Good morning! Sylvia, Writing Coach / Reading Coach @BrandonHSEagles & moderator of the #HackLearning slow chat ... growing and reflecting together as we apply our Sunday’s learning in our careers/positions ☺️
And I am so glad you are! Hi Laura, and welcome. First through the door means I'm giving you a prize. I'll let you pick any of my books for free. Just DM me your address and your choice, and I will order before I shut my laptop! #HackLearning@conniehamilton
Good morning on this snow filled (and freezing rain) day in greater Boston. Matt J here and was excited this week to break out the #LeadForward shirt teaching a PD session. Honored to be part of the @times10books team. #hacklearning
Happy Sunday! Julia from Ill. joining in..1st timer for this chat, can't wait to hear how others are having the students be the teachers! #HackLearning
Good morning on this snow filled (and freezing rain) day in greater Boston. Matt J here and was excited this week to break out the #LeadForward shirt teaching a PD session. Honored to be part of the @times10books team. #hacklearning
Good morning #hacklearning. Carla, secondary principal from Santo Domingo, Dom Rep. Not a fan of cold weather, but I have to admit, I'm a little jealous of the snow!
Good morning, all. I’m Nicole and I teach high school English. Enjoying the long weekend before a new semester starts Tuesday. Can’t wait to meet my new group of kiddos! 😊#hacklearning
Morning, #hacklearning. I'm Brian. I teach middle-school students English in Colorado. They teach me all kinds of things, including sometimes what I should try reading.
Happy Sunday! Julia from Ill. joining in..1st timer for this chat, can't wait to hear how others are having the students be the teachers! #HackLearning
I love anything that starts with a #Hack - just sound cool:)
But as #Gaming Teacher if I don't look to my students as teachers I will be left in the dust:)
#HackLearning
With all of the people from MA in this chat I’m starting to feel invaded by the NE patriots fans. Good luck today if your rooting for the Pats this Chiefs fan is ready for the game #HackLearning
Oh, wow. YES. This is my daily intention right now. I write it at the top of each day's to do list. Mine is a bit different, but so much the same. Assume positive intentions. Assume best case scenario. It's helping. #HackLearning
A1 This year Ss taught me that I shouldn’t write feedback on their work all alone at home, or only do short 3 minute conferences. When I meet for extended feedback conferences they understand the feedback & truly revise.
#hacklearninghttps://t.co/cNQ30RmjkE
I’m teaching AP Biology for the first time this year, I’m learning a lot about the wide variety of needs in this student population, I wasn’t expecting it but in hindsight, I should have known! Kids are making me meet them where they are. #hacklearning
Great reminder. When kids are emotional, we might be the target - does not mean we are the cause. Helps us to keep an empathetic perspective. #HackLearning
I’ve found over & over again I learn more from our students when I take the time to intentionally listen to them. They want to be heard & they have great insight to what’s wrong & right with our school #HackLearning#StuVoice
A1: This year I started a student tech team class and I learned that most of our seniors are not completelyprepared for the world without an adult intervening for them and directing them every step of the way. So I revamped the course to help them FTRW. #HackLearning#gwinchat
A1 I also learned through spiderweb discussions, that if I keep my mouth shut,Ss analyze further on their own than when I guide the discussion.
#hacklearning
A1: Sometimes I need to remember to sit back & let kids be kids.... let them take ownership of their learning... watch them thrive & experience the joy of learning! #HackLearning
Remember to laugh with my Ss. They spend so much time with/in the classroom so I think it is important to have a little fun with/ them showing them that I, too have a fun side. #HackLearning
Anyone who is interested in learning more about what it means to learn from students MUST follow this lady and read everything she writes. Go, go, go! Melanie is the best, all. #HackLearning
A1 my sts taught me that they could learn & take responsibility for the mgmt aspects of my classroom ... My S told me “miss, if you tell me how, I can answer the class phone like you would” 🤓 #HackLearning
A1 watching my own son go in 6th grade this year-the grade I taught before I became an instructional coach, has opened my eyes & ears in so many ways. #HackLearning
#HackLearning friends: ONA is doing a DAILY documentation project. Check out #FindtheJoy and ask yourselves how you might do something similar to learn from your kids! It's awesome.
A1: They have SO much going on outside of the school day and some of it is really sad and stressful and even I don’t know how I would deal with it as an adult. Students are strong! #Hacklearning
A1 Working on honing my noticing skills, so that individual students' words & actions (as well as their silences & inactions) help me learn what each might need next. #hacklearning
#HackLearning
A1. Several years ago I had a student who was deep into 3D printing. Together we put together a grant proposal for a 3D printer - which he built and helps to maintain. He also taught me and other students the basics of 3D design.
A1 I was recently reminded of the importance of meeting learners where they are and moving forward from there as well as the importance of engaging the learners. #HackLearning
I am learning much by documenting the unexpected each day. I know what my learning targets are with kids or teachers (depending on the work), but I am trying to snap a photo, a video, or take a quick note when they surprise me. Reflecting after... #HackLearning
A1 I learn so much from my #gamers each day. Because I ask them. Each class they must create a blog post of their goals & what they get done each day. It's so cool:)
And they are so honest.
#HackLearning
Hacky fun facts: @AngelaStockman's #MakeWriting combines writer's workshop and the maker space. Book 2 in the #HackLearning series, Make Writing is 1 of 2 short-format HLS books and is the only book that does not feature the word "HACKING" in the title.
https://t.co/wz5KFbMhqI
A1 Working on honing my noticing skills, so that individual students' words & actions (as well as their silences & inactions) help me learn what each might need next. #hacklearning
Doesn't that make all of the difference? I wonder how we might help everyone in a system--teachers and kids--take the time to verbalize this? It matters. #HackLearning
This year I learned - I mean REALLY hit me hard - that many students have not experienced the same privileges I have. They face battles I was unaware of. #HackLearning
A1: Ss can teach us valuable lessons on listening => not the act of hearing , but actively applying what’s being said to our teaching => to quote @MisterMinor “dialogue, not monologue” #hacklearning
A1 Ss showed me that when I give up control & allow them to take the lead on projects that interest them (ex: putting together an ultimate frisbee tournatment for 6 schools), they go much further than I could ever imagine.
#hacklearning
This is a powerful thing to notice, document, and reflect on as teachers. What an incredible way to learn and grow from our work with students.#HackLearning
A1) I’m in my 4th year at this school (my 5th in education). That means this year’s seniors were my 1st year freshmen. Many come visit me. All have stories to share from “those good ol’ days”. None of those stories involve a math lesson. All involve the connection. #HackLearning
A2: Planning and teaching by adding relevance will give Ss opportunity to share and contribute from their point of view and experiences. #hacklearninghttps://t.co/MxNamZfNjp
A2: In order to make it intentional, it must be part of your everyday language. Be quiet more. Ask Ss their expertise on subjects that are coming up. I loved when Ss made my activatining strategy to show when I began a lesson. #HackLearning
A1 this year I have learned from so many kids that we don’t always give them enough credit for knowing what is really going on and we don’t need to protect them from the truth. The appreciate the honesty. #HackLearning
A2: There are structural things we can do to make it more intentional, but I think it has to start with OUR mindset and class culture. Explicitly value and celebrate those moments when students teach the class something! #HackLearning
A2 soliciting more feedback from them, AND then... changing because of their feedback. I think that gives them more motivation to give more meaningful feedback #hacklearning
A2: I find it very powerful to ask this question at the end of a session: How well did I help you learn today, and what can I do to support you better tomorrow? I also try to document the unexpected each day. I make this my intention. #HackLearning
Hacky fun facts: @AngelaStockman's #MakeWriting combines writer's workshop and the maker space. Book 2 in the #HackLearning series, Make Writing is 1 of 2 short-format HLS books and is the only book that does not feature the word "HACKING" in the title.
https://t.co/wz5KFbMhqI
A2: we need to not be file cabinet teachers- for example pull out the folder Jan and run the copies- focus on students their passions, interests, tie in current events when you can. #HackLearning
A2: Prior to learning, I try to have Ss generate thoughtful questions about the topic so that we can learn together based on what they are thinking and curious about. #HackLearning
The struggles I see him go through are some I never thought about as a ms teacher for the 18 years... I thought I was being empathetic, but he has helped me grow. #hacklearning
A1 Ss need time to share their hopes, dreams and fears. I have made time for those convos with lots of teens and the trust (on both sides) that is built as result is amazing. #HackLearning
A2: Talk to them more — reach out to them individually and ask them what they’re doing, what they’re thinking, what’s going on in and out of school. And, try to create/adjust lesson plans that work for the chemistry of the class. #HackLearning
A2) There are definitely ‘pure’ math (or any topic) questions to explore. But the beauty of learning often lives in the overlap of content. I need to be better at asking what they want to learn about, and making that happen through my content lens. #HackLearning
I love to ask writers: Where did my teaching help you today? Where did it hinder you? How can I help better tomorrow? They leave sticky on the door on the way out. #HackLearning
ALL educators need to be more cognizant of this fact. Get to know students. Don’t take their inaction or aggression personally. There most likely is a deeper issue going on.
#HackLearning
This year I learned - I mean REALLY hit me hard - that many students have not experienced the same privileges I have. They face battles I was unaware of. #HackLearning
A2: Plan activities to be intentional! I held a student smackdown session where students shared their tech tools, tips, & strategies with each other & me! They LOVED it & we learned a lot from each other! #HackLearning
Love hearing those stories! Just like a book, there is more than just the cover or what’s on the outside. Very powerful when we listen to them! #HackLearning
A2 ➡️ I’m focusing on continuing to make it a more student-centered classroom. When students are take command of their learning process, I find that it becomes more intrinsic. #HackLearning
A2: By allowing Ss to create projects and present content in a way that fits their thinking. We will learn what that looks like and then plan MORE activities and lessons in that style. #hacklearninghttps://t.co/Q5fYJS1ygR
A2 I think we need to pull back the curtain and give sts the why behind the what (@SparanoBHS ) ... I unpack standards so sts know there are different paths to the end game ☺️ #HackLearning
A2: Seeking intentional student feedback has to be part of the engrained classroom culture - it is on going, understood and respected => it starts with RELATIONSHIPS #hacklearning
A2: I think the first step is that we need to be intentional and in the moment. We need to create a culture of documentation of learning processes. What are we looking for? What surprises us? How are we reflecting, sharing and changing our practices as a result? #HackLearning
A2: Sometimes I need to just take a breath and remember students are really the experts in the class. I've learned to write in my plans to have a student or students share something so I don't pass up the opportunity #HackLearning
A2 Allow them to have voice and choice help them personalize their learning and allow them to be the experts and for us to become the their students #HackLearning
A2: I recently heard an idea to give Ss a sticky note at the end of class and ask them to place it on the wall as they leave to indicate whether we effectively hit the learning objectives or not. Might give it a whirl #hacklearning
A2 When we put students in charge, there are more opportunities. Let students lead lunch and learns and plan with students when developing curriculum or projects #hacklearning
It's what keeps me in the game. Truly. Without it, I think I would quickly burn out. Documentation is about staying hungry, feeding our curiosity, and chasing kids as they show us how to learn. It's everything.#HackLearning
A2: we need to not be file cabinet teachers- for example pull out the folder Jan and run the copies- focus on students their passions, interests, tie in current events when you can. #HackLearning
A1. In more than 20 years of teaching students ranging from as young as 4 to as old as 70 years, I have found one thing to be verifiably true: Humor positively impacts the learning environment. #hacklearning
Sometimes I ask students what is something they're looking forward to during the day, something they want to accomplish, or a hope they have for the day. They often struggle in response. #HackLearning
A2: I think the first step is that we need to be intentional and in the moment. We need to create a culture of documentation of learning processes. What are we looking for? What surprises us? How are we reflecting, sharing and changing our practices as a result? #HackLearning
A2 Metacognitive moves help highlight & cement intentional learning; they also hold sneaky side benefit of revealing *unintentional* learning. https://t.co/hlHVQKUS2H#hacklearning
A2: I recently heard an idea to give Ss a sticky note at the end of class and ask them to place it on the wall as they leave to indicate whether we effectively hit the learning objectives or not. Might give it a whirl #hacklearning
A2 A constant move towards giving up control. In this journey, I realize we never truly get there. There are always more ways to let Ss lead.
#hacklearning
A2 I find I often need to remind myself that it doesn’t take too long to ask a question, listen, sit down on the floor with a child. Making it a priority means more learning happens, not less #HackLearning
Just reading #uNforgettable from @cpoole27 and he says that each day we need to have a positive mindset ... and to set up intentional supports that help us maintain that mindset when we might stumble into a negative situation #HackLearning
A2: There are structural things we can do to make it more intentional, but I think it has to start with OUR mindset and class culture. Explicitly value and celebrate those moments when students teach the class something! #HackLearning
A2: I recently heard an idea to give Ss a sticky note at the end of class and ask them to place it on the wall as they leave to indicate whether we effectively hit the learning objectives or not. Might give it a whirl #hacklearning
I am really honest with my students and I very often tell them why I chose to do something a specific way, helps them learn, & it also helps them give me feedback.
#hacklearning
A2 I think we need to pull back the curtain and give sts the why behind the what (@SparanoBHS ) ... I unpack standards so sts know there are different paths to the end game ☺️ #HackLearning
I get to work with Ellen on the ground, all. If you are not following the great work that she and her colleagues are doing in Chappaqua, NY you will want to. #HackLearning
While I'm obviously partial to all #HackLearning books, I have said in numerous interviews about the series that I think #MakeWriting is unique in its content. I've never seen anything like it. I am grateful to your creativity, genius, and passion.
A2. I can be intentional about leveraging my students’ strengths when teaching. It’s important to focus on what my Ss can do rather than using a deficit model. #HackLearning
A1: The one thing I have learned from my Ss this year is that they want me to believe in them and push them. They want to have a voice in how and what they learn. They want to have fun while learning. #hacklearning
So obvious - but how many of us trigger the growth mindset we tweet about when we are faced with challenge? Easy to have efficacy when things are easy. #HackLearning
Just reading #uNforgettable from @cpoole27 and he says that each day we need to have a positive mindset ... and to set up intentional supports that help us maintain that mindset when we might stumble into a negative situation #HackLearning
A2: There are structural things we can do to make it more intentional, but I think it has to start with OUR mindset and class culture. Explicitly value and celebrate those moments when students teach the class something! #HackLearning
A2. I can be intentional about leveraging my students’ strengths when teaching. It’s important to focus on what my Ss can do rather than using a deficit lens. #HackLearning
I am so grateful to those of you who dropped in to chat with me today! If you aren't a member of my FB group, Building Better Writers, I hope you'll join me and continue the conversation over there: https://t.co/4GcsC6Cqbm#MakeWriting#HackLearning
A2: we need to not be file cabinet teachers- for example pull out the folder Jan and run the copies- focus on students their passions, interests, tie in current events when you can. #HackLearning
A3: I've said it before and I'll say it again...I think that #geniushour/#20time /passion projects are a wonderful way to celebrate students as teachers! #HackLearning
A1. Using humor requires a commitment on my part, whether my day is going well or not. Ss are my first priority. A safe learning environment is absolutely vital for Ss of all ages. Humor can help create a safe place of learning, but safety is dependent upon trust. #hacklearning
It still amazes me, three years later, how much conversation that little book started and how it changed my life. Truly. Helped me find my people. Helped me find my best work and learning, too. <3 #HackLearning
I have experienced the same. I think maybe because they have not been asked before. I often get, ‘I’ve never thought about that before’ as a response. Usually leads to them coming back to share after thinking about it. #HackLearning
A2: By providing opportunities throughout the day for them to lead. Giving them an opportunity to teach what they learned through self-discovery. Sitting back, listening & taking notes. #HackLearning
A3 Listening circles, written feedback & suggestions, giving space and truly listening. As admin, I've found that Ss easilty recognize good teaching & know what they need to learn.
#hacklearning
I love this! Great frame. I use a 60 sec reflection sometimes: How did your thinking, learning, or work change today. Doodle, snap a photo, take a recording. #HackLearning
Welcome aboard. Appreciate your insights. We #HackLearning live every #SundayMorning at 8:30 AM ET. We also take a deeper dive into the Sunday chat daily throughout the week. Tune in to #HackLearning all week and share your thoughts. @SylviaEllison moderates our slow chat.
As a @Google school #Blogger is part of the suite. Just log in and start the kids blogging. I have 100+ kids all have an account. Takes a little time to set up but now T can read their reflections/accomplishments anywhere:)
#HackLearning
A2: I think the first step is that we need to be intentional and in the moment. We need to create a culture of documentation of learning processes. What are we looking for? What surprises us? How are we reflecting, sharing and changing our practices as a result? #HackLearning
A3: Pedagogical documentation helps me learn much that is unexpected. My book, #MakeWriting was the result of a lengthy documentation project. Read more about that practice in any of the posts shared here: https://t.co/ZuWJ3zhMu4#HackLearning
a3 I have had the chance to do some empathy mapping from @AngelaStockman’s pace yourself resources, and I am amazed how the simple protocol can open such rich conversation. Also, the way questions are phrased “how might...” #HackLearning
A3: each week, Ss can be informed ahead of time about the upcoming lessons and topics in a general sense then they can pick which they know well and can teach or intro. Ss should meet with Ts to help plan. #HackLearning
OMGoodness ... so many great ideas lurking here ... can’t wait to take risks & share my learning with you this week ... will you join the #HackLearning slow chat, too?
Concept/discussion mapping for visual representation of verbal exchange, using UDL for multiple means of expression, simply asking how they like to receive feedback, etc. #hacklearning
A2. I can be intentional about leveraging my students’ strengths when teaching. It’s important to focus on what my Ss can do rather than using a deficit lens. #HackLearning
A3: Activities that ask for feedback from Ss on the activity, lesson, assessment allows the teacher to learn from and establishes credibility with the Ss. #HackLearning
A2: we need to not be file cabinet teachers- for example pull out the folder Jan and run the copies- focus on students their passions, interests, tie in current events when you can. #HackLearning
A3- Surveys and allow the 4 Cs into your classroom. When you allow ss choice in their project you learn a lot about them! We use this would you rather choice board to help our students with the 4 c's
https://t.co/SkRWCaOm06#HackLearning
Focus groups & PSAB (principal student advisory board). I, or an AP, met with PSAB every 2 weeks.
Focus groups are new & had our first meeting last week. We have lunch & chat about specific topics. Also informal conversations throughout the day with students. #HackLearning
A3) I've been impressed by teachers using Apple Classroom to see and learn from all of their students, not just the ones who volunteer to share. #HackLearning
A1. I use humor to increase Ss attentiveness, lighten their moods, build relationships & establish a positive learning environment. Even if a S didn’t do well on an assignment, using humor can subtly let them know I believe they can do better next time. #hacklearning
Recently I saw a S had 2 yrs ago crying after a test,. After some prodding, she shared how she finds joy in being creative. I recall her hating me when I pushed her 2 b creative. I think it's important 2 b clear @ why we do what we do, bc there's more "believe in" #hacklearning
A3: I’m all for an open forum of some type and if that’s not feasible then use google forms and surveys. Get feedback and implement something from it. Ss will recognize their voices do matter. #HackLearning#gwinchat
A3 I’m working on my WonderWall (shared with Ss, plans to hang this week) ... using it with PAT (preferred activity time @tools4teaching ) ... I also do bi-weekly RDG Confs so sts can share what they are learning with me #HackLearning
A3: Always was a fan of the post-project debriefing. Real talk where I get to ask for specific feedback about the project to use or consider down the road. #HackLearning
A3: Students leading topic dis., give me 5 and share something or just giving permission for them to share throughout day, using today's meet for them to share with each other, adding their videos/work to content accessible to other students #HackLearning
A3: we are trying to roll out this framework for reflection With our learners. Still working out the kinks blog post coming. You are a superstar! What is happening in your learning journey? #HackLearning
A3: writing with option to share — this might happen if T and 1 or 2 Ss are willing to, speaking & listening protocol (UCLA HAS GOOD GUIDELINES for this), combo of argumentative/informative/narrative for well rounded thinking. I know I’m all over the place here! #HackLearning
🙏🏼I never forget when a student shares a tech tip or tool that I didn’t know. I always credit them, even years later (like the one who introduced me to @wordhippo that I STILL can’t stop talking about!). #HackLearning
A2: When we are transparent about what we do and the why behind it, the Ss understand our intentions. Reflection is a big part of being intentional in our work. #hacklearning
A3 I drank choice-reading Kool-Aid years ago. The idea that building a reading community w/students taps power missed when we exclusively tell students what to read leads to numerous supportive protocols: book talks, peer sharing, writing choice, making connections #hacklearning
How do we make sure we recognize ALL student voices/talents, not just the ones that are easier to see? All students want to have their voices heard...
#HackLearning
A3 I’m working on my WonderWall (shared with Ss, plans to hang this week) ... using it with PAT (preferred activity time @tools4teaching ) ... I also do bi-weekly RDG Confs so sts can share what they are learning with me #HackLearning
A3: You could start by scheduling a classperiod where students can share studying strategies, learning strategies, tech tools etc. They will learn so much and so will you! #HackLearning
🙏🏼I never forget when a student shares a tech tip or tool that I didn’t know. I always credit them, even years later (like the one who introduced me to @wordhippo that I STILL can’t stop talking about!). #HackLearning
A3: Always was a fan of the post-project debriefing. Real talk where I get to ask for specific feedback about the project to use or consider down the road. #HackLearning
So I did it! Took the leap of faith & started blogging! Here’s my 1st post:
I am no writer but love sharing stories & reflecting!
So here goes nothing 🙃😳🤞🏻
Have you laughed today? https://t.co/WDBkjJY6vg via @wordpressdotcom
A3: By actively listening to what Ss are saying. Taking note & somehow incorporating it into my daily instruction. Providing opportunities for Ss to reflect on their learning processes & sharing. #hackLearning
A3: I think the challenge is setting aside the time for student feedback along with everything else that need to get done. When their feedback is a priority, they know that they are a priority to their teacher. #hacklearning
Thanks for joining me today, all! I hope you'll stay connected by following me here, heading over to my blog, picking up one of my books, or using the coupon code January2019 to take 50% of my digital courses this month! https://t.co/o4FA4hZKps#HackLearning
Does anyone #HackLearning like @AngelaStockman? She's too modest to boast but she's the only author on the planet who's written three books in the series, which impacts educators around the world. Find all of Angela's books on this one Amazon library page
https://t.co/6nfh6KOsKz
A3.2 Assignments that provide menus (think: choice boards) rather than single paths invite variety in student voices, potentially opening doors for them to show more learning than they might when given just one way. #hacklearning
#HackLearning
A3 At the beginning of term I ask students to tell me about themselves in an email: e.g. hopes, dreams, interests, favorite books, authors, how they feel about school - their responses help me connect with them - it's a starting point.
A3: Ask them. Ask them to reflect on their work and the processes they engaged in, the skills use/acquired. Ask them how to do/plan it better next time I recently used a @BIEpbl self reflection where it has them look at their work but also feedback 4 me. Powerful. #hacklearning
A3: I recently did a PD on #StudentChoice boards and emphasized the time saver it could be for Ts. Yes, it’s up front planning but after that the energy comes from Ss #hacklearning
Thanks for moderating, Angela. It's been a marvelous #HackLearning chat. I'm looking forward to taking a deeper dive into this topic throughout this week in our slow chat.
In reply to
@AngelaStockman, @hackmylearning, @times10books, @mssackstein, @conniehamilton, @DrJacieMaslyk, @MatthewXJoseph
Thanks for joining me today, all! I hope you'll stay connected by following me here, heading over to my blog, picking up one of my books, or using the coupon code January2019 to take 50% of my digital courses this month! https://t.co/o4FA4hZKps#HackLearning
