#4thchat Archive
#4thchat is a hashtag for teachers or anyone to talk about educational issues relating to 4th grade. Using #4thchat will create a network of 4th grade teachers or teachers working with 9-10 year olds across the world. We welcome anyone who 1. teaches 4th grade 2 .Works with 4th grade students and or 4th grade teachers 3. Likes 4th grade teachers (Groupies are encouraged).
Monday February 29, 2016
AAahhhhh! it’s time with my favorite PLN! How is everyone tonight? Did you today?
Howdy, Amy! How are things in TX?
Things are great in Texas! Very warm weather for this time of year ;) Spring break is next week!
Hi friends! Nancy from Mass. How you doing tonight! Can’t think of a better way to than w/ you!
Hello, Nate! I hope your Monday was fantastic!
Hello ! Excited for the chat tonight! Cara from MO
Hi Amy! Are you doing anything for the break? We had ours 2 weeks ago!
Checking in for our https://t.co/GQCsChBAoq
Hi friends! Nancy from Mass. How you doing tonight! Can’t think of a better way to than w/ you!
Hello, ! How are you tonight?
Hi Nate!!! My Ss are really into the ! We are creating mini-summaries of each book so we can vote
NO! I am working on grad school and enjoying the boys! I plan on sleeping and reading!
Good evening . I’m Nate from Nebraska. Elementary Integration Specialist.
Scott, so glad you are here for
Nice to be able to focus on Grad school (one week anyway) without the distraction of school! lol The BOYS!! https://t.co/Nl6YZXVNkV
NO! I am working on grad school and enjoying the boys! I plan on sleeping and reading!
Hi Cara! How are you doing? Glad you’re here!
That's awesome Nancy. My Ss are pumped about too!!!
Tired! Today was definitely a Monday- even with my own children :) How are you?
Of course. Monday's are awesome!!!
Hi Scott! How are you doing? You at should connect your two projects (Book Trailers & Marchbookmadness!)
One of my favorite and the students favorite things to do each year!
Q1: How would you define “Hands on Learning”?
We have a book madness going as well. Elite eight voting this week https://t.co/uFUjk4R6z9
Hi Scott! How are you doing? You at should connect your two projects (Book Trailers & Marchbookmadness!)
Today was def a Monday for me too-exhausted wh starts the week off on wrong foot! Tonite’s will get me back on track
What a relief that report cards are done! What a perfect way to end the day-Happy hour and .
Live book trailers, though we've never made them.
Enjoy - Report cards are so stressful! Glad you’re here :)
A:1 4me hands on is learning to discover, understand, and/or with the intention to create
I need to have my students create some! Would that be considered Hands on???lol
A1: "Hands on” is kids participating in the learning process thru discussions, discovery, manipulatives in real world situations.
A1: Learning by doing and making not consuming.
Hello to folks. Mark in MN. 15 degrees tonight, 60s next week. Love MN weather.
I love that phrase “intention to create!” True learning happens when something is being created. https://t.co/hW3uv7vwev
A:1 4me hands on is learning to discover, understand, and/or with the intention to create
and our report cards are by standard. 30'grades per kid
FINALLY home on a Monday for 4th chat.
Katy checking in from the Chicago suburbs.
A1- Hands on learning is students creating and constructing their own learning. It is not passive.
A1: Hands on learning happens when Ss using something concrete to enhance their learning. They are involved in the learning process
So happy you are here! Welcome!
I don’t often think of it as discussions but it certainly can be - especially if precipitated by the rest https://t.co/kBn3kYs29l
A1: "Hands on” is kids participating in the learning process thru discussions, discovery, manipulatives in real world situations.
A1: Engaged and manipulating materials or sources of info
Hey, Katy. How’s the weather in Chicago tonight?
Hey ! Checking in for a little while I'm grading! Keith from Pittsburgh, PA here!
A:2 I think the some of the benefits for hands on learning are they help the kinesthetic learners and they also represent real life
Time to take that learning from being a consumer to a producer!
Q2: What are the benefits of Hands on Learning?
Yesterday it was 62. It's in the 30s now and we're expecting snow tomorrow.
Wow! I know what that’s like as we had that 2 weeks ago! Brrr then nice!
Hooray! You’re here! Yay! So glad you made it!
A2- I think the benefits are students are creating and applying their own knowledge= deeper understanding.
Our conferences were 3 weeks ago - report cards go home end of March. Trimesters!
YES!!! I love that one to and it's so true!
A:2 short answer...everyone wins. Gain perspective and understanding where we all are in the parts of the learning/creation process
A2-So many benefits! Ss learn by doing & are more engaged. Ss are able to think critically and are able to have great discussions!
Hands on really means you can not be passive! Good for those who tend to be quiet - gets them in the mix. https://t.co/cMVUK4Ju7t
A1- Hands on learning is students creating and constructing their own learning. It is not passive.
A1: I will try add the image...
A2 you remember a lot more of what you do than what you hear or see.
Looking for Spanish speaking classes for a 4th grade class in Mexico to Skype and collaborate with. Anyone interested?
A2: Student engagement. Cooperative learning. Not to mention the 4Cs.
A2: I think students become more invested if they participate in Hands On Learning.
This is what I think too. Starting w/ something concrete! I think this engages them so more involved. https://t.co/7ZoaHrbGAG
A1: Hands on learning happens when Ss using something concrete to enhance their learning. They are involved in the learning process
A2: students WANT to learn and be engaged with concepts - it's hard to do it without hands on!
Q3: What are some challenges you might face w/ Hands on learning?
Totally! Ss who don't normally talk are more engaged and are willing to take risks.
Hey Keith - glad you’re joining in from Pittsburgh! One of my fav places! :)
I know I am a lot more invested, and remember much more in PD when I get to participate in HOL.
Hello, Dave! Glad to see you. Any sunset pics to share from the west?
Hi Katy - just wanted to say hi - hope you’re well!
A2: It's a lot easier to do true formative assessment if you can/can't do something hands on. You know learning in real time.
I tried the Scheduling of tweets from so if it’s a little slow tonight - I apologize
A3: organization of materials! I'm in my first year teaching Science - I love it but my room has never felt more clustered
A3: ensuring participation that is viewable from all students IEP to GATE, technology helps https://t.co/1mopXpXEPe
I just saw where you can add GIFs in Twitter direct messages!
A3: Time. For ex.in math-hands on fract or base 10 blocks add a lot of time not just for set up but for prob solving/understand .
I totally know what you mean. Clear bins from the Dollar Store go a long way to helping organization!! https://t.co/omIykhFC6y
A3: organization of materials! I'm in my first year teaching Science - I love it but my room has never felt more clustered
A3-It can take more prep & requires Ts to be more creative.It is worth it when the Ss participate, are engaged and connect learning
Yes - it's a work in progress! Trying to organize as the year goes so next year is EASY!
A3: time can be my worst enemy
I agree! Place value chips/charts also take more time, but the Ss need concrete before they can move to abstract.
I so agree with this Dave - I recall there’s some percentage fact that goes with this? We retain 80% of what we do??
Q4: In what areas of the curric. do you find yourself doing more hands-on activities?
A3: The planning and organization takes some time!
No doubt that tech levels the playing field and gives entry points to so many Ss. is awesome! :) https://t.co/JrDGnSRA1Q
A3: ensuring participation that is viewable from all students IEP to GATE, technology helps https://t.co/1mopXpXEPe
A:3 a challenge for me is balance. Sometimes I get too locked into collaboration or independence. Sweet spot is hard
A4 - most definitely in science and math
A4: Math and Science are easiest for me, but have incorporated different activities into ELA!
pt A: I love having Ss use the B10 blocks but for conceptual understanding we should be using these a long https://t.co/uOs6UGfgTE
A3: Time. For ex.in math-hands on fract or base 10 blocks add a lot of time not just for set up but for prob solving/understand .
A3: Hands on learning planning means less items to do yet more to learn. Less practice but deeper understanding. Balance the 2.
pt b: time before introducing the abstract algorithms. But really who has that time? https://t.co/uOs6UGfgTE
A3: Time. For ex.in math-hands on fract or base 10 blocks add a lot of time not just for set up but for prob solving/understand .
A3: TIME! w/ hands on Ss & I get so excited and involved that we lose track of time for other things
Hi Erica - glad you’re joining in! So many things to juggle! But I MISS those soccer days!
Yes - but it makes it worth it when you hear them "groan" when you say "Oh no, time for lunch!"
I find having b10blocks, pattern blocks etc. set up and out helps for quick HOL, but does increase clutter
but I bet you're having a blast! room= kids!
Q5: How do you incorporate technology in your Hands-on learning activities?
Q6: What are some of your favorite “hands-on” lessons?
A4: Math is easier as there are so many manipulatives. Love using pattern blocks, base 10 blocks, protractors & more
Haha! It's a learning curve - it is killing me, but I know it's so worth it!
What kinds of Hands on do you use in ELA? https://t.co/W7trS9bSn7
A4: Math and Science are easiest for me, but have incorporated different activities into ELA!
A4: Science, Soc Stud & math
A4: math & science are probably to easiest in integrate initially but there are great options for ELA also
Ss are currently creating board games for Fact/Opinion.
Q5: I like the hands on learning and using to have students share their thinking. Manipulating tech does not replace all.
I wonder if that’s such a bad thing-but feelings of guilt at not doing what was planned sometimes creeps in https://t.co/e8QfSa24Ku
A3: TIME! w/ hands on Ss & I get so excited and involved that we lose track of time for other things
A:5 of it is part, it's used to ENHANCE what we do, or connect with awesome classrooms in this PLN and our school
That’s the best! You know they’re hooked! https://t.co/NU2b5w18XC
Yes - but it makes it worth it when you hear them "groan" when you say "Oh no, time for lunch!"
This is an awesome website for manipulatives! Thanks for sharing!
A5: I can see things like being "hands on" because you have to solve the coding puzzles to create the goal.
The one S said, "This is the BEST PROJECT EVER!!" That's when you know you "won"!
A5-I have Ss take pictures with their iPads throughout the process. Then they can either look back, or create something with it
my kids love to create voc and read on & epic
Q7: What are some easy tools to use for Hands-on projects/lessons?
In SS and ELA I have students create books. They have to do some HO besides word docs
Yes - easier I think to incorporate in Science. Sometimes gathering & managing materials gets in the way. https://t.co/lfy5XDaaVK
I am currently in school to be a teacher, but i feel that a lot of hands on learning is done in science, with experiment and lab
Exactly! It’s almost like a Catch22. https://t.co/3w2xuRblEg
huge challenge. Teach it right but then sometimes you feel you will never get to other things.
A7: Easy tools are all around-kids can even MAKE them.
A7 We are experimenting having Ss create a procedural text (in our curriculum) and then making an Chromebook screencast tutorial.
It’s even interesting to see those who get abstract sometimes are confused by concrete examples https://t.co/dNOLXXjfO1
I have made more of a point to make time for the concrete 1st this year. It gives all Ss access-even Ss not ready for algorithm
GREAT IDEA!!! I love that!
Kathy dropping in for a few minutes.
Totally! They are ready for it though!
Excellent way to bring Hands-on into ELA! Love it! https://t.co/myfKuWbiKc
Ss are currently creating board games for Fact/Opinion.
I have had Ss create board games for reading concepts, they love it!
A7 Google apps are my favorite classroom tools!
Anybody here from Colorado or Ogallala Aquifer area?
Q8: Is there a difference between Hands-on Learning and the Maker Movement? If so, how? If not, why not?
A8: I think HOL is more like that recipe tied to a std, maker movement is more like a project. Does not have to be that way tho.
A7 Legos can be incorporated so many ways, as can
I never think to do this - but will bring this into the classroom! https://t.co/yvrDb8D9aS
I have had Ss create board games for reading concepts, they love it!
I think if we could “theme” teach it would be easier & we’d find more ways. https://t.co/cQRPjx3Vip
sadly it's more math than anything else. I wish we could do more hands on science.
Their last book report of the year's always a board game and then we get to spend the last week or two playing
A8: Listening to all your ideas - I’d say the answer is definitely: There IS a difference.
Wouldn't it be awesome to theme teach?!
A8: Both are important to the learning process and involve student creativity. I can see overlap. Are both geared to standards?
we start tomorrow- hope to finish Friday
How much fun is that???? What a way to keep them engaged during those last weeks too! https://t.co/9jUxXI4nVp
Their last book report of the year's always a board game and then we get to spend the last week or two playing
My Ss love creating too. Will check out & epic. Thx.
I believe ONLY way 2 meet learning expecations 4 Ss is 2 integrate. start with science.Reading, writing, speak, listen N science.
Seems to make sense to me! Some of the mini lessons we do that are all connected are the ones they remember https://t.co/E1y9VaeRtv
Wouldn't it be awesome to theme teach?!
Q9: What Hands-On activity do you remember from when you were a Ss?
Science instruction provides relevance, access 4 struggling learners who become better ELA and math Ss when engaged in science.
I think you’re right I never think to start w/ Science & that could be the game changer. https://t.co/oh4yOCygYK
I believe ONLY way 2 meet learning expecations 4 Ss is 2 integrate. start with science.Reading, writing, speak, listen N science.
A9: In 6th we set up a company, sold stock, designed buttons, made them and sold them.
A9-In middle school science, each student had to act like a different part of a plant and animal cell.
A9: I loved making our own yearbook my 8th grade! I don’t think the nuns did much hands on learning. Lol.
No outside food allowed for us. Talk about hands-on learning. A former friend used to cook w/ Ss to teach https://t.co/u5YHrUBZ73
A:9 our 5th grade teacher had us make stop motion movies on film and we dissected a cow's eyeball and heart &Awesome
I gave goodie bags out. Ss listed their fears about the test then "slam dunked" them in the trash!
That’s pretty cool! Do you remember how much you made? https://t.co/rJaBlS6zZ8
A9: In 6th we set up a company, sold stock, designed buttons, made them and sold them.
I love that idea! Totally stealing it!
A9: In Gr 5 we worked in a group & created a dessert habitat w/ clay, construction paper & other materials.
A9: Music, art, gym. Our specialist teachers know about hands on learning for sure.
&Awesome is right! Something you remember for sure! https://t.co/4u7iqs5xFm
A:9 our 5th grade teacher had us make stop motion movies on film and we dissected a cow's eyeball and heart &Awesome
Q10: What digital resources provide a "hands-on" feel?
I loved making models and dioramas. My Ss put on a play, research, create scenery for Great Kapok Tree
A10: I think the challenge is that with physical hands on learning we tend to interact more with Ss than the tech replacements.
A10: Using Green Screen tech can be somewhat hands as Ss have to get props/costumes scripts.
I confess I LOVED making dioramas too! https://t.co/AtQYu0CQ9Q
I loved making models and dioramas. My Ss put on a play, research, create scenery for Great Kapok Tree
I just got on each of our students' iPads today! Can't wait to have them create.
Q12: What other ideas do you have about Hands-On Learning?
I want to do a “Green Screen Challenge” - I’m feeling a coming on!!!
You are SO going to LOVE that!
You are SO going to LOVE that!
A5 Ask the Ss what they want to make/do to show learning?
count me in! I already use it every week with our student council's weekly announcements.
Great way to incorporate tech. Great way to incorporate Ss ideas! https://t.co/vOq3iaB2aH
A5 Ask the Ss what they want to make/do to show learning?
Thank you - will look her up! Always looking for new reads!
So easy Kids can use it! Pair it w/ iMovie - gr8 combo!
