Chat Transcripts

Topic

Week 3 Chat

Date

2025-11-03

Group ID

0

Course ID

306550

User List

Ascheman, RosalieBrank, NicoleEvans, CaseyKirchoff, HeatherNotch, KristinPeralta, MirlaRoering, AngelaRoss, AmberWilson, PatriciaYoswa, Toni{Wheeler Highland, Kristen}
User Timestamp Message
Wilson, Patricia06:49:44 pmGood evening!
Ross, Amber06:50:15 pmHello!
Ascheman, Rosalie06:51:10 pmHi everyone!
Yoswa, Toni06:51:13 pmHello! Happy Monday!
Wilson, Patricia06:51:45 pmHope everyone had a great day today
{Wheeler Highland, Kristen}06:56:54 pmHello! Did everyone survive Halloween?
Yoswa, Toni06:57:21 pmSure did! It was fabulous!!!
Ross, Amber06:57:30 pmBarley! Glad it was on a Friday this year.. but the time change.,ope
Wilson, Patricia06:58:12 pmI enjoyed my grandchildren
Brank, Nicole06:58:16 pmI did, our center does trunk or treat for the kids during the day. I survived@
Ascheman, Rosalie06:58:16 pmBarely! Caught a 24 hour stomach bug so the weekend was pretty frightening lol
{Wheeler Highland, Kristen}06:58:37 pm2027 it will be on Sunday. We might need to consider a staff PD day on November 1st!
Ross, Amber06:58:40 pmOh No Rosalie, hope you are feeling better!
Ross, Amber06:58:49 pmI vote yes!
Yoswa, Toni06:58:52 pmKristen- facts!!!
Ascheman, Rosalie06:58:54 pmThat's a great idea Kristen!
Ascheman, Rosalie06:59:07 pmI'm feeling a little better, Amber! Finally feeling kind of human!
Brank, Nicole06:59:19 pmWe did that last year!
Ross, Amber06:59:22 pmRosalie- glad to hear!
{Wheeler Highland, Kristen}06:59:24 pmICK Rosalie!
{Wheeler Highland, Kristen}06:59:38 pmNicole, BRILLIANT!
Brank, Nicole07:00:25 pmKristen we have been doing it 4 years now!
{Wheeler Highland, Kristen}07:00:43 pmI told the staff when it falls on Monday - Thursday, we should discuss doing a late open the following morning to try and blunt the effects. 🙂 When it falls on Sunday or Thursday, we should consider closing the next day, too much?
Ross, Amber07:01:05 pmI dont think so!
{Wheeler Highland, Kristen}07:01:19 pmNicole, how did the families react?
Yoswa, Toni07:02:20 pmWe do our trunk or treat the night before Halloween! We close early for the event ! Families love it! I love the Halloween!
Brank, Nicole07:02:40 pmThey were fine it was a professional development day for staff.
Ross, Amber07:03:07 pmWe did a halloween parade on Friday with snack, inviting parents.... all the kids left after... it was a win.
Ross, Amber07:03:14 pmalot of work but it was a huge turn out
Notch, Kristin07:03:18 pmKristen, I absolutely agree! This is our second year having pd the day after and it has been wonderful!
Evans, Casey07:04:06 pmKind of like July 5 lol
Wilson, Patricia07:04:12 pmI think it’s a good idea. Especially making a professional day for staff.
{Wheeler Highland, Kristen}07:05:10 pmThanks for the feedback, I think I am going to move forward with some kind of plan. teehee
{Wheeler Highland, Kristen}07:05:29 pmShall we jump in? *
Ross, Amber07:05:32 pm*
Kirchoff, Heather07:05:39 pm*
Peralta, Mirla07:05:41 pm*
Wilson, Patricia07:05:44 pm*
Roering, Angela07:05:49 pm*
Notch, Kristin07:05:50 pm*
Ascheman, Rosalie07:06:05 pm*
Evans, Casey07:06:06 pm*
{Wheeler Highland, Kristen}07:06:38 pmListening and hearing are different. Share your interpretation of each
Brank, Nicole07:06:44 pm*
Kirchoff, Heather07:07:26 pmListening is just holding silent space for a speaker. Hearing is internalizing the words, purpose, and intents of the speaker.
Evans, Casey07:07:27 pmListening is more intimate than hearing, more engaged, more purposeful at times, different expectations at times even.
Ross, Amber07:07:40 pmListening is understand what they are saying and hearing is just being there not really engaged
Roering, Angela07:08:10 pmHearing the words is different than listening, paying attention, being present, and understanding what someone is saying
Kirchoff, Heather07:08:13 pmOh Casey and Amber you and I viewed "listening" a lot different! I have always felt like I want to be "heard" rather than "listened to".
Yoswa, Toni07:08:18 pmListening is the act of hearing .. I can hear the noises around me but am I listening to seek information being presented?
Wilson, Patricia07:08:40 pmListen to focusing on what being saying. Hearing is responding to what being said.
Ascheman, Rosalie07:08:48 pmListening is more in depth hearing. Like with music, you may hear a song as a child and absolutely love it, but when you're an adult and you actually listen to the lyrics, you may react differently
Peralta, Mirla07:08:51 pmHearing is simply the act of perceiving sound — it happens whether we mean to or not. Listening, on the other hand, is intentional. It’s when we pause, focus, and open ourselves to understanding what’s being said — not just with our ears, but with our heart and attention. True listening builds connection, trust, and empathy, while hearing alone only captures noise.
Notch, Kristin07:09:07 pmListening is taking the time to digest what the person is sharing with intent to make a difference. Hearing is going in one ear and out the other.
{Wheeler Highland, Kristen}07:09:10 pmInteresting..how different we see things.
Brank, Nicole07:09:33 pmListening is actively paying attention to the words and hearing is listening to sounds and tones all day long.
{Wheeler Highland, Kristen}07:09:54 pmHearing is the involuntary, physical act of perceiving sound, while listening is a voluntary, active process of paying attention to and interpreting those sounds. Hearing is passive and requires no effort, whereas listening requires conscious focus and mental effort to understand a message, such as in a conversation.
Evans, Casey07:09:57 pmHeather-- sometimes! I agree, I have even said before "I want to feel heard" right?! So I read what your share was and said to myself 'I totally get what shes saying'!
Wilson, Patricia07:10:32 pmIf it’s something, I don’t wanna hear I’m not listening
Kirchoff, Heather07:10:44 pmIts very hard for me to flip flop the two meanings, since I have always used them the opposite ways.
{Wheeler Highland, Kristen}07:10:59 pmCasey, it is interesting that we do say "I want to be heard" and yet really we want someone to really "listen"
Ascheman, Rosalie07:10:58 pmThat's an interesting take Heather! I say I want to be heard, but I also ask, "Are you even listening to me?"
Kirchoff, Heather07:11:04 pmMy husband may listen to what I'm saying, but I always "want to be heard"!
Evans, Casey07:11:09 pmGOOD one Patricia....right on...!
Brank, Nicole07:11:36 pmPatrica that is my hubby!
Kirchoff, Heather07:12:04 pmIf someone was to say to be "I'm not listening" vs "I'm not hearing you" I'd take it very differently. One meaning I'm just not being paid attention to at all, the other feeling like I'm not being understood.
Wilson, Patricia07:12:07 pmEspecially if they’re whining at me, I don’t hear a thing
Brank, Nicole07:12:23 pmSpot on Patricia!
Ross, Amber07:12:26 pmWhining is the worst!
{Wheeler Highland, Kristen}07:12:30 pmAfter doing the research and teaching this class, I always say to my husband, "I know that you hear me, but are you listening?"
Ascheman, Rosalie07:12:39 pmI guess I've always thought of hearing as someone responding "mhm" and not actually listening, but I completely understand what you're saying Heather!
Ross, Amber07:12:45 pmI love that Kristen
Ross, Amber07:12:54 pmI agree Rosalie
{Wheeler Highland, Kristen}07:13:32 pm"Are you understanding the words I am saying to you? "😂
Wilson, Patricia07:14:11 pmFunny!!
{Wheeler Highland, Kristen}07:14:15 pmLet's hit the next question *
Ross, Amber07:14:18 pm*
Ascheman, Rosalie07:14:17 pm*
Kirchoff, Heather07:14:24 pm*
Brank, Nicole07:14:25 pm*
Peralta, Mirla07:14:27 pm*
Wilson, Patricia07:14:27 pm*
Roering, Angela07:14:34 pm*
Notch, Kristin07:14:38 pm*
Yoswa, Toni07:14:40 pm*
Evans, Casey07:14:48 pm*
Yoswa, Toni07:14:59 pmI'm joining from my phone at my daughters basketball sorry if I'm behind 🥴😖
{Wheeler Highland, Kristen}07:15:42 pmThe three A's of active listening are attention, attitude and adjustment. How have you implemented them in conversation?
{Wheeler Highland, Kristen}07:16:21 pm(I typed the whole question in ghost writing the first time apparently!
Ross, Amber07:16:25 pmfocusing on my attitude when talking to my children, I expect them to have a good one soooo I should model....
Yoswa, Toni07:16:57 pmBody language is a part of listening .. the three A's are part of your body language as a listener .. we have to be mindful on how we implement the 3A's to be perceived as an active listener .
Wilson, Patricia07:17:12 pmI’m conscious of my attitude and I focused on my tone.. and I have to be in a good space when listening
Brank, Nicole07:17:42 pmI give the person that the attention that they need while they’re talking and I try to respond in a positive attitude and adjust my tone if necessary
Evans, Casey07:18:05 pm**For me it is attitude. I can find myself prepared to respond to an employee when they may be coming to me with a problem or looking to be heard on something but they have not used our prior conversations and suggestions yet within their classroom or teaching to see the potential/wanted improvement and results. Therefore, I am not actively listening.
Roering, Angela07:18:06 pmHaving a positive attitude, paying attention to those speaking to you, and adjusting based on how others are speaking or feeling
Kirchoff, Heather07:18:22 pmI try to give attention by scheduling special time, in an area without distractions. I work with "attitude" by setting aside biases and being open and receptive, even if I'm not particularly keen on the topic or point being raised. I also adjust by asking questions along the way, being mindful of how someone gets their point across, and shifting my tone or approach if I notice tension building or prickly feelings.
Ascheman, Rosalie07:18:37 pmAttention is important for any conversation. I maintain really good eye contact (I took ASL for 3 years in high school so this was pretty drilled into my head) and try to avoid distractions. I adjust the way I'm talking to people, especially if they're emotional. I approach every conversation with patience and empathy, but if they're upset, I do more of that. I also try to be as respectful and open as possible
{Wheeler Highland, Kristen}07:18:46 pmtoni, body language is very loud. We also need to be conscious of our paraverbal contributions.
Ross, Amber07:18:53 pmWorking on active listening when there are 9 million things going on... and you know that what that staff has to say cannot be accomplished right that second.
Notch, Kristin07:19:11 pmDuring a team meeting if a teacher is bringing a complaint or expectation to the table I respond with curiosity or ask clarifying questions. I also ask other teachers to share examples of a similar situation and try to remain neutral in my facial expressions.
{Wheeler Highland, Kristen}07:19:12 pmSorry - Toni
Brank, Nicole07:19:13 pmI need to work on my body language.
Ascheman, Rosalie07:19:48 pmAmber - It's hard, especially when there's littles trying to talk to you!
Wilson, Patricia07:19:59 pmI have one staff that tells everything sometimes it’s hard to listen.
Brank, Nicole07:20:23 pmAmber, yes that is hard.
Ross, Amber07:21:07 pmThat one person that thinks you need to drop everything that minute for them
{Wheeler Highland, Kristen}07:21:37 pmI have purposely set up my office so that I have to turn away from my computer when someone wants to talk. Makes it easier to focus on the speaker
Evans, Casey07:21:39 pm**Adjusting is probably the 'easiest' one for me as I am a "do-er" therefore I like taking action with or for my team, families, the company, etc., but then again- with change coms that discomfort and the need to be strong in the steps to take and the solution we are striving for!
Brank, Nicole07:21:44 pm.I have one of those employees also. So frustrating
Notch, Kristin07:21:46 pmPatricia- I know the feeling. Sometimes it is also hard when a staff member is constantly negative, too. I try to always look toward the positive.
{Wheeler Highland, Kristen}07:22:10 pmIs everyone aware of paraverbals?
Yoswa, Toni07:22:26 pmKristen - I do the same in my office too
Yoswa, Toni07:22:34 pmDid*
Kirchoff, Heather07:22:57 pmAre paraverbals like nonverbals?
Notch, Kristin07:23:20 pmI use paraverbals with my students. I should work on using them better with staff.
{Wheeler Highland, Kristen}07:23:38 pmParaverbal is a term for the non-verbal aspects of speech, such as tone, pitch, volume, and speed that change a message's meaning. It is about how something is said, not what is said, and it can account for a significant portion of how a message is interpreted by others
Wilson, Patricia07:23:47 pmTo protect my time with my schedule, I created a dropbox outside my office. If staff had concerns, they want to share. They put the note in the dropbox and I’ll follow up with them later..
Ascheman, Rosalie07:24:06 pmOhhh yes. Like how sometimes texts are read way differently than the person intended?
Evans, Casey07:24:24 pmWhen we have a staff member that may just overshare far too much or someone that is consistently negative- we turn to the Code of Standards in our employee handbook. We know that 100% positively 24/7 is a thing but suiting up and showing up for the job/children - is a 'policy" 😉 not to mention, age ranges within staff,,,there can be young ears!
Brank, Nicole07:24:35 pmGot it… Like what Rosalie said!
{Wheeler Highland, Kristen}07:24:37 pmRosalie, exactly! you "read" a text in your own interpretation
Ross, Amber07:24:43 pmCasey- I love that!
Yoswa, Toni07:24:47 pmParaverbals are not like non verbals because they are verbal .. they are your tone , Attitude, and make a huge difference in how your message is perceived
Kirchoff, Heather07:26:05 pmThat makes sense! I've never used that term, or had it said to me - so thanks for clarifying Kristen and Toni. 🙂
{Wheeler Highland, Kristen}07:26:12 pmI had my mangers create "office hours" - hours that they are NOT to be disturbed so they have a block of time to concentrate on tasks. I also adopted a "manager on duty" model. The staff know which part of the day to seek out the director versus assistant director.
Evans, Casey07:26:12 pmyes - they are the mixture of verbal and Para-sonality (thats how I always remembered this word's meaning)
Brank, Nicole07:26:47 pmWe are also going to do that Kristin!
Ross, Amber07:27:10 pmLove that Idea
Ascheman, Rosalie07:27:22 pmThank you for that Casey! That makes it a lot easier to remember!
{Wheeler Highland, Kristen}07:27:25 pmIf you have not seen a video by her, check out Shari Harley on YouTube. One of the things she says is that no one should have to demonstrate active listening, if they are indeed listening!
Evans, Casey07:27:55 pm**Kristin: I have tried that, and it just seems like sometimes, instead of saving some time perhaps, it just leads to the same wants/needs/shares/Qs but piled up. Then I am smacked w them as soon as my office hours are done!
{Wheeler Highland, Kristen}07:28:24 pmShe also has a fabulous formula for how to talk to anyone about anything that I love! She talks about having to tell someone that they smell (boy do I relate!)
Yoswa, Toni07:28:48 pmThat's the worst conversation!
Brank, Nicole07:28:58 pmThat is a hard conversation to have.
{Wheeler Highland, Kristen}07:29:01 pmCasey, maybe a combination of office hours and Patricia's drop box?
Wilson, Patricia07:29:13 pmI have one-on-one meetings with all my staff every month. Is there opportunity to check in. And I can give them my full undivided attention.
{Wheeler Highland, Kristen}07:29:41 pmReady? *
Kirchoff, Heather07:29:44 pm*
Brank, Nicole07:29:45 pmPatricia how long are those one on one meetings/
Ross, Amber07:29:47 pm*
Roering, Angela07:29:48 pm*
Brank, Nicole07:29:48 pm8
Ascheman, Rosalie07:29:49 pm*
Brank, Nicole07:29:53 pm*
Peralta, Mirla07:29:57 pm*
Yoswa, Toni07:29:57 pm*
Wilson, Patricia07:30:06 pm*
Notch, Kristin07:30:19 pm*
{Wheeler Highland, Kristen}07:30:24 pmDo you use a different communication or listening skills in different situations?
Wilson, Patricia07:30:31 pmIt depends on the staff 30 minutes to hour
Ross, Amber07:30:52 pmI think we all do weather we try to or not
Ascheman, Rosalie07:31:15 pmYes. I feel like I am way more relaxed around my students and my staff vs their parents and my preschool board
Wilson, Patricia07:31:22 pmI do every day it depends on the situation
Yoswa, Toni07:31:25 pmYes all the time!
Brank, Nicole07:31:41 pmYes, I would use different communication or listening skills versus talking to the kids versus staff versus parents.
Evans, Casey07:31:45 pm**I love the idea of a mix.
Kirchoff, Heather07:31:57 pmYes, I think that happens naturally. If a parent comes in a rushed panic and needs to tell us something right then and there, the listening is going to be different than a scheduled meeting with a staff about pay. Skills are also gonna be different for any intended or unintended surrounding audiences (licensor, students, etc..)
Evans, Casey07:31:58 pm**Yes, absolutely!
{Wheeler Highland, Kristen}07:32:05 pmDo you think the most important thing is to know when to use which skills?
Kirchoff, Heather07:32:29 pmYes - being adaptive is crucial!
Ascheman, Rosalie07:32:41 pmI believe so, yes. You have to be able to gauge what a person needs
Brank, Nicole07:32:43 pmYes, you need to be flexible.
Wilson, Patricia07:32:47 pmAbsolutely, no your audience
Yoswa, Toni07:32:53 pmYes being adaptive is needed for not only listening but how to respond
Notch, Kristin07:32:57 pmOur staff took a communication assessment based on personality type to get to know one another and what each of us prefer. That has really helped us as a team know the best ways to communicate with one another based on personality/personal preference.
Ross, Amber07:33:32 pmI love that idea Kristin. it is so hard sometimes... everyone changes
Evans, Casey07:33:32 pmYes, very much so otherwise the wrong paraverbals and nonverbal cues can be misread!
Ascheman, Rosalie07:33:42 pmThat's a great idea Kristin!
Roering, Angela07:33:49 pmYes, I use different communication styles depending on the situation and the person I’m speaking with. For example, some people prefer direct language, while others respond better to a softer, more guiding approach.
Wilson, Patricia07:34:15 pmI agree, Angela
{Wheeler Highland, Kristen}07:34:30 pmI feel like those of us with better SE skills should be able to know when to use which skills
{Wheeler Highland, Kristen}07:35:13 pmI try so hard to help staff understand that sometimes word choice matters, as well as those paraverbals (attitude)
Notch, Kristin07:35:16 pmKristen-Yes, in order to teach SE skills we have to be able to model them, too!
{Wheeler Highland, Kristen}07:35:27 pmKristin, IKR?
{Wheeler Highland, Kristen}07:35:55 pmAngela, I was having that debate with our CEO!
Wilson, Patricia07:36:02 pmI say the same thing not what you say is how you say it i
{Wheeler Highland, Kristen}07:36:24 pmPatricia, given our staff, it is definitely a combination of what and how!!
{Wheeler Highland, Kristen}07:37:07 pmOnly two questions left, we are cruising tonight! *
Ross, Amber07:37:14 pm*
Brank, Nicole07:37:14 pm*
Evans, Casey07:37:16 pm*
Notch, Kristin07:37:19 pm*
Peralta, Mirla07:37:19 pm*
Yoswa, Toni07:37:22 pm*
Roering, Angela07:37:24 pm*
Ascheman, Rosalie07:37:30 pm*
Wilson, Patricia07:37:34 pm*
{Wheeler Highland, Kristen}07:37:37 pmDo your styles vary between personal and professional conversations?
Kirchoff, Heather07:37:45 pm*
Ross, Amber07:38:02 pmYes, I feel like they have to
Yoswa, Toni07:38:05 pmYes, language used is very different
Brank, Nicole07:38:08 pmYes.
Ascheman, Rosalie07:38:11 pmYes
Wilson, Patricia07:38:16 pmYes, indeed, I am very relaxed in my personal conversation. I’m very conscious and aware of how I’m communicating when I’m in professional conversation.
Peralta, Mirla07:38:25 pmYes
Kirchoff, Heather07:38:28 pmYes. Not all the time, as I try to be as "real" as I can in both instances.. but, professionalism calls for much different approaches sometimes.
Notch, Kristin07:38:47 pmYes, my personal conversations may be more relaxed, while my professional conversations tend to be more serious.
Roering, Angela07:39:09 pmYes, I've been told I have my "work voice" on when I am having professional conversations lol
{Wheeler Highland, Kristen}07:39:22 pmI was going to say relaxed (including my word choices) in my personal life
Yoswa, Toni07:39:29 pmSame with our phone voices! Lol
Ascheman, Rosalie07:39:49 pmI'm way more relaxed in my personal conversations
{Wheeler Highland, Kristen}07:39:54 pmThat is so funny Angela & Toni, I have been told the same!
Peralta, Mirla07:39:57 pmLol Toni, the costumer service voice!
Wilson, Patricia07:40:03 pmNowadays, you have to be so careful with words are even by the language cause staff can take it so many different ways.
Ross, Amber07:40:10 pmYes, the phone voice...hahah
Ross, Amber07:40:14 pmSLOW DOWN
Ross, Amber07:40:27 pmis usually what they tell me..,,,
Ascheman, Rosalie07:40:52 pmMy phone voice is very professional! Lots of pleases, thank yous, and take your times!
Brank, Nicole07:41:07 pmI have to be careful how I talk on the phone and not be rushed!
{Wheeler Highland, Kristen}07:41:15 pmMy daughter used to tell me to "turn my eyebrows down", LOL. Nowdays - they are non existent (the perks of aging I guess)
Ross, Amber07:41:32 pmI agree, but I talk fast naturally, but when you cant see my face its harder to hear me
Yoswa, Toni07:41:39 pmThat's hilarious!
Ross, Amber07:42:07 pmYes, phones are dying.. I had a staff that didn't even know what the dial tone was
{Wheeler Highland, Kristen}07:42:17 pmamber, when I moved to the south I was told I talked WAY too fast
Evans, Casey07:42:31 pm**Yes and no. There are professional conversations that require me to withhold my personality from the interaction/conversation. There are professional conversations that allow me to add my personality to the situation at hand. My personal conversations; everyone calls me Mama or Mom, even some of my employees when being silly or truly just wanting to vent.
{Wheeler Highland, Kristen}07:42:42 pmWhen I came back to MN I was told I talked way too slow
Wilson, Patricia07:43:19 pmKristen, I know the feeling. I’m from Mississippi and people tell me the same thing.
Brank, Nicole07:43:20 pmKristen you cant win!
{Wheeler Highland, Kristen}07:43:35 pmCasey, interesting that you feel you are required to withhold your personality!!
Evans, Casey07:43:36 pmHonest to pete, I recently had a medical emergency and the police officer that I interacted with afterwards - was in disbelief, because once I started talking - you know it was the usual fast and covering way too many subjects at once lol
Evans, Casey07:44:04 pmKristen -- you know me, I cannot bring humor to EVERY professional conversation (haha).
{Wheeler Highland, Kristen}07:44:30 pmOh Casey, can't we? Really??
Evans, Casey07:45:08 pmYou know that Mande and I sure try (seriously laughing out loud at this one)!
{Wheeler Highland, Kristen}07:45:45 pmThis has been wonderful! Thank you everyone, we will end the questions here. I so appreciate everyone's "listening'" and contributing tonight! Go enjoy your Halloween candy tax
Ross, Amber07:46:03 pmThank you!
Kirchoff, Heather07:46:06 pmHaha, I ate the candy tax DURING chat!
Kirchoff, Heather07:46:10 pmHave a great week everyone!
Brank, Nicole07:46:15 pmthank you!
Ascheman, Rosalie07:46:15 pmThank you! Have a good night and a great week!
Peralta, Mirla07:46:22 pmGood night everyone
Wilson, Patricia07:46:25 pmThank you!
Yoswa, Toni07:46:34 pmThank you!
Wilson, Patricia07:46:37 pmGood Night
Roering, Angela07:47:10 pmnight!
Notch, Kristin07:48:13 pmThank you!