It is 7:45am and you are getting ready to greet your kiddos as they enter Google Meets. You want to build those relationships with your kiddos but with all the content that needs to be taught, it seems impossible. How does one actually start and end their school day (virtually), and build those relationships?
Best Ways to Start the Day Virtually
I LOVE the beginning of our virtual day together! I love seeing my kiddos smiling faces as I wave to them from a totally different location. This is the time where I can be personal with them and can truly let them be themselves. There are a few things that I do that are ultimately the best way to start the day virtually.
As I am welcoming my students into the room I make it a habit to mention everyone’s name. Yes, this may seem like a bit of an overkill, but what I’ve found is that they find true enjoyment in hearing me say their name. I have even had a parent or two on occasion, email me to say, “Ms. Cook, such and such is here too. I just wanted to make sure you saw them in case we missed you saying their name.” It really makes me crack up.
Something else that I do is a morning meeting. During morning meeting, I ask them questions to get to know them. We have discussion, play virtual would you rather games, do exercises, and discuss what our day ahead looks like. I truly do feel that morning meeting is so important to have in all classrooms, including virtual. Having a virtual morning meeting may even be more of an importance factor.
Students break off into small groups with me or independently with the way the district has set up our schedule. Before small group time, I make sure I go over the work with my students and answer questions that they may have. I let them know that I am “here” to help them, and just give them that extra confidence boost to let them know that they can do it!
Best Ways to End the Day Virtually
Our final wrap up is quite fun. There are a few things that I do that are ultimately the best way to end the day virtually. I do my absolute best to mix it up and make sure that incorporate many different things into our final wrap up. some of the things that we have done during this time is:
- How to Draw
- Read Alouds from Awnie’s House! … FYI WE LOVE Awnie’s House!
- Home Pet Check
- Student Breakout Rooms
- Sharing Time (Students can tell a story or as questions)
- SEL Check
- What Did You Learn Today Discussions
- Dance Parties
- Friday Virtual Awards
We like to have fun with our final wrap up. Not only have my kids worked hard that day (for the most part), but I want them to be able to relax and enjoy the end of our day together.
Doing these things in the morning as well as at the end of the day really helps us to get to know one another and enjoy each other. How else would my kiddos know that I have an obsession with Tacos and Pizza?!
