Fall is the best! The @utahjazz are back. It’s the perfect temperature. Then don’t even get me started on how beautiful Utah gets with the fall colors. #utedchat
Good evening #UTedchat! This is @meredithbortz representing Sevenzo. We're a nonprofit connecting educators to create more caring and inclusive classrooms.
I love the fall traditions - apple picking, baking, pumpkin carving. Look forward to it every year!
Amy Wood, mentor specialist for @jordandistrict , and I love sweater weather! (and hot chocolate, and corn mazes, pumpkin patches, haunted houses) #UTEdchat
In reply to
@rogers_machelle, @HSG_UT, @sevenzo_org, @jordandistrict
Michelle Jensen here. To be completely honest Fall isn't my favorite because it means the bitter cold is coming, but if I must identify something I love all the pumpkin spice treats! #utedchat
Happy to be here tonight! I love Fall because I love the cool (not cold) crisp air! I also love that students and teachers are in school making things happen! #UTEdchat
A1 A Caring, inclusive environment often looks a bit chaotic. Not a quiet classroom in which no one communicates. More like a family meal with people talking a mile a minute about things that matter to them. #utedchat
A1: A caring and inclusive classroom looks like fun for everyone - everyone is involved, engaged, respected and appreciated for the strengths and funds of knowledge they bring. It feels safe to take risks. #UTEdchat
Q1 Caring, inclusive rooms are as different as the teachers who lead these rooms. Key is to allow students room to grow with supports and nets beneath.
#utedchat@sevenzo_org@HSG_UT
A1. A #CaringClassorom is an inviting and safe learning environment, where every S can be themselves and thrive. It's a place where every student feels they belong. It's a place where S needs, strengths, and interests are known and valued. #UTedChat
Love the picture you created of a classroom having the same feel as a large family meal, with lots of chatter, and love, and a feeling of home. #UTEdchat
A1 A Caring, inclusive environment often looks a bit chaotic. Not a quiet classroom in which no one communicates. More like a family meal with people talking a mile a minute about things that matter to them. #utedchat
a1: It is honest conversation about where students are at and what actions and supports need to be present to propel them forward. It feels like a community,
#utedchat
A1. I go into so many classrooms--the ones that I feel that create that environment are ones that students are engaged and learning, participating, and being successful. It's a happy room. I want to stay more than 10 minutes. #utedchat
A1: Everyone has a voice and has a way to share it. Be it language or ability or experience, nothing is allowed to prevent kids from engaging with the material together in a safe, creative, social learning environment. That’s the dream at least. #UTedchat
In reply to
@rogers_machelle, @HSG_UT, @sevenzo_org
A1 + Relationships "Look at each of your students as who they will become. Look at them as your legacy. Now teach them with that in mind. Give them every skill they need to be great and successful in this amazing world."@MaireCervenak#utedchat
A2: I'm not in the classroom anymore, but as I teach district pd classes, I try to be respectful to the view points of all teachers participating in my class and acknowledge their ideas and thoughts. As I teacher, I tried to showcase what my students were learning. #utedchat
A2- I think greeting each student by name at the door each day goes a LONG way in enhancing a feeling of caring, acceptance, and inclusion #CaringClassroom#UTEdchat
A2 Face to face greeting, modeling kindness, saying "Thank you" often, acknowledging meaningful struggle, recognizing authentic efforts, etc. It's all about making connections! #UTEdchat
A2. I model... Model respectful conversations, check in with my students, have open conversations, connect with kids on a personal level, and meet kids at their level and move them forward. #utedchat
My students were great at creating a caring classroom last year. They even made me a No David book telling me not to leave. When they didn’t let 4th graders do the school play, they wrote their own. We were a team and didn’t let anything stop us from reaching our goals. #utedchat
A2 I greet my students at the door every period. Every day. I've also started using an attendance question each day. Instead of just taking roll, I ask a question. They answer instead of just saying, "here." It helps us get to know one another. #utedchat
A2: I try to give students the benefit of the doubt and see things from their perspectives. I also try to greet every student by name at the door as they come in. @HSG_UT#utedchat
a2: Honor feelings of frustrations and listen to your students.
Give each student you permission to struggle. Learnign is hard and that's okay.
#utedchat
I learn names. I survey students to find out more about them. I have them personalize notebook covers so I can learn more about them. I try to remember it all and ask them follow up questions. I greet them at the door. It doesn't happen every class, but I try. #UTEdchat
A2: I try to validate every student’s contribution. It takes guts to share, especially if it’s new or unfamiliar material. It helps to remember that everyone is still learning, even me. #UTedChat
In reply to
@rogers_machelle, @HSG_UT, @sevenzo_org
A3- I think it is much easier to teach hard things, and have high standards/expectations for students when FIRST you create relationships. Students feel safe to try new things and make mistakes #UTEdchat
A3: I think this comes down to having strong Tier 1 instruction. Creating basic routines and having a structure to help create success. As basics are in place and strong, it makes it easier to accommodate and differentiate for every student. #UTEdchat
We love the idea of inviting students to personalize notebooks. Quotes, images, sports teams... I'm sure you can learn so much to spark conversations and connections. #UTedChat
a3: The caring classroom is the foundation of all the expectations.
For me it is the moral foundation of my practice and my classroom community.
#utedchat
A3: I think we have to try to meet our students' needs - that how we show we really care. If we KNOW them, we can teach them. If we don't know our students, then we're probably just teaching content, and that's less effective. And now I feel like a bad teacher... #UTEdchat
A3 Finding a few minutes a day to talk with and focus on students one-on-one is the best way I've found to build relationships with my students and help them feel safe and cared for in my classroom #UTEdchat
A4- I think to focus on equity you must throw assumptions out the door and REALLY get to know students and their families. Not every students home looks like yours. Not everyone has the same background, religion, language as you- and that's okay! #utedchat
A3 Building relationships with students helps create an environment in which they feel willing to take risks...willing to fail...willing to try again. Allowing them choice whenever possible also strengthens the learning in the classroom. #utedchat
I share my own experience. You have to take time to enjoy the fun of teaching students. The interaction and community. These will keep you coming back day to day.
Lessons far beyond subjects are in those areas. Embrace it and have fun.
#utedchat
A3 - Genuine relationships unlock all sorts of avenues to reach/connect with students - taking the time to get to know them, "If something is important we will find a way, if not we'll make an excuse."
#utedchat
A4. As an educator I know that all children have different needs and work hard to meet individual needs(educational, social, and emotional). We also have conversations about how everyone learns differently and we all don't have the same strengths or needs. #utedchat@HSG_UT
A4- sometimes it can be uncomfortable, but educators need to explore their own implicit biases and see if there are ways they can create more equity in the classrooms, lessons, home expectations #utedchat
A4: I think equity is important to helping all students succeed. Understanding what the expectation is and the goal and being able to scaffold to help students reach those goals. It takes knowing your students--understanding how their life impacts their learning. #utedchat
"What would your last meal be?" "What do you wish people knew about you?" "Who has had the biggest influence on you?" I will occasionally have students who don't want to reply, but very rarely. I have forgotten on a day or two, and my students ask for the question. #utedchat
A4 As teachers, we have to be aware of their own biases. We have to listen to our students and pay attention to how they see themselves and each other. We can be examples of how to be more compassionate and understanding....or not. Students are always watching #utedchat
A4. A #CaringClassroom that truly sees and values every child, confronts biases and assumptions, and supports Ss in achieving high expectations... that's the foundation for an equitable learning environment. #UTedChat
A4: Equity is a required practice for a caring and inclusive environment.
Equity and inclusion are not just educational buzzwords. They are the focus needed to drive education forward.
#utedchat
Oh, I laugh at my failures and admit them. I even try to reward students who catch my mistakes and respectfully correct me. It's all part of modelling. I just want to more than I'm capable of and that's frustrating. #UTEdchat
A4: equity is essential for a caring and inclusive classroom. It’s showing kids that it doesn’t matter what you have (or don’t have) everyone can and should have access. #UTedchat this means utilizing tech, changing the physical space, or including outside help to make it work
In reply to
@rogers_machelle, @HSG_UT, @sevenzo_org
Q5 Professional learning focused on inclusive environments must include modeled strategies by presenters. Teachers must truly be in the role of the learner! They must feel it to replicate it! #UTEdchat
A5: What should training look like? How about what we're expected to do for students? Personalized, relevant, applicable, tailored to our needs, & ideally self-directed or at least self-selected. Presentation must be from someone who KNOWS what they're doing & CARES. #UTEdchat
a5: It would have to include in classroom coaching and lots of self reflections and empathy building.
I see other teachers all the time who just can step out of themselves and see others points.
#utedchat
A5: I would love to have opportunities to observe other teachers that have created these classrooms. Providing opportunities to observe is powerful for growth. Opportunities for coaching as well and chances to discuss learning. #utedchat
A5. It would be an interactive learning experience. Participants would have an opportunity to practice the skills being taught in order for it to be transferred to the classroom. #utedchat
We learn best when we are engaged. It goes right back to constructivism. We have to create meaning, and that requires interaction. Well said! #UTEdchat
a5: After my sin was born with Ds, I was explaining why I missed classes to my college professor. He stopped my apology and said "Your son will make you a better teacher and person, than any class every could."
He was right.
#utedchat
a5: It would have to include in classroom coaching and lots of self reflections and empathy building.
I see other teachers all the time who just can step out of themselves and see others points.
#utedchat
A5 Professional learning to help educators "see" how a variety of students go through a "regular" day could help us identify generational needs better. Although we've all gone through childhood/adolescence, there are major differences that we sometimes don't understand. #utedchat
Interesting point about self-reflection. It's not often a lack of care or intention, but doing the work of purposeful reflection, perhaps with a coach or useful question prompts, can help one create a more #CaringClassroom. #UTedChat
Hey #utedchat ....expand this topic tomorrow...join me in a quick 30 min national edchat on working with defiant students! Thursday 6:00 MST. #GrowonthegoPD
My principal set up something like this last for teachers who wanted to be "Students for a Day." Teachers were given a schedule and had to do all the work students were doing. It was powerful. Strongly recommended PD. #UTEdchat
Too many teachers wer great students and normal kids. They didnt have the necessary experiences to develop empathy or process a different view point. The best practice would be to hear some stories.
#utedchat
A6: I honestly feel that I have learned best from watching other teachers create these environments. I have also had some good trainings on recognizing my biases and had administrators talk with me about recognizing the stories behind my students. #utedchat
Going through the National Board Certification @NBPTS process is a vehicle for powerful self-reflection and is probably the best PD I have ever done. It changed the way I think about my own practice. #UTEdchat
A6 Honestly, working on the @NBPTS has helped me to make my classroom more caring and inclusive. Because of the process, I am more aware of the individual student and their specific needs-- not just classes as a whole. I love it! #utedchat
A7- I've had several administrators that model this type of caring as they share the struggles of the really difficult students they spend most of their time with. #utedchat
To be truly inclusive, it needs to extend beyond the classroom walls. This means the school needs to be inclusive because if there is a disconnect between classroom and school the kids will feel it and feel out of place, even if they feel comfortable in your classroom. #utedchat
In reply to
@rogers_machelle, @HSG_UT, @sevenzo_org
A6: So Many! I use @GLSEN materials to promote inclusive social-emotional-learning & with my #GSA. @amplifierart has great discussion-promoting art that helps my learning space look like my students. I also get great lesson ideas from @Tolerance_org. #UTEdchat#HSGHI
Hooray! #NBCTStrong This is how we do it, folks. Powerful self-reflection on student learning. That is what going through Board Certification can and should do for you. #uted#UTEdchat
A6 Honestly, working on the @NBPTS has helped me to make my classroom more caring and inclusive. Because of the process, I am more aware of the individual student and their specific needs-- not just classes as a whole. I love it! #utedchat
A7 I think the two support one another. If I have a caring classroom environment, that is likely to spread beyond the walls of my class. Likewise, if the school culture is positive, it will leak into my classroom. #utedchat
a6: the best resources were my students. Once, I started listening it was easier.
One student would be up late closing at her job. She never ate breakfast and often came late. Listening to her made all the difference.
#utedchat
A7: There is a lot! I go to several schools each month and I can feel how the school climate impacts the classroom. Schools that have collaborative teams and are attentive to student needs are willing to do what it takes to reach all students. #utedchat
One of my favorite days was when my students decided to have a kids teach day. I got to be a student and groups of 3-4 students taught different parts of the day. It was great for all of us to see things from a new point of view. #utedchat
A6. Watching other teachers in action has assisted me. I also brought my dog Sadie in my classroom for a student with high anxiety. Sadie continues to visit and I am amazed the lessons my students have learned from her. #utedchat
A6: Definitely interested in your ideas here. I've just got...me. And sometimes motivational videos. And trying to know students through a survey, but that isn't really a resource... #UTEdchat
A7 - When classroom are places of inclusion and caring, the school culture will fall right in step. We all contribute to making a difference. #utedchat
A6: One to one chats to see what my students really need. Being able to assure that a student has access to supplies (funding), tech (time), and whatever resources needed(both time & funding). #utedchat
A8 Much of having a caring environment revolves around building good relationships. When those exist, the mood in the classroom tends to be more positive, which makes life better for all involved. #utedchat
A7: These are mutually supportive. It's tough to have a positive classroom environment if the school isn't supportive, but it's impossible to have a positive school environment with positive classrooms. The one leads to the other. #UTEdchat
A8. The connections, authenticity, and safety of a #caringclassroom is a place where Ts also want to be. There is interesting research though about how mindfulness and self-care have to start with the teacher. Begin with yourself, then you can share it with Ss. #UTedChat
A6- One of the most effective "PD" experiences I've had was when I spent the day as a student. I learned so much. I don't like sitting sill either. I lost my pencil before the end of the day. Some classes were topics I just was not interested in- art. #utedchat
A8 When I'm caring/inclusive and encourage that in my classroom, students mirror that. They become more caring and inclusive w/ respect to me and that takes a load off! I want my students with me- not against me. I'm not sandpaper- I'm glue! That is peace of mind #utedchat
A8: It has made me more sensitive to everyone around me. Relationships and stories matter. Understanding these can change perspective on everything. #utedchat
That sounds powerful. I have seen stories about teachers doing this. I think sometimes we forget just what it feels like be stuck in a desk for hours and not have a lot of engagement #UTEdchat
If it's okay to make mistakes and own them, then I don't have to pretend (or lie) when it comes to my shortcomings and yes, my failings. Since I'm real with students, and accommodate their needs, they're more understanding and patient with me. Boy, do I ever need it! #UTEdchat
"Seek first to understand, then to be understood..." Not only listening, but active listening... I get in trouble with my wife if I just "listen" :) #utedchat
Haha...me too. My husband tells me I'm a terrible listener. I teach the communication part of our mentor training oftentimes--I think my team is trying to help me do better! #utedchat
#UTedchat, we would LOVE to hear and share your stories and reflections on creating a #CaringClassroom. Check out some pretty great stories on our blog, several of which have been written by @HSG_UT fellows here tonight! https://t.co/7KvVQEEDbh
I've found kids to be incredibly understanding of my shortcomings as long as I'm honest with them. If I'm having a bad day, I let them know. They respond in kindness and respect. It's all about vulnerability, respect, and relationships.
Thanks @rogers_machelle and @sevenzo_org for a fun discussion on #UTEdchat
Baby boy just woke up...gotta go be momma. I am excited to read these later!
#UTedchat You can also find simple practices to try. Each free toolkit includes a mix of self-reflection, classroom activities, and examples from other Ts. Also we'll be releasing a new set in just a couple weeks! https://t.co/2m0ysGWWwm
Thank you SO much to @rogers_machelle and @HSG_UT for inviting us to join you all this evening. It was a blast! We love hearing all your insights and reflections. Keep up the great work of providing your Ss a #CaringClassroom. #UTedChat
