#2PencilChat Archive
The #2PencilChat is a weekly conversation about educational technology. As we enter a more student-centered age, let's talk about using all the tools in our toolboxes to be innovative and dynamic teachers.
Tuesday August 23, 2016
Hey , I'm Sean in St. Augustine, FL, 3rd grade, and I always like what I see in the classrooms of &
Hey there, Gillian! Welcome to the
Hello everyone! Melissa from Katy TX
and hello to both of you!
(I define that question slide as a poor use of space!)
Hi! Adam from Va Beach. K-12 Principal
just leavin' us room to think in...
I'm Ashley from TX. I'll be in for a bit if kiddos allow.
my toenails are the same color
Hello, hello, hello! I'm Temani. 6th grade ELA from Alabama. My hero is Mama Tidwell (AP Lit teacher). No Twitter.
A1 I like to think what kind of postcard design would rep our magic, show who we are to a friend. Where's my sketchbook?
Hey there Temani! Welcome!
Hello there! How are you?
A1 It's the connective tissue that holds us all together, right?
Am I missing the questions?
Peg, Instructional Coach/Reading Specialist from MKE.
A1: Classroom culture is what happens when the teacher is sick. Kidding, but no seriously! Culture is the way of life in class.
Q1 what food group best describes your classroom culture
A1: a space created collaboratively by Ts and Ss where each member feels safe, respected, comfortable to be themselves
I thought I missed the first one too. (Q1 How do YOU define classroom culture? )
It doesn't work without trust!
A1 it's the feeling and action teachers and Ss create together. It's what is possible. It's the soil for growth!
I love it, you're so right! If you don't have culture, the kids turn to wild beasties!
A1: the feelings Ss and Ts have in the classroom that allow them to be curious and take risks=classroom culture
Hi there! Glad to be back.
A1. Unforeseen energy that drives actions carried out by those who occupy the space
My first day of class, I told my 3rd graders that it was my first year teaching 3rd too. We would all learn & grow together
Hi, new here :) Daria from NJ
Love this definition of classroom culture! https://t.co/p5Neo49xSX
A1. Unforeseen energy that drives actions carried out by those who occupy the space
A1: The spoken and unspoken "rules" that guide interactions.
A comm of Ss that learn, interact, & cooperate towards a common goal. Positive, trusting relationships. https://t.co/ZFCixbBqWm
Cool! Welcome to 3rd, I love it!
https://t.co/4ysNmCectE
My first day of class, I told my 3rd graders that it was my first year teaching 3rd too. We would all learn & grow together
A1: Classroom culture is the thoughts, feelings, and way of being of everyone within my four walls.
A2 Anyone up for "Extreme Trust Falls"?
Today I told my classes they were a community & they wrote their goals for a positive culture together. They own their choices.
A1) View culture as overall vibe & mood of the room, things that are valued,oppor for Ss to positiv connect with peers, teacher
late to the party but glad to be here
Rules are constrictive but goals decided & agreed on as a class creates freedom & independence.
Always glad to see you, Carrie!
A2 When I was HS rdg tchr,I showd trust 2 Ss by asng them 2 go in my purse & grab smthng if I needed it https://t.co/LfgxX274vp
A2 Anyone up for "Extreme Trust Falls"?
Hello my friend :) Thank you for the warm welcome :)
Hello :) How are you? Hope all is well :)
Build relationships with students and foster students to build relationships is the beginning
A2: Socratic Seminars & other student-led discussions. I do Teaching Takeover discussions as well, where Ss bring in texts.
today when establishing class expectations a student said we should inspire each other it made my day !!
A2b Imagine shock of HS S when I asked them 2 get me smthng from my purse! They would stare @ me in disbelief!
A2: Surprisingly, "hot potato" Spanish version -Manzanita de Peru
A2 I do this stealing words thing so everyone gets into it and they try and outdo each other -FUN!
A2: asking questions with no wrong answers. Challenge Ss to think, respond and support. It's not about being right or wrong
A2: Spaghetti Towers. We are teammates who support one another. We make mistakes & learn from them. https://t.co/B26hPGUNoD
This is key for me Carrie! And then most important part of the year!
A2 There's a lot of silliness and asking student opinions for me. Making sure that they know they're crucial to class activity!
A2: With middle school, used 2 start year by dissecting the "rule": We will be active participants in a community of learners.
great icebreaker game I found is blobs and lines..
thnx! A2 Role play, joke fest, change of context activities
A2-Ss working together to create their goals and having Ss design activities & cooperate a common goal. https://t.co/DrE1A5Uvi8
I used Do Unto Otters my 4th graders loved it today!
A3: Definitely, the Mindset by Carol Dwek
Super important! Making sure no one feels defeated, because they can't guess what u r thinking. https://t.co/NGU54RRLXI
A2: asking questions with no wrong answers. Challenge Ss to think, respond and support. It's not about being right or wrong
A3 At any age, I like using The Big Orange Splot by to establish that individuality is part of our culture.
Yes-we do this. Decide on goals, agree as a class what guidelines will best facilitate the achievement!
A2. have honest conversations about what you want out of Ss and vice versa. Actively listen to meet their needs
A3 4 T workshops I always use tell them they have to get their hands on a copy, read it then use ideas in classes
A2) Team build,1st gr Ss used Lg parachute &work together keep it up, who doesn't love parachute days? https://t.co/vKZVLQZh7c
That's happening a lot. I'll retweet them as they happen...It may be that we're just too fast?
I've been hearing so much about this book
Sounds fun to dissect the rule a new take on goal setting. Awesome idea. https://t.co/7qrAmS1fTb
A2: With middle school, used 2 start year by dissecting the "rule": We will be active participants in a community of learners.
A3: I'm the host of sessions during our Freshmen Foundations next week
can read mine, too, but hers is a must. :)
Twitter is acting weirdly tonight for me, anyone else?
A3: I read a great one, don't remember the title, published by ASCD "School Culture..." sorry :(
A3. October favorite, "It's the Great Pumpkin" Charlie Brown older students enjoy adding characters! https://t.co/FL9StQTY2B
A3. I have loved insight gained from Drive. Also, Make it Stick which discusses relationships.
RT A3. I have loved insight gained from Drive. Also, Make it Stick which discusses relationships.
A3: also for culture building The Gift Of Failure by helps Ts Ss and Ps learn about learning https://t.co/9hwLVGs4UP
I was chalking it up to lurking outside a public building after hours
Follow up with Ss making Goofus & Gallant cartoons to illustrate specific behaviors.
A3 I like to read books where individuals get valued by the group - Iggy Peck, Architect.
I'll RT the rest of the Qs as they happen!
BTW it's foggy here on this yuk Wednesday morning. How is Tuesday going for you?
A3: Rather than start with a book, Ss write I Am poems on day one & watch video of mine. We start with our own texts.
A3: On Beyond Zebra by Dr. Seuss
Apologies, got very sidetracked!
HOT. Humid. Ugh!
But nice inside!
On boy.....the time change!
Thank you, thank you, thank you!
I'm realizing I answered Q3 with Q2's info - paying too much attention to the mosquitoes
A4 round the class comp. name and fav thing, then trying to remember it all - Ss laugh and carry on at my antics
A4 When I taught skills class, Ss had own binder; pencils/paper always avlbl. Ss never w/out necessities;organization not issue
I keep having to look on page, b/c they aren't showing here.
A4: We had no bells in my HS, so I ended class by playing The Safety Dance! Class is over, drive carefully today
A4 We've been listening to hip hop and funk every morning, and we have one song dance breaks midday!
A4: we started Meme of the Week in my library last yr - we'd post a picture & students would submit their text
A4: So many- singing happy birthdays, me greeting them at the door every time, Shark Attack beach ball game
Me! I'm only seeing every couple of messages.
A4b Having supplies & feelng organized gave Ss opportunity 2 learn & not get caught up in basics of lrng. Let me worry abt that
Have any of you read teaching with you hair on fire, I have it here and am abt to start. Curious abt it.ncame recommended.
A4 also been known to put up signs on my door I'm (insert place here) quick run!
So weird, I'm seeing them come up (they're scheduled via , so THAT's working)
A4 I could rock to that! https://t.co/YOfEPEqfP9
A4 We've been listening to hip hop and funk every morning, and we have one song dance breaks midday!
I Am not seeing them either
sometimes I long for the days when our parents would spray us w toxic bug juice & we'd be good to go
Are you guys seeing when I RT?
so weird this morning...am I in the right chat? some Qs I see some I don't???
A4 We're working to write a rap song that introduces all of the students, early 80's style...
A4: It seems like each class develops their own "inside jokes" that become part of routine.
A4: I'm working to build a space that students can take risks. I love playing games and getting kids moving.
I'm guessing the question based on the answers, pardon if a few are wrong!
A4 Friday Stand Ups, 3-4 of us recap the week, share good news, speak our peace, & clap for each other https://t.co/p5dfveJ61z
a4: We did "My Favorite" Ss took 5 min at start of class to present something they love, are working on or passionate about
We see everything just fine. What are you talking about? (LOL juts kidding, some issues.)
A4: S-created playlists/stations on , , etc & played thruout day adds variety, ownership
A4. We do a ton of pseudo and inquiry. Safe space to ? And explore. Supportive of all progress.
Then I know of at least 20 digits that are on fleek!
I have never seen this happen before. Weird!
Thank you! Play Like a Pirate.
A4: Fist to 5 Check-Ins & 1 Minute Dance Parties. 💃🏽 Ts had PD Day & kids said it was horrid bc sub didn't ask about their day.
I'm getting ready to teach lab safety tomorrow. Maybe I'll try that.
Nice Qs, sorry Im missing it
I do that sometimes too when technical difficulties!
Makerspace tinkering always engaging & interactive. Leads to cooperation & a sense of community. https://t.co/KhUG4bTMyw
a4: We did "My Favorite" Ss took 5 min at start of class to present something they love, are working on or passionate about
so do the Ss - no more complaining about my music, talk to student deejay of the period
Thanks! Another time, though, right? I hope your night's good!
달려보자zzp 강남아구장 강남풀사롱01021543560
A5: Each student leads one 15-minute discussion about a text that they bring in connected to Unit Theme. Ss publish blogs.
A5 ummm... I do this really unusual thing...I ask them! I listen then act on it
A5 This year, Ss are allowed to choose any seat, any day. They're making the rules about preferred seating, not me.
1 min dance parties I like it. Ss like when I dab & do funny dances too. https://t.co/97GLbSjIfV
A4: Fist to 5 Check-Ins & 1 Minute Dance Parties. 💃🏽 Ts had PD Day & kids said it was horrid bc sub didn't ask about their day.
A5: try not to jump on ed bandwagons, trends w/o talking to Ss - it's only meaningful in our space if it's meaningful to them
is now trending in USA, ranking 45
A5. Ss R involved in selecting textbooks, creating classroom behavior guidelines designing c/r layout. https://t.co/jVZIb2VKii
or learn to appreciate a new genre 😉
This:
https://t.co/iGHRKICTty
A5: try not to jump on ed bandwagons, trends w/o talking to Ss - it's only meaningful in our space if it's meaningful to them
A5: Frequent surveys/roundtable discussions to solicit feedback.
& Class Meetings for handling anything that comes up or isn't working.
Having them act out scenario a is fun too. Give them a rule & silently they break the rule https://t.co/Pwo2FeV1aJ
I'm getting ready to teach lab safety tomorrow. Maybe I'll try that.
A5 Ss cr8 norms. They build the clssrm cmmunty they want. Share persnl story. My daughter is SPED; Ss wantd 2 know abt her
sooo krayzee! You mean, you solicit their opinions? We should go bowling, you and I...
Just finished first day with kids will get back to more serious tweeting in a week or two
You know it. First day is so EXHAUSTING. First week, even!
Bella Thorne , , Trea Turner , Gausman , , , , ,
I know...right? Bowling sounds great! I'd love to, so you want to do it in your time zone or mine? LOLOLOL!!!
Important to have those brain breaks!
A5b I shard story bcause I wantd Ss 2 have compassion & build empathy. She often bakd 4 them;they loved it! Show Ss we're human
A5 Talk, talk, and talk some more, verbalize and make visual the nuances until all see the picture https://t.co/BeZ06EJEd0
A5: Choice is so important. Asking Ss opinions & taking them seriously. Allowing "our space" language to be more than words.
A5 I sometimes like to be "Cartoonishly Evil" to give the kids a (jokingly) common enemy to glue them together.
I tell Ss that the stage is there's & I am in the aud & the classroom is a comm theater. Our playhouse. https://t.co/gkgTQFD959
bowling is something I definitely travel for - I wonder if that's sabbatical-worthy? *hee hee*
A5: Allowing conversation to progress naturally. Very little is "off-topic" when my real bottom line goal is to teach literacy.
Hi I'm just leaving curriculum chat night. Sorry I missed it! I hope you're having fun.
sure thing! Anyone is welcome in our class!
Great mindset! Let the conversation lead to the learning
What, you didn't tell the parents to wait bc there was something more important? ;)
do you own your own ball or bowling glove? That's a little out of my league...
Thanks this one escaped me!
A6 Plan specifically, give directions explicitly, offer help intentionally and most of all, use flexibility!
oh yes, we did it as a group. Stay tuned for our answers.
I say learning is a joint effort, we learn from each other. Our classroom is based on collaboration https://t.co/gkgTQFD959
You're pushing it now...defs not I haven't been bowling in years LOL!
then you're my kinda bowler - bring it on!
A6: Show how much I learn from every S and celebrate every Ss strength, so they see how valuable other Ss are to their growth.
A6 I like pairing up kids frequently and randomly so they get to know each other. Other times, allow them to team up by choice.
A6 teach and model fun ways to collaborate and accept that everyone has something to offer
Yep:
https://t.co/3VuMKqKTxF
A6 teach and model fun ways to collaborate and accept that everyone has something to offer
CreAte endless opportunities for team building, Coll pairing, and inquiry. Model cooperation & respect https://t.co/WvoUcBoGp7
Husband sees me online: "are you sitting outside of the library in the dark?!" Ummm, I'd call it dusk.
Thanks Sean! I think you and I are made from the same cloth - Love what you're doing as well!!! https://t.co/nMURQzlXA0
Hey , I'm Sean in St. Augustine, FL, 3rd grade, and I always like what I see in the classrooms of &
- Um, I'm, uh, just tweeting?
A5: give them many chances to have input with class jobs, rules/expectations, and class decoration https://t.co/lrih8DGtP6
I'm working to area this. Right now we are still in the try out the different seats phase.
there is no privacy on the internet
I bet she's secretly practising her bowling down the path!
It wouldn't have worked with last year's kids...this year, yes, thanks!
A6: Provide frequent opportunities for students to practice and learn together. Learning shouldn't be isolated.
A7: Showcase Ss success and strength. There is no continuum of low/high Ss. Each S is the BEST at something!
Model that failing is ok. Make sure that you give opp for Ss to feel successful & bad their confidence. https://t.co/9Dh21JUMUg
A4: I tell personal stories on Fridays... The more they know about me the more they seem to listen https://t.co/5LYgk9t3Tq
A7 Embrace the power of YET. Also - point out and model solving things that you struggle with as an adult.
I made a question wall where Ss put sticky-notes on board w/ques. Eventually they ask them aloud. https://t.co/9Dh21JUMUg
A7: celebrate their successes privately first; look them in the eye when I tell them how they've impressed me; be genuine
A7 Perseverance is a skill to be developed.
Please join in 3 MINUTES for .
Topic: Setting up Procedures, Expectations & Guidelines.
EVERYONE INVITED!
A7 YES! I must share story w/ u, . We no longr use "struggling" rdr as district lang; we use "developing" rdr!
I like that! Gonna switch TOMORROW!
I tell lots of stories of my strug thru Dyslexia & I model confidence. It helps Ss open up. https://t.co/7GfUqMO4BM
A4: I tell personal stories on Fridays... The more they know about me the more they seem to listen https://t.co/5LYgk9t3Tq
A7 have Ss go around and write something uplifting in each others books
Sorry I was in and out tonight. Stuff is CRAZY. Loved and learned a bunch from the time I spent with you!
Not sure why Tweeting was so hard tonight, but thanks for sticking it out with me, everyone!
https://t.co/0sbmVxTV4q
Oh good! C&I Dept is changing lang. Now need district to drop "grades" & use "goals" https://t.co/5FJo6yEUvN
I like that! Gonna switch TOMORROW!
Thank you informative chat! Feels like we have a great community here.
Thank you PLN learned a lot from you tonight.
my copy should be waiting for me at home when I return from vacation - looking forward to the read
A7: Give students lots of opportunities to collaborate in lots of different ways.
Woohoo! Please keep in touch! I've really been enjoying the feedback and perspectives
You're pretty great, you know that? Thank you for being part of my favorite community! I love you. https://t.co/NqEdyOl77e
A7: Model making mistakes to help Ss feel comfortable making them. Help Ss learn to support 1 another. Foster concept of team.
Alright, it's time for a dog walk and getting some stuff done before
Have a great week everyone!
thx & all you -ters - the mosquito bites are totally worth it!
