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.
It is 8 PM time for the #mschat train to get rolling! Talking about Middle School a Place to Belong and Become with @LaurieBarron and @pckinney Follow them for questions
Pat, an ITRT from northern VA. Helping others utilize tech to change education and student success, ultimately lifelong learning. #dreambig#believebigger#mschat
Melissa, 7th Grade Science teacher, Upstate NY. Attempting to multi-chat in #mschat and #masterychat. I love MS peeps, we are all just a little bit zany!
Had such a great experience researching and writing this book with @pckinney
Thanks Marj Franks for editing and @AMLE for publishing.
https://t.co/Uw4wh9F0ws{FFAFEF98-FFDD-481B-A8B2-80D585CF8FF6}
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A1: Students who belong feel a sense of identification with a group, feel respected, feel safe at school, feel valuable, wanted, and needed, feel connected to others, feel trusted and give trust to others. #mschat
A1: I typically try to look at what kind of relationships they have developed. If a student spends all day in isolation, it shows me that they have not yet found their sense of belonging. As a teacher, I hope that I can be that connection for them! #mschat@KGT_Educator
A1: Students belong when it is where they want to be, Have a sense of pride for the school! Keep it clean! Where the colors with head held high #mschat
A1: I typically try to look at what kind of relationships they have developed. If a student spends all day in isolation, it shows me that they have not yet found their sense of belonging. As a teacher, I hope that I can be that connection for them! #mschat@KGT_Educator
A1: Connections & relationships w/ peers; student voice in the classroom, hallways and/or social spaces; & engagement in school activities. They demonstrate school or class engagement that reveals pride, belonging or ownership. #mschat
A1: They feel like people want them there, and THEY want to be there. Although belonging isn’t exactly synonymous w/ happiness, definitely something I look for too. & special rituals, jokes, etc. like “Calm down potato!” is w/ mine 😉 #mschat
I look for students who have a core set of friends, that have a positive influence on them. If I see students alone, or jumping from group to group, I feel they may need some guidance or help making a positive connection. #mschat
A1: Engagement, laughter, & security. A sense of belonging often derives from a sense of security & comfort. Big factors I strive for when building community with my Ss. #mschat
A1 I think you see it on their faces. They are excited to be there. There are positive interactions between students with their peers and teachers. #mschat
A1: Engagement, laughter, & security. A sense of belonging often derives from a sense of security & comfort. Big factors I strive for when building community with my Ss. #mschat
A1: get to know them. Conversations with each student about what’s going on in their lives or ask about extra curricular activities. Let them know you see them as more than just a letter grade #mschat
A1: Students who belong...have built trust with the adults and kids in your building. When they need something...you are the first to know, because those relationships REALLY matter! #mschat
A1: get to know them. Conversations with each student about what’s going on in their lives or ask about extra curricular activities. Let them know you see them as more than just a letter grade #mschat
Jumping in for a bit! A1-When they feel empowered to help make decisions and develop ideas to continuously improve the school. When they want to make it even better than it is. #mschat
A2: As superintendent, I work closely with building level leaders to help develop opportunities for students to belong. I'm fortunate to work with leaders who make sure school is a place where students belong. Erase anonymity. #mschat
A2: I greet students throughout the day in the hall, I run the debate club, I try to look for students who may not always have someone to talk to and I sit down next to them and ask them about their weekend. I try to make sure my students know I care about them! #mschat
A2: It is my sincere hope that technology gives students a voice and showcase they never thought they had. I look to connect students with tech that aligns to their interests and passions.
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Jumping in for a bit! A1-When they feel empowered to help make decisions and develop ideas to continuously improve the school. When they want to make it even better than it is. #mschat
So important to take the time to get to know kids....this will actually create time for content pacing issues as Ss want to be where they feel valued #mschat
A1-When Ss are actively engaged in classroom discussions through active participation, questioning, collaboration, etc... These are the kids who see a purpose in learning and how their knowledge can extend beyond the classroom walls #mschat
A2: I also feel like it's my job to ensure that Ss are constantly in an environment where they feel safe & secure. Facilitating peer relationships is a big part of this. #mschat
A2: I’m the classroom teacher in a self-contained classroom, so developing our culture/climate & a place of belonging is my responsibility. & I LOVE that part of my job! How we handle academic success/failure, discipline, routines, parents, etc. Even decor! #mschat
A2: My goal with my students is the following - for them to learn something for them to know they are a part of a caring and positive community when they enter my room every day. Positivity and community creates comfort and rapport #mschat
A2: Engage in conversation, listen, share, laugh, question, encourage and empower. Foster a community of care and respect in the classroom. Let Ss know you see them and that their narrative matters. #mschat
A2: my S have a lot of choice in how we set their class up, preferred activities, roles etc. I do what I can to allow them to see it as their space. This semester they asked to form a class ‘council’ to make decisions with reps from classes. Of course I said yes! #mschat
A2-Create opportunities for them to shine. Encourage staff to do the same. Make sure to say yes to the awesome ideas my teachers bring. Provide support to students to empower them in where they want to take our school! #mschat
A2: Making time to tell and listen to humanizing stories. Consistent, authentic relationships are foundational to Ss belonging and therefore their success & learning. #mschat
I always wrestle with this, because I know that sometimes students just want to work alone (I know I did). I try to balance that with some work that they MUST do together and some work that they can complete alone. #mschat
A2: I do my best to take time for individual conversations. Building that relationship is essential, and I want them to feel that they are cared about. I also encourage them to get involved in clubs or sports, and participate in spirit days #mschat
A2 I greet students at the door everyday, and end class by saying "thanks for working so hard, have a great rest of your day" I get to know them, and never try to fake it. MS kiddos can smell fake a mile away. #mschat
A2: As a teacher my role is to encourage relationships and SEL skills, Be there for my kiddos, and spread a positive feeling to ANY student I interact with during the day #mschat
As I have integrated tech into my curriculum more this year, I am amazed by the voices some of my students have that I would not have heard otherwise! #mschat
I agree and I do allow individual work choice many times, but science labs I very rarely have enough materials for that. It is a delicate balance for sure. #mschat
A2: Helping Ss to see the classroom as a shared space where their opinions, ideas, suggestions, concerns, etc. matter and help to determine the content, context and direction of our time together. #mschat
Yes, I make partner and group time brief most of the time. Just a quick check in, discussion, and move on. It shows them that partners aren't permanent, and that we need to be able to work together with anyone! #mschat
A3: Not all students will openly ask for help when they feel they don't belong or have nowhere to connect or to fit in. Ensuring every student is well-known and cared for by at least one adult is critical to helping students belong. #mschat
A2: In my social skills class, we have been having game day where we go into other gen. ed. classes and I feel my Ss are beginning to see that they aren’t just “special ed”, they’re a part of the whole school community. #mschat
A3: Lack of communication between Ts, Ss, parents, admin about what's really going on with a particular S. Easy to get wires crossed & misinformation. #mschat
A3 I find my biggest challenge getting Ss to feel like they belong is when the parents don’t support them. Hard to get them involved when Mom/Dad won’t budge. #mschat
A3: Challenges to belonging are, unfortunately, numerous. Bullying, social clicks, testing pressures pushing out relationship building, etc. Ts have such power to change all of the impacts of these!
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A3: Anxiety (at record levels) creates what @micheleborba calls the Empathy Gap. When we are anxious (self-focused) we have trouble showing kindness to others (belonging-focused). We must help students navigate mental health by teaching the Whole Child. #mschat
A3: despite all best efforts, cliques develop. We’ve been having some issues with divisions. Our P is counteracting with #bekind activities & our counselors are doing stellar work allowing kids to talk and listen #mschat
#mschat A2: Middle School is the place to explore interests. Give students opportunities to explore multiple interests. i.e sports, fine arts, academics, leadership, clubs ect.
A3: I'm a cyber school teacher. I do not get to see my of my Ss face to face all of the time because of their unique circumstances. Getting them to open up and communicate, as well as develop self-advocacy is the biggest thing I see #mschat
A3: I'd say one challenge is stereotyping. Sometimes you are so close to helping a student belong, but then they get in trouble somewhere else because they are labeled as "that" kid, and are not being given a fair shot everywhere to develop a sense of belonging. #mschat
A3 some students bring a lot of baggage and do not trust others so they are resistant to being included because they don’t want to be hurt again. #mschat
A3: You have to establish a trusting relationship of respect. Unfortunately, too many Ss have had Ts or adults in their lives who have failed them in this regard. This might pose a challenge from the onset. #mschat
#mschat A2: Middle School is the place to explore interests. Give students opportunities to explore multiple interests. i.e sports, fine arts, academics, leadership, clubs ect.
A3: Some challenges I’ve faced are students who may not have formed bonds or connections in their life, and aren’t sure how to do that. They become very resistant and begin to withdraw. Pulling back the layers can be tough, but it’s worth it! #mschat
A3: Teacher stress disconnects us from being relational. If our focus is end of the year test scores, we subconsciously reduce kids to numbers and data. We must step back and re-humanize the profession! We are teaching young PEOPLE, not young test-takers. #mschat
A3: My students have been together as one class since kindergarten. This means they’re close, but also know how to get under each other’s skin. Like siblings. They need space sometimes but really can’t get it. #mschat
A3: I'd say one challenge is stereotyping. Sometimes you are so close to helping a student belong, but then they get in trouble somewhere else because they are labeled as "that" kid, and are not being given a fair shot everywhere to develop a sense of belonging. #mschat
A3 I think MS kiddos getting in their own way are some of the biggest challenges we face. They make silly choices, and poor judgement. We have to continually start each day fresh because they are ALWAYS CHANGING!!! #mschat
Saw a quote, “labels are for soup cans, not kids”. So often they know their labels and act according to what they’re known for. Kids deserve acceptance, and need someone to champion for them. #mschat
A3: The faculty must take pride in their school, job & community. They need to feel empowered & maintain a trusted autonomy. If the teachers fail to feel a sense of belonging in the school, how can the Ss be expected to belong? #mschat
A3 Trust. Time has to be dedicated for deliberate SEL. All need to be on board. This communicates the importance of the effort. This and the sanctity of the time spent together gives the kids a safe atmosphere to share. #mschat
A3: They have to see your "WITH" them not against them! Being a ONE year campus this is harder...but def do-able if you invest in building relationships from day one! Our House system has been pivotal with this! #mschat
A3-Sometimes getting the kids to open up with the adults is a challenge. We try to march them up with groups@or individuals but getting them to trust is sometimes a challenge. #mschat
A3 Most years, we don't have too much trouble with exclusionary cliques. Sometimes, though, there is still that kid who doesn't find a close friend for quite a while. Also, we're very small, and quarters are close in February.
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A4: Students who "become" have a necessary base of knowledge, contribute to the well being of the school, learn from correcting mistakes, explore new interests and ideas, express their ideas and opinions, believe in themselves, and cope with peer pressure. #mschat
Absolutely! It’s amazing to see how much they have to offer, and can even surprise themselves. We have to show them there is good in their world, and help them flourish. #mschat
One struggle we face is with the transition of new Ss into our building throughout the school year. Moving into a new school is so difficult for ms Ss. #mschat
A4 I think frequent student self-reflection helps with that - both the observations themselves and the intellectual and emotional growth you can see by looking back in time.
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A3: everyone wants to feel a part of something. Finding your place, who you, who you wish to be, who inspires you, etc. is so comple for kids. Adults have the power to help a student feel loved, a part, encouraged, and empowered. #mschat
A4: When I can see that spark ignite in them. Whether it's a role in a club, a certain subject studied in class, or a role on a sports team, seeing that fire ignite is powerful! #mschat
A4: A sense of resiliency & self-assurance. One of my favorite parts of teaching 8th grade is seeing the "end result" of my Ss incredible growth over the years. #mschat
It is difficult. We try to assign new students a mentor to help them adjust for the first few weeks. Walk through their schedule and sit with at lunch. #mschat
Q4: What established clear expectations do you have for your teachers regarding partnering with families? For what exactly are they held accountable in their work with families? #MEMSPAchat
Yes! Changing and growing. Figuring out who they want to be, aside from what others think. When they say "I don't really care, I like it" That's when you know! #mschat
A3: Staff buy-in that teaching behavior is just as important as teaching content. If we want students to feel belonging, we have to teach them the SKILLS of creating a culture of belonging in their school: Empathy, Compassion, Communication, Grit, Awareness, Etc.. #mschat
A4: I have always cherished the moments when a student reveals their voice, when they find the space in which they feel safe to try something new, to take a risk to grow & share more of their identity #mschat
A4 At my school, we talk a lot about voice and authentic self. So I guess you could also say students become as they identify and/or grow into their unabashedly authentic selves.
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A4: I see students laughing, smiling, and willingly talking with classmates and staff. Students who feel like they belong take time to enjoy where they are, and want to form relationships with those around them. #mschat
A4: Students who are truly inspired and empowered relationally, academically, and extracurricularly. There’s a visible difference in a “becoming” student and one that teachers must fuel the fire of. #mschat
A4: They take chances. They form new relationships. They engage in new ways either in class or in outside activities. They speak up more, share more, question more, reflect more. They push beyond their comfort zone. #mschat
#mschat#mschat A4: "Becoming" a middle school student for me is the genuine connectivity to the school and trusting an adult in the school to talk through issues.
A4 I love this point in the year, because the conversations start to become more adult in nature. They ask me how my weekend was or talk about something cool they know I like. They become young adults right before our eyes. and then I play a song and we dance! #mschat
A4 They become when they think beyond their comfort zone, They reach out to explore, lead, and help. They have built confidence, empathy and pride #mschat
A4: I see students laughing, smiling, and willingly talking with classmates and staff. Students who feel like they belong take time to enjoy where they are, and want to form relationships with those around them. #mschat
A4: Students who "become" start to recognize that school > curriculum. School is relational, experiential, transformational. School is the space where you can develop friendships, ask questions, challenge yourself, and find a pathway to your purpose. #mschat
I couldn’t agree more. I have kids recommending shows and movies to watch on Netflix, and sharing their weekend adventures. And then we laugh, joke, .... and learn of course! #mschat
A5: As superintendent, it's important to listen to students. We host student-led board work sessions to help students help us improve and to help students become confident, use skills learned in an authentic way, share their voice, show leadership, and make an impact. #mschat
A5: Sometimes the best thing Ts can do is truly listen to Ss. Showing true care in listening before responding is powerful. Secondly, I would say belief. Believing in others completely is incredibly empowering!
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A5 Mostly, I help students "become more" in my school by staying out of their way. Conversing with them and helping find their own path forward. And doing my best to ensure respect for each and every child in all their intersectional identities. #mschat
A5: Might sound crazy... but I treat them like the young adults that they are. That means that I have real conversations with them, I challenge them in class, I joke with them, I laugh with them, I trust them, I believe in them. All these things seem to help! #mschat
A5: Might sound crazy... but I treat them like the young adults that they are. That means that I have real conversations with them, I challenge them in class, I joke with them, I laugh with them, I trust them, I believe in them. All these things seem to help! #mschat
It is truly a great area to teach and lead. We are blessed with terrific Ss and a community that supports education. We take student teachers from Messiah on a regular basis #mschat
In reply to
@MrPStrunk, @blocht574, @AMLE, @LaurieBarron, @pckinney
A5 I'm thinking it starts by listening, even when you think you know where they're going, even if you've (actually) heard it before, even if a proposal seems (or actually is) impossible.
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A5 Listen, we use the My Voice survey and follow up with focus groups and then make changes based upon those. Our students feel they have a voice with this. #mschat
A5: Cheering them on, encouraging, and being there. Also, We need to model growing up for our kids. Admit when you're work, encourage questioning, and embrace your own humanity! #mschat
A5: I am exploring #gamificationt this year. Students are in teams. Got to choose their role, customize their character. Are interdependent. And self-motivated. We’re all in this together, but they get to be unique & develop that. #mschat
A5: listening. Hearing where they are and trying to get them where they need to be. Whether it’s extra help outside of the classroom or a listening ear, taking a vested interest in them will allow them to see you’ve bought in to them which can allow them to do the same #mschat
A5: Provide a safe space in which to grow. A space where opinions, beliefs & judgments are critically examined. A space where questions, mistakes, differences and risks are valued. A space where the intersectionalities of identity & experience are celebrated #mschat
A5: By challenging their viewpoints & connecting my content to the world in which they live. Sometimes this means having the tough conversations, but it helps Ss grow & become. #mschat
Sure, and it is always tough when they lose that trust. Those are the moments that I need that car ride home to reflect and figure out what needs to happen next. #mschat
Yes, that core middle school mindset (c.f. @AMLE "This We Believe" for anyone who may not know of it) is fundamental to everything else.
https://t.co/4uOH0URZEQ#mschat
A5: I am exploring #gamificationt this year. Students are in teams. Got to choose their role, customize their character. Are interdependent. And self-motivated. We’re all in this together, but they get to be unique & develop that. #mschat
A5: Teaching them the Power of YET and loving, supporting, and listening to them along the journey! Always BE VISIBLE and PRESENT in the hallways..they need this more than you know! #smilesandfistbumps#mschat
A5 I don't ever talk down to them. If they mess up, we chat and focus on learning from the mistake. If I mess up I admit it and apologize. 180 days can be really short or really long. It matters how you spend those days together. #mschat
A5 I try not to give them the answers to some of their Qs right away—3 Before Me, I say. It drives many Ss crazy but for others this builds independence & pride when they figure things out on their own #mschat
I have to go #mschat I can't wait to read all the tweets tomorrow! Valuable conversation going on here tonight, What is more important than fostering a sense of belonging and becoming!
Seriously THE BEST thing I’ve tried in years. This is the most self-motivated I’ve ever seen a group of kids. It’s a learning curve for me, but well worth it. #mschat
A5 I don't ever talk down to them. If they mess up, we chat and focus on learning from the mistake. If I mess up I admit it and apologize. 180 days can be really short or really long. It matters how you spend those days together. #mschat
A6: Knowing each student's passion, needs, and desires can be challenging. However, to help students "become" to their full potential, we must get to know each student and give that student an opportunity to find success in that area. #mschat
Gotta grab my little from basketball. Thanks for letting me barge in #mschat! What a great chat. How often do you meet? Would love to add you all to my #PLN
A6: Fixed mindsets that say that the student cannot achieve or change. That kind of talk irritates me to know end! I have seen students positively be turned around, but are not given credit by others who just remember who they were in August. We can change, so can Ss! #mschat
A5-I hardly ever say No to Ss who present me with ideas of how to improve the school culture or help others in need. Empowered Ss are more eager to make our school the best place for all stakeholders #mschat
A6: A big challenge to Ss 'becoming' is helping them to connect when school isn't a valued place. We must work to help them find that thing that unleashes not only their talents but their friendship.
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I read Explore Like a Pirate by @mrmatera (& he has tons of resources online). Then I made my own stuff (mission cards, power ups) to fit my curriculum. Now I’m testing out @classcraftgame too—integrates conduct and academic quests in gamified way. #mschat
Always thought I would want to teach AP US or AP Euro when I was in college. I have only taught in MS and cannot imagine teaching anywhere else! #mschat
In reply to
@TeacherRunner42, @misskoplin, @MrsAsztalos
A6 Sometimes, kids come to us so used to everything being controlled by teachers they don't know quite what to do with a school oriented toward genuine student voice. And some of those say they honestly prefer just being told what to do. It takes a while.
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A6 Before and after school activities are tough for students that ride a bus. Trying to find time to include activities into an already full day can be difficult. #mschat
Yes! So many times students are held to previous expectations, but as times goes on they do change and mature. We just have to believe in them! #mschat
A6: Fixed mindsets that say that the student cannot achieve or change. That kind of talk irritates me to know end! I have seen students positively be turned around, but are not given credit by others who just remember who they were in August. We can change, so can Ss! #mschat
A6 Sometimes, kids come to us so used to everything being controlled by teachers they don't know quite what to do with a school oriented toward genuine student voice. And some of those say they honestly prefer just being told what to do. It takes a while.
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A6 Also, we're a grade 7-12 school, and some teachers don't really get the young adolescent way of being. Those of us who truly get and love MS kids are working to help the others learn to at a minimum cope and hopefully more.
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A6: Ss are lulled in many directions as they hear from Ts, Ps, their coaches and peers. Can put pressure on them even if unintentional. We always need to be mindful of what baggage comes to school each day. #mschat
A6 I have a hard time when other teachers do things to derail a students progress. I work hard to get them on the right track, then one uncaring word or action and it's all over. #mschat
A6: Overall, I feel mandates that seem to value test scores over the developmental needs of the whole child, rigid curriculums that fail to focus on SEL of the Ss, teacher disempowerment, stigmas & limited mental health resources w/in schools all pose challenges #mschat
A6 Additionally, although we're making huge strides, we're always working toward doing a better job of genuinely decentering privilege and honouring the full diversity of each and every kid's unique identity (gender, sexuality, race,...)
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A6b: so many voices are put upon our Ss daily. Understandable if they get tired of listening. We need to be sure they’re given time for expression or to just be quiet if they choose. #mschat
A6 Sometimes, too, I think the cultures in which we each live - and, as we're a school with about 35% non-domestic students - place stresses and inhibiting factors on our kids that we have to help them fight. #mschat
A6b: so many voices are put upon our Ss daily. Understandable if they get tired of listening. We need to be sure they’re given time for expression or to just be quiet if they choose. #mschat
There is a reason as to why a kid may be acting a certain way. Showing compassion, and helping them deal with their stress and anxiety will often alleviate those unwanted behaviors, and more importantly make the students happier. #mschat
Love this! It's so important!! We need to give attention to the voices all too often silenced by the status quo in general ed. How will they become if they never feel their story matters? #mschat
A6: Accepting that we care! My kids come from situations where teachers have not cared, pushed them aside, and ignored them. When they come across a teacher or group that cares, it takes a moment to buy in for them. Baby steps are always celebrated! #mschat
A7: I strive to continually find ways to support staff in helping students belong and become. Administrators, teachers, and staff want to help each student. I have to continue to support them in these efforts and find ways to continue to connect with students. #mschat
A6: Mistaking implicit behavioral role-modeling for explicit SEL teaching. We show students how to become through our own actions AND teach them the skills they need to arrive. #mschat
They usually get there with enough love and patience. Sometimes, I just tell them, "You know, my only real goal is that you learn, and that happens best when you feel comfortable. But only you know what that means for you."
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Q7: I will continue to be a voice for students that need a different way. I will always have an open door for Ss and Ts. I will help without looking for anything and I will give trust before it is earned.
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A7: My goal is to prepare PSTs to understand more about adolescent development, grow as reflective practitioners & consider how they can help their own Ss belong & become in school. I want them to see their mission is not to "save" Ss, but to see & empower #mschat
A7: I will try to be a more vocal opponent of fixed mindsets regarding the labeling of students. I will do better and be more intentional about being a champion for ALL my students. #mschat
We have a guest at lunch tomorrow, and I offered my kids the class period off in exchange. They said no, at least not for the read-aloud part. #happydance#mschat
Thanks for another great chat tonight! It was wonderful to see so many thoughtful insights scroll by over the last hour. There are so many caring, driven mid lvl Ts here! You guys are awesome. 😁 #mschat
A7 I think I need to remind myself that some Ss need a lot more support and validation and aren’t quite ready for my high expectations. I need to scaffold and be aware of everyone’s abilities and personalities (on top of everything else I need to do in my day!) #mschat
