#kyedchat Archive
#KyEdChat is a weekly and Kentucky-specific conversation about all things education, from the nuts and bolts of curriculum and instruction, to the challenges of leadership and the politics of accountability. #KyEdChat draws educators from throughout Kentucky and beyond, engaging in a fast and lively hour of discussion, thoughtful questions and candid responses.
Thursday May 5, 2016
Welcome to . Pls share your name, where you're from, and your favorite gift...
Eric from Lexington, and my fav was a personalized mug that a student painted, really neat and useful!
We get gifts?! Scott Walker from Danville, Ky!
I am a 4th grade teacher from Hardin County... my favorite gift... Notes...
Welcome to ! We are happy you could join us! :)
Like normal... will be in a Q/A format. Mark responses w/ A1...2...etc
Hello! Lyndsay, Kindergarten teacher with Boone County. My fave gift was actually a note from a student's mom!
Don't forget to include the hashtag so everyone can follow along.
Hey there CHICK!!! Glad you are here!...
Welcome Lyndsay, thanks for joining us!
Hey! Thank you! Glad to be here!
Tonight is going to be a special ... all of the questions are inspired by our Ss response to.."What makes an enthusiastic teacher?"
Heidi elem librarian from NKY jumping into
I love personalized gifts... especially the ones that do not cost anything...
. Agreed! I received many gifts, even for my dog, but the note meant so much to me.
Hey there cutie! Glad you are here... you can def. give insight to
Misread that and thought you said from your dog, so I was def thinking the note was MUCH better ha
Sometimes in May I have to dig deep for that - but sure helps!
and I will be send out the Q's... Just a heads up...
So each Q will begin with a response of what our student answered and then the Q will follow... Here we go!
Q1: "Takes time for me"... How do you make sure EACH child feels like he/she is the only child in your class?
A1: I make sure to have a chat w/ each kid daily. Ask them questions and follow up. Have to show you care.
A1: Greeting each student at the door is SOOO important...
A1 I have lunch with each of them and also write personalized notes to them
This truly sets the classroom environment...
I felt like this was something I needed to do to show my students from day one that they matter.
The first hug of the day goes a long way
A1 Feedback on work is huge. Nothing worse than them investing in an assignment for just a grade.
Cannot agree more! Just like we desire feedback, they crave it and it shows they are valued.
Q2 "Helps me try new things" - How do you encourage your students to try new things when they are hesitant?
I have focused on feedback this year and it really has made a difference. I love standard based grading!
A2: We talk about the power of yet, that it's okay to be scared, and I'll remind them of other challenges they've rocked.
A2: The paradigm shift of "failure"... so many are afraid of that word...
We have to teach them that failure is when you give up, not when you problem solve and create another option.
A2b: Also, allowing them to make their own choices... and trust me it is tough to watch them struggle, but beautiful in the end.
A2. I try to offer choices - there's usually a "safe" choice they can fall back on if the "risk" is frustrating them too much
ha! I just posted something similiar!
Cool way to look at it! I feel a poster coming on!
I am sure you see this everyday with your ...
Q3: "loves being here"... How do your actions speak louder than your words throughout the day?
A2 It’s easy for Ts to pigeon hole themselves to their subj. Showing Ss that you love trying new things shows them you’re human.
I can so relate to this!!! We explored together this week...the kids loved that I was learning with them.
A3 Showing them you're excited by the passion in your voice and by sharing conversations you have outside of school
yup - a "risky" aquaponics tank become too much & I offered kids a fishbowl that they're prototyping for next year
A3 Working next to them and working on your own project and letting them watch you learn and struggle
I love it! Giving them ownership and showing them you trust them and value their ideas
A3: Patience... getting on their level... sitting int he floor with them...
We have a 55 gal on deck for next year - this year we tried a kit & an original "float and grow" kid design
4th grade teacher Howell Elementary showing up to the party late
Sounds exciting! I want to show them that and then roll it into a gardening unit and show how growing your own saves $
Q4 "Listens to me" - How do you make time to really listen and talk with each of your students?
Welcome! We are glad you are able to join us...
Welcome! Thanks for joining us tonight!
Yes! 4th grdrs built raised beds for a garden- working on a whole system for next year!
So would you say the kit was worth it? Or worth creating one on my own?
A4: this is tough because of everything else, however, has made this easier... but meaningful
Ok, we need to talk about this! Teaching Ss, esp impoverished Ss, how to grow shows them a way out!
A4 Realizing that listening is more important than getting through a lesson plan
A4: My kids keep journals that I am able to read and write back to them... goes a long way!
Listening... not always verbally either... but looking at their demeanor...
it's real world skill development at it's best!
A4 I have an "I wonder..." notebook that Ss can write questions in whenever they need or would like to
A4. this is tough for me working w/ all the Ss in the school - I set up self checkout so that gets me out in the room and talking
Yep, just started to, but yes, a great resource!
Q5: "doesn't teach sitting down"... Contest time...How many steps do you get while at school? Student
A5 Not sure, I haven't joined the train yet, hmmm
A5: If ever I remembered to grab my fitbit off of my nightstand, I would totally let you guys know!
This is one of my leadership roles in the classroom..To summarize and teach the class about the wonder of the day...
A5: My answer... A LOT! However there are those teachers who I seem to believe are glued to their chair...
Q6 While at school...most days at least 5,000 (I'm in the library remember) lol Most days I hit 12,000+ for a daily total
A5: If we want our students to be enthusiastic about learning, we have to show it as well!
A4: We have mini-conferences daily once each student completes their warm-up work.
Do you lead with questions?
Sometimes, yes. Other times, they will lead. I try to vary the structure.
Q6 "learning environment" - How do you make a creative learning environment for your students?
A3: Excitement for everything I teach even if I may not be. What is seen is copied. If I'm excited my Ss are as well.
I could not agree more! https://t.co/ws7maaKmgJ
A3: Excitement for everything I teach even if I may not be. What is seen is copied. If I'm excited my Ss are as well.
A6: I am working a maker space in my classroom... however, I do have a lego table... and a flexible learning environment! :)
a6. open up the doors to the supply closet & embrace the maker movement
A6: Also giving them access... access to engineer...
A6 II'm working on standing desks to have next year as an option for students. Flexibility is key
Flexible is really important - furniture that easily moves and can be reconfigured
A2: "Fess up" to mistakes. Show them it's ok and part learning. I don't hide them from my Ss. They usually catch them anyway.
I will NEVER go back to desks! The academic growth of my students this year has been OUTSTANDING!
I totally agree! Then you're modeling acceptance, critical thinking, and self reflection
Expectations are KEY with a Flexible Learning Environment!
A6: Flexible seating for my new group next year. Huge change for me but what's best for them and what their learning styles need.
That is awesome... thanks for stepping outside of your comfort zone for the needs of your students...
Q7: "makes me feel smart"... What opportunities do you give your students to show their talents?
A7 Morning meeting is a great time to allow them to be honest and share their abilities, passions, and ideas
A7: Every child has their own gift... We must find out what it is and MAXIMIZE IT through Leadership Roles...
A7. We love in the library! I also like to let students take the lead in teaching others things
I think that is key for them to truly open up and give their all and to allow us to push them.
A7: We just started using for morning discussions... you know responding on a computer gives the quiet kid a voice...
Q8 To end tonight's chat... Who was the most enthusiastic teacher you had and what characteristic did they portray?
I am right there with you!!!!
What a great idea! is amazing for collaborating quickly and easily!
A7: Implementing Genius Hour next year. Student voice student choice is a huge focus for me next year
That's a good one - try to remember the more you work it the easier it becomes to let go
Who wants to this summer? Let's hear from you!
https://t.co/F9JWKjOnJ2
Would you attend a weekly live chat at this time, even during the summer?
this was my first year and I am in LOVE!!!!! equals
