Welcome to #XPLAP… Tonight we are talking about honoring people in our lives that have made a difference… To start please post your name and where you teach! And some none school thing that you are good at… Give yourself a shout out!!!
Carrie Baughcum 6/7/8 Special Education Teacher. I’m good at making bobble head drawings ...and falling asleep early on Tuesday nights...you’ve been warned!! #XPLAP
Michael Matera
Teacher, Author, Father!
I am really good at being perfectly average at board games! Some how I can learn really quick but master them really slowly! #XPLAP
Hi, Everyone! Jillian here, former 2nd grade teacher and current Assistant Professor @GCU_COE Non-school related skill, figure skating! Not as good as I used to be though... #xplap
✨HAPPY MAY DAY, #XPLAP CREW! I'm Kimberly from NE, and I teach 7th grade ELA! Just got in from delivering May Day baskets to friends, and now I'm ready to get this party started with @mrmatera and @tishrich! Oh, and a thing I'm good at... sparkly #EduGIFs! ✨
Hi! Jocelyn, Digital Literacy Resource teacher in the Toronto area. I'm generally pretty good at music stuff, particularly singing. Thanks to a church choir director for sparking that love early on! #XPLAP
What a sweet friend you are!!!! Love that you delivered May Day baskets! That's so awesome!! You always add so much sparkle to #xplap...so glad you are here!!!
Hey all - Eric from Sacramento, CA. I teach ELA to a bunch of crazy and totally rad freshmen. What can I do? Sing 70's and 80's rock and power ballads like no one's business. #rockstar#XPLAP
Nick Davis from Iowa, Wow something that I am good at outside of school, this is hard for me because I am not a person to give myself a shout out. Oh well here goes nothing I am good at curling. How is #xplap community doing???
I love running slowly. Do it all the time. Sometimes, I do it so well it appears like I'm walking. That is when my personal trainer, who is also one of the PE teachers at my school, gets on to me. She is tough. #xplap
Hi #xplap crew! Stefanie from Illinois joining late. 8th ELA and team lead. I’m decent at knitting, pretty good with Zelda video games, and great at reading for pleasure 😆
Hello #XPLAP! My name is Shauna. I’m an online teacher in Oregon. I’m a good singer! And I just discovered Bitmoji, so I apologize in advance for the semi-annoying, positive-awesomeness that is coming your way tonight.
A1 has to be my mom. She was my biggest cheerleader. I felt invincable when I was with her. She still makes me feel like a rockstar when I go home. #XPLAP
A1) um, my parents. I know they helped me a bunch, but I don't really remember much from that time. Did get me my first video game system (NES) and get me into sports (Soccer). Dad had lots of time to play with me somehow even though worked 6 days a week. #XPLAP
A1: The biggest influence in my first 10 years (and the next 35) is my Pop. He taught me how to be an incredible man, father, husband, and friend. He also taught me the keys to being an unforgettable and effective teacher (taught 38 yrs). He's gone, but his legacy remains #XPLAP
A1 Was blessed w so many positive role models as a kid. My dad and my grandfather are a tie for me w this one. Both named Andrew Easton, both teachers & coaches. I looked up to them & the positive impact they had on others and knew then I wanted to do what I do now #XPLAP#Honor
A1: My brother, while at the time I thought he was a jerk, I now know and see the love and guidance he gave. Truly remarkable when someone helps you even without your #gratitude. #XPLAP
A1 My Mom. She owned a craft store when I was younger where I had an endless supply of goodies to make my creations. Even though she worked (and drove my school bus . . . I said I would NEVER be a bus driver) she still found time to be my room mother. #xplap#Honor
A1: my parents. They expected great things from me. They also expected me to follow the rules which I did. They kept me out of trouble and supported me in everything I wanted to do #xplap
Dad time is such a treat! My dad was a farmer but he would take us out of school for a couple days each winter to go skiing. Still one of my favorite memories. #XPLAP
A1: My Godmother/Aunt! She treated me as one of her own and created such fun experiences for me and my cousins to grow and play together on vacations and activities. Her strong faith and willingness to help others in need still drives me daily. #xplap#honor
A1: I was SO blessed (there's not another word) to have so many positive influences. My parents and grandparents - all educators - were AMAZING. Everyday I see their continued influences in my life. #xplap
✨A1: FUN, FUN, FUN, FUN! From 1-10, I'd say my parents were pretty influential. They are both super fun and creative people. I'd like to think a little rubbed off! #XPLAP✨
A1 When I was in 4th grade my teacher Mr. Prooch (sp?) had a "top score" list. I was not on it but I told myself I would be. He was also a vegetarian which in my rural area was unheard of. I became a better student and more interested in diversity. #XPLAP
#xplap made my First real gamfied lesson. Jump rope ladder of success. Students get different badges and belts as they progress. Going to try this tomorrow.
A1: my dad showed me that it was okay to know what you want and work for it even if others didn’t get why, to cry but then make a plan, that I’m worth it, unconditional love is real - but you still need to learn from your mistakes. #xplap
A1: I have to send a S/O to my first church choir director. She told my parents "she has a really good ear for music," moved me to the Alto section b/c she wanted to push me by singing harmony. Years later, I have a Bachelor of Music in Voice and taught Music for 18 years! #XPLAP
A1: definitely my parents, they have made a huge impact on me. They are there for me when I needed someone to pick me up and celebrated me when I achieved my goals #xplap
A1: My parents of course. I was quite a handful-very energetic and always getting into trouble. I remember a man in Bible study that was always nice to me and told my dad that there was hope for me. #xplap
A2) Stephen Hawking seems like a good one, pretty incredible accomplishments for someone who couldn't move his muscles. And he even got on the simpsons! #XPLAP
A1: My father was a huge influencer on my childhood. He taught me everything from self-care to how to sing to the foundations of my faith. He was thoughtful and purposeful in everything he did. Sometimes I think I’m just like him. Other times, we are complete opposites. #XPLAP
A2 During the Antebellum there were groups in the north that took it upon themselves to "liberate" slaves accused in the personal liberty laws. I often reflect on whether I would be able to act so strongly in support of my beliefs. #XPLAP
A2: So many figures I would like to chat with, but I think I would tweet a thank you to Lincoln! I love his words… He was an American philosopher as much as he was a president. #XPLAP
A2: Which historical person would you tweet a 'thanks' to? Someone creative, influential, eye on the future, and a cultural transformer - thinking Steve Jobs & MLK Jr. Two amazing voices gone too soon... Tweet = THANKS FOR BEING AWESOME! #XPLAP
A2: Which historical person would you tweet a 'thanks' to? Someone creative, influential, eye on the future, and a cultural transformer - thinking Steve Jobs & MLK Jr. Two amazing voices gone too soon... Tweet = THANKS FOR BEING AWESOME! #XPLAP
He is on my list. He is a complicated figure and I would thank him for being a public servant that, while not being perfect, was able to keep together a plethora of competing interests and be an ally in the fight for equality. #XPLAP
A2: Jane Austen thanks for showing the world that a woman can write and not just do needle point and pop out babies; MLK Jr thanks for sacrificing yourself for the ideal of equality - I still believe and work towards your dream #xplap
A1: Shoutout to my dad too! His passion for teaching and coaching and the legacy he left on the sport of track and cross country made a huge impact on me as an educator! #xplap
A3: Wow!!! I say @Chucktaft has shaped me the most at school. He always gives his all, and best of all, he always asks WHY NOT? These two words have pushed me to do so much in both school and my life! #XPLAP
I interned at he NYC Museum of Jewish Heritage. They taught me about Yad Vashem's Righteous Among the Nations list. I am humbled and awestruck everytime is see it. #XPLAP
A3: Oddly I've grown the most by being in community with those who didn't see things the way I do. It has sharpened my logic, skills, and rationale for what I do. #xplap
A1: My friend Karla helped me become the person I am today. She believed in me when I didn't believe in myself and is the reason I'm still teaching today. #xplap
A2: John Holt - for questioning outdated practices in school and inspiring those who seek systemic change. "Living is learning and when kids are living fully and energetically and happily they are learning a lot, even if we don't always know what it is." #XPLAP
A3) my cooperating teacher when I was student teaching (don't think he has twitter), the Dean of academics at the first HS I taught at for helping me figure out what the heck I was doing trying to teach 5 preps as a first year teacher. Mrs. Oliver for doing fun stuff #XPLAP
A3: Oddly I've grown the most by being in community with those who didn't see things the way I do. It has sharpened my logic, skills, and rationale for what I do. #xplap
A3: My former Music Dept Head. He taught me patience, perseverance, was creative and innovative, and was SUCH a good role model! He gave me the confidence to take on a Headship at a new school. Although I changed schools, we still worked together whenever we could! #XPLAP
A3: The gentleman I co-teach with has helped me beyond words. He helped me jump into blending learning and supported me through some really challenging times. #xplap
President Lincoln: Thank you for the dedication and energy you committed to providing a more equitable country for all. Thank you for struggling through and sacrificing, even when you lost you loved ones...even when it was hard. Thank you for not giving up! #XPLAP
A3: These three teammates are the best there is in the world! All of them push me to be better, inspirer me to try new things, and defiantly put a smile on my face. Huge Thanks guys! @AGoTeach@KamFultz@BradDunning#XPLAP
I have been so blessed to work with so many amazing educators. @jdeinhammer and @sciencecook for pushing me to explore new things with science and technlogy and @coachsprings for always encouraging and allowing me to explore and try new things would definitely top my list. #XPLAP
✨A3: @DebDitoro is my partner in crime. We have so much fun together! We started #CoffeeEDU in our community as a way to increase fellowship and collaboration amongst educators in our area! #XPLAP✨
A3: My fellow science teachers, Ronit (leaning forward) - Can't tag her cause she's not on twitter... Also Rivka (sitting left), who's no longer with us... #xplap
A3: There are a number of people on my campus and in my district that have helped me along the way - most recently, my Induction (aka BTSA) coach @NicoleNaditz helped me crush this year and has set me up well for the years ahead...PLUS, she helped me get into Twitter! BOOM #XPLAP
A2: Maybe it's because I'm in a holocaust mini unit with my students currently, but I think I would thank Anne Frank for being the voice in the darkness.
I stumbled upon a leaderboard on tpt by @TechedUpTeacher which led me to @mrmatera which led me to #XPLAP which led me to making my own gamification tools
a4) also #nebedchat kept me going at a time a few years ago when I wasn't sure I could keep with teaching. so that was nice. I don't participate much anymore, but I still watch the chat while I'm busy with #xplap
A3: I guess i get to talk about Karla again. I had a horrendous teaching placement and Karla helped me through it and when I found another placement, helped me move past it. Helped me move past self blame and toward healing. We still talk to her almost every day. #xplap
Don’t get me started! Seriously, I work with the greatest group of people! @bakerwebacademy is an amazing family! I don’t think I’ll start tweeting out all the names as I’m limited in characters and they don’t hang here. But trust me, they are amazing! #XPLAP
A4: @alicekeeler helped me transform from a teacher who was intrigued by tech to my school's Ed Tech Specialist. But even more than that, her ideas keep challenging me (and the status quo) #xplap
A3: The man who helped me the most is Eddie Price. I am still benefiting from what I learned from him. He is a true servant leader. In fact, the last two jobs I have is because of him. https://t.co/gZWqwb0e6g#xplap
A4: @mrmatera youtube channel has been unbelievable resource for me to make me think, change and grow as an educator You need to check it out here https://t.co/pucb1SPIMX#xplap
A4: @HeckAwesome YouTube Channel… She shares #Gamification and sketch note ideas and challenges… She has 292 subs… Lets put her over 300 tonight!!! It is a great challenge hosted by a great person and friend!
Subscribe now: https://t.co/H0f35ZeO2O#XPLAP
Twitter is the latest resource! These micro PD chats are educational and inspirational! The #sketch50 challenges have been inspiring and fun! I feel like I am building community with other passionate teachers! #XPLAP
A4: for non-school resources, I think you have to be ready to listen, read, and observe at every experience; great podcast right now is Cocaine and Rhinestones. SO much history from a podcast that is essentially about back stories of old country music (weird but worth it) #xplap
A4: @mrmatera youtube channel has been unbelievable resource for me to make me think, change and grow as an educator You need to check it out here https://t.co/pucb1SPIMX#xplap
A4: @HeckAwesome YouTube Channel… She shares #Gamification and sketch note ideas and challenges… She has 292 subs… Lets put her over 300 tonight!!! It is a great challenge hosted by a great person and friend!
Subscribe now: https://t.co/H0f35ZeO2O#XPLAP
A4: @mrmatera's book "Explore Like a Pirate" of course! But also the @edtechteam#EdTechSummits that they host... have learned so many skills from so many talented people! #XPLAP
A4: There are two resources that have crystallized what I need to do as a teacher. One is the powerful video by Rita Pierson that most of know very well, and the other is this video: https://t.co/ZR8YX2NkgF#xplap
A5: I honor the moment by living with them. I don’t put the weight of the future on there shoulders, I enjoy the moment we are sharing together. #xplap
Thank you so much for the shout out… I am so honored to be part of your #PLN. Can’t wait for my first event in Canada… Just not sure when that is… #XPLAP
A5: Being truly "present" is best way to honor moment with Ss. Right now, I've had to be intentional about this with so many distractions vying for my attention. My goal this week, to have fun and laugh often!!! #xplap
#CodeBreaker is a fabulous resource . It helped me understand the purpose of coding as opposed to just jumping onto a trend without purpose . #Mathematicalmindsets@joboaler completely transformed my math program.#XPLAP
Love it! Thank you so much for support both of our channels… It is a lot of work, but it is also a TON of fun… It means the world to both of us when we hear this kind of comment. #XPLAP
A4:✨☠️PASSION! "Once you get a taste of it, you'll always want to come back for more." -@burgessdave✨☠️
The #TLAP community has been a treasure that has amplified my passion, creativity, and connected me to so many amazing educators, including those in the #XPLAP crew!
A5: Each online course I teach is pretty short, 7 weeks. I like to use tools like @RemindHQ to text my Ss so we can quickly & efficiently discuss progress & I can send kudos! I also create @useloom videos w/ grading feedback to highlight strengths & humanize online ed! #xplap
O Teacher! my Teacher! our courageous trip has begun,
The school has weather’d every rack, the honor we seek will be attained,
The time is near, the bells I hear, the assembly all exulting,
While the steady transport, the busses transporting;
https://t.co/mmr6jaQ4KZ#xplap
A5: We love to have fun. Whether it's taking a random mid-class selfie or having a mini game in the middle of class. We've had rap battles and poetry mannequin challenges. #xplap
A5: Conscious Discipline! We teach reading, writing, and math. Conscious Discipline helps students recognize emotional state and act accordingly. It’s amazing stuff. #xplap
While everyone is on the #XPLAP chat, how do you track XP/Badges for students...I've seen the spreadsheet, but constantly updating for 100+ students seems like a nightmare???
Oh, I could talk your ear off about that for days!!! Weekly @Flipgrid prompts, a digital breakout made with Google Forms, and even digital badging in the forums are a couple ways we have found success with! Anything you have tried? #xplap
In reply to
@MrPowley, @RemindHQ, @useloom, @Flipgrid
✨☠️✨A5: LEARN ABOUT THEM! Honor students by taking time to get to know them. Every moment spent connecting and building relationships is time well spent! #XPLAP✨☠️✨
A6: I know a great way to support me would be buy me a cup of coffee… So how about tomorrow you swing by your coffee shop and pick up a cup of Joe for someone at your school. #XPLAP
A5: Home Visits are integrated into my work hours and such a great way to connect with my students! I get to catch up w/ where kids are now & what they need. We talk, chat, problem solve, & laugh! Sitting with a parent & child at a table is a great way to honor the now. #xplap
A6: the hand-written note is kind of getting lost in the midst of emails and text, but still so powerful. Sometihing about the power of being able to go back and experience the moment. #XPLAP
A5: In entering my classroom, students get my hello song, eye contact and a smile! It's my way of telling them "I am thrilled to have this time with you!" #xplap
A6 We used to do English Teacher of the Week in my old department, complete with ugly thrift shop trophy. Each week a new teacher was honored, complete w/ reason why sent to whole department. I might need to bring it back! #XPLAP
A6: Maybe this is too obvious - but tell them! I know I definitely don't do that enough with the "influencers" in my life.
Then it becomes this ripple effect gratitude/honor thing that could be amazing and transformative!
#xplap
A6: An old school thank you moment… Take the time to tell those around you what they mean to you… I know it is old, but sadly, it doesn’t happen all that much. #XPLAP
A6: How do we honor those we look up to and those who look up to us? Make time to build relationship, trust, and understanding. Make sure that - in that moment - that they feel that your world revolves around them. Put aside distractions, look them in the eyes, and listen. #XPLAP
A6 Send "thank you" notes for those deserving. I was never in the habit of doing it but I got one once and realized a simple hand written note can really make someone's day. #xplap
A6: Culturally responsive teaching, get to know your students interests and families and adapt your teaching to include their interests and motives #xplap
A6: I’m a fan of the unsolicited unexpected positive kudos email! Complete with bitmoji or clever meme, of course! I like to send to my colleagues and cc their boss! #XPLAP
A6: write an actual note. Not typed, handwritten. We all like receiving a note in our mailbox, either at school or at home, because it means someone had to take the extra effort to gather materials and put the pen to paper. We do it for our Ss, why not each other? #xplap
a7) @mrmatera cause he wrote an awesome book with tons of great ideas in it instead of vague "you should do something like this" kind of statements. #xplap
A7 Tons of people, but a quick example is @TNording chatting with me about her #STEM club on the phone while she was delivering a coffee to her colleague. What a rockstar! #XPLAP
A7: @HeckAwesome has become a dear friend, a sister to me. She has helped me, laughed with me, cried with me, created with me. She makes me a better teacher and a better person. #xplap
A6: My lovely wife made brownies for my 6th and 10th grade classes. Just a small way of showing them that I appreciate them. Good brownies are hard to find in my neck of the woods. #xplap
A7) @tishrich cause she has good ideas, and posts pictures of yummy looking food that makes me eat ice cream at 10 oclock instead of goign to bed. #xplap
A6: Student of the Month, even with HS seniors - or maybe especially with HS seniors does wonders for classroom community. And it's never about grades, but always about growth mindset and determination! #xplap
A7: @mssackstein and I got to know each other @ASCD in Boston… While our meeting was unexpected, it was a great connection & one I won’t forget. Thank you for listening, laughing, & learning together. I hope all is well. Can’t wait till our paths cross again. #XPLAP
A7 Carrie @HeckAwesome@jmattmiller for creating the #sketch50 Challenge and encouraging me to jump in to Sketchnoting 😀 .Thank you both, Sketchnoting is so much fun and I ❤️ @HeckAwesome YouTube channel so much fun #XPLAP
A5 Jumping in, frazzled from two long days ... but my greatest moment this year was when my students contacted me right before my conference in a Google Hangout. #xplap
@UnmaskedEd has been such a blessing in my life. I can bounce ideas off her, I get ideas from her, and when I need new ideas I can get them from her. Such a great resource for our campus! #XPLAP
A7: Thank you @mrmatera for all your encouragement, support, and inspiration me on my #gamified journey! I've learned so much from you and it's been an honor to co-moderate with you these past few years...Has it been 2 or 3?! Time flies! #xplap
A7: hands down @khoggardGRT because she has helped me move out of my comfort zone to challenge myself and she is willing to be open minded, innovative and will “step up” #XPLAP#LoveLiteracyLearning#champforkids
A7 - Just 1! oh my... @mrmatera and @HeckAwesome have become some pretty important people to me (though we are only digitally connected). I am happy to have them in my life. BUT everyone here in this chat has had an impact! #XPLAP
A7: Not necessarily a person but #FlipgridFever is really more than just convo on one tool, instead, is an amazing community to build on all kinds of ideas for students! #XPLAP@Savvy_Educator@Taralson & @design2research are big parts of this! Many others too of course...
A7: @MrsCford_tweets has helped me become a better version of myself… She is such a joyous person to be around it can’t help set your course for a better place. Thank you for all the big and small ways you have helped me this year. I can’t believe it has been just 1 year. #XPLAP
I think I took mini boss battles from you. One student made a computer program to track the life of the players for me this year, and I changed the rules a bit since we have short class periods. #xplap
A7: @jmattmiller I saw your session on @GoogleForEdu on air a few years ago...your tech ideas have made my teaching more interesting and efficient #xplap
I have to join the @HeckAwesome cheer club! Not only is she great at putting out resources, but she is such a cheerleader. Somehow she can make you feel like you had the greates idea ever, and she does it with SOOO many people. I want to be like her when I grow up. :) #XPLAP
A6: to-do list
✅ tell them thank you
✅send them a note
✅flowers to brighten their day
✅stop by and chit chat
✅let others know why they’re special
#XPLAP#LoveLiteracyLearning
A7: @mrmatera gets a shoutout for hosting such a great chat. I am incredibly thankful for @MrsGodsiff. It is like we are on the same wavelength. #xplap
A7: @mrmatera is a friend I couldn’t live without. He makes me laugh (all the time), think (debate with each other), push myself beyond my limits, and just generally enjoy life to the fullest. Thank you...for everything. #xplap
A7: Super thanks to @mrmatera and @tishrich for sharing their time, feedback and all their help and support on my #gamification journey, and to the whole #XPLAP crew! They've been amazing! #XPLAP
A7: #PLN Spotlight: I pretty much read everything put out by @Catlin_Tucker@cultofpedagogy & @literarymaven - a lot of crossover and reaffirmation of what is going on, especially in the ELA realm. Thank you, ladies - YOU ARE CRUSHING IT! #rockstars#XPLAP
A7: @tishrich I feel like we have been on this journey the longest and I have loved every minute of it! I appreciate your unbelievable kindness, bravery and friendship #xplap
✨A7: Like flowers, it's IMPOSSIBLE to pick just one! The #XPLAP community (that's 1), added such fun and engagemnet into my classroom this year. Grateful. ✨
A8 I've learned to be happy being me and I love being able to continually learn through my Twitter PLN, YouTube, Webinars and so many awesome books to read 👍😀 #XPLAP
I am still getting better at it, but blogging has been a powerful tool for me. It helps me hold myself accountable as well as look back and celebrate my growth. #XPLAP
a8) I feel like I probably don't. I try to take the first week or two off during summer for me time, but right now I have to give it all to school, kids, and the wife. Once upon a time I kept a journal for reflecting on lesson's I'd done. #xplap
A5: take time to stop, reflect and appreciate. Don’t allow the moment to be lost or ignored because you have a deadline. Focus on what is truly important. #XPLAP#LoveLiteracyLearning
Thank you @mrmatera and @tishrich - I was thinking I was too tired to take part, but this has given me such a boost of positive energy! Best way to end the night! #xplap
A8: I do not think I’m very good at this, actually! I just love what I do and feel immense satisfaction knowing I’m giving my all to be the best I can be for my students. Maybe I should honor myself more with a trip to my fav store? Treat myself! Don’t tell my husband... #XPLAP
A8: I give myself time... time to create, to recharge, to play, and time to just get away from the world. That time is usually after the world goes to sleep. It’s precious, quiet, time! #xplap
A8: I give myself a pat on the back from time to time… Seriously, I am proud of what I do and you should be proud of what you do… When you are, it is really amazing how it pushes you to make more. #XPLAP
A7: @mrmatera you have inspired me to do things that I didn't know that I could do, you have changed my path forever and I greatly appreciate your friendship and your nudges along the way. #xplap
