Run by Iowa educators, #IAedchat is on Twitter the first, second, and third Sundays each month at 8:00pm CST. We have added #IAedchat LIVE to the fourth Sunday of the month at 8:00pm CST. This will take place in Google Hangout on Air. We will share the invitation and link to #IAedchat LIVE each month.
Happy Sunday evening to you & welcome to #IAedChat! I’m excited about the discussion tonight!
Our topic is "The first 10 days: setting up for success” #IAedChat
Good evening, #iaedchat. Dan Butler, principal of @EpworthElem in the Western Dubuque District. Happy to engage and facilitate the conversation with all of you tonight. #iaedchat
Q1: Each year we only have one first day of school to set things in the right direction. What do you do to set your first day apart from others? #IAedChat
A1: It's different in higher ed, but several colleagues and I will be greeting students at the door of our building to welcome them to the new semester. Does me as much good as the freshmen trying to find their classroom on campus. #setsatone#IAedChat
A1: It's all about being present, being visible, helping kids find their way, giving hugs and high-fives, smiling, showing from the first second of the first day that when those scholars walk through our doors, they're safe, they're loved, and they're family. #iaedchat
A1 we had STUCO great kids as they came into school and had messages of encouragement written in the sidewalk. Our STUCO also put on a welcome back Pepe rally on The first two days. Ts focus on building relationships and getting to know kids in their classes #iaedchat
Q1: Each year we only have one first day of school to set things in the right direction. What do you do to set your first day apart from others? #IAedChat
A1a Tuesday is first day w/Ss Goal is to make them feel welcome and part of a team Most of our activities build upon student/teacher relationships #iaedchat
A1: Well, I don't get a first day of school but I can tell you I greeted my new colleagues with really great dog pictures as we did onboarding. #iaedchat
A1: The first thing I'll do is welcome the Ss and start to teach the expectations they need to feel safe in class. I've found teaching expectations makes the rest of the year MUCH easier! #IAedChat
I think about interactions. I want every child to go home and say, "I'm so excited to be in this class! I think it's going to be a good year!" We move, talk, and create in ways that everyone can be successful. #IAEdChat
Q1: Each year we only have one first day of school to set things in the right direction. What do you do to set your first day apart from others? #IAedChat
A1 - As an instructional coach, it's a little different, but I make sure that I go to every single teacher's room to check in on them and offer any help! I start with relationship building first! #iaedchat
A1: Heavy focus on human connection. Greet everyone arriving to the building and call as many people as I can by name. When they are coming through our doors, we have an obligation to make all people feel welcome. This continues for the remaining 179 days of the year. #iaedchat
A1: We treat kids like the rockstars that they are! We go above and beyond and begin creating our community from minute one. We acknowledge that relationships precede content. #iaedchat
A1. Being visible, trying to make face to face connections to as many people as possible and simply getting lost in the kids excitement to be back #iaedchat
First day - Go see all the kids, help at lunch, play at recess and visit every classroom. After school deliver chocolate to every teacher in their classroom and ask how the day went. #IAedChat
A1. First day we spend even more time building relationships, set expectations together, and identify what students want to learn. I try to put them in the drivers seat of the content. #iaedchat
A1.2: As a mom with a #kinderkiddo, routine is something I am super focused on. I don't want to start her days rushed because of my lack of planning..or two little brothers that might shake things up #iaedchat
A1: we work to create an exciting atmosphere for our community. The night before started it with a FB live read aloud and then we pumped up the school with balloons and all staff outside meeting and high 5 students and parents. #iaedchat
I think about interactions. I want every child to go home and say, "I'm so excited to be in this class! I think it's going to be a good year!" We move, talk, and create in ways that everyone can be successful. #IAEdChat
Q1: Each year we only have one first day of school to set things in the right direction. What do you do to set your first day apart from others? #IAedChat
These are amazing first day plans! What would be the results in our schools if we brought the same energy and mindset to Day 97, as we do to Day 1? #iaedchat
I think about interactions. I want every child to go home and say, "I'm so excited to be in this class! I think it's going to be a good year!" We move, talk, and create in ways that everyone can be successful. #IAEdChat
Q1: Each year we only have one first day of school to set things in the right direction. What do you do to set your first day apart from others? #IAedChat
A1(.2) I have heard it so many times and it always surprises me how many kids talk about wanting a relationship with the principal--regardless of school size, rural/urban, etc. Start of the year is a great time to establish that. #IAedChat
Q1: Each year we only have one first day of school to set things in the right direction. What do you do to set your first day apart from others? #IAedChat
I think about interactions. I want every child to go home and say, "I'm so excited to be in this class! I think it's going to be a good year!" We move, talk, and create in ways that everyone can be successful. #IAEdChat
Q1: Each year we only have one first day of school to set things in the right direction. What do you do to set your first day apart from others? #IAedChat
A2: Show 5-7 photos and ask your learners to align their summer with one of them and talk about why they chose the photo.
Mine -first photo - busy, crazy, beautiful summer.
#IAedChat
A-2 Pull out the phone and find a picture to talk about. Everyone loves to tell their story. If they don't have a phone let them tell their best summer story. #iaedchat
A2 Not a big fan, but my favorite one is to pass a roll of TP around the room Ss can take as much as they want Then to break the ice they have to share 1 thing about their summer for each square they took...faces are hysterical #iaedchat
A2: Loved to start us off in a circle with a ball of yarn. We take hold of the yarn, share, and toss the ball of yarn to each other creating a web in the end. Establish the importance of connection, friendship, togetherness. #iaedchat
A2: Icebreakers that are done well can be effective. Ineffective icebreakers have people in uncomfortable or awkward positions. One of favorites is back to back | face to face. #iaedchat
A2: Not a huge fan of icebreakers, just because I like real more than superficial (I feel silly at pep rallies.) But I like to do a movement version of Would You Rather? (low-risk options), so Ss can express opinions, get up and move, & learn a little about each other. #IAEdChat
Love this one and did this while learning with @casas_jimmy. Another one is where he has us choose 5 numbers…. Any number, and tell why they’re meaningful to you. Makes for deeper conversation. #IAedChat
A-2 Pull out the phone and find a picture to talk about. Everyone loves to tell their story. If they don't have a phone let them tell their best summer story. #iaedchat
We did this @CRMcKinleyMS during our magnet PL. It was powerful! It's an ice breaker/relationship builder that I will remember and want to do again! #IAedChat
A2: Loved to start us off in a circle with a ball of yarn. We take hold of the yarn, share, and toss the ball of yarn to each other creating a web in the end. Establish the importance of connection, friendship, togetherness. #iaedchat
A2: Not a huge fan of icebreakers, just because I like real more than superficial (I feel silly at pep rallies.) But I like to do a movement version of Would You Rather? (low-risk options), so Ss can express opinions, get up and move, & learn a little about each other. #IAEdChat
Q3: Communication is imperative to building a partnership with families. Which tools do you use to establish communication with your students and families? #IAedChat
Me, too; this is a must for the first day-love it! It sets the tone and shows student how important collaborating and creating is for our learning community! #IAedchat
A3: If I were still in the classroom, #GoogleClassroom would be my jam. #GSFE has made it increasingly easy to communicate and connect with families and students. #iaedchat
A3: I realize that I spent too much time leaning against the wall supervising events. If I were doing it over, I would go pull up a seat in the bleachers, etc. Still supervising, still visible, but building relationships at the same time. #NotFancy#iaedchat
A3: Our school has a great Welcome Walk tradition. Ts go to Ss' houses to say "Hello, I'll be your teacher this year." It's a surprise for families - they find out their home room assignment this way and it's a great community event - families are outside waiting! #IAedchat
A3: I use many different modes of comm. working to reach everyone. Newsletters, facebook, voice calls, and best of all F2F interaction. Nothing better than personal conversations. #iaedchat
We have many communication tools already in use (twitter, instagram, FB, school messenger, smore, canvas, etc.) I'm SUPER EXCITED to help teachers and students in blogging this year as a form of communication and an archive of evidence of learning. #IAedChat
Q3: Communication is imperative to building a partnership with families. Which tools do you use to establish communication with your students and families? #IAedChat
A3: I utilize @SmorePages to provide weekly communication to families and staff. Also, @RemindHQ is imperative for quick communication throughout the year. #iaedchat
Q3: Communication is imperative to building a partnership with families. Which tools do you use to establish communication with your students and families? #IAedChat
A3: Lots of sharing about their day. Ss spend more time at school than at home. Share what has happened to increase communication. As a parent, @Seesaw is wonderful tool! #IAedChat
A3: transition/orientation assemblies, email, snail mail, phone calls, twitter and I need to get better at facebook and smores since it is where they are at! #iaedchat
A3: Our school has a great Welcome Walk tradition. Ts go to Ss' houses to say "Hello, I'll be your teacher this year." It's a surprise for families - they find out their home room assignment this way and it's a great community event - families are outside waiting! #IAedchat
A3: Our school has a great Welcome Walk tradition. Ts go to Ss' houses to say "Hello, I'll be your teacher this year." It's a surprise for families - they find out their home room assignment this way and it's a great community event - families are outside waiting! #IAedchat
A3. It is great to live in a day when there are so many options for communication. I try to diversify ways to communicate since there are so many options. Remind is a great tool I liked to use last year. #iaedchat
A3: Here is the digital poster that we share with our families. All of these tools are essential to tell our story. We also use video newsletters; here is our latest for welcome back: https://t.co/9Q3gYT1Jj4
We have many communication tools already in use (twitter, instagram, FB, school messenger, smore, canvas, etc.) I'm SUPER EXCITED to help teachers and students in blogging this year as a form of communication and an archive of evidence of learning. #IAedChat
Q3: Communication is imperative to building a partnership with families. Which tools do you use to establish communication with your students and families? #IAedChat
A3: Here is the digital poster that we share with our families. All of these tools are essential to tell our story. We also use video newsletters; here is our latest for welcome back: https://t.co/9Q3gYT1Jj4
A3: Here is the digital poster that we share with our families. All of these tools are essential to tell our story. We also use video newsletters; here is our latest for welcome back: https://t.co/9Q3gYT1Jj4
A3(.2) Gotta go where they are: Twitter in some places, Casey's in others. HyVee Deli, truck stop, Lions Club, retiree coffee group at Kwik Star, beginning adult English classes....#FindThem#iaedchat
A3. We use multiple social media platforms but most importantly parents know I have an open door policy and I try to meet address their concerns as soon as possible #iaedchat
A3 (2): My kids’ elementary school has modified the traditional Open House / Back to School Night with a 15 minute individual conference with the student&parents and teacher. So great to build relationships early! #IAedChat#bentoncsd
A4 I can have a very serious face, Ss often tell me later "I was worried you were going to be mean." To get around that I try to be as light as poss. day 1 w/smiles & laughter when appropriate #iaedchat
A4: reminding students that they are good enough for anything. They might think it is going to be hard, but with great effort comes great success. #iaedchat
New students who don't know anyone set up with peer helper. Forgot money for my lunch, my card is there for them to use. Late for class, walk them there and wish them a great day. #iaedchat
A3(.2) Gotta go where they are: Twitter in some places, Casey's in others. HyVee Deli, truck stop, Lions Club, retiree coffee group at Kwik Star, beginning adult English classes....#FindThem#iaedchat
A4: I think people in general and students in particular want to know that they will be seen and welcomed. Whatever we can do to communicate "I'm glad you're here, I care about you," is essential - the rest follows. #IAedchat
A4 as a MS Principal our kids new to the building are worried about their locker combos, where to go, getting there on time and the older kids bumping into them in a busy hallway and of course getting in the correct lunch line #iaedchat
#iaedchat A4 -- Many kids are preparing for the unknown. They changed schools, districts or states. The quicker they see a familiar face and get settled into a routine the better. I always emphasize what is the same about schools and not the difference.
A4: They want to know that they belong. That they're in a place that is safe and that their teacher cares deeply for them. We answer those questions in the first 30 seconds we meet the students. How is your learning space established to underscore your care? #iaedchat
A4: Insecurities about not getting to know the learner as their own person. Get to know them, intentionally and deeply, on an individual level. #IAedChat
Sorry #iaedchat and #oklaed. I really do plan on rejoining your wonderful communities, but school starts tomorrow. We just had to have one final evening of summer BBQ shenanigans. See you next weekend. Have a fantastic school year, my friends.
A4: It's common for students (and adults) to be fearful of the unknown. Bottom line, they want to feel safe, valued, and loved. If we can work to establish this, we are going to be in really good shape and have a tremendous culture. #IAedChat
I believe that all kids want to do well and want to build relationships, no matter how they show it. Not giving up on kids, sharing our own vulnerabilities and failures as a part of the learning process can help kids and other adults! #IAedChat
A4: reminding students that they are good enough for anything. They might think it is going to be hard, but with great effort comes great success. #iaedchat
A4: Building community through morning meeting to reassure and grow friendships and connections for new Ss as well as those who may have lost touch over the summer. #iaedchat
A4. My students are worried about academics and have a negative perception of school. It is important for me to let students know that we are in this together. #IAedChat
A4: They want to know that they belong. That they're in a place that is safe and that their teacher cares deeply for them. We answer those questions in the first 30 seconds we meet the students. How is your learning space established to underscore your care? #iaedchat
A4: For a number of Ss, facing challenges of another school year w/ a compromised support system, or without having someone to rely on, is a daunting task #IAedChat
A4: This year is unique as we had a storm tear through town displacing some of our families. Those Ss still need to feel safe and accepted and supported at school. #iaedchat
So important to be continually aware of this. Easy to fall into the trap of assuming that everyone's experience is like ours. #SeekFirstToUnderstand#iaedchat
A5: What do you want to learn this year? What do you care about? What can we do improve the school experience? What is one thing you'd like to try? #iaedchat
A5: How will I celebrate success? How will I ensure success for all learners? How will I be intentional in all that I do...(my word for this year!) #IAedChat
A5: How far am I willing to go for kids? What am I going to do to connect with every kid every day? When a parent walks in to our school, how will they know we are about every single kid? What am I good at? What am I going to get better at? #iaedchat
A5: Do my students trust me? Will they realize that I believe in them? How will I show I care and respect them? What action will I show that I am living out my values each day? #IAedChat
A5: I ask myself everyday if I am taking my passion for students, teachers and families and their growth with me everywhere I go. Not following a passion, but keeping my passion right on my sleeve for all to see #IAedChat
Q5: After taking a class on the impact of childhood trauma (ACEs) I think it is important for teachers to ask themselves what impact a student may be feeling #iaedchat
Each class makes their list & we then build norms to make those suggestions possible Put all of them together from the 5 classes to get consensus norms #iaedchat
A5 - Where do you want to go in life? How can I help you get there? How can I make a significant positive impact in the life of a child today? #iaedchat
A5: What's the most valuable use of our learning time? What is most important for us to be able to do and how can we do that really well? How can we improve? How can we be good people? #IAedchat
Yes! Sometimes the last thing a kid wants to talk about on Monday is how their weekend was if it was awful. Best of intent but can trigger kids. #iaedchat
A6: Greet all staff members wishing them the best year yet, ensure the campus is safe for all, thank my office staff for all the prep, be outside greeting. #iaedchat
A6: 1) Know as many names as I can; 2) Greet kids with a positive presence; 3) Help with traffic flow during drop-off; 4) Teach expectations with admin team. We build culture every day. We will continue to monitor what we say & do to ensure it aligns with our vision. #iaedchat
A6.2 continue to celebrate staff for great work, provide a safe environment all year, take care of each other, be available to the community. #iaedchat
A6
1. smile
2. be genuine
3. be humble
4. present w/a purpose
From that point as we build relationships I base them on those 4 things, Ts need to be relaxed, real, rooted, & relevant
#IAedChat
A6. First Day Check List...
✅Start to build trust/relationships
✅Laugh & enjoy the day
✅Set priorities & expectations
✅Celebrate the fresh start
#iaedchat
Q6:
1) tell my story 2) listen to their story 3) all Ss (&T) have the opportunity to learn & practice names 4) set, model & practice expectations together
Keep student relationships at the forefront https://t.co/N9vcu8Pc5N.matter.what #iaedchat
A1 #iaedchat RELATIONSHIPS, RELATIONSHIPS, RELATIONSHIPS! We started school last Wednesay and that is ALL I wanted Ts to focus on with Ss. Ice-breakers, games, getting to know Ss!
A6 - 1. Greet all students. 2. Greet all staff. 3. Start writing positive notes (to teachers in my case). 4. Keep track of my interactions. (I can't get behind on this one!) I will always make the first two a priority and schedule the last two! #IAedChat
A6: welcome, define and teach expectations, assign lockers and equipment, begin first level of instruction. I spend the next week visiting classrooms and finding Ss that "fell" off the roster and work to pull them back in. #IAedChat
I'd love to be in all your schools on the first day as your students enter to see the amazing work happening. Kids are in good hands with you #iaedchat educators!
A6: Relationships! Routines - we need predictable expectations so students have space for voice and choice. Responsive planning - attend to the needs of the individuals you're working with. #IAedchat
A6:
1) meet/greet!
2) join them in classes
3) join them for lunch
4) end of day - tell them I look forward to seeing them again tomorrow.
Then: plan an idea a day that will make a positive impact. If I don't plan it, I find myself getting caught up in everything but. #iaedchat
A7: Be contagiously, authentically positive. Make it clear and unwavering- this is who we are, this is what we're about, this is where we're going. When we say "Every learner" we mean every learner- adult and kid. #iaedchat
FA: I will do more bragging about how great our school is. I will do less worrying about the things I cannot control. Stay consistent to provide for our communities. #iaedchat
A7: One thing I'll do more is be present in the classroom. Last year felt like survivor mode for most of the year and I hated that it felt that way. I'll cut back on focusing solely on instruction and become more responsive to the kids in the room. #iaedchat
A2 #iaedchat related to answer 1, we did PD on ice-breakers for Ts before school started! Our new AP @BrazoRafa has AWESOME ideas with M&M’s (yes you get to eat them), counting squares and counting letter “F’s” in a short passage! Loved how thought-provoking each was.
A7: More trust, more being present, more selection of high-quality, meaningful activities, more connection with people who light up the world - lots of these people in education. Find the amazing! #IAedchat
Thank you for joining my awesome co-moderators @townsleyaj, @danpbutler, and me tonight for #iaedchat. Whether this is your 1st year teaching or you've been at it for some time- THANK YOU. You matter, you are the inspiration for the kids you teach, & have a great year #iaedchat
So many great educators here tonight. Make sure to follow someone new, grow that PLN. Best of luck to all those starting this week. Make it a great year for all. #iaedchat
Thanks to tonight's participants and my partners in moderating @danpbutler and @duffysclassroom!
Don’t forget to bookmark our #IAedChat google site which houses an archive of these chats, our live chats, and resources! https://t.co/RDe0s53sQ5
