One of my main goals in writing is getting emotions on paper. I often find it hard to say aloud how I feel. However, if I can physically write down the words spinning in my head, it often brings a sense of release. Today, there may be too many emotions…
Our district made the difficult decision to transition to distance learning for the remainder of this semester. The announcement brought an initial sigh of relief. Teaching during a pandemic is challenging, to say the least. Stress levels have been increasing daily.
Yet, even during the struggle, there have been moments of light. Experiencing the joy of music with students-watching lightbulbs turn on. Being part of a loving, supportive staff that is always saying, “We are in this together!”
Nevertheless, here I am today. This is the last day for students this semester. I have already had conversations with older students this morning-a questioning look in their eyes-my attempt to assure them everything will be ok. Even one of my quietest students called out my name in the hallway, “Hi, Mrs. Morris,” followed by a big hug. They know…
There are no easy answers. The relief that accompanied the decision quickly mingled with a sense of sadness. So, today I smiled and listened. We danced the Reindeer Pokey and did body percussion to Jingle Bells. I reminded them that I love them and that we will be together again soon. And that it is ok to be sad because that is when we can show our love for each other.
The following visual from Taya Oelze’s kindergarten class says it best! You might want to zoom in! 😉
Piano Girl 
Oh my. That poster. Soooo touching.
My eldest daughter called today. She and her husband and two children live 800 miles away. I haven’t seen my grandchildren, 2.5 and 5 mos since late August. I usually try to get out to see them every 6 weeks minimum.
Today, she called crying. I’m so sad, she said. I don’t make Christmas feel as special as you do and I miss you soooo. And then, we had a little cry together and then laughter. “We’ll come for hte whole month of December next year,” I told her. “And by December 31st you’ll be so anxious for us to go home, you’ll do a little dance when we leave.”
These are definitely strange and different times. When we decorated the giant fir outside our home on the weekend with my youngest daughter and her partner, who lives here, and my husband’s son and partner, it was because we are on a ‘lockdown’ in so far as noone is allowed in the house except those who live here. We have never decorated the tree without at least one of our four kids (my two and my husband’s two). So… we made a different tradition this year — and it was a lot of fun!
Sending you loving wishes for a calm and peaceful transition to distance learning. your students are so very lucky to have you. ❤
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Those little ones were so excited that I was reading their words. It is so hard. I’m really missing my parents as well. I’ve only seen them once since March. But I do love the idea of new traditions. 😊 Thank you. ❤️
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Distance learning is a challenge for any subject, but music? Do you zoom with the kids and hope they’re tuning emotionally?
Your post conveys the frustration teachers at all levels are experiencing. Bitter, yet the situation is making many recognize what they’re missing and that may lead to something positive (sweet) down the line. (My daughter works with special needs kids grades 1-3 and my husband was a high school history teacher – he retired a year earlier than planned because he found teaching from home so unrewarding, problematic, exhausting.
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It is a challenge for sure. I’ll be posting music activities and assisting classroom teachers. Hopefully I’ll get to see some little faces on zoom. I love your perspective concerning “something positive down the line.” ❤️
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💗
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I feel for those children. I only taught distance education for one year but missed the interactions of the classroom; hopefully things will be back to normal by the new tear 🙂
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I hope so. 🙂
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