#XPLAP Archive

Book study chat focusing on Explore Like a Pirate, written by Michael Matera.

Tuesday November 27, 2018
10:00 PM EST

  • mrmatera - Moderator Nov 27 @ 10:00 PM EST
    Welcome to #XPLAP Please introduce yourself and share your favorite card game to play with your family?
  • tishrich - Moderator Nov 27 @ 10:01 PM EST
    Hi! Tisha Tech Integration Specialist & author of #MLmagical! Love progressive rummy and hearts! Family favs! #xplap
  • MrPowley Nov 27 @ 10:02 PM EST
    INTRO! Hello #XPLAP! I'm Adam from SC. I teach USHIS and blog at https://t.co/4GYFrLQPOX. My favorite card game is UNO. We had one great night playing Skip-Bo too.
  • HeckAwesome Nov 27 @ 10:02 PM EST
    Carrie Baughcum. 6/7/8 Special Education Teacher. Our current favorite is Sushi Go Party Pack #XPLAP
  • Math2TheFuture Nov 27 @ 10:02 PM EST
    Happy Tuesday #XPLAP. Dave Kolb, 7th grade math. Genoa, IL. Favorite card game to play with the family is pinnacle! Haven't played in a while though.
  • MrHentzen Nov 27 @ 10:02 PM EST
    Jay from NE, MS science teacher. Favorite card game is probably either Mille Bornes or spoons. #xplap
  • MrPowley Nov 27 @ 10:02 PM EST
    How did I do with the philosophy? I hope I did it justice! #XPLAP
    In reply to @MrBillingsclass
  • MeehanEDU Nov 27 @ 10:03 PM EST
    John Meehan from Washington DC. High school instructional coach and eleventh grade English teacher. Currently loving us some @Superfight at the Meehan family household! #SUPERFIGHT #xplap
  • MrPowley Nov 27 @ 10:03 PM EST
    This is on my Christmas List! #XPLAP
    In reply to @HeckAwesome
  • HeckAwesome Nov 27 @ 10:03 PM EST
    SPOONS!!! Love that game too!!! #XPLAP
    In reply to @MrHentzen
  • mrmatera - Moderator Nov 27 @ 10:03 PM EST
    Hello everyone. I am Michael Matera Author of #XPLAP Favorite card games are: Hearts, Briscola and Hand and foot.
  • mrmatera - Moderator Nov 27 @ 10:03 PM EST
    Awesome Answer Carrie! #XPLAP
    In reply to @HeckAwesome
  • MrsLedford6Eng Nov 27 @ 10:03 PM EST
    Hey #xplap! I'm Jen, a 6th grade English Teacher from IN!
  • psamel Nov 27 @ 10:03 PM EST
    Hi! Patrick Amel 4th grade teacher from Oshkosh, WI My favorite family card games are Love Letter (#adventuretime edition), Sheepshead, Cribbage, Sushi Go, and Timeline. #XPLAP
  • teachlikeaninja Nov 27 @ 10:03 PM EST
    Josh Stock, 6th grade ELA teacher from Olathe, KS. My favorite card game is Hollywood Rummy. My family has been playing it since I was a kid. #xplap
  • ElemPhysEd Nov 27 @ 10:03 PM EST
    My family of five loves UNO #XPLAP
  • missmac100 Nov 27 @ 10:03 PM EST
    HI! I'm Carol from Birmingham, AL. My family's favorite card game is Rook! #xplap
  • mrmatera - Moderator Nov 27 @ 10:04 PM EST
    All good games @tishrich nice choice! Play any over Thanksgiving? #XPLAP
    In reply to @tishrich, @tishrich
  • MrPowley Nov 27 @ 10:04 PM EST
    I miss playing Euchre. It was a Western NY game and I've heard it spreads through the upper midwest. Every played? #XPLAP
    In reply to @mrmatera
  • Math2TheFuture Nov 27 @ 10:04 PM EST
    We had some intense spoons games back in the day! #xplap
    In reply to @MrHentzen, @HeckAwesome
  • jimmyjt3 Nov 27 @ 10:04 PM EST
    Jimmy, math teacher from SD. Growing up we played Hand and Foot. My wife’s family has now gotten me to play up and down the river and to try pinochle. I also love Dominion (if that counts!) #xplap
  • HeckAwesome Nov 27 @ 10:04 PM EST
    It is a must!!! Your boys would LOVE it and get the large pack. Infinite fun!!! #XPLAP
    In reply to @MrPowley
  • MrsCford_tweets Nov 27 @ 10:04 PM EST
    Hi #xplap crew! Stefanie, instructional coach from Illinois. I’m choosing Velaria even though it’s not a game that utilizes a regular deck of cards, it’s still a deck building game.
  • mrmatera - Moderator Nov 27 @ 10:04 PM EST
    Jay… Spoons is epic… I missed that one in my list. #XPLAP
    In reply to @MrHentzen
  • teachlikeaninja Nov 27 @ 10:04 PM EST
    My family had to stop playing spoons. We got a little too competitive. #xplap
    In reply to @HeckAwesome, @MrHentzen
  • jcoswald Nov 27 @ 10:04 PM EST
    Justin, MS science teacher from @circleusd375 #thrivein375 definitely Phase10 #xplap
  • mrmatera - Moderator Nov 27 @ 10:05 PM EST
    Super fight gives everyone many things to laugh about. Good call John. #XPLAP
    In reply to @MeehanEDU, @Superfight
  • KaliSlusser Nov 27 @ 10:05 PM EST
    Hi! I’m an instructional coach from Northern California #xplap
  • MrPowley Nov 27 @ 10:05 PM EST
    Same Here! my older boys can play on an equal field. (can't hold the cards yet though) #XPLAP
    In reply to @ElemPhysEd
  • Anderson_TSOA Nov 27 @ 10:05 PM EST
    Rich Anderson North Syracuse 9th grade Global History Ecstatic that I actually able to stay awake (although barely) to take part tonight—10pm EST is hard to make Favorite card game with family is Rummy or Cards Against Humanity (depending on the crew) #xplap
  • HeckAwesome Nov 27 @ 10:05 PM EST
    😜 #XPLAP
    In reply to @mrmatera
  • psamel Nov 27 @ 10:05 PM EST
    I played Mille Bornes as a kid, but haven't played in a long time. I remember enjoying that one. #XPLAP
    In reply to @MrHentzen
  • mrmatera - Moderator Nov 27 @ 10:05 PM EST
    Love letter is a solid choice too! Good call Patrick. Welcome back to #XPLAP
    In reply to @psamel
  • acurriculumnerd Nov 27 @ 10:05 PM EST
    Tracey, 5th grade in SC. My family loves Exploding Kittens! #XPLAP
  • mrmatera - Moderator Nov 27 @ 10:05 PM EST
    Welcome Adam! #XPLAP
    In reply to @ElemPhysEd
  • MrBillingsclass Nov 27 @ 10:06 PM EST
    Hi Jordan Billings 7th grade social studies and my wife and I love to play the Harry Potter Battle for Hogwarts deck building game...still need to beat Game 7 😬 #xplap
  • mrmatera - Moderator Nov 27 @ 10:06 PM EST
    Q1 Landing on #XPLAP are you here?
  • Math2TheFuture Nov 27 @ 10:06 PM EST
    Forgot to mention Euchre, that was great to play with my grandpa. #XPLAP
  • MrPowley Nov 27 @ 10:06 PM EST
    Well... In that case my son is getting into Pokemon! #XPLAP
    In reply to @MrsCford_tweets
  • mrmatera - Moderator Nov 27 @ 10:06 PM EST
    Yeah! Someone knows that one… Awesome! #XPLAP
    In reply to @jimmyjt3
  • KimSnodgrass Nov 27 @ 10:06 PM EST
    Hey, #XPLAP Crew! I'm Kimberly from NE, and I teach 7th grade ELA. I ❤️ playing GO FISH with my daughter, especially in a cozy coffee shop!
  • brpage12 Nov 27 @ 10:06 PM EST
    Barbara Page, teacher & EdD student in Waco, TX! I LOVE to play Blackjack, but am usually called “too competitive!” #xplap
  • MrBillingsclass Nov 27 @ 10:06 PM EST
    #xplap
    In reply to @MrPowley
  • HeckAwesome Nov 27 @ 10:06 PM EST
    A total favorite!!! Such a great game!!! #XPLAP
    In reply to @MrsCford_tweets
  • KimSnodgrass Nov 27 @ 10:06 PM EST
    Hi, Carol! #XPLAP
    In reply to @missmac100
  • KimSnodgrass Nov 27 @ 10:07 PM EST
    Hi, friend! #XPLAP
    In reply to @MrsCford_tweets
  • KaliSlusser Nov 27 @ 10:07 PM EST
    My favorite game is Uno. Classic card game. #xpLap
  • mrmatera - Moderator Nov 27 @ 10:07 PM EST
    Dominion was the father of deck building games. I tend to like CLANK and TRAINS more than Dominion… But good call. If you have not heard of the two I just said you might want to pick them up! #XPLAP
    In reply to @jimmyjt3
  • MrBillingsclass Nov 27 @ 10:07 PM EST
    Yes you hit it right on the head! #xplap
    In reply to @MrPowley
  • missmac100 Nov 27 @ 10:07 PM EST
    Hi, Kimberly! #xplap
    In reply to @KimSnodgrass
  • psamel Nov 27 @ 10:07 PM EST
    Haven't tried that one yet, but sounds interesting. #XPLAP
    In reply to @MeehanEDU, @Superfight
  • mrmatera - Moderator Nov 27 @ 10:07 PM EST
    Love Velaria and the memory of learning it with Dan, you and Carrie! #XPLAP
    In reply to @MrsCford_tweets
  • tishrich - Moderator Nov 27 @ 10:07 PM EST
    Actually discovered a new game this year with a little fam history...just wrote a blog about it... https://t.co/3OAD9D6Xc6 So fun! #xplap
    In reply to @mrmatera
  • MrCarlsonsClass Nov 27 @ 10:07 PM EST
    Will Carlson, 5th grade teacher, Northern MI, Candy Land and My Little Pony Yahtzee, don’t @ me :) #XPLAP
    In reply to @mrmatera
  • HeckAwesome Nov 27 @ 10:08 PM EST
    Ha!!! Game and a story! The best!!! #XPLAP
    In reply to @MeehanEDU
  • MrHentzen Nov 27 @ 10:08 PM EST
    a1) my favorite days were when we got to do hands on activities (probably why I liked science the most). also liked that our math teacher would put our names into the story problems. #xplap
  • MrsLedford6Eng Nov 27 @ 10:08 PM EST
    That has also been our fav lately! #xplap
    In reply to @KaliSlusser
  • mrmatera - Moderator Nov 27 @ 10:08 PM EST
    Totally remember playing Mille Bornes at the cottage with family and friends. Thanks for that memory. #XPLAP
    In reply to @psamel, @MrHentzen
  • MeehanEDU Nov 27 @ 10:09 PM EST
    A1. My 7th-8th grade history teacher (aptly named "Mr. Riddle" -- no joke) created elaborate simulations to help us reenact history as RPG guilds with competing interests. Native tribes vs. Manifest Destiny government. US vs USSR in the SALT Talks. TOTAL ENGAGEMENT. #xplap
  • KaliSlusser Nov 27 @ 10:09 PM EST
    I remember pioneer days when I was a kid. I loved the crafts and dressing in costumes. #xplap
  • HeckAwesome Nov 27 @ 10:09 PM EST
    and it has some super fun game mechanics that could easily layer over and amplify a class game 😉 #XPLAP
    In reply to @MeehanEDU
  • MrPowley Nov 27 @ 10:09 PM EST
    A1 I remember having full class discussions on Controversial Topics in @Edwinivich's C.E. class. Made me consider what I actually thought about big political topics. Not sure how he got away with some of those topics... #XPLAP
  • MrHentzen Nov 27 @ 10:09 PM EST
    It was one that I used to play with my grandma whenever we had family get togethers. Never knew it was something that other people played. Saw it at a story about a year after she died and said, I have to buy that! #xplap
    In reply to @mrmatera, @psamel
  • mrmatera - Moderator Nov 27 @ 10:09 PM EST
    Yeah Kim is here on #XPLAP Welcome and love the Go Fish photo!
    In reply to @KimSnodgrass
  • Math2TheFuture Nov 27 @ 10:10 PM EST
    A1 Whenever our Calculus teacher would challenge someone to draw a free-hand circle better than him on the chalkboard. Everyone was always up for the challenge, but nobody beat him...ever. 😢#XPLAP
  • tishrich - Moderator Nov 27 @ 10:10 PM EST
    A1: I remember loving playing the game Pit in consumer economics and we had a unit where our teachers had us choose stocks and we competed against each other. Don’t remember details, but had fun and learned a lot! #xplap
  • HeckAwesome Nov 27 @ 10:10 PM EST
    A1: thinking back to my childhood it was hands down the days I had choice or say in how or what I created #XPLAP
  • tpray22 Nov 27 @ 10:10 PM EST
    Tyler Pray from Seymour, IN. Horse Collar. It's similar to Euchre #XPLAP
    In reply to @mrmatera
  • HeckAwesome Nov 27 @ 10:11 PM EST
    So much fun!!! #XPLAP
    In reply to @mrmatera, @MrsCford_tweets
  • mrmatera - Moderator Nov 27 @ 10:11 PM EST
    Welcome Tyler… Glad to see someone from Seymour here! #XPLAP
    In reply to @tpray22
  • teachlikeaninja Nov 27 @ 10:11 PM EST
    A1) I remember building water bottle rockets for physics class. It was one of the few times where I did extra research to prepare. #xplap
  • KimSnodgrass Nov 27 @ 10:11 PM EST
    A1: FAVE: FIELD DAY ⚽️🏀🏈⚾️🥎🎾 We always had a field day at the end of the year, filled with games. Just goes to show how impactful games can be! Pretty sure the sack hop, shoe kick, and 3 legged race were the best ever! #XPLAP
  • jcoswald Nov 27 @ 10:11 PM EST
    A1 PBL I remember researching and presenting projects vividly from constructing a pagoda temple to making a puppet of Milton Hershey I think creativity and using ordinary materials to make something interesting is still fun, that’s why I always have a Rube Goldberg comp. #xplap
  • psamel Nov 27 @ 10:11 PM EST
    A1 As a kid, my favorites were the around the world games and a gym game called pinball. I have played a version of this with students. Will have to think about how I could make it a part of my classroom game. #XPLAP
  • MrHentzen Nov 27 @ 10:11 PM EST
    I do this one with my physical science class! #xplap
    In reply to @teachlikeaninja
  • HSwartz25 Nov 27 @ 10:11 PM EST
    Trying this again (long day) Holly Digital Integration Specialist from Northern Indiana. #xplap @SethPonder
  • mrmatera - Moderator Nov 27 @ 10:12 PM EST
    Q2 has hit the #XPLAP airwaves... Have a listen and post your response now!
  • kimdarche Nov 27 @ 10:12 PM EST
    A1 - we used to play charades with spelling words. It was one of the days I most looked forward to... and another who had 100 pictures hanging above the lockers. We tried to memorize them and he would quiz us... I just loved it. #xplap
  • HSwartz25 Nov 27 @ 10:12 PM EST
    A1 Easy! Pioneer Days in 4th grade. We dressed up and rotated to different centers (making candles, making Butter, hand sewing a pillow etc). Even then hands on activities made the most impact!! #xplap
  • MrsCford_tweets Nov 27 @ 10:12 PM EST
    A1: my chem teacher was SO hard, but lab days were amazing. The equilibrium lab always stands out because we divided and stood on opposites sides of the classroom throwing ping pong balls at each other for a certain amount of time then counting the balls kn each side. 😆#xplap
  • ddejong03 Nov 27 @ 10:12 PM EST
    Hey everyone!!!! Drew from Iowa here! #XPLAP
  • tishrich - Moderator Nov 27 @ 10:12 PM EST
    Hi Josh! Totally...awe always get injured when playing that game!😂 #xplap
    In reply to @teachlikeaninja, @HeckAwesome, @MrHentzen
  • Math2TheFuture Nov 27 @ 10:12 PM EST
    Around the world was a favorite for me as well. #XPLAP
    In reply to @psamel
  • missmac100 Nov 27 @ 10:12 PM EST
    A1: I loved any days where we had choices. I remember writing short plays and getting to pick play from the group to perform. So fun! #xplap
  • Anderson_TSOA Nov 27 @ 10:12 PM EST
    A1 In 9th grade my Global 9 Teacher, Mrs. DAmico, used to play this review game that I can’t remember how to set up but it was called “The No Friends In The Game” Game & you tried to stump the people you were played against. So much fun & we still talk about battles we had #xplap
  • mrmatera - Moderator Nov 27 @ 10:12 PM EST
    A1: I remember a 7th grade teacher playing floors lava with us all day… It was awesome. Must admit, I tried it last week with my students and I think it might be a memory they keep too. #XPLAP
  • pandacucho Nov 27 @ 10:12 PM EST
    A1 - My school used to have a big cultural night on the Spirit Week. I don't know why, now that I think about it, but once they let me be the Director of that cultural night. It was the first time a student was leading that activity. #XPLAP
  • yenneam Nov 27 @ 10:13 PM EST
    A1 Ann from Colorado Springs here, I teach 5th grade. Engaging when I was a kid? I'm not sure that was a requirement! I mostly went for relationship - connection with teachers. That's what I remember. #xplap
  • tishrich - Moderator Nov 27 @ 10:13 PM EST
    Cribbage is a fam favorite too #xplap
    In reply to @psamel
  • KimSnodgrass Nov 27 @ 10:13 PM EST
    A2: PLAY & EXPLORE MORE! #XPLAP
  • tpray22 Nov 27 @ 10:13 PM EST
    I really enjoyed the atmosphere class debates/conversation created. Whether it was analyzing To Kill a Mockingbird or discussing current events, these conversations and debates can be easily recreated in today's class. #XPLAP
    In reply to @mrmatera
  • MrBillingsclass Nov 27 @ 10:13 PM EST
    A1- first off I love telling students this and they look me with a super confused face (how can I live without google) 🤣. As a kid I really enjoyed simulations...I did several court room cases in class but I also performed scenes from books for ELA classes #xplap
  • ItsAMrY Nov 27 @ 10:13 PM EST
    Most engaging day: When we, the seniors, stormed into our junior english teacher's class on the last day of school, played "American Pie" (the song) and made him explain the meaning. He failed to do that for our class the year before. #xplap
  • MrPowley Nov 27 @ 10:14 PM EST
    A2 Having just had a couple of kids at this age I have 2 thoughts. 1) HW is difficult even in a conducive family situation. 2) People need to move. Even in 11th grade they are not automatons that can focus 100%. They need breaks. #XPLAP
  • missmac100 Nov 27 @ 10:14 PM EST
    A2: I think the biggest take away from PK is allowing time for exploration. There's not enough of that in school. #xplap
  • HSwartz25 Nov 27 @ 10:14 PM EST
    Last year my first graders taught me the card game TRASH! I was hooked. #XPLAP
  • teachlikeaninja Nov 27 @ 10:14 PM EST
    A1: I loved doing something nobody else was doing. So, when kids were writing stories about the main characters in Lord of the Flies, I was writing about a kid who disappears in Ch. 1 just because I wanted to know what happened to him. #xplap
  • ddejong03 Nov 27 @ 10:14 PM EST
    A1: I will alwasy remember by 4th grade teacher letting us watch Ghostwriter and then trying to solve the mystery in groups!!! #XPLAP
  • kimdarche Nov 27 @ 10:14 PM EST
    A2 - I was listening to podcast today and thexhat was about how the best athletes focus on practicing the basics even at the highest level. I am wondering what are some of the basics from PK... #xplap
  • Anderson_TSOA Nov 27 @ 10:14 PM EST
    A2 I think I already try to hit on all the senses—just being more intentional with it....as in all things #xplap
  • MrCarlsonsClass Nov 27 @ 10:15 PM EST
    A1- My 6th grade teacher had us form teams, create team crests and flags, and earn or lose points throughout the year on a map similar to Risk. I do an eerily similar process with my 5th graders 30 years later using @classcraftgame. #XPLAP
  • mrmatera - Moderator Nov 27 @ 10:15 PM EST
    Glad to see you here on #XPLAP Drew… Thanks for making it tonight!
    In reply to @ddejong03
  • MrBillingsclass Nov 27 @ 10:15 PM EST
    Oh yea! I totally remember around the world games #xplap
    In reply to @psamel
  • getz_teaching Nov 27 @ 10:15 PM EST
    A1: I remember my chemistry teacher doing dlying moles for atoms I think. Some times just doing not expected activities works. #XPLAP
  • HeckAwesome Nov 27 @ 10:15 PM EST
    A2: any time we can reconnect and remind our students of the power / impact of drawing wonderful things happen and are unleashed #XPLAP
  • MeehanEDU Nov 27 @ 10:15 PM EST
    A2. @LEGO_Group and @storycubes! Can't tell you how much *JOY* these little buggers have brought to my high school classroom. Tactile, surprising, with near infinite applications. #xplap
  • Math2TheFuture Nov 27 @ 10:15 PM EST
    A2 Allow students to move around more freely. Give them opportunities to use their hands. Open the sand box and let them get creative. #XPLAP
  • MrsLedford6Eng Nov 27 @ 10:16 PM EST
    This is was stuck out for me as well... I remember a stone soup play in 3rd grade that we did in German and English. I love how theatrics can play a role in my day to day teaching. #xplap
    In reply to @missmac100
  • JeremyDBond Nov 27 @ 10:16 PM EST
    I remember my third grade teacher demonstrating how to write explicitly by making a peanut butter sandwich based on our instructions. We quickly learned "put the peanut butter on the bread" could be taken too literally. I remember how erasing and rewriting it was FUN. #xplap A1
  • MrsCford_tweets Nov 27 @ 10:16 PM EST
    A2: we seem more likely to acknowledge time and focus limitations of PK even though the info exists to show us it’s still a thing as they get older. Allow curiosity and exploration, not just memoriazation and how to get an A. #xplap
  • tishrich - Moderator Nov 27 @ 10:16 PM EST
    A2: Playdough!!! So many ways to use it!!! Stop motion animation, Sculpt Question prompts, the list goes on.... and who doesn’t love it! #xplap
  • mrmatera - Moderator Nov 27 @ 10:16 PM EST
    Love both of these John… I hope you saw the two videos I did on Story Cubes on my channel last year. Plenty of ideas! #XPLAP
    In reply to @MeehanEDU, @LEGO_Group, @storycubes
  • sebasalik Nov 27 @ 10:16 PM EST
    #XPLAP Hi Everyone! Susan Basalik, music teacher, from beautiful Collegeville, PA. Favorite family card games are Pit (except when I'm stuck w/bear) and pinochole.
    In reply to @mrmatera
  • yenneam Nov 27 @ 10:16 PM EST
    A2 Don't be afraid to get messy! #xplap
  • KimSnodgrass Nov 27 @ 10:17 PM EST
    Hey! So good to see you! #XPLAP
    In reply to @mrmatera
  • HeckAwesome Nov 27 @ 10:17 PM EST
    A2: I also love to bring in hands on building or creating activities. Allows movement, different thinking, accessible to a variety for learners and hands on!! #XPLAP
  • ddejong03 Nov 27 @ 10:17 PM EST
    A2: getting students up and out of their seats! We also love building LEGOS or Play Doh!!! #xplap
  • GohGaikJune Nov 27 @ 10:17 PM EST
    A1: I loved Win, Lose or Draw when I was a kid in school! I recreate it now on my kids devices with the @DeckToys app Draw n Guess #xplap
  • mrmatera - Moderator Nov 27 @ 10:17 PM EST
    A2: Create wonder through telling stories. Then allow them to explore their questions together based on this new wonder and idea that we just discovered. #XPLAP
  • MrBillingsclass Nov 27 @ 10:17 PM EST
    A2- one thing I have been ambitious to try is a dust bowl simulation where students break down the dirt in science and build log cabins in my class. Then take them outside and with fans simulate a storm...maybe this is the year #xplap
  • MrsCford_tweets Nov 27 @ 10:17 PM EST
    A2: PKs are afraid to do something “wrong” They just jump in and do it. If it doesn’t have the expected outcome, they adjust or ask for help adjusting. #xplap
  • HeckAwesome Nov 27 @ 10:18 PM EST
    LOVE that thought!! #XPLAP
    In reply to @kimdarche
  • MrBillingsclass Nov 27 @ 10:18 PM EST
    This would be a great thing to do with regular vocabulary #XPLAP
    In reply to @kimdarche
  • mrmatera - Moderator Nov 27 @ 10:18 PM EST
    THIS WOULD BE SOOOOOOO EPIC! #XPLAP
    In reply to @MrBillingsclass
  • HSwartz25 Nov 27 @ 10:18 PM EST
    Let me tell you the Littles think I am amazing when I show them "old" technology. Explain and show them a rotary phone or typewriter, dial up internet . . .BOOM!! Mind Blown!! #XPLAP
    In reply to @MrBillingsclass
  • LaneWalker2 Nov 27 @ 10:18 PM EST
    Hi, is it okay for me to jump in? #xplap
  • psamel Nov 27 @ 10:18 PM EST
    A2 I'd say that spirit of make believe is inspiring from younger kids, although I think it lives in the older students too! Also inventing games. PK could probably do an interesting game jam! Could involve my 4th graders with both of these. #XPLAP
  • kimdarche Nov 27 @ 10:18 PM EST
    Interesting. Students before they could write words in PK were in essence “sketchnoting” #XPLAP
    In reply to @HeckAwesome
  • Math2TheFuture Nov 27 @ 10:18 PM EST
    Oops, pinochle (sp) I was thinking the card brand at first. #XPLAP
  • HeckAwesome Nov 27 @ 10:18 PM EST
    Absolutely and totally!!! #XPLAP👊🏻
  • MrBillingsclass Nov 27 @ 10:19 PM EST
    Mille Bornes! My dad and I loved that game #xplap
    In reply to @MrHentzen
  • getz_teaching Nov 27 @ 10:19 PM EST
    A2: Letting kids be kids. Remembering that we all need time to just explore an idea.#XPLAP
  • teachlikeaninja Nov 27 @ 10:19 PM EST
    Those were some of my favorites too. I still remember acting as a lawyer for one of the kids in Lord of the Flies. #xplap
    In reply to @MrBillingsclass
  • MrPowley Nov 27 @ 10:19 PM EST
    A2b I love reading the Butter Battle Book during my Cold War Unit. The students get to see how wickedly political Dr. Suess could be as we have "story time". #xplap (its about nuclear arms proliferation)
  • ddejong03 Nov 27 @ 10:20 PM EST
    A2: I love bringing picture books back to my 6th graders!!! Never too old!!! #xplap
  • MrsCford_tweets Nov 27 @ 10:20 PM EST
    A2: PKs aren’t afraid to do something “wrong” They just jump in and do it. If it doesn’t have the expected outcome, they adjust or ask for help adjusting. #xplap
  • KimSnodgrass Nov 27 @ 10:20 PM EST
    A3: PLAY-DOH always wins. Students go crazy for it, and it's adaptable to so many lessons. Recently discovered it makes a great substitute Mr. Potato Head too! #XPLAP
  • pandacucho Nov 27 @ 10:20 PM EST
    A3 - I have an aiming zone in my whiteboard in which I have possible answers for questions and mysteries. The students have ways of earning a shot at this with a sticky ball. Super engaging! #xplap
  • jcoswald Nov 27 @ 10:21 PM EST
    A2 my first unit teaching what science is... is all PK! Shapes, colors, textures, smells... all types of data for properties of matter we play with Play Doh, organize blocks, color pages they love it! #xplap
  • mrmatera - Moderator Nov 27 @ 10:21 PM EST
    A3: I use Tape to create a map on the floor and we battle out several simulations. Kids love it! https://t.co/aKX1BoMnZE #XPLAP
  • MrPowley Nov 27 @ 10:21 PM EST
    did I miss Q3? #XPLAP
  • HeckAwesome Nov 27 @ 10:21 PM EST
    Heck yeah!!! #XPLAP
    In reply to @LaneWalker2
  • mrmatera - Moderator Nov 27 @ 10:21 PM EST
    Q3 again. #XPLAP
  • JeremyDBond Nov 27 @ 10:22 PM EST
    uuuuuuughhhhh. Those grownups in the control center looked like wide-eyed kids to me. What a missed opportunity to experience history. #MarsLanding #xplap
    • DrHarrisonMcCoy Nov 27 @ 9:29 PM EST
      I was talking with a science teacher yesterday who couldn't show the Mars landing in class because it didn't fit benchmark teaching schedule. #txeduchat #sad
      In reply to @catydear, @nnekamcgee
  • LaneWalker2 Nov 27 @ 10:22 PM EST
    a1 I am concerned that by "force-feeding" students with tech, etc. we may inadvertently demotivate the drive to "reach" for understanding. #xplap
  • HeckAwesome Nov 27 @ 10:22 PM EST
    Absolutely and totally!!! #XPLAP👊🏻
    In reply to @kimdarche
  • MrBillingsclass Nov 27 @ 10:22 PM EST
    I did Princess Bride and Enders Game...Enders was my Mel Gibson show where I directed and acted in to #XPLAP
    In reply to @teachlikeaninja
  • tpray22 Nov 27 @ 10:22 PM EST
    Can't go wrong with doodles/drawing. Flex those creative muscles! #XPLAP
    In reply to @mrmatera
  • mrmatera - Moderator Nov 27 @ 10:22 PM EST
    Q3: Another low tech fun element is adding a magic 8 ball. I use mine for when kids ask to go back to the locker. https://t.co/T0Fln7MM80 #XPLAP
  • pandacucho Nov 27 @ 10:23 PM EST
    A3, v2 - Badges! My badges are stickers for the library card. They earn them when they show mastery of an expected learning result or skill. These give them access to more library services! #XPLAP
  • HSwartz25 Nov 27 @ 10:23 PM EST
    A2 I still teach the Littles but I also like to show them how I take risks and invent / play. Give me a time to dress up (cosplay) I am IN!! They need to feel comfortable and trust you to take some risks like the PK kids. #XPLAP
  • LaneWalker2 Nov 27 @ 10:23 PM EST
    Yes! One of my mantras is that if we haven't made any mistakes, then we probably aren't learning much. #xplap
    In reply to @MrsCford_tweets
  • MrsCford_tweets Nov 27 @ 10:23 PM EST
    A3: Play-Doh, adapted board games, dice, public leaderboards, #sketchnotes, story cubes - all no-tech bc sometimes you just don’t need it to be the main focus. #XPLAP
  • MrBillingsclass Nov 27 @ 10:23 PM EST
    I love showing his early 1930s cartoons! I don’t really get to fit it in my curriculum now though 😔 #xplap
    In reply to @MrPowley
  • kimdarche Nov 27 @ 10:23 PM EST
    A3 - bring back The Newlywed Game (@NevinM_17) and 100,000 Pyramid You will not be disappointed. #XPLAP
  • KimSnodgrass Nov 27 @ 10:23 PM EST
    Hi, Carrie! #XPLAP
    In reply to @HeckAwesome
  • MrPowley Nov 27 @ 10:23 PM EST
    A3 Questing (aka choice menus) allows for a lot more conversations and relationship building. Meaningful Choices are deeply engaging. #XPLAP https://t.co/EGNUVO1Ler
  • ddejong03 Nov 27 @ 10:24 PM EST
    A3: My Ss love review games like Mystery Suitcase and "Stevie" the Alligator!!!! Dice are always a hit as well! #xplap
  • mrmatera - Moderator Nov 27 @ 10:24 PM EST
    Q4 a surprise 4th question this week on #XPLAP Share your thoughts now.
  • LaneWalker2 Nov 27 @ 10:24 PM EST
    or loud! #xplap
    In reply to @yenneam
  • yenneam Nov 27 @ 10:24 PM EST
    A3 Legos! #xplap
  • GohGaikJune Nov 27 @ 10:24 PM EST
    A3: I bring them out to the playground and after their play, asked them if they found anything that was related to science (tons of answers - bugs, how to the see saw works, plants, anything really!) #xplap
  • sebasalik Nov 27 @ 10:24 PM EST
    #XPLAP I'm a big fan of song parodies. Right now, I've re-named Baby Shark to Crazy Sharps & I'm using the song to teach musical concepts like key signatures. My students love to come up with funny lyrics.
    In reply to @mrmatera
  • Math2TheFuture Nov 27 @ 10:24 PM EST
    A3 I use magnets to hang things around the room to pique interest. The eraser game is also low tech: butcher paper, white board eraser, and a marker tray. #XPLAP
  • MrPowley Nov 27 @ 10:24 PM EST
    A3b DICE!!! #XPLAP
  • LaneWalker2 Nov 27 @ 10:24 PM EST
    Music sets the stage for learning in my HS math classes. I love picking out tunes on my way to work or reviewing those suggested by students. #xplap
    In reply to @sebasalik, @mrmatera
  • ddejong03 Nov 27 @ 10:24 PM EST
    A4: FLIPGRID has been a hit this year in building engagement and has also allowed me to get to know my Ss more!! #xplap
  • getz_teaching Nov 27 @ 10:25 PM EST
    A3: I use simulation with the fur trade when teaching 4th grade. Also using clues for kids to guess a weird holiday for each day. Fun routine.#XPLAP
  • MrBillingsclass Nov 27 @ 10:25 PM EST
    So very true...need to get some cheap stuff and do something in class #xplap
    In reply to @KimSnodgrass
  • missmac100 Nov 27 @ 10:25 PM EST
    A3: My students love it when I put an object or clue up in the room but don't tell them about it. They like to "find it" and show it to me. :) (Like I didn't put it there). Sometimes it doesn't make sense right away but for a future activity. #xplap
  • MrHentzen Nov 27 @ 10:25 PM EST
    a3) marker boards, dice, I'm working on making/getting a roulette wheel or wheel of fortune type of thing. #xplap
  • KimSnodgrass Nov 27 @ 10:25 PM EST
    Hi! Thanks for the Turkey activity, so fun! #XPLAP
    In reply to @ddejong03
  • Anderson_TSOA Nov 27 @ 10:25 PM EST
    A3 I use a lot of role play activities—I just did one while teaching Hinduism that created a Caste System totally by chance (picked a card & the what caste that card was was decided by a roll of the di) & getting ready to do one on the 3 Chinese Philosophies...Ss love it #xplap
  • tishrich - Moderator Nov 27 @ 10:26 PM EST
    A3: Love adapting games into class. Just discovered this little bit of history in our game closet over Thanksgiving. https://t.co/Wp1aEqHLNx #xplap #mlmagical
  • ddejong03 Nov 27 @ 10:26 PM EST
    We will create an EPIC holiday one!!! Lets get brainstorming! #XPLAP
    In reply to @KimSnodgrass
  • pandacucho Nov 27 @ 10:26 PM EST
    I try. TRY. To play Fortnite with some of them. Didn't work for me. Library Clubs have had better support and engagement. #XPLAP
    In reply to @mrmatera
  • psamel Nov 27 @ 10:26 PM EST
    A3 Paleo simulation with hunters and gatherers. We hunt mammoths using a target and koosh ball. Also, we play lots of catch during the day and my kids go crazy for little stuffed animals. #xplap
  • MrsLedford6Eng Nov 27 @ 10:26 PM EST
    A3: It is amazing what "Agree" and "Disagree" posicle sticks and a taped lone on the floor can do! #xplap
  • MrsCford_tweets Nov 27 @ 10:27 PM EST
    A4: listen to their stories. Pick up likes and dislikes. Incorporate them into your classroom (and classroom game). If they ask you if you’ve heard ___ and you haven’t, say no and let them teach you. Listen to their ideas and actually consider/implement them. #XPLAP
  • jcoswald Nov 27 @ 10:27 PM EST
    A3 My steps: Step 1: rearrange the classroom they will not know what’s going on and engage curiosity. Step 2: have something fun drawn on the board (by you or a student;) Step 3: have a unique item to engage their interest and focus #xplap
  • LaneWalker2 Nov 27 @ 10:27 PM EST
    This is great. We want students to "reach," wonder, be curious, pursue, persevere. #xplap
    In reply to @missmac100
  • tpray22 Nov 27 @ 10:27 PM EST
    I try to get my students outside when the weather is nice or to a different location where they can spread out and be more comfortable breaking down/discussing the reading. #XPLAP
    In reply to @mrmatera
  • MrPowley Nov 27 @ 10:27 PM EST
    A4 Same as last answer. Conferencing and Talking. I have to build it into my schedule since I'm introverted... #XPLAP
  • jimmyjt3 Nov 27 @ 10:27 PM EST
    A3: I use whiteboards all the time. Very basic but my students love to use them! #xplap
  • Anderson_TSOA Nov 27 @ 10:27 PM EST
    A4 I am always REAL with them—share personal stories/background that show vulnerability and that we all have hurdles to overcome #xplap
  • MrHentzen Nov 27 @ 10:27 PM EST
    I try to talk with them about stuff they like. Seems hard with some of them since they don't want to admit they like anything. #xplap
  • missmac100 Nov 27 @ 10:27 PM EST
    A3: Having cards/items that you use to interact with other teams or with the game are low tech and the kids love them. #xplap
  • missmac100 Nov 27 @ 10:28 PM EST
    Everyone likes a mystery. :) #xplap
    In reply to @LaneWalker2
  • Math2TheFuture Nov 27 @ 10:28 PM EST
    A4 I am as present as possible in the hallways during the school day. I greet students by name. It's a small thing, but goes a long way. I also allow for students to "side track" the class every now and again when I know we have the time. #XPLAP
  • ElemPhysEd Nov 27 @ 10:28 PM EST
    I like to meet my PhysEd students in the hallway with some equipment we will be using for the day. Really seems to engage/foreshadow the upcoming activities #xplap
  • MrBillingsclass Nov 27 @ 10:28 PM EST
    A3- I have added a new card element to my class with @classcraftgame armor sets and am coming up with new items to roll out every week #xplap
  • mrmatera - Moderator Nov 27 @ 10:28 PM EST
    A4: I try to connect with my students when ever I can. I eat lunch with them, I have some come up and play games at recess, and I try to go to some of their special classes like Art, P.E. and Drama! They love that too! #XPLAP
  • getz_teaching Nov 27 @ 10:28 PM EST
    A3b: allow students to write theor thinking on chart paper. Works in elementary. #XPLAP
  • psamel Nov 27 @ 10:28 PM EST
    One other thought... singing. Some days I just sing everything. The kids love that! #XPLAP
    • psamel Nov 27 @ 10:26 PM EST
      A3 Paleo simulation with hunters and gatherers. We hunt mammoths using a target and koosh ball. Also, we play lots of catch during the day and my kids go crazy for little stuffed animals. #xplap
  • HSwartz25 Nov 27 @ 10:28 PM EST
    A3 Immerse yourself in what you are teaching (dress up, take on the traits of a character, read a book aloud, get other staff involved and engage). Involving the kids in Game Chats so they take ownership in the Game. Genius hour or Passion Projects. #XPLAP
  • GohGaikJune Nov 27 @ 10:28 PM EST
    A4: I try to keep up with the latest trends. like doing the floss dance although I look really stupid doing it but the kids love that I try to connect with them #xplap
  • LaneWalker2 Nov 27 @ 10:28 PM EST
    Setting climate motivates learning, inside or outside. Alternating climate can help students move from unproductive to productive moods. #xplap
    In reply to @tpray22, @mrmatera
  • MelSideB Nov 27 @ 10:29 PM EST
    Hey there! Melissa, principal from CA, here. Favorite card game to play with the fam bam? Hearts with the older crowd and Slap Jack or War with the under-6 set. #XPLAP
    In reply to @mrmatera
  • ddejong03 Nov 27 @ 10:29 PM EST
    It's always good to interact and learn with this crew! I gotta get back to my #14 HAWKS on tv!!! I'd love for you all to follow our journey @MrDsDreamTeam we have a goal of 250 class followers! Help a dude out!!! #XPLAP
  • tishrich - Moderator Nov 27 @ 10:29 PM EST
    A4: Love the favorite things activity to begin to know kids and their passions right from the start. https://t.co/w0g556y1Gz Also, team building activities, go to their events, talk to them about what they love. Kids can tell when we care #xplap #mlmagical
  • sebasalik Nov 27 @ 10:29 PM EST
    #XPLAP Q4: I'll have my students lead part of our activity. I'll ask several them to be guest conductors at rehearsal. I give the conductors a specific skill to observe in their fellow orchestra members. It's a real trust building and team building activity for me & my students.
    In reply to @mrmatera
  • mrmatera - Moderator Nov 27 @ 10:29 PM EST
    Nice! #XPLAP
    In reply to @MrBillingsclass, @classcraftgame
  • yenneam Nov 27 @ 10:29 PM EST
    A4 Early in the year I take a sub day to just listen to kids. I take them one at a time and let them talk. Big time investment but big payoff! #xplap
  • missmac100 Nov 27 @ 10:29 PM EST
    A4: I sit with my class at lunch. I love talking to them about whatever they want to talk about. :) #xplap
  • jimmyjt3 Nov 27 @ 10:30 PM EST
    A4: we start each week with bad joke Monday! Something to start off the week! #xplap
  • mrmatera - Moderator Nov 27 @ 10:30 PM EST
    It is funny, they are ok when the 8 Ball says no… but will fight with me when I say it… #XPLAP
    In reply to @jcoswald
  • MrCarlsonsClass Nov 27 @ 10:30 PM EST
    A3- Locks! Padlocks, Combo locks, key locks, bike locks, even an old Club lock from when I had a Jeep. I lock the kids out of the treasure chest, laptop cart, snack cabinet, etc. They solve my homemade break outs/escape room challenges/ quests to find keys/clues to combos #XPLAP
  • Math2TheFuture Nov 27 @ 10:30 PM EST
    That's a really cool idea. #XPLAP
    In reply to @yenneam
  • mrmatera - Moderator Nov 27 @ 10:30 PM EST
    Love this idea Jimmy. Thanks for sharing this one. I might have to start doing that. #XPLAP
    In reply to @jimmyjt3
  • psamel Nov 27 @ 10:30 PM EST
    A4 Getting to know students and remembering things about them. In addition, one on one time with each student is really important. #xplap
  • LaneWalker2 Nov 27 @ 10:30 PM EST
    Students with emotional issues can be empowered when they learn they can choose their feelings and then work on their brains to free themselves from unwanted feelings. #xplap
    In reply to @MrHentzen
  • teachlikeaninja Nov 27 @ 10:31 PM EST
    A3: I love dice. You can add them to just about everything. Today I had a student ask me why I had a large bag of random dice. My response: "Doesn't everyone carry around a large bag of dice?" She laughed. My kids get me. #xplap
  • MrBillingsclass Nov 27 @ 10:31 PM EST
    I also tried fornite and was not a fan of the interface 😐 #xplap
    In reply to @pandacucho, @mrmatera
  • Math2TheFuture Nov 27 @ 10:31 PM EST
    I just watched that video the other day. Been wanting to pick one up ever since. #XPLAP
    In reply to @mrmatera
  • mrmatera - Moderator Nov 27 @ 10:31 PM EST
    Wow! Cool idea! #XPLAP
    In reply to @yenneam
  • LaneWalker2 Nov 27 @ 10:31 PM EST
    This gets tricky with 150+ students, but often something simple as direct and intentional eye contact with a positive comment can work wonders. #xplap
    In reply to @psamel
  • getz_teaching Nov 27 @ 10:31 PM EST
    A4: As a principal in the classroom and playing on playground with students. Riding bus is a niv surpise to kids.#XPLAP
  • HSwartz25 Nov 27 @ 10:32 PM EST
    A4 I talk to the kids about their lives. Last year I used @Flipgrid as a way for them to participate in Show and Tell. I talk to their parents and encourage them to send pictures of important days or events on Remind so I can be a part of it. #XPLAP
  • mrmatera - Moderator Nov 27 @ 10:33 PM EST
    Thanks everyone for coming tonight. I love the #XPLAP community. You are all amazing people. Keep doing your best for the kids you serve and the profession you love. We are all benifiting when you do that!
  • LaneWalker2 Nov 27 @ 10:33 PM EST
    I'm wondering if they feel more in control of the 8-ball. #xplap
    In reply to @mrmatera, @jcoswald
  • HSwartz25 Nov 27 @ 10:33 PM EST
    I LOVE this idea! #Xplap
    In reply to @jimmyjt3
  • jcoswald Nov 27 @ 10:33 PM EST
    Lovin’ the engagement series topic and questions @mrmatera thanks for another great week! #xplap
  • MrBillingsclass Nov 27 @ 10:34 PM EST
    A4- I am a huge fan of daily interactions at the door to welcome students into my classroom (usually with some awesome music) and I am involved in a number of after school activities- track coaching, and I am about to direct a one act play in a few weeks #xplap
    • ElemPhysEd Nov 27 @ 10:28 PM EST
      I like to meet my PhysEd students in the hallway with some equipment we will be using for the day. Really seems to engage/foreshadow the upcoming activities #xplap
  • MelSideB Nov 27 @ 10:34 PM EST
    A1 #XPLAP My most engaging days in school were ones where I was totally engrossed in the “story” (history or lit) or days where I could build/explore/take apart (science).
    In reply to @mrmatera
  • mrmatera - Moderator Nov 27 @ 10:35 PM EST
    Thank you for coming… Another will be rolling out next week. See you then. #XPLAP
    In reply to @jcoswald
  • teachlikeaninja Nov 27 @ 10:35 PM EST
    A4: The best part of my school day is sitting with kids and talking to them about what they are reading and writing. I try to do this as often as possible and have made an effort lately to talk 1:1 with each student every week. #xplap
  • MrBillingsclass Nov 27 @ 10:35 PM EST
    True! My wife made me a full civil war uniform and I wear it for my civil war escape room review #xplap
    In reply to @HSwartz25
  • JeremyDBond Nov 27 @ 10:36 PM EST
    Sounds like a future teacher to me. #xplap
    • teachlikeaninja Nov 27 @ 10:14 PM EST
      A1: I loved doing something nobody else was doing. So, when kids were writing stories about the main characters in Lord of the Flies, I was writing about a kid who disappears in Ch. 1 just because I wanted to know what happened to him. #xplap
  • HSwartz25 Nov 27 @ 10:36 PM EST
    Nice!! #xplap
    In reply to @MrBillingsclass
  • MrCarlsonsClass Nov 27 @ 10:37 PM EST
    A4- Storytelling. Telling about my struggles with reading as a kid, college football successes and failures, my bulldog, my funny kids stories. Showing you are human makes all the difference with building relationships and community. And don’t take myself too seriously. #XPLAP
  • Math2TheFuture Nov 27 @ 10:37 PM EST
    Great chat #XPLAP friends. See you next week!!
  • teachlikeaninja Nov 27 @ 10:38 PM EST
    Thanks @mrmatera and the #xplap for another great chat!
  • tishrich - Moderator Nov 27 @ 10:39 PM EST
    Thanks for a great chat @mrmatera and #xplap crew!
  • MrBillingsclass Nov 27 @ 10:41 PM EST
    #xplap community you are all amazing! Thank you so much for the inspiration and a place to chat about the awesome things happening in classes all about gamification and engagement. Good journey this week
  • HSwartz25 Nov 27 @ 10:41 PM EST
    Always love these #xplap chats! Thank you @mrmatera and my #xplap friends! See you next week!
  • MrBillingsclass Nov 27 @ 10:41 PM EST
    It’s on our holiday list...hope we get it! #xplap
    In reply to @MrsCford_tweets
  • mrmatera - Moderator Nov 27 @ 10:41 PM EST
    Thanks for coming Josh! #XPLAP
    In reply to @teachlikeaninja
  • mrmatera - Moderator Nov 27 @ 10:42 PM EST
    Thanks so much Holly for adding your voice to the #XPLAP chat tonight. Love seeing you here.
    In reply to @HSwartz25
  • MelSideB Nov 27 @ 10:42 PM EST
    A2 #XPLAP Preach!!! I primarily had secondary school experience before becoming an administrator years ago. My current school is PS-5G. I learn the most sitting in those PS and PK rooms. Voice and choice. Get up and move. Grab that teachable moment. It’s ok to be silly. Love it!
    In reply to @mrmatera
  • MelSideB Nov 27 @ 10:47 PM EST
    A3: Read your audience and be adaptable. If something isn’t working, change it. Move. Use funny voices. Act it out. #XPLAP
    In reply to @mrmatera
  • MelSideB Nov 27 @ 10:51 PM EST
    A4: Get to know them. Ask questions about their interests. Respect how they choose to participate. Show up to school social events and engage families. You can’t be everywhere and do everything, but you can show them that you genuinely care. #XPLAP
    In reply to @mrmatera