It's OK to Not Be OK - Update

Last year I started writing on a different blog that I soon after abandoned. I was looking through some of those posts from a year ago and decided to bring some of them back with a flash forward update since SO much has happened in a year.

I wrote this blog post about the beginning of school in 2019. Little did I know what life would be like a year later. This blog brought up so many emotions. I was not happy at the beginning of the year, and the school year was definitely stressful for various reasons. But I made the best of it and we had a good year, even with the crazy ending.

What I found interesting as I reread this blog post was my lack of effort in trying to find something new. I finally decided to put in my AP application last year. I was moved forward to the second phase of the interview process, but didn't make it pass the data analysis task. My feedback basically made it look like I left out one thing they were looking for. I was pretty disappointed, but I was also unsure of what this school year was going to look like and felt comfort in returning to the position that I left in the spring. I'm still ready for something new, but I just wasn't sure what that should be with a new school year starting off working from home, while my kindergartener was also learning from home. I was going to be teaching a grade and subject that I have taught the past few years so I wouldn't have to be learning anything new.

However, this year has still left me feeling like I am missing out on something. So this fall I have began talking and networking. I have kept in contact with my previous principals and assistant principals who are in new roles. I am trying to be active on Twitter and putting myself out there. This is going to be the year where I will put in the effort to move up. I'm in the aspiring leaders cohort for my county. I'm going to apply and follow-up. I'm writing it into existence.

September 2019:

I come across as one of those people that always has it together. On the outside it's just how I am. However, what happens is that all of the stuff that I am trying to hide inside will build up until my body and mind can't handle it all and I tend to have some sort of meltdown. Sometimes this looks like me calling my mom and just venting until my heart is content. Other times it may be me crying in the shower when I'm finally alone. I am working on how to handle these feelings.

I began to notice that I wasn't ok at the beginning of the school year. I typically LOVE back to school time because it's like New Year's Day. New students to welcome, decorating the classroom, spending time with coworkers I haven't seen all summer. It is usually a time I associate with fun and excitement. There are definitely stressors that go along with the beginning of a new school year, but it is typically the same types of things each year (will I have enough time to get my room ready? how many meetings do I have to sit through? what new things do we have to do this year?) We went back on a Thursday and throughout those two days I was just overwhelmed and busy. Moving classrooms, new team members, still adjusting to a new administration team.

Then the next week began and I kept hitting my snooze button in the mornings (unusual for me). When I got home in the evenings I sat around and didn't really do a whole lot. Dishes needed to be done. Laundry was piling up. I would put the kids to bed around 8pm and immediately went to bed as well. I was spending time in my classroom with my door closed. I just felt numb. I did the basics. I showed up, attended meetings, worked in my room, and went home. I realized after a few days of feeling like this that something wasn't right.

Why was I feeling this way? What should I do about it?

These are probably the toughest questions for someone feeling like this. I've been through a depression before and luckily knew that was the path I was headed down. So I sat down one night and made myself think. What was truly causing me to feel this way? Deep down I was feeling regret. I was wondering what if?

Side story... this past spring I finished a certificate program that gave me an Administration 1 certification. This certification opens up to new possibilities in leadership within the education world. This past summer I did apply for a few other jobs outside of the classroom, but I didn't do much more than fill out an application. I'm not sure why I didn't push harder for these new positions, but I didn't.

Side story #2... our daughter turns 5 this November. We decided to register her for pre-kindergarten at our local school. We don't automatically qualify because of various reasons so we were put on a waiting list, but were told by the principal and the teacher that in the 5 years they had been there, they had never been full so everyone on the waiting list usually got in. If she were to get into this school, then my current position in the classroom would allow me to leave in enough time to be home and get her off the bus in the afternoons. Flash forward to August and we hadn't heard anything from the school, so my husband called and we were told they were full and that our daughter is on a waiting list and we would know more in mid-September.

So here I was sitting in my 5th grade classroom frustrated that I didn't push harder to try to get a new job. Many of my close co-workers left and got new positions that they loved. I was seeing all of their happy stories and wondering what if? What if I had emailed the principal of the school where I had put in an application? What if I wouldn't have worried about trying to be home at a certain time? What if I had tried just a little harder?

It was almost the first day of school and I realized I needed to pull myself together. The jobs were in the past. Our daughter was still going to a great daycare. I had new kids coming on Tuesday and they needed me to be at my best. So what did I do? I picked up the phone and called my mom. She's great at listening and is often my voice of reason when I'm feeling down. (everyone needs that person...I see a future post coming)

While I knew that I still wasn't feeling my best self, I accepted that it was ok to not feel ok. I worked on getting up in the morning, finding the positives in my day, talking with my co-workers, and realizing that I can make every day amazing a little bit at a time. It wasn't going to happen overnight, but I'm ok with that.

I saw this quote online and felt like it deserved to be in this post. I don't know who came up with it and I tried to find who to give credit to online, but was unsuccessful. This is NOT my quote.

My self-care list:

• paint my nails - sometimes I do it myself, sometimes I treat myself to a salon
• workout/run - I'm really good at making excuses, but some days even just 1 mile on the elliptical makes me feel so much better
• take a long, hot shower alone - this is for my fellow mommas out there, taking a shower without kids in the bathroom is a luxury
• go shopping alone - see above :-)
• call my friends - sometimes some girl talk is all we need

Primary Math Activities

As you all know by now, my daughter has an extremely long break during the day. She absolutely loves math and it is something that she can do on her own. So I decided to put my primary hat on and create some digital math activities that she can do on her own.

I have 5 activities created so far...

Counting Objects:

In this activity, there are two parts. Part 1, students count the amount of objects in the jar, then drag and drop the numbers on the side to the box. Part 2, there is a number in the box, and the students drag the objects into the jar to model that number.

More or Less:

In this activity, students drag the alligator so that his mouth is facing the jar that has more objects.

Adding with Ten Frames:

In this activity, there are two parts. Part 1, students drag and drop the numbers on the side to create the addition equation modeled with the red and yellow counters. Part 2, students are given an equation and they have to drag and drop the red and yellow counters to model the equation.

Counting by 2's:

This activity can be used two ways. Students can be view the activity in Present mode. They then click on the number that would come next when counting by 2's. This is self-correcting, so if they choose the wrong answer, it will take them to a page that says oops, try again. You will not be able to see what they click on, so this would be given as an independent math center task. There is also an option for students to drag the red circle to cover the correct number. In this format, they can turn it into the teacher to be scored.

Counting Using a Hundred Chart:

This activity allows students to practice counting by 2's, 5's, and 10's. They drag the circle to cover the number that would come next. They can then see a visual and practice counting aloud.

I had fun making these since I teach 5th grade. I definitely see more in my future! Stay tuned.

https://sites.google.com/view/amberpotter/home

Instagram: @mrspotterstyle

Twitter: @apotter730

Reflections after a Quarter of Distance Learning

Image Credit - Diply

This week we wrap up our first quarter of 100% virtual learning. My thoughts, this is HARD.

I understand that 100% virtual is probably the best thing given the circumstances, especially in the county where I teach. But I have never been more ready to go back to the building. 

Here are my thoughts... distance learning is working for those students who can connect to our live sessions every day and are able to complete their work on their own or with help from home. But what about those students who constantly are having issues connecting to my live session or can't access the technology that I am using for my lesson? What about those students who don't have anyone to help them at home if they need help on an assignment? What about those students who don't know how or are scared/nervous to ask for help? What about our ESOL students who are trying to navigate this weird schooling when they are still trying to learn the English language? What about our students with an IEP who need so many supports put in place to help them that are not always available in a virtual setting?

These questions are the things that go through my head every single day as I plan my lessons. These are the questions that keep me up at night some days. These are the questions that are making distance learning so hard.

I want to make sure that ALL of my students are learning in the best possible environment, but many of these questions are things that I do not have control over. I can't control a student's internet or device they are using. So when they are not able to join my live class and miss the lesson, I do the best I can by providing them the lesson with an audio recording, but these are 5th graders. We all know that for them to truly learn they need to be in class where they can see the modeling, questioning, and assignments being explained.

I noticed that some students were not completing assignments independently, so I started doing some assignments together as a class and offering small group office hours on Wednesdays for them to receive help on the assignments. But some of them still won't complete the assignments. I try to monitor what is on their screen so that I can help them if they are confused or need help, but I have 30 students per class. I can't see all of their screens at one time. I also know that I have students who need help, but won't ask me. I have offered 1:1 time, small group time, I'm available via email or private messages on Google Classroom, but there are some students who would just be doing better in the classroom setting where I can actually SEE what they are doing and if they need help.

Then we have our students who are learning a second language or have an IEP. Again, I am doing my best to make sure my lessons and activities are accommodating and fit their learning needs, but it is so hard to fit all of their needs in a virtual setting. Some of these students need to be able to physically hold the manipulatives in their hands to help them understand. They need to be able to physically hold the book they are reading. They need a break from looking at a screen all day to learn.

I know I am not alone in worrying about all of these things day in and day out. I know that these are the things that are making teachers lose sleep, have higher stress or anxiety, and making some even want to leave the profession. 

On top of all of these things we have the constant things being added to our teacher plates. We have to do grades and when someone doesn't show up or do their work we have to give them a zero. I don't like giving zeros when I know that the students are not learning in their best environment. We have to make lessons that try to answer all of these questions listed above and make sure to have a backup plan when the technology doesn't want to work. One day I was literally on Plan D. It was a mess. We have to give county-wide assessments to see student's progress. The idea of assessments right now just doesn't seem fair. Again, the assessment platform will work for some and not for others. This then causes some students to stress and worry when it doesn't work. Students who weren't able to attend all of the live sessions may struggle on the assessment because they missed instruction that more than likely wasn't their fault. 

I'm going to repeat. This is HARD. For all of those people who think, teachers are so lucky, they are working from home, they shouldn't be complaining. It isn't about us. It is about the students. We are tired, upset, frustrated because we know that this isn't working for ALL students and we care about ALL of our students.

I have learned a lot about myself as a teacher throughout this 1st quarter and I have things I want to try as we start quarter 2 this week. I have also learned that I can only control so much and while I will not give up, I have to let some things go. I have learned that mental health is important. I have started to have to put myself first sometimes, because if I am not taking care of myself, then my students will not receive the best me.

Please continue to have patience and show grace throughout this time. Most of us are truly trying our best.

https://sites.google.com/view/amberpotter/home

Instagram: @mrspotterstyle

Twitter: @apotter730

Bossy R Digital Games

Moving along in the Within Word category for Words Their Way, I have created 5 digital games that could be used with the R-influenced vowels word sorts.

A few notes about this activity... 

• The objective of the game is for students to move along the game board using a die. I have included a video that can be used as an electronic die.
• Each time they land on a space, they click on it and it will take them to a new slide with an image. They are supposed to determine the word that goes with the image. If the word has the r-influenced vowel they are looking for then, they get to move ahead one space. If not, then they stay where they are.
• I used the same game board layout for each of the games below. This makes it easier for the kids to learn how to play. 
• The students will need to move their game pieces, which means that they must have editing rights to the document. When you want to share this with a student, you will need to make a copy to share with them. (if using this on a choice board, you can force make a copy by copying and pasting the link, then at the end of the link, delete where it says edit and change it to copy)
• There are directions in the grey areas of the first slide, as well as, helpful hints for the students.
• The idea is that 2 students would be playing this at the same time. This could be done in the classroom or while distance learning. Depending on the age of the student, they could use the same Google presentation so they can see each other's game pieces or separate ones if sharing the presentation would be too challenging.
• There is an answer key on the very last slide if the students are having trouble figuring out the word and if it has a bossy r or not.

Bossy R Game - ar

Bossy R Game - er

Bossy R Game - ir

Bossy R Game - or

Bossy R Game - ur

Click each of the links above take you to the game board.

Want to learn more about Words Their Way? Check out my blog post here.

https://sites.google.com/view/amberpotter/home

Twitter: @apotter730

Instagram: @mrspotterstyle

Technology Spotlight: Google Meet

I started off the year using Zoom, but when SO many of my students were having issues logging in, it would take up my entire class time just trying to trouble shoot.

We are a Google Edu county and made the switch to using my Google Meet link that is located within my Google Classroom. I knew that Google was going to be rolling out different updates throughout the fall to make our Google Meet experience better.

I wanted to share some tips and tricks that I have discovered to make using Google Meet easier for teachers.

Using Meet Through Google Classroom:

Turning the Google Meet link is simple. In the top right corner you will click on the Gear icon (settings menu). When that opens up, scroll down until you see the section titled Google Meet. If you have never used this feature you will need to generate a link the first time. Then you can toggle between  allowing the students to view the link or not viewing the link. I suggest that you only have the link viewable during your live class times because students are able to click on the link without a teacher being present.

Host Settings:

There are now host settings where you can control the meeting room. You can make it so that no one is allowed to share their screens. You can also turn off the chat feature for students.

The Quick Access option will make it so that anyone who is not invited to your Google Meet link will have to ask to join the meeting.

These settings can be found in the bottom left corner where the little blue shield with a lock icon is located.

Sharing Your Screen:

To share your screen you will click on Present Now and then you will have some options. I prefer to use share a Chrome tab. This makes it so that the tab is always presented and the students don't see if you switch to a different tab. It is super easy to switch to a new tab when using this option. When you click on a new tab you will see the option at the top of the screen to share this tab instead. You can also choose to share a window or share your entire screen. I will use the entire screen option if I am showing them how to access something on their Chromebook or if I know I will have to click on a link and a new tab will open.

Other Options:

In the bottom right corner are 3 dots, which we know with any Google product means there are more options. When you click on the 3 dots, the menu to the left opens up. This is where Google has been updating some of their features.

At the top you can see a Whiteboard option. This opens a Jamboard. You can choose from a blank Jam or you can open one from Google Drive that you have already created.

Change layout is another option that is important. As a teacher you will want to be able to see all of your students at one time, so you can choose the Tiled layout and then choose how many tiles you want to see at one time on the bottom. If you are attending a Google Meet meeting where someone is presenting you can change your view to the Sidebar. This puts the shared screen in a large format and then you can see some of the participant videos on the right side. (this is good to share with your students if they complain that the screen is too small).

Another new feature is the background blur. Participants and host can choose to turn on the background blur so that you can't see what is behind the person in the video. It does warn that this may cause the computer to run slower.

You can also see in the menu that you can choose to record a meeting, as well as, turn on captions. Always check the 3 dots menu to see if any new features have been added.

Chrome Extensions for Meet:

The Google Chrome store is a place where you can applications you can add to your Google Chrome to help with productivity, quickly access tools, etc. Before adding any extensions, I ALWAYS look at the reviews and star rating. People are always creating new extensions and some of them do not work or are not effective, so the ratings and reviews will allow you to see what other people think about them.

Before Google Meet added the tiled layout option where you can see more people in Google Meet, I had added the Google Meet Grid View (fix) extension. I still use it sometimes because it keeps the videos tiled in an organized manner and it also puts myself and my shared screen in the top right corner, which I like because I don't need to see a large area telling me that I am sharing my screen.

Google Meet Breakout rooms is another extension that I have added. It allows the host to create breakout rooms within Google Meet. I have only used this twice so far because most of the time when I am using a breakout room it is for another teacher to pull a small group, so I will just create a quick Google Meet link, drop it in the chat and then have both Google Meet sessions open.

My favorite extension so far is Google Meet Attendance. This extension tracks who enters the Google Meet, how long they stayed, if they left and come back. You can create a list of who you are expecting in the meeting and save it for each class so that you can easily see attendance at the end of the meeting. It also downloads a file at the end onto your computer that shows you a spreadsheet-like document with each participant and their attendance data for that session. This was created by a teacher who knows the importance of privacy, so this extension does not collect any data of the users.

There are always new extensions being added, so you can always check the chrome store regularly for any updates. I am also going to be writing a blog about my favorite Chrome extensions in the near future.

I am hopeful that Google will continue to make Google Meet better as we continue in this new territory of virtual classrooms.

https://sites.google.com/view/amberpotter/home

Instagram: @mrspotterstyle

Twitter: @apotter730

Virtual Calm/Relax Room

I saw an amazing idea on Twitter from user @FutureDocMartin about a virtual classroom to relax and unwind.

I thought this was an amazing idea to have available for our students, especially during this stressful experience of virtual learning.  I decided to create my own so that I could cater it to the needs of the students at our school.

This Google Slide is shared with students and they can click on the different items that are linked to different activities and websites that they can visit.

1. Tennis Shoes - links to www.gonoodle.com

    This website has awesome videos and songs to get kids up and moving.

2. Pencil Cup - links to a Google slide with 20 videos with step-by-step directions for drawing

3. Laptop - links to www.coolmathgames.com

    This website has a lot of fun math and problem solving games kids can play for free.

4. Clock - links to an online stopwatch

    Sometimes students may want to take a little break and this allows them to keep track of time. Some kids     are also taught to do deep breaths for a 30 seconds to a minute to help them calm down when frustrated.

5. Aquarium - links to a live camera at Monteray Bay Aquarium

6. Notebook - links to a Google slide that shows students different ways they can write for relaxation

7. Blocks - links to https://toytheater.com/build/ where kids can build with virtual blocks

8. Colored Pencil Cup - links to https://pbskids.org/games/coloring/ where kids can color pictures online

9. Stereo - links to a Google slide with different YouTube videos with relaxing music

    I chose to use Google slides here rather than linking directly to YouTube because then I can eliminate the     ads and I can choose the specific music I want them to have access to.

10. Puzzle Pieces - links to https://www.roomrecess.com/pages/JigsawPuzzles.html

    This is a website with virtual puzzles.

11. Game Board - links to https://www.safekidgames.com/board-games/

    This is a website with virtual games.

12. Books - links to a Google slide that explains the different way to access books online

Teachers can share this virtual room with their students via Google Classroom so that they have access to it whenever they need it.

Another idea is having the professional school counselors add their bitmojis to the room and have a link to their email so that students have a way to connect with them if they need to talk.

https://sites.google.com/view/amberpotter/home

Twitter: @apotter730

Instagram: @mrspotterstyle

Clip and Cover Activities

When making my busy boxes for my daughter I realized there were certain things I wanted her to work on with the clip and cover box. She loves the idea of using the clothespins, but she also likes using the computer or tablet to do some of the activities as well.

I decided to make my own clip and cover activities that can be used 3 ways.

1. Printable - all of my clip and cover activities can be printed on computer paper and laminated or on card stock. I recommend printing them with 4 slides per page so that it does not use up as much paper, but they could also be printed 1 or 2 per page as well. When you go to File, click on Print settings and preview, and then change where it says 1 slide per page to Handout - 4 slides per page. It prints best in landscape.

2. Digital activity - if you would like for your child/student to complete the activity and then submit it so that you can grade it, you can assign them a copy of the presentation. There is a clothespin image on the right side in the grey area that they can drag and drop to the correct match.

3. Self-checking Digital activity - this version allows your child/student to work independently on the activity. If they click on the wrong match, it will take them to a page that says oops, try again. If they click on the correct match, then it will take them to the next slide. Students should use this in Present mode, so they do not need editing access to the presentation. The one downside, is the teacher will not know what the students click on, so this would be more of a center activity where the students are just practicing.

Each activity linked below has all 3 of these version already built into the one Google Slides presentation.

I myself making more of these in the future, but I started off with ones that my daughter can use to practice for school.

1. Letter Matching

Match the uppercase letter to the lowercase letter.

2. Rhyming Words

Match the image on the right that rhymes with the larger image on the left.

3. Beginning Letter Sounds

Choose the letter that begins the word in the image.

4. Ending Letter Sounds

Choose the letter that ends the word in the image.

Click on the links above to get your free copy!

https://sites.google.com/view/amberpotter/home

Instagram: @mrspotterstyle

Twitter: @apotter730