What are the biggest challenges for you teaching from home?
Not getting distracted easily and staying on track. I feel like I’m constantly doing 20 things at once, and getting nowhere, rather than doing one task at a time… it’s something I’m working on. I’m now practicing mindfulness and meditating each morning.
Switching off from work. In the first week, I would get up at 6am and be straight on the emails and into my school work, and then struggle to get away from my laptop until 9pm at night. I’d eat my dinner and feel guilty for seeing emails come through and not responding to them. I’ve since set limits on my phone for what time I can access notifications, only responding to emails outside of work hours if it’s urgent (most the time it can wait until the next morning). Now I go for a walk in the morning, at lunchtime, and after school, to break up the day and get outside to breathe some fresh air! Exercise is so good for the mind, and body… and it keeps my dog happy J
What do you like most about teaching from home? What has surprised you?
Working in the comfort of my home. Home is my happy place and where I am most at ease (normally), so it’s nice being in my own environment. I’m enjoying the virtual catch ups with colleagues via video-call and staying connected with the school. I often have lunch or a cuppa while on a video call with a colleague to chat about our day and keep in contact which is a nice social part of the day. I’m so glad students are staying engaged and linking into our virtual classes and emailing me with questions.
Have you got a favourite/dedicated place at home to work?
I have my study all set up with bookcases, shelves, and a big desk which I love. I make sure to keep it as a comfortable space, always have a nice candle burning and plants in the study. It’s also means I can ‘close the study door’ at the end of the work day and keep myself out of there. I’ve also made a quote board, with lots of my favourite positive quotes to give me some inspiration!
Any funny, unexpected things that have happened as a result of teaching from home?
My dog gets very confused when I’m talking to my computer all the time. She looks at me as if I’m going mad! Or thinks it must mean it’s time to play.
What do you miss most about physically going to school?
The social interaction!! I miss the day to day conversations with my students about their lives, I miss teaching up the topics I’m so passionate about, and I miss my colleagues. I feel very lucky to work at BSSC and I’m definitely looking forward to getting back to school! I’ll even stop complaining about walking up three flights of stairs to get to my office in the top of C-Wing every day.
Anything you’d like to say to the rest of the BSSC community during lockdown?
I hope everyone is safe, healthy and happy with their loved ones, and staying optimistic during this time. I hope we can appreciate the little things a bit more, and I highly recommend practicing gratitude daily. We still have so much to be grateful for.
