We chat every Tuesday night at 8:30-9:30 pm CST. All are welcome, especially EarlyEd teachers, leaders & experts. Co-founded & moderated by @techwnancy @JessicaCabeen & @VealHeidi
Hello! I am Brittney Hanan and I am majoring in Integrated Educational Studies at Chapman University to become an elementary school teacher! I am looking forward to the chat! #ECEchat
Hi #ECEchat friends! Heidi here, #EarlyEd District Program Administrator in North Texas. Iām so excited for #EdcampDallas coming up on 10/6! If youāre in the DFW area you NEED to be there! ; )
Hi #ecechat. I'm so so happy to be back with y'all! I'm Sara, a kindergarten teacher in Lake Tahoe, NV. Today was our 10th day of school & our new Head of School as Zero the Hero came for a visit! :)
A1: In the future I plan to really encourage positive behaviors by always being happy myself. Being positive will show the kids to be positive as well. Along with rewards if the class is overall positive! #ECEchat
Q1: Some strategies I use to support positive behavior in my classroom is teaching the students manners. I also make sure to show a student that I noticed when they did something good! #ECEchat
We utilize PBIS (positive behavior intervention support). Students earn critter cards to recognize good choices being made. We also work together to develop interventions to best suit the needs of students. #ECEchat
A1: Visuals and modeling after I model and reinforce visuals some more! I strive to stay consistent and praise positive behavior as much as possible #ECEchat
A1: positive framing, focusing on good behaviors, explaining the expectations, celebrating successes. Also trying to be firm but loving with clear boundaries. #ECEchat
A1) relationship building has to be the first and most recurring strategy. Understanding that student behaviors should not be taken personally is a great teacher strategy & working with a team to brainstorm success for the student is key. #ECEchat
Q1 @ConsciousD to build relationships with Ss and a classroom family; positive praise for the behaviors you want and set the expectation so Ss know what is acceptable...all with #kindness#ecechat
A1: Positive reinforcement would be one of my strategies. Also, the use of a sticker chart to tally up the good behavior presented in class each month/week. In addition, definitely coming into the classroom everyday with the a positive outlook on the day! #ECEchat
so important to have clear expectations for kids-we don't need to "surprise" them with what is expected & understand that they need to practice #ecechat
A2. Specific Praise vs general praise. Giving behavior expectations as you ask for answers. Picture tasks along with writing vs saying. Creation of anchor charts to refer to as needed. Have a behavior goal along with academic goal for students. #ecechat
A1 making sure Iām on the lookout for positive behaviors. āCatchā kiddos doing things and put a flower in the kind garden that we count everyday. #ECEChat
A1: Focus on building nurturing relationships between T and Ss. Consistently teach, practice, and reteach @ConsciousD rituals, structures, and routines #ecechat
I always start with relationships and setting expectations and using positives to celebrate following them! Itās sooo important to set the year up for success with accountability and grace! #ecechat
A2 continued. We really focus on kindness and gratitude in my kindergarten class and I try to model both every day. Today I had a special lunch to honor 2 of my last years kinders who completed their summer reading. :) Super fun! #ecechat
A1: Visuals and modeling after I model and reinforce visuals some more! I strive to stay consistent and praise positive behavior as much as possible #ECEchat
A1 Celebrating and recognizing the positive and great things being accomplished throughout the day is important š Modeling and encouraging is so vital. #ECEchat
A1: Positive acknowledgements of behavior. Safe, Respectful, Responsible. Trying to always keep that 3:1 (or IDEALLY 5:1) ratio of positive to corrective commentary! #ecechat
A1. I've set aside time to talk to the kids more, especially mine prone to negative behavior. Creates mutual respect. I've already seen a difference #ECEchat
Laura from MN jumping in late! A1 I try to celebrate when I see students doing good things & when they arenāt I ask them, how can I help you make good choices? #ECEchat
Strong relationships with every kid, practicing what good behavior should like, recognizing great behavior when I see it. Also, remembering we're all human, we make mistakes and need reminders. #ECEchat
A1: positive praise with specific compliments to their positive behaviors- listening, valuing and validating what they do and how they do it. Always model expectations along will parallel talking. #ECEchat
A1: Students can earn āawesome pointsā: if 1ļøā£ they encourage their classmates 2ļøā£ using positive self talk (growth mindset) 3ļøā£or if I catch them trying their best AND learning from and persevering thru failure. When the jar fills up we have a class party! #ECEchat
A1 making sure Iām on the lookout for positive behaviors. āCatchā kiddos doing things and put a flower in the kind garden that we count everyday. #ECEChat
A2 EVERYTHING!!! Iāve learned the hard way assume they know nothing. So I teach, model & practice everything from lining up to getting out math books to talking to partners #ECEchat
A2: Greetings, getting someoneās attention, talking to each other, sharing/ asking for permission, listening to one another, and pretty much everything else in between! š #ECEchat
Yes this is helpful. I read the book Easy to love Difficult to Discipline and reminding myself to 1 check myself before I react has really helped 2 LISTEN #ecechat
A1: I just started sending two or three positive messages to parents via @Seesaw each night. Iām especially trying to target some of those kids who have to work really hard to behave. #ECEchat
It is important to teach all procedures ( lining up, coming to the rug etc)! I really focus on how to respond, get my attention and being respectful as we are family in our room! #ECEChat
A2 teach and model it all; assume they do not know anything. If they do know it then it never hurts to reinforce it. Use their big voice, kind words, help others....#ecechat
It totally depends on the class for me. I use the @responsiveclass technique of interactive modeling for bathrooms, water fountain, walking to line, getting to lunch, independent center work. For other routines, we learn and try all together. #ecechathttps://t.co/ZLUsV0K3Me
A2 Start with procedures-how to do things & practice practice practice-With behaviors it's about modeling kindness & being thankful to others-recognize when students do these things and celebrate & talk about the importance #ecechat
A2) Everythingš: behaviors for class routines, for handling conflict, for making friendships, for focusing on school. Today we did @2ndStepProgram lesson on āfocusing attentionā. I explicitly teach behavior the same way I do new content. #ECEchat
A2: We must explicitly teach it all! Routines, procedures, turn taking, problem solving, emotions, self regulation, calming strategies, etc. Start with whole group modeling, books, etc., guided practice in small group then indep. practice in centers #ecechat
A2: Iāve really been working on this. I explicitly teach all expectations. I firmly believe that āstudents do well if they canā and students who arenāt following expectations, should be taught how before we assume that theyāre choosing not to follow expectations. #ECEchat
A2: We teach the Zones of Regulation, we talk about how no zone is a ābadā zone, and it works on self regulation and how to manage different feeling through using different tools. #ECEchat
A1: Practice, model, and practice some more. We must look at teaching/supporting growth in social/emotional skills just as we would any other area of learning #ECEchat
Q2: we teach our Ss to be Responsible, Respectful & Safe. We want them to be kind, compassionate and mindful. We use @ConsciousD & implement our #RISDPBIS. We want them to have empathy for others #ECEchat
A2. Teaching social skills helped me. #Boystown model specifically- following directions, accepting criticism and accepting no for an answer were big ones.
Teaching the norms of my classroom were important- followed general manners.
#ecechat
Q2: we teach our Ss to be Responsible, Respectful & Safe. We want them to be kind, compassionate and mindful. We use @ConsciousD & implement our #RISDPBIS. We want them to have empathy for others #ECEchat
A2: we have an assembly and model and discuss +/- behaviors for bus, class, lunch. The kids love it. we also make/share videos for lunch/recess expectations we review through the year š#ecechat
Q3: it depends on the student! Every kid is different. Some "you get more bees with honey" and others need you to put on the "mama" hat for a minute. Students are people with different needs. That being said it is AMAZING what getting a drink if water will fix š #ECEchat
A3 I teach feelings and give them the opportunity to identify the feeling they are experiencing. Let them know it is ok to be mad or sad but work through how to communicate their feelings. #ECEchat
A3: Take time to observe & understand the WHY behind their behavior before jumping to conclusions. I try to teach replacements skills and repeat the process all over again until something clicks. I try to remember they must be having a hard time internally w/ this tooā¤ļø#ECEchat
A2: Explicitly teach all expected behaviors then notice and recognize throughout the day. Transitions, joining play groups, waiting for a turn, the list goes on and on #ECEchat
A3 start by working to understand the root cause-is it a lack of knowledge of what we are asking them to do or is it something else? work to know each kid & what each one needs #ecechat
A3: Creating a "safe-space" for the child..possibly sitting them down privately and begin to discuss what solutions would work best for that child in order for them to change their behavior in the classroom setting so they could get the most out of the learning day. #ECEchat
A3 Reach out and ask those who know behavior to help/give ideas, take data to find patterns, praise and reinforce the behavior you want to see; there are levels of behavior and the needs differ for each....give them your LOVE/PATIENCE #ecechat
A3 I work hard to build a relationship with the student & the family, creating a partnership between home & school so we can work together to alleviate the challenging behavior. #ECEchat
A3: I have had issues with "hands to self"... kids trying to grab things from other students, I emphasize how we "use kind words" (Respectful) and role-play to practice asking for a toy or asking for a turn. #ecechat
I could use some help w outright defiance though!
A3: itās hard to say since there is a huge range of challenging behaviors but my first step is always to try to find out what the root cause of the behavior is. Sometimes that is a more difficult question but until that is addressed, the behavior will continue #ECEchat
A3: I try to give them extra time with me and really work on building a strong relationship with the child and family for their support as well #ECEChat
A3 #ECEchat I try to figure out the cause of the behavior and teach an alternate coping skill- but I gotta be honest- some days its harder than others to do
A3: Talking one on one with kids have always been my go to when they are having trouble with behaviors and dig a little deeper to see where their troubles are coming from and if I can do anything to help. #ECEchat
In @toolboxproject, there is a breathing tool where the kids say, I calm myself and check in while doing the kinesthetic reminder. It's pretty great! #ecechat
In reply to
@VealHeidi, @2ndGradeMama, @ConsciousD, @ToolboxProject
A2: Explicting teaching routines and expectations through out the course of the day. What is expected vs what is unexpected. Keeping with consistency is key! #ecechat
I think itās important to look at the why! Find the reason and get them on a plan that holds them accountable for their actions and leads to success! Oh and practice practice practice! We must teach them how to do it right! #EcEchat
A3: This is always a tough one for me. It really depends on the child and behavior. Sometimes they need love, attention, or just help. I have found that it sometimes comes from the work being too hard and they donāt know@where to begin. Start by helping. #ECEchat
A3: Visual supports, one on one conferencing outside of the classroom, lots of encouragement, and trying different interventions to see what best fit the needs of the students. #ECEchat
A3: #ECEchat I try to quietly bend down, look the child in the eye, LISTEN, and help talk with them about the behavior...is it safe, how are you feeling, what can we do to fix it?
A3- I am a little late to the party but you have to start by building a relationship with each students, give them a safe space and āTeachā the behaviors that you want to see! Behavior is like academics and must be taught! #ecechat
A3. When my most challenging kid is misbehaving, I stop to think about what they are going thru at home, if something changed in our day, are they hungry, tired, not interested/engaged, struggling to understand work. Seeing their perspective will fix mine #ECEchat
Yes-what is the behavior? is it something we can reteach or is it something more-a response to some trauma we don't yet know about-sometimes we need to dig deeper to provide the right response #ecechat
A3: I become their ācalmnessā the more challenging the behavior the more consistent I am in keeping communication w them & a warm presence-I listen & tell them I understand how they feel- I open a discussion of what they are feeling - we express by drawing & role playing #ecechat
A3: Positive reinforcement! Praise praise praise! Celebrate the good! Surround yourself with effective and collaborative team members. Data drives the decision-making. #ECEchat
A3 The gift of time, redirection, a quiet moment, a sensory break, a storybook, a drink of water with a straw- all of these can sometimes be magical! #ECEchat
Figuring out the why; our trauma-informed PDs have been a reminder of what our little people might be dealing w/outside of school; coming up w/plan for particularSās needs- great support w/guidance counselor & behavior specialist #ECEchat
Problem solving! Every student is different, thinking what each child needs (modeling, flexible seating, redirection, attention.) Also working with families to hear their input. #ECEchat
I am a little late to the party!! A3 you have to start by building a relationship with each student, give them a safe space and TEACH the behaviors you want the student to engage in. Behavior is like academics and must be taught - #ecechat
A3 as many have stated it depends on the reason and the child some need redirection some need a change of space so there is not such a temptation to continue and some need examples of what they can do instead. #ECEchat
A3: Be patient. Focus on providing what the child needs to get to a calm state before you try to teach what you expect. This may be through offering choices, visual supports, music, safe space, etc. #ecechat
A3. Learn about what makes the child tick and what is reinforcing for them. Bring together a student support team to brainstorm & collaborate a plan for helping the child grow and mature. #ecechat
A3: I have a calm down box with calming ātoysā as well as visuals to help the child communicate their problem and possible solution. This has been helpful. I also keep the visuals in my Emergency bag to have it at all times. #ECEchat
A3: Connect! It is amazing what we may notice about behaviors and functions of behaviors when we commit to connecting daily with the child that is struggling #ECEchat
A3 The gift of time, redirection, a quiet moment, a sensory break, a storybook, a drink of water with a straw- all of these can sometimes be magical! #ECEchat
Thanks for being honest! That is so my truth. Obviously we strive to have time, calm and patience to work through each behavior but sometimes I hear myself saying No thank you or That is not okay. And that's gotta be okay. #ecechat
A4) I like to have students model appropriate behaviors. We also like taking pics to remind ourselves what to do. It helps that our school uses common language around behavior, and that we communicate with families nightly through a planner. #ECEchat
A4: Anchor charts with visuals, books with photos we sort, and role playing. I also love having the kids model expectations and take videos to show later as reminders. #ECEchat
Yes, connecting with them outside of the behaviors that challenge us will help build the trust and relationships for when the behaviors are occuring #ecechat
A4: I love to find video clips from popular kids movies showing the behaviors (right and wrong) to discuss with them. The students love the connections and itās more fun with funny videos! #ECEchat
I think the Fresh Start is so important. We talk about having a fresh start each morning, after lunch, after music, whenever needed. There are no limits and I support their clean slates. #ecechat
In the past I have used students modeling, picture books, and the Superflex curriculum to help us do things the right way. Pictures, visuals and small group teach and reteach! #ecechat
A4: Teachers I have worked with in the past have used videos of things the kids can relate to (for example minions) that the kids find funny, but it also shows good skills for manners and good behavior. #ECEchat
I love it because instead of tell kids what you expect for behaviors you model it & ask what they noticed, have some kids practice & discuss then whine group practice! Really hits expectations multiple ways w/the social piece!! #ecechat
Puppets and books! Even on the days where I feel like Iām loosing the battle, a puppet and a good book can always save the dayā¤ļø My Ss loved My Mouth is a Volcano! #ECEchat
For sure! I used to ask kiddos with whom I needed to have a 'talk' if they wanted to come to the kidney table and have a snack with me. It at least helps them relax and perhaps open up a bit more. #ecechat
A4: I use everyday situations & utilize teachable moments. Great resources are @ConsciousD#RISDPBIS - I use knowing my Ss - knowing their likes/dislikes, home situations, personalities, etc. the best tool I can have is building a meaningful relationship w my Ss & family #ECEchat
A4 guidance counselors & Ts developed social skills lessons; Second Step lessons I remember from using in preschool; Zones; PBIS; lots of great childrenās lit; visual supports #ECEchat
A5:Our preschool programs are LEAP programs. Itās an inclusive model for students on the autism spectrum but also provides direct embedded instruction to ALL students. It teaches explicit expected behaviors.We also use āWe thinkersā and the āZones of Proximal Developmentā#ECEChat
A4:Our preschool programs are LEAP programs. Itās an inclusive model for students on the autism spectrum but also provides direct embedded instruction to ALL students. It teaches explicit expected behaviors.We also use āWe Thinkersā and the āZones of Regulationā #ECEChat
A5: Sending a special note home or calling home is a huge deal! I personally donāt give out prizes or have a treasure box in my room this year, but I find that recognition goes a long way. I tell people around the school so that Ss get praised by others #ECEchat
What a wonderful goal for me! I read @responsiveclass The Power of our Words this summer and am focusing on an even tone and really listening to the students. #ecechat
A4: We have a zones check in chart where the students tell us each morning how they are feeling. We teach the tools and practice each morning. #ecechat
Rewards ( prize box) as well as class celebrations and inviting other adults in the building to come celebrate the success too. For individual kiddos having them select what they want to work for, (game time, lunch, extra breaks etc) really depends on the kiddo! #ecechat
A5 Positive phone calls home š And I take a selfie w/ the student during the call. One copy goes to the parent and one goes on the #GoodNewsCallOfTheDay wall #ECEchat
A5) we try to focus on how the positive behaviors allowed our team to learn more, get stronger brains, etc. My Ss love when we write notes home. We try to do more intrinsic motivation, so we donāt do a ton of material rewards. That said, we do love a good brownie treat:) #ECEchat
A4: Picture books! Then they become a resource to use in the moment! Too many to name them all but a few of my favorites are: My Many Colored Days, Swimmy, Glad Monster Sad Monster, Grumpy Bird, Pete the Cat and His Magic Sunglasses #ecechat
A5 I love to celebrate with high 5ās, sharing their successes w classmates, positive point system, principals 100 club, showing excitement / enthusiasm for their behavioral accomplishments, positive referrals / phone calls #ECEchat
We have class cheers for celebrations, if I see great effort I will announce to the class and everyone says bravo and claps or bien hecho. Stickers get me everywhere! #ECEchat
A5: We celebrate by using āSuperstarsā to showcase students that displayed the appropriate expected behavior at center time. They get a āstarā to wear then at the end of centers they say how they earned it. This goes with the LEAP model. #ECEChat
A5: I love the idea of celebrating individual students for their positive behavior. I also think if the class is overall good, they should get an extra recess on Fridays. A teacher I worked for did it and it was a very helpful way to promote good behavior! #ECEchat
A5: hearts on the kindness tree, positive notes to parents on seesaw, sometimes a special visit to the prize box, but most of all a good thumbs up goes a long way! #ECEchat
not my favorite either. There is so much whole group instruction. I love small groups and when they're more independent and happy at centers. We're getting there ... #ecechat
A5: Things like earned rewards are helpful for many of the Ss. For those Ss with more challenging behaviors, we have to go a step further and build relationship - positive notes home, extra time with a trusted adult on campus, individualized positive reinforcent #ecechat
Q6: In order to keep a well managed classroom, I will make sure each student picks up after themselves. It will not only help keep the classroom clean but help teach them to clean up after themselves. #ECEchat
A5 my fave way is just simply stating the positive behvr I see to the S&relating to our PBIS āCARSā behavr expectations-not all Ss like 2be center of attention but most appreciate/recognize specific feedback; PJ day is pretty great though when we reach class token goalš #ECEchat
A6: Buddy lines! Instead of having students walk in a single file line have them walk hand and hand in a line that way they can give each other the expectations. Give the power to the students rather than the teachers. Peer interactions are more meaningful! #ECEChat
A6 reteach, remind, and begin with clear expectations that we have practices many times and they know well. Constant reminders and keeping my cool.#ECEchat
I like this! We did something similar at my school in Nebraska. On our early release days we had an āeagle prideā assembly where one student from each class was announced as a coupon winner and the reason was verbalized so other kiddos could do that too! #ecechat
A5: Iāve also called parents to brag about their kids when good things happen. Especially if Iāve had to call and ask for help at a different time during the year. Positive calls are priceless #ECEchat
A4 and A5: Love the bucket filling book series. We have a class bucket. Children learn to recognize bucket filling behaviors and add gems to the bucket. Children come up with our celebration ideas. From a dinosaur egg hunt to snack as a picnic, weāve done it all #ECEchat
A6: A good way to manage the classroom is when you want their attention have some sort of cue that they all understand instead of just yelling. For example a bell, and they have a few seconds to get situated after hearing it. #ECEchat
A6: Buddy lines! Instead of having students walk in a single file line have them walk hand and hand in a line that way they can give each other the expectations. Give the power to the students rather than the teachers. Peer interactions are more meaningful! #ECEChat
This is good advice to not get mad when a student reacts poorly to you because you don't know their situation! Be there to support your students. #ECEchat
After reading @responsiveclass, I started with interactive modeling and didnāt create rules/norms until the 3rd week of school. Such a big change after building trust first and making everyone fee safe in our classroom!#ECEchat
A6: what has worked well is practicing SEL consistently & demonstrating I care & that Iām reliable- I noticed that enjoying every moment w my Ss has taken us to a great level...one that has allowed them to self regulate- it feels amazing when I observe this in action. #ecechat
A6: After reading @responsiveclass, I started with interactive modeling and didnāt create rules/norms until the 3rd week of school. Such a big change after building trust first and making everyone fee safe in our classroom!#ECEchat
A6: Meaningful and necessary class helper jobs! As students learn their roles and take ownership over them as the year progresses, the class runs itself! Ok, not always but the pride and independence Ss show with their "jobs" is critical #ecechat
A6 I have made the @ConsciousD phrase āI am safe, I am calm, I can handle this!ā a go-to saying followed up with a few deep breaths! If the teacher isnāt calm, it is impossible to except calm from the students! #ECEchat
Start with the relationship. The students will learn you care! I tell both Ss and Ps that I have high expectations for students that they can meet. I know they can be the best and we work towards that everyday. Set your expectations and hold students accountable! #ecechat
A6 for ind. S used magnetic ten-frame on whiteboard.started w/5 dots in top, moved dot to bottom if not appropriate behavior, S received punches on card for dots in top, after so many punches received item of motivation, also reinforced. Y fam at homeš#ECEchat
A6: #WBT class/yes, routine, high expectations through model/teach/practice, beat the timer, classical music š¶ , š for when Iām in an group and to remind š¤« , #ECEChat
I did -- but it's based on 2 boards I saw on instagram. (I credit them in the blog post.) There are so so many great books to choose from! https://t.co/nR91geimPf#ecechat