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Overcoming the adversity of Distance Learning
Overcoming the adversity of Distance Learning
By Amy Woolsey
By Amy Woolsey
Heidi Rudolph
Heidi Rudolph
Building: Mississippi Heights Elementary School
Role: Distance Learning Teacher for Grade 2
Years at MHES: 6
Years Teaching: 16
This has been a year of challenges and changes for everyone, and you are no exception! You have been teaching 30+ 2nd graders through distance learning this school year. How have you had to adapt as a teacher?
It has definitely been a struggle to not have my students with me. I can only do so much through the computer to help them and that can be frustrating. I have had to learn to find a balance between what I can and can’t do and let go of things that are out of my control. I have learned to be more flexible and hone in on what is most important.
Family involvement has always played a big part in my teaching, but this year I have reached out to families for help more than ever. Having an “adult helper” in place has been an essential piece for my students to be successful. I provide the instruction and activities, but it is the parents that see to the follow-through. We are a team.
What has surprised you?
I love my class and the kids are awesome and we have lots of fun together, but my heart breaks when I think of all the little things we are missing out on. I have been surprised at how isolating it can feel. I didn’t notice it until I’d go out into the hallways and see kids in person laughing and interacting with each other. Then I realized how isolated we are in distance learning.
I was surprised initially by all the challenges of managing three different buildings. Even though the students are all 2nd graders, when they are from different buildings that adds a lot of extra layers. Some kids have surprised me with how well they are managing it.
The rollercoaster of emotions as kids come and go has been surprising as well. It changes dynamics of the group and we will miss them when they make the transition back to in person learning.
There have been some surprisingly crazy moments on Zoom! You have to be prepared for anything!
How has this year changed you and what you believe about kids and education?
There can be success at home, but there is so much students are missing out on when they are not in school. I understand and support parents' decision to keep their kids at home this year for health and safety reasons. It has been an emotional year for everyone.
I am even more focused on the essential standards. I ask myself constantly, what do they really need to know in order to be successful in 3rd grade? I stop and think, I can’t do it all so what can I do? What is most important? All the while I am thinking of ways to keep it fun and enjoyable.
What new aspects of your teaching this year do you want to hold on to?
I have really made it a priority to stay true to who I am as a teacher. So most of the practices that I believed were important for my students in person have become part of my distance learning instruction. For example, offering my students choice has always been important to me and therefore I make sure we still have choice time. We still do read aloud every day as well.
One new aspect that I’ve incorporated is breaking down writing into daily goals. This has made the writing process more doable in distance learning. I plan to continue this practice as it has really been helpful for students.
There have been some differences that have been disappointing. It has been difficult to differentiate, especially in math. Normally I would do a lot of partner games in math which has been difficult to do in distance learning.
What has been your biggest takeaway so far?
"You're here for the kids!"
"You're here for the kids!"
I have had to learn to find the right balance between what I want to do and what I realistically can do. Overall things are good...not great, but good and that is ok.
And in the end, I always remember- you’re here for the kids!
Heidi’s strong commitment to the kids in her Distance Learning program has been evident! The students and families that she serves have appreciated all her hard work and dedication!
Image Credits:
Balancing Rocks Image: Image by Denny Franzkowiak from Pixabay
Choice Image: Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay
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