You're Muted

Today I was planning to take my class on a field trip through our school building. A handful of students are coming back to in-person learning in different classrooms, and it had been a while since I had ventured out with the class live. It seemed like a good day to do take a walk. 

I thought I would get students started on a color, cut, glue activity to work on while I walked around and talked to different people. I also wanted to show students where their grown-ups could pick up the little libraries to keep at home. 

We started our morning meeting singing, dancing, and whipping through our routines. Then I said, "It's time!" I could see all the excitement in their faces. I opened up the meeting on my phone and pinned it to my computer screen presentation so the kids would have a big view of our adventure. 

When I opened the meet on my phone, I made sure to turn down my volume to avoid the inevitable echo. When all seemed set and ready, I jumped out of my chair and started toward the door. 

I narrated the entire trip. 

Oh, look, here is a first-grade classroom. 

Hi Mr. Luna! Wave to my class!

There's Mrs. Hisler, everyone! Mrs. Hisler, say hello to my class. 

She waves and says hello. 

I then made my way to our curriculum director/lit coach to get a wave from her and the counselor. I had full conversations with each of them, introducing the kids and talking about reading month. My enthusiasm was at a high level!

Walking back to the classroom, I let everyone know we would settle back in to wrap up our meeting.

As I came around to my desk, once again, I was met with a grid of faces. However, they looked less than thrilled. 

And then it hit me--

Kinders, was I muted that whole time?

Nods of sad faces. 

I am so sorry. 

My head dropped. 

Deep breath. 

So, how about we try this again on Wednesday and now that I made that mistake, I won't make it again!