#WCPSSchat Archive
#WCPSSchat is designed to be engaging and all interaction should be 'solution-oriented' and consist of constructive feedback. Please refrain from derogatory comments. #WCPSSchat is a virtual opportunity for Wake County public school stakeholders to engage in conversations around instructional practices, county-related resources, and unique educational challenges.
Wednesday September 28, 2016
Welcome to our with guest moderator . It's our 2nd chat of the 4C's series. Our topic is Communication.
Great...Looking forward to the chat!
Follow for all questions. We'll be retweeting and commenting!
Looking forward to some great communication
What a way to kickoff our chat! https://t.co/eY2pK8NDjs
here we go!!!! Welcome Friends!!!! Bienvenidos Amigos!!!! It's time to get this chat jumping!!!
Hi! Renee White from 1st grade.
Hey I'm a student at NC State University studying Elementary Education and I'm excited for tonight's chat!
Lauren Haynie, 6th gr. science teacher and was a product of WCPSS many years ago.
Anna Gaines here!! Excited to chat tonight!!
Hi. Amy from Forestville in Knightdale
Diane Rowe, Farmington Woods, AIG
Hello! Amanda Ireland, ITF/ Testing Coordinator - Garner Magnet High School
My next few tweets will be designated to the . Tonight's topic - Communication. Thanks for understanding :)
Brendan in Raleigh. IRT at . Fun fact: Fairly well known I love following hockey but this guy doesn't skate...yet
1st grade teacher- Pleasant Grove Elementary- so excited for tonight
Hola! Lauren Genesky, Millbrook HS, ELA
Tammy Clabo literacy coach
Hi, MaryLu, ITF at Forestville Rd ES
Hola Amigos! David Balmer ITF & :)
Hey! Kim third grade βΊοΈ
Forgot to say I'm from Brier Creek Elementary! 4th grade teacher!
Hola! Lauren Genesky, Millbrook HS, ELA
Keep the introductions coming!! https://t.co/rZWEZ35eLg
Please take a moment to introduce yourself to your fellow tweeters this evening!!! Fun facts about yourself are always welcome in my bookβΊοΈ
Look out folks. Next several tweets will be part of . Those notifications may blow up
Hello! Paige Peterson! Cross Categorical Sped Teacher at Forestville Road ES! First time in a chat!
My next few tweets will be designated to the . Tonight's topic - Communication. Come with us! :)
Shakara NC Principal Fellow at UNC Charlotte
Kelly Siegert, ITF at new school Oakview.
Hey everyone! I'm a sophomore at NCSU studying elementary education
You are going to have so much fun, build your PLN and learn a lot!
Phyllis Kramer 1st grade Brier Creek
Hi all Ms. Maggie Mariella IRT
Hello!!! So excited you are hosting!!
I can't wait either. I am the unicorn in a field of horses
Phil Echols - Professional Learning Specialist for helping support k-12 PLT needs for
Okay friends Spill the Beans!! What is your best kept communication secret!? π
Hey you over there who hasn't signed up for what are you waiting for? get to it!
Joining in now (hope that's okay!) Patricia Cockrell, Title I CT for Academic Language and admin intern at Forestville
A1: Be a good listener first!ππ
A1 no matter what keep a positive attitude!! A work in progress at time but be positive!
A1: I'm have been using texting in the last few years! Instant back and forth with Ps!
A1: Remind has transformed my communication with Ss & parents. I send out daily reminders at 2:15pm. Weekly team blog posts, too!
A1: Definitely not a secret, but . Totes. I send out what I think are hilarious reminders & assignments magically appear
Welcome, Patricia! Glad you're joining in. just posted the first question.....
A1: No real secrets just lots of diff ones. , Twitter Personal messaging, email, phone, written, forms, etc.
Google Hangouts! Love the video, call and chat features. Works better than Skype! And works on all devices.
A1: Listen to understand, not to answer! :)
Q1. I try not to have any secrets when communicating...just being myself.
A1 Have fallen in love with for creating newsletters
A1: Talk face2face when possible, call, and then email.Be genuine, listen, and ask ?'s. Remember what people tell you!
A1 have you heard of twitter. It is new to some people
So important! Working hard to be an active listener now! Mentor training has been a huge help!
LOVEEEEEE Remind! So easy to use and makes me have precise messages!
A1. And listening is so important
A1 KISS - keep it simple, sweetie. Love Twitter character limits!
Keep it positive and with what is best for the students in mind.
A1:Fav communication tools: Twitter, Voxer, Remind, GHO, Google+, Zoom
A1: instant communication through Twitter and texting...but not while driving! π
So important. Honesty and transparency
A1: For me, nothing is better than good ole fashion 1:1 spoken word. You get to see and hear what others are saying.
A1: Also be you, be real & be transparent.
Love that last part: "Remember what people tell you!"
A1: Make sure the parent, student, etc. you are communicating with knows that you genuinely care about their concerns
A1 also ππππ So easy. Also πππ
A1. Many effective communication quality & consistent forms. Twitter, Remind, Voxer, Face to Face. Tell your story before others
A1: Modeling good communication skills with Ss no matter how simple it might be
A1 Fostering communication in the classroom with language supports and discussion norms-and lots of communication opportunities!
A1: I write letters to my Ss and mail them to their house! I also make sure to communicate in many ways- remind, twitter, email
Everyone is mentioning tools, my biggest secret is truth/honesty/ being genuine.The tools are a method but mean nothing otherwise
A1 1) Think B4 I speak. 2)TRY 2 listen more than I talk. 3) When all else fails, ask questions. Ppl love 2 talk abt themselves :)
A1: remind seems like a really helpful communication tool! It's easy to use and helps students that are forgetful
A1: Also heard something great at PD earlier this week:
Don't say what the students can (!)
All of the above. If you have a "secret" for one or all, please share.
I wrote letters one year! Such a fun thing to do!
Completely agree! It is so important to model the communication skills we want to foster in our students!
A1: Listen to hear and not to speak. Ask questions more than you offer solutions.
A1 I'm working on learning to appreciate the silence. Imp to provide time for others to reflect and respond.
A1. Over communicating rather than under communicating.
You mentioned the best tools!! In my opinion βΊοΈ
A1:
Make sure to communicate "clearly."
A1 To really listen, to be respectful, to be engaged, make a connection with the person and follow up. https://t.co/IEuXNQZjEt
Okay friends Spill the Beans!! What is your best kept communication secret!? π
A1: Be and engaged listener.
Remember communication is two way
Zoom: Video conferencing tool.45 min calls are https://t.co/vuE96clvCM embedding for sharing docs.Recording options
just lead PD on Twitter today - loved seeing our staff earn their wings!
A1: Say what you mean and mean what you say.
A1: Fellow Tchr and I made agreement: for every "constructive" phone call to family, we had to make 2 positive calls.
A1: Important to make positive contact w/families to establish rapport. When needing to make "constructive" call, invite family..
it is great to see everyone have an equal voice
A1: 2/2 ...to share ideas for how to help student be successful. They know Ss better than we do.
Okay on 2 What are some of the greatest obstacles in establishing effective communication in the classroom & schools!?
Q2 https://t.co/fopkfI2W0M
Okay on 2 What are some of the greatest obstacles in establishing effective communication in the classroom & schools!?
A2 biased about certain communication tools
A2: perceptions, feelings, and vocabulary
A2: Phone and emails that go......nowhere. And also time. Always
A2: We are so diverse and I love it but we sometimes struggle with making sure we can reach all of our ELL families
A2: Making the time to send out meaningful messages. Luckily, many tools out there to help save time!
Q2: When we fail to understand how our own culture shapes our communication & how that might create disconnects w/Ss and families
A2: Assuming people know what you're talking about and are following what you're saying.
A2: One obstacle is cultural differences. Everyone doesn't communicate the same way. As teachers we have to be mindful of that.
A2: Biggest challenges are consistency and finding mediums that are available to all audiences
A2: Language barriers have always been the most difficult barrier for me to overcome when it comes to communication w/ families
About the Future-not just about politics, but also about terrorism, the economy and your job! https://t.co/KJmHKU3azW
A2: A loss or lack of trust and respect make communicating difficult because motives are unclear.
Q2. We need time to talk to each other as colleagues during a day...we have our PLC once a week.
A1: w T's I always try 2 b sure 2 follow up w a thank you of some kind (email/stop by class) especially as new T 2 the school
A2 realizing that your voice counts
A2: People don't value and respect the opinions of others, being close minded, and not open to new ideas
A2 making sure that we reach all families- don't have the correct email/phone number. Need to find a way to reach them!!
A2: I agree with Time is a big factor to meaningful communication.
Effective communication in the classroom doesn't just happen-needs intentionality, culture of respectful communication, purpose
A2: Tone, available tech or what families are comfortable with, &sometimes the "middle man"(aka the 6yr old w flyer in backpack) π
Q2. Outside PLC we also make the time to communicate
One of the biggest issues is tech- with all the tools we have it's harder to build the relationships that come from in person
A2: Consistency. Knowing when it's "ok" to share. And reaching everyone on their perferred platforms,
A2: We have a lot of jargon in education. Need to communicate in ways that don't make Ss or families feel like outsiders.
A2. Reaching all families w/ vital info can be a challenge. Why it's vital stakeholders go 'kitchen sink' w/ various comm methods
A2 making sure we are clear when communicating with others, especially with something new!
A1our best communication comes when CONNtrapreneurs designing to solve a prob together
A2: Ss not giving other Ss a chance. Roles are needed so that no one dominates the entire time!
A2 Patience. We don't take time to listen and clearly articulate what we mean. And we assume every1 knows what we're talking abt
A1: That's 90% of the reason I do things!!! πTo model them for our students! https://t.co/VIlkIOzokY
Completely agree! It is so important to model the communication skills we want to foster in our students!
Q2. Timing can be challenging with parents...Have to find a time that meets their needs to talk about their child
is now trending in USA, ranking 49
This could apply to teachers too!!
A2. "We did it last year, everyone should know the process." And "That's common sense/knowledge, I don't need to say that again."
A2: A closed mindset creates obstacles when trying to communicate.
A2: Assume techis for all.Some pay for cell service in limited amnt,may run out of min, so don't access phone for any reason
A2: Making assumptions is always dangerous... especially in communication.
A2: βMost people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply.β
β Stephen R. Covey
Amen! https://t.co/i93zuSy8PV
A2 Patience. We don't take time to listen and clearly articulate what we mean. And we assume every1 knows what we're talking abt
A2: prt2-S challenges w 1st learning to listen not yell out ideas, & to value others ideas too &share feelings appropriately.
A2. Perception can play a huge role. Different people may hear the same message and interpret it differently.
A2: And sometimes we give too much info at once!! (says the mom of 4 boys who sometimes gets overwhelmed by all of it!)
A2: Parents can have negative feelings about school from their time as S's, making them feel comfortable & welcome is important
Yes! This was a HUGE issue for us...many experienced teachers doing triage to give all the info that was left out!
uou Π»ΠΈ ΡΡΠΎ ΠΏΠΎΠ½ΠΈΠΌΠ°ΡΡ?
A1. A2...Both causing me to Reflect...good thing! βΊ
A2 Access. Accurate information prevents us from reaching the parties involved. We need good phones, emails.
A2: teaching/modeling active listening; too often Ss are waiting for their turn to talk.
Alright When communication goes wrong, how do we repair and reopen channels with students, colleagues, parents?
Q3 https://t.co/DSoMOq95eq
Alright When communication goes wrong, how do we repair and reopen channels with students, colleagues, parents?
A2: Sometimes struggles can be w staff. Not sharing enough & really "talking" teaching & learning or tuning out new ideas.
So true! Is there anyway to plan for this or misperceptions?
A3: Admit our mistake, seek input for how we might better communicate. Take inout and make changes.
A2: Time seems to be a big challenge but it's only a speedbump. So much to do so little time!π
A3 Own up to mistakes, be honest, smile and move forward with a positive disposition
A3: Just being open and honest. Admitting fault/mistakes and trying to move forward. Keeping the focus on what is best for Ss
A3: Build a relationship first. Communication should be organic, transparent and a two way venture.
A3: Be humble. Reflect. Regroup. Redo.
A3: Own it when you make a mistake. Learn from it.
Q3. You talk it through again another way..
A3: We can be proactive by seeking input on how best to communicate, inviting stakeholders to influence our practice.
A3 Being honest, trustworthy, sincere modeling that for all to see. Takes time but be consistent!
A3:Always found that a quick phone call or even face to face chat when tone can be heard&sincere openness is best. Show you care.
A3 Own the miscommunication and hit the restart button!
A3: Biggest part of communication is trust! You have to rebuild and be as transparent as possible
A3 that is a great question. First of all don't send the same email every 5 minutes
A3. Honesty and being open is best policy. Take ownership and learn from moments.
A3: Having solid and respectuful relationships at work will help! If you can admit to wrong doing, you can fix it for next time!
A3 Call parents in for face to face conference. Show them you care. That is really what they want to know
A3: be open to input from students! I think this works really well with older students
A3: Be genuine. Be honest. Be direct. Everyone involved appreciates it. (Sorry...Chiming in late...but s⦠https://t.co/JOuAmFB3CJ
Alright When communication goes wrong, how do we repair and reopen channels with students, colleagues, parents?
Q3. Admit you are wrong, apologize, and reset the table. Best intentions often give terrible results.
A3 start with talking to students. Then find someone down the hall. Key is to talk to people
Q3. I'm there for Ss first...I want to know what's getting in the way of our communication and I ask them
A3: Address the issue head-on, admit if you are at fault, and work together to find a better way to communicate.
We all mistakes. Admitting that mistake is the first step. Reflect on how you can improve in the future https://t.co/uMaZayT2i7
Alright When communication goes wrong, how do we repair and reopen channels with students, colleagues, parents?
A3 Admit to our mistake/miscommunication. Fall on the sword (Disclaimer: That's figurative 4 any1 that says "Phil told me to")
A1: Step back from the situation, apologize for any hurt that was caused, and start over
A3: Be transparent about it then work diligently to build/strengthen relationships.
A3: Taking a step back, listening to and truly respecting a S's voice and opinion, even when you don't agree will go a long way.
Be transparent as possible, allow them to feel heard, ask for and accept feedback, and use the opportunity to grow
A3: Alright, that's it, . I vote to make "Communication" one of the sessions at . Register:β¦ https://t.co/9zkzFHjsoZ
Alright When communication goes wrong, how do we repair and reopen channels with students, colleagues, parents?
Yes!! Such a great resource to use at the beginning is the year!
is trending friends!!! This β€οΈπ―
yes! I sent my form info to new parents in last report card of yr.Had all within 4 days!
A3 Have perseverance and humility. Work for the greater good of the group, not just for yourself. Don't give up on others!
Just wanted to be "clear" :) https://t.co/xb3YsYbYcK
A3 Admit to our mistake/miscommunication. Fall on the sword (Disclaimer: That's figurative 4 any1 that says "Phil told me to")
A3: apologize, ask questions, check for understanding, and apologize again! People's feelings are never wrong.
A3: Imp.-create inviting culture w/clear lines of communication.Then if there's a problem,people come to you,not evening news :-)
A3. Reflect what went wrong, then acknowledge the miscommunication and start fresh. Sometimes you just have to pick up the π
So true. So many times the biggest hurdle is someone craving an active and attentive listener. Create plan & move fwd
Yes, that is imperative, Phil! π
Good evening ! Joining late and eager to read up on your conversations!
I'm in 100% agreement. U Hit the nail on the head with that response! https://t.co/loMEUdw8pc
A3: Be genuine. Be honest. Be direct. Everyone involved appreciates it. (Sorry...Chiming in late...but s⦠https://t.co/JOuAmFB3CJ
Alright When communication goes wrong, how do we repair and reopen channels with students, colleagues, parents?
β€οΈHow every1οΈβ£said own your mistakes! There is power in us doing this and allowing our students to see the process!!
A3 Build relationship with honesty and respect. Don't make people feel bad about making mistakes. Help them grow from them
Lol. But yes, admitting mistakes is tough but NECESSARY to grow and move forward. https://t.co/L30QA0tTF3
A3 Admit to our mistake/miscommunication. Fall on the sword (Disclaimer: That's figurative 4 any1 that says "Phil told me to")
It's some pretty amazing dialogue happening on the tonight.
YES ha ha! https://t.co/IvHjnmEugD
A3: Alright, that's it, . I vote to make "Communication" one of the sessions at . Register:β¦ https://t.co/9zkzFHjsoZ
Alright When communication goes wrong, how do we repair and reopen channels with students, colleagues, parents?
Ready Go How does effective communication π look, β¨feel, and π sound!?
that is due to the amazing people we are so fortunate to work with!
Any more disclaimers? π
A4 thoughtful, encouraging, honest
A4: Loud and silent at the same time- listening & speaking & reflecting
A4 honest, clear, specific, all parties involved in the discussion! No one person dominating the conversation! Eye contact!!
A4: Effective comm. varies for different audiences. F2F, I look for non-verbal cues, in e-mail I ask for a response to clarify.
A4: Always moving forward, learning, listening, and leaving the communication feeling that it was a positive experience
A4 Everyone is on the same page
A4: Looks interested & engaged, Feels warm and inviting, and Sounds vibrant and full. https://t.co/eoM7aYkiRi
Ready Go How does effective communication π look, β¨feel, and π sound!?
A4: Effective communication looks like...many modes, languages, concise and tailored to the intended audience.
Q4. It feels good...Each person respects each other and values each other's views
A4 It looks like, feels like, and sounds like a positive first! Always!
A4: Looks purposeful, feels sincere, sounds honest & direct & at times more quiet than voiced.
I love the "Always moving forward"
A4: My son's MS had students record the evening messages that came via phone some times. Loved the student voices!
A3: EFFECTIVE comm. looks like a Ribiks Cube (solved), feels like a Friday @ 3:00 & sounds like your fav song!
Q4. We, Our, Let's try this, How can I help
A4 you see protocols for all voices heard
A3: look - personal connection: eye contact, sharing space, physical contact if appropriate ( unless one or both of you is 2E )
A4: effective communication feels natural!! Try not to be overwhelming or over bearing
I think you knew about this question in advance! :)
yes! making sure nobody is walking away with unanswered questions is huge
A4: EFFECTIVE comm. looks like a Ribiks Cube (solved), feels like a Friday @ 3:00 & sounds like your fav song!
A4: In the classroom it should feel safe & respectful, and Ss communicate through speaking, writing, reading and listening
A4 that varies for each person! important to know communication styles -- we went through the shapes quiz
A4 more taking less shouting
A4: Like a family filled w/β€οΈ- where we admit mistakes, hold each other accountable, & r transparent bc we have common goals
A4. It's clear, and focused where all parties understand the same message.
A4: My HS Ss used to create a monthly parent newsletter about our class. They decided what we should communicate. (w/help :-)
A4: at the end of the day you look tired, sound tired, and feel tired, that is how you know you 'did good'
Perfect! https://t.co/DrLBY4Rwtw
A4: Looks purposeful, feels sincere, sounds honest & direct & at times more quiet than voiced.
πNo! I promise! Typing off the cusp on my phone!
A4: I think it's about genuinely valuing each other, even (perhaps especially) with those w/ whom we disagree
Result #1 - () | Twitter: 12https://ptv.
A4. Honest and not shut down if there's a difference in opinion
A4 Effective communication looks transparent, feels refreshing, and sounds harmonious. It's a beautiful thing when done properly
A4: involves listening to others, being clear https://t.co/jTBVWcpXCu
Ready Go How does effective communication π look, β¨feel, and π sound!?
That is impressive! If it were not for tweetdeck I do not know how I would follow it all!
A4. Looks: genuine/not rehearsed/artificial. Feels: Authentic. Sounds: Realistic. Direct. Phew! Great question, !
A4 Sincere, engaging, open! https://t.co/lWThgLCl4a
Ready Go How does effective communication π look, β¨feel, and π sound!?
chatting on the phone too!! π
A4: Effective communication= smooth collaboration & active engagement, could look messy & chaotic but enthusiastic=magic
call me crazy... I actually like chats in my phone. π
Agreed...sometimes that's the hardest https://t.co/tze4y1JWJe
A4: I think it's about genuinely valuing each other, even (perhaps especially) with those w/ whom we disagree
A3: It feels like you don't want it to end!
We have had this same conversation with about Twitter chatting on the phone!
Okay coming up I really like this question
A1-4: Thinking of power in knowing elders & leaders in your Ss community. If they know what's happening,community will know
A4: effective communication when positive relationships are established
A4 (con't): Not really sure what it looks like (or if it has a "look"). I think it depends on person, context, place, situation,
How do we embrace the communication ethnography & preferences of our students and parents!?
- That can be my growth opportunity!
I don't know how you all do it. Twitter chats from the phone and BF don't mix. Eeeeek!
Q5 Final question! https://t.co/UnUEdVmrVf
How do we embrace the communication ethnography & preferences of our students and parents!?
A4: It looks like a website that is easy to navigate!!! (Sorry, parent voice again!)
A5: Ask them. Talk to them about how they communicate/do things at home. Relate to school family & combo or adjust if possible.
Good point. Occasionally I'll hop on phone if I need a GIF or emoji to get point across
A5: You just have to have multiple avenues of communication to try & hit all students and families. Evolve with the Ss.
A5: First,have to put our own bias aside and understand there are other ways to communicate.Only then will we be open to explore.
A5 Giving families a voice and asking how they prefer communication
A5: Ask, give options, try different ways- once you find what works, be consistent!
Best. Question. Ever. π₯ https://t.co/BD0FaViedd
How do we embrace the communication ethnography & preferences of our students and parents!?
A5: Inquire, learn, respect, and respond
A5 Awareness, effort, and immersion. We must be intentional in our efforts to meet them half way (more than half at times)
A5: Let the student lead as much as possible, they will show you how they like to communicate! Take notice
A5?use a tool the reaches multiple platforms and use pictures to help tell what is happening
A5 Asking families their preferred method of communication...when/how!! Then following through!
A5: Also ask families what they want communicated to them. Does everyone need every piece of info?!
A5: By listening for understanding, not a chance to speak.
A5: Work together, use each other's gifts & talents to develop ways of comm. that will hopefully reach everyone 's
A5: great point!! https://t.co/lryt7u7aWn
A5: Ask them. Talk to them about how they communicate/do things at home. Relate to school family & combo or adjust if possible.
A5 Ask Ss and Ps their preferences. Honor them by meeting them where they communicate best! Be a selfless communicator!!
Love this book. Many strategies for better ways to communicate. Doesn't always have to be "crucial" https://t.co/eOhxP31SWH
A5. Ask. All starts with solid relationship (& genuine) foundation. Once you truly get to know families it's a win win all around
A5: Also: I think part of the answer is within the question itself. Become an ethnographer of your school community.
A5 YES to just being aware of diversity
A5 By learning & opening yourself to other's customs & culture. Don't assume. https://t.co/bdDhoJzSgN
How do we embrace the communication ethnography & preferences of our students and parents!?
Q5. Its really important to truly value diversity. Children need to be taught that and be able to talk about its importance
A5 Ask parents how they prefer and communicate with them in that way. Don't assume they all have the same resources
A5 Go forth with genuine caring & compassion. Ss and Ps know when you speak from the heart and have the best interest of the S
A5: By engagement w/ the community/Seeking them out & asking for their preferences & needs/Differentiation at the highest levels
A5 pt2: Know your students and families! Its always easier to communicate once a connection is established
A5. Listen and ask questions to find out where your students and parents are and meet them there. https://t.co/QS7v9rr30i
A5: You just have to have multiple avenues of communication to try & hit all students and families. Evolve with the Ss.
A5: Understand that each individual family is unique culturally & should b treated so. Values range but ultimate goal is the same
Love! "Go forth with genuine caring & compassion"!
