#2ndaryELA Archive
#2ndaryELA is a group of middle and high school English Language Arts teachers looking to share ideas and best practices. We chat every Tuesday night at 8 pm EST using #2ndaryELA. We'd love for you to join us!
Tuesday September 6, 2016
Megan, teaching 8th grade English/LA in Tulsa, OK
Welcome Everyone - my scheduled tweets are not sending!
Please introduce yourself
Julie in Kansas, 9th grade ELA, 15 years of teaching
Hi all! I'm Erin. 9-12 ELA, literacy support, & history in sped program
Susan from the ATL teaching AP Lit and 10th graders; I need to be writing which means I'm on Twitter
I used to teach AVID here in Tulsa. Love that system!
8:00 What and where do you teach? Include a link to your blog if you have one.
Q1: Which routines or procedures are most important for keeping your class running smoothly?
Just an FYI all of my scheduled questions are not sending at the proper time.
Morgan, KY, 7th ELA, third year
Hello Everyone! Happy to see you all. Kristy co-host, Canadian middle school teacher, blog at https://t.co/uPXHRyY5TG
Hello from CR IA. I teach LA9 & US Humanities 11/12.
Don't forget: use on responses & replies 2 others, label yr responses w/A1, A2, & follow anyone chatting w/us 2night
A1: entering & leaving the room. Beginning bell work.
A1: bell ringers/warm ups and having a supply center and boxes so students self serve during class
A1: how to use class library, how to ask for help, how to work in small groups/independently
Susan from ATL teaching AP Lit and 10th graders. I should be writing which means I'm on Twitter. My blog: https://t.co/NPHIWnNDHX
I'm Brynn Allison, chat co-host. 8 yrs teaching HS English & reading interventions in Philly. Blog: https://t.co/cyx1WlfdS8
Hello Everyone! Happy to see you all. Kristy co-host, Canadian middle school teacher, blog at https://t.co/uPXHRzfGLe
A1 beginning of class routines are key. Agenda/Hmwk on screen, copied in planner first thing. Also, an attention getting signal!
Hi, I’m Jennifer from SW Ontario. I teach Grades 7 & 8 ELA.
Courtney in Nebraska, 6th grade ELA. I'm a second year teacher, so I'm always open to new ideas over classroom management!
Yea AVID! It's my favorite class ever.
A1: retrieving supplies, bell ringer, packing up, asking for help, turning in work
our Facebook group is 1000+ members strong. Join us to continue the conversation all week long. https://t.co/5Vm1htM31S
A1: My Ss have assigned numbers. They drop off their phones when they come in. Works great! https://t.co/YDevbssJux
Hey , Julie in KS. HS ELA + K-12 tech integration/1:1 iPads! Links in profile. Excited to chat tonight!
Love this where did you buy this?
A1 part 2: students talking to group and not being allowed to say I don't know when called upon randomly https://t.co/dNHdGuj1yw
A1: A binder w/ dividers for ea. class has make up work, notes, etc. with students' names on papers. https://t.co/wqKRB7Gd6J
A1: All routines are important - handing in work, independent work expectations, accessing class materials
A2: Simething needs changed about submitting papers in Google classroom. I haven't decided how/ what yet.
Yes, attention getting is so important in my chatty Pre-AP classes. https://t.co/mge9kAYPNt
A1 beginning of class routines are key. Agenda/Hmwk on screen, copied in planner first thing. Also, an attention getting signal!
A1: designated days for specific skill focus gives structure but leaves room for creativity; every kid speaks everyday policy
A1 Creating a system of student jobs gives students purpose and takes tasks off your plate. Blog post: https://t.co/vyOuB7ku89
A1: attention signal, “When finished” list, assigned that correspond with S materials, SSR/DEAR, bellringers, transitions
A1: I'm kind of into goal-setting, & this class created their rules for tardies, late work, etc. ❤️ it. https://t.co/p3rIyvPEgR
Q2: What routines need to change for this year?
A2 pt 1: I need to implement a few class jobs and some student librarians to take some automated tasks off of my shoulders
A1: Bellringer at the beginning of class.
A1: My Ss have a sheet of 8 passes per semester.Pass is filled out, torn off, taken w/student, given 2 me. https://t.co/qzHPQKpz5o
A2: working on better class jobs and portfolio system to manage returning papers but still accessing them later in quarter
A1 use Ss selected music as Ss enter &settle. I use fun call backs/signals for attn.Say thank you for answers rather than right.
A2: I need to work on dealing w/ absences/owed work. Major area of weakness for me
A1: also clearly labelled areas for supplies/materials/handing in work/absence folders & what to do when someone walks into room
Amy from Berwyn. Sorry I'm late!
A2 pt 2: I'm thinking table captains, supply managers, paper sorters, librarians, desk wranglers.
Try for jobs! I made one and put the link right into Google Classroom for my kiddos. https://t.co/5K8RUqLl5B
A2 pt 1: I need to implement a few class jobs and some student librarians to take some automated tasks off of my shoulders
I found it on Google but recreated it for my class. Saves a lot of time instead of continually prying
A1 Most imp routines are bellringers, focused work time, and clearly labeled materials in rm
A1: All graded work is handed back to Ss to file in file folders that stay in my file cabinet. Great for keeping track of papers.
A2 I need to help my kids stay more organized by being more explicit with where I expect them to keep work
A2: still trying to best tweak independent learning/choice reading with structure and schedules
I've been using Classroom for a couple years but it hasn't helped me to control the chaos yet
a2 I was struggling with Chromebook plug ins. Labeled each cord with tape/computer number = problem solved!
A2: With new curriculum making learning targets and assignments connect for students. Will post pic tomorrow of my board
How do students access your checklist? Clipboard? Pass it around? Etc.?
A2 As a literacy coach, I'll be helping classroom teachers implement better classroom routines, having a warm up is a priority
A2: I need to change homework checking routines - it takes too long. Also assignment submission routines. Also too long.
A2 I also want to work on Ss submitting work to digital portfolios all through the year instead of just at end
A3 pt 1: I have a shelf for each class where they store rdg nb and novel (if they want). Crate for wrtg nb underneath
I have a bin for each class, colour coded duotangs with list & as they hand in their work, they initial. 1/2
You could definitely pass it around, though.
A2 cont. if class starts smoothly, it will usually continue smoothly
Classroom is a big help for keeping my students organized w/ their materials but hasn't helped me w/ turned in work yet
Q3: Share any ideas or photos of physical spaces in the classroom that help with routine and procedures.
me too! I teach 7 & 8. I need to teach routines better to my 7s!
Missing Work QR code - no more class lists and teacher check marks. Going digital this year https://t.co/63vb4Z2MRX
Yes! I am trying to be consistent about putting that right in directions. Helps me remember more than them I think!
How does this system work?
A3: shelf designated for class group to store binders and textbooks. Students responsible for keeping them organized!
A4: I don't grade papers all night. New rule this year. Sleep is a necessity.
A3: I label and number each student's binder which they keep in numbered cubbies. Saves time from searching for their binders
A2 Streamlining digital submission process with only one platform. Last year, I spent a lot of time looking for digital work.
A4: I have a list system I learned from that has helped so much!! And I meal plan. Want to try soon
Q4: What routines do you use to manage your work/life balance?
A3: Late Lisa from FL uses a make-up work file folder case w/ folders no. 1-31. U miss Sept. 1 U check folder 1 for missed work
Yes! I tack makeup work to my board with S's name. S's responsibility to get the work. I state that DAY ONE.
There is a flipbook version for this chart somewhere! I’ve seen it!
A4: I have a very specific entering and exit routine so all gets picked up and put away orderly.
great idea no use call/response, too. I love the idea of music. How do students select? Is there a process?
A3: My homeroom is also my 3rd block, so I am rolling out jobs for them to take care of OUR room (supplies, orderliness, etc.)
A4 BOUNDARES. That's it. Email goes off at 4. No checking from home. Stay late on Friday and prep for upcoming week
A4: I meal plan and prep on Sundays for the week. I also pick out my clothes the night before.
A4: I use music once bell rings to indicate planner/bell work time. When song is done, Ss should be too.
A4 Right now w/a 3 mo. old & a husband working long hrs I leave school work at work. Get in early and maximize lunch, prep time
A4: I don't take work home; 3 kids under 4 would lose/color/rip them anyway. Makes me more purposeful at work too.
A4: I am working towards having set work hours, though it's tough to just walk away at 5P at the beginning of the year!
Sorry those last 2 were A3 not A4
Yes yes and yes...famous last words though! Lol https://t.co/RxWNCQ4PK9
A4: I don't grade papers all night. New rule this year. Sleep is a necessity.
A4: (for real this time) I do not take work home unless it's progress report/report card time.
Why didn't I think of that?! ...I may steal that idea, if you don't mind. :) https://t.co/z9MAPpg7WS
A3: I label and number each student's binder which they keep in numbered cubbies. Saves time from searching for their binders
A3 Thanks to many of your ideas: absent folders w missing work, clipboards, library sign out, In&Out sheet, colour coding is HUGE.
A4: I also try to plan a week ahead for my meals at home like I do for lesson plans.
cool ideas - thanks! I think I'll try it.
A4 part 2: prep the agenda, date, and warm up day before so even if I'm behind, the kids won't know and I get time to catch up
A4:Nothing “routine” yet, but working on creating firmer boundaries between work and home.
A4: I schedule jobs on certain days of week. I know I need to start lesson plans on Wed. Grade Mon/Thurs. Update gradebook Tues.
I am working on this! I am aiming for 48-50 hours/week by Oct once I streamline my systems! https://t.co/brpUDlTtVh
A4: I am working towards having set work hours, though it's tough to just walk away at 5P at the beginning of the year!
YES! The 40HTW group is fantastic! I use lists for everything now. :)
A4: I have a farther commute this year, so I am still working on making succinct lists of what tasks I can finish at home.
YES! I feel like that is where my struggle comes from!
Q5: Share a classroom management resource that you find invaluable (book, article, blog post, technology, reward system, etc.).
A5: best resource I have is this amazing group 😊
A5: My reward system uses tickets and by golly 6th graders will do just about anything for them! Weekly drawings on Fridays
https://t.co/bGDAwp8ba8
Staggered dismissal with put your book away, papers in the tray, have a good day! :) (Ea. Class has their own shelf with tray)
A5 Old school, but I love Jane Nelson's Positive Discipline book
A5: I use a Google form for checking out classroom library books & added a column for date checked in to the sheet.
My Ss love stickers - the jump in discussion participation is amazing!
Q5: this group, the 40 Hour Teacher Work Week group, saving webpages to PDF in specific files, ’s posts for focus
Of course not! :) I was lucky to have fellow teachers share the idea with me during my first year of teaching.
A5 part 2: Pinterest! And following others like And on Twitter
A5 I ❤️ !! Everything I know about teaching I learned from Jen G. 😀
I just discovered her and agree she's super! https://t.co/NAszWQDSYJ
A5 I ❤️ !! Everything I know about teaching I learned from Jen G. 😀
Awesome ideas tonight. Have a good evening!
Yes, she has a phenomenal blog! Also love ’s Ethical ELA blog.
Thanks for chatting with us. Next week's chat: Integrating Technology into the ELA Classroom See you on Sept 13 at 8pm EST
Thanks everyone for a great chat! See you next week!
Thanks to you, , and everyone joining for making this such a great place to share and learn.
My 7th & 8th love them too! It's a comp to see how many they can get! https://t.co/2WRYg5M76z
My Ss love stickers - the jump in discussion participation is amazing!
A5: This is my first twitter chat, and I can tell that is going to be a great social media resource!
I'm hoping to participate in this chat next week. Thanks again for all the great ideas tonight everyone! https://t.co/IE3nZ3P1HD
