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.
WELCOME to #mschat - where tonight we bring Broadway to twitter. Let's start by introducing yourself, your current placement, and your favorite musical or song.
My name is Michael and I'm a Math Science and Orton Gillingham teacher in the Columbus, Ohio area. As far as favorite musical, I am originally from NY and couldn't pick one, but I'll go Mamma Mia! #mschat
Katie, 6th grade reading/ELA in IN. My favorite is R&H Cinderella, but I also really liked Lion King. My husband was just Sweeney in Sweeney Todd. #mschat
It's dark. So, yeah, not my favorite. But my husband is REALLY talented, and there were some really great performances. The kid who played Toby was AMAZING. #mschat
Excited to be back with #mschat
Erin Scholes, 7th grade math in northeastern CT.
I also choreograph and assistant direct the musicals at our HS... not sure I can pick a favorite musical... Currently I am loving "When your feet don't touch the ground" from Finding Neverland
A1: Respect is a nonnegotiable in our room. Ss know that we’re part of a community that shares, learns, and grows together. Without respect, that community would fall apart. #mschat
A1: Be kind. I know it is general, but if I’m going help make the world a better place then my kiddos need to know this isn’t negotiable. This rule, of course, applies to me as well. #mschat
Aaaaand she’s late! Bridget Bryson, 6th grade ELA in Alpharetta, GA. So many musicals to love! For singalong I have to go with Grease or The Lion King #mschat
A1: Respect when another student has ‘the floor’! No hands waving or “Pick me!” Help each other, support each other, don’t pressure each other... the student trying to answer gets to learn until they get it right - and we all learn with them! #mschat
A1 Non-negotiable classroom expectation: Respect (respect ourselves, our ability, our learning, respect others, who they are, their ability and right to learn, our space, our materials, etc) #MSchat
A2: tough one - class chant comes to mind, but I think I will go with my class publicist. Amazing how the other students turn it on when a peer is filming them working 😂😂😂 #mschat
A2) Amp up the crazy! Find ways to be crazy myself, to get the students doing crazy things @Beyond_the_Desk knows I love her ideas (as do my kids)
Mostly show students my true excitement and enjoyment of learning... it is contagious! #MSchat
A2: Knowing my students #mschat Asking them how they want to express themselves and thinking of how they learn best Each hour is a bit different based upon audience
A2: Anything that can be done based on Ss interest is a winner. Getting them exploring the world using technology, creating products that reflect their style and still show what they've learned. These always keep Ss coming back for an encore. #mschat
A2: most of the time it is have a plan, but be willing to follow the lead of my students. One of my favorite things to do in science is follow the wonder and questions of students. If we can do what they wonder about then we do! #mschat
A2: Humor, personal anecdotes, embarrassing stories from my middle school years, etc. Creating those personal connections to the content & helping my Ss relate goes a long way. #mschat
a2: My go to move has always letting students teach. I love setting it up so students can read a chapter and teach it to the rest of the class. #MSChat
A2 The...dramatic...pause... I use this when reading aloud, when hinting at upcoming exciting lessons, or even NOT revealing a solution to a challenge I’ve set for my class. Ex) no one solved my breakout 🎁-I’m not going to reveal what was inside. I’ll do another 🎁later #mschat
A3: Quality planning. I chunk my period into smaller segments & plan when they’ll need to move, how long they’ll stare at a screen, their talking vs my talking, etc. #MSchat
a3: I don't worry about using every minute on instruction. I worry about using every minute engaged with my students. If that means time spent on getting to know them at the start of class or end of class instead of a couple of extra problems, I'm ok with that. #MSChat
a3: There will never be "enough" time because the world is our content. Getting to know my students and engaging with them is how I fill in the time between lessons. #MSChat
A3: Engagement is key, and using a gradual release model is a winner every time. Chunking learning into 5-8 minute segments keeps the kids alert! #mschat
A3: First of all -- Newsies!!!
I work to ensure Ss have as many transitions to different activities and stay engaged. We work in brain breaks and movement into all aspects of the lesson to ensure Ss can be at their best throughout the class period. #mschat
A4 I like to ask the Ss at the end of the year "What is the most important lesson Ms. Scholes taught you?"
All time favorite answer "That it is ok to be myself" (I did my JOB!!!) #mschat
A4: success is measured by number of smiling faces on young people who are confident, resilient and empathetic as they are eager for what’s next #mschat
A4: I survey students & parents, like at the end of the 1st grading period. I pour through that data along with NWEA & class assessment data. Are they learning? Do they feel respected? Safe? Am I communicating enough? Do the Kidd’s WANT to be here & know I want them here? #MSchat
a4: I think a successful year is when I feel like I have accomplished most of my goals. I do that by reflecting and connecting with students and seeing how they felt about the year. My thoughts alone are not enough to validate my year. Student feedback is a must. #MSChat
A4: Focus on day to day growth #mschat Weekly reflection ... are students asking better questions, digging into content, working together and growing together? #mschat
A3: Quality planning. I chunk my period into smaller segments & plan when they’ll need to move, how long they’ll stare at a screen, their talking vs my talking, etc. #MSchat
A4: Success in my room is measured based on whether or not we are better people than we were when we started the year. That means academically, emotionally, and in progress on our journey of life. #mschat
A3 There’s a connection btwn teacher mindset & making each classroom moment meaningful.Ts that believe their work can be life-changing take🕰 to plan more relevant &engaging lessons.They come to class w/ a sense of urgency that translates into a richer experience for Ss . #mschat
A3: My math classes are an hour. Students have about 50 minutes each day to have autonomy over what they want to do in class. They are in charge of their learning and decide what to do to learn the content. #mschat
q5: Performers practice for HOURS to create the show. Errors happen. How do you let students know that despite making errors (academically AND behaviorally,) each day is a fresh start? Admins- how do you give staff the same grace? #mschat
q5: Performers practice for HOURS to create the show. Errors happen. How do you let students know that despite making errors (academically AND behaviorally,) each day is a fresh start? Admins- how do you give staff the same grace? #mschat
A5: Students start class by going to the board. They call on each other, explain concepts and decide what concept(s) to review. I say nothing. They have the control of the room. When they are done, they get to work (usually after about 5-8 minutes) #mschat
A4: I survey students & parents, like at the end of the 1st grading period. I pour through that data along with NWEA & class assessment data. Are they learning? Do they feel respected? Safe? Am I communicating enough? Do the Kidd’s WANT to be here & know I want them here? #MSchat
a5: I actively tell them. That was yesterday - what did you learn from that mistak? cool! how was your soccer game? yeah? two saves? Fantastic! #mschat
A5: If at first you don’t succeed, dust yourself off and try again...for students and staff! I coach teachers and my job wouldn’t exist if they were perfect! #mschat
A4 There are many measures...the growth I read in my students’ writing-the growth I hear in my students’ public speaking, the growth as readers I note in my independent reading conference notebook. Building relationships w/ Ss enables all this growth to occur. #mschat
I have a flipped classroom. I give them the standards for the entire 3 years I teach them. They are given the practice/work and the end date which it should be done. Students decide the pace. I now have students working 6-7 months ahead of the classroom pace. #mschat
A5 I really like standing at my door to greet students, first thing in the morning and at the beginning of each class, so our first interaction each day is a smile! #mschat
q5: Performers practice for HOURS to create the show. Errors happen. How do you let students know that despite making errors (academically AND behaviorally,) each day is a fresh start? Admins- how do you give staff the same grace? #mschat
That is awesome, How long did it take you to figure out how to manage this work load? #mschat Sadly we are far away from something like this in my district ... would love to work where I could get there
A5: I tell them at the start of the year that I won't hold a bad day against them. We can always learn and grow. It is about staying calm with a student when a mistake is made, and helping to guide them through that learning process. #mschat@ERobbPrincipal
A5 I greet my Ss with a genuine smile, kind word, and warm handshake at the beginning of each class, each day. They walk in with that + energy, and my excitement and encouragement during class show that any “static” from yesterday is gone. I’ve flipped the channel. #mschat
A5: I tell them at the start of the year that I won't hold a bad day against them. We can always learn and grow. It is about staying calm with a student when a mistake is made, and helping to guide them through that learning process. #mschat@ERobbPrincipal
a6: I use the phrase, "You don't have to tell me what's wrong, but don't tell me 'nothing.' Instead say, 'I don't want to talk about it now." At least gives me a clue if I should get help for them #mschat
A6: By building relationships! Show Ss and Ts you care. Know what matters to them, and share what matters to you. Be there to support them at their best and their worst. #mschat
A6: I often call “our” classroom Vegas (with disclaimers of course) but in essence, my room as a safe place...no judgement zone. They get to be humans just like me. #mschat
A5. A smile goes a long way, and so does admitting when you have had a bad day. Building those relationships is key to being able to forget those bad days the students and we as educators sometimes have. #mschat
A6: Proving that everything I do is genuine and in their best interest. Once they are willing to tear down their walls, let them know you're there for them anytime they need that listening ear. Only give advice when they ask for it. #Habit5#mschat
A6: Modeling that vulnerability day in & day out. If I can’t be my true self with my kids, why should I expect them to do the same? This trust takes time to build, but it’s so worth it. #mschat
A6: Students are Tired in many ways when we build up trust and relationships they will share their busy #mschat We can then work on how they can learn what is needed with their schedules
A6: I reveal my goofiness and like to think that I am pretty open with them. It is about creating that environment where it is safe to be yourself. #mschat
A6: Ask, “What do you need?” It’s a powerful question. And I tell them I notice they seem different but that I won’t pry, but I ALWAYS remind them who their “safe” adults at school are. #MSchat
YES, I have students who play volleyball for school then go at night to play for a club team.... #mschat no breaks (seems like they play sports all year)
A7: Student Council can be a great opportunity for students to take on leadership roles. Being given the responsibility to represent the class can bring out the best in Ss - even those who may not show their best in the classroom. #mschat
A7: This is my fav Q of the night...let them flex! If they have a muscle, give them (Ss and Ts) ample opportunities to show them off. Ts can help lead other Ts, and Ss can do the same in so many ways! #mschat
A7: As much as they can handle: I have teach me days in advisory where students create the lessons to teach skill or inform class #mschat Part of assessment options at end of unit allows students to teach a lesson
A6 As an ELA teacher (idk, maybe every content feels this way?) I feel my class ITSELF is the way to dig deep. During 1 on 1 reading and writing conferences or listening to them debate in class I get to learn a lot about what Ss care about, feel, and think. #mschat
A7: Tried something new this week. Met w/ a remedial small group during a lesson & trained them to be the leaders to go over the activity w/ other students. They were psyched. They got the academic support they needed but then also felt proud & empowered by leading. #MSchat
A7: Ss in our school lead the morning announcements, plan after school activities, and develop service projects to support community initiatives. #mschat
A6: By giving everyone a voice. I am the guide on the side and let them take control. No one gets away with being passive. They must all be active everyday. #mschat
A8: Need to work on my theme game #mschat and maybe brush up on my musicals .. haven't been in too long all my references are old school classics like Oklahoma, King and I, Annie etc
A8: Students need opportunities to be leaders! I love the “what student idea have we implemented lately” idea. I need to put this one my desk so it it in my face on a daily basis. #mschat
A7 My School @GMSfalcon supports speaking & listening skills in every child. All Ss are taught skills to excell in presenting second speeches about a topic they ❤️to their ELA class.This=round 1/5 in our #FalconFaceTime initiative that also involves business leaders. #mschat
