November 9, 2020
“I should have been a part time actress because teaching remotely is like I am putting on a show.”
Ashley Vanasse, first grade teacher at Hollis Elementary School, has devised creative ways to keep her students engaged in our new normal “hybrid” world. Half of her class is in the classroom for 2 days, the other 3 days they learn from home and vice versa. So how do you keep half of a classroom of first graders entertained? Ashley joked, "I should have been a part time actress because teaching remotely is like I am putting on a show. I'm all over YouTube reading story books. I’ve made popsicle stick characters for the students to visually see while I'm teaching remotely. It’s been difficult to support learning virtually, so I have done pretty much anything I can think of to grab the students attention.”
Inspired by Mrs. Bellavance, Ashley knew from sitting in her classroom and watching her teach that she never wanted to leave the classroom. She’s been teaching for 10 years which solidifies the notion that she was born to teach. When thinking about education and how much it’s changed, Ashley said “Children do not get as much credit as they deserve. They have been so resilient coming to school in their masks, washing their hands countless times throughout the day, walking in the hallways with their arms out straight to keep social distance - they will do just about anything to stay in school.”
The new hybrid model has been exhausting for most teachers; developing lesson plans and supporting student learning is coupled with supporting students learning independently at home. “Even though it's tireless work, it's very rewarding to see that our hybrid model is working. Students are learning and making progress and that makes it all worth it.” One thing Ashley is thrilled she's able to continue is her ‘Scholastic Book Sponsor’ program. A first grader receives a new scholastic book to take home with them, and this year the interest doubled! “It’s amazing to watch the kiddos get so excited about receiving picture books to keep and have at home!”
While the future is uncertain, Ashley is hopeful she can continue teaching the students while also keeping everyone healthy. She said, “I feel personally, I first have to worry about keeping the students safe and healthy - then I can worry about their academics. I hope my class continues to stay super healthy and super active with their learning. If things turn a corner, where it's safe to have all my students with me in the classroom, I'd be ecstatic!”
Thank you Ashley, for being the #HeartAndSoulOfTheCommunity. For more Heart And Soul Stories, please visit sbsavings.bank/heart-and-soul/
