#RuralEdChat Archive
#RuralEdChat is a chat that focuses on the needs of the rural educator. This chat has been revised by Tammy Neil (@MathNeil), John Martin (@edventures) and Natalee Stotz (@nataleestotz).
Tuesday May 10, 2016
This time of year... a little of both.
I noticed the weather map was in hot colors down in Florida.
Tonight on we will be discussing those molehills that sometimes turns into mountains in our classrooms. https://t.co/GMO87IDB2Y
Hey, Lisa! Glad you can join us tonight.
Good evening . Teri from Spearfish Middle School in SD. Today was mid 50s, windy and cold!
howdy, howdy! Good to see you!
Welcome, Teri. Maybe we can warm things up a bit for you.
Hi there 4th grade teacher from CA
Craig, so glad you can join us.
Hello everyone at Cheryl from Ulster County NY First time on this chat
Hi ! About to listen to our fantastic choirs perform in our historic Temple Theater here in DriftlessWI. Will miss the chat. :)
Tonight we will share scenarios that aren't that unusual but could quickly turn chaotic. Let us know how you deal.
Cheryl, thank you for joining.
We will use the Q1/A1 format at least until the conversations take over.
Hi, Cheryl. I'm originally from Sullivan Co. Now up I-88 in Chenango. Glad to have you in
Before the first scenario drops, let's take a moment and introduce ourselves.
I'm Tammy. I teach Computer Science in a small rural north Florida district. I'm happy to be your moderator tonight on
I am in more of an urban area than a rural area, however Tammy is leading the chat and
I'm Teri Bauerly, I teach grades 6-8 STEM & EdTech in Spearfish, SD. Also do , Spartan Tech Squad & Robotics Comp!
Hi! I will admit I am going to try to particpate in while also watching We'll see how this goes. :)
We'll save you a seat next week. Enjoy the concert
. You know we all have a little bit of country as well as a little bit of city inside. https://t.co/uD1IL4RDW3
I am in more of an urban area than a rural area, however Tammy is leading the chat and
Hey everybody! Lisa/tech specialist at a 4-5 campus
Well if Kory can watch the flash and participate in the chat, I don't see why I can't either. https://t.co/EVqb37BUrH
Hi! I will admit I am going to try to particpate in while also watching We'll see how this goes. :)
Glad to be here withall. Look forward to learning and sharing.
Does that mean we're bi-polar?
lol watching while ting...
Hi, I'm Matt. I teach 5th grade in Etowah County, AL. My first time in this chat!
I'm watching The Animaniacs on Netflix, haha. I love cartoons
Welcome, Matthew. Glad you can join us tonight.
Don't forget to add to your tweets so we can all bask in your brilliance.
Welcome to the chat Matt! https://t.co/0Atzhc1xQL
Hi, I'm Matt. I teach 5th grade in Etowah County, AL. My first time in this chat!
Hi, Matt. Welcome. Are you multitasking, too?
A1: ALways, ALWAYS have a plan B for just those reasons.
Q1: You've prepared the perfect web based lesson. You get to school & discover the internet is down for the day. And you...
obviously you have plans B,C, and D in place because this happens on a regular basis
A1) Cry
Then power through.
Hello Matt My first time here as well. Nice to say hello. https://t.co/9Q8rvw7lxl
Hi, I'm Matt. I teach 5th grade in Etowah County, AL. My first time in this chat!
A1: That's part of my mantra to the campus, "Always have a plan B"
A1 Scramble for a little bit since I am the Innovations/Technology teacher.I would probably go to using some apps on the Ipads.
What are your backup plans?
whatever standards/objectives I had hoped to teach, I find a 'non-tech' way to get them across, too
Great backup plan. Most apps don't require internet to operate.
Good point Kory. Having the students work on scripting ... having them sketch works too https://t.co/itbsJOjCad
A1 Scramble for a little bit since I am the Innovations/Technology teacher.I would probably go to using some apps on the Ipads.
A1 The more I think about this I would probably use one of our apps that Ss could use pics w/and let them go crazy taking pics.
A1: As tech lab teacher, we use the Paint APp (only have kiddos 30 minutes), and when power goes out, I have Tech Wordsearch
Nice to "meet" you as well! Love adding great contacts to my PLN!
A1: My entire class is web based. When its down, we explore our offline creativity. Post cards become tweets.
just go be innovative! You got it covered
A1 do plan B. Plan B is plan A without tech. (or possibly yesterday's plan A that needed to be retaught)
Ha! I would always put the onus on Ss to create something.
A1) Computers can still be used in offline mode. Many apps or programs can still work.
A1: Go to the textbooks or pull an activity that I had planned for another day. I'll reschedule my web one.
The gift of being able to shift gears.
A1: Create some discussion questions for small groups, do stand up/hand up/ pair up for Ss to get up & move & talk
A1: Also laugh about it because my classes are in the computer lab, we always laugh when tech doesn't work
A1 I think this would be an excellent time to talk to the Ss and ask them how they felt the year was going too.
My Ss still love using "Paint" ! https://t.co/xUjcUX5c5Y
A1) Computers can still be used in offline mode. Many apps or programs can still work.
I love it. Ss need to be heard and an unexpected web outage is a great time to have a conversation. https://t.co/Y1GNgArASU
A1 I think this would be an excellent time to talk to the Ss and ask them how they felt the year was going too.
It is a great opportunity for Ss to see that the world doesn't end when the internet goes down.
Haha! I didn't claim I could multitask well! (Missed the last 10 minutes of the show tweeting)
Here comes scenario #2....
Haha we have Oregon Trail on our computer. Plus there's the Google no internet T-rex game. https://t.co/79OU5V5nDi
My Ss still love using "Paint" ! https://t.co/xUjcUX5c5Y
A1) Computers can still be used in offline mode. Many apps or programs can still work.
I'm going to take this as a compliment that is more engaging than TV! https://t.co/rlE5MmsZMn
Haha! I didn't claim I could multitask well! (Missed the last 10 minutes of the show tweeting)
Tell me more about this T-rex game. I have a dinosaur-obsessed student.
If I had a nickel for every time I said to my Ss, "Technology doesn't always work the way you want." https://t.co/O2gUhu1ukB
It is a great opportunity for Ss to see that the world doesn't end when the internet goes down.
** Q2 **
Student arrives in a bad mood. It quickly becomes a tantrum. How do you calm the student and regain control?
That would be a lot of nickels. You may even need to go to the change machine. :-)
when there's no internet access on Google, hit the space bar and boom, there's the T-rex game. It's a sidescroller
This has been a struggle this year for me. It never seems like one S at a time.
A2: If my MS Ss come in grumpy I ask whats up, sometimes they need to vent. Sometimes we need to listen to an upbeat song.
Um, I was a kindergarten teacher. You deal with it and move on. ;) https://t.co/keJcXJUNby
** Q2 **
Student arrives in a bad mood. It quickly becomes a tantrum. How do you calm the student and regain control?
just adjusting course, if you can create it with tech, you usually can create it w/ other materials
A2: If Ss are disrupting I acknowledge the mood but let know they can't ruin it for others, give them choices of where to be
A2: Depends on the student, situation, and surrounding circumstances.
In MS/HS one upset student has 4 friends trying to console him/her. Can get out of hand quickly. https://t.co/gSK8Qd05jw
This has been a struggle this year for me. It never seems like one S at a time.
Often times ss just need to share it w you and it's over. We all have those days we need to let it out!
A2: Talk to the student. As I learned in a workshop once, students who are okay don't misbehave. Address the need.
A2) Speak to the student to help redirect. You have relationships in place so ideally can pull aside, address, and continue.
Yes, that is why I check on the Ss right away, give them constructive place to vent to.
Listen, listen, and listen. A2
A2 Say "I had a great lesson planned ,the Internet's down. Do you see me throwing a tantrum?" Just kidding.
"I notice that you are ___. Can I help?"
Very true! At the K-3 level I usually tell the Ss I will talk to them and that usually gets them refocus.
Question 3 is on the way.
That's true-even for us. How many times do we feel better after sharing struggles with coworker?
You can have them tell their troubles to a class stuffed pet.
https://t.co/MeUIDsbgGT
That's true-even for us. How many times do we feel better after sharing struggles with coworker?
**Q3**
4th intercom call to your class in 20 minutes. How do you stay focused when the 5th interruption happens?
Very true. https://t.co/7wcnX9J8S2
:) nah, stun them you are attempting to reach unusal way.Any voice changes &make up character! Advance level version puppet show!
Everyone be sure to say hi to one of my co-workers! https://t.co/QCHMxEMQtQ
saw the # and decided to try my 1st Edchat.
A3: That happens alot. I just can't seem to control my irritation LOL any suggestions?
A3) Just laugh it off... and then go outside where the intercom can't disturb your class.
Just yell Serenity Now a few times and you should feel better. https://t.co/8kfyQ97TfT
A3: That happens alot. I just can't seem to control my irritation LOL any suggestions?
A3: I'll let others answer. This has been an issue for me this year. The teacher threw the tantrum that day.
Well, that makes her follow worthy! Welcome,
A3: I don't really do direct instruction so it doesn't bother us. If I get interrupted while helping then other Ss jump in
A4 Deep breaths, and then later maybe a polite email asking if the interruptions could be emailed or wait for later.
Gamify it, every intercom interruption = some random people lose points. Those interruptions stop. Less forgotten lunches, etc.
A3: If the phone rings we sing WonderPets, dramatically sigh, etc. Gotta be flexible & model being flexible
Yes, go to the source. We have a phone monitor, but it does seem that the class stops. https://t.co/HJwopvXAyb
A4 Deep breaths, and then later maybe a polite email asking if the interruptions could be emailed or wait for later.
Yay! I am so excited! This was one of the first chats I ever did. Love this group of people!
same here--not direct instruction often. But lots of 1:1 help, facilitating. Can't control my irritation :(
https://t.co/CprEWlewMw
Our new admin hates intercom. Has been great this year, get end of day e-mails and fewer phone calls.
Sweet. I'm moderating right now. Join in if you wish.
A3 ou could say what Ss say.... SERIOUSLY?! ☺️😇 . KIDDING.....
A4 Ha! We have no intercom.
Hello Mindy this is my first time on this chat. You will love ur PLN that grows and grows https://t.co/xgZ5jLQQar
saw the # and decided to try my 1st Edchat.
A3 I can't recall working anywhere when there was an intercom. Maybe it would be like a telephone...I wouldn't hear it.
A3 But in general, if needed, I bring my hands together & say, "Okay, let's focus in." & more often then not, they actually do.
What do you do when you're moderating and your PC freezes? Take over your husband's PC and keep going.
That's me too. I hyperfocus when working with kids, as a group or one-on-one.
Question #4 is on its way...
Oh no
https://t.co/i7HOkSpsZo
What do you do when you're moderating and your PC freezes? Take over your husband's PC and keep going.
Or go to my phone. https://t.co/HSCS1X01LS
What do you do when you're moderating and your PC freezes? Take over your husband's PC and keep going.
“: Listen, listen, and listen. A2 ”#nothappening#heartsick
It's all good. We're a multiple device household. He's watching something on TV. https://t.co/TIz5d1n7eo
Oh no
https://t.co/i7HOkSpsZo
What do you do when you're moderating and your PC freezes? Take over your husband's PC and keep going.
** Q4 **
You stub your toe. A Wordy-word slips from your lips. Now what?
A4:own it and keep going LOL!
A4: Probably laugh and then apologize
A4: I've actually picked up the habit of exclaiming, 'TARTAR SAUCE"!
A4 I clap my hand over my mouth and gasp and go "Oh, I am so sorry." Can't recall when last it happened though.
HIGH FIVE! I use SpongeBob curses all the time. My Ss just laugh at me https://t.co/ywX0WXyTup
A4: I've actually picked up the habit of exclaiming, 'TARTAR SAUCE"!
A4) You smile, apologize, and move on... don't make a big deal of it.
A4 Those that know me know those kinds of words never cross my lips. I'm adding because they will confirm. :)
Hey Sorry I'm late! just got home from spring concert at school.
A4: I have to agree that's not happened-yet . But general frustration has often had me using SpongeBob language lol
A4: I have to agree that's not happened-yet . But general frustration has often had me using SpongeBob language lol
Wordy-word after stubbing toe.
I bet your students were glad you were there.
Scenario #5 is on its way.
Indeed! & I enjoyed it. lots of talent in our little school! Great concert!
Sometimes I just say, "Oh, bad word." If anyone asks which one, I say "Your call, but don't say it."
I don't know what the question happened to be, but definitely a good rule to live by.
I am confused, not sure which words you are referring toward?
Just DM those words to Brian later.
I was late after having 2.5 hours of rehearsal with four different groups. So I, as it were, hear you. :-)
I see what you did there...nice! ;-)
** Q5 **
For the Elems. - Oops there's a puddle in the middle of your room. Beyond calling the janitor. What next?
those aren't words Kory, just awkwardly arranged symbols, did your cat walk on the keyboard
A5: direct the attention away from puddle?
I am deeply offended. Deeply, I say. Such language!
Misread your response to as response to Q5 "there's a puddle in the middle of your room. " Oh dear.
Hmm...that might be easier said then done with elementary kids! Actually with HS, too. esp. 9th grade. https://t.co/Usrzgnc1MZ
A5: direct the attention away from puddle?
A5) Put the bucket where the leaks are coming through the room. Move the student desk away from that spot.
I just literally laughed out loud. A great big belly laugh. Oh, my.
Ha! https://t.co/ZpaCwwMiD1
Misread your response to as response to Q5 "there's a puddle in the middle of your room. " Oh dear.
A5... ask where the puddle came from
A5: w/Ele Ss, are we "assuming" the puddle is urine?
at least that's how I took it?
A5) Again, great opportunity to move the class outside. Let's go run a lap.
A5 don't make a big deal, but do ask what happened. Some kid may be sitting with wet clothes.
Cats are looking at me funny cause I'm trying to laugh quietly so not to wake hubby!
I've learned to never assume anything in a classroom.
In "To Race to Wind," Harold Krents writes about organizing a pee-in when in elementary school, to protest bathroom policy.
I certainly was. And giving thanks I teach middle and high school.
lol ditto! That's why I don't go below 4th grade
Tonight has been a great conversation. You all have great plans B, C, and D. Share these with your first year teachers.
well shoot! An hour already?
Thank you for leading the conversation tonight.
Thank you and It's been a great hour! Make it a great week! :)
Glad I made it for the last half hour. Good to relax with y'all in tonight!
Totally enjoying One of the liveliest and LOL chats I"ve ever participated in. TY😘
Don't forget to follow some new Tweeps tonight. This has certainly been fun.
Grow your PLN.
When all else fails, find something to laugh at
