Chalktalk Conversations

Day 1 - Students were annotating a passage together. They were encouraged to use appropriate questions stems ("A question I have is" "I was wondering what/why this word" "Why did the author" when asking each other questions as well as appropriate speaking stems, ("I agree with" "I disagree with" "To add onto ...."). Posting these on the Smartboard in two columns helps the students move the conversation along as I walk around and facilitate. Here students were using Thesaurus.com and Dictionary.com to look up words they needed clarification on.

Day 2 - annotating a poem the next day in the same fashion Day 3 - students had seven questions on seven pieces of construction paper of varying HOTS. They needed to respond to each question on their own, while standing with their group and rotating around to each of the seven questions. Day 4 - students then rotated around with their group and read everyone's responses to each questions. They would then delve into a conversation about which responses were most correct and they recorded them on their device.*

* I have found when students are doing a informal writing such as this, writing in their notes on their device is particularly useful. They are able to edit, switch words around, spell check and type neatly and quickly. Many of my reluctant writers have SOARED to new heights with their writing by having a device as an option to type.

Google Docs for Peer Editing

Yesterday in class we were peer editing our perspective papers using a Google Doc..  I was inspired by Mr. B to try to create a Google form to help guide students with peer editing.  To help students better focus on their peer editing, I gave guiding questions which each partner needed to complete with each other's paper.  I created a classroom gmail account which allowed all students to use my Google form.   The best part is, I am able to look at their responses to see all of the suggestions, celebrations, and any particulars we were working on in our mini-lesson.  It was very easy for students to find the link on our weebly page and complete on their device or the classroom computers.  I found that students were more focused/ engaged and excited about completing the forms.

Popplet ~ All About Writing

My first graders love the Popplet app! Can you tell by their faces?!?  After using the child friendly search engine, One Key, to research an animal they gather and organize their facts on Popplet.  They worked together based on which animal they chose to write their All About piece about.  My students that have brought their own devices have even created Popplets at home for fun.  :)  Popplet allows the student to add bubbles around a main bubble similar to a bubble map.  They can add text, photos, or drawings in each bubble.  

Fun and Safe Research!

My first graders had a great time using the website Onekey to research new information for their All About Books in Writing. Onekey is a safe, kid friendly search engine. The students had a great time working together to find new facts to add to their writing!

Look how awesome they are!  If my six year olds can do it...so can you!