Climbing Virtual Teaching Mountains

This transition to remote learning has been like traversing a mountain range. There was the initial ascent of figuring out how to set up the virtual classroom, schedule, and patterns. Then there was the lesson planning mountain--figuring out the best kinds of lessons to teach virtually and the practice mountain--what projects and exercises provide students with needed practice. Now it's the perseverance and betterment mountain--how can I persevere with this schedule while bettering what I can do.

An added challenge to this next mountain is the fact that other matters in life have started to rise up a bit more--there's a need to attend to appointments and matters I put off during the first weeks of remote learning. I can't put those appointments and actions off anymore, so I have to make time for that too.

How will I refine the schedule to climb this next mountain?

Don't Add Any New Initiatives to the Schedule
For now, the innovation rise is full--there's no more energy or zest to innovate for a while. Instead it's time to stay the course with the patterns in place. Innovation demands good energy and lots of time. We've responded to that need, have a good plan in place, and now it's time to follow that path.

Plan for Down Time This Summer
We will need summer vacation to come up for air, rest, and relax. Then as August draws near, we'll be ready to tackle the next leg of this journey with renewed energy for innovation and change. We'll use what we've learned during this 15-week remote learning period to start the year with a positive plan.

Realistic Expectations for the End of the Year
During a virtual open circle meeting with students yesterday, it was clear that some of the children are tired of this abrupt change and lack of their typical school life and social contact. With that in mind, I want to make sure that I stay the course with positive coaching and the following realistic expectations for student learning:

• Continued learning of math standards throughout the month of May
• A math test at the end of May to assess students' learning during this time
• A weekly math topic with a related hands-on project that's simple for students to do at home
• Continued invitation for families to take part in watching, reading, and/or discussing recommended social studies videos, books, hikes, and questions
• Completion of each student's Global Changemakers biography research and report.
• Completion of students' performances for the fifth grade's virtual play
• June hands-on math projects and the Global Cardboard Challenge

Paperwork

Educators typically end the year with a fair amount of paperwork, and there will need to be time put aside for that.

There's a good routine in place, and now it's time to stay the course with realistic expectations, a positive attitude, and little to no change for now. Onward.