The #2PencilChat is a weekly conversation about educational technology. As we enter a more student-centered age, let's talk about using all the tools in our toolboxes to be innovative and dynamic teachers.
Hello, and welcome to the #2PencilChat - Tonight we're talking about finding inspiration everywhere we go. It could be for teaching, writing, or any other creative pursuit!
Say hey, and introduce yourself!
Hello, and welcome to the #2PencilChat - Tonight we're talking about finding inspiration everywhere we go. It could be for teaching, writing, or any other creative pursuit!
Say hey, and introduce yourself!
Hello, and welcome to the #2PencilChat - Tonight we're talking about finding inspiration everywhere we go. It could be for teaching, writing, or any other creative pursuit!
Say hey, and introduce yourself!
Inspiration comes from psychology, language, nature, art, reality TV, food, patterns, my colleagues, y’all, my messy environment, toys, and having too much to do.
#2PencilChat
That is unique. I interviewed at a detention center, but another job came through and it was quite the commute. I often wondered how I would have done. You could write a book about your experiences I’m sure. #2pencilchat
A1 I think as educators, we are always on the lookout for inspiration..teacher brain never completely shuts off, does it? (and if you can, lmk so I can shut mine off) #2pencilchat
A1 I think I benefit from *not* having a go-to well of inspiration. I guess I read, watch, and listen to a lot of things and notice when they talk to each other.
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A1: my go to inspirational places are my students, my wife, the #curiositycrew and PLN at large. Coworkers. Lots of places to learn and grow. #2pencilchat
Go to inspiration is probably the newspapers.
Surprise inspiration... the alpacas, they can come up with great ideas when teaching Biology #2pencilchat
A1 I think as educators, we are always on the lookout for inspiration..teacher brain never completely shuts off, does it? (and if you can, lmk so I can shut mine off) #2pencilchat
A1) Nature, hiking/climbing a mountain, running, type of physical activity... and I’m thinking about edu stuff best inspiration a long drive w/great music 🎶 #2pencilchat
A1. Washing dishes, hiking, soaking up the sun, & sometimes from books that have nothing to do with education--like comics! (Latecomer to the literary form!) #2pencilchat
A1 my go to sources for inspirations are the following: students, Sean’s magic pants, other teachers, my imagination and the last and closest to my heart @DrKatrinaKeene#2pencilchat
A1: Twitter and my PLN. Also talking to ppl in the community. This guy at the artisan market was giving me all sorts of great ideas on how to teach math. #2pencilchat
A1. One of my personal places of inspiration is the gym. I gain inspiration from my trainer and gym family. We push each other to be our best. I try to bring that energy into my classroom. #2PencilChat
Went to a PD once and presenter said, walk along a shopping strip and stop and think how each shopfront can inspire one thing in your teaching #2pencilchat
Q2
What tools do you use to keep track of good ideas? Let's talk about the places that we hide our inspiracorns (I'm sorry, I tried to portmanteau a lame pun...)
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He even told me about this card game I had never heard about. Then, he said he would teach me how to play this other game. I promised to come back on Sat. #2pencilchat
A2: Phone and Google Keep, My reading journal. Read a line today that I loved and stopped read aloud with my 8's to write the page reference. Going back later with a blog post in mind. #2pencilchat
Q2
What tools do you use to keep track of good ideas? Let's talk about the places that we hide our inspiracorns (I'm sorry, I tried to portmanteau a lame pun...)
#2PencilChat
A2: My camera on my phone is probably the most used for inspirations and a long @twitter DM with one of my friends who is always willing to help me figure out ideas-- @teachtinytechie! #2PencilChat
A2 I write down ideas in a notebook I carry around if I'm wifi challenged otherwise I jump on the computer and start creating with Buncee most often #2PencilChat
A2: These days I am using Supernote a lot, an iOS app I found, that I now have on all devices. It doesn't sync yet but at least I can pick up any device and collect written or audible thoughts in an organized format! :) #2pencilchat
I am using @planbookcom now. It makes it easy when an idea strikes, I can immediately add it to my plans AND add the link if there is one. #2pencilchat
A2. The wallpaper on my computer says, "Keep calm and lift weights." I usually have gym/workout themed wallpaper. I also keep pics in the photo gallery on my phone. Easy access!! #2PencilChat
A2: I love the notes function on my iPhone that I've had for years. I love looking back at old stuff and finding things like random shopping, passwords and to-do lists. #2pencilchat
A2: as far as cool things I find or use, I keep them on a padlet.... https://t.co/oiDG9kEjVe and for other things ive started crafting some canvases of quotes. And I make and save #BookSnaps#2pencilchat
A2 I keep track of my ideas with post-it’s on my bathroom mirror. Last time I admitted this on Twitter, a few people mansplained that I should use a techy solution instead. But I like my post-it’s and I like where they lead.
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A2) My phone, snap pics, write down in notes, I’m also that annoying person that gets ideas and must work thru it/create right then & there #nopatience#whoawait#2pencilchat
I keep all my "great" ideas in OneNote. hen I forget where they are. But then the best ones bubble back up and find me It works. Although sometimes they vanish like smoke!
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A1...Salut mes amis! Late to this shindig from Westerly, RI! I have some of my best ideas and inspirations while driving in my car! Random thoughts come to mind! #2pencilchat
Q3 If you're like me, your gut reaction to this question may not be the whole truth.
Do you perform more creatively under pressure, with no pressure, or is it more complicated?
Reading our answers, how does this knowledge affect our teaching?
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Q2
What tools do you use to keep track of good ideas? Let's talk about the places that we hide our inspiracorns (I'm sorry, I tried to portmanteau a lame pun...)
#2PencilChat
A3: I do not think there is a one time. Day to day I find the inspiration might come when I am planning but things might change like the wind when a great Q takes us somewhere else. #2pencilchat
Q3 If you're like me, your gut reaction to this question may not be the whole truth.
Do you perform more creatively under pressure, with no pressure, or is it more complicated?
Reading our answers, how does this knowledge affect our teaching?
#2PencilChat
A3 #2PencilChat Lately have had too much pressure to get the downtime for creativity to have space. I think definitely complicated and based on interactions with my teams.
Q3 If you're like me, your gut reaction to this question may not be the whole truth.
Do you perform more creatively under pressure, with no pressure, or is it more complicated?
Reading our answers, how does this knowledge affect our teaching?
#2PencilChat
A3: No, I get extremely frustrated when being told I need to be creative under a time crunch, and I hate doing that to my Ss. If we are doing some sort of project, I allow for ample time. #2pencilchat
A3: My most creative moments are usually in the shower or when I first wake up. Generally not somewhere I can easily write them down. Funny how that works. #2pencilchat
Q3: I perform better creatively when I can go and do something that is not work. If I just sit and think about work, I cannot come up with good ideas. I think this means we need to give students time to think. #2pencilchat
A2: Google Keep is my go to! I have a smorgasbord of things there! Recipes ideas, lesson ideas, quotes I like, shopping lists, to do lists, etc! #2PencilChat
It depends on the situation. Professional procrastinator here. The pressure definitely helps. Also ideas come when i am totally relaxed with no pressure and i'm relaxing. #2PencilChat
A3 I'm more creative with no pressure I think, I tend to be thinking ahead of an event. My students often complete tasks last minutes, it usually isn't their best work #2PencilChat
A3: somewhere in between most likely. I find creativity has to be scheduled in. Otherwise it wont get practiced. Or done. For Students - this is especially true - but you've got to set this up carefully. Creativity is its own reward kind of thing. #2pencilchat
I've been known to discuss a project idea with my Ss and decide not to go through with it because of lack of time (the Ss have told me we just don't have the time we need). We do something else. #2pencilchat
A3) Under pressure produces a very interesting mix of creativity... having time produces controlled creativity, prefer the first #billyjoel#pressure#2pencilchat
A3 I kinda play chicken with myself to increase pressure, but I think I'm okay with more when I have a feeling of control. When there's too much outside pressure, I break down or rebel...
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A3. I think that I create more effectively under a time crunch, but feel more at ease with my creating if it is done earlier. As a teacher, I will have to push myself to work ahead to give myself the room to create #2PencilChat
A3 I tend to get my best ideas when I have a bunch of other stuff to do. My students.....it depends, but mostly the pressure doesn’t help them either.
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I've been known to discuss a project idea with my Ss and decide not to go through with it because of lack of time (the Ss have told me we just don't have the time we need). We do something else. #2pencilchat
Apparently the rodent (groundhog) said 6 more weeks... Thankful I still have a bottle of Australian Shiraz to make the snow days pass TY Carl🍷#cheers#2PencilChat
In reply to
@GruntledChalkie, @MagicPantsJones, @kmichellehowell
As a current student, this is the most exciting thing because it shows that our teachers care and reflect on the material outside the classroom too! We all want to share in that passion #2pencilchat
A1 I teach world geography’s and writing so the world is my source; the people, places, actions, reactions, news, events, situations, struggles, victories and celebrations are all part of our globe & the people who live on it !! 🌎#2pencilchat
A3. When I was in grad school, I pulled off a lot of creative stuff while under pressure. I can do it; but, it's not my preferred method. I would say that I'm happiest with medium pressure. My students do NOT do well under pressure. They fold or spaz out. #2PencilChat
A3: somewhere in between? I love brainstorming things when there’s no pressure. Love it slightly less when it’s high pressure. But I love thinking outside of the box of shame ;) #2pencilchat
Q4: I think we can definitely teach students to find inspiration from everywhere. I have been wanting to get a set of wreck this journals for forever just for this purpose #2PencilChat
A4. I think it is important to allow students to see the inspiration all around them!! We must show a wide variety of examples and encourage students who look outside of the box for this beautiful inspiration! #2PencilChat
A4: That's one thing I love about 1st grade--they still have imagination, creativity and take risks. They are still inspired and in awe of the world around them. #2PencilChat
#2PencilChat I think showing students how to journal, blog, keep a portfolio helps them figure out how they want to keep fav ideas, put things down either paper or digital.
A4: Chivalry is not dead, sometimes you just need to open the door... "You ever wonder...?" or "I've always wanted to know.." Don't let me place limits on your thinking...and maybe we need to be an inspiration. #2pencilchat Lots of things here I guess.
A4: Stealing cool or stealing hubcaps, I guess it's in the eye of the beholder; what we each value can be both general and highly idiosyncratic. #2pencilchat
A4. As a teacher, our first job should be to cultivate curiosity and unlock creativity as we build relationships, with content and standards a distant second #2pencilchat
A4. Absolutely! Simply changing their environment can provide them inspiration. That's why we need field trips, um, I mean, Field Studies. Let them see stuff they wouldn't normally see. #let'stakethemtoLakeWoodruff #2pencilchat
Only in the northeastern USA do people truly believe that a rodent/an animal of the squirrel family, is an accurate weather forecaster #cantmakethisup#2PencilChat
In reply to
@GruntledChalkie, @MagicPantsJones, @kmichellehowell
A4 I think they need to observe us being creative, thinking out loud. Providing creative digital tools and experiences will help them to see inspiration #2PencilChat
A4 We can take them to places that might inspire their creativity, give them deliberately weird prompts, play games, do art, and read stuff that connects in unexpected ways.
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I think that's true of a lot of our students who have tough home lives. Bring them out of survival mode for a while to see the wider world. #2PencilChat
A2b. your classroom environment is such an important tool in how Ss view creativity. Is it allowed to flourish, or is it discouraged? Is your classroom standardized, or imaginative? This environment is one of the greatest tools you have, and you are in charge of it #2pencilchat
.This is so true, this need to reflect - and particularly to look for unintentional ways you could be affecting flow as they aren’t always positive #2pencilchat
A4: I have to just get my Ss to think outside grades. That just hampers inspiration. They are not in the moment and seeing what is around them. Everything has to be about a number. #2pencilchat
A4) Yes, Totally! I always share w/Learners my inspiration Today said, Thomas I know u love hockey & was thinking about u & angles of stick, what degree should it be to make goal? #2pencilchat#flygirl
When I give a weird writing prompt they sometimes get scared they’ll do it wrong. I tell them, “This prompt is meant to be interpreted in lots of different ways. The only way to do it wrong is to not do it.” #2pencilchat
absolutely -- I don't think you always have to "teach" it. Kids are inherently creative. They just need an environment where it can thrive. The tools you have are secondary to the environment #2pencilchat
A5 I think there are people who love change, new learning and risk taking and others who are very uncomfortable with change. Some will respond with support for others it's too scary #2PencilChat
That can be tough when you can’t escape building/district/state/national mandates, not to mention societal norms. It’s like trying to steer a bagillion-decked cruise ship a different direction #2pencilchat
A5: I think we always have to be open to learning. I'm finishing year 19 and I just learned something new last night and used it today. That kind of learning is contagious--to students and peers! #2PencilChat
A5: Sitting with students during work time really helps. I listen in on the student chat, notice things I wouldn’t otherwise see, listen to ideas. #2PencilChat
A5. We are in a time that, if you are not open to new ideas or student voice, then you are standing still. If you are standing still, you are being left behind. The absence of Ss voice in today's educational climate will kill creativity, desire, and passion #2pencilchat
#2pencilchat Without worrying about which is more important......it's safe to say that both are important. Our job as Ts is to figure out which one our Ss need more on that particular day and set the best stage on which they can perform.
A5) I honestly think some are more in tuned to keeping it fresh & trying new things, I don’t think in my 20 years of teaching (cringing 🙄) I’ve ever rinsed & repeated... ever #2pencilchat
A5. I believe when people feel safe, they are more open to being open. Fear, in any shape, form or fashion is a huge deterrent. It can stunt us, or totally stop us in our tracks. #2PencilChat
I love you SO MUCH, #2PencilChat Pals! Thank you for joining us to talk about inspiration tonight! Join us next week as we talk about learning scales and goals.
I believe that it comes from the "company that you keep." If you have a diverse group of friends/associates in your circle, you will remain open-minded because everyone is different. #2pencilchat Q5
