#122edchat is a weekly conversation designed to help inspire educators across the globe to reach their greatest potential in service of others. Megan Hacholski (@megan_hacholski) and Michael Abramczyk (@_on11), along with guest moderators, lead each week with a different focus tied to their strengths and areas of expertise.
This is Michael A. from #122edchat in Chicago. Superbly excited to have @herrplatt leading the discussion tonite, bringing in some SoCal sunshine! Favorite cup of cheer depends on who I am w/and what I am doing. Since I'm tweeting, it's water...later, maybe something else.
Hi #122edchat. This is David Platt @herrplatt, moderating tonight from SoCal (at a pool deck for swim practice) believe it or not! Cup o cheer? Hot buttered amaretto is a favorite this year or good German Glühwein.
Hi #122edchat! Favorite cup of holiday cheer....amidst two weeks of tech for #SEGwarriornation production of Beauty and the Beast, I have to go with coffee!
Good evening, #122edchat! Lauren from New York, celebrating a new almost-finished manuscript & signing to write a second edition of Curriculum at Your Core. Cup of cheer: prosecco!🥂
Phil from Northern Virginia. I teach 6/7 US History I&II and am the founder of #waledchat (Thurs @ 9pm ET) and #Edusations (Youtube). Love a nice, cold glass of eggnog! #122edchat
Hello all. Phil from N.J. School Principal. Looking forward to the holiday time when we drive around and ooh and ahhhh over all the xmas lights around town with some French Vanilla! Looking forward to this evening’s chat. #122edchat
Listen everyone on here. I expect each one of you to wish me a happy unbirthday. Because well, today is my unbirthday. Starting new tradition. And I’ve already had like 3 tantrums and cried twice so I should be good for chat. I’m from PA and teach 6th gr science. #122edchat
Listen everyone on here. I expect each one of you to wish me a happy unbirthday. Because well, today is my unbirthday. Starting new tradition. And I’ve already had like 3 tantrums and cried twice so I should be good for chat. I’m from PA and teach 6th gr science. #122edchat
A1: Don't push to get things done before winter break just to stick with a schedule - forcing work on yourself or your Ss will only result in low quality, behavior problems, & a general feeling of winter woes. #122edchat
Katie, 6th grade reading & ELA, IN. Checking in for #122edchat while getting kids ready for bed. My 9-year-old just discovered he can jump and smack the top of the doorways, soooo...
A1: Don't push to get things done before winter break just to stick with a schedule - forcing work on yourself or your Ss will only result in low quality, behavior problems, & a general feeling of winter woes. #122edchat
A1: We need to be able learn from our past mistakes. We must be able to read the room. When we recycle failure, we are still failing. This time of year is stressful for students and staff, alike. We need to be sure we are handling people with care, as we seek to close. #122edchat
A1: To me, wrapping up before the break smarter equals finishing projects or lessons. There can be review during and interaction, but I wouldn't call on students to retain all the way through.
#122edchat
A1: If it isn't broke don't fix it...reflect, improve, redo. We don't need to fall in trap of finding the next best thing. If it is relevant, engaging, and good for Ss keep it up. << All this in context that the original idea may not be yours! Collaborate. #122EDChat
A1: It means shifting the cognitive load onto your Ss as much as possible using simple, replicable lessons, rather than going all out and burning yourself out in the long term. #122edchat
A1: Growing professionals recognize strengths and weaknesses with their staff and themselves. Using others strengths to Work collaboratively for a common goal #122edchat
A1: It means thinking tactfully about providing meaningful instruction, but also keeping in mind that when we return from break, there will likely be a need for some reteaching. #122edchat
A1: for me, it's looking back at what worked/didn't for that unit or topic 2 c where I can increase S-centered inquiry. 4 my Ss its reflecting on what worked and what didn't in regards to their org/study/note taking skills. We keep what works, lose what didn't #122edchat
A1 How do we learn from previous situations? In #physed we make split decisions based on the information we process. How do we use prior experiences and situations to know what to do in order to achieve our goal instead of making the same decisions that aren't working. #122edchat
A1: By being mindful and intentional in our practice while being patient with our kids and self, we can be assured that what we are doing wastes no time or energy and is efficient. #122edchat
Q2: Wrapping up the semester or time before break can be a stressful time. What practices do you have in place to help relieve your own stresses at school? #122edchat
A1: Be aware of the time of year. Be aware that not all Ss have a happy holiday 🏡 to go home to for the holidays so our #SEL radars need to be finally tuned to make sure the Social & E Health of our Ss isn’t getting overlooked in the hustle and bustle of semester end. #122edchat
A1 - I like to think of it as Teach - Timely, exciting, attentive , creative habits - learning to follow best practice is a great way to stay focused. #122edchat
Hey #122edchat - hopping in late! Alicia from NC.
A1: To me, smarter not harder means helping Ss connect the dots and find a way to catalog what they've learned so they can find it easily later on.
Hello #122edchat
Teresa tech coach from PA
So happy to be joining in the chat!
Nothing like a hot chocolate on a cold Winter's Night! Don't forget the marshmallows!
A1: For me, it means trying to respect family time and personal wellness by planning engaging lessons that don’t require the sacrifice of my home time. I’m doing my best to not bring work home these last couple weeks. MOSTLY succeeding... #122edchat
A2: I make sure to laugh with my kids every day. So what if we lose out on 5-10 minutes of instructional time? If it means that no one is feeling burned out, it's worth it. #122edchat
A2: Family activities that are a meaningful use of holiday time. Disneyland here for sure, going to the mountains. Then, tackling some of my hobbies like model building #122edchat
A1: Make connections with your content to the impending break and holidays to be celebrated. You can’t pretend that the break isn’t on their minds...be honest you have had the countdown running longer than they have! #122edchat
A1: Wrapping up smarter means not making any drastic changes just because a long break is coming up. Don't rush to finish something - if you don't finish, no worries, you can pick it up when you get back. And, don't give in to the increased tension and give up, either. #122edchat
A2: Close the door for 10 minutes a day and shut out the world. Take a minute for yourself...read a book, light a candle, eat some candy. Just something to change the mood and atmosphere and get recharged. #122edchat
A2: Spending time with the kids is a great stress reliever, believe it or not. I love hearing their stories and sharing my own. Laughing through problems with them is better than stewing in my own juices. #122edchat
A2: Minimizing stress for me at the end of semesters comes in the form of unplugging from tech/work at times to plug back in to face to face time with friends and family.
#122edchat
Q2: Wrapping up the semester or time before break can be a stressful time. What practices do you have in place to help relieve your own stresses at school? #122edchat
A1 Wrapping up smarter means monitoring where we are at! As teachers and students it’s good for us to take notice of where we are, so after break we can get right back to it! Reflect on the good and the bad so we can do even better in the new year! #122edchat
A2 What stresses me out at school during the run-up to break are all the extras: interruptions to the schedule, sweets, loudness—it’s a lot for us introverts. Within the chaos I try to keep things as routine as possible for my students and myself. #122edchat
It’s been awhile but I’m back! A1) I’d say it means to be reflective. Keep goals realistic. If it’needs tweaking, tweak it. If not, leave it for another day.#122edchat
2)This is the time of year to focus on growth and what has been accomplished. Frame learning on the positive, not the rush to still get things accomplished. #122edchat
Q2: Wrapping up the semester or time before break can be a stressful time. What practices do you have in place to help relieve your own stresses at school? #122edchat
A2: seeing that a great deal of MOY assessments have been completed during this time I use that data to work on filling "holes" that might be ther and reviewing newer material to help make it more concrete before th 18 days off. #122edchat
A2: I listen to music as often as I can. Music almost always lightens my mood. It also helps to build relationships as the Ss and I discover we have similar tastes in music. #122edchat
Definitely makes break more enjoyable, not having to worry about something afterwards. I remember being in high school and we had finals AFTER break. Booooooo. #122edchat
A2: Get out of my office and away from my desk. Talk to the Ss. Make sure they have a balanced regulated head. Holidays can be tough for some Ss with tough home lives. Let the Ss into your world. Prepare school wide activities and be apart of them. Lets kids be kids.#122edchat
A2 - Reflection of how lucky I am tends to keep things positive and on an even keel. There are always stressful moments. Learning to step back and create positive experiences really helps. Also EXERCISE for me and the students. #122edchat
A2 Wrapping up the semester is easier when you find time to unwind.
Eat lunch with your students, laugh with them, but more importantly you should continue to build those relationships with them! #122edchat
Yes. Too often we want to fidget with stuff and could cause more damage than what it is worth. This time of year is already stressful enough. #122edchat
A2: In the past I have been teaching WWI and I have students do a webquest on the Christmas Truce. They enjoy it. This year, we are a behind, but I'm hoping to that "business as usual" can help us and wrap up a unit before break will help us start the new year fresh! #122edchat
A2 We are destressing the last week by having fun! We are decorating our doors, having our spelling bee, having a Winter Olympics in the gym, and our holiday assembly. It makes all of us want to come to school and it builds culture! #122edchat
A2: keep up with writing my to do list helps keep me grounded but the most helpful is music during CPT & reaching out to my teaching besties when I need to be talked off the ledge. My RAMS family is irreplaceable ❤️ #122edchat
A2: We have a #mindfulminute built into the day. Start it and join the students. I plopped on the floor today and did the exercise with the students. Firmly believe it got me through the following two tough classes! #122edchat
A2: I’m trying to schedule out my time and prioritize so that I’m not functioning off a crazy to- do list. This means I also schedule time to spend with my family and friends. #122edchat
A2) I’m out on my rolling desk with kids and in the action! I plan some cool #12Daystilbreak that bring my staff joy and that brings me joy! #122edchat
A2: Keep it fun, be enthusiastic, be positive, and let each student know you care about them and that you'll miss them. Also, be a little more tolerant of behavioral issues - empathy goes a long way toward relieving student stress. #122edchat
A2: We have a #mindfulminute built into the day. Start it and join the students. I plopped on the floor today and did the exercise with the students. Firmly believe it got me through the following two tough classes! #122edchat
A2: Cultivate quiet. Yesterday I sat at my table and stared at nothing for 3 min before going to lunch, just because it was quiet. Learning can be loud. I apparently have a limit & have been treading on thin ground lately! So, yeah, quiet.
And Ruffles chips. #122edchat
Q2: Wrapping up the semester or time before break can be a stressful time. What practices do you have in place to help relieve your own stresses at school? #122edchat
A2
Don't try to squeeze it all in! Have some fun! Play learning games like @GetKahoot Or use Interactive slides with @PearDeck or @nearpod
Ss have a lot of energy so let them create something! Have them use @edpuzzle to make quizzes for one another or have them blog!#122edchat
A2: One of my tools is to manage time throughout the week and NOT rush to get in a test or quiz before break. A lot of time informally accessing to gauge readiness. #122edchat
A2: outside of school - I avoid places that are filled with stress and tension. There’s too much crazy energy out there and I just cannot subscribe to it. #122edchat
This is all about (1) planning and (2) putting in the time earlier in the year! Educators still need to practice (3) self-care during this time of the year. It should not be about cramming the last bit of information. It should be about (4) learning and (5) rigor. #122edchat
Q2: Wrapping up the semester or time before break can be a stressful time. What practices do you have in place to help relieve your own stresses at school? #122edchat
A3: If we put too much stress on them at the end of a semester, it can backfire big time. Remember that they are still kids. Hearts first, brains second. Take care of them. #122edchat
A3: Communication is key during this time. Kids are dealing w/ a lot & sometimes so much at home. We just need to take time to engage & connect to show we care. That can be an unbelievable motivator in the life of a student. #122edchat
A2 - Reflection of how lucky I am tends to keep things positive and on an even keel. There are always stressful moments. Learning to step back and create positive experiences really helps. Also EXERCISE for me and the students. #122edchat
A3: I don't assign work over break. I hated when teachers did that to me. I wanted a break. So now as I teacher, I want to give my Ss that break! #122edchat
A3 In chapter 7 of EMPOWER Your Students, we have an exercise that helps students distinguish between self-kindness and self-indulgence. Then they give themselves gifts of self-kindness. #122edchat
A3: Bring joy, fun, and excitement to your classroom and school. @MsFischer2 turned green this week and through her classes kindness and hard work they helped her "Grinch heart" grow! We also have a staff #12DaysofChristmas#122edchat
I had a student stop me and remind me of a commitment that I made about eating lunch with the 8th Graders. I totally forgot today. Tomorrow is another day. #122edchat
A3: We have our HS Ss take part in choir and band concerts for the younger Ss. It gives our HS Ss opportunity to show off skills for younger siblings, take pride in school, gain a sense of belonging and accomplishment heading into the break. #122edchat
A1~
~count my blessings
~continuous hugs to my ma/Nana ~ ☘️82 & going strong
~time with my nearest & dearest peeps ❤️
~lots of deliciousness @Starbucks you can never have too much iced 🍋 loaf
#122edchat
A3: Being visible. Being present in school and in conversations. We cannot be distracted or make everything about us. Sometimes, they just need a sounding board to air grievances. Do we have the time to listen to their heart? #122edchat
A3: To help with Ss stress Ts should plan carefully and know their Ss. Thinking of them first and foremost will help to ensure work/projects are at a good place when the break comes.
#122edchat
A3) holidays are difficult for some kids. Don’t let your stress show. Be compassionate. Know your kids. Keep things consistent and do not assign home projects in December #122edchat
A3: I turned off the lights & just used the lights we have hanging for our City of Ember dystopian genre study. It was so peaceful. And I finish next week with a creative dystopian society project & let them use Minecraft if they want. They ❤️ it, so that helps. #122edchat
A3: Positive talk, encouragement filtered through love and caring. Being real with our kids and let them know we have true empathy and we are here to partner with them through it all... #122edchat
A2: be efficient at work to get stuff done do I can enjoy my break thoroughly. Be thoughtful about the work I give them b4 so they don’t feel overloaded or stressed before break, bc that will increase my stress too. No work for SS& me over break.we all need down time #122edchat
2)This is the time of year to focus on growth and what has been accomplished. Frame learning on the positive, not the rush to still get things accomplished. #122edchat
Q2: Wrapping up the semester or time before break can be a stressful time. What practices do you have in place to help relieve your own stresses at school? #122edchat
A3 During this time it’s important that we keep our energy and positivity turned up! For some of our students the holidays aren’t a magical time, let’s give them some great vibes to hold on to. Making sure our students feel loved is most important right now #122edchat
A2: I haven’t. I’ve sacrificed home to make home and school kinda work. Did extended fam stuff while trying to hold it together (I did for the most part) not done any Xmas for home. Lost it today because I fell off my chair trying to untangle keys. Need a day #122edchat
A3: When assigning work over the break, what are we achieving? I did this in the past, because I was teaching grit and responsibility. Can't we all just come to terms with the fact that most kids waited until the night before school starts to do the work anyhow? #122edchat
A3: Provide structure for them is critical in a trauma informed classroom. Safety is important too. Remember the break is not always a positive time for kids. #122edchat
3) Why is it that in every other English speaking country, holiday is associated with vacation? We need to follow that lead and tell kids...just breathe. No packets. No homework. We all need a break. #122edchat
A3: Being visible. Being present in school and in conversations. We cannot be distracted or make everything about us. Sometimes, they just need a sounding board to air grievances. Do we have the time to listen to their heart? #122edchat
A3: Keep things in perspective - holiday break = family time. When I was in the classroom, breaks included absolutely ZERO school work... PS - worksheet packets with cute little snowmen... still worksheets. Save your paper & don't give them out.
#122edchat
#122edchat A3. Taking that two minutes off to chat up ...in class,after class in the corridor,during lunch ....writing an appreciative mail to them.just go on....
And how many kids in our classes have the same anxiety associated with this time of year. We need to keep our eyes open for opportunity to support all learners. #122edchat
A3: I’m not assigning any work over the holidays. I know that this doesn’t take care of all the stress, but it’s def one less thing for them to worry about! #122edchat
A3 - List
1. Keep things light
2. Remember the holiday spirit
3. Avoid too much pressure
4. Stress great work not for a grade
5. Have a party
6. Play music
7. Tell great holiday stories
8. Avoid being the grinch
9. Make a fun project
10. Smile #122edchat
A3: When assigning work over the break, what are we achieving? I did this in the past, because I was teaching grit and responsibility. Can't we all just come to terms with the fact that most kids waited until the night before school starts to do the work anyhow? #122edchat
No kidding! Read just because you want to. Play Prodigy if you like it. Wear jammies all day. Eat food at weird times. Take naps. Play with new toys. Just BE! #122edchat
A3: I don’t need to jam in major tests/ projects before the break. I should do what makes sense in the timeframe and the overall workload. Being mindful of that, not only alleviates Ss of their stress, it also builds meaningful relationships #122edchat
A3 - List
1. Keep things light
2. Remember the holiday spirit
3. Avoid too much pressure
4. Stress great work not for a grade
5. Have a party
6. Play music
7. Tell great holiday stories
8. Avoid being the grinch
9. Make a fun project
10. Smile #122edchat
A3: By not scheduling any during the last week leading up to holiday break. Relieve Ss by offering opportunities to be "pen pals" over break, especially if their family doesn't celebrate or have the means #122edchat
Q4: Student voice & choice can play a huge part in wrapping up for the holidays. How do you give students a voice in their learning as they wrap up school before break? #122edchat
A3 - List
1. Keep things light
2. Remember the holiday spirit
3. Avoid too much pressure
4. Stress great work not for a grade
5. Have a party
6. Play music
7. Tell great holiday stories
8. Avoid being the grinch
9. Make a fun project
10. Smile #122edchat
A3: stop and breathe. Realize that this is not an easy or joyful time for anyone and that some Ss & Ts actually dread the break away from routine. This year I am using the #globalgoals & asking Ss to consider what the holidays are like in other parts of the world. #122edchat
A3 We forget that students need a break as well. I do not like taking work home with me over a holiday break. I want to enjoy time with family and friends and so do the students. If assignments have to be made make them meaningful and purposeful not just busy work #122edchat
A3: I currently have a little one that doesn't "need" a group for academic reasons but for social emotional to help her the last few days I am pulling her from class to give her a bit more positive "hugs" before sending off for the break. #122edchat
A4: I really like #choiceboard finals for Ss to give them options to showcase their learning. They need different outlets and opportunities to show what they know. #122edchat
A4: We're wrapping up with Genius Hour projects, so it's ALL about student voice and choice. Interesting though that the majority are choosing to do a simple Slides presentation, though given the option to do other things. They like structure! #122edchat
We are a pk-12 district with two sending districts. We invited the sending districts as well. Great opportunity to get them in the building and see all the programs we have to offer. Winter Extravaganza #122edchat
A4: Try some project based learning. Extend and deepen the knowledge they already acquired. Let them choose how they will show what they know in new and improved ways. #122edchat
A4: We give students end of the semester voice by listening to them, and offering them say in how they practice self-care during a stressful time (testing, etc.) #122edchat
A4: We're having our first ever #tlap day and I'm so stinking excited that I can't stand it!!! It's called Mustang Madness at our school, but it's the same principle & I just cannot wait! #122edchat
A3: Ask them. How do you want to show your learning? When do you think you will be able to show learning? What can I do to make your jobs easier? More fun? What do you need from me? (And to stop singing 5 golden rings is NOT an answer!) 😂 #122edchat
A3: First, collaborate with all the other teachers and don't schedule all the finals on the same day! And, please don't give Holiday homework - kids need a break, too - and some of them will be spending most of their energies dealing with dysfunctional families. #122edchat
A4: In the past, we have done smaller design challenges, but this year we are keeping things a little more simple to sneak in another rotation prior to break next week. Lame, I know, but we don't want to cause more stress in people's lives by deviating from the path. #122edchat
A4: The key with Ss voice and choice is to make it the norm and not a once in a while treat. When it's the norm it can be powerful for all and help to complete items quicker.
#122edchat
Q4: Student voice & choice can play a huge part in wrapping up for the holidays. How do you give students a voice in their learning as they wrap up school before break? #122edchat
A4 - our class from the beginning is built around choice and democratic voice. While there is curriculum to teach, we focus on PBL instead of just facts and grades. Effort and excellence drive learning. High expectations, without being punitive. #122edchat
A4: Showed my Ss a video to complement some of our learning. They really enjoyed it, so I offered to show them more of the series (Liberty's Kids) to help create more connections with the past. #122edchat
A3: this one is a bit tough bc the schedule of our units leaves us w/ a unit "celebration" (unit test) the week fb Xmas break. I will be showing them a movie on thr last day bf break - it's topical but low stress so at least they'll get a break from my class that day #122edchat
A4 I teach English, and the December project is to write an essay about their relationship with a person, place, or event in their neighborhood that matters to them. They write in direct address, so the effect is like an ode. #122edchat
I have said it before, we might be the only adults listening to them. Yeah, it means stuff has to take a backseat for a little bit, but they are worth it. #122edchat
My incomplete list:
Smile
Show empathy
Be cognizant of their schedules
Be aware of their stress levels
Positivity
Assess what you taught them this year not what you wanted to get through
Candy
#122edchat
A3~continue to love them ❤️
~provide stability, safe place to fall
~provide supports like extra food
~provide opportunities for homemade gift making ~ most Ss want to give gifts ~ so we create them speaking from our hearts & they always focus on positivity ~ 😊
#122edchat
A4 Give then a voice by investing in them! Ask about what their traditions are, what they are excited for, ask anything! Keep those relationships strong! #122edchat
A4 I would use the last few days before break to have conferences with ss and ask them what they would like to accomplish & what would help them wrap up the year before break then tailor activities based on their needs
Sometimes a quick reflection can help them focus #122edchat
Q4: Student voice & choice can play a huge part in wrapping up for the holidays. How do you give students a voice in their learning as they wrap up school before break? #122edchat
A4: The key with Ss voice and choice is to make it the norm and not a once in a while treat. When it's the norm it can be powerful for all and help to complete items quicker.
#122edchat
A4: Love the idea #hackingengagement of letting teams of students build assessment questions, that actually get used on the test. Let student leaders lead and invest in the learning. #122edchat
A3 For some people this is the most wonderful time of the year; however, many Ss are already looking forward to the holidays being over!
Sometimes we have to consider others and their feelings before ourselves! #122edchat
Ts shared what activities they wanted to do, Ss chose which activities they wanted to do using a Google form, and I just finished creating a class schedule for every S that day. Wanted to keep it super-organized the first time around. #122edchat
A3: I focused on choice. I told 10th graders: “Take notes from your reading- however you want, and I’m here for guidance, if you need it.” Other Ss are writing about topics of their own choosing. 11th graders are doing theirs an research. #122edchat
A4 I would use the last few days before break to have conferences with ss and ask them what they would like to accomplish & what would help them wrap up the year before break then tailor activities based on their needs
Sometimes a quick reflection can help them focus #122edchat
Q4: Student voice & choice can play a huge part in wrapping up for the holidays. How do you give students a voice in their learning as they wrap up school before break? #122edchat
YES! Hahahahahahaha. We have four kids. One works ahead. Three wait until the morning of the due date to complete. Kids need breaks to be breaks. #122edchat
A3: I focused on choice. I told 10th graders: “Take notes from your reading- however you want, and I’m here for guidance, if you need it.” Other Ss are writing about topics of their own choosing. 11th graders are doing theirs an research. #122edchat
A4: Ss will be sharing their voices in a global collaboration @Flipgrid (code: adventcalendar) focused on connecting the #globalgoals with the holidays. We will also practice gratitude and self reflection with @givethxapp#122edchat@JoyceBronwyn@m_drez
It creates some havoc but if done well and planned for let the students decide how they will be assessed on their final or end of unit assessment #122edchat
Q4: Student voice & choice can play a huge part in wrapping up for the holidays. How do you give students a voice in their learning as they wrap up school before break? #122edchat
A4: Projects and recipes are not synonyms. I set the requirements, & they pick the how. The engagement is super high because they picked a way to honor their passions as they demonstrate their mastery of some heavy reading and writing standards in our dystopian unit. #122edchat
The students can write down any game or activity they want to do. I will find a way to incorporate it into my lesson sometime during the week. they have to tell me the educational value of it as well.
#122edchat#physed
Where we are now doesn't allow for too much when we start the NY we're embarking on student videos abt medieval town life where they can do whatever they want for their assigned topic. Just has to be 3-5 minutes of green screen fun! #122edchat
A5 If throughout the year, my students know they’ll have opportunities to do work that matters to them personally and in the world, then in January they’ll return refreshed and ready to do more meaningful work. #122edchat
A5: Familiarity and consistency are key in a highly stressful time of year. Who am I to grab the wheel, and start switching schedules, changing procedures/policies when they have been acclimated to the current process? I know our environment; I need to guard our kids. #122edchat
A5: I think ending well gives them a mindset to start well. The voice and choice finals as well as meaningful engagement w/ each kid gives them something to look forward to. #122edchat
A5: I'll have these kids for one week when we return before the semester changes and I get a new group. But I'm hyping up our #RaspberryPi unit, so they're already excited to come back for it! #122edchat
So essential. Especially now, with all that is going on in the world. They are in a constant state of high alert. We need to make sure they have time to let their hair down and relax. They will come back to us better equipped to be successful. #122edchat
I love this answer, Bill. For sure. And let's let our kids be kids, as well. They need breaks during the day - BEFORE they take a big break. #122edchat
A4: As mentioned by other #122edchat educators, it could be a point of reflection. Where am I ? Where do I need to go? How will I get there? What supports do I need? Ss are ready to start January with a direction. #122edchat
Q4: Student voice & choice can play a huge part in wrapping up for the holidays. How do you give students a voice in their learning as they wrap up school before break? #122edchat
A4: voice and choice should be norm. But post holiday themed music, share treats, do something that is content/skill related but feels special . “Like a tradition we do around Holidays” #122edchat
A5: Being at a good stopping point before the break makes January a smoother return. Perhaps a small review but Ts can jump right into something else as well. I'd recommend a relationship building activity first...
#122edchat
What? #122edchat is OVER? You have to be kidding me! I had so much fun chatting with the best and brightest in education, that time just flew. And how about @herrplatt? If you are not following this dude, add him to your list! He also has a podcast that he runs w/his HS students.
#122edchat A4 . I generally generate a subject driven ( History) reading list for grades 9 &10.. for grade 8, I give them a project to research on ...so they are just reading and not really working, working .Most Ss love this .
A5: We all need a "reboot" some times in our daily grind of a life. By offering an opportunity to sit back and consider a clean slate, we can dream again with new eyes, about what is to come for us... #122edchat
Before the holidays we should always remember how lucky we are. Also, giving kindness to students is free, joyful and creates a climate of trust and respect. #122edchat
A5: It teaches us to self regulate when times are stressful. It shows us there is more to life than the pounding of instruction. Gives us a chance to show empathy and finally recharge the batteries. We teach our Ss to be customer service driven to the community #122edchat
A4: Projects and recipes are not synonyms. I set the requirements, & they pick the how. The engagement is super high because they picked a way to honor their passions as they demonstrate their mastery of some heavy reading and writing standards in our dystopian unit. #122edchat
A5: It gets them excited about school and allows them to see their Ts through a different lens. We want them pumped to come back in January! #122edchat
A5: Students must always have some sort of CHOICE and VOICE in anything you are doing... it’s best practice for them and YOU! Continuing this vibe into 2019 will make a smooth transition after the holiday break! #122edchat
A5: I try to treat the beginning of January like coming out after halftime. The score of the first half is there, but there is still more ball, more learning to do! #122edchat
A2~foster your relationships w/each other
~reassure them that we will be back together soon ...
~voice&choice is not a one & done in #room44pride ~ it’s constant, flexible to the needs & is ingrained in all WE experience 😊
A4~ #122edchat
I'm sure that your wife appreciates it. I have been pushing myself to be a little more "disconnected" from school/work, especially after the past few weeks of late nights. #122edchat
A5 We always try to end on a high note so students are excited to come back! Let them recharge, and get refocused so we can dive back in after the break! #122edchat
A4: Maybe instead of showing movies that they've either seen before or can watch at home, why not let them have a voice in choosing an assignment or project on a topic that interests them? #122edchat
A5: We will be starting a multi-disciplinary study of the Holocaust when we return. This requires a classroom culture of safety and belonging, because we will experience many emotions. So cultivating peace, respecting choice, and resting well over break will help. #122edchat
A5
Reflection helps with the goal setting process When you give students a chance to reflect and discuss before break they can have a good idea of how they will begin the new year This preparation helps relieve anxiety and help ss take control of their learning #122edchat
A2~foster your relationships w/each other
~reassure them that we will be back together soon ...
~voice&choice is not a one & done in #room44pride ~ it’s constant, flexible to the needs & is ingrained in all WE experience 😊
A4~ #122edchat
If you make a complete, easy, and smooth transition from Dec to Jan things will be better on the return! Also make sure you are working on those relationships still even in these last few days. They all matter! #122edchat
A5: the new year is perfect to continue to practice mindfulness and gratitude. I will be introducing design thinking 🤔 & collaborating with Ts in my building to practice Empathy Mapping for the documentary: Science Fair @KMS_STEM#122edchat
#122edchat A5. Up until last year we had sem 1exams once they got back from vacation...this year we have finished their exams now ....so it's in effect a more clean wrap up than before.lets see how it goes from here
A5: I like the idea of new beginnings. Fresh starts. I make sure each ss is passing and has stuff handed in before the break so it’s not hanging over all of us. Closing one chapter (literally) and will start a new one in Jan. #122edchat
A5 I like to ease back in after the holidays. We celebrate New Years together first day and work on our new learning goals the first couple of days #122edchat
It is. And it forces the students to think about why we are playing the games and activities. What is the difference between #physed and recess. #122edchat
A5: New Year = new seats, new unit, and in-class historical fiction intro. Think my Ss will like this change bc they're flexing their creative muscles right when we return k when they meed the most movement/action. Reentry usu means lethargic 8th graders #122edchat
A5: If students know what they need to do when they return from break, the first week back is not about starting new, but about refinement. Less stress, and it's allowing the Ss be the expert in what they specifically need. #122edchat
A5: it shows everyone that the work we do us not robotic, it’s organic & there are moments where we wind down & rev up. This work becomes like real-life #122edchat
A5: If we're all rested up, we are less likely to dread returning in January. Instead, we may actually be looking forward to coming back. Just for fun, teachers might try to peak student curiosity by giving a "sneak preview" of something fun coming in 2019. #122edchat
OMG I am hear #122edchat
Sending a huge hugs from Australia. Missing you all ❤️
You all must check out https://t.co/ovtVspL5mK so much awesomeness this festive season thanks to @snej80 & @m_drez
A1: It’s all about planning, communication, and organization - for both Ts & Ss. Everyone should be on the same page with deadlines, expectations, etc. #122edchat
A2: This is a tough one! It’s important to make time for relaxation - whether that means stepping into another T’s room to chat, closing your door & turning on some music, or just taking some quiet time to debrief. So important! #122edchat
Q2: Wrapping up the semester or time before break can be a stressful time. What practices do you have in place to help relieve your own stresses at school? #122edchat
A2(b): Outside of school, spending time with family and friends doing things we love - especially prepping for the holiday season - is a great refresher! #122edchat
Q2: Wrapping up the semester or time before break can be a stressful time. What practices do you have in place to help relieve your own stresses at school? #122edchat
A3: Helping Ss prepare in advance so they aren’t cramming before midterms, giving them some relaxation time (brain breaks) during class or study hall, and planning a fun activity here or there that allows them to take a break from all the “crazy” #122edchat
A4: Giving students freedom to choose how to showcase their knowledge is GREAT...but sometimes due to strict grading windows, more traditional midterms are a necessity. Giving Ss different options for reviewing material leading up to the exams has helped me help them! #122edchat
Q4: Student voice & choice can play a huge part in wrapping up for the holidays. How do you give students a voice in their learning as they wrap up school before break? #122edchat
A5: Finishing strong allows Ss & Ts to feel refreshed upon return. We want students to feel confident in what they’ve achieved during S1 so they can be proud and carry that momentum into S2! #122edchat
