#ALedchat is a weekly chat on Twitter about education topics. It is held each Monday from 9-10pmCST. While the discussion on #ALedchat continues on Twitter well beyond our weekly one-hour chat session, this platform affords us the opportunity to extend, expand and share the conversation with an even greater audience. Educators from across the state of Alabama, and the world, can come here to find encouragement, support, resources, professional growth opportunities and advice, while providing the same to their colleagues.
Hello #ALedchat! Dr. Matt Kiser, principal of @EdgewoodElem in the @HomewoodSchools , adjunct professor, co-moderator of #ALedchat. My favorite Christmas carol is Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer :)😀😀
A1: The halls at HES are filled with children’s art, music is playing in classrooms and I will be doing a Christmas craft soon with @jhall_jayme’s awesome class! #FavTimeOfTheYear#aledchat
Tons of student-produced work that has a holiday focus. We are always trying to make our school inviting and fun for students, teachers, and parents. Our faculty/staff do so much to make this a reality @EdgewoodElem#eesbestme#ALedchat
A1: We have an angel tree to help Ss that need Christmas @Winterboro_High also Holiday Cheer can be heard playing in the band room. Many teachers have fires built playing holiday tunes on their smart boards. #aledchat
A1: We have put up decorations and our teachers are participating in the 12 Days before Christmas Break where they bring the season to life with Jeans as the perk! Our Christmas Program practice is also Cheering Us Up! #ALedchat
A1: I am working to help our staff be mindful about the joyfulness that comes with learning. I’ve got some joyful surprises in store for staff and students in these next few weeks to brighten their days. #ALEdChat
A1: We are having a STEM parade. Each class is designing their own parade float. I can't wait! We're also having a Polar Express Pajama Day, Holiday Party's, and a Marketplace where 5th graders are selling crafts they make and learn about entrepreneurship. #aledchat
A1: We are making Christmas crafts and holiday themed writing assignments to display in the hallways. Our classroom elf showed up today with an elf baby and we are practicing daily for our Christmas play. I'm singing Christmas carols all day, everyday now!#ALedchat
A2: For so many of our students, the classroom is one of the only safe happy places they have and simply lending an ear to our students to be truly heard is the easiest way to bring joy. #ALedchat
A2: Bell to bell- it is all about relationships! Visited so many classrooms today where the relationship was still at the forefront in December #exceptional#aledchat
A2- some of our students don’t get structure and warmth at home. If we provide a safe learning environment with lovingly enforced rules and show kids love even when we have to correct, they will be happy #aledchat
A1: We are having a STEM parade. Each class is designing their own parade float. I can't wait! We're also having a Polar Express Pajama Day, Holiday Party's, and a Marketplace where 5th graders are selling crafts they make and learn about entrepreneurship. #aledchat
A2: For so many of our students, the classroom is one of the only safe happy places they have and simply lending an ear to our students to be truly heard is the easiest way to bring joy. #ALedchat
A2: For some, school is the happiest place in their lives! We can make the hours we have our students fun and festive. It can give them hope and joy! #aledchat
A2: This is always in season! It is important to foster a classroom culture/community where all students feel as though they are a vital part of the whole; they are valued, respected, needed, and wanted. Ts and Admin set the tone for this! #ALedchat
A1: Jessica Chandler, 1st grade teacher from Texas. Our school’s halls look like they fell out of the pages of a Gingerbread Man story and a Whoville scene of Dr. Seuss’ making. #ALedchat
A2: For so many of our students, the classroom is one of the only safe happy places they have and simply lending an ear to our students to be truly heard is the easiest way to bring joy. #ALedchat
A2: This is always in season! It is important to foster a classroom culture/community where all students feel as though they are a vital part of the whole; they are valued, respected, needed, and wanted. Ts and Admin set the tone for this! #ALedchat
A2: Teachers preparation is key during this time as the students will begin to have the holiday happy feet not being able to remain in their seat! Instruction must be very INTENTIONAL at this time of the year! #ALedchat
A2: For some, school is the happiest place in their lives! We can make the hours we have our students fun and festive. It can give them hope and joy! #aledchat
A1: Jessica Chandler, 1st grade teacher from Texas. Our school’s halls look like they fell out of the pages of a Gingerbread Man story and a Whoville scene of Dr. Seuss’ making. #ALedchat
A2: For so many of our students, the classroom is one of the only safe happy places they have and simply lending an ear to our students to be truly heard is the easiest way to bring joy. #ALedchat
A2: Too many educators misinterpret Bell to Bell for teacher-led. In the New Year, we should strive for student voice, collaboration, contribution, creativity, critical thinking, assessment, reflection, accountable talk, & blended learning (Bell to Bell) #ALedchat
A2- some of our students don’t get structure and warmth at home. If we provide a safe learning environment with lovingly enforced rules and show kids love even when we have to correct, they will be happy #aledchat
A2: Teachers preparation is key during this time as the students will begin to have the holiday happy feet not being able to remain in their seat! Instruction must be very INTENTIONAL at this time of the year! #ALedchat
A2: Lift each other up. Take time and be mindful about what we’re saying and doing. Remember that every kid is a good kid and every parent is trusting us with their most prized person. #ALedchat
A2: Bell to bell- it is all about relationships! Visited so many classrooms today where the relationship was still at the forefront in December #exceptional#aledchat
A2: Too many educators misinterpret Bell to Bell for teacher-led. In the New Year, we should strive for student voice, collaboration, contribution, creativity, critical thinking, assessment, reflection, accountable talk, & blended learning (Bell to Bell) #ALedchat
A2: Character Education can be easily implemented at this time of the year! The art of it being better to give than to receive is a crucial lesson! We must teach them that they can bring joy to themselves by first helping others! #ALedchat
A2: Lift each other up. Take time and be mindful about what we’re saying and doing. Remember that every kid is a good kid and every parent is trusting us with their most prized person. #ALedchat
Great point; Bell-to-Bell isn't an action, its a philosophy. It requires the maximized effort of all parties to efficiently use all time allocated. Powerful #ALedchat
A2: Too many educators misinterpret Bell to Bell for teacher-led. In the New Year, we should strive for student voice, collaboration, contribution, creativity, critical thinking, assessment, reflection, accountable talk, & blended learning (Bell to Bell) #ALedchat
A2: When we say that we want the best for our students and it includes happiness for our Ss & their having the best teacher... special things happen! #ALedchat
A2: Character Education can be easily implemented at this time of the year! The art of it being better to give than to receive is a crucial lesson! We must teach them that they can bring joy to themselves by first helping others! #ALedchat
A3: We had a very successful coat and glove drive spearheaded by @9garrett3 - We saw many students with the articles of clothing today! #exceptional#aledchat
Q3: Let me count the ways: snack bags sent home every weekend, a closet of clothes at school for struggling students, the tree of joy that provides Christmas for students whose families are in financial stress, plus teachers wiling to give #ALedchat#exceptional
A3: We do Christmas Bucs and collect donations from clubs to sponsor students at our school to help with those needs. Counselors help with identifying Ss & needs. #ALedchat
A3) not sure this question applies for me in @StPeteFL 😉 but warmth can be provided by the way a student (and parents) are welcomed every day #ALEdChat
Our teachers are doing the spiral review outside! The students must focus first and earn the opportunity to play later! We practice the 3R’s: Rigor, Relevance and Recess!!! #aledchat
I want my class to be “sans bell.” I want my class to be awesome enough that they think about all the cool stuff we do even when they go home. #ALedchat
A3: We did a coat drive recently because we have an amazing counselor as well as food for home with the help of Alabama Food Solutions! #aledchat Thanks for all you do @9garrett3
Q3: Through relationships and purposeful observations we can support Ss and meet their needs. We have a clothing closet, weekend food ministry and caring teachers who go the extra mile to provide for all Ss. #EveryOneMattersEveryDay#aledchat
Shauna H checking in... A2) the classroom should bring happiness and joy year round. The adult in the room is the one who sets that tone or takes it away. #ALedchat
A3: We have a Backpack Buddies program that sends bags of food home with Ss in need every Friday. Many teachers provide for Ss all throughout the year from their own pocket. We have members of the community that will call our school to see how they help. #Aledchat#blessed
True; I bet none of those admin are on here tonight learning how to be the best they can for Ts and Ss; This PLN is awesome because it helps guys like me understand how to take school culture to a whole new level #ALedchat
I want my class to be “sans bell.” I want my class to be awesome enough that they think about all the cool stuff we do even when they go home. #ALedchat
True, early in my career, I often got fooled by the busy teacher thinking that was good instruction. Now I know, rigor doesn’t equate to volume! #AledChat
True; I bet none of those admin are on here tonight learning how to be the best they can for Ts and Ss; This PLN is awesome because it helps guys like me understand how to take school culture to a whole new level #ALedchat
A3: Food Bank, Clothing, Health Clinic, Books, etc. one school sent a turkey home with every family at Thanksgiving. Several business and community partners support @FayPublicEdFoun@fayar#ALedchat
Powerful.....I am always so glad to see the empathy of students for their peers. It is one of the most powerful experiences educators can have. #ALedchat
A3: We have a Backpack Buddies program that sends bags of food home with Ss in need every Friday. Many teachers provide for Ss all throughout the year from their own pocket. We have members of the community that will call our school to see how they help. #Aledchat#blessed
A3: We have a program called Backpack Buddies where we send home food with students who are in need! Also have a school store where they can use behavioral bucks to purchase gifts for family members! #ALedchat
Great point. Teachers in general try to meet principals' expectations. We need to add the word learning after bell-to-bell. #belltobelllearning#ALedchat
A3: We have an Angel Tree -- allows members of the community to buy presents and clothes for students in need, we also have saff donate jackets to help students warm in the cold, on top of all that, Alabama Food Solutions we send our students home with food for the weekend.
A3: Annual sock, blanket, glove drive for local homeless. We have tons of donations. We also do weekly backpack buddies provided by a local faith organization. We are so blessed to have a wonderful community that cares deeply about others. #ALedchat
A3: We have a program called Backpack Buddies where we send home food with students who are in need! Also have a school store where they can use behavioral bucks to purchase gifts for family members! #ALedchat
12 Days of Christmas…
Q4: You have (appr) 12 days of school left before Christmas. What will you commit to doing for the next 12 days to make a difference or spread cheer?
#ALedchat
12 Days of Christmas…
Q4: You have (appr) 12 days of school left before Christmas. What will you commit to doing for the next 12 days to make a difference or spread cheer?
#ALedchat
A4- I will tell my kids I love them every day, I will find a way to take something off of my teachers, I will search out that sad kid and make sure they know they can talk to me! #aledchat
A4: Wow! Time flies when you are having fun. I am planning on being more intentional about validation and affirmation as our time draws to a close. I am interested in providing my folks with the stuff that money cannot buy this season #ALedchat
12 Days of Christmas…
Q4: You have (appr) 12 days of school left before Christmas. What will you commit to doing for the next 12 days to make a difference or spread cheer?
#ALedchat
12 Days of Christmas…
Q4: You have (appr) 12 days of school left before Christmas. What will you commit to doing for the next 12 days to make a difference or spread cheer?
#ALedchat
A4: Start each day fresh with a JOYful attitude. Model the spirit of Christmas for my Ss and enjoy the wonder of it through my 1st graders eyes. It is a precious sight. #Aledchat
True; I bet none of those admin are on here tonight learning how to be the best they can for Ts and Ss; This PLN is awesome because it helps guys like me understand how to take school culture to a whole new level #ALedchat
A4: It is my priority to be intentional about noticing and celebrating students. No gifts or treats, just smiles and kind words. It is the simple things- and hugs, lost of hugs at HES! #aledchat
A4: We have 9 days left! I am committed to carving out time for teachers to reflect and plan for the next semester so they do not have to do as much over the break! #theyneedabreaktoo#aledchat
It is not only the FASTEST chat on @Twitter each week; it is one of the most meaningful. Each week the pros on this chat fill their tank so that they can go the extra mile for the folks they serve. We are so glad you are with us tonight @csmthittle#ALedchat
This just came through my email as a parent of a student in @my_pcs#Florida thought it was apropos to the topic and an interesting way to encourage giving this holiday season #ALEdChat
I Want a Hippopotamus
For Christmas…
Q5: While some are showered with extravagant gifts, others wish for food, shelter, and such. How do you encourage kindness, compassion, empathy, and generosity during the holidays?
#ALedchat
A4: I plan to enjoy time with students and teachers reflecting on the semester and develop our second semester goals with our Ts and student leaders. #aledchat
12 Days of Christmas…
Q4: You have (appr) 12 days of school left before Christmas. What will you commit to doing for the next 12 days to make a difference or spread cheer?
#ALedchat
This just came through my email as a parent of a student in @my_pcs#Florida thought it was apropos to the topic and an interesting way to encourage giving this holiday season #ALEdChat
A4- I will tell my kids I love them every day, I will find a way to take something off of my teachers, I will search out that sad kid and make sure they know they can talk to me! #aledchat
A5: Make sure you are modeling to Ss kindness, compassion, empathy, and generosity. I do, you do, we do. Also, encourage the golden rule. #ALedchat#exceptional
I Want a Hippopotamus
For Christmas…
Q5: While some are showered with extravagant gifts, others wish for food, shelter, and such. How do you encourage kindness, compassion, empathy, and generosity during the holidays?
#ALedchat
A5: This is a great question....I would like to think that we foster an atmosphere and culture that celebrates the non-material; where each of us have and want for different, but one that celebrates differences and understand that our diversity makes us great #ALedchat
I Want a Hippopotamus
For Christmas…
Q5: While some are showered with extravagant gifts, others wish for food, shelter, and such. How do you encourage kindness, compassion, empathy, and generosity during the holidays?
#ALedchat
A5: I think we get overwhelmed with trying to be everything for everyone. Pick one student who you can help and make their holiday special. Gifts are great, but find out what would really make their holiday special and make it happen. #TheyWillNeverForget#aledchat
A3: We have a pantry that is accessible to all students at our high school. Various items (hygiene, food, etc.) that are free to whomever with no questions asked and no one overseeing the pantry except to restock or add items. #ALedchat
so many children go without a reliable nutritious meal at home I worry about them over the holidays, we have a program that can serve meals during breaks #aledchat
I Want a Hippopotamus
For Christmas…
Q5: While some are showered with extravagant gifts, others wish for food, shelter, and such. How do you encourage kindness, compassion, empathy, and generosity during the holidays?
#ALedchat
A5- we do a toys for tots and several holiday service projects. I also do a #pantherlaunch every day on twitter and explain it on announcements. It’s always uplifting and/or something about the goodness of mankind #aledchat
A4: I have committed to being GIVING as @srburns0124 has created a culture building activity for the staff! Be on the lookout for Ugly sweaters, jewelry and more..... Principal Scrooge be gone! #aledchat
This just came through my email as a parent of a student in @my_pcs#Florida thought it was apropos to the topic and an interesting way to encourage giving this holiday season #ALEdChat
A5- we do a toys for tots and several holiday service projects. I also do a #pantherlaunch every day on twitter and explain it on announcements. It’s always uplifting and/or something about the goodness of mankind #aledchat
so many children go without a reliable nutritious meal at home I worry about them over the holidays, we have a program that can serve meals during breaks #aledchat
I Want a Hippopotamus
For Christmas…
Q5: While some are showered with extravagant gifts, others wish for food, shelter, and such. How do you encourage kindness, compassion, empathy, and generosity during the holidays?
#ALedchat
A3: We have a pantry that is accessible to all students at our high school. Various items (hygiene, food, etc.) that are free to whomever with no questions asked and no one overseeing the pantry except to restock or add items. #ALedchat
A5: I think we get overwhelmed with trying to be everything for everyone. Pick one student who you can help and make their holiday special. Gifts are great, but find out what would really make their holiday special and make it happen. #TheyWillNeverForget#aledchat
A5: Several schools in the United States emphasize Christmas. Some families celebrate other holidays and some choose not to celebrate. Public schools should respect the diverse views of students and families, not the dominant culture. #ALedchat
A5: I plan to take a deep breath and just observe. As an AP unfortunately we are constantly looking for the behaviors to correct when maybe we should take a moment and reward the behaviors that are spreading holiday cheer. #aledchat
I Want a Hippopotamus
For Christmas…
Q5: While some are showered with extravagant gifts, others wish for food, shelter, and such. How do you encourage kindness, compassion, empathy, and generosity during the holidays?
#ALedchat
A5: Showing them love and compassion during this time is key! Let them know that we all have something to be thankful for and having them to create something from their hearts to give to their parents is vital! #aledchat
A3: We have a pantry that is accessible to all students at our high school. Various items (hygiene, food, etc.) that are free to whomever with no questions asked and no one overseeing the pantry except to restock or add items. #ALedchat
A6: Our secret santa and dress up days are fun! We also try to have a meal together before we leave for the break! It is a great time to laugh and have fun together! #aledchat
A6: We do secret Santas, faculty dress up days the last week, and we all enjoy a lunch together the last day before we go home for break. Lots of great ways to keep up spirits when students get antsy! #ALedchat#exceptional
A5: There is a huge disconnect with students given the amount of non-social interaction that occurs via "social - media". I try to help S's see things fro the other perspective - learning to love another even if you disagree with them, this is what I want to instill in my S's.
A6: By giving them some extra time to themselves to plan, create, declutter or merely go HOME! Time is the greatest gift that one can never have enough of! #ALedchat
Yes! I think back on all of the opportunities I wasted when I was in the classroom; chances to make someone feel important, valued, trusted, needed, smart, unique, special, part of the whole. I have come to understand the importance of these things since #ALedchat
A6: We do secret santa festivities during finals week as well as teacher dress up days. Nothing is better than time together celebrating the season. #aledchat
A6: I throw parties! 🎅🏻🎁🎄 I invited all HCS Ts and staff to my house for a Jingle Mingle and took leadership team to our lake house for dinner tonight. Celebrate the awesome people you work with! 🎉 #aledchat
A5: There is a huge disconnect with students given the amount of non-social interaction that occurs via "social - media". I try to help S's see things fro the other perspective - learning to love another even if you disagree with them, this is what I want to instill in my S's.
A6: We get Monday motivations from @Cbice_1 on our mailboxes all year and they serve to encourage us, make us laugh, and help us to keep our focus. #Aledchat
A3: Full Tummy Project organized by our school counselor. Warm coats offered by our school nurse. Local community churches organizing gifts for our students in need. #aledchat
We have a holiday faculty/staff lunch together (300 ppl). Our principal provides ham & turkey, everyone else brings covered dish. #familystyle#ALedchat
It’s a foundational piece that I keep building upon each day! We must take the time to build them up to be productive/positive people! The world has enough negative naysayers to last a lifetime! Character Education changes the narrative! #aledchat
It’s a foundational piece that I keep building upon each day! We must take the time to build them up to be productive/positive people! The world has enough negative naysayers to last a lifetime! Character Education changes the narrative! #aledchat
A6: I throw parties! 🎅🏻🎁🎄 I invited all HCS Ts and staff to my house for a Jingle Mingle and took leadership team to our lake house for dinner tonight. Celebrate the awesome people you work with! 🎉 #aledchat
A6) #ALedchat we get to work with children! Who better to remind us to be jolly this time of year?! Remind them how lucky we are. If we pause and watch, we won’t be able to help but smile.
A6) #ALedchat we get to work with children! Who better to remind us to be jolly this time of year?! Remind them how lucky we are. If we pause and watch, we won’t be able to help but smile.
A5: This is a social skill that has to be taught for some. Ss earn tally marks for participation, following directions, & acts of kindness. 8 tally marks=treasure box. Positive reinforcement. #ALedchat
I Want a Hippopotamus
For Christmas…
Q5: While some are showered with extravagant gifts, others wish for food, shelter, and such. How do you encourage kindness, compassion, empathy, and generosity during the holidays?
#ALedchat
A7: Decompress, disconnect, spend time with my boys, pet the cat, eat late breakfast, wear old, comfortable clothes, watch movies, just be...... #ALedchat
A7: First Five days of the break I practice taking 5 which means doing NOTHING pertaining to school! This gives me time to focus on Family, Friends and Fun! #ALedchat
A7: Spending some quality time with family, watching Christmas movies, baking cookies together to hand out to the elderly in our neighborhood, playing games with family, and hopefully some SLEEP. #aledchat
A7: I am taking some vacation days and going to try to get some rest. Spending time with family and friends always rejuvenates me. A clean house does too! #OrganizationIsLikeASpaDay#aledchat
A7: Spend time with family & friends. Hopefully this terrible cough will be gone & I can exercise. I plan to read a few good books & update my personal blog. #ALedchat
A7: Spending some quality time with family, watching Christmas movies, baking cookies together to hand out to the elderly in our neighborhood, playing games with family, and hopefully some SLEEP. #aledchat
FA: All I want for Christmas is for our faculty, staff, students, and community to understand the importance of human connection by spending time with those we love doing what we love. #ALedchat Oh, and an Xbox 1x..... :)
A6: Today it was reindeer chow.
But honestly, just smile often, love one another, lend a helping hand, and don't judge each other. Be a family. #ALedchat
FA: Plenty of rest so that one of the most important muscles in our body can grow! I want them to come back to me with BRAIN GAINS so our second semester can be our best SEMESTER! #ALedchat
FA: All I want for Christmas... is for each and every student @Winterboro_High to know how much they are cared for even if they don't think they are! #exceptional#ALedchat
