Advertorial have gone through an educational experience that no one else has ever gone through . They ’ ve been stuck inside , away from their friends , missing milestones like sports seasons and spring musicals , battling disruptions and distractions as they try to engage and learn — virtually . Honour that . Whether it ’ s personal notes , online shout-outs , letters to parents / guardians … find ways to show how proud you are of them , and celebrate every accomplishment you can think of . They did it !
2 . Celebrate Your Success / Survival / However Many Days Closer to Retirement You Are Now
You did it too ! You don ’ t need to be reminded of what you went through , but as we start to come out the other side of this incredible challenge , give yourself a mental high-five . Or an actual one . Celebrate your accomplishments , and know that there are kids , parents , and people all over the world who appreciate and are in awe of you . Take what time you can to take care of yourself .
3 . Use the Tools That Kept Your Kids Engaged Then , They ’ ll Keep Them Engaged Now
The best online tools allowed students to work at their own pace , while teachers could easily keep tabs on their progress and intervene when necessary . In addition , the most successful online tools were those that drew students in , engaging them and making them want to do / learn / explore more . Fighting against a whole slew of new distractions , those online games and simulations built students ’ confidence and marked and celebrated their progress , however incremental . Gamified learning has been around for some time , but last year encouraged more classrooms than ever to adopt it . Games and simulations that are “ gamelike ” but have clear outcomes and goals for students and teach required skills helped keep students engaged — and still can .
The tools you used for online teaching can also be used in-classroom , whether as supplements or replacements for the usual instruction , or as resources to help students get back on track .
4 . Use Teaching Tools That Work for All Students
Differentiated instruction was important before the pandemic ; it will be even more important as we move forward . Students who were doing well under normal circumstances might now be experiencing issues and learning loss , while students who already experienced challenges now have more . Maybe they need a little extra help , different materials or processes , or just extra time to learn according to their needs . Thankfully , many online learning tools make it easier to deliver individualized instruction and rewards for effort and progress that can help every students ’ ability , confidence , and motivation soar . Adaptive and individualized instruction will be even more important as we move forward .
5 . Embrace and Keep Using the New Technology ( And Try More )
The good news is that many products that saw you through remote learning can help your students catch up , keep up , and continue to grow . And your comfort level using tech is likely higher than ever before . Things like virtual conferencing , file sharing , mics , and smart cameras will probably be part of the educational landscape going forward . And it makes sense . Hybrid and remote work look to be the future , so moving beyond “ what works now ” toward “ what will serve students going forward ” entails more technology , not less .
6 . Expect and Accept That There Will Be Bumps — Lots of Different
Bumps . Many Bumps .
It ’ s not as easy as “ getting kids back in school ,” or “ getting them learning again …” every facet of everyone ’ s life has been disrupted and different for more than a year . Part of teaching is helping students grow into happy , healthy adults . Teaching involves developing the whole child , so students not only learn how to solve equations or to explain photosynthesis , but also how to build relationships and manage emotions . Those emotions will probably be in full force and unpredictable . Support your students ’ growth by incorporating socialemotional learning competencies into your daily routine to help them manage their emotions , attitudes , social skills , and academic performance .
Products that let kids go at their own pace will serve you well right now . Expecting students to perform the way you hope , or as they “ used to ,” will only lead to frustration on both ends . With the understanding that things are just harder now for everyone , let students settle in , find their groove , and navigate this strange new world . Online products are available that meet students where they are and allow them to feel more ownership over their own learning , get their confidence back , and help you monitor and guide them as they move forward .
Speaking of moving forward , remember “ celebrate your students ?” Do that . Celebrate learning successes that in the past didn ’ t seem like much . Celebrate things like birthdays , attendance , attitude , cooperation . Let your kids know you ’ ve got their backs .
We ’ ve got yours .