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.
Hey Kelsey- I just read it and smiled through the whole thing. I can identify with it ALL and you write so beautifully. Thanks for sharing the wonders of these years- #2PencilChat
Jumping in the #2pencilchat for a short time. Been meaning to join you, @MagicPantsJones for weeks now! Ed Kemnitzer, Director of Technology for the @EastWillistonSD on Long Island, NY.
So I knew I wanted to use remind as a messaging system...I didn't know that you could turn on & off the messaging feature so I use that as IM #2PencilChat
Q1 For you - when you're low on emotional gas, how long does it last?
And how often does it happen? #2PencilChat
(please forgive the typo in the slide...I'm running out of gas. lol)
A1: “A slump is like a cold, no matter what you do it lasts 5-7 games...” depends on what’s happening, but doesn’t usually last too long... #2pencilchat
Q1 A- I would say it lasts until I do something about it! It happens every couple weeks. Working as a para currently in a classroom with children with Autism can be exhausting! So it catches up to me probably every two weeks or so :(
A1: Lucky that I am rarely low on emotional gas. Have a million ideas to keep my energy flowing. I just need more time!! When I do run low on gas, it doesn't last long. Quickly inspired by my colleagues and PLN. #2PencilChat
A1 - For me, it depends on the circumstances. Some days or moment are just that: days or moments. Other times are more substantial. I'm currently low on emotional gas and, though I hope it won't last long, some situations to be resolved for that to happen #2pencilchat
A1: Although I don’t have experience with burnout in the classroom yet, I know it takes me a long time to refuel from emotional exhaustion. Once I run out, it is very easy for it to happen over and over again. #2PencilChat
Q1 For you - when you're low on emotional gas, how long does it last?
And how often does it happen? #2PencilChat
(please forgive the typo in the slide...I'm running out of gas. lol)
A1: Typically not too long. My wife and I debrief every evening so that's a plus. It helps us to move forward and remember why we love teaching! #2pencilchat
I'm one of those who needs a solid sleep at night & when that doesn't happen I can get a little more frustrated easily. Some planned down time (reading, workout, extra sleep) always helps #2PencilChat
I'm a very emotionally motivated person so I need to make sure I get my "emotional tank" refilled, otherwise it will affect everything - my physical and mental health #2PencilChat
A1. Because I'm in the detention center, our population constantly changes. So, TBH, it can hit at any time. What causes it is the emotional and behavioral make up of the units. It lasts until the "problem" leaves. #2PencilChat
A1 My fuel meter is pretty uneven this year, I love my kids, but they can be a lot. I've got some non school related insomnia (even though I only have one caffeine drink a day). It's been harder to predict than normal this year. #2PencilChat
I plan a fun activity, tell a joke, try to get the kids to laugh and have a good time. When they are smiling, it really helps me to recharge. #2PencilChat
Q1 For you - when you're low on emotional gas, how long does it last?
And how often does it happen? #2PencilChat
(please forgive the typo in the slide...I'm running out of gas. lol)
A1: After an intense amount of stress, anxiety, or worry #2PencilChat! I try to avoid those stressors but when they appear my emotional energy is depleted. Usually a couple of days depending on the situation.
Definitely! and it helps me see any blind spots that may help any difficulties I may have. Currently it's classroom management and getting students connected in a better way to the content. #2pencilchat
#2PencilChat A1a So I’l low on emotional go-juice.. how long’s it last? Depends. What just happened? Missed opportunity? A surprise at work? One meeting too many? It’s external stuff I give permission to get to me. Too often I’m afraid.
Q2 A- I would say being understaffed at work is what is the ultimate source of me being drained. Since we are understaffed, it leads to harder days of course leaving everyone drained. I would also say homework! Currently working and going to school is tough #2PencilChat
A2: I suppose when I know students can be doing better, or there’s something going on that’s bothering friends at work... that can be draining... #2pencilchat
A2 - Usually, I get drained from school stuff around the end of each quarter (stressing about finishing grades/getting kids to pass their final assessments/etc)... New quarters are fresh starts for all! This year it's been more home stuff which is new to me 🤷♀️ #2PencilChat
#2PencilChat A1b I remember this time, oh musta been around late autumn ’78. I’d just reported for duty on this tiny Indian Ocean coral atoll. I’d be there just under a year. Someone handed me a machete and said get to work (trimming the jungle).. instant downer.
A2: Being "ON" when admin or others come in the room. Always feeling like I am under the eye in the sky. Things that I allow may not be kosher with some others. I don't mine a little chatter or jokes during a lesson, but I have been stressed about it this year #2pencilchat
I love my job. I love teaching. I've been teaching at the detention center for 11 years now. What's honestly draining is the kids. They are energy suckers. Sometimes it's because they're needy. Sometimes it's because they are oppositional.#2PencilChat
A2: What really drains me is any combination of school, social, and home stress. I can typically handle any stressor on its own, but when there is more than one thing causing me anxiety, I am checked out. #2PencilChat
A2: Teaching is like beings rock star. Put together new material in spring (curriculum). Rehearse in summer (lesson planning, PD). Club tour in summer (mentoring grad students). Start nine month tour in September... Hopefully it’s a hit!!! #2pencilchat
Oh my gosh so true, right?! I was sick all of January last year..I thought I was going to lose it. Went to work, came home and went to bed. #2pencilchat
A2 At school, it's when you've got a big, knotted up problem, and you can't find the ends of the string to start working it...
At home, it's a combination of too much stuff to do, and just kind of personal stuff...
#2PencilChat
#2PencilChat A1c Lemme tell you.. jungles grow fast. Once chopped down to size it was back with a vengeance in a day or two. Funny thing, my shipmates didn’t seem to be bothered by it. I think they enjoyed to exertion. Soon, I did too. Hard to be empty with a machete in your hand
A2 - some certain school things drain me, working a second job (coaching field hockey).... #2PencilChat not having enough alone time (I'm a person who needs alone time to recharge)
Oh my gosh.... this has been a HUGE issue for some of my peeps this year. We are really trying to work on the Growth Mindset. It is more of a "I don't feel like doing it" fly under the radar issue. I KNOW they are capable. Lots of creatives in my crew this year. #2pencilchat
A2 - My car was hit during parent teacher conferences and they didn't leave a note. That coupled with changing weather, less sunlight, and the usual school workload are leaving me drained #2pencilchat
A2: My brain has so many ideas swirling around all the time. I put too much on my plate and then go at a fierce speed to accomplish what I want to do. ( Totally draining)I need to slow down. ( Note to self)#2PencilChat
A2: The source of my emotional drain can be due to several factors #2PencilChat! In education our environment is in a constant state of flux. Sometimes situations arise that are beyond our control but we feel personally responsible. These are the ones that really drain me!
#2PencilChat A2a Usability stuff brings me down like nothing else. A whole life spent at work.. you get used to stuff working a certain way. Until it doesn’t. Commiseration helps tho. Empathy, too. Speak up to make it right is just the ticket.
I haven't experimented with all of the features yet but thank you for reminding me about the portfolio. I think it would be meaningful for guardians to see their children's work in almost real-time #2PencilChat
Amen!! Having ALL of these issues. I have been crowned the "Nice" teacher. That is why they don't comply. coupled with some of the content. Trying to make it better though! :( #2pencilchat
A2- I'm drained by noise. If I don't get a chance to reset somewhere quiet by midday then it makes for a tough afternoon. It's taken me awhile to figure that out. #2PencilChat
A2: Another thing that can affect us is being pulled in several different directions at once! I have to remember that “No” is a complete sentence! #2pencilchat
Not being able to find the ends of the string. Yes. This visual is so relatable. I feel like Maniac Magee trying to untangle Cobble's Knot. #2PencilChat
A2: Teachingis also like being a pro athlete... you either get into or out of shape in the off season. Training camp is PD. Nine month season. “Sometimes you win. Sometimes you lose. Sometimes it rains.” #2pencilchat
Curse it!!!! We have specials in the class room every other week on Mondays. IF we can't go outside, that is the WHOLE day in the classroom besides lunch.... #2pencilchat
A3: When the weather is agreeable - and it has not been this fall - on like to go back roadin’ on my Honda Ruckus and take in the quiet... #2pencilchat
A3
Exercise, my parents, comic books, and a couple of good shows really help me. Also making sure that I'm eating the right stuff, and not defaulting to delicious garbage helps. #2PencilChat
Q3 A- So true! I need to regroup during my lunch period. I'll ask another staff to switch out with me too if it's too much for me to handle at the moment. I also try to plan for one afternoon a week to be filled with nothing so I can relax :) #2PencilChat#aedu209
A3: Netflix and Chill.... or throwing on some Foo Fighters on the drive home (37 min) I love walking my dogs and shooting my compound bow as well for a break. #2pencilchat
A3. I used to go to a chiropractor--and will again. Just getting heat, massage, and adjustment helped tremendously. I know I said this before, but getting sunlight and fresh air also helps me refill my tank. #2PencilChat
A3: Personally, I need to feel it out first. If I don’t let myself be upset for a moment, it will somehow find its own way to win! After that, I treat myself to something (anything really; food, tv, relaxation) and spend time with friends and family. #2PencilChat
A3. I hit the gym at least 4 days a week. I do cardio and lift weights. I also do spin class. I LOVE that. Then, I sleep on the weekends so I can do it all over again.#2PencilChat
A3 -- A weekend with NO computer helps me.... it doesn't happen often, but has helped me out of a funk a couple times. I also really try to spread joy (smiling, jokes, high fives) ANYTHING to pass the positivity around, and block the negativity, makes me feel good #2PencilChat
Joining late, Dianne, Science Discovery in Texas. I look for another perspective, my husband works in a tech field and sometimes his words about a problem shifts my thinking, moves me out of my comfort zone, but energized me. #2pencilchat
A1-I find myself in a victims cycle when I'm drained sometimes. I compound it and it lasts until an S hits me with some super excitement or I get a chance to sit and collect my thoughts and share it with God.
#2PencilChat
#2PencilChat A3a Two or three weeks ago I crashed my newest drone. It landed in a wash just after a huge storm. I went after it. I got stuck. I called 911. @BuckeyeAZFire came for me. Nothing refills my tank more than being reminded others care.
Q2- Our campus is doing a school year reno, lots of teachers had to move rooms, like last and first day of school in a weekend. Helping each other, laughing through near tears, and hot baths helped! #2pencilchat
A3: When I leave work sometimes I go somewhere completely unrelated to school or work before heading home. #2PencilChat I need time to decompress! Sometimes it’s a favorite store to just walk through and look around. Sometimes a favorite coffee shop!
A3: I'm not great at self-care, but I'm learning. I buy myself tea every Friday, take a moment to myself when I need to, and pray. A lot. I'm also getting better at asking for hugs when I need them. Lately that seems like all the time. #2pencilchat
A2-My home life unfortunately is my biggest drain. Alot of that is due to poor time management and communicating ineffectively. School is my happy place many days because we focus so much on getting wins for our kids.
#2PencilChat
A3: Whenever I'm feeling down I go and talk to my "marigolds". I surround myself with positive, uplifting mentors and fellow teachers to help get my head back in the game. They help remind me why I became a teacher in the first place! https://t.co/qtKs7z39vt#2PencilChat
A4: @diane_mackinnon started a colleague binder (I forget her official name for it) but it has a list of everyone's favorites on it. in week 2 I bought some of the teachers their favorite candy for all of their help in my classroom! #2PencilChat
usually by the expression on their face! it happens to us all. and honestly it could totally depend on which kid they're with too! I can help by switching out with them if they need it, asking if they're okay and if there is anything else I could do to help. #2PencilChat#aedu209
A4 Some people, you can see it all over their face, others seem to disappear, and you only see them during their duty. It always helps to lead with a smile. Dark chocolate in their mailbox is nice, too. And listen, dammit, if you can get them talking, LISTEN. #2PencilChat
A4. If you're paying attention, you can see it in their face. Maybe just a note letting them know you're there for them. Maybe a hug if you all are so inclined. Offer to meet them for a beverage of their choice off campus so they can feel free to vent. #2pencilchat
#2PencilChat A4a See this fellow, the one in front of the #Devlearn community sign? His smile. His eyes. He’s not out of gas. What’s the antonym of his expression? That’d be one outta gas colleague. Wrap ‘em up in community. Final answer.
A4: When I notice someone is out of gas, I try to make some time to sit down and talk with them. Everyone needs to be heard! & It feels pretty good to make that next level connection with someone too. #2PencilChat
A4. There's different signs depending upon the person. So, I say in general, watch for changes in behavior or mood. As for helping, again it depends upon the person; so, I'd say listen to them. From there you can figure out how to help. #2PencilChat
A4: I have a first year teacher on my team (I am in my first full year) so I am kind of her "uplifter". I help her get through those tough days with Ss and give her and myself "Pep talks" not in a "everything will be ok" way but "I get it. How can we make it better?" #2pencilchat
I met a teacher at my previous school, we don't work together now but we still are friends. When we need time to "refuel" we try to go for walks together. Exercise, fresh air & a nice conversation. #2PencilChat
I wish. They told me yesterday that my steering column just *happened* to go out on the same day my car was hit. They won't cover anything. #2pencilchat
I used to keep (everyone on the team I worked with) their coffee order in a #GoogleKeep note haha. Easy to quickly order when I wanted to bring in a surprise treat #2PencilChat
A4: @diane_mackinnon started a colleague binder (I forget her official name for it) but it has a list of everyone's favorites on it. in week 2 I bought some of the teachers their favorite candy for all of their help in my classroom! #2PencilChat
A4 - I recognize this thru change in attitude. They don't always say what's going on, but their actions/attitude will speak for them. I try to help by offering to run those copies, sticking chocolate in their box, tell them they're amazing/appreciated 🤷♀️ #2PencilChat
My first year, I had a colleague who would know when I needed a break and have me bring my kids to her and would give me time to find my feet! #LifeSaver#PayItForward#2PencilChat
A4-I've come to get to know my CTs and their "tells". Sometimes I do have to say, "Take a minute and let me take these parts of our lesson." They do the same for me, and our kids never know that emotions have got the best of us.
#2PencilChat
A4: Empathize. Don’t come with a list of solutions. Come with a listening ear and open mind. Don’t ever offer something you’re not actually willing to give. With that being said, give what you can to get them back on track. #2PencilChat
Not to buzz market a giant company, but the @Starbucks app is great for that, you can keep your regular orders in the app so you can just hit the plus button on each drink. :)
#2PencilChat
A4.2: Not everyone is going to ask but we have to be compassionate and not condescending. Some "advice" is more hurtful. Sometimes people just need to vent. Same with Ss. Learned this from my own boys. Sometimes they don't want the answer. Just to talk. #2pencilchat
A4- Look for changes in behavior, quieter, isolating, short with colleagues or students. Take initiative and do something, anything for them. Sometimes we don’t know what we need, but when others reach out it helps. #2PencilChat
A4: Empathize. Don’t come with a list of solutions. Come with a listening ear and open mind. Don’t ever offer something you’re not actually willing to give. With that being said, give what you can to get them back on track. #2PencilChat
Jeez, what's the deal, @Nationwide? An elementary school teacher is the victim of a hit and run, and you nickel and dime here claim. Not nice. #2PencilChat
In reply to
@MissKRafferty, @mrterborg, @Nationwide
Not kind at all. A reminder though that I need to teach my students about honesty and integrity. Hopefully when they grow up they can do better. Be better. #2PencilChat
In reply to
@MagicPantsJones, @mrterborg, @Nationwide
A5: Several times, I stop what we are doing and just give them 5 or 10 min to chat, or read or draw. IN 5th there is so much to cover, but they need that disconnect too. #2pencilchat
A5- One student's empty tank will look/sound a lot different from another's. It's helping kids find out what works for them- and exposing them to a range of strategies so they can use them long-term. #2PencilChat
A5 #2pencilchat The first and most important is to recognize your Ss have reached their limit... Then go with the moment. What would be energizing, memorable and a short spurt mood changer?
A5: I have pre-made “B-DAWG” greeting cards for a “Ruff” Day, Birthday, Congratulations, and Welcome Back... I give with candy... Tese categories cover just about all student situations... #2pencilchat
A5: Acknowledge their humanity. We often see them as little compliance machines that we can give directives and expect specific outcomes. They’re as fickle and fuddled as us big kids. Process with them, empathize, and know what seems minor to you is huge to them. #2pencilchat
Teachable moments too - I had a game plan last Wednesday about getting something done but my Littles decided to analyze a letter for digraphs #2PencilChat
A5: I try to mix up my instruction, not over use activities (my students groan when I hand them a sticky note 😂), and give them time to think! For every 10 minutes of teaching, I give them 2 minutes to process the content with their peers. Also brain break videos! #2PencilChat
A5. I can't fight that. I won't win. So, when I recognize it, I give into it. Maybe we'll do group or I'll put on a video related to our content. #2PencilChat
A5 Take time for them - recognize that even if they're behind, the work is hard, and they need you to acknowledge their effort, and celebrate with them. #2PencilChat
A5 - When kids seem to be hitting a wall.... frustrated with a math problem more often in my case.... tell them to go for a walk to the end of the hall, get water, or just breathe honestly does wonders. Sometimes they need 60 seconds to have a mini-recharge #2PencilChat
A5: Loved teambuilding! I also used games like Kahoot, Chalkboard Pictionary, Jeopardy, or just stopping to have some chill time with my Jrs and Sr’s!#2PencilChat
I tell mine all the time I want them to be theirselves, but to also be able to "maintain" when I need them too. As long as they are not rude or disruptive to others, they have a lot of freedom in my class. It can be a tough balance. #2pencilchat
A5: Make sure Ss know you care. No matter what. Acknowledge that their feelings are real (even if they're misguided). Give them time to move. Time to be alone. Time to fix whatever is going on. Time to just feel what they're feeling. #2PencilChat
