chat archives

forum chat: 9.13.12

Some important points from the evening:

• Lisa M Dabbs: @Carolyn...thanks. I lead that every Wed. I founded new teacher chat on Twitter 2 yrs ago to support newbies to be better teachers!
  
  
• Carissa Rogers: My new fave is to use VSpot when someone is sick and needs meals brought in.. my friend here recently was diagnosed with breast cancer and the neighborhood has been using Vspot to schedule and sign up for meals.. :)

• April Welch: the one most of the families I've worked with like the best is the Black Hole Binder. . .
  
• Lisa M Dabbs@Amy...I consistently worked to have my boys be responsible. It has made all the difference now that they are grown-up!
• April Welchparents can easily give their kiddos room to find their own organizing personality by stepping back & watching how they make decisions with their stuff

• ⁃ Karen Bantuveris: Love to hear it @Jackie! What's cool about VolunteerSpot is ANY parent or teacher can initiate the signup sheet. If you can shop online, you can set it up.

full transcript:
⁃ Carolyn WilhelmIf you leave your sound on whenever you are on we teach, you can chat on here anytime,
⁃ Me@all if you want to jump on twitter for a bit, Lisa Dabbs of @teachingwthsoul is hosting the #ntchat . . she'll be joining us in a bit. :)
⁃ Carolyn Wilhelmgoing to tweet deck
⁃ 8:50 PM
⁃ Carissa Rogers#ntchat = what exactly?
⁃ Carolyn Wilhelm#ntchat is like the twitter party, are on you tweet grid or tweet deck?
⁃ April Welch#ntchat = new teacher chat
⁃ Menew teacher chat: https://www.facebook.com/NewTeacherChat
⁃ Carissa RogersAhhh new teacher... I FEEL like a new teacher with my little foster kiddo... he learns sooo much differently than my kids ever did. :)
⁃ Me@carissa-- I didn't know you had a foster child! how old? what grade?
⁃ Carissa RogersHe was 4 when we first got him... he just started K-garten. :)
⁃ Me@carissa wow! how has he adjusted to beign w/ you guys?
⁃ 8:57 PM
⁃ MeI know it's a busy time of year, my friends, but let's get started!
⁃ Carolyn WilhelmHello, everyone
⁃ Mesome plan to join us within the hour, so how about we start our chat?!
⁃ where IS everyone tonight? *I'm in Maryland, right outside of DC*
⁃ Jackie HigginsSt. Louis, MO! Hello everyone!
⁃ Carolyn WilhelmI'm in Grand Marais, MN, almost up to Canada
⁃ April WelchLeavenworth, WA
⁃ Valerie @ Inner Child FunHi Amy & Carolyn!! I'll be popping in & out of here while I finish up some things... how is everyone??
⁃ Carolyn WilhelmHi Valerie
⁃ Mehello, @jackie! hey @carolyn! hi, @april!!
⁃ Carolyn WilhelmHi, Amy
⁃ Hi Jackie
⁃ Mehey @val! so glad to see you--I know you've got a lot on your plate now!
⁃ Carolyn WilhelmYou, too,Amy, are the kids getting in a routine?
⁃ Me@carolyn yep--slowly but surely. kindergarten's taking a toll on my youngest. . . all day is SO long for her!
⁃ Jackie HigginsHow's mama doing?
⁃ Carolyn WilhelmI know it is long for first graders, those first few weeks, but she will sleep well!
⁃ Me@jackie . . . :( missing my girl. how's your son doing w/ preschool??
⁃ Valerie @ Inner Child Fun@amy awwww... she must be so tired out after such a long day!
⁃ Me@val yes. you got it. . . you know exactly what's going on
⁃ Jackie HigginsHe loves it. It's a good way to ease into school as he will go to full day next year for Kindergarten. I'm sure I'll miss him... it's hard to let them go.
⁃ Lisa M DabbsHi everyone...Im new to the community and happy to be here. Lisa Dabbs from So Cal. :) Mom to 2 20 somethings!
⁃ Crystal FI'm from Port Huron, Michigan.
⁃ Me@jackie totally agree. glad it's goign well though!!
⁃ Jackie HigginsHi Lisa and Crystal
⁃ Carolyn WilhelmHi, Lisa, I saw the tail end of your twitter events, hello, Crystal
⁃ Valerie @ Inner Child Funmy hubby just got back from "meet the teacher" night.
⁃ Lisa M DabbsIt seems like just yesterday my boys were going to kindergarten! LOL
⁃ April WelchHey @Lisa my two are 18 & almost 14
⁃ Crystal FWe just started school this week and it is crazy.
⁃ Valerie @ Inner Child Funi got the full debriefing... so far, i'm really liking my 8 yr old's teacher. she seems really fun!
⁃ @jackie -- oh, that must feel so strange!!
⁃ how did it go, jackie??
⁃ Lisa M Dabbs@Carolyn...thanks. I lead that every Wed. I founded new teacher chat on Twitter 2 yrs ago to support newbies to be better teachers!
⁃ Jackie HigginsGood. He has a super sweet teacher and he loves her because she plays hockey on an all women's team. Great way to impress little boys!
⁃ April Welch@Lisa are you a teacher?
⁃ Carolyn WilhelmI will have to tune in, Lisa, that is great!
⁃ Mewelcome, @lisa -- welcome @crystal! so glad you're here!
⁃ Valerie @ Inner Child Fun@Lisa -- good to know, many of my readers are new teachers... i'll spread the word!
⁃ Lisa M Dabbs@April...agreed! I remember the days well. I was a school principal when my kids were 2 and 5, believe it or not!
⁃ Mehow about we go over a *few* things that make chats easier here?
⁃ Carolyn WilhelmYes
⁃ April Welch@Lisa - NO WAY!
⁃ Lisa M Dabbs@Valerie...thanks bunches...I would so appreciate the support
⁃ Me@carolyn, do you want to give everyone the skinny on side chats, on expanding screen, and sound?
⁃ Valerie @ Inner Child Fun@Lisa - my pleasure!
⁃ Lisa M Dabbs@April...Yup! LOL and did that for 14 years!
⁃ Carolyn WilhelmOh, I did that @amy, if people scroll up to earlier, I have it, I can cut and past just a minue
⁃ minute
⁃ Me@carolyn thank you thank you!!
⁃ chats here are super easy-
⁃ Carolyn WilhelmThe way to have a side conversation is to click on the person's name and a little screen pops up to talk to them, or just write their name in the main room conversation. You can have several little conversations going at once.
⁃ This is much easier than a Twitter chat
⁃ and click on the members online little boxes so the screen is bigger and easier to read
⁃ You hear a sound when someone (not you) comments
⁃ Me@carolyn thanks! awesome awesome!
⁃ Carolyn WilhelmI learned from the best, you @Amy
⁃ Meso we're chiming in from all over the country (and world--I know @yumei is overseas)
⁃ thanks, @carolyn (blushing...)
⁃ Carolyn WilhelmWaving across the ocean @yumei
⁃ Meso we have some awesome experts here tonight--some are online now and some are joining us in a bit
⁃ Jackie HigginsYay! You made it. We were chatting this am (it was pm for her)
⁃ Lisa M DabbsWow! That's cool. Didn't realize you could have so much flexibility in a Ning Chat!
⁃ Jacquie FisherHi Everyone!
⁃ Carolyn WilhelmHi, Jacquie!
⁃ Me@jackie! I know--we WERE chatting with her at like 7am today!!
⁃ one last thing-- if you tag [@NAME] whomever you're answering/ addressing, we'll be able to keep better track...and if something goes to the whole group, no need to tag. . .
⁃ Jackie HigginsI'm so stumped by time zones so I'm impressed with @yumei making it on time ;)
⁃ Meso let's welcome the amazing and incredible Lisa dabbs of http://teachingwithsoul.com . . . on twitter @teachingwthsoul and creator of #ntchat [new teacher chat]
⁃ Valerie @ Inner Child FunWelcome, Lisa!! So happy to "meet" you! :-)
⁃ Carolyn WilhelmI'm following @Lisa now
⁃ April Welch@Lisa I'm in awe of your concept #ntchat ;-)
⁃ Crystal FWelcome Lisa.:-)
⁃ Me@lisa is a superstar on the education scene--a teacher, administrator, consultant, all around awesome
⁃ Carolyn WilhelmWonderful to know!
⁃ Lisa M DabbsThanks all! I wish I would have had a community like this when my kids were growing up. You are all so blessed!
⁃ April Welchagree!
⁃ Jackie HigginsHi @lisa! I just took at peek at your site. I can't wait to dive into it more later!
⁃ Jacquie FisherYes we are!
⁃ April Welch#VeteranMom
⁃ Mewe also have the amazing and incredible April Welch of http://www.thementalcluttercoach.com/ and on twitter @Mental_Clutter and a professional organizer and speaker. . .
⁃ we are grateful to have you both here!
⁃ Carolyn WilhelmWe are so impressed @Lisa and @April!
⁃ April Welch*waving hi*
⁃ Lisa M Dabbs@Amy...blushing. Honored to meet so many passionate women who blog and care about others!
⁃ Crystal FWelcome April. :-)
⁃ Jackie HigginsHi April.
⁃ Lisa M Dabbs@April love the #veteranMom hashtag! LOL
⁃ Valerie @ Inner Child FunHello, April!!
⁃ April WelchAlso *blushing* ... I'm returning after a few years exploring social media & helping businesses with productivity
⁃ Mewelcome to all! we will also have Karen Bantuveris of http://www.volunteerspot.com/ [twitter @VSpotMom] & Carissa Rogers of http://goodncrazy.com/ @CarissaRogers joining us shortly
⁃ Michelle BreumHello. I just joined the conversation.
⁃ Carolyn WilhelmHi, Michelle
⁃ Lisa M Dabbs@VspotMom and @Carissa are such awesome peeps!
⁃ April WelchHey @Michelle
⁃ Meand of course we have fab #wetach members jumping in and out of the discussion as they change hats--mom hats, spouse hats, teacher hats, you name it!
⁃ Carolyn WilhelmI'm trying to follow all!
⁃ Mewelcome @michelle!
⁃ Jackie HigginsHi Michelle! Yay. I'm so happy we will have someone from volunteer spot. I just discovered the awesomeness of that site recently!!
⁃ Lisa M DabbsHi @Michelle. My middle name...Love it!
⁃ Jacquie FisherI'm still on April's homepage reading about decluttering my stairs!
⁃ April Welch@Jacquie #HeeHee
⁃ Me@jacquie ha! bookmark it and def go back, my friend! @april's stuff is awesome fo sho!!!
⁃ Carolyn Wilhelm@Jacquie, lol
⁃ Michelle BreumI took a peek at volunteer spot today. It looks great.
⁃ Jackie Higgins@jacquie- ha. I almost got sucked in as well with her pinterest made me do it posts. I'll be back to visit later @april
⁃ Jacquie FisherOk,bookmarked!
⁃ April WelchHa!
⁃ Carissa RogersI'm HERE! Hit me.. Is Karen here yet.. she was at a Parent Night 'meeting teachers' tonight.. :)
⁃ April Welchy'all are too kind ;D
⁃ Meokay, Which hats do you wear throughout the day: parent, teacher, caregiver, businesswoman, admin?
⁃ April Welch@Carissa - no Karen yet
⁃ Mehi @carissa -- no karen yet but I think she has bts night
⁃ Carissa Rogers@Jackie love to hear your thoughts about VolunteerSpot... I think it's great for RoomMoms, class parties and big stuff like organizing school fundraisers like carnivals and heavily parent volunteer activities..
⁃ April WelchParent, Businesswoman, Mentor, Volunteer, Wife & Mental Coach
⁃ Carolyn WilhelmI think VolunteerSpot would be very helpful for schools
⁃ Carissa RogersMy new fave is to use VSpot when someone is sick and needs meals brought in.. my friend here recenlty was diagnosed with breast cancer and the neighborhood has been using Vspot to schedule and sign up for meals.. :)
⁃ Lisa M Dabbs@Amy I would have to say it changes as the day goes on. Wifey AM, business ie consultant during, parent in the evening. :)
⁃ April Welch@Jackie - @Carissa is right! Completely pulls it all together!
⁃ Jackie HigginsI'm a parent (and all the hats that come along with being a mom of 2 small boys). I think Vspot is pretty much GENIUS as it saved me a load of time this week.
⁃ Jacquie FisherOh, great idea for meals - I need to tell our church coordinator about it!
⁃ Carissa RogersHATS: Parent, Mom-Van Driver, Meal planner, Volunteer and Teacher-Appreciator!! :)
⁃ Carolyn WilhelmJackie, how did you use Vspot?
⁃ Lisa M Dabbs@Carissa...what an awesome way to show love and support and organize with @Vspot!
⁃ Meyou're all so spot on--vspot IS rad-for so many reasons. and the greatest thing is that @karen is totally open to hearing anything and everything you have to say about it!
⁃ @carissa I love your 'teacher-appreciator' hat! xoxoxoxxo
⁃ Michelle BreumI do need to get organized, but I'm not sure if I have the energy to learn something new. Is it easy?
⁃ Jackie HigginsI used it for my "teacher appreciator" hat that I wear along with @carissa. We organize random acts of kindness for teachers, monthly baskets of goodies for teachers, and snacks for all the faculty meetings. It's a lot of organization but we have the BEST teachers!
⁃ Me@april I am so excited to learn more about your 'mental coach' hat!!
⁃ Valerie @ Inner Child FunI had never heard from volunteerspot before -- sounds amazing. one of the biggest reasons i don't volunteer in my daughter's classroom more often is because they (the school) makes it so difficult. :-(
⁃ Meboo. @val what a total bummer. . .you'll learn tons tonight then!!
⁃ Lisa M Dabbs@Amy...Agreed! I used it with my Non-profit group. Took them a while to get the hang of it. They are used to clip boards!
⁃ April Welch@Michelle - yes, at least the way I approach it is :: I believe in turning to your current habits to find solutions ;D
⁃ Crystal FVspot sounds wonderful. I will be checking it out in depth later to line up volunteers for my own classroom.
⁃ Valerie @ Inner Child Funi'm so impressed!
⁃ Me@april . . . help us!!! The school year is such a busy time, and it's easy to get lost in the sea of papers, homework, and flyers. What 'secrets' do you have for staying organized during the school year?
⁃ Carolyn WilhelmCalendars with pockets for each month!
⁃ Valerie @ Inner Child Funtotally emailing her teacher to let her know about it.
⁃ if she doesn't already know, that is.
⁃ Lisa M Dabbs@Valerie...oh booo...why is it hard? As a former school principal, it bothers me when I hear parents don't feel supported at school.
⁃ April WelchSo, for paper clutter there are so many options ...
⁃ Jackie Higginsyes! help! You should see the crazy stack of papers that came home with my preschooler. Seriously, I filled out forms for 1/2 hour
⁃ April Welchthe one most of the families I've worked with like the best is the Black Hole Binder
⁃ Using a 3-ring binder
⁃ Me@april do tell
⁃ Valerie @ Inner Child Funa lot of red tape, even for something as simple as reading to her classroom. it stinks. :-( and it's a big deterrent for other parents too. so sad!
⁃ April Welchand "pocketed dividers"
⁃ create "sections" for each student
⁃ Valerie @ Inner Child FunLOL -- love the name "black hole binder".
⁃ Lisa M Dabbs@Valerie...so sad. :( Should not be like that.
⁃ April Welch3 hole punch the year long important stuff like the calendar and school menus
⁃ Valerie @ Inner Child Fun@lisa -- agreed! it's one area they can improve on, and i'm sure this will help!
⁃ April Welchthen as papers come in for each student & you need to deal with it "later" stick it in their pocket until you have time to look it over
⁃ additions to this system are
⁃ phone numbers
⁃ invites
⁃ Valerie @ Inner Child Fun@april -- brilliant!
⁃ April Welcheven recipes
⁃ Carissa RogersHey @Amy Teachmama!!! Karen says she can't login.. canyou authorize or email her?? :)
⁃ Jackie HigginsThat's awesome! Because sometimes you can't take the time in the moment to deal with the paperwork
⁃ Carissa RogersI gotta go pick up the teen from Drama practice... HOLD ON!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :)
⁃ April Welchthe reason it's called the black hole binder is to "capture" all the papers that end up in the black hole of your pile
⁃ Tip :: important to have dividers that have pockets
⁃ Jacquie Fisher:-D love that!
⁃ April Welchit's not always convenient to punch holes - when life is a bit fast paced
⁃ Jackie HigginsI have the black hole. I threw everything from preschool into a manila envelope and I was scared to open it again. :) I can't wait to try this.
⁃ April Welchthe pockets allow you to "dump & run"
⁃ most important step though, is to return to the pocket/folder when things are less crazy
⁃ Valerie @ Inner Child Funhmmm... pretty sure my kitchen is a black hole at the moment... lol
⁃ Lisa M Dabbs@April...what about Evernote for the super techie Mom? I love that thing! You can snap a pic of the paper with your phone and it loads to your evernote!
⁃ April Welchlike after kids are in bed
⁃ Michelle BreumI like the dividers with pockets. I'd probably not even use the hole punch and just get more dividers with pockets for the black hole binder. More than one pocket for each kid.
⁃ Valerie @ Inner Child Fun@lisa -- i'm also a huge evernote fan. it is totally awesome!
⁃ Lisa M Dabbs@Jackie...thats so funny!
⁃ Mesorry friends--trying to get karen on!
⁃ Jacquie Fisher@Valerie - my kitchen too:-)
⁃ April WelchYes @Lisa! I love Evernote - the binder would hold the physical papers you need that have expiration on them like soccer schedule or project outlines
⁃ Valerie @ Inner Child Fun@april -- i love this idea, and it compliments evernote so nicely!
⁃ April Welchso, the next part of the black hole binder
⁃ Jackie HigginsI wish everything could just be paperless but until then, this is fantastic.
⁃ April Welchis to teach the family about it
⁃ and to have a "home" for it {often the kitchen}
⁃ Lisa M Dabbs@April...yes! Great partnership!
⁃ Jacquie FisherYou mean my family gets to help me organize??!!!
⁃ April Welchthen explain what the "resource" part of a library was like when we were kids {crazy that we have to explain it}
⁃ and then tell them they can use it too!
⁃ just be sure to treat it like a "resource" :D
⁃ make sense?
⁃ Lisa M DabbsYes!!
⁃ Jacquie FisherTotal sense - and I love empowering the kids to learn the system
⁃ Valerie @ Inner Child FunLOVE it!!
⁃ Jackie HigginsYes, that is so great. You can really introduce organizational skills at a fairly young age then.
⁃ Me@april-- I LOVE that you covered the family's role because I always wonder--where does the responsibility fall? What role should a parent take in keeping kids organized?
⁃ April WelchI come from a philosophy
⁃ Karen BantuverisHi everyone - sorry to be so late - was at my daughter's Meet the Teacher night - and they were fab!!
⁃ Valerie @ Inner Child Fun@Karen -- you made it!!!
⁃ Lisa M Dabbs@Amy...I consistently worked to have my boys be responsible. It has made all the difference now that they are grown-up!
⁃ Me@karen, welcome! thanks for coming, my friend--no need to apologize! busy september!
⁃ April Welchparents can easily give their kiddos room to find their own organizing personality by stepping back & watching how they make decisions with their stuff
⁃ Lisa M Dabbs@Karen...Hi my friend!! :)
⁃ Karen BantuverisHey April! What if the decisions involve leaving all clothes on the floor and books on the kitchen table?
⁃ Me@lisa that's good to know--it's a constant work in progress, then?
⁃ April Welch*waving hi* to @Karen {{hugs}} girl!
⁃ Ha! @Karen thanks for asking!
⁃ I have an answer for that too!
⁃ Lisa M Dabbs@Amy...absolutely! And I might add that my oldest, Jason, has ADHD, so no small feat there! LOL
⁃ April Welch& @Lisa this also works for ADHD
⁃ Explain the basic "house rules" like 'no food in your room'
⁃ Me@lisa -- so a big dose of patience along with your constant 'organizational refreshers'?
⁃ @april tell us! :)
⁃ April Welchthen
⁃ Karen BantuverisAll ears!
⁃ April Welchheehee
⁃ #TheSuspense
⁃ Lisa M DabbsJason had lots of little visual cues to support him to stay focused. :) One on the front door, one on the bathroom door, one on the bedroom door.
⁃ Karen BantuverisHi Lisa =) I'm visual cue girl too - post-its everywere.
⁃ Me#iskillingme
⁃ April WelchTo keep their stuff from taking over your space, let them know it needs to stay in their space ~ not community spaces like the kitchen or family room
⁃ now for the ADHD set
⁃ MeI think @april is trying to cleanse us from our 'mental clutter' with her suspense-building techniques during the chat #loveit!
⁃ Karen BantuverisCue simplicity!
⁃ April Welcheverything is about the visual
⁃ Lisa M Dabbs@April...so TRUE! And stay consistent in the process. :)
⁃ Jacquie Fisher@April - how long do you remind them that they need to keep things in their own space?
⁃ April Welchso, living the example is key
⁃ @Jacquie
⁃ daily
⁃ {grin}
⁃ Jacquie FisherThanks !
⁃ Me@april . . . gulp. daily?
⁃ April Welchfiguring out what the lessons are before you begin nagging helps keep the discussions on topic
⁃ for example ... teaching a kiddo to pick up their stuff is as much about where things belong as it is about capacity
⁃ Meisn't there a . . .
⁃ magic syrup
⁃ to give our kids?
⁃ Lisa M Dabbs@April...I couldn't agree more!
⁃ Methe organizational pill or something
⁃ Carissa RogersHey THERE's The fabulous Karen Queen of VolunteerSpot.. :) HI
⁃ April Welchsee :: my counter doesn't have room for your practice pads to cover it ;D
⁃ Carissa RogersOkay what question/topic are we on?
⁃ Me@april love this: teaching a kiddo to pick up their stuff is as much about where things belong as it is about capacity
⁃ Michelle BreumI hear ya Amy. It's hard to live the example.
⁃ April Welchyes, completely hard to live the example
⁃ Karen BantuverisHey Carissa! Drama resolved? (and Queen - love it!)
⁃ April Welchbut also alright to admit you're working on it too
⁃ Karen BantuverisGood point April - Let 'em know we're trying too.
⁃ Carissa RogersAnd have we shouted about the HUGE VolunteerSpot Giveaway yet? HELLO! win an iPad for YOU and $500 CASH for your school!!
⁃ http://www.facebook.com/volunteerspot/app_403359706360567
⁃ http://www.facebook.com/volunteerspot/app_403359706360567
⁃ Lisa M DabbsYou would be amazed at he things they do in school to stay organized! Parents would ask me"Why can't I get them to do it at home?" They key:consistency!
⁃ Karen BantuverisThink of the pounds of paper I could make disapper w/Ipad.
⁃ Carissa RogersYup, teenager is home. She has an early morning ahead of her.. piano lessons at 6AM.. Kill me.
⁃ Meseriously!
⁃ April WelchI work with 6th graders all year long on organization
⁃ and what I see consistently would be the kiddo's organizing personality being squashed
⁃ Carolyn Wilhelm@April that helps them be ready for middle/high school, great time
⁃ Lisa M DabbsWoot! Awesome, @Carissa!
⁃ Carissa Rogersspeaking of reams of paper.. it makes me insane that my school won't move over to paperless: newsletter, parent notes, calendar items, school lunch menu for pete's sake... REAMS.
⁃ Karen Bantuveris@Lisa - I've always admired how teachers keep their rooms so well organized. They HAVE to be with that many kids - but you're right - consistency and a place for everything.
⁃ Mewe could clearly talk all night about organization. . . and I can already see an @april webinar in the future. . . (hmmmm)
⁃ but let's chat about volunteering, since @karen is the volunteering queen. . .
⁃ Carissa RogersAmen to April organizing! :)
⁃ Jackie Higginsyes. yes. We need an @april night.
⁃ MeWhat are some creative ways a parent can volunteer in his or her child's school?
⁃ Lisa M DabbsYay!
⁃ Carissa RogersI'll make a Tiara for her first...
⁃ April Welchtheir organization may not look the same as yours & that is alright as long as they can find what they're looking for when THEY need it :D
⁃ Karen BantuverisLove it! Don't mind if I take the tiara!
⁃ Me@april, you're FULL of perfect tweets tonight. love this: their organization may not look the same as yours & that is alright as long as they can find what they're looking for when THEY need it :D
⁃ Karen BantuverisI'd love us to talk about parent-teacher partnerships - b/c that's WHY we're volunteering - to support our teachers and help them support our kids!
⁃ Me@carissa, pass the tiara to @karen, and let's hear how any parent--once organized--can help at school
⁃ Carissa RogersMy fave way to volunteer in the classroom: 1) bring a diet coke for the teacher 2) let them know in advance I'm there to do mindless office 'busy' work... make copies, cut out pumpkin orange circles... let me have a brain break!! :)
⁃ Lisa M DabbsTeachers always need support!
⁃ Me@lisa yes! and I know you can also speak to this, my friend!!
⁃ Karen Bantuveris@Lisa - do you think they are always good about asking for it?
⁃ Carolyn WilhelmVolunteers who are willing to support teachers are great!
⁃ Carissa RogersOh I forgot.. 3) leave cell phone in CAR.
⁃ April Welchthanks @Amy!
⁃ Me@carissa, where were YOU when I was in the classroom??! #wah
⁃ Jackie HigginsSo, I've been a parent of a child in school for 2 whole days so I know absolutely nothing but... our preschool has great opportunities for parents to take things home with them, like things to cut and bring back.
⁃ Carissa RogersI often bring in a box of zonebars too. @teachmama
⁃ Lisa M Dabbs@Carissa...love that! Ask to take tasks home that you can do while the kiddos are at school!
⁃ Valerie @ Inner Child Funseriously, carissa, the world needs more volunteers like you!! <3
⁃ Karen BantuverisI love that @Jackie - make it so parents can help from anywhere.
⁃ Carissa Rogers@Jackie and if you asked they probably have more you could help with from home!
⁃ Mewhaddya say we make @carissa a classroom helper tiara?
⁃ Jackie Higginsyes. I will cut it!!
⁃ Karen BantuverisTHis year I'm mostly volunteering behind the scenes - arranging VolunteerSpot for the office, copyroom and cafe' volunteers, buying food for the Teacher pot-luck (sadly buying, not making) so busy this fall.
⁃ Carissa RogersHa! @Valerie want to hear the BEST part?? I don't drink COFFEE.. I know. But it's true. So every time I get a Starbucks gift card, guess who it goes to??? :) Yup.
⁃ April Welchagreed @Carissa ROCKS #swoon
⁃ Me@carissa what about the parent who has young kiddos at home and cannot help that way?
⁃ Karen BantuverisTiaria's for ALL!
⁃ Lisa M Dabbs@Karen...no. So it's awesome when a parent lets them know, shares their cell# or email. You, the parent can open that door to support!
⁃ Carissa Rogers$ talks @teachmama when kids are young. :)
⁃ Me@karen what do you mean 'arranging VolunteerSpot for the office, copyroom and cafe' volunteers'
⁃ @carissa ha!
⁃ Karen BantuverisAt our school, parents have to staff the positions that aids used to so the teachers don't have to do it. It's like 20+ parents a day on campus all over the place. VolunteerSpot is a free online signup system that makes it ez to organize the parents.
⁃ Jackie Higgins@lisa that's a great idea to open the door for support like that
⁃ Karen BantuverisHave you ever received like 20 reply-all emails over who could help at the party or supervise recess?
⁃ Lisa M Dabbs@Jackie...Yes! Teachers sometimes feel awkward asking parents. If you step up, it smooths the path. :)
⁃ Me@karen how would you suggest parents introduce vspot to schools? via pta? classroom teacher? admin team?
⁃ Carissa RogersPlus making sure your kids are well-fed and homework is complete and your communication is strong with your teacher can be the perfect contribution for the years you CAN'T volunteer...
⁃ Me@lisa I love that idea--openign the door to help w/o being pushy--just offering support
⁃ Lisa M Dabbs@Carissa...well said!
⁃ Carissa RogersGREAT article today about NOT volunteering when it's NOT your time... http://www.angiekinghorn.com/2012/09/confession-i-didnt-volunteer-until-now-and-thats-ok/
⁃ http://www.angiekinghorn.com/2012/09/confession-i-didnt-volunteer-until-now-and-thats-ok/
⁃ Jackie HigginsI just found VolunteerSpot when I was seriously drowning in sign up sheets from the volunteer program I took over from another parent. I had probably 5 hours worth of emails and papers to copy and VolunteerSpot took care of it in 30 minutes, no joke.
⁃ Me@carissa love: making sure your kids are well-fed and homework is complete and your communication is strong with your teacher can be the perfect contribution for the years you CAN'T volunteer...
⁃ Karen BantuverisLove to hear it @Jackie! What's cool about VolunteerSpot is ANY parent or teacher can initiate the signup sheet. If you can shop online, you can set it up.
⁃ Jacquie FisherThat is such a key suggestion @carissa - so many teachers love that kind of help
⁃ April WelchYes! #Love @Carissa making sure your kids are well-fed and homework is complete and your communication is strong with your teacher can be the perfect contribution for the years you CAN'T volunteer
⁃ Carissa Rogers@Karen I once got literally over 50 reply all emails when a techer appr lunch was being 'planned' I nearly killed the well intentioned mom in charge! YIKES.
⁃ Meand love the vspot blog: http://www.roommomspot.com/ for filling in tons of details/ advice, etc
⁃ Carissa RogersRight @April and when you CAN volunteer.. heck.. skip breakfast.. (wink wink) :)
⁃ Lisa M DabbsAnyone interested can also join Parent/Teacher chat #ptchat on twitter Weds. at 6pt/9et. http://efacetoday.blogspot.com/p/eface-chats.html
⁃ Karen BantuverisRight now we have lots of teachers organizing parent-teacher conferences (no more backpack pony express!) and RoomMoms organizing class readers, recess helpers, etc. Then there's the PTA lead
⁃ Jackie HigginsI watched the VolunteerSpot videos on the site too. I was worried it would be hard to learn but it was super simple to use.
⁃ Karen Bantuveris...PTA leaders organzing Carnivals, concessions stand, Walkathon, Auctions, Book Fair - all the big fundraisers.
⁃ Me@karen thank you!! so many ideas--love it!
⁃ April WelchVolunteerSpot is amazing y'all!
⁃ Methank you @lisa! I was just going to ask you to share your expertise about communicating with schools, since we've covered organization and a *wee bit* of volunteering. . . How can parents start the school year off on the right foot when it comes to communicating with teachers?
⁃ Karen Bantuveris@Lisa - #PTChat is a good groups!
⁃ Carissa RogersThe simplicity of VSpot is exactly it's BRILLIANCE. :) and now... after you create an activity/calendar you can pull up the iPad app and ask people to 'sign-up' ON THE SPOT! (I kill me...) :)
⁃ Jacquie Fisher@Karen - can we share Vspot as a resource in our newsletters?
⁃ Carissa Rogers@Jacquie only if you want a hug from Karen. !!
⁃ Meand I know it's crazy timing with BTS night so I'll include some pieces of our convo tonight in this Sunday's newsletter. . . or the transcript can be downloaded from the site later
⁃ Jacquie Fisher:-D
⁃ Karen BantuverisWould love you too @Jacquie! Your school can even earn $ if your parents sign up and use it this fall!
⁃ Lisa M Dabbs@Amy...if there is one thing, I'd recommend it's get to know the teacher, before casting judgement. :)
⁃ Jacquie FisherReally - cool!
⁃ Me@lisa yes, yes, YES!!!
⁃ and how best to do that?
⁃ April Welch@Lisa such a good point! Things can truly get a bit like a game of "telephone" from school to home :D
⁃ Jackie HigginsLisa, that's great advice. It's so easy to stand back and scrutinize the person who is taking care of your "baby" with a critical eye instead of encouraging.
⁃ Karen BantuverisHere's more about VolunteerSpot for Room Moms: http://www.roommomspot.com/2012/08/01/volunteerspot-for-room-parents/ and
⁃ Carissa RogersGood Night y'all... I'm off one last time tonight.. I think I leave my house over 10x per day (and night)... Only 9 more years of this... :) ENJOY!!!
⁃ Me@jackie and it's easy to fall into 'toxic' chats with other parents. . . ppl can be so tough sometimes
⁃ Lisa M DabbsAND Please...no gossiping about the teachers on campus. It''s SO hurtful.
⁃ Megnight @carissa!
⁃ Karen Bantuveris@Lisa - AMEN! Nor on Facebook either!@
⁃ Lisa M DabbsByeee @Carissa!
⁃ April Welchnight @Carissa
⁃ Me@lisa and @karen NO FACEBOOK venting
⁃ omg it's nuts
⁃ what some will do
⁃ April Welchagreed #StayOffFacebookWhenVenting
⁃ Lisa M DabbsTHEN if you encounter an issue...start with the teacher first! Not the principal. ;)
⁃ Karen BantuverisI guess it goes both ways - teachers shouln't vent on fb either
⁃ Carolyn Wilhelmso true
⁃ Me@lisa some parents in our school have friended teachers on FB. . . what are your thougthts?
⁃ Jackie HigginsGood tips
⁃ Me*thoughts*
⁃ Carolyn Wilhelmfriend the teacher after the school year?
⁃ Me@carolyn think so?
⁃ Karen BantuverisI like that, Carolyn
⁃ Lisa M DabbsIMHO, I wouldn't until your child is out of the class! @carolyn...exactly!
⁃ April Welchhow about Learn your privacy settings for FB ...
⁃ Carolyn WilhelmI am keeping up with some students after having them through their moms, like one in 4th grade went to the national spelling bee
⁃ I have my Fb likes PRIVATE
⁃ April Welchbe respectful
⁃ and yes, @Lisa - always begin with the teacher as your first point of contact in an issue
⁃ Me@lisa I think that is the BEST advice--so many ppl bypass the teacher and go right to admin...and they're busy enough!
⁃ Lisa M DabbsOtherwise...some expectation of favoritism could be implied, or hard feelings.Our kids aren't angels and when it gets sticky, you have to be professional and respectful :)
⁃ Jacquie FisherCarolyn - that's cool (spelling bee) and I like the private idea on FB
⁃ Carolyn WilhelmI think teachers always have to be careful online, really, anyway
⁃ Me@carolyn, seriously?? natl spelling bee??!
⁃ Lisa M Dabbs@Amy...Yes! Also makes a teacher feel like 2cents when you go over their heads. :(
⁃ Carolyn WilhelmYes, a boy I had in first went to nationals, and I followed it all on Fb
⁃ Meagree. . . and I think @carolyn has moved us to an entirely different topic, perfect to put on the schedule fro another month--online safety for teachers and families... :)
⁃ @lisa agree.
⁃ Karen Bantuveris@Lisa - what's one thing we should all do for our teachers this year?
⁃ April Welch@Lisa - I always approached the teachers in elementary school with the compassion that my child was not their only concern throughout the day
⁃ Lisa M Dabbs@Amy... Like that topic!
⁃ Carolyn Wilhelm@great April
⁃ Karen Bantuveris@Amy - here here!
⁃ Lisa M Dabbs@Karen...be kind and patient. :)
⁃ Meokay friends--it's late--10pm and I totally appreciate your time, effort, information, and support tonight!! we ALL do!
⁃ Karen Bantuveris@Lisa - love it - lesson for teachers, kids, parents..everyone!
⁃ Lisa M Dabbs@April...love that!
⁃ April WelchI should also include ... by middle school I was teaching them to advocate for themselves with teachers though
⁃ MeParticipant shout-outs: Share your blog & twitter name so we can stay connected, continuing the conversation
⁃ Jackie Higginsoh, so important @april
⁃ Karen Bantuveris@April - indeed - they talk to they teacher first, then me if not resolved.
⁃ Lisa M DabbsYay! So much fun to chat in the Ning Community!
⁃ Carolyn WilhelmThere is a book about kids advocating for themselves . . . from Free Spirit Press
⁃ Karen BantuverisThanks all - what a fun chat! I'm @VolunteerSpot @VSpotMom and http://VolunteerSpot.com
⁃ Carolyn WilhelmThank you and it was great to meed these great new minds!
⁃ Lisa M Dabbs@teachingwthsoul blogging at teachingwithsoul.com Thanks all for this fun opportunity!
⁃ Jackie HigginsTwitter: @bookblogmomma Blog: http://readysetread2me.blogspot.com
⁃ April WelchThis was so much fun! Thanks for having me ... www.TheMentalClutterCoach.com / www.Twitter.com/Mental_Clutter / www.Facebook.com/TheMentalClutterCoach
⁃ Lisa M Dabbshttp://teachingwithsoul.com
⁃ Karen BantuverisBe sure to enter our fbook sweeps here to win an iPad and $500 mini-grant for your school! https://www.facebook.com/volunteerspot/app_403359706360567
⁃ Jackie HigginsThank you all! I learned a ton. Buying my pockets for my black hole binder tomorrow!
⁃ Jacquie FisherI'm at http://www.kcedventures.com/blog and @kcedventures on twitter
⁃ Jackie Higgins... and entering to win an iPad. Mine got stolen out of a hotel room. :(
⁃ April Welch@Carolyn - really? What's the title?
⁃ Methank YOU everyone, and we'll continue to share and promote your advice through the week. . . and will def jump on #ntchat , enter @karen's contest, and stay in touch!!
⁃ Karen BantuverisIf anyone wants a free VolunteerSpot premium upgrade for your teacher or PTA - plz email me KKbantuveris@VolunteerSpot.com
⁃ Jacquie Fisher@Jackie - Oh no! sorry to hear
⁃ April Welch@Jackie I have links on Amazon to the products I recommend - let me know if you want the link
⁃ Jackie Higgins@Jacquie, it was a year ago so the grieving period is almost over...
⁃ Carolyn Wilhelm@April, I'll add a comment with the book title on your we teach page, something with tigers
⁃ Mesweet prize for EVERYONE, thank you thank you @karen: If anyone wants a free VolunteerSpot premium upgrade for your teacher or PTA - plz email me KKbantuveris@VolunteerSpot.com
⁃ Carolyn WilhelmHow nice!
⁃ Meoh no @jackie!! :()
⁃ whoops! :(
⁃ Lisa M DabbsWoot! Karen is the best!
⁃ Karen BantuverisKudos to you amazing educators and education-focused moms!! It takes a village!!
⁃ Me@thank you @lisa @karen @april -- you are fabulous and we truly appreciate your time....g'night everyone!!!
⁃ Jackie Higgins@april. I'd love your amazon links. I'll friend you on we teach and you can send them to my inbox?
⁃ Valerie @ Inner Child Fun@karen -- fantastic, thank you!!
⁃ Lisa M DabbsByeeee all! Off to pick up the 20 year old from work! LOL
⁃ April Welchsounds good!
⁃ Jacquie FisherGoodnite All!
⁃ Valerie @ Inner Child Fun@amy -- thanks so much for hosting yet another awesome weteach chat!!!!
⁃ April Welchg'nite
⁃ Karen BantuverisGood night all - so much fun. Thanks @Amy @April @Lisa for hosting!
⁃ Jackie Higginsgood night all. Thank you!!
⁃ Carolyn Wilhelm@April: FIGHTING INVISIBLE TIGERS
⁃ good night!
⁃ April Welchk, got it
⁃ Carolyn Wilhelmthanks
⁃ Me@val, you are awesome. . . thanks for coming, my sweet friend!! g'night to the awesome @jackie @jacquie @carolyn @carissa @kristen
⁃ Karen BantuverisPleasure to chat w/you tonight @Jackie @Valerie @Jaquie @Carlun
⁃ Carolyn Wilhelmnight night @AWESOME Amy
⁃ Karen Bantuverisoops @Carolyn!
⁃ April Welchamazon student rec store http://astore.amazon.com/irms-20
⁃ Valerie @ Inner Child Funyeah, what Carolyn said. :-)
⁃ Carolyn Wilhelm:-)
⁃ Me:)