#fcpslearn is a weekly chat about teaching and learning. Our focus is on creativity, innovation and inspiration. We discuss a range of educational topics that range from technology integration to the Olympics.
Hey all! Phil from Clarke County, VA. I teach 6/7 US History. If @theedpodcast is up for one more chat, I think his love of film will compel him to #fcpslearn right now! Lol
A1: You must make your classroom an environment that feels like "home." It must be safe, trusting, supportive, and just like home, push you when needed.
#fcpslearn
A1: I bring myself to the classroom, which only I can do. I’d be interested to hear what Ss think makes classrooms different or the same as one another #fcpslearn
A1: My students have said on surveys that they appreciate my positivity. Have had many say that they like that I actually take the time to know them. I value them and I want them to know that! #fcpslearn
A1~
~love them & their families unconditionally
~judgement free zone
~hold them accountable with tons of understanding & support that meets their needs
~ encouragement in being little ~ no rush to get older 😂
#fcpslearn
A1 I try to make my classroom feel warm and inviting by adding little touches to make it personal. I also try to greet them each day, and always end with "thanks for working hard. Have a great rest of your day." #fcpslearn
A1: I am authentically myself in the classroom. I'm silly, nerdy, and very transparent about how much I love learning. I give students space to be themselves #fcpslearn
A2: Hearts first, brains second. That motto is what I live by as an educator. If someone needs to let go of the academics for the day in favor of taking care of their mental health, that is OKAY! #fcpslearn
A2: Support for some students comes through official plans and accommodations. For most, though, support comes through relationships that inform the Ts instruction and guidance.
#fcpslearn
A1 - The content...teaching psychology is just fantastic. I'm able to discuss cognition, learning, memory, disorders, treatment, sleep, research methods, sensation, perception, etc.
A lot of topics that most classes don't cover.
#fcpslearn
A1: my students often told me I was relatable. A favorite from a S: “You take the job seriously, but you don’t take yourself too seriously.” 💜 #fcpslearn
A2: See A1. When we take time to listen to others, it lets them know they have been "seen", and that their concerns have value in our space. #fcpslearn
A1: listen and keep assumptions holstered. Find alternative solutions but still teach them what is expected and hold them accountable. Provide positive reinforcement. #fcpslearn
A2 - Again, I teach psychology, so I'm able to talk about and help to combat the stigmas that come with psychological disorders. Many Ss and Ts know what that feels like, so helping to make something so taboo much more acceptable to talk about and discuss helps all. #fcpslearn
A1: I laugh with them. We have class stories and inside jokes and “things.” I give them time and space to breathe and laugh at their silly answers. And my room is pink. Like everything. Besides. How can you not want to come see a face like this everyday?!!! #fcpslearn
A2 #fcpslearn
MS kiddos are going through a lot, so it's all about helping them find balance. They all need different things, and you can't be everything to everyone. I just try to be open, honest and a safe space each day.
That's my favorite thing to do. Greet them at the door to set the tone. Be the last face they see before they leave for the day. Thank them for being present. Floors them, every time. #fcpslearn
A2: Students won't care to learn until/unless they learn that you care. Support comes from relationships first. Once you know your students you'll have a better grip on what they truly need. Then it's just a matter of following through. #fcpslearn
A2: when they are having a bad day, week, etc. I ask about it. I don’t give them a hard time. What’s going on? You aren’t yourself? How can I help? Also allow movement. Give them space to breathe and #givethemastinkinpencil#fcpslearn
Sometimes I switch it up and say thanks for being awesome. MS kiddos may not show it, but they still need that affirmation from adults in their lives. #fcpslearn
A2~
~routines, consistency
~TONS of second chances
~lots of tears of joy ...
~transparency with our emotions ~ we talk about everything & how our actions effect not only themselves, but others
~ AND we laugh together
#fcpslearn
A3: Helping Ss realize and build upon their strengths is all about relationships and utilizing formative assessment to drive personalized instruction and guidance.
#fcpslearn
A3: Remind them constantly that they can and will change the world, in their own unique and incredible ways. Passive and active leaders each have their own amazing ways of contributing to the world! #fcpslearn
A2: physically, I accept what they tell me- need a drink or bathroom? ok. Not feeling well? I try to help find a solution. Too tired, or stressed? Take a rest & come back to the task later. They need to start learning about self-care. #fcpslearn
Q2: Constantly reminding myself that They 👏🏼 Are 👏🏼 Kids 👏🏼 It’s easy to say “they should know by now”, but that doesn’t benefit Ss. I seek to understand our Ss so I can best suooort them in difficult, emotional situations in a genuinely caring way. #fcpslearn
You and I both know that MS kiddos need that attention the most, even if they don't show it. I feel weird on lab days when I am resetting stations and can't always be at the door. #fcpslearn
I always say, "The cement is still wet," with regards to these kids. If we wait until they have life "figured out" in high school or later, we have missed our window of opportunity. I would do anything for my middle school kids. #fcpslearn
A3: I operate as a mirror for my students. From my perspective, I am able to show them "blind spots" that they may not see from their own vantage point. I reflect the good, as well as the growth edges. #fcpslearn
A2: I like to remind them that I have emotional and physical needs too. I model goal-setting, taking deep breaths, and how I feel when I make mistakes. #fcpslearn
I think it’s important to help them see how they give to the class with concrete and clear feedback. We give “shout outs” throughout the day to call these great things out and to encourage kids to keep contributing. #fcpslearn
A4: When I taught science, one of my 1st lessons was always about how the sci. method / process of inquiry is CIRCULAR, not linear. There is no end. Moving into a STEM position, we talk a lot about the progression of tech & constant development / improvement. #fcpslearn
A4: Helping Ss realize that learning is about the "long game" comes in the form of Ts modeling and emphasis on the science that backs #growthmindset.
#fcpslearn
A3~tell them you love them, show them w/your actions that they are the best ever, honor them and their diversity, appreciate them with thank yous, high fives, smiles ... this is one of my angels 💕💕💕 she is one of my WHYs
#fcpslearn
I always tell them, "The best ideas are hidden right inside of our classroom, in the hearts and minds of our students." It's up to us to give them a platform to share their voice. #fcpslearn
A3: I give them leadership roles and ask for their help. I remind them how capable they are and how much they matter. I try to build their confidence as I build up their self-esteem. #fcpslearn
A4: We must connect the dots to outside activities and previous engagements in order to make the learning a lasting experience. When we find these on-ramps and access points, we need to take advantage of them. #fcpslearn
A3~tell them you love them, show them w/your actions that they are the best ever, honor them and their diversity, appreciate them with thank yous, high fives, smiles ... this is one of my angels 💕💕💕 she is one of my WHYs
#fcpslearn
A3: I’m one of those people who are excited about everything. I get super excited to hear about their strengths and interests. Also don’t leave them in the deep end to drown. I learn with them. Love when they teach me things!! #fcpslearn
A4: I share my learning w them. Also try to remember to share with them where we’ve been, where we’re headed. In #finlit , explain how priorities change throughout life & experiences teach us things as we go.
A5: Differences for good or for the not so good, make us individuals and unique. Knowing all sides of the equation is what helps Ts reach out with just the right amounts/kinds of guidance for Ss.
#fcpslearn
A5: The idea that we may be the only bright spot in a student's day gives me the perspective I need to start fresh every morning with those tricky ones. At the end of the day, they're kids. Still developing, and always in need of love and care. Why deny them that? #fcpslearn
A5: When we truly get to know our Ss stories, doors of opportunity soon open. Many "difficult" Ss have lost hope in the edu process bc they are expected to fit a mold they may not be capable of reaching. Learning looks different for all of us. *Speaks from experience* #fcpslearn
A5.2: We cannot let other's opinions influence how we handle incoming classes. Too often, many of these "difficult" learners have the odds stacked against them because of reputation and start the year at -30. *Again, speaks from experience* #fcpslearn
A5: I give them grace. Every moment is a time to start over. I apologize when I’m wrong. make sure I stop and actually talk to these students. Build a relationship and find out what makes them tick. Again, I don’t get on them for silly things. #givethemastinkinpencil#fcpslearn
We stopped doing transitions meetings at the start of the year because it wasn't helpful, and we wanted to make up our own minds. Now we do meetings once we know the kids better. #fcpslearn
A4~ one funny thing we do ... when they hear “ I’m done” the whole class ( no joke) shouts soooo loud ... We’re never done learning, followed by high 5’s, hoo~rahs and what sounds like dogs barking ~ hysterical and they get that ... Learning is certainly a Journey ❤️#fcpslearn
