#LearnLAP Archive
#LearnLAP occurs on Mondays starting at 7pm Central Time. Guest moderators and participants discuss topics from author Paul Solarz's book Learn Like a PIRATE.
Monday January 4, 2016
Representing KatyISD Beck JH. ready to learn...RRRRR!!!
Thanks to everyone chatting with us on this evening! Topic: "Doing Things Outside of Our Comfort Zone" w/ moderating!
hi, Natasha Green out of NY representing WeIntervene, a referral management system for school
personnel
good evening, - Michael From columbus OH - middle division teacher getting back into the flow! (or trying to anyway!)
Alright Pirates! Time to get this party started! I'm Carra Fleming, proud principal at Beck JH in Katy TX!
Please check in and tell us a bit about yourself! Q1 coming up!
Nick Baskwill Grade 5 teacher in NS Canada, getting back into the swing of things!
Nedra from Utica NY, 3-5 reading teacher
Jordan, 8th grade ELA/SS from NC. Pumped for another
Hey yall!! Can't wait to get this chat started! Courtney here from Eastland, TX. 8gr US History
Join me tomorrow to see how to play Kaboom! For centers on &
Grade 3/4 teacher in W. Mass. Back to teaching after time off with my kids. Just read last week!
I'm Paul Solarz, a 5th grade teacher from Arlington Heights, IL. Looking forward to tonight's discussion! Great questions coming!!
Audrey, Goninan - Reading Coach/Lead Teacher in Fort Mill, SC Let's do this!
Christy from Katy, TX Beck JH Spec Ed Co-teacher Sci & Soc St 6/7grade
Mywd for 2016 is SCARY! What 1 thing willyou committo in2016 that scaresyou in order for Ss to take on more leadershipin yourclass?
Always glad to make it! been missing my routines!
Nili Bartley, MA -will unfortunately be in and out
I'm your secretary at Beck Junior High
Happy New Year, . Ready to get with 2016!!! Marilyn . . .
For more leadership I am trying to hand the reigns over for more projects and diversify what my teaching looks like.
Q1 https://t.co/9enpHnALnO
Mywd for 2016 is SCARY! What 1 thing willyou committo in2016 that scaresyou in order for Ss to take on more leadershipin yourclass?
Robin Diedrichs, 4th grade in Deland, Florida.
Q1 | Was it, what is what thing you will commit to in 2016 to show leadership in classroom
?
Diane running late! A Jr. Hi Creative Problem Solving Teacher in Wyoming!
wow it used the wrong hashtag! haha
Glad to be learning with you all!
it's been a pirating day with the staff at Anthony elementary!
A1 - I'm committed to my students running an entire school day on our Silent Day in May! SCARY!!! ;)
Rebecca Wright-7th grade reading teacher @ Beck Junior High
A1 - I commit to losing control a little bit. It's a hard concept for me, but one I want to embrace this year.
When I taught students now teaching adults, it will have to be consistency.
A1 - I am committed to helping teachers use data to inform their instruction.
R doing the thing you do not want to do such as grading papers and you push it off till next week but the students expect it wed.
A1. Committed to letting my Ss define the classroom jobs they feel are necessary.
Special Education teacher.
A1- letting students choose their reading plans and goals.
a1: committing to leading our first genius hour project!
A1: I'm committed to empowering Ss by asking what they want to do. Let them decide how they want to learn.
Whats slient day all about?
A1: we are mixing classes by grade level to engage in lit. discussions to create community and leadership
A1- I'm committed to prioritizing student ownership in the classroom and making changes to promote their independence.
Sisk from BJH
Q1: keep building relationships with students
A1) Committed to seeing each Ss as an individual and work on bringing out their personal strengths.
A1. I am committed to allowing Ss to design what their buddy day looks like in action.Plan what they will do with their buddies.
Hello! Sarah here from ER, WI. I am a 3rd/4th Looping T. Excited to be here! Happy New Year! (Sorry I'm late!)
a1: committed 2 letting chaos happen in order 4 real learning to happen.
A1-Wanting to move my Ss toward S centered assessment. I'm not sure where this journey will lead me.. Also, project based learning
Q2 How can campus admin develop trust with Ts in order for them to take risks in creating S led classrooms?
A1Teaching hundreds of Ss how post & comment to each other is scary, but it hooks Ss in & empowers them so I owe it to them to try
Silent Day is where the kids lead the day like a sub would. I can't talk or communicate in any way from 9-3:30.
I like the idea of not emphasizing grades or tests.
A2 spend a day in the classroom with them
A2: admin can visit my class more to see what I'm doing. Trust my expertise and see how it all unfolds.
A2: they need to model w/ teachers and empower them first
Q2 - take risks themselves; allow Ts to work through mistakes instead of abandoning them immediately
A2. Admin should take risks at their level & be aware of the things their Ts want to do--it takes clear and frequent communication
Yes! Get in the trenches!
I will encourage teachers to make students be student leaders during station work, genius hour projects on campus@NatashaGreen25
A2. Be present. Don't assume what is going on in the classroom, see what Ts & Ss are doing. Be involved, not just observe.
A2: Trust starts before the classroom, it happens when u ask Ts how are u, nd wat u need help with, it then transfers n class
A2: My principal told us we needed to take more risks & that he would support us & he has backed it up for years!
Hi I'm Kate from Buffalo, secondary science teacher
A2 - Admin can model S led classrooms, by having teachers lead in meetings, events, pd, etc.
Campus admin can be open, ask questions, and listen. I think open discourse would help a lot.
A2. Provide support for Ts who take risks/are innovative.
A2 I believe that admin must treat us as we treat our Ss-if our risks our supported we feel more confident to ask Ss to take risks
Being in there with Ts is so important! Great thoughts peeps! Keep them coming! Q3 coming up!
A2: Be more positive and celebrate teachers that color outside the lines for S's
definitely the more engaging PDs at school
A2) Coming into class not to evaluate, but to participate in learning with us. Fortunate to have a hands on P that values us.
A1 being open to trying new things, using more social media to engage students
A2 We have a new Principal this year. She's been very supportive. I did discuss student-led class with her pre-year
A2. Celebrate Ss and the growth they are making with Ts. Ts want to be appreciated, appreciate the work Ss do.
No - It's a collaborative responsibility they all share - It's explained in detail on pages 116-119 in .
A2- be involved and present! Don't try to micromanage. Let t's fail, failure=learning for both s's & t's
A2: Support knowing that not everything goes right the first time or has to be perfect!
Q3 When we create S run classrooms with collaboration,authentic engagement happens! What does authentic engagement mean to you?
Giving the teachers the chance to be leaders on campus empowers them to do the same with students.
A2 - Developing trust allows Ts to take risks that may not always work - a balance of accountability but allowance for failure?
fantastic! I have that to read, just finished over the break, so is next
It means using vernacular that is common to you but might not be common to others. Students will use slang and poor grammar
Sorry to be late! I'm Lindsey, a secondary classroom technology designer from Texas!
A2: Allow Ts to try something different (out of box) and back them up even if it doesn't work out.
A3 Ss are excited, enthusiastic, and eager. They get passionate and it is obvious they want to be there.
Nina from Katy, TX. Listen to what Ts are saying. Remind them they matter!
Q3: It means using vernacular that is common to you but might not be common to others. Students will use slang and poor grammar
A3: Students are in the FLOW!
A3: immersed! Ss don't think they're learning but are totally engaged. Authentic learning=total immersion
A3 active participation, learning for love of knowledge, and full mental engagement, not just behaviorally appropriate
A3. Ss want to do more, Ss want to extend their learning. Ss apply what they learn in other situations. Ss own learning.
A3 - high levels of energy and Ss see the value of the activity and can apply it to the real world
students aren't just "busy," but they're engaged! They want to learn so they're more apt to stay with it!!
A3- Authentic engagement= Ss interested in exploring out of their own curiousity.
A3: Ss are problem solving, asking questions, up out of their seats and excitement is in the air!
a3: When you are sitting in the back and Ss are doing the work, you've hit 'authentic engagement'
A3 the students are making connections between their world and the content
Authentic learning is relevant and student focused leading to real world connections and the desire to learn more@LedToLead
A3- students choosing their passion and actively seeking answers to the questions they have.
but then are you actively engaged? I love the Ss working independently but we should be in the thrall with them!
You guys are on fire! I'm loving these thoughts! Q4 Coming up!
A3 - Authentic engagement can be many things, but should include Ss' working because they are truly interested in the activity.
Thanks for including Ts in that they matter too.
A2 The Admin needs to do the same as the T, be the Sage on the Side to support and help the T succeed w/ S led classroom.
A3-When T still has plenty of energy at the end of the day and Ss are worn out from learning
A3: Authentic learning doesn't feel forced & Ss are eager to create & do something they can be proud of.
eventually yes,but they need to know they can sail w/o me - if I'm up front they're looking for me to lead:let 'em swim
Q4Weoften see Ss unwilling to take learning risks & possibly failing. How do we encourage Ss risk taking and celebrate the PROCESS?
I always throw the "C's" at the kids... Cooperation, Collaboration and Communication. They think I am nuts. ;)
playing the life guard - ready to jump in to save them, but knowing they need to struggle a bit
yes, I like that - especially being able to confer individually with Ss or small groups!
A3: When the students are excited and engaged and can't wait to see what they will be learning and doing next
Love your A3. I'm exhausted today & there weren't any Ss at school today.
A3: S led classrooms leave Ts on a high at the end of a day. T led classroom can zap our energy.
when they are EXCITED about the homework!
A3 Engagement happens when kids see relevance in their learning.
A4. Model risk taking, and share your "failures". Model how it is a part of learning. Celebrate the process.
a3.Ss are totally engaged & excited to be involved in learning. They carry what's learned in class and apply it to their lives
A4 I go at it from a coaches perspective. Offer tips- take your time, slow your mind, think about the words, practice
Like that ever happens, the Ss are EnergizerBunnies!
Q4 - We created music parodies right before break & watched them today. We emphasized the risk the Ss took willing to sing/dance
A4 modeling that risk taking. I see my Ts do this all the time with new tech - they even tell their Ss this is new for them!
A4: rapport. Build that from the get go. Ts that allow for re-dos, corrections. Promotes success thru failures.
Q4 Argree with , admit we all have failures. Point out there r things I can't do like say a certain word correctly...
A4 All based on relationships & classroom culture. Ss must feel safe & secure to take risks. Ts responsibility to cultivate
we cheered for one another and gave some quality boosters as well!
a4: CELEBRATE the process. don't grade everything. let them know it's ok to mess up and MEAN it.
A4 - Building a growth mindset is key - Ss have to see that failures are opportunities to grow.
A3 The best student engagement I have seen comes when Ss know what they're about to do really matters-the excitement is contagious
A4: Ts can show students how to fail gracefully & how to learn from their own mistakes. We all make mistakes.
A4. Celebrate the growth and things Ss have done while taking risks. Show the growth they made in taking those risks.
This is so important! https://t.co/CdhivOlTiP
A4. Model risk taking, and share your "failures". Model how it is a part of learning. Celebrate the process.
A4: Allowing Ss to see Ts fail and keep trying. Ts should not grade every iteration.Get away from grades and start giving feedback
Q4 Be willing to take risks in the classroom. Show kids we aren't infallible.
that sounds as delicious as a whole stick of melted butter over stovetop popcorn!
a4: use the phrase "I've never tried this lesson before - we'll see how it goes!"
A4: In our classroom, we've eliminated grades but increased immediate feedback. Students know that setbacks lead to new learning.
A4 Kind of lie me and this Tchat moderating for the first time! Eeekkk! Not as easy as it looks! LOL! Q5 Coming up!
A4 We fail in front of the Ss, when they see us flop we show them how to fix errors, work around problems, find different solution
A4. Model Ss giving and receiving legitimate feedback (positive and constructive). Kids must be able to be critiqued and praised
TRUTH! So many Ts get caught up in grading! Everything doesn't have to be graded!
where do you teach and how have you eliminated grades?!!??
A4 We talk about the Freedom to Fail from day 1. Love
A4 Like! Like!! See.. I fail all the time!
A4P2 focus on a growth mindset - that failing means First Attempt in Life and that they can practice and get better!
A4- Love these ideas. Also seen recently that students are more willing to take risks and persevere if the task motivates them!
A4 I tell Ss that when we don't struggle we aren't learning. I want them 2B ok & confident in struggle so they can persevere
students need to know that you value them. They need to feel safe in their learning.
this was hard for some of my kiddos today. Definitely think modeling is appropriate and necessary
Encourage risk-staff need to take an honest look at grading- learning should be the motivator-not points
I use that phrase often- This just tells you what you're good at and what you need help with. that's all.
Exactly--they need lots and lots of practice! They won't come to us knowing how https://t.co/0ztmPc7FAe
this was hard for some of my kiddos today. Definitely think modeling is appropriate and necessary
A4. Take risks & talk to Ss about it. Ss see their Ts taking risks; it is easier for them to know it's not just ok but encouraged
Q5 Is there an upcoming assignment you could modify for Ss to connect with the real world and take learning risks?
A4-design lessons that promote healthy struggle-build strong strong relationships w/and among students to provide safety
immediate feedback is the key, one of my goals this year. It is the fire that stokes the flames.
Q4: Lots of front loading with community https://t.co/aoRQZQ7iYJ games, music, dancing.Walls need to come down for kids to build.
Q4: We grow in our students what we model in ourselves. We must take on risks to see them do the same! https://t.co/KiPpsvygfJ
Many times Ss ask is an assignment is for a grade when it's introduced. That's the sign they don't like it.
Letting students explore and reflect individually and as a class the weaknesses and successes.
A4 1 ex is teaching Ss coding & not being well versed myself. I took a risk & I'm learning w/ them. They're leaning into it now.
Seems all Ss can benefit from learning about Growth Mindset. Working hard on this with my daughter.
it's prob. also a sign that it is not engaging.
Who's doing the work- engaged students should be the focus- Active engagement
ask me about coding anytime :-)
YES-growth mindset is key - help them see a way out of the judger pit!
chome extension called Talk and Comment lets you add short voice comments to all kinds of things!
Lean into that discomfort, Nadia!
A4 Lst yr I taught myself to swim w/my Ss-forced me 2 stay in the moment & learn/fail right along w/them suddenly we could breathe
A4 - Providing opportunities for Ss to take risks and then celebrate w/each other as a class, building a community that values it!
Q5 is challenging to answer in 140 characters
Edison replied, "I didn't fail 1,000 times. The light bulb was an invention with 1,000 steps."
Are you a T under 30? Were you once under 30? Check out the new slowchat to help us all grow! https://t.co/nUtEnsRbW1
Are you a T under 30? Were you once under 30? Check out the new slowchat to help us all grow! https://t.co/wlkG8t8zrO
You can teach without grades but not without feedback
Q5| Upcoming lesson plan that can include risk...in coding? They are always taking risk. B/c more than 1 way to solve problem
Q6 Coming at you in one minute!
A5: Constitution books for 5gr Ss done by 8th graders. 5th graders are grading the upperclassmen.
Thx! Def will. Doing some unplugged activities this week and nxt week. https://t.co/ttXbd4GLXv
ask me about coding anytime :-)
checking in for the last quarter😊
stealing that quote - The Walls in our Classroom need to come down, So Kids can Build! We give them permission!
A4 creating a safe environment for risk taking and encouraging students is key
A5 always done a poster? Let ss make a digital creation. Don't read an articleon spiders, contact a scientist and ask them to GHO!
A5 Nothing specific yet, but after watching the Angela Maiers vid this morning, my group was brainstorming cross-curricular...
Q5 as a coach encourage Ts to implement work stations reading and math, have stations based on current events and tasks@LedToLead
A5 - Mystery Skype, PBL, Passion Time (Genius Hour), Project: Citizen...
A5 definitely. One assignment easier than the other but it can be done
A5: I'd like to get Ss to create an infographic using Canva website
Me too! I love this group!
choosing a career based on student interests. Students will research choices & write about them.
A5 Gonna do some paired txt work w/ txts. Ss can respond to task via or and add wrk to
like that or try PiktoChart - have them save the pic and then make a thinglink to add additional info!
Sounds like a great idea for an enrichment class!
Q5: Google's Blogger-awesome for Ss' personal blogs: journals, reflections can all go public now! https://t.co/2u1L63FLxh
Q6 Courageous Conversations regarding tough topics can be tough .Pls share any tips you have for promoting healthy debate
A5 We are getting rid of all books and workbooks that destroy creative thinking..We now teach from the heart
A5-I have not done Skype but I am determined to do something with it by the end of the year. I need to post that on my desk!
A5-Preparing to participate in MysterySkyping- computer is not cooperating! Continuing exploring -want to do S blogs
A6, you need to preface the conversation with ground rules. A student can tell someone they are F**cking wrong then give a reason
A6 the positive sandwich, focus on the Ss and what's best for them, look for solutions instead of focusing on problems.
A5: Math centres & PBL, S-made video tutorials
A6 give back ground on each of the sides, have students interview people who might represent the opinions, role play
A6. Make sure to listen first, listen with purpose. Make conversation about issues, not people.
Speaking with a smile, begin your idea with "have you ever considered.... "
A6 Part 2 plus, just do it. There's a reason why a courageous conversation needs to be had, so don't put it off -sooner the better
A6 - Have students debate, but from the opposing view. It will help them to see all sides of an argument.
A6 It is called "With-it-ness," knowing that some conversations need to be discussed!
A6 - Ss need to respect differences. I require Ss to tell me one new perspective they learned at the end of a debate.
We discuss constantly in our room that we're "Solution People" & work on solving problems respectfully. https://t.co/XLYKQZJDVG
A6 the positive sandwich, focus on the Ss and what's best for them, look for solutions instead of focusing on problems.
had to ask the hard question. It's difficult to resolve conflict & not take it personally. Dont say "YOU did..."
Speak your truth- you are solid if it is best for students-be willing to take a stand
A6 Ss 2 learn tht we disagree w/ or don't like IDEAS, not the person. 3rd gr Ss can confuse this pretty quickly. Lol. Work in prog
A6: Class Meetings,s-led problem solving, intentional debate instruction, mock legislature simulation, election debates
A6 - We do a formal debate each year, but students collaborate with EVERY team while preparing & enjoy the friendly competition.
a6: focus on the TOPIC and not the person - you can disagree with an idea and still like the person
A6: Lots and lots and lots of modelling and practicing of respectful communication
Yes! They're awesome resources. You can do some great appsmash work with these too. https://t.co/1iVqhwbacK
Some new resources to check out. Thanks.
middle school Ss have trouble w/ this too - "I like his idea b/c I like him"
A6 - Modeling debate w/other teachers for the Ss to see it in action w/preferred guidelines-respect, eye contact, listening GuiLin
Q7 What opportunities are there on your campus for Ts to observe other Ts in action to promote risk taking and growth?
a6: we've shown school debate videos to model the format
Mmhmm. Blessings to you and the rest of the middle school fam! https://t.co/4tsTC9ZnXv
middle school Ss have trouble w/ this too - "I like his idea b/c I like him"
A7 Our Principal just set up "Peer Observations" for this month. Excited to try it and get/give feedback.
Q6: . has a cool blog post on "pop up debate" Simple process for getting all kids to speak.
A7 asking to sit in while a class is happening to get a fresh perspective
I taught 3rd grade for 4 years. Absolutely adored it :)
lol , they do that all the time. I guess this is when we teach independent thinking. Individuality
I've definitely seen this w/ middle schoolers. I have them stand on the other side of debates @ times
very much work in progress, but it is healthy to see them form their own opinions
A7 learning walks! I see learning walks happening on many of my campuses, plus partnering across content areas
A6: Debate is the big kahuna. Start with Socratic Seminar, Inner Outer Circle, Socratic Seminar, Harkness Discussion. Baby steps!
as NIKE coined the phrase...JUST DO IT! Be brave and get it out there!!
Q6 in class mtngs Ss learn to discuss class successes and tough topics ; they help set rules to respect each other
A7 - We have full support to observe in any classroom by our principal, even w/ coverage. Love sharing best practices/strategies!
A7 About once a month during my prep I linger outside classrooms just to see a new way a T engages or handles Ss
A7-had great success w/learning walks-credit them this year and last year as having the biggest and quickest impact on instruction
A7: Most of the time this is initiated by ind T, I have a New Years goal to observe on my preps once a week😊
A8 - I think only if requested and then would have to figured out. I would really like to try Lesson Study & learning walks!
A7: Another T took the initiative to schedule observations in other rooms. We're observing 6 Ts next week!
A7: We've been offered time (substitutes) to visit other Ts classrooms, but so few Ts have signed up that it's become obsolete. :(
Q8 What will YOUR word be in 2016 to push you out of your comfort zone to try something at your school that may scare you a bit?
A7: None. Ts have to use prep time to visit other Classes.Other Ts don't want to be that transparent.That's Y I love this PLN
reminds me of steal, steal, steal ... Keep walking ... From first days of school Harry Wing!
a7: our admin gives us rotations a couple times per quarter. it's so appreciated!
What a cool opportunity--that's crazy that people wouldn't take advantage
A7- We are learning to do Learning Walks, observing each other. I think it could be great as we all get used to it and unafraid.
That's such a shame! Seeing other Ts in action is an AMAZING learning opportunity! Awesome that it is offerered.
good point. Would love to have full participation without Ts feeling it is a "duty"
I know! I always signed up because I wanted to see how primary kids were leading in their classrooms! It was AMAZING!
Its the absolute BEST part of my job!!
Our campus is open concept so teachers are able to Co teach and observe one another
I see other Ts daily because I'm a co-teacher. On our campus, we visit other teachers during instruction, too.
A8 "why not" try it., see what happens
A8 it can't be culminated into one word. it's all of it! , ,
A8 ALWAYS. Need 2 remem tht I always have a team/fam working w/ & alongside me and a loving Father who called me to this grt work
Don't wait for Next Year!
Your thoughts have been so inspiring! Thnks for letting me host my 1st Tchat tonight! Whew! I'm sweating! It was super!
I am in a unique K-12 school, the learning ops are OUTSTANDING! You can learn from all levels.
A8-INITIATIVE - showing it and inspiring it!
A8: My word is Prayer - instead of focusing on circumstances, focus on receiving strength through prayer.
A8 - My word is QUESTION - I wrote a blog post @ it - I'm not the best writer but I tried! Here it is - https://t.co/WorhPsUP3o
A8) My is INTENTIONAL. I want to craft lessons, build relationships, nurture leaders, & share intentionally.
Q8- My word. Hmmm. Might have to be Joy. For all of us. Focusing on the joy at school sounds pretty fantastic.
A8 Retirement! I have 1 year left & there are things I want to do but avoid because it’s scary. I don’t want regrets when I leave
So thankful for moderating tonight! What a great discussion! If you can, please jump over to for more learning!
A8 - I've been ignoring these ?s in chats because I don't want to be defined by one word. I want to use everyone's words!
ENVISION - the possibilities, the success and the joy of learning@LedToLead
A8: BELIEVE, I created a tech product to imapct the lives fo millions although when I taught I impacted the lives of 100s
