#UrbanEdChat Archive
#UrbanEd chat is a twitter chat for educators. Topics relevant to the subject of urban education will be discussed, but all educators are encouraged to join the conversation. The chats will be moderated by Ben and Neil, founders of Engaging Educators and elementary school teachers in Detroit, MI.
Thursday September 8, 2016
Welcome to ! Please introduce yourself, what grade you teach or position, and your location!
Welcome to ! Today we’re going to be discussing Encouragement, Engaging, and connecting with Ts and Ss
Monica, Special Education teacher, Texas. I will be following along . Excited to learn from you all.
My name is Todd Nesloney! Elementary Principal at
Rachel, principal, Tampa FL
Catherine from Fresno CA. Future Eng T but 4 now, I'm a proud college S. It's always an honor to learn with all of you!
thanks for joining Monica!
Get Ready! starts in 30min
Karmen Logan, Elementary Principal in Central Texas
Jessica, grade 2/3 teacher, Regina, SK. Canada
Robert here from Los Angeles. Middle school English.
Glad you're here Jessica!
Tamara grade 3 math and science, Ohio
Hi guys Bradford Harris Instructional Technology Specialist from Houston Tx
WOOT! Thanks for being here Tamara!
thanks for being here Sandra!
Welcome Judith! My buddy lives in KS!
Hello Michelle 5th math teacher!
Hey Todd! TY for having me. I'm so excited! Love what's stored for us in this great topic. Let's learn away!
Thanks for heads up on chat.
Hey girl!! It's almost Friday!
Before we start find somebody new to follow to grow your PLN
Hello hello! Glad to finally catch a chat! I'm Anika, 3rd grade ELA teacher in VA
Welcome everybody to a great chat tonight
I'm thrilled to be your guest host tonight on ! First Q is in 2 min!
Kathy Thomas, Elem Principal, New Braunfels, TX
Claudia from Houston catching up on
Q1: How do you engage and connect with reluctant learners?
I seeing all the principals here in the chat tonight
I'm Chloe and I teach 3rd grade in VA!
Holly Eiler, Intermediate School Social Worker, Indiana 🙂 Let's do this!
welcome. Love getting input from teachers.
A1 for Ss and adults I like to find their interest I want to build a relationship first so I can connect their learning
A1: It is important to start with what things interest students in and out of the classroom. We can then integrate that topic.
I'm from Indiana. Went to Ball State.
A1: I try to connect with them on a human level. Get to know their likes and dislikes. Go to their games
A1: Meet them where they are! Let them tell you why their reluctant to learn and go from there. https://t.co/rLUKpNo4JW
Q1: How do you engage and connect with reluctant learners?
Relationships!1ce Ss see you're interest in wht they like,they start showing interest in what U like! https://t.co/ERYsrue6RR
Q1: How do you engage and connect with reluctant learners?
A1: By taking time to learn about the student and their interests
A1 spending time building relationships during daily morning meetings.
A1. Showing them we Care and Making learning fun! https://t.co/gCZQCnNIG6
Q1: How do you engage and connect with reluctant learners?
A1: I've seen some T's doing interest surveys. When they find S's passions, T's can make connections and get them hooked.
A1: After talking with students, start by calling parents ASAP to get to know more about the students. Be positive!
A1 Find what's their passion, what thrives them to be THEM! Love sharing my own experiences that might be the same as theirs
Hello Della 6th grade science teacher
A1: I talk to them about non school things that matter to them.
A1: Engage them in convo to get to know them & their likes and connect the learning for them...they have to feel the relevance
A1 All learners must be provided with opportunities to make personal meaning & connections to text & instruction. They own it!
A1 - relationships are key. Also, creating an environment where mistakes are celebrated bc it proves we're learning.
I had this talk w/ 2day connecting is important. Talk music games in the first few min. then work
A1: I make reluctant learners a part of demonststrations.
A1 cont: I also do a lot of conversations at lunch, and get to know my kids.
Agree! Connect to home is very powerful in gaining S trust;it defines your true interest in them!
Hi Della I see you made it!
A1: get to know them personally - their likes/dislikes, family members. Reach out to them outside of school.
A1 cont: I do this when they start to come to the school in the middle when I see them in the hallway. https://t.co/Wg3teECjG9
A1 cont: I also do a lot of conversations at lunch, and get to know my kids.
A1: Building relationships is important in dealing with reluctant learners.
Conversations are key to connect with students https://t.co/4xcQ6CmMny
A1 cont: I also do a lot of conversations at lunch, and get to know my kids.
Conversations are key to connect with students https://t.co/ixwMSPX3Df
A1 cont: I also do a lot of conversations at lunch, and get to know my kids.
Q2: How do we encourage our co-workers to push boundaries and be more creative?
Love all the answers to Q1 being about building relationships! Yes!!!
A1 I work to establish a relationship with them-when times get rough I know what they like and can connect.
This year I have been really making an effort with home visits. So far we have conducted 31 home visits.
Carolyn RTI from North Texas A1 I work on building a relationship with ss, find out interests and what their gift is.
A1 - I would add getting Ss to make connections between what they're learning and things they already know or enjoy.
A2: I step out on the limb with them. Co-teach, study together, lead by example. Actions speak louder than words
Welcome! https://t.co/2gv6jIXBT2
Carolyn RTI from North Texas A1 I work on building a relationship with ss, find out interests and what their gift is.
A2: You have to model it even for the reluctant teacher. That is where PLCs come in to play.
A2: Lead the way. Involve coworkers as much as possible and inspire their own creativity. https://t.co/FqfG9paRvF
Q2: How do we encourage our co-workers to push boundaries and be more creative?
Sarah B. Checking in from Lawton, OK
A2 By being open to diff perspectives. Making effort to be GREAT for all the success of Ss. After all,
A2: To get more creativity in school: Model. Model. Support. Support. Encourage. Encourage. Repeat.
A2 In order to push others we need to model it ourselves. Help encourage them through our guidance
A2: Share what they're doing on social media...pictures and acknowledgements go a long way!
A2:Let them see how happy you are doing it&show kids are engaged when push&acreage on board https://t.co/1IJfyvNBua
Q2: How do we encourage our co-workers to push boundaries and be more creative?
A2: By working together and trying new things as a team.
A2: Do it with them! Let them see you try & maybe fail & learn from it & be better for it. Be bold! Keep inviting.
A2 - Ts sometimes need to be inspired by what COULD be. Videos, demonstrations, & showing how to make it work in their class.
Amy from NC jumping in a bit late.
A2 model model model we as leaders have to show that we can step out of our comfort zones too
A2. Model taking risks in creative ways. Fail in front of colleagues, and let them see you with a
Q3: What is one area in which you are trying to grow this year? and how?
A2 get the risk temperament of the Prin so that new initiatives can be safely attempted. https://t.co/G7ToHCNtTA
Q2: How do we encourage our co-workers to push boundaries and be more creative?
there's no such thing as late. Welcome glad you could make it.
Agreed! We tend to have a mindset that we can't make mistakes https://t.co/MaJyv76qQz
A2: Do it with them! Let them see you try & maybe fail & learn from it & be better for it. Be bold! Keep inviting.
A3: I am trying to learn more about reading strategies and guided math and being better organized/prepared
Pre-K teacher from Columbus, Ohio here. Still patiently waiting to start my year. Enrollment isn't the greatest at the moment 😞
A3: Ss to do more technical writing. Ss get caught up in the activity, but Ss should write what they learned.
A3 building student relationships.
Trying to balance data driven instruction and innovation
A3 Im trying to learn & grow in my reading & math tech integration for my teachers
Q3. Expanding my PLN and embracing "new to me technology" to increase S engagement. Meeting kids where they are with tech.
A3: Provide more social services to our community
A3 I'm trying to be more positive about myself & learn how to accept feedback. I've realized it impacts your life 2 be better.
A3: Honestly, not taking on too many projects at once. Want to finish all at once. https://t.co/uglMYBIXw0
Q3: What is one area in which you are trying to grow this year? and how?
A3: Working on increasing teacher leaders within our campus...giving our teachers a voice.
A3: Using our iPads as much as possible in meaningful ways!
Excited to be a PLC at my new school;lrning the art of taking other Ts work and using it in my T style https://t.co/I56SIp07Vc
Q3: What is one area in which you are trying to grow this year? and how?
A2: As a new School Swrkr, learning more about educational process. More time in classrooms. https://t.co/rCJnqP2iV8
Q3: What is one area in which you are trying to grow this year? and how?
Q2: Leading by example/not being afraid to openly evaluate each other when the time calls for it. We are all in this together!
A2: Modelling is important. We take risks when we see others willing to take risks.
A2- get out of their comfort zones and adapt a growth mindset
Q4: If you had to pick one word to describe what you want this year to be like, what is it and why?
A2: Share! Teachers are scared but will feed off your energy and creativity. Be an example and mentor for others.
A1) Find out what the student likes and then figure out how to related to the text for topic.
A2: Be vulnerable- share the good, bad and ugly.
A3 I am treating all feedback as conversations this year. I want equal interaction w/my Ss as we discuss how to move forward.
A3: Hooking Ss into learning by providing more hands-on opportunities.
Q3 I'm learning how to develop my leadership skills ..principal licensure is in the works
A4: Personal. I want my Ss, staff, and parents to know I truly care about them personally.
A2: growing to become a leader
A3: to make my lessons more cullturally responsive.We uesd Mi Tienda's sales ad the Ss were so excited https://t.co/COXg62e8OR
A4 Magical 🌟✨✨ https://t.co/7SKKTv662H
Q4: If you had to pick one word to describe what you want this year to be like, what is it and why?
Please introduce yourself, what grade you teach or position, and your location!
Q3 learning how to lead others in conversations about diversity and how how differences shape is as educators
A3: Giving our kids a voice. We are starting a blog with S's on why is is special to them! https://t.co/8kHTuV57nc
Q3: What is one area in which you are trying to grow this year? and how?
A3: Bringing in our families. ❤️ We are grilling in the neighborhoods/complexes. Communicating the positive.
PLENTY! I want to know my Ss gained "plenty",felt "plenty"appreciated,& I gave plentifully! https://t.co/l8lRJUZL65
Q4: If you had to pick one word to describe what you want this year to be like, what is it and why?
A4: Technologically-savvy. Our job is to prepare 21st century learners.
Chiming in between multiple school events Marella Chicago 2nd grade
Yes that's one of mines to! RT : A3: PLNs
A4 Sorry, I have to use two words: inspiring & empowering. They're both intertwined & together transform lives!
A3: Helping schools improve their working culture. Reading and getting mentor. Also helping to grow "try it" experiments
That's awesome RT : A3: Bringing in our families. ❤️ We are grilling in the neighborhCommunicating the positive.
A4 and to remember the hashtag! https://t.co/LkwCmiPGRG
A4 I'd like a year without humidity! Seriously, I want to make great connections with my students and families!
A1) Find out what the student likes and then figure out how to relate to the text for topic.
Encouraging- I want every child to know I care about them & that I believe in them
A4: Magical- combining forces of learning, collaborating, and building relationships
Awww... This is so nice! https://t.co/KxuH8iUo4A
A4: Personal. I want my Ss, staff, and parents to know I truly care about them personally.
A3: language and literacy. It's such an important subject to get comfortable with at a young age (I work with 4yr olds)
A4: MEANINGFUL. Making a point to show students you care with actions not just words. https://t.co/3k6qoFhBae
Q4: If you had to pick one word to describe what you want this year to be like, what is it and why?
Before we start find somebody new to follow to grow your PLN
A4 . Empowering Ss Ts & myself to take charge and feel energized about their/our learning
A4. Memorable. I want learning to be so exciting it creates lifetime memories for Ss and Ts
Let's welcome our guest host
Worth- students need to have a strong sense of self worth
Question 4 https://t.co/zakhp2K1NP
Q4: If you had to pick one word to describe what you want this year to be like, what is it and why?
Question 4 https://t.co/QTdyrgfv4L
Q4: If you had to pick one word to describe what you want this year to be like, what is it and why?
A3: I will continue to work closely with an organization here that specializes in it (lit coaches and trainings)
follows a Q & A Format. Q1/A1 Q2/A2
Q5: What book(s) do you enjoy that teach kids about diversity and kindness?
A4: Exceptional - in what we provide to our students & community on a daily basis & in our expectations for ourselves.
A4 Surpising- Bc ive learned so much about myself these past months. There are things I didn't think I could do. Now I CAN!
A2 I love to share my ss excitement! That's always a big seller. Also let them see me get out of my box.
A4: Purposeful. If u have no purpose then u have no goals. Everyone needs their purpose to drive them! https://t.co/JHJprMF0aa
Q4: If you had to pick one word to describe what you want this year to be like, what is it and why?
Culture. How Ts and Ss work can be dramatically improved by leveraging the untold stories of how we do our work.
A3: if anyone has any books or resources they go to for language and literacy for pre-k throw them at me!
First Question coming up in 1 min
A4: Engaging -- Hoping for a year of high engagement and rigor!
A4: Life-changing! I want kids who have never been successful to feel success!
A5: I love "Mexican Whiteboy" by and "One" and "Rosie Revere Engineer"
A2) Go beyond the standard, the curriculum, the textbook, and themselves.
Nice! https://t.co/rGh2M24tiK
A4: MEANINGFUL. Making a point to show students you care with actions not just words. https://t.co/3k6qoFhBae
Q4: If you had to pick one word to describe what you want this year to be like, what is it and why?
Let students know that you care for them💙🐬
Hi ! I’m Delsia in Alabama. Late, but here!
A5: We read Spaghetti In A Hot Dog Bun yesterday. My Ss gave it a round of 👏🏻 after
A5 Just read ..I Like Myself
A4: Learns everyone learning and growing...Ts, Ss, Ps & community
A5: Don't have one I'm in love with yet. Can't wait to read answers! https://t.co/cKsFXqQPaT
Q5: What book(s) do you enjoy that teach kids about diversity and kindness?
WONDER,by RJ Palacio.Kids enjoy reading it&I find their response to it inspiring. https://t.co/lJ6TsfH18O
Q5: What book(s) do you enjoy that teach kids about diversity and kindness?
I read that book. I own it! is a great author. Talk about culture! https://t.co/knIxyrO20n
A5: I love "Mexican Whiteboy" by and "One" and "Rosie Revere Engineer"
A5 Sometimes a blog says it best. Here are some great novels that embrace diversity & teach kindness. https://t.co/SRNT8WiGsX
A5 "Enemy Pie" & "Whoosh went the WIsh" are great for kindness
Q6: How can we teach our kids to 'dream big' if they come from an environment that teaches opposite?
A5: Love Stand Tall Molly Lou Melon and The Sandwich Swap...Also The Hundred Dresses is a childhood fave!
A4: that's a hard one, but I'll go with MEANINGFUL. I want my children AND families experiences in my class to mean something
A5 The Name Jar is great for Diversity
Question 6 https://t.co/IdOYwb0iMJ
Q6: How can we teach our kids to 'dream big' if they come from an environment that teaches opposite?
A6: We have to continually remind them anything is possible. Show them examples of others.
A2 I'm in a new position this year and hope to be able to help ss be successful and share my passion for rdg.
A5: The Colors of Us by Karen Katz is one of my favorite books about diversity!
You can facilitate and design into their learning environment. Unpack with them! https://t.co/aKiHuJfCyr
Question 6 https://t.co/IdOYwb0iMJ
Q6: How can we teach our kids to 'dream big' if they come from an environment that teaches opposite?
Help them see moving forward can mean leaving behind things that have held us back before. https://t.co/Uf2yEvKr1H
Q6: How can we teach our kids to 'dream big' if they come from an environment that teaches opposite?
A6 by constantly reassuring them that they CAN do it and it that I truly believe in them
A6 Let the kids know you believe in them..not just in words but actions. And I'll take suggestions!
A6: I agree. You have to remind them that it is possible.
Yes ! I read that book several years ago! Love it!
A6 Books are a great start. Protagonists dream, struggle, make mistakes, persevere, & ultimately prevail. Great models for kids
A5 A Sick Day for Amos McGee (kindness)
A6: Dream with them. Help them and show them what amazing things they can accomplish. https://t.co/7SYY8mEhgJ
Q6: How can we teach our kids to 'dream big' if they come from an environment that teaches opposite?
A6: By believing in them and giving them opportunities to take risks! And lots and lots of encouragement
Be their role model and show them ways to think out of the box
A6: Representation matters. Literature, videos, in class visits from people who look like them doing what they can achieve
A6: Share stories of those from same situation who dared to dream big and reached their goals...esp yours if you have one
A6 Expose them to dreamers which have succeeded....share your story...celebrate successful failures https://t.co/EPICv20jU2
Q6: How can we teach our kids to 'dream big' if they come from an environment that teaches opposite?
A6: Celebrate the process!How their efforts help them meet their goals. https://t.co/EKwtmnFHv6
Q6: How can we teach our kids to 'dream big' if they come from an environment that teaches opposite?
A6: We have to teach students how to attain a to flourish in negative environments.
Q7: What do you do to keep your own fire burning so you don't burn out?
A6 - showing examples of Ss who come from similar environments and gained great success https://t.co/1nh2jiVs77
Q6: How can we teach our kids to 'dream big' if they come from an environment that teaches opposite?
A6: DREAM BIG.Ts can model the way as well as Adm. Ss do what they see.
A6 Start with teaching them the value of worthy in THEM. Show how big dreaming is & what it can lead to.
Love Wonder! Such a great read for Ss with a great might.
A7: I think we are all doing it right now by participating in this chat.
A5: Grandmother's Dreamcatcher is one of my favourites.
A4 Difference Because I want to make a difference.
A7 Talking time to Sharpen the Saw, spending time with family, creating a motivating PLN
A6: Read literature with themes that match that message.
Everyone have a skill and always just need a little encouragement along the way. Highly recommend it. In love.
A7: Chat on Twitter w/others in similar situations, enjoy family time, reading for enjoyment
Y'all need to check out and his story! His passion will inspire you and your S's
I've really enjoyed your insight. Can't wait to check out the links you provided.
A7: I find others who encourage me. I read often and watch Netflix. I love gardening and seeing movies too
A7 Challenge myself to learn something new....& PLN full of others who model my mindset and push me https://t.co/z1iwsqx8xz
Q7: What do you do to keep your own fire burning so you don't burn out?
This! Taking time to connect w/colleagues.Leaving work at work-hardest of all to do! https://t.co/94eyqVuAC7
Q7: What do you do to keep your own fire burning so you don't burn out?
A7 constantly remind myself to be the kind of teacher I want for my personal children
A7 - reading, finding inspiration + new things to try. Knowing the kind of T I want to be and striving! https://t.co/dnIpoecN05
Q7: What do you do to keep your own fire burning so you don't burn out?
I'm going to have to check it out.
A7: Presenting and sharing at professional developments and conferences, like the amazing wonderful free .
A7 It's tough sometimes. I work hard to stay involved in outside interests...my dog, son's sports, friends
A7 i love edcamps and reading and of course chats like these
A7 I cultivate a classroom filled with willingness, wisdom, wonder, & worth-- as much for my students as for myself. I grow too
Netflix can be so addicting!! Forgot to list my tv shows & movies!!
A7: I'm currently back in school for my bachelors degree. Also, I engage myself in chats and discussions like this!
A6) Ask hypothetical ??? 2 consider what if & driving, affective, & personal ??? that emphasize "you" https://t.co/O9aIpzGa5O
I swear your pictures are on FLEEK! Ss lingo hahaha!!
A7: learning from other passionate professionals
I think "fleek" died last school year. LOL!
I am honored, Rachel. I still LOVE teaching after 24 yrs in the classroom. https://t.co/mebT99kqez
I've really enjoyed your insight. Can't wait to check out the links you provided.
A7 I focus on the positive by tweeting about my best 10 minutes of each day . Great way to end my work day.
Jamie 5th grade San Antonio tx
Read, attend PLC's, share best practices, have a growth mindset
A7: Working on the mysterious wonder called "self care". Reading and Twittering. https://t.co/h9rvn4Kzwm
Q7: What do you do to keep your own fire burning so you don't burn out?
Q8: How can you encourage a co-worker this week?
Now that's something to brag about!
A7: I LOVE teacher social media! I feel like I'm able to constantly learn from wonderful Ts. I also love going to conferences.
A7: Refuel by learning from other like minded professionals. We mirror those we're around the most. Mentors & coaching matter
A7 Dance. Love the passion of refueling my body.Also love watching WWE wrestling & being with Nature. https://t.co/eGx56FE0aG
A7: Reading and gardening for relaxation. Trying to remember I'm more than a teacher.
A8: Write a note. Make a phone call. Surprise them with lunch. Cover their class for 30 min.
A8 Tweeting out great things happening in their classrooms. Active Listening. Sweet treets during low moments
I don't think people understand the value of these & other chat sessions. So inspiring and rejuvenating for the teaching soul!
A7: I read, research, share, participate in online webinars, chat, enjoy time with my family and vacation :) !
A7: Hanging out w/ people that make you laugh & encourage your ideas. Time w/ family & my pup. 🐶❤️ https://t.co/jvfO9zcbvd
A8 write them a note of encouragement and tell them how awesome they are!
A7 - Showing them the bright spots, what they did well this week! https://t.co/jtDDRSpc8l
Q8: How can you encourage a co-worker this week?
So doing this! https://t.co/Qsi2JG2IcY
A8: Write a note. Make a phone call. Surprise them with lunch. Cover their class for 30 min.
A8 Simply invite a new teacher to have lunch w/ you in your room. They will never forget this kindness & a relationship is made
A6. Build that relationship, connect them with a mentor.
Welcome to the club. These chats are just mind blowing. As a student, I have learned so much! https://t.co/mP0vExcT94
A7: I'm currently back in school for my bachelors degree. Also, I engage myself in chats and discussions like this!
A8 love your post it note on the door idea
Can you come and cover my math class! Lol!
A8: Give a compliment, provide a snack, send a card, stay positive even when things get tough!
So true. So true. "So much more than a ..." is a powerful axiom to never forget. https://t.co/iG4wVgutgv
A7: Reading and gardening for relaxation. Trying to remember I'm more than a teacher.
A8: Acknowledging someone for something they've done with a happy note or email. Last year we had a staff shoutout board.
A8: Show appreciation for the wonderful work they've done and give examples while doing so https://t.co/1iwUDNzvEF
Q8: How can you encourage a co-worker this week?
A8:embrace an idea they didn't think you noticed. I think that's especially important for a co-teacher or even student teacher.
A8 I encouraged and "taught" my team partner to join our team twitter page. Small steps.
A8. Focus on the positive...think growth versus perfection https://t.co/jtrRpcMSBk
Q8: How can you encourage a co-worker this week?
A8: Tell them they are appreciated & specifically why. Be a listener & cheerleader.
I just died!! LOLOLOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
A7 Connect with others to add to my tribe. Read books like love
Thanks for joining me for tonight!! It was a blast learning alongside all of you! Enjoy your Friday tomorrow!
A8: Listen, listen and listen, provide the support requested and say Thank you!
Be a good listener, mentor, & empathetic communicator
Not many understand. I wish everyone did. They'll change your life
Thanks! Great take aways!
I got a Rt44 Limeade from Sonic delivered to me in my classroom fr admin on my bday! Amazing! https://t.co/KdpELqFn0X
Q8: How can you encourage a co-worker this week?
A6: Genuinely believe in your Ss, invest in them, and show them their worth.
Thank you and for a great opportunity to learn and share!
Loved this chat! I'll be sure to log in on time next Thursday
Thank you at for hosting a such an engaging chat!
Thank you for the thought provoking questions and to all for your great insights. Cheers!!
A8 our teachers are doing a fantastic job sharing on Twitter. Love seeing ss learning.
A7: remind myself of the impact I make every day just being my Ss teacher. What a responsibility and honor!
Thank you for joining us for ! A very special thanks to for moderating.
thanks for hosting. Great chat!
Join us next week with and for and engaging chat on Flipping the Urban Classroom
A8 Share experiences! Invite them to Twitter. Not many know about these great chats! They are life changing!
A8: Begin with a note of thanks or a note of encouragement. Appreciate the small things.
A8: totally stealing idea of writing a note. Brand new teachers could use words of encouragement/appreciation
