September is here and many schools are up and running. Now by running I mean, most are running virtually and others are in the buildings. I’m entering my 23rd year teaching. I am teaching virtually and face to face, simultaneously. This has been the hardest school opening I have ever experienced, and my first year teaching I was in graduate school and teaching 6 different courses and did not have my own classroom. It’s hard because seeing my students’ faces on a computer screen is not the same. My classroom is as socially distanced as I can make it and just doesn’t even feel welcoming to me. I’m also making sure my own children are thriving in this virtual learning environment. And I continue to worry that my boys and I will get sick.
Teachers and parents are stressed. There is not a perfect answer and there is not an answer that will please everyone. What we need to focus on is staying positive and support each other. Our current situation should not put us against each other, we are on the same team. We all want our children/students to learn, grow, socialize, and maintain a some sort of normalcy in their lives.
Somethings that I’m doing in my classroom and with my boys to stay healthy and positive are:
- Be ready for changes! Everyday could be different and we just have to adjust.
- Load up on cleaning supplies and hand sanitizer. Make sure your kids take their own hand sanitizer to school.
- Be patient. If your kids are doing virtually learning, be patient with your wifi (trust me teachers know the issue) and be patient with in person learning. Your kids are stressed and they will worry show them your patience and they will be calm. And, if your teachers have to teach both give them grace.
- Keep in contact with your teachers and be sure to explain the school expectations and protocols to your kids.
- Your attitude will rub off on your kids. Stay positive about the situation. It will rub off on your kids and a positive attitude will ensure their success.
Good luck this school year! Be safe and stay healthy!
