Reflections running through my mind from teaching during a pandemic, continued:
Recess was revised yesterday, as were the duties. Score for me – I’m now on office duty covering for our delightful secretary’s entire lunch break at one of my schools. No more recess duty here, unless revisions occur again. Note to self: enjoy the calm and quiet while you can.
First year teaching in an air-conditioned building in over 11 years. I do not miss the heat, humidity, and physical and mental drain after teaching in an 85 degree classroom during the summer months.
System of hand washing. System of hand washing. System of hand washing. System of hand washing. Wash your hands every time you touch something. How do I relearn this hand washing thing in the age of COVID? Stop adjusting your mask, your fogging glasses, your hair. Remember my health and the health of others rely of this. Figure it out, Jess.
Oh crap, the kid’s mask is down. “Remember, we have to wear our masks over our noses and mouths.” Did I breathe in the virus? Could it be lingering in this room?
Technology worked today!
The kids want to paint already, but how is painting going to work without being able to share stuff? How can I sanitize when there’s not enough time to do so in between classes? There’s not enough room on this portable classroom art studio (aka art cart) to house everything I need and try to worry about disinfecting. I hope the young artists are flexible with this because it’s a difficult change. I long for a classroom studio space, sharing supplies, and normal clean-up routines pre-COVID.
“Remember everyone, we must stay in our own space, facing this way.”
I feel like part art teacher, part art teacher prison guard.
There are so many things spinning around in my head that even during my down time, my planning and lunchtime, I feel anxious and unsure what to tackle on my to-do list.
I started clenching my teeth under my mask. My jaw hurts.
What was on that mask? I hope it was chocolate left from lunch.
I’m feeling for the parents at home. Figuring out remote learning is a process on my end, and I know that I couldn’t sit through a day with my own children tuning in to Google Meets.
Gazillion. That’s how many ClassDojos I am a part of between being a parent of two children, one that has a departmentalized approach to 3rd grade subjects, and as a teacher of 3 schools.
I’m tired of looking at a screen. I need to enforce work hours and home hours.
While I am thankful that I made a shift in my career, even amidst a pandemic and all that comes with it, I miss my middle and high school family. I am excited that I am still a little bit part of their community while I’m at the elementary school across from my former secondary school.