School has been back in session for almost two weeks now. It’s eye-opening and challenging for everyone involved. Whether your child is in school or remote learning, we need to have patience with each other, especially with teachers and ourselves. There is a lot being placed on their shoulders right now. In addition to teaching often larger classes, teachers have also become tech support.
The school sent home materials for learning, but during class I often hear students struggle to find what they need. Class time is being spent helping students find what they need or log on to the correct app to find their activities. Some students don’t have an adult next to them to help at all times. Some students are logging on to school from daycare with other kids playing in the background. Some students don’t log on regularly, even though attendance is being taken daily. Some children don’t participate in Zoom activities. Others don’t have all the required school supplies, whether because they don’t have them ready for class or don’t have them at all. In some instances, students have difficulty logging on to their specials sessions like PE and art. That leaves their main homeroom teacher to find something for them to do, losing their valuable prep time.
It’s not lost on me that I am extremely lucky to work from home so that I can help when needed. Yes, it’s a struggle to balance my work and helping her, but I can manage most of the time. Some parents have been left with few options. I have heard of parents having to leave their children home alone, so that sixth graders are taking care of their younger siblings. It’s a tough time for everyone. There’s tremendous pressure on students, parents and teachers.
What I hope to convey in this post is to remind others to be patient with ourselves and others. We are living in a pandemic. It’s OK to show ourselves grace. It’s necessary. Some days will be harder than others. We have to try our best to take care of ourselves. I hope you all are hanging in there.
