I am starting the week with a bit of trepidation for many reasons. First, of course, like so many, I am afraid that a family member or I will get a bad case of the coronavirus. My family is staying at home with the exception of outdoor workouts, grocery shopping, and perhaps another necessary errand or two. Most extended family members are not working and staying home too. We are taking this seriously. We don't want to make this more difficult for the dedicated medical professionals, scientists, and leaders on the front lines.
I am also a bit concerned about the at-home teaching schedule since virtually supporting students education is new for me thus requiring considerable concentration as well as the knowledge that I'm on a learning curve and it will not be perfect. Teaching in school is never perfect either, but my years of experience provide much more comfort than these new ways of meeting, teaching, and learning. As I move into this week, I will focus on the following areas:
Listening
I will be involved in a large number of meetings this week, and it is critical that I listen well as there will be many questions and needs expressed. Almost more than anything else, people need others to listen to them at this challenging time.
Engagement
We know that if we can engage students in the knowledge, concept, and skills we've prioritized, they will learn. So as I work with many students this week, I want to prioritize engagement.
Good Record Keeping
This week I will be taking a close look at which students are able to participate in the online learning opportunities and which students are not partaking in this opportunity. At the end of the week, I'll focus in on who is not partaking, why, and how I might help them more. I'll likely contact those students' families to see how I might help them in a better way. I understand that families are facing a range of challenge and struggle at this time, and it is possible that some children simply won't be able to participate in school offerings given the demands their families are facing at this time.
Lesson Planning and Prep
As I teach the lessons planned this week, I'll assess the merits of each lesson to understand what works and what does not work. Then I'll improve the plans for next week.
Creativity
Making and creating has made this time at home meaningful. I'll continue projects this week related to gardening, photo albums, and cooking.
Long Term Goals
At the end of this time at home, I hope to complete the following:
I am also a bit concerned about the at-home teaching schedule since virtually supporting students education is new for me thus requiring considerable concentration as well as the knowledge that I'm on a learning curve and it will not be perfect. Teaching in school is never perfect either, but my years of experience provide much more comfort than these new ways of meeting, teaching, and learning. As I move into this week, I will focus on the following areas:
Listening
I will be involved in a large number of meetings this week, and it is critical that I listen well as there will be many questions and needs expressed. Almost more than anything else, people need others to listen to them at this challenging time.
Engagement
We know that if we can engage students in the knowledge, concept, and skills we've prioritized, they will learn. So as I work with many students this week, I want to prioritize engagement.
Good Record Keeping
This week I will be taking a close look at which students are able to participate in the online learning opportunities and which students are not partaking in this opportunity. At the end of the week, I'll focus in on who is not partaking, why, and how I might help them more. I'll likely contact those students' families to see how I might help them in a better way. I understand that families are facing a range of challenge and struggle at this time, and it is possible that some children simply won't be able to participate in school offerings given the demands their families are facing at this time.
Lesson Planning and Prep
As I teach the lessons planned this week, I'll assess the merits of each lesson to understand what works and what does not work. Then I'll improve the plans for next week.
Creativity
Making and creating has made this time at home meaningful. I'll continue projects this week related to gardening, photo albums, and cooking.
Long Term Goals
At the end of this time at home, I hope to complete the following:
- Cleaning out a very messy closet
- Organizing photo boxes, albums
- Planting seeds (I keep putting that off)
- Health goals