What I was Told a Month Ago:
Half of my students are virtual and the other is face-to-face. Simultaneous teaching is occurring for the first time in the school’s history. Face masks are provided and the six-foot rule is required . Let us hope for the best.
None of the above sounded great. The fear of the pandemic hits everyone differently, but the thought of teaching students in a room elevates concerns. It may have been the news that installed fear within me or listening to the school district board meeting. The meeting where our leaders wanted to heed the advice of medical experts to keep schools shut physically, but could not follow through due to the state’s penalties for not opening.
What in the world is going on? Fortunately, I can say that my first day back at school went very smoothly.
First Day Went Well:
To be frank, if I were asked if schools should be open I would say no. It is too dangerous, especially not knowing the long term effects of the virus. With all the possible negativity, I am trying to stay positive. My first day of school went very well. All of my students were respectful, no one ever took off their mask, no one made a motion to be near another student. Can we take a deep breath within our masks, which we have to do anytime we do any amount of physical activity, and say ‘wow!’ I feel very fortunate, and no I will not be surprised if tomorrow is terrible, but baby steps.
What I am Teaching:
I am lucky to have only one prep (class to teach) this year. Normally, I have three. I am teaching Geometry. My school is a title one school and we have a blocked class schedule. I see 3 classes each day and they alternate.
How I am Managing Simultaneous Instruction:
With my new found time of only teaching one class, I am pre-recording all of the practice problems or notes we do in class for the virtual students. If you teach multiple subjects this year, I do not know how you do it. I am avoiding the true “simultaneous instruction” by having my virtual students watch the videos while I teach my face-to-face students a similar lesson. The final thirty-five minutes of class, I get on Microsoft Teams. During this time, students virtually and physically are working on their homework or practice problems and have the opportunity to ask me questions about their work.
Lessons were recorded, because I did not feel as though managing students in person and on Microsoft Teams was going to be a well oiled machine. I am also not confident I can be a great “regular” teacher and a great online teacher at the same time. I am not sure if my choice is the best for every student, but it is the best choice for my sanity.
Tomorrow:
I met with half of my students today, let’s hope my other half is just as good as today’s!
www.mattedition.com
Submitted August 29, 2020 at 09:37AM by mattsnotes https://ift.tt/2G4iTQZ
