#whatisschool is an award winning edchat space where people can express an unbiased response to questions about schooling, where educators have a voice in shaping the future through their experience, recommendations and interests. Join us Thursdays 7pm ET / 11pm GMT / Friday 7am SGT/WA (Perth) / Friday 9am AEDT / Friday 11am NZT.
Hi all! I’m Lauren. I’m in NY and currently on a leave of absence from teaching middle school English to write another book about empowering students. #WhatIsSchool
A1 I’m striving to let last year go in my mind and recharge my batteries. One question hangs with me “What could I have done better to meet the diverse academic needs of my Ss?” #whatisschool@ShiftParadigm I don’t have the answer to this question - YET.
A1: mostly good things-awesome student projects/successes, fun events we held, helping lead/train other teachers in ways that seemed impactful-a pretty good year-how to do more next year #whatisschool
Always on my mind - children with trauma who struggle to make sense of school .. need to deepen sensitivity w empathy and use strategies to support vs punish #whatisschool
A1: I can't think of anything huge that happened. We are changing books for my 7th grade science classes so I will have to adjust some things with that and I'm constantly looking for ways to engage the students more. #whatisschool@deem_ellen@ShiftParadigm
A1: For me its things I thought were dealt with that are not. You feel like its sorted. You think its sorted and then ‘Bam'… its back. And I wish it wasn’t. #whatisschool
A2 I’m learning to have confidence that doing my best is what my Ss need to keep learning after they leave me. If they see me actively learning and growing, they will want to do the same. In short, “Stop worrying, Ellen.” #whatisschool@ShiftParadigm
A2: seeing as most were positive-I guess one key is not to overburden yourself with too many things at once. Be willing to say NO sometimes #whatisschool
A1 Reflecting On missed opportunities helps us look at change, growth mindset and remembering each year kids are different and may need something else #whatisschool
I saw them play the last week of class. I wish I could get to Philly for their end of August series, but the timing isn't good for me. I will be heading to Atlanta for a game in September. How are you my friend? #whatisschool
In reply to
@stephenkelley85, @ShiftParadigm, @Nate06596605, @valerietilton, @cmevans502, @ckaneteacher
You will be amazed at how quickly your circle of support will grow. Please let us know if you have any questions and if we can help in anyway. What's your grad course topic? #whatisschool
In reply to
@Nate06596605, @ShiftParadigm, @stephenkelley85, @valerietilton, @cmevans502, @ckaneteacher
You just keep working it through until it gets sorted. Sometimes it feels like lots of energy is wasted though. Energy I would love to use elsewhere. For good! #whatisschool
A2. I need to prepare more in advance. I tend to let things slowly build up during the school year to where I feel like I'm playing catch up a lot. #whatisschool
A2: You should just go for the things you want. Sometimes It's better to regret something you did than something you didn't do. @chillipipers#whatisschool
A2) I read a lot about what is new in the paradigm of education, get in chats to discuss pedagogy of schools & get ready for the unexpected! #whatisschool
A2 Mistakes, omissions, over planning/underplanning, so many factors that play out everyday. Regrets if they overwhelm is my concern. Learning to be flexible and love those a-ha moments for me and the kids. Good learning there. #whatisschool
We all should be constant learners who expand our knowledge and model this learning behavior for our students, colleagues, family & friends. My Brain & Brain Games page https://t.co/NInIwl83zN My Memory Help page https://t.co/8XHvRoGIEs#whatisschool
On Twitter you can’t be afraid to ask or to toss out an idea ... you don’t have to have the answer but the twitterverse May help you find it #whatisschool
A3: This summer I’ve committed to purposefully seeking out aspects of pedagogy in subjects areas I’ve never taught. As an admin, I want to feel confident and competent in regards to what good math, world language, and science instruction looks like #whatisschool
(I admit, I’m nervous about the way I mix professional and personal on twitter in chats like #whatisschool . I don’t want followers not understanding that I’m quite the loudmouth with no intention of quieting down in this climate)
Taking an educational research grad course, painting elementary restrooms to ignite positivity, reading up on art therapy & focusing on PLC #whatisschool
I’m attending/presenting at a number of conferences, spending time talking with a lot of teachers, teaching Chapter 683 (our summer session of year-round school), reading some good books #whatisschool
It is funny how our profile pic becomes our online smile/face. Thanks so much for being here and bringing your positivity. We appreciate you all. #whatisschool
In reply to
@gallianstone, @seanmarnold, @ShiftParadigm, @cmevans502, @ckaneteacher
A2. This really deserves a blog post not a tweet, but “help” - what it looks like and what it doesn’t, both the giving and the getting. Still have more questions than answers! #whatisschool
Thanks for your interest. We're not the innovators :-) we're in charge of programs to amplify the startup nation vibe with students (in the Israeli startup competition for teenagers), teachers and #edtech companies. #whatisschool
A3) Well, talked about it in A2. first, get in chats & talk to other educators! I can ask any Q & most likely get the answer! Read the latest information on education! Some of my reading list! #whatisschool
A2 I think that we focus so much on what kids are doing that doesn’t square w the “rules” that we forget to look beyond the behavior to recognize a deep adaptive resilience that helps kids survive trauma - #whatisschool
A3) Reading widely(both trade and literature) , watching dance, theater, concerts, hiking, and connecting with family and friends to replenish the spirit. #whatisschool
A3 Because I’m now subbing I’ve also realized the importance of “me” time. I’ll continue reading blogs, joining chats, gets some good books (not school related for a change) and smell the roses! #whatisschool
A3- I'm attending #SRSS2018 next week to continue learning about self-regulation with some incredible people. In August it's a Summer Math Institute. I love how summer PD has a completely different feel to it and how incredibly motivated Ts are to be there #whatisschool
A3: Reading a good book and reflecting on the first half of the year. Trying to take a mental break to refresh for Sem 2. Some good stuff happened. Need to remind myself of that! #whatisschool
Reading, hearing speakers, and searching through Twitter to broaden my knowledge on how to reach learners, particularly ones that are very different from myself. I am completely changing my mindset on how I plan to work with my students. #whatisschool
A3. I’m teaching this (and every) summer. Trying some new/old curriculum I’m really excited about (and hoping the kids will be too) and looking forward to focusing more on relationships in the more relaxed summer program environment. #whatisschool
When I started I had maybe 30 followers, 10 of whom I work with daily and don't use Twitter. The more I dug in, the more I grew, the more my Ss grew. Twitter has brought the world to my my first graders. My friend @MRsalakas told them an Aust folktale via Skype. #whatisschool
In reply to
@cmevans502, @Nate06596605, @ShiftParadigm, @stephenkelley85, @valerietilton, @ckaneteacher, @MRsalakas
A4. The masters classes are a combination of both, I chose the path by passion, the classes are an obligation for the masters. Also, may be attending an AP conference which would be passion. #whatisschool
A4: All of them! If we Ts want to help our future leaders grow & excel in and out of school it starts with US! Lifelong learning. Positivity. Expectations. Goals. #whatisschool
In the beginning I want to focus on getting to know them and what feedback they are comfortable giving me. If problems arise later, I seek counsel. It's important to me to start fresh. #whatisschool
A4 Self imposed work obligations to be the eyes, ears and mouth for those who can’t. To advocate for the kids I teach and support in any way I can the fabulous Ts that I work with. Maybe my passion as well
#whatisschool
A3 At the moment I’m reading David Sobel’s Childhood and Nature: Design Principles for Educators. Instead of starting with state standards or assessment tasks, he begins curriculum design with what children actually do.
https://t.co/YfDrzNi89K#WhatIsSchool
Obligation - a UDL workshop that I imagine will be great. For my interest- reading new kid books as well as prof titles like Eduprotocols and others to inspire planning! #whatisschool
On the same note, when you see questions about a former student’s skills written into reports that nobody bothered to walk down the hall and ask it’s frustrating. I had the answers, and the data too.
Build your own impressions. Lean on your resources for skills. #whatisschool
In reply to
@deem_ellen, @swedeselemart, @ShiftParadigm
Q5. During the school year, what will you do to handle incidents/occurrences when they happen rather than waiting until the summer to deal with them? #whatisschool
I wish you could meet our art teacher. I have this feeling you'd be a great team. Thanks so much for being here today and bringing your positivity to our summer renewal:) #whatisschool
Q5. During the school year, what will you do to handle incidents/occurrences when they happen rather than waiting until the summer to deal with them? #whatisschool
Q5 During the school year: what will you do to handle incidents/occurrences when they happen rather than waiting until the summer to deal with them?” #whatisschool@ShiftParadigm
During the summer, I try to do things out of passion. Things that I do during the summer take time away from my own children, so it HAS to be something that I am passionate about. I find it hard to do things during the summer that are out of obligation. #whatisschool
You're right. I absolutely believe in asking questions as they arise. My first goal in Aug is to build trust and get to know the kids' passions. The rest emerges naturally. #whatisschool
In reply to
@gallianstone, @swedeselemart, @ShiftParadigm
A5: First I will take a step back, think about it, and then approach the issue with forethought. If I react in the moment I always regret it! #whatisschool
A2 I think that we focus so much on what kids are doing that doesn’t square w the “rules” that we forget to look beyond the behavior to recognize a deep adaptive resilience that helps kids survive trauma - #whatisschool
A5. Blogging or journaling (which is often really just blog drafts that never turn into posts...) Twitter. I also have great offline support (and new this year, in school support!) I can talk things through. #whatisschool
A5 Assuming incidents/occurrences have mind-growth potential determine if they can be integrated into current activities or research. Curate resources. Quiz PLN on value where needed. #whatisschool
A1: I was extremely overwhelmed with my caseload last year. I didn't know how to plan for multiple grade levels in a single setting or where to get resources that my students could do independently. #whatisschool
I haven't gotten into the voraciously reading part yet. I've been focusing on rest and recharging a lot because I had to move early May. Need to get my boxes unpacked:) #whatisschool May and June left no time for that:) I'm excited to swim tomorrow.
In reply to
@BradyVenables, @Nate06596605, @ShiftParadigm, @stephenkelley85, @valerietilton, @cmevans502, @ckaneteacher, @NicholeAllmann, @katiemartinedu, @artofcoaching1, @parkerjpalmer, @Medium
A4 For the growing mind where possible use the both-and approach for opportunities and passions. Apply passions in opportunities where possible. #whatisschool
Always good idea to think things through. Trying to take in and understand others’ perspective before I jump in with both feet. But I don’t ignore and do nothing. #whatisschool
A5: Love this ? Really got me thinking. Need to Be observant. Ask questions. Listen with a helpful heart. Document. Speak openly. Found that just having a kiddo draw releases those hidden feelings #whatisschool
A3 For mind growth stretch. Stretch outside your content mastery to new areas. Stretch outside your mastery level by following new mentor-scholars. Reflect on growth status and growth goals. #whatisschool
If you'd like DM your email and I'll send it to our art teacher. I've really enjoyed connecting with you today. Please let us know if we can help you or your Ss in any way. #whatisschool
A skill. I’ve gotten better at the not reacting in the moment (mostly!) Still working on the reflecting and coming back part (instead of the stewing and letting it explode method... not helpful either!) See: working on effectively getting/giving/recognizing help! #WhatIsSchool
A5: Love this ? Really got me thinking. Need to Be observant. Ask questions. Listen with a helpful heart. Document. Speak openly. Found that just having a kiddo draw releases those hidden feelings #whatisschool
A6 Make this first on my list...relax, swim, relax, swim, repeat. If I’m recharged, I won’t have any trouble finding my passion. #whatisschool@ShiftParadigm
That's awesome that you are able to focus on your passions in the summer. It's all about making time for what matters first. I need to remember that during hectic times in the school year. #whatisschool
A6. One of my passions include making my AP Class as successful as can be. I just got my results back and I have new motivation for new year. #whatisschool
It's because the passion for our Ss in our hearts is always there. I've had to relearn to take better care of me so I'm more effective during busier times. #whatisschool Our renewal focus as really helped me this summer.
In reply to
@valerietilton, @Nate06596605, @BradyVenables, @ShiftParadigm, @stephenkelley85, @cmevans502, @ckaneteacher, @NicholeAllmann
A5) Be proactive, Kathleen! We can plan all we want in the Summer but "The best laid plans of Mice & Men often go eschew! Can't plan for everything! #whatisschool Just be ready to adapt!
A2: The lesson that I've learned (and tends to be hard for me in general) is that I don't need to ask for permission to try something new or implement a new routine. #whatisschool
Thanks @deem_ellen@ShiftParadigm and friends here at #whatisschool Good to learn what many are doing. Enjoy you’re break, your PD, you’re opportunities to rest and refresh
Thanks so much for being here:) The time really flies every week. We appreciate your presence and hope to see you next week for creativity. #whatisschool
A6. The very opposite. I want to reign in my passion for what I do, to get my horses back in front of the cart, and let my data and curriculum drive me more effectively. Made a start this year, and it went very well despite major obstacles. Now to build on it! #whatisschool
A5: I plan on keeping a more organized to-do list in order to stay on top of day to day occurrences. Prioritizing is also something that is important. #whatisschool
A6: I want to ensure I am making time for me. For my family. Its easy to be distracted and I have been this morning. So many things to do and I’m on holidays! You can only give so much. I will rest. And switch focus for a while. To come back refreshed. #whatisschool
