#mschat Archive
A chat that offers middle school teachers a chance to have a collaborative discussion about a different topic each week. Our topics change from week to week, ranging from Common Core State Standards to Character Education. During the chat, participants exchanges ideas and resources. The chat group ranges in size each week from 10 to 50+ participants. Discussion can be general talking about instructional style or process to specific. Recently members of the chat group help each other create lessons.
Thursday March 3, 2016
Welcome to our and tweet-up! Please introduce yourselves and be sure to use both hashtags tonight.
I am Heather Singmaster from Asia Society. I will be moderating / tonight together with !
A1) Elijah Gersims, freshman secondary ed. and history major at Grove City College.
Hey, it's Dan Sadowsky from , ready to watch reactions to my largely pre-programmed tweets!
Brian MS EL teacher Minnesota
And you may want to open two columns in Hootsuite or Tweetdeck tonight - one for and one for just in case.
Hello ! Tara from Northern Cali here! HS Global English teacher and
Elijah Gersims, freshman secondary ed. and history major at Grove City College.
Bill Ivey, Middle School Dean, Humanities 7 teacher, and Rock Bands teacher, from in Western Mass.
Dan Giddings Lead Teacher / IB Coordinator from MI fellow
good evening! michael, middle school teacher in columbus oh, excited to chat tonight w/ 2 hashtags
Hi. Penny from Virginia popping in and out for joint chat tonight
Dru here, Dir of Middle Level Services w/ MS & HS ELA/Reading/SS teacher & MS & ES admin https://t.co/GXbOfRvgEV
Welcome to our and tweet-up! Please introduce yourselves and be sure to use both hashtags tonight.
Hi! Christie, middle school math teacher & dept chair from suburban Chicago.
Hi Michael - yes, it's always an extra challenged to include two hashtags in so few characters! and
thanks!! glad to be here!
Thx, Heather! Appreciate you facilitating the tweet up 2nite. https://t.co/kPFhryANcH
Hi Dru - great to have you on!
Jeremy from Connecticut, parent of middle schooler and an education communications professional.
Good evening, & ! Jason in Iowa City.
extra terse but just as poignant
happy to do it! will be joining later as well!
Hi. Jane, middle school maths in Duluth, MN.
A1: I think all global skills, but recognizing other perspectives may be especially important at that stage in life!
a1: Just 1? TAKE ACTION! MS Ss love to think globally and act locally - give them a chance to change the world!
A1) MS is when students really start to be encouraged to have an open mind about perspectives about the world.
A1: investigating the world. Novels, social studies discussions, etc. help Sts to learn abt the way others live.
A1) Not sure if it is the best fit but the sooner Ss can Investigate the world, the more they can think outside MI
A1: Examing others perspectives. It is important to make a better world. Lends itself in multiple content areas too.
A1 Is it cheating to say "all of them"? That said, service and concerts aside, my weak spot is "take action."
So true about other perspectives. That can be hard for adults sometimes. Earlier the better
A1 Empathy that drives Ss to think globally and act locally
A1 I teach 9th so I like when they come to me with some basic research and communication skills
Invgt the wrld Having taught overseas I would love to connect my kids intern'ly but have strted locally w googlechat
... and connects really well to their natural search for identity. I would probably *start* there.
do you have to act globally to change the world?
Maybe its a trick a question - you can pick more than 1!
no, that's the point - get them to make change on a local level and see how it pays itself forward
Take Action can be the most challenging I think - a lot of planning and motivation involved!
A1: Investigating the world, understanding perspectives, communicating across cultures, digital literacy!
I wouldn't say so - in fact, some of the most significant changes start small and local.
A1 understanding diverse perspectives, interconnections, critical analysis skills, media literacy
But keeping a global perspective is key. So much of what we do local effects global
Good way to build a sense of community.
Yes - I agree! Plus so many local issues are tied to global issues. https://t.co/jy0dVNTUQi
no, that's the point - get them to make change on a local level and see how it pays itself forward
A1: I agree w/opportunity for all, but investigate the world & perspectives can help build open-mindedness @ early age
Q2: What are the challenges of including global issues and content in middle school?
Q2: What are the challenges of including global issues and content in middle school?
A1: Diversity, Cultural awareness are naturals for Middle School
They're so used to not being taken seriously by the world, they mayn't expect their action to be noticed.
We all would've been better off starting earlier, no doubt!
A1+: I think a key in taking action is St buy-in. If they don't care, then the action isn't as powerful.
It's tough in a small northern mn town to get kids to care about the bigger world My Tanzanian experience helps
It also helps them with perspective "You want peace in the mid.east, but you won't apologize to scott"
A2: Challenges are from the community: Some members are scared of exposure to certain issues
A2) When I worked in Chicago, some Ss hadn't left the city. Hard to think globally without ability to see beyond city.
This is a great question for students and our own kids. And us. https://t.co/K0VaMppVVR
do you have to act globally to change the world?
A2 Mostly that the world is so huge and there are so many cultures. We can seek diversity, but always a small sample.
Perhaps by having them present what they are learning to authentic audiences via technology may help with that?
A2: Finding time & resources is always a challenge. We will address the resource question toward the end of the chat. /
a2: Ts need to 'lose control' and let Ss take over - you can't tackle big issues without Ss leading
A2: for me it can be content vocabulary. I teach EL. The Ss love dealing with issues though.
We do Cultural Sharing & that helps kids discover their identities
I am really incredibly lucky in my little intersectionally feminist corner of Western Mass.
True, I have students in Warren, who have never left their neighborhood so Hard to THINK BIG but needs to happen
Keeping it student-centered is always key! Well said https://t.co/tidMu1crGE
a2: Ts need to 'lose control' and let Ss take over - you can't tackle big issues without Ss leading
That is why we like to say we should focus on the global skills students need - no one can learn every culture!
It is I'd like to connect them with TZ Still working that out
Oooh, that=gr8 question! Can a local effort B enough 2 change the world? Redefine world? https://t.co/oQdmrmQ9PD
do you have to act globally to change the world?
A2 Time Ts have, testing requirements & lack of resources, which take time to get
It would help, but really, it's getting them to commit that's the hard part.
A2) Ss already have a predetermined view of the world based on their surroundings. It's hard to break them past that.
A2 teaching open mindedness is tough. We need to inspire a curiosity for exploration
A2: Challenge is for students to not focus on their issues to gain empathy on the global issues
It's so great when you can bring your own experience to the classroom!
Digital citizenship = Global citizenship. Tech makes us global learners faster. https://t.co/EUpAqFUcwk
A1: Investigating the world, understanding perspectives, communicating across cultures, digital literacy!
It is SO int. to see what Sts think of as "normal"! My Chicago Sts think I'm making up stuff about my sm hometown in MI.
We need to start small with trips outside the city and work your way out! :)
Yup! In fact, my Humanities 7 course (and Rock Bands) have zero zip nada required content - only skills.
Very true, that is why MS is such an important time to reach them.
And yet, it's truly "our last best chance" to help them learn about alternate perspectives.
I think it's great! So awesome for Sts to see how powerful $25 can be to others.
Hello folks in the We hope you'll be around in 40 min for our chat about inquiry
I know that does awesome work with in his middle school
Q3: Are there particular global issues that resonate with middle school students or the standards?
Q3: Are there particular global issues that resonate with middle school students or the standards?
A2:Building relevancy, teaching for global competence not only globalization,& going beyond surface discuss of culture
A2. Helping all stakeholders C the relevance of global issues so understand why need 2B taught https://t.co/9SXhUcqFuk
Q2: What are the challenges of including global issues and content in middle school?
he came to RPS earlier and presented interesting. more research not sure if good.
A3 We have no content-based standards. ;-)
Anything to do with justice and fairness always resonates.
A2) Content is dynamic. The world will change repeatedly by the time they reach high school. https://t.co/Gm3aNJNz5N
Q2: What are the challenges of including global issues and content in middle school?
a3: many MS students identify with animal issues - many of our Ss chose animals in their genius hr projects
I'm sure they're Skillz That Kills! https://t.co/fS1Gm3OIqV
Yup! In fact, my Humanities 7 course (and Rock Bands) have zero zip nada required content - only skills.
Quick reminder to please use both and hashtags!
A3: I think any global issue, if connected to a local issue and made relevant can resonate at the level.
What are your concerns, if you don't mind my asking?
A2 more: also hard 2 "convince" fellow Ts that global needs 2B part of daily teaching/learning https://t.co/TurnRWS4Uy
Q2: What are the challenges of including global issues and content in middle school?
A3 Convention on the Rights of the Child, Child labor/slavery issues, as it is their peer age
I teach math but have a map of the world up and talk the numbers of the world or how math is taught in other places
A3: I think MS students resonate when connecting with issue they see in their own community that exists else where on globe
A3) The more we can relate to cultures that don't include "old white guys" the better we can get everyone's attention.
A3: Students have empathy for their peers like hearing what it is like to be a student in other places on the globe
A3) It depends on how often they get involved with news and current events I suppose! But def. child slavery . . .
Q3: the election this year. Environmental issues and technology
A3 Connect a issue with one relevant to students' daily lives. Then they'll care more & do more about the issue
A3: My Sts seem to really respond to anything involving kids their age. (Mem. of a Boy Soldier, Sold, etc.)
Sorry late, just checking in. Colleen, 7th grade, SS, STL
A3: Water issues here in Metro Detroit with all that is going on in Flint
A3: Environment (need to move toward sustainability), human rights issues
Love any chance you can get to talk about math and the world. Great connection!
Again, I am lucky. We're an IB school, about 40% non-U.S. kids, and a global community by mission.
A3: It's important when we're teaching those engaging global issues, we're also not reinforcing single narratives
A3: My students have been looking at Earthquakes impact around the globe
Brett sliding in. 6th G SS in Iowa
Old, abled, middle/upper class, cishet white guys.
water issues seems to resonate with ms Ss
Fantastic! It seems that math is often the hardest for people to grasp when it comes to integrating
A3 Connect a issue w/ one relevant to students' daily lives. Then they'll care more & do more about the issue
I'd think that'd be particularly challenging at their age. Or is that a misconception?
My Ss are also vocal about concept of fairness and equality
Yes basic need of life: We often take it for granted
Hellos from Texas. Checking in from live Twitter Chat at
good reminder to get penpals started btwn TZ Ss & current Ss
Is an age issue for sure: But they can relate Just takes time and effort
Q4: How do we motivate our students to take action on Global skills/issues?
Q4: How do we motivate our students to take action on Global skills/issues?
Yes, teaching multiple perspectives is so important. Middle school students are ready for the challenge.
I am grateful for it EVERY day having lived with little in TZ
A3. All resonate if we illuminate universality in all experiences--no matter where they happen https://t.co/71IKBtfAnK
Q3: Are there particular global issues that resonate with middle school students or the standards?
Millennials & younger generation feel obligation to make the world a better place - so it makes sense to pose these issues to them.
That's a topic for us out here in Portland, OR too - since "the big one" is overdue...
We are getting there but it has taken a long time!
Q4: make it possible for them to see how they can impact the world.
because they've developed complex thinking but haven't decided what to think about it all?
I often see touching empathy in my school. Read-aloud fiction can be powerful that way.
A4 start small empower at local level to identify and use appropriate voice- build confidence& skills
A4: I think making a global issue relevant by tying it to a local issue, can inspire students to take action.
A4 We first teach that they CAN make a diff. in the big playground. My S's have hard time look past their 40 acres.
Perfect!!! They should be informed! Our project for our 12/13 ys old this school year
How perfectly does this describe middle school students? https://t.co/PqwmtBLA8v
because they've developed complex thinking but haven't decided what to think about it all?
YES the Cascadian Fault has been in the news lately... We saw it on CNN
A4 motivation can come from shared focus/project and also by modeling. have Ss find a project to support
A4: Re: skills, Meet real people for cross-cultural opportunities (tech, local organizations, neighborhoods).
A4: Provide them opportunities to research & learn & then give them the opportunity for action--St initiated.
A3 more: Resonance happens when Ss C the themes that transcend borders & time zones & cultures https://t.co/71IKBtfAnK
Q3: Are there particular global issues that resonate with middle school students or the standards?
How do we help them care about issues without overwhelming them?
A Long Walk to Water and A Long Way Gone are very powerful for . Also YA versions of Malaala and Enrique's Journey.
A4) Need to model it in the classroom. Even if it is just as simple as sharing pics & stories of what you have done
Yes, I'd totally agree. Also, more open to adults than many (not all!!!) high schoolers.
A4 make it something that they can relate to& resonates w/ Ss. Provide action plan steps. Model how2 use their "voice"
A4: Re:issues, relevancy to local & a future oriented approach: what will this look like in 5 years? 10? 20 years?
Yes! They need to build a knowledge base and then can formulate a plan based on interests/challenges
A4) Service learning projects are superb at getting Ss into the world and actively making a difference!
I want to learn more about digital waste! I need to study that unit :)
A4: Model, Model and share how others take action... Stories are great motivators
A4 Frame the issue into a local one, then encourage taking responsible action
A3 even more: but Ss must also recognize & appreciate importance of diff cultures, norms, etc https://t.co/71IKBtfAnK
Q3: Are there particular global issues that resonate with middle school students or the standards?
Q4 I think motivation to take action is inherent in Sts--the question is whether we create space for it to happen.
love to hear how the project is going!
Stories of other kids getting things done can help. Mr. Rogers' advice "Look for the helpers" pertinent here.
A4: it is part of this generations DNA to care - let's give them the chance to interact with their world!
Yes! Have you done any globally focused service learning projects? https://t.co/gCQJIzDg0S
A4) Service learning projects are superb at getting Ss into the world and actively making a difference!
A4: I love the idea of Ss doing local projects that have global connections. H2You project: https://t.co/Hx9Tw49Kug
A4: When students hear stories about issue around the global the can't help but want to DO something we just have to provide PATHS
Yes and we need to provide more opportunities for these projects!
. (among others) is a great source for this https://t.co/mTUtIkuHPd
A3: Students have empathy for their peers like hearing what it is like to be a student in other places on the globe
Perhaps let them focus on one issue that is of most interest to them?
At LUV, we focus on on issues such as access to energy, water, environmental issues
my 6th grader's learning to make an argument for aid to developing countries. It began from a story.
Still a preservice, but I plan on it! :)
Another gr8 one! Do MS Ss have a threshold 2B mindful of when teaching global issues? https://t.co/VeMUX0pXjB
How do we help them care about issues without overwhelming them?
Wish I had this freedom in my curriculum. https://t.co/otNbxMjZF3
my 6th grader's learning to make an argument for aid to developing countries. It began from a story.
Good pt abt already motivated.Imp. acts are informed,ethical,responsible & work w/pple they aim to help
Awesome! YES, It is best when they create paths often need a model to follow!
Q5: How have you integrated global content into your classroom?
Nope not cheating but can't do them all at once. More like cross-cutting themes to embed at different times
Q5: How have you integrated global content into your classroom?
Yes--"glocal" approaches provide aves for action & kids see global probs are present @ home. https://t.co/Q59xYmXIny
A4: I love the idea of Ss doing local projects that have global connections. H2You project: https://t.co/Hx9Tw49Kug
That is awesome! Love to hear how it progresses.
Yes! My wife is reminding me about that everyday
A5: In LA, mostly through novels. In SS, Kiva & current event topics. I am not so good with integrating in math. :(
A5 Ensuring read-aloud choices include multiple cultures. Reminder as they chose Focus Questions: "any culture, too."
Hi Veronica - great to have you! Jump right in! We will archive later too. Please use both hashtags tonight
A5: Integrate Global Ed by using examples from multiple perspectives to understand a concept in science
Throwing in German & Swahili words & phrases when possible. An awareness of other languages & ways of learning
A4: It's also not too complex for Ss to explore neg consequences of certain types of aid
A5 def thru current events/ teachable moments, geography curriculum, and Ss inquiry
We could create real world math problems with this info
A5 Have done social media exchanges w/Ss & peers in Gaza, Malaysia, Swaziland, Suriname+. Great 4 humanizing curricula
A5: In science easy to integrate when studying Plate tectonics need to compare different regions and affects
A5) Ask "what would another culture say about.." Need to challenge their perspective and get them to be open-minded.
A5 as librarian by providing diverse books- having debate club- geniushour
A5 Also, my students have lived in many different countries. Simultaneously local/global community.
Talk about an issue that needs to be studied - effects of fracking!
A5 By encouraging visualizationof issues from others' perspectives
A5: Literature is a window to humanity and our interactions with our planet
A4. Self-efficacy (can learn this). Advocacy (can support this). Agency (can change this) . https://t.co/bNVxLhW6o3
Q4: How do we motivate our students to take action on Global skills/issues?
A5) Planning on monthly global current event reports and some service learning projects!
How about ratios of diets from one country to another? Income? Education?
A5 By encouraging visualization of issues from others' perspectives
Topic of conversation today in class, Fracking is causing issues around the globe
It’s great when you can pull from the diversity and experiences of your students!
Love this...simple but powerful!
https://t.co/BqxblV0U1F
A5) Ask "what would another culture say about.." Need to challenge their perspective and get them to be open-minded.
That would be good. Learning to be grateful
made connections thru WWS& other connections 4 skype&blog exchanges 2 teach geo & global concepts
Q6: What methods do you use to elevate students' empathy on global issues?
Q6: What methods do you use to elevate students' empathy on global issues?
A5. Using text fr all cultures & POVS including stories, art, music, dress, dance: all R text https://t.co/t5YLmxoAoy
Q5: How have you integrated global content into your classroom?
Trying this...student is headed to India tomorrow! :-) https://t.co/yCse0LWJ2f
It’s great when you can pull from the diversity and experiences of your students!
Ooh, thanks! She's a great author, but somehow I hadn't heard of this book.
Fantastic! Will they present anything when they return?
A6: Use RAFT writing activities for students to take role of Global citizen experiencing issue
A6: Giving students a chance to speak to less fortunate peers around the world, can be a powerful way to build empathy
Gr8 answer! Do U mean having Ss visually show how another culture might C an issue? Thru art? https://t.co/0LGmjXi1Zi
A5 By encouraging visualization of issues from others' perspectives
A6 role playing/ role reversal... i've done some skits on resource/wealth disparity . have Ss do the water calculator
a6: we watch daily and process 'why' and perspectives. always more than one side
A6) Like said earlier. Keep it topical & allow for student choice. Need to reflect on learning when done
A6 needs to be student-centered, making connections w/ other cultures, simulations, inquiry (tobe cont.)...
A5) It helps if the adults in their lives are already active. Ts, Ps, Ss can do it together. https://t.co/qtH526orm4
Q4: How do we motivate our students to take action on Global skills/issues?
A6 Jocelyn Ford, a documentary film maker, is an old friend of mine. She came to show her film https://t.co/Lg93F2gfrG
It's always essential for kids to meet real people experiencing the global issues to humanize countries and themes
A6 (cont)... introspective & reflective activities about personal bias, stories from diverse perspectives
A6 Used to do annual projects with Children's Storefront in Harlem; kids mentored each other to complete group work.
I love using this site - so powerful!
A5: Which global books/literature are you using in your global MS classroom?
Can you tell us more? Are you looking for U.S. classrooms to participate?
Good question! https://t.co/DtkiweJWA2
A5: Which global books/literature are you using in your global MS classroom?
Make creating empathy the challenge given to Sts! How can we tell a human rights story to create empathy in others?
yup, here too: focusing on the obligation to assure access to clean water so kids can go to school.
A6) Again, preservice, but would you all suggest maybe a perspective paper where Ss research an event and respond?
Thanks for sharing this is better than the tool I have been using
Yes, 1-1 personal connections are key. For ex, Ss study water issues w global partners who are impacted
Have my S's take a photo of their bedrooms, than show these and compare /contrast.
Q7: What are some resources to help teach middle school through a global lens?
Q7: What are some resources to help teach middle school through a global lens?
Yes! I loved reading biographies when i was in middle school! https://t.co/qkYphvMjKK
A6: memoirs are always extremely powerful and authentic windows into others' lives
Beautiful! https://t.co/YolziSyCDj
Have my S's take a photo of their bedrooms, than show these and compare /contrast.
In Humanities 7, kids vote on books, so for ex. I Am Malala, When My Name Was Keoko, Before We Were Free.
One Plastic Bag: Isatou Ceesay and the Recycling Women of the Gambia
Book by Miranda Paul
I could see my kids designing a unit around that theme, each one choosing her own Focus Question/event
— important to hedge the neo-colonial lens in these encounters— common ground found is so imp cc:
How about Red Scarf Girl (China) and The Circuit for something closer to home?
A7: is a great way to start connecting students to global issues
A6. Found gr8 set of worksheets 2 teach global issues: said no gr8 MS teacher ever. Pack up the packets! Inspire!
A5 love picture books as good visuals lend to understanding Growing up Pedro by Matt Tavares
Love for differentiation as well!
A7 Honestly, I think once kids themselves set focus, paths to resources become more clear. Always the Internet...
Worksheets?? come on we live in the Video AGE all the way!!
Students represent the world. For many, "global" isn't a separate concept. https://t.co/u5IRWyarp8
A5 Also, my students have lived in many different countries. Simultaneously local/global community.
A7. I may be a little biased, but has awesome resources! Coming in just days: new mags on
SO many great resources on and tonight!
YES, Just getting started using they have tons of great resources
Thanks, - I was having a hard time articulating that. Mutually beneficial goals work best.
Great lessons cross many disciplines.
Gotta run Thanks for some great resources for class!!
A7: we are having a campus wide reading of A Long Walk to Water. Great conversation starter.
Agreed, I couldn't keep up with everything! Thanks for sharing everyone.
Hey, and people - Share Coffee is closing down. Got to go. Thanks for a great evening! :-)
Thx again for stimulating chat w tons of sharable resources!
Thank you to everyone for joining tonight and a special thanks to and for joining us!
Choices has great materials!
Have to run for a phone conference meeting. Thanks for the great discussion & resources!!
A7) TedEd is one of my favorite resources!
Awesome Global chat tonight Thank you for bring to join tonight! Follow those that help you learn
. Thank YOU for the cool experience!
Remember and are here Thursdays 8 PM ET weekly
I agree! It goes fast! Great to be a part of tonight!
Thanks for giving a pre-service some awesome resources! Everyone have an awesome night!
