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.
Welcome to the #2PencilChat!
As your host tonight, I will
be conspicuously ABSENT. So let's talk about time off. Teachers, students, what happens in your class when someone's not there? Introduce yourself and say hey!
Hey #2PencilChat, I'm Sean in St. Augustine, and I am NOT HERE tonight! This will be totally the same, but without me saying, things like, "Oh my gosh, I love this!" I'm at #fetc19 looking for cool ideas for my kids, and visiting friends! Have a great chat!
Hello, #2PencilChat and robot @MagicPantsJones! Lauren from New York. Looking forward to thinking & learning with you about empowering students, even when they’re not in class.
@lisaannlin2014#2PencilChat I used to use just folders ... a "while you were out" idea... that would work for organization of papers, but the actual catching a student up with learning is a challenge!
A1 #2PencilChat I use Google Classroom for everything, so more often than not, I email the S/P and give the OPTION to do the work at home if possible. Half the time, Ss chose that option. If not, I only make Ss do what is absolutely necessary as I do not want them to get behind.
A1: At the beginning of the school year I have my students memorize a phrase, "ask 3 before me." In addition, I do mini workshops at the beginning of classes (usually during warm-ups) with absent students to help them catch up. #2PencilChat
That is exactly the type of thing I post on my Google Classroom. Ss have access to what they need no matter where they are -- it just depends on how they feel. #2pencilchat
Q2
What tools do you use to help your students to work from home, maybe when they're gone for a prolonged amount of time, or their parents ask for work so they can stay busy while they're absent?
#2PencilChat
A2 #2PencilChat I have one Google Classroom page accessible to all class which include hand-outs/files of HOW TO info so Ss can work from home and Ps can help if needed. For prolonged situations, I provide my monthly syllabus, but am very specific about what I NEED S to do.
A2 I have a website where I post all of my slides, so students can see exactly what their classmates did. We do all writing projects in docs so that they can work from where they are if need be. #2PencilChat
A2: I use an online notebook called One Note (Office 365). I post all assignments on One Note and student's can access them at home as long as they have a device with internet connection. #2pencilchat
I don’t think it is my responsibility to keep kids “busy” if they are home. I don’t mind sending extra work for extra help. Usually, I want them to read, write and get better. Maybe, work on a project we are doing in class.. #2PencilChat
A2 I've found that using @classcraftgame, I can communicate with my students well at any time. With @Buncee, it's easy for my students to work on thing that I assign them and turn them in. It's not the same as being there in person, but it's pretty great!
#2PencilChat
Such an important point. If they’re missing a meaningful learning experience or time to work on a project, that’s one thing. But they don’t need busy work—in or out if school! #2PencilChat
Q3
Sometimes you've got a student who's in their seat, but they're just not there... What do you do to engage a student who's physically present, but they're effectively absent?
#2PencilChat
I had a parent call me once to give their child homework over vacation. I refused. We had a huge disagreement. I told her to feel free to give her child work, but I wanted them to rest. I did not give in. #2PencilChat
A3 It depends on the S for me. If it's not normal for the S, have a private conversation to find out what's wrong. Maybe they're going thru some stuff, maybe they're just over tired. If it's a regular thing, it's time to collaborate with them and maybe parents...
#2PencilChat
For that kid who's in his seat but not mentally present, I engage them by asking GENUINELY if they are ok. Ask if they need to step out and get some water or anything. Assume it's not personal, and offer support. Invite them back in. #2pencilchat
A1--- Catching students up isn't an exact science for me.... but being a math teacher, it means that kiddo is completing their missed exit ticket one-on-one with me the following day. I make them take the lead; it let's me see what they're missing from the day before
#2PencilChat
A2- I use @zearned to help my students work from home! This is their homework every night regardless, but for kids who are absent it really helps most of them stay on top of the math content #2PencilChat
A3 The M in EMPOWER is for Motivation – it’s all about connecting what they’re doing to their own values so they’re not just going through the motions at school. #2PencilChat
A3-- I have a few of these. They keep me on my toes!! I use proximity often.... if that doesn't help, asking them to help me demonstrate something usually gets them engaged right away, or to be the clicker on the computer, etc... it's the little things #2PencilChat
A3.2 If a student is physically present but psychologically absent, it often helps to talk to their parents and find out what’s important to the student. #2PencilChat
Q4
Alright, enough about missing students. What are your best strategies, tools, and prep hacks to make planning for a sub easier
for when you're absent?
#2PencilChat
A3 #2pencilchat Depends on S & situation. Sometimes I meet S where he/she is & let them take walk or go 2 nurse. When Ss doesn't want 2 participate, I make sure that Ss isn't preventing others from learning. I use humor, laugher, action/movement, etc.
A3: I tried to draw them into the lesson by asking them questions, having them “help” another student or me, #2PencilChat asking for their opinion or thoughts. Sometimes I had to use humor to get them to engage!
A4 #2pencilchat I leave specific notes. I use Google Classroom & set up Doc so each Ss receives 1. I try 2 focus lessons on S interests, so Ss engage & do work. I comment in Docs, so Ss know I looked at assignment. I grade it too. This way Ss take future sub assignments seriously
A4 I haaaaaate doing sub plans. I take forever. As much as possible I like to schedule creation based synthesis activities - posters, audio recordings, @buncee creations - so I have fewer copies to make, and the kids will stay engaged for the sub.
#2PencilChat
A4--- I use the same format for sub plans, so once I wrote out my first one, the other few I've had to make have been EASY! I use @zearned as their in class lesson when I'm out (minimal prep & best content), then we review the next day to check for misunderstandings! #2PencilChat
A1: I have a folder with copies notes for the classroom that students can use to catch up from/copy into their own notebooks along with assignments they missed. #2pencilchat
A4: In terms of sub plans, I have a template I follow and just change the plans. In reference to student work, I post assignments in an online notebook (OneNote). With prior modeling, my student's already know how to access/navigate the notebook. Less copies also! #2PencilChat
A2: I typically send work home electronically. Everything that I present in class, whether it is PPT or word documents gets sent home to the parents via email with detailed explaination. If they do not have a computer at home, I send copies of the material instead. #2pencilchat
A4: Definitely have something they can do if they can’t access technology. #2PencilChat Some schools don’t let the subs access a laptop or devices so projectors, etc can be a no-go!
A4 Learning routines! My students know how to read independently, annotate, freewrite, have a partner discussion, write, and peer review. I can create a sub plan using any of these learning routines and my students will learn. #2PencilChat
A1.2 Sometimes I’ll ask the sub to have the students email me a question or a summary of what they did or learned, so I have a sense of what happened in my absence and who might need help upon my return. #2PencilChat
A3: Physically there but mentally absent students... I always invite students to work at my desk. They are usually excited they get to sit at my desk and I work alongside them to encourage their work. Doesn't always get 100% done, but they are more focused that way. #2pencilchat
@lisaannlin2014 A3 I think we have to pay attention to if the disengagement has a pattern. If there is something going on in that student's life, being motivated for math class is the last thing they are concerned with. Also, great relationships build motivation! #2PencilChat
A4: I have an emergency sub folder that includes the typical stuff, bell schedule, rosters, etc... I have class sets of assignments that students can read and answer questions to on a separate paper. #2pencilchat
Q5
I asked the same question about kids. How do you reengage on one of those days when you're at school, but wow, your brain sure
is absent...?
#2PencilChat
A5: Sometimes you just have to make it through the day. Be kind to yourself. Practice self care and get enough sleep. Make sure to drink enough water. Talk to friends and mentors and above all else realize teaching is an ultra-marathon not a sprint! #2pencilchat
A5 I do what I do when I want to really engage my Ss, I try to make things fun. Doesn't always work, tho, I also level with Ss & say, "Hey all, my brain isn't working today, go easy on me, and I'll do my best to be easy going in return." Honesty is a good start! #2PencilChat
A5-- Sometimes, when I'm not mentally there that day, I need to do what gets me excited with the kids. Usually this means throwing in some more of the interactive moments I love on the fly (surprise science lab, math relays, etc) It's fun to see the kids in action #2PencilChat
A5 Honestly, if I’m distracted or sick or otherwise out of it, I usually just tell them I’m not having the best day. They get it. They’re human too. Then we do some sort of learning activity, and usually that gets me back into it. #2PencilChat
A5: To engage myself, I look for humor. These are the days where having a good relationship with kids is so invaluable. They bring me up when I am down. We joke around and it brightens up the day, wakes you up, and gets that brain going again. #2pencilchat
I love you SO MUCH, #2PencilChat Pals! Just like the work that gets done when you have a sub, I'll be reading through the chat when I get back from #fetc19! I hope you have an amazing week, and I'll see you next Tuesday at 7 PM!
