#bmoreedchat A1 - After recent experiences I wish that I would have learned more about the Middle East and their culture. It is a fascinating place that is difficult to teach to my students and I wish that I could have learned more about their literature and culture in school.
A1: I wish I learned more about the local government decisions happening daily. I remember learning about civics from a national view, but not local. #BmoreEdchat
A1. I wish I had simply had a more diverse experience. I grew up in a very homogeneous area and it was a huge culture shock for me when I began teaching in a very different area. #bmoreedchat
A1: Wish I had learned more abt the Hindenburg disaster...or the Hurricane that wiped out Galveston...@laurenTarshis I Survived books have taught me a ton I missed! #BmoreEdchat
A1 After repetitive dangerous events in schools recently I wish I would had learned more about the importance of protesting and what difference it could make in and out of the classroom. #bmoreedchat
A1: Currents events related to the accomplishments of community members and the peers in my school. It would have shown us how we are apart of history and the real impact that everyone has in the world. #BMoreEdChat
A1: Wish I had learned more abt the Hindenburg disaster...or the Hurricane that wiped out Galveston...@laurenTarshis I Survived books have taught me a ton I missed! #BmoreEdchat
A1: I wish I learned more about the local government decisions happening daily. I remember learning about civics from a national view, but not local. #BmoreEdchat
A1 After repetitive dangerous events in schools recently I wish I would had learned more about the importance of protesting and what difference it could make in and out of the classroom. #bmoreedchat
A1)From MS to college, I wish I learned more about Reagan, apartheid politics, as well as explored nuance of Rodney King beating and OJ trial. #BmoreEdchat
A1: Such a good question! Not sure about a specific event but I do wish that I learned more about the social issues that were important while I was growing up. #BmoreEdChat
A1) I wish I had learned more about the rich Native history in my region of Wisconsin. I also came from a very small village that was/is very homogeneous. It was definitely lacking in our education (and still is). #BmoreEdchat
A1). Not really a current event but a topic that is important in current events but I wish I learned more about diversity and different cultures than my own! #bmoreedchat
#bmoreedchat A1 I don't remember doing current events at all in elementary/ middle school! So I definitely think I should have been at least exposed it!
A1: When I was in school I wish I had learned more about the importance of current events and the impact they have on our local communities. #ED446#BmoreEdchat
#BmoreEdchat A1: I wish I had learned ALL of American History; the good, the bad, the ugly. Hiding skeletons to save face only postpones a stark reality later.
I just said the same thing! I LOVE working at Indian Community School. I get to be immersed in Native culture daily. It’s been an amazing experience so far! #BmoreEdchat
A1. When I was in school, I wish I learned more about environmental regulations and incidents in my community. Living near the beach, I wish we were more involved in beach cleanups! 🏖 #BmoreEdchat#ED446
A2: Current events allow you to understand the world that you are in...being able to converse/know abt that makes you a better citizen for the future #BmoreEdchat
Kate Miller - Principal at Chadwick ES. Glad to chat... A1) Wish I had learned more about the other perspectives in history... the missing voices. Wish I had learned to pay attention to local government. #bmoreedchat
A1: honestly, SO much. I was a child of immigrants and so I would have loved the chance to know more about what was happening globally as well as local, state, and national. #BmoreEdChat
Truly! It IS Essential that we know more about the indigenous people! Here is a site you can use to practice the importance of Territory Acknowledgement https://t.co/vmku3hctnl#BMoreEdChat
A2: It is important to teach students about current events in order to broaden their horizons about what goes on in the world, and how they can work to make a change in the future. #BmoreEdchat
A1: My high school Ts did a great job of infusing current events into instruction, but elementary was definitely... questionable? The ONLY talk of current events there was the @UConnHuskies winning another 🏀championship. So I’d have taken ANYTHING. #BmoreEdchat
A2.) I think it's important to teach current events in the classroom so that children know their voices are valued and important in the discussion and hopefully teaching them they have the power to speak up! #bmoreedchat#ed446
A1: Currents events related to the accomplishments of community members and the peers in my school. It would have shown us how we are apart of history and the real impact that everyone has in the world. #BMoreEdChat
#bmoreedchat A2 - There are so many reasons - Understanding the world, tolerating other cultures, to inform students about the world around them. I remember being told to read the news in 8th grade and working hard everyday since then to be informed.
A2: we live in a world where physical distance means less and less with each passing day. We need to teach our Ss how to relate to the world on a global scale. Teaching current events helps to break down cultural barriers so the world doesn’t feel so big. #BmoreEdchat
#BmoreEdchat Q2: Teaching current events allow Ss, no matter the age, to express their viewpoints, which will matter one day sooner. They can start to make informed decisions and opinions.
A2. It's important to teach current events to students so they are aware of the world around them. If we don't teach them and show them the resources of how to stay relevant with current events then they might not know, which could affect them later in life. #bmoreedchat
A2) Including current events is important because students need to be involved and knowledgeable about the community they live in. They should have the right to voice opinions about events as well #BmoreEdchat#ed446
A2: Students are surrounded by biased views of news/current events, especially today because of social media, and talking about them in school helps students to start making their own informed decisions from a young age #bmoreedchat
A2. Providing opportunities for students to discuss current events helps build character and broadens perspectives...crucial skills for navigating this world. #BmoreEdchat
#BmoreEdchat Q2: Teaching current events allow Ss, no matter the age, to express their viewpoints, which will matter one day sooner. They can start to make informed decisions and opinions.
A2.) I think it's important to teach current events in the classroom so that children know their voices are valued and important in the discussion and hopefully teaching them they have the power to speak up! #bmoreedchat#ed446
A2:It is important to teach students about current events to enhance their language and vocabulary skills, and to inform students about what is going on outside of school so that they can become better citizens and communicate with their families about the news #bmoreedchat
A2: I love the wording from @flokoul about teachable moments. Current events provide the opportunity to teach on the fly and learn from history...even if it was yesterday or an hour ago. #BmoreEdchat
History repeats itself. Frequently. For instance, Republican presidential issues, by Republicans from Indiana? Yeah, it's a repeat. Happened in the 1800s. #bmoreedchat
A2. Teaching current events is teaching the whole child. It is teaching them about their world outside of school that they have to be part of and survive. #bmoreedchat
A2: Teaching current events helps students to learn about their community and helps them to connect globally. Makes learning authentic too because the topics are relevant to present time and students' lives #BmoreEdchat
A2.) I think it's important to teach current events in the classroom so that children know their voices are valued and important in the discussion and hopefully teaching them they have the power to speak up! #bmoreedchat#ed446
A2: Students are accessing information all the time. It's important to provide opportunities for discussion/teachable moments as new events occur, whether or not they are in the original lesson plan. #BmoreEdchat
A2: Connecting current events to what they are learning in the classroom, what is going on at home or in their communities is important for students to understand that school is more about assignments and routines! It demonstrates that we truly care! #BmoreEdchat#ED446
A2) we can’t expect to release our students into the great wide world without first teaching them how to engage with current events. They need to know how to look at & evaluate different resources/events & to be able to engage in respectful discourse. #BmoreEdchat
A2. It's important to teach current events to students so they are aware of the world around them. If we don't teach them and show them the resources of how to stay relevant with current events then they might not know, which could affect them later in life. #bmoreedchat
A2: Students are driven to learn about issues that are personal. Current events have an impact on their daily lives. It is powerful when they can connect content to the immediate world around them #BmoreEdchat
A2: Teaching currents events keeps students involved in the community and world as well as gives them opportunities to apply their learning to real world events. #BmoreEdchat#ED446
A3: Controversy isn’t going anywhere. Our Ss live in a world of online anonymity and quick fire rhetoric. We need to teach them how to engage in civil discourse. Using current events as a platform gives them a chance to talk about things that actually impact them ! #BmoreEdchat
A2: Tying curriculum to current events helps Ss see values in action, allowing them to form opinions as critical thinkers. Prepares Ss to become more informed & engaged citizens #BmoreEdchat
Community involvement is a great point about local current events and news. Educators can use the events as inspiration to structure activities #BmoreEdchat
A2: Teaching currents events keeps students involved in the community and world as well as gives them opportunities to apply their learning to real world events. #BmoreEdchat#ED446
A2: Students are accessing information all the time. It's important to provide opportunities for discussion/teachable moments as new events occur, whether or not they are in the original lesson plan. #BmoreEdchat
A2: Students are surrounded by biased views of news/current events, especially today because of social media, and talking about them in school helps students to start making their own informed decisions from a young age #bmoreedchat
A3: Controversy isn’t going anywhere. Our Ss live in a world of online anonymity and quick fire rhetoric. We need to teach them how to engage in civil discourse. Using current events as a platform gives them a chance to talk about things that actually impact them ! #BmoreEdchat
History & human evolution are not sterile and objective. Incorporating current events into our work helps kids imagine/pursue their indiv. role in changing society. #BmoreEdchat
A2 I've advocated that @SPPS_News & other Minnesota districts incorporate more Current Event classes in their mike schools & high schools. Not only is it relevant for students, it helps add context. #bmoreedchat@mnmsba@EducationMN
In reply to
@katemillerbcps, @SPPS_News, @mnmsba, @EducationMN
A3. By teaching controversial issues students are quickly going to realize that everyone has a different point of view and opinion which will result in students to form their own #bmoreedchat
A2: It is important to teach students about current events because it builds their knowledge about what is going on around them. The students will then be able to relate it back to different moments in history and see how history has/ hasn't changed. #BmoreEdchat#ED446
#bmoreedchat It's not too late. Make it part of your students' daily routine. Invite local government officials in for classroom discussions and student input. #BmoreEdChat
A3) Teaching controversial issues is so important because students should know they have the right to peacefully voice their opinions and listen to opinions in the classroom. #ED446#BmoreEdchat
A3: Learning how to manage our emotions and effectively communicate is a vital life skill...discussing controversial topics allows us to foster tolerance and empathy in Ss and self #BmoreEdchat
Teaching current events at all ages helps prepare students to be lifelong learners. Being an informed adult means keeping up with what's going on in the world and in your community. A2 #BmoreEdchat
A3: All humans should be able to push the limits and challenge the space in which we live in daily. Current events provide the avenue to turn students into the next societal game changers. #BmoreEdchat
#bmoreedchat A3 - Discussing controversial topics requires students to leave their comfort zones which can make them respond in different and often insightful ways. Of course, you may have a few students that shut down, but most will rise to the occasion.
A3: Our young people need to learn how to disagree constructively. They are growing up in a divisive time and it is critical that they understand how to find common ground #BmoreEdChat
#bmoreedchat A3 - Discussing controversial topics requires students to leave their comfort zones which can make them respond in different and often insightful ways. Of course, you may have a few students that shut down, but most will rise to the occasion.
A3. It can definitely be tough to engage in difficult conversations where you’re not sure what is going to be said. However, sharing those opinions in a classroom setting can be such an educational skill. #BmoreEdchat#ED446
A3: Our young people need to learn how to disagree constructively. They are growing up in a divisive time and it is critical that they understand how to find common ground #BmoreEdChat
A3: Learning how to manage our emotions and effectively communicate is a vital life skill...discussing controversial topics allows us to foster tolerance and empathy in Ss and self #BmoreEdchat
A3. Early exposure to different viewpoints may help foster empathy even when ideology differs. It's easier to hate the other when they've been totally dehumanized- if we build empathy we build better discourse. #bmoreedchat
A3. It can definitely be tough to engage in difficult conversations where you’re not sure what is going to be said. However, sharing those opinions in a classroom setting can be such an educational skill. #BmoreEdchat#ED446
#bmoreedchat A4 - Teaching about Hiroshima and Nagasaki nuclear bombings and US involvement in Japan post WWII. Refugees and immigration in Europe particularly around Calais. Trying to tie all of it to literature but it ends up being a rich discussion.
A4: The recent increase in school violence has sparked various community circles in our classroom about safety, acceptance, bullying, and how we as a community can help each other out. #BmoreEdchat
A2 The ease of access for current events far exceeds anything I grew up with. But, it presents multiple problems as well. Do students (& teachers) fact check? Verify multiple sources? Does viewer fatigue impact how Ss & Ts interact w/current events?
#bmoreedchat
A2: Students are surrounded by biased views of news/current events, especially today because of social media, and talking about them in school helps students to start making their own informed decisions from a young age #bmoreedchat
A3: Talking about controversial issues gives students opportunities to learn how to have peaceful & effective conversations about their different points of view #bmoreedchat
A3) We're not necessarily "teaching the issue" but teaching students to dive into learning that helps them determine their opinion. We're teaching them to think, and not just accept. #bmoreedchat
A3: Sharing the truth about controversial but developmentally appropriate current events helps students to think critically. Students begin to analyze and craft their own opinions based on the facts. Student voice matters! #bmoreedchat
A3: All humans should be able to push the limits and challenge the space in which we live in daily. Current events provide the avenue to turn students into the next societal game changers. #BmoreEdchat
A3) life is often filled with controversy or controversial topics. Helping students learn how to navigate these situations is important (even if that sometimes means calling “squirrel” - my family’s “agree to disagree” end point of a discussion). #BmoreEdchat +
A3.) Controversial issues can obviously be uncomfortable to talk about but it's important that students learn to be informed on these topics since they are so prevalent today. Students grow when they engage outside their comfort zones. #bmoreedchat#ed446
A3: Controversial issues will create conversations from different perspectives, and possibly better understandings about others' viewpoints #BmoreEdchat
A2 cont. With that said, everything I just mentioned as possible drawbacks can/should be harnessed in the classroom, which should lead to discussions, debate, critical thinking skills, student action projects, etc. #bmoreedchat
This is what teaching should be all about as students have all the content as their fingertips. We have to model for them how to think, evaluate, extend, and apply it! #BmoreEdchat
A3) We're not necessarily "teaching the issue" but teaching students to dive into learning that helps them determine their opinion. We're teaching them to think, and not just accept. #bmoreedchat
A4: The recent increase in school violence has sparked various community circles in our classroom about safety, acceptance, bullying, and how we as a community can help each other out. #BmoreEdchat
A4) Me Too, Russia Probe, Social Media, Identity Politics, Gun Rights, etc. Its not much thats off limits in a space thats designed for thoughtful conversation. #BmoreEdchat
A3: Sharing the truth about controversial but developmentally appropriate current events helps students to think critically. Students begin to analyze and craft their own opinions based on the facts. Student voice matters! #bmoreedchat
A4. I'll be honest, as a primary teacher this is something I struggle with. Finding a balance between current events and age appropriateness. #bmoreedchat
Don't blame social media. It only makes it easier to stay within our comfort zones. We need to choose to follow others. Oh, network broadcasts, newspapers have done the same for years ... Though not original intent. #BmoreEdchat
A3) life is often filled with controversy or controversial topics. Helping students learn how to navigate these situations is important (even if that sometimes means calling “squirrel” - my family’s “agree to disagree” end point of a discussion). #BmoreEdchat +
A4: I had powerful discussions w/5th graders abt @theblackpanther movie and the impact of a black superhero on society thanks to a great article from @Newsela. #BmoreEdchat
A3: Learning how to manage our emotions and effectively communicate is a vital life skill...discussing controversial topics allows us to foster tolerance and empathy in Ss and self #BmoreEdchat
Check out @LivingonOne ‘s Salam Neighbor and Living on a Dollar. Both on Netflix. Really powerful messages. Relatable to youth. So many connections can be made. They have a curric as well. #bmoreedchat
I totally agree! I have just seen people who have gotten sucked into only seeing one side because they don’t look beyond their timeline. It’s part of looking at events/things from multiple perspectives, definitely. #BmoreEdchat
A5: Be open and willing to listen to Ss voices on what they want to discuss...if we always bring the topics it doesn't drive them to be interested #BmoreEdchat
Thank you! It is a lot of work, but we do a lot of differentiated learning at the school and try to give options. My colleague, @TeacherPopeUT, is teaching a sports literature class next year to get more kids into the ELA classroom. #bmoreedchat
A4: Here I go plugging @Flocabulary AGAIN, but we love their weekly Current Events Jr. series. 4-6 events. One Rap. We discuss facts on each, and do opinion quick writes. Our most recent discussion (with a 50/50 split for and against) was on cloning. #BmoreEdchat
A4:Our classes begin each day with a community meeting- topics range. Our student council has recently sparked a conversation about making new students feel welcomed and wanted. Recent current events have revealed that not all feel welcome in our country #BmoreEdchat
A5: Set up structures which allow your kids to lead. Have them teach and share their opinions with one another. Step back and just listen first...then guide the discussion if necessary. #lessismore#BmoreEdchat
Would I not be able to do this in my Current Events class? Something that might be of interest to #BmoreEdchat as they chat tonight. https://t.co/Go4FIsdhVt
#bmoreedchat A5 - Teach to your passion. Find something that you really think is important and share it with your students. I go with Nuclear Weapons and Immigration because they have touched my life directly. Within reason, teachers need to teach what they love.
A4: In probability and statistics I think it is critical for my students to look at the intersection of race, crime, education and poverty in their city. It they are going to be a part of the solution they need to see the data #BmoreEdchat#iteachmath
#BmoreEdChat A5. Making sure that we create classroom environments where our students feel like their voices are being heard and that their opinions matter!
A3 In teaching controversial topics, we can promote critical consciousness by allowing students to bring their own voices and experiences to discussions. In discussing such topics, we can construct an education that is liberating for all students #BmoreEdChat#ED446
A5: Students should be exposed to multiple perspectives. Teachers should be cognizant of the developmental levels and ages of students and be sure to craft discussion and choose topics that are appropriate #BmoreEdchat
#BmoreEdchat A5: Use Socratic type set ups, most of our Ss learned this over time from Touchstones discussions, to structure discussions and to train Ss on appropriate interactions when speaking and listening.
I have to sneak in a hello to @katemillerbcps from a very opinionated and current event following ginger who is enjoying a bonus snow day and saw me twittering with his former AP! #bmoreedchat
A5: Though I don’t have much experience, I can definitely say that it is best to allow students to come in and share if something is going on at home/community/world level that they want to talk about. Safe space & comfort can make all the difference. #BmoreEdchat#ED446
A5cont: I would also say ask your community about events which are happening locally. Invite stakeholders into the classroom and build activities to inspire collaboration or a passion project to help the local area. #BmoreEdchat
A4: School shootings have come up in conversation with my 5th graders, I emphasized the importance of kindness towards classmates- you never know what someone may be going through #BmoreEdchat
#BmoreEdChat A5. Making sure that we create classroom environments where our students feel like their voices are being heard and that their opinions matter!
#BmoreEdChat A5. Making sure that we create classroom environments where our students feel like their voices are being heard and that their opinions matter!
A4:Our classes begin each day with a community meeting- topics range. Our student council has recently sparked a conversation about making new students feel welcomed and wanted. Recent current events have revealed that not all feel welcome in our country #BmoreEdchat
A3 #bmoreEdChat YES! Totally agree. Take a look at some of the ways I introduce controversy in our #CHCougars Current Events class. https://t.co/2hGOjV11et It' important to hear students thoughts, whether out loud or written down. #perspective
A3 In teaching controversial topics, we can promote critical consciousness by allowing students to bring their own voices and experiences to discussions. In discussing such topics, we can construct an education that is liberating for all students #BmoreEdChat#ED446
A5cont: I would also say ask your community about events which are happening locally. Invite stakeholders into the classroom and build activities to inspire collaboration or a passion project to help the local area. #BmoreEdchat
Here's the lesson plan for how I taught "Power of Images, Monuments & Symbols in Post #CivilWar Memory" the 1st week of school in my Current Events class. I'll be doing this again to kick off my 4th Q w/my new Current Events kids. https://t.co/PZju6HsfEe#bmoreEdChat#sschat
A5 Ask students to gather a variety of resources (perspectives) on an event. Use @Newseum website & analyze their front page captions & headlines to note differences in diff communities #BmoreEdchat
Cons - etiquette, language, flame wars, parental concerns, district policies, etc. Other than that, I can't think of any. Though I haven't used it. #BmoreEdchat
A5: A strategy we use in pd on character is assigning Ss to add speech and thought bubbles to a current event picture to communicate something learned by reading an article. #BmoreEdchat
A5.) I think it's important to listen to students and have them lead discussions based on their own experiences and beliefs. I think a student led discussion with make students more engaged and comfortable with these topics. #bmoreedchat#ed446
A5: Set up structures which allow your kids to lead. Have them teach and share their opinions with one another. Step back and just listen first...then guide the discussion if necessary. #lessismore#BmoreEdchat
A5: Staff book club on Disruptive Thinking gave insight into helping students navigate Fake News and being responsible, responsive and compassionate readers!!! #bmoreedchat@KyleneBeers@BobProbst
To be honest, there are some tweets by the president I wouldn’t want my students to see. Discussing social media is appropriate. Actually using twitter with ES students. Nah. #BmoreEdchat
A6:I think there are many resources available to teach current events and controversial issues! I would do read alouds to my students and use the internet. I would encourage discussion amognst my students and let them share their opinions or any questions they have #bmoreedchat
No I have not, but I will now! Thanks so much for the great suggestion. I am always looking for new tech/good uses of tech to apply to my classroom. #bmoreedchat
This did lead me to think though, as a parent, I do wish there was more opportunity for my very interested 9 year old to engage in current event discussions with like age peers. I can't (and don't want to) stop his natural interest but. . . #bmoreedchat
A7:Be open and honest about the purpose of infusing current events into the classroom. Sometimes a parent permission letter is needed, but I find if you invite them in to join the conversation...everybody wins! #BmoreEdchat
#bmoreedchat A6 - I stay informed first. Reading news from various outlets and try to find a balanced view between them all. I love Gale Research database, @BBCWorld, and Twitter to gather information to show my classes.
I taught American Indian Studies for the first four years of my career. It was awesome. Minnesota is a great place to learn and actively participate in different native cultural activities as well. A1 #BmoreEdChat.
I do wish he had greater opportunity to discuss things with people on his level. We generally tell him not to get too political at school because of how strong his opinions are and us not knowing how it will go over. #bmoreedchat
#bmoreedchat A6 - I stay informed first. Reading news from various outlets and try to find a balanced view between them all. I love Gale Research database, @BBCWorld, and Twitter to gather information to show my classes.
I do wish he had greater opportunity to discuss things with people on his level. We generally tell him not to get too political at school because of how strong his opinions are and us not knowing how it will go over. #bmoreedchat
A3: students need to learn how to discuss controversial issues in a respectful and open-minded way & the classroom is a great place to learn that. #BmoreEdchat#ED446
A7: Be open to criticism. Be clear this is instructional to help students think critically for themselves. Leave room for non-participation. Invite feedback. Your values are not theirs. Their values are not yours. #BmoreEdchat
I love that you have a student council! We do not have one at our school, but we do have WEB (WEB Where everyone belongs). Its been around for several years, but we are just now really starting to lay the foundation to make that acronym more of a reality. A4 #BmoreEdchat
A2: students need to discuss current events if anything to learn that what is happening in the world is important and to develop an awareness of the rest of the world around them outside of their school and their own communities. #BmoreEdchat#ED446
Exactly - We have to be models for learning rather than passive actors. If we seek knowledge and love seeking that knowledge, the students will follow our enthusiasm. #bmoreedchat
Absolutely! When they are emotionally invested in a project/discussion, etc. they feel more attuned to what is happening. It creates a stronger memory sensory that they can build on in the future. #BmoreEdchat
A big thanks to @MsTaraDye for her leadership on #BmoreEdchat tonight! Thank you! We will be taking next Wednesday off for Spring break! Have a great rest of the week!
My students are very good about "talking" about that in our American History and Current Events classes, but I think our school is struggling finding ways to actually embed that into our school community culture. #BmoreEdchat
A6: I think it would be interesting to start a class such as homeroom or social studies with a “do now” using a newspaper or magazine article and ask students to respond their opinion in their journal #BmoreEdchat#ED446
A7: Our school holds occasional parent workshops to discuss content and resources to support learning. Face-to-face meetings can address questions and concerns. #BmoreEdchat
