#mschat Archive
A chat that offers middle school teachers a chance to have a collaborative discussion about a different topic each week. Our topics change from week to week, ranging from Common Core State Standards to Character Education. During the chat, participants exchanges ideas and resources. The chat group ranges in size each week from 10 to 50+ participants. Discussion can be general talking about instructional style or process to specific. Recently members of the chat group help each other create lessons.
Thursday April 21, 2016
Had an excellent chat with Ss tonight at - Helping them see the possibilities of Twitter
unfortunately going to miss I'll tweet a few things saved in drafts. Thank you for dedicating chat to teen wellness!
support teen wellness, supports learning &prevents chronic disease ie addiction, physical & mental illnesses https://t.co/HA4rP7369g
1of2 Dev own curriculum for 7th&8th 2 include MA Health Frameworks,National Health Ed Stndrds,Michigan Model https://t.co/HA4rP7369g
Best song ab differentiated learning & exceptional learners: Starfish & Coffee by . https://t.co/RVbnkqshsP True genius
We're ab 10 min away fr a magnificent ab Health & Wellness in the Middle Grades! Join up w/ the Tweet up
The chat is starting in 5 minutes. ...
In a few minutes we'll be joining the via to discuss helping middle schoolers make healthy decisions. Join us!
5 min til the train leaves the station. All aboard the Health & Wellness in the Middle Grades Express! No baggage required!
5 minutes till take the controls of talking about health decisions in the middle!
No worries, Ron! In middle level ed, it's critical 2 go 4 the GOOOOOOOAALLLLLL! So understands!
Glad you'll B joining in, Rachel! Share your insights & curriculum knowledge. https://t.co/kUcTfkU7Vo
this looks awesome. I am in the middle school block of my curriculum now.
Don't forget those years when U were a young adolescent. Those years should count!
join the on helping students in the middle grades make healthy decisions.
very true! Can be a tough time for a lot of students
time follow for questions: introduce yourself to let everyone know you are here
Hi! I'm Rupal Gupta, a pediatrician and Medical Editor at here to join
I'll be tweeting from my personal handle, too!
In many ways middle school was my most wonderful - and most awful - time. I remember both aspects vividly!
It's the magical 8pmET hour, middle grades friends & neighbours (thx 2 my Canadien pals) and time for Sharing ab Health&Wellness!
I am a second year middle school teacher from California
Hi everyone! Marlena here from a rainy Nashville excited to share and learn!
Hi, ! Bill, MS School Dean at "preparing" for Spearth (Spring-Earth) Day tomorrow. No classes! :-) Glad to be here.
Kaarin Averill tweeting for Oakland University School of Ed. Former MS Principal
Hi! Christie, middle school math teacher & dept chair from suburban Chicago.
Thx, Todd! Time 2 get started w/ intros: B sure 2 use & tell us who UR & what U do! https://t.co/z9jXcV0FpA
time follow for questions: introduce yourself to let everyone know you are here
Thanks! Right back at you!
I have vivid memories of my health and PE experiences especially in middle school. So fun and memorable!
Todd here 6th grade science teacher from Warren, MI
I think this is true for many!A former St visited today & said that MS was difficult but it is also "home" & she misses it.
B4 we start, just a reminder 2 use A1 when answering Q1, A2 for Q2 and so on. And always bring the 2 every answer!
Jenny, Health and Pe Teacher from a very sadden MN with the passing of .
Just a heads up, my internet connection is unhealthy/unwell, so if there's a delay in my questions or responses, my apologies
Me too! Phenomenal artist & advocate for music in schools!
Here's Q1 for : Why do young adolescents in particular need support w/ health & wellness?
hey Marlena, hope all is well! I am on the slow road to recovery
Enjoy the rest! Glad to see you in the chat!
A1 My first instinct is that they are actively seeking to define themselves, to find their own identity. Patterns being formed.
A1: MS students don't all have the best role models and give in to risks and temptations
A1: There are so many messages pounding the minds of Ss in addition to all kinds of imbalances
A1. Many don't have the basic needs at home, so we have to teach them at school.
Hello Misty from VA checking in
I think they are generally terrified of being different or singled out so may hide health and wellness issues from others
A1: Teens are going through huge changes in their lives - becoming independent, making decisions, bodies changing - need support.
A1 Also, so many changes going on in and around them. Shifting/expanding notions of gender & sexual/romantic orientations included.
A1: There are lots of issues that can be considered taboo that they need to learn about.
A1: This is such a time of development mentally, socially & physically. Ss need to know the facts! https://t.co/WNfFRMD3Xu
Here's Q1 for : Why do young adolescents in particular need support w/ health & wellness?
Hey, Bill! Bravo 2 that answer. Critical time 2 celebrate/honor that identity search. https://t.co/oXFSpz6QV0
A1 My first instinct is that they are actively seeking to define themselves, to find their own identity. Patterns being formed.
A1: Many YA Ss don't see the need of taking care of themselves now for a healthier tomorrow.
Indeed. Last year we held a chat on -- one of the health issues teen guys might hide!
A1: MS students are forming habits that could be lifelong, it is our job to make them positive and healthy!
This is so important to realize as teens are great actors at school!
A1: MS have so much peer pressure they often give into negative influences to appear cool
I see many YA S's wanting 2 take better care of themselves than I did @ that age. key is if they can see the impact.
YES! And....they are afraid of "not knowing"
Absolutely! Not sure why parents are so scared to talk to their kids about these topics. Someone has to!
A1 Our 7th graders are working on a proposal to limit "electives" & have more free time. Life Skills was the #1 protected course.
Bingo! & accurate info ab health & wellness. YAs seek out info. We've got 2 get best info in hands/minds https://t.co/0dKBiZw0AW
A1: Teens are going through huge changes in their lives - becoming independent, making decisions, bodies changing - need support.
A1. They get so much conflicting information from media and peers they have so many Q's
A1: Mental health support--a strong counseling dept & understanding teachers.
Interesting thing is docs have only recently truly gotten comfortable bringing this stuff up and making it standard.
A2. . I see friends are more important than parents or a consequence at home. want to please peers.
Agree. I think with some topics, a lot of people are scared they "don't know enough." So co-learn! :-)
Very True! Friends + other peers are really important to teens! https://t.co/R4JZ34R7ul
A2. . I see friends are more important than parents or a consequence at home. want to please peers.
Good point! How do U address those vital issues --when some folks consider them taboo? https://t.co/7W33TIbjuS
A1: There are lots of issues that can be considered taboo that they need to learn about.
and let them teach their knowledge!
Hey folks! Amy, MS Health teacher. In Shanghai It's 8 a.m. here, so I've got kiddos right now. Will chime in when I can!
Yes, that can definitely be true. I think it's another reason for Ts to develop strong bonds w/students.
School is a great place to raise issues. As a peds resident I did a session in a school; kids wrote anonymous Q's
Exactly! The landscape of gender, identity, sexual development, etc=such a shifting landscape. Need support! https://t.co/nrRQlJGbn5
A1 Also, so many changes going on in and around them. Shifting/expanding notions of gender & sexual/romantic orientations included.
Honestly, I'm fortunate that parents are extraordinarily open to otherwise "taboo" topics in my school.
So is that part of the answer? A partnership between and Health/Wellness advocates 2 get the word out? https://t.co/8cgjvn4BEY
Interesting thing is docs have only recently truly gotten comfortable bringing this stuff up and making it standard.
How cool! I went to Shanghai several yrs ago. Cool place!
Wow! Thx 4 being here & joining in when U can! Such dedication 2 the cause. https://t.co/6tRE6cKLoy
Hey folks! Amy, MS Health teacher. In Shanghai It's 8 a.m. here, so I've got kiddos right now. Will chime in when I can!
This would be fantastic, https://t.co/1UDGYC8Ns9
So is that part of the answer? A partnership between and Health/Wellness advocates 2 get the word out? https://t.co/8cgjvn4BEY
Interesting thing is docs have only recently truly gotten comfortable bringing this stuff up and making it standard.
A1: Students need a comprehensive skills-based program that is current/relevant/adaptable! Health concerns always changing
A1 They are forming life long habits as a MS kid
Jay, principal from Merton,WI. Just finished my run, so I'm a little late to .
That's a gr8 thing, Bill. Bc when folks aren't open ab them, those behaviors aren't going to go away. https://t.co/Z6JKHTeLEm
Honestly, I'm fortunate that parents are extraordinarily open to otherwise "taboo" topics in my school.
My mind is feeling so healthy & well because of your awesome answers! Keep it up! Q2 is around the bend.
. So true! We do listen when teachers write us so do let us know how we can help!
A1 Young adolescents need help with all choices, including health and wellness. https://t.co/JAmx08gKoh
Here's Q1 for : Why do young adolescents in particular need support w/ health & wellness?
Good evening . Joe, math & STEM coach from Palo Alto, CA, excited to learn with other educators.
Q2. What curicula and/or school policies/programs does your school use 2 support positive health & wellness?
A1: should also be separated from PE, so we've got time to dig into the big issues w/out taking time away from play!
Thx 4 joining in & modeling health & wellness, Jay! https://t.co/jVHemNq9qc
Jay, principal from Merton,WI. Just finished my run, so I'm a little late to .
It’s truly a phase of identity crisis. https://t.co/6M73OSMnTT
A1: Teens are going through huge changes in their lives - becoming independent, making decisions, bodies changing - need support.
Q2. https://t.co/ERiyaWhEwD
Q2. What curicula and/or school policies/programs does your school use 2 support positive health & wellness?
My running might not be healthy. It's kind of an obsession!
A1- MS Ss don't always have the best role models at home & they engage in unhealthy behaviors bc of what they see As do at home
Thx 4 joining up w/ the tweet up, Joe! Excited 2 learn fr/ you on the West Coast! https://t.co/T5a0aokXmY
Good evening . Joe, math & STEM coach from Palo Alto, CA, excited to learn with other educators.
A2. Not a policy but 90% of MS kids in my school participate in sports - so need to increase opportunities for Ss
A2 PE every day for 7/8 during quarters 1 and 4, quarters 2 and 3 PE alternates with health. https://t.co/RRpV6CKZdq
Q2. What curicula and/or school policies/programs does your school use 2 support positive health & wellness?
A2 My school is starting to look at a +ve psych program for teachers, then Ss -no healthy kids w/out healthy teachers as role models
A2 "Life Skills" course including health topics. Counselor meets fortnightly w/Humanities classes for work on healthy relationships.
A2: For Ts- there are many mindfulness workshops. For Ss- clubs, talk it out programs, … have helped. https://t.co/Zs8bQBnUC8
Q2. What curicula and/or school policies/programs does your school use 2 support positive health & wellness?
Awesome! Are the sports non-competitive, too--like intramurals? So all kids can participate? https://t.co/mnLJogCnCt
A2. Not a policy but 90% of MS kids in my school participate in sports - so need to increase opportunities for Ss
A2) whatever the policy or program, every adolescent should have 1 adult who cares and who they can trust and check in with.
A2: Community garden where Ss learn about the process, cultivate the food, and celebrate with salad feast
So important to remember that teaching physical literacy and modeling and experience is part and parcel!
A2 we have an extremely well designed Health classes
A2: We use positive prevention to get kids excited about - focus on what we should do, not what we shouldn't!
A1
Students need PE &Health Ed not pulled out of PE to go to Health, + recess. All above missing in my district:(
A2: My school does not offer much in this area, it is a Catholic school, and "family health" issues are handled very traditionally
A2: Mandatory PE 6-8th grade all year, 1 trimester of health 6-8th grade. Monthly lessons on emotional intelligence.
A2 Also, twice-weekly advisory. A daily athletics period with mandatory attendance for all. Special all-school meeting topics. etc.
A2. I think we could do more, all Ss need PE and at the school I was at 2 grades didn't have it.
Oooh! A +tive psych program 4 teachers? I'd love 2 learn more ab what inspired that move & where UR headed https://t.co/Ki2LuLOJbX
A2 My school is starting to look at a +ve psych program for teachers, then Ss -no healthy kids w/out healthy teachers as role models
Cool! May I ask what are the highlights?
Tough issue - especially given cultural expectations in different communities!
A2: Every elem school in district has a Living Gardens program that helps Ss w a place of peace & calm.
A2- every year our school has a mid year assembly on personal hygiene and how to take care of your body
Our 7/8 PE/health teacher is the epitome of a healthy role model.
the physical movement is so powerful on several levels!
Great example! Does the community come in & celebrate w/ the salad feast? https://t.co/z5k0uPcXTH
A2: Community garden where Ss learn about the process, cultivate the food, and celebrate with salad feast
A2: We do a semester of in grades 6, 7 & 8. Mainly focused on setting healthy habits for life! https://t.co/9kYdAKQsZd
Good point! As a boarding/day international community, we try to be conscious of this always.
A2: Mental health is critical! In Palo Alto, we’ve had several high school Ss experience deep deep depression.
They work with the local Master Gardeners Organization, but a community meal would be a great idea!
Right on! Vital 4 us 2 remember that health means social-emotional health 2 (not just nutritional/physical) https://t.co/lKgqUsvhdr
A2) whatever the policy or program, every adolescent should have 1 adult who cares and who they can trust and check in with.
We're starting year two of ours, with the produce going to our community food banks. https://t.co/4hwTtZndFJ
A2: Community garden where Ss learn about the process, cultivate the food, and celebrate with salad feast
Can U share what U mean by physical literacy? Assuming it's akin 2 body awareness, but just want 2B sure https://t.co/BvY1xYAGli
So important to remember that teaching physical literacy and modeling and experience is part and parcel!
