#whatisschool is an award winning edchat space where people can express an unbiased response to questions about schooling, where educators have a voice in shaping the future through their experience, recommendations and interests. Join us Thursdays 7pm ET / 11pm GMT / Friday 7am SGT/WA (Perth) / Friday 9am AEDT / Friday 11am NZT.
@ShiftParadigm and I plan our #whatisschool topics weeks ahead. My prayer is that focusing on the light in our shared calling as educators will help us after what happened yesterday in Florida. Prayers for Parkland abound. Thanks to @mandisaofficial for image.
A1 Some sources of sweetness and light in my life: @jhweinstein and our two kids, my friends, my students, my colleagues, giving workshops, writing, games, designing new units, trees, birds, art, artists, poems, creative flavor combinations, Steven Universe.
#whatisschool
#whatisschool a1 As you may or may not know I have become a full time #TESOL student & I thought the change would be hard but the delight it, the sweetness of it all #eal#oneword#meraki
Howdy #whatisschool from Barbara, school counselor in TX. My sweetness and light come from my connections and colleagues, from friends family and faith, from music and movement, from passion and purpose, from grace and growth!
#whatisschool Jill here from Hanoi on TET Holiday🎊🌸🏮🎆🎈Q1/A1. My personal sources of sweetness and light is to keep myself healthy and happy. I keep my Faith strong. I use a positive attitude to start and end my day with Gratitude& Hope.
#whatisschool The light & sweetness in my classroom stems from my mindful outlook- I take things in stride, see the positive in things & above all keep things easy going & flexible. I like a busy and energetic classroom with a solid, optimistic clarity
A2: When I was in the classroom, I loved finding ways to laugh and play during class. My Ss loved it when I would play tag with them during recess! #whatisschool
A2 Sometimes the “sweetness and light” of teaching is playful and fun, and sometimes it’s doing challenging work that genuinely matters, to the students and in the world.
#whatisschool
A2 #whatisschool A student-centered classroom built on trust & respect create a positive culture both full of light & joy and with an aroma of sweetness that makes everyone want to know what’s baking
A2 I hope my colleagues would say by remaining authentic with my actions and by challenging my colleagues to be better tomorrow than they are today. #whatisschool
My last two years of teaching before I started working on my masters, I walked to and from school every school day! It was a great time to sky watch! #whatisschool
A2 By supporting other teachers. I think that is more important than anything else. When we support each other than we are better placed to support our students. #whatisschool
A2: I bring sweetness and light into my teaching with my attitude. Having a positive attitude goes a long way! If something goes wrong be flexible ! #whatisschool
#whatisschool a2 Ah being involved in sweet, silly fun, the blue postit said "short". Ss were generating apt adjectives and this was my gift. Did they or did they not get it right! #eal
Hey! I'm Ian and the key sources of sweetness and light in my life are the love i get and the love i give from family and friends. Little preschool smiles are awesome too A1 #whatisschool@CSC155AN
Hey everyone! My name is Anna Telepak, a pst from Franciscan University. (A1) My sweet field students and wonderful friends and family bring so much joy and light into my life! #whatisschool@CSC155AN
@CSC155AN#whatisschool
A1: Hello! I am an early education major at Franciscan University. For me, the key sources of sweetness and light in my life are my niece, Alexis and my nephew Anthony!
A1 For me, the key sources of sweetness and life in my light is my faith, and the knowledge that I am helping and empowering those around me through my actions every day #whatisschool@CSC155AN
A2 I believe that the power of positivity and an upbeat outlook on classroom activities are important in bringing sweetness and light to students #whatisschool@CSC155AN
Hi I am Lauren, a pst from Franciscan U, (fire me up barons)!!! A1: The key sources of sweetness and light in my life are Jesus, my family, my awesome friends, and puppies #whatisschool
Q1;A1: To be with my family gives me immense sweetness in my life. Apart from family, karaoke singing, Bharat anatyam dancing, drawing, creating, learning, connecting with people, reading, teaching, helping someone etc. bring tons of sweetness & light in my life #whatisschool
#whatisschool Hi! My name is Clare Stabile and I am a PST from Franciscan University! The key sources of sweetness and light in my life are my parents, my friends, my field students, dark chocolate, and sunsets!
@CSC155AN#whatisschool
A2: Ways in which I can bring light and sweetness into my future teaching would be by incorporating the same passion and love that I have for my niece and nephew into my teaching by recognizing the person hood of each student as best as I can.
A3 Students learn more when encouraged by their teacher to work to the best of their ability, and teaching with positivity will surely encourage colleagues to do the same #whatisschool@CSC155AN
My sweetness and light enhances student learning by making them feel important and loved. It benefits colleagues through example and mutual respect. A3 #whatisschool@CSC155AN
#whatisschool Q2/A2: I started a new school and new country this year 2017-18. The most important part was to make good connections with my students, Grade level teachers and parents! Be positive and and grow student confidence and kindness. My Semester2 started off👍
A3. The students feed off a positive attitude. If you believe you can do anything and believe they can do anything, then so do they. Sometimes it takes a while, but they get there. #whatisschool
I was feeling that way today, and then things started to turn. Multiple members of my PLN helped me, Ss pulled out their A game in the afternoon. #whatisschool
In reply to
@aesportsstar, @ShiftParadigm, @cossie29, @egchapma, @MrTravisDrake, @ginoloko, @MKazymyra, @Math912Teacher
#whatisschool Mindfulness, calm & positivity is contagious- if we shut down negativity and nurture optimism and growth we can change the mindset. I keep a smile on my face & smile a lot- keep it cheerful & others will follow my lead
A3 Today one of my boys stopped me. "Miss Deem, you know that trick you showed me to tie my shoes? Now I can do it!" His smile made my week:) Thanks to my teammate Mrs. Polian for teaching me the trick so I could share it with him. #whatisschool@ShiftParadigm
A3. Hopefully by letting them into my world they have more opportunity to relate or connect to build a solid connection of trust & respect that benefits learning. #whatisschool
A3: Sweetness and light lower students' affective filters so learning can happen. With colleagues, sweetness and light help to develop and maintain a positive school culture. #whatisschool
@CSC155AN#whatisschool
Sweetness and light (love) enhances student learning because students who feel loved are student who can reach their full potential more readily!
Hey everyone, I am Lauren a pst from Franciscan University. A1: The key sources of sweetness and light in my life are Jesus, my family, my awesome friends, and puppies #whatisschool@CSC155AN
A3 #whatisschool It is all about presentation & passion- if I jump up & down & create a sense of curiosity & intrigue even the most mundane of activities or topics will be entertaining- get them passionate by being passionate
A3 My units are always works in progress and I make plenty of mistakes, but I’m always working to diversify our book list, incorporate discussions of identity and bias, increase student participation, and create assignments that tap into students’ values.
#whatisschool
https://t.co/BXZXZW4G3R an experienced school Leader I can say that sweetness and light starts in the staffroom and filters downwards and outwards #whatisschool
A3 You can sense trust, openness, and genuine concern grow in you and others. Only through relationships can real learning happen. #whatisschool gotta run. ❤ @ShiftParadigm@deem_ellen thanks for making a difference.
In reply to
@deem_ellen, @ShiftParadigm, @ShiftParadigm, @deem_ellen
Hi! My name is Clare Stabile and I am a PST from Franciscan University!! A1 - The key sources of sweetness and light in my life are my amazing parents, my friends, dark chocolate, sunsets and Jesus! #whatisschool@CSC155AN
Q2;A2: Immense love for all children brings sweetness & light to my teaching world. I accept all students for who they are & try to meet their needs where they are. #whatisschool@ShiftParadigm
I try to be overwhelmingly positive ... walk into school with a Happy "Insert School Day" ... every day. most days i say the correct day. #whatisschool
#whatisschool Q3/A3: Showing a Positive attitude and professional strength shows everyone that you are their for your students! My students expect me to follow my Classroom Beliefs: Be Kind to each other😁in the Art room.
#whatisschool a3 After a phase of unhappiness that was exhausting, it made me go *lightbulb moment* being happier helps me, helps my ss and that is a win all round. Hence the change and there is no looking back #tesol
@CSC155 A3 By having a positive attitude in my classroom, my students will feel more comfortable asking questions when they need help, and my colleagues will feel more comfortable coming to me with questions, comments or if they need my help with something #whatisschool
A4 When you have a routine that you are tired of, but keep it because it is a routine. If it has run its course, then find a new one. There are plenty to choose from. #whatisschool
A4 When teaching becomes a chore, and teaching for the benefit of the student seems unimportant, it becomes time to replenish what you love about your personal vocation as a teacher #whatisschool@CSC155AN
A4 Recently my students kept being increasingly louder in their joy and couldn’t hear my directions. I started singing and they joined in:) #whatisschool@ShiftParadigm
A4: When you start feeling uninspired going to school. When you are unsure what the point is. When you feel like your position does not matter or will not create change. #whatisschool
@CSC155AN#whatisschool
I think the key sign that ones sweetness and light needs replenished is loss of passion. When you go day after day feeling unexcited about your work, then you might need some replenishing!
A4. When colleagues aren't reacting to you in the way they used to. Relationships change. If you've got a good relationship, they will tell you. You start to see the negative in situations rather than the positive. #whatisschool
What a great intro, Melissa! We really appreciate your presence today. Thanks for bring sweetness and light. Have you met @cossie29@MKazymyra@jedjnr? #whatisschool
In reply to
@ChouinardJahant, @cossie29, @MKazymyra, @jedjnr
#whatisschool a4 Be warned, you'll relate to this. When you join the awake at 4am crew and it isn't on purpose, I know, we all know that our sweetness & light is low. Time for some #zen workout @thezenteacher eh!
A2 - The way I bring sweetness and light to my teaching is by having a positive attitude in challenging circumstances and by treating each and every one of my students with love #whatisschool
a4. Tiredness, when its hard to keep a smile, frustration. Important to realise that if you are investing time into your teaching these things will happen. Its part of our profession. as long as you realise, rejuvenate & get back in the game. #whatisschool
Q2;A2: Immense love for all children brings sweetness & light to my teaching world. I accept all students for who they are & try to meet their needs where they are. #whatisschool@ShiftParadigm
Well, it's going to depend a lot on the relationships you currently have and the time of year. They're either going to love you...or slap you! Hopefully it's the former rather than the latter. Seriously though, how powerful could this be. #whatisschool
In reply to
@ShiftParadigm, @cvarsalona, @egchapma, @MrTravisDrake, @ginoloko, @MKazymyra, @deem_ellen, @Math912Teacher, @MsTschida, @misstelepak, @CSC155AN, @DennisDill
A4: if I find myself getting angry I know I need a time out...children make mistakes we cannot be snippy with them. Anger is not an answer but a response.we need to model not letting anger in regardless of what happens. #whatisschool
In reply to
@ShiftParadigm, @cossie29, @misstelepak, @CSC155AN, @egchapma, @cvarsalona, @anmartz21, @laurie_azzi
A4.Our pupils forget most of what we teach them.They will however remember us their teachers forever.Lets be good and kind to them.A kind word can last a lifetime .I know #whatisschool
Q3;A3: Love changes everything. It changes the climate of school. It transfers to the ss as well as colleagues equally. Ss & colleagues see a caring adult in me. Ss feel empowered & take charge of their learning. It spreads positivity & gives hope #whatisschool
A5 I don’t know if I regain my sweetness and light, but when I need to recharge, I reconnect with my students, and I try to show compassion for my students, my colleagues, and myself. https://t.co/oMQhmNXCDu#whatisschool
A5:Honestly, after 15 years, my sweetness and light has not faded. I feel it's only become stronger, so I really wouldn't know what to do. #whatisschool
Never - and that is a very sad indictment isn't it. Maybe this is something that we need to do more often. We're all about the data and the learning which is important, but let's talk about the passion and the sweetness and light of teaching and learning. #whatisschool
In reply to
@ShiftParadigm, @Dale_Chu, @DennisDill, @FoleyKev, @cvarsalona, @deem_ellen, @noasbobs
A5 I think that as a future teacher, I will look forward most to coming home to a loving family, who will help fuel my sweetness and light! We as humans can't go through life alone, and need companionship! #whatisschool@CSC155AN
A5 When I’m fading I swim or watch baseball. I also read. I’ve joked that baseball gets me through the two most challenging times of the school year, the beginning and the end. #whatisschool@ShiftParadigm
Nicole, you're already on the right track by being here. My #whatisschool PLN has changed my life for the better in the last 3 years. Thanks for sharing your light today.
A5 When sweetness & light begins to fade... I ask God to refresh and strengthen me, I turn to my awesome PLN #whatisschool@CSC155AN#pstpln and i KEEP GOING!
Yes! Sometimes we need to just stop and remember to just be with the students and respect and appreciate them for the amazing people they are. #whatisschool
A5 I replenish my sweetness and light by taking a step back and looking at the big picture. Maybe the situation that has gotten you down is something that is merely a small snippet in the big scheme of things. #whatisschool@CSC155AN
A3: I think my sweetness and light brings a positive learning atmosphere in the classroom as well as a genuine care for all my students #whatisschool@csc155AN
A3 - I believe positivity is key to implement in the classroom environment! By implementing this into the classroom, it allows students to have the mentality to set goals, and achieve them #whatisschool@CSC155AN
@CSC155AN#whatisschool
Just like children, we all need time to play. When I notice that my sweetness and light is fading, I like to take a step back, look at the big picture, and maybe watch a comfort tv show. Basically take time to unwind and regroup
A5. Stop. Take a breath and remember why we're here. For the students. Forget about the planning and assessment. Take time to appreciate the students and our colleagues. Remember why we chose this crazy profession in the first place. Find the spark again. Laugh. #whatisschool
A5. Stop. Take a breath and remember why we're here. For the students. Forget about the planning and assessment. Take time to appreciate the students and our colleagues. Remember why we chose this crazy profession in the first place. Find the spark again. Laugh. #whatisschool
Bloogging is such a good way to reflect on your practice. I only started 12months ago. I wish id started 20years ago. I'd love to look back on who i was then:) #whatisschool
In reply to
@deem_ellen, @misslaurenbetar, @CSC155AN
#whatisschool Meditation, yoga and a hot cup of tea. Mindful breathing and focus brings me back. With my class- some thoughtful words & a calming presence reconnects is after a distraction
I'd be really excited to hear more about this. My students built their own room when I was at my previous school. Very powerful learning. #whatisschool
A5.I must away now ae midnight approaches in Ireland.Thanks to our hosts Ellen and Mark for a great international chat.Such chats must be seen as CPD #whatisschool
A5:Honestly, after 15 years, my sweetness and light has not faded. I feel it's only become stronger, so I really wouldn't know what to do. #whatisschool
#whatisschool a5 People always said "be kind to yrself". But what can that look like? Just doing one thing at a time, helped my sweetness or verve bloom again
Q4;A4: When I come back from school I reflect on my day before sleep. The night, I don’t sleep well is like a sign that my sweetness & lights need replenishing. #whatisschool
A6 Special thanks and shout out to @NZWaikato for helping me with a last minute scheduling problem with an inservice today. #whatisschool His Ss taught Ts at my school about Mystery Skype. @ShiftParadigm
A6 @egchampa adds a great deal of light to my T life. I’m so glad we were able to meet f2f last March. Her positivity is awesome! #whatisschool@ShiftParadigm
A5: teachers often forget that what we are doing changes more than a single day. On my wall next to my desk I have notes and cards from parents and students. I look to that wall of thanks to remind myself I'm investing in the future of kids which is always worth it #whatisschool
A. When T's are not shown appreciation they take on fatigue...let's do what we can to empower them with positive words & deeds #whatisschool@CSC155AN#pstpln
Q6: #whatisschool I would like to thank Ellen and Mark for leading the chat today! I am on TET Holiday and having a coffee and recharging! This made my Reflect on my teaching and Enjoy the Rest of my Semester 2! ( also the Rest of my School Holiday)!
Q5;A5: I spend lots of time with my family. Singing. Loving. Dancing. Connecting with my friends, #PLN. Reflecting. Writing. Learning. Reading. #whatisschool
It is. We have lots of online discussions and we write about passion in teaching and learning but it's the face-to-face discussions that hold the key to change. Time pressures in meetings sometimes mean it's skipped but we can change that. #whatisschool
In reply to
@ShiftParadigm, @Dale_Chu, @DennisDill, @FoleyKev, @cvarsalona, @deem_ellen, @noasbobs
I possibly don't mean to forget about it completely lol, but to just be mindful that it's not the be-all and end-all to the exclusion that it seems like the Ss are missing sometimes. Been thinking about this a lot lately. #whatisschool
A5 - When it fades, I begin to think about the situation as a whole. The most important contribution in life comes from helping others succeed and excel in life and that is the purpose of it all. #whatisschool@CSC155AN
Sorry I didn’t make it in time. when a cold is really only a cold but we have to rule out the flu, strep and pneumonia. You miss a great #whatisschool But this will give you a chuckle (retired, I sub)
A6 I would like to thank my class @CSC155AN for a nice easygoing learning environment full of laughs and good vibes. Signing off from @FranciscanU Planet Earth #whatisschool
I’m glad. I could make it for #whatisschool chat. So much to learn from each other. Feeling blessed & grateful to connect with you all #whatisschool friends. You all rock!
Please let me know any time if I can help. I remember the beginning. We last because we lift each other on our journeys. So glad to meet you and have you here. #whatisschool
Thank you Ellen for sharing some amazing learning with students across the world. Ours were amazed that it was Thursday afternoon when it was also Friday morning! #whatisschool#MysterySkype
You're too kind, Clare. #whatisschool is a team effort. @ShiftParadigm is the best coach, and I hope you've met @mrkempnz. I would also check out #bfc530. Thanks for being here. Please let me know if I can be of any help.
In reply to
@ClareStabile, @CSC155AN, @ShiftParadigm, @mrkempnz
Gratitude for your willingness to help on short notice. It was wonderful. Teachers left really excited. I'm so glad the Ss had fun learning, too. #whatisschool
Thank you Ellen for sharing some amazing learning with students across the world. Ours were amazed that it was Thursday afternoon when it was also Friday morning! #whatisschool#MysterySkype
