A1: Students have to feel welcome and safe. They must feel they can try things and not be judged. The culture in the classroom is where it all starts. #txed
So the students feel wecomed, valued, trusted, loved. It’s amazing what a student can do and the potential that can arise when they are given the right environment to shine!! #TXed
It's the eve of Friday Eve and it's 8:30 PM CST that means it's time for #txed chat! Jerry Toups aka #JediOfBelieve HS Math Tr from the Houston, TX area. Since 1990 my 1st rule has been #AlwaysBeleive in Yourself. #ItWorlks
A1. Simply put, learning can be hard for many students and we have to create safe environments for them to make mistakes, grow, and learn from others. #TXed
A1: @TXEDMod, the classroom is where students and teachers spend the bulk of their time so boosting the SEL and having a positive classroom@culture is imperative. #TXed#thehumancomponent
A1: Culture trumps everything. You can accomplish so much in a positive culture even with limited skills and, likewise, can accomplish very little in a negative culture even with exceptional skills. #txed
#txed A1 Being POSITIVE is the greatest thing you can project on your 1st day of school. This is a flow chart of how I inspire my Ss and create a dynamic classroom environment.
A1: Learning cannot happen when Ss don't feel they are in a safe space, which is part of classroom culture. I was specifically talking about that this morning to a colleague: Ss remember the Ts that made a difference (both good AND bad). How do we want to be remembered? #txed
#txed A1 Being positive as an educator will PRODUCE JOY. This JOY will overtake your classroom and create a dynamic learning environment. Your students WILL WANT to be in your room. This is my cycle of bieng positive and JOY.
A1: School culture matters bc no curriculum resource, or program can have success w/out a positive school culture & climate. As a former supt, I understood this is the reason why the other elements of successful school are able to flourish. #txed
Whose choice is #SchoolChoice?
Current law, as well as TEA’s latest “snapshot” data, reveals that charter schools are permitted to exclude students... Yet, charters receive more funding from the state per student than 95% of all students in #TxEd.
#TxLegehttps://t.co/r2fMlKWYuJ
This is so very accurate- I love the emphasis on THEIR learning. I always say, if Ss are not in charge of THEIR learning, it won't happen to the greatest capacity possible #txed
#txed A2 the Tr MUST BE POSITIVE for a postive culture to exist. When you are positive and you LOVE the kids, you can FEEL the love in the room when you walk in. The kids will behave out of LOVE instead of fear of not following a rule or getting a mark.
A2. Data.. you have to assess your students in order to build the relationships needed to foster positive school culture. Also, follow @AngelWilson36, she is great with culture! #TXed
Whose choice is #SchoolChoice?
Current law, as well as TEA’s latest “snapshot” data, reveals that charter schools are permitted to exclude students... Yet, charters receive more funding from the state per student than 95% of all students in #TxEd.... https://t.co/r2fMlKWYuJ
A1 On any given day, a student (or staff member) will come to school unable to articulate difficulties they are having. A positive culture makes part of the day a little more bearable and sometimes ends up creating changes in attitudes and actions for the better. #TXED
I agree data is important, but sometimes I feel we are relying too much on the data. We also need to consider what our heart and our gut are telling us when communicating with our Ss. #txed
This is what “Education Reform” (Common Core aligned College and Career Readiness) has done to America‘s children. It is beyond shameful! Legislators do you see what the consequences are of what YOU have legislated!! #Txed#Txlegehttps://t.co/iIa6qYIzZw
A2 first off - yes - to everything already mentioned... but we (teachers) HAVE to be real! You can't fake respect and love. My son is always complaining about "fake smiles" and "fake concern" #txed
That is a great point! Kids can see through that. Be honest with them. LOVE THEM. You will also have bad days once in a while. If you are honest with them about it they often respect that even more. #txed
A3: I model it, I praise it when I see it, & we discuss what is wrong with unkind behavior when it is exhibited and how it hurts others! Going back to the "why" and starting there is always essential! #txed
Model it, always! Compliment kids you see being “extra” kind. Role play scenarios (I did this a lot with my adaptive behavior kids)... just like anything, kindness can be taught! #TXed
A3 We celebrate successes of one another, give high fives and fist bumps when we do something great, give cheers for one another, & write notes of thankfulness every week. When you walk the talk, Ss will too! #TxEd
A3: @TXEDMod, kindness is learned through kindness. In our classrooms, students were taught the mantras “this is a safe place to be both right and wrong” and “I respectfully disagree because...” #TXed
A3. As administrators, let it be ok for kindness to occur through fun/engaging activities. It's not always about crunching numbers. Also, you can incorporate systems (saying thank you, respecting the speaker, etc.) that foster kindness. #TXed
#txed A3 Watch this amazing 7 minute video made by a student at my school for a journalism project. It goes right along with our chat. It is POWERFUL! Wish the young lady luck on advancing to the state finals with this project. #WorthTheWatchhttps://t.co/QyCVXGNNqe
A3: You have to build empathy throughout the year. Too many of our students lack empathy for one another. Also teaching students to "fill others buckets" is also vital. #TXed
Love that I am seeing "model it" for a lot of answers to #3. I can't stand watching a teacher ridicule a student for not being kind and respectful to then turn around and disrespect someone else. Practice what you preach! #txed
A3: @BrenhamElem we have teachers who provide structured opportunities for students to express gratitude and appreciation to different groups in the school through cards or small treats. We also do notes of encouragement & kindness challenges #txed
A3 Modeling kindness is helpful...along with teaching good manners and respect. A small act of kindness can make a huge impact. It’s great to feel included and respected. #TXED
When I taught elementary I made my class "a team" ... They had to support and protect their team . We didn't have to be best friends - but we has to look e like family. The kids got it! #txed
Don’t do what Disaster @DanPatrick wants, he tries to silence you. You cut off your nose despite your face.
Supporting @kseliger and all the other #TXLege that stand up for people and not politics. Mr @FallonForTexas, I’m expecting you to stand up for #TxEd#GiveEmKel@Texans4E
There’s a new vote count in the Texas Senate.
18 Republicans that aren't Kel Seliger.
12 Democrats.
And 1 Kel Seliger.
Remember: You need 19 votes to bring a bill to the floor.
#txlegehttps://t.co/dCcr1nlDhn
#txed A3 The best way to teach these attributes is to role model, in and out of your room. WALK THE TALK! The kids will see this! Rachel Scott Challenge is a great thing also. A little kindness will go a long way.
When I taught elementary I made my class "a team" ... They had to support and protect their team . We didn't have to be best friends - but we has to look after each other like family. The kids got it! #txed
A4: @TXEDMod, safety is felt through the establishment of trust and takes a bit of time. You have to walk the talk or kids won’t trust. No trust = unsafe. #txed#thehumancomponent
A4: Show you make mistakes and own up to them. Be there for them...however they need you that day. Stand up for and with them for things they believe in. Once again, lead by example. Protect them as best you can. #txed
A4: preach it ~ you're a kid and supposed to make mistakes. U learn from mistakes. So we'll tell the truth, learn from it, forgive, and move forward.
Hugs are great too!
#txed.
#txed As my students leave my room each day, I stand by my door, point to them and say #YouAreAWEsome and then pat them on the shoulder as they walk out. I even had a kid that I didn't teach walk by my room and ask me "Mr. Toups, am I awesome?" KIDS NEED TO HEAR THIS!
A4: Creating safety can happen so many ways. As a coach, one of the ways I find most effective is keeping sarcasm at a minimum and saying what you mean. For young students this helps them build emotional trust, fear of failure and embarrassment are lessened. #TXed
A4. Class meetings at the beginning or end of the day is a good way. Also, restorative circles work! Students can choose to share or not. You sometimes have to set aside personal adult agendas and just listen to our students. #TXed
Come up with rules & expectations together, when the students have buy in of helping create these, they will feel more connected to them & feel safe in their own environment.
Clean organized classroom.
Pay attention to the kids and make them feel valued, at all times!
#TXed
A4 I hate to oversimplify this - but I treat my students the same way I treat my personal children. We're learning to be awesome ... You will always be cared for and protected by me! Mamma bear for all 💚💛 #txed
#txed A4 When Ss disrespect each other NIP THE ACTION IN THE BUTT! Make sure the Ss know this isn't accepted. If you love them, and are positive with them, they will respond in kind.
A4 as a @DilleyISD#SchoolBoardMember we make sure our administration has the tools and recourses to keep students safe. I’m always on the search for more effective ways to keep our kids & staff safe.
A5: Allow them to help make the rules for the classroom. They invest in their education. Choice boards for assignments when possible. I like trying to put time into each day for them to choose what we do. Not always possible but appreciated when it happens. #txed
A5: One of my fav ways to incorporate SS TEKS into my ELAR classroom was to have a mini govt set up. Ss could vote on items such as what to do during rainy recess to what snacks at the EOY party. They could write bills, lobby, and really share control of our classroom. #TXed
A5. I agree with a previous statement highlighting the importance of students creating the norms/rules WITH the teacher. Also, dont underestimate the power of student surveys! Very useful! #TXed
A5: 1st, foundation skill of respecting their voice. Tell SS from 1st day of school, u can always ask me to chat in the hall, even if it's "give me some space"
Listen, listen, listen. We can't always drive the boat. #txed
You can give Ss choices for almost everything & YOU SHOULD! Choice may be as simple as the color marker to be used on whiteboard, or as complex as what is my final project going to be, paper or presentation, BUT both will create student buyin & make the learner feel valued! #TXed
#txed A5 Most of my classes involve peer tutoring. I walk around and LISTEN to my Ss teach each other while I facilitate. This is a great time to develop relationships. #AlwaysBelieve
Playlists are great! We do a week-long training over the summer with teachers. The last couple years I requested from teachers their 3 favorite songs and created a @Spotify playlist with them. It is fun to see even an adult's reaction when their song is played. #txed
A6: You hope it is contagious. As I said before, it is amazing how fast negativity can spread. The same can be said for positivity. It can star with a small act and balloon into something big...good or bad. Let's make sure it is heading in the right direction. #txed
A6: You hope it is contagious. As I said before, it is amazing how fast negativity can spread. The same can be said for positivity. It can star with a small act and balloon into something big...good or bad. Let's make sure it is heading in the right direction. #txed
Think about how one positive thing something says to you can make your day, same in respect to one positive classroom can help lift up the school culture. Everyone feeds of positive energy! The positive individual classroom culture will create all the positive vibes! #TXed
#txed A6 When you are POSITIVE at all times THIS WILL INSPIRE those around you! I wrote this over 20 years ago. When you are POSITIVE every day, it will not only inspire your Ss but also your coworkers. #BeenThereDoneThat and I am still doing this. <3 my job!
A5 This is an area in need of improving... Our class has learned that the majority rules and students have class jobs. However, I could work on providing more student choices throughout the day for their learning as well. There’s so much to do and so little time... #TXED
A6: When you’re rocking and rolling in your classroom ... administrators, teachers, other students, and parents all notice. You may not notice them but you’re planting seeds of engagement, hope, change, positivity. Go with your gut and just keep swimming! #TXed
Thank you, everyone, for joining us on #txed tonight. As always it was amazing and inspiring! Have a great rest of your week. Don't forget to give your new friends a follow. See you next time! #txed
