(dreamstime.com)

By Chinook's Edge School Division

celebrating the 'new normal' for education

Unexpected triumphs, kind gestures in first weeks of online learning at Chinook’s Edge

Apr 21, 2020 | 10:14 AM

While learning online together at home is not the optimal teaching and learning model, Chinook’s Edge School Division is experiencing accomplishments which were not anticipated.

One profound encounter took place at Carstairs Elementary School, when a Grade 2 student spoke directly to his teacher for the very first time.

Staff at the school have been supporting this child since he was a preschooler as he works through challenges caused by a condition called selective mutism, a severe form of anxiety. Until now, he has never spoken in class or near an adult at school.

“His teacher has been building a relationship of trust and comfort with all her students, and has continued that strong connection with them while they learn at home,” said Vice Principal Lara Pawluk. “Something triggered with this child during the second week and he unexpectedly reached out to her. He had sent a photo of a calf being born on their farm, and followed up with a phone call to let her know the calf was doing well, and that he misses school and misses her.

“She was stunned when it happened – it was the first time she has ever heard him speak directly! Aside from a few short recordings sent in by his mom, it was the only time she has heard his voice. We have worked towards something like this for years with him and it is incredibly heartwarming. I think human behaviour has been put in a different place because of the pandemic – we can’t really explain it any other way. All our teachers are so motivated to do all they can for their kids and they are all celebrating this – it’s such an unexpected big deal!”

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Up the highway at Spruce View School, it was a student teacher who shared an unexpected gesture.

Josiah Hallman was in the final few weeks of his last year in the University of Lethbridge Bachelor of Education program, when the pandemic pulled the plug on his plans. While the pandemic has caused his university program to pause, Josiah is full steam ahead! He has kept on with his practicum placement, teaching Social 9 and Social 20 classes to Spruce View students three times a week online as a volunteer.

Josiah Hallman

“I guess I’ve just gotten to know them all, you know, and have built a rapport with them. They’re my students and I want to see this through with them,” said Josiah, who is still on track to graduate with just one class left to complete – hopefully over the summer.

“I’ve been involved with online classes throughout university, so transitioning to teaching with technology wasn’t difficult. I figure I had lots to offer, because I knew I would be able to facilitate this seamlessly. We have good participation and good debates still. We sometimes get off track with their thinking and their discussions, just like normal class! They’re adapting well and following along in the curriculum. They really enjoy seeing their classmates online, though, so you can tell they miss that interaction together.”

Staff, students and families throughout the division are finding innovative ways to stay connected.

Elnora School visited each of their students in a convoy of vehicles the first week, with one staff person per vehicle to ensure physical distancing regulations were met.

“We made signs with positive messages and decorated our cars, and then our line of 10 vehicles pulled up to each home honking, waving, holding signs and yelling hello,” said Principal Jocelyn Pennock.

“Students and families came out to their front steps to greet us from a distance. It was an amazing day – we miss our students like crazy, so the road trip provided us with one more way to stay connected.”

(Sandy Bexon)