I made it through the first week! I would not call it graceful, or fluid or even successful. It was my very best though. It just isn't possible to adequately address the needs of at home learners while monitoring and providing for in person learners. Trying to do that while wearing a mask, from an appropriate distance and with adequate supplies so that nobody ever shares anything -- well, its like juggling flying fish. I can juggle, but the darn fish are slippery and they keep getting away. If I knew about the fish, I didn't know about the juggling, and certainly not about the flying part. They just keep sneaking a new bit in each time I hear the plan. Just when the in person people are really catching on, I switch back to the online people, then I stumble to get the next bit of technology started up. Rinse repeat and go again.
I had my AP Capstone Research kids make a digital bulletin board instead of the paper "get to know you" surveys that we usually do. Here is mine. They seem to have some topic ideas and are bringing in an article for Monday. We did two labs in Biology already. So much time to find enough termites and pill bugs for everyone to have their own! They seemed to enjoy it though, which is the point of the first week of school. We are investing in an online lab service, so I hope that will help the online learners to have some data to practice with.
I cut out a bunch of masks. I've got this atom fabric that will be great when we get to Chemistry. They aren't all sewn yet, but it is a step in the right direction.
I did finish this one for Anna. It is sailboat fabric that I ordered as a sample from Joann's. Apparently they can print certain patterns in any color on any fabric. So this is sailboats in blue on canvas. Kurt is driving over to see her today and will deliver this along with a molecular model kit for Organic Chemistry. She has been back for two weeks so far with no reports of illness. Ryan went back yesterday, He doesn't think it will last long, but he wanted to give it a try. He has a roommate who's mom won't let him come back to campus yet, so it is just him so far. His classes are all online, but he wants to be with his friends and go back to his clubs and activities. I worry, but I guess that is just what moms do. He is under strict instructions to bring everything home with him if they are sent away again. Last time he thought he would be back to school in a couple of weeks. They stored all of his stuff all summer for him. It will be interesting to see what it all looks like when he picks it up today.
The sun still comes up every day. I'm just going to keep on getting through each new day, catching the fish that don't fly away and being happy with little moments of success.
11 comments:
Hang in there. They are asking you to do something that is barely possible (maybe impossible.) I read something earlier in the Virus that New Orleans teachers were very worried about their students as most missed so much school after Katrina. They said that in the long run is doesn't seem to have mattered, the students adjusted and did fine. Perhaps that will help you when the slippery fish are flying? Remember that your students will most likely be just fine in the long run.
It sounds pretty wild to be responsible for both in the classroom and online learners at the same time! I loved your description of it as juggling flying fish - the rest of us can only imagine! Take care!
So much extra work to even try to provide what the kids online and in class both need. Hang in there! Hopefully things will get easier. I only have online students the past few years, so I do feel like not much is different for me. But I worry about how long my grandkids will be able to be in school. Different districts sure handle precautions differently around here.
Bless you, and everyone in your shoes.
Sending virtual hugs, but wishing there was a way to really help you out. You and all the teachers are absolutely amazing. Overworked and underpaid, but totally amazing. xo
you are a model of how to cope with this all
What a balancing act. Kudos to you for sticking it out and kudos to all the working-from-home parents also juggling work & home-schooling the kiddos!
Oh, Angela, I don't envy you the task of teaching two classes at once (all day, every day!!) Combine that with Syd in school with you, along with Ryan and Anna at college... Yikes! No stress there, huh?? Keep putting one foot in front of the other! Just remember we're out here cheering you on. Catch those flying fish!! :o))
“The sun still comes up everyday.” Thank you for that reminder this early morning. My oldest starts high school today, I’m struggling to homeschool the next four (remote after the cases went up was not going to work for me), and two littles need to be kept busy... but the sun still comes up everyday, and I’m going to make it.
I do not envy you at all!! Hugs and love coming your way - and keep being the very best you can be...your doing great!
I just finished my first week of online teaching (first grade). I can't even imagine trying to do both at the same time! You are smart to make your son bring everything if he ends up coming home. My daughter put her stuff in storage and who knows when she will be able to get it out. Good luck with your teaching!
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