#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 May 19, 2016
It's 8pmET & is at the edu-dock ab 2 go full speed onto the high seas 2 explore how we finish the school year STRONG!!!
is participate learning down? cant get it to come up tonight
Let's start w/ intros: who UR, what U do, where UR from, super power
I teach middle school Social Science and ELA in California. My super power is fast typing?
hola everyone! I'm a Spanish/English teacher in Dryden, MI
Dru Dir of Middle Level Services 4 . MS&HS ELA/R/SS teacher& admin in MS/ES. Superpower: able 2 step up & not just show up
Danny Steele ... principal in B'ham, AL.
is going on now, come join the collaboration
John -ELA TOSA from WA, mind reader
is going on now, come join the collaboration
MS ELA Instructional Coach from Virginia and my super power is not taking myself seriously. Misty joining
Rachel Bell, undergrad at WVU in phys Ed teacher Ed program, from NJ, super power time management
I teach 7th Civics, my superpower is listening to multiple people at once
Hi everyone, I'm a 4th year student at UGA, majoring in PR. I'm from Georgia, and my super power is fast texting.
Meg Sherban, I teach 8 th grade science in Westlake, Ohio.
HS T fm VA. I'm an empath.
B sure 2 use w/ all tweets. And use A1 for Q1, A2 for Q2, etc. And retweet, fav, reply & follow!
Q1 for : What keeps U inspired to finish the school year strong?
A1: The knowledge that Ss and Ts will remember what you did last, not what you did first.
A1 the deserve my best until the end of the year
A1: Students and staff! Their enthusiasm and excitement keeps me going! https://t.co/of5z1UnCHK
Q1 for : What keeps U inspired to finish the school year strong?
A1: reflecting and knowing each year improves and Ss inspire
A1: This is the last yr in my district before moving to GA, I want to be remembered and missed.
A1: The students deserve our best at all times of the year, we as teachers are not allowed to phone it in, even if we are tired
A1 We expect students to give 100% throughout the school year, so why should the end be any different for us?
A1. The internal promise that I make 2 myself that I'm here 2 serve, help & learn inspires me--& there's no finish line on that one
Principal in Alabaster, AL
A1: if the teacher is not inspired, the students are not inspired
Students leading the news every morning
and they sometimes need us more at the end
A1 - Great opportunities for meaningful closing activities, events, traditions...& to celebrate those who may be leaving community.
A1: Hanging out with positive and passionate peeps. Never giving up on developing and implementing awesome ideas.
Yes, for some Ss the summer is a lonely and hungry time.
A1: Also the knowledge that Ss know when u count down & it makes them feel bad, even if they hide it
A1: End of the year: more opportunities to see ss doing activities out of the classroom - chance to reflect how much they've grown
Left handwritten cards in all Kindergarten classes for teachers to read this morning. Got lots of emails.
It is the best time for creativity when grades no longer matter.
Hi! Christie from suburban Chicago joining a little late. Middle school math teacher.
A1 more: Not 2 get mushy, but my wife works w/ high needs Ss & she does it w/ grace. Her example inspires me 2 finish year strong
A1: End of 8th grade this year for me so the desire to have my Sts leave middle school with good memories.
Love this idea. Notes are the best and handwritten shows time taken to do so. Good Job!
A1: MS kids have short memories. Why would I want their last memories of my class be me being a lazy teacher? Finish strong!
I tell me Ts to plan those activities they couldn't do before but so wanted to.
That is so true. They will remember how you finished and what you say in those final days.
Everyone on the ship is rocking & rowing w/ all oars in the H2O! Q2 is just a wave away!
Exactly! There are so many great creative ways that kids can be engaged, learning, and having fun right up to the end!
A1: I love the smiles of my Ss when we have class parties, & Karaoke while reviewing info.
And I'm about 2 drive home from a baseball game, so I'll B tweeting at red lights only!
The end of the year can be a time to try out bits and pieces of projects that you want to refine and officially try out next year
Maybe invite Admin in to see how engaged Ss are and the learning occurring to implement earlier next yr.
Intentionally greet my staff and walk the halls before school to greet students.
I use the last couple of weeks after the EOC to try new strategy for n yr. this year it is one note
Q2 for : How do you help Ss stay engaged/motivated at this time of year so they can finish strong?
I just got home from ours extra innings ... 8-8 tie
A2: Bring it with energy, Make sure you aren't counting the days, but making it count!
A2: By modeling it every day, every class, every lesson. They will feed off your energy.
A2 go a little slower and deeper in the material, give them more choice
Ask staff about their families. Emotional time of year. Graduation, transitions, etc.
A2: incorporate things that they want to do within your unit, such as letting them pick the instant activity
A2: Have students be creators: Making review lessons for NEXT YEARS students
A2: keep them moving, add novelty, create inquiry moments
A2. Have Ss return 2 goals set at beginning of yr. How did U do? & then have them goal set for summer & for beginning of next year
choices are critical at this time of year
A2: Ask them to build reviews for units covered
A2: Engaging and challenging activities. In LA I did a movie project--Sts wrote & filmed their own movies.
A2: Try to keep things fresh and interesting, try some new things to keep the routine from being too routine
Great idea! I might steal this for Monday... :)
Wish we had the tech access for that... all are labs are tied up for testing (Have been since beginning of April)
A2. As always plan engaging lessons! Should happen all yr. Can B self-directed: , performance-based, multi-modal, etc
It works well and students will challenge each other to games great reviews
A2: lots of support,understanding, & empathy. w/ 2 wks left, u have to trust you've done ur best, & focus on convincing them of same
Give them meaningful work. Don't manage or babysit ... LEAD. https://t.co/yIyEKDpGLV
Q2 for : How do you help Ss stay engaged/motivated at this time of year so they can finish strong?
A2: Take a class poll for ideas for the last few days. Hopefully something meaningful, like a content related volunteer activity?
Sorry I'm late, ! Ryan from Michigan. MS Social Studies Teacher. Ready to
A2: If lessons aren't meaningful or engaging classroom management will become an issue! Have to be on your A game
Isn't that the truth!! https://t.co/LGwZOZxWNV
A2: If lessons aren't meaningful or engaging classroom management will become an issue! Have to be on your A game
A2: Bring the energy and bring the fun. (Learning can be fun!)
A2: It's important to show up to school motivated; your energy will filter down to the students.
I've tried this and highly recommend it as well! :) https://t.co/dQ1tyy7QUf
A2: Ask them to build reviews for units covered
We are on Q2: How do you help Ss stay engaged/motivated at this time of year so they can finish strong?
Keep the boat afloat, edu-friends & neighbors! Q3 is wee nautical miles away!
Just getting back from baseball and soccer, so jumping in late.
A2- It's important to incorporate fun activities during this time too. Let the class learn and have fun simultaneously.
Most of our Sts use their phones & personal iPads to record video. They need actual computers for editing, though.
A2: Save something exciting for this stretch and promote it often leading up to it so they're really anticipating it.
Yeah we do BYOD for but to edit videos need the desk tops sadly
Q3. How do U support teachers/staff who aren't feeling engaged? How do U help them finish strong?
A3. Short term: give time/praise/food/encouragement, friendship. Long term: check school culture. Does it foster engagement 4 all?
A3: I am taking my box around to classrooms to share the resource with several Ts. That should spark them.
A3: Bring them a coffee, cover their class to give them a break if possible... Just remain positive ... NO complaining zone
A3 share the great things you are doing with your Ss encourage them to try new things
A3: keep positive and let them know they are valued
A3: Be positive! (Bringing in coffee and/or donuts also helps. :) )
A3: Lead by example, don't be talking about being tired in the staff room, etc (even if I feel tired), continue to be enthused
A3 Remind them that the finish line is near and help them out whenever possible!
A1: Knowing that my Ss and I have so much more to accomplish together.
That is the key, stay positive it is contagious
A3: Treats! Thought of running a staff contest of some kind too.
A3: Now is a great time to change things up to recharge: a class swap w/ another teacher... a sport/game against another class...
Being positive energy and validate the little victories. Celebrate the teachers who are bringin' it. https://t.co/zNjcaeK596
Q3. How do U support teachers/staff who aren't feeling engaged? How do U help them finish strong?
Love the idea of covering their class! I'll have to borrow that.
True! I am making a point this year to tell ppl thank you/good job. It makes me feel good & they smile. :)
A2: I have to keep the energy up and show my Ss that the things we are learning are important to our goal. Engaging, active lessons.
It is a box with different locks that Ss have to solve clues in order to open. Check it out https://t.co/8Y06dyZojY
A3: SMILE it really does work!
especially when they are not expecting it
A3
Listen...
Have a conversation...
See WHEN it might be appropriate to engage in learning together.
A3: A friendly note to let them know you appreciate their efforts and you have their back at any time.
Listening is a key... Sometimes people just need to vent and then they are better!
awesome! It's like a mini version of escape rooms, but in education
Keep up the positive, strong energy ! Such inspirational tweets! Where's the team when U need them? Q4 is on the way...
A3: point out student successes that remind us why we do what we do
And point them out to the Ss also. They need to hear it.
A3 An anonymous staff member just put Superhero quotes in our staff bathroom. They tear off so you can take one with you!
A4. Serve & support more middle grades Ts & leaders across the nation & world by listening, providing & learning
A4: I would like to be more organized. As a college s it can be hard to stay organized but I feel more productive when I'm organized
A4: 4 words: Ninja Warrior Team Building. (Note: not as intense or dangerous as the television show, but close.)
Gonna try and create a schedule that allows for clubs, advisories, and job embedded PD. https://t.co/npDwapqI0m
Q4. What RU thinking ab doing next year so you and/or your school can start the year strong?
A4: In a new school, new grade, new state. I want Ss and Ts to ask "Where did this awesomeness come from?"
A4: I want to create more student centered units... Less me, MORE THEM for next year
Fresh starts are good for that! Make it Happen!
A4: I plan to build relationships and hold conferences with individual students from the start of school.
A4 working to improve our school culture next year
A4:Ways to celebrate staff and parents more. Build the sense of a broader team.
Stay hungry, my friends! The foodie Q5 is right around the bend. Row this Twitter boat ashore!#
A4 also I'm bringing student council back to my school next year
Show that new community what awesome in the classroom looks like! Change the norm.
What ways are you thinking of celebrating Ps? Great idea.
A4: Planning now for more executive functioning instruction/lessons/modeling Tri 1 of next year.
A4 scheduling as many things as we can for the 16-17 year and putting them in the calendar
That's my plan. Start with removing my desk and Ss desks and bring in alternate seating.
That's the kind of positive energy I'm talkin' 'bout! https://t.co/C0JlNhHF84
A4: In a new school, new grade, new state. I want Ss and Ts to ask "Where did this awesomeness come from?"
One idea shared on a couple weeks ago was a parent award event. I like that!
My leadership team is reading What Great Teachers Do Differently this summer
A4: showing up with a positive attitude! I want to spend time getting to know students too.
Great plan! More flexibility and student choice in how the classroom functions.
Nice. I love ideas to involve Ps more.
A4
Build pathways and connections so we can all learn!
Learn together and dig deep into the things that matter!
I have a couch and comfy chairs ;)
A5. End of the year would be macaroni salad. Cool. Savory. Bit of a jumble. Deliciously digestible but U have 2 have right utensils
We had students nominate parents for awards and will have an assembly next week for students to honor their parents! Positive energy
A5: Cold Pizza .. You know that midnight snack that is good but makes you need tums
a5 a chocolate chip cookie, good with lil bits of awesome throughout
A4: focus areas developed out of staff reflection and strategic plan analysis... have to know where to have Ts and Ss focus!
A5: Chocolate Layered Cake. Dessert at the end and your sad to see it end. Well, I am at least..always, never enough chocolate.
Check out Joyce Epstein and her Action Team for Partnerships for more P ideas!
A5 peanut butter pie. 1-it's my favorite dessert 2-I will enjoy it most after a long, hard-worked school year!
LAST QUESTION on right now is a must answer/respond for all...
Coming up in 30 seconds by
An hour goes fast: Wishing you all a STRONG FINISH to the school year!!
A5: An onion: stinky and makes you cry. The warmer temps bring that out in MS boys.
A5: That enormous box of movie theater popcorn. Handfuls of work to do that always gets finished before the show (summer) starts!
Follow those that inspire... is here Thursdays during the school year 8 pm ET
Thanks and for a great tonight! Pumped to !
A4 having kick our year off with some awesome Pd on advisory and interdisciplinary lesson planning 😄
AH yes, the ones you can't put down and eat every last bite
Prune ... It's a process thing. 😬
It's almost 9pmET!! Oh no U didn't! Oh yes U did! U spent 1 awesome hour w/ getting & dropping knowledge. Now go finish strong!!
Finish Strong!! Great chat PLN
Thanks for the chat everyone, have a good year end!
Have an awesome Friday everyone!
Thx 2 every1 who joined up w/the tweet up! Follow folks here (such as ) & grow that PLN!! Keep on learning & finishing strong!
