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  A Blog from the Heart

Tips & Tricks for the New virtual Teacher

3/25/2020

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Many of us recently moved to virtual teaching for the first time. Teaching in a classroom is very different from teaching online. We are used to engaging students in person, but can we still be engaging through a laptop screen? Some of the ideas I will share to accomplish this come from my 15 years teaching experience in the classroom and the online platform, VipKid.
​(Click here for more information about VipKid- a web based platform for teaching English to Chinese children)

Here are 2 things you must do to be a successful online teacher.
​
​#1: BE PROFESSIONAL
#2: BE ENGAGING


Let's dissect those two tips to understand what I'm talking about...
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#1 - Professionalism

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  • First, make sure you have scheduled and communicated your meeting information in advance. Your students and parents miss you, so make sure you are ON TIME.
  • Next, be presentable. "Dress Up from the Waist Up". It doesn't make a difference if you wear shorts and are barefoot because no one is going to know.  Wear a smile and a nice top and you're good to go. If you work at a school that requires a uniform shirt (like mine), then wear that.
  • Then, make sure you're prepared with a pen and notebook or Communication Log. (get FREE log here) Keeping a Communication Log will put your time with the student on record. You can always refer back to it - which is important when tracking student progress. Schedule time between your meetings. This allows you the opportunity to complete the Communication Log. Otherwise, it will be difficult to remember what was covered after having several meetings back to back.
  • Also, don't forget about parent presence. You may not be able to see them in your window of vision on the screen, but that doesn't mean they are not watching and listening nearby.  Just as you are inside and outside the classroom, be cognizant of your demeanor, tone, and attitude. Always be respectful.

#2 - Engagement

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  • You did this in your classroom and you're going to do the same online. Teachers are award winning Actors and Actresses. Even on our rough days we can go to class and "put on a show" - making sure the learning never stops. Smile!
  • Now, set the stage for your performance aka your backdrop. This is important because your backdrop will help connect them to the classroom they're missing. The wall could include learning posters, a calendar, maybe a white board, etc. Students should not be able to tell you're sitting on your bed with a laptop and your feet up. Also, remember to "stay ON stage". You lose their attention when you leave the frame, so make sure everything you are going to use is within reach without you leaving their sight.
  •  Next, use props! Your props are the manipulatives you want to use to grab their attention. Some of my favorite props include colored glasses, a pointer, magnetic letters, base ten blocks and puppets.
  •  Lastly, keep your audience focused on the performance. In other words, Classroom Management. Yes, you still need to manage their behavior during their lessons online with you. Communicate your online classroom expectations and provide incentives for paying attention. Maybe throughout the lesson they earn stars that you draw on the board or they get to pick a prop they want you to use.  Need an assist? See the Top 3 Tips to use and improve Classroom Management online and offline.

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I hope these tips help make your transition into the virtual teaching world a little easier. To my fellow Educators, thank you for continuing to empower our children. Your dedication is MAGNIFICENT. Happy Teaching!

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Keep Cash Flow Coming

3/18/2020

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​(even during a pandemic...)
 
Clearly the world is changing and recent events have many of us looking for work. I pray everyone is staying hopeful and safe as many of us are practicing social distancing. Maybe you were fortunate and didn’t have to leave work due to the number of employees, maybe you were forced to stay home, maybe you were laid off, or maybe you’ve become a home schooling family overnight. Whatever the case, below you’ll find six ways to help relieve cash flow woes during these times of uncertainty.

Now Let's get some money back in your wallet!


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Inbox Dollars-
With Inbox Dollars there are a variety of ways to earn money without getting bored. This survey panel pays you money to complete surveys, offers, search the web, play games, watch videos and even clipping free coupons. It’s very easy and adds up fast. In fact, you’ll get $5 just for signing up!
 
Rakuten- 
Does earning discounts and cash back just for doing some online shopping sound too good to be true? Well cash back websites such as Rakuten can actually work!  Use Rakuten for purchases you need to make anyway and it can be more lucrative than shopping with a rewards credit card.
 
ReceiptPal-
ReceiptPal you earn gift cards and cash prizes, for simply submitting receipts. Snap pictures of your paper receipts, or connect your email or Amazon account, and you’ll earn points for every receipt.   Redeem  points for gift cards from awesome retailers. Plus, you’ll automatically be entered into weekly sweepstakes for cash prizes!

CashApp- 
Cash App is one of the most popular apps used in the marketplace today. It offers a quick, easy way to send, spend, and save money, and also buy cryptocurrency using your mobile device. Did you know you can earn money when you invite other friends to use it? Invite your friends to join and earn $5 every time you do!
 
Fiverr-
Fiverr is an online, freelance marketplace that started in 2010 with many diverse jobs and services. Simply create a gig and share your services. It’s not just a $5 website; you can earn a lot depending on your skill level. And who doesn’t love being your own boss?!
 
VipKid-  
VIPKid is an online teaching company. The VIPKid platform connects paying students with teachers in the United States and Canada. I love the freedom that comes with working for this online company! You can make your own hours and many people have actually turned this side hustle into a full time job. $22hr is a sweet deal too!
 
And there you have it… Six, simple, money-making ways to stay afloat during good, bad, and odd times. I hope these are a benefit to you and your pocket!
 
Happy Teaching
Happy Learning
Happy Living


How are you making extra cash? Share in the comments.
Need more money making ideas? Check out the Pin Board below!

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    ​Author

    I'm Simone. I am a wife, mommy, and educator. I believe in teaching from your heart and not from a book...

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