It’s OK to feel however you’re feeling- right now, in twenty minutes, an hour or tomorrow.
We’re all experiencing a variety of feelings as we prepare to re-open school buildings. Whether you are an educator, parent, or even a bystander to education, we all have permission to feel.
Many parents are anxious about whether or not to send their child to school or to college. College students are adults and can make their own decisions, but have we as parents, prepared them to navigate college during a pandemic…?
I will let you know how my son does managing his sophomore year at college once the first semester is over!
Parents want to know that their child will be ok no matter their age. Some can’t imagine what it will be like for their 6-year-old to travel the school building in a line that is 60 feet long. Who is watching my child as this long line travels from point A to point B in the school or to dismissal?
We all have valid feelings as we navigate a situation none of us have ever been through before.
As educators, it is our job to maintain that positivity. That doesn’t mean you can’t have a range of feelings. There are days that I am completely in the blue on the Mood Meter. I give myself permission in that space (but only for so long) and then I try to figure out when and how I am going to change my mood. For me, that might be listening to upbeat Country music, taking a walk with my Labradors, or calling a friend just to chat.
What do you do when you want to change your feelings or mood? Do you find yourself in one mood more than the others?
We know this is going to be one of the toughest school years we have experienced.
We also have to remember that all of those children we care for are watching how we respond. How can we embrace our positive feelings and move into the yellow and have the best school year ever?
Remember how you make connections with students and families. You can do most of these and more by adapting them to distance teaching and learning.
How can you bring some sunshine into your classroom each day- virtual or brick and mortar?
I love using music to set the mood. You may want to check out the jammy pack!
There are also lots of virtual team building activities you can try. What is one team building activity you have planned for the first day of school?
As you enter the new school year, allow yourself to feel, acknowledge the feelings of your students (& staff), and make it the best school year ever.
