The truth is, there are none. If someone tells you that you “should be” doing this or “should be” doing that – they are wrong. You only need to do what is right for you and your students, and truthfully, only you know what that is. But I do have some tips for things that have worked to keep me on task and feeling less overwhelmed.

1. Don’t over plan!
   It’s tempting to try to cram it all in. As teachers, it is in our nature to want to give our students everything we can and every standard that they were supposed to receive. Right now, during this time it is important to focus on quality of lesson delivery rather than quantity.
   
2. Stay Flexible
   You may have started your day with one lesson plan and then students pose other questions or topics. You may feel like you are getting “off-track” but really it’s okay. That might be just what that student needs from you that day. Truthfully, sometimes these conversations are exactly what I need.
   
3. Stay Consistent.
   I set my distance learning schedule and I just stick to it. Some meetings I have 20 students, other meetings I have 2. Either way, I just make sure they know that they can log in, on that day at that time, and I will be there.
   
4. Remain Fresh!
   We are competing with televisions, gaming systems, loud family members and pets. These are different times for instruction. Keep your lesson delivery fresh and engaging so that students want to participate. Otherwise you will lose them to one of the devices listed.
   
   I’ll let you in on my best secret for student engagement.

The thing with Distance Learning is nobody is doing it wrong. We are all in this together!