#globaledchat Archive
A weekly chat covering topics related to teaching with a global perspective. A rotating cast of guest hosts include education experts and influencers. A must-follow for all educators who would like to open their classroom to global opportunities! Hosted by @HSingmaster and sponsored by @AsiaSocietyEDU
Thursday March 31, 2016
Welcome to ! Please introduce yourself.
The Dan Sadowsky/TeachUNICEF alter egos are here again from NJ, interspersed with tending to kids at bedtime!
The Dan Sadowsky/TeachUNICEF alter egos are here again from NJ, interspersed with tending to kids at bedtime!
Stacy Gasteiger, 3rd grade teacher, central PA
Hey and everyone here! I'm Jacqueline from . Here for my first :)
Hi Dan/TeachUnicef alter-egos! Thanks for joining !
Thanks for joining us again Stacy!
Hi Jesse! Thanks for joining - it's been awhile, I think?
Hi and welcome to - we are a pretty friendly bunch (at least I think so!).
Good Evening Here for a bit. Kindergarten teacher in Vermont
I have to miss tonight. My 3-year-old and the playground are calling! Catch up with you all next week. Cheers!
Dan Giddings, IB Coordinator / Teacher Leader in Ypsilanti, MI.
Hi Dan - welcome to ! Have you joined us before?
Woah, cool! I'm on a travel & work for trip w/ . Love the idea of traveling & work.
Natalie here from ! Excited for another great .
Every Friday I keep slapping my forehead remembering that I missed the . Busy with 2 year old... https://t.co/6miLKKdeDb
Hi Jesse! Thanks for joining - it's been awhile, I think?
Hello ! Happy to join in from the SF Bay area and excited to learn more about tonight's topic.
Q1: How do you engage families in their students’ learning and in your school?
A1 Nightly emails, weekly folders, Math and Lit nights, PTSO
Q1: How do you engage families in their students’ learning and in your school?
A1) Make sure Ps are involved in hiring, big decisions (like our shift to SBL), and invite them to all community events
Hi Natalie - thanks for coming back to !
Renee White from NC. Jumping in for a few.
Oh nice, excited to read this post! Thanks for sharing.
A1 Invite parents to join their student at Walk For Water, guest speaker and movie nights at school
A1 Frequent early AM celebrations of learning. Also some project based learning.
Catherine from Fresno CA. Current student to soon be an English T. Love joining chats to get ideas for my future teaching
It was great seeing you this week in person! Hopefully next week online for !
Sorry I'm late to . Just finished PD w/ 35 teachers on culturally responsive pedagogy. Love working w/ teachers!
Thanks for joining! Have you been on before?
Jim from Massachusetts joining in
Do you mean early celebrations of learning when parents can participate in person?
Wow nightly emails, teach me your ways! :)
A1 Have parents engage with their kids. Ex) Do activities together, support each other. Be connected no matter what.
Hi Penny from Virginia. Am multitasking prepping for the Virginia geo bee
Best of luck Catherine, welcome to the profession. :)
A1: Blog that Ss use to guide them through the day's lesson-available for Ps to see. Includes related ?s Ps can ask their kids
I'm an elementary teacher, so I email every night.
Yes because it is easier for families to drop by on their way to work. I get 100% participation.
A1: Start small. A parent engagement bulletin board = a simple easy start; then ask parents to volunteer! Get them involved.
A1: A world geo/culture night at the school gets Ps and Ss engaging together in learning/activities.
Agree! At my son’s school we have to drop off and leave immediately - so we can’t visit the classrooms in the AM :(
Hello all! Looking forward to some inspiration@ Brenda frm KY
Every parent who signs up, about 90%. Some don't have internet.
That is too bad. Morning drop off is an easy way to connect.
Q2: What is the best way to communicate with parents/families?
A1) We've found that when Ss get inspired by they can't wait to engage on the issues w/ their family/friends
Would love if my son’s teachers did that! We had a Facebook page last year that kept us updated.
Got caught up lamenting over current events and remembered I had a more positive way to spend the next hour -
It is always a low key and positive experience for all.
That sounds great! what kind of activities have worked best?
Q2: What is the best way to communicate with parents/families?
A2 I find email and Twitter to be good communication as well as my class website
Yeah we have the same for my daughter's class. Great way to stay connected.
A2: Invite them in to school or meetup group in their neighborhood.
A2 A variety of ways weaves opportunities to develop meaningful relationships. Culture is created through our transparency.
Yes he's in immersion so every AM we could watch them sing two songs in Chinese, it was fun and felt connected!
Energized! I like to think of them as full days b/c they tend to be productive & good. Great group of Ts.
Not a teacher, but as a parent I prefer email and events at the school.
Such dedication! I'm sure the parents are very grateful.
A2: Face to face in curriculum night &conferences, newsletters, blogs, email lists, Twitter, & good old fashion notes.
Thanks for joining us again! Hopefully this is a more inspiring way to spend an hour!
A2) Depends on the parent. I am trying with email, calls, Facebook, Remind101, Twitter. Whatever works!
A1: Yes - kids, staff & families moving and learning together. https://t.co/Ftkkz9bWuU
A1: A world geo/culture night at the school gets Ps and Ss engaging together in learning/activities.
Yes Penny! Social Media works best for some! Look at us! lol
Are a lot of parents active on Twitter?
A2: I read 76% of parents think afterschool provides opps to learn about various cultures, countries, language & global issues
Q2 Not a teacher, but as a parent I prefer emails and events at the school.
A2: Use modes that fit their needs. Will be different for each family.
A2 Blogging, email, social media, Skype, GoogleHangout, face to face, invitations to solve a community need=solution based
Q2 Do contests and questions that parents can get involved with.
Oh - what is a meet-up group? Just a casual gathering for parents?
Exacty! Who doesn't like a nice hand written invitation, praise, etc
A2 Having meetings every once in a while. It will show that you care about Ss background b/c it's important to know that
A2: Communication w/ families should start with the voices of their children. They are the best messengers.
Does that end up being a lot of work though? I'm worried about the workload teachers already have...
Making foods, internet scavenger hunts, anything hands on and interactive
Q2 Phone calls can be the best for specific issues.
A2 - Is there a difference between communication & involvement. I can email/call my parents, but that doesn't they're involved
A2) We do an International Dinner to kick off every year. Always great to invite families in to see Ss show off their culture
I had that same question! Thanks for asking :)
This year, mostly in the beginning of the yr, I went out to the parking lot to wave and say hi. Funny esp since I teach MS
for new followers Looking forward to learning alongside you all.
A2) We're always looking for new ways to get the word out to parents about via ! Any suggestions?
As a parent, I love that Ts showed at school. It spurred dinner convo with my kids about current events.
A1: We have a 3 tool approach to communication with parents- , announcement on lms homepage
When you go to these events how many other parents show up?
Semi-structured, ed focused, culturally centered fun time learning, eating, socializing, etc
Good point! How would you prefer them to be involved?
wow that is so cool!! I'm going to read up on it more later for sure!
Wow! That sounds amazing!
Q3: Have you discussed the need for with parents/families? What is their reaction?
A1: We also have parent webinars via - easier to attend events virtually for many
How did the students react?
contests? I'm intrigued! What kind of contests?
That's great - food is such a rich way to be introduced to another culture. So memorable
A2: Ps have said email is best, but don't always read-also use team newsletter page. Class twitter shows what's happening
Recently had a STEAM night ... 3 parents out of 86 showed up? What works?
Q3: Have you discussed the need for with parents/families? What is their reaction?
A3 I sneak in all global without discussion. They've caught on by now in the year. : )
Check out . What a fun way to engage Ss. What if parents were also allowed to play?
Were the students demo’ing projects?
That and the students doing cultural projects and performances. Just a fun atmosphere to get to know everyone.
A3 Not directly, but model how we connect globally in Kindergarten. I think it is 1 way to build an awareness. Hope to do more
A2: We haven't done this, but I would love to set up a twitter chat for our parents to experience. Collaboraton & communcation
What is their reaction? Are they supportive?
a 3 no but great question
A3: not so much "global ed" as the need for 1st graders to connect w the world/community outside their home & school.
A3: Yes, some engage others are not there but still put it out there they come along in time. Some find it empowering!
I would love to see what the reaction/participation would be.
Teaching about current events is SO important, and often neglected!
A3: Misconception that GE=anti-American. Help Ps think of GE as being more than economics & globalization.
A3) Part of our mission is to educate Ss for a global world. We introduce at Open House and try to keep the momentum going.
A3 I do as a rep of my non-profit. If they have traveled then they get it. If they haven't, skeptical looks.
A3: overall reaction has been very positive. Ps like Ss learning how to help community & play a role & learn from others.
They just need one more! let's help out ! https://t.co/RJF3jWxC8A
One more follower till 400! Whose next to join our ? Hopefully some our awesome chat participants tonight CST!
depends ... we've done like 5 ... average 3-4 parents no matter what.
Liked it. It's not my job-but I smiled, waved & was cheery w/people I didn't know- I was happy too! https://t.co/jc1ygzlIHw
How did the students react?
Other friends - what events bring out parents? How can we get them to participate? https://t.co/I5YQgzHnPi
depends ... we've done like 5 ... average 3-4 parents no matter what.
A3:People accept change in their own time up 2us educators 2continually provide global thoughts, insights to form thinking
great idea! Just seeing the diversity and volume of stakeholders would underline importance of
Have Ss do the planning and inviting. They advertise at our open houses or other events.
They love it! Kids have penpals around world. Very cool.
A3 - Never had that convo with them, but the kids enjoy when I connect them ... Just chatted with Peru.
Q4: How can we educate parents/families about the need for their children to be globally competent?
Right on Daniel. Keep the door open and inviting!
They'll never forget it - the first time experiencing other cultures makes an impact
A3 From what I've seen some parents are not engaged at all and Ss see that making them unmotivated 2 learn. Has 2 change
Where do you get the t-shirts from? Very cool idea - and I like this Japan design - I want one!
A3 I am so lucky to teach a class called Intro to Foreign Lang. I've enlarged it to add global understanding. So impt
Q3: I'm a parent who built a company to teach global competency. That's how important it was to me.
Our nights are usually in direct competition with sports/activities ...
Q4: How can we educate parents/families about the need for their children to be globally competent?
wow that sounds like so much fun.
How do they communicate with their penpals?
Have you tried morning events during drop-off?
Fascinating. This has definitely born out in my exp at . Where's that data from?
A4: Possibly share global Ed blog posts or articles w them & benefit it brings.
I get from my traveling daughter and intl students at local college.
Interesting idea. Coffee with the staff / principal?
Ps usually come if child is presenting/performing/has work on display. Ss have to be excited enough to entice Ps
sometimes you can motivate the student without the parent,it's difficult but can be done
sounds so creative and fun!
A4 Exploring community based needs that impact our planet through the Thinking this might offer invitations to engage.
That makes it hard. Could you do right after school?
Wow good for you, seeing the need for it and going for it.
. Q4) The spike in human/human populations will make this issue hard to ignore
Just wrote to pals in Lahore. Had to tell 8 yr olds about Sat. bombing. They were sweet.
oh, I love the tshirt idea, too.
Q4- Get the students excited about the world around them. Have them show that passion to their parents.
Sports are a HUGE conflict with any academic after-school event.
They write on paper. For one set, snail mail. Other, scan and send.
OMgoodness so sorry. We actually read book about a boy from Lahore. How did you connect with them
great idea ... lots of parents don't get paid time off ... we would get some, worth exploring
A4: Show the endless benefits of global connectedness for Ss and all fears will subside.
just keep telling them that they can and hopefully they will!
The mind is a powerful thing
Yes, eventually it will is becoming harder to ignore.
Sounds fascinating! Does it focus on a particular language or many?
sorry to jump out early but 4yr old saying "b..b.b..banana starts w a B!"& trying to figure out words. Got to treasure that.
A4) Need to build the capacity and desire to learn in Ss. Give them an opportunity to present in class and after school to Ps.
It was Turkey this month. Learned to make sarmas (stuffed grape leaves) for kids.
especially when kids pay to be with these teams ... FL is sports yr round
Yes! When Ss are enlightened it carries over in the home!
Agreed. Hard as they are, tough conversations around current events teach my kids perspective.
Student-led exploration that families can join! Make it a group adventure. A4
great idea. Whats your favorite source for articles?
A4: Sports, music REQUIRE student attendance at after school/evening events. Social Studies can do that occasionally too!
Definitely! If the Ss buy in then the parents will support it and be more interested.
I know sometimes I feel like there should be a test to be a parent. You have to be involved.
Wow how did you approach that? Must have been tough.
A4: Highlight the high-quality learning opportunities and the impact their child can have today -
oh how great - mostly analog! Something so nice about receiving a letter written by hand
Q5: How do you address parents/families' concerns that basic skills are a priority before global education?
I kept it as unscary as could, but thought important they show support. They did.
Q4: Remind them people are hired for hard skills and fired for a lack of the "soft skills". Global competency = employability.
awww breaks my heart. They want so little.
Joining in late.. Fotini ESL teacher from NJ
Q5: How do you address parents/families' concerns that basic skills are a priority before global education?
Hi! Thanks for joining us tonight! Jump right in.
I'd prefer to engage and motivate the Ss so they want and prefer to be at school events.
It's stacked in my direction being near DC. So many beautiful nationalities that I teach and am with each day.
If you have ever seen an 8 year old type, you would write too!
A5) Need to integrate into curriculum so that they don't even realize they are doing basic skills within a global context
A5 We are writing, researching, reading - all basic skills used globally.
Sorry to have to run out early - look forward to connecting with everyone again next week!
I remember years ago when they did- my doors were/are always open but they could come. Now work weighs them down.
A5) Great question- you have to define "basic skills" for your parent base + then map the global implications
Yes! Integration is key - the best strategy! https://t.co/E5xD69bGpz
A5) Need to integrate into curriculum so that they don't even realize they are doing basic skills within a global context
A5: Global education is a basic skill! Connect their experiences on twitter, facebook, etc they'l get it Ask them 4suggestions
A5 Understanding the world around you is a basic skill. We are deeply interconnected, in both wonderful and dangerous ways.
A5 it's important to let parents know that Ss can have basic skills but can eventually overcome it. It's possible!
A5: in order to reach the top I need the foundation.. In order to remain at the top
Have found that extra push gets jr hi students/parents to events they appreciate, enjoy, positive feedback
A5 If involved in the world, Ss don't always know they are building skills. Engaged and excited to work.
also the definition of "basic skills" varies from one parent population to another
Completely agree! We use the "I am Malala" book to do just that.
A5 - Great question! is necessary for https://t.co/c7h3RgWlYf
Q5: How do you address parents/families' concerns that basic skills are a priority before global education?
It can be difficult to get people to see that when worried about math, science and ELA! https://t.co/tT2YcH90Hh
A5 Understanding the world around you is a basic skill. We are deeply interconnected, in both wonderful and dangerous ways.
That is fantastic that they can come to appreciate the event.
Used 2 work w/5 students can choose from in 8th gr; I'm not required to limit. We can learn a little of any!
well said-- Ts can integrate issue articles in teaching basic reading skills, for example
I find it's teachers and admins more worried about that than parents at my district.
I just got the movie He Named Me Malala to show my class. Can't wait to watch it with them.
Yes Stacy! Engage Ss and Ps
About to start science unit on rocks & minerals. Will explore mining and minerals around the world. Science + global
Q6: Encourage Ss who are traveling abroad to Skype with the class or keep travel diary.
A6:Find out what organizations they belong to create partnerships & potential business connections for project support
Using issues like lack of water to teach math problems, Ss learn math and concerns
a6 I give surveys for feedback
Great point - we include quite a lot of critical thinking in our lessons based on global stories
I believe educating the parents along with the student would be appropriate.
A6 Homogenous community, thought no help-but then P showed up with baby kangaroo and another offered world-traveling brother
agree.. Adm is highly concerned about test scores.. We should look at individuals &assist them
Collaborative working tools like tools enable Ss working w/other Ss while traveling just like their Ps!
A baby kangaroo?? Can you keep those as pets?
Yes. I have seen some of them. They are great!
A6: Absolutely! We called upon our Native American families during Thnksgivng they prepared fall harvest spread! Yum
Yes! Ss learn better when problems are in context. Why not context?
A5: No measurement to the value of having our Ss see the world through different eyes & appreciate perspectives
She has an animal rescue group. It was temporary. But I got to hold a baby kangaroo.
I love your resources - as an educator and a parent. Kudos! Trick or Treat for UNICF is a fav.
. Thank you! is 65 years strong now!
I got to feed a kangaroo in Australia and hold a wombat (thats what is in my photo). Loved the wombat!
We just started that this year as well with our UNICEF club.
Q7: How do we empower parents/families to advocate for for their children?
Q7: How do we empower parents/families to advocate for for their children?
Q6: Culturally diverse parents = global competent students.
I remember doing when I was young!
RT I got to feed a kangaroo in Australia and hold a wombat (thats what is in my photo). Loved the wombat!
A6 Parents/families connection are sometimes a great trigger to make global education successful. Brings everyone together.
. So great! It's the original Kids Helping Kids campaign!
A6: Local libraries will assist Ps obtaining topics, books of interest and host global ed nights. Most Ps interested in lib
A7: A family night that lets Ss showcase global collab with Ss around the world.
Awesome! Thanks Heather! Will use!
Great idea! Libraries have so many resources - I often forget how helpful they can be!
Need to skeddadle. Thanks for the dialogue.
A7) Needs to start with the Ss and get them to spread the message to the parents. Can't do it without Ss help.
A7- If you find a parent that is interested in globaled, ask them to talk to the principal about its importance
RT A7- If you find a parent that is interested in globaled, ask them to talk to the principal about its importance
For us it is but I don't think it has to be. Certainly could expand beyond HS
A7: I will find out soon. Having a mtg with daughter's school leadership ab multiculturalism on Mon. Good opp'y for + change
Thanks for the opportunity to learn, grow, and reflect! Luv ya
A7: Inform parents about global action projects, encourage Ss to explore social media opps to connect, offer support
Good luck with that chat.
Thank you for joining us tonight on . Be sure to grow your & follow all of tonight’s chat participants!
Teaching perspective is more important than ever. Ts on , thank you for teaching Ss and families about the world.
Goodnight ! Please let your colleagues know about our subsidized teacher travel programs at https://t.co/fZX4GvXYEG .
Thanks . Lots of fun as always.
Thanks for hosting and for everyone's ideas. Looking forward to checking out the resources shared.
