Transforming distance learning into student engagement with author messages

    How I made distance learning engaging

 Now that the school year is officially over, I've started to do more self-reflection on a personal and professional standpoint. As a professional I feel teachers did an amazing job during this time. Being able to completely flip curriculum for students, make it creative, and engaging all while in a pandemic and trying to take care of yourself and sometimes your family is not easy. But we are teachers. When challenged we rise and look at them as a way to grow. 

During distance learning I still wanted my lessons to be engaging, creative, and inspiring. I came across the idea after emailing one of my favorite authors that my students just finished the first book in her amazing series. She responded and I told my students what she wrote. Quickly after that I had the spark to take this a step farther. Almost everyone in the nation was having to stay home during this time and I knew I was looking at a potentially great idea. Many authors love hearing from their audience, especially kids.

I reached out to authors on social media asking if they would be willing to send a note or make a video to encourage my students during this time. Slowly I started getting responses and videos. Each time I shared the message or video to my students it would literally make their day. It gave them hope when maybe they haven’t felt hope in a while. Their words inspired them, comforted them, and let them know they are not alone during this time. We all are struggling at times and when you hear someone you look up to using empathy and mentioning your school you can’t help but feel hope even in times of uncertain.

This time of distance learning was not easy. However, it was great to see so many authors reach out to my students and let them know things will get better. There is always a next chapter.

 

To see clips of the author messages look my Twitter and Instagram page. 

1-JamiaWilson

2- Aimee Reid

3- Derrick Barnes

4-Matt De La Pena

5- Julia Finley Mosca