Survived Week 2

Just like no two weeks are alike in the physical classroom, virtual school is proving to be very similar.  Week 1, I had lots of correspondence with my students.  It was an adventure. They were excited, trying to figure it all out.  Week 2, crickets.  

At school, I'm always trying to create a space and a rhythm that will allow me to do what I need to do in a less busy but more effective way.  I find I'm doing the same thing in my virtual classroom  One little step I've taken this week to do this is I moved from my tiny office to another part of the house where I can spread out a little more.  

Another little step was the purchase of a green screen.  I follow Real Rap With the Reynolds on YouTube.  And, last week he gave a tutorial on how to use the green screen to add super cool backdrops to videos.  I totally want to learn how to do it.  I thought I'd have some time during

the day to figure that out.  Not yet.

Another little step which I think will result in a great benefit to both my kids and myself is to limit my lessons online to one lesson and one activity a day.  Last I week I just overdid it I think. I wanted to make sure that they had plenty to do.  Well, I did most of the work and if I received half of it back, I'd be surprised.  Working harder than the students is never a good idea.  Therefore, I'm hoping that if they see one activity they will feel more compelled to do one than if they see three.  Fingers crossed.  

One more little step which I think will bring great rewards is to RELAX, chill.  I need to stop worrying so much about my students.

Worrying is not going to change the fact that I have no control over this pandemic and have no control over what happens or does not happen in their homes.  My One Little Word for 2020 is "relax".  Boy, I had no idea.  I must confess I feel very weird working from home.  I've imagined in the past working from home, even felt jealous of those teachers who had the privilege.  And, maybe, just maybe, under normal circumstances I may have even enjoyed it.  But, it just doesn't seem right.  Nevertheless, I have decided to enjoy this time even if it comes in the middle of a mess.  Blessings sometimes come in unexpected packages.  There is a silver lining.  There is good that can come from it all.  And, that is what I 'm going to focus on.

Hugs and Blessings,

Damarise