Beauvoir Educators Look for the Silver Linings

A Silver Linings Acrostic Poem

By Neil McClay and Nicole Maaia, Partner Teachers, First Grade

S ure it’s been a challenge, but we rise to those you know

I t wasn’t always easy, it’s been high and it’s been low

L et’s be thankful we’re back in the building and not alone in our own room

V ery different classroom setup, but at least it’s not on Zoom!

E nthusiastic children, all eager to see their friends

R eassuring teachers ready to hand sanitize and cleanse

L earning has continued, even though we wear a mask

I nquiring minds still growing, they have risen to the task

N ew tips and tricks from colleagues, to help you through your day

I nventive problem solving has become the Beauvoir way

N avigating new landscapes to make learning safe for all

G rateful for this community, who answered the rallying call

S hout out to all of Beauvoir, amazing is what you are

Joyful Connections Continue In The Elc

By Emma Hatton, Partner Teacher, Early Learning Center

I have found that I have a deepened gratitude and appreciation for the importance of our in-person relationships. So much of the learning in the ELC is rooted in social-emotional learning, especially navigating our earliest relationships with peers. The importance of this work reverberates throughout our entire lives. The flow of an in-person classroom is not something that can be re-created virtually; the delight of spontaneous connection is something that exists most in person. We saw it firsthand recently during arrival. One child was having difficulty separating from her parent and another child dropped everything, ran across the room, and said, “I am so happy you are here! I love you!” This warm welcome from one child to another, unprompted by an adult, is just one moment in a day full of joyful connections in the ELC and it is something I hope to never take for granted again!

Teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic has challenged me as an educator to reassess much of my teaching practice; the challenges have been a catalyst for creativity. Rather than seeing protocols as limitations, I try to see them as opportunities for deepening my thinking. This includes thinking about how to form family relationships when parents cannot come into the building, how to strengthen connections to a broader community when we are limited in moving throughout the building, and how to find resources when not immediately visible. These challenges are an opportunity to connect to what matters most.

FROM

"ANTHEM" (1992)

BY CANADIAN SINGER-SONGWRITER, LEONARD COHEN (1934-2016)

Cubs Find New Independence

By Ursula Costin, Partner Teacher, Early Learning Center

Pandemic health protocols everywhere impact us all. A huge change for our three-year-old students was that their parents could not enter the classroom. Each child rose to this challenge, developing a strong, joyful sense of their capability. They enjoyed their independence, arriving at the classroom door and marching inside proudly. They follow the morning routine, taking care of things that a well-intentioned parent might have done for them previously.

Personally and professionally, the pandemic and its related challenges—mental and physical upheaval, unpredictable schedules, isolation, fear, loneliness—have become lovely invitations to practice mindfulness, patience, and presence. I have developed a more persistent, courageous outlook and have found that happiness really is running down the streets to find me. Time alone has become a precious opportunity to reflect, read, write, and learn new things. It has made moments with others even more valuable.

I have almost mastered responding rather than reacting and have developed a habit of focusing joyfully on the present moment. I am conscious of and grateful for the many blessings in my life, inspired to look for ways to be of use to others. My hope and dream can be summed up by the words of The Very Rev. Randolph Hollerith: to use the broken, hurt parts of myself as tools to bless others.

Virtual Learning Leads To Evolution In Teaching

By Maryann Heim, Learning Resources Specialist

The “Covid experience” has been interesting for all of us, particularly educators. Thankfully, throughout this time, we have discovered some silver linings and they have helped keep us focused on the important task of educating young children. When this all began, teachers needed to learn to teach in a totally new way— through Zoom—almost overnight. After teaching for 20-plus years, I felt like a teacher fresh out of college where everything was new. At first this seemed overwhelming, but as more time went by, I began to appreciate having a chance to think creatively and to problem solve. As a result of this experience, I was able to add considerably to my collection of materials that I use in supporting students in their learning. Many of the activities I used while teaching virtually have become wonderful additions to my teaching in person. In fact, they have become some of my students’ favorites. The most important thing I believe we have all learned from this is how valuable our time is together.