#2PencilChat Archive
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.
Tuesday October 11, 2016
Hey Kathy! I'm good, although driving around town was heartbreaking yesterday!
How long do you think you will have no school?
Hiya lovelies! Though I'm a science T, growing up in AZ I missed disasters. Well, "missed"
Hey Joy! Midwestern tornadoes are terrible, I hated running to the basement in the summer!
Hey Spiri! Boy, I feel ya on that answer.
Sandy worst storm, no power for 10 days. No school for a week.
Excited for tonight's topic!
Hi Erin - brutal heat, sure, but no disasters!
Yes! Next to no warning was always the worst part.
Hi all! Rebecca, survived Michigan blizzards and Illinois tornadoes and now Matthew in the DR. But I'm a long way inland :)
A1: have conversations, allow them to talk and we need to listen
My most devastating disasters are man-made: arson destroyed my HS library, and the Great Recession
A1: give them tools to deal with emotions (writing, drawing, reading, etc.)
I remember a terrible ice storm in SE Mich on Jan 1 in '84, and I was moving in Jan 2 blizzard in '99.
Hey ! Zach Peterson - Columbus, Ohio - Worst Natural Disaster I've ever been a part of was Blizzards oā¦ https://t.co/twllxZ8g9A
Hey Zach! I've been away from blizzards for a while now, so I kinda miss snow...
Allowing Ss to talk, express their feelings, and ask questions
Based on the A1s, it's looking like our class was doing the right stuff today!
just like anything. As leaders and lovers of little ones, we need to be forethought, prepared!
We draw. Try not to dwell if they are done talking and give a sense of normalcy
So true Kathy! NJ family & friends came to do laundry, have hot meal @ our home
No hot showers for a week! ugh!
We fall down so we can learn to pick ourselves up! (Stole that from Batman Begins...)
Good evening ! Todd from NY- HS assistant principal. Worst disasters here? Ice storms and blizzards! https://t.co/wfte9ji9GZ
snow is such a polarizing phenomenon...
A1 This is so dependent on age.
Hey ! A1: thinking aloud how we deal with disaster and looking at problems our Ss can solve
Oh, no!!!! That was terrible! :)
A1 When a school needs help in crisis, Bring in mental health professionals from other schools, often they will oblige!
A2: doing a project or class activity that brings the class together to lean on each other.
in some ways I agree. Are there universal truths that don't depend on age?
Absolutely! We all feel better when we have a plan in place!
A1 You know what you DON'T do? Require Ss to write about it. Invite and leave space. (I'm still bitter. 15 years later.)
True. How do we address disaster with our young Ss? Some of them have been or will go through it https://t.co/Y29qtRzLRH
A1 This is so dependent on age.
Sometimes there are no words. That's ok.
absolutely! We don't rely on the electrician to fix the plumbing...
I'm not a child psych person, but my understanding is that a sense of normalcy is critical for littles.
One of my favorite quotes! https://t.co/3joKwqzcSy
We fall down so we can learn to pick ourselves up! (Stole that from Batman Begins...)
You are giving me flashbacks. I still twitch when we lose power.
Looking a lot like parts of my town right now...
A1 Age-dependent response, but in general we need safe places to debrief and plan for "next times"
Oh No! I'm so sorry Carl! What storm is this?
. Q2 Although many areas were fortunately spared, looking at FB shows hard hit beautiful cities.
It's happening everywhere at the moment. And ours was just a flash and it was gone
A1: help them understand what they can do to help/ provide support in their community.Take action...provides purpose & healing.
A2 Bc we're next door to Haiti, a lot of it looks like collecting cans for emergency food relief, toiletries, etc.
It was 137km/h winds that came through on Sunday. We were spared but route to school took brunt
A2) I love talking about "funny" moments w/ my kids, especially during a rough time...can always write a funny moment story š
So frightening! . Wind scares me. I live in the woods.
It's hard. Need to be sensitive. S walked in now saying still no power
Is there a movement amongst EDU CHATS to send help, provide service, for fellow members of our PLN?
A1: Agreed. offered sound advice all year. We all need to be prepared for anything.
I think it is important to help after the media coverage has subsided. Many are forgotten about after its no longer popular
great idea. We also talked about what was good about our impromptu vacation https://t.co/QJFdiu0dBX
A2) I love talking about "funny" moments w/ my kids, especially during a rough time...can always write a funny moment story š
they amaze me every. single. day.
Students with no power are charging things at school
A2) I think it's important to spread cheerfulness, laughter, happiness during rough times, promote hope for a better day
A2 Any kind of fundraisers are probably most efficient. Stuff management is a big charity hindrance in many cases.
That's our community right now, too. Frequent sirens & chainsaws, too.
I wish I could share this with the world. Puts a perspective on life
A2 chainsaws for everyone.
and what about them that have no homes? How do we be sensitive to what's important during the school day?
A2 Use it as a time to make community connections and research need. Ask!
School is family. Ts always are ready for anything.
Deliberately built house in clearing but have woods 200m away. 1 person crushed by tree in storm
A2: show their support by writing letters, drawing pictures, or starting a fundraiser.
Peg, Instruc Coach/Reading Specialist from MKE ready for while having a cut & color!
so true! Sometimes they come up with better ideas than I do!
So sorry to read this. Many blessings to all affected by the devastation.
oh how horrible, wind is scary, so damaging
we should start a movement, a hashtag, something...
Luckily no-one here but we would open school for them to use as a home. have done so during fires in past
A2 go out and pick up sticks. Make a game out of it.
Inexperienced people need chainsaw training first.
Need to teach now but all is moving forward
training? What happened to exploratory learning
How can we extend this beyond disasters? https://t.co/5z9t6FAUML
Students with no power are charging things at school
A2: Having extra clothes, jackets, food etc. always helpful. Being ready comes naturally to Ps & Ts.
A2:get involved in community.Look to volunteer, put desire to help and do something to work.Blooddrive, gather clothes,anything!
Our littles are set w extra clothes, snacks, etc. Ready for anything, well almost.
A2 We're making Thank You for Taking Care of Our Community cards for our first responders.
YES! The schools can model by donating all their extra lost and found materials that aren't claimed.
Children of trauma have been something I have been researching. It affects more Ss than I realized. :( https://t.co/aWh9XLcJ1O
Creative, inventive, calming influence. teachable moments. Empathy!
A2 Be positive, spread hope, listen, share...I don't have experience w/hurricanes...in Okla it's tornados
A3: providing them with as many resources and outlets possible. Every child is different and will cope differently.
Don't you think it all comes down to relationships and putting the S first.
A3: I always try to speak with them privately to see what level of visible support they are comfortable with.
A3 have student share what is going on and design ideas to help
A2) 9/11 had 1st grader whose dad was in building, hurt but alive, supported her any way I could, still close today
Yes...everyone want to give supplies, but many times those effected aren't prepared to receive them. https://t.co/SkyagcUxMX
A2 Any kind of fundraisers are probably most efficient. Stuff management is a big charity hindrance in many cases.
A1 school has cr8td mindfulness & character ed lessons run by upperclassmen/women. Ss wrkng w/ Ss gives opportunity 2 share
And then we tweet it out with a picture and some addresses for places to send help...
Would love any resources Kathy
YES!!!!! This is 100% what Ss need. No one needs Superman rehashing their business publicly! Well said, Joy!
Whatever ' answer is is my answer
Will def keep you in mind when I find something worth it!
I can't imagine how frightened she must have been.
Hope it's okay...i'm crashing your chat! Jennifer, 1st grade, Okla
this is amazing!! ā¤ļøā¤ļøā¤ļø
So true! Ss just need to talk it out & have you listen
or Twitter handles. I think we're on to something and I'm up for running with it! You in? Anyone else?
A3 I feel like I should add: For heaven's sake, respect privacy, don't make them into a "learning opportunity" or boast post
It's totally open to anyone! Glad you're here (and awesome!).
A3 i'm usually not the person who students to turn to when they need emotional support but I can identify who needs & take them
Let's all give it up for for leading in the midst of Matthew. Can't say it's what I'd be doing.
A3 Let them know it's okay to be scared or sad, but give them the support to deal with the negative and see a bright future.
well except for dudes with thick handle bar mustaches and Hawaiian shirts
Thank you, I'm lucky enough to be relatively unscathed, this chat is how I cope, you all save me each week. :)
A3) Foster Ss needed clothes, so clnd out son's closet. I made sure I offered the clothes respctfully after school
A3 A cool-off/cry/take-a-break space is critical, with available but not mandatory counselor/adult support
A3: provide support that doesn't overwhelm but allows student and their family comfort and a feeling of care.
A3: I have found private support to be very welcomed. Post-It notes of encouragement...they usually save those. ā¤ļø
A3 Today, as we talked, I said that if you need to cry or be overwhelmed, no one will laugh, though someone may try to hug you.
and ppl who use glitter...
And remember the effects of disaster can be far reaching...fear and anxiety won't go away over night. https://t.co/AdnimcgJJ8
A3) Be flexible. Observe. Listen. Be patient. Realize that outbursts are a manifestation of a deeper issue. Be a huā¦ https://t.co/fmg1hIJyk3
I'm in! Keep me in the loop!
Unfortunate reality is most schools probably need a food pantry, clothing rack, and laundry room.
Hey PLN!?
Do you know anyone who needs help from Hurricane Matthew?
Willing to help?!
Drop a line to or DM me!
It's funny, Matthew is gone, but I'm listening to a Nor'easter outside, blowing, lightly raining, and it feels like an insult.
A4: first I would google it. The. I would do what Google says. I've had kids' families open their homes to other Ss. Powerful
I love this so much! https://t.co/3y0grCYtps
Hey PLN!?
Do you know anyone who needs help from Hurricane Matthew?
Willing to help?!
Drop a line to or DM me!
is now trending in USA, ranking 46
I actually had to remake slides 4-6 because I spelled tragedy tradegy. *sigh*
The whole family was, mom came to get her, she was so calm, so brave, I saw TRUE strength that day
Hello ! Cathy, finally settled on a sliver of wifi after driving from NYC to PA.
You're gonna make me cry.
A4 My experience...offer emotional support, gift cards for restaurants, clothing...remember many times they are displaced.
I am an easy crier. Sad movies, songs, nice commercials, this has been a tough weekend!
Spell Check was invented because of me...true story š
I think sometimes it is so hard to be a teacher.. https://t.co/NQPhYAXvZW
I am an easy crier. Sad movies, songs, nice commercials, this has been a tough weekend!
So impressed with the amount of love, dedication, and care that I have witnessed from my growing .
How are you Sean? Weather the storm?
A4:students make card to student& their family, make dinners, organize Go Fund me drives.Ss want to organize/make a difference.
I did great, but I drove through streets and streets of houses that lost everything to storm surge.
Awwe my sweet Sean, they are all happy & healthy now, time heals all things š
How does one handle a dramatic situation like this in the classroom? How do you explain these things to children?
If anyone you know needs help from please tweet at !
It was either teaching or the NBA. (Not true! I'm 5'7"...)
Boom! That's awesome! A plan is in the works...it's why I've kinda dropped off with my responses
Updā¦ https://t.co/AL9JpsZGaK
Wow. Our house is above the flood line, but half our town is not. Floyd, Irene, Sandy :(
So many of my kids- and yours- walk in exposed to trauma, it's not "how to I explain to them" but "how do I let them explain"
Haha I just wrote a blog about being a LATE BLOOMER! I feel your pain!
I finally made it. Late but I made it.
That's how it was for me. If I was on a slab instead of 8 feet off the ground...
Oh we're making it work! I'll keep you in the loop Todd! GoFundMe page is a great idea! So excited! https://t.co/wzKUmixWqV
might be helpful to start a GoFund me if we could make it work?
A4: Hurricane Sandy was the last to affect our area- gift cards, donations, water, clothes, meals
A5 Friends, family, church, community...in Moore, Okla we're used to rallying around each other for support.
A4. I really try to help and provide support, usually more emotional than anything else.
A5: school community! Our peers are always so willing to come together in a time of need. Circle the wagons to help their own!
I totally agree! We are better together!
Sorry was at the supermarket when my alarm went off - so here I am - late but here :/
A4: Great opportunity to teach empathy
A5: I turn to my friends, family (& PLN) for support. I'm so thankful for them all. (That includes )
Q5 was a real diaster! I mean disaster! *sigh* :)
I love this! It really is so important to know when to stop and listen to your students!
Difficult, Admin didn't want discussed too much -1 level, import. to say out of evil there was so much good
A5 15 yrs ago brought home autistic/dev disabled daughtr. We were told she was fine. I thought I ruind our fam. Tragedy 4 me
School Community=Familyš https://t.co/P4ubKuELf0
A5: school community! Our peers are always so willing to come together in a time of need. Circle the wagons to help their own!
Hey Jo! We're dealing with natural disasters tonight. And these people are AMAZING.
stop beating yourself up. It's been a rough week. Give yourself a break.
Wasnt Spud Web 5'7"? He was amazing!
Hey! Dad jokes must be contagious! I'm so proud! https://t.co/pM3keI4KlV
Q5 was a real diaster! I mean disaster! *sigh* :)
Yes-I can only imagine. The key is to help them learn how to cope and lead productive lives.
I'm having fun with the misspellings. That card originally had a different word!
A5a it took therapy & lovng ppl 2 show that Ani was our gift. I can say that now. Tragedy became daily inspiration
This is beautiful.. https://t.co/4j3Zw3BvGd
A5a it took therapy & lovng ppl 2 show that Ani was our gift. I can say that now. Tragedy became daily inspiration
So grateful that you're alright.
Remember victims of disaster don't always know what they need right away...be there when the dust settles or the waters recede
Sometimes you have to give yourself permission to dwell in the problem for a minute or two before you start to recover.
Good advice. Need to process and mourn. https://t.co/P9x01KWnnU
Sometimes you have to give yourself permission to dwell in the problem for a minute or two before you start to recover.
I'll say you just wait till they are ready to talk -
Thank you for the validation and YES!
A5) When my Ps died was so amazed & overwhelmed w/all the love & support from friends, Ss, Ps, admin
A5: I feel like I'm a disaster. Shouldn't I be getting better at chatting with time? Apparently not. I'm so behind š³
Or whatever spirits work for you, yes!
A6: Breathe. Sometimes that's the first step. Then make lists. Check them off one at a time.
A6 you must just take one step at a time - it's a slow process to build things back up - patience and understanding
That's most weeks for me, I only keep up because I scheduled the questions!
I was going to say or beer?
A6: I need time to myself to process the tragedy & begin to work through it before I can even begin to talk to others about it
Perfect, and oh so human https://t.co/jaeUzMqZPW
A6: Breathe. Sometimes that's the first step. Then make lists. Check them off one at a time.
I will! Thank you for sharing!
Hi Tammy! How did you do during the storm?
A6. Break into small, doable pieces. Whether working in sets of 15 minutes or task to task. Celebrate baby steps
A6 Let it out. Cry. Hug. Draw. Divert your attention occasionally.
A6 Talk it out but don't dwell...sometimes Ss need an escape...learn something new interesting and fun!
Q4 was written by a first time keyboard user (not really). Please be kind! (really) MORE >> https://t.co/NSKeoWeVcD
A6) Dive into home project, running, yoga, cooking, tending to my roses, snuggling my babies, coffee w/dear friends
We were fine. Supported Daughter & friends from Jacksonville.
A7 Falling into the arms of people we love
A6 The answer is always, "Drink more water."
Then refill your water bottle.
Then drink more water.
White or red? Glass or bottle? šš
If nothing else, the bathroom break will give you a chance to gather your thoughts. https://t.co/sLhvqvHplb
A6 The answer is always, "Drink more water."
Then refill your water bottle.
Then drink more water.
A6: look to friends& family to lean on.Get rest, eat well, talk about concerns with those who care about you.Don't go it alone.
I lean toward potato juice mixed with things...
depends..how bad is the problem and hot the temperature. . Friday was red lol
A6: Find someone that will take care of YOU for a change. It's not a weakness to need help or seek it.
A6 On a personal level...time to think and process...focus on the positives.
Potato juice from Russia...? ...
A5: I had a mastectomy 6 years ago, and even though it was the summer, our colleagues and friends sent meals for weeks <3
Well, the Russians do some great stuff with it...
That lesson can be hard to learn unless faced w/ tragedy. Yet it is so important!
Oh, well that changes things...
Just got it..duh..I'm a little slow on the uptake. Thus why I like wine. lol
A6 Break down tasks into little steps. Take breaks. Celebrate small accomplishments.
I actually use that strategy a lot! ššš» https://t.co/Cx20GhSeSf
If nothing else, the bathroom break will give you a chance to gather your thoughts. https://t.co/sLhvqvHplb
A6 The answer is always, "Drink more water."
Then refill your water bottle.
Then drink more water.
Just trying not to be obvious in a public forum. :)
a dance tape is always good at relieving stress and giving me a minute to think
(unlike me who just puts it out there) she says whispering. lol
Especially during class! Need a minute, Oh, Noodle!
Seriously! one of the best websites ever!
A6: Not the best strategy, but I throw myself into whatever work there is. Maybe that's more like
Love Guinness every now & then, love wine any color too š šš
A7: Give them time to ask questions. They know something is happening. Listen.
A7 Have a plan (at school), encourage a plan at home, be prepared...BE CALM
A7 I told mine to prepare a backpack with books, device charger, notebooks, and markers. They told me it helped.
Also have them bring their writer's notebook home. They could read and write
A6: Alone time. Lots of alone time with tissues
A7: A fellow T told me on Voxer how he suggested things for his Ss to do to help lessen the stress. I used it as well. Helped.
A6 I know it's not "approved" but I hug with abandon. All my Ss know if they need a hug they can come to me anytime of the day.
A4. I really try to help and provide support, usually more emotional than anything else. MORE >> https://t.co/YhfI0K4bqX
Kids are smart like that. It's important to avoid talking down to them. https://t.co/pzz6Sd2hNf
A7: Give them time to ask questions. They know something is happening. Listen.
Practice mindfulness and remind them to do it
Sorry was at the supermarket when my alarm went off - so here I am - late but here :/ MORE >> https://t.co/YhfI0K4bqX
"Your parents are busy keeping you safe, you need to keep busy so you're not distracting them from your safety."
A7 As a little one (*insert whiteness caveat) I found in-person class visits from emergency responders comforting
Of course the firefighter was usually my dad, so that helped, too :D
We ALL could thrive with more positive physical safe interactions. 3 hugs a day to survive 7 hugs a dā¦ https://t.co/qP1Ve4BJdW
check out tonight. Some of the Q&A's give inspiration of thingsto do/talk about with
Thanks so much for such a wonderful chat! !
Thank you for a fun night, Wishing you all safer, happier, healthy days ahead ā¤ļø
A7: talk about planning- what are their families doing to be/stay safe? Where to get information from, supplies, shelter.
Thanks for the chat! Be safe, all
