#DITCHbook was created by Ditch That Textbook author Matt Miller. The chat focuses on innovative teaching ideas and disrupting standard textbook education.
Hey #DitchBook! Louie from Lancaster, PA here. Middle School SS teacher, for the time being... ;) Switching to 5th grade next year! Excited to be moderating this chat tonight and learning from you all! Looking for some empowerment from rockstar educators!
Hey, #ditchbook!! Easily my most favorite #PLN on Twitter! Evan Mosier, Technology Integrationist Lead Teacher from Davenport, IA joining this party tonight!
A1. The biggest victory this year has been jumping into blended learning and integrating hyperdocs in my classroom. Students are now driving much more of the instruction, rather than me being āsage on stageā all the time. #ditchbook
A1: I have been able to incorporate a ton of creative projects into my curriculum this year and it's been a huge "win" seeing the students engaged in them and producing some really amazing results! #DitchBook
A1: I took a BIG risk and switched school districts. Thanks to @mmacmunn who suggested me for the position, I know teach at an amazing school district with wonderful Ss. WIN!!! #ditchbook
A1 My biggest being this year has been creating a work environment and culture that is functional as proven by a student who enjoys my class when last year dropped it due to lack of the above win. #ditchbook
A1: Lots to choose from, but it's either the Cranky Student Makeover where I combined the power of #Sketchnotes w/ the power of graphic organizers for Ss to take notes during class or the #CaptionThis creation w/ the King of Ditching, @jmattmiller . Ss win either way. #DitchBook
#ditchbook A1 Being able to have cultural conversations. @1988project sociology class spoke with a class from Argentina š¦š· over the issue of gender inequality. Our CE class discussed/debated current issues with a class from Monterrey Mexico š²š½.
A1 Just this week, Ss from 5 campus shared with our school board how tech has enhanced their learning. I was so happy to hear the goals of my team were perfectly aligned with the Ss presentation. Felt good to know we met our goals and it made a difference for them #ditchbook
A1: taking charge of my own learning through #EdCamp, #4OCF , #4ocfpln , book studies, etc and sharing my learning w staff....and hopefully inspiring them as well #ditchbook
A1 Just one? Definitely getting rid of the rows because it led to more flexible learning spaces, stations, more peer collab, my facilitation and getting out of the way, just awesome! #blendedlearning#ditchbook
I'm taking my 13 years in one district/county and moving to a new one 450 miles away in a couple of months myself, excited but anxious at the same time! #ditchbook
A1. Working with the Ss in STEM and seeing then grow from when they first enter and are a little afraid, and then seeing them dig in and enjoy the activities and the different things we do and learn about! #ditchbook
#ditchbook A1: Feeling like today's book tasting with staff was a huge win! Lots of positive interactions and feedback. Now to help them form book study groups! :-)
A1: Big win: The honor of being our district's first EdTech Instructional Support Specialist! I get to try so many amazing new #EdTechniques and best practices with my own students then share with others! So much amazing networking! #ditchbook
A2. Tough group of students really trying on my SOUL at times! Lol. Iām almost at the end, and know Iām stronger than I was at the beginning of the year. #ditchbook
Hey Matt, definitely something, I was just excited to be teaching today and learning all day! Ss creating the coolest @cospaces and working together on verb conjugations, :) #ditchbook
A1) Biggest win this year, "cutting the fat" from the class. Teaching 8th grade US History all GATE magnet this year, and homework took on a minimalistic presence in the class but learning was still optimized! #ditchbook
#ditchbook A1 One of the best interactions this year. Our 2nd/3rd Graders shared the Pledge with our new friends from Israel š®š±, they sang their national anthem!
A2: my biggest difficulty has been consistency with rituals/procedures. I definitely need to clean this up and start next year off in a better way. #ditchbook
A2: I haven't been able to get into as many classrooms to assist with tech integration lessons this year. That's a personal goal of mine for next year. #DitchBook But, looking forward to a Mystery GHO with @bmilla84 tomorrow!!!!
A2: biggest challenge has been time to reflect on completed projects and making th changes immediately so I donāt forget! I just have too many ideas this year! #DitchBook
A2: I changed grade levels and had new content. I enjoyed the year and had a great coworker to help me out with some great ideas (@lynzhite - sheās the best) #DitchBook
And an interesting mix! I am asked often how I teach French, Spanish and a #STEAM#emergingtech course, because I just love learning and awesome tech tools and #ARVRinEDU#ditchbook
#ditchbook A2: Our school culture has been slipping...challenged myself to step out and try to build some positive focus through voxer and book study groups. :-)
A1. Can safely say with 100% certainty that I have done my best, which is better than mediocrity. A l9t of failing forward but well worth it. #ditchbook
A2: Building student confidence and independence. In introducing 4th graders to PBL a completely new way to learn for them. It took baby steps to build up there confidence to take risks and to learn how to be learners. #DitchBook#pbl
A2: I spent the last 9 years of teaching in a 1:1 district. My new district has little to no computers. So I had to rethink everything. But I am happy to say our school will be 1:1 next year, and I am so excited to get back at it. #ditchbook
A2: Biggest challenge would be the pushback from Ss as I pushed them out of comfort zones. Sometimes it went well, sometimes...not so much. But, they're getting better at accepting that I will push them. :) #DitchBook
A1. Can safely say with 100% certainty that I have done my best, which is better than mediocrity. A l9t of failing forward but well worth it. #ditchbook
A2 at first it was figuring out how to teach multi-level spanish in 1 class, but it has been well worth it, also pushing myself to be consistent with trying new things and following through #ditchbook
Hi all. Chris. Co-Founder of #ProjectBasedAwesome. Instructional tech coach from Washington. Longtime follower. First time Iāve jumped Into he chat. #ditchbook
I struggle with that as well, I think it is part of the process of wanting to do more, try more and always finding new ideas, afraid to run out of time! #ditchbook
How's that going, Blake? The stuff you write about isn't always status quo stuff ... it's research-based and good for kids, though. I've been curious about this. #DitchBook
A2 Transitioning into a coaching and mentoring role and spending less time with students. It's very rewarding working with teachers, but I miss having a classroom. #ditchbook
A2.Just like @angelasbien, I want to try sooooo many things, but also have to figure out when to do it all plus the every day details of teaching. #ditchbook
A2) Biggest challenge this school year- balancing first year of motherhood and being teacher (sometimes mother) to 213 students. Thankfully I know I am best when mom & teacher. #ditchbook
A3: When things are crazy with standardized testing, finals, and tying up loose ends, smile and remember to make those lasting memories with your kids! Make everyday count. #DitchBook
A3. Even though Iām making a big location/school change, I want to give every day the best I can, even when it is tough. Keep engaging students and pushing them to create and learn until the end. #Ditchbook
A2 Maintaining a healthy energy level. I'm trying to isolate my fatigue triggers and my energizing triggers, but some things are simply hard to get ahead of. #ditchbook
Leaving Las Vegas for Reno, complete opposites of the state! My wife is going back to school, lots of life change ahead for the two of us and our two kids! #ditchbook
A3: Knowing this is, by far, the most challenging portion of the school year, I think we can never cease to flood our students with confidence and positivity. Even on those uncharacteristically bad days, even the slightest gesture could speak volumes to Ss. #DitchBook
With one class, weāre going to perform Romeo and Juliet act 4-5; Iām still thinking about how to finish strong with my much less motivated seniors... #DitchBook
A2: my classes were re-leved so I have two class with two very different sets of reading levels. Was a challenge keeping all the engaging ānon-textbookā activities in my units when he one class didnāt have any models. #DitchBook
A3 stay positive, plan different activities, I use it as an opp to take more risks and then have time over the summer to reflect and plan for next year, but more importantly, interact w/Ss , have some fun #ditchbook
#ditchbook A3: In our district seniors deliver an 8-10 minute senior board speech on their big research paper and 20+ hour project. My seniors really want to do well, so they are focused and working hard. :-)
A3: Remembering to breathe, give space, keep teaching "cool down strategies", plan joyful and fun things, love my limited time with my sweethearts. #Ditchbook
A3. My "Ss" are Ts... So I'm working on positive motivation - Our 1st VR Kit has arrived and it's the perfect time! Ts & Ss are loving #GoogleExpeditions and it's creating comfort in trying new things! #ditchbook
A3 I like to do a major theme to end the year, everything we do is based on the theme for extra excitement š Camping, Ice Cream Shoppe, Pirates etc., #DitchBook
It can be tough...I see teachers using strategies that are myths or don't have any evidence/research to prove their worth...but you don't want to come off as putting the teacher down...very thin line to walk. #DitchBook
A3) No # of school day countdown! Big plans for cross curricular learning up through the last week of school. But amping up the big tricks & keeping students ACTIVE-gallery walks, socratic seminars, photography tableau activities... #ditchbook
A3: when I was in Classroom liked to end the year with a #geniushour type project. Student centered. #PBL rigorous. Student choice. Kids loved it #ditchbook
A3: I refuse to look the year like itās already over. We are plowing through history as we gear up to read our last novel. Just as much art, critical thinking and collaboration now (hopefully more!) than in August. #DitchBook
A3: I am finding ways to empower students more.....a test run for next year. They are loving it and getting creative with projects and creating rubrics. #DitchBook
I am having my Spanish 2 classes now learn past tense narration, creating a story with random words and some chapter vocab and culture, and create a @cospaces_edu to tell the story #ditchbook
In reply to
@ImposterTeacher, @jmattmiller, @cospaces_edu
A3 Look at the end of the year as a clean slate where you can try something new and innovative without feeling held back by the pacing or the curriculum. Perfect time to take a risk. Get you fired up for next year! #ditchbook
A2: Biggest Challenge: as always...those students with heartbreaking home lives and trying to teach them life lessons and courage as well as the content. #ditchbook
A2. Spending extra time with some behavior issues, working 1:1 to find out what's really taking place behind the behavior of a child. Is it a learning issue, lack of attention, social-emotional trauma, etc. #ditchbook
#ditchbook A3: In our district seniors deliver an 8-10 minute senior board speech on their big research paper and 20+ hour project. My seniors really want to do well, so they are focused and working hard. :-)
I can imagine. Even if your motivation is to help students and the teacher, it's so tough. Keep trying to walk that line, even if you fall off the tightrope, so to speak. The kids need it and education needs it. #DitchBook
A3 I am hoping to have my students write me a book that is similar to @colbysharp creativity project. Something for them to take time on and to enjoy. And for me to remember them by. #DitchBook
A1: My biggest win this year has been utilizing all the resources at my disposal to grow as an educator. My district hosted great PD. My colleagues pushed and supported me to grow. My Podcast/Twitter-PLN gave me great ideas, resources, and strategies. #DitchBook
A3. My role is now setting the tech up for the state test (on day 9) and I don't see my kids as much. But I did sing a very silly song before the test to help with the jitters! #ditchbook
A3: To finish the school year strong, my Ss are going to: Create a school podcast, engage in partner debates, write a near death experience essay-4 guest speakers, create action figure w/ marketing plan to pitch to a customer based on either Greek or Norse Mythology. #DitchBook
It's the perfect time to try something different. Most kids check out after testing -- give them a reason to tune in. Make it fun and engaging! #ditchbook
A3: first more Ss focus and less of me talking at them. Second time to check my bucket list for ideas Iāve wanted to try to peak student curiosity and engagement. Right now finishing up a digital zoo with slides and building interactive board with hp reveal #DitchBook#googleedu
I'd be lying if I said I was't counting down, but it's more out of excitement for my family's next chapter and getting to start my podcast with my buddy @BDicksonNV#ditchbook
A3: Finish strong with engaging activities and always look back at the year's "highlight reel!" I traditionally end each year with a huge "trivia night" class with decor and food and a slideshow with all the fun we had! ;) Ss love it! #ditchbook
A4. On a small scale, just put out a āHow well do you know your class?ā call for questions for class wide Kahoot for the graduating 8th graders at the end of the year.
On a grander scale, psyched for a 7th Grade Field Trip to Philly next week. #Ditchbook
A4: I'm getting ready to put together their "kinder portfolio" full of art and projects since sept. I think they're going to be SO excited to see how they've grown! #ditchbook
A4: Working at a behavioral school, it's about trying to make positive influences on my students for the remainder of the time to hopefully inspire to learn from their mistakes and not return to the school in the future #ditchbook
A3: When things are crazy with standardized testing, finals, and tying up loose ends, smile and remember to make those lasting memories with your kids! Make everyday count. #DitchBook
A2 Maintaining a healthy energy level. I'm trying to isolate my fatigue triggers and my energizing triggers, but some things are simply hard to get ahead of. #ditchbook
#ditchbook A4: My answer to number 3 fits here too...but I also have students write notes to me in a blank journal. They love to share our inside jokes, so that I can look back and remember them when I'm 120. ;-)
A4: We did a grade level trivia night type game on two days towards end. Plans to do same this year. Different twist on 3rd grade memories... #ditchbook
A4: Iāll share from admin side...planning a book tasting #40CF in June for staff to come and select their summer reading. They will walk away with their book that day #DitchBook
Thanks! I usually have my near death essays done earlier, but one guest speaker had to reschedule. Should keep things hopping in my 6 classes! #DitchBook
A4 hmmm.... no plans for one yet. I'd like to think I encourage students to finish strong daily so an "annual" finish strong is somewhat redundant. #ditchbook
A4 I always love to do some mystery hangouts and some other live video connections with other classes at the end of the school year. Kids get so pumped for it, and we are super flexible on time. #ditchbook
A4: I want to finish the year with having the Ss research Martin Luther and the reformation and using his problem solving skills to solve a real world problem. Iām still developing, but thought it would be a great way to finish the year. #DitchBook
Working on Grit this next week by using our "ladder of success" We get to be NINJAS. Something fun and new and great way to #gamify the last week of school. Something special #ditchbook
A4 I'm planning a book tasting, transforming the class into a restaurant, teachers as servers, different genres on the menu, with snacks of course š #DitchBook
Haha. @SBFifthGrade witnessed it... One of our students lost his voice because he was so into it. Not going to lie, I was surprised to this! lol #DitchBook
A3: I can finish this year strong by provide my students with engaging learning opportunities. We are working on a class novel and a debate bracket challenge. #DitchBook
Having a end of the year boot camp or loot camp (learners of outstanding talent) with engaging lesson to wrap up the year. Digital breakouts, QR code, scavenger hunts, classic jeopardy, and more. #DitchBook
A2: Connecting with Ts in my building to further develop a culture of learning. Coaching is new to our building, so trying to show them how it can benefit their classroom is a steep climb #ditchbook
