#BFC530 Archive
The Breakfast Club – #BFC530 – is a 15 minute, 1 question Twitter chat every weekday. We chat in 4 timezones Mon-Fri – 5:30am Eastern, Central, Mountain, and Pacific Times. The mission of BFC is to empower participants to make a difference in education by engaging in consistent reflective practice in a supportive community that inspires and challenges one another.
Friday February 12, 2016
I rolled out Google docs to my 9th graders- paired persuasive writing. Used govote.at as the lead off to define issues.
Very cool Cynthia! Next week we're doing a activity during our PD day!
Student voice-how do you develop/encourage.
Good Morning Stacey from NJ.
We have completely student directed
Good morning from Massachusetts! Happy Friday!
Student voice comes from student choice. Give them choices in how to be assessed.
And luck me-we are under a Snow and Wind Chill warning. UGH!! Love me some winter!
Morning Kimberly! Wishing I was in FL right about now!
happy Friday. Heading to work
Good morning , Lisa, MS Principal
Good Friday morning peeps...Everyone good today?
Good morning everyone!! Love the topic and looking forward to your ideas.
Us too! Where are you? We are in CT
Good morning. Last school day before Feb break in Mass.
Brian, HS principal
. Good morning! Big day today! Staff vs. 8th grade spelling bee!
I thought we were the only ones with a Feb break in CT
Yes, choice is important for encouraging student voice!
What a GREAT way to encourage S voice!
encouraging student voice starts culturally,an environment in my room that encouragesSs to be themselves (appropriately), risk-free
I'm in Western NY. Teach in Batavia-it's between Rochester & Buffalo.
S choose books and reading topics
yesterday threw out lesson so Ss could have discussion on why we only have 1 month for Black History want to hear Ss Voice importan
Try to capture in many ways: surveys, conversations at lunch and teachers with exit slips/feedback forms.
Investigating a "new" old idea at the schoolhouse with Literature Circles. Voice and choice!
You have to encourage students to value their thoughts first, and then help them develop their voice
Good morning! Kathy from NY hoping this chat will wake me up a little
Agreed...voice and choice go hand-in-hand!
Daughter has outdoor lax game on Sat. hoping to get canceled
To encourage student voice you need teachers that know how to intently listen when students speak.
Good morning & happy Friday friends
starts with a strong sense of community that fosters acceptance and risk taking.
It's a kind of day David so I'm well. How about you??
something people talk about and say they want ... as long as it agrees with what is happening.
Good morning everyone, I appreciate this group and each of you, I recieve inspiration daily.
I am always amazed how much student voice comes out in project based learning. You truly see their love and passions.
Yikes! I remember going to son's baseball games wrapped in a sleeping bag!
And..... provide multiple opportunities for Ss to express themselves
yes Ss must know their opinion is important don't discourage discourse or disagreement encourage debate https://t.co/pkedy2GppF
encouraging student voice starts culturally,an environment in my room that encouragesSs to be themselves (appropriately), risk-free
We have used our advisories for student voice, like 9th grade transition and program of studies pathways.
Exactly. and it help you be a more responsive teacher.
Several of my new teachers are using to encourage students to own the classroom. It's an exciting journey.
Yes. Have to build a relationship with Ss for them to feel their voice will be heard
My favorite examples lately is watching Ss talk about their self selected memoirs during reading workshop, then writing their own!
I will def be testing my new llbean coat! lol
Individual Ss goal setting--we all have more to learn and something to offer
So important to make Ss feel valued. Let them know their voice not only matters, but is also listened to.
agree Ss must feel safe to speak up https://t.co/QoQjdrWoCz
starts with a strong sense of community that fosters acceptance and risk taking.
If we were really about kids wouldn't be throwing away their uneaten school lunches - fresh fruit and all
In order to hear , teachers must be willing to be facilitators and not lecturers.
Steve from NJ. So glad I jumped in this morning. is my jam!
Just like Ts when Ss feel valued, they have a voice. When they don't, they are quiet.
Quarterly breakfasts with students and superintendent provide forum for student voice. Nice to to its results!
yes and accept being questioned https://t.co/NVzaXZyRzm
In order to hear , teachers must be willing to be facilitators and not lecturers.
I like using google forms for Ss to give me quick & easy feedback on lessons, units, assessments, etc. Some anonymous, some not
every morning we start day by sitting in circle in S-led discussion on topic of their choice.(Usually why no phones in school..lol)
Absolutely! This holds true for all conversations. Be present!
And various avenues. Survey with Google Forms, 1:1 FTF conferences, etc. Asking whole class cold call? On occasion
Agreed! I think this is something that might be easier in younger grades-due to the time we r 2gether, but I'm not sure.
Our Ts askSS to set learning goals from curriculum, learn, & then prove learning. Ss love this. Feel empowered & in charge
I have a Student advisory comm. 6 from each grade. Smart, opinionated, articulate. They give me a totally diff perspective
I'd also say that teacher autonomy, in some form, helps to foster student autonomy. Model what we want from our kids, if possible.
Love this!!! https://t.co/4OCmyHaBQw
encouraging student voice starts culturally,an environment in my room that encouragesSs to be themselves (appropriately), risk-free
Would love to hear ideas for encouraging in reluctant HS S's. My S's still bawk when I put control in their hands.
Including kids in the conversation means you actually have to listen to them and make a change not just placate them
We all need to feel that:)
What about in the day-to-day decisions at schools? Beyond the random survey, do we ask Ss what they want/need?
My Ss not only choose projects, but they also blog, make personal websites, and give TED talk style presentations.
goal setting is a great way to amplify ownership and voice.
And good morning! Abner from the DC area.
I tried to have pointed convo about how you might have the best idea in the world, but if you can't voice it, ppl won't listen
Teachers often do too in PD situations. Not used to it. Takes time.
This semester I reached out to parents before class even started to get them on board with students creating blog & channel
Do u do any thing in particular w/info u gather from kids? Just curious
Learn who they are outside your four walls. That relationship will allow the student to take greater risks as a scholar.
Amen. Abner. In Ed, from top to bottom, everyone is trying to avoid mistakes. Voice cant come from that culture.
For sure. Easy, quick, neat. I love the charts it can produce. Great for sharing with Admin, Ss, Ps
Also, the strategy of "top of the mind," or whip-arounds w/ text are effective. Anchor it in a piece of literature.
Here's my third suggestion..model risk-taking with and for Ss and promote math talk..they need to see how much you value their voice.
Morning w/:Ss voice& choice of teams, topics, tools, create, design rubrics, reflect, assess 4 report cards. Lots ?s/discussion
Google forms- use for Ss to register their media arts projects- genre, loglines, prod roles, accountability. https://t.co/ex5vDZR0Ez
Check out 's ! She had a great ep about kids checking out and why.
This is true - listening without a personal agenda is key.
. So important. Creating that community feel is much more of a priority than going over the "rules" of a class the 1st day
That's along the lines of what I was thinking. If X at school isn't working, do we ask them for ideas.
like this idea! which grade level do you do this with Susan?
Many quests my students submit require a blog post, tutorial, or video to share their work / reflection
Yes--and do we care? Or are we worried about getting through chapter 4?!
https://t.co/5eO8sFYF6I
What about in the day-to-day decisions at schools? Beyond the random survey, do we ask Ss what they want/need?
So very true, goes for staff as well!
:) Allows 4 all Ss to have be able to communicate perspectives
https://t.co/vuuiMtIPlc
I like using google forms for Ss to give me quick & easy feedback on lessons, units, assessments, etc. Some anonymous, some not
Ss don't need to be "making," "creating," "producing," to have voice. They just need to be themselves. That's a start
Making kids feel like they have a voice is way different than them actually having a voice.
Funny you say that-I'm working on helping T's take control of PD Voice & Choice but somehow still struggle w/ S's
All is well - 'cept losing to West Ham this week. Ugh. Oh, well, there is always the weekend. You good?
GREAT! How can things be bad when I get to walk into a great work env. every day!
Encourage Ss to be involved in decision making, planning of lessons, curriculum activities. Provide choice.
Now this is a bold idea! https://t.co/ra9w1E2cj7
I have a Student advisory comm. 6 from each grade. Smart, opinionated, articulate. They give me a totally diff perspective
Reply: Use LMS choice to create recurring what-works feedback opportunities for Ss to develop voice.
I want to talk about the next step. Once you get students to express themselves...What do you do with it?
if a topic pops up during lesson, I always stop to address and discuss. If needed, we table and plan a return to it at end of day.
like giving up 2 pts to Chelsea !!! https://t.co/dwTntf2A73
All is well - 'cept losing to West Ham this week. Ugh. Oh, well, there is always the weekend. You good?
Morning meeting gives my 5tn Ss a voice. Relevant book topics w/ S led discussions. Asking them for feedback about classes & topics
Will do! My S's will engage/do/try anything BUT still want my direction. Even struggling w/ Dig Portfolios!
We've had some interesting times w/ it here among Ts. Too much freedom doesn't work. Have to find the balance for Ts & Ss
Yes! In my 1st & 3rd gr CRs, we created our rules together in the 2nd wk, once we established our goals.
Never heard of this - sounds interesting. Where can I find out more? https://t.co/oYSf5gMSTH
Several of my new teachers are using to encourage students to own the classroom. It's an exciting journey.
even if that topic is Henry Cavill.
Also, the less choice you give, then less voice and authenticity they will have
Use their voice to help make decisions in the classroom
wow! Do some q's lead to change in/out side classroom/school? partnership
If kids are walking into you room and sitting in an assigned seat ... Where is their
We pair 5th and 4th graders with 1 and Kindergarten buddies to make posters for upcoming events
I gain so much from just listening to them. I share results (some) w/Ts 2. They really take it seriously & r fantastic
Brazen promotion, peeps: My org has webinar at 10:00 am ET: https://t.co/Y9sFOJ13dK On teacher professionalism. Join if you're free.
Students need to feel safe to take risks and fail. Without that safety net, they will never unleash their
Great question, Manny. For many Ss that is the point at which they get scared and shut down, change topics, play it safe
I love letting Ss build criteria for assessments, how to present findings, etc.
Stay warm in the polar vortex this weekend. I'll be back on the 22nd after winter break.
have you found ways to hear from those who are introverted or otherwise underrepresented?
Ditto David!! I too have the most amazing work environment! & all of the staff https://t.co/XymxRZrfHf
GREAT! How can things be bad when I get to walk into a great work env. every day!
Morning ! Our student PBIS committee and leadership team help shape so much in our schools!
Gotta embrace and model the growth mindset where failure is an invaluable part of the learning process https://t.co/BsSa398AXe
Amen. Abner. In Ed, from top to bottom, everyone is trying to avoid mistakes. Voice cant come from that culture.
when I think of I think about students sharing / contributing to authentic global audience
If kids are never given freedom than how will know how to be free when they get it ... like a chained dog ...
I find they've not had for so long that they are just passive. I try to get them talking about their interests
we must teach Ss correct way to present their feelings and views respectfully so voice is always heard by all.
Putting some of their ideas to work would be a great start. Even if they don't work.
Love it! I do that as well w/my HS Ss. Creates a sense of buy-in and an "our classroom" feel.
for one, but ask for Ss opinions, read aloud, desk arrangement, recess activities etc
Exactly.Ts that have voice and choice can do the same for their Ss.
absolutely !! we must make them feel safe and encourage the risk taking !! https://t.co/QWthD14JW8
Students need to feel safe to take risks and fail. Without that safety net, they will never unleash their
Yes! If Ss can't negotiate the curriculum, if that is not changing and flexible to the groups I teach, then BORING!
Kind of like letting them "play" voice.
I have 2 4th graders who regularly help me with Genius Hour helping me make it better for my 1st graders.
What kinds of things does the student PBIS committee suggest?
When teachers are facilitating rather than teaching, Ss also tend to be more willing to share their voice. Less teacher talk.
exciting yes fun ?????????? https://t.co/zwS2fT4MfV
You have to admit though: It's been a wild and fun season so far. Makes the next several weeks of matches so worth watching.
Student choice and student voice are my mantra. Empower students in the learning process
Agreed! Choice and voice are a necessary pair!
Yes. Ss can sense disingenuous mission. Can't encourage the voice without plan to back it up.
Exactly. and we need to promote a culture that promotes intellectual safety.
not usually ... the plan is usually created and then take to students/stakeholders for "approval"
too many Ss forced to be compliant over encouraged to be thoughtful and honest
Figuring out how to do this at a developmentally appropriate level for my first graders is my mission right now.
Ss recognizing what it means to have a voice https://t.co/YjlT1V7PPw
Making kids feel like they have a voice is way different than them actually having a voice.
They suggest community celebrations and teach lessons to their classmates about our core values, SHINE!
I've been encouraging students to participate in Twitter chats - we need to hear from students
Ss selected 3 arguments they liked, I picked 1 of the 3, then put together of mentor texts to help as we draft
Ss selected 3 arguments they liked, I picked 1 of the 3, then put together of mentor texts to help as we draft
OK, OK, maybe not "fun." :)
I want them to own their learning from the beginning.
Flipping our class so Ss have on demand access, shifting toward a PBL & collaborative atmosphere gives Ss ownership, voice & choice
We've modeled & now they talk & usually they listen to others & respond. Now they know how to agree & disagree.
yes respect for different opinions and respect for the speakers https://t.co/TxrJnotvg6
we must teach Ss correct way to present their feelings and views respectfully so voice is always heard by all.
Advisory groups developed belief statements around their education- admin will use to hone mission https://t.co/IJfSI5L64K
Good morning everyone, Josh from NJ
As a Principal being visible in the classroom and at lunch/recess helps build relationships- opens door for Ss voice
I also think that teaching HS Ss the difference between a voice that's complaining and one that's enriching is key
Absolutely! Feel the same. Will need to try! Thanks!
You are welcome! Lmk how you like the podcast! You will be hooked!
Like expecting college freshmen to handle "adulthood" when they had to get permission for so much a few months ago.
I've always appreciated Admin that are visible & know the kids.
And people are complex! Not all Ss are ready 2 voice themselves in the same way as the others. I wish!
I have loved seeing how this adds to your class. Could use for HS Ss to help them come out of their shell
You're right. Balance is key. Finding it is the hardest part of the process, but it's worth it.
Got to run. Have a great day all. Maybe will see you at 10:00 ET this morning. Cheers, friends!
