Transitioning to Hybrid Learning

The first two weeks of in-person/hybrid service were definitely challenging as I juggled teaching students virtually and in the classroom. At one point, I was holding my laptop to listen to students’ fluency while assisting a student in front of me solve a math problem on the whiteboard. My students, however, were very patient during that entire transition and now that we are past the first few weeks there are a lot of success stories.

Serving in-person has had so many benefits, particularly in allowing for more connection with students. I am now enjoying walks around the track with my students during recess, as they eagerly take turns sharing about their life. It brings me so much joy engaging in these student-initiated conversations and watching their face light up with every response; something I don’t get to see so much on zoom. It’s been amazing to hear their perspective and recognize how much confidence they’ve gained throughout the year.

It is clear to me that these steps forward in connection are not just helping students feel better but made an academic impact too. My students recently took their test and every one of them passed with flying colors! And on top of that, they took the initiative to review their answers when they got the test back to understand their mistakes. I’m just beyond proud of my students for their transformation and am so happy to be serving my 5th and 6th graders. They have so much drive and I am so confident in these young leaders.