This is the official Twitter account for #OklaEd, thehashtag that brings OK educators together. #OklaEd is not political & promotes constructive dialogue.
I'm Stephanie Hinton. I'm the early childhood coordinator for #OKCPS and the host of the Passing Notes podcast where I get to interview awesome #oklaed educators
I would like to start tonight's #oklaed chat with a moment to remember an amazing advocate for education, Claudia Griffith.
She did great work for our state and was a compassionate and caring leader. #okleg
Sorry I can’t join tonight. Working on a book about math and PBL. I am co-authoring w/@cfanch and its due August 1. Know it is going to be a great chat with @thestephhinton! See you guys next time. #oklaed
Hi #Oklaed -
Joy Hofmeister, State Supt.
Ready for tonight’s chat as we are midway through our two week #EngageOK. :) Four cities last week, three more this week.
Here’s tonight’s topic for the weekly #oklaed chat, which just started. Sounded interesting, so we thought we’d share. For newbies: Follow along via the hashtag and the account of Stephanie, this week’s host.
A1: I use the technique I learned from a customer service pro when I worked in a call center. Lower your voice and slow down. People who are angry want you to match their furor. #oklaed
A1: Use to give Ss wall putty when they came into my office mad. They would pull and rip, but when they were ready to talk, they would make shapes. #Oklaed
A1) PC schools use CPI, Crisis Prevention, for deescalation. I've often said I wished every teacher had the skills through this training, not just admin and sped. #oklaed
A1 - I struggle sometimes here. Typically I remind the S of expectations, then give choices to alter their course of behavior or something else. #oklaed
I did not know Claudia Griffith but any friend of @ClaudiaSwisher is a friend of mine. This is a sad way for an election to go but it is what it is. :( #oklaed
A1 Always stay calm. Decide if you can handle it inclass, or will it need to go outside. Offer support and understanding. Try to figure what set him/her off. #oklaed
A1: we also do “blow out the birthday candles (pretend your cake is in front of you, blow the candles out, allllll of them) (makes them breathe) #oklaed
A1 - By the time they get to me in 11th, most know to ask for a min & step in the hall if they need to, but I try to never engage. Outbursts are never about me, so I listen & give the S the space they need to calm down. That might be in my room, might be in the hall. #oklaed
A1: I plan to implement a thinking space with several options. Coloring, tearing up paper, stuffed animals to talk to... would love more ideas! #oklaED
A1 Flexibility in the classroom helps with self regulation. Ss can choose where they sit...if there is an issue during a group time Ss have the option if removing themselves from the group...sometimes we all need to take a minute. #oklaed
A1: of course every situation calls for unique interventions, but as a rule depending on the S, loud or quiet as long as they know that they have my focus and willingness to figure things out #oklaed
A1: I feel like I use the word relationships a lot in these chats, but truly that’s what it’s all about. And in order to ‘de-escalate’ a student or a situation, you have to know the student well, so you can teach him/her and so they trust you. #oklaed
A1: I use the technique I learned from a customer service pro when I worked in a call center. Lower your voice and slow down. People who are angry want you to match their furor. #oklaed
I had a veteran principal tell me one time that a glass of water and a couple minutes of quiet time to breathe can calm many young students.
Simple, but it often worked. #oklaed
A1 send them on a special errand, drink in the hallway, one on one convo, allow S to express/explain that emotion (safely). We have a great counselor that will talk to S and will be proactive w Ss #oklaed
A1 Flexibility in the classroom helps with self regulation. Ss can choose where they sit...if there is an issue during a group time Ss have the option if removing themselves from the group...sometimes we all need to take a minute. #oklaed
A2 - No. I would love to learn more about these though. I will send a S to the hall just to give them time to de-escalate. I think more intentional practices like these mentioned in the tweet below would be better #oklaed
A1: I feel like I use the word relationships a lot in these chats, but truly that’s what it’s all about. And in order to ‘de-escalate’ a student or a situation, you have to know the student well, so you can teach him/her and so they trust you. #oklaed
A2 - I have not, but this is a great idea. I wish we had yoga implemented during the day - it would be great for all Ss, not just the ones who need de-escalation.
Also - sometimes HS Ss just need to put their headphones in and lay their head on the desk & that’s ok too. #oklaed
A1: asking clarifying questions about the event is dual purpose, helps me understand the situation better, but also gives them the ability to think back through, which allows them to take their brain back from the hijack! #oklaed
A1 I start off the year letting students know that I don't want them to be in trouble. I want to help them succeed in my class. Then when they struggle, I talk with them, ask what's wrong, ask what I can do, ask if they need a break. I also provide snacks. #oklaed
A2) We are bringing in Social Workers this year to help with more wrap-around resources for our students. It would be nice if I was able to provide a safe room where students in crisis could go and relax and get access to the services they need. #oklaed
With an increase in academic pressures, less time in school for play and the arts, and students facing unprecedented amount of stress and anxiety.... #oklaed
You’re welcome. We’ll introduce ourselves, too. NonDoc Media... startup journalism company producing news and commentary. Based in OKC, covering #okleg and #oklaed, seeking new Follows & Followers.
Haven’t much, but want to. I think my students have such chaotic live (for many reasons), they truly don’t know what calm feels like. This would help so many of them so very much. #oklaed
A1 Space is as important as being available. I also used to ask students if they wanted to write it out. It let them process and gave them the opportunity to tell their story if they wanted. #oklaed
A2: Mostly deep breathing and stretching before tests. Never worked when I told an upset S to calm down and breathe. Still doesn't work when I get my wife mad! Have to see signs of escalation early before it works. #oklaed
A2 In kindergarten we take breaks to listen to calming music, or listen while we work...this has been very helpful for Ss who struggle with behavior. #OklaEd
A3 - Overwhelming at times. I honestly am inspired and awed by what they face and overcome at times. Ss today face so much and it helps to remember that as we interact with them. #oklaed
Fidget spinners and other gadgets worked wonders two years ago. LOL last year, I'd let kids who were struggling retire to the hallway, sometimes with their group so they could focus better. Ineed to think this through more & find better solutions. #oklaed
A3: in an alternative school environment, my students stress is unbelievable. Most of my student have absent parents, have children of their own, work full time, are most likely in trouble with the law, and deal with other side pressures. #oklaED
A3) Very high. So much they have to do, all while remembering how each teacher wants it done and trying to control their little bodies all day. That doesn't even include home problems and social interactions or areas of academic struggle. #OklaEd
A3: Since most of my Ss are academically high achieving and college bound, they are very stressed and anxious about almost everything...But they trust me and I am quick to help them realize that this too shall pass and nothing in my room is life and death. We are a team #oklaed
#OklaEd A3: Incredibly High ... Have to get good grades, standardized test scores impact so many, parents want straight As, I have to get into a good college, ...
A3. I think perception of stress load is relative. There are kids around the world experiencing terrible trauma. Our 8 year old says an earlier bedtime or extra time practicing his instrument is a great injustice. We can't discount it because we know someone has it worse. #oklaed
As children's capacity for emotional regulation increases, their executive functioning improves, they can control the focus of their attention and execute plans for achieving goals they set for themselves - Susan E. Craig #oklaed
A2 I would love to know more about meditating, breathing techniques I help Ss. I’ve always wondered if starting our morning off with 5-10 of meditation or yoga would be beneficial. 🤷🏾♀️ Would love to hear if anyone implements something daily. #oklaed
A3- I would say 85% of my Ss have an ACE score of 3 or higher, so their baggage is tremendous- add the pressures of the stereotypes they face & the desire for opportunity & it’s more than I could imagine, but I have AMAZING Ss who are fighters & truly inspiring! #oklaed
A1: Great Q first of all. I try to keep a calm voice. If you escalate, they lose the ability to think. They brains cant hang yet and we shut them down by escalating.
https://t.co/4lU8KWbSwF#oklaed
A3 Some of my Ss have more responsibilities and expectations put on them than adults I know, and we still expect them to act like 12-13 year olds #oklaed
#oklaED
Our students face more than we could ever realize. There is so much dysfunction in the homes of students we serve. Our ‘normal’ is something they are unable to conceptualize.
A3: I believe Ss come to school each day with stress and with tough circumstances that are out of their control, if we don’t know our Ss willnto know what they are facing outside of school #oklaed
A3: Students today are under extreme pressure & stress. I have read kids are more stressed than adults today and the youth suicide rate, particularly in OK, is WAAAYYY too high. #oklaed
A1) I try to ground them; mention that I’m glad to see them today; ask what they had for breakfast, etc; typically leads up to events which transpired right before outburst; talk about how their body/brain felt; collaborate w/S re: plan if S is triggered again #oklaed
A3a in kindergarten it’s easier to protect my kiddos from the stress. I have a supportive principal and my kiddos have time for play, exploration, and creating. #OklaEd
A3: Indescribable in some cases, students are having to grow up faster and often end up in adult situations. #oklaed That’s why it’s important to know their story.
A3 Some of these students see and experience terrible things. Its a wonder they can learn anything. School is a place they can feel safe, but sometimes these experiences catch up with them and they just melt down. #oklaed
A3. I think perception of stress load is relative. There are kids around the world experiencing terrible trauma. Our 8 year old says an earlier bedtime or extra time practicing his instrument is a great injustice. We can't discount it because we know someone has it worse. #oklaed
A3 The amount of stress for students is nearly overwhelming w/ few who have skills to manage it. The students have so many conflicting claims on them while trying to figure themselves out & adults telling them that every decision is critical to the future (they’re not). #oklaed
A4. I went from a rural school with a lot of poverty to a suburban, upper middle class school. I was amazed at the emotional skills kids in the second school came to me with. We got so much more done in class when they could regulate their own emotional responses. #oklaed
A4: we might actually be able to learn something if they could regulate their emotions. A lot of time is dedicated in my class to emotional regulation because it’s a key to success. #oklaED
A3b When I was teaching 3rd my kiddos had time for play/creating/exploring...but there was a lot of pressure on them to pass the test. Broke my heart. #OklaEd
No regulating, no learning. 🤷🏻♀️ you have to have a way to create a calm atmosphere to reach your kids, academically and emotionally. You cannot write it off. #oklaed
A4: Teaching kids to be emotionally regulated is often not thought of, but hugely important. The rates of youth and adult depression and anxiety are through the roof.
Being intentional about teaching these skills would do wonders. #oklaed
A4) If students are not connected on an emotional level then they will not be able to function on an academic level. When teachers develop relationships with students the emotional connections are the most important. #oklaed
A4) If students are not connected on an emotional level then they will not be able to function on an academic level. When teachers develop relationships with students the emotional connections are the most important. #oklaed
#oklaEd
We do not have enough training in this area. The student and parent of today is far different from those of yesterday. It would make a huge difference in all of our classrooms.
A3b When I was teaching 3rd my kiddos had time for play/creating/exploring...but there was a lot of pressure on them to pass the test. Broke my heart. #OklaEd
A4: it’s important to help students learn strategies to manage their emotions. If a student is nervous about a test, or something at home happened, said student needs my help to know how to regulate those feelings. That’s on me. If I do my job it changes the climate. #oklaed
Mindfulness techniques teach children how to objectively observe their internal and external experiences - how they feel, what bodily sensations they are aware of, and what they are thinking about - Susan E. Craig #oklaed
A2: Mostly deep breathing and stretching before tests. Never worked when I told an upset S to calm down and breathe. Still doesn't work when I get my wife mad! Have to see signs of escalation early before it works. #oklaed
A4 - I think it would help Ss learn to forget their baggage for a little bit. They would be able to get lost in learning instead of thinking about 10 other things while trying to learn. #oklaed
A5. It puts regulation in the hands of the students, not the staff. Instead of handing out consequences, adults are handing over life skills with a good dose of responsibility for one's own actions. #oklaed
I keep thinking of the kids who struggle with this. No one wants to be their friends or work with them!
Teaching our students how to regulate emotions will help our students build better peer relationships. #oklaed
A2) deep breathing (e.g. smell flowers/blow out candles, counting while breathing), tapping thumbs to tips of fingers, relaxing parts of body until whole is relaxed, focusing on aspects of surroundings (e.g blue objects, fuzzy objects)... #oklaed
A5: might be better to ask how it would NOT. Traditional doesn’t allow for any learning, any repairing or relationship building. It seeks to punish which does very little to keep behavior from happening again. #oklaed
A5) so often we are expected to deal with a discipline problem right away, but with mindfullness you have to give the S time to cool down and process emotions. #oklaed
A4) It is all about relating to them and helping them learn to properly respond to their emotions. Emotions are natural. Responses are learned. #oklaed
A3: Just because a lot of our students live in poverty does not automatically mean the are stressed or under pressure, the majority of parents shield their children from those stressors, students from low incomes are not always stressed students #oklaed
A4 Often, we have no idea what students are going through and the pressures they are under at school and at home. I think emotional regulation is something that would benefit them all, in and out of my class. #oklaed
A4: I tried to be more intentional in guiding Ss in emotional regulation this past year. I think my year would have been a lot tougher if I hadn't. #oklaed
A5 - I think it would result in helping Ss learn right behaviors and facilitate emotional maturity as opposed to the traditionally negative reinforcement punishment system. #oklaed
A3 I would definitely say the stress is high, unfortunately. Not just the amount of work but also the pace. My son can handle the work but he struggles with change, his routine has to be the same and unfortunately it can’t always be that way. T makes him anxious. 😢 #OklaEd
A5: I'm less likely to discipline a student who recognizes a behavior issue and makes an effort to self correct. Being mindful of what ou do and why you do it makes discipline less necessary #oklaed
A2 I have also (safely and outside) had students destroy things. I keep a lot of broken equipment around, sometimes I want certain scrap pieces and sometimes it just needs to go in the trash. At the very least, it surprises them out of their current thinking cycle. #oklaed
A5: I can recognize when a student needs time away. Away from me, away from other students, even if we are in the same room. Let them put their head down. Listen to music. Take a moment. Some traditional discipline plans won’t allow time like this #oklaed
A5 - Man - trying not to get on a soapbox here - but this could keep Ss in school, help them learn to manage emotions which is a skill they need, & actually help us educate the whole child. Traditional plans are rigid & don’t actually accomplish what they set out to. #oklaed
A5) The focus would move from a need to punish to a need to understand. The root cause of the situation would be explored and the student will have an opportunity to learn from his or her behsavior. It's too easy to punish the behavior without teaching corrective actions. #oklaed
#oklaed this is an older article that you have probably seen before BUT has a great example of the practice of mindfulness throughout a school
https://t.co/vSugK4Ad2o
A4 We're have very smart, talented kids who struggle in a group environment who would very much benefit from emotional regulation. Of course, some of them will need to be convinced. LOL #oklaed
A5: discipline is you did something bad now you will be punished. Mindfulness is what is going on with you to make you do this? And being aware of the impact of what you did. And how can we make sure it doesn’t happen again. #oklaed
A5: I think it recognizes Ss right to have, feel, and communicate a full range of emotions. Ts job is to model appropriate channels of expression, not punish. #oklaed
#oklaed this is an older article that you have probably seen before BUT has a great example of the practice of mindfulness throughout a school
https://t.co/vSugK4Ad2o
Late to the party but hopping in now for Q5! If our attention is somewhere else, we have little ability to do the task at hand. Our kids need space & time to reflect, self-regulate and understand their emotions. Traditional discipline doesn’t focus on this. #oklaed
Exactly! My goal is to keep my kids out of trouble. I am on their side when they are in my class and when they leave. Punishment is not an option. #oklaed
A5: Oh, I don’t know, maybe talking with them about how they feel instead of doling out the punishment in the handbook and sending them on their way? Just thinking out loud here. 🤷🏽♂️ #oklaed
#OklaEd A4: I believe strongly students (and many of us ‘adults’) over-react when we get flustered due to the stress of perceived lack of knowledge. Emotional regulation would help. On tests, I pushed reading ALL questions & put one on that was a ‘gut’ to get them over the hump.
#oklaed
Once again, our students have not been taught to regulate their emotions. Modern media teaches our Ss to explode and be rude. We have to teach them how to navigate polite society. Discipline means to train. Discipline without teaching is punishment.
A6: Again we can actually get things done and learning stuff. It’s always great when we have classes that we can laugh during instead of the struggle always being real. #oklaED
A6: ooh, I love this question because this is my goal/teaching jam! Having a peaceful, welcoming classroom does WONDERS. Relationships with your kids, WONDERS. Behavior escalates tremendously. #oklaed
A6: it would reduce stress in our students, reduce anxiety, and help students center themselves and reflect on behaviors. If we allow reflection time students may come to the why and that’s what we want. #oklaed
A6 - It would be incredibly transformative. A lot of my Ss come from chaos & go home to chaos. A moment to “chill” would be amazing for them. Now my brain will be up all night thinking of ways to provide this...good question! #oklaed
A6: ooh, I love this question because this is my goal/teaching jam! Having a peaceful, welcoming classroom does WONDERS. Relationships with your kids, WONDERS. Behavior deescalates tremendously. #oklaed
A6 - I am a naturally driven, fast paced person. I teach a subject (history) filled with controversy. Having a space that is safe & calm allows for a healthy exchange of ideas and a flow of knowledge from everyone. Taking the safety of the calm out would destroy that. #oklaed
A6: My room is a safe place. The relationships I build with my Ss allows them to come whenever they need an escape or to go to the back room for some quiet. This trust is what helps with behavior and academics #oklaed
A6 It’s safety. It’s made into a public, non-secret space that doesn’t make it shameful. It acknowledge that everyone and anyone may need a calm, safe space without being the class freak. #oklaed
A5 That's a tough question because the others in the class might not understand the problems a certain S is having. You have to be flexible in discipline matters. You have to be fair, but treat situations individually. #oklaed
A3: Change in the home environment disrupts children in a deep way. Hunger, job loss, etc. are just a few real pressures children of any age carry into the academic setting. Each child has their own limit, just like adults. #oklaed
A6: students learn, teachers enjoy their job, you laugh a lot more, you build each other up, you create a family, you teach value of learning therefore creating lifelong learners, you instill confidence in kids, should I keep going? 🤷🏻♀️ #Oklaed
A6 Just knowing there is an option to “escape” to a place to calm down can be a game changer. Emotional needs must be met for learning to take place. #OklaEd
A6) Creating an oasis of calm would serve to reduce some of the stress that are self-created by the systems in place or that are brought in from the outside. If the students feel safe and believe that we do care about them then the whole climate could change. #oklaed
A6: I think Ss would be more comfortable to be fully themselves, leading to more brain power for academics. Perhaps initially a slight uptick in behavior, but then as Ss learn to effectively communicate and express emotions, a better sense of well-being. #oklaed
A6: An “Oasis of Calm” sends a clear message to our kids: that they are invited to be a part of what is going on inside of our classrooms, they can come as they are, and that their emotional well-being is important. #OklaEd
A6) I always try to have my office be an "oasis of calm" for Ss. Its easier to talk to them once they've calmed down. We get more accomplished. #oklaed
A7: Shoutout to my debate teacher friend, Allyson Kubat! She included 10 minutes of meditation at the beginning of each of her 50 minute class periods. It's a lot of time to dedicate, but she said it was totally worth it. #oklaed
A7 - My 1st thought is I cannot spare that instruction time for my AP students in 1st hour. However the school day is bigger than my class and if it improves Ss performance in all of their classes it is worth it. #oklaed
A6 I've had students who used school as a place of escape. I want them to realize that getting a good education can help them escape from some of these problems they are dealing with and can't control, #oklaed
A7: Have yet to read the article, but meditation is part of our morning routine. @Gonoodle is a fantastic place to find guided meditation videos. Perhaps we'll add it to our goodbye routine too! #oklaed
A7 - There are so many studies that show exercising early sets the tone for the day - this is essentially the same concept. It puts Ss in the right head space, allows them to clear the stress from the night before or drive to school...why are we not all doing this?! #oklaed
I think it’s important to think of how we like to relax. How we need to relax or reflect sometimes. I listen to a lot of music, so I play music for my students. I don’t like to sit still for long, so we don’t sit long. They’re like us, just younger. #oklaed
A7: if our students where actually at school the first 15 minutes of school that would be a nice thought. You have to conquer getting to where you need to be on time to actually do that. I would be open to having a “quiet room” where they could go any time they needed to #oklaED
A4) It would improve school functioning as a whole. Staff who practice this with students would also be modeling that this is a positive approach. Teaching these techniques would help bring calm to moments of chaos. #oklaed
We have a calming area in my classroom where students can opt to sit, relax, reflect. We also don’t have tables. We utilize yoga mats, bath mats, pillows & rugs. With this set up, my kids are able to take a break when they need it in a spot where they are most comfortable #OklaEd
A7: I like it. We already do a morning and closing meeting where we talk about what went well & what we might need work on as a class/set goals. This would fit in so easily. 👍🏼 #Oklaed
A7: I'm terribly stingy with my instructional time. I use bell work to focus but beyond that I find breaking up the curriculum with stories and laughter as needed works better for my classroom climate than meditation would #oklaed
#oklaed
The entire staff needs to be on board otherwise, Ss will reflect the negative attitude some teachers may have. It will derail the effect you are trying to achieve.
A7) There are so many benefits this could provide. Another thing Dr. Medina says is that the whole structure of schools may need to be torn down if we truly want to create a place where our brains can learn. A restructuring of how we start and end our days may help. #oklaed
I was an AP student and I would’ve killllllled for some time like this. But it would have to be teacher led. Perfectionists don’t ever do this themselves. 🤷🏻♀️ #oklaed
A7 - My 1st thought is I cannot spare that instruction time for my AP students in 1st hour. However the school day is bigger than my class and if it improves Ss performance in all of their classes it is worth it. #oklaed
It’s crazy to think students can sit at a desk in a hard chair all day. I sure can’t. They gotta move around and so do I. They need down time and so do I. I just think it’s important to remember they’re like us. #oklaed
A7) It sounds nice. That would require buy-in from staff and parents and students because it's a good chunk of time. It would be transformative though. #oklaed Maybe we could start with actually observing the "moment of silence"?
A8 - I think this is just interwoven throughout all I do as I seek to teach critical thinking skills and take what we do with primary and secondary sources and apply those skills to real life situations. #oklaed
A5) Changes the perspective of S’s acting a certain way because of choice or noncompliance to S’s beh serving as a response to trauma or other env factors. Also switches from reactive to proactive practices for T’s and A’s. #oklaed
A8: I know my students. If you build that relationship early on you can pick up on diff behaviors instantly, like in line to greet them in the morning, I can tell if it’s going to be an off day for someone. Then we talk before an incident & after if needed. #oklaed
A7 15 min of quiet reflection might be too much at the lower grades, Maybe it needs to be coupled with soft music. I need to see the research on this. #oklaed
A8 - I push the idea of failing forward. Nothing is a mistake if we learn from it. I tell my Ss all the time that the best we can do is try to be better than we were the day before. We are not our choices or our parents choices, we get to define who we are every day. #oklaed
Hahaha, I sure can’t. Giving students the opportunity to sit, stand, or move changed our whole classroom vibe. We redesigned my old computer lab so that you could even “take a lap.” #oklaed
Teachers do not have to worry about building blocks of meditation practice (or other forms of mindfulness) into already crowded daily schedules #oklaed
A8) When assigning consequences I always try to remind Ss that their actions don't define them. I don't hold it against them when they return. Clean slate. Same way I'd like to be treated. #oklaed
A8: Typically with HS students once they don’t have an audience, it’s much easier to have a meaningful conversation. #oklaed I try to remove them from the situation, give them a little time, then talk about it.
This was my thing last year too! It was my first year in 3rd. I spent so much time battling “just give me the answer”, or “what’s my score” mentality. 😒 ugh #oklaed
This is one of the reasons I am getting rid of bell work this year, at least how I have traditionally done it. The first 5-10 minutes will be free write in a journal time everyday, to get students focused on thinking internally. Most prompts will not be history related. #oklaed
A8: Reminding them everything is a choice. If I put out both of my hands closed I tell you one has $100 in it. The hand you choose has nothing to do with you who are same is true with choices and actions. because you make one bad choice does not mean you are a bar person #OklaEd
#OklaEd A7: I’m concerned by the word ‘guided.’ I’m thinking we can provide a good video, a good article, and discuss thoughts - followed by student trying and then reflecting / discussing with T and other Ss.
A8 - in science we talk a lot about how all of the discoveries were made because people learned from their mistakes, they didnt let the mistakes stop them or define them #oklaed
A7 I start every class with quickwrites. I give students a prompt and they write for five minutes. No talking. It required everyone to get in their own thoughts and often reflect. This is what I use at the first of the year. https://t.co/sZM9rQPYRJ#OklaEd
A8: I follow a script of sorts when talking to Ss about choices. It focuses on the choice, the consequence (if needed), and the restoration. Pretty soon, they can quote it back to me, and are fixing the issue themselves. #oklaed
A6) Blends well with flexible seating. Gives students a choice re: where they are most productive in the classroom while being able to STAY in the classroom. Beh and academics would both benefit. #oklaed
A5: When students are able to reflect on their behavior and actions, it is powerful to connect those reflections to their emotions. This mindful approach varies greatly from a traditional consequence found in discipline plans. #oklaed
A8) Live by my belief that there are no bad children (students) just children who have not been taught another way to handle their situation. If you only know one way then you use it until you find a better way. It is our job to teach them a better way. #oklaed
Heck I’m walking around my living room as a tweet! I can’t even sit down long enough to make it through the #OklaEd chat! How can we expect our kids to sit and do that all day? Movement & different environments are so important!
A9 - It can be seen as one more thing in a world where there are already a lot of “things,” but I think maybe it is time for all of us to take a step back & ask some hard questions. #oklaed
A9: Violent outburst... The student going from 0 to 100 in less than a minute. You have to get them out of your classroom for everyone’s safety. #OklaEd
A9: High stress environment for both students and Teachers tend to blur the lines between what needs to happen and what actually does. This is an area I'd like to focus so that TIME isn't an excuse for missing an opportunity to connect with my kids #oklaed
A9: I also think some people are uncomfortable with practices that give kids responsibility (even though we want them to have it 🤷🏻♀️ never understood), they are comfortable with students who “fall in line”, don’t care about the underneath.. #oklaed
Mindfulness starts with school staff - 75% of teachers' health problems are attributed to stress (NEA). Teachers are the vehicle of change into a schools culture (https://t.co/HBSDhKSUfh) #oklaed
I agree, but hard to convince that T who rarely sends anyone, but to de-escalate we walk and talk (sometimes with a snickers) and send them back. #oklaed
A9) Push back from others can be tiresome. It requires a willingness to have tough conversations with the "adults" and Ss alike. It takes a lot of work to do this well. #oklaed
Yes, this irritates me. Even if it is the parents job, if they aren’t doing it, who else will? Who else spends that time with kids? US. The answer is US. #oklaed
Mindfulness starts with school staff - 75% of teachers' health problems are attributed to stress (NEA). Teachers are the vehicle of change into a schools culture (https://t.co/HBSDhKSUfh) #oklaed
A7) Could be part of morning meeting and afternoon recap (I’m thinking elementary). Could be more brief as year progresses and students become more independent with process. #oklaed
A9: I don’t see any limitations at my site, and I have gotten my feet wet with teaching mindfulness and growth mindset. I look forward to doing it more this year. It’s good for them and me. I want to focus more on meditation practices this year. #oklaed
A9 I’d love to implement 5-10 mins of yoga/meditation but trying to squeeze that in will be hard. Not given excuses, just being real...time is valuable and really don’t have much to spare. #OklaEd
I think we may have different understandings of guided meditation which are internal. For me, the “guidance” serves as a sort of comforting drone that lets my mind empty. Check out https://t.co/fGeElXvxTo for examples. #oklaed
A10 - I workout in the mornings - that is me getting my mind right for the day. I do, however, think I could go a step further & add some meditation. It is essential for me, the adult in the room, to be calm & collected every day. #oklaed
#OklaEd A8: I used to ask to talk after class (college) and seek to get the student to see both sides and reflect on what was happen / come up with ideas ... Never liked the necessary delay. Wonder if zone in classroom would work in college???
I’m envisioning one day morning meeting being meditation or yoga. Or mid afternoon. This is exciting. #oklaed so beneficial for teacher and student. I knew I got those mats for a reason.
A9: We don’t encourage our staff to engage in mindfulness practices enough. Stressed out staff members = stressed out kids. I think we need to encourage teachers to engage in reflection/self care to see it reciprocated in the classroom. #OklaEd
Luckily these situations don't happen often. If Ts were trained in deescalation techniques they would recognize the signs before it got to the explosion. #oklaed
I just started weekly yoga this summer. I also doodle/hand letter to relax or focus. We don't do anything as a school.. unfortunately I know there would be some people who scoff. #oklaed
A10: teaching, being a single mom, finishing my dissertation, and running for Senate I have to live in a world of mindfulness. Taking time out for myself, movies, driving while listening to music, recognizing when I need a time out, effectively communicating #OklaEd
A8: Being clear about choices in behavior and actions is essential. "I am not mad at you, I'm disappointed in your actions..." This allows the student to hear the difference between who they are and what they have done. #oklaed
I hope so. I'm sure you know this, but first thing, find your teacher best friends, your go-to people to help when things get rough. Glad to see you here on Twitter. #oklaed I an excellent place to start! You should also start a blog if you haven't already. 😉
Mindfulness can reduce levels of stress and anxiety, increase focus and self-regulation, improve academic performance and sleep (https://t.co/H1OeH1wBjP) #oklaed
A10 I pray/listen to gospel each morning in my class before Ss arrive. During planning it may be gospel or jazz. As a school, we don’t meditate but we do share/reflect a joy from the week during PLC. #OklaEd
A1. We initiated what is called a "Hot Pass" in each classroom. They are prominently displayed and a student may use it @ any time to leave the classroom to see our crisis councelor no ?'s asked. T's then follow up with the C to share info if needed.#oklaed
A10) I reflect on every action in the day. I trethink how I could have done things better, or if I offended students or staff. I look for ways to correct any situation and how I could avoid repeating it in the future. I am not the perfect principal but I try to be good. #oklaed
It's like I read your mind. haha #oklaed
I practice meditation, especially this past year. So important to keep yourself centered in stressful situations.
#oklaed 10: On a recent family weekend, our nephew expanded on his Facebook posts regarding his meditation. I already wanted to try it and his suggestions of materials and willingly answering my ‘dumb’ questions have me in the early stages of meditation, dedicated ...
Bonus Answer - Less referrals to the office. Less stress for Admin. More focus on learning and helping Ss grow as a whole. Healthy environment. More academic success. I could keep going on here. #oklaed
A10: I had a health scare last year and as a result I've been very mindful of controlling my stress and finding my balance. Don't wait to put balance in your life, it has made a huge difference in my attitude and the way I relate to my kids #oklaed
A9: The perpetual "to-do list" is my biggest road block. Practicing mindfulness in the classroom is best modeled by the teacher. Building in check-ins for myself would help me not only model for my students but would ensure the time gets integrated into the schedule! #oklaed
This is why it is important to stress diffs between how they want to be as a person vs their emotional/beh reactions given various situations. Young S’s will even talk about how they are a “bad person” because they get mad easily. Negative self-concepts start early. #oklaed
A1: We use a lot of 'buddy teachers' at my school and allow students to maybe take a break and go connect with an adult in the building. A lot of time when they know that that is an option they can chose it for themselves before anything happens. #oklaed
@thestephhinton as usual you killed it! Thanks so much! You got my mind racing with ideas for the new year. I appreciate you and your time. #oklaed have a great week!
