#Satchat is a weekly Twitter conversation for current and emerging school leaders that takes place every Saturday morning at 7:30 EST. Co-founders and co-moderators are Brad Currie, Scott Rocco, and Billy Krakower. #Satchat's mission is to expand educator's Personal Learning Network (PLNs) that in turn will promote the success of all students.
Q1: Has your school or district talked about the concept of "No More Snow Days" where students would learn on a day school is closed because of snow? If so, what's the convo? If not, what do you think? #satchat
A1 For the last 10 years we’ve been posting lessons on our websites during snow closures. It’s great when the snow isn’t bad, but blizzards can mean power outages. If kids can’t get online, they get stressed out. #satchat
A1. Discussion only and probably more so at the building level. A teacher in our building has Family in OH and that district does it so we hear about it via him. #satchat
A1 In favor of "no more snow days" to avoid taking days away from summer break. Against it to end snow days altogether. Snow days & the fun/joy it produces is enduring memory of youth #satchat
Q1: Has your school or district talked about the concept of "No More Snow Days" where students would learn on a day school is closed because of snow? If so, what's the convo? If not, what do you think? #satchat
Kevin, STEM/Tech Coach, NJ.
A1: No on the snow day front, but some teachers on their own run their classrooms through Google Classroom if they are absent during the day #satchat
A1. Think that the shift toward having students, their families and teachers understand that learning happens ubiquitously - all around us/at all times needs to occur. #satchat
A1: Yes, our district has built in E-Learning half days. The teachers and students are online for pre-planned lessons via Schoology. It is WONDERFUL. This type of day is a possibility for snow days. (We don't get many here.) #satchat
Q1: Has your school or district talked about the concept of "No More Snow Days" where students would learn on a day school is closed because of snow? If so, what's the convo? If not, what do you think? #satchat
Q1: Has your school or district talked about the concept of "No More Snow Days" where students would learn on a day school is closed because of snow? If so, what's the convo? If not, what do you think? #satchat
Was discussed years ago during a bad flu season. Lots of kids out for weeks. Hard to start in the middle of that, but schools tried. Needs to be policy from start of school #satchat
A1: Most of our discussion have been about how the state has approached, and at the building level, talking about the advantages and the challenges. Step 1, ensure all Ss have access from home #SatChat
A1: utilizing technology to make the most of instructional time is never a bad idea - just need to be reminded that internet access is not *always* available to *every* student #satchat
A1: not much convo in our district, but with so many digital platforms coming that will allow for asynchronous, student-led learning - possibilities are endless! #satchat
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A1: I've co-chaired a #edtech committee for superintendents in NJ and we've talked on and off about this topic. Although today we say snow days, we've also discussed helping during natural disasters. Lots of things to iron out... #satchat
A1: The possibility of doing this is easy to conceive, but I don't think I want to have No Snow Days. Go have fun in the snow. Bond with family, friends. A week of snow days, then maybe the convo changes. 1-2 days & we'll be ok #satchat
Q1: Has your school or district talked about the concept of "No More Snow Days" where students would learn on a day school is closed because of snow? If so, what's the convo? If not, what do you think? #satchat
Q1: Has your school or district talked about the concept of "No More Snow Days" where students would learn on a day school is closed because of snow? If so, what's the convo? If not, what do you think? #satchat
A1: it’s a great concept and aligns with long-term hopes I have for flexible/blended learning options. But in a high poverty district, we need 100% access for Ss in order for it to work. Need devices and city-wide WiFi #satchat
Not to my knowledge. It is an interesting concept, but my concern is access. Not families have internet or a device at home to continue school learning the same way #satchat
A1. Does learning have to take place with a teacher guiding it? Can an excellent question guide a child's learning and take them places in their imaginations? #satchat
A1: This is really an interesting topic. I know my own kids probably wouldn’t want to do school work on snow days. As a T, I do like having the resources available though for any S who wants to look into topics. #satchat
A1 (continued): Snow days are a social occasion in our parts--kids outside yakking with their elders, shoveling, sharing stories, helping folks move cars. There's real value in snow days. #satchat
Such a heartbreaking story on #CNN this #SaturdayMorning. The plight of the white, conservative working in Silicon Valley. It really tugs at your heartstrings. Just kidding, that was completely ridiculous. #Resist#SatChat
#satchat Good Morning from soon-to-be snowy #DurhamCT. #ELA#middleschool Wishing you all a good chat. Have to bring my sweet old dog to the vet this AM. She is my profile pic, because she is so much better looking than I am.
Aren’t snow days supposed to be magical, like a rainbows? Something unexpected & beautiful that you should focus on enjoying as opposed to maximizing? #satchat
A1: Some of is have discussed the possibility with it. But I think it might take out some of the spontaneity of life and sometimes students need an unexpected day off to reboot and recharge so they can focus better upon our return. #satchat
A1: I have never heard of "no more snow days". On one hand, I question whether it will be effective at certain grade levels. On the other, it would be great to eliminate the days added on to summer.
#satchat
A1: No, it has never, ever come up! At least among teachers. But I think the current superintendent is going to be making great strides 😉 #HTSDpride#satchat
A1) As a parent, I don't know if this has been discussed. My middle schooler may get more homework to cover the time. I think more remote "school" learning is the future--even on non-snow days--and they should get on top of it. #satchat
Q1: Has your school or district talked about the concept of "No More Snow Days" where students would learn on a day school is closed because of snow? If so, what's the convo? If not, what do you think? #satchat
A1: I would be in favour of “NO MORE SNOW DAYS” if we could persuade students to truly engage in outdoor play (versus spending too much time with electronic devices)...so much learning in play. Thoughts? #satchat
A1: We've not had the convo about "no more snow days". I'm probably an outlier...think we should just give students the day off. Not connected. #Satchat
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A1: first thing to iron out is what constitutes a day? Second thing is how do you provide students "access" to work if there are issues with wifi or electricity? Third is how do you get students and teachers to engage? Is it during regular school hours? #satchat
A1- I live in Mobile, Al. It snows once every ten years or so(last night was the first we’ve had in 5 years) so we have bad weather days. I think with the flipped classroom models we use we could have everyone on task #satchat
A1: We have not talked about it but I'm not sure I like it. Equity is always an issue and holding Ss accountable for their learning without specific instruction, especially at the elem. level would be difficult #satchat
A1. No pun intended but I feel that this is the tip of the iceberg. Connecting kids to learning when they aren’t “present” can change sick days, extended leaves, summer, and more. I’m so intrigued by this notion. #satchat has the best topics!
That was a concern for me, you would need to have an assignment to complete due several days after the snow day in order to avoid the headaches of determining who had power & who didnt & if it is due several days later, what was the point #satchat
A1: I've shared my Snow Day ideas and digital resources with colleagues and friends. The response has been mixed. Some Ts see value in keeping the learning going, while others believe kids just need a break.
#satchat
A1. Having grown up in MinneSNOWda a HUGE amount of learning takes place outside on those snowy days. The conversations that follow over a cup of hot chocolate extend the learning. #satchat
Good morning I am an elem prin from CT
A1) I understand the potential with platforms like google classroom and Kahn academy and others, but not sure how this would look for our young students. They should be playing in the snow! #satchat
Don't mean to scare you. It's the first snow of the season but it sounds more like a normal snowfall than a storm. It'll be coming down slow and steady. #satchat
Q1: Has your school or district talked about the concept of "No More Snow Days" where students would learn on a day school is closed because of snow? If so, what's the convo? If not, what do you think? #satchat
A1: My district has not entertained this idea at all. We're a rural district with Ss who still do not have internet, Ss who have unreliable internet, and some with good internet. I'm personally not sure if we could make that work at this time. #satchat
A1 I’m in Florida ... we don’t experience these snow days of which you speak ... we did experience 6 days of no school after Irma, but few had power so School was the last thing on their mind. #satchat
Aren’t snow days supposed to be magical, like a rainbows? Something unexpected & beautiful that you should focus on enjoying as opposed to maximizing? #satchat
Tim - not yet. We have had some on and off convos with NJDoE reps over the years about the concept but nothing heavy and nothing of substance.
#satchat
A1: Snow days could provide students with an opportunity to learn part of the day and then go outside and build a snowman. It would be great to see snow days count as a day of learning #Satchat
A1 Equity of devices and access to Internet issue number one. Monitoring of screen time usage etc. Learning would have to be authentic and meaningful withfollow thru #Satchat
Not formally as a school, but individual teachers have absolutely done so for the past 3-4 years. Those who are doing it (early adopters, go getters) seeing great results. But there's definitely a sampling bias. Because these Ts = #studentcentered#relationshipsFirst. #satchat
Q1: Has your school or district talked about the concept of "No More Snow Days" where students would learn on a day school is closed because of snow? If so, what's the convo? If not, what do you think? #satchat
A1: SC doesn’t have periods with lots of snow. Recently, we used weather days for flooding. The option of eliminating snow days and finding alternative ways to educate are difficult in our rural district where a large number of students don’t have internet access at home #satchat
A1: Our school has talked about it, but not officially implemented virtual snow days. Pascack Valley & Verona have done it in NJ. New Hampshire, has a state wide policy, called “Blizzard Bags”. #satchat
A1 We have not spoken of "No More Snow Days", but I like the concept. Learning can happen anywhere, anytime but connectivity could be an issue for some. #satchat
Q1: Has your school or district talked about the concept of "No More Snow Days" where students would learn on a day school is closed because of snow? If so, what's the convo? If not, what do you think? #satchat
Q1: Has your school or district talked about the concept of "No More Snow Days" where students would learn on a day school is closed because of snow? If so, what's the convo? If not, what do you think? #satchat
Sometimes teachers need a snow day, too. The first one is a delightful, spontaneous break. Later on, when more snow means the school year will be extended...not so fun. #satchat
A1 Not to my knowledge. It is an interesting concept, but my concern is access. Not all families have internet or a device at home to continue school learning the same way #satchat
A1: I would be in favour of “NO MORE SNOW DAYS” if we could persuade students to truly engage in outdoor play (versus spending too much time with electronic devices)...so much learning in play. Thoughts? #satchat
A1. Think that the shift toward having students, their families and teachers understand that learning happens ubiquitously - all around us/at all times needs to occur. #satchat
Agree! Kids figuring out how to make a great bump to "fly" over on your sled, making the course faster, how to build a snow fort, seems like a STEM lesson to me & no teacher assigned it #satchat
Of if parents turn off devices, kids will turn to crafts, books and play - all of tremendous value. Self-directed learning and PBL is often better than teacher-driven assignments. #Satchat
A1: I would be in favour of “NO MORE SNOW DAYS” if we could persuade students to truly engage in outdoor play (versus spending too much time with electronic devices)...so much learning in play. Thoughts? #satchat
Our kids like having the time off, but always complain about the extended year from the snow days. Half days as E-Learning days work best because they have the best of both worlds. #satchat
A1: It could be beneficial and perhaps save tax dollars if the government approves a #Snowday as an official school full or partial day attendance #Satchat
That would be great if the state would count it for attendance and the district didn't have to make up the day. We missed 23 days one year recently. #satchat
Yeah I would also say use it on days when there is a couple inches of snow and school is closed as a precaution, not during a winter storm when everybody is hunkered down. #satchat
See: My Winter Learning section on My Winter Snow Fun page https://t.co/FOxYUM7kTZ a blizzard of lessons and activities. Note: We must remember that not all students have access to technology at home. #satchat
Not formally as a school, but individual teachers have absolutely done so for the past 3-4 years. Those who are doing it (early adopters, go getters) seeing great results. But there's definitely a sampling bias. Because these Ts = #studentcentered#relationshipsFirst. #satchat
Q1: Has your school or district talked about the concept of "No More Snow Days" where students would learn on a day school is closed because of snow? If so, what's the convo? If not, what do you think? #satchat
A1: I like the idea but there are a lot of loopholes and equity issues to implementing it. I like the play idea and even some project based learning but how do you make it happen? #satchat
Good point -- maybe we need to keep some of them. Kinda like the debate over dropping summer vacation -- it would fundamentally change childhoods. #satchat
A1 In favor of "no more snow days" to avoid taking days away from summer break. Against it to end snow days altogether. Snow days & the fun/joy it produces is enduring memory of youth #satchat
A2: A NMSD lesson would incorporate many of the same digital learning strategies as the classroom: collab, digital tools, student centered learning #satchat
A1: It's way more likely that students will one-day have potential to earn off-campus #snowday credit before teachers. Educators are still required to have a physical presence in the brick-and-mortar to be counted in attendance. #satchat
Q1: Has your school or district talked about the concept of "No More Snow Days" where students would learn on a day school is closed because of snow? If so, what's the convo? If not, what do you think? #satchat
We aren't unionized, and my ybk Ss already work on snow days, but at the time of their choosing and the length of their choosing. A deadline is a deadline. Would have to mull over an online school day. #satchat
I connect snow days with the tech of a well-designed snow shovel. Could be a STEAM project!
(Got to use those 3D printers for something useful....)#satchat
Yes. But I don’t work in either of those districts, so I don’t know much about how it was implemented or received by teachers, students, and parents. #satchat
A1: in my district, snow days aren’t necessarily “free days” for families. It can mean a day without heat, a day without food, a day in an unsafe space. Hate to add stress of schoolwork unless alternate safe spaces are available for Ss #satchat
A2: How about sending me a picture or video of you playing in the snow? I want to see my Ss out enjoying these moments. We'll vote on the best snow angel when we get back. #satchat
A1: wouldn’t teachers revolt if districts embraced the idea of “no more snow days”? Some feel like the day off is entitlement to vacation #cultureshift#satchat
Families can be great teachers - older siblings, whoever is going to watch the children for that day while the parents go to work - grandparents who could share life experiences. Ideas are endless! #satchat
We aren't unionized, and my ybk Ss already work on snow days, but at the time of their choosing and the length of their choosing. A deadline is a deadline. Would have to mull over an online school day. #satchat
I thought that because of the age group. My middle schoolers are usually on tech during a snow day. LOL My mind went there. I always encourage reading as an option! #satchat
A2: I envision doing legwork with Ss ahead of time to come up with topics they would like to research, providing criteria, and options for showing what they've learned. Snow days would be for their research project. #satchat
A2: I’ve never actually looked through snow day lessons, but I would hope they include something that gets students outside, or interacting with whoever is home #satchat
A2 This is what a snow day lesson would like....
1. Open Google Classroom
2. Watch video clip on topic
3. Compose a blog post on thoughts
4. Open Flipgrid and discuss topic further
#satchat
A2: I'd like to just make "soft recommendations" that students read for a bit on snow days. And play outside if they can. Play is valuable. #satchat#play
A2: I would be satisfied with No More Snow Day Work in the form of a classwide Twitter chat, for that matter on any occasion I’m out of the class. If students complete the reading then all they need is a phone #satchat
A2 If there are no power outages, everyone is safe, and all kids have reliable internet access (all big ifs) and we post snow day lessons, they should be meaningfully connected to the work students are doing in class, not add-ons to keep them busy. #satchat
If teachers do not see the joy of the gift of snow, the gift of time outside with neighbors, the occasional warning that nature matters, well, yeah, I'd question the culture of their school. #satchat
Does anyone else do snow day challenges (e.g. families post pics of fun things they’re doing)?Feedback from my community has been positive. @NA_Dellsey has me wondering more about this (imposing on families) #satchat
A1 - Most Ts & parents fondly remember snow days as idyllic and dismiss the idea of "no snow days" of our nostalgia. A wording change may shift some mindsets & open up the conversation - more about extended closure for myriad reasons severe loss of instructional time #satchat
The conversation here has defaulted to using technology- but what about asking students to investigate, compose, create something related to snow? Can't we equate that to time on learning? #satchat
A1: I would be in favour of “NO MORE SNOW DAYS” if we could persuade students to truly engage in outdoor play (versus spending too much time with electronic devices)...so much learning in play. Thoughts? #satchat
A2: snow day lesson would be a choice board: make a snap story of your snow day, go live on Facebook and play outside, have a snowball fight and take selfie with the winner, sleep in and come to school refreshed- something like that #satchat
A2: Honestly, mine would probably be something related to lang and lit. A thought comes to mind to create an information video about what's happening outside. Make a newscast about the storum! #satchat
Create something COOL on your extra day off from SCHOOL!!
#satchat
Turn off your TV, shut down your phone and CREATE!
My Snow Day creation activities are here:
https://t.co/8TK1gyhvBy
A2: We're currently using school specific Twitter accounts for novel study. (see #HuckLearns for examples!). Real-time Tweetup with 100+ Ss on a snow day is a perfect fit! Did the same last week when was out of the building for a day. Ss LOVED it. #Satchat
A2 This is what a snow day lesson would like....
1. Open Google Classroom
2. Watch video clip on topic
3. Compose a blog post on thoughts
4. Open Flipgrid and discuss topic further
#satchat
A2: As a math teacher, calculate the rate of snow per hour (make a table, graph points, is it linear?)... Find the circumstance of the perfect snowball... You know, fun snow Math 🤓❄️#satchat
A2: I envision doing legwork with Ss ahead of time to come up with topics they would like to research, providing criteria, and options for showing what they've learned. Snow days would be for their research project. #satchat
A2: Any snow day scenario could be made into a lesson. We can #MakeItReal and find math, history, science, and LA in every outdoor/indoor fun. But would I try to cover current content? Good question. The first would be more fun than the latter on a snow day. #satchat
Most of my school work is pushed through Google Classroom so, in theory, school is always there for the kids no matter what is happening with the weather #satchat
#satchat A2: One would hope a #Snowdaylesson would be #PBL oriented ~ perhaps take advantage of outdoors or household items to teach content~maybe use a #hyperdoc for the lesson
No worries! Teachers can be all snugly at home. When the leaves are falling in autumn they dream up in depth questions families could pose to students on snow days that might take all day to solve/work on. #satchat
A1: wouldn’t teachers revolt if districts embraced the idea of “no more snow days”? Some feel like the day off is entitlement to vacation #cultureshift#satchat
I am an advocate for getting outside and playing, however, if my elementary students read their books for 30 minutes, jot some thoughts and practice math facts for a bit, I would be happy to count that as a day of school #satchat
Im on the negative side for reducing summer break too. I learned so much playing with my friends in those months. In our minds we won many sports championships, battles, and built amazing buildings. We learned so much about cooperation on our own #satchat
A2: Ideally, you would want 1:1 laptops, so there could be a 2 to 3 hour where Ss could connect with Ts to ask questions about assignments assigned. You would also have to consider equity & access issues. #satchat
A2 This is what a snow day lesson would like....
1. Open @msonenote
2. Watch video clip on topic
3. Write a response or create a video response
4. Open Flipgrid and discuss topic further
#Satchat
When we go into education we do so to make a difference in the lives of children. So, let’s not be frustrated when students “mess up” - let’s be grateful. For these moments are the greatest opportunities that we’ll ever get to make that difference.✨ #MomentMakers#satchat
A2: I could imagine a Snow Day of Learning for our students involving some "traditional" learning activity & then something to get them active and moving during the day. Maybe learning about weather, getting outside for exercise, making a video of activities #satchat
So I’ll get push back for this, but what about getting away from online learning on snow days...encourage outdoor activity/play instead and find out what students learn as a result??? #satchat
A2. I see experiential learning galore here. Narrative writing on your day’s activities, science experiments, temperature/measurement, problem-solving, interactive history, service learning, and more. I feel the tech piece is a fraction of the equation. #satchat
A2: If I designed the lesson it would be given in advance, with teacher explanation (equity! for those w/o wifi), and require students to engage with others. Maybe a storycorps like interview or short story capturing the personal history of a snow day from the past. #satchat
Worth considering the fact that snow days are not typical days for students: i.e. without structure, possibly without usual care-givers, power, etc. This is not optimal for at-home learning. Why not enjoy the day off to recharge instead? #satchat
When we attack educators who see value in snow days, in the community they bring, in the joyful reminder that we are part of something bigger than us, it might not be about our school culture--it might be more about yours. #satchat
Excellent idea!! Call your grandparent and share with them what you are reading. Have a video chat (if available) with a different relative about the characters. Draw pictures of what you would like to have happen next! #satchat
The topic of “No more snow days” is depressing as things locally are being cancelled due to Saturday snow here. Snow should always come on week days! #satchat
A2 It needs to be something brief and fun. It shouldn’t take hours. Something engaging and hands on. Ss need to be able to do the work and not get frustrated and give up. #satchat
A2 During snowstorms, policy could be that students (1) stay safe, (2) help out, and (3) learn something new. They could choose how to record what they did with options online and off. #satchat
A2 get kids to generate ideas of things they can do - I am partial to investigations crowdsource “data” - depth of snow, genre of media you watched, how you helped family, your fav part of day ... #satchat
A2: How about an @Flipgrid topic where Ss respond to math questions of others throughout the day? We’ve done this in math and my kids love solving the work of their peers. #satchat
A2: Last year I tried to recreate Snowmen at Night on our playground but some kids knocked all the snowmen down before the Ss returned to see it #satchat
Anathema to me is the thought that students might spend a snow day playing video games. Ugh. (I just had to jump at the chance to use the word "anathema") #satchat
A2. I see experiential learning galore here. Narrative writing on your day’s activities, science experiments, temperature/measurement, problem-solving, interactive history, service learning, and more. I feel the tech piece is a fraction of the equation. #satchat
A2 If I had to prepare something, it would be quick and fun. I would then encourage them to get outside and enjoy one of the best parts of youth #satchat
A2: Share what you learned on your snowday. Allow students to drive their own learning and develop a way for students to share what they learned. Give Ss the power to explore their passion! #SatChat
I ❤️ all the suggestions about play & independent choice reading, but would these activities “qualify” and allows students to be exempt from making up the day at the end of school year? I am not sure local/state governments would allow this. #satchat
A2 my snow day lesson would be for students to have some type of experience with the fresh fallen snow, (shovel, sled, avoid) write about it, and make sure they share with their family. Perhaps persuasive writing even . #satchat
A2 This is what a snow day lesson would like....
1. Open Google Classroom
2. Watch video clip on topic
3. Compose a blog post on thoughts
4. Open Flipgrid and discuss topic further
#satchat
A2: Online learning days in our district = 20 minutes per subject. Lessons look very different at ES, MS, and HS Ts upload to LMS as soon as snow day is called and have digital office hours; Ss have 5 days after return to school to complete if unable to access at home #satchat
A2: From me? Maybe a short video about what we are discussing in history then a project where they have to go out in the snow and make something based on the lesson and send me a picture. #satchat
A2: admittedly, I’m the one who tends to text kids (or gets texted by kids) to tell them we have a snow day. I’d probably just message my Ss and tell them “your homework is to have some fun and be in school tomorrow to tell me about it”. #satchat
I agree, especially as an elementary teacher, the students need to be outside exercising and having fun. Especially if you don't have recess as much in the winter.
For older students, get off the phones, find some friends and have fun!
#satchat
If seat time is the measure of learning in your school, district, or state, you're measuring the wrong end of the learner.- from @thomascmurray#satchat
In reply to
@biologygoddess, @SteinbrinkLaura, @TheBradCurrie, @thomascmurray
A2 Also going to add to the convo that providing assignments on snow-days reminds me of required book logs -- could sap the joy out of reading or learning to have to produce something tangible. Let's encourage reading for pleasure, instead. #satchat
A2: Last year I tried to recreate Snowmen at Night on our playground but some kids knocked all the snowmen down before the Ss returned to see it #satchat
I don't know... I was never a kid who much liked playing in the snow. Mandating play defeats the purpose. It can be an option. I probably would've preferred being inside reading! #satchat
A2: The lessons are as varied as the teachers. We have 1:1 tech, so we plan activities in advance to use on E-Learning days. Some have class discussions via discussion posts on Schoology. Others use various other sites that students are already comfortable with. #satchat
#satchat A2 I don't believe a #snowday lesson has to always be a synchronous meeting of student & teacher for the learning to happen~3 hours would go by quickly between preparing lesson & providing personalized feedback
This is what I’m talking about...yes! Let students steer/guide the learning on snow days. Maybe even have some discussions with students when winter begins. They could do a bit of pre-planning. #satchat
A3: It will come down to access for some students. I think that creating equity around access on a snow day could be a challenge. This relates to tech, parent support, etc. #satchat
I ❤️ all the suggestions about play & independent choice reading, but would these activities “qualify” and allow students to be exempt from making up the day at the end of school year? I am not sure local/state governments would allow this. #satchat
A2. Like your thinking here. We talk about activity or assessment menus all the time. There may not be a better opportunity for differentiated learning than on a snow day #satchat
I like the idea of having them go outside and make a video. I see possibilities for poetry---take video of the snow day and voice over with a poem student wrote about it. #satchat
A3. Not sure we can assure "student accountability and rigor" on a day when students are actually at school but we sure try using many different techniques. #satchat
A2: I might give my students incentive to help a neighbor with their driveway. Encouraging a life skill like kindness is a way of impacting students and teaching them how to serve others.
#satchat
There would need to be documentation. Photos, a blog post, video to go with it. Maybe write a narrative of the events of the day, but require things like description and dialog. #satchat
A2 we could say we have no plans for you on snow days - make your own plan to enjoy the day - consider it a gift from Mother Nature just like when I was a kid (the teacher) #satchat
A2 Also going to add to the convo that providing assignments on snow-days reminds me of required book logs -- could sap the joy out of reading or learning to have to produce something tangible. Let's encourage reading for pleasure, instead. #satchat
A2 When I taught younger Ss I sent home a variety pack of mini experiments for kids to do on snow days, they were extensions related to current teaching #satchat
#satchat A3: Accountability: by recording attendance. Rigger colon should be automatically in better than our lessons. Have follow-up questions and Bell work once students return from the absence.
The extra lead time with that policy is nice, but that doesn’t really solve the “no more snow days” idea. IMO it just back logs work for some students #satchat
A3: I think design is significant in assuring S accountability & rigor. Need to know your Ss and possibly make some lesson design decisions different than classroom to engage Ss fostering accountability & rigor #satchat
It's a defense mechanism. The fools know they made a monumental mistake voting for this nightmare instead of Hillary but they refuse to face it.
#Satchat
Thirteen months after the election, Donald Trump is still babbling about Hillary Clinton, and his supporters at his Pensacola rally are chanting “Lock her up.” These people are a joke – and they keep proving it.
A3: My D would have trouble w/accountability since we have Ss who don't have internet at all at home. As HS T, I would assign work through Google Classroom & Ss turn it in. Rigor is already something Ts should be doing/considering in school much less out of school. #satchat
#satchat This is my third year of complying with e-learning or virtual learning policies. I'm not an expert, but would be happy to answer any questions. :-)
So much pressure on staff and students...high levels of accountability (for many good, and some not so good, reasons)...whenever students can take charge of their learning (on snow days or otherwise), ‘results’ may pleasantly surprise us! 😊 #satchat
A3: Accountability depends on access... Rigor has an open interpretation... If kids can make a math connection to the real world on a snow day, they've done rigorous thinking #satchat
A3: if you’re already using an LMS or Google Classroom or something, it’s an easy check. Our district uses Buzz for online learning- it tracks date and time online. Google Classroom- I’d just have kids drop me a comment and if I asked for a digital product, the link #satchat
A3: Depends on the activity. Some activities will require proof in the form of taking pictures of the activity. If the assignment is to read, have Ss write a summary of what they read.
#satchat
I think this question👇 & equity are the biggest obstacles to virtual snow days. I am genuinely interested to hear the ideas shared here today on #satchat.
All children, especially those with disabilities, must be provided the support needed to empower them to grow and achieve ambitious goals. https://t.co/zziYnDJ6xw
A3: Lessons should be application of current standard; brief written response to content related independent reading is a great option in secondary school. Accountability should be the same as for any other assignment #satchat
Supporting new & emerging edleaders & principal candidates this morning in their "first" 9:30 am EST Twitter chat around the impact of PLCs at #PLC21C. Pls join them! #onted#cpchat#satchat#satchatuk#satchatwc
@PDTribe Twitter Chat - Sat Dec 9 at 9:30am: Key competencies Edleaders need to engage educators in PLCs? Can digital tech. enhance PLCs? How have you supported PLC teams to have positive impact on student achievement? Hi, please follow me, @KKlightfoot#plc21c to join our chat!
A3: maybe we shouldn’t worry about rigor and accountability. How about we start with who we can engage, build community with, and relationships of course #satchat
“The most common diagnosis of a woman before she receives her ADHD diagnosis is depression. So many women have come in to my office & said, ‘I’ve been in therapy for years & I’ve been diagnosed with anxiety and depression, but I am still having problems.’” https://t.co/E9DlxC6KgT
A3 Accountability would be difficult. Long term assignments started in school,worked on over snow days, and completed after return would help. #satchat
A2 - wouldn't it be wonderful if students had existing self paced, student driven, independent academic pursuits linked to mastery/competency that they were already working on? #satchat
I think it depends on the age so much! If giving my Ss options will help them make good choices (they don't need supervision at their age, Ps can go to work) then I am willing to do anything! #satchat
A3: Both accountability and rigor can be ensured the same what we do during regular school days. Find a way to demonstrate their learning and to what level they learned the concept. #SatChat
Me too. As a 5 yr old went to Kansas City to visit my mom's family. I was excited about the snow! My mom bundled me up and sent me out the front door. She says I walked around to the back door and came inside. Too cold and wet. LOL #satchat
The Viking Rudolph the Red looked out the window and said, "Its going to rain."
His wife asked, "How do you know?"
"Because the Rudolph the Red knows rain, dear."
#BlairJokes
A3: By not assigning worksheets or 50 problems/questions to do, but encouraging them to play in create with the wonder precipitation falling from the clouds. Rigor is important but so is fun on these kinds of days. #satchat
A3. Can't fall into the technology-required trap of requiring log ins. Work must meet rubric, can be turned in next school day or online. Quick vocab quiz shows they read. Quick Kahoot! can show advancement.
#satchat
Great information from the International Dyslexia Association https://t.co/hgp1e6wABA A PhD in literacy does not mean ANYTHING if it does not include strategies to help ALL children to read. Consequently, it gives others the illusion that these “experts” know best.
A3: Accountability may be a strong word for #SnowDay learning. If students feel like they HAVE to, then maybe we need to redesign our learning opportunities so that they WANT to. #satchat
The state requires 1066 hours of school for Ss or 174 days. We do the hours. The state also requires certain percentage of proficient or advanced scores on state testing. I just try to teach Ss how to be producers, how to think, and how to communicate. :) #satchat
In reply to
@posickj, @biologygoddess, @TheBradCurrie, @thomascmurray
A3: Rigor-be specific about your expectations. Maybe provide a rubric. Accountability-I would extend the learning back into the classroom and provide time for those Ss who could not complete. #satchat
Q3 #satchat It all depends upon the lesson~ Students accountability would be provided by sharing images or videos of activity, flipgrid, recap, or Google Forms responses, quizlet and other interactive activities which provide a "history"
Agreed, how can we ask for accountability without equity? I love the ideas but I worry about those with less opportunities. Plus, as a T would you want to be have your SGP or SGO part of this? #satchat
I think this question👇 & equity are the biggest obstacles to virtual snow days. I am genuinely interested to hear the ideas shared here today on #satchat.
A3 I wouldnt be concerned w/accountability & rigor on a "no more snow day" activity. How about an extension activity or a list of them that students can choose to do if they want? Or they can go sledding outside. That's where I would be. Enjoying time w/my kids. #satchat
All important points. Yet I also envision a future where we'll reminisce about the concept of a "school day." Why does learning start at a set time? Why do we make school like work? #satchat
2 of 2
A1: first thing to iron out is what constitutes a day? Second thing is how do you provide students "access" to work if there are issues with wifi or electricity? Third is how do you get students and teachers to engage? Is it during regular school hours? #satchat
#satchat
A great metric for determining a person's character is asking the question "Do they have pets?"
Animals are character barometers
#Trump has no pets 🤔
A3. With some pre-planning the accountability is not different than a school day. This requires communication up front in Aug. I do wish we educators could come up w/ a better word than “rigor”. It’s meaning contradicts sooo much of what we describe to be best 4 kids. #satchat
A3: you’d measure the learning and rigor the same way as if conducting an activity in class, through mastery of standard. Personally, I believe it’s a win-win if we can get kids to think, explore, read, and write in small periods of time to keep there mind active #satchat
Student choice is what I’m emphasizing! Think of a snow day as an outdoor (picture-taking, jounalling, reading) learning opportunity. If you need to be indoors...be indoors. Online lessons/activities, gaming on devices are what I’m trying to avoid on such days. #satchat
Both of my kids are in student paced groups, are loving it & excelling. As a P it is so exciting to see them take ownership of their learning. Skills they will use forever. #satchat
A4:
A few obvious answers come to mind on #edtech for the "No More Snow Days" concept:
- #Google Classroom
- Padlet
- Actually all #GsuiteEdu apps
#satchat
A3: We have discussion posts for attendance. Students must sign in the first 5 min of "class" or they are absent. Students submit work just like on a regular day. Lessons are planned in advance, so the teachers are responsible for the rigor, just like any other day. #satchat
A3: learning management systems are great tools for remote learning. Ts can upload screencasts, etc. with instructions for kids and allow online submissions. Our Ts also have digital office hours #satchat
A4: My #edtech would be similar to what I use in class collab & communication tools to meet my diverse learners in diff ways. Things like LMS, video, web resources #satchat
A4 I think the best #edtech would be to experiment with something new. That would be some good learning. And a shovel would be another option. #satchat
We're all anticipating blockbuster report about an email from a Nigerian prince in which a transfer of money was discussed. #satchat#2018PredictionsIn5Words#fakenews
A4: I teach 5 different Ss. Ybk would do what they do. Radio class would do what they do. For the Eng related subjects, I'd use @PearDeck on S paced mode, @RecapThat for video response, @GetKahoot Google Apps, & @quizizz#satchat
A4. Any #edtech will do, including the camera/video on your phone.
Plus the usual suspects (Gsuite, O365, Padlet, Flipgrid)
The trick is to have something interesting to do with it.
#satchat
A4 Again, if there’s reliable & equitable tech access, snow days could be opportunities to try #flippedclassroom – students watch a video and journal at home, and then they have a discussion and/or do a collaborative project after returning to school. #satchat
A4: depends on goal, need tool to deliver message and content and possibly another one to collect ideas/ receive student input #satchat Blog and google form, remind and Flipgrid... many options
A3: I keep getting stuck on one point. If we are giving real, classroom learning targets and tasks to meet them, what happens when we aren't there to field questions, support, clarify. Again, not every kid has access to content outside of the classroom snow or no snow. #satchat
A4: I’d use social media galore for snow days. Also probably use @Flipgrid for Ss that don’t do social media and give other options for writing or graphic design. I’m also just comfortable with pushing out a message via Google Classroom and saying “we’ll talk tomorrow” #satchat
Yes! Except... Gaming is learning, and lots of other learning on devices. I get your point, not doing it all day -- but if kids really thrive with that, I wouldn't be restrictive. #satchat
IMO it would only benefit Ss who have little support at home during snow days. To keep kids active and off of their devices give them ideas of productive play or investigations #satchat
#satchat I use Google Clasroom everyday in my class. All assignments/instructions, etc. are posted in the event a student is absent. That said, there is something to be said about the joy of an unexpected snow day. #edteach
Feature your library’s brand new books or a specific genre collection with this Animated Book Covers display. The display is made on Google Slides. It is a slideshow with preset animations on each book cover. #satchat#librarylife#tlchat
A4: #gsuiteedu-everything--That should be enough. But I would love #flipgrid videos on location at home, especially where students report weather like meteorologists, for example. #satchat
A4 I think the best #edtech would be to experiment with something new. That would be some good learning. And a shovel would be another option. #satchat
In ATL, snow days aren't built in. For our last hurricane, we had to add 20 min. to every day (3 min a period!) for 2 months to help "make up" the time. Big effect. Snow days should be learning opportunities.
#satchat
A4. Since we couldn't guarantee access, I wouldn't have that be a part of "Snow Day Playing is Learning Day." Would rather involve a book that our school made sure each home had during the school year. #satchat
You would have loved the discussion I was in yesterday about our new @IgniteAtRIC. Blows the concept of a traditional school up. #satchat Future of education. Our @BCSImagineering is the start of it. #satchat
All important points. Yet I also envision a future where we'll reminisce about the concept of a "school day." Why does learning start at a set time? Why do we make school like work? #satchat
2 of 2
A1: first thing to iron out is what constitutes a day? Second thing is how do you provide students "access" to work if there are issues with wifi or electricity? Third is how do you get students and teachers to engage? Is it during regular school hours? #satchat
Agreed, how can we ask for accountability without equity? I love the ideas but I worry about those with less opportunities. Plus, as a T would you want to be have your SGP or SGO part of this? #satchat
I think this question👇 & equity are the biggest obstacles to virtual snow days. I am genuinely interested to hear the ideas shared here today on #satchat.
A4: For learning, whatever supports what the Ss want to learn, for assessing learning, any #EdTech tool which allows interaction/collaboration and share. GSuite Tools/Office 365 tools, NearPod #SatChat
A4: I'm so happy to hear others say this... I'd like Ss to use phones to record the science they are discovering with snow play, take a picture of them sledding, or what was the highest bid on @PriceIsRight#satchat
A4: tough to discuss edtech to engage outside of school. Most kids don’t like the accountability and even on absences or field trip days still come back “not knowing” about announcements even with access to LMS #satchat
A3: I keep getting stuck on one point. If we are giving real, classroom learning targets and tasks to meet them, what happens when we aren't there to field questions, support, clarify. Again, not every kid has access to content outside of the classroom snow or no snow. #satchat
A3 encourage kids to investigate and do things they are interested in - become a scientist, historian, mathematician, writer, artists, community helpers and more #search, connect, communicate, make!!! #satchat
A5: Email primarily as a district, through social media, & we also do 1-2 surveys a year setup at P/T conf. As a T, I get emails, texts, and communication through @RemindHQ#satchat
I am more concerned with students who have extended absences from school, when the problem is equity for that one students, in this case at-home lessons would be more appropriate than for an entire class #satchat
Here’s a thought: on snow days, WE can use the opportunity for safety, #selfcare, connecting with loved ones, helping others, meaningful professional learning. We could record what we did and then show our students. #satchat
A4. @RemindHQ to announce the assignment. Then Twitter (or @TodaysMeet or @officialkamihq). Or @Flipgrid. Creating a class hashtag and having Ss tweetup during the snow day using that hashtag (with a FUN Tweetup!) is a no-brainer. #satchat
Gaming is a steady part of many students’ ‘diets’ for learning (and otherwise)...doesn’t require a snow day. But if that’s a student’s choice for learning, so be it, on a snow day. #satchat
I get it. What if kids don't have a phone or device? Some kids don't even have heat or a coat... Has your district addressed these issues? Really curious about how they work around these issues. #satchat
A4: Flipgrid would work well - short, sweet, and versatile. Allows students to capture their surroundings as well, which could be good for outdoor-based adventures #satchat
Good morning everyone sorry for jumping in late...
As an apology’s want to give away some free Amazon technology!
Who wants one???
Just follow us and Retweet #satchat
In ATL, snow days aren't built in. For our last hurricane, we had to add 20 min. to every day (3 min a period!) for 2 months to help "make up" the time. Big effect. Snow days should be learning opportunities.
#satchat
A4: I'm so happy to hear others say this... I'd like Ss to use phones to record the science they are discovering with snow play, take a picture of them sledding, or what was the highest bid on @PriceIsRight#satchat
A4: A school-wide learning platform (i.e., Google Classroom) & school-wide video conferencing equipment. Then, Ts could create interactive, online lessons for Ss w/ time allotted for Ss to reach directly out to T for questions. #satchat
#Satchat#A3 What if we simply ask students about journaling on a snow day using the medium of choice? One stimulation they must connect the writing to a content area
Some kids who are home on snow days don’t have access to “snow” - not sure why we feel compelled to fill every moment of kids’ hours with time on task re snow or day :) go sledding - #lastchildinthewild#satchat
#satchat I'm going to be honest. Today I am feeling discouraged and frustrated. Not only can I not see the questions, but I have experience with e-learning. I was misunderstood. I must be having a bad morning.
Hmmm... I wonder if this is how our Ss feel sometimes... #imreal
As a child, I loved the sights, sounds & feel of a snow day -the release from the classroom. Kids should explore the wonders of snow; the crunch beneath boots; the crisp, clean air on one's face. Hot chocolate! Preserve snow days & the images they evoke. Tech down. #satchat
Despite the content and the standards our students need to come out being able to do this⬇️⬇️⬇️
Ask yourself...are you preparing students for their futures??? 🤔 🤔 #satchat
To start out, we encourage Ts to load enrichment & review activities into LMS. Rarely is it new content, unless the T is consistently using LMS in Classroom daily. #satchat#dawsonLEAD#ipaded
A5: #satchat Good morning NB is looking at 'Google Classroom' for our day. T's feel they are almost ready and a lesson plan has been developed. @nbcsuper
A5) You... don't? How about doing a share-out and leaving it at that. If it sounds like they spent the day not learning... well, prep them for the next time. #satchat
Glad to be part of this important conversation this morning! So much to think about! I’m happy we are at least considering snow as a possible learning opportunity...and all of the possible challenges that go with it. #satchat
In reply to
@teresagross625, @TeacherRunner42, @noel_hoffmann, @JeremyDBond
... And It's time for SINGING in this #snow ing day❄️🌨️☃️
And defenetly not time for #SaturdayKitchen yet🥥🍌🍉
Damn, I hate when I plan a conversation in my head🎶✨
and the other person doesn't follow the damn script🎤🌟
#SaturdayMorning#satchat💞
A5: I would seek more formative assessment opportunities. But I'm learning from educators like @mssackstein, @plugusin, & @mrscienceteach that quality feedback is waaay more valuable and meaningful than grades, especially grades from homework. #satchat
Just listened to "How Addressing Dyslexia Helps All Students" https://t.co/BhxXsBegz6 via @WNYC@1a "The way dyslexic children learn to read is the way all children learn to read"
A5 We give all students 48 hours to complete any ELearning day (snow day) upon returning to school. This allows hard copies for students offline. Personally, I check assignments for completion with effort. #satchat
A4: I like the idea of using @Flipgrid to check-in for each school day missed. Can’t help but think of video logs like on The Martian. “Day 1- no one is eating the milk sandwiches Mom bought at the store.” All seriousness, @googleclassroom, @googlearts, etc #satchat
A5: If already using digital assessment in classroom, snow day would be similar. Formative tools such as polls & q's and allowing Ss to use digital tools to show their learning #satchat
A5 Survey Ss with something quick and informal. Maybe have them do an easy 3-2-1 exit ticket: 3 things I learned, 2 questions I still have, 1 thing I want to learn more about. #satchat
Definitely not trying to make excuses. I love these ideas for so many of my kids... just worrying about the ones without and wondering how to help them as these ideas take hold. #satchat
#satchat Aren't we as Educators supposed to be learning and growing in the best interest of ourselves and our students? If this is so, why do we resist change so much??
A5: Snow day products should be part of ongoing formative assessment in class; doesn't have to be graded but should give Ts info on Ss level of understanding/achievement #satchat
A5: I'd make sure that every S has a "just right book". Ask them to read for 30 minutes on the snow day(s). When they return to school, Ss discuss reading with a partner. T checks in w/ partners. #satchat
A5: If already using digital assessment in classroom, snow day would be similar. Formative tools such as polls & q's and allowing Ss to use digital tools to show their learning #satchat
A5: Self assessment! Google Form to wrap up the activity. "Hey! What did you enjoy about today? What did you learn? What can we do better / differently next time?" Etc. Assessment need not be SO overtly academic. #satchat
A5: The same methods we use to assess learning on regular school days, as all of the methods we currently use can be applied to snow days, regardless if it is #EdTech or not. #SatChat
A2 what I do as a self-directed learner on my snow days - cook soup, watch the birds, do #satchat (today), walk in the snow and take pics w my phone, read, watch a movie, call a friend, write, listen to Alexa read to me, shovel the walk #satchat
Do you "let" students choose topics sometimes, or give choice on response formats? Is it something the Ss WANT to do? With so many possibilities, there HAS to be a way to make it work--to make it more meaningful, right? #satchat
I think the larger point is: This is something we want to happen. We're responsible to make it happen. Let's figure out how to get over that barrier. #satchat@gwena_walker
In reply to
@jeremies71, @coreythornblad, @gwena_walker, @gwena_walker
Any one of @Wonderopolis's Wonders of the Day could work as a Snow Day link/activity. Self-Contained Reading and Vocabulary with Comp Questions or "ladder" another related article. Better: choose a wonder related to "snow" or "weather." Topical. Relevant. Wonder-driven. #satchat
A4: Any site used with them in the past is good. Students must be comfortable using it at home though, or you will spend the time trouble shooting. One idea is snapchat to record a winter scene and writing a poem to match. Or--create a video and voice over the poem. #satchat
Research shows that the extended time on a day isn't very effective; and can be detrimental. Ss (and Ts) need more breaks to focus on learning. Any additional time in room needs to be planned with great care.
https://t.co/BzPKteUpUd#satchat
When people push things that would reduce break time for kids (both snow days & summer break) I wonder if they ever reflected on how much they learned as kids during those times & forgotten the joy of youth breaks bring #satchat
#satchat I say if we invade the snow day let's make it something where they're outside in the snow, like go out and shovel your neighbors walk, clear your mother's car off, or help a younger person in the neighborhood go sledding
A5: Assessment can be part of the CONVERSATIONS that follow snow days...What did you do? How did it benfit your learning? What did you learn? Discuss the possibilities FOR learning at the beginning of winter. #satchat
A5: Did they grasp the idea of the assignment, even if there are inaccuracies ... Assess based on the questions they have when they return to the classroom/ questions they have posted online #satchat
Yes. I agree. I want to see this happen for kids just want to make sure they all get what they need. And looking for how other districts have made this happen. #satchat
In reply to
@JeremyDBond, @jeremies71, @gwena_walker
And if we want our kids to become self-directed learners, how might we use snow days to practice that with them - model and share what we do when someone isn’t telling us what to do #satchat
For my AP ENG LANG AND COMP students, linking a longer TED talk allows us to share the talk before analyzing on return. E-Learning days can facilitate the flip if met with planning-it-forward. A number of twenty minute talks listed at @TEDTalks#satchat
A4) The more that's possible on SmartPhones, the better. You may have closer to universal access with those. What do you all know about SmartPhone access with your families? #satchat
A4. @RemindHQ to announce the assignment. Then Twitter (or @TodaysMeet or @officialkamihq). Or @Flipgrid. Creating a class hashtag and having Ss tweetup during the snow day using that hashtag (with a FUN Tweetup!) is a no-brainer. #satchat
A5: I'd make sure that every S has a "just right book". Ask them to read for 30 minutes on the snow day(s). When they return to school, Ss discuss reading with a partner. T checks in w/ partners. #satchat
Yes sir! We all enjoyed snow days while we were K-12 students and became successful adults. And important to mention the lack of resources&support for many kids - many don’t even have heat on these days - now they have to worry about assignments? #satchat
Your comment reminds me of the importance of essential questions and enduring understandings. #satchat Teachers should emphasize the 'why' behind the learning. #satchat
Does anyone actually believe that CNN’s democratic sources, who had all the info, were not deliberately trying to hide facts that would turn a non-story into their exact BS narrative? No one is that naive!!! I’m sure they wouldn’t lie to cover their prominent source🙄
A4. @RemindHQ to announce the assignment. Then Twitter (or @TodaysMeet or @officialkamihq). Or @Flipgrid. Creating a class hashtag and having Ss tweetup during the snow day using that hashtag (with a FUN Tweetup!) is a no-brainer. #satchat
And if we want our kids to become self-directed learners, how might we use snow days to practice that with them - model and share what we do when someone isn’t telling us what to do #satchat
Steve King is an abomination in our government. The openness people like him are showing about their racism & bigotry is disgusting. We must all condemn racism in the strongest possible way. #SatChat
A5 To assess learning: How was your snow day interesting? How was it challenging? Why will your future self be glad you spent your snow day the way you did? If you could redo your snow day, how would you spend it? #satchat
A3,4: Accountability, rigor, #edtech ... What about choice, fun, play, inquiry that can all be part of learning outdoors or indoors? Isn’t the rest of the school year ‘demanding’ enough of students and staff? #satchat
A5- Students are subject to the summer slide, lose of academic achievement, during the summer months due to a prolonged gap in educational experiences...a snow day here and there is not going to effect a student’s academic progress 👀. Let them have fun #satchat
I love the idea of district level instead of the specific classroom. We could also get kids certified for Google or Microsoft or whatever. Getting their own certifications gives them choice, voice & buy-in.
#satchat
A6 How I would make "No More Snow Days" learning fun for students is by telling them to go outside or stay inside (their choice) use their imagination, create, & most importantly to be a kid & have fun. Just share w/me next school day the best thing about the snow day #satchat
A6: Talk to the Ss the next day. How did they chose to spend their day, ask science & math questions related to weather. 'Assessment' can also mean learning about Ss interests & personalities- helps tailor teaching! ❄️#satchat
With E-Learning Days, how might we look further into @P21Learning's 4 C's. How does my online lesson address: Communication, Collaboration, Critical Thinking, and Creativity alone or in synthesis? This is what I am looking at as we move forward with these opportunities. #satchat
Believing in a Jesus other than the One REVEALED by SCRIPTURE and following anything or anyone other than HIS voice is to take His name in vain. John 10:27, Proverbs 30:9 #SabbathDaySoulFood#satchat#SabbathDay
#satchat A4 Perhaps it would be best to provide student choice with the ed tech device...we must remember 2 things: Not all homes have internet/computers but they more than likely have some form of technology~hmmm~pencil & paper were once tech tools
A4 I’d use twitter to run a class chat. You could make a podcast for Ss to listen to. Or google classroom. Or google hangout. So many choices!! #edtech#sachat
We have the same concerns! However, we look at it as an opportunity for learning while not at school. Ss still have plenty of time to make up work upon return! #satchat#dawsonLEAD
Yes sir! We all enjoyed snow days while we were K-12 students and became successful adults. And important to mention the lack of resources&support for many kids - many don’t even have heat on these days - now they have to worry about assignments? #satchat
Glad to be part of this important conversation this morning! So much to think about! I’m happy we are at least considering snow as a possible learning opportunity...and all of the possible challenges that go with it. #satchat
In reply to
@teresagross625, @TeacherRunner42, @noel_hoffmann, @JeremyDBond
A6: Give Ss choices, ask them to include pics of themselves working in their assignment upload, class contest related to work, class hashtags for snowday, class blogs. So many ways to make it fun! #satchat
A1: this is unfortunate if your school districts are discussing things like these. We wonder why kids have stress, anxiety, and depression by tge time they get to high school. Children and adolescents are not workers, you start doing that, kids will hate school.
#satchat
True! Unless your family likes to ski in the mountains, around here you are not prepared for cold, wet weather. Yikes to cold hands and feet. Kids have fun inside on snow days too. It is OK. #satchat
In reply to
@JeremyDBond, @teresagross625, @ChrisQuinn64
A5: this is why I think something more interactive would be effective because the assessment can happen in the moment if participating. For me, it’s more about preventing a longer snow break Slide #satchat
A5 @CoxAthSchools Has close to 100 districtwide digital badges for students to choose from in coding financial literacy and life ready skills in addition to teacher specific content area micro credentials they can earn as well #satchat
A6: Tie in the learning to what is relevant to your Ss on snowdays. Create lessons for snow days that tap into what Ss want to learn in ways that connect it to your content. #satchat#MakeItReal
A6. Provide choice, voice, opportunities and support. Students don't need to do 7 periods worth of work on snow day if they do one big project or get certified in something.
#satchat
A5. We are learning lots about circle chats in our school. Circle up! I think the S’s reflection opens doors for understanding on the differences kids need to be aware of, ID’s needs to be met before the next snow day or during the next snow day, & gives voice to choice. #satchat
You will bake the cake.
You will have sex with gay men.
You will reveal your politics...
This is the Left today, y'all...
Vote Roy Moore!
Pragmatism vs. slavery.
Donald Trump being thanked by Jesse Jackson for creating the NY Rainbow Coalition
He gave them a building, 40 Wall St., in the most expensive part of the world to use
He attended workshops
He helped plan
He used his connects to help the Coalition
Pensacola
#BlackTwitter
#satchat I suffer from scoliosis, deformity of spine. Bedridden and debt ridden. Need your help. Just a small amount of $btc could change our life. Donate #bitcoin please, you people are our last hope. 3JQsBr8m8DZXmu7pwmf5cAoq416uzsfbFD #SaturdayMorning#WhatIWantSantaToBringMe
Honestly, I'd prefer that Ss do NO school work on a snow day. If they read a book, & could discuss w/partner for a few minutes when they return, I'd be happy. I don't think everything they do needs to be measured and quantified (just my opinion). #satchat
There are more Clinton ties on the Mueller team than you think. There are many conflicts of interest, and that's the reason why Clinton isn't being investigated! #saturdaymorning#satchat
A6- If you have to do it...have students work on their soft skills and be in the service of others! Let’s use these days as an opportunity for students to learn the power of kindness
#satchat
A6: Make it interactive (videos, photos, screenshots); Make it collaborative (get together with kids in the neighborhood, comment online); Make it FUN!!!! Get outside and PLAY - be imaginative... And most of all, as a teacher, DO the activities, too and share with kids! #satchat
Thinking this Some times I think of accountability movement as having created phenom of “if all I have is a hammer the whole world looks like a nail” - every day fraught w T-directed learning #satchat
Wow. Hate is a strong word. Would be curious to know what topics you have tried with it? But you are right that it's about celebrating students and their learning first, and then tools may help. #satchat
It will be good when they put Christ back in Christians again #SatChat and put the traitors in the White House in jail. #SexPredatorTrump is a traitor.
Our issue is New York State @NYSEDNews and their regulations regarding what counts as attendance we are hoping there a new calendar task force will allow us this flexibility @jhoneebert#Satchat
A6. If you reflect for a minute ... about your own learning ... when it involved reaching toward a dream you soared higher than any other time. #satchat
Dad, when you were a kid what kind of assignments were you given on snowdays?
We were given the assignment to be a kid, rejoice in our free time and have fun in the snow #satchat#dontassignschoolchorestosnowdays
Agreed...I said "just right books" but you are spot on...any reading would be great! Thanks for pointing that out. Maybe I should have said "just right reading", meaning, any reading of interest! :-) #satchat
Yes. Keep that pre-writing and reflecting going in close proximity to the viewing. The student may listen to audio while doing sketch notes in another application. On the screen. In the hand. In the head. Ready to go upon return to the room. I like it. Thank you, John. #satchat
#SaturdayMorning#satchat#smallbusiness Marketing is too important to be left to the marketing department. Promote your business today with top class email marketing service at 30% discount Visit link https://t.co/fMHls1bVWd now while offering last.
It's all good. I think sometimes tone doesn't translate. I really just wanted to learn how your district was overcoming hurdles. Sounds like you all are way out ahead on this and have expertise. #satchat
My K Ss were given a weekend assignment to draw a pic & write about their snowy day experience today. We get our first fall today. We have been ready The Snowy Day by Keats. Two of my Ss just moved here from tropical climate countries. #satchat
A6 Have Ss help create the snow day learning activities in class. Use their ideas and give them the credit. Kids come up with some great things! Plus this helps with buy in from Ss. #satchat
#satchat Snow days are the best days to get outside and have some authentic literacy and math learning. How to build a snow man. Measuring how much snow fell or a snow man! I can’t wait for the snow!!! #ocsb_math#ocsbliteracy
A6: Think outside the box when it comes to snow day learning. More distraction than reg school day so may need to find greater ways to engage Ss. #satchat
I say "It's going to snow. I'll post something so we can keep caught up." Then I recap what I posted when we're back. "If you didn't get a chance," I'll pair people up or recap. Super easy. #satchat
#satchat a6 have conversations about kids or writing assignments when they get back to school about what they did on the snow day to enjoy it and help others dig out
#satchat Let kids go outside to play! Take out sleds and ride down hills with friends. Enjoy the feel of snow on their faces. Get their mittens soaking wet! Have hot chocolate while your clothes dry.... A snow day is an enduring understanding! Let kids be kids. 🤣🤣🤣🤣
Yes. This is probably most important in the secondary setting. Especially in a time where NBC will be featuring a story on "stressed out teens." During a time of preparation for finals. It's an important book. Winter Break important reading. #satchat
In reply to
@ruth_ayres, @jacbalen, @pennykittle, @CRushLevine, @Teachr4, @MJSHScience
A6: Make an attempt to get Ss involved with friends or family. Nothing too strenuous. And if ask them to get outside, I’d find a way to include video or pic of me outside too. #satchat
Yeah, I think any conversation about access should start with a survey on SmartPhone ownership. Most have them? Great -- get going, and have a plan for the 1-3 who don't. #satchat
Great point. So we're in a sampling bias as a private Catholic school in Northern Va. All Ss are expected to have internet access to complete assignments -- but when I was teaching in @pgcps lower income just outside of DC, this wasn't always the case. But TEXTING still worked!
#satchat Agreed. The problem for me is when the snow day forces graduation from the Friday to a Monday. Travel plans for out-of-town families become a problem. Would like to use a snow day to preserve Friday grad date.
A1: The possibility of doing this is easy to conceive, but I don't think I want to have No Snow Days. Go have fun in the snow. Bond with family, friends. A week of snow days, then maybe the convo changes. 1-2 days & we'll be ok #satchat
One time, I used a site that another teacher had used in class with success. The kids got home and it would NOT work. Frustrating, but lesson learned. #satchat
A share-out is a good place to start. Then eventually follow-up. Make convos at least two-way. Go for interaction, convos for meaningful learning thru feedback. #satchat
A6: relate to Ss- share how you spent your snow days, give them fun ideas, send books home with kids to read uninterrupted, discuss weather patterns in your area... okay, now I want a snow day!! #satchat
Disagree!! What is going to happen when these Ss get into the workforce or college? 90%+ of all assignments are turned in online in brick & mortar colleges or tech schools! #satchat
A1: this is unfortunate if your school districts are discussing things like these. We wonder why kids have stress, anxiety, and depression by tge time they get to high school. Children and adolescents are not workers, you start doing that, kids will hate school.
#satchat
A6. I’ve recently seen some pretty cool Flipgrid vids from kids. Maybe once they return to school and all kids have access have them do a summary of all they learned in 90 seconds or less and then share out #satchat
A share-out is a good place to start. Then eventually follow-up. Make convos at least two-way. Go for interaction, convos for meaningful learning thru feedback. #satchat
More Clinton ties on Mueller team: One deputy attended Clinton party, another rep'd top aide via the @FoxNews App. This does not look good for Mueller https://t.co/NJPtCIvZAR
If we gave them a list, most teens could select from a program that would lead them to efficiency. But, what do they notice when in community with a caring practitioner? This could help to foster efficacy. A need and necessity of the hard-to-reach, #satchat
In reply to
@ruth_ayres, @jacbalen, @pennykittle, @CRushLevine, @Teachr4, @MJSHScience
Nice. Love this approach for the random snow day here or there. Just not sure it would work for many of my students when we get out for a week or more of snow. #satchat
More Clinton loyalists found in #nothingburger investigation. Almost 2 years into #russiaGate, only evidence so far shows HRC/DNC ties to russia. ROFL! Liberal snowflake meltdown in comments below coming. Clinton bots are everywhere! Twitter is a cesspool.
A6: relate to Ss- share how you spent your snow days, give them fun ideas, send books home with kids to read uninterrupted, discuss weather patterns in your area... okay, now I want a snow day!! #satchat
Well that's it for today's #satchat convo!
Thank you PLN for another engaging chat. I always learn a ton during this hour.
Thanks also to my 2 co-moderators @thebradcurrie and @wkrakower
Have a great day (snowy one on the east coast) and see you next week at 7:30am EST
Thank You to amazing #PLN for another great chat! Thank You to my co-modators and the co-founders of #Satchat@TheBradCurrie and @ScottRRocco. Stay Warm today for those who are getting Snow!
In my mind, this is all about the culture of the classroom the teacher has built. I see a lot of Ts balance fun, flexibility, and accountability in a way that makes Ss eager to engage. If they know in advance that a snow day means voice and choice, they’ll engage.
We are doing a drive to make sure our students have food over break and I'm not worrying about homework or projects when their worry is food and staying warm.
Ok #satchat what are these shenanigans? Snow days are a sacred reprieve. Snow days are the Deus ex machina of student procrastination. Go outside! Make a snow man! Frostbite your toes and scare your mother to death! Make cookies! Take a nap! (Are we TRYING to create workaholics?)
A big contingent of very enthusiastic Roy Moore fans at the rally last night. We can’t have a Pelosi/Schumer Liberal Democrat, Jones, in that important Alabama Senate seat. Need your vote to Make America Great Again! Jones will always vote against what we must do for our Country.
A6: Think I’ve answered this one at length this morning! 😊😊😊 Great chat this morning! Thank you very much #satchat friends! Happy weekend, hard-working educators!
Further: Lester Holt and NBC News will be featuring a report, "Kids at Risk" this week focusing upon pre-schoolers. The very young. The "hard-to-reach" before they've come to the teach. More than ever, texts that draw upon the personal are imperative to the practice. #satchat
In reply to
@ruth_ayres, @jacbalen, @pennykittle, @CRushLevine, @Teachr4, @MJSHScience
#satchat I'm a tech advocate & support #edtech integration when it benefits all stakeholders especially when focused upon learning objectives supporting our students. I'm also a realist & don't want Ss to feel left out or stressed about using technology on a #snowday
What if a big part of it is just sharing your snow day with a classroom community? That's why every classroom should have an account on some sort of platform. #satchat
A4: I'm so happy to hear others say this... I'd like Ss to use phones to record the science they are discovering with snow play, take a picture of them sledding, or what was the highest bid on @PriceIsRight#satchat
For me (and we don't have an e-learning policy) I've always given "snow work." With paper in the Old Days. I don't need to be avail. I adapt what I would have done to stay on schedule & we debrief next day. #satchat
#satchat@ScottRRocco@TheBradCurrie Thank you all for leading the conversation today! I hope those of your districts who don't have e-learning find a way to make it work for you and your students! :-)
Tossing out grades does not eliminate accountability and assessments. It increases and improves both. Grading is NOT assessing.
Where eliminating grades leaves us is in an advanced state of #education, like we've never had before. #satchat
@ScottRRocco@TheBradCurrie another fruitful morning. Certainly this gives us food for thought this coming week with weather on the way! Have a great weekend gents! #satchat
The thing about this is, I've always had the same standards. I just let a couple people getaway w stuff, because they don't mean much. Or in another case, it's someone I'm not in a #relationship with. But I have people in my life who treat me like a queen & respect me. #satchat
Just want to point out that I joined Twitter during a two-day string of snow days. State was closed, so I couldn't work. It's changed my life ever since. #satchat
