The Breakfast Club – #BFC530 – is a 15 minute, 1 question Twitter chat every weekday. We chat in 4 timezones Mon-Fri – 5:30am Eastern, Central, Mountain, and Pacific Times. The mission of BFC is to empower participants to make a difference in education by engaging in consistent reflective practice in a supportive community that inspires and challenges one another.
Q🤔: Some schools are more diverse than others; diversity in culture, religion, ability... How does your school create a culture of inclusivity?
Via @DrKnicki#bfc530 🌅🌄
Good morning, Friends! Happy to be here between snow delays and snow days. Excited to share that my healthy grandson was born last night. Over the moon.#bfc530
Q🤔: Some schools are more diverse than others; diversity in culture, religion, ability... How does your school create a culture of inclusivity?
Via @DrKnicki#bfc530 🌅🌄
Good morning, Friends! Happy to be here between snow delays and snow days. Excited to share that my healthy grandson was born last night. Over the moon.#bfc530
Hi David! I’m doing well. And you? I’ve been tired, that’s what I’ve been! Started a new grade this year so it’s kinda like being a brand new teacher all over again! I sure have missed these chats! #bfc530
I am pondering this question. Our town has gotten more diverse in the past few years. 2 years ago, I had 5 different languages spoken at the dinner table. I thought that was so cool. #bfc530
You too V. Went out to get small propane tank for a camping stove just in case we lose power. Guy at Walmart said there was a run on them, ppl coming as far as PA to get them. Hope you can get out to spend time w/your grandson #bfc530
I kick off the year with a unit about celebrating culture to lay the foundation for establishing an inclusive and engaged *classroom* culture #bfc530#LATIChttps://t.co/ub5HRtBE15
We can set up spaces and tasks that encourage inclusion and use those contexts to teach students how to listen, ask questions, and appreciate each other.
#bfc530
We don't do a good job at our school. Most is left up to the individual teachers to touch on what they want, so we have a lot of ignorance about a lot of cultures and ideas. #bfc530
We work as hard as we can to honor everyone's background. With 1500 that can get a little difficult. We focus acceptance & tolerance constantly #bfc530
Q🤔: Some schools are more diverse than others; diversity in culture, religion, ability... How does your school create a culture of inclusivity?
Via @DrKnicki#bfc530 🌅🌄
Inclusivity is not rocket science ... it is about knowing your kids and making sure no one is being left out ... not special treatment just basic individual respect. Wouldn’t plan a BBQ without knowing who my vegetarians are #bfc530
Q🤔: Some schools are more diverse than others; diversity in culture, religion, ability... How does your school create a culture of inclusivity?
Via @DrKnicki#bfc530 🌅🌄
This year we are one of 7 national finalists for Varsity Brand's "Inclusive Culture" Spirit Award! #bfc530 We continue to work on the fact that being an individual is a positive.
Q🤔: Some schools are more diverse than others; diversity in culture, religion, ability... How does your school create a culture of inclusivity?
Via @DrKnicki#bfc530 🌅🌄
Last year I got a grant and order over $300 worth of books on the kids reading level with diverse Ss. I had noticed that my library was not real diverse. #bfc530
Inclusivity is not rocket science ... it is about knowing your kids and making sure no one is being left out ... not special treatment just basic individual respect. Wouldn’t plan a BBQ without knowing who my vegetarians are #bfc530
This truly is a #bfc530 FAMILY! I am so moved by the ways that we support each other each weekday morning. You are such a wonderful group of people! Thank you!
Yes ... everything shut down for testing ... at least we have a cool activity planned for that big gap of time when we are not actually testing #bfc530
We talk all the time, even w/r rising 6th graders that our school is a family. With all that it brings, fights, , disagreements, arguments, but also love and caring #bfc530
Reply ? How do we embrace and grow w diversity? Recognize (don't ignore), invite sharing, be curious, ask: How does diversity add knowledge, strength, resilience? #BFC530
In reply to
@kathyiwanicki, @wheeler_laura, @DrKnicki
Inclusivity is not rocket science ... it is about knowing your kids and making sure no one is being left out ... not special treatment just basic individual respect. Wouldn’t plan a BBQ without knowing who my vegetarians are #bfc530
I think we are a work in progress. When I 1st started teaching here, we had almost no diversity of any kind. Last year, our EL population increased by 600%. Highest in the state! #bfc530
The culture of acceptance has to be continuous. "All Means All" and "No One Eats Alone" are great starting points, but it has to go deeper than that. #bfc530
Our school/community is known for our special ed programs. We've developed clubs and sports programs designed for these Ss and our typical Ss just embrace them #bfc530
Carl, When I worked at a parochial school (Salesian as well) and attended the immersions, I spent the whole day crying! Very spiritual and soul-cleansing! Keep us posted. (I was always exhausted afterwards! lol) #bfc530
We do offer a wide variety of programming, language wise; French immersion, English mainstream, ESL classes, ELD English Literacy Development for those w/ schooling gaps or low literacy in native language. And "sheltered" subject courses for ELLs.
#bfc530
Q🤔: Some schools are more diverse than others; diversity in culture, religion, ability... How does your school create a culture of inclusivity?
Via @DrKnicki#bfc530 🌅🌄
My middle school used to have teams on separate hallways, and it was very easy to see the differences between groups. The school has worked hard to break that mold and mix all groups of students between classes and teachers. Sometimes inclusivity needs to be intentional. #bfc530
It is like a math lesson in my head ... my struggle is keeping quiet ... I usually have to call for a “bathroom break” just so I can talk to someone #bfc530
Our school is new - diverse - huge range of socio-economic. Have worked on outward symbols like welcome sign in all languages in school (made by S.), having cultural day, etc. Also keeping awareness high with T to make sure awards etc are equal, since perception is key #bfc530
We have a fair amount of events like multicultural dinner, mix it up lunch, and such. Teachers also promote inclusivity in their classrooms. We are who we are. Learning about each other and our pov is essential. #bfc530
It’s all about positivity and leading by example, kindness and caring, sensitivity and patience, everyone has something to bring to the group! 😊 Count them in!#bfc530
Our district motto is "Whole Child, Every Child". After more than six years with this, I see more and more people making significant shifts. We have always been a caring district, but something tells different recently. #bfc530
Q🤔: Some schools are more diverse than others; diversity in culture, religion, ability... How does your school create a culture of inclusivity?
Via @DrKnicki#bfc530 🌅🌄
Another one tomorrow, and a follow-up on Monday! Crazy weather here, Carla! #bfc530 (BTW, I'm sipping my DR coffee-with-a-hint-of-cocoa right now in bed....)
Lol, Chris! It has happened to others for sure! The best part is you can laugh at yourself, realize your mistake and grow from it. Exactly what we want our students to do. No shame there. #bfc530
Great point Brian. The students...both athletes and partners...never cease to amaze me at these events. It also carries over to the school environment long after the event is over! #bfc530
My 1st class (almost 20 yrs ago) was all white, by my 4th or 5th I began seeing uptick ethnicity. Now I have some classes that have more EL Ss than not. Love the diversity! #bfc530
County is starting a dual immersion program (think that what it’s called) where kids will have half days in English, half in Spanish...I’m not sure how it works. Hoping I’m not expected to teach in Spanish when it hits MS! French ✔️ German ✔️ but Spanish 😳 #bfc530
Unfortunately, we still end up with situations like schools putting all their ESOL classes in trailers, and many of those Ss see those Ts for multiple classes. Schools need to avoid scheduling decisions that unintentionally exclude students. #bfc530
I guess you teach long enough and it happens.
I do a prayer with my class every morning and after going to one woman's funeral I made the prayer that they would all be around to come to my funeral #bfc530
In reply to
@gilkatgil, @susankotch, @kathyiwanicki
Most of my schools have been in highly multi-cultural, low SES areas. Create a sense of welcome each day, a safe place where good learning occurs! Means the whole staff creating a positive culture. Last school 80+ diff languages. Educ is how the poverty cycle gets broken #bfc530
In reply to
@kathyiwanicki, @wheeler_laura, @DrKnicki
Sports jist seem to have a way of bringing ppl and Ss together. Here's one of our Challenger events and a half time dance break with all our mascots! #bfc530
.@maldenpublic Our culture is inclusive because no one lets others be alone. So many times I have seen newcomers looking confused--within minutes, someone asks "do you need help?" So proud of the most diverse high school in Massachusetts. #bfc530
We laugh at Point Break here. the final scene is meant to be Bells Beach which is near here. But the cars have Fijian number plates and the location is all wrong #bfc530
We laugh at Point Break here. the final scene is meant to be Bells Beach which is near here. But the cars have Fijian number plates and the location is all wrong #bfc530
Time to gather my supplies for today - trying a new (to me) @breakoutEDU#pd game, so any extra good vibes you may have would be much appreciated #bfc530
My mom grew up in NH, but had to move away about 10 years ago because of the winters. We still take a summer trip back every year or 2. I love it there. #bfc530
When we started, our ELD kids had their lockers all together tucked away at an end of a hall. Now they are mixed in with rest of Ss and makes for much better behaviour, friendships, English practice, etc
#bfc530
We do offer a wide variety of programming, language wise; French immersion, English mainstream, ESL classes, ELD English Literacy Development for those w/ schooling gaps or low literacy in native language. And "sheltered" subject courses for ELLs.
#bfc530
Q🤔: Some schools are more diverse than others; diversity in culture, religion, ability... How does your school create a culture of inclusivity?
Via @DrKnicki#bfc530 🌅🌄
I taught in a school for three years where I was the only white person in the room, and probably one of only five in the whole school. I think it is helpful for all people to be in situations where they are the minority. I learned a lot about others and myself. #bfc530
We ran a few days, 1numeracy, 1 literacy& 1Computers. Ss invite Ps to school for the day to work on projects together. Maths, budgeting for a day at the movies, measuring to a recipe, building a garden bed. The Ss taught Ps, some English was not their native language #bfc530
In reply to
@DrKnicki, @kathyiwanicki, @wheeler_laura
Yes, we had the same plus Parent Liaison Officers to build bridges with the parent community. Often a Religious Sister took that role, had amazing links with our Parent community #bfc530
In reply to
@wheeler_laura, @DrKnicki, @kathyiwanicki
Correct! The numeracy & literacy was during the day, for the whole day. Allowed them opportunity to immerse themselves into the child’s school environment. Computers was done as a twilight with a BBQ provided as encouragement #bfc530
In reply to
@DrKnicki, @kathyiwanicki, @wheeler_laura
I’ve worked worked with De La Salle Brothers, Marist Brothers, Patrician Brothers, Presentation Sisters, Josephite Sisters. Mostly with Sydney Archdiocese in what was CEO Sydney (now called Sydney Catholic Schools). I’ve been a System Leader since 2012 in Central Office #bfc530
In reply to
@GruntledChalkie, @wheeler_laura, @DrKnicki, @kathyiwanicki
Its true. I dont include b/c kids meet a certain criteria, I include them, all of them, b/c I know what it's like to be excluded. It sucks. It comes down to "Do unto others as you would want done to you". #bfc530
Wow. You should have a passport with all their stamps.
I've only worked with Good Samaritan sisters and Salesians #bfc530
Both have great historical stories in education
In reply to
@edu_ivers, @wheeler_laura, @DrKnicki, @kathyiwanicki
Motivational speaker once said
“ If you don’t have problems, you aren’t alive.”
Person in front row jumped up and shouted
“MAN, AM I ALIVE TODAY!”
Good Morning from Texas! #bfc530
My school has an ESL program, two Special Ed programs (one for Ss w/ LDs, one for Ss w/ ASD), an International student program & a “regular” academic program in a fairly urban area with a real variety in SES. All in a population of 558 kids. #bfc530
Q🤔: Some schools are more diverse than others; diversity in culture, religion, ability... How does your school create a culture of inclusivity?
Via @DrKnicki#bfc530 🌅🌄
Orlando barely even has its own culture we have so many people who move here. Still, it is something to work on. We have an amazing team in our ELL department who bring their students into the school beyond their rooms. #bfc530
Q🤔: Some schools are more diverse than others; diversity in culture, religion, ability... How does your school create a culture of inclusivity?
Via @DrKnicki#bfc530 🌅🌄
A culture of inclusivity comes w/ saying yes to student initiatives that promote a positive school culture & get everyone involved. It also comes w/ simple things like getting to know everyone’s name & being out in the halls saying hello 👋🏻 #bfc530
Q🤔: Some schools are more diverse than others; diversity in culture, religion, ability... How does your school create a culture of inclusivity?
Via @DrKnicki#bfc530 🌅🌄
The entrance to our school features a large mural painted by one of our former students. She painted portraits of about 10 of our Ss & they are saying hello in their first language. This is one thing we have done to create a culture of inclusivity #bfc530
I try to learn some of a student’s language if unknown. I speak Spanish within my classroom to enhance my math class. I want to share our Spectrum club. It’s a club representing LBGTQIA and the sponsors speak at our Institutes to help educ Ts #bfc530
I’d like to add, though, inclusion is a lot more than a portrait in the school lobby. It’s a good start & a good foundation but it needs to be backed up w/ intentional programming & planning & wide, open hearts and eyes. Our schools are depending on all of it together #bfc530
The entrance to our school features a large mural painted by one of our former students. She painted portraits of about 10 of our Ss & they are saying hello in their first language. This is one thing we have done to create a culture of inclusivity #bfc530
Morning, #bfc530. To define inclusivity, I'm partial to line from Dena Simms talk shared by @mmelibrarian_sk re: each person feeling safe to learn in own skin. https://t.co/28FEuQzZuK School's working in fits & starts to create. Next step TBD at Wednesday staff meeting...
Q🤔: Some schools are more diverse than others; diversity in culture, religion, ability... How does your school create a culture of inclusivity?
Via @DrKnicki#bfc530 🌅🌄
