As I Slide on the Edge of the Universe Where Winter Meets Summer, I Am Thrilled at What Is Possible

January/February in Connecticut is pretty much impossible. Last Monday, K-12 schools were cancelled, but University faculty were told to take the work online (which, duh, we're doing anyway). The trouble is, we're collaborating with a 4th grade classroom. I had two plans ready to go, and obviously we went with B. In 10 minutes I shifted gears, modeled a one-page visual autobiography, and then modeled a way to record one's story using a cellphone. 

BOOM. 

Before an hour was up, I had several autobiographical essays perfect for a 4th grade class. Audio files and visuals saved on Google Docs. 

Then, THEN, the 4th graders did us in. They went on Flip Grid and recorded their autobiographies to send back to us. Can't meet face to face? Well, Universe, determined educators, kids, and graduate students, we'll show you how it is done. When the world throws you snow, you simply navigate it with new trails (which is what I've done for two days as mental therapy....sliding across snow...at the beach...alongside the ocean...Zen)

Then comes this Monday. Bridgeport called it off way too late, so I have to be innovative. This morning, I will be working with the 4th graders, pushing forward what I hoped to accomplish yesterday with all my students. Alas, they are in other classes and taking care of other responsibilities. So this one is on me.

Ah, but I do have all their work to use with the kids today as models. Ms. Savoie is introducing drama to her 4th graders and we had a few tricks up our sleeves yesterday. Now, each of my graduate students have drafted a bit of 4th grade drama that I'll be able to share this morning. There is no snow in the forecast. Whoops. There is snow in the forecast, it did snow, but school stayed on (at least in this district)

I am sort of amazed by the creativity, resiliency, and intelligence of all my online communities right now, and don't really see a need to go back to what it was. I do miss human beings and the wackiness we bring to face-to-face experiences, but this works just as well.

In fact, it's more innovative and clever. We're having a great time. 

Meanwhile....sinus season....why are you here already?