Boy, oh boy. I’m exhausted! I ache from my head to my toes. I think I’ve spent 30+ hours in the last two days in front of my computer planning lessons. I finally understand the negative effects of excessive screen time. When it’s finally time to shut my brain off at bedtime, I can’t. An endless todo list comes into thought.
Today was day 1 of actual distance learning in Alberta as a result of Covid-19. Hard to believe that the kids have been off school 17 days already. The first week off we were encouraged to focus on the mental wellness of ourselves, our families, and that of our students, and the last half was spring break, and no one works over spring break.
Over the last three days, I’ve planned, planned and planned. I haven’t been that glued to my computer in years. I hate to admit it, but I actually had two computers on the go… testing links, video conferencing, and responding to emails on one, and planning literacy and numeracy lessons and activities for the 3 grade levels of students in my class, on the other.
Planning the lessons and activities is fun, but laying everything out so students will understand what I mean without me being there to offer immediate support, can be challenging. Just when I think something is clear and concise, that the links will open properly, I learn otherwise. Needless to say, the last few days were a learning curve… a curve that will hopefully get easier as time progresses.
I don’t know how any of you are doing this right now. I can’t imagine all the time it takes and we can’t express our gratitude enough. The teachers at Greystone are bending over backwards to keep the students connected and involved. Thank you isn’t enough!
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