The New Normal

Closed until June!

The first three weeks of school closure were surreal in my home. It was great to be home in the month of March. However, it was also slightly frustrating. Let's just say, there was a lot of effort put into finding our new rhythm.

The biggest question I faced was:

"How do I get my work done and attend all my zoom meetings,

while Chris gets his work done and attends all his Zoom meetings,

while Addy gets her work done and attends all her Zoom meetings and

Matthew gets his work done and attends all his Google Hangout meetings?"

It was A LOT!

For a while we were tripping over each other, interrupting when someone was trying to think, distracting students from their work, and somehow all in the kitchen for a snack at the same time!

We are getting better at it now. There are a few locations around the house that we have taken over for "offices" that didn't used to have that function. There is always someone up a little earlier to work in the quiet (that's me), and I am always thankful that we have enough devices to all work at the same time when needed.

Yet it is an adjustment. A huge one. One that will last through the year now. Two more months of this new normal. Settle in!

As we start in earnest into distance learning, consider my home and yours. Consider the adjustments that have to be made. Consider that not all homes have teachers in them who know how to get students to do work. Consider that not all students are as easy to motivate either.

Consider this:

Families are stressed about work or money or both.

Students are missing their friends, teachers and all things social.

Siblings are needing care (sometimes from our students).

Grandparents are sick (and other family members, too, as COVID-19 hits closer and closer to home).

Some families are dysfunctional.

Some kids need more attention.

Some homes have only one device.

And of course, we want to teach.

How do we do that?

Here's my thought: "Do what is best for kids".

In this environment that means:

Connect with kids - Use this time to really get to know your students. Find out how they are doing during this time. Embed connections within all your student tasks.

Make learning relevant and engaging - Students are more likely to participate in learning they see value in.

Consider having virtual team projects so students have a chance to socialize. Have students create something (video, blog, vlog, poster, cartoon, skit) to illustrate they understand a process or concept and let them share it with other students. Allow choice and personal response. Relate learning to current events (even non-pandemic news!)

Keep it light - Each subject matter should only expect students to do 1-2 hours of work PER WEEK! In essence, pick a target for the week, design a "culminating task" to show they understand and provide supports for them to learn it. It is really like designing an awesome lesson that has a little homework attached...each WEEK (not each day).

You are amazing educators!

I know you can do this !

Most important, take care of yourself.

We don't want the stress of life to affect your health.

You are too important!

Be patient with yourself and with others.

Work together.

Be well.

Kim