For many teachers across the nation our classrooms were put on pause in March 2020 (for me Friday, March 13, 2020). There was a lot of confusion and uncertainty as to when we’d see our students again. I would not see my littles face-to-face until June for their drive-thru graduation.
Fast forward to the new school year and I have not met any of my students in person. This online teaching journey is nowhere like anything I’ve experienced. Teaching kindergarten online is a whole other beast!
Through the mix of emotions from frustration to hope, I have considered the upsides of teaching during this pandemic. If 2020 has taught me anything, it’s to be thankful for the little in life.
- More time for myself in the morning.
I will admit I am not a morning person. I would find myself hitting the snooze button numerous times and it would cost me when I was rushing out the door to my classroom. Now that I work from home, there are more options – I can sleep in a little later and spend more time eating breakfast (something I rarely did.) Also, I do not have to spend as much as time with make-up and choosing an outfit because I can wear leggings or pajamas pants. Although, I will always make sure I am presentable and professional from the pants up! A bonus perk is that I save money on gas since there is no travel time. I created a morning routine that would allow a bit more time for myself before I turn on my laptop, second monitor and get started on work stuff.
2. More Productivity in the afternoon.
I teach my littles whole group online at 8 a.m. for 3.25 hours daily. After my lunch there is more flexibility in how I structure my afternoons. I offer additional support with afternoon tutoring. Then spend the remaining of my contract hours doing various duties including checking and responding to messages from parents, checking digital homework, and planning for the following day. This time also allows me to research online programs for my classroom. I can designate days for these tasks too which makes me feel less stressed.
3. A peak into my student’s home.
Last spring, I taught my Zoom classes in my kitchen with the occasional barking dog. Classes lasted only 45 minutes daily. However, I knew I couldn’t do that this school year with the amount of hours I am required to teach. Now I teach in a separate room (my baby’s future nursery!) and there is an obnoxious sign that hangs up on the door to remind family to not come in while I am teaching.
One of my favorite things about teaching online is getting a glimpse into my students’ home lives. I love seeing a curious sibling popping in on the side of the screen, a furry loved one, their bedrooms, and the fun things they share for Share Day such as a FaceTime call with Dad. Things I would not experience teaching them face-to-face.
4. More time with family.
Being more productive during the last half of my contract day, has given me more time in the evening to spend with my loved ones. I am not as physically exhausted (although the eye fatigue is real!). If this pandemic has taught me anything, it is to cherish my time with family and to be present in the moment with them. Also, being a new mom (9 day old newborn!) I appreciate this time to be able to work from home to bond with my baby.
5. Staying healthy.
While I’d rather be with my littles in person, staying online has kept me healthier this first half of the school year. No sneezes in my mouth or a little one picking his nose then trying to give me hug (even though it is cute) or sticky hands touching everything. Typically during flu season, I’m looking like Rudolph the red-nose reindeer with a whispery voice! This reminds me of how important teacher self-care is.
I’m not sure when school will get back to normal. Online learning is not suitable for all students especially for young learners. However, I am very impressed at how my littles have adjusted to online learning and I believe these perks can be applied to them as well. I will be ready to meet my students in person when the time permits, but until then I will enjoy these little perks of teaching online from home.
