#dojochat Archive
ClassDojo's official educational chat that covers a variety of subjects, focusing mainly on improving classroom community.
Wednesday October 26, 2016
7:00 PM EDT
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I'm Jen from nor Cal. I teach elementary tech. I was once a hot fudge sundae for halloween and I was also Noah's ark!
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Joe, Math & STEAM Coach from Palo Alto, CA. Happy to moderate this afternoon. This was one of my best cos… https://t.co/npnkmF3NKb
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Hey everyone!! Jenna from SF — excited for today’s Halloween inspired !!
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Hi Jenny. Great to see you again. Any pictures?
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Nice! Looking good, Stephanie.
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I also went as Honey Boo Boo one year...
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I'm Danise from SF, CA-- former 1st grade teacher & now on the ClassDojo team! Handmade snail costume! Extra laminate = slime
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Hi Rob. Great to have you with us this afternoon. Any previous costumes that have pics of?
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I'm Laura, 4th grade teacher, and my favorite past costume was a Penn State cheerleader (pretty much every year growing up)
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In the vault, I'm afraid! My dad always made me the coolest costumes!
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Hi Rob!! Glad you're here! How's the week so far?
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. Ready for the Halloween themed edChat tonight!
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I'm Katie, an ABA elementary school teacher. I was once a jack-in-the-box for halloween.
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Hi Laura. Great to have you join us this afternoon.
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We will follow the Q1, Q2, … A1, A2, … format. Don’t forget to include in your tweets. There will be 8 qu… https://t.co/uItA1BaQub
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Hi Katie. Great to have you join us for our Halloween-theme chat.
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Nice!! What are you going to be this year??
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I was going to build a tape dispenser but I’m running out of time.
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Cool! -- out of cardboard?? https://t.co/6pa92xWcRv
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I was going to build a tape dispenser but I’m running out of time.
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Yep. I always like creating things by hand.
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This year, I am going as Umbreon with 2 other poke-teachers. The 4th teacher in our group is going as a pokestop.
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Hi everyone! Happy Wednesday! I am jealous of all your fun costumes, we can't dress up at our school :(
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A1 I pull out some of the writing games I've done for years -- story switch, 3 item story starter and/or play team building games
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fantastic! Finished my first formal eval today and parent conf soon! Shooting for 100% participation from parents
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Good one! is definitely a wonderful resource. And by memory! WOW!
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A1 go with your gut! You got this and are far better than any lesson plan!
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Boo. That stinks. What do you do in the evenings? How about your childhood?
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. A1 get out the pencil and paper! It's free write time!
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A1: Go outside. Don’t forget outdoor education.
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A1 My students are 1:1 so I would work on their mastered programs for maintenance. Also, starfall is a good interactive program.
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A1: play some community building games, do a creative building project, make a fort?, practice reading..dance party?
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Well said, Laura. Be confident with your decisions.
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Love it. Creative writing is a MUST. We need more of this - not only when things go wrong.
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Alright. How about if none of the devices are working. What do you do then?
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Awesome, congrats!!! Sounds like a productive week! :)
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A1: This has happened to me before - I’ve pulled out my guitar and sang with my students.
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. I love how open ended these Qs are!
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I would work on social skills, really important skill that needs a lot of teaching for my students with Autism.
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Late to the party! Sorry! Amy Soto, gifted educator K-5
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Plan B....use the whiteboard! Flexibility is so important, planning includes knowing what to do if tech lets you down
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. I wish I was more musically inclined!
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Welcome, Amy. The party just started
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Gifted Teachers always have such a cool title https://t.co/nzBAznnZtD
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Late to the party! Sorry! Amy Soto, gifted educator K-5
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YES! Social emotional learning can happen at anytime and anywhere https://t.co/dNAvTq2O9p
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I would work on social skills, really important skill that needs a lot of teaching for my students with Autism.
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A2 We have a new math series & it's a doozy!
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. What's with the chat fails these days?! Glad we found a good one!
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Sing as if no one was listening.
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A2 Foot injury so I have been on light duty for 6 weeks.
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I really don't know the reason. Every teacher puts up a Christmas tree, so I don't see why costumes are a no-go
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A2 naysayers! I always try to spread that positivity, and it can be challenging when met with resistance!
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A1- I have collected a great library of critical thinking skills activities! We could always pull out Syllogism and analogies! 👍🏻
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A1: Wing it! I would right something down quick and go off experience.
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I love to get the Tangrams out!
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Man, I LOVE syllogisms! https://t.co/zdz4vsIoz7
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A1- I have collected a great library of critical thinking skills activities! We could always pull out Syllogism and analogies! 👍🏻
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A2: Mastering a new math and reading curriculum.
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That’s awesome! I was a Stormtrooper often - even just yesterday for a pumpkin carving party
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A2: starting flexible seating and getting Ss to buy in to everything I do in my classroom.
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. A2 biggest struggle - teaching an ICR English class without the support of an ICR teacher
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Indeed. So many possibilities. Don’t forget the the hashtag. Others need to see your tweet https://t.co/jZVUNT2PO4
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read a book, do work on white boards, work with words on white board... the possibilities are endless.
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A2 keeping up with my schedule! Too many things!
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.Jyoung1219 I wish I was more musically inclined!
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Brent from Columbia, SC joining late.
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Hi Brent! Glad you could join!! How's the week so far?
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We’re piloting math materials this year. That’s one of my responsibilities as a coach - to oversee pilot
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A2 My students have been very chatty this year. Luckily ClassDojo helps with this struggle a lot!
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No hurdles for you to jump over at the moment.
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A2 My biggest challenge is 5th grade Ss making excuses for not being self directed learners! 😢
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We're using iReady. There are great things about it, but the struggle is real.
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Hmmm. That’s interesting.
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going well. Busy will Red Ribbon Week, Student Council Assembly, and our first dance is on Friday.
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Oh yes, iReady is challenging. Any CPU-based program is tricky. The KEY is the good teacher & good pedagogy
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iReady? We use iRead. https://t.co/7ebsK6WZNt
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We're using iReady. There are great things about it, but the struggle is real.
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This sounds like something I’d love to see.
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The iReady struggle is very real! https://t.co/YVIoEW6CoZ
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We're using iReady. There are great things about it, but the struggle is real.
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A2 - My biggest hurdle when I was a T was differentiating for ALL levels/interests. 50 min periods with 34 kids each— tough stuff!
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we also use i-Ready. What are your struggles with it?
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I need a Star Wars costume! I'm doing the Star Wars 10K at DisneyWorld in April!
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It's so HARD! And also kind of boring.
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A2 Good struggle. won T of Y award 4 our district, now I am asked to B on lots of district committees. I need 2 learn 2 say no!
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A3 I try to make the work fun and as motivating as possible.
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We’re doing a math pilot right now. NGSS is coming too
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A3 try and set up a couple of choices for the S but BOTH are ones I like. You can read this OR you can write that.
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A3: I reward the Ss who do their work. I try to explain the why behind their work.
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A2: Math pilot, transition to NGSS, managing an exploration of Next Gen FOSS modules, …
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A4 I make sure I have frequent open communication with the parents and frequent parent trainings in school and at their home.
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A4: I try to explain why I do things the way I do. I have found that I just try my best and keep the Ss in my mind
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I did the Dark Side half this past April. Definitely a great run. I’m doing the Rebel Challenge (10K & half) in Jan
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A3 We have ZAP (Zeroes Aren't Permitted) class. Any unfinished work must be done in that class.
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A1: Stay calm, have Ss read to self/free write until u can make plans. Or ask a teammate for copies/plans.
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A3 I really haven't had this happen often, but I make them do it at recess. Often 1 time of missing recess is enough for them.
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A4 Build relationships early on! Spend lots of time up front pays off.
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A3: get to know them better, make more time with them 1:1, connect with their family to try to figure out the WHY
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I know your Ss will love it. Giving them opportunities to share S voice & have S choice is HUGE
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A4 Talk it out. Explain my reasoning. Usually, they end up understanding.
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A4 Had this happen a TON when I taught private school - explain the why and cross your fingers
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A3 - Building strong relationships w the Ss + their Ps was crucial. They needed to realize we’re in it together
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Q3: Usually there is a valid reason...learning what that reason is can be key....is it hard, language barrier, etc...
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The beauty of EDU - Every year is different
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We practically said the same thing! Go figure :D
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Fun! I'm not ready for a half yet, but hoping to reach a 15K by July!
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A4 I also used to have P nights where I would fast track teach them what we were learning. They got on board
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Build relationship w parent & show that u have Ss best interest in mind. Involve admin as last resort.
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Q4: Outlining my expectations with parents at the beginning of the year eliminates some...over explaining my reasons helps, too.
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A3- I head off Ps challenge through extreme info session at Open House-discussion of Tedtalk- get your own juice
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A4: Keeping the faith and have confidence with what you are doing.
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A4 It is important to back any of your decisions with data and share this info with parents.
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You can do it! I felt that way before. I’m now onto my 19th half. You can do it.
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A3 honest conversations, positive reinforcement, goal setting, chunking into smaller pieces, more teacher conference time
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agreed! Being consistent and upfront will go far!
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A4 Keep parents informed of the ongoings in the classroom. Would love to personally create my own webpage
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A3 Also, building a really nurturing emotional environment helps avoid conflict -- so MUCH
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A3 Also, building a really nurturing emotional environment helps avoid conflict -- so MUCH
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A4 I have found that this usually lies with an error in communication/misunderstanding, talk to them and explain!
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Great tweet! It’s always about relationships! Safe, nurturing, respectful, … https://t.co/LfKkKhiyfp
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Build relationship w parent & show that u have Ss best interest in mind. Involve admin as last resort.
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TRUE THAT! https://t.co/nTSAmXb8wT
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A4 I have found that this usually lies with an error in communication/misunderstanding, talk to them and explain!
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A4: What I DONT do is remind them of my years of experience and credentials.
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I agree! run would be awesome! I will have to look up your insta :)
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I think I may have scheduled the tweets wrong. Questions 3 AND 4 came out at the same time. :(
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A3&A4: It’s all about relationships. Build open, respectful relationships with Ss & Ps.
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It's all good. We don't even mind. https://t.co/6N1DNASXNu
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I think I may have scheduled the tweets wrong. Questions 3 AND 4 came out at the same time. :(
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A4: If possible, have parents come in to meet with me in person to get a better sense of what they want/need/expect
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And parents will see that objective! https://t.co/YCqES2Dp58
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A4: I try to explain why I do things the way I do. I have found that I just try my best and keep the Ss in my mind
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Positive self-talk is important is all areas of life! https://t.co/QdVd8kFBGQ
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A4: Keeping the faith and have confidence with what you are doing.
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A3-Ss not submitting work-huge pet peeve since my kiddos are capable-Ss contract usually solves the issue.
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A3-Ss not submitting work-huge pet peeve since my kiddos are capable-Ss contract usually solves the issue.
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I can imagine. Maybe having Ss assist with the upkeep would help?
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All great pointers! https://t.co/MBlGQphs86
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A3 honest conversations, positive reinforcement, goal setting, chunking into smaller pieces, more teacher conference time
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A3 Chunking is SO IMPORTANT -- kids shut down if they feel overwhelmed
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Agree! Ps are so much nicer to deal with in person-typically https://t.co/2DYeRovApK
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A4: If possible, have parents come in to meet with me in person to get a better sense of what they want/need/expect
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I did a weekly podcast with S voices for Ps to hear about what we do.
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Ha! I’m listening to the Pitch Perfect soundtrack right now too.
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A5 Surprisingly, I didn't have any this year. Usually they're about moving rooms w/o being told & my stuff being thrown around.
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A5: My Ss not meeting the standards is a nightmare. I always worry I'm not doing enough.
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A5 the students are talking over me and no strategy works, I scream at the top of my lungs and then get in trouble!
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A5 Not having full staff since we are 1:1, sometimes we aren't always provided with full staff at the start of the year.
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A5 My ongoing teacher nightmare is waking up as school is starting. I HATE being late and I think that's why these dreams haunt me
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This is the mark of a great reflective teacher - eyes on standards, focus on student growth https://t.co/RtvBdPer9R
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A5: My Ss not meeting the standards is a nightmare. I always worry I'm not doing enough.
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I've had that dream, too!
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. that's actually a pretty cool idea. I'm not too tech-y, is it easy? do you know how?
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A5 I am ALWAYS jumping into things, and then LATER think about the permissions I need
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A5 I can't! It is bad! But rest assured, I had one!!!!
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Definitely a nightmare for me too. What’s worked for me is more pair shares. Helps them learn to listen to each other
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A5: waking up late or having no plans. That's why I set mult alarms & try to overplay each day!
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I can help. Want to schedule a GHO & I can show you how?
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A5-Nightmare-Ss without a passion to learn and grow! Also piles of paperwork continuing to suffocate me! Lol
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A5 just got a S signed up to go to Presidential Inauguration camp and now have to get funding
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Me too! I have an alarm to wake up, an alarm to wake up for real, & an alarm to leave the house.
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Wow! That’s exciting and scary at the same time
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I also set multiple alarms on multiple clocks. I can sleep thru anything!
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Jump on the Smencil train! Lol! https://t.co/eAIxmJhhIZ
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A5 just got a S signed up to go to Presidential Inauguration camp and now have to get funding
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Me too! I have 3 alarms set every morning.
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Yes! Your hashtag is appropriate
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A6 should they be any different than any other day?
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A6 CALMING videos in the morning. Then on to our day as usual.
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A6 Starting the day with a BIG cup of coffee and a HUGE helping of calm patience
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True. What about the loads of candy the students may bring with them?
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A6 Um....good reminder. No clue yet! Any suggestions?
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A6: reading stories together, doing reviews, lots of
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I want to be in your class that day.
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A6 I feel like we will need a lot of time! It may be a Maximo kind of day.
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A6 Definitely a lot of coffee and a quiet activity in the morning to get the students transitioned back to school
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I vote for a candy tax! Teacher takes it all!
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As long as they are Snickers. I want all of those. Twix & Kit Kat too
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I tell them my two favorites are sweedish fish and candy corn https://t.co/zhB5D6O3Bw
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I vote for a candy tax! Teacher takes it all!
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A6: Google Drawing for the layers of the atmosphere!!
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A6 maybe a little extra D5 choice time.
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A6: I liked having "dark day" where we turn off the lights, have mindful lunch, meditate, and fake candles on ea. table
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Yes. All of those! notsomuch the candy corn... ew.
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A1: Start the day with some yoga and team building activities until you can get it fixed!
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Really!?! Candy corn? I never go for those.
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They were dojopals until candy corn came between them
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A6-Go with the flow-I have my room completely set up as Hogwarts w floating candles and all. Showing HP after school-Relay 4 Life $
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I say, "will take all of your Almond Joys!" And they actually bring me some. Every year!
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Umm, hello relaxation! I love this idea!
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A2: Having to cover two classes while a teacher is out on leave..... both self contained ESE
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I’ve done this before - tell Ss before 10/31 that I will collect candy to donate to the troops. Many bring in their candy
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A6 I want to do something fun.. Right now all I have is a team Quizzlet on story elements to prepare for an assessment
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That does sound like a huge hurdle!
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that sounds awesome! I'm stopping by your room.
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I'm a Twix and Kit Kat kind of girl
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How about a MysterySkype?
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Um, no. It tastes like wax. Orange wax.
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A3: I usually start with rewarding students who are working well. If that doesn't work, I send the work home with a note
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A6: When I was in classroom, GeniusHour, MysterySkype, & design challenges were always great for day after Halloween
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A7 Not everything is important right now. Throw some of that junk in the trash!
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HP pictures posted later!
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A7 I would tell myself to relax and ASK for support - we ARE stronger together
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A7: is a God send. Use it. Also, breathe and do less worksheets.
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A4: I usually start with empathy, I talk to them about how we need to work together for their child
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A7: BREATHE. It'll be okay. Make to-do lists & organize by priority. Laugh & smile once in a while. Take things a day at a time.
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A7: Lean on your PLN. Balance. Exercise. Look ahead. Reflect often.
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A7 It gets better. You will learn grow, and become stronger than you ever imagined. Make a Difference, everyday!
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A7 also how Ss feel is as important as what I am teaching Social/emotional health must be taught
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A7 Just do what is best for your students. They are the reason you are here. Their success=Your success.
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A7: BREATHE. It'll be okay. Make to-do lists & organize by priority. Laugh & smile once in a while. Take things a day at a time.
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A5: I dreamt once that I got fired from working with a class of all my favorite students from previous years. I woke up crying.
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Well said. Their success is your success
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A7: Celebrate the successes!
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A7 Make and keep relationships. When all else fails, it is those connections that Ss remember, not always the awesome lessons!
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Well said, Jennifer. Listen & observe your students.
Don’t forget the hashtag. Others need to see your t… https://t.co/B9jg4OlkhL
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A6: I'm hoping to go back to normal ASAP (when you work with ASD kiddos normalcy is key!)
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A7 just breathe! interesting idea! Again, tech-y but I can handle that on a Promethean board.
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A7 To definitely keep work at work. To take a lunch break. To stay calm and make friends with your colleagues.
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Any Skype class-to-class activity ideas? My Ss are young in gr. 1...a geography focus would be tough.
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A7: Remember to eat well, get enough sleep, and balance your life with EDU, reading for fun, exercise, a hobby …
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Yes! Making connections with your students is huge!
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Really, if you want to collaborate remotely, I’m always willing to help out
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A7: Most parents are on your side, and the ones that aren't you only have to deal with for one year. https://t.co/9fA487jbQy
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true, taking care of self is a must to prevent burnout. If you're burnt out, you can't be a good teacher.
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That’s good advice for me right now. Heading for my (Star Wars) water bottle
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I remind myself of this constantly! It's tough when you have so much else going on
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Well said. It’s like being on a plane. Put on your mask first. You’re no good to others when you’re …dead https://t.co/gzZLeT5djE
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true, taking care of self is a must to prevent burnout. If you're burnt out, you can't be a good teacher.
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A8 My former co-teacher, now asst. principal. She's amazing! The best advice giver. Weighs every option. Fantastic friend.
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I can help with that too. Love MysterySkype & more
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. thank you for that! I'll definitely take you up on the offer.
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A8 I turn to my supervisor or to one of my colleagues.
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A8 My husband! Also a few coworkers I know I can vent to and trust. Relationships with your colleagues are so important.
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A8: my team, I have had so many great teams in my teaching career. If I can't get to them, then my husband https://t.co/DbjzenGqoC
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A8: has been a coach & mentor to me! I highly recommend her book!
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. A8 all day every day! Great support system.
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YES! Just be real with them. Be yourself. https://t.co/RmgQlwpXgu
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Your students will love you even if you are firm and maintain high expectations. They may love you even more for it!
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A8-Our awesome STEM Lab teacher does a great job of keeping me grounded and laughing!
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Definitely great advice for all - no matter how many years you’ve been in the profession
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A8 also -- my team is pretty great
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If you couldn’t tag the person who has been helpful to you, make sure you find a way to tell them.
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Laughing is very important! Life is too short to be serious all the time.
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I really appreciate your mention of laughing. Such an important thing to keep in all our lives
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Right back atcha 😉 us non-tenures have to stick together
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Hope she can join us on someday.
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Fun, haunting ! Thanks for moderating!
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Gotta go carve up some pumpkins with the offspring. Great topic
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A8: , , , & my principal keep me sane! Couldn't function w/o their support.
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Huge thank you to for moderating tonight!! Awesome job! :) Be sure follow each other and continue to connect throughout the week!
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Thank you! Laughing is definitely the BEST medicine to overcome stress! Great chat! https://t.co/SzyrGTduGg
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I really appreciate your mention of laughing. Such an important thing to keep in all our lives
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A8 I have the best 3rd and 4th grade team! , KP, and Liv!
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Great chat ! Happy {almost} Halloween!
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Thanks Amanda. I’ll be moderating another one in December - on the Hour of Code.
