#mschat Archive
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.
Thursday September 29, 2016
Let's start with introductions I am Todd a 7th grade science teacher and chat organizer
Ah forgot the ET on there it could be 6, 5, 4 or even AM depending where you are in the world
Hi, I am Katie and 8th grade science teacher
Well, I am Colleen MidLevel Modern Language, STL, MO and sometime assistant!
Maybe we all need to do time on greenwich mean time
Good evening Katie glad you are here! 8th grade science: for us it is all Earth Science ...
Robyn from QLD, Australia. Head of MSchool. Enjoying final week of Term3 holidays. Great to be able to join in. (It's 10am here 😉)
Dru from joining up w/ the crew! Hope every1 is doing well in the critical middle grades 2nite!
Welcome Robin, Australia is on my bucket list
For us it is physical science :)
Joining in for a bit from Austin, TX USA
HI DRU! I have been missing you!
Good evening DRU it is Positive night in so all is SUPER
That video is to the point and so meaningful. I wonder if showing it to students could help open up a great conversation
Hi Katie. MS Science teachers are pretty special people in my book. too.
My students liked it last week when we watched it in Advisory: Great conversation starter
Angela Rembert 7th ELA Newnan,GA
Q1: How do we keep a positive vibe when there is so much that could pull us down?
Hi Richard, I am glad to hear it! Science teachers are unique and special people. Mine are the reason I became one.
I'm Madi, and I a pre-service middle school teacher. Can't wait to learn form you all!
Richard you are the ALL star science teacher... I just dabble and engage my students in wonders
HI Angela! How are you friend.
Likewise! I know you've been rocking non-stop for the middle level at your school! https://t.co/hW0exInV7h
HI DRU! I have been missing you!
Hi Madi, good luck! I bet I can learn something from you too.
No no Todd. I’m just a consultant now. You are the all-star teacher.
Lorraine, principal love this topic!
A1: FOCUS on the WHY we teach is the best way to stay away from negatives: Kids always make you smile if you let them
A1 Intentionally focus on the positive. Look for the good in everything. As in the video, what you see depends on what you look for.
Good evening Lorraine glad you made it
Awesome to have your perspective here too!
A1: We can remember the reasons we do what we do - to watch children discover and learn.
Hey ! Can't w8 2 join U & all the other gr8 middle level eds at in a few days!! … https://t.co/8dslBic6TL
Joining in for a bit from Austin, TX USA
teaching 6, 7 and 8 now you know I am loving it! I flipped a bottle yesterday! need to have session on that in Feb
I'm Ashley Hegarty, a preservice teacher from Grove City College.
A1: Let your attitude DEPEND on you not the world around you which you can't control
Well!!! Glad to see you, again. Trust all is well with you, too!
WOot Woot Welcome Chris! Awesome to have you on board! in the house!
A1 We need to keep focused on the important work and why we do what we do. Surround yourself with those on the same mission.
YES surround ourselves with those that will PROP us UP not pull us down
Hello! I'm Sarah Prosser, a preservice English teacher at Grove City College
Love this thought. Surround yourself with positive people!!
A1: It begins with a conscious decision; Focus on what's working or what's not working?
It is so important to stick close to people who fill you up and encourage your teaching!
OUR focus is key... We can be a downer if we focus down so remember to LOOK UP and FOCUS there
A1; need to remember Ss are first, leave everything else in the car. Gotta be always thinking that.
Likewise!! It's gonna be a great event!
A1. Constantly remind your colleagues about the positives. If Ts are positive, the Ss are more likely to be too. So much good in MY
A1: Don't read the paper especially the comments section where the haters go to hate
A1: My go to positive thought is ’s brilliantly simple line from Hamilton: Talk less, smile more.
A1 If you make connections with Ts & Ss then they become your team & your focus. An ALL IN attitude keeps the light shining!
A1: Gotta get thinking and remember the positive, negative feelings are stronger, gotta to have reminders.
A1. Cherish the joy in teaching. Hold/Share those gr8 moments that fly across our emotional atmosphere like comets. Oh & laugh daily
Love love love that line!
A1: Keep a journal of favorite teaching memories and save thank you notes from former students. Read on a bad day!
Flip a bottle every once in awhile, it will feel good!
Laughter is the best medicine! Let no day pass without it!! https://t.co/hhVIXgPCyX
A1. Cherish the joy in teaching. Hold/Share those gr8 moments that fly across our emotional atmosphere like comets. Oh & laugh daily
I love this! I still have my profile from college, I add all those notes and reflections to it.
Q2: How do we pick students and co-workers up when they are in the duldrums?
More lifts. Less labels. More handholds on the climb. Fewer slippery crags. More hope. Less mope. https://t.co/wgy36q2lkr
YES surround ourselves with those that will PROP us UP not pull us down
A1.5: Another key to staying positive in the classroom is gratitude. Think of one kid or moment and be thankful.
A2: Find ways to encourage them. I often make them laugh with a corny science joke or just a smile and pat on the shoulder.
I say that if you teach MS, and don't laugh at least twice in a day, you did something wrong.
A2 Start an encouragement wall in the hallway outside your room! Have students and teachers alike write out positive comments.
A2: We had an encouragement wall in the staff room at my summer teaching job. Write down compliments about students and coworkers
A2: Lend a ear, a word or a cup of coffee
I think you are so right. Taking a min out of our day to listen is so important to our coworkers
A2: little notes of encouragement, a coffee or tea, a good Mexican place after school
A2: Compliment them in a meaningful way: I like how you ..... Could you show me how you did that? ....
Co workers only of course https://t.co/EyC92iZ0cP
A2: little notes of encouragement, a coffee or tea, a good Mexican place after school
A2: Find ways to lighten their load: Give them a break, cut some slack, SMILE and SAY HELLO
Rachel here, joining in late from Qld, Australia. I'm a year 7 teacher
A1: Always remember what the end goal is. Seeing our Ss succeed makes everything worth it.
A2 A pat on the back goes a long way. Remind them that they matter & are a valuable member of the team.
And chocolate is always a crowd pleaser. I have a perpetual basket in my office. https://t.co/zuay3S6qIG
A2: Lend a ear, a word or a cup of coffee
Thanks for joining in on your FRIDAY morning
Even when you feel like flipping the bird. Flipping a bottle is a much better choice. https://t.co/qBdW1nvInd
Flip a bottle every once in awhile, it will feel good!
A2 Lighten the mood with a word / gesture of encouragement. has applauses that we give to Ss & Ts to recognize good.
A2 to lift Ss up I find a way to do something ridiculous and make a fool of myself. Gives them a good laugh and lifts spirits
Welcome! I wish US schools used year “x” instead of “nth” grade.
A2. I think kindness is the first step in this. Showing you are there for them speaks way louder than our voices.
A2 We have an Appreciation Station which is a board where our teachers write EagleApolauses to each other.
YES from young to old, NO chocolate will be left in your basket after a long day ... but smiles will return to faces
An after-work escape has worked many a times to relieve stress and refresh the mind!!
Remind them of their why and/or goals. More importantly Remind they aren't alone on the journey.
A2: break up the routine a big, find a way to bring joy in to the classroom. Not just work!
Yes! I always have chocolate in my drawer & the staff knows they can get some anytime
A2. Sending a good Middle School meme often works. Or leave a note for Ts or Ss to encourage them
Sorry - Eagle Applauses https://t.co/JJt2Rs7AyE
A2 We have an Appreciation Station which is a board where our teachers write EagleApolauses to each other.
A2 slow down and take time to listen to what Ss and Ts are really saying- imp to empathize
Analysis is an act of thinking. When Ss struggle w/ analysis, they struggle w/ expressive writing aka thinking.
A2: I’m always amazed by how much it lifts others by simply asking them, “How can I help?”
That is a key: ALL educators are on journey together: LET's Smile together (uses less energy and god knows we need it)
Reaching out a hand sure goes a long way, tells them you care, we often loose sight of that
yes definitely so important to practice kindness- need to take time to do with Ts and Ss
Q3: When students focus on the negative (poor results) how do you turn them around?
This one hangs on my wall, when some is too negative I have them read it aloud
A2. Go 2 them, ask caring questions, listen & B present. Can't shove positivity on folks w/out 1st acknowledging their tough stuff
A2 Start a staff meeting by having each member share 1 positive & acknowledge 1 staff member they'd like to thank 4 their support.
A3: remind them of the goal, remind of all the good, the positive. Show the positive, model the positive.
Q3: Bring out a portfolio assignment of positive work they've already completed for your class
A3: Always point out their strengths or lessons to learn. Dont let Ss use negative words like "wrong" or "stupid".
A:2 We have no idea what a kind word can do for those around us. Our Ss need to know that we believe in them.
Practice w/ a blank page & time developing thinking on paper > extracting evidence from predetermined texts.
And too often I presume to know what they want/need when asking first would be so much better.
Have student list a few things they know they do well, and ask them to apply that knowledge remind them they can do things well!
A3 go out of your way to show/tell them every amazing thing they have accomplished and everything that is great about them
A3 must always find the positive in every Ss in every situation- hard to do but need to build confidence in some form
A2. W/ that said, sometimes U have 2B that person who just does things that make ppl shake their heads & laugh. Bring it!
A3 I take inspiration from the late great Rita Pierson, tell them their on the road, it's not an ending, it's a journey
A3 I think a polish should always be offset with a praise or 2. Accentuate what's good & show Ss we're a team in their growth.
A3 Work on creating growth mindset. It's about the journey/process. Results and growth come at different rates. Celebrate progress!
love the journey part - it's so true for all of us
we just watched her TED Talk today in class!
Yes, it is about that it happen YET!
https://t.co/GmotpVPrLL
A3 Work on creating growth mindset. It's about the journey/process. Results and growth come at different rates. Celebrate progress!
Love having a student say positive things about themselves! Such a difference when they believe it, not hear it
A3. Ask Ss to identify parts they did well. It's better for them to do this than us do it for them
A3 always remember FAIL - first attempt at learning- reinforce positive
Yes, that bump is actually learning, we learn from all our bumps, a smooth road is not a road at all!
Ryan in Michigan, 6/7 Social Studies, late to the party but ready to rock!
this would be a great poster reminder in the classroom
At least you made it! Love having SS here! https://t.co/DTJPkeCA2k
Ryan in Michigan, 6/7 Social Studies, late to the party but ready to rock!
Thinking is the heart of text-based analysis. Evidence can't speak for itself; Ss must provide the voice of deep thinking.
A3: Formative Assessment principles apply here. Allow Ss to build confidence & be meta-cognitive. Process b4 Product.
A3: Meet them at a time that they are not with friends and be a listener. Goes a long way to find out what their thinking is.
I love teaching Modern Language and seeing the Ss go from I don't get this at all to actually speaking the language!
A3 Help Ss see the situation in a different light. Outlook matters - look for the positives- what went wel… https://t.co/au9G53WjbH
Q3: When students focus on the negative (poor results) how do you turn them around?
A3: Point out the good, Then give them steps to fix the bad, failure is not a destination it is just a step along the way!
Q4: In what ways has your school turned discipline positive?
it's ok i'm really late Ruth all core 6-12th sped
love stickies for everything. Ss enjoy using them - love the positives
Hey you have excuse! Whew! That is a load! https://t.co/a2x0ClEzeQ
it's ok i'm really late Ruth all core 6-12th sped
Yes! A "not yet" outlook, but getting there
likened learning to the Price is Right. You have to get things wrong before you can get them right & that's okay
A4: Our school is working on ways to develop more pos. discipline but still use a lot of talks to figure out the best way
A3. B real & b honest. If we help Ss reflect/understand the negative=best kind of positive support
A4: Our school uses PBIS and it has done wonders to how students view discipline
Yes mid level loves their stickers, some act too cool, but they have one a page in the back
A4. Our detentions are an opportunity for Ss to talk about what happened. It's not a punishment but a chance 2b heard
A:3 Remind them of past successes that they have had. Tell them about struggles you have had. Let's them know they are not alone.
Exactly, the power of YET. Mindset does matter.
A4 Staying true to MS model (teaming), creating tremendous student support system, PBIS, developing strong S/T relationships
A4 I love the reteach that's been embedded into correcting misbehavior. Point out what's wrong but teach what's expected. PBIS!
Just FYI for folks, the folks are talking positive behavior strategies right now if you're curious.
mediation is a great way to get to understand and have the Ss understand their actions
Finding positive ways to prevent behavior is a good start.
Hello Tara, 8th math, Zeeland, MI joining late.
A4 Making sure every student knows they have at least 1 adult they can go to. Positive proactive care reduces neg behaviors
a4: our school is about COACHING - not cops - we don't catch them being bad & Ticket - we guide them when they make mistakes
I love our Telegraphs. Some get them at lunch and come back to class all smiles. I love it!
Great to have you pop in Tara: Hope all is well on west side!
some info from about the awesome power of meditation
sorry, - just got back from parent/teacher conferences - checking in late :)
A4: we have SRC (Ss responsibility center) Ss writes plans to get back into class. Only out for 1 hr., not whole day.
opps telegram... auto correct ugh! https://t.co/UXDoECqoJT
I love our Telegraphs. Some get them at lunch and come back to class all smiles. I love it!
Love this concept! (and the results!!)
A4 important to use positive mindfulness and turn discipline into student centered decisions - diff for each circumstance & student
not just Ss, the best feedback I got on an observation was a postit on my my keyboard.
Q5: How do you celebrate all the positives that happen everyday?
A4 Could never understand why disruptive students were not counseled to find out why they acted the way they di got help.
A5: I love the campaign on twitter: ALWAYS makes my week start right
A5: I say "You Rock" to the everyday victories that occur in my classroom. I cheer on all victories, educational or otherwise.
A4 if there is a positive, respectful relationship between student and teacher, behavior often takes care it itself.
that IS our discipline system. so much sense
A5: Recognize them! Saying Glad you are here: Awesome that you are prepared: THANK you for doing ....
A4 Working in Juvenile detention we tell them it's ok if they don't know it, we are here to work on it together
The handwritten notes are such a personal touch and communicate what ratings and commentary cannot.
A5: Showing our manners with Please and Thank you really helps us celebrate and recognize
A5: We end class daily with a conversation about what we did well that day. Kids love it.
it was awesome, made my day, was a few years, I still have that postit.
A:4 Developing positive relationships is a key to positive discipline. My school really emphasizes this.
A5 Use Twitter with Ss to tweet out positives in classroom-
A5. Instant feedback - positive words, crazy applauses (ask about his rollercoaster), affirmation, tweets, reflect
A5 We have Pride passes to highlight positive behaviors, we share the positives w/our team Ts asap to keep the pride rolling
BEST way to end the DAY or class
A5: High 5, leaderboards (I have one for skills in my room), shout out, positive notes, emails/call home. Woot Woots!
A5: I try to find the pos. part of every Ss answer. Even if incorrect, I find once piece that they are "thinking right" about.
A5. Point them out. Verbal affermantion is huge, if you awknwledge something everyone gets to be part of teh celebration.
A5: We hand out Wolverine Ways tickets to recognize students: Then have ticket Tuesdays for rewards
A5 Tell everyone I can!! I love to talk about my kiddos to my kiddos, Ps, & colleagues! My Ss absolutely rock, and it's exciting!!
A5 praise- something they dont always get, and candy.
A5 write little notes to kids telling them what you're proud of them for and endless fist bumps and dabs
A5: as we have telegrams, that the admin passes out! Ss love it! Well I know 6th grade does!
a5: I e-mail each of my advisee's Ps at least ev. other week (aiming for ev. wk. this year) - Always something positive in that note
A5 give all Ss stickies with positive comments as often as possible
Started with a "rough" group of Ss as a long-term sub. They saw their worth and became amazing. Haven't looked back.
Question 7 is one we could talk about for an hour....
I'm posting it next on
Now, I'm loving "woot woots"!!!! Sounds like a fun time!
A5 my Ss earn smiley emojis for a whole variety of things they decided on that go towards a reward of their choosing
A5. 2 celebrate I put my daily struggles up against those in rest of the world. How could I complain ab anything? Perspective is key
A:5 Acknowledge the positives! Something as simple as a high five, fist bump, or "class handshake" can work wonders
16 yrs of teaching: If you make it FUN, POSITIVE and engage the students: nothing will be rough
very powerful! My T Twitter feed comes up on my district T page. I project it as I post. Ss & Ps love that
we raise the roof and say "Woot Woot" We did that today, every 8th grade got 80% or higher on their quiz Woot Woot!
Or just the fact that they are tuned in and thinking. Effort is everything...starts the process!
Positive office referrals. Call parents from admin office w/S. Ss LOVE this. Middle schoolers love psyching out/scaring Ps
Final question is ready to come your way
So true. Hook them and they'll do anything for you. Taking time early to build this is worth the time. https://t.co/TnOZl46Eli
16 yrs of teaching: If you make it FUN, POSITIVE and engage the students: nothing will be rough
Q6: How will you go out tomorrow and MAKE the world a more positive place?
1 thing to think of..keep negative language out of scoring guides, like Not, No, Incomplete...keep it positive.
A6: SMILE from start to end of DAY
A6: Ask this ? to myself everyday. I will take a deep breath and smile more. Compliment a S who doesn't always get one.
A7: Anonymous notes to Ss/Ts/As around the building to let them know they are appreciated. I've been inspired to work tonight!
A6: Enjoy an early breakfast with colleagues
A6: Smiles, think positive, raise the roof, woot woot, make someone else day, say it hasn't happen yet, give a note, give a hi5!
A6: also, let small stuff brush off my back and not let it change my mood.
A6. Say something positive to as many people as I can. Be positive in myself & remember to enjoy what I am doing
A7.2: And, for my co-workers that follow me, forget you read that last post.
A6 be kind to everyone, smile a lot, laugh, listen and really get to know your Ss
Our admin puts out positive messages from time to time randomly on lockers with sticky notes: Makes students smile
A7.3: Realize that the last question was not question 7 and mark it properly as A6. .
A6: When I feel the urge to react, I need to PAUSE, breath and smile before I do anything else
Shake it off! Shake it Off! thanks tswift! https://t.co/XbwvN0uHaN
A6: also, let small stuff brush off my back and not let it change my mood.
Good think we use standards based grading and your answer meets the standard: (We get it long days)
A6: Ask how Ss evening went. Be excited to start a Friday. Smile! Encourage active learning all hour. Point out positives!
I had a group of advisory students do that a few years back. Ss were confused, but their smiles were a great reward.
A6: Tomorrow is FRIDAY right!!
A6 Be positive, cheerful, and remember why I love being a teacher.
A6: Remember there are things we control and things we can't not: use energy and focus on the things we can control
A:6 Offer a smile to every student, and have one positive parent phone call for a student who deserves it this week!
Actually, it's Saturday! 😉
A6: Model positive behaviors and interact with Ss and Ts in ways that show gratitude and positive intent.
Right on! It's those small thoughtful changes that make big posi differences! https://t.co/OBGuxqxPGc
1 thing to think of..keep negative language out of scoring guides, like Not, No, Incomplete...keep it positive.
A6 Ask Ss & Ts 2 tell me something good happening in their lives. Showing interest shows I care & inspires others 2 pay it forward
how true and important to remember!
A6: Pick your battles, what is worth fighting for and what do you just to let go.
Agreed: I ask myself is this the battle I want to fight? ... Helps me remain calm
Thanks I always enjoy the positive vibe that comes from being a part of Bring on Term 4!
This is a great reminder. Last yr. princ. would always remind me of that! https://t.co/fKi1Xo2rfE
A6: Remember there are things we control and things we can't not: use energy and focus on the things we can control
Love connecting to the southern hemisphere: Keep rocking and ENJOY the rest of your Friday
love being part of the community - I won't be around next week because I get to camp with middle schoolers! Have a great week!
