#LearnLAP occurs on Mondays starting at 7pm Central Time. Guest moderators and participants discuss topics from author Paul Solarz's book Learn Like a PIRATE.
Hey #LearnLAP - excited to join y'all! Alicia from NC - Lead Digital Learning and Media Innovation Facilitator at an awesome STEM Magnet middle school!
Hi all! Kristen here from PA! I just got finished with a “nobody’s going to die, come in our house and take your Lego guys or you” talk after 2 crying (sobbing) boys were worried while I was putting 2 year old to bed. #whydonttheycomewithmanuals#bangupjobcomforting#learnlap
A1: Total immersion means that I am 100% devoted to my Ss throughout the day. I am present when having conversations with them. Also that I create spaces and experiences that pull them in and make them forget about the clock. #LearnLAP
A1: "Total immersion" means students are applying multiple academic skills to complete a larger task - students learn by doing. I think of PBL. #learnlap
A1: I believe that total immersion means putting all of yourself into what you do. Making sure that everyone around you knows just how passionate you are about your job. #learnlap
A1: Teachers can be at the “30,000 foot” level just getting an overview. We have to be in the details and no how all the gears work. We have to be “all in”. #learnlap
A1: Total Immersion means that when I’m Teaching I’m 120% invested in my Ss...LISTENING and differentiating for their needs in the classroom. #learnLAP
A1: Finding ways to include and support all needs and different abilities of students. Everyone being together and learning no matter the intellectual level, reading level, language proficiency, etc.! #LearnLAP
“Total immersion” to me means that every single person in the classroom is involved. The kid who sits front and center, the kid in the back corner, and everyone in between. The teacher is fully invested as the facilitator in the learning process. #LearnLAP
A1: To me total immersion means that my kids are actively engaged, enjoying what they are learning and I am giving my 100% to make that happen, meeting my kids at all of their levels. #LearnLAP
A1: Total Immersion in our profession means bringing my best self to the classroom each day and being present and in the moment when in our class #LearnLAP
A1: For me, total immersion means that I am a learner in and out of the classroom; as much as students are. I am always working on improving my knowledge and abilities as well as getting to know them better. #learnlap
A1: Total Immersion means getting rid of what’s distracting me from teaching and learning with my Ss. No phones. No emails. No worrying about anything outside of what my lessons entail and how Ss are progressing. Being in the moment with them. #learnlap
A1: Throwing your whole self into teaching by taking huge risks, being transparent and vulnerable, committing to loving each of your ss and colleagues (and admin) and giving a little of yourself to your ss and the school, and reflecting to always improve. #learnlap
Hi everyone! This is Valentina joining in from gorgeous Nevada tonight! I’m a Pd Specialist from Texas but traveling currently. So excited to learn with you all this evening! #LearnLAP
A1: To me total immersion means that my kids are actively engaged, enjoying what they are learning and I am giving my 100% to make that happen, meeting my kids at all of their levels. #LearnLAP
A1 It needs to be about more than the lesson. Connections...however you can make them, make a huge difference. Going to events Ss participate in get noticed. #learnlap
A2: Ss need to know that we care. Ss who know we care will want to learn with us. If we are totally immersed in the moment with our Ss, they will know we care. #LearnLAP
A1 It needs to be about more than the lesson. Connections...however you can make them, make a huge difference. Going to events Ss participate in get noticed. #learnlap
A2: students know that teachers care about the subject and about them as learners. It’s been proven time and again that we work harder for those who we have a relationship with. Be there, build the relationship. #LearnLAP
A2: They feel the connection and they know you are someone who truly and deeply cares for their well-being and success. That is when they start to truly learn. #learnlap
#learnlap A2) When teachers are “all in” then students will be too. It also means teachers are so “in” they are quickly responsive to students edu & emotional needs
When a teacher is "all in" students can tell. Students want to know that they are cared about, so when they can feel the passion from their teacher they are so much more eager to learn! #learnlap
A2: Regardless of how well we know our content, if we don't have relationships with students, we are missing the very core of our calling as educators. We model concepts, but we also model what it is like to be a caring human being. Relationships are everything. #learnlap
A2: when Ss know that Ts are all in they are willing to try new things and do hard work. Ts need to model 💯 and build relationships with Ss and then their will be Ss growth #learnlap
A2 It takes you from the giver of info to a learner of info at their side—diving into the experience with them. Engagement increases, learning increases tenfold because it doesn’t feel like “learning”—it’s an experience. #LearnLAP
A2: Love this question. For me, this means making space for that sense of wonder to be fully experienced; to try to see it through student eyes again. To fully be with them is to share in the experience. #learnlap
A2: When teachers are "all in" they are modeling the expectations in their classroom. They show their students that they care, which builds stronger student-teacher relationships and positive learning atmosphere #Learnlap
A2 students value authenticity. I always say, the kids can smells phony a mile away. When Ts are immersed, Ss feel connected and safe becoming immersed. #LearnLAP
A2 For the @Mindful_Schools yearlong, one module required us to do mindful teaching. It changed me and my practice; I still have to work at it. #LearnLAP
A2 Kids know that their questions & ideas are important, valued, & something we'll all learn from. Kids bring in resources that help us lrn, too. My 21 students totally understand that I'm a learner alongside them. We have 22 teachers & learners in our classroom. #LearnLAP
A2. Ss need to know T care for them and believe in them! Relationships come first! When T are all in, Ss benefit, from 1:1 working together, and are more willing to try! #learnlap
A3: We are showing them we don't care about them to focus on them. I feel that way when I am talking to people and they are looking at their phones. Kids are intuitive! #learnlap
A3: Minimal effort is acceptable. And as a teacher you don’t fully care about what happens with the student and their future. Young people are very perceptive. #learnlap
A3: when educators are distracted or don’t give the student in front of them their full attention, the opportunity to make and strengthen a relationship is lost...and the chance it could be weakened is now a possibility. #LearnLAP
A3: That being here is not important. If the teacher does not care why should students? Not bringing our best selves affects all aspects of our profession. #LearnLAP
A3 If we're not in... Kids know that we don't really want to know what they think. We're not interested in their ideas. We have everything planned out already. Their thoughts really don't matter. Student investment totally changes. #LearnLAP
A3: If we as teachers aren't all in, we send the message that they are not a priority to us. Then learning becomes low on their priority list. It really is all about the relationships we establish. #LearnLAP
A3: When we aren't "all in", we are inadvertently suggest to our students that we don't care about them - that they are merely numbers or machines instead of human beings. Why should the student take pride in their education or put effort into their work if we don't? #learnlap
If someone is on their phone while “in” a conversation, the message is crystal clear: YOU are not as important as whatever or whoever is on the other end of this. #LearnLAP
A3: When we aren't "all in", we are inadvertently suggesting to our students that we don't care about them - that they are merely numbers or machines instead of human beings. Why should students take pride in their education or put effort into their work if we don't? #learnlap
A3 We are creating a rift between us and the Ss... which creates a void that a lot of learning is lost in. We are telling them learning is just for them and not for us—and if that’s the case we need to find different work. #LearnLAP
A3: You MUST be “IN IT to WIN it” When Ts are not all in Ss will not be either. PERIOD... causing negative Ss behavior will increase and Ts will play the blame game. #LearnLAP
A4: Phenomenal question, Emily! Eye contact & smiles, remembering the "small stuff" (it's all big to them) and asking about it the next time I see them. I will frequently tell a S "Not right now, I'm with so-and-so right now" then return to them after convo is over. #LearnLAP
A4: I make sure I turn my entire body to them. If I was half-listening, I admit it. I apologize and tell them that I was distracted, then ask if they could start over. #LearnLAP
A3: 'ALL IN' is like being in the "ZONE".
It is lovely when the class gets there...
Sometimes, with 25+ kiddos to teach, Ts cannot always be there too.
If Ts can talk through what plates they are holding & why, and
at least break to model being there sometimes, great!!
#learnlap
A3 if we can’t roll up our sleeves and do what we’re asking our students to do and do it with them, then maybe we should reconsider it’s value and purpose #LearnLAP
A4: great question! One of my strengths is making strong connections with all of my students. Knowing them shows them that you are 'all in' and they tend to engage and learn. #learnlap
Being sure to meet with and talk to every student each day. Taking a few minutes to talk to students about what is going on outside of school as well as reflect on their learning goals. #learnlap
A4: Greet. Ask how they are. Ask how it’s going in the classroom. Admit when I make mistakes. Remind them that we’re in it together. Oh, and hug the huggers and high five the non huggers!#LearnLAP
Q2: When teachers are "all in", students do not realize they are learning. Lessons are deep in content learning but also steeped in students' background and context. Teachers stand in solidarity with students and their communities to identify and address injustices. #learnlap
A4 build relationships! I attend extracurriculars. But in the classroom, I give Ss voice. If not able in the moment, I make sure to circle back or do 1on1 #LearnLAP
A4: I always start everyday with a Do Now question. While Ss are working on the question(s) I walk around the room and check in with them one-on-one. Just asking them how they're doing, what they're involved in, or what they're doing after school shows them you care #Learnlap
A4: Incorporate student interests into lessons- it shows that you care about them and want them to succeed! Greet students at the door with a smile every day! #LearnLAP
A3: when we aren’t all in we show them that they fall somewhere further down our list of priorities. It creates confusion and a need to protect themselves from perceived insecurity of investig into us and the class. #learnlap
A4: I don’t teach from front of the room anymore. I walk around and talk to the ss while they are learning. I teach them in small groups rather than whole group. Sit down next to them and learn with them. Amazing what they tell you when you move away from the front. #learnlap
A4: Being sure to meet with and talk to each student every day. Taking a few minutes to talk to students about what is going on outside of school as well as reflect on their learning goals. #LearnLAP
A4 One of my favorite things is sharing ideas and questions in the morning - and then, just several hours later, inviting a child to pull something from a mystery bag that completely honors their morning question. They squeal and can't wait to take a closer look! #LearnLAP
A4: I incorporate my passions into my work and allow them opportunities to express themselves. At the end of 8th grade, I paint a personalized picture for each child. (I teach at a private school, so it's a more reasonable task to accomplish.) #learnlap
A4 Just being present—being genuine. As @TaraMartinEDU teaches: Be Relatable, Expose Vulnerability, Be Approachable, and be Learners through life. Doing that makes you immersed. #LearnLAP
A4 One of my favorite things is sharing ideas and questions in the morning - and then, just several hours later, inviting a child to pull something from a mystery bag that completely honors their morning question. They squeal and can't wait to take a closer look! #LearnLAP
A5 We need to personalize learning more and allow students to tell us what they want to learn. Create opportunities for exploration and discovery. Model for them how to ask driving questions for their own learning. #LearnLAP
A5: trying to break down the walls of the classroom as much as possible, while also trying to keep individual learning profiles top of mind when planning #learnlap
A5: Ss take control of learning while T facilitates by walking around, asking questions that prompt more questions. Active learning demands that Ss take risks. So, designing environment of trust and safety is really the key to helping ALL Ss actively learn. #LearnLAP
A5 as much personalized/smaller group instruction ans creating as many opportunities as possible for students choice and ownership of learning. #LearnLAP
A5b give them an opportunity to collaborate and share with others and create opportunities for them to receive feedback and reflect are also important parts of this process.#LearnLAP
A5: By making sure I meet my students where their needs are and keep moving them forward. I try to build a culture of respect and willingness to take risks. #LearnLAP
A5: to foster active learning, it’s important to allow for multiple entries and cater to different preferred interests and styles. #UDL is awesome for this! #learnlap I’m at a new school and still trying to find my way there, but I’m trying to bring it in!!
A5: changing groups often so it’s evident that we ALL work together to ALL get better. Designing tasks that get Ss to show their skills& work in weaknesses, which are diff each time dependent on the design & /or Content. #learnlap
A5: Use a variety of teaching techniques - don't be predictable. Be bold and try new techniques to get students up and around, talking to people, exploring the world around them, and engaging in the material. #learnlap
A5 Technology doesn’t assure this, but it can help. Web tools like @Flipgrid give all students a voice. @nearpod is a tool that allows content presentation with frequent, interspersed formative assessments. #learnlap
A5c model risk taking for students allow them to see the joy in not having the answers but searching for them and celebrating progress and growth not necessarily the end result #learnlap
A5: Differentiate learning and make sure that ALL Ss have many opportunities to participate. When learning more about your Ss, also see what their strengths are and how those strengths can be used in their learning #Learnlap
A5: involve them in small groups. I used to remind them, he/she who is doing the work is learning the most. Always reminded Ss, however, that we all learn at different rates. Point was to keep moving forward. #LearnLAP
A3: when we aren’t all in, Ss know it right away. They give up, we get frustrated, vicious cycle. We need to be present so we are fully immersed. #learnlap
A5 We work hard to build a respectful community who listens & values others. Practice listening "w/ our eyes, ears & heart." Credit those who create ideas, calling it "G's teaching." Invite kids to share their strategies to help us all. Build on their stuff. #LearnLAP
Great question, Tim! Model, model, model. I ask the questions out loud to allow Ss to get in our heads. The more they hear good questions, the more they will ask good questions. #LearnLAP
A5 Active and engaged learning starts when Ss feel safe, respected, and heard. Building the culture, reinforcing it on a daily basis, and honoring S voice will nurture an active learning env. #LearnLAP#SEL
A6: Technology can help here with use of discussion boards or back channels to give the quieter students a voice; use peer to peer and small grps #LearnLAP
A6: the BEST way I got Ss more involved was asking for their input to lessons. Yes, I entrusted 5th graders with helping me improve my lesson design. And it kicked 🍑 #LearnLAP
A6: Again - I believe it goes back to culture of the classroom. Safety and trust helps Ss feel more comfortable participating in class. Boost Ss confidence by praising them in a way most appropriate for each S. #LearnLAP
A6 comes back to relationships you build & getting to know your students. Give students voice & choice, facilitate for them & allow their passions lead their learning. Make personal connections & help them make personal connections between their passions & the content #learnlap
A6 take what I said in A5 + plan so that you are the facilitator but Ss are actively collaborating. Don't do a 'sit and get' Consider the 10-2 rule as a guide to transform lessons. T talks for ten min, then S talk for 2 min #LearnLAP
A6: Student-centered learning is exactly that. Focus on student voice to structure learning where they want to be fully present and participate. #Learnlap
Totally agree here. I think a good 50% or more of ?s could legitimately be answered by referring back to the word "relationships." They are that important! #learnlap
A6: giving them Opportunities to critically think & work w/ content. the answer of the question, why do I need to learn this , emerges on its own. Making sure the tasks are culturally responsive and sensitive and gives them a sense of ownership of their learning. #LearnLAP
A6) Ss should be the center of the lesson with them doing the work with proper scaffolding. As @edu_ksSkukalek stated, using students background a a place to start helps! #learnlap
Most definitely! It seems so cliche to say that, but there's so much truth that I don't mind running the risk of sounding like a broken record. #LearnLAP
A6: People are saying that it makes an impact when students have a voice in how they learn. I agree - giving Ss responsibility in this way allows them to take ownership of their learning and demonstrates trust and respect, which helps build relationships and confidence. #learnlap
YAAAAASSSS - #LetStudentsSpeak and LISTEN to what they are saying! Act on it; that truly shows them that their voice matters when we act on their feedback! #LearnLAP
A4: I send out a survey throughout the term (sent one today) asking for genuine feedback; no names or identifiers. I play songs they have told me they like. I apologize. I create spaces for them and include their questions in lessons. #learnlap
A6 Know your students-their passions, interests, & dreams. Find quality books & create engaging lessons that build on them. Keep a class log of ?s (which you write in, too.) Show thru your lessons that you value those, too. Ask for their ideas & do what they suggest! #LearnLAP
Agreed. I am buzzword averse, which is why I discounted the idea in the first place, but as you say - relationships are far from a buzzword. Impossible to overstate their importance. #learnlap
A7: Allowing my Ss to create their own reading goals - giving them FULL autonomy and praying they'd make good decisions. They are killing it! About 1/2 to 2/3 of Ss said they were on track to meet their goal during a reflection time today. #LearnLAP#trustingthekids
A7: I have had the students voice how they want to learn a given topic. If they are 'all in' learning will increase. voice and choice is so important. #learnlap
A6: Lessons that have clear goals & some student control over the pace, place, & path seem to center the Student.
Since there are so many stnds, seems like #PBL (project, passion, problem, etc) -based learning can help bundle many learning into one engaging lesson! #LearnLAP
I taught K last year so in addition to 'surveying' my Ss, I asked my parents for feedback. One of the teachers I mentor is doing the same this year #LearnLAP
A7 Turning over the reins to the Ss as they develop their own Genius Hour projects, decide their own lit book, groups, and reading assignments and lead their own parent/teacher conferences. #LearnLAP
A5. Give Ss hands on learning, keep them moving, active learning, where there questioning things, curiosity, exploring, designing, creating, experimenting, etc. #learnlap
Starting Genius Hour was a risk, in that I was the only one doing it in my school, but it definitely paid off! The kids used skills from Genius Hour in all aspects of their learning! #learnlap
A7: last year, I totally revamped my math inst to be student directed. They had the learning objectives for the unit and suggested work...they decided how to spend class. It was SCARY, but Ss loved it, helped me improve it, and progressed even better than before. #LearnLAP
A7 giving students the opportunity to tell you what they want to learn and how they want to learn it is a big part of this. Give them a chance to develop their own passion projects. #learnlap
Oh my goodness, John! This is unBEElievably SWEET! Total AWESOMESAUCE! Thanks for spreading the #HiveSummit BUZZ! #XPLAP#TLAP#LearnLAP
Encore of our SWEET (free) DIGITAL PD is available through 10/7! Register NOW at https://t.co/yhya1UomVJ 🐝✨
In reply to
@MeehanEDU, @mrmatera, @burgessdave, @TheTechRabbi, @rickwormeli2, @HeckAwesome, @jmattmiller, @sarahdateechur
A5: great question. First, I am still working on this every day. I break up our time, change methods of learning, look for spaces to offer praise and feedback, and create an expectation of involvement and team purpose as much as I can. #learnlap
A7: At the end of each major book unit (and for summer reading), I allow students the chance to do a choice project that showcases their talents. Students write poems, construct dioramas, make board games, sew quilts, paint pictures, compose songs, etc. Fun to share! #learnlap
A7: the most rewarding risk I have made as an educator was giving up “control” over “my” classroom and empowering my Ss. They will *always* rise to the occasion. #LearnLAP
A7: I've given up much of the teacher "control." I let my students choose A LOT! I also have them self assess and then reflect. It's been incredible for me too. Although I've "let go," I realized I've empowered my students. #LearnLAP
A7: the most rewarding risk I have made as an educator was giving up “control” over “my” classroom and empowering my Ss. They will *always* rise to the occasion. #LearnLAP
A7 for me the process of relinquishing control was a slow, risky process. And still a work in progress. With changeover in leadership, I've had Admins who get what I'm going for and some that do not. 🤷♀️ #learnlap
A7 I took a strategy from a PD that the facilitator said she used with her middle schoolers and did it with kindergarters. It provided collaboration and voice #LearnLAP
a7: I’m not at a #STEM or #STEAM school. I choose to incorporate these types of lessons b/c the hands-on multi-sensory approach has proven to engage Ss and push my comfort zone as a T. Ss are empowered & learning to make and learn from #EpicMistakes#LearnLAP#GrowthMindset
A7: I think the biggest risk I took was when going over a Do Now with my 6th graders. One of my Ss asked to "be the teacher" to go over the question with the class. She was facilitating discussion, taking answers and questions.. it was amazing! #Learnlap
A7: the most rewarding risk I have made as an educator was giving up “control” over “my” classroom and empowering my Ss. They will *always* rise to the occasion. #LearnLAP
A6. By asking Ss what topics their interested in covering for areas of curriculum. Ask about interests and bring real life problems for them to solve! #learnlap
The way I see it, if we're doing our job in the most effective way possible, our classroom is never truly ours, is it? Giving up the control is difficult, but so worth the end result. #learnlap
My #LearnLAP friends - gotta jet so I can get the kiddos in bed before #tlap - incredible conversation! Remember to follow one another to keep the learning going!
A7 Handing over as much control of their learning as possible. Sometimes it’s hard making sure they on accountability end but it’s so worth it. #LearnLAP
A8. Say hello to each student at the door, greeting them by name. Ask them about their day and really listen to them. Make your class about them and not you! #LearnLAP
A7: When students suggest something and teachers are saying "YES! Let's try it!" or "what a great idea for our classroom" It gives Ss power to use their voice #LearnLAP
A7. Giving control to Ss. leading discussion, leading ideas, leading learning. Helping others in activities, giving them jobs, responsibilities, to lead the way! #learnlap
A8 greet them, visit with them tell them and show them that you will work for them no matter what happens, build a community of trust and partnership in your classrooom #learnlap
A8: Try to meet one-on-one with each student to just talk about their day. Ask them questions and show interest in their life outside of school #learnlap
A8: Further incorporate their work into lessons and assessments. For instance, I always use student-written vocabulary sentences on their quizzes, and they love it. I can find more ways to do this. It's their classroom as much as mine. #learnlap
A6: I provide Ss with resources, like terminology, videos, objectives, and more and then have them make lessons with activities and formative assessments. Also, lots of critical thinking and peer feedback opportunities. #learnlap
A7 I didn't want to make a movie - I didn't even know how. But, I followed the lead of my kids. Read this blog entry to see how my kids' ideas changed our thinking -and a whole village! #LearnLAPhttps://t.co/Xnj88l3YZe
A8 Remember an event or activity that was important to a student and connect with them during the day. Maybe even bring it up during a lesson? "Wow, they remembered me!" #LearnLAP
A7) Allowing open ended questions/answers where I am not sure of what the answer will be, but I know the students will grow in finding the answer. #learnLap
A8: inspired by this lovely group of #LearnLAP educators, I will have lunch with my Ss tomorrow. This has been such a rewarding chat. Thank you @emilyfranESL for facilitating with ⭐️ awesome ⭐️ questions. Thank you, educators, for the genuine chat.
