Thank you for visiting #ksedchat. We welcome all educators to our chat that runs Mondays at 8 p.m. Central. Though many of our educators have their homes in Kansas, all teachers are welcome to pop in and join in on the learning.
Daniel, 4th grade from Rossville. Reading a book about bats once, a kid asked if bats can bite you, I replied yes, you won't turn into a vampire, but you could get rabies. W/horrified look S said " babies, bats can give you babies!?!" #ksedchat
for those of you just joining, we have a dual chat challenge going with #wyoedchat and #ksedchat.
Let's test those tweetdeck multitasking skills everyone!
Melissa Carlson, Newton, KS 5/6th grade library media. Fell off my chair behind the check-out desk last week. luckly only one students saw and laughed. #ksedchat#happiness
Deb from De Soto here. I teach first grade. Funny story, we just got Code and Go Robot Mice. The way my Ss spoke about them some parents thought we had actual mice because the kids wanted to show them Jack and Colby at conferences. #ksedchat
Lori Rice, 4th grade, Wamego KS. Sent a student composed note to the office. “we need penis” gave the poor secretaries a heart attack. All kids need pencils though. #ksedchat
No funny story, but I do have a lame joke.
How do you tell the difference between an alligator and a crocodile?
One will see you later, one will see you after a while.
#KSedchat
Jose Martinez here from Dodge City #USD443! I'm a special education teacher. Students sang the song lonely to me for Valentines! lol How I build relationships lol #ksedchat
A1: I have a peace corner in my room I#to help Ss regulate when they’re upset. Along with “you need know” cards that students can use and I’ll read later so communication is open. #wyoedchat#ksedchat
A1. I try to give Ss time to have creative outlets and choice to see what kind of things they're interested in. I also try to have non-academic conversations to build rapport and learn more about them. #ksedchat
A1: Asking them what they like and taking an interest in their lives outside of school. I also try to pay attention to their attitudes and reposes to different activities and assignments. I show them what makes me happy and they do the same #ksedchat
A1: we often talk about ourselves and our emotions. I model my good and cranky days with them. They choose their rewards and we rotate through them every quarter. Winner right now is being a couch potato #ksedchat
A1: Happiness can be contagious, cultivating an atmosphere that is meant to be happy plus positive conversations get students to open up. Of course talking about donuts also helps. #ksedchat
Janie Hachen coming in late. I teach 2nd grade in Andover Kansas. My funny was when I sat on a chocolate frosted donut with tan pants. Looked really bad all day!! #ksedchat
A1: Taking in the whole student including the culture and background of the student! Students should feel comfortable enough to express themselves in the classroom. This leads to increased engagement and happiness 😀#ksedchat
A1. The easiest way to understand what makes elementary students happy is seeing that smile on their face. I also am lucky in that music does make many students happy! #ksedchat
Erica Shook, ELA at McPherson High School. Mostly senior-level classes. This video is from one of my classes of seniors on Valentine’s Day. They had so much fun with the bubbles someone brought. #ksedchat
A1: Paying attention to their reactions when we do different things. Giving options and letting them pick methods. Asking them about their lives and interests. Listening to their small stories that hey love to tell- you can learn a lot from those. #ksedchat#happiness#wholechild
We also talk about how crankiness can be cured with hugs, more rest and even a good joke. Nothing beats taking a 2-year-old for stitches... really long night but the kids understood in the end why it was ok to be cranky. #ksedchat#happiness
A1 I learn one thing that they like to do outside of class early and ask them about it, especially if it’s something I’m unfamiliar with so I can learn something new. Seeing someone’s face light up when they talk about their passions is one of the coolest things ever. #ksedchat
A1: Hi, #ksedchat! Can't go wrong with talking to your students...polling them...observing them...and creating lots of opportunities for them to have voice and choice!
I have a student who loves to dance ballet, so I talk to her about it and she tries to teach me. The smile on her face when I try the different things is worth all the ridiculous looks I get. #ksedchat
A1 having students do genius hour gives great insight into their interests and what makes them happy. In fourth grade animals are a popular topic. @ksedchat#ksedchat
A1) We talk about good things daily. I also allow them to talk while they are working as long as they are working. I tend to learn a lot about what makes them smile. Their work also often reflects what they enjoy. #ksedchat
A2. When working on your relationships with Ss it's important to model how you focus on your own happiness and talk about ways they can work on their own. #ksedchat
A2: Genius Hour is a great time for students to work on that. Again though, I try to model. I show them my happy and show them all the different things I like. Helps them find happy. #relationships#ksedchat
A2: We celebrate all the positives. I also model contentment and happiness out loud to the kids because they may not understand how to process those feelings or may not be used to success. #ksedchat
I think one of the best ways to have a happy classroom is to extend grace to your students and yourself. Create a classroom of respect, equity, and kindness. We are so blessed to have the opportunity to teach children. #ksedchat#ktoy2018
A2: Sharing obstacles I have overcome & how a positive attitude is helpful. Add to that a mixture inspirations from historical figures in the content & a little mentoring here and there. Finally, celebrate their accomplishments. #ksedchat
A2) Lots of discussion and journaling! I just ordered these two books this evening from @MissBalman and am excited to use them with my students! #ksedchat
A2: I like to let them express themselves and share in different ways. Help them find what they are good at and what they’re working for/doing school for. Let them be themselves and be confident in what they do. #ksedchat
A2) I have yet to issue HW this year. My freshmen, still thinking math = worksheets, ask me daily if there will be HW. I’ve started saying yes. And then I tell them “hug your brother for real” or “ask your mom how her day went”, etc. (depending on kid’s background). #ksedchat
A2 Make lessons relevant and/or give Ss a goal. I’ve become a believer of #gamification bc it makes Ss work towards a goal. When Ss are interested and can see the reason for a lesson they will focus #KSedChat
A2: We find lots to celebrate and we celebrate each other in morning meetings. We do lots of jokes, singing, dancing, movement to pump up for the day. #ksedchat
A2: 📝 I often used "what floats your boat?" and "what pushes your buttons?" as journal/discussion prompts early in year, helpful when guiding students and when discussing self-awareness. #ksedchat
A2- sometimes I’ll start class with everyone sharing a high from their weekend or something like that. I also share a high from my weekend to model the positive behavior that I like to see everyday! I also try to remind students to not sweat the little things. #ksedchat
A2) We use class dojo for mindfulness, yogo, and watch the videos on there about focus and kindness. Random Acts of Kindness are our favorite things to do around school. We also do yoga and make lists of things that make us happy. #ksedchat
A2 @thewarsnak and @coachschutte have started a #FinalFriday thing at #HalsteadHS to celebrate different students’ accomplishments. I love hearing about the different successes that students are having and I know the students love it too! #ksedchat
I also teach my Ss about the transcendentals, and we try to see the truth, beauty, and goodness in what we learn about—constantly going back to those ideas throughout the yr helps Ss something to focus on #KSedChat
A3: I don't have a "classroom" per say because I'm an instructional coach, but we do try to promote happiness amongst the staff! For example: A popcorn bar, coffee, and other things to boost staff morale throughout the year. Happy teachers = better teachers! #ksedchat
A3) By making sure students know my classsroom is a safe place as well as somewhere they can share their thoughts and feelings without judgement! #ksedchat
a3. We do big PBIS celebrations throughout the year, but I think the most effective way is to get close to a student and say "I'm proud of you!"
#ksedchat
A3. Starting the day with a Morning Meeting is a great way to start the day on a happy, positive note. We make time to take mindfulness breaks. Also Genius Hour is important. #ksedchat
A3: First, As the leader in the class, I have to demonstrate happiness and a positive attitude. 2nd there will always be a variety of attitudes but so I try to respect & help those who are struggling with the day while keeping the class focused on the positive. #ksedchat
A3: We use @ZonesOfReg and actually talk about how we're feeling and why we're feeling that way. In PreK, we celebrate EVERYTHING! Ss have to really have something pretty major going on to not be happy! #ksedchat
A3. The best way to promote happiness in my classroom is for the students to feel safe in my room. They aren't afraid to say things if they know that you care about them. Happiness begins when trust is established. #ksedchat
I make it a point to share my love for my academic area with my students and do my best to make it a BIG deal when my students demonstrate progress in my classroom. We are coaches and cheerleaders in the classroom! #ksedchat#ktoy2018
A3) I try to stay happy myself. Each day is new and full of possibilities. However, I do get real and talk about the tough times & how to get through them but, they don't last forever. #ksedchat#KeepItReal
A3: Model happiness and share what makes me happy. Notice happiness in my students and have them share why they are so happy. I love to notice happiness in their art or drawings or how they write. #ksedchat
A3) I try to stay happy myself. Each day is new and full of possibilities. However, I do get real and talk about the tough times & how to get through them but, they don't last forever. #ksedchat#KeepItReal
A3: This is definitely an area of growth for me. I have an affirmation station and do the little things like asking about student’s and things or appealing to their interests. I like to be corny and give them the chance to be dorky too. #ksedchat
A3: By creating a safe environment, starting at the beginning of the year where students know they are loved and where they know they are part of a class community that treats each other with kindness. #ksedchat
A3) Be happy yourself, first! I’m also very big on welcoming students into the space daily, especially those that left under unfortunate circumstances the previous time we met. I remind them I’m genuinely glad I will get to spend time with them. Every day is new! #ksedchat
#ksedchat Music adds so much fun. I used to have call backs around music, ex..."Oh we're halfway there" kids "Oh living on a prayer" They had so much fun. And would come back and say , "My mom says she knows that song"
Totally love music!! I also love to laugh with them!! Sometimes we get so tickled at something together!! Joke of the day is fun for students to share out. #ksedchat
A4-I play relaxing music, we have stuffed animals, cozy couch, and starting tomorrow I'm showing live webcam of the @AquariumPacific I'm a little obsessed with it. #ksedchat
A4: @GoNoodle has some good mindfulness resources that I use when we need to calm down and refocus. Also, @thrively helps kids find strengths #ksedchat
A4: I love the book Everyday Greatness. Tons of great stories and quotes. I have a class set that I pull out and encourage students to write and leave post-it notes in to inspire future kids. #ksedchat
A4. My best resource for me to relax or students is music. This can either be me playing guitar, ukulele, or listening to relaxing music. Kids need time to just relax and forget about things for a while. #ksedchat
A4: Since I have such a short time in library, I have heard of a mindfulness bell. Ring at the beginning of class and they close their eyes and breath as long as they can still hear the bell. #ksedchat
We meditate and try some yoga poses to regain our focus. I haven’t tried to use Alexa for meditation yet...Anyone else? #treepose#warriorpose 🧘🏼♀️ #ksedchat
A4: don’t have a specific resource, but my seating options allow kiddos to have options in where to sit. If stressed out, the couch is comfy and the blankets soft #ksedchat
A3 I strive to always be happy and positive, and that includes making my classroom that way too. My classroom is generally pretty energetic. I usually do “high five Fridays” during passing periods, so that starts class off on a high note. #ksedchat
A4: Our school uses 2nd Step, and I love to refer back to taking belly breaths to relax and make good choices. I also love to play rainfall sounds, especially when my students are journaling (let good ideas rain on to your paper). #ksedchat
A4: So I love my alternative seating and listening to piano guys during assignments. Just having a fun environment. I currently have a tent in my room for survival unit and it has been a hit. #ksedchat ⛺️
A4: We use resources from @GoNoodle I love to play soft calming music, use the YouTube fireplace around holidays and an ocean or rain water sound effects. #ksedchat
A4) I routinely turn off lights and play live streams of aquarian tanks (sea turtles!!) while students work. I also remind them that what we do is valuable, but ultimately just math. Especially the “A student’s”. Try to give balance and perspective to their life. #ksedchat
A4) I routinely turn off lights and play live streams of aquarian tanks (sea turtles!!) while students work. I also remind them that what we do is valuable, but ultimately just math. Especially the “A student’s”. Try to give balance and perspective to their life. #ksedchat
Looking for something to foster connection and happiness in your classroom? Try this Seesaw Activity that's ready to go for you and your students! https://t.co/ZihZpirVjW#ksedchat
A4) different S’s gravitate to different resources...my couch and web chair are very popular, listening to music, free draw time, one on one teacher time are all resources I use to keep my students feeling happy #ksedchat
A general reminder that your classic “good student” might be the one that needs the most help finding happiness and balance. Help them to do well, but also help them be grounded. #ksedchat
A5) Admin. who are not afraid to be silly. Sometimes we get a "Rawwr" at the end of our daily announcements or they start dancing during pep assemblies. #ksedchat
A5: Check out @coachschutte and @JillWebs for two of the most positive environments in education. They are innovative, inspiring and all around great teachers. #ksedchat
A5. Laughter is the best resource for fun. Letting kids be silly in front of others helps them relax and really trust you and your classroom. Elementary kids love being silly on the iPad camera and sharing with others. #ksedchat
A5 a toddler basketball goal! We use it for Math-ketball to review. It’s fun, and really entertaining once you start adding different trick shots worth 10 points. #ksedchat
A5: I like doing some of the Kagan Silly Sports and Goofy Games. Also “riding”roller coasters. My students actually had a lot of fun doing dramatic readings recently. #hackingengagement has a lot of exceptional and new ideas/resources! #ksedchat
A5: This video (The Power of Yet) has been my go to this year, gets kids pumped and makes them feel good about not knowing things yet. It’s all about the growth mindset! https://t.co/XTIv60oNSz#ksedchat
I just LOVE seeing all the pics and posts about the KS Civic Engagement conference... definitely wishing I was there! Next year for sure! #kscivics#ksedchat
#ksedchat you are all amazing and inspiring! Thank you for all you do for kids. Thanks @mrvesco for the opportunity to lead this awesome discussion. Happy week everyone! @ksedchat
