March 17, 2020, St. Patrick’s Day, was the day our school closed its doors and went virtual. We had sent our students home with their books the day before.
But in the crazy rush that afternoon, some kids left behind a book or two. With overflowing bookbags, many went home that day without their crayons, rulers, etc. They just couldn’t carry it all.
Still, we went ahead with our lessons the very next day. Who knew we would be teaching online through the end of the year?
Fast Forward to the Opening of This New School Year
For many of us, school this fall will be either “hybrid” or “online only.” Teachers did a great job adjusting to a new set of circumstances last spring.
Now we can use that experience to guide us in formulating an even better online product for our students. Here are some ideas to consider.
Before school begins, take the time to speak individually with parents/guardians of each of your students. Discuss their concerns about the upcoming school year.
Find out if their child needs anything that the school can provide. With many parents out of work, they may not be able to purchase even the basics. Find out who will be home with the child during the school day.
Go over log-in procedures and make sure you have the latest contact information for every parent.
Create a Productive and Creative Work Space For Yourself
If your school allows you to work from home, you will need to set up a mini office set apart from the rest of the family and the tv. A guest room is ideal, if you have one.
Make sure wherever you place your home office, you have reliable access to the Wifi signal in your home. (If necessary, you might consider moving the router.)
How about decorating your mini at-home office just like a classroom? Put up some colorful borders and motivating posters. You and your students will feel more like you are there to do some teaching/learning.
Some teachers prefer to use a virtual photo background when they are teaching. But welcoming your students into your personal “office” may have a more authentic feel for them.
Build a Schedule That Meets the Needs of the Teacher and the Students
When you are setting up your daily class schedule, remember to work in some time for yourself. It is so easy to fall into the trap of working non-stop when you are working online from home.
Slip in a few minutes here and there to walk away from the computer and stretch or use the rest room. Don’t skip lunch.
Since the kids will be online all day too, why not schedule a quick break for the whole class to exercise or to try out a few dance moves. Music is such a great stress reliever. Or, maybe incorporate a little mindfulness practice.
There’s not much time left to prepare and so much to do! Next time, we’ll take a look at how we can make the first day of virtual school as smooth and exciting as possible. Talk soon.