Distance Learning Ditching

You've spent so much time creating your lessons only to have your students not even show up/ turn in their lessons. Now what?

It is very difficult to motivate students when they are in your classroom, and now you are expected to motivate them virtually as well. Don't let the world get you down. You got this.

At times, you feel like a failure. It makes sense... You hit restart on that video lesson 10 times now. It's time to feel optimistic. Your kids will show up if they want to. That's it. You are not expected to drive by their house. You are not expected to go above and beyond to ensure they log on. They will if they can; they will if they want to.

For now, make your lessons meaningful and fun. kids are sitting behind a computer screen all day. They are mentally exhausted, their eyes hurt, and they have more work to do than every before. They are lost in the Google Classroom Stream of comments, questions, and assignments, and they just don't know where to begin- so they just watch YouTube instead.

• Find time to make learning meaningful and fun. We did a Spirit Week, and I'm pretty sure I had way more fun than my kids. Mismatched socks, pajamas, funny hats, oh my!
• Do some shout-outs. Kids love hearing their name called for something awesome- so showcase it. I LOVE to make FlipGrid Video Shoutouts and send it to the kiddos. They LOVE to watch them. It's time to make every day for our "ditchers" a little bit more exciting.
• Call them! They just want to know that you care. Simple as that. 
• Daily video messages: They want to see your face, and let's face it... They need to. We need to visually remind them that we and school still exist!
• Finally, be present. I am the type of person that hates the notifications on my phone for emails. I just want it to go away. Which means I work a lot. I answer those emails non-stop. I would rather just get it out of the way. Besides, they are ONLINE! Might as well answer them while I can. You don't have to be that person. I have a family. I am there for them as well, and I definitely give myself some work time on the weekend. The more present you are with an "Open Door" the more likely they will come to you with questions and answers.