Our mission for our 21st century chat is to create a positive 21st century learning environment for our students by sharing resources and ideas that has worked in our classrooms. Join us every Sunday from 8:00-9:00 PM (EST) on Twitter using the hashtag #21stedchat. All are welcome!
Hello Everyone, I wasn't sure I was going to make it tonight. But welcome. Tonight Restoring Hope to our students. Please intro yourselves. #21stedchat
It has been a busy week for me. I hope I can last the hour. Presided over a 3600 attendee conference T-F, Funeral yesterday and a 6 hour RT to return our daughter to college. #21stedchat
I definitely think that standardized testing has reached an all time high and students as well as teachers have reached their limits. The school shooting drills don't make it nay better. #21stedchat
A1: Short answer is yes. But, these things you mention are realities that need to be talked about. Today’s students are tomorrow’s leaders who will continue to tackle these issues. #21stedchat
I think there is a fine line between prepared and scared. I have pulled students out of the hallway during a drill who are scared to death. #21stedchat
A1: We are definitely stressing our students with all of the prep for different tasks, but sadly in our world some the prep is necessary to keep them safe #21stedchat
A1: I personally apologized to my students for all the doom and gloom they have had to face since they entered school. But did reassured them they will make it. Just take it a day at a time. #21stedchat
Over-stressing or not preparing? Testing, terrorism, and tension in schools have been around for years. Are we having conversations with students on how to handle these obstacles is the real question. @jmccarthyeds#21stedchat#edu5720
I think that it's important to not only educate our students academically, but real world issues need to be discussed as well so that they are prepared for them when they arise #21stedchat
A1: There are so many stressors for our students. Our role is to make a safe learning environment and give students the skills around regulation and mental health. #21stedchat
Time with standardized testing alone is an overwhelming factor for students, all other issues added to their reality can only increase that stress. #21stedchat
In our elementary school we have made mindfulness an area of focus. We try to teach the students calming strategies. One of the great ones is https://t.co/gVUuHsZqYT#21stedchat
I almost feel like they are little Santas: "they know when you are sleepy, they know when you're awake, they know when you've been bad or good, so be good for goodness sake..." #21stedchat#somebodyswatchingme
A2: there is a balance between protecting our students and giving them the tools to manage the complexities of the issues affecting our communities. So, to sum up: I have no idea how to do this, ignoring the problem probably isn’t the best solution. #21stedchat
Q3: I do a Motivation Monday each week. What do you do to get your students ready for life? #21stedchat (Motivation Monday gives Ss stories about those who have overcome or life advice.)
Simple conversations with them about handling adverse situations go a long way in preparing them for the real world. We cannot shelter our students from what is going on in the world. #21stedchat#edu5720@jmccarthyeds
We do morning meetings for 10-15 minutes at the beginning of the day to do an activity, discuss any issues from the day before and any problems that they might have had before coming to school. #21stedchat
Q3: One thing I try to do to every day is greet students at the door with a big smile and welcome them class, show them I am happy to see them. I try to ask simple questions specific to what I know about my students to make a good connection early in the day #21stedchat
Training, endurance, change..is usually 💯 pain. Here’s to the educators who, through the challenges, pain, struggle..still continue on in the best interest of children. #21stEdChat#edtechafterdark
A1) Not all in the same category, but it’s most important to listen to kids. Adult stresses (and lesser pet peeves) are not necessarily theirs. #21stedchat
A2) Just that: Help them understand their zone of influence and to focus on that which they do have control. Sometimes it’s more than society had previously dictated, as with the Parkland kids. #21stedchat
Q4: I keep myself motivated and full of hope by always remembering my "WHY"
Why I went into education
Why my students need me
Why I need my students
Why do I get up every morning
#21stedchat
A4. By trying to be the change, reading books, Twitter chats and surrounding myself with positive people that enjoy being in education as much as I do. #21stedchat
A4) My one children, and their friends and peers, keep me full of hope. Don’t listen to the complaints about this generation. Happens every generation. They’re connected to the world and are developing the empathy and wherewithal to change it. #21stedchat
A4: I keep myself motivated by focusing on the positive things, my students, and surrounding myself with positive individuals. I'm fortunate to have a great support team so that helps when collaborating. #21stedchat
A4: Family and Faith come first, but I readily admit that our Ss never cease to amaze me and serve as a constant well of motivation that I draw from on a consistent basis. #21stedchat
A1: Mary from NC joining in late. Yes. I think overall the constant onslaught of testing is the biggest stressor, especially for the most fragile Ss. #21stedchat
Q4b: How many of you exercise, walk, run, get outside. I find just walking outside for a few minutes in the fresh air (not air conditioned) does wonders too. #21stEdChat
@dprindle prayer does work! And I recently started exercising because I want to have a healthier lifestyle and I actually enjoy it.... kind of lol #21stedchat
I used to, but I've let time and circumstance turn me into a workaholic. Did you see that article about the principal who died at her desk. I was so saddened by that news, and I recognize the need for educator self care. Must get on a program. #21stedchat
Q5: I will do what I've always done. I will let my students know that I am here for them no matter what and I genuinely care for them.
Student's don't care what you know until they know that you care
#21stedchat
I try to make every Monday morning a fresh start. No mattter how rough behaviors were last week (VERY) I meet them at the bus with a smile and a hug to welcome them back for the week. #21stedchat
A4) My one children, and their friends and peers, keep me full of hope. Don’t listen to the complaints about this generation. Happens every generation. They’re connected to the world and are developing the empathy and wherewithal to change it. #21stedchat
A5: I sometimes have them share about their weekend highlight, maybe tomorrow I will have them illustrate their highlight as part of the routine and then allow a few to share and have the rest upload their image with description to google classroom #21stedchat
A4b: I agree. When the weather is nice I try to, but I get consumed with work and my own kids that I don't as much. I do have a glass of wine once in a while. #21stedchat
Q6: My takeaways are:
Making sure that I try and do more for me. Continuing to engage myself in chats like this with like minded individuals. This was refreshing! #21stedchat
