Last week the feedback started coming in. Let me clarify. After weeks on the phone answering questions, and listening to frustrations of parents and students, we finally started hearing feedback we WANTED to hear this week.
Parents reached out to show appreciation for our YouTube live session, for the friendliness of our office team, for the organization of our teachers, and for the hard work they know is being done on behalf of kids.
One parent put it this way:
"I do want to mention that while we were hoping to be back in the classroom, we are very pleased with the remote learning so far. I can see how much work and effort the teachers are putting in and am seeing how much my daughter has learned already. Honestly, it took some social pressure of for her and she is participating more in class and very happy. Of course, she still want to go back as soon as possible. We are just very pleased that the lemons everyone was handed are tasting very much like lemonade!"
One parent reached out to praise one of our amazing teachers specifically this week. This parent has been listening to the lessons for a few weeks and has seen her daughter thrive in this science class. I reached out to the teacher, Mr. Jackson, to find out what he is doing that makes this remote class work.
Here is what he said:
"I try to run things the same way I would if we were meeting in person.
I keep basic daily classwork credit or no credit. This helps with getting kids to just get it done and finished as they know the partial stuff doesn't fly
The syllabus is straightforward and lets parents and students see exactly what is expected
I don't do vague. I can't do vague. I tell students exactly what I want do see to get the credit.
Routine! From attendance, to reviewing the previous lesson, to reminding specific students on missing work at the end of the period, and such. I'm always following a structure they remember and recognize.
I've been heavy on the grace. I allow students to retake tests as many times as possible.
I remind students of procedures that allow me to help them, (reminding me they've turned in Google work that is already in gradebook
, etc)
I work on one skill/task a day. We do at least half of it together in class. Always have an example they can compare to.
Don't zoom the entire time. Lame for me. Lame for them.
Remind students and parents that we are all human.
Common sense flexibility. I'm not a prison warden. It's really none of my business whether or not someone is or isn't having internet issues. Times are hard right now.
Remember that I really am only in control of what I can do with them during the zoom, and remember to design things they can do without anyone else's help.
I have no idea what I am doing. I just do what I just think makes the most sense for myself, the student, and family as a whole during this time. My mom just retired from the classroom in June after 30+ years. I bounce ideas off her. She's a straight shooter."
There is a whole lot of wisdom in what he said!
He has structure,
clear communication,
guided practice,
a whole lot of grace
and collaboration with a trusted source.
Add his gracious humility, and his realization that he has to focus on only the essentials, and get rid of all the fluff, and you get a class that is working for students.
You're doing it, too!
You are finding a rhythm, and establishing your routines.
You are communicating on multiple platforms to engage every student.
You are giving grace and focusing on students learning the essentials.
You are using zoom as a tool to assist with learning, not a requirement to be endured.
You are removing barriers for students and watching out for their well-being.
Stay strong, amazing people! You are doing what is best for kids. You are finding your stride in this new world. You are doing something that has never been done before and making it work well for kids.
You rock!
You inspire me.
Kim
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