#mschat Archive

A chat that offers middle school teachers a chance to have a collaborative discussion about a different topic each week. Our topics change from week to week, ranging from Common Core State Standards to Character Education. During the chat, participants exchanges ideas and resources. The chat group ranges in size each week from 10 to 50+ participants. Discussion can be general talking about instructional style or process to specific. Recently members of the chat group help each other create lessons.

Thursday February 7, 2019
8:00 PM EST

  • cmt215il Feb 7 @ 8:00 PM EST
    Welcome to #mschat ! Please introduce yourself!
  • cmt215il Feb 7 @ 8:01 PM EST
    I'm a 7th grade math teacher in suburban Chicago and the chair of the board of trustees for @AMLE. #mschat
  • JoveStickel Feb 7 @ 8:01 PM EST
    I’m Jove a MS Principal from frozen MO #mschat
  • LauraPatranella Feb 7 @ 8:01 PM EST
    Greetings from South Central Texas! I'm excited for my first #mschat 🍏
  • ScholesE15 Feb 7 @ 8:01 PM EST
    Erin, from Northeastern CT #mschat
  • Beyond_the_Desk Feb 7 @ 8:01 PM EST
    Katie, 6th gr reading & ELA, IN #mschat
  • MrPStrunk Feb 7 @ 8:01 PM EST
    Hey all! Phil from Northern Virginia. I teach 6/7 US History I&II and am the founder of #waledchat (Thurs @ 9pm ET) and #Edusations (https://t.co/tFjvnT6iL0). Glad to be here! #mschat
  • Mr_Lisek Feb 7 @ 8:02 PM EST
    Hello, #mschat crew! Ryan in MI, 6th Grade Social Studies. I also host The My Middle Level Mind Podcast on iTunes (https://t.co/Ffb4aDCT4s) and now on Spotify (https://t.co/9naGUigYru)! This week we had @Beyond_the_Desk on for a great conversation. Check it out!
  • KatieNovakUDL Feb 7 @ 8:02 PM EST
    Hi all! Cuddled in an electric blanket in Massachusetts! Former MS teacher and current asst supt of schools. #mschat
  • cmt215il Feb 7 @ 8:03 PM EST
    Welcome! I am so glad you are here! This is my first time hosting #mschat so we will both be newbies in a way tonight. :)
    In reply to @LauraPatranella
  • Mr_Lisek Feb 7 @ 8:03 PM EST
    Welcome! We look forward to learning with you. #mschat
    In reply to @LauraPatranella
  • cmt215il Feb 7 @ 8:04 PM EST
    Q1: When you were in middle school, you have a meaningful connection with one of your middle school teachers or another staff member? #mschat
  • Mr_Lisek Feb 7 @ 8:04 PM EST
    Great to be chatting with you again tonight, Jove! #mschat
    In reply to @JoveStickel
  • cmt215il Feb 7 @ 8:05 PM EST
    A1: I didn't have a connection with any staff & I honestly can't remember the vast majority of their names. I wish this hadn't been the case & I try to do better with my students. #mschat
  • EDUcre8ive Feb 7 @ 8:06 PM EST
    Exploring the Nordics...with personal voice, creativity - student video creation. #edtech #mschat #geography #edchat @OCPSinnovation
  • MrPStrunk Feb 7 @ 8:06 PM EST
    A1: Big fan of Ms. Laverty. She had me and then my two little siblings. I had the privilege to teach in the same school as her when I first got out of college. Were it not for her, I don't know if I would have ever loved reading again after a bad 5th grade experience. #mschat
  • ScholesE15 Feb 7 @ 8:06 PM EST
    A1) Mr. H, 6th grade math. I was one of 4 girls in an advanced class of 30. He always took time to make sure we were heard. He is also the reason I ran track. Oh, and did I mention I teach middle school math...hmm! #mschat
  • JoveStickel Feb 7 @ 8:06 PM EST
    A1 Yes one of my Wreatling coaches. Made me feel like I was something special and could do anything #mschat
  • Beyond_the_Desk Feb 7 @ 8:07 PM EST
    A1: Yes, I had the same GT teacher half days 3-6 grade. She was the first teacher—maybe the first person—I felt really SAW me. #mschat
  • Mr_Lisek Feb 7 @ 8:08 PM EST
    A1: I don’t remember having much of a connection with any individual staff member, but growing up in small town Michigan, the teacher knew you and you knew them. #mschat
  • Beyond_the_Desk Feb 7 @ 8:08 PM EST
    Yes. She literally changed my life. #mschat
    In reply to @cmt215il
  • cmt215il Feb 7 @ 8:09 PM EST
    Q2: This is awesome that so many of you had a teacher who bonded with you in middle school! Does your current school do something to ensure that every student has an adult advocate? #mschat
  • LauraPatranella Feb 7 @ 8:09 PM EST
    A1: I never had a very close relationship with a teacher in middle school. I was always jealous of my older brother, who did, and I was just the *little sister*..my school experience is a BIG part of what I want to provide for my students. #mschat
  • jordyn_pistilli Feb 7 @ 8:10 PM EST
    Hi all! I'm a little late to the game but my name is Jordyn and I'm a PST studying Hist & SS Sec Ed at Grove City College in PA. It's my 1st time tuning in to #mschat It's looking like my student teaching placement will be in a 7th grade classroom so I'm excited 2 learn! #mschat
  • ScholesE15 Feb 7 @ 8:10 PM EST
    Welcome to #mschat ! So exciting, middle school is the place to be!!
    In reply to @jordyn_pistilli
  • KatieNovakUDL Feb 7 @ 8:10 PM EST
    A1: Thank goodness I did. I still remember my home room teacher bought me a pair of jean shorts to thank me for being a home room rep. She was amazing. #mschat
  • Beyond_the_Desk Feb 7 @ 8:10 PM EST
    A2: We schedule every kid in an advisory so they have a home-base teacher. I think we can do more to be more intentional about that opportunity to connect & make sure we’re not missing anyone, but it’s a good start. #mschat
  • JoveStickel Feb 7 @ 8:11 PM EST
    A2 we pride ourselves on making connections with kids and those that seem to struggle we work hard to find “their person” #mschat
  • MrPStrunk Feb 7 @ 8:12 PM EST
    A2: I think our school culture and staff dynamic works in a way that most of our students have advocates. I know last year I was a big fan of a kid that had previously been labeled as "that" kid. All schools can def. improve in this area though. #mschat
  • jordyn_pistilli Feb 7 @ 8:12 PM EST
    A1: my middle school orchestra T played the same instrument as me and always encouraged me in my love of music #mschat
  • Beyond_the_Desk Feb 7 @ 8:12 PM EST
    Welcome to the group! #mschat
    In reply to @jordyn_pistilli
  • KatieNovakUDL Feb 7 @ 8:12 PM EST
    That is a great start. It may be cool to ask advisors to reflect on their relationship with each student - how well do they really know them? What do they like to do outside of school? What is magical about them?? #mschat
    In reply to @Beyond_the_Desk
  • ScholesE15 Feb 7 @ 8:12 PM EST
    As a team we make recommendations for who our Ss should be with for the following year for homeroom/advisory. We do this at the end of the year once we really really know the kids, and we know our colleagues, so we try to pair their styles with Ss who need them! #mschat
    In reply to @Beyond_the_Desk
  • jordyn_pistilli Feb 7 @ 8:13 PM EST
    Thanks! I'm excited to be here and learn from current Ts who have a heart for middle school Ss #mschat
    In reply to @ScholesE15
  • cmt215il Feb 7 @ 8:13 PM EST
    A2: We do a "connectedness survey". Every student fills out a survey about how connected they feel to staff & other students. We take students who don't self-identify a connection to staff & reach out to them through conversation, etc. It is informal but effective. #mschat
  • Beyond_the_Desk Feb 7 @ 8:14 PM EST
    I agree. Might be good to do in our RTI teams. We’re focusing on behavior & figuring out the WHY instead of just assigning consequences. Great opportunity to evaluate our relationships. #mschat
    In reply to @KatieNovakUDL
  • jordyn_pistilli Feb 7 @ 8:14 PM EST
    Thanks for the warm welcome! I'm glad to be participating in #mschat tonight!
    In reply to @cmt215il, @ScholesE15
  • Beyond_the_Desk Feb 7 @ 8:15 PM EST
    I love the idea of students self-reporting. That would help catch Times an adult THINKS they have a connection but the student isn’t feeling the same way. #mschat
    In reply to @cmt215il
  • cmt215il Feb 7 @ 8:15 PM EST
    Here's Q3! #mschat
  • LauraPatranella Feb 7 @ 8:16 PM EST
    A2: Our school does not currently. I'm so inspired by the process of silent mentoring- it would be so easy to implement! And every campus has those kids. #mschat
  • ScholesE15 Feb 7 @ 8:17 PM EST
    A3) I like to talk to them. I like to give them group work/review that I am fairly confident they will be successful at without too much of my guidance. I then go around the room and spend time in conversation. #mschat
  • jordyn_pistilli Feb 7 @ 8:17 PM EST
    A3: in my ed classes here at school, our profs have encouraged us to learn names of our Ss and use them. Also, a "Tell Me About Yourself" survey is another way #mschat
  • JoveStickel Feb 7 @ 8:17 PM EST
    A3 When I was in the classroom I did personal inventory sheets with each of my students and I would also visit with them often. As a principal it is more about engaging them in conversation when I have a chance #mschat
  • MrPStrunk Feb 7 @ 8:17 PM EST
    A3: I have them fill out a notecard with quick facts about themselves, have conversations with them, and have them do activities in something I call #AppsDay that I spoke about on @Mr_Lisek's podcast and wrote about here: https://t.co/qO0fzNMVPn #mschat
  • KatieNovakUDL Feb 7 @ 8:17 PM EST
    A3: I taught ELA. My first assignment of the year was always for them to create a product arguing why they should be my favorite student. I wrote back to all of them and took notes to remind me why they are all lovable and amazing. Everyone is somebody’s baby. #mschat
  • ScholesE15 Feb 7 @ 8:17 PM EST
    A3 - part2) This year I have lunch duty, love that time to talk with kids (yeah, I said it... I love lunch duty!!) #mschat
  • cmt215il Feb 7 @ 8:18 PM EST
    A3: I do a survey asking students all sorts of things--music, sports, what helps them in school, etc. I end with asking them to tell me something I should know about them. Their responses are so eye-opening! #mschat
  • Beyond_the_Desk Feb 7 @ 8:19 PM EST
    A3: I have a weird first day questionnaire I give inspired by one I saw @loveteachblog use, and we play a special edition of Hungry Hippos to talk about the summer, how the year’s starting, routines, etc. Great way to sit & discuss together. https://t.co/LSRSCwRWDR #mschat
  • JoveStickel Feb 7 @ 8:19 PM EST
    A3 last year I ate with different groups of kids each. I haven’t done that much this year but need to get back to it #mschat
  • jordyn_pistilli Feb 7 @ 8:20 PM EST
    My edtech prof @SFecich had our class use @Flipgrid to introduce ourselves to her and our fellow classmates. We talked about our interests and what we'd done over the summer #mschat
    In reply to @cmt215il, @SFecich, @Flipgrid
  • Mr_Lisek Feb 7 @ 8:20 PM EST
    A2: In our learning community we established a house system so each student has an adult they can go to. On our house days we do team building and build empathy through community service. #mschat
  • Beyond_the_Desk Feb 7 @ 8:20 PM EST
    Yet another reason you’re the best. #mschat
    In reply to @ScholesE15
  • ScholesE15 Feb 7 @ 8:21 PM EST
    A3) Oh yeah, (beginning of the year was so long ago) I also have them do a "Me by the Numbers" where they share information about themselves using numbers. I have 2 cats, I was born 960 miles from where I live now. #mschat
  • Mr_Lisek Feb 7 @ 8:22 PM EST
    A3: We use team building games an we do a 20 Qs style small group circle related to getting to know one another. #mschat
  • Beyond_the_Desk Feb 7 @ 8:22 PM EST
    Great idea! #mschat
    In reply to @ScholesE15
  • cmt215il Feb 7 @ 8:23 PM EST
    This chat is moving fast! It is time for Q4! #mschat
  • jordyn_pistilli Feb 7 @ 8:23 PM EST
    SO TRUE! I'd never thought of that! Definitely helps when you're teaching multiple class periods each day #mschat
    In reply to @cmt215il, @SFecich, @Flipgrid
  • LauraPatranella Feb 7 @ 8:24 PM EST
    A3: We do a lot of icebreaker activities to build classroom community but my favorite thing is to make use of passing period and have short individual conversations with all my students. They love/need to chat! It's amazing how much you can learn about your students. #mschat
  • JoveStickel Feb 7 @ 8:24 PM EST
    A4 You use those survey results to engage in conversations to show them that you remember and care #mschat
  • cmt215il Feb 7 @ 8:24 PM EST
    A4: I stand at the door of my room between class periods and greet kids as they come in. It's a great time to comment on a book they're reading or ask another quick question. All of these little moments add up. #mschat
  • neprisapp Feb 7 @ 8:25 PM EST
    What's it like to be a lawyer for a large corporation? 6th-12th grade students can learn all about this career from a member of @comcast's legal team! Reserve your spot for this live, virtual session on 2/12: https://t.co/zotEg8NTVo #legalcareers #jobs #mschat #hschat
  • geniushour Feb 7 @ 8:25 PM EST
    Hi friends! Just a reminder that our #geniushour chat starts in 35 minutes! Hope to see you all there! #edchat #edtech #elemchat #mschat #inquiry #caedchat #txeduchat #20time #passionbasedlearning #teaching #kidlit #sd36learn #think35 #bced #bcedchat #education #learning
  • ScholesE15 Feb 7 @ 8:25 PM EST
    A4) Continually checking in with kids. After breaks, having them right down anything they want you to know about their break, Good, Bad, Ugly, Hilarious. You learn a lot from kids, when you ask! #mschat
  • MrPStrunk Feb 7 @ 8:25 PM EST
    A4: I look back through the notecards throughout the year to find points of conversation I can start with a student to get to know them better. Also, starting new conversations. I have 2 Ss who regularly give me meat smoking tips for my new smoker. Love it! #mschat
  • cmt215il Feb 7 @ 8:25 PM EST
    A3 Part 2: I also try to pop into sporting events to watch my students play. They appreciate seeing staff come to their games! #mschat
  • Mr_Lisek Feb 7 @ 8:25 PM EST
    A4: We take time during class to stop and play a quick game or do a team building activity. We build the connections with each other and I make it a point to participate in whatever we do. I want Ss to feel equal during anything we do. #mschat
  • Beyond_the_Desk Feb 7 @ 8:26 PM EST
    A4: I utilize small group instruction so I can better understand who they are as a learner. Lunch rewards let them eat w/ me. Projects like our current @Flipgrid channel project let them share their passions. But the most important: just be present & listen. #mschat
  • MrDurajWildcats Feb 7 @ 8:26 PM EST
    A3: by having a simple conversation with nothing to do with academics. My goal is to be able to talk to every kid I come into contact with about something they are personally interested in. Let’s them know you value them more than a grade #mschat
    In reply to @cmt215il
  • ScholesE15 Feb 7 @ 8:26 PM EST
    A3/A4) Be there, be there for the kids, in class, in the hallway, outside of school hours. #mschat
  • jordyn_pistilli Feb 7 @ 8:27 PM EST
    A4: I think checking in with Ss is one way to grow connections. Also, playing an active role in the school community (go to sports games, concerts, etc.) #mschat
  • cmt215il Feb 7 @ 8:27 PM EST
    This 30 minutes flew by! Here is our final question, Q5! #mschat
  • MrDurajWildcats Feb 7 @ 8:27 PM EST
    A4: each quarter I try to find something new. Whether it’s a new sport, video game, club, event going on in the world, or a new pet #mschat
    In reply to @cmt215il
  • Beyond_the_Desk Feb 7 @ 8:27 PM EST
    I missed the word “meat” at first. Had to re-read. 😳🤣 #mschat
    In reply to @MrPStrunk
  • Mr_Lisek Feb 7 @ 8:28 PM EST
    Small group time shows Ss you care about their success and allows for more risk taking for those Ss who might not be so inclined. #mschat
    In reply to @Beyond_the_Desk, @Flipgrid
  • MrPStrunk Feb 7 @ 8:28 PM EST
    Haha, I am always very careful to make sure I include that word! They have helped me make some pretty good pulled pork! #mschat
    In reply to @Beyond_the_Desk
  • CathleenBeachbd Feb 7 @ 8:29 PM EST
    #Unlockingheroes a chat dealing with student engagement and empowerment! Join this weeks chat on willpower Sat. @ 10 AM! #gaed #globaledchat #learnbetter #mschat #edureal #tnedchat Questions here: https://t.co/RGlLg8YdTj
  • cmt215il Feb 7 @ 8:29 PM EST
    Here is @KatieNovakUDL 's article one more time, if you didn't catch it before! I LOVE the idea about having staff identify students that they know well and then looking for any kids who don't have a staff member. https://t.co/bUC3hYbJl0 #mschat
  • MrPStrunk Feb 7 @ 8:29 PM EST
    A5: Intentional conversations! Invest in them! #mschat
  • MrDurajWildcats Feb 7 @ 8:29 PM EST
    A5: continue to talk. For every conversation about math, I’ll see what’s going on in their life #mschat
    In reply to @cmt215il
  • Mr_Lisek Feb 7 @ 8:29 PM EST
    A5: With so many days off due to inclement weather, we will use a few days next week to review expectations and build connections with one another. #mschat
  • LauraPatranella Feb 7 @ 8:29 PM EST
    A4: I spiral in activities that work on communication, growth mindset, and team building- today my students had an interview sheet with 12 Qs- they had to get one response from each student. We play Bananagrams and magnetic poetry- it's a time to *hang out* AND learn too. #mschat
  • Beyond_the_Desk Feb 7 @ 8:30 PM EST
    A5: I’m interviewing them for the Remaking Middle School summit and am excited to come back & share with them how their opinions mattered. I also plan to examine my roster, inspired by @KatieNovakUDL, to see who I may be missing. #mschat
  • cmt215il Feb 7 @ 8:30 PM EST
    A5: I will be intentional with not just saying hello to kids but also asking them about their day. Most want to share, they are just waiting to be asked! #mschat
  • Beyond_the_Desk Feb 7 @ 8:34 PM EST
    Thanks to @cmt215il, @KatieNovakUDL, and @blocht574 for this really important #mschat topic! I’m inspired & challenged to be more intentional with my student relationships. I know this is a strength of mine, but if I’m somehow missing even one kid, I’ve got to step up & notice!
  • cmt215il Feb 7 @ 8:34 PM EST
    Thank you SO much for a great chat, everyone! Please remember to follow your fellow middle level educators! See you next week! #mschat
  • LauraPatranella Feb 7 @ 8:37 PM EST
    A5: Tmrw we are reading an article about human rights violations in the cocoa trade. Listening to their reactions and responses on controversial topics helps to build a meaningful learning community. It's always my most reluctant kids that shine with the heavy material! #mschat
  • tsocko Feb 7 @ 8:44 PM EST
    A5: Tomorrow I am going to ask students about their weekend plans. I want them to know I care about their lives beyond the classroom. #mschat
    • cmt215il Feb 7 @ 8:27 PM EST
      This 30 minutes flew by! Here is our final question, Q5! #mschat