#ECEchat Archive
We chat every Tuesday night at 8:30-9:30 pm CST. All are welcome, especially EarlyEd teachers, leaders & experts. Co-founded & moderated by @techwnancy @JessicaCabeen & @VealHeidi
Tuesday August 30, 2016
Welcome! We’re so glad you’re joining tonight’s
Please share your name, where you're from & what you do. https://t.co/8XddC5okjd
Deloris here from North Central Texas, principal of an ECC!
is in a Q/A format with Q1, Q2, etc. Mark responses w/ A1, A2, A3,...etc
Lindsey, K-2 lead Learner from AR!!
Whitney Johnson from Arkansas! First grade!
Hi Everyone! Julie Bloss, Principal- Grove Early Childhood Center joining tonight from Oklahoma 😊
Hi Victoria Welcome back for another fun So glad you are joining tonight.
Excited to learn with friends from North Texas!
Hi fellow -ers. I'm a Prek teacher from Los Angeles ...
Andrea Mitchell PK & PPCD Consultant at a Texas ESC
Hi Deloris. Happy 2nd week of school. Welcome to
Hi all, Jessica, elem AP from central TX joining this evening
Welcome so glad you are here tonight!
Hi Lindsey. Welcome to So glad you are joining in.
Hi! Bri, a Kinder ELL teacher from IL, excited to join for the first time!
Hi! Checking in from stormy KS tonight, ECD teacher.
Good evening Tim, Elementary Principal (EC-5th), from suburbs of Chicago.
great night to join in! So glad you made it tonight!
Hi Whitney! I’m so glad you are joining tonight. I’m lpoking forward to learning together with you.
Hello, all! Haley, Inclusion PreK Teacher from North Texas joining
Wait Tim....is .....here?!?! So excited to hear your insights tonight on
Good evening! Lindsey from Waco, TX, Elem Asst Principal
Hi! kinder teacher in north Texas. First year teaching- super excited to change lives!
How is it going? Have a good year so far?
hi friends! I'm Sara, a kinder teacher in Lake Tahoe, NV
Welcome Josh! https://t.co/Vd1fP7pPVb
Hi! kinder teacher in north Texas. First year teaching- super excited to change lives!
A1 Families who engage w their child's learning are more likely to ensure their child's social, emotional & academic success.
Welcome Ellis. So glad you could join today.
Here late but excited to join! Stephanie in MN
Happy Tuesday, from Jeannie Mayer, elementary principal in Menahga, Minnesota. Excited to learn from all of you tonight.
Hi sweet Twitter friend!!!
Welcome Bri to Can’t wait to learn w/ you tonight.
hey, Margaret from NC. I teach 2nd.
so fortunate to have you back-hope all is well up north!
Hi Kim. Stay safe through the storms tonight.
I was thinking the same thing!
Ready to Learn new ways to connect with Families!!
was just wondering the same thing?
Hi So glad you are joining tonight.
I did not see question 1 yet, can you repeat
A2 We use social media, mass callouts, Remind texts and a traditional newsletter in two languages.
How are using that board? That looks pretty cool!
Hello everybody! I'm a little late.
A2 - We communicate with our parents and families through social media, newsletters, and ParentSquare!
had been my focus for communication this year. Parents love it!
A2: Bllomz app, Twitter, Facebook, calls home
Teachers put their name on the stage they think they are... https://t.co/eplTo1BIgK
How are using that board? That looks pretty cool!
A2 We are using social media more & more! Like Lawson ECS on Facebook & follow on Twitter.
Sophia 2nd grade near Chicago
A2: I wasn't good with this. I sent home all the notices, PRs, & mandatory IEP items, phone calls, but I often received no response
A1 social media, remind, phone calls, emails, F2F I'm sure I'm forgetting something
A1- We tell our story with newsletters, Remind, Twitter, call outs, and Facebook.
A2 We use email messenger, Facebook, Twitter. Ts use Seesaw and are beginning to use Twitter.
A4 Many of our teachers use or to communicate instantly w/ parents.
Hi Tara! So glad you are joining tonight. How’s 5th grade going???
A2: bc of the lack of response, I threw my efforts into making sure my students knew I cared. I did not keep trying like I should.
A2 Communication is in various forms such as positive calls home, f2f, newsletters, , email,
A2 I communicate in person, by phone, email, SeeSaw, weekly newsletters, and Remind
A2) We use Remind, campus website with digital newsletters and of course notes home to communicate w/parents.
You are welcome! Thanks for reading.
A2. Daily behavior, weekly notes, BOY + 📞, email, newsletters, website, , I try keep Ps informed of Ss progress.
You have to take multiple formats, social media, phone calls, old fashioned newsletters and the simple handshake.
A2. One way= Fun! We started creating monthly videos with focus on Ss such as 'Kid Principal". https://t.co/0jVNVt4vGA
Q2: communication in backpacks is diminishing, parents prefer instant access via technology
A2: Encougaring my Ps to follow our social media pages. I also have a class blog, Remind, & I send monthly newsletter home.
hi Heidi! Couldn't miss an going good so far, I have a great class!!
A2 School newsletter, blog, weekly videos from Ts, trying to get Ps connected on FB and Twitter
What's ParentSquare? (Before I Google it. 😉)
A2: Bloomz app, Twitter, Facebook, calls home, car line and traditional notes and letters
A2: Our Ts send home wkly communication, Prin sends a monthly newsletter, and we have campus FB and Twitter for day to day
me too! So far 3 parents are logged on and I'll send a gentle reminder again this week. I've been loving !
A2-F2F,paper notes, folders, websites,school app,Remind,phone calls,lots of methods. We love to visit w/ P's 2 collab & partner.
I haven't heard of Parent Square! What is that?
I’m in love w/ apps like Helping give a window into a child’s school day for a parent = critical! https://t.co/Kgb5qKk27i
Jess from MA, going to be multi-tasking tonight!
A1I used to send a quick email home each day w/ a highlight of our day.
is such a great parent communication tool!
A2 Just started a student run Twitter handle for our classroom - Ss decide what they want to talk about for the day
I'm trying out Bloomz this year! So far it has worked well. I'm hoping to have 100% participation.
A2. Frequent and Informal-all Ts are out at dismissal and I am out a morning arrival to offer a smile/support or just be available
Q2 communication and relationship building via home visits can't be beat!
Better late than nunca! Hola! Abe from NYC. Elem VP. Here to listen, learn and share.
so cool! I was wondering how to get more student voice in regular communication.to families
great point! a few teachers in our building set up Remind accounts this year-I am excited to see how that works.
I have all but one family signed up. Lots of compliments from the families. They love it too!
A2: Weekly newsletter, , e-mail parent groups, website
glad you are here regardless!
Agree... Clear, consistent, & constant communication in multiple formats add up to reaching families. https://t.co/v4OLmo0AhJ
You have to take multiple formats, social media, phone calls, old fashioned newsletters and the simple handshake.
A2 Also going to try student led conference weeks two times this year
I really enjoy those informal conversations with parents as well. I am out during arrival and dismissal.
Blogs are an awesome way to communicate with parents!
Sorry coming in late - David, Secondary Principal in ritual, northern MN
I am all over my school saying Good morning or Buenos dias to every I see.
Sophia, I see the newsletter on the app. How does it work for you? Do you like it? families like it?
A2 This year admin is sending a survey to families to find out the best way to connect- we're just dipping into social media/tech.
A2: Also pushing my Ps to create Google+ accounts so we can communicate via
we also feature parents throughout the year-share it via facebook and we watch the resource shared all over!
We will get there eventually still getting families to follow us and join on a regular basis! https://t.co/Oxk7odkOXp
Bienvenido! https://t.co/BGtahLgdra
Better late than nunca! Hola! Abe from NYC. Elem VP. Here to listen, learn and share.
Hi Sara!!! Welcome my kinder teaching friend.
awe...happy you are here!!
A2: power in positive phone calls being proactive rather than reactive
A2 All of our teachers do a blog on Fridays, parents get weekly email newsletter from head, in addition to ways others noted,
Awesome! Thank you! I'll have to check that out!!!
I've done this in the past too. I have lunchroom duty couple days/ week but we'll work up to lunch dates!
Welcome Josh! How’s baby Forest tonight? He couldn’t be any cuter!!!
A2 Communication w my ELs' families consists of positive ph calls, notes home, tweets, continuous sharing by Ss using
How is FB working out for you? Do u get more followers than Twitter?
awesome! What techniques did you use for recruiting?
A3: We empower parents by forming partnerships with them & providing entry points for involvement
hi Heidi! I'm so happy to have time for and this week. You girls make me smile and my brain expand.
A3: Bridging the gap by providing parent info nights.
those phone calls are so powerful. I am not sure who is more energized (me or the parents)
I like it for the ease in including a bilingual message for my parents!
At my last campus yes...presently Twitter seems to be more productive
A3: Knowledge is power. I want parents to feel like they have the knowledge and skills to empower themselves and their children.
oh! see ... I didn't even know that was possible. Thank you for teaching me!
A3 communicate with us! Let us know about their child, what do they like doing with them? What are their strengths?
I definetly had more followers on fb last year but this year more on Twitter or Instagram
Oh wow that sounds amazing! I have to check it out.
So glad you are joining tonight. Welcome
A2 Listening is key. So is providing families w/ what they need to help Ss succeed. I use Bloomz and weekly newsletters!
I used it at conferences last semester and then gave information on how to log in. Sent email/hard copy home.
A3. Provide tools-offer video resources, blogs and bilingual parent meetings on topics of their choice https://t.co/fblyFTsJtl
YES! Positive is so important
Gracias amiga. Glad to be here.
A3 Listening to parents to understand where they are coming from - that is the beginning of the partnerships
Do you post photos of students? How did you get parents comfortable with this?
Following along as a parent (2nd & 7th grader). Schools' communication consistency & variety seems lacking. https://t.co/5mOf2KWEEg
Agree... Clear, consistent, & constant communication in multiple formats add up to reaching families. https://t.co/v4OLmo0AhJ
You have to take multiple formats, social media, phone calls, old fashioned newsletters and the simple handshake.
Shelly from Arkansas kinder
A3. Want to try idea on teachers videoing instructional strategies for parents!!
A3: Providing opportunities for Ps to volunteer, building relationships & partnerships with the Ps.
Q3 make sure they are fully aware of teacher lingo
Hate to cut out in the middle of but the 5:30 EST alarm comes early and my sick self is exhausted! Thanks y'all!!! :)
so glad you are here tonight-would love your perspective.
. My Ss' Ps loved seeing their kids' video newsletter!
AMAZING idea and love how the students participate in the process.
A3 I used to start the year with a survey for families to tell us all about their child- hear their perspective & voice.
well hello!!! Good to see you tonight!
Planning to delve into Seesaw this year!
A2 We use our Facebook pg, Twitter, Seesaw, Marquee & newsletter
We do...I try to angle to minimize Ss faces, or I photograph Ss whose Ps have agreed on district permissions
Man, I think my brain almost exploded last nt during the video cast & chat. I need to go back & re-watch!
YES! So important to remember to ensure our 'language' is transparent! https://t.co/4su40fF6Vs
Q3 make sure they are fully aware of teacher lingo
A3 Show them how to be advocates! Parent Academies to teach & guide them. Knowledge is power!
A3: Having parents in the room to read with class or share job or hobby with class.
A3 I encourage my ELs' families to share their culture w the class
So true sometimes we forget that we need to take a moment and explain all the acronyms we use everyday.
You, your students, and your families will LOVE it!
A3:Be flexible - some communication has to happen "outside the contract time" - meet parents half way, not always on our schedule
Awesome! Love the positive and bilingual message. Excelente!
When Ps are involved they know the right questions to ask to get meaningful answers and Ts appreciate the communication
A3: We offer Coffee & Conversations to empower Ps how to participate in school in positive ways; build trust
great point. Sometimes it is about walking alongside and supporting/encouraging the journey-they have the goals.
We want to do more of this this year. Any guidelines you give your parents?
A3. How can we get more parents inside the classrooms?!? Without totally interrupting instructional day!!
Oh my word I have so much to learn! woohoo!!
Only those w permission. If not, back of heads or close up of fingers and student work.
❤ the Coffee & Conversation!
Nan from NJ going in A3: reinforcing the home school connection, educating parents on how we educate
Q4 In what ways have you bridged differences to ensure families are partners with the school? https://t.co/YC6ciDnMA9
A3 Create a relationship & a culture that invites parents to be involved; to ask questions & to be their child's "first" teacher.
Don't forget to Follow Five!! Grow your !! Learn from one another!! Who did you follow?!?
Let them know their opinion matters most. Be open, share your own struggles with your own children.
I wondered that too but then thought maybe parents need resources re: HOW to be their child's advocate.
This is awesome!!! https://t.co/ggv0pErTg8
A2 All of our teachers do a blog on Fridays, parents get weekly email newsletter from head, in addition to ways others noted,
A3 - I send home a beginning of the year survey asking what their goals are for their Ss
A3: I share my own story and give ideas on what they can do. Then I listen and get to know them.
Hi friends at I just finished a webinar! had to stop by and say hi! Of course Seesaw is my A4
great topic to share-I will need to do a better job of this!
A3: Having parents be involved in curriculum days during school.Ps run the academic centers to get to know students.
Yes! Relationships are key!!! https://t.co/E9NuZYHWJt
A3 Create a relationship & a culture that invites parents to be involved; to ask questions & to be their child's "first" teacher.
find the common ground. What do you both want for their kids. That is the starting point.
stories can be so powerful. I think that is the way we relate with one another.
A4- home visits by all staff before school starts builds that relationship !
and if teachers are advocates for their kids, both families and teachers are advocates with a mutual interest!
Yes - everyone has a story and that is what connects us! https://t.co/ekShsVXnWb
stories can be so powerful. I think that is the way we relate with one another.
A4 Last year I worked to get documents translated and translators for certain meetings.
A4: Making sure there is open honest communication. Ts need to establish trust for parents to feel part of the team
A4:Bilingual staff at the front office, Volunteers in school program, HIPPY, bilingual website, communication & principal 😜
A4: I need help with this. In years past our school has not had this issue...this year we have a huge change/divide
They are done monthly...our first one for this yr will be Sept 20...Ps are asked what topics they need
Yes! When schools and parents/family members work together, kids succeed.
RT Q4 In what ways have you bridged differences to ensure families are partners with the school? https://t.co/sUZ5tVE9Ra
A4: welcoming families, listening to their ecperiences, embracing their cultures & ideas.
Yep bc its personal and real. I like them tonget to know me. I'm also modeling sharing and trust.
A4: listen more than you talk
Invite parents in to the class or on outdoor adventures. Let them share in the joy of learning as their child learns.
Agree! It’s important to define how our goals are the same. Often, our hopes & fears are similar.
so true! Listening leads to understanding.
A4 My Ss use to share (sometimes in their home Lang) what they are learning or need to practice w their Ps, ELL fam nights
Q4 - The first week of school we had a coffee bar for our parents to have REAL conversation & let Ps know we care
A4 Understanding that we both want the best 4 the child. Sometimes it means an extra 5 mins on the phone just listening.
makes sense. It's not that they must be told TO be advocates. Parent leadership programs are helpful!
A4. One at a time.Time with families to hear hopes/dreams/ beliefs & tear down assumptions while ensuring right tools r in place.
ME TOO!!! I've loved ready them. So informative
A4- Sometimes the differences R bridged by taking time 2 listen and reassure that our goal together is to do what's best 4 kids
A4: Ask Ps what they want to know & how they want info. delivered. Answers may surprise youu! Bld trust. https://t.co/hSePkMUKZk
Q4 In what ways have you bridged differences to ensure families are partners with the school? https://t.co/YC6ciDnMA9
Joining in from Colorado after seeing on my Twitter scroll. Great topic tonight!
power of an invite-so small but so important.
Yes it's a three legged stool! https://t.co/EhgYiDc1lY
A4- Sometimes the differences R bridged by taking time 2 listen and reassure that our goal together is to do what's best 4 kids
for the last several years I share this with Ts at beginning of year to remind us all that we all have a story.
that's so cool. Great idea worth sharing.
A4 Tough question. We listen, exchange ideas and work for all students.
Another wonderful idea that could happen any time of the year that provides time and space for connecting. https://t.co/cLM0gJy8nH
Q4 - The first week of school we had a coffee bar for our parents to have REAL conversation & let Ps know we care
Hello everyone sorry I'm late got to stay longer with my last class Rizza here from Philippines
Yes. I get choked up almost every time I watch it. Reminds me of what it means to be human and importance of connections
exactly-certainly not a one-size fits all-but small steps for the great good.
A4 we have Parent and Ts meet and greet at the start of the sch year where we talk about our goals for the children and the sch
Great idea! Or maybe family picnics with a class at a time????
Q5 How do you build bridges instead of fences with families?
A5: We homevisit all of our students before school starts to begin building strong relationships from the start.
Yes.. opens new doors and renews trust. Teachers see in a new lens
how does that work? What are the academic centers?
A5 it takes communication time and effort!
A4: School parent groups can help too. At first PTA mtg, we asked abt Ps' abt best hopes for their child. Enlightening responses!
I haven't figured out how to to so this in 5th grade yet https://t.co/5TxyhdRZ3R
A5: We homevisit all of our students before school starts to begin building strong relationships from the start.
A5. Be patient and a good listener. Time and a mutual goal of Ss success can go a long way. https://t.co/Dxye7ghl3l
Q5 How do you build bridges instead of fences with families?
Thanks for joining ; ) https://t.co/7nEoKe1pa6
Joining in from Colorado after seeing on my Twitter scroll. Great topic tonight!
A5: extend YOUR hand first across the bridge
I have to go friends! It was great to see you tonight! I leave you with a video of our greetings this week https://t.co/HhMhfG8PE9
A5: Go extra mile. Honest communication both POSITIVE & negative. Ps love to hear you "know" who their child is.
A5 when we share with parents how we are recognizing the awesomeness that exists within their child. Leads to better connections
wow-really? That is incredible!
Hey, folks - great convo tonight over at on engaging, communicating & bldg relationships with parents.
A5 still in progress with my sch but I have tried to encourage Ps to comm with me and so far I get + feedback
Wait a minute!! That is some serious stuff. I'm using that! Thanks! That's why I luv
what a doll!!! Love the smiles on both communication partners!
A5: Teamwork, listening, involvement, communicate, clear & kind when giving feedback, empathy, Focus+ https://t.co/NpN6jC4yre
Q5 How do you build bridges instead of fences with families?
You are welcome. It certainly is powerful
Choose theme ex apples. Find activities for all sci,math,lit, etc. Ps lead activity in rotation. An academic party!
It gives our students & families a level of comfort about starting school before the 1st day even happens.
Show up everyday, say hello and ready to help.
Encourage your campus to try...the coffee and donuts are purchased with Parent Involvement funds
A5 During the 1st week of school, I always wrote each P a hand written note about something I admired about their child
A5) Consider them a full partner in their kids' school experience. Share constantly. Welcome their insight. https://t.co/nJHGhEeiR1
Q5 How do you build bridges instead of fences with families?
A6: My meet the teacher newsletter with a tour of our classroom & personal info about me!
Positive phone calls home to each family w/in the 1st 2 weeks of school.
A6 home visits have been the most successful by far!!!
A5: Empathy, be fully present in moment, respect diversity of opinion, listen-always w/a focus on best interests of students.
A6 2 things that have been great so far - positive phone calls home and F2F conversations with parents at arrival and dismissal
A6: Our before school Meet the Teacher event & school wide home visits lay a foundation for connecting all year long.
A6: tomorrow I'm standing at the front doors during the open house with a smile to greet every warrior at
wonderful idea!!! I write cards to every student in the school during the first month-but parents-great idea as well!
Hi Rizza. Welcome friend.
Agree completely! Also report bk to them abt how you're using their input so they know their fdbk is valued.
a6: Hands down POSITIVES parent phone call in first few weeks. Dedication, sets stage, positive first https://t.co/M7bfktlxkF
A6 Meet the teacher/supply drop off event, personal info about me, and a positive ph call the 1st wk of school
Great chat thanks for having me once again! I've got to run! See you next week
A6 the trad is we have Ps and Ts meet and greet i think we need to adapt other positive ways to connecting with Ps
Our pastor showed this during the sermon this past Sunday!
cool! Your key there is parent leadership. I enjoy attending things like that but it's usually run by school staff.
we are trying this at conferences tomorrow night!
A6- We did a lot of new transition 2 school activities; a favorite was pics on the 1st day w/ mascot & me https://t.co/nx3ON9fLqG
Be on the lookout for the archive of tonight’s chat Thanks again for joining You all made it terrific!
Such great and inspiring ideas tonight! Even more excited for conferences tomorrow night after all the idea sharing on
Join next Tuesday, Sep. 6th to discuss Lesson Planning Essentials
Thanks for a great chat tonight! Learned new ideas! Can't wait to do more for the Kids and Our Families!!
A5 Don't be defensive. Let parents know you notice their child; likes, dislikes, qualities, personalities, strengths, weaknesses.
Muchas gracias I always cone away with ideas. Thanks for having me. Buenas noches!
Muchas gracias I always cone away with ideas. Thanks for having me. Buenas noches!
