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.
Jingle, jingle, baby! Sean in St. Augustine here, 5th grade math and science, all decorated, half shopped, and in the middle of cookie makin' season.
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It was a lot of fun- the whole school sang "Folsom Christmas Blues" as our last song- the audience got so into it- it was such a great way to end the afternoon #2PencilChat
A1: take time to look back on what has gone well and what could be growth opportunities. I write and create sticky notes if all sorts to help me reflect. #2PencilChat
A1: our “term” finishes end of January. I look at the specific goals I set for my Ss (IEPs) and think, what supported them best? What should I try that is new? What isn’t working best & maybe needs to be changed? Then I set term 2 goals and begin/continue programs #2PencilChat
A1: It’s important to note what went right & what didn’t & make adjustments for the rest of this school year & into the next. It’s also important to reflect on the people, figure out where you connect or could connect better... #2PencilChat
A1)
I plan on doing a personal debrief a couple of days after Christmas.
I plan to to a SWOT analysis (my business background) to see what's worked and what hasn't, and then adjust for the 2nd half of the year.
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A1: I think the best thing is to sit and TRULY REFLECT! It’s the hardest thing to do but be your own best critic, honest with yourself, and look at everything...what worked, what flipped, what you want to improve, and a goal, maybe personal and professional #2PencilChat
A1 I'm in a new situation this week, having made a mid-year switch (long story!). I interviewed my new students about what works for them in class, and what doesn't. #2PencilChat
A1: I like to take time to consider the progress we've made thus far and what I can do differently to support my students. Not every group needs the same things and I want to make sure I'm doing what they need in order to be successful #2PencilChat
I like the piece about people and figuring out where you're connecting and where you can do better. That's an interesting piece to consider and SO important. #2PencilChat
A1b) As part of my personal debrief, I really want to leverage the data I have on my students' progress.
Sometimes, we're our harshest critics, and the data can show that we aren't scarring these poor kids.
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A1. Think about the good things that have happened & work towards replicating them or taking them a step further. Bad things? Try to figure out why & what could occur to make it better. Then roll up your sleeves. #2PencilChat
A1. Because we teach year round and practically live "Groundhog Day" on a regular basis, the end of a calendar year is a good point for scheduled reflection. I like to focus on gains that I've made throughout the year: work, social, emotional, physical, health #2PencilChat
#2PencilChat A1a Take a trip? Volunteer? I got back from an #eduroadtrip to help out with a @Gault_School#archaeology excavation. I had time to reflect and several occasions to pause along the way to explore. I met people & learner new stuff.
I was having a hard time feeling like myself before, and an opportunity came up working for an administrator that I like in my old district. I couldn't pass it up. It was tough, but it was the right decision.
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A1: ask yourself did I do better by kids? Could I have done more? If you reflect on those you'll get your insight for next steps moving forward.
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Yes! Celebrating improvements is so important. Modeling those celebrations for our students is great too. We're looking for improvement. Not perfection! #2PencilChat
A1 I've spent this week meeting with coaches & Ts to reflect on strengths & areas we need to improve in. We're busy planning for Jan PD - building on our strengths as we try to continue growing and improving.
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Q2
It's one thing to plan a lot of Christmas based activities in a fairly homogeneous classroom, but for many of us, that's not reality. How do you handle the holidays with a wide range of student families and backgrounds?
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I feel like the answer to 'Could I have done more' is almost always yes. We all have the best of intentions. It's figuring out how to leverage everyone's time effectively that's the tricky part. #2PencilChat
A2 honestly I really don’t address them. As are free to write talk and read what they want but I don’t celebrate the holidays. However we are doing a class breakout tomorrow for fun! #2PencilChat
A2: I do a yearly snow globe project in the art room. The kids design it with the holiday they celebrate or a tradition they’re family has. We then share and ask questions about them. The kids love sharing about themselves, I love seeing all of it too! #2PencilChat
A2 We don't celebrate Christmas at school. Far too many Ss would feel left out. We hold celebrations of learning instead - author's teas, our Science Fair, LAARPs and different presentations.
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A2) Since I do math intervention, we haven't done a lot in my class to discuss any of the holidays.
I do have Star Wars themed snowflakes as decorations, and gave my kids a "New Years Challenge" packet from the Greg Tang website.
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A2. Keep the celebrations seasonal if at all possible. Focus on celebrations from other cultures. Make connections with classrooms from those cultures if at all possible. #2PencilChat
A2: I work in a Catholic school so our focus is mainly on Christmas. However, this year I have a student who comes from a mixed-faith background so I've been trying to incorporate a variety of books into my holiday book reading. It's small, but it's a start #2PencilChat
A2: Our school does a holiday sing-a-long assembly (it’s tomorrow!). We decided to read some winter poetry we wrote, using our 5 senses to describe the winter season. Everyone gets to enjoy, participate and show off their proud work to the school & community #2PencilChat
A2b) I will admit to having a small Charlie Brown tree in my classroom that has different shapes hung on it. I explained to my students that it is my Geome-Tree
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A1: We must give ourselves the TIME to reflect. Too often, we undervalue this in a rush to supposedly keep moving forward. But if we neglect reflection, we aren't truly moving forward; we are spinning our wheels. https://t.co/gmNg1qtP3O#2pencilchat
There's absolutely nothing wrong with demanding more of ourselves. We just need to be mindful that we're balancing giving our all with self care or there will come a time when we can't give our all. #2PencilChat
A2: We can celebrate what we all have in common by celebrating our learning. 💗🌟💗 For example, We end each unit with reading/writing celebrations. #2pencilchat
A2: the holidays are a double edge sword. We cant assume it's going to be happy for all our kids. I think we appreciate the season but do all we can to create normality for kids who sense of normal is about to change with the extended break.
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I love this idea. We have parties whenever we finish a book together- but there's something special about creating your own unique day to celebrate- I'm going to try this with my class! #2PencilChat
A2. Christmas/winter holiday time is not a festive time at the facility. By the time we get to this point, if our ss are with us, then they're NOT going home. Our youth live at the facility. So, we must be very cognizant of the emotions of our youth. #2PencilChat
A2 (part 2): my students are also young, so of course we will be celebrating the last day of school before the holiday break with a PJ day. They are VERY excited for that! #2PencilChat
A2: If you know your students' backgrounds, you need to highlight all of them to make them feel connected. Find resources that include everyone. I am excited to use #GoogleVR expeditions to explore the holidays around the world with my students! #2PencilChat
Q3
Each day that you're closer to Break is a day where students exhibit less self control. How do we keep things moving without turning into tyrants or doormats? #2PencilChat
#2PencilChat A2a How about making some sort of marker to capture milestones of the year so far? When I travel I stop often to read some. It’s like a history lesson in a nutshell to get the flavor of a place and its people.
A3: I have juniors & seniors so I think it’s easier in my situation... I just keep working - vocab packet 10 due Thursday, quiz on Friday... #2PencilChat
A3: this is the time where the saying “pick your battles” fits well I think. In the art room the chatter is off the charts but I realize they’re excited and as long as they are working I let it go but when bullying or harsher actions occur I take a step in #2PencilChat
A3) I can't wait to read everyone's response, because I feel like I come up short on this.
I really tried focusing on ensuring that the lessons are engaging. My hope is that if the students are engaged in the lesson, their minds will be less likely to wander.
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A3: For my students they need as much normality and routine as possible. I try and sprinkle in more time for movement and talking because they need it this time of year. We need to be flexible while still maintaining boundaries. #2PencilChat
We definitely have a lot of work this week - math quiz tomorrow, but balanced with some fun, too. A potluck brunch, and lots of fun stem activities.
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A3: What you establish from the very start of the year is what will keep things moving even when things are chaotic. If you have established a culture of respect and true relationships, you never need to be a tyrant nor a doormat. https://t.co/7Bv59Wtn8z#2pencilchat
As do I. I just wanted to make sure we were on the same page. When people are only communicating via social media things can easily be misread #2PencilChat
A3- We focus a lot on giving - what do we wish for the world and for others at this time? We spend a lot of time making things for others. Ss feel a sense of purpose-they're creating and being artistic and using their hands. I love creating alongside them too #2PencilChat
We also did an extra long @GoNoodle today and then mindfulness followed by a bribe to read the next chapter in our read aloud if they worked for 35 min #2PencilChat
A3: million dollar question. I think maintain routines and expectations. Give them normality. Those I know need remind them you'll be emailing to check in with them over the break.
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A3 Because I'm new in my room, we've definitely got a little bit of a honeymoon period as we're blending some get to know each other stuff with wrapping up math for the semester, and some seasonal activities.
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A3: in my Spec Ed class, we keep routine but be flexible with it. They enjoy online learning games, fun snowy-themed read aloud (“Thomas’ Snowsuit” was today’s!) and the fake fireplace (youtube) with jazz music is on the smartboard a lot to create a calm atmosphere #2PencilChat
A3 Just as we're reflecting and looking ahead now, that's a useful activity for students, too. By giving them the chance to do that, you help them to take greater ownership in their education.
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A3. Seems like the perfect time to have students learning about topics that will increase their engagement. This book is excellent! Resources about this book – Study Guide and Chapter 4 here --> https://t.co/Dr2swQh1C2 scroll down to this book. #2pencilchat
A3 we are doing fingerprint comparisons using @Photoshop in Forensic Science. We also make ornaments and Gak with our MOCI class in my Earth and Chemical Systems class. #2pencilchat
Q4
While most students look forward to Winter Break, for some students, time away from school is a time of anxiety and chaos. What can we do to support these students as they're prepping.
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A4: We can help them prepare for those times, maybe extra work to complete, checking out a good book from the library or coming up with a list of things that can be done at home when things get chaotic. #2PencilChat
A4: Email during break to see how they’re doing... let them know you’re thinking about them... Post to everyone on Google Classroom about how much you miss them... #2PencilChat
A4 One of the things I did to prep students for hurricane days was to tell them to bring home books and work that was engaging for them - that way it would help them stay out of stressed family members' ways. That works for kids with tough families over break, too.
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A4- I give my Ss journals to write/draw in while they're off. We mark dates on our January calendar so they know what to look forward to once we're back and I remind them of ways to calm our minds/bodies when times get tough. #2PencilChat
A4: I try to make sure that the kiddos I know have a tough time at this break get a little note from me to keep with them during the days they are away from school, which may be their only safe haven #2PencilChat
A4. Initial response is to be SURE and send them home with food. Longer range plan are helping students learn skills that will aid them in times of anxiety and chaos. Many of them have been reacting to this since they were babies. #2PencilChat
A4: sometimes social stories. We discuss daily during calendar that the break is coming & school will begin again on Jan 7. Seeing if there is any support we can offer home (ie, schools I’ve worked at usually do food baskets or gift cards for families in need) #2PencilChat
A4: My answer would be to just be there to listen while encouraging them that there are people here that want what’s best for them. Listen and be a positive role model #2PencilChat
A4: If you know they'll have internet access, send emails or post notes on a system your school uses (Edmodo, Google Classroom, etc.). Be sure that Ss leave with wonderful books to read over the break. Show and say how much you care about them. #2pencilchat
A4) I am sending each of my math students home with a deck of Star Wars number bond cards (+- for K-2) (*/ for 3-5), and a puzzle packet from Greg Tang's site.
They know it's not homework, but it is a way to keep their math brains tuned up for Jan.
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A4. Morning meetings being held a 'ittle bit longer to be sure even the quietest voice has the opportunity to respond. Students share SO MUCH during these caring sessions. #2PencilChat
A4: Listen. Assure them that you're there for them. Send them home with books and things that can be a distraction from whatever they need to be distracted from. Check your e-mail in case they need a friendly word. Give extra big hugs this week. Just be there. #2PencilChat
#2PencilChat A4a Not being a teacher maybe this is a strange idea, but.. serving in the military far from home during the holidays was hard. Care packages from home went a long way to connect with memories, traditions, etc. Can a T support something like that?
My 4th graders don't have access to their e-mail account through school but they've gotten around it by writing a message in Google Docs and sharing it with me. I do give them my school e-mail address in case they have a personal e-mail address and need me. #2PencilChat
I like that! Sending them home with books and things to do, mostly that’s the biggest problem... they have nothing to do. I always encourage going to varsity games #2PencilChat
A4 . I've mentioned before that the facility has mental health professionals on site and there is,always someone on call in case of emergency. At the classroom level, really I believe it's listening to them and providing them with easy, useful strategies #2PencilChat
Having nothing to do can be a big problem. I let them take whatever books they want to out of my classroom library. Having something is better than having nothing #2PencilChat
A4 Looking forward to cooking Christmas Eve & Christmas Day dinners for family. Traveling to Boston to see friends and family. And relaxing!! #2PencilChat
Q4
While most students look forward to Winter Break, for some students, time away from school is a time of anxiety and chaos. What can we do to support these students as they're prepping.
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A5: Holiday Plans- well, the book stack is ready to go 📚 Spending time with people, especially those I don’t often get to see (out of town etc). Does afternoon naps count? 🙌🏼 #2PencilChat
A5: I'm spending the first weekend with my best friend & her family. After that I'm traveling to AZ to see my parents and help them set up their new house. Hopefully getting some reading done and some much needed resting. #2PencilChat
My personal IG doesn't have anything that I need to hide, so if they're going to see pics of my dog, neighborhood flowers, and dumb signs that I've seen...
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In reply to
@MissKRafferty, @JasonSalhaney, @classcraftgame
Looking for a last minute gift idea that is filled with thoughts of good things that have happened?
1st photo below shares the idea and 2nd one is the creative approach my sister-in-law made. Happy Holidays!! #edchat#formativechat#tlap#TeachPos#edugladiators#bookcamppd
A5) Spending time with family, studying for my ELL endorsement exam, reading a couple of books, and enjoying a nice glass of bourbon on the rocks.
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Mine doesn't have anything I need to hide either, I just want to be mindful of boundaries. My students are technically too young to have social media accounts and if they do they don't need to be following mine. #2PencilChat
In reply to
@MagicPantsJones, @JasonSalhaney, @classcraftgame
A5. I plan on relaxing & spending time with family. The Ts don't truly get a winter break. The Ss don't come to school; but, to be off the week of the 24th, you must use your leave (except for the 25th.) So, I will be working on the 24th, 26 & 27th. #2PencilChat
#2PencilChat A5a For the first time in years we’re going to midnight mass. Grand kiddos are going to make Mrs and me revisit little ones underfoot. Only now they’re our kids problem. A meal and bubbly sider. Monopoly certainly. A walk to the park. A bike to assemble?
I'm currently about halfway through The Pillars of the Earth- that will take the first few days I think... next will be Flight Behavior by Barbara Kingsolver- it's been waiting patiently to be read for awhile #2PencilChat
I love you SO MUCH, #2PencilChat Pals! Thank you for traversing 2018 with us. We'll be off for the next two weeks, so we'll see each other on January 8th. Have a Happy Solstice, a Merry Christmas, a Festive Festivus, and a Happy New Year!
