This past summer, I taught summer session at my school. In person. I hadn’t taught students in-person since early March 2020. Although we were all masked and physically distanced, it was a joy to be in the same room with my students. I missed them so much! However, an unexpected side-effect from teaching in person has popped up…I’ve nearly completely forgotten what to do in a classroom environment!!!
Remember when we all stressed out about how to teach online? It seems like such a distant memory. We all eventually figured it out. Some of us may even enjoyed parts of it. (I know I liked some parts of teaching online). Some of us may even have gotten comfortable teaching online. I developed a certain level of comfort and routine in teaching online. In a short time, I developed a routine for myself and my students. As much as I missed being in the classroom, I was comfortable with teaching online. In fact, I got so comfortable that I’ve had trouble remembering my in-person routines!
Making copies instead of preparing Google Slides, communicating with parents face-to-face instead of a video call, etc…it’s been a strange journey back into the classroom. At the very least, I still have my teaching routines in place. (You can check out these earlier posts to learn more about my teaching routines: https://pinaroseeducation.com/2020/02/03/my-tutoring-routine-for-reading/ https://pinaroseeducation.com/2020/02/10/my-routine-for-tutoring-writing/ https://pinaroseeducation.com/2020/02/25/my-tutoring-routine-for-math/ ).
A further complication is that I have a hybrid schedule — some of my students are still learning virtually. Developing a routine that allows me enough time to not only prepare lessons for my all of my students but also allows me the time to prepare what’s needs for individual situations has proven to be challenging. It’s even been difficult to find time to be consistent with this blog! However, I’m determined to make it all happen.
My point with this post isn’t to complain, but to let you know you’re not alone. No matter what strange side-effects you’re experiencing from your teaching situation, I want you to know that I’m with you. I appreciate you and your struggles. Things are better than last year, and they will continue to improve. I would love for you to share your experiences — your triumphs and your struggles. We can all benefit from learning from others’ experiences.
Until next time…HAPPY TEACHING!!!
PinaRose Education 