Here we go! Jay, principal from Merton, WI here. Honored to be moderating #EduGladiators! Who are you and from where are you tweeting? #EdCampWalkersPoint
Welcome warriors!
Today #EduGladiators wraps Ss Engagement focused on the middle! Plus it's #amle2018 convention week & we are excited to have @posickj moderate!
But 1st...introductions!
Please share who you are & how you "gladiate" for students!
Good morning, #edugladiators! Lauren from NY, currently on leave from teaching 6th grade English to write a book about integrating #SEL into academics.
1st time in a twitter chat?
It's fun & easy to jump right in & share your thoughts or ask more Qs! Here's how...
Qs drop as Q1...Q2...& you answer A1...A2...
Don't forget to include #EduGladiators hashtag & follow @EduGladiators where ALL of our Qs drop from!
Q1 Middle schoolers are energetic and exciting to work with. How do you find a way to harness their energy for learning? #edugladiators#EdCampWalkersPoint
A1: Having them come up with topics that interest them; projects with relevance to their lives...where they can feel free to express themselves. #EDUGladiators
In reply to
@EduGladiators, @posickj, @PaulONeill1972, @D4Griffin3, @BrendanFetters, @mgrosstaylor, @Rdene915, @mccoyderek, @Maverikedu12, @cskiles80, @SaneeBell
A1: it starts in the hallway, the cafeteria and at their lockers. When you define adolescents by a range of settings and experiences you can connect more authentically. #EduGladiators
A1. I try to get to know students (their name and passions) so I can build connections- then provide ways for them to lead and demonstrate learning thru their passion. These are our student leaders providing leadership for our school. #EduGladiators
#EduGladiators High school math and comp sci from Brooklyn - Wendy Menard - listening to my middle school colleagues who can deal with behavior I'm sure would challenge me greatly
A1 The best way I know how to harness MS student energy is to help them clarify their own values and connect their actions to their values. Values give their energy a purpose and direction. #edugladiators
A1: First of all, we need to remember middle schoolers are kids, not adults. ES looks very different from MS - why? How can we continue to give Ss choice, movement, flexible seating, centers/stations, recess, brain/movement breaks in MS? #edugladiators
Get some rest for tonight too! Strong winds coming in now with the nor’easter. I have to venture out shortly to see our cheerleaders first competition. I hope I don’t need a boat by the time I leave! #edugladiators
A1 ... been doing Middle School for 15 of my 17 years teaching ... it is like herding cats ... you have to be more interesting than the bug flying outside the window ... #edugladiators
A1 The best way I know how to harness MS student energy is to help them clarify their own values and connect their actions to their values. Values give their energy a purpose and direction. #edugladiators
A1: Lol! I find that redirecting that energy is better for the adults and students! Seriously starting from a passion point of Ss to connect learning deepens understanding & increases engagement. #EduGladiators#amle2018
A1: By not “harnessing” too hard. Part of the deal with making the most of kids’ awesome energy is our not exercising too much control. So, we have to give our busy bees opportunities to buzz freely. Yes, buzzing is noisy, but buzzing can also be productive. #edugladiators
Q2 Middle schoolers have interests and passions that might be different from those of us in the "adult world". How do you use these interests and passions to make their learning more connectecd to the real world? #edugladiators#edcampwalkerspoint
Yesssssss!!!!!! Love everything about this post! Don’t lecture all period!!!!! That downs t work well for high/college students. Why would we do this to middle schoolers just b/c they aren’t in elementary anymore. #EduGladiators#amle2018
In order to understand how to teach middle schoolers have to first realize they are kids ... they are not adults. They make silly mistakes ... hold them accountable, but do NOT crush them. #edugladiators
Such a great point. I always wonder why projects and movement and art integration etc end broadly speaking as students move up the grades. Learning is an active process no matter what age. #EDUGladiators
A1: I listen to them, and work to incorporate their interests and needs into instructional and school decisions. I encourage them to advocate and stand up for their wants/needs. #edugladiators
In order to understand how to teach middle schoolers have to first realize they are kids ... they are not adults. They make silly mistakes ... hold them accountable, but do NOT crush them. #edugladiators
A1 ... been doing Middle School for 15 of my 17 years teaching ... it is like herding cats ... you have to be more interesting than the bug flying outside the window ... #edugladiators
A2: by embracing their passions! Asking them to tell me why they love something and watching their eyes light up as they talk about it and teach me about it is very rewarding! #edugladiators
In reply to
@EduGladiators, @posickj, @PaulONeill1972, @D4Griffin3, @BrendanFetters, @mgrosstaylor, @Rdene915, @mccoyderek, @Maverikedu12, @cskiles80, @SaneeBell
A1) I admire those that work at the middle school level. So many chaotic things happening biologically for Ss. Making sure their energy moves them forward is a talent. #EduGladiators
a few years ago they were doing landscaping with a small bulldozer by my portable ... i just stopped teaching ... I can't compete with that. Heck, even i was distracted by it #edugladiators
I’m blessed to work with elementary AND middle - - the best of both worlds for me. Plus... grades 9-12 are in the same building. I can watch my babies grow through all stages! ❤️ #blessed#JoyfulLeaders#EduGladiators
Sometimes the “desired outcome” is status (an A, popularity) or the relief of being done. And sometimes when they reach an outcome they lose interest in the next project. Unlike goals that can be achieved, values provide a limitless source of motivation. #edugladiators
A2 The best way is to connect with them at lunch, recess, in the halls, before school, and in their classes. If you know what makes them tick, you can connect the content to their passions. #edugladiators#edcampwalkerspoint
Q2 Middle schoolers have interests and passions that might be different from those of us in the "adult world". How do you use these interests and passions to make their learning more connectecd to the real world? #edugladiators#edcampwalkerspoint
Such an important thread. What learning experiences can we give our Ss 2 help them identify their values. School environment plays an increasing role in influencing Ss as they distance themselves from their parents and embark on their journey of self-discovery #edugladiators
100% agree!!! I feel the same. I don't get this major shift in classroom/school structure and expectations. Of course they adjust as KIDS get older, but they are still kids. And we need to coach/teach them and not make assumptions of what they should know. #EduGladiators
I gave a presentation on "parallel planes of development" which helped parents see that middle schoolers and kindy isn't that different :) "I can do it myself!" #EduGladiators
A1: By not “harnessing” too hard. Part of the deal with making the most of kids’ awesome energy is our not exercising too much control. So, we have to give our busy bees opportunities to buzz freely. Yes, buzzing is noisy, but buzzing can also be productive. #edugladiators
A2. Rooted in genuine, ongoing relationship foundation with all students. Embrace their talents and interests to capacity whenever possible. #EduGladiators
Great advice! Recognizing how my emotional triggers get in the way of just holding them accountable vs getting frustrated (and crushing them) is a skill I’m working on #EduGladiators
A1) I made it a point to incorporate what my students liked into their learning. I needed to know and understand their interest in order to harness their energy. #EduGladiators
A1: Kids before curriculum. Middle and high schools for the most part are content-driven and fail to meet kids at their interest and passion levels. #EduGladiators
A2. We use “choice/voice” in our PBL and Design Thinking where they choose how to demonstrate their learning. We also encourage regular “feedback loops” where we listen to MS kids so we can adjust to their needs. #EduGladiators
A1: #Edugladiators I make sure that I embrace what is happening at that age so Ss can be themselves & take into account my adolescent training. Lots of laughter, build relationships, yet keep my expectations. My priorities are Safety, Learning, Fun in that order, but all 2gether
Q1 Middle schoolers are energetic and exciting to work with. How do you find a way to harness their energy for learning? #edugladiators#EdCampWalkersPoint
A1: Kids before content. Middle and high schools for the most part are content-driven and fail to meet kids at their interest and passion levels. #EduGladiators
A2: Providing student voice & choice while sharing with a global audience :)
...use of a variety of edtech tools to enhance learning experiences #EduGladiators#edtech#LEADLap#tlap#ditchbook
eBook to be published soon! Written by educators for educators - Check it out!
I'll need to go back and check the chat out again later. There's too much to think about. And I'm juggling being at #edcampwalkerspoint while moderating #edugladiators
EVERY Middle School educator and organization should be a member for @AMLE They focus on students in the MIDDLE and how to work with them! So many resources! #AMLE2018#edchat#EduGladiators#mschat
A2: I'd argue their passions and interests are the real world! Oftentimes we as educators need to adjust our viewpoint/mindset. Our students' interests and experience have value. We should admit they sometimes know more than us about a topic!!! They can teach us!!! #edugladiators
A2 Something to be said for validation: acknowledging their interests/passions *are* part of & connected to world. Start with (or fake!) curiosity, then worthwhile questions usually follow, which can lead to envelope-pushing exploration. #edugladiators
A2: help them find books, blogs and other reading material that aligns with their interests and have them demonstrate mastery of ELA standards with this material. #EduGladiators
A2: Step One is to stop treating your curriculum guide and text books like they are part of a Sunday Sermon. It isn’t about you or what you teach. It’s about kids. #EduGladiators
A2:I think choice is key. Little kills interest and passion quicker than lack of choice. If we can forget for a moment the ‘preparing for the real world’ approach and remember to let them find value and joy in their world, then I think we can find a sweet spot #edugladiators
A2 Give them a voice and get to them as more than just learners. If you know them as the Human you will connect with their interest and keep them engaged with the relationship. #EduGladiators
A2 Build positive relationships with them, connect with them... hallways, lunch, recess, bus duty, be with them in their classrooms, join in on a game of color tag (💆🏻♀️) or to bump a volleyball around. Bottom line... connect in ways that work for you! #edugladiators
Q3 Middle school staff have unique challenges. How do you find support systems that you can rely on to handle these challenges? #edugladiators#edcampwalkerspoint
A2 When we give students choice, we can help them differentiate between passing interests and deeper values. Here’s a protocol for that from chapter 3 of EMPOWER Your Students. #edugladiators
A2: Use Inquiry and Project Based Learning. Have Ss choose ways to demonstrate their impact in their own community. I ❤️ when students see that they could make a difference. Integrating purposeful technology can support this & connect students to a global audience. #EDUGladiators
#EduGladiators A2: provide choices within boundaries. The content might be the non negotiable, but how they access it or demonstrate their learning are great opportunities to let student choice run the show
A3 I have face to face support with our staff members and virtual suppport through Twitter. But my go to is the Voxer PLN who provide suggestions, support, and an opportunity to vent. #EduGladiators#edcampwalkerspoint
A1) Pacing is the heartbeat of a lesson. I design my inquiry activities around thinking, fast and slow. Thinking requires energy, and I want my middle school writers to learn how to pace themselves. #EduGladiators
a3: understand that I may not be the best resource for every student - use the academic team: other Ts, admin, counselor. and be that person when Ts need support #EduGladiators
A3. During the 7 years I was a principal in a middle school, I found terrific support from the Superintendent and fellow administrators as it was my beginning in leadership. #EduGladiators
A3. I try to catch kids “doing something good” to remind myself of the many great things going on and remember my “why”. Also My PLN keeps me humbled and striving to get better. #EduGladiators
I think this tweet has a typo -- one of my all-time favorites as it left me picturing middle-school students coated in yellow porridge, which didn't seem entirely out of place. #edugladiators
A3 To manage the daily challenges of teaching, read TAKE TIME FOR YOU by @THBoogren. It‘s about how to create practical #selfcare action plans—not just so you can be a better teacher but because you deserve care! #edugladiatorshttps://t.co/oQ89G4El2D
A3 At @JerichoMS proud of our unique culture of learning that has developed. Every teacher new to our school comments on how supportive everyone is. What can we do to help!? #edugladiators
A3 Other Ts on my team. Ss act & do differently for different Ts. How do they engage for others? AND my #PLN is a HUGE resource; many more knowledgeable others than I. #edugladiators
A3. We all get by with a 'ittle help from our friends.
Be sure to grab a critical friend who will share with you much more than only what they think you want to hear. #EduGladiators
A2: I empower my students. I trust them and give them the opportunities to own their learning. lots of voice and choice, lots of dialogue with them, I get to know them, and I support them #edugladiators The kids are my favorite part
Q2 Middle schoolers have interests and passions that might be different from those of us in the "adult world". How do you use these interests and passions to make their learning more connectecd to the real world? #edugladiators#edcampwalkerspoint
#EduGladiators A3: the teachers around you deal with the same students and may be facing the same challenges. Use them! Admit when you are struggling and find strength in honest conversation with colleagues
A3 Last yr 6th middle school came to my bldg. Running an elementary schedule and middle school schedule. It was an exciting challenge and having twitter and other principals in the district helped! #EduGladiators
A3) Go beyond the walls of just your classroom and school. Find mentors or seek out ways to learn more about your students interest. Have you ever watched a YouTube video and tried to understand why our students appreciate it? #EduGladiators
A3 Listen, listen, listen. Keep lines of communication open. Be present with them, not sitting in your office. For myself, I stay connected with others who uplift me & keep me joyful, my Twitter PLN, pray, and find things to laugh about. #EduGladiators
Middle and high school teachers should take a reflective look at this data and realize the student experience prevalent in our middle & high schools nationwide isn’t working for our kids. #EduGladiators
In reply to
@EduGladiators, @posickj, @PaulONeill1972, @D4Griffin3, @BrendanFetters, @mgrosstaylor, @Rdene915, @mccoyderek, @Maverikedu12, @cskiles80, @SaneeBell
#EduGladiators A3: the teachers around you deal with the same students and may be facing the same challenges. Use them! Admit when you are struggling and find strength in honest conversation with colleagues
A3. Support systems all around that are strong and solid. PLN, school and district peers along with supportive admin, academic coaches. Always learning, always growing. Better together. #EduGladiators
A3: It starts with networking, connecting with other like minded educators Find them here for a #PLN or at great middle level conferences!! Local edcamps, state conferences and National ones like #amle2018#edugladiators
A2 The best way is to connect with them at lunch, recess, in the halls, before school, and in their classes. If you know what makes them tick, you can connect the content to their passions. #edugladiators#edcampwalkerspoint
Q2 Middle schoolers have interests and passions that might be different from those of us in the "adult world". How do you use these interests and passions to make their learning more connectecd to the real world? #edugladiators#edcampwalkerspoint
A1: Get energetic with them. Harness their excitement for the active learning to occur. Honor their energy by creating opportunities to use/release the energy. #edugladiators
A3 Support systems is about support NOT discipline ... many meetings start with a support mindset then move into a "How to control behavior" discussion "Those kids just won't tuck in their shirt!" ... sigh #edugladiators
As a teacher, leaning on a great "tribe" of educators that provided support & advice each day -- all working together to provide the BEST for kids! #edugladiators
As a leader, serving each other - through successes & challenges! @WSroufe
A3: I find the best support in any system comes from the relationship foundation we’ve begun and continue to build from. Young, old, public, private, personal, professional, relationships are the key to addressing the challenges we encounter. “We” being the key. #edugladiators
A4. Best memory of this year - we made our first few days AWESOME and it was led by students and teachers. Created momentum for the year. #EduGladiators
a3: understand that I may not be the best resource for every student - use the academic team: other Ts, admin, counselor. and be that person when Ts need support #EduGladiators
A4 We had a new student join us early in October and he was accepted and befriended by our kids like he had been here all year! #edugladiators#edcampwalkerspoint
A4 Hard to choose, but this one rises to top: Spirit Week, Throwback Thursday - I've got 80s hits playing as Ss enter room. I'm greeting kids @ door, when I come in to take attendance, almost entire class up in a dance line. #edugladiators
A4 Since I’m on leave this year, my best memory involving students has been when they stay in touch and tell me how they continue to make their learning meaningful. #edugladiators
Outstanding chat this morning warriors! Thanks @posickj for moderating!
Follow along on #amle2018 hashtag to keep up with the incredible sharing at this week's conference! Plus join @amle for FREE at https://t.co/OxhdOsArGj for awesome middle level resources!
#EduGladiators
A4: Although I no longer teach MS, I run into families/students often. I am thankful for the strong relationships I formed w/ them. We need to be their allies, coaches, & advocates, & remember we're all learners. Don't make assumptions about fams - support them. #edugladiators
A2 We always expect them to step into our world and be content there but it’s a 2 way street. If you’re not familiar with their lingo or what’s happening in their world it’s going to be hard to be relatable and get anything across. #EduGladiators
I have kids that eat lunch in my room ... it is usually the kids that just do not fit in ... they're not outcasts per se just do not have a large circle of friends. #edugladiators
A3: Teams surrounding the needs of students -- working together -- gened, sped, admin, counselor, etc.... Wrapping services & support around Ss! #edugladiators
A4 My best memories are always centered around their smiles & laughter which I can see in the halls, cafeteria, playground, classroom, and by the buses. Great conversations happen in these places. #EduGladiators
A4. The successes we've had collectively with increase within restorative work and mindfulness. Such powerful conversations and actions from adults and students alike. #EduGladiators
#edugladiators A4 the celebrations that they have for each other as we approach the last week of the quarter and they finish their final projects. They are genuinely excited for each other as they finish.
The days of sitting kids in wooden desks for 6-8 hours a day, talking at students ad nauseam and asking them to recall basic information should be long behind our nations schools. #EduGladiators
In reply to
@D4Griffin3, @EduGladiators, @posickj, @PaulONeill1972, @BrendanFetters, @mgrosstaylor, @Rdene915, @mccoyderek, @Maverikedu12, @cskiles80, @SaneeBell
Everyday- Is that cheating? If you make me pick it is either during our team reward when we can just play together and not have to worry about anything. Or when they demonstrate their learning- Students amaze me #edugladiators
A4 I remember times when looks on student faces flip from shaky to sure, from "I can't do this; I don't know how" to "I've got this." Renewable energy there for both them & me. #edugladiators
My best story is when I go to visit my former elementary students during their lunch hour at the middle school. Their smiles say it all. #EduGladiators
I think everyday there is a positive memory ... it is not just one thing... it is almost like a stream of consciousness ... a vibe being produced from inside the walls of my classroom. Hard to see the impact until years later when kids are still talking about it #edugladiators
Thank you #edugladiators & @posickj for leading the charge w/ thoughtful reminders & strategies for keeping our MS Ss engaged and loving learning. Have a great weekend!
I moderate #Read4Fun on first and third Sunday at 7pm Eastern. Lots of book recommendations and sharing of our love for reading. Also have a @voxer group if anyone is interested. #edugladiators
A2. Ask them! I have an ongoing playlist where students add their favorite song suggestions to connect with them in that way. Ss love that I ask, and it helps build context for me in knowing them better. #EduGladiators
Greek philosopher Aristotle said, “Criticism is something you can avoid easily—by saying nothing, doing nothing, and being nothing.”
As a leader, all three are not options. #satchat#leadlap#edugladiators
One of my favorite moments this week ... #edugladiators five young ladies working together to unload a truck of plywood. “No Dill, we don’t need any help.”
Excellent chat! After reading the comments, I have to say your middle schoolers will have a great foundation for HS! I learned a great deal today! I salute each of you for being in MS, your job is definitely challenging but rewarding as well. Keep impacting lives #EduGladiators
A3. Ask for help. Literacy coaches, school counselors and digital learning coaches are great resources for increasing student engagement, utilizing new technologies and building relationships with students. #EduGladiators
Great job to all those wonderful teachers out here! Wish you awesome people could help promote more understanding, compassion & kindness. Every bit helps. #edugladiators#Autism#AutismAwareness
A2 I connect with students by listening to them and their passions and the make REAL effort to build those in through #gamification and class opportunities #edugladiators
