#BPOPchat Archive
The official educational chat of BrainPOP. Like most Twitter chats, BPOPchat is structured around six to seven open-ended guiding questions, so there’s easy entry points for sharing and getting ideas.
Thursday May 5, 2016
Hi Everyone, welcome to ! Please introduce yourself - how many days until your students go on summer break?
Hi There - I'm Andrew, from BrainPOP - not counting days right now. . . because I haven't been in the classroom for 4 years!
Carrie from - no longer a teacher but vividly
remember the end-of-year excitement!
Emily in Philly. Most of the teachers I coach wrap in 30 days.
Hi I’m Nikki from Bozeman, MT We have about 25 days to go!
14 more days for us in Phoenix, AZ, at least in our district.
Kristen Brooks K-5 iPad Lab 15 lovely days left
Our school year starts the second week in August.
Over the next hour, we’ll share 7 questions: Q1 through Q7. Please start your answers with A1 through A7. Also, Please RT the Qs!
Let's get started! Q1 What are some of the challenges you face at the end of the school year?
I always had issues helping Ss finish projects before the end of school.
Zee - k-8 Computer Teacher-PGH, PA -18 days until Summer break
A1 I always had trouble keeping Ss focused until the end. Many checked out even with 20+ days to go!
A1 Keeping things positive and thinking about all that has been accomplished over the year.
A1: After testing both Ts and Ss lose focus and steam. Less engagement in classes. More countdowns to summer
A1 Ss are involved in lots of spring sports/activities this time of year—makes them extra tired&cranky
A1: Ss think school is OVER before school is really over! Challenge to keep them motivated and focused!
Hello everyone. Steve from nj here. How's everyone?
A1: Keeping students on task and working to their potential to finish all projects before the year ends
OK - so kiddos are less engaged, overtired, feel "done" even though there's still time left to do things!
A1: the end of the year is challenging with testing and preparing final evaluation. Fortunately my kids enjoy what we are doing!
are you done with testing?
YES. Especially with middle school.
A1 SS feel school is over after testing. 😳👎🏻
We just finished our state testing and now straight to district stuff. Ugh
This about sums it up! https://t.co/PKWW5bWa8W
OK - so kiddos are less engaged, overtired, feel "done" even though there's still time left to do things!
yeah. The last few weeks don't feel so productive, do they!
terribly sad - bc it represents that Ss think school is prep for testing &we know it's much more than that.
Time for some fun! Green screen videos/coding/etc.
Hello all! Dan from FL here!
Q2 What is your favorite “tried-and-true” end-of-year project or activity?
Often the issue with putting so much weight on the big test - Ss lose sight of the value in non-test related work
A1: Unfortunately most Ts are burned out. Trying to keep their spirits up & helping them create engaging end of yr projects
A2 I like to do Mystery Skype/GHO this time of year. Playing Mystery Number w/ a class in NC tomorrow
Lisa from Green Bay. Sorry I'm late major technical difficulties!! Dead Macbook & dead mouse on iMac
A2: Love having Ss make game boards of books they have read and then we all get to play them and experience the book too
nice to see ya! Thanks for being persistent.
A2: love the mystery theme, ! I took my Ss on a mystery field trip!
I did this when I was teaching 4th grade, too! I LOVED it!
The LGBT rights story has broad and important impact on this world. Make videos to celebrate it!
Social action projects, for sure. Kids are passionate about social issues and social justice.
Lots of Ss in NYC hoping BPop gets some LGBTQ history on the site by June to celebrate Pride. Why so reluctant? Stand with us!
I LOVE that! Where did you go?
A2: Just did a refresher with spec ed teachers today of MyBrainPOP. It's a tried & true end of year go-to.
Love this - bc it makes Ss think through stories to find a game mechanic. Cool idea!
A2: Science teachers go to is dissections. The kids love those and are engaged! Two ELA Ts are doing passion project presentations
A2 Age of Explorers movie trailers, along with movie posters and fake Netflix descriptions
Couldn't miss the last one of the year! <3
Yes we are completing iMovies in the lab and some days it's like pulling teeth. 😁
Activities where students are in control. What has the course meant to them? What will they do?
Hi, Rachelle from Pgh, teach Span & French, A1 keeping Ss going,finding new ways to present info, have opps and fun
A2: Video projects are great for end of year fun. Green Screen, retelling novels, myths, movie trailers, & projects with others.
A2: wait for it, .... a cookie shop! we were food critics & worked on descriptive writing at a lovely local bakery.
So many of our computers are taken with test usage so it's a good time to get the kids outside and geocache on our field
A2 a new behavior incentive Ditching the old system&providing fresh rewards 4 good behavior. Works wonders during the last days
Ts have Ss make their own BrainPOP movies - this is one of my faves re: gender stereotypes! https://t.co/AiD49Cn5Jv
A2 - love the fake Netflix descriptions! such a part of their reality now.
That sounds like so much fun! You have my wheels spinning now!
A2 Enjoy seeing end of year authentic proj, , enjoy reviewing & seeing Ss realize how much they learnd
My 7th graders are so excited to study LGBTQ rights during Pride month. Why doesn't BPop want to be a resource?
A2 When I taught 3rd we created a "cafe" where Ss read poetry & short stories they worked on throughout the year. Parents loved it
Never heard of fake Netflix descriptions....interesting. How does it work?
A2: Passion Projects/Genius Hour so they can study what makes them happy.
Yes, we made our own movie this year and the Ss loved it! Great Resources on BP
Yes, have kids make their own movies. Kids from my school recently created one about BrainPOP! https://t.co/4GtEG9CwTI
My kids also love using tech4learning's frames to create their own bp movies
A2 I have also been doing a different STEM activity with them once a week
That's a great video! I'll watch it all later, but impressed with the beginning!
A3. Consider timing to be +/-30%. Many more factors playing at this season re energy and output.
- Netflix idea was from . Matt - can you share any details?
A3: At the alt ed school I brought in a technicians & a broken cpu. Ss take it apart, then make art with pieces in art therapy.
A3: Used shared docs, slides, calendars for time management and to help.
Yes, it is an advocacy video trying to get BrainPOP to make a video on LGBT rights So far they
I'd have kiddos make todo lists - good for time management. Also try not to start projects with less that 10 days left!
What an inspiration! I hope BPop changes stance or they will look back on this as a huge missed opportunity.
Oddly, this is the time of year where teachers are more welcoming. They are done so tech integration is a bonus. It's a great time
A3 I see this year that shorter projects are better and more engaging.
A3 With testing this time of year, it's a challenge. I prep to teach on the fly! Also revisit past S projects
A3 Plan time wise for the parties, programs etc that come at the end of the year.
A3; Don't just throw something together for the sake of doing it. Still have purpose and planning. Involve the Ss in planning
well said! https://t.co/CQKN9JDquK
A3; Don't just throw something together for the sake of doing it. Still have purpose and planning. Involve the Ss in planning
Regina from NJ joining late..
The biggest thing on my kids to-do list is getting BrainPOP to publish a video on LGBT rights.
welcome! Familiar face on the blog today ;)
A3 I try to keep our day as consistent and “normal” as long as possible w/ a few special things to keep it fun.
this is so important to remember bc the Ss can tell when hey are just getting busy work
A3 I always think that end of the year is perfect time for giving more time to passion projects...
Joining late guys Bradford Harris spring tx just did a Cize workout
A3 Consider student choice toward the end, it's a great way to keep them engaged
I walked by an 8th grade math class yesterday, (as well as a baguette can walk) and she was showing a bp movie on math concept : )
Agreed. Do you ever wonder why BPOP has videos on Latino, African American, women's rights, but no LGBT rights?
Bradford Cize is a serious workout...but fun...
Did my heart good to see them engaged, especially since testing starts Monday. Great for review
A3 have a plan, be prepared, but allow for flexibility and spontaneity and get Ss input too,
A1: end of the year graduation Activities for our 8th graders can be a bit disruptive
A3 agreed, ! Another fave project was having Ss create their own non-fiction comics, based on interest.
If your students want to make a non-fiction comic on LGBT history and civil rights, they will find no content on BPOP.
Always give BPOP choice time to learn about their interests and they can teach what they to the class https://t.co/eqQAlRzuBi
A3 Consider student choice toward the end, it's a great way to keep them engaged
A3: In my ideal school, this approach to teaching/learning is all year. Where not, Ss can feel overwhelmed. Help them manage.
TOMORROW! (at least for now)
Our 3,4,5 grade getting ready to take wordless pic books (Carl books Alexandra Day) and create their own dialog.
you know what that gave me a great idea for a project thank you!
They use the app, scribble press. Take pic of page, then write the story.
Hello ! Cathy edtech specialist in NYC from NJ
Yay :) You are here too :)
A5: in the past I've been too ambitious trying to introduce too major a project with too little time left!
A4: Give the students CHOICES at the end of the year. Let them try new tech on their own, try Genius Hour, or passion projects.
Where's the stand-alone video on LGBT rights. Or are LGBT rights not important enough for their own video?
A4 Be as organized as humanly possible! We generally have a huge amount of data, paperwork, etc due it's easy to get overwhelmed
A4: My classroom is choice-based and that really helps at the end of the year - fun projects, , engaged students!
A4 Spend more time outside. It’s where everyone wants to be anyway. Find excuses to go out and play. It all ends soon enough.
A5: As a former middle school teacher my goal was to keep the hormonal crazies in check.
A4: Towards the end of the year becomes
last year we always did projects that were one or two classes long. Each class 45 min. This year iMovie has taken weeks.
What is your favorite end-of-the-year project?
Right next to you, here 👋
I want to be in your class, : ) lucky kids!
A4: Be fun, flexible, forgiving.
A4 keep going, stay positive, plan some fun interactive projects, games, give Ss choices and do best we can
and lucky teacher. So much fun! Why try to paddle upstream?
A4: I often wonder if I've learned anything from past year end experiences 😬
sorry I'm late! (again) A4 This yr has been different ...I learned the importance of relationship building w/every T I encounter
I think my passion for tech integration can be a bit overwhelming to some. I'm trying to show staff how we can use bp with SAMR
A4: Lock in time for presentation and reflection of whatever it is you're doing. Solicit -and listen to! - feedback from Ss.
In a world where Ss are beaten, called "fag," & told by gov. they can't pee safely, one line isn't enough.
A5 I have had no-tech success w/year-end storyboards, Ss to revisit history topics & pitch Pixar-style! https://t.co/WhuAPAq66J
TRUE TECH LOVE! Y'all make me smile.
A4: Don't check out. End of the year is a great time to experiment and try something new you can continue into fall
so true!!! Great time for experimentation and redefining learning :) https://t.co/X81TMSLi3K
A4: Don't check out. End of the year is a great time to experiment and try something new you can continue into fall
glad you are here. Miss you
A4: Lots of choice at the end of the year- coding, and now I can add building to my list of choices
Tim Moby say history is on the side of rights. BrainPOP will look back, regret being behind the curve on LGBT rights.
Think I read Q4 too fast:) End of yr, encourage Ts/Ss to TAKE RISKS-what we try at the end may give us courage when we start again
A5: My mission is to help kids find a passion for learning, hopefully that spans far beyond the next school year :)
after all, you know you're gonna make the video eventually. Why not do it now?
When I was a 1st grade teacher, we'd do "field trips" to the 2nd grade classroom and conduct interviews re: life in 2nd grade!
A5: If we teach kids how to learn then we have worked toward preparing them for the next school year and beyond :)
A4 Now that some SS are finishing iMovie we are all enjoying video showcase time and individually re-watching w/ . 💚
A5 I try to promote summer reading as much as possible. Field trip to library, book recommendations etc..
A5: Prep starts in September (or August). Stay in touch with teachers in grade above.
A5: I always asked the Ts of the next grade for a wishlist of essential skills they want Ss to walk in with after reflecting on yr
A5: Show lots of online enrichment activities that would be "perfect" for rainy days
HEY THERE!!:) You buys are so funny:)
A5 - Work with teachers in the next grade so you can align with their goals.
We are having issues with students posting nasty stuff on skype and through mail so the big push will be focused on that
Agreed. MLK, Letter from Birmingham Jail, why delay, delay, delay. This is a choice. Choose LGBT
I completely agree! Creating life long learners is my goal! https://t.co/BnKkahddJC
A5: My mission is to help kids find a passion for learning, hopefully that spans far beyond the next school year :)
what are some of your faves?
A5: allow kids to get to know Ts from next grade level thru year. End of year tours or spend a bit of time w/new teachers fun too!
A5: Encourage them to continue learning in the summer. We are offering our 1st STEM/Maker Camp to excite Ss about new makerspaces
A5: We have a "move up" day so Ss can meet the teachers for next year and get a preview of curriculum.
We do this too. They come back from the 2nd grade room so excited. https://t.co/opY9SQpGVk
When I was a 1st grade teacher, we'd do "field trips" to the 2nd grade classroom and conduct interviews re: life in 2nd grade!
A5 iMovies were SS choice about a standard they learned this year. Last two weeks the upcoming SS watch what they'll be learning
A5: Ts should also use this time of yr to collaborate. Think of new ideas to engage all Ss in the fall. Talk to other grade levels
what are some specific strategies you use to encourage them?
That's a great idea! My 6th graders used to write letters to the next year's Ss to read on day 1 of school.
I am offering a 6 hour class to help teachers get ready for next year and 1 hour will be bp
A5: Lots of promoting summer school & camps in the area. So many new STEM/Fine arts Camps
remind them of victories they had during the year. Sincerely encourage them to explore and build on their strengths
A5 Teaching Ss to lead, to know who they r as learners & people can go a long way-can't say enough about &
Excited to check out NitroType, . Thanks for sharing, Cathy!
and, post testing, there can be more time for this exploration, right?
A6: would love to let go of grades entirely, especially for my 7th grade cycle students
is FUN! You will be racing everyone in the office
Let go? Just the opposite! In fact,we will be adding more to our plate. I know what I'd like to let go....but can't.
exactly...use the post testing time frame to tinker and investigate things. Time to wonder
ha - we do that with ZType already - it's been hilarious & fun! who knew BPpers were so competitive!? https://t.co/V4eTjEmJAw
A6 - that's a tough question! But, we have so much piled on our plates, that sometimes we have to let things go too!
We did, and we laughed with you 😂 We're crazy busy as always, with the annual wrench thrown in
A6 Tough one-Leaving the classroom I think I let go of more than what I kept:) Need to work on keeping things & building them in
A6 less hand holding and way more modeling and coaching
A6 Every year I hope to “let go” of some of the clutter in my classroom. :)
Well said, it's more about pedagogy approach than specific tools or projects. https://t.co/6oeLNAw1mR
A6 less hand holding and way more modeling and coaching
- I have a blog post I'm trying to dig up for you re: decluttering the classroom!
7th grade math homework, and the family laughed at me ;)
Can’t wait! I need it! 12 years in the same room adds up to a lot of messy piles
A6: Let go of what you "want" to teach and focus on what prepares them for the next grade.
A6 Not all iPad projects will look like the example...self expression is important 4 kids.
A7: More time outside. Never underestimate the restorative powers of the beach.
A6: I'm trying to let go of having absolute control in the room/group.
A6: I make list of activities & ask Ss if I should "use it" or "lose it" for next year- That's how I find what 2"let go."
A6: Didn't have to teach keyboarding this year, but I still tried, and still will
A7: Massages & mani pedis. Then hosting a Tech Camp for Ts 2 weeks before school starts. They start thinking of fresh ideas.
A7 Work outside, reflect on prior year, read, look at articles, tools, try new things, enjoy the time to explore
A7: Aggressive editing...if I didn't use it out it goes...organizing as much as possible...so I can return and jump right back in
A7 put on sandals, turn off alarm on my phone and try to stay out of my classroom for as long as I can.
I like that- aggressive editing - of all things! https://t.co/rvDdTatrRb
A7: Aggressive editing...if I didn't use it out it goes...organizing as much as possible...so I can return and jump right back in
A7: konmari method, ! : )
A7: I prepare 4 the next year by attending conferences, edcamps, webinars, chats, & networking with other Teachers to share ideas!
We are hosting our first Edcamp so getting that ready will be a priority.
A7 I connect on Twitter, dive into what I'm most passionate about, & remember the importance of r work. Then I get in empower mode
A7 - So many great ideas, I'm ready for summer break now!
Yay - let's start summer break now!
I have read her posts before, I will take a look at this one. Thanks!
We're gonna wrap up for 2night, thanks everyone for coming! Best of luck keeping your Ss motivated through the end of the year!
A7 start by cleaning up the current school year. Clean the cob weds out.
You are all so inspiring & each deserve the dreamiest summer vacations and beyond. Thanks for sharing your ideas!
