondary?
I will, need to get more students to follow, maybe better prizes :D
's a wonderful initiative ... Please, let us stay away from political beliefs, referendums, football ... and stay focused!
Many students not into Twitter the same as other Social Media apps Ask them what they use?
good point need to look into other options....
Q5:
How can pupils transitioning be school ready over the summer?
Is it not best to focus on these things as they provide a real life context for learning?
I put pupils work online and they explore site at end of year. Many inspired by knowledge of impending projects
In teaching, yes ... But in a chat of only 60 minutes[w/ mostly very interesting and hot topics] I' say no.
Good, better best practice
https://t.co/Bp8seHbuup , yes!
I put pupils work online and they explore site at end of year. Many inspired by knowledge of impending projects
Yes, agree But we mustn't assume this is the same for all students.
not sure there is a solution to the 'dip' but all the teachers we work with do everything in their power to counter it.
- Q6:
How should teachers stay sharp and motivated to avoid their own dip over the summer?
stay on Twitter - works for me 😀
be sure to unwind fully before allowing thoughts to turn to next year
's sixth question for tonight has been launched ... https://t.co/CUljvqSfUy Doesn't that mean that we look at next week's topic?
- Q6:
How should teachers stay sharp and motivated to avoid their own dip over the summer?
I've seen sec. schools on here offering Summer camps to year 6 pupils coming to them in Sept. Good idea!
Nice. You can dip in and out when you please
Agreed!!! Seriously the best CPD I've ever done! Summer teach meets as well would be good
time w/ family & loved ones, get away, reconnect, withdraw
Q6 is that a serious question? makes a lot of assumptions
There's a difference between a handle (@ ...) and a hashtag (# ...) ... Therefore, https://t.co/j1RWAupenC
:-)
we're always super impressed by the interaction and interest in training over the summer. Important to take a break though too!
tend to agree too. Do we look at the summer or do we need to look more at what we deliver in Sept?
Teachers: What book/s do you intend to read during the summer break this year? For pleasure?
Make yourself a short list of things to do and chip away at it bit by bit, keep your eye on Twitter too
Q6:
How should teachers stay sharp and motivated to avoid their own dip over the summer?
I think both, but glad you tend to agree anyway!
new book of best British short story writing
https://t.co/uP9w5yiqNf
read, read, read. Write too. And switch off and see fam and friends and drink good wine and get outdoors
A6: Travel, explore the world, find out new things to share when we get back in Sept.
A6-avoid dip by spending time with friends and family, read articles and research... and obviously, keep a close eye on Twitter.
I'm currently working my way through the top 100. Beginning to understand a lot of references that went over my head :)
For pleasure? Dedicated ;0)
A6 As there's (in my opinion at least) no "summer dip [risk] for teachers", there's no "avoiding" either. . Please, be real!
Maybe that's something we could sort out. Would they be well attended though?
When I looked at the topic in advance, I thought this session wasn't going to be an interesting one. Wrong! It's been great: tx!
