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My Grade 8 students did an artifact project where they had to share an artifact from the year and reflect on its importance, as well as just reflect on the year in general. And adults, I’m here to tell you that teenagers don’t see this pandemic the way you think they do.
So many kids have expressed the relief they feel at the world feeling still — that they had too many extra-curricular activities, too many after-school things keeping them busy. For some, this time has felt like a breath of fresh air.
Others have expressed that they’ve discovered boredom and creativity for the first time. Some have discovered new hobbies they never would have had time for otherwise.
Some are finding their voice through online activism, because their eyes have been opened with BLM and the pandemic inequalities they see everyone going through.
Some, yes, are lonely and miss their friends. But the vast majority expressed that that they don’t feel *that* disconnected, because their after school habits of texting, Discord, and video chats remain intact.
For some of them — the relief of online school, because they’re away from bullies or pressure or expectations. Some are relieved at having more space then they would in a classroom, which makes sense, when you remember that we can stuff upwards 26 teens in a classroom.
There are other, more personal examples that I obviously can’t (and don’t want to) share, but honestly, I was shocked. The thoughtfulness, the creativity, the brash honesty, the perspective.
Working with teens is such an honour.
Working with teens is such an honour.
To add: yes, some students expressed feeling anxious and/or sad. Yes, many miss the social aspect of school and/or extra-curriculars.
What I’ve largely read and heard is that even if they do feel that way, most are seeing bright spots.
What I’ve largely read and heard is that even if they do feel that way, most are seeing bright spots.
There it is! I’ve had to mute this thread. Know though:
- I’m very appreciative of all the support.
- My students experiences are not the only experiences.
- Some kids are not doing well and I didn’t share these stories to invalidate other stories.
- Teens are not a monolith.
- I’m very appreciative of all the support.
- My students experiences are not the only experiences.
- Some kids are not doing well and I didn’t share these stories to invalidate other stories.
- Teens are not a monolith.
-Give kids options — those who need f2f learning should be able to do so safely, and those who prefer virtual learning should still get to do it.
- none of what I said in my thread invalidates the fact that schools should be be adequately funded, open and safe!
- none of what I said in my thread invalidates the fact that schools should be be adequately funded, open and safe!
- Properly fund mental health supports.
- PAID SICK DAYS FOR EVERYONE!
- hold the government accountable because we all deserve better then what we’ve been handed in this pandemic.
- PAID SICK DAYS FOR EVERYONE!
- hold the government accountable because we all deserve better then what we’ve been handed in this pandemic.
Hello, it's me again!
I saw a couple of teachers asking for the project. Because my students and I co-collaborate on assignments, there's no one-size-fits-all assignment page I can share. I did base the entire thing on this great @nytimes contest though: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/09/09/learning/coming-of-age-in-2020-a-special-multimedia-contest-for-teenagers-in-the-us.html
I saw a couple of teachers asking for the project. Because my students and I co-collaborate on assignments, there's no one-size-fits-all assignment page I can share. I did base the entire thing on this great @nytimes contest though: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/09/09/learning/coming-of-age-in-2020-a-special-multimedia-contest-for-teenagers-in-the-us.html
