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Change the way you describe your students to reflect positivity!

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That is wild... just let this sink in.

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Does anyone else feel like they are working all hours of the day during distance learning? It’s all about balance and I am clearly still working on how to achieve that!

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As people as rushing to grab everything off the shelves for being quarantined, there are more than just food and toilet paper that is flying off the shelves. This article tells about different shelves that are empty and the impact it had on her. Things such as board games, cards, art supplies and children books are gone as families are spending more time together and finding activities to do together. The author was emotional as the empty shelves showed families being shown that this can be a time to celebrate slowing down and enjoying the time you have together. One quote she said that resonated with me is, "I hope SO strongly that when this is over, we can all continue spending our time this way…TOGETHER.” Never estimate that you can always find the light in the darkest of times.

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"I know I'm going to sound stupid, BUT I cried at Walmart this morning. Like a lot.

First I cried about paint brushes, canvases, and craft paint.

Then I cried about books. Then puzzles. Then board games and playing cards. Then I even cried about exercise equipment.

Needless to say, I got some very concerned looks as I wiped away tears and stared at the empty shelf meant for barbells and yoga mats.

The board games and playing cards are gone because families are having playtime together.

Paint and paint brushes are wiped out because people are learning to creatively express themselves.

Puzzles gone because people are challenging their minds.

Children's books are missing because parents and siblings are spending time reading to each other.

And exercise equipment because people are taking care of their bodies and physical health, in their garage, outdoors, wherever they can.

I have never seen so many people walking, jogging, bicycling...entire families. I see more sidewalk chalk in my neighborhood than I ever have.

Around 5:00 p.m. EVERY evening, the driveways down our street are full of families with their kids playing in the yard.

I played soccer with my son yesterday, for the first time ever.

And today, we're writing letters to send to his great grandparents...all things that should typically be a priority, but haven't been.

Coronavirus has done some very ugly things. But today was the most comfort I have felt in the midst of this pandemic.

God is restoring His people in so many ways and I hope we all slow down to see the beauty in that.

I hope SO strongly that when this is over, we can all continue spending our time this way...TOGETHER."
This story was submitted to Love What Matters by Kristina Rene Thomas. Submit your own story and be sure to to our free email newsletter for our best stories, and for our best videos. Read about amazing acts of kindness during the coronavirus pandemic: 'I put down my window. She handed me a bag and said, 'We want to thank you for what you're doing. You and all truckers working hard to keep our supply lines open.': Truck driver 'touched' by stranger's act of kindness during pandemic 'My family and I live check by check. 'The lady in front of you wanted you to have this.' I'm pregnant and super emotional as it is. I start bawling my eyes out in line.': Woman thanks stranger for act of kindness, 'There are still great people in this world'
Do you know someone who could benefit from reading this? SHARE this story on Facebook with family and friends.

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'I cried at Walmart this morning and wiped away tears as I stared at all the empty shelves. This is the most comfort I've felt in a while.': Woman says 'this virus has done very ugly things, but it has also brought us together'

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"The board games are gone because families are playing together. Paint is wiped out because people are creatively expressing themselves. Children's books are missing because parents and siblings are reading to each other. Around 5:00 p.m. EVERY evening, the driveways down my street are full of families and their kids playing in the yard."

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This article really sums up how kids could have felt when school was cancelled to prepare for distance learning. Some kids may understand what is going on but there is probably a lot of students that do not understand. One part that really resonated with me was, "You always tell us when we’re going to have a substitute teacher, so how come you didn’t tell us we all weren’t going to be at school for a while?" Students are relying on that consistency and having that trusted adult at school so I understand how they feel confused and a little let down. This article summed it up by saying that people keep telling this kid that they don't know. There are a lot of unknowns in this. It is a hard time to be a parent and not have answers for your little ones. I do not envy this. When we do return to school and are clear of quarantine I hope that the world is a little more kind and understanding. I hope that we give each other more grace. I hope that we appreciate not only each other, but things that we are so lucky to have. We have truly blessed lives and I think this can be a wake up call to be grateful for what we have.

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I wish I could see you right now! I miss you so much.

I feel a little confused about why I don't get to go to school right now.

Mom and Dad have been talking a lot about a virus and something called "social distancing" but I wish it didn't mean school had to be closed.

All the grown-ups say we're staying home to help keep the people we love safe. That sounds good, it sounds kind and we always try to be kind.

But I'm still sad.

I really miss you. I miss doing the calendar in the mornings and reading books and going to phy ed and music class. We've been practicing for our spring program and I don't know all the words yet so I hope we don't miss too many more practices!

Mom is making me go over our sight words at home every day, but she doesn't do it the same way you do. She doesn't know the actions to the GoNoodle songs either.

You always tell us when we're going to have a substitute teacher, so how come you didn't tell us we all weren't going to be at school for a while?

I'm trying not to be upset because it seems like the grown-ups are acting kind of strange, but sometimes I feel angry that I don't get to play with my friends anymore.

Why didn't we get to say goodbye?

I miss hearing you laugh and even the way you sometimes have to tell us to settle down or clean up our area. I'm trying to make good choices like we do with our classmates at school, but my brother and sister are kind of getting on my nerves.

I think they miss their teachers and friends, too.

I really want to see you again soon. I really, really hope I get to! I keep asking Mom when we're going back, but she just gets this funny, sad kind of look on her face and tells me, "I don't know."

It seems like everyone's telling me "I don't know" a lot lately.

Since you're a teacher, I know you're extra smart, so maybe you know . . . when do I get to see you again?

I finished reading the book in my folder and I need to pick another one out of the bin. Plus I think it's my turn to be the line leader next week and I don't want to miss it!

I hope I get to hug you soon, you give the best hugs.

I miss you lots and I'll see you soon . . . right?

Love,
Your student

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Dear Teacher, Why Didn't We Get To Say Goodbye? - Her View From Home

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I wish I could see you right now! I miss you so much. I feel a little confused about why I don't get to go to school right now. Mom and Dad have been talking a lot about a virus and something called "social distancing" but I wish it didn't mean school had to be closed.

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Stop Trying to be the Same Teacher you were a Month Ago 

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Stop Trying to be the Same Teacher you were a Month Ago 

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One of the teacher instagram accounts posted this picture. I think I needed to see this going into a new week of distance learning. It served as a reminder to give my students and families a little grace. Adapt with what is our new normal.

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We're learning and adapting every single day. You've got this. 💪 📸: @thebetterteacherproject

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2,711 Likes, 20 Comments - WeAreTeachers (@weareteachers) on Instagram: "We're learning and adapting every single day. You've got this. 💪 📸: @thebetterteacherproject"

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While subbing for different teachers the past few weeks, some of which have been sick, this sums up how students are reacting to their teacher being sick.

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While subbing in a music classroom, I saw this positive mindset journal on her desk. I had never seen this before but I thought that it was such a good idea and so useful to have! This journal can help teachers be intentional about goal setting and reflecting. It even has a place where you can write down the names of reasons that you want to send a positive note home about. I thought that this was such a cool tool to use as a first year teacher. What a great way to remind yourself to keep that growth mindset. Too often, we are just going through the motions and not recognizing the good that is right in front of us everyday. This profession matters. Each day we make a difference and using this journal can help us reflect that when we are struggling. I am definitely getting one of these bad boys for my first year teaching!

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I saw this picture and thought it was pretty funny. I’m sure every teacher can relate.... 😆 The amount of times I said “sit down please” just today is unreal. Oh, the joys of teaching 🙃

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In another 5th grade classroom, students are learning about graphing using grids. I thought this was such a fun activity to get students engaged and to practice this skill. How cute is this leprechaun??
I think it is so interesting the different ways that people teach across the grade level even if they are in the same building or in the same district. Student engagement is something to consider in all lessons and this teacher NAILED IT.

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It’s humbling when you are subbing in a classroom and have to use your whole prep to reteach yourself about what you are about to teach. I have not thought about plotting points on a graph and which quadrant a point is in for a very long time. It’s funny how quickly it can come back to you once you do see it, though. 🙂

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This is a very interesting article about a new teacher who observes a master teacher. The master teacher ends up showing many gender stereotypes in his lesson without intending to. I think that all educators should take a minute to really examine the implications that doing boys vs girls teams has on students. I found myself reflecting on if I have ever done this in a classroom and I am sure that I have. I know I for sure will think twice before ever making that mistake again!

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Yes = 6 more weeks of Winter
No = Spring is on its way

Looks like my kindergarten friends are hopeful that spring is around the corner! I did not agree but I am crossing my fingers and toes that they are right! 🤞🏻☀️

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During our District Professional Development day, I got the opportunity to watch the Love Them First movie produced by Kare 11. This story follows an elementary school in Northeast Minneapolis called Lucy Laney Elementary. It is a powerful program about how important it is to care about and love the kids you work with in order for them to succeed. Some of these young students have been exposed to more hardships and trauma than I ever will be. I recommend this video to everybody especially educators because I believe I am a better teacher and human because of this video. PSA: You will need tissues because there will be tears.

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Love Them First: Lessons From Lucy Laney Elementary

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Subbing in a first grade classroom brought some graphing of our favorite animals! It was so fun to see the kids rooting for their favorite animals! 🦍🦩🐍🐘🐅