#ECEchat Archive
We chat every Tuesday night at 8:30-9:30 pm CST. All are welcome, especially EarlyEd teachers, leaders & experts. Co-founded & moderated by @techwnancy @JessicaCabeen & @VealHeidi
Tuesday August 16, 2016
Welcome to Please share your name, where you're from, what you do & when your 1st Day of School will be. https://t.co/mEDWId7juN
Hi friends! I’m an AP at a bilingual early childhood school in North Texas. So glad to learn w you al! https://t.co/TkXFo6yXm4
Greetings everyone! Jessica here-a Kindergarten Principal in Austin Minnesota. So glad to be here! https://t.co/ZCHo2rbYYl
Good evening friends. I am an AP on a bilingual early childhood school in N. TX. Looking forward to the learning tonight.
Danielle K Tchr is AZ, and we are on day 10! Our first day of school was August 3rd!
is in a Q/A format with Q1, Q2, etc. Mark responses w/ A1, A2, A3,...etc
. Ms. Chalmers from Lancaster, TX. Teaching 5th grade Sci/Social Studies and we start Aug. 22
Kim, from Richardson ISD in Dallas area. I teach 2nd grade and we start with kids on Monday
Remember to include the hashtag so everyone can follow along with your Tweets tonight.
Stephanie Gilliland from MN, preschool coordinator and early childhood educator
Hi! I'm Abbi 2nd grade teacher from Iowa. My first day of work is tomorrow but my kids don't come back until next Tuesday!
Hi Danielle! I’m so glad you are joining tonight. ; )
My name is Carrie. I am from CA. I teach early intervention preschool (SDC) and we started 8/1.
Brett from Lamar, Mo. Aspiring teacher. Will be taking notes as opposed to participating but might jump in a time or two.
TY for joining tonight's about the all important 1st Days of School. All are welcome!
Hi Amber! Welcome to You are going to love tonight’s topic: The 1st Days of School
Hola! I am Abe from NYC. I am an AP in a Gr 1-3 school in NJ. Glad to be here and learn!
I'm Matt from Houston. 3rd grade
Good evening Tim, principal in Batavia, IL. Had an awesome day with supply drop off/meet and greet. School starts tomorrow.
David; I'm the district coor for gifted services for talent development in Austin MN
Welcome Kim. Our kids start Monday too! We had Meet the Teacher tonight & it was awesome!
My name is Alicia, I teach 1st grade. First day is 8/29
Jessica, elem AP from Waco, TX
Hi Stephanie! I’m so glad you are joining tonight. Welcome
First day is August 29th!
Hi! I'm Byron a looping 2nd grade teacher &STEM Facilitator. First day for students is Sept 6 but I've been working all summer!
Hey crew! Sandra from Houston! I just updated my board in my office with my beautiful tribe pic! https://t.co/dwVVj6MILO
Q1: When thinking about your 1st days of school with your students, what are you most excited about? https://t.co/OzE2py95ua
Our first day of school is Sept 6. Ts report on 8/31 and 9/1.
Hi Carrie! Welcome back to W/ such an early start, are you year round or early out in May?
Hi Carrie! Welcome back to W/ such an early start, are you year round or early out in May?
Hola muñeco! Ha! https://t.co/ni21U1oEqb
Hola! I am Abe from NYC. I am an AP in a Gr 1-3 school in NJ. Glad to be here and learn!
Hello ! Jaclyn from metro-Chicago land. I teach 1st!
Michele yanong, Bilingual/EL education specialist/consultant with and
Super Kool! What app o you use to create that?
Hi Brett! Welcome to This is a great PLN to learn with! I always say, lurking is learning here ; )
A1. Most excited about meeting them and their families. Building new relationships, learning about them as ppl!
A1: I'm excited to meet new faces this year...at a new campus, so challenging myself to learn names and faces quickly!
A1: Opportunity. Since playing legos as a kid, I loved to build. Fresh year means new growth and development of human talent!
A1. I also get excited about how much growth they will make! Also all of the new learning I can't wait to do with them!
A1 : I am so excited to see the pure joy on the new students faces :) I can't wait! Hugs, High fives
A1 I'm most excited about welcoming all our students & their families back for the new year!
A1 I am most looking forward to building relationships and beginning the journey.
registration just opened up this weekend. Are you going to go? It’s Oct. 15th, same place= Meet Up!!
A1. On the 1st day back I'm most excited to work on building those relationships, learn about their interests & families more
A1:1st year looping- I am excited to hit the ground running with my amazing Ss from last year! Excited to reach new heights!!!
A1. Setting a foundation for a positive school experiences for parents, Ts and Ss.
A1 Meeting new Ss, Ps, Ts, staff; daily routines, solving problems ... just being in the spirit of school!
Hello, I am Cynthia Tristan from Houston, Tx from student data specialist/attendance guru. Here to learn 👌
A1 To see the eager smiles of the kiddos and begin to hear all about summer adventures
A!: Getting to know students and their families
we are modified traditional. 2 weeks off in October & March with time off for other holidays. Out 1st week of June.
Hola Abe! Welcome to amigo!
I love greeting all our 'critters' as they walk in on day 1 as we greet them by their class 'critter' - smiles everywhere
RT Q1 When thinking about your 1st days of school with your students, what are you most excited about? https://t.co/ByAzyJTF59
A1: opening my classroom door, it's the initial impression that sets the culture for the year
A1: I think I'm most excited about getting to know them and having fun. First Days are so much easier. Less pressure.
So awesome! Bring teachers w/ you! We will have to have an meet up. Nancy & I are going to plan an
A1: I am most excited to meet my new little ones.
A1: Meeting the Ss & Ps. Learning about the Ss interest & learning styles! Pumping the Ss up to get excited about the school year
Hola! Missed last week but so glad I am here. Already learned something. It's always good here with peeps!
Hi Matt! So glad you are joining tonight.
There's so much pressure to get it right. Do you ever feel that way?
A1. Seeing all the excitement on their face and the best of all the 1 day we have 100% attendance lol right?
A1: I love building relationships with Ss and Ps. I also love looking for and highlighting natural leadership in each student.
A1: catching up with them and hearing about their summers
Good morning ! Rizza here from Philippines
Yes! https://t.co/Lypoy3wJiJ
A1. Seeing all the excitement on their face and the best of all the 1 day we have 100% attendance lol right?
A1 excited with getting to know them now we are on our 3rd mo
I'm looking forward to hearing others before I jump in :) Please keep us updated!
Do you best, apologize if need be and keep it moving! You will be great!
I'm most excited giving a new set of kids the opportunity to learn to their fullest potential. https://t.co/3VCUcRdzts
Q1: When thinking about your 1st days of school with your students, what are you most excited about? https://t.co/OzE2py95ua
A1 Sheer joy, energy, nervous excitement that Ss bring is what I miss (on a different side of ed now). Passion for life & learning!
Yes! so important! Making sure we reach each student. Making sure that they all are learning and growing.
A2. Building relationships, more than anything. Expectations are important so expectations are set while building relationships.
A2: Relationships...building trust, assessing needs, building community
That's a great message. It can always be fixed tomorrow! :) ...well, most things.
A2: Learn routines and have fun!
A2 getting to know them and making sure they feel valued and safe in my classes
We just had Meet the Teacher tonight & it was electric seeing all our students & their families!
A2 Our #1 priority is to establish a foundation of respect, love & family in our classrooms & school during the 1st days of school.
A2 supporting teachers build routines, routines, routines; making sure there is a helping hand and smile to solve the urgent 😉
A2: Routines, procedures student/teacher expectations and getting to know each other while having fun!
TOP priority is making positivity connections with ALL students!To show each student LOVED & appreciated https://t.co/WiwGIqtemw
A2. Setting expectations, not just in rules/behavior, but how I'll respect/care for them & how we will respect/care for each other
A2. Ensuring families have a sense that there is a network of support for them and their children.
Love this!! Perfectly said! https://t.co/SAKhvQJ5B9
A2 Our #1 priority is to establish a foundation of respect, love & family in our classrooms & school during the 1st days of school.
You should blog about the transformation of going to in your class.
A2: Teaching Procedures & routines. Setting the expectations for the classroom & developing https://t.co/C8wiN1Zc72
A2. I ensure I have a one on one conversation with Ss on the first day. It sets the tone for the relationship.
A2: Getting to know kids as much as I can and create a fun learning environment where kids excited to learn.
A2 Making sure they are safe and they feel welcomed. I smile a lot and visit every classroom.
A2: I want Ss to know I have high expectations of each and every one of them, BUT I will always be there to support and encourage.
A2: relationship building/rebuilding/continuing; help new Ss get lay of the land; support Ss getting back in the swing of things
A1: Getting to know them! It's always so exciting to see the Ss so fresh and build those relationships in the beginning!
A2: Building Community with Ss & Parents! Creating a culture of Student Learning in my classroom! Setting Goals with my Ss!
A2 Learn names and stories, and to begin to see who might need a bit more help to settle in. For them to begin to get to know me
Absolutely! https://t.co/fE1eH2i183
A2. I ensure I have a one on one conversation with Ss on the first day. It sets the tone for the relationship.
A2: Getting to connect with them right after the tears. Love holding them until they calm down! https://t.co/Saip4zcZO5
A2: produce genuine smiles & form true human connections, it's easy to get caught up in busyness and forget about building rapport
Establishing a safe environment, setting commitments and expectations. Also developing a relationship w Ss https://t.co/O7ONQFSRL3
A2- with ELs, the goal is to open the door for language exploration & risk taking-- to acknowledge the assets Ss bring
Good morning in the Philippines! ; ) So glad you could join
A2: Each yr, I skim back through my Fred Jones & Harry Wong. It's the nuts & bolts after relationships! https://t.co/Ax7QPLCmkl
A2: Teaching Procedures & routines. Setting the expectations for the classroom & developing https://t.co/C8wiN1Zc72
So easy. With all the forms, paperwork, set-up...
A2: Building relationships, creating a positive atmosphere As a principal I want to make sure Ss know how they are going home
No I haven't! I would love to know more about it!
A2: Build relationships and establish procedures! Practice until they can't get them wrong! Totally sets the tone for the year!
1 to 1, eye to eye conversations on the student’s level communicates so much on the first day! https://t.co/yRUBAAb8fw
A2. I ensure I have a one on one conversation with Ss on the first day. It sets the tone for the relationship.
I don't know whether it was written in the 80s or not, but it never gets old or stops working!
A2. Making sure all students are accounted for & giving a helping 💪to those parents that struggle on leaving their 😇for the 1st 🕐.
You can never practice it enough, right? Auto-mode...that's what we're shooting for
A2: the first day isn't only about setting tone for students, it's about setting the tone for yourself too, lay the groundwork ,
that is the one thing that can make a bid difference. Ensuring that students arrive and depart form school safely
Great idea! I am going to try it out with my 1st grdrs! Do you give them a topic or a starter?
This goes such a long way for the kids and the teachers to see you in every classroom. https://t.co/qrIAvnJVDX
A2 Making sure they are safe and they feel welcomed. I smile a lot and visit every classroom.
Yes! https://t.co/2pwCeaBZKY
A2. Making sure all students are accounted for & giving a helping 💪to those parents that struggle on leaving their 😇for the 1st 🕐.
absolutely! That is what makes me the most nervous on the first day.
A3: the first day isn't only about setting tone for students, it's about setting the tone for yourself too, lay the groundwork
A3: I am excited to be present in starting on day one this year.
A3: Lots of planning, organizing and spending time in my classroom over the summer to be ready.
A3. I plan for it! I allow time for exploration so I can have time for those conversations. I learn from Ps before the first day.
A3: Intentional Planning- Must Dos of the Day vs Would Be Nice To Dos
A3: Being consistent during the year with expectations and making sure every Ss is greeted in a positive way at our school daily
Plan. I have to envision the day piece by piece.
A1: Stay Driven for the sake of my Ss! As long as I remember how much they rely on me... Nothing less than my best is good enough!
A3 being present in classrooms. Supporting Ts and connecting with students.
A3: I don't have a set plan for the 1st day. I like to chat with Ss and see where it takes us. All about our classroom community!
A3: Planning time for Ts to collaborate w/ea other, communicating expectations for Ts and realities of first day, supporting Ts
A3 As admin I want to be visible throughout the day, connect during transitions and lunches, play a round in the Gaga pit!
So true https://t.co/86ENsBnjmQ
A3: the first day isn't only about setting tone for students, it's about setting the tone for yourself too, lay the groundwork
A3: Stay Driven for the sake of my Ss! As long as I remember how much they rely on me... Nothing less than my best is good enough!
A3: Start with having not only high expectations for my Ss, but also high expectations for myself. Make it happen!
that is an awesome goal that can grow into a habit. Kudos to you.
Wong is credited to having inspired a generation of educators!
A3: So important. Principal visibility on day one sends a great message to staff, students, & parents! https://t.co/5F4x2QoxQR
A3 being present in classrooms. Supporting Ts and connecting with students.
Lo sabia! Gotta add Pokemon to ninjas, clowns and zombies!
I'm not shocked. He definitely inspired me 😀 https://t.co/EdM9rfBrXX
Wong is credited to having inspired a generation of educators!
those supportive conditions (time, space) can make a huge difference to support teacher collaboration
As a support staff member I try to be as visible to lend a helping hand; especially at dismissal! 😳
Keep pushing no matter what.Can't loose focus halfway through my job.I have little people depending on me. https://t.co/610PHkGtx7
There's nothing wong with that . hmmm https://t.co/mhS2GeNQjN
Wong is credited to having inspired a generation of educators!
And soon those little people are our future leaders. You have future leaders depending on you!
A2 Build relationships with Ss
A3 through consistently build up rel through informal talks, lots of storytelling when time permits playing simple games
A3 I think it will also be important to remember each day is another day to try to reach my goal a bit more. Ea. day a fresh start
A3 I always planned my 1st week of school to the minute & allowed lots of time & structured activities for relationship building.
yes!!! I think of the way I would want my kids to be teached.
A4: Love using great literature, having students create a piece of art, and taking a campus tour
A2- simply say names right- don't flinch if some challenge me.... Say Ahsanullah with same intonation as Adam-
A4: We fill out a "dream team" chart. Dream class, teacher, and learning. It's so eye opening to see what the Ss want out of you!
I agree. I give him major props for inspiring me as a teacher early in my career ; )
A4: It is actual b4: Playground Playdate.to have ss interact and meet new friends BEFORE school even starts https://t.co/U7iOeoX5A0
Q4: I am excited to email or call parents to tell them their child had a great first day! Lots of ideas in
A4: I love the first morning recess where we all wave to our parents-hope to face time live this year.
A4. In upper grades I love the Six Word Memoir. engaging short writing activity
A4. I love having Ss make connections to literature about their first day experience. I like when Ss draw their feelings.
I LOVE teaching my P.E.T.S. lessons with every class-think like a detective and like an inventor
A4:Looking forward to taking a school tour. They were in a primary center for prek and k so I cant wait to see their eyes light up!
My favorite 1st day activities are find a friend bingo, all about me, and a growth mindset banner. https://t.co/pNh0wKTAj3
A4- bust out blow up guitars, microphones, and back-to-school rock songs! Be joyful! Set the tone!
A Playground Playdate, What a terrific idea Susan!
A4: I love having kids draw a picture of themselves & write their name. I love seeing the growth at the end of the year.
A4. I love reading David Shannon books! Kids love reading about David, especially, No David!
A4 Watching Ss walk thru hallways,
on line in cafe,
running in playground
hustle 'n bustle of school is so kool.
A4. We make a "Bagpack" (paperbag to look like backpack) to fill with items about them from home then bring back on Friday to share
Jumping in late after a great 2 days of conference! Great way to get excited for the new year!
A4: artifact bag = Ss fill small brown paper w/ 5-6 items that are imp to them/ tell us something about their story.
A4 oops https://t.co/n6aiWtTE2v
A4 With my Kinders used to use a lot of to break some tension and lighten the mood! Balance the energy w/ read alouds
A4 I love the beginning of the first day. Ts greeting Ss outside for the first day. Lots of photo opps for families
A4 we played movement bingo game, read Kindergarten Rocks book
A4. The first day we jump right in to outdoor play & exploration. Start year on positive note, don't overdo teaching expectations.
A4: 1st day open house! Sharing excitement with Ss & Ps about what Ss will learn (and hearing Ps say "Wow I never did that!)
A5 As a classroom teacher, I would do a Magic Play-doh experiment on the 1st day using homemade play-doh w food color inside.
Q5 What do you do to help your students who experience separation anxiety during the first days of school? https://t.co/aPPM33gB5E
A5 cont If the play-doh changed color it means it will be a great year! (it always changed colors)
Have an awesome day tomorrow!!! Thx for joining tonight friend!
Great idea I think I'm going to do the same!
A5. I'm a secondary T, no SA for me!
A5) Read First Day Jitters and use a pocket chart to show who has the jitters. The Kissing Hand is also one of my favs!
A5 always a tough one. Ts who offer compassion and understanding have success. Make sure Ps know that kiddos are going to be okay
Q5 playground playdate takes away anxiety.SS get to see NES in a positive light B4 getting dropped off day1 https://t.co/ka3rt9U34L
Q5 What do you do to help your students who experience separation anxiety during the first days of school? https://t.co/aPPM33gB5E
My principal will make individual 'well checks' and parent calls all day to help parents with separation anxiety
A5. Have Ss seed in All About Me Bags. Ss bringing pictures of their parents, to put into their name tag.
My worst SA was in MS, 7th grade...made my dad stand w/me cause I was so nervous-such a big change! https://t.co/ggB8HuuDvj
A5. I'm a secondary T, no SA for me!
Thank you! Another thing I learned from this group Always great to be here.
you're welcome! Happy to share.
Q5- true empathy and engagement seem to help ease anxiety.
A5: Constant reassurance, hugs, distraction with tasks..."can you help me with..."
A5. I call parents, send home a first week report, and stay in constant communication. I ask Ps to share about their child.
The Ss come to school so excited for their first day. Who wants to go on endless tours & hear lists of "do nots?"
A5: On parent end-I plan to text pictures of their child adjusting to their phones so they can 'see' we are doing ok.
A5: Make the day fun! The more engaged the Ss are, the less they'll be thinking about being away from home!
what a great idea. I like that follow up w/ parents so they know everything is going well.
It's just as much about the parents as it is the students https://t.co/MH05DKs3UN
My principal will make individual 'well checks' and parent calls all day to help parents with separation anxiety
This is great! Thanks for sharing!
A5 Make sure kids have access to visual schedule- they need to see an end point. Also help to write letters/emails or tweets home!
A5 Hold hands, go for walks, talk about what they like, show them my office, walk in class w them, and maybe even call Ps.
RT Q5 What do you do to help your students who experience separation anxiety during the first days? https://t.co/jWXAp2xLQg
Hi everyone--coming in late. Mike from RI, English teacher.
Love those! Going to have an area on the wall where kids can hang a pic of their fam & it will stay up all yr
Such meaningful & sincere ways to communicate care and love. https://t.co/DYco7oSSJV
A3 through consistently build up rel through informal talks, lots of storytelling when time permits playing simple games
A5:If Ss show SA I let them go choose a plush to hug or receive a hug. Then we decide 1 thing their most excited to share with Ps.
I agree. Engaging lessons and content always draw Ss into the learning process. :).
At a HS boarding school, being available for Ss to ask all their questions & helping them get involved in community helps
I know this has helped my SA as a parent!
So curious...thoughts on Ps who come for lunch and create second round of separation anxiety for little ones?
As a mommy--- you are my new favorite teacher! That would be the best! https://t.co/53NO2XQBpB
A5: On parent end-I plan to text pictures of their child adjusting to their phones so they can 'see' we are doing ok.
I'm trying to find some engaging activities for my classes on day 1.
You are an awesome leader! https://t.co/cUowhAxTUD
My principal will make individual 'well checks' and parent calls all day to help parents with separation anxiety
A5 cont. Also I use Remind and if Ss do something phenomenal I let them text a picture to Ps. They are so proud and Ps love it!
I agree--especially when teachers are approachable.
Q6 What's an idea shared tonight that you are going to incorporate into your first days of school? https://t.co/hjZC8BwCd5
They can come but cannot enter cafe. I stand with them.
A5 I am positive, loving & don't focus on their sadness. I make sure they know the daily schedule & it shows go home at the end.
A6) 2X10 time with students!
A6: Continue to find some engaging ways to begin school year instead of reading my syllabus.
A5: I have activities were students find and get to know different people. We also have circle time so we can become a family.
A5: Asking Ps during meet the teacher night to send a video telling the Ss how proud they are via & show vid to Ss
A6 I am total going to do the well check for prek and K this year! LOVE IT!
A5 lots of stories and hugs for assurance, making rubber band bracelets for them and mom/dad, phone calls too
This is a great idea & is something I have done for families throughout the year when they have challenging days.
Can be challenging. Would suggest Ps to think if it might be best to wait for later in the year?
10th grade English, 9th grade writing.
A6: I want to be intentional about sharing what happened on D1 with Ps to put them at ease and start communication from the get go!
A6. I really liked the book bag idea about "who I am"
A4 Taking pics to see how big they get, a name song to get to know each other, and a handprint to go home https://t.co/hkvZtt5mFg
A6: I love the idea of sending Ps pictures of the Ss throughout the 1st day of school. Let them know what the Ss are up to!
A6. The 2x10 conversations. focusing on listening and learning and not responding when building relationships with Ss.
A6 The 6 word memoir w my staff on our first day back. If its good enuff for Ss, its good enuff for Ts. https://t.co/AqxCSeCrcV
Q6 What's an idea shared tonight that you are going to incorporate into your first days of school? https://t.co/hjZC8BwCd5
For how long? Is that just first day or week?
Very late! Catching tail end, Hi friends! Stormy Daniels, 1st T from Texas
A6: I would ❤️ to try the visual schedule!
that's where comes in Ps get real time update of whats happening in class
A6 Remind myself it's all about the connections. And to also reach out to those Ps or Ss we know might be particularly worried.
please follow me if you're not already for all things literacy :)
A5 have them draw pictures for their families, find another faculty member or student they know https://t.co/tXnVXFQGIy
RT Q5 What do you do to help your students who experience separation anxiety during the first days? https://t.co/jWXAp2xLQg
A6 if Ss and Ts can leave happier than they came on day 1
RT Q6 What's an idea shared tonight that you are going to incorporate into your first days of school? https://t.co/MSjAdlCDsa
In K used pic on index cards for each part of the day- velcro to a long strip, a student flipped a card over when done.
A6 that's my absolute take away 2x10 have to read more about it
Depends you gotta feel it out. Not all Ps are same.
A6: Glad to get some good notes on separation anxiety!! Something I would've struggled some with.
A6: I love the magic playdough idea.
Awesome. ❤️ it! I will try it😊 https://t.co/2DIdHmhfXe
In K used pic on index cards for each part of the day- velcro to a long strip, a student flipped a card over when done.
A6: would love to text pictures to Ps do you use a certain app to communicate with families or your personal cell
A5:take a pic of their fam on open house and they can carry it around w.them or go to the safe place w it. https://t.co/q9lGjP7QpY
RT Q5 What do you do to help your students who experience separation anxiety during the first days? https://t.co/jWXAp2xLQg
Be on the lookout for the archive of tonight's chat. Thanks again for joining You all made it terrific!
Thank you for joining tonight. Remember to follow the awesome friends that you connected with tonight!
Join next Tuesday, 8/23 discussing Establishing Routines for Success
