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.
Given the demands of the modern day classroom, we are forced to make critical decisions.
Let's start by reimagining the language arts classroom Join @pennykittle and @KellyGToGo on October 1 in Iowa and learn from their experience!
#IAedchat#engchathttps://t.co/Ua4Ms3E6eg
Good evening, #IAedchat. I'm Dan Butler, the principal of @EpworthElem in Western Dubuque Schools and will be helping to moderate the conversation this evening. Thank you for being here.
Hello! My name is Courtney James and I am a junior at the University of Northern Iowa majoring in Elementary Education and minoring in Literacy #IAedchat
Hello Everyone! I am Kailee Robben and I am junior at the University of Northern Iowa! I am studying Elementary Education and minoring in Basic Science. I am very excited for tonight's tweet chat! #IAedchat
I hate that term. :) You don't manage a class. You create a culture, build learning opportunities and foster relationships with kids. I manage my finances, not students. :) #iaedchat
A1. My first thought...Kids don't need managed. They need leadership and someone willing to teach them the skills necessary to function as a member of a classroom society. #iaedchat
A1: How aware is the teacher of what is going on in the classroom? It's not student behavior- it's about adult behavior. What are your expectations for learners? How have you intentionally practiced procedures, routines, and the flow of what must get done each day? #iaedchat
My initial thought, scary. One of the things I am most sacred for as a new teacher but also one of the most important things for a teacher to be able to achieve in the classroom. I love observing teacher's classroom management styles and taking nots on what works best #IAedchat
A1 I now think of classroom procedures and the “flow” of each class; different than what I thought when I first began teaching—I thought rules and how to respond to disruptive students. #IAedChat
A1: When I hear classroom management, I think of setting procedures and expectations to maximize productive time in the classroom. Honestly, I think of Harry Wong and The First Days of School. Great management leads to more time for great instruction and connection. #IAedChat
A1: Classroom management reminds me a lot of this visual. Balancing needs of individual students, relationships, behaviors, content, collaboration, engagement, communication, etc.. all at once - while keeping them all moving. #IAedChat
A1: How aware is the teacher of what is going on in the classroom? It's not student behavior- it's about adult behavior. What are your expectations for learners? How have you intentionally practiced procedures, routines, and the flow of what must get done each day? #iaedchat
I hate that term. :) You don't manage a class. You create a culture, build learning opportunities and foster relationships with kids. I manage my finances, not students. :) #iaedchat
A1: My initial thought is respect. Classroom management revolves around the idea of respecting one another. The teacher and student should have an equal amount respect for one another. #iaedchat
A1. I think about an environment that has students engaged in their learning, and the teacher facilitating it. Procedures are explicitly laid out so that students have clarity on what is expected from them. #iaedchat
For sure, but doesn't mean I like it. :) Poor classroom management is often blamed for many problems teachers face. Yet, in reality most problems are based in poor relationships or poor lessons. #iaedchat
My initial thought, scary. One of the things I am most sacred for as a new teacher but also one of the most important things for a teacher to be able to achieve in the classroom. I love observing teacher's classroom management styles and taking nots on what works best #IAedchat
Are routines in place to ensure students feel comfortable with the flow of the class?
Do students believe the classroom is a community, where showing respect to each other is vital?
Are corrections immediate and calm?
Do I look for the good, yet stand ready to correct missteps?
I love that this is more prominent in today’s classrooms. It should be an agreement. Mutual agreements build ownership and ownership equals more success! #IAedCHat
My name is Sadie Specht and I am a junior elementary education major with a minor in educational technology at the University or northern Iowa! #iaedchat
A1 #IAedChat The ability to control organized chaos in a calm, responsible manner. Such classrooms are controlled w/o Ss knowing they are being “controlled!” Starts with expectations and ends with relationships!
I don't like the idea that we "manage" kids. It is more nuanced than that and classroom management is given too much weight when creating high quality lessons or building positive relationships trump all. #iaedchat
I think back to being a new teacher and remembering the same thing. Just know that if you build relationships, be consistent in your expectations, and truly care about kids you will be off to a great start #iaedchat
My initial thought, scary. One of the things I am most sacred for as a new teacher but also one of the most important things for a teacher to be able to achieve in the classroom. I love observing teacher's classroom management styles and taking nots on what works best #IAedchat
For sure. Too many equate management to rules and procedures but in reality without high quality lessons and great relationships, management won't matter. #iaedchat
A1 When I think of Classroom Management, I think of building relationships, constructing an organizational system, and consistent follow through.... #IAedChat
A1: Sorry to join the party a little late! I think of establishing classroom norms when I think of management. It's difficult for kids to know what to do in the class until you've taken the time to teach it! #iaedchat
A1: I think of having a stable and safe environment for all students to learn. I think it also means accepting that it’s not always going to run smoothly, but putting your best efforts into have a successful classroom environment. #iaedchat
A2: Focused on the physical layout/flow of the room. How can I organize the space to promote interaction. Rows did not exist in my classrooms...pods, circles, or arches. HS students liked being able to turn to an elbow partner (so do 1st graders, 7th graders, & adults) #iaedchat
It’s more of a general term (tonight), but I agree.. some Ts still think they’re the ones in charge to ‘manage’ a class rather than having it be an environment build on mutual understanding and partnership. How do we change this? #IAedChat
Our focus is on the kids. We need to make sure we are meeting the needs of every kid in the room.
Be intentional about setting norms and creating perfectly clear expectations. #iaedchat
A2: Relationshio building is critical. My former PE teacher came up with the genius idea of doing field day type activities the first full Friday of school. This day became Community Building day school wide with these team-building activities. Brilliant. #IAedchat
A2: Relationships. Your students need to know you are human too and that it is OKAY to make mistakes. Let your students know you care and the sense of community will fall into place. #IAedchat
A2 from the start you build rapport and get to know each other and you establish that is “our” classroom not mine. We work together to establish our expectations and procedures. #iaedchat
We are speaking the same language. Rules/procedures are important in laying out how business is done in the classroom, no question. However, strong connection with kids will tip the scales toward greatness. Connection = commitment. Rules w/out connection = compliance. #iaedchat
A2: Fostering bonds and relationships with each one of my future students will be the most important to me. I want all of my students to know that it is OUR classroom and they deserve to be in it! #iaedchat
A2: The beginning of the year is a critical time to get to know your students: their interests, motivations, hopes, and personalities. I cannot overemphasize the importance of procedures, routines, and expectations. #IAedChat
A2: Build a strong foundation of community with the students by having them be a part of it from the ground up. This will build ownership in the process and help sustain. #IAedChat
A2: building relationships and knowing each and every student individually...I heard recently you don’t know a student until you know 10 things about them outside of school, I’d like to think that was my goal before I knew the stat #iaedchat
A2 This year is lots of flexible seating and my students are loving it! I also dress up like a pirate the first day to “hook” my students in to some fun times in my room! #IAedChat#tlap
I realize that. But as you say, some still think it is there job to manage (rules, dojo, stickers, detentions, etc) but fail to see culture and environment as the true tools to "management". #iaedchat
A2: Fostering bonds and relationships with each one of my future students will be the most important to me. I want all of my students to know that it is OUR classroom and they deserve to be in it! #iaedchat
Relationships are key... Specifically with families and their children. I do not look like everyone of my students, so a way for them to bring their lived experiences into my classroom, even though behavior may not be "typical" is crucial. #iaedchat
A2: The sense of community begins from the moment they enter the room. Every student has an assigned locker and space that's theirs in the room. I also work on communicating clearly with them on what we are doing and why. #iaedchat
A2. I agree! You have to take the time to create an environment that will allow students to feel safe, and as a teacher I needed to go out of my way to get to know them and promote a learning-centered environment. #iaedchat
A2: I try to be very intentional. I have tables, flexible seating, lots of choice in where they work, I have a record player and I've made it feel like home. I leave space for student work...#IAedChat
A2.2: Another key when creating classroom community is safety. Do students feel safe (physically and emotionally) in your room? You need to make this happen. Demonstrate that you are a caring adult in the life of your students. #IAedChat
From the moment students enter my room, I want them to know I see them, I'm glad they're here, and I've thought, planned, and worked hard to prepare a place where each and every person belongs.
I model best- and worst-case scenarios for working with each other.
#IAedChat
Q3: One could claim that students are having difficulty staying regulated in today’s learning environment. What are your best strategies to keep students regulated and focused? #IAedChat
A1:The only person in the classroom you can manage is yourself. Your actions and reactions are going to set you up for success in building positive culture. #IAedChat
Q3: One could claim that students are having difficulty staying regulated in today’s learning environment. What are your best strategies to keep students regulated and focused? #IAedChat
a2.2 I have heard relationships many times. I would contend...the kids see where you spend your time. Are you at a computer or at your desk? OR are you where the kids care becoming part of their lives? #iaedchat
A3: Keeping students regulated and focus comes with having a routine. Having a routine keeps students regulated. Staying focused is hard for students, you must engage them in critical thinking and not just rote memory. #IAedchat
I think the school culture plays a part as well as the community at large. For me it's pushing teachers to realize the culture in their class impacts more than any management tool or gimmick. #iaedchat
A3: get them engaged, use technology, allow choice, encourage creativity and collaboration! Give them real world problems to solve, please don’t have them memorize facts #iaedchat
A3: We've delved in to flexible seating in several classrooms. However, flexible seating with poor pedagogy is not going to result in great gains. All about purpose. We have instituted calming corners in each room with fidgets, where students can deescalate or refocus. #iaedchat
A3. Be the same you every moment of the day. Mirror neurons replicate what is seen. Model breathing techniques and teach students to look for signals in themesleves to help know how they feel (feeling warm, negative self talk, etc...) #IAedchat
A3 think outside the box and mix in relevant learning by introducing makerspaces, PBL, connecting globally...engage them by bringing their world into your curriculum #iaedchat
A3: Regulation is huge. Dysregulated students and dysregulated adults cannot solve problems. Time and space is needed. Do you have a place kids can go to become regulated within your room or the school. Self-regulation is huge if you have made the space for this. #IAedChat
A3: Think about my own needs and relate them to student needs. Frequent breaks for the mind and movement, relevant work, and having fun all make focusing much more realistic. #IAedChat
A3 Ss must learn that they can depend on you regardless of what they say or do. A. Level of trust and partnership that is genuine and meaningful must exist. To maintain focus give them choice and create engaging experiences for individual learners #iaedchat
A3: Let's scratch regulate, and let's focus on the focus. I work to keep pacing relevant, reading the room, making arrangements for individual Ss to self assess their behavior and have convos when necessary. The root of why? You off-task bc of something I can control? #IAEdChat
Q3: One could claim that students are having difficulty staying regulated in today’s learning environment. What are your best strategies to keep students regulated and focused? #IAedChat
A2 #IAedCHat Start with the physical lay-out. Ss should have easy access to you and you should have easy access to them. Fundamental Five- good book, read it!
A3: If you make sure your students have engaging tasks, you give voice and choice, and provide opportunities for conversation students will self regulate. I love using Kagan strategies to help with this as well. #iaedchat
A3: I have found that having clear guidelines for the different parts of a lesson have worked to keep kids engaged. The Ss in class know there are times for intense work and times for transition in the class. #iaedchat
Routines are key. I want students to feel they know how to act, talk and move during different parts of class, comfortable and competent they can do the routines.
I want the surprises and uncertainties in class to come from their thinking and experiences.
#IAedChat
Q3: One could claim that students are having difficulty staying regulated in today’s learning environment. What are your best strategies to keep students regulated and focused? #IAedChat
Focus on what you, as a teacher, can control - that’s what we use our strategies for. The support in regulating goes deeper and we need to KNOW our kids to support them in this challenge. #IAedChat
A3: Let's scratch regulate, and let's focus on the focus. I work to keep pacing relevant, reading the room, making arrangements for individual Ss to self assess their behavior and have convos when necessary. The root of why? You off-task bc of something I can control? #IAEdChat
Q3: One could claim that students are having difficulty staying regulated in today’s learning environment. What are your best strategies to keep students regulated and focused? #IAedChat
A3.2: By having clear boundaries, the Ss are able to focus knowing that they get moments here and there to visit and reset for the next segment of a lesson. #iaedchat
A3 One issue I see in today's learning environments is spaces that have become too visually stimulating because teachers want pinterest or instagram worthy spaces. #iaedchat
@danpbutler is sharing them tonight. Have you ever used TweetDeck? It puts the hashtag you’re following into one column so you don’t miss anything :) #IAedChat
I live in Habit 5 and I work with students to do that. Seek first to understand, then be understood. It is essential that we recognize that "regulation" looks different to each student. Perhaps I'm struggling with a word b/c I view it as expectations instead. #IAEdChat
A3. I would always create games that were classroom based- not team based. This illuminated the competition between groups of students, and it encouraged the cooperation as a classroom unit, not teams.#iaedchat
For me, economy of language works well. I plan my words carefully when reviewing my lessons for the next day to ensure efficient transitions and clarity. #iaedchat
A3 #IAedCHat It starts with planning for learning rather than teaching! There is a huge difference and many get confused. This encourages differentiation which increases engagement.
Yes. We’re talking about kids. Management and regulation have a harsh connotation. I know it’s “commonplace” but that doesn’t mean I like it or that we have to continue using those terms. Also, how about some movement to help them refocus? #IAedChat
I would strongly agree - knowing our Ss is CRUCIAL! I would challenge us to know their families and communities. Working from a reality based pedagogy @chrisemdin style. Regulation can lead us to focus only on our training and lived experiences v. what they have exp. #iaedchat
A4: Very important role- my room is set up in flexible seating. This allows studetns to work in a location that best suits them, as well as promotes interactions with the tables instead of single desks. #iaedchat
A4: You can have a state of the art building but if your room is void of anything that says to Ss, "This space is yours. Come, explore, grow!" then it's just a room. Does your space communicate why you love teaching? Even vanilla ice cream needs sprinkles now and then. #iaedchat
A4: The role is physical space is that your students cannot just be sitting at desks all the time. Flexible seating is key. Something I have seen is having a band that students can bounce their foot on to release any tension. #IAedchat
A4: Being organized is key as a teacher. Not only for you, but the students as well. For example, having an appealing area set aside for reading will most likely intrigue the students to want to read. You want the space to be appealing to the students, not overwhelming. #IAedchat
A4: I think that physical space does play a part in our classroom management. However, not as much as the culture you create everyday. Being authentic, caring and creating a safe environment is where it begins and ends. #IAedChat
A4: Physical space plays a huge role in management. Flexible seating is a great way to provide choice and honor S voice with different preferences. With non-traditional setups come additional responsibility. Ownership is built when Ss take pride in their space. #IAedChat
A4: When setting up a classroom and designing a learning space, we must ask ourselves, "Does the space match what I would like to accomplish with students?" Space should be flexible and specific to needs/interests of students. #IAedChat
Everything in the room should have a purpose. Without purpose, things become distractions. ARe there pencil sharpeners in non-disruptive places? is there are clear pathway to the work areas? Are content posters current and relevant? #iaedchat
A4: Another part of this is making your classroom feel like home. Yes, it may get messy and unorganized at times but that just means that your focus is on the learning :) #iaedchat
A4 let the kids move around and take ownership of the room. Love @MelissaNelson14’s rule about sitting where you want and mix it up. We need to design spaces where kids feel comfortable. #IAedChat
A4: Another thing that should be considered within the physical space is a way to promote learning (classrooms libraries do that) but also should show the personality of the teacher. Be proud of who you are and what interests you. #IAedChat
A2: Many Ss feel adverse to the cold call because of shyness or personal experience w/ it, but on the first day I show them how I do it by asking innocuous ?s & then explain that this technique is the way I show them that I care about what they're learning & thinking. #iaedchat
What do you want students to do? Have them change their seating to reflect that activity, and to reinforce a transition in the activities--group discussion to ind time.
Can students easily move around the room?
Can students make the room their own, while they're there?
#IAedChat
A4: It's not the space that greatly impacts classroom learning behavior, it's the people that are in it. I've seen wonderful lessons take place in unconventional spaces. #iaedchat
I would say that I have seen changes in classroom management with new classroom environments. I think that students notice and acknowledge the difference in each classroom. #iaedchat
What do you want students to do? Have them change their seating to reflect that activity, and to reinforce a transition in the activities--group discussion to ind time.
Can students easily move around the room?
Can students make the room their own, while they're there?
#IAedChat
Yes, but we need to create the opportunity for students to be a part of the culture creation. If not, it is a teacher's space and not a shared community. #iaedchat
A4: Another thing that should be considered within the physical space is a way to promote learning (classrooms libraries do that) but also should show the personality of the teacher. Be proud of who you are and what interests you. #IAedChat
A4 The physical space has to welcoming and inviting for students. The educator must forecast the organization of the classroom routines to ensure seamless transitions. #iaedchat
Q1: I think of clear expectations and procedures that are reviewed and implemented throughout the day. Students need to understand how they are going to be able to access what they want in the classroom setting, whether that be attention, escape, and/or tangible access #iaedchat
Q1: I think of clear expectations and procedures that are reviewed and implemented throughout the day. Students need to understand how they are going to be able to access what they want in the classroom setting, whether that be attention, escape, and/or tangible access #IAedchat
I don't disagree with you, Michael. However, if the learning space is designed in an intentional manner, couldn't this promote learning as well? The best teachers could engage students in a closet, but an intentionally designed space would take it over the top. #IAedChat
A4: It's not the space that greatly impacts classroom learning behavior, it's the people that are in it. I've seen wonderful lessons take place in unconventional spaces. #iaedchat
A5: I focus on the positives, and chart the positives with my students. However, I do keep data on the negative as the data may be needed in getting appropriate services for a child. #iaedchat
A5: There are charts that can be beneficial for teachers to use to keep track of a child's behavior, however I think students knowing about charts or trying to earn points may make them feel as if they are always being punished. #IAedchat
A5: I can understand this method from a regulation aspect however keeping your charts and points consistent is where I see the downfall. I think there has to be more effective ways to encourage and monitor behavior. #IAEdChat
A5 Points for behavior should be OFF limits—when we are grading a student, we are assessing them based on their subject-area knowledge only! In terms of behavior issues, West High developed a FABULOUS referral process last school year that had tons of success! #IAedChat
A5: Every child is different. One chart doesn’t accurately show what all student can/cannot do and isn’t really motivating to those who struggle. Individual goals are a much more powerful way to go. #IAedChat
A5: One of the things that we must always ask ourselves when working with interventions and monitoring mechanisms is whether they lead to behavioral change. Many of these systems lead to compliance rather than a change in behavior. Not all kids motivated by charts. #IAedChat
A4. This book is where I started to learn about classroom design. Things including natural light and safe materials when building the classroom. #iaedchat@GPAEA
A5: I don't use charts. I rely on the old 90/10 rule. 90% of the time I am looking for and praising good behavior. 10% of the time I am redirecting the inappropriate behavior. #iaedchat
We need data. But how can a T truly monitor and record specific observations while also teaching?
Video can be helpful. So can talking with Ss one-on-one about their behavior, at the end of class.
Both are time-consuming. How do we streamline?
#IAedChat
A5 I think in extreme cases charts can be helpful but kids must be a partner in developing the plan. Now if a teacher is doing this for every Ss in each class that takes a lot of time that could be more effectively used in relationship building and engagement #iaedchat
A5 Behavior monitoring will look different for different age groups. Most Elementary students respond well to a clip chart that allows them to opportunity to reflect and improve on their behavior. This system would not work of middle and high schools. #iaedchat
Ah, your lesson didn't quite hit the standard, and you were two minutes late to recess duty, and you "replied all" to an email, so you need to clip down. #iaedchat
A5: There should be a clear purpose as to why the points/charts are being kept. In the event it is for an IEP student, the data should be collected as confidentially as possible. #IAedChat
Of course. I think that goes without saying from my perspective. I was not intending to describe a pretty learning space without strong norms, procedures, and so forth. We're on the same page. #iaedchat
According to A5:, I think we can all agree on the fact that clip charts are not an effective way to promote positive behavior in the classroom. #IAedChat
A6: Right- MTSS, PBIS, clear procedures. Supporting all teachers to support all learners.
Complete overhaul- how we talk to kids when we (adults) are not regulated. Behvaior is communication but it's not always personal to offend you. If it is, what does that say? #iaedchat
A6: Complete overhaul; punishment. There is not enough positive reinforcement in the classroom and too much punishment. Yes students make mistakes and we must hold them to our expectations, but too much negativity and not enough positivity is dangerous. #IAedchat
A6: (2) We also need to prioritize relationships as the foundation for any successful classroom management - many classrooms are getting this right, but not all. #IAedChat
A6: Our kids and their needs aren’t one-size-fits-all, so we need to think more about children on a more individual level - this needs to improve. #IAedChat
A6: We are getting classroom management right when systems are established to connect with students while allowing them to feel valued and safe. Procedures and routines that lead to more learning are awesome. Wrong = control, overuse of authority, and power struggles. #IAedChat
A6: I believe one adjustment to classroom management is to showcase the good. A lot of teachers just focus on the bad behaviors...Yes, we want to cease the bad behaviors but can't we do this by also encouraging the good? #IAEdchat
A5: I'm not a fan of any point system tied to behavior at all. I'd rather treat behavior as an ongoing lesson of making better choices with the parents and I working together as co-teachers! #iaedchat
A6 we are seeing a wonderful time in education today more people are using alternative seating and giving students a voice in what happens in a classroom and how it is run. It is truly exciting to see. We still have a long ways to go but the revolution has begun #iaedchat
We are getting right the relationship building in the classroom, yet we need an adjustment on consequences for behaviors once the behaviors have proven to be out of control. The systems seems afraid of students/parents, and do not bthe teachers when necessary. #iaedchat
A6: #iaedchat building culture and expectations play a big part in what happens. However, It really boils down to being intentional in your relationship building, expectations, creating a safe and caring environment w/ a physical space that encourages collaboration/conversations
A6: getting right: need for a clear protocol to help teach behavior. Needs overhaul: involving parents late in the process. Connect with parents early (like step 1 or 2) and get them on your side. Typically, calling parents by the 4th/5th infraction generates conflict #iaedchat
A6: Right - Building relationships and positive culture. Wrong - punitive punishment that doesn’t teach results that will teach students to have a different outcome. #IAedChat
A7: I am very much interested in classroom management practices that are trauma-responsive in nature. Valuing student voice, choice, commitment, safety, and empathy. Classroom management practices that drive connection and student learning get me excited for the year. #IAedChat
A7: I do not yet have my own classroom so my goal for the next year is to continue observing classroom management skills being used in classrooms today in order to see what works and what doesn't. I want to have several things ready to go for my first year of teaching #IAedchat
A7: In my future class, I hope to implement respect, encouragement, and gratitude. Again, respect is a key aspect in a classroom but also encouraging students to do and be the best while always thanking them for what they do contribute to OUR class. #iaedchat
A5 #IAedChat Anything so public is not the best means to keep up with behavior. If the manner is private, in a folder or something, I get it. Never a huge fan of color charts/clips where the whole class knows how each other is performing. Self-esteem hit!
A7: I am not lucky enough to have my own classroom yet but I want to reach out to more teachers, such as those from #iaedchat, and learn more about it!
Students who have experienced trauma in their life, based on the ACES research. Abuse, neglect, etc. Being trauma-responsive is an empathetic approach that focuses on human connection. #iaedchat
A7: I do want to take charge in having a positive classroom where we build a community of learners. This can be done through plenty of positive interactions :) #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
I do think it’s the T’s job to manage a class. They are the “manager” in the room. However you don’t manage learners, you manage processes and systems. And so maybe it’s time to separate the terms. Learners need cultivating not managing. #iaedchat
In reply to
@townsleyaj, @stumpteacher, @danpbutler
Thank you for joining us & sharing your thoughts on #IAedchat. Whether this was your first time joining us or you've been with us all along, it is always great learning with all of you!
