#DITCHbook was created by Ditch That Textbook author Matt Miller. The chat focuses on innovative teaching ideas and disrupting standard textbook education.
Good evening, #ditchbook fam!! Evan Mosier, Technology Integrationist Lead Teacher from Davenport, IA. Fav. Elementary memory was walking to school and having an amazing experience! Proud @BuffaloDcsd alum!
Hey all John 3rd Grade T from STL MO... I remember winning a Geography Bee on a tiebreaker and falling back into my chair after my total guess of an answer won the final round #ditchbook
Kim Zajac SLP from MA. Best Elementary Memorybhas to be when my 4th grade teacher helped us to publish our own yearbook mimeograph style with βoaktagβ as the book covers and spine. 1984 was a good year! #ditchbook
IβM SO EXCITED!!!! π€ You are so inspiring to me @jmattmiller. This is a win for all the Ts I collaborate with...AND an even bigger win for our Ss. YOU are appreciated! #ditchbook#kidsdeserveit#tlap#llap
Derek Haney from Prosper, Texas. I loved mission impossible in PE. You have some circles, a scooter, a stick and a gym mat. Now Get your team to the other side of the gym without touching the floor. #DitchBook
I remember lying to my ride at 2nd grade camp so I could walk home 1 mile from the High School. I almost got lost. I would just decide to do stuff. #ditchbook
Iβm Steve, a Tech Integrator from Canandaigua, NY. I loved when my elementary teachers read chapter books aloud in class. Charlotteβs Web, Little House in the Big Woods, Dr. Dolittle, and others. #DitchBook
A1: Parents care much more about trusting teachers and want to know you care about their kid....Rather than my 9th grade SS curriculum & the spread of the Renaissance in Europe #ditchbook
A1: I wish I realized how parents and teachers are really on the same side.
Many parents want to work together with teachers for their kids' success. #DitchBook
A1: I wished I knew that Ps want to be connected but maybe they just don't have the means. Additionally, the time spent critiquing letters that were sent home could have been better spent making connections with them! #DitchBook
A1: Listen more than talk. When itβs your turn to talk, they will ask you a question or there will be a pause invitation. Honor the pace and the turn cycle. It matters in relationship building. #ditchbook
IβM SO EXCITED!!!! π€ You are so inspiring to me @jmattmiller. This is a win for all the Ts I collaborate with...AND an even bigger win for our Ss. YOU are appreciated! #ditchbook#kidsdeserveit#tlap#llap
In reply to
@DitchThatTxtbk, @jmattmiller, @jmattmiller
A1: I did well with what I had to work with, but I wish I knew how powerful frequent feedback and praise could be! Communication about the GOOD not just the probs. #DitchBook
I have had several meetings this weeks. Face to face makes all the difference in the world. I also borrowed dome forms ideas from @jmattmiller@alicekeeler book #ditchbook
In reply to
@rachelmarker, @RemindHQ, @Twitter, @facebook, @instagram, @jmattmiller, @alicekeeler
Some talk about how homework helps parents at home understand what's happening in class.
If this is our main way of communicating with parents, we're doing a rotten job. #DitchBook#DitchHW
There was third grade, when my teacher was big on fitness and had us run around the field every day... the time we brought in our kittens from home... #ditchbook
Hi, Liz, ELA teacher in Missouri. Elem memory? Lying in 5th grade about not doing homework. Tried to claim a no-Namerβs. Still guilty. π€¦πΌββοΈ #ditchbook
A2: create need for parents and ask them directly to help (literal: we need parents to help us __).
Also (stole this one): LIVE CAST activities in the classroom and invite parents to interact (watching and commenting, etc.)
#Ditchbook
#ditchbook Q2: Invite parents in on the daily via twitter updates, Remind texts. Invite in person to come "show and tell projects" or invite to be career guest speakers! #ittakesavillage
A2: Great ways to give parents a window into the classroom:
Facebook page
@Seesaw parent access
Twitter/Instagram/Snapchat (gasp!)
@RemindHQ text messages
Class @anchor podcast
@SmorePages newsletters
... and the list goes on!
#DitchBook
A2: Communication, contact, and technology. Show Ps whatβs going on with emails, tweets, and websites. They love seeing their Ss in action! #DitchBook
A2 hold events where Ss showcase some of their work, lunch and learns, open house, hold some tech programs for parents to learn about what Ss are using, have Ss teach #ditchbook
A2 You can have days where they can stop by and watch, invite them in to read to your students or as a community visitor, share their jobs or hobbies #DitchBook
A1: I tried to explain standards based grading and I think they began their petitions to remove me. I learned you donβt have to spill it all up front for parents to know things about your class. #ditchbook
A2 - Iβve done video chats with phones if kids give great answers. It is beyond funny when you call a parent during class and mention how proud you are of their child. Also, sharing monthly or bi weekly letters can be a great keep me up to date tool. #ditchbook
A2: Wish my own kids elementary Ts used @Seesaw ....Love that ability to see exactly what my kids are doing & ask them about it at home over dinner..With HS Ss, why not share their Google Docs with parent email, let them jump in live if they are able? #ditchbook
Heck yeah! Love when I pick my girls up from the after-school program and they're hanging upside down on the bars. And all dirty from outdoor play! #ditchbook
A2: Parents can be guest speakers & volunteers. STEM nights with parents can involve Ss and parents working together on projects at school as part of the event. We also did a Signs of Suicide training for parents and community for our MS and HS parents. #DitchBook
A2 A sci teacher I know is GREAT at getting to know her students and hearing about their familiies - she always gets new great guest speakers! #ditchbook
Imagine ...
Automating a custom email newsletter for each of your students.
A little creating with Google tools and it can happen! Great way to keep parents in the loop.
https://t.co/PwOU7PKKmF#DitchBook
A2 I spent most of my career in high schools, where we never saw parents. Now Iβm located in a primary/elementary school and I see dozens of parents in school every day. Too bad that doesnβt continue... #DitchBook
Right on! And why not get parents doing the day-to-day like giving feedback on student work (why does the teacher have to be the only one?) and helping craft the experience! #Ditchbook
Even better, the question was a final Jeopardy question a few days later... world rocked as a kid! Congrats on the Spelling Bee... those silent letters always got me #ditchbook
A2: When doing #PBL in my classroom. I want to do a better at having more frequent parent presentation nights. Also I want to open up talks with parents who are experts to talk critique and give feedback on student projects. #DitchBook
A2 I think offering varied ways to "see" into the learning is π. Not all Ps can volunteer during the day; not all want to. But ALL want to know what's going on. So easy w tools like @Seesaw and @Flipgrid. Also student portfolios, etc. where S can demo lrng for Ps #ditchbook
A2: Sometimes in Middle School Ss donβt want parents in class. So, for me, Itβs a goal to explore inviting Ps in via @Flipgrid@padlet or @SkypeClassroom. Maybe that will feel okay? #ditchbook
A2b: Want to pursue a Google Bootcamp for parents in the evening...Have seen others do it...Want our school to be a destination for community, not just students. #ditchbook
A2b: Also I think it would be cool for parent to do #flipgrids on how they solve problems or do a number talk. Then have student give them feedback. #DitchBook
A2: I need to get better at this. Right now they can be added on G classroom, follow my IG or Twitter, but not everything is there. Trying to get permissions for student blogs. #ditchbook
A3: Support working parents by posting EVERYTHING online.
When documents, videos, etc. are available ON DEMAND, it doesn't matter what shift parents work.
#DitchBook
My Ss blog! It has been great for community building. We also do a service learning project with the local pantry after school! Another good way to involve Ps and Ss! #ditchbook
A3 - Again, positivity and transparency are key. Itβs about partnerships and working together. Emails are rarely enough to truly make the connection. Videos, shared docs or even events can bridgevtge gap. #ditchbook
I think providing things on the go is highly beneficial to those parents. Using @RemindHQ@Classmessenger or even so they receive the email in Classroom makes it much more efficient for them and makes it easier to connect. #ditchbook
#ditchbook A3: Our district hosts a yearly "Parent Summit" a night where parents can attend workshops of their choosing to learn about topics they are interested in...curriculum, tech, policy, anything! Have HUNDREDS attend each year!
A2 I think offering varied ways to "see" into the learning is π. Not all Ps can volunteer during the day; not all want to. But ALL want to know what's going on. So easy w tools like @Seesaw and @Flipgrid. Also student portfolios, etc. where S can demo lrng for Ps #ditchbook
A2 I also love to have parents in to share their holidays, traditions & customs. Weβve learned about Chinese New Year, Swedish Christmas, Hanukkah, Diwali...ties into Social Studies standards & the kids have a blast! #DitchBook
Love this and think it's a great goal. School as a hub for community, not just "doing school" 8-3. There's such a disconnect for so many families. Community support and involvement is key! #ditchbook
A2b: Want to pursue a Google Bootcamp for parents in the evening...Have seen others do it...Want our school to be a destination for community, not just students. #ditchbook
A3: I think providing things on the go is highly beneficial to those parents. Using @RemindHQ@Classmessenger or even so they receive the email in Classroom makes it much more efficient for them and makes it easier to connect. #ditchbook
#ditchbook A3: Our district hosts a yearly "Parent Summit" a night where parents can attend workshops of their choosing to learn about topics they are interested in...curriculum, tech, policy, anything! Have HUNDREDS attend each year!
A3: starts with a call home in the within the first week of school to open up positive communication. From there multiple ways to find info. G classroom, email, website, letters Home, tweets, remind 101... #DitchBook
A2: Parent workshops are key where parents can rotate from room to room to learn various topics - how to check grades, how to use the LMS, what questions to ask your kids, and social emotional workshops. #DitchBook
A2) I like all the ideas you're tweeting (including Twitter itself). The most important thing to me as a parent is having consistency. One teacher will try something a little, then we'll never see it again with another teacher. These should be school-wide practices. #ditchbook
A3 Being a working parent, I really appreciate lots of advance notice for classroom activities or parties. Sometimes itβs possible to attend on a lunch break or something. #DitchBook
And... I'm one of those parents. I'd *like* to be able to volunteer, but I'm doing that teaching/working thing. It's tough! I'm grateful to my kids' Ts who have been using @seesaw. I feel infinitely more connected! #ditchbook
A2 I think offering varied ways to "see" into the learning is π. Not all Ps can volunteer during the day; not all want to. But ALL want to know what's going on. So easy w tools like @Seesaw and @Flipgrid. Also student portfolios, etc. where S can demo lrng for Ps #ditchbook
Hit me more when I read in an Admin Finance Course that in most towns in USA, schools are the biggest "businesses" in town, with largest budgets by far. Never realized it before Show the whole family we care. #DitchBook
A2: I teach high school.. inviting parents in is tough, but keeping them informed about what we are doing as their students don't really tell them is a great way to make them feel invested in their student's success and remain a partner on the same team #ditchbook
I can empathize with them. Iβm a terrible Pre-K parent. My schedule is awful with school, extra curriculars, and the farm. I give them flexibility for meeting, because thatβs what Iβd need! #ditchbook
I HATE elementary school homework that requires me. Hey Laney, instead of playing a game or reading together, let's compete with all the other 2nd grade families to create the best STEM project. Ugh. #DitchBook
A3. Create tutorials of what you are doing in class while you are teaching (using a tool like @teamdoceri) and upload the videos to your YouTube channel so the Ps can learn too and the students can reference. Even better if students help make the materials. #DitchBook
A3: The Remind app is a great tool to blast parents with quick info. Parents text. Students text. Remind lets teachers text without giving your personal info. #DitchBook
A3: For pi day, I invited parents to donate pi(e)s. I was stunned by the tremendous response. I think high school parents and those working liked feeling they could support in some way. Make it easy for them. #ditchbook
It sure is! I do everything possible to figure out a way to make it to an awards ceremony, class party, mystery reader opportunity, etc. Without some notice, itβs nearly impossible though. #ditchbook
A4: Use the social media platforms that are popular in your community! Broadcast scores, pics, video clips, news, announcements, forms, menus, and whatever your parents need on those platforms! We're going Live for graduation for those who can't make it! #ditchbook
A4) One of my teachers started having his students write weekly reflections on their classwork in a Google Doc shared with their teacher & parents to open dialogue between home/school and it's all student-led! #ditchbook
I use Twitter, instagram, email, blogs, websites - I would sky write if I wasn't afraid of heights. Use them all because you have a better chance of reaching all families this way. #ditchbook
A4: Seesaw, Remind, Smores, Email,....@KauDan721 just showed me how FormMule in Google Forms can translate my feedback into other languages, in a mail merge, so all students get some personalization! #ditchbook
A4 I like using @Seesaw and @ClassDojo for parent communications. They can directly message me anytime and I will respond. You definitely use @Flipgrid to communicate too in the #classroomgrid#DitchBook
I used a flipgrid at Back to School night. Parent left messages for their Ss. I should have gotten all the parents on board first so even if they didn't come they could be a part of it. #ditchbook
A4: Definitely @Flipgrid, creating a Google Site, using an app to remind them. However, I had ENORMOUS success with a school-specific app that I got up and running for my school from @aplusapps_io! Message me if u wanna learn more! So much more efficient & centralized! #ditchbook
A3 Frequent "sound bites" of info. Make it all digital and push out through multiple platforms. Survey Ps to find out what they like: FB, Insta, email, etc. Meet them where they are, just like we do with their kids! #ditchbook
I heard it! My #4OCFpln Voxer group notified me at the crack of dawn that you were talking about @GimKit since I had told them all about it too. :) I did tweet a thanks, but it may be lost in the gazillions of tweets you get tagged in! #DitchBook
Google sites for student portfolios. Student add videos, projects, assignments, poems, essays and more. Great for parent conversations with there students about what they are learning and what they are proud of. #DitchBook
#ditchbook A4: we have discussed so many great tools like Remind, Seesaw, Twitter, etc...but I truly still am awed by the power of the weekly newsletter (a fully interactive hyperdoc one of course!) But I still find it the best way to get info as a parent.
A4: I agree remind is awesome! Parents opt in for daily updates. I only send out mass emails to all parents before big tests or for special events. #ditchbook
A4) One of my teachers started having his students write weekly reflections on their classwork in a Google Doc shared with their teacher & parents to open dialogue between home/school and it's all student-led! #ditchbook
