Pandemic Teaching

 

Teaching during a Pandemic.    It's not ideal for anyone.    We are on an A/B schedule, but IEP students have the option to attend everyday.    All students are required to log in to MS teams on their "home day."

So many changes...

• no sharing of materials
• doing every single thing on the computer
• any materials use going into 'quarantine' and being sanitized
• no cubbies
• no lockers
• no fun ways to re-arrange the classroom
• coming in by 7:15 as opposed to 7:45
• waking up at 4:30am
• taking home "the bag" every single night
• no hugging
• keeping your mask on
• teaching from my desk behind a shield because I'm immunocompromised 

But to me it's way better than being 100% virtual because...

• we still find time to laugh every day
• we can still be together
• we have made up funny little dances instead of hugs
• we can still be together
• we get to SEE each other, even if we are masked up
• we can still be together
• we can still learn outside... just not huddled up or maskless
• we can still work independently with twinkle lights and music on
• WE CAN STILL BE TOGETHER

Dear Covid-19,

Please go away.  Far, far, away.

Thanks!

#phs117

ADHD Poem - Author Unknown

Take my hand and come with me,

I want to teach you about ADHD.

I need you to know, I want to explain,

I have a very different brain.

Sights, sounds, and thoughts collide.

What to do first? I can't decide.

Please understand I'm not to blame,

I just can't process things the same.

Take my hand and walk with me,

Let me show you about ADHD.

I try to behave, I want to be good,

But I sometimes forget to do as I should.

Walk with me and wear my shoes,

You'll see its not the way I'd choose.

I do know what I'm supposed to do,

But my brain is slow getting the message through.

Take my hand and talk with me,

I want to tell you about ADHD.

I rarely think before I talk,

I often run when I should walk.

It's hard to get my school work done,

My thoughts are outside having fun.

I never know just where to start,

I think with my feelings and see with my heart.

Take my hand and stand by me,

I need you to know about ADHD.

It's hard to explain but I want you to know,

I can't help letting my feelings show.

Sometimes I'm angry, jealous, or sad.

I feel overwhelmed, frustrated, and mad.

I can't concentrate and I lose all my stuff.

I try really hard but it's never enough.

Take my hand and learn with me,

We need to know more about ADHD.

I worry a lot about getting things wrong,

Everything I do takes twice as long.

Everyday is exhausting for me...

Looking through the fog of ADHD.

I'm often so misunderstood,

I would change in a heartbeat if I could.

Take my hand and listen to me,

I want to share a secret about ADHD.

I want you to know there is more to me.

I'm not defined by it, you see.

I'm sensitive, kind and lots of fun.

I'm blamed for things I haven't done.

I'm the loyalist friend you'll ever know,

I just need a chance to let it show.

Take my hand and look at me,

Just forget about the ADHD.

I have real feelings just like you.

The love in my heart is just as true.

I may have a brain that can never rest,

But please understand I'm trying my best.

I want you to know, I need you to see,

I'm more than the label, I am still me!!!!

~Author Unknown