#2PencilChat Archive
The #2PencilChat is a weekly conversation about educational technology. As we enter a more student-centered age, let's talk about using all the tools in our toolboxes to be innovative and dynamic teachers.
Tuesday August 9, 2016
Hello! Teresa, MS Literacy Teacher from NY. I am not sure........
Hello there! How is your summer?
Hi all! Marifran, HS librarian from NY - as a serial procrastinator, I always expect to be blocked
Sean in St. Augustine, FL, 3rd grade, and I just can't think of what to write about creative blocks!
so good - and yours? (I saw your new hair yesterday...)
Hi all! Adam from Virginia Beach. K - 12 Principal for Alternative School
That's only temporary. LOL it's been good. Quiet!
a brave move for a curly girl in summer - I can only go curl-less in optimum weather conditions
Hola! Way to get around the question!
A1: A quick visit to one of my more experienced and innovative colleagues, or get on here and use the PLN!
A1: I actually do better under pressure. I KNOW it needs to get finished. My inspiration is the deadline!
Hi peeps! Kimberly, Media Specialist from Daytona Beach here! I survived a lot of laminating today! https://t.co/HlRa3OESWY
Hello did you miss me? I'm Back!!!
The woman who cuts my hair did it, I am beyond shocked it has stayed. It never does in this weather!
A1 Lately hip hop & funk, and documentaries about the birth of hip hop scenes are making my creative mind thrum.
Good morning ! Happy to be joining today Rizza from Philippines, schools out due to heavy rains here
hello ! Good to see everyone been taking a break
A1. I often have to find a place where no external distractions can distract me. Turn on some music and get to work.
A1 when I need 2 clear my head, I turn reading the book "The Book of Think" by Marilyn Burns
She put some good anti-frizz product in it!!!! LOL
Look on twitter, pintrest, sit back and think how I would like to be taught, I'm planning to do some reading
A1: when writing, I try to collect my thoughts by talking out loud & recording; when art related, I do image searches
definitely do to a colleague love that about my school most everyone shares
I did! Welcome back! I felt bad because last week was about the start of the year, but then you weren't here.
frizz-free: I've heard talk of this place but never been there
A1 I actually stop trying to do what I'm doing and cook or do washing - gives me time to think!
A1 Fart jokes. Humor in that vein. Failing that, getting up and doing a little dance puts the wind back in my idea sails..
Anyone else like me more likely to go fetal position under a strict time crunch to be creative? 😂 https://t.co/hczdnkBnkZ
A1: I actually do better under pressure. I KNOW it needs to get finished. My inspiration is the deadline!
A1: Sometimes I just need to walk away and come back to it. Fresh look gices me inspiration.
You are all faster than me tonight! I'm exhausted from . First day of school tomorrow!
haha yes enjoyed my little euro holiday learnt lots!
A1 I also like to listen to music to clear my thoughts and inspire
Hey hey there! How are you?
A1 usually I exercise to bring out the feel good hormones other times I turn to friends and books for inspiration
btw, your room looks fab - there are going to be some happy Ss entering that room tomoro
Music definitely can inspire!
Oh yeah! But I think that's a good time for percolation.
Also hi everyone here in , trying to bulk up my weekly chat rotation so I thought I'd join you all this evening
LOVE hip-hop. I have a strange knack for rhyming....did I ever share that?
A1. I listen to music--Trap when I'm really crunched for time!
A1: Running & walking have helped me come up with many ideas close to deadlines!
Working out can help for sure!
I think so, I forget, this summer is a blur ATM... :)
I'm well! A little tired after the 1st day back. How are you?
LOL I THRIVE under pressure!!!!!!
I don't spend much time there myself. LOL
Hi Stony! Was your first day as awesome as it appeared?
A1 Nature, always. Getting outside helps me clear the mental clutter and begin fresh. Doesn't hurt my physical heath either!
That reminds me--I need to move more!
A1 Sometimes i’ll share what I got with someone. Their feedback (facial expression?) can do wonders for inspiration at times..
Hi, Erin! And ooh, so pretty!
A1 I sometimes will move to a different project for a few minutes to clear my head
That's coming up in a bit!
Totally! Me too.
https://t.co/DNYNqJuGfs
A1 I sometimes will move to a different project for a few minutes to clear my head
Facial: "what on earth????" or "wow that's great!" I have seen both.....
A2: Love to watch a favorite show of mine to refresh it's called The West Wing.. I love it
A2: definitely music, I have a very eclectic taste based on my mood
Me too! Well, at least the Bartlett years.
hope it's not too late to jump in!
A2: a novel that puts me on my butt thinking about it or music that helps lift my mood and help give me some mojo while wrking
Walter Bishop is inspiring! Corpses and red liquorice!
It was a great day, Marifran! So glad our admin are using Twitter to model for Ts! https://t.co/D3WF1fWYIp
Hi Stony! Was your first day as awesome as it appeared?
A2 City sounds. Taking a walk in the hustle and bustle helps me realize my place in the universe https://t.co/Zvyl6gHF1f
A2 I believe music keeps kids on track better when writing...it can be inspiring
A2. I often look at colleagues and see what they have accomplished. Motivates me to do more.
A2: A little carpool karaoke is a definite mood booster!
A2 Meditating & a little good music!
That's me when no one is around...
A1 when I need inspiration I read or discuss what I've already done with my dad...he has listened for 42 yrs does a great job
Awww......that's so nice! I love that!
A2 I love keeping a diary when traveling - gets me really being creative works wonders when I return https://t.co/TGGsnJNNkK
Movies for sure, I love teaching lessons loosely based around a good movie
or when Hamilton is playing
Hello :) Cathy, edtech specialist in NYC joining you while waiting for at this lovely evening.
A2 Hamilton, and assorted fun songs.
It's fascinating what one can do with coloured napkins and brown paper bags oh & no scissors!
https://t.co/cZYkP4mmOb
A2 I love keeping a diary when traveling - gets me really being creative works wonders when I return https://t.co/TGGsnJNNkK
Howdy Cathy! https://t.co/M76eibRktx
Hello :) Cathy, edtech specialist in NYC joining you while waiting for at this lovely evening.
A2: app called Windy - when I can't get outside but too distracted for music, a variety of nature sounds that does the trick
A2 I've had fun writing rap songs about my own struggles when I can't think to get thru them.
Hi Sean! Happy first day of school Eve
. I was rocking Hamilton while working in my classroom today!
Especially colleagues who teach a different subject, I've used loads from the graphics dept
Thanks! I'm so tired from Meet the Teacher!
I have to say my admins are really inspiring when it comes to creativity
A3: everyone here for starters.....
I've been listening to In the Heights lately, loving the Latin music.
A3: My entire PLN inspires.......couldn't narrow it down if I tried! Very lucky and blessed!
A3 i usually discuss ideas with colleagues and friends in school
A3: what a list! I'm regularly blown away by ppl's artistic abilities, since mine is limited to coloring
I also go to a kindergarten room when I need to feel inspired.. The wonder there is awesome !
A1: This is the story of my life. I push through and meet that deadline. I can be a
A3 first chat after and I'm fully inspired! Missed my PLN
A3. Many of my FL EdCampers are inspirational in their own ways. I now I written a couple of blog posts as a result.
This chat is just so refreshing and full of good vibes. If you are in Ed and haven't tried it jump in! https://t.co/SqmLVmfibp
A3: Friendspiration for me these TLs push me to improve for Ss!
A3 Mostly people like who can take a step back to see people are more important than ..
Virtually everyone on my follow list, everyone here plays a part
It's SO GOOD. Lots of good rapping in it, too... fam themes of legacy & telling story.
A3. Cohort coworkers all inspire.
A3 of Texas’ Region 14.. and his research driven blogs..
A3 Our district science person is just the coolest, innovative and realistic in incredible ways with a fresh perspective
A3: I was lucky enough to have and as friends and colleagues helping me through my first year 😅
In addition to you all, I've been really inspired by & lately. Their work pushes my creativity.
A3 Their ideas get me in (Butts Out Of Seats) mode and doing stuff.
A2: I revisited 30/30 mode sometimes w . 30 min on a different task. Alternate deadline and other (fun, cleaning, TV)
A3: Also, I'm really lucky to say every time we have a PD one of my colleagues shows us something great
My favorite inspirers make me jealous at first, then I try to reverse engineer things.
sure was. I kept looking around thinking really? I'm actually here, seeing & feeling this?
A2: Deadline time has to be noise free. Definitely no movies - I'll get sucked right in 'til the end
That's how I feel whenever I travel!
All of your A3s are we are wrong. The ANSWER is SEAN FARNUM
A3 and I always feel more empowered around them!
This isn't . You don't need to suck up! (Just kidding, I love you, ).
A4 that's when you suck it up and go, go, go
A4 I break down and steal from someone else sometimes the best things are not your own..
Thanks for joining us Bobby!
A3: Seriously, I have the best out there. Sometimes so inspired, I don't know where to start 😳
A4: for me unjust have to barrel through it, it might not be my best, but I can reflect and improve later, try to prevent
A4 fake it until I make it
A4 I HATE doing things in a normal way, but often, just enough works better than I'd like.
A3 inspire me and help me hone my crazy ideas sounding board mentors & encourages
A4: Scale back and take a safer approach to satisfy the impending deadline but revisit the better, more creative idea next time
A3: The answer is my relative,
A4 Ask, "what do I absolutely have to do/finish now?" And make/draw whatever, owning my fallibility then call a friend to edit.
I agree that's what I love about my PLN sharing great ideas so all kids can benefit
A4. I get something down. Then I walk away for a bit and come back to edit/tweak. That usually works. Usually.
Perfect https://t.co/bEHWYwgwer
A4: Scale back and take a safer approach to satisfy the impending deadline but revisit the better, more creative idea next time
prioritizing is something I'm learning to be better at, new focus this year makes it mandatory
A4: it might not meet my high expectations, but is okay to go ahead with
like this Trello thing. I'll look at it tonight.
A4. I often go to the library, check out a study room and work 45 minutes at a time. 15 min break inbetween.
A4 Ooh, and last night, it was writing for this - I gave up, and decided to lean in on my problem... being blocked!
Sometimes good enough is the best we can do!
A4: sometimes I am revising/editing right until the last moment
A3 provide inspiration for & trying things different than the norm
Sometimes we are harder on ourselves than others would be.
No worries, I won't get to writing the paragraph until Sundayish because Glad you like
I am the same way! 30-45 minutes, 15 min break. :)
it's just so realistic and peacemaking! :)
Look what happened? An awesome chat!
But that's probably how it should be. Higher standards for yourself, mercy for everyone else!
There's not enough hours in the day for everything to be perfect all the time
A4 facing this now with dissertation. I step back take a breath, focus on the goal...and call my mom to tell me I can do it
And the answer to that is PHEW!
just keeping it real. Sometimes I have to force myself to put the proverbial fork in "it"
it's hard to watch soccer and keep up lol
This is a struggle for me. Any other peeps have a wicked perfectionist streak? 😅🙈 https://t.co/N2taPf7mrZ
Sometimes we are harder on ourselves than others would be.
I know. It's so hard for me!!!!! LOL
A5. Play--alongside them and even when they aren't around. Just messing around with stuff can break a block.
A4: I get with the team of Ts in my building. I visit with my PLN on Twitter. Friendspiration is everywhere! 💪💪👍👍🎸🎸
A5 take the time to actually watch listen and learn with them - Ss are amazing!
A5.Talking with my three year old.He sees the world with full optimism, hope, and enjoyment. Reminder to take it down a notch.
Be willing to accept a work in progress, so many Ts want perfection and want it now, I want to be satisfied with hard work
A5: ASK THEM TO SHOW YOU! They love it, and it gives them a chance to be a more active participant in your learning space
A5 I make sure to celebrate my weird kids and divergent thinkers. Emulating them makes me look like a rock star!
A4: sometimes "done" is the best it's going to be - & reflecting on goals / time management for next project
Give them the opportunity to produce something, I've had some fantastic revision games ect made
A5 I love asking S advice as a hypothetical then catch thepride in their eyes when they realize they are legit advisors.
I find the kids really respond when you just ask them for help or for their opinion.. They take it seriously and are awesome
A5: break out the Play-Doh, paints, markers, etc. (and *clears throat* glitter markers)
A5 doing maker last year was best thing ever. I sat back and watched the magic. They inspired me & went beyond wildest dreams
A4: Take a break to regroup. Figure out what's absolutely necessary and save the other strokes of brilliance for later
A5: Ss amaze me everytime. One S designed a BreakoutEdu for Ts. Another made our library in Minecraft! https://t.co/m97jrnopdQ
oh, no! You went there! (ducking under table to avoid fallout...)
"Can I run something by you? What do you think about this...." They LOVE it!
Help pls. Talking to Ts tomorrow abt Twitter. How has Twitter changed your prof learning?
A4: It does drive me nuts to have to scale back though. Feels like not my best work instead of an accomplishment
Fantastic! I had kids designing quizzes last year on their own initiative.
another thing I like about directly asking Ss is that it helps model the new paradigm of guide/curator vs gatekeeper as a T
A5 say I need -- can you figure that out for me? Had a student at ISTE this year who took on teaching me robots... was awesome
Perfect is impractical most of the time, unless you can do without sleep
I just adore my glitter pens. I can't help it!
A4 Sometimes you have to ask for help when you
The goal posts will ALWAYS keep moving. Do a better crappy job than last time. :)
changed my view of teaching & learning, opened my in a way never would have, keeps me connected, grounded
I love getting the Plasticine out
I hooked a bunch of Ts by tuning into a live chat was at the time - weird LOL
hello, dear! (and I've never seen you less than spectacular)
no kidding, and I cannot!
It's all those crowns! They really set the mood.
It's the journey that matters, there's always room for improvement
A6: Exercise is great, I love a great discussion, bounce ideas off of friends always helps me
A5: Ask for their feedback, let them choose how to express themselves
A6 Cycling. So much thinking gets done on my bicycles.
A6 Walking w/ friends. Talking abt something other than work makes a balanced life!
it's a bit like play doh but it doesn't dry out
And it's amazing how letting work go brings it into focus when you return to it!
A6: walking, balance ball or Pilates
A6 I ride my bike; anywhere, nowhere, somewhere...though in PacNW rainy season I'll settle for living room yoga.
A6: running helps me fend off the crazy - and organize the thoughts that need to become something
A6 my house gets really really clean when my head needs clearing
Yes! I'm sorry I'm late to ! I really like this one! Fun, affirming & creative!
A6: Run, walk, push mowing- all clear the mind!
A6: part of my plan to get this habit down is making sure I get a good daily workout helping w/ our football team this season
I just got new Keens for my clipless pedals - huzzah!
A6. My exercise is minimal. Need to improve on this.
I clean better when there's something I need to get to that's NOT cleaning.
oh yes I'd forgotten about cleaning spurts! Donated five bags last week!
A6: Take a think walk to a mini mart... Gets me walking, and I can grab lunch if I 4get to pack some https://t.co/YR1lzzYYXx
I have 3 bags waiting to be collected!
cause for real, I back burnered personal fitness/wellness too much as a rookie. Some extra endorphins should serve me well 💪🏻
A6: and laundry - up and down the stairs, load washer, load dryer, fold - routine in rhythm very soothing
A5 Quietly. I watched my kids when they were little doing stuff. My grand kid Carly, her approach to stuff n mistakes. Cool..
Shoot Colombia tied it up...90th minute... too distracted with reading chat to tell Hope Solo to look out lol
A6 Lately, my drone (flying camera) gets me moving. I always want to go further so I have to move it.
I like walking, plenty of good scenery and fresh air really helps
since it requires so little thinking, it's become a form of meditation for me: hum of machines is white noise
And, predictably, has gotten me walking a lot more!
LOL mine was just spinning in the background - 1st load of day - done!
Wonderful chat as always! Thanks and ! Have a wonderful evening!
A7 Sometimes a good dose of something really boring like checking emails will lead me back into what matters...
A5: Love watching learn and do things. So eager, and wans to try everything
A7: I try to move on to something else, then come back later
A7 All I've got is write about not being able to write. Or draw, or sing, or whatever... It works for me.
A7 Write out your feelings. Sometimes a block is you not being honest with yourself about your true thoughts regarding projects
Sorry for missing the last part had to prepare breakfast thank you for a great start of my day
Look at what you need to teach, watch something about it & do some concept mapping and see where it leads you
A6: Walk around the block, play w preK
I love that (like ) you're corresponding from "tomorrow!"
Yes currently trying to unblock getting back into after holiday arrgghhhh
Thanks ! I alway find humor in this chat!
Thanks for letting me hop on late! School tomorrow! Ready, set, go!
SOLID advice:
https://t.co/rqjovu7X2t
Look at what you need to teach, watch something about it & do some concept mapping and see where it leads you
A7: sometimes, jotting down / saying aloud what I *don"t* want something to be gets focus back on what's important
A7 read more on topic, read your past work, ask someone to give you three words to describe your topic. use that to get back
A7 (real version) take some time away from it, ask a different person, change your scenery/work setting for a few hours
I hear that struggle! You've got this, it will come back - the finish will be worth it!
Heck yeah, thanks for hopping on!
A7 Sometimes I can power through it, but usually I have to walk away for a while.
A7: Eliminate all distractions, move to another space, soak in the hot tub (wishful thinking )
You guys! I'm so tired! Gonna sleep well tonight!
Ooh that's good 🤔💡 https://t.co/CadYC2ADLE
A7 Write out your feelings. Sometimes a block is you not being honest with yourself about your true thoughts regarding projects
Thanks -yes hopefully can knuckle down soon
Yes all my own work -love reflecting over when home very motivating
