Suddenly, words like “distance learning” and “virtual classroom” are on everyone’s lips. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, millions of teachers (and their students) are now doing their best to adapt to a brand new learning environment. Whether teaching a full day of classes on Zoom, pre-recording lessons for kids to watch later, or sending assignments home through virtual learning platforms or even the mail, teacher life is very different now.
We asked our Facebook followers to share what it looks like to teach from home and we got a lot of responses. Here are some of their photos and thoughts, along with others we found around the web. Want to share your own virtual classroom photos? Visit our Facebook page.
Let’s start with an important truth.
That goes for learning, too. There are plenty of bumps along the way, but every teacher (and student) deserves credit for everything they’re doing.
Source: @thatvirtualteacherlife
This used to be my craft room.
Lynne T. sacrificed her craft room for a virtual classroom. (Her office staff looks adorable, though!)
Daily schedules are pretty different now.
It’s good to establish a routine if you can. Just expect it to look pretty different from your old one.
Source: @smithka164
Home whiteboards are better than gold.
High school chemistry teacher Tim S. spends a full day teaching interactive classes on Zoom. “It will get interesting when I try to run chem labs from the office,” he notes. Let’s hope he brought home some protective gear along with that whiteboard.
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Stop giving me those puppy-dog eyes.
One positive of so many folks staying home all day is a lot of very happy dogs! Kim A.’s new puppy is loving it.
So many heart-warming messages …
Messages like these are everywhere right now. And they’ve never been more important.
Source: @tori_grasso
Just add students.
A lot of virtual classrooms feel a bit lonely. Sarah A. misses getting to be with her students in person, a feeling most teachers echo wholeheartedly.
Well, that’s one way to fill the virtual classroom.
Storytime with stuffies? That works in any kind of classroom!
Source: @kellykatsaros
Bring all the good stuff home.
Kelly O. raided her desk at school and brought all her tech home, so she’s got what she needs where she needs it.
We’ve got tech envy.
“Being both a social studies and film teacher means I am lucky enough to have access to some more advanced tools for long-distance teaching,” explains Jeroen H. from the Netherlands. “Having my own house and a dedicated study also helps.”
You can still display student work.
If you brought work home with you, tack it up on a bulletin board or the wall behind you. You can also have kids send you pics of their creations, and share them in a slideshow.
Source: @mrs_dykes_art
Meet them where they are.
“Tik Tok video reminders about work for students,” says Gina L. “I’ve lost my mind.” Nah, Gina, you look fab-u-lous!
There are so many ways to do storytime now.
Maybe one of the best parts of this pandemic is how important books have become again. Teachers are doing lots of virtual read-alongs, and famous authors are too!
Source: @icademyvirtual
She’s got the essentials.
Debbie L. is in a makeshift space in her living room, but she’s got what she really needs: Lysol and coffee.
Seriously, there must be coffee.
Erin E. is in the living room too … and her coffee is also within easy reach.
It might be time to invest in some chalkboard paint.
If you’ve got the space, order a can of chalkboard or whiteboard paint and turn an empty wall into a teaching tool.
Source: @home_sweet_classroom
At least it’s close to the gym.
Erin M. is using her document cam as a webcam. She’s also got options for working out and lounging close by!
Be sure to experiment with lighting.
Make your face as clear as possible by finding the best lighting solution you can. Find some good tips here.
Source: @vipkid_teacherdanielle
Co-teachers are getting lazier by the minute.
“My co-teachers are completely useless, I tell you,” grumbles Jody N. “We’re going to have a serious talk at the next PLC!”
And it’s not just dogs.
Kim R.’s co-teachers look just as helpful as Jody N.’s, don’t you think?
Dropping by your classroom feels like a trip to the past.
Some schools are allowing teachers back in briefly to pick up supplies they need for the virtual classroom. Every trip back is definitely bittersweet.
Source: @my_teachermom_life
She’s ready for her close-up!
Emily L. had to turn her vanity into a virtual classroom. “But it turned out cute!” She also shares, “My pets are stoked that I’ve been home so much and my dog has been sleeping at my feet while I work all day.”
Make your backdrop count.
Tania C. created this colorful backdrop for her Zoom meetings with her pre-K students. So engaging!
Think of it as a chance to decorate a whole new classroom.
Teachers love to decorate their classrooms, so don’t deprive yourself. You can decorate a virtual classroom too!
Source: @beauty_and_the_beaker
Teachers can hack anything.
Rikki H. is recording her lessons from home, and needed her computer to be just a bit higher. (Rikki, can we plan a virtual game night with you?)
The smile is what matters.
Calah S. is recording her lessons too, and she knows her smiling face is something her students really need to see right now.
The dress code has been … relaxed.
At least every day can be jeans day now!
Source: @jonaleebuckel
Thank goodness for spare rooms.
“I am so thankful that we just moved into a house and have 3 bedrooms,” says Anna S. “We used to live in studios and 1-bedroom apartments.” (She also strongly recommends getting a phone tripod.)
Having fun is definitely still allowed.
Spread all the smiles you can right now … everyone needs lots of laughter!
Source: @allisonmarieabc
Surround yourself with plants.
Janelle C. and her beautiful plants found a place with lots of natural light, which is good for all of them.
Music lessons are going online too.
Every teacher is part of this new virtual world. We’re all making beautiful music together!
Source: @msyingpiano
She’s gettin’ wiggy with it!
Heather C. knows how to have fun in a virtual classroom: “Making silly newscasts in wigs to play different characters and teach vocabulary.” Fantastic!
Can’t get away from staff meetings.
On the plus side, you can attend in your pajamas, and no one will care.
Source: @huronacademy
Sorry, folks, no pool today.
Christine W. is using her game room to prep packets for her preschoolers and teaching from a wingback chair in front of her laptop.
Virtual field trips are pretty great.
Visit the pyramids, go to a zoo in Australia, tour the halls of the Louvre … there are a lot of virtual field trip options available (no permission slips required).
Source: @mrs.greenpower
Goodbye, dining room. Hello, classroom.
Lisa S. rounded up everything she could before her school shut down. “I grabbed the whiteboard, poster paper, and four bags of stuff including read alouds, teacher’s manuals, and student supplies. Just in case!” Way to think ahead, Lisa!
Keeping in touch is worth the effort.
It’s always fun for kids to get mail. And these coloring postcards are so much fun!
Source: @thetasselisworththehassle
Ever feel like someone is watching you?
Globes and bells have been teacher aids for centuries, so of course they belong in the virtual classroom! (Not sure how we’d feel about having that anatomy guy staring at us all day, though.)
Whoa, is this guy for hire?
This is definitely not the standard expectation, teachers!
Source: @wildheartoutdoors
Invest in a comfy chair.
Most teachers aren’t used to sitting all day, but it’s a little different in a virtual classroom. Kimberly H.’s setup reminds us that you’ll want to make sure you have a supportive desk chair.
Keep your screen at eye-level.
Looking down at your screen all day is terrible for your neck. Find a way to bring it up to eye level, like Heather L. did.
Use what you’ve got.
Here’s another option, courtesy of Lori P. We love teacher ingenuity!
Host your own live science documentary.
Plus, you don’t have to try to get that glass tank of tadpoles to school without spilling water all over your car.
Source: @miltongottesman
Have EZ-Grader, will travel.
“I am teaching from my camper,” shares Catherine T. “Gets me out of my house, but just to the back yard. My camper is my happy place, and so is my classroom! Double good!”
Show-and-Tell has taken on a whole new meaning.
“… and my hamster, and my new baby sister, and my LEGO thing I just built, and my mom’s feet, and…”
Source: @sometolaughat
There are suddenly a lot of one-room schoolhouses again.
At Jennifer’s K.’s house, they’ve got one 5th grade teacher, one 6th grader, and one high school freshman. There’s a lot of learning going on there.
When in doubt, just go for it.
No one seems to know who the teacher is in this photo that’s been making the rounds on social media. Suffice it to say, she’s definitely our hero!
See more virtual classroom pics and share your own on the WeAreTeachers Facebook page.
There are hundreds of amazing online learning resources for every age and subject. Check out our enormous list here.
