#LearnLAP occurs on Mondays starting at 7pm Central Time. Guest moderators and participants discuss topics from author Paul Solarz's book Learn Like a PIRATE.
Hey I am a HS Science teacher from NC and I love to use name tents with writing prompts to get to know Ss. Example: what does your afternoon look like once you leave school? #LearnLAP
HELLO #LearnLAP ! Cory from Conroe, TX here. GOVT Prof at Lone Star College.
Because of tonight's #LearnLAP topic I included pics of our Soul Sessions & Free Speech Poetry Slam - focused on creating understanding, giving voice, and building community this semester.
Hey I am a HS Science teacher from NC and I love to use name tents with writing prompts to get to know Ss. Example: what does your afternoon look like once you leave school? #LearnLAP
HELLO #LearnLAP ! Cory from Conroe, TX here. GOVT Prof at Lone Star College.
Because of tonight's #LearnLAP topic I included pics of our Soul Sessions & Free Speech Poetry Slam - focused on creating understanding, giving voice, and building community this semester.
Hi #learnlap! This is my first EVER twitter chat! Judy from San Jose, CA. 5th/6th Grade Teacher. My fav way to get to know students is Lunch with the Teacher! I’ve been booked solid for the past month!
Hi! Jen Manly, a CS teacher from Maryland. I like talking with them outside of class time- lunches, clubs, in the halls- and about things other than school. #learnlap
Research says it takes us 15-20 minutes to get into a flow state. How often are we giving students enough time to actually experience flow? How much better would school/learning be if we have them more opportunities to reach flow more often? #tlap#learnlap
Question #1: Attached is one definition of "Cultural Competency."
Why is it important for educators to learn Cultural Competence & Culturally Responsive Teaching techniques? #LearnLAP
Hello from the Catskill Mountains, NY! Sherri, @ThirstyBeesNY here. I like to make a big circle and have everyone share a story about themselves. I go first. Once we get past the,"Whoa, you've been to Alaska?" moment, everyone gets to speak. #learnlap
A1 we teach with our own lens. For most classes this means from the lens of a white woman. In order to connect with our ss we need to understand them and where they come from. Especially those that don't look and act like us.
#learnlap
A1: Even if you don’t directly hit something from their culture in what you are doing, Ss seeing you actively seek to learn about, include, and value all cultures connects them to you and your class...forever. #LearnLAP
Hey! Matt from Va. AP at @FCPS_BFMS
A1: Because not every student enters the building with the same background. Being culturally responsive means meeting kids where they are and using our tool box to help them achieve.
#LearnLAP
Question #1: Attached is one definition of "Cultural Competency."
Why is it important for educators to learn Cultural Competence & Culturally Responsive Teaching techniques? #LearnLAP
A1 we have to learn about our students b4 we can educate them. How can you make a lesson relevent to bridge connections if you don't know what conceptions your Ss are bringing? Ss will make connections and its important for us to help them be meaningful to the Ss #LearnLAP
A2. So Ss feel loved, important, and safe. Anything else would be less than our best as educators. It’s obvious we have to do better as a nation to improve cultural sensitivity. That Idaho or Iowa (can’t remember which state) Halloween situation was despicable #learnlap
A1 At one time we were the great American melting pot. We now live in a Global society where we are all connected. We must value and honor the cultural identity of Ss and use it to build a strong system of collaboration for the greater good #learnlap
Hey! Matt from Va. AP at @FCPS_BFMS
A1: Because not every student enters the building with the same background. Being culturally responsive means meeting kids where they are and using our tool box to help them achieve.
#LearnLAP
A1: Because the better that educators understand the cultures of their students, the more likely they will be able to connect with them AND integrate their culture(s) into instruction. Some states, like Alaska, have even developed their own cultural standards. #learnlap
Question #2: No one wants to feel like they're alone & misunderstood in class.
What are some ways educators can make stronger connections with culturally-diverse students from themselves so they and their families feel like an important member of the community? #LearnLAP
A1: In a global society where people are becoming more independent upon each other and we need to be able to work together to solve global issues, therefore we must strive to understand each other. #LearnLAP
A1: having an awareness of other backgrounds & cultures can help us better serve Ss with diverse needs. We can teach our Ss to be culturally competent, empathetic individuals #learnlap
A1b: For me and my collaborator on our Soul Sessions series that is exploring world faith communities; we have learned so much so deeply that it has been life changing. We only hope it is hitting Ss the same. #LearnLAP.
A1: CRT helps us to create a space where all students feel safe, valued, and capable of success. A student cannot learn if they don’t see themselves as valued and safe in the classroom. #learnlap
A1. It allows you to meet the needs of all of your Ss. In a way it is a form of differentiated instruction. It is not a “one size fits all approach” but recognizes the uniqueness of all Ss. #LearnLAP
A2 we must build relationships and in doing so show a genuine interest in their cultural background. Tie this into our lessons and activities to create interest, grow knowledge build understanding and appreciation #learnlap
Cultural competency means empowering students!
It means giving students a voice and the opportunity to learn about themselves and others.
Everyday the world gets smaller, we should be giving our students authentic experiences to interact with others! #learnlap
I love this chat! Q #2: No one wants to feel like they're alone & misunderstood in class. What are some ways educators can make stronger connections with culturally-diverse students from themselves so they&their families feel like an important member of the community? #LearnLAP
Q2: take some time to research on these Ss cultural background and learn what can be sensitive to them. Reach out and ask them to not to feel afraid to share. In Singapore, we have to live with many cultures too #LearnLAP
Question #2: No one wants to feel like they're alone & misunderstood in class.
What are some ways educators can make stronger connections with culturally-diverse students from themselves so they and their families feel like an important member of the community? #LearnLAP
A1: CRT helps us to create a space where all students feel safe, valued, and capable of success. A student cannot learn if they don’t see themselves as valued and safe in the classroom. #learnlap
A2: Educators can be more transparent. Let Ss see you are a real person and have interests beyond the bulding. Students can let their guard down unless they believe they are safe. #learnlap
A1 cont: I think we must also recognize that one of the main tenants of CRT isn’t just about recognizing each student’s culture; it’s also about creating a classroom/school culture in which every student feels/knows they belong. #learnlap
A2: reach out to Ss and families from different backgrounds and cultures. Have morning meetings where you talk about diversity and what makes us all unique. Show that you care and are interested in making those connections and relationships #learnLAP
#1 teachers need to authentically believe that all students are important members of the community... just try to make students FEEL LIKE important members. #2 actually get to know the strengths of all students and build in moments for each student to shine. #LearnLAP
A2. Sit down and talk with the kids and be real with them. Had a great convo with a S of color last week. Turned out he used to leave near me and he loved that. Once he knew we had something in common, the rest was of our talk was more open and unfiltered #learnlap
We can't do anything until we know our history Educators can learn the real history and not teach the farce of Columbus day or how the civil war was about states rights. Most ts don't know the history and therefore can't understand the system they are perpetuating. #learnlap
Question #2: No one wants to feel like they're alone & misunderstood in class.
What are some ways educators can make stronger connections with culturally-diverse students from themselves so they and their families feel like an important member of the community? #LearnLAP
A2 Being willing to admit that you come from a different background from your Ss can help to build that relationship. Also assigning value to Ss stories/experiences demonstrates the value you place on their experiences/culture #LearnLAP
Question #3: What are some ways we can encourage our students to teach their peers or our community about their culture or background? If not the whole class, how can they better inform us as educators? #LearnLAP
A2: By listening, asking meaningful questions and inviting families to share. I have had parents share food, art, language, songs, traditions, etc. Open doors and open dialogue. #LearnLAP
A2: try something the S is interested in. They like soccer, ask them to teach you some moves. Puts them at ease to talk about something they care about and lays a foundation to better understanding another. #LearnLAP
Here is Question #3: What are some ways we can encourage our students to teach their peers or our community about their culture or background? If not the whole class, how can they better inform us as educators? #LearnLAP
A2: Empathy! Today I sat with a student who recently moved to our area from Jamaica. He was clearly lost & frustrated. I sat with him &, before I tried to help him, we talked about moving, missing home, how I was glad he was here, etc. He smiled the rest of the day! #learnlap
A2. By learning something about their cultures & show genuine interest. This starts with learning how to correctly pronounce their names. Also understanding that they are individuals & are not spokesman/women for their entire cultural group. #LearnLAP
A3 one way I remember my HS social studies teacher doing was ask us to research our family history. He gave us leading questions that allowed us to dig deeper and the. Share it with the class. There are so many possibilities to tie this into the core subjects as well #learnlap
A3 i would say how can we learn about their culture. What can we do to reach out instead.of putting the onus on students who are.probably hyper aware.of their differences to begin with. #learnlap
Question #3: What are some ways we can encourage our students to teach their peers or our community about their culture or background? If not the whole class, how can they better inform us as educators? #LearnLAP
A3 Engage Ss in the conversation. Last year I invited 4 young males to co-author a presentation for our county led summit. They were authentic and real with Ts about what we can do to improve classroom culture for diverse learners, and what we are doing right! #LearnLAP
A3. Don’t ever let a dress code hold kids back from showing their culture. Next up is providing the opportunity for Ss to share any day, not just during culture week. And make it more then just bringing in food to eat from countries of ancestry or origin. Make it more #learnlap
#1 teachers need to authentically believe that all students are important members of the community... NOT just try to make students FEEL LIKE important members. #2 actually get to know the strengths of all students and build in moments for each student to shine. #LearnLAP
A2: Empathy! Today I sat with a student who recently moved to our area from Jamaica. He was clearly lost & frustrated. I sat with him &, before I tried to help him, we talked about moving, missing home, how I was glad he was here, etc. He smiled the rest of the day! #learnlap
A3: 1st by encouraging them to be proud of their culture. That has to come first. Many times if they are the minority they hide from their differences instead of embracing them. If comfortable allow them to present to the class about what they love about who they are. #LearnLAP
Question #3: What are some ways we can encourage our students to teach their peers or our community about their culture or background? If not the whole class, how can they better inform us as educators? #LearnLAP
A2: Use important facts from “get to know you” surveys to intentionally talk with Ss. Create spaces to include another perspective in lessons that is not an objective or standard, but is a seed for growing inclusive people. Be attentive in the moments. #LearnLAP
A2: Be cognizant of the posters you put on your walls, the articles you assign, and - more importantly - that the educational system is largely based in middle class white values. It is hard for Ss to become what they cannot see. #learnlap
A3: we have Racial Harmony Day in Singapore schools where each student is encouraged to showcase their culture with their peers. This activity starts from kindy years! #learnLAP
A3: ask students to bring in a children’s book/picture book that they feel represents them. Even with older kids, kids books just simplify things. #LearnLAP
#1 teachers need to authentically believe that all students are important members of the community... NOT just try to make students FEEL LIKE important members. #2 actually get to know the strengths of all students and build in moments for each student to shine. #LearnLAP
A3: ask students to bring in a children’s book/picture book that they feel represents them. Even with older kids, kids books just simplify things. #LearnLAP
Question #4: Tolerance and Acceptance isn't enough. Let's teach our students to embrace & appreciate each others' differences!
What can educators do to help students appreciate their classmates' differences, rather than just tolerate or accept them? #LearnLAP
A3: Have a culture celebration day where students can focus on their own culture or one they are interested in. Family histories are nice too - but we need to remember some of our kids are not in traditional families & may not know (or want to know) their histories. #learnlap
Question #4: Tolerance and Acceptance isn't enough. Let's teach our students to embrace & appreciate each others' differences!
What can educators do to help students appreciate their classmates' differences, rather than just tolerate or accept them? #LearnLAP
A3: The onus shouldn’t be on Ss, but on us as educators to create classroom environments where we constantly expose ALL students to diversity in culture and thought. We must lead in selecting diverse learning experiences, which pave the way for Ss to share when ready. #learnlap
Q#4: Tolerance and Acceptance isn't enough. Let's teach our students to embrace & appreciate each others' differences! What can educators do to help students appreciate their classmates' differences, rather than just tolerate or accept them? #LearnLAP Awesome ideas! :)
A4 educators have to build a community of valued individuals in there classrooms that goes beyond accceptance and tolerance. It is team work, collaboration, mindfulness and a support for one another #learnlap
A3: Have a culture celebration day where students can focus on their own culture or one they are interested in. Family histories are nice too - but we need to remember some of our kids are not in traditional families & may not know (or want to know) their histories. #learnlap
A4 Model an appreciation for each student and their culture. Have Ss engage in "walk and talks" with each other about preconceptions of material based on cultural differences? Ss should help to build the classroom community, invested and valued Ss will suport eachother #LearnLAP
A4. This is all inclusive. More than race, culture or religion. Includes gender identity, learning differences, and everything that makes us different. Restorative Justice sweeping nation, especially NJ. (Law next year) read Touching Spirti Bear with your students #learnlap
A4: that's a hard one. I would say lead by example. As a T or parent, we got to have friends of different backgrounds and culture, then will the kids understand what is means to appreciate a different culture. It is NOT a one-day exercise #LearnLAP
A4 address the elephant in the room. Talk about race. Talk about sexuality, gender etc. The kids have eyes. They know they look and act differently from each other. Talk about it. Have book characters that look like your SS. Talk about intersectionality. #LearnLAP
Question #4: Tolerance and Acceptance isn't enough. Let's teach our students to embrace & appreciate each others' differences!
What can educators do to help students appreciate their classmates' differences, rather than just tolerate or accept them? #LearnLAP
A4: Actively seek out a variety of perspectives and honor the ways of knowing unfamiliar to us. Model curiosity and seeking to understand others rather than seeking to a disagreement. Perhaps a lesson most adults could benefit from... #LearnLAP
A4: challenge everyone to learn something new about someone else in the class. Include cultural questions. I bet there are Ss in class who could learn about themselves as well. Create an assignment where they have to talk with some elders in their family. #learnlap
A4 address the elephant in the room. Talk about race. Talk about sexuality, gender etc. The kids have eyes. They know they look and act differently from each other. Talk about it. Have book characters that look like your SS. Talk about intersectionality. #LearnLAP
Question #4: Tolerance and Acceptance isn't enough. Let's teach our students to embrace & appreciate each others' differences!
What can educators do to help students appreciate their classmates' differences, rather than just tolerate or accept them? #LearnLAP
A3: Get Ss to fill out questionnaires and match them with someone with similar traits, then have them figure out what it was that they were matched on. #LearnLAP
A4: Educators have a HUGE role in recognizing the strengths of each student. Deliberately drawing attention to and celebrating what each student brings to the table goes a long way in helping their peers recognize differences as strengths, too. #learnLAP
Question #4: Tolerance and Acceptance isn't enough. Let's teach our students to embrace & appreciate each others' differences!
What can educators do to help students appreciate their classmates' differences, rather than just tolerate or accept them? #LearnLAP
A3. I talked about the different cultures in classes I had last spring. With group work I made a point to put students together who they did know because of obvious cultural differences #learnlap
Question #5: One of the great things about children is that they don't usually see differences in peers as easily as some adults do. What are some ways that your students show appreciation for each others' differences all on their own? #LearnLAP
A4: In a student led classroom we celebrate all the unique gifts that each student brings to our community. It is so much fun to discuss how our differences elevate and support those around us. Model this mindset and it will grow! #LearnLAP
A3b: Ask students to share what a common misperception or stereotype is about them, their culture, etc. and have them build a mini-lesson on it and what the truth is. #LearnLAP
A3. I talked about the different cultures in classes I had last spring. With group work I made a point to put students together who they did know because of obvious cultural differences #learnlap
A4: In a student led classroom we celebrate all the unique gifts that each student brings to our community. It is so much fun to discuss how our differences elevate and support those around us. Model this mindset and it will grow! #LearnLAP
Plus, when we destigmatize the conversation, kids become more open to learning. When we create a space where it is okay to ask questions and share thoughts respectfully, we raise adults who are more informed and more willing to talk to others, too. #learnlap
A4. By promoting teamwork through PBL or cooperative learning. When I was in the Army, it forced diverse people to work together for one common goal. This promoted mutual respect & understanding. It also broke down cultural stereotypes because we all knew each other. #LearnLAP
A5 I love watching Ss help eachother understand content, especially when one has been absent. Listening to them explain the material to each other and sing analogies or examples I never thought of is amazing. #LearnLAP
A5: this is tough bc they are wired at this age to try not to stand out from their peers. We have to actively promote and celebrate individuality. #LearnLAP
A4: By helping students realize we are all unique-the only thing we all have in common is that we are all different. Which means we all have a specific purpose for being here. That one thing that makes me different from you is probably something you need, & vice versa. #learnlap
A5: asking students to teach younger students gives them opportunity to identify and utilize one another’s strengths in a non-threatening way. #LearnLAP
A5: I disagree - at least for those in middle & high school, since differences are what often trigger bullying. I think younger kids notice differences, too, but for them it is more out of curiosity. #learnlap
Start by modeling this in our own lives. How diverse are your personal relationships? How segregated are your neighborhoods? How inclusive is your personal & professional rdg? How willing are you to face your own racial socialization & complicity in systemic oppression? #LearnLAP
Question #4: Tolerance and Acceptance isn't enough. Let's teach our students to embrace & appreciate each others' differences!
What can educators do to help students appreciate their classmates' differences, rather than just tolerate or accept them? #LearnLAP
A4: Maybe I should have held 3b to answer this. Give Ss the power of a “this is the truth” moment or use @teambiteable or @AdobeSpark to create a video that tells what they bring to the table to add to the group. #LearnLAP Also, see my 3b answer.
Question #6: What are some ways that you or your school incorporate your students' cultures or backgrounds into the classroom, curriculum, or special events? #LearnLAP
A4. Simply by playing with each other at recess & sitting by and having conversations with each other during lunch or other unstructured times. It is all by choice & not assigned/forced by adults. #LearnLAP
This is another major conversation we aren’t having. Teachers should receive ongoing training in CRT, and schools should be having the tough conversations about how we reach ALL students when the faculty doesn’t nec. reflect the Ss population. #learnLAP
Question #6: What are some ways that you or your school incorporate your students' cultures or backgrounds into the classroom, curriculum, or special events? #LearnLAP
A5: Celebrating strengths. What talents, skills and knowledge do they have and share with the class. Students are good at elevating their peers when they practice! #LearnLAP
Language matters.
Reframe “achievement gaps” which focuses on outcomes to “opportunity gaps” which focuses instead on inequities and injustices inherent in our educational systems—and our responsibility to be proactive in fixing the problem instead of reacting to it. #LearnLAP
Question #1: Attached is one definition of "Cultural Competency."
Why is it important for educators to learn Cultural Competence & Culturally Responsive Teaching techniques? #LearnLAP
A6 I think that I do this in my classroom, based on student feedback, but can't wait to hear how you all achieve this on a bigger schoolwide scale! #LearnLAP
A6. We stopped forcing our K-6 Ss to take Spanish. They pick language of their choice through @duolingo so many kids are picking because that’s what family speaks and they want to learn it (Hebrew,Hindi,Swahili,etc) next we use ePals and other cultural projects all year #learnlap
A6: As an English teacher, I always make sure what we read represents the cultures in the classroom - students need to see themselves in both fiction & non-fiction. I've also worked with the Family & Consumer Science teacher to have a cultural food day. #learnlap
My school, @ChurchvilleD205 has a Latino Culture Club, facilitated by @MacielSchlPsych Last week they built this beautiful ofrenda as a remembrance for loved ones who have passed away. These authentic, meaningful and public acts help build school culture #LearnLAP
In reply to
@PaulSolarz, @ChurchvilleD205, @MacielSchlPsych
A6. We have flags hung in lobby representing every country the Ss came from. In the classroom, we do a puzzle proj. to talk about uniqueness, family, how we meet people, differences in school, differences in the world! #learnlap
A5. A lot of the times, Ss do not really notice differences as much as adults do in the classrooms. If a S has a difference and they may need assistance, the Ss are usually eager to help one another! We model empathy and compassion, kindness and caring! #learnlap
Question #7: What cultural competency tools and/or resources are in your toolbox? We all need to continue to add to our toolbox! Thanks in advance for sharing! #LearnLAP
I love it! We have a school that has over 100 different languages spoken, and the word, "hello" is painted in every one of those languages in the lunchroom. #learnlap
A6. We have flags hung in lobby representing every country the Ss came from. In the classroom, we do a puzzle proj. to talk about uniqueness, family, how we meet people, differences in school, differences in the world! #learnlap
A4. #LearnLAP - this is literally the last line of the #IB50 mission statement. But we don’t just do this culturally. Inter-personal understanding is cultivated in the design class, as students learn to negotiate ideas, listen to others, and find the best solutions, together.
Question #4: Tolerance and Acceptance isn't enough. Let's teach our students to embrace & appreciate each others' differences!
What can educators do to help students appreciate their classmates' differences, rather than just tolerate or accept them? #LearnLAP
Question #7: What cultural competency tools and/or resources are in your toolbox? We all need to continue to add to our toolbox! Thanks in advance for sharing! #LearnLAP
A5: By far, my fav and most authentic thing I see in students appreciating each other is when they find out something unique, they start asking real questions with genuine interest of the other student. #LearnLAP
A6 using texts that have settings, characters, and themes that reflect student culture, using their 1st language when possible, acknowledging the strengths that bilingualism brings to our school, building on collectivism and collaboration #learnlap
Yes! Morning choice, is one of the ways I encourage my students to learn more about each other. It is authentic and an easy way to get kids to talk. #learnlap
A7: Share picture books, listen to each other, share at circle time, set high learning goals for all students and allow for multiple paths to learning. #LearnLAP
Question #8: What are some ways that we as a #PLN can work together to motivate others to learn more and understand the importance of cultural competency? #LearnLAP
Here is our last question: Question #8: What are some ways that we as a #PLN can work together to motivate others to learn more and understand the importance of cultural competency? #LearnLAP
I love this chat! Q #2: No one wants to feel like they're alone & misunderstood in class. What are some ways educators can make stronger connections with culturally-diverse students from themselves so they&their families feel like an important member of the community? #LearnLAP
Thanks to everyone who participated in #LearnLAP this evening! Thanks especially to @tikaee for moderating!
Please join @kdavisty NEXT MONDAY (11/12) at 7pm Central for #LearnLAP: "Empowering (Pirate) Students."
For now, please jump on over to #tlap for more great discussion!
A6: I am fortunate because on a college campus there are a lot of events that celebrate cultures, but want to help get deeper into the understanding and appreciating the diffs. Why I started the #SoulSessions series; create appreciation for these cultures. #LearnLAP
A7a: Before I moved to Alaska, I worked in the inner city and then on the Navajo Reservation, but had to do my own research & find my own tools. But, AK created their own standards (for educators working with Native Alaskans). #learnlap
A6 Examples include our Global Focus where we celebrate a specific culture throughout the year with guest artists, authors, and community members & our study of immigration where we interview members of our community about their experiences. #LearnLAP
Really really like this idea of language choice. With the tech available now it is easy to let students find their own interests in languages. Thanks for sharing! #LearnLAP
A8 Continue to share experiences/best practices that can help educators see the ccalue with Ss and Ts. Educators love an example and a take away!
#LearnLAP
