As we look forward to a foreseeable future of mostly online learning, teachers are finding themselves walking a tightrope of keeping students motivated while not letting their own morale down. Student motivation is a major concern regardless of which study model is adopted by each school: online, blended, hybrid, or a myriad variation. In the current pandemic scenario where teachers must deal with alternative learning modes, student motivation is especially important. Here are 5 strategies…
For the kids in our lives, the last nine months have been many things. Scary, because an invisible illness was suddenly spreading across the globe. Confusing, because even the adults in their lives didn’t have many answers. Maybe even fun, at least when the possibility of school closing felt like a snow day. But for many, that novelty has given way to frustration, sadness, and even depression and anxiety. Just like adults, kids are wondering:…
Despite the popular Atlantic article that claims early COVID-19 data seems to show schools can safely reopen, many worrisome questions still remain. The article flatly denies that schools are superspreaders in spite of new reports from the CDC noting that 90% of Americans live in counties falling into the two highest risk categories for reopening schools. Additionally, the American Academy of Pediatrics is showing a rapid rise in pediatric COVID-19 cases over the last six…
Many teachers, parents, and students are wondering how COVID-19 will change schools in 2021. In order to safely reopen school buildings, administrators have had to work closely with state and federal organizations like the CDC to find ways to protect everyone entering the school as much as possible. While many agree it is not yet safe to reopen schools, some may not have a choice but to open due to local laws, policy, and legislation.…
In our first blog post of the new year, we will be taking a look back at some of the biggest pieces of education news in 2020. Let’s start with the obvious: the coronavirus pandemic has disrupted education for tens of millions of students (along with the lives of their entire families). The deaths of educators and the 1.2 million child coronavirus cases have contributed to a tragedy of unimaginable proportions. Although it’s still not…
There is no denying that we are living in uncertain times, and many don’t know where to start with managing uncertainty and pandemic anxiety. No one knows exactly how or when the pandemic will end, or what it will mean for our lives and the lives of our loved ones in the future. There’s so much to worry about: health, finances, politics, and even our social fabric. I know I’m not the only one lying…
How to have safe holiday gatherings during the COVID-19 pandemic has surely been on everyone’s mind as Christmas approaches. With COVID-19 cases hitting an all-time high, making the decision not to gather in person may be the most loving one a family can make this holiday season. This is especially true in families with high-risk members, such as older adults and people with pre-existing conditions. There is no such thing as completely safe holiday gatherings…
Teaching in virtual classrooms can be much like the widely circulated YouTube video you may have seen called “A Conference Call in Real Life.” If you watch it, you’ll recognize the familiar awkwardness of online meetings, where the rhythm of conversational interaction is thrown wildly askew by technological hiccups and the absence of visual cues. Virtual space is not always easy, so how do you teach in it? While virtual classrooms are not without challenges,…
It’s time for an update on Massachusetts schools reopening in the time of COVID-19. Here’s what’s happening in schools across the state. ABINGTON 9/28/2020: Someone at Beaver Brook Elementary School has tested positive for COVID-19, according to Abington Superintendent Peter Schafer, though he would not say whether the individual is a student, teacher, or other staff member. ANDOVER 9/30/2020: West Middle School students quarantined after positive test. 10/3/2020: A community member associated with Andover High…
I don’t know about you, but autumn is my absolute favorite season. The air gets crisper, leaves put on a colorful display, and I breathe easier knowing all the heat and humidity is behind us (and as an asthmatic, I mean that both figuratively and literally). Even though we need to take certain precautions right now, that doesn’t mean we can’t still enjoy our favorite autumn activities. Here is a list of 15 safe autumn…
