Learning From Home
3/29/2020
Technology is an amazing thing (when it works). I have previously written about the importance of technology and computers in the classroom. Using them to teach our students 21st century skills and to prepare for success them with life skills. Who could have predicted just how important our technology has become and how vital it is to our everyday lives for both work and social interaction. Especially now with the current global situation!
These past two weeks have been hectic to say the least. A whirlwind of changes and challenges that we were not expecting. We all expected to return from Spring Break refreshed and ready to jump back into our regular school routine of morning meetings, math, writing, specials and seeing our friends everyday! Yet, what we encountered was a new reality; a quick transition to remote learning in order to ensure the safety of students, faculty, and families due to the arrival of COVID-19 in our lives. Humans are nothing if not adaptable and how quickly our students have adapted to their new norm is amazing. PNA has a very clear mission statement as well as our STRIVE values. They contain big, powerful words such as courage, resilience, integrity, responsible, vision, excellence. These challenging times have shown; not just how our students live up to and embody those words and values, but also the wider PNA community. It is incredible the way the entire school community pulled together to create a sense of structure and stability for our students, families played a huge part in that and should be commended. School might look a little different right now but learning is still taking place and our connections with our students are as strong and as important as ever. Perhaps the students were the most prepared out of all of us when the world turned upside down. They have been honing their skills as responsible, resilient, independent thinkers over the course of 4th grade. With this shift, I have noticed a clear jump in maturity as students realize the seriousness of the situation but don't loose their humor, personality or sense of self. They have shouldered the extra responsibility and the challenge of being out of the classroom away from the teachers eyes, but are still being expected to participate in lessons and complete assignments. All the while showing a clear understanding of the importance of their education and determination that it must go on. This is where we see the importance of our school's mission and how it relates to everyday life, long after the school day has ended. I am proud of them. They should be proud of themselves. We are in a unique time in history that students will remember for the rest of their lives. Make it a positive one. |
Martina HenkeMartina Henke has been a K-8 educator for 30+ years. A life-long learner, she loves working with kids of all ages, new technology, great books, fiber arts, and her wonderful family! Archives
April 2021
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