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.
Howdy. Ben from NC. 5th grade all subjects. In and out tonight. Lots to grade and plan for the upcoming weeks. Gettin it poppin this holiday season!! #2PencilChat
A1: I'll be honest. I have not done anything regarding Hanukkah in my classroom. I have 30 minutes a day with each of my groups. I feel like I should find out though if any of my students are of the Jewish faith and incorporate it into some story problems.
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A1: As a recent student, I have not learned much about Hanukkah in a classroom. Learning about different religions and cultures is so essential! As a future teacher, I hope to teach my students beyond standards on how to be an informed & educated person in the world! #2pencilchat
A1 I usually do a little bit of backstory and a video with my students because Hanukkah is new to most of my kids, and I feel like they should know it's not Jewish Christmas. Also Dreidel because educational gambling is fun. #2PencilChat
A1. I made a winter holiday worksheet/activity. I asked questions about winter, Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa. I tried to keep it fun, yet educational. #2PencilChat
A1: I think kids need to know that miracles do happen when you least expect them - in the shadow of defeat, despair, when things are darkest... that’s when miracles happen!!! #2pencilchat
A1. I like to make a foldable with my students with the different holidays, especially since my school is SOOOO diverse. The students LOVE learning about other traditions/cultures! #2PencilChat
A1--- I haven't mentioned it this year to be honest... Teaching math & science leaves little wiggle room for the extras 🤦♀️ Last year, when I taught reading, I had @ReadWorks Article-a-Day as our morning work & themed them weekly (holiday articles a favorite for all) #2PencilChat
I can share only about my own experience as a student. My mother would come in and teach about Hanukkah, which was cool. Not sure we'd learn a lot in school otherwise, although we had a decent-sized Jewish population for the size of the town. #2PencilChat A1
A1: As a future Spanish teacher, incorporating holidays like Hanukkah is not something I have given much thought to. I feel it is important to make sure all students are represented in their education, So I am open to any creative ideas about how to do so. #2PencilChat
A2 I am all about latkes.... and a video we watched today mentioned fried doughnuts... darn it, we just might need to have doughnuts this week... #2PencilChat
A1. We used to do a Festival of Lights unit when I taught KG that focused on as many of the celebrations from this time of year as possible. Hanukkah was a big part. #2PencilChat
I'd love to incorporate the latkes. I aspire to be a special ed teacher and would love to have a fun activity where they try to make these during the class. This would help teach the students how to utilize measurement for a recipe #2pencilchat
A2: I haven't brought food into any of my math classes, but I would be all about combining latkes and math problems.
Me: You have 2 latkes, and I eat both of them. How many latkes do you have left?
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Good tie-in. #Hanukkah's all about miracles. What good is tasting the oil dripping off the latkes if we forget its significance? (I mean, besides the taste!) #2PencilChat
A1: I think kids need to know that miracles do happen when you least expect them - in the shadow of defeat, despair, when things are darkest... that’s when miracles happen!!! #2pencilchat
A2: I personally love anything food related. If bringing traditional foods to class is something my future are interested in doing I will definitely encourage it. #2PencilChat
Our former Media Specialist at my school in Daytona used to do a lesson or two on Hanukkah and instead of making latkes, she would use tater tots. Same principle, but easier. #2PencilChat
A3: As teachers, we can empower and support out students in all aspects of life. Education can truly change the world from a society of love, motivation, and open-mindedness. I will try to always be there for my students to show that they are powerful and strong #2pencilchat
A3: Our kids need to know small groups with right purpose can be formidable. They need to stand up against any odds with faith, dignity, & strength knowing in their hearts that what needs to be done must be done... #2pencilchat
A3. Tie in as many books with that theme as you can. Also, it would be great if you could get someone like a Rabbi to come in and tell the story. Or maybe Skype in if possible. #2PencilChat
A3: When educating students about resisting oppression, we should make them feel confident enough to stand up to those bringing them down. Every student should be taught that they have the ability to reach all of their goals! #2PencilChat
A3: One way that I could see this happening is tying it into Growth Mindset. A fixed mindset is a mind that has been oppressed by ourselves. For us to learn, we need to fight back against the oppression and free our minds to grow.
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A3 Talking about the bravery of the Maccabees in standing up for their beliefs can be a great tool to talk about resilience, and to talk about being dedicated to students' path.
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A3: When educating students about resisting oppression, we should make them feel confident enough to stand up to those bringing them down. Every student should be taught that they have the ability to reach all of their goals! #2PencilChat
A3- I see being the light in the darkness as a way to tie in many themes: standing up for others, providing hope for those who need it, letting positivity shine even when it seems impossible #2PencilChat
A3 Talking about the bravery of the Maccabees in standing up for their beliefs can be a great tool to talk about resilience, and to talk about being dedicated to students' path.
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Q4
Dreidel was a great way to masquerade your study by making it look like gaming/gambling. How can sneak in some learning by using gaming & gambling? #2PencilChat
The fight is never over. This was waged millennia ago and we still have to be vigilant. Teach the nature of oppression--it's suppressed or its not; it's not absent. #2PencilChat A3
A4: Gamification seemed big now... I like PBIS. My school gives out “bucks” for doing things right that kids can use to enter raffles, so I guess this goes to learning and gaming... #2pencilchat
A4. WhooHooo!!!! A math question.
I am all about using math games to reinforce learning. Some of my favorites:
Kakooma - From Greg Tangs website. Non stop math facts.
Dice - Probability
Tenzi - Subitization
And any other low floor/high ceiling game.
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A4 I like to using gaming principles with some of our math and language activities. The kids earn badges with XP points to apply to our Class Dojo Leader Board #2PencilChat
A4. Have kids design their own game similar to Dreidel. Or take the point system and see if they can apply it to a game they play, like kickball. (It honestly makes more sense in my head than in a tweet!) #2PencilChat
A4: Gaming is a great way to make learning relative in students' lives! I remember playing a ton of math-related games with probability, quick multiplication facts, and so many more! #2PencilChat
A4: Part deux
I'm also a fan of using Kahoot as a form of summative assessment. My students are very competitive, and don't realize that we are reinforcing their learning.
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A4 Math games are a pretty easy connection, they're fun for the kids, and they really build skills. I love it when I find games that work with other parts of the curriculum, although none are coming to mind atm. #2PencilChat
A4. We can't even do pretend gambling at the detention center. But, I love to try to make things fun or like games. You could make a #Kahoot about it. There's another one that has the word quiz in it, but I can't remember how to spell it...lol #2PencilChat
Q5 The candle light of Hanukkah is both a literal and metaphorical light in the darkness. What are your best tools for providing light where it's needed?
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A5 I've found that listening to students and just letting them feel heard is an amazing way to turn on a light for them when they feel down. #2PencilChat
A5: Throughout my time as a student and as a pre-service teacher, "light" means knowledge and standing out. Teachers provide "light" to students but also guide them through the crazy journey called life. Being a constant reminder of light will go a long way #2PencilChat
A5. Teach kids how to find answers to their questions. Allow kids to illuminate themselves about things that strike their curiosity. We should not be the gatekeepers to knowledge. Teach them to light their own way. #2PencilChat
A5: We need to a light in the darkness. We need to teach students to be those light. We need to have high expectations balanced with compassion. Seriousness balanced with humor. Teaching balanced with learning. We need to make each other strong... #2pencilchat
A5: After conferences this year, I realized that some of my students have a lot of darkness in their lives. To help bring light into their lives, I...
Believe in them, and make sure they know I believe in them.
I agree with Sean, listening to them.
High Fives
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A5. Currently at work, it's using my words, my voice, my writing skills to bring attention to higher ups at the facility that everyone needs to be treated with respect. #2PencilChat
A5- I try to provide light when discussing Ss with other Ts. Illuminating by providing another perspective and encouraging that we view the child through a lens of compassion. #2pencilchat
A5: Being present. Listening. Pushing. Working. Laughing. Assessing. Making kids work for it. Guiding kids to the po8nt that they realize the journey of learning is as important as the destination of knowing... #2pencilchat
A5: Being present. Listening. Pushing. Working. Laughing. Assessing. Making kids work for it. Guiding kids to the po8nt that they realize the journey of learning is as important as the destination of knowing... #2pencilchat
This is so important. It breaks my heart when I hear teachers talking about students as if they're less than human just because they have misbehaviors.
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A5: Just greeting them with a smile (despite how the previous day went) it's always a NEW day each day! Also doing things other Tt may not do (not to be cool, but because I love students to have fun and enjoy being in the classroom! Lots of hard things they deal with #2pencilchat
A5.1 I use my story. Many have told me that I am inspiring. I never try to be. I think that's part of the secret. I'm just open and honest. #2PencilChat
Love without question, without condition. Love others for who they are, not despite who they are. Challenge your own biases at every turn. #2PencilChat A5
Q5 The candle light of Hanukkah is both a literal and metaphorical light in the darkness. What are your best tools for providing light where it's needed?
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I love you SO MUCH, #2PencilChat Pals! Thank you for joining us tonight, and may you have a Happy Hanukkah! Save me some latkes, huh? We'll see you next week!
A1) While teaching theme, I include pieces of literature representing holidays of various religions & cultures. I want my students to see we all share in hope, love, friendship, etc.! My Hanukkah story this year is "The Power of Light" by Isaac Bashevis Singer! 🕯❤ #2PencilChat
