Let's see who has joined us tonight! Introduce yourselves - share your name, location, role, and a gif that shows how you feel about it being November! #teachpos
I canāt believe I remembered that this chat meets now!!! I kept forgetting and would see awesome conversations and would be so bummed I missed it!!! Hip hip hoooorrrraaaaaayyyy! I made it!! Iām Kristen from PA, and I teach 6th grade science! #TeachPos
I'm Alicia, Lead Digital Learning & Media Innovation Facilitator at an incredible STEM magnet middle school in NC. I'm pumped it's November bc our family is partying with Mickey & Santa aboard the Disney Fantasy in 6 days! #teachpos
#teachpos - Ray K-8 Math Instructional Coach from Rhode Island
Don't forget to join us for #edchatri right after this chat. This week we will be sharing our favorite conference moments with guest hosts @rimtamath and @ATMNEmath
Hello everyone. My name is George and I teach secondary English and Humanities in Japan. I also blog and vlog at https://t.co/HVCqyGmhNd. Feeling pretty content that it is November. #teachpos
A quick note for tonight's #teachpos chat - for the purpose of our chat & to help meet the 240 character limit, the term "parents" is inclusive of guardians, caregivers, powers of attorney, etc.
Hello everyone! My name is Anthony Meals from the beautiful, Flint Hills of Kansas! I am serving as our school's 8-12 Grade Agricultural Educator and a school bus driver! š #teachpos
Peter āB-DAWGā Boland, secondary ELA Teacher from Woonsocket, RI... Hello everyone!!! This was the only GIF I could find for Aliceās Restaurant... #teachpos
A quick note for tonight's #teachpos chat - for the purpose of our chat & to help meet the 240 character limit, the term "parents" is inclusive of guardians, caregivers, powers of attorney, etc.
A1: I use Google Classroom and Infinite Classroom to communicate daily. I make calls and send emails on a regular basis. Parents are always welcome in my classroom. #teachpos
A1 - I contact parents on the 1st or 2nd day. Iāll send a video or letter home just letting them know that I love teaching. Also, call parents with positive messages about their son/daughter. #teachpos
A1- I have a closed FB group for family members. We have grandparents, older siblings who've left for college, aunts & uncles & more who participate and share in our learning. Have tried other options in the past but FB has proven most accessible #TeachPos
A1: We are working on building our culture to include Ps more in the learning and envolment of school and their children. We are putting ourselves out there more, socially, and Ps seem to be getting more involved. #TeachPos
A1: I always try to introduce myself when I meet a parent, if I have their child, I relay that info with a compliment about them... Thereās something good in everyone - whether or not theyāre a āstar studentā...#teachpos
Q1: @Seesaw is an amazing connecter for my families. I also make a point to connect with families at open house, notes home, or another way at the beginning of the year #teachpos
A1: I welcome their expertise. We've been highlighting careers in each of our Agricultural units this year and we've been having student's parents come in, kind of like a throwback to show and tell days to talk about their various careers. Kids have been loving it! #teachpos
A1: we have weekly communications that go home to our parents. As well, we have a communication system that connects Ps and Ts. I have started an Instagram page @wpca_ms to show off the great things going on in our middle school!we are doing a shadow your Ss day as well #TeachPos
Since Iām a parent and not a professional educator should I answer this how Iād like to be welcomed as a parent?
A1) I appreciate in-person meetings when practical, at the beginning of the year, and like when teachers use digital means to keep communication going. #TeachPos
A1: We have tons of parent nights! Parents are also always welcome at awards, concerts, etc. Our principal makes a call home every week. Parents can also follow our schools' happenings on instagram, twitter, and facebook, as well as our school website! #teachpos
A1: With waves of appreciation for all that they do at home. I'm a parent; I get that it is a difficult job, especially w/middle schoolers. They need to hear the good and that their efforts are not being wasted by their children. #teachpos
A1: open house before school starts, fb class group, Google classroom, Twitter, remind, email, online gradebook, and website. We are also creating a team newsletter this year. We are big on communication! It's very important. #teachpos
A1: I put pics and video on a separate Twitter account- Mainly because they donāt need to see 35+ Tweets from me a night from chatting, lol... hasnāt Taken off yet though since I only have like 20 followers, lol!!! #TeachPos
A1- Parent teacher conferences, Class Dojo, Sky Alerts, Remind, reaching out as much as I can through email or phone. It can be a challenge to make parents feel welcome especially depending on their own school experience. #teachpos
A1: Reach our early I. The year with calls & email. Greet them at the school entrance whenever possible. Google Classroom. Teacher website. Good notes home. Remind app-texts and pix. #teachpos
A1: I love my Ss and their parents. When Ps visit I intentionally take time to greet them and listen to them. At conferences I sit beside them not across from them. Digitally I try to be semi-business like with a touch of personableness #teachpos
A1: open house before school starts, fb class group, Google classroom, Twitter, remind, email, online gradebook, and website. We are also creating a team newsletter this year. We are big on communication! It's very important. #teachpos
A1) I use email a lot. #teachpos
It helps me when i want to look back on things and it gives me a notification on my phone if I'm at school, in the yard or out with the alpacas
#teachpos - A1 - Make sure to communicate to Parents early and often and in a variety of different ways. Also, create an open and warm culture. Parents need to feel welcome in the school community, they are are customers and their voices should be heard.
A1: This year Iāve embraced @Seesaw for parent communication as well as inviting them to be able to view/comment on their Sās learning in their digital journals! @seesaw is helping parents feel much more like a part of their studentās learning adventures. #TeachPos
A1 Paula from Ky, Parent, volunteer, Coordinator for MENT2BE. I email teachers early in the yr to tell them Iām there if they need me and Iā plan on supporting them. Teachers have a class full, I have one student.#teachpos
A1- I love to include the parents in the work that we do. Ss are gathering family recipes, & having recorded conversations about their culture with their Ps, and then sharing them with our class. #TeachPos
Q1: we use Schoology and strive for 100% parent membership. I try to post several times a week, letting my families know about all things 2nd grade in my class. I also try to communicate w/ families in a conversational tone. #teachpos
Glad to hear about all the use of social media. With the calls home, those are to families of a kid who has done exceptionally well? Or anything of note? #TeachPos
A1: We have tons of parent nights! Parents are also always welcome at awards, concerts, etc. Our principal makes a call home every week. Parents can also follow our schools' happenings on instagram, twitter, and facebook, as well as our school website! #teachpos
A1b: I've gotten lots of positive feedback on our classroom Facebook Group page. Ps say they like seeing pics during the day. I'm happy to oblige. #teachpos
A1- On the 1st day of school I sent home a note which read simply, "What would you like me to know about your child?" Leaving it open allowed them to express anything and everything and opened doors of communication early on. #teachpos
#teachpos A1 My goal is on the first day of school I am the Tr my students go home and tell their parents about. The attached flow chart is how I impact my kids. I send out DOZENS of positive e-mails each six week. #AlwaysBelieve
A1~ we ( Ss, Ts all have input) post on our classroom page @MrsBemis44 throughout the day to give our Fs a glimpse into our day
~ phone calls home weekly & good news cards of the day are handwritten by me and/or support staff to engage Fams š
#teachpos
Anything of note - it's a mass phone call with updates and reminders, but we also do phone calls home when they've done something terrific too! #teachpos
A1b: I also send home a weekly communication sheet that talks about what weāre are learning about and activities. Would love to see parents come into my classroom and help with activities. That might have to be a second semester goal! I know as a parent Iād love it! #TeachPos
Hi, I'm Karin from Minnesota. First time on #teachpos. I am an elementary media specialist. I am in my second year, so still working on engaging parents. We have parent volunteers (Watch Dogs), and I love having them see what happens in media, and engaging with students.
A1- Back to Schoolletters to both ss and parents, Open House, positive phone calls home to tell them what great things their child has done, #seesaw where we can send notes, pictures, lesson examples #TeachPos
A1: Emails home, when a student needs to catch up... Emailed my junior parents last night to tell them how much I enjoy having their kids... Iāll work on my senior parents this week when Iām more pleased with my seniors lol!!! #teachpos
A2: Our front office makes every effort to know each students' home dynamics, and shares any non-traditional. Choosing our words carefully is important. "Caregivers" rather than "mom and dad" can make many families feel more valued. Also - ASK the families! #teachpos
A2 - this is all about culture building in class. One of the keys is making parents and kids feel special from day one. āJudge free zone of learningā is how we Phase it. #teachpos
A2: Our front office makes every effort to know each students' home dynamics, and shares any non-traditional. Choosing our words carefully is important. "Caregivers" rather than "mom and dad" can make many families feel more valued. Also - ASK the families! #teachpos
A1: I keep in touch via our LMS, @Schoology, and have a digital folder just for them with tips on how to help their Ss, how to reach me, and how to navigate their Ss assignments. I also connect at Back to School night and extra curricular activities.
#TeachPos
#teachpos A2 Doesn't matter what type of home / family the students come from, LOVE THEM ALL! #Believe in ALL of your students! Make it your first classroom rule! #ItWorks
A2: I seek to understand how they want communication to be conducted. I don't make it a big ordeal, I express my desire to know how I can best serve them and share the great things their child is doing. #teachpos
I work hard to include all families. My school has a lot of families that fall in this category. I share information electronically and I provide physical copies of student documents. I also provide opportunities to meet at alternate times. #teachpos
#teachpos A2 Doesn't matter what type of home / family the students come from, LOVE THEM ALL! #Believe in ALL of your students! Make it your first classroom rule! #ItWorks
#teachpos - A2 It starts with not assuming that everyone comes from a traditional household. Get to know the home dynamics, and respect the need for additional/different communication home for that child. School should be an extension of the family, no matter the family
Oh, I see. That (mass call) is cool too. Makes me think of how weād sometimes know the assistant superintendentās voice more because he was the one who called about school cancellations or delays. We should know the principal best. #TeachPos
A1: Years ago, we started running mock school nights where parents would follow kid's schedule 15 mins periods, bell, next class, etc. With 15 min break for food and fun that we called lunch at 8PM. #teachpos
I did a SLC with my 4th grader this year and loved it! She took such pride in telling me all about her work and setting her goals! Much better hearing it from her! #teachpos
A2: This is one of my biggest goals this year.. spread diversity and expose my Ss to the diverse world that is outside the walls of the school. I want to post pictures around the school of the diverse population we have and the families that support us! #TeachPos
A2 In my school, non-traditional homes are the norm. I feel like I give the same support and opportunities for those students as students from traditional homes. #teachpos
A1: We held our first #ParentCamp About 2 weeks ago. It was full of amazing conversations. We also live stream daily video announcements using an iPad and Live:Air Action app. It is linked to our YouTube site. The kids canāt wait to anchor the morning news! #TeachPos
A2-We arenāt here to judge, we are here to teach. Treat all familiesw/love and respect. From day 1 we need to build a culture where we value all and think before we speak and act. #TeachPos
A2: I need to be better at this! Yikes! Make sure Information is sent home to all the caregivers and not just one copy home with the ss. Ask families what they want to be called, how they want to be contacted, (together or separately) how we can include all parties #TeachPos
A2~ this classroomhighlights card is sent home frequently to help build relationships with all families ~ I have many text messages, emails & good old voicemails support this means of bridging school/home & community bldg ~ very inexpensive investment from @Vistaprint#teachpos
A2: embrace all families. Whether it's a single parent, grandparent or a mom/dad. Just like you treat your Ss as different individuals you need to do the same 4 the parents. Some need emails some need handwritten notes. Communication is key to working together #teachpos
A2: Good is good, regardless of the starting point. It's in these situations, where stress might be more prevalent, where we need to communicate all the good we are seeing. Also, in these conversations, a team mentality can be developed to support growth areas. #teachpos
Definitely not! But unfortunately, some are treated differently. It's sad. This gives us a platform to share how we do it right, so others will follow suit :-) #teachpos
A2: We really work to communicate and share with all our families however we can. We have a high population of ESL, Napal, Hispanic, German, etc. Single family, blended families. It takes a village and we want to include the entire village. #teachpos
A2: The best way to help support Ss is through rapport, and I start building strong relations ships on day one. I share out a bit about myself and have students do personal narrative essays. I have my highest completion rate all year with this assignment. #teachpos
A2 Anymore we have so many non traditional families! It doesnāt stand out like it used to. In our area we have a growing number of family members and grandparents raising kids. #teachpos
Our middle and high school parent nights are basically that, minus the bells and break (periods were only 10 minutes). This year our 9th graderās science teacher managed to sneak in a quick lesson! #TeachPos
A2: Our teachers share family info w/the next year's teacher. We also try to use neutral language, like "families" instead of mom/dad. I also don't rely on the custodial parent to communicate w/non/costodial. I do that. #teachpos
To echo off of this point. The way I start to reach the parents of my Ss is through their students. Providing them with exposure to a diverse curriculum and empowering Ss, I think helps all parents feel like their children are learning in a judgement free safe space. #teachpos
A3: I don't wait until something is wrong to contact parents; I do my best to make the first contact a positive one. When Ts and Ps work together with the Ss best interest, everyone benefits. When Ps see that you care about THEIR child, it's a win all the way around. #teachpos
A2-We arenāt here to judge, we are here to teach. Treat all familiesw/love and respect. From day 1 we need to build a culture where we value all and think before we speak and act. #TeachPos
A3 - every month or so I send a letter home that speaks to key skills that are being taught. Not academic, but life skills. Time management, organization, kindness, paying it forward. #teachpos
A2: Our front office makes every effort to know each students' home dynamics, and shares any non-traditional. Choosing our words carefully is important. "Caregivers" rather than "mom and dad" can make many families feel more valued. Also - ASK the families! #teachpos
We do make lots of calls to parents. Whether it's email or call. And clearly explain what is going on and what they can do to help their child #teachpos
#teachpos It is all about those relationships. Giving extra love to those kiddos who need it. Making sure families are in the loop at home with what we are learning!
We do make lots of calls to parents. Whether it's email or call. And clearly explain what is going on and what they can do to help their child #teachpos
#teachpos - A3 -The reality is that not every student is always going to have success in school, and it is in those tough moments that students/parents need the most support. A lot of parents don't know what to do when things don't go as planned. Schools need to fill those gaps
A3: Transparency and humility are key. Say youāre sorry if you make a mistake. Use parents to your and ss advantage. Find ways that pp can help at home and communicate those ways to pp! Make sure they know how your classroom is run. Communicate often! #TeachPos
A3: When a challenge arises or a student begins to struggle I call home and ask driving questions to discover more about the student; their passions, the hopes, dream--I find out who they really are and I seek to meet them where they are to bring out positive outcomes. #teachpos
#teachpos A3 COMMUNICATION COMMUNICATION! When your first contact with a parent is positive it sets the tone for the whole year. The best type of communication is when the Ss go home telling their parents how they love your class. #AlwaysBelieve
A3 I try to meet with families as much as possible. Whether itās through a math family night, collaboration on projects, or 1 on 1 meetings, individualizing their childās experience is my top priority. #teachpos
A3: See them as an equal partner in this learning adventure! Get away from this us vs. them mentality that seems to permeate our whole society. Partners share in the heavy lifting...I've got to keep asking myself, what am I doing to help facilitate that with my Ps?! #teachpos
A3 I make sure I connect with parents often, share class news, and updates regularly, also I want to know what strategies help, what interests are so that I can provide more options #TeachPos
A3: Constant communication. Daily or weekly emails if needed. Online gradebook allows parents to see Ss academic status. If needed I'm always willing to meet in person as well. My end goal is to see Ss succeed it's a common goal I have with the parents. #teachpos
A3: I wish this was easier in Middle School. I see it done so well in elementary school where teachers have 27 kids. I have 171...it makes it rough. Google Classroom helps a lot. #teachpos
I try to set up a relationship with Ss and families that is family like. I want us all to be working for the same thing - the success of all Ss. I work to differentiate and to provide parents with meaningful resources to help enhance their childās learning at home.#teachpos
A3~
All families need to feel valued, welcome, respected, honored & feel their input is important... starts at onset of school & is built on engaging in ongoing conversations that are 2~way, honest, trusting & action oriented š & full of ā¤ļø
#teachpos
Their success may be in the "extra" part of school - their extracurricular may be where they shine - and it's important that we, as educators, are there for those moments as well! #teachpos
A3: I love asking "What are you seeing at home? Are there any circumstances that are influencing choices at school?" Sharing our own struggles as parents helps to make us more approachable. #teachpos
A3: See them as an equal partner in this learning adventure! Get away from this us vs. them mentality that seems to permeate our whole society. Partners share in the heavy lifting...I've got to keep asking myself, what am I doing to help facilitate that with my Ps?! #teachpos
A3: We are huge on getting parent volunteers to come in and help out in the classrooms and schools. Itās a lot easier in elementary, but we try in middle school to get as many as we can. We want them to see the great things going on and it gives the Ss accountability #TeachPos
A1: We connect with parents both digitally and physically in a variety of ways:
ā„ļøDaily texts
ā„ļøWeekly phone calls
ā„ļøMonthly newsletters
ā„ļøStudent @Seesaw portfolio ā„ļø@ClassDojo
ā„ļø Events, like Donuts with Dad
ā„ļø Inviting family readers (been doing this for years!)
#TeachPos
A3- The first week of school I try to make phone calls to all families and share one positive about their child. Then , throughout the year I try to either make calls/send letters about what I ā¤ļø about their ss. These little messages have have to build our relationships.#teachpos
Students are definitely the most effective messengers on the effectiveness of their experience. (Just donāt rely on them to be liaisonsāwe parents want to hear directly from you!) #TeachPos
#teachpos A3 COMMUNICATION COMMUNICATION! When your first contact with a parent is positive it sets the tone for the whole year. The best type of communication is when the Ss go home telling their parents how they love your class. #AlwaysBelieve
A3: As a SPED T it is important for me to read a Ps behavior about SPED and work to help them understand it is different now. Many of my families had a "bad" expereince of know of one. It has left a bad taste. I help them to see the positives of what I do. #TeachPos
#teachpos - Great chat tonight!
Don't forget to join us over at #edChatRI right after this. Guest hosts @rimtamath and @ATMNEmath discuss our favorite educational conference moments.
A3 We are in close contact with parents all the time and have frequent conversations about their childrenās learning and next steps. We try to maintain a home/school team #TeachPos
Students are definitely the most effective messengers on the effectiveness of their experience. (Just donāt rely on them to be liaisonsāwe parents want to hear directly from you!) #TeachPos
#teachpos A3 COMMUNICATION COMMUNICATION! When your first contact with a parent is positive it sets the tone for the whole year. The best type of communication is when the Ss go home telling their parents how they love your class. #AlwaysBelieve
#teachpos - A3 -The reality is that not every student is always going to have success in school, and it is in those tough moments that students/parents need the most support. A lot of parents don't know what to do when things don't go as planned. Schools need to fill those gaps
Bonus: Love this question!! My positive connection is going to be sending a note home with each of my bus ridding kiddos, thanking their parents for letting them ride the bus route, they bring such joy each day! #teachpos
#teachpos Would like to share, I started teaching in 1990, my 1st rule was #AlwaysBelieve in Yourself. The last 28 years I have seen how this rule + LOVING the kids has changed lives. I WROTE A BOOK! "The Story of Always Believe" coming out soon!
A3B~
~home visits work to build home/school relstionships
~quick meet & chats out in community works, too~we have to find ways to reach our Families ~ many work multiple jobs & want to be a part of their childās school life & where there is a will, there is a way
#teachpos
A3: Even a shell of a form email that allows you to say at least one personalthing to the recipient is probably much more than they ever received before - and much more meaningful... #teachpos
Bonus- I have many parents to contact about how their students ROCKED this last test. In fact, I went back and looked over it to see if it was easier than I had thought. NOPE!!! It was super hard, and so many ss did soooo well!! #TeachPos
A3: Our motto is overcommunicate! Positive phone calls w/Principal Pride Awards, consistent posts on social media that tell our story, frequent opportunities to connect-invitations to lunch, curriculum events, parent conversations, community events, monthly newsletters. #teachpos
Love what @iluveducating did tonight. Unique topic that is super important. Iām back next week talking about āwhat our favorite parts of teaching are!ā #teachpos
Thank you all for an incredible chat tonight! It's so important that we are on the same team with the parents of our students, & y'all are doing it right!
Thank you @Shapiro_WTHS for the opp to be the lead learner with this awesome crew tonight! Have a terrific week! #TeachPos
Bonus Q- I'm going to ask parents to take selfies with their favourite books (either to read themselves or with their kiddos)- we'll put them up in our classroom to add to our 'readers recommend' wall- #TeachPos
