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! Tonight, we're talking about engaging a different five senses in our students and our classrooms! Introduce yourself, and say hey!
Say hey #2pencilchat! I’m urbie. My shtick is instructional design. I’m into knowledge transfer facilitation, basically how to get know-how from here to there (us to others).
Q1
We learn better when there's a physicality to our learning. How can you make sure that your students have a solid sense of movement in your classroom?
#2PencilChat
#2pencilchat A1a I think about a lot.. at events where learners are mostly adults I think it can begin my dragging chairs into circles. A little huffing-puffing put to good use, a reminder how we're equal and each idea matters.
Different seating options, allow movement as long as they are learning. Also builds up local experts which is good for self confidence #2PencilChat#2PencilChat
A1: Students should be moving during a lesson. It doesn’t have to be constant, but give students the opportunity to stand, move around the room at some point. As a learner, I need this! #2PencilChat
A1 it can be hard in the computer lab, but having more open spaces and a few good places to work besides computer desks is key to making movement #2PencilChat
Q1
We learn better when there's a physicality to our learning. How can you make sure that your students have a solid sense of movement in your classroom?
#2PencilChat
A1: as an art teacher, my ss are constantly moving around and working with their hands. I encourage them to go around and look at others art. #2pencilchat@StephDeLuca16
A1: A sense of movement is imperative to engage a student's mind in the classroom. Even doing little things like moving to a new partner or grabbing something located across the room helps get students out of a daze. #2PencilChat
Q1
We learn better when there's a physicality to our learning. How can you make sure that your students have a solid sense of movement in your classroom?
#2PencilChat
A1 One of my all-time most successful units was on spoken-word poetry. Students incorporated movement into their performances and also learned how walking around can help them think, create ideas, and memorize their lines. #2PencilChat
A1 - You could lead by example. Remove the giant, scary teacher desk and move around the space to support student needs. Also, a chair suggests you sit exactly where it is. Try to add mobility to it and suggest something else. #2PencilChat
We began using some ball chairs and rocking stools this year. Keeps twitchy kids occupied and moving. Attention from those students is much better #2pencilchat
#2pencilchat A1b Online learning, movement's difficult. Or is it? Keep passive learning (spray & pray) brief & introductory. A story and a follow-up activity done offline works, where data can be entered after.
A1. Very good question. Where I work, we have to keep the Ss movement to a minimum for safety & security purposes. This is one that I admit that I do not practice like I truly should. #2PencilChat
A1 #2PencilChat My favorite lessons are round robin- where students share ideas by visit g each others tables and sharing ideas on the graffiti board- also nature walks to get the blood pumping
A1 Teachers need to create movement in a lesson, moving groups, sending a spy when whiteboarding, or any physical activity that will get Ss seeing the benefit #2PencilChat
A1a Something I need to try, spontaneous movement "Ok we've been working for 15 min let's get up & stretch, high 5 a neighbor" or other planned movement #2PencilChat
A1 #2PencilChat I love standing desks- I have 12- I received a grant to purchase them. Plus round tables and science tables- lots of options to move about with ease
Recognizing students' need to move is a huge sign of respect, and if they understand that it's deliberate, and not a desperate ploy, they usually respond in kind!
#2PencilChat
#2pencilchat A1c How sure are we it's movement that helps axons & neurons connect? Might it be doing something different? Singing or reciting a poem as part of a sitting activity?
A1 Movement is integral to sticky learning. The brain needs it. I love tech that enables this. #arvrinedu scavenger hunts, outdoor learning with iPads & QR codes, @GoNoodle, etc. I've even seem some use @scratch@makeymakey in PE to get kids coding and active! #2PencilChat
Q1
We learn better when there's a physicality to our learning. How can you make sure that your students have a solid sense of movement in your classroom?
#2PencilChat
We're working on a solution to add mobility to existing, traditional items. I'll share it with you once we cut thru thr red tape if you'd like. #2PencilChat
I call my room a collision course- we collide with science and that is noisy and looks a bit crazy but it’s organized chaos- thTs what learning is all about- connection and collision #2PencilChat
A1: I make it clear from the get-go that Ss do not need to ask permission to get out of their seat. You need a drink? Get a drink. You need to stretch? Stretch. Move around. Change your seat. I get it - 80 min is a longggg time to be still #2PencilChat
Q2
Wonder and imagination aid relevancy, and provide fuel for students' learning. How do we help to keep a sense of wonder strong in our classes?
(NOTE: This is more difficult with older students, but arguably even more important.)
#2PencilChat
Different working stations have worked well for me if I want the students to move around the classroom. I usually have 4 or 5 different stations and give the students a limited amount of time to work in each one. #2pencilchat
I LOVE that you join in because you provide the extreme case, giving us a reminder that not all classes work the same, even when you aim for them to! #2PencilChat
#2pencilchat A2a For the older students (clinicians, law enforcement & others) I support it helps to make the learning personal. "How might you apply ____ in your situation?" +
A2 In the #NGSS world of #SciEd its easier now w/#phenomenon, but even with that I have to show my wonder & excitement as I teach Even MS & HS Ss like to see some awe & wonder from Ts #2pencilchat
A2 Wonder is one of those things that gets killed when people are not allowed to take risks and question.
SO Model this, encourage this, reward risks and questioning #2PencilChat
A2: I find out what my students really care about and what they are truly interested in. Then I try to help them incorporate that in their art. They are more proud and interested about what they create and the process used #2pencilchat
A2: Keep tasks and lessons engaging for students and encourage them to think away from the norm. With high schoolers, it is important to help them find that intrinsic motivation that will both engage and push them to think deeper. #2PencilChat
#2pencilchat A2b I like #designthinking activities where it's possible for learners to collaborate with others to come up with low fidelity expressions of their learning.
#2PencilChat Wonder and curiosity stem from independence and trust. When we set the stage to be their personal “Hogwarts” and provide them with wand and freedom- they bring the magic of learning to them- they embrace & explore knowledge- this is wonderment
Q2
Wonder and imagination aid relevancy, and provide fuel for students' learning. How do we help to keep a sense of wonder strong in our classes?
(NOTE: This is more difficult with older students, but arguably even more important.)
#2PencilChat
Hello my sweet friend! I may just open up my last bottle of Shiraz you brought me last summer... its state testing week for me & it’s snowing ...again 🙄🙄🙄 #2pencilchat
A3 by using broader set of identifiers, vocabulary to see and experience wonder that Ss already and all ways, bring. To put the onus of catching it on the instructor not on the S to create it. It is already there #2PencilChat
A2: Inquiry! Give students an opportunity to explore topics they’re interested in. Teach them to always question what they research. Foster that curiosity. @Wonderopolis is great too #2PencilChat
A1: This Thursday, my AVID 11 students are going to watch @CBSSunday ‘s segment on @WeWork to get inspired to research how to spend their given budget for transforming my classroom into a more positive and engaging work space. #StimulationOfTheSenses#TeachingWithASMILE#WeWork
In reply to
@MagicPantsJones, @btcostello05, @CBSSunday, @WeWork
A2 It could totally work with stuff like this. Just did some phenomena based learning PD with @fisher1000 after school today. Lots of wonder and conversation around NGSS. #2PencilChat#SloMo
#2pencilchat A2c At a meetup the other day I shared how I'd tried & failed to take 360 pano video from a camera hung from a drone (the camera spun wildly). Tons of ideas for next time resulted. Share a fail & ask for ideas..
A1: This Thursday, my AVID 11 students are going to watch @CBSSunday ‘s segment on @WeWork to get inspired to research how to spend their given budget for transforming my classroom into a more positive and engaging work space. #StimulationOfTheSenses#TeachingWithASMILE#WeWork
In reply to
@MagicPantsJones, @btcostello05, @CBSSunday, @WeWork
A2: That's a hard one! I wish I had more time to devote to things like genius hour. However, next year we're going to have one skinny day amidst our block schedule so I'm hoping to be able to devote Fridays to things like that... #2pencilchat
A2 #2PencilChat Inquiry, ADI, problem-solving/student-driven activities are the foundation but learning really blossoms when we as teachers step aside & empower students to think for themselves and have their own opinions but most importantly have an arena in which to voice them
A2: Keep wonder strong by providing provocations that lead to inquiry investigations. Open-ended questioning can be helpful. Simply encourage wondering...let kids know that wondering is a valued means of learning in your classroom. #2pencilchat
Take the time to let the learning happen, schools often rush a curriculum & then its like drinking watered down Kool-Aid Sometimes less is more #2pencilchat
#2pencilchat A2c "Never do for a learner that which they can do for themselves." Instructional design maxim from the Olde Country
Encourage learners sweat equity..
A2 For me, there's a lot of modeling, a lot of showing of amazing things from around the world, and a verrry supportive atmosphere for the curious. #2PencilChat
#2pencilchat A2d At Walgreens yesterday I bought 3 red noses. A teacher doing a lesson whilst wearing a red nose might elicit wonder from her students..
To have Ss be awed & amazed Ts must display the awesome & amazing first! Today's Ss need more relevancy, if it doe not apply to them they are out real quick #2PencilChat
Q3
One of the main threads of this chat is that community comes first in a great classroom. How do we help students to have a real sense of community when they're together?
#2PencilChat
A3: Start day 1! Team building activities, always purposeful talk, set clear expectations and develop classroom norms together. Students who own the expectations are more likely to follow them and feel a connection to one another #2PencilChat
#2PencilChat A community is formed when a safe haven is created. When all voices have a platform- when cooperation is built in. When stuttrust each other they explore and take risks & genuinely jump in to learning. Model mindfulness & children take the lead
Q3
One of the main threads of this chat is that community comes first in a great classroom. How do we help students to have a real sense of community when they're together?
#2PencilChat
A3: If we want a community feel to our classes, then we need to create that environment. Help the Ss see that our class is a place where we care about them. #2pencilchat
A3 #2PencilChat The first day of class, I had students create calling cards- a small card with their interests and strengths & ideal classroom “wants” we have used them all year for them to find others with similar outlooks- creates a camaraderie
A3 Building community, have a safe place to take risks is so important. I like to play games to instill teamwork, change up partners in groups so they get a chance to see different S's strengths #2PencilChat
A3: Sometimes, we can get so focus on the subject matter that we forget about environment. The time we take out of our lessons to include team building and sharing our interests makes a HUGE difference. #2pencilchat
#2PencilChat A3b I think a sense of history helps, too. Make use of flip charts or posters to create a sense of group memory.. maybe hieroglyphic journaling.
A3 Developing a sense of community doesn’t have to happen through separate activities. Students develop a meaningful learning community by doing meaningful work together and building meaningful relationships in the process. #2PencilChathttps://t.co/5phcSbXyVw
A communitydoes not always get along. There are rebels & dissenting opinions- but through constructive argument my students have found ways to debate & get to know one another on a deeper level- collaboration & respect is the foundation of any community #2PencilChat
A3: I teach Spanish. I make my students ask each other questions using the target grammar and vocabulary. The students love it. They pay extra attention and learn a lot about each other. #2pencilchat
Q4
When students engage their creativity, the learning sticks better. What can you do to provide them the freedom and the security to feel a real sense of creativity?
#2PencilChat
A3: We have an 'affirmation station' where they write messages for each other... and we encourage and discuss mistakes to create a safe place. We are a family and encourage one another. #2pencilchat
A3: I have come to see more and more that the Ss need to see us as real ppl. We ask Ss to tell us a lot about themselves, yet they know little about us in many cases. What kind of relationship is that? It just creates a barrier. #2pencilchat
A2: I will stop class and google something if I don’t know the answer to a student’s question. I think it’s important to show 1. I don’t know all the answers and 2. Wondering and exploring are valid uses of our time! #2PencilChat
We did it last year. The lab looks like this now (more or less) due to some design constraints https://t.co/LgHlvTvGw5#2pencilchat but it was designed by kids
In reply to
@ASMILEwithAnna, @MagicPantsJones, @CBSSunday, @WeWork, @cospaces_edu
A3. Community is important and very interesting where I work. My Ss create their own community because they live together & come to school together. I have to work on merging their actual community with what I expect our community to be. #2PencilChat
A2: Prompting students imagine what it would be like to be friends with the author of a text fosters imagination in a relevant way. (i.e. “Emily Dickinson and I would have fun together writing and talking about how intriguing death is, since I am a funeral-director’s daughter.)
A4: This is fairly easy as an art teacher! I keep loose guidelines on my assignments so they can interpret the way they want as long as they demonstrate objectives like using analogous colors, etc. #2pencilchat
A3) I want my learners to know that they matter, they are a valuable part of our learning community, I provide opportunities to have them & their talents shine #2pencilchat
A4 This may sound odd, but letting Ss #FigureItOut When we place discovery at the feet of our Ss they seize the freedom to learn which spurs creativity I stopped answering ?s & asking "What do you think?" Its working #2pencilchat
It can be scary to give up some control as a teacher-but as a community they need to cooperate & problem solve independently -this is how they really bond and function as a unit- reliance on one another not the teacher -we are merely the hosts, let the guests mingle #2PencilChat
#2PencilChat A4a Have fun with it.. The ONLY reason I'm able to successfully order chicken in wine sauce (coq au vin) in a French restaurant is because of this guy.. Dave Meier at https://t.co/6qUK1V3kEc +
A3. Respect is a huge focal point for my students. I try to model it and make sure that they understand that if they want it, they must also give it. I've "kept it 100" many times on this one. #2PencilChat
A4: Doing a project? Offer up multiple different ways it can be completely, or a create their own! In anything you do as a teacher, you should be there to support and push your students to more creative thinking/actions! #2PencilChat
#2pencilchat I like to offer choice of demonstration of knowledge- a makerspace of materials and allow them a free-spirit. Creativity comes from taking risks and knowing whatever you do- you will be accepted and allowed to retry and tinker. The freedom to fail opens the mind.
Q4
When students engage their creativity, the learning sticks better. What can you do to provide them the freedom and the security to feel a real sense of creativity?
#2PencilChat
A4 We can give assignments that are defined enough that students understand expectations and can visualize excellence, but open-ended and relevant enough to make room for a variety of approaches. #2PencilChat
A4 Letting the students respond visually helps a lot whether by illustrating with pencil/paper or digitally via @Buncee or Sketchnoting their thoughts #2PencilChat
#2PencilChat A4x In the US Navy I learned about "commander's intent".. the leader set's the objective & leaves attaintment/execution to subordinates. Do that. Delegate authority along with asking responsibility..
The colors...and their expressions...it feels so orderly, and like anything out of the ordinary would be unwelcome.
But that's as far as I'm answering...lol
#2PencilChat
A4: You know what is fun? Assigning a project and using a tool or resource you know little about. Then, the kids have to figure it out without your help. It is hard to control the creative process when you are the novice. #2pencilchat
A4 #2PencilChat I prefer digits over digital- however technology is always an option- at the start of the year 80% of the time they chose a digital option now 25% - I think having a makerspace & flexibility/choice really got my students more hands on
A4: How can I provide freedom and safety for creativity? Honestly, get out of their way. Coach Ss how to respond to each others' creativity with kindness, support, and appropriate scrutiny...and then get out of the way. #2PencilChat
Q4
When students engage their creativity, the learning sticks better. What can you do to provide them the freedom and the security to feel a real sense of creativity?
#2PencilChat
A4. Options, options, options. Provide a basic rubric that states what knowledge the S must demonstrate, but how they do it is up to them. Maybe a drawing, or a rap, or a collage. Not everything needs to be an essay. #2PencilChat
Q5
How can we help our students to grow and to have a sense of achievement in our classes? We know that doesn't look the same for each student, how do we help kids to understand that?
#2PencilChat
This year I have kids who have organized a beach cleanup and started fundraisers for different environmental causes. They have also lent their voice to speak up against offshore drilling in the Atlantic #2PencilChat
A4 #2PencilChat Let students teach some lessons- they love it. Ask them- how do you want to learn this content? The more freedom they have- the more motivation ensues
A5: I think having something physical for students to take with them gives them a sense of achievement, especially if they created it themselves. #2pencilchat
A5 Give them work that they can do, believe in them, teach them to track their progress. Value every step forward. Teach them to set their own goals and that not everyone needs to have the same goals.
#2PencilChat
A4: I remember having my Ss do a project in which they had to create a sustainable city. One kid asked if he could use Minecraft. At that time, I knew next to nothing about Minecraft. I said, "Sure. Why not?" Best project ever! The rest is history. #2pencilchat
A5: In so many of my ed classes I hear about finding the student's strengths. When looking at a student and their growth/achievement, find the strengths before looking for where they're struggling. Then make sure they know of their strengths! #2PencilChat
A5a: In math, I find my Ss struggle to see how they have progressed. They can be so hard on themselves. By using @flipgrid, I have a record of how they have grown in their understanding of math. #2pencilchat
#2PencilChat A5b Celebrate multiple methods of arriving at a problem's solution. It's less about being correct/right and more about process/workflow in life. #criticalThinking
This is awesome. It's so easy for Ts (and any humans, really) to say "no" to something they are unfamiliar with. But to demonstrate trust in Ss and not put limits on their creativity (and your own learning!).....that's a special person and an even more special T! #2pencilchat
A4: I remember having my Ss do a project in which they had to create a sustainable city. One kid asked if he could use Minecraft. At that time, I knew next to nothing about Minecraft. I said, "Sure. Why not?" Best project ever! The rest is history. #2pencilchat
A5 take pictures of their work and post them. Tell students that they are doing awesome work. Also do the same for the students that struggle #2PencilChat
Nice, no one's ever mentioned people out of screenshot - I love the idea of kids laughing and crying nearby - I can hear them!! Thank you for sharing #2PencilChat
The MBTI is astrology for nerds.
Say it with me again: personality types are a myth, traits are on a continuum, and the major dimensions include extravert-introvert, agreeable-disagreeable, reactive-stable, open-traditional, conscientious-spontaneous.
https://t.co/CZXnqZqTWN
#2PencilChat Grades are required- but growth is expected. My grades are flexible in order to map personal achievements- the more importance we place on progress and collaborative assessments rather than snapshots - the more they feel safe to take risks, fail and voice concerns
Q5
How can we help our students to grow and to have a sense of achievement in our classes? We know that doesn't look the same for each student, how do we help kids to understand that?
#2PencilChat
A5b: We have to take time to help them see how they have grown because it may not be that obvious to them. For them to appreciate that they have grown, we have to make a growth mindset part of all that we do. #2pencilchat
A5. Praise! Make it special, make it specific. Maybe a certificate. That's huge where I work b/c most of my kids have never been recognized for doing well at anything school related. Recognize the effort. Cultivate it. It will continue to grow. #2PencilChat
I agree. The students need to know that the purpose of the feedback is for them to see how they can improve and achieve the desired results. #2PencilChat
For the first time since high school, I got a paper plate award. 😃 It was accompanied by an incredibly sweet note from its creators. Another of those moments where I was reminded that #ilovemyjob.
The best way to build communiities, foster creativity and independence is to build relationships with our students- the more we know them, the more they trust us- when they trust us- everything else falls in to place naturally #2PencilChat
A4: Re-assessment. Any time..any subject..all year long. My Ss chart their progress on standards. They are so proud of learning from mistakes! They spend their "free" hour in my classroom working together & asking me to give them new opportunities to show learning! #2Pencilchat
Q5
How can we help our students to grow and to have a sense of achievement in our classes? We know that doesn't look the same for each student, how do we help kids to understand that?
#2PencilChat
A5 My brother mentioned over the weekend that he'd wished his teachers had spent more time pointing out that if you work hard now, you get to do some really cool stuff later (with examples, of course...)
#2PencilChat
I will have to say that as the Ss were working on the project in Minecraft as I was freaking out internally. It looked like a video game, and I kept thinking, 'What have I done?' It worked out, and I learn to let go of control. #2PencilChat
A5: They don't have to achieve the most or be the best student. If they can become the best version of the self that would be more than enough. When Ss can identify values worth working and sacrificing for this can happen.#2pencilchat
Q5
How can we help our students to grow and to have a sense of achievement in our classes? We know that doesn't look the same for each student, how do we help kids to understand that?
#2PencilChat
This Friday in #stucentclass lets talk strategies that work in a student-centered classroom- bring your best lessons and share them. 4:30PST/6:30CET/7:30EST - can't wait to exchange some amazing ideas.
Please join me Thursday 5:00PST/7:00CST/8:00EST for #teachmindful- a mindful 30- minute chat- this weeks questions are about modeling empathy for our students. #stucentclass
This week only, Ending April 24th, Get Will McGill and the Magic Hat FREE! (eBook Version) That's right FREE
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