This chat is moderated by Grapevine-Colleyville ISD educators where we discuss current education trends and deepen our learning. 1st and 3rd Thursdays at 8:30 PM CST September to May @msbearce @SBarkerEDU
A1: I am passionate about including movement in the classroom. Whether this is moving to talk about our learning, singing, dancing, and more! #GCISDchat#gesshineon
A1: We include several brain breaks throughout our day, we practice breathing, class building, team building, and content activities that involve movement #gcisdchat
A1: We like brain breaks, too. The movement helps kids release some energy and connect in a positive way with others around them. #gcisdchat#GESShineOn
A1 Part 2 :) I sang this song with motions with my students for years. I had a student comment just this week that they still sing it 8 years later! https://t.co/qUaQwNnhx1#GCISDchat#gesshineon
A1: Teaching kiddos kinesthetically and visually is huge. They learn in so many different ways. I like to teach the same concept in several different ways, so that they all have a chance to learn. #GCISDchat
So important to spend the time giving students a break to gain it back when they are more attentive and ready to learn! Love @GoNoodle for brain breaks! #GCISDchat#GESshineon
A2 Lots! My personal favorite, when I feel it is appropriate, is a calming touch coupled with deep slow breathing so they can begin to relax #GCISDchat#gesshineon
They took it out of the app store unfortunately but this other one is in Meraki! https://t.co/zFEtQytaAN oh wait I need to find a chrome something for y'all. #gcisdchat
A2: If I sense that a std is beginning to feel overwhelmed, I have them take deep breaths. I will sometimes put my hand on their shoulder and breath with them. Works like a charm! #gcisdchat
A2. The calming corner has been a great place for students to go and do a little activity to pull themselves back together. It also allows us to have a quiet place to talk through problems. #gcisdchat
A2: I keep kinetic sand, fidgets, squeeze balls, etc. in my office. Sometimes when I just give upset Ss some time and freedom to choose something, it helps them calm down. #GCISDchat
A2: Empathy! Give them a listening ear and provide them opportunities to reset in either a safe space in your room or maybe taking a break to walk the hall. They need to know you care and you have to show them how to cope! #gcisdchat
A1: I use learning style inventories, brain breaks, and cooperative learning in my classroom. All of those things help me better serve my students! #GCISDchat#gesshineon#Kagan
A1- providing opportunities for ss to rank & categorize academic concepts. Promotes deeper learning & helps develop important skills like evaluating/judgement #GCISDchat
A2: I use a variety of strategies (based on the student). For one student, I know placing a hand on the shoulder, making eye contact and speaking calmly is key. Another student might need a quick walk down the hall to get back in a "safe mindset." #GCISDchat
A2 - I love the technique we learned from @ConsciousD to have students match your breathing to help them regulate themselves. I've used it several times! #GCISDchat#GESshineon
I use breathing techniques and calm down jars to model how to calm down. We need to model for students how to manage their emotions. #GCISDchat#gesshineon
A2: So much power in pulling Ss aside and asking, “Are you okay? I can tell something’s really getting to you today”. This goes for everyone! We want people to know that we care that they’re okay, not that we’re upset they aren’t acting the way we want them to. #gcisdchat
A3 Integrating Kagan cooperative strategies or AVID collaboration strategies into each lesson helps utilize a structure for meaningful conversations and learning #gcisdchat#gesshineon
A3: I plan lessons that include cooperative groups I keep them at 4 students max. Usually it's 2-3. Sometimes I let them choose their groups. #gcisdchat#gesshineon
A1: (again) I believe having the students set goals is huge! They have to learn to set realistic goals AND figure out how to meet those goals. They have us as cheerleaders and facilitators, but they have to have an internal motivation as well! #GCISDchat
A3- i try to instill and teach the concept of a school family so the children feel comfortable with each other. I also use team building but I’d love to know more team building activities that will work for kindergarteners. #GCISDchat#gesshineon
I have stuffed animals, a warm throw, coloring books and books to look at. The kids came up with the items to put in the calming corner. #gcisdchat#gesshineon
A3: Kagan structures are so versatile...can be used in many subject areas but the structures are the same so the students have confidence In knowing what to do. #gcisdchat
A3-2nd time: Kagan Structures include these 4 basic principles that set it apart from group work: Positive Interdependence, Individual Accountability, Equal Participation, and Simultaneous Interaction. #gcisdchat
Q3- my favorite way I’ve done this this year is through purposeful play and allowing them to run the dramatic play station and embedding academic pieces and letting them run with it. They have to collaborate. It has been a joy to watch. #gcisdchat
A1 For my early learners, I use a lot of kinesthetic learning with concrete materials to construct knowledge. We also, sing, chant, recite poems & fingerplays while moving our bodies. #GCISDchat
A3 - I love how @kaganonline structures are designed to be interdependent! Using RallyCoach for example rather than just asking students to work with a partner creates accountability and builds community. #GCISDchat#GESshineon
A3: Using collaboration strategies that teach HOW to collaborate is crucial. AVID makes this second nature for Ts. Ex. Jigsaw, Socratic seminar, collaborative study groups, Phil. Chairs, inside outside circle. It takes planning, not just saying “work with your group”. #gcisdchat
A4: you have to include play in your lessons the same way you would any other subject. Plan a small block of time and don't skip it if you get behind on time. It's a necessity to the social relationships of your kids. #gcisdchat#gesshineon
Have you checked out the Kagan TeamBuilding book?! I think we have a few on campus. Silly Sports and Goofy Games is another great book that we have at least one copy of at GES! #GCISDchat#GESshineon
A4: Putting content into gaming activities with high interest, like Pokémon or Minecraft allow sts to learn in a climate they find fun. Often sts who do not usually perform well excel when placed in a familiar environment that does not feel as academic as a classroom #GCISDchat
I believe you can give students time for inquiry though self selected reading and research projects! Help them find their passion and imbed the academics in the process! #gesshineon#GCISDchat
A4- Play is innately rigorous. The mind creates many complicated structures and modes during play. It demands high levels of processing, regulation, creativity and problem solving. Play IS the rigorous work of young children. #gesshineon#GCISDchat
A4: Inquiry is the KEY to rigor. If Ss are playing, discovering and asking questions, they are in control of where they take their learning. THAT is differentiation! #gcisdchat
A3- I think through the obj of the interaction 1st & then choose a collaboration strategy & intentional student grouping 2 meet the goal. If it is the 1st time we've used the strategy we go through I do, we do, you do process 2 communicate & reinforce expectations. #gcisdchat
A3: It's important 2 incorporate situations where Ss choose their partner, w/ the mindset of "who will compliment what I can do?" I choose partners for Ss at times. Ss have learn 2 work with all peers. It may not always be easy, but this is an important skill 2 learn. #GCISDchat
A4: I love incorporating games with my class. We have use Jenga with task cards, Pie in the Face game to review Authors Purpose, and Bean Boozled for editing and revision practice. They are engaged and having so much fun they almost forget their learning! #GCISDchat#gesshineon
A4: I love incorporating games with my class.We have used Jenga with task cards, Pie in the Face game to review Authors Purpose, and Bean Boozled for editing and revision practice. They are engaged and having so much fun they almost forget they’re learning! #GCISDchat#gesshineon
A4: Good question. Difficult sometimes in upper grades. Minute to Win It games, going out for spontaneous play, brain breaks, Makerspaces in Learning Commons @GESMitchell is the queen at coming up with games for reading! #gcisdchat
Amen! So much problem solving & empathy practice comes out during play! Ts need to be "kid watchers" & help kids define what they experience through play! #gcisdchat
A1: My greatest results came when I implemented massed practice when we first learn a new skill and move towards distributed practice, increasing the time between each practice, but always spiraling it back in to help learning transfer to long-term memory. #gcisdchat
A3 I think of questions prior to the lesson that I will ask children to discuss with one another and then I include that intention within my lesson plan. I may stucture intentional collaboration by making the task look like a game such as a rally robin with points. #gcisdchat
A4: librarians are providing makerspaces where students have opportunities for discovery and play. My son’s class visits once per week :) #GCISDchat#gcisdlib
A5: Add more of what stds like such as video gaming, sports and music. Suggest books based on their interests. Stds love using Classcraft which is like World of Warcraft for classroom management. #gcisdchat
A5: Students interests should be the driving force when Ts are planning. This is especially true when it comes to being culturally relevant. Ss don’t feel validated or connected if the content has nothing to do with their world! #gcisdchat
Q5: Take the time to ask students about their interests and learning styles AND intentionally utilize it during lesson design whenever possible! #GCISDchat#GESshineon
A5: Teaching young readers, I love to find books on the students’ interest levels. Their eyes light up and they get so excited that they can read about things they enjoy! #gcisdchat
A5: @jodibmccormack & our ELA teachers do an amazing job at giving Ss choice in their novels, and then also allowing them to have different roles in collaborative reading groups. #GCISDchat
A5- We start out with very simple things. I like to use thumbs up or down. When I get their opinion I move forward or not according to their responses. I am careful to only survey for opinions when either choice is an acceptable avenue for learning. #GCISDchat#gesshineon
Q5- Sounds super simple but circle up has been huge for me in getting to know them and what their interests are. I have learned so much in this simple time together. #gcisdchat#gesshineon
A5: I use student surveys. We did this right before Christmas and because of what my students wanted we started Math Stations during our Math Workshop. It gives students choices for the way they learn math. #gcisdchat#gesshineon
A5: Take the time to ask students about their interests and learning styles AND intentionally utilize it during lesson design whenever possible! #GCISDchat#GESshineon
A5: keep my lessons current and relevant based on what’s popular to them whether it’s using the latest songs to teach concepts, a big event like the Olympics to read articles, or reading aloud A Wrinkle in Time bc they all want to see the movie! Keeps them engaged! #GCISDchat
A5: @GESMitchell and I incorporate student interest into the homework. Sts choose something new to learn each month and share that learning with their peers. #GCISDchat
A6: It's about assuming positive intent. If we approach stds from a place of understanding and love, stds will feel secure and confident. #gesshineon#gcisdchat
A4: I would start w an anticipation guide abt the unit & then had Ss devise an experiment to 'test' their decisions. Throughout the unit we'd circle back to the guide & revaluate our thoughts. I'd also hold onto the 'answers' till the very end to keep curiosity up! #gcisdchat
A5: I listen to what my kids share in circle up as it tells alot about what's important to them. Then, I can use them & their interest in my instruction as an example. #gesshineon#gcisdchat
A5 I asked my Pre-K what would they like to do in our classroom and created a chart that hangs on the wall. Every time we fill a SV idea, we mark it with a sticker. Some things we have done are: cook, add brooms to our dramatic play center, have free-choice journals #GCISDchat
A6: I have started having some of my students with problem behaviors make a commitment to our class for the day. This has helped them focus more on how their behavior affects others. In return, they have a more successful day. #gcisdchat#GESshineon
A6: Since we’ve started doing Circles in middle school, our Ts are learning so much about our Ss, which allows them to see, hear, and better understand them. Students know their voice is heard and valued, too. #GCISDchat
A6: As an educator, I always enjoy having a fresh start each year and have to believe that students feel the same way. We should do our best to provide that for them. #gcisdchat#growthmindset
Q6: “See the child,not the behavior” is my favorite quote. “That” child will grow to do amazing things, it’s our job to help them figure it out. #gcisdchat
You all could have taught us about Olympic curling for our assembly teambuilder because you keep current & relevant topics at the forefront of teaching "skills!" #gcisdchat
A6- the basic needs of children include safety, security and love. Seeing a child differently shows the love we have for them, and the value we place on their lives. It can change everything. #GCISDchat#gesshineon
A6: There is always a reason. There is always a story. This goes for all humans. If we remember that when working with Ss, we will always treat them the way we should. Which is as someone who is doing the best they can right now and needs our encouragement and support. #gcisdchat
A6: Similar 2 what happens when some1 u are interacting w expects you 2 react poorly & instead you react well. It makes them pause, causes them 2 rethink the situation, & they usually respond back 2 you differently. It can change the entire course of the relationship. #gcisdchat
A7: When there is a conflict I ask students how their choice made another student feel. It creates a teachable moment for students to understand how it affected someone else. Sometimes they need help understanding their impact on others. #gcisdchat#gesshineon
Q6- it helps to know their story s c also assume positive intent. Both of those things will change you and the child! I also always try to teach my students the way I want a teacher to teach my children. #gcisdchat#gesshineon
A7: Conflict leads to social skill building. Conflict is a part of life. By talking about it and sharing ways to handle it appropriately, stds develop skills they need to succeed in life. #gcisdchat#gesshineon
A7- I love giving my students the opportunity to model the time machine. They decide if they are willing and we can talk though the conflict as a class family. We can learn from one and other. We ALL make mistakes, it’s just a part of growing!🌳 #gesshineon#gcisdchat
A6: As an educator, I always enjoy having a fresh start each year and have to believe that students feel the same way. We should do our best to provide that for them. #gcisdchat#growthmindset
A7: Conflict is a great reminder of our uniqueness and individuality. It also provides an opportunity to point out the importance of respecting differences. #GCISDchat
A7: I love doing restorative chats with Ss and often admin. It’s great that our administrators care more about helping Ss learn from and talk through mistakes rather than ‘punishing’. It’s well worth the time it takes! @JeffMishoe@cd_harrison@ScottSaettel#GCISDchat
I agree, chunking helps! Say something like "I know that you can do step 1 & 2 for this activity bc yesterday you ___. I am going to check on another group but when I come back I'd love to see your thoughts on them." And we CELEBRATE when I make it back! #GCISDchat#smallsteps
A5 To find out student interests, I talk to them a lot (recess, circle up, during lessons, etc) & I listen/remeber plus make connections, suggestions, inquiries about them. Parent surveys & conferences provide insight, too. #gcisdchat
A8: I think it's most important with students, especially when they have to visit with me, to purposefully say nothing and LISTEN. They just want to be heard. #GCISDchat#GESshineon
A8: To build relationships, I start the year by sending a hand written postcard to every student welcoming them to my class. It always sets a positive tone for the start of the year. #gcisdchat#gesshineon
A8: I try to always praise students for jumping in to help others without being asked. It could be a spilled supply box or everything in their hands and others are immediately there to lend a helping hand. #gcisdchat#gesshineon
A7: Conflicts help us to strengthen our skill at seeing life from multiple perspectives. Restorative chats, purposeful questioning, and relationship building are important skills for conflict resolution. #gcisdchat
A8: I try to just be a regular old person with my kids. They hear about my family and pets. I share my funny stories about my days as well as my frustrations. It helps open the lines of communication with the kids. They can see that we all have things in common. #gcisdchat
A8: I talk with them. I'm a kid at heart and so I play with them. We dance together, sing together, act silly together, work hard together, share struggles and achievements. Visit things they are involved in out of school. Ask how they feel... #gcisdchat#gcisdshineon
A8: I also try to be observant and learn about individual student interests. Then take the time to talk with them about their interests and follow-up after important events. #GCISDchat
So impressed with secondary willing to take that risk and investment of time with Circles! More relationship-building time in, less "discipline" time out! #gcisdchat
A8: @GESCurnow and I love to cheer them on outside of school at their extracurricular events. It’s so much fun to see them excel outside of the classroom doing things they love ❤️ #gcisdchat#gesshineon
A8: REAL conversations shaped by facts & rules of engagement are crucial when it comes to empathy among Ss. Teaching Ss through Soc. Seminars that we are different, we may disagree, we can talk about it, then still be friends is THE most important thing we can teach. #gcisdchat
A8 With a smile & by name I greet every child as they enter the classroom. They can choose the way to greet: hug, handshake, fist bump, or high 5. We greet one another before Circle Up with the song, "Give A Hug" by Barol Karol. We end our day similarly. #gcisdchat
A8- We sing songs as a class and I try to learn something new about each of my students every week. Relationships are the cornerstone of my classroom. #gesshineon#GCISDchat
Even flipping what a student perceives as a weakness into their strength. Peers or staff thinks he or she is bossy...natural leadership skills. Then crafting them into prosocial leadership skills from there! #gcisdchat
A8- teambuilding THROUGHOUT the year! Not just @ the beginning. We mix our groups up so much, they need the chance 2 get 2 know each other too! Also,Ss connect more w our content, are more apt 2 take risks & be 'wrong' bc they feel more @ ease & safe with their peers! #gcisdchat
