Going Hybrid!

 The countdown has begun. In 9 days I will start teaching with a Hybrid model. I will have 7 kiddos at school every day except Wednesday from 9:00am to 11:15am. In this time frame I am expected to cram in everything they need to know, which doesn't sound very feasible. I also want to make class time engaging, incorporating play as much as I can. 

This post is about how I am going to keep play going under a hybrid model, both in the classroom and at home. Keeping the play going at home shouldn't be too difficult, seeing as how we have been playing this whole time! But, I do want to refresh some items, like more playdoh, and incorporate some crafts and planting materials (sunflower seeds, tiny pots, and soil). This will need to be done via supply pick-up. 

The real struggle is how to get my kiddos to play in class with sanitization in mind. I have decided I will have 2 play times during the day. One will be content based, working on centers that have to do with our science lessons. I am planning on teaching content themed for the remainder of the year, with themes of butterflies, bees, plants, and frogs. Reading, writing, math, and phonics will be worked on through the theme. These are individual centers I made (see picture for butterfly centers) and are keeping them in Ziploc baggies to distribute each day. 

There are two of each center so students can play alongside each other and talk about what they are doing. They are not sharing materials, but they are sharing experiences.

The other part of my play time will be exploratory "choice" play. The materials for this will include art materials, blocks, magnet tiles, and small toys. The rule that I need to follow is to give each toy (or set of toys) at least 24 hours of decontamination time before it can be used again. This includes me decontaminating it with Lysol or Clorox and giving it 24 hours of no usage before another child uses it. If I give students 2 days to play with it, having them keep it in their area, I will have Wednesdays and the weekends for decontamination. Yes, hybrid play is hard. 

So, how am I going to keep materials separated? Storage tubs. I bought each child a tub for use in their area. These tubs (from Hobby Lobby) will hold their school supplies, writing materials, books, art supplies, etc. They are a good size and I am thinking they will work out well.

I will be in on Monday finalizing my room set up and will have photos soon!