#fcpslearn is a weekly chat about teaching and learning. Our focus is on creativity, innovation and inspiration. We discuss a range of educational topics that range from technology integration to the Olympics.
Roman from Ontario, Canada. HS Teacher/Student Success Leader/Agent of Transformation. Going to try to check in a bit with #fcpslearn after @MrPStrunk ‘s shoutout.
A1: Our first block is stretched to almost three hours while students test. I try to build in break times and let them eat their snack during that block so it can be a relaxed, productive atmosphere of learning. #fcpslearn
A1: Terrible jokes. Also, constantly reminding them of their value as people and letting them know that their worth is not encapsulated in a number. #fcpslearn
A1: I cheer them on, give them high-fives and tell them how far they have come. We stay positive and talk about how we are going to rock the test. #fcpslearn
A1 I bring the positivity every day. From smiles, to high fives, to special activities, to positive quotes and motivational speeches, to surprise snacks and pot luck meals, to shoutouts, dance parties and music. Gotta bring the joy and kindness every single day. #fcpslearn
Spot on, Roman. I always remind myself when I am coming in rattled that there are 750+ kids expecting me to be "on". I might be the only reason why they are showing up that day. We need to be our best for our best. #fcpslearn
A2 Not only focus on the positive but reassure them that I will be there every step of the way. Never leave a student feeling overwhelmed, disappointed and alone. I want to always make sure my Ss feel support, love and encouragement. #fcpslearn
A1: Our school psychologist has given me a tape that students can listen to and relax before taking the test. It's kind of like a yoga session which leads students into a scenario of taking a high-stakes test.#fcpslearn
A2: I am so proud of you, while we didn't hit the threshold yet, great news is we have one more chance to meet the mark. In the words of Celine Dion [insert singing voice] What do you say to taking chances? [/end ear shattering voice cracking] #fcpslearn
We used to have "Bad Joke Friday". Every week at precisely 8:27 AM. Kids would tell jokes and then get booed back to their seat. The more boos you got, the better the bad joke was. @ScintoCity can verify. #fcpslearn
A2: That first test was practice. Now that you have done it once, and know what to expect, you are going to show improvement. What did you see on the first test that was challenging? Let's talk about a strategy. #fcpslearn
A2 They don't get a retake option up here, so we just provide encouragement for the next task. We don't mark the tests either so students don't know their scores till the fall #fcpslearn
A2: Always celebrate the positives. Yes, it's a retake, but don't key in on the loss. Find what they did well and encourage them in that. Partner with them on the areas of weakness. #fcpslearn
I will never fake it. Authentically always be the cheerleader, the positive enegy they need. I will always be on for them even if I am down. Because they uplift me. They need me. #fcpslearn
A2: talk about what was accomplished, & that they haven’t passed YET. It’s disappointing, but now we know what to work on to prepare for next time. #fcpslearn
A2 Not only focus on the positive but reassure them that I will be there every step of the way. Never leave a student feeling overwhelmed, disappointed and alone. I want to always make sure my Ss feel support, love and encouragement. #fcpslearn
A2: I try to shift their focus towards the progress they have made over the year instead of focusing on that one test that does not define their abilities and achievements. #fcpslearn
A3: Definitely tough and I don't always win this battle, but when I catch myself, I remember that at the end of the day I am teaching 12/13 year olds not 23 year olds. Helps put things into perspective. #fcpslearn
A3: I struggle with the complainers. I Try to find those that will focus on positive. Hate hearing some of the Ss experiences w negative approaches. #fcpslearn
A3 I remove myself from the negativity. I keep trying to radiate some positivity. Share compliments, celebrate others, use music. Gotta drown out the negative with big doses of positive. Never going to let them bring me down. Gonna bring them up. #fcpslearn
A3: When I start bearing to the negative, I have other people in my life that help to get me back on track. I see you, @megan_hacholski. When that fails, I hang out with the students. #fcpslearn
A3: I listen to them and let them complain. But, then I try to lighten the mood and make a joke or two. A situation may not be the best, but there is always a way to make it more livable. I try to find something, even if it is small, to make things better. ##fcpslearn
A1: Try to motivate them & especially remind them of all the reasons that they are loved. I read Testing Miss Malarkey with them and talk about their feelings related to testing. I write a personalized note to each of them on each testing day. #fcpslearn#LoveLiteracyLearning
I have a drawer full of snacks for the kids. One of my kids heard I had food and asked if she could have something to eat. I opened the drawer and there were Skittles there. She about fell out with happiness. Not exactly a healthy snack, but it made her happy. #fcpslearn
A1: I start the day by telling them that there are way more important things than this test. That they show me each an every day what they know. This is just another way and I know they are going to show it here too!!! #fcpslearn
A4: Our 7th Graders are very special this year. One of the best groups I have ever taught. They appreciate and enjoy everything. Even when things are uncertain, they are happy as can be. Joy is a gamechanger. #fcpslearn
A4: Mine is a behavior one. I am constantly trying to notice positive behaviors in my Ss, and I feel like the one I am training is myself, much as I did when I had to set a timer to remind my little girls to go potty....It's my behavior I am altering as much as the Ss. #fcpslearn
A2: focus on what they did know in the test rather than what they didn’t. Help them set small goals. Tell them it only shows how much they could learn. #fcpslearn
A2: we talk about the phenomenal opportunity for a second chance to show what they know. I strive the importance of believing that you can achieve success. We provide remediation & consider that a boot camp for learning- we’re in it to win it! #fcpslearn#LoveLiteracyLearning
A3: It is hard to stay out of the Spiral of negativity, but if you continue to show them different aspects of the same situation and model looking at different situations positively, you may be able to shift their thinking. #fcpslearn
A3: Many people do not complain to me or speak negatively around me because I will not participate or will walk away. I try to be as positive as I can and spread that positivity to others. Smiling helps too! Just knock that negativity down! ♥️ #fcpslearn
A4 I will let them lead more positivity and activities to inspire. I saw the amazing things @bmilla84 ‘s grade ones can do. Going to let my HS students make some magic. #fcpslearn
A5 We have a virtual field trip planned, a global collaboration, our Track Day, other trips are planned, a book tasting and a party of course #fcpslearn
A5: I will cheer them on and lead each class with clapping and cheering. It is a great way to start class and get them pumped. My 7th period especially loves to cheer and clap at the start of class. #fcpslearn
A3: I am not around a lot of positivity. I do have a few. we do complain sometimes. But it’s short and it’s usually not hurtful. we also do great things and my Twitter family. #PLN. Which by the way I will be expanding thanks to this 5 p list of Twitter chats!!! #fcpslearn
A3: I do my best to not let the negativity get to me. My goal each day is to spread positivity to everyone around me. If someone is negative, that just means they need a little extra sunshine their way. #fcpslearn#LoveLiteracyLearning
A5. Some music, some positive notes, some surprises and shoutouts. It is all about celebrating those around you and making more people smile. It is up to each of us to spread a little dose of joy. I will do my part and be creative. #fcpslearn
A4: My students inspire me everyday with their amazing and unique personalities. I will continue to take the time to get to know my kids personally and understand their passions, and provide opportunities that help them grow. #leadwiththeheart#fcpslearn
