Weekly chat for excited 1st grade teachers who love to learn and share ideas. Participants are interested in a variety of topics including literacy, math, technology, play, inquiry, and being the best educators they can be!
Happy Sunday! It's time for #1stchat. I'm Val from Michigan and I'll be moderating tonight. Topic: Paying it Forward: Supporting Practicum, Future & First Year Teachers. Welcome Everyone! Please introduce yourself.
Hi everyone, my name is Elizabeth and I am a pre-service teacher at Grove City College majoring in elementary education and special education! #1stchat
Tonight's chat will be semi-open. 1st half we'll provide tips in response to each question. 2nd half will be open for new teachers to ask their questions. #1stchat
A1: Have a clear picture of what you want your classroom to look like. Build relationships. Have routines for what you want. Be ready to spend time on routines and building your classroom culture/relationships. #1stchat
A1: I am a preservice teacher, so I am looking forward to gaining insight on the answer to this question! I think as a future educator, I would say to make your classroom as open and inviting as possible, as well as student-centered. #1stchat
A1: Have a clear picture of what you want your classroom to look like. Build relationships. Have routines for what you want. Be ready to spend time on routines and building your classroom culture/relationships. #1stchat
A1: Be consistent. Set expectations and responses to following or not following expectations, and follow for every student. Kids can read inconsistency. #1stchat
Spend a lot of time teaching the routines and procedures you want in the beginning and the end of the year is wonderful. #1stchat Go slow to go fast!!!
A1: Have a clear picture of what you want your classroom to look like. Build relationships. Have routines for what you want. Be ready to spend time on routines and building your classroom culture/relationships. #1stchat
A1: In managing a student behavior each teacher will develop their own form of discipline. It is important to remember that students need to feel valued and welcome in the classroom. #1stchat#gccedu
Now is a great time to be looking in at classrooms. Find the pieces that fit you. Write them down, explore the ideas. Figure out what you don't want as well. #1stchat
A1: as a preservice T myself, I’d like to add onto this question by asking what website/apps do you like to use for classroom management such as @ClassDojo or @BloomzApp ? #1stchat
A1: As a preservice teacher I would like to implement behavioral strategies and getting to know my students really well and follow the Danielson Framework #1stchat
A1 Focus on a big picture. Do we want ss to be compliant of my behavior expectations? OR Do we want our students to be able to self regulate & behave accordingly to each situation? #1stchat
A1: I learned about subtle cuing and prompting as a behavior management technique.This helps with student owned behaviors and does not draw attention of the class or interrupt learning #1stchat
A1: My first tip is to be patient bc it gets better every year. Tip 2: take note of what you vent about/get frustrated with. That usually means you need to create some sort of routine for that thing. #1stchat
A1: I started using @ClassDojo a few years ago and I love it. It has really worked for me. I like it because you can make it work along with what you want. #1stchat
A1 When responding to a behavior issue. Give the student 2 choices (both of which you can live with). This will give student a sense of control. #1stchat
I have used @ClassDojo for five years and it has changed my classroom. Parents, students, and I love it. One key-works better when always visible to students. #1stchat
In reply to
@HN_Bernstein, @ClassDojo, @BloomzApp, @ClassDojo
A1 Focus on a big picture. Do we want ss to be compliant of my behavior expectations? OR Do we want our students to be able to self regulate & behave accordingly to each situation? #1stchat
I love that you said "self regulate" that is so important and many have to be taught and then practice, and practice, and then practice some more. It is well worth the effort and so wonderful to see. #1stchat
A1 Focus on a big picture. Do we want ss to be compliant of my behavior expectations? OR Do we want our students to be able to self regulate & behave accordingly to each situation? #1stchat
I am still trying to figure out how people use Class Dojo in a way that supports student self regulation. #1stchat Who controls what is being look for?
I agree. When students are in charge of regulating their own behavior, all I have to say is "how do you refocus?" "Show me how to get ready to work." #1stchat
A1 When responding to a behavior issue. Give the student 2 choices (both of which you can live with). This will give student a sense of control. #1stchat
A1 Building relationships is key. Students want to know your care. Then they will be more open to learning, especially when the learning is challenging. #1stchat
the behaviors on my dojo are positive and they are the ones the kids wrote in our social contract so when I see them really doing one like being respectful, etc I give them a point #1stchat
I am still trying to figure out how people use Class Dojo in a way that supports student self regulation. #1stchat Who controls what is being look for?
A1 Allow students to make mistakes. We "take a break" often. They are not in trouble. THey just need a little time out of what we are doing and refocus. #1stchat
Absolutely. We start most days, after some soft start time, with a community square. It helps us all understand and be empathetic to the needs of others. #1stchat
A2: Every student is different and being flexible is necessary to provide proper instruction and discipline depending on the need of the student. #1stchat
A2: Always have a back up plan and don't be surprised if your first plan doesn't work out the way you thought. Reflect on teaching after lessons #1stchat
A2: Whatever you can do to build community, greet them each morning at the door, do a "how are you feeling" time at morning meeting, find out their interests/personalities #1stchat
A2: if you realize a lesson is not working the way you planned or students are not responding well, fix the lesson as you go, don’t keep trying to teach a bad lesson #1stchat
A3 It's so important to really listen for understanding of what your students are saying. Using clarifying words such as if I'm listen well I think you are saying... then help to problem solve a solution together. #1stchat
A2: It is important for teachers to be able to adapt what or how they are teaching when an unplanned situation occurs. This could include a lesson not going as well as you expected, when students are not engaged or able to learn/understand. #1stchat#gccedu
A2: Let your students be the center, Give them time to explore, struggle some, discuss, create. Let them reflect. Meet with them, know where they are and support as needed. #1stchat
A2 Wait time (thinking time) is also important. Adults need time to process the information they receive. Our students need thinking time, too! #1stchat
It still sits poorly with me. I don't want to be the one catching them doing the right or wrong thing. I want them to learn to catch themselves doing right or wrong. Maybe it's just me. #1stchat Strong relationships have always helped me with even the toughest of students.
A2: Always be flexible and open to your students’ ideas. I can’t tell you how many times a child’s suggestion or question has made my activities even better. #1stchat
A2: Don't be afraid to admit when something isn't working. I have told students to stop what was happening-we all cleared our minds-and started over with something different. #1stchat
A great reflection for our new teachers...each T needs to see what works for them. If you don't believe in it...it won't work for you. That is true of so many things in education. #1stchat
It still sits poorly with me. I don't want to be the one catching them doing the right or wrong thing. I want them to learn to catch themselves doing right or wrong. Maybe it's just me. #1stchat Strong relationships have always helped me with even the toughest of students.
A2: Don't be afraid to admit when something isn't working. I have told students to stop what was happening-we all cleared our minds-and started over with something different. #1stchat
Relationships are still important. However, just as some students need to be taught reading, math facts, etc.-some students need to be taught appropriate behavior and how to self regulate. Teachers scaffold an academic lesson, why not a social emotional lesson? #1stchat
A2: Don't be afraid to admit when something isn't working. I have told students to stop what was happening-we all cleared our minds-and started over with something different. #1stchat
Absolutely! I remember my first year trying to teach like the teacher down the hall. It lasted a week. Her way worked for her but not for me. Don't be afraid to find a way different than your colleagues. SO smart you are Terry! <3 #1stchat
A2 make sure before doing the lesson that all students can understand it especially for students with disabilities, different types of learners like visual, auditory, and etc. #1stchat
A3: Think about the space. You don’t want it to be crowded before the kids are in the room. Also, whether you’re a first year teacher or a 10th year teacher you will still probably move your furniture ten thousand times before you’re happy with it. #1stchat
A3 Check out other classrooms in the building before setting up your own. Collect pictures of classroom libraries and other learning spaces for inspiration. #1stchat
A3: I would really like to try flexible seating in my future classroom. Giving students choice makes them feel important and respected. This is a fairly simple way to achieve a good physical space. #1stchat
A3: Your environment should match what you want for your classroom. What will make a difference for your Ss? Will they remember the "theme" or "colors" you choose? Doubtful. #1stchat The last couple of years my Ss come to a blank slate and they help me design it.
A3: Allowing for student choice through flexible seating is a great way to help each student learn in a physical position that works best for them. I recently wrote a research paper on the effects of exercise ball seats for children who have ADHD #1stchat
Yes! I'm of the Ross Greene school of thought. Poor behaviours are often stemming from an problem and quite likely a missing skill. As much as I focus on a behaviour, it's getting to the Why behind the behaviour that I seek and support. #1stchat
A3: keep it focused on the kiddos and change it according to the class you have, each year is different. I like to have areas for several activities to be taking place and areas for Ss to work by themselves, allow options #1stchat
A3 Flexible seating vs Thinking flexibly about seating? I've been thinking about this a lot lately. Again, focus on a big picture. What do you want your students to learn from flexible seating? #1stchat
A3: Make sure you are comfortable in your space. If you aren't why would students feel comfortable? Flexible seating is great-again make sure the routine is explained and modeled. #1stchat
Q3: As teachers we need to understand that the physical environment can influence the way students feel, think, and behave. It is important for teachers to seek to create a learning environment that contributes to students' comfort and engagement. #1stchat#gccedu
A3 I change my classroom layout every single year. I'm always trying out new ways to improve the space. I'm always reflecting on what didn't work the previous year. #1stchat
#1stchat A3 gain an understanding for the school environment by looking at other classroom examples, and talking to your students about what makes them comfortable!
A3: Thinking about flexible spaces- make your room inviting by providing spaces that all Ss can learn. Give students choice. I also provided a “Dafe place” in my classroom #1stchat
A4, always respond to parents with kindness, even in the most difficult situations. We have no idea what they are dealing with and their issues with us my stem from something completely different. #1stchat
A4: We have started having first day of school conferences with parents-these are great because the year starts on a positive note. So try to start with a positive only meeting. #1stchat
A4: It is important to love the parents as much as your students and keep in mind their past Erikson scars. Sometimes you need to help show their childs strengths and be a beacon of hope for parents, too. #1stchat
A4: Ps want to know whats going on and love pics of the kiddos in school I use @seesaw to share work and announcements with Ps and we have a class facebook for class pictures/activies #1stchat remember you are teaching their baby, treat them like you want your own child treated
A4: Always be kind to families and go out of your way to get involved in the community. Be understanding in familial circumstances and always keep the students best interest in mind. #1stchat
A4: One thing that I have learned from my classes is that positive and effective communication with families is important because it affects the extent and quality of parents' home involvement with their children's learning. #1stchat#gccedu
A4: Be patient, listen and be empathetic. You don’t know people’s stories! Get to know parents, be their child’s advocate and work as a team in the best interest of their child. #1stchat
A4: To be as compassionate as you can, and remember you do not know what is going on at home and to be as kind as you can. You are on the same team! You and the family want the best for the Ss. #1stchat
A4: get families involved in the classroom so that the know what is going on from being there (if they can) instead of hearing about it from their Ss. Communicate A LOT! #1stchat
A4: Communication. Find as many ways as you can to help them know what your day looks like, how their child is doing, what they can do to support the child and present yourself always as a team. #1stchat
A4 Always assume positive intent. We don't know the backstory. Every child is someone's baby. Be the teacher you would want your child to have. #1stchat
A4.1: I’ve worked at schools on both ends of the family involvement spectrum. Here’s what I know. No matter what, make parents feel like they are important and keep them in the loop. Inform them on what the acronyms mean and explain all the confusing school stuff. #1stchat
A4.2 Also, remember that no matter what, these are their kids. Whether you agree with them or not try your best to have a partnership with them. The more trust between you and the parents, the more successful a year the child will have. #1stchat
A5 Two of my fave professional books: Choice Words and Opening Minds by Peter Johnston. I would highly recommend both, to new and experienced teachers! #1stchat
A5: I’ve read, For White Folks Who Want to Teach in the Hood... and the Rest of Y’all Too, great resource by @chrisemdin focused on specifically on African American Ss!!! #1stchat
A5 Two of my fave professional books: Choice Words and Opening Minds by Peter Johnston. I would highly recommend both, to new and experienced teachers! #1stchat
One great book reccomendation that I think you should read is "Teach Like a Pirate". This book provides great practical strategies that will help teachers to increase student engagement. #1stchat
Please continue to respond to Q5! The remainder of the chat is OPEN. New teachers, this is your opportunity to share any questions you may have for our amazing PLN. We'll make these Q6 #1stchat
I really enjoy the book "I Wish my Teacher Knew". It really emphasizes that we should strive to get to know our students so that they are comfortable with us.
#1stchat
A6: your first year is a blur. So many things will be a challenge and/or new. Every year choose one area of growth you want to focus on. It’s too hard to do it all at once. #1stchat
A1: Create a plan that develops student relationships and family relationships but that you are comfortable with that you know you can be consistent about. Consistency is key. #1stchat
A6 Reflect on your teaching. Record things you want change/do better next year, observe other teachers, ask for feedback regarding your teaching, read professional books, and TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF! #1stchat
I have used @DonorsChoose to get 13 chromebooks for my classroom. If the school district you does not provide options, there are a lot of great crowdfunding sites and grants out there #1stchat
Laptop vs iPad? Depends on how you plan to use them. It would depend on what the need is. What do you want/need to do? Would it be for your students to use? #1stchat
Laptop vs iPad? Depends on how you plan to use them. It would depend on what the need is. What do you want/need to do? Would it be for your students to use? #1stchat
