#SOL20 Connections

This week, I am taking part in the Long Island Writing Project's Mini Summer Institute, via Zoom. I LOVE the Long Island Writing Project and always feel home there. Not only do I feel deeply valued and respected, I always learn new things and meet the most passionate and interesting educators through these workshops. 

One of our "assignments" this week was to create a Flipgrid video where we introduce ourself and share 3 different artifacts that tell about who we are. This is brilliant and I have learned so much about the different participants by watching their videos. I've been trying to make connections when I reply to each person- to let them know who else in the group also has a dog, or loves nature or has twins. It's been so interesting to see the themes of what is shared and to get to know people in a new way. 

In my third grade classroom, I often started the year with students bringing in a bag of items that represent themselves. If we are in a hybrid model or remote, I will absolutely plan to have students share their items via Flipgrid. This activity allows each student to think about himself/herself and tap into identity. By sharing his/her identity with the group, we can build community around shared interests and also establish who is an "expert" in some areas. 

Connections are so important. As I think of the next school year and the challenges we will face, ideas that allow students to share pieces of themselves and get to know each other are so worthwhile. 

How might you help your students share their identity and build community if we are in a hybrid model or home for remote learning?
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