#CaringClassroom Archive
The #CaringClassroom Chat explores positive teacher-student relationships, classroom management, and engaging and supportive instruction. Join us on Sundays @ 8:00 PM CST/9:00 PM EST.
Monday August 8, 2016 10:00 PM EDT
Hi everyone, I'm Hana in NZ. I'm a former secondary school teacher doing a PhD in Education
Hi!! I'm Abbi! I teach 2nd grade in Davenport, Ia. Super excited to collaborate tonight!
Lindsay, 2nd grade teacher, Winnetka (suburb of Chicago)
Hi Abbi! Glad you could join us!
Mark, Religion Teacher and Middle school coordinator, St. Pius X school..outside Washington D.C.
Hi , popping in and out tonight. Gr 2 T from Saskatchewan, Canada
A1: classroom procedures to prevent misbehaviour, proximity, pos t-s rels, student engagement https://t.co/YvNqzeRZNR
A1: Expectations and consequences clearly communicated. Always circulating around the room/Proximity.
Welcome Lanny! Glad you could join us!
A1: I use a "Safe place" in my class - kids can go to take a break when they need one. It's a cozy area
A1: visuals of rules/procedures, designated class jobs, and a school family culture that stresses safety and unity
Clear communication is key! https://t.co/tcHypI8bJI
A1: Expectations and consequences clearly communicated. Always circulating around the room/Proximity.
Great idea! https://t.co/McXyGV6EEX
A1: I use a "Safe place" in my class - kids can go to take a break when they need one. It's a cozy area
Hi I'm Taylor! 4th grade teacher in Frisco, Tx. Excited for the chat tonight!
Love the focus on family! https://t.co/20vr2QdEhq
A1: visuals of rules/procedures, designated class jobs, and a school family culture that stresses safety and unity
Coming in a little late, sorry. Joy Kidd from Prosper, TX. 5th grade sci/soc. st.
A1 engagement; the more my Ss are engaged the less disruptions there are
Glad you could join us Taylor!
Robert here. Trying to get dinner in the oven...
A1: Setting high expectations early is key!! I also use to help with behavior. The Ss really buy into that!
A1 Best management tool I've found is a great lesson.
being very present is so important so kids know you're there for them
Welcome Robert! What's for dinner?
Definitely! Focused students who are busy learning don't have time to be disrupted or do disrupting https://t.co/QqCEkaJlAf
A1 engagement; the more my Ss are engaged the less disruptions there are
Having high expectations is so important! https://t.co/xISzPcpUxf
A1: Setting high expectations early is key!! I also use to help with behavior. The Ss really buy into that!
A2: Non-compliance w/ reasonable requests. Inattentiveness.
A1 Tone & structure are key to showing new Ss what classroom culture is about. Routines, respect, relationship, relevance.
Absolutely! https://t.co/uzZUw6QvKP
A1 Tone & structure are key to showing new Ss what classroom culture is about. Routines, respect, relationship, relevance.
Q2: I've always noticed they are typically angry about something. I think a lot of it has to do with home life.
agreed, activity is so important; a flexible seating plan can lead to a lot of natural movement with a lesson
a2 Deliberately skating just at the edge of breaking a rule, not in a joking manner.
I agree, I notice that defiance often stems from anger, and it can be hard to figure out where it's coming from
What things do you try to figure out what the root of the issue is? https://t.co/QcWlaHmneA
I agree, I notice that defiance often stems from anger, and it can be hard to figure out where it's coming from
A2: I often notice Ss just completely shutting down. So hard to get through to them when they're at that point
It's hard b/c sometimes the student doesn't know.
A2 A proactive, positive approach circumvents most "what now?!" confrontations. Check neg behaviors long before defiance!
1st tried it 2 years ago and thought it could create more probs but it didn't. Ss need to know expect with it
A3: By trying to find the humor in the situation and allowing the student a graceful “out” from the struggle.
A2: they avoid eye contact, difficulty following simple tasks, easily irritable
A2: 'Defiance' is a behaviour and every behaviour has an antecedent. What are they reacting to? What's got them wound up?
I've tried to go beyond the classroom to build relationship. Attending events, extending help
building a relationship - conversations about what is going well helps make it easier to have tough talks
A3: provide choices, keep tasks simple, provide adequate personal space, and teacher assertiveness. Safe space is great!
A3: private convo, soft tone, communicate caring & concern, what's going on, how can I help https://t.co/E20sJBno9M
A3: behavior is communication. Be patient and try to find out what the student is telling you in the only way they know how
A3: To de-escalate a S it's so important to just listen. Let them tell their whole side of the story before saying anything
Sometimes giving a defiant kid a little space helps. Not giving them something to push against.
Often defiance has no deep root cause. It's a kid testing limits to see if you are worthy of respect & allegiance. Lead!
Giving them an "out" is important - allows them to save face https://t.co/yjokfB3ojr
A3: By trying to find the humor in the situation and allowing the student a graceful “out” from the struggle.
Good questions to ask. https://t.co/zcgxJh0HrG
A2: 'Defiance' is a behaviour and every behaviour has an antecedent. What are they reacting to? What's got them wound up?
Great ideas! https://t.co/w60esHTqZ8
I've tried to go beyond the classroom to build relationship. Attending events, extending help
safe space definitely helps - they are great at knowing when they are ready to join the class
Listening is key! https://t.co/gx9GgrptOO
A3: To de-escalate a S it's so important to just listen. Let them tell their whole side of the story before saying anything
A3: Try v hard to never back a S into a corner they can't get out of but if it happens, count to 10 & try to find a gap
Very wise! https://t.co/DKNi0RdUIY
Sometimes giving a defiant kid a little space helps. Not giving them something to push against.
This is smart Hana. https://t.co/8WzCXhu4tF
A3: Try v hard to never back a S into a corner they can't get out of but if it happens, count to 10 & try to find a gap
a3 avoid dealing with defiant kids in front of their peers. They don't need an audience.
A4: Toxic Sarcasm and embarrassing/shaming a student can cause it... Empathy and compassion will prevent a power struggle
A4: ARGUING!!! Sometimes is SO difficult not to argue with Ss but it's so not worth it! Will hair worsen the situation
ARGH!!! It's such an easy trap to fall into!
Be aware that every S in the room is watching how you deal with disrespect & defiance. If T is too easy, others may try it
A4: aggressive tone/stance/words/looks, getting in a Ss space, embarrassing them in front of peers https://t.co/abOXcjjMgl
True! https://t.co/mvnNisSMh6
a3 avoid dealing with defiant kids in front of their peers. They don't need an audience.
If a student knows that you are not particularly fond of them, they are more likely to push and engage in power struggles
Absolutely! https://t.co/fl96dymKoP
A4: Toxic Sarcasm and embarrassing/shaming a student can cause it... Empathy and compassion will prevent a power struggle
a4 Watch your body language! Hands on hips? "Cobra-head"? Not helpful.
Agreed! https://t.co/j4b8YyJCO7
A4: ARGUING!!! Sometimes is SO difficult not to argue with Ss but it's so not worth it! Will hair worsen the situation
Q4: Arguing with a S. Going back & forth with a S just elevates things. Say what you need to say then let things calm down.
A4: Once a student finds a button they can push, they will keep pushing.
That's why building a positive relationship is so important! https://t.co/uCtqUiVfaO
If a student knows that you are not particularly fond of them, they are more likely to push and engage in power struggles
Love & Logic script "I love you too much to argue about this."
A4: Someone told me that arguing with a S is like wrestling a pig in mud. You both get covered in mud & the pig loves it!
This is so true. https://t.co/8pvUADHvLT
Q4: Arguing with a S. Going back & forth with a S just elevates things. Say what you need to say then let things calm down.
I highly recommend Conscious Discipline as a resource for all teachers when it comes to behavior! https://t.co/UxBToPzFhN
A4 Being tough AND tender is such a delicate balance, but all kids need both. Support but no means no, limits mean limits.
A4 Making strong demands on sts instead of giving choices, when appropriate
Yes!! That's where I got the safe place idea from - love it!
A5: Power struggles can destroy positive teacher-student relationships and your classroom climate. https://t.co/WTe4EuXy5g
A5: Instruction and learning stops for the class and can destroy a relationship with the individual student.
a5 It lets a few students "take over" your attention and overwhelm your class.
So true! https://t.co/uQBfDtTt07
A5: Instruction and learning stops for the class and can destroy a relationship with the individual student.
A5: As a teacher, you are a model to the students. Power struggles will create a lack of disrespect and safety
Being a role model is so important! https://t.co/ogKy511Lry
A5: As a teacher, you are a model to the students. Power struggles will create a lack of disrespect and safety
A4 Too much teacher directed learning; certain Ss will probably feel restricted and get disruptive
Caring, trusting T-S relationships are vital, but don't walk on eggshells around kids. Empower & encourage, don't enable.
It's a careful balance. https://t.co/ASgpGBEVFy
Caring, trusting T-S relationships are vital, but don't walk on eggshells around kids. Empower & encourage, don't enable.
A5: It can ruin relationships and climate. Ss will try to take over. There has to be a good dynamic for learning to occur
Absolutely! https://t.co/3ZRILLtHt7
A5: It can ruin relationships and climate. Ss will try to take over. There has to be a good dynamic for learning to occur
A5: It also isn't modeling appropriate behavior for our Ss
A6: Get right back into instruction. “Bounce-back” and “keep rolling.” Time on task does heal all wounds!
A6: private convo, admit when you've made a mistake, tell them how much you value your rel w/ them https://t.co/pVhfUM0Rtb
A6 Model responsible, compassionate adult behavior & sincerely apologize & calmly explain. Forgiveness is healing & healthy
A6: I think it's important to let the Ss hear you apologize and maybe admit that you got carried away. It happens to us all
Agreed! https://t.co/vdEL21g0RY
A6 Model responsible, compassionate adult behavior & sincerely apologize & calmly explain. Forgiveness is healing & healthy
A6: If it was in front of the class, apologize to the class and student for your behavior and model correct behavior
We're only human, right? https://t.co/t3yWFHwOJ7
A6: I think it's important to let the Ss hear you apologize and maybe admit that you got carried away. It happens to us all
The tweets coming from your chat are amazing tonight! Hope to join you next week!
Good idea! https://t.co/72TjLXOJAw
A6: If it was in front of the class, apologize to the class and student for your behavior and model correct behavior
Great ideas from all participants! See you next time Anne! https://t.co/4xpgiczC5k
The tweets coming from your chat are amazing tonight! Hope to join you next week!
Thank you for the great chat.
A7: Staying calm. A lot of unwanted behavior (on both ends) comes from getting worked up or upset
A7: Model respectful behaviour, build pos rels w/ students, prevent misbehaviour with procedures https://t.co/uSJb7zQ2Qi
Agreed! https://t.co/VvOxULrjns
A7: Staying calm. A lot of unwanted behavior (on both ends) comes from getting worked up or upset
A7: Refuse to get into arguments with S. Tell them you will only talk when they are calm.
A7 I always say to capture your Ss' hearts, spirits, minds, AND manners. A whole child approach meets all their vital needs
Great strategy! https://t.co/ggWPcqxbd3
A7: Refuse to get into arguments with S. Tell them you will only talk when they are calm.
A7: See the signs in the student-tone of voice, body language etc. Show compassion! Do not engage an argument.
A7: When you see Ss getting upset, provide them an 'out' so they can save face. Teach S how to deal with BIG feelings.
Reading the student's non-verbal cues is so important! https://t.co/xZBxbnERDa
A7: See the signs in the student-tone of voice, body language etc. Show compassion! Do not engage an argument.
Giving them an "out" is a great way to de-escalate the situation. https://t.co/ovMwhhwgFc
A7: When you see Ss getting upset, provide them an 'out' so they can save face. Teach S how to deal with BIG feelings.
A7: Keep your tone and nonverbals calm. Smile and be patient with the student. Model that you are in control of you
A7: It's also so important to know your Ss. Different things work for different Ss personalities
So important! https://t.co/lPr79higRM
A7: Keep your tone and nonverbals calm. Smile and be patient with the student. Model that you are in control of you
Absolutely! https://t.co/S9pokVcP6s
A7: It's also so important to know your Ss. Different things work for different Ss personalities
dealing with emotions can be so hard for Ss and as teachers we can help them learn how to handle them
Kids instinctively know the places & people they can disrespect & disobey. Do not send that message! Calm-confident-caring.
So true! https://t.co/PROmE0emto
dealing with emotions can be so hard for Ss and as teachers we can help them learn how to handle them
A8: I feel that a S should be sent out when s/he becomes a danger to the other Ss in the room.
A8: As a LAST resort. Sending students out sends them the message they aren't worth it and will ruin S & T relationships
A8: refusal to follow school rules, overt opposition to authority, beh that warrants a suspension https://t.co/QVJyZ4WNxJ
A8: For me to send a S to the Principal they would need to have endangered another child's life.
A8: I always like it when students are sent to the office for good behaviour. Makes my day! https://t.co/QVJyZ4WNxJ
A8: I rarely would send a student. It would have to be a safety issue or something dangerous.
I agree! https://t.co/qYWtG4cbLj
A8: As a LAST resort. Sending students out sends them the message they aren't worth it and will ruin S & T relationships
A8: when you are worried about the impact the behavior is having on the other Ss and are worried about their safety
I also love to call/email parents to mention good behavior - kids and parents LOVE that!
And aren't those the most enjoyable phone calls to make?! Love that! https://t.co/vOUTTPbha9
I also love to call/email parents to mention good behavior - kids and parents LOVE that!
A8 Better to send a recalcitrant S to a nearby classroom. Personally deal w/ the issue later & seek outside support if nesc
Thank you so much for all the amazing ideas tonight! Please join us in 2 weeks for the next chat! https://t.co/TFrlFkXX9N
Thank you for joining us tonight Hana!
You all are compassionate leaders for your students! Keep the positivity and the learning flowing. : )
Have a great week Robert!
Thanks Loved hearing everyone's ideas!! So excited for a new school year! Hope to chat with you all soon!
Great chat tonight!!! I bid you all Love, Peace, and Soul this night! Have a good week!!!!
Thanks Abbi! Have a wonderful week!