My name is Jenna Dawson and I am the @MCPS_Elementary Social Studies Program Specialist at the District Office (+ additional duties/special projects). I am excited to be moderating tonight's #WeAreMCPS chat and can't wait to learn from you all this evening!
A1: As a coach, I have the opportunity to work with teachers from a variety of backgrounds and content specialities. Our staff does an amazing job implementing strategies such as on-going formative assessment, targeted differentiated instruction, and relevant lessons. #WeAreMCPS
A1: Within Language Arts I utilize lots of quick writes, hands on, and real world based activities. I love PBL and try to fit as many projects as I can. This is driven by formative and summative data. My S's interests and data drive my instruction which makes it fun. #WeAreMCPS
A1: The Art of teaching in middle school starts with relationships in the classroom. Making lessons connect with
the students and keeping engagement high with opportunities to process and
collaborate is key. #wearemcps
A1: for math, lots of centers and small groups. For science, HANDS ON as much as possible. My kiddos are rarely in their seats for a whole lesson. #WeAreMCPS
A1: for math, lots of centers and small groups. For science, HANDS ON as much as possible. My kiddos are rarely in their seats for a whole lesson. #WeAreMCPS
A1: In MS, the art is balancing intentional design of instruction & allowing S’s choices/producing buy-in. It’s not the info presented, but its relevance to S’s. Especially in ELA, where many kids come with deficits AND the misconception that this can’t be exciting. #WeAreMCPS
A2: our teachers participate in collaborative planning twice a week. One day is focused on classroom strategies and implementation of practices. The other day focuses on data & applying data to instruction. #WeAreMCPS
A2: At the beginning of the year I try to learn as much about my new students as possible. This involves interest inventories and goal setting. I also like to see what lessons they've liked in the past to try to build more engaging lessons. #WeAreMCPS
A2: Interest inventories can help to create lessons aligned to interests of the students. Anecdotal evidence on how students interact and communicate can also be helpful for teaching discussion protocols. #wearemcps
A2. My number one is learning something about Ss outside of academics. I love to get to know what drives a student and what they love to do outside of school. It really helps when I'm looking for real-world applications to relate to the Ss. #WeAreMCPS
A2: I had students decorate interactive notebook covers w/ things that told “their story.” I didn’t want their names on the covers. I used the covers to help me find connections I could make with their hobbies, interests and values so I could start conversations.#WeAreMCPS
A2: At the beginning of the year I try to learn as much about my new students as possible. This involves interest inventories and goal setting. I also like to see what lessons they've liked in the past to try to build more engaging lessons. #WeAreMCPS
A2. My number one is learning something about Ss outside of academics. I love to get to know what drives a student and what they love to do outside of school. It really helps when I'm looking for real-world applications to relate to the Ss. #WeAreMCPS
I love this! It's like a mini "All about me board" for students...and what a great icebreaker for new partners and groups. #wearemcps@NormanNotices@FortKingMiddle
A2: I had students decorate interactive notebook covers w/ things that told “their story.” I didn’t want their names on the covers. I used the covers to help me find connections I could make with their hobbies, interests and values so I could start conversations.#WeAreMCPS
A2: I had students decorate interactive notebook covers w/ things that told “their story.” I didn’t want their names on the covers. I used the covers to help me find connections I could make with their hobbies, interests and values so I could start conversations.#WeAreMCPS
@Seesaw is also great for it! Students can create images that represent them and add words that show their interests. Students love to manipulate their own posts! #WeAreMCPS
In reply to
@JennaDawson28, @Flipgrid, @sway, @poppletny, @weebly, @edpuzzle, @Seesaw
A2: I collect info about students’ interests, social media use, prior favorite teachers/courses, & how they feel about certain aspects of ELA. I use Google Forms to get the info in a useful format and try to incorporate those things in my instruction. #WeAreMCPS
@Seesaw is also great for it! Students can create images that represent them and add words that show their interests. Students love to manipulate their own posts! #WeAreMCPS
In reply to
@JennaDawson28, @Flipgrid, @sway, @poppletny, @weebly, @edpuzzle, @Seesaw
A2: At the beginning of the school year, I gather information about my students. I want to know about their pets, siblings, interests, strengths and weaknesses. They are more than a test score or reading level! #WeAreMCPS
A2: I collect info about students’ interests, social media use, prior favorite teachers/courses, & how they feel about certain aspects of ELA. I use Google Forms to get the info in a useful format and try to incorporate those things in my instruction. #WeAreMCPS
A2: At the beginning of the school year, I gather information about my students. I want to know about their pets, siblings, interests, strengths and weaknesses. They are more than a test score or reading level! #WeAreMCPS
Ill never forget the kid who put Metallica all over his cover. I saw it and happen to LOVE Metallica so I played a song in the background one day as he entered class. His smile was fantastic. Instant BFF. #WeAreMCPS
In reply to
@CASWolfanger, @NormanNotices, @FortKingMiddle
Mark your calendars! Join us on Wednesday, September 5th for what promises to be a lively #EdutopiaChat about the art and science of classroom management. Come trade tips and tricks with fellow educators! https://t.co/DdMzZpJKWL
Q3: I build relationship with students by getting to know them. It seems simple enough, but asking them how their day is going and showing interest in who they are really helps connect student and teacher. #WeAreMCPS
A3: Building relationships is critical. I like to find out where their interests are and what they do out of school. Quick conversations can make a world of difference. Learning this info also helps me to make lessons relevant to my students. #WeAreMCPS
A3: relationships with students is the foundation of success! Our teachers truly care about our kids and build relationships all year long. Many teachers have students participate in activities such as “all about me bags,” or “two truths and a lie” to start the year. #WeAreMCPS
He was fantastic. I found out he played guitar and had a garage band he sang for. I was apparently pretty cool for knowing all the words to his fave songs. All from a notebook cover....#WeAreMCPS
In reply to
@CASWolfanger, @NormanNotices, @FortKingMiddle
A3: I begin building relationships with them on DAY ONE! Sit with them at lunch, play with them at recess, and talk to them about their after school activities.
#WeAreMCPS
A3. I like to build relationships with Ss by making them feel comfortable and safe in the classroom. I feel like that's an important first step to building relationships. #WeAreMCPS
Making "Friendship Salad" with students was always one of my favorite parts about the beginning of the school year!
Download the recipe here:
https://t.co/vff2Bp3L5K#WeAreMCPS
A3: Building relationships is critical. I like to find out where their interests are and what they do out of school. Quick conversations can make a world of difference. Learning this info also helps me to make lessons relevant to my students. #WeAreMCPS
A3: getting to know my students as people, not just students. Ask them about after school plans, upcoming activities, get involved in games at recess. I also play music in my room and I'll take requests. (As long as they are school appropriate!) #WeAreMCPS
A3: Relationships with students begin day 1 at the door. Sharing 1 new thing about yourself keeps Ss coming back for more. Culture begins with growth mindset. I’ve used brainteasers to stimulate problem solving, discussion, and develop the norms for challenge. #wearemcps
A3: Relationship building starts with listening to students. Engage in conversation about their favorite book, video game, show, or sport. Share your interests with students as well! #WeAreMCPS
A3: I’m a big Harry Wong fan, and I always believed in greeting my students at the door with a handshake and a smile. Learning your students’ names quickly and something about them goes a long way. #WeAreMCPS
A3. I like to build relationships with Ss by making them feel comfortable and safe in the classroom. I feel like that's an important first step to building relationships. #WeAreMCPS
A3: getting to know my students as people, not just students. Ask them about after school plans, upcoming activities, get involved in games at recess. I also play music in my room and I'll take requests. (As long as they are school appropriate!) #WeAreMCPS
A3: Relationships with students begin day 1 at the door. Sharing 1 new thing about yourself keeps Ss coming back for more. Culture begins with growth mindset. I’ve used brainteasers to stimulate problem solving, discussion, and develop the norms for challenge. #wearemcps
A3: My ISN cover was a great way to START building relationships. I used the "output" side of the ISN pages to see more into who they were and would leave post-its asking clarifying questions. Good conversations started from those processing activities. #WeAreMCPS
Hi Sarah! Listening to students is KEY! Listening and adapting based on what the students are saying will lead to establishing a successful culture! #WeAreMCPS
A3: Relationship building starts with listening to students. Engage in conversation about their favorite book, video game, show, or sport. Share your interests with students as well! #WeAreMCPS
A3: I’m a big Harry Wong fan, and I always believed in greeting my students at the door with a handshake and a smile. Learning your students’ names quickly and something about them goes a long way. #WeAreMCPS
A3: I’m a big Harry Wong fan, and I always believed in greeting my students at the door with a handshake and a smile. Learning your students’ names quickly and something about them goes a long way. #WeAreMCPS
A3: This sounds like a cop-out, but it just happens. Stand at the door & greet kids, answer their questions as efficiently as you can, listen to their issues, refer them to the right people. The way you treat them makes them open up & let you build a relationship. #WeAreMCPS
A4: this year, we are focusing on consistent communication of events, implementing more student recognition programs that entice increased parent involvement, and easy access points, such as Car Rider SAC meetings. #WeAreMCPS
Q4: When building relationships with parents, I always try to start the year with a positive for call within the first few weeks. It's one way to get both kids and parents excited for the school year, #WeAreMCPS
A4: Parents want to know teachers have their S's best interest in mind. I like to have ongoing communication to celebrate successes and to remind parents and Ss of info. I try to talk to as many parents as I can the first week to introduce myself and get to know them. #WeAreMCPS
A4: This year, instead of waiting for parents to join Remind, I just snatched the phone numbers they gave me @ orientation and joined for them! 😂 #WeAreMCPS
A4: Open house and orientation are great for face to face
meetings. It’s always helpful to enlist parents as partners with positive
phone calls. Even if there is an issue with a student, it is important to
highlight the positive. #WeAreMCPS
A4: I build relationships with parents by being in constant communication. We have a class @instagram, I send out weekly emails letting them know what their student will learn throughout the week and I invite them into our classroom throughout the year! #WeAreMCPS
A4. Making positive contact first is a big thing that I like to build relationships off of. I feel like it gives parents the comfort that I am here for their Ss and only want the best for them. #WeAreMCPS
A4: Parents want to know teachers have their S's best interest in mind. I like to have ongoing communication to celebrate successes and to remind parents and Ss of info. I try to talk to as many parents as I can the first week to introduce myself and get to know them. #WeAreMCPS
A4: I used @smorepages to create weekly newsletters to send to the parents and @seesaw as a digital portfolio to show them what the students were doing in class. On conference nights, I played soft music, had snacks and students led the conference - we're all family! #WeAreMCPS
A4: Open house and orientation are great for face to face
meetings. It’s always helpful to enlist parents as partners with positive
phone calls. Even if there is an issue with a student, it is important to
highlight the positive. #WeAreMCPS
A4, Cont.: I also ask parents to sign syllabus forms, reading contracts, etc. This sometimes solicits natural feedback from them. I’ve gotten lots of “GREAT LIST!” comments on my suggested reading lists! But kids ask why they have to get so many things signed. 😂 #WeAreMCPS
A4: I build relationships with parents by being in constant communication. We have a class @instagram, I send out weekly emails letting them know what their student will learn throughout the week and I invite them into our classroom throughout the year! #WeAreMCPS
A4: I used @smorepages to create weekly newsletters to send to the parents and @seesaw as a digital portfolio to show them what the students were doing in class. On conference nights, I played soft music, had snacks and students led the conference - we're all family! #WeAreMCPS
Tonight I had students take the lead. I directed them to take their parents around the room, show them what they’d been working on, and explain what Learning looks like in my class and why. It was a blast listening to the kids explain to their parents! #WeAreMCPS
Tonight I had students take the lead. I directed them to take their parents around the room, show them what they’d been working on, and explain what Learning looks like in my class and why. It was a blast listening to the kids explain to their parents! #WeAreMCPS
A4: I’m a believer in the positive phone call home the first week or two of school. It sets the tone that every student has something positive to contribute to the classroom and that they are a welcome part of your classroom community. #WeAreMCPS
A4: I’m a believer in the positive phone call home the first week or two of school. It sets the tone that every student has something positive to contribute to the classroom and that they are a welcome part of your classroom community. #WeAreMCPS
Use a @GoogleForEdu form with a QR code or link parents can access from their phones and they do all the inputting of names, numbers, etc. for you! #WeAreMCPS
This year I really wanted to build up growth mindset and grow the community of failure is okay in the classroom, so we did some banners and about me's that focused on using growth mindset.
A5: I try to think about high traffic areas that students may use or need throughout the day. Then I determine what I need in a classroom to make it safe and engaging. I set high standards for my kids and they live up to them. If something isn't working we change it. #WeAreMCPS
I’ve tried that. Even QR codes at orientation. They want schedules, supply lists, and out of there. I’ve tried many times to little avail to get them to pay attention to extras. #WeAreMCPS
We did that and posted QR codes outside the classroom doors that linked to a @Flipgrid about the teacher. Parents could scan the code with their phone to learn more about their child's teacher. #WeAreMCPS
In reply to
@CASWolfanger, @JennaDawson28, @Flipgrid
I am joining late, so I’m going through the transcript to catch up!
This is great! Thank you, everyone, for participating.... thank you, @JennaDawson28 for moderating!
#WeAreMCPS
A5: Consider room arrangement first then what routines and
procedures will need to happen for learning in each space. What does it look
like? Sound like? “Getting Better Faster” and “Teach Like A Champion” are great
resources for building routines and procedures. #wearemcps
A5: Practice, practice, practice. Everything is new for them. It is important to remember that students not only have to get to know you as a teacher, but their new classroom environment too!
#WeAreMCPS
A5. I initially go over the expectations with Ss the first couple weeks of school and then model and practice how we are expected to act in my classroom. #WeAreMCPS
We did that and posted QR codes outside the classroom doors that linked to a @Flipgrid about the teacher. Parents could scan the code with their phone to learn more about their child's teacher. #WeAreMCPS
In reply to
@CASWolfanger, @JennaDawson28, @Flipgrid
A5: Lots of Kagan, @AVID4College and @TeachTCI strategies. I attended a ton of trainings and had a HUGE bag of tricks. Since culture ALWAYS comes BEFORE instruction can happen, I used something called a sociogram. I’ll share and show next. :) #WeAreMCPS
Thanks for joining! We will be posting the twitter transcript tomorrow, as well as in the upcoming @MCPS_Elementary & @MCPS_Secondary “Monday Memos” sent out to teachers! Help spread the word by sharing it with colleagues! #WeAreMCPS
I am joining late, so I’m going through the transcript to catch up!
This is great! Thank you, everyone, for participating.... thank you, @JennaDawson28 for moderating!
#WeAreMCPS
A5: I love what https://t.co/9KkVchA98D has to offer! It enables any educator to teach children financial responsibility through fun, experiential learning. Everything you need to build a classroom economy is available on this site — for FREE! #RealWorldLearning#WeAreMCPS
A5: I think these are things you just can’t avoid walking about the room and teaching explicitly. Show them where to put things, find things, get information, etc. And having a thorough syllabus is the key to not forgetting anything. #WeAreMCPS
A5: The classroom must understand the expectations for learning and the tone which is set to engage Ss. Each second counts in planning learning #WeAreMCPS
A5: The classroom must understand the expectations for learning and the tone which is set to engage Ss. Each second counts in planning learning #WeAreMCPS
So true!! I remember when I first tried to move from rows to groups of students about 15 years ago...whew...that was a tough move for me! I was really outside my comfort zone, but it was best for kids! I saw the impact IMMEDIATELY. #WeAreMCPS
S&S: Unfortunately, I don't have any photos to share. My tip would be to keep it clean and simple. Posters should not be on the wall unless they have a purpose. Oh and color-coordinate and label E.V.E.R.T.H.I.N.G. #WeAreMCPS
S&S - Guided Reading is an essential component of the ELA block. Effective organization and preparation of materials helps to make the time spent with students meaningful during small group instruction.
#WeAreMCPS
I love utilizing technology to help me stay organized in this fast paced world! I can access resources instantaneously! Microsoft @OneNoteEDU is one of my all time favorites for organization and collaboration!
#MIEExpert#WeAreMCPS
Be sure to follow each other from tonight's chat! You all have great ideas and resources to offer one another! The power of collaboration can be a powerful thing! #WeAreMCPS
I challenge each of you to join us next month and recruit at least 1 new member to our #WeAreMCPS conversation! Help us spread the word and build a great #PLN to share with and learn from! See you on Sept. 26th at 7:30pm! :)
