It's the beginning of 2021. We have to reflect on 2020, the year we began with great excitement, and end with not a small amount of trepidation over what might be in store for 2021.
What have I learned during 2020?
1. Enjoy every moment of work being "normal." Don't wish for that elusive snow day...although that is definitely non-existent in Thailand! Those in cold weather climates, or in the American South which cannot deal well with snow, will understand. Every winter students (and some teachers) hope for a day in which inclement snowy weather cancels school for a day and everyone stays home to play in it. Well, we all know what's it like to have day after day of working and playing from home, and it's not ideal.
2. Be prepared to do things a bit differently. By starting in education teaching middle school (those wonderful pre-adolescents!) and then working with elementary and secondary students, has always shown me the need to be flexible and to try new things. Sometimes they work, sometimes they don't, but the effort and reflection of every activity is necessary. This is how I have learned to adapt to online teaching and having the library continue to serve our students, parents, and staff when in or out of the building.
3. Have fun. Have fun. Have fun. Without some occasions to laugh, giggle, applaud, and cheer, the only thing left is to cry or scream. This is a library. No screaming, please. The rest, especially crying, should be done in moderation and with regards to those who are studying and reading. :-)
4. Don't plan too far in advance. Or maybe plan REALLY far in advance? Last year's Fully Booked Week never happened, and we had been planning events and activities for months. Same with our hoped for March and November 2020 author visits. So now we are all ready with everything planned last year for this March's FBW, and we have hopes for a Fall 2021 author visit...planned REALLY far in advance.
5. When feeling down, read a funny story. If that didn't help, read another one. Keep repeating until you smile. Then repeat more until you laugh. This is best done with an audience of children who are attacking you with puppets. Trust me, it's an experience of a laugh-time.
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