Tuesday, April 14, 2020

Busy day of virtual teaching and learning ahead

Today is a very busy virtual teaching and learning day.

What's the focus?

Math Meetings: Metric/Customary Conversions
The math meetings are focused on metric and customary measurement conversions. I began that focus yesterday with a couple of targeted lessons. I revised the lesson a bit for today's students after noticing a few areas of instruction that need greater depth. I always look forward to these 45-minute mini lessons where we share our math ideas and problem solve together.

Global Changemakers Project Launch
As we would be doing if we were in school, my colleagues who are taking the lead in reading and writing instruction will launch our Global Changemakers projects with a meeting that includes all 69 TeamFive members as well as the many educators that work with us to support the students' learning. My job at the meeting is to support my colleagues by managing the chat and observing the students to notice any needs, hands raised, and more.

Homeroom Meeting
Once a week we meet as a homeroom to check in on one another and share information that helps everyone to manage this learn-at-home time. A student leader takes charge during the meeting. Today students will share favorite movie titles. I look forward to hearing what they like to watch and why.

Student study review and response
I'll spend some time reviewing student, resetting That Quiz tests, responding to questions, and reaching out to students and their families who appear to be struggling with the schedule or expectations to see if I can be of greater help. We want students to continue the good learning program we've put in place, but we understand that every family is facing different challenges during this time. For example, many in our community are without power today due to the heavy windstorms we had yesterday.

Time to prepare the home office, set up the tech equipment, wear something bright and colorful, and ready to greet the students with positivity and the spirit that says, "We can do this!"