Second Week of DL from the Art teachers Easel

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After finishing the second week of distance learning, I thought that things were beginning to settle and find their place. I was working with a few of my teachers to develop a schedule where I could pop into their Unit of Inquiry lessons so that I could check in with the kids to see if they had any questions and go over the assignment for the week. I think I was wishful thinking. Today I sent out some reminders to teachers that I would be attending the meetings we had agreed upon only to be told that another specialist would be taking that time. I was also told that they didn’t want to confuse the kids with conflicting information. I have to admit that I was a bit flabergasted when I read this email. But then I paused and took a moment to reflect, something we all need to do from time to time. As I cooked dinner, I continued to think and process what was going on. Why were these teachers not wanting me to take some responsibility off their hands, why were they hogging the kids? As I worked through what I thought the reasoning might be, I realized that maybe I hadn’t been as transparent I needed to be and I hadn’t been as collaborative as I needed to be. So, going forward this will be my goal. To state my intentions and to truly work with my teachers to help us both arrive at a sane solution. My grandmother always told me I would catch more flies with honey than I would with vinegar so I am going to focus on that and try to work more with my teachers to have a genuine collaboration versus me trying to push in and upset the apple cart. Ugh! Being professional is so challenging.

On another more positive note, today I finished my I Spy the Alphabet in Art slide presentation and launched the choice board of archived “Come Draw with Ms. Beckie.” I think both resources will be great for my littles.

Week 2 down, 26 more to go.

The highlight of my week! When the internet is working properly.

“Do not pray for an easy life, pray for the strength to endure a difficult one.”

Bruce Lee

First Day of Distance Learning 2020/2021

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Today was the first day of Distance Learning. This is my second year at PanAmerican School so I am thankful that I am familiar with the content and can build on to what I was working on last year. I am still teaching the P3-Grade 3 Art classes. Today I was able to set up some of my routine weekly meetings.

The plan this far is to meet with each grade level once a week during either their Morning Meetings or UOI meetings. I am working with the PE and Music teacher to create Bitmoji Board for students in P3 – K5 for Homeroom Teachers to post once a week and then they will post it with their weekly overview of lessons for the following week. Students will complete their choice of assignments and then post it to SeeSaw. Fingers crossed it will go well but I can see that there may need to be adjustments.

I am trying to add Screencastify videos with explanations as well as voice memos to help build connections and community with the students and parents. I’m not sure if this will be helpful or create more confusion but time will tell.

I am also becoming more proficient at making my tutorial videos and have now learned how to insert images and handwritten text to them using Adobe Sketch and iMovie.

I’m working on a workbook for each of the grade levels for those who would like extended activities. I will probably only do one for G1, 2 & 3. Maybe for KG and not G3. G3 is more technologically proficient and I can send them more things through SeeSaw and what not.

Day 1 down. 189 to go.

“You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.”

Maya Angelou