iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Kyle P. Smith @kpsinedu.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

If you see me wearing headphones in the next few weeks, strong chance I’m listening to #HauteAndFreddy.

Kyle P. Smith @kpsinedu.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

Thanks, @mgonzalezybarra.bsky.social for hosting tonight's chat! We're lucky that you're this year's W&L SIG's Comms Chair. Everyone, make sure you check out Dr. González Ybarra's work! #literacies

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Kyle P. Smith @kpsinedu.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

A5: I wonder how an orientation toward the future might help through the discomfort named in the question. If we see our uncertainties as a starting point for disrupting language hierarchies, I think we can open speculative possibilities for a more expansive path forward. #literacies

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Kyle P. Smith @kpsinedu.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

A4: As a fmr HS ELA teacher (and current teacher educator!), I think a lot about the linguistic hierarchy within US schools. From the narrow amount of language classes offered to only offering classes in English, language hierarchy is built within the system. #literacies

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Kyle P. Smith @kpsinedu.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

A3: The messaging both flattens and narrows. "Tools" like GenAI flatten how people think about language (e.g., that horrendous ChatGPT commercial with the two older women), and English-only policies narrow both the allowances of linguistic difference and who is allowed to use language. #literacies

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Kyle P. Smith @kpsinedu.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

A2: I often locate my languaging roots in the US South. I spent many years trying to shed my southern twang and shy away from colloquial expressions of my home, yet learning more about languaging provided much-needed watering for my linguistic roots. #literacies

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Kyle P. Smith @kpsinedu.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

A1: This question makes me think about languaging practices broadly (e.g., I read, I write...) and at a more specific level too! Something I've been thinking about a lot recently is how I language my work as I apply for jobs and how my language is responsive to different job calls. #literacies

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Kyle P. Smith @kpsinedu.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

Hi, everyone! My name is Kyle. I'm a member of the W&L SIG's Graduate Student Board and a PhD candidate at the University of Michigan. I'm excited to learn alongside everyone this evening! #literacies

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AERA Writing & Literacies SIG @writinglit.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

One week from tonight, we will discuss Multilingual #Literacies Transcending Borders with @mgonzalezybarra.bsky.social! Tuesday, Sept 29 from 8-9 EST/ 5-6 PST. We hope you’ll join us!

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Kyle P. Smith @kpsinedu.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

New pub alert! In this piece, my co-author and I consider how a group of queer middle school youth respond to Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” bill during a discussion in their ELA class. We could have written another article’s worth on the brilliance of these kids, y’all. doi.org/10.1177/2381...

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Building Civic Futures Through Epistemic Friction: LGBTQ+ Youth and Democratic Dialogue in a Middle Grades Classroom - Marisa Segel, Kyle P. Smith, 2026

In the current US sociopolitical climate, LGBTQ+ students and educators face intensifying curricular censorship and renewed contestation over whose identities a...

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Kyle P. Smith @kpsinedu.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

It’s an honor to lead such a great team of ambassadors in representing the U-M Ed Studies PhD program!

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Catherine Rampell @crampell.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

Since becoming president again, Trump has promised: -$5000 stimulus checks via "DOGE dividend" -$2000 stimulus checks via "tariff dividend" -$1000+ checks via "savings" from expiring ACA subsidies -$5000 "dividend" if Rs win midterms No checks have been issued www.thebulwark.com/p/trump-magi...

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Eric Columbus @ericcolumbus.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

Happy 72nd Birthday to Ruby Bridges, who at the age of 6 desegregated the New Orleans public schools. She’s younger than 30 senators and our last two presidents—and only 7 years older than Barack Obama. The past isn’t past.

Ruby Bridges flanked by three U.S. Marshals on the steps of her school

Norman Rockwell’s painting depicting the event, “The Problem We All Live With,” originally published as a centerfold in the January 14, 1964 issue of Look magazine.

Ruby Bridges talking with President Obama as they look at Rockwell’s painting while it was temporarily displayed at the White House in 2011.

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Kyle P. Smith @kpsinedu.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

A good whiteboard and Carly Rae Jepsen as background music are doing wonders for my research statement drafting right now.

static.klipy.com

Carly Rae Jepsen Talking To Yourself

ALT: Carly Rae Jepsen Talking To Yourself

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Kyle P. Smith @kpsinedu.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

Thank you so much to our August #Literacies Chat hosts, @haenyyoon.bsky.social and @snowdaylearninglab.org! We appreciate you playing with us tonight!

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Kyle P. Smith @kpsinedu.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

A6: I'm thinking about the relationship between memory, time, and play. How do we remember play? And how does our relationship with play (and our memories of play) change over time? (1/2) #literacies

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Kyle P. Smith @kpsinedu.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

A5: Just today, when doing data analysis, I was thinking about intertextuality as a playful bridge between past and present. Seeing students cast John Pork as Jay Gatsby or write about Daisy's #PrettyPrivilege. When afforded opportunities to play, students always display such brilliance. #literacies

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Kyle P. Smith @kpsinedu.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

A4: I remember, when teaching HS ELA, realizing how often the label "digital native" was prescribed to youth, yet how few affordances students had to learn about digital tools/tech alongside others in an educational space. I underestimated how much space students needed to explore tech. #literacies

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Kyle P. Smith @kpsinedu.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

A3: Broadly, it always amazes me how often children are acted UPON as opposed to ALONGSIDE. How quickly we heft social problems onto youth rather than considering them as stakeholders in the issues adults attempt to "solve." How little agency youth are afforded to name their own issues. #literacies

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Kyle P. Smith @kpsinedu.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

A2: The first thing that came to mind was the proliferation of AI-generated video content that I regularly see on my Instagram feed. People using the tool to make fake videos that they use for pranks or other clips attempting humorous play. The videos always makes me tense. #literacies

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Kyle P. Smith @kpsinedu.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

A1: I decided to get involved in my local community's education scene this summer, and while that may not sound like play, I've found lots of joy in a local advocacy group which fights for inclusivity and equity for my town's youth. Hence attending my first local board meeting right now! #literacies

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Kyle P. Smith @kpsinedu.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

Hello, hello! My name is Kyle Smith. I'm a GSB member and PhD candidate at the University of Michigan. Coming at you live from my local community's school board meeting! #literacies

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It's ME(Jaime) @exceedhergrasp1.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

Dolly Parton was an uncredited producer on Buffy the Vampire Slayer. When she learned the only female producer was making less than her male counterparts, Dolly cut her a check for the difference, on the spot.

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Kyle P. Smith @kpsinedu.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

Did a re-listen with my husband a couple summers ago when road tripping to Dollywood. Highly recommend this series as proof of the iconic stature and sheer wonder of Dolly Parton.

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Joel @itsjoels.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

This is the letter kids got at the end of Dolly’s Imagination Library. I defy you to read this and not cry.

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Kyle P. Smith @kpsinedu.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

Got a preview of tomorrow’s chat questions, and you all won’t want to miss this one! #literacies

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Kyle P. Smith @kpsinedu.bsky.social · 22/08/2026

“Speaking of desire, do you like dipping sauce?”

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Kyle P. Smith @kpsinedu.bsky.social · 22/08/2026

God, I hate these new ChatGPT commercials. And they play on every commercial break on every streaming app I have.

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Kyle P. Smith @kpsinedu.bsky.social · 19/08/2026

We’re really excited for this one! Hope you’ll join us next Tuesday!

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Kyle P. Smith @kpsinedu.bsky.social · 14/08/2026

At this point, even the Housewives are part of my inability to escape Gatsby influences in my everyday life. #Roaring20th #GroaningKyle

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Abdul El-Sayed @abdulelsayed.bsky.social · 05/08/2026

Money out of politics. Money in your pocket. Medicare for All. Michigan... We won. I am so proud to be your Democratic nominee for US Senate. Let's win in November.

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Reposted by Kyle P. Smith

AERA Writing & Literacies SIG @writinglit.bsky.social · 22/07/2026

Calling all #literacies folk! Join us July 28th for a special chat hosted by Dr. Barrett Rosser ( @drbarrettrosser.bsky.social ) where we discuss Black Girls' Literacies! You won't want to miss it!

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Kyle P. Smith @kpsinedu.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

A6: Returning to Toy Story 5 because it's still on my mind. The film emphasized the importance of togetherness in imaginative play. With the rise of tools that limit the expanse of our imaginations (e.g., AI), collaborative play feels more important than ever. #literacies

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Kyle P. Smith @kpsinedu.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

A5: This question makes me think about the aftereffects of harm occurring. Just as play can work against liberation, so, too, can it heal after harm. I wonder about the possibilities of using play as a means of working toward justice, as a form of consensus-building and democratizing. #literacies

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Kyle P. Smith @kpsinedu.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

A4: I learn most when in community with others. It's important for me to construct learning around group activities within my teaching. Whether posing imaginary scenarios to PSTs or asking students to take the perspective of a literary character, I find most comfort in collaboration. #literacies

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Kyle P. Smith @kpsinedu.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

A3: I wish I had a better answer to this, but the question makes me think of how play would enhance my teaching of preservice teachers. My students often feel pulled between the false binary of teacher/student. I think imaginative play can grant permission to waver between worlds. #literacies

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Kyle P. Smith @kpsinedu.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

A2: There are four norms I propose to students at the start of every semester (borrowed from teaching with @wargojon.bsky.social). They include things like "Expect and accept non-closure" and "One mic/equity of voice." Of course, these norms are always up for (re)negotiation! #literacies

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Kyle P. Smith @kpsinedu.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

A1: The first thing I thought of when reading this question was seeing Toy Story 5 yesterday. Beyond evoking nostalgia of days when play felt so central to life, it also made me question how we even think of the term and how the movie positioned the importance of collaborative play. #literacies

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Kyle P. Smith @kpsinedu.bsky.social · 30/06/2026

To think the right wing is interested in limiting trans rights just in the world of sports is short-sighted. This decision is another pillar to fall within the larger goal of demolishing the equal rights of a swath of Americans.

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AERA Writing & Literacies SIG @writinglit.bsky.social · 22/06/2026

Have you marked your calendars for our June #literacies chat Play and Interaction in Literacy Learning with Dr. Alex Corbitt @alexcorbitt.bsky.social ? We would love to hear from scholars, students, and in-service education professionals alike!

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Kyle P. Smith @kpsinedu.bsky.social · 12/06/2026

My small little Michigan town’s PFLAG chapter hosted a screening of #HeightenedScrutiny at our historic theater tonight. In times that can feel so isolating, so against LGBTQIA+ people’s right to simply exist, it was lovely to be surrounded by folks, all invested in fighting for a better future.

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Kyle P. Smith @kpsinedu.bsky.social · 09/06/2026

My U-M email was thinking wishfully this morning. #OneMoreYear

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AERA Writing & Literacies SIG @writinglit.bsky.social · 08/06/2026

Announcing our June #literacies chat, Play and Interaction in Literacy Learning hosted by Dr. Alex Corbitt (alexcorbitt.bsky.social) on 6/30. We can’t wait to see you there!

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Kyle P. Smith @kpsinedu.bsky.social · 08/06/2026

This interview demonstrates the peril of our current times, how quickly trusted institutions are crumbling under the incorrigible, horrific, idiotic demands of our executive branch. Give it a listen. I was moved by Pelley’s words.

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