The #2PencilChat is a weekly conversation about educational technology. As we enter a more student-centered age, let's talk about using all the tools in our toolboxes to be innovative and dynamic teachers.
Welcome to the #2PencilChat, we're talking about something that eats up too much education time. Stay calm everybody, we're in this together. Say hey, and introduce yourself.
Q1
Anxiety in our students is unproductive at best. Left alone, it can be incredibly worrying and dangerous. How can we spot it, and how can we best help our students fight it?
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A1. Get to know your kids. I have over 700, but there are a lot that I can spot when they are having a tough time. The majority know that they can always come to me for anything. And they do. #2PencilChat
A1: I think it's important to help them find the words to articulate how they are feeling (especially in 1st) and then help them find ways to cope. Anything from sitting in a quieter place or visiting a mentor. #2PencilChat
A1 do more that prepares students to resist anxiety. Make grades less relevant. Make the qualifications for a grade simpler to more freedom #2PencilChat
A1. I believe that it's important to remember that boys and girls will display their anxiety differently. Also, anxiety can look different in children of the same sex. Excessive sleeping, acting out, aggression, weepy, argumentative, antsy are all typical signs. #2PencilChat
A1 I disagree that anxiety is unproductive. Anxiety is a signal that something important is at stake. Instead of trying to eliminate a normal human response, we can teach our students to relate differently to their anxietyāas a signpost toward their values.
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A1.2: Mindful videos on @ClassDojo and @GoNoodle are also helpful. Mine have been requesting "Snake Breath" or "Bee Breath" before testing or after recess. They can identify what they need! #2PencilChat
A1.1 having raport wit lh your students is key. Having options gor them is good. Talk you you, mental health, have a time out, journal or draw. What will be best for that child? #2PencilChat
Sometimes mine will just come to me and lean up against my shoulder. Never say a word. I hug and then let them chill. Tell them we can talk about it if they wish. #2PencilChat
A1: If we take time to know our students we will recognize the over perfectionist, the people pleaser, the angry, and the isolater. All of these are signs of anxiety. A safe culture helps alleviate anxiety #2PencilChat
Q2
Sometimes a student's anxieties are beyond our skills. Who do we enlist to help us with these students - how do we build the support network that a child needs?
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A2 It's important to remember that your whole school is a community, and you may have someone that your student has bonded with better than you. That's okay. It's nice to feel like you can fix everything, but you can't. #2PencilChat
A2: I'm very fortunate to have people at my school that I can go to. Sometimes I need them to observe a student and see if they see something I don't. It's important for us to know that it's okay if we don't have all the answers. #2PencilChat
A2 Colleagues who teach the student, guidance counselors, school psychologists, diversity directors, special ed directors, administrators, and parents all need to work as a team to support our most vulnerable students. #2PencilChat
A2: When students have anxiety, it is important to ensure we do anything we can to make them feel comfortable. Social worker, school psychologist, or any adult who might have a good relationship with the child can and should help #2pencilchat
A2: School counselors, school behavior specialist, school social workers, school psychologist, and trained special education teachers are our best support system. That does not preclude letting the parents know our concerns. #2PencilChat
A2. Where I work, we are lucky to have various people at our disposal: school guidance counselor, mental health professionals, hall monitors, residential advisors, case managers. The key here is who does the child want at that time. Having choices is important. #2PencilChat
A2) I feel you have to know your resources, Iām sure everyone thinks of guidance counselor/nurse first, but i would approach faculty who has a great rapport/connection w/learner Could be different for each child #2pencilchat
A2: Students usually have at least one individual that they confide in. It may be a teacher, counselor, AP, friend or any other member in community. If that is missing from their life it is a beautiful opportunity to play that role #2pencilchat
A2.2 Oh, and the school nurse! Often anxiety manifests with physical symptoms or with escape behaviors, and in both cases the student ends up at the nurseās office.
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A2 Deoends in situation. From guidance counselor to School Psychologist. Let the professionals diagnose and choose best options. Team effort is needed. #2PencilChat
And Viktor Frankl would beg to differ. Doesnāt mean we shouldnāt create a context for well-being, but schoolwork and learning can be sources of meaning, vitality, and fulfillment in an anxious studentās life. #2PencilChat
Q3
A parent's anxiety can be damaging to their child, or can derail a classroom. What are the best ways to allay parents' fears in education? Who do you enlist to to help in these situations?
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A2 We need as much help as possible. There needs to be constant communication between parents , teachers, and counselors in order to help the student overcome his/her anxiety. #2pencilchat
A3: I was thinking in terms of parents who think their kids need to be the best at everything and pressure their kids to be the best. I try to keep an open dialogue with them and show them how wonderful their children already are! #2PencilChat
A3. Invite the parent to be involved, whether they can come into your classroom, or whether you use things like @Seesaw or @RemindHQ to keep them involved if they work during the school day. Just building that connection can help alleviate the anxiety. #2PencilChat
A3 It's important to lead off with good news and positive sharing when you can. Some parents only expect to hear from school with bad news. That's no way to be! #2PencilChat
A3 This is something that won't likely be eliminated but I'd think anything you can do towards increased transparency will alleviate some of the anxiety from home. Things like @seesaw or even a personal note home can be enlisted to help. Not so much a who but a what. #2PencilChat
A3: Sometimes the best way to ease parents anxiety, is to just give them time to talk. Frequent communication often helps with anxiety. And just knowing their child is OK, is often all they need. #2PencilChat
Sorry, I'm late folks. I see there's a discussion about anxiety going on. As a clinical psychologist, please feel free to throw any questions you might have my way. #2pencilchat
A3: Not all parents had great experiences themselves as students- for some, just walking through the door of a school can be incredibly stressful- we need to recognize that & work towards schools being non-judgmental, helpful support systems #2PencilChat
A3. I think it would depend upon what is causing the parent anxiety. Also, sometimes the expert in that area is not the best person. Who does the parent trust? Have raport with? Who can be most comforting? #2PencilChat
A3: Not all parents had great experiences themselves as students- for some, just walking through the door of a school can be incredibly stressful- we need to recognize that & work towards schools being non-judgmental, helpful support systems #2PencilChat
A3 Parents can be collaborators. We can ask questions to understand why theyāre anxious and what they value, and move together toward an agenda that empowers their child. #2PencilChat
High Anxiety is a great movie, but it has no place in the classroom. Let's talk about ways to banish anxiety from our classrooms and schools, for everybody's sake, tonight at 8 EST on the #2PencilChat
A3: This is a delicate issue at the high school level. Teenagers have complicated relationships with parents. Parents must be kept up to speed on performance. However we need to be careful not to over engage a relationship that is not productive to the student #2pencilchat
A3 Parents feel reassured when they are listened to and they know you are with them and their child for all of the ups & downs. Their confidence will come in time #2PencilChat#parents#teachers#ednav
Q4
As a teacher, there are definitely times when you wake up in the middle of the night, chest pounding with worry about something in your classroom. YOU ARE NOT ALONE. How do you deal? Who do you talk to about it?
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Agreed. Even in elementary, I always liked to allow the student some leeway on things that weren't crucial for their parents to know. Never wanted to hide things from parents, but a sense of privacy is important to everyone. #2PencilChat
A3 I think this is when parent teacher nights are important. Correspondence through email is also good too and maybe even house visiting from time to time. I think if we could as teacher see the students as part of our family, then this naturally brings ppl close
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A3 We need to have parents work with us. Teachers need to create an environment were parents and students feel confindent and informed about what is happening at school. #2pencilchat
Sorry for hoping in late. Craig from PA - As for parents, I contact as many parents by phone early in the year as possible. Every contact is something positive about their child. It's amazing how this builds trust. #2pencilchat
A4 Iām lucky because if I wake up anxious, itās next to an excellent psychologist! I also can turn to my trusted colleagues and my always-helpful PLN. #2PencilChat
For sure! I used to do a monthly family reading night because the class I hired in at mid-year had a parent PR problem from before I got there. #2PencilChat
A4- I am a christian so I would first and foremost pray. For me, prayer is very important in dealing with anxieties and stress. Other people: mum, a close colleague, maybe even my students as an example that I'm human too.
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I have an AMAZING team, so I never feel alone. I was in the ER with my son last night and I knew that I could focus on him. My team had school! @teachtinytechie@iTeachTechies#2PencilChat
Q4
As a teacher, there are definitely times when you wake up in the middle of the night, chest pounding with worry about something in your classroom. YOU ARE NOT ALONE. How do you deal? Who do you talk to about it?
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A4. Friends. I have people who I can turn to, no matter how crazy my thoughts may be, who will listen to me, ground me, & offer possible solutions if I ask. I love that they also donāt try to solve my problems for me. #2PencilChat
A4: Google Keep is a life saver! I add my middle of the night thought on a note and set it to remind me at 7:00, then I can go back to sleep without stressing. I talk to my husband, because I don't sound negative if I vent to him. ;) #2PencilChat
Q4
As a teacher, there are definitely times when you wake up in the middle of the night, chest pounding with worry about something in your classroom. YOU ARE NOT ALONE. How do you deal? Who do you talk to about it?
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A4 - There is never going to be a year that is totally stress-free. I use the 9/10 rule and it's helped greatly. It means, I look at the 9 great things that happen every day and focus solely on them. If one small thing pops up, I usually reflect and move on.
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A3: For how to guide of how to do this there are plenty of YouTube videos involving the use of Motivational Interviewing and for more extreme situations, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and of course our boook: https://t.co/tBtDa54SIY#2PencilChat
A3 Parents can be collaborators. We can ask questions to understand why theyāre anxious and what they value, and move together toward an agenda that empowers their child. #2PencilChat
Well I lied #2PencilChat, only squeezing in 1 Q tonight. The little ones here are calling. Important topic tonight. Can't wait to read back on the archive.
Q4 - If something comes up that is seriously stressful, I write things down on paper to help me debrief. Frequently it's not as bad as it seems. If it is, I'll contact some fellow colleagues who I can confide in for help. #2pencilchat
A4: For me, the middle of the night ones are easier to handle than the middle of the day ones- that's when it's so key to have supportive and understanding colleagues- we all have our moments- it's how successfully we can return to calm that comes into play #2PencilChat
A4. Breathing is critical. Yoga is wonderful. Working out at the gym is amazing. Because of what I do/where I work, it's hard to find people to talk to who "get it." So, I talk with my colleagues. We walk together at lunch and vent and help eachother. #2PencilChat
A2 The school counselor and social worker are a huge help to me when my studentsā anexieties are out of my realm of support. Working with the studentsā outside counselor is also helpful! #IHMarchMadness#2PencilChat
Q2
Sometimes a student's anxieties are beyond our skills. Who do we enlist to help us with these students - how do we build the support network that a child needs?
#2PencilChat
Prayer and family are important to so many. And you're right, sharing - appropriately - your worries with students can build amazing bridges in your classroom. #2PencilChat
A4: When you wake up anxious you may find it helpful to know that just as you are choosing to feel you're feeling, you can offer the same skills to your students. Your willingness to face your demons can empower your students to do the same! #2pencilchat
I share a lot of them with my work email (as a collaborator) so they are on all my devices, since my work google account isn't technically a gmail account. #2PencilChat
A4 talking with my colleagues at the end of the day is helpful when time allows. My husband is my listening ear at night and many times prayer is my go to! #2PencilChat#IHMarchMadness
Q5
What are the signs that another teacher is dealing with too much school anxiety? What can you do to help them? How do you help when their problem feels bigger than you?
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Yes, we have to find comfort in all the possitive things that we experience every day. Students bring so much joy. We can not allow few stressful situations to cloud our teaching experience. #2PencilChat
A4 - I distract myself at night, and I share with my team during waking hours. Like @iteachsprouts, I've found that having a team to rely on can help with so many worries. Don't suffer in silence! #2PencilChat
A5-It depends on how close I am to that teacher. But no matter who it is, if I know their favourite drink/coffee preference, I would start with that.
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A5: For me, this goes back to my team. We keep an eye on each other and come together as a group to help each other when needed. So far, we've been able to balance everything--TOGETHER! #2PencilChat
Q5
What are the signs that another teacher is dealing with too much school anxiety? What can you do to help them? How do you help when their problem feels bigger than you?
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Interesting question! I find myself analyzing what strategies can I use to help Ss get the concept better. I talk to my team and take walks. Nature helps give me perspective. #2PencilChat#IHMarchMadness
A4:talk with friends at SHS. Ask my hubbs for advice because heās outside of the āeducation boxā. He comes up with some great ideas, or at least helps me laugh at my over-the-top worries. Talking & asking for advice helps, complaining doesnāt fix things. #2PencilChat
Q4
As a teacher, there are definitely times when you wake up in the middle of the night, chest pounding with worry about something in your classroom. YOU ARE NOT ALONE. How do you deal? Who do you talk to about it?
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Q5 - Body language rarely is wrong. Plus getting to know your colleagues. I ask if they need help, give them a smile and provide any support necessary. Also, LISTEN, LISTEN, LISTEN #2pencilchat
A5. Non-stop yelling, or criticizing their students for every little thing can be indicators. Offer to be a listening ear for them. Keep it confidential. It may be something from their private lives thatās causing the problem. Be a safe space for them. #2PencilChat
A5. Adults will show many of the same symptoms as our students. Overly tired, having outbursts, overly sensitive, argumentative. Ask how can you help. Listen to them just like you would your Ss. Offer to take something off their work plate. #2PencilChat
A5- I would watch for anyone working in isolation- closed doors, minimal contact with colleagues, etc.- sometimes it's just not knowing how to reach out or ask for help #2PencilChat
A1 Anxiety in our kiddos is real and we need to let them know we understand and that we value them. Keeping the classroom calm and fun helps. Today I gave one anxious kiddo a math test a day early as a surprise. No time to worry=100% score! #2PencilChat
A4c: "Each atom of that stone, each mineral flake of that night-filled mountain, is a world unto itself." If you can atomize each moment of your willingness to remain in contact with your distress...#2PencilChat
A5 watch for Ts that work crazy hours, donāt get to staff room, & keep offering to do more! We all know Ts like this! Recognize their work then give them admin & time support & a voucher to get a relaxing massageš#2PencilChat
A4d:āI leave Sisyphus at the foot of the mountain! One always finds oneās burden again. But Sisyphus teaches the higher fidelity that negates the gods and raises rocks." #2pencilchat
A5: As a leader Ive seen some of my Ts overextend themselves. And Iāve done the same. Watch for overly tired, overly emotional, or exchanging work for personal life. Offer to assist, let them know youāre there to help. Take it off their plate #2PencilChat
A4 Just scrolling through my Twitter feed, I often feel better. It just helps to know that like-minded teachers experience the same things. Also, I gain new perspectives from Ts with a different approach. #2pencilchat
I love you SO MUCH, #2PencilChat Pals! Thank you for joining us tonight, and remember, if you ever feel that you are alone, PLEASE reach out. You are too talented, too big hearted, and too important to be suffering. Have a great week! We'll see you back next Tuesday!
A5 Changes in personality, bursts of anger that are out of the norm. Ask whatās wrong and offer a listening ear or a good hug. If too big find appropriate help. #2pencilchat
