#Ntchat Archive
New Teacher Chat was created to provide weekly mentoring and focus on the needs of new, new to the profession and pre-service teachers. The chat is supportive and practitioner focused.
Wednesday July 20, 2016
For the next hour my tweets are dedicated to talking about the 1st days pf school with everyone at .
Hello all, this is my first chat as a middle school teacher in the high desert area of southern CA. School starts Aug 10th!
Great discussion! love it
Yay! You made it! So happy to have you here. Thanks for taking the time to join in! https://t.co/0zGnsOJpIA
Hello all, this is my first chat as a middle school teacher in the high desert area of southern CA. School starts Aug 10th!
Welcome and Thanks for stoppjng by!
Hi My name is Lei and our school starts on Aug.15. I used to teach at San Diego. Now I'm teaching an international school in Beijing
Welcome to ! Takes a little time to get rolling. ;)
Welcome to all! I'm the founder and moderator of New Teacher Chat . Join me for this time of learning and collaboration!
Oh wow!! Big change for you. Great that you can join us! https://t.co/C8naprcIIi
Hi My name is Lei and our school starts on Aug.15. I used to teach at San Diego. Now I'm teaching an international school in Beijing
Hey guys! My name is Misty. I teach 6th grade in Bakersfield, CA. Looking forward to another great year..this will be year 10
To join the chat use Tweetdeck,Tweetchat, or other client with columns. Use the hashtag to join the convo!
Hello ! I'm Tchg/Lrning coach in KC. Planning for the start of school is so exhilarating--sky is the limit. New ideas, hopes!
Hello ! I'm Tchg/Lrning coach in KC. Planning for the start of school is so exhilarating--sky is the limit. New ideas, hopes!
Hi, 2nd grade from Los Angeles. Participating in 3 chats at once. :)
Hi Im LaStacia, I will be starting my student teaching in a few weeks and decided to join to get some ideas from new teachers
Welcome Misty. Is 6th part of middle school or elementary in your district? https://t.co/z36KYaMJ5T
Hey guys! My name is Misty. I teach 6th grade in Bakersfield, CA. Looking forward to another great year..this will be year 10
Yay! Thanks for stopping by today! I'm glad you can join us. Please welcome Misty. She is one of our Monthly Co-Mods!
Howard here. Still in session. 3 more weeks, then 3 week break for summer. Full Inclusion campus.
Dina from NJ here to inspire as well as learn
Hi , this is my first chat ever. I'm a 3rd grade teacher. We start school August 5th. 🙂👍
Yay! You were able to make it today!! Please welcome Laura who is another monthly Co-Mod! https://t.co/RVbybBWkLg
Hello ! I'm Tchg/Lrning coach in KC. Planning for the start of school is so exhilarating--sky is the limit. New ideas, hopes!
Welcome! is a great way to get support and ideas.
I'm a first year teacher this year. Any tips for a flipped classroom model?
Welcome to you both! Great to have you joining us tonight. :)
Hey guys! Welcome to all of the new teachers and those new to and ! I'm a high school teacher in NC.
My name is Amy and I'm a preservice teacher who will be in 5th grade student teaching.
Wow! first chat. Definitely recommend using an app with columns. I am using TweetDeck.
Howard! Hope you had a fine day. Great to see you. 😊
Awesome to have you here! Please follow co-mods + :)
to Combat Plagiarism in Classroomhttp://ow.ly/jW9e302lnOQ
creating lessons using is great. As well as creating lessons in
You are a warrior teacher!! Loyal fan. Always great to have you here. :)
We’re a small, but mighty chat...dedicated to being practitioner focused and supportive to new teachers! https://t.co/YdjDV3M4i6
Let's take 1 more minute to introduce ourselves. Share who you are and where you’re from! Thanks
Hello, everyone! I'm new to Twitter & education - student teaching in the fall. I'm participating in the for a college assignment.
As a new teacher, how do you manage all the prep-work for lessons you have to create from scratch?
Lisa Dabbs Founder from So Cal. Radio Show Host, Consultant, blogger, speaker, author, Adjunct Prof & former principal.
Lisa Dabbs Founder from So Cal. Radio Show Host, Consultant, blogger, speaker, author, Adjunct Prof & former principal.
New Twitter chatters: format is Q1: “question here”. You replay with A1: "your response". Don't forget to include :)
5th year teacher, popping in to give advice and hear new ideas! Good luck to all new teachers this year!
build your PLN on Twitter and connect with others
Question 1 will be up on deck in 30 seconds!
There's definitely going to be some tips shared during tonight's .
Welcome and great to have you here with us!!
Im Ty- MAT student at Augusta University in Augusta, GA.
I'm excited and ready! Thanks for welcoming me!!
==>>Q1:What organizational strategies will you use for planning the first weeks of school? Plz share! https://t.co/LKElIbownw
A big welcome to you!! We are always here to encourage, support, learn with you!
Joining in late tonight but excited to participate
At this point, I am in desperate need of an organizational strategy. So many ideas but no plan
Hi ! My name is Tristan, and I will be starting my second year as a teacher in Sept.
IKEA day! Yours is a summer of service to kids & learning/planning awesomeness. 👏👏 wow. https://t.co/wMYDo42qh2
Busy. Leading a 2 wk android coding camp at sch. Then buidling my new classroom after school. Today was IKEA.
A1: My first thing in planning would be to get a planner! lol In all seriousness...u need to map out your first day, week and month.
A1 focus on what you need from Ss to be successful. Be caring/firm. Have fun! Kids look forward to first day - don't just do rules.
A1: I use a teacher binder where I keep a monthly calendar to keep track of dates, as well as weekly and daily lesson plans
A1 Get a planner! I use Google for everything to organize my files, my calendar, and a map of the entire semester.
A1: I plan to keep all of my paperwork in designated folders and have them color coded so that I will not have to write much on them.
A1: I use Google Docs to lesson plan and organize my first month...love it!
A1: Less curriculum. Practice rm transitions and routines with new middle schoolers as we all learn a new block sched format.
Ok, so it's time to backwards map 6 weeks out. Look @ your curriculum, books, goals, objectives. What do u use to plan?
On 1st day of school, I read
A1 I don't necessarily plan out all my lessons. I take some time to plan out routines, organize my binders, etc.
I agree! In my planner I also keep a running to do list. That saved me my first year. All ideas in 1 place!
A1: I know it will be vital to use other teachers in my dept. I know I can't fly solo year one even if I wanted to!
I've been crafting with my youngest daughter today! 🌻 I need to go to IKEA. 👍🏼
A1 have students take ownership and help set classroom norms. Plan to pre-assess
Uuuu...ok. I love it! No Erin Condrin for you, huh? lol https://t.co/MjlI7HOGkT
A1: I use Google Docs to lesson plan and organize my first month...love it!
A1 At this point, I am in desperate need of an organizational strategy. So many ideas but no plan
A1: I just bought the book "the first six weeks of school", using that to guide my first week :) https://t.co/3L02mCuwuZ
This is really good! So important to start at the beginning with the basic needs. Love it! https://t.co/HuxYd4bG1M
A1 I don't necessarily plan out all my lessons. I take some time to plan out routines, organize my binders, etc.
Very true! Students need to have structure but they need to have an enjoyable first day to stay motivated https://t.co/qOAM5fqsMz
A1 focus on what you need from Ss to be successful. Be caring/firm. Have fun! Kids look forward to first day - don't just do rules.
Any suggestions for planners? Do you have a go-to or favorite planner? https://t.co/GGxm3zRbT7
A1: My first thing in planning would be to get a planner! lol In all seriousness...u need to map out your first day, week and month.
I love my Erin Condren, but I never used it!
Get to know your kids. Build relationships. Keep track of all standards and plan to those. Don't be boring
Ha! That it too funny. Been there, done that with planners back in the day.
I made my own, but there are some great ones available on TPT.
A1: teach/model procedures and behaviors. The teacher is the model that sets the tone for the classroom!
I can easily edit plans and move from day to day. CCSS are listed to choose from
A1: Teaching my Ss systems & routines, classroom & school wide behavioral expectations, but making this experience fun for them
A1: Backwards planning- choose learning outcomes or goals for the first week or two, then design your plan...backwards!
Organize your resources by standard or subject. Pinterest, TPT, text books, novels, etc. keep notes on phone so ideas aren't lost!
If y'all don't mind me coming in late... ed maj of iupui
Yes! Standard "ol fashioned" planner w/ big squares to write details. Now I would add a digital component like Evernote
That is true. Alsofrom the 14things you never do on the first day of school. Never arrange seats, never talk routine
All are free to join! Thanks for stopping by!
Pintrest will be my close friend during my first year
I lOVE all the great ideas to plan both with paper planner and digital. AND the how and where to start. Great ideas!
I also keep a running list in my planner of what I need to buy for next year!
Question 2 will be up on deck in 3,2,1
Team building activities can teach procedures and rules and also be fun/promote teamwork.
That's true and important
===>>>Q2:How will you go about designing the ideal learning space? What will the physical setup of your classroom look like?
Joining in a bit late from Missouri, and this will be my 5th year teaching. Still learning new things!
A1: Scott Purdy offers some really good books on organization and time management.
A2: The most important thing for me is flexible seating. Not all students can do their best work at a desk
A2 . I need a plan to move desks for testing. I'm going to do a reading corner with some pillows. https://t.co/C0AjGorRJJ
Welcome! Great to have you join us!!
A2: When I think of space, I think organic & flexible. Need to shift away from the "factory rows" & create a feeling of community.
A1: Already have my planner set up with important dates and lesson planning...color coded of course!
A2 Since I'm in computer lab I can't really change much, but I make sure we're always moving and networking in the classroom.
A2. Definitely neat and organized. Few colours and no clutter. If I get distracted, so will my S's.
Q2: I always plan out my library and meeting space first. It creates community. Did a few flexible seating options last year. 💙!!
Teams are good (they can do team names). Doing flex seating this year. Be comfortable w/ your choice and know - ok 2 change course.
You took the words out of my mouth! Awesome stuff. Let's think outside of the box as we plan! https://t.co/BJwZFIMZJR
A2: When I think of space, I think organic & flexible. Need to shift away from the "factory rows" & create a feeling of community.
A2: A spacious classroom with centers so that students do no have to sit in an assigned desk all day, & have flexible seating
A1: Here is the link for Scott Purdy. He used to teach amazing classes to plan your entire year. https://t.co/EngTiP1CzH
A2: going to try for a Montessori setup, with independent activities grouped by subject & lots of carpet space.
Good point. Are you going to leave the walls a bit blank and build that with students?
Thinking of trying Harry Potter-style "houses" this year. Y or N?
I can "see" it! Great ideas you have percolating! https://t.co/QuZijhTZna
A2: going to try for a Montessori setup, with independent activities grouped by subject & lots of carpet space.
A2 various table heights for sts, designated teach area, & shelving close 2 independent work area 4 easy material access for sts.
A2: in my experience (as t&s) I love clusters of seats.
Your use of the word 'networking' rules!! Ts & Ss need to network, build relnships, collab.
which grade are you teaching?
A2: I'm going to push communication and collaboration. Ss will help design the classroom, I have couches, tables, and desks.
I agree! Flexible seating is a great idea.
Awesome!! Do you use paper to draw it or mark it on a white board? https://t.co/W6KePRZ9Vv
A2 various table heights for sts, designated teach area, & shelving close 2 independent work area 4 easy material access for sts.
A2: I use in my class, so I have desks in pods to encourage collab. and communication
Hello Amanda & welcome! I'm in KC -- where are you in MO?
I like flexible seating too. I normally changed students' seat several times a year. For younger children (kindergarteners or 1st )
I use white board and Google draw https://t.co/xjWv5cI0sc
Awesome!! Do you use paper to draw it or mark it on a white board? https://t.co/W6KePRZ9Vv
A2 various table heights for sts, designated teach area, & shelving close 2 independent work area 4 easy material access for sts.
Just took a look at it, I plan on purchasing seems like it will be a good read.
How do you manage a montessori-type setup? Do you have to establish routines for changing activities?
A2 Last year my Ss loved the times they got to write on windows with markers
teams and team names sound like too much fun ;) ;p
Uuuuu...sounds lovely! Lots of room for maker space projects, yes? https://t.co/KL9PtbtXH9
A2: I use in my class, so I have desks in pods to encourage collab. and communication
have desk clusters, each group is a different "House" (like the houses in Harry Potter)
A2: I use ...whiteboards all around the room. It's fabulous. thanks,
A2: I may move desks beforehand to suit a lesson, and I do like room to move around and observe w/o tripping up (Sec. ELA)
A1: I like to use a daily planner and weekly goals to keep myself on track
A1: Colour coding, lots of labels, and chipping away at it a little bit each week over the summer https://t.co/zRH1SFS4ux
==>>Q1:What organizational strategies will you use for planning the first weeks of school? Plz share! https://t.co/LKElIbownw
Great idea to let Ss help!
I may give them a fun quiz, and their quiz score will "sort" them into houses.. Perhaps?
My friend has some awesome ideas for classroom design. Visit her pinterest board to get some great ideas!
Multi tasking here and found a great site classroomchampions dot org for goal setting in the classroom. Great videos
So excited to see your awesome shares!! Let's get ready for Q3!
I like all whiteboards. Everywhere Ts and Ss can write and do projects. https://t.co/7geugWeneo
A2: I use ...whiteboards all around the room. It's fabulous. thanks,
==>>Q3: First impressions: What is the first activity you will do with your students on the first day? https://t.co/8iwwS6CWRq
What do y'all think about asking your classes how they want the seating arrangment to look? Empower them through creativity.
I'm checking out Gallery Learning! Do I see aBedley involved? Gotta be good. :)
A2: there will be lots of colour, flexible seating, growth mindset posters, lots of vertical surfaces https://t.co/ZYj2x6Jjs5
===>>>Q2:How will you go about designing the ideal learning space? What will the physical setup of your classroom look like?
At what pt do you determine a procedure or method isn't "working"?
A3 since I am a Math specialist I may share how certain numbers are special in my life. Have Ss do the same
A3: A creative activity that allows everyone to share things about themselves.
A3 haven't decided this year. Something to get them moving and talking.
A2: Seriously considering doing more of a Daily 5 classroom arrangement this year. Definitely need a rug space for my 2nd graders.
I like it Tyler! Build out the classroom layout with them on a white board or Google Draw as shared.
A3. I'm an ST so I'll come in 2 weeks into the year. I want to play some sort of get to know u game &read my fave book "In My Heart"
A3: I'm going for a activity!!
Q3: normally introduce yourself game. flexible seating, sometimes in a circle, have students pass the class dolls, sing and introduc
It's familiar and we need to change that.
A3 read first day jitters!!!!
have to students make a Facebook profile of themselves to check in on writing levels, friends & likes https://t.co/uqcHad8wUR
==>>Q3: First impressions: What is the first activity you will do with your students on the first day? https://t.co/8iwwS6CWRq
Ok, cool. I lIke it! How about a MorningMeeting where they interact as you share classroom community goals? https://t.co/EomiwbwS20
A3 haven't decided this year. Something to get them moving and talking.
A3: I like to create a classroom constitution to set the tone of how everyone in the room wants to be treated
A3: Scavenger hunt to find different items and places in the classroom. Incorporating guided discovery of materials too!
Sounds good. Get them up and moving! https://t.co/2yn3nyZP82
A3. I'm an ST so I'll come in 2 weeks into the year. I want to play some sort of get to know u game &read my fave book "In My Heart"
A3: I cut up sentences. Put in envelopes. They solve my sentence puzzle, write it, and share. (1/2)
You could always do I have who has? Get kids to move from one side to the other. Ask abt sisters, pets, etc! https://t.co/v4fYglTroz
Ok, cool. I lIke it! How about a MorningMeeting where they interact as you share classroom community goals? https://t.co/EomiwbwS20
A3 haven't decided this year. Something to get them moving and talking.
Q3 First Day of School PowerPoint, Class... by Science from Murf LLC | Teachers Pay Teachers https://t.co/O4Qct9sSBt
A3:8yrs ago my students were eager to use scripts for Japanese class. Nontrad methods can be enticing
If at am able, I'm hoping to blog about bringing Montessori methods into the traditional classroom.
A2: Still thinking about how I'd like to set it up this year, but there are some great ideas on
A3: Each sentence puzzle has a nice welcome message. We create a graph. Find a partner that had the same puzzle as you. 2nd gr (1/2)
A3: I like to get Ss up and moving...I like to have them arrange themselves in order by birthdays, they love it!!
A3: Last yr used 4 long strings taped to cup. Maneuvered as team to spots. What do we learn about team? https://t.co/yHa20OODmx
A3: I also show them a video, or two!!
Would you be willing to share the document or format you used. I love this idea! https://t.co/XkV6NdC2qm
A3: Each sentence puzzle has a nice welcome message. We create a graph. Find a partner that had the same puzzle as you. 2nd gr (1/2)
I love Montessori Methods. But not get trained, it's very strict but well trained. https://t.co/GjQRM29C7F
If at am able, I'm hoping to blog about bringing Montessori methods into the traditional classroom.
My tweetdeck froze! lol Love that idea. U are experienced. A Newbie might need a little more support. :)
Ok all...want to talk about the last Qs and #4 is coming up!
A3: The first activity I do with my students is the Name Memory Game. It's a great way for everyone to learn names.
A3: Play the name game. Sit in circle. I go around the circle first and say each child's name. Then someone else tries.
Q4: What strategies will you use with your students to build a sense of community on that first day?
That's what it's all about -- doing this with student joy, agency in mind!! 👏👏 https://t.co/KqOKDMDVF2
A1: Teaching my Ss systems & routines, classroom & school wide behavioral expectations, but making this experience fun for them
A2: Constantly changing seating arrangements. I love utilizing centers and sitting on the floor for a more relaxed lesson
A3: create an environment of discussion..allow students to sit where they want..then ask them why they sat there!
A4: Morning meeting where we discuss what it means to be respectful, responsible, and safe. Also the class constitution
Q4: Building a sense of community is important, I'm still exploring to find ways to master this.
A4 team building, make it engaging, let them contribute instead of sitting and listening to rules power points all day.
A3: Find someone who...Bingo game! Gets them up, meeting others, working together and fighting for that candy prize 😁
A4. A LOT of collab amongst students and with me. Sharing, talking, asking questions. I want them to feel comfortable w each other
A4: First I share something funny about me. Then, they are welcome to share. Everyday it builds. Then, it turns into journaling.
A4: Discuss local news...Augusta is rapid-growing cyber hub..ask students how they feel about that!
I love to write on windows! Or desks with shaving cream
A4: A lot of collaborative activities...I like to look up youth group ice breakers/activities. They work very well :)
a lot of wonderful ideas on Pinterest. Always helpful.
A4 with the pk sts, morning meeting, practicing what it's like to be , & our school matrix
A4 Spend most of the time team-building and sharing out over the 1st week and throughout the semester.
Fav Twitter chats for new teachers & a reminder of the beginning
Being an inclusion school team building is woven into the fabric of the school. Early yrs I relied on the Tribes book.
Class expectations being made with Ss, class board responses, reading a book about community, & icebreakers https://t.co/ou59GyvVgZ
Q4: What strategies will you use with your students to build a sense of community on that first day?
A4: Team building activities...look on Pinterest :)
Q3 Ss interview one another and introduce their partner to the class through a Google Slide (1slide per person)
love morning meeting. It's a time to talk about all the things, like table meeting during dinner at home. https://t.co/UhGWNToTom
A4: Morning meeting where we discuss what it means to be respectful, responsible, and safe. Also the class constitution
Thanks for sharing, Chandra.
A4 this may be cliche' but the Olympics can tie nicely into building a community and working as a team
I love that book! A must read for ALL teachers. :) https://t.co/9k8eeChhsA
Being an inclusion school team building is woven into the fabric of the school. Early yrs I relied on the Tribes book.
Yes, that's a great one as well!! I love, love great PD books!
This is a great idea to me. I'm in Sec. English, so I will be wanting them to get used to discussion
A4 The Marshmallow Challenge is an awesome activity to support STEM, collaboration, and critical thinking.
No...I think it's a great idea and strategy!! https://t.co/6CcxH7I3WN
A4 this may be cliche' but the Olympics can tie nicely into building a community and working as a team
Don't go it alone. Get with your team members and work with them. Don't have to do what they do, but be open to their experience.
A4: Collaborative activities to break the ice and work as a team. Allow them to get to know me and model love and respect!
Seems to be an awesome and informative read! I will be ordering:)
Loving the A4s, my first school had a great sense of community when I came in, Ss Ps Ts alike, hometown charm
A4 Ss interview one another and introduce their partner to the class through a Google Slide (1slide per person)
Oh yes!! It's critical to collaborate. No one should go it alone!! https://t.co/hRG7X99qQG
Don't go it alone. Get with your team members and work with them. Don't have to do what they do, but be open to their experience.
Love Marshmallow Challenge. My K students are really good on it. Impressive. can do with parents https://t.co/eSF8J3WGb1
A4 The Marshmallow Challenge is an awesome activity to support STEM, collaboration, and critical thinking.
Such amazing ideas!! I am excited for this time to share. Let's go for one more question!
Hey Everyone I'm John. Sorry I am late to the chat. I am a grad student, secondary history education.
Can you explain or provide link? Thx.
A5 I send home a welcome letter, syllabus, classroom expectations, and parent info sheet.
A5: newsletters, posters, emails to communicate expectations and routines to parents and students.
A5: My #1 would be to introduce them to . I am a BIG fan of this app. I use it as an adjunct prof too. :)
A5 From a parent info sheet I give out during the 1st week, I make a list to send out a weekly newsletter.
A4:Talk about respect, love, and helping each other grow. Free write on the board what makes up a class community & discuss
!! You know you can do all that on Remind too, right? ;) https://t.co/xt7HTZ9pbP
A5 I send home a welcome letter, syllabus, classroom expectations, and parent info sheet.
A5 I like the idea of a YouTube video for parents
I couldn't afford AMI training, so I rad as much as I could. A good starting point is "Montessori Madness!"
A5: I would send out a syllabus, complete schedule and a letter introducing myself and espousing my teaching methods etc..
A5: A letter home. I am debating about whether to begin using Remind or Bloomz app.
A4: We will have a discussion about our classroom community/family. I will read and discuss its significance.
A5 school wide system rly helps abt behavior expectations. Keeping pts up to date via newsletter & hw helps pts kno what 2 do & home
Hi , John from Manitoba Canada. We have Smooth Start meetings where we meet for 1/2 hour with each P and S to talk about our prog9
A5: I'll send home with the students my simple policy of respect, as well a grade breakdown. Parent and student sign and return.
A5: Reinforce ESLR's posted in every rm. It becomes culture. Create new ESLR posters (4) with specifics designed by Ss.
good to know. Thank you, Tristan! https://t.co/djrVWTpBkQ
I couldn't afford AMI training, so I rad as much as I could. A good starting point is "Montessori Madness!"
A5: During the 1st day verbally, Open House handouts, post on class website and Schoology! Multiple ways to communicate and remind!
A5 May be cool to have Ss create videos of expectations to post on your website. Play at Back to School Night
Oh yes!! Such a welcoming idea. You could use Periscope and upload to YouTube. :) https://t.co/E2DxOqxise
A5 I like the idea of a YouTube video for parents
Weclome, John!! Happy you're here. Thanks for sharing your views, ideas, energy!
A5: Tech use contracts go home. Ss intitial them w/parents. .
A5: Always thought it would be fun to create a welcome video from me and provide a QR code on the letter home.
A5: Email to parents to make them aware they will be recieving this document...
A4: Communication is vital, repeatedly teach student the expectations and reward good behavior. Send parents letters& have a webpage
What a beautiful idea!! https://t.co/0ujxcgr9jO
A5 May be cool to have Ss create videos of expectations to post on your website. Play at Back to School Night
A5: Make up rules alongside Ss. Give Ss & Ps general expectations in writing.
A5 choose your medium. Twitter, Planbook, class newsletter, edmodo, all great, but don't need all. Ps want to know where to look.
A5: I also use Class Messenger to send home info and updates. Parents use it to ask questions and leave comments.
A5: Maybe have some way (tbd) to get confirmation that the expectations were received whatever the medium of communication
Joining late, new to . A5: In ECSE we hold parent meetings to address the expectations and guidelines
