First Day Back Reflections

Today's post is going to be short because it is already 5:15 and I still have so much to do before I leave for school for the 2nd day  :). I will expand on each after the first few days with more context, information, etc. 

Reflections on my experience

1. I was more relaxed when interacting with students on the "first day". Especially my new students. 
2. I got into a groove with opening the Google Meet, uploading materials, and answering reminds. 
3. Handling a nearpod link, a Google meet link, and a Remind code was.... sometimes overwhelming. 
4. I learned so many new things just by experiencing it. Now... I need to remember them. 
5. I had less time to interact with my colleagues (even during a pandemic) because I was multi-monitoring/tasking the entire time. 

Reflections on student experience

1. Students were not clear on where we were meeting. Many were trying via Zoom despite the fact I sent it out repeatedly that we were meeting in Google Meet. 
2. Students often presumed they could "do the work" and not come to class. I don't fault them for this, but we all need to be clear on expectations. 
3. Students had lots of tech issues. Little guidance was received on our part to help them with this. 
4. Students interacted more than they ever have in person on the first day. 
5. Students have a different ability to work with unknown multimedia elements than I do. 

Things I want to do differently

1. I want to do a Google Classroom tutorial. It seems that many teachers don't know how to use it either and they passed on a... convenient, but illogical... way of using it to students. For records sake and ease of the year, I need to alter this. 
2. ALWAYS have a backup. Nearpod stopped working during our last class. Fortunately, we made it work and it went really well... BUT... if things had gone differently...
3. Drink more water! 
4. Move between every class. Stretch, go to the bathroom, walk around... just... MOVE.
5. Have patience and grace for everyone, especially us teachers who are multi-tasking the entire time. 

Anxiety Reflections

1. I need a daily list of to-dos.
2. My weighted blanket was a life saver.
3. Google Meet recording thumbnails NEVER capture a good look for me.... 
4. Fidget. No shame. 
5. I put bells on my door handle to alert me when someone comes in. NO. REGRETS.