#whatisschool is an award winning edchat space where people can express an unbiased response to questions about schooling, where educators have a voice in shaping the future through their experience, recommendations and interests. Join us Thursdays 7pm ET / 11pm GMT / Friday 7am SGT/WA (Perth) / Friday 9am AEDT / Friday 11am NZT.
Welcome to #WhatIsSchool Using Curiosity to Develop Empathy and a Sense of Justice in Students. We’re glad you made it to our finale on Curious Classrooms. @ShiftParadigm
Hey #whatisschool not able to make today again but excited to be back soon to be leading the chat again! Have a great chat in the more than capable hands of @ShiftParadigm and @deem_ellen they are superstars and I will be back in a couple of weeks :)
I'm just going to jump right on in with A1: Upsetting. Kids standing on the desk and jumping and swinging from the ceiling mounted projector or trying to slice his wrists with the student scissors. Throwing chairs, screaming. Might as well just put out the extremes #WhatIsSchool
A1: Home life, personal relationships, and mental and physical health can all take a toll on students, as well as infinitely many other events. #WhatIsSchool
A1: Yesterday the big crises was that student A broke up with student B and then student A immediately asked out student C. It was a struggle to teach math with all that going on! #whatisschool
That is really good to know. True confessions. I've been hanging on to a 2 piece flute since middle school with the hopes I would get back to it. #whatisschool
A1. It can be anything from Big issues at home, to not enough to eat, arguemnet with a friend, hot weather. The prob is being aware of each & every Ss state of mind. #WhatIsSchool
A1: Relationships, trauma at home, poverty (leading to no food, no heat, no water, & even no shelter), and even some news events - especially school shootings. They make kids worried about coming to school. #whatisschool
A1: here in Florida I noticed a huge impacting students following the Parkside shooting last winter. I talked to a lot of students about events and we looked closely at the Second Amendment in class discussion, students were moved by both #WhatIsSchool
A1 for middle schoolers life is never simple, and everything and anything can throow them off kilter. Home, peers, homework, sports, change in schedules, lack or sleep, poor nutrition, puberty...the list is endless and forever changing #whatisschool
Q2 After using empathy and concern to respond to an upset student — what tools and methods of curiosity do you employ to help her or him cope? #whatisschool@ShiftParadigm@smokeylit
Q2. After using empathy and concern to respond to an upset student—what tools and methods of curiosity do you employ to help her or him cope? #WhatIsSchool
I can definitely recommend this book. It is transforming me and my classroom. I'm devouring it, and the kids are wondering more every day because of what I am learning. #whatisschool@smokeylit
In reply to
@pattersonaubrey, @ShiftParadigm, @smokeylit, @smokeylit
No that’s more like snow days for Tampa kids, we have yet to have a direct hit in 70 years so no one really knows what that would be like #WhatIsSchool
Q2. After using empathy and concern to respond to an upset student—what tools and methods of curiosity do you employ to help her or him cope? #WhatIsSchool
I couldn't bare to part with it because it was a sacrifice for my parents to get me a used flute, and lessons were too much for their budget, too. It's a goal for me to start back before I retire. #whatisschool
that’s true. On the job reality. Harder when I’ve had to comfort kids, parents and me when a child past away. You really learn what’s important #whatisschool
In reply to
@ShiftParadigm, @esmith_eric, @jedjnr, @GuyCivics, @FoleyKev, @stephenkelley85, @laurie_azzi, @pattersonaubrey, @smanhart4
A2: its the curiosity that I use to get inside their shell and calm them down, open them up. I will kneel down, maybe sit on the floor beside them and bring my voice down, but its all situational. Then I will run the gambit finding something they are interested in. #whatisschool
We've had some difficult pet losses. Some years kids have lost a parent or grandparent. Last year we lost 2 former students in their twenties. What @smokeylit has written about these crises has really resonated with me. #whatisschool
#whatisschool a1 The usual plethora of things can be upsetting but worst one was when low expectations led a student to change schools. The heartbreak at realizing they wouldn't be able to catch up in time to do exams in yr12 was gut-wrenching ( found another pathway in end)
A2: depends on the students - sometimes I'd let them hangout with me at lunch/recess; other times I'd let them go to gym (w/ me) and play basketball; we'd also play a board game or I'd let them draw/write their emotions #whatisschool
A2: sometimes its the Gecko I have in the science lab, sometimes I can get them to come out to the learning garden and look for caterpillars, sometimes its the geek side, Dash Robots, Legos, Etc. Take them to my broadcast lab and show them how we do the morning news #whatisschool
Apologies for the #toastpost but today I learned 2 things that I think everyone needs to know:
1: Learning happens everywhere - embrace it!
2: The number on the toaster represents how many minutes to let it stay down and cook for
#mindblown
A2: After we get through the crying, listening, and comforting phase, I like to ask the students what they think would make the situation better or what outcome they would like to see. From there, we talk about what we can do to reach that goal, & then make a plan. #whatisschool
If it’s something long-term, I like to follow up over the course of the next days. I feel like I can help them cope if they get multiple chances to talk about it and recognize how their emotions change. #WhatIsSchool
I think that's what I lose sleep over the most. I continue to pray that I'm tuned in where I need to be tuned in. It's impossible to be everywhere all the time. Being in a supportive school community helps a lot. #whatisschool
A2, sometimes they just want to come in my lab and sit quietly. but there are so many cool robots and gadgets it always draws their attention. #whatisschool
A2: I do this pretty often as a tutor! I typically gauge what tips the student would best respond to, get their ideas on how to fix the problem, and make some sort of mixture of the two! #whatisschool
A2. Compassion. Your time. Your kindness. Maybe let them into your world a little. Just enough to develop some curiosity, conversation, distraction... #whatisschool
...can be quite significant. And of more important than what's supposed to be taught on a given day. My partner @deem_ellen cares for many, many cats and dogs. Is quite attached. When they aren't well, or pass away we dutifully pause to address each situation... #WhatIsSchool
In reply to
@GuyCivics, @esmith_eric, @jedjnr, @FoleyKev, @stephenkelley85, @laurie_azzi, @dubioseducator, @pattersonaubrey, @smanhart4, @deem_ellen
For us the weather reports have caused great anxiety for some students this past fall. Having two hurricanes close to each other were tricky. @smokeylit acknowledges how hard it is to keep students from hearing things that distress them. I am loving his book:) #whatisschool
A1 Sometimes it could be anything, right? (middle schoolers); but definitely peer pressure, bullying, will they be hungry over the weekend, dealing w/negative or inconsistent behavior from staff. There are probably too many to mention. #whatisschool
Do you use the Zones of Regulation? I have my Ss check in first thing in the morning. (4 zones) I follow up with students who indicate they are sad, frustrated, sick, tired etc. right away. #whatisschool
Q3, many of these have already been brought up. Where is their next meal going to come from., Where will they be sleeping in a week. when will they see their mom, dad, _____ next, you fill in the blank. #whatisschool
A3: kids are caught up in what grade they are going to get, some will shutdown as soon as they see it may be difficult so it’s important to built report and help students with scaffolding #WhatIsSchool
Yes! We think kids know we care and know what’s going on but more often then not they need to hear us say the words. Showing empathy by being empathetic makes a tremendous impact on our students. #whatisschool
In reply to
@ShiftParadigm, @GuyCivics, @esmith_eric, @jedjnr, @FoleyKev, @stephenkelley85, @laurie_azzi, @pattersonaubrey, @smanhart4, @deem_ellen
As a temporary caregiver I get so attached. I can't imagine the grief of a first grader when they lose their first pet. One of my friends lost her cat this week. I loved her kitty like she was mine. Thanks, Coach for your support this week especially. #whatisschool
In reply to
@ShiftParadigm, @GuyCivics, @esmith_eric, @jedjnr, @FoleyKev, @stephenkelley85, @laurie_azzi, @dubioseducator, @pattersonaubrey, @smanhart4
A3.Our pupils forget most of what we teach them.They will however remember us their teachers forever.Lets be good and kind to them.A kind word can last a lifetime and I know #WhatIsSchool
A3: Teenagers have infinitely many concerns that shine through in the same amount of ways, including curiosity and discovering new information. Some tend to test their limits just to see how far they can go/what they manage to get away with. #WhatIsSchool
#whatisschool a2 Knowing student is key. Sometimes they want you to provide an oasis. An oasis where they can be and do normal. Where it's ok to take a breather and get in work. It's ok to take a breather from the situation.
A3. Real life. Many students don’t know where the next meal will come from. They just want a better life than what they have now and the journey to get there scares them #whatisschool
A3 Concerns: what others thing? if they are 'good' enough? what if they can't do what ever it is that comes next? Knowing others might judge #whatisschool
So true! I think we ALL remember a special Teacher or 2 from our schooling. Its important that we work towards being THAT teacher for our Ss. #WhatIsSchool
A3.Our pupils forget most of what we teach them.They will however remember us their teachers forever.Lets be good and kind to them.A kind word can last a lifetime and I know #WhatIsSchool
A3 I think sometimes it is as simple/complex really as what are the ramifications of me sharing my information? Can I clearly convey what I really mean? How will other's respond? #whatisschool
A2 I will try to redirect them, to focus on something else, even for a moment, to let them have a moment. I give them my office space & tissues if needed; I let them sit on our couch/grab a book to flip through. I listen, have a hug ready if they are needing that. #whatisschool
A3a: Some kids are concerned about bullying, so they want to learn more about it it and how to prevent it. In AK, quite a few kids had alcoholic/drug-user parents, so they wanted to learn more about what they could do to help their parents overcome their addictions. #whatisschool
A3 Thinking as I tweet and read yours, How worry is closely connected to curiosity. How do we as educators help students learn to manage their fears and go from there. Acknowledge, never discount, but come up with a plan #WhatIsSchool
Are you using mood meters with the Zones? Can be a great way for Ts and Ss to understand where everyone is coming from 1st thing in the day.I used this process a few years ago - Ss loved it. Made up new names instead of colors (red=Elmo, green = jolly green giant). #whatisschool
In reply to
@GuyCivics, @laurie_azzi, @ShiftParadigm, @deem_ellen, @jedjnr
You are so right about this. It's such an awkward time. My pastor is always reminding us that they need us to lean into the awkwardness. #whatisschool@ShiftParadigm
Q4. How do you use curiosity to ‘partner with a student’ to manage the concern that’s upsetting her? To help her understand the concerns of other students? #WhatIsSchool
Q4 How do you use curiosity to ‘partner with a student’ to manage the concern that’s upsetting her? To help her understand the concerns of other students? #WhatIsSchool@ShiftParadigm@smokeylit
A3 My students' biggest concern ... "am I good enough" ... as a middle school teacher when we remove all the other issues the vast majority of my kids struggle with self value ... #whatisschool
I can so relate. I ordered photo tiles for my friend who just lost her cat, and of my niece and nephew with my cat I lost last year. Animals have given me such comfort my whole life. I have never been without a cat with the exception of college and grad school. #whatisschool
In reply to
@ThirstyBeesNY, @ShiftParadigm, @GuyCivics, @esmith_eric, @jedjnr, @FoleyKev, @stephenkelley85, @laurie_azzi, @dubioseducator, @pattersonaubrey, @smanhart4
Q4. How do you use curiosity to ‘partner with a student’ to manage the concern that’s upsetting her? To help her understand the concerns of other students? #whatischool
A4: Explore all options, but focus on the positives. The student WILL come out of it stronger and brighter, even if they don't feel like it in the moment. Sometimes a kind word from a trusted adult is all they need to keep them going. #whatisschool
A4 I can’t say I’ve used another student to solve the problem but definitely finding a student with great empathy for all could help another to feel included and cared for 😀#WhatIsSchool
A4 When an issue occurs in our classroom, we use a restorative circle to open discussion. Helps Ss see others' perspectives and gives everyone a voice. #whatisschool
In reply to
@deem_ellen, @ShiftParadigm, @smokeylit
A4: I tend to only use questions when I talk to student. "How do you feel? How does someone else feel?" I want the S to think it through. #whatisschool
You are spot on. Knowing your students is key. The chapter on crises in the book reiterates that point. Sometimes kids need normal and not to talk about their problems/concerns. #whatisschool They need a break from the stress.
In reply to
@LindaEdwardsi, @ShiftParadigm, @pattersonaubrey, @smanhart4
I'll pair up a student that is curious about lets say minecraft with someone new. They end up building an understanding of each other and learn through building relationships without realizing that is what they are doing. #whatisschool
A4: Curiosity channeled well can lead to adaptability. Listening and asking questions to capitalize on curiosity and any cognitive dissonance may redirect thoughts, focus on helping others and lift angst. #whatisschool
A4: I ask them if they can think of practical, realistic ways they can manage either the situation or how they feel about it. They need something they can do concretely rather than abstractly #WhatIsSchool
That's why I took the picture:) I've been reading bits and pieces at school when my kids have independent reading time. I want them to see I'm learning, too:) #whatisschool
In reply to
@jedjnr, @smokeylit, @ShiftParadigm, @NKrayenvenger, @oonziela
A4 However we want to partner up our students over “issues” my 1st thought is “First do no harm.” 2nd check in with the student. Confidentiality a must when student’s ask for it. #WhatIsSchool
I am totally honest with my kids ... i don't try top deny their feelings or invalidate their feelings by minimizing them. when they are young everything affects them. #whatisschool
Q5. After a student’s curiosity leads to empathy and understanding of the concerns of others, how do you use her curiosity to turn understanding into action? #WhatIsSchool
#whatisschool a4 Have a massive amount of puppets and soft toys. We do a unit using them so students see them as legit to learning. They can be very comforting in times of grief for example. They can also help studrnts connect back to their curiosity, even just sitting on desk.
Q5. After a student’s curiosity leads to empathy and understanding of the concerns of others, how do you use her curiosity to turn understanding into action? #WhatIsSchool
That is awesome. Modelling is a HUGE part of educating kids and something that i'm constantly reminding myself. We have to lead by example & demonstrate that we do it.... #whatisschool
In reply to
@deem_ellen, @smokeylit, @ShiftParadigm, @NKrayenvenger, @oonziela
A5 Reflective practices that use questioning to encourage the student to focus on themselves, their role/responsibility and impact or potential impact with supported with discussion will often naturally lead to action #whatisschool
A5: Encourage them to take matters into their own hands. Although a gentle push can do wonders for getting them started, the student has to be the one to go the extra mile and put their plans into action. #whatisschool
I love that you're doing this! Thanks so much for being here with us today. It's such a great concept to bring up with this aspect of curiosity. #whatisschool
In reply to
@laurie_azzi, @GuyCivics, @ShiftParadigm, @jedjnr
Q5 After a student’s curiosity leads to empathy and understanding of the concerns of others, how do you use her curiosity to turn understanding into action? #WhatIsSchool@ShiftParadigm@smokeylit
Much of our board uses the Zones of Regulation to teach students to self-regulate. Ss learn to upregulate when in blue zone, down regulate when in yellow zone. The "ready to learn zone" is green. #whatisschool
Totally agree, Ss need to understand that all emotions are natural and normal; learning how to work through those feelings if they need to is definitely the key #whatisschool
A5 Most kids have big hearts, they sometimes don’t realize the impact of their words/actions They are quick to apologize when they realize how someone else feels ❤️❤️❤️#WhatIsSchool
A5 I have used suggestion circles before. Ss sits in middle of circle & explains a concern/issue, etc. Ss sitting in circle go around and make suggestions of ways to deal with/solve/give possible solutions. Ss are great problem solvers when given the chance. #whatisschool
A5: I've found that, once you get to this point, student's are often motivated to take the reins. Once the "get it," they often want to do something about it - whether something simple like an apology or whether to start a school movement. #whatisschool
Agree- like most things- when Ss can do it they will do it - when there is purpose and clarity it makes it some much easier - sometimes it take a little help to get there #whatisschool
A5 I think that passion drives action. When students care deeply about a topic they are motivated to change things. Studying the lives of children around the world is a good way to foster empathy (eg. Global Goals) #whatisschool
The more I learn about teaching I realize having a strong connection with my students, building trust, is key when crises arise. Asking for counsel when I'm unsure how to proceed. Admitting what I don't know...#whatisschool
In reply to
@ShiftParadigm, @esmith_eric, @jedjnr, @GuyCivics, @FoleyKev, @stephenkelley85, @laurie_azzi, @dubioseducator, @pattersonaubrey, @smanhart4
A5.We have become obsessed with testing.We are in danger of teaching to the test.Teaching to the test stems creative and higher order thinking #whatisschool
A5: This is the moment that every teacher should strive for! At this point if you have achieved empathy and understanding should be easy to present ideas for action but real action is another issue. I’m open to ideas here. #WhatIsSchool
Q5 After a student’s curiosity leads to empathy and understanding of the concerns of others, how do you use her curiosity to turn understanding into action? #WhatIsSchool@ShiftParadigm@smokeylit
A6: A student's drive is their sense of justice. Once they really get going in their passion, the morality aspect has already begun to form. #whatisschool
A6 I think when educators are passionate themselves about the content that stirs empathy & promotes justice in the classroom. We need to lead from the heart #whatisschool
A6 Knowing different perspectives have been considered; that they have time to think and reflect; self determined action can provide Ss with satisfaction that they have the confidence to act - or may simply have provided a climate that supports their action #whatisschool
Thank you for participating in #whatisschool Please join me in giving a BIG SHOUTOUT to co-moderator @deem_ellen and a BIG THANK YOU to @smokeylit author of the CURIOUS CLASSROOM
My search for students to Skype with led to my first graders raising money for friends in Africa. We're doing this for our fifth year now. They bring in their spare change, birthday money to share with their Africa friends. @thekulaproject#whatisschool@ShiftParadigm
In reply to
@GuyCivics, @thekulaproject, @ShiftParadigm
A6: I don't know if I'd always call it a sense of justice, but it certainly creates an opportunity for them to feel like they've made a difference - in either their own or in someone else's life - giving them the confidence & courage to better face future concerns. #whatisschool
A6 Just as we want students to see us read to encourage their reading life, students learn about our passions, bring in issue that resonate with you & them, outreach to community programs, we set a platform for action. Start small, I think, but start somewhere. #WhatIsSchool
I am such a fan of Mother Teresa. Her life has been such an inspiration to me during my teaching years. Thank you for sharing this quote. I remember how she talked about being a pencil in God's Hands. #whatisschool
In reply to
@pattersonaubrey, @ShiftParadigm, @esmith_eric, @jedjnr, @GuyCivics, @FoleyKev, @stephenkelley85, @laurie_azzi, @dubioseducator, @smanhart4
Thank you so much for joining us today for #WhatIsSchool. We really appreciate your presence. Please thank my awesome co-moderator @ShiftParadigm for his reMARKable slides:) @smokeylit@mrkempnz
Thanks everyone for a great chat today. It has been very thought provoking. Thanks @ShiftParadigm and @deem_ellen for guiding us through! Have a great week everyone! #whatisschool
#whatisschool a6 Curiosity killed the cat, satisfaction brought it back. When so many things are out of control, being able assuage curiosity is a type of justice. Brings balance to life
Thank you @ShiftParadigm and @deem_ellen for tonight's chat. I love the curiosity theme and the challenging questions! Have a fabulous Friday! #whatisschool
