Five lessons I've learnt as a Dubai teacher during the pandemic

Claire Heylin tells of the challenges facing staff and pupils in the Covid-19 age

Pupils heading to school for the first day after the summer break at the Pearl Academy School on Muroor Road. Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National

Youngsters start their day at the Pearl Academy School on Muroor Road, Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National

A mum and her two daughters pose for a photo at the Pearl Academy School. Victor Besa / The National

A father walks his son to the Pearl Academy School. Victor Besa / The National

Pupils at GEMS Dubai American Academy arrive after the summer break. Reem Mohammed / The National

Youngsters make their way to classes at GEMS Dubai American Academy. Reem Mohammed / The National

Parents and pupils approach the entrance of the GEMS Dubai American Academy. Reem Mohammed / The National

A pianist plays in the foyer as young students wander into the GEMS Dubai American Academy. Reem Mohammed / The National

Pupils say goodbye to their parents at the GEMS Dubai American Academy. Reem Mohammed / The National

Brendan Fulton, principal at Dubai British School, interacts with students on their first day back. Reem Mohammed / The National

Pupils begin the day at Dubai British School. Reem Mohammed / The National

Youngsters take part in activities at Dubai British School. Reem Mohammed/The National

Evie Fleming, second from right, takes part in a team-building class on the first day of school at Dubai British School. Reem Mohammed / The National

I scan the room and check for understanding in the eyes of the masked six-year-olds in front of me.

We’ve all become quite adept at reading expressions without seeing a whole face. It is a new skill we have mastered this year. My online pupils indicate they are good to go and so independent activities commence.

As I circulate the room, I keep an eye on my iPad to ensure the distance-learning students are going okay – unmuting myself to check on their progress as the lesson continues.

When I first saw my classroom set up to cater for social distancing, my heart filled with sadness. I wondered how collaboration would operate and how it would affect the young minds about to come back to school after 180 days at home.

I for one am grateful to be back in the wonder of the classroom again

Now I look at my pupils in those spaces with pride. They’re unfazed by a seating plan that places their desks two metres apart.

This has been a back to school like no other before. Here are some lessons learnt along the way.

1: Honesty is key

Pupils are definitely not the only ones who are learning. Teachers are researching and trying best practices and new methods daily.

We are trying to learn new ways to play at a distance and keep the spirit of our classrooms alive the same way it was pre-Covid 19.

Being honest and open with our pupils has helped this transition. Letting them know that we’re going to see if something new we are trialling works helps pupils understand that we are sailing the same unchartered waters together and navigating this new model of learning as a team.

Claire Heylin has praised the resiliency of children who have quickly adapted to a new learning environment. Courtesy: Claire Heylin

2: Sometimes we need to put the devices down

Technology is the reason studies could continue during lockdown but there is a time and a place for it.

Lunch and break were previously spent with all other pupils from the year group, so we have had to think of new ways for pupils to form friendships while remaining socially distant.

Taking a break from devices at lunchtime has tightened the bond of pupils in class.

Whenever I come back from eating my own lunch, the pupils are always eager to tell me new information about their friends or when each other’s birthdays are.

At the heart and soul of every classroom are relationships that piece it together and a break from devices can do wonders for the connectivity between all of us in the room.

3: Blended learning gets better with time

That old adage ‘practice makes perfect’ rings true about combining face-to-face learning with distance learning.

What initially felt unnatural has now become second nature and I’m proud of the warmness and openness of my face-to-face pupils towards their online classmates and vice-versa.

Once rules and routines have been established, blended learning is a great tool to ensure all pupils can study safely wherever they may be.

First day back to classes at British School Al Khubairat. Victor Besa / The National

First day back to classes at British School Al Khubairat. School traffic regulations are explained. Victor Besa / The National

Secondary level pupils on their first day back to classes on the reopening of British School Al Khubairat. Victor Besa / The National

Secondary grade pupils are returning to class at the British School Al Khubairat throughout the week. Victor Besa / The National

The students are given a Covid-19 campus traffic rules tour by the teachers. Victor Besa / The National

First day back to classes on the reopening of British School Al Khubairat, Victor Besa / The National

The students are given a Covid-19 campus traffic rules tour by the teachers. Victor Besa / The National

A socially distanced study area for the students. Victor Besa / The National

4: Children are extremely resilient

My Year 2 pupils are the youngest age group required to wear masks all day and practice social distancing. I envisaged this being a struggle for them. I was wrong. They understand and accept the rules and encourage each other to follow them. Despite the changes in their routine at school, they have shown resilience and adaptability far beyond their years.

5: Nothing beats teaching in the classroom

I enjoyed distance learning for many reasons – one being the numerous CPD (continuing professional development) opportunities made available online for the first time. I became educated in apps and systems I’d never used before.

Daily lessons with pupils gave me a sense of purpose when confined to my apartment in lockdown and I have fond memories of it. But nothing beats the smile of a pupil or watching their reaction as you share a book you love with them for the first time.

I am delighted to be able to live stream lessons to pupils at home and yes, we would be ready to go fully online should the need ever arise. But I, for one, am very grateful and appreciative to be back in the wonder of the classroom again.

Claire Heylin is primary English lead at Deira International School in Dubai