I've had four days with students in my classroom this week. It's been fun in some ways and quite challenging in other ways. Challenging is when I'm waiting for a Google document to load on my shared screen and all I can think of is how much time it's taking away from the class as we all watch the black screen- waiting to see words appear. Challenging is also feeling like I'm losing the virtual kids. I noticed that fewer screens are turned on at home this week and I hope that's not a sign of what's to come.
Thankfully, the good completely outweighs the bad. Those few kids who did nothing while at home are doing great in person. They are happy to be in the building and happy to be with other kids. The highlight of my week came late today when a student asked if she could borrow a book from my library. Then a second student saw a copy of Hard Luck that he wanted to borrow. And just like that my lending library was back in business and everything felt more normal than it has in a long, long time.
So glad to hear things are getting back to normal! Soon it will be like virtual learning is a thing of the past. We will think, Remember when..... But who knows, there may be some students excelling with online learning, not being so easily distracted by others, self leading themselves to heightened educational outcomes.... hopefully we can find that balance moving forward.
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful that you are back in your building with some students. And what a great everyday moment we once took for granted that you've captured at the end of your slice.
ReplyDeleteThe lending library is back in business! That IS exciting, and also great to here of the new leaf some kids have turned now that they are in the building.
ReplyDeleteThis black screen of death - I worry about it as more students hop on the wifi? Eeek. Patience. I do worry about those who are virtual - and the disconnection that is so easy. Thanks for sharing, Mary.
ReplyDelete