Transcript

Welcome to BLaST the Airwaves with BLaST Intermediate Unit 17. Here at BLaST Intermediate Unit 17, we strive to transform lives and communities through educational services. On this podcast, we will provide you with educational solutions for all, no matter the learning environment. So teachers, administrators, caregivers, what are you waiting for?

What would happen if we started questioning, what if? What if we had a positive perspective on education? What if we flip the switch on education? What if we were the solution?

Hello listeners. Welcome back to season two of BLaST the Airwaves! We are excited to connect with you and provide educational solutions for all, specifically this season, we will focus on support for our caregivers. My name is Rebecca Gibboney and I am the Coordinator of Professional Learning here at BLaST Intermediate Unit 17. Today, we will continue talking about the basics, but most importantly we will emphasize the importance of YOU! Yes, You!

So, let’s BLaST the Airwaves.

As I’m sitting in my office here, typing away, and thinking about what to speak to you, messages are pinging my inbox. This district is pivoting to remote. Another district pivoting to remote. And another. But…not due to the pandemic, due to the predicted snowfall.

Caregivers, you may think that once this pandemic is over, virtual teaching is over; but, it’s not. I hate to be the bearer of bad news (if you look at it that way). Virtual teaching will be around. Districts could use virtual teaching during flexible instructional days. Perhaps if a student is homebound. And, probably even other reasons that we aren’t even aware of yet. So, as I type this, as I say this, I hope you understand the importance of supporting your child in virtual learning.

Last week, we spoke to the basics and I will continue to speak to the basics this week because if the foundation is solid, nothing will affect it. No matter if your child is receiving asynchronous instruction or synchronous (that live “in class”) instruction, they will know what is expected of them. If you keep to the basics and IF you work on the same side as the teacher (remember, you are a team), these students will be successful. Now, depending on your child’s age, these “basics” may look different. For example, you might need to help your child log in and make sure they have their camera on (if they’re allowed) for their morning meeting time, if your child is in Kindergarten. However, if your child is in high school, you may want to give your child the benefit of the doubt and build that trust with them first, before really harping on them to get signed into class. You never know, your child may just surprise you.

Just remember:
→ Support the teacher and encourage your child to follow his or her class expectations.
→ Make sure your child knows the schedule.
→ Be proactive about online behavior. Have that talk (and yes, I know it might be a little uncomfortable), but have that talk with your child about behavior and actions when on the camera. They aren’t the only one watching and we can’t assume they know.

Beyond the virtual world, we can only control what we can control. My college basketball coach always used to tell me that. Control what you can control. So, what can we control? Our child’s sleep for one. How much sleep does your child get at night? Can you believe that an average school-age child is recommended to have at least 9-11 hours of sleep at night? Whereas a teeneager is suggested to have 8-10 hours. Fisher, Frey, and Hattie mention in their findings that yes, children are sleeping more due to the pandemic. I mean, I know that I have been sleeping more and I am an adult. Perhaps you have, too. However, what isn’t positive about this amount of sleep is that there is no sleeping pattern to it. Think about it… is there a consistent bedtime in your household? What about a consistent wake-up alarm? Or is it whenever they feel like it? It all goes back to that consistent routine you set for your child. Keep in mind that their sleep impacts their learning and their learning, ultimately, impacts their futures.

Lastly, take care of yourself. In the education world, we always talk to educators about self-care. We talk to students about self-care. And, I’m encouraging you, right now, on this episode to practice self-care. It is very easy to get wrapped up in this world and forget about the most important thing: yourself. Trust me, I know. But, some way, somehow, you, we, cannot lose sight of ourselves. I know that I’ve said this almost every episode and I will say it again, you do not have to be “the teacher”. You can be the parent; the caregiver. Keep the dinner routine and “after-school” routine and ask your child three simple questions:
What did you learn today?
Why did you learn it?
How did you know that you learned it?
Give your child some screen breaks and go play in the yard with them. Bundle up, because I mean if you’re from Central Pennsylvania, it is really cold outside. Set some ground rules to give everyone, not just you, some space. Keep a routine. Have a meaningful conversation daily. Find your person. Your person that you can rely on during these difficult times where you are balancing work, friend, caregiver, colleague, and so much more. Write out what you need from that person and when. Ask them to check-in. It’s not selfish. Be that person for someone else. After all, your child needs you. The whole of you; and if you don’t fill your cup, no one else will. Your child will not have the whole of you, if you don’t take care of yourself first.

Practice empathy with your child. Practice empathy with yourself.
Practice patience with your child, and practice patience with yourself.
And lastly, practice grace with yourself and your child.

We would like to thank you for blasting the airwaves with us today. If you like the show, please subscribe or leave a review. If you want to know more, check out www.iu17.org for further resources and show notes. As always, we want to thank you for what you do every single day. Remember, keep shining. We’ll be back next episode to provide you another educational solution for all, as we continue to transform lives and communities through educational services.

Additional/Suggested resources mentioned in the episode:

The Distance Learning Playbook by Douglas Fisher, Nancy Frey, and John Hattie

BLaST Intermediate Unit 17 – www.iu17.org 

Professional Learning Opportunities at BLaST IU 17 – https://www.iu17.org/professional-learning/ 

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