Wanda Roff, KPREP

Have you had anything unexpected happen...like an unexpected benefit, joy, moment, etc. from distance learning?
As a mom, my teenage son spends more time outside of his bedroom! Parents have reached out to me in so many amazing ways. We even send mail to each other! It is amazing. Families have become such good friends and lifelines, along with staff!
Mrs. Roff’s at-home classroom.

What is something your class has been or is working on/ learning?
We have worked on three new letters and continue to work on teen numbers. We have done many Faith Lessons from Palm Sunday to Jesus’ resurrection. The children have made beautiful art projects for Easter and also to go along with the lessons. We are currently investigating pond water. Our morning meeting is the same as when we were in the classroom. The kids are doing amazing!

What has been the most difficult part of distance learning?
Learning how to teach from a computer! I do not like to be around screens. Especially not to talk to! Learning the programs has been a difficult, but good adjustment. I learn from staff and also parents on how to make things easier. I miss the students! We finally did a video chat on Friday and I held back tears because seeing and hearing them made me miss them even more! I’m wondering if what I am having the children do is too much? Not enough?

Is it easy for the families?
Looking back one month to when you first found out you would definitely be distance teaching, what have you learned/how have you grown?
I have learned that my heart is definitely into teaching! I am passionate about teaching which has made the uncomfortable transition of classroom teaching to online teaching easier. I have learned that the children mean the world to me, but I am finding out that I am important to them as well!

Is there anything you'd like to say to your students/families and or the families of St. Philips?
I MISS YOU ALL! I am so proud of the dedication and hard work of the students and the parents! What an amazing community, or should I say FAMILY that St. Philip’s is! I am so thankful to be part of their lives during this craziness!

Has your class had a Zoom or Google Meet-type- meeting? What are your goals for your student's age group during these meetings and do you have any advice? Were there any memorable moments from your online meeting you’d like to share?
I have done one Google Meet. My goal is to keep it simple and let the kids communicate with each other. I have not had to mute anyone yet!!!! The moment each child appeared on my screen tears rolled down my cheek!

Anything else?
I am so impressed with our team of teachers. Watching our floor (Pre-K through Kindergarten) step up and “get the job done” has been a blessing! I love our family of teachers and staff and I miss them so much! I even miss my little “treehouse” of a classroom!