Every year, I work after school. I work with small groups of students and we work on whatever they need. Reading, Writing, Math! No big deal, I've been doing it for years.
But of course, this year was very different. I am teaching remotely from my home everyday. My students and I stare at the screen for hours. It felt like torture to even consider staying on a device a moment longer. So initially I said No.
Then I changed my mind and my expectations. I meet with my kiddos for 2 hours on Saturdays. It's an open door policy, Come if you like. And as long as they come I log on to zoom.
Some days there are 6 kids.
Some days two.
Some days we get tons of work done.
Some days we games.
But each time I finish, I feel a little bit more grateful for the time I get to spend with them.
Even on a Saturday Morning.
That is dedication. Just knowing they have the option for additional learning and connection is huge. I offered that one day a week in the summer. Similar outcomes. I was happy to offer a space.
ReplyDeleteWhat a kind person you are! I admire your devotion to your students and how you adapted your ability to form meaningful connections in such a different year.
ReplyDeleteI admire your dedication! This year definitely looks different in so many ways!
ReplyDeleteI love the "open zoom" time with kids. I have a group that I meet with on Wednesday afternoons. Before this, they were "my kids" and would come to my classroom and melt into the space for an hour or so every week....now they come in and out of the zoom, sometimes talking and laughing over one another, sometimes just staring at each others' boxes, knowing that they aren't alone.
ReplyDeleteThis is an interesting concept to put forth. Do you see connections growing with this as you've continued with this idea?
ReplyDeleteI think the idea of an open zoom is a great one! :) Thank you for sharing with us!