#ICEilchat Archive

Join #ICEilchat for the last Thursday of the month at 8pm CST as we discuss topics on ed tech, collaboration, building a PLN, professional learning and so much more!

Monday August 20, 2018
8:00 PM EDT

  • ice_il Aug 20 @ 8:01 PM EDT
    Hello everyone and welcome to Easiest Book Club Experience Ever! #ICEilchat
  • ice_il Aug 20 @ 8:01 PM EDT
    We are here with @rushtonh (Rushton Hurley), author of “Making Your Teaching Something Special: 50 Simple Ways to Become a Better Teacher”. Hello and welcome! #ICEilchat
  • rushtonh Aug 20 @ 8:01 PM EDT
    Hello from the skies! I'm somewhere over Nebraska at the moment, sending good vibes down y'all's way. Jazzed for this chat! #ICEilchat
  • mdohn Aug 20 @ 8:02 PM EDT
    Hello Rushton and everyone! #ICEilchat
  • rushtonh Aug 20 @ 8:03 PM EDT
    Mark - howdy! Looking for our regulars - Alex, Amber, Jennifer, Emily, etc.! #ICEilchat
  • eisele_lisa Aug 20 @ 8:03 PM EDT
    Lisa, Business Education, Harvard High School, Harvard, IL #ICEilchat
  • mdohn Aug 20 @ 8:03 PM EDT
    Hello​ Lisa! #ICEilchat
  • HniloJenna Aug 20 @ 8:04 PM EDT
    Jenna Hnilo, ICE Marketing & Events #ICEilchat
  • rushtonh Aug 20 @ 8:04 PM EDT
    Hey Lisa! Should have added your name to the list I put out a minute ago. #humblebow #ICEilchat
    In reply to @eisele_lisa
  • rushtonh Aug 20 @ 8:04 PM EDT
    Welcome, Jenna! #ICEilchat
  • mdohn Aug 20 @ 8:04 PM EDT
    Jenna! Glad you are here! #ICEilchat
  • eisele_lisa Aug 20 @ 8:05 PM EDT
    I'm good with "etc" #ICEilchat
    In reply to @rushtonh
  • rushtonh Aug 20 @ 8:05 PM EDT
  • alextvalencic Aug 20 @ 8:06 PM EDT
    Good evening from stormy Freeport, where we just had our Opening Day Institute and talked about the need to tell our story, not just our scores! Seems so appropriate to be chatting logistics with all y'all tonight! #ICEilchat
  • mdohn Aug 20 @ 8:06 PM EDT
    Is that a new hashtag/identity? #ICEilchat
    In reply to @eisele_lisa, @rushtonh
  • mdohn Aug 20 @ 8:06 PM EDT
    Hooray! Alex made it! #ICEilchat
  • ice_il Aug 20 @ 8:07 PM EDT
    This week, we read one or more of the seven chapters in the fifth area, "Logistics" - let's dive in! #ICEilchat
  • rushtonh Aug 20 @ 8:07 PM EDT
    Scores are a poor substitute for stories. #ICEilchat
    In reply to @alextvalencic
  • ice_il Aug 20 @ 8:07 PM EDT
    Q1. Chapters 44 and 45 explore the value of non-teaching personnel and other resources that might be available. What have you done to work with support staff to create opportunities for students? #ICEilchat
  • rushtonh Aug 20 @ 8:08 PM EDT
    A1. Get to know the janitors - they know the school inside and out. They know where the abandoned stuff is! I managed to score all kinds of cool things for my classroom by asking them. #ICEilchat
  • alextvalencic Aug 20 @ 8:08 PM EDT
    So very true. But when we don't tell the stories, all the community has to consider are the scores. #ICEilchat
    In reply to @rushtonh
  • mdohn Aug 20 @ 8:09 PM EDT
    A1: When I started teaching, my mentor told me to get to know the main office secretary and head custodian first - before teachers or administration! #ICEilchat
  • rushtonh Aug 20 @ 8:09 PM EDT
    Exactly - it's up to us to understand our strengths and be comfortable discussing how to take them to the next level. Then, we need to get the stories out there. #ICEilchat
    In reply to @alextvalencic
  • eisele_lisa Aug 20 @ 8:09 PM EDT
    A1 With custodial and maintenance on your side, your requests sometimes happen faster. And you can score abandoned stuff as previously mentioned. Kids win! #ICEilchat
  • HniloJenna Aug 20 @ 8:09 PM EDT
    So true... they were always my first and best Xmas gift each year! #ICEilchat
    In reply to @rushtonh
  • mdohn Aug 20 @ 8:09 PM EDT
    If you don't tell your story, someone else will, and it won't be the one you want. #ICEilchat
    In reply to @alextvalencic, @rushtonh
  • rushtonh Aug 20 @ 8:10 PM EDT
    A1. The cafeteria workers often better understand the kids' home life than we (teachers) do. #ICEilchat
  • rushtonh Aug 20 @ 8:11 PM EDT
    Right Lisa - treating them as fellow professionals is part of getting on the same side. #ICEilchat
    In reply to @eisele_lisa
  • HniloJenna Aug 20 @ 8:11 PM EDT
    A1: I also found that buddying up with the PTO was a good idea. They always have the pulse of the whole school community. #ICEilchat
  • eisele_lisa Aug 20 @ 8:12 PM EDT
    And might offer a snack should we mention someone is hungry during class #ICEilchat
    In reply to @rushtonh
  • alextvalencic Aug 20 @ 8:12 PM EDT
    A1a: We had an issue with messed in the bathroom. The custodian came in and showed how long it took clean up and then he listed all of the other tasks he couldn't do, like fixing playground equipment, because of the bathrooms. Bathrooms were a lot cleaner after that! #ICEilchat
  • mdohn Aug 20 @ 8:12 PM EDT
    I've seen buildings where the custodians set the tone each morning; talking to kids getting them to class on time etc. #ICEilchat
  • rushtonh Aug 20 @ 8:12 PM EDT
    Well said, Jenna. They are often ready to help teachers, and in some schools they rarely get asked. #ICEilchat
    In reply to @HniloJenna
  • rushtonh Aug 20 @ 8:13 PM EDT
    A1a: That's a great lesson! #ICEilchat
    In reply to @alextvalencic
  • alextvalencic Aug 20 @ 8:13 PM EDT
    A1b: One of my classroom rewards was helping the office staff for just 15 minutes. Students loved helping and getting to know them and the staff loved being a positive, desired place to visit! #ICEilchat
  • mdohn Aug 20 @ 8:14 PM EDT
    Yes! Make students a contributing part of our schools! #ICEilchat
    In reply to @alextvalencic
  • ice_il Aug 20 @ 8:14 PM EDT
    Q2. Chapter 46, "Be Prepared for Parents," explores the sometimes-tricky relationship teachers have with their students' families. What questions or experiences can you share in this realm? #ICEilchat
  • rushtonh Aug 20 @ 8:14 PM EDT
    A1b: More goodness. The office staff wants that more meaningful interaction with students. That also makes them even better partners to the teachers (and vice versa). #ICEilchat
    In reply to @alextvalencic
  • rushtonh Aug 20 @ 8:15 PM EDT
    A2. I once had a student who couldn't stop himself from guessing. His mom kept calling me to ask why he wasn't doing better. I had them both come in and she watched me work with him, which was useful. #ICEilchat
  • rushtonh Aug 20 @ 8:15 PM EDT
    A2. It was odd - it was like his urge to guess would short-circuit his ability to think through an idea. Have any of you seen something similar before? #ICEilchat
  • rushtonh Aug 20 @ 8:16 PM EDT
    I hope we didn't kill conversation with the parent question! #ICEilchat
  • mdohn Aug 20 @ 8:17 PM EDT
    I've had students intentionally fail or not complete assignments. Always knew something​ deeper was going on. #ICEilchat
    In reply to @rushtonh
  • alextvalencic Aug 20 @ 8:17 PM EDT
    A2: Positive phone calls go a long way toward developing a collaborative relationship for those tricky situations that may happen; showing up at a basketball game on Saturday morning and cheering just as loud as the parents speeds the process exponentially! #ICEilchat
  • mdohn Aug 20 @ 8:18 PM EDT
    A2: I always open in a call with a parent that I am worried about their child. Performance and behavior are secondary - I’m concerned about the well-being of their child, and that I need their help in bringing out their best. #ICEilchat
  • rushtonh Aug 20 @ 8:18 PM EDT
    So true, Alex. When they know we'll spend time on them when we don't have to, that can change a problematic dynamic quickly. #ICEilchat
    In reply to @alextvalencic
  • eisele_lisa Aug 20 @ 8:18 PM EDT
    Document, document, document! Find a method that works for you and use it. #ICEilchat
  • rushtonh Aug 20 @ 8:19 PM EDT
    A2: Lisa, this advice (document, document, document) is one of the first things I tell new teachers and new administrators. #ICEilchat
    In reply to @eisele_lisa
  • mdohn Aug 20 @ 8:19 PM EDT
    A2: Always have another teacher or administrator with you for a meeting with parents. #ICEilchat
  • alextvalencic Aug 20 @ 8:19 PM EDT
    I once told a student to count to ten before giving an answer. It gave her just enough time to move beyond the guess. I encouraged the parents to try it at home. Didn't always help, but it got better! #ICEilchat
    In reply to @rushtonh
  • HniloJenna Aug 20 @ 8:20 PM EDT
    A2: I taught where my kids were also students. My mom friends were often my students' moms. That was difficult to navigate. Often lines were crossed after the second glass of wine (not mine!) #ICEilchat
  • rushtonh Aug 20 @ 8:20 PM EDT
    Very cool advice. I wished I'd tried that with him! #ICEilchat
    In reply to @alextvalencic
  • ice_il Aug 20 @ 8:21 PM EDT
    Q3. Did anything in your reading this week stand out for you in some way? #ICEilchat
  • rushtonh Aug 20 @ 8:21 PM EDT
    A2: That is awkward, especially for parents who enable kids' bad habits by giving them ready excuses. #heavensavemefromthat #ICEilchat
    In reply to @HniloJenna
  • rushtonh Aug 20 @ 8:22 PM EDT
    A3. For me, it was a conversation. Hadar, a friend with years as a school leader, mentioned a kid who often got in trouble. She found him in the office one day and he said, "I'm not in time out. I just have lice!" I love the moments that make us laugh. #ICEilchat
  • rushtonh Aug 20 @ 8:22 PM EDT
    A3. It's important to share the moments that make us laugh, I figure. #ICEilchat
  • alextvalencic Aug 20 @ 8:23 PM EDT
    A2: Advice when talking to parents: close the laptop, put the phone in a drawer, face away from the clock, and take notes. Spend most of the time listening, then promise to look into it and get back to them the next day. Don't try to have a ready answer to everything. #ICEilchat
  • eisele_lisa Aug 20 @ 8:24 PM EDT
    A3 "Get good at explaining the value of what you ask for!" Really important #ICEilchat
  • rushtonh Aug 20 @ 8:24 PM EDT
    @Alex A brand new teacher, you are not. Keep the great advice flowing! #ICEilchat
    In reply to @alextvalencic, @alex
  • alextvalencic Aug 20 @ 8:26 PM EDT
    I taught two boys in the same class who were best friends whose moms were best friends who taught in my building and were also my friends. We kept a less fuzzy line by saying "I need to talk to Student's mom" and by having dads come to conferences. #ICEilchat
    In reply to @HniloJenna
  • mdohn Aug 20 @ 8:26 PM EDT
    Yes! Key phrase when looking for funding is "compelling story". #ICEilchat
    In reply to @eisele_lisa
  • mdohn Aug 20 @ 8:28 PM EDT
    I have taught in my local public school. spontaneous parent-teacher conferences happened in groceries, restaurants etc. But only if the parent initiated. #ICEilchat
  • alextvalencic Aug 20 @ 8:29 PM EDT
    A3: Don't be afraid to ask, but don't ask for everything and don't ask all the time; instead, be specific and make your case clear about how it will benefit the students. #ICEilchat
  • ice_il Aug 20 @ 8:29 PM EDT
    Q4. What resources have you or your colleagues used to get donations for your classroom and school? #ICEilchat
  • rushtonh Aug 20 @ 8:30 PM EDT
    A4. I write quite a bit in the book about https://t.co/Qh0YmSzuMF and tips for making that something that works well for you. Great site. https://t.co/sOMD52idYk #ICEilchat
  • rushtonh Aug 20 @ 8:30 PM EDT
    That's DonorsChoose, for those having trouble with the look of the link. #smile #ICEilchat
  • mdohn Aug 20 @ 8:31 PM EDT
    As a school, we would do talent night fundraisers. The Science Club even did a night of stand-up comedy - brick wall background and all! #ICEilchat
  • HniloJenna Aug 20 @ 8:32 PM EDT
    A4: The PTO, school board, and school fundraisers. I worked at a parochial school so many of those DonorsChoose options are not available to private schools. #ICEilchat
  • ice_il Aug 20 @ 8:33 PM EDT
    Next week, we'll have our final Twitter chat and wrap up the book study. Please go now (or soon) to the discussion area to describe what you have tried or will try from any section of the book. #ICEilchat
  • rushtonh Aug 20 @ 8:33 PM EDT
    It would be great to get a lot of sharing in over the next few days! #ICEilchat
  • alextvalencic Aug 20 @ 8:33 PM EDT
    A4: I spent 17 yrs in a major university town, so I have friends in all fields all over the world. Some teachers ask for help getting samples of honey for a bee project. I posted it on Facebook and got 50 replies from as near as right here to as far away as Australia! #ICEilchat
  • rushtonh Aug 20 @ 8:34 PM EDT
    I also hope you guys like the pre-chat bonus stuff from the Next Vista for Learning August newsletter! https://t.co/BsTsFB3oPz #ICEilchat
  • rushtonh Aug 20 @ 8:34 PM EDT
    A4: @Alex Connections are awesome for bringing coolness to the classroom. #ICEilchat
    In reply to @alextvalencic, @alex
  • mdohn Aug 20 @ 8:35 PM EDT
    So many great tips! I'll open the Discuss portal tomorrow. Keep an eye out for a tweet from ICE. #ICEilchat
  • ice_il Aug 20 @ 8:35 PM EDT
    We hope to see you (and a friend) next week! #ICEilchat
  • rushtonh Aug 20 @ 8:35 PM EDT
    Great seeing everyone! We're now over Colorado, for those curious about my plane. 8^) #ICEilchat
  • HniloJenna Aug 20 @ 8:36 PM EDT
    Safe travels! #ICEilchat
    In reply to @rushtonh
  • alextvalencic Aug 20 @ 8:36 PM EDT
    I make sure friends know I can't pay, but they all know they will get handwritten notes from students saying thank you and sharing what they learned! (I stole that idea from DonorsChoose because it is so great!) #ICEilchat
    In reply to @rushtonh, @alex
  • mdohn Aug 20 @ 8:36 PM EDT
    Goodnight everyone! #ICEilchat
  • alextvalencic Aug 20 @ 8:39 PM EDT
    @amber_heffner Can you do me a favour and email me tomorrow to remind me to update my info on ICE? Oh, and @rushtonh, I haven't forgotten about my promised blog post about @kahoot. My blog is blocked at work and I haven't had time to write at home! #ICEilchat