Time for Introductions!
Create a Who name for yourself:
Your first name + adjective that describes you + the word Who
Where you are from
Your role in education
Tag 2 friends to join the party.
#champforkids
Good evening and welcome to #champforkids chat.
My name is KellyCrazyBusyWho, GRT from Virginia Beach, founder of #champforkids chat and excitedly authoring Champ for Kids 📕
A1: This year, I have my curriculum equally balanced between independent & group projects. However, there's an understanding that Ss help each other during ind. work time, so they're secretly still collaborating! #champforkids
Q1 - Some of our "whos" get very "grinchy" when we ask them to collaborate with their peers.
How do you find a balance of collaboration and independent time for Ss who prefer isolation?
#champforkids
Hi #champforkids! I made it!! Marisa Thompson, HS ELA & PD through USD. I blog about the WHY & HOW at https://t.co/k9zwmFVIhZ. Excited to be here, especially because we just saw the new Grinch last week!
A1 - Acknowledging that some Ss need time to process information before getting into groups can show Ss we respect their individual needs and in turn they may be more flexible when coming to the group. #champforkids
Q1 - Some of our "whos" get very "grinchy" when we ask them to collaborate with their peers.
How do you find a balance of collaboration and independent time for Ss who prefer isolation?
#champforkids
A1: There has to be balance. Collaboration is a 21st century skill that employers are looking for. Provide opportunities to collaborate, but also opportunities to work alone. #champforkids.
Q1 - Some of our "whos" get very "grinchy" when we ask them to collaborate with their peers.
How do you find a balance of collaboration and independent time for Ss who prefer isolation?
#champforkids
A1: Intentional planning. Create lessons that begin with turn and talks or think pair share and then offer opportunities for independent or partner work. #champforkids
A1~
~ tons of practice , endless modeling and plenty of time for adjustments, successes, missteps and redos ❤️
~a smile of reassurance always works
#champforkids
A1: Try to provide plenty of optional collaboration opportunities in class. I know that I enjoy being able to choose who I collaborate with or if I even want to collaborate. It has helped me significantly when I mandate certain groupings. #champforkids
A1: provide Ss with an if then. If you work together for...then you can do...alone. we all need to learn to collaborate and be allowed the freedom of independence. #champforkids
A1: I like to give students choice - sometimes it's the choice to work alone, other times it's the choice of who they have to endure the STRUGGLE of partner work with 😂 it seems to help usually because they have some ownership of their situation! #champforkids
Q1 - Some of our "whos" get very "grinchy" when we ask them to collaborate with their peers.
How do you find a balance of collaboration and independent time for Ss who prefer isolation?
#champforkids
A1: Provide voice and choice and encourage self-advocacy so that Ss can express what they would like to collaborate on & prefer to work on independently. Discuss the importance of learning from others as a way to grow #champforkids
Q1 - Some of our "whos" get very "grinchy" when we ask them to collaborate with their peers.
How do you find a balance of collaboration and independent time for Ss who prefer isolation?
#champforkids
I agree that it is a skill that employers are looking for, but I also think that Ss need to know themselves well enough and advocate for the time they need to make sense of information. Otherwise I think they come to the group and they are unproductive. #champforkids
A1: I do different ways for my Ss to collaborate. I use math Congress where they completely work together for an answer, when I’m meeting with small groups, if they have questions, they ask a friend and I have plenty of time for them to work independently. #champforkids
A2: I see a fair amount of negativity in my room due to the trial-and-error nature of what we do. We are constantly reminding each other that they only way to fix bugs in our programs is to have them fail FIRST! #champforkids
A1: I try and mix it up, but respect the fact that some students prefer to work independently, so I encourage them during each style of work so they feel successful. #champforkids
A1 Some reluctance may be we don’t practice it enough. We scaffold at the beginning of the year, use friendly topics to prepare for daily discussions. Students prep alone, discuss in groups, then a class. They can back up their assessment with individual work. #champforkids
A1. By providing a variety of choices for what and how kids do things. Sometimes we have to collaborat, sometimes it is a choice, sometimes kids realize that they have something in common with somebody they’ve never worked with. #champforkids
A1: All students work differently and we need to realize that there is almost nothing we can do in our classrooms that ALL of our students will like. We can meet the needs of our students but also need to give them opportunities to get out of their comfort zones. #champforkids
Q1 - Some of our "whos" get very "grinchy" when we ask them to collaborate with their peers.
How do you find a balance of collaboration and independent time for Ss who prefer isolation?
#champforkids
A1: Intentional and explicit roles in collaboration help with this a lot. Also we need to honor and acknowledge introverts and give them time and space to work independently as well! #champforkids
Q2 - Each of us has had a "who" that has a negative and often fixed mindset.
How do you highlight the positive possibilities and potential to turn that "grinchy" thinking around?
#champforkids
It’s also important to help Ss to make good choices about who they collaborate with- help Ss recognize not only their strengths but the strengths of others #champforkids
A2 - @thrively is one of my favorite tools for introducing and incorporating individual Ss strengths. Meeting to conference with Ss about their reports is incredibly empowering for them!
#champforkids
I know for many of my gifted students the struggle of group work is so real. They get easily frustrated. Its def something we work on often! #champforkids
Collaboration is crucial in learning since it is constantly used in the "real world." It is important to encourage students who prefer to work independently to participate in groups, while still allowing them to know their individuality by creating choices. #champforkids
Q1 - Some of our "whos" get very "grinchy" when we ask them to collaborate with their peers.
How do you find a balance of collaboration and independent time for Ss who prefer isolation?
#champforkids
Absolutely! They need to be able to share their preferences but we must also be willing to help them feel safe when trying something out of their comfort zone #champforkids
A2: A great technique is listening to what that person is saying and keep talking about the growth opportunities. Ask reflective questions and model growth mindset. You might not change minds every time, but you might. #champforkids
Q2 - Each of us has had a "who" that has a negative and often fixed mindset.
How do you highlight the positive possibilities and potential to turn that "grinchy" thinking around?
#champforkids
A2: I have a particular “who” who gets embarrassed when he is wrong and gets upset. So when that happens, I praise him for trying & encourage him to have growth mindset & see what we can do to find the correct answer. He now participates MUCH more in class! #champforkids
A2: You need to be the Who who cares about WHO they are! Don't settle for negativity, continue to support and encourage them. Make your positivity infectious! #champforkids
A2: I think even the Grinch is eventually work down through enough love and positive spirit... Students need to see that we're not giving up on them, even when they may act like they've given up on themselves #champforkids
Q2 - Each of us has had a "who" that has a negative and often fixed mindset.
How do you highlight the positive possibilities and potential to turn that "grinchy" thinking around?
#champforkids
A2: I thank the little who for being patient, keeping thoughts in their head, giving others the chance to think. When possible let them know when I will call on them, help them learn to positives also. #champforkids
A2 I wait for the right moment. When the student adds to our class, I make a point to say thank you, quietly. I want to show I noticed and that I appreciate the input. When the student succeeds, I do the same. If it’s a bad day, I ask if are you ok or need a break? #champforkids
Q2 - Each of us has had a "who" that has a negative and often fixed mindset.
How do you highlight the positive possibilities and potential to turn that "grinchy" thinking around?
#champforkids
Q2: I ask a lot of questions. I’m sincerely seeking understanding but also respectfully questioning what I view as a fixed mindset! Some teachers are amazed at their own answer...that creates real change..#champforkids
A2: Work with the student to identify something (literally ANYTHING) that they did like about the lesson/activity/interaction and heavily reinforce their effort and reflection #champforkids
A2. I model growth. I let my kids see my missteps and we fix them together. I also share my personal negative experiences and how those things have changed. #champforkids
A3: Don't force it. Have a one-on-one conversation instead - and take it easy. Even our older "grinches" struggle with sharing how they feel. #champforkids
And when adults show and model how to overcome negativity, we are like a lamp to our students to guide them out of the darkness of negativity and into the light! Love it, Anna! #champforkids
Q3 - Many of our difficult to reach "whos" are uncomfortable expressing their feelings and emotions.
What do you do to help ease some of this discomfort?
#champforkids
A2: we start the year off with a lot of Growth Mindset lessons and refer back to them throughout the year. I also admit openly when I fail at something. They know that FAIL means First Attempt In Learning. #champforkids
A2: The key to getting a student out of a fixed mindset is simply getting them to see things differently. Encourage them to see positives in those around them and eventually they will be able to do the same for themselves. #champforkids
Q2 - Each of us has had a "who" that has a negative and often fixed mindset.
How do you highlight the positive possibilities and potential to turn that "grinchy" thinking around?
#champforkids
A2: Give them an opportunity to contribute their ideas to the activity and modify it to their liking. Discuss the "whys" of the activity as well and listen to what they have to say. #champforkids
A2: Take the time to figure out what is really going on and dedicate myself to helping them through whatever it is. There’s ALWAYS a way to turn that frown upside down or to see the possibility in something that seems impossible #champforkids
Q2 - Each of us has had a "who" that has a negative and often fixed mindset.
How do you highlight the positive possibilities and potential to turn that "grinchy" thinking around?
#champforkids
A3: Not everyone will be comfortable with this. I definitely am not. Don't force it. That being said, listen and allow those that are comfortable expressing their emotions a safe place to do so. #champforkids
Q3 - Many of our difficult to reach "whos" are uncomfortable expressing their feelings and emotions.
What do you do to help ease some of this discomfort?
#champforkids
A3 When students express frustration, I let them. I ask questions. I don’t shut them down. Once they get it out, then we can have an actual discussion. Until then, there’s not much point. #champforkids
A2: Focus on the students strengths - by encouraging them in these areas, they will be more confident to express themselves in other areas where they think they are weak. By turning their mindset to their strengths, they will grow in their personal motivation. #champforkids
Q2 - Each of us has had a "who" that has a negative and often fixed mindset.
How do you highlight the positive possibilities and potential to turn that "grinchy" thinking around?
#champforkids
We modeled the process a lot in the beginning! What does it look like? What does it not look like? Lots of sentence frames were used! Etc. #champforkids
A3: Offer opportunities such as Visible Thinking routines- Chalk Talk, parking lot areas for Ss to post ?s/comments about the topic. Google classroom to post and chat. #champforkids
A3: I give a Google Form at the start of the year to get to know them and they honestly share SO MUCH MORE when they're type, it feels less vulnerable. I also ask for anonymous feedback at midquarter and end of quarter, and they're always respectful but honest #champforkids
Q3 - Many of our difficult to reach "whos" are uncomfortable expressing their feelings and emotions.
What do you do to help ease some of this discomfort?
#champforkids
A4: Pull an Elsa and "let it go" - anything they've done or said in the past. New slate means new slate - not a chance to bring up their previous "grinchiness" in order to keep them on track. Keep that heart growing! #champforkids
A3: Make it a norm. Don't shut down any student who is sharing how they feel, even if its negative. Feelings are a part of all of or lives and it is important to learn how to express and deal with them appropriately. #champforkids
Q3 - Many of our difficult to reach "whos" are uncomfortable expressing their feelings and emotions.
What do you do to help ease some of this discomfort?
#champforkids
Q3 - Many of our difficult to reach "whos" are uncomfortable expressing their feelings and emotions.
What do you do to help ease some of this discomfort?
#champforkids
A3: Do everything possible to create an environment that feels safe. Give opp to do anonymous surveys and/or written responses. Some feel more comfortable sharing from behind a computer. #champforkids
A3: I give them extra time. I Express myself and let them know we all have feelings that dont always feel good, but working through them feels better. #champforkids
A3: By creating an environment where students feel accepted and welcomed, they will be more open to expressing their emotions. Asking specific questions helps show that you care and want to hear from them personally! #champforkids
Q3 - Many of our difficult to reach "whos" are uncomfortable expressing their feelings and emotions.
What do you do to help ease some of this discomfort?
#champforkids
A3: Listen to them, don’t force them to share, be ready for when they are ready to open up. Be there and show them that you care about them #champforkids
Q3 - Many of our difficult to reach "whos" are uncomfortable expressing their feelings and emotions.
What do you do to help ease some of this discomfort?
#champforkids
A4. I don’t dwell on the past. Kids behave certain ways for a reason. If a child has had a turn-around, it must be a good thing and it should be celebrated. #champforkids
A3: I intentionally build relationships with the most reluctant who’s! I find reasons daily to encourage them! Once I’ve earned some trust, I intentionally try to push them out of their comfort zone. Ss will take risks when encouraged and loved! #champforkids
A3~build a foundation of mutual trust, dependability, open mindedness & ❤️#relationship building at hello 😊 ~ promotes dialogue, open, ongoing communication & that they are valued
#champforkids
A4: If I notice a student is having a HUGE turnaround, I am very quick to bring their name up at team meetings to get our student of the month award! #champforkids
A4: I always thank/praise them for a good day and then the following day on their way in I drop a subtle but excited "hey, are we going to have another good day today?" This also helps keep the emphasis on good/bad days, rather than good/bad kids #champforkids
A4: There should always be room for positive change. There needs to be consequences for bad behavior but once it's done it needs to be done, that is the only way students will feel safe and welcomed into the class. #champforkids
A4: Greer the Ss with a smile and handshake/fist bump/ friendly greeting letting them see that there are no hard feelings and it’s a new start. #champforkids
A4: Don’t dwell on the past- show them how you can move on and start over or move forward. Everyone needs second chances, even more sometimes, whatever it takes to show that you aren’t giving up on them and you won’t allow them to give up on themselves #champforkids
A4 I don’t mention it. I make eye contact, I include them, business as usual. I thank them for a good day after our next successful class. #champforkids
A4: I allow them to take breaks. Go take a walk, get some water, draw or write how they are feeling. Sometimes that does the trick & sometimes they need a long hug. #champforkids
A4: Mercies are new each morning...we are far better together!!!! Education is not for the faint or weary....we need to encourage even the grinchiest of grinches! #champforkids
@MrPStrunk just beat me to it but #champforkids friends, please consider supporting me as I moderate my FIRST EVER Twitter chat this week! We'll be talking technology, this Thursday at 9 in #waledchat
Shout out to @CristinaDajero for an awesome night! And to the entire #champforkids family... you all are BRILLIANT!
Next week we welcome @AdamBrownEDU to chat motivation!
I'm hoping the #champforkids family will be there to support one of our own as she takes a leap into moderating one of my favorite chats #waledchat this Thursday at 9EST!
@MrPStrunk just beat me to it but #champforkids friends, please consider supporting me as I moderate my FIRST EVER Twitter chat this week! We'll be talking technology, this Thursday at 9 in #waledchat
Exactly- when Ss are brave enough to share their feelings, we must not reprimand them for sharing (this will cause them to never share again) #champforkids
A4: we set weekly goals using Class Dojo. I remind them that we all make mistakes, discuss how they can change their day around, and remind them to work towards their goal by earning more points. Every Monday they get a fresh start with a new weekly goal. #champforkids
I'm starting to become the teacher that kids stay after school to talk to about bullying and harrassment. It is a sobering sense of responsibility. #champforkids
I also share a “what I’d like my teacher to know” form where they respond to ?s about school & outside of school. I’ve learned SO much about my Ss from their responses #ChampforKids
Though it may feel like a huge responsibility, you have to know that this means that they feel safer with you than probably any other adult in the building. You are doing something right! #ChampForKids
By showing Ss it’s okay to be frustrated- we validate how they are feeling. THEN, we can discuss what is causing the frustration and figure out how to proceed #champforkids
