#mschat Archive
A chat that offers middle school teachers a chance to have a collaborative discussion about a different topic each week. Our topics change from week to week, ranging from Common Core State Standards to Character Education. During the chat, participants exchanges ideas and resources. The chat group ranges in size each week from 10 to 50+ participants. Discussion can be general talking about instructional style or process to specific. Recently members of the chat group help each other create lessons.
Thursday January 14, 2016
Please intro yourselves 2 all. and I are your hosts 2night and as would say we r "jacked" to b here
Welcome everyone to ! The topic for 2night is Proactive Behavioral Strategies. This is part 1 of a two part series.
Travis Principal in Bucks County PA! Ready to roll!
Good Evening ! Mike, Principal from PA, facilitating tonight's chat along with
hello , Michael from columbus ohio - teacher (multi-subject)
Michael how is the week going? Welcome!
Welcome Barbara! We are glad you could join us!
Hello Brian, 6th and 7th grade ELA teacher from Byram, NJ
, My name is Jason Cross and I am from Park City, Utah. Land of snow flakes and big dreams.
Brian, we are glad you could make it this evening!
Ahh actual snow! We just got our 1st dusting two nights ago. Welcome Jason!
Hey Doug, 7th/8th grade SS teacher, from Clifton Springs NY.
Doug welcome to the chat!
Q1 is coming up in one minute.
Jennifer elementary assistant principal, bucks county pa
Tonight's chat is the first, in a two-part series on effective behavior strategies. Tonight we are focused on proactive strategies.
Marvin from Paw Paw, MI in the house. Grade 7 SS.
Glad you could make it Jennifer!
Q1: What type of attitude/mindset do you need to have when supporting student behavior?
We are glad you could make it!
a1: openminded - don't assign motive or blame on the student- make sure not to take their behavior personally
perspective is key. It may not seem like a big problem in your world, but it is a big problem in theirs.
A1) Being positive and direct when discussing student behavior goes a long way. Also not involving emotion.
A1: We're in the people business. You have to be love people and realize that teaching people fulfills our purpose as educators.
A1-Always have the goal in mind of growing Ss. We always think academically but we also need 2 focus behaviorally! Increase the +
A1: Empathy, patience, firm but fair, evaluate "whole child" while maintaining safety/welfare of others. How can we be proactive?
Such a great point, you have to love it even when there are challenges.
Great point! That's why we hire the right "people" first, teachers second. https://t.co/4DBM8iSpzH
A1: We're in the people business. You have to be love people and realize that teaching people fulfills our purpose as educators.
A1: New day, new chance to be better for the Ss. They respect that.
Brain you are so right, we need to keep those in check bc they alter our thinking!
The minute they leave it's a brand new day!
Excellent points Jennifer. We need to be able to empathize with our students' situations and their reality. https://t.co/Cu5FKIbZmm
perspective is key. It may not seem like a big problem in your world, but it is a big problem in theirs.
BOOM! Two key mindsets: 1) Always assume the best. 2) Don't take it personal. https://t.co/O6D9GFPKei
a1: openminded - don't assign motive or blame on the student- make sure not to take their behavior personally
As says, treat everyone well and as if they want to do well.
A1 Start with clarity and consistently. Need to be on same page with expectations and what happens when they are/aren't met
I want them to treat me the same way! I try to be on everyday. Ts are human too. https://t.co/5ZYdsDlR9V
The minute they leave it's a brand new day!
That balance is a big challenge for me Glenn. Hard to know the line of when it's impacting others too much. https://t.co/ZBzlW7wSri
A1: Empathy, patience, firm but fair, evaluate "whole child" while maintaining safety/welfare of others. How can we be proactive?
Clean slate, everyday! New opportunity for greatness and success. https://t.co/u8IXiiVQxw
A1: New day, new chance to be better for the Ss. They respect that.
Many times that is tough for me depending on the Ss the situation and what background may have caused the situation!
Such a positive start to our tonight! Q2 coming up in one minute.
Such a positive start to our tonight! Q2 coming up in one minute.
a1) You have to be patient. Try to fix the problem instead of the symptoms. One fix won't work for all situations. Flexible.
Matthew welcome to chat!!
Q2: What are some preventative strategies teachers can use to support positive student behaviors?
Convos with Ts is important. End of the day it's about all Ss &trying to help the one acting out to correct actions
more to come on this in part two of our conversation in two weeks.
A2-The 3 R's are the perfect receipt for this! Build that relationship first with the Ss. They will be much more open to listen!
Create positive relationships from the start
A2) Building strong student relationships is absolutely key. Treating them like multi-dimensional people builds these relations.
once a Ss is sent to admin office it breaks down Ts/Ss relationship- better ?- how do we work to revamp and move forward?
Lori Hartman In Michigan. A1: working with a S on behavior is just one more educational lesson. Teach it.
A2: Be real. Build relationships. Know who they are.
A2) Review and model expectations everyday. Be clear and consistent.
It's about creating, maintaining, and building!
relationships, relationships, relationships. Students have to know you are on their team.
A2-I write notes to Ss when they walk in. Got this idea from conference. Tell them I'm glad they are here, be awesome b gr8
Right on Jennifer! Everything we do is about relationships. https://t.co/Xk1GohXI8z
relationships, relationships, relationships. Students have to know you are on their team.
A2: Everyone loses when student is sent out of the classroom. Ts must work to keep Ss in room if possible.
You may be the only 1! RT relationships, relationships, relationships. Students have to know you are on their team.
So true, that gives them the escape they were looking for many times!
A2) Stretch at the beginning of class. Ask students what they need to be successful today.
A2 Pretty clear on this one. Need to build relationships and trust
a2: talk to them during lunch - or even better, invite them to eat in the room - let them know they were missed after an absence
A2-Reach out to Ps also of the kids, catch them being awesome not matter how small or big. Highlight them on your school Twitter!
A2-Know their favorite team, sport, activity, hobbies, games, etc
A2 Get out of your office, get into classes, join in lunch and recess, hallway conversations, fist bumps. https://t.co/Ior8lEIrTw
Q2: What are some preventative strategies teachers can use to support positive student behaviors?
Fjnd a S you have difficulty in bonding with. For ten days strait force yourself to spend 2 min. Per day with that S.
A2) Use verbal praise as much as possible. Positive statements should outnumber redirection 100 to 1.
True. Need to be flexible at times, but need to stick to core beliefs
I can tell who my Ss love bc they want to spend lunch with them!
Such a great idea, what a model to follow!
A2) Reward the times students fail. Praise them for their effort and show them a different way to try.
A2: Smile, talk to student on the side and ask what is going on. Help them, help themselves
Speak to students by name. And YES - Fist bumps!
They simply found 1 way not do something!
Q3 coming up in one minute.
A2-Stand where they have to see you and be excited to hear from them! My favorite part of the day is the morning when they come in!
Praising effort makes taking risks safe for students. Great strategy.
a2: Starts with relationships that you built day one... Maintain all year by saying HI asking What's up .... Being Positive
A2-Raise the praise! Be real with Ss they can see right through fake!
Just back from hoops practice... Looks like great stuff happening here in
and build from there : how did try outs go? How was your game this weekend? Did you enjoy the concert?
Glad you could make it coach! I was doing a bit of it at our wrestling match!
Coming to the late.
A2 I agree relationship building is key. Touch base daily with "HI" kids (high impact). https://t.co/TSbuNPcERc
Q2: What are some preventative strategies teachers can use to support positive student behaviors?
Game was good, Won 32-16 ...All good !!
Glad to have you along for the ride Suzanne! I love the high impact!
Q3: How do you “teach” appropriate student behaviors at the middle level?
A3:I become the student and do a little improv. Good behavior and bad behavior. Let them critique.
A3: First Model, then model, Next model and every chance you get model
A3-So many opportunities through formal or informal avenues. Informal-everything I do, the way I walk, talk, interact, compliment!
Todd, you also gotta make sure you model.
A3) Set and model clear expectations from day one. Also, don't "let things go." Make sure they're addressed.
It is always good to role play with students....
a3: model, positively reenforce appropriate behaviors, give reminders when they mess up
So true, you can't have an off minute. I love it! You have to be on 10 for 10, again another quote!
so what you're saying is model. 😂 so true!
A3 Teach appropriate Ss behavior by praising the positive and turning the negative into teachable moments. Role play a "do over".
A3) Also important to model expectations of behavior for group work, discussions, debates, etc...
be real with them. Don't condescend. Model for them what they are capable of.
Always focus on the positives of what they did or a more positive decision
A3 Modeling appropriate behaviors in the classroom. Kudos/shout outs to Ss acting in appropriate ways
A3: Model then spiral back routinely. Use PBIS to reward those behaviors you want to see daily.
Great point! RT be real with them. Don't condescend. Model for them what they are capable of.
A3: we do psa's at the start of year to model/explore how we act and how it impacts others.
A3: Allow students to mess up, don't be hard for every second of the day: Warn first and say " YOU didn't mean to do that did you?"
A3: give reminders not office referrals
A3-We have positive behavior program and the 1st week we go through scenarios and then praise the positive things they do all year!
A3: Force yourself to follow same procedures Ss are asked to follow when appropriate.
Awesome sharing of ideas! Keep them coming. Q4 is up soon.
A3) You DON'T "teach" it by just expecting behavior, and punishing when Ss when they don't meet expectations.
As adults we are often harder on the Ss than we are on ourselves!
Just like we teach social studies we need to teach behavior in all settings!
A3: Make sure the rules are enforceable can't be no passes to bathroom and no talking: Unreal we all have to talk and pee
A3: Can it be a gradual release of responsibility just like teaching new academic skill?
Don't expect S know what appropriate looks like
Q4: What can be done at the start of a lesson to prevent behavior issues during the lesson?
So true Lori! Great connection.
A4-Knowing your audience, planning for the what could not the what should, having fun, making it real to them!
A4 Provide the expectations and don't assume the students will know what to do. Every class is different. https://t.co/KTtZ5DgHwV
Q4: What can be done at the start of a lesson to prevent behavior issues during the lesson?
It goes along way. I had a Ss Mr. Bloom you just need to smile more! She was so right!
Noob here. What the heck is Ss?
A4: movement and song and dance. Keep their attention and they forget to misbehave.
A4) recently suggested giving out jolly ranchers as a sweet reminder to start class off with a positive attitude.
consider engagement. Not attentiveness or compliance. But true engagement. If students are engaged...will behaviors have a place?
Hook 'em with an amazing opener! Then keep their attention by using high interest activities and moving every few minutes.
A4) A strong lesson inherently stops misbehaviors.
They will be to busy having fun learning and buying what you are selling! Great point!
A4: Use all aspects of the learner: Aural, kinesthetic, visual, etc.
have to bow out early to help with bedtime - have a great night, - looking forward to part two (assuming next week?)
Our teachers with the best S relationship & management of behaviors constantly review expectations. https://t.co/e2mHYZ2ILm
A4 Provide the expectations and don't assume the students will know what to do. Every class is different. https://t.co/KTtZ5DgHwV
Q4: What can be done at the start of a lesson to prevent behavior issues during the lesson?
Have a great weekend Michael!
Students...... Ts is short for Teachers.
It's the relationships that have the greatest impact on behaviors.
They like to move it, move it! https://t.co/5qWr26UZQ5
A4: movement and song and dance. Keep their attention and they forget to misbehave.
A4 Try to see what parts of lessons might challenge Ss. Many behavior issues stem from Ss not getting lesson directions/procedures
A4-Teaching behavior is never done bc we constantly change our approach in a lesson and Ss need to know what the expectations are
My first principal suggested the best classroom mngt. plan is a good lesson plan.
A4 Engage the students off the bat. I like to put up a "jolly rancher challenge" question. Less neg. behavior when Ss have a focus.
And if lessons are fun and challenging, Ss will be engaged!
So true, the toughest kids were my favorites, had one write me an awesome letter 2 years ago!
Absolutely! A good lesson is the best classroom management strategy. https://t.co/qq94WL5dKS
A4) A strong lesson inherently stops misbehaviors.
That is so true, never thought of it that way but it is 100% correct!
Without a sense of humor I would have had a heart attack by now Humor is a must in the middle
Without a sense of humor I would have had a heart attack by now Humor is a must in the middle
Two weeks. Next week is a special chat on assessment.
Q5 will be coming right up!
Q5: What strategies do you use to support colleagues in being proactive with their support of positive student behavior?
A5) Talking to colleagues about different students' behavior gives you a great insight into the student throughout the whole day.
Cannot wait for that one!I wonder if will have any thoughts on that topic
A5: Take the time to discuss students and how we deal with them in our class. Offer to be a spot for "trouble" Ss to come in need
A5 We are in this together, so we talk about kids and how we can support them. They are all our kids! https://t.co/bXmfU9UzCT
Q5: What strategies do you use to support colleagues in being proactive with their support of positive student behavior?
A5: Observe how each other handles situation and then ask/give feedback
foster shared ownership if multiple Ts see a student. Encourage them to work together to build a student up. Ss should be the focus
What does that look like in your school and how does that promote proactive approaches?
A5) One of the many benefits of interdisciplinary teams at the middle level is the chance to collaborate on how to support Ss.
Such a great approach but sometimes bc of many reasons never used.
How do you guide the conversations so it is not a sit and bash session?
A5: We have to remind each other that they are YOUNG STUDENTS and not to take our jobs too seriously (Have fun!)
A4: know your stdts, empower stdts and create a climate where everyone feels comfortable taking chances
We must discuss solutions and supports, not discuss/admire the problem.
YES! YES! YES! It is not life or death!
Daily meeting of team teachers where we can share success of what worked and track repeated behaviors thru the day.
A5 Team time offers time to confer colleagues on strategies that do/do not work with Ss
A5-Ask the students how you can better handle the situations!
Must have the right teacher leaders, leading the conversation. Teams can use norms to stay focused on positive supports.
Many Ts fear judgement or being a judge: Needs to change
So difficulty to get the buy in of non-judgemental. Its a judgement free zone!
A5 Shared expectations for the same Ss. Ts work together to be consistent for the kids
Working together for the Ss so important!
A5 Engage in problem solving sessions. It takes a village to raise a child as they say. No teacher should have to go it alone.
So many awesome ideas! Q6 is coming up in one minute.
Q6: How do you involve parents in the proactive, positive behavior strategies implemented in your classroom?
A6: Look for things that struggling Ss do right then praise including Ps.
A6-I would say that is an area we are struggling with in some areas right now. As a Ts I used to send positive messages home 1st!
A6 Go over Expectations and reinforcement system at back 2 school night
A6: Praise publicly, reprimand privately.
A6 Principal chats, open house, face to face, emails, positive calls and notes home. https://t.co/xLibVe9wt6
Q6: How do you involve parents in the proactive, positive behavior strategies implemented in your classroom?
Q6) Post positive pics and stories on Twitter and Facebook to break down the walls of your classroom.
A6-I hope that my kids share the notes I give them! IEP meetings any interaction with Ps to praise their students!
A5: one of the most effective strategies is simply modeling.
A6-Twitter pics, newsletters. Lots of room to grow in this area!
A6: Carefully: Students in charge of own behavior: Publicly praise, privately critic ... More positive calls than others
A6:School wide hold P meetings when implementing a new initiative like PBIS.
A6: Instagram account and web page to keep parents informed of what is going on
Have students create digital newsletters using or another tool. Post to social media. Have challenges for Ps to respond.
A6-We are starting to use Smore, I want them doing weekly updates on our website to highlight the positive things!
Last question of the night, coming up.
Q7: What are some other questions or ideas you would like to share related to proactive behavior strategies?
A6: I like to have Ss tape a video mess. to P for conferences. Facial expressions are priceless!
A6 Make positive calls/emails. Not just when Ss has an issue
A6 Communication is key. Most parents want to be involved, and often they are looking for strategies to use on the home-front too.
How do we build that with more Ps?
A7 We need to make the recognition of positive behaviors more of a priority. Positivity breeds positivity. https://t.co/36WB6diWpp
Q7: What are some other questions or ideas you would like to share related to proactive behavior strategies?
RT: Q7: What are some other questions or ideas you would like to share related to proactive behavior strategies?
A6: I go with the old schl phone call hm. Especial on a Friday! Parents love listening to how well their kid did
Peer to peer link training can be a powerful tool when working with Ss from diverse backgrounds.
A7: Make them pancakes!!! Best balance of cost/incentive. They love it!
So true Jay! As leaders of whatever area we need to show that at all times no matter what is going on!
A7) A system to reward positive behaviors sets the tone for the entire school
A7 every S needs to make a connection with someone. We need to find time to make those connections
Food does wonders for kids! I made popcorn: Fit my lesson and made kids happy
can you simultaneously prevent and support? I'm not sure I understand this.
Kids love to be recognized! I used a stamp w/inner city 9th graders and they lvd knowing they got it for being awsome
A7) I've seen some people have great success in management and motivation through gamifying their classroom.
Parents need to see that we are on the same team and want the best for their child. Reach out to them. https://t.co/v2xFlJlsIg
How do we build that with more Ps?
A7: How do we remind students and refocus them during the long winter months of our expectations? It can be a challenge
The supports do the preventing.
Yes, it is never us versus you! Not in my world! I will got to bat and support any Ss!
I am not sure why that isn't happening more. Kids live that everyday, just look at their phones!
Not letting up ourselves during those months is key!
Good night all, thanks for the twitter chat.
I do a toppings bar if they reward needs to be enhanced. They'll do anything for whip cream and Nutella.
A7 We have monthly assemblies, use movenote presentations for all to see, face to face reminders. https://t.co/CyyJXmCUwO
A7: How do we remind students and refocus them during the long winter months of our expectations? It can be a challenge
YES Gamification has done wonders for some: Talk to and They are experts Oh and read Explore like a pirate
Lots of great chats tonight like !!! Sometimes it's fun just to read, retweet and follow - grow your PLN!
So true Jamie, I try to pick one random chat every other week just to lurk and learn!
Art. Think, Share, and Partner prepare a poster of a key expectation. Decorate the room with them:) https://t.co/KNVrg5W43K
A7: How do we remind students and refocus them during the long winter months of our expectations? It can be a challenge
be a presence. Talk to them. Connect with them. Make it summer inside:)
Join us again in two weeks to discuss REACTIVE strategies to support students. What do we do after the misbehavior?
Be sure to follow all the great educators who participated and shared in tonight's
This is the way you grow your PLN. Such awesome comments from g8t educators tonight. Thank you all for your thoughts and comments!
Learning here is always fabulous! I'm usually asleep at this time, 4:30 wake up. Tonight wide awake! Ha!
Thanks for joining us Jason!
So fun. https://t.co/LOonN4WsUC
This is the way you grow your PLN. Such awesome comments from g8t educators tonight. Thank you all for your thoughts and comments!
My favorite chat of the week!
thanks everyone!!! Enjoy your weekend!!
Great chatting with you all. Back to the Ranger game now, they are leading the Islanders 1-0!
Next week takes over with a great chat about Assessment and Grading
Have a great weekend all!
