Thank you for visiting #ksedchat. We welcome all educators to our chat that runs Mondays at 8 p.m. Central. Though many of our educators have their homes in Kansas, all teachers are welcome to pop in and join in on the learning.
Hi my name is Morgan Prouty. I am a preservice teacher studying Early and Special Education at Grove City College. Favorite cookie by far are pizzelles #ksedchat
Good evening everyone! TJ Warsnak SS teacher from #HalsteadHS checking in. It's been a while but good to be back. Favorite cookie would be the classic chocolate chip. #ksedchat
Stephani former tech specialist, current HS business teacher from #SWMO
I'd be a molasses cookie, the glue that holds us together with a little bit of spice to keep you guessing. #ksedchat
Miss B here checking back in! (Its been a minute! Santa has this elf working overtime!)
If I were Santa I would want some MONSTER cookies left! Warm and fresh out of the oven!! #ksedchat
A1 we do mindfulness activities throughout the school day, as well as brain breaks to regain focus and being in the moment. Really brings the class back to focus on the tasks at hand. #KSEDchat
A1) This week is Christmas program rehearsal, so we don't have any normal schedule this week, except today. We are still covering skills, but doing more fun things this week; all work is in class and what doesn't get done become homework. #ksedchat
A1: super engaging lessons or things where they can talk about their own winter holiday traditions. I also try to turn everything into a competion. āTable that is ready first gets 10,000 āļøā or āTutorial group that turns in the highest quality TRF get 5 brownie pts. #ksedchat
A3- Its all about creating engagement in class...if you just pop in a video kids will be less engaged and wont want to show. My end of the year will have students creating a zombie apocalypse stronghold model to defend against an evil wizard who is attacking #ksedchat#xplap
A1) Our classroom day starts with a GoNoodle and then yoga each morning. We recenter. Refocus. And let go. Sometimes itās just starting the day with PEACE & SAFETY that sets the tone for the rest of the day!! #ksedchat
A1: I do mindfulness. I also bring it to a different level at times. When they talk Iāll start to skip around or yell silliness. I know this sounds āagainst the grainā but the visual and movement help them see what they look like and ways we can fix it together. #KSEDchat
A1: I have been trying to grade students on soft skills throughout the year. (My principal did a lot of hard work on working with business leaders and staff on developing a rubric). 3 of the ares I am focusing on is staying in class and putting cellphones away #ksedchat
#ksedchat get rid of the fluff. Kids know when you arenāt making meaningful learning opportunities. And rely on those relationships. Holidays arenāt joyful for every kid so they NEED you! #ihatecountdowncalendars
A1. Take the energy they have and channel it into the activity they are completing. Have worksheet be Christmas themed. Have them read Christmas stories or write about Christmas traditions they have at home. #ksedchat
A1: Trying to do at least one thing each week thatās just fun and brings the class together: a quick game of color tag in English, tie-dying yearbook staff t-shirts, going on a photo nature walk. It helps both me and the students focus on the moment and make a memory #ksedchat
A1: I try to do as many engaging activities as I can the last couple weeks before break. We have a scavenger hunt, a science experiment, an improv activity, & some other fun surprises up my sleeve this week. Itās important to make school a place where kids want to be! #ksedchat
A1: I think it's fine to allow students some time discuss those 'other' things, then refocus to the objective. Often times students are excited and want to share because of the connection they have with the class. This is a good thing. #ksedchat
A1: It's difficult during this time of year. I think it's more about keeping them mentally focused, so I try keep it accessible to all. It's about all I can control. #ksedchat
A1) Weāve covered enough content that I set my desks up in groups of five, each around a dry erase board. Each cluster has open questions there to explore based on our learning targets. They choose where and with whom to work, based on self-identified needs. I float. #ksedchat
Justin joining in late def monster cookie! A1 let them bring food for presentations cell cakes/cookies, skittles or m&ms for ratio probability, popcorn for Ss created videos #ksedchat
A2: to the best of your ability make sure you communicatewith your kids changes in the schedule because as much as it stresses you out they too are stressed. #ksedchat
#ksedchat Dropping in late. Carrie Horn. Graber Elementary, first grade teacher, usd 308. Sugar cookies! Yum! (Iāll be mostly in the shadows tonight....)
A2ā Its important to go with the flow. Donāt complain and be supportive of the kids and staff in charge. Complaining gets you no where and itās important for kids to see you adapt to different situations. They watch how you handle things! #ksedchat
A2 as a first year teacher, I have found that buying into the fun and going with the flow of the crazy makes it all go so much smoother. The second you become firm and rigid is the moment that you break. #KSEDchat
A2: So the biggest part for high school are students will miss class for special events. Take a deep breath and provide some flexibility for the student. However they did sign up for the extracurricular, that is a privilege and it is on them to make up work
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A2: to the best of your ability make sure you communicatewith your kids changes in the schedule because as much as it stresses you out they too are stressed. #ksedchat
A2: Oh, good question! My advice is sometimes you just have to go with the flow. And itās okay if something doesnāt go as planned, itās normal and part of teaching. How well you adapt to change is what matters most! #ksedchat
A2: It's easy to get defensive of your time, but I've started trying to rethink what we are doing and the purpose. That's one reason why I wish we weren't on a bell schedule. Give the kids what they need when they need it. #ksedchat
A2: Plan portable lessons! Incorporate mobile devices, flash cards, neumonic devices, chants and stories. Learning on the go! For HS Ss use a flipped classroom setup. #ksedchat
A2) Going with the flow for sure! Overplanning that way you do have learning for the kids to do if time does magically appear. Planning to reteach skills and not necessarily new stuff! #ksedchat
A2: 1 Talk to your most trusted teachers about how these things are handled. 2 Build in some smaller self-paced learning or projects that don't require whole group instruction. 3 Support the teacher who is putting in the time and effort to make a great performance #ksedchat
A2: try to keep to a schedule as much as possible. Even when there is no schedule. Making notes or pictures on the board of what to expect. Or even updating the students on what is next is helpful. Donāt WE want to know what is next on the agenda? Same curiosity. #ksedchat
A2 Be aware and flexible, look at the district calendar and list of events, ask Ts if they want to have rehearsals during other classes, prepare for filler days for Ss to catch up on past work and provide assignments that are engaging not punishing #newteacherjourney#ksedchat
A3- This is an opportunity to give student choice in your classroom and to be flexible. Students that have lots of activities tend to be good at making up work so give them some options and if you do something critical in class you might want to do a flipped video #ksedchat
A2) Donāt relax the expectations, but do try to accommodate them. We offer these opportunities to students. Doesnāt make sense to punish them in anyway for taking advantage of that offer. #ksedchat
A2) Be. Prepared.
Flexibility is key. š
Have lessons prepared that donāt require everyone present! Student choice, GoogleClassroom work, STEM projects are GREAT to have on hand during this time! #ksedchat
A2: Try to be proactive by reviewing upcoming events and schedules with students. Breathe and enjoy the moment with them, then keep the rest of the day as regular as possible. #ksedchat
A3 This year, my 7th graders are Skyping different people from other countries and creating a giant, 5 country/circle venn diagram to see who celebrates what and where. #ksedchat
A3. We have to remember that public schools are for all kids - try to find ways to celebrate differences as way to bring school community closer together. #ksedchat
A3 we are conducting a research project on the different religions and holidays celebrated around the world. My entire class celebrates Christmas, so its been really fun getting to see them dive into other culture's traditions and celebrations. #KSEDchat
A3: Have to be considerate of all in our schools. I know I can do better. Work to let students have a voice in the classroom if they feel isolated. #ksedchat
A3: Next week we are going to talk about winter holidays around the world for geography class. Students will also get a chance to share their experiences. Students love hearing what their classmates have to say so giving them that chance to share is š #ksedchat
A3: we have a small party and everyone gets a gift. In years past anyone that does not celebrate or has a different custom, I have emailed parents to see how to handle it and go from there. #ksedchat
A3: In our Northview Families which is multi-age groups that meet twice per month in our building we created a kindness tree and are focusing on spreading kindness to others. #ksedchat
A3: This begins day 1 when you create a welcoming and accepting classroom for all students. It's about not going overboard with one thing but constantly highlighting things that are important to all kids. #ksedchat
A3: Most of my boys don't mind sharing what they do over the break with their families. It feels like it doesn't matter the celebration, cuz they'll connect over the fun they have sharing stories #ksedchat
A3 Being aware of family and Ss values is the first step, taking Ss surveys asking how they like to celebrate special days if at all, but also giving them other options to be involved in celebrations, be inclusive while teaching diversity #ksedchat
A3) Yeah. Iām kind of a fuddy-duddy that way. I try to avoid specific religious or cultural holidays. That kind of separation is important to me. However, I will say Merry Christmas, Chag Sameach, etc., to those for whom I know it directly applies. #ksedchat
A3.) There are SO many āwinterā activities/experiences you could use, to steer clear of holidays/beliefs - but still bring in the fun of the season!!
For instance.... PUMPKIN SPICE WORDS with cocoa is an ENGAGING experience - for winter excitement & optimal learning!
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I've been thinking on this issue a lot. Some post by other teachers in other states on social media have made me think about this in more depth.
Recognizing my privilege (white, male) has made me think differently on this issue #ksedchat
A4: I am not sure how to answer this... I am working at home, and have been since 7 pm. So someone please find me the magic solution. We demand so much out of teachers now............ #ksedchat
A4: A good support system is key! I have an awesome husband and a couple teacher friends who get it - I can vent about tough or stressful things that happen and then just move on. Do your best each day, reflect, and then on to the next one! #ksedchat
A4 I leave my phone on silent or off (unless I'm expecting a call) and take the time to really sit down and enjoy events. This week I am going to a former student's wrestling dual, and then was asked to chaperone a middle school dance. Definitely looking forward to both #KSEDchat
A4: When my mind starts stressing about work I often ask "Is there anything I can do about it right now?" realizing the answer is often 'No' helps me let it go. I also find that thinking about work while running is effective multi-tasking. #ksedchat
A4: I think anyone in this profession has trouble doing that. Something I do is just try to remember the work will always be there for me, so enjoy the good times now. Oh and, Happy Festivus! #ksedchat
A4: I stopped fighting it. It is what it is. During the school year I know I'm probably going to spend a lot of my time at night and on the weekends on school stuff. I try to embrace breaks more now. #ksedchat
A4 This takes practice! Have the mindset of self care first, itās difficult to care and serve Ss 100% if you donāt care of self: exercise, read a book, take pictures of nature, relax and enjoy the moment #REALedu@TaraMartinEDU#KSEDchat
A4) I had to get real about it. I have kids. Iām married. I work a second job.
Either I was going to burn hot and be out of the game in 5 years, or give myself permission to have time to myself so I can stay in it.
I gave myself time, and refuse to feel guilty. #ksedchat
A4: Finding balance is always a challenge, so accept that some seasons will be busier than others. I turn off notifications at my kids concerts/events. I make lists and take care of the most important things to help my mind accept what Iāve done that day. #ksedchat
A5: I love to listen to sports podcasts. I love moderating #ksedchat. I like to run (even though I haven't in a while.) I love to watch the Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs!
A5 I set aside time each week to go on walks, do a DIY project, or go play tennis. I walk with my new puppy, have always loved DIY projects, and I play tennis because I am the tennis coach @DNMS_tennis#KSEDchat
A4.) Goal Set.
What can I get done TODAY?
What can I do TOMORROW?
End on a note that brings you peace. (I always draw a white board message/picture for the next morning. Helps me end my day - and with peace.)
ENJOY YOUR CHRISTMAS!!
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A5: Play basketball (wish I could dunk again), and hang out with family and friends as much as I can. I also try to build time in for myself to just be alone, too. Helps me reflect and think about where I was and where I want to be in the future #ksedchat
A5: I watch a movie with my family on family movie night for fun family time, I read a book weekly, and I got out of the habit but monthly massages helped more than I realized. #ksedchat
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Thank you all for participating. I hope you take great care of yourselves, now and all through the year. I hope, too, your winter break is relaxing and good to you!
