#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.
Patrick, an #edtech coach from northern VA here for #fcpslearn
Check out my resources at https://t.co/iXEjWv3eqM My Google Innovator project is linked there too!
Hi #fcpslearn! I'm Monica, from NY state. I teach secondary math... Honors Geometry, Precalc Honors, and a Topics in Math course. Looking forward to an enriching chat!
A1: Be real. Authenticity scores major points. This is a tough one to digest...Be friendly, but don't be their friend. Setting boundaries is essential. #fcpslearn
A1: Forget all the old myths like no smiling until December. Smile and greet Ss from day 1. Take time to build relationships before jumping into content.
#fcpslearn
Those relationships are the foundation for success, both in the classroom and in those students' future lives. Take the time to get to know students as individuals in your classroom and as people with lives outside of your classroom, too. #fcpslearn
A1~
~Be the real deal ~ kids know who is authentic and who is not
~love them unconditionally from day 1 and tell them frequently and esp during the bumps in the road ❤️
#fcpslearn
A1: Have clear expectations and make sure you follow through on them. Those boundaries will help you build good, productive relationships with students. #fcpslearn
#fcpslearn A1: Find the interests of students and find a way to sneak them into lessons or discussions. Students are always surprised when you learn things that they are interested in. As a teacher, you learn a lot of random stuff!
A2: Lots of fun ice breakers at the start of the year. Digital portfolios with entries about themselves so I can learn about them right away. Hallway conversations are crucial! #fcpslearn
A1: Listen. Truly listen. Not just to what they are saying verbally, but non-verbally as well. They are always telling you something. Ensure their voice is genuinely valued. They will know when it’s not. #fcpslearn
A2 I like to have conversations about what kids do outside of school? What do you love doing in your free time? Just talk to them and listen to their answers #fcpslearn
A2: I love utilizing tech to teach Ss needed skills for the year at the same time they are using the tools to teach our class community all of them and their interests!
#fcpslearn
I'm honest with students. If I don't know the answer, I tell them. But then I go figure it out and report back the next day. They know that they are on my mind and in my heart. #fcpslearn
A2 - When applicable, sharing stories of my family/life with them to help them understand material presented in class.
https://t.co/kbcuQwj8DF#fcpslearn
#fcpslearn A2: Surveys with normal and really random questions, conversations, trivia games, more conversations. For some students, you may be their only adult conversation of the day.
A2~ like @MrPStrunk I greet them at the door, have a quick chat about how happy I am to see them , maybe wipe a few noses, definitely hugs and always, always laughter #fcpslearn
A2: I tell students about myself: the good, the bad, and the ugly. The know my shortcomings just as well as they know my bright spots. They respect me as a person as well as an educator, which is truly important to me #fcpslearn
A3: Plenty of times! Instead of forcing the issues, take it slow. 2 minutes a day of asking simple questions about their likes and dislikes can do wonders. Show up to after school activities and athletic events. #fcpslearn
A2: I listen. I wait for them to speak. Having patience, especially with older kids is important. Through the years, we have trained them to be quiet. They need to realize that their voice has value and great power. #fcpslearn
A3: When I've had trouble reaching a student, I've taken time to meet with them one-on-one. I've tried to learn about them and check-in to build the relationship.
#fcpslearn
A3: In middle school, we deal with Ss with a wide variety of concerns, and many are closed off to connecting. It all goes back to A2, being patient. Consistently making time for them is helpful in breaking down walls. #fcpslearn
There are always students who are harder to "reach" than others. I just keep loving them, keep being kind, keep listening. It may take a while for them to open up. They may never open up (to me) but having a friendly face in their day can't hurt. #fcpslearn
A2~ and when in doubt, they love to look at my family picture & this always brings on some fun conversations (cute one in middle w/my pixie haircut) #fcpslearn
A2: I listen. I wait for them to speak. Having patience, especially with older kids is important. Through the years, we have trained them to be quiet. They need to realize that their voice has value and great power. #fcpslearn
A4: I've had a hard time with that this year, since I'm in a new role in a new district. My position has kept me so busy, so I don't even eat lunch in the teachers' workroom. I talk to the few Ts whose rooms are near mine, but I need to find more time in my day. #fcpslearn
A3: Try to start each day new. Trying to incorporate there interests. Unfortunately, there are a number of times where I tried and it crashed and burned. #fcpslearn
A3: Was told to “Shut the F up” this summer. I took a positive approach. He was shocked when I sought to understand his frustratation and find our common ground. We were actually talking about it today while high fiving his goals for achieve 3000 #fcpslearn
A4: Building relationships with colleagues is all about truly caring and offering unflinching support. I listen deeply and make it known that I believe in each and every person, every day.
#fcpslearn
A4: Make jokes, check in during planning, go out for dinner. There is a group of us who had a Friendsgiving one year. Support and quality time are great ways to build relationships. #fcpslearn
#fcpslearn A3: Keep trying and keep trying different tactics. Even if it doesn't seem like connections are being made, students will come back and surprise you, especially when they need some acknowledgement or support.
A4: We need to focus less on us, and more on their interests. Ask questions. Listen to them and then follow up on a later date. They are no different than our Ss. #fcpslearn
All those same rules apply - listen, love, respect, patience. I really think listening--true, deep, authentic listening--can strengthen relationships btwn colleagues. Between anyone! #fcpslearn
#fcpslearn A4: This year has been so much more challenging, as more continues to be added to our plates. Try to make it to the out of school activities or lunch activities. Most of us never even make it out of our classrooms during lunch.
A3~
~I just find a way to connect & I never, ever give up on engaging ~ this is my newest book I’m reading 📚 by @DrP_Principal ... & I do whatever it takes to reach our precious Ss ❤️
#fcpslearn
Don't we all need to find more time! If you are in a new role, you can give yourself permission to be in survival mode for a while. It'll come. Good luck to you! #fcpslearn
A5: Our most effective admins & coaches build relationships through supporting and guiding but never micromanaging. They advocate for risk taking to best reach all Ss and never penalize Ts who #failforward#fcpslearn
A5: Find the good in staff and encourage them. A little kindness goes a very long way. If the only time that we are hearing from an administrator is when I have made a mistake, this is a problem. #fcpslearn
A5. Administrators have to make many important decisions to ensure their schools are effectively serving students. It becomes easier to build trust and buy-in for these decisions when they are made and explained out in the open. #fcpslearn
Great chat as always #fcpslearn. I apologize if I didn't comment on all the posts...my tweetdeck was struggling to update. I kept having to refresh it. Thanks for taking time out to join us.
A5~
~zero favoritism
~gets to know you personally ~ finds out what makes you tick
~brings out the best in others
~is in your corner
~gives it to you straight~ no sugarcoating
#fcpslearn
#fcpslearn A5: Effective admins get out of their offices and get to know their staff. They see their staffs as assets to their buildings and encourage their staff to continue to improve. They get to know their staff as people and not just as the person occupying a classroom.
A5. Employing a transparent administrative style helps to pull back the curtain & prevent a school climate governed by assumption, rumor, & guess-work. Instead, teachers can operate based upon clear expectations & an understanding of the justifications behind them. #fcpslearn
