Welcome to the 2020 school year where everything is different, everyone feels like a first year teacher, and we are all just living in a perpetual state of “What is happening?” If you have been struggling to wrap your head around our new normal, you are not alone. This year has made us feel a range of emotions--from excitement, to fear, to overwhelmed. It’s important to know that a majority of teachers feel this way, AND, no matter how we feel, what goes wrong with our lessons, or how lost we might find ourselves, WE ARE GREAT TEACHERS!
How we started the year
Like many of you, we started off with just getting to know the students the best that we can. We created a basic Google How-To to help our students learn to navigate the platforms we will be using this year. We used interactive Back to School stations that asked the kids to look for important information in the syllabus, learn what kind of learner they are to help them be successful, and create a Google Slides presentation about themselves. There are two ways we are using stations via the virtual setting (there are so many ways to do this, but this is what we have stuck to).
One is to make interactive stations on google slides. With this method, students are able to click on links to take them where they need to go, and they are also able to type their responses on the answer document.
The other way we have incorporated stations is on Google Forms. You simply add an image of your stations, a link to where you want the students to go, or a discussion question, and a place for the student response and there you go.
Routine, Normalcy, and a lot of Grace
Even though we knew virtual learning would not be exactly like in class learning because of all the different circumstances, we wanted to give kids a sense of normalcy and routine. But how? We had to find a way to do everything we would do in a normal classroom but online. Not an easy task. We decided that despite COVID, despite the technology barrier, and despite the circumstances, our goal stayed the same-- we wanted kids to have an engaging, well planned, challenging, and great experience in our classroom. So this is what we kept the same.
1. Daily PowerPoint with the agenda- Each day we have an agenda just like in class that tells the students what they are going to do today; moreover, we like to have a bit of a laugh to start the day. Here is an example:
2. Bell Ringers: In class, we have bell ringers while we take attendance. Why not in our virtual class too? We made a bell ringer notebook complete with a table of contents that takes you right to that day's bell ringer by clicking the date. Monday through Thursday students work on grammar; this activity takes them about 1-2 minutes to complete. Then, to start class off, we review them and call on students like we normally would.
SCROLL THROUGH THESE PICTURES:
3. Work level without the excess
We already had some great notes and assignments that we know were effective. Why not still use them? We created another notebook for notes with a table of contents where we added a simple screen shot of the document we would have given students in class.
So what about assignments? The easiest way we got to transfer assignments online was Google Slides. In fact, it was easier than we thought it would be. Screet shot the assignment, add the image as a background, add text boxes where you want them to type and BAM! DONE!
Anything we have that is multiple choice can be easily adapted, too. We found we could easily take a screenshot of a passage, paragraph, or reading and insert it into a google form. Then we copied the questions and answer choices over. Best part? We know you know this, but we want to tell you anyway because it has been a lifesaver-- it grades it for you!
Engaging Literature
As stated above, we wanted kids to still have the same experiences as they would in class, so we included readings from a novel. Because kids are stuck at home and in front of a computer all day, they are actually EXCITED to be looking at something other than the computer screen. I know they are happy to be looking at it, but we knew they had to be happy TO CONTINUE with the book. The only way to do that, of course, is to have highly engaging literature. This is a list of novels we are teaching this semester (in two different courses): The Living, One of Us Is Lying, We Are Not From Here, and All American Boys. These books are relatable, high interest, and so relevant to the world we are living in. Highly contagious disease sets in on Shy’s world when all he wanted to do was make money to go out on dates with a girl? (The Living), Normal teenagers who have secrets and are accused of murder (One of Us Is Lying), teens trying to escape their world of poverty and despair to try and live the American Dream (We Are Not From Here), and a book about what is means to be an American in today’s world (All American Boys).... Ummmm, yes please!!!!
Grace and Compassion
We are not living the life we had a couple of months ago. We are not living the life we loved and the only thing we knew. Kids are home all day in front of a computer screen with us denying their connection to the outside world. They are dealing with mental issues, family problems, financial problems, and so much more. Yes, we want to be the strict teachers we were before and put a big due date on everything, but that cannot be done to the same extent anymore. We give them their work and tell them to turn it in when due, but we also ask them why it wasn’t turned in, ask them how they are doing, ask them if they need to talk, ask them if they need help, and ask them if they need more time. We do this with a smile because we don’t know the burdens they are carrying and do not want to add more on the shoulders of teens whose arms, mind, backs, and eyes, definitely the eyes, are tired. Also, be kind to yourselves, teachers. Know that you are doing everything you can, and your kids appreciate it.
Tech Tools/Extensions We are loving
Breakout Group extension: Group work and Writing Conferences
Nearpod: Nearpod has been instrumental in making digital lessons interactive. Nearpod offers a variety of tools to engage students, but our favorites have been the collaborative board, polls, and the quizzes. What’s been really great about nearpod this year is that you don’t have to start from scratch. You can add nearpod addons to an already made PowerPoint and Google Slide Presentation.
Vocaroo: Have students introduce themselves, use to add feedback to work, use to add voice directions on assignments. vocaroo.com
What’s coming up
The Living novel guide will be fully Google compatible soon.
One of Us Is Lying will be fully Google compatible soon.
NEW UNIT: We Are Not From Here will be available soon (offline and online version).
This year will definitely be one to remember. We are wishing you all the best of luck, sending you tons of positive and relaxing vibes, and reminding you that you are awesome!
