Today @seni_bl will be moderating the chat - feel free to ask any questions! #NT2t
To follow the moderator, open @seni_bl’s profile in a new Twitter window or as a new column if using TweetDeck. #NT2t
Introduction: Time to introduce yourself! Tell us your name, where you are from, your role, and one thing about your first day as a teacher or your expactations. #NT2t
We will be using Q1, A1, Q2, A2 (question 1/answer 1) format. Please include the A & question number in your reply (A1, A2, etc) #NT2t
Please make sure you include #NT2t in your response as well so we all learn from each other.
Hi, #nt2t. I'm sitting in Connecticut waiting to buy #Hamilton tickets online at @TheBushnell. JUST opened ticket sales this hour and its a mob. May be interrupted now and then with that. It's not going to be easy!
Hi! I am Madison Bex. I'm from Bedford, IN. I am a sophomore at IU majoring in Elementary Education. My expectations for my first day as a teacher is for it to be very nerve wracking! #nt2t
Hello I’m Claire Peters, I’m a freshman at the Indiana University Bloomington School of Education! It’ll be a while before my first day on the job, but I know it’ll be very nerve wracking! #nt2t
A1: I'm a freshman in secondary education at Indiana University Bloomington.
Some of my teachers have said to start the year with their best lesson. But aren't most first days just about expectations and getting to know the class? #nt2t
A1: As a new upcoming teacher, my first questions about the new school year would be what technology devices are my students given and how many field trips we are allowed to take! #nt2t
A1: I am currently a college freshman preparing to become an Elementary educator; however, I still want to be involved in this chat! My first question is how can I have an engaging first day where we do more than just rules and housekeeping things? #nt2t
Hello, I am Gabby Eck. I am an IU student in America studying to become a Secondary Earth/Space teacher. I expect my first day as a teacher will be a little bit nerve wracking but also extremely exciting!
#nt2t
Maybe "start the year" doesn't necessarily mean the very first days! That said, my 9th grader just began high school with an immediate lesson on "fake news." Sounds like an important start. #nt2t
Welcome Ariana, and yes - setting the tone for year is important, relationship between Ts and Ss - that’s the base for an amazing year. And this could be a wonderful lesson too. #nt2t
Hi! My name is Celeste and I'm studying French education at Indiana University. I definitely don't expect my first day of teaching to be perfect and instead I will see it as another learning opportunity. #nt2t
Get them interacting with each other in design/build challenges and activities that let them tell/show who they are or their thoughts/views... rules can wait! #nt2t
Welcome! We'd love to have you involved in the chat, I first started here when I was in undergrad as well! In answer to your question, finding a way to make rules/procedures engaging and interactive is helpful for everyone...they learn faster and you're not bored. #nt2t
A1) In my first year, I over planned, set near impossible goals, and was too fixated on time. All of this is not good teaching 5 year olds :) I wish I relaxed more! #nt2t
The have all dates, materials, excursions,… in mind is important for organizing a good school year. So be sure you have the facts. But then - students first. ;) #nt2t
One of my favorite intro lessons was when a U.S. history teacher had the class fill out social responsibility and expectation charts based on John Locke! #nt2t#socialstudies
Depending on what grade you are teaching, this answer will differ. I was early elementary, and I was able to more or less grade everything as part of my end-of-the-day routine after the kids went home. You'll find what works for you! #nt2t
all of this is dependent on you school and you Admin... you will want to research prospective schools while you are sending out resumes ... all school are not equal. Which school is your best fit? #nt2t
Welcome, Celeste! That is a great attitude to have about the first day of school, I wish that I had thought that way more intentionally so I wasn't disappointed or discouraged as often. You go! #nt2t
So glad to have you on board here #nt2t. Try to make this first day impressive - there should be enough fun between this organizational things - to keep students engaged #nt2t
Sometimes yes... that particular piece from what I've heard from others is the most disconnected in teach prep from the real world of teaching... not sure why though #nt2t
And I'd think everyone should understand the tech philosophy and policy. Hopefully it's progressive and enthusiastic. Often it's sporadic and behind the times. #nt2t
Hey Miss Brown! I suggest you set aside some time to do Collaborative games on the first day. It will break the ice and help you get to know your students being themselves. Then you can think rules and strategies to apply. #nt2t
My first year teaching i knew nothing ... I knew my content ... I knew the Principal was in charge of the school ... I didn't even know what questions I should ask. I am thankful for great team mates who helped me understand what teaching was all about. #nt2t
One of my favorite intro lessons was when a U.S. history teacher had the class fill out social responsibility and expectation charts based on John Locke! #nt2t#socialstudies
Awesome advice! Especially for early elementary teachers...I know I had nightmares before school started about running out of time in the day, but every day is a new opportunity and you have time to learn and adapt! #Nt2t
A1) In my first year, I over planned, set near impossible goals, and was too fixated on time. All of this is not good teaching 5 year olds :) I wish I relaxed more! #nt2t
Just be willing to adapt! If you try a system out for a week and it doesn't work, try something new! It will all get done in the end, one way or another, and you can do this! #Nt2t
Hi celeste, nice to see here for this chat. And you are completely right, it’not a question of being perfect - learning means mistakes but fun too. #nt2t
There is no shortcut to getting to really know your students ... you have to talk to them. Dances, handshakes, and all that hype will give you "engagement", but is it a real relationship? #nt2t
15 years in and I still over plan what we'll accomplish the first few days. But I'm quite flexible and just move the items around. Probably better to be over-planned and let things go than not have anything ready to go #nt2t
A2: I believe the best way for a new teacher to get to know a student personally is an "All About Me" worksheet that they fill out and have them bring it to you as they finish so that you can interact with them and ask questions as they turn in their worksheet. #nt2t
A2: I think having students make 2 truth and a lie stories that the class can play helps both teacher and student learn about the unique experiences of each student #nt2t
A2: I think the best way to get to know your new students is to play games that encourage your students to share information about themselves! This isn't everyone's favorite thing, but it helps everyone get to at least learn each other's names! #nt2t
Try to plan hours of working but hours of relaxing too. It’s so important to find time to reload batteries - you need lots of energy as a teacher. #nt2t
Yes, this was always my weakness for the first 3/4 of the year...not having enough to do, or underestimating how long a task will take. Overplanning is good when you can link it to flexibility as well! #Nt2t
Sorry for the late introduction #Nt2t
I'm Stephan, co-founder of the chat and member of the great moderator team. I'm an EFL Teacher based in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
A1: As a college student who is wanting to become a teacher I am worried about keeping what I am teaching students interesting and engaging. I am also concerned about making sure none of my future students have a struggle learning in my classroom.
#nt2t
Hello Bailey, think your school will have a learning management system and using social media. So it’s only a question of time to connect to your students. #nt2t
A2: Having 'about me' papers are a great starting point, but getting to know your students is something that takes time and can't be 'completed' in the first day. Using those worksheets as springboards for conversations is a great opportunity! #Nt2t
I agree that this can work really well, especially if you leave a spot for the student to share any additional info. I've also seen teachers use it to determine other student needs like sitting closer to the board: efficiency! #nt2t
A2: I teach HS and with 20+ yrs of teaching behind me, I think the best way to get to know your Ss is to try and greet them @ the door -I’m lucky to be in the same room each period so easy to do most days #NT2t
A2: As a new teacher, I think one of the best ways to get to know your students personally is to simply just interact with them as much as possible #nt2t
A2: Talking with them and really listening to them. Sometimes we feel so busy that we "talk" but don't listen as our mind races to other things. Also used digital tools (Google Slides) this year to have students share interests, etc so we could go back and reference #nt2t
That's a great question! I've had teachers who had busy lives outside of school and so they graded their papers during class breaks or with students. Also collaborating with other teachers in your department will save you time with lesson planning completely from scratch. #nt2t
A2: ADVICE-The best way to get to know your Ss isn't always through about me sheets or ice breaker games. Ss will share information through those activities but it is the 1:1 conversations that you have throughout the year that will help you get to TRULY know them. #nt2t
Relationship building is a two-way street...you can only get to know your Ss if they can get to know you. Share about yourself so they can find ways to relate/connect with you! The young ones especially love having commonalities with their teacher. :) #Nt2t
A2: I think the best way to get to know my students personally is through conversations that happen before class starts or after it ends. Also getting them comfortable in the classroom and engaged in what we’re learning will hopefully make it easier to connect! #nt2t
What opportunities did you have for those sorts of conversations? That was something I really struggled with my first year was finding the time (especially in 1st grade!) #Nt2t
A2) There's another question on parents, but part of getting to know students is getting to know their families. Both relationships are most effective when you're thinking of both. #nt2t
A3: I think the best use of my time during the first few weeks is to connect with the students and learn what works best for them and their capabilities #nt2t
A3: The best of your time as a new teacher would be to keep up on the housekeeping things and also getting to know your students. If you start building your relationships with your students, the year will be easier. Also, you don't want to get behind before you start. #nt2t
A3: I think the best use of my time during the first few weeks is to connect with the students and learn what works best for them and their capabilities #nt2t
A3: The best use of time as a new teacher during the first few weeks is to get to know your students personally, make a connection, and have a plan mapped out of what you want for this school year! #nt2t
A2: I think the best way for me to know my students is through conversions in and out of class by taking the time to make sure they understand the content and simultaneously being an adult they can trust. #nt2t
#nt2t A1: As a new T, my biggest question and concern was classroom management. I tend to be one extreme or the other, either super strict or super laid-back. My natural personality has no in between.
I totally agree Bailey! Some teachers I have had skipped over this and seemed frustrated when they figured out no one understood/liked the way they were teaching some of the material. #nt2t
A3: I think getting to know the students would be the best use of my time because none of my lessons will work if they don't engage the students or if they're not at the right difficulty level...which is kind of overwhelming! #nt2t
If you're in your first year ... focus on you. Get your stuff done, before you go out and help others. I know you want to make a good impression, but focus on you. Veteran teachers ... help the noobs instead of socializing with everyone. #nt2t
A3: Listening and watching... listen to your Ss, listen to veteran teachers (the positive ones)... listen to parents and watch what others are doing... oh and stay out of the copy room as much as possible ;) #nt2t
#nt2t A2: As a new teacher, I believe the best way to get to know my students personally is to talk to them one-on-one as much as possible, especially the quieter students. I also create Google Form surveys at the beginning of the year.
A2: I think that being involved with school activities might be a way to get to know students better. When there is a school event such as a basketball game or an Academic Bowl and students see you there rooting them on it shows that you care about them.
#nt2t
If you're in your first year ... focus on you. Get your stuff done, before you go out and help others. I know you want to make a good impression, but focus on you. Veteran teachers ... help the noobs instead of socializing with everyone. #nt2t
I teach middle school so it is a little different for me in having those conversations, but great times are taking once a week to eat with your students or having conversations with them at recess is a great start. #nt2t
A3: My time would be best spent establishing connections with my students and checking and doubling checking my planner to make sure everything is organized! #nt2t
First impression with the students is key ... but don't expect to have a relationship the first week. Meaningful relationships take time ... they may like you, but do they buy into you. Relationships go next level. #nt2t
Depends... generally yes I would suggest it... but doesn't mean I do it. We have a parent night right before school so not always anything "new" to say first week. But an introduction and share of what has gone on is nice. If you have time #nt2t
Hi, Gwena! As one of those former quiet students I was sometimes self-conscious, like I knew they were trying to reach out because I was quiet. How do you balance reaching out without pushing too hard? #nt2t
First impression with the students is key ... but don't expect to have a relationship the first week. Meaningful relationships take time ... they may like you, but do they buy into you. Relationships go next level. #nt2t
Plot twist: Have your STUDENTS write their parents a newsletter about the first week of school. Then you also have (unknowingly) their feedback on the first week and things you may still need to work on. #Nt2t
I would also make sure you know, from your veteran teachers, what is coming up that you could/should be preparing for. I remember being blindsided when all of a sudden we started GR groups and my Ss didn't know how to do centers yet...yikes! #Nt2t
Plot twist: Have your STUDENTS write their parents a newsletter about the first week of school. Then you also have (unknowingly) their feedback on the first week and things you may still need to work on. #Nt2t
A4: The best way to communicate with parents is either through email or weekly newsletters! I plan on using Smore, a digital newsletter, to ensure that the parents actually get to see it! #nt2t.
A4: One of the best ways to communicate with the parents is by email, but also letting them know that they can meet you in person if that works for them! #nt2t
#nt2t A4: personally I prefer a good phone call home. It gives that personal touch and parents almost always open up about things even not related to school. They can give great Insight on their kids. There are times when an email is better.
A3: I think that the first week is a great time to get to know your students. Building a relationship with your students could help make the year go smoothly later on.
#nt2t
A4: As a new teacher, the best way to communicate with parents is through newsletters, emails, or different websites. As a future elementary school teacher, I would use ClassDojo to connect with my students' parents. #nt2t
Tip to those new to Twitter here today: Make sure you crack your egg and get a profile picture up as soon as you have a good one to use! People want to see who you are! #Nt2t
Well #nt2t thanks for an interesting/engaging chat... but it is puzzle time here in our house. Care Bear puzzles don't put themselves together. I hope everyone has a great weekend.
This is year 17 for me ... also remember that while you are building relationships you are also building a reputation that will carry on to future students. Kids will talk about you. How do you want kids to talk about you to their family ... friends. #nt2t it is more than content
A1: As a current college student wanting to be a Biology teacher, I'm worried about having student actually be interested in my classroom. I am also wondering, what the best way to build good relationships with my students?#nt2t#w200
A4) There is no one best way, but communicate before the school year begins and continue throughout the year. Ask them what communication modes they prefer. Most text. Use social media and other platforms and invite them to talk back! #ptchat#nt2t
A4: I think email is great to be available whenever, but I'd rather have a phone call or meet in person because I worry about a digital message not communicating tone well #nt2t
I agree that technological communication can lead to misunderstandings, sometimes meeting in person may work best, especially for different situations! #nt2t
LOVE using ClassDojo! I would also recommend Remind to communicate with all parents...I don't know if it has an individual message option though. #Nt2t
A4: I think the easiest way of communication is email. I also have used remind messaging systems that work via text or twitter for immediate announcements. #nt2t
Plot twist: Have your STUDENTS write their parents a newsletter about the first week of school. Then you also have (unknowingly) their feedback on the first week and things you may still need to work on. #Nt2t
A4. I think the way of communication depends on the people. Some prefer mail, some prefer a phone call, some wants to discuss f2f. So there must be an individual form of communication #nt2t
Hello #nt2t . Just came across your chat and thought I'd pop in! After the summer and not using much social media, I'd forgotten how many great chats there are on weekend mornings!
I'd say "newsletters" are less important than making communication consistent. Newsletters take time and that time may be better spent keeping it simple. Basic email blasts can say a lot. #nt2t
A2: I believe a good way to get to know your students may be by having them write a letter. They can write about anything. They can introduce themselves by writting about what they did over break or what makes then happy.#nt2t#w200
A2: When students are engaged in real-world problems, scenarios and challenges, they find relevance in the work and become engaged in learning important skills and content. https://t.co/T6RqfRMK3L#nt2t#edchat#edtechchat
Q5: I think home life and work life need a clear balance. I believe on keeping work in the work place and home life at home, but I understand that that is not always possible #nt2t
#nt2t A5: I'm a workaholic. This has always been my biggest weakness / struggle. My first year of teaching my principal had to tell me to take a day off because I was working 7 days a week. Even God took a day to rest!!
A2: Having 'about me' papers are a great starting point, but getting to know your students is something that takes time and can't be 'completed' in the first day. Using those worksheets as springboards for conversations is a great opportunity! #Nt2t
I was considering having a form of types at the open house before school starts. Parents could fill out their contact info and the best way they prefer to be contacted! #nt2t
#nt2t A5 Part 2: Last Christmas I did the #DitchBook Summit. In it was a teacher who talked about happiness. I learned from her to try to leave school by 4 p.m. daily. That is now my goal. It helps me manage my time better also!
A5: As a new teacher, a great way to balance home life with work life is to set aside time just for yourself and family. Don't do work at home 24/7 because you need to. Allow time for your family and friends so that you don't lose these connections. #nt2t
A5: Personally, I like having something else to do while watching (usually just listening to) TV, so I would probably do some of my grading that way. #nt2t
A4: I think that online newsletters may be an easy way to communicate basic information to parents. If the parents needed to talk one on one I would prefer to talk to them in person afterschool since things can be accidentally misunderstood through texts/emails.
#nt2t
I agree that it is important to make time with your family and friends, especially when you have work. It is important to keep those connections! #nt2t
I can’t divide the places but I’m good at finding and creating „islands of silence“ for me. I need these minutes to keep the balance. Sometimes it’s only necessary to have a view out of the window, breathe deeply … ;) #nt2t
A5: I tried all methods of working at home, working at school, and mixes of both. Find what works for you, but be sure to always have a set time or day that is NOT for work. #Nt2t
A2: Having 'about me' papers are a great starting point, but getting to know your students is something that takes time and can't be 'completed' in the first day. Using those worksheets as springboards for conversations is a great opportunity! #Nt2t
A5: I think the best way is to simply leave work at work, if at all possible! Try doing all grading and preparing before school/ after school when you are there! Sometimes this won't be possible, but just try to limit it! Also set specific times for family and don't change #nt2t
A5: I think it's almost too easy to take everything home for "homework" there is a line lost between home and work. For me I think I have to tell myself this specific time is when I will stop working and simply relax. #nt2t
A4: I find that the best way to communicate is through email because by now almost ever adult has an email account. If email isn’t an option, I can send out my school phone number as well. I would be willing to use any method, as communicated with parents is so important. #nt2t
A3: The best use of your time would be to connecting with your students. That way you will find ways to be able to best teach them and they will also feel more comfortable asking you questions.#nt2t#w200
I wish I could do this, but I'm the kind of person who will obsess over ideas right before I go to bed, so I don't think I can limit myself to prepping at school. Definitely will set family times though! #nt2t
A6: I recommend having one on one meetings with your students. They will be more opt to share their issues with you independently rather than with the whole class. #nt2t
Whatever the platform, video and audio makes us parents feel much more connected to the classroom. So does a forum that facilitates back-and-forth feedback. #ptchat#nt2t
LOVE using ClassDojo! I would also recommend Remind to communicate with all parents...I don't know if it has an individual message option though. #Nt2t
A6: I think it is important to check in with your students and how they are doing, I think that will give you a good idea if you are meeting their needs. #nt2t
#nt2t I also work when it's convenient for me. On Fridays, I typically need to relax because I've worked hard all week. So I often go in to work on Sunday nights, for just a couple of hours usually. Hoping they never close the building on wknds bc that's what works best for me!
A6: To know if you're meeting every student's needs, ask them frequently if they have any questions or concerns. Watch their reactions and body language often to see if any seem to be struggling. Also, be sure to tell them that they can always express their concerns to you. #nt2t
I think one on one meetings are a great idea! Sometimes kids don't want to say anything in front of a big class but are more open when it is one on one. #nt2t
I believe this is going to be huge problem for me too! I love getting things done and planning way in advance. Is there any tips you would recommend to a fellow workaholic? #nt2t
A6: I think both informal check-ins with students and more structured conferences work well to not only ensure you are meeting students' needs, but also to measure their growth #nt2t
A6: Communication! Communication is so so important in the classroom. But first we have to make sure that the student is comfortable enough to ask questions instead of staying silent and suffering from it. #nt2t
#nt2t A6: I actually have students write Reflections every 2 or 3 weeks where they reflect not only on their own growth but also are free to offer suggestions to me as a teacher.
A5: I think it is important to make sure that there is time for yourself. I have heard that there is a struggle between constantly trying to improve their classroom and having personal time. I would schedule in at least a few hours each week where I would have to relax.
#nt2t
One teacher I observed taught through project-based learning, but groups and individuals couldn't move on to the next step of the project before meeting with her and she ensured they had met all of the requirements. Often, they had to redo a few parts. #nt2t
A6: I would check up on my students personally and in groups to see what they know they don't know and what we need to do for them to better understand. #nt2t
#nt2t. A5: PS. I have also learned about myself over the last five years of teaching that I need fun. The more fun I have, the better teacher I am. I know it probably sounds weird, but it's true.
Personally I like to make schedules and then assign every task a "due date". This may seem tiresome, but it also helps me limit how much I do each day! #nt2t
Agree! There will always be something to do in school and at home, but in the realm of sanity and family, one has to be realistic and realize you can’t be everything to everyone.....and that’s ok 😀 #nt2t
A5: I think the best way is to simply leave work at work, if at all possible! Try doing all grading and preparing before school/ after school when you are there! Sometimes this won't be possible, but just try to limit it! Also set specific times for family and don't change #nt2t
