Reinvading a Strange Planet: Your Classroom [GIFs]

When E.T. visited Earth for the first time, he was fascinated by the Los Angeles city lights—so much so that he missed his ride home. Little did he know what an adventure he was embarking on, with magical, yet mundane terrestrial experiences like opening an umbrella, watching John Wayne, and reading Buck Rogers for the first time. 

For many teachers and students, we’re guessing that coming back to the classroom after the COVID-19 shutdowns will feel a little bit like E.T. exploring our planet. These (mostly) friendly aliens are here to guide you through the strange-yet-familiar experience of attending school in person once more. 

Remembering the Rigor of Your Morning Routine

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Having to be presentable from more than waist-up? What strange customs these people have! 

Tackling the Commute 

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Cars? Buses? I thought you just had to wait for your laptop to boot up to get to class! 

Walking into the Teacher’s Lounge 

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Ah, yes. This terrain will do nicely for a temporary oasis. 

Seeing Your Classroom Again 

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So. Many. Anchor Chart. Possibilities. 

Seeing Students in a Non-Digital Format 

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Three-dimensional children who can give high-fives and can’t turn off their webcams? You could get used to this. 

Putting On the “Teacher Show” 

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The young beings seem to respond to displays of energy and enthusiasm. Who are you to deny them? 

Separating Chatty Students 

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You almost forgot what it felt like to combat excessive socialization. 

Conducting Science Experiments 

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At-home labs can’t compare with blowing things up in class together. 

Eating School Lunch Once More (Did You Miss It?) 

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The commissary here seems to favor carbs of the burger and pizza variety. 

Giving the Teacher Look of Disapproval 

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Sure, your students could see it over Zoom, but now they will feel the weight of your displeasure. 

Coming Home After the First Day Back 

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Oh yeah. That’s why you’re so exhausted at the end of each day. 

Supporting Students Landing in Your Classroom for the First Time 

Most kids will be excited to come back to the classroom and see their friends. But that doesn’t mean the transition will be without its challenges. To make sure you’re prepared to support students emotionally and curb potential behavioral issues, check out these professional development courses from Advancement Courses: 

• Fostering Cultural Awareness and Inclusivity in the Classroom: How do you apply cultural understanding to your pedagogy and teach your students to embrace other cultures as well? Get concrete strategies for becoming a more culturally responsive teacher and creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and welcome. 

• Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports for Successful Classrooms: Has classroom management become an endless chore that minimizes teaching time and student engagement? Learn preventative and responsive strategies for addressing off-task behaviors so you can decrease disruptions, increase instructional time, and improve academic and social outcomes. 

• Staying Present: Mindfulness for Better Teaching and Learning: When teachers and students are centered and able to manage their emotions, they are more successful in and out of school. Create a culture where every member of your class is mindful and able to stay present even in stressful situations. 

• Curbing Disruptive Behavior: It only takes one student to derail an entire lesson or even an entire school year. Learn preventative techniques for stopping behavior issues before they start, and create practical intervention strategies to keep your class on track when disruptive behavior does occur. 

• Flexible Seating: Take a closer look at the purpose of flexible seating and how to assess the needs of the classroom, with your philosophy of teaching in mind, to provide academic growth, student engagement, and ownership of learning. 

Advancement Courses offers more than 280 online, self-paced PD courses covering both foundational topics and emerging trends in K–12 education. Courses are available for both graduate and continuing education credit for your salary advancement or recertification needs.