#fcpslearn is a weekly chat about teaching and learning. Our focus is on creativity, innovation and inspiration. We discuss a range of educational topics that range from technology integration to the Olympics.
Phil from Northern Virginia. I teach 6/7 US History I&II and am the founder of #waledchat (Thurs @ 9pm ET) and #Edusations. Last time I did something for the first time was probably starting Edusations! #fcpslearn
A1: Honestly...every day I feel like I do something for the first time right now! Today- I'm working with a new group to help others learn about @NBPTS at FCPS. It's really fun collaborating and asking others to learn about the process! #fcpslearn
A1: My PLN is the biggest driver of me taking risks and trying new things. I surround myself with positive people that tell me what I need to hear, not just what I want to hear.
#fcpslearn
A1 My own children push me to do things I (sadly) would normally say "no" to; and since I explicitly tell my students to move beyond their comfort zones, they remind me often. Then there's @TobiaBrooke, @PBarachkov & many others I'm so thankful for! #fcpslearn
A1: Everyone gathered here tonight. Seriously. I have the best accountability partners who are just a DM away. If I speak something into existence, I know there are about 4,000 people following me that want to know how things turned out. #fcpslearn
A1: My students push me out of my comfort zone in the best ways! Each year, curious groups of students provide new opportunities for me to grow and adapt as a teacher.#fcpslearn
A1 Sometimes My students are the ones who push me out of my comfort zone. I’ll see something that I think they will ❤️ and then I need to learn about it for their benefit #fcpslearn
A1~ authentic, down to earth peeps who support me no matter what 😊 & thankfully they keep it real & make me tow the line & give me a soft place to fall #fcpslearn
A1: When I'm encouraged by others or by a moral reason, I am ready to step out of the comfort zone. For me, words of affirmation are meaningful from those I really respect! I try to pay it forward too. It's important to keep pumping each other up. #fcpslearn
Today. I worked with a data management software system using command prompts rather than point-and-click. A bit of an immersive experience--good stuff! #fcpslearn
A1~ authentic, down to earth peeps who support me no matter what 😊 & thankfully they keep it real & make me tow the line & give me a soft place to fall #fcpslearn
A1: I feel like FCPS in general does a good job of encouraging people to try something new while ensuring that we don't suffer from inundation of initiatives. @sgross_jwhs is also one to gently nudge toward new experiences and knowledge #fcpslearn
A1: My PLN has been great for inspiring me. I was inspired by things I was seeing @hmarrs24 & @KimSnodgrass showcase on Twitter. Also, the authors of the great books I’ve read recently have been another source of inspiration. #fcpslearn
A2: Find things that they are already doing, and consider what their next steps are. Giving them a positive push to take that next step. Encouraging them with each lift of a foot! #fcpslearn
A1: Jason from Virginia here! Wanting the best for my students pushes me outside of my comfort zone. Also, I have a great community of coworkers and administrators who also encourage me to step out of my comfort zone. #fcpslearn
A2: I like to encourage them, and remind them that it costs nothing to ask/try something new. What's the worst that can happen? It fails; teacher says no? That is a small penalty for trying something different. #fcpslearn
A2: We need to be a #champforkids, every one of them. Be their support, guidance, and biggest fan. Believe so much, they too believe greatness can be had... dreams come true.
#fcpslearn
A2: Creating an environment where all students feel respected by their teacher and each other is paramount in establishing a learning space that encourages students to push themselves and take risks. #fcpslearn
Q2: This depends on the person or the collective class. This could be a conversation and creating relationships or developing an innovative project! #fcpslearn
A2: You have to build the trust first. You build it through relationships, planning, and follow through. Ss need a connection and a good experience with you beforehand. Students also need to know the general process and intended outcomes beforehand. #fcpslearn
A2 Create an environment where risk taking is encouraged... you’ll get the best from students... and if communicated to adults... the same @MrPStrunk@PHausTech@ScottLewisITC#fcpslearn
.A2: Building relationships and creating an environment where Ss feel comfortable taking risks are essential. We also need to celebrate when Ss step out of their comfort zone and model how we do as well. #fcpslearn
A2: Last year we began sharing growth mindset info with our students. This is just one simple thing that has been helping to push students out of their comfort zones and into a place where they take more risks. #fcpslearn
A3: I want to try using @Flipgrid in professional learning with our faculty. I also want to build a professional learning system for our support staff. #fcpslearn
A2: show my willingness to try new, talk about how it can feel uncomfortable, but it’s part of learning. And, ENCOURAGE them to try something new while expressing confidence in their ability. Also say, “mistakes are ok “ #fcpslearn
A2: I encourage students to try new things by complimenting them on where they are currently and motivating them to see the possibilities that are out there for them if they try something different. I also bring up personal experiences. #fcpslearn
.A3: I'd like to set up a space in the library where kids can leave book reviews for each other. I also got the idea of having our school tweets scroll in the front office for our parents to see when they come in. #fcpslearn
A4 Scuba & surfing? Lessons, a babysitter, upper body strength & ears that adjust to depths!! In edu? I appreciate encouragement and support through action! #fcpslearn
A4: Time. Less commitments throughout the week. One of the science teachers told me that he would teach me to play bass during lunch/plan times. #fcpslearn
A3: I want to try implementing guided math groups into my teaching. I would also love to develop a class to offer as a district PD opportunity.#fcpslearn
A4~
Put in to attend a @masscue conference this month to further dev integrating digital learning tools ~ hoping for approval from admin ~ makes me nervous to think of joining in with such a large group of people & spreading my wings a bit
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A5: Empathy. I would be real with them and let them know that it isn't going to be easy, but it sure will be worth it...and I have their back. fcpslearn
A5: I help colleagues step outside their comfort zone to the "magic zone" through unwavering support and simply being real. I own up to and share my mistakes every chance I get. We all learn from them together.
#fcpslearn
A5: When we expect people to try something outside of their comfort zone, we cannot assume that they can do it alone. We need to come alongside of them to cheer, clean up the blood, wipe the tears, and celebrate eventual independence. #fcpslearn
Thank you #fcpslearn folks for a super chat. Very inspiring to be chatting with so many fabulous, smart people! Have a great night! Join #AIMSnetwork chat at 9 for more inspiration 😊
A4: For guided math, I would need to see other teachers implementing this in order to develop my own personal strategies. To create a class, I would likely consult other professionals, literature, and resources when determining what others might find useful. #fcpslearn
.A5: Building relationships with them so that they feel comfortable sharing their hopes/dreams, then supporting them emotionally and physically (depending on their needs). #fcpslearn
A5: Create the opportunity and take him or her along with you! Going through an experience with another person is a good way for you both to try something new! #fcpslearn