#2PencilChat Archive
The #2PencilChat is a weekly conversation about educational technology. As we enter a more student-centered age, let's talk about using all the tools in our toolboxes to be innovative and dynamic teachers.
Tuesday August 16, 2016
Melissa from Katy TX joining in.
Eugene is great, except for major pollen right now. Even our dogs have allergies!
. House of Cards, of course!
Even our allergies have allergies!
Hi! Adam from Va Beach K-12. Love docs but also love
Abbi from Davenport, Ia stopping in! Happy Tuesday!!😘
Sean in St. Aug, FL, 3rd grade, and mine changes with each new show! is ,
Always happy to have someone in the chat with a strong gif game!
I'm back! Mark, elementary principal in MN, starting in a new district and school this year!
Maaaaaaarrrrrrk! Howdy! How's the new district?
Hi, everyone! Kimberly, Media Specialist from Daytona Beach here (sort of!).
I'm loving it! It's a great fit for me!
A1 Change of plans = NEW ADVENTURE just go with it and see what happens
A1. We have to be willing to value the process of learning and not freak out when things don't go as plan.
A1: It's always exciting and new to see something in a different light... New perspectives and change can be a great thing!
Good evening ! Todd from NY... HS assistant principal .
Staci from TX joining in tonight!
T to tha R to tha U to the Double S - O, if you wanted Todd here, then here you go!
A2) Never disregard any crazy, creative, out-of-the-box, unfamiliar, uncomfortable idea!
Good morning
Carl from Avonsleigh Australia.
No meeting until 9:45am so here I am
(and , it's Wednesday)
A1) Everything doesn't always have to be black & white/planned, sometimes the oddball activities are the ones that work
hey Carl, I was wondering about that!
Pops, should have been A1)
A1 Change is inevitable so go with the flow and adjust your path.
A1 Some puzzle pieces fit in more than one spot...maybe the new one makes an awesome picture. Repurpose, baby!
Thanks Carl, yes I just realised it - had a sleep in and missed a day LOL!
That Thursday comment was really messing with my mind
A1: that when things are not going the way we planned that we should feel confident in making a change that is "different"
A1: especially important for teachers that are teaching the same content to rejuvenate w/ new plans and tweaking old ideas!
Hi Carl! Good to see you here :)
Hi ! Teresa, MS Literacy Teacher, NY.
Hey Teresa! Glad you're here!
A1) Make it intentional! Give a known object and ask Ss to repurpose it. Write about a new use. https://t.co/rQTjqY9T2q
Hello, hello, hello! I'm Temani. 6th grade ELA from Alabama.
Sure i will get over it. Totally thrown as my usual Weds morning meeting is not on so at my desk making lto do lists
A1: Celebrate innocence! Just like Kimmie, our Ss come to us innocent. We must show them how to be brave & embrace creativity
I am so loving this theme btw
A1: I am never afraid to abandon ship and go a new way.
Thanks! It came from a conversation with , but where is he?
intentional! Yes! I like your response
New classroom design, makerspace, turn you ideas to better things. https://t.co/fmr9tZ6jdu
A1: especially important for teachers that are teaching the same content to rejuvenate w/ new plans and tweaking old ideas!
Hi, I'm Cheryl from in NC. My favorite is bloodlines! LOVE it!
LOL! Is actually Wed my bad :/ Look what I've done now everyone thinks we r far far away
A2) Find and share examples of heroes that have taken the journey the student is on.
A1: sometimes the unknown are the best lessons and learning!
A2: we as teachers MUST give non- instructional time to Ss to talk- or give opportunities to share one-on-one.
A2: It's so important for Ss to know that we ALL have things to deal with. Let them talk about it and help them deal with it
A2: continued, whether it's at recess or lunch. This way students know that YOU the teacher can be that "couch"
A2: know your skill set and if you can handle helpign the student, if not, find someone who can
A1: It can actually teach us something new if we're willing to get out of our box and explore it.
Is Jessica Jones worth watching
A2: listen: always keep it about the student, it is about them, not us
A2 I want to help my students to see that they can write themselves in as the hero of their own story.
Kimmie even when trapped in a bunker questioned things & stayed positive. https://t.co/fPwkfMHLzh
A1: Celebrate innocence! Just like Kimmie, our Ss come to us innocent. We must show them how to be brave & embrace creativity
. Hi, Teresa! A1: Moving from unknown to known, start with Set and schema.
A2. It gives them a safe way to explore problem solving and risk taking
A1.2: It also teaches kids there is more than one way. They're so used to one answer being correct or one way being THE way.
same here! I have it built in at end of day reflections; but I also sit at lunch with my kids
I need to start tonight then
A2: give them literature w/ characters to connect to
You can do anything for ten seconds!
. Nathan's here! Let the fun begin!
A3 learning anything is a journey which includes something personal to the learner.
We shouldn't have to give up our lunches to do this. Granted, it's a wonderful gesture and I do the same
yes! We must encourage students to THINK outside the BOX! Think differently and think with purpose/question
It's dark, it's heavy, but oh boy is it good!
They need that, to feel safe and supported!
Letting go of control in the classroom is hard. But you need to put the power of learning in S hands. https://t.co/BsbqyoANYy
. Sitting with kids at lunch, perfectly awesome! Zippy!
no it doesn't we must preserve it
A2: the power of writing, can be so helpful to some
kudos to you two- and welcome to the chat Nathan
A2: I think being transparent w/ kids is a start. Who are you? And how did you become our teacher? 😹 I'm sure Ss want to know.
A2 Heroes need time to problem solve give Ss time to explore and find, trial and fail, but win in the end
A2: the power of art, music......tap into creativity
A2) Patterns running through hero stories, grit, resilience, inspires, motivates, struggle was real https://t.co/gKLd4ZkiwG
A2 my skin is remembering anything for short spans of time. That is why I started writing tutorials with Ss
yes! Many of Ts refuse to do so- I hang out w/ them; they open up & share @ most unique times aka lunch
Hopefully, there will be a Netflix show I watch in an upcoming question!
I'm loving the thoughtful answers tonight on the
A2.2: It's beneficial to humanize yourself in front of kids. They can them connect your practice to your preaching.
I like dark shows so great!
A2: perseverance and sacrifice. There is always more that meets the eye when success is seen
Q2 Demons can put you in box with teaching- conquer fear face it down & create a stu-centered clsrm. Discover your inner hero.
Yes, it may take time, may not happen overnight.
A1: with class discussion, only reframe when kids stop talking, not when they go in a diff direction https://t.co/2Pm2jleVEx
A2 my life is out of control so i want my students to be mostly out of control with their learning
All of tonight's cards are shows I love...it's a night of recommendations!
A2) Through reflection. Even getting them to look at how the handled small challenges
Yes let students be the heroes. https://t.co/gCNNKHBAHM
A2: we as teachers MUST give non- instructional time to Ss to talk- or give opportunities to share one-on-one.
How can we do more of this? How can we weave their stories into ours and use it to learn?
Sweet! I'll have to check them out. Like I need a new obsession!
yes! A student led classroom can def tell those demons to go to 🙊
A1: Let the discussion develop and flow where it needs to. The same approach goes with writing...
You're killing the responses tonight, but you slipped in without me saying:
Hey there!
Campbell's monomyth is archetype We all live it Tlk abt it I did when I moved curric. aft 23 yrs https://t.co/WwfNC5CrMW
A2- build "social" lessons into your regular lessons or find teachable moments that allow Ss time to express their feelings!
A3: I think there is a fine line between humor & sarcasm (Ss may not get sarcasm, have be careful)
A1: Great writing doesn't always follow a strict structure, some of our best creations have come by accident...
A3) Part 1: Carefully. Not humour at someone else's expense.
For sure, we have to tread carefully and lovingly.
A3) I think we can humorously share our mistakes, faults, and shortcoming to make us more relatable to others. I'm not perfect!
Hello ! Breathing deeply after w to practice
A3. we let the illness take over our bias of the student. Relationship ceases when this happens. Treat the S with respect
A3) part 2: Humour gives you an opportunity to allow students to see how you can come through a hard situation and still be +ve
When we have the grace to see humor in our own problems, our students benefit!
I do a lot of writing; this gives insight 2 Ss stories and background. Writing opens up a diff side
A3: Humor helps make it all stick. Kids remember experiences more than anything else. And humor helps make class an experience.
No, the apologies are all mine! Glad to have ya!
A3: so much literature about diff teen issues/situations/social/emotional.......some have humor, use as shared experience
definitely Teresa. I find they get sarcasm and then model it on others which causes greater pain
A3: be aware of language and word choice, do not want to accidentally model offensive vocabulary
"Always look on the bright side of life" keep humor in your teaching, it makes Ss relate to you. https://t.co/0fJqLPCV2M
A3: Humor is interesting and engaging... tell a joke or slip one or two in their classwork... https://t.co/pvdBHjwNRb
A3: humor cuts tension like a knife. Divert from negativity with wit, humor, and inclusive laughter. https://t.co/qE8BDkCGXP
A3: it has to be planned on part of teacher and anticipate where conversation could go and be prepared
Hey: Why can't you find pain relief in the rainforest?
A: Parrots eat em al
A3: If you can make them laugh on a consistent basis, they will never stop listening to you... https://t.co/pvdBHjwNRb
Yes. Ts cross that line sometimes it's a fine line once it's crossed can't go back https://t.co/CzlcPohRT6
A3: I think there is a fine line between humor & sarcasm (Ss may not get sarcasm, have be careful)
A3 The Laughing Classroom, Diane Loomans. Great place to start! Also, improv games disarm all & prmote cr8ivity
Kids let down their guard when you're a person who brings them laughter.
A3: humor can cut through so many different issues and disarms people.
A3: we as Ts must let our guard down and find humor is tough situations. We must humanize ourselves
Innovative, transformative and effective https://t.co/haPY1ClYDd
A2: the power of art, music......tap into creativity
I keep saying it but it doesn't make sense.
Absolutely!
https://t.co/cRUskSg09f
A3: Humor helps make it all stick. Kids remember experiences more than anything else. And humor helps make class an experience.
Plan the humor moments within the lesson plan
Ss need to see you calm under pressure that builds trust & a sense of security. https://t.co/tulBnl5B8W
A3) part 2: Humour gives you an opportunity to allow students to see how you can come through a hard situation and still be +ve
A3) Good laugh eases tension, increases creativity,do anything to get class laughing, voice inflect, hilarious personal stories
It's a Dad joke. They usually require the Ss to spend most of the day trying to work out what i said.
A3: Using humor is a way to find a positive aspect of a possible unfortunate situation. Maybe a way to have Ss open up
I do when I can, but I also like to stay loose enough to find situational humor, too.
Okay, now you're talking. Love this show!
A3: and humor helps build trust and confidence among students
A3 humor is great leveler. Laugh at self! Take your curric seriously, not yourself! Hang Einstein pstr w/tounge sticking out!
. Of course! Makes sense!
Yes. Starting with leadership. Otherwise Ts and Ss probably won't. (Mike from MD, lurking away)
We don't call it Paracetamol here, just Tylenol.
I jsut snorted I am laughing so hard.
Remember relationships first, then a spoonful of sugar often works
A4) that there are many many stories in our classroom and we can't get stuck with only one storyline
A4 everyone has a strength that can be used. Find everyone a place
A4) We all have a backstory!
A4. Embrace the differences and it will allow us to grow
. Always say most Ts could do stand-up! School life is funny! 2PencilChat
THAT'S what it is??????? LOL Thank you for the translation.
A4: Lots of places we don't know right away where people complement each other.. foster that, & use it for mass benefit.
The dynamics vary with Ss groupings. Some funny, some stressed, some easy going. Luck of the draw. https://t.co/pEnxSjeJCG
I was saying "Parrots (bird) eat em (them) al (all)" Parrots eat them all.
A4) We all have a backstory. Get to know us, we're not just what we appear to be.
A4 Give kids time & space to get comfortable, don't shove them together willy nilly.
Jay, rolling in late BTW, from Gimli, MB. is at suppertime again.
I'm actually creating and finishing my book with stories from my first three years teaching!
There is a stand up comedy class series for medical staff (Drs, etc.) in Chicago. Need one for Ts.
There should be a class on entertaining teacher behaviors in the credentialing programs... https://t.co/Gn7DNcfXZF
Kids let down their guard when you're a person who brings them laughter.
My father always told this Sicilian joke based on cow and boat sounding similar in his dialect
No one ever got it.
Important to realize what "cast members" don't mix. Explore the mix, but if it ain't gonna play...
And yet Boo and Pennsatucky end up making solid friends...
A4: Diversity is great!!! We all have something in common if you take the time to learn about each other!
I was trying to say it w/ an Aussie accent. It didn't help me. 😫😩
My kids watch OITNB always said I should too!
Now that I've totally disrupted you i have to go. Thanks all
Work awaits.
A4) Diversity influences strength, productivity, and contributes to the richness of the environment https://t.co/yamAEpL6Az
Have a great day in our tomorrow!
Which goes back to those unknown commonalities. Hell, even if they align against me, they're aligned, right?
you funny Carl! have a great Thu....WEDNESDAY!
you funny Carl! have a great Thu....WEDNESDAY!
Yes. I laugh at myself a lot, Epic Fail is my motto. https://t.co/rfD6n0zkrY
A3 humor is great leveler. Laugh at self! Take your curric seriously, not yourself! Hang Einstein pstr w/tounge sticking out!
A1. Just go with the flow & if it takes you to creative realms, let it. (Bear with, my brain is feeling fuzzy!)
Burning stuff in an hour with my Year 10s. Pics to follow
It's amazing how much better life is when not everyone is the same.
I couldn't even get that out of me! LOL
A4 Teach Ss (and show them) that they add value to the class and that they have something worthwhile to share!
I love moments that "unsettle" things, when the best struggle, or when the struggler is the best.
Surveys for Ss are a good motivation to make classrooms entertaining. Classes boring or fun (1 to 10)
Hi! Multitasking isn't working so well for me tonight!
A4.2: Here's what I'd say: "Here's your 1st glimpse of the real world. Find the things you have in common. Go!" Okay, kidding.
I am all kinds of distracted now! LOL
If we extend the Litchfield metaphor, they're all the same on a certain level, right? Many times that's key.
A4: we must first model how to work as a team and then a family. We must research, listen & respect each other
A4.3: Seriously, I'd create a space where kids feel safe to be themselves and share who they are with us.
Absolutely! It's all stories in the end, isn't it?
That scared me a little.....
So tru sim to my statement to Ss that my job is to problematize their lives, not make things easy. https://t.co/9iwgGsH5C2
I love moments that "unsettle" things, when the best struggle, or when the struggler is the best.
A5: On one level, being able to discuss the stories we love. I often have TV Chat with Ss... validates their opinions & likes.
A5: I'm a big fan of fables; I use them to help with understanding the mind of a child. Fables can also of course teach theme
A5. Allow storytelling and sharing to be about self-discovery. Challenge the students to relate to characters and find meaning
For sure, easier with some Ss than with others. Take the time!
I'm great! Just had day 2 with the kids, so I'm a little tired!
A5) We can use favorite stories from our youth (like the Boxcar Children) to make connections with today's students.
A5: I tell stories ALL the time! I have some good ones!
A5: when I do share my fav stories I like to have students read it first; then we have a round table and share thoughts
A4:Celebrate diversity & encourage kids 2 not just work as but also think like a team.We rise & fall together
A5 Let their imagination and creativity flow... the "What if...."
And that we'll work together in dealing with those probz!
A5: great stories can be seen as foils or allegories for any time period and multiple situations. Make yourself relatable!
A5: when Ss know its the "teachers" favorite book or story they tend to focus even more!
Hey, everyone! Not seeing any questions past #1. Retweet, please. Thanks!
A4: that even when we come from diverse backgrounds there are common ideas that draw us together.
A5: talks about stories as "imaginative rehearsals" we can use to discuss/figure out big ideas.
I can barely keep up. I love you all.
Could not POSSIBLY imagine!!!!!
A5: Share your fave stories and just talk!! Let the Ss imaginations soar! 🌟
A4: Different perspectives/POV. Opportunities for empathy
I am so off now! LOL Now I blame
really, this is what much genre fiction does best- giving us a lens to study society & ourselves. is a story medium
Almost fell off couch. Couldn't turn my eyes fast enough.,
. I think Ts are inherently funny, but that would be cool for T prep!
A5 I love when we're a few read alouds in, and we find threads that travel through them all.
A4. By having Ss evaluate their strengths & then get them to use them when they work in groups.
A5: My stories are fun and embarrassing most of the time. They love it.
A5: our favorite stories can draw people together based on the theme or topic that can transcend generations and ages.
A5: Allowing Ss to discover meaning for themselves is huge. More asking, less telling. Who knows? Ss might repurpose it all.
LOVE reading aloud to them!
Sharing anecdotes with Ss opens up a discussion with your Ss. A baseline for trust & communication. https://t.co/N5AgODiJnx
A5) Inspire Ss to learn history w/Anne of Green Gables, choose part that spoke to them, become character, reinterpret, present
It's super-important in my eyes!
A5: There's supreme value in discussing where stories came from... the influences & inspiration of 'em
A5. Talk with kids when you read to them. "Stop every once in a while and enjoy what's around you." S said today.
A5 Use Star belly Sneetches to address the capriciousness of "cool"
BEAUTIFUL!
https://t.co/xeu95bKMmE
A5. Talk with kids when you read to them. "Stop every once in a while and enjoy what's around you." S said today.
I use fables in science too. What can we learn from the fox what not to do in this lab? https://t.co/8R9MefhU6q
A5: I'm a big fan of fables; I use them to help with understanding the mind of a child. Fables can also of course teach theme
You might have been the one who recommended this book to me!
A5: build connections. Ss want to know how it impacts their lives rather than why it happened in the book! Teach them our why!
Cool!
https://t.co/8GD9QL6k2y
I use fables in science too. What can we learn from the fox what not to do in this lab? https://t.co/8R9MefhU6q
A5: I'm a big fan of fables; I use them to help with understanding the mind of a child. Fables can also of course teach theme
A6: In the reflection. Ask Ss what worked for them. Listen when they talk. Use those things as building blocks.
I share my science stories & it gets girls interested in science club and engineering. https://t.co/qDwqhLhIN5
A5) We can use favorite stories from our youth (like the Boxcar Children) to make connections with today's students.
A5: Find the common points but incorporate elements that students can identify with & that carry meaning & relevance 4 them
No, I'll add it to the pile of need ta reads!
A6. Take the core of the content but wrap in something that kids can instantly relate to
A6: I often begin planning with what we'll do, not what we'll learn. Pull in the classic 80s feels first, then add my story.
A6) We can remember the things that engaged and excited us as little learners and do more of that for our students!
A6 I like combining lots of ways for Ss to curate their ideas. is a good tool to house different modes.
Bring their world into our instruction.
A guiding principal for me is always, "Would I want to be in this class?"
Reverse engineering. Yes.
https://t.co/hgJIjWKpcl
A6: I often begin planning with what we'll do, not what we'll learn. Pull in the classic 80s feels first, then add my story.
A6: This is pretty much how we should approach teaching. Fixed mindsets are a no no in education, or should be anyway.
A6 Everyone gets a chance to put their own spin on things and then share their story what better way?
A6. Makerspaces do that. Not only do they incorporate tech, but hands-on crafting and building. Lots of variety.
A6: Put everyone's favorite things and ideas together. Great way to bond Ss with each other and with you!
Reading aloud to someone is comfort & trust & Ss in all grades just sink into it. https://t.co/208cW2iYcc
LOVE reading aloud to them!
A6: Nostalgia is always fun! I love to create a narrative of my life and model to Ss how to create their own
Hold up need to plug my mac in running low on battery... RECHARGE!!
Creating time,space is critical 2 hearing ALL voices.. Allow quiet time, students will share stories, if U have a relationship
A6: also use several "old" movies and discuss how they are different to the current adaptation
This show is amazing. Crazy addicting and amazing
A6 Don't think that if you "borrow" someone's lesson ideas/plans that you can't change it! Be flexible & know your kids!
A6.2: It's all about growth! We should ask ?s like, "What's working?" "How does that work?" "Will it benefit my Ss more?"
My MS Ss LOVE it! You could hear a pin drop!
A6 Show Everything is a Remix on Vimeo. Use https://t.co/TB5QnCw6X2 Cite daVinci--Everything is Connected to Everything else
BTW I forgot to feed my cat - I just saw his sulky face looking at me funny
A6: lastly it helps with history lessons; create an E book with real artifacts and interviews for given topic
A6: HS kids love a few moments akin to early or middle years too... build in those things.
A6) Ss to take what is "old", old game, story, & make it modern and new, have them put a spin on it, amazing what they can do
If we wear the same sweater, we'll both still look different in it...
It's Thursday, your cat must be starving!
A6: Combine elements of pop culture w/ the content &tech tools in the delivery. Incorporate things that you have a passion for
Authentic , accessible, active learning is not from a book but from a tireless & dedicated teacher. A61 https://t.co/pXR8cL3HG8
Are you trying to get me off track too???????
Hehehehehe don't do that it's defs WEDNESDAY! so only a little hungry!
A6 Read Henry Jenkins on Moby Dick and Participatory Culture
A6: Also, if you love Die Hard, and a kid loves Die Hard... all your Die Hard jokes pull that kid in. And you can teach em.
A62 Creative inspiring teachers can recognize what works @ how to blend lessons into a perfect ensemble https://t.co/pXR8cL3HG8
A6: ... By actively looking for the best things outside of school that would improve our classes... https://t.co/bMxwS3Z7Ay
did it work? you're 'easily distracted' we should be buddies
And they have a passion as well!
A6 All of these answers are killing it. Y'all are SLAYING it tonight.
If you hate Die Hard, you're probably not human.
YES! I stopped writing mid-tweet to read yours and forgot what I was saying!!!!!
A7: my Ss live for my music lol! I use Adele in the morning and Ozzy in the pm lol
A7: First off, good shows are created with audience in mind. Remember that you're teaching people. All else follows.
Where's the dragon? Don't you slay dragons?
I don't want to end! It's been so much fun tonight!
How can it be finished already??????
You know it! I love Tuesdays!
Worried about how much time I have to devote to watching your recommendations instead of ... https://t.co/qMIC3ZQ4Id
A6 All of these answers are killing it. Y'all are SLAYING it tonight.
A7: but seriously using music helps relax and help with management (transitions). It def helps with Ss loosen up and not tense
Great people & great conversation! Time flies, baby!
A7. Incorporate music, video, Ss stories and T stories to build connections socially & academically w/kids.
are the answer to solving boredom, fixed mindset, & Ss misbehavior. https://t.co/MbAfHGAf7B
A6. Makerspaces do that. Not only do they incorporate tech, but hands-on crafting and building. Lots of variety.
A7: This is the experience again. Ss remember the music, stories, imaginative elements, AND the content it was tied too.
A6 Q is totally like what Austin Kleon's Steal Like an Artist is about. Luv 2 think of class that way. https://t.co/MGJJKrhTtU
A7: So be a person. Talk, share, show who you are. Openness & honesty is part of the Netflix model too. They want us to enjoy.
Again! It's Wednesday! How many times do I have to say it?
Tuesdays are the new Fridays!
A7 Music creates a sense of time and place. First person narratives make history come ALIVE.
You've been awesome, thanks for coming!
OK that's it I'm leaving - soo confused now
I agree when differentiate we tweak We need to tweak to brings lessons alive sometimes https://t.co/Kdi7tAofkA
A6 Don't think that if you "borrow" someone's lesson ideas/plans that you can't change it! Be flexible & know your kids!
A7: Find things like Hamilton that combines history and contemp music &use it 2 engage &motivate kids.Always be on the lookout
Three more minutes, then you can be on Weds morning again!
Thanks to , when we're done here, my husband and I are going to start watching Stranger Things!
A7: Ss love when you can connect a song or personal story to something you're learning. Makes the learning more meaningful!
Thanks had a ball this fine WEDNESDAY morning...now where's my cat gone? Ciao see ya next week -
SO lucky... I want to watch it again for the first time.
Are you hearing this chat tonight, ? We LOVE you.
History is important but so is great fiction. To be taken on a journey. To escape & reflect. A balance. https://t.co/AvYdFUBjtg
Though says I have to watch the Get Down first.
A7 Bk to Remix: Mashups! put Kanye, W. Whitman, Frsh Prince & Students in conversation with each other!
