The virus is providing enough pressure.
Some online learning, even as a brand new experience, can offer tremendous opportunities for students, teachers, and parents. It introduces a new way of learning, provides a different way to practice emerging skills, and has the ability to keep everyone somewhat connected during a time of crisis.
However- when we are past the first week and parents are crying, teachers are stressed out of their minds, and administrators are trying to figure out how to make sure standards are covered... maybe we are taking it too far?
Students are the best indicator we’ve got. They are letting us know, mostly through their behavior, how this new-to-most form of learning is all going. For the kids who are flourishing? THAT’S AWESOME. They might be the same kids who take to all forms of learning no matter the setting or circumstance.
But this just doesn’t seem to be the majority.
It doesn’t feel realistic, or kind, to keep standards and expectations consistent right now. It’s too much pressure, on top of the pressure we are already under because of our global circumstance.
Things aren’t normal right now. Not even a little bit.
Do kids need opportunities that provide:
Connection? Desperately.
Routine? Yes please.
Practice? Absolutely.
Responsibility and flexibility? Without a doubt.
Extra pressure? Um.... no, not now.
It’s probably time for everyone to pause, notice, and adjust.