#DITCHbook was created by Ditch That Textbook author Matt Miller. The chat focuses on innovative teaching ideas and disrupting standard textbook education.
Hey hey hey #ditchbook! Evan Mosier, Technology Integrationist Lead Teacher from Davenport, IA. Favorite travel song has to be Road Trip Radio on @SIRIUSXM! So many great hits that make the drive more bearable!
Craig, RTI Facilitator in Texas. A game we came up with my kids is called the Encouragement Game. Say something encouraging about someone, then it’s their turn to say something encouraging about some else #DitchBook
Hey #Ditchbook friends! Matt here, head textbook ditcher. Thanks for joining us!
If you'll be at #iste18, we'd love to see you at our panel discussion!
Hey #ditchbook family! Stella from KY joining in. I teach 7th Grade Math/Science. I love traveling with a good audio book or podcast.
As far as games go.. I have a three year old. She points out EVERYTHING we pass. :)
Hi #ditchbook ! I'm Jen from MO. a MS Sci teacher and #edtech support specialist. I plan on listening to some "Charlie Brown" by Coldplay while driving up to #ISTE18 😃
Hey y'all! Chasity from Ky– I teach 7th grade math and lovvvvvveeeee roadtrips. Our family fave is the Question game. One person starts with a question and everyone must answer. Simple or serious. It's fun! #DitchBook
Hey all! I’m Krista 5th Grade teacher in SE Michigan and a NEW Tech Teacher Leader for my district! So excited to be going to #ISTE18 as a part of the #DitchPanel !! Favorite travel game is the State Game — collecting all 50 state plates! #DitchBook
A1: I used to say Tech-laden was my favorite, but Creative is very close. And let's be real, I'm just a little Different!
Advice: BE ON TWITTER & find your tribe. This chat as well as some content chats has been amazing for finding new ideas and having support.
#Ditchbook
Reminds me of the scene in Dr. Dolittle - The dog hanging out the window going, "Tree.....tree....treee.....line.....line.......line!" I can completely relate with my two boys! #ditchbook
Different. I think. I teach math and I love to switch things up from "traditional" classes. Whether it's taking a seat w/Ss, materials, whatever! #DitchBook
A1 - Different - Whether it's popular or not, I am a conscientious that I use methods/strategies that are proven to improve retention of material in my classroom. Fad free. Evidence is a must. #ditchbook
A1: I’d like to say all of them but probably best at T (tech-laden). I was an edtech coach for a year after all
Follow the #ditchbook hashtag and other ditchers. Read @DitchThatTxtbk’s blog and listen to the podcast.
#ditchbook A1: H! I recommend reading/following #tlap and #plap . Inspired me to use Legos to teach atoms/molecules to my MS Ss. They loved it and really grasped the concepts.
A1: I'm all about INNOVATIVE.
I don't feel like it's above me when I use a definition from #InnovatorsMindset by @gcouros:
By INVENTION (totally new) or ITERATION (improving existing ideas). #ditchbook
A1: T is my easiest... recently took Flipgrid and had Ss choose a question from a review for math benchmark. Ss demonstrated how they got their answers. Other Ss responded with solving same or diff ways. #DitchBook
A1 I'm not really sure! This is my first #ditchbook chat. The new school I will be teaching is getting away from using the textbook. So, I thought I'd see what resources I could get here.
A1 I would say Creative. I like trying new ideas and giving students a new look to lessons. I also like opening up the parameters for Ss (and Ts) to use their creativity. #DitchBook
I love that you are a math teacher and said creative. Math can be very creative, solving problems in different ways, different thinking styles, etc #DitchBook
A1: T is my easiest... recently took Flipgrid and had Ss choose a question from a review for math benchmark. Ss demonstrated how they got their answers. Other Ss responded with solving same or diff ways. #DitchBook
A1: Adam from Cincy where I teach 7/8 grade social studies - joining late. Last year I would have said tech laden. But this year, I focused on hands on lessons with simulations, Legos, Oreos, building. #ditchbook
A1 Advice: Just as @TTmomTT said - TWITTER! @jmattmiller has said numerous times, "This little bird saved my teaching career." It has certainly made a HUGELY positive impact on mine! #DitchBook
A2: @jmattmiller didn't pay me to say this, but read the book. Mine has flags sticking out of it, highlights inside and getting slightly dog-eared. Also BE ON TWITTER. Wait, did I say that already?
#ditchbook
A2 - Please make sure there's evidence of its effectiveness...don't just use a tool, strategy, or gadget because it's 'cool'. If it doesn't improve the classroom, how fun it is doesn't matter...it's a waste of your student's time. #ditchbook
A2: Realize that this isn't an all or nothing decision. Maybe start w just one little tech thing - Kahoot is a guaranteed winner and fairly easy to implement. Achieve some success. Then try one more little thing in a few days. #ditchbook
A2. Find one entry point whether it be tech, innovation etc and try something. But don't go alone. This chat #ditchpod#gttribe etc need to become part of your day your week your year (ie Friends) #DitchBook
A2: Read books that question traditional educational practice (and critically examine your own teaching). Such as Alfie Kohn's, John Holt's, John Taylor Gatto's, Most Likely to Succeed, What School Could Be. #Ditchbook
A2. This quote from Alvin Toffler, to me, says it all. "The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn and relearn." Ex: Sears vs Amazon
#ditchbook
A1: I don’t think my summer brain can handle any more self-reflection, so I’m gonna go with creative (but I intentionally try to plan with hands-on and tech-laden goals in mind). #ditchbook
A2 don't change everything at once. Connect with others, virtually or in your school/district. Tell your principal you are trying something new and ask him/her to watch and give feedback (or colleague). #Ditchbook
A2: Don't ditch your textbook cold turkey like I did! A little at a time as it makes sense.
Your textbook is a resource. Use it for that -- if at all. In 2018, we can do better than marching chapter by chapter through a textbook.
#Ditchbook
A2: my advice - realize that you are creative and don’t need a boring textbook, use Twitter to it’s full potential and connect/share, read #ditchthattextbook and incorporate little bits at a time. #ditchbook
A1:Innovative. I love approaching the classroom in unique ways to increase student engagement.
Try to pbl your classroom, do@more blended learning or do a little gamification. #ditchbook
A2. This quote from Alvin Toffler, to me, says it all. "The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn and relearn." Ex: Sears vs Amazon
#ditchbook
A2: Think back to when you were in your undergrad planning and preparing lesson. NO TEXTBOOKS were given to you to use. So go back to those foundational teaching strategies and lesson design elements. #ditchbook
A2: Try. Just try. Something, anything! Be prepared that things may not exactly perfect, but figure out what can go better the next time because you won’t want to give up! #DitchBook
Yes! Don't overthink it - just try someting to get started. Reflect. Adjust and/or repeat. You'll get excited because the kids will be engaged. #ditchbook
A2: Nicholas Taylor 6-12 Technology/Social Studies @GTeacherTribe and HyperDoc Handbook by @lhighfill and company are two resources that have helped me #ditchbook
It's so true when we hear the remark that we are preparing students for jobs that we know don't even exist yet. Such a powerful thought and direction. Our teaching practices need to reflect this shift. #DitchBook#ShiftHappens
A2: Try one thing at your own pace. One new thing a week, two weeks, monthly? Whatever works. Absolutely agree w/ all the other comments about using the power of the twitterverse. #ditchbook
A3: Many times when you get push-back people don't understand. Invite them in to watch, offer to sit with them and help. Many times experiencing a different approach is all they need.
#ditchbook
A3: I smile and go on. I know that my teaching style doesn’t match everyone else’s. It’s unfair to treat T’s as a one-size-fits-all if we are preaching that we shouldn’t do that to our Students. #Ditchbook
A2: Don't let the "day after perfect" get you down.
The first day things don't go perfectly -- or you miss -- is the biggest day you'll want to quit.
Don't. Give. Up. #Ditchbook
A3: It's about relationships. And empathy. And listening. I also try to find something that's an "easy win" to entice reluctant adopters. Right now, that's @Flipgrid#ditchbook
A3: I try to lead by example and keep focused on my kids and their learning. Always happy to answer a question or learn more from another staff member. #ditchbook
A3: share success stories with them, get student testimonials, feedback and input from admin. Most importantly, don’t quit DITCHing because of the opinions of other teachers #Ditchbook
A3 If it is Ts, as a principal, I help them feel comfortable with it. A lot of times there is pushback bc of time, lack of resources, or a need for more knowledge. I also model and provide support. #Ditchbook
A3: Express constant positivity and don't feel discouraged when only a few are in your "tribe" - that tribe will grow if you're passionate, it will seep into the culture. If no one else wants in, maybe go somewhere else! #Ditchbook
A3: when trying to ditch I always show how it is best for kidsx. I Explain how it is beneficial for the students. That’s the best way to catch the attention of good teachers. #ditchbook
A3: I think a terrific way to combat this is to not only look at it with a positive attitude, but showcase what your DITCHing practices are doing and the impact they're having on your Ss. If they're engaged and learning, then it's a win-win. Make Ss the central focus! #DitchBook
A2: I think of the textbook as a convenient repository of texts I want to cover. My team has already figured out what we want students to get from them. The book is just an easy way to assign those things. #DitchBook
A3: Look a little harder. Probably somebody (at least ONE) adult in your bldg who shares a similar vision or at least is a positive, encouraging human. Connect w/ them. #DitchBook
Invite them into a lesson! Share your lesson ahead of time. Ask them to talk with Ss during the lesson. Be apart of the lesson... don’t just watch. #handsonlearning#Ditchbook
A3) Fellow Ts say it's bc I'm young or still new... I just politely say I'm trying to give my Ss the best year they've ever had and leave it at that. The rotten apples are so few and far btwn, it's much easier to focus on the positivity and Ts that want to DITCH too. #DitchBook
A3: it’s important to stay positive and share the great things that are happening. Some teachers who don’t ditch can still add great lessons/projects into their teaching. #ditchbook
A3: It’s hard. Not gonna lie, BUT, with student engagement and student success you can’t go wrong. Share if asked. Have an open door to explain. And, always do right by your students. #DitchBook
A2: Don't let the "day after perfect" get you down.
The first day things don't go perfectly -- or you miss -- is the biggest day you'll want to quit.
Don't. Give. Up. #Ditchbook
A2: Don't try to reinvent the wheel! Talk to your colleagues (online and in person) to see what's working for them. Take what you need from those discussions, and add more knowledge as you develop more ideas.Collaborate together! #Ditchbook
A2: Try one thing at your own pace. One new thing a week, two weeks, monthly? Whatever works. Absolutely agree w/ all the other comments about using the power of the twitterverse. #ditchbook
A3. The same way I would do for a student in my classroom. Remind myself this Rita Pierson quote, "Kids don't learn from people they don't like."
#ditchbook
A4: What is a good way to help administration see the value and benefit of DITCHing? Some have been out of the classroom awhile and textbook driven instruction was the Norm when they were there.
#ditchbook
A3: When you get pushback ...
💥 Build slowly off your successes.
💥 Listen to the criticism. See if it's valid and if you can improve.
💥 Ignore the hate and unwarranted criticism.
💥 ALWAYS do what's best for students.
#Ditchbook
A3. The same way I would do for a student in my classroom. Remind myself this Rita Pierson quote, "Kids don't learn from people they don't like."
#ditchbook
A3 stay true to yourself as a teacher, be confident in what you’re dok@g & use criticism to help you reflect and grow. Be a positive influence and always share what you are doing. #ditchbook
The Last one gets me every time. It’s my focus. I might be the only one, but if I whole-heartedly believe it’s best for my Ss then I’ll do it! #DitchBook
A4: one question I hear Ts ask a lot is “that may be fun and all, but how well are you preparing kids for (insert standardized test name here)?” #DitchBook
That looms over many of our heads, it's a valid question. I tell them that DITCHing helps them learn the standards better because they are more engaged and it's more meaningful. #Ditchbook
A3. The same way I would do for a student in my classroom. Remind myself this Rita Pierson quote, "Kids don't learn from people they don't like."
#ditchbook
A4: one question I get a lot - “how did you figure out how to use all of these edtexh tools?” - I tell them (Ss and Ts) I just start clicking around. #Ditchbook
Yuck. I get that one, too. If our benchmark is addressing the standards and I’m teaching the standards then they will do well— at least, that’s the plan. 5th grade brains don’t always cooperate #DitchBook
I liked that one too. "If we do things the way we've always done, we will get the results we've always gotten!" I remind myself of that quote to kickstart my DITCHing process! #DitchBook
Sharing awesome ideas from classrooms:
1. Share photos on social media.
2. Post on a "brag bulletin board" in the teacher workroom.
3. Use one during a staff meeting, say how cool it is and credit the teacher you learned it from. #ditchbook
We have arrived at our #Ditchbook destination. Thank you for helping us pack our bags for #ISTE18
Follow DITCHers and grow your PLN. Find us at #ISTE18 or follow along at #notatISTE18
