Hey #HackLearning All-Stars! LaVonna here from Tampa. Thankful to be your guest host this morning. As you rise and S.H.I.N.E. and introduce yourself, please share what your favorite breakfast meal is! #HackLearning
I'm Connie Hamilton, co-author of Hacking Homework and curriculum director in Saranac, MI. Excited my friend @LaVonnaRoth is guest moderator for #HackLearning today. #igniteyourSHINE
FYI #HackLearning- Our topic is on gifts today, but not in the same way as receiving a physical gift, although it can be. "Gifts" is used by me when talking about one's skill and talents. What they have to offer. Some we are born with and some must be developed.
A1: I think I can share the gifts of humor and curiosity with my students. I want them to know it's okay to experience some levity in school and to explore what interests them! #hacklearning
We certainly had lots of excitement here on Marco Island when the eye of the hurricane came ashore! You should see all of the roof damage. Someday it will all get back to "normal." #HackLearning
A1. A joy of learning. I try to go out of my way to make each lesson engaging and entertaining. I want my students to be passionate about learning. #HackLearning
A1: One of my greatest weaknesses is drawing. I love to share the gift of being okay with that weakness with students by telling them how great I am, but they quickly realize it's not true. Great way to show comfort in knowing we can't be great at everything. #HackLearning
A1 The gifts I modeled for my students were being "constant learners" & readers. I also wanted them to not to be afraid to try new things and encounter difficulty. My Learning from Mistakes page https://t.co/Hk0cJhSE2z I also modeled healthy eating & exercise. #hacklearning
I sure hope so! I will be presenting on Marco Island the end of Jan. I heard yesterday that recovery is still happening. Ugh. Hang in there! #HackLearning
A1 I believe that my passion for making the abstract concrete is a gift to help my at-risk sts have hope for a better future... a chance to soar above the poverty that is their current living condition #HackLearning
We all have gifts ... it is sometimes difficult to pass them along when they are buried under content mandates ... which leads to gift number 1 ... Meaningful Learning in the Test Prep Society #hacklearning
A1: Gift I bring to the table is a desire to give acts of service. Not only do I get a burst of brain chemical oxytocin, but so does the receiver. Win-Win. #HackLearning
A1) I share the gift of #belief. Belief that they all of my students can succeed. #Belief that they can overcome obstacles. #Belief that they will never be alone. #HackLearning
A1: The gift of considering other people's viewpoints. I help my Ss & staff be exposed to and learn from different stories, books, persepectives, etc. #hacklearning
A1 I try to help my students give themselves the gift of meaningful learning. What do they want to stand for in life? How will this class, assignment, or interaction move them toward that life? #HackLearning
A1 I try to give students the joy of grappling with questions, ideas and figuring it out or working toether to figure it out. Ss doing the heavy lifting.#hacklearning
We were just having this conversation at dinner last night. My 13-year-old daughter struggles with it. She wants to be the best at everything. #HackLearning
Dennis! The podcast is absolutely amazing. When Mark goes into the “uncut” versions of the podcast, who knows what’s going to go on?? BUT I do know it will be awesome and thought provoking. #HackLearning
Sara from Austin, TX here! A1: I really work hard to know my students and recognize the gifts they bring to our classroom. I want them to know that they are important of our community. #hacklearning
But we can't be and shouldn't be. It's the beauty of supporting each other with our own gifts that brings us together to help and share. She's lucky to have you. #HackLearning
A1: The gift of encouragement & never giving up on them. We all have bad days, but we're not bad people. Need to remember we are all learning and growing! Educators need to coach, support, and encourage students always. #hacklearning
A1: I like to think I share many "gifts" with my students. I try to always be engaged and interested. Even a smile or a fist bump in the hall sometimes goes a long way. Ss get a "sticker and a pencil" for performing random acts of kindness or leadership to peers. #HackLearning
A1) The gift that they will one day carry the mantel of #leadership and be the leaders that continue to fight for #socialjustice to create a better tomorrow. #HackLearning
A2: This makes me think about a strengths-based approach - find & celebrate each students' strengths. And give them the chance to use their strengths to help the class! #HackLearning
A1 My passion , enthusiasm and excitement for teaching / learning. I also make sure I’m available to any student or staff member to discuss any issues they may be having #HackLearning
A2. Through great, open discussions about visuals like this one - perhaps during a Morning Meeting. Easier for students to understand when they can visual abstract concepts. #HackLearning
A2 By valuing them as people first, listening to their stories, and giving them freedom and choice. Celebrate their work and validate their uniqueness. #hacklearning
@BreneBrown has changed how I interact with Ss and Ts. We are all vulnerable & there is good in everyone - esp our youth. Working with Ss, we need to carry a bucket of hope & belief until they are ready to carry it themselves. #HackLearning
In reply to
@LaVonnaRoth, @BreneBrown, @BreneBrown
A2: By encouraging teachers to embrace S choice. Giving them opportunities to share who they are--not just in their assignments, but in celebrating non-tangible gifts. Recognize contributions to class and school all day, every day. #hacklearning
A2 first, you have to get to know students and take interest in their unique qualities and interests. Then create opportunities to explore those, apply their gifts to content areas where others may not see them. #HackLearning
A1 My passion , enthusiasm and excitement for teaching / learning. I also make sure I’m available to any student or staff member to discuss any issues they may be having #HackLearning
You just warmed my hear with the word, shine. :) #igniteyourSHINE was started by me as a focus on student's strengths rather than "beating them up" over the weaknesses. #HackLearning
Yes! Ss need authentic feedback in all areas, particularly from adults that have demonstrated respect for them and an interest in who they are as individuals. #Hacklearning
Absolutely agree with you, Carla! We need to give up at least 10 minutes of class time daily to just let them read, and enjoy, what they like. Hook them in! #giftofreading@carlameyrink#hacklearning
A2: Show them that we believe in them! Go beyond saying, “you can do it” and actually prove it. How? Embrace how each S learns, give them choices, let them take control over learning a topic. (AKA- no more cookie cutter assignments). #HackLearning
A2: Before we can embrace the gifts students bring to the table, we have to know what those gifts are. Spreadsheet 360 from Hacking Education is one way to gather. #HackLearning
A2: #UDL. Allow Ss to learn & show their understanding in different ways! Help them to understand there isn't one right way to learn & that we're all different. #hacklearning
People who lost money when the Stock Market went down 350 points based on the False and Dishonest reporting of Brian Ross of @ABC News (he has been suspended), should consider hiring a lawyer and suing ABC for the damages this bad reporting has caused - many millions of dollars!
A1 Passion for learning, curiosity and spontaneous creativity, humour, empathy, time, presence and genuine desire to inspire growth & purpose #hacklearning
Yes! She has changed how I view my reactions to what others do based on my own experiences and to come from the possible lens of others in why and how they react. #HackLearning
A2: Give students a chance to incorporate their interests into classwork. If they get some choice/voice in the structure they can apply class material to anything from art to business! #hacklearning
A2 We can dignify the frustration, anxiousness, embarrassment, boredom, and other unpleasant feelings our students will inevitably feel at school by helping them discover why their work matters –to them personally and in the world. #HackLearning
that's awesome. Why wouldn't we want them to shine. We did imovies this week and some students really went up and beyond to shine. It was really neat. #hacklearning
You just warmed my hear with the word, shine. :) #igniteyourSHINE was started by me as a focus on student's strengths rather than "beating them up" over the weaknesses. #HackLearning
Trying to be a perfectionist was exhausting. Once I realized I didn't have to be, it made the world of difference. Still care very much about quality of what I do, but that's still different than trying to achieve perfection. #HackLearning
Exactly- people can’t hide in their office and expect to lead - you have to be “out and about “ —in the classroom , the halls , be available to people #HackLearning
A2: Show them that we believe in them! Go beyond saying, “you can do it” and actually prove it. How? Embrace how each S learns, give them choices, let them take control over learning a topic. (AKA- no more cookie cutter assignments). #HackLearning
This is so important. Listening to and reading their stories is absolutely the key to identifying and then promoting the gifts that each S has to give! #Hacklearning
A2: We can listen to students. Share their amazing ideas and allow them to be in charge of how and what they learn... voice and choice matters. It needs to be built into the culture #hacklearning
Yikes! That's a tough way to become an Ambassador! Maybe I could just write a book?!? Collaborate with some of the greats - @mssackstein@conniehamilton#HackLearning
In reply to
@markbarnes19, @hackmylearning, @mssackstein, @conniehamilton
A2 We need to give our students the gift of time, understand the learning that happens when we go slow. Also give students the gift of our time where we listen and talk with our students #hacklearning
I have found it useful to take a whole class period to share important mistakes that have led to unexpected learning. With props like special erasers, white-out, etc. to reinforce that mistakes are expected #hacklearning
A2. With choice, with a student-centered strength/interest-based approach. Every student has a place where they can lead- be your *star* for the lesson/unit/day. #HackLearning
A2 Engage their hearts to challenge their minds, begin a learning journey with them, giving way to student agency & passion fuelled learning projects - enable all Ss to be experts,mentors,tchrs directing the learning #hacklearning
A2 celebrate their journey as learners and focus on what they can do rather than what they can’t . I utilize an expert board in my room and Ss become peer tutors. Goal is to get everyone on the board for something #hacklearning
Exactly- people can’t hide in their office and expect to lead - you have to be “out and about “ —in the classroom , the halls , be available to people #HackLearning
Bring dignity back to a S and you are halfway there! If only we had zero tolerance for those that stole it from the Ss in the first place... #hackLearning
A2: This is the ❤ of differentiation. If you are not digging down to find what each child can offer, you are missing the point. Every child needs someone to push them and foster growth. Let's be those people!! #HackLearning
A2: Listening to Ss WITHOUT distraction. Being fully present & attuned. I struggle with this - have to put my cell phone down and walk away from it when a S ventures into my office to chat or if we strike a conversation in the halls/classroom/lunchroom. #HackLearning
A2 first notice learners as individuals with different interests and curiosities- honor their work by supporting them to pursue, connect, create, make learning in their context not ours #hacklearning
A2: First we need to look for them, recognize them, name them, & then use them. Kids need to feel like they are a valued member. If they are great with tech, have them share that with others. Compassionate? Artists? Storytellers? Find a way to include their gifts. #hacklearning
A3 The gifts I've received- The gift of someone's time. The gift of love. The gift of truly listening and caring. The gift of positivity. The gift of a smile. The gift of trust. The gift of kindness by a stranger. The gift of embracing life as a journey of discovery.#hacklearning
.#HACKLEARNING EDUSTARS- THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU DO! FOR BEING UP EARLY THIS MORNING AND FOR ALL YOU DO DAILY FOR OUR STUDENTS. SO GRATEFUL FOR YOU. YOU IGNITE THE LIGHT IN OUR STUDENTS. THANK YOU!!!!!
This can be so difficult with so many distractions, yet critical. When talking with others, I put my phone upside down so I can't see it and move it where I can't feel it vibrate. My iWatch is a bit more difficult but I resist the urge to look. #HackLearning
A3. Yesterday morning, during #BookCampPD chat @teresagross625 surprised me with this gift in the form of a Tweet. Being appreciated means the world to me. #HackLearning
My wonderful wife, @molliebarnes22, gives me a uniquely designed Christmas ornament every year that reminds me of how wonderful our 17 years together have been. It's always the best gift of the year. #HackLearning
A3: One of my favorite gifts is encouraging words, e-mails, or notes from families or Ss. That keeps me going, and that's why I do the same for them! Here are some valentines I made for my students a few years ago. #hacklearning
A3) I have been inspired by so many amazing educators and leaders who give me ideas, support me, and help me reflect and get better. Thank you, PLN. #HackLearning
Love his Christina! Great way to showcase students and show that we all have strengths to share, as well as we all need help at times. Fabulous! #HackLearning
A3: The joy of seeing my kids have “aha” moments, the joy seeing my kids smile, but mostly… the joy of being a teacher. I couldn’t imagine being in any other profession! #HackLearning
A2 I love how special education teachers differentiate. The best won’t stop till the student gets it !They aren’t afriaid to fail and will try whatever it takes to reach them(all about the learning-not the teaching ) I wish all teachers had that mentality #HackLearning#findaway
A3 The greatest gift to me as a student came from Ms. Birt, who made me feel like math mattered and like I mattered. That’s what I want to give my students. #HackLearning#empowerstudents
A3 Veering into the maudlin-- Families entrust us with their kids on a daily basis. In a way, an inspiring gift when we stop amid the daily storm to think about it. #hacklearning
A3 The greatest gifts that I have gotten that have inspired me are ACCEPTANCE and VALIDATION. This always pushed me to go the extra mile and try harder every single day #hacklearning#cantstopwontstop
A3 Gifts from people ... trust (parents entrust me to help their teens, admin trusts me to lead our faculty with Prof learning), confidence (to try new things), friendship (F2F & virtually) #HackLearning
A3: My Ts share with me their passion and dedication every day. My Ss share their energy and enthusiasm. And I feel most blessed when both Ts and Ss share their authentic selves with me. #hacklearning
This ... a room is creating a room divider using her own characters in great moments in US history ... she was so excited for the opportunity to share her characters in public. #hacklearning
A3: On many occasions I've received the gift of opportunity to learn something new & make connections with others. We should give our Ss chances to do the same! Never discourage curiosity! #hacklearning
A3: I'm always inspired by the gifts that so many educators bring to our profession. The #HackLearning authors have dedicated themselves to sharing theirs. They are amazing.
@markbarnes19 The most important thing is education I feel is #YouMatter You have to first build a relationship with students, staff, parents and community. Once they feel you care they will try to emulate what you model. #hacklearning
A3 the best gift is a reminder that what I do matters. Whether it’s a handwritten note from a child or parent these are the little treasures that I hold on to and on my hardest day reread to remind me why I do what I do. #hacklearning
A2) I embrace the gifts 🎁of my students because they are a gift to me. Parents give me their most prized possessions each and every day to protect, nurture, educate and much more. Therefore, I must provide them confidence to share their gifts. #HackLearning
@hackmylearning A3: It took me years to truly embrace teaching as my destiny. To recognize the ability to teach as a gift. Now...nothing is more important than helping children to realize their potential #HackLearning
A3: I have had patient mentors who met me where I was, and continue to do so, and kept guiding me to do better. It’s a gift because they allowed me to make mistakes, but then helped me learn from them. They asked me questions, but didn’t give me the answers. #hacklearning
A1: The ability to push Ss to do better (and they actually do better)!
Also, the confidence to say, “I don’t know. Let’s find out together.” #HackLearning
A3 I’ve been given the gifts of time, resources & opportunity to innovate. The presence of my learners is the ultimate privilege - having the support & positive feedback from their parents further reinforces this #HackLearning
A3: The gift of a supportive family. They are there no matter what to get me through the tough days of teaching and there to celebrate the great ones! #familyfirst#HackLearning
Dissertations are a great way to gain insight into pertinent research problems. Take no chances with your dissertation with our help @ https://t.co/YkJQbDeZgk#HackLearning
A3. I was surprised to receive this photograph of students, from a school where I was the principal, after I donated money to help them all have matching tshirts - Leaders and Readers #HackLearning
A3 the gift of community - to be “one of” within our community not apart from it and within it embodies a spirit of shared beliefs, diverse perspectives, value for social-emotional connectedness #hacklearning
A3. Flexibility. When we got more flexible with our demands our students got more flexible in their responses. (And people like to claim children and adults on the #autism spectrum are inflexible thinkers! #ActuallyAutistic ) #HackLearning
Hey Christina, thanks for joining us at #HackLearning chat this #SundayMorning. I'm happy to add you to my PLN. We do this every Sunday at 8:30 AM EST and throughout the week.
Exactly! We should never underestimate how significant it is for parents to give us the opportunity to protect and influence their most precious possession! #HackLearning
A related take-away for me: Modelling is sharing in such a way that everyone feels it. For example, modelling curiousity is empathizing with, involving, and speaking to the curiousity of each of the young learners in the room. Social engagement up, anxiety down. #HackLearning
A3: Invitations to college graduations, weddings, baby showers, & Facebook friend requests.
Means I made an impact on a kid & they still want to celebrate their life with me. No better gift.
#HackLearning
I had drill today, so I was afraid I wouldn’t make it to my @Tactical16 teammate, @1stLadiesManAO’s book signing this afternoon. Thankfully, he waited. Actually, he came back- so we could finally meet in person! Check out his latest, ‘Unusual For Their Time, Volume 2’!
A3. The best gift of all was that of the friendships I have made with educators all across the country who I have been blessed to work with. I appreciate them more than words can say. #HackLearning
A3: So many "gifts" every day. Smiles, "I love you", hugs, high 5's and even some amazing art work from Ss!! I also love the odd email from former Ss or parents of former Ss reminding me of the impact I made on their child or family in the past. #HackLearning
So very true - and leaders must be willing to and do any work that is at hand .. not just observe but participate in the work of the community as we move within it #hacklearning
I have a file where I place little notes - in HS we don’t get many presents but every now and again, a student will share w you their gratitude or angst in writing. I keep both - inspiration to do more and gratitude that I helped in some small way. #HACKLEARNING
Hey Long and Liza, thanks so much for joining us at #HackLearning chat this #SundayMorning. I'm happy to have you as part of my PLN. We do this every Sunday at 8:30AM ET. Hope you'll be a regular contributor.
I was able to attend IASP conference in November. That time reflecting and processing w/other principals was exactly what I needed. It rejuvenated me at a time when I was worn down. #HackLearning
honestly, Pam, that is my favorite work to do. I don't like doing the evaluating part. I like to co-teach with the team, I like to participate in their lessons and celebrations and I like to co-plan whenever I can #hacklearning
So very true - and leaders must be willing to and do any work that is at hand .. not just observe but participate in the work of the community as we move within it #hacklearning
