I can’t remember a time I didn’t want to be a teacher. I became a teacher to share my love of learning and help develop people who are problem solvers, creative, confident community members! And I love working with kids of course! ❤️ #xplap
A1a) I became a teacher cause I sort of did it in college (lab assistant) and really liked it, also I was disappointed with working in a chemistry lab and not being able to do what I thought was right, just getting told what to do all the time. #xplap
A1: It provides me with a chance to make a difference every day! Knowing that you get to play a role in the lives of hundreds of capable, incredible kids - even if it is a minor role - is so inspiring. Plus, it’s incredibly fun! #XPLAP
A1: because it was the highest paying and most respected career...no? Okay, the kids. I wanted to help them understand how to fail and grow and learn, to feel important and necessary, to be creative and to contribute. #xplap
A1: As a child, I either wanted to be a police officer, or a teacher. Both careers help people, but I always used to make my little brother and sister come be in "school" with me. (I was the teacher of course). Helping others is at the core of whole I am! #XPLAP
A1: I became a teacher because that is all I ever wanted to do. I love to read and I set up an extra room in my house as a classroom when I was little girl. #XPLAP
A1: I always played school with I was younger, I worked w/young children growing up. I also had a handful of horrible teachers & someone once said we become who we are to revise or redo the bad that happened to us #xplap
A1: I've always wanted to be a teacher, and it's awesome! I get to hang out with super fun people all day while talking about my interests in social studies. What could be better? #xplap
A1: I laughed at the 1st teacher that told me I should be a teacher! Then Sr year I helped a teacher going through a rough time and fell in love with being in his 6th grade class! #XPLAP
A1: Big stuff for 280 chars.
I was naturally inclined to helping and working with others. I enjoyed tutoring, etc. I love the people, and variety of the day to day! I stay teaching because well, it's pretty awesome. :) #xplap
A1: Miss Ponti, my third (and 6th) grade teacher was AMAZING. She made me want to come to school. She cared about not only my academics, but my home life. She encouraged me when I felt defeated. I want to be someones Miss Ponti #XPLAP
A1: I became a teacher because I love the idea of shaping the future by helping kids discover the power within themselves… However, it wasn’t my first degree. #XPLAP
A1: I loved my 1st grade teacher and wanted to be just like her. I also love working with students and being around kids. They are so creative, full of life, energy, and excitement. #xplap
A1: I became a teacher because I love watching kids discover knowledge skills they never knew they had. The moment of discovery/creativity/inspiration is why became a teacher. #XPLAP
A1: I was substitute teaching and had so much fun! I've always loved school. I student taught in 3rd grade, but they didn't laugh at my jokes. Now I've been in 5th grade for 15 years and I have fun every day! #xplap
A1: I really do like it. I was fortunate enough to take over the first grade job from my first grade teacher in my hometown. I love seeing the next generation of kids learning. #XPLAP
✨A1: I can’t explain it...it was FATE! Bachelors in advertising, masters in business, then found myself in teaching! I love working with kids, being creative, and building lifelong relationships! IT was meant to be!
❤️💜💙💚💛🧡❤️💜💙💚💛🧡
#XPLAP
A1: Someone believed in me & was my cheerleader. Someone saw the good in me. Someone cheered me when I was sad. Someone made me see my value. Someone told me being smart was beautiful. Someone made me love myself. I want to do that for someone else-it's everything. #XPLAP
I was a science TA in college. I had great professors. That is when I realized that it could be so much more than what I experience in Middle School. #XPLAP
A1: I wanted to become a teacher because I wanted to make a difference in kids' lives. Kids love to try new things and aren't afraid to take risks. Plus every day is different. #xplap
A1 I became a teacher because I loved history thanks to my 8th grade history teacher, and I wanted to help students find the same joy in learning about about it! I also love that teaching allows me to be creative! #xplap
A1 I grew up in a working class family. Teaching was a way into the middle class. I went into,History because I was good at it (in HS) and fell in love with it in college when I had great Profs that taught me HOW to do it. Now I want to share that last part #xplap
A1: Love changing kids’ lives! I wanted to teach and reach as many as possible after getting some experience working with kids through coaching. #XPLAP
A1 I became a teacher bc my 2nd grade teacher made the world of a difference for me - and I wanted to do that for others. I wanted to make sure no one struggled like I did as a student. And today, I LOVE what I do with a passion 💜 #XPLAP
A1: I became a teacher to contribute back to my town. Small town in Alberta, Canada and I'm able to contribute to the next generation. It wasn't my first career choice (degree in paleontology as well) but I can't imagine doing anything else #XPLAP
A2: Favorite part of every day is greeting the kids at the door every morning! I love knowing they love being there and I’m a small part of why. #xplap
a2) going away parties from my first classes when I had to leave. performances by the students, cool stuff we've built, one groups double decker rocket not working at all, Ss trying to get hot air balloons to lift off (all failed at it), one student beating me at kahoot #xplap
A2 My favorite thing is when I create a lesson or challenge that gets the students pumped up!! I love when they have fun while they are learning! #xplap
A2: My favorite moments are when I get to try something new with my students, my students are using skills I’ve taught them to do amazing things, and when I get to just be and have fun with my students! #xplap
A2 It's all of the little stuff that happens in between classes. Chats in the hall, fun clubs, and random performances. Embrace everything about the experience, not just what happens in the classroom walls. #XPLAP
A2: my happy moments at school are when I am my goofy silly self with my students and we can have fun learning all together. Then we are all laughing, learning, and having fun! I love watching students laugh and interact with each other as well. #xplap
A2: My favorite thing? Have fun! School isn't always fun, but I try my hardest to make it that way. I love talking to my students and other teachers and getting to know people. #xplap
A2: I LOVE talking to my students. Whether its an intellectual debate about early US politics or a silly conversation about a dream they had, they always have such fresh, interesting things to say. Hearing their opinions, insights, and random musings fills my day with joy! #XPLAP
When I went to college I had never been taught something simple like the difference between Primary and Secondary sources... I want to make sure that doesn't happen anymore #xplap
A2: I love the laughs, the stories and connections I share with them. when they want to tell me about their day, whether it was good or bad. the drawings and cards they make me, the aha moments, and when they get frustrated but are willing to talk it through. #xplap
A2: my happy moments at school are when I am my goofy silly self with my students and we can have fun learning all together. Then we are all laughing, learning, and having fun! I love watching students laugh and interact with each other as well. #xplap
A2: Favorite part and happy moments come when I see a Ss lightbulb go off. Their face lights up, and you know that they understand the topic/question. I also love to laugh! Telling jokes w/ss is a must! I enjoy our daily banter. #XPLAP
A2: I love the surprise. The innovation of those go to students and the unexpected performances from those whose potential you know is lying underneath but too often doesn't emerge. When they shine, you shine #XPLAP
A2 My happy and favorite moments are the ahas, talking and laughing with my students, the moment when you see the door opening and they discover something new and want to explore further, and walking into my class and knowing that I'm there to shape the future. #xplap
A2: My favorite parts are laughing with kids, turning kids onto books or authors that I love, talking with kids, laughing with them, the lightbulb moments, creating experiences they won't forget, and laughing with them (I said that already, didn't I?). #XPLAP
I WISHED I had teachers like your 8th grade teacher and I am sure yourself. The only History I like now is actually going and experiencing it at museums or specific historical locations. #XPLAP
A2: I LOVE talking to my students. Whether its an intellectual debate about early US politics or a silly conversation about a dream they had, they always have such fresh, interesting things to say. Hearing their opinions, insights, and random musings fills my day with joy! #XPLAP
Yes!! I haven't done it in a while! I think my George Washington costume will have to come out soon! We are starting our unit on the first five presidents next week! #xplap
A2: I like most of my day, but one of my favorite is chapter book time. I read a lot of the classics and my favs to my first graders-we just started Charlie and the Chocolate Factory! #XPLAP
A2: I love my team… We have been known from time to time to take a prep to play a game together… @AGoTeach@KamFultz and @BradDunning you know what I am talking about. #XPLAP
Please don’t!! I literally just crawled into bed myself and just popped in to say hi! :) LOVE that your daughter made the questions though, seriously awesome! #XPLAP
A2: My favorite part of my day is talking to a kid about something they love and finding a way to work it into class. I also love to laugh with the students. Today they learned that I do not have a future career as a pop star backup dancer. #xplap
I don't know that I have a "favorite thing", but I love it when fun, excitement and learning all collide in one great package. It makes learning and leading a synergetic event full of wonder. #XPLAP
A2: (2) the people I work with also make my job a pleasure to be at. We laugh, listen, brainstorm, and help. Our team is a family that I'm lucky to be a part of #xplap
A2: May seem off the cusp, but my grandfather made window benches for my classroom. My colors are black, white, and teal, so I painted them black and teal inside. My students and I LOVE hanging out and learning on the benches! Oh, and laptops, of course! #XPLAP
A2: At school, what makes me happy is listening to kids tell stories. I have a whole folder of soundbites. For example a student said, “I was so excited to show everyone my shoes, but they were like cantaloupe in a fruit salad...as no one paid them any attention.” #xplap
✨A2: Co-teaching with @DebDiToro is my absolute FAVE! We have so much fun together! It’s so awesome to have a passionate and high energy educator to collaborate with on a daily basis!
👊👊👊👊👊👊👊👊👊👊👊#XPLAP
The best teachers are the most transparent and honest ones. With everything. There’s a reason kids trust some teachers and not others. Trust goes a long way! Also, I’ve told kids I’m not better than you, I simply have more life experience. #xplap
A3: I check Twitter, Pinterest, and simply think "What would be different and mind boggling to do with this"... Sometimes it happens, sometimes it doesn't, but at least I'm trying! #xplap
Yes, there are a handful of people I work with who are a pleasure to work with. Whether we are deconstructing Game of Thrones or discussing ways to differentiate a lesson to support diverse Ss in our classroom #xplap
A2: (2) the people I work with also make my job a pleasure to be at. We laugh, listen, brainstorm, and help. Our team is a family that I'm lucky to be a part of #xplap
A3: inspiration is everywhere from our PLNs, books, movies, students, friends, advertisements...truly everywhere if you're willing to keep your eyes and mind open. #xplap
A3: Talking to colleagues that I have worked with over the years. I also have been growing my incredible pln on Twitter. I love that educators from across the US (and beyond!) share ideas. #XPLAP
A3: This year a lot of my ideas have come from this amazing PLN! Tapping into my passions for Indiana Jones, comics, the national parks, & games have all been great inspirations too! #XPLAP
My #PLN has become my savior! Connecting and learning about various teaching resources has really amplified my instruction and student engagement. I know the right pedagogies, I just didn't know the tools until a year ago when I start Tweeting! #XPLAP
A1 loved school ever since I can remember. Building relationships with students and parents has become my passion. It's also a family affair: brother, sister-in-law, my wife, and long time family friend are teachers in the same district.#XPLAP
A3: I come up with ideas through all my #TeacherFriends on Twitter and coworkers, following blogs. Basically sharing ideas and bouncing ideas off each other helps make my ideas stronger. #xplap
A3: I get so many great ideas from Twitter. However, I think most of my ideas come from seeing what works with students in the past. Activities that they love in some years- I repeat them and make them even better. #XPLAP
A3: My ideas come from everywhere! My PLN, my own kids, my husband, my hobbies, movies, books, etc. They come to me at night, while I’m driving, while having conversations with others, and even in the shower! #xplap
A3: I think it is from all of you guys… Directly… you share them on #XPLAP, #XPLAPcamp, Youtube Channel comments and #WellPlayed Podcasts… Indirectly, you push me to come up with more and share more. Thank you all! Could do it without you all!
A3: The playful part of my brain develops my best ideas in the classroom. I channel my inner-child and think about what I would think was fun as a student. Then I use my education and training to make it fun AND enriching! #XPLAP
PLN's on twitter and the whole #XPLAP community. So many blogs, vlogs, and other resources! and then, of course, the kids. When they start asking "why not..." I really listen. #XPLAP
My highlight today was when one of my amazing students (and they are all awesome and amazing) made these portraits for our classroom walls of famous writers #xplap
A3: I try hard not to forget what it was to be a kid and what it means to have fun learning. Also, I play games whenever I can! Games give me inspiration and ideas to teach. Every time! #xplap
A2: pt 1 - Everymorning I walk into a volunteer group of students who run the video morning announcements. Every day, 1/2 hour before school they show up, write and record.Just because. My happy moments are seeing the kids step up, become leaders and do something awesome. #xplap
Not a tv show, but proving inspiration is everywhere. After going to Disney with the family in December, I've been rolling around this idea to incorporate a sort of pin trading into my game. #xplap
✨Q3: EVERYWHERE I LOOK...
there is the potential for awesome and relevant ideas to use in my classroom! If something looks fun and I love it, I ask myself, “How could I use that to engage students and make learning a little more fun?”✨
#XPLAP
A2 Pt2: After school, I have 68 kids in our robotics program (grades 6-12, not all show up every day) I love seeing them help each other, build, innovate and Rock #SeaPerch Students working towards passion and discovering. My favorite part of the day, is all day. #XPLAP
A2: pt 1 - Everymorning I walk into a volunteer group of students who run the video morning announcements. Every day, 1/2 hour before school they show up, write and record.Just because. My happy moments are seeing the kids step up, become leaders and do something awesome. #xplap
A3 look, listen, and learn. Never be too proud. Want to be like that teacher/coach that has been in the business for 40 years but is so pragmatic that they'll listen to ideas from a rookie. #XPLAP
A3: I am INSPIRED by this amazing #xplap PLN and the world around me. Somethings just pop into my mind and others I think about for a while until the idea comes to brew
A3: This is the toughest for me. I actively participate in cosplay, gamification and game campaigns, but a lot of what I do is "mimic". I am trying to push myself to be more original in my design and lesson planning #XPLAP
A3 inspiration is everywhere, we just have to been open to it! Love being inspired by my students and their interests, my PLN, reading blogs and books, my colleagues, and really just about anything else! Take those ideas and run with them!! #XPLAP
A3: Rarely do I come up with ideas on my own. I’ve been blessed with great teaching partners and mentors over the years! At the end of the day, it’s about delivering lessons with enthusiasm and conviction. Letting them know why they need to know something helps, too. #xplap
Not a tv show, but proving inspiration is everywhere. After going to Disney with the family in December, I've been rolling around this idea to incorporate a sort of pin trading into my game. #xplap
A4: I listen to them, sympathize and offer what help I can. They don’t always want to talk about it, but I let them know I am there for them if they need me. #XPLAP
A4: First, ask questions. Then brighten their day with a handwritten note, finding a book they’d like and keeping a copy reserved for them in my room. Even just a high five! I tell kids my high-fives are worth money in Zambia. #XPLAP
A4: Sometimes games don't cut it. Sometimes sadness overcome all kind of goofy thing you can throw at them. So, sometimes, my only weapon, is listening. I try hard to ALWAYS listen. On an ESL community this is HARD, but it's always worth it. #xplap
A4: Most student just appreciate some time being spent with them to talk. Showing that I genuinely care by inquiring about the issue they are experiencing and letting them know I am here to help them through it. ##XPLAP
A4: I make sure to create a safe space where students feel loved, supported, and that they can feel however they must… Together we get to the other side of it. Building relationships is key! #XPLAP
A4: I listen first and then talk. Sometimes just giving a smile or a thumbs up is enough to get a smile. No matter the kind of day, my kids always get their choice of knuckles, high five, handshake, or hug to say see you start over tomorrow. #XPLAP
A4 Sometimes I will start a run of asking horrible things I know it is not, but would be worse. “Did someone get their leg eaten off by a badger? Oh, did large metal robot step on your families car?” Usually breaks the ice and they giggle through tears. #xplap
Thank, Michael! Thank, Carrie! I've visited https://t.co/ZuazWTkNBv and lurked around #xplap. I only wished I found them sooner^^' I have tons of newbie questions and really happy to discover this community! :)
In reply to
@HeckAwesome, @mrmatera, @MrsLedford6Eng, @tishrich, @YouTube
Got my littlest man fed & changed before #XPLAP was done this week, but I'm drained. Someday I'll join the live chats again instead of next day browsing. Doing some quick lurking before bed. Theme this week is great! @mrmatera has a great side kick :)
This is so true, everywhere you look is an idea to game it up, bring fun into the classroom - I am working on a Google Scavenger Hunt for @AMNH field trip w/Ss next month - inspired to create meaningful field trip experience #xplap
A3 inspiration is everywhere, we just have to been open to it! Love being inspired by my students and their interests, my PLN, reading blogs and books, my colleagues, and really just about anything else! Take those ideas and run with them!! #XPLAP
A4: I make sure to create a safe space where students feel loved, supported, and that they can feel however they must… Together we get to the other side of it. Building relationships is key! #XPLAP
Glad to have you here… Each week we dive into some fun and different topics! #Gamification is the main topic but we are always open to pushing our thinking … Hope you come back. #XPLAP
A4: Eventually you want to find out why they’re sad. More importantly than this though is the relationship you have with them before it all. Makes it easier to reach them. I’ve said for years “kids don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care!” #XPLAP
A4: I usually start with a " I got ya" or "I'm here for you", try to talk them through it, and most importantly try to make them laugh/smile by being my silly self! #XPLAP
A4: I also have a break bench in my room where my kids can take a 3 minute break with the calm down tools and then it lets to know to go, talk to them, and help them to regroup. #XPLAP
Find the strengths/interests of every student - talk with them beyond just school or your class. Greet Ss at the door. Food helps some, but listening, supporting, being present is key #XPLAP
A3 inspiration is everywhere, we just have to been open to it! Love being inspired by my students and their interests, my PLN, reading blogs and books, my colleagues, and really just about anything else! Take those ideas and run with them!! #XPLAP
Well #xplap It has been fun but I need to get ready for bed!! Glad I got to hang out for a little bit!! I think it will be easier to stay up after the time change!!
A5 Sometimes good, old-fashioned RANDOMNESS.
In situations that require a bit more logic, I'll try to group up students based on their personality profiles they did in the beginning of the year. #XPLAP
A5: It depends on the nature of the activity! I want my Ss to expand their horizons, step out of their comfort zones, and hear new opinions. But sometimes Ss work best with their friends when it’s time to be creative! It varies based on the kids, the activity, and the day! #XPLAP
A5: Well, there is this thing called the Array Inventory (think Harry Potter Character Personalities or Winnie the Pooh Characters) - which one are you? A group of Tiggers all together might be a party but they will not get much done. Need to consider this (1/2) #xplap
A5 sometimes you get to work with people who are interested in the same things, if not you you make the best of it. Sometimes you find you things in common #XPLAP
A5: Sometimes it’s random, sometimes it’s intentional, sometimes I want you to make the best choice for you. It’s important to work with different people with different skills and stories than your own. #XPLAP
A5: I follow the momentum and purpose of the lesson. Sometimes we just need to yell answers together, give sign language A,B,C,D symbols, most times I try to take and equal amount of volunteers and reluct answers! #XPLAP
A5: I often do random sorting (spreadsheet grouper, popsicle sticks, etc.), but sometimes I tweak the groups a bit as I get to know the kids more to put them in productive groups. #XPLAP
A5: Usually don’t get a lot of choice, but super grateful for the team I work with. Everyone is kid-focused & an awesome educator. Anytime we can collaborate we go for it! SO to @msschutz@rachelkschrag@MrMartin202#XPLAP
A5: My grouping depends on the task and goals. Sometimes I group people of like abilities and sometimes as peer helpers. #ClassDojo has a great grouping tool as well that I use. And sometimes I let mine choose. #XPLAP
A5: I have thee table groups, with about 8 ss pe group. My goal is for collaboration, and for ss to ask another ss for help, w/o feeling embarrassed. I change table groups maybe once a month. I recently let ss pick their own lit circle group. #XPLAP
A5: (2/2) Mix it up, you don't always want to work with friends but need to also get outside comfort zone - at the same time, must facilitate positive communication & collaboration #xplap
A5: That's one of my favorite things to do. I usually let kids tell me who they would like to work with and who they wouldn't. Then I try to balance everyone's thoughts with who I know they will work with best. #xplap
A5 Sometimes I put two students in a group together and think, "This is either going to be AMAZING or A MOMENT I FOREVER REGRET."
So, Mila, sometimes groups are for purely entertainment purposes... #XPLAP
A5 So many different reasons! Because I think they can help each other, because I want to challenge them, to help students connect, to have them work with different types of people. And sometimes it's just random. :) #XPLAP
A5: I often use a tool I called Super grouper… It is part of the Mega Pack… It helps me group my students all the time. Can list who can’t be put with each other and the software does the rest. Can make balanced gender groups if you wish… Super nice. #XPLAP
A5: I often do random sorting (spreadsheet grouper, popsicle sticks, etc.), but sometimes I tweak the groups a bit as I get to know the kids more to put them in productive groups. #XPLAP
A5: Totally misread the question. I base groups off of similar interests, various skills, & sometimes random chance. Ss can also use items they have earned to affect group size & members. #XPLAP
A5 Sometimes I put two students in a group together and think, "This is either going to be AMAZING or A MOMENT I FOREVER REGRET."
So, Mila, sometimes groups are for purely entertainment purposes... #XPLAP
A5: I shake it up… Students choice sometimes… Bartle Test results other times… I also use a deck of cards… Not to mention I also do an NFL snake draft where top game players draft their teams. #XPLAP
✨A5: YOU PICK! I give choice, why not? I typically ask them to choose a group of 0-3. That allows students to work alone, or with 1 or 2 partners!
🌼🌼🌼🌼🌼🌼🌼🌼🌼🌼🌼🌼#XPLAP
A5: it varies how we do groups. Most times I let the students vote. Otherwise we use @ClassDojo to determine random groups (they Love this). But having and working with different groups is important so Ss don't just work w their friends but learn how to work w all Ss. #xplap
A5: We do a ton of mixing of groups and team building in our MasterChef bootcamp. Winning teams each challenge get mystery XP. At end of bootcamp, Ss scratch off badges to determine team leaders for draft pick. adapted from a idea from @mrmatera#xplap
A6 Yes! I believe students should be able to contextualize their learning in a project that is MEANINGFUL to them & they can use later on in their life. Free choice gives them that chance #XPLAP
A6: Yes, I do offer free choice time. When ss are done with an assignment, they can "read around the room" where they can pick anywhere in the class to read. Some ss play with Dash and Dot, where others might play with @Sphero. I also have paper/pens/crayons available.#XPLAP
A6: YES! My students LOVE "free" time or choice time where they get the time to play around and explore. It's so important for students to play. We have built in time every morning and then extra time at the end of the day or on Fridays. #xplap
A6: This year I have tried to build in about 10-20 minutes of “Workshop” time in each class. Students can work on homework, quests, or reassessments during that time. It really helps kids take ownership of their learning. #XPLAP
A6: YESSS!!! But free choice time and even free choice days have to sometimes be purposeful. Then, of course, there are times where you’ve earned the right to do what you want (typically at the end of the day on a Friday!) within reason. 😁 #XPLAP
A6: There isn't a specific time, but free choice time is so critical to student's development. I give students free "build" time to use whatever supplies they have to create an innovative tool, art piece, or invention. #XPLAP
A6: This year I have tried to build in about 10-20 minutes of “Workshop” time in each class. Students can work on homework, quests, or reassessments during that time. It really helps kids take ownership of their learning. #XPLAP
A6: I’ve never done it full-scale. Ss always have choices on projects, but not a full-on free choice time. Really want to incorporate it soon though. Curriculum is pretty tight here though, hard to carve out time for Genius Hour etc. #XPLAP
A6: We just finished a week and a half writing mini -unit where students picked their writing genre. I try to give students choice whenever possible and let them incorporate their interests in what they do. #XPLAP
I like keeping it fresh. Sometimes you get to chose your own,sometimes, It's random, sometimes i 'strategically' place students in groups. #xplap@AmyAmyorr (questions from a 1st grader)
A6: I think when you build your class with the right game mechanics and students/players feel agency within the classroom all moments feel a bit free and like they are approaching the task as a choice and are empowered to do their best. #XPLAP
A6: I also have a full on #flexibleseating#Flexlearningspaces in my classroom! Standing tables, large rugs, bathrom rugs, bucket seats, tables with no leg extendors. They LOVE choosing their learning space. Helps eliminate some wiggles too. #xplap
A6: My students have choice in the last half hour of their reading block almost every day of the week. We also do something called PowerTime where students have Approved Choice Friday. #XPLAP
Have them try https://t.co/EelkmLqrCy it is epic… They can get a lot of clues by looking around at the surroundings… I do weekly winners for some game points sometimes. #XPLAP
Jet Lag + starting off 2nd semester with new kiddos has taken it's toll on this girl! Sorry, I've been quiet tonight! So inspired by this amazing #xplap fam! Thanks Mila & @mrmatera for an amazing chat!
Some of our kids have a rougher life than many of us can imagine. Having compassion and being a stable positive influence for kids can help bring them along and make them brave enough to succeed. The connections we make are the most important part of our day. #XPLAP
This is my first year with this. I have been taking classes on trauma and I was trying to be proactive with a kiddo I knew I had coming this year. It has helped us form a pretty good relationship. #XPLAP
A7 Know their names, know what is important to them & bring up their life with them! Ideally I know enough about my students through talking w/ them or having them share about themselves digitally (like @Flipgrid & other mediums) #XPLAP
Awesome, thanks. I have 40 min periods but we are looking to revise the schedule. I would love to have one 90 period once a week to work w/my kiddos #xplap
A7: This year I have made sure to be out in the hall greeting them all. I say hi to current, former, and future students. Additionally, I put some nice and fun music on in the classroom. Gets them excited to learn for the day. #XPLAP
A7: We do something called "Today in Hagedornia" where one student volunteers an inspirational quote for us to follow throughout the day. I write it on the board and go over any schedule changes. #XPLAP
A7: I always stand by the door and say good morning to each student. At the end of the day, I stand by the door and say goodbye, and ss either give me a hug or fist bump :) #XPLAP
and I left allowing the kids the opportunities to make connections with each other. We provide opportunities for them to form memories together. :) #xplap
I am so late for #xplap tonight. Looking forward to reading everything. Also, I wrote about my kids' beginning of semester ARG experience at https://t.co/smCo8IxGDn if anyone wants to look. #GBL
A7: I smile at my students when they walk in and all students get a special hug and a personalized hello, comment, question from me. It helps set our day off on the right foot. #xplap
A7 I try to greet them at the door every day, usually w/ hi 5's, daps, whatever. A little chitchat if we have the chance. Also, I have official student greeters too. #XPLAP
A7: I greet them at the door with an enthusiastic “hello” and ask how their day is going! It shows that I care, gives them an outlet to chat about anything that is on their mind, and helps me “read the room” to determine how I can best approach my lesson! #XPLAP
A7: Stand by the door everyday and welcome every student. Ask a question or state an observation to help Ss know I can, I am interested, you matter #xplap
A7: My kids go out for morning mindfulness every morning and then wait at the classroom door for me to open it with a smile and a short discussion on our goals for the day. I then collect word lists,notes, etc, and they enter the room based on numbers to choose flex seats.#XPLAP
A6: I do, and it can be effective, but also without the proper structure it can be wasted class time (busy work looking like effective work). I'm still trying to figure out exactly what has made the successful days the most successful! They like to keep me in the dark #XPLAP
Thanks for letting me host tonight… I look forward to reading this tomorrow… Check out https://t.co/SB0FREshu7 for more ideas and even a game review or two from me! Subscribe to support and join this new #XPLAP#PLN
My favorite way is to greet them at the door with a smile and a hi, then have the "Joke of the Day" on the board. It goes away as soon as the bell rings and is replaced by the warm-up, but I like to start with a smile. #XPLAP
A7 - Smile, look them in the eye, and genuinely say "I'm so glad to see you today!" No matter what happened the day before - start each day fresh! (and make sure I've had my 1st cup of coffee ☕️) #xplap
