Masks have not been mandatory where I live so I consider myself fortunate. However, there are many that choose to wear them. That's okay. I don't have a problem with those that choose to wear them or those that don't.  I practice distancing and good hygiene.  Keep my hands from my face.  

In my public excursions I've noticed traits that some masks wearers share.  The first is pretty obvious. Maybe you've noticed it too.  The lack of smiles. I know you're thinking that I just can't see them behind the mask, but I would beg to differ.  Smiles reach the eyes (to be real) and I haven't noticed any smiling eyes.  Many turn their heads and look away.  Forget the smile, they don't even make eye contact.  

Some mask wearers glare at those not wearing a mask. They stare and give a nod of disapproval until the rebel is out of sight.    Then they look at you to see if you'll join in their coalition.   I call this the stare down.  Usually I just smile back at them.  If I'm not masked up, I get the glare.  I guess they're trying to make me feel guilty.  It doesn't work. 

Masks tend to give some people a sense of security- not safe from the virus security- safe from people. If they're wearing a mask, they feel somewhat empowered. Braver. Invincible. Or maybe they feel invisible. Either way the result is the almost the same.  They go about their business like they are the only ones there and ignore everyone around them.  

Regardless of whether or not you are a mask wearer, we can still be kind and courteous. We can still make eye contact and smile.  Our manners don't have to be put on a shelf just because we have half of our faces hidden.  We can still help the elderly (or vertically challenged) person who can't reach an item on the top shelf.  We can still wish people a good morning or afternoon.  We can still hold the door open for others. We can still respect the opinions and feelings of others.  Even if they differ from your own. 

And that goes for anywhere that you are- not just the store.  Being respectful and kind should never be socially unacceptable. 

Some Fall Favorites!! 

Privacy Policy

This blog does not share personal information with third parties nor do I store any information about your visit to this blog other than to analyze (this blog is run by blogger, a Google company so Google analytics are used to provide me with general statistics about my blog readership) and optimize your content and reading experience through the use of cookies.  This blog is published on Facebook and Pinterest sites. This blog is not responsible for their use of cookies. If you wish to turn off the use of cookies you may do so at any time through your specific browser settings.  If you sign up to receive the blog by email, your email will not be added to any other mailing list or sold.  It is simply used to send the blog post to your inbox. No purchases may be made from this website. In order to purchase my resources you must visit the hosting website.   I am not responsible for republished content from this blog on other blogs or websites without my permission. This privacy policy is subject to change without notice and was last updated on August 1, 2019. If you have any questions feel free to contact me directly at kimberlyfrencken@gmail.com

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Chocolate 4 Teachers

Kids need socialization. Kids need to feel safe. Kids need to play. Kids need to be around other kids. Kids need to have a teacher. Kids need to be in the classroom.  At least that's one side of the argument. Others think it's too dangerous to place kids in the classroom.  It's too dangerous for teachers. It doesn't matter who you ask, the decision of whether or not to send kids back to school, is still up in the air.  Even 20 experts can't agree!

The CDC director wants kids back in school. He thinks that not opening schools will have a dire consequence on kids in the fall.   He, along with many school officials, stress the importance of opening safely and smartly.   The New England Journal of Medicine published an article stating that not opening schools can severely affect some students.  The article properly reports that schools closed in the spring because it was believed that students were the most severely affected by Corona Virus.  Now, the scientific community has discovered that children are the least affected. 

And still...... the question goes unanswered and highly debated.  Some strongely recommend that schools reopen and some use props to demonstrate that teachers' lives will be in danger if school reopens.   Some teachers even stoop to the level of making dramatic posts. Social media posts are filled with images and slogans about the subject.  Some teachers are afraid, some are angry, and some just want to see their kids.    

Who knows how this will end.  I can only hope that I'll end up in the classroom. With my kids. 

I'm getting ready for fall. How about you? 

Privacy Policy

This blog does not share personal information with third parties nor do I store any information about your visit to this blog other than to analyze (this blog is run by blogger, a Google company so Google analytics are used to provide me with general statistics about my blog readership) and optimize your content and reading experience through the use of cookies.  This blog is published on Facebook and Pinterest sites. This blog is not responsible for their use of cookies. If you wish to turn off the use of cookies you may do so at any time through your specific browser settings.  If you sign up to receive the blog by email, your email will not be added to any other mailing list or sold.  It is simply used to send the blog post to your inbox. No purchases may be made from this website. In order to purchase my resources you must visit the hosting website.   I am not responsible for republished content from this blog on other blogs or websites without my permission. This privacy policy is subject to change without notice and was last updated on August 1, 2019. If you have any questions feel free to contact me directly at kimberlyfrencken@gmail.com

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Chocolate 4 Teachers

What is my favorite distance learning tool?  Or my favorite digital tool?

In case you don't know..... it's Boom Learning.  I got hooked on Boom a couple of years ago. From a teacher's perspective it's awesome.  Self-checking. Engaging. Large library of resources to choose from and I can create my own if I wish.  But enough about teachers.... 

From a student's perspective, Boom Learning is a winner.  I've put myself in the shoes of a student using my experience as a student (as best I could remember).  My attention, even as an adult, is hard to keep in one place. My mind is always wandering to greener pastures.   I need something to hold my attention. Something interesting. Colorful. Bright.  Take a look. 

Bright colors. Interesting design.   ⇢   

Some decks contain slides that aren't so busy.  Like this one.     

Some decks have clipart or photos added to them. 

What does this mean to me, as a student?  It means that learning just took a new turn. It's interesting. Even if several lessons use Boom Learning, each deck will be different. The platform will stay the same, but the content and design will vary.   I can have the confidence to use Boom Learning, knowing how it works, but my attention will be kept through the variety of lessons available.  I like knowing when I get something right. It's also helpful when I know which answer was incorrect.  I can learn from my mistakes.                                        

  This tells me to reread the passage. ⇢     

 

                                            

Does Boom Learning or any other Distance Learning tool replace the classroom? No.  But there are many tools available that can help students continue to learn when being in the classroom isn't possible.  

                           Click on this picture to look at Boom Learning resources in my store. 

 

Privacy Policy

This blog does not share personal information with third parties nor do I store any information about your visit to this blog other than to analyze (this blog is run by blogger, a Google company so Google analytics are used to provide me with general statistics about my blog readership) and optimize your content and reading experience through the use of cookies.  This blog is published on Facebook and Pinterest sites. This blog is not responsible for their use of cookies. If you wish to turn off the use of cookies you may do so at any time through your specific browser settings.  If you sign up to receive the blog by email, your email will not be added to any other mailing list or sold.  It is simply used to send the blog post to your inbox. No purchases may be made from this website. In order to purchase my resources you must visit the hosting website.   I am not responsible for republished content from this blog on other blogs or websites without my permission. This privacy policy is subject to change without notice and was last updated on August 1, 2019. If you have any questions feel free to contact me directly at kimberlyfrencken@gmail.com

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Chocolate 4 Teachers