Focus on the Maker

 

Last summer I spent a lot time thinking about and preparing for a year of remote teaching and learning.  One thing that became very apparent was that my focus would be less on the space and materials and more on the maker.  It brought to light how much time I spent developing and maintaining my classroom space and equipment during a normal school year.  While I felt the loss of not being able to teach from my beautiful maker space, it challenged me to focus on some new areas.  With limitations on materials for remote projects, I dug in deep to teaching the the design process.  With fewer classroom distractions, no passing time in the halls, no clean up/set up between classes, I had more time with students.  I brought storytelling back into my classes.  I focused on social emotional learning and really got to know my students.  I dare to say I even got to know many of my students better in this remote setting.  It was a rewarding, difficult and illuminating year.  My next challenge is taking what I learned from this year and using it to help shape my next year in education.