What people in your community had to say...

I have been teaching for 25 years. I would never have imagined that I would be teaching my students from my home office, via computer. The stretch from March 2020 to June 2020 was the most exhausting time I have ever experienced. Trying to teach a split grade (grade 1/2) was extremely difficult. My grade 1's struggled the most, not to mention my students with learning challenges. Everyday my students would ask me "when can we come back to school?' My answer was always the same, "I don't know if that is going to happen." I tried to make online learning as fun as possible under the circumstances. This time around, things are going smoother. My grade 2's, who were my grade 1's last year are thriving. They know how to do school this way and have adapted very well. My grade 1's are coping well for the most part. The parents have been very supportive and understanding. Let's hope we can get back to the classroom soon.

Sarah, Teacher

I am a grade 4 online teacher. I am 60 years old. I chose to teach online instead of in person due to a respiratory condition. Changing my pedagogy about education and getting my head out of the sand technologically, has been exhausting and panic attack provoking. I see my resilience, adaptability and courage. After five months struggling together, there is genuine laughter. My students and I are lowering our walls. They are learning more than I expected them too. They....We are having fun too. That miracle that happens in a classroom...the relationship that develops between an educator and one's student, when at it's best, is a miraculous thing. This magic can still happen in the online learning realm too.

April, Teacher

Both my wife and I work in essential businesses, meaning we both were able to continue working during this pandemic. My in-laws stepped in to look after the kids and assist them with their elearning. We definitely realize we are luckier than most. No matter how difficult it gets, we always keep in mind the front line workers, the impacted small businesses, the people whose jobs were effected during this time. We count our blessings, we stay positive, and we do our part, with the hopes it helps everyone else.

Anonymous, Parent

At our School Age Program the children and staff have been resilient through all of the challenges. For the weeks of January 4 to 22nd only our Preschool Room was open due to the school closure. The parents of these children were so grateful for us staying open. Most of them are working from home, are doing online learning with older children. The stress of this can be overwhelming. Children are struggling and the novelty (of being at home) has worn off. They are expressing the need to get back to their routine and have more social interactions.

Sharon, Teacher

It’s definitely been difficult to say the least, however we do what’s best and with a positive attitude. Respecting, socially distancing rules and provincial guidelines I’ve been in lockdown away from my grand children. As a way to help out, if my daughter is in a meeting she will have the children FaceTime me so I can catch up with them and watch them, instead of just watching a program. It’s not ideal, but for the time being it works. Good luck everyone!

Anonymous, Grandparent

Most of us, we’re doing okay, but online learning will never take the place of the real thing. At the end of my Zoom meeting yesterday one of my 4 year olds raised his hand and said, "I miss you. Why can’t we go to school?" Although he knows why, it is just so important to constantly reassure them that things will get better. 

Julie, Teacher

The issues with learning at home didn’t come as a complete surprise. My child has focus issues and gets distracted often. The teacher has been wonderful in helping him as best she can in a class of 20 some students. She has taken the time to email me and call me over the phone about how to best help him learn. And now that I see how challenging it is to teach my kid, I’m more grateful for her than ever.

Anonymous, Parent

Yes, I agree that remote learning is a challenging task for both as a parent and an educator. It's hard to make connections and relationships with the children for an educator on remote learning. As in-person classes, it's pretty easy to understand the child's feelings and behavior! Thanks!

Anonymous, Parent/Teacher

Join the Conversation:

At Scholar's Choice we are constantly doing our best to find ways to better serve our community.  During these challenging times we have heard many stories from parents, grandparents, teachers, and educators regarding their struggles during this pandemic.  Parents with young children are juggling work, child care, and  schooling.  Many have called upon the help of grandparents or other family members, all while trying to follow social distancing and provincial guidelines. Teachers have been forced to be flexible and adapt their teaching styles and curriculum. 

In a hope to understand you better and help provide you with the support you need, we encourage you to share your stories with us. We are all in this together.