Virtual Learning-Tips for Teachers :)

We started week 2 of virtual learning this week! Things are up and down with it (to be expected). I shared tips for parents last week (see: Virtual Teaching Tips for Parents ), but now I wanted to share a few thoughts for teachers. 

First of all, know how valued and appreciated you are! Being a teacher is not easy. There are alot of components that are unseen that go into every day to make learning the best for students. You give your hearts, time and money for these students. And you face challenges like large class sizes and not enough resources. So parents, be kind to teachers. 

Here are a few thoughts of what I am observed that really worked well in the two weeks of school that my kids have had. 

1) Personally extend communication to your student's parents. 

In those pre-service days when you get your class list, reach out to your student's parents for a one on one conversation. I know this takes valuable time, but our children's teachers were required to and as a parent, it definitely put me at ease about this whole experience. There is alot of frustration and in social media, some tension between parents who want school a certain way and teachers who need school a certain way. I know I hate talking on the phone and would much rather send an email, but there are times when a email just doesn't compare to a phone call. This is one of those times. 

2) If you are able to, put together supplies and information for students to pick up.

Our children's school had pick up times the Friday before school started based on student names. Each student got a bag with workbooks, information for PTA/teacher, and even manipulatives (for first grade: HFW chart, cubes, counters and a packet of materials that she wanted to do the first week). For first grade, having some printed materials worked very well to help ease the students into canvas and establish zoom protocols and relationships without having to muddy the water with digging into canvas yet.  She even included a math pre-test which we took a picture of and had to send to her. 

3) Remember to establish relationships first and foremost! 

Starting the year virtually, in a new class, is a challenge for sure! Relationships between students and teachers are vital for a successful learning experience. So make sure the first two weeks, you spend chunks on time on getting to know you activities. This is especially important for new kids. I know it has been hard for my kids starting in this environment at a new school. Edmund couldn't fill out his first day at school book page about a new friend: this is what he wrote:

He explained to me that he simply did not know yet who is friends would be because he hasn't been at school. :( But it stressed even more so the importance of making sure to have plenty of get to know you activities. Here are a few examples of what activities they did: 

(above): Edmund had to put three special objects in a bag to share with his friends. He shared his favorite teddy bear, Bob, a picture of me and him, and a picture of his friends at his birthday. His teacher asked questions, which he happily answered. He was so excited to share his treasures!

(above): Adeline had to design her own virtual cubby to share with her friends on zoom. 

(above): All about you math: Adeline had to write equations to solve number questions about herself. For example: How many cousins do I have? What is my favorite number?

4. Remember to read every day!

Some of my kids favorite times of the day is when their teacher reads to them. Even Edmund, who hardly ever wants to read with mama, gets so excited when his teacher reads a new book. It's even more important now more than ever to read good books with students to inspire them to want to read more!

5) Establish routines and rules and think of how to engage kids on zoom.

Having students remember to keep themselves on mute, raise their hands, give thumbs up/thumbs down to indicate understanding is really important when you can't see everyone's faces on the same screen. Also though remember, that they are really little, so it's going to be hard for the K-2 kids to maintain focus. Edmund is constantly rolling around on the floor and I am having to redirect. And he wants me to sit next to him. Keep mindful of your time and take lots of brain breaks! Also consider splitting up read alouds through two zoom sessions if it is a long one! They can take time to respond in between zooms. 

6. Ease into online learning platforms. And give grace to students as they navigate. 

Take if from me, it takes so long for Adeline to type anything. Count on it taking longer than normal for kids to complete their canvas activities. If the district is giving you lesson, consider breaking them into parts. If kids are late to zooms, there is probably a parent on the other side, frantically trying to type in passwords or fussing at the kids to get one, or in the middle of something. Or having the internet keep faltering because too many people are on in the house. So, welcome them to zoom and move on. 

7. Don't forget about figuring out how to assess students in reading/math!

Last year, we were caught by surprise when school closed. But now we are not, so we can't continue to use a one size fits all approach. Kids need to be assessed in reading and math and groups should be held. If your district isn't figuring it out, talk with your team about what assessments can be given online (ie: word study test, math pre-test, etc). It has to continue to be a full steam ahead approach to learning (as much as it can be!). 

8. Remember to take time for yourself!

Honestly, I never followed this tip. Ever. And I should have. Now that I am taking the year off, I realized just how worn out I was...constantly giving and working all the time. Being a teacher is so rewarding, but it is difficult. I was so stressed and headed for burnt out. I checked my email way too much. I don't know what I would have changed, but I think I would have tried to work out a way to go take a walk, have a limit for when I check emails at night, and only devote one day to working on weekends. 

But perhaps most of all, remember, that you got this. This doesn't have to be an awful year. It has the potential for being a great year! For my GSES family, I'm cheering you all on for afar! 

Hopefully some of these thoughts/ideas were helpful! Lots of love to all my teacher friends!