Life of the Party

              Holidays will be very different this season. My family has ultimately decided to split up our family gathering into smaller portions at different homes. This is odd because I’m used to having my family under one roof during this town. I wonder if other families are having the same issues?   This is my current teacher face. Teaching from home has taught me that I have more time on my hands and I really need. I have went back to wearing my glasses because staring at the screen all day has been really troubling. I end up with major headaches at the end of each business day and even with my glasses my eyes still ache.

             So, in my house we are counting down the days to Thanksgiving. This year our gatherings will be smaller, but that doesn't matter because at least we still get to enjoy it! Mom and I have decided to open our home to foster care. I'm extremely nervous about this new chapter in my life. Being a parent is something I have always wanted to do but due to unforeseen circumstances I cannot have children. I know a lot of women struggle with this and infertility. I just hope that I’m able to provide a home where kids feel welcome.

      This pandemic has done a lot of things both good and bad for me personally. I have discovered that remote learning is not scary or intimidating. I have bonded closer with my family and friends who are family. This time of year always makes me think about what is important or significant in my life.          I think it’s people we ultimately want to be in larger groups and being our normal communities, But that just isn’t realistic when a virus is spreading through a community. Being at home and working from home has really made me appreciate my work family. I understand that co-employees are there for the same reason I am. Overtime these people become essential to who you are and how you conduct daily business. I think this pandemic has made me establish new routines. Seldomly, I get to return to campus to my classroom to gather materials. It’s almost eerie to walk down my hallway without seeing the smiling faces of my fellow teachers. I hav...

          It’s so strange to me how one student’s comment can really make a defining moment in your life. So I asked my students this week what they were thankful for. One of my students replied that they are thankful for a parent who is becoming a better person. This heartfelt comment really struck a nerve with me as a teacher. My student, even as a child, knows that her Parent is trying everything within their power to be a good parent. And it was in that moment during her statement then I realize that I need to become a better person. I think random acts of kindness, forgiveness, and mutual respect can make being a better person attainable.   

    It's easy to focus on the negative side of remote learning, but there have been successes too!  I still find myself at odds when considering where I stand with remote learning. Students who have social issues are thriving, but that is only a portion of my students.  Here are some ideas to make it engaging:  1. Make funny videos of the lesson 2. Laugh with your students 3. Use lots of videos  4. Involve music 5. Personalize the activities  6. Provide choices  7. Let them share their screens out too!       I still adapting to this world of remote learning and I do not have it figured out. I would love to hear some of your ideas! Feel free to leave a comment!