#worldgeochat is a weekly chat focused on teaching geography and global studies. Chats vary between geography specific topics as well as general teaching and education topics. ALL are welcome in worldgeochat!
Putting down some #worldgeochat roots for the last chat of 2017! Come join the share-a-thon party! Let’s chat about the gifts of learning from this great #pln!
Hi everyone! Ed, 7th grade world geography teacher in the suburbs of Chicago. I can't believe it is our last chat of 2017! Looking forward to hearing about the highlights from the past year! #worldgeochat
A1: I am most-thankful for finding this chat last spring. I not only fell in love with what you all were talking about, I added APHG to our department and it has quickly became my favorite class to teach #worldgeochat
Hi #worldgeochat peeps! Christine from NY...Exhausted and might not make it for another hour...But I promise I'll hang in for as long as I can :) #worldgeochat
A1: I'm thankful that despite all the current issues/problems facing today's world, our subject has become more relevant & Ss can truly see how geo is involved in their everyday life! #worldgeochat
How old are your kids John? I totally felt that way until my son got to be about 5. Once both of my kids were past the 5 mark it definitely got a lot easier. I'm in UBER Ken stage now. #worldgeochat
A1: I'm thankful to be able to able to explore the world with my students. There's still so much I don't know about the world, and I get to learn right alongside with them #worldgeochat
A1 I'm so thankful for the new resources that I've been given at my new school and also thankful for the new opportunities that I've been given by the people who hired me! #worldgeochat
A1: #worldgeochat
Having the honor of working with people who are just discovering their love of learning and watching that grow into a life-long endeavor.
A1 - I'm thankful for an admin (county and school level) that support geography education even when it is not required at the high school level for graduation #worldgeochat
A1: I'm grateful for so many things! I love working with my 7th graders. They have unlimited curiosity and wonder at the amazing things that we get to see when we "travel" the world. #worldgeochat
A1: I'm thankful that despite all the current issues/problems facing today's world, our subject has become more relevant & Ss can truly see how geo is involved in their everyday life! #worldgeochat
A1
I'm thankful that our curriculum is ALIVE - never the same thing year after year like other curricula! And I'm thankful for this amazing #PLN! I challenge anyone to find a better one than #worldgeochat
A1: I'm thankful to be able to able to explore the world with my students. There's still so much I don't know about the world, and I get to learn right alongside with them #worldgeochat
A1 Besides this amazing PLN. I look forward each day sharing something new w/ my Ss. Because so many have limited background knowledge of the topics we cover it really is so awesome to see them explore new ideas and topics #worldgeochat
3.5 yrs and 21 months. It's more about all of the family events. I think every day fo vacation is accounted for already. There will be no reading. #worldgeochat
A1: I'm thankful that as an English teacher, I have the opportunity to work with my amazing history guru @TorranceHarvey & the rest of the staff at @excelsior_ptech on interdisciplinary projects that place our students in the role of explorer all the time #worldgeochat#mypeople
Yay!! Ditto! Their curiosity is astounding! It's just helping them find that sense of wonder that can be tricky. But once they're asking the right questions, it's amazing #worldgeochat
A1 I’m thankful for those special student learning moments that few people get to experience outside of their own high school experience. #worldgeochat
WOW! Yea that is tough and you are dealing with some very long days my friend! When they get older you will get that time and your life won't be as chaotic. Hang in there! #worldgeochat
A1. I’m thankful everyday for the idealism and curiosity of kids and the relevance of our curriculum. The world does come alive for them, and they really do seem to care. It gives me so much hope! #worldgeochat
A1: Also thankful for all of the awesome ideas I get because of the @NatGeoEducation and #worldgeochat connections I make. My students were so excited to participate in this explorer classroom chat the other day #worldgeochat
My Ss just finished presentations on Sustainable/Not-so-sustainable cities - they were AMAZING! I learned to much and found so many new solutions to problems! #worldgeochat
A1 to paraphrase the movie Jarhead “because I... love... this... job. I thank god for every **** day he gives me in a middle school. Oorah” #worldgeochat
A1 I’m thankful for those special student learning moments that few people get to experience outside of their own high school experience. #worldgeochat
A2: Feed off of your own passions as well as your students while searching for the EGs of the various geo models. You will always care more about something you think is interesting too. #worldgeochat
A2: join #worldgeochat bc you'll then meet wonderful educators that love what they do & are continuously willing to share resources & passions with you!
A1: Same as what others said, but that Geo, doesn’t let you teach the same thing twice, always changing and adding new examples/connections #worldgeochat
Thank you so much for this opportunity C/S! This has definitely been one of my biggest highlights from 2017 and for my professional career! #worldgeochat
A2: You lessons won't always be perfect, but that's the beauty of teaching... we are all still learning alongside our students! Enjoy the ride! #worldgeochat
Was wrapping up the last night of Hanuukkah so catching up late to #worldgeochat. We do Hanukkah, Christmas, daughter's birthday was Saturday... everything under the cold sun in December.
A2 Oh oh oh! I'm doing this right now! 1st - don't think you need to know everything, veterans still don't know everything! 2nd, stretch your PLN and seek out more resources! 3rd - Sit back and enjoy the ride. Geography is best!!! #worldgeochat
A2 having a student teacher last year was full of this, but the biggie: don’t sweat all the hoops to jump through. At the end of the day, just make sure you’re enjoying helping kids #worldgeochat
A2 Allow time for your kids to be curious about the world we live in. Don’t worry about having all the answers to their questions. Learn along side them. #worldgeochat
A2: Bring your passion into your classroom and don't afraid to be yourself. I've become more honest and open about myself and my love of travel and the world, and the students jump right along with me #worldgeochat
A2 #worldgeochat
Smile
Don't overthink
Smile
Trust Your students
Smile
Laugh
Go on that tangent in class and see where it goes. The best moments are right there.
Smile
Breathe
Put a stick of deodorant in your desk drawer
A2: sometimes it's best to let Ss guide you in how you approach various topics bc sometimes they discover things that you never would have thought of #worldgeochat
A2
You are taking Ss on a world tour - for most of them this is the first time they've explored the world outside of their neighborhood! Be a GREAT tour guide for them!
#worldgeochat
Definitely agree Ellie! And it has been so much fun getting to write it with our team. I'm guessing many people don't love writing curriculum, but with our crew those days have been some of my favorites from this past year. Always inspiring and full of laughs! #worldgeochat
A1. I’m thankful everyday for the idealism and curiosity of kids and the relevance of our curriculum. The world does come alive for them, and they really do seem to care. It gives me so much hope! #worldgeochat
TRUTH!! One of my Ss fave lessons was on the cultural convergence that occurred to create reggaeton music ... the Ss went ballistic that we were discussing Daddy Yankee in class #worldgeochat
A2 I'm new in Geography (previously been in Civics), but any new teacher needs to know they're not alone! Talk to others, ask questions, and try your best not to be shy! #worldgeochat
A2
You are taking Ss on a world tour - for most of them this is the first time they've explored the world outside of their neighborhood! Be a GREAT tour guide for them!
#worldgeochat
Yes to all of this. My first year (only 2 years ago), I was so scared and intimidated. Be yourself, have fun, don't sweat the small stuff (even though they'll feel like the end of the world), and hold on for a wild ride #worldgeochat
A2 #worldgeochat
Smile
Don't overthink
Smile
Trust Your students
Smile
Laugh
Go on that tangent in class and see where it goes. The best moments are right there.
Smile
Breathe
Put a stick of deodorant in your desk drawer
As a history teacher, I'm grateful that I get to incorporate geography into everything we study! Physical, human, cultural...it's all there! #worldgeochat
A3: Using legos to allow students to create. My students showed the physical geography of the mountains in the US here. They love this activity! We do it with every region and it really helps students create and remember. #worldgeochat
I shortened it a bit and had the kids make @Flipgrid pitch to the mayor in less than 1:30, and they turned out great! Awesome idea @cheffernan75! #worldgeochat
In reply to
@ecasey77, @cheffernan75, @TheSSFrees, @Flipgrid, @cheffernan75
A3 We're currently in Italy and the kids modernized the Mona Lisa. This kid drew his in a Starbucks! ...and i just realized I don't have it on this computer. #worldgeochat#proud
A3
My phone just died (#toomuchtweeting).
This picture I'd share is 25 smiling kids collaborating and trying to solve the world's problems. They don't moan & groan and amaze me daily!
#worldgeochat
I just got a bunch of play dough from a contest and the presenter was like “uh, don’t you teach middle school?” “Isnt playdough for kids? #worldgeochat
A3 For those who may not recognize it, this image is an artist's rendition of the collision that created the Moon about 4 billion years ago. #worldgeochat
A3: Using legos to allow students to create. My students showed the physical geography of the mountains in the US here. They love this activity! We do it with every region and it really helps students create and remember. #worldgeochat
You're right. It's one of the biggest issues I have had to face. We overthink about all of it.... I wrote this post on how many things teachers reflect on each and every day #worldgeochathttps://t.co/uXogtJ4CRZ
A3. Ss are reading “A Christmas Carol”; discussed meaning of chains and how acting in @TheGlobalGoals can allow them to make a difference NOW. They made “sustainability chains” with their own impact statements! #newart#worldgeochat
And this is why #Geography matters! Our content lives and allows Ss to react in real time to world events! I love everything about this post-it note.
#worldgeochat
A3 turn the class into a speakeasy with (root) beer and the Charleston while federal agent/principal knocks on the door and we all keep quiet as I keep him out since he doesn’t know the password #worldgeochat
A3. Ss are reading “A Christmas Carol”; discussed meaning of chains and how acting in @TheGlobalGoals can allow them to make a difference NOW. They made “sustainability chains” with their own impact statements! #newart#worldgeochat
A4 #worldgeochat Dear Mr. Bowden, You are the reason I became a teacher. you died before it happened, but you were right there with me the entire journey.
https://t.co/Cahz5CauK9
A3 turn the class into a speakeasy with (root) beer and the Charleston while federal agent/principal knocks on the door and we all keep quiet as I keep him out since he doesn’t know the password #worldgeochat
A4: I actually just got weepy thinking about Mr. White, my 5th grade teacher. It's because of him I found that school isn't just about learning. It's about building connections, relationships, and finding yourself #worldgeochat
My Ss loved that book last year and some really wanted to try to build their own windmill. I think this year's group will really try to do it! #worldgeochat
A4 Dear Mr. D, Thank you for encouraging me and showing me that it's okay to like the weird and quirky parts of history. Thank you for showing me how awesome the past was and just how awesome Henry Clay was as well. #worldgeochat
A4 There have been a number of mentor-teacher along the way that have shaped who I am. To all of them, "thank you for influencing my students lives' through the lessons you have taught me, both in the classroom and outside of it. #worldgeochat
A4) Mr. Dudac, thank you for believing in me and making it all seem fun, even when I was failing miserably. I was excelling by the end and I've never forgotten that. #worldgeochat
He is the only person I know that had died of complication from HIV. No one knew that he was sick. He gave me my first copy of The Hobbit. I'm tearing up just thinking about him.... #worldgeochat
The more we think our middle (and high) school students are too grown up for play dough, toys, and other things is the moment we've let our culture steal their childhood. #worldgeochat
A4: Thank you Mrs. Counts-Henry for pushing me to be MY best and not settling to be like "all the other kids" & showing me how to hold myself accountable (which is hard for a 7th grader!) #worldgeochat
I would thank my 8th grade LA teacher for helping to foster my love of reading. I would also thank most of my HS Ts for being absolutely phenomenal as most were so passionate about their subjects. I want to show that same passion for my subject each day! #worldgeochat
A4: Another teacher, @MedfieldSS (Mrs. Emerson). You showed Gladiator in our 9th grade class and told us everything we watched was basically incorrect. That began my love for "history's mysteries," and my love for stories #worldgeochat
A4
Thankfully I was able to catch up with that favorite teacher a few weeks ago. 25 years later, I still think about Mr. Noel daily - his passion has infected me for life! #worldgeochat
A4;
Mr. Claus - you taught me how to be passionate about the world, and students. Thanks for taking me in as a new student in 4th grade and serving as a mentor through 12th
Mr. Haywood - you are the reason I fell in love with history and the state of Michigan.
#worldgeochat
All of these heartfelt shout outs to our teaching inspirations is making me well up a bit... Chopping onions right now was not a well thought out idea.... #worldgeochat GOLD STAR TO ALL A4 RESPONSES!
A4 thank you Mr. Moore for making me think it would be fun to be a middle school social studies teacher because by the time I got to you it was my least favorite subject #worldgeochat
A5: Perfect wishlist item would be actually removing all the desks and chairs and bring in more collaborative tables. I've got hexagons right now, and they're a challenge. #worldgeochat
A4. Thanks to my HS APUS teacher who believed in teaching us to use our (educated) voices and that a little simulation can go a long way! And he cared so much! #worldgeochat
A4: I was lucky enough to be able to tell my most influential teacher that he was so for me on the same night I was honored for being a most influential teacher by a former student. Best job!!! #worldgeochat
A5: Ss with a sense of wonder would be the only thing on my wish list ... no item can be bought that make Ss inquisitive, but Ss that love to ask Qs make for a fun & challenging class! #worldgeochat
A5: I would love to have some additional (old school) roll-down maps for my classroom mounted to my wall, tables rather than desks to enhance collaboration, an additional window to promote sanity! (we are a 1:1 so we already are very blessed) #worldgeochat
A5 - Flexible seating. I've recently started teaching at a new school and this is my first 1:1 experience. I would love to shift my room to flex seating to help meet the needs of all of my learners. #worldgeochat
#worldgeochat A4 Had the opportunity a few years ago to share my thoughts in a newspaper article about Mr. Shepherd, Mr. Wilson and Mr. Rucker. All 3 SS teachers guided me into this profession. Simply would say to them, “Thank you for your passion and love of the subject.”
A5 As an online teacher, my wishes are a bit different - I'd like to see less lag for my kiddos. Many do not have the strongest connection sometimes and it makes classes tricky. Also, self-advocacy! #worldgeochat
A5 can’t be too greedy having just received an influx of video equipment, but boy would some kind of industrial sized odor eater be nice... it IS a middle school after all #worldgeochat
A5: Perfect wishlist item: VR headsets -- one per student!! I'd love to decorate my room with no restrictions (mod podge maps to tables, hang things from ceilings, go all out with a "research style" room) #worldgeochat
A5 A rug, couble of reading lights, couch, still working on building a room that's different from all the others in my school. Tough sell to our custodian.#worldgeochat
A2 Geography is more than just maps! It includes multiple perspectives, culture, human environment interactions. It is spatial. Any primary source that can be used for history can be analyzed thru a geography lens. It. Is. The. Mother. Discipline. #worldgeochat
yup. It counts. We are teacher. That means we give 110% of ourselves to our students. tears are the visible signs of heart we have for them #worldgeochat
Oh my goodness, I couldn't agree more. A true student-directed year. What do you want to learn? How are you going to learn in? What are you going to do with it? #worldgeochat
I would actually give the opposite advice. I tried that activity one year. Orange juice all over all the things in the room... looked good on paper! #worldgeochat
Honestly, they've pushed me to wonder about things that go beyond our class ... just last week they were asking such amazing question re: Net Neutrality & govt. intervention #blewmymind#worldgeochat
A6 I got an email a few years ago. My former student was in college studying to become a geography teacher. It was a very surreal moment. #worldgeochat
He became so close to my family. My sister had him two years later, we visited him all the time, he helped my family through deaths, heartaches, and was there when we needed him most #worldgeochat
Letters, emails, and visits from former students. I was so lucky to have 3 former students come back and spend the day observing me. Hearing how former students are doing is the absolute best! #worldgeochat
A6: one of my Ss who I thought I was not reaching told me that he was going to miss my class bc it was his fave & he's learned so much #imnotgonnacry#worldgeochat
#worldgeochat A6 Being fortunate to have many great people of history speak to our students. They could easily say no but have continued to support our educational mission at North White.
A6: "Mr. George, thank you for everything." Students have no idea how much that means to me. I also love getting emails from former students. Seniors are always in a rush to leave (which I understand,) but I will miss so many of them. #worldgeochat
A6: Receiving a letter from a former student during Teacher Appreciation Week saying that she still remembered when I took time out of my schedule to help her. I still remember that as well. Burst into tears #worldgeochat
A6 #worldgeochat
One student wrote down all the funny moments that happened in class one year and presented me with a poster board of all the funny/stupid/weird things I would say in class.
I still have it.
A6 Started my school's student council last year and having a kiddo say you helped them grow in their confidence and belief in themselves made my year. Seeing the kiddo go from shy to leading a pep rally was amazing! #worldgeochat
A6 One Xmas season I asked Ss to write 1 thing they wanted as a gift on an index card. All but 1 was an item, and I planned to discuss our commercial culture with them. The one that wasn't an item said, "Peace in my family." His parents divorced shortly thereafter. #worldgeochat
When a former student came to pick up his little cousin and told me he's going to college and eventually law school because I made him watch the news in 7th grade and he wants to help the world. 😭😭😭😭😭 #worldgeochat#runonsentence
A6
The visits from past students. I'm going to lunch with a few that are now out of college next week and I'm so proud of them. They are amazing. They will change the world. They are why I teach.
#worldgeochat
It's a game-based learning program that allows Ss to create avatars that can level up via XP based on behavior & achievements that you set up & go on quests (which you create)! It's awesome! #worldgeochat
A7: DON'T SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF ... I feel like this is my resolution every semester, but I can't help it - I'm "soooo extra" (as my Ss would say!) #worldgeochat
A7: Focus more on the teachable moments and stress less on the pacing. Students are there to learn, not to become professional test-takers. Celebrate each child and ease up on the small stuff, we all have off days. All of us. #worldgeochat
A7 I really want to start getting into student produced media during the 2nd semester and into the future. 2018 would be a great time to start! Oh and exercise! #worldgeochat
A7: Ahhh all the tears tonight! I need to remember to breathe. From last December to now has been an emotional rollercoaster for me and it has seeped into my teaching. Be open with students, slow down, and enjoy the ride #worldgeochat
A7 A reemphasis on social justice issues & how they can be & need to be incorporated in all social studies disciplines. Reason: Do I really need to say (not sure should put a happy or sad face emoji)? #worldgeochat
YUP! Don't overdo it! Was disastrous last year for me (and it was only my second year as a teacher). Was almost ready to throw in towel... #worldgeochat
#worldgeochat A7 For every student at North White to participate in at least one Skype/Hangout. Times and schedules sometimes leave classes out. Also, to continue to build our knowledge of @Google Apps. Get Ts comfortable with building lessons in those apps.
it is as first, but I've been taking it slowly adding new features ... the Ss also loved by guinea pigs as I figured out how to use the program! #funtimes#worldgeochat
When a former student came to pick up his little cousin and told me he's going to college and eventually law school because I made him watch the news in 7th grade and he wants to help the world. 😭😭😭😭😭 #worldgeochat#runonsentence
A7 Trying to accept that every lesson won't be a homerun. I love our new curriculum yet every day is new. Some lessons fall flat. I need to try and be more accepting of that and not dwell on those but think of the all the new successes #worldgeochat
A7 Staying connected to this group. Gives me that inspiration we need in our field. I feel great that we as a group our fighting the good fight.#worldgeochat
A7 Staying connected to this group. Gives me that inspiration we need in our field. I feel great that we as a group our fighting the good fight.#worldgeochat
A6. The kind comments and notes mean the world to me. And when kids do bring gifts, they know what I care about most. This week I’ve already received three fair trade gifts and a cup from https://t.co/eYiCyM6iqe that gives a child water! #worldgeochat
I think we should discuss different calendar systems. https://t.co/IuDYIV7PsM#worldgeochat Maybe celebrate Chinese & Persian New Years in addition to our Gregorian one too.
#worldgeochat Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to everyone! Blessed to be part of a fine group of educators that are willing to share their success with each other!
A8 Would love to see some chats on resources & teaching about the Nat Geo Standards & essential elements. Also, teaching civil/human rights issues thru geography #worldgeochat
A heartfelt Thank You from all of us here at #worldgeochat. You have made us all better at understanding the unique challenges of #teaching#geography.
GOLD STAR to all of you!
Stay tuned - we are announcing our 2018 schedule over break. If you want to host a #worldgeochat - let us know! We're always looking for guest moderators!
Thank you to @GeoSpiegs for taking the lead on tonight's chat! Can't believe it's the last chat of the year! Thank you and happy holidays to all! #worldgeochat
a8 #worldgeochat
New tech in geography classrooms
PBL Geography-style
Best non-tech activities for student learning
How to get learning out into the community in a time of security paranoia
