Hey #champforkids fam! Excited to put a spin on the month of giving thanks. Let's chat and reflect on practices that we are saying "No Thanks" to. Going to be a night of reflection and growth! Hope to see you tom 8EST.
Hey #champforkids fam! Excited to put a spin on the month of giving thanks. Let's chat and reflect on practices that we are saying "No Thanks" to. Going to be a night of reflection and growth! Hope to see you tom 8EST.
Q1 - Share something you recall from your childhood classrooms that you would say "No Thank You" to including in your own classroom. Why?
#champforkids
A1: Being humiliated in front of my peers. Scorched for questionable choices. I mean, I get frustrated, but if I'm going to blow somebody up, I'm doing it privately. #champforkids
Q1 - Share something you recall from your childhood classrooms that you would say "No Thank You" to including in your own classroom. Why?
#champforkids
A1: In kindergarten we had a thinking chair. It was demoralizing and everyone would stare at you and tease you when you were sent to it. It was a punishment. #champforkids
Q1 - Share something you recall from your childhood classrooms that you would say "No Thank You" to including in your own classroom. Why?
#champforkids
A1: being told I hide to read the same book as everyone else. Now as a teacher, I say "no thanks" to whole group reading and not offering choice #champforkids
A1 The skill and drill of grammar ... up one row and down the next, correcting the incorrect grammar mistakes on sentences I didn't care about. I have never taught that way and would say "no thank you"! #champforkids
Worksheets upon worksheets upon worksheets! It’s time to think in new ways...yes memorizing multiplication facts is helpful but doing 30 worksheets for practice is over the top. Instead let’s have fun with those facts #champforkids
A1 I am saying no thank you to multiple choice assessments!
Give me the chance to show you what I have learned! Can you really tell when my chance right away is 25%
#champforkids
A1: oh so much! I remember having to go stand in the corner for talking too much. Honestly, unless my Ss asked for it, I wouldn’t go back to traditional desks. I’ve seen my Ss take ownership of their learning and they are making me proud! #champforkids
A1: I can remember a HS "research" project that really utilized no research. We had to write on the front of the NB paper. 200 word min., no erasures or crossouts. The kicker was we only really had to use the encyclopedia. No learning went on. #champforkids
Q1 - Share something you recall from your childhood classrooms that you would say "No Thank You" to including in your own classroom. Why?
#champforkids
"My summer vacation" essays.
Some students don't have all that much to say, and they end up seeming like competitions.
Joy from IL, 7th gr ELA, joining a tad late... #champforkids
A1: I would say 'no thank you' to copying definitions out of a text book to learn new vocab. There are so many more exciting ways to learn new words! #champforkids
Q1 - Share something you recall from your childhood classrooms that you would say "No Thank You" to including in your own classroom. Why?
#champforkids
Q1 - Share something you recall from your childhood classrooms that you would say "No Thank You" to including in your own classroom. Why?
#champforkids
In like 1st grade, we had a timeout thing that was essentially a big cardboard box that blocked our view of everything while we sat there if we got in trouble. Humiliating then, but hilarious now in a "I can't believe that was a thing" way. #champforkids
A1: The slant of my handwriting. I was left handed and forced to turn my paper all the time to try and match right handed writers. 🙄. I always ask for my Ss best. Whether it's printing or cursive. It needs to be legible. #ChampforKids
Q1 - Share something you recall from your childhood classrooms that you would say "No Thank You" to including in your own classroom. Why?
#champforkids
I remember my teachers writing the “bad kids” names on the board. As an adult I wonder what those kids needed who got their names on the board. There is always a reason for a behavior, and writing a name on the board won’t help you get to the root of the problem! #champforkids
Yes I had a T that made kids stand at the front of the room with their nose in a circle she drew on the wall.
I never dared to even breath wrong! #champforkids
A1: Something that I would say "No Thank You" to in my own classroom would be impatient responses to student behavior because it creates an unintentional negative environment in the classroom. #champforkids
I have 4 fish, snail, and 3 hermit crabs. It brings out the great personalities of kids with autism etc. Pets can do wonders and teach responsibilities. #champforkids
A1 I remember from middle and hs doing the same thing every day in PE. Play football or basketball or walk the track. No learning ever occurred. You will not find that in my PE class. I make it a goal to reach all Ss each day with a fun and meaningful lesson #champforkids
Q2 - Think about a routine, protocol, or practice that you have used in years past that you have decided to say "No Thank You" to this year.
Why did you make this decision?
#champforkids
A1: Oh, we can mention personal stuff on this one... I couldn’t stand my second grade teacher who called me “Mr. Molasses” for working slowly... it’s 41 years later but if I ever see her I owe it to 8 year old me to tell her off... #champforkids
A1. Geee only 1 🙄🤣. Hard desks/chairs, round robin reading with each kid having the SAME textbook, sitting majority of day, scolded for talking or sent to the corner(ME) #champforkids
A1: Lack of choice in reading! I did not love reading in elementary school and I think a lot of it was because I didn’t have the opportunity to find the right books for me. #Champforkids
Q1 - Share something you recall from your childhood classrooms that you would say "No Thank You" to including in your own classroom. Why?
#champforkids
A2 I'm an Instruc Coach/Rdg Spec, so I don't have Ss or a roster. I coach Ts. I encourage them to offer choice; try to limit the "whole" lesson mentality. How can Ss show us what they know in a variety of ways - ways that they choose? #champforkids
A2: Using a one size curriculum. Ss need to be reached at their level through a variety of resources and tools. Not one curriculum will reach all 30 kids in a room! #ChampforKids
A2: Having my littles practice writing their names on paper every day and killing thousands of trees. Slide the paper into a sheet protector and have them use dry erase markers!! #champforkids
A1 Being ridiculed for the way I had to turn my work to write. I’m left handed. I was also told I wouldn’t be able to write neatly because of being left handed. #champforkids
In the art room I have said no thank you to making the kids stay seated and I pass out everything. I did it to reduce chaos but realized if they are helpers or get up to get what they need it actually WORKS!!! And then I can spend more time one on one with the kids #champforkids
A2: I have my students use blue books instead of notebooks... I find it more manageable for them, and for me... I’m also trying to work more choice and extensions into my English class... #champforkids
A2: In the past, I would have kids do independent seat work and tons of homework. So ashamed. Sorry America! Happy that life has taken me away from the traditional classroom. #champforkids
Q2 - Think about a routine, protocol, or practice that you have used in years past that you have decided to say "No Thank You" to this year.
Why did you make this decision?
#champforkids
A2 this year I said goodbye to grading all class work and moved to only grading my students on mastery of the standards!
The things we do in class are building blocks of knowledge before my students prove their mastery! #champforkids
A2: Calling on Ss who don't volunteer. I hated that feeling as a kid but always felt forces to do so as an early T to get Ss involved. Now I tell the class I'll be asking for answers so "be prepared" #champforkids
A2: I said “No Thank You” to behavior charts/tickets. 👏🏼 There was never really anything that came from it other than the “bad” kids getting upset because they were never “good enough” #champforkids
Q2 - Think about a routine, protocol, or practice that you have used in years past that you have decided to say "No Thank You" to this year.
Why did you make this decision?
#champforkids
A2 - I’d most likely say grading frequently. I still grade, but only when completely necessary. Goal is intrinsic motivation, not As and 90s #champforkids
Q2 - Think about a routine, protocol, or practice that you have used in years past that you have decided to say "No Thank You" to this year.
Why did you make this decision?
#champforkids
I had a teacher who would count the number of times you participated in class discussion and give points once you reached a certain amount. It forced students to say things even when it didn't connect and stopped those who had things to say from participating. #champforkids
Q2 - Think about a routine, protocol, or practice that you have used in years past that you have decided to say "No Thank You" to this year.
Why did you make this decision?
#champforkids
A1 I would NOT ever include desks in rows! I have tables now, but even if I had desks (and when I did) I wouldn’t put them in rows. Kids need to collaborate naturally ☺️ #champforkids
A2: I stopped assigning Ss big projects to complete at home. Working in class allows me to see progress, strengths & weaknesses. Projects at home can be a headache for the Ss &parents. Some parents help, some take over & some can't afford to help or have the time. #champforkids
Q2 - Think about a routine, protocol, or practice that you have used in years past that you have decided to say "No Thank You" to this year.
Why did you make this decision?
#champforkids
Yes! I have this conversations with colleagues all of the time! It is our job to be the experts, and that means using the correct resources and tools to enhance the learning of our students, not just one curriculum. #ChampforKids
Q3 - What is something that you are on the fence about saying "Yes or No Thank You" to for your students/classroom?
What is keeping you from making the decision?
#champforkids
A2. I do not have a Behavior Chart - I realized it was a shaming tool & I cringe thinking about it! Our kids deserve better! Instead we create a family promise❤️ #champforkids
Sad, but true. I decided to say "No Thank You" to the #cardboardchallenge this year. MAYBE at the end of the year. Right now, my students as a group are more immature than in previous years, so I'm at least waiting a bit if I want them to put forth effort. #champforkids
A1 Hi #ChampforKids Tika from Las Vegas jumping in late. I hated designated reading groups as kid. I was always in the lowest groups. We always had weird names, too. #differentiation please.
Q1 - Share something you recall from your childhood classrooms that you would say "No Thank You" to including in your own classroom. Why?
#champforkids
A2: I said “No Thank You” to homework this year. We have monthly reading logs and weekly spelling list but ultimately they are student choice. I focus on celebrating those who complete the work and not punishing those who do not complete the work. #Champforkids
Q2 - Think about a routine, protocol, or practice that you have used in years past that you have decided to say "No Thank You" to this year.
Why did you make this decision?
#champforkids
A3: We'd love to add in new, hands-on engagements to supplement some of our less exciting activities. Cost is a determining factor. Asking for $10K of resources. Wish me luck! #champforkids
Q3 - What is something that you are on the fence about saying "Yes or No Thank You" to for your students/classroom?
What is keeping you from making the decision?
#champforkids
A3 I stopped giving homework. I never gave busy work or homework “just because”...but I decided to weigh pros and cons. And for kids that didn’t know what to do and didn’t have the support - it was a no brainer. #champforkids
A1: forced read-alouds or any other kind of public speaking. Yes, I get it, speaking in front of people is necessary. But let it happen naturally. I've got a vivid memory of a classmate crying her eyes out during a presentation because she was so nervous. #champforkids
I’m on the fence about letting kids choose their own seats...if it’s with their friends will they be productive still or just chat...or may it bring more peer support?!?! Conundrumof the moment #champforkids
A3 I am on the fence about moving to self-paced classroom. It is my dream, but it also scares me. I follow so many wonderful people on twitter that are helping to motivate me to make the jump! #champforkids
A3 I find that many classroom teachers are focusing on flexible seating and not flexible instruction.
It’s important to keep our focus on teaching Ss at their level!#champforkids
A2 when I first started teaching I would have the Ss come in and sit down. No movement!! Not sure what I was thinking. Now Ss have an instant activity each day when they come in so no time is wasted! #champforkids
We need to reflect on why we were assigning the homework and what we were hoping our students were getting out of it. Many times, it caused more frustration and tears than anything else. 🥺 #champforkids
A2 I stopped giving homework. I never gave busy work or homework “just because”...but I decided to weigh pros and cons. And for kids that didn’t know what to do and didn’t have the support - it was a no brainer. #champforkids
I'm on the fence about letting students choose their groups. I feel like choosing them can encourage positive relationships outside of student's comfort zones. But, it can also get out of hand and has the potential for students to get left out. #champforkids
A3 I think this has more to do w/ me than Ss... while I want to continue working & collaborating with Ts to support Ss; I want to write books, present at conferences & travel sharing pedagogy and best practices. Now, how can I do all of that? #champforkids
A3 - I’d say technology in class. I often use it frequently, but sometimes it becomes overused. Stick to a few key apps, instead of using too many. #champforkids
A3: I think in HS homework is necessary... I want my kids to improve specific SAT-related skills so I’d like to assign more IXL & Khan Academy for homework, but... #champforkids
Just like when kids have lost all of their chips/tokens/coins/points by 10am on Monday morning. They def won't make it until fun time on Friday. #champforkids
A3: Test prepping. I hate it. BUT sometimes when it comes close to testing you can have a little panic especially when it has been a large part of your evaluation. I'm a teach the kid not the test kind of girl. #champforkids
Q3 - What is something that you are on the fence about saying "Yes or No Thank You" to for your students/classroom?
What is keeping you from making the decision?
#champforkids
A2: I have decided to do away charting negative behavior. Unless it is part of their plan or an extreme offense... no need to keep track of minor offenses. Everyday is a new day... new beginning. #champforkids
A3: use of 1:1 chromebooks and tech. Always a great thing to have but just how much is appropriate for Ss to be utilizing tech and not just practicing and applying learning. At what point does it start to hinder learning? #ChampforKids
A3: Also wondering if my Inclusion group should read the same novels as other classes or give them short stories with similar themes, etc... Part of me thinks it would be good for them to struggle with Catcher in the Rye, Eyes Watching God, Gatsby... #champforkids
A3: LOVE that we became a 1:1 school for technology HOWEVER, I’m concerned that we will go to an extreme where EVERYTHING is done through chromebooks. Ss still need to hold books and actually talk with peers, we have to find a balance #champforkids#LoveLiteracyLearning
Q3 - What is something that you are on the fence about saying "Yes or No Thank You" to for your students/classroom?
What is keeping you from making the decision?
#champforkids
Q3: I am on the fence about how to incorporate vocabulary into my lessons as an English teacher. Is a vocabulary list necessary when my students can acquire new vocabulary through the books that we read? #champforkids
A3: I'm on the fence about many things but I almost always say yes! I'm always looking for new things to incorporate and love trying new things. #ChampforKids
Oooh intersting! Do tell more. I am more of a fan of strengths based teaching over a focus on learning styles, but would love to hear your perspectives. #champforkids
A4: I like trying things before dismissing them outright. In that manner, if it fails, I can say that I gave it a shot and it didn't fit our atmosphere. Opens up a discussion for modeling/co-teaching, as well. #champforkids
A1- No Thank You to rote memorization of information just for the sake of memorizing it. Like being tested on memorizing the capitals of every country in Europe. Absurd. #champforkids
One thing I will NEVER say "No Thank You" to is time spent with my #champforkids family! Thanks for an amazing night! Be sure to join @PreK33 to chat Trauma Informed/Trauma Responsive practices!
A4: Just thank them for the idea and either just don't use it , adapt it to meet your needs or just be honest and say that I will keep it for the next group of kids that it may work with #champforkids
A4: I thank them for their idea and thinking. From there I implement it and modify it to my needs. Then tie in the other person and share success. #ChampforKids
A4 I tweak the idea to fit the needs of my kids and give it a try. It’s not too hard to get creative and make things work - some way, some how! If it‘s a bust, at least I know I gave it a shot. #champforkids
A4 You are the professional in your classroom. That means you get to make the decisions. If you don’t believe that doing something isn’t in the best interest of your students then don’t do it! We have to be #champforkids!
Q2-to only giving students time to read their library books on library day. I needed to instil a sense of choice in reading program and honour that choice more than once a week. #champforkids
This comes down to individual students. Every group is different so there should be no offense taken if their idea doesn't work for your students or vice versa. #champforkids
A3: Using different tech apps/social media with my Ss. I love tech, but if an app or extension isn't approved by district, it takes time to provide educational purposes for using such an app and then get it going #champforkids
Believing you are an auditory or visual or whatever type of learner has not shown to lead to better understanding when material is presented in your style.
Here's something I wrote about this for @APAEducation:
https://t.co/6zkGq5cZxo#champforkids
Think it’s important to thank the colleague and say you’ll consider it or even see how you can adapt for your kiddos. I flat out no prevents you from maybe even taking one little piece from that advice and seeing it in a new way! #champforkids
A3: Freedom with technology. My kids use technology in amazing ways to research and problem solve. I’ve changed my classroom in that way this year, however, I always find myself holding them back at times because it is out of the norm. #Champforkids
Q3 - What is something that you are on the fence about saying "Yes or No Thank You" to for your students/classroom?
What is keeping you from making the decision?
#champforkids
A2 When I ask a ?, I usually walk around the room & tap on 3-4 Ss shoulders and let them know they'll be answering the ?. They have time to think it through and prepare #champforkids
I am an organized and structured person and in the past I have chosen partners for my students when working in partners but this year I have had fun allowing more student choice when choosing who they work with-and I wonder why I waited so long to do this! #ChampforKids
Looking into tiered vocabulary instruction is essential in having students make authentic connections as they encounter words #champforkids#LoveLiteracyLearning
Yes! I love this idea! Do you use classwork formatively to assess along the way? I do think there is something to be said for reflecting on growth throughout the process while I don't think that feedback has to be tied to a grade! #champforkids
A2 No Thank You to grade penalties for lateness. Takes the focus away from quality/growth.For most work I tell my students I'd rather they take an extra day or 2 to make something that reflects their best effort than something low quality & rushed turned in on time. #champforkids
Q4: I would respond by encouraging their idea, but kindly and honestly tell them that I do not think it would be the best fit for my students. I would make it clear to my colleague that I appreciate and value their input and will continue to listen to their ideas. #champforkids
A3 On the fence with fully committing to flex seating. Started experimenting with it this year. Loving it so far & my students do too. But...quite a scary deviation from the seating structure i've used forever #champforkids@khoggardGRT
So going back to collaboration because it’s super important...I go back and forth on how many kids should work together, who should work together, how much choice...I was always a student who did all the work for others and I felt used. I don’t want to continue that #champforkids
A4: I kindly give them real life responses/reactions that I feel my Ss w/ SPED needs will have and then offer ways to modify their idea. I also had some sort of positive comment #champforkids
A4: I always show appreciation for them sharing their idea with me. I love new ideas! I just try to explain that it might not be something I try in my classroom because it would not work the same with my kids. #Champforkids
Instead of tearing down an idea that I don’t think may work, I just ask questions and try to express my concerns in a respectful way. Focusing on evidence of student learning helps educators not take things personally. Most of us want what’s best for kids. #champforkids
A4- First share what you like about the idea and how you could see it adding value for your students. Mention that you may use a piece of the idea soon but that you're already trying out too many new things to add another to mix right now. #champforkids@khoggardGRT
A4 I listen & offer alternative ideas. But, I let the T do what he/she wants to do. I continue to stay on it. I offer research, too. But, I can't undermine the T. We need to collaborate for the kids #champforkids
