Still not happy to actually call what I've been doing for the last half term and a bit 'teaching', I keep finding myself putting it in inverted commas (just like that). It may not be what we're used to, and it may not be what any of us signed up to do, but it is a learning curve. As with anything, there have been many pros and cons of 'working from home' as a teacher. It's definitely not a job that lends itself to distance, but I like to think I've made the best of it. I'm learning a lot more about ways to adapt online learning to make it as accessible and interesting as possible. I'm learning more about the lives that my students lead when they're at home with their families through the long phone calls each week (definitely a highlight). I'm learning more about what it is that I love about teaching. Like many of my students, I'm all too ready to return to 'normal', but while I know that isn't possible, I'm learning to enjoy the different challenges that 'working from home' brings (so many inverted commas).
Many seem to be turning to nature more than ever as a source of comfort at this time. The introvert in me has mixed feelings about this; 'yes it's lovely that you're making the most of this park / this footpath / this woodland, but also, can there be less of you, please? This is usually my quiet spot.' But no, really, it is good that people are taking advantage of the natural spaces around them for their exercise of brain and body. With more time to spend paying attention to the nature on my doorstep, I've been learning a little more about it. I've been learning to identify birdsong. I've been learning to identify previously unknown plant species. I've been learning random facts a-plenty through a weekly nature quiz. With lockdown measures slowly lifting, my walks are getting longer but I still can't wait to be able to venture even further afield again for days of endless walking with nature. Either way, it has been lovely to spend a little more time with the plants in my hanging baskets and the swan family in the park.
Having once received 23% in a pre-GCSE art exam, I've never had great faith in my artistic talents. Like most teachers, any time I have to draw something as a model for my students, it's always preceded by 'now, obviously I'm not an artist' or 'remember, this isn't an art lesson'. But a lover of all things beautiful to look at, I've followed a few artists on Instagram for a while now, and one of my favourite methods of painting, it seems, is watercolour. I particularly love portraits of people or pets, as well as floral paintings and building illustrations. Inspired, and with more time spent at home, I decided to order a few bits to get me started, and since the end of April have spent several Sunday evenings painting. I've mostly been following tutorials, but last week I found the confidence to have a go at something of my own. I'm learning to be less of a perfectionist. I'm learning to listen to my own advice constantly given out to students that effort and enjoyment is what matters. I'm having fun.
As Nelly Furtado taught us in Try, 2003, 'the more I grow, the less I know' (she always did have such excellent lyrics). Certainly my favourite thing about learning is that it is endless. 'Back to school' tomorrow somehow feels like I'm entering Phase 2 of lockdown. Obviously I've got no idea what that means (if anything), but I'm sure there will be plenty more learning moments (both big and small) along the way.
