#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 Get Real: about your Classroom. #WhatIsSchool. Please share your name, role, and location. We use Q1 A1 format, and please include hashtag with your responses. @ShiftParadigm
#whatisschool please add a story about the value of being connected outside your school & country to this flipgrid. You will tremendously help my colleagues in a PD experience! Thank you! https://t.co/KllUhS0wJn code: GlobalEd
I’m so lucky to be able to join in this evening! This is always such an AWESOME chat with truly outstanding facilitators and edu participants! Chris, K teacher from Ontario, 🇨🇦. #whatisschool
#whatisschool Heulwen in #Melbourne At the moment I work across #esol teaching Math and English and a study group to help with whatever goals my Deaf students set. Also looking for good stories modified to meet needs
#deafed
Q1 - Please share one example of an unexpected event that disrupted your classroom? In what ways did the event affect students? Colleagues? #whatisschool
Q1 Please share one example of an unexpected event that disrupted your classroom? In what ways did the event affect students? Colleagues? @ShiftParadigm#whatisschool
Q1 - Please share one example of an unexpected event that disrupted your classroom? In what ways did the event affect students? Colleagues? #whatisschool
A1 We were not prepared for how Hurricane Florence would throw us off our school schedule. It took several days after we went back to return to a smooth routine in class. Students were still concerned about people who lived in hardest hit areas. #whatisschool@ShiftParadigm
A1: One event that disrupted my classroom was the time we had a tornado touch down not that far away, so we had to get everyone to the hallway and safe until the all clear. The kids were pretty freaked out for awhile.
#whatisschool
Very nice intro my friend:) I just realized I forgot to say, Ellen, first grade teacher from North Carolina:) If I had to forget a slide, I'm grateful it's that one:) #WhatIsSchool
A1: One of the most disruptive events I've experienced was the suicide of a students. It disrupted every classroom. Shock, tears, breakdowns, shutdowns, just all out trauma - displayed in many ways. It happened at night, so most were informed 1st thing in the AM. #whatisschool
A1: An unexpected event yesterday was a fire drill...kids having to head out without coats or appropriate footwear...a little stressful...changes the flow of our learning. #whatisschool
A1: Honestly, there are events every day that disrupt learning. Stuff happens in kids' lives, in the community, in our lives, and it all comes into the classroom. School shootings affect all of us. Kids getting shot, hurricanes and tornadoes, illnesses, you name it. #whatisschool
A1 I think a lockdown drill an unfortunate necessity in our world today always causes some distress in a classroom and lots of questions esp by my Year 2s #whatisschool
A1: just had a swarm of bees that appeared on campus right as we were about to dismiss for the day. I was away at a Conference but my team knew what to do and reached out to check a few details. #whatisschool
A1: We recently had a power outage on campus and all classes were disrupted. Middle school kids get silly in the dark. They used cell phones lights at lunch. #whatisschool
A1: when I was teaching, we’d have unannounced visitors who were touring the school. Ss would be welcoming and engage our guests as they discussed what was going on in their class. I was proud of my Ss & they did a great job demonstrating what our school is about #whatisschool
I hear you. My first year of teaching, we had a student try to commit suicide in the bathroom during lunch, a senior who was well-loved by so many. The rest of that day, we had to keep putting students back together, and when she came back to school, it was rough. #whatisschool
A1 I got viral meningitis! Threw everyone off for a while, lol
Also, I I've had a couple times that an autistic child melt down to where I could do nothing else for 10 min. That can throw the class into chaos, though my students were actually awesome about it! #whatisschool
A1 Lockdown drills, drug dog searches. Not only disruptive, but just sends that negative vibe out, reminding everyone just how bad things are becoming. #whatisschool
A1: during group work, I was walking around in class, trying to help each group. All of a sudden I heard a scream. Turns out one S took out a screwdriver and hit another girl on the arm. Nearly broke it. The effect: no group work for a long time... #whatisschool
Q1 Please share one example of an unexpected event that disrupted your classroom? In what ways did the event affect students? Colleagues? @ShiftParadigm#whatisschool
#whatisschool a1 Had a bad year with death of staff, student and relatives of students. There were natural stop and telling stories. We got less done but I felt we travelled better and honoured those folk.
Any unexpected event with loud noise can be difficult with my students, especially on the sensory end of things. I’ve got noise cancelling headphones always ready to grab if possible, but definitely can be difficult to refocus after #WhatIsSchool
Q1 - Please share one example of an unexpected event that disrupted your classroom? In what ways did the event affect students? Colleagues? #whatisschool
Wow! This has been happening too frequently at my son’s college. The trend is alarming to say the least. I hope there was an abundance of compassion and support available to all. #whatisschool
A2 The first day we returned after Florence I realized I had to make time to answer Ss ?'s and concerns. I had to make more time for them to work quietly and to rest. I had to adjust my goals for myself because I hadn't slept well during the storm. #whatisschool@ShiftParadigm
A2: We just have to roll with whatever the event is. We have to let kids grieve, process frustration, let the adrenaline flow out, and then we can move on. Give them fight/flight/freeze time first, though. #whatisschool
I think the teacher dictates the students' response to the event ... if the teacher goes spastic than the kids will follow ... if the teacher remains calm than the kids will follow #whatisschool
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 lifetime and
I know #WhatIsSchool
A2: real world plans do not always go according to plan. School and interruptions are reflections of what takes place outside the walls. Great opportunity for modeling and showing Ss what resilience and persistence look like #whatisschool
Tech needs to just work. We never plan a backup activity for when the television won’t turn on at night. So why should teachers need to plan backup activities for technology at school! #Whatisschool
A2: As I near the end of my career, I have come to learn the importance of taking most things in stride...knowing that what is most important is the welfare and safety of my students! #whatisschool
Yeah, but in a lot of districts, there just isn't the money for enough servers, enough wifi nodes, enough tech people to keep it working. #whatisschool
I agree. I have seen Ts freak out over storms, and the kids panic right away. We have to keep routines best we can to keep things running as smoothly as possible. #whatisschool
A1) This has never happened in my career. We had a call while I was on my way to school.....2 hour delay power outage..5 minutes late..school will start at same time. Power on. #WhatIsSchool
A2: most of the time the collision is due to the system's requirements to excel in standardized testing and other state metrics. So, the only thing to do is find a school that educates like YOU believe education should be. #whatisschool
A2: Obviously, in my case, change the expectations. That first day was spent simply processing. But, I think with any disruptive event, flexibility is needed in order to at least adjust those expectations. #whatisschool
Absolutely @skeeTX disruptive events take place every day in Ss lives, our job is to be consistent in how we manage our Ss on a daily basis #Whatisschool
#whatisschool
Also... turn the situation around so it becomes the lesson.
Once the kids saw a crime occuring outside the window.
I rang the police and we made it the lesson
That's a really great point, Michelle! I believe in being flexible for the benefit of my Ss' learning, but I need to think of changes to the schedule as learning moments. Disruptions can help strengthen our character. They teach us how to "roll with it." #whatisschool
A2: we always need to be open to disruption, major and minor and look for the opportunity embedded in the disruption, either just below the surface or hidden deep beneath... #whatisschool
A2. Disruptive events are amazing opportunities to explicitly teach resilience and engage an Innovators Mindset to problem solve. #EmbraceDisruption#Whatisschool
A1. Unannounced sweep through my classroom with our drug search dog. Afterwards, students weren't allowed devices after to prevent them announcing the dog's presence. Lesson was dead in the water. Ss were confused and put off. #whatisschool
I don't know how I missed that you're working with deaf students. I've always been fascinated by sign language. Thanks so much for being and being a loyal supporter of #whatisschool.
I would like to Park TVs.IWBs and technology one day per week so that teachers can teach from the heart and not from the book or to the test #WhatIsSchool
A2: As educators we need to remain flexible and agile in order to respond to unexpected events. We also need to see all situations as teachable moments for Ss #whatisschool
Q3. In your classroom, what can you realistically do so your students stay focused and instructional time isn’t wasted when an unexpected event disrupts school for several days? #Whatisschool
I was describing the perpetrator on the phone and the kids are shouting out much better descriptions. The knew the type of shoe and shade of TShirt #whatisschool
Q3 In your classroom, what can you realistically do so your students stay focused and instructional time isn't wasted when an unexpected event disrupts school for several days? #whatisschool@ShiftParadigm
Q3. In your classroom, what can you realistically do so your students stay focused and instructional time isn’t wasted when an unexpected event disrupts school for several days? #Whatisschool
A2: As educators we need to remain flexible and agile in order to respond to unexpected events. We also need to see all situations as teachable moments for Ss #whatisschool
Funny story, my Ss have taken to singing a Spanish song from RAZ Kids at the oddest times. I'm trying to honor their spontaneous passion and respect my Ss who like it quiet at the same time. I often hear the song in my head. #whatisschool
A3: My best resource was John Fox's book, Poetic Medicine. Lots of good writing prompts for dealing with difficult life experiences. Getting kids to stop and write through something helped them process it and give us space to move on. #whatisschool
A2 Depends a lot on the event. We get bad storms here sometimes. Tornadoes. When they are out there, educate students, but keep in mind, they are kids. Everything must be age appropriate, be sensitive to their needs and situations. #whatisschool
A3 I don't think I have this problem solved. I did the best I could to address S concerns after Florence. I tried to tackle lessons that we missed one at a time so I wouldn't get overwhelmed or rush my Ss. #whatisschool@ShiftParadigm
Q3. In your classroom, what can you realistically do so your students stay focused and instructional time isn’t wasted when an unexpected event disrupts school for several days? #Whatisschool
A3: bring students into the conversation; this thing has happened, how can we address our individual & collective needs while also keeping a focus on our learning goals? #whatisschool
A3: we lost two weeks of class during Superstorm Sandy fue to know power and that made us bolster our ability to teach and share resources virtually. #whatisschool
A3: Re: the suicide, we tried to get back on track after the first day but, since it happened just 5 days before Christmas break, all we really managed to do was go through the motions and provide support. We also continued support after they returned in January. #whatisschool
I used to get so frustrated when this would happen. I would always try to find a work around. Our former Computer/Tech teacher used to joke I would have it solved before she could fix it. Now I joke that paper, pencils, markers don't need wifi. #WhatIsSchool
A3: Prioritize what is essential, build in some student choice, listen to your students, and do your best to reduce stress levels that might be elevated...relationships matter most! #whatisschool
Sometimes that's true, and when it is, we need to ask ourselves why and if there's another way we can get to our objectives. It's hard when the objective is test-prep, though. #whatisschool
In reply to
@supervxn, @GruntledChalkie, @michellebatey22
A3. A colleague of mine uses NearPod as a self-paced learning experiences for her Ss. Embeds videos and uses the formative tools on the platform to reinforce learning. This helped her stay on track while kids were out for Florence. #whatisschool
But that is also the perfect opportunity to show that stuff happens, roll with the punches and work through it. There are alternatives to most things…. work with what you have. The kids learn from that too. #whatisschool
Totally agree! Best example is a history T I know, that turned the event of a wasp getting into the classroom into a biology wasp lesson. #whatisschool
Q3. In your classroom, what can you realistically do so your students stay focused and instructional time isn’t wasted when an unexpected event disrupts school for several days? #Whatisschool
Individual students suffer disruption in their lives that the rest of a class may not realize; need to account for the individual scenarios as well as the school wide ones; empower students to ask for what they need at all times #whatisschool
What if you make the students investigative journalists, then? Have them pick subjects to investigate, research what's going on, present their findings? #whatisschool
A3. Focus on what is important - successful students need skills not content. Use the disruption as a tool for engaging skills like collaboration, critical thinking and reflection #Whatisschool#FutureSkills
Q3 In your classroom, what can you realistically do so your students stay focused and instructional time isn't wasted when an unexpected event disrupts school for several days? #whatisschool@ShiftParadigm
I have been through a couple of teacher and student deaths over the years ... we need to remember that our classroom is not dedicated to talking through grief ... there are professionals on campus for that. #whatisschool
Q4. Too much to do, not enough time—what’s a realistic way to find time for keeping your room organized and stocked with materials during standardized testing or other multi-day events? #whatisschool
Q4. Too much to do, not enough time—what’s a realistic way to find time for keeping your room organized and stocked with materials during standardized testing or other multi-day events? #whatisschool
Q4 Too much to do, not enough time — what’s a realistic way to find time for keeping your room organized and stocked with materials during standardized testing or other multi-day events? #whatisschool@ShiftParadigm
Drills are a challenge for sure. We're trying to balance that with our good neighbor theme in my class. It's pretty amazing to hear them singing Mr. Rogers' theme at the end of each day. #WhatIsSchool
#whatisschool Trying to block a massive event is sisyphean event. Better to let it have a small space of time then slide back into work. It's when ss waste time about falling over or something little that I cut that noise off
A4 Yesterday I worked on small piles and bags from my office. I finally accepted I needed to bite size the mess. I create too many piles when things are hectic. #whatisschool@ShiftParadigm
Right. Give them time to breathe for a while, then when they are ready, process the disruption and then move from there. Never forgetting or starting off like a clean slate. #whatisschool
Hey #whatisschool folks! I am prepping for a PD presentation about social media and #PLN. If you are available, we will be live at 9:15 am! Please join us as we discuss the importance of #PLN and branding!
We just made cannabis consumption legal across Canada this week, but I don’t think that helps with what we’re discussing this evening, Steve! 😂 #whatisschool
A3: I used to check my big cupboard (where I kept emergency supplies and extras like food, disinfectant, etc.) weekly to see what I needed to get over the weekend and then would reorganize it all on Monday mornings. #whatisschool
I agree. We have to do the testing. Good teaching takes care of much of the state testing game. Sure, you need to expose Ss to how they will ask questions, but you don’t have to teach a test. Teach content, not tests. The test is no biggie that way #whatisschool
In reply to
@mrterborg, @supervxn, @CarinaHilbert, @GruntledChalkie, @michellebatey22
I agree and would add in teach how to take tests. Teach them the differences between the types of questions, how manage their time, stuff like that. Not everyone's brains work the same as the test writers' brains. #whatisschool
In reply to
@eduappsandmore, @mrterborg, @supervxn, @GruntledChalkie, @michellebatey22
When an unexpected assembly comes across the intercom- students are out of control excited, teachers are confused and staff members learn to be flexible 😂 #whatisschool
One of my girls burst into tears yesterday because she was tired. All she needed was a moment in the hall, a drink of water, to know someone cared. #WhatIsSchool
#whatisschool a4 Keeping rooms organized and stocked appeals to some ss. Always had willing helpers. Also a colleague would cover so I could do ordering. We played to strengths. Some years I get lucky and even have display coordinators.
#art in the room.
Q5. When many of the students in your classroom must stay home because they have influenza, colds or other illnesses, what’s a realistic approach for preventing students from falling behind? #whatisschool
I disagree. Sure, we have to measure outcomes to know if we're progressing according to our goals, but that doesn't mean we need to have standardized tests. Especially if our goal is to teach SKILLS and not remember things you can google anytime. #whatisschool
In reply to
@mrterborg, @CarinaHilbert, @GruntledChalkie, @michellebatey22
When such an event happens to one student, and the ripple effects reach the whole school & community, we need to muster empathy and care for the hurt, educate the perpetrators and the bystanders #whatisschool
That can easily be built into solid teaching. A quick question worded using the right stem does wonders for getting them comfortable. They end up feeling “Eh, no biggie, Mr. G asks questions like that all the time” Time management is always something to work on. #whatisschool
In reply to
@CarinaHilbert, @mrterborg, @supervxn, @GruntledChalkie, @michellebatey22
Q5. When many of the students in your classroom must stay home because they have influenza, colds or other illnesses, what’s a realistic approach for preventing students from falling behind? #whatisschool
Q5 When many of the students in your classroom must stay home because they have influenza, colds, or other illnesses, what’s a realistic approach for preventing students from falling behind? #whatisschool@ShiftParadigm
Wasn't suggesting that one needs both. Just that it's the current reality. If one has standardized testing, students must be prepared for it. #whatisschool
In reply to
@supervxn, @CarinaHilbert, @GruntledChalkie, @michellebatey22
A5 I'm looking for new ways to handle absent work. I would love to hear suggestions especially from other first grade teachers. We also have a lot of Ss who miss for trips at unusual times of the year. #whatisschool@ShiftParadigm
A5 On the eighth day… He created #googleclassroom Ok, maybe not, but if kids have an in place system for staying in the loop, that is readily dealt with. I use @nearpod a lot. Send the self paced code out to the S. #whatisschool
A5: This is when having your own website comes in handy. I use https://t.co/GXdF0VGwbH, and I really like it a lot. I have a blog on there & can post the classroom calendar and links to whatever. Then, they can check it whenever. I also used to post my lesson plans. #whatisschool
A5: partner with students to plan how they can focus on wellness and demonstrate learning in a satisfactory way; makeup work must be meaningful, not compulsory completion of all missed work; learning is an experience, not a task #whatisschool
Gives me a whole new level of appreciation for what you bring to our community. We need to help each other with the tragic, tough, and difficult situations our students face. Thank you for being here today. #whatisschool@ShiftParadigm
A5: Sending home work is a great option if there are siblings in the building. I also like when I can assign items on an Ed platform for students to keep up to date. #whatisschool
“You want risk taking. You have to find something where your particular life path has led you to see something in a particular way so you can pursue it, contribute to society, in a unique way.” @JeffBezoshttps://t.co/IL5hiyU16n#WhatIsSchool#choose2matter
A5. In terms of work assignment, an online platform like G-Classroom helps. For instruction, though, I find a regular channel of communication (G-Chat, Gmail, Skype) helps keep Ss in the loop. #whatisschool
A5: If tech is available and students have internet at home, a lot of it can be done online. But, if the student is too sick to work, plan an alternative assignment for when they return or - in some cases - offer an incomplete until they catch up. #whatisschool
I got to the point that I posted copies of everything on my website & Google Classroom & then printed a few copies for files in class (in case they couldn't print anything at home for paper stuff). Parents change their tune when they see kids could get it all along. #whatisschool
A5 The fact is, nothing should be able to replace quality time with the T, but we can do what we can to minimize loss. If a T can be replaced by a quick email or worksheet, may be time for some reflection. #whatisschool
A5: For me, it’s all about prioritizing the essential...helps me to more fully understand/realize what is most important...alongside the importance of my relationships with my students. #whatisschool
#WhatIsSchool a5 First yay on staying home and not getting worse or spreading illness. I make rough and ready videos for my signers so they can access key points. Sometimes they download to take home. Older students pass on info too. Luckily it's only usually a day.
A5. Also, alternative assignments upon return are great. I find doing that gives me a chance to REALLY consider where that S needs to grow. Serendipitous moment for differentiation with purpose. #whatisschool
Just joining in. A5: Prioritize what matters . does the content they missed matter? do the skills matter? and prioritize so the student doesn’t feel overwhelmed but feels grateful for the opportunity to make up work that is really important #whatisschool
I think it's also okay for kids to be excused from assignments entirely if doing all of them would be far too overwhelming and result in crap work.
#whatisschool
Q6 When after-hour-assignments, conferences, grading, or other such events leave you fatigued and emotionally drained, is it realistic to be expected to maintain a positive attitude? Why or why not? #whatisschool@ShiftParadigm
Q6. When after-hours-assignments, conferences, grading or other such events leave you fatigued and emotionally drained, is it realistic to be expected to maintain a positive attitude? Why or why not? #whatisschool
I usually handle this through whole class reviews and having peers/assts. work practice with them. I don't feel like we ever truly catch up on everything they missed. Good point, though, that a good summary may be all that is needed. #whatisschool
Technology is helpful but it also becomes burden some for students who are asked to make up homework because they have access to it but they may not be feeling well enough to do it #whatisschool
A6 I've had to learn to rest when I'm fatigued regardless of how much work I have. Pushing myself has affected my health. Our summer series convinced me that I have to take better care of me. #whatisschool@ShiftParadigm
Q6. When after-hours-assignments, conferences, grading or other such events leave you fatigued and emotionally drained, is it realistic to be expected to maintain a positive attitude? Why or why not? #whatisschool
I agree, at least in my subject area. I do try to hit the high points of what a student missed in some way, but ELA is recursive by nature, so the same skills will be addressed again later. Student health > what I need during a week. #whatisschool
A6 See the tweets between myself and @ShiftParadigm to get the answer to this one. Caffeine makes it all better. :) Seriously, remembering we are here for the kid keeps things up for me. At the end of the day, he/she is why we do what we do. #whatisschool
A6 When students' jobs, clubs, sports teams, homework, and family commitments, etc. leave them fatigued and drained, do we expect them to maintain a positive attitude? Just a thought... #whatisschool
A6. No, Ts are humans too. Burn-out is real and processing frustration is 1000x better than bottling or being fake chipper. Ss though, need our best selves, so I say try and save it for a vent session. Then move on. #whatisschool
A5 My take on missed work not mattering… why would it not matter? I mean, work should be meaningful all the time. Busy work sucks. Busy work makes school suck. School shouldn’t suck. Just my mini-rant from a T who has seen too much busy work in school #whatisschool
Happiness is an emotion that will come and go depending on the circumstance. Positivity is a choice made Everyday that reframes your perspective #whatisschool
Yes - because it's not the kids' fault and, even if you are not negative with them directly, your negative attitude will affect not only the students but the entire school culture. #whatisschool
Yeah...not really. Positivity is often mandated by admins and so not a choice. So, we fake the positivity crap, and the real problems just fester and get worse. #whatisschool
Exactly. If it matters, if it is meaningful, then it is important. I get that some things are recursive… but meaningful work is, by definition, meaningful… and that student deserves the chance to learn that material too. #whatisschool
Thank you for participating in #WhatIsSchool today. Please join us next week for part 2 of our Get Real series. You won’t want to miss this:) @ShiftParadigm
#WhatIsSchool a5 Maybe I just have a good dept that gets the difference between positivity and fake upbeatness. If I'm exhausted I just get the meeting done so I can get rest. Signing can be draining. Especially when I have to do it in a couple of different registers.
This. Be honest and human with your Ss. They are humans too. BUT! Always reciprocate. If you can be off your game, Ss can be too. Help them learn to process their hurdles. #whatisschool
I sent out another S to call the vice principal to my class. Not even allowed to kick him out of class, because I'm in charge of his safety, and he could get injured not supervised outside. Ironic, huh... #whatisschool
If our projected mood is inauthentic then how are we encouraging trust? No one has a great day every day. Be human, be authentic and model self-acceptance #whatisschool
Every day I'm getting a little more in tune with my Ss, their needs, and how best to handle those curve balls. This chat sparked great reflection for me. #WhatIsSchool
