I’ve returned to school along with fellow educators on the precipice of uncharted territory. With all the new factors in play, anxiety, tension and fear are running high. Amidst our strong emotions, we are implementing new systems as quickly as we can navigate them. As teachers, we support our schools by offering multiple modes of instruction to offer the best service options possible for families and students. As professionals standing before our colleagues and students, we must do all we can to empower each other in staying safe.
Take It Online
Many teachers are participating in a hybrid instructional model, splitting their schedules between face-to-face and remote learning. Helpful web resources will smooth transitions between in-person teaching and distance learning. Regardless of how instructional delivery looks, teachers can begin integrating online learning platforms as they plan their lessons. Some helpful, free sites include:
FlipGrid - Facilitates video discussion when teachers create learning grids.
Epic - A digital reading platform with books, videos and quizzes.
Donors Choose - Connects teachers in high-need communities with donors who want to help.
Class Dojo - Connects teachers with students and parents to build classroom communities.
Creative Ways to Set Your Classroom Up for Success
To ensure students still feel welcomed and engaged, switch greetings to no-contact alternatives, such as a celebration dance, air five, peace sign, or sign language.
Within the Pre-K setting, a pastime I enjoy is playing the Autoharp with students while we sing songs and dance during the ‘Music and Movement’ portion of our day. To adjust for safety, students will be spaced widely apart around the classroom instead of grouped together on the carpet.
For a fun creative activity, make lanyards with your students! These convenient accessories can attach to student masks, helping preserve them during times of day when it is not possible to wear them, such as lunchtime or dental hygiene. Using yarn or string with two clips on either end, allow students to decorate with colors and beads, creating an accessory they will enjoy wearing.
Create hand signals for frequent needs that will arise throughout the day to reduce student traffic throughout the classroom. Teach students a signal for requesting a tissue or using the restroom to negate the need for them to cross the room in order to ask.
Familiarize students with school personnel by bringing them into the classroom virtually! Instead of a school tour, create a video with each staff member, or display pictures with their personal messages to students.
Adjust lessons by shortening instruction time and adding in brain-breaks, incorporating physical movement to reduce the time students spend seated in their personal space. For example, my students especially love jump counting to expend their energy!
Advocate for yourself and teach your students how to do the same by facilitating and maintaining safe distance and stringent face covering. Teach them to tactfully use their voice if someone gets too close. Create a culture of safety and respect.
Protect Yourself And Educate Your Students
Masks are mandatory in many of our buildings. If available, K-95’s generally have a service life of around 200 hours. Using a mask rotation, teachers can label at least five K-95 masks for Monday through Friday. In between uses, masks can be disinfected by spraying with rubbing alcohol or by soaking for 15-20 minutes in near-boiling water and left to air dry. Face shields and gloves can be worn in addition to masks for further protection.
Encouraging children to wear their masks is a good start; explaining why we must wear them is far better. Children at every age should be taught the meaning of the term “social distance,” and as teachers, we must take the time to explain why it helps to keep us and the people we care about safe. Young students especially need extra guidance and explanation, with repeated reminders. Creating a sign with a person wearing a mask, and the term ‘social distance’ beneath it can serve as a good visual cue to use repeatedly. Students naturally want to play with their friends at school and get close. This will necessitate a supported transition as they learn how to interact with each other safely.
Practice Self-Care
As educators, we know it is important to fill our own cup when we pour so much of ourselves into our students, families and friends. It’s easy to allow personal preservation to fall further down on the list of priorities. If you are an individual at high-risk for becoming sick, reach out to your human resources and benefits department for your best options. Take care of yourself by practicing mindfulness, exercising often, and nourishing your body appropriately. Apps such as ‘Calm’ and ‘Headspace’ offer great breathing practices and meditations. The ‘Classpass’ app is a great way to try out new workouts and keep it fresh. A walk or a few minutes of stretching will help clear your mind and get your muscles moving. Vitamins including D-3, Vitamin C and Zinc can help to bolster the immune system.
Most of all, continue in your membership with The Educator Collective! They consistently find creative ways to support educators in keeping healthy by nurturing the whole person, offering wonderful opportunities to grow professionally and exercise self-care.
Originally from the Detroit-area of Michigan, Claire Miller graduated from Wayne State University, receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education. Claire has taught for the Pre-K Partnership Program in Dallas ISD for the last 5 years. Outside of work hours, Claire plays oboe in the Richardson Community Band, teaches piano lessons and enjoys fitness classes, including barre, spin and yoga. Additionally, Claire is a graduate student at the University of North Texas-Dallas. A member of the Future Leaders Academy, a cohort program partnering with Dallas ISD, she is in pursuit of a degree in Educational Leadership.