I keep feeling the need to document my thoughts about this past year. I feel the need to make it into a HUGE learning opportunity. Sooo, not including things I normally do, such as music and a soft start at the beginning of each class...
Here's what I plan to toss, or things I hope go far, far away...
- changing plans and schedules all year (see timeline in my blog post) ✔
- spraying tables ✔
- cheap toppling tray tables (kids call them ironing boards) ✔
- individual tables facing front in rows
- taking attendance online every class period
- car parades for graduating students (if we're having graduations)
- students at home and in person in each of our classes ✔
- quarantined kids at home on Zoom (although this might be easier than them leaving for two weeks and coming back after having a "remote teacher...") ✔
- masks 🤞🏻
Here's what I hope to keep, or what I hope stays...
- (Look through my self-help books for notes!!)
- keep my physical and mental health my ONE priority
- be fully present in each moment
- drink a ton of water
- three deep breaths with eyes closed when I'm upset
- do not read work emails outside of work time (except for Sunday around dinner time)
- one intention per week
- listen more than I talk
- routine
- organized plans / easily found
- digital absent folder ✔
- free lunches for students ✔
- virtual staff meetings
- practice gratitude with my students
- postcards sent to students' houses
- small, mobile tables (instead of the big tables they took away)
- no need for lockers - fewer disruptions and clean ups
- me using the washroom during independent reading (if needed)
- velcro dots on carpet
- mood meter and / or Jamboard check in (on Mondays, especially)
- asking students what they feel they need to discuss, then providing the time and space for them to do so (while I facilitate and keep my opinions to myself)
- walks around the building when it's nice - walk and talk?
- big chunks of plan time
- when something bugs me, do not ruminate - act - do something for myself or others
- my shield - to protect against parent ire
What I hope to do that I didn't get to do this year...
- Establish expectations from the start. With the FIVE changes we had this past year, we didn't have time to establish them well.
- Try some sort of genius hour or choice research project.
- Keep a good attitude amongst staff and online (At least I did well in front of the students!)
- Find ways to practice compassion with my students.
- No grade in the grade book until the end of the term. I felt like such a hypocrite this year, even if it was probably easier on me and my students by using grades.
Here are some other posts I'd like to curate here for my own refreshers... what did other educators learn? I'll be adding more as I come across them:
Writing Teacher Melanie Meehan
What teachers have done this past year.
Look at All We've Gained During the Pandemic
5 Things I Liked About Pandemic Education (HS Student)
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