Monday was our first full day of online school, and it was a completely different experience to our first day last year.
The difference are notable:
- No frantic calls for help
- We both ate well
- And we both got our work done
Why the difference? There are a few things I can think of, that helped:
- We both knew more about what to expect
- The teachers had more time to prepare and we had a parent information session last week
- The kids met each other last week online before the first official day
- I made time in my schedule to make (and eat) breakfast and lunch together
- I cleared my schedule as best I could to be available for offline work time if needed
- We got everything ready the night before
As a result, my daughter had a good first day, and so did I.
In fact, I actually got work done (during work hours)!
Last year’s online experience was punctuated by “Mom! I need help!!” multiple times a day.
On Monday and yesterday, I only got one frantic call from my daughter’s room each day.
What made the difference?
Experience.
Time.
Age.
And acknowledging what was needed, planning for it, and setting ourselves up for success.
The connection to D&I work…
As you walk along your D&I/EDI/DIBs journey, take a moment to reflect on where you have been,
and how things are different now.
Notice and celebrate the progress.
Pay attention to how you can set people (and your organization) up for success.
If you are just starting, take heart in knowing that it can get easier if we pay attention
and course-correct.
What do you need/can you do to support your growth?
Moving forward…
Will every day of online school be this smooth?
I am sure they won’t be.
But we do have a formula that works, and that helps lay a foundation for success when we use it –
knowing that we will have to make adjustments as we go, in order to acknowledge the ever-changing reality of our lives.
Just like EDI/D&I/DIBs work….
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