Quarter One Complete

I have been holding off on the this post because I didn't know where to start. I have had so many mixed feelings with the start of the 2020/2021 school year, its been hard to put into words. The two I find myself repeating over and over for the students are SAFETY and FLEXIBILITY. Here in Tampa, Fl we have been able to open schools and give parents choice. I opted for the Face-To-Face (Brick and Mortar) option for my boys and I and can say with positivity I am glad I did. We have successfully made it through Quarter 1 with only 3 Adult positive cases and 1 child positive case of Covid 19 in my school. My students wear masks daily, gloves when using classroom tools, and try and keep distance best they can during lunch and hallway travel.

I have to be honest, I wasn't sure the students would take this as serious as they have. We talk on a regular basis during morning meetings about safety and how we are doing. Luckily 4th graders can process this information and understand the importance of mask wearing and washing hand regularly. I am so thankful to be in the classroom with them and we are doing the best we can under these circumstances.

A few things I have learned along the way:

• You get use to the mask! I thought it would be hard talking through a mask (don't get be wrong I would prefer not to wear it) but it is manageable. I have found masks that are light weight and I am able to take it off when I eat lunch in my room. I also use the Face Shield when doing read aloud or any phonics lessons. Students also get use to it. I only have 2 out of 22 that struggle to keep it above their nose, but with redirection they fix it every time.

• Trouble with the Masks Its hard to hear the students, I have to ask the students to repeat themselves often. I always feel like I'm shouting all the time. I'm looking into getting a microphone.

• Limiting touch points is way harder than I thought: When it comes to Science and Math we use gloves for all tools and manipulatives. We still have to work in groups due to the amount of materials avialble but the students have been good taking turns. Limiting the students from walking around the room and mapping out a traffic pattern is tough, but we are figuring it out.

• We can still have small group activities: Students hand sanitize before and after joining me at the group table. I wipe the table down in between each group. I am able to have 4-5 students at the table with me. I do have to keep the group activity down to 15mins just to limit the length of time they are seated closer together.

• I don't mind the students in rows and columns 3 feet apart: I find that the students like having their space. When they are at their seats they are more attentive and less distracted by others. Since I am able to have group activities around the room on the floor, when they are back at their seats they are focused on their work.

• I miss flexible seating!!!! Flexible seating was so successful last year and I can see how much the students miss it. Even through I don't mind the rows and columns, so many students can't sit still and if I could have cushions, bean bags, etc. I know it would help so much.

I feel pretty successful and I hope this continues. We will continue to be safe and flexible as we chart this new path during Covid 19.