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.
A1: they haven’t ever been given an opportunity to know they can OR they’ve been enabled. Teachers always compare students to “average” when an average student doesn’t exist. #2pencilchat
Oh that poor teddy bear!
I work hard to help all my kids find their place, but in the beginning it is hard for students who assume they will be yelled at or blamed. They soon learn we are always going to talk. They go from aggressive to much calmer. #2PencilChat
Q1: Students seem to have trouble fitting in because they are very different from the other students and in some of their cases they make no attempts at socialization. #2PencilChat
A1: Students seem to have trouble fitting in because they are very different from the other students and in some of their cases they make no attempts at socialization. #2PencilChat
A1 Does any kid ever find their place in class ... finding your place is almost like finding you role ... what if your role is "that" ... how do you break out of that role. I was "that" kid ... and I stayed that way all through school. #2pencilchat
#2PencilChat A1 Teach your Ss that we are ALL different. You classroom should be a safe haven. Made this during my last in-service. Build relationships with your Ss so they fit it.
A1 spectrum-y kids, highly gifted kids, introverts, kids who see the big picture, anxious kids, kids who do all of the above at the same time #2PencilChat
A1) I love my “scootches”, you know... the ones who can’t sit still, call out, gotta push their way to the front, can never find a pencil, must be center of attention... yeah, they give the Best hugs & most love #genuinetocore#2pencilchat
A1: I always empathized with those students because as a child I had difficulty fitting in at times. Extremely sensitive! Suffered from stomachaches, migraines, etc. They need someone who will stick up for them!#2PencilChat
#2PencilChat In my classroom it is the quiet students- the shy ones. I lure them in with pair activities so they don’t necessarily have to speak in a large group & 1-minute check ins where I can build up their confidence
Allowing them to work in small groups, letting them express themselves in various ways (writing, music, art etc.) and I think most importantly giving them time to warm up to the environment #2PencilChat
A2: I try to find a way to make them shine. Focus on what they do well and give them an opportunity to show it--if they are willing and open to it, of course. #2PencilChat
a1 My algebra classes are inquiry based w/assigned roles. I send out surveys about how they feel about their teams & who they'd like to be with. #2PencilChat
A2 have open ended activities where students can add in their own interests. Match students in groups based on those interests. Mention minecraft and that is one big group #2PencilChat
A2 I think the big thing is showing them they matter & to the other ss they matter by calling out their talents.
Next listen to them, recall what they tell you. Call on them when you know they will succeed and then challenge them as time goes on #2PencilChat
A2: Well, in the case of the introverted students help them breakout of their shells by discussing things they are interested in. Then with the students who are too intense, talk about appropriate social behaviors. #2PencilChat
#2PencilChat Baby steps. If you can get them talking to different students, then small groups and finally they have made a network of community members they feel comfortable talking to- then they feel a part of a collective, a family where they feel safe to talk
A3 We need to work on differences (we all have them), highlight individual student strengths, be very careful how we put groups of students together #2PencilChat
A1: It’s important to celebrate differences and individuality.
The quiet students are often the ones you have to find ways to bring out of their shells and encourage, but the loud ones are sometimes trying to hide in a different way. #2PencilChat
Hello #2PencilChat, I’m late to the chat, sorry! I’m Victoria, a MS librarian in Nebraska. I’m sort of “lurking” and reading through questions and responses. Love what I’m seeing!
A1 I enjoy those who don't 'fit' in they make it more interesting -
these include the ones who challenge, have difficulties with learning, make you cry & laugh all at the same time! #2PencilChat
#2PencilChat Baby steps. If you can get them talking to different students, then small groups and finally they have made a network of community members they feel comfortable talking to- then they feel a part of a collective, a family where they feel safe to talk
A1 I want all my Ss to feel special & know w/o a doubt that they belong. I make sure to touch base daily w/ the ones I worry don't get the attention they need, but I will work the whole room, every class, every day. Building relationships every day. #2PencilChat
A2 I model embracing my own creative eccentricities as a way to make class fun. I tell the animal school allegory, act it out a bit. Create new characters. Shut down put downs immediately. #2PencilChat
A2 #2PencilChat Build a haven where every voice- loud and confident or quiet and emerging to find their niche- a true web of learners requires strong relationships and a safety net for all
A2 We can support kids who don’t fit in by helping them find opportunities to connect their schoolwork to their interests while also helping them explore and enact their social values. Who do they want to be? #2PencilChat
A2 I think it is two-part plan: teach respect and acceptance of your own individuality and teach respect and acceptance of the individuality of others #2pencilchat
A2: Ask that student for their help or advice in planning or leading a lesson. Give them the spotlight and make them feel needed. A feeling of purpose builds confidence!😀 #2PencilChat
A1 I want all my Ss to feel special & know w/o a doubt that they belong. I make sure to touch base daily w/ the ones I worry don't get the attention they need, but I will work the whole room, every class, every day. Building relationships every day. #2PencilChat
A1 a lot of the "kids" who don't fit in have been through so many adult problems and situations, they have a hard time with same age peers. #2pencilchat
#2PencilChat A2 IMO this is the MOST important thing we can lead our Ss to. To find their talents. Be POSITIVE with the Ss, BELIEVE in them. LOVE them with POSITIVE words. You will inspire them to greatness.
So true! Letting them choose partners also guarantees that students will stay in their social comfort zones and avoid learning from new or diverse perspectives. #2PencilChat
Best one I ever heard was a 7th grader shared the time she was a toddler with her parents at Home Depot. Had to go potty and saw a whole aisle of potties so she just assumed .... #2PencilChat
A2 Pause & listen to their stories, or interests; make a big deal about telling Ss when they are doing it right; I love making eye contact, giving a semi-private thumbs up or smile & seeing their responses. I make sure to notice them a lot. :) #2PencilChat
A3 Don't shy away from exposing them to situations that allow them to develop these skills - help them to feel by feeling it themselves - Get it? #2PencilChat
#2PencilChat A3 Encourage peer tutoring. When kids teach their peers not only do they remember the knowledge they develop empathy for those who struggle. This is a huge deal in my room. #PeerTutoring#Works
A2 In a practical sense, an icebreaker like blobs and lines. In a bigger sense, cultivate a shared purpose. My 5th gr T was the only class that made/distributed popcorn to Ts/staff on Fri. We owned it & worked together. #2pencilchat
A2 Pause & listen to their stories, or interests; make a big deal about telling Ss when they are doing it right; I love making eye contact, giving a semi-private thumbs up or smile & seeing their responses. I make sure to notice them a lot. :) #2PencilChat
A3 We can help students by modelling empathy ourselves, many great books to stimulate conversations, great Class Dojo videos on empathy, perseverance etc. #2PencilChat
A3 We can teach students perspective-taking skills and help them notice and name their classmates’ strengths. Here’s a simple activity: https://t.co/y2kYJvCFCc#2pencilchat
A3: Model understanding and kindness with all students! Patience is such an important skill to have when working with students. They see and they do!#2PencilChat
A3: I think we can help kids develop empathy by modeling it ourselves. I also believe in the power of a good story(even if it’s your own) or book that draws kids in. #2PencilChat
A3: Help students identify by sharing with each other. We often have more in common than we know. We do not always realize what others are going through and misjudge their situation to be easier than our own. #2PencilChat
A2: I boost confidence of shy Ss, strengthen skills of struggling Ss & give hugs to all. I scaffold them in engaging lrng experiences. My goal: create risktakers, giving choices & a voice in the way they approach things as well as encourage their sense of agency. #2PencilChat
A3 You model it, you stop any laughter or comments about differences being negative, you show the class how much you appreciate the child's talents, you make sure you find something you love about that student, no faking it, kids sense that #2PencilChat
I love this explanation. I try to teach my Ss to put themselves in the other Ss shoes. I find so often that Ss have trouble thinking of other first instead of thinking of themselves first. #2PencilChat
A3: Help students identify by sharing with each other. We often have more in common than we know. We do not always realize what others are going through and misjudge their situation to be easier than our own. #2PencilChat
#2PencilChat modeling with Socratic seminars, debates and even student Edcamps- the more opportunities they have to collaborate and work together as a community the more they trust and support one another.
This is me too Steve! I have Yellow box Cheerios at all times for snacks, water picture, lotion, carmex for lips etc. This is so kids need to worry about nothing, Cheap in comparison to what they gain #2PencilChat
Yes, exactly!! We can all be guilty of being focused on our own needs but especially children, teens. They have not lived long enough to understand most of the time without someone showing them. #2PencilChat
A3 #2PencilChat Mindfulness comes w/ practice & if we share positive and joyful moments - focus on the breakthroughs and every move forward as growth - we reinforce a growth mindset- see embrace failure as an option as not a meter stick but a picnic blanket waiting to be sat upon
Working in teams, focus issues become obvious. For the team to be productive, they have to learn how they can help in a way it is appreciated. #2PencilChat
A4 Our morning meeting helps our classroom so much! We greet, do an activity, a share time, a message, and song to build confidence. This starts each day & we gain from it #2PencilChat
#2PencilChat Mindfulness lessons, student-centered, flexible seating and no homework. Let their voices dictate what they need to be successful both inside & outside the classroom
I wish I had more time for lunch with the kids. I love to wander around the cafeteria and visit the kids at their lunch tables. (I teach high school.) #2pencilchat
A4 I like to offer many choices in the type of responses S's can choose from: building (lego), Bloxel ( building video game responses), creative (Buncee), Flipgrid, Readers Theatre etc #2PencilChat
A4: Just talking to our students! Conversation! I loved spending time talking with my students and listening to them. Amazing how wise, unique, talented, funny, intuitive, ......they are! #2PencilChat
We can stand alone & still develop effective communication skills, making contributions to whatever is going on. But some Ss struggle to utter a word. #2Pencilchat
In reply to
@larkscience, @iteachsprouts, @MagicPantsJones
A3 Teach kids how to have boundaries (limit time), teach those who have difficulty coping skills, be patient with all, and build relationships #2pencilchat
A4 Just catching up. That’s it, just shooting some breeze. Too many of my Ss can’t have a 2 min phone convo let alone any time IRL. These skills aren’t any less essential. #2PencilChat#practicetalking
A4: Love to see more creativity that is not ALWAYS standard related. Projects that students are passionate about. Trying to use Genius Hour to foster this. I know we have to get the academic in there as well #2PencilChat
A4 There’s never enough time devoted to engineering, art, music, PE, racial justice, social action (not just talking about it but doing it), environmental ed, culinary arts, playing outside, LGBTQ-inclusive sex-positive sex ed, and genre fiction.
#2pencilchat
#2PencilChat A4 LOVE is the key to EVERYTHING! If your Ss KNOW you LOVE them and BELIEVE in them, you WILL inspire them. #BeenThereDoneThat Check out a powerful Thanksgiving letter I got from a St this year. PRAISE EVERY ST YOU HAVE EVERY DAY!
A2: I find that for some of these Ss it helps talking to them outside of class about their interests and ask them how the feel about the class. #2PencilChat
A4: Activity belongs in school at every grade level. Fitness is proven positive for the brain. Sharing time should not stop in elementary school. We have to have learning time, but if we can find ways to do both. I have pedals & bikes in my classroom. #2pencilchat#fitleaders
A3: We lrn from thought-provoking picture bks & conversations during & after rdg. We try to “live kindness” as a general way of being (poptops to Ronald McD house, cards for cancer patients). Then, giving grace to those around us in our cls becomes a way of life. #2PencilChat
I changed to "design your own homework" for review, practice, or extension. More of a hwk log at own pace. Great conversations with hs students ... why did you choose that? did it help you to understand? #2PencilChat
A3: I usually share a personal bullying story or my wife’s story. Then, I usually tell the Ss that had they been our classmates we would have been accepted. It gets them thinking. #2PencilChat
YES! If we teach math and reading, then kindness has to be something that we teach too, kids don't always just learn this. We have to teach, model, and practice it #2PencilChat
A5: It is possible. Has to be intentional. Getting others on board is a great benefit, but that is not always possible. Shifting culture and mindsets takes time. (not to sound cliche) #2PencilChat
More time. Giving Ss extra music activities beyond our busy reg schedule fills up my after school time nearly every day, but it's SO worth it. HS/MS Band tutoring, pep band, drum club, parades! They love it, so how can I not offer it? #2PencilChat
#2PencilChat A5 Loving your Ss should be built in to every minute of your classtime. An observing student Tr once told me she had more positive tick marks in my one class than in her COMBINED previous five classes. You can sense a positive aura in classes like this. #LoveAbounds
Hmm, being liked is a need. Being liked in every situation is not a need. But one must have someone who likes being with them. So they can be themselves. Without a mask. #2pencilchat
In reply to
@StantonAlana, @JoPrestia, @larkscience
A5 It's possible to combine subjects to buy more time. Making time certainly needs to be intentional. Allowing more choices takes time to teach the kids how to use some of the tools but it's a good investment #2PencilChat
A4: I am blessed to be at an inquiry-based schl where we live our beliefs. However, it seems we still never have enough time - for more student-led experiments, more completed Wrtg Wkshp bks for 'questions & comments' by friends & more inquiry into their passions. #2PencilChat
#2PencilChat For me, a timer I need to have a little reminder to keep on track- keep it simple and straight forward at times and spontaneous in others- flow is everything
A5: I think we find the time by really paying attention to Ss & what they are saying, doing, needing, etc. “Teachable moments” pop up sometimes when we least expect them. #2PencilChat
I'm in the same boat. I help with the color guard for the marching band. Turns into a year-long commitment - they live in my room :) #GlitterEverywhere#2PencilChat
A5 If we’re willing to be flexible about the form a lesson or assignment takes, we might think of other ways to fulfill its purposes while ALSO helping students explore new topics, imagine new ideas, create things they value, empathize, and grow.
#2pencilchat
Josh here! I proudly serve as the @JCPS_NC Humanities Coordinator and am honored to soon be transitioning to my role as a #JCPS Innovation Coach! #2PencilChat
Thanks! My wife told me today, “I’m tired of hearing you talk about starting blog. You have next week to get it done and I’ll then help you. It better be about kindness or empathy. That is what you are always talking about.” #2PencilChat
A5 #2PencilChat I make time for more student-led activities through a flipped/blended design- notes at home, enrichment and elaboration in the classroom
Eric! DO it! You got this! Just start one about what you love....kindness. We could use your voice, really
And you should always listen to your wife, she is awesome, you've told us #2PencilChat
Thanks! My wife told me today, “I’m tired of hearing you talk about starting blog. You have next week to get it done and I’ll then help you. It better be about kindness or empathy. That is what you are always talking about.” #2PencilChat
A5: We do #FitLit at our school to make teachers and students more aware. We do research and record activities. It is a work in progress, but it helps that our principal @RyanBJackson1 is on board and leading a #FitLeaders movement to encourage educators everywhere. #2PencilChat
Welcome! I know this district quite well. Love JoCo. Spent some amazing years teaching in the district. Had the privilege of working with Dr. Price. What a small world! #2PencilChat
Just enjoying the opportunity to share a book! Reading to others! We paired our 3rd graders with kindergarten Ss waiting to be picked up from an early weather dismissal last week. It was a great way to spend 30 minutes! #2PencilChat A4
I am not a planner- my team are planners- I tend to just fly by the seat of my britches- this is dbl edged - I get creative w/our time and tend to go off book but I see the network more clearly and see how to connect things in unusual ways #2PencilChat
And again we are like soul teachers here...this is me! I am at my best day by day! I plan out ideas, but my best projects are more on the fly, it is just how I am #2PencilChat#YougetIT
I am not a planner- my team are planners- I tend to just fly by the seat of my britches- this is dbl edged - I get creative w/our time and tend to go off book but I see the network more clearly and see how to connect things in unusual ways #2PencilChat
#2pencilchat The most important strategy- open your doors, collaborate and share on Twitter etc. network and create a PLN that truly inspires & motivates
A4 - Really think we're getting away from a/the main point of school...knowledge. I know that may be an unpopular opinion in 'modern' school, but I stand by it. #2PencilChat
A6: By connecting with other #FitLeaders on @Twitter and @instagram, we inspire, encourage, and charge each other to continue exercising, to advance learning, and to keep fighting for education, teachers, and students. #2PencilChat#takecareofyourself
#2PencilChat A6 If you teach MS or HS ATTEND the kids activities and PROMOTE them! Social media has enabled me to spread my message of #AlwaysBelieve beyond my classroom walls to the community! #Believe selfies #Rock
A5 It's important to find balance. For the extras I give my Ss, we do a little time more often than large chunks of time. I also try to leave school work for school. My time w/ my 4 girls & husband is a priority. Not every day is balanced, but a work in progress. #2PencilChat
A6 - Blog about them...discuss them...mention them on social media...learning strategies (retrieval practice, spaced practice, elaboration, dual coding, concrete examples, etc.) #2PencilChat
A5 It's important to find balance. For the extras I give my Ss, we do a little time more often than large chunks of time. I also try to leave school work for school. My time w/ my 4 girls & husband is a priority. Not every day is balanced, but a work in progress. #2PencilChat
I love you SO MUCH, #2PencilChat Pals! Thank you for joining us tonight! Please join guest host @abookforfrances next week, same Pencil time, same Pencil place!
Well, yes. But you must first have the knowledge in order to apply the knowledge. I think that's sometimes forgotten. We want to be creative with information before we have an understanding of the information. #2PencilChat
