#mschat Archive
A chat that offers middle school teachers a chance to have a collaborative discussion about a different topic each week. Our topics change from week to week, ranging from Common Core State Standards to Character Education. During the chat, participants exchanges ideas and resources. The chat group ranges in size each week from 10 to 50+ participants. Discussion can be general talking about instructional style or process to specific. Recently members of the chat group help each other create lessons.
Thursday April 28, 2016
It's 8pmET & time 2 launch the ship into the Edu-Stratosphere! Buckle up 4 the blast off!
Let's start w/ intros. Let every1 know who UR, what U do, where UR. So many stars in the edu- Galaxy on this Tweet up! Shine on!
I am a middle school teacher in California, I teach Social Studies and ELA to grades 6-8
Hey ! My name is Claire, I'm studying MS Eng and Math at Grove City College
good evening, - Michael, middle school teacher (math, science, ELA) from columbus, OH -
My name is Danielle Dykema, I'm a student at Cedarville University in Ohio studying to be a Middle School English teacher!
Thx for being here & bring the West Coast flavor! https://t.co/Q1BREM8Q20
I am a middle school teacher in California, I teach Social Studies and ELA to grades 6-8
hello I'm Philip Herzing, a pre-service English Teacher studying in Grove City Pennsylvania.
Hi all. Ellen from LaMuth MS.
Appreciate you being here, Michael! https://t.co/YlEvBbjNjC
good evening, - Michael, middle school teacher (math, science, ELA) from columbus, OH -
Hi Michael! https://t.co/PNHJsySWW3
good evening, - Michael, middle school teacher (math, science, ELA) from columbus, OH -
Hello, everyone! I am Helen, a Parent Coordinator from NYC, in a grade 6-12 school.
Hey ! I am a secondary English and Social Studies major at Marshall University
always glad to make it! here until I have to put the kiddos to bed! :)
This is Dru from (https://t.co/CCScchGdke ). HS/MS ELA/R/SS teacher & MS/ES admin 4 over 20 years--and loving it! Boom!
Marlena here multi-tasking from the soccer field! Glad to be here!
playing and tweeting? Impressive!
Hi all! Kristin Hundt, 6th grade ELA/SS holt, Michigan
hey there ! Dane from New Jersey! I am a preservice social studies teacher graduating in May!
I hear U, Marlena! I'm multitasking from the baseball field. Tis the season! https://t.co/1ngLlTU88d
Marlena here multi-tasking from the soccer field! Glad to be here!
Marvin Taylor from Paw Paw, MI. Seventh grade SS teacher. Good to be in the house!
Misty, Instructional Coach for 6-8 ELA from VA making the move to GA this summer.
Lori Hartman stubborn MS advocate and advisor to advisors...
Be sure 2 use Q1 for A1, Q2 for A2 and so on--and use of course! And reply, retweet, favorite & follow 2 build your PLN!
Todd checking in from baseball fields with son, be home soon to join in fun
Hey , jumping in a few minutes late! Teri from Spearfish, SD grades 6-8 STEM & EdTech teacher
Ryan from Flint, MS SS Teacher.
Here's Q1 for : why do young adolescents need advisory programs anyways?
Angela executive officer from Adolescent Success Australia
Ossa Fisher, CMO of , joining for the first time. Excited to be here!
Connect with kids by creating an advisory program. Help all Ss to find success in academic and social settings
Because they are gaining through so many changes physically, mentally, ethically they need advocacy
Paul here from Maryland - I will be lurking as the fun part of my multitasking this evening!
Love seeing representing!
Katie Van Dam (8th grade math) from Whitehall, MI. Watching NFL draft tonight while lurking on too
A1: One word:relationships
a1: every student needs an adult ally - advisory provides this. also great chance to provide direct instruction on Exec func skills
So glad U could B here, Angela! Appreciate you bring the Aussie magic to https://t.co/pRdAvXOcbo
Angela executive officer from Adolescent Success Australia
A1 Advisory can help them connect with an adult at school as well as with their peers.
A1: lots of changes & growth during this time for Ss, need safe place to ask questions & learn social skills. need an advocate
A1 Advisory programs help students get the support they need in MS, while still giving them a choice in their education choices.
A1 2 help improve interpersonal relationships, work 2gether 2 achieve Ss goals, foster personalization, ease transitioning issues
A1: Advisory helps Ts connect with Ss and build relationships. Also works as an intervention (tier two).
Thx for being here, Ossa! https://t.co/HNaMQ7Epbr
Ossa Fisher, CMO of , joining for the first time. Excited to be here!
So I am late but I am here! Colleen 7th grade SS, STL!
A1: just another way to hear Ss voice!
A1 Advisory programs can bring out those kids who are afraid to ask for help on their own.
A1: They are going through so many changes - a formal set-up to be able to talk and ask for advice can definitely be useful
Bravo! Sometimes forget that advisory can B gr8 place to reinforce these skills. https://t.co/FOafhjd7l1
a1: every student needs an adult ally - advisory provides this. also great chance to provide direct instruction on Exec func skills
A1: MS are going through many changes, it's important to have someone who supports them and can give them feedback
A little sad our MS will not have advisory next year
A1. To build relationships with peers/adults to advocate for them
A1 Adv allows Ss 2 share life experiences,learn skills 2 enhance a sense of self,improve relationships &engage in community projects
Hi! I'm Christie, MS math teacher from suburban Chicago.
A1: Ok, ok one more word advocacy.
A1-They might not get that kind of help at home.We are with them 8hrs/5 days week average. Help them while they are w/us
A1: Do they need an "advisory program" or a "relationship they trust that extends beyond their parents"? Can be the same, or not.
A1: They need adults that they can connect with to help them make good choices. Many YAs pull away from their parents at this time.
A1 Advisory gives Ss a special "family" within the school where they can get: support, relationships, learning, guidance, acceptance
A1: provides a structure 4 every S 2 have adult in their lives who is advocating 4 them (& teaches them 2 advocate 4 themselves)
A1: Advisory allows teachers to connect with students in a non-academic way
Yes! Strong connection to RTI. Could advisory B considered a Tier 1 universal intervention? https://t.co/nyT7cWGC9T
A1: Advisory helps Ts connect with Ss and build relationships. Also works as an intervention (tier two).
Scott 5-8 Principal Birch Run, MI. I'm watching hockey and lurking at
Great advisory programs build relationships
Great advisory programs improve student learning
LOVE this! https://t.co/BXgO7QsbdK
A1 Advisory gives Ss a special "family" within the school where they can get: support, relationships, learning, guidance, acceptance
Got 2 infuse that advisory-learning throughout the curriculum and school day! https://t.co/yUjaJ3kDWU
A little sad our MS will not have advisory next year
Absolutely. Great coverage for most of the Student body.
Boom! Your energy & insight are rocketing us past the Earth's gravitational pull, y'all! Keep it up! Here comes Q2!
A1: Advisory is so important b/c it's totally focused on relationships! That's what life is about - meaningful connections.
A1: Advisory allows schools to help students grow Emotional, Physically and socially.. Giving students "soft skills"
A1. YAs need a consistent place 2 connect & reflect. Advisory should B that place/space
That is what I am going to do spend about 5-10 minutes a class to build that in. Warm-Ups or closure https://t.co/UtR0mSp65F
Got 2 infuse that advisory-learning throughout the curriculum and school day! https://t.co/yUjaJ3kDWU
A little sad our MS will not have advisory next year
Q2. Describe yr current advisory prgrm & what makes it work: when/how often does it happen, how many Ss per class, how grouped etc?
I definitely agree! - Just joining the conversation now!
Yes! In MS so many life assumptions get questioned -> disillusionment. Feeling safe is 1st step to trust. https://t.co/JhwsiWSJfK
I feel like the two can be related but I think we all have to make the effort to make the environment a safe zone
A1: Advisory periods provide the opportunity for building character in Ss. Life skills necessary for being a successful citizen.
Boom! B the example, Colleen. Other folks will soon follow w/ your enthusiasm! https://t.co/JdTIpnFLZ2
That is what I am going to do spend about 5-10 minutes a class to build that in. Warm-Ups or closure https://t.co/UtR0mSp65F
Got 2 infuse that advisory-learning throughout the curriculum and school day! https://t.co/yUjaJ3kDWU
A little sad our MS will not have advisory next year
Yes! This time is the twilight zone of growing up where you don't know what's going on/where to go https://t.co/Y4cfeIJZ5e
A1: Advisory allows schools to help students grow Emotional, Physically and socially.. Giving students "soft skills"
I am a future teacher so this is a great question to hear incite!
Advisory is that place where student feel like they belong, own a piece of curriculum and share voice
A2 Daily,30min near end of day,20ish Ss on same team w/team & encore Ts,it works b/c we know the importance of creating connections
I'm looking forward to reading about different school's advisory boards! I need to learn.
a1: adv is also a great chance to build relationships w/ Parents - I have gotten some wonderful e-mails from my advisee's families
A2: START=Students&Teachers Addressing Responsibility Together 8:15-8:30 every day, grade checks on Wed. 15-17 Ss per class
A2: This sort of Advisory program is sadly lacking in the small Catholic School Program, unless you count confessions (I don't :-(
A2: About 20 Ss per class. Each teacher has a class. 24 minutes/day. Ts help Ss get work caught up, provide team building act.
Interesting connection! So advisory should provide the compass our kiddos need? https://t.co/dw8L54btYA
Yes! This time is the twilight zone of growing up where you don't know what's going on/where to go https://t.co/Y4cfeIJZ5e
A1: Advisory allows schools to help students grow Emotional, Physically and socially.. Giving students "soft skills"
A2: Listening carefully for an advisory makeover next year... Help me people. 😉
A2: By grade level, 15 - 17 per group, two advisors, meet daily for 30 mins before lunch each day a different focus from ASB India
A2: We don't have advisory so we incorporate advisory topics in our curriculum. Not perfect but it works okay.
a2: Mon-Thurs, last 30 mins of school, we meet w/ our advisees, check in on goals, each teacher has 8 advisees
A2: Ss meet once a day with a menu of 5 topics each week (open chat, E55/7Habits, team building, etc.). Ss choose topic.
A2b: We have monthly themes, like goal setting, community service, etiquette. Do team building/discussions/film clips/ etc.
A2.2: The class period is 30 minutes at the beginning of the day. Used to set them off on the right foot.
A2 Ours tends to be fluid depending on programming, staff availability, but mostly 3-5 days/week, 45 min with 15-25 students
A2 We implement a deliberate SEL program for 2 of the 5 half hour advisory periods each week for the first semester
A2: Daily 35 minutes start of day, 18-27 students. Curriculum is based on monthly themes: organization, cooperation etc ...
A2. 3x week M - antibully, T - team building, F - grade checks with 13 Ss end of day
we have something similar- we have a MS monthly meeting with a theme, then focus on the theme that month
A2c: when we do trimester celebrations we have competitions based on our START teams
A2: M,T,TH,F morning, avg 15 ss, 6-8 grade, M-goals, T/Th-academic focus, F-team building.
A2: Each day is a special subject focus area. Ex: On math day the math T has no Ss and can work with a small group to reteach.
A2: Next year daily 30 min 25-28 per class by Grade/ team.
Here 2 serve! B sure 2 connect and DM ppl 2 get more 411 from them. https://t.co/pnMrxVP3IZ
A2: Listening carefully for an advisory makeover next year... Help me people. 😉
A2: Use time for Grade checks weekly (fridays) Re-assessing by subject area, PBIS lessons, and community forum
most classroom teachers, admins do not, but they support the teachers
It's important to give Ss some choice in order to get buy in and make Advisory truly successful.
A2: Admin. provides "free" time in the gym each day for those Ss with no missing assignment of marks against citizenship.
A2: Finishing first year. Weekly/30 minutes. About 18-22 per Advisory depending on grade level. It works b/c of commitment teachers
Love hearing about these great Advisories, since don't have a school yet myself!
Thx 4 sharing this reality & solution. A master bell schedule shouldn't stand in way of advisory learning https://t.co/WW91RUnIzX
A2: We don't have advisory so we incorporate advisory topics in our curriculum. Not perfect but it works okay.
A2: Advisory can also be part of the school's PBIS plan
We have separate time for reteaching, called FLEX at end of day. 6 blocks thru year, Ss sign up for enrichment classes taught by Ts
Key to advisory success is the TEACHERS and their relationships with students
I'm here for you Lori! https://t.co/TNdHkCrBCK
A2: Listening carefully for an advisory makeover next year... Help me people. 😉
A2: 18min reading at beginning of day, 25 minutes study end of day...Love both times to connect and share. 20 Ss in mine
A2b Our advisory grps work on their portfolios, follow a school-wide curriculum, vote on what they want to discuss or projects to do
End of the day can be tough 4 advisory! How do U ensure that every1 is on board? https://t.co/iqtC6HdWZc
a2: Mon-Thurs, last 30 mins of school, we meet w/ our advisees, check in on goals, each teacher has 8 advisees
Better to do something rather than not providing those topics at all.
I'm in the same boat as you! So nice to hear different ideas and game plans
Yes! When my Ss set goals, I set goals. When my Ss share their opinion I listen!
I think that teacher by-in is so key to the success of advisory. Unfortunately I've seen advisory become a study hall.
we set up pretty solid protocols - Ss use the time to meet with advisee (regularly scheduled), & get homework help
A2. Every day 1:28-1:48. Each day w/ its own purpose: preparing, coaching/skills, DEAR, character ed. 15-20 Ss per class
Teachers are the superstars for us. Monthly themes, lesson plans gift wrapped for all, all invited to plan, it's awesome.
Hello -- Dennis -- Middle School Principal, Long Island, NY. Here for the second half of
A2: Have student choice days to mix advisory offer: Gym, Coding, Outside, Reading, Movies etc
A2c Many advisories do community service projects, they volunteer for school events, participate in student gov't
The advisory guru has arrived! Thanks for joining is Dennis
Sounds fun! How do U ensure that it's not always the same Ss who get that opportunity? https://t.co/gNIUmf2Zrq
A2: Admin. provides "free" time in the gym each day for those Ss with no missing assignment of marks against citizenship.
That happened with us about 10 years ago, so we discontinued for a bit. The key for us is once a wekk keeps it fresh.
Can you do an e-portfolio through advisory? Compile best work/successes for PTC? Opinions?
Rock on! Here's Q3 for : What does a middle school need to think about & do when establishing (or rekindling) an advisory program?
A2 Five kids per group, meet Monday at lunch, Wednesday for an hour after lunch (can combine). Mixed 7th/8th grade.
I like the idea of community service https://t.co/gCYVjGb3q7
A2c Many advisories do community service projects, they volunteer for school events, participate in student gov't
A2: Advisory allows teachers to see all the talents our students have that might be hidden in other core classes
A2: Our school does have a Jazz band advisory class with the music teacher which is really cool!
Q3-Ts know the expectations, let have support and help, and not let it go dry or become "routine."
A2 What makes it work? Small size, and advisors who know and care deeply about their kids, and understand middle schoolers.
A3 Preliminary&continuing PD is crucial 2 gain commitment & key 2 success Confident advisors r a vital part of effective adv program
A3-Ts know the expectations, let have support and help, and not let it go dry or become "routine."
A2d. The advisor becomes the contact person for parents. They arrange meetings at school, look into issues, meet Ps during PTConfers
A3: what is the need? Our program arose based on survey results where Ss said they didn't feel like they had an adult advisor
A3: Training teachers to VALUE the advisory time and see its true purpose
Ts work with Ss to improve their missing assignment status. Behaviors are targeted by Ts and admin. alike.
A3 We wrote an advisory mission statement, oh, seven years ago. No longer referenced but spirit still infuses program.
A3: We kept student leadership in mind. Surveyed Ss to see what they wanted from the class. Included char. ed and comm. service.
A3: Giving teachers time to set up a FLEXIBLE advisory program that will be similar but look different through-out the school
A3 Give time for teachers to collaborate/discuss plans & expectations. Too easy for advisory to become study hall
what do you mean by advisory program?
a3: set up an emotionally safe space - Ss need to be honest and open with their advisee or they can't grow
we had so many advisory times that were homework work or "throw the ball."
A2 Work on student lead conference portfolios, or Genius Hour stuff,
Students should be apart of the PLANNING process for advisory in an ideal MS
A3: Think about impacting students the best such as who you pair them up with and what times you advise to keep them awake and alert
Definitely! All staff (cert and classified) had advisory so they all did PTCs. Portfolios helped! https://t.co/Df7x8b3BVj
Can you do an e-portfolio through advisory? Compile best work/successes for PTC? Opinions?
A3:Need to inform Ts on YA development to get T's on board. Q3+:Do you need a set curriculum/plan for Ts or just go with the flow?
I like that you said service projects. Much better than fundraisers for prizes
A3: Ts and Ss need to know what is expected to happen. Can't expect to just throw people in a room and it to be helpful
YEAH some Ts drop the ball on advisory if the LEADERSHIP isn't there
Padlet might work where a collection of work is posted on Padlet and linked to another website throughout the year.
exactly!I've heard that if you set a routine you can't get learning b/c students will think they know what will happen
Hey Todd, thanks. but I think it was Einstein who once said, "I have no special talent. I am only passionately curious."
A3 We also periodically have student-led conference prep, progress report debriefing, goal-setting, as well as just fun.
Clothing/food/toy drives; beautification projects; they volunteer during school events as helpers.
We have general guidelines & each class of Ss is encouraged to create their own guidelines & consequences
Definitely. There is no purpose to the student if it is all TEACHER led.
A3: Have to be thoughtful in planning advisory so it's not a glorified study hall.
A3: Give teachers the flexibility to really work with the students on their issues, not hand us a list of Standards from outside
A3: Implement with fidelity and have clear-cut goals for the advisory program.
A3 engage all stakeholders (admin, teachers, parents, students) in a conversation about the importance of this time.
A3 Respect advisory time. Minimize disruptions. Don’t make advisory a catch-all
I find this to be the most ideal time to do portfolio work. We have leadership binders completion during the first 5.
we formed teacher committees who came up with curriculum for each month & a suggested calendar
or the 8th grades "know it all" and get bored and attitudity.
A3 Try to include parents in the creation process. It's their kids we're trying to help, they should be able to give us advice.
Leadership is key to make sure fidelity it accomplished
"ball" no pun intended LOL
Enjoyed leading two sessions about advisory at the AMLE Conference last October.
A3. Teachers need support and flexibility. Whole school buy in is key.
For our "fun" days, my kids agreed they would decide what to do at start. Kids' ideas first; me as back-up.
that can happen in any grade-we have to make sure we keep up on the newest things and don't be afraid of risk taking
definitely a good idea and way to make sure Ss get something out of it!
Always good to revisit missions as they age: Ours is 15 years old and some teachers need reminders
without buy in, negativity becomes to breed and negativity loves company.
When students have several teachers, it is key to have a point person. Teachers speak to each other about the kids.
More in store w/ Q4, : What are some gr8 strategies that advisory teachers/coaches can use w/ their Ss? (Now driving, so tweet on!)
How I do it too. At start of year we create a list of FUN day options and try to do all of them.
The kids know if one advisory is "better" than another, so teacher support is very important.
Team building games, chat time, school beautification. We added 7 Habits and Essential 55 () time.
Agree. Ours is basically: know self, know others, track progress/goals, have fun. I periodically restate those ideas.
Including parents iis something we must improve upon.
A4 Promote connections!Help Ss get to know themselves, each other, the community & school. Build PRIDE! https://t.co/GP7srIi0PL
A4: I like to surprise Ss with a random viewing of an old school Twilight Episode.
A4: Here is my advisory page https://t.co/brqxQCq5Kt I use at school. Videos for discussion and links to activities
my advisory is in charge of the end of the year dance video! We are start filming next week! They love it!
The kids love games and activities. They tend to decide how they want to do the "required" items on the menu.
A4: Participate in the tasks your Ss participate in. Honor differences in opinion/experience. Have fun w/ the Ss sometimes
A4: We used videos to spark conversation many days. has so many great YouTube videos. My own Advisory loved these.
All the cool extras come in advisory. I have students make ads for yearbook sales... And video games
A4-i have also had my advisory do hour of code, service projects, food drives and art projects.
it's important to have structure, but to be flexible enough to meet the needs of Ss
A4: My Ss love read aloud time. We chose the book "Secrets to Success" which they love. Helps build character.
a4: get to know your Ss learning difficulties - help them realize them and find tools to aid them
If it's a morning advisory, 100% the teacher should bring in donuts. Nothing like a little sugar to build goodwill with students!
A4.2: We also find motivating YouTube videos to help inspire greatness. Kids often times find great videos for the class.
A4: Key is HAVE FUN WITH STUDENTS
this year my Ss & I have done some breakfast potlucks, the Ss really loved this & came to school 30 mins early for it
Of course, my kids' favourite moments tend to include food. Also food. Moreover, food. And finally, food.
A4: You need to have the trust of the students, and buy in from all teachers participating
A4: We also had door decorating contests, monthly themes to decorate lockers. Lots of community building schoolwide.
A4: Have students design some lessons to teach you (and others) My fave is Student APP smackdown
A4 Positive calls/notes home
A4 Our program is in its 5th year&going strong A fav activity is the people puzzle Teases out the leaders & promotes problem solving
We once had a trivia contest - me vs. the kids as a group. They won.
I do stump the teacher, where they try to come up with questions I can't answer but they can. It is fun!
A4. Routine is important; build in "circle time" so S can share challenges & successes; go over what is happening in other classes
Tel me more - what is this "people puzzle"? https://t.co/15oPn0X3X8
A4 Our program is in its 5th year&going strong A fav activity is the people puzzle Teases out the leaders & promotes problem solving
Yup! Exactly the same idea. :-)
Interesting, Guylene. Can you elaborate a bit on how an Advisory program might play a role in the school-home connection?
My kids howled at this video. They asked for it every day for the next 2 weeks. SCOTT STERLING!!!
A4 Our advisories plan a celebration to honor each other. Never fails to choke me up
A4.3: The key is to make sure the Ss are having fun in learning. If they aren't having fun, they won't buy in.
I'd like to know more abut this
https://t.co/90YCKEN4CT
Tel me more - what is this "people puzzle"? https://t.co/15oPn0X3X8
A4 Our program is in its 5th year&going strong A fav activity is the people puzzle Teases out the leaders & promotes problem solving
We make advisors the point person for parents, try to write (phone) them at least once a month if not more.
Ss stand in a circle, hands in and grasped, can't let go until they unravel into a larger circle https://t.co/9ksfkOSEfi
Tel me more - what is this "people puzzle"? https://t.co/15oPn0X3X8
A4 Our program is in its 5th year&going strong A fav activity is the people puzzle Teases out the leaders & promotes problem solving
My goal is to contact my families every other week at least
ohhh we call this human knot :)
agree, but also think it's important for ms lessons to be meaningful & relevant
A4b. Our advisors coordinate student-led conferences during PT Conference Nights.
We call that the human knot! https://t.co/40rkxBiacE
Ss stand in a circle, hands in and grasped, can't let go until they unravel into a larger circle https://t.co/9ksfkOSEfi
Tel me more - what is this "people puzzle"? https://t.co/15oPn0X3X8
A4 Our program is in its 5th year&going strong A fav activity is the people puzzle Teases out the leaders & promotes problem solving
I start once a week, and gradually cut back as the year progresses.
Thx for carrying on while I was behind the wheel. Home and ready to send final Q5.
Keepin it alive w/ Q5, : if advisory was a food 4 middle level ed, what food would it B and why?
So great for those students to see a trusted adult who is willing to advocate for and with them.
You're a master multitasker Dru! https://t.co/h8wGXNAw4S
Thx for carrying on while I was behind the wheel. Home and ready to send final Q5.
A protein bar: Provides an amazing boost to grades, behaviors, and the school climate.
Mashed Cauliflower with cheese, awesomely delicious you want more, but secretly good for you!
A5: peanut butter. middle schoolers are a little nutty. there is variety in types of advisory. it is good for you & can be 'fun'.
A5 Make-your-own banana split!
Meaningful and relevant are hard to teach when students are bored by content.
A5: Advisory is Pizza: Everyone loves it because of so many topping options...
We used the Advisory Book Revised by Linda Crawford to help us this year. We began the year with a book study.,
Ummm ... Ok but I would rather have Pizza!!
A5 Mother’s milk. Advisory is primary nourishment 4 YA’s. Maslow b4 Bloom
I was thinking about something that is good for you! you know healthy!
A5. Corn-on-the-Cob: It's nutritious & fun to eat and you can add stuff to it. ;)
A5: A big bowl of chili. Warming quality, many different ingredients used, can add and remove items to meet taste.
I've listened closely to talk about the importance of students "circling up" in a CPR session. Face-to-Face matters!
Great chat tonight! Finish strong tomorrow!
A5. Would have to be some kind of mix...a little sweet, salty, crunchy, funky, chewy, surprise 😆
Pizza can be healthy ....
