#mschat Archive
A chat that offers middle school teachers a chance to have a collaborative discussion about a different topic each week. Our topics change from week to week, ranging from Common Core State Standards to Character Education. During the chat, participants exchanges ideas and resources. The chat group ranges in size each week from 10 to 50+ participants. Discussion can be general talking about instructional style or process to specific. Recently members of the chat group help each other create lessons.
Thursday April 21, 2016
Don't forget those years when U were a young adolescent. Those years should count!
join the on helping students in the middle grades make healthy decisions.
very true! Can be a tough time for a lot of students
time follow for questions: introduce yourself to let everyone know you are here
Hi! I'm Rupal Gupta, a pediatrician and Medical Editor at here to join
I'll be tweeting from my personal handle, too!
In many ways middle school was my most wonderful - and most awful - time. I remember both aspects vividly!
It's the magical 8pmET hour, middle grades friends & neighbours (thx 2 my Canadien pals) and time for Sharing ab Health&Wellness!
I am a second year middle school teacher from California
Hi everyone! Marlena here from a rainy Nashville excited to share and learn!
Hi, ! Bill, MS School Dean at "preparing" for Spearth (Spring-Earth) Day tomorrow. No classes! :-) Glad to be here.
Kaarin Averill tweeting for Oakland University School of Ed. Former MS Principal
Hi! Christie, middle school math teacher & dept chair from suburban Chicago.
Thx, Todd! Time 2 get started w/ intros: B sure 2 use & tell us who UR & what U do! https://t.co/z9jXcV0FpA
time follow for questions: introduce yourself to let everyone know you are here
Thanks! Right back at you!
I have vivid memories of my health and PE experiences especially in middle school. So fun and memorable!
Todd here 6th grade science teacher from Warren, MI
I think this is true for many!A former St visited today & said that MS was difficult but it is also "home" & she misses it.
B4 we start, just a reminder 2 use A1 when answering Q1, A2 for Q2 and so on. And always bring the 2 every answer!
Jenny, Health and Pe Teacher from a very sadden MN with the passing of .
Just a heads up, my internet connection is unhealthy/unwell, so if there's a delay in my questions or responses, my apologies
Me too! Phenomenal artist & advocate for music in schools!
Here's Q1 for : Why do young adolescents in particular need support w/ health & wellness?
hey Marlena, hope all is well! I am on the slow road to recovery
Enjoy the rest! Glad to see you in the chat!
A1 My first instinct is that they are actively seeking to define themselves, to find their own identity. Patterns being formed.
A1: MS students don't all have the best role models and give in to risks and temptations
A1: There are so many messages pounding the minds of Ss in addition to all kinds of imbalances
A1. Many don't have the basic needs at home, so we have to teach them at school.
Hello Misty from VA checking in
I think they are generally terrified of being different or singled out so may hide health and wellness issues from others
A1: Teens are going through huge changes in their lives - becoming independent, making decisions, bodies changing - need support.
A1 Also, so many changes going on in and around them. Shifting/expanding notions of gender & sexual/romantic orientations included.
A1: There are lots of issues that can be considered taboo that they need to learn about.
A1: This is such a time of development mentally, socially & physically. Ss need to know the facts! https://t.co/WNfFRMD3Xu
Here's Q1 for : Why do young adolescents in particular need support w/ health & wellness?
Hey, Bill! Bravo 2 that answer. Critical time 2 celebrate/honor that identity search. https://t.co/oXFSpz6QV0
A1 My first instinct is that they are actively seeking to define themselves, to find their own identity. Patterns being formed.
A1: Many YA Ss don't see the need of taking care of themselves now for a healthier tomorrow.
Indeed. Last year we held a chat on -- one of the health issues teen guys might hide!
A1: MS students are forming habits that could be lifelong, it is our job to make them positive and healthy!
This is so important to realize as teens are great actors at school!
A1: MS have so much peer pressure they often give into negative influences to appear cool
I see many YA S's wanting 2 take better care of themselves than I did @ that age. key is if they can see the impact.
YES! And....they are afraid of "not knowing"
Absolutely! Not sure why parents are so scared to talk to their kids about these topics. Someone has to!
A1 Our 7th graders are working on a proposal to limit "electives" & have more free time. Life Skills was the #1 protected course.
Bingo! & accurate info ab health & wellness. YAs seek out info. We've got 2 get best info in hands/minds https://t.co/0dKBiZw0AW
A1: Teens are going through huge changes in their lives - becoming independent, making decisions, bodies changing - need support.
A1. They get so much conflicting information from media and peers they have so many Q's
A1: Mental health support--a strong counseling dept & understanding teachers.
Interesting thing is docs have only recently truly gotten comfortable bringing this stuff up and making it standard.
A2. . I see friends are more important than parents or a consequence at home. want to please peers.
Agree. I think with some topics, a lot of people are scared they "don't know enough." So co-learn! :-)
Very True! Friends + other peers are really important to teens! https://t.co/R4JZ34R7ul
A2. . I see friends are more important than parents or a consequence at home. want to please peers.
Good point! How do U address those vital issues --when some folks consider them taboo? https://t.co/7W33TIbjuS
A1: There are lots of issues that can be considered taboo that they need to learn about.
and let them teach their knowledge!
Hey folks! Amy, MS Health teacher. In Shanghai It's 8 a.m. here, so I've got kiddos right now. Will chime in when I can!
Yes, that can definitely be true. I think it's another reason for Ts to develop strong bonds w/students.
School is a great place to raise issues. As a peds resident I did a session in a school; kids wrote anonymous Q's
Exactly! The landscape of gender, identity, sexual development, etc=such a shifting landscape. Need support! https://t.co/nrRQlJGbn5
A1 Also, so many changes going on in and around them. Shifting/expanding notions of gender & sexual/romantic orientations included.
Honestly, I'm fortunate that parents are extraordinarily open to otherwise "taboo" topics in my school.
So is that part of the answer? A partnership between and Health/Wellness advocates 2 get the word out? https://t.co/8cgjvn4BEY
Interesting thing is docs have only recently truly gotten comfortable bringing this stuff up and making it standard.
How cool! I went to Shanghai several yrs ago. Cool place!
Wow! Thx 4 being here & joining in when U can! Such dedication 2 the cause. https://t.co/6tRE6cKLoy
Hey folks! Amy, MS Health teacher. In Shanghai It's 8 a.m. here, so I've got kiddos right now. Will chime in when I can!
This would be fantastic, https://t.co/1UDGYC8Ns9
So is that part of the answer? A partnership between and Health/Wellness advocates 2 get the word out? https://t.co/8cgjvn4BEY
Interesting thing is docs have only recently truly gotten comfortable bringing this stuff up and making it standard.
A1: Students need a comprehensive skills-based program that is current/relevant/adaptable! Health concerns always changing
A1 They are forming life long habits as a MS kid
Jay, principal from Merton,WI. Just finished my run, so I'm a little late to .
That's a gr8 thing, Bill. Bc when folks aren't open ab them, those behaviors aren't going to go away. https://t.co/Z6JKHTeLEm
Honestly, I'm fortunate that parents are extraordinarily open to otherwise "taboo" topics in my school.
My mind is feeling so healthy & well because of your awesome answers! Keep it up! Q2 is around the bend.
. So true! We do listen when teachers write us so do let us know how we can help!
A1 Young adolescents need help with all choices, including health and wellness. https://t.co/JAmx08gKoh
Here's Q1 for : Why do young adolescents in particular need support w/ health & wellness?
Good evening . Joe, math & STEM coach from Palo Alto, CA, excited to learn with other educators.
Q2. What curicula and/or school policies/programs does your school use 2 support positive health & wellness?
A1: should also be separated from PE, so we've got time to dig into the big issues w/out taking time away from play!
Thx 4 joining in & modeling health & wellness, Jay! https://t.co/jVHemNq9qc
Jay, principal from Merton,WI. Just finished my run, so I'm a little late to .
It’s truly a phase of identity crisis. https://t.co/6M73OSMnTT
A1: Teens are going through huge changes in their lives - becoming independent, making decisions, bodies changing - need support.
Q2. https://t.co/ERiyaWhEwD
Q2. What curicula and/or school policies/programs does your school use 2 support positive health & wellness?
My running might not be healthy. It's kind of an obsession!
A1- MS Ss don't always have the best role models at home & they engage in unhealthy behaviors bc of what they see As do at home
Thx 4 joining up w/ the tweet up, Joe! Excited 2 learn fr/ you on the West Coast! https://t.co/T5a0aokXmY
Good evening . Joe, math & STEM coach from Palo Alto, CA, excited to learn with other educators.
A2. Not a policy but 90% of MS kids in my school participate in sports - so need to increase opportunities for Ss
A2 PE every day for 7/8 during quarters 1 and 4, quarters 2 and 3 PE alternates with health. https://t.co/RRpV6CKZdq
Q2. What curicula and/or school policies/programs does your school use 2 support positive health & wellness?
A2 My school is starting to look at a +ve psych program for teachers, then Ss -no healthy kids w/out healthy teachers as role models
A2 "Life Skills" course including health topics. Counselor meets fortnightly w/Humanities classes for work on healthy relationships.
A2: For Ts- there are many mindfulness workshops. For Ss- clubs, talk it out programs, … have helped. https://t.co/Zs8bQBnUC8
Q2. What curicula and/or school policies/programs does your school use 2 support positive health & wellness?
Awesome! Are the sports non-competitive, too--like intramurals? So all kids can participate? https://t.co/mnLJogCnCt
A2. Not a policy but 90% of MS kids in my school participate in sports - so need to increase opportunities for Ss
A2) whatever the policy or program, every adolescent should have 1 adult who cares and who they can trust and check in with.
A2: Community garden where Ss learn about the process, cultivate the food, and celebrate with salad feast
So important to remember that teaching physical literacy and modeling and experience is part and parcel!
A2 we have an extremely well designed Health classes
A2: We use positive prevention to get kids excited about - focus on what we should do, not what we shouldn't!
A1
Students need PE &Health Ed not pulled out of PE to go to Health, + recess. All above missing in my district:(
A2: My school does not offer much in this area, it is a Catholic school, and "family health" issues are handled very traditionally
A2: Mandatory PE 6-8th grade all year, 1 trimester of health 6-8th grade. Monthly lessons on emotional intelligence.
A2 Also, twice-weekly advisory. A daily athletics period with mandatory attendance for all. Special all-school meeting topics. etc.
A2. I think we could do more, all Ss need PE and at the school I was at 2 grades didn't have it.
Oooh! A +tive psych program 4 teachers? I'd love 2 learn more ab what inspired that move & where UR headed https://t.co/Ki2LuLOJbX
A2 My school is starting to look at a +ve psych program for teachers, then Ss -no healthy kids w/out healthy teachers as role models
Cool! May I ask what are the highlights?
Tough issue - especially given cultural expectations in different communities!
A2: Every elem school in district has a Living Gardens program that helps Ss w a place of peace & calm.
A2- every year our school has a mid year assembly on personal hygiene and how to take care of your body
Our 7/8 PE/health teacher is the epitome of a healthy role model.
the physical movement is so powerful on several levels!
Great example! Does the community come in & celebrate w/ the salad feast? https://t.co/z5k0uPcXTH
A2: Community garden where Ss learn about the process, cultivate the food, and celebrate with salad feast
A2: We do a semester of in grades 6, 7 & 8. Mainly focused on setting healthy habits for life! https://t.co/9kYdAKQsZd
Good point! As a boarding/day international community, we try to be conscious of this always.
A2: Mental health is critical! In Palo Alto, we’ve had several high school Ss experience deep deep depression.
They work with the local Master Gardeners Organization, but a community meal would be a great idea!
Right on! Vital 4 us 2 remember that health means social-emotional health 2 (not just nutritional/physical) https://t.co/lKgqUsvhdr
A2) whatever the policy or program, every adolescent should have 1 adult who cares and who they can trust and check in with.
We're starting year two of ours, with the produce going to our community food banks. https://t.co/4hwTtZndFJ
A2: Community garden where Ss learn about the process, cultivate the food, and celebrate with salad feast
Can U share what U mean by physical literacy? Assuming it's akin 2 body awareness, but just want 2B sure https://t.co/BvY1xYAGli
So important to remember that teaching physical literacy and modeling and experience is part and parcel!
A2 We also have a running club and a new staff wellness club who model fitness. And Workout Wednesdays are awesome!
How RU addressing that serious issue? If it's surfacing in the HS level, is there something 2B done at MS? https://t.co/2X2jCgWjvI
A2: Mental health is critical! In Palo Alto, we’ve had several high school Ss experience deep deep depression.
Ooh, we already volunteer at the regional and that might be a neat supplementary idea for us.
Thanks. Planting soon, I hope, as long as the Wisconsin weather cooperates. Environmental Club & NJHS helping out.
There’s a lot of work looking at workload, mental health, P & community support, …
Cool! Assuming it's divided by gender? Who leads that discussion? Parents/Families okay w/ all that? https://t.co/Ac6MwzYCHq
A2- every year our school has a mid year assembly on personal hygiene and how to take care of your body
A2: We have a health segment for advisory and nutritionist come in to talk about food issues
Good point. Physical literacy to me is knowing the body, knowing what the body can do and is capable of
sorry!! Still new to this
We are re-starting our running club and the staff wellness program kicked off in January
We're moving & grooving at ! Q3 is in the hopper, so stay tuned!
A2 would like to do more service learning projects in the community.
That can actually be a tricky question as we navigate expanding notions of gender. (1/2)
Our Staff Health and Wellness Committee is awesome, led by . Try it Tuesdays, kickball, yoga, and more.
SO would I. Need to make some community connections to get them growing
A2: Sometimes it feels like health/wellness are afterthoughts in schools & master schedules! Must be a priority for Ss sake.
recognition that teachers are under a lot of pressure and can't help their Ss if they too aren't flourishing
A hospital in the area worked with us to get a grant to make the program work
(2/2) General consensus at a recent conference was don't segregate by gender. More inclusive.
Unfortunate how budgets get impacted as well!
Yes! Thx! How do we address physical w/ health/wellness when gender norms R changing? https://t.co/EijzS8TGjs
That can actually be a tricky question as we navigate expanding notions of gender. (1/2)
resource-poor Philly schools have many in which there is only 1 nurse for 2-3 schools --> recipe for disaster!
Q3. How do you help parents/families understand their role in promoting positive health & wellness?
A1-YA are @ a critical point in their lives in terms of healthy decisions. Society, media, & homes do not provide positive models
I think we just put it out there. Here's what different bodies do/need, recognizing gender may vary.
So true! All the more reason we must develop to advocate what's best for Ss & leverage creative solutions.
Great question & one we must start discussing.
A3 This is a tricky subject as some families aren't comfortable talking about their own health. https://t.co/OU5GIFGi68
Q3. How do you help parents/families understand their role in promoting positive health & wellness?
Totally understand the need 4 that shift. Getting school community on board=the challenge w/ that. https://t.co/WHk76kmo7Z
(2/2) General consensus at a recent conference was don't segregate by gender. More inclusive.
A3: Most of the time they don't Need to create Family nights to promote issues. We have a Fridays program to help
reminded me of these opportunities, too. https://t.co/kFOzkY45h5
thanks Jay! Don't forget monthly fitness & nutrition challenges as well as boot camp offered weekly. It's a blast! 💪
A3 the first step is in speaking up when you notice an issue. It is far easier to stay quiet and hope the problem fixes itself
A3: Critical parents lead by example modeling healthy lifestyle & choices for their kids! https://t.co/04b4NtH5mH
Q3. How do you help parents/families understand their role in promoting positive health & wellness?
A2) physical and emotional safety are a must. It's up to us adults to make this happen - kids know this.
Most aren't until it is an issue. Need to inform with care... not to offend
A good start is to model healthy behavior to Ss & parents. https://t.co/XeHUWHP6cm
Q3. How do you help parents/families understand their role in promoting positive health & wellness?
Absolutely. We had a transgender student come out in 2011, and worked hard first to prepare staff for that. (1/2)
Sadly it will take lawsuit 2 change that policy. A kid will get hurt at school w/ no nurse 2 provide care https://t.co/tyezecei66
resource-poor Philly schools have many in which there is only 1 nurse for 2-3 schools --> recipe for disaster!
(2/3) By the time the next transgender student came out, it was no big deal. Ongoing discussions each year help.
I think that having talking points would be important. It's a "tightrope walk" discussion. https://t.co/jycbzGC2kw
Most aren't until it is an issue. Need to inform with care... not to offend
(3/3) And, to be fair, we live in an area that is pretty open to diverse identities (Western Mass. near 5 colleges).
A3: We work hard to create materials that engage, educate and motivate families to get healthier. We rely on you to spread the word!
suggest community resources that promote healthy lives (parks) or making a healthy dinner together as a family (2/2)
A3 Hope I'm not jumping the gun, but mental health discussions are really important and even more difficult, IMHO.
Bravo! When U 1st see a potential health issue: that's when U act. Don't w8 until a S gets hurt https://t.co/gpBLNNtQUx
A3 the first step is in speaking up when you notice an issue. It is far easier to stay quiet and hope the problem fixes itself
A3 Most parent-school connections center on advisory - safe place, ongoing relationship. Also share information in newsletters.
A3. Design and promote opportunities for families to engage together in activities at the school
Thx 4 providing that context. Should current community norms stand in way of inclusive practice & dialogue? https://t.co/ObmV8UAUdr
(3/3) And, to be fair, we live in an area that is pretty open to diverse identities (Western Mass. near 5 colleges).
A3-Similar to promoting the value of reading by encouraging parents to read with their child; promote health&wellness by modeling it
Totally agree. As our middle school team meets, we look at academic, mental, and physical health of kids, plan as needed.
SO true! I am especially aware of this after losing a former St to suicide. It isn't something to take lightly.
Honestly, I don't think they should. 1/10 students are LGBTQ+, and they need us to stand with them.
Right on! How does a school train up its staff 2 have those convos? Who leads that effort? https://t.co/9nFoYxil5P
A3 Hope I'm not jumping the gun, but mental health discussions are really important and even more difficult, IMHO.
Similarly, I think race also needs to be an openly discussed topic in schools everywhere.
On that Note -- Parents, Tweet us pictures of you and your family together! https://t.co/v6NEnjGqkG
A3-Similar to promoting the value of reading by encouraging parents to read with their child; promote health&wellness by modeling it
School counselors might have training but being there for kids, unconditionally, always works.
I lost 1 classmate in 4th grade to suicide and 1 middle school classmate.
Agreed. It's all ab culturally responsive practice. No time 4 closed minds/hearts in middle grades https://t.co/mUeGewn8Yn
Similarly, I think race also needs to be an openly discussed topic in schools everywhere.
The pain never goes away. Ever.
Here's Q4 for : How do your teachers & staff stay healthy & well (physically & mentally) so they model the expectation?
so true :-( We never were told the true cause for the 4th grader till I was in HS.
:-( We never were told the true cause for the 5th grader till I was in HS.
OK all, I'm signing off but enjoyed the ! Thanks for having me with !! Time for my kids!
A4) I know a lot of schools where staff have fitbits and have daily contests (physical). Lots of staffs circle up and talk (social).
Wow. There are age-appropriate ways to handle this. This is not one of them.
A4: We are working on a positive climate among our Ts. Positive Ts = healthy & happy Ts.
A4: Staff wellness program, give ourselves health mental breaks, HAVE FUN teaching it makes it less stressful.
A4 Lots of us run regularly. We'll talk in all-school housemeeting about special races, marathons, etc. So there's that!
A4. This is tough bc we all are working on goals toward this so sharing goals and progress would be great
Q4- I think for me coaching helps me to stay on my game mentally and physically.
A4. Support staff with healthy pot-luck lunches and staff fitness opportunities
Wrote this the other day : https://t.co/vrbAGe28g1 Address my concerns about LGBT issues in the news. We need to support Ss
A4 I also lead regular breathing/relaxation/meditation sessions in my Humanities 7 class, and talk about how much I need it too.
A4 Model when possible. Our staff Health and Wellness Committee has guided us this year. https://t.co/Q7O8ocq2sl
Here's Q4 for : How do your teachers & staff stay healthy & well (physically & mentally) so they model the expectation?
A4. Use PD time to train/encourage staff on healthy habits
Such a rich, healthy discussion 2nite on ! Keep the dialogue going & gear up 4 the final #5 question!
Or cancel PD and go for a walk!
A4 once a week personal trainer comes & works out with Ts after school. Ss get 2witness their Ts be physically active during this.
A4: I love Zumba. An hour and 400+ calories fly by so fast!
Gr8 that U have such a committee! Love 2 hear who's on that committee, how/why it was formed, etc. https://t.co/C7Qz2Ar4al
A4 Model when possible. Our staff Health and Wellness Committee has guided us this year. https://t.co/Q7O8ocq2sl
Here's Q4 for : How do your teachers & staff stay healthy & well (physically & mentally) so they model the expectation?
A4 Lots of lunch time extra curricular activities that are open to Ts and Ss alike so Ss see staff relaxing and having fun
A4- Seen running w other staff, volunteers w Girls On the Run program, coaching, sharing how they manage social/emotional lives
We actually did schedule a 20-minute walk break into one of our PD sessions. Should do that more!
A4. make it convenient for staff to participate. offer classes or organized fitness AT SCHOOL
A4: Staff plays together: bball/vball leagues, running races together while communicating the fun with kids
Q5. If health & wellness was a food for middle level education, what kind of food would it be and why?
Missed most of thanks to my two youngest refusing to go to bed. Looking forward to reading back through later.
Committee is made up of teachers volunteers. Formed as an offshoot of district insurance coverage. Big hit!
That's awesome! How did U arrange that? Assuming there was a fee? https://t.co/AF7FuLcUoE
A4 once a week personal trainer comes & works out with Ts after school. Ss get 2witness their Ts be physically active during this.
