#Kinderchat Archive

#Kinderchat, glue, glitter, gogurt, bringing daily joy to twitter. Find us Mondays, 9 pm EST and 8:30PM London time when we talk all things Early Years!

Monday April 17, 2017
9:00 PM EDT

  • KileyMHenehan Apr 17 @ 9:00 PM EDT
    Hey everyone! I'm Kiley, a freshman special education major at Grove City College! #kinderchat
  • teachermeg Apr 17 @ 9:00 PM EDT
    It’s #kinderchat time, come out and play! Please tell us who you are, what you do, where your from and your favorite toy from childhood.
  • teachermeg Apr 17 @ 9:01 PM EDT
    I’m Meg, your #kinderchat facilitator tonight. I’m a preK director from Chicago; favorite toy from childhood was my microphone tape recorder
  • teachermeg Apr 17 @ 9:02 PM EDT
    Hi Kiley, welcome to tonight’s chat! #kinderchat
    In reply to @KileyMHenehan
  • KileyMHenehan Apr 17 @ 9:02 PM EDT
    Glad to be here! #kinderchat
    In reply to @teachermeg
  • teachermeg Apr 17 @ 9:03 PM EDT
    People generally stroll into the chat slowly and we take some time to chat and introduce ourselves for a few. #kinderchat
    In reply to @KileyMHenehan
  • St006C Apr 17 @ 9:04 PM EDT
    Hey #kinderchat Loved my bubble lawn mower. :)
  • teachermeg Apr 17 @ 9:05 PM EDT
    Hi Courtney. Welcome! Ooh..my neighbor had one of those and I was so jealous! #kinderchat
    In reply to @St006C
  • St006C Apr 17 @ 9:06 PM EDT
    I also loved board games...those are a toy, right? 2 this day, Sorry is a favorite game of mine. #kinderchat
  • teachermeg Apr 17 @ 9:07 PM EDT
    Totally board games count! Did you guys play mousetrap?! Best game ever! #kinderchat
    In reply to @St006C
  • CarrieMarshall1 Apr 17 @ 9:07 PM EDT
    Hey #kinderchat Carrie from PEI here. We’ll see how long I last, been sick all weekend #boo #longweekendtoo
  • teachermeg Apr 17 @ 9:07 PM EDT
    Hi Carrie. Sorry to hear you are sick! #kinderchat
    In reply to @CarrieMarshall1
  • CarrieMarshall1 Apr 17 @ 9:08 PM EDT
    Me too! LOL! You know we K/ECE’s never get sick. So when we do, it’s a doozy. We had a 4 day weekend too… #kinderchat
    In reply to @teachermeg
  • teachermeg Apr 17 @ 9:08 PM EDT
    Question 1 will be up in a short bit. Tonight we are chatting about using observation to improve relationships. #kinderchat
  • CarrieMarshall1 Apr 17 @ 9:09 PM EDT
    Thanks to the miracle of Tylenol Cold and Sinus, I am sure I’ll be ready for work tomorrow #kinderchat #lol
    In reply to @St006C
  • teachermeg Apr 17 @ 9:10 PM EDT
    Tonight’s #kinderchat is inspired by the book “The Art of Awareness: How Observation Can Transform Your Teaching” by Deb Curtis.
  • teachermeg Apr 17 @ 9:10 PM EDT
    Q1: how does this quote relate to your work with children and families? #kinderchat
  • CarrieMarshall1 Apr 17 @ 9:12 PM EDT
    A1: I think it really speaks to the need to truly know your students. It takes time, something you build on #kinderchat
  • St006C Apr 17 @ 9:12 PM EDT
    A1) Reminds me that each child has a different experience with the same thing. This affects how they learn #kinderchat
  • 4Reiters Apr 17 @ 9:13 PM EDT
    @teachermeg Hi! I'm Kim from Williamsburg, VA...currently stay-at-home mom. This is my first twitter chat :0! #kinderchat
  • teachermeg Apr 17 @ 9:14 PM EDT
    I think this quote is so beautiful. “still in a way, nobody sees a flower, really”. #kinderchat
  • CarrieMarshall1 Apr 17 @ 9:14 PM EDT
    Welcome! #Kinderchat
    In reply to @4Reiters, @teachermeg
  • abbyjacob23 Apr 17 @ 9:14 PM EDT
    This is my first chat also. #kinderchat
  • KileyMHenehan Apr 17 @ 9:14 PM EDT
    A1 The more you understand about the family, the better you are able to provide for their needs and teach their children. #kinderchat
  • teachermeg Apr 17 @ 9:14 PM EDT
    Hi Kim! Welcome to tonight’s chat! #kinderchat
    In reply to @4Reiters
  • teachermeg Apr 17 @ 9:15 PM EDT
    What are some ways to take that time? #kinderchat
    • CarrieMarshall1 Apr 17 @ 9:12 PM EDT
      A1: I think it really speaks to the need to truly know your students. It takes time, something you build on #kinderchat
  • CarrieMarshall1 Apr 17 @ 9:15 PM EDT
    Hey! Welcome! #kinderchat
    In reply to @abbyjacob23
  • jbt18818 Apr 17 @ 9:15 PM EDT
    It takes time to build relationships with our students and families. #Kinderchat
  • CarrieMarshall1 Apr 17 @ 9:15 PM EDT
    #kinderchat I think it involves a lot of sitting down, listening, talking, allowing them to take the lead. Just like any friendship really
    In reply to @teachermeg
  • teachermeg Apr 17 @ 9:15 PM EDT
    This is a great insight into this quote! I love that connection. #kinderchat
    In reply to @St006C
  • teachermeg Apr 17 @ 9:16 PM EDT
    Hi Abby. Welcome to the chat tonight! #kinderchat
    In reply to @abbyjacob23
  • abbyjacob23 Apr 17 @ 9:16 PM EDT
    Thank you! #kinderchat
    In reply to @teachermeg
  • teachermeg Apr 17 @ 9:17 PM EDT
    How does taking this time support the children in our programs? #kinderchat
    • jbt18818 Apr 17 @ 9:15 PM EDT
      It takes time to build relationships with our students and families. #Kinderchat
  • teachermeg Apr 17 @ 9:19 PM EDT
    Question two coming up next! #kinderchat
  • teachermeg Apr 17 @ 9:20 PM EDT
    Q2: How can we use our observations of children to support their friendships and help them negotiate conflict? #kinderchat
  • 4Reiters Apr 17 @ 9:21 PM EDT
    A1) Patience & trust #kinderchat
    In reply to @teachermeg
  • KileyMHenehan Apr 17 @ 9:22 PM EDT
    A2 The more we observe a child, the more we understand them. This can help Ts resolve conflicts and and help students socially. #kinderchat
  • CarrieMarshall1 Apr 17 @ 9:22 PM EDT
    #kinderchat A2: I have a S who struggles 2 compromise. Bcs I know this, I’m watchful of situations, observing & offering advice when needed
  • St006C Apr 17 @ 9:23 PM EDT
    A2) By noticing qualities & behaviors of Ss and how they interact with each other. Also how Ss feels about themselves #kinderchat
  • teachermeg Apr 17 @ 9:24 PM EDT
    Yes! “how students feel about themselves”! #kinderchat
    • St006C Apr 17 @ 9:23 PM EDT
      A2) By noticing qualities & behaviors of Ss and how they interact with each other. Also how Ss feels about themselves #kinderchat
  • teachermeg Apr 17 @ 9:25 PM EDT
    What information about children do we learn by observing them in their interactions? #kinderchat
    • KileyMHenehan Apr 17 @ 9:22 PM EDT
      A2 The more we observe a child, the more we understand them. This can help Ts resolve conflicts and and help students socially. #kinderchat
  • CarrieMarshall1 Apr 17 @ 9:26 PM EDT
    Exactly! #kinderchat
    In reply to @St006C
  • KileyMHenehan Apr 17 @ 9:27 PM EDT
    Personality, thought processes, cognitive ability, and level of social skills are things we can learn about students. #kinderchat
    In reply to @teachermeg
  • teachermeg Apr 17 @ 9:28 PM EDT
    Q3: What if you only observed a child’s interactions (objectively) for a week. No skills observations. What might you notice? #kinderchat
  • CarrieMarshall1 Apr 17 @ 9:30 PM EDT
    #kinderchat A3: You know what? The only time I observe for skills is during large group time. At least I think? 1/2
    In reply to @teachermeg
  • CarrieMarshall1 Apr 17 @ 9:30 PM EDT
    A3 pt2: Usually I’m always observing behaviour. I like to see how they react and work together as a group or in pairs. #kinderchat
    In reply to @teachermeg
  • St006C Apr 17 @ 9:30 PM EDT
    A3) I think Ss would b more relaxed/happier & acquire problem solving skills, basic social skills. #kinderchat
  • CarrieMarshall1 Apr 17 @ 9:31 PM EDT
    A3c: Now I have to think about how/when I observe… #kinderchat
  • St006C Apr 17 @ 9:31 PM EDT
    I do a lot of observation during choice time. Looks like I'm doing nothing but I am watching! So fascinating!! #kinderchat
    In reply to @CarrieMarshall1
  • CarrieMarshall1 Apr 17 @ 9:32 PM EDT
    Me too! I like to see if they make different choices, who they play with, what they play, etc. #kinderchat
    In reply to @St006C
  • teachermeg Apr 17 @ 9:32 PM EDT
    @St006C What if we got even more basic & didn’t even consider behavior? What if we simply observed their relationships w others? #kinderchat
    In reply to @CarrieMarshall1, @St006C
  • jbt18818 Apr 17 @ 9:32 PM EDT
    I think students would feel a little more freedom to learn and explore in their own individual ways #Kinderchat
  • dubioseducator Apr 17 @ 9:32 PM EDT
    Hi #kinderchat very late and have not read the book but conversation looks interesting. Faige retired kinder teacher in Los Angles
  • St006C Apr 17 @ 9:33 PM EDT
    it would b interesting 2 obsv how Ss choose who to interact with #kinderchat
    In reply to @teachermeg, @CarrieMarshall1
  • CarrieMarshall1 Apr 17 @ 9:33 PM EDT
    I like to observe them just to see what they’re up to. I usually don’t have a set purpose, but I ALWAYS learn something #kinderchat
    In reply to @teachermeg, @St006C
  • teachermeg Apr 17 @ 9:33 PM EDT
    Hi Faige! No need to have read the book. We are chatting about observations and relationships. #kinderchat
    In reply to @dubioseducator
  • CarrieMarshall1 Apr 17 @ 9:34 PM EDT
    Hello Faige! Good to see you! #kinderchat
    In reply to @dubioseducator
  • KileyMHenehan Apr 17 @ 9:34 PM EDT
    A3 We would notice decision skills, thought processes, cognitive ability, social aptitude, and communication skills. #kinderchat
  • dubioseducator Apr 17 @ 9:34 PM EDT
    Now that I get to sub I've really focused on observations. Fascinating to listen to young children problem some & more #kinderchat
  • teachermeg Apr 17 @ 9:34 PM EDT
    I think this would be fascinating. I wonder what we would learn about our students & about how we prepare the classroom culture. #kinderchat
    • St006C Apr 17 @ 9:33 PM EDT
      it would b interesting 2 obsv how Ss choose who to interact with #kinderchat
      In reply to @teachermeg, @CarrieMarshall1
  • teachermeg Apr 17 @ 9:35 PM EDT
    Do you think intentionally focusing observations on interactions might change our connections with children? #kinderchat
  • CarrieMarshall1 Apr 17 @ 9:36 PM EDT
    Or even DO we prepare the classroom culture? How much of a role do we really play as educators? #kinderchat
    In reply to @teachermeg
  • dubioseducator Apr 17 @ 9:37 PM EDT
    This has always fascinated me from the kid in charge to the follower who isn't ready to lead #Kinderchat
    In reply to @teachermeg
  • CarrieMarshall1 Apr 17 @ 9:37 PM EDT
    Oh I definitely think so! If we only focus on what they can demonstrate academically, then we miss out on the complete person #kinderchat
    In reply to @teachermeg
  • teachermeg Apr 17 @ 9:37 PM EDT
    I think we play a huge role in this. How we respond, how we treat children/adults, what we value all sets tone. #kinderchat
    • CarrieMarshall1 Apr 17 @ 9:36 PM EDT
      Or even DO we prepare the classroom culture? How much of a role do we really play as educators? #kinderchat
      In reply to @teachermeg
  • CarrieMarshall1 Apr 17 @ 9:38 PM EDT
    See, I agree we set the tone, but more and more I see them making the choices of who/what/where/when to play #kinderchat
    In reply to @teachermeg
  • St006C Apr 17 @ 9:38 PM EDT
    Yes, in obsv the Ss, I would think about my interaction w/ Ss. Would help me develop relationship w/ Ss. How 2 interact w/ Ss #kinderchat
    • teachermeg Apr 17 @ 9:35 PM EDT
      Do you think intentionally focusing observations on interactions might change our connections with children? #kinderchat
  • teachermeg Apr 17 @ 9:39 PM EDT
    Q4: How might our teaching shift if we focus on observing on interactions instead of things? #kinderchat
  • dubioseducator Apr 17 @ 9:39 PM EDT
    Needing to curb impulse to help when we get a full picture of what's going on. Giving them opp to make choices even bad ones #Kinderchat
    • teachermeg Apr 17 @ 9:35 PM EDT
      Do you think intentionally focusing observations on interactions might change our connections with children? #kinderchat
  • teachermeg Apr 17 @ 9:39 PM EDT
    Because that’s the culture you helped establish in your room with the children. Not all showcase students making those choices. #kinderchat
    In reply to @CarrieMarshall1
  • stephensonmused Apr 17 @ 9:39 PM EDT
    Please RT, follow us, & stay tuned! #ksedchat #Kinderchat #TeacherEdChat #tlap
  • CarrieMarshall1 Apr 17 @ 9:40 PM EDT
    Which is something I always struggle with. Because I do it, I assume all do… ;-) #kinderchat
    In reply to @teachermeg
  • teachermeg Apr 17 @ 9:40 PM EDT
    We have to be BRAVE to allow children to make bad choices. #kinderchat
    In reply to @dubioseducator
  • CarrieMarshall1 Apr 17 @ 9:41 PM EDT
    Seriously though! #kinderchat
    • teachermeg Apr 17 @ 9:40 PM EDT
      We have to be BRAVE to allow children to make bad choices. #kinderchat
      In reply to @dubioseducator
  • 4Reiters Apr 17 @ 9:41 PM EDT
    Will they interact with others or will they be more comfortable with parallel play? #kinderchat
  • dubioseducator Apr 17 @ 9:41 PM EDT
    Yes from the ones we teach to the ones we raise at home #Kinderchat
    In reply to @teachermeg
  • CarrieMarshall1 Apr 17 @ 9:42 PM EDT
    #kinderchat A4: I think we’d get a fuller picture of who the child in front of us is. Something I need to frequently remind myself
  • cvarsalona Apr 17 @ 9:42 PM EDT
  • jbt18818 Apr 17 @ 9:42 PM EDT
    Letting kids have experiences - good and bad - is hard for us, but such a good character building tool for them. 1/2 #Kinderchat
  • jbt18818 Apr 17 @ 9:43 PM EDT
    They remember the things they discover completely on their own. 2/2 #Kinderchat
  • teachermeg Apr 17 @ 9:43 PM EDT
    Absolutely! #kinderchat
    In reply to @dubioseducator
  • rnjteach Apr 17 @ 9:43 PM EDT
    Sight Words Are So 2016: New Study Finds Real Key to Early Literacy https://t.co/hIagObzXjg #iteachk #teacherfriends #kinderchat
  • teachermeg Apr 17 @ 9:44 PM EDT
    .And, how can we expect children to learn problem solving socially if we don’t give them opportunities to do so? #kinderchat
    In reply to @jbt18818
  • St006C Apr 17 @ 9:44 PM EDT
    My CR management is based on choices. I intervene when high potential 4 safety issue. Hard to watch but consequences are real! #kinderchat
    • teachermeg Apr 17 @ 9:40 PM EDT
      We have to be BRAVE to allow children to make bad choices. #kinderchat
      In reply to @dubioseducator
  • St006C Apr 17 @ 9:45 PM EDT
    For real! #kinderchat
    • teachermeg Apr 17 @ 9:44 PM EDT
      .And, how can we expect children to learn problem solving socially if we don’t give them opportunities to do so? #kinderchat
      In reply to @jbt18818
  • cvarsalona Apr 17 @ 9:45 PM EDT
    A4 I encourage all Ss/Ts 2 notice-observe-wonder-develop thinking skills.Consider having kinders join: https://t.co/TuS3XBSLvV #Kinderchat
    In reply to @teachermeg
  • CarrieMarshall1 Apr 17 @ 9:45 PM EDT
    Also kids who struggle to prob solve socially also struggle to prob solve academically #kinderchat
    In reply to @teachermeg, @jbt18818
  • teachermeg Apr 17 @ 9:46 PM EDT
    Mic Drop! Social Skills are all important! #kinderchat
    • CarrieMarshall1 Apr 17 @ 9:45 PM EDT
      Also kids who struggle to prob solve socially also struggle to prob solve academically #kinderchat
      In reply to @teachermeg, @jbt18818
  • KileyMHenehan Apr 17 @ 9:46 PM EDT
    A4 We may begin to focus on social decorum, being polite, and problem solving skills. #kinderchat
    • teachermeg Apr 17 @ 9:39 PM EDT
      Q4: How might our teaching shift if we focus on observing on interactions instead of things? #kinderchat
  • dubioseducator Apr 17 @ 9:47 PM EDT
    Wish I could remove "be careful" from my responses as I worry about casualties in play #Kinderchat
    In reply to @St006C
  • teachermeg Apr 17 @ 9:48 PM EDT
    Ooh! That is so hard for us all to stop saying! #kinderchat
    In reply to @dubioseducator, @St006C
  • CarrieMarshall1 Apr 17 @ 9:48 PM EDT
    And then when others come into the room, they say it too! #kinderchat
    In reply to @teachermeg, @dubioseducator, @St006C
  • St006C Apr 17 @ 9:48 PM EDT
    ahh...I try teach what being careful looks/sounds like in our room so understanding is equitable. May look diff 4 diff Ss #kinderchat
    In reply to @dubioseducator
  • teachermeg Apr 17 @ 9:49 PM EDT
    I have to stop myself from saying it when I walk into teachers’ classrooms. If they are aware of what’s going on, not my place. #kinderchat
    In reply to @CarrieMarshall1, @dubioseducator, @St006C
  • teachermeg Apr 17 @ 9:51 PM EDT
    Alright folks, we are going to get ready to wrap up the chat. Final thoughts? #kinderchat
  • St006C Apr 17 @ 9:52 PM EDT
    Final thought: I wish there was more time in all grades 4 observation, reflection, and how this affects our relationships w/ Ss #kinderchat
  • dubioseducator Apr 17 @ 9:53 PM EDT
    In my sub role I get lucky & see the range from Toddlers to 2nd grader navigate their social world #Kinderchat
  • dubioseducator Apr 17 @ 9:54 PM EDT
    True! #Kinderchat
    In reply to @St006C
  • teachermeg Apr 17 @ 9:55 PM EDT
    Thank you to all who came out to chat tonight (and all who are knew and maybe just observed)! #kinderchat
  • CarrieMarshall1 Apr 17 @ 9:55 PM EDT
    Final thought #kinderchat get to know your students. Who they are as people, not just as data on a screen. Understanding gives much insight
  • CarrieMarshall1 Apr 17 @ 9:55 PM EDT
    Thanks for leading Meg! #kinderchat
    In reply to @teachermeg
  • MTL_PWwileyk Apr 17 @ 9:56 PM EDT
    Free time tomorrow on Spring Break. What book #Kinderchat do you recommend I read tomorrow?!?
  • teachermeg Apr 17 @ 9:56 PM EDT
    I hope you feel better, Carrie! #kinderchat
    In reply to @CarrieMarshall1
  • CarrieMarshall1 Apr 17 @ 9:56 PM EDT
    Me too!! Thanks Meg! #kinderchat
    In reply to @teachermeg
  • dubioseducator Apr 17 @ 9:57 PM EDT
    What a good use of faculty meetings if it all gets shared within our schools. #Kinderchat
    • St006C Apr 17 @ 9:52 PM EDT
      Final thought: I wish there was more time in all grades 4 observation, reflection, and how this affects our relationships w/ Ss #kinderchat
  • teachermeg Apr 17 @ 9:58 PM EDT
    For me? I want children to learn self-regulation and to test their boundaries rather than having others regulate for them. #kinderchat
    In reply to @KileyMHenehan, @dubioseducator, @St006C
  • teachermeg Apr 17 @ 9:58 PM EDT
    Good night everyone! Until next time! #kinderchat
  • KileyMHenehan Apr 17 @ 9:58 PM EDT
    Why is "be careful" a bad phrase to use when addressing casualties in play? (Thanks so much for an awesome chat by the way!) #kinderchat
  • dubioseducator Apr 17 @ 9:58 PM EDT
    Thank you all #kinderchat @teachermeg Hope you all had a good spring break