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Whewww boy, today was emotionally draining. I noticed lots of negativity floating around my #APLit class. My students are overwhelmed with the work load and learning how navigate #distancelearning. I made the executive decision to take a step back and do some reflecting...
I decided that my students didn’t even realize that a lot of their frustrations and negativity was coming from lack of asking for help when they need it and communicating their needs to me as well as their classmates. I want collaboration in my class and it just hasn’t worked...
I decided I needed to let them know that asking for help and empathy for one another is a pivotal factor for all of success and making it out in one piece during this stressful time. I turned to looking for a @TEDTalks on empathy. After searching I found the PERFECT ONE...
I found Ms. Michele L. Sullivan’s @TEDTalks on Asking for help is a strength, not a weakness. It moved me to tears. It was perfect for my students... https://www.ted.com/talks/michele_l_sullivan_asking_for_help_is_a_strength_not_a_weakness
I made a Google Jamboard regarding some of the topics she talked about. Most importantly asking my students, what they struggle with that no one knows about and if they like asking for help. I asked my kids in class today to respond anonymously, and MIND BLOWN....
My kids shared their deepest, darkest traumas honestly, and most importantly safely. I will never share what was written outside of what happened in class, but let me tell you how it broke my heart to hear the burdens they carry. It was a good reminder for them and me...
I will never take for granted their work or dedication to school since they have so many traumas and burdens. I hope it brought us closer together, and I hope they have peace of mind to know they have my support and love to help them succeed...
It was the best decision I’ve made thus far for my class, and I am hopeful moving forward we all are a little bit better for it and spread for goodness and love in this world. I love my kiddos to pieces. I hope I can continue to help them grow and find their voices....
We truly never know what others are going through especially our students during #distancelearning. There is so much more going behind those screens then we will ever know. Love. Compassion. Kindness. That will get us through this difficult time. 
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