Are you preparing to head back into the classroom from virtual learning? If so, I have some tips for you! In this post, I'm sharing 5 tips for teachers as they prepare to transition back to the classroom from distance learning.
I am not calling myself an expert by ANY MEANS. I just have some experience as I have been in the classroom with my students for 45 days. During this time, I have overcome challenges and have found some things that would be useful for a smooth transition.
Tip 1: Get Yourself a Voice Amplifier!
First things first, get yourself a microphone! Yes, like a Britney Spears headset microphone that will have you feeling like the tram driver at Disney. If you're heading back into the classroom, I'm sure you will be required to wear a mask. It is not easy projecting your voice all day in mask, trust me. Not to mention, if your students are spread out due to social distancing rules, your voice will need to travel alllllll the way to the back of the room. I lost my voice after our first week of in-person learning and immediately purchased this cordless voice amplifier which has saved me. Mask or no mask, I think I will use this voice amplifier every year.
Tip 2: Display New Safety Rules
Here's the second tip for a smooth transition. There will be new safety rules and procedures in place when you return to in-person learning. Your students will be thrilled to be back in school, but all the new regulations could make them feel anxious. Put your littles at ease by discussing the rules, procedures and protocols by using these kid-friendly signs. I have these signs displayed in my classroom. We refer back to them, if needed.
Tip 3: Welcome Your Students Back in Style
Create a bulletin board display or decorate your door to welcome your students back into the classroom from distance learning! I love using students names in my decor, especially at the beginning of the year (or in this case, beginning of your in-person learning year). It helps them feel welcome and makes them know they are part of a community. I created this door decor kit and used it to welcome my distance learners back into school.
Tip 4: Protect Your Tech!
Even though you're heading back to teach in-person, unfortunately the technology isn't going anywhere. I am constantly using all the tech devices (desktop, laptop, Chromebook, and iPad) daily in the classroom. I am also carrying it home each day for our virtual afternoon sessions. Our administration has also asked us to have our technology with us at all times.
I have the most protective iPad case from Rug-Ed which gives me a sense of ease when I am throwing it in my backpack all the time. I know that it is completely safe in the case! Their ProLOCK case is lightweight but sturdy, has a handle for easy transport, tempered glass screen shield to protect against all those accidental drops, and a kickstand which allows me to work efficiently from an iPad. I have no fear shoving my iPad into my teacher backpack as I know it's completely protected.
The Rug-Ed case comes in different sizes for all the different iPad models. There are also color options available for some of the newer iPad models including the iPad 7th Gen 10.2” (2019), iPad Air 3 10.5” (2019), and iPad Pro 10.5 (2017). I have the Matte Black which I love but they also have tons of color options, including their brand new colors of Turquoise Blue, Gunmetal Grey and Crimson Red.
YOU CAN USE MY CODE KRAFTY10 TO SAVE 10% ON YOUR RUG-ED CASE PURCHASE!
Corner bumpers for maximum drop protection and a carrying handle for easy transport. 
The detachable stand allows me to prop it up which makes it so easy to use!
Tip 5: Prepare for a 2nd First Day
Your first day back to in-person learning will feel like another first day of school all over again. It's important to check in on students' feelings on the first day of school. This 2nd first day is no different. I always have my littles do some kind of first day drawing/writing prompt. I created these activities to use for your First Day of In-Person learning. This resource comes with 7 different papers/prompts with multiple options for skill and ability level. You can pick the perfect assignment for your kiddos! Click here to check it out on Teachers Pay Teachers.
I hope you find these tips useful as you prepare to head back into the classroom. I am sending you all the positive vibes for a smooth transition! If you have done the transition from distance learning back to the classroom and you have a helpful tip to add, hit reply and share below!
