#whatisschool is an award winning edchat space where people can express an unbiased response to questions about schooling, where educators have a voice in shaping the future through their experience, recommendations and interests. Join us Thursdays 7pm ET / 11pm GMT / Friday 7am SGT/WA (Perth) / Friday 9am AEDT / Friday 11am NZT.
Thank you for joining #whatisschool this week. Please introduce yourself, your role and where you are from. Take this time to connect with other inspiring educators in this chat.
I am Craig Kemp, Head of Digital Learning and Innovation in Singapore & founder/co-moderator of #whatisschool Please introduce yourself, your location & role
A1. #whatisschool I'm looking forward to the fact that I will have students again as I have an advisory class which I didn't have last year. Will be great to develop relationships with students again.
Kevin here a Teaching Principal With Irelands first and only Primary School STEAM Room..I officially retire on September 3 rd after 38 years service #whatisschool
A1. I'm looking forward to seeing my previous students and meeting all of the new students. We have a new makerspace at our school so I am also looking forward to hearing their feedback about the new area. #whatisschool
A1: I am looking forward to welcoming students and their families back on Monday to @SAISSingapore for what is going to be an amazing year of innovative learning experiences #whatisschool
A1: we had our first day on Wednesday, and I was definitely most excited to reveal all the newly remodeled learning spaces to the kiddos. #whatisschool
Our Day 1 is Monday ... what I most look forward to is catching up with the kids ... how they have been ... what kind of stuff they have been doing ... then we will talk about that academic stuff. #whatisschool
A1: Day one is always about reconnecting, catching up and looking forward to new adventures. I’m always amazed at how much students grow over the summer! #whatisschool
#whatisschool A1: on day 1in my school I feel that I am a student, I feel so happy to see my school, my colleagues and my dear students I am waiting #BackToSchool
A1: Good evening! On day 1, I am really looking forward to our first circle time with my K students...sharing our names, fun things about us and just spending time together...not a lot of formality. 😊 #whatisschool
A1: I’m looking forward to opportunity. Opportunity to see our students again. Opportunity to help our teachers improve their instruction. Opportunity to see that instruction help our students. Opportunity to continue to build on our positive school climate. #whatisschool
https://t.co/vEqB33eJ4B the past I looked forward to pupils recalling their top 3 days of the holidays .We would discuss,write,draw and display #whatisschool
00:09 in England... I am looking forward to simply seeing their happy, ebullient little faces again and starting a new academic year off with a bang. For some children, they will already be feeling the same way and wanting to return back to see us! #whatisschool
A1: I am most excited about seeing smiling faces when students get to meet their amazing new teachers and see their friends (old and new). I will be wandering around to see this in classes since I don't have my own #whatisschool
A1: I’m looking forward to opportunity. Opportunity to see our students again. Opportunity to help our teachers improve their instruction. Opportunity to see that instruction help our students. Opportunity to continue to build on our positive school climate. #whatisschool
A1: Day 1 to me is all about relationships. A chance to get to know kids, make them feel at home, safe and comfortable and to build relationships that will allow me to get the most out of them throughout the year. First impressions last #whatisschool
A1- looking forward to building relationships and hearing about summer on day 1! Some of my Ss go to really cool places all over the world! #whatisschool
A2. #whatisschool my focus is to be sure that all students and staff are using google classroom effectively. We, as a school, are moving to Google classroom this year as our main learning platform.
A1. I have the opportunity to teach some of the same students for three years so I’m excited about seeing them again and pass that excitement to the new students and make them feel welcome in my class! #whatisschool
A1: School began in Tuscaloosa, AL on Wednesday. I am always looking forward to the fresh start every new school year brings, smiles, hugs, conversations, & happiness. The first day of school is like Christmas to me, filled with love and gratitude. #whatisschool
A2: The first week is such a wonderful time...spending the upfront time investing in rapport and relationships is so needed. As is empowering students. Anyone out there use explicit #executivefunction curriculum to support learner autonomy? #whatisschool
Be warned using the whole 'what did you do over the summer' discussion/recount. Remember: some chn may not have left their houses/flats etc during the entire holiday, will have been moaned/shouted at and other unfortunate situations. For some, summer is negative! #whatisschool
A2. The first week is crucial to connect with them from the very beginning at the same time than making rules and expectations clear. This is crucial when being especialist teacher and seeing several groups per day. The good work done the first week worths it. #whatisschool
https://t.co/vEqB32X8d3 Primary School day one is so special foe pupils starting off.Its also a big day for the parents of first timers.They need re assurance and attention #WhatisSchool
A2. The main focus for me is to get all students feeling safe, happy and ready to learn as well as setting clear expectations for what is to come. #whatisschool
#whatisschool 1A: This is my YEAR2⭐️⭐️ I am looking forward to meeting my new students this morning and my Old students this afternoon. The Art Studio has the SMELL OF NEW CRAYONS🎨♻️
Best of luck with retirement from school Kevin. You will be sorely missed but hopefully you will continue to tweet and keep advising the rest of us. #EdChatie#whatisschool
A3- building relationships quickly can be challenging BUT giving Ss team building activities/different challenges allows everyone to have an experience while working together. It also gives Ss a chance to start new conversations! #whatisschool
A2: Relationships, Relationships, Relationships. The first week is about learning names, getting to know each other and setting the scene for a year of amazing learning #whatisschool
Me too ... some have been in my class as students many know who I am from being on campus. It was great at orientation when there was very little need for formal introductions... "Hey, how as your Summer?" ... "Hey, I saw your Instagram ... looks like you had fun!" #whatisschool
#whatisschool I can’t wait to see their faces and say hello. I love meeting my students for the first time and creating a fun, mindful environment together day 1
A2: That school is a safe place, a fun and welcoming place, where each child is treasured for the gifts they bring within them to their classroom. #whatisschool
A2: By the end of week 1, I want every child to be happy, comfortable and safe. I want them to have friends, to know me and to have 'owned' their classroom space. Expectations will be clear and goals set #whatisschool
Properly embed clear, realistic routines, expectations and ensure behaviour management and the expectations for this are clear, understood and adhered to. Get to know each child and have informal discussions with them (they're lovely shoes, wow I love your jacket..) #whatisschool
A2: I have always felt that connecting with students (& families) is important & done daily. Building and nurturing relationships is a life skill needed to get through life. Unfortunately, we don’t realize it until we’re older. #whatisschool
A2: I think that the biggest element is creating a safe environment so that students ( and teachers) feel comfortable to take risks in their learning ( and teaching) & creating a community of learners who can learn together #relastionships#whatisschool
Our Beginning of School pages https://t.co/YIn8g6nxkm has pages for Setting Up Your Classroom, Organizing Your Classroom, Orientiation, Icebreakers, Learning Your Students' Names, Bulletin Boards, Classroom Management, Goals, Building Community, First Days of School #whatisschool
A1: I love bringing new kids "into the fold" and catching up with older students - I always ask for film and book recommendations in June, so it makes a great touch point when they all come back! #whatisschool
A2: A big focus during our first week of K will be learning each other’s names...so important that we are able to address each other by name! Routines are also important at this level...we start this process...gives young children a sense of security & confidence. #whatisschool
A2- That this is our class, not mine. That we will build it alongside one another and that their input is valued and necessary. That each one of them has a vital role in the well-being of the whole. #whatisschool
Our Beginning of School pages https://t.co/YIn8g6nxkm has pages for Setting Up Your Classroom, Organizing Your Classroom, Orientiation, Icebreakers, Learning Your Students' Names, Bulletin Boards, Classroom Management, Goals, Building Community, First Days of School #whatisschool
A2: During the first week I like to start building relationships with students. To me, those relations are crucial to learn and to have fun in class. #whatisschool
When teaching maths for 1st time, model writing one digit per square. give lots of practise then on squared paper and then when accomplished, make a big thing by giving them this 'special book' (their exercise book). How to write, underline and miss line after date #whatisschool
A2 As a EdTech coach, my focus will be to get to know all my new colleagues. I want them to feel safe to ask all the questions they have. #whatisschool#GESSlearns
These expectations should be explained and modelled when necessary. You can't do it ALL at once, otherwise (esp the younger you go), the more overwhelming it becomes and therefore less will be retained. Short little bursts as and when necessary much more effective! #whatisschool
A2: By the end of the first week, I want my student fall in love with learning, not afraid of making mistakes and embrace all the possibilities of tech brought to them! Oh, also love me! #whatisschool
Yes, each year I had my students write their learning goals or resolutions for the year on the first day of school. I had them review and update them periodically throughout the school year. Our Goals page https://t.co/lKO7YDSTa1#whatisschool
Our Beginning of School pages https://t.co/YIn8g6nxkm has pages for Setting Up Your Classroom, Organizing Your Classroom, Orientiation, Icebreakers, Learning Your Students' Names, Bulletin Boards, Classroom Management, Goals, Building Community, First Days of School #whatisschool
2. Ensure they know that YOUR classroom is a fun, friendly, unintimidating place where mistakes can be made, we all learn together and value one another about their learning, personalities/characteristics etc... #whatisschool
A3: I give them opportunities to chat, share and converse with each other - different strategies to talk to a variety of students and have positive interactions #whatisschool
Set up my @khanacademy and @edmodo accounts for my pupils last night. Aiming to be more organised this year. Hard to do when you are teaching principal in multi-grade setting #whatisschool
A3: Students building relationships needs to be valued, and modeled by every adult in the building. If we 'Shhh' them every time they talk how are they supposed to build anything but a compliant attitude?!? #whatisschool
A2) in a relief role, knowing kids by names is always a challenge. The students across all grades always remember and address me by name and I try to remember as many as possible. 😅#whatisschool
A3. #whatisschool I usually identify their interests and culture and do my best to find common ground. Then a game for the students to do the same with each other.
A3: Create opportunities to work collaboratively solving problems together. Sometimes “fun” is the answer to the problem when we pull together to create new possibilities as a class. #whatisschool
3. Team building games, facts about me, pick a name out of the hat at the end of the day (15 mins or so before home) and write as many positives about their chosen person as possible. Give to them, share these, rounds of applauses etc. I could go on and on tbh #whatisschool
A3: create collaborative activities that requires them to talk to one another, ask one another questions, which will hopefully lead to lasting friendships. I personally enjoy “all about me” activities that includes family traditions, hobbies, strengths, etc. #whatisschool
One year did I did Carpool Karoake. That was a blast! I have done LAUNCH projects where the Ss can make things. Just talking! I have 6th-8th grade. Play-Doh is always a hit too! @burgessdave#WhatisSchool
Relationships are not built in one day or one week ... a connections are made, but relationships are built over time ... you have to really know each other to have a relationship ... it is more than just sitting in someone's class. #whatisschool
A3: Culture of my class is that EVERYBODY matters and there are NO exceptions. We build positive relationships to form a strong team unit - we have each others backs #whatisschool
A3: Though I can’t force fast relationship building, I can build a classroom where community can be fostered and kids can feel safe to be themselves and share. The relationships will come. #whatisschool
A3- I try to plan a lot of 'firsts'- so that we can build a collective memory bank together. We also read 'Something Beautiful' and start by deciding which things could add more beauty to our class and then we make them together. #whatisschool
A3b: it's important to remember that relationships take time. Starting simple and "shallow" is a good beginning. There's no shortcut to depth #WhatisSchool
A3. Making sure they are the protagonist of the class, giving them time to speak, talks about themselves and their summer adventures and listen to them carefully. Lots of games with a language focus and fun Spanish. A fun and safe class connects students #whatisschool
A3: Building relationships quickly has a lot to do with building trust, confidence and a positive sense of self. Investing time in community-building activities is helpful. #whatisschool
A3: I always give them opportunities to chat and talk about them. Having buddies for new students is a great way to start those relationships #whatisschool
Be a role model for them—be kind, be caring and be open minded. Also help them understand it’s ok to be different, but be friendly and polite will be the MUST for each one of them! #whatisschool
3. Seen it before where 'maths' etc seating plans for the first week have been abolished and teachers who have said "sit with whoever you want" and then the next day, remind them of who was where and say "this time, sit next to somebody you didn't sit next to y'day" #whatisschool
A3: I started with @kaganaustralia strategies and it was great for building relationships and class structure. Thank to @JohnstoneClare for showing me the light! #whatisschool
It’s never bothered me when children are playing, conversing, moving around... it’s always brought me joy to witness growth in their safe space (our classroom). #whatisschool
A3: I think building relationships is connected to how the culture of the school/classroom is. Make it the classroom a safe place where all questions are good questions. Make students the center of the decision making. Make it about the collective not the individual #whatisschool
Right there with you! Learning more about the use of loose parts to inspire play, inquiry, creativity and problem solving. Still enjoying summer, though! 😊 #whatisschool
They are based off a book by @ajjuliani and @spencerideas called LAUNCH. Introduced me to design thinking. It’s an incredible book and they have an amazing website! @dbc_inc#whatisschool
In reply to
@timwolffSSD, @burgessdave, @ajjuliani, @spencerideas, @dbc_inc
3. Model r'ship building. You&your TA deliberately have discussion in front of whole class (planned obvs). Model things like "I love that idea. Oh wow, that's amazing. I didn't think of that - thank you." Share ideas/thoughts from chn about what they felt was 'good' #whatisschool
Hi #whatisschool friends-Carol ELA Consultant from Long Island here to chat about #BackToSchool2018 A1 I'm looking forward to working with a large group #educators at end of Aug. Hoping for enthusiasm and consensus to #StartStrong!
Yes I will. I think I’m up to about 20 countries with it so I want to make something special. I’ve managed 1.83 million views on Google Street View #whatisschool
3. Then say to the chn "turn to your partner - can you have a go at doing this about anything of your choice" Listen carefully and input/support as when and where necessary! #whatisschool
It’s not new, but it’s FREE for educators... @Flipgrid!! It’s become a staple in the PD the team and I plan as well. Adults love it just as much as children! #whatisschool
A4: I'm really inspired by a recent episode of @sarahlalondee's podcast to create a raspberry pi arcade cabinet so...got a lot of tools to figure out for that one! #whatisschool
A4: The one resource that I am excited to use with students at @SAISSingapore is @EmpaticoOrg to connect, engage and learn authentically and purposefully with audiences around the world #whatisschool#saisrocks
A4: played with @flipgrid a bit last year and hope to use it more. Also @Schoology , continue to learn and grow. Last but not least my blog! Got my Ss on last year. #whatisschool
1. My Y1s, to going to use their own personalised name cards to 'self-register' themselves - letter orientation further practise etc
2. Name cards for questioning - pick a name out of pot and thats who is questioned. Means ALL have to listen as could be them! #whatisschool
A4. I just signed up for @EmpaticoOrg and still exploring the options. It would be cool to work in a project collaborating with language teachers from other schools. #whatisschool
A3 I feel like using #Beebots on a basic level has run its course, no pun intended. It’s not time to do some amazing and innovative things with these. Any ideas are welcome #whatisschool
A4: @Flipgrid is something Im using to create learning opportunities for my leadership team when we can’t be together. I’m excited to really use it this time. #whatisschool
A4: Next academic year we are rolling out @MyPowerSchool so this year is a BIG learning and development year to ensure we do it right - this tool will change the way we do things for the better #whatisschool
I am not going to lie - still have 3 weeks or so left of summer but part of me is already excited for going back in September in terms of trying new things out, omitting things that previously haven't worked, new strategies etc. #whatisschool
A4 I feel like using #Beebots on a basic level has run its course, no pun intended. It’s not time to do some amazing and innovative things with these. Any ideas are welcome #whatisschool#whatisschool
A4: My year wouldn't be a positive one without my two go-to tools - @Seesaw and @Flipgrid - not new but they are whole school licences that support everything we do #whatisschool
A1. After a long summer break, Inam excited to see all the happy faces & hear what all my students were up to & what they are looking forward to this year. Also looking forward to working with them on #STEAM activities. #whatisschool
Not as high on the wedo 2.0 kit but love the journaling that built into the 2.0 software. It is outstanding for capturibg the building process. #whatisschool
A2 Main focus of 1st of PD series for teachers: #StartStrong with open mindset, positivity, passion, and engagement to create a culture of trust. #whatisschool Be a #differencemaker!
Thank you for an inspirational chat, as we look toward the beginning of a new school year here in Ontario, 🇨🇦! Really appreciated the wonderful sharing...heading out now. #whatisschool
A5: First year, I thought I had to have the answer to everything a student asked me...13 years later, I now know I'd better have an even better question waiting for them! #whatisschool
5. I know what I am doing now...
But in all serious - having the confidence to try new things and to take risks (my last 2 observations have been practical which was noted as a very good thing as they were the types of practicals that could've easily went wrong) #whatisschool
A5: I am 13 years in and predominantly work with teachers now but I am more confident in my own abilities & the way I teach is ingrained and comes very naturally #whatisschool
#whatisschool My 1st day ever- I am more patient, mindful and curious. This year for me with students begins next Wednesday- we are in pre-planning this week & Mon-Tues
A5: when I started teaching, I was a giver of content. Now, I am much more a guide or mentor - the kids have the content, so it's my job now to show them what they can do with it. #workinprogress#whatisschool
A5: I’m so much more passionate about what I do and who I do it for (whoa, that’s a whole lot - LOL). I’m also more confident in my expertise and more of a risk taker for the benefit of every child I serve. #whatisschool
A5: I'm so much more confident in my ability to teach and learn. Mistakes in the classroom used to derail me, but now it's just part of the process. #whatisschool
A5: I used to plan too much. I thought I had to give the students information. Now... Students are at the centre of everything. Start with questions. Be OK with not knowing everything. Learn with the students. #whatisschool
A5.I now realise that all pupils have strengths and talents.Pupils who are weak at Maths may be talented at art.We must find their strengths and give them support #WhatisSchool
A5- I have moved from using a variety of rewards systems to using none. I used to co-construct rules with Ss (but really they were the ones I would've picked anyway) but no longer do that. I now start the year with blank walls- and we build our environment together. #whatisschool
A2. Since I am not a classroom teacher, I have the opportunity to get to know more students at school. I hope to encourage them to try something new & share something old with their friends. #whatisschool
Don't forget to connect and follow everyone in the #whatisschool chat today - there are some amazing people here full of ideas - don't miss out - connect and grow your PLN #growPLN
A5.Our pupils forget most of what we teach them.They will however remember us their teachers forever.Lets be good and kind to them.A kind word can last a lifetime and I KNOW #whatisschool
I think I even combined the LAUNCH idea (they had to build the “set”) with choosing the music. They divided into two groups. I did it with a small group of about 8. #whatisschool
In reply to
@timwolffSSD, @ATorrens84, @burgessdave
The most fascinating thing about this discussion? The fact we are tweeting from right around the world (England, Canada, Singapore etc etc) YET these are all ideas that we could ALL potentially, if it fits, use in OUR classrooms. Wow - mind blowing really! #whatisschool
#whatisschool A5: in the past my students use papers to introduce them selves, nowadays my classroom is digital classroom and we use digital tools and web 2 tools to communicate to collaborate, to create and to share we are digital citizens
Every time I see someone tweet “ I am more flexible” the first thing that enters my head is “Wow that yoga is really paying off” #whatisschool@mrkempnz
Don't forget to connect and follow everyone in the #whatisschool chat today - there are some amazing people here full of ideas - don't miss out - connect and grow your PLN #growPLN
There is a preponderance of evidence that mindfulness and breathing allows the brain to 'soft reset' and increases neuroplasticity! ALL GOOD THINGS! #whatisschool
I’m hoping I get someone to take it. I think it would be really fun and set a great tone for the year. I might model it with my staff on our first day back. I have so many ideas I have to narrow my focus! #goodproblems#whatisschool
In reply to
@teresagross625, @ATorrens84, @burgessdave
It's one thing building up a supportive network of teachers/other education professionals, but to also have the opportunity to build overseas networks is just amazing and immensely invaluable! Different places, different (or the same) perspectives and ideas! #whatisschool
A5: I am more relaxed, more comfortable and know my “classnality” better! So I know how to guide them and have confident to help my Ss to reach their full potential. #whatisschool
A6: Too many to name - being connected to so many people from every corner of the world opens up possibilities I never thought imaginable - my entire PLN is important to me and helps me on a daily basis #whatisschool
The most fascinating thing about this discussion? The fact we are tweeting from right around the world (England, Canada, Singapore etc etc) YET these are all ideas that we could ALL potentially, if it fits, use in OUR classrooms. Wow - mind blowing really! #whatisschool
A5. In 13 yrs everything. Now flipped methodology, prep homework, assessment is SBG , discipline never have to worry about. Referrals are at a minimum (only ones I really have to). Don’t take papers home to grade since everything is formative feedback. #whatisschool
I’m always eager to learn and grow from @mariagalanis’s wisdom. @missgoggins & @KRQuarles are educators in my system that I’ll be keeping my eye on as well. They remind me of myself. 🤗 #whatisschool
In reply to
@mrkempnz, @mariagalanis, @missgoggins, @KRQuarles
#whatisschool Great tool for being a fair teacher i.e giving jobs and also for asking kids to explain vocab/put new vocab in sentences etc. Wireless mouse is a great job ;-) https://t.co/99xUvapJeO
#whatisschool Hi I'm Gloria tuning in from Shenzhen, China - I am the HOD of Visual Arts and Design @ISNS_School and teach #IBDP Visual Arts and Theory of Knowledge. We are having our new teacher orientation this week, and I'm very excited to meet everyone.
Thank you so much for joining us today. I have taken way to many screenshots of good ideas. Thank you to @mrkempnz for having me on #whatisschool again. Good luck everyone!
Thank you - what can I say? Just an AMAZING chat! As it is now 2 minutes to 1am, I am afraid I am now going to stop and go to bed after a long (and awesome!) day! #whatisschool
A5. I enjoy discovering & learning about new technologies together with students. Listening to young minds & voices is a great way to discover what the future holds. #whatisschool
#WhatisSchool A6:all my friends on Twitter inspire me, I will use many ideas from them o will learn from them and I will collaborate, communicate and share with them all my activities
I did!!!!! This is so fun! I start to think this is the mercy from God for me to move away from SG! You see what I mean? The timing is perfect for me! Hehehe!#whatisschool
I always seek opportunities to connect with discussions & speak out in front of people about teaching. This is locally, nationally here in England and, thanks to the power of twitter, internationally like on chats like this! Thanks - best of luck to you too! #whatisschool
In reply to
@Skylineco_op, @mrkempnz, @inted18, @NEUnion
A1: I am looking forward to catching up with my students about their summer adventures, and inspiring them to get back into the art-making routine! I can't wait to see their summer sketches and new concepts that they developed #whatisschool#ArtsEd#IBDP
