Former self-contained SPED teacher🍎Dynamic Staff Developer/ Podcaster🎤Author best selling book; That One Kid & new release📚 Watch Your Mouth 🙏22 years clean
Best advice I ever learned from my mom, a 37 year retired educator: “If you always do & say what’s best for KIDS there will always be a place for you in education. & you will piss multiple people off along the way. Get used to it.” More true now than ever.
#thatonekid
#Teachers
with few behavior issues have the following in common:
1. Rarely gets offended.
2. Starts every day with a clean slate.
3. Talks w kids before/after class.
4. Considers de-esclation a win.
5. Doesn’t need the last word.
Add yours 👇
#ThatOneKid
#edchat
#Teachers
with few behavior issues have the following in common:
1. Rarely gets offended.
2. Provides very little down time.
3. Talks w kids before/after class.
4. Asks lots of questions.
5. Don’t need the last word.
Add to the list 👇
#ThatOneKid
#edchat
Not sure why the need to announce canceling school now for the whole year. Even if that’s plan. 2 weeks at a time. Give kids & parents some hope. Most educators I know would take one day in June if it meant seeing their kids one last time.
#thatonekid
Advice learned from my mom, a 37 year retired educator: “If you always do what’s best for kids there will always be a place for you in education. You will also piss some people off along the way. Get used to it.” Tag a teacher who always does what’s best for kids👇.
#thatonekid
My daughters 2nd grade teacher quit 4 weeks into the school year. Tonight my heart breaks for my son. Friday is his 4th grade teachers last day. He literally loves her. Both leaving the profession. Both incredible teachers. My ❤️ hurts for the kids… & for our profession.
Since school closed we’ve seen a huge increase in my son’s anxiety. Nail chewing, stuttering & nightmares. I lay in his bed each night until he falls asleep & get to be home w him all day🙏. He will be fine. My heart hurts for kids who don’t have a “me” in their life.
#thatonekid
Are your high school kids acting like middle schoolers? Middle schoolers acting like elementary kids? If so you’re not alone. Socially & academically many students are 1.5 yrs behind where they “should” be. It’s not your fault. Don’t give up. This year is a marathon not a sprint.
My sons health teacher (3rd grade) started online class today by saying, “let me pause at look at your beautiful faces without the masks. Each of you is so special. Everyone pose.” They all did. He loves her.
#hooked
#thatonekid
#relationshipsfirst
Be respectful to kids even if they are disrespectful back. Be kind to kids even if they are unkind back. Smile at kids even if they don’t smile back. Say good morning to kids even if they don’t say it back. Add yours 👇.
#edchat
#thatonekid
#kidsdeserveit
My daughters 2nd grade teacher quit four weeks into the school year. My sons 4th grade teacher quit the day before thanksgiving. In my home we lost both kids teachers. If u show up every day w some type of positive energy u are doing enough this year. Remember that.
#thatonekid
Some adults in school are really good at pouring gasoline on a little tiny fire. I’m not saying the kid isn’t at fault, disrespectful, rude, etc... I’m simply asking do you pour gasoline or water? Goal=defuse. Every time.
#thatonkid
#Teachers
with few behavior issues have the following in common:
1. Rarely gets offended.
2. Starts every day with a clean slate.
3. Talks w kids before/after class.
4. Considers de-esclation a win.
5. Doesn’t need the last word.
Add yours 👇
#ThatOneKid
#edchat
Remember when heading back:
1. Not all kids had a great summer.
2. Avoid power struggles at all costs.
3. Don’t take behavior personally.
4. 2nd to last word is best.
5. Don’t hold grudges.
Add yours 👇
#thatonekid
#culture
#edchat
I’m tired of people saying, “We have to prepare kids for the real world.” Truth is many of my students experienced more of the real world by age 10 than I have in 42 years on earth.
#truth
#thatonekid
#kidsdeserveit
#edchat
Ever wonder why one teacher struggles so much with a student and others don’t? Almost always it is about the relationship the teacher has built w that student. Building anything valuable takes time. Invest in building relationships before content.
#thatonekid
5 non negotiables for success w ur toughest kids.
1. You have to like them.
2. Private is better than public.
3. Some is better than none.
4. Late is better than not at all.
5. 2nd to last word is best.
#edchat
#kidsdeserveit
#thatonekid
#tlap
#culturize
Five questions to ask students when inappropriate behavior happens:
1. Why do you think that is ok?
2. Who in your life believes that ok?
3. Where did u learn this (behavior)?
4. How can you help fix this situation?
5. What can we/you do differently next time?
#thatonekid
#edchat
Five of my fave questions for inappropriate behavior:
1. Why do you think that is ok?
2. Where did u learn this (behavior)?
3. Who in your life believes that’s ok?
4. How can you help fix this?
5. What can we/you do differently?
#edchat
#kidsdeserveit
#thatonekid
5 non-negotiables for success w “hard to reach” kids.
1. Don’t take it personally.
2. 2nd to last word is best.
3. Late is better than not at all.
4. Some is better than none.
5. Private is better than public.
Drop your best tip below!
#edchat
#edutwitter
#thatonekid
#tlap
For me it is personal. I have 2 kids. 1st & 3rd grade. My daughter desperately needs peer interaction that only in person school provides. I will never stop fighting for what she deserves no matter how mad it makes some or how many followers I lose.
#openschools
#leavekidsalone
Words all kids appreciate:
1. I love having you in my class.
2. Please & thank you.
3. I believe in you.
4. Here’s one thing you are good at.
5. When I was a kid I did that too.
#edchat
#tlap
#kidsdeserveit
#thatonekid
#culturize
5 non negotiables for success w ur toughest kids.
1. You have to like them (or pretend).
2. Private is better than public.
3. Some is better than none.
4. Late is better than not at all.
5. 2nd to last word is best.
#edchat
#kidsdeserveit
#thatonekid
#tlap
#culturize
Reminder! Five non negotiables for success with the toughest kids:
1. Never take it personally.
2. Second to last word is best.
3. Private is better than public.
4. Negotiation is GOOD.
5. Walking away = strength.
#edchat
#kidsdeserveit
#toughkids
#thatonekid
#motivate
#teach
Teachers w few behaviors have the following in common:
1. Provides very little down time.
2. Mingles w kids before class.
3. Asks lots of questions.
4. Rarely gets offended.
5. Switches up teaching styles.
#edchat
#thatonekid
#tlap
#kidsdeserveit
#Teachers
with few
#behavior
issues have the following in common:
1. Rarely gets offended.
2. Starts every day with a clean slate
3. Talks w kids before/after class
4. Considers de-esclation a win
5. Doesn’t need the last word
Add yours 👇
#ThatOneKid
#edchat
Fair means everyone gets what they need. Equal means everyone gets the same. Tell kids, “I promise to be fair. I will not always treat you all the same.” Then be fair & stop worrying about treating them all the same.
#edchat
#thatonekid
#kidsdeserveit
#tlap
#culturize
Please remember “fair” means everyone gets what they need. Equal means everyone gets the same thing. Be fair. Stop worrying about treating everyone exactly the same way.
#edchat
#kidsdeserveit
#thatonekid
#tlap
Ever wonder why one teacher struggles so much with a student and others don’t? 9/10 times it is about the relationship between the student and the educator. Spend an extra minute or two every day connecting w ur hardest to reach kid. Relationships matter!
#ThatOneKid
Fair means everyone gets what they need. Equal means everyone gets the same. Consistency means I do the same every time. Consistently be fair. Consistently stop worrying about treating everyone the same.
#edchat
#thatonekid
#tlap
#kidsdeserveit
Words all kids love hearing:
1. Welcome. We missed you.
2. I’m so glad you are here.
3. I believe (in) you.
4. I was wrong. I apologize.
5. I love having you in my class.
Drop yours 👇.
#edchat
#edutwitter
#thatonekid
I frequently hear teachers talk about kids not doing “the work.” The work the work the work. Stop caring about the work... Care only about what they learn from the work. I’ve seen many kids doing tons of work & learning zero from it.
#edchat
#tlap
#KidsDeserveIt
#thatonekid
Five of my favorite questions for inappropriate behavior:
1. Why do you think that is ok?
2. Where did u learn this (behavior)?
3. Who in your life believes that’s ok?
4. How can you help fix this?
5. What can we/you do differently?
#edchat
#kidsdeserveit
#thatonekid
Five tips to building relationships w the toughest kids:
1. Be vulnerable.
2. Tell your story (lead w the struggles).
3. Go out of your way (when not required to be with the student).
4. Listen w no expectations.
5. Forgive often.
#edchat
#thatonekid
#kidsdeserveit
Three strategies to avoid Power Struggles:
1. Stop needing the last word.
2. Hear what kids say instead of how they say it.
3. Walk away (physically & mentally).
#edchat
#kidsdeserveit
#thatonekid
Five more non negotiables for success with the toughest kids:
1. They must believe you like them.
2. Never hold grudges.
3. Some is better than none.
4. Late is better than not at all.
5. Questions are better than statements.
#edchat
#kidsdeserveit
#teach
#teacher
Two of the most important keys to working with your toughest kids:
1. Flexibility.
2. Forgiveness.
Don’t waver on either.
#edchat
#thatonekid
#kidsdeserveit
Never underestimate paraprofessionals when it comes to impact on student behavior. They are often on the front lines w the hardest kids. The dedication, passion & patience many show for the most challenging students is truly admirable. Tag your favorite para 👇.
#thatonekid
Fair means everyone gets what they need. Equal means everyone gets the same. Tell kids, “I promise to be fair which means I will not always treat you all exactly the same way.” Then be fair & stop worrying about treating them all the same way.
#edchat
#thatonekid
#kidsdeserveit
Teach kids to pick their heads up in class. Not bc it’s disrespectful to the teacher. Bc if you don’t hold your own head high why would others think highly of you? It’s about respect & dignity for them, not us.
#edchat
#kidsdeserveit
#thatonekid
Every kid is gifted and talented. I repeat... Every. Single. Kid. Is gifted and talented. I admit for some the gifts & talents are hard to find, but It is our job to look until we do.
#edchat
#thatonekid
#tlap
#leapeffect
#kidsdeserveit
My daughters friend (3rd) missed recess bc she was talking when the teacher was reading. Student anxiety/stress continue to rise. Research shows physical activity help alleviate these. I hate the words always & never but im pretty much never in favor of taking away recess. Agree?
Response for, “You can’t make me.”
“You are right. I can’t. Only you can make yourself. I believe in you. I am here to help. Good luck trying.”
Then walk away.
#edchat
#KidsDeserveIt
#tlap
#thatonekid
This week call your toughest kid at home. Say, “I miss you, hope you’re having a great holiday, and look forward to seeing you when school starts.” You want to reach kids no one else reaches you have to do things no one else does. That’s how it works.
“I gave a quiz. 20 questions. Kid missed 18. I put a +2 at the top of his paper w a big smiley face. He asked why. I told him bc -18 sucks the life out of you. +2 means you are on a roll.” - Rita Pierson
#edchat
#kidsdeserveit
#tlap
#thatonekid
Five goals when defusing an upset kid:
1. Treat student w dignity.
2. Preserve your own dignity.
3. Keep them in class.
4. Remain a 2nd to last word person.
5. Teach & practice alternative behavior.
#edchat
#tlap
#kidsdeserveit
#thatonekid
#culturize
Response for “I don’t care:”
“I hear ya. I didn’t care about a lot of things I was forced to learn in school either. Today, just for fun let’s pretend you cared. If you did, what would you say then?”
Repeat multiple times if need be.
#edchat
#kidsdeserveit
#thatonekid
#tlap
I dislike the phrase “behavior problem” when referring to challenging kids. Behaviors aren’t usually the problem. They are solutions they pick to problems. IE... kid calls out inappropriately = needy for attention / connection. Focus on what’s driving the behavior.
#thatonekid
Please, No grudges! W certain kids every day has to be a new day. W other kids every hour a new hour. W others every minute a new minute. The windshield is bigger than rear view mirrors bc we have to go forward.
#edchat
#kidsdeserveit
#tlap
#thatonekid
#culturize
Never underestimate paraprofessionals when it comes to their impact on student behavior. The dedication, passion, & patience they show for the most challenging students is truly admirable❤️. Drop the name of your favorite para.
#edchat
#thatonekid
#culturize
#educate
#edutwitter
Five relationship building tips:
1. Be respectful to disrespectful kids.
2. Be there when things are bad.
3. Ask questions.
4. Required time spent w kid does not count.
5. Criticize (& praise) privately.
What would you add?
#edchat
#kidsdeserveit
#thatonekid
#tlap
#edutwitter
I’ve been called a murderer, despicable, sell out, disgraceful, & had attacks lobbed at my family, all because I think KIDS should have the OPTION of going to school, playing sports, & living life normally. Cancel culture is real. I will not cower to
#edu
bullies.
#openschools
Five of my fave relationship building tips:
1. Be respectful to disrespectful kids.
2. Be there when things are bad.
3. Ask lots of questions.
4. Remember criticism w/out compliment is abuse.
5. Criticize (& praise) as privately as possible.
#edchat
#kidsdeserveit
#thatonekid
Tell me some adults in your school aren’t really good at pouring gasoline on a little tiny fire. I’m not saying the kid isn’t at fault, disrespectful, rude, etc.. I’m simply asking do you pour gasoline or water? Goal = Defuse. Every time.
#thatonekid
Tomorrow pull your toughest kid aside & listen to him or her w no expectations. Ask questions w/out trying to get something from them or change something about them. Simply listen to them.
#edchat
#kidsdeserveit
12/23/01. Today, 18 yrs ago, I decided I was sick & tired of being sick and tired. Lessons learned: 1. I am always part of the problem. If I change me I change everything around me. 2. The more I give the more I get. Shout out to all my brothers & sisters in recovery🙏.
#grateful
Five more relationship building tips:
1. Be respectful to disrespectful kids.
2. Be there when things are bad.
3. Ask lots of questions.
4. Remember criticism w/out compliment is abuse.
5. Criticize (& praise) as privately as possible.
#edchat
#kidsdeserveit
#thatonekid
Relationships are the foundation w difficult kids. Every. Single. Time. Looking elsewhere (tickets, charts, etc...) wastes time & often make things worse. Trust the process. Building valuable anything always takes longer than planned.
#edchat
#thatonekid
#kidsdeserveit
Care more about the kid than anything you are trying to teach the kid, & you’ll be able to teach the kid anything you want.
#edchat
#thatonekid
#kidsdeserveit
Great
#teachers
have the following in common:
1. They see all inappropriate behavior as teachable moments.
2. They do not look to punish. They look to teach & influence.
3. They see tough kids as a challenge to overcome instead of a burden to deal with.
#edchat
#thatonekid
Relationships do not have to take summers off. My daughters teacher from last year has texted or called every week all summer to check in. Shoutout to all the teachers who haven’t stopped🙌.
#thatonekid
I don’t think middle / HS kids should be forced to change for PE. Leads to too many power struggles & not worth the fight. Want to change? Great. Don’t? No problem. Do your best & don’t forget deodorant. Am I wrong?
#thatonekid
There is no such thing as a “behavior problem” child in school. Behaviors are never the problem. They are always solutions kids pick to their problems.
#thatonekid
I’m not telling you not to have behavior charts on your wall. I’m telling u if u have behavior charts on ur wall u can’t ever tell kids to mind their own business again.
#edchat
#KidsDeserveIt
#thatonekid
#tlap
Five of my fave relationship building tips:
1. Be respectful to disrespectful kids.
2. Be there when things are bad.
3. Ask lots of questions.
4. Remember criticism w/out compliment is abuse.
5. Criticize (& praise) as privately as possible.
#edchat
#kidsdeserveit
#thatonekid
Teach kids to pick their heads up in class. Not bc it’s disrespectful to the teacher. Bc if you don’t hold your own head high why would others think highly of you? It’s about respect & dignity for them, not us.
#edchat
#kidsdeserveit