#ALedchat is a weekly chat on Twitter about education topics. It is held each Monday from 9-10pmCST. While the discussion on #ALedchat continues on Twitter well beyond our weekly one-hour chat session, this platform affords us the opportunity to extend, expand and share the conversation with an even greater audience. Educators from across the state of Alabama, and the world, can come here to find encouragement, support, resources, professional growth opportunities and advice, while providing the same to their colleagues.
Welcome to #ALedchat! Tonight’s chat is focused on the importance of building relationships with students. We’re excited to have @steelethoughts as a guest, co-moderator for tonight’s chat!
Hey there... my name is Danny and I'm a principal in Alabaster, AL. I'm grateful for the opportunity to co-moderate this evening with @justinhefner! #AledChat
Hey there... my name is Danny and I'm a principal in Alabaster, AL. I'm grateful for the opportunity to co-moderate this evening with @justinhefner! #AledChat
A1: I like students; they are why I became an educator. My goal is to make a difference with them... and the best way to do that is through relationships. #AledChat
A1: Relationships are essential for student success. We have to know and understand our students so we know how to teach them. This is the essential building block. #ALedchat
A1: Connections & relationships are the foundation for everything. Students must know that you love them with your entire heart. No. Matter. What!!!! #ALedchat
A1: Even though I work in a small, rural district, there are students who need adult relationships to thrive. Last week we posted all of our students photos to see who did not have adult connections. #powerful#ALedchat
A1: If you love kids and want to make a difference in their lives: know them, pursue them, meet them where they are, join into what they enjoy, see them, listen, accept them, fight for them, keep them accountable, CONNECT! #aledchat
A1: Even though I work in a small, rural district, there are students who need adult relationships to thrive. Last week we posted all of our students photos to see who did not have adult connections. #powerful#ALedchat
A1: Even though I work in a small, rural district, there are students who need adult relationships to thrive. Last week we posted all of our students photos to see who did not have adult connections. #powerful#ALedchat
A1: THE CALL to teach is THE CALL to connect , those that aren’t called can’t connect . Being connected builds a foundation / support system for so many Ss ! #ALedchat
US History teacher here...most of my students aren’t into history...but if they know I care about them, they care about what I teach them. #aledchat
My 2 fav teachers from HS we’re my 2 hardest classes. BUT, I knew they cared about me
A2: Kids gravitate to authenticity. They generally know which adults are genuine and which ones aren't. You can't just tell them you care about them; they need to feel it. And when they feel it, the door is open... #AledChat
US History teacher here...most of my students aren’t into history...but if they know I care about them, they care about what I teach them. #aledchat
My 2 fav teachers from HS we’re my 2 hardest classes. BUT, I knew they cared about me
A2: Kids know when you are being authentic. Even the youngest child...and they will call you out. Those sweet babies say what they think! Be authentic, and they'll do anything for you. #ALedchat
A3: It underscores the priority of the school. It reinforces the idea that students are the focus, and it increases the likelihood that decisions will be based on the best interests of kids. #AledChat
A1: A teacher who takes the time to engage with students reaps the benefits of increased cooperation in the classroom.
#ALedChathttps://t.co/Cs9QpNQcgY
A3: We have seen such a shift in culture of students and staff this year due to a growth mindset (awesome visit by @train_ugly) and letting voices be heard. #aledchat
A3 We’ve learned from Maslow that unless our most basis needs are met we can’t function at our peek. It’s our duty to create safe spaces where learning can happen. A safe culture leads to a learning culture. #aledchat
A3: The benefits of a positive school culture can be significant – increased instructional time, reduced discipline referrals, empowered students, and more.
#ALedchathttps://t.co/lg5y3sroog
A3: when teachers and students are happy to see each other in the hallways and in classrooms, it’s infectious. Relationships make kids excited to come to your classroom! #aledchat
A3: You can spend 5 minutes in a school and have a feel for the culture. A school is either about students or it's not. Positivity and genuine care cannot be replicated or frauded. #aledchat
A3: when teachers and students are happy to see each other in the hallways and in classrooms, it’s infectious. Relationships make kids excited to come to your classroom! #aledchat
A4 Ts who have positive relationships with kids are those who take time throughout the day to invest in kids. Genuine,patient, encouraging, supportive. They BUILD UP kids daily as opposed to lashing out! #aledchat
A4: Educators who have strong relationships with students are empathetic but not enabling, loving but strong, friendly but not always friends and set the bar high while proving the pathway/support to reach and exceed the goal. #ALedchat
A3: Janice from KY. Authentic relationships w/Ss create environments of security, safety, and trust. When Ss feel valued they are then free to take risks to learn beyond their comfort zone. #AledChat
A4 Teachers who are able to form positive relationships with kids are exemplars of “student centered” educators. They are fired up to serve kids daily selflessly! @inkyjohnson would say “it’s not just about you” #aledchat
A5: Students often pay more attention to teachers who pay attention to them. When the teacher is invested in the student, it increases the chances of the student being invested in the class. #AledChat
A4 Teachers who are able to form positive relationships with kids are exemplars of “student centered” educators. They are fired up to serve kids daily selflessly! @inkyjohnson would say “it’s not just about you” #aledchat
5: Through positive connections there will be optimum opportunities for teaching and leading Ss. Certainly more successful experiences with them. #aledchat
A5: The level of trust with you can PUSH the student to TRY something he/she may not WANT to do at first! But also involving parents/families is KEY! #ALedchat
A5 Relationships 1st, relationships EVERYDAY! They can sense if you are a phony or don’t value them as people . In a world where many of our kids can’t count on anybody, what are you doing to show them you are that ONE caring adult? #ALedchat
A5: The kids with whom you have a solid relationship will stick with me longer through material that isn't the most interesting, over look my days that aren't the most inspiring, and, if I'm doing it right, pay my example forward to other students who need it. #aledchat
A4: They take time to listen and they provide honest and sincere dialogue. Ss also appreciate guidance and direction that is real and does more than ensure that they feel good. Ss want honest feedback. #aledchat
A5 I’m so glad I had teachers who knew the answer to this question. It’s the number one reason they were able to connect with me. That connection motivated me to learn from them.
A6: Genuinely care about the students. That is the non-negotiable starting point. You have to be willing to listen. And you have to demonstrate empathy. #AledChat
A5: I am able to have deeper and richer conversations with Ss about their work and what they need to improve and move forward. Ss are more comfortable with showing vulnerabilities in what they don’t know or are able to do. #aledchat
A6 Agape Love, empathy, patience, honesty, compassion, kindness, high expectations, courage, knowledge, relentlessness, time, and the ability to love children like they are your own children. #aledchat
A7: I have just recently tried a new strategy for connecting with students. I have asked three of our students to check on me every day to make I'm doing ok. We're flipping he script! I wrote about it in a recent blog post: https://t.co/9oUYFIQWol#AledChat
A7: Understanding is key (and not easy!). Educators have to remember they are usually not the root of the issue. It's not personal. Apathy and disrespect are the product of something deeper. Show them love and care, genuinely ask and pursue, and patiently wait. #aledchat
Don’t give up on them. Be persistent. Your efforts may eventually be admired by these students even though you may never know. 4 most powerful words in English language: “I believe in you”
A7: Try to see yourself as the Ss see you. What facial expressions do they see from you? What type of body language do you project? Are you consistent in your attempts to connect? Show interest in who the S is outside of the school or classroom. #aledchat
In sales I would always ask a personal question instead of how may I help you. This allowed me to know my customer and make recommendations. It’s the same with Ss. Rships custom build their learning experience #ALedchat
A7: This picture hangs on the wall behind the pulpit of the church I grew up in. Someone once asked "Why isn't there a handle on the outside?" The reply was "You have to open up to Him". The kids won't tear down our defenses, we have to do it. Let your guard down! #aledchat
A7: In the past I have used a strategy I call the 10x2. I try to casually connect when students are in transition, in the lockers, at lunch, between classes for two minutes, ten times. I ask them questions and talk about what they are interested in. #aledchat
A2: It is important because students need to feel valued, cared for, and noticed by all adults on campus. As an administrator, I try to make every interaction positive. When handling discipline, I create a relationship first. #ALedchat
A7: In the past I have used a strategy I call the 10x2. I try to casually connect when students are in transition, in the lockers, at lunch, between classes for two minutes, ten times. I ask them questions and talk about what they are interested in. #aledchat
FA: Minutes matter! To make each one count, I have to be intentional in truly being present to hear our kids every minute! They have a story. Let them share it. Hear it. #invest#aledchat
A2: Children are very perceptive. They know when you are genuine and when you truly care about them. We should correct and guide in authentic ways because they will be inspired to make improvements if you inspire and empower them by caring. #ALedchat
Thank you for being part of the fastest hour on Twitter. Make sure to follow new educators tonight. Have a fantastic week and holiday season! #ALedchat
