#MasteryChat is a weekly chat with a growing family of educators from around the word focused on teaching better and reaching more students. Topics cover an array of challenges and solutions for teachers of all grade levels and subject areas, admins, and support staff.
#MasteryChat occurs every Thursday at 8:00pm eastern.
The chat was created by team at @thegridmethod, but is hosted by guest moderators each week. Our primary moderators are @techieteachott, @raehugart, and @jeffgargas.
Hi #masterychat! Marisa Thompson, HS ELA, PD Instructor, Presenter & now BLOGGER! I like to be creative in my job, cooking, and helping with others' ideas! https://t.co/ZKXgIEUSUk
Let's get this CREATIVE party STARTED!!!! Introduce yourself and share 1 way you have expressed your creative self this summer! #MasteryChat@thegridmethod#TeachBetter
Let's get this CREATIVE party STARTED!!!! Introduce yourself and share 1 way you have expressed your creative self this summer! #MasteryChat@thegridmethod#TeachBetter
I'm Chad Ostrowski from Canton, OH. I work with teachers, schools and district sharing @thegridmethod and so much more to help them reach more students! #MasteryChat
Cameron Carter, your creative host this evening, from Columbus, OH. 1st gr. teacher and @ncte elem. lead ambassador #NCTEVillage This summer, I took LOTS of photos with fun angles as my creative outlet! #MasteryChat@thegridmethod
Hello #MasteryChat Steph Dill, elementary SPED T in Colorado. I have expressed my creative side by getting a new sewing machine and fixed a teammates curtains for her classroom.
Hey all, Phil from Northern Virginia signing in. I teach 7th grade US History II and am the founder of #waledchat and host of Edusations (youtube). Thrilled to be here! This has been a very creative year for me (and I don't even consider myself artistic!). :) #masterychat
Rhode Island is doing some awesome things in education, guys! Make sure you check out #edtechRI Sunday and connect with @blended_math tonight during #masterychat!
Hello #MasteryChat I'm Tina - 7th grade ELA teacher in PA. My summers are all about being creative. I've been painting, drawing, and using my Cricut to decorate my house :)
Let's get this CREATIVE party STARTED!!!! Introduce yourself and share 1 way you have expressed your creative self this summer! #MasteryChat@thegridmethod#TeachBetter
A1: Creativity to me is knowing there is a unique path to an answer or to expression, boldly striking out in that direction and celebrating the results.
#masterychat
Hey #MasteryChat!! Jeff from Ohio. I am fortunate enough to work with AMAZING educators from all over the country with the awesome @thegridmethod team. So awesome to have all of you chatting with us. Super excited for @CRCarter313 to lead us tonight!!
Let's get this CREATIVE party STARTED!!!! Introduce yourself and share 1 way you have expressed your creative self this summer! #MasteryChat@thegridmethod#TeachBetter
HS ELA T from Erie, PA. Creatively, I’ve been working on a qualitative analysis course for my PhD. I find the synthesis of research to be creatively stimulating! #MasteryChat
Let's get this CREATIVE party STARTED!!!! Introduce yourself and share 1 way you have expressed your creative self this summer! #MasteryChat@thegridmethod#TeachBetter
Let's get this CREATIVE party STARTED!!!! Introduce yourself and share 1 way you have expressed your creative self this summer! #MasteryChat@thegridmethod#TeachBetter
Happy Thursday, everybody! I'm an ELA teacher in SoCal. I've been trying my hand at #sketchnotes this summer...still trying to find the balance between quick and legible. #masterychat
A1: Creativity is built within ALL of us. Creativity can be seen and unseen. Creativity is the foundation for building multiple thinking processes. Creativity is a MUST in all classrooms across the world! #Creativity#MasteryChat#TeachBetter#KidsDeserveIt@thegridmethod
Hey guys! I was so busy welcoming everyone that I forgot to do MY introduction! I am Tiffany Ott from Ohio and my creative focus this summer has been writing! Blogs, online courses, book.... writing, writing, writing! (With a side of carpal tunnel to go with it) #masterychat
#masterychat Hello, gidday, salut. As a language student I've got a new deeper appreciation of Twitter chat. Acknowledging the positivity of @NowakRo@cathwilliams05 today
A1 Creativity to me is the ability to think in a situational way To come up with ideas/solutions that fit the situation or student properly Creativity has to be centered on solutions #MasteryChat
A1 Creativity means opening yourself up to a wide and varied array of ideas and solutions. It is so much more than artistic skill, though that is often what it is equated with. It is the mind exploring and creating something new! #Masterychat
A1: Creativity is "thinking outside the box" or looking at something in a different way. It might be thinking about a character in a story, thinking of a new way to use a cardboard box or coming up with an interesting question to ask a friend #masterychat
Po Reffitt, Intervention Specialist Lakota East Freshman Campus #WEareLakota this summer I always take advantage of time in the kitchen, getting creative and coming up with new recipes and lunches for the new school year! #MasteryChat
A1 - Creativity means finding solutions that no one else has thought of or being able to look at a problem or situation from another vantage point few can see. #masterychat
#masterychat A1 - Creativity is about thinking outside of the box and coming up with solutions to problems without answers. As someone who has zero art skill, I can attest to creativity being different!
A1: Creativity is the power to do things that are already being done...differently, better, louder, more colorful, outside the box, with freedom to innovate. Was talking to my girls about this tonight. So fired up about being able to unleash a creative thunderstorm. #masterychat
Hello! Angela from CA - 3rd grade T + ELA/ELD site lead + Teacher Induction Mentor #MasteryChat Just finished reading The Wild Card with #3rdchat and it spoke a lot about Creativity: It's a Mindset - Can be used best to help with S engagement.
A1: Creativity can b doing something outside the your norm, I sew blankets for creative side. Or taking what you do and making improvements to it with tweeks here and there - becing creative to make it better. #MasteryChat
A1: Creativity is the power to do things that are already being done...differently, better, louder, more colorful, outside the box, with freedom to innovate. Was talking to my girls about this tonight. So fired up about being able to unleash a creative thunderstorm. #masterychat
A1: Creativity, to me, is the process of putting pieces together—ingredients, information, visuals, notes, etc. Creativity is constructing reality.
#MasteryChat
A1: Creativity means approaching something from a unique perspective. Designing something that goes outside traditional practice. I never would have thought of using Google Classroom to host a Twitter Chat for my students, but voila! There it was! #masterychat
A2 definitely not art skills or I'd be doomed for sure 😂 creativity is being brave enough to act on and express thoughts/work whether or not they are 'the norm' #masterychat
A1: Creativity means approaching something from a unique perspective. Designing something that goes outside traditional practice. I never would have thought of using Google Classroom to host a Twitter Chat for my students, but voila! There it was! #masterychat
A1: Creativity looks like my students playing with graphs in @Desmos and discovering how each number effects the graph or developing vocabulary by playing a matching game. #masterychat
A1. I would argue against the statement. Sometimes we think of art skill as being able to draw. Anything that we do is art. Building replicas, writing a story, solving an equation, creating an infographic, etc.— all of that can be examples of art in my opinion. #MasteryChat
A1: Creativity can fit a broad def: I see it as having ideas and insight, so creativity of the mind, but also with skills, for example with coding, building or painting (just to name a few) - physical creativity #masterychat
Dude! Reading that tweet right there just made me mentally connect DOK level 4 to creativity in a way I never had before! Boom. 9 minutes into #masterychat and I have already gained new perspective!
A1: Creativity means makerspaces and tinkering. Allowing children to invent. It also means expressing yourself in a variety of ways that allow others to see your talents. #Masterychat#ElonEd
A1: To me, creativity means doing anything differently in any way and since artists share their art it certainly helps to share your “creations” for all to see, hear, or know about. #masterychat
A1 Creativity is the way a person solves a problem, engages in a conversation or in a book, or uses their growth mindset to try something new. #masterychat
A1 Creativity is all about making connections to arrive at new understandings and possibilities. Creativity is also about exploration, comprehension and communication. Creativity is a word meaning lots of work. #MasteryChat
A1: The creative act is one of synthesis. The soul calls. The heart hopes. The mind conceptualizes. The person begins to make: a mouth sings, a body moves, the hands make something of the needing of the one becomes a gift for many to be shared by many. And repeats. #masterychat
A1. I would argue against the statement. Sometimes we think of art skill as being able to draw. Anything that we do is art. Building replicas, writing a story, solving an equation, creating an infographic, etc.— all of that can be examples of art in my opinion. #MasteryChat
A2: I feel my most creative when I have the challenge of taking something already done and making something new with it. I love bringing something different to an old idea. #masterychat
A1 - creativity to me is thinking outside of the box and doing something that helps you reach your objective. It is innovative, engaging, and a learning experience #MasteryChat
A2: I feel most creative in a school community that fosters a safe-risk environment. My MOST creative moments? When people say something can't be done.
#masterychat
Thanks man! I did not see myself as creative, but something in #tlap that @burgessdave helped me see that being creative is not a singular event gifted to only the elite. It is a rigorous process of pushing ourselves to our limits to design activities to engage Ss! #masterychat
A1: creativity for me is questioning and adaptability between periods. Something doesn’t work in 1st period...toss it tweak it do whatever it takes to make it better #masterychat
A2 When creating lessons that engage my 7th and 8th graders and make them want more! My students are the diving force in my creativity. They Inspire ME! #Masterychat
A1: Creativity is not about the product, but rather the process. Instead of following a recipe, creativity calls for off-the-trail thinking and action that is unique to the individual, regardless of the end result. #masterychat
A2: I grew up dancing and then became a dance instructor. I feel the most creative when I'm choreographing and listening to music. I am a fan of playing music in the room while students are working. #MasteryChat
A2 - When developing @thegridmethod I felt very creative and @jeffgargas really helped me dial in the creativity of how to make it something bigger than I ever imagined it would become #masterychat
A2- I feel most creative when I am working with my teachers or Instructional Technology Team! I think when people feel their ideas are respected and supported they are willing to be more creative and share! I love listening to a teacher and saying yes and...
#masterychat
A2: I feel most creative when I am able to express myself in ways that are meaningful to me. My mother and a few teachers have been my inspiration. #MasteryChat#ElonEd
A1: The creative act is one of synthesis. The soul calls. The heart hopes. The mind conceptualizes. The person begins to make: a mouth sings, a body moves, the hands make something of the needing of the one becomes a gift for many to be shared by many. And repeats. #masterychat
A2 Right now! My creative energy is higher than it has ever been. I have found a team of amazing educators & forward thinkers that push me to innovate, transform, & dig deep to create more than I thought possible. Thank you @chadostrowski@jeffgargas and @RaeHughart! #MasteryChat
A2: My PLN pushes me to be creative by giving me challenges where I have to think in different ways (shoutout to the #4OCFPLN). I felt super creative in the spring when I played with teaching math in a new way. #masterychat
A2 Parent/Teacher conferences The team I currently work w/encourage creativity in problem solving for our Ss Every member has contributed due to the open nature of our team #masterychat
A2: I have felt MOST creative when all parameters went out the window. Random items were placed in front of me and I was told one simple word, "Create!" We need to let children DISCOVER, WONDER, and BE CURIOUS! #MasteryChat#TeachBetter@thegridmethod
A2: I believe I am most creative when I am dealing with edtech. Being able to stand back, look at the goals of the lesson, and make a decision on how edtech can help drive the thinking further and amplify student voice. I also enjoy coding and cooking. #masterychat
That’s amazing! Thank you for sharing!! My Ss LOVE when I play classical music! A few even tap their pencils to the tune as they write or read! It’s GREAT! #MasteryChat#TeachBetter
A2: Honestly, I feel the most creative when I am in the classroom teaching. I encourage my students to give me feedback on their learning, which sparks me to think of new methods. #MasteryChat
A1 Creativity means being able to think of what needs to solved before it is an issue, finding joy in the most basic experiences, and seeing great ideas and being able to build upon them #masterychat
A2 Working with @_on11 helped me build my creative muscles. He helped me do so many things that I had previously never though of in order to hook our kids. If I could think it we made it happen! #masterychat
A2: I feel most creative after I do research and have a hundred tabs open with primary sources, readings, etc... I can’t wait to put the puzzle together #MasteryChat
#masterychat A2 - Teaching is such a creative job. We are constantly coming up with out of the box answers to complex problems in creative ways. Also, compared to other jobs, teaching has a lot of creative autonomy. As a teacher, I feel creatively challenged every day.
I think #Creativity means to look at anything with more than one perspective and to know there’s not just one way to do anything #MasteryChat#TeachBetter 🍎
A2 Sad for me to realize that it's when I am working on the activities for an after school club I want to start or on another project for Ss that I'm working on. I've been so focused on certain curriculum items that I need to channel this into my class. #MasteryChat
A2: I am at my most creative when I create time and space away from the problem. Family and friends who believe in me foster my most creative self. #masterychat
Hey, #masterychat friends! I'm a literacy coach, MYP Language and Literature teacher, and international literacy consultant in Tokyo. So happy to learn with all of you tonight!
A2: I feel most creative when I challenge my thinking and try to create new things. My students inspire me to be creative and the amazing PLN I'm growing on social media inspires me to stay in that space. #masterychat
A2: I feel most creative when I make something that I can share or experience with others, whether it be a lesson with my students, a pasta salad at a picnic, or legitimate art. It's all about the authentic audience and connections. #masterychat
A2: when I see what other teachers are doing, I'm inspired! Our TRTs have given me so many different tools this year that have allowed me to really expand my classroom. #masterychat
A2 I am the most creative when I am around my Ss and my 18 and 20 year old children. Our brainstorming sessions are invigorating! #roomtransformations#masterychat
A3 We have to push students when they don't feel comfortable enough to show their creativity! It needs to be practiced daily, just like reading & writing! #MasteryChat
A2 With a group I trust to share with. People who listen and support. While feedback you know comes from love. It's their support in the quiet hours. #MasteryChat
A2: This past year I felt like I hit peak creativity. Reading @burgessdave#tlap helped me recognize that there was creativity inside, and @HistoryislifeDC helped me figure out how to harness it to create amazing learning activities for Ss! #masterychat
A2 I would always complain to my wife about how her lessons were creative because she was. NO she was just taking more risks and doing things to excite the kids. #inspiration she made me a much better teacher! #MasteryChat
A2 - I have felt most creative when I have been given the freedom to do what I need to do, no walls, no restrictions, letting me use my skills and strategies to achieve the goal. My present admin has been really supportive of that. #MasteryChat
A2: I often feel most creative when rehearsing a show (as either actor or director). As a Ss, music teachers fostered my creativity. Other times, lesson design is a creative outlet
#MasteryChat
A2 I feel most creative when I am brainstorming with peers. Talking through a problem or content area really helps me to be more creative. #Masterychat
A2 I have felt the most creative when I was figuring out and writing The Art of Comprehension. @jdolci definitely helped me push boundaries. Founding @4OClockFaculty with @RACzyz has also pushed my creativity to new levels. Grateful for both of these great educators! #MasteryChat
A2) when I’ve tried new things with Google tools in my classroom. Using the tools I have for collaboration amongst students. I learn so many great ideas about Google from @jmattmiller@ShakeUpLearning and @JakeMillerTech#MasteryChat
Creativity to me means trying a variety of teaching methods to find out what works for your audience.
Keeping it fresh and new in the classroom boosts engagement. #MasteryChat
A1: How about a little less "poetic" this time? This from Gwen Frostic in her book, MULTIVERSALITY: "Creativity, freedom, and change. . .the trinity of infinity." #masterychat
#masterychat A2 My administration! Allowed me the freedom to think/try things outside the box. They have allowed me to continue to build our primary source speakers list & Mystery Skypes/Hangouts.
A2: My mom and grandmoms helped foster my creativity. I'm from a family of artists and crafters who always encouraged me to learn and try anything that interested me. #MasteryChat
It’s magical! Now we are passing this mindset onto our Ss instead of letting them grow up in a world where if you cannot draw/paint/etc then you are not considered creative. #masterychat
A2~recently felt over the top creative during weekly read alouds alongside my colleague &lucky me BFF... #MasteryChat ... she fosters this creativity by simply reminding me to be the authentic, funny, occasionally way too talkative me 😊
A2b: I never would have thought about starting a podcast, blog, chat, and Youtube show, but as I started to grow more creatively in the classroom, I wanted to grow more and connect more as well. #masterychat@ERobbPrincipal
A2 I’ve been most creative when I’ve been able to wrap my head around a concept and fully absorb it. Family and friends often give me help too. #masterychat
A1: Creativity often means thinking and doing in new, unique ways. Thus, it's vital that we empower our students with opportunities to be creative. #masterychat
A1: Creativity happens in a state of flow. It’s a force inside us that begs to come out and play. When we find ourselves losing track of time, feeling utterly in the moment with something we are working on, chances are that we are creating. #Masterychat
Have you read The Wild Card? That was a GREAT book for finding your own brand of creativity! If you haven't read it yet, get your hands on it! #Masterychat
In reply to
@MrPStrunk, @burgessdave, @HistoryislifeDC
A2. My mom was the most creative person I knew. 💕 When I was young she would let me create things and try new things, which taught me how to think out of the box. #MasteryChat
This discussion is a great opportunity to re-focus on creativity and doing what we love. I felt the same way as I was trying to think of how much of my time and energy is not spent on things I feel passionate about and how to make it a higher priority. #masterychat
I always felt my most creative when I didn't have the usual administrative burden to deal with.
I had a few coworkers who helped me with efficiency so that I could focus more on the fun stuff. #MasteryChat
A2. I’ve felt most creative I can bounce ideas of off others and they off of me. Together we can come up with a solution to anything! I also feel most creative when something is resolved, completed or accomplished and I can see the results of my efforts. #masterychat
A1. Trying to find a new way to do something. Finding a way to make something beautiful or interesting and being able to see things not so concretely. #MasteryChat
A2 I work with Special Needs students who all learn differently. When I watch them trying to do something and having trouble my brain goes off thinking of other ways to break it down or reteach or a different approach #masterychat
A2: goes against what most say...sometimes I feel the most creative when I am alone with my thoughts and processing through the situation and my thinking. When I get stuck then I have a couple of thought partners I can go to that help me find my way out. #MasteryChat
A2: I feel I am at my most creative (if by way of incubation before the act) when I have my hands in the dirt. While gardening. I can feel the earth's energy working in and through my hands. I find my text in the dirt. And it reads like all kins of flowers in season. #masterychat
A1 Creativity is using the resources at hand, often in a different way than originally intended, to solve a problem or make something new. #MasteryChat
A2: Even at school, I feel most creative when I'm listening to to "innovative" music. The Beatles and Black Sabbath come to mind. I guess Lennon and Iommi help me foster it. #MasteryChat
Absolutely!! This also goes along with teaching in a general education class. Each year I have a class of approx 30 Ss and they do not show up at the same academic level. I have to find ways to modify and accommodate to support their needs. #MasteryChat
A2 I feel most creative playing the piano! I play by ear & will often learn a tune in its original form then add layers of sorts to it to make it sound even cooler! #Masterychat
A2: Creativity means thinking outside the norm, outside the box. It means to think and create using imagination, education and unique skills you have. #MasteryChat
A3 I strongly believe that this is nurtured through a Culture of creativity where free thinking is encouraged and we never squash any types of thoughts from our students... #Masterychat
There are just so many good ones, it is impossible to know where to start! I need a week long reading vacation I think. Followed by a week long writing vacation because I will be so inspired! #masterychat
In reply to
@MrPStrunk, @burgessdave, @HistoryislifeDC
A2: I am most creative when I am with my 4yo. She challenges and inspires me to look at the world with new eyes, and to find creative solutions to problems. She also has limited preconceptions about beauty, so all creative expression is welcomed in her world. #MasteryChat
I tend to feel most creative when I’m in a time crunch & have to make things happen on the fly. My brain immediately jumps into problem solving mode. I also really enjoy collaborating to problem solve, brainstorming aloud with others. #MasteryChat#TeachBetter#Creativity
A3: Encourage them; acknowledge and commend their work and the journey they take.... allow students the chance to express themselves in a safe environment without the fear of judgement or ridicule #masterychat
A3 We have to allow our students to be involved in the decisions for their learning paths. Yes, we have curriculum to follow, but we must allow for students to explore their interest. The creativity will follow. #MasteryChat#ElonEd
A3 The words we use are powerful. Recognizing moments of creative thinking & calling them by name is a good step. "That is a creative idea, Rachel. Tell us more about how you came up with it!" By showing them they ARE creative, we can encourage MORE creativity. #MasteryChat
A3 I have found that to foster free and creative thinking, I had to help students Unlearn the Box that they were put in before they came to me. #Masterychat
A2 I tend to feel most creative when I’m in a time crunch & have to make things happen on the fly. My brain immediately jumps into problem solving mode. I also really enjoy collaborating to problem solve, brainstorming aloud with others. #MasteryChat#TeachBetter#Creativity
A2: When my students have a fabulous extension project/idea to something I’ve taught. It gets me excited to see their enthusiasm in creating something to be better than I had originally thought. #MasteryChat
Brent from Magrath. Sorry I am late @CRCarter313 Number one way to help students see themselves as creative is be a builder. Be enthusiastic over their ideas. #masterychat
A3 instill this mindset from an early age. ask open ended questions, let them talk, let them have range over the classroom for supplies, let them take risks... if we don't understand what they're done, we need to ask why vs saying no #masterychat
Brent from Magrath. Sorry I am late @CRCarter313 Number one way to help students see themselves as creative is be a builder. Be enthusiastic over their ideas. #masterychat
A2 I felt the most creative when I attended a SPED meeting and learned more about mindfulness at the middle school level. This made me rethink my resource class and how to integrate mindfulness! #masterychat
A3 Show them & highlight their creativity Creativity does not have to be artsy, just a diff look to a solution Ss are very creative, they just need to be shown what THEIR creativty looks like #MasteryChat
A3: Our language through conversation is oh so POWERFUL. Children need to BELIEVE they are artists. CHECK OUT Ron Ritchhart's book, "Making Thinking Visible" to DIVE IN and EXPLORE CREATIVITY for the classroom! #MasteryChat@thegridmethod#TeachBetter#kidsdeserveit
A3: Express to students when you’re creative - whether it was largely successful or not. Let them know it’s okay to take a possible uncomfortable leap! #MasteryChat
A3 - #masterychat - In Math, I can foster creativity by celebrating coming to an answer in different ways, rather than having to always do it the way that I taught.
I think creativity and self-efficacy (belief in our ability to do something) are closely related in young people.
A3: Give them opportunities to be creative that do not always necessitate art. Help them find that the drew definition of creativity does not always mean breaking out a pack of crayons and the glue sticks. It is about the way we think. #masterychat
A3: by allowing Ss more space to create and do. Give guidelines for those who may need more support. There is more than one way to complete a task. #MasteryChat
A3: hopefully my students will be inspired by the different things we do in class and see how my room is different from a traditional room. #masterychat
A3 - teach them to be problem solvers, be the sounding board to help them develop as critical thinkers, we spend so much time teaching Ss to follow rules and then we want them to think for themselves, we need to help them do that. #MasteryChat
A3: Exploration! Don't tell them the answers! Present a problem and allow students to work together toward a solution. In many cases, they create something 3x better than the original answer. #masterychat
A3: Encourage and foster their creativity thru listening intentionally and providing all you can to help them build their dreams of creativity. #MasteryChat
A3: We need to find ways for them to express themselves in other formats other than the traditional write an essay or take a test options. Freeing them to write music, code, make video, sketchnote, design a video game, and so forth. They must see they have the power. #MasteryChat
A2: I also feel most creative when given a variety of source material and a prompt. I will find the connections. Given a moment or two, I can usually find how x=y to generate a new approach to the subject or lesson. Metaphor is my best friend. #masterychat
That is the most fun part of teaching for me! Breaking down where the barriers are, figuring out on the fly what students need, and adapting constantly. I NEVER get bored! #masterychat
A3 Creativity comes from the environment we create! Preach positivity, build relationships, we must create safe spaces and promote taking risks #allin#Masterychat
A3: Giving them opportunities to show how they solved a problem or found a creative way to do something. During my Play to Learn time, my kids were sharing creations they built with each other...kids built and expanded on each others ideas #masterychat
A3 - I think we need to both model creativity as well as lead our students via questioning to be creative. Answering questions WITH questions is one way to keep them thinking and getting them to find new solutions! #masterychat
A3: Kids get reeeeeally creative when they are presented with an authentic problem that means something to them along with authentic limitations on their resources for solving it. I.e., THEY STILL TEXT IN YOUR CLASS. #MasteryChat
For me, the best way to encourage students is to give them autonomy of their learning.
Craft your lessons around choices and let them make decisions on how they're going to learn. Ownership will drive their creativity #MasteryChat
A3: By building them up and giving them multiple ways to demonstrate their creativity. Don't let them be self-doubters with a fixed mindset. Teach them that creativity is not just drawing! #masterychat
A3: In ELA, allowing Ss a variety of genres to write in inspires creativity. My HS Ss can create heartfelt poems, adventurous short stories, & deep analyses with opportunity, Instruction, and feedback. I’m not always successful, but a broad span encourages creativity #MasteryChat
A3: We need to find ways for them to express themselves in other formats other than the traditional write an essay or take a test options. Freeing them to write music, code, make video, sketchnote, design a video game, and so forth. They must see they have the power. #MasteryChat
A2: Creativity sneaks up on me when I’m focused on work or completing something. If I try to force creativity, I can be crafty or artistic, but not necessarily creative. #Masterychat
A3: We have to model process over product and genuinely praise those that think differently than most. Speed and conformity dampen the creative spirit! #masterychat
A3: The best encouragement for Ss is for us, educators and adults, to BELIEVE in them!
Let’s not underestimate their potential and passion for what THEY aspire!
We also need to provide opportunities & platform for them💫
#MasteryChat
A3 Providing choice, posing open ended questions in class discussions, encouraging students to use a wide variety of materials & mediums for project based assessments encourage creativity #Masterychat
A1: I think creativity is is the expression of thoughts, feelings, ideas, etc. through the making & creating of something. My mother is an artist. I am not, but I am still very creative & express my creativity in different forms. #masterychat
A3) We have to give them time to reflect on their learning and grow. Every child needs to know that they are an important member of our learning community and what they have to offer is important for everyone.
#masterychat
A5 We redesigned our room, I revamped my lessons, stopped giving tests in exchange for high level & creative assessments. I say YES to students' ideas! #masterychat Here's our room! https://t.co/R8IeWydNKv
A1: Creativity means flexibility, engagement, learning and adapting while having the ability to view different perspectives to grow and change! #Masterychat#TeachBetter
A3- Listening to Ss letting them speak, holding off before offering our ideas, challenge ourselves to see things differently through our Ss eyes. basically believing in our Ss and letting them run with ideas #masterychat
I started adding a poll to #masterychat each week based on the topic. It's been a lot of fun! We discuss the results live during our post chat broadcast on @facebook
A3: Provide a foundation of simple guidelines and turn them loose. Give them the bones and let them finish he rest. Encourage them to make it their own. Applaud when they do! Even if it’s not what you thought it should be. #Masterychat
A2: I'm often most creative when with my students. They inspire me (and one another) to see and think in ways I usually hadn't even considered. https://t.co/nQXDPO1lc9 💖 #masterychat
A3- Give them knowledge first. You cannot be creative with knowledge you don't have. This is a necessary first step that I believe is often overlooked. #MasteryChat
Creativity, like any skill, takes practice. We can help our students see themselves as creatives by honoring their connections, creations and explorations no matter how simple they seem. Creativity happens in tiny steps not giant leaps. Celebrate their steps. #MasteryChat
A3 we can encourage our Ss see themselves as creative thinkers and learners with exploring #GrowthMindset#TEDTalks#OneWord & the 8 Standards for Mathematical Practice with them. #MasteryChat
Yes! I did this when I had students create websites for the "Museum of American History" when we were learning about the Roaring Twenties. Was amazed by some of them. I had some students insert google forms for viewers to provide feedback! #masterychat
A3 Kids need time to create, they might be a little slow relaxing at first. They are used to people telling them what the end product should like. They need to unlearn that 😀 #masterychat
My go to saying all year is "Problem Solve" - If I jumped in to help every time there was a concern, question, or someone was lost then my Ss wouldn't become independent or build self-confidence. #MasteryChat
A3 By giving them the resources, time, and platform to express themselves and lead their learning. Helping to build their confidence with our words and actions. #MasteryChat
A3 Kids need time to create, they might be a little slow relaxing at first. They are used to people telling them what the end product should like. They need to unlearn that 😀 #masterychat
#MasteryChat
A3: Supporting students in seeking problems as well as attempting solving them. Providing them meaningful ownership & choice in their ability to impact their communities via #TeachSDGs. Celebrating process and having kids share cognitive intentions over end results.
Q3 It’s important for Ts to think aloud as they create & problem solve in order to model the process for Ss. Ss have become accustomed to being micromanaged & need to be taught HOW to be creative & shown that they CAN. #MasteryChat#TeachBetter#Creativity#GrowthMindset
The ways I have grown professionally and personally since connecting with you guys is seriously one of the most amazing experiences of my life (after marrying Cameron and my three awesome kids, of course) #masterychat
In reply to
@chadostrowski, @jeffgargas, @RaeHughart
A3: As much as the mantra of voice and choice has seemed to oversaturate #edutwitter, isn't that what it really is all about? Even more than allowing for personalized learning, giving Ss voice and choice sends an important message that their voices and ideas matter. #masterychat
A3: it’s so important to give our Ss opps to explore their interests, to have choice in how to learn and how to show their understanding, as well as opportunity for others to see, question, and applaud their accomplishments. #masterychat
A2: I have felt the most creative when I'm planning lessons based on student interests. During PLC's when brainstorming with my peers also gets my creative ideas flowing! #MasteryChat#TeachBetter
A3: We can encourage kids to see themselves as creators when we provide opportunities (time, space, materials) for play, discovery, meaningful and authentic open-ended or open-middle problem solving. Makerspaces in classrooms/libraries are magical places. #MasteryChat
Celebrate their ideas, their personalities, differences, failures,and triumphs. Show them early on that we all have the ability to show others something/anything differently than they might have been shown before! Model this behavior of creativity and let go! #MasteryChat
A3. Along with giving them options, when it is time to share, make sure that a variety of products (writings, solutions, pictures, etc.) are shared to give students a chance to learn from each other and to see different perspectives from the same task. #MasteryChat
So very true. When Ss seek a grade or the “right” way, they are not engaged creatively. We need to foster that environment and encouragement. This is why I’ve shifted to a HS ELA workshop model #MasteryChat
A3~ treasures,talents... teach/model these two things & support Ss in finding, refining and sharing these for the good of others #MasteryChat ... provide settings that helps Ss feel alive ... possibilities are endless ... teach them that there are limitless paths to success
A3: Encourage Ss to be creative thinkers & learners by offering & encouraging multiple opportunities for creative expression & celebrating creativity in its multiple forms. #masterychat
A3: Tell them they are and give examples, choose words carefully- always building them up, celebrate their out of the box answers and risk taking, provide learning opportunities to be creative and give open-ended redponses #masterychat
A3: you can never underestimate the value of modeling! Also, provide a safe environment in which kids may fail. Sometimes creativity is stifled by the fear of failure. #MasteryChat
A3: We can encourage Ss to see selves as creative thinkers & learners by providing as many opps to demonstrate that as possible. With authentic audiences for their work, and real problems to solve, Ss won't have to take our word for it. #MasteryChat
A3: Embrace the potential of "&." Even when the answer presents itself most clearly as "X," we can find the "X & _______."
Creativity's most generative gift is what it draws from another by way of earnest invitation: "Let's try. . ."
This is "&."
#masterychat
A3: Allowing students to plan lessons and teach their peers while problem solving always ignites their creative thinking and interest in learning a subject! Step back as an educator and groove into the facilitator role! #MasteryChat#TeachBetter
A3Celebrate their ideas, their personalities, differences, failures,and triumphs. Show them early on that we all have the ability to show others something/anything differently than they might have been shown before! Model this behavior of creativity and let go! #MasteryChat
A3: We can encourage their creative thinking by cultivating a growth mindset culture, providing opportunities for them to use their creative thinking skills, and lifting up/celebrating their creativity. We can also model being creative inquirers ourselves. #masterychat
Eek! So good! I am currently planning the Dance and Drama hook for my first unit of the school year. It's a #teachfurther unit with a real estate themed mock internship to explore number theory! Day one? Hardhats and sawdust! #sofun#masterychat
In reply to
@TinaSciumbata, @burgessdave, @MrPStrunk, @HistoryislifeDC
A3 I have found that to foster free and creative thinking, I had to help students Unlearn the Box that they were put in before they came to me. #Masterychat
YES! When we received new math curriculum (common core) there were many times where I would have to take a step back and talk it out with the Ss - It was a learning curve for me as well and it showed them that it was ok not "get" something right away. #MasteryChat
It's important to model that being creative is tough work. I find that my Ss are least likely to have a growth mindset when it comes to creative pursuits, and it's something I try to focus on regularly to break that mindset. #masterychat
When you have so many notifications abotu awesome side conversations that you miss questions being posted during the actual chat, you must be in #masterychat on Thursday night!
Love this group of amazing educators!
A6 We do several instruction-less challenges including one with puzzles, a marshmallow-spaghetti tower, and a Selfie Scavenger hunt across school! Super fun, then we reflect & the reflections become our first essay outlines #masterychat
A3 Provide opportunities and choices. Focus on process rather than final product. Many Ss get caught up in creating something perfect- we need to model that nothing is ever truly perfect. #MasteryChat
A3: Allowing students to plan lessons and teach their peers while problem solving always ignites their creative thinking and interest in learning a subject! Step back as an educator and groove into the facilitator role! #MasteryChat#TeachBetter
A3 I have found that to foster free and creative thinking, I had to help students Unlearn the Box that they were put in before they came to me. #Masterychat
A3: When learning Science or History, my students keep their notes only on the right hand side of their composition notebooks. The left is for their own ideas, sketches, artwork. As I walk around, I praise their creativity & unique interpretations of the lesson. #Masterychat
A3: Our language through conversation is oh so POWERFUL. Children need to BELIEVE they are artists. CHECK OUT Ron Ritchhart's book, "Making Thinking Visible" to DIVE IN and EXPLORE CREATIVITY for the classroom! #MasteryChat@thegridmethod#TeachBetter#kidsdeserveit
I read #shiftthis last summer, and I am still mulling over how to implement #geniushour next year, too. Planning on starting with baby steps! #masterychat
A3: Allowing students to plan lessons and teach their peers while problem solving always ignites their creative thinking and interest in learning a subject! Step back as an educator and groove into the facilitator role! #MasteryChat#TeachBetter
It's important to model that being creative is tough work. I find that my Ss are least likely to have a growth mindset when it comes to creative pursuits, and it's something I try to focus on regularly to break that mindset. #masterychat
Along with us sharing our thinking and creative side we need to acknowledge students when they express their creative side. Telling them we hadn't thought of it that way, or if we don't understand ask them to explain their thinking. I'm amazed at their thinking. #masterychat
Yes, exactly! If we as Ts don’t think aloud & only just work through the steps in our heads, our Ss are missing out on prime learning opportunities & a chance to build their confidence in their own skills as problem solvers. #MasteryChat
A2: I have felt most creative when inspired by great artists- Basquiat, Beethoven, cummings, Shange, to create my own version of art that speaks to me. This tells me that students need inspiration and roles models for whatever we wish them to achieve #MasteryChat
A3 I have found that to foster free and creative thinking, I had to help students Unlearn the Box that they were put in before they came to me. #Masterychat
A3: When learning Science or History, my students keep their notes only on the right hand side of their composition notebooks. The left is for their own ideas, sketches, artwork. As I walk around, I praise their creativity & unique interpretations of the lesson. #Masterychat
A3: Our language through conversation is oh so POWERFUL. Children need to BELIEVE they are artists. CHECK OUT Ron Ritchhart's book, "Making Thinking Visible" to DIVE IN and EXPLORE CREATIVITY for the classroom! #MasteryChat@thegridmethod#TeachBetter#kidsdeserveit
Teachers have to learn to escape the box that surrounds creativity too. It’s a skill that takes practice and time. There are a lot of misconceptions about how creativity actually happens. #masterychat
There are some beautiful places up there! Why don't you just swing by northeast Ohio after your vacation and come have a cup of coffee with me? :) It isn't THAT far! #masterychat
A3b: We can also encourage Ss to see themselves as problem solvers & creative thinkers by allowing them to struggle, fail, and repeat until they succeed. A battle hard fought and finally won leaves a lasting impression. #MasteryChat
A4: I have the jitters of starting a year with a new administrator...but I have been nothing but encouraged to "do my thing" at my building (and that's how I work best!) #masterychat
Q4: Ugh... Early in my Career it was "the looks," "the whispers," "the eyebrows," and "the closed doors."
You have to learn to see past the negative - for your students sake! #masterychat
This is a great argument for standards-based learning (#sblchat). When Ss are not hunting for points, we can encourage them to show process/progress. It can be a tough logistical shift, but once you start, no going back! #MasteryChat
A4 - Always a time crunch, we spend a lot of time testing and gathering data, there are not enough hours in the day. My best lessons are when we get to the end of class and the Ss don’t even realize it! #MasteryChat
A4 I do not allow my creativity or the creativity from me students to be hindered by ANYONE. It is the creativity that makes my class so successful and engaging. Anyone would be silly to take issue. #Masterychat
Agreed! They need to see that everything is not as simple as social media stars & televison makes it look. You don’t have to be successful the first attempt. Or second, or third... you just have to keep trying & show grit. #MasteryChat#GrowthMindset
A4: Resistance to change. When teachers are afraid of change, they resist and shut down others that are trying to use and utilize their creativity. #MasteryChat#BeBetter#KidsDeserveIt
A4: The belief that creativity is somehow at odds with rigor or with covering the curriculum rather than the way that we make learning meaningful to our Ss. #masterychat
A4: One should NEVER feel pressure in regards to adding creativity. Sadly, if this is the case, always go back to RESEARCH. Cite "Making Thinking Visible" as well as other scholarly sources to PROVE creativity adds to the Depth of Knowledge THINKING! #MasteryChat@thegridmethod
I would love to! I haven't gotten far as I am finishing up my summer grad school classes, but can't wait to start planning. @aprilpatton257#Masterychat#ElonEd
A4: This is the tough one for me. Admin likes to keep with "tradition." But this is the year where I stop blaming that for what does and doesn't happen in MY space. #masterychat
A4- #masterychat Math should be a creative topic. It is about finding patterns and connections in the real world and describing them with numbers and relationships. The current way we test in math completely misses the point and only asks Ss to show mastery of topics in isolation
A4 Creative people who are always trying new ideas, etc., often get called the "over-achievers" which is usually NOT a positive comment! I've been told many times to "chill...you're making us look bad!"
#masterychat
A4 - I work with schools across the country and there is always pressure to "tow the line". It’s how we approach this that matters. If we as Ts do everything for the sake of WHAT IS BEST for Ss we can never be wrong. We can fail, we can stumble but we CAN’T be wrong #masterychat
So true! We seek to build creativity in our students and must ALSO seek to build it within ourselves! There is so much we can all learn from each other and so many ways we can bring creativity to the ways we plan for teaching and learning! #masterychat
Teachers have to learn to escape the box that surrounds creativity too. It’s a skill that takes practice and time. There are a lot of misconceptions about how creativity actually happens. #masterychat
I was intimidated when I started teaching to be outside the box. Now I just don’t care, I know I’m doing what is best for all my students. #masterychat
#masterychat a3 One of our projects that pushes ss creativity is.. What Does Sign Language Mean To You. This was from a blind ss who said it took/meant every ounce of sight she had. Creativity from reflective thinking. Pushes them to think about evidence
A4 I find the greatest negative effects on my own creativity are when I have been required to teach with "fidelity." I believe standards are a map and textbooks are a guidebook that serves as a resource. Sometimes, this belief is not echoed by decision makers. #MasteryChat
A4 Time is really our biggest obstacle. We had at least 2 weeks worth of snow days last year & makes it much more difficult to integrate I feel like. #masterychat
A4 I think state testing can slow us down sometimes when it comes to fostering creativity: Let’s stop teaching the test, continue to keep our focus on Ss, and the creativity will take care of itself! #Masterychat
Question 4 is here! I don't care if you haven't answered ANY of the other questions in this chat yet, hop on in here now and join in the conversation! #masterychat
A4 I think anytime you try to do something out of the norm there is a bit of discomfort but you just have to push through that. Eventually people will start asking for some tips! #MasteryChat
A4: Requirement to follow "programs", expectation to be uniform across all members of the grade level, expectation to follow a set schedule #Masterychat # Eloned
A4 I'm happy to say that, so far, all of the admin I've had and the team I work with is on board for whatever as long as it's for the positive of our Ss. LOL I do sometimes get looks from the custodians. #MasteryChat
There are three types of people:
1. Ones who try.
2. Ones who give it there best shot.
3. Ones who do whatever it takes.
Which one are you? #MasteryChat
As an IB school, most of us are on the same page when it comes to valuing creativity, inquiry, and open-mindedness. When it comes to creativity in the classroom, I receive a lot of support. However, I am hindered when seeking to revamp outdated systems (e.g. grading).#masterychat
A4: time and flexiblity from some classroom teachers. I really want to share and inspire others, but time to plan, get in classes and teach and some willingness to co-teach are my biggest zappers. #masterychat
A4 Creative people who are always trying new ideas, etc., often get called the "over-achievers" which is usually NOT a positive comment! I've been told many times to "chill...you're making us look bad!"
#masterychat
It can be tough to let that comment roll off our backs again and again. Thank goodness we have this online community of other innovative, creative, envelope-pushing educators to draw support from! #masterychat
In reply to
@tjohnsonjams, @CRCarter313, @thegridmethod
A4 It is that closed mindset that some educators and administrators fall into. They don’t want change or have to put forth any extra effort #MasteryChat
Correct! Even wrong answers can show creativity & Ss should be praised for taking a risk. Not only that, but often it’s those wrong answers that send someone else’s thinking down a different path until Ss have (often unknowingly) collaborated a correct answer. #MasteryChat
Along with us sharing our thinking and creative side we need to acknowledge students when they express their creative side. Telling them we hadn't thought of it that way, or if we don't understand ask them to explain their thinking. I'm amazed at their thinking. #masterychat
A4: I was intimidated when I first started teaching a few years ago. Now I just don’t care, because I know I’m doing what is best for all my students. #masterychat
A4 I think anytime you try to do something out of the norm there is a bit of discomfort but you just have to push through that. Eventually people will start asking for some tips! #MasteryChat
There are three types of people:
1. Ones who try.
2. Ones who give it there best shot.
3. Ones who do whatever it takes.
Which one are you? #MasteryChat
A4: Creativity can be hindered when we feel stress to prepare Ss for standardized tests. Also, we may fear adding creativity hinders rigor, or we are unsure how most effectively allow for creativity #MasteryChat
There are three types of people:
1. Ones who try.
2. Ones who give it their best shot.
3. Ones who do whatever it takes.
Which one are you? #MasteryChat
A4: Hearing "Gotta play the game," with regards to the mindset of "This is how we've always done things." If the current approach was working, Ss would be beating the door down to get in school, rather than trying to get out. Gotta crack a few eggs to make an omelet. #MasteryChat
A4 I've kinda stopped caring what others think of my methods I look at my Ss, if they are growing & excited about learning that is all that really matters Luckily for me my team is super creative #masterychat
A4: A stagnant curriculum everyone has to follow. To meet the needs of kids we need to be responsive teachers. Strict curriculums stifle creativity. #MasteryChat
A4 _ For me as a District leader it is getting people to think past "the Tests" Regents, AP, Etc....and the fact that kids, teachers, and parents still have to play they school game to get into "right" college which oten times isn't even the right choice for them..#masterychat
A4: Once Upon A Time I didn’t have a voice... that story has had a MAJOR CHANGE FOR THE BETTER! No going back now... no one can stop me! #Unstoppable#masterychat
Sometimes, we have to be bold enough to break tradition just enough that we can still keep our jobs (Even if its by the skin of our teeth) & still create innovative experiences & transformative learning for our Ss! (Fair warning... I'm a bit of a rebel!) #masterychat
A4: This is the tough one for me. Admin likes to keep with "tradition." But this is the year where I stop blaming that for what does and doesn't happen in MY space. #masterychat
A4: One of the hindrances to local creativity and innovation is probably found in the lack of participation in threaded discussions like this one. What have more of us seen than the others? How do we bring more people into the conversation? Then it's "we" vs. "me." #masterychat
A4: I’ve been blessed with admins who give me a lot of room to work. Buta few colleagues have looked at me with contempt because of what I do. But that’s just a few. #masterychat
A4) Colleagues have voiced that they feel the students are only playing and goofing around when they see them moving about and collaborating with one another.
Although, I have had great support from admin.!!!
#masterychat
A4: Unfortunately, colleagues can see forward thinking & risk taking as a threat. I don’t let it hinder me, but can mean Twitter #PLN knows what I’m doing before my colleagues do. Hinderance from an admin is tougher. I try to get ahead that resistance & clue them in.#MasteryChat
A4. The demand to teach all requirements for state testing are always there! To incorporate in different ways where Ss are still learning the Info.!#masterychat
A4: Comment: “That will never work!”
Response: “Maybe not, but my professional learning from this experience will make the next thing even better! Watch me!”
#masterychat
A4: Teachers need the trust and encouragement of their administrators and colleagues when they are brave enough to try new and creative ways of teaching, which will help them to encourage their own students to be just as brave and vulnerable in their own creativity. #MasteryChat
A4~perhaps testing gets in the way of creativity # MasteryChat ... need to keep it flowing as our teaching and learning naturally unfolds in an environment that supports such
A4: One of the hindrances to local creativity and innovation is probably found in the lack of participation in threaded discussions like this one. What have more of us seen than the others? How do we bring more people into the conversation? Then it's "we" vs. "me." #masterychat
A4: My biggest challenge is not having my own class, so everything is a team effort and co-planning time is very limited. My co-teachers and admin are fabulous and usually willing to try new things. #masterychat
A2: I like to allow students to engage in productive struggle. I always tell them to change their mindset because failing helps you think about alternative solutions.
#MasteryChat
A4 Sometimes my Ss don't want to buy in to the challenge. The students who tend to score highest on standardized tests struggle when it comes to application or discovery activities. #masterychat
A4: (jumping in)...Doubt, or uncertainty how it will affect the “scores”. Constant observations and negativity brings pressure. Ultimately this causes teachers to lose their passion for creativity. #masterychat#TeachBetter
#masterychat A4: Fear. Moving teachers into the role of facilitator & passing the keys over to the students can be scary especially in the face of standards. Good news is, research proves it works & kids thrive both in meeting standards, attaining 21C learning skills/creativity
Just because something has been "done that way" for years, does not mean it can't be improved Worst words in #edu "That's how I've always done it!" #masterychat
A4: Have endured the "you're not on the same team" feedback from doing things differently.
Guess what? I have diff Ss.
We share a finish line; I'll meet you there.
#masterychat
A4 many adults want things to look nice, polished. However as educators we know that learning is messy. Young writers writing looks awful but real learning is taking place-All creative pursuits will look rough in the beginning but that’s where the real learning lives #MasteryChat
A4: I kind of mentioned this in my answer for Q1. In my adult ed world, there was an obnoxious amount of administrative burden for my training program that consumed too much of my time.
It frequently got in the way of developing creative lessons. #MasteryChat
A4 Teaching specified, required content is never a hindrance, only the restriction of HOW it must be presented. As long as Ts are allowed to inject their personal passions into the lesson presentation, Ss will notice & be more interested. #MasteryChat#TeachBetter#Creativity
Clear communication is key to this. It may not always get you the support you want, but at least they can't say you didn't warn them, lol! You rock! #MasteryChat
A4: I am very fortunate to have supportive admin and colleagues when it comes to creativity in my classroom. My hurdle is the mountainous load of standards that I have to have my Ss master in 180 short days. #MasteryChat
If our national curriculum were focused upon creativity, it wouldn't have "common" or "core" or "standard" within its branding. But, here we are. . ."common" + "core" + "standard." It's a "state" in which we find ourselves (you see what I did there, friends). #masterychat
A3: Have students participate in the lesson planning process. Have them be part of HOW they are learning. Integrate what they think matters. Let them invested by having them create and manage own portfolios. #Masterychat
A3: Our language through conversation is oh so POWERFUL. Children need to BELIEVE they are artists. CHECK OUT Ron Ritchhart's book, "Making Thinking Visible" to DIVE IN and EXPLORE CREATIVITY for the classroom! #MasteryChat@thegridmethod#TeachBetter#kidsdeserveit
#masterychat A4: Fear. Moving teachers into the role of facilitator & passing the keys over to the students can be scary especially in the face of standards. Good news is, research proves it works & kids thrive both in meeting standards, attaining 21C learning skills/creativity
A4: having to fit your teaching into a box. Just because a teacher is new doesn’t mean they can’t try something different in the classroom. Micromanaging causes burnout. #MasteryChat
I have done this before when I worked with upper elementary school students! It helped them recall important concepts and required more in depth thinking than just spouting off facts! #masterychat
A5 I often feel as though my teaching is an art (not to be boastful)... I am constantly creating lessons on the fly to meet where my students are, noticing what might take them to new places. #Masterychat
A5 - I started the crazy idea of @thegridmethod in my classroom. It took creativity from me but also my students in how to learn a new way. This journey was one that has led me to helping teachers across the country #teachbetter along with my amazing team! #masterychat
A5: Have some nerves about bringing Microbits into the Social Studies classroom. Not sure how it's going to work, but I'm hoping we can find some productive ways to use them. #masterychat
#masterychat a4 Was struggling with wording on this answer so credit @emilyfranESL
Shows again why inclusive leadership is needed for good learning and creativity.
In the SPED classroom you are always creative, Ss are at different points of mastery and you learn to make lessons as engaging as possible, even when you are reading Shakespeare! #MasteryChat
Absolutely! Standards, targets, objectives- bring them on! They help provide constraints that make my creativity soar! (Just don't tell me how, when, and what to say!) #masterychat
A4 Teaching specified, required content is never a hindrance, only the restriction of HOW it must be presented. As long as Ts are allowed to inject their personal passions into the lesson presentation, Ss will notice & be more interested. #MasteryChat#TeachBetter#Creativity
I really dislike the status quo philosophy. A friend of mine had a senior and 7th grader this past year. The 7th grader had the same assignment the senior had when she was in 7th grade. I have to change things up for me and my students. #masterychat
A5 I like to ask my students to create their own learning. I give them a content topic and tell them to learning it, prove it, and DO NOT tackle this in a traditional way. #Masterychat
A5 Tried a more flexible seating method last year, Ss loved it, even if it terrified me at times Creativity needs to include Ss voice & choice #MasteryChat
There’s also something to be said of limitations inspiring creative processes. When we feel constrained by standards or certain assessments, that’s when our creativity can shine. Necessity is the Mother of invention. Risks are needed when a T is ready to leap
#MasteryChat
A5 At one point in my career I was a gifted intervention specialist. The world of gifted ed is quite familiar with creativity challenges, so it became a tool that has become a part of who I am as a teacher! My favorite quick and easy approach is the SCAMPER model! #MasteryChat
A5: I've used a strategy from Ron Ritchhart's book, "Making Thinking Visible" called "See, Think, Wonder." It's an AMAZING strategy to BUILD higher level thinking skills. Also, I've had my Ss use hands on materials to build various designs for a given content area #MasteryChat
A5: I tried the #ObserveMe challenge!
It was a little intimidating to post a sign for anyone to just walk in my classroom. However, in one way or another, it served as an accountability.
#Masterychat
A5 - my top math students said they shouldn’thave to do the work. They said I should just let them tutor their peers and they will earn whatever score the students who was tutored score. I wasn’t brave enough to try it. #MasteryChat
A4: My school has a nice climate & a healthy balance between formal lessons & creativity, but I guess I’d say having PLC meetings & collaborative lessons/assessments can crowd out time for creative or student-driven assignments. #MasteryChat
Love this!!!! We do something similar in second grade called “Bring Yourself In A Bag” for the first few days of school to get to know one another! @thegridmethod#MasteryChat#kidsdeserveit
A5 I always have Ss teach at least once a year or whenever they ask. I give minimal directions and I have seen some of the most creative lessons ever! #masterychat
A4: Teachers often they have to ask permission to be creative. Most principals value and look for creativity in the classroom, but rarely communicate that. They stress protocols and curriculum maps, and the importance of schedules. All important, but not everything. #MasteryChat
A4: As admin, I really want my Ts to be creative & take risks! They may not do so because of pressure of accountability, lack of time, or fear of failure. I love being creative myself but often worry about the response I will get when breaking with tradition. #masterychat
A5- #masterychat -I did this credit card literacy project in my class for the last few years, and this year, I included creating a green screen video as a way to show learning. Ss really took it on. One pair of girls created a rap video about credit cards. https://t.co/yJpBqbLnPa
A5- Next year we are starting a maker space in our media center I am hoping to use a choice board each moth and students pick something to create! Ss enter a contest if they would like to receive feedback from a panel. #masterychat
A5: I've added some unique games to #Room407. Visual-eyes (idoms), Disruptis (design). Trhryme (rhyming clues). But, today, I saw Dan Santat post a picture of a new game: Pantone. I'm all over it. We will have sets by winter break in the room; I swear by the stars. #masterychat
A5 Within the 1st wk of kinder I had a lesson w/ mixin up paint to represent Ss skin color -some thot I was crazy for doing paint w/ kinders, esp that soon & some thot I was crazy bc I wanted to talk about skin tone. It went wonderful and added to our class culture #masterychat
A5 I love to incorporate drama and storytelling. Ss retell texts using puppets they create. We also started using #BookSnaps this year and @Seesaw Both have really upped the amount of ways we can be creative. I use a lotof games in math to reinforce skills #MasteryChat.
oh my gosh...the first time I introduced collaboration on a Google Doc to my 3rd graders I allowed access to all 30 Ss and it was chaos lol - but by the end of the year they were working in small groups on one doc! It was magic :) #MasteryChat
I can't wait to hear what you come up with! I love that challenge! Finding a way to connect an idea to the learning to a structure for how it will look in the classroom- so many opportunities to innovate and create! keep us posted on your ideas! #masterychat
A5 I've had my students show their math and language understanding Building character with Bloxels, we've done Stik Bot animations for narratives & poetry. They always create in Buncee, Seesaw, Google #masterychat
A5 #geniushour
Also, I tell Ss what the learning they need to show, but how they show it is up to them..they have complete control
Writing blogs posts in @Kidblog
A few of the ways.. #Masterychat
A5)
I like to share with students what the learning objective is and then give them the opportunity to choose how they will demonstrate their understandings.
I am getting so many great ideas from all of you that I can't wait to try! Thanks everyone!
#Masterychat
A5: Changing things up next year. I'm teaching 6th grade for the first time, so I thought I would experiment with different ways to flip my classroom! Excited to see how it goes, since I have not done this before. #masterychat
A4: Putting testing first versus relationships and fear of failure. We forget that failure is a part of success. Not every lesson is going to be a winner. Kids need to see us gracefully bomb. #MasteryChat#MasteryChat
Again...if the status quo worked, please tell me why kids are dissatisfied with school? So tired of doing things for tradition's sake. It's time to move forward and try something new. #masterychat
A5 My 3 coworkers and I took on the Standardized Testing kickoff assembly transforming our multipurpose room into Hogwarts. I have never seen so many Ss excited to start testing.#masterychat
A5: My first and second years as a teacher I had a SPED/ ELL student who had trouble expressing herself. She asking if she could paint what she was learning. Those oil painting on real canvas will forever hang in my room and heart. ❤️ #masterychat
A4: As admin, I really want my Ts to be creative & take risks! They may not do so because of pressure of accountability, lack of time, or fear of failure. I love being creative myself but often worry about the response I will get when breaking with tradition. #masterychat
I am one of those teachers who just goes for it! I jump in with both feet! I’m always looking for new ways to teach my lessons to help my students be more engaged. It’s kind of old now but my one of my favorite lessons was paper roller coasters. The kids loved it! #MasteryChat
A5 I run a 100% choice based art room based on the Writing/Reading Workshop model. Creativity flourishes in this environment. Exciting and engaging for most everyone #MasteryChat
When implementing something out of the American norm...
Normally, if it doesn’t fit the way it’s done in America, it’s somehow rejected.
Not always...but in certain occasions.
Does that make sense?!? #masterychat
A5b: Love chapter in #BoldSchool by @Wes_Kieschnick about concept mapping..How about offering graphic organizer choices, instead of 30 Ss filling out the same Venn diagram? Why not let them make their own graphic organizer? Organize their own thoughts #masterychat
A5 Students were given several choices for group projects ranging from posters to writing songs/raps to present Science 7 content. It went REALLY well! Students were HIGHLY engaged and proud to present their work! #MasteryChat
A5 I also saw on Twitter about #globalcollaborations I explored and dove in with my class. It was amazing to interact with other classes and listen to the interaction among the Ss across the country #masterychat
Yet another opportuntity for creativity! Don't get me wrong, it is a hurdle that can feel mindblowingly impossible, but I like to take it as an opportunity to stretch my creative wings and find ways to combine those standards in interesting ways! #masterychat
I agree with you Mark. I have the idea of where we are going and the standards we are working toward. But, I have to take what my Ss are giving me and then possibly change in the moment to fit their needs. It is for THEM, not me, admin. or state testing. #MasteryChat
Some activities, assessments, and experiences work year after year as well. My HS ELA Ss have loved rewriting a scene of Romeo & Juliet in a different time period and performing them. Some consistencies are useful; change for change’s sake can be counterproductive #MasteryChat
A5: In honor of a decade in the classroom I’m going to be starting again at square one. Students will be brainstorming, designing, and implementing curriculum. My driving question for myself is “what if”. Can’t wait to see where it leads. #masterychat
A5: I really focused on taking the training wheels off of learning tasks and protocols and gave more creative responsibility to the Ss. My Ss will remember the music video they made about rhetorical appeals for way longer than a worksheet. #masterychat
A5 every year we need to have goals! 2 years ago I challenged myself to start using technology (with a purpose) every lesson. It helped change my teaching immensely! #Masterychat
A5: We have a class literary blog. Every third week, Ss write about a book they've read, but on the weeks in between they create any kind of post they'd like that's connected to reading, writing, or our class. It's been amazing to see the vlogs, listicles, art, etc. #masterychat
Hi! Heather here taking a #Masterychat & #waledchat break from my outlets- research and writing, and playing piano and singing!
I have missed these crews!!!
Let's get this CREATIVE party STARTED!!!! Introduce yourself and share 1 way you have expressed your creative self this summer! #MasteryChat@thegridmethod#TeachBetter
A5: I like to start social studues units with creative challenges. I find a unique item about a culture, give groups tools to put together the it but no directions, only a time limit to figure out what the item could be. Awesome convo starter! #MasteryChat
A5: a couple of yrs ago, Ss had to research social issue in a Spanish spkng country & compare it to same issue in our country. Final product was artistic representation of the issue. Little guidance and Ss artwork was incredible and inspirational! #masterychat
A5: my students help me create their learning experiences. We went to outer space, became surgeons, became pirates. We invited first graders to take part in our learning too! #MasteryChat
A5 to foster creativity and increase problem solving skills I often ask my students of ways that we can use task cards. Last year they came up with team tic tac toe. It also gamifies our practice #masterychat#gamification
A6: Have Ss contribute to the decor of the room. If all choices are made for them, where does expression get to go? (into the acting out category)
#masterychat
A5: I have done a ton of creative challenges with my #OdysseyOfTheMind team, but only a few in the classroom. Teaching coding was a great way to incorporate some more creative challenges this year. Also love STEAM challenges #masterychat
All of that! Yes! Give me the WHAT & I’ll show you the HOW! And we have to remember that our Ss are often feeling the same way. Tell me what you want me to show I know & let me have stake in the how! #MasteryChat#TeachBetter#Creativity
Absolutely! Standards, targets, objectives- bring them on! They help provide constraints that make my creativity soar! (Just don't tell me how, when, and what to say!) #masterychat
A4 Teaching specified, required content is never a hindrance, only the restriction of HOW it must be presented. As long as Ts are allowed to inject their personal passions into the lesson presentation, Ss will notice & be more interested. #MasteryChat#TeachBetter#Creativity
Just google "SCAMPER creativity" and you can find so many ideas for how to use it in your classes! It can really apply to every subject area and leads to some great thinking-provides a nice structure, too, so students don't feel overwhelmed by the creative process. #masterychat
A5: Creative challenges from last year: Eng 2 Ss painted faces by diff category/emotion to explore power of masks in Lord of the Flies unit; cosplay friend dressed as Red Death, & surprised Ss in the party scene of Poe's Mask of the Red Death, #flexibleseating#MasteryChat
I agree with you Mark. I have the idea of where we are going and the standards we are working toward. But, I have to take what my Ss are giving me and then possibly change in the moment to fit their needs. It is for THEM, not me, admin. or state testing. #MasteryChat
Q6 - #MasteryChat - The very first day of my class, I ask the Ss - "Would you rather fight one horse sized duck or 100 duck sized horses." It sets the tone for discussion and answering questions that don't necessarily have one correct answer or one way of looking at things.
A5. Using cardboard to have Ss design and make things out of. Maker space bags with topics. Various projects where Ss can design, and create different structures. #masterychat
A6 - Anything that helps you get to know them whether it's writing, artistic expression, song, talent shows. Getting to know your students as HUMAN first and LEARNER second can really help them let their guard down and open up to the creative possibilities! #masterychat
A6: I made an “Instagram” bulletin board and allow students to make a handle, create and take pics and put it up to showcase their own creativity. #MasteryChat#LetThemChoose
A6: I will be having students create self-portraits using various materials and hanging them around the room to show our uniqueness. Also, I will be having Ss create an "I AM" poem and translate it to a "WE ARE" poem! #MasteryChat@thegridmethod#TeachBetter#kidsdeserveit
A5: I tried a lot of new things this year and the biggest was a Shark Tank group project for their final. I brought in business leaders in our small community to be the Sharks. I was nervous but the students did well and told me how fun it was after they were done. #masterychat
A5 I have considered including #STEM activities within my SPED resource class weekly to challenge the creativity of S’s and also include a “break” from learning #MasteryChat
A6: Ask the students to create a way to introduce themselves including things that most people might not know. They can do this through music, poetry, art, drama, technology avenues, etc. #Masterychat#ElonEd
A7 Ss can develop questions to interview a partner, then complete a “fill their cellphone” activity based on answers. Wallpaper, 3-4 messages, playlist must be based on interview responses. Ss will present partner cellphones & explain choices #MasteryChat
A6 - I let students select a space on the wall that is theirs only. When they pass tests, quizzes, and so on they get to add more decorations and expand their wall space. Helps make the classroom feel more like home. #MasteryChat
A6: "Whole-heartedly." We will begin the year with a sharing of the essays "Auscaltation" and "Joyas Voladoras." After we have shared @evanturkart's beautiful new picture book, HEARTBEAT. We'll separate into four groups or "chambers" for sharing out from reading. #masterychat
A6 - At the beginning of the year we talk about ourselves, we write a mini autobiography, my Ss are encouraged to tell as much as they feel comfortable sharing. I have learned a lot about my Ss this way, it creates a very tight knit classroom community. #MasteryChat
A5: One of my fav activities was when the kids created Facebook pages for a Greek god/goddess. OMG - I was laughing soooo hard looking at the pages, esp when creating comments from other gods/goddesses to show a conversation! #MasteryChat
A5: Facilitated a S written & produced podcast w/ Gr 8 Ss for a few yrs. Exciting to guide Ss from idea to completed segment. Released an episode monthly for the school yr. Topics ranged from interviews with all local political candidates to drinking & driving, etc. #masterychat
A6 Ss can develop questions to interview a partner, then complete a “fill their cellphone” activity based on answers. Wallpaper, 3-4 messages, playlist must be based on interview responses. Ss will present partner cellphones & explain choices #MasteryChat
I agree to the extent that teaching to support the standard and what is needed for the class. However, giving room for creativity and allowing the thinking to truely be owned instead of just "pumping" out an assignment needs to be taken into consideration. #masterychat
A6 Starting the year, Ss will become real estate agents in a #teachfurther unit on number systems & relationships. I'm not sure yet how I will incorporate a creativity challenge, but you better believe I am going to figure it out after this awesome chat! #MasteryChat
A5: Some of you may have already seen this, but I had my Ss draw on their desks with chalk markers. It was a great alternative to posters. #masterychat
#Masterychat several times- performing on stage with amazing musicians & directors 🎶and also writing while standing on the shoulders of giants. My current profs showed me the world and I can’t wait to start sharing my books and my research 💕
A6 Put five random words up on the board and have students make connections with them or write stories or draw pictures based on them. Can work in groups or pairs. (Or even alone) Fun and simple. #MasteryChat
A6 We do a self portrait. Then we appsmash it using Chatterpix. The Ss tell all about themselves. Finally we upload it to @Seesaw for our families to see. It is a big stretch for my 1st graders, but it gives them a taste of what they can do with tech #MasteryChat
#masterychat A5: Empowering/working with students (now student interns) to: BuildSustainableMakers programs, start CommunityMedia platforms/host journalism conferences, embed resident activists/artists into classrooms, link curriculum to SDG targets. Get kids pumped2make impact.
A6: Like last year, we'll set up S websites/blogs but I plan to not only have them set up a page for their passions, but I'll challenge them to tackle a problem that is associated with their passion. Have them try to create a solution. #MasteryChat
Sorry to miss out this week, but I have a good reason! I am staffing a leadership conference for middle and high school students throughout Illinois! #masterychat
A6: I haven’t tried this yet, but I like the idea of having kids create a Baseball or Pokémon or Magic card that reflects who they are (including stars & a profile pic, etc.) #Masterychat@CRCarter313
A4. 1 other hindrance to creativity is taking ourselves to seriously. Laugh 😂kids are HILARIOUS and if we take it too seriously we miss out on the joy of the moment. #MasteryChat
A5: I tried a lot of new things this year and the biggest was a Shark Tank group project for their final. I brought in business leaders in our small community to be the Sharks. I was nervous but the students did well and told me how fun it was after they were done. #masterychat
A6: While not a specific "project" teaching my kids and giving them fun choices for their play to learn time let's them unleash their thinking and have choice and independence in my room (I'm thinking extra play to learn!) #masterychat
A6 I missed q5 somewhere. I am hoping to jump into it by providing more choices and giving them the reins more. I am hoping to bring more community into the class to help open the doors to new outlets for my babies. #MasteryChat
A5 Absolutely! My Ss have lots of opportunity to create & express themselves. My favorite was having kindergarteners create class sound stories w/nursery rhymes after modeling. They loved taking the reins & were so creative w/their choices. #MasteryChat#TeachBetter#Creativity
A6 Put five random words up on the board and have students make connections with them or write stories or draw pictures based on them. Can work in groups or pairs. (Or even alone) Fun and simple. #MasteryChat
A5 As a principal Im getting creative in the school. Sending teachers to @ronclarkacademy and @getyourteachon painting up the bathrooms, implementing houses, starting a Scholars program, and encouraging classroom, grade level, and school wide flips! #masterychat
A6: Give the class a blank Google Slides presentation, each student claims a slide, the Ss then decorate the slide to match their personality and interests. #masterychat
#masterychat a5 Using Office 365 Video Channels @Office365 was a massive step forward in creativity capture of #Auslan ( sign language) but you gotta name the channels creatively too!
A3: we can encourage creativity and independent thinking by talking less, listening more, supporting rather than correcting, and modeling constantly. #MasteryChat
A6: We've done 'Me in Numbers' in math where ss describe themselves using numbers- anything they want. They only criteria is it has to help the class learn about them. They can get pretty creative! #masterychat
Exactly. Fully in support of honoring standards and focusing on classic literature. However, I was shut down once on a suggestion for innovation because it was deemed a "sacred cow in education". My response, "Well, let's make hamburgers." #masterychat
I think I would love to ask my students to brainstorm all of the ways that they know how to learn...and keep adding to that list as creativity takes us to new places... #Masterychat
I coached an Odyssey team this year, and seeing how Ss tackled challenges has really influenced how I plan to approach teaching next year. Giving Ss more time and space to create, take risks, and collaborate is so important! #masterychat
A6: The first day of school we do the "Great Lego Challenge" I give teams of 2 or 3 a paper bag with a mixed lot of Legos. Then I give them a building challenge that is timed. #masterychat
Use technology like @haikudeck to get them to introduce themselves to the class #masterychat Have them make a 3 min. video with iMovie So many options to get them being creative
In reply to
@Mr_ESievert, @CRCarter313, @thegridmethod, @HaikuDeck
A4: I apologize that I am just now being able to respond. I see the dialogue has been rich. I have experienced colleagues who have said their students are not able to learn something or are not interested & when they voiced it in PLC, it caused others to bandwagon. #masterychat
A5: follow up to my last tweet. After not putting in their 💯 effort, a few students even had an “oh no!” moment when they walked in and saw the sharks. They didn’t want to look foolish and worked harder in 10 minutes before the pres than the whole prep. #masterychat
A6: I am in charge of the social media at school. I want to create a staff introduction using @Flipgrid to share with our community seeing that we have so many new staff members. This will show teachers just how easy Flipgrid is & that they can be creative with it. #masterychat
You just made me spit out coffee, Mike. (Yes, I am drinking coffee at 9:00pm) That is an amazing response and I sincerely hope I get the chance to use it someday. :) #masterychat
Nice. We have done number sets 1-10 for the four ACTS of THE CRUBICLE. It's fun to watch students figure out which commandment John forgets or how many times the word "poppet" is spoken in Act II. Students make mini-books from their number lists. #masterychat
Kids create their house of Spanish learning to show me what's on floor 1, 2, and what they hope floor 3 to look like in level 3. Love the houses with no ceilings. !#MasteryChat
#masterychat A6 We did two cultural conversations this year. One with a class in Argentina 🇦🇷 over gender inequality & a class in Monterrey Mexico 🇲🇽 over current events. Ss created the questions & interacted with their counterparts.
Gave them empowerment to learn from peers
A6: Definitely bringing back #oneword this school year and am currently on the hunt for some collborative challenges for the first week of school. #masterychat
I just got butterflies in my stomach! THIS is the kind of approach we need our educational leaders to take. Get your teachers FIRED UP! Bring life and color and innovation into your classroom.
LOVE IT! #masterychat
In reply to
@WentzvillePRE, @ronclarkacademy, @getyourteachon
They get to personalize the homepage (HS Ss and must be appropriate) then we set up the blog page. Used Sites last year but may switch to Blogger this year. I give them topics to blog about, themes or big ideas from the texts. Also did a fun creative writing section. #MasteryChat
A6: DAY 1 Design and Challenge to create a way to tell their own story! They can choose any app, format, platform as long as they share a strength/super power that they possess! #makers are messy and exciting! #masterychat
#MasteryChat - Great chat as always! Thanks for having me.
Don't forget - #edChatRI this Sunday at 8pm EST. This week we will be talking about teacher mentoring.
#masterychat A6 We did two cultural conversations this year. One with a class in Argentina 🇦🇷 over gender inequality & a class in Monterrey Mexico 🇲🇽 over current events. Ss created the questions & interacted with their counterparts.
Gave them empowerment to learn from peers
A6: new school year will look different for me with 1-1 instruction, but I plan to use the periodic table and math to have my students describe themselves, tell me how they like to learn best & what their greatest challenges are #masterychat
More time to write. :)
Honestly though, I am so bone tired today that a cup of coffee can't hold a candle against my body's desire to sleep, lol. Bedtime soon for me! #masterychat
In reply to
@CRCarter313, @_on11, @StephDill92, @NAEmmanuele
I felt obligated to defend the fact that is was not right to lower expectations because of a bias one may have. I contended that everyone in the PLC was an expert professional, and challenged us to all look at our lesson engagement as a factor of their apathy. #masterychat
Some of you may be interested in this article I wrote for @DisruptedTv which discusses the importance of arts education and how and why we need to reframe it to address creativity more directly: https://t.co/ISPu01vcfc
