This twitter chat stands for "Wins And Losses Ed Chat" and will be a chat where students reflect on the previous week to celebrate victories and reflect on losses to turn them into victories.
Intros: Welcome to #waledchat! Please introduce yourself, where you are from, your role in education, and invite a friend you’d like to join us tonight! #waledchat
Hey all! Phil from Northern Virginia. I teach 6/7 US History I&II and am the founder of #waledchat! Glad to have you here! If @JoveStickel is still awake, would love to have him swing by tonight!
Hey #waledchat! Currently probably driving home from @Simmonsknights1 after watching their winter drama production, but I've got everything scheduled for you tonight!
Meredith joining from paradise = SW Florida. I was in education for 40 years, 26 as a principal and now moderate #BookCampPD as I love helping others. @Rdene915 will you be able to join #waledchat tonight?
Vanessa Heller here from Southern CA: #inquiry#pbl and #GiftedEd trainer, middle school humanities teacher, ELA Dept. Chair, Tech Innovator, Peer Coach, band mom/dance mom #waledchat#VCHSchat Gonna try to eat ice cream and do chats at once tonight!
Hi I'm Shawna. I'm a MS Band T from MI & have been teaching for over 20 years. Haven't been able to catch a chat in a while--excited to participate a bit tonight! #waledchat@StacieHein@ShaughnessySra
Intros: Welcome to #waledchat! Please introduce yourself, where you are from, your role in education, and invite a friend you’d like to join us tonight! #waledchat
Intros: Welcome to #waledchat! Please introduce yourself, where you are from, your role in education, and invite a friend you’d like to join us tonight! #waledchat
Intros: Welcome to #waledchat! Please introduce yourself, where you are from, your role in education, and invite a friend you’d like to join us tonight! #waledchat
Hi #waledchat. I was going to skip tonight to put lights on this bad boy, but clearly peg legged pirates should not be climbing ladders.... and I have 8:47 left of stim. So I need a distraction. I teach 6th grade science in PA.
A1: The flexibility and freedom that they are given, within boundaries of respect. My classroom is a place where students have the ability to breathe, sometimes for the first time all day. It requires a lot of front-loading with expectations, but it's worth it. #waledchat
A1: I've had students say they appreciate how "chill" and funny I am. They also praise my positivity. It feels really nice to hear them say that. :) #waledchat
A1: I hope they would say that they appreciate I work hard to make interesting and fun lessons and that I care about them as human beings. That's all you can really ask for as a teacher! #waledchat
A1: I have had some kids tell me this year that class is fun and I am "funny." I also hope that my more advanced Ss would say that this class is challenging. #waledchat
A1: I would hope the students would say they love my class because it is fun but challenging. Their voice is valued and choices are not just the ones I come up with.
#waledchat
A1: I survey them, so I actually know this! They say I make class fun, I’m funny (at least SOMEONE believes that!), and that I care about them. I’m always surprised by how often funny turns up. Doesn’t seem super important to me. But I think it helps them feel wanted. #waledchat
A1: That I let them take time out of their busy schedule to laugh, dance and sing for 5 minutes before we work or while we work. Yesterday my entire 7th period class sang “Jingle Bell Rock” together. the only time in my life that I stopped singing to listen to them! #waledchat
A1 Perhaps my quirky & often sad attempts at humor. I love connecting w/my kids. I'd like to think that they enjoy the pace & energy of our rehearsals too. #waledchat
A1: That I have high expectations but want them to do their best. That I make class relatable and on their level, and that I try to assess them in a variety of different ways dependent on student strengths. #waledchat
A1: Mrs. Waller brings the "Hard Fun" (and she's cheesy funny and she let's us take breaks, and we look forward to the days we come to her because we get to use robots, and code, and study things we like, and she cares a lot about us - she smiles too much)! #waledchat
A1 It's hard & you have to be prepared for their honesty; I've asked! "You respect us. You treat us like people. You trust us. We don't have homework. We really think in your class. You let us revise our work to show you we can do a better job." #waledchat
~that I’m their biggest fan❤️
~I ❤️them ~ no exceptions
~our class has a strong sense of connection & we look out for each other
~ definitely a “we” kind of place
~their families would say I def ❤️their spicey,mischievous Ss sooo much
~ and I take a TON of picts
#waledchat
A1. My students would say my classroom is energetic and engaging. I tell my colleagues that sometimes we need to be magicians/clowns to engage students. If students are happy, then they are learning! #waledchat
A1b- I had a little having a rough day about a month ago, He had to come see me for resets and for us to talk. His comment as leaving my room for the 3rd time in as many hours "You used to be the nice one." I'll take that, also knowing that he does still like me. #waledchat
I'm not seeing any answers about "pedagogical mastery" for Q1 even though we are all skilled in that area... hmm I wonder why... #relationshipsmattertoo#waledchat
Hey #waledchat! Jumping in a few min late - bedtime took a bit longer than normal. Alicia from NC
A1: They'd say that they feel like they can tell me anything and I will listen and that they love that I play music and do fun stuff with them.
A1. Shameless plug for the chat Sunday evening .... but after reading this book ... I would surely implement more "I wonder ....." into a classroom. #waledchat
A1 My Ss love the tech. They love to take pictures of their work and share with their families. I think they would say that they know I love them @Seesaw#waledchat
A2: It has encouraged me to seek positive solutions to negative choices. It helps me to do my best to connect with each student, individually, each day. #waledchat
A1: I have asked them this question, essentially. They love that I love them, and that I believe in them. The question I asked them was, if you didn’t have to be here, would you still come? #waledchat
A1: She really cares about us, listens to us, makes time for us, really knows us. Learning is fun and even when it’s difficult she helps us overcome any obstacles #waledchat
Yeah, the fact that I allow retakes shows up on my surveys a lot too. It matters to them that we believe they can continue to do better & then LET them.👍 #waledchat
A2: Ss are always the center of every decision. The relationships prompt how I can plan and what activities can take place. I utilize my relationships as admin to gauge how to talk with Ss and interact throughout the day. #waledchat
A1: I have asked them this question, essentially. They love that I love them, and that I believe in them. The question I asked them was, if you didn’t have to be here, would you still come? #waledchat
A2: I try to live up to their high expectations. I make it a point to greet Ss as they walk in and recharge myself before starting, even if it's the 6th time I've done that lesson that day. #waledchat
#waledchat A1 I have been told this "Mr. Toups, you know, Trs that really like what they teach, well their classes are just more fun, like yours." When you are passionate about what you teach your classroom will become a happy place. My room = the #Believe room at my school.
A2 I try to avoid doing "what I've always done." I'm in a major transition from the traditional to something completely different. Every step has been tough but totally worth it. When planning, I ask what skills we haven't attempted and which need more practice. #waledchat
A2 - Positivity should be second nature. Mixing lessons keeps kids motivated and excited to learn. Also, it’s really about having fun at our jobs. #waledchat
A2: I try to focus on building relationships more. 15 years ago, my focus would’ve been on the content. Now, it’s about the kids. Kids can’t learn from someone they don’t connect with. #waledchat
A1. They love the STEM time for some of the creative activites we do in learning, they favor the messy, creative ones where we make products! Relaxed setting for them to learn! #waledchat
A2: I always ask kids for feedback. If they hated something we did I want to know about it, so that I can revamp for next time. I think it's important to survey your kids and if some of the things they report back are valid, then change it up and ask for suggestions #waledchat
A2 I know that because of the relationships we have built my Ss are willing to try. Most will try a problem/project before they ask for help. I am trying to build their independence. #waledchat
A2 I was bored in school so I entertain as I teach when possible. I add interesting & slightly corny things to help kids remember content, consider issues, & challenge their thinking w/ #GiftedEd#GATE icons/content imperatives, videos, songs, mnemonics, dances, etc #waledchat
A1: I’ve asked! They love that I give them the freedom to create with few rules (in terms of the assignment) and that they get to do work they care about. Oh, and I have snacks 😉 #waledchat
A2 I make it fun by playing random songs each day when Ss come in, gets the energy going, and make sure I am planning with them in mind, choices, opps to learn in diff ways,time for relationship building each day #waledchat
A2: I sometimes feel I have a lot to live up to so I tend to over plan, including planning for alternatives if the first plan fails. But, I always try to include inquiry, opportunities for creativity, and student-centered learning. #waledchat
A1- I’d hope my Ss would describe the excitement I brought to the classroom, my love of learning, and that I put connections before content. #waledchat
A2 I try to be at the door interacting with all students, those in my class and the ones in the hall, play the music loud, I see the effects, moods lift, smiles, dancing, laughter, good start! #waledchat
A1: My students would say they love the fact that that they know I put people before content..at the end of the day I prove it... That might mean helping their parents find a job...to sending home school supplies. I am there as a permanent support once I meet them. #waledchat
A2: I try to remember that what matters to them isn’t always what matters to me. They’re noticing & needing things that aren’t ever on a lesson plan...it’s more about who I am to them. #waledchat
A2: I like to find out topics they enjoy and incorporate those things as much as possible. I like to use group activities and have movement throughout the room. #waledchat
A2: By really knowing my students & their interests, I do my best to select texts and activities that they will enjoy. I also help them discuss topics that they want to talk about and weigh heavy on their minds #waledchat
A1. Thats a great question🤔🤔🤔 They would say I am all about OUR FAMILY! I ❤️ each of them unconditionally, value their opinions and challenge them in a fun environment- Mrs. Hayes always loses her phone😳😜 & has great dance parties 🎉#waledchat#waledchat
A2: I constantly ask for feedback - whether at quarter end to shift for the second quarter or taking a vote about how we’ll tackle a lesson/split their time. And then, I take their advice and shape what I’m doing around THEM. #waledchat
A2: as a SPED T my world is different. I plan, but can more easily change on a dime depending on what my littles tell me. I will stop to work with them in class and group will happen later. I want to support them the best I can in the moment. #waledchat
A2. I create activities that are engaging for students. For example, after a unit on animals, students created videos to show what they learned. We had microphones from the Dollar Store and they were the reporters. They love to record themselves. #waledchat
A2 - Making connections & building relationships has to be #1 priority. Ss can certainly achieve and succeed if a strong focus is not placed on doing so, but the results are much more powerful when it is! #Waledchat
A2: My Ss are always highly engaged and having fun when provided opportunities to create something and engage with the curriculum at a deep level. I think that is why they love @Flipgrid and @scratch so much. I always keep this in mind to guide my planning, etc. #waledchat
A3: Extension. I'm limited in what I can provide them with this year, since we are working on developing programming for next year in our new STEM Lab. I do as much as I can for my more advanced Ss, but it's still not always enough. #waledchat
A3: I think my Algebra students would definitely say they wish we had more time to spend on a topic before introducing something new. Many were not ready for the increased pace and increased rigor. #waledchat
A2: How to make things "Hard Fun" drives every bit of what curriculum, content, and concepts are planned through the year w/ input from the Ss themselves. Nobody learns from boring, dull, & blah! I believe we as Ts can make anything interesting by being creative! #waledchat
A2. My motto, would I want to learn this/be apart of this family? Am I being challenged? Are my students at an advantage because I am their teacher? If my class was voluntary, would my room be filled?
#waledchat
They're amazed and I have to keep reminding them the offer is always there because that's not the norm. "Sure! Go for it! I need you to learn it, get better at it, apply it! Let me know when you're ready." :) #waledchat
A1 It would be the way I Interact with them and get involved. With 700 Ss it is important to connect as often as possible and to get involved in all aspects of the schools #waledchat
#waledchat This was created when I wrote my book and how I inspire my Ss to #AlwaysBelieve It isn't easy to write down how you create a positive aura that can be felt by others when they enter your room. #AlwaysBelieve
Yeah it is so tough when the state mandates certain things on their tests that need to be covered, but you also want to support learning at Ss pace. Tough! #waledchat
A3 “More time” for assignments - I agree! In 50 minutes, I can give kids a taste of flow, but then they crave it. And when you’re building something that matters, you always want more time with it. #waledchat
A3. We reflect every day at closing circle. My Ss have been really focused on how we talk to each other and how we have class discussions. Not bad for 1st graders. #waledchat
A3: Some students can be loud—not a problem in and of itself, necessarily—but it’s making it hard for some other students to focus. We need to respect and protect EVERYONE’S opportunity to learn. #waledchat
A3: My 4th/5th graders often say they wish our groups were every day rather than three times a week. If the school schedule allowed for it, I would LOVE to be with them daily! They think they’re learning from me when we are really learning from each other! #waledchat
A3: We are not 1:1, so we have to book the computer lab. I wish and they do too, that they could use their cell phone for educational purposes in my classroom. #waledchat
A2 My job is to teach kids to play music. My passion, though, is doing that job by engaging my kids w/opportunities, new possibilities, & enjoyment for the sake of enjoyment! What's best for my kids guides my planning & the extras we go after. #waledchat
A3: I think some of my Ss would ask for technology projects although I think I do plenty. They'd also probably ask for me to return projects and papers quicker. #waledchat
A3: More consistency. While I do my best to keep to my schedule and routine I don't always. I get pulled in lots of directions and some things have to give. It is always a struggle for me. #waledchat
A3: More free time, lol! We go from start to finish, sometimes with quite a few transitions - especially when learning a new concept or topic - because I want them to have several opportunities to see different perspectives and then discuss what we're learning. #waledchat
I could barely contain myself! I attended and presented at #NCTE18 and met so many of my edu-idols. It was too much!!!!! I also met Tanny McGregor who did the #skecthnotes for #CuriousClassroom!!!! #waledchat
A3: A lot of them hate passion projects. 😬 and the past 6 weeks they have been independent since I’ve been waiting to walk again. It’s frustrating- I’m proving my theory to be right- when you don’t engage them, they will find ways to become engaged in inapprop ways. #waledchat
It was so tough to bring tech into the room before 1:1. Thankful that our superintendent saw that need and worked really hard to make that dream a reality at our school! #waledchat
A1: The Ss are the driving force behind my momentum. I can’t move forward without them in focus. I won’t move forward without them in focus. #waledchat
#waledchat A3 Tough one. I strive to have my Ss describe me with these descriptors at the end of the year. This takes trememdous reflection and patience. I guess one thing I need to do better is to teach and give examples at a slower pace. #AlwaysBelieve
A4: I am trying to be more intentional about putting assignments in the gradebook faster. I want to make sure I remember to hand back those papers faster. #waledchat
A3. They would say that we have to be betters listeners and not interrupt, especially in our bilingual classrooms. In our culture it is not unusual for 2-3 people to be talking at the same time. We have big families and that is the only way to have your voice heard! #waledchat
A3 Some wish I would "just give an assignment" rather than pushing them to think critically, overcome obstacles, apply their learning, collaborate/create/communicate. As a class, they are still getting used to work time, flex seating, & having a say in assessments. #waledchat
I would have hated them in school, too. I liked structure. Just tell me exactly what you want and I'll deliver it in a neatly wrapped package. I try to give structure within the freedom of choice, especially for those like me. #waledchat
I used to do a "Mama's Fridge" in my room where I put exemplary work. It was really tough to get on, but when a student got put on it, they were sooo excited! #waledchat
Yes! It’s so interesting- conventional teaching wisdom says change activities every 10 minutes. My experience says my Ss would kill for an hour and a half working on projects that matter to them. #waledchat
Q4: I'll never be able to get projects and tests back to Ss as fast as they want them returned, but I always make a conscious effort to do what I can without sacrificing too much of my life outside of school so I don't get burned out. It's so hard to find balance. #waledchat
A4: I remember this when there are different offline activities, so that I can illustrate the importance of the task and why tech isn't always the right answer...
#waledchat
A4: Honestly, I wish we could slow things down, but we have a lot of content to cover in the standards and only a set number of days to do it. I try to build in as much cumulative review throughout and provide multiple opportunities to demonstrate mastery. #waledchat
A4: It's so hard for me because I see them once a month and I want to cram so much into our time together. I need to scale back and choose quality over quantity. #waledchat
A3: They ask to do more things where they create and teach. I hate to admit that the fear of low test scores has kept me from being as open with this as I should be, but things are getting so much better. #waledchat
A1: I hope Ss would say I am friendly, caring, visible, and make learning fun! #waledchat I try to empower them to own their learning and get to know them as individuals.
A3: Kids hate homework. I’m down to 30 mins every other day. I’m not sure I can completely eliminate HW altogether, but it’s significantly less now than when I was a 1st yr teacher! #waledchat
A4: Since we can’t meet daily, I make the most out of the time we have together. I plan my lessons so that we take advantage of every single second and no time is wasted. Time is precious and so are they! #waledchat
A3: There would be many different answers from the serious to the silly...no matter what the answer growing in knowledge in some way would apply (from the Ss who wants to learn greek mythology to the one who wants to know every algorithm to solve a rubik's cube) #waledchat
A4: I need to stay on my middle school board I have. Update with pictures and get out and take pics of the Ss in action to hang around the school. Offer rewards for successful growth being made #waledchat
A3 As principal my Ts are like my Ss and they a survey just came back encouraging more consistency with discipline. It’s hard because we individualize that like we would a lesson in math but maybe I need to give more feedback to Ts on what is happening. #waledchat
A4: I get pulled to support with testing, or when I have to complete testing for SPED reasons. I'm thinking about how to make small group testing more classroom based and not pullout. I can't do anything about the SPED testing. Its a must. #waledchat
A4: I just redid the room arrangement after school today. And I’m being mindful about planning some social learning and some silent, independent thought time. I’m trying more things where one student talks and another listens & writes to cultivate thoughtful quiet. #waledchat
A4 We have been working on different groupings for discussion (book club style in small groups) We also are trying to hold each other accountable in regards to turn taking and focusing on the speaker #waledchat
A3: The opportunity to go out in the community help. Every time my class goes out into the world the more people they get to meet. We are only as strong as the connections we have. The more connections we give to students the greater strength we give to their future. #waledchat
A3~
~ maybe they’d say clean up some of our #trashtotreasure curbside finds snuggled (one of my CB colleagues says so too 😂😂😂)in our room for those #just Incase discovery/innovation project pieces we MAY need 😊😊😊... look in background 😂😂😂😂😂
#waledchat
A4 This means to me, they need more practice to get more accustomed to thinking, creating, collaborating, speaking, applying. They don't need less, they need more. #waledchat
A4: I’ve been wanting to make a suggestion box, and I haven’t gotten around to it. This conversation put this desire back to the forefront of my brain. #waledchat
A1: I hope Ss would say I am friendly, caring, visible, and make learning fun! #waledchat I try to empower them to own their learning and get to know them as individuals.
A1: They’re Middle Schoolers so they’d start by stating the obvious, that I’m pregnant; they’re currently OBSESSED with Bébé Hogan. Hopefully they’d say that I’m dynamic, flexible, I give them freedom to choose & offer input, supportive, willing to try new things. #waledchat
A3. My kids would yell at top of their lungs for more #mysteryskypes only instead of in U.S. they would ❤️ 2 connect more outside U.S. & learn more about their culture/school but due 2 time zones can be tricky @Flipgrid has helped but hard 2 find friends outside U.S. #waledchat
A2: I try not to do something they are capable of doing. Sometimes it is hard to turn over the reigns, but our Ss have great ideas and are leaders!! #waledchat
A4: Everyday, the students get time to reteach and create something regarding our lesson: Flipgrid, Slides, Drawing. They are quite talented, and they are making me a better teacher. #waledchat
Hope all of you can join me this Sunday at 7:30 pm, 6:30 cst for our #teachpos chat. The topic is high expectations in our class and schools. #waledchat
Oh man, the struggle is real. some tech tools can help, and I love peer evaluative processes too. Takes some of the load off me & allows for faster feedback. Not a cure-all, but it helps. I have some quirky, interactive ones on the website if you’re interested. #waledchat
#waledchat A4 You can ALWAYS become better at what you do. Key is to be humble enough to admit that you have weakensses and that you can ALWAYS do things better. Be open minded. LISTEN to your administrators when they give you feedback. Make your job about the kids.
A5: Thankful for @HistoryislifeDC and @ToddRisser. These two people are people I know I can go to for support, encouragement, and to be challenged. #waledchat
A5: My mentor here has been an incredible source of support. The administration is also wonderful at checking in to make sure I'm comfortable and confident in my new role here. #waledchat
So many of the books that are being mentioned during this chat are included in #BookCampPD 's Winter/Spring survey. If you would PLEASE take two minutes and respond with your thoughts it would be fantastic! https://t.co/S9Ahi4qfgc#Waledchat
Thanks for the compliment Tim. I just love it when teachers share items like this and then I can share them again years later and maybe help someone out. #waledchat
A2: I often give them a chance to give feedback and I take it into consideration when I’m planning future lessons. I always try to think about their reasons for choosing to take Fench so that I help maintain their enthusiasm & not stifle it. #waledchat
A3: More time and $ to run clubs and activities that interest them. 6th graders started a Harry Potter club at recess. They now want to hold auditions for a play and work towards a production. #waledchat
A4. I told the Ss we'll make slime, but we can't make it every time! We do a large variety of different things! Messy things that will put smiles on their faces! #waledchat
A5 I find my Twitter PLN to be the best place. As a principal it’s difficult because I can’t just speak freely to anyone and I must stay positive. Today was a difficult day so I have spent time in reflection and then messaged or voxed people from my PLN. #waledchat
A5-My Twitter PLN....@Rdene915 is my Twitter spiritual guide. @iluveducating is my positive vibes promoter. @MissKRafferty is my coblogger in crime. So many more! Great crew here on Twitter. #waledchat
In reply to
@MrPStrunk, @Rdene915, @iluveducating, @MissKRafferty
A3: I would imagine they would say that they wish some of their classmates would get on board with our overall community feel and be less disruptive. Most are there, for some, it’s been a struggle. #waledchat
A5. I have a small group of colleagues that are my marigolds. We love reflecting and collaborating together. They are awesome "thought partners"! #waledchat
A5: I am fortunately have several people I can rely on for help. It makes a huge difference to know you have someone to support and help you when you need it. #waledchat
Hmm, good question. I teach humanities but I am giving the kids an article on climate change and its effect on mummies...cool, huh? Go take a look @Newsela for sure. And they are partners with @brainpop which has fun videos and activities across subjects too! #waledchat
In reply to
@JWhiteScience, @msemilyguthrie, @Newsela, @brainpop
A5: I have a few awesome ppl I go to, like @MrsLouder and @justmiller79 who help keep me sane, but seriously, my PLN has been so good to me! I’m learning so much and feel so supported! #waledchat
