The Edutopia team hosts a monthly chat to talk about education practices that work. Come with your questions and tips! Find more information about the chat topics here: http://www.edutopia.org/edutopiachat.
Hi all. I’m the Community Manager at @Edutopia, based in Northern California. It’s a pleasure to help moderate this #EdutopiaChat It’s one I’ve been really looking forward to.
Hello everyone Mr.McCloskey from Baltimore Maryland, 6th Grade Social Studies Teacher who makes a fool of himself for the enjoyment of his students, #edutopiachat
A1 - Where every child is seen by the teacher and his/her peers every. single. day. Ex- restorative circle to begin the day, or shaking each child’s hand upon entering the classroom. #EdutopiaChat
A1: Having student-generated goals and Ss striving to hit the goals instead of just cranking out worksheets could be a step in this direction.
#EdutopiaChat
A1. A lot of times, classroom culture reflects the personality & temperament of the teacher. That’s not necessarily bad, but a healthy culture needs input from the students too. There has to be room for them as well. #EdutopiaChat
A1: Students collaborating, smiling, thinking, problem solving. The true test is this: what would change if you left the room for 10 minutes? Above all else, a positive climate must have trust built in. #EdutopiaChat
A1. A positive Classroom Culture is where all students feel safe and important. I work hard to make sure that my students feel like they can be themselves. Going out of your way to ask a student how their day is, and making them feel excited to come to your class #edutopiachat
I like the idea about calling parents early. It's not always easy to do. And I might have a post-it on my laptop for days...but it's important
#edutopiachat
A1 - Every child feels fully comfortable in their learning environment. That means not being afraid to push themselves and make mistakes or try something. Also an environment where children are naturally inspired to try their best because they want to #edutopiachat
YES! There's so much value in being seeing- really seen- by the people around you. We call it "safe harbor," that idea that school is a place where you're safe to grow. #EdutopiaChat
A1 - Positive classroom culture is a place where students feel safe to open up about experiences and life! Especially in a subject like Health Education #edutopiachat
And it's not just about having the goals, but about all the culture building that goes into creating a space where kids CAN collaborate on goal setting,right? #EdutopiaChat
A1: Inclusive; All students feel loved and valued; collaborative; teachers and students expressing genuine concern for one another #EdutopiaChat#MiddieRising
A1. I'm curious about offering a reframe - instead of "positive classroom culture" a shift toward "healthy classroom culture." Feeling stuck & reacting to the word "positive"
#edutopiachat
"RT CRLP_UCSD: A1 - Where every child is seen by the teacher and his/her peers every. single. day. Ex- restorative circle to begin the day, or shaking each child’s hand upon entering the classroom. #EdutopiaChat"
A1. I'm curious about offering a reframe - instead of "positive classroom culture" a shift toward "healthy classroom culture." Feeling stuck & reacting to the word "positive"
#edutopiachat
A1. A positive classroom culture is something where individuals strengthen the group and the group strengthens the individual. Supports are always ready, but only utilized when needed. #EdutopiaChat
I agree. Sometimes a collaborative community is hard. It's where we stick together through the hard conversations. Staying in it is how we grow together. #edutopiachat
A1: There’s no cookie cutter recipe for a positive room culture as each year new Ss have different needs. You can put in structures to build together. Ex. @mindyahrens1 & I removed everything (literally) from room & we used #designthinkjng to create space w/ Ss. #EdutopiaChat
Yes! That's what I see as the difference between cooperation and collaboration. The former is a tacit agreement not to get in each other's way. The later, a commitment to shared succes. #EdutopiaChat
A1: Students wanting to hangout during breaks and lunch. The healthy buzz of collaboration. Cleaning up with extra prompting. Referring to the classroom as “ours”. #EdutopiaChat
When I dream into what I hope my classroom might be - I imagine a co-created space with all kinds of generative tension, mistake making, restoration... I worry that the term "positive" assumes that my Ss and I should be feeling a certain kind of way #edutopiachat
A2: At SLA, we have a universal language of "teaching students X subject" rather than saying that we "teach math" bc we teach students not subjects #edutopiachat
"RT mrtubach: A1: Students collaborating, smiling, thinking, problem solving. The true test is this: what would change if you left the room for 10 minutes? Above all else, a positive climate must have trust built in. #EdutopiaChat"
"RT ChristieNold: A1. I'm curious about offering a reframe - instead of "positive classroom culture" a shift toward "healthy classroom culture." Feeling stuck & reacting to the word "positive"
#edutopiachat"
A2. I build a positive relationship by telling my students how I was told in 8th grade that I wasnt smart enough to go to college by my guidance counsellor since I have learning disabilities. This allows students to make a connection and realize anything is possible #edutopiachat
Oh no... I will be singularly focused on #ClearTheAir in 12 😂 (all due respect to #edutopiachat - I just don't have capacity to thoughtfully carry on two conversations at once)
A2 I've shared stories of my personal struggles as a student and learner so kids understand that I sympathize and have empathy for what they're going through. I also use some goalcast videos when kids need that motivational mood boost. #EdutopiaChat
A2: Focus on relationships; truly get to know students and their families; lead by example; modeling the expectations and behaviors for others; let students know you care by actively listening and being sincere #EdutopiaChat#MiddieRising
A2: It’s the most challenging and time consuming part of what I do: have a special connection with each of my 72+ students. Theater, sporting events, Saturday lunch, family check ins, house calls, inside jokes, “secret” handshakes... #EdutopiaChat
A2: Daily morning grounding, #Mindsethacks 👉🏼 https://t.co/RsAKP4cuzu, co-creating learning alongside Ss, & always being vulnerable around Ss. Nothing beats slowing down & just listening. Love adaptive schools to help Ss grow empathy. #EdutopiaChat
A2: One key thing I have to do as a case manager who sometimes gets all up on a Ss business...I have to remind them every step of the way that everything I do is b/c I care.
When they're mad they don't have a phone b/c of you, they forget that
#edutopiachat
A2. I build a positive relationship by telling my students how I was told in 8th grade that I wasnt smart enough to go to college by my guidance counsellor since I have learning disabilities. This allows students to make a connection and realize anything is possible #edutopiachat
A2. Write in your plan book time set aside for student reflection.
"We learn by doing but we learn more by reflecting on what we have done." @TonySinanis@Joe_Sanfelippo#edutopiachat
A2: Learn about what interests them - in and out of school! Students who know you listen and care enough to talk with them about it increases their feeling of belonging #EdutopiaChat
#EdutopiaChat talking to ss about barriers that hold them back. We make lists. The we get INTENTIONAL with setting up a path that eliminates or dampens these barriers. Let ss vouche direct this process.
Modeling - apologize when needed congratulate when earned (based on progress or change in attitude for ex) acceptance & curiosity to learn S story. #EdutopiaChat
A2: I always make sure to know students on a personal level. Ex. If I know they like bball, I'll talk to them about a recent game. Make connections outside of classroom content. #EdutopiaChat
A2: Every positive action made like helping a classmate, lending a pencil or effort when working is considered and use assertive communication when mistakes are made. #edutopiachat
A2: I show genuine interest in getting to know my students. What are their interests and hobbies? What are they excited about? Then, I can personalize my lessons. #edutopiachat
One strategy that I recommend:
1. Good news, once a week. There’s already so much bad news out there, and this creates opportunities to know more about students and talk about issues.
#EdutopiaChat
I agree. I do a "Weekend Wrap Up" and am embarrassed when other Ts pass through (b/c I feel I'm wasting time), but I think it's really important to rap w/ the Ss
#EdutopiaChat
YES! Thinking about using @Flipgrid this year to capture Ss names & pronouns... this will let me go back and hear them again & again from my Ss so that I can get them right (without having to say... "please say that again") #edutopiachat
#EdutopiaChat A2. Also model caring. Celebrate examples of caring both in class and around the world. Let multiple modalities inspiring caring within our walls.
A1: A positive classroom environment is one where students are engaged and collaborating. They are willing to take risks and know their voices will be heard. #EdutopiaChat
So important at any age! Especially when scary things are going on kids need an opportunity to discuss and process. In alternative setting we had scheduled time as students played with Play-doh and discussed what was on their minds #EdutopiaChat
Another strategy:
2. High-quality compliments, once a month or on demand.
The idea is that students complement each other in a structured way as a 30 minute activity.
It builds cross student relationships and synergizes with Good News.
#EdutopiaChat
#EdutopiaChat A2. Also model caring. Celebrate examples of caring both in class and around the world. Let multiple modalities inspiring caring within our walls.
Q3. How do you support diverse student populations—including students with trauma—in building a culture of care? (Preface responses with A3.) #EdutopiaChat
Saying their prefered names CORRECTLY means so much. I've had folks ask students to use @recapthat to introduce themselves in 30 seconds- names, facts, etc- so the teacher could get the face with the name. #edutopiachat
I also share my own educational struggles w/my grade 1-2 Ss. You’d be amazed at the understanding/empathy they begin to show at a young age. One child shared with me 6 years later it was the most important thing anyone did to help him finally become a reader. #edutopiachat
RT edutopia "RT CRLP_UCSD: A1 - Where every child is seen by the teacher and his/her peers every. single. day. Ex- restorative circle to begin the day, or shaking each child’s hand upon entering the classroom. #EdutopiaChat"
RT edutopia "RT mrtubach: A1: Students collaborating, smiling, thinking, problem solving. The true test is this: what would change if you left the room for 10 minutes? Above all else, a positive climate must have trust built in. #EdutopiaChat"
A2. I take a lot of time to listen to my students. They tell me what they need. I teach breathing & self-regulation techniques to students & staff. I also make space for reflection. #EdutopiaChat
RT edutopia "RT ChristieNold: A1. I'm curious about offering a reframe - instead of "positive classroom culture" a shift toward "healthy classroom culture." Feeling stuck & reacting to the word "positive"
#edutopiachat"
RT edutopia "Q3. How do you support diverse student populations—including students with trauma—in building a culture of care? (Preface responses with A3.) #EdutopiaChat"
A2: Students connect to us when they see that we are REAL people. I share about my family, my passions, my struggles, and they do the same in turn because it feels natural. As Admin and Ts we have to stay grounded and never take ourselves too seriously. #EdutopiaChat
A3- by letting them know that their individual experiences are significant, but that they do not have let that experience define them- unless they want it to #EdutopiaChat
Saying their prefered names CORRECTLY means so much. I've had folks ask students to use @recapthat to introduce themselves in 30 seconds- names, facts, etc- so the teacher could get the face with the name. #edutopiachat
A2: Spend time with your students (and their families). Eat lunch with them. Play with them during recess. LISTEN to them when they're talking and let them know you care and respect them. #EdutopiaChat
"Q3. How do you support diverse student populations—including students with trauma—in building a culture of care? (Preface responses with A3.) #EdutopiaChat"
"RT rowhomeeats: Q3: It's important to understand that they are PEOPLE before they are students. Consider what they are coming into school with every day #edutopiachat"
A3. Listening a skill both teachers and students can develop. We must all listen patiently, so that student can share their experiences. When a student is speaking, no other students should have their hands up. Listen to them all the way through. #EdutopiaChat
Glad to pop in, but summer school class is about to start! Until next time, please check out @learninate - the (brand new) social network for learning. #EdutopiaChat
A2: Back in the day, I shared my love of the #Xfiles with my kids. The internet was new & we geeked out together. Years later they still remember- and I got to talk about more meaningful stuff in class b/c they trusted me. #edutopiachat
A3. 1. I talk freely about my own childhood struggles/trauma 2. Be understanding if they get upset or need to take a breather to the RR, talk with them without badgering if you sense they are upset #EdutopiaChat
A3: supporting diverse student populations begins with realizing that certain needs must be met before content can be delivered. Establishing trust is one of the first needs that must be met as the Ss must see your actions come from a place of genuine care #EdutopiaChat
A3: When I taught in LA I had a number of Ss each year who were part of the foster care system or something similar (i.e. adopted by grandparents) so I always built it into 1 or 2 activities the fact that I was adopted
#EdutopiaChat
Q3. How do you support diverse student populations—including students with trauma—in building a culture of care? (Preface responses with A3.) #EdutopiaChat
A1: In a classroom with a positive culture, the students do not seem hesitant to enter the room. They are greeted by a teacher who smiles and listens! @edutopia#EdutopiaChat
#EdutopiaChat A3. One way is to make sure I am as active a learner as possible. I cannot connect until I am educated about their backgrounds. As usual, be relentless with knowing individuals and their uniqueness.
A1 a positive classroom culture looks like one where kids aren’t afraid to give wrong answers. Things are always clarified in a way that is constructive and helpful, less critical. #EdutopiaChat#ucf21literacies
Take the time to find out what caring looks like and sounds like from their perspective. Sometimes it takes more time and effort, but your words and actions will be genuine. #EdutopiaChat
Q3. How do you support diverse student populations—including students with trauma—in building a culture of care? (Preface responses with A3.) #EdutopiaChat
A3: Awareness and admitting implicit bias; Eliminate the expectation gap; Making every child feel worthy every day; providing exceptional educational experience for every child every day #EdutopiaChat#MiddieRising
Q3. How do you support diverse student populations—including students with trauma—in building a culture of care? (Preface responses with A3.) #EdutopiaChat
A1: positive classroom culture is where students are in charge of their learning while working collaboratively on real world topics, sharing ideas and giving each other feedback! It’s a place where students feel comfortable while taking risks! Oh and lots of smiles. #edutopiachat
A3: I think its important that supporting diverse students doesn’t mean knowing their experiences, but listening when you don’t. As a minority, I’ve had well-meaning people try to be thoughtful by implying that they’ve had the same experiences but that’s not helpful #edutopiachat
A3. the beginning of the year I ask students what they like and then try to incorporate different cultures and backgrounds into the lessons either through music, art, and even language. One year I had students write maps in Arabic since we had an Arabic student. #edutopiachat
A2: Simply ask students about themselves— not just about academics. Ask students about their passions, and ask students about their fears. Then listen! When students know you’ll listen, they know you care! #EdutopiaChat@edutopia
A3: You have to considered all your students ideas and experiences, but correcting them when they are wrong, they like to know you care enough to correct them, although they might show discomfort at first. #EdutopiaChat
RT edutopia "RT rowhomeeats: Q3: It's important to understand that they are PEOPLE before they are students. Consider what they are coming into school with every day #edutopiachat"
RT edutopia "RT msbetsyjane: A3- by letting them know that their individual experiences are significant, but that they do not have let that experience define them- unless they want it to #EdutopiaChat"
A3 It essential we employ wait time for processing or language translation as well as build #culturalawareness to understand the behaviors of our Ss. It’s not all about words #EdutopiaChat
A3. In regards to trauma. It’s important not to frame missteps as behavior issues. These are skills being developed, not a discipline issue. Do this and the whole classroom feels less disciplinary and moves the culture in a more positive direction. #EdutopiaChat
A3: You have to considered all your students ideas and experiences, but correcting them when they are wrong, they like to know you care enough to correct them, although they might show discomfort at first. #EdutopiaChat
Yes. Do the work so you understand your own experience and how it's going to color the way you work with kids who didn't live youre life (that is to say- all of them). Then do the work to decenter yourself and your experience. #EdutopiaChat
A3. In regards to trauma. It’s important not to frame missteps as behavior issues. These are skills being developed, not a discipline issue. Do this and the whole classroom feels less disciplinary and moves the culture in a more positive direction. #EdutopiaChat
A3. Twitter is SO amazing that caring teachers like @KymHarjes create a hashtag and select the book below to have an ongoing discussion. If you're interested, jump into #ReadGrowTeachRepeat The author has also recently joined the conversation! #edutopiachat
"RT msbetsyjane: A3- by letting them know that their individual experiences are significant, but that they do not have let that experience define them- unless they want it to #EdutopiaChat"
Asking students questions about their every day lives. Spending time listening to them and being authentically curious and eating lunch with them! #EdutopiaChat
@shevtech was just talking about this today- the importance of recognizing that restorative justice and trauma conscious teaching are a totally different thing than discipline. #EdutopiaChat
Oh goodness. It took me working in a non-public school with several clinicians and behavior assistants in my classroom before I really understood this.
#EdutopiaChat
A3: I have first-hand experience with this. For me, it's starting the lesson with a "brain break," building a supportive class, and doing the best I can to make learning fun. #EdutopiaChat
A3. Start by recognizing the unique needs of the student as an individual. End by remembering that all students are humans sharing universal needs-safety, food, shelter & love #EdutopiaChat
Q3. How do you support diverse student populations—including students with trauma—in building a culture of care? (Preface responses with A3.) #EdutopiaChat
Pretty much we all have to learn and understand to some extent what Fortnite is. I have connected to so many students because I've played it #edutopiachat
A4. Each year, before the year began, I would share how important it is to build relationships with students, to set expectations and model them.
Rushing to open books won't work.
#EdutopiaChat
A4: Battling opinions and beliefs without respect of differing opinions. Constant reteaching of positive conversations and ways to disagree #EdutopiaChat
A4: recently read- if you say I don’t have time for that; it’s not a priority to you. Prioritizing the conversations & connections to support the learning process we make time for that which we value. #valuestudents#EdutopiaChat
A4- An obstacle I've seen is that a culture of care starts with oneself- to help students recognize and practice self-care as an essential step in caring for others, and ultimately, the world. #EdutopiaChat
for sure! I'm willing to put in that emotional investment so that we can have a positive school culture...but sometimes I have to remind myself why! #edutopiachat
A4: Getting caught up in the negativity and mandates; Always remember your why; be a champion for kids and colleagues; it’s not about achieving perfection; strive to grow and improve #EdutopiaChat#MiddieRising
Q4: Ignorance and the simple inability to relate to a student's situation has been an obstacle. Talking to staff/student/parents and seeking out knowledge to gain perspective and understanding as well as ideas in how to better relationships has helped. #EdutopiaChat
"RT msbetsyjane: A4- An obstacle I've seen is that a culture of care starts with oneself- to help students recognize and practice self-care as an essential step in caring for others, and ultimately, the world. #EdutopiaChat"
A4 A huge (self inflicted) obstacle is ignoring creating such a culture for the staff who serve our kids...critical to build an approach to staff well being #EdutopiaChat
A4. Time is the ultimate scarce commodity, and kids are smart--they know your time allotment. If you spend time with them, they’ll know that they matter to you. #EdutopiaChat
A4: Creating a culture of care is deeply personal work and relies on collaboration and trust. One challenge can be a shift in perspective of working for your students in order to teach them things to working with your students in order to create things. #EdutopiaChat
A4 A huge (self inflicted) obstacle is ignoring creating such a culture for the staff who serve our kids...critical to build an approach to staff well being #EdutopiaChat
RT edutopia "Q4. What are some obstacles to establishing a culture of care? How have you gotten around them? (Preface responses with A4.) #EdutopiaChat"
RT edutopia "RT msbetsyjane: A4- An obstacle I've seen is that a culture of care starts with oneself- to help students recognize and practice self-care as an essential step in caring for others, and ultimately, the world. #EdutopiaChat"
RT edutopia "RT MCSD_RJordan: A4: Getting caught up in the negativity and mandates; Always remember your why; be a champion for kids and colleagues; it’s not about achieving perfection; strive to grow and improve #EdutopiaChat#MiddieRisinghttps://t.co/oHH5wuOxnH"
RT edutopia "Q5. What’s one school-wide practice that’s had the most benefit for student wellbeing and your classroom’s culture? (Preface with A5.) #EdutopiaChat"
I just bet they would LOVE entering and hearing terrific music playing each day from a variety of genres. Remove all of those desks and have them sit on the floor so they can actually discuss topics with each other. #EdutopiaChat
A1: Teachers teaching, students learning, positive engagement between the two in a safe environment where negativity does not exist. Example: students encouraging one another in their learning. #edutopiachat
A5: At SLA we have an advisory program where each student has an advisor to act as mentor, advocate and point-person for parents. Gives them a *person* at school #edutopiachat
A4. One challenge is that ppl think class culture just happens, doesn’t need to be planned and shouldn’t take time away from “core instruction.”
#EdutopiaChat
A5. They set up a program called GirlTalk, girls from the high school would come back and help mentor girls that are in 6-8th grade. It was a great program and it helped so many young ladies feel accepted for who they were #edutopiachat
A5: I really liked the progress report reflections and goal setting we did school wide at @ICSAddisHS. It gave Ss an idea of where they were at, and what they needed to do to hit their goals. Peace of mind.
#EdutopiaChat
A5. >THIS<
Students took turns performing in the gym on cold winter days when they couldn't go outside. Worked better than anything else we tried. #EdutopiaChat
A5: For me, building in opportunities for students to talk to one another and directly to me during class is a game-changer. It gives me a chance to praise students, actively teach gratitude, and build community. #EdutopiaChat
A5: The implementation of Positive Behavior Intervention Supports; creation and implementation of Culture Team/ Culture Plan #EdutopiaChat#MiddieRising
Want to improve teacher instruction through coaching? Join us in ATL on Sept.26-27 for The Impact Cycle Workshop hosted by a consultant from Jim Knight's Instructional Coaching Group @jimknight99. Ideal for admin, ISTs, teacher leaders, etc! #EdutopiaChathttps://t.co/1h1sPXVUMx
A5. Ts being in the hallway before school & during transitions to say hi, make jokes, create connections, & build a safe space inside & outside the classroom. #EdutopiaChat
A5: Let's not hold our students to higher standards than we hold ourselves to. If I have my phone on during a faculty mtg, why can't a student have hers on in class? #edutopiachat
A5: Working at a non-traditional school having work cell phones has allowed us to connect with students via text, without the worry of giving out personal information. It has really helped encourage after class discussion and questions. #EdutopiaChat
RT edutopia "RT TallTalTeaches: #EdutopiaChat A3. One way is to make sure I am as active a learner as possible. I cannot connect until I am educated about their backgrounds. As usual, be relentless with knowing individuals and their uniqueness."
RT edutopia "RT NoviAcademics: A4 A huge (self inflicted) obstacle is ignoring creating such a culture for the staff who serve our kids...critical to build an approach to staff well being #EdutopiaChat"
Yeah. Basically the counselors would shoot a grade report to Ss with effort grades and comments and they had a Google Doc where they listed what they needed to do, what classes they were going to work on, etc. and I would get a copy of that and help them.
#EdutopiaChat
A1: active engagement, open dialogue, shifting roles (community of learners, also means community of teachers) - Ss don't feel like it's a risk to share. #EdutopiaChat
Students in @flyfish29's school did an indoor recess where they kayaked together using carpet squares, youtube videos of white water rafting, and strategically placed spray bottles. Big community builder and big fun. #edutopiachat
A5. These amazing students worked together as a team and had several teachers who day-after-day donated their time. Huge smiles, memories that will last a life-time #EdutopiaChat
A5. I set up a history club at my school and we make music videos and funny videos that explains topics that we post on youtube, the students felt cool when we got letters from China, they felt like they were world famous and that was amazing #edutopiachat
"RT MCSD_RJordan: A4: Getting caught up in the negativity and mandates; Always remember your why; be a champion for kids and colleagues; it’s not about achieving perfection; strive to grow and improve #EdutopiaChat#MiddieRisinghttps://t.co/89jjZl4NvK"
"RT TallTalTeaches: #EdutopiaChat A3. One way is to make sure I am as active a learner as possible. I cannot connect until I am educated about their backgrounds. As usual, be relentless with knowing individuals and their uniqueness."
A2: Morning meetings are a perfect way to begin the day. These meetings build community through sharing and help set a tone for a great day! #EdutopiaChat
A5: Establishing common language and practices in general make students more comfortable, they know what to expect and don't need to relearn required behaviors in each class #edutopiachat
A1) a classroom where students are supportive of eachother; when I pass back assessments we collectively cheer for students that did well. Ss don’t condone Ss talking negatively about others. #EdutopiaChat
RT edutopia "RT CriticalSkills1: edutopia A4: We have to own that some kids & families have been traumatized by school. We have to be ready to repair those wounds. #EdutopiaChat"
RT edutopia "RT claclear: A5 Creating an environment where all students are valued NOT solely for compliance but their determination to learn. #EdutopiaChat"
#edutopiachat A5: I witnessed teachers volunteer their time for Girls on the Run and Boys on the run. 2 see how it lit up the faces of those students and the relationships that were created with staff was priceless. Then to see the girls run a mini marathon was amazing!
@rowhomeeats and the other moderators of tonight's chat - you are appreciated! Thank you for guiding our conversation.
All of you who shared your thoughts are amazing! Amazing to care so very much you share your passion tonight. #EdutopiaChat
A2: Time for sharing learning, but also personal. Inviting Ss, families, & community members in as experts. Cult. affirming materials (texts rep. S pop) & learning opportunities. Opportunities for success. #EdutopiaChat
Thanks for a great chat everyone! I’ll be tuning into @Edulastic’s #edassesschat tomorrow also at 4pm PT on back to school and hope to continue the conversation with you all there! #EdutopiaChat
