Agent of Change

Agents of Change

During lockdown

This year has been a case of deja vu. Yet another lockdown in 2021. In 2020 we were able to eliminate the virus and life pretty much went back to normal. Unfortunately in 2021,  Delta has been a game changer. We are dealing with vaccines, social distancing, the traffic light system,  isolating, covid masks......the list goes on. 

During the 80's there were two great cartoon agents from the UK. Inspector Gadget and Dangerous Mouse with his sidekick Pinfold. Danger Mouse and Inspector Gadget were able to tackle any circumstances thrown at them, with a bit of luck, determination and creativity. Pinfold was nicknamed 'Jigsaw' as he tended to fall to pieces. So I guess that during the lockdown I had a combination of all of these attributes that each of the agents possessed. Making the best of a bad situation by using our gadgets.....(devices). Acting quickly by taking the opportunity to strengthen our teams online skills.  Launching my class site, designing learning tasks to support our online learners, which in turn helped to strengthen my online teaching knowledge and creativity. Remaining connected to the students, whanau and our team was paramount to feel productive and being able to respond to learning needs. But most importantly taking the time to breathe when everything was getting overwhelming. 

Using our google class site has been paramount to support our learners.  Students value connecting with one another, the social interaction with their peers is very important. The children have had access to a larger variety of reading books, and learning tasks. Being able to read each day with the children, as well as continue to improve their maths and writing skills has been invaluable.  The last few years has really highlighted the importance of having access to online learning through the use of devices for our students. If the students had their own devices to use at home, especially during lockdown, their education would not suffer and they would have the added bonus of being able to socialise with their friends. Together we could navigate our new normal........without falling to pieces.