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
- Cathy M Rolland and Elissa Schechter like this.