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Wow. Have successfully connected with all but one family in my class via phone. I have learned some things. /1
First, I am happy to say there are no students or families in my class (so far) that are affected personally by COVID-19. That was a massive sigh of relief that everyone is healthy and safe. Several parents acknowledged that they feel lucky and their boredom is a privilege. /2
The kids miss school. Even the ones we probably wouldn’t expect to. They really want some semblance of connection and routine back in their lives. /3
The feeling of loss is real for my Grade 7 students. The catchment I work in has K-7 elementary schools so this is their final year at our school. That comes with some special celebrations like camp and the Grade 7 farewell. Those losess are being grieved. /4
Families are overwhelmingy positive and patient. They know this is new for us as teachers. They know that we need time. Not a single phone call was framed from a “you’re not doing enough” stance. Kindness and support prevailed in every way. /5
With that said, almost everyone was also eager to get going with school work. Those who need support have valid questions about what that might look like, but wanted to get back into a predictable routine. /6
Not every family is practicing social distancing to the level others are. This is a dynamic that we need to tread lightly with as educators. It is not our place to police family decisions but we can provide information about public health officer orders. /7
On a lighter note, teens and preteens are SUPER AWKWARD on the phone. Many parents threw their kids on the line with me, and while we can talk with ease forever in person, they were one-word-response wonders on the phone. /8
Not sure if this was a generational thing or because mom and dad were listening to the conversation. Either way, it made me chuckle. /9
This process was emotional for me but so necessary. It was wonderful to connect with our families and to hear good news from everyone. I know that I am lucky to be able to say this about my community and that others face dire, dire trauma from this situation. /10
Because of our community’s collective health and happiness, it’s easy to focus on our personal bubble being burst. It’s easy to focus on the personal loss of what we feel entitled to. /11
We will be focusing as a group on that empathy piece toward others moving forward. This isn’t just about “what we’re losing” in the form of events, but understanding that other people on this planet are literally losing members of their family to this pandemic. /12
We will be focusing on gratitude and how to find the silver linings of our situation. Recognizing the immense privilege that comes from:
- boredom
- food
- housing
- internet and device access
- family at home
… and those things are all positive parts of our lives.
/13
- boredom
- food
- housing
- internet and device access
- family at home
… and those things are all positive parts of our lives.
/13
As I have said before, and will continue to, let’s emphasize the light in this situation as educators as much as we can. Let’s practice empathy, grace, support, flexibility, kindness, and understanding toward our families. We’re in this together. /end
