So glad you're joining us tonight! Tag a friend who is your partner in all things school and someone who should join our conversation tonight #NoVAedchat
A1: momentum & motivation! My seniors have one foot out the door- trying to keep them engaged in one final project utilizing choice & voice #novaedchat
Hey Steve! Glad you're here! Here are a few hints for the first time - don't worry if you miss something. it will all be archived later! Include the #NoVAedchat hashtag in every tweet! And enjoy :)
A1: Being able to still do innovative work around testing (which seems to take over). I'm excited to have some teachers ready to do some awesome post-test learning enterprises. #NoVAedChat
A1: Challenges include: library closures for testing, lack of tech access for testing, getting all checked out materials back, organizing library collection, EOY reports to Admin & Library Services...#NoVAedChat
A1: Challenges we face in the final quarter is all the State assessments, as well as Local assessments needed for the end of the year, balanced with trying to keep the T's and S's motivated. #NoVAedChat
A1: Time! Mostly because of those pesky SOLs. Remembering that learning comes from doing, participating, engaging (not lecturing) can be a tricky belief to balance at this time. #novaedchat
A1 Everybody is BURNED OUT and there is entirely too much focus on getting those last few points added to the GPA to make up for...mistakes earlier this year #novaedchat
A1 This time of year so many projects and presentations are coming to a close! Taking the time to purposely reflect, without rushing through the motions to check things off our list is a challenge!! #novaedchat
A1 EOY assemblies, concerts, parties, testing, special events to wrap up and celebrate are wonderful but can be so disruptive to those who crave routine #NoVAedchat
Just think of our "Special" Ss during this time. routine is how they survive. Now we throw that all off and wonder why they misbehave? We as T's need to keep this in mind. #NoVAedChat#HamptonOaksPLC
Just think of our "Special" Ss during this time. routine is how they survive. Now we throw that all off and wonder why they misbehave? We as T's need to keep this in mind. #NoVAedChat#HamptonOaksPLC
Ss can tell when Ts adopt the mindset that "well it's the end of the year!" Ts set the tone! Ss feed off of our energies and feelings more than we realize #novaedchat
A1: Making sure we have access to laptops for testing as well as EOY projects and all the fun possibilities that could happen this month... I hate pulling mobile labs! #NoVAedchat
A2- On the top of my list is getting schools ready to open in August. I want to support them as they make a plan for PD & moving their work forward. #NoVAedChat
Tonight we'll be chatting about how we finish the year on a high note! If it's a race, this is the final stretch...and time to kick it in to high gear! Hope you can join us at 8pm for #NoVAedchat
A2: What is on my plate as an ITRT at this time of the year? Pretty much everything except the kitchen sink. State Assessments, End of year assessments, helping Ts with end of year reports, helping with grade level graduations, helping with field day, helping with.... #NoVAedChat
Planning EOY virtual checkout for teachers, setting up testing, and MAKING TIME for reflection along with planning for next year. I will not wait until “later” to implement. #NoVAedchat
A2: Beyond the "challenges" I listed in A1, finding ways to continue supporting teachers and students w/o access to our space or much of our resources. Also, planning for next year. #NoVAedChat
Q2: @JeffLonnett & I are thinking abt next year. When is best time for prof learning? May tends to be off limits. Is June too late to reflect? Is April too stressful? We want Ts to have time to learn, implement, reflect. What does the ideal cohort calendar look like? #novaedchat
I know I am at fault for this when I was in the classroom, but just think when you start taking things off the wall, packing up your room, etc. What message are you sending the Ss. #NoVAedChat
A2: Planning EOY virtual checkout for teachers, setting up testing, and MAKING TIME for reflection along with planning for next year. I will not wait until “later” to implement. #NoVAedchat
A2 continued... planning for next year. Reflection on the work we did this year. and we're awaiting nearly 250 new computers to replace our teachers' computers sometime soon #NoVAedchat
I don't know IF there is a "best time!" Everyone works hard every day for our students, no matter their role. Having dedicated time to get away from school, learn, and reflect is so meaningful, no matter what time of year! #novaedchat
A2 I think my biggest challenge... getting through that list while supporting teachers who are willing to try something new for final projects, planning for next year! #NoVAedchat
A2 (cont): The thing I love about EOY is that Ts are often open to new collaborations, creative lessons once testing is over. So, I need to find time to work with them on those! #NoVAedChat
We decided to wrap up in April with our cohorts this year because of AP testing, EOC testing, first graduation, etc. It gave us a solid chunk of time (Aug-April) to learn and grow #NoVAedchat
In reply to
@AbbeyFMiller, @christiepday, @JeffLonnett
A3- Mapping out what I'm going to do when and HOW I'll get it done. I utilize my calendar to help ensure I have time to do it all, I know @TechNerdLB loves her #bulletjournal#NoVAedChat
I think this is a tough one to answer. Some Ts prefer to use summer for PD, others don't touch it then, sometimes when testing ramps up, other things slow down, for me, options are best. #differentiation#choice#NoVAedChat
I think this is my favorite part of this chaotic quarter. We sometimes have more flexibility b/c of long testing blocks and the ease of work after the pacing guide #NoVAedchat
A2 (cont): The thing I love about EOY is that Ts are often open to new collaborations, creative lessons once testing is over. So, I need to find time to work with them on those! #NoVAedChat
Q3: A color-coded calendar! One page, so I can see it all. What are high-involvement items (one color). What are the "don't forget these are happening" items (another color). I'm a visual learner, but creating this for myself really helps me retain/own for myself. #novaedchat
A3 A solid plan to execute, calendar invites, and many to do lists! Taking breaks, taking many pictures, and enjoying the time you have left with your previous students before the year is over! #novaedchat
A3: What has always helped me get through this stressful time of year is having a good support system. Knowing I can go into my office shut the door and scream. (🤪Realizing I share an office now. Maybe I need to buy earplugs for my office mates) #NoVAedChat
A3: Head down. Focus. Check tihngs off. Ask for help (we get parents to come help us get our library back together, for example). Keep lists. Know that next year, you get a re-do. Be kind to yourself and others. #NoVAedChat
I need a better strategy for planning. I'm definitely out of balance... more to do than my plan of HOW gets me through. #NoVAedchat#takingnotesonnumber3
A3: Prioritizing spending time with Ss over paperwork- we won’t get this same group back again. Making the most of our time- sending them off with love & encouragement! #NoVAedchat
A3: While I use technology of help plan and organize, I also still utilize old fashion pen/paper planner. Divide items in two categories for each day, must get done and would like to get done. #NoVAedchat
#NoVAEdChat- A3strategies that have helped me manage a large to do list: chunking work, setting daily and weekly goals, check lists (I like crossing things off), practicing mindfulness and having friends who care about my sanity @DR_ESOL@JMillikenESOL@SusanneEhsani and more
In reply to
@NoVAEdChat, @DR_ESOL, @JMillikenESOL, @SusanneEhsani
A3: I start organizing. I’ll find all my notes—random untitled Google Docs I started when something caught my attention. Little nuggets of inspiration from Twitter convos, Outlook calendar, and post-notes. (Planning strategy) #NoVAedchat
People make fun of me for my Google Calendar. I have different colors and codes for everything. Now that we have to track what I do and have found the extension My timesheet. Oh it's gotten bad. #NoVAedChat
A3 Lists on lists on lists...and rememebring that the only way to eat an elephant is one bite at a time. Gotta do a little bit here and there (in between self-care sessions) so make sure I stay sane! #novaedchat
A3: Google Keep, and a TIMER. I "eat my frogs" until time is up and then I move on. I make sure I do a few smaller tasks so I know I can check things off my list #NoVAedchat
A3: making a giant list of things that need to be done. Chunk that out into weeks. Chunk the weeks out into days. Colors and checkboxes are very helpful for me! Nothing better than putting a line through a task Bc it’s ☑️ done! #NoVAedChat
Q4: Students and teachers often share the anticipation to the start of summer. How might we help ourselves and students stay motivated and maintain momentum till the last day? #NoVAedChat
I do this - I write every step on a list. Then I can feel progress. If it's only the big tasks... it's not rewarding enough for me. I could use a timer more. Any tips? #NOVAedchat
A4: Re-establish/review guidelines and expectations. Ensure work is authentic and relevant (read: NOT SOL review packets). Celebrate accomplishments -- yours and those of Ss. #NoVAedChat
A4 Involve everyone in what we're doing- ask kids what's interesting to them. Make sure teachers have a say in how time is spent. Use this EOY time to try new & exciting stuff. Why not?!? #NoVAedChat
A4: I certainly acknowledge the end is near— yes this is exciting, yes new schedule, yes EOY activity buuuuttt a time out isn’t an excuse to clock out! There’s still work to be done y’all! Let’s do this 💪🏻 #NoVAedChat
A4: The best way for Ts and Ss to stay motivated and keep the momentum is as easy as three letters....PBL's. (ok thats 4 letters) This is a great time to allow Ss to explore and to show them you learn as well. These are great all year, but a great way to motivate. #NoVAedChat
Writing down notes in a notebook is also much less rude than taking notes on a device, where it looks like you don't care or aren't engaged! #novaedchat
I have something that I look forward to after my block of time. Teacher work day: Essays for 2 hours. 1 hour break to find WW1 resources for hyperdoc lesson. 2 more hours of essays. #NoVAedchat
A4: I’ve also started asking Ss if they “need 2 minutes”. If they collectively respond yes, I set a timer & they have two minutes. Chat, grab a drink, stand up, some kids do jumping jacks or high knees right then and there haha. It’s been very productive! #NoVAedChat
A4 tbh I have a really hard time with this. I'm of the mindset that you just gotta buckle down and do it even if it is not something you want to do, but kids don't want to hear that. Looking forward to summer seems to be the key, but it might derail us instead #novaedchat
A4 Often times we count down days to "get" to summer. Counting the days we have left, planning for meaningful learning experiences that are memorable for Ss is important too! #novaedchat
A5 The weather is getting nicer (which can also be a hindrance), and there's lots of space for reflection. Kids know how things roll in the class and you can expect a little more of them. Often your relationships are at that sweet spot. #NoVAedChat
A5 Celebrating successes!!! Looking back at how much you have accomplished over a year. Knowing that you can refine and get better for next year too! #novaedchat
I'm in such a better mood when it's warm out!! At this time of year, Ss know you, they're getting older and you can push them to do more than you thought was possible at the beginning of year! #novaedchat
A5 Sunshine! And the confidence my kids have. They test boundaries because that is what I have taught them to do and I'm excited to give them tons fo freedom in our final projects #novaedchat
Sometimes I get myself too worked up and just need to breathe. We know we can do this... we do it every year. Tonight's #novaedchat has helped me tonight, as always. Thanks friends!! I know I can count on you!
A6 During the last quarter of school, I commit not writing a task off as "something I'll do next year." Do it now!! Enjoy the little things and moments #novaedchat
Q5: Reading, writing, reflecting, planning outside! What better HW assignment than "bring a blanket/towel if you don't want to sit in the grass tomorrow"?! #novaedchat
