We are living in such a surreal time – if someone had told me that a cruel, unforgiving virus could cause such devastation and heartache I truly would have found it hard to fathom. I am in awe and incredibly grateful to all of the heroes who are helping our country get through this one day at a time. And with the medical professionals, the police officers, grocery store teams and so many other selfless American workers, there are our dedicated educators we need to also celebrate. I can tell you for a fact when you are training to become a teacher, this type of crisis where families need to quarantine and you need to very quickly start to teach digitally is not part of your course work. Rest assured it probably will be moving forward in each and every university’s Education Department. If you think about how teachers in a very short amount of time had their professional world turned upside down it is mind-boggling. Part of the joy of teaching is helping to create and guide students into forming a tight learning community. Usually by March, teachers and their students are for the most part in their happy place and they are in a groove. So to be suddenly told we need to stay home and self-quarantine is incredibly disappointing and challenging for students, families and faculties. But I can tell you one thing for sure for the teachers their first thought when fully aware of the situation was “What about my students?”
And that’s the key. Families and teachers are in this together for the kids. Teaching online is not going to be perfect. It isn’t going to replace the day-to-day rich experience of a classroom. But we will muddle through this temporary “norm” as best as possible and the need to self-quarantine will hopefully become a distant memory. Knowing Americans – we will savor when we can reconnect and celebrate the absolute pure joy of being together.
Breathe. You are giving your best and make time for yourself too. Remember, one day at a time. You were not trained to be a teacher. You love your kids and I bet now you really love their teachers too! You do not need to become the most creative teacher for that takes years of practice – give yourself a break and let the most simple things rule the day. Recess at home – have your kids go outside! Walk, run and/or just muck around and make their own fun. With the necessity of increased screen time this release is mort important then ever!
Take care and if you haven’t had a chance already please check out Common Sense Media – they launched a great site for K-12th grades – http://www.openschool.org
Laine
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