#6thchat is used to chat, collaborate, and grow with other sixth grade educators from around the globe. Each session we discuss a topic voted on by #6thchat participants. It's a great way to help grow your PLN and share ideas with others.
Welcome to #6thchat! Please introduce yourself, where you teach and what subjects! I am Kristin and teach ELA and SS in Lansing, MI. I will be tonight's moderator!
A1) I fall into the trap of calling on some students who quickly raise their hands. I am using Flippity to be more random as to who I call on, and I am trying to ask Ss questions and then give them longer think time (another trap I tend to fall into). #6thchat
#6thchat Hi, I'm Jess. I teach ELA in Tiffin, Iowa. Excited to be here although I want to go start reading my copy of Lu by @JReynoldsbooks so not sure if I'll stay the whole hour!
A1: I've gotten a lot better at wait time. If I've asked the question and feel like I only have a few of the students 'with me', I will wait until I can feel all their focus. Then ask the question again and then wait even if a few have hands in the air right away. #6thchat
A1: Only calling those with their hands in the excludes many from the conversation as many Ss need more wait time to respond. I use Kagan strategies to engage all Ss in conversation and walk around to listen to responses. It gets more Ss engaged in the conversation. #6thchat
A1.2: Sometimes there are kids that just don't like to answer in a large group. Sometimes I do sentence challenges and then share out the 'winners' the next day so they can hear each other's voices without being on the spot in the moment. #6thchat
At first, wait time can be the most uncomfortable thing to Ss and Ts. But, when the classroom becomes used to it, deeper conversation and responses can be had. #6thchat
A2) Problems with this strategy include student integrity and their need to "save face" by having the "correct" answer. I am not as fond of this strategy but will use it usually with a "heads down" so Ss are not peeking at peers to see if they are "right" or not. #6thchat
A2: I tend to use this for just quick checks of understanding. I don't rely on it since some kids will just change their answer when they see the 'majority' with a different rating. #6thchat
A2: I use 1-4 for self assessment of a concept. It's difficult to train Ss to be comfortable with not knowing the answer. We have to show them that being honest in their assessment is the only way we Ts can get a feel for what they understand. #6thchat
A1.3: Also, I am really conscious of who I've called on and try not to call on the same person twice in the same day. If needed, I will ask an easier or more straightforward question and increase wait time until more students are involved. #6thchat
A2: I use the thumbs up, sideways & down when we're going over new topics, homework, etc. Its a quick check to see how they feel they're doing #6thchat
A2 I have used thumb to the chest with number talks. I see a lot more thumbs going up compared to hands. Gives all students a chance to think. #6thchat
We do quite a bit of heads down assessment at the beginning to get more honest answers, but later in the year Ss become comfortable with their learning & are willing to not know things in front of their peers. Ss learn to rely on each other to ask Qs. #6thchat
A1.4: I've also trained myself to alternate calling on girls and boys to make sure no one dominates in the room. I've actually had people come observe and measure this until it became second nature. (apparently I have a lot to say about this question!) #6thchat
I have them turn towards me and hold it close to their chest so only I see it. But my Ss also know that its ok to admit when they don't understand #6thchat
A3) I use writing on google classroom for questions that I can see immediate responses; also @padlet and @PearDeck are wonderful tools to have Ss respond, and then allow for full class reflection. I prefer using writing in ways that gives an audience #6thchat
A3: I haven't used this as much as I would like. I have done discussions on Schoology (our LMS), but not yet this year. I also do a monthly Google Form to check about how things are going and that includes some written responses. #6thchat
A3: We write to share. Anything we write is for an audience. Writing is a great way to prep spoken response to questions they will share with each other. It allows them to process. Ss are self-conscious about their idea and Ts need to be sure it is a safe space to share. #6thchat
A3: I do a written response as part of their weekly word problem. They each have a special notebook just for this. It has turned into a great conversation between us cause they know I read what they say. #6thchat
A3 I use GoFormative website. You can show all Ss written answers at once on smart board without names showing. Ss can give each other feedback and learn from experts in the room. #6thchat
A4: Schoology discussion posts are good and safe because only members of our school community can see them. 6th graders need a little coaching about responding appropriately, not using text language, etc. #6thchat
It is great for them to see that writing is something that happens for audiences of 1 or audiences of many. A great way to build relationships for you and your students! #6thchat
A4: There are so many digital response resources out there. @quizizz, @GetKahoot, @edpuzzle, Google Classroom responses, Google Forms, @padlet. I used to use Today's Meet, but they shut down.
There is a lot of teaching that goes into using digital tools responsibly. #6thchat
A5) I use response cards on occasion, but not as much as other teachers do. I am more digital and use that. I sometimes feel like this is similar to the sign language and I'm not sure I get the accurate feedback I want from this methodology. I'm open to ideas, though. #6thchat
Cutting our early tonight, #6thchat.
Long day of conferences tomorrow, so I need to do some preparation.
Be well and I look forward to our next interactions!
Good night!!
A6) Guided highlighting is very successful, but just handing a 6th grader a highlighter often leads to a coloring page activity. I like to help my Ss develop study skills and learn how to use the highlighter as a tool. I often use it with Social Studies text & vocab. #6thchat
C: Circle what you're given (the numbers) U: Underline the question B: Box the key words (tells us the operation) E: Evaluate (how can we solve this) S: Solve #6thchat
A7) Insert Learning allows me to find a reading passage (loving https://t.co/7V6JNJsk0Y) and add questions, videos, discussion, etc. Best thing was that it allows me to grade on site and then pushes grades directly to google classroom. Great site! @InsertLearning#6thchat
A8) I plan to explore Quizziz again. I keep wanting to try it, and I haven't gotten to that one. Also want to share highlighting CUBES strategy with team at school. #6thchat
A7: I have a wireless mouse that moves around the room. Ss take turns interacting with the video lesson, writing on the board, etc all from their desk. #6thchat
Thanks to the smaller but thoughtful and reflective group tonight! I know it's PT conferences and more at this time of year! I appreciate your time to attend and share! #6thchat
