This twitter chat stands for "Wins And Losses Ed Chat" and will be a chat where students reflect on the previous week to celebrate victories and reflect on losses to turn them into victories.
Intros: Welcome to #waledchat! Introduce yourself, where you are from, your role in education, and tag a friend you'd like to see join you here tonight! #waledchat
Hi all! Melissa from Atchison, KS. I teach 6-8 Soc Studies. May have to leave in a few mins to pick up my son from baseball practice but would like to reflect w/ you all while I'm here! #waledchat
What's up #waledchat? Scott from Winchester VA. I currently teach HS history, but will be and ITC next year. I am the founder and moderator of #fcpslearn
Patrick, an #edtech coach from Clarke County, VA. Living the dream each day connecting Ts and Ss with tech.
@rodcarnill would be a great addition to #waledchat
This is one of my all time favorites. It's such a great way to reflect and think of the positive, even out of something that might have been negative. #waledchat
Hello everyone! Matt from Utah, ELA 9th Grade and an edtech coach. I would love to include @BrainBlast a conference I am helping to run this summer in Utah. #waledchat
A1: I think they would say they love my humor and the relaxed feeling I try to feel to my class. Many students tell me they love how calming my class is and how I validate them and their thinking! #waledchat
A1: They would probably reference how relaxed my classroom is and my laid back management style, which is balanced with a large amount of mutual respect and clear expectations. #waledchat
a1: I did a reflection today and got phrases like "dance parties" "everything is real life" and "safe to make mistakes." Felt liek a true win #waledchat
A1~they would def say...
That I am funny&we laugh a lot~
My ❤️for them is unconditional~
That they love when I share things about my family , my 🐶🐶, & my twin brother~they love eating lunch together&they especially 💕that our classroom is loud & proud 👍 #waledchat
A1 They would and DO say that they learn about themselves, who they are in their evolving life. They learn how to be better learners and have fun while learning. #waledchat
A1: I hope they'd say that it's always hoppin' and exciting! That it's interesting and fun! (All of that meaning that they are putting in the work to learn.) #waledchat
A1. I hope they would say that when they leave my school that they love school and education. Ss need to be engaged, but also need to enjoy the process. They would also know that I believe in them and care. #waledchat
A1: I would hope my Ss would say... "I love how Mr. H. values me and what I have to offer. He trusts me and believes in me to achieve greatness and isn't afraid to let me take risk to grow."
#waledchat
A1: I think about me they would say that I’m genuine with them... I joke around, I’m honest, I ask for their feedback. About my classroom, they definitely love having choice in how they learn/practice (because they don’t all love the same types of assignments!) #waledchat
A1: They would say they were held to high expectations in behavior and very loved. (I hope) They definitely know they're loved, but I only hope they know why my expectations are high. #waledchat
A1 - I would hope that they love the different photos, maps, and student products that I put up around my room. That they have the choice to sit where they would like and engage with other students in a variety of ways. #waledchat
A1. I hope they would say that when they leave my school that they love school and education. Ss need to be engaged, but also need to enjoy the process. They would also know that I believe in them and care. #waledchat
A1:
Mine would say that they can be comfortable and be themselves in my class. Which in drama through exploring other characters, we learn more about ourselves. #waledchat
A1 I hear Ss tell other Ss that my class is "fun" (which I'm glad they still think even though I really push them to think deeply and differently), but I'd be ecstatic if they could see how I tried to integrate truth, beautify, and goodness into my classes, as well #waledchat
A1: I think they would appreciate the laid back style and I try to mix it up and do different/creative lessons. I try to take the approach of - how would I like to learn history? #waledchat
A1 Our class library, it is full of superheroes. My boys can’t wait to choose books. I also integrate a lot of tech, @Seesaw, GoNoodle, YouTube. Ss love exploring and creating. I love my Ss and they know it #waledchat
#waledchat A1 The opportunity to talk with people who make learning relevant. We have been fortunate to have speakers via video and live that engage our students in learning. Can’t get this information in a textbook. Some of our speakers.
A1: they would say that I make them laugh, smile and never give up. They can always come to me and tell me anything, I’ll listen and give them 100%. #waledchat#LoveLiteracyLearning
A1: They evaluated me this week. Commented that I made learning fun, worked hard for them, that they belonged. It’s humbling to read their feelings. #waledchat
A1: That’s easy! They would say that I am crazy, fun and that I love them, but that I also can be strict when needed.
Actually posted this today!
https://t.co/9wJ0Pjyv2E#waledchat
A1b: I also would like for their parents to say that they were impressed that their students can do so much that they initially thought was too hard ... and that they have raised expectations! #waledchat
A2: I want to be the classroom that students walk into and feel at home within and the teacher who they feel they can go to with any problems or concerns. But I also have to remember that my job is to TEACH, not to be their friend. #waledchat
A2 I have to say that it is simply a natural consequence of my approach to teaching, my philosophy of partnering with my students... not curriculum or planned. #waledchat
A1 - I would hope my Ss would say they learn a lot in my class, couples with the atmosphere of my room, next to the constant relationship building I do with all of the students, not just the ones I see #waledchat
I had a 1st grader write a note this week: "I love your teching becuse it is fun to do." I'm glad she thinks it is fun, that warmed my heart! #waledchat
A2: Always think of students first and then then the learning goal. Finally, think of what choices and tech can enhance their learning & growth.
#waledchat
A2: I make sure to incorporate ways for them to give me feedback and make suggestions for class. Sometimes, it is a google form, sometimes it is an open discussion. If they say they have something to talk to me about, I make sure we take a moment to discuss. #waledchat
A2: All I do is in the thought that I LOVE MY STUDENTS. They know this. I incorporate their interests as much as possible. I have also aimed really high this year in making expectations reachable. #waledchat
A2: When I design lessons I look for ways to put my students into historical situations. I want them to experience events as if they are living through an event. Relevant and Authentic!! #waledchat
A2 - With department planning, I fight for differentiation and choice as much as I can. I try to break down barriers between students and content rather than put up more hoops. Students are confused enough on daily basis without my making learning more difficult. #waledchat
A2: I am always cautious to make sure that I am not too laid back or too flexible. Still want to maintain a professional relationship and high expectations #waledchat
A2: Their insight is spot on. They are, after all, the consumers of my “product.” Where they loved this year, I’ll keep going further. Where they see weaknesses, I’ll read and learn more, make a plan, and try new things next year. #waledchat
A1: I’ve been blessed with staying in touch with many of my Ss. Many have reached out & said they loved how fun, entertaining, silly, and caring our class was. They also say they remember the content-related songs I made up. #EarWorms#waledchat
A2~ strong, consistent classroom structures, protocols in place at onset of yr that foster trust, teamwork & continuous learning & refinement for all stakeholders #waledchat
A2: It always makes me up my game. Not in that sort of "click bait" way, but in a real effort to make all of us better. Student feedback plays a big part in that! #waledchat
A1. That they are comfortable, I listen, we do a variety of topics to try to relate to their interests, Ss have opportunity through voice, choice and leading the way through discussions! #waledchat
A1- Two things-That we are a FAMILY (my kinders say that ALL.THE.TIME) and that it is fun. I only know because in kindergarten we write cute little notes to the teachers still. ❤️ #waledchat
Q2: Idk if I plan lessons with cracking jokes in mind but I do try and make class exciting. History can be very dry so it's important for me to bring it alive as much as I can. And busting out the running man every once & awhile doesn't hurt either 😀 #waledchat
A2 In every unit I always think, how can I incorporate choice, movement and fun into the learning. Content is king, but the court jester needs to be there too! #waledchat
A2 I try to implement tech, when it supports the content- not just tech for tech’s sake. That means it takes me a lot longer to plan, but when it all comes together it is so worth it. I also spend a lot of time taking PD. I have to keep learning to keep up with Ss. #waledchat
A2: They like choices, which is great, but it usually means more prep for me. When I think “do they NEED another choice for this?”, I think of a few random students and whether they’d be happy with the options. Then I usually go find 2 more activities to choose from #waledchat
A2:
It lets me know to keep on planning with lots of choice, so they can inject themselvesinto whatever we’re doing, give them chances to vote on activities, etc., and plan for time for sharing and just being ourselves. #waledchat
A3: I asked my students to fill in the blank at the bottom of the last test to "Mr. Strunk makes me feel _______" lots of positive answers, but also had some answers that said they felt overworked. This is a tough time of year with State Testing too. :/ #waledchat
A3: I would say that if I were still teaching this course next year, I would like to become less dependent on notes/lecture to deliver material. #waledchat
A2 I always try to put myself in their shoes when planning. I ask myself if the activities will make it easier fo the Ss to be able to fully participate in the learning. #waledchat
A3 More time. We just get started in the depth of a discussion or inquiry and that bell rings. We are going to Block Scheduling next year...this will be the fix! #waledchat
A2: I work with some reluctant and struggling readers and try to implement any text that I believe will interest them. Based on the relationships that I have with my Ss- I look for topics, themes, genres that I know they will enjoy. #Waledchat#LoveLiteracyLearning
A2 - I like pushing my #alted#PBL Ss to challenge themselves in a safe place. I hope my room is the space they feel comfortable doing that because of my relationship with them. #waledchat
A2: becasue I listen to my Ss I may have a plan of where our lesson and learning needs to go, but I will change it on a dime if my Ss are telling me something else. Just another reason I love being a SPED T, really no pacing guides to stick to. #waledchat
A3. Ss would want our school to be able to grow in a way to allow for more time within our day. More time would allow for different learning opportunities. Always try to create a school that no one wants to leave. #waledchat
A3: Community. I always believe in all Ts and Ss. My hope is that my classrooms and buildings can learning and grow to do the same creating an amazing learning community.
#waledchat
Got it!
A2: Working on better execution, maybe writing out exactly what "big questions" to prompt with.
I'll try to ACTUALLY DO one of suggestions from my "how to teach science" course: experiments first --> theory after. #waledchat
A3 - Quicker feedback. I am slow at feedback because I want it to be quality rather than just a few cursory lines. However, one-on-one feedback is great as well and I think students would appreciate that aspect of my classroom. #waledchat
A2. Emotional well-being of Ss is important... understanding how they feel about school, their class etc is very useful when reaching them where they are #waledchat
A3: If I'm being honest, they would probably say letting the reins go a little more. Giving more independent work and problem based learning! #waledchat
A3: Maybe more consistency. I try so many things in class but some students look for structure and that’s not always easily attainable in my class. #waledchat
A3: I know they wish they got more feedback and more 1 on 1 time. I do my best but there are never enough minutes in a block and I can tell you the ones I’m not reaching as well as I could be right now #waledchat
A3: I have been thinking a lot about this - consistency. I need to do a better job starting off the year being consistent and sharing a clearer vision for my class. I need to be consistent with due dates, rubrics, providing calendars to help plan projects. #waledchat
A3: If you asked them today they would tell you I should give them popcorn (the hallways were popcorn scent filled today). They would probably want more games (I'm working on it!) #waledchat
Ooooh good Q @MrPStrunk A3- Since I teach the little humans they would most likely ask for more outside time, more free play, and more snacks. I can't really disagree with any of those requests! #waledchat
Amen. I had students that took up to three state tests in one day on an A/B schedule and they looked absolutely drained and rightfully so. Such a hard time to be positive. #waledchat
A3: I am not in the classroom now, but last year we worked on creating a Makerspace (next door). I know that previous Ss wish I had done it earlier so we would have had more opportunities to explore. #waledchat
A3 I think they would want me to slow down. I feel like I'm flying through sometimes, but there's so much to get through and sometimes it feels like time is slipping away...but I'm sure I'm preaching to the choir. #WaledChat
A3 - my #alted#PBL Ss want to incorporate more #entrepreneurship throughout our lessons. I think they’d like to learn how to monetize things considering their personal situations #waledchat
A2: not directly in my planning - but l in my interactions. Kids connect better with adults who smile, laugh, make jokes, and show a genuine interest in them. Don’t be afraid to remember what it’s like to be a kid! #Waledchat
A3: my 4th/5th graders wish that we met everyday instead of 3 times a week. They are disappointed when they miss me if I’m out for training, have an assembly, or field trip. Makes me feel like I must be doing something right! #waledchat#LoveLiteracyLearning
A3:
Hands down, they’d say that I let the “problem” students get away with too much. They ask why I don’t write them up, or kick them out. I give chances a lot. I need to get a handle on it. #waledchat
So true. 150 K-12 students plus 20-25 college students is a lot of feedback to give back to students. But tech helps, so does reminding myself that sometimes a conversation one-on-one is enough. #waledchat
I think my Ss would like more opportunities for open inquiry. I try to us IDM as much as I can but 8th graders still need a lot of structure. This is an area I'm looking to improve in. My district is offering Buck institute PD this summer. Totally psyched for it!#waledchat
A3: I think making the Algebra more relevant to their lives. It’s difficult for Ss to understand the importance of more abstract processes and often hard to see how they will use the info in future classes/life #waledchat
A3: I actually recently started “What if?” Wednesdays — where I created a @padlet and students post things they want to add/remove/modify to our class and then we discuss, and make changes. They love having this input and see that their input matters! #studentvoice#waledchat
A4: I've been struggling because I provided students a month to work on a project and not many students turned it in on time. Hopeful to utilize our 1:1 initiative starting next year to build tech tasks that will be easier to accomplish at school and continue at home. #waledchat
A4 I had to move things around to make sure that we had the time to go deeper at the start of the class. We had a few, "To Be Continued" lessons... #waledchat
A3: Student voice. Thanks to twitter chats, I found one tool to help with this and I will continue to use @Flipgrid to improve this area going forward. #WaledChat
A4 - I’ve moved to a PBL style class. It takes time for all of us to fully embrace the change of student choice and the responsibilities that come with it. #waledchat
A4: I will continue to spread the positive and kindness. I will extend trust before it is earned and believe in those I work with every chance I get.
#waledchat
A4. Look at our schedule and what we are currently doing throughout the day and ensure that we are maximizing our day and instructional time. #waledchat
A4: Tight planning. I was a self-contained elem teacher this year. Very different than teaching one content area one period at a time! Next year I’ll be back to content area teaching. I’ll plan for EVERY moment! #waledchat
A4: I need to use this idea to be sure I implement what I believe my Ss would want. Be sure I encourage a productive struggle and make clear my intentions for high expectations come from a place of love. #waledchat
A4 - have already started planning for next school year. Am working on combining #NFTE with @thegridmethod and adding more artistic and technological #PBL units #waledchat
A3: that I be funnier. They also would love it if I’d let them do whatever they want, like, you know, watch YouTubers all day and play halo 😂 #waledchat
A4: I’m still figuring out what system works best for me, and I’m thinking about trying @thegridmethod in the fall as it seems like it would help... when making these decisions I’m definitely thinking about what my classroom is most lacking right now! #waledchat
A4: Don’t hesitate trying new things. If they don’t work out, stop doing them. What if they work AMAZING and a former student missed it. Kids deserve teachers who take chances. #WaledChat
Q3: I strive to connect with an many Ss as possible throughout the day, by its challenging at times. We have 640+ kiddos who love high fives, smiles, & first bumps... so I need to be giving our more! #waledchat
A4: I’m going to sit down on our teacher work day and map out how I’m starting the year off - rework and reword some things to create a clearer vision for 303. Work through the summer to start the year off with creativity, passion, and creating learning community. #waledchat
A4: my PD goal this summer is to work on more IDM nits and my first PBL unit. I'm not 100% sure it's gonna work out the way I anticipate but I won't know until I try! #waledchat
A3/4 need to get better at allowing more time for processing their learning. Hoping that going to blended learning/in-class flip will help with that #waledchat
A4: my own professional development. I need to search for more relevance to their lives even if it means stretching things a bit. Also need to make sure word problems attract their attention #waledchat
A4:
I say every semester that I need to get better at this. I have too much of the “I will be the one to save them” mentality. When other students recognize it, it’s time for me to change because it breaks down our community. #waledchat
A5~ trusted colleagues in/out of district, twitterville...peeps who will provide relevant, specific feedback to support the journey of growth & new discoveries~ trust is key ~ opens doors to smart risk taking & pers/prof growth~ win/win #waledchat
A4: I check in with my kiddos EVERY morning as they arrive, stop by their rooms to see how they’re doing and often have lunch together. Yesterday, I wrote letters of encouragement to each of them for the days they will take the SOL tests. #waledchat#LoveLiteracyLearning
A4: Integrating Google Classroom better and developing Ss habits of checking/catching themselves up after missing class. Also building in more review time. #waledchat
Super good goals. I have PBL on my docket as well. @GingerLewman has some great resources that would get you started on PBL as well as a kickstart this past month. #waledchat
A5: I have definitely gone back and forth this year with someone to help support me. I know I can always count on @brit_starnes, I can go back to my @TME_tigers team. And definitely Emily and Karen @6thDistrictElem. #waledchat
Sorry tribe. I need to cut out a bit early. The puppy needs a walk and it feels like something wicked this way comes in the storm front. Need to get the walk in quick. #waledchat
Part of great teaching is the constant ability to be better each year. We can never think that we have it all figured out. Reflection, both from students, colleagues and ourselves is one key to making our practice special. #waledchat
A4 I am hoping to sit down over the summer and work on meshing the Grid Method with our current pacing. I think that might help, but I'm unsure how to keep Ss moving along. #WaledChat
A5: Honestly if we're getting knee deep in discussions ... my someone is my mom. She's been at this for maybe 40 years. Retired and then went back as classroom support. Still buys her own supplies! #waledchat
A5 - I ha e coffee every morning with two of my colleagues (each from different departments). We bounce ideas off each other based on things we’d like to change moving forward #waledchat
A5 - I am really lucky to have great admin, teachers, and mentors in my building. I am excited to pay it forward over the next year to help mentor new teachers and help them reach their potential. #waledchat
A5 - one of my colleagues is amazing. Role model for kids and a true professional. She leads by example and is the epitome of a HPE instructor. #waledchat