#ECEchat Archive
We chat every Tuesday night at 8:30-9:30 pm CST. All are welcome, especially EarlyEd teachers, leaders & experts. Co-founded & moderated by @techwnancy @JessicaCabeen & @VealHeidi
Tuesday October 4, 2016
Greetings tribe! Jessica-Principal of a Kindergarten Center in Austin, MN-The happiest place in Southeast… https://t.co/gAFkg8INgZ
Good evening PLN I am an AP on a bilingual early childhood school in N. TX. Looking forward to the learning tonight.
hi I mike and I work at home running small daycare and i am sahd live in chi suburbs!
Lenayn, principal, northern Illinois
Hey, everyone! Welcome! I'm an ed consultant, keynote speaker, author, and radio host, based in Alexandria VA!
is in a Q/A format with Q1, Q2, etc. Mark responses w/ A1, A2, A3,...etc
Remember to include the hashtag so everyone can follow along.
I wanna know how you make those cool "calling cards," Heidi!
Hi Jessica! I'm really looking forward to tonight's
Hello!! My name is Jana and I teach preschool (Ages 3-4) in a private school in San Diego, Ca
Hey everyone!! I'm Abbi and teach 2nd grade in Iowa!❤️
Jepi EC Coordinator from Texas popping in for a bit
Hello all of my friends! Excited for this topic!
I was wondering same thing
Really excited to hear everyone's thoughts on this topic!
Hello! I teach a grade 2/3 in Canada.
Good morning everyone Rizza here k-3 T from Philippines. Happy World Teachers' Day to all😊
We are so honored to have you guest host tonight 😊 Thank you!! https://t.co/uqpjVlgd4l
Hey, everyone! Welcome! I'm an ed consultant, keynote speaker, author, and radio host, based in Alexandria VA!
Andrea Mitchell, PK/PPCD Consultant at a regional education service center in Texas
Julie Bloss, Principal from Oklahoma. Happy Tuesday everyone! Looking forward to learning with you tonight! 😀
Hello everyone at Sandy- passionate 5th grade teacher and admin intern from Utah- joining in for 1st time- excited to learn w you!
I'm honored to have been asked!
Hi everyone. My name is Cheri and I am a principal of an early childhood campus. Going to toggle between this chat and the debate!
Hello I teach the 3-4 year old class in San Diego. Rookie to twitter chat
it World teacher day today? That awesome
Checking in from Bonham Prekindergarten School located in beautiful San Marcos,Texas.
u look like tom rickets in that picture
Welcome! I think you'll like your first Twitter chat, Elaine!
Hi Jepilyn! So glad you are joining tonight!
Howdy family from Barbara, school counselor in TX and author of eager to talk about whole child w/you!
Multitasking at its finest. :)
K teacher from IA joining in
A1 Educating whole child means to me that focus is on the kiddos not the tests- helping them to grow up to be lovers of learning!
Welcome friend! How've you been???
A1 Whole child education means designing learning that addresses ALL aspects of a child's development, not just academic!
A1: Not only educating for academic purposes, but addressing the physical, mental and spiritual aspects.
What is under the cape, Barbara? : )
Evening ! Lead learner at Florence Roche Elementary School! Also former early ed administrator!
A1 Educating not only academics but also social & emotional part of the child! Ed are the foundation for all other learning.
A1: Whole child means connecting w/them physically, intellectually, emotionally and spiritually to honor ALL of who they are.
A1. Looking at learning opportunities that occur throughout the entire day.
Hopefully a beautiful heart and a WHOLE child that needs and deserves to be noticed, nurtured, connected with, celebrated
A1 that means education that encompasses all the domains of learning from cognitive,affective, psychomotor,inter/intra relatiinship
A1 Whole child means - Learning like we use to in the "old'n days" We had fun in school and loved learning!
A1: Not just focusing on academics. Teaching Ss how to be good citizens, social, and emotional skills.
Hi 😍 your intro image w QR codes no doubt! How'd you make them w the social network logo inside? https://t.co/Mc8N3nOD4j
A1: I think giving them instruction and supporting emotionally. The whole child's needs are dif from school to school
I have been great! Hope all is well!
A1-the whole child-social, emotional, physical, arts, speaking, listening, music, etc.
A1 Considering all aspects of a child's developmental needs & wellbeing
Educating the whole child provides students meaningful opportunities in which they build connections w/in a nurturing environment
to educate them emotionally & academically based on their learning style.
A1 Educating the whole child involves tapping into their emotional and social well being as well as what makes them who they are.
Tell us more of what you mean, Sophia!
Whole child ed means understanding their culture & background, their social emotional needs, their interests, and their challenges.
Hi Barbara! How have you been! I wish we could share dinner again soon!
Hear from in service teachers about how there is a lack of whole child approach
go lol yep you look like Tom in that picture!
A1. Paying attention to all Ss needs, to include health, emotions, & safety. It moves beyond just the academics.
That would be like a dream, Heidi. Things are rocking along in our world. Yours?
Social Emotional skills are very important at this age!
Can you give us an example, Ms. G?
"Lovers of learning" That says it all! https://t.co/TmrkmSnGUU
A1 Educating whole child means to me that focus is on the kiddos not the tests- helping them to grow up to be lovers of learning!
Teachers respect all kinds of learners and learning
A1 Whole child is helping them learn their own potential: academic, social, emotional, physical, cognitive-awareness.
Remember how we played and learned- I think we take that fun out when we assess and measure everything. https://t.co/HhGlY4CIi5
Tell us more of what you mean, Sophia!
More and more all the time, unfortunately, Donna.
A1: Connecting academics with the Ss safety, health, physical, & emotional needs in order to help them be successful
q1 not working about test scores and just letting kids learn through play instead of worrying about scores
Understanding culture of families and building relationships
A1 The whole child has to include the languages that surround him and are part of him. English-only negates that :(
A1: academics balanced with social emotional
I remember...and I agree completely! No joy of learning in assessing & measuring.
If they don't love to learn, it's an ongoing battle! https://t.co/bC2K6OGLAt
"Lovers of learning" That says it all! https://t.co/TmrkmSnGUU
A1 Educating whole child means to me that focus is on the kiddos not the tests- helping them to grow up to be lovers of learning!
Liz. So glad to can join tonight.
Hello . I used qr monkey to make the qr codes with logos 😊
I agree school suposed to be fun! Learning supposed to be fun! https://t.co/ptAHnyvTjl
Remember how we played and learned- I think we take that fun out when we assess and measure everything. https://t.co/HhGlY4CIi5
Tell us more of what you mean, Sophia!
we try really hard at our campus to ensure that student teachers see the whole experience-great point.
Beautifully worded https://t.co/72HGfO9Rjr
A1: Whole child means connecting w/them physically, intellectually, emotionally and spiritually to honor ALL of who they are.
They were born with a love of learning. Unfortunately it too often gets "schooled" out of them!
A1 addressing the cognitive, affective, & PSYCHOMOTOR!!! we forget humans need to move.
A1 Whole child includes her culture, not what you read on a website, but what you learn about her everyday life/family/neighborhood
I see. So some children need more social/emotional support than others.
Yes we do!! And bless you for mentioning it, Justin! : )
A1 the whole child includes social emotional, physical needs, and cognitive
A1: Lrning abt and taking every bit of info that we know about our kids and putting it all together for the success of the whole
Hi Jen! Stoked you are joining tonight! 😎🙌
A1: Looking at the whole child & not just their test scores!
Love it. Multi-learning. I'm with you on ; )
Being "schooled" is one of the saddest unintended consequences of testing culture in the last decade
Yes Justin! Thanks for sharing that critical point tonight! Glad you are here https://t.co/8hLST8wY3w
A1 addressing the cognitive, affective, & PSYCHOMOTOR!!! we forget humans need to move.
We have implemented Ready Bodies Learning Minds with great success along with daily gross motor time!
A2 Our S's experience both fine & gross motor development learning experiences. They also have, less structured, recess daily.
A2 I wish tchrs would learn in college that langauge/math/science never have to be sacrificed for physical - they can be combined!
We must always be IN TUNE with physical development as developmental limitations can become a barrier if not supported & identified
I think "schooled" also applies to what has happened w many teachers- lost the love/art of teaching
I would expect nothing less from a school of yours, Heidi!
A2 tons use dance videos, , and Rock Paper Scissors. Set move it extension for 5/10 min
A2: We have a partnership with our local university with Univ. students coming in to work on physical development with our kids
I haven't heard of that program, Cheri! Will have to look it up.
I always appreciate how you bring cultural awareness to the forefront of our conversations https://t.co/EDTGGZW05X
A1 Whole child includes her culture, not what you read on a website, but what you learn about her everyday life/family/neighborhood
A2 we have recess of course, lots of brain breaks, go noodle, active opportunities when we can
A2: I think there are many ways physical development skills can be incorporated into everyday learning! More hands-on activities
Yes! Throughout the day is how physical activity needs to be implemented, Jessica!
A2. Students beginning in K have daily PE and daily recess. Our PreK Ts do a great job within the classroom.
We like to Move-It, Move-It! We all agree in ; ) https://t.co/oTmw3evMNm
A1 addressing the cognitive, affective, & PSYCHOMOTOR!!! we forget humans need to move.
Thank you! I'll check it out!!!
I believe u mean brain boosts? Does ur brain ever stop? 😜😜😜😜 t
If we don't give attention to physical development, kids tell us by their behaviors.
A2. I've seen a teacher combine physical movement with other skills. ie. Let's hop side to side and count the days of school.
A2 We take brain breaks about every 20 minutes or so! Makes a difference in learning!
good call! I'm totally going to start using that!
A2 Our students attend PE daily for 30 minutes and each song we sing at transition periods involves either GM or FM or both
A2: Through body breaks and physical education.
A2 Provide Movement in your classroom - no one likes to sit in one place. Makes a huge difference physically and Mentally!
We have recess. Try to build in movement throughout class
Such a good point, Scott! Ts too often think they'll lose control of moving kids...but it's the other way around!
A2- We provide PE, creative arts, recess, fine/gross motor & several health programs.Brain breaks r a must & time for the wiggles!
A2: Ss engage in fine & gross motor activities daily in the classroom. We are always moving. They also attend P.E.& recess daily.
A2 GoNoodle, yoga, flexible seating, incorporating movement in any way possible while doing content focus lessons, recess
A2 It's important! Incorporating TPR Total Physical Response as a strategy!
This alone is remarkable! Especially for boys who are better side-by-side when working through conflict. https://t.co/hjKYehYCRJ
A2: We had our Ss paint a peace labyrinth to walk through conflict. Emotional literacy + physicality = a priceless… https://t.co/alW6y3AgsU
A2 95 min blocks req movement from at least 5 pre planned activities!
Anyone know of research confirming use of brain breaks
I like to start my circle time with a song that incorporates movement while we sing.
Aww. That just made my day, Jessica!
A2 Besides daily PE: daily music/mvmt transitions, Friday yoga stretches, morning exer. song, eat w/kids & talk healthy choices
Q3 What examples can you share of using movement or active learning to promote cognitive development? https://t.co/geRsYNWZ3A
Anyone doing the Brain Dance?
I call them Sy"naps". Like the brains synapses!
A2: younger students have more opportunities built in for moving and playing and exlporing...much needed for all kids though
I did my Masters Thesis on TPR! SUPER important and made a huge difference w/teens in my Spanish class.
Yes! what great moves! We also do dance parties at least once a week.
A3 Teaching social skills using songs & actions; providing thoughtfully designed prentend & play expereinces
Really encouraged by the responses I'm seeing here! Recess & PE being taken seriously.
A2 there are so many good yoga picture books these days! I Am Yoga by and comes to mind
shared an awesome study of how the same brain performs 80% better after physical movement! https://t.co/tRvXeUTqV6
Anyone know of research confirming use of brain breaks
I love Go Noodle for this at all elementary grades! https://t.co/zVXiBGu004
A2 We take brain breaks about every 20 minutes or so! Makes a difference in learning!
Educating the whole child is making sure they get an accumulation of experiences: soc, emot, physical, et. al.
We used to (I'm out of class now) do movements for size of letters
Whole brain teaching. Mirror with words!
A3 Leading s's in Brain Boosts that cross the mid-line
& are great sources for movement in the classroom
In Finland they give the Ss a 15-min recess after every 45 mins of instruction! Following what the research tells them works!
A3 Kids move around the room as a team to discuss questions and record their responses before whole group discussion
AWESOME! TPR helps all kiddos...especially ELLs! 😁
A3 When children use whole body nonverbal demonstration, they can communicate w/ friends who speak different languages - win/win!
Jess from MA, sorry I'm late to the party. Excited to read up.
A3: We have a treadmill program at our school which also incorporates activities that cross midline to improve physical & brain dev
A3. SMART and Go Noodle have been great starting points for Ts to build upon.
I am defintely doing this! We have a labyrinth in the Lower School courtyard. I'll maybe paint with water though.
A3: We love to seal the deal on our social skills with ditties and dances, especially the Fligerlied! https://t.co/aqthV4zg3j
anything you can teach indoors, you can teach better outdoors! Take your lessons outside!
Thanks for all the research tips everyone!
A3 a=stand on one foot b=airplane c=squat etc
Love this! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 https://t.co/toMX8VV6tA
In Finland they give the Ss a 15-min recess after every 45 mins of instruction! Following what the research tells them works!
Q3 What examples can you share of using movement or active learning to promote cognitive development? https://t.co/cczFFGmhkd
Neat, take pics and share how it turns out and how your students use it.
Our friend has great lessons that get kids up, moving, collaborating, and having fun while learning
A lot of hand/lap clapping is used when we play "Who took the candy from the Trick-or-treat bag?!" https://t.co/WvRMJxpZvy
Q3 What examples can you share of using movement or active learning to promote cognitive development? https://t.co/geRsYNWZ3A
A3: GoNoodle for fun and role playing and demonstrations for learning. We love readers theater to get kids active while reading
A3 concepts can be taught using movements, numeracy, literacy etc all we need is the commitment to use mov't to its full potential
Q3 it's small but whenever giving directions tried to include a body movment for each step- even if it's counting them on fingers.
What is involved in a treadmill program? Running or walking?
A3 exploring and learning using all senses as research says helps more Ss in retaining and understanding concepts
Thanks for sharing this article, Barbara. I love this story!
Take note friends ; ) Anything recommends is Tha-Bomb! https://t.co/zL5IA25eUX
A2 tons use dance videos, , and Rock Paper Scissors. Set move it extension for 5/10 min
October 18th will be the with facilitating! Please join us :)
Agree! Just ask yourself how do you feel after a gym workout? zumba? biking? running? or a walk?
My pleasure. It gives me recess envy; it's one of my goals for my new school.
Yes! Research shows that the more senses used in the learning process the more we retain!
I love seeing the use of boggy boards in the classroom, what a great idea
treadmill program depends on student needs. Start w walking and build up to running while tossing beanbags cross mid
Great idea. I wonder how many of us could do something similar. https://t.co/Oe7eVgIJRM
A2: We have a partnership with our local university with Univ. students coming in to work on physical development with our kids
Makes my heart sing to read that, Michelle!
Right now, I can't get 's song Cat Party out of my head! LOL
Singing silly songs such as Wadda-li-accha, and ram, sam, sam. I also love Tony Chestnut song for a little older students
A3 One way is copying the 3 count beat with/on our body. "KNEE KNEE ARM CROSS" or "TOES CLAP CLAP"
Q4 What examples can you share of using movement or active learnign to promote social/emotional development? https://t.co/Xf6LVJX3dj
The university students get their "learning experience" too!
I'd call that a Win-
Win ; )
Saw an article recently on why Steve Jobs and other geniuses always went for walks.
A4 Students play games practicing turn taking, sharing skills & friendly, good sportsmanship talk.
has a whole range of music and movement strategies for SEL.
A3 time for play! Allows for natural movement & cognitive development!
Thanks for sharing! You gave me an idea!
A4: workout Wednesdays and dance your way to class
A4 tagging games are Greg. Helping friends tag. Nice to meet u tag. So many diff versions having ss work together
having enough "wiggle" seats for each child would be amazing. Putting it on the wishlist now!
A4: Ts created 'Social Songs' and our Character Counts music.
Believe me, I know. : ( Sooo much research & policymakers just ignore it.
A4 Created small physical activity centers for a tier 2 intervention to incorporate soc.emo. prob. solving w/ little stress.
is Thanks for sharing her ideas w ; ) https://t.co/EYiCPU2tCW
Our friend has great lessons that get kids up, moving, collaborating, and having fun while learning
A4: Our PE coach is encouraging pro-social behavior with superhero badges to create a win-win. https://t.co/Y7HC4tN1V9
I think a little workout Wednesday would be beneficial to us all. Maybe learn a new workout each wednesday?
Yes! I'm a BIG believer in cooperative games/activities so kids can learn how good it feels to be & work together.
A4 cooperative and teamwork games helps Ss develop SEL when they assign roles and resolve conflicts independently
oh my goodness! Maybe I should do this with math facts!!!
OMG, that looks like fun!
A4 the 1st thing we do, the ss have to put on their listening ears, looking eyes, nice hands/feet. We make sound effects along w/it
A4 Playing the noodle game to discuss how our bodies can tighten when we are upset (raw noodle) and how we can calm/loosen them
Those kinds of relaxation activities so important to today's stressed kids, Jana. Also Statues/Rag Dolls.
A4 I agree, play and play-based learning for young kids naturally allows movement as chidlren need it.
Yes, many countries using all of our wonderful research that we ignore. : (
what an amazing use of technology, movement, AND literacy
We are so pumped to partner w & on 10/18 https://t.co/0IPVI8Aux5
October 18th will be the with facilitating! Please join us :)
A4 Ss greet peers in am & pledge to show kindness/respect & at prompt move to greet another peer; breathing/relaxation strategies
A5 in the older grades, the pressure of assessments becomes an issue
Loss of play based curriculum
standardized testing and the need to stay on "topic/schedule" there is no room for messy unorganized learning.
A5 Standardized tests and assessments do not measure Social/ Emotional growth
A5: The perception that we don't have time or are wasting time. Perception being the key word.
They are little mallets I made with styrofoam with an unsharpened pencil stuck inside. https://t.co/dLLh6FQ9gM
silly question, what are they holding?
A5 The "push down" of all the pre-academic skills can become a barrier if we let it.
Sometimes get too focused on "what needs to be done" that Ts forget abt other "parts" of child.
A5- When S come to us, especially PreK, we don't know them. It takes a little time to get to know them and what their needs are.
Unfortunately, that's happening in the younger grades now too.
A5 not an excuse but I could see where time gets cited as an issue
A5: Even in 2nd grade testing becomes the forefront-- so sad! They're still so young! Too much focus on assessment
Did Ss design this? Have wanted to create one on our p-ground. Not sure where to start. (ironic?)
A5: Educating our leaders (school and community) on the necessity and need.
A5 We can turn a barrier into an opportunity though by incorporating what is requird in fun, play, whole-child centric ways.
None that can't be solved if we collaborate to all become better and include our families in the process. https://t.co/jmk5bsUJfr
A4 We practice making our faces and bodies mimic emotions. I.E. Angry: crossed arms, scrunched faced, clenched fist.
I have hope for the STEM/Maker/Design Thinking movements to bring it back!
These days's my 5 year old son is loving Apples and Banana's song. https://t.co/jo4mtBbH9Q https://t.co/rmWyiSwA0U
Singing silly songs such as Wadda-li-accha, and ram, sam, sam. I also love Tony Chestnut song for a little older students
. May be too focused on content and not focused enough on their needs, too - not willing to adjust or adapt
Whitehead:"I lay it down as an educational axiom that you will come to grief as soon as you forget that your pupils have bodies."
Oh that flashes me back. My children LOVED Raffi and Joe Scruggs!
A5: To much focus on assessments or measurable data.
A4 In 3-4 class we are in crunch time due to assessments, report cards, PT conferences, reformat curriculum & school mission/brand
A5 Assessments and time, our assessment takes into account social but not always the emotional side
They sure do! I observed a center once where the kids were not allowed to run even during recess. https://t.co/BpxcrHjeTV
If we don't give attention to physical development, kids tell us by their behaviors.
A5: everyone is in a rush to get Ss reading, writing, problem solving...we forget to stop & say this is a 5 year old
Love them too! I actually worked at the same school with Joe Scrugg's wife! She was our PreK teacher!
A5 the worry about cognitive development over everything. There are 7 dimensions is wellness.
Taking off a little early but thanks for the chat! Have a great week, see you next week
Grrrr. That just ticks me off.
They were there from 8 am-6 pm or so. There was a lot of crying and what looked like "bad" behavior.
A5 In 3-4 class we are in crunch time due to assessments, report cards, PT conferences, reformat curriculum & school mission/brand
A5: still operating in an education system that has not changed in 100 years
Of course it was just that they didn't like having all of their movement and day being controlled. There was no freedom.
. I've heard "all behavior is communication." Kids were communicating but adults didn't seem to be listening.
I feel like I'm experiencing this with my 3 year old kids :(
Mr. Scruggs would come and visit her class from time to time. He was the nicest guy ever.
Because children aren't meant to be structured for so many hours! Sounds like torture. : (
Q6 Go public and help educate others- sometimes people need stories & pics to understand the power of this thinking.
A6 Making the not so fun tasks fun and engaging! If you can prove it works who can argue with you?
A6: Educating the "higher ups" at the importance of whole body teaching. They may not be opposed- they just don't know why it works
. I vacillate between anger and sadness. I did state my opinion at the end of the observation.
A6 Educating & influencing the policy makers who create the federal and state regulations for publicly funded
A6: sometimes we just need to ditch the lesson plan and take it where the kids want to go and Collaborating with other teachers
Knowledge is power. We know SO much more about the brain now, if we're connected, that we simply must share!
A6 Admin, staff, parents, community understanding importance of & advocating for focus on the WHOLE CHILD
. Yes! I have worked with kids and there isn't all of this chaos when they have freedom. Not that kind anyway. Sadly when I
Yes! Be ready to take a turn (or ditch it completely) when necessary.
This is the best! I've tried explaining this to a frustrated parent but they do not believe...
But we have so much proof already & decision makers don't seem to care!
.explained that there is another way of doing things. They just said that they try to train teachers, but then they quit.
These educators give me hope!
A6 letting all the stakeholders, admins, Ps & Ts buy in into the thought of educating the whole child not just the academics
A6: educate policy makers, school committee members on child development, and present hard facts abt rise in anxious kids
But can they give me a good reason to change my instruction if it's working my way?
A risk taker! https://t.co/tbU5xznWL1
A6: sometimes we just need to ditch the lesson plan and take it where the kids want to go and Collaborating with other teachers
A6: Until lawmakers understand the importance, we as educators must connect the curriculum with real world & allow Ss to create,
A6 Having our political system and media outlets promote "the whole child" and share research backing up its benefits.
I would hope not! But I've become pretty cynical about such things. : (
I've been in front of the school board a couple of times justifying my teaching. ALL WORTH IT!
Thank you for joining tonight. Remember to follow the awesome friends that you connected with tonight!
A6 invite admin or visitors to join in! They'll feel great after a brain break too, then draw the connection/research in later!
Mostly bc they were not taught or "schooled" that way.
Thx for joining Tara. You helped make the conversation great.
Yup. Every email I send to my staff has an image attached.
Be on the lookout for the archive of tonight's chat. Thanks again for joining You all made it terrific!
Join next Tuesday, 10/11 to discuss Breaking Down Walls & Building Bridges in Education w/ special guest h… https://t.co/6X6sfTJtjm
A6 Educating the P's about the WC, schl is more than just academics, often I have parents asking if there 3 yr old will be reading
A pic of something from a classroom? I love that idea.
Hope and Good teaching is what keeps us going!
