#ycsdchat Archive

A different topic is covered each week. Topics focus on teaching and learning.

Wednesday February 13, 2019
8:00 PM EST

  • MsDurio Feb 13 @ 8:01 PM EST
    It’s #ycsdchat time!! Come and join the lovely conversation about Loving Our Brain #EducatorEdition!
  • ElizabethLeste6 Feb 13 @ 8:02 PM EST
    Elizabeth Lester joining #ycsdchat
  • MsDurio Feb 13 @ 8:02 PM EST
    I’m Trenice Durio, a Special Education Teacher at Yorktown Elementary #yesfalcons! I have a love of the brain and all it accomplishes...even on our worst days! #ycsdchat
  • kcovington_art Feb 13 @ 8:02 PM EST
    Karen Covington joining #ycsdchat
  • MrsSMBean Feb 13 @ 8:02 PM EST
    7th grade US History teacher @TabbMSfamily #ycsdchat
  • coaty_lisa Feb 13 @ 8:02 PM EST
    Lisa Coaty K Teacher at YES #YCSDChat #YESFalcons
  • MrsCooperYES Feb 13 @ 8:03 PM EST
    Katy Cooper, Teacher of Baby Falcons @yes_falcons #ycsdchat
  • hsteinmiller Feb 13 @ 8:04 PM EST
    Heather, YHS librarian #YCSDchat
  • LBDonatelli Feb 13 @ 8:04 PM EST
    Lori Donatelli from GMS #ycsdchat
  • TiannaSAnthony - Moderator Feb 13 @ 8:04 PM EST
    Joining the chat! Hi everyone. #ycsdchat
  • MsZabicki Feb 13 @ 8:04 PM EST
    MacKenzie Zabicki - K teacher @ YES 💚💙 long time, no see #ycsdchat
  • MrsKMcLeodMath Feb 13 @ 8:04 PM EST
    Kirsten McLeod, math coach at the amazing YES! #ycsdchat
  • ElizabethLeste6 Feb 13 @ 8:04 PM EST
    Tired but here for YES #ycsdchat
  • kcovington_art Feb 13 @ 8:06 PM EST
    Art teacher here from DES! #ycsdchat
  • kecagle - Moderator Feb 13 @ 8:06 PM EST
    Good evening all! Excited to learn with you all tonight. #ycsdchat
  • MsDurio Feb 13 @ 8:07 PM EST
    Let’s get read to #ycsdchat. Don’t forget...
  • MsInsley - Moderator Feb 13 @ 8:07 PM EST
    April Insley, Librarian at YES! Ready to #ycsdchat about our brains!
  • hball1025 Feb 13 @ 8:07 PM EST
    Heather - YHS Social Studies #ycsdchat
  • MsDurio Feb 13 @ 8:08 PM EST
    You’re all amazing educators, so let’s start with an easy one...#ycsdchat
  • MrsCooperYES Feb 13 @ 8:11 PM EST
    A1: I try to tap into different visual, kinesthetic, and auditory modalities as often as possible. I try to use songs and dancing also. #ycsdchat
  • MsDurio Feb 13 @ 8:11 PM EST
    A1: I believe anytime we use multi-modalities in our instruction we are educating the whole learner! We just don’t speak at the student, but we engage them mentally and physically in the lesson. #ycsdchat
  • ElizabethLeste6 Feb 13 @ 8:12 PM EST
    A1 In addition to giving step by step instructions for all my hands on projects, I model the steps, then walk around redirecting when needed. #ycsdchat
  • LBDonatelli Feb 13 @ 8:13 PM EST
    With middle schoolers, I think it is all about variety in both instruction and application. You can't approach it with a standard practice of notes, practice, assess. You have to come at it from a multitude of ways #ycsdchat
  • hball1025 Feb 13 @ 8:13 PM EST
    A1--multiple modalities -- graphic representations/organizers, Video, HOT questioning, student choice in demonstrating knowledge, etc. and providing scaffolding for students who aren't quite at independent thinking levels #ycsdchat
  • MrsSMBean Feb 13 @ 8:13 PM EST
    A1: I tap into the students’ prior knowledge before we start a unit since so many have a general understanding of US history or at least key themes by 7th grade. I also include music as much as possible to tap into different parts of the brain. #ycsdchat
  • kcovington_art Feb 13 @ 8:15 PM EST
    A1: I give step by step directions both through speaking and writing them down on my white board, provide examples, and model different techniques for using materials. #ycsdchat
  • MsInsley - Moderator Feb 13 @ 8:15 PM EST
    A1: I use a lot of Whole Brain Teaching #WBT to try and get the students engaged in what we're doing in the library. The hand motions are great, but the repetition and enthusiasm I try to put into it is what really makes it engaging #ycsdchat
  • MrsKMcLeodMath Feb 13 @ 8:15 PM EST
    A1: I went to a session about math and movement, one activity was skip counting with movements that crosses the body. This engages your brain and increases memory. #ycsdchat
  • coaty_lisa Feb 13 @ 8:15 PM EST
    A1: We use a lot of music and movement. Sometimes incorporating a rhythm into what I am trying to get them to learn. Our using a popular song to make up a way to remember a topic. We also move a lot in the classroom and use a lot of hands on discovery type activities. #ycsdchat
  • MsZabicki Feb 13 @ 8:16 PM EST
    A1: Movement of all kinds! I use a lot of Mirror Words from WBT, as well as the 6 rules. Singing songs and saying things in ways that rhyme or in different voices also maintain engagement for my kiddos #ycsdchat
  • MsDurio Feb 13 @ 8:17 PM EST
    Our teaching must be centered around the WHOLE child! #ycsdchat
  • MMadrigalGMS Feb 13 @ 8:18 PM EST
    Late but here...PreAlgebra 7 teacher from GMS #ycsdchat
  • kecagle - Moderator Feb 13 @ 8:21 PM EST
    A1: It’s important to engage students in problem solving here they can apply logic and a systematic approach along with creativity and passion #ycsdchat
  • MsDurio Feb 13 @ 8:21 PM EST
    Along the same lines...After we’ve got their brains working so hard, how do we give students a break? #ycsdchat
  • kecagle - Moderator Feb 13 @ 8:22 PM EST
    A2: who uses @GoNoodle? #ycsdchat
  • MsInsley - Moderator Feb 13 @ 8:23 PM EST
    A2: I only get the Ss for 45 min a week, so brain breaks aren't really a thing for me. However, I like to let students dance to our "book boogie" playlist when they line up. Sitting quietly for 20 minutes can be exhausting! #ycsdchat
  • ElizabethLeste6 Feb 13 @ 8:23 PM EST
    A2 I show short music Art videos on color or other elements of Art they sing along or just watch. #ycsdchat
  • MrsSMBean Feb 13 @ 8:23 PM EST
    A2: I will play instrumental “yoga” music and will even ask the class to breathe in and out together. I can’t wait to hear from the elem teachers. I know y’all do all sorts of dancing and wiggling! 😉 #ycsdchat
  • kcovington_art Feb 13 @ 8:23 PM EST
    A2: I play music while my kids are working in my class and allow them to talk at a reasonable volume while they work on art. I was pleasantly surprised when my 2nd grade class yesterday began dancing to the music as they went about the classroom to pick up materials! #ycsdchat
  • jilldavid53 Feb 13 @ 8:23 PM EST
    Jill from GMS 6th grade ELA trying to stay awake :) #ycsdchat
  • MrsKMcLeodMath Feb 13 @ 8:24 PM EST
    A2: mindfulness, having students focus on tensing up and then relaxing every inch of their body; or breathing and listening to a chime as it gets fainter. #ycsdchat
  • coaty_lisa Feb 13 @ 8:24 PM EST
    A2: We use GoNoodle for a brain break, the calm app, were we turn down the light, and have the kids just relax for 2 minutes just listening to music, and Cosmic Yoga via Youtube. The kids will request it. #ycsdchat
  • LBDonatelli Feb 13 @ 8:25 PM EST
    A2: We're usually up and moving a good chunk of time, but some stretching and 60 seconds to chat can do wonders for pre-teens. They crave social interactions, so giving them planned breaks for it creates community #ycsdchat
  • kecagle - Moderator Feb 13 @ 8:25 PM EST
    20 Three-Minute Brain Breaks https://t.co/IBIDYw8fKn via @RachelLynette #ycsdchat
  • jilldavid53 Feb 13 @ 8:26 PM EST
    Body stretches in first block to wake us up is popular #ycsdchat
  • MrsCooperYES Feb 13 @ 8:26 PM EST
    A2: I do GoNoodle and use the Calm app to help them reset and refocus. #ycsdchat
  • cdbauer Feb 13 @ 8:26 PM EST
    I love GoNoodle! Even older students like it! #ycsdchat
    In reply to @coaty_lisa
  • kcovington_art Feb 13 @ 8:26 PM EST
    A2: When I taught middle school art at GMS, I did the same, but since we had BYOT, students choose what music they listened to on their earbuds. The music I played was for students who did not have their own. #ycsdchat
  • MsInsley - Moderator Feb 13 @ 8:27 PM EST
    A2: When I was in the classroom, I would ring a chime to help us all reset our minds during difficult transitions. The kids called it "chime time" and would actually ask for it during other parts of our day. #ycsdchat
  • kecagle - Moderator Feb 13 @ 8:27 PM EST
    Middle schoolers really do like those quick breaks that give them opportunities to talk with their friends. #ycsdchat
    In reply to @LBDonatelli
  • MMadrigalGMS Feb 13 @ 8:28 PM EST
    A2: I try to plan lessons so that students are changing activities every 20-25 minutes. Even just getting up to get a glue stick to glue in notes can provide a break before starting something new. #ycsdchat
  • cdbauer Feb 13 @ 8:28 PM EST
    I use GoNoodle! #ycsdchat I even hear the kids singing songs at different times!
    In reply to @kecagle, @GoNoodle
  • MsDurio Feb 13 @ 8:28 PM EST
    So small, yet so powerful... #ycsdchat
  • MsZabicki Feb 13 @ 8:29 PM EST
    GONOODLE, GONOODLE, GONOODLE! As a #GoNoodleAmbassador I am clearly obsessed. Even I can’t wait to get up and move with my class to our favorites. 10/10 would recommend GoNoodle Plus if you don’t already have it! #ycsdchat
  • kecagle - Moderator Feb 13 @ 8:30 PM EST
    It really helps to include breaks in your lesson plans. That supports the flow of the lesson. Thanks for sharing! #ycsdchat
    In reply to @MMadrigalGMS
  • cdbauer Feb 13 @ 8:30 PM EST
    A2 I sometimes even play “math songs” from number rocks for a break #ycsdchat
  • MsDurio Feb 13 @ 8:30 PM EST
    Great strategies...#ycsdchat
  • kecagle - Moderator Feb 13 @ 8:30 PM EST
    Yes! #ycsdchat
    In reply to @LBDonatelli
  • jilldavid53 Feb 13 @ 8:31 PM EST
    #ycsdchat keep them moving
  • hball1025 Feb 13 @ 8:32 PM EST
    A2 Typically transitions b/w activities provide breaks at high school level. This looks like a great planned one to try with my HS Ss either tomorrow or early next week Energizing Brain Break Crab https://t.co/M29jRyauNC #ycsdchat
  • Mrs_Zimmerman Feb 13 @ 8:33 PM EST
    A1: I try to incorporate many different ways of learning. I engage students with visuals such as videos, or picture analyzing. Then I try to tap into more kinesthetic learning by using our bodies to demonstrate different Concepts that are harder to learn.#ycsdchat
  • MsDurio Feb 13 @ 8:33 PM EST
    Controversial subject - what’s your opinion? #ycsdchat
  • Mrs_Zimmerman Feb 13 @ 8:34 PM EST
    A2: I love finding songs that go with our units. I take time to have the kids sing the songs, I even call up a group of kids to dance and act out the music. They love this! I also tend to do a little stretching with my students if I feel they're getting kind of tired.#ycsdchat
  • Mrs_Zimmerman Feb 13 @ 8:35 PM EST
    Although I'm a little late, Regina Zimmerman here from Grafton Middle School life science.#ycsdchat
  • MrsSMBean Feb 13 @ 8:36 PM EST
    A3: I think there is so much more to consider about my Ss learning than the IQ score. I also think there are different types of intelligences, not just analytical intelligence. #ycsdchat
  • kcovington_art Feb 13 @ 8:36 PM EST
    A3: As an art teacher, I’m more focused on students’ motor skills. If a student is struggling or unable to do certain tasks, I adapt projects to meet their specific learning needs. #ycsdchat
  • kecagle - Moderator Feb 13 @ 8:37 PM EST
    Ha! That not only made them laugh, it got them thinking #ycsdchat
    In reply to @hball1025
  • cdbauer Feb 13 @ 8:38 PM EST
    A3 IMO teachers should focus on learning styles more than IQ Score #ycsdchat
  • ElizabethLeste6 Feb 13 @ 8:38 PM EST
    A3 0.0 percent. Students in Art class can experience art on any level. Whether its tactile or artistic masterpieces they are making art and experiencing learning. #ycsdchat
  • LBDonatelli Feb 13 @ 8:38 PM EST
    A3: I think you have to look at the whole child. IQ can tell us only so much. Each child has their own strengths and weaknesses. We limit kids when we focus on their IQ score. #ycsdchat
  • MsDurio Feb 13 @ 8:39 PM EST
    Did you know this? #ycsdchat
  • coaty_lisa Feb 13 @ 8:39 PM EST
    Q3 I don't place much emphasis on it. There are so many different types of intelligence, and what if you are not a good test taker. This is where getting to know a student is so important. I have had Ss with special needs that have far surpassed the IQ test findings #ycsdchat
  • MrsCooperYES Feb 13 @ 8:40 PM EST
    A3: I think it is valuable information to know what a student is bringing to the table intellectually, but it must be taken along with the big picture of how the student is learning, their working memory and retention of skills, and overall academic timelibe #ycsdchat
  • hball1025 Feb 13 @ 8:41 PM EST
    David Sladkey on YouTube--sorry I got caught up in watching his Brain Break videos for HS Ss for a few...hysterical and so going to use some of them in classes if for nothing else my own entertainment-jk-I think the Ss will love them too #ycsdchat
    In reply to @kecagle
  • eobrien22 Feb 13 @ 8:42 PM EST
    A3 Focusing on IQ sets limits on Ss. We need to focus on growth mindset and the idea that everyone can achieve although it may not all happen at the same time. #ycsdchat
  • kecagle - Moderator Feb 13 @ 8:43 PM EST
    A3: I don’t see many teachers focusing on IQ scores. What I have observed is teachers focusing on content mastery, along with social skills, communication, and problem solving. #ycsdchat
  • MsZabicki Feb 13 @ 8:43 PM EST
    A3: I find it hard to define intelligence in any one specific way. Grit matters. Growth mindset matters. #ycsdchat
  • MMadrigalGMS Feb 13 @ 8:44 PM EST
    I rarely consider IQ score...I tend to focus more on their willingness to participate and their grit to work through tough concepts. Effort and determination will serve them better in the long run than a high IQ score. #ycsdchat
  • cdbauer Feb 13 @ 8:45 PM EST
    #ycsdchat any teachers out there?
    • Schoology Feb 12 @ 9:57 AM EST
      We heard someone say there aren’t many teachers on Twitter 🤔 Lol RT if you’re a teacher.
  • hball1025 Feb 13 @ 8:46 PM EST
    Grit matters a whole lot! It makes all the difference in a student finding success or not. They have to learn to become comfortable with sometimes being uncomfortable and the struggle and brain breaks appear to be a great way/solution to help them do just that. #ycsdchat
    In reply to @MsZabicki
  • MsDurio Feb 13 @ 8:46 PM EST
    So imagine your Brain wasn’t working as expected...Imagine how are students with deficits may feel as well. How do you encourage them past their feelings of defeat. #ycsdchat
  • MsDurio Feb 13 @ 8:47 PM EST
    I think #ycsdchat disproves this theory! Join us educators every Wednesday at 8!
    • cdbauer Feb 13 @ 8:45 PM EST
      #ycsdchat any teachers out there?
      • Schoology Feb 12 @ 9:57 AM EST
        We heard someone say there aren’t many teachers on Twitter 🤔 Lol RT if you’re a teacher.
  • LBDonatelli Feb 13 @ 8:48 PM EST
    A4: wow!!! What a question! I've NEVER thought about it like that!! #ycsdchat
  • LBDonatelli Feb 13 @ 8:49 PM EST
    A4: I would miss reading! I adore reading. Reading to become a better teacher, leisure reading, story time with my own kids...I would be lost without it. #ycsdchat
  • hsteinmiller Feb 13 @ 8:50 PM EST
    Oh, gosh, I can't imagine not being able to read. That's why I like using graphic novels with my ss who are struggling readers. And I'll read out loud to anyone I can trap! #YCSDchat
  • MrsSMBean Feb 13 @ 8:50 PM EST
    A4: I can’t really narrow it down to 1 activity. I would just feel so lost. Can’t read directions or applications/paperwork or texts or emails... just how different your whole life would be. #ycsdchat
  • MrsCooperYES Feb 13 @ 8:51 PM EST
    A4: I would miss out on reading with my own children. I couldn't imagine not being able to cuddle up and read them their books when they want them. This makes me think of how illiterate parents must feel when we ask them to read with their children at home... #ycsdchat
  • eobrien22 Feb 13 @ 8:51 PM EST
    A4 Keeping a focus on the positive and the things they have mastered is important. Always reminding Ss that they may not get it...yet but they will! #ycsdchat
  • MsDurio Feb 13 @ 8:51 PM EST
    It amazes me how intricate our brains are! #ycsdchat
  • coaty_lisa Feb 13 @ 8:51 PM EST
    A4: I would miss reading! A lot of Ss feel discouraged because they compare themselves to others and feel defeated. They need to know a. it's fine to not learn the same b. they have strengths its up to us to emphasis them for the Ss until they see it for themselves #ycsdchat
  • MsInsley - Moderator Feb 13 @ 8:52 PM EST
    A4: The escape that reading provides. Piles of laundry to fold, sink full of dishes to wash, messy living room to pick up...no, thank you! I'm lost in a book! I can go anywhere without leaving my house! #ycsdchat
  • MsZabicki Feb 13 @ 8:53 PM EST
    A4: The ability to get lost in a good book! Reading is simply magical. #ycsdchat #ReadingIsMarvelous #ReadingIsOurSuperpower
  • kcovington_art Feb 13 @ 8:53 PM EST
    A4: Being able to understand the world around me! 😱 I know pictures can say a thousand words, but without being able to read, would you get the whole concept of what they’re conveying? It’d be like being tossed in the middle of a foreign country! #ycsdchat
  • hball1025 Feb 13 @ 8:53 PM EST
    A4--I cannot even begin to answer-I would feel completely and totally lost #ycsdchat
  • ElizabethLeste6 Feb 13 @ 8:55 PM EST
    I love reading historical fiction. I would miss my quiet reading time.#ycsdchat A4
  • MsDurio Feb 13 @ 8:56 PM EST
    Let’s end with a fun one....how many numbers were you able recall? 1.) Read the number out loud. 2.) Close your eyes and repeat from memory. #ycsdchat
  • MrsCooperYES Feb 13 @ 8:56 PM EST
    A4: Students with brains that are wired differently must be encouraged and celebrated for their successes, whether it is for reading that sight word they've been struggling with correctly one time in a text, counting by 5s to count money, or even sitting still #ycsdchat
  • ElizabethLeste6 Feb 13 @ 8:57 PM EST
    A4 I encourage students to create with confidence. It starts with a mark, and if 5th hat mark is a mistake turn it into something else. #ycsdchat
  • hsteinmiller Feb 13 @ 8:59 PM EST
    A5: Seven. I've always had trouble with long strings of numbers. #YCSDchat
  • coaty_lisa Feb 13 @ 8:59 PM EST
    A5: Lol I made it to the seventh one and then lost couldn't do it but I was will take it because I have issues with mixing up numbers at times. It helped to do it to a rhythm. #ycsdchat
  • LBDonatelli Feb 13 @ 8:59 PM EST
    A5: at 9pm on a Wednesday by memory is about done. Post-it notes are my life when it comes to memory or "Hey Siri, remind me to....." #ycsdchat