Show Teachers Some Love This Week (Copy)
Photo courtesy of Giftpundits.com
May 4th-8th marks Teacher Appreciation Week and now more than ever, teachers deserve our admiration. Teachers and other school staff have gone from expecting to welcome students back from Spring Break to preparing for distance learning with their students in less than a week.
We took the pulse of Missoula and Missoula-area school teachers to share what has been most rewarding and challenging for them during this time. Collectively, many of the teachers expressed similar challenges, including missing the in-person connection with their students, figuring out how to teach using an online platform, and using digital resources in place of the more desirable hands-on activities and instruction. One teacher said, “It took me a good two weeks to figure out which "tech tools" would suit me best. Screencastify, Flipgrid, Edpuzzle, and YouTube have been my go-to resources! Now that I have a good handle on the tools, planning my lessons has been a bit easier to do - more streamlined.”
Likewise, a few teachers expressed that it has been difficult to keep some of their students engaged, recognizing that distance learning isn’t suitable for every student—a challenge that many parents are also experiencing at home.
Here are some of the rewarding moments that teachers have shared with us:
Megan B., Preschool Teacher
I think the most enjoyable part of distance learning would have to be all the very kind, supportive and sweet words from children and families in all forms - hand-written letters, emails, texts, phone calls, videos of their children. It all means so much and is a testament to what a wonderful community of families and children we have cultivated. We can and will support each other, and do hard things!
I can’t wait for this to be over and to get the daily dose of hugs and high fives again!
Charlene B., Elementary Music Teacher
One of my most enjoyable moments of distance learning has been the ability to visually watch students complete my music lesson through the use of Flipgrid. Listening and watching them bucket drum, sing their song, or just reply with what they learned has been extremely rewarding.
Stephanie R. , Kindergarten Teacher
I have enjoyed seeing all of the kiddos on Google Meets! To see them smile as the talk with staff members and classmates fills my heart. I love it when they show their work and tell me all about the fun and creative things they are doing at home.
Joan P., First Grade Teacher
Seeing kids' faces and hearing their voices during Google Meet is the only part of our current situation that brings joy to my heart. I would add that I personally am thankful that our administration is making decisions based on what's best for the health of students, family and staff. I am so appreciative that the focus on that is the foremost guiding principle.
Alex U., Fifth Grade Teacher
It has been so fun to see the students take some independence with their learning. We have been doing lots of Space Research projects and presentations. My students have been able to navigate Google Slides, add images, videos, and share their creativity through technology. They are a tech savvy generation and they have learned so much and adjusted almost seamlessly.
Brenda B., Kindergarten Teacher
After being totally intimidated by cooperatively setting up a remote learning classroom with two other kindergarten teachers, the most rewarding part was integrating the online meetings and Flipgrid assignments where I could see and talk to my students! It was a reassuring and heart-warming time hearing their voices, seeing their faces, and enjoying each unique personality! Oh and eating a donut together... online! Even though circumstances had drastically changed, there was so much comfort in seeing the children I know!
Let’s Show some love!
As Montana continues to shelter in place and schools remain closed, many teachers won’t receive the usual celebrations, gifts, and support they’ve received in past years. Here are some suggestions from the schools on how you can show your child’s teacher some love during Teacher Appreciation Week:
Create a video, record a song or make a digital photo collage of your student and why they appreciate their teacher—send via email.
Have your child make a card, draw pictures, or write an appreciation letter and then mail it to your child’s school.
Pick a square on the sidewalk in front of your child’s school and have your child draw a picture or write a message to their teacher in chalk—take a picture of your child’s artwork and then send to your child’s teacher.
Purchase a gift card from a local store online and email (or have the store mail) it to your child’s teacher—this is a great way to support local businesses once they reopen.
Check with your school first but some schools are accepting gifts to be dropped off at the school.