GIFTS

Almost forty students appeared on the screen, as soon as the waiting room was opened. Totally different from nervous students walking into a classroom. Excited, bubbly- looking, expectant students with smiles on their faces showed up for their first day at school. This time, the teachers were anxious, it seemed funny but that is how we felt.

I called it a roller coaster day, one that swept us up, down and everywhere. Soon after one lesson, there was another, no time to breathe, still online, expecting some good work, just like ‘real’ school.

When another teacher popped into my  Writing lesson it was just great, supportive and calming. I felt reassured as she observed a student not engaging and pointed it out to me. I suggested she confer with the student in the breakout room,  whilst I carried on with the whole class, that helped.

The lessons were interactive and Ms. A’s videos were the icing on the cake. So perfect, reiterating what was being taught.

This was a short day but seemed extremely long and tedious, I guess it is because there were many parts that were new. New format, new students, new parents and colleagues, new schedule and new role/title.  Overwhelming, if you ask me, but teachers can be resilient, this time a little unnerving with the added virtual teaching.

The nice surprise was my guest. Our principal popping in, she mentioned how smooth the lesson was, that was the fruit on the cake, this time.