Once a month (the last Wednesday, in fact), I’ve been hosting an open discussion. Pose a question, name a topic - what’s on your mind? I’ll be around for the next 30-40 minutes to faciltiate this chat.
It's spring break right now, so I am trying to make the most of it - clearing out fallen leaves and other leftovers from the fall. Also doing some reading, primarily The New School Rules by Anthony Kim and Alexis Gonzales-Black and A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles.
It's interesting how our context and situation influence how we perceive our world. In A Gentleman in Moscow, the main character is exiled within his own country in a hotel (Russia, 1920s). He has to reconcile with his circumstances, which has cause me to think differently about our own. At the very least, I have a broader perspective about the pandemic and the different ways we might view it- as solitude and an opportunity to renew, or as isolation w/out purpose?
Both could be true. It really depends how we choose to view these times.
I have been working on this 8 part video series that will go live on Thursday. I would be honored if you found it helpful, to pass it on to your families. It will be free for all, and housed on our site along with youtube. We want to help families and teachers in particular those without resources.
Thanks so much Rita, please share widely, if it would be helpful. I just think about all we are trying to do and we know the best thing they could be doing is reading, yet some just don't have stamina at home, but if parent knew the expectations they would be thrilled and everyone would be engaged!
Thanks Matt, our family is all healthy so thankful for that. We are quickly pivoting to provide virtual training for teachers. I am feeling such empathy for teachers and parents right now as they jump in and change the structure we have all know of education.
For so many of us, the most daunting concept is that we can't see our kids. Hug them. Nurture them like we want to. Online...okay. I get it, we have too. It's out of our control right now. But, man-oh-man, this will not work for the long-term for many educators who thrive on the human interaction and energy of day-to-day life with a couple dozen kids or more.
I think we are doing okay - thanks for asking Gail! Right now we are working on a virtual learning handbook for families. Our state is very open/noncommittal to expectations for this time out of school. Very thankful for Google Docs and other collaborative applications.
I do worry about our at-risk students with limited access to food, books, online connections. Are you able to connect virtually with any of your students or staff, Rita? How's access?
Access for staff is great. All but one has internet at home, and that gal has a good phone signal. We sent home tons of books and packets. We can't be sure all have access to devices or internet so, the ES isn't doing online for now. I just sent a survey to my families today to see if some online stuff is worth the effort. We're on spring break, so that's allowed some wiggle time.
It's really such a huge task to prepare for in such a short amount of time. I am very impressed with how the teachers and families have come together so quickly to make something work. I'd be interested in hearing what your families have to say.
I realized I did not add to this discussion.
It's spring break right now, so I am trying to make the most of it - clearing out fallen leaves and other leftovers from the fall. Also doing some reading, primarily The New School Rules by Anthony Kim and Alexis Gonzales-Black and A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles.
It's interesting how our context and situation influence how we perceive our world. In A Gentleman in Moscow, the main character is exiled within his own country in a hotel (Russia, 1920s). He has to reconcile with his circumstances, which has cause me to think differently about our own. At the very least, I have a broader perspective about the pandemic and the different ways we might view it- as solitude and an opportunity to renew, or as isolation w/out purpose?
Both could be true. It really depends how we choose to view these times.
I have been working on this 8 part video series that will go live on Thursday. I would be honored if you found it helpful, to pass it on to your families. It will be free for all, and housed on our site along with youtube. We want to help families and teachers in particular those without resources.
Here are the links: https://www.thedailycafe.com/content/reading-home-parents
https://www.thedailycafe.com/content/reading-home-students
Thanks Gail, I just watched the introduction - well done! I will be sure to share it with my families Friday.
Thank Matt, hope it is helpful!
Oh, Gail! That's amazing!
Thanks so much Rita, please share widely, if it would be helpful. I just think about all we are trying to do and we know the best thing they could be doing is reading, yet some just don't have stamina at home, but if parent knew the expectations they would be thrilled and everyone would be engaged!
Most of my teachers use Daily 5/CAFE and the kids are already familiar with the routines.
Thanks Matt, our family is all healthy so thankful for that. We are quickly pivoting to provide virtual training for teachers. I am feeling such empathy for teachers and parents right now as they jump in and change the structure we have all know of education.
What are you training teachers on, Gail?
Agreed it will be a challenge for everyone, Gail.
For so many of us, the most daunting concept is that we can't see our kids. Hug them. Nurture them like we want to. Online...okay. I get it, we have too. It's out of our control right now. But, man-oh-man, this will not work for the long-term for many educators who thrive on the human interaction and energy of day-to-day life with a couple dozen kids or more.
Hi Matt, I love that this just popped up. I do have a questions, how are you? and your teachers? and your students?
I think we are doing okay - thanks for asking Gail! Right now we are working on a virtual learning handbook for families. Our state is very open/noncommittal to expectations for this time out of school. Very thankful for Google Docs and other collaborative applications.
How are you?
How's the heart holding up with no kids to hang out with. It's been rough for me.
I do worry about our at-risk students with limited access to food, books, online connections. Are you able to connect virtually with any of your students or staff, Rita? How's access?
Access for staff is great. All but one has internet at home, and that gal has a good phone signal. We sent home tons of books and packets. We can't be sure all have access to devices or internet so, the ES isn't doing online for now. I just sent a survey to my families today to see if some online stuff is worth the effort. We're on spring break, so that's allowed some wiggle time.
It's really such a huge task to prepare for in such a short amount of time. I am very impressed with how the teachers and families have come together so quickly to make something work. I'd be interested in hearing what your families have to say.
I put out the survey an hour ago and already almost 1/2 of families have already responded! So far ~85% have good connectivity.
That's promising, Rita.