We are chatting about staying strong and guiding our students through rough waters tonight. With many heartbreaking events happening on campuses these days we need to be there for them. Come join us. #txed
A1: I build relationships. I am open and honest. I make them feel safe and know that no matter what I am always there for them. I make my class a safe environment for them to take risks. #TXed
A1: I greet them in the home language (and in some cases I actually learn the home language). Family pics in the room. Freedom to ask anything and get a response, or even just an ear. #TXed
A1: a huge piece of relationship building for me is to build relationships with kids hat aren’t in my class or even in my grade level. I want them to know they are supported, loved, and believed in outside of their class or grade level. They have an entire team #txed
I love music as well. I like to ask what music they like too and make a @spotify playlist for the class so everyone can hear their song and feel good about it. #txed
Q2-At times, students internalize their stress, anger, or depression. How can we help students to feel comfortable talking about issues such as these? #TXed
A1: My go to strategy is eating lunch with students. I like the time to get to know them in a more comfortable setting. I've never had a kid leave lunch w/ their teacher without a hug and a smile. It's very powerful! #TXed
A2: I think finding time to share more about yourself and making yourself "human" to your students will help them open up. Don't push, but let them know you are there when they are ready. #txed
A2: I used @Flipgrid to do a #whatiwishmyteacherknew and I was in tears listening to the stories of 7 year olds. These kids live in a great area and I made the mistake of never realizing the heartbreak they have experienced. The storm does not know privilege or poverty. #txed
A2 - build relationships first, then worry about content. A class based off of respect, trust, empathy and love will always create an atmosphere of caring and learning. #txed
#txed A2 #PATIENCE with kids is HUGE! Most of misbehavior by Ss is "foolish" Ss will figure out that your patience with them equates to love. #AlwaysBelieve
A2: Maybe it's taboo, but I model it by sharing a few of my own struggles. Hard to feel comfortable sharing with someone who isn't open enough to share with you. #TXed
Q2-At times, students internalize their stress, anger, or depression. How can we help students to feel comfortable talking about issues such as these? #TXed
What a great idea! They will always tell it like it is too. I bet you learn a few things. Think of how much closer you would feel to your students doing something like this. #txed
A2: I used @Flipgrid to do a #whatiwishmyteacherknew and I was in tears listening to the stories of 7 year olds. These kids live in a great area and I made the mistake of never realizing the heartbreak they have experienced. The storm does not know privilege or poverty. #txed
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A2: Don't be quick to judge. Listen to them. Be mindful of what you say and do when approaching different situations with students...they are always watching
A2-Saw a teacher once use Google Classroom to allow the students to share concerns or just give them the opportunity to vent without making it so vocal around others #TXed
A2: I love reading aloud books with characters like my students - it's one of the reasons I host the @ProjectLIT_HOU book club - to have a safe space to talk to kids about real problems through lit. #txed#alwaysabookrecommendationaway
taboo or not, I do the same thing. They have to know you are human. It always surprised me when see me in a store and are amazed I actually shop for things. #txed
Q2-At times, students internalize their stress, anger, or depression. How can we help students to feel comfortable talking about issues such as these? #TXed
A3 - Watch as they enter the room and look for any differences in expressions, appearance and attitude. Also, chatting about life is a great way to break the habit of kids not sharing. #txed
A3: You can see it in their eyes just like they can see it in yours. A simple "Are you okay?" goes a long way.
You might be the only person who asks. #TXed
#txed A3 Good Trs just know when a St is troubled ( like a mom's intuition ) Signals are 1. Absences 2. Tardies 3. Withdrawal 4. Change in self disposition Just to name a few. When the relationship is built with the St, the St may come up to you with their troubles.
A3: It seems like it is different for each student. Another reason to get to know them really well. Some will act out, others almost disappear... #txed
A3: I feel like if you REALLY know your kids, you pick up on the subtleties in their conversations, expressions, attentiveness, etc. Build that relationship and you’ll know when a change happens. #txed
A3: One of my fav parts of being a coach is being able to connect with the kids everyone talks about (you know them, it happens everywhere)... having the chance to build a relationship with "those" kids is so meaningful to me. They end up being the best & growing the most. #txed
A3-I look for subtle (or huge) changes in personality or usual traits. It’s important to know your Ss & have good relationships with them to be able to notice these. #TXed
#TXed A3 You can almost always tell when something is "off" with a kid. Don't assume that another staff member will take the time to intervene. Make the effort yourself. So lucky to work in a small school!
I agree, Brandy. I often welcomed "those kids" in my classroom every year. It is amazing what a little compassion will do. I would not let past Ts say anything to me abou them. I built my own opinion. #txed
A4: we model positive relationships with staff and students. We also teach them how to build relationships or re-teach skills so they can be successful. #txed
A3: If your in the hallway to greet them each day (in the same spot) with a good morning, hug, or high five...you are able to see it on their faces..and help right then! #getoutofyourofficeandroom#TXed
A4: Modeling is the key. Show them how. Practice by role playing. Build a culture of family in your room. The more comfortable they are, the better the chance they build lasting relationships. #txed
A4: Hard question! Model effective communication. Role play - especially if they express that they have a problem with another teacher. Hear them out if they need to vent, and then help them communicate. #TXed
A4-As administrators we need to allow teachers to have some positive time when the kids. I plan on asking my staff next year what they have learned positive about their students each month. #TXed
I just listened to a Podcast on Restorative Displine by @MindShiftKQED it has much to think about, including the importance of practicing these skills. #txed
A3 Body language, grades, change in personality, depends on the student. But if we have a relationship with them and are observant, I think teachers sometimes see things before parents. #TXed
A4: MODEL, MODEL, MODEL, provide safe group structures for your students, train them in the younger grades how to communicate w/ peers, role play nonexamples, provide opportunities for guests and volunteering/advocacy work through your classroom/school. #txed
A4: Model, Teach, Challenge - I want positive relationships with all my students but I consider it a mission to build relationships with the tough ones. #txed
#txed A4 ROLE MODEL positive human behavior! My goal is for my Ss to describe me with the fruits of the spirit at the end of the school year. THIS IS HUGE! Now more than ever. It's a theme of my book "The Story of Always Believe" due out this fall.
A4 model healthy, positive relationships. Have students role play and make sure as you interact with others, it is with a kind heart and purpose. Students watch and listen and will decide how to act based on their observations of adults, oftentimes. #TXed
A4-Model, model, model! When a situation arises, walk Ss through the interaction to show how they could handle the situation positively in the future #TXed
Create a safe, warm, nurturing environment where, even you, can share some of your struggles. Kids feel better when they know that you, too, are human. #txed
Q2-At times, students internalize their stress, anger, or depression. How can we help students to feel comfortable talking about issues such as these? #TXed
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A4- We have a group called the Link Crew who works to help students get plugged into our school through conversations and ice breakers. Kids helping kids.
A2: we have to make Ss feel safe to talk. Ss need to know you care and won’t judge them. I always tell them I’m the best secret keeper in the world, unless it deals with your health and safety. #TXED
A4-Had a student tell me the other day that his class was like his second family. That was why he liked school so much.
@AltonElementary#AltonHero#TXed
A4 We did a survey today, and though some answers were expected or even silly, you get insight you might not normally see or know. It's eye-opening!! You find out all sorts of things! #TXed!
Q5- New teachers are often times not prepared for the emotional challenges in their profession. What advice would you give a first year teacher if they were worried about a child's stress or depression? #TXed
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A4- We have a group called the Link Crew who works to help students get plugged into our school through conversations and ice breakers. Kids helping kids.
Anything can be a sign. A child being quiet, when they normally aren’t. Being talkative, when they normally are reserved. Absences from a student who is always there. The only way to tell, is to know your students. You can only accomplish that by spending time with them. #txed
A4 Modeling, talking, encouraging, teaching, and listening. A good teacher teaches empathy, compassion, and teamwork intertwined with the regular learning. Not easy to do, but tuck it in where you can! #TXed
A3: body language, change in mood or response, not their normal demenour. We have to be the worlds greatest observers. They feel more inclined to talk because I noticed something was off. #txed#wearesalyards
A5-It is all about relationships and not programs. If you have concerns, then act upon them. Let your students know you love them and are willing to help them out any way you can. #TXed
Breathe. Build relationships. Have compassion for students and for yourself. Don’t be afraid to take a risk & #failforward and never ever give up. #txed
A5: If you're worried about a student reach out to your team, coach, counselor, AP. Trust your instincts always. If their behavior is bothersome, love them anyway, they need it. #txed
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A5: Don't be afraid to reach out to your admin team to get advice. Let others know so you can work as a team to help the child...don't remain silent
Q5- New teachers are often times not prepared for the emotional challenges in their profession. What advice would you give a first year teacher if they were worried about a child's stress or depression? #TXed
#TXed A5 Always feel free to lean on colleagues for ideas and support, and never forget that school is the most structured, positive bedrock for many of our students. They need to feel that they are safe in sharing with staff members.
A5 - this could be a book.
1. Ask for help from others
2. Never assume you know the answer
3. Positivity is the best beginning.
4. Empathy and sympathy
5 Avoid always giving advice.
6. Listen with eyes and ears
7. Ask if they are okay. #txed
A5 Do NOT attempt this profession alone. Ss actions and words are not personal. They are kids-can be impulsive, unaware of how to make true, lasting relationships, etc. They want your ❤️ and support but don’t always know how to get it. Collaborate with other Ts for ideas! #TXed
A5-Try to talk to them, but if that doesn’t work, see if there is another adult on campus they will. My team & I often work together to help Ss that aren’t even in our class, we just connected with them at some point in the year #TXed
Q5- New teachers are often times not prepared for the emotional challenges in their profession. What advice would you give a first year teacher if they were worried about a child's stress or depression? #TXed
A5-Stress, anger, or depression are sure signs that something is not right. Might be a time to dig a little deeper. You could be saving a child's life doing so. #TXed
A5 I always advise beginning teachers to invest the first year into their profession, their own mental health. Then refer children who need a counselor to the counselor and trust the counselor as a professional. #txed
Our team always did this too. There is usually a "list" of kids we all look after during the year. That list changes often. Kids moving on and off of it. #txed
A5: I take all the campus new teachers out to lunch in their first days. I tell them I'm Aunt Sharon & my door is always open. ~ If the tchr is happy, usually a happy classroom w happy SS.
Part deaux: encourage them to chat w school counselors. #txed
Q5- New teachers are often times not prepared for the emotional challenges in their profession. What advice would you give a first year teacher if they were worried about a child's stress or depression? #TXed
#txed A6 We keep trying to reinforce the idea that we are a family, and that we all need to look out for each other. We also have given our HS students the opportunity to speak, act, and advocate. Everyone needs to feel valued!
A6-Goes back to our answers tonight:
1) Develop that strong relationship with your students
2) Listen to their concerns
3) Reassure them to keep the faith
4) Help them are that their positive actions can make the world around them a better place. #TXed
A4 cont'd. It's interesting to see our survey we gave today! Some good and some bad. But you can't grow as a teacher if you don't know where we can improve also! Always learning from students. #txed
A6: It is also a time to revisit a discussion about compassion and how you always treat others. A smile is all it takes to lift someone's spirits, and we all need that once in a while. #txed
A6: listen to their fears and don’t write them off. They are learning to process the world around and we have to be honest with them. We have to show them they can be a change agent and life is beautiful. #TXED
A6: it's okay to say "I don't know. I don't get it either." Make sure you use legitimate resources. Don't spread rumors. Knowledge should ease their fears, not exacerbate them #TXed
A6: I think if student questions arise, then have a discussion but let them lead it with the questions. Ensure that they feel safe in your class and maybe have them do something kind for victims or the community (cards, etc). #txed
A6 I encourage students to speak with their parents/guardians about details then ensure them that they are safe at school. We have a plan, we have practiced the plan, and as the adult, I get to carry the burden of worry. Their job is to learn and build relationships. #txed
#txed A5 Remember children are not robots. They are humans in need of affirmation and love. When in doubt LOVE the kids even more., and above all BE POSITIVE! #AlwaysBelieve
A6 I encourage students to speak with their parents/guardians about details then ensure them that they are safe at school. We have a plan, we have practiced the plan, and as the adult, I get to carry the burden of worry. Their job is to learn and build relationships. #txed
A6b I work in elementary. It’s a fine line when some parents/guardians are protecting their children from the media and negativity on the news. If they NEED to talk about it, I would set up a time for them to talk with the counselor. #txed
A6 - another great question. We must look at the audience(age of kids) maturity level, community and lots of other issues. School directives and obviously choosing our words very wisely. I tend to err on the side of caution. This doesn’t mean ignore kids! #txed
Thanks to everyone for joining us tonight. Go to school tomorrow and hug all your kids. Don't forget to hug your kids at home too. Spread love not hate. #txed
Awesome #TXed chat friends! The year is almost over so keep pushing forward. For our Santa Fe friends - We love you! Keep the faith and stay strong. #SantaFeStrong
#txed A6 Build a positive environment in your room. In some instances this will become the kids daily sanctuary. Role model the frutis of the spirit with your words and actions.
Sorry I have to go! Thanks for the great, thoughtful questions. If you have time join #Teachpos Sunday night at 7:30 EST forcour werkly chat about positive assessments. #txed
A6-We do the same at my campus. We explain the basics of why we have a procedure like secure the building (something unsafe outside the building) & practice it, but ask parents to discuss the details to their discretion. #TXed
A6 I encourage students to speak with their parents/guardians about details then ensure them that they are safe at school. We have a plan, we have practiced the plan, and as the adult, I get to carry the burden of worry. Their job is to learn and build relationships. #txed
I would say, take of you first. Like on airplanes. Put the mask over yourself first. Otherwise you are useless for others. Then, work on the relationships. You hear it over and over again, but sometimes people don’t do it because it sounds cliche, but it really works. #txed
Q5- New teachers are often times not prepared for the emotional challenges in their profession. What advice would you give a first year teacher if they were worried about a child's stress or depression? #TXed
First, check with the parents. If they approve of the conversation, then stick to facts only. Don’t put your bias or opinions into tit. Allow them to formulate their own ideas. But above all, be honest. #txed
