I just love our #BookCampPD#PLN and the time you take from your busy lives to learn with others.
Meredith Johnson, your moderator, welcoming our guest authors Lauren Porosoff @LaurenPorosoff and Jonathan Weinstein @jhweinstein
Please welcome them!
Hello #BookCampPD! Lauren Porosoff, author of EMPOWER Your Students. I’m excited to be here, learn from/with you, and answer your questions about the book.
Without all of you jumping into #BookCampPD each week I would end up talking to myself ::smiling:::
Please know that you matter! You're appreciated!!
Start by introducing yourself and sharing a value your family instilled in your that endures each and every day.
I just love our #BookCampPD#PLN and the time you take from your busy lives to learn with others.
Meredith Johnson, your moderator, welcoming our guest authors Lauren Porosoff @LaurenPorosoff and Jonathan Weinstein @jhweinstein
Please welcome them!
Hey there BookCampPD! I am Jonathan, co-author of EMPOWER Your Students, clinical psychologist and Suicide Prevention Coordinator at the VA Hudson Valley, Asst Prof at NY Med College. #BookCampPD
My name is Derrick Schellenberg. I am a 20 year English teacher and now a technology enabled learning and teaching contact from north of Toronto in Ontario, Canada. #bookcamppd
Q1. EMPOWER Your Students defines values as qualities of action that make life meaningful - how we approach our "yes."
What values do you bring to your teaching? #BookCampPD
A1: I want my students to find their own voice in the their work, not to copy me or some other teacher. When there is an authentic connection btw the work and the persons participating, the sharing of vulnerability and struggle find their natural place. #BookCampPD
A1 I value teaching inclusively, flexibly, respectfully, and vulnerably so that 100% of my students can think, talk, wonder, and write about what genuinely matters to them. #BookCampPD
Q1. EMPOWER Your Students defines values as qualities of action that make life meaningful - how we approach our "yes."
What values do you bring to your teaching? #BookCampPD
A1: Honesty and integrity. We stress to our Drama team that our standard for all that we do -- at school, at home, in the community -- is EXCELLENCE. This is an easy starting point to have a discussion when things start to come unglued. #bookcamppd
A1: Values that I communicate early include that I do not have all the answers, I make mistakes, and I have to be brave and take risks. I want my Ss to be comfortable with these values. #bookcamppd
A1: In Empower, values are referred to as “qualities of action.” I model my values by maximizing my time with learners, being prepared, having high expectations of myself, and aiming to give timely, targeted feedback to my students. #bookcamppd
It is important that we share our mistakes and present ourselves as flawed, as opposed to knowing all the answers, and always controlling the key decisions. #bookcamppd
Going first when it comes to taking risks and sharing vulnerabilities is a critical process component in EMPOWER. So great to see that you are already doing this work in your own way. #BookCampPD
A1: Values that I communicate early include that I do not have all the answers, I make mistakes, and I have to be brave and take risks. I want my Ss to be comfortable with these values. #bookcamppd
A1 Provide a safe place for students to be curious
To read widely and critically
To experiment with and express ideas
To learn about the world and its people
To discover their capacity to create
To engage in civil discourse and 1/2 #BookCampPD
Q2. The activities in EMPOWER Your Students take time.
Why might it be worthwhile to spend time helping MS/HS students connect their schoolwork to their own values? #BookCampPD
Without having read Empower before teaching for x number of years, I think that English language arts is positioned to teach values and that every text, with every character, allows an opportunity to explore values. #bookcamppd
I enjoy looking at positive and negative character examples in Shakespearean plays (as an example), whether they are Macbeth, Romeo, Prospero, or Hamlet, and exploring when the characters diverge from values we respect. #bookcamppd
It is important that we share our mistakes and present ourselves as flawed, as opposed to knowing all the answers, and always controlling the key decisions. #bookcamppd
The chapters that cover the topic of empathy and what you mentioned about observing their influence on others is something I find VERY important. #BookCampPD
A1 Provide a safe place for students to be curious
To read widely and critically
To experiment with and express ideas
To learn about the world and its people
To discover their capacity to create
To engage in civil discourse and 1/2 #BookCampPD
As an ELA T, I type/write in front of my students (with a think/talk-aloud) to model my thinking and my process. Other Ts have stated they find this intimidating; it is a little bit at first (going in unplanned), but that's the worl we ask our Ss to do! #BookcampPD
A2 Helping students connect their schoolwork to their values promotes learning (as opposed to physical presence) by making students aware that learning is a choice and inviting them to make choices consistent with their values. #BookCampPD
Q2. The activities in EMPOWER Your Students take time.
Why might it be worthwhile to spend time helping MS/HS students connect their schoolwork to their own values? #BookCampPD
A2: "Their values" are what they have been exposed to their entire lives. It's most important to them. It's their lifeblood. When we connect activities back to "who we are", we are more likely to be more invested. I am reminded of what my standards are w/each choice. #bookcamppd
A2: Who enjoys doing work that is disconnected from what we care about? Making the work matter and finding ourselves in our work may not always be easy, fun or comfortable, but probably a good deal more satisfying. #BookCampPD
Safety is integral to enabling a place where learning can occur. Curiosity is certainly a goal (or should be) in our classes. It is an interesting challenge to foster our students' curiosity. #bookcamppd
A2; We hear the convo being frame as compliance v authentic experiences. We want our Ss to take pride in their work and to have our work be meaningful, not just demanding compliance. When Ss see that the thinking/work of school matters, they invest and excel #BookcampPD
Q2. The activities in EMPOWER Your Students take time.
Why might it be worthwhile to spend time helping MS/HS students connect their schoolwork to their own values? #BookCampPD
A2: Who enjoys doing work that is disconnected from what we care about? Making the work matter and finding ourselves in our work may not always be easy, fun or comfortable, but probably a good deal more satisfying. #BookCampPD
A2: It presents an opportunity for students to reflect on what they believe their values are and refine their personal beliefs as they learn. #bookcamppd
Q2. It is worth the time because MS/HS is a time to get to know yourself. I think it is worthwhile to help students find a sense of self, even if it isn't directly tied to the curriculum. #BookCampPD
A2; We hear the convo being frame as compliance v authentic experiences. We want our Ss to take pride in their work and to have our work be meaningful, not just demanding compliance. When Ss see that the thinking/work of school matters, they invest and excel #BookcampPD
Q2. The activities in EMPOWER Your Students take time.
Why might it be worthwhile to spend time helping MS/HS students connect their schoolwork to their own values? #BookCampPD
A2: Who enjoys doing work that is disconnected from what we care about? Making the work matter and finding ourselves in our work may not always be easy, fun or comfortable, but probably a good deal more satisfying. #BookCampPD
“Accountable to themselves.” That’s what values awareness does for students: school isn’t just about grades, popularity, or getting the work over with. It’s about being accountable to something bigger. #BookCampPD
Q3. EMPOWER Your Students suggests responding to disruptive behavior by helping students clarify and commit to their values at school.
What was a recent time a student's behavior disrupted your class or school? What do you think that student values? #BookCampPD
I love this insight. I think it is also important to buy into the idea that there is no finish line in the evolution of identity and values. We should be continuously reflecting and revising our beliefs. #bookcamppd
A3: I have had two types of students demonstrate behavior that leads to disruptions: those who undermine only themselves and those who disrupt everyone’s learning. #bookcamppd
And in today's times (or at even the past week), values, accountability, and community are vital. School is a wonderful place to explore and discuss these ideas #BookcampPD
If they don’t have a sense of who they are and what they want to stand for in life, what’s the curriculum FOR? We can help them find a sense of self by tying it to their schoolwork: “How do you want to approach this task? Who do you want to be as a student?” #BookCampPD
A3: Had a student that lost his dad, and was difficult in class. When he struggled, I tried to respond w/kindness and firmness, as a dad, encouraging him to make better choices. When we saw +s, again in a dad-like role, I encouraged the good we were seeing. #bookcamppd
A3 I’ve had many behaviors that distracted from learning ... many, though, were task avoiders ... value? Fear of failure, wanting to learn but scared of risk #BookCampPD
Q3. EMPOWER Your Students suggests responding to disruptive behavior by helping students clarify and commit to their values at school.
What was a recent time a student's behavior disrupted your class or school? What do you think that student values? #BookCampPD
@SylviaEllison: Absolutely! When we allow ourselves and our Ss to focus on learning and not collecting points, we can finally begin moving forward and empowering students #BookcampPD#sblchat
In reply to
@SylviaEllison, @mjjohnson1216, @SylviaEllison
A3 Last year I had a student who constantly interrupted and wouldn’t do his work. He had unmet sensory & relational needs, and after his dad left home he didn’t know who to trust or where the limits were. He valued relationships, trust, and creativity. #BookCampPD
If they don’t have a sense of who they are and what they want to stand for in life, what’s the curriculum FOR? We can help them find a sense of self by tying it to their schoolwork: “How do you want to approach this task? Who do you want to be as a student?” #BookCampPD
A3: Students who attempt to gather positive or negative attention and disrupt the learning of the class often do so for social capital among their peers. #bookcamppd
Values show us how to organize our behaviors for a particular purpose. As we achieve goals or are thwarted, we can learn to be flexible about the behaviors we select in the service of our values. #BookCampPD
I love this insight. I think it is also important to buy into the idea that there is no finish line in the evolution of identity and values. We should be continuously reflecting and revising our beliefs. #bookcamppd
A3: Students who disrupt their own learning may not see value in what they are learning or doing, and/or they may be masking the fact that they don’t believe they can do the work. #bookcamppd
A3: As my coteacher and I have shifted to a workshop model and allowed Ss to revise their products so their learning can be reassessed, we have not encountered as many disruptive behaviors in the past year and half. Respecting Ss & giving them voice goes a long way #BookcampPD
Q3. EMPOWER Your Students suggests responding to disruptive behavior by helping students clarify and commit to their values at school.
What was a recent time a student's behavior disrupted your class or school? What do you think that student values? #BookCampPD
It’s hard to get underneath avoidance to figure out what the student wants to stand for in life. Worth the effort, though! Try one of the activities in chapter 1 (Exploration) or 2 (Motivation). #BookCampPD
A3: As my coteacher and I have shifted to a workshop model and allowed Ss to revise their products so their learning can be reassessed, we have not encountered as many disruptive behaviors in the past year and half. Respecting Ss & giving them voice goes a long way #BookcampPD
Q3. EMPOWER Your Students suggests responding to disruptive behavior by helping students clarify and commit to their values at school.
What was a recent time a student's behavior disrupted your class or school? What do you think that student values? #BookCampPD
I like the separation of goals (we aim for, but do not have total over) and values, which we fulfill through our qualities in action. We have to accept what we have no control over and take responsibility over what we can control. #bookcamppd
A3: Students who demonstrate disruptive behavior may value social priorities over learning, may be seeking attention they do not get elsewhere, may not know how to properly learn and/or communicate. #bookcamppd
Q4. Chapter 11 of EMPOWER Your Students is about how to design curriculum that makes space for students to explore and express their values.
When did one of your students bring their values to their work? #BookCampPD
I just adore the activities and wish all HS/MS principals would have at least ONE copy of the book in their offices so teachers could grab a copy and help students in their classes. #BookCampPD
It’s hard to get underneath avoidance to figure out what the student wants to stand for in life. Worth the effort, though! Try one of the activities in chapter 1 (Exploration) or 2 (Motivation). #BookCampPD
A3: From time to time, we have disruptive patients in our hospital. I try to make them a priority otherwise the problems are likely to grow. Typically there is something important to them, and even if I can’t deliver, I want to know what it is. #BookCampPD
And in today's times (or at even the past week), values, accountability, and community are vital. School is a wonderful place to explore and discuss these ideas #BookcampPD
A4 For an assignment to write an article about a struggle, one of my students write about her anxiety. She wanted others wth anxiety to know they weren’t alone and that they didn’t have to avoid the things that made them anxious. #BookCampPD
A4: Inquiry-based learning, where students pursue their interests and values in the topic, questions, texts, and products they construct, allows students to align school with their values. #bookcamppd
A4 For an assignment to write an article about a struggle, one of my students wrote about her anxiety. She wanted others with anxiety to know they weren’t alone and that they didn’t have to avoid the things that made them anxious. #BookCampPD
I just adore the activities and wish all HS/MS principals would have at least ONE copy of the book in their offices so teachers could grab a copy and help students in their classes. #BookCampPD
It’s hard to get underneath avoidance to figure out what the student wants to stand for in life. Worth the effort, though! Try one of the activities in chapter 1 (Exploration) or 2 (Motivation). #BookCampPD
A4: With reading and writing, where students can make the key choices about what they read and write, values being explored can align with student beliefs. #bookcamppd
Every Ss is different: my classroom & practices aren't perfect, & I am sure I will work with Ss who cause disruptions, but the more we can give some flexibility in work time & individual conferences, the better we can help Ss know they are welcome and safe with us #BookcampPD
A4: Genius Hour, a type of IBL, can allow students to connect to experts and choose a form of sharing and a product that suit their values and topic of inquiry. #bookcamppd
I just adore the activities and wish all HS/MS principals would have at least ONE copy of the book in their offices so teachers could grab a copy and help students in their classes. #BookCampPD
It’s hard to get underneath avoidance to figure out what the student wants to stand for in life. Worth the effort, though! Try one of the activities in chapter 1 (Exploration) or 2 (Motivation). #BookCampPD
A3 Often behavior indicates what kids need. Does that S need to be reassured of their status in the learning community?The perception of change (negative) in status can cause a strong fight or flight response.
As a T, I can facilitate an environment that remedies #BookCampPD
Many thanks to Lauren, @LaurenPorosoff and Jonathan, @jhweinstein for being our guest authors today! We appreciate their dedication to improving education for students. #BookCampPD
Some of you may know what a tremendous Viking's fan I am. I haven't missed watching a game in almost 20 years! Since the game begins very soon it is time for me to
d a s h !!
#BookCampPD
Flexibility is easier said then done, but it’s probably the only way long term. Let us know if any of the exercises from our book prove helpful with this. #BookCampPD
Every Ss is different: my classroom & practices aren't perfect, & I am sure I will work with Ss who cause disruptions, but the more we can give some flexibility in work time & individual conferences, the better we can help Ss know they are welcome and safe with us #BookcampPD
As long as we center the Standards, we can find myriad ways to access them with options for Ss choice in what to read, or how to organize or inquire about an idea...some subjects may be easier for this than others, but we have to be willing to revise how we work #BookcampPD
