Hi everyone! Welcome to tonight's #RCSTechChat! We're glad to have you! Please introduce yourself with your name, school, grade/position and tell us in which decade or time period you'd most like to live and why?
I'm Kayla Weller, instructional technology coach at Whitworth-Buchanan Middle School, and I would love to have lived through the 1960's. There were so many pivotal events during that time, and the music and movies were AMAZING!#RCSTechChat
Greta Smith, 7th grade ELA, Whitworth-Buchanan Middle School. I would love to have lived in Louis the Sun King's Versailles (circa 1685 but with antibiotics and toothpaste) because the clothes, the wigs, and the intrigue. #rcstechchat
Travis Sutton
Siegel High 9-12
IT Teacher
None but the present. I couldn't go without my modern technology. I do have a soft spot for the 90s though lol.
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I'm 3rd grade Rockvale Elementary, ELA and social studies. I would choose the 50's with poodle skirts and pony tails!! Lots of dancing and great music!
#rcstechchat
Hi everyone! Welcome to tonight's #RCSTechChat! We're glad to have you! Please introduce yourself with your name, school, grade/position and tell us in which decade or time period you'd most like to live and why?
Q1: When you think of a mentor, colleague, or a former teacher of yours who has good classroom management, what does his/her classroom look like, and how does he/she interact with the students? #RCSTechChat
Remember to use the A1, A2 format to answer, and include the hashtag.
A1: The kids are all working with a purpose the entire period with no down time. They are having fun, but are on task. The teacher seldom has to raise her voice, and she always speaks to the kids with respect and dignity. #RCSTechChat
David Limbaugh
Riverdale High School 11-12
US Government and Contemporary Issues
30 year CAD/IT Career - back to punch cards and 300 baud modems. ISDN Rocked! #rcstechchat
A1 First & foremost there should be mutual respect. It doesn't really matter how cute the environment is if no one in the room is comfortable enough to learn & engage. Building community is key. #RCSTechChat
A1: Students were engaged and the teacher had a very obvious relationship with each student! She KNEW them and they respected her because she respected them! #rcstechchat
A1 There is a woman I teach with now who is so calm and steady with her students. She is always respectful, consistent, and fair. The students really respond well to her patient but stern approach.
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#RCSTechChat A1 I think of several colleagues over the years and what I think of instantly is how their room mimics "home". It is a safe place where kids are talking but with purpose, there is patience, love, mistakes and always someone helping you be better.
A1: The teacher I remember had a classroom very organized, very structured, same daily routines (for most part), and same expectations everyday. I remember her treating everyone the exact same and holding everyone accoutable. #rcstechchat
A1: Her classroom was clean and organized. Her students knew where everything was located. She was fun to interact with, but students knew when it was time to be serious. #rcstechchat
A1: The classroom is orderly and everyone is in an expected routine. The student interaction is inspired by care for the student's success. Expectations are clear for everyone.
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@mstarajohnson7
A1. Students on task, maybe not sitting quietly, but on task. Teacher rarely has to redirect. There is mutual respect between the teacher and the students.#rcstechchat
A1: I think of my former 5th grade teacher who became my mentor/colleague during my first teaching placement. Her classroom has always seemed like a small community. It functioned so smoothly & she knew exactly what each student needed emotionally and academically. #RCSTechChat
A1. Respect between teacher and students. Students knew the room but also boundaries. The teacher is uplifting and encouraging. They knew the times to work and the times to laugh. #RCSTechChat
A1. Students on task, maybe not sitting quietly, but on task. Teacher rarely has to redirect. There is mutual respect between the teacher and the students. #rcstechchat
A1: The best classroom managers have clear and high expectations, are goal oriented, are reflective data analysts, provide authentic feedback, and understand the interpersonal and social-emotion needs of their students. Thats a big package. #rcstechchat
A1 - Mr. McPeak, Smyrna High School, US History - he lived US History and we lived it with him - you looked forward to seeing him every day - his classroom was a fun room to be in - he loved his subject and loved his student. Talked with us, not at us. Never notice #rcstechchat
A1 my mind goes to a man who had great rapport with the students. The students respected him and he respected the students. There were no "clip down" systems because none were need. It was like a family in the classroom. He never yelled #rcstechchat
A1 - Mrs. Tyler - Smyrna High School - College Bound English - Opposite of Mr. McPeak - she ran a tight ship - strict rules - you felt her awesome presence. She controlled the room. With Mr McPeak, you were so engrossed you didn't notice classroom management. #rcstechchat
A2: Relationships are HUGE for classroom management. If a student knows you care about them, they will respond well, even if you have to correct them, and they will invest in your class more. They can ALWAYS tell if you don't like them. #RCSTechChat
A2: The relational aspect of teaching, especially 12th graders is important. I've always heard "How can you teach them if you can't reach them?" but too much relation and not enough rigor can create major issues. #RCStechchat
A2: Relationships are essential for classroom management. Teachers have to be attuned to the students' needs and be able to adjust to the tone of the class on any given day. #rcstechchat
A2. Relationships are classroom management. When your students are able to trust you and know you care about them, they are generally more willing to work hard. Our students want to know we care about them.
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A2 Relationships are everything when it comes to classroom management. If kids don't like you, they surely aren't going to care if you tell them to be quiet or sit down. Nor will they WANT to do well & make you proud. #RCSTechChat
A1: A teacher who genuinely cares for students and strives to see students reach their full academic potential. Maintaining a positive classroom environment is also a critical component. #RCSTechChat
Loved both of them - Mr. McPeak during class. Mrs. Tyler once I went to college and made A's in English - LOL! #rcstechchat Both of them have passed away. I miss them...
A2: Getting to know something about the students and showing you care about their lives and problems makes that mutual respect more easily attainable. #RCSTechChat
A2: Stronger relationships make for stronger classroom communities. Classroom management should grow and change with the relationships as well. #RCSTechChat
Relationships are very important for classroom management. If you build that trust, bond with students, they will earn a respect for you I believe. Once they respect you, classroom management is usually no issue!! #rcstechchat
#RCSTechChat A2 Relationships in the classroom and in general are what allow you to speak into someone's life. When you have put time into a relationship your words and actions allow you to influence, encourage, support and guide the lives of students on academic and life issues.
A2 EVERYTHING!! If there are no relationships, the kids typically tune you out. It sounds cliche' for sure, but when the kids feel like we love them, they want to work hard and reach our expectations. We have to know them to know how to push them.
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A2 Relationships are huge! You can’t make any significant difference in a child’s behavior without a relationship! They have to want to do well for you. #rcstechchat
A2 I think that if a student trusts the teacher and the classroom boundaries, the student will be easier to manage. I think it boils down to a relationship with the teacher and the environment. Relationships help cultivate that trust. #rcstechchat
A2: Relationships with students should be built on care for the students, but also include expectations for the students. It has to be a little different than a friendship I think. The expectations are certainly important for classroom management.
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A2 RESPECT and trust are so important- and that can't happen without healthy relationships. So much more "magic" can develop in a class w/good rapport
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A2:Relationships are very important for classroom management. If you build that trust, bond with students, they will earn a respect for you I believe. Once they respect you, classroom management is usually no issue!! #rcstechchat
Ha. You can't be sarcastic in elementary. I had to unlearn sarcasm years ago. Its interesting since our culture is so sarcastic. I find myself much more sensitive to it now. Definitely had to tweak my filter. #rcstechchat
A2 The teacher has to let the kids know they care! “They don’t know how much you know till they know how much you care ! “ There needs to be a environment with mutual respect #RCSTechChat
A2: Building a positive rapport with students is one of the most critical components of successful classroom management. Methods such as the 2X10 method further underscore this importance. #RCSTechChat
Agreed. Sarcasm is my 2nd language and there's definitely a time & place for it. Some kids got it, most can't handle it, so it's best to keep it in. #RCSTechChat
In reply to
@tcarey98, @Cing_EdTech, @Whitney71803228
A2: For Dr. Weeks's FOED class at MTSU (I just graduated college 6 years ago) - we were assigned a one-page paper on our philosophy of teaching. I wrote one sentence: "Kids can't pick their parents." He asked me to explain it since it wasn't an entire page. I did. #rcstechchat
A3: Consistency is key for teacher credibility. If students know that you will do what you say, every time, they will not push past that limit. And they will know that you are fair because you don't make exceptions because you are consistent. #RCSTechChat
A2: He gave me an A. Kids can't pick their station in life. I make sure we have plenty of pencils, papers, Kleenex, paper plates, forks and anything else students might need, even bandaids. #rcstechchat Can't be mad at a student when dad/mom won't buy them a pencil.
A3: no one has a better grasp on fairness than students. If you are inconsistent between students/classes, they will call you out on it and have a very hard time trusting you in the future. #RCStechchat
A3 I believe that consistency builds trust. If students feel like some are favored and others are picked on, respect is lost. If expectations are clear, as are consequences, AND the teacher is consistent, it builds a beautiful relationship...as in life
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A3: If a teacher is not consistent, they may as well not have rules!! This drives me crazy esp. when some teachers follow school rules & others do not. I'm a rules person ... If there is a rule, I'm going to enforce it. Kids learn really quick if you're a pushover #rcstechchat
“Success does not come from what we do occasionally, but from what we do consistently.” -I forgot (oops). I have this written on my board in my classroom. #RCSTechChat
A3 It has helped me a lot. I try to be as consistent as possible in my class, but there have been times when I have let certain rules slide. I can think of an example in the last week when my inconsistency has made the classes a bit harder to manage. #rcstechchat
A3: We must stay consistent with our students and the expectations. If not, it will be much harder to establish a routine and create strong relationships. #RCSTechChat
A3: Consistency is key for classroom managament. If they know something will happen EVERY time, they are less likely or more likley to do it (good or bad). It's when you change up your consistency you see problems come up in the classroom. They like to test you. #rcstechchat
A3 consistency is when students know teachers are being "fair". HOWEVER, I try to teach my students that "fair" is a case by case scenario-only when it applies. Routines- consistency is crucial. Discipline- depends on the situation and kid.
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A3 You have to be consistent. You can't let something go one day then lower the boom the next over the same be behavior. Kids will never know what the rules are.
A3: Consistency is key. If a teacher is inconsistent with homework, discipline, etc. Students will take advantage of what you let them take, and will create more problems rather than preventing them #rcstechchat
#RCSTechChat A3 If kids know what to expect then they can be very successful and they push themselves to work harder. Also you can focus on content when things are somewhat consistent and you aren't having to continually learn a new routine, system, set up, etc.
I feel like consistency is incredibly important. I believe students like a good routine. They need to know what is expected and how the teacher reacts to students meeting those expectations and not meeting those expectations. It needs to be the same every time
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A3 - Consistency/Fairness/Equity is EVERYTHING. A student has to have the security of knowing the teacher/classroom is one that respects them and is there FOR them. They need to have ownership of the class #rcstechchat
Yes. Our different class schedule made teaching a nightmare. Today was one of my least favorite teaching days. I came home and felt depressed because of it.
I felt as if I failed as a teacher.
It made my fuse a bit shorter as well. #rcstechchat
A3: Consistency = routines and expectations. When students understand what is expected of them, they are more likely to work to that expectation. Otherwise, you're just asking kids to throw things at the wall and hope something sticks. #rcstechchat
Agreed! The sad thing is, so many kids have no consistency at home, so they LOVE it when they get it from their teacher. It equals love and care.
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A4: Call me old fashioned, but you just can't beat good ole proximity and moving around your classroom. If kids know you're watching and that you'll be in their area frequently, they're less likely to push the limits. Especially if you're consistent. #RCSTechChat
A4: Proximity!! I walk around the room when I teach. There's nothing more powerful than a touch on the shoulder or a tap on the desk .... or sometimes just lurking over a student's shoulder. #rcstechchat
A4 - I thought I invented one! Didn't I @BrentBogan ? I had this great idea of having the students fill out an index card. Name they wanted to be called by in class and in the roll and 3 favorite things. When they get their cellphone out (I am cell-phoned out!) #rcstechchat
I have a bell attached to a marker. I ONLY use it to write the page number on a small board (on my large board). When they hear the bell, they know to open their books and which page to turn to. Got it from Rick Morris. #genius#RCStechchat
#RCSTechChat A4 For years I have used a small bell on the end of a purple marker. This marker is used only to write down what pages and what book they are to open. It is written in the same exact box on the board. No one every asks "What page?"
A4: When I need my students attention, I simply raise my hand. When my students notice that my hand is up, they will raise theirs and track me. No need to yell over them, and they hold each other accountable. #RCSTechChat
A4. I teach Special Education, so one non-verbal management tool I use is visuals. I have visuals for safe hands, sit down, quiet, etc. These help me to manage my class without having to stop teaching.
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A4: For sure me never sitting down and always walking the room, along with a few looks every now and then. lol. Keeps them all on their toes. #rcstechchat
A4: or do something that disrupts the class, I just make a notation on the back with the date and what they did. Class Participation points of their total grade suffers. I went to the summer offerings one year and someone was selling it as an APP for your phone! #rcstechchat
A4 I, regretfully, don't use non-verbal management tools. I have seen stop signs and bells used. I have thought about it, but haven't gotten around to it. Hoping to learn about a few good strategies. #rcstechchat
A4 I definitely agree with proximity! Being near a child can change behavior in a heartbeat! A smile or a wink, especially when a child isn't feeling very secure goes a long way also.
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A4 Actually, now that I think of it, I sometimes just stand by my lectern in silence, if they become rowdy. It usually quickly dies down. :) #rcstechchat
A4: Proximity is a good one I think. Just physically going to the area that needs to be managed I feel has helped me a lot. You can't be afraid to be among the students.
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Q5: You can't beat the ideas of Harry Wong and Rick Morris. Both influenced my classroom management method. But I also have learned a lot from people that I've shared a hallway with. Asking for ideas not only on content but on classroom management can go far. #RCSTechChat
A5 I think VETERAN teachers know a lot and have experienced a lot- therefore they are an EXCELLENT resource. I also believe in staying current so engaging in PDs/Books/etc LIKE THIS are great! #RCSTechChat
A5: Iris Peabody through Vanderbilt. It's online, and they have plenty of modules to look through for classroom management. They are also free #rcstechchat
#RCSTechChat A5 I know that @RedHawkSmith is going to name our favorite Rick Morris. But I have to mention Teaching with Love and Logic. SOOO good! @loveandlogic
A5 - Great question! I was blessed to be put in a hallway with @BrentBogan and some other great educators - wasn't I Brent? Saw great teachers doing great things. Had a great mentor at MTSU during my student teaching who coached me up as well. #rcstechchat
A5: Dr. Ellen Donovan at MTSU! She was a great model and mentor for us GTAs in the English Dept.
I'm also soaking up ideas from my fellow teachers and, of course, @wellertechcoach#RCSTechChat
A5 I don't love the clip up/down chart, but for positive reinforcement, I hand out bucks and the kids can buy coupons for things that are free for me (sit by a friend, chew gum in class, etc. Verbal affirmation is always effective too I think.
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A5. I found a Give Me Five small group visual. This includes quiet mouth, safe hands, legs crossed, eyes looking, and listening ears. We review the visuals everyday. It is consistent and easy to remember.
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A5: I have found the majority of my best ideas from that glorious place we know as @Pinterest! However, it’s been a work in progress over many years. As I have grown and changed as a person/educator, my strategies have grown and changed as well. #RCSTechChat
A5:To be honest, other teachers who I know have great classroom managment. I have went into their classrooms and watched or literally just talk about certain things that happen that day in the classroom and how they would have handled it. It's been the best advice. #rcstechchat
A5- Listening to Harry Wong many, many years ago. Really good practices learned from him. Also, read lots of new material that has helped. And I think just tell the students the expectations and they always seem to rise to the occasion. #RCSTechChat
A5: I have just searched through classroom management videos on youtube lol. I found a lot of good ones. Not all of the ideas fit my teaching style. I think the important thing is to pick ones you can consistently use. I've also asked my fellow teachers for ideas.
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A5: When I started teaching (my first day, first class was amazingly scary but amazing kids!) I was determined to go by a list like this
https://t.co/vxlgbKkiDY#rcstechchat
My classroom rules are pretty simple: Be Respectful. Be kind. Obey all Rules.
That's perfect! Don't forget you have great resources in your instructional coaches, too. Your RTI coach and your tech coach will both be thrilled to help you. Any of us coaches would. #rcstechchat
A5: Flexible seating has been the most essential management shift @WeAreBarfield. No other strategy has empowered our teachers or students more as they dove into #blendedlearning. #rcstechchat
Almost at the finish line! 1 more question remaining tonight. Remember not to log off until you complete the Form. One minute until Question 6. Again, make sure you complete the Form after you answer the last question! #RCSTechChat
A5 addition - I taught middle school for 13 years before moving back down to elem. One thing I found effective was positive notes and calls home. If I said in class, "that's a good call home!" other kids wanted that too. No kid is too old for affirmation!
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Q6: What is one piece of advice about classroom management you would give to a college graduate just beginning his/her teaching career? (What TO do, or what NOT to do.) #RCSTechChat
A5: IMHO 99% of classroom management is the students knowing you respect them as young men and women. Some will always look for where the line is. #rcstechchat Some want that line to exist. They need it. For some, 45 minutes with us is their best 45 minutes.
A6: I would say have a plan for everything. And overplan. Be prepared for ending early, talking out, transitions, etc. Think about the entire lesson, and have a Plan B, C, and D if necessary. #RCSTechChat
A6: Set firm expectations and firm limits immediately. They'll figure out that you care because of the limits and expectations and that will foster respect. #RCStechchat
#RCSTechChat A6 I think that the most powerful thing that I was told and that I share is that there is no one way to do have good “classroom management”, you have to continually work at it. Take your time at the beginning of the year and really established the expectations.
A5. Collaborate with your co-teachers! School is more enjoyable when you share ideas with those you work with! When you share your tips and tricks with those you work with, school flows better for everyone.
#RCsTechChat
A6: Don't stoop to yelling at your classes. Often a teacher being silent is more powerful than raising his/her voice. Establish routines/expectations and STICK TO THEM!! #rcstechchat
A6: If you can't manage you can't teach. Find your voice, establish routines, and be confident. Even if you aren't confident. Kindergarteners can smell fear better than a pack of wolves. #rcstechchat
A6 Effective teaching is 90% loving, respecting, and caring for the students in front of us. The other 10% is curriculum. Start out hard. You can ease up later. Know your kids! Take time to learn them.
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A6 Tell students the expectation and if you expect it, you must inspect it. Always stay on the move around the classroom and build a community of trust. #rcstechchat
A6: I have had the great experience of having some student teachers spend time in our classroom (our, students and me). I try to teach like Mr. McPeak and Mrs. Tyler taught. Talk WITH the kids. Control the room through confidence #rcstechchat and understanding. My advice to them
A6: Be consistent with your expectations for students. Don't be afraid to give a firm "no" in love. Truly care for your students, but hold them to a high standard.
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A6: Keep it simple! Our kiddos can’t remember a ton of home rules, classroom rules, grandma’s rules, and so on. Less is more with it comes to classroom rules and expectations. #RCSTechChat
Thanks so much to @wellertechcoach for hosting tonight's #RCSTechChat! Be sure you fill out the form she'll be tweeting out in order to get PD credit. You must have participated the entire hour and engaged in the conversation.
A6: is to always exude confidence and passion. Project knowledge of your content and love of sharing it. Be enthusiastic. I have this Emerson quote posted in my room. I read it to students first day. I tell them we will practice enthusiasm daily. #rcstechchat
Thanks so much to @wellertechcoach for hosting tonight's #RCSTechChat! Be sure you fill out the form she'll be tweeting out in order to get PD credit. You must have participated the entire hour and engaged in the conversation.
Thank you so much for a wonderful chat tonight! We hope it was beneficial for you. Don't forget to complete the Form listed here for your PD credit: https://t.co/PFNrVLMguz#RCSTechChat
Thank you so much for a wonderful chat tonight! We hope it was beneficial for you. Don't forget to complete the Form listed here for your PD credit: https://t.co/PFNrVLMguz#RCSTechChat
A6: My advice to student teachers I have had visit me is to never take the students for granted. Understand there are 24-36 young people in the room, with different issues, concerns, views, dreams and goals. Showing them you know that goes a long way! #rcstechchat
