#ksedchat Archive
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.
Monday March 14, 2016
Hello! Please tell us your name, where you are, your title, and your fav special area class as a child! https://t.co/KDb97zmRvc
Br Christopher, Atchison KS, middle school science, tech, religion!
Amanda, 3rd from Ness! Lived music class!
Good evening everyone! Thanks for allowing me to join all of you tonight. Randy, Commissioner of Ed in KS.
Hi there! Andrea from Ellinwood, 1st grade teacher. My favorite was always art!
Amanda, 3rd from Ness! Loved music class!
Marah, 2nd grade T from MHK. I enjoyed all special area classes!
Carrie, Chanute, and anytime the librarian would let us in.
Hey ! Tim from Frontenac. Loved music and PE!
Eric from Frontenac 7-12 technology and my favorite class -art!
Angie Boone, Cheney Middle School sped teacher-music/orchestra
I love, love, love HISTORY!! :)
I'll start! April Baugh, Linn K-5 Dodge City! Enjoying spring break! Of course, I LOVED PE! https://t.co/mSObOzEhfO
Hi ! I teach high school science in SW KS. :)
Casey from Indep. MO. Crossing state lines again! I loved PE!
Howard Pitler, formerly on Wichita, now in Denver. I majored in music in high school and became a band director.
My fav special as a kid, probably art or library! I was (and am) a book-obsessed nerd
Hello everyone. Alan, principal, Turner High School, KCK. On vacation in Dallas.
I'm Melissa Smith and I am the ESL Coordinator at The Turner Sixth Grade Academy
Jason from Buhle HS (ELA). Loved library/book time and PE.
Cody from NW Kansas. I teach 1st grade. I loved PE as well!!
Thanks sir! Always looking to learn wherever I can get it! Glad to be here.
Thank you for having me tonight, April!
Megan Gerstner, Ness City. First grade teacher and I used to love computer class.
Nathan Kleinmeyer, 8th American History in Plattsmouth, NE. First timer at I loved the Art special, I wasn't good, but tried.
I loved PE growing up! I still love exercise :)
Vacation!?!??!! What is that?? :) :) Glad you hoped in!
Cindy, Director of Learning and Instruction, Buhler. Multi-tasking during a BOE meeting.I felt most at home in math class.
Anyone here in the same boat as and I with spring break NEXT week!?
First question coming up. Hopefully you can tell how excited I am for this chat!
Yep, I'm off starting Thursday. Been a long haul!
Hello, Monica here...I teach 6th grade ELA and SS. Favorite special was Orchestra
I am so old our only specials were vocal and PE at a country school that no longer exists near Columbus.
Hi everyone! Brandi, instructional coach. Great day at the KC Zoo today!
Math?!?!? When does anyone use College Algebra? :) This has to be more fun that the BOE mtg!
Monika from the NE part of KS. Principal at a HS boarding school
Hello !! Spring Breakin' it in . Great weather in KC. Excited for this topic.
a1 If specials well done, give ss chance to really spread wings, exercise different parts of brain.
A1) My kids enjoy the differentiation of our daily routines. They also enjoy knowing what specials are which days....
A1: GREATLY benefit Ss! Gives them an opportunity to explore their interests and skills at a deeper level.
Julie Samuels-Teacher Education-Pitt State
A1: gives them time to explore passions, gives kids time to be successful when they might not be successful anywhere else
A1: Specials give Ss the opportunity to explore different areas they may not even know they are interested in.
Freshmen biology at Seaman High in topeka! Pumped to participate!
Melissa!! GREAT to see you.
A1 My Ss LOVE going to specials. It gives them different experiences/life lessons
Justin from Dodge City. I'm going to be in and out... Joining from Wyoming tonight!!
Absolutely! All specials can provide very import to lessons to Ss!
Jennifer 4th grade from Dodge jumping in a bit late!
A1-for some of my Ss this is their most successful class
Hi Julie!!! Glad you are here tonight! :)
Evening. Sara here. Curriculum Admin @ Midland Trail Ele
A1: It give students who might not be successful academically the opportunity to be successful in these specials
Thanks for joining us! G-O Gorillas GO!
A1 Fav time of day for some of my students, others its their least fav
Kara 6th grade, Hutchinson. Loved PE!
A1 Specials gives the students opportunities to explore their creativity in activities outside of the reg classroom environment.
Awesome to have you join us!
A1: Specials give Ss a place, a place excel, a place to grow, and to use different ways of thinking.
A1 As a former PE teacher I think specials are so very positive for students! It gives them time to explore different interests.
A1: If anyone was at State b-ball you could see music education in action. HS bands were rocking!!
A1:I teach one special in 7th grade(tech)and I think it gives them a break from the traditional class work. Plus mine is the best!
A1: gives kids time to decompress and typically more a relaxed classroom environment. Allows for learning outside of core content
A1: I don't like the word "special" to describe areas that are core to a child's development. We need all of these areas!!
A1a: from HS perspective {electives} give Ss chance to explore their passions. Cons: some use to avoid pushing themselves.
A1. I think Specials give my Ss a chance to get another perspective on an important piece of their education
a1 cont. What is stopping core classes from being more like specials? Why not bring in the exploratory into those?
. Julie Samuels is here. Whoop!
Mine too! I'm a Cowboy from UW!!
A1) Gives them time to shine and really build confidence. Allows them to show off talents and building leadership qualities
A1: I agree with specials give students the chance to express themselves in places they may not normally succeed
Thank you for joining us! Where is
A1 specials are a must in education...brain breaks, supports the other subjects, integrates subjects, team-building, collaboration
Wyoming?!?!? KTOY goes a long way.....
A1 they give Ss the opportunity to destress! I feel Ss relax more in these classes.
A1: Specials can be a bright spot in a Ss Day, they can have that direct, real world connection that our content areas search for.
Q1. Benefit in a well rounded Ed. But at ele level causes stress in Ss that need a connection with teacher in order to learn.
I think it gives kids a chance to find something they might not have known they were good at and a chance to find a niche!
We got... and woo represent!!
Can you go a little deeper, what makes it their fav? Least fav?
Help build confidence that will transfer to other parts of their education! Great point!
My students LOVE specials! I think it gives them a nice break from me!
A1-PE is important, I can't imagine Ss without that opportunity for movement
We call them encore. Gives kids chance to explore aspects they don't know about - like sewing.
A1) It also gives Ss time with instruction from another teacher to build connections with more adults!
A1: Also, specials challenge Ss to step outside their comfort zone a bit, which I feel is a good thing.
A1: all these benefits I'm reading can be said about a good reading class/math class too!
Yes!! Great to hear that! We are "that" important!
I think the unstructured/chaos time is difficult for some Ss!
Hi... Sorry I'm late - Katie Ann here from Pratt. Computer Science teacher, EdTech & Guru
A1: I think it's another opportunity for them to seek out new interests and to try some putting out of their comfort zones.
Brandy from Hesston, K-4 PE. Joining late...always loved PE and Art!
Opposite side is that some kids thrive in the open endedness of special classes!
A1: all these benefits I'm reading can be said about a good "core" class too! Would love to see "specials/core" on equal footing
Janelle 3rd grade. a1 specialists rock! Our Ss benefit greatly!
A1: Specials help teach soft skills, tech skills, communication skills, & so much more.
Specials were often my fave classes. I felt like they were about ME as a learner & not abt the curriculum.
A1: Ss are able to showcase their talents and excel in specials. It creates deeper understanding in the brain.
A1c. That pesky thing called curriculum. As long as we are hung up on teaching it, we'll miss providing opportunities 4 learning.
A1: 1/2 As a T () I make sure my Ss are learning to be active and healthy. Also, incorporating math/ELA/tech. One more
I don't like thinking of them as specials for that reason. They are important, not just for "Reg T" to have break.
A1 2/2 One more opp. For my Ss to learn life long skills!
A1-when Ss get to choose, they get to take ownership of their learning
Yes! Soft skills are automatic in special classes!
Specials are a different way to learn for kids
Equal footing YES. I believe testing rigors pushing emphasis on math & ELA over all other topics has magnified prob
AMEN! Reg Ts should NOT see this as break time. That is a line of thinking that needs to go away😊 https://t.co/DJEJ7k0Rjd
I don't like thinking of them as specials for that reason. They are important, not just for "Reg T" to have break.
Integration/collab between learning throughout the WHOLE day is the one thing keeping us good and not great!
They're so much more than a break. Imagine if schedules allowed collab btw art or PE and core classes.
a2: school culture treats specials treated as non-academic and, thus, not important. if its happening, it isn't intentional :-/
Right! Exactly! I'd love to see this at HS level too. It's starting, but slow to catch on.
A2 Absolutely! Our specials Ts do a great job of checking with the Ts to see what is being taught and integrate it daily!
A2: DEFINITELY. Ss get a dose of math even in our computers time.
A2 - I teach computer skills & the kids pick up that they are using Math & etc... in my class
A2: No but there is such great potential for there to be! has the right idea!
Proud to have T's who I can collaborate with on a Reg basis! https://t.co/l4zD6GWYK2
They're so much more than a break. Imagine if schedules allowed collab btw art or PE and core classes.
A2 YES! We have math enrichment that is AWESOME, our art teacher uses books to inspire art
A2) Yes, they all try to. Our art teacher does a phenomenal job of knowing the standards & finding ways to embed art to teach kids
A2: I do 👀 reading and math happening in special classes. It is typically in question and answer form https://t.co/eUzPAvgkqG
A2: Core subjects are being taught; but there is too much of a disconnect between core & specials. Collaboration needs to happen.
A2: yes! I have argued b4 that my class writes more than some ELA classes because we blog every day. Also do peer editing
I definitely see ELA in MM...some reading in PE...I have not seen in enough in music or art to decide
A2) This is off topic, but I would LOVE to be a "specials" K-5 Math Teacher. And have my own totally math classroom!
Slowest at Middle and High. Keep talking it up; help Ts get connected and networking.
A2- music has so much reading comp involved. Ss think they struggle with poetry until set to music
A2: I know in mine we do a lot of math and Science. I've added daily writing prompts to add the English https://t.co/PVcSEgSOTa
A2: I wouldn't call my class a special but a middle school elective and we have lots of cross curricular projects built in toclass
A2: I think we could work together better! Next years goal!
You are right generally speaking! I'm working hard to make be seen as academic! It can be!
Q2: YES! Lots of social studies tie ins! Saw some vocab/spelling happening in PE
Yes! It's awesome to have Ts who share passion and want to collab more!
A2: When I was at a K-12, we had a great music T who worked to integrate content.I wish more Ts would have taken her up on it.
A2: Teacher Ed is trying to model integrated teaching actress the curriculum and grade levels.
Great questions and discussion tonight!
A2: just spent last week setting up for my kids in my class (our tech class) so we were doing math all week!
Like! Is it beneficial calling Art, Music, PE specials. What does that imply abt them and abt 'core'?
I love this idea https://t.co/qtYvuvV7nC
A2) This is off topic, but I would LOVE to be a "specials" K-5 Math Teacher. And have my own totally math classroom!
Would love to have more opportunity for collaboration. However, I am always trying new ways to integrate ELA and Math skills.
We are very lucky to have such collaborative special Ts shoutout to our music T
A2: Pacing to match core classes, it won't always work, but asking, the question, "When do you teach this?" & see if it matches.
I'm working on making my science class work this way. Ways to go!
A2: YES! Lots of social studies connections. Saw vocab/spelling happening in PE
A2 as we move more and more into PBL, we definitely see more integration.
A2: I wonder if it is more elementary level then the secondary level!?!
A2: also with digital literacy we talk about ELA topics like source veracity and online research
Q2: I believe that integration should be natural, intentional. Effective T's find ways 2 connect their content across disciplines.
We are trying to incorporate more physed in our core content! https://t.co/Ae9ljBo9kz
You are right generally speaking! I'm working hard to make be seen as academic! It can be!
A2. I am lucky enough to have as a specials teacher and she's always integrating!
A2 - how many of us that don't teach specials just realized we need to go visit some other classrooms? 🙋 😉
A2: I think it goes both ways. Homeroom class should try to incorporate specials in their classes and vice versa.
A2: Collaboration can go the other way too, core teachers can reach out & see what can be done to reinforce specials activities.
Keep talking. I like where you're headed.
A2: CMS has a broadcasting class that has the Ss creating presentations for authentic audiences
Agreed! and I were discussing this the other day!
we're doing it at TSGA! Needs some refinement but we're getting there
https://t.co/Iapc8FDDBT
Q2: I believe that integration should be natural, intentional. Effective T's find ways 2 connect their content across disciplines.
At my old school every grade level met with specials team 8 times a year. Allowed for Ss seeing same skills & content everywhere
A2 They have their own standards 2 & shouldn't have 2 meet mine as well.Theirs have built n S benefits https://t.co/4zWLswaOKV
Our school newspaper is now by video on YouTube. Sus love making, watching it. https://t.co/RJx2FUcag3
A2: CMS has a broadcasting class that has the Ss creating presentations for authentic audiences
True.Not necessarily meeting math/ELA standards,but definitely can include.Usually makes lesson even more valuable to Ss
You need that clock, Tim!
But do you have the clock necklace? ;)
That would be a great maker space project!
A3: I am the specials teacher and I think I do a great job of collaborating with myself 😂
a3 music T and my 8 religion class collab to put together a living Stations of the Cross
don't have to meet them, but kids love it when they realize I am incorporating something back to the classroom!
A3: I incorporate writing and our SPED teachers have access to our blogs to monitor their kids writing & get genuine samples
A3: Ss do a composer project in music have to research, write a poem, and give a presentation.
A2: in music, after listening to different composers they wrote how it makes them feel, what it made them think of, etc
A3: we use robotics and coding to tie in with 7th grade math standards. Same in 8-12.
A3: Have started collab with Ts using our 360 camera to capture lessons taught and other Ss work to use for VR exp later
A3 My school has grade level meetings every other week. So we call all be on the same page collaborate.
A3: I set up things in my class or expose them to apps they can use in other classrooms. Then share that info with other Ta
A3 not specials @ high school but we're scheduling math & business coteachers in auto tech and building trades for embedded credit
A3: Our music teacher brought in speakers to teach about Native American history. It was awesome! https://t.co/CdhoMFxS29
A3) 3rd grade int. festival, lib- research & notetaking, art - art around world, music -songs, PE - dances, tech - typed paper
A3: Art helps me build Greek pottery, to break, & bury so we an have an archeological dig in our long jump pits.
My music Ts does a project incorporating music, science, history, math, and English. Art too if you get creative in your project.
A3 LIBRARY Research projects 2gether. MUSIC fractions.ART writing about their projects. ❤️our specialists https://t.co/TmfJRg7YRc
A3 Our art teacher aligns projects with things we are doing in classroom i.e.: using clay when we are studying rocks
A3 Specials Ts attend all of our after school PD/staff meetings and collab w/ Ts throughout the year.
A3: it is so important to provide time and create culture/climate for collaboration with all teachers
A3: P.E has also allowed us to fly the drone while filming pickleball tourney. Also Ss flew it and math used it for solving probes
A3-support Ts and Ss with sped accommodations, help provide time, quiet space, and encouragement
A3: When discussing a controversial topic in biology, we set up a forensics-style debate where the Ss research & present opinions
We do an animal research project every year & our comp teacher has them do an online research part & a ppt!
Sight words, skip counting, fractions, writing, etc. incorporated into PE.
A3: My physics kids made/played music instruments for physics of music unit.
Hey teachers of things I don't teach...YOU ROCK and WE APPRECIATE YOU!
In a PLC culture, we often don't get this.
PD days and some staff meetings, scheduled times for teams to meet with special teams, gifted & special ed teachers all together
A3: we did line of best fit after collecting data in PE. Resting HR vs weight and elevated HR and weight.
I've seen HS accounting and technology Ts work together for a stock market class (entrepreneur class)
Using Cooperative Learning structures in specials () can be an easy way to include writing/reading.
Mike Bohannon Easton KS A2 we integrate math,spelling & reading regularly in our specials classes
https://t.co/03CotzY5NF
A3: Our music teacher has collaborated with the fifth grade class using the classroom app 2 perform projects.
Thanks for joining us! Great to "see" you on here!
A4: no. Specials teachers meet on our own. We sometimes get notes from their meetings. Communication between is not great
A4 Absolutely! They are part of what helps the school run smooth. They are just as important as anyone else in the building.
Make blog district wide? Invite any Ts interested in blogging to jump in and write/share?! Thoughts?
A4: We have started the process of connecting with 6th grade and highschool but we need more.
A4: This is something I have been fighting for. It's essential and needs to happen! Right
ALWAYS! We look at all the data and analyze with our regular classroom teachers!
A4: I like this. We are not in the common PLC. (HS). I think it would be nice to collaborate https://t.co/ZLDbDHyA9H
A4: Specials Ts have their own PLC. Wish we could have them meet every other week as their PLC, then rotate to the content PLCs.
A4) Yes, the ones after school. They individually meet with different teams. Working towards the entire team approach
We have to work to get this changed. Communication between the two is essential!
A4: At my previous school, yes. Current school doesn't have official "PLCs". :( Still will try to make those connections.
A4 Absolutely! They get great insight of Ss that Ts of cores might not see.
A4 - In my school all Ts are part of our PLC. We all come to the table with our own talents & voice.
Great to hear!!! https://t.co/Efc6BM44Rt
A4 Absolutely! They are part of what helps the school run smooth. They are just as important as anyone else in the building.
Joining late tonight. Kyle from Kansas City. ESL Teacher at Harmon High School in
A4: Unfortunately no, only real chance to talk is at staff meetings which isn't usually conducive to collaboration.
Whose district/school does a Twitter chat?
Small district-2 music Ts, 1 band T, and 2 Art Ts, have to share
As it should be. We are all in this together, regardless of the content you teach!
That would be the perfect world!
Just have to give a quick shoutout to Women's Basketball team for making it to the Elite 8!
A4: This is my 1st year as a "specials" teacher (science before this) & it's been so frustrating to always be "out of the loop"!!
Oh hey, just remembered this was happening. I am HS Art/Photo in KCK, A4: we have our own TLT formed with fine arts & it’s ok
https://t.co/YH8S6W2K5h
A4 - In my school all Ts are part of our PLC. We all come to the table with our own talents & voice.
I think once it's an intentional part of the culture, it can happen. Have to get mindset of everyone to believe it is beneficial
That's our problem as well. Has to be a solution though!
A4:Our specials help us provide a piece of their world in our classrooms by giving advice and materials that support incorporation
A1 spcls allow other connections to be made/other relationships to be built. Kids need to feel wanted & safe all over a school.
7 with the addition of the stellar Stacey Darpel! ! https://t.co/lMPsWv2UQN
Oh hey, just remembered this was happening. I am HS Art/Photo in KCK, A4: we have our own TLT formed with fine arts & it’s ok
!!! We have a fantastic monthly chat! Diff T's, instructional coaches moderate!
I remember that always being the case! It is difficult!
it’s constant, can’t tell you it’ll change. I hate feeling so isolated.
A4 Just starting true PLCs at our school. Specials MUST be part of this. We invite specials teachers to SIT meetings as well.
'Specials' teachers frustration with being 2nd class--nothing new. SStudies Ts oft feel that way in core realm.
Sad. I sometimes attend one during my plan period because it's the only time that works with my schedule!
Isolation is huge problem. Hate that, too. If it's not goode for teacher-learner, it's not good practice.
A4 - Not part of my PLC but I’m always recommending my ELL students to join choir. Helps them with English pronunciation
Sometimes, the specials T's prefer to be that way, sadly!
A5: When I student taught the elem. art teacher tied projects into curriculum of class for each grade. It was rad.
Yes!!! Make yourself be included! https://t.co/rKZtFpncXu
Isolation is huge problem. Hate that, too. If it's not goode for teacher-learner, it's not good practice.
A5) My class was like another special. Kids moving, singing, dancing, researching, being creative, using art.
A4: This question shows the strength of a PLC! If you are working together and learning together it shouldn't matter your title.
Start a discussion w Ss! Ask ?s and incorporate it into EVERYTHING!
A5 I try to use the vocab being taught n specials with all students, not just my ESL caseload.
A5 Students will learn about musicians or artists and then want to read/research more about them in my class.
A5 - Talk with them. They will not know what is going on unless you talk & share ideas!
A3 using class spelling words, work on addition, subtraction, multiplication, telling time, counting $
A5:I try to incorporate as much art as possible along with soft skills that stretch across all areas.
A5: Drawing to memorize vocab, exercising in the middle of your 90 min class, including a musical option in project production...
A5: Difficult at HS level, because my students are not in same electives. I still try to make those connections though.
A5- I have Ss who are in theatre classes assist in teaching about stage directions in “A Raisin in the Sun” and “Romeo and Juliet”
Specials teachers always challenged me to incorporate new things. Loved they would make me better each day & give new thinking
A5 cont. The key is to take what they are interested and challenge them to expand on their knowledge. Art, Music, PE spark ideas
A4 planning lssns together can reduce isolation. I.e.: math in a PE lssn with math teacher, Soc studies in a music lssn, etc...
A5: Share outline of year with specials Ts and ask what we can do to work together. Classroom Ts may be able to include specials
A5. We incorporate yoga in our class as well as music. I also encourage my Ss to share what they're doing in specials with me.
A3: we have several art teachers that work collaboratively w/classroom teachers on projects. S's benefit & learning is cemented.
Music, art, PE, etc. are just as crucial as any other class. If Ss don't attend these everyday you need to revisit this now!
It is always so wonderful to spend time with the BEST Ts in KS! Thank you for letting me join tonight. Enjoy your spring break!!
We love Yoga! Have you tried ?
Great answers to question 5, about how to incorporate specials and reinforce classroom learning!
A5: allow Ss to be able to produce work that fits their strengths, artwork, song, etc
A5: I send weekly update so Ts know what I'm teaching & can incorporate. Also working on a big Q4 project that draws in core Ts
I am always down to tie things in from other Ts; no one ever asks/offers/brainstorms with me. Again, isolation/scared to change?
Thanks for the heads up! Great chat tonight!
Sadly, many Ss do not get to attend these more than 2/3 times per week!
A5: Open communication with those Ts and in the moment teaching that may or may not hit the standards. Real world is REAL!
A5: PE always has options for reenactments or games. Cooking Unit is great in foods. Find out what your medium is in art.
. Why use the term at all. It's music, art, PE, etc. All the term does is imply they are not as important as math, reading, etc.
