The world went a little crazier this week: a national lockdown, infection rates through the roof, to vaccinate or not to vaccinate, and a riot in Washington incited by the incumbent POTUS.
Whilst my initial experiences as a remote learning teacher/home-schooling mother haven’t been quite as dramatic, I have, however, learnt a few things:
#1 If I had £1 for every time I’ve had to say “put yourselves on mute,” I’d be substantially richer.
#2 Lockdown doesn’t mean dress down. One student attended my English lesson in a shirt and bow tie.
#3 There is a certain thrill in wearing your pyjama bottoms (or anything else really) without anyone knowing.
#4 Ensuring that all household members are aware that you are, at that moment, teaching live to 30 teenagers is essential.
#5 Until last week, words like Mote, Loom and Massolit were pretty much foreign.
#6 My eyes are actual squares. I may need glasses soon.
#7 Online teaching is, actually, a completely different skills set to teaching in a physical classroom. I’ve felt like an NQT again in some respects.
#8 You are judged by what’s behind you on camera. Next week I plan to position my camera by my bookcase to make me look more intelligent. Perhaps with a bust of Shakespeare on the desk.
#9 I can go to the toilet more frequently, if I so wish. This is possibly the thing I’m most joyful about.
#10 The kids have been absolute superstars and I really miss them. Remote learning is a godsend and is keeping us all safe at the moment, but there’s nothing like the classroom in normal times. I hope they’re back soon.
Writing to Heal 