Surviving Online Learning

    As many teachers would agree, we were not trained or prepared to teach students online during a global pandemic. In March, we had to search for resources to help us finish the year online. For some, it was hard but manageable. While for many others, it was a difficult transition. Many felt lost and confused about where to go and what to look for. They were struggling with teaching online. What I have discovered during this pandemic and "new" normal is that as teachers, we always roll with the punches and make things work to the best of our ability. What works for some teachers may not work for others. What everyone needs to do instead of judging what others are doing is we need to give each other grace during this time. If you are struggling to survive, do not worry, I am too. I am in survival mode. Below are a few tips on how I have learned to survive during this time.

    First, I did some research and found many teachers on TpT that I have gotten resources from have social media and blog posts. Many have worked tirelessly to turn their products into Google Docs, Nearpod, Boom Cards, and Seesaw resources. They have also posted how to use their resources and share ideas of what they are doing in their classroom. I found this extremely helpful in discovering what works for me. As teachers, I believe we are one of the most generous communities out there. There are many teacher sites that share ideas and resources for free! There is a group on Facebook that shares Google Classroom Ideas. But, my absolute favorite is Bitmoji Classrooms!! You may have to request to join these groups, but they share awesome resources. The Bitmoji Classroom group shares tons of Google resources that you can use with your students!! I teach kindergarten and they have many phonics and reading resources. They are willing to share as long as you give the creator credit and make a copy of their document. This is a game-changer and has saved me time and energy of creating my own resources! They also have teachers that share Wonders and Eureka Math resources, you just have to search for them. I use a Wonders Google Doc every morning with my students. It does take time to look through these resources, but I promise it will be worth it!

    Next, collaborate with your grade level team. This will save you time and energy. If each member shares what is working for them and what is not working, you can encourage and support one another through this. Building a community with your grade level team will not only help each other but your students as well. Use each other as a resource! They can help you if you are struggling with ideas. I understand that not all grade levels work this way, but at least try to find one person you can go to. I have that person and I talk to her daily through text and email, plus we Zoom as often as our schedules will allow us to. She has been my lifesaver! She has been there to offer support, vent to, and to plan with. She has had great ideas and kept me from falling apart. I have also returned the favor and given her resources, ideas, and support when needed. 

    Finally, give yourself a break! No one knows what is expected during this pandemic. None of us have ever been through a pandemic and switched from in-person to online learning in the blink of an eye. There are no exact guidelines on how this should work and what we should be doing. We have no control over it. However, we do have control over how we respond to it. We can overly stress about it and let it take control, or we can just breathe and take it one day at a time. You are not the only one going through this. To quote High School Musical, "We're all in this together!" Take breaks when you need them. Go for a walk, exercise, read a book, talk to friends and family. Don't let this stress take over your life! This too shall pass. I have discovered that watching reality tv and playing with my new Siberian Husky has given me that much-needed distraction. I have learned that I am not going to be as amazing as some other teachers I know and I am not going to be 100% great at this, but at least I am trying daily. I am not giving up, I am doing the best I can, and most importantly I am there for my students. I bet they are having a much more difficult time than I am with online learning. As long as my students are learning, they are engaged, and they are having fun on our Zoom, that's all that matters right now. Remember, you are their break from their home life and you give them something to look forward to every day. Give yourself time and grace during this time! It will be alright. 

We Got This!

Marcy Mesa