There's much to be said about teachers. No matter the time, no matter the place, teachers find ways to make a difference in their classrooms, especially in English classrooms across Western New York. When social distancing orders were placed by New York State, teachers and schools needed to quickly develop their plans to continue meaningful teaching in their classrooms.
As for my own experience in my third year as an English educator, I had just started my latest position as a 7th grade Expeditionary Literacy Teacher at Tapestry Charter School in Buffalo, New York. I had about a week and a half in the classroom with students before teachers made the shift to online learning. I had been looking forward to truly developing meaningful relationships with the students, especially after developing relationships with the students I had previously been teaching in 9th and 12th grade.
Upon the news of online learning, it became clear that a journaling assignment was needed in order to meet the needs of students in these incredibly challenging times. Students were required to complete 2-3 journal entries per week during Online Learning, and the daily lessons were based upon ongoing events related to Coronavirus and COVID-19. This included articles, livestreams of Governor Andrew Cuomo's press releases, as well as content related to local and national news.
The three students from my classes that agreed to submit their work have shown their ability to communicate their stories, which are all simply impressive. Each has shared their Coronavirus Narrative, which showed how these challenging times are affecting students across Western New York, as well as the rest of the world. Their work is linked below!
1. Hannah- Coronavirus Narrative
2. Clementine- Coronavirus Narrative
3. C.P- Coronavirus Narrative
These three students shared their unique experiences, and I am forever grateful to have been involved to read about their experiences. It truly makes the struggles real, but it also helps us find that in all of the chaos or turmoil some of us may be feeling, there are some moments we can, hopefully, look back upon fondly.
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Dear Hannah,
ReplyDeleteI first and foremost want to commend you on your ability to reach across the 'screen' utilizing your words to allow the reader to be right there with you. This is a powerful tool in writing, but this also acts as a form of concrete between you, the author, myself (as well as others) and the reader. Your capability to write conversationally is remarkable; you brought us into your family dynamics effortlessly...I could almost taste the ice cream you would 'borrow' from your cousins upstairs. Writing is a vehicle that can take both the writer and reader on an amazing journey; keep fueling up; as you are going to go far! Thank you for sharing and keep your chin up and the excellent work up as well.
Very Sincerely, Amy Lynn Walter (A Buffalo State English Education Major)
Dear Clementine,
ReplyDeleteI would like to first say, that I think your name is so beautiful and it corresponds with your writing. I would like to thank you for opening your heart and sharing you and your family's emotions at this wavering time. I am happy that your family adopted a rescue dog and that this experience has brought you and your sisiter closer; because you agree on the love of your new addition. I am also happy that you and your family are spending 'quality time,' however, the beauty lies in the sheer fact that you recognize this and cherish it as well. I feel that you, Clementine, have a large heart and a strong conviction of what is wrong and what is right. You are just made of the 'stuff' to not only do 'what is right,' but also promote it. Keep writing, as your words have value and signifigance; which ultimately are a reflection of you...I can see that you are beautiful. Never change!
Very Sincerely, Amy Lynn Walter (Buffalo State College English Teacher Candidate).
Dear C.P,
ReplyDeleteI'm guessing you have some mixed feelings about this whole thing, huh? Me too. It's nice being able to relax at home and work at our own pace, but we have to remember that this is a serious thing and once this is all over, we have our normal lives to get back to. It'll be sad not having our full freedom, but seeing our friends again will all be worth it.
You seem to have your priorities down straight, though! Doing what you want when you want--living the life! We were all definitely in need of some free time. Better get that sleeping schedule fixed, though. It'll be a lot better for you in the long run if everything is in order now, you know? Even though mine is no better... Anyway, it's definitely an uncertain and worrisome time for all of us right now. As long as we do what we have to do, I have faith that everything is gonna turn out okay. Hope your paint job turned out well!
Stay drippy, Morgan