CatholicEdChat is a twitter chat. Topics focus on discussions around educational issues for Catholic Educators and topics beneficial to Catholic Schools. We look forward to continuing to connect Catholic Educators online to discuss education and teaching with faith in our schools. The chat takes place on Saturday mornings. Time 9am EST.
Good morning from Peabody, MA. Please introduce yourself – where you are from and grades/subjects you teach. I am a K-8 librarian at @OLAEagles#CatholicEdChat
Good morning, Christy from CA here! Need a favor-if anyone sees my tweets with my Ss film for my new YouTube club can you like AND retweet? Looking to build a following for them! #catholicedchat
JD, Geek from Indy. Two weeks into the school year and rocking the #robotEDU and #digcit curriculum and playing with new tech toys...debate starts in a week #catholicedchat
Good Morning. Doreen hear from RI. My first day teaching for @GCCE_LUC is not for a week or so, but I do get to be the Back-to-School speaker at Christian Brothers Academy in NJ, so I have the fun of an in-person start to school. #CatholicEdChat
We had a wonderful event welcoming back all the educators and staff from our schools on Friday. Group photo highlights all those new to the @oakdiocese schools #CatholicEdChat
A1 I tweet at @Room113SMM We had a fabulous Open House on Thursday. I left my students with Bubbles and the phrase, "I'm Bubbling Over with Excitement to meet you" plus the URL to our class website. #CatholicEdchat
A1. One thing I'm trying this year is sending all my students a "welcome to 6th grade science" letter about a week before school starts. #CatholicEdChat
A1. as a school, the freshman orientation is a whole school event. Twitter countdown photos were fun this year. Mass of the holy spirit and popsicle celebration was yesterday #catholicedchat - as a teacher, get them moving. Human robots on day one! :)
I do a welcome to class, what do you want to learn email -- also, my first week email/checkin to parents gets us started on the right foot. #catholicedchat
A1. I like to post pictures of school that don't identify specific places. I want ppl to be curious. Also, I use positive phrases like #bestyearever. #CatholicEdChat
A1 everyone @sjrcsfred is so happy, excited, and smiling when the school year starts. It’s contagious bc Ts 💚their jobs & Ss💙their school #catholicedchat
A1: our school does an ice cream social before we officially open so kids can see their classroom, etc. I always hang up a poster of my favorite summer reads to set the tone! This is last year’s one. I also include my family’s favorites. 💜 #catholicedchat
A1: As a teacher for Ss w/ disabilities, some of mine were very anxious so it was more of a gal to have a calm, welcoming 1st day. I would them all individually once before school starts, so they could see the rim and school when it was empty. #CatholicEdChat
A1 #CatholicEdChat Buzz starts with three days of frosh orientation, starting tomorrow with Mass & social event. Include upper-class S ldrs for frosh orient8tion. Ease into for rest of Ss with Mass of the Holy Spirit and run through schedule b4 full day on Thursday.
Good morning from La Loche Saskatchewan where I will be teaching grade 3 again. Our staff start 27 AU & students 04 SE so I’m still spending most of my time on my paddle board #CatholicEdChat
A1: We spend 2 days with just our Freshmen to give them the time and attention they need to get acclimated before the other 750+ show up. #catholicedchat
A1: I take time to let Ss talk and share...I don’t discuss classes the 1st day. I explain to them how my faith is important and I let them create and share how they’re each unique. It’s all about Ss the first day. #CatholicEdChat
Our school usually has a family fun day the first Friday afternoon with carnival type events and a barbecue. I post pics of my classroom on fb before we start #CatholicEdChat
Countdown pics last summer were a BIG hit on the Twitter and FB. Got Ss and parents (plus the pastor and staff) super excited to return to school. #CatholicEdChat
A2 Best tip - give yourself plenty of time! It takes a lot longer than you think you need, Especially if you stop and visit with your co-workers. #CatholicEdchat
A2: When I teaching elem music, I loved setting up onlyboartvof the room. When each class arrived, we would talk about what was missing and what we might need to have fun in music class. #CatholicEdChat
I know a friend of mine doesn't really decorate her room for the first day. 1 or 2 things and that's it. She allows the students to design the room. Allows them more ownership. #catholicedchat
A2. More listening for tips from the pros here-I've been looking around on pinterest for some ideas-bulletin boards have never been my forte #CatholicEdChat
A2 First, invest in fabric for your bulletin boards, you will rarely have to change it. Two if like me you are a traveling teacher and use a cart, dress it up and make it yours! #catholicedchat
A2 its a good idea to be sure the programs you used a few years ago work the same way today -- man, that was a tap dance when i realized how the ruins of atlantis simulator changed this year! #catholicedchat
A2: I was in a crunch this year setting up my room as we had some painting and carpeting done in my room and then we had a tech conference at our school...but I make sure all Ss feel included and feel welcome! #CatholicEdChat
A2: Pro Tip: Set up your classroom the week before other Ts are there. I finished way faster than if there were people on the building. #CatholicEdChat
I use a calming colour scheme in the classroom -pink, blue and grey. This year my borders in the classroom are all the same - created from a picture of Dene beadwork to affirm the students’ culture. The #CatholicEdChat
A2 pro-tip corallary: just because you show up a week early, the tech and maintenance staff are not at your beck and call. we have a LOT of bon bons to finish eating before you all show up. #catholicedchat
Joining late- A1: I will get together the night before school starts with my eighth grade girls to decorate the school. We put up Happy New Year decorations and write messages in sidewalk chalk. #CatholicEdChat
Middle School. English/Language Arts. Very progressive with other things as well. I think it was @JoyKirr that told me about this, but I'm getting older and forget things. #catholicedchat
A2 #CatholicEdChat I come in a few times when teachers are not required (meetings interrupt the flow of getting organized). Yesterday, I spent from 8-3 getting the two hallway bulletin boards completed. Tomorrow, I'll bring in plants & work at getting animals back into the room.
A2 I also say, don’t try and “wow” parents and admin with your creativity, focus on student work and wow them with student success not the wonderful snowman you created for your bulletin board! #catholicedchat
I try to get the bulk of mine done before others arrive because I spend a lot of time visiting once the other teachers arrive - getting to know the new ones and catching up with the old ones. I’m way behind this year though. #CatholicEdchat
A2: I use my kids and others’ as classroom “testers.” If they like it, I’m going in the right direction. I also have interactive B.B. to engage the Ss and families when they come for BTS night. #CatholicEdChat
I bring the tech staff and maintenance guys bon bons and soda. And selfie with them. (Note: tech staff and maintenance guys not pictured. @mtcathschools is pictured. #BigFan) #CatholicEdChat
A2. I will be setting up my office the day before school starts due to office renovation. So excited, but time crunch will make me be efficient! #CatholicEdChat
I also think that can lead to burn out (unless you truly love that stuff, which many people do). I remember my first year I tried to do the crazy decorations and 1. It drained time from the most important things & 2. It made the room about me #CatholicEdchat
A2: Also,one of the posters I’m having printed is of my Ss at their library visits this summer. They submitted these in Classroom as part of their summer reading assignments. #soexcited#CatholicEdChat
A3 I wish. I believe it’s coming. We still have the older although very nice, heavy desks that don’t offer much flexibility. And I’m tied to whatever classroom I’m assigned to for that period. #catholicedchat
A3. I have a variety of seats for the students/tables, but I have to change out seats depending on the grade. It can get a little crazy. #CatholicEdChat
I put borders & fabric backgrounds on my bulletin boards but other than a few basics like alphabet & calendar & Circle of Courage I leave them blank for student work & information after it’s discussed in class - daily 5 stuff etc. #catholicedchat
Glad I could pop in for a few minutes. Love to hear some excitement about going back to school, but gotta run to church for a meeting. #catholicedchat
Looking for ideas to start your year? Check out @JoyKirr LiveBinder & #1st5dayshttps://t.co/tPeicP0tar
Have to bounce early this morning, #CatholicEdChat-rain has stopped meaning I'm hitting the pavement. #ColumbusMarathon in 60 days!
Good luck to all those starting this week!
A3: we are big on flex seating! Can’t find all my pictures but here’s shots of one of the library corners! We also have a couch and a rocking chair. They are all prime real estate 😂#CatholicEdchat
I’ve used fabric for 15 years now. Have only bought it 3 times. This year I bought two new pieces for my hallway board. The classroom ones stay the same all year. Some of the ones from earlier years have been given away or repurposed as curtains for shelves. #CatholicEdchat
#CatholicEdchat Hey guys, I create FREE lessons on Instagram via virtual_disciple. It started in the Holy Land so ser earlier posts. Now I have broadened to cross curriculum fun. Check it out!
In reply to
@BarbInNebraska, @polonerd, @johnhughes1993, @instagram
#CatholicEdChat
I made all the pieces for these boards over the summer, then printed them out yesterday. Hunted over the school for the bulletin board paper. Both came from ideas I found on the Internet. Non-teachers do not understand how much time goes into bulletin boards!
So awesome to see when schools support flex seating. My friend @oonziela teaches in Chatham, NJ and some of their classrooms are like out of this world when it comes to comfort/flexibility. Makes me want to stay and read all day, which is the point! #CatholicEdChat
In reply to
@ChristineMonge, @ksedleader, @oonziela
Morning #CatholicEdchat Jumping in late. It’s my first year w/o a classroom to get ready, but getting a whole building ready has been an interesting process #principaltired
Hello from rainy NJ where I am trying to finish up cleaning out my 93 year old aunt’saparyment before Ts return for the school year. Everyone else is decorating and I’m throwing things out! Can’t wait to be back in school! #catholicedchat
i have used a mobile standing desk in the infocommons for 3 years...this year some admins are just noticing -- "but where do you sit?" -- "what if you need to take a call?" -- silly admins, geeks dont talk on the phone. #catholicedchat (ftrg. @40ishoracle )
I get as many wobbly steps as I can from the special ed teacher each year, have 6 low wooden stools at a low table, 6 huge bean bags, group desks to form bigger tables, different sized desks, rug & cushions & my teacher”chair” is a wobbly stool! #CatholicEdChat
A4: I will be honest. This changes every year for me. Every class I have had has been SO different. It’s really a matter of letting them lead me. But we agree on norms as a group, and set down virtues we want to exhibit/see in each other as students/ the teacher #catholicedchat
A3. I allow students to move and I'm trying to get pillows so students can sit on the floor sometimes if they wish, but I feel flexible seating has limitations in a science classroom due to safety issues. If anyone has good ideas, I'd be willing to listen to them. #CatholicEdChat
A4 Practicing classroom routines explicitly...even with older kids...so habits become ingrained and they can focus on instruction for learning as we progress. #CatholicEdchat
A4 Honestly I try not to sit, I walk around and engage with my students. But have to say Apple Classroom rocks to keep students on task! #catholicedchat
A4 Google Classroom is primary system for management, but at the beginning of the year in a course with a lot of freshman it is more about mindset than tools. Talking to the #digcit classes on monday about organizational mindset and controlling your own chaos #catholicedchat
We are implementing a modified form of responsive classroom. The three keys this year are interactive modeling, building-wide discipline practices, and morning meeting/advisory.
sharing the robotics lab with adjunct #digcit teacher this year -- he was outside the class working... "you can come in -- i never sit down so you can have the desk -- "never?" -- "ain't got time for no sittin'. we gots robots to build and lives to change!" #catholicedchat
A4: whole Brainteaching (WBT) lots of free stuff on YouTube. Also RonClark Academy ideas- mostly from the End of Molasses Classes by RonClark. #CatholicEdChat
I also just picked up to "husbands" at Target on sale for $12 each. Soft and fluffy. My own boys love them - I don't know if they'll let me take them to school! #catholicedchat
A4: whole Brainteaching (WBT) lots of free stuff on YouTube. Also RonClark Academy ideas- mostly from the End of Molasses Classes by RonClark. #CatholicEdChat
#CatholicEdchat depends on how big your space is. Any chance you could use part of the space for guided instruction (with the flex) and then a lab zone?
I understand about safety concerns in science. Depending on what we are doing there are times when I impose restrictions on seating choices. As long as the reasons are valid & explained to the students it works. Safety is important. #CatholicEdchat
A4 #CatholicEdChat Without a doubt, getting classroom management off on the right foot begins with working to build relationships. Spend a lot of time trying to get to know my Ss, & letting them get to know me. Establish routines, modeling them daily.
A5 I'm going for the Google Admin certification personally - applying for one of the innovator spots...going to get 10 teachers Google certified...more maker opportunities for teacher.... #catholicedchat
A5: my goals for this year is to improve my options for the future of my career. I have a strong PLN that I turn to for guidance and I know new things are ahead for me! #CatholicEdChat
leverage search functions (folders when you need it, not just because it seems like what other people do); A task-ing system w/ dates; A calendar system w/ desktop/mobile & reminders; A way to save picture notes and annotations - we use multiple examples of each #catholicedchat
A5: I really want to make the virtues a more meaningful part of my students’ lives this year. We read Virtue Based Restorative Discipline as a faculty and it was just great. If we’re not treating everyone with dignity at a Catholic school, then what are we doing? #catholicedchat
A5: Tech lessons/videos for parents. Most kids get it, but their parents are lost and don't feel engaged with their kids' work anymore. Also more posting to @Seesaw to help fill that "I'm missing seeing the paper!" feeling that comes with the MS transition. #catholicedchat
A5- since it will be my first year of 7th & 8th one goal is to accept its a work in progress and that I will get “there”. I want to do a great job! #catholicedchat
#CatholicEdChat maybe find an easy way to print a picture of the current book and post it, or have copies of it so kids can see it or take it with them to library ...
Jesuit trained -- i think most of them learn by experience. The first time they miss an assignment becuase its not in planner (or they dont look) is educational. I think they take away that a system protects from the stress and busy #catholicedchat
note: thats a fancy pedagogical way of saying:
-- Google Calendar w/ reminder set to "tasks"
-- Google Keep w/ picture notes and writing
-- Cam-scanner if you need PDFs
-- Google Docs or OneNote
#catholicedchat
I'm thinking of a postcard "thank you" for back to school night that highlights the reasons we're proud of our school- almost like a pass-along card with key talking points #catholicedchat
My goals this year will be to improve my use & understand of the Circle of Courage in combination with Dene Laws & also Daily 5 and classroom gardening. #CatholicEdChat
Here's a post I wrote several years back about Google Tablets with My Ks and 1s and integrating other apps with Google Classroom: https://t.co/CC77AV72kL#CatholicEdChat
In reply to
@olalibrary, @donalynbooks, @pintobeans11, @alicekeeler
I’m rereading The Book Whisperer by Donalyn Miller. Our principal gave us a copy at the end of the year but I already had it in iBooks. Good ideas to get students engaged & loving reading. #CatholicEdChat
#CatholicEdChat wishing you all the best from DC. CHEERS 🍻 on the first weeks (oh and for those of you in our beautiful Town ... DC Beer week kickstarts tomorrow!)
