#TMchat Archive
Current and relevant education discussions are held every Tuesday in #TMchat. A weekly guest moderator, considered an expert on the the week's topic, joins @conniehamilton to guide the one hour chat and actively engage with participants. Founder and moderator @conniehamilton supplies her responses to the week's questions visually in Thinking Maps.
Tuesday June 28, 2016
If you have trouble sleeping, feel freel to chime into . https://t.co/5Z5uhw3OgW
Connie its 2 am in Ireland now. I hope to engage later
I'm Connie Hamilton. Tim Vesco and I are your moderators tonight. Let the introductions begin. https://t.co/P4yA2srg9W
I will be following with and . I will be sharing with other teachers, but I will chip in whenever I can!
thanks,Monica. We always appreciate your comments in
Mary from VA. I teach 2nd
Hello ! Tim Vesco, 5th grade teacher from Frontenac, KS. Excited to be co-moderating tonight! Let's talk about classroom design!
Our format will include 7 questions. Use A1 to respond to Q1 & remember to include hashtag in all tweets. https://t.co/SGz5dSjmmh
Good evening-in Reno so I can tweet!
Hi Mary. Glad you're here in
Jennifer, 3rd grade teacher from Kalispell, MT first time here!
Sylvia Spruill - HS English teacher in metro Atlanta area! Excited about classroom design & looking for ideas!
Nice... is it about 6pm there?
Elizabeth from NC joining ...3rd G T looping up to 4th w/my kiddos this fall!
Sarah from Michigan. I teach 4th grade.
Ashley from Texas. First time participant of . Had a reminder in my phone for it! :)
Glad you made it, Dr. Spruill.
Hello, I am a special education administrator.
Welcome to ... I suspect it won't be your last time here. https://t.co/jhlWK794Vq
Jennifer, 3rd grade teacher from Kalispell, MT first time here!
Hi everyone! Melanie from MT. I teach high school English.
Yes! Attending Summer Conference
We have a few looping teachers in too. Hard to let them go after 2+ years with them.
Me too! Summer has me forgetting times & what day it is!
John from MO, I will be teaching 3rd Grade next year.
Hi everyone! Oliver from Cali.Ready to learn and build my PLN.
Katy from in Mo. I teach 1st gr.
Hi from TX excited about this topic
HEY EVERYBODY... here is a RockStar teacher from my district. Honored to work with her daily. Hi Sarah! https://t.co/Wel8VHOvTa
Sarah from Michigan. I teach 4th grade.
Kenny, HS instructional coach, NC
This will be my first time looping...definitely will be tough saying goodbye in June 2017!
Set an alarm for ? That's HACKY! https://t.co/yQqm1uiIkK
Ashley from Texas. First time participant of . Had a reminder in my phone for it! :)
Welcome to , I'm sure you'll find it worth the time.
Welcome to , I'm sure you'll find it worth the time.
Principal BSMS-SC- 2016Palmetto's Finest
Hello! Jenna, ELL Resource teacher in the Chicago suburbs, joining in!
HI Concetta. Where are you located?
Hey ! Teri from Texas, instructional coach. Have to put the kids to bed shortly.
I work in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
K-12 principal from Va Beach
Hi all, Kelly from Texas. I'm a business T and I love the thought of
Ohhhh.... I'm a Spartan. (I work in Saranac about 1/2 way between Lansing and GR. ) https://t.co/431QQfYqMq
I work in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
James here from South Florida
Glad you're back, Jenna. https://t.co/jCm2Ej2uKL
Hello! Jenna, ELL Resource teacher in the Chicago suburbs, joining in!
A1: No new designed yet but saw this...love the variation & options! Know it's a comp lab but still like it! https://t.co/cYQIVRmm3X
A1: I dont have any pics yet, its all still in my brain, but looking good there! ;)
Can you describe (in 140 characters or less, of course) https://t.co/IWNEVUi8dy
A1: I dont have any pics yet, its all still in my brain, but looking good there! ;)
I'll be near Lansing next week! Love Michigan!
Love the variety of desk designs in there! Makes it easy to shift around for collaborating.
A rebel wearing green/white in Ann Arbor... love it! https://t.co/H8Na2eUyTL
I am actually a Spartan!!!!! I love sporting my GREEN & WHITE in A2!
A1: I'm always in other people's spaces as a coach, but I'd love seeing what people are doing.
What brings you here, Jenna? We should tweet up. https://t.co/HaDz0C918L
I'll be near Lansing next week! Love Michigan!
I don't have any pictures, but I wish I had more space to display work
What can you share that you've seen as a great learning space? https://t.co/uf0BEO5kzG
A1: I'm always in other people's spaces as a coach, but I'd love seeing what people are doing.
For sure! Love ALL the space!
Yes, that would be so fun! I'm visiting college friends. I went to Hope.
Lol Ill try! Lots of choice couch,yoga mats,pillows,standing table,floor tables, carpet area,lamp lighting
Me too! Trad HS desks are so difficult for collab & NOT comfortable for Ss! https://t.co/pWXcTxf8vy
Love the variety of desk designs in there! Makes it easy to shift around for collaborating.
A1 - Haven't seen room yet - have to complete new hire orientation first. :) Definitely want variety of spaces to work and talk.
A1: love the relaxed furniture, options for students, it's a place I would want to learn in each day! https://t.co/zVBz64ibYg
A1 My ideal space is only a picture in my head. I'd like places to sit low to the floor, stand - large variety w/ open spaces.
In our , I really like that their desks are on wheels. Movement is integral for learning https://t.co/IBspGEnfsV
What can you share that you've seen as a great learning space? https://t.co/uf0BEO5kzG
A1: I'm always in other people's spaces as a coach, but I'd love seeing what people are doing.
A1 because of technology I think ideal spaces have less paper and clutter
A2: By switching to flexible seating, I switched my mindset. Allowed more Ss choice. Became "OUR" room not "MY" room.
A2 Little nooks carved out of the room, spaces on the floor to stretch out
Wheels on desks/chairs makes reconfiguring quick & easy! Had PL in a room w/them! https://t.co/HPJHA4A4QT
In our , I really like that their desks are on wheels. Movement is integral for learning https://t.co/IBspGEnfsV
What can you share that you've seen as a great learning space? https://t.co/uf0BEO5kzG
A1: I'm always in other people's spaces as a coach, but I'd love seeing what people are doing.
a2: mobility, freedom, warm and accepting environment, turns class into a home, fosters relationship
A1: I find Ts who are willing to give up their desks have that like extra space we often are looking.
A1: Doesn't have to be innovative furniture.Room arrangement sets tone for expectations. What does this say? https://t.co/S1KsqxS644
A2: well designed=organization, runs smoothly, student access, peaceful environment
A2: Encourage participation, movement, and collaboration. What else matters?
A2 Benefits student behavior as well as learning
A2 - A well designed classroom sets the tone for the type of work the Ss will be doing (talking, moving around, etc.)
and is the chat that inspired . Great chat.
A2: more inviting, community feel; easier movement & reconfiguring multiple times in a class; supports collaboration
A2: Student engagement, interaction, collaboration, better classroom managment
See lots of elementary schools, would love to see secondary schools w/ same flexible work space!
A2: Purposeful flow, student movement and collaboration encouraged, everything has homes , so fewer things are lost!
A2.A room that invites learning to occur will often set the right tone. It is an unforeseeable force that foster knowledge
A2: Create an inviting environment where students are willing to stay and learning 6.5 hours a day. https://t.co/5uePZOjSu7
A2 Invites collaboration, makes students feel welcome, students seem to take better care of a well-designed space.
A2: Being able to walk around without running into anything!
A2-movement-personal space-allows Ts space to reach Ss-classroom management is better
A2 more efficient teaching more adaptable to 21st century learning
A2: Students feel comfortable & free to be creative. It should be a space where students can think & explore without judgment.
A2 Having a room more focused on students who need to move and hands on projects will be beneficial to learning/teacher interaction.
Several of my Ts have done this!
A2: Purposeful space encourages creativity and focus on the task... More engaging for s's.
Me too! Our Learning Commons (Media Center) has options but haven't seen much change if any in classrooms. https://t.co/z6kzpDNeJU
See lots of elementary schools, would love to see secondary schools w/ same flexible work space!
A1: As an instructional coach, I think it's important 2 have the PLC room decorated for, well, PLC-ing. Data, scope & sequences...
Was great to tweet up with Leah in Chicago this winter. Strong leader. is wonderful support. https://t.co/NL2fSCLmMQ
and is the chat that inspired . Great chat.
A2 Shows a respect for student differences. Easy to reconfigure for collaboration
Would love to see & share secondary spaces...I see lots of desks in rows!
Great question and great visual!!!
I remember when I had tables removed and replaced with desks. /1
A3: Be flexible with your flexible seating. Some Ss will want traditional desks and chairs and that is OK!
A3: Expectation for the different spaces/where to put all of the "stuff"/seating for state testing...
We used these, 1 for each grade level, to create quick data wall that can quickly be updated. https://t.co/XMQPS5l7Zw
A3: strong classroom mgmt., modeled procedures & expectations,
A3 Everything. Establish procedures for choosing seats, using seats, changing seats.
A3. The most elaborate set ups are useless without clear structure and routine. Must provide clarity and norms to foster learning
A3 make sure to have extra sockets for tech not everyone wants bouncy chairs
A3 Important to consider the sensory needs of each child. Make sure it's a space each student will feel safe and supported.
Good evening everyone! Meredith from Florida joining before the party is half way done :-)
A3 Is it safe, this would be my first concern
A3: get student input! Thinking about writing grant for local school foundation! Honoring Ss voice as a part of that would be great!
To your point, it's not really about the furniture. It's about the arrangement!! /3
Rd more @
A2: All students are different, so we should have options to meet the sensory needs of all students.
A3: accessibility, emergencies, individual student needs, ability to move freely
Q3: admin styles, availability, classroom management style, student needs
Hi leaders! Greg- Kindergarten (2016-17), Maryland. Joining in a bit late. It's been a while. Hope all are well.
Yes - this is a challenge for us as well - rooms used for PSAT, other stand testing...ugh! https://t.co/40816Y7daU
A3: Expectation for the different spaces/where to put all of the "stuff"/seating for state testing...
You want to see a classroom that runs itself... smoothly? Check out Sarah's. Direct teach procedures works! https://t.co/3u0rgdfjUW
A3 Everything. Establish procedures for choosing seats, using seats, changing seats.
A3: All students are different, so we should have options to meet the sensory needs of all students.
A3: T's primary space for work--do S's have access to you? Proximity.
A3 - Know your purpose for the flexible seating design so it can be effectively used. And also keep different Ss needs in mind.
Hi there! So sorry to be late but happy to join... Natayle from Greeley, CO!
A3- Procedures need to be in place. Flexible seating, etc., works great when Ss understand the ground rules and expectations.
Right? ...ugh! https://t.co/WGgqwGDDIc
Yes - this is a challenge for us as well - rooms used for PSAT, other stand testing...ugh! https://t.co/40816Y7daU
A3: Expectation for the different spaces/where to put all of the "stuff"/seating for state testing...
I'm blushing. You're awesome.
Great point! Ss needs are important, How can flexibile seating positively impact the individual Ss?
You are so kind to remember. She passed away about a month ago.
A3: definitely agree w/needing clear procedures & ways to manage the sharing and use of varied seating!
Yes, they changed the rules from ACT to SAT for us this year. Seating was a challenge. https://t.co/mJJrXiark6
A3: Expectation for the different spaces/where to put all of the "stuff"/seating for state testing...
The more Ss understand the process, the more empowered they can be w/ flexibility. (pt1)
Def understand that...would have to serve as a guide as they brainstorm & a voice of questions for reflection!
We also cleaned all of the storage cabinets out of the hallways and created reading nooks. Literacy - front and center.
Structured flexibility can be highly productive and support Ss growth. Flexibility w/o a foundation can be... (pt 2)
. also thought of where Ps would sit at Open House, etc. events :-O
Isn't it amazing... Believe me, I had to stop myself from applying for a position at her school!
A4: My Ss and I came up with our expectations about the seating together. They had great ideas!
...a slippery slope. Can cause chaos if procedures are unclear. (pt 3)
A4: Asking the right Qs & committing to our Ss that some element of what they share will be incorporated - within reason!
A4 Talk to them about their needs. Student surveys for learning styles. Ask periodically what is working and what needs changed...
When placing something like this idea in a girls' restroom, ask them to help you put it up or paint. https://t.co/wqGuEW35rd
A4: Ask for it! Engage Ss in conversations about their views and desires for their learning space and make it happen
A4 room for students's work not teacher's materials
A4- Allow Ss to offer suggestions on how to design the room, especially after the foundational expectations are in place.
A4. Set up student design teams That are in charge of set ups for different units throughout the year.
A4- How can the room fit the needs of the Ss? Build Ss voice.
A4: ask what they think. Do they like it, is it working, what do they needed added/taken away...
A4: brainstorm expectations together, allow choices within structure, give students chances to prove themselves within the struct.
My Ss liked having choice and it made them self-aware of their ideal work environment. They knew what they needed.
A4 Ask them what they want and discuss what is possible
Makes sense - we can offer the parameters/foundation/the "must-haves" https://t.co/NHt6nKy0Xh
A4- Allow Ss to offer suggestions on how to design the room, especially after the foundational expectations are in place.
A4 Trying out different seating for what works best for them. Ss create room arrangements with the furniture when studying maps.
A3: Movement! How are Ss going to be moving... to line up, from activities, in Daily 5/3, whole group to stations to guided instr?
A4: I've read posts where Ts get Ss to arrange learning spaces in their room & give input 4 what works https://t.co/McubyeVbVP
Exactly! Once the non-negotiables are in place, then the Ss can offer input- how to maximize utility for the space.
Saw other day on Twitter - 3D bulletin bd. that changes as u walk past. Ss would love to help creating this! https://t.co/xfYFDcnO38
love this. I could totally involve my kids in the expectation setting stage. They hold each other accountable too!
A4 Ask for Ss opinions. Use as many of their ideas as reasonably possible. Give them ownership of their learning space.
A4 - Provide opps for input. It's our classroom, not mine. I want Ss to design the room that they need in order to be successful.
A4: Use to ask S's about group size and seating.
These are great! I spy a Node Chair! Love these!
A4b: my Ss helped to fundraiser for flexible seating options in our school library!
Empowering Ss. Equipping them w/ voice; developing leaders! https://t.co/NjPGZizlCg
A4 Ask for Ss opinions. Use as many of their ideas as reasonably possible. Give them ownership of their learning space.
Well, if that doesn't provide purpose... IDK what does! Service Learning? https://t.co/H54Co0cGZS
A4b: my Ss helped to fundraiser for flexible seating options in our school library!
My fav new bk. Section talk about arranging rm w/ different learning spaces for video recording, etc. https://t.co/YjPxiLqedK
A5- Be intentional. Invite Ps and As into the classroom often. Builds classroom community even more. More stakeholders at table.
A5: Invite parents and admin to see your Ss at work. When they see authentic engagement, they will be on board!
Authentic engagement- YES! https://t.co/Lakuqkktwj
A5: Invite parents and admin to see your Ss at work. When they see authentic engagement, they will be on board!
A5. Communicate about the role of classroom setup and explain how it helps develop learning opportunities.
A5 Be well-informed on sensory issues. Have research to share. Help them understand it's not just "fluff"
A5 Explain your thinking to parents. Post photos of students engaged in learning to your class website.
A5: have the Ss give tours of the room, they explain what they use the spaces for and why they like it
A5 - Get the Ss to share how it benefits them. My girls love the different work areas in their classes. Makes me want to donate.
A5- Show them how it works... take pictures, share new ideas and changes, invite them in, make it truly a part of everyone involved
Get to the WHY... works every time. https://t.co/07tDcbFaM1
A5 Explain your thinking to parents. Post photos of students engaged in learning to your class website.
Mic drop moment! https://t.co/pEQIdJ1ZCq
A5: have the Ss give tours of the room, they explain what they use the spaces for and why they like it
A5: As we look for ways to support student behavior and emotions, a cool down spot can be useful. https://t.co/zo7blLtPte
Love that! Student tours are a great idea. So many skills involved with that.
This is awesome! Thank you. I teach accounting to everybody needs a writing surface
A5: I just saw a retweet of this question...swinging by to see the answers! I'm really curious!
Cool down spots / reflection areas are empowering and vital spaces in the classroom. Allows for greater coping.
A4: Could we CHAMP the activity to add how should we flexible seat but with the students?
A5 Principal is encouraging alternative seating/desk less classroom. Let parents see kids working/enjoying learning.
A4: S ownership! I know it's been said, but I recently had S design artwork for bathrooms and backpack spaces.. Hey felt so valued!
Could be helpful to also work w/ another gr. level T to set up a buddy rm. @ beginning of yr. to calm down https://t.co/wlh5AIGsYp
Cool down spots / reflection areas are empowering and vital spaces in the classroom. Allows for greater coping.
Yes! Increasing collaboration. Ss understand safe spaces, & uniformity of expectations.
A5: Quantum Learning Tenet: why not provide experience before label? Offer listening sess. That they pick seating... Then explain
We do this w/HS Ss as well! They often need some time to cool off or reflect alone. https://t.co/8McFRIwubA
Could be helpful to also work w/ another gr. level T to set up a buddy rm. @ beginning of yr. to calm down https://t.co/wlh5AIGsYp
Cool down spots / reflection areas are empowering and vital spaces in the classroom. Allows for greater coping.
A6: My breakfast nook table broke a few times. My AMAZING custodian was able to fix it and make it better than ever!
Breakfast nook table? https://t.co/WLNsZPrySc
A6: My breakfast nook table broke a few times. My AMAZING custodian was able to fix it and make it better than ever!
A6. Made the mistake as a teacher and did not prep for them for the change. Led to uncertainty and lost instructional time.
Made clear 1st day-"you're not in trouble but it might be a good decision to calm down so you can return" https://t.co/WYaoFQfg0Q
Yes! Increasing collaboration. Ss understand safe spaces, & uniformity of expectations.
My first concern is space, but finding the right size furniture would make it work
Nice reflection on your part. It wasn't the change itself, it was lack of preparation/planning for change. https://t.co/ZA0Mdg0nbD
A6. Made the mistake as a teacher and did not prep for them for the change. Led to uncertainty and lost instructional time.
A6. In our reading nook areas we gave away free bks all day. Challenge was - messy! 1 classroom took over clean up.
A6 Biggest challenge is deciding on what items to have in the room.
A6- Adjustments to the norm take time. Sometimes Ss will test boundaries. Other times there might be confusion. Ts ... (pt 1)
What's a breakfast nook table in classroom terms?
Good to know! https://t.co/kBInUBAR7E
A6. Made the mistake as a teacher and did not prep for them for the change. Led to uncertainty and lost instructional time.
A6- ...need to be flexible and supportive of the Ss through change. (pt 2)
Messy b/c they left the books out w/o putting them back? https://t.co/s9doenJOEr
A6. In our reading nook areas we gave away free bks all day. Challenge was - messy! 1 classroom took over clean up.
Yes! When they understand the purpose, it can become a very welcoming space in the classroom.
A6: does anyone else worry about fabric, lice, and germs? Am I alone? My one challenge holding me back to full commitment :)
Been there. Great learning opportunity for me. Giving a heads up that next time helped better prepare them.
So true! Last year, I took a regular table and just lowered it. Just enough different for the kids.
I agree completely about teacher flexibility!
It is critical to success!
My kids loved the table lowered all the way. Others love it raised higher for standing.
I've read sev posts where Ts are worried...using diff materials shd solve this...i.e. yoga mats or washables https://t.co/Y9eUqAfVmp
A6: does anyone else worry about fabric, lice, and germs? Am I alone? My one challenge holding me back to full commitment :)
A7: I was able to get Yoga Mats through . Yard sales, craigslist, and flea markets were also great resources.
A7 I found two cool, foldable seats at Goodwill today.
A7: School foundation or other grants! But my ears are wide open for other ideas!
Did they just sit on the floor then?
A7 Thrift shops, garage sales, etc...when people know it is for school, they love to donate! Put the word out on social media.
A5: My admin would likely be persuaded with research.
I tried that but the tables wouldn't lock that low so I got cheap stools from ikea that were perfect
A4: Estate sales (in Naples, FL) thrift stores and believe it or not, posting ISO on craigslist! FB "yardsale" pages as well
Yes!! Every time my students were "off the chain" my default was... "where did I fall short in planning?"
A7: Several Pinterest posts refer to Five Below 4 bouncy balls/yoga mats/stools; IKEA also :) https://t.co/6hNVQhizCU
I had the table on a carpet. Other teachers used chair cushions.
A7 - I keep my eyes peeled on local FB for sale pages. Just have to keep an open mind for creative ways to use cheap/free items.
A7 26 yrs of people asking leads me to believe this to be true. Sometimes answer had to be, "not right now" https://t.co/bMUAdYZYIb
A7 I attended an edCamp last week on deskless classrooms. They used part of the budget, grants, and the PTO helped out.
They can't survive longer than 24 hours off the host. https://t.co/KpbRpITdVW
I've read sev posts where Ts are worried...using diff materials shd solve this...i.e. yoga mats or washables https://t.co/Y9eUqAfVmp
A6: does anyone else worry about fabric, lice, and germs? Am I alone? My one challenge holding me back to full commitment :)
I've seen a Pinterest post 4 yoga mats from Five Below, cut in 1/2 & store in basket https://t.co/o4zJiHU1Za
A7: I was able to get Yoga Mats through . Yard sales, craigslist, and flea markets were also great resources.
A5: Parents, I really believe, will be persuaded with seeing their children grow and love learning!
Thanks to for moderating this evening. Glad to have been able to join in the conversation once again!
A7 A teacher talked to people at the city wide garage sale and said that many people just donated furniture for her room.
A7: Home Depot sells foam flooring ~$2/square...go online
Donor's Choose has been a great resource. Also, office buildings often remodel & love the write off! https://t.co/rpea1jwVUf
and terrific ideas! Many thanks to all who joined.
Great chat! So many great ideas! Thanks everyone!
Thank you for an awesome hour of learning
Thank you and all participates for a great chat!
