This post is not typical for our site, but I felt its relevance should be shared. I will be sharing some tips for working with students through this difficult time and some resources I will be using to provide an e-learning environment.
COVID-19 takes on a new light when children need answers and they are looking to their teachers to explain it to them. The pandemic is creating a new learning environment I only briefly want to be a part of. Not seeing my coworkers and students is taking its toll on how I want to be a teacher during this time.
When I became a teacher, I knew I would be responsible for creating a safe learning environment, free from judgment, and open to expression. These responsibilities are beginning to be more challenging as COVID-19 takes a toll on my students and coworkers mental health. The constant discussion, misinformation, and media coverage has made the learning environment chaotic. In my crazy classroom, I like to remind myself of a few tips.
- Honesty is the best policy. When something extreme happens in our world, we need to be proactive about the information shared with our students. I am not saying hold back. I am saying when you choose to discuss things, like COVID-19, do so in an educational fashion. For example: students are learning about viruses in science this trimester, which has led their science teacher to dedicate a lesson and discussion about this virus. We may not have all the answers, but we can help them find reliable sources for information. Accuracy is the way to go.
- Encourage good hygiene. This may seem like an easy concept, but for some students it is not. Remember to explain to your students the importance of washing their hands, covering their sneezes and coughs, and overall cleanliness. They are still young and need those reminders.
- Remain calm. Openly panicking about whether or not you should stock your pantry and cleaning supplies cupboard is not something your students should be witness to. They are children and are exposed to enough on social media, and most likely at home. We as educators are not here to cause our students more stress.
- Maintain daily routines. Even though many people are panicking, “the show must go on.” Maintaining daily routines during a regular school issue has proven to be more effective than letting imaginations run wild to the point of panic stricken faces. During this time, I am actively engaging with students about the lessons, projects, and assignments. Yes, I do go off on a tangent to talk about current events with students who feel the need to bring it up. The time spent on that is minimal, because after all we still need to help them be better learners and human beings.
- Know your technology. As I am writing this, I am not working. Governor Walz announced on Sunday, March 15th that all schools would be closed by Wednesday, March 18th. The school district I work for decided to shut down schools March 16th, with the possibility of returning March 30th. Due to the closure, I will be teaching through Schoology. This online system let’s me create classes to add lessons and assignments to. Without training, some of the technology required to teach online can be difficult to navigate. Before events like this occur, teachers should reach out to their school’s or district’s technology integration staff. They are there to help you understand and educate using technology.
- CamScanner can be used on a laptop, iPad or tablet, and smartphones. I use CamScanner to upload assignments and share documents with students and coworkers. It can be used anywhere with Data or WiFi connection.
- Edpuzzle is a unique resource to provide informational and instructive videos. Videos can include voiceover, notes, questions, and more. Luckily, the school I work for uses Schoology and Edpuzzle is an extension teachers are able to use to enhance their lessons.
- Google Drive is one of my favorites. I have been able to organize all of my lessons and supplemental materials in one space. It is convenient and accessible on just about any device with Data or WiFi connection. Google Drive is not only about making documents, slide shows, and spreadsheets. It also has the capabilities to create drawings, forms (surveys), and much more.
- Teachers Pay Teachers is an amazing resource for teachers. This site brings educators together to share activities and lesson materials for free or low price. Lesson planning can be overwhelming for anyone, especially during distance learning. Take advantage of the great materials ready for distribution.
- YouTube can help educators make their own videos or find videos for almost any lesson. Currently, my co-teacher and I are using videos from the “The Story of Stuff Project” channel. These videos are both educational and entertaining.
Even though we cannot always be prepared for something this extreme, it is important to remind yourself of these tips and resources. I am not a perfect educator, but I do strive to make my learning environment safe and available to all my students.
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Update March 20, 2020: These tips were developed before Governor Walz cancelled school for at least two weeks. I still recommend these tips when teaching students from a distance.
Update April 10, 2020: Schools across the nation have transitioned to distance learning. Minnesota extended the school closure until May 4, 2020.