Change the script
I received a very thoughtful email this week from Kathleen Kirkman, one of our Grade 8 advisors. Rather than paraphrase her words, I would like to share what she sent and the work of her advisory. I believe it speaks volumes about this school year and the learning that has taken place because of, rather than in spite of, the pandemic.
Ms. Kirkman’s email:
With all the talk in the education world about learning loss this year, my advisory this morning worked to come up with what their learning gains have been—skills they have developed this year that they may not have if COVID-19 hadn’t happened. We weren’t trying to minimize the challenges of this year, but to change the script a little about how much our students have learned this year, despite all the challenges.
COVID-19 Learning Gains
Note that the * indicates that more than one student expressed a similar thought
Knowledge of how Zoom and Skype works ****
Spending more time with my parents and family *****
Getting longer chunks of time for outdoor and indoor activities I enjoy
Making friends I otherwise wouldn’t **
Developing self-motivation in basketball and school **
Finding things to do while bored **
Less stress
More time to reflect
Able to focus more on school stuff with fewer distractions
Spending more time with pets **
How to better communicate with people digitally ****
How to advocate for myself **
Video game skills: strategy, hand/eye coordination, collaboration
Meeting new people
Less stress around homework
Learned more about diseases and vaccines
Being productive when there’s nothing to do
New friends
Getting rid of toxic people
Got better at sports by practicing at home
New way of learning **
Got rid of side part (hair)
Being able to work out on my own time
More free time for individual endeavors ***
Practice trying to stay positive
__________________
It is a heartfelt and reflective list of the pandemic's unforeseen benefits, seen through the eyes of a few of our Eighth Graders. Thank you, Ms. Kirkman and your students, for helping us change the script today.
If you have any questions, or if there is any way that I can be supportive, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Best,
Bill
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