The week of February 1 – 5, 2021

 

                                                     Adawè Crossing on the Rideau River, just east of U of O

The Theme for this week is Building Bridges – developing a safe learning environment for all students. This is a HUGE, ongoing, evolving challenge for all educators. It really comes down to educators putting energy and mindfulness into knowing and understanding their students. Listening, watching, reflecting, we are always trying to understand where our students are at – emotionally, academically, physically and socially and keep them safe.

Check out BrightSpace for the readings and links for AYERS and Ministry documents.

 

WHAT’s UP? (certainly not the temperature!)

• The University of Ottawa is convening a series of workshops during Black History Month. You can check out the schedule here: http://www.edublackhistorymonth.ca/registration.html
• Next Tuesday, February 9th, the Faculty is hosting a Ministry PLC on Mental Health and Well Being from 9:00 – 10:30 a.m.. Paul and Heather will be attending. There will be no class on the 9th but we will be here for questions or chats. 
• Tuesday, February 16th – cohort meeting
• Tuesday, February 23rd – DIGITAL HUB presentations

 

Tuesday’s class: GROUNDHOG DAY! Module 13

• check-in and questions/information about re-opening of schools
• Identify the components of positive environments for learning.
• Discuss evidence of responsive or adaptive teaching/learning and challenges in addressing diversity in classrooms: what have you seen re differentiation and accommodation?
• Understand the professional responsibilities of teachers in terms of safe schools, child abuse reporting, and bullying.
• Digital Hub – review of what you can, should, want to include

 

REMINDERS

• Digital Hub presentations on Tuesday, February 23rd. Those who have deferred practicum should still be organizing and filling their digital hub with articles, resources etc..
• Blog #2 – due after practicum

 

MENTAL HEALTH WELLNESS CHECK-IN

The origin of the word courage is heart. Real courage comes from compassion and understanding for oneself and others. As a teacher candidate during an unprecedented pandemic you are being challenged on many levels: how to cope personally with isolation and uncertainty; how to get to know people and collaborate with others in an online environment at school; how to go back and forth between online and in-class teaching; and, how to feel a momentum and a growth as a new educator as circumstances are changing all of the time.

We appreciate how hard you are working at school and in your own personal life. We understand the difficulty of not being able to move freely and to be with community in a normal way. We also know that you are developing really special skills in being adaptable and flexible, and in learning new online pedagogy.

Please take care of yourself. Do simple things that make you happy. Reach out to others. And, if things seem to be getting overwhelming, reach our for support. We are here for you with your other U of O contacts.

CMHA – “Tips to Manage Mental Health During COVID-19” is a brief, succinct article on the basics of keeping mentally healthy during these COVID times.

Here is a short piece from the poet and wordsmith, David Whyte, on courage:

TECH TIPS

Please continue to share apps, software and strategies that are working for you in your practicum. We are building an inventory so you can all have access to others’ suggestions and ideas.

https://www.educatorstechnology.com/2015/11/tools-and-apps-for-creating-educational-comics-in-class.html

https://www.storyboardthat.com/storyboard-creator

HUMOUR and ADAPTABILITY

Sportscaster Andrew Cotter found himself out of regular work when the pandemic hit Britain. So, he improvised applying his professional sportscasting skills to covering the lives of his two Labradors, Olive and Mabel.