#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 October 11, 2016
Do you Vox? DM or to be added to the Voxer group.
RT if you believe in the power of !
Play is not the same as not working or being indulgent or lazy. Play is taking every moment of life and turning it into joy.
Good evening PLN I am an AP on a bilingual early childhood school in N. TX. Looking forward to the learning tonight.
Greetings tribe! Jessica-Principal of in Austin, MN.
is in a Q/A format with Q1, Q2, etc. Mark responses w/ A1, A2, A3,...etc
Julie Bloss, Principal in OK to approx 360 amazing 4 & 5 yr olds 🤗 Happy Tuesday!
Hello! Nat in the UK here. It's 2.30am so not live but scheduled a few tweets!
Hello everyone, my name is Juliana I'm originally form Colombia. I'm a GT Bil T.
Kim, early childhood sped teacher in Kansas!
Hi! That's a good number of students! Welcome!
Welcome! That is so kool!
Hello! So excited to see what new ideas and community arise during this chat!
Hola Juliana! Bienvenida.
Hello happy to be joining today's chat, Rizza here T from Philippines
Hi all!! I'm Abbi! Second grade teacher from Iowa... Super excited to be back! Love Tuesday nights! :)
Hi everyone. I'm a north texas kinder teacher, in my first year and loving every moment. looking to learn and thrive!
I feel like it not just educators who fail to listen to other People sometime! All people do this sometime! .
.They forgot that “growing” children takes a community!
Educators fail to listen to others, especially to those they serve like children, parents and those they work with.
Donald trump wants to build a wall. What kind of walls and bridges do you want to build in education?
Confidence is key to Learning
“The most successful adults maintain the ability to play.” - Dr. Jack Shonkoff
Megan Gapinski K teacher from IA liking forward to another chat 😀
Good reminder! https://t.co/4vPZ5zkLWI
“The most successful adults maintain the ability to play.” - Dr. Jack Shonkoff
nice to meet you! Love seeing more males in on side note let's go
Welcome, what an adventure, I love KN!
Hi Megan! Welcome back to
A1 Negative attitudes and misconceptions can create barriers between schools and parents.
Good luck to the Chicago Cubs!
Danielle K Teacher in AZ! So happy to make
A1. Lack of communication, when there is a lack there is an automatic wall!
A2: Lack of communication
Deloris principal of a bilingual ECC in North Texas! Ready to learn!
A1 Schools build "walls" when they ignore student and parent needs. Look at what schools do, not just what they say.
A1. Schools create walls when they are closed off & unwelcoming to parents & their stakeholders at large.
Hi! I'm Rebecca, a preservice teacher from Grove City College! I'm really excited for this chat!
A1: Forgetting we are in this together. Not building a school family.
We are so honored to have you guest host Abe! Gracias Señor!
Hello everyone! Bonham PreK School ready to learn!
q1 they don't make it easy for parent to communicate with teachers! And other parents
Too many cooks in the kitchen. Too many messages.
De nada! Its a privilege to serve toinght.
Hi Rizza! I’m always happy to learn with you on
A1: I think the biggest issue is the lack of communication . It HAS to be a priority to talk with your Ss parents-- good and bad!
Jess from MA. A1 assuming all families will communicate the same way can lead to walls
Hello and welcome Deloris!
A1- A wall is created when the climate is not welcoming, when S &P's do not feel "a part of" and when communication is poor.
Welcome Kim! I’m so glad you are here for
A1. Sometimes schools have "rules and guidelines" that create barriers
A1: Teachers can build a wall by looking at a student's present effort or grade, and not at experiences, crises, or personal life
A1: schools create a wall between them and students/parents by limiting communication and parent involvement
Life is too short to waist thinking about people who don’t think about you.
A1 by not putting the S or parents 1st. we should always place them 1st especially on their preferences digital not always solution
The grass isn’t greener on the other side anymore. It’s greener on which side you water the most
because it gives children much needed opportunities to safely explore emotions and concerns. https://t.co/gWRvnjGLTd
How can you make it easier? Give them ideas! I always welcome feedback. I always wanna get better.
A1: school have too many cooks in the kitchen sending messages/reminders but not much LISTENING
Hi Nat! I’m so impressed that you coordinated scheduled tweets to join ; ) https://t.co/QJuByAeQpZ
Hello! Nat in the UK here. It's 2.30am so not live but scheduled a few tweets!
A1 Def misconceptions sp related to SES or race 😬
Some people fear difficult convos. Not easy.
i feel this way at daughters school they say one way and act another I have asked to volunteer but they don't really
they should first make a school directory with emails and class lists
A1. Possible we build walls by not involving Ps & Ss in the learning & partnership. As Ts we have experiences, but not all answers.
I alway just told there no money in the budget everything I suggested I already stopped going 2 PTO
You are on fire tonight! Whoa!
How awesome, I'd love to learn more about your school. https://t.co/4v9DQXAptj
Julie Bloss, Principal in OK to approx 360 amazing 4 & 5 yr olds 🤗 Happy Tuesday!
Hola amiga! Great to have you join in again tonight. https://t.co/Yfx0LnpXEK
Hello everyone, my name is Juliana I'm originally form Colombia. I'm a GT Bil T.
Yep! https://t.co/OV21hL7Ijr
A1: school have too many cooks in the kitchen sending messages/reminders but not much LISTENING
Problems occur when schools don't even realize they have a wall keeping P's and S's out
Welcome to looking forward to learning from you tonight. https://t.co/RtzoqUZtFb
Kim, early childhood sped teacher in Kansas!
Welcome to looking forward to learning from you tonight. https://t.co/RtzoqUZtFb
Kim, early childhood sped teacher in Kansas!
i wanted to bring enrichment classes with school but told no funding like Lego classes as a special
Welcome to glad you joined in tonight. https://t.co/baNBobtPkz
Hi! I'm Rebecca, a preservice teacher from Grove City College! I'm really excited for this chat!
you gave me a heads up why I asked u topic
DO NOT GIVE UP ON THEM! YOU MAKE THE DIFFERENCE!
When we deny children play, we are denying them the right to understand the world.”
You cannot make people learn. You can only provide the right conditions for learning to happen.” ~ Vince Gowmon
Love that you joined tonight. Looking forward to learning from you tonight. https://t.co/xfqOtCiLEN
Hello everyone! Bonham PreK School ready to learn!
A1 We tear down walls when we provide parents opportunities to support their child's learning and make them feel valued.
A2: Start communicating regularly with parents! Help them know what's happening in your classroom and invite them to join in
A2: Try to find different ways to communicate/request involvement.
So true, we need to be careful about the look and feel of our school when visitors walk in. https://t.co/01TXVuAPsW
A1- A wall is created when the climate is not welcoming, when S &P's do not feel "a part of" and when communication is poor.
A2 We tear down walls by listening, welcoming, & sharing the learning happening every day in our classrooms/schools.
A2: Give parents more opportunities to get involved. Keep them in the loop as much as possible!
Ts can tear down the wall by having a personal relationship with Ss and Ps that fosters communication and trust
Hi Kimberly! Glad to have you!
Also by not providing them meaningful opportunities to participate in their child's learning. https://t.co/mbLtEaiL3J
A1: schools create a wall between them and students/parents by limiting communication and parent involvement
not giving up. Asking to volunteer in classroom instead of PTO so can be with the kids!
Great point. Awareness of the existing barriers is half the battle & the 1st step to removing them. https://t.co/96TDFFQPRW
Problems occur when schools don't even realize they have a wall keeping P's and S's out
A2: We can "tear down" walls by speaking and/or learning our Ss and Ps native language. "Hola" and "Buenos dias" is not enough.
It's all about relationships! https://t.co/myF6B7U5ey
Ts can tear down the wall by having a personal relationship with Ss and Ps that fosters communication and trust
A1 We tear down walls when parents know what is happening in their child's classroom with things like
A2: Ask parents about their child, make connections at the beginning of the year. Give them resources.
My goal this year has been parent involvement. Great for all having Ps in my room.
A2 by constantly looking inward at how we do things this involves having face 2 face convos with team & outsiders, & even parents
A2 Sharing the great learning taking place; understanding & valuing our diverse Fams & Ss ; communication!
Important to know your "who" for us digital has made a huge impact on communication and much more! https://t.co/1AipTYaGjt
A1 by not putting the S or parents 1st. we should always place them 1st especially on their preferences digital not always solution
A2 Build many gateways in the wall. Give people choices and avenues on how to enter!
Sometimes easier to be with kids than w adults!
Yep and don't wait until something bad happens.
Thanks! Great topic! We need to open our minds to new ways/new ideas.
I can see how this can be easy to do. Too much can be overwhelming sometimes. https://t.co/Wk5rIeeTv8
A1: school have too many cooks in the kitchen sending messages/reminders but not much LISTENING
A1: By having 1 sided communication. 'Build schools, they will come'. By little or no consideration towards others
A2- Parent involvement is vital! It builds trust, increases communication and helps all work toward student success.
A2. Be open, be genuine in listening before speaking/sharing. Listen with the intent to learn. Work to support both Ss & Ps.
I love that wish could get more involved in my daughters class
“Different ways" are so important. We can’t communicate once, only 1 way & think we communicated well. https://t.co/PFhOPww3ot
A2: Try to find different ways to communicate/request involvement.
i think it always easier to be with kids then adults why I started my home daycare
I have see this at my school. Parents love https://t.co/EZh8Wrkleo
A1 We tear down walls when parents know what is happening in their child's classroom with things like
Yes! Allows Ps to see into the room, especially when they can't be there.
theres something about this answer that i love! Going to be coming back & thinking on this before class tomorrow
A2 we initiate by 'breaking down the walls' either by parent & S involvement in all activities and making their voices heard
I think Ts get worried things won't be perfect. It's ok to be "real".
Choice! https://t.co/UZyPjUYJhj
A2 Build many gateways in the wall. Give people choices and avenues on how to enter!
A2: Sharing the learning with Ps. Listening to the PS & Ss concerns. Letting them know that they are important & they matter.
A2. We tweet from our school twitter account & post from our school’s FB so parents & others can know what’s going on daily.
LOL! We are the same distance away from you! LOL! https://t.co/QGSnhaHxi5
I am a little over an hr from Tulsa. Now it's official-you are coming to visit👏👏👏 I'm so excited.
yes it is just keep going
And yet many do not take the time to do it.
A2: Educate Ps about testing data and what it means. Talk w Ps use kind and clear words avoiding terms they don't get...like a Dr
also gives parents a reference to use as talking points about what they are learning at school. https://t.co/Gy5oXohyAX
absolutely! Parents feel secure for their child when they know whats happening and they support our goals
A2: I ❤ using social media to share what the Ss are doing. Ps get to feel like they are part of the classroom without being there.
A3 We create bridges by making learning N our schools visible 2 our families by using apps like & private FB pages
Truth! Keep it simple and plain. https://t.co/D9O4BumLkl
A2: Educate Ps about testing data and what it means. Talk w Ps use kind and clear words avoiding terms they don't get...like a Dr
A3: 1 way to create a bridge would be to use twitter to share about the Ss day w/ the Ps, keep Ps involved & the Ss proud of their
A3 We use social media (SM) to connect parents to classrooms & our school community. SM makes the walls of our school trasparent.
A3 Create bridges by sharing out all the amazing things going in in our schools, Tweet it out, & invite everyone in too.
No truer words from a wise teacher! https://t.co/LbP6TOjeaX
A2. Be open, be genuine in listening before speaking/sharing. Listen with the intent to learn. Work to support both Ss & Ps.
Thanks for a great chat I am always so happy to make it! Hope on over to we are discussing "bridges & walls"!
A3, no doubt is my best solution. parents love it! also, making sure what I communicate is of a top priority.
A3: having weekly meetings with Ss and perhaps monthly meetings with Ps to maintain positive relationships
A3: a little low tech, but send home daily reports to let parents "see" into the class every day.
Most of my Ps are on FB. Very few on Twitter. May have to build THAT "bridge."
Our parents prefer Facebook over Twitter. Its is nice to have options so we can target our who. https://t.co/wOxUkhr0ln
A3: 1 way to create a bridge would be to use twitter to share about the Ss day w/ the Ps, keep Ps involved & the Ss proud of their
A3: Being present, making eye contact, and putting them before anything else. No appointment necessary!
A3 ask how they feel before diving into pt conferences, check in w/Ps and always say hi/bye
A3: invite Ps in for celebrations , attend Ss sport events, treat ALL Ps w respect and empathize w their struggles
A3. Allow Ss to help build bridges! I will send a sticker with Ss asking Ps to as about a certain topic of today's learning.
Good evening my PLN! I'm late to the party but I'm here now!
A3: I love keeping parents in the loop with and monthly newsletters. They're always up to date with what's going on!
A2: The walls can be brought down by educators seeing schools as a part of whole community with students & parents.
That is one of my short term goals. Thanks!
I love that everyone has a smart phone now
Never late to an party Andrea! Welcome!
I wish my school would have FB or Instagram just for the ECC campus
Welcome back, glad you joined tonight. https://t.co/Qa1B2J0KD9
Good evening my PLN! I'm late to the party but I'm here now!
A3 build relationships from start; keep in contact -not just when there are issues; inform of learning using Twitter or
A3: Use for Ps to be in room to help, read, and work with Ss. and for communication.
One of my favorites: F.A.I.L. is your First Attempt In Learning!
A2 Check out & follow to see how we share out/communicate for the soul purpose of removing barriers.
my Ps love how 's so easy to communicate w/ them plus the class story
So there is no excuse! That's what I say to Ts, Ps and even Admins who are resistant.
A3. Sometimes you have to go outside the school first, build relationships, then bring parents and community in
A3 our class also uses preset for class use
Thanks for sharing! My new favorite too!
your kids are lucky to have such a cool teacher and VP I just have a k still trying to figure school out
Check out our Facebook page. It is written in two languages to engage our bilingual population. https://t.co/m06MG08PSw
A3: My kids are my advocates.I have over 120 s this year, I make connections with them and they know I care about their kids.
A3 this yr i've used and in bldg bridges to my Ps & Ss both love how they can view their performnaces in class
I am not surprised! You are awesome! https://t.co/pSH9sTdxhw
A3: My kids are my advocates.I have over 120 s this year, I make connections with them and they know I care about their kids.
A3: had helped me bring my classroom to Ps no matter where they are. Major BRIDGE
Perfect for parent conferences
Thanks! My thinking is you don't get what you deserve, you get what you create.
A3:Letting Ps know that the door is always open. Keeping Ps in the loop via Remind, our class Twitter, Instagram, & blog page.
A3 Building relationships with positive calls home & showing the students in action on social media!
Remember the true phrase about an ounce of prevention. It saves headaches later.
Yes! I love that! You can't complain about lack of involvement when you won't think outside the box.
Hi all joining late,we use IG daily and Remini for parent communications. We have a FB too and of course twitter
A4 There will always be challanges, for exaple languge barriers. We try to communicate everything in 2 langauges.
A4: Time. So many things I would love to share on an individual level, not enough time.
A4: Time! Not an excuse, but sometimes I think contacting parents can get lost in the shuffle of everything else going on!
I beat that excuse by waking up early. If you wanna make a change and reach your goals, get up earlier!
Hi Andrea. So glad you are here. ; )
A4: None! mine comes from Admins and leaders who fear failure and say there is "no time" or "money" to build bridges. SMH
A4. Some barriars include miscommunication or misunderstanding that build lasting walls.
A4 time and admin and Ps reception to ideas in creating 'bridges'
This is really insightful https://t.co/XMJcXYwDZR
A4. Some barriars include miscommunication or misunderstanding that build lasting walls.
Thank you! Happy to be here! I saw your STEM lab is up & running! I want to visit soon!!!
Yes yes yes! Something I am reflecting/struggling with is there such a think as being TOO AVAILABLE? https://t.co/M2XXuW5uZb
A4 learning how to take the S and P as whole unit & balance their in class behavior w my approach. Making my approach unique = goal
That is also true, over sharing but by being repetitive is not as effective.
You have so many good ideas relating to tonight ! I have loved seeing your ideas!
I look forward to your visit. ; )
A4: Time is always an issue when trying to build bridges.
You can be available and empower others at the same time.
I'm Krista, hello all! I use Kagan classbuilding strategies to build S/S relationships as well as T/S relationships.
A4: Ps having a wall toward school b/c Ps' experience, Ps work schedule, Ps can't read, Ps don't do their HW "check folders/email
A4 of course time; lang; deciphering what is really best way to communicate;conveying to fam that their engagement MATTERS
That's true! Thoughtful decisions should be done before sharing and talking to Ps to avoid these things https://t.co/rfjReOr8S8
A4. Some barriars include miscommunication or misunderstanding that build lasting walls.
A4: As a preservice t I haven't experienced this in the classroom yet, but lack of time seems to be a theme!
A4: some issues could be teacher's time, parent's time, or student's attitude toward the classroom or teacher
Building bridges that last requires transparency which leads to trust
Hi Krista. I’m so glad you are here tonight for Kagan strategies are awesome!
A4. Getting everyone to really believe that time invested in building relationships early on will yield fantastic results later.
I know bc I was raised in a home like this one. Thankful for my older siblings though.
I'm waking up at 4am to teach English in China with I mean conferencing with 120 students in one week.
Awesome! Thanks for sharing!
Have to check out a little early tonight. Thanks for another gr8
Thanks for sharing with us!
A5 Facebook, & have created bridges between our school and parents. It helps them feel connected to the classroom.
A5. A bridge built by my middle school math T to support my interest in math. She create an all girls math & problem solving club.
A5 My 3rd grade teacher, Ms. Copeland, built a bridge by caring about me & taking the time to help me become a better reader.
A4 A huge challenge is trust. I had to talk with my son's middle school teacher and even I was nervous to go in!
A5: My 3rd grade teacher payed attention to my interests and life, which developed a friendship, trust, & kept me engaged in class
by the way, almost done with the Reader's Theater in Spanish, will send you the link later on tonight. :)
A5. As a professional my colleagues & PLN build bridges through collab., common understanding & discourse of teaching strategies.
yes I think so, we become enablers. We have to educate and empower Ps as well as Ss to cut the cord and stand back
Thanks for sharing but it must be done.
A5: I had an elementary school teacher come to my dance recital and bring me flowers. It meant the world to me and to my parents!
I love hearing from everyone about those people who made an impact on their lives-great questions tonight.
A5 created AniMOVE ,a physical activity prog for my Ss & started using & to share to Ps
In my elementary school ages ago students were paddled for speaking Spanish
A5: By empowering me with knowledge that kindled the fire in me as an education thinker, a powerful bridge… https://t.co/ZG04y6b9LC
1999 - 2000 My mentor at school handpicked me to cultivate change. Introduced me to works of John Holt & Peter Senge.
A6: My 3rd grade teacher was amazing! Made so much effort to get to know me and my family! Loved her💕
A5 All about relationships, understanding & attitude; can personally think of 2 HS Ts that built wall & bridge based on these
Thanks for sharing! Mentors do make a difference!
A5- As a Principal, our Admin TEAM builds a bridge for me. They provide me w/ encouragement and support. https://t.co/W34BlwZDFD
A5 when teachers save great ideas only for themselves and seem hesitant to share (even pinterest found ideas)
RT Q6 Share an image or quote that expresses how you build bridges in your classroom/school. https://t.co/tqLeKtsqHv
A6: "Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love" ~ Mother Teresa
A6 Last year one of our teachers got cancer. Our whole school purchased shirts that supported her. Pink shirts everywhere!
I really need to learn how to post an image on twitter ;)
Love this quote by Pedro Noguera.
Q7: Share what you will do different tomorrow about the walls and bridges in our classrooms and schools. https://t.co/r3Yokaj2vb
Walls in education represent fear of the unknown and fear of change. We have to break down those walls and build bridges everywhere
two words...word swag :).
RT Q7 Share what you will do different tomorrow about the “walls and bridges” in our classrooms/school.
A7: Think of 2 Ps that have not been involved and reflect on new ideas.
Join next Tuesday, 10/18 when we will partner with and
I saw and met him at NABE in Denver like 6 years ago. Powerful!
A7: In my future classroom, I hope to have communication with all the parents of my students. It's a goal to work towards!
Muchas gracias for having me guest host tonight. I ALWAYS LEARN HERE!
Be on the lookout for the archive of tonight's chat. Thanks again for joining You all made it terrific!
Thank you for a great chat as always. Good night all!
Thanks for the great chat!
Great goal! Remember to think beyond the "usual"!
