The Roundup
A gathering space for educators
April 2020
In the Instructional Services Department at Van Buren Intermediate School District, supporting teachers and administrators with instruction is the heart of our work. It is our hope that this monthly newsletter will help capture upcoming events and important information to support your work in your districts, schools, and classrooms.
We're Here for You
This pandemic has brought about a variety of different emotions for all of us, including our educators, families, and students. Understanding the feelings that we have right now is an important first step. As educators we also know that children’s basic needs have to be met before they can successfully thrive. During this time of uncertainty for all, it is of utmost importance that we take a step back and focus on our relationships with those around us, including our students.
In this edition we offer some ideas on example ways to check in with students, mindfulness practices, and self care.
*Self-Care for Educators *
*Mindfulness Practices*
*Student Check-Ins*
Students love to hear from teachers and teachers love to connect with their students. There are many different ways to do that during these times. We recommend tracking the students that you’re able to connect with to ensure that we are “hearing” from each student through one of these methods.
Google Hangouts:
Video sessions through interfaces like Zoom or Google Hangouts are becoming more and more popular for those who have access to technology. Consider scheduling a touchpoint with all of your classes or individual students.
Google Forms:
Some teachers, counselors, and social workers have found it helpful to create an online check-in for their students. You can do so by creating a google form and either emailing the link or posting to your classroom website. Consider making it fun by using a Bitmoji of yourself or Emojis to demonstrate emotions.
If doing a feelings check in via google forms or similar format, consider adding options like:
I’m feeling okay, but would still love to talk. Please contact me within the next week.
I'm feeling down and would like to talk. Please contact me in the next couple of days.
I need to talk to someone soon.
Other questions regarding basic needs such as food, safety, etc.
Telephone Calls:
Many students who don’t have access to technology may still have telephone access through caregivers. If you’d rather not share your personal number, consider creating a number through Google Voice or a similar format.
Snail Mail/ Post Cards:
Students love to receive post cards and notes from their teachers. Consider making it personal, sharing about yourself and letting your student know that you miss them. Include ways to contact you so the student can reach out themselves if they find the means to do so.
*Social Emotional Learning Activities to Share*
What a great time to focus on Social Emotional Learning! Self Awareness is one of the 5 Social Emotional Learning competencies, and a much needed skill to have during this time. Self awareness can be addressed during this time by doing feelings check ins, having students assess how they are feeling, and thinking about why they are feeling this way.
Help students identify positive traits in themselves by asking them to identify things they are good at both in and out of school.
This is also a great time to have students identify who their external supports are. Ask them to identify who they could go to if they felt happy or scared. Who could they call on if they wanted to engage in various activities? For example, students may have someone they feel comfortable seeking out to ask for food, but wouldn’t feel comfortable talking to that person when feeling down. They may have a friend they like to play Legos with, but would prefer to play soccer with other friends.
Do you often hear “I’m bored” from children now that they are home? Check out this packet of at home activities and boredom busters. Stay-At-Home Care Package by Big Life Journal.pdf
In addition, Van Buren ISD Special Education has put together this wonderful resource including different Social Emotional Learning Activities. You can find those here: Social Emotional Health and Coping Resources.
*Resources for Talking to Students about COVID-19*
VBISD Instructional Services Department
Location: 490 South Paw Paw Street, Lawrence, MI, USA
Phone: 269-674-8091
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VBISDinstruction/
Twitter: @VBISDIS