#CatholicEdchat Archive
CatholicEdChat is a twitter chat. Topics focus on discussions around educational issues for Catholic Educators and topics beneficial to Catholic Schools. We look forward to continuing to connect Catholic Educators online to discuss education and teaching with faith in our schools. The chat takes place on Saturday mornings. Time 9am EST.
Saturday June 25, 2016
Good morning! My tweets for the next hour will be devoted to
Good morning! Discussing school and classroom culture this morning on .
Good morning ! Excited to discuss classroom culture.
Good morning! I'm in and out today. It's DIY day at the Whalen house.
Our moderator today is and we will be talking about School and Classroom culture.
welcome! Remember to hashtag so we can see your tweets!
hello! Good evening to you!
morning! Hot one in the midwest today!
Good Morning, , looking forward to school culture discussion. Day's already better w/ Dunkin' Coffee in my hand...
Good to see you all this morning! Q1 coming shortly!
I'll be using and to follow
good morning ! Coffee in hand and ready to go!
truth! Spent the last week in MI where it was much cooler. Glad to be back in KS;hoping the weather cools.
In the Catholic Culture of the School / Classroom should be centred on the person of Jesus. “The truth shall set you free!”
Long time no see. Rachel from Iowa City. Already seems pretty muggy outside today,
that's my favorite kind of coffee!
Q1: What are the key elements that make up classroom/school culture?
Hi everyone--I'm Brian from John Carroll Catholic in Birmingham, AL--glad to be here
howdy, Rachel! going to get some showers/storms today
a1
Class culture:tone, purpose, rapport, enthusiasm
School: mission, vision, staff rapport
thank you for joining in today! Welcome!
A1 In the Catholic Culture of the School / Classroom should be centred on person of Jesus. “The truth shall set you free!”
Wish I could join in fun with on but have to get to class. Driving and texting in Houston... https://t.co/OzSWooe6nS
A1 Key elements, feeling safe and being empathetic to one another
morning, Christina, keep your eyes on the road! ;-)
A1 Positive Relationships, the key to Catholic Education
A1: Relationships+rapport. Key=build consistency w/ Ss & your expectations inside/outside classroom: https://t.co/LpOxT8YAMU
Q1: What are the key elements that make up classroom/school culture?
Good morning, Barb! Looking forward to the Institute for CS Leadership next month in Omaha.
A1 Ditto David's statement, Catholic culture throughout the school. You know it's a Catholic school/classroom when walking
A1: Trust, Respect, Kindness, and Compassion. With the we can build strong relationships with high expectations for all.
A1. Relationships, respect, empathy, trust collaboration
Enjoy your day of classes!
A1.Faculty Starts w/ Prayer we're all trying to imitate Christ the Teacher; Service to school community; & 110 % Commitment
A1: prayer, respect, peace, challenge, fun
So true. Need to see Catholic identity.
Good morning, this pic of a bear taken yesterday, from Main Street. Rectory in the background https://t.co/zHLxXJ2EYg
https://t.co/smMjyUdJr1
emotionally and physically safe. Ss should be in a place where they can take risks and be OK with vulnerability.
Good morning! Just popping in to say hi- need to pack for
thanks for bringing in the fun piece! Laughter, all together is great!
A1. Kindness, trust, empathy respect. Plus kindness.
I should be doing the same! Safe travels! Is there an meet up?
another lucky duck! Enjoy!
Anything you want your Ss to do should be modeled by faculty. Including prayer. https://t.co/sl5CLb2T4W
A1.Faculty Starts w/ Prayer we're all trying to imitate Christ the Teacher; Service to school community; & 110 % Commitment
good morning, Joan. Amen!
A1: Key element to classroom/school culture=positivity! Praise the good, keep a sense of humor, elevate Ss and Ts.
A1: I think Ts and As can be the role models of positive culture for Ss. Without it, it's hard for Ss to develop themselves.
A2 aligning to school mission, knowing ur values, communication and action. Is that four?!
Q2: What 3 adjectives would YOU use to describe your classroom or school culture for the 2015-2016 school year?
Its easy to underestimate how much ss observe. Had a kid even ask about my shirt/tie match.
they don't usually come right into town but last year's fires damaged their food supply.
a2
My classroom: innovate, create, curiosity
A2 Positive, hard working, encouraging
Absolutely! Ss live what they see modeled for them! Even the little things
A2: Loving, Entertaining, Scholarly
good answer for a Science classroom! Curiosity!
A2: growing, positive, committed
Thanks! Although, I would use the same 3 for my 8 religion class too.
A2: Around schools, I saw positive, respectful, and supportive classrooms everywhere I visited.
I want to take all of these answers to Q 2!
Can take it a step further...are you recycling, are you saying please/thank you, are you listening https://t.co/9e1h1E6e2f
Its easy to underestimate how much ss observe. Had a kid even ask about my shirt/tie match.
RT Q2: What 3 adjectives would YOU use to describe your classroom or school culture for the 2015-2016 school year?
Too hard to keep it to 3 adjectives! is making us work!
A2. Welcoming, Energetic, and Committed. I student taught and the respect/work ethic I saw was as if I was an actual teacher
A2: personalized, kind, bookish
A2. Student-centered, growing, hard-working ( thanks for the correct adjective)
A2 this year our culture changed dramatically after January - culture is tired, sad, with fragile joy as we grieve & recover
Yes! Once had a S point out our grade level team and our respect to each other. Inspiring for me!
A2 "The community is anywhere that faith is shared"Rule St De La Salle). Catholic school Incarnational, Islands of Mercy.
love to see the happiness and joy that my wing of the building Ts shares with each other.
Really great point- do we do the little things, those we think might be unnoticed, well. https://t.co/dtyOFS31dY
Can take it a step further...are you recycling, are you saying please/thank you, are you listening https://t.co/9e1h1E6e2f
Its easy to underestimate how much ss observe. Had a kid even ask about my shirt/tie match.
A2 hard working, ambitious, learning
Yesterday was students' last day, after lunch all staff gathered at hs for community thank you, drum song, berries & bannock
good morning, Frances! Makes me want to be in your classroom!
A2 challenging, explore, discover
perfect answer for your school!
sounds like a great culture
Joy isn't an accident! should be practiced/cultivated/modeled. If you smile enough, Ss will too. https://t.co/3HdGz1MXqD
love to see the happiness and joy that my wing of the building Ts shares with each other.
hope your community recharges and heals this summer!
A2: on the other hand, the "shadow" adjectives describing school culture could be: Exhausted, Resentful, Uncertain :-(
believe me, I've got that smiling part down pat!
we had a similar experience in May when God called a beloved staff member home
Q3: Now, what 3 adjectives would your STUDENTS use to describe your classroom or school culture for the 2015-2016 SY?
but, a supportive community really helps with those!
A3 Ss should say: Engaging, challenged, respect, authentic.
A3 Ss would say, engaging, techy, Saints-in-the-making-filled (Made up word!)
a3
Exciting, disorganized, projects
I have to add 'messy desk' to my list!
thank you! We had pd yesterday to help. Thursday was celebration of learning, awards for all, snacks, & fun
that is why I'm getting rid of my T desk!
A3: Loving, Changing, Busy
A2: Growing Learning Diverse
A3: I hope my students would say challenging, fun, respectful. Maybe even organized chaos!
I think it is so imp to have an honest self-assessment to work toward true growth. That in itself teaches Ss.
great answers! Thanks for stopping by and sharing!
Definitely organized chaos for me as well!
so sorry to hear that, sending hugs & prayers, grieving takes a long time
A3. Genuine- in attitudes and conversations, Challenging academics, Innovative instruction.
A3 Respect, choice, and FAIL=first attempt in learning
A3. Sisterhood ( not an adjective but I need to use it), exciting, challenging
Our motto tends to be "Excuse the mess, we're learning here!" My room is usually active and loud, but purposeful!
noisy! I forgot about that! has that too! Learning can be messy!
Up early getting my boarding pass for tomorrow. No going back to sleep now. Heading to
got rid of mine last year, still have messy shelves but less mess & more space
awesome! Loads of peeps will be there!
A3: loving, genuine, compassionate https://t.co/IKVI9MX6QM
Q3: Now, what 3 adjectives would your STUDENTS use to describe your classroom or school culture for the 2015-2016 SY?
Yes! It keeps things interesting for me and the kids! Messy learning for the win!
How many negative responses would we see to that response in our schools. That would be very telling about culture
Confession: I am Cath, but teach in public. Can I still be in ? Hey, I taught VBS all week!
I agree. I think most students would be a mix of positive and negative.
At my first teaching job interview, 1986, I described my ideal classroom as organized bedlam! Still is!
A3: It is interesting to observe that there are often events/situations out of the T's control that influence culture.
you are welcome to You rock!
absolutely! Jump right in!
Love this! https://t.co/Os3yvdPl8C
At my first teaching job interview, 1986, I described my ideal classroom as organized bedlam! Still is!
I think if we look up the term 'Catholic' it'd answer that. Welcome! My daughters taught VBS all week too.
Best confession of the day--If I were a priest, I'd absolve you!
Me too, even in PD sessions!
Yet, T's response to these events/situations can have an even stronger influence on culture. https://t.co/3zVMe6mIwp
A3: It is interesting to observe that there are often events/situations out of the T's control that influence culture.
A3 engaging, challenging, fun
love VBS- know a few ed. majors/ teachers who have tried teaching bc of experiences w/ them.
Right, life is 10% what happens to you, 90% how you respond!
We are a very welcoming bunch!
I need to leave for . Thanks for great first chat. I look forward to many more.
I was thinking more along the lines of Ts. What's the mindset? How much has it shifted?
that's me too, and I've been welcomed and supported here very much, it's a great group of caring educators
thanks for coming! Enjoy and hope you all can have a meet up!
Yes! This is the most supportive, welcoming chat I've joined. Happy you're here!
might enlarge this and make it a poster- love this.
speaking of events outside of our control, our response to our 2 students with Leukemia, was so heartfelt and loving
Doing a quick check-in as we drive down a VERY bumpy highway I'm sure is recording steps :)
LOL, Enjoyed your pictures of your adventure that you shared.
I have a daily battle w neighboring T: how loud my room is v. how quiet hers is. Wonder what ss think?
Doing Kindergarten did same for me- I'm MS/HS background- did a favor for my DRE.
Would be interesting to see what Ss think about the culture of each.
...but difficult to gather that info in a non-threatening way.
I know what the quiet kids are thinking.. Why can't we do that?
beautiful picture! *love*
Q4: What adjectives would you want your Ss to use this time next year? BONUS: attach a GIF or image to express the goal.
It was a running joke about which I'd use first.- intro video or student walk-in music- it varied by day.
you're talking about my hallway now!
luckily, small school, so all MS ss pass through my class too!
A4: Religious, Loving, Scholarly, Innovative!
a4
Empowering, innovative, exploratory
A4 I'd hope this from our Archbishop of Sydney,in the forward-Strategic Plan Sydney Catholic Schools https://t.co/tKHeVKHzF6
A4: Fun, Amazing, Challenging, Supportive
favorite sight was lower grades dancing as they walked past my room when music was on...
Love the walk-in music idea! Establishes a cultural "tone" the second Ss enter the classroom.
A4: I'd like them to say it was prayerful, respectful, collaborative, engaging, and fun. Possibly innovative
Like a walk-up song for a baseball player!
High-energy, Authentic, Challenging.
I forgot to put https://t.co/TZBnbPhbr4
Sign I saw once in a first grade classroom: " Death is silent, but learning is noisy." I loved it!
Nice! I need to get Chrome and Windows 10 to play nice with music so I can do that more often!
A4: when Ss walk in and unsolicited say "I love this class," that's all I need
Love seeing the emphasis on "missionary discipleship!"
Sorry...joining late today
I still use my iPod & portable speaker just for that purpose.
Used Smashmouth's All-Star on a Monday morning- got students going fast. theres so many great ed. videos out there.
Don't tell the Dominicans I liked this.
I didn't tell the students- but it got me going a little more on a cloudy Monday- can work both ways.
A4: Each year, my 6th grade homeroom class would adopt a theme song. I would later use it in their 8th grade video yearbook
Welcome! Discussing school and classroom culture.
ur secret is safe with me! I bet u really liked the overall mission-centered identity theme anyway.
Had dance parties at the end of the week in fifth grade. Don't think I can do the same in HS. https://t.co/MGEPvLhSW8
Used Smashmouth's All-Star on a Monday morning- got students going fast. theres so many great ed. videos out there.
I like a balance of loud & quiet, after recess lights off, soft music & "brain pressure" while small groups get water
This is cool move. Saving the music video idea for even end of year... https://t.co/nbEWmMMML8
A4: Each year, my 6th grade homeroom class would adopt a theme song. I would later use it in their 8th grade video yearbook
Challenged by to make that first day of school our best day -not rules. Changes Ss expectations & attitudes.
A4 I hope they say fun, busy, challenging.
Great challenge. The first day is priceless. Which gets top prioritiy? Rules or Culture? Need both!
creates classroom culture. If Ss can rally together around things, they'll come together 4 academics https://t.co/V3DjHrd2Dc
A4: Each year, my 6th grade homeroom class would adopt a theme song. I would later use it in their 8th grade video yearbook
One reason I'm very happy Magis assigned me MS. Like having more room for spontaneity.
I can give them rules on paper. Why waste valuable face-to-face time reading rules to HS Ss?
I hope MCTC is a great experience for you! I was in Cohort 6.
My Ss are Ts so I hope I model a balance of engagement and fun with purpose and focus.
Agreed. PLACE Corps put me in MS too. And I loved it. Ss were forgiving and along for the ride. https://t.co/KlDAJQe3dx
One reason I'm very happy Magis assigned me MS. Like having more room for spontaneity.
wasnt sure how I would handle my first "1st Day" as a teacher. I like that perspective.
I'm already thinking about 1st day next year, will have a lot of my former k students, an awesome mix
Absolutely. The goal is not volume. The goal is learning.
We could say that the rules need to be written so that they support the intended culture.
And Noise isnt always learning- where knowing the class is so key, isn't it?
MS is where my heart is too! Love their sass mixed with wonder!
amen to that. Know the class, set the tone, aim at the goal, stretch, Release!
Rules are important, but with a strong classroom culture, S's help reinforce rules with their peers in non-punitive ways
Q5: Knowing what you want Ss to say about school/classroom culture this time next year, what changes need to be made?
Right, need policies. But a strong culture will make those happen natrually.
a5
Clearly state learning objectives, teach ss how to show what they know, set and keep deadlines
I agree with rules for support, but why go old school & read them. Share them through GDrive
Taught a group and took them through 2 years of learning. 5th and 6th grade. growth was incredible. https://t.co/0gXRpr6sFz
MS is where my heart is too! Love their sass mixed with wonder!
Brilliant! Or, if you must speak, do a podcast. Keep it short!
Agreed. More apt to take a risk and be wrong. Yet that wanes in 7/8 grade. https://t.co/d94mh4oYum
there's less worry in their heads about "what is so-so going to think" in class- makes for better learning
. Once visited a school promoted silent music class! To me destroyed whole purpose of subject!
Mark Hammett, Middle school Religion Teacher here...late
A5 Consistent ongoing communication of mission, objectives, vision, culture to all is very important
My room had 3 "rules" - Be respectful, be responsible, be resourceful. Covered most everything!
I wish I had made my S's make a "what to expect in Mrs. Kopp's class" video or podcast for the up and coming kids
An engaging might be one way. Could also be emailed home to parents.
oh my gosh! I do not want that to ever happen to a child!
A5: Establish culture early and refer back to it just as often as you might refer back to the rules
hmm. How about a Ss group video project, interpreting the rules from said GDrive doc!?
A5: even more of a commitment to consistency. More confidence in pedagogy/craft. More comfort in taking risks
So hard to empower 7/8 graders to take a risk. safe atmosphere, mistakes are supported as part of learning
great idea! Use animoto or an iMovie Trailer!
Culture helps with 7/8. If the room is a safe, support space then they let go of that fear!
wheels are turning with ideas from this chat!
Sounds weird. But modeling vulnerability/weakness and admitting mistakes w/ smile. Not a bad thing. https://t.co/hEGoTR0dq9
So hard to empower 7/8 graders to take a risk. safe atmosphere, mistakes are supported as part of learning
A5: more efficient use of time, clearer expectations, more small group instruction
Q6: What resources are necessary to support a healthy and productive classroom/school culture?
love these! ask kids if they are being r when doing x, how could they be more r to help change behaviour
Agreed. Catholic Schools also unique b/c Ss have been on journey together for awhile. https://t.co/3M1ZRBGqcO
Culture helps with 7/8. If the room is a safe, support space then they let go of that fear!
Awesome! Or create infographic. Give Ss choice of tool to support that concept of choice from Day 1.
Right! I look forward to moments when I get to admit I screwed up and then SHOW what I learned.
A6: Setting the tone of a growth mindset - in Ts and Ss - makes a huge impact.
