As Covid-19 rages across the globe, education continues to re-imagine itself and evolve in ways never conceived before. However, one facet still remains as the cornerstone of teaching: making connections. Building relationships in person while students sit in a classroom is tough enough, doing it through a computer screen seems insurmountable. But, it can be done.Lesson delivery presents its unique challenges as we scramble to deliver instruction in new and engaging ways. Add some tricks to your hat and find a way to tally a point in the win column every day.
Connect First, Make It Positive
This is not new. But it is a great reminder. Make every effort to ensure the first connection or contact you have with a student's family is positive. It will help take the sting out of later communications you may need to make that aren't "positive". Families are stressed enough right now. They need to hear something positive, not that their child hasn't logged in or completed work. For some people, education is not the priority right now.
If you have missed the window for a positive first contact, find time to do it now. A simple email or quick phone call will go a long way. Anything positive will work. Here are some suggestions if you're struggling: "I am grateful Johnny is here every day." "Johnny always logs in on time. Let him know I appreciate it." "Your son always has a smile on his face. I love the positivity he brings to the classroom." "I noticed Johnny was logged in over the weekend. Please let him know I see his efforts and appreciate them." "Johnny logged in for the conference call today. I'm so glad he was able to make it. I hope to see him again tomorrow."
If you can see a storm brewing, get ahead of it. Call or email first. One thing I learned long ago is that a phone call can be more powerful than an email. It's very easy to misconstrue the tone in an email. A phone call gives you the flexibility to clear up misunderstandings before families feel a need to reply in a less than positive way or push the email up the ladder.
If you haven't seen or heard from a student for a day or two, reach out. I have found the easiest way to approach this conversation is to ask the family if they need help. "Hi, just checking in. Johnny hasn't been in school or online for 2 days, is there anything I can do to help?" Approaching the conversation from a helpful position rather than an accusatory one will yield far better responses and results.
During the spring lockdown, my teammate made it a mission to connect directly with every student everyday. If he saw someone login, he made sure to send them a private message to say "Good Morning" or ask how they were doing that day. He kept a checklist to keep track of the connections and to make sure he didn't miss anyone. Once he shared this brilliant strategy with us, I started doing it too. It made a difference. The students were more engaged and clicked in more often. Spending just a few seconds connecting directly and individually with students rippled throughout the day and into the weeks and months that followed.
Stay Accessible
I have "exposed" my personal cell number more in the past 7 months than I have in my entire career. The speed at which I can comunicate, the ease of having that direct connection, letting families know they can reach me at any time, is worth it. I am not suggesting you do the same. I am sharing my strategy for staying accessible. There is something to be said when a family knows they have a direct line to you.
I also use an "inbox" within our LMS (Learning Management System) as well as traditional e-mail blasts through our RIC (Regional Information Center). I do answer emails nights and weekends. Again, that's a personal choice.
When I had a child go into quarantine, I was glad to answer the email. I wanted the family to know, "It's ok, we've got it covered." I also asked, "Is there anything else I can do to help you?" Sometimes just letting families know you have their back is a relief. Being put into quarantine is tough (I am speaking from experience). One of the most calming phrases is, "What do you need?"
When I was placed into quaratine it was the same process...only "in reverse". I immediately spoke with my administrators and then contacted my students and their families. I wanted the message to be transparent and reassuring. I wanted the students to know it was precautionary, I was healthy, and that I would still be clicking in and teaching them every day. I let the students and families know, "I've got it covered."
However you communicate, reassure your families that they can reach you when needed. And, don't forget to respond. Respond to it all. Try to be the last communicator; even if it's a simple one-word response.
For some, teachers and the education system are the only stability in their life. Reach deep down and make sure you have communicated that despite the system looking vastly different, the stability remains, that you will be the rock they need, and help is always available.
Thank Students (and Families)
One thing I try to do is thank people. I thank the students for showing up or clicking in. I thank them for their patience when the tech is not cooperating. I thank the families for raising patient children. I thank them.
I am amazed by the level of patience students are able to demonstrate the past few months. I always try to make light of truly frustrating situations; especially the ones we can't control (for instance, when the mic is screeching like a banshee and you have to type instruction rather than speak...). I have been fortuante enough to witness the resolve of students who will stay with me and not give up. They'll contend with the roughest connections if it means they still get to connect. So, the least I can do is be patient, too. And at the end of the toughest session, I thank them for their patience and for sticking with me.
Talk About It
It is a unique time in education when teachers can speak with their students and connect with them in ways they never have before. Although each of us is having a unique pandemic experience, there is the binding thread of sameness in that we each much get through this.
Take the time to connect with your students about "the pandemic". Discuss their experiences and let them know you can relate. That doesn't mean it needs to be a doom and gloom conversation. My students and I have talked about all kinds of issues: masks, loud siblings, standing in lines, stuck at daycare faciltiies, split family time, quaratines, best flavor for ramen noodles, etc...
Sometimes the conversations do steer toward more personal and heart-wrenching scenarios. You are the professional. Guide that conversation in a productive and supportive way. If it's beyond your skill set, reach out to support staff in the building that can help.
It may be that you planned the lesson of your career and watched it die a slow death due to tech woes, low student turn out, or quarantine. But at the end of the day, if you were able to make a connection with a student and build the relationship, that's a win. And right now, we all could use a win.