#KchatAP (Kindergarten Chat Asia Pacific) is a monthly chat originally started for Early Childhood Educators in the Asia Pacific Region. Topics of discussion focus around best practices and support systems in early learning environments. Whether a classroom teacher, specialist, coach, or administrator, we hope you'll come discuss how we can enhance early education for your youngest learners!
I've been using your ideas, (icons as visual scaffolds) throughout this year to support a variety of learning engagements. I've found it to be a really helpful approach.
#Kchatap#PLC
#KchatAP A1: For EY, it is very difficult to list a series of learning outcomes, concepts, etc. that must be mastered, without it becoming a meaningless checklist. Student development and growth over time are more important. Thanks @sjosborne12 for your thoughts.
A1: Also I find participating in Collaborative writing projects, like @travellingtale has been a catalyst for literacy development and thinking about audience.
#KchatAP
A1: I agree with @horofraser in learning outcomes turning into meaningless checklists. So for me it has more to do with just promoting their ability to extend their own engagement in learning. Ask questions, continue experimenting, trying new ways etc. #KchatAP
A1: Also I find participating in Collaborative writing projects, like @travellingtale has been a catalyst for literacy development and thinking about audience.
#KchatAP
A1: I've also found exploring Maths skills like numeracy, directionality, spatial awareness, and breaking down problems into components can be developed through coding.#KchatAP
A1: I've also found exploring Maths skills like numeracy, directionality, spatial awareness, and breaking down problems into components can be developed through coding.#KchatAP
To keep with the block building theme: leaving a structure intact after play allows others to change, add, take away, and create with what is already there. This builds empathy and understanding! #KchatAP
A1 I've tapped into Ms 9 for this. She suggested asking kids how would they feel in different situations and then sharing their ideas as a group #kchatAP
https://t.co/GqNni2muDc@BevansJoel site is excellent with resources and ex.Tales are often organised by age, so many KG/EY students are collaborating on the same story or topic.I am currently working on some non-fiction stories about the earth: hugely motivating for Ss! #kchatap
#KchatAp A1. if we can get the passion into reading and in Math if they can make connections to real life situation . Basically Reasoning and application Skills
#Kchatap A2: Again, master is a funny word, but I think developing competencies in Mathematical thinking and problem solving are more important than individual outcomes, and that literacy can mean a lot more than recognising/identifying letters
A2: going back to "reading" icons, for me it comes down to the fact that we no longer only communicate through text on a page. Can Ss problem-solve through a new tool, app, presentation etc. to "read" it as fluently and with as much understanding as they would a book? #KchatAP
In my opinion, this skill is needed when they go to upper grades, for I'm assuming that most resources will in the future will be in digital. We need to prepare our Ss for the unknown #KchatAP
A2: going back to "reading" icons, for me it comes down to the fact that we no longer only communicate through text on a page. Can Ss problem-solve through a new tool, app, presentation etc. to "read" it as fluently and with as much understanding as they would a book? #KchatAP
It really follows along the same lines as literacy teaching. We give Ss strategies for unlocking text so they can carry these with them from book to book. How are we teaching strategies for unlocking digital tools from one tool to the next? #KchatAP
I use 'simple' robotics such as #beebots to get students thinking about sequentially planning a route, counting out square, directions, rotating objects in space. Apps like Kodable and Lightbot offer the same principles. #Cubelets are also fantastic for problem solving #KchatAp
I think the early years is the time to learn the skills that will be the foundation for life. Who doesn't want their children to be able to problem solve? Take risks? Or think creatively? I'm sure... none! But so many grown ups get stuck in ABCs and 123s. #KchatAP
I agree wholeheartedly! And children also begin learning when they are socially and emotionally stable. Ts need to create a learning environment where children are valued, a culture where they can learn at their own pace. #kchatap
A3: It can be challenging to break out of the ABC/123 mode, as it is still reflected in curriculum, parental expectations and how we were taught. Also 'easy' to assess compared to concept attainment. The biggest challenge I find is expanding the concept of 'literacy' #KchatAp
A3: Parents and Admin can be challenging. If they want memorization, continuums, checklists, etc. then we move away from play-based inquiry and purposeful learning that is authentic to each kids' learning journey. Why not meet the Ss where they are and go from there? #KchatAP
A3: Can I say when parent expectations of what THEY think or remember math and literacy to be? Times have changed and education has evolved for the better! It's not just about decoding, recognition, facts, or speed anymore! #KchatAP
My big question is how do we get the parents who NEED to come to parent sessions to show up? Usually I find it's the parents that get it that show up. :/ #KchatAP
I have been using a lot of what @Mattglover123 uses as my number one tool with kids (and parens when needed). His book, Engaging Young Writers, Preschool to Grade 1 has so many great ways to not miss authentic literacy opportunities. #KchatAP
My team and I started making flipped videos for parents. Whenever we wanted to share something important, we'd make an education video for parents pretending WE were the Ss. We'd show how the activity/action/learning looks different at different stages. #KchatAP
A4: I have used one off events like #HourofCode to go into classes to 'formally' introduce coding concepts and apps like @ScratchJr. Of course, ideally Ts see the possibilities and integrate on the regular, but doesn't always happen. Ts need to develop this literacy. #KchatAp
What I do is I send the PDF version of the presentation of the things I want this parents to know. Thankful to WeChat. Or if not I arrange a one-on-one meeting of those parents. I know it will be more work, but it’s worth it! #KchatAP
My team and I started making flipped videos for parents. Whenever we wanted to share something important, we'd make an education video for parents pretending WE were the Ss. We'd show how the activity/action/learning looks different at different stages. #KchatAP
Sorry #KchatAP, I have to cut out early. My daughter is leaving to Tanzania tomorrow and it's time to be a family! Thanks for sharing your greatness. I'll read more in the transcript @PanaAsavavatana sends out! Have a great end of the year! Happy summer holidays!
