#SOLSC24
I have been working from home since last March when the pandemic hit all of us. In August my school district allowed those that had health concerns to ask to work from home the following September. Since I had just finished chemo and radiation for breast cancer, my doctor felt it would be wise to request to teach my fifth grade class from home. I did. They did. And I loved it. And today, I decided it’s time to head back to the classroom. I love working from home even with all the technical difficulties. My co-teacher was live in the classroom while I taught virtually. I purchased a large screen, a special mouse and set up an office in the middle of my den by a picture window. I could teach in yoga pants and slippers and with headphones I never worried about my hair. I do think there are many advantages to teaching virtually. I had my students' attention all the time. As soon as a head turned I’d be reminding my student to sit up straight. I could ask quick questions and have responses in the chat while waiting for other students to join us like today’s, “How many cups in a gallon?” I could quickly poll my class and put students in smaller meets to partner up during math or reading. I was able to show quick videos and examples on the google meet. It was working. It was great. Unfortunately, my co-teacher was in the classroom dealing with the nitty gritty of teaching: the daily discipline. She settled arguments, dealt with the disrespect for the lunch aide and reminded students who took off their masks or were not standing six feet apart of the safety rules while I watched from one of my two computers the class dynamics. Yes, I felt guilty. Every day. I have had my second vaccine. I will be careful and follow the guidelines. I hope I’m making a smart decision. I will miss getting up early to work out in my basement and having time to take a quick shower...often drying my hair during my student’s specials. I loved having lunch with my daughter and grandson when they were at my house. Most of all, I loved getting my grandson out of his crib on the days he slept over and I had a little extra time to let my daughter sleep late. But, all good things come to end.
3 Comments
Julie McGowan
3/25/2021 09:19:13 pm
Best of luck to you in your new beginning!
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3/26/2021 03:39:06 am
As frustrating as I often find online live teaching, I do have mixed feelings about going back to the building to teach because there are some things I really love about working from home. No commute, teaching in sweatpants, lots of kitty lap time, the bathroom right around the corner, and getting to check in with my family throughout the day.
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3/30/2021 07:06:39 pm
Wow, Eva. You've described such precious moments from your home teaching that I'm sure you'll miss. I'm eager to hear what returning to in-person will be like for you. Certainly there are challenges and joy in both. This is a wonderful post.
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Eva KaplanSea glass, found on beaches, is naturally worn and smooth by tide and time,. As a wife, mother, Bubbe, teacher, reader & life-long learner, and of course, sea glass collector, I aspire to use writing to help me understand myself and the world around me. Archives
March 2024
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