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Let’s face it, going back to school this year will be like never before. We are facing a huge unknown. My mind is filled with questions...what if, how will we, how can I? The feelings can be overwhelming. If I’m feeling anxious, I can only imagine how my students feel. I’m an adult. I need to be in control, in an uncontrollable environment. Every statement seems to contradict the previous. How can we plan for a situation that is so full of unknowns? I have to take a deep breath and do what I ask my students to do...just take it one small step at a time.
Let’s face it, going back to school this year will be like never before. We are facing a huge unknown. My mind is filled with questions...what if, how will we, how can I? The feelings can be overwhelming. If I’m feeling anxious, I can only imagine how my students feel. I’m an adult. I need to be in control, in an uncontrollable environment. Every statement seems to contradict the previous. How can we plan for a situation that is so full of unknowns? I have to take a deep breath and do what I ask my students to do...just take it one small step at a time.
Step 1: Plan for in-person as well as distance learning
Step 1: Plan for in-person as well as distance learning
I’m taking each lesson idea and running it through 2 filters. How can I turn this into a distance learning activity? How can we do this safely in class? By using these filters, I am planning for either approach as well as a possible hybrid approach if my district decided to do a combination of both.
I’m taking each lesson idea and running it through 2 filters. How can I turn this into a distance learning activity? How can we do this safely in class? By using these filters, I am planning for either approach as well as a possible hybrid approach if my district decided to do a combination of both.
Example: I love the M&M get to know you activity. (This can be adjusted for allergies to fit most colorful candies or used with dice and no food at all) Students basically take turns, selecting a color, then answering a question about themselves.
Example: I love the M&M get to know you activity. (This can be adjusted for allergies to fit most colorful candies or used with dice and no food at all) Students basically take turns, selecting a color, then answering a question about themselves.
How can I do this virtually? I created a digital worksheet for students to fill in before the Virtual Meeting. This will help students who struggle to come up with answers on the spot. When they are called on, they already have an answer. This might get a little boring, right? To prevent this, I created a BINGO game sheet that students can fill in that will encourage them to listen to their classmates. This activity will help students get to know each other.
How can I do this virtually? I created a digital worksheet for students to fill in before the Virtual Meeting. This will help students who struggle to come up with answers on the spot. When they are called on, they already have an answer. This might get a little boring, right? To prevent this, I created a BINGO game sheet that students can fill in that will encourage them to listen to their classmates. This activity will help students get to know each other.
What added measures will keep students safe in class? I will add the step of allowing students to wash their hands while other students are filling in their game sheets. This will allow very few student movements at a time and assure their hands are clean. I will also use snack packs to make sure each student has an individual package to open.
What added measures will keep students safe in class? I will add the step of allowing students to wash their hands while other students are filling in their game sheets. This will allow very few student movements at a time and assure their hands are clean. I will also use snack packs to make sure each student has an individual package to open.
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Step 2: Plan activities that are hands-on that can be done independently
Step 2: Plan activities that are hands-on that can be done independently
This might seem like a sharp contrast to collaboration, which is proven to be essential to building a community and working together. You can achieve teamwork while still allowing for individual exploration if you plan activities that have flexibility.
This might seem like a sharp contrast to collaboration, which is proven to be essential to building a community and working together. You can achieve teamwork while still allowing for individual exploration if you plan activities that have flexibility.
Example: Paper Towel Lab
Example: Paper Towel Lab
Each student will work independently to collect data but then share their data with one another in order to draw conclusions of the overall results. This will also lead to learning about how outcomes might vary and allow students to make inferences to explain their thoughts.
Each student will work independently to collect data but then share their data with one another in order to draw conclusions of the overall results. This will also lead to learning about how outcomes might vary and allow students to make inferences to explain their thoughts.
Step 3: Provide support for all students
Step 3: Provide support for all students
In every activity, it is important to keep in mind that every student has a unique situation. Do not assume that they will have access to items around the house. Put together a bag filled with resources that go along with activities you plan to do. Try to create activities that won’t require access to specific supplies. This will take a lot of prep time but will be worth it if students are able to participate in activities at home.
In every activity, it is important to keep in mind that every student has a unique situation. Do not assume that they will have access to items around the house. Put together a bag filled with resources that go along with activities you plan to do. Try to create activities that won’t require access to specific supplies. This will take a lot of prep time but will be worth it if students are able to participate in activities at home.
Example: For my first unit, I will include small samples of paper towels, droppers, lab sheets, a marble, etc. These items can be purchased easily. To make things easier, plan ahead, and post a list of the supplies that will be needed for upcoming labs. Allow any students who might not have access to these items to sign up on a form. This will give you a smaller list of students to prepare supply bags for. It gives families who have the ability to collect these items to use their own as well.
Example: For my first unit, I will include small samples of paper towels, droppers, lab sheets, a marble, etc. These items can be purchased easily. To make things easier, plan ahead, and post a list of the supplies that will be needed for upcoming labs. Allow any students who might not have access to these items to sign up on a form. This will give you a smaller list of students to prepare supply bags for. It gives families who have the ability to collect these items to use their own as well.
I realize that being this prepared will require a lot of work ahead of time, but this investment of time will reap great rewards. Not only will my students have opportunities to enjoy learning, but it will also reduce stress with last-minute changes in the environment. Let’s face it, some people are good at this type of organizing, so let them do the work for you. Find units on resource sites such as Teachers Pay Teachers. A few dollars can save you hours of time. We are all in this together.
I realize that being this prepared will require a lot of work ahead of time, but this investment of time will reap great rewards. Not only will my students have opportunities to enjoy learning, but it will also reduce stress with last-minute changes in the environment. Let’s face it, some people are good at this type of organizing, so let them do the work for you. Find units on resource sites such as Teachers Pay Teachers. A few dollars can save you hours of time. We are all in this together.
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