Thank you for visiting #ksedchat. We welcome all educators to our chat that runs Mondays at 8 p.m. Central. Though many of our educators have their homes in Kansas, all teachers are welcome to pop in and join in on the learning.
Welcome to tonight's #ksedchat! I will post a question every 8 minutes. If you are new tonight, just remember to use the hashtag in your contributions! Let's begin with introductions!
Good evening! Brad (he/him/his), from @USD409Atchison . I teach a large group of amazing young musicians from grades Kindergarten through Fifth Grade. #ksedchat
I am excited to chat with you all tonight! My intro is included below. If you aren't sure why I'm inviting you to share your pronouns, check out this awesome resource: https://t.co/QEWoyq4zaT#ksedchat
Welcome to tonight's #ksedchat! I will post a question every 8 minutes. If you are new tonight, just remember to use the hashtag in your contributions! Let's begin with introductions!
Let's get started with our first question! If you are new tonight, begin your answer to each question with A (for answer) and the number of the question! #ksedchat
Just made it...busy night. TJ Warsnak checking in from Halstead HS where I teach social studies. He/Him/His are mine and it's great to see everyone. #ksedchat
A1) Two of the most influential teachers in my life were my HS English and Art teachers. They allowed me to express myself and also connect both with the medium of music. Freedom and respect of expression is SO important. #ksedchat
A1: I felt safest in the school counselor's office. I had three amazing HS counselors who listened to me when my heart was hurting. Sometimes, kids just need an adult to listen - not to fix their problems. A safe place to fall - I was lucky to have that in school. #ksedchat
A1: Wow. This was an area that I experienced some hurt growing up, especially middle school years.
Teachers made me feel safe. One gave up lunch time to work with me.
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Let's get started with our first question! If you are new tonight, begin your answer to each question with A (for answer) and the number of the question! #ksedchat
A1 - there were times in grade school when I got picked on and teachers validated my feelings. Also, they separated me from my sister and didn't expect me to be like them. #ksedchat
A1: I’ve always been good at “playing school” and always felt that school was my comfort zone. But being an anxious person, I liked when teachers were consistent & followed through on what they said or at least explained why they couldn’t #ksedchat
A1: interesting. Such a reflection of privilege for me to say that I never noticed that I felt safe. Reflecting, I never felt threatened. So I guess I was safe. #ksedchat
Let's get started with our first question! If you are new tonight, begin your answer to each question with A (for answer) and the number of the question! #ksedchat
A1: I remember a couple of teachers who stood up for me through out my time in school. They gave credence to my views & incorporated them into the discussion. #ksedchat
A1) The teachers who made me feel most connected and safe were those teachers that simply inquired about my interests and asked me how things were going on a regular basis. #ksedchat
A1: I don't really know why I felt safe at school. Maybe it is because I was in in daycare, preschool and before/after school care all the time (both parents worked until 5:30-6:00). Most days I spent more time there than awake at home. #ksedchat
A1) Being a closeted gay kid in SWKS, middle and high school were tough. I always remember searching the library for books with characters like me. English teachers like @Feymich also made me feel so safe and welcome at school once I did come out. #ksedchat
A1: The best I can think of is in HS when a teacher stood up for me when administration was trying to make me pay for a textbook I'd turned in. Out of having so many Ss, being mid-summer, she remembered me turning the textbook in. #ksedchat
Q2. I take time to get to know their likes and interests outside of school. We really focus on getting to know one another and social stuff the first week of school. #ksedchat
A2: Sometimes I feel like I fall short in this area. Quick writes, short conversations in the hallway, paying attention to what students are reading b/c our books are windows, mirrors, and sliding glass doors. I often quiz myself to see what I really know about each S. #ksedchat
A2: I greet each student as they walk in and offer a high five, elbow bump or foot tap (or nothing at all) at the end of each class w/ a goodbye. #ksedchat
A2: Last year I started doing circles for each class. It has helped build relationships and provide a voice for all students. I have used it sometimes when class is not going well.
PS, sometimes I even use it for academic discussions.
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A2 - I work hard to great all students by name and find similar interests. I also give students the chance to ask me any appropriate question they can think of on the first day or two. #ksedchat
A2: We did a lot of get to know you activities. My kids have been together since kindergarten, but this was the first time I had met them so we did a lot of sharing about ourselves. #ksedchat
A2. I take time to get to know their likes and interests outside of school. We really focus on getting to know one another and social stuff the first week of school. #ksedchat#ksedchat
A2: This year I did a LOT of team building using Kagan strategies (some some classics thrown in). I also added a twist to the am greeting, each day has its own thang. My fave is the HIGH five where I stand on a stool and the kids jump for it. : ) #ksedchat
A2: when we do get to know you activities I stop and chat with each group & try to remember at least one little detail. Then mention something related in the next week or so about it to them #ksedchat
A2. In the first couple of days, I have students write the name they want to be called on one side of a Popsicle stick and a sentence about themselves in third person on the other (so I know their pronouns). This helps me use the right names & pronouns all year! #ksedchat
A1 And also the ones who pushed me. There were some Ts that were very strict & rigid. But, I always knew where I stood w/ them & appreciated the classroom routine they offered. When they did pay a compliment, I always knew it was true and real #ksedchat
A2: I always try to truly get to know students. I ask them about what’s going on outside of school. We do lots of games and get to know ya’s but nothing beats a one on one conversation. #ksedchat
A2 I ask them early to teach tell or show me something that I don't know. They can see that they can offer things to the class that only they know, I learn about their interests & I get new knowledge. #ksedchat
A2) Having conversations with students about literally anything. I learn so much about their worlds, interests, and personalities this way. (Things I’ve leaned this year: fortnite dances, James Charles sayings, and more fortnite!) #ksedchat
A2: Hi all! Sorry I’m late! Building the best connections with each student and parent takes TIME and so many check-ins! “I see you, I appreciate you and I’m here FOR you!” #ksedchat
A2 I want Ss to know that respect is a norm in the classroom, and that has to start with me. We also work as a class to create norms for discussion in class. I want each S to know their voice matters I know I need to keep improving in this area. #ksedchat
A2: Beyond what has already been mentioned, I also believe in having “personal” conversations daily with each child. I treasure having these deep conversations. #ksedchat
As a new teacher in an established SPED class, I had a similar experience. I found having those convos made us all more comfortable with each other. #ksedchat
I do this too. We do a mock press conference and different groups have different categories they can ask me about. I challenge them to ask me questions I've never heard before. #ksedchat
A2 I always called my kids my "academic family." Here are three from my first freshmen class. They are now 39 years old. Thank goodness, I'm still 33. #ksedchat
A2: when I taught middle/ high I had my first assignments be getting to know my students. Like "I am" poems, collages, or "I am from..." poems. I got to know students & had great bulletin boards. #ksedchat
A2: I also have the Ss determine our classroom guidelines. The first period started the list and then the subsequent periods modified/added to it #ksedchat
A2) I always try to be as personal as possible - I like to write notes to each student to give to them at meet the teacher night letting them know how excited I am that they are joining my classroom family. #ksedchat
A1. I don't remember ever feeling safe in Elementary school... not emotionally/socially safe to share in class or participate in discussions. I remember my 9th grade English teacher who tells me to this day to "just keep writing!" #ksedchat
A2: when I say good morning to kids, I try to remember to say things like “how did your game go last night” or “did you finish that book, what did you think?” #ksedchat
A3: Looking forward to learning how others do this in their classrooms. I do ask students their favorite holidays they celebrate, traditions, etc.
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A3. We will be bringing in a Parent panel to share their perspectives with our teachers - so we can understand how our differences can make us more united. #ksedchat
A2: if I were in the classroom, I’d ask Ss their pronouns, I’d lead the class through norms that promoted inclusion. I’d ask Ss for how to make the classroom welcoming to everyone. #ksedchat
A3: Back to literature - it is important that we use books that act as mirrors so that we can learn from others' experiences; otherwise, my students have very few cultural experience that do not mirror their own. You don't know what you don't know...until you know. #ksedchat
A2: Rather than starting with rules and expectations, start by getting to know their interests. A mentor once told me that a name is the most important part of someone, so I do my best to know my students’ names as quickly as possible by playing the name game. #ksedchat
A3) I avoid being a “holiday and heroes” only teacher. Yes it’s easy to talk about black history during black history month and speak exclusively to MLK and Ross Parks, but cultural identity and history exists 24/7. #ksedchat
A3 - We look for all learning styles and work to bring all points of view into our discussions. I don't limit myself to just conversations about my subject matter but anything that pops up, I is fair game #ksedchat
A3: Strangely, this year my class has no ethnic diversity this year...
When I taught in Leavenworth, we had tons of international Ss! I would invite their families in to tell about their country and bring a sample of foods from their country for us to all sample. #ksedchat
A2 I want Ss to know that respect is a norm in the classroom, and that has to start with me. We also work as a class to create norms for discussion in class. I want each S to know their voice matters I know I need to keep improving in this area. #ksedchat
A3: I ask parents in a hand-out at the beginning of the year what holidays and traditions they celebrate as a fam. They give me insight, I do research. Then when the day comes I am prepared to talk it out, plan related read-alouds, ask questions and listen to stories. #ksedchat
A3. This year we read about different cultures and at the end of the unit, I had them all learn about their own backgrounds/share their origins a bit. I had one boy right most of his in Spanish even though he fluently speaks English. #ksedchat
A3: I teach #edtech and coding. We have diverse posters & visual aids. @codeorg does a good job of representation. Every Wednesday we do #WCW for bellwork and learn about women in STEM, many that are virtually unknown #ksedchat
A3: Back to literature - it is important that we use books that act as WINDOWS so that we can learn from others' experiences; otherwise, my students have very few cultural experience that do not mirror their own. You don't know what you don't know...until you know. #ksedchat
A3: I really love that @Scholastic has a We Need Diverse Books section. It helps me make sure that many are represented. My coT and I also developed a "holiday" unit which opens to door to building empathy for cultures we don't see as much in our communities. #ksedchat
A3. Olathe North in our district does A TON in this area. They put together a kindness and inclusion assembly that features the diversity in the student body: https://t.co/Wvyjvq7pQg#ksedchat
A3: Social studies offers a plethora of opportunities. Love bringing in different POVs of events, using art or music relative to a culture or time period, even using Google Earth to see different areas and pondering why they are designed certain ways. #ksedchat
Right?!?! Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is my favorite unit to teach, even more so now that we have a granddaughter our daughter and son-in-law adopted from Uganda! #ksedchat
A3: I think by bringing in various pieces of literature with complex and varied characters naturally lends its self to diversity, conversation and celebrating uniqueness #ksedchat
A3: I try to do this through literature and social studies as authentically as possible. We live in a very rural non-diverse area. It’s very important to me to introduce as much diversity in my classroom as possible. #ksedchat
A2. A million little things. Greeting them at the door, morning meeting for them to get to know each other, telling jokes (I love knock-knock jokes), hugs, making myself available, noticing when they are down (or up), and noticing the little things- new shoes, new bag. #ksedchat
Shout out to Emily Style for her 1988 essay "Curriculum as a Window and Mirror," which served as the inspiration for our next question! https://t.co/PusqDFunFT#ksedchat
A3: My 4th graders are preparing for a Famous Kansan Living Wax Museum. Through this project, the students see that a people from a variety of cultures helped shape our state. #ksedchat
A3: during social studies, I like to teach democracy when the students vote and relate it to the US. Then, I show dictatorship when I make the call. As I show the different ways to “lead” We learn how other counties decide things in their culture. #ksedchat
A3 I am trying to build a more diverse selection of books in my classroom. I also am trying to read more of these books myself so I can talk with Ss about the books they want to read or have read. #ksedchat
A4 - Discussions of all types of scientists and reading news articles from all over the world. When I taught reading, it was about finding inspiration figures from all cultures and perspectives. #ksedchat
A3 I think it is important to invite families into our buildings and celebrate. By doing that you bring families together and we can learn from each other. #ksedchat#food#dancing#celebrate
A4: With world history, it is easy to compare and contrast events in one part of Europe with other parts of the world.
American history, I have an entire unit that looks at the experiences of Americans from Native Americans to Asian Americans, just to name a few. #ksedchat
Shout out to Emily Style for her 1988 essay "Curriculum as a Window and Mirror," which served as the inspiration for our next question! https://t.co/PusqDFunFT#ksedchat
A4: when we talk about jobs (every week for #TechJobTuesday) i go into detail about all the vocab instead of assuming kids know...things like annual salary, Bachelors degree, associates degree, etc #ksedchat
We played spoons the other day in class because this group of kids will have to work and collaborate together this semester. Laughter breaks down so many barriers. ❤️ #Ksedchat
A4: I ask Ss what they want to learn about...tailor their reading options to their interests. I'm slowly adding (as I can afford) to my classroom library books with characters of diverse backgrounds and orientations #ksedchat
A4: When we're building our community at the beginning of the year, we talk about what makes us the same and different and that it's okay to be different and think differently. We talk about fact and opinion and how those can be different, too. #ksedchat
A4: Our Soc. Stud. standards focus on community and Basehor isn't all that diverse which is why we use comparing communities through holidays and other research. Our reading series does a decent job, but I use my read alouds to extend that. #ksedchat
A4. My favorite way is @jskoglundonw and my Mirror & Window Book Club. Students pick a book with characters they think will be different than them, and they reflect about what they learn. https://t.co/aY9ec0aN1F#ksedchat
A4) Share music history in fun and vibrant ways. I love to share their stories given the historic impact musicians have made through their art as advocates for change and understanding through lyrics, the makeup of their ensembles/groups, and their performance venues. #ksedchat
A3: humanity has to be more than a holiday. Too often identities are minimized to holidays. Let’s take time to really learn each other and talk about contributions all of us do and should be making to our democracy together! #ksedchat love resources from @Tolerance_org !
A4) Being honest in the lessons that i teach. So much of what we teach is trenches and rooted in things that scream white, middle class. So, it’s important to have conversations about how these topics and lessons are viewed and perceived by people other than myself. #ksedchat
A4: Books. Books. Books. I think that it is easy to shy away from content that makes us uncomfortable; however, to truly empathize, we must have a desire to understand how others feel, think, and live. As @MichelleObama says, "It's harder to hate up close." #ksedchat
A4: after first quarter I have them fill out a report card about me, share the data, and get suggestions on ways to improve in weak areas. Helps me notice trends in things kids feel are lacking & things they want included #ksedchat
A3) I like to incorporate picture books that carry a heavy message for discussion. Allen Say’s books tend to speak to cultural differences that may be less obvious and require digging a little deeper into our history and culture. #ksedchat
A4 I am fortunate to teach courses that make it easy to integrate pop culture lit that serves as not just mirrors but as windows and doors for Ss. #ksedchat
A3: By making ALL families feel welcome, you naturally build cultural acceptance. We encourage all families be involved and active in our school community to promote all cultures! #ksedchat
A4: I find myself hunting for more literature to supplement the curriculum to make sure it is more inclusive. Definitely a challenge!! Especially when our district is taking books out of our libraries. #ksedchat
Shout out to Emily Style for her 1988 essay "Curriculum as a Window and Mirror," which served as the inspiration for our next question! https://t.co/PusqDFunFT#ksedchat
It’s a little uncomfortable at first, but honestly I made chances! For example on bellwork for Tuesdays & Wednesdays we read & then write. Kids said they struggled to get both done & felt pressured. They suggested me reading to them. Now I do! #ksedchat
A4: I use curriculum as a map to keep me on track, but for reading, I pick stories that fit the kids needs and personalities to try to be more engaging and on their level. #ksedchat
A5. Whenever I hear something biased or stereotypical I tell them I don’t like the way they phrased it and explain why. Not a chastise, but a learning experience for them to hear my side. #ksedchat
A1 I felt affirmed when my teacher saw past my socio-economic status to my heart and passion. By letting me know it didn't matter my home life and school I could be my authentic self. #ksedchat
A5 - By having a discussion. I try to start by figuring out where that comment comes from, but I don't always do a good job with that. I definitely work to explain perspective and teach that intent doesn't matter. #ksedchat
A5: I sometimes feel like I am on an island fighting this fight. I know this is not the case though.
I make a quick correction followed by a way to redeem themselves. Sometimes you cannot stop the behavior on your own, sometimes you need another adult to help
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A5: Since mine are fairly young, I always assume that they just don't understand what they are really saying. I use it as a teaching point to discuss what it means (age appropriate) and why it hurts others. We then work on using our empathy for the "other". #ksedchat
A3) I love having the opportunity to check out history trunks from the Kansas History Museum. The artifacts give us a good foundation and starting point for culturally based discussions based on traditions and history of our state. #ksedchat
A5: Why is it harder to see words in print than it is for people to say them? In class, I have "Words to Leave at the Door" written above my door. It is a quick/ easy way to show expectations for how we treat each other. Words used negatively = a conversation. Always. #ksedchat
A5) Teaching self-advocacy and helping Ss feel comfortable enough to share. Around election time we had a discussion around calling someone illegal. Several of my Ss have experiences related to immigration and were able to voice how rhetoric like that makes them feel. #ksedchat
I don't know that I am all that great at authentic celebration of cultures. I am passionate about helping kids learn about MLK day and why it's a big deal and I'd love to do more culturally diverse experiences throughout the year.... like cooking from other cultures! #ksedchat
A5: I have taught in highly diverse elementary schools when I taught fifth grade and would have address slurs. I took the approach of facing it head on, had the Ss explain anything I didn't understand and having them discuss why such remarks are hurtful #ksedchat
A5: we address it as a learning opportunity, many kiddos repeat things they hear and if it is brought to their attention as hurtful, they can change #ksedchat
A5: If my 1st graders make a stereotypical remark, I ask how would they feel if the situation were flipped (golden rule) or is that kind? For my littles, that usually makes them pause, reflect and change their tune. #Ksedchat
A5: Depends on the remark. If it’s said as slang or as a “joke” I tell them “That’s not kind and it’s not OK to say.” If they ask why I explain. If it’s said hatefully we have a private conversation and they leave the room. #ksedchat
An amazing resource and wealth of knowledge is Kiel Hileman at Monicello Trails Middle School in the DeSoto School District! My own three kids were blessed to have him as their teach. He's like a walking, talking history book! #ksedchat
A5: @Tolerance_org resource called “Speak up at school” is great! Helping Ss build positive relationships with each other (not just T and S) will help too. #ksedchat
A5: I used to say “That language isn’t welcome in our classroom.”
But I stopped phrasing it like that because I don’t want them to think it’s okay ANYWHERE. #ksedchat
It is one of my favorite quotes of her book. Once we see people for what they are (humans), and look past the labels that society has given them, we can increase empathy. #ksedchat
A5) In morning meetings, we cover a precepts from 365 Days of Wonder. During these discussions, we focus on kindness and how the words we use affect others. So when situations like this arise, I often go back to those precepts to discuss the impact of words & kindness. #ksedchat
A5: My current undergraduate students have found so many amazing books to help students understand those who are different from them and tackle bullying. Books can open conversations. , #ksedchat
A5 I'm also still processing how I can address a phrase from this past weekend's Racial and Social Justice Summit at KNEA in which a presenter spoke about we have a culture of institutionalized racism without having racists in our schools #KNEAjustice#ksedchat
A5: Try to prevent it first by creating a classroom community. If needed, have a deep, one-on-one talk with the student about kindness, empathy, and respect for differences. #ksedchat
A6: Be genuine. Tell students you love them, you are lucky to be their teacher, and you can't wait to see what their future holds. I want my students to know I see them for who they are now and who they want to be. I love the beautiful humans who fill my room each day. #ksedchat
A5 Great question! Well as my Son would say "never be afraid to call someone out, just not in front of everyone". I love the strategy of oops and ouchs because it allows people to genuinely learn from each other. Why is wrong? Why does it hurt? What the perspective? #ksedchat
A6. Wow. A powerful question. I would say to make sure they know they are valued as human beings in your room and not just 1 in a group of 25. Listen. Validate. Make sure they know it’s ok to be them and not let others bring you down. Model that. Be yourself! #ksedchat
A6: As I work with my students on my caseload, I work to put the student in the driver seat on presenting their IEP to the team. From development to presenting. It is powerful for sure.
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A6) I think by accepting and loving Ss just as they are when they walk in our rooms on day one, we can empower them to maintain who they are as well as grow even more while they are with us. #ksedchat
A5: Through discussion, I use the compass model based on thinking, feeling, and doing. Depending on the situation, determines where we start. Our little ones need a lot of guidance with this. #ksedchat
A6: We are constantly talking about how being ourselves and having our own individual goals are what matter. We don't need to compare ourselves to ANYONE else. We are who we want to be, if we want to be better at ABC then we set a goal and get there. #ksedchat
A6 - Working to be my best, but acknowledging that I am failing all the time. I try to show them who I am and then show how much I appreciate who they are! #ksedchat
A6: 1 of my classroom guidelines that my Ss put forth was "no judgment." I make it explicitly clear when they are in OUR room, they are not allowed to judge each other period. I also always tell Ss they have to speak up for themselves if they want to resolve anything. #ksedchat
A6: it starts w/ creating a safe & comfortable space in your room. Even if it’s the only place they feel safe it’s a start. Last yr a student went by a male name in only 2 classes. Now fully going by that name & male pronouns bc of confidence gained in those safe spaces #ksedchat
A5: Be authentic ourselves and make sure students feel how much they are cared for in our classes. Create a safe environment where students don’t feel like they need to change anything about themselves. #ksedchat
A4. I don't know that I have a favorite way. But often we compare and contrast curriculum in regards to our lives, talking about what is the same or similar to our lives and what is different and building background knowledge. #ksedchat
Thank you @AngSuperPowers for a fantastic chat. I have learned so much from you over the past year, so I have so much more to learn. You make me better, sweet friend. Can't wait to see you at KEEN! #ksedchat#ktoy2018#affirmingschools
That usually is the best part of my job. Littles love to be their authentic self!! ❤️❤️❤️ They just need the time, space, and caring adult to listen!! #ksedchat
A6) I always try to keep in mind that the leaders of tomorrow are in my class today. I want them to know that I love them for who they are and that I trust them with our future. #ksedchat
A6 I believe that empowerment is not something we can give them, but by accepting their truths with no questions we give them strength to live authentically. Love them hard, and stand for them with all that you do in life. They will love themselves and be empowered. #ksedchat
