I don't know what your teaching situation is right now, but I know a whole lot of people are struggling to find the best thing for the children's education. A teacher in Long Island, NY was quoted by saying this:
If you want to read more of that quote, see HERE:
I saw this shared on Twitter from @TeacherGoals
I guess, no matter how much experience you have in the classroom, no matter how hard you work, no matter how many tricks you have up your sleeves, this year is going to be quite a challenge!
Here are a few thoughts I have about the upcoming school year:
It's not going to be perfect for anyone!
I know, after such a difficult spring semester, the kids need to go back to school. Online learning is difficult for kids. "Zoom fatigue" sets in. It's hard for them to pay attention. Parents need to go back to work. Children need socialization.
Yes, these are all true, but the "back to school" we are seeing with Social Distance restrictions is a far cry from what school has been. Teachers won't be able to teach one on one or small groups. Children won't be able to work with partners or small groups. Children won't be able to get out of their seats at all.
Teaching remotely has been VERY challenging for teachers. I've heard it compared to "flying the jet while building the jet." That sounds pretty accurate to me!
Yet, remember the #1 rule of life that I hear over and over: Safety First! Yes, there is a very contagious disease out there. Yes, children are known carriers. Yes, many people are at risk because of underlying medical conditions. Yes, many teachers are afraid to go back to school because they're afraid of getting very sick and/ or dying.
They WILL fall behind... in some ways.
Between last spring, when teachers were suddenly expected to "reinvent the wheel" in a weekend, and this fall, with lots of practice and professional development training, lot of improvements have been made to the world of remote teaching. Between remote learning, in class learning, or even a combination of the two, education won't be the same as it was in its "pre-covid" state.
Students have lost some momentum in their academic development. And yes, no matter what we do, more slowing of development will happen. It can't be helped.
We can help them make gains in other ways.
Teachers will try to keep the students moving forward academically. You can count on that. That's the nature of teachers.
But we also need to keep them moving forward in other ways. Whether they are in school or working remotely, there will be gaps. They won't be getting the social development that students normally get in school, talking to their peers every day. Creative teachers can use a variety of ways to get children to talk about their social needs, their feelings, and their fears. I hope morning meetings are a part of everyone's day, as this is the place for team building and building social relationships.
And take the time to work on some of these life skills.
As you know most of these skills can be developed through Morning Meeting.In class or through remote learning.
A positive attitude is essential!
No matter how tough it gets, no matter how challenging it is to keep up with all the technology, no matter how negative people are around us, no matter how scared we are, that positive attitude will get us through. Hold your head high, and give it your all for the kids. After all, it's all about them!
It WILL Get better.
Yes, it's going to be tough, but it's not forever. I don't know when, but we'll have classrooms full of children, and they'll be able to talk and laugh and get out of their seats. They'll go to lunch, and Phys. Ed. and Music class. It will be OK!
