The #2PencilChat is a weekly conversation about educational technology. As we enter a more student-centered age, let's talk about using all the tools in our toolboxes to be innovative and dynamic teachers.
A1: Specifically Ss who have trouble connecting with other Ss: I love to show them that kindness they long for. Gets them on my team and helps others follow suit #2PencilChat
You can never be too kind...we must remember that being kind and holding our students to high expectations are not the same thing and can be done at the same time! #2PencilChat
A1. You build a sense of safety in your class. Your kids will know that even if they mess up, and they will, that you still have their backs. #2PencilChat
A1. When you are kinder than necessary, you start building relationships. I mean, I know you have to hold them to the consequences, but whenever you are kind; you start seeing the “why” behind the misbehavior. You see who they truly are! #2pencilchat
Ive always found it hard to be the disciplinarian and the "kind" teacher. But I have seen the power of kindness and correctly leading Ss behaviorally. #2PencilChat
Ah... Totally agree... But you can be kind in giving out consequences, too. I've found when I add compassion in to a kid who is getting some negative consequence, they're more likely to come around... #2PencilChat
A2: Having a rough day? In a bad mood? Do something genuinely kind for another person. Pay it forward, leave a little splash of love, whatever you can do to make someone else smile. It’s like medicine for your soul. #2PencilChat
A2) I fake a smile until it turns into a real one. That sounds sooo cheesy but it really works haha. Plus there’s always something good. ALWAYS. #2pencilchat
A2. Find a quiet place when possible to chill, change up what you had planned to something relaxing for you & your students, or message a friend. They will have an encouraging word. #2PencilChat
A1: I don’t think you can ever be too kind, but sometimes you need to say no and Ss may think it’s not kind. As Ts we have to walk a fine line. #2PencilChat Balance!
Yes! I think that it's good to be kind, but your students need to know that you mean business when it comes to their education and schoolwork. #2PencilChat
A2 #2PencilChat I keep in mind of how would I like it if my daughter's teacher spoke to her in a terrible way so that will adjust my mood. I'll put myself in timeout to cool it too
Hey Julie! I'm not far from you tonight, I'm sitting in the Trader Joe's parking lot getting ready to do my Thanksgiving shopping after the chat. #2PencilChat
A3 #2PencilChat we focus on the positive and build each other up. We are our own community. Pass the positive necklace throughout the day. Make sure all gets it throughout the day/week
A3: you remember that no one really is mean just because they can be. No one wants to be disliked; and you be that kindness that they desperately need #2PencilChat
A3) This is def a hard thing for me some days. But I have been trying to take the perspective of “how lucky am I that I get to make an impact on this difficult child’s life by showing them love?” #2pencilchat
A3: I have found that kid is usually one who doesn’t know how to be kind. They’ve also never had anyone give them a chance to be kind. To them, they probably think they’re not being harsh. Talk to them, listen to them! Don’t jump to conclusions, help them learn. #2PencilChat
A3: these are the Ss who need the most kindness. They probably do not see any kindness at home. They need double at school to make up for it! you will reap the reward #2PencilChat
A3 There are some kids that you just actively have to try, but it's so important that you do! They know that you're trying, and they probably appreciate it deep down. #2PencilChat
A3 Or the kid who needs constant redirection! Go out of my way to have non school related conversation, hows soccer, your dog, your pet rock! #2PencilChat
A3: I try to model "making your heart feel good" and hope that some kindness will rub off. It makes my heart feel good and maybe they don't have anyone else to show them. #2PencilChat
A3: Sometimes, you have to take a step back and realize that for this specific kid, the focus shouldn’t be on the content every single day. Although the content is important, this student needs to learn how to love before they can be successful in other areas. #2PencilChat
A3: Good question!! Try to remember that the S who needs you most is sometimes the one you have least patience for! They can be your greatest ally by the end of the year! #2PencilChat
A3: I have seen it in action. The Ss I call out for disruptions are usually the ones who will want to not let me down. Sounds crazy, but it is true. Teaching them they are leaders helps them take ownership #2PencilChat
I love the Ss who comply and are on point all the time. But I also love to see Ss who need that motivation and thrive when they accomplish something or get recognized for their deeds or actions #2PencilChat
A3.2: also, as teachers, we are adults and really....reacting to "those" Ss is kind of ridiculous and counter productive. We are sometimes the only leader they have. #2PencilChat
A4: I’m proud of being able to build relationships with my students and always being an “out of the box” thinker. I help my students do this by giving them opportunities to collaborate and create. #2PencilChat
There’s something (and now of course I can’t remember it exactly) about talking to a diff student for 2 min about non-school related things for 10 days straight and how it’ll change the dynamic of the room... pretty sure I butchered that but you get the idea 😂 #2PencilChat
A4: I’m proud that I’ve been “Mama Hargrove” for so many and that they have helped me grow and change so much... and I guess I need to always work harder to remind them of that change #2PencilChat
A4: I am proud of myself when I accomplish something and I can help my students to feel that way by helping them to accomplish their goals. #2PencilChat
A4: I feel most proud of my connection with my students. I always tell them that I don’t care if they learn a single thing from me all year other than I love and care about them (the rest will follow) #2PencilChat
A4b) I have an ‘affirmation station’ where my students write kind things to one another to try to shift the mean middle school culture. I love it. #2PencilChat
A4 I've always been proud of my ability to build a culture in a classroom. The best thing that I've been able to do for my students is to provide them support to feel accomplished as well! #2PencilChat
A4: I struggle with being proud of myself. I worry how others may perceive it. Although I work to teach my Ss and boys to be proud of themselves. New Year's resolution for me? #2PencilChat
A4: I did have a breakthrough today. Student is being picked on in class. Another student who was part of it asked if he could go apologize. #2PencilChat
A4: I want my Ss to know that life is about the relationships you have not the stuff you accumulate. We can’t take it with us!(as my dad used to say!)#2PencilChat
I use proud here at shorthand, I don't generally use that word for myself. I generally will say that I'm pleased about something rather than proud.
#2PencilChat
A5 #2PencilChat in my earlier years, I might've ignored the signs of a child that was in dire need of extra love. (ignored not on purpose, just rookie)
A5 on a bad day, I can definitely let myself follow an Angry Kid down his angry rabbit hole. Not proud of that. I really have to focus on kindness and patience in times like that. Think big picture! #2PencilChat
A1: Never think that too much kindness is a not worth the effort...lavish it on your students and behold...the transformation for your students and for you! #2PencilChat
So any suggestions on building culture in any classroom @MagicPantsJones ? I have been told I am walking into a crazy situation at my new school. #2PencilChat
A5: Every time I raise my voice at a kid to get their attention, I immediately cringe. Intimidation is not the way to go. I get my ideas from #TeachingWithLoveandLogic book! Never read it? Check it outtt! #2PencilChat
Totally not my idea ✋🏼 I read it on a blog once. But man is it awesome. And 6th grade is a time when they desperately need to be affirmed. My fave is when I have them write to themselves. It’s so beautiful! #2PencilChat
A5: it was hard to learn, but I had to swallow my pride and own up to my shortcomings, pledge to do better... had to realize that admitting my weakness is the best example #2PencilChat
A5: I had diff winning over a S a couple of years ago. I would handle that situation completely differently now. Find the one thing thats imp to the S and connect that way. Hindsight is 20/20! #2PencilChat
A5. I apologize immediately and we talk about what happened as soon as possible, perhaps making a plan on how to deal if a similar situation occurs. #2PencilChat
A5: it was hard to learn, but I had to swallow my pride and own up to my shortcomings, pledge to do better... had to realize that admitting my weakness is the best example #2PencilChat
A5 I HATE when I allow myself to become short with the Ss. I usually have to go home and reflect and what had happened; then I pray to do and be better the next day. I have no problem apologizing and talking to the kids afterward. Ss need to know that we are human. #2pencilchat
Right on! I am not too worried about it, just interested in different strategies. Consistency has been my friend and I see the power of that. Fun is my middle name so.... #2pencilchat
A5: I have experienced a loss of patience and an unwillingness to truly listen on more than one occasion with students. Admitting my failure was an important first step! #2PencilChat
Bahahahaha what others don’t know about @MrsUhShafer is that her joking nature with the kids allows her to really get to know them and they willingly accept and appreciate her candor #2PencilChat
A6: The students of course make my day better( in fact today I played Bananagrams with some of my students during planning), but sometimes my colleagues. #2PencilChat
A6: My amazing team! We are unstoppable together and lift each other up! I also make sure to tell them how much I appreciate them and how important they are to me. #okes1stgradesquad#2PencilChat
A6: My wifey @HarmonyAbee is my confidant and partner in crime. She keeps me movin. I have a few students who also brighten my day with their jokes or honesty when they are bored. #2PencilChat
A6: I love people who are positive, upbeat, and willing to take a risk! However, I know we all are not like that every second of everyday. THEREFORE, I love people who can listen to me ramble and make me smile. I love the encouragers. #2PencilChat
I love you SO MUCH, #2PencilChat Pals!
Thank you for joining us tonight! Have a Happy Thanksgiving, and a great week!
Come back next week as we talk about organizing classroom supplies!
#2PencilChat
Okay so here's some encouragement then, the smile that you're rocking in your avatar makes you seem exactly like the person that is answering these questions. Good job choosing an accurate picture for your personality! #2PencilChat
