Week 11: Rest & Replenish

If you asked me how I pictured Week 11 to go, I would have probably expected to share something awesome that happened during one of the multiple labs I had planned for this week. However I found myself writing sub plans and attending multiple medical appointments.

Even though I was out of the classroom for three days, I will be sharing a HIGH (some of the best #UndeniablyDerry and other dynamite moments), a LOW (something I wish was better, but can’t change so I learn to grow from the experience), and a TIP (something that encouraged me to continue to grow my roots in agriculture education).

High:

Since I would be out for three days, due to doctor’s recommendations, I busily prepared sub plans between resting periods. Due to Mr. Campbell attending SLLC my sub plans challenged me to be detailed and creative, so the sub and students would have an easy understanding of the tasks that needed completed. To help ensure tasks were getting completed, I created class folders in Google Drive and presented a shareable link that the sub shared with the students. I was really excited about utilizing this tech tool in the classroom. Since the school is not one to one, I thought I was adding a tool to my students' tool belt as 21st century learners. 

Low:

Unfortunately since the school is not one to one, a lot of difficulties arouse. According to the sub notes, students did not understand how to utilize the ‘dropbox’ that I created for the assignments. Instead, the sub just had them print out the assignments. Although I appreciate that the sub found an alternative way, I was really hoping for the students to learn something new. Additionally, since grades are due next week this would have been a great way for me to keep up with grading; however, now I am behind.

Tip:

To say the least, my health was not on my side and it made me realize that it is okay to put yourself first sometimes. As I shared, I had some awesome labs planned for this week but I did not have the ability to share or facilitate them myself. However, I am thankful for the time to rest and replenish myself, so I could feel better faster. I could not image how worse things could have gotten if I kept pushing things off.

Weekly Unique Moments:

Caring Faculty & Students- Since I was out because of health issues I was amazed, overwhelmed, and happy to receive multiple messages from fellow faculty members and students sharing get well thoughts.

Online Seminar- Although my students struggled with technology this week, it was something I utilized to communicate with multiple people. Not only did I provide sub plans through technology, but I provided feedback and presented a lesson utilizing Zoom to my fellow cohort member. This allowed me to receive critiques to improve lessons for my students. I am excited to continue to implement technology into my classroom and professional life.