#mschat Archive
A chat that offers middle school teachers a chance to have a collaborative discussion about a different topic each week. Our topics change from week to week, ranging from Common Core State Standards to Character Education. During the chat, participants exchanges ideas and resources. The chat group ranges in size each week from 10 to 50+ participants. Discussion can be general talking about instructional style or process to specific. Recently members of the chat group help each other create lessons.
Thursday September 1, 2016
8 PM time for Middle School chat to get rolling
Start with introductions: I am Todd, 7th grade science teacher from Warren, MI
Jeremy Hyler 8th grade English and Science. Mid-Michigan. Author and co-director of .
Good evening Jeremy! Hope things are going smoothly for you
Good Evening Sir! Been a whirlwind lately. I am sure you can relate.
Jordan, 8th grade language arts teacher in Rochester Hills, MI. Proud - new! - member of !
Yes feels like we are in the eye of the hurricane some days but worth it
Good evening Jordan, Glad to here you are a new member of
Angela Rembert checking in for the new year! 7th ELA Newnan, GA
Tonight's topic is Starting engaged since most schools kicked off school year recently or next week
Question 1 will drop in a minute
Anyone else having trouble with Tweetdeck?
Lorraine, principal, checking in from the peach state!
I use tchat.io don't like the flow of tweetdeck and the issues that come up
Thanks for joining in Lorraine! GA and its peaches are always welcome!
Q1: How do you hook students day one?
Thanks . I will give it a whirl
A1: I hook them by NOT going over all the rules on day one!
A1: I like to get my students moving, working together towards a goal and reflecting on the process
A1: Engagement from the start - few procedures and a focus on relationship-building from the get-go.
AGREED!! Rules, WHO needs stinking rules on day one? Kids don't want to be told what not to do first day
Ryan in Flint, MS Social Studies
A1: I like to give them a collaborative group activity. Work together to solve a problem.
YES show procedures through doing meaningful activities... Starting with a STEM tower build this year
A1: This year (depending on the class) was either Play-Doh, Legos, or a tricky quiz you had to read very closely to pass. All fun.
This year no seating chart & artful mind mapping telling me what they wanted me to know. Blend of art and writing. Lots of laughter.
A1: My students will start by working in teams to build a tower out of tape and index cards... Then reflect on process in writing
I'd love to hear more about this! Was the prompt fairly open-ended? Sounds like a great day 1.:)
Jump up on a table and start dancing (poorly at that). They're intrigued right away.
I, too, postponed rules for about a week. We learn how to work together by actually working together.
I dance but can't jump on the table
Day One - connecting with kids through story telling, team building, humor, & anticipation of exciting learning to come
Connections are so important and start day 1, have to show you care and show your personality day 1
I love this video but it comes later in my plans (day 3 right now might move it up)
It sends chills down my spine. I want my students to know I care about them.
Totally open-ended/creative/personal. Wanted to relate & get to know Ss. Led us right into characterization lesson.
Q2: How do you establish rules and routines in your classroom while maintaining engagement and student interest?
A2: I address the rules as we go along. When something needs to be addressed, that is when I address it.
A2: My class spends a day during the first two weeks sharing what we all need to be successful and set norms for the classroom
A2: Through chalk talks with Ss. What norms would they like to uphold and see?
I like this method but often I miss things so we have worked a visible thinking process of establishing norms
Yes, I have found that too. That is why I often post them in my room too!
Love that method! Used it the last two years and seems to work well...
Ditto!! With 7th graders, I didn't have much to address. Our core values are pervasive & makes our community a joy!
I agree! I also like to throw in some fun questions in there, and have Ss move around in stations working on each Q.
Christie, MS math teacher from the Chicago area. Joining late but better glad to join in!
Great way to pull students in
Thanks for joining us, question 3 coming up in a minute
Jumping in late! But here! Q2: I made memes and explained the relevancy of the procedures. And asked them what they thought.
Q3: How do you make every student feel welcome and engaged in your classroom to start the year?
Jumping in late! Brian, 5/6 math teacher from NH!
A3 I visit every class. Take pictures of every new student to our school & email them to families. Big hit! https://t.co/AlKI6SvCTI
Q3: How do you make every student feel welcome and engaged in your classroom to start the year?
Love the use of memes ... Might be cool to have student create memes for school rules
A3: Great them at the door, shake their hand and say It is wonderful that they are in my class. Also, just plain listen to them
Sorry, forgot to introduce myself! Larissa, MS instructional coach from Turner in KCK!
A3: Stand at the doorway, greet every student every day and ask them personal questions .. show I care
A3: Start by greeting each st at the door--first day & every day. Interest survey re. school & home life
Kids love it. It teach Geo so we start of talking about purpose of monuments, then ask what their monument would be.
A3: Listen to students and their concerns, making sure I am helpful and understanding
A3 Talk to them, each one of them! Find the positive, something to light the fire!! I love to talk & laugh, so it's natural.
A3: This year will be easier for me since I taught most of the Ss science in 6th grade last year ... Already have relationships
A3: Keep it upbeat & fun. Do activities to get Ss to take safe risks and get to know eachother and me. Lots of laughter & energy!
Q3: I tried to write at least 2 notes to kids per hour per week! Just a “Glad you are here" & maybe recognizing something positive!
A3: Positive phone calls home!
A3 Phone call home to welcome parent and student beforehand; know and greet Ss by name first day
Schools do need more positive recognition ... My goal is 3 ++ call home a week
A3: I set the stage to make the most warm inviting environment possible, hold a tea party & we all chat https://t.co/7ZjBLp4WO5
Oh, I'm already planning to incorporate this into literature; I love having them create and goal set w/o being so obvious.
A3: Kids carried those notes around all year. In a world were words are fleeting, the permanence can carry weight!
So true... I am done with pencil to paper bell ringer routines .... play music as students walk in
Question 4 coming right up
do you do this for all S or just home room Ss? Seems like a great idea! Bet parents love it!
A2 respect, respect, respect. Explain that this will be the golden standard this year. I respect ss first and earn their respect
we talk about being creative even if don't believe oneself to be artistic. Many start over several times.
I sent some positive emails to parents who'd expressed concern about Ss adjustment. Felt good!!
Q4: How do you engage students to show empathy towards their peers from day 1?
always have music playing during transitions! Ss love it!
Do you define what respect looks like from student view and teacher view?
Q3 I try to find outside connections tht are common interest. Showing ss ur interested in their lives makes them feel appreciated
Being a club sponsor and highly visible in other activities helps to make this happen!
Homeroom teachers make calls to welcome Ss to teams. Was my favorite thing to do before pre-service days. Big impact!
Connections are so important, builds relationships and shows you care
A4 Our 7/8 staff ate lunch with the kids and made sure everyone had someone to sit with. https://t.co/DX0KtzaphN
Q4: How do you engage students to show empathy towards their peers from day 1?
A4- Zone of proximity activity where Ss can see how their peers feel about a wide variety of things! Helps Ss to relate!
I go through what respect looks like in the following, others, one's self, time, property, and me... The teacher.
A4: Empathy has to be modeled, hold a door for those with hands full, help a student pick up books that fell to hallway floor
A4 our first read aloud is Wonder. Sets the tone for a kind year.
I love spending lunch with our students, you see them in a different light and makes them feel special
Such a great book! Seems like every middle school reads it for this reason!
A4: Please and thank-you are huge for me. If Ss don't say thank-you after they earn reward or get help, they must go back and say it
I have the pleasure of lunch and recess every day with our kids! Second only to class visits.
yes! My students always want one more chapter.
A4: improv & role playing games, perspective taking activities, lunches together, role modeling deep listening, engagement w/others
Love it! Yes common manners are a must in our classrooms: Teachers model and students will follow
A4 we r implementing PBIS system. Eagles RISE is our motto. E in RISE stands 4 empathy. Focused an entire lesson on empathy.
I love that your school still does recess, our students need it but not in schedule... I have to figure that one out
I love the book Wonder; I used to read it to my 7th graders too.
A2: We create a classroom contract for rules. I start the first day off with a routine & then keep reminding. 21 days until a habit!
A4 Our ' school matrix of R.I.S.E. is inherent with empathy. It's our culture, so all teachers taught common lessons.
PBIS has done wonders for our school, Student referrals are down and learning is happening
A4 Asked new Ss to name 2 new Ss who made them feel welcome 1st week; new Ss & Ss who showed kindness invited 2 special team dessert
A3: Team building and get to know you activities so we can build a sense of cohesiveness.
A4 adults must show empathy so that ss will see it used regularly. When empathy becomes common, environments thrive with success.
35 minutes for lunch and recess is included in that time. When they're done eating, outside they go!
that's great! Allowing Ss to have a voice in classroom expectations is powerful!
did a great job kicking the year off with the PBIS lesson last Friday!
We have 30 minutes and only get a few tables outside but have now added outside seating options so it will increase
Empathy is one of our 4 core values. Modeled by Ts and student leaders from day one. Becomes part of culture.
A4: Through modeling and get to know you activities. Becoming a classroom family.
This is so important especially at MS level! No one wants to sit by themselves!
A4: Set strong behavior expectations from day 1 (again, often created by Ss) and model, discuss, and repeat as needed.
Agreed all students need to feel included
Yes, must become a "classroom family"!!
A4: Empathy and leadership are our focus points for the year, and creating a collaborative, caring environment is imperative.
When kids finish eating, they go outside. No need to wait for the entire table to be done.
I agree! So important to build the class community before diving into work!
A3: Tv show Cheers says it best"...where everybody knows your name." Ts/admin should greet Ss daily w/name. https://t.co/KOzRJ7uL00
Q3: How do you make every student feel welcome and engaged in your classroom to start the year?
always emphasize class family! And that my class room is their home and everyone deserves to feel safe/comfortable
Q5: How do you measure student engagement and know your activities are a success?
Lucky to have separate gym for indoor recess. They can still be active.
I'm here peeps! Jet setting this week & joining from Austin! Couldn't miss one of my fav chats!
Would love this. We are a very large school & don't have enough staff for supervision both inside & out to allow for this.
that's what we do too! Seems to work well!
A5: I usually ask for Ss to give me feedback on the activity. Ways I could change or improve for the future.
A5 I love getting student feedback. I've built the relationship with ss that allow them to feel safe with giving honest feedback
Thanks for joining in; Austin, aren't you a few weeks early for ?
A5: A good clue for me is how upright they are in their seats. If they're all slumped over, I need to change things up.
A5: I ask for feedback and have conversations with them about how they are feeling.
A5 Smiles all around for students and staff. https://t.co/dRu5kHvUiF
Q5: How do you measure student engagement and know your activities are a success?
For me as a teacher, it was when Ss said "It's already time to go? Man!" https://t.co/WAGdsEnI6b
Q5: How do you measure student engagement and know your activities are a success?
A5 I make sure I have them not only memorizing history. But also creating something that applies their understanding of the history
A5: Feedback from students is key: For me if students are asking if we will do it again, WORKED
A5: The more they engage in a conversation with me, the more the classroom environment is positive.
A5: Physical cues and conversation! There's a palpable energy and 'buzz' in the room when Ss are engaged.
A5: Really look at the depth of work Ss produce & conference with them throughout process giving feedback. https://t.co/8zRTqE0NR1
Q5: How do you measure student engagement and know your activities are a success?
200 kids per lunch period. 4 staff, including me, for both inside & outside staff. Ask for parent volunteers to help!
A5 when students accomplish a task that allowed them to use creativity to produce something, learning becomes second to enjoyment.
YES memorization is something Ss can look up on google later: Making something is where the learning is
A5- When parents come in and say for the first time there child is excited about going to Math class!
lol! Super excited for AMLE conference & sharing with fellow
A5 Observation, student self-reflections, formative assessments. I'm obsessed with reflections after projects and students know!
A5: I know lesson was engaging and worked if I am tired from moving around the classroom talking to students about their learning
A5 I seek out things that allow ss to enjoy being in class so that they don't realize that the challenge of learning has taken place
A5- When parents come in and say for the first time their child is excited about going to Math class!
A5: Lesson DIDN"T work if I loose my voice from talking to much ...
A5 Affect says much. If Ss are joyful, questioning, making connections, and collaborative while on task, I'm happy!
A5: Because they're laughing uncontrollably and a minute ago they were trying to look cool... https://t.co/SrE5pNfVTj
Q5: How do you measure student engagement and know your activities are a success?
That's a good tired! Ts shouldn't be tired b/c they have been doing all the work & Ss are passive in lesson.
now that I have a Fitbit, I can see how busy I am moving around the room!
A5: during & after every project/activity we hold "compliments, comments, suggestions" feedback time;also I watch energy & posture
That might be cool research compare steps of teacher and student achievement... Hmmmm...
Love that I had a student suggest the next text we should read bc he saw the relevance & was interested!!
A5- if you hear Ss talking about your class in the hall or other classes it probably a success 😎
A4: Many of 's Essential 55 deal with Empathy. We teach these schoolwide and practice and model them to Ss.
💥Only 1 day to VOTE for EduGladiators: Culturally Responsive Leadership to be selected for 2017! https://t.co/E9iOCDfJfZ
💥Only 1 day to VOTE for EduGladiators: Culturally Responsive Leadership to be selected for 2017! https://t.co/1lST7thHBi
My principal is always looking for data. 😊
Q6: How do you remain energized and engaged to stay a sharp teacher in the classroom?
Or when the next group comes in already excited about what they've heard is going to happen!!
A6: Hanging with positive PLN on twitter and Voxer really help me focus on the important stuff in teaching: MY STUDENTS
yes! Sometimes I have to tell Ss to not spoil lesson for my other classes!
A6: Coffee! :) And connecting with others on Twitter, conferences, etc.
someone once told me students should be more tired than the teacher! She was right.
A6 you must surround yourself with positive colleagues
A6 How can you not? The kids deserve your best every day. Give your best and they'll give their best. https://t.co/ZzMaLSoDyz
Q6: How do you remain energized and engaged to stay a sharp teacher in the classroom?
Yeah I have to do that often in my classroom
A6 watch tons of college football on the weekend!
A6+: I keep a file folder of positive letters from Sts and parents in my desk. It's a great energizer to look thru it on a blah day.
A6: 1st ENJOY the kids, have fun w/ them. AND take care of myself, establish time boundaries, doing things I enjoy in my free time.
I was thinking the same thing. There's always a buzz ahead of time if the previous class was engaging.
5 Mins Til
Topic: How Summer PD Impacts Ss Learning? New Tech Faves?
DON'T MISS IT!
A6- the kids! Just thinking about what they need. Focus on being the teacher I needed growing up! Oh... And lots of coffee!
I agree but it does help to have positive influences and not get bogged down by the negatives that blow in the air
A6: Many ways. Sometimes a mental health day is in order. Other times, make sure you are guiding and not always doing hard work.
kills me when I hear "so I head in block 2 you did..."
A6 Always continue to learn! Find new ideas, read books, be creative. Teaching is really fun!
A6 As tells us, teaching has to be passionate for Ts - for subject, for career, & for life itself!! That's foremost!
A6: I look at my Ss faces & look into their eyes and that keeps me on my toes! They inspire me to be the best I can be.
Yes! How can you not? https://t.co/8ML4HiqVvM
A6 How can you not? The kids deserve your best every day. Give your best and they'll give their best. https://t.co/ZzMaLSoDyz
Q6: How do you remain energized and engaged to stay a sharp teacher in the classroom?
I think teachers are what is keeping Starbucks so popular: Need the coffee (we have a Tim Hortons in our parking lot)
A6 Surround yourself with like minded positive Ts who are on the same mission. Draw mojo from your PLN
So I totally missed the chat tonight, Carter has a fever. I will check out the archived. Sorry friends!
