Week 1 and 2 done

 When people ask me how the first two weeks of teaching in 2021...I think of two memes that I have recently seen.  The students are mostly oblivious to the stress of teaching in 2021.   However, I did have two workers ask me after day 1 if I was okay or stressed.  Maybe I need to improve my acting skills for 2021.

Here are the memes:

Well, I have to admit that I am stressed.  I have already subbed twice out of eight school days.  Just like every business, education is running on a basic crew with not much extra support.  I wonder am I keeping the students safe from this virus (masks, 3 feet apart, minimal sharing of materials, etc...), am I covering the correct material to prepare them for the learning and school year ahead, and more!  Remember, I usually assist with logging in 500 students in a variety of ways (different devices, different user names/passwords, getting new students accounts, etc...) in 45 minutes while keeping them engaged while they wait is not easy!  I feel this step is necessary incase a child has to do any virtual schooling.  

Plus my lesson is a heavy topic...DIGITAL CITIZENSHIP and INTERNET SAFETY.  I watch my own children fall into watching weird YouTube videos, chat with people on Roblox, and have ready access to media 24-7.  Keeping them safe online is HUGE!  Am I doing enough...I hope so... 

I have to cover this with 4 more classes on Monday that I have not even met yet!!!

I use the Digital Citizenship curriculum from Common Sense Media.   It has a great set of lessons...

Digital Citizenship link

Kindergarten and Life Skills made tin foil boats then went to the butterfly garden to watch if they sink or float.  Then they add passengers (pennies and acorns).  Plus a tour of the garden.  This is a lot lighter topic and more fun.  Typically, I skip the deep internet safety discussion with Kindergarten.

I only got a few pictures of boats and the 3rd and 4th grade project to create their name creatively.  However, I need to add more pictures. 

This is what I need to focus on...students and their learning!!!

Folding fun

Trying to figure it out

Another boat

Tin foil boat

Name design challenge

Name design challenge

Look for a fun zucchini bread post soon :)  Plus more pictures!!!