#CCSEdChat Archive

Join us for our district's monthly twitter chat focusing on "Integrating the Arts" on February 1st from 7-8 pm. Come and chat about how to integrate music, art, and other specialized areas into your classroom to build learning across the content areas!

Thursday August 2, 2018
7:00 PM EDT

  • ms_smith_ms - Moderator Aug 2 @ 7:00 PM EDT
    Thank you for joining us for #CCSEdChat ! We're so excited about the chance to learn and share with you!
  • ms_smith_ms - Moderator Aug 2 @ 7:01 PM EDT
    Want to learn more about Cumberland County Schools? Visit: @CumberlandCoSch ! #CCSEdChat
  • ms_smith_ms - Moderator Aug 2 @ 7:02 PM EDT
    To start, tell us a little about you! Share your name, where you work, and what you do. Don't forget to use the hashtag #CCSEdChat !
  • GladysJohnson03 Aug 2 @ 7:02 PM EDT
    Gladys Johnson, @WestoverHS, Instructional Coach #ccsedchat
  • AngelaMLWestmo Aug 2 @ 7:02 PM EDT
    Angela Westmoreland, here! Instructional Coach at Mac Williams MS. :) #CCSEdChat
    In reply to @ms_smith_ms
  • ms_smith_ms - Moderator Aug 2 @ 7:03 PM EDT
    Kathryn Smith, Max Abbott Middle School, EC ASD teacher! #CCSEdChat
  • RMcKayELA Aug 2 @ 7:03 PM EDT
    My name is Ryann McKay. I teach English 2 at @WestoverHS. #CCSEdChat
  • ms_smith_ms - Moderator Aug 2 @ 7:05 PM EDT
    We will be following the Q1, A1 format for tonight's #CCSEdChat. Are you ready? The first question is coming up!
  • ms_smith_ms - Moderator Aug 2 @ 7:06 PM EDT
    Q1 for tonight's #CCSEdChat!
  • RMcKayELA Aug 2 @ 7:07 PM EDT
    A1: I try and setup my room as early as possible so I can spend the rest of my time planning exactly how I want that week to go. I plan for lots of procedure and getting to know you activities. #CCSEdChat
  • ms_smith_ms - Moderator Aug 2 @ 7:08 PM EDT
    A1. I try to have my classroom "done" so that when the first week comes, my room is an inviting space that makes the student excited to be there (especially my nervous 6th graders!) #CCSEdChat
  • ms_smith_ms - Moderator Aug 2 @ 7:09 PM EDT
    I try to do the same thing! Go ahead and get the classroom "done" and out of the way! #CCSEdChat
    In reply to @RMcKayELA
  • AngelaMLWestmo Aug 2 @ 7:09 PM EDT
    A1: I am in a new role this year, so I'm working on curating resources. When I was a classroom T, I would do the same as @RMcKayELA. I tried to focus as much time as possible on planning. #ccsedchat
  • GladysJohnson03 Aug 2 @ 7:09 PM EDT
    A1 For Ss prepare the environment to tone. Want it to be inviting & place they want to come. Same for my Ts as room is an instructional resource space #CCSEdChat
  • ms_smith_ms - Moderator Aug 2 @ 7:10 PM EDT
    Question 2 will be up in just 2 minutes! #CCSEdChat
  • ms_smith_ms - Moderator Aug 2 @ 7:12 PM EDT
    Q2 for tonight's #CCSEdChat!
  • GladysJohnson03 Aug 2 @ 7:12 PM EDT
    A1 I also try and decide what activities I will use to get to know Ss and Ts. Build relationship first #CCSEdChat
  • RMcKayELA Aug 2 @ 7:14 PM EDT
    A2: This year I'm trying something different. I'm going to give students playdough and ask them to sculpt something that represents them and then use it to introduce themselves to the class. I'm hoping it becomes a favorite. #CCSEdChat
  • AngelaMLWestmo Aug 2 @ 7:14 PM EDT
    A2: I love to get the Ss oriented to my style right away. Because I did everything in Google Classroom, I did all of my "Getting to Know You" activities using digital tools, if possible. #ccsedchat
  • AngelaMLWestmo Aug 2 @ 7:15 PM EDT
    That's awesome! #ccsedchat
    In reply to @RMcKayELA
  • ms_smith_ms - Moderator Aug 2 @ 7:15 PM EDT
    Oh man, I love this idea! I've done something similar to this when I was a camp counselor. I find myself using a lot of activities from my time there in my classroom! #CCSEdChat
    In reply to @RMcKayELA
  • ms_smith_ms - Moderator Aug 2 @ 7:16 PM EDT
    A2. Big Moose! It is a game I borrowed from my time as a camp counselor. It's active, and makes the students use their memory. The kids are hesitant at first, but it gets them comfortable around each other quickly! #CCSEdChat
  • GladysJohnson03 Aug 2 @ 7:16 PM EDT
    A2: This past semester I did a take on Three facts & a Fib & included myself. No names on stickies; posted & we tried to guess who the person was. Then they told us which was the fib #CCSEdChat
  • ms_smith_ms - Moderator Aug 2 @ 7:17 PM EDT
    I need to sit down one day and figure out Google Classroom! Idk why I can't get the hang of it 🤦‍♀️#CCSEdChat
    In reply to @AngelaMLWestmo
  • ms_smith_ms - Moderator Aug 2 @ 7:18 PM EDT
    Who's ready for question 3? #CCSEdChat
  • AngelaMLWestmo Aug 2 @ 7:18 PM EDT
    You should take the class I teach online for CCS PD! If I can help, please send me an email. :) #ccsedchat
    In reply to @ms_smith_ms
  • ms_smith_ms - Moderator Aug 2 @ 7:19 PM EDT
    Q3 for tonight's #CCSEdChat!
  • ms_smith_ms - Moderator Aug 2 @ 7:19 PM EDT
    I will totally be signing up! #CCSEdChat
    In reply to @AngelaMLWestmo
  • RMcKayELA Aug 2 @ 7:20 PM EDT
    A3: Learning kid's names. I want to be able to call on them by name, or say hello in the hallway. I want them to know that I value them. #CCSEdChat
  • GladysJohnson03 Aug 2 @ 7:20 PM EDT
    A3: Set my standards & expectations for Ss especially pertaining to work ethic and academics, along with rules and procedures #CCSEdChat
  • AngelaMLWestmo Aug 2 @ 7:21 PM EDT
    A3: Start building that rapport with Ss. That will eliminate a lot of discipline problems from the start when Ss know you truly care and you want to get to know them as individuals. #ccsedchat
    In reply to @ms_smith_ms
  • GladysJohnson03 Aug 2 @ 7:22 PM EDT
    A3: For my Ts getting to know the staff, their areas, and letting them know how I can assist them #CCSEdChat
  • ms_smith_ms - Moderator Aug 2 @ 7:23 PM EDT
    Can I just quote your tweet and claim it as mine, lol? That's exactly how I feel! #CCSEdChat
    In reply to @AngelaMLWestmo
  • AngelaMLWestmo Aug 2 @ 7:23 PM EDT
    Absolutely! I tried to do this ASAP. #ccsedchat
    In reply to @RMcKayELA
  • ms_smith_ms - Moderator Aug 2 @ 7:24 PM EDT
    Here comes question 4! #CCSEdChat
  • AngelaMLWestmo Aug 2 @ 7:24 PM EDT
    This is so important for me to read, too! Good advice. Thank you! #ccsedchat
    In reply to @GladysJohnson03
  • ms_smith_ms - Moderator Aug 2 @ 7:24 PM EDT
    I had a professor in college who took pictures of us, with our permission of course, and created flash cards to help her learn ALL her students name and faces! #CCSEdChat
    In reply to @RMcKayELA
  • AngelaMLWestmo Aug 2 @ 7:25 PM EDT
    Great minds think alike! #ccsedchat
    In reply to @ms_smith_ms
  • ms_smith_ms - Moderator Aug 2 @ 7:25 PM EDT
    Q4 for tonight's #CCSEdChat!
  • ms_smith_ms - Moderator Aug 2 @ 7:26 PM EDT
    A4. This didn't start out as a rule in my classroom, but truly became a mantra. It helped encourage my students to take academic risks and to not be embarrassed when mistakes are made, especially in front of other classmates. #CCSEdChat
  • AngelaMLWestmo Aug 2 @ 7:27 PM EDT
    A4: I used a Classroom Creed. First one was we will all give 100%. #ccsedchat
    In reply to @ms_smith_ms
  • twkellyMRES Aug 2 @ 7:27 PM EDT
    A4: No one gets left out! (Not necessarily a rule, but a practice) It helps to reiterate that everyone belongs in our class and that everyone is of value. #CCSEdChat
  • GladysJohnson03 Aug 2 @ 7:28 PM EDT
    A4: I use L.E.A.R.N. Listen attentively, Enter promptly, Accept responsibility, Respect others, and No Excuses. No excuses pertaining to putting forth effort and trying. "IDK" is not acceptable if you haven't put forth effort to think or try yet. #CCSEdChat
  • RMcKayELA Aug 2 @ 7:28 PM EDT
    A4: I tell my kids I am mama bear. And if someone messes with my Cubs, inside my class or not, they need to tell me. I try to have open discussions, so I let kids know that putting others down will not be acceptable. #CCSEdChat
  • twkellyMRES Aug 2 @ 7:29 PM EDT
    Tamika Kelly, Elementary Music K-5th, @MorgantonRoadES (And super late-so sorry!) #CCSEdChat
  • ms_smith_ms - Moderator Aug 2 @ 7:30 PM EDT
    Oh, I love a good acronym! #CCSEdChat
    In reply to @GladysJohnson03
  • ms_smith_ms - Moderator Aug 2 @ 7:31 PM EDT
    Just one minute until question 5! #CCSEdChat
  • angelenaowens07 Aug 2 @ 7:31 PM EDT
    A4: Getting the Ss involved in creating the rules gives them ownership #CCSEdChat
  • ms_smith_ms - Moderator Aug 2 @ 7:32 PM EDT
    Q5 for tonight's #CCSEdChat!
  • ms_smith_ms - Moderator Aug 2 @ 7:33 PM EDT
    I had my students create rules/expectations (with my help) for them, as well as the rules/expectations they wanted ME to follow! Then, we all signed saying that we would uphold these rules. #CCSEdChat
    In reply to @angelenaowens07
  • RMcKayELA Aug 2 @ 7:33 PM EDT
    A5: I have specific places that work gets turned into and passed out from. Putting it anywhere else means it does not get graded. I need Ss to understand this so they don't get confused and then say I lost it. #CCSEdChat
  • ms_smith_ms - Moderator Aug 2 @ 7:34 PM EDT
    A5. Routines are especially important in my classroom. I think the most important one for my students is the actual schedule of the day and how to move through it. Visual representations of these schedules also helps a lot. #CCSEdChat
  • GladysJohnson03 Aug 2 @ 7:35 PM EDT
    A5: Procedures for ACTIVELY listening. Includes respecting other perspectives, answers, & thinking about what was said. I'm not going to continuously repeat myself & peers contributions are as important as yours in the class. #CCSEdChat
  • AngelaMLWestmo Aug 2 @ 7:36 PM EDT
    A5: Classroom workflow procedures. Without these, Ss don't know how to turn anything in or when things are due. #ccsedchat
  • AngelaMLWestmo Aug 2 @ 7:36 PM EDT
    Such a good point! #ccsedchat
    In reply to @GladysJohnson03
  • technotchr Aug 2 @ 7:36 PM EDT
    Hi everybody. I almost missed the #ccsedchat completely. Been a busy day!
  • technotchr Aug 2 @ 7:38 PM EDT
    I would have missed the chat completely if I hadn’t seen this tweet! #ccsedchat
    In reply to @twkellyMRES, @MorgantonRoadES
  • twkellyMRES Aug 2 @ 7:38 PM EDT
    A5: The most important thing I teach is how to enter, exit, and respond to cues. Super important to set the tone and keep student engagement. #CCSEdChat
  • ms_smith_ms - Moderator Aug 2 @ 7:39 PM EDT
    Question 6 is just around the corner! #CCSEdChat
  • ms_smith_ms - Moderator Aug 2 @ 7:40 PM EDT
    Q6 for tonight's #CCSEdChat!
  • angelenaowens07 Aug 2 @ 7:40 PM EDT
    A5: creating that sense of cimmunity. #CCSEdChat
  • RMcKayELA Aug 2 @ 7:41 PM EDT
    A6: I try to add movement of some kind. I don't want them just to be stagnant. #CCSEdChat
  • GladysJohnson03 Aug 2 @ 7:42 PM EDT
    A6: Role play. Ss do a small skit on what it doesn't look & what it does. #CCSEdChat
  • AngelaMLWestmo Aug 2 @ 7:42 PM EDT
    A6: I like to give them choices, input, and, like @RMcKayELA said, movement. Interaction is important! #ccsedchat
  • ms_smith_ms - Moderator Aug 2 @ 7:43 PM EDT
    A6. The first few weeks we go over the rules every day. My Ss will volunteer to read them for the whole class. When we go over voice levels I try to make it silly. Make them say funny phrases as we practice it a few times! #CCSEdChat
  • twkellyMRES Aug 2 @ 7:44 PM EDT
    A6: For my K-1, we have a chant that goes with our music class expectations. For all of them, I introduce them with my @ClassDojo avatars (our pet monsters) 😊 #CCSEdChat
  • ms_smith_ms - Moderator Aug 2 @ 7:45 PM EDT
    Ready or not, here comes question 7! #CCSEdChat
  • ms_smith_ms - Moderator Aug 2 @ 7:45 PM EDT
    My middle schoolers will act like they're not impressed with Dojo....and then I let them pick out their monsters and its a WHOLE different story lol! #CCSEdChat
    In reply to @twkellyMRES, @ClassDojo
  • ms_smith_ms - Moderator Aug 2 @ 7:46 PM EDT
    Q7 for tonight's #CCSEdChat!
  • technotchr Aug 2 @ 7:46 PM EDT
    A6) not sure this makes it fun but I involve Ss in forming the routines & procedures when I can so there is buy-in #ccsedchat
  • technotchr Aug 2 @ 7:48 PM EDT
    A6) My Ss also thought that some of the routines that go with Whole Brain teaching were fun #ccsedchat https://t.co/wdUAtTfYoS
  • GladysJohnson03 Aug 2 @ 7:48 PM EDT
    A7: They could do vision boards of themselves, or in basic 1st day survey ask what they want YOU to know about them. Showing that interest in who they are beyond your classroom walls. #CCSEdChat
  • ms_smith_ms - Moderator Aug 2 @ 7:49 PM EDT
    It's hard to believe, but our last question for tonight's #CCSEdChat is coming right up!
  • ms_smith_ms - Moderator Aug 2 @ 7:50 PM EDT
    Q8 for tonight's #CCSEdChat!
  • technotchr Aug 2 @ 7:50 PM EDT
    A7) Find out what they are passionate about and make connections between their passions and the content/skills we need to learn. #ccsedchat
  • AngelaMLWestmo Aug 2 @ 7:50 PM EDT
    A7: I ask them questions and make sure to remember the answers. Go to games and events. Support them in their struggles. Differentiate their learning as best I can. #ccsedchat
  • RMcKayELA Aug 2 @ 7:50 PM EDT
    A7: I try to learn about a student and then use it in my classroom. For example, Friday warmups are free writes but include a topic of you need one. If a student mentions something in there that I feel is safe to share and use in an example, I will. #CCSEdChat
  • RMcKayELA Aug 2 @ 7:51 PM EDT
    A8: I try to call and introduce myself early on. I don't want their first interaction with me to be negative if I can avoid it. #CCSEdChat
  • ms_smith_ms - Moderator Aug 2 @ 7:51 PM EDT
    A7. I try to find out their interests and incorporate it into the classroom lessons and activities. Help w/ engagement as well as showing that I listen and care about them! #CCSEdChat
  • ms_smith_ms - Moderator Aug 2 @ 7:52 PM EDT
    A8. I feel like I had a positive relationship with all my parents this past SY, but it was hard for me to communicate with a lot of them. This is something I definitely struggled with this past SY. Interested in seeing ppl's answers! #CCSEdChat
  • AngelaMLWestmo Aug 2 @ 7:53 PM EDT
    A8: Absolutely agree with @RMcKayELA. I try to have as many positive interactions with parents as possible. I also post grades as often as I can and keep them informed. #ccsedchat
  • GladysJohnson03 Aug 2 @ 7:54 PM EDT
    A8: I think this becomes harder & harder on secondary level due to less visibility of parents. Calls & positive notes home, interaction @ games, and extracurricular activities helps but keeping it positive #CCSEdChat
  • ms_smith_ms - Moderator Aug 2 @ 7:57 PM EDT
    Remember go to https://t.co/FWUZGirbnL for archived chats and details about upcoming chat opportunities! #CCSEdChat
  • ms_smith_ms - Moderator Aug 2 @ 7:58 PM EDT
    So glad you could join us for #CCSEdChat! Hope you will return and invite a friend next month!
  • ms_smith_ms - Moderator Aug 2 @ 7:59 PM EDT
    Be sure to join us on September 6th for the next #CCSEdChat!
  • ms_smith_ms - Moderator Aug 2 @ 7:59 PM EDT
    Thank you all for participating and for all you do to serve NC Students! #CCSEdChat
  • AngelaMLWestmo Aug 2 @ 7:59 PM EDT
    Thanks so much! #ccsedchat
  • angelenaowens07 Aug 2 @ 7:59 PM EDT
    A8 Definitively reaching out to Ss and Parents early on using home phone #, emails and addresses #CCSEdChat