#CatholicEdchat Archive
CatholicEdChat is a twitter chat. Topics focus on discussions around educational issues for Catholic Educators and topics beneficial to Catholic Schools. We look forward to continuing to connect Catholic Educators online to discuss education and teaching with faith in our schools. The chat takes place on Saturday mornings. Time 9am EST.
Saturday August 13, 2016
Checking in with for a short while this morning.
Good morning ! Super excited for this morning's chat..I even made it on time today to boot. ;-)
Christy from So Cal. Good morning! Excited to chat about learning spaces today
Could the weekend before school get any better? Omaha, friends, coffee, and !
Good morning ! I'm here for a short while and excited to hear ideas!
Welcome New for a New Year
Premier League Soccer on in the background, and going at same time...pretty good way to start Saturday. Morning, all!
Good morning from California
Present today on an unusually nice morning in August in Missouri!
Good morning! I will be using and to participate in today's
Good morning . Please keep much of LOuisiana in your prayers. Devastating floods happening. 😢. Safe where I am.
I haven't started setting up my room yet, looking forward to new ideas! Back to School night is Thursday!
Oh Marcie! Sending prayers.
Nothing like last minute ;-) When do the kids arrive?
We are 3 days into the new school year. The next 177 will go by quickly.
Good morning from NJ! Our school year starts in September so I'm not even allowed in the building yet! Bummer for this girl!
we are safe this time but north of me and in Baton Rouge area to the west it is really bad
The heat index has been so high that the students have to stay inside for recess!
we start Wednesday. Room is ready, T is almost !
Stay safe - prayers, Marcie
Q1: What steps do you take in preparing your classroom for the new school year? Share a photo if you have one!
At least you have a classroom! Our portable won't be delivered until sometime in September.
A1 I moved into a room that needed a 20 year cleaning, so purge and dust were my first two steps!
Who needs classrooms in SoCal? That's what the beach is for! ;-)
ugh! Put the kids to designing.
A1 cont. took input, some design process thought, and began moving furniture out, blue sky thinking, b4 brining in essential
Hi JD! I hope you can share some photos from your school : )
A1: I don't do too much, leave some for Ss to have say. Just make sure it's clean and organized.
A1 Much more prep for lower grades than HS! But I like any room to look organized and cheerful
A1: I have been preparing ALL the classrooms this summer with upgraded, streamlined tech and some concept rooms!
A1 Always start the year with cleaning out closets and getting rid of clutter
Greetings from northeastern PA.
did you hear is the new principal at ? I believe he had a job similar to yours in AZ.
A1 Moving furniture out was so cleansing! 3 tables, 2 file cabinets, 1 large cabinet....and then some!
often what teachers see as essential is different from students
What is blue sky thinking?
I have seen more teachers creating interactive bulletin boards, rather than boards Ss just look at. https://t.co/eu8rX9JfID
A1: no pic yet - still in progress
Amen Marcie! Even in HS I don't know why we leave their voices out. A focus of mine this year.
teachers are great hoarders. I used to always feel like I might need it. Went away with changed mindset
mostly 360 stuff this summer, but i got a few shots...had a blast recording microsope footage yesterday
I just did a with in Laguna Beach. School had every classroom redesigned. Very cool.
I have an initial setup, but I'm still tinkering w/ desk layouts. Its my first teaching job, let alone classroom.
Two teachers created an interactive bulletin board encouraging Ss to list what gives them hope, which is our school theme.
I have seen some cool examples of AR bulletin boards using Aurasma.
Best advice from 1st college ed prof: build the room with students
I wanted to grab some yesterday but the furniture install took too long. Will share later.
i did! he is pretty awesome, as those types go... :)
My problem in cleaning out closets and spaces is letting the ideas I had for all those things go! So hard !
A1: Deep reflection & deep cleaning! What worked, what didn't? Where are MY growth areas? Am I hanging on to something 4 ME
rubbish sounds so much better than junk!
good news is you can always change what isn't working! Wishing you a great first year!
Looks like some great planning underway, David
Those are the desks we had at my old school. I hated them!
I think this is so important. Especially in the Pinterest age where the tendency is to go overboard.
Good Morning I'm savoring a quiet morning before heading back to school Monday.
I'm pretty sure my current layout won't be only one I use this year...
can you adjust the ideas to use without as much "stuff". Keep a digital notebook of ideas
Cleaning as spiritual exercise. Okay, I can try that!
It's that point you realize you can get rid of that cupboard of old coursework
Read the books by Marie Kondo. It will make things easier.
School-wide theme helps build school-wide community https://t.co/7vUnlMOs84
Two teachers created an interactive bulletin board encouraging Ss to list what gives them hope, which is our school theme.
Couldn't help but notice the TX flag! Nice!
Very cool! https://t.co/73a9c5eO3x
Two teachers created an interactive bulletin board encouraging Ss to list what gives them hope, which is our school theme.
Q2: What new elements do you plan to include this year in your school learning spaces?
Joan ... I have been there!!
Speaking of TX heat! I'm in DFW area, so praising the rain...for now... https://t.co/JpTAPxsFOh
Couldn't help but notice the TX flag! Nice!
That is so cute! Your kids will love!
see, right here is why I like participating in chats. Thanks for suggestion.
working on a Spaces project where helps with creating student centered spaces.
A2 a lot of teachers have ditched the teacher desk at my school
A1 Room for more collaboration and independent learning.
what did you use to create the poster? That's wild.
A2 I've scoured blogs and sites for large prayer posters, etc. Made my classroom door "Door of Mercy" too.
Q2: Bought camp chairs at Five Below so HS students can sit on carpet and share writing.
A2 we'll be experimenting a lot w/ experiencing & creating VR. more video creation cross curriculum seems high on the list
Would like to see those and any other AR uses for Catholic ed.
That sounds terrific! Lots of new ideas to explore and so powerful for student learning!
I'm doing the same thing. I've got a small one for myself, others take up too much space.. https://t.co/MsCb9yEtNI
A2 a lot of teachers have ditched the teacher desk at my school
A2 I have always wanted a chalkboard paint wall
A2: w/concept classrooms, I created for the Ts to learn/reflect/share as we prepare to refurnish the school
A2: Not sure I'm adding anything new. Much more taking away / minimizing / simplifying. Maybe interactive bulletin boards
Making better use of the corridors I'm putting up a huge wall of success with HW revision ect https://t.co/z1S2kzXDhq
I think that's necessary to get teachers out from behind the desk.
I am excited to be part of it.
when re redid the science wing we created 6 rooms with writable wall surfaces. classrooms and labs.
Ts the best for quick posters
Good early morning, Beth!
A1: more inviting spaces for independent reading. Also working on making my 'prayer table' more meaningful.
I ditched my teacher desk two years ago. Have never missed it!
I am working in that direction--have to get the Ts there too. Our rooms are so small, the T desk is a prob.
maybe this could be a topic one week for
Working on a tech free, chatter free "prayer corner" where people can unplug! https://t.co/JgsWKlhouj
Q2: What new elements do you plan to include this year in your school learning spaces?
Working on introducing my projec. First one is teacher who went totally flexible space in MS Math excited to share
worked off a mobile standing desk for last 2 years. nice to be able to move my workspace where i need to be
my T desk is now a computer work station for the 3d printer!
Awesome, Margaret! What will you include there?
I painted part of a wall with whiteboard paint. Love it!
I created a "Getting to know our school mission" board w/ QR codes.Using it w/ the MS students Opening Day
desks we put in some of the science classrooms can be stacked out of the way and have writable surface
Forgive me Father, for I am coveting my peer's teaching supplies... https://t.co/xxPAhZvOb9
my T desk is now a computer work station for the 3d printer!
Q3: Which classroom space features have you taken away in the past year or so? seats in rows, for example...
even during student teaching, I felt like if I sat down during day, I was doing something wrong...
I just realized I ditched the desk, too. Changed it for round table for collaboration ease.
A2: Will be adding a framed copy of my baptismal certificate in my office so I can discuss missionary discipleship w/others.
YES! Can't facilitate learning when you are behind the desk!
it's been nothing but trouble. I'm getting it replaced AGAIN this week. I don't recommend M3D
it was very much a "let's quit pretending i ever sit" decision - & shortens meetings. standing meetings win
An idea from at the ICSL this summer.
what exactly are interactive bulletin boards?
Use tri fold boards for prayer stations. When Ss want to use it they can set them up where they want. Very easy to add to.
this was something that transformed my classroom last year! I had my desk against the back wall.
just shared my QR code activity for meet the teacher night.
I'll concede I borrowed your idea for my Open House & Opening Day lesson plan. Brilliant activity!
Whew. I'll think of how much aggrevation I'm saving then! (I could say the same about our regular printer/copier)
During my 1st year, my desk became a safe space, but moving it completely changed my classroom community.
A3: Replaced all desks with tables & chairs -looks like a coffee shop- perfect space 4 reading a good book & collaboration.
Walking meetings! Walk in the hall, or walk in the gym.
love the idea! I might start small with an in class greenhouse 😉
I've use a computer remote for years, it's alot more effective wandering room the room
boards where kids add to it - writing on post-its and sticking them up or answering questions, etc.
Use of QR codes and Aurasma?
I'm not the best artist, so the interactive bulletin boards are a double win in that aspect.
Another big change: Instead of one place for all rosaries, now hanging from magnet peg from each desk for continuous use :0)
with admins - "can we walk?"; with teachers "have a seat, want some coffee?"
Far and away my favorite kind of board. I like making little doors that open, etc..
Q4: Where do you get inspiration or new ideas for designing your classroom space?
have a Micro 3D...need Ss to fix it - it wants to calibrate below the print bed..
A3 more teachers moving away from desks in rows to in groups, seating choice - BUT . . .
Please share photos when you can!
A3 . . . BUT I encourage new T's to keep trad. seating until get handle on CR management - then push to shift
I would love to study at dschool. I'm mildly obsessed with their work
I hate admitting it, but buzzfeed has some good bulletin boards, also use pinterest, but PLN is huge.
excellent point! great that you give them the 'permission' to start that way.
A4 Pinterest, PLN, conferences
Outside the box thinking is great, but a valuable reminder for me and other new teachers. https://t.co/vEAAMbMYCq
A3 . . . BUT I encourage new T's to keep trad. seating until get handle on CR management - then push to shift
A4: Other teachers, my own experience, the students! https://t.co/5PKOsoAQhp
Q4: Where do you get inspiration or new ideas for designing your classroom space?
A4 I ask the Ss. I have them for 3yrs. What do they want in a classroom. Very honest and helpful answers.
A4: Kids are there lg % of the day... I try to make it a space they want to be- comfortable, inviting, creative...
all have their issues. Takes patience but worth it for designing.
maker club is getting ready for their lego wall project for the makerspace. and we are going to VR map the school.
good chance to learn for them to fix it.
Just discovering Buzzfeed
A4: my PLN of course, and visiting other schools...always so much to take away just by walking thru another building
A4: Twitter teachers! Many other sites emphasize cuteness over purpose. I have been so inspired by the Ts I have met here.
I would love to do that too!!!
I need to share pics of our learning commons and new gateway center. Beautiful!
A4 I get many prayer posters from this site: http://www.catholicallyear.comd Just search "printables"
i always found traditional seating made CR_mgmt harder, but i was a big guy and rows are small. :)
My students really wanted a sofa!
A3: Anything that looked "pretty" but wasn't practical. Anything on the walls HAD to be teachable https://t.co/AXrCXwQ7Em
Q3: Which classroom space features have you taken away in the past year or so? seats in rows, for example...
A4 Even though I taught secondary, I was always inspired the creativity of my elementary colleagues. Borrowed and adapted!
A4 I'm teaching all 5 classes in our chapel this year. Interesting challenges.
we still have some of the original student planning and request sheets that guided our 3 years of renovations
I'm torn on this one...see both sides...for some Ts it works to learn cr mgmt w Ss already in group seating
This is inspirational - let the students help to design https://t.co/eHVURPgOF9
we still have some of the original student planning and request sheets that guided our 3 years of renovations
A4: My , , conferences, talking to Ss and Ts, visiting schools, companies...inspiration is everywhere!
A4 lots of ideas here, but I tend to get off track here with the many ideas! Pinned a bunch of Mother Teresa quot
Yes! Wish we had built in time for observation!
A4: ❤️👀Classroom Inspiration Extraordinaire
Cool - I didn't realize that!
A4, that reminds me, has a board!
I think it helps T observe what's really happening. It takes time to develop "withitness"
stdnt feedback groups, surveys, dept. meetings, coffee chats, - the more input in planning the better
Been linking for good but reasonably priced posters- thanks for the link. Really good stuff there...
A4. Recycling/Reuse "store". Source of my greatest creations. Although see earlier comments this chat ☺️
A4 I loved having student artwork displayed, especially their passion projects they did in free time. Home away from home.
I added one of these, 4 special occasions (it's very tempting to bounce off instead of sitting) https://t.co/kz7GRftg7J
They are right down the street from us and offer great workshops!
It does. You have to emphasize it is a privilege and students respect is important.
1. What do you need right now?
2. What would you like in class nxt year?
3. What would transform learning in your space?
Q5: In what ways do you plan for digital learning and technology in your classroom spaces?
For the students or the teacher?
Q3 is the critical one--means Ts need to reflect on their practice and WANT to improve!
A2: More student work and more walls that teach https://t.co/pX8VCnZOWv
Q2: What new elements do you plan to include this year in your school learning spaces?
What a fantastic resources!
good early morning, Kevin!
So many ideas and inspirations from there it seems!
yeah. weve done a lot of work w/ new teachers on the new proxemics. "Front of room" is silly in a laptop world
A1: intentional planning, make sure each aspect relates to student achieve the and course goals. https://t.co/GzMGKrVmwT
Q1: What steps do you take in preparing your classroom for the new school year? Share a photo if you have one!
A5:made tech easier to incorporate to give Ts less excuses. Also concept rooms will help Ts reflect on new pedagogy
I'd love to see it when it is ready, Margaret!
Surveyed students using to get input on new library. Got ideas that otherwise wouldn't. https://t.co/aeJEOXeMfZ
we still have some of the original student planning and request sheets that guided our 3 years of renovations
a5. May be getting an Epson i9 Board for my room or will have a Smartboard...I can supposedly move epson board around.
A5. channeling - DL & tech design starts with learning goals. What are you DOING? Verbs dictate the nouns. 1/2
A5 Well, we just upgraded bandwidth for consistent internet, so there's a big step...Now if I could just pair my comp w/ Eno
right on! Seems a lot of classroom decor is all appearance, purpose not always clear
Seating arrangements depend on the type of learning at hand. Sometimes rows, groups, concentric circles, etc.
A5. after you have a clear idea of the activities of experience and reflections, and only then, BUY ALL THE THINGS
Intentional and meaningful is everything https://t.co/Pm2q3cK2DM
right on! Seems a lot of classroom decor is all appearance, purpose not always clear
Kevin, you surely find that intentionality is helpful in guiding your work! When does school start for you?
yes! If no purpose ... Get rid of it!
I got to use a Jtouch board at another school this week. Huge touch screen! 40 or 50"
A5: Ts go back Monday. We will be a BYOD school-I'll find out then!
A5: So much easier with 1:1. Used to have "laptop formation" Ss would quickly move desks together in two long rows with...
You will love their stuff Joan! It is fantastic. Great T resources for
A5: Making sure the wifi coverage is sufficient!
Excellent piece of the puzzle!
I'm supposed to be demoing one w/ our tech coordinator soon, did you like it better than Smartboard?
A4 New portable for studio and iMacs in the classroom area. New fiber network too!
A5...with giant power strip in middle. Now as 1:1 Ss are expected to monitor battery life & charge overnight. No more cords!
A5: have to worry about management, but also nailing down our "go-to" apps and planning procedure. https://t.co/yVoDT62T3B
Q5: In what ways do you plan for digital learning and technology in your classroom spaces?
yes, image was very sharp, didn't have to worry about shadow getting in way, no worries about bumping proj.
I am not a big fan of iPads for all, but I love an iPad with a Smartboard.
Thank for shout out I legit just woke up. Lots of brain power to recharge ;-)
A5: Having Ss charge overnight so we don't need any cords during the day has made a huge difference!
so important. forced us to be more creative to makes spaces that met so many varied needs and wishes
A5 New dedicated fiber optic internet circuit!
A5 new speakers for all classrooms.
Agreed. If a student day dreams during class, they should find educational things on the wall! https://t.co/OQUtjdCGgm
yes! If no purpose ... Get rid of it!
Wishing both of you a great school year!!
YES! The eternal struggle! My biggest frustration!!!
Thanks ! Same from and I.
I've actually never seen the two link up and didn't know they did, may do that this year.
in past Ed designed rooms for adults not kids. Love the shift taking place
Yes! This is why I still prefer desks over tables - so easy to rearrange - can be tables, circles, indiv., etc.
Every student in my room has a chrome book. They are used for individual and group work. We also have apple products.
good point! My tables are stuck in place now, but 1/3 of room is open space, ss can sprawl
Isn't (day) dreaming supposed to be a good thing?
We are testing node chairs this year. Ss and Ts are excited. Great for responsive learning!
We just put them in our lab. How do you like them? https://t.co/FQEPA313i8
Every student in my room has a chrome book. They are used for individual and group work. We also have apple products.
No reason you can't make a student-centered learning environment with your own "touch" https://t.co/zx9AWpl5kN
in past Ed designed rooms for adults not kids. Love the shift taking place
kept an eye on amazon for 3rd party plates to drop in price. the one for the makerspace will be 5' x 4'
Funny how things come full circle!
Q6: Do you have a makerspace in your school? Any other new spaces either informal learning spaces or formalized?
I hadn't thought of that!
I agree! If all rooms were the same it would be boring.
my fiber (and backup fiber) fill my geek heart with joyu
I needed at least one creative bulletin board by next Monday- may use this. another reason to love twitter!
Daydreaming = imagination.Where the pieces start coming together
Absolutely, especially when it involves U.S. history! https://t.co/KGMeSNNAkM
Isn't (day) dreaming supposed to be a good thing?
Top tips reshare! Getting Learning Spaces Ready for School @http://ow.ly/M9HX303cKPH via
Love including my favorite quotes up and around the room. https://t.co/P4waWk5ti4
I agree! If all rooms were the same it would be boring.
A6 No maker space that I know of. Our learning commons and gateway center are incredible spaces for Ss
Good to hear. We are a bit anxious about the change & no training, but I think easy enough to start https://t.co/UzBebQO7F6
I have cart in my room. The kids use them at desks, cubbies, and floor. No issues so far!
they are finally getting fiber to the school I left. So happy for them!
we also added a tech coordinator to teach students AND support teachers. Big budget leap but is proving itself
A6: No formal maker space...yet! but do have an innovation lab and are creating more informal gathering spots for Ss.
A6: not yet. We are so small - physically & enrollment - there's not much room available but if priority we'd make it work
Indeed! Day dreaming also a natural "break" for the brain; as long as it doesn't turn into sleeping! https://t.co/hpIlPs9yLR
Daydreaming = imagination.Where the pieces start coming together
Thanks, Jerry! Excellent resources
I should say so! Let's brain recharge, or let's T know they need to up their game
Admin needs to see that. Many want all rooms to be the same.
most important position in the school is the person who bridges the gap between tech-geek and teach-geek
A6: planning on a mini-classroom library; clippings, books, magazines...opportunity for enrichment. https://t.co/XLipIpjVVd
Q6: Do you have a makerspace in your school? Any other new spaces either informal learning spaces or formalized?
A6 Yes, we have a Makerspace. Formal and informal use/programming. Oh ... Your turn :-) I got moved down the hall
Q6 How will you adjust the learning spaces in your school as the year progresses?
A6: Attended in DC. Lots of ideas. Plan on having a in Clrm.
I was never good with everyone doing things the same!
6. Google expeditions, HTC Vive, Theta 360 cameras.
Recent research: Stuff on walls can distract Ss, not help them learn. Teacher stuff stores have us duped.
yeah, I'm on the verge of admin telling me to slow down. My room is completely different.
Please share your photos/videos over the next few weeks
6. Lots of new licensing agreements that allow us to get good software onto student-owned computers
Thats kind of my goal to be "that teacher" within 3 years Jersey in Iowa may already create that
admin should let creativity flourish if it relates to student achievement. https://t.co/LFh0qYkwj6
Admin needs to see that. Many want all rooms to be the same.
6. new music creation and notation software along with new midi keyboards for piano and digital music
stand up for it with facts. Been there before.
A6 Add more student / less teacher in all aspects.
Another great ! Now I'm off to go clean and organize my Ss' classroom. Have a fabulous day!
hah! YES! It took me about 3 yes to establish to really explore and make these changes
I would be so into that! Share pics for
Heading of to training at school. Thanks for a great start to my weekend ! Good luck to all next week!!
A6: allow for student input/impact, change classroom based on student needs, experiment with seating https://t.co/FBwv3BtTcA
Q6 How will you adjust the learning spaces in your school as the year progresses?
Wonderful ideas shared in chat today! Thanks to each of you for being here and sharing your awesomeness with !
Have a great week and start of school! Off to hang with my family!
Thanks for a great chat, ya'll! Have an awesome week!
dont think i have one on this phone....i'll be in school later today to close some tickets though
I will never understand this. Kids AND teachers suffer this way!
Best wishes to those of you starting this week. My Ss begin Wednesday. Can't wait!
Prayers please for my good friend Marcia who died 8/10. Her signature project with 8th graders https://t.co/IjFvcqRvmd
The key will be to integrate the tech, and not just "do tech" separately. Hope it goes well. It takes teamwork
We have fairly plain walls...Art Ss works & some content specific. But I am a firm believer in power of daydreaming
