We are living in a time of increased stress and anxiety due to the challenges of the global pandemic. There is much concern about student mental health. I am trying, in my classroom, to not contribute to this problem. My students are currently writing essays. I am asking my students to engage in an activity that requires deep reading, thinking and then thoughtful expression. The chance that this happens at home for them after school is slim. So many extra curriculars, so much math homework, so much exhaustion from the school day (to which many of them are STILL trying to adjust after the shut down) .....I need to be okay with my commitment to provide them the structured time and space to read and write and think. Without me. I have done all of the direct teaching to get them to this point. I need to be okay with them not needing me right now. Or at least, not needing me constantly. They know that I am here if they need help. I need to be okay not talking. We teachers love to hear ourselves talk. I need to be okay with the quiet. I need to do as I have asked them to do: trust the writing process. It's so difficult.
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