Jordan Teaching & Learning
With this sudden move to remote instruction, it is easy to view receptive types of media. It is also important to ask students to think critically about and to interact with what they are learning.
Ian Byrd, of byrdseed.com, has a good article on the difference between "remembering" and "thinking," something to think about in these interesting times of teaching and learning in a new format.
https://www.byrdseed.com/thinking-or-remembering/
We are in a historic event. The journals and reflections we keep will one day be primary source documents! In the midst of all that is happening, try to find a few moments to record your thoughts and impressions. It isn’t everyday one lives during a pandemic!
“The goal of education is the advancement of knowledge and the dissemination of truth.” --John F. Kennedy
This is especially true during this period in time when teachers and students are participating in online schooling. We are advancing knowledge and the dissemination of truth in many ways that will change teaching and learning forever. In your own reflection, what transformations have you seen in your teaching?
“We know that strong, secure bonds with teachers are really important in social-emotional development. To suddenly lose out on that under such strange and unprecedented circumstances can be really hard on kids.”
Teachers-- You are important! Keep up the good work you are doing. Your presence is needed as much as ever!
The quote is from Jamie Howard, a senior clinical psychologist in the Anxiety Disorders Center at the Child Mind Institute and the director of the Center’s Trauma and Resilience Service. For more information, please visit:
In this article from Smart Brief, Stacy Young shares 5 Keys for teaching effectively in an online setting:
For more information, see her article:
https://www.smartbrief.com/original/2020/04/online-teaching-5-keys-effectiveness
When education consultant and author John McCarthy Ed.Ms. began teaching online classes, he discovered four things about working from home. His discoveries may help you as you continue to do your best with online teaching.
1) Separate your school time from your personal/family time
2) Sleep and exercise manage stress and help revitalize
3) Block out time just for yourself
4) Stay connected with people you care about
These four discoveries are all related to the health and wellness of the individual.We cannot give our best to students unless we stay emotionally and physically healthy. Our wish as mentor specialists is that you look out for yourself as much as you look after the learning of your students.
If you would like to read John McCarthy’s article you will find it at https://www.edutopia.org/article/prioritizing-self-care-while-working-home
“If someone listens, or stretches out a hand, or whispers a kind word of encouragement, or attempts to understand, extraordinary things begin to happen.” Loretta Girzartis
This is true for all people: teachers, students, parents, and especially children. Encouraging words affect the way people respond in all situations. Take a minute and send an encouraging message to someone you work with.
Being home can affect us all differently. In the ASCD Post “Strategies for Staying Sane While Staying at Home,” the author suggests 12 ideas to help us and our families during this unprecedented time:
“Children are apt to live up to what you believe of them.” --Lady Bird Johnson
Our students are amazing! Amidst the global crisis, they are finding ways to overcome and rise together, creating more unity for Utah. These student body officers are great leaders in this moment for their peers.
Follow our amazing students on Instagram @risetogetherutah and show your students’ leadership by using #risetogetherutah
“Life is not the way it’s supposed to be, it’s the way it is. The way you cope is what makes the difference.” – Virginia Satir
Being positive is only a small part in getting through the difficult times, but it’s an important part. When you stay positive, you’re putting yourself in the best position possible to not only make it through those bad times, but become a better person in the process. Keep up the good work, everyone!