#mschat Archive

A chat that offers middle school teachers a chance to have a collaborative discussion about a different topic each week. Our topics change from week to week, ranging from Common Core State Standards to Character Education. During the chat, participants exchanges ideas and resources. The chat group ranges in size each week from 10 to 50+ participants. Discussion can be general talking about instructional style or process to specific. Recently members of the chat group help each other create lessons.

Thursday August 17, 2017
8:00 PM EDT

  • jbhanlon Aug 17 @ 8:05 PM EDT
    Welcome! Who is here? #mschat
  • mr_tbloom - Moderator Aug 17 @ 8:07 PM EDT
    Travis from Pa. middle school principal #mschat
  • jbhanlon Aug 17 @ 8:08 PM EDT
    I am Jackie Hanlon - 8th gr ELA teacher from NH and happy to be hosting #mschat tonight. I don't start until 8/31 but I am pumped:)
  • DruTomlin4Edu Aug 17 @ 8:08 PM EDT
    Hey, @jbhanlon & #mschat! It's Dru principal at @HeritageMS_WCS in @WCSOH. We started 2day & it was Gr8--lots of energetic learning already!
  • BrysonBridget Aug 17 @ 8:08 PM EDT
    Bridget Bryson, 6th grade ELA, Alpharetta, GA - been back two weeks! Going well, we are becoming family ❤️ #mschat
  • flipping_A_tchr Aug 17 @ 8:09 PM EDT
    Hi there #mschat! I'm Andrew (gr.8 SocSt in Massachusetts) stumbling in this evening
  • mr_tbloom - Moderator Aug 17 @ 8:09 PM EDT
    Our kids don't start until 9/5 Ts come back on 8/29 #mschat
  • MrPoynter Aug 17 @ 8:09 PM EDT
  • cesca_buncee Aug 17 @ 8:10 PM EDT
    Francesca from Buncee here to listen & learn from #mschat :)
  • JLockettTeach Aug 17 @ 8:10 PM EDT
    Jesse from PA, Jersey T. Haven't started school yet. Aspiring principal, 3 courses until Ss with Disabilities Cert. #mschat
  • MrPoynter Aug 17 @ 8:12 PM EDT
    Chris, MS Assistant Principal, started today, it's going great. #mschat
  • jbhanlon Aug 17 @ 8:12 PM EDT
    Welcome everyone to tonight's #mschat!
  • edutopia Aug 17 @ 8:13 PM EDT
    Laughter, learning, and why teens are such a tough crowd: https://t.co/CYtqZ9bxcY. #hschat #mschat
  • sanrau Aug 17 @ 8:13 PM EDT
    Laughter, learning, and why teens are such a tough crowd: https://t.co/f5gNx83Mjz. #hschat #mschat https://t.co/GIVc6uHEbu
  • jbhanlon Aug 17 @ 8:13 PM EDT
    So glad Day 1 went well! Welcome #mschat
    In reply to @MrPoynter
  • jbhanlon Aug 17 @ 8:14 PM EDT
  • mr_tbloom - Moderator Aug 17 @ 8:15 PM EDT
    #mschat a1-communication is the biggest tool that I have learned that I have. The belief is honest:transparent communication
  • MrPStrunk Aug 17 @ 8:16 PM EDT
    Phil (teaching in Northern VA), kids come starting on Tuesday! #mschat
  • GruntledChalkie Aug 17 @ 8:16 PM EDT
    Hey #mschat Carl from Avonsleigh Australia A1) Relationships. No relationship - no learning
  • mr_tbloom - Moderator Aug 17 @ 8:16 PM EDT
    #mschat They are lucky to have you!
    • MrPStrunk Aug 17 @ 8:16 PM EDT
      Phil (teaching in Northern VA), kids come starting on Tuesday! #mschat
  • MrPStrunk Aug 17 @ 8:17 PM EDT
    A1: I'd say one of our most essential beliefs is the willingness to give up what is comfortable in exchange for what is best for Ss #mschat
  • flipping_A_tchr Aug 17 @ 8:17 PM EDT
    A1 #mschat You can try again -- we find life lessons in history -- citizens listen to each other -- learning > grades -- I am here to help
  • DruTomlin4Edu Aug 17 @ 8:17 PM EDT
    A1. Essential belief: our Ts have professional know-how & passion 2 serve all Ss. & all Ss want/deserve an excellent ed experience #mschat
  • BrysonBridget Aug 17 @ 8:18 PM EDT
    A1: that we are family. We all need each other, we all need to be the parts to make the whole. Trust is huge. I'm on their side #mschat
  • jbhanlon Aug 17 @ 8:18 PM EDT
    So Important & a true foundational necessity! #mschat
    In reply to @mr_tbloom
  • JLockettTeach Aug 17 @ 8:19 PM EDT
    A1: positivity! Send message of support, guidance, & belief in my Ss success & growth. #mschat
  • mr_tbloom - Moderator Aug 17 @ 8:19 PM EDT
    #mschat This is when awesome stuff happens and Ss remember the awesome stuff!
    • MrPStrunk Aug 17 @ 8:17 PM EDT
      A1: I'd say one of our most essential beliefs is the willingness to give up what is comfortable in exchange for what is best for Ss #mschat
  • cmt215il Aug 17 @ 8:20 PM EDT
    Hi all! Christie from suburb and Chicago joining late. Today was our first day of school! #mschat
  • ThinkTankThuto Aug 17 @ 8:20 PM EDT
    edutopia: Laughter, learning, and why teens are such a tough crowd: https://t.co/ZYljfG58Gx. #hschat #mschat https://t.co/dWUBSlPB2d
  • jbhanlon Aug 17 @ 8:20 PM EDT
    A1: Care is always a foundation for me. If students do not feel you have a genuine stake in them, nothing further can grow. #mschat
  • SteinatDavis Aug 17 @ 8:20 PM EDT
    A1 #mschat A little delayed joining in. 6th ELA, 7th digital arts. Building self-confidence and willingness to fail on road to success.
  • flipping_A_tchr Aug 17 @ 8:20 PM EDT
    ..but it can take MONTHS to gain that level of trust, right? #mschat
    In reply to @jbhanlon
  • JLockettTeach Aug 17 @ 8:21 PM EDT
    A1: every decision is made by one factor, what is best for students! #mschat
  • jbhanlon Aug 17 @ 8:21 PM EDT
    Having that faith in your Ts will transpire to Ts having that same feel/belief for Ss:) #mschat
    In reply to @DruTomlin4Edu
  • BrysonBridget Aug 17 @ 8:21 PM EDT
    A1.2. Fun. It's got to be fun. #mschat
  • jbhanlon Aug 17 @ 8:22 PM EDT
    No Tardy Slips Here! Welcome. Q2 is coming right up:) #mschat
    In reply to @SteinatDavis
  • MrPStrunk Aug 17 @ 8:22 PM EDT
    Nel Noddings definitely would agree with that. Students should feel relevant because they are helping forge the class's identity. #mschat
    In reply to @jbhanlon
  • jbhanlon Aug 17 @ 8:24 PM EDT
    does take time but starts right https://t.co/gbH1ZKYGcg can lose it in a moment, or abad interaction cantake an entireyear to repair #mschat
    In reply to @flipping_A_tchr
  • jbhanlon Aug 17 @ 8:24 PM EDT
  • TeacherRunner42 Aug 17 @ 8:25 PM EDT
    good evening, #mschat - michael from columbus, OH - checking in late but so glad to be here!
  • SteinatDavis Aug 17 @ 8:25 PM EDT
    #mschat A2: OOOOH! Good Q. #tlap passion! Be creative, be FUN, let Ss make decisions, offer choices!
  • mr_tbloom - Moderator Aug 17 @ 8:26 PM EDT
    #mschat A2-Constantly modeling and being a learner. Our buildings, our Ts, and our Ss make us learn everyday and we need to show that!
  • MrPStrunk Aug 17 @ 8:26 PM EDT
    One way for me is by building relationships. If you have a connection with the Ss they want to learn in (and come to) your room. #mschat
  • mr_tbloom - Moderator Aug 17 @ 8:27 PM EDT
    Constantly show how you are evolving in your own practice. Highlight your failures show others that it's ok to fail something #mschat
  • MrPStrunk Aug 17 @ 8:27 PM EDT
    A2: One way for me is by building relationships. If you have a connection with the Ss they want to learn in (and come to) your room. #mschat
  • flipping_A_tchr Aug 17 @ 8:27 PM EDT
    A2 a little gamification to get things started (& Ss properly organized): The Historical Detective Agency #mschat
  • BrysonBridget Aug 17 @ 8:27 PM EDT
    A2: This year offering more choice & student led learning are my focus & mantra. Their thoughts & ideas should have power #firedup #mschat
  • TeacherRunner42 Aug 17 @ 8:27 PM EDT
    a2: nothing ignites learning like passion - bring the love of teaching, get kids hooked, make them exp. school FOMA #mschat
  • mr_tbloom - Moderator Aug 17 @ 8:28 PM EDT
    A2-Keep sharing, modeling, and highlighting. Get others to step out of their comfort zone, but be prepared to do that yourself. #mschat
  • JLockettTeach Aug 17 @ 8:28 PM EDT
    A2: new activities & lessons! Keep them interested with fresh, fun, & engaging activities. #mschat
  • jbhanlon Aug 17 @ 8:28 PM EDT
    Failing- openly without shame is powerful for Ss to see. Especially as we want them to take risks too:) #mschat
    In reply to @mr_tbloom
  • MrPStrunk Aug 17 @ 8:28 PM EDT
    I'd definitely agree with this. Humanizing yourself by demonstrating a desire to learn from mistakes inspires Ss to do the same! #mschat
    • mr_tbloom - Moderator Aug 17 @ 8:27 PM EDT
      Constantly show how you are evolving in your own practice. Highlight your failures show others that it's ok to fail something #mschat
  • TeacherRunner42 Aug 17 @ 8:28 PM EDT
    depends on the child and their previous exp. w/ school and adults in schools #mschat
    In reply to @flipping_A_tchr, @jbhanlon
  • SteinatDavis Aug 17 @ 8:29 PM EDT
    A2: Also, find a support team that you can bounce ideas off of, commiserate with. #mschat
  • jbhanlon Aug 17 @ 8:29 PM EDT
    A2: I spend aportion of the 1st 2weeks starting my classes with team building challenges, lessons on growthmindset& Hanlon House Cup #mschat
  • flipping_A_tchr Aug 17 @ 8:30 PM EDT
    True. Some Ss don't understand/appreciate until months or years after they leave the classroom. (I never I'd see Kirstin* again!) #mschat
    In reply to @TeacherRunner42, @jbhanlon
  • JLockettTeach Aug 17 @ 8:30 PM EDT
    A2: give Ss platform & stage to display learning while building confidence. #mschat
  • mr_tbloom - Moderator Aug 17 @ 8:30 PM EDT
    A2-show that our learning only makes a bigger impact for our Ss and school #mschat
  • jbhanlon Aug 17 @ 8:32 PM EDT
    So many ELEMENTS being shared! Question 3 is coming right up! #mschat
  • MrPStrunk Aug 17 @ 8:32 PM EDT
    I love this. I start the year with a CSI: Lincoln activity I found online. Kids love it! #mschat
    In reply to @flipping_A_tchr
  • ToddRisser Aug 17 @ 8:33 PM EDT
    A1: classrooms, and more generally schools, simply cannot function without a strong belief in building relationships. #mschat
  • jbhanlon Aug 17 @ 8:33 PM EDT
  • SteinatDavis Aug 17 @ 8:34 PM EDT
    A3: Hoping to become a Google Certified Educator this year. #mschat
  • flipping_A_tchr Aug 17 @ 8:34 PM EDT
    A3 Honestly, for me it's the work-life balance. 17 years in, still haven't found it #mschat #sleep_is_important #so_are_my_own_kids
  • MrPStrunk Aug 17 @ 8:35 PM EDT
    Q3: Our school is working on differentiation. I want to improve in my teaching different learning styles this year! @ToddRisser #mschat
  • TeacherRunner42 Aug 17 @ 8:35 PM EDT
    a3: always looking for new ways to interconnect disciplines - much like LotR there is only The One Subject. #mschat
  • jbhanlon Aug 17 @ 8:35 PM EDT
    Me too! This has been on my EDUBucket List! Need to do it! #mschat
    In reply to @SteinatDavis
  • MrPStrunk Aug 17 @ 8:36 PM EDT
    A3: Our school is working on differentiation. I want to improve in my teaching different learning styles this year! @ToddRisser #mschat
  • JLockettTeach Aug 17 @ 8:36 PM EDT
    A3: acquire my Teacher of Students with Disabilities Certification, while pursuing an additional cert as MS science teacher. #mschat
  • cmt215il Aug 17 @ 8:36 PM EDT
    A3: I hope to grow in my ability to help sts build up their perseverance. #mschat
  • jbhanlon Aug 17 @ 8:36 PM EDT
    AMEN:) I'm with you. I literally schedule in time with my family the way I do school events. No choice:) #mschat
    In reply to @flipping_A_tchr
  • BrysonBridget Aug 17 @ 8:36 PM EDT
    A3: letting the control go & taking more risks. Encouraging S to take more control of their lrning & to wrk more individually w/S #mschat
  • MrPStrunk Aug 17 @ 8:37 PM EDT
    Now that's ambition! Best wishes on those goals this year! #mschat
    In reply to @JLockettTeach
  • mr_tbloom - Moderator Aug 17 @ 8:37 PM EDT
    #mschat A3-Building strong relationships with each of my staff members is key and really personalizing their year for them!
  • skeeTX Aug 17 @ 8:38 PM EDT
    A3: I hope to grow by listening to others, conversing to collaborate and providing support to those who need it #mschat
  • jbhanlon Aug 17 @ 8:39 PM EDT
    A3: I hope to gain more knowledge on genius hour time & implement more student led projects #mschat
  • flipping_A_tchr Aug 17 @ 8:39 PM EDT
    It sounds like a selfish goal but it's really not. We have other ppl who will count on us for many yrs after these Ss have moved on! #mschat
    In reply to @jbhanlon
  • ToddRisser Aug 17 @ 8:39 PM EDT
    A2: I plan on expanding my differentiation toolbox and offering more student choice in the classroom #mschat
  • MrPStrunk Aug 17 @ 8:40 PM EDT
    Not to mention, students need to see adults balance work and life, so when they are adults they know how to! #mschat
    In reply to @flipping_A_tchr, @jbhanlon
  • jbhanlon Aug 17 @ 8:40 PM EDT
    More Student Choice has been a thread here! What an essential element for all of us to grow:) Q4 is coming right up #mschat
  • MrPStrunk Aug 17 @ 8:41 PM EDT
    Looking forward to working with you this year as we expand our arsenal of engaging learning opportunities! #mschat
    In reply to @ToddRisser
  • jbhanlon Aug 17 @ 8:42 PM EDT
  • flipping_A_tchr Aug 17 @ 8:42 PM EDT
    I'm talking tough now in August so I hopefully remember these words later (in October....) #mschat ;)
    In reply to @MrPStrunk, @jbhanlon
  • ToddRisser Aug 17 @ 8:43 PM EDT
    A3: I plan to step outside of my comfort zone and make learning even more engaging for all students. #mschat
  • flipping_A_tchr Aug 17 @ 8:43 PM EDT
    A4 compliance /= grades #mschat
  • SteinatDavis Aug 17 @ 8:44 PM EDT
    A4: Eliminate grades. I can't chg it, so I am evaluating my assessments, offer more opps for demonstrating mastery diff ways. #mschat
  • cmt215il Aug 17 @ 8:45 PM EDT
    A4:I hope to see positivity spreading.Kids sense our moods & we need to be positive for them. I will bring my positivity every day! #mschat
  • BrysonBridget Aug 17 @ 8:46 PM EDT
    A4: I'd like to see PLNs develop between T. We have an amazing staff-need to lrn from each other. My part-started a Google Tribe! #mschat
  • skeeTX Aug 17 @ 8:47 PM EDT
    A4: I'd ❤️ to see less emphasis on grades and focus on Ss self-confidence, well being and progress by building healthy relationships #mschat
  • flipping_A_tchr Aug 17 @ 8:47 PM EDT
    what's the diff between a tribe and a PLN? :) #mschat
    In reply to @BrysonBridget
  • BrysonBridget Aug 17 @ 8:48 PM EDT
    Tribe because we use @GTeacherTribe for the basis of our meetings! Cld call it PLN for Google too #whatsinaname #mschat
    In reply to @flipping_A_tchr, @GTeacherTribe
  • jbhanlon Aug 17 @ 8:48 PM EDT
    A4: I would like to see more emphasis on learning & process and less on grades. I want less TESTING to test! #mschat
  • ToddRisser Aug 17 @ 8:48 PM EDT
    A4: I hope to see a change in how we evaluate success. It is far more important to develop lifelong learners than good test takers #mschat
  • MrPStrunk Aug 17 @ 8:49 PM EDT
    A4: I'd love to see a change in how students view grades. Read somewhere recently that they are more of physicals not coroner rprts. #mschat
  • mr_tbloom - Moderator Aug 17 @ 8:49 PM EDT
    A4-More connectedness both in school and outside. More learning happening not just on Inservice days. More failure Bc of risk taking #mschat
  • flipping_A_tchr Aug 17 @ 8:49 PM EDT
    A4(meta) WOW, grades are a common complaint on #mschat tonight!
  • MrPStrunk Aug 17 @ 8:49 PM EDT
    You're getting your wish in a few states! Would be a great national trend! #mschat
    • jbhanlon Aug 17 @ 8:48 PM EDT
      A4: I would like to see more emphasis on learning & process and less on grades. I want less TESTING to test! #mschat
  • BrysonBridget Aug 17 @ 8:51 PM EDT
    A4.2 YES to less grades. I would love to see the end of honor roll & not to be one of handful who allow formative retakes. #mschat
  • BrysonBridget Aug 17 @ 8:53 PM EDT
    I dream of a life where kids ask for feedback and not a number... #mschat
    In reply to @flipping_A_tchr
  • jbhanlon Aug 17 @ 8:53 PM EDT
  • SteinatDavis Aug 17 @ 8:54 PM EDT
    A5: Absolutely! Summer choice reading is list of books designed to generate empathy! It is a common theme at my school. #mschat
  • MrPStrunk Aug 17 @ 8:55 PM EDT
    Q5: I teach history, so we are constantly teaching heart. Empathizing with others is a good test of the soul. #mschat
  • MrPStrunk Aug 17 @ 8:55 PM EDT
    A5: I teach history, so we are constantly teaching heart. Empathizing with others is a good test of the soul. #mschat
  • Mr_Bussiere Aug 17 @ 8:55 PM EDT
    A5- Constantly look for those teachable moments. We always talk about when you leave my class the importance of being a good person! #mschat
  • JLockettTeach Aug 17 @ 8:55 PM EDT
    A5: leading by example with patience, kindness, & respect for all while utilizing school wide PBIS & Second Step SEL curriculum. #mschat
  • mgrosstaylor Aug 17 @ 8:56 PM EDT
    Join #EduGladiators SATURDAY 💥8amCT💥 Plus...share your Boredom Busters on our 🎥https://t.co/kgUchMgfpq #mschat #G2Great #games4 #LATICchat
  • SteinatDavis Aug 17 @ 8:57 PM EDT
    A5: Here's our list, curated by our Media Staff #mschat
  • cmt215il Aug 17 @ 8:57 PM EDT
    A5: Today I ended social studies by asking sts to think of a big or small way to make a + impact on our school/City/world this yr. #mschat
  • cmaddoxjr Aug 17 @ 8:58 PM EDT
    Love trying new activities with my students #langchat #mschat
    • BenjaminBucsMS Aug 15 @ 10:59 AM EDT
      Mr. Maddox's Skittle Lesson! If you have 2 reds, then 2 sentences in Spanish about your summer vacation!
  • jbhanlon Aug 17 @ 8:58 PM EDT
    A5: Our advisory program is all about Heart, but I always find strands in my curriculum to talk about Compassion,Empathy, Integrity, #mschat