#122edchat is a weekly conversation designed to help inspire educators across the globe to reach their greatest potential in service of others. Megan Hacholski (@megan_hacholski) and Michael Abramczyk (@_on11), along with guest moderators, lead each week with a different focus tied to their strengths and areas of expertise.
Hi #122edchat! Currently running lights & sound at our 3rd performance of Beauty and the Beast, but couldn't pass up this theme! Pre-loaded tweets for the win! Megan, STEM Lab Coordinator & Digital Skills Teacher, Brookfield, IL. Favs - White Christmas, Love Actually, The Grinch!
Season's Greetings, #122edchat! So thankful to be celebrating with all of you this evening! And who is that at the controls? Mr. & Mrs. Claus? Nah...it's my buddy @MrPStrunk and his bride, @LBStrunk! Ready to learn with you tonight.
Laura Beth Strunk, originally from Mt. Airy, MD. I currently teach first grade in Frederick County, VA. My favorite Christmas movie is The Year Without a Santa Clause! #122edchat
Hey all! Phil from Northern Virginia hometown is Warminster, PA. Very excited to co-moderate with my amazing wife, @LBStrunk! I teach 6/7 US History I&II. Favorite holiday movie has to be "The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus"! #122edchat
Hey #122edchat!!! Scott from Winchester VA!! I am a HS ITC and am the founder of #fcpslearn. I am happy that my neighbors @MrPStrunk and @LBStrunk are moderating. My favorite holiday movie is Emmitt Otter's Jug Band Christmas.
Vanessa Heller from Southern CA: #inquiry#pbl and #GiftedEd trainer, middle school humanities teacher, ELA Dept. Chair, Tech Innovator, Peer Coach. Fave holiday movies are The Grinch Who Stole Christmas (the original) and Elf. #122edchat
My favorite Christmas movie is probably Diehard? If that counts? Can't say I'm big into the movies and music, much more into the family time. #122edchat
Nick Baskwill Grade 5 NS, Canada, raised in Lawrencetown NS, pop 700, and fav xmas movie is The Polar Express! (Grinch cartoon and Merry Christmas Mr. Bean are close 2nds) #122edchat
HI friends! Andrea, 7th gr ELA from Oak Lawn, IL. Fav holiday movie is always "Christmas Vacation." No matter how many times I see it, I still can't stop laughing. #122edchat
Peter “B-DAWG” Boland, childhood hometown was North Providence, RI, now I’m in Woonsocket, RI. Fave Christmas shows are Charlie Brown & Nestor the Long Eared Christmas Donkey... #122edchat
Hi all! Meghan from Oak Lawn, IL. 7th grade math. Favorite Christmas movie is probably Miracle on 34th Street or any Hallmark Christmas movie :) #122edchat
Hello everyone. My name is Luis. I was born in Pico da Pedra in the Azores, Portugal. I’m a HS ELL teacher, tech coach and Director. My fav Christmas movie is “A Christmas Story”. #122edchat
A1: Students need to log into Google Classroom to get the Do Now. Also got the idea from @burgessdave to give them all papers they need at the start of class. Every paper has a number and they can go to the shelves and get the paper. So the Do Now also includes that #122edchat
A1: When my first graders enter our classroom in the morning, they know to answer the question of the day, make a lunch choice, and begin their morning work in their morning notebook. This consistent routine provides a smooth start to the day! #122edchat
A1: Bell work on Google Classroom as soon as they sit down, then an overview of the daily agenda all together, since it's rare that we do whole class instruction. Always end with a summary / wrap-up. #122edchat
A1: My kids come in, they answer the Compelling Question on the front board. While thinking and discussing, they ready themselves for the mini-lesson and start the curiosity engine. #122edchat
A1: The bell ringer is the same every day for consistency; quietly find their seat as music is playing, update their tracking page online, & start reading their IRT book. #122edchat
A1: Get them talking. In general education, student voice is not always amplified as well as it could be. They are traditionally in isolation. We re-educate them and get them used to being in conversation, and how to navigate through disagreements and difficulty. #122edchat
A1: When starting classes I am always sure to have something ready for them to jump right in to. Down time usually doesn't lead to great things...
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A1: Ss always start with a warm up question. It helps them review what we learned the day before. They participate and earn raffle tickets for Friday raffle drawings! Afterwards, we either do group discussions/work and/or work on our Grid! (@teachbetterteam) #122edchat
Put them in randomly assigned seats. Then they make into @Flipgrid videos to introduce themselves (mostly to me). They watch each other’s. Then we go into some procedure related stuff (85 minute block). #122edchat
A1: I always try to greet students in the hallway. I did this as a classroom teacher and still try to when I visit classes. I also had them complete a do now so that I could greet them and gauge readiness. #122edchat
A1 Greet kiddos at the door, they read the board (what you need to have out, do, etc), unload backpacks, backpacks outside on hooks, login, set up, then read. #122edchat
A1 We day good morning, ask about each others’ days or weekends, the weeks plans. We check in about the other class projects, the students’ game, etc. School is a personal experience. And students should be treated like the people they are! #122edchat
A1: the routine is a bellringer - usually the bellringer is a #fastandcurious#eduprotocol using quizizz. Depending on the content we set a goal for 80% or 90% class average by Friday. #122edchat
Hello!
Teresa Engler Dynamic Learning Project tech coach from PA
Favorite Christmas movie?
A Christmas Story!
I was actually visiting my big sister in Cleveland when they were filming it! 🎄🎅🍭
#122edchat
A1: The routine when the students enter the building are greeting, welcome and good mornings. Then a two minute song to remind them it’s time to go to class. #122edchat
A1: Every lesson begins with a "Brainpower" activity, which is either a research question or review questions. Ss work on this while I do attendance, check-in w/ kids, and check hw (if assigned day before). #122edchat
#122edchat My math classes begins with a spiral review warm up which is sometimes picked up for a grade. Students are encouraged to peer tutor during this time. Love waling around during this time and HEARING learning occur in my room.
Hi. Usually up antics in PA, but someone else is going to have to take that role. A smidge devastated that I will not be walking for Xmas and that hamstrings only fire on Mon. apparently. 😡 oh, and dead squid moves more than I. 6th gr sci. https://t.co/s6jL3gUjuA#122edchat
A1: I get my kids prepped for the right state of mind at the start of class. If we are doing math, I will start with some refresher sums. If it is english, throw out some bombastic words to get them figure out what they mean before we launch into hardcore work #122EDChat
A1: When kids walk in, they check the entry table for handouts, grab one if necessary, then they head to their seats to complete the warm up on the board while I check in w/kids a/o check hw #122edchat
Since I’m not a homeroom teacher, I don’t have a routine for entering class. I do have a routine for starting my small groups. All supplies for groups are in a basket for each group and students know to get their supplies out and ready for the 1st activity. #122edchat
There are different areas, a low table, pub table, beanbags, couple reg desks, and a few other places to sit. Ss choose as they come in, then have freedom to switch as we work, or after natural breaks like recess or gym, etc #122edchat
A1b. Interpreted differently...daily, we say hi and sometimes chat. Go through the agenda and they start on their learning path with classmates. I step in to help, mediate, clarify, and guide. The activities vary from day to day but there is always a #flipclass video. #122edchat
A1 We say good morning, ask about each others’ days or weekends, the weeks plans. We check in about the other class projects, the students’ game, etc. School is a personal experience. And students should be treated like the people they are! #122edchat
A1: Chad from Ohio jumping in tonight for my 4th chat of the day. Morning routine is: Greet teacher, make lunch choice, empty backpack, notes in my mailbox, restroom break, begin morning choice. Every. Single. Day. My class could run itself #122edchat
A1 After greeting my students I open the laptop cart so they can pick up the computers. Next is pledge, momentous silence and announcements. A few minutes to catchup and off they go to their first class. #122edchat
It sounds like the class has clear expectations of what they need to do. I love the idea of going over a daily agenda! I currently only do that with my class when the schedule changes. #122edchat
A1 I try to say hello to every kid either at the door or at their seat. I have a message posted with some directions to get started with, and then we are off to teh races. 40 minutes goes by quick! #122edchat
Wait at the door
Say hello as they enter
Smile! 😀
Bookbag on counter
Chromebook on desk
Screen turned to face teacher
Agenda for the day on chart paper
GO!!!
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A2: I greet my students at the door with a smile. I spend time talking to them. Something a parent shared with me about my their student enjoys my class is that they like how I try to get to know each student. #122edchat
A2: In the first week of school, I give each student paper with their name in bubble letters to decorate. We keep them up on our door all year! #122edchat
A2: My classroom is their classroom. I have a lot of toys in my room - one of them is Beaker from the Muppets. My 8th grdrs decided to start bringing him home & taking pictures in various places, a la Flat Stanley. It's made our community feel like family! #122edchat
I took it to mean 1st day. Haha. I always hated the 55 minute class b/c all my lessons took 80 minutes. So when we switched I was happy. We do an A/B day so I see the Ss every other day, which can be good or bad depending. #122edchat
A1 We say good morning, ask about each others’ days or weekends, the weeks plans. We check in about the other class projects, the students’ game, etc. School is a personal experience. And students should be treated like the people they are! #122edchat
A2: I use my rule of 2 - talk to every student twice before they leave my class. Ask them how they are doing and provide feedback or have a simple conversation with them. #122edchat
When I am not on campus, I often find a small corner of the local @McDonalds to work because it has great internet access & reliably good coffee. Where is your favorite spot to work away from school & with the best internet access? ☕️📝💻#tlap#xplap#LearnLAP#LeadLAP#5thchat
A1: I have some crazy antics. I also make sure I say hello to the quiet ones, as the regular chatters tell me stories. I have things at my front desk. They love to come and play with them as they talk to me. #122edchat
A2: Feeling at home in school is all about feeling safe and valued. Take time from day 1 to build relationships and plan meaningful check-ins throughout the year.
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A2: During warm ups, along with helping Ss, I always ask them about their day/ follow up on things (ex: how did volleyball tryouts go?). Ss really enjoy the 1on1 time! While the Ss work on their Grid, we listen to Disney or xmas music too! It feels fun & cozy! #122edchat
A2: They know that they are seen, heard, and loved...unconditionally. I treat my Ss like my own kids. I tease, I joke, I push, I encourage, I laugh, I cry. When they leave, they understand that there aren't many that legitimately care about them as much as I do. #122edchat
A2: Between the decor, the seating with tables, the lighting, and small rugs...my kids say the room feels like a living room. I believe comfort creates a free mind. #122edchat
A2: I try to make students feel at "home" by greeting them at the door by name and speaking with them as class gets started and during class, especially when working independently or in groups. #122edchat
A2: In a word...choice. Just like they can make choices at home without ridicule, the same is true in my room. Students are in control of their learning (with me guiding the ship). Im there to correct bad choices, and cheer positive ones! #122edchat
Make the classroom feel like a family. I chat with my kids about their lives and share stories about my life outside of school. Build those relationships!! #122edchat
A2: I use "Houses" similar to Harry Potter for each class so the Ss in each house have pride & ownership in their group. They compete for House points, which are based on our PBIS expectations & examples of being "good" people throughout the day. #122edchat
A2: It's their classroom too - give them some say in things that happen in class! Ss love to sit on the carpet so I don't hesitate to sit on the carpet with them - the comfier the better! We usually have some music going to make it more fun! #122edchat
A2: I greet them as they come in. I am also me. I tell jokes, I dance, I own my mistakes. I want to set the tone that our classroom is a safe place to learn, make mistakes and grow. #122edchat
Yesterday.... maybe not.. but today! New day! But thank you @_on11! We laughed, listened, discussed, even designed a dream school experience. :) Yknow, a typical Wednesday! #122edchat
A2: my students feels home first by being greeted at the door and we call it our art home...they take ownership for getting and using supplies, cleaning up, etc...it’s not just my room. #122edchat
A1. Greet Ss with a smile! The Ss have their snack. We sit and share some stories in a circle while their eating! Afterwards, we get started into what we are learning about, sometimes reviewing, using skills they learned previously to move forward in learning! #122edchat
A2: From Day 1 we talk community and team. They know I have their back, and that we will do amazing things, all they have to do is support each other. Lots of team activities, pulling on different strengths #122edchat
A2 Every year I name my class a name that have to live up to. This year we are the Believers. My Ss are known all over the school as the Believers not Mrs. Epstein’s class because it is our family name. #122edchat
A2 Students spend 8-10 hours with us a day!
We are in a business of raising children so it’s important for us to make our classrooms feel like home! #122edchat
#122edchat A2 I strive for my students to describe me with the Fruits of the Spirit in May. When this happens, my class feels like a small town, where all the students know each other and everyone is appreciated.
Couldn't agree more, Jason! So true! It means the world to them. I did traffic duty (for fun) today and danced around in the parking lot...clapping, snapping, spinning, etc. Got tons of laughs. #122edchat
A2: I let them get to know me as a person. I share stories about my family, etc. let them see that I am real and not just the guy that yells at them to get to class! #122edchat
A2: Each class has a personality and stories. I love having a “thing” with each class. In some we sing, in other a phrase we say all the time, etc. I also give them space to make messes. Sometimes they are too at home. My stuff on table Often becomes their stuff. #122edchat
A2 We are a group that share a common bond. All of us have struggled to learn English. That common bond is tight and creates a warm and caring environment. My ELs are my kids. #122edchat
I am currently writing a book on this subject. examples...
-What does equality feel like?
-Do we need culture to feel complete?
-Is winning a war better than staying out of a war?
-Can you be successful without being selfish?
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A3: Flex seating & no assigned seats. Procedures are in place to avoid problem behaviors as much as possible, but I find that a simple thing like choosing their seat makes them feel respected - which then leads to better quality of work & happier environment for all. #122edchat
A3: I have posters set up around the room with some content (and personal interests), I have a desks in groups for collab, a small rug up front for Ss to work at. Also have a makeshift recording studio for @flipgrid videos. #122edchat
A3: This year, I have student desks in a U shape. This helps me get around to everyone during whole group instruction. Around the room, we have a class library, a reading tree, and posters detailing classroom routines. #122edchat
Some keep things like sweatshirts there (unopened food has been found) but they can adjust their location in the room after we go over the agenda. They can move freely as long as they are productive. We talk about outside interests when we are supposed to be “working.” #122edchat
A2: I say hello to my kids as they enter or at the very least try to smile and acknowledge them when I'm circulating at the beginning of class. We talk about stuff beyond school. Sports, TV, music, etc. I'm a total history nerd but can't "do shop talk" all day. #122edchat
What are things you do to guide the ship? I enjoy giving students two viable options to complete a task. They are still getting to choose while also following the direction and learning the skill. #122edchat
I am currently writing a book on this subject. examples...
-What does equality feel like?
-Do we need culture to feel complete?
-Is winning a war better than staying out of a war?
-Can you be successful without being selfish?
#122edchat
A2 I💙my babies 1st of all. But my room is colorful & has books galore, reading areas (patio table & a “StarBooks” area, beach & fire to read by, flex seating: floor space, beach chairs, stools and we sit at round tables not desks to collab. & snacks for hungry boys. #122edchat
A3. I have and use everything from manipulatives to calculators. Picture books to 6th grade reading books. And I can and will find anything else they want or need. #122edchat
Hi #122edchat peeps! Just getting home from a birthday dinner with my daughter. I’m a PK-6 principal in Wisconsin. My favorite Christmas movie is... (or any Chevy Chase ones 😊)
A3: Along with holiday decor, my classroom has a bright color theme. A lively learning environment def helps the Ss be excited to come in! Add in some music and we have a great place to learn! #122edchat
A3: For me, the key to a physically inviting classroom is making it feel like a family room more than a classroom. Make it comfortable and give Ss input into decorating!
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A3: We are in a Lab, so the room is already preset, but students are constantly in motion. Moving to get parts, check on other discoveries, and after 6-9 days, they move to a new engagement. It's a very open and free-flowing environment. #122edchat
A1: My usual routine is to have students do a 5-10 minute free-write in their journals while listening to to some calming music. They can write about anything they want and, while I do read the journals, they are not graded. #122EdChat
A3: I teach math so we have math vocabulary all over the room. We also have a local history section, and (a personal passion) a Disney themed area. Students are exposed to words in so many forms. #122edchat
A3: Before renovations, my classroom was a science room, so I still have a counter on the side where students can stand to work. Also have a circle table for students students frequently like to sit at. #122edchat
A3: Waiting on flexible seating; hoping Santa will grant my wish! In the meantime, I decorate for each holiday & have tons of inspirational quotes up. I have dry erase paper on my back table & a Shoutout board for Ss to leave comments & qts to me & each other on. #122edchat
A3
Flexible seating
Various lighting
Fun decorations
Stations
Charging station for devices
Shared materials (books, paper, pencils, markets, etc...)
Cups for the water fountain
Fancy hand soap and lotion
Aromatherapy
Soft spa music
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A3: I keep the classroom organized so kids know where to find things on their own but also have places for them to explore and be curious...there’s an art book nook, an area with art games, and a lawn chair with pillow on the rug #122edchat
Fantastic! I call these Driving Questions...Your Qs are clearly about #inquiry which is awesomesauce! Do you have the kids come up with these too? I have a process I use with kids to develop their own Driving/Compelling Qs. #122edchat
A1: As a reading specialist, I go into classrooms but part of my routine is greeting them and asking about their day before we begin any lesson. I want them to know I care about their day and make it a point to take time to share #122edchat
As a Sped Teacher I am in and out of rooms all day. I am the “basket queen”!! I have materials organized by groups and classes by basket so that all materials are easily accessible and ready to go when I walk in. #122edchat
A3 My room has my students’ flags, our hope wall where the Ss listed their hopes and dreams, a map showing where the students come from and student work up. The students make the room a piece of their countries. #122edchat
I like the camping chairs idea! I have a small shaggy rug at the front of the room that fits one or two students. My one block loves to sit on it! #122edchat
The kids love to emulate my teaching. They ask to create questions and as well, love to create mini-lessons surrounding the questions to lead to the learning. #122edchat
Fantastic! I call these Driving Questions...Your Qs are clearly about #inquiry which is awesomesauce! Do you have the kids come up with these too? I have a process I use with kids to develop their own Driving/Compelling Qs. #122edchat
A3 I have a materials station set up so Ss can get what they need without having to ask. I also color code EVERYTHING! My Ss know exactly where to put things and pick up things. My house is a mess, but my classroom is organized! #122edchat
A3: Through school and our classrooms, there are many touches to make students feel more like home. Really want to add an indoor garden. I had one years ago at my old school-very peaceful. #122edchat
A4: Some days, I feel like we laugh more than we learn....but that's okay! We tell stories, jokes, tease each other (respectfully, of course!).....there's never a dull moment in here. #122edchat
We have a classroom space and a lab space, no teacher desk, but the whole room is for use. There are lots of manipulatives out even if they don’t pertain to the specific class in the room. Sometimes they spark interest. #122edchat
A3. We share classrooms, Ss can sit at tables or floor. If decorations were hung, definitely, creativity and work designed and displayed by Ss! #122edchat
A3 I have more books in class than the school library (I think). Charts, latest concept/thought map, student work, objects of interest from around world (gourd, chinese $, Buddhas, Gandhi statue, sarcophagus, etc). I just bought a pop up tent kids like to hide/work in. #122edchat
#122edchat A3 My room is called the #BELIEVE Room It is decorated with inspirational phrases and pictures of my current and former students. The kids and coworkers LOVE it!
A2: Voice and choice in learning. I also let them help to design the space - I want it to represent what works best for them. I also make sure to connect with each one of them every day, asking how they are, about their interests, listening to issues, etc. #122EdChat
A3: Ss always moving around the room. Diff stations set up in different areas. I also have an emergency shower abd a fridge and a microwave... oh, and enough drawer space for my clothes. sooooo. Yeahhhh. It feels like home.
A2: They know they can come to me for anything- be it a hug, high five, pep talk, I’ll always be there for them. Throughout the day, they stop by to say hello and check in- I thank them EVERY single time for making me feel so special- we are family #122edchat
A3 I have more books in class than the school library (I think). Charts, latest concept/thought map, student work, objects of interest from around world (gourd, chinese $, Buddhas, Gandhi statue, sarcophagus, etc). I just bought a pop up tent kids like to hide/work in. #122edchat
A4: I always try to throw in some jokes during the lesson (even if they are cheesy math ones!) or relate it to their interests. Today, we talked about fractions using brownies. The kids had a great time! #122edchat
A4: I tell the BEST jokes. HT to @ScintoCity for this one: "What do you call an elf that can sing?" ELF-VIS! Yeah...I've got a million of them. So many that we did "Bad Joke Friday" every week at 8:27 AM. All participant telling jokes were met with a chorus of boos. #122edchat
A4: A fun and laughter filled classroom for me is all about keeping it real. Be honest, laugh and learn from everything including mistakes. Crack jokes when they fit and laugh along with the Ss.
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A1: When I was in the classroom, I had a wonderful mentor (my principal) who taught me to greet my Ss (7th/8th)at the classroom door, post materials needed on door so everyone walked in w/what was needed, & have a warm-up to engage students as soon as they came in. #122edchat
A4
Laugh at yourself! 😀
Don't be so serious!
Share a story or two about yourself, your pets, your family, your regular life! Don't be afraid to let them in! #122edchat
A4: Over time, I learned there are some things that aren't worth it to get upset at, so I learned to laugh with kids and allow them a little time to be silly, or else I would keep harping to behave. #122edchat
A4: Dance, act, sing grammar songs, share bad jokes & stories, silly brain breaks, and do something different out the door each day, whether it's hopping on one foot or doing the Alfalfa wave from Little Rascals. #122edchat
A4: humor is essential...so I’m either making jokes, creating silly dance moves, we’ll watch a funny art video, as long as I keep a smile on my face it contagiously keeps a smile and a laugh in the room #122edchat
A1 another thing I do is often teach from the carpet with them... proximity and a different style of interaction usually has kids super engaged in my gifted lessons! #122edchat
A4: Never being too serious. Yes we have our serious times but we're always having fun while learning - the jokes are always flowing, as terrible as they might be! #122edchat
A3 We use the content to inspire discussion and those discussions to inspire creations. I push students to think and then use their ideas. USE THEIR ideas, their prompts, their passions. Our collaboration screens take everything to the next level! #122edchat
So essential, Cristina! I catch myself trying to rush to activities, but some of the best interactions are in the stories that they are carrying. #122edchat
I have 2 area rugs.... what my kids or no longer want in the house makes its way to my classroom.... nothing matches in my class...and I like it like that. #122edchat
Funny story from yesterday! I had a fireplace on our TV with music. A student was adamant about sitting by the fire while reading independently. I asked why and he said, "I'm so cold!" We have a lot to learn this year! :) #122edchat
A4: To know me is to enjoy my sarcasm and humor. I feel like a stand-up comic at times. I love to find dirt on key figures in American History and...um...have fun with it. #122edchat
A4: By treating every interaction like an opportunity to learn. Don’t take myself too seriously. Let them see you laugh and how happy you are to be there. #122edchat
#122edchat A3 Here are some of my #InspirationalPhrases that I wrote and used background pictures that I took. I have a tabloid printer at home that I print this out on. I give them away to my Ss at the end of the year.
A4: My giant collection of silly hats. I switch them out all day, every day. I even have younger kids walking by my room just to see what silly hat I’m wearing! #122edchat#kidsdeserveit
A4 Well, I am rather entertaining but to give you a clue as to my sense of humor… tonight I will be filling snack bags of “snowman poop” (mini marshmallows) to gift to the kids… #122edchat
A3: kids sit in cooperative groups of 4, EQ board changed per unit, unit-specific posters, charging stations, extra stools/chairs around room for quick regrouping... #122edchat
A5: Christmas is my favorite time of the year! I can't wait to keep old traditions alive, spend the holiday with family in Cumberland, MD and relax over winter break with @MrPStrunk! #122edchat
A5: I plan to unplug for most of the holiday break and reconnect to shared memory making with friends and family. I greatly look forward to it!
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A5: Thankful I am married to someone else who loves this time of year. The anticipation is fantastic. Looking forward to celebrating Christmas with @LBStrunk's family this year and then some quiet time as home to prepare for an exciting new year! #122edchat
A5: Looking forward to meeting a brand new group of Ss as our semester switches over. Sad to let my current Ss go, but it's also made me realize how much I already love this #SEGwarriornation family. Ts & Ss have embraced me as the "new guy" & made this feel like home. #122edchat
A5: Taking time away from school and putting my "at-home family" first. Too often they get ripped off because of my schedule and evening commitments. Ready to spend time with my kids and be a dad. #122edchat
Part B. Tell them embarrassing and funny (but always appropriate) stories like how I didn’t want to go to kindergarten so I tried to tie myself to the fence so I wouldn’t be able to go. Now I go to school everyday. #122edchat
A5: I'm looking forward to coming back refreshed. It's been a whirlwind of a school year so far. I'm hoping this second part of the year will be smoother. #122edchat
A3: I’m honored to share a room with @khoggardGRT@nancy_estepa & @K4sons we all have our own personalities present within our areas but together we’ve created a masterpiece & show what collaboration looks like. We display S artwork anywhere we can #122edchat
A3: I love flexible seating! Also, decorations are varied. Yes, there's some academic stuff, but there's also just some nice scenic pictures. In New Mexico, on the Rez, I had a lot of Navajo artwork on the walls. Enhances learning & helps students feel at home. #122EdChat
Emotions are the gatekeepers of the learning mind. Humor opens the emotions only second to grief. If we are smiling and laughing...the minds are open to learn. #122edchat
A5: Having some time off to relax and be with family/friends. It really is something to cherish. My husband and I also just finished a large home remodel, so I can't wait to finally have time to enjoy it.. cake pops and cookies here I come! #122edchat
And with that, another 30 minutes of #122edchat has flown by. Incredible work, as always. Take some time to add some of these amazing people and give @MrPStrunk and @LBStrunk a shoutout for driving "The Mothership" this week for us. Beyond grateful for all of you and your impact.
A5: I look forward to my students being joyful over the Season - and if things are difficult, I hope they have a moment of joy that helps them have some happiness... #122edchat
A4 I’m not afraid 2B foolish, weird or silly! Perfect ex today I 💭 a S said “when r u going to sing to us” so I began singing it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas. B4 I could make it through the chorus she 🖐 🛑 and said “ I SAID SEE US NOT SING TO US 😂😂🤣🤣 #122edchat
And with that, another 30 minutes of #122edchat has flown by. Incredible work, as always. Take some time to add some of these amazing people and give @MrPStrunk and @LBStrunk a shoutout for driving "The Mothership" this week for us. Beyond grateful for all of you and your impact.
A4: How don’t we laugh? Right now I’m on a “unbirthday” kick. They know to wish me a happy unbirthday each day. When we get back from Xmas break, it will be something else that is funny. Love that I can shenaniganate as I teach. #122edchat
I want to thank @_on11 and @megan_hacholski for letting @LBStrunk and I host tonight. Thank you to everyone in #122edchat for creating a great atmosphere as LB made her chat-modding debut! It was a blast!
Next week...#122edchat is OFF THE AIR. Break is just that...a time to take a break. We will reconvene on January 2, 2019 when @Hell2Teach and @DrMVPsimivalley lead the discussion. Put on your dancing shoes and thinking caps as Vanessa will get you moving to the beat of PBL.
A5
I am looking forward to a little brain break not just for myself but for my students as well. Everyone needs to recharge their batteries!
#122edchat
The kids like that you care enough to jazz up the place ya know? Mix and match also tell the kids you know how to make the best of what you've got and find creative ways to get what you need. #122edchat
A3: Ss always moving around the room. Diff stations set up in different areas. I also have an emergency shower abd a fridge and a microwave... oh, and enough drawer space for my clothes. sooooo. Yeahhhh. It feels like home.
A4: this is an easy one - I just show up for work, hahaha! I'm not afraid to be silly, goofy, and a little bit weird. There's not much that makes me feel embarrassed, which really helps kids with low self esteem, because they see that I can laugh at myself. #122EdChat
A4: Laugh with them & be sill! For example, today after announcing our weekly @Achieve3000 all star readers, I danced on the morning announcements. It’s all about showing that you are human and love & enjoy what you do! #122edchat
A5: I got to see @MissTipsord PLC special ed class do their holiday talent show. I videoed it and will spend time tomorrow piecing it together in @WeVideo. I teared up multiple times during the live version today. The film version will rock #122edchat
A3: I’m honored to share a room with @khoggardGRT@nancy_estepa & @K4sons we all have our own personalities present within our areas but together we’ve created a masterpiece & show what collaboration looks like. We display S artwork anywhere we can #122edchat
I’m looking forward to time with my family! My husband schedules his vacation time the same as our break so we are all home together. We are very busy during the year with school and my kids activities it will just be nice to have time together with nowhere to be! #122edchat
A5 Over break I want to read books for pleasure! Teaching the love of reading to others takes away from my own reading time ironically! Seeing my huz and kids for more than 5 minutes a day will be awesome too! #122edchat
Had an amazing conversation with an 8th Grade student today about his hopes and dreams. Started about his ability to create music, but ended with him telling me that he wanted to be a computer programmer. So amazing. Never knew until I took 5 minutes to chat with him. #122edchat
I absolutely love reading with expression- captivating students during a read aloud no matter what grade they are in is one of my favorite things I get to do! #122edchat
A2: I always let my kiddos know that we are family & that they are just like my own children. We used to send 400 Ss to the playground in the a.m. Best thing we ever did was assign spots for them in the halls. Much better way to start the day! #122edchat
A5: I’ve been dealing with major depression/anxiety for the last 2 years. It seems that between counseling and medication, I’ve dealt with my issues. As 2018 comes to a close I’m looking forward to bing the “old” me again! I quit Twitter twice but now I’m back! #122edchat
So essential. Had a conversation with a colleague yesterday about this. Some people take their roles too seriously and really miss the fun that can happen in education. Happy to be able to have fun, every single day. #122edchat
A5: My husband and I have decided to do a traditional German Christmas with a Goose, a Stollen, Potato Dumplings, and a lot of other traditional German yumminess - yes, chocolate, too! #122EdChat
A5 spending time with family and friends and wrapping up Champ for Kids 📖📖! Excited to see it taking shape and coming to fruition #122edchat#champforkids
It sounds like you have made a vast improvement! :) I am sure those stories are a hit with your students and gives them something to relate to! #122edchat
A4: I'm a goofball most of the time & don't take myself too seriously so I tell a LOT of stupid jokes. Plus history can get boring so I try my hand at voices & I'm real bad at it. We laugh a lot #122edchat
A5: this is awful. But I’m looking forward to pressure of Xmas to be over. not a good season for me. Sometimes you just gotta wait and fake it out. and that is not usually my style. But I turn off Xmas music when I hear it because I want nothing to do with it. 😬#122edchat
Whew! Just flew through those questions! Thank you @_on11 and @MrPStrunk for an amazing end of year chat! Now, I can go back and read what everyone else wrote. Have a wonderful evening and a Merry Christmas! #122EdChat
JOIN US next Wednesday, Dec 19 @ 8pm CST 9pm EST as we share our experiences cultivating a student led culture! We will offer tips/strategies/ideas in starting a student tech team in your district! #studentsCANlead#stuvoice#leadership
A5: As the new year comes, I’m going to take time to reflect on all that 2018 brought and look forward to all the opportunities that 2019 will bring. I’m excited about trying new things, sharing new experiences, & helpingSs & colleagues achieve their wildest dreams #122edchat
And you are working with the littles! I can only imagine how they respond to expression. I have 8th Graders that tell me about the stories that I read to them when they were in KDG. #122edchat
A5: I'm looking forward to getting my house organized so we can start some home improvements. We are hoping to sell our condo soon. Two kids, two adults, and two cats are TOO many things in a small place! #122edchat
#122edchat A5 Publishing a book is an ORDEAL! SO MANY EDITS! I #Believe i am FINALLY finished with the final edits of my book "The Story of Always Believe" Hopefully 2018 will end with my book in the final edit stage. Release date late Jan or early Feb.
I second this, Vanessa. Breaks my heart, Chad. There is power in Twitter. So many like-minded folks with huge hearts, all working for the same goal -- empowerment of our kids. #122edchat
A4: I can be silly (through dramatic play, singing, dancing, and laughing). I love to hear Ss laughing & being joyful & I try to model a joyful spirit. #122edchat
#122edchat MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY HOLIDAYS from the #AlwaysBelieve House. Search for the Always Believe House on Facebook and you will see some of the posts. May you have a blessed CHRISTmas break!
Thanks. I spent way too much time worrying about being the biggest teacher-rockstar who had the most followers. Now I’m just here to share ideas. If people follow then that’s cool too but not a focus anymore. #122edchat
A5: We have been celebrating our small successes along the way. I am looking forward to more in the second half of the year. I am also looking forward to some self-care, family time (2 college kids home), and catching up on my professional reading. #122edchat
#122edchat At the end of the year, I cut out all the pictures, sign the back, and give them to the kids. Basically my whole room is given away. Last year I even gave away the iconic Always Believe In Yourself rule.
Just enjoy the collaboration, collegiality, and coolness of educators on Twitter. I find it nothing but positive and fun. So much sharing of support and ideas. I also find it a great equalizer... your job title doesn't matter but your thoughts and actions do, ya know? #122edchat
Seriously true. My non-twitter friends will ask me for something; If I don't have it, I'll twitter-ask for it and have something cool for them in minutes! #122edchat
