#vachat Archive
#vachat is a great way for Virginia educators to share teaching strategies, educational resources, and more.
Monday February 8, 2016
8:00 PM EST
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I'm doing the running man! Only 60 min to . You joining?
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Evening ers and welcome to our Monday night chat! Please take a moment and introduce yourself.
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Hi I am Mary. I teach 2nd in Loudoun Cty
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David-ITRT for VA DJJ. Good evening !
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Chris 8th grade Earth Science Forest, VA
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Megan, Social Science teacher- Fauquier County
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Christine. Elementary gifted. Charlottesville.
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Hey Mary, my first job was at Dominion Trail Elementary. Welcome!
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Jen Cox 4th Grade Language Arts teacher
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I'm Debra. I teach 6th & 7th gr. Science. Patrick County..noobie tweeter.
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Good evening from a snowy Patrick County, VA! Cyndi, Director of Instruction
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I am Phil, Elementary AP in Williamsburg and your moderator for tonight.
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and you are expecting more snow, right?
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Shhhh. No snow. Please. I'm so over the snow.
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we are headed your way for the Beta convention this week, weather permitting
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For our new chatters, we will use a Q1, A1 format... don't forget to include as your hashtag! Q1 coming up in 1 minute!
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Me too! I am hoping we don't get any tonight and tomorrow. We are trying to do CoGAT testing.
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Grace Helms Art Teacher! :)
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Our CogAt testing was disrupted by the last snow. We finished Friday! Woo!
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Hey! excited for my first live chat :)
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Trey Cox High School Principal
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Q1: Let's start with an easy one... what is your number 1 strategy you use to most engage your students?
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We were also disrupted by snow so we rescheduled for this week BUT we may get snow tomorrow. :(
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A1: Building relationships. Ss are much more likely to be engaged when they know you care about them as kids, rather than just Ss.
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Sara: I teach 6th grade math.
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Welcome Trey, glad to have you along... I always appreciate a high school perspective.
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A1: Start with a "hook" to spark their interest
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Welcome! Tweetdeck helps with twitter chats
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Hello! I am Tina from Va.
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A1: PRS- usually indiv white boards and poll them
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A1: I love Whole brain teaching for S engagement.
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Learn their names as soon as possible, celebrate their triumphs outside of my classroom.
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A1: allowing students a choice and an opportunity to help guide their own learning.
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John -- Health/PE Charlottesville
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I'm here I'm here. What did I miss?
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A1: I also love using picture books
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A1: find their interests and build upon them
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A1: A smile and eye contact goes a long way in the classroom
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A1. Allowing for Ss to have authentic learning experiences engages them the best in my experience.
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A1: energy. If I'm energetic about it, then they are. I'm a salesman. Whatever it takes to get them to buy.
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Love that! I always enjoy seeing students outside the classroom.
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A1: building S relationships
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A1: when I was teaching history..make it relevant to their lives
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A1: Connect it to real life, sell it as top secret, tell them gross stuff that's usually left out. 2nd gr loves a bathroom story.
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Yes....that personal connection makes all the difference! https://t.co/A7zLKNBigS
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A1: A smile and eye contact goes a long way in the classroom
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Nothing but Q1 What is your number 1 engagement method.
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A1 giving Ss a chance to formulate Qs based on a hook, use QFT , voice & choice engages, community must for success
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make connections to real life
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yes! Can't expect them to buy in to you if you don't buy in to them. Not too mention, it's just fun!
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Agree with Building relationships to create buy in, especially when teaching a non-core subject
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As a boy... I know the guys in your room appreciate it!
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A1: When teaching a new concept, a song with a catchy tune. Ss love to sing and dance.
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Sarah, HS Spanish, Scott County
Late but great to be back!
A1: number 1 strategy is connection to their every day lives.
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Fun... is also overlooked!
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A1: the relationship had to be genuine...even young students figure out a smoke screen
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The one book I can't keep on my shelf? "Poop Happened: The History of Poop."
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A1 make it relevant, authentic learning always engages, Ss need to see the point & relate to be engaged
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A1sometimes letting them get me off track and talking about what they want to talk about will get them engaged so I can pull them in
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The one book I can't keep on my shelf? "Poop Happened:The History of the World From the Bottom Up."
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2nd grade? Seniors love that stuff too! :)
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And without genuine relationships what is the point? It would be a Waste of time. https://t.co/25FZqppufl
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A1: the relationship had to be genuine...even young students figure out a smoke screen
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HS Ss love gross stuff and bathroom stories. I have plenty! (I have no colon & a liver transplant) https://t.co/Zg1DWqY5uV
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A1: Connect it to real life, sell it as top secret, tell them gross stuff that's usually left out. 2nd gr loves a bathroom story.
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I'm late but I'm here. My name is Helen. I teach computer classes for grades Prek through 7th.
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Q2: They get harder now! Is all the time spent on engagement worth it? Wouldn't the time be better spent on instruction?
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A2: Can't teach if they are not engaged!
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If Ss are engaged they tend to remember more
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Glad you are here ...another new teacher to Twitter! https://t.co/cdxOzPGHBV
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I'm late but I'm here. My name is Helen. I teach computer classes for grades Prek through 7th.
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A2: Significant learning rarely happens without a significant relationship
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A2: I don't remember my college/ha classes where I wasn't engaged... I only remember the names of a handful of Ts.
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A2 the hook, or engagement activity is part of the lesson, creativity of Ts in lesson planning creates the engagement of Ss
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- hey Phil! Jumping in late from Texas!
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A2: It's worth it. I think of it as teaching procedures: the time spent pays off exponentially in the long run.
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Q2 It is absolutely worth it. You have to be personable and you have to care if you want to get them and keep then engaged.
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A2 It is absolutely worth it. You have to be personable and you have to care if you want to get them and keep then engaged.
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Hey Wade, always glad to have your insight!
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A2: Who’s to say that engagement isn’t instruction? I believe the future will be built out of relationships, not microchips.
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You can teach. Whether or not they're learning as much is the bigger question.
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A2. If Ss aren't engaged-they aren't learning. Lecturing sleeping Ss is no good.
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A2 definitely worth it! builds that connection and environment they "want" to participate in
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A2: If you have that genuine relationship established, the students will soak up the knowledge like sponges..they will stay engaged
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If Ss are not engaged, they won't learn because they are not interested
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A2: Hard to learn if you're not engaged.
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When everything is important - nothing is!
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I agree. Tchr2Student S2Tchr S2S
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A2: In the words of (colleague) We have a lot of competition for Ss attention, be the best show they will see all day
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Engagement can be a million different things. I could sell a good lecture when I taught history.
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right! Help build the comfort zone
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A2: Rapport is the conduit for real teaching and learning
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Engagement is even more important for struggling students who don't see the big picture. Need to understand the goal
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A2 Ts ability to create community & team building leads to the learning culture in room, lesson activities keep them engaged
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A2 High Touch and NOT High Tech? LOL
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I totally agree! It can help may class more enjoyable and usually leads to learning
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Hi, Crystal Lawson from Patrick County. I'm a first grade teacher. New teacher to twitter!
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Yeah! Glad you are here, https://t.co/1KppZZYlId
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Hi, Crystal Lawson from Patrick County. I'm a first grade teacher. New teacher to twitter!
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A2 Especially Hands-on and "MInds-On" Activities.
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A3 tech is engaging when students drive their own learning / disengaging when it is simply moving the lecture to a device
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Q3: Is technology engaging or disengaging? what makes it so?
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Tim from Charlottesville jumping in late. I teach HS school math.
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We have to be the best song and dance they see all day, we are competing with tv, games and phones...
https://t.co/WL74jXLlFG
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A2: In the words of (colleague) We have a lot of competition for Ss attention, be the best show they will see all day
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Jasonfrom NY stopping in. HS AP
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A3: Depends on what you're doing with it. Boring is boring whether it's on a screen or a worksheet.
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A3 I think it can be either. I use tech to connect w/Ss around the world - engaging.
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A3: Technology enhances learning & engages Ss in different ways...but GREAT teachers make the difference in a classroom
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a3: when used right has the ability to raise engagement overall. The ability is the key word.
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A3 I find tech to be engaging because (HS especially) Ss live it every day.
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A2 " Let sleeping dogs lie." is an old and keeps them from disturbing those who want to .
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What, you mean I'm not supposed to just take my worksheet and put it on the ipad.. and it won't magically be engaging?
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A3: Tech means Ss can research things not found in the elementary library. It also means that s/t they're looking up Messi's stats.
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Q3: can be both... technology needs to be well planned to ensure engagement
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A3: Yes! Last week, using Twitter to struggle through AP Macro, But sometimes using Twitter to zone out.
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What do you have them do that makes it engaging?
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A3: So long as technology is used as a means and not an end, it can serve as an irreplaceably engaging resource
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A3 Using tech to connect through , , slow twitter chats, GHO, and skype
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A3: depends on how it's used and monitored. Tech at home is different than at school. At school it's a learning tool; at home a toy
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A3: Technology can be transformational. It should be more than a tool.
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A3 tech distracts from learning when not used purposefully, SAMR = Ss think about a problem/project & think of how tech will help
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A3: Last year, we tweeted w/ a handful of authors of books we were reading. Ss were BEYOND thrilled & engaged.
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Bill from Virginia. Proud Superintendent of Patrick County lurking on
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A3: To quote Eric Clapton "It is in the way that you use it" Technology is a huge engagement force if it used right
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A2 Otherwise, they will use their "MENTAL REMOTE" and tune us out. LOL
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A3: Tech is engaging when I use something they know, but use it for ed. Also, I love it when the students teach me.
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A3: I'm not sure tech needs to be well planned. This gen uses it organically. Harness that for broader engagement.
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A3: my biggest issue is the lack of training that is maintained to help Ts develop actually engaging tech. lessons.
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A3) Great Ts can & will engage kids w/ & w/o tech. Lousy Ts can't & won't. So, engagement is more a function of the T than the tech.
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have them text work, take photos, use social media for class, games like and do assessments on
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Always glad to have input from our superintendents.
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A2: I do read alouds at lunch with no tech at all- 44 students packed in my room like sardines. Engagement is huge and welcoming.
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Monica from VA. New to this.
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A3 The same "wine" in a different bottle LOL live
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Welcome! Thanks for joining us
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Agreed like any tool or strategy it needs to be week planned and implemented https://t.co/3t0NgYbPNq
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Q3: can be both... technology needs to be well planned to ensure engagement
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A3: Tech is a 3rd arm now, just like any other tool in education, we can make it engaging or boring very quickly.
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My 2nd graders also blog and are on Twitter - making lots of connections w/ other Ss and parents
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Virginia needs to define the goal beyond SOLs.
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Must say good night!:) Reading with my kids up next! Thank you so much!
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This is a great point! https://t.co/jyNY52Tond
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A3: Yes! Last week, using Twitter to struggle through AP Macro, But sometimes using Twitter to zone out.
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I am all for connecting with students around the world
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Welcome, don't be afraid to jump in! Very supportive PLN here!
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New to and Twitter, guess I am lurking tonight...lol
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New to and Twitter, guess I am lurking tonight...lol
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A3 tech is a tool, for the Ss and Ts, not a filler... creative Ts utilize tech to engage, Ss use to create & research = engage
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Q3: Depends on how you use it. It can be very engaging if used the correct way.
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Quick modification to the Qs... Help your PLN here... What is your best technology lesson/activity that engages students?
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Meaning...? Tell me more.
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Definitely agree and I think there's work to do that. Challenge to be all things to all students
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Lurk as long as you like... sooner or later the bug will bite you to contribute! Ts can't keep quiet long!
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Technology connects Ts to Ss...but also it connect Ts to Ts...sharing best practices & instructional strategies!
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A3 Back in the day, TV was hailed to be the greatest classrm innovation ever. More hype than promise.
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Love . Did a GHO today with SANCCOB - a seabird rescue. :)
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My 4th grs are so ready for this. They use Edmodo now and love the interaction. Teaching unwritten curriculum as well
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Goal must be beyond a standardized test.
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Scavenger hunt around school. Take pics and text them to me.
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Technology connects Ts to Ss...but also it connects Ts to Ts...sharing best practices & instructional strategies!
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A4: Honestly one of my best: Lost electricity in school. Turned on our laptops and created a communal podcast with audacity
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Q2: If students are not engaged then the lesson is worthless.
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For vocab review: . Current events: . Writing: & just plain Google Docs. Math:
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Agreed. I think we're headed in the right direction. Change is a long process
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A4: I use kahoot.it for review. I post the High score..kids try to beat that by answering more questions correctly.
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Expand upon the "unwritten curriculum" I like the way that sounds!
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A2 I do not think the lesson will be worthless. You must reflect on it and tweek it.
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A4 for discussions, for assessment, for choice of info text, for creativity
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Love using for collecting thoughts & ideas....beginning & closing lessons
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necessity is the mother of invention!
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Pet peeve: When I ask about tech on interviews; I want to hear how the students are going to use it not the teacher
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A3 Famed educator and said it best: "Everything works when tchr works."
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hard to say 1. New tech: Fri Ss started making stories via 4schools. Their engagement level was very high
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Also just discovering Love it for tech.
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Last year's best tech lesson: Updating Twelfth Night characters by creating (fake) social media accounts for them.
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Ss are loving Science memes about our topics. This is something new I'm trying.
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A4? : like as formative assessment & . Love for monitoring questions & encouraging editing & revising
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I don't think the lesson is worthless. You should reflect on it then tweek it. Learn from it
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created SNOW Day google classroom for Ts and Ss to post about snow days pics videos links to weather data, all in closed environment
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teaching Ss to treat each other with respect in the virtual and in the physical classrooms
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I LURK a lot; Learn a lot. Retired Edu "Looking Back BUT Moving Forward.
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A4?: best lesson incorporating tech is students taking stories & digitally animating them using . Great way to PUBLiSH!
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Wit the last few years, a great idea!!!
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Seesaw Wonderful digital portfolio/creativity app, k-12 use it w/ success! Try app also, best!
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I am so excited to explore more with my Ss
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is like Kahoot but has memes in between Qs
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Q4: What additional challenges (if any) do you face in engaging Ss that come from poverty? How do you overcome them?
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A4: Kids love games! Kahoot gets my going. Would like to learn about more engaging math sites for kids
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A3: Love Animation-Ish. Invites students to share while celebrating the power of the blank page
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Be honest with Ss and tell them that you are having an off day; go home & . Always have a
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A4 I always offer my device to Ss that need.
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A4: Celebrate ALL victories. Not just content victories.
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A4: Relationships are still the most important, may be the most important. Find ways to make it relevant.
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A4 building community creates the environment that transcends some of the "outside", Ss need to feel they r valued member of a team
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A4: Challenges of low SES: more chronic stress, weaker executive functioning, less emotional support
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beautiful! you are also modeling behaviors we want them to use later in life.
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A4 engagement struggles when their basic needs are not met get them fed, ask them how they are? listen to them
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I so agree. Don't call attention to their poverty, but make them aware you care. https://t.co/1iGZwXIh3U
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A4: Relationships are still the most important, may be the most important. Find ways to make it relevant.
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A4: School doesn't always feel safe. Make it safe. Often limited understanding of unwritten curriculum. Scaffolding so important.
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1, 2, 3, 4, 1, 2... finger warm-ups going on to be ready for in 15 minutes. Ready? 1, 2, 3, 4...
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A4 I think the answer is to help them overcome their insecurities. Show them they are worth something. Engcourage them.
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A4: Simplest answer: Build relationships and teach to the whole child
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A4: trust. Often Ss in these situations have suffered loss and they are not quick to trust again... waiting for you to leave too.
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A4: Teach kids then teach content.
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A4: Students from poverty require - and deserve - relentlessly positive teachers who own the patience of Job and who never quit
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Q5: A new teacher comes to you and asks for a specific strategy to help with engagement. What do you tell them?
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A4 NO EASY Ans;however,classrm BELONGS to the ONE who is AND the STRONGEST.
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A4: (1) Never lie. (2) Never argue. (3) Never criticize.
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feedback 98% in favor of doing it every snow day, 75% Ss posts 25% Ts, had 78 Ss sign up voluntarily
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Great chat! Thank you for letting me jump in tonight.
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A4: No excuses. Great teaching can overcome all else. We have a great ability to be difference makers. Embrace it
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A4:Always remember this school time maybe their best time each day, learn their names, speak to them, let them know you care
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Very challenging to keep them there... too often our neediest students get the newest/least effective teachers
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A5: Know why you're teaching it. Know why it's worth knowing. Find a way to love it yourself, then sell it.
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A5: Answer with a question: "Do students take ownership? How can you improve this?"
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We often forget theis... great reminder!
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or get lost in the shuffle of others that are needy that overwhelm a veteran T.
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Make sure you show the Ss you are excited about what you are going teach. Show them your excitement
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Patience and . Try to NEVER meet anger encountered with more .
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I was honestly the biggest history nerd that I loved even the Articles of Confederation. They thought I was weird, but it worked.
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A5: Ask who's doing the talking? Who's in control of the learning? How are you selling your content? Is it exciting? How do u know?
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A5: you are not just teaching them curriculum.. you are teaching them how to be great people! Be the best you can be everyday.
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The best teachers I know are fun, fair, and firm.
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One of my biggies... Is just because a kid has a button, doesn't mean you have to push it!
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A5) Let your Ss create. Art, ceramics, wood, clay, 3D printer... Whatever. Find a way to let them create.
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Q6: Amazon loves Qs like this... What book would you recommend to your PLN that could help them more engage their students?
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a5: read It's a great book w/ ideas for engagement . Read & try & fail & try again. Energy is key to engagement.
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That's the of ; they don't stay long enough to learn to fairly assess & discipline.
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Writing is creation too. https://t.co/a2wVBzOM7x
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A5) Let your Ss create. Art, ceramics, wood, clay, 3D printer... Whatever. Find a way to let them create.
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A6: I am a big fan of Teach Like a Pirate. Great chat also!
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A6: A Mindset for Learning, Amplify!, Teachiing with Intention
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A6: : Teach Like a Pirate.
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Whole Brain Teaching for Challengin Kids
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Engaging Students With Poverty in Mind.
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A6: If you're teaching math: Well-Played (Stenhouse) or Number Talks. Great ways of getting Ss engaged & learning.
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Thanks for allowing me to lurk
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Thank you to all our new folks and experienced chatters! Make sure to help our PLN grow, follow the folks you met here tonight!
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A6) Princeton Review AP Calculus... Just kidding (though it's actually pretty good!). The Joy of X by S Strogatz.
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We let it happen once, then we start directing Qs at you! Thanks for joining!
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Thank you all. Had a great time. Very engaging.
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A6: Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman
