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.
#mschat Hello educators! I’m a pre service secondary teacher studying at the University of Oklahoma and this is my first twitter chat! I’m looking forward to hearing about your experiences and joining the conversation.
Hi, my name is Jack Newberg and I am a secondary education teacher at the University of Oklahoma. This is my first twitter chat and I am excited to everyone has to say! #MSCHAT
Hello! I'm Christie from suburban Chicago. I teach 8th grade math and social studies. I would much prefer to start school late. I think that'd benefit me and my students. #mschat
Tonight's rules: You may not say "it depends" "both" or make up your own choice. This is a forced choice, friends! Some will be fun, others tougher. Q1 coming in one minute! #mschat
Hello #mschat. Melissa 7th Grade Science from Upstate NY. I would love to start at 9, so that we could all be awake! I am a night owl who is forced to be a morning person
I'm Karly, future social studies teacher (possibly 8th grade), and would rather sleep in!! Studies show students' brains work more efficiently with more sleep, so does mine! #mschat
A2-I'd rather teach 5 periods of 80 min because I feel that it lets me get to know the students more and build stronger relationships!
#mschat#biogiraffe
Greetings, #mschat I would rather school start later so that students would be fully awake. The only good thing about having to get up at 5:30 to go to school is that I discovered #BFC530 that way. I work for IMLEA in Indianapolis.
A1: 5 classes for 80 minutes. I think this not only provides more time for activities and transitions, but also more time to build relationships and build up a class community. #mschat
When I was in middle school, we had 5 periods of 80 minutes and I loved how it was structured, I am sure I would feel the same as a teacher. I believe the extra allotted time gives students more opportunity to dive into what they are learning #mschat
A1: I would prefer a 5 period alternating block schedule. (A/B days.) However if we're talking non-block, then 8 periods so that students have elective choices. I currently teaching a school with 4 core, 4 elective, and a lunch/recess. #mschat
80 minutes means more time for authentic learning experiences. If you teach about world cultures or ELA, check out https://t.co/VgNP0NP2zh. We provide FREE biographical resources that focus on people from around the globe! #biogiraffe#mschat
A1: I love my classes! I have 4 class periods (1 prep) with about 55-60 minutes per class. But I haven’t ever had 80 minute classes. I would probably adore that :) #mschat
A1: Fewer periods with more time. Not just for me to go deep, but for students to have time to focus on a few classes at a time. We need to stop having them drink from the firehose! #mschat
A1: Fewer periods with more time. Not just for me to go deep, but for students to have time to focus on a few classes at a time. We need to stop having them drink from the firehose! #mschat
Hi, Susie! We’ve designed a new schedule that, if adopted, would have the kids in class starting at 8:35. Teachers would have different meetings different days at 8:00. #mschat
Hi everyone! I am pre-service teacher at the university of Oklahoma. New to this twitter chat tonight! I am excited to learn new things and gain more perspective. #mschat
A2: The traditional. I've done both. Sure, fall break was nice, but not worth going to school in July. Older students have problems getting summer jobs. Should be a local decision; some students learn more with their families during the summer than they would in school #mschat
A2: Year round school is intriguing! I wonder if that format would help with retention and student growth. And, if the breaks would be long enough to recharge. I'd like to think so! #mschat
A2: Still a big fan of traditional. Love summer break! Our weather’s seriously crummy the rest of the year. I’d have to travel to enjoy those breaks, and that takes $$! #mschat
That's a legitimate reason. We need to get our schools up to times! It matters for students and staff members to be comfortable before they can learn. #mschat
Answer 2: I am not sure I can answer this question without bias because I have no field experience with 3 months on and 1 month off! Can somebody with experience share the pros and cons? #mschat
Hi, Susie! We’ve designed a new schedule that, if adopted, would have the kids in class starting at 8:35. Teachers would have different meetings different days at 8:00. #mschat
Answer 2: I would rather have 9 months on, 3 months off. I chose this solely based on the fact that I do not have any experience with 3 on, 1 off. I have also enjoyed my experience with 9 months on, and 3 months off. #mschat
A2: I am curious how management and teacher sanity is with 3 month on, 1 off. But I think I would rather 9 months on, 3 off. I like my long summers! #mschat
Hi everyone! I am pre-service teacher at the University of Oklahoma. New to this chat tonight, but excited to join the conversation and gain more perspective.
#mschat
A2: Still a big fan of traditional. Love summer break! Our weather’s seriously crummy the rest of the year. I’d have to travel to enjoy those breaks, and that takes $$! #mschat
i've heard that it wasn't due to farming - there isn't much farming done in june-august. planting happens in spring and harvest is in fall... not an expert though #mschat
I agree with your point on retention and student growth. I think that having one month off would definitely help students absorb more information for a longer period of time. #mschat
A1: I think I would prefer less classes and longer class time! I had that in high school and we had so much instruction time, question time, and work time. #mschat
At https://t.co/IpWz16bXII we lead workshops for teachers all the time on how to use our FREE biographical resources. We would prefer to attend a workshop taught by YOU so we can hear your story and how to make the most of our products! #mschat#biogiraffe
I don’t know much personally, but our 4-H community is very busy over summer getting livestock ready for various shows. We surveyed families abt calendar, and most prefer very traditional. Survey didn’t include the WHY, though, but I can ask around. #mschat
A3- I love a little of both. I love presenting and sharing things that I'm passionate about. But I also like to sit back and learn new ideas from my colleagues #mschat
i've always been curious. Ppl also say daylight savings is b/c of farmers, but ones I've talked to said the animals don't care if it is 5am or 6am :) #mschat
A3: Attend a workshop taught by a peer for sure! I feel like I am always having to lead workshops and never get to be the learner - I am kind of over it! I want to learn more too! #mschat
Great point Michael! I feel like pre-service teachers have so many awesome ideas! Plus their passion and excitement for the classroom can always rub off! #biogiraffe#mschat
Answer 3: I would not mind either, but it depends on the information. If it was something that I did not know then I would rather attend a workshop. If I knew more about a subject I wouldn't mind leading the workshop. #mschat
A3: I would prefer #edcamp style - always. Conversations! Collaboration! Learning for all. When we take away the perception of expertise in the room, we all learn. #mschat
A3: This is definitely a depends on the circumstance situation. I would love to both lead and attend, it just depends on which of my co-workers is most experienced in the subject area. #mschat
Tonight's rules: You may not say "it depends" "both" or make up your own choice. This is a forced choice, friends! Some will be fun, others tougher. Q1 coming in one minute! #mschat
A3: more of a question than an answer, would a workshop with co-workers be good though b/c we would all work together and understand more about each others teaching? #mschat
A3: I love learning from my peers. They have so many great ideas and strategies! All too often, teachers seem hesitant to share out or have trouble finding opportunity to do so. We should encourage one another to share and empower one other in our PD. #mschat
A3: This is definitely a depends on the circumstance situation. I would love to both lead and attend, it just depends on which of my co-workers is most experienced in the subject area. #mschat
A3: I think I’d rather learn! I presented at a workshop this year and it was terrifying! I was proud to share what was working, but it was still scary! #mschat
A3 addition-We can learn so much from each other can't we!?! That's what Biogiraffe is all about! learning from others. Our Middle school curriculum focuses on world cultures by telling people's stories from across the globe. Check us out! #mschat#biogiraffe
A4: Help a kid with a breakup. My family is full of people majoring in science. My siblings chose the medical field. I chose science teacher, however I'm much better at being prepared for medical. It's grown on me. #mschat
A4: I think helping a kid through an illness. I mean its middle school, they only date someone for a day and break up. When you have an illness, it helps to have a bunch of cheerleaders helping you keep your head up. #mschat
Q4-We would rather help a kid through a break up. That's because we believe in the power of STORY and learning from each other's experiences. That's why biogiraffes focus on various cultures across the globe. #mschat#biogiraffe
Haha! I after teaching HS science for 5 years I just recently had a MS student pull one out in front of me and my first reaction was, was that tooth supposed to come out? lol #mschat
A4: Help a kid through a break up. When a student has a serious illness it is really tough on my soul. :( Break ups are sad, but by building student self-confidence back up they are usually able to recover pretty quick. #mschat
A4: Okay, now I'm cheating. The breakup might be easier, but I think the more impt one is the illness; it's important for us to be there. Plus, they're often over the breakup by the next passing period. #mschat
A4: It depends (sorry!) because if it's a legit illness, then I'd rather deal with a breakup. If it's a minor illness and something they'll fully recover from, then the illness. #mschat
A4: I would like to say I'm happy to help a child through anything. But, the rule is pick 1(blah! 😂), so I would say a break-up only because I've had my heart broken & can speak from a place of limited, shared experience. #mschat
Q4: I think I would rather help a kid through a sickness. Currently dealing with my 16yr old brother during his first break-up---dramatic but nonetheless very real for him. #mschat
A4: breakups because I’m always giving middle school breakup advice. I suppose I’m pretty good at it since they keep coming back for more. Lol!!! #mschat
a5: I'll take shorter days and let me structure my prep time on my own. i'm a night owl so i get lots of my grading and planning done after the family is asleep! #mschat
5: Longer days and no work at home. I can't divide my attention. If I bring my work home, I will either devote my time and attention to it (thereby neglecting my family and self) OR will neglect my work so I can give full attention to loved ones. Leave it at school. #mschat
A5: I have come up with some of my better ideas for instruction after hours, so if I have more time to plan and innovate and making every moment I have with my students count! #mschat
A5- I'd take the longer day with no work at home. I feel like I am much more productive at work. I like to leave knowing everything's done or is in a good place. Time at home is for me to relax and decompress. #mschat
A5: The shorter days, only because it would give me more flexibility to leave if needed. The work is almost always going to happen at both school and home no matter what. #mschat
A5: work from home! I have 3 littles and could put them to bed and work then. Spend their waking hours playing instead of working. But not if it cut into teaching time!!! #mschat
#mschat A6: Participate in the talent show. Perform a song by @michaelfranti and bring everyone together and their spirits WAY high. Show that music can be fun, uplifting, and POSITIVE without being vulgar or superficial.
A5+: While we were split on taking work home vs being at work, one common theme was keeping a balance of work time & family time. I struggled with this a lot as a new teacher & still struggle at times. We need to make time for ourselves and our loved ones. #mschat
A6 Talent show (even though we don't have one). I had a dream once that I Lip Synced "Don't Stop Believin' on stage in front of the whole school. (I killed it!) #mschat
A6: I will paint my face anyday. My colleague that I team teach with made me sing "Let It Go" with him in front of the class with projector remotes and light sabers as microphones. #mschat
A6: I would totally paint my face, but double check that the paint is washable!! I also remember faculty follies in HS, one of the best days of the year!
#mschat
A6: School spirit is so important in creating and/or sustainomg a positive culture for Ss & Ts. 1st day of school was Spirit Day where kids wear their fav spirit 👕& get in the football game free! Ya each Friday was jeans day w/spirit 👕 + I bought new faculty 👕 each yr #mschat
A6: I would be happy to do both but I'd prefer the talent show. I don't mean to brag but I recently got to highlight my rumba shaker skills at our holiday assembly. :) #mschat
I am not even teaching yet and struggle with keeping school work out of family/friends time. It is something I think a lot about when I do become a teacher, hopefully I will find a balance by then.
#mschat
a7: dances - love the range of everything that middle school dances bring. from 6th graders acting all goofy to 8th graders avoiding the dance floor :) #mschat
#mschat A7: Sporting event.....not even close. Promoting a positive, healthy atmosphere at sports is easy as the criteria is pretty black/white. But the music and dancing that is considered "ok" these days, IMO is NOT healthy and it's all grey. Call me old. I'm 42.
A7- Love sports as a coach and AD I am usually at all home games. But I gotta go chaporone a dance here. There is no cha cha slide or cotton eye joe at sporting events! #mschat
A7: At the middle school level...the dances are easy and enjoyable to chaperone. I had Ss giving me lessons at our last dance and word got out that I was danccing the next week. #mschat
A7: Chaperone a dance, I love getting to observe students interact outside of the classroom! Also I'll take any chance to show off my dance moves #mschat
A7: That's a tough one! I would have to say chaperone a sporting event. It's nice to see the students in their element which is a different element than the classroom. #mschat
A5: Ss deserve our best best & work/life balance is critical for Ta & Ldrs! How about having dedicated double (55 min) planning or 1 block each day! I had this as a teacher in NC & was able to plan, grade & be “mom” to my own kids each day! Plus we met daily for teaming. #mschat
Question 8: This one is tough... Remember, no 'both' or 'it depends'... You get 30 minutes after school on a random afternoon with your colleagues. How would you prefer to spend the time? #mschat
A7: I’ve done dances and it’s so fun! I tell them that I’m bringing my ruler. One time their theme was the red carpet. There were more pics of me on there than any student. Lol! You get to really interact and talk to them! And I’ve got killer dancing skills! #mschat
Question 8: This one is tough... Remember, no 'both' or 'it depends'... You get 30 minutes after school on a random afternoon with your colleagues. How would you prefer to spend the time? #mschat
A6: Catching up on work. Our staff is pretty awesome about getting together outside of school so I don't feel like I need a team building activity as much as time to get caught up. #mschat
Question 8: This one is tough... Remember, no 'both' or 'it depends'... You get 30 minutes after school on a random afternoon with your colleagues. How would you prefer to spend the time? #mschat
Disclaimer: I was afraid I was going to miss teaching at the HS. Three years in at the middle school in my coaching position and I have fallen in LOVE with teaching middle school. #mschat
A9: I dont drink coffee, but Diet Sundrop is with me at all times. So definitely go without the copier! I’d just use @gsuite and @Classkick instead. #mschat
