#2PencilChat Archive
The #2PencilChat is a weekly conversation about educational technology. As we enter a more student-centered age, let's talk about using all the tools in our toolboxes to be innovative and dynamic teachers.
Tuesday September 27, 2016
Mark here, elementary principal in MN. My text reminder for worked!
Hello This is Melissa from Katy TX!
Beth - Elem STEM/Tech teacher from MN
5th grade ELA teacher from TX joining tonight!
Hello - 5th grade teacher from eastern PA
Erica - middle school FACS teacher
Kevin here a Teaching Principal with Irelands first and onlt school STEAM Room
Jefferson teachers-This is a great chat to join.
I thought I'd turn up for a bit to
Have to drive Clare to school for a 11:45 Health and Human development exam
Carl HS Maths Science
Avonsleigh Australia
May be accompanied by Clare (Year 12 student) during car trip to come
Hi ! Great to see this awesome group tonight
Hi ! Rebecca, HS English, Dominican Republic, and I clawed my way out from under the piles of grading finally!
A2 1st of all, make a connection with the student. Most important step IMO.
Hello Kevin 😊 Hope all is well 😊
Hi Allison Stout library tech teacher in MO.
Robert here from sweltering Los Angeles.
A1) Identify reason
Sometimes organisation advice, one thing at a time
Clare says help them set goals
A1: make connections with Ss, sit and talk, problem solve, set small goals to look for quick wins, loook for peer who can help.
A1: made an action plan with a student today
How hot is sweltering Robert?
Hi! Julie from Jax beach, FL. 1st grade
That 1:1 time, conferences, discussions are so valuable.
Help them create a study plan and set up an organized binder. Have daily check-ins to talk about assigns.
A1) Mentor them, find something they're passionate about and good at.
A1. Help them find organization/study strategies that will work for them. May take several iterations. Be patient!
A1.We make them feel welcome and we make them part of the team.Assign appropriate classwork and help them to engage
Yes, I am a "check in buddy" for my student.
A1 Show them that you care and truly want to see them succeed. Impliment new strategies and track data. Find what works
A1 Find a strength, try to build confidence, listen, AND work from where they are and not where you want them to be!
A1 Heterogeneous grouping, assign a buddy, build a relationship with child and family
A1) Give them time to stay organized. We are continually rushing, and students can't keep up.
Hey everyone! Eric from Brazil. Glad to see so many familiar faces, well, not faces, profiles.
Creating a positive learning environment.
A1 Establish trust, inspire confidence, & prove ur on their side. Then take it one bit at a time, constantly moving 'em forward
A1: We must be OK with giving them time to separate. Not making our class the most important thing all the time
We need to show we care and want to support them. Absolutely!
A1 I help my Ss strategize and keep their planners & binders organized. Talk to them frequently to build trust.
A2 # I assign them a mentor buddy. Awesome, we are a community and help bring each other up. https://t.co/TMYmg1Qbub
Meet them where they are!
As a high school teacher by the time I see a student, issues have developed over years. Need small steps to help
A1: Never hurts for some 1:1 time if possible, whether for academic reasons or just relationship building.
Absolutely, chunk their assignments. Little at at a time. Finish only what you consider necessary
Welcome to anyone I may have missed!
sorry, my auto type is having many typos tonight. Sorry!!
They appreciate the effort, even if it doesn;t seem like it.
Yep. We call that over 37 and that is unpleasant
Hey there, Melissa! Glad I am able to join in tonight--almost couldn't make it!
A1: Setting up a check in system betweens Ss & trusted adult in the school. Could be any adult.
Building confidence encourages them to keep going when they get discouraged.
Common Themes: organization support, mentor buddies, creating safe learning environment, trust
Good morning joining in for a bit before classes starts😊 hello
Hi Kelley in Maine happy to make it here tonight, been a busy week so far.
A1 I just got several students that have never used tech before in their schools and now having hard time keeping up with peers
Show them it doesn't all have to happen it one day. Learning takes time
Dont some days seem like a week long?
Inspire & guide them to self-discipline & motivation. The more they connect with you the more they will try.
Yes!They didn't have the matter develop over night most likely-it takes time to build trust and remove walls.
A1 In my context, English fluency is 90% of the problem when a kid is lost. Repeating instructions in different forms matters.
Can't sleep, 2AM in Sudan
A1 I try to assign a study buddy or peer then check them for follow up daily
A1.In my STEAM Room I have variety of https://t.co/UMrAJwvk0l is a maker space where Ss make things A learning space for all
Thanks for joining us! Wow!
A2: offer our time, listen
Happy to have another Sped teacher in the chat!
A1: I find routines to be helpful for keeping Ss focused and setting aside check in times
A2) Find some to connect with and listen to them.
A2 last yr, I had a S who's mom was in prison. We wrote letters to her. Sent writing samples and kept… https://t.co/AAXv9poaXe
They love structure & routines, whether they admit it or not!
As long as students see some result they usually will follow
A2: First, have to have a relationship with the Ss. Create a safe zone where they feel free to talk. https://t.co/KWq4y3XdZF
Yes but they also go by so fast I can't seem to have enough time to get everything done.
A2 run your class with a firm but heartfelt approach. Make sure the kiddos know how much you care. Calm, consistent environment
A2: make sure they are aware of socio-emotional supports via counseling services, etc. Heads up to Ts to look out for Ss/needs.
A2 Also, our school will do Tide Tues and they will buddy up with a child to be their mentor. Resource… https://t.co/jTy3R2Xcel
A2 I proposed in my dist that on PD Days, Counselors do PD for Ts on this, so that we're better prepared. It takes training
A2) Listen
Allow them some latitude
that is tricky and frustrating for the Ss as well as you.
Offer them resources and places to get help.
A2 I let great books, their inspiring, relatable characters, wise themes to act as a "friend" & role model to Ss in tough times
Creating a positive learning env without the useless textbooks is key.Lets teach from the heart
We might be the constant, caring adult in their lives!
she's out as of 2 weeks ago. I plan to meet her real soon at school to catch up.
A2: Many 3rd Culture Kids need help with moving. Inside Out a great film for family movie night
A2: I like offering books with characters going through struggles. It helps to know you aren't alone.
We do a very brief morning check in a few times a week. Rate your day from 1-5. If 4/5, I make a point to check with them later
Educators need PD in mental health and difficult situations.
A2. Listen to them--find out a few of their interests and maybe find time for them to do something with that.
A2 I talk openly about mental illness with my HS Ss to fight stigma. Flexibility in work choices and spaces matters, too.
A2. Respect them, care and provide outlets where needed. I've also found sometimes focusing on the task at hand is best.
Common Themes: listen, love, care, create supportive learning environment, give them resources
what a great idea. I have a library of wonderful books. another way to classify them
not at all. They form great relationships with their Tide Tuesday buddy. It's really great. 3rd-5th.
Yes. I connect with many students thru Pokemon & comic books
I have never seen that! I will have to check into it!
I do too. I know loves using lit as well.
A2 we have our school social worker and we have a therapist who comes in once a week as well. Ss know they can find me too.
So true! I have had to do so much outside reading and consulting with experts. Wish I had PD. https://t.co/d8xWgmHBqn
Educators need PD in mental health and difficult situations.
A2) Share personal stories that may help, also literature that may provide inspiration/connection
A2 The books matter so much. I'd never heard of anyone actually surviving mental illness until I read a book.
Get to know the whole child.
I do too. I have Dyslexia & my son Aspergers I talk a lot about struggling with disorders.
A2: we cannot shy away from tough conversations, Ss should never feel ashamed for coming to us
A2: We ask our teachers to serve as "lifelines" to students at risk.
A2 Don't rush them into talking about anything they don't want to. Building a trusting relationship takes time.
A2: genuinely show interest by listening and being a shoulder to lean on
Sorry to cut short I'm needed in the classroom, our homeroom T is sick all the best 😊
Strategies: characters in books, personal stories, movies, counselors, check-in buddy, therapists
I really love morning meeting. It has been an invaluable tool for identifying students in need.
Yes, I know the concept. I use Morning Messages to greet my MS Ss.
Yes. Fish in a Tree by Lynn Mullally Hunt is a great novel about Dyslexia.
Arrange support through peers or other staff members if you can't help on your own.
a friend shared the 2/10 rule last wk. Spend 2 minutes per day for 10 days getting to know a child that is struggling to build
Exactly, know your skill set and where to get help.
I have Principal lunches or story time as a way for kids who need extra time to connect with someone https://t.co/uT1PqtvCBB
A2. Listen to them--find out a few of their interests and maybe find time for them to do something with that.
A3) We use Responsive Classroom and PBIS strategies and practices.
I agree. Give them time to open up.
A3. This one is tough since I see all classes. Working on it by not being overbearing w/rules & by allowing Ss choice.
When appropriate, I share personal stories to show that there's a light in what appears to be an abyss. https://t.co/cnJ3kTS2sL
A2) Share personal stories that may help, also literature that may provide inspiration/connection
My brother has Aspberger's and Mockingbird and Rules were both books that really helped me
I know Responsive Classroom.
A3: creating class Playlist, showing Anchors of Appreciation for each other, talking
OK we are off to school... during the holidays
A2 I find writing to be an outlet for many Ss to relieve their stress. Love idea of providing meaningful quick write topics.
A3 Create a truly scholarly environment that equally honors opinion, insight, & ideas. Ss love to be taken seriously & be heard
At our school we have Care Bears and Bear Buddies both student led. For building social relationships
how do you do your "morning check-ins" ?
Thanks for coming! Have fun!
I always talk about writing and what a powerful tool it is!
A3 Ungraded peer interaction opportunities. Ungraded means That One Kid doesn't just take over the project from That Other Kid
A3 Community starts with us. We practice The 7 Habits. These applied skills really encourage working together with respect
A3 Establish classroom learning communities where interdependence is necessary to complete task. Teach art of discourse.
I'd love to hear more . . .
A3: build a need for Ss to work together and bond together to solve a problem or address a need. https://t.co/fz9ghpsXp2
A3 by building strong relationships and making the classroom a save space for all learners
Yeah! We are a Leader in Me School.
A3- Team-building activities and learning groups (love my S bookclubs). Encourage supportive feedback while teaching kindness!
Welcome to anyone who snuck in!
A3: I don't shy away from admitting my mistakes in front of my Ss. We fail and sometimes epically.
End of the day we share Good news! 2claps and a snap 😊
A3: Build community using (blogging) & (digital portfolio) Ss can see & comment on each other's work
Strategies: Covey's Habits, Responsive Classroom, group work, team building
A3: When teachers create a safe environment in the classroom, students are more willing to be vulnerable ... and learn.
A3 Sometimes I'll ask a student who has a good understanding if they're open to helping a friend who has a question
spring break.
2 weeks in September.
Then Term 4
This group is on fire tonight! I could like everything!
Build relationships thru after-school clubs like student council, Natl JR Honor Society, even Pokemon club
A3 I constantly say how lucky I am to have recieved the perfect combo of learners and how they hit the jackpot when they got me
I will ask for student "teachers" as well.
Model how to support one another. If a Ss makes a mistake, how can we be supportive. https://t.co/R7YkS1uiaq
A3- Team-building activities and learning groups (love my S bookclubs). Encourage supportive feedback while teaching kindness!
A3 So many team building opportunities in my STEM room.
I have 6 different science competitions Ss collaborate for a common goal: learning & sharing science
Great idea! Have to try that.
I'm always a little careful abt it because I was the kid who got appointed Tutor when it disrupted my learning
Strategy: let Ss teach each other!
A3 many wonderful class read aloud stories that can build on this conversation - Wonder - Ok for Now, are two that come to mind
A3 Getting them to see they all have a role in the classroom. Working together in different ways early in the year helps that
I don't know "OK for Now".....
A3 emphasizes importance of Ss knowing you are a learner. Essential they see you as a learner.
I implemented classroom jobs, they love it!
A4. Just like w/the kids: listen! Offer ideas (if they are open to it), lead them to resources.
Makerspace for collaboration, group projects to teach cooperation, community goals & studentcentered classroom
Chocolate also works! LOL
I told mine I see myself as a learner more often than a teacher, they were shocked!
Glad to know I'm not the only one who's struck gold! https://t.co/d9XDdFnUgZ
A3 I constantly say how lucky I am to have recieved the perfect combo of learners and how they hit the jackpot when they got me
A3: share stories, likes, struggles. Just create that classroom community feel
A4 sometimes practical help (cover class, make copies, provide time) other times emotional (stay in room, be there, listen)
A4: Let them vent. Try to help out with what I can. Bring chocolate. I know that makes me feel better. https://t.co/3FnCW3ooPc
I love when people do this. Seems so simple, makes my day!
A4) Do nice things for them, listen, offer support.
Giving students responsibility makes them feel part of the community, that they have value.
LOVE it! I just offered free planning time the other day!
A4 You support anyone who is struggling with two things: your empathy & your ears. Listen to understand, not to problem solve.
A4 I try and find ways to provide in class support. I arranged for our tech to do in class support for students
A4: many times a colleague just needs 5 minutes to vent to an adult. Be that person who smiles at them everyday
Who doesn't love chocolate?
Oh, yes, coffee! Bring them coffee and chocolate.
A4) Listen, be observant, see what they need, offer assistance, I always share new materials, never know it could help
Seek First to Understand, then to Be Understood
A4: be available to talk to,stop into their classroom &see how they are, offer to help w/ little things that make a big diff.
Author is gary schmidt. Put me in tears, both good and bad
A4: "random" pick me ups are always nice. Tough year or not, let others know they are appreciated!
A4: drop anchors of appreciation
And/or donuts...what a way to brighten anyone's morning https://t.co/IiyDmYFvZR
Oh, yes, coffee! Bring them coffee and chocolate.
A4 How many of us have a coworker for whom every year is a "tougher than normal" year
It appears half of my 10th graders. Feel like I'm in the Twilight Zone. 😩
A4: Give them something silly! (Play-Doh, bubbles, stress balls, etc.)
A4: Listen & let them know they aren't alone. Celebrate their successes. Remind them that asking for help isn't a weakness.
If you are not tired of me yet, please join us! LOL
My 1st year teaching I needed encouragement to take risks & be true to myself it built up my confidence.
A4 Talk it out on the golf course. Go another 9 if you have to
A4b) Remember one T invited my class to view sci. video, just so I could have a moment alone
Oh, yes, and doughnuts too. These ideas keep getting better and better. What else?
Strategies: chocolate, donuts, listening ear, words of encouragement, coffee
how do stress your own learning w/o being repetitive? Specific? I love to reference books I'm reading, etc
A4 Chocolate is always a great pick-me-up! Notice the small success to applaud + encourage. Go extra mile in any way possible
And Chocolate. Always a little motivational sticky note & some chocolate.
A4 Notes in mailbox, Post-its on door, chocolate, a listening ear
Not any more. They were fired. It made this year a less tough year on the rest of us.
A4 Anticipate what they'll need and deliver before they think of it (copies, coffee, safe vent space, lesson plan, etc.)
A4. Just a little compliment goes a long way.
Printing this one out to share with a few teachers tomorrow morning!
Yes or a visit to a spa, massage.
A4: pick up copies from machine and deliver to room
A4 help them with changing their mindset. Show by example. Also, help them figure out a plan. Work sma… https://t.co/iuchQrKqct
A4 any one of you would be a great coworker. Love all the ideas
A4: left Kit Kats in copy room for everyone to "Take a Break"
YES! WikkiStix are awesome as a silly pick me up.
I like the "What can you do about that? Can I be helpful to you as you do that?" questions when stuck in negative.
A4: Encourage students to write letters to the editor...model by writing one yourself.
Wow! That's a great idea. Please come work at my school. Of course, please bring the Kit Kats with you. https://t.co/u66GVaUcqz
A4: left Kit Kats in copy room for everyone to "Take a Break"
A5: offering our time to listen
I left Hershey Hugs once too. Everyone got a hug.
A4) I love getting messages from my Twitter friends during the day, just a simple Hello...make me smile big😊
A5 I have more trouble with parents that struggle with *implementing* good solutions
A5: offer resources to parents depending on needs/wants
A5) One teacher did a brilliant thing last year. Invited parents in & taught them math games & activities they played in class.
I have parent STEM nights or parent-tchr chats with coffee & donuts to strategize how to help Ss be successful
A5: connect Ps with resources in and outside of school. Listen to their concerns and assist them in finding solutions together.
A5. Ask them questions to help pinpoint where they need help & then assist them in getting it.
I talk to parents a lot about how to best motivate & encourage students to keep growth mindset.
A5: My school offers class for parents on a variety of issues. Motivation, technology, bullying, etc.
A5 Be direct with them. Encourage them to be persistent with their kids and create a consistent time and place for homework
Startegies: offering resources to Ps, inviting them into school, listening
A2: Students need vocab to write it out: over-whelmed, grief, irritable, gloomy, desperate, deplorable, anxious, resentful.
Yes, helping create routines.
Give them the words, language, feelings, to express themselves.
A5) I talk to Ps everyday, they sit in on my lessons, open trusting relationship is key
Loving these conversations tonight! What a wealth of skills & strategies to walk away with!
A5. Provide Continual, honest conversation. As well as support as their cheerleader.
Agreed!! https://t.co/tcSVFUL2J0
Loving these conversations tonight! What a wealth of skills & strategies to walk away with!
Continual is so critical.
A1: Face-to-face conference; end it with 3 specific, concrete strategies (i.e. paper planner, specific binder system).
Ps should always feel comfortable coming to school. We need to make that happen for them!
A5 Sometimes it's asking them to write down what they are willing to do and see it. It's a commitment thing.
Love it. Something they can implement right away.
What do you do when that is discouraged?
A5 Talk about the issue with parents is Step 1...congrats. Acceptance is huge.
Exactly! T-chart: annoyed vs. sullen, despair vs. hopelessness
A5 Ps & Ts naturally share common goals. Share the ways you capture their child's heart, spirit, mind &manners so Ps can mirror
A5 Class Dojo to communicate and share classroom community w Ps. They have been responsive to the text like notes I send them
Teachers should be given great discounts!
A5: As ele. librarian I ask Ps to volunteer at school being involved helps grow community & lets the Ps see what's happening
Ps discouraged from coming in?
stand at the door and ask morning meeting like questions. They must interact w me while saying hello
A5 Honestly? I feel like I need a degree in social work for parent meetings. It's half insecurity and half goal-setting.
Probably TMI, but the shower is calling me. Just got back from working out when I saw this chat https://t.co/6M4XtYGpsn
A5: remind parents to talk with their Ss about something *other* than school.
A6. Do stuff together--and NOT only academically-related. Have fun together!
Love it! We sometimes assume Ss have the words and they may not. OR not recognize the difference bwtn them.
A5 community suppers are a great way to get parents in and providing them with strategies for helping their students
Excellent! I see this more K-5 then secondary.
A6 Take down the walls. I work in an open concept building - no walls or doors... and I love it. Instant community
Workshops. The elementary and upper school counselors team up to do this.
Especially for kids, Learning isn't complete without the home.
I have always wanted to see that!
A6 Teachers need time and space to talk to each other about their teaching. Coordination grows organically from there.
A6) Collaborate, buddy classes, staff meetings in teachers' rooms, share great things you see, enjoy food & have fun together.
oh my gosh yes! And quite the scale of supports required...
Enjoy! :) Bring some strategies with you!
A5. Interdisciplinary lessons, integrated staff that works together holistically for the students. In good and not good!
A5: Reassure Ps their S is normal. Ts spend more time w/age group and have a better baseline. Ps need emotional support, too.
A6 We have to open put doors and share as much as possible. Be a model for others and our kids.
A6) Try to see your coworkers as a person and not their subject matter. Get to know each other.
Love pulling classes together.
A6:create an environment that invites all to be involved and that values input from all stakeholders. Open/inviting/team based.
A6 create opportunities for classes to connect and provide joint learning lessons
A6 we are implementing a house system to bring teachers together. We will roll it to students next qtr… https://t.co/PIuJL6LzRm
Have a great evening and a great rest of the week. 👋
This is a fantastic way to create learning environments.
Building a community where everyone is happy learning! https://t.co/Zqg51sHZr8
A6) Collaborate, buddy classes, staff meetings in teachers' rooms, share great things you see, enjoy food & have fun together.
A6. I also think community or fun events build commradary which fosters awesome a support.
A6b share what we do with others through email, through word of mouth, and encourage each other. Find the best in eachother
Amazing ideas here tonight....make sure to follow 5 people before you leave!
Hey check out this Twitterchat
A6 - collaborate w/ other classrooms. I've seen genius hour across multiple grades, 5th grade teaching 4th, & book buddies!
A6: Morning Meetings, Incentive Days, Career Day, Leader in Me Community Day
A6) Start some friendly, academic competition between classes.
A6: As much cross-curricular common language as possible!
A6: Monday we had district wide pep rally on field to kick off homecoming.
Sorry I was late! Busy week with conferences. Awesome educators here. Have a great week!
A6: Get on the same page...literally. APA vs. MLA
A5 Team meetings or primary/intermediate. Sharing of strategies/ideas. Create classroom buddies. In my case 5th with K 1xweek
A6 I was missing 3 of my 7 Ss yesterday so I invited another self-contained classroom over to celebrate a bday. We had a blast
We have Homebase challenges throughout year.
done! Great idea!! Thank you!
A6: Collaboration between Ts & across grade levels also school wide focus on a single topic helps too.
One more question left!!!!!
A6 Invite families in for breakfast Donuts for Dads and Muffins for Moms. Kids sit with parents and teachers stop to chat
Startegies: interdisciplinary teaching, buddy classes, team meetings, sharing strategies
Good luck with the houses, ! I hope you get all stakeholders to buy-in. It can be amazing!
A7: try to work out, eat healthy, drinks tons of water
A7: stay away from negative energy and surround myself with positive
A7) Put things into perspective, reflect, reach out to others, eat well, sleep, get exercise.
A7 I don't believe in staying positive. I work on staying effective. I give myself permission to feel my feels and keep going.
Perspective so important!
A7: Look yourself in the mirror ask: is this who I want to be? If not make a change.
A7 Exercise-even a short walk at lunch, surround myself w/positive people, meditate, music-sometimes really loud!!
That is true reflection and honesty.
A7:exercise/eat well/talk with those who support you & care about you- draw inspiration from them😊Remember that it's temporary!
A7 I see myself thru tough times with faith, grace, & gratitude. All will be OK, stay calm, & focus on all the good in my life.
A7. Lean on my school + Twitter PLN, sleep and exercise a lot, read and write. Dream up awesome solutions to the struggle!
I played music most of the day today while Ss worked on projects. Such a relaxing day!
A7: Have some fun: chase Pokemon, read, exercise & nap 😴
A7) Believe in you get what you give, be kind & it comes back to you, bad days will pass, just keep spreading goodness
Nicely put! https://t.co/lmbEe6MlgI
A7 I see myself thru tough times with faith, grace, & gratitude. All will be OK, stay calm, & focus on all the good in my life.
A7: Make your "me time" sacred.
thank you! It's been fun but very hard work at the same time. Our principal & PTO is on board to make this happen too
A7 Interesting how many of us put down exercise but yet many schools keep taking away recess from our kids
we had a school group that walked a couple times a week that just focused on relaxing and enjoying the company
Strategies: rest, exercise, read, "me time", perspective, positive energy, music, walks
Thank you, for moderating ! Amazing job!
A7 surround myself with my family and positive friends. Sharpen the saw!!
Oooo PTO makes all the difference!
Thank you friends, wherever you are & the lovely What a splendid time! ❤️
A7 exercising several times a week and margaritas on the really rough days. Plus focusing on one thing each day that was good
I've started playing "zen" music during class; it helps with grading, too!
Encourage risk-taking & collaboration. Model s growth mindset & share personal learning exp with students
