Hey, everybody.
We are definitely in unprecedented and uncertain times. I wanted to send you a message letting you know how much we love and respect all of you who are dealing with not only the disruption of your own lives and that of your extended family, but also trying to navigate the daily shifting landscape of school closures and all that entails.
This is definitely a time for self-care and a time to reach out to family, friends, and your community to check-in and support each other however possible.
I wanted to share a few free resources that have been developed by DBC Inc. authors to assist as many schools are moving to, or considering, remote learning (distance learning, online instruction...whatever you want to call it!).
First, all discussions of remote learning in your system should be sure to address issues of equity and access. Obviously, many of our students do not have the same, if any, access to devices, WiFi, and/or will be thrust into positions where they are caring for siblings who are home from school due to primary caregivers being at work. Many will be displaced and moving amongst various child care situations as families try to figure all of this out. Many rely on school for meals. Effective, consistent, and clear communication is going to be essential.
Here are some powerful resources to assist as you investigate moving to remote solutions.
Matt Miller (author of Ditch That Textbook, Ditch That Homework, Don’t Ditch That Tech, and the upcoming Tech Like a PIRATE) has created “50 eLearning activities, Templates, & Tutorials.”
Matt’s work is always fantastic, and he has outdone himself by creating this guide to help you as try to design online instruction that is meaningful. Click RIGHT HERE to get Matt’s free resources!
Tech With Heart author, Stacey Roshan, and Don’t Ditch That Tech co-author, Nate Ridgeway, have joined forces to create the “Asynchronous, Remote, & Flipped Classroom E-Book.”
Another powerful and useful set of ideas and strategies for those looking for assistance under these tough circumstances.
Click RIGHT HERE to get them for free.
Rushton Hurley, author of Make Your School Something Special and Make Your Teaching Something Special, has a webinar called Guidance for Switching to Online Learning. He also has written an online guide, Emergencies and Switching to Online Learning, and has FREE webinars coming up this week called Activities Across Grade Levels for Digital Learning. Get the details and ALL of these resources FREE by clicking RIGHT HERE.
I would offer that this may be the perfect opportunity to embrace a genius hour/passion project style of student exploration. Let students really dive DEEP into something they want to learn. We often complain about a lack of time for this type of self-directed learning...this may be your chance to embrace it.
Finally, if you are struggling with fear, anxiety, or just need a place to connect with others in a safe and supportive setting, Dan Tricarico (author of The Zen Teacher and Sanctuaries) has started the “Zen Teacher Pop-Up Sanctuary.” This is a free Facebook group for educators to discuss how to prioritize self-care, deal with stress and anxiety, and get lots of useful tips and strategies from Dan and fellow members. It is, of course, completely free. Join the closed group by clicking RIGHT HERE.
Last thought: It is also okay for students to just have an extended Spring Break...to let them be with their families and not have additional stress and anxiety on top of everything else going on in the world. If this situation continues to impact schools for an extended period of time...I hope the resources above will be helpful.
None of this is easy. Thank you SO much for ALL you are doing to help kids feel safe and supported while also personally handling these unsettling times. Sending you lots of love and positive energy.
-Dave