Whether you are teaching in a school, in a hybrid classroom or fully online, this school year is like no other. The stakeholders continue to debate what we should be doing to successfully educate our children.
Parents are being told their children have fallen behind. Teachers are being misrepresented as lazy, selfish, and uncaring.
Even though it is tough to focus because of all of the negativity, that’s exactly what teachers need to do. So let’s forget about the craziness and get back to the job we love!
Be Prepared for a Return to Virtual Learning
Earlier this summer, online learning was off the table. But that is changing quickly as the Delta variant continues to sicken teachers and students in many areas of the country.
If, or when, online learning becomes a reality at your school this year please check out my post, “Teaching Online This Fall? How to Make Day One Spectacular” in this blog.
Next, take a look at some more ways to help your students succeed online this year.
Reach Each Student in a Special Way
A virtual classroom can be a very personal medium. As a teacher, students and families are welcoming you into their home. You are interacting with your students “full on” face-to-face…up close and personal.
Make eye contact with each student. Smile and really listen to their ideas. Show the children you are having a blast teaching them this year! Establish a relaxed and happy, yet productive, atmosphere.
While teaching online, you can be that much needed ray of sunshine, a lifeline, for your students during a very insecure time in their lives.
A First Day Tradition: Discuss the Rules
Students need to be reminded of what is expected of them in the virtual classroom. So explain, and then practice, proper online behavior.
Rules should include logging in on time, staying logged in, staying seated in front of the camera, raising hands to speak, (or using the hand emoji), returning promptly from lunch and bathroom breaks, and no logging off until you dismiss the class.
Creative Approaches to Behavior Management
Having a set of rules is one thing. Enforcing them online is another. Parental support is key here. But there are several things you can do to ensure your class runs smoothly.
Keep Things Moving, Literally!
Children have a very hard time sitting glued to a screen, (unless it’s a video game.) So build as much movement into the school day as possible. Find ways to incorporate movement into your lessons with songs, games, competitions, hand jives… Use your imagination!
If you notice someone is squirming, make that your cue to take a quick break to do some stretching, jumping jacks, or jogging-in-place.
Allow for a generous, ten minute bathroom break. During this time they can also drink water and possibly get a breath of fresh air before settling back to work.
Keep Your Feedback Positive
Disciplining students online is tricky for the teacher. We need to maintain order, but we don’t want any hurt feelings either. That means no embarrassing online reprimands. Redirect in a positive way, with patience and a genuine smile. Use humor when appropriate.
If a problem continues, call in the parents to help fix it. Above all, realize that this year your students really need kindness and compassion.
Next time we’ll look at ways to craft exciting lessons for online delivery.