This chat is moderated by Grapevine-Colleyville ISD educators where we discuss current education trends and deepen our learning. 1st and 3rd Thursdays at 8:30 PM CST September to May @msbearce @SBarkerEDU
My name is Rob Doyle, and I teach AP Human Geography and Government at Colleyville Heritage High School. This is my 15th year in education, but it's my first in GCISD. I also happen to be a proud GCISD alum (CHHS Class of 2000)! #gcisdchat
A1: I remember my “why”. It’s not my job that I do each day. This is my life calling, to make a positive difference in the lives of children. #gcisdchat
A1: I maintain motivation throughout the week by starting each day with a new mindset and positive attitude. I don’t let something that happened in the past keep affecting my week. Each day should start with a fresh start! #gcisdchat
A1: I have to step away & take a break of some sort. Laughter w/ colleagues during lunch is super helpful! Then, I try to get the most important thing done first. #gcisdchat
A1: I maintain motivation throughout the week by starting each day with a new mindset and positive attitude. I don’t let something that happened in the past keep affecting my week. Each day should start with a fresh start! #gcisdchat
Anywhere from just a smile to a listening ear. At the end of the day, it’s nice to be on an amazing campus with people will help in any way. #gcisdchat
Add in a funny video or meme to lighten the day/week. Laughter is good for the soul! Also, building connections with students or colleagues always comes in handy during stressful times. Those positive relationships are a huge pick-me-up! #gcisdchat
I find it helps to talk to other people that I trust and respect. It also helps to get out of your classroom for a little change of scenery. #gcisdchat
A1: Reflection is important, I also am a data nerd so I’ve been using fit2teach app as a simple 2 minute reflection and tracking. It was really helpful in seeing what stressors were and then making solutions. #gcisdchat
A2: I 💚 Google Keep! I used to have post it notes everywhere! Now all of my little reminders are all in the App and I can access it on all of my devices. #gcisdchat
Google Keep, my calendar is my BFFN❤️, Toby keeps all my important docs in one place, Boomerang allows for emails to be scheduled to send out #gcisdchat
Q1. I try to focus on one specific student and how I can help make a difference when things get stressful. It’s usually outside of class things that are stressful so I try to focus back on the things that made me want to teach to begin with. #gcisdchat
Having all my events, appointments, and reminders located in one calendar; using my google calendar for easy access and scheduled reminders. #gcisdchat
Q2: My google calendar connected to my email helps me stay on top of deadlines for sure! Otherwise, my “old school” filing system in my classroom keeps me organized. #gcisdchat
A2: Remiders on my phone (with alarms) and having my lesson plans pinned on my browser, and everything that I need linked within my lesson plans really help me stay organized and on top of things. #gcisdchat
Google Keep, my calendar is my BFFN❤️, Toby keeps all my important docs in one place, Boomerang allows for emails to be scheduled to send out #gcisdchat
A2: Google Drive! I love that my team and I can collaborate and write a test or make a slideshow together. And I love leaving panicked questions in the speaker notes and seeing them type answers in for me! #gcisdchat
A2: fit2teach, skyward app, Toodledo list maker; the entire google education suite (calendar is my favorite); edpuzzle; 30/30. If the internet quits I’m in big trouble....#gcisdchat
Q2: My iPhone calendar is my best friend. Anything important in my week goes on my calendars do then I can just check one place to make sure I stay on top of things. #gcisdchat
Q2: My Google calendar, and I use @ClassDojo to communicate reminders instantly to my parents. If I think of something I need to share or there’s an event, I can do it right away! #gcisdchat
Thanks for sharing @cool2bnerdy! I went to https://t.co/Aww6zSFgtN and scrolled down to read 'Matt's Story' (heartbreaking and inspiring!). I will definitely check out this app! #gcisdchat
A1: Reflection is important, I also am a data nerd so I’ve been using fit2teach app as a simple 2 minute reflection and tracking. It was really helpful in seeing what stressors were and then making solutions. #gcisdchat
A2: Adding on...I keep my lesson plans pinned in my browser & a few other tabs that I have to access daily. Also, Classlink has been a lifesaver! #gcisdchat
Q3: I am a calendar person & like to have a long term vision of where I am going. I’m not big on planning every single word I’m going to say as I like to leave room for things to flow with the discussions, but do like to have a long term outlook to where we are going. #gcisdchat
A3: I think it's incredibly important to sit down with your team (other people who teach the same subject) to make sure you set similar calendars and share ideas about engaging activities #gcisdchat
Q3: To stay organized while lesson planning I have my read alouds stored by subject and unit and create a document with all of the resources that I have for that unit. Then plan acording to our teks and curriculum. #gcisdchat
A3: maybe eventually I won't need to do it, but right now I make a new slideshow for every single school day. I use them to plan exactly what's supposed to happen in each class period down to who needs to make up a quiz, etc. Its just on the board for all to see. #gcisdchat
A3: Collaboration and advanced planning! My team and I collaborate each week, and then we make sure we have all the resources we need for the following week by Friday! That makes each Monday go smoother:) #gcisdchat
A3: Having a solid weekly template. Staying organized- having all the resources that you need to plan located where they are easy to access. #gcisdchat
A3: COLLABORATION!!! I love to talk ideas out with others and watch the way they morph into amazing plans. Teaching something someone else handed over has never really worked well for me. #gcisdchat
A3 Find a template and system that works for you. Tweak along the way. Seeing others’ plans in google drive helps me be able to modify assignments to meet students needs. #gcisdchat
A3! Planboard. There is an App but the computer version is easier. Yes it could all be done with google, but after the initial set up it saves so much time. Plus I’m a sucker for color coding. #gcisdchat
Q4: I try to set aside a defined amount of time each day whether during my conference or after school to grade so that I can limit the amount of back up. Sometimes I still get behind, but at least it helps. #gcisdchat
A4: I set expectations high at the beginning of the year and keep them there. My Ss would definitely call me out if we weren't debriefing a quiz the class period after we take it. Also I'm super curious to see how they did, so I want to grade quickly too! #gcisdchat
Finding the right template is so important. For years I tried to make my plans fit somebody else's style. Once I created my own template planning started to flow much easier. #gcisdchat
A4: It has to become an appointment in my calendar for me or it becomes a pile. This has helped with latework too... no one wants to wait on my “latework grading time.” You have time for what you make time for. Plus not everything needs to be a grade. ✔️➕ #gcisdchat
Take time to eat lunch, have a set time I put everything away & head home, & try to give myself the same grace I extend to my students. It’s ok to make mistakes. #growthmindset#gcisdchat
A5: Set bounderies for yourself, there is always going to be somethng else you can do, something you can add, something you can change, but there is not enough time, so prioritze and stop when you need to. #gcisdchat
A5: Take time to eat lunch, have a set time I put everything away & head home, & try to give myself the same grace I extend to my students. It’s ok to make mistakes. #growthmindset#gcisdchat
Q5. Still working on this one. It’s heartbreaking but telling students I’m unavailable during conference because I really just need 5 minutes of silence to take a breath and type an email. #gcisdchat
Q4: There's no easy way around it. We have a demanding job, and sometimes it requires working early in the morning, late at night, and on weekends. I just try my best to create assessments with answer documents and rubrics that are streamlined to save me time #gcisdchat
A5: Anytime an activity seems like it'd be a lot of work on my part and not a lot on my Ss part, I think of how to rearrange that. I don't have a test next week, THEY do, so how can I make this more work for them and less for me? Thanks for that lesson @chemwasmi !#gcisdchat
A5: This is a struggle for me mostly because I LOVE what I do! But typically it falls in the little things- making sure I am eating well, resting, and exercising. Balance is key! #gcisdchat
Playing catch-up! A5: Take time for productive self-care, even when there doesn't seem to be time for it--going to the grocery store right after work to have alone time to walk & think while getting something done during the week to preserve weekend recharge time. #gcisdchat
Q5: The biggest thing I’ve done for myself was to move back home to GHS. Now I can be within 5 min of my home and my kids @OCTaylorTigers and my school all the time. Being able to do what I love in my town makes all the difference! #gcisdchat
A5- My husband is really good at this! He has helped me do less school stuff at home and more relaxing! Before him, I could spend an entire weekend doing prep for my classroom. I learned I don't always have to a be a perfectionist (just sometimes, lol!) #gcisdchat
A5: Remembering that you can't pour from an empty cup! Carving our special time for what is most important- time with my own kids and trashy tv after they go to bed! #gcisdchat
A5: I make time to exercise at least 3-4 days a week, and I schedule weekly activities with my friends and family. Those things keep me healthy, happy, and focused #gcisdchat
Q6: I have plastic baskets and bins. They contain the papers that would typically pile up on my desk all day long, at the end of they day I can go though and sort and handle what I need to. #gcisdchat
A2 google calendar helps me track my time and know what classrooms to go into and when. I’m a GT Specialist so I am constantly in classrooms providing support and whole group enrichment lessons. #gcisdchat
A6: cleaning up at each transition time. Pre-K Ss can be very messy in their creativeness. However, they can also be amazing at cleaning up too! #gcisdchat
Kristen Oviatt, GHS German Teacher, forgot to introduce myself. A6 Kids know early in the year that They need to clean up after themselves, #everythinghasaplace#gcisdchat
A6 Have a place for things. Papers in my classroom typically get thrown so everything is in a binder or folder up high. Utilize your cabinet space. #gcisdchat
Q6: Teaching HS students is always messy. I’m a clean freak so my Ss know that I can’t stand a mess. I do my best to allow them to be messy while they work as long as they help me by cleaning up before they leave. Doesn’t always work, but we try 🙃 #gcisdchat
A6: Organization is one of my strengths 🤦🏻♀️🤷🏻♀️ - I have system after system in place to keep my classroom organized each and every day. I do not function well with clutter! #gcisdchat
A6: Everything has a place and students are responsible for putting everything back after using it. Taking the time at the beginning of the school year to establish those routines and expectations us so worth it! #gcisdchat
A6: The students! "Send someone from your table to the front with all your formula sheets, send someone else with all your calculators, etc". They don't get everything, but it's a big help. Also, I have a teacher aid 8th period and she's the best 😄 #gcisdchat
A6: I try to clean up as I go but if that doesn’t happen then I try to take time before I leave to put everything back in it’s place. The key for me is to be organized on the inside, even if there is a little clutter on the outside! #gcisdchat
A6: Have never mastered this! I had a great colleague when I taught first grade who came in my room and helped me throw away a ton of useless things I didn't know if I needed or not. Still learning how to do this better! #gcisdchat
Q6: Less paper, more technology and more interaction! The easiest way to avoid stacks of unmanageable papers is to design activities that utilize our district's technology, plus engage our students in problem-solving and exploration #gcisdchat
A6: I schedule organization appointments with myself. It’s amazing how organized you can be when you intentionally give yourself some sacred moments to declutter. #gcisdchat
I may have to learn some of your tips @OCTMankins! Do they have self-help groups for people who like to make piles? LOL! Keep rocking the organization!! #gcisdchat
A6: Organization is one of my strengths 🤦🏻♀️🤷🏻♀️ - I have system after system in place to keep my classroom organized each and every day. I do not function well with clutter! #gcisdchat
A6: Hi. My name is Jennifer. I'm digitally "organized", but physically messy! I made as much of the classroom space my students' as I could and restricted myself to a single pile... or super pile.... #gcisdchat
A7 start every class period with something the students work on independently. Make it something that will get them into the right mindset by bridging yesterday’s lesson to today’s. Sometimes it’s easier said than done. #gcisdchat
Q7: I set the standard upfront that we are going to run as a team. We come up with non-negotiables for our classroom and then I remind them when they start to stray. After a few weeks they buy in and then things can usually run themselves. #gcisdchat
A7- Setting a timer for 3 minutes prior to the bell. Forcing myself to actually a have real closure with each class created embedded time to synthesize learning and transition in a less hectic manner. #gcisdchat
A7: I use name cards to assign seats to my students on assessment days and group work days. Students walk into my room and immediately know where they're supposed to sit, which saves me a few minutes at the beginning of every class, and those minutes add up and matter! #gcisdchat
A7: Give my Ss lots of responsibility. They try out jobs @ the beginning of the year, then interview for them later. Use tons of transitions, music to switch gears, call backs. Intentionally take time to teach procedures! #gcisdchat
This is me exactly! Things are super organized in my head, but my desk..... I had to constantly remind myself that some kids NEEDED a more orderly physical environment to feel comfortable #gcisdchat
A7: all of my students have a job each week which really helps with little ones. I also have lots of timers set on my phone. My kids know what each timer means too! It’s important to take time to teach procedures too. #gcisdchat
A7: I use a multipocket plastic expandable file to collect student work in order by number. I can tell at a glance if someone has not turned in work. Also, it's portable, so if I need to leave I can grab it and go. #gcisdchat
A7: Give my Ss lots of responsibility. They try out jobs @ the beginning of the year, then interview for them later. Use tons of transitions, music to switch gears, call backs. Intentionally take time to teach procedures! #gcisdchat
Q8: I try to always prioritize time to create space for building relationships with my Ss. Sometimes I get too caught up in the material and don’t leave time to create that space that my Ss need. When I add it to my plans I am reminded to do it! #gcisdchat
A7: Collaboratively developed norms that are re-visited throughout the year, routines (especially in those crucial first five minutes), and rotating use of strategies so that no one thing became too stale for Ss. #gcisdchat
A7: Student helpers! Each table had a table helper that changed daily and Conscious Discipline taught me how to provide 22 class jobs so every student had one each day. #gcisdchat
A5: I think we are natural givers of ourself to others and to stop and take time for ourselves is hard. Especially if you are a parent and husband/wife where you give your full self at home too. I really try to find time to paint when I can. #gcisdchat
Q8: Big things first. Pep rally? Field trip? Assemblies etc. Then work around what we don’t have ctrl of. TEKS checks, presentations, then activities for concepts and vocabulary, and engagement. Then a bonus enrichment for the kids that finish 1st. #gcisdchat
Q8: Differentiation in each lesson and making sure I have reflection time, giving them the opportunity to restate/discuss/digest what we’ve learned #gcisdchat
A7: Training your students with repitition. If you want students to get into the habit of something, it has to be repeated. For example: My students know right after announcements are over to go to the carpet for the mini lesson because we practice this often. #gcisdchat
A8: allowing for my Ss to have time to be creative in their learning. Some Ss will take 3x longer than others on a project and that’s ok. Have a plan that is flexible and not so rigid. Let my Ss develop a love of learning! Afterall, the foundation is laid in Pre-K. #gcisdchat
A8: I always make sure I'm aware of our campus activities for the week (pep rallies, meetings, etc.) so that I plan my time with my students accordingly. After that, I just try to design engaging lessons and fair assessments so that my students are successful #gcisdchat
A7 Sped resource looks a little different than gen ed- students know the system-they helped create it: teacher talks, independent goal work; google classroom assignments. #gcisdchat
A9 This may seem weird, but I have calendar reminders each day to remind me to pray. Some days I adjust what time they hit if I know there is something that is going to be a struggle for me. When there is too much, I need to be still if only for 30 sec. #gcisdchat
A9: remember the big picture. It’s ok if it all doesn’t get done. As long as my Ss feel safe, loved, and listened to, they will accomplish their goals as they grow. Take a deep breath. Let it go. There’s bigger problems out there...think positively! #gcisdchat
Q9: When I’m feeling overwhelmed my coach’s office is my place to go. I work with two of the best coaches around and they are amazing listeners and always help me get back on track. Plus it helps me to not always come home to dump my problems on my family. #gcisdchat
A9: Make a list of everything so I don't forget, and then prioritize so I know where to begin. Cross it off the list when done so I feel accomplished. #gcisdchat
A9: This is a big one for me in the last month! Prioritize, accept it with a positive attitude and I make a to do of short term/long term and focus on completing one each day. #gcisdchat
A8: I try to remind myself to look at the big picture and prioritize what is most important. I have reminders for the big stuff, especially when it involves others. #gcisdchat
Q9: Give myself a good nights rest and extra hour the next morning and maybe afternoon with the purpose of getting my life back in order. I write everything out and start picking away at all the easy quick tasks first and move to the projects. #gcisdchat
A9- I start w/ the task that will energize me- Something creative & challenging. This leaves me feeling successful and ready to conquer the rest of the list. #gcisdchat
A9: I take a deep breath. Then, I make a physical list in order of importance. Finally, I start at the top and start checking things off the list one by one. #gcisdchat
A9: Deep breath, figure out what's really MOST important & start from there. Some things can wait, some can't. Ask for help when you can. Know that some days/weeks you might have to get up a little earlier, or work a little longer. #gcisdchat
A9 - hi guys (late to the party)... There’s always too much to do! Put boundaries on your time. Set a timer, work that long with great focus, then walk away. It’ll be there when you get back. #readingmyownadvice#gcisdchat
A9: accept the fact that there will always be too much to do! You have to be ok with not always getting it done. Organize what is most important right now and the rest of it can usually wait. #gcisdchat
#gcisdchat
A10: Stay positive, it's always worth it to think on the bright side. Keep a balanced life; my family deserves all of me when I am home. Continue to do my best & always look for ways to grow as an educator.
Q10: My biggest takeaway is being reminded that we have so many people in our district that have great ideas whether they teach pre-k or HS or your subject or something totally different. It’s always good to get help from your peers! #gcisdchat
A8 - When daily planning - make time for the “must do” tasks first. That way the rest of the day is gravy and you’re less stressed. Weekly planning - just be sure your daily to dos for the week are planned - then the week doesn’t seem so daunting. #gcisdchat
