I contnue to get sucked down the rabbit hole. However, it is really good. Everytime I read another article, I adjust my lesson plans to make them better for my ELs, and really everyone. Perhaps, the fact that I am not a perfectionsist and more of a realist that I am not completely freaking out right now? I had a conversation with my principal recently and we talked about how we have to adjust our expectations this year. I kind of had to decide that if my students love reading and love math and feel good about themselves as a learner then I can really qualify this year as a success. I don't mean to simplify but we can't teach all the standards, they won't be increasing their scores on the CAASPP, they won't get more than one years growth in one years time. They just won't, we are teaching a third of the time we used to, they are at home and I can't see what they are doing, we are in a Pandemic. The population that we serve at Snow is 90% free and reduced lunch. That means significant amounts of trauma. But to see these little faces on the screen each day makes me happy. I am enjoying teaching again. We have surprisingly built a strong connection. They amuse me and we have fun! We are reading books and talking about them, usually having to do with our unit of student or social emotional learning.
I am not going back into the classroom anytime soon and that has lifted a weight from me. I can fully focus on my Zoom Room and how to make things better there instead of worrying about the many many things that teachers going back have to worry about. Students can start to learn independence and good study skills and how to be good learners. This year we can actually focus on exectutive functioning skills and other necessaary skills to be successful in whatever route these students take in their lives. I want them to feel supported and enjoy our time together in this unique situation. If they can come out knowing academic language in math, reading, social studies and science too, then win!
1 Comment
Sheri
10/18/2020 05:57:38 pm
Erica, I was drawn to your blog this week because you and I are both researching impacts for English Language Learners. I also feel connected to you because my school has very similar demographics to yours. We should chat about what your angle for your research is and what research you are finding.
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About the AuthorI teach 3rd grade in Napa Unified. Archives
December 2020
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