5 Rules For Surviving Remote Learning

Rule #5: Be Camera Ready

This is coming from an extrovert who NEEDS people to feel complete! It's easy to get up and go to your computer after grabbing your coffee (or Vanilla Chai Tea in my case) and get to work.  I personally start to feel like an unmotivated slob if I stay in my pajamas all day! These days, I get up and get ready like I would if I was leaving my house to go to work, except everyday is a jeans day!  Since we are using Google Meet and Zoom for a lot of meetings these days (every day for me), having makeup on makes me feel like myself.  Obviously, makeup is not important to everyone. The idea is to just keep your morning routine to be your best self! 
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Rule #4: Use A Digital Calendar

I love my paper calendar (right now it's a Passion Planner), but I haven't been using it as much since we are using Google Meet for all of our PLC's.  When I'm home, it's much harder to keep up with time. I need my digital reminders so I don't miss any important meetings!  The beauty of using Google Calendar is that you can add conferencing to all your events as well as notification shedules.  I'd recommend setting them up with all your events so it's there if you need it. 

Want to know more about using Google Calendar? Check it out here! 

Rule #3: Don't plan too far ahead

Things are changing so quickly right now, you don't want to stress yourself out by planning to far ahead and realizing those plans have to change.  Our teachers have been planning for the week, including one day to catch up on everything that's due or work on a "May Do" choice board to give options to those who are done without overwhelming them with additional requirements. Haven't used Choice Boards yet, check these out!  
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Rule #2: Give Yourself Grace

My friend Kasey Bell wrote an awesome post about "Grace Over Grades" that really hit home for a lot of people, including me. It's not just about giving our kids Grace though, it's also about giving yourself grace! We have never had to live in a remote world like we are now, so we are all having to find our own groove. We don't even know how long it will last, so it's hard to set goals past today. We're taking one day at a time, and that's okay. We're all in it together!
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Rule #1: Enjoy The Little Things

If you've ever seen the movie Zombieland, you'll know where this comes from. LOL! Not saying that we're in the same situation, but sometimes it feels like we are preparing for a zombie apocolypse!  In all seriousness, this is a rule we should always follow.  Think of the blessings that come out of difficult times and it will help you get through the day.

Here are a few ways I enjoy the little things...

• Take a walk at lunch (safely distancing myself, of course)

• Work from my porch so I can listen to the birds and enjoy the spring weather
• Play games with my family at night (which are not being consumed by sports and other committments)

How are you staying sane during this pandemic? I'd love to hear your thoughts! Tag me on Twitter @specialtechie

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