This twitter chat stands for "Wins And Losses Ed Chat" and will be a chat where students reflect on the previous week to celebrate victories and reflect on losses to turn them into victories.
Intros: Welcome to #waledchat! Please introduce yourself, where you are from, your role in education, and tell what is your favorite holiday treat! #waledchat
Hey all! Phil from Northern Virginia. I teach 6/7 US History I&II and am the founder of #waledchat. Thank you all for coming tonight. I love the 20+ different kinds of Christmas cookies that @LBStrunk, her mom, and nana make!
My name is Aaron Hemingway. I am a special education teacher that teaches students with moderate to severe developmental disabilities. My favorite holiday treat is my wife’s orange marmalade rolls! Can’t wait until Christmas!! #waledchat
Hi Everyone! Deanna from DE; English T grades 10-12. My favorite holiday treat is making white chocolate bark with pistachios and dried cranberries with my son. I don't eat it, 'cause keto, but he loves it. #waledchat
Hi all! I’m Heidi and I teach French in VA. I love my Grandma’s Happy Day cookies ( cut out cookie that’s frosted and decorated with holiday sprinkles or sugar). #waledchat
Katie, 6th grade reading & ELA, IN. Favorite holiday treats definitely include my sister in law @VCS_tc_Kate’s cookies and anything my mom makes. #waledchat
Hello #waledchat friends! Christine, gr 2 ele tchr to the cutest, kindest, spiciest littles 😊 ... holiday treat ~ carrot 🥕 cake with TONS of frosting ~ the real stuff!
Avery Mullen, representing "THE" City University of New York, Academic Affairs Director and Professor of CompSci and management engineering 👋🏾👋🏾👋🏾 #waledchat
Hi all Sharon now in Hong Kong as an Aussie expat - passionate educator hoping to move into further research in 2019 - as we celebrate a summer Christmas can't go past a pavlova for desserts #waledchat
Intros: Welcome to #waledchat! Please introduce yourself, where you are from, your role in education, and tell what is your favorite holiday treat! #waledchat
A1: I try to keep a positive mindset at school. Ss commented on the class climate survey I gave them that they like how I am always so positive. #waledchat
Peter “B-DAWG” Boland here after a field trip to see Hamilton - it is everything it’s cracked up to be & more!!! I love moist brownies & cheesecake!!! #waledchat
A1: I never frown.
Okay - that's an exaggeration. Slight. I do smile though - practically all the time. I . love connecting with Ss when they walk in every morning.
#waledchat
A1: Greeting every student with a high five or hug along with a smile and kind words. Making my Ts laugh first thing in the morning through personal connections. #waledchat
A1 - I try to greet every student and staff member that I see. Salutations are the easiest way to make an immediate, positive connection. Costs nothing, with a great benefit. #waledchat
A1: Just welcoming Ss at the door, passing out candy at random times, and being genuine when asking about their lives or something they have shared. They have to know we care! #waledchat
I saw an ad for Taco Bell in the middle of the stream and legit thought somebody was saying Taco Bell was their favorite holiday treat. Haha gotta love Taco Bell! #waledchat
A1- I am always a little extra at school as my kids would say. In the halls talking to kids non stop. Try to talk to every kid I see throughout the day. At my door for class. Pretty much a school hype man ha #waledchat
A1: I welcome each student as they come in the room and ask how they’re doing or how their day has been. If I have time we’ll chit chat for a couple minutes before getting started on curriculum. I find it helps make me approachable. #waledchat
A1: In the morning, I greet my students with a smile and a high five as they walk into my classroom. They know the routine, and they started to want a high five even when they walk back from specials, lunch, etc. #waledchat
A1: A friendly smile goes the extra mile! Kids love that I'm calm and friendly and that I smile a lot. I say hello to everyone, give high fives, and hugs are free for the taking. #waledchat
A1: B-DAWG brand greeting cards - Birthday, congrats, welcome back, & “Ruff Day” - made on power point, easy to copy & fold. Given with candy... #waledchat
A1- I tried to keep my candy jar full of chocolates and fridge full of drinks for those who need a treat. It helps me get visitors because people don't always like to visit the asst. sup....although the best way is smiling and saying hello using names #waledchat
A1 I welcome Ts and Ss by name, with a smile each day! I ask about their lives, interests, events of the morning, etc. I give fist bumps, high fives, hugs, and lots of laughs #waledchat
A1 I hold conversations with all of my babies in my class and those throughout the school, take a genuine interest in their lives and stories, and I make it a point to meet them where they are and help them continue to move forward. #waledchat
A1: It sounds obvious, but eye contact, a warm greeting, and actually addressing EVERYONE I pass, whether my student or not, hopefully helps start the day the right way. #waledchat
Intros: Welcome to #waledchat! Please introduce yourself, where you are from, your role in education, and tell what is your favorite holiday treat! #waledchat
A1: I intentionally try to have a moment of genuine connection with each student at least once throughout the semester. I track this because if I didn't I would miss some students. #waledchat
A1 Working across school communities-the best way I always found was being at the "Drop off & pick up" zone to open doors for children & say hello/goodbye to families & go into staffroom & visit classrooms to say hello to colleagues & children-a smile/chat to all #waledchat
A1 I'm in higher ed so I ensure in my travels around campus that I great everyone I make eye contact with either with a simple hello or asking them if they are in need of assistance with directions or services #waledchat 🤝🏾
A2: As team leader and teaching at a small school, I feel that the need to be a positive teacher is intensified since in some years I have taught every 7th grade child in the county. That is a crucial impact to make positive for them! #waledchat
Intros: Welcome to #waledchat! Please introduce yourself, where you are from, your role in education, and tell what is your favorite holiday treat! #waledchat
A2~Ss know when you Care for them and believe in them and they will move mountains just to please you and live up to your high expectations ~ a beautiful thing!! #waledchat
A2: As a 1st year teacher, I feel like my Ss want to know so much about me. I try to tie in as much real life application as I can. I smile and try my best to make my classroom a space where students feel comfortable enough to be their best version. #waledchat
A2: All people need to feel appreciated and valued. Creating an inviting environment and community says to kids (and adults) that you are welcome here. #waledchat
A2: Ts and admin being engaged in the community promotes Ss wanting to take part as well. Modeling and showing allows Ss to see the value in being a team. #waledchat
A2: We are the culture we want to see...we bring it with us, in the internal work we do as teachers, our words, and our actions. We are the model for Ss. This is our power, and it spreads from classroom, to schools, and even communities. #waledchat
A2: It lets the Ss know my room is a safe place and one where each person matters and is valued. We start building community on day one in my classes. By the end of the semester, we have become a French family. Ss support and encourage each other. It’s awesome! #waledchat
A2: My openness about myself and at times (most times) extravagance shows students that it's ok to be yourself. Add excitement into the mix, then they want to work together because they realize it's not bad. Overall, they learn we can be who we want..TOGETHER! #waledchat
A2. Daily WTs to check in, offer encouragement, show visibility, finger waves, pats on back and other personal touches to show I care... best part of day #waledchat
A2: By being inviting, Ss trust you and want to listen to what you have to say and what you want to teach. It’s ALWAYS about relationships. Hands down. Plus you make a lasting impression. That’ll be what they remember over material taught years later. #waledchat
A2- Kids feed off of teacher vibes. They see teachers talking and interacting in a positive manner and that the classroom is a safe environment...they want to join in and usually/hopefully mimic those vibes. #waledchat
A2: I set the tone. So if I’m welcoming & value everyone, so will they. If I clearly favor some, so will they. If I am fake, they will be too. Classroom culture starts with me, before they even cross that threshold. #waledchat
A1: I feel like I am warm and welcoming at school by being compassionate and sensitive to student needs. I know some hard things my students are going through and try to make them feel extra special during their hardships. #waledchat
A2 - Students naturally gravitate and model what they see. If we are purposeful with our intentions, words and actions, kids will follow. Being happy and positive is a feel good way of helping students to see a brighter view of school. #waledchat
Exactly! I am willing to say that cold, shutoff teachers will not build the positive connections and longterm impacts like a positive teacher! #waledchat
A2 I think it:
Improves communication with all within community
Honour all families and their stories by connecting and forming relationships
Increases possibilities of connecting families by knowing their stories
Builds opportunities to develop community partnerships. #waledchat
A2: The School I Work At has a tremendous sense of community & culture... I want my kids to know they’re loved & cared for... which isn’t always the warm fuzzies - sometimes you gotta get on them to keep them sharp & on the straight & narrow!!! #waledchat
A2: If we are not excited about being present at school, how can we expect our students to get fired up? Our enthusiasm "preheats the grill" and sets the table for engagement. #waledchat
Everyday I personally greet each child and their family as they arrive. After a weekend I check in with children about their extra curricular interests #waledchat
A2: Ss have to feel comfortable and safe in our classrooms. By being consistent in my attitude and procedures they should feel that sense of security and safe in a routine/expectations. #waledchat
You make a good point about Ss seeing how Ts interact with one another and then how that can continue into their attitudes when working with others. #waledchat
A2: if you are personally inviting, students and staff are more likely to feel comfortable talking to you and as an extension to trust you. Ss and staff need to know that you genuinely look forward to talking with them and interacting with them. #waledchat
A2: It helps to make us all feel we are part of a family. Yes, it can be dysfunctional at times, but it's good to know we all have each other's backs. #waledchat
#waledchat A2: For students I don’t have in class and only see in the halls, developing a rapport helps when things are going on in the hallways. It helps to get to know all the students in the area and not just the ones entering my classroom.
A2-When kids or adults feel like we truly know who they are, it breaks down barriers and allows us to learn from each other. As Covey says seek to understand before being understood.The best educators work to understand which allows them to bring out the best in others #waledchat
A1: I want to preface this tweet by saying, “I am the most modest person that you will ever meet.” I have a great personality. People who meet me love me. I am one of the most charismatic people you’ll ever meet. I have people on the edge of their seats. #waledchat
A3: When an adult does something to get into a power struggle with a student, or misses an opportunity to connect...I can get and show frustrated. #waledchat
A3: I try to listen, but sometimes I feel like I do not have my full focus on the child right in front of me, because I am trying to manage so many different things in the room. :/ #waledchat
A2 Students are more likely to feel comfortable in communicating with eachother and you when their is a level of inviting dialogue that exist within that environment #waledchat
A2: I try to go above and beyond for students in everything I do. I know theres always more that I could do for them, but rather than just viewing them as butts in the seats, I try to get to know their hopes and dreams. #waledchat
A2: If I'm inviting, other Ss are more likely to be inviting and friendly toward others. They know my expectations of including others & I am hopeful that my example encourages others to be kinder, more friendly people. #waledchat
Yes! My goal is to find new kids everyday to meet! Took 4 months of saying hi to a girl that walked past my room everyday to finally get a hi last week! #waledchat
A3: The noise level irritates me more this time of year. I have no idea why, but I have to manage ME as part of my classroom management plan this time of year. It’s not fair for me to be growly with them as my noise tolerance grows thinner. #waledchat
A3: I have tired face. I'm 43 and I've been teaching for 15 years, so I'm pretty sure this is just how I look now. Face combined with crossed arms = not looking so friendly. #waledchat
A3: I tend to be chilly to other Ts when something has happened to make my schedule whack (like snow days, grrrrr). I am not very flexible in my calendar, so things that are out of my control and throw off my calendar are irritating to me. #waledchat
A3 If we are not intentional in our conversations with Ss and staff, we may appear to be cold and not interested.
People need to know that we CARE, that we are AWARE, and no matter what....we will always be THERE!
#waledchat
A4: I think during extra busy times such as report writing, the mental fatigue might show as less positive energy and reduced mindfulness. Children need mindful and present teachers #waledchat
A3 - I think sometimes my positive intentions can come on really strong. While it’s never meant to be negative, sometimes people may perceive it that way. #waledchat
A3: I know there are times when I should be fully focused and listening to the Ss I am working with, but I get distracted trying to manage other things or am multitasking. #waledchat
A3: Showing frustrations by reacting. Today, I worked hard to be proactive. PM detention gets rough with strong personalities. A "new" S remarked today that he would remember that I don't get set off by difficult Ss. #waledchat
A3: I do not have a good "poker face"--when I am disappointed with negativity or over-argumentation, it shows--which likely reads as chilly sometimes. Working on it. #waledchat
I often think about how if I had a choice, rather than taking an increase in salary, I’d want that money invested in hiring more teachers to lower class size. The connection/work I could do with consistent classes of 20 would be HUGE. #waledchat
A3 Easy, when you have your focus on a specific issue that you may need to handle in that moment in time. Thia normally has an unintended consequence of resulting into tunnel vision and not recognizing what may be presently happening around you #waledchat 🤦🏿♂️
A3b: Also, when I'm nervous about something - whether it's a lesson failing miserably or guests coming in or something completely outside of school - when I'm nervous, I tend to get cranky. (It's true) #waledchat
A1 I start and end everyday with telling all 700 Ss that I love them over the announcements. I want them to hear it as soon as they get there and right before they leave our building! #waledchat
A3: I walk very fast and tend to rush conversations at times, especially if I have a lot on my mind. Many times, my non-verbals speak volumes and can push people away. #waledchat
A3: If I'm trying to send off that "1 final email" or talking with a staff member as students walk in and not acknowledging students as they come in. :( #waledchat
I know I can be "chilly" in the mornings especially. I'm not a morning person by any means so I feel like when I get to school I might be more likely to be cut off. I say good morning to my students, but there isn't much conversation other than that. #waledchat
A3: Oh yeah - and that too. Ha! I'm not a morning person, so it's hard for my brain to function if a problem arises first thing in the morning. (I sound like a real blast to be around right, hahaha) #waledchat
A3: When I am deep in thought I often frown. I didn’t realize it until someone asked me what was wrong. I may have a face that says BEWARE but I am not meaning to be unwelcoming. #waledchat
I know I can be "chilly" in the mornings especially. I'm not a morning person by any means so I feel like when I get to school I might be more likely to be cut off. I say good morning to my students, but there isn't much conversation other than that. #waledchat
A3 I can get a little short mostly with adults when I spread myself too thin! It is really a ME issue and I need to be realistic with my expectations for myself! There are only so many hours in the day! #waledchat
A3
This is a great question We aren't consciously aware of signals we give to others A bad night not sleeping well not feeling well or something in your personal life is unbalanced & carries over to school Make a conscious effort to clear your plate before class #waledchat
A3: frustration can overtake me and my body language. Still working on developing being able to maintain straight face 💯 during those times. #waledchat
A3 It can certainly get chilly if Ss & Ts feel that that are not being listened or heard, included in decision making processes, or not given a voice #waledchat
A3: I walk very fast and tend to rush conversations at times, especially if I have a lot on my mind. Many times, my non-verbals speak volumes and can push people away. #waledchat
A4: I have and will continue to improve my listening and understanding. Though possibly incorrect, what is offered could help me to see and understand a different point of view.
#waledchat
A3 Getting so focused what is next that and forgetting to be present, forgetting that the most important part of everyday is the people I interact with. Everyday should be considered a success if those we interact with are better off because of us #waledchat
A4: As a 1st year teacher, I have to realize that things do not always go as planned and that is okay. I do not have everything figured out, and as much as I want to give my all, I need to realize that I need to take care of myself too. #waledchat
A3 LOL usually when I'm repeating for the umpteenth time...I don't necessarily get chilly, but I do turn it over to their classmates to help redirect them because clearly they don't like the way I'm saying it. #waledchat
A4: Slow down. Less "We gotta walk-and-talk." Take more time for others. Don't be in such a hurry. Enjoy life with all its twists, turns, ups and downs. #waledchat
A3. When dealing a student who may in visiting the office for another recent behavior/concern... reflection shows my problem-solving approaches didnt work #waledchat
I am a blizzard when students approach me with excuses or reason as to why they did not complete a task. I don’t like excuses. When it comes to my classroom, there is no gray area things are black and white. #waledchat
A3: When I'm really really tired I can become grumpy and withdrawn, which means I may not be giving you my full attention; rather, I'm looking for a place to escape. #waledchat
A3 My facial expressions, not a poker player at all! I must work on this! Better with kids but if an adult is acting a mess it is so hard for me. #waledchat
A4: Be more student focused. Sending emails can take place during lunch. I also need to learn how to brush off adults as they're trying to talk to me during inconvienent times. #StudentsFirst#waledchat
A3: oh I can lose my patience really quickly at times, especially towards the end of semesters where I think we’re all ready for a break. Then I feel bad afterwards. #waledchat
I thought that I left those kinds of comments behind when I left middle school, but my HS kids do the same thing. Sometimes while I'm teaching. #waledchat
In reply to
@Mr_ESievert, @MrOverstreet101, @khoggardGRT, @MrPStrunk, @MrsLouder
A4 allow myself to be human! I can only cram so much in to one day, many days I am getting to the end of the day without even having stopped to eat, drink, or take a breath. Rushing from class to class and feeling stressed def has an impact on how “icy” I can be #waledchat
A4: As my students would say, “fix your face,” but other than that, I love to fill the room with color and warmth. Natural sunlight and apple pie candle@help to make things more homey! #waledchat
A4: Strategies. Lowering the lights, instrumental Christmas music, using the Yacker Tracker effectively, thoughtful seating, channeling enthusiasm & that crave for socialization into appropriate outlets, etc. Cultivate more peace! #waledchat
A4: I know the answer to this question, but I don't want to face it. I do know that going to bed earlier at night would be helpful so I'm not such a grouch in the morning. I love hanging out and staying up with my wife though.
The struggle is real! #waledchat
A4: Dr. Viktor Frankl reminds us that between a feeling and acting on that feeling there remains a brief second where we can decide to do the right thing... #waledchat
They need to hear it, some don’t hear it till they come in. It had created a place where it’s comfortable to use the “L” word! Most say it back! #waledchat
A4: I’m chilly when I don’t take enough time for myself/non work time. I’ve started getting up at 4:45 to give myself a few hours in the morning to workout, plan my day, and do focused ed work (like blogging) with a cup of coffee. HUGE in keeping my energy up #WaledChat
A4 - I’ve learned to read body language, especially in students that I know don’t react to positivity very well. It might just be a “good morning” instead of my usual antics. #waledchat
A4
How do can we increase participation of Ss, Ps & Ts in decisions of school life?
How do we ensure opportunities for a range of voices to be heard?
What processes can we implement to include all members to contribute to decision made within our school community?
#waledchat
A4
An extra cup of coffee always helps me!
Also even though I'm not a morning person at all I do try to get up a few minutes earlier for me time I catch up on social media and relax a little before starting to get ready for work. It really does help!
#waledchat
A5: I honestly love snow! I like driving in it, plowing it, hunting in it, and playing in it. Favorite? A tie between riding four-wheelers/snowmobiles and hunting.
#waledchat
A2: If I’m inviting and welcoming that will let students know I am open, then it allows them to feel safe: to express themselves, to create, to take risks, to be vulnerable, to grow that in essence is a learning community #waledchat
Yes crazy what they notice. Mr. O your sock game is on point today...which I then had to point out my sock game is always on point...sometimes I think they just do it to get me off topic haha.#waledchat
In reply to
@Hessteacherest, @Mr_ESievert, @khoggardGRT, @MrPStrunk, @MrsLouder
A5: I love to talk a walk in the snow. It’s quiet, peaceful, and so perfect in this redemptive way.
And then, oh yeah, sledding, forts, tear that peaceful blanket up! 🤣 #waledchat
Yes! Mine range from 23 to 34. I hate how much more patient I am with the class of 23. It definitely stems from being able to meet the needs of more students more often than not. I would do almost anything to consistently have 15-24 per class. #waledchat
#waledchat A5: Take pictures of the snow for favorite snow specific activity. For the bitter cold snowy days, blow bubbles because they turn into frozen globes and shatter.
I don’t know if I can be warm concerning my chilly area because we have to set standards. Students must be prepared for the real world. A Supervisor/Boss doesn’t want to know why you didn’t get the job done. #JustDoIt#waledchat
A5: well, we don’t get much snow here in Atlanta... we tend to panic over flurries, BUT I love just walking around in the silence of it snowing and hearing the crunch under my shoes. #waledchat
I’m not really a morning person either, so I kind of have to trick myself - I do an errand (like making my lunch) and make coffee. Once I’m actually awake though, the productivity and peace I get from that time can’t be beat. #waledchat
A5: I live in California in a place where it doesn't snow. Haha I haven't been in snow in about 3 years. That being said, I love sledding and snowball fights. My own kids are old enough now to go sledding so now I'm thinking about making this happen! #waledchat
A5 I was raised in the country, we get the four wheeler out and go riding, so much fun. If not on an ATV then I would rather just be inside. #waledchat
