WHAT!!! SCHOOL’S CLOSED??? FOR HOW LONG??? What about my kids that need meals? What about the kids who need safety? What about the kids who don’t have internet access or devices? How do I take care of my family AND
Read More
Montessori Reflections of Online Teaching
Today, Governor Ducey and Superintendent Hoffman officially announced that Arizona schools will remain closed for the rest of the school year. I do not think anyone was surprised based on the push for a systemic approach for online instruction that
Read More
Finding Balance
Two weeks ago it was announced that Arizona schools would be closed until March 30th. I was not too concerned because our district was just starting our two-week spring break. I was thinking everything would be back to normal by
Read More
10 Seconds At A Time
As I wrap up my first week, trying to navigate a constantly changing job description and managing a new “home office”, I am overwhelmed. I have cried every day this week. I want to do what’s best for my students,
Read More
Oh, How We Miss You
Last week wrapped up my school’s spring break. And with all the news about COVID-19, school closures, and digital learning, this break was anything but relaxing. Officially, we are only on day 3 of our school closure, but it has
Read More
Fostering and Developing Classroom Community in Our Brave New World
Teaching is about relationships and community. As Carla Shalaby says in her fabulous book Troublemakers, “It is deeply relational, human work” (p. 172). I’m struggling to hit the right notes as we consider moving to online or distance learning (aka
Read More
Bracketology
Yesterday used to be one of my favorite days of the year: Selection Sunday. For those unfamiliar with the madness that is March, Selection Sunday is the day where sixty-eight NCAA men’s basketball teams receive their place in the championship
Read More
A Digital World
Technology in schools is always a hot button issue. For every teacher that loves their tech, another hates it and vows to never use it; for every school that goes 1-1, another throws away all their devices and digs out
Read More
A Plea for Play
When I was little, I used to say to my friends, “Meet me at my swing set.” My daughter says, “I’m meeting my friend at the left corner of Stomp io” (an Internet game). This is true for many parents
Read More
“When I grow up…”
“When I grow up, I want to be a __________”. This is one of the earliest conversations I have with my students and the one I hear them talk about with the most ease. It would feel negligent to
Read More