#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 18, 2016
Hi I'm Darla, a pre-service teacher. First time following.
Hello, Hello! Welcome to ! I’m Meg and I’ll be tonight’s moderator. Please forgive my foggy brain, it’s on spring break!
Tonight we will talk about professional relationships. But first, please take a moment to introduce yourselves.
What is on the agenda tonight ? Courtney, WA K
Kim here from Calgary! Excited to introduce my Student Teacher to the world of chats
Christine from sunny Millarville, Alberta! I teach K and also am the Learning Coach for our school
Hi all! Joel here. Kindergarten teacher from Toronto. Here's to a good chat!
. Hi Courtney. Welcome. Today we are chatting about professional relationships.
Hi, I'm Brandi. I am a pre-service teacher.
Nice to see you again! Been a while!
Great! Welcome to both of you!
Sure has! Happy to be back. :)
I’m Meg from Chicago, a preschool director and tonight’s moderator.
Amy here, in the Canada. Director of my school's ECE division, which includes K.
Hola hola. Checking in from Kingston, JA. On the way home but participating in tonight's .
As we give folks a chance to make their way to the chat, anyone reading anything good right now?
hola hola, how are you enjoying your Spring Break?
There will be a few, yes.
Rachael! Hello! I am, I am! How are you?
Currently reading Dicey's Song.
I am currently reading Dances with Dragons by George RR Martin
I have the new John Grisham to read. Do you mean pro reading? ;-)
We will begin with some questions shortly, but I want to give people some time to get here.
I'm reading Theories of Childhood by Carol Mooney & by Elizabeth Gilbert
I mean all the books! I love all the reading.
I'm well. Glad to be back on the timeline 🤓😍😜
I just started Rising Strong by Brene Brown Seems good so far!
Do you like Big Magic? It’s on my shelf. Currently reading The Importance of Being Little by .
Re-reading the Scarpetta series by Patricia Cornwell. Pulp, but such good pulp...
what are you reading u always have something good on your shelf
Do text books count? Currently reading Early Childhood Experiences in Language Arts.
Good Q! I'm currently reading "The Curiosity of School" by Zander Sherman
Christi here from Indiana! I'm a junior in college studying elem & sp. ed and am here for a class! New to twit chats & excited
Also reading Hollow City - sequel to Ms Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children.
Hello , Karlee here from Calgary
I recommend The Importance of Being Little by to all of you!
You are on for a class? That sounds fun!
Yes I do. A completely different style and approach and very unlike Eat, Pray and Love. https://t.co/fJR6adpgJc
Do you like Big Magic? It’s on my shelf. Currently reading The Importance of Being Little by .
Same here Christi! In a Integrating Technology in Education class here in Michigan.
It’s on hold at the library! I’m also in the middle of the Lunar Chronicls.
*adds to never ending list*
I'm currently working my way through the Hunger Games series
I feel like I need to behave myself tonight.
;-)
As we start off, for Q1: When I say “professional relationships”, who/what immediately pops into your head?
Hello ! It was a good day today! Seeing the lights go off in little eyes all around me today!
Which college in Michigan?
I feel like being a T, most of our relationships are professional, with colleagues, admin, students, parents etc.
A1: Immediately, teaching partner. Immediately after that, parents and families.
A1: Professional Relationships- other teachers, admin, dep’t of ed peeps.
A1) professional relationships I think of my admin and social media.
I'm at Baker College of Owosso. is in my class as well.
I’m good. Watching the Cubs/Cards game. It’s kind of dull…
Isn't this a great time of year? So many connections being made and such rapid growth and learning :)
Relationships with colleagues
Plse do not evict me from the chat, but: Baseball. Is. Dull.
A1 Prof rel'ships are my school and district colleagues, teacher friends and colleagues around the world and PLN
Ha! The sport itself, a bit. But the Cubs and the social parts, fun. :)
Hi everyone, I've just started reading A Mother's Reckoning, but haven't gotten to far into it yet, not sure if I'm ready
Professional relationships = all relationships that originate w/our work.
Hello, I'm Laurie from Toronto area. Looking forward to participating in the conversation
I beg to differ! I love to watch the strategy. It’s a thinking sport!
A1 personal growth & learning. Becoming better at your job
Some professional relationships (esp w/students) are also personal, but all are prof in origin.
Professional relationships can be made with anyone you see as a resource.
Hi fellow Torontonian! Welcome to
Q1.5: As most of these answers center around those a part of your day to day, how to you support these relationships?
My dog is stuck under the couch. Another thing for the BINGO card, ...
interactions that you have because of the work you do
Hold this thought…this is up next on the docket! :) https://t.co/KfJJutWwnM
Professional relationships can be made with anyone you see as a resource.
A1.5 Through open dialogue. Talking things out, sharing, and quick messaging apps
A1.5: keeping respect at the core. flexibility. sense of humour. open mind. and above all else COMMUNICATION!
A1.5 Conversation, listening, being connected and interested
A1b) I support these relationships by making meaning face 2 face contact each day
What if we thought in a more broad context and defined professional relationships outside of our schools, clinics, etc?
Listening, co-planning, checking in, getting/asking advice, just being together...
Q2: How do we build professional relationships with others in related fields? Why would we want to?
BUT said it best by adding RESPECT in his def'n. That is foundational. And hard sometimes.
gotta love how technology has facilitated the speed w/ which we communicate & the ease w/ which we do
A 1.5- I am actually great friends with a few of my colleagues. We support each other emotionally, professionally, personally.
This is sort of a leading thought into Q2… https://t.co/kXGebcbqVv
What if we thought in a more broad context and defined professional relationships outside of our schools, clinics, etc?
A2: through Twitter chats, Blab, periscopes, and edcamps to name a few
A2: It serves our students for us to have access to a wide range of knowledge & skills; makes us better educators.
A2: The more lenses/perspectives the better. There is no one "right way to teach", we can always learn from others
Q2: It’s so important to build relationships with others. Especially with ECEs and centres. Wish day care-school was seamless
A2 Professional rel'ships make me a more thoughtful teacher.
A2 we live in a connected world. Things overlap. Issues are similar. Learning is inevitable
Q2. Exposure to different ideas from others in related fields widens our lens https://t.co/NJjLr1085E
Q2: How do we build professional relationships with others in related fields? Why would we want to?
A2: TALK TO THEM. Don't just see speech path, OTs as guests in your room. Seek them out. Pick their brains.
Yes! Build those relationships with those who know different things, do different things than you. https://t.co/81NP6OG6Nq
A2: It serves our students for us to have access to a wide range of knowledge & skills; makes us better educators.
A2 We build relationships by staying curious and eager to learn new things and open to learning wherever we are.
Hard sometimes, but important! Shows Ss methods for showing respect even during moments of disagreement
I've learned soooo much from the specialists that visit our school
Oh yes. As a preschool director, I am currently trying to visit as many kindergartens as I can.
Perspective... Something we take for granted easily when we are stuck on a classroom with little ones
I was recently in a classroom where a teacher made a point to tell me, that when helping a child we are all on the same team.
Can you elaborate? https://t.co/QYjMPEtqyp
Perspective... Something we take for granted easily when we are stuck on a classroom with little ones
Ppl LOVE to share their knowledge & have their expertise recognized.
What professionals in other fields of work do you have relationships with?
agree! Learning how to agree to disagree is a life lesson
definitely! I rely on OT, she is brilliant & very perceptive, great suggestions & insights
INCREDIBLE how much u have in common and how much there is to talk about when you are in a similar field! SHARE LEARN EXPERIENCE
Who has made professional friends with folks at museums and librarians outside of your school?
I have fostered relationships w/speech paths, OTs, psychologist, community outreach directors...
Our Dep’t of Ed also has EC under it’s umbrella, but not enough collaboration between the two
OTs, PTs, SLPath, Psychologist, Counselors, Nurses, Outdoor Educators
A2: make connections and be open minded to new strategies. Always stay eager to learn and adapt to maintain prof. development
I have at conferences! I love professional collaboration&scone ruins. https://t.co/pi61XvugLk
Who has made professional friends with folks at museums and librarians outside of your school?
Our neighbours are a Nursery classroom, and SO full of wisdom and knowledge. They are my go-to.
Also our elem team & student support dept.
Our SLPs room is right by mine. I’m always going to her to ask questions. Same as the OT!
I always seek to know my parents as a Xperia so far have had 3 in to share knowledge related to our inquiries
Ooh, Outdoor Educators? Like forest rangers? Or whatever the Canadian term is… :)
I 💚 to see how ppl run their businesses, how they share info w/ custs, grow, etc it makes me reexamine what I do
connections. Silly auto correct
Haha! A Conservation Officer! Also have science teachers who now work for National Parks who do school presentations
we get fixated trying to fix one thing in our schools & classes we forget the big pic, we fail to come up ideas
my chiropractor provides me with rich insight to deepen my thinking when I puzzle about some students
Also: parents who work in related fields! Professors, doctors, family lawyers...
I make a lot of connections with Ps and have them come in and talk. We have a lrg Navy pop so have commanders come in and talk.
I strongly feel that schools need to be part of larger community and that we need to cultivate relationships within neighborhood
We're attached to a natural science school. Their teachers are instrumental in impacting my practice
Absolutely https://t.co/KOMdVifdLQ
Also: parents who work in related fields! Professors, doctors, family lawyers...
That is a wonderful resource!
Our resources like OT, PT, Speech path etc only come to school a few times a year so it's crucial to build relationships
One of my former Ps is a Cop and always come in once a year to do a safety speech and turn on his lights and sirens
YES! it would be so cool to connect with other schools for PD or other community events!
agree! Parent community is a rich resource that is sometimes not tapped into enough
Our presenters are from the Provincial park that is in our "neighbourhood"- wonderful connection for Ss
How has your school been received by the wider community? https://t.co/w77QbjgeHD
I strongly feel that schools need to be part of larger community and that we need to cultivate relationships within neighborhood
Yes! Such a bank of expertise and a natural & authentic way to extend classroom community and welcome families
As admin at a priv schoool, am working at building relationships w/other private schools. Collab, not competition.
I’m thinking even outside other schools. Schools should work with food banks, libraries, local business.. https://t.co/pHItLdIEna
YES! it would be so cool to connect with other schools for PD or other community events!
This offers a chance for service and authentic action for our students.
it's so competitive down here 🙁
Working on it; in middle of industrial neighborhood, trying to convince people of value of kids as neighbors.
something I really noticed in Germany - schools= just another building on a street, part of community, not separate
Keep at it. You can and will do it! https://t.co/SGv39jdN7B
Working on it; in middle of industrial neighborhood, trying to convince people of value of kids as neighbors.
Here too, I’m trying to use my connections to build more collab among other private prek
All this relationships/larger community talk makes me think of good old Brofenbrenner and his circles! https://t.co/g4gxtpY3dh
It's a work in progress up here, too. I focus on schools who WANT to share.
That is the best kind of thinking. https://t.co/msg8teXjMw
something I really noticed in Germany - schools= just another building on a street, part of community, not separate
Sometimes, collab PD is good way to start - invite their staff to a workshop, no charge.
Well, the Germans kind of invented "Kindergarten", so makes sense to me.
Q3: How do we cultivate new relationships and strengthen current relationships with community partners?
Love it. So simple, but so needed. https://t.co/KtkeSotKSj
Sometimes, collab PD is good way to start - invite their staff to a workshop, no charge.
We all want ea student to be in best possible place for him/her, right? We need to share ideas, resources,
I do love me some Brofenbrenner.
A3 Invite them in, write letters to them, draw pictures for them, and visit them!
It becomes so natural - once there, they want to see your centre, then they invite you to see theirs.... snowball!
A3: Playing “devil’s advocate”- with all of the pressures on the homeroom teacher, is it feasible to add more to their plate?
A3- I’m thinking about community partnerships. Do homeroom teachers have the time/energy/etc to do that?
stop jam before 4.00 min in
to jump furtherr
next lesson joy in at 30.min jump near before bass se
By themselves? No, but with support from their admin, yes. https://t.co/Y65xviAGcj
A3: Playing “devil’s advocate”- with all of the pressures on the homeroom teacher, is it feasible to add more to their plate?
A3 We invite the public in, we invite professionals to speak, we take kids into the community when possible.
A3: New: Ask them, We asked a barista and she now comes in once a week. Old: Small thank you's my Ss create or come up with
that's a good way to start
As admin, I see this more as my job - to foster relationships that benefit tchrs & students.
. Maybe it’s a teacher’s “role” to spark interest in a potential guest and my role as admin to make it happen.
yourself decide if ready perhaps all need some extra waters in hospital...
dont do h-yyy-drate drink
A3. Open houses. Share info as it happens. Newsletters and social media. Invite them to participate in activities.
used to invite people in to my room all the time. Librarians, people with cool jobs... https://t.co/7VONja4yns
A3 We invite the public in, we invite professionals to speak, we take kids into the community when possible.
I tend to agree with you https://t.co/qrNGpmMYiK
As admin, I see this more as my job - to foster relationships that benefit tchrs & students.
There are so many ways I’d love to be involved, particularly w/immigrants and refugees. It’s almost overwhelming- the needs
Our speech & OTs work in other priv schools, & have helped build our connections, too. "You should call so & so..."
This is a heavy set of relationships to build! https://t.co/B4ZLKSrqlf
There are so many ways I’d love to be involved, particularly w/immigrants and refugees. It’s almost overwhelming- the needs
I loved when my kids had the opportunity at a young age to meet many different community members in the classroom.
I look for community connections as it makes sense, right now looking for a vet..
I love the people in the community theme.
add the as we can't see your posts.
A3: meet, stay connected w/ & support local businesses. Will help teach students how to collab w/ diff. ppl in the community
naturally and as it should be!
ugg. , see below for Q4, told you I had Spring Break Brain! https://t.co/tQDVh3ghJU
Q4: If time/money were not barriers, which organizations/interesting folks would you like to build a professional relationship?
So important. Thoughts on navigating school board policies i.e. police checks for all visitors?
Being a part of a small community lends itself to bringing in members, but a larger community makes it harder.
Q3: I am from a small town where it is easier to get the students out in to the community. It strengthens the relationships
I guess that depends on your district’s policies. I always worked in open/small schools. Never hurts to ask..
A4: Astronauts! Artists! Dancers! Activists! Authors! Inventors!
To me, that’s where the needs are. Because the locals take care of themselves (not bad) but the newcomers are alone
A4 Have lots of access to professionals that would come in and share their disciplines in meaningful ways!
Sounds like great opportunities to use Skype! https://t.co/DxA5b5xK1P
A4: Astronauts! Artists! Dancers! Activists! Authors! Inventors!
Our policy is no police check required for guest speakers - they are never alone w/kids.
Could you make a proposal to board with this in mind?
A4 Professors, research scientists, engineers...professions we tell children they can achieve, but never see a real person.
A4: I'd like to see more performing artists come into our ECE progs.
A4.2 Would also love to connect in person with schools/classes we've had virtual contact with
That would be great! https://t.co/VNjVVibaE2
A4 Professors, research scientists, engineers...professions we tell children they can achieve, but never see a real person.
Always worth a try! Asking never hurts. Board's policies have REALLY tightened over past years...
Sorry I'm going to duck out early, head is pounding & 2 yo grandson is screaming so I'm going to hide while his mum deals
Love this! Also opportunity to debunk gender/racial stereotypes by providing diverse and real examples
Read them carefully, yourself. I have found the answers I need in the fine print more than once!
Great advice. Thank you, much appreciated!
As we get ready to wrap up for the night, think about ways that you can use who/what you know, to connect w who/what you don’t.
A4: actors, doctors, scientists, CEO's of both genders so that children can see they can be anything if they work for it.
Goodnight & have a wonderful week, great chat, important topic but head needs to rest
Can't sleep wonder if still going?
AND, don’t dismiss the power of these virtual professional relationships. They are super helpful.
I think Twitter has really opened my connections. Especially this awesome group.
As you say your goodbyes, please feel free to share any good news/blogs/etc with the group. Thanks for chatting.
Nicola! We are just about wrapping up. How are you?!
My good news: next week's will be moderated live from MY VERY OWN HOUSE.
This class (what I know) led me to this great introduction to who I don't know yet.
I just shouted "YES!!!" at my screen!
A4: as I'm about to start an internship w/ Disney, I'd have ppl in studio entrtnmnt, CEOs, park dirctr, etc. Spark imagination!
Ha! Many of these wonderful folks are real, true, awesome friends. https://t.co/6oSfCQQNiN
I just shouted "YES!!!" at my screen!
I saw lights turn on in my students eyes today! It’s the best time of year! Have a great week everyone!
Note that I will probably still be drinking wine out of a coffee cup...
A housewarming event, perhaps?! Can we bring virtual gifts?
YES! BRING PRESENTS! I LOVE PRESENTS!
I see nothing wrong with this…
I am going to look for tea towels right now
Am good apart from being wide awake when am up in 3hrs 😞 how are you? sorry missed chat
It was great reconnecting with you all on tonight's . Thanks for moderating 🙏🏽💚
Thanks for moderating and thanks for all the fun,
:) Good night, Carrie. Don’t forget to let me know when you are here visiting North Western!
Gold stars to for rocking the moderation.
Thank you everyone for coming out tonight. I do apologize for my very sun-drenched vacation brain!
I definitely will! Have a great week Meg!
Ooh! Do I get a prize if I get enough gold stars?!
Thanks for being patient with a newbie, really enjoyed being here. Thanks and thanks all.
Thanks for having me ! Great questions and conversations with you all. I may just have to keep attending these for the fun of it😄
enjoy your break! You deserve it! Are you in Chi-Town?
I am! Just enjoying a staycation and lots of sleeping. Have a good night! Glad you stopped by, miss you!
