The pandemic has presented so many challenges to those working in education, and indeed everyone trying to cope in their daily lives. Whilst teaching a practical subject online sometimes seems impossible, there are also some positives to come from this uncertain time.
A subject of collaboration, communication and exploration
Those of us teaching Drama do so because we love the power of collaboration and creation. We love to see pupils talking to one another, exploring their ideas and collaborating with one and other to make work to be proud of. As the weeks tick by, it becomes harder to create practical tasks - with the fear that non-practical tasks will risk a lack of interest for pupils. How many monologues can a child perform?! Our subject relies on discussion and teamwork, things that are just not possible at the moment. How have you been coping with this? What tasks have you been setting?
Technology
Technology is great, and I am very lucky to be part of a school that had great foundations and systems already working successfully before lockdown. However, there is nothing like human contact. Regularly checking in with my Year 10s has very much reminded me that it is so important to see people’s faces and chat to each other as much as we can. Video calls have enabled us to check in with pupils and have lessons in a more interactive, dare I say “normal” setting. Of course this doesn’t mean normal in that you are sat in your house, with pupils invariably trying to work out your complete house decor. They seem to get incredibly interested when my partner walks through the house and is present on my screen for a millisecond... he’s obviously more interesting that Willy Russel! On a serious note though, there is a sense of invasion of privacy teaching from home, making sections of our live viewable to our class. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t ensure I have the plainest wall behind me.
Anxiety and nerves
Thinking about getting back into teaching fills me with nerves sometimes. Of course there is great excitement about being back with my colleagues and students, but teaching has been so different recently that there’s a worry deep down I’ll have forgotten how to teach well in the classroom! It’s bad enough after a half term or summer holiday, but after several months distanced from behaviour management, there is a sense of anxiety. How do you feel about going back?
Future outcomes for pupils
After talking to others working in education, there has been the discussion of how students (of all ages) will deal with returning to school. We questioned if there would be some school refusers - maybe those who have been totally overwhelmed at home and have given in. We also talked about adjusting to a new timetable, specifically focusing on those with SEN needs. How will pupil adapt to social distancing, having completely new timetables, and possibly not being able to see their usual crowds of friends at break times? I do worry about Year 10 and 12. Initially when lockdown began, my heart was mainly with Year 11 and 13. I kept contemplating all their hard work, the final exams they wouldn’t ever sit, and their premature departure from sixth form. However, now we are in a different stage of lockdown, I feel most for Year 10 and 12. Not only the content they are missing, but how they might feel about missing key months of their education. I can think of a few of my students who I know Drama keeps them going, it’s their safe environment to explore and grow. I know some of them are young carers, or have difficulties at home, and that there’ll be a big shaped Drama whole in their life.
Ending on a positive...
I’ve never struggled to be proud of being a teacher or to be proud of my wonderful colleagues working tirelessly around me, but the current situation has made my pride even stronger! We have all overcome so many challenges, and continue to do so, but strive forward to benefit our pupils and their education.
I’ve realised how important human contact is, and that despite being a sociable person, I NEED to be able to talk with, laugh with and hug those around me. It has also reiterated how important contact with teachers if for the faces in front of us. More specifically, it has highlighted how important Drama is for many of us, staff and students alike!
Fresh air...what a saviour! Getting out with the dog, exercising daily and having the time to relax with yoga has been key. Taking time to myself that would usually be taken up with planning way into the evenings.
With all the above considered, it’s definitely a rollercoaster of emotions at the moment, some positive days filled with pride of what us teachers are doing, but days where I question if I am doing enough. There are always positives to take from challenge, and there are several to remember right now. It is important we stay safe and follow the guidance we are given, but all I know if I cannot wait until we are safe, back in our classrooms and learning with fabulous young people!
How are you coping? What projects/work are you setting? What are your positives?
Take care and stay safe!
Miss B :)