#sschat Archive
#sschat is a network of educators, resources, and ideas that started on Twitter, but has expanded to Facebook, an annual NCSS unconference, and more. Join us to chat asynchronously on Twitter or Facebook, or chat with us live on Mondays from 7-8pm EST.
Monday September 5, 2016
Welcome to tonight's on classroom climate. Please introduce yourself (where you live, what you teach, etc.) https://t.co/CzNZ9ynv1V
Your hosts tonight are the co-mods (, , & ) minus who just had a son a few days ago!!!
Please be sure to include on your tweets so those participating in the chat can see.
Congrats to !!! Wonderful https://t.co/eJ4W6uGxcv
Your hosts tonight are the co-mods (, , & ) minus who just had a son a few days ago!!!
Chris from Bloomington, IN. I teach world history for an online private HS affiliated w/ Indiana University.
Really looking for resources to get started, especially in a non tech room
I'm awake for - hooray! Kelly from NJ - &
Hello . This is Bill Chapman, a retired secondary social studies teacher, checking in from Berkeley, CA. Happy Labor Day to all!
Trying to put together slides for day 1 so I'll be in and out of but it's all good :)
Hi! I'm Michael - an moderator, high school teachers and an Eggo enthusiast.
Bruce 6th grade SS / ELA NC
been investigating since I don't know how to start
Pre-service SS teacher. Masters in Education. One more year until I student teach. New Hampshire
Dan Krutka here helping out… co-leader, podcast w/ , ed professor, & professional coffee drinker. ;)
A1 if you (T or S) are concerned about safety, any sort of learning will take a back seat, fo' sho'
A1) Teach world history & deal w/ religions, belief sys, events from diff perspectives, etc. So imp to have safe space to discuss..
A1 we can't talk about current events and "tough" topics w/o this being done first - build relationships - everything else later
Very true! If Ss don't feel respected & that their views are not valued, hard to expect them to actively participate.
A1: Put another way, to what degree can learning take place in physically or intellectually unsafe spaces? https://t.co/bPuOvw0G2q
A1 What kid is ever going to participate in class if they don't feel safe or productive? What adult for that matter?
Sometimes to learn & admit you don't understand requires you to be vulnerable. A safe space is vital!
A1 we have to consider the fact that we don't know where our Ss are coming from - giving a welcoming environment is 1/2 the battle
A1: Safe & productive allows S's the structure they need to learn. S's need that security
Exactly. Students shut down when they dont feel like they’re respected. Or they rebel. Either way, not good. https://t.co/eQAlBch5Db
A1 What kid is ever going to participate in class if they don't feel safe or productive? What adult for that matter?
I don't know if you can even tack the easy topics without feeling safe!
Mmmmm. Early in my career, I was in some faculty meetings where the environ wasn't safe or productive. :(
A1: we must recognize our shared precariousness and vulnerability. We must feel safe to be part of difficult conversations
A1 how do we develop that safe place from day 1? (guess that's not an answer really LOL)
A1 You need safety for student voice to flourish. Productivity is necessary for Ss to feel like they are learning.
Yes. & a safe space shouldn't block out other POVs, but rather allow Ss to discuss openly, honesty, & hear other sides
A1: maybe it's more about feeling smart, capable and affirmed than "safe", though.
yes. Have access to library computers on occasion.
Good point. What does “safe” mean & is it the best term for what we want? https://t.co/OKUAhugDl3
A1: maybe it's more about feeling smart, capable and affirmed than "safe", though.
A2 I spend a lot of time letting kids get to know me and vice versa at the beginning of the year - very valuable!
A2 But I NEED the A2! My thoughts though are that you lead by example on this.. Ts have to be open and establish protocol
Q2 it's about your approach, explaining why, being open and emotional - new teachers need to observe - not easy to describe
You have a point, though it doesn't take much for Ss to feel wounded if their views are not respected,
A2: ask students to be willing to confront and challenge those ideas and beliefs to which they hold most dearly
A2 I don't think I've ever thought about this, but I believe that I've always done this one way or another.. Hear & support them
A2 for that matter, we all need to observe each other more and reflect
A2: I try position my students as teachers in my classes by asking them to share their knowledge & expertise in various ways.
A2) Try to do several things w/ point of view from more distant to more personal so Ss can practice w/ things less "scary."
As often points out - learn correct name pronunciations. It's simple and important.
A2 You have to give Ss a reason to take a positive risk. Let them know that its ok to fail, but not ok to try!
So, if as a T you value open, safe spaces; should you challenge that with your students?
A2 We all try to build relationships with our students. And routines. Both lead to safety and productivity.
I always want to debate best ice cream flavors. People can have oddly impassioned viewpoints. https://t.co/2VbMRXj9AL
A2) Try to do several things w/ point of view from more distant to more personal so Ss can practice w/ things less "scary."
Which begs the question, how do you get students (and yourself) to *really* do this? https://t.co/JXcxxU1hIr
A2: ask students to be willing to confront and challenge those ideas and beliefs to which they hold most dearly
Yes, for many Ss, part of safety may be understanding that having a diff POV is not going to affect grade.
Yes. I know it when I see it, but can't put a finger on it!
definitely!!! Very simple but very powerful for those kids who dread the first roll call
my day 1 lesson in my class is to have Ss teach a lesson - on anything. I hope this sets a tone of "its OK"
Letting Ss introduce selves can help w/ this. Tried to take phonetic notes on names.
A2: expose my vulnerabilities & faults, dispel misconceptions (teacher knows all the answers), frame inquiry as many perspectives.
I try to get students to challenge stereotypes & labels in our classroom & school as a way towards doing it in our larger society.
I get heated up on Jimmies VS Sprinkles... Fair warning! But a cool and creative idea!
Ken from Western Oregon Univ. College of ED, social studies pedagogy. Labor Day is throwing me off. Forget about until now
A2: First day we do a survey of S interests. I talk about how I like video games too. I work hard on building relationships
I've become very passionate about cheesecake flavored ice cream.
Q3: How does/should your school create a safe & productive school environment that affirms all students? https://t.co/K4Td7jrXzV
This is awesome. Totally stealing it!
is there a way you show/model vulnerability with students beyond saying you don’t have all the answers?
This is what I do for the first week - students get to know each other & how history is made. https://t.co/BrS11VW0QK
I ALWAYS have students pronounce their names and what they want me to call them - I NEVER call out names on first day
That's key. It's hard with middle schoolers. Must support their views w/reasoning. Not happy when I tell them that.
totally - I stole it first, so steal away!!
A1 Ss must feel safe before can engage in creative & critical thought
one student taught a lesson on a sport from her home country. They have 5 min to prep and 2 min to teach.
I think the seals the deal there too
admit that I have blindspots, call out power when I'm exerting it, try to be metacognitive in moments and model that
We did this a lot when I worked for City Year. We called it "Each One, Teach One." It was fun. https://t.co/LkPTtpVSr1
one student taught a lesson on a sport from her home country. They have 5 min to prep and 2 min to teach.
While this applies to all Ss, I had breakthrough w/ Chinese exchange student by having her teach her culture https://t.co/DQ8M4Weuml
I think the seals the deal there too
A3 We have a mentoring program for our 7th graders. Good for both 7th and 8th graders. Shared experiences.
A3) Worked at diverse school outside DC & flags of all countries representing Ss displayed in cafeteria. Good reminder.
A3 Ss need to know that academics is only one part of their school experience. Their social emotional needs are great as well.
Fabulous - giving Ss free range of was key - literally ANY topic (school appropriate) is good for me!
That sounds awesome! My son is in 7th & he loves his gym class where 8th graders help them w/ spotting/form in weight room.
1st day this year,asked students to describe average American - then showed this video &discussed https://t.co/TzHnIb7mwt powerful
I think we have to look at who we honor as a staff. Are the same students being chosen for opportunities?
Love this! Always encouraged Ss to get involved in at least one extracurric activity so had other ties to school.
A3: Not enough to just have school-wide anti-bullying programs, schools need pro-affirmation cultures to really support all Ss & Ts.
Any specific examples of what this looks like/sounds like in practice?
Q4: What are strategies for maintaining a safe & productive environment throughout the year? https://t.co/kFtlAXiX0l
Lurking and learning on ... great ideas
Mary-Owen from . teacher! Excited to hear from others on classroom climate!
A2 Make safe & productive climate by ensuring alll class work has meaning(easier said than done). Means being willing to shift gears
A2 We open with a fun collaborative Breakout and then a Pop Up Musuem - kids learn a ton about each other https://t.co/hvV2pDRzC8
A3: safe space for whom and for what? Intersectionalities trouble the "all" narrative a bit for me. Safety can also create danger.
so true. Too often we reward the same students for the same behaviors and don't value students who have other gifts.
Our school is implementing some neat things - postcards teachers can send to students for whatever we choose is one of them.
Yea, it really is just about recognizing, reflecting, and discussing. Not in that order, probably.
A4 always let students know their voice matters - don't walk out w/o sharing - email me, stop in if can't talk - really helps
Regularly bringing in people of different cultures from community & beyond; Encourage Ts/departments to come up w/ plans.
A4 constant discussion activities, moving seats all the time, working together, pointing out the positive, agreeing to disagree
we do a pay it forward idea like that - really cool
Love that! Always end my comments to Ss (online course) asking for their feedback & any ?s, contact me anytime, etc.
A1 Ss learn/collaborate best in environments where they feel safe to express their thoughts & concerns. No safety = Little learning.
with my project - the success was built on
A4 Should abolish high stakes testing. Feeling snarky there :)
Great point! I also teach WH & its hard to discuss other perspectives/beliefs if we don't have a safe space already built.
Sorry - have to drop out to have dinner with the family. Enjoy the 4 day week!
Late tonight mark from ct glad to be back on here
See you tomorrow night for , Chris.
A4 being open/transparent in discussion with Ss, not focusing on grades, share rationale for assignments, content
A4 chances for SS to give written feedback about what is working and what's not several times each term
A4: constant communication, open & reciprocal relationships, seeing the humanity in students, despite what the system says.
A3: Going over classroom expectations for S's AND for T's. S's will feel confident in class that way
A1. If you dont have a safe environment it will breed chaos.
The idea that the teacher is playing by "climate" rules as well as Ss?
Q5: How do you ensure students are comfortable sharing views or experiences not held by the majority? https://t.co/CAbpeEVk5z
I show comics all year and how they reflect our changing society - we need to see ourselves in our heroes https://t.co/y5S3iP0PrD
A5 I've found that allowing Ss to respond in an online forum often takes some pressure off initially.
A2 I tell the students I only have one rule and that is respect. Respect the room, and each other at all times.
The idea that society and views change over time is really key. So valuable for Ss.
A4 Provide rich, meaningful classes, willing to change midstream, being consistent w/ expectations. Ss can trust u (w/ boundaries)
Indeed. The idea of classrooms as safe spaces is really new. Probably post 9/11.
A4 Constant monitoring. Watch and listen.
It can provide some distance (not sure if that's the right word) that may make some feel more comfortable sharing.
you model that behavior you want the kids to show..
We need to value diversity of opinions. We must establish discussion ground rules.
A5) Teachers have to model the tact and decorum required of sensitive and courageous conversations.
A5 great Q - try to highlight counterclaims and focus on perspective - different or minoritt opinion doesnlt mean wrong ...
A3 our school has the acronym RAMS which stands for Respect, Attitude, Motivation, and Success to inspire a positive culture.
A5 ... if based on solid evidence
agreed, it's a bit of a buffer that gives the initial "toe in the water" feel before they will verbalize, I think
A5 thru having discussions in which mult views are expressed& analyzed throughout school year. Makes it part of class environment
It's easier to edit your words in that medium than while speaking. Twitter does that for me, to an extent. :)
I also think it is important for students to take on perspectives that are not their own.
A4 I try to curb any negative behavior, but my students grade themselves daily on a point system to instill positive behavior
A5 Lots of practicing the rules for dialog before the real thing.
A2 Being open/vulnerable with Ss when it comes to my failures (I'm human, too!). Collaborative work/discussions from day1.
very true, they need to investigate on their own.
Wow! Can't even imagine. Another SS T told me it would be my JFK assassination. He was right.
A5 abide by the expectations of citizens in a deliberative society: nondiscriminatory and nonrepressive https://t.co/fprPkqIOuq
Love this! We must model how we want Ss to act. Challenging Ss while respecting different views isn’t easy. https://t.co/eulHBEWMwF
A5) Teachers have to model the tact and decorum required of sensitive and courageous conversations.
Q6: With more classes meeting in a virtual or hybrid environments, how can we create safe spaces online? https://t.co/Zj90zOAfmg
Exactly! Students learn quickly which teachers/spaces require a respectful tone in sensitive discussions. https://t.co/r1hp03nrIZ
A2 I tell the students I only have one rule and that is respect. Respect the room, and each other at all times.
One of the values of simulations though may have to tread carefully depending on topic (said from experience).
A4: conferencing w/ S's, keeping an open line of communication
I was in 11th grade when JFK was killed. I don't think 9/11 was even close in impact - at least immediately
yeah it works fairly well. I don't usually have to many discipline issues.
Interesting. What is the source?
A3 Positive behavior program that encourages openness & honesty. Recognition for good. Also invite community leaders to be involved!
It was closest thing that I've experienced in my lifetime but can see that.
If you incorporate and instill all aspects of digital citizenship. You can create and foster many safe places online
A6 one way is to model and show our conversations online - discourse, exploring ideas, agreeing (usually)
A6 There are ways to control some of those spaces. Digital citizenship must be stressed.
A6: Ss (& Ts) need to practice netiquette & practice how messages are not just sent, but potentially received, online.
The diff I see is that the entire nation shut down for at least 4 days in Nov 1963. Nothing like it since
The interwebs can be a frightening place. I've checked the comment section on news articles & people can be terrible.
A6) Part of it for me is seeing it as learning exp for Ss. They will likely mess up. Have to have idea for how to handle as T.
A4 I move seats every 2 wks so all Ss work w/ everyone. Class is our community, so strive to find the good & problem solve.
Hey U.S. History teachers, how are you teaching the Star Spangled Banner this year?
A6 great question! I'm trying to figure this out.Think there's something to some videoconf meetings in online class to "humanize" it
All businesses & schools closed; TV programming cancelled except for network news.
A6: We should not only warn against/discuss poor uses of social media, but model/practice positive uses.
some media outlets have decided 2not have comments section anymore. Figure people will discuss on social media instead
Very true. Thanksgiving weekend. We didn't go back to school until after the funeral.
The saturation news coverage was close, but still not the same.
A4 cont. Also, encourage questions! I tell Ss when I can't answer something & stress importance of sharing opinions w/o arguing.
Q7: Based on tonight’s , what strategies or activities can you implement to make your class and school safe & productive?
I try to leave some video/audio feedback for Ss as well as video intro for myself so I seem more "real" to them.
Digital citizenship should be a part of a curriculum as the comment sections are often filled with people who...need some training.
that's great! I'm going to try to do more of that this year. Have a couple things lined up for upcoming term.
A7 Teach the tools of respectful dialog earlier in the semester.
A5 practice Accountable Talk w/ light topics (fav candy, etc) before using for harder discussions. Ss should help create guidelines.
Yes and should be part of entire curriculum in every class. Just a part of all expectations.
& that is what I am going to work on! This year I will make digital citizenship a part of my class. Not sure exactly how.
A6 Spend time teaching digital citizenship. Easy to get rude because of "anonymity" but impt to be respectful always.
A7, keeping more of an open dialog to show respect for the students
A7) I like to use Lunchroom Fight & Snapshot Aubiography Project to intro POV, bias, etc.
I hope all T's can take a moment to reflect on the complexity of the past reflectd in hist/current practices https://t.co/jyO4X71NIE
Hey U.S. History teachers, how are you teaching the Star Spangled Banner this year?
start by asking them what social media they use, recount experiences, etc - eye-opening!
I love that but we haven't divvied it up as a department. So some students get Lunchroom 1 & 2 every year
I do Lunchroom 1 first sem and Lunchroom 2 second sem. :) Don't always have same Ss.
I have to run. Thanks for another (as always) thought provoking !
Yes! They just completed Lunchroom Fight II. Teachable moments galore!
A6:model what affirmation and respect looks like in dig. spaces. Focus on what not to do is reprod. of authority in non-digital
A7 be open & inclusive. Invite all to the conversation & encourage collaboration.
When is everyone covering 9/11? Friday or Monday?
Thanks for a great chat tonight everyone. Thanks for moderating
great chat, great topic AND I finished my slides for tomorrow!! All by 8pm :)
Thanks - , , & me for moderating tonight! Dan will post the archives in a bit.
Make sure to join us each Monday!
Gotta run - appreciate the warm welcome. Look forward to connecting with new follow/backs.
Dog wants to eat. Great chat
I do this "great" (I like it) Oral History project that I introduce on Sept 7 & Ss present on Sept 12 - somber day but
