pandemic teaching: I think I'm getting the hang of it

 

Along with writing curriculum, and filming so many videos, I do two zoom meetings a week with my classroom kiddos. Attendance is not mandatory, and sometimes I ask the children to use something from their supply bag, or home. 

I basically run each zoom as if it were our morning circle with a dash of "The Mrs. Teacher show!" We chat until all the children are logged on, then we sing our good morning song, followed by "Who is behind the red square?" We then share news of the day where each child gets an opportunity to share, then we read a book, and do a project, game, or activity that ties in with the book. 

The one thing I have noticed is that my super introverted kiddos are SHINING via our zoom meetings. My extroverted kiddos do well, and my super extroverted kiddos do not do as well. Not that they are doing anything wrong. I am still encouraging my parents to go outside as I feel young children do better playing with peers than with me on a zoom meeting, but by what standard am I thinking of?  And what do I mean by shining or not doing well? The super extroverted kiddos are not interested in our meetings. That's cool, go play outside! 

My introverted kiddos are a whole other story. These kiddos often prefer to settle into quiet zones to play by themselves. During group times or meetings, they choose not to participate, and often need more space to work alone.During our zoom meetings, they are calling out and volunteering information. They are laughing and participating! It's all pretty cool, and something to consider. The beauty of neurodiversity is that we are all pretty cool and nifty, we just may need different tools to showcase our niftiness.