Wow! I just completed my first day of school August 24, 2020. I have to say “kudos” to all the administrators, teachers, staff, etc. that have sacrificially served to implement all the procedures according to CDC protocol, due to Covid 19. I felt completely safe the entire time. There were only a handful of students in each class and each were appropriately distanced 6 feet apart. Additionally, everyone wore masks and used hand sanitizer frequently!!
The reason I’m writing this is because I had a few important “take aways” I wanted to share. We were assessing students for beginning band. We were trying to help them and the band director decide on the instrument that was most appropriate and would ensure the most possible success. Each student came into our room one at a time. We had double tables between us that allowed for the 6 foot distance. On top of the table was a set of plexiglass windows that separated us from the students. As each student came in, they sat down and lowered their mask.
Our task was to have the student produce a sound on each mouthpiece and assess other aspects such as their physical attributes (mouth, lips, teeth, bite, etc.) and then score them as to the probability of them being able to play that instrument. Now what is significant about this is that we were separated by plexiglass and 6 feet. We ordinarily would be INCHES from the student and allowed to touch their head, hand, etc in ways to assist them in producing a sound. But today we were not allowed to touch the student whatsoever! We quickly found that we were completely dependent on our ability to successfully communicate to each student, strictly through a verbal means. Where in years past, we could simply adjust the mouthpiece for the student and or place our hands on the back of their head and apply the correct pressure to the mouthpiece. But here we are, not able to touch them, or make those adjustments quickly. The first student took 20 minutes to assess!!!! And that was just on the woodwind instruments!!
So, what are my take aways? Develop good communication skills!! Here are some tips:
Everyone is navigating uncharted territory!! EVERYONE! So our ability to adequately communicate is invaluable!!! Say what you mean and mean what you say! Speak clearly and calmly.
Be aware of your facial expressions and body language! You are conveying a message and it may not be the one you want! If your mask is on, you are relying on your eyes, body language and tone of voice.
Be sensitive to the tone of your voice. Higher pitch tends to infer frustration and aggravation.
Extend grace! MOST people are doing the best they can. MOST are not out to get you and are not purposefully trying to frustrate you. Be kind, be patient, be merciful….extend grace!
I realized through this exercise that we have become so accustom to using various forms of communication (which isn’t bad), that we’ve failed to improve on the form that comes most natural….speaking!! I felt so badly for the students that were experiencing frustration because I wasn’t able to do what I would normally do to help them experience success. My husband and I evaluated all we did on our way home and came up with a plan to do it differently the next day. I want to encourage you to care enough about the people with whom you come in contact, that you evaluate your forms of communication (speech, facial expressions, body language, etc) and make sure you are doing so adequately and as compassionately as possible. Live your best life now by improving your communication skills! You may be the only person that day that communicates love and mercy to those that need it most!
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