Inspired by the brilliantly successful, powerful learning and collaboration opportunity that is the weekly #edchat, #elemchat was created to provide elementary (or primary) school educators with a venue for discussing issues and strategies that are specific to teaching in their context.
Culture is not static. It’s dynamic. You can change it by what you say. You can elevate it by what you think. You can improve it by what you share. You can transform it by what you do. You can work to create a positive culture right now.
One thing I have seen that I liked were activities that incorporate varying students' interests...it makes it fun to learn about kids as individuals on a more personal note and students maybe learn something new they can connect with a classmate on
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The most important thing I do from day one is create and foster an environment of respect and a safe place. It is the foundation to creating classroom culture I think.
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I'm not a teacher yet, I am currently in college. However, I think it is important to get to know your students and understand their backgrounds and then have them share within the classroom. #elemchat#GEN2018
I started doing morning meetings twice a week where we share our highs & lows from the week. Got to know my kids better than any other year ever #elemchat
I take time to have real conversations with my students about their lives, not only about subject matter I am teacher. Who are they as individuals. #elemchat
Hi Terry, I really like that you make your classroom a safe space for everyone and I'm sure your students do too! Thanks for sharing. #GEN2108#elemchat
I also think students need to see you as more than the adult in the room. That you have a life outside of school. And that you are human and make mistakes. It creates trust.
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I love sharing highs and lows. I do that at my lacrosse practices and I think it is important for everyone to listen and understand each other's days. #GEN2108#elemchat
Great point @Terrywi99061559. Developing the relationships are key with the students and it takes more than just "subject matter" work. #GSC612702#elemchat
As I am not a teacher yet I haven't put anything into practice, but I would make sure to educate the students on the backgrounds of their peers. I would also make sure that the readings in my class would show diversity and different ways of life. #elemchat
I agree! Making mistakes let’s the students know that it is ok for them to make mistakes too! I am really focusing on shifting mindset this year. #elemchat
I like this just taking time to talk about their lives--not just school. It's important to remember kids are humans, not little creatures to fill their brains with information
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We have a program, it's call Caring Schools Community, where we use it daily to develop a caring classroom community. The students take the lead in solutions to situations and become problem solvers. There is also a vocabulary that is expected to be used. #elemchat
Heather, I do morning check-ins to see how students highs and lows are to start the day. Also sharing circles are a great way to communicate how students are feelingand share your highs and lows.
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It is always important to take responsibility for your mistakes and being the example for your students so they realize it is ok to make a mistake, but also take responsibility for them. #elemchat#GEN2108
I think it is important to have a relationship with your students, but you also have to make sure it is not too personal! There should be a certain line drawn to know what should and should not be shared! #GEN2108#elemchat
I've done the brown bag activity, where kids put 5 items into a brown paper bag and take turns sharing what the items mean. Students can then ask questions afterwards. I model the activity after I introduce it, which allows them to learn about me as well. #elemchat#eda655
@atechiebookworm
I just engage with them on a personal level and share things about myself - both in school and out of school tidbits..... #GSC612702#elemchat
As @Terrywi99061559 said earlier, it is important to let your students know that you have a life outside of school as well. I have discussions about my interests with my students, they know I love to travel, pasta, and reading. #elemchat
Sophie, one thing I do is share stories I wrote when I was my student's age. It is also good for a laugh. But it shows them I was once just like them.
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I've observed where the teacher starts the school year off with them as the "star student" and demonstrate how it will work when it's the students turn, kids learn about the teacher and get excited at the opportunity that they will get to share #elemchat
I think this is one of the easiest ways to develop relationships, let them know what you enjoy and incorporate your interests into curriculum as well
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Terry, I wish I had saved more from my time at school to share with my students. This sounds like a great idea. I agree, it definitely shows that you can relate to them! #GEN2108#elemchat
One thing I also do, outside of the curriculum, is take my class to the gym or out to just play. The connections you make when your playing 4 square with them pays off in the classroom with respect. I tell my class we play hard so I want you to also work hard.
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I think something I would do is to tell the students a bit about me at the beginning of the year and go around the room and let them talk about themselves for a few moments. #elemchat
My next ? — Have you found a certain tech tool that helps build culture in your room instead of isolating everyone to just their own screens? #elemchat
We use the google maps for education suite in our province a lot. It has a lot of collaboration built in so that students can work and share together in real time. They really enjoy this in my class. #elemchat
kahoot is interactive group game, study island has a group session feature that lets students answer academic questions individually but as a group with immediate feedback #elemchat#eda655
Sometimes I have my students work together on certain things on the Chromebooks, and with their Tech Buddies, they have to be the "teacher" to help the younger Ss learn how to use the Tech. Creates a lot of positive culture and they learn a lot about each other. #elemchat
Blackboard Collaborate also allows students to share their screens with the rest of the classroom and allows collaboration between students and teachers. #elemchat#GEN2108
I just remembered another culture building activity my class always does — first snow of the year! We always drop whatever we’re doing & go outside for 10 mins to dance/play/run in the snow 💗 #elemchat
I really like this idea. Sometimes I find that peers can explain lessons in different ways and more productive ways that allow other students to understand. #GEN2108#elemchat
I enjoy several already named, but I will add @GooseChase — interactive techie group scavenger hunts! And there’s even a free version that lets you create up to 3 teams 👍🏻 #elemchat
In my current placement it varies depending on the leaders at each building. Some engage actively and some leave it up to the classroom stafff. #GSC612702#elemchat
I enjoy several already named, but I will add @GooseChase — interactive techie group scavenger hunts! And there’s even a free version that lets you create up to 3 teams 👍🏻 #elemchat
My admin make the school culture a positive one. They truly care about the students and their needs and are a great support/resource if you need it. #elemchat
Good ? terry! I work for 6 diff admin 😳 they are the culture drivers! I like the title Lead Learner so much more than principal or supt bc modeling is most effective in leadership! #elemchat
Just from observations I have found you can get a sense of the admin's personality when you walk into a classroom. I love the schools where admin is open to new ideas and making learning fun as well as actually check in with their staff regularly #elemchat
She takes time being seen by the kids in their classrooms and elsewhere, talks to the students, takes time to "small talk" with parents, asks for teacher input and uses it to make decisions #elemchat#eda655
Love the idea of getting down to their level. I think that is definitely more engaging to the younger students. I have used that alot when coaching younger age groups. #elemchat
I have a question for everyone in the chat! How do you, as a teacher, deal with problems between students that may involve diversity? Or do you have any experiences, in particular, you want to share? #elemchat#GEN2108
I think one key to any issues involving diversity is to be honest about it and don't "skirt" around things, find out what is going on and then were is the misconception coming from #elemchat
I think for me the biggest issues surrounding diversity is a lack of exposure to different cultures. When a students have good conversations with each other and realize they have so much more in common, than what is different it allows them to see each other as people. #elemchat
Depending on the situation and how many students are involved, I will gravitate to have a circle chat and have share the situation to the students, and without using names, have the students solve the situation on their own. It brings accountability to everyone. #elemchat
Have to start by learning about diversity and building acceptance in your classroom/school before major problems arise. This will make it easier when managing upcoming conflicts. We usually will refer ongoing peer conflict to the guidance counselor. #elemchat#eda655
Given where I currently live/teacher there is not a great deal of cultural diversity. That being said, I love the idea of getting students involved in the solution to drive accountability #elemchat
Yeah. Having eye contact when talking to children really does engage them better. It also makes them feel more comfortable with talking, in my experience. #elemchat
I'm in college right now so I don't have much classroom experience. I was just referring to any students who end up in conflicts as a result of diversity. #GEN2108#elemchat
Here’s my last ? for tonight’s chat — what lessons do you use throughout the year to help teach about diversity & culture (or at least represent other groups of people even if it isn’t directly the lesson) #elemchat
Luckily, here in Nova Scotia our social studies curriculum outcomes are all designed around the most influential cultures to our region. We teach diversity all year.
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My district has purposefully been purchasing morre new mentor texts for our T’s & libraries w strong female leads & POC & characters who dress differently than stereotypical Americans, etc. (if you want some suggestions, just ask🤗) #elemchat
I think a great one is to have everyone share a tradition around a certain holiday season that makes them unique (even if everyone celebrates Christmas), you could make them delve deeper and investigate cultural norms outside the U.S. associated with Christmas #elemchat
Book selection for me as a L.A. teacher is crucial. Students need to see themselves reflected in the books we read to them, and the books that are in our classroom. There needs to be positive representations of their culture, values, diverse families. #elemchat
I would use books, videos and if possible I'd have speakers come in to talk to the students about their own culture. I think the best one for the grade I'd want to teach (2nd Grade) would probably be books. #elemchat
