I know it has been a learning curve for some people.
That being said, I also know that those that communicate well in the classroom, do so on-line
too and are very successful.
Routine is important to any student's success like showing up at the same time every day, no
matter what.
It takes a tremendous amount of teamwork to make this work.
Many students helped their peers communicate if they struggled, thank you for all that you
have helped, you're amazing!!!!!
Parents communicating about any challenges and successes.
It was great to talk to so many, even if it was just a short text or call.
I, like many other teachers, have put long hours into transforming the online classroom
experience to be a dynamic interaction to inspire curiosity and learning.
Even though we have been doing this for two years, some still fight routine.
Yes, you still have to wake up the children, or they will sleep in and play games online too late.
Yes, you still have to mute the fighting siblings in the background.
Yes, everyone needs help now and then, do not be afraid to reach out and ask for it.
Not surprisingly, many of those same students had attendance issues before this shift to meet
our students' needs took place, and are still struggling.
Ninety percent of life is showing up and embracing the challenge in front of us.
If you did not talk to your teachers or peers the whole semester, thus far, even after
receiving notes, emails, and calls, then I assume your priorities are elsewhere.
But that 10th email you got today, or a call reminding you that you are not passing should not
have been a shock. I pray they were not sick. For those that were not hospitalized, or bed ridden
and that have had no homework turned in, no communication or no conversation with peers for
help, maybe this is your wakeup call?
Team up with someone in your class that knows how to communicate well.
Seek help from peers, talk to staff, call, text, email, write a note. Find a way to challenge your
student to help solve a problem. I even heard of some teachers giving curbside service if I they
can't talk you through your issues. Ethan, (HS) Trenden (8th) Adam and Malia (7th) would
be the peers that if you are struggling, I would have you give a shout out to them or myself to get
help.
We almost had 100% with the 5th graders, they are so great with each other, in helping each
other with issues. (Fantastic fifth graders: Bami, Correna, Francine, Nethee, Turrell)
The 3rd and 4th graders have some leaders too: Nevaeh and Ray have been there every day.
So ask yourself, are they struggling with the routine, or the technology? If it is routine, set an
alarm, phone a friend to call them, to remind them.
Look to parent's routines that give a framework for success too.
Change is painful, but growth is good, and our kids are worth it.
Look at the soft skills we are developing: Zoom, Google office, email, taking turns,
networking with peers. It also makes us appreciate the quality time we do have.
No snow day to cancel and outdoors is a must when the Zoom is done!
I am planning activities for Earth Day and I know the kids will enjoy.
I know we will be in person again in a few weeks.
Until then I will continue to give it my all. We got this.
Thanks again to all that stepped up to help their peers' needs.
Respectfully,
M. Cricket Henderson
785-408-2247