Showing Up
My educational journey has led me to teaching middle school learners in the midst of a global pandemic…I know I’m better for it; I’m better for it because my students, colleagues, and PLN have shown me the way. They have taught me to be more patient. They have taught me to be more flexible. They have taught me to embrace the failures and frustrations. Together, we have questioned the status quo and the implementation of instructional practices. Together we have learned new digital platforms and tools to support student learning. We have lifted each other up when we are feeling down or inadequate. We have celebrated successes big and small. We have shared our failures so we can learn from them. This time, last year we could never have imagined being in the position we are in now, but we are HERE. We are showing up and working together to love, support, and serve our learners in every way possible.
An Inspiring Message
A few weeks ago, speaker, educator, and author Thomas C. Murray posted a YouTube video with the caption, “To our first responders, health care workers, educators, and those that are helping by pouring their lives into others each day in the midst of this pandemic… THANK YOU. If you watch one thing today, make it this.”
If you haven’t seen this, watch it, please! I played this video multiple times and every single time I view it, I cry a little harder. Before the holiday break and I wanted to come up with a simple, meaningful activity to share with my learners that would inspire us to reflect on the year 2020.
Here is the activity:
- Watch the video “Good Job” Covered by One Voice Children’s Choir– Give a brief introduction to the video but consider not frontloading too much information as students should be able to respond and share authentically.
- After discussing sentiments, thoughts, and feelings about the video, I shared a letter I wrote to my students about 2020 and the challenging times we are facing. It came straight from my core. So much so that when I read the letter to each class, I shed many tears.
Dear Students,
2020 has been one of the most challenging years in the history of education and the world! I know that virtual learning hasn’t always been easy. You do not get to socialize with your friends in the same ways. You do not get to interact with teachers in the same ways. You do not always get to learn in the most conducive ways. I see you. I hear you. I feel for you. I want to express my gratitude for showing up, trying your best, and being flexible during challenging times. I have been learning alongside you, and it hasn’t always been easy. One thing I do know is that we are resilient. We are grateful. We are strong. We are a team. Just know that YOU will have so much to share with the world because you are living the unimaginable! I can promise you this…we will get through this. Together.
With love and gratitude,
Mrs. Kaufman
3. Have the students write a letter of gratitude and appreciation to an educator who has positively impacted their lives during the global pandemic.
Click HERE for the Google Slides template to the activity.
Student Letters
We’re Doing a Good Job
I believe that sharing my vulnerability first, opened the hearts of my students. I was incredibly touched by their meaningful sentiments. The tears kept coming as I read each one. I’ll admit…2020 has invited a range of emotions into my heart and headspace. It’s certainly been a wild ride.
Believe me…
There are times when the work gets hard.
There are times when the work gets stressful.
There are times when I question whether or not my instruction is adequate enough to meet all of the learners’ needs in physical and virtual spaces simultaneously.
But, we are HERE, we are showing up, we are rolling up our sleeves, and believing in ourselves, our colleagues, and students. … and after reading these letters, I feel better knowing that we’re doing a good job…
Empower. Collaborate. Connect. 