It’s the first day of school in my district tomorrow. The first day back in the classrooms since we left for Spring Break back in March. I remember telling my students that there was a possibility we would have an “extended Spring Break” and that I would send their work via email if necessary. They looked at me like I was crazy. Truth be told- I thought I was a bit crazy for even telling them that! I thought that we’d be out an extra week- maybe two.
I will walk into year 30 of my teaching career with many “firsts” tomorrow:
- wearing a mask
- lining up my students in the hall with proper social distancing before entering the classroom
- taking temperatures before starting class
- specific seats that are spread throughout my classroom rather than my own desk layout
- alphabetical seating
- safe zones marked with tape on my floor
- sanitizing my hands over and over and over
- ice-breaker activities to greet the kids that don’t require any interaction- like the beach ball with silly questions I used to toss around to learn about my students
- saying the words “moving equals masks” to remind my kids to wear masks anytime they are not seated in their designated spots
- trying not to touch my face
- cleaning desks at the end of every class period with special spray and wipes- and hoping the students stand appropriately and continue with the class during that process
- discussing how to organize backpacks because lockers cannot be used
- explaining that I can’t have a ‘borrowing cup’ for pencils or share my art supplies
Those are just a few. There are also some things that I do every year- and this one won’t be any different:
- smiling and laughing with my kids
- asking questions and listening to their answers
- giving them attention
- showing grace for things they may have forgotten over the summer
- sharing my excitement about reading and writing
- providing a space where it’s safe to learn- emotionally and physically
- loving them through it all
Wish me luck!
sharing the stairs 