I met with her during her plan - I know how precious this time is - and I quickly realized how big of a fail it is that I've not focused more on supporting her and the other newbies. I long ago realized we do a really crappy job of on-boarding. Not because we intend to, but because a lot of assumptions are made, we are spread thin, and quite frankly, the newbies tend to be quiet and are just trying to survive so they don't make much noise.
What brought me to her was not being sure how she'd use Google Classroom with her firsties. There is a practical side of this and a fun side of this. And the practical side wasn't clear to her. As I started talking with her, I felt myself go back in time, 24 years ago, when it was MY first year and I felt overwhelmed ... I didn't have the technology then to contend with. I don't even know that my first school had a computer lab?
"What would I use Google Classroom for with them? I remember using it for assignments."
This is where our WHY needs to come into play. This is where our GOALS for our lessons need to be the big, bright, & shining light. I assured her no one was going to police her use of technology. I told her I firmly believe we need to focus on a balance of technology use. Use it when and what it's good for. I don't want her to start her career with the idea that device use for her students are the "magic" that is going to teach them. SHE is the teacher. SHE is the piece that the learning in her classroom need to focused around. The tech can support that, where it is helpful.
I explained to her that part of her job will be to continue to structure the use of technology, so that when her firsties become second graders, they will have a better knowledge than they did coming out of kindergarten. Not experts ... but more experience and more knowledge. Enter Google Classroom.
Our math programs integrates with Classroom, I explained, so when it comes time for her to have her students use the on-line components, Google Classroom will be where she has them access it. That's the practical side. Nothing too much, pretty simple, straightforward. I would be happy to assist with that when she's ready. Then, I went on, I would love to also come in and do little "tech lessons" with her and her students. I told her that I have several activities, typically holiday themed, that I would love to schedule roughly 30 minutes, and come in and lead the students through to incorporate a little bit of "fun". (Keep in mind, the tech lessons are all focused on the practical and targeted use of technology to build a strong foundation for students ... the whole purpose of this blog!) I told her I LOVE doing this! It's actually my favorite part of my job.
This whole conversation took maybe 15/20 minutes. I believe I shared the WHY for technology along with a couple of HOW's ... and I'm really hoping this reminds all of you that THAT is where we all need to start with education. WHY are we doing what we do. Talk with each other - newbies and veterans alike. WHY are you doing what you do. Make that be your focus.
Keep that at top of mind and our students will be better for it.
Reach out if you have questions ... share this with others ... do you have newbie teachers? Share this blog with them so they can have resources to help them have a great first year. Enjoy!
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