#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 March 24, 2016
Thx 2 every1 who is joining in the conversation/celebration ab Middle Level Ed Month 2nite on ! U individually & collectively rock!
So Friends & Neighbors, let's start w/ intros:who UR, what you do, where UR from & what school/school system/latitude/longitude!
Katie, jr high Title 1 teacher, Indiana
This such awesome Oz news! It's definitely a Good Friday here at w/ U all in the house! https://t.co/uZEK3QDTE1
Good Friday here in Oz so the staff aren't teaching and we can join in for once! Yay!
Kaitlin, 8th grade intern, Arkansas, MAT student
dave from Florida popping in while watching Hop with the kids
Jay, 5th-8th grade principal, checking in to from Merton, WI. Hoping to represent the East bracket.
Robyn from QLD Australia, celebrating MLE Month, Good Friday, and beginning of Easter Break school holidays. Looking forward to chat
Aloha! Kalei 7th gr ELA teacher at Mid-Pacific in HI. Latitude = beautiful. Longitude = paradise.
Hey, ! Jordan from MI checking in.:) 8th grade ELA - excited for a three-day weekend!
good evening, - michael from columbus, OH saying hi for a bit!
Vitale would call u an MS PTP Dru.Happy 2 B here w/this championship PLN! Ellen fr LaMuth MS,Painesville OH https://t.co/fjqKoJJvKu
Thx 2 every1 who is joining in the conversation/celebration ab Middle Level Ed Month 2nite on ! U individually & collectively rock!
Hoppy to have you aboard the Twitter train, Dave! https://t.co/7Uz0CRiW8N
dave from Florida popping in while watching Hop with the kids
Happy you're hooping it up w/ , Jay! https://t.co/DuntYu5D4s
Jay, 5th-8th grade principal, checking in to from Merton, WI. Hoping to represent the East bracket.
Mahalo, Kalei! https://t.co/mVCSkIKr2P
Aloha! Kalei 7th gr ELA teacher at Mid-Pacific in HI. Latitude = beautiful. Longitude = paradise.
Brian from NH, been off Twitter for a while just finished my undergrad! Checking in!
Thx 4 being here as long as you can, Michael! https://t.co/fD0C4XmXuc
good evening, - michael from columbus, OH saying hi for a bit!
Oh, I can hear Vitale now with that one! Glad UR here, Ellen! :-) https://t.co/FeX8JKfZGZ
Vitale would call u an MS PTP Dru.Happy 2 B here w/this championship PLN! Ellen fr LaMuth MS,Painesville OH https://t.co/fjqKoJJvKu
Thx 2 every1 who is joining in the conversation/celebration ab Middle Level Ed Month 2nite on ! U individually & collectively rock!
Congratulations! https://t.co/LvrgEZJIoW
Brian from NH, been off Twitter for a while just finished my undergrad! Checking in!
We're going 2 use & for all answers and A1 for Q1, A2 for Q2, etc. Thx 4 bringing it 2nite/2day! Get ready 4 Q1!
Hello! Jackie Hanlon here- 8th grade ELA teacher from NH!
Q1. What kind of young adolescent were you? What words of advice would U give your middle school self now?
So glad that you're here on , Jackie! https://t.co/QEHztqv1kC
Hello! Jackie Hanlon here- 8th grade ELA teacher from NH!
A1 I was compliant & didn't take many risks. I sure would give myself a pep talk to speak up & get involved. https://t.co/CqsHVok5k7
Q1. What kind of young adolescent were you? What words of advice would U give your middle school self now?
I'll be in & out a little tonight. ELA teacher, 8th grade, Nebraska.
A1 I was that smart girl who hung out w/ the fun kids, just loved soaking it all in & being where the action was.Still do!
A1: I was too afraid to be different. Now I'd tell myself to own all that quirk!
a1) I was awkward, skinny, and shy....it's now who you were that matters. It's who you are that helps determine who you'll be
A1: Athletic, perfection-striving, school-loving. Advice? Relax!!! Focus less on the outcome and more on the process.
A1 super shy, nerdy, awkward. So unsure of myself. I would tell 7th gr Kalei not to worry. It gets better.
A1: I was lost-& angry. I would tell that girl to own her story&that her parents actions don't define her- & that she will be Ok
Misty, Instructional Coach from VA for ELA MS checking in a bit late for
A1 Me 2 me: Be more confident! Get more involved! Be more outspoken!
A1. Socially inept, physically awkward. Hit every YA characteristic w/ gusto! Glad I had band 2 help me out https://t.co/1k2qoV7elE
A1. 80's adolescent. Big hair! Wouldn't have changed a thing - enjoyed school, great family and friends, lucky
Right on! https://t.co/Ub20LbU7tZ
A1: I was lost-& angry. I would tell that girl to own her story&that her parents actions don't define her- & that she will be Ok
A1: I worked very hard to be what others wanted me to be. I seldom let loose & just had fun. Tell myself to not be afraid to mess up
Tough for ms Ss to be brave. Glad you're here!
Bravo! So important to find those helpful words 2 change the narrative! https://t.co/X9V6e9WtVb
A1 super shy, nerdy, awkward. So unsure of myself. I would tell 7th gr Kalei not to worry. It gets better.
I'm glad students today can learn that from us, because they are living that too.
A1 I agree with & , take risks, try new things, be comfortable w/who you are..quirks & all.
Right! Even though at the time it feels so difficult to get through!
A1 - Everyone makes mistakes - you’ll remember it longer than anyone else. Don’t sweat it.
Right on! It's the differences that make all the difference. Got 2 help our Ss see that now. https://t.co/VpU0cb8UIr
A1: I was too afraid to be different. Now I'd tell myself to own all that quirk!
A1 Afraid to be challenged b/c I might make a mistake. I would tell myself to LIVE, and not be such a perfectionist.
Exactly! Messing up= only way to grow--2 often Ss focus on the social aspect of messing up (embarrassment) https://t.co/4rVB6jInaw
A1: I worked very hard to be what others wanted me to be. I seldom let loose & just had fun. Tell myself to not be afraid to mess up
So true! https://t.co/qpbOZymFp3
A1 - Everyone makes mistakes - you’ll remember it longer than anyone else. Don’t sweat it.
Oh man, I remember thinking I'd be defined by whatever dorky thing I'd done FOREVER!
A1 I had such a chip on my shoulder! I missed most of MS because I was too mad.
A1- I was a kid who did the bare min 2b successful, I would tell that kid to work harder and reach his full potential
A1. Love hearing all the sage words 2 our former selves. How often do we tell our Ss these words so they feel supported?
Found my in gr8 - made all the difference - gave me confidence, purpose, joy, raison d'être https://t.co/AhvckcByl5
Q1. What kind of young adolescent were you? What words of advice would U give your middle school self now?
A1. Please Ts, used academics & band as a shield from the world. Advice 2self, socialize, it's ok https://t.co/ifqMu7jb6l
Q1. What kind of young adolescent were you? What words of advice would U give your middle school self now?
Just did today. Set a goal for the 4th quarter. Hope he takes himself seriously.
It's interesting to picture current Ss as I read who we were. There's so much hope for them in us!
I have some Ss like that in my class. What support & advice would you suggest?
Understand that! Mine was a perm that should have been child neglect.
Yes! Chip can become a boulder. Got 2 help Ss learn how 2 know their anger so they can use it productively https://t.co/3LksRchGEY
A1 I had such a chip on my shoulder! I missed most of MS because I was too mad.
Sorry for being late! Robert King, technology integration specialist for Christian Academy Schools. Louisville Kentucky
Ahhhh, I would love for Ss to hear that message & then live that advice! https://t.co/ZjKNOxjtdA
A1- I was a kid who did the bare min 2b successful, I would tell that kid to work harder and reach his full potential
The biggest thing is to care. They will know if it is fake or real!
Almost forgot! Get your Middle Level Ed Month needs at https://t.co/VM4VB2Us2f . Raise the praise 4 marvelous middle grades!
They will test sincerity by stomping on your heart to see if you care enough to be there after they treat you like that
Everyday must be a new day. Doesn't matter how bad the day before was.
Q2. What makes an effective and amazing middle school? What characteristics make it really sing?
A1: advice would be - hey, if you listen and learn, there are many great gems in there! These Ts are hired to improve your world!
This gives me lots to think about.
Good to know! I care and want Ss to know they can come to me for anything. You’re right-authenticity is key.
Define the box and they will stay within that box. Can't be a moving target & big when you are happy small when mad
So well said- & can you not give up like everyone else has- can you be strong enough to persevere https://t.co/cZD2htjvmO
They will test sincerity by stomping on your heart to see if you care enough to be there after they treat you like that
A2: Love this ? Always dreamed of working at a school where the students break into synchronized song and dance. One day
Love these gems from Preach! https://t.co/w4zUQNGiLT
Everyday must be a new day. Doesn't matter how bad the day before was.
A2: A safe space where relationships are at the forefront of learning and risk-taking is encouraged.
A2 Staff that doesn't give up on any student. Students who step up to lead. Strong, caring relationships. https://t.co/8sGhppGvDD
Q2. What makes an effective and amazing middle school? What characteristics make it really sing?
A2: is it trite to say it remembers that ms kids are, well, middle schoolers? In instruction, discipline, advisory, etc
A2: But really, a sense of community where all Ss are free and safe to be themselves would be amazing.
A2. Collective responsibility for well-being of all MS students by ALL MS staff. Positive S/T relationships https://t.co/VZe5kqrOUq
Q2. What makes an effective and amazing middle school? What characteristics make it really sing?
A2 B responsive MS Ss need patience,care,stimulation,kinesthetic learning,deliberate instruction in exec fun skills & SEL!!
These kids will eat out of your hand if they know you truly care & will be with them no matter what.
Sounds like we lived parallel lives, Penelope! Tuba was my salvation, but I also used it 2 escape 2 much. https://t.co/1V7zIe7zjV
A1. Please Ts, used academics & band as a shield from the world. Advice 2self, socialize, it's ok https://t.co/ifqMu7jb6l
Q1. What kind of young adolescent were you? What words of advice would U give your middle school self now?
A2: it's NOT initiatives &lip service goals-it's quality people &a community dedicated to making the MiddleLevel the bestplace forSs
So True!! https://t.co/UZdnjJSIG5
These kids will eat out of your hand if they know you truly care & will be with them no matter what.
great points: consistency, authenticity, accountability. Works for adult relationships too!
A2: A caring community - one that understands and responds to the unique needs of MS Ss - and Ts!
A2: Schools that showcase their S’s (and T’s!). Brag about the PRIVILEGE to serve them!
Yes you touched on a passion for me. I love helping these kids because I was that kid!
A2: variety, diversity, celebrations, teachers shedding self-consciousness, buy-in, creativity, extra-curr's https://t.co/EULhBg9tf2
Q2. What makes an effective and amazing middle school? What characteristics make it really sing?
Bravo! Takes a school-wide support system that helps all Ss. Relationships=key 2 open any lock https://t.co/27O1F8Ax9P
A2 Staff that doesn't give up on any student. Students who step up to lead. Strong, caring relationships. https://t.co/8sGhppGvDD
Q2. What makes an effective and amazing middle school? What characteristics make it really sing?
A2 - Ts that TRULY want to be in the middle and are passionate about YA; balance of opportunities for ALL students and interests
Should be the norm and not the aberration! https://t.co/JO1b2h5E6p
A2: But really, a sense of community where all Ss are free and safe to be themselves would be amazing.
It does take a certain type of person to teach MS.
A2 Everyday encouragement, celebrating small (and large) victories together, understanding, and passion for MS Ss
Right on! The word "collective" is so essential. Every1 understands and values the YAs they serve. https://t.co/onLgRps374
A2. Collective responsibility for well-being of all MS students by ALL MS staff. Positive S/T relationships https://t.co/VZe5kqrOUq
Q2. What makes an effective and amazing middle school? What characteristics make it really sing?
YES!! MS teachers have to WANT to be MS teachers! Kids can tell the difference.
A2-1with a respectful environment where Ss know the people really care about them It should be a safe place thatSs dnt want to leave!
Yes! Responsive not just reactive when meeting the needs of young adolescents! https://t.co/4UGsSXiZUC
A2 B responsive MS Ss need patience,care,stimulation,kinesthetic learning,deliberate instruction in exec fun skills & SEL!!
I think we're the BEST kind of people ;)
A2 Place where MS Ss are understood and cherished for themselves, not considered "old elem Ss” or “young HS Ss”
A2 Amazing ms: Ts who relentlessly TEAM up to push goals & luv kids. Ss know they cant get out of the work
agree with we are so lucky to work with MS Ss! https://t.co/3BlW9yC2jg
A2: Schools that showcase their S’s (and T’s!). Brag about the PRIVILEGE to serve them!
Bravo! And administrators who really want 2B in the middle level, as well. Leadership is critical! https://t.co/8RNDqFGm7l
A2 - Ts that TRULY want to be in the middle and are passionate about YA; balance of opportunities for ALL students and interests
Mozart & Weber were my friends; clarinet was/is my salvation https://t.co/iCrv2Ysc2J
Sounds like we lived parallel lives, Penelope! Tuba was my salvation, but I also used it 2 escape 2 much. https://t.co/1V7zIe7zjV
A1. Please Ts, used academics & band as a shield from the world. Advice 2self, socialize, it's ok https://t.co/ifqMu7jb6l
Q1. What kind of young adolescent were you? What words of advice would U give your middle school self now?
You all R rocking it out on 2nite! Here's Q3: what's 1 class/school strategy that you've used 2 reach & teach YAs this year?
A3 I've been conferring with our readers every week. Love connecting with them about their books. https://t.co/r8I5wQXeui
You all R rocking it out on 2nite! Here's Q3: what's 1 class/school strategy that you've used 2 reach & teach YAs this year?
Thank U for emphasizing the teaming aspect of MS, Shelly! ID teaming is something that sets us apart! https://t.co/Pr4MWHnSW0
A2 Amazing ms: Ts who relentlessly TEAM up to push goals & luv kids. Ss know they cant get out of the work
A3: Co-taught class & allowed Ss to formulate their own ? for reading & then used a choice board for project. Ss loved the ownership
And that experience prepared U4 the delicate dance that is middle school. Have 2B nimble on your toes! https://t.co/lqeF2a4ypE
A2: Amazing Middle School result from Incredible relationships between Adm, staff students and families ,
So good. They love to share about what they are reading and a great way to show you care.
A3 In my class, student-talk. We have a diverse student body-discussion allows so many perspectives and so much learning for all Ss.
A3:Not a strategy really, but I quite simply DO NOT give up on a kid. His immaturity will not define who he is 2 me.
A3- I try to own and share my story with kids and give them advice so they don't make some of the mistakes I made
Love this! Creates so much more engagement and student accountability!!
A3: Spend time-ClassChallenges&building a ClassCommunity that's safe,open&willing to stretch their comfort https://t.co/zuctLftcKl
A3 don’t take my lesson plans & structure so seriously. Laugh & have fun with these goofballs while I can!
A3. I play all latest music in my art classes while Ss are working. They love that I enjoy their tunes.
A3. 1 school-wide strat: awards 4 arts/athletics/academics/altruism. & no S could get award more than 3 times yr. More Ss recognized
A3: Encouraging Ss to see themselves as successful, confident readers and writers on a consistent/relentless basis.
A3 - Rather than “Good Morning” as students are entering building - I sometimes step inside to the gathering area to TALK to them
A3: It's important that Ss know that I believe in them and won't stop until they believe in themselves, too.
A3: Real conversations; believe they are young adults + treat as such; ppl live up or down to expectations https://t.co/5FEO8a06Rf
You all R rocking it out on 2nite! Here's Q3: what's 1 class/school strategy that you've used 2 reach & teach YAs this year?
A3 partB My philosophy this year is love, care & guidance first, English second.
Awesomeness! How do we help all teachers have that student-oriented grit/resilience? 2 never give up on a S? https://t.co/758uhQ84Ad
A3:Not a strategy really, but I quite simply DO NOT give up on a kid. His immaturity will not define who he is 2 me.
A3: Always use APP 4 SEL & ATP Minute & Mindful Minute Get the O2 flowing w/exercise & help focus w/centering
A3. Using cooperative learning structures have transformed our MS this year.
I wish I knew. A colleague referred to Ss as "the idiots" recently. Sigh. But trying to lead culture.
A3 Social skills class. We teach math, science, ELA, Soc Studies. Teach them how to be nice and respectfull
A3: Incorporating TONS of opportunities for Ss to share their voice in whole/small group settings and through journaling.
A3 I freak them out. Show things they can't wait to understand. ❤️science makes it easy
I did a weekly staff challenge, w/ prizes, 2 encourage ms appropriate strats. Good idea, but not enough.
AGREED! 100% https://t.co/g2NWa3G5sg
A3 Social skills class. We teach math, science, ELA, Soc Studies. Teach them how to be nice and respectfull
Resilient with or positive attitudes! They are all worth our absolute best effort every second of every day! https://t.co/FS9FtgBuZH
I wish I knew. A colleague referred to Ss as "the idiots" recently. Sigh. But trying to lead culture.
Big buckets of awesome sauce! Here's Q4 for : What's something U've learned from working w/ young adolescents? What do they teach U?
A3 Student focus groups; listen to them, the feel valued and respected. Student voice! https://t.co/YWiXGhd0Ii
You all R rocking it out on 2nite! Here's Q3: what's 1 class/school strategy that you've used 2 reach & teach YAs this year?
Have to bailout early- thanks for the great chat:) My 6yrold has passedout&I've got to get him to that top bunk:) have a gr8 week
yes! Got 2 have joy and enthusiasm about your content area 2 get Ss enthused about it! https://t.co/u8OfATeFzg
A3 I freak them out. Show things they can't wait to understand. ❤️science makes it easy
A4: Relationships take time, but even the hardest to reach S is reachable. We can't give up on Ss who might need us the most.
A3 Relate absolutely every objective to YA life. Roll out vid game topics, music, tv shows in pwr points.
A4: That it's OK to not be OK right now if we're willing to try again.
A4 They have a never say quit attitude, they'll try just about anything once, and they want to be accepted for who they are.
A4 Have excitement, passion, and feeling in everything you teach. When I bring it, they bring it.
A4 I raised my own MSers & have taught many...biggest lesson has been lots of patience & a sense of humor.They crack me up
a3) learning is not a binary got it or don't proposition. It's always a process. Gotta find where each kid is and move them forward
A4. I learned not 2 judge because we're all going thru someth YAs are resilient. We should B resilient in our love/care for them
A4: to expect more from ppl/S; be honest but kind; everyone wants to help someone; (KidPres) https://t.co/HpBXSBvW7Z
Big buckets of awesome sauce! Here's Q4 for : What's something U've learned from working w/ young adolescents? What do they teach U?
That is so true! https://t.co/LapzDYVzI4
A4 Have excitement, passion, and feeling in everything you teach. When I bring it, they bring it.
A4: How important it is to have fun and laugh with my Ss every single day. Oh. And how to dab. But the "cool"/"fancy" way.:)
We're still in whip and nae nae ;)
A4. Adolescents taught me the importance of learning 2 listen. Properly. +ve r'ships r key 2 everything https://t.co/NwDc3Z8t9a
Big buckets of awesome sauce! Here's Q4 for : What's something U've learned from working w/ young adolescents? What do they teach U?
learned from my students that the dab is not just in the arms, but the legs too...Haha
Completely agree ! My Ss crack me up constantly. https://t.co/Nw0EcaQsMh
A4 I raised my own MSers & have taught many...biggest lesson has been lots of patience & a sense of humor.They crack me up
A4 they teach me how much they need us to care!
Hahah yes!!! And in the lead-up!
A4: To not take myself too seriously. And no matter how old a child gets they could still use a hug.
a4) the world may be falling apart today but the sun always comes up tomorrow.MS is filled with drama,but everyday is a fresh start
The final foodie question for 2nite! Q5: if middle level education was a food, what food would it be and why?
Love when they get all excited...Ms. Stern we’ll teach you the MOVES!
A4 - Ss have taught me that very few things are THAT serious - tomorrow is a new day - sometimes just forget yesterday and move on
A5: cumquat. Weird and misunderstood, but still good. And lots of fun.
A5 Old Country Buffet- there's a bit of everything, and you can go back for seconds if you want. https://t.co/WNOyWUMNvB
The final foodie question for 2nite! Q5: if middle level education was a food, what food would it be and why?
A5: Sour Patch Kids. Our Ss may be spicy and have their sour moments, but underneath it all, they all have a sweet side.
It is a fresh start as long as we allow it to be a fresh start. So critical for effective MS culture. https://t.co/xFFGBNpdlh
a4) the world may be falling apart today but the sun always comes up tomorrow.MS is filled with drama,but everyday is a fresh start
