Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/1251513
By: Amanda Turner A T T H E C O M P U T E R KINDERGARTNERS It was an almost inconceivable notion to educators and families, both in Wyoming and across the nation—an unfamiliar situation not faced since the 1918 Spanish Flu pandemic: In an effort to stem the spread of the novel coronavirus, schools were closing. On March 15, 2020, Governor Mark Gordon and State Superintended of Public Instruction, Jillian Balow, recommended statewi de school closures. Just two weeks later, on April 2, the Wyoming Department of Education had approved 'Adapted Learning Plans' for all 48 school districts in the state. "As educators, we are constantly making decisions and adapting on the fly," said kindergarten teacher, Paula Shatzer."Every day in the classroom and through every lesson, we have to be flexible, and be able to think on our feet." Wy oming educators were faced with the unprecedented challenge of adapting their existing classroom experience into a digital learning environment—all in the space of less than two weeks. "There are some innate challenges in teaching kindergarten in a remote learning environment; we lost the hands-on interactive piece of kindergarten," said Shatzer. "So much of our learning is centered around physical moving, and hands-on activities like using math tools, alphabet manipulatives, and interactive games. We can't effectively recreate that experience for distance learning." Educators face not only logistical challenges of continuing to provide a high-quality education remotely, but students and teachers are also working through the emotional toll of the disruption in their daily lives. "I love and miss every one o f my kids that are in my class this year, and not seeing their smiling faces each day is hard," said Shatzer. "I know they are safe and thriving, but being unable to see their growth each day is tough." Despite the challenges, Ms. Shatzer is confident in the fortitude and resilience of her students. "That is one of the great things about 5 and 6-year-olds, they are adaptable, and if they feel safe and loved, life is good for them," she continued. "My advice to parents during this has been to understand that if there is a day that they are struggling, or their children are struggling: don't force it. We want their needs for safety and wellbeing to be met first. We will be here in the fall to get these little ones back on track and learning, just like we do every year!" Even though current circumstances are posing global challenges, Shatzer maintains that Wyoming educators have an advantage 8