Suggestions From Teachers Who Have Already Experienced Re-opening

Suggestions From Teachers Who Have Already Experienced Re-opening

Starting a new school year in the middle of a pandemic is something I never thought I would have to deal with in my lifetime. I have many questions and concerns about returning back to the classroom in September.  I am sure many of you have the same feelings.  Teachers are always looking for ideas and support from other teachers.  There are many early childhood centers that have re-opened this summer. Over the last week, I have been in touch with some of those teachers from the east and west coast.  I asked one question.  What are your top 5 suggestions you would give to teachers who are about to re-open?  I was overwhelmed by how similar each response was.  I compiled a list of suggestions that were frequently repeated.

 Organization and Planning

• Be outside as much as possible.
• Divide and conquer responsibilities.
• Divide your playground into sections using a picket fence, cones, or fabric.
• Invest in carts with wheels to store water bottles, first aid kids, and manipulatives.
• Invest in wagons for the littles ones.
• Individual bins for art and sensory supplies.
• 2-3 bins for dirty manipulatives.
• Less is more!  Allow children to just play!

 Self-Care

• Take care of yourself. “Like putting an oxygen mask on first during a flight.”
• Acknowledge and accept your emotions
• Take a breath and allow yourself, as well as your students, to just play.
• It’s ok to make a mistake.  We are in uncharted territory; mistakes are going to happen.
• Do not expect perfection.
• If you are stressed, your co-teachers, students, and parents will pick up on it.
• Don’t forget why you became a teacher.   

 Thank you to all the teachers who shared their ideas and suggestions! 

Stacey Gabriel
Teacher
Temple Beth Avodah
Newton, MA

August 2020