At KIPP SoCal, we work together and in partnership with families and communities in the active pursuit of a more equitable world. Our teachers teach the knowledge and skills, nurture the confidence and character, and inspire the passion needed for our KIPPsters to achieve their goals, live their best lives, and positively impact the world. “Every second is absolutely worth it because I get to spend most of my day with my KIPP family and friends,” shared Delia Alvarez, first grade teacher at KIPP Promesa Prep in Boyle Heights.
Get a behind-the-scenes look at a first grade teacher’s day during distance learning at our public schools — shared by our team member, Miss Alvarez.
7:00 - 7:45AM — GOOD MORNING
I love to start my morning with a quick walk/run around my neighborhood with my Husky, Kobe, he is the best running partner.
7:45 - 8:00AM — BEFORE CLASS
To get ready for the day, I like to drink my coffee while I revisit my schedule and the upcoming lessons. I also prepare a variety of instructional strategies based on the diverse needs of my students.
8:00AM - 12:00PM — LIVE INTERACTIVE LEARNING
I finally get to see my KIPPsters! I love starting our daily sessions with a quick morning meeting to nurture our virtual community by checking in with my students. Every day is a new adventure in our classroom named after the University of Oregon — we go from talking about our feelings and learning about one another, to learning about vowels and using our virtual number racks. I also make sure to provide my KIPPsters real-time feedback on our lessons. We show up every day, ready to learn and excited to be with each other!
12:00 - 12:45PM — LUNCH
Lunch Time! For lunch, I'll normally have some egg whites and veggies with a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice. Fun fact: One of my favorite things that I've learned to do during this quarantine is learn how to cook. I am extremely lucky that my mom is showing me some of our family recipes that I’ve loved since I was a little kid.
1:00 - 2:00PM — LESSON PLANNING
Back to work! This is the perfect time for me to grade some assignments, check my emails, and plan lessons for the upcoming weeks. It’s important for me to continue creating predictable, consistent daily and weekly schedules, while providing flexibility for families, during distance learning to help my first graders feel comfortable and confident in this new learning environment. And to get this work done at home, I work best when I'm listening to music, it keeps me motivated — (lyrics) “Y es que en la vida todo se puede.”
2:00 - 4:00PM — ONE-ON-ONE TIME
Quality time! This is one of my favorite parts of the day, I get to check in with a small group of my students. I value and draw upon students’ experiences and backgrounds. These moments are special because I get to really interact with individual students.
4:00 - 8:00PM — AFTER THE BELL RINGS
Self-care time — I need to be there for myself so I can be present for my KIPPsters. My go-to thing to do for self-care is spending time with loved ones. Sometimes we'll go get boba or play soccer at the park while social distancing and wearing masks. When I'm really tired, I'll turn on my TV and watch some of my favorite Disney movies before going to bed.
“I love my first graders. They beam with enthusiasm for learning, exploring, and creating new friendships,” shares Miss Alvarez at KIPP Promesa, who is passionate about her work. And, in Spanish, “promesa” means promise. We promise students, families, and the community that a quality education starting in elementary school will provide a better future; when schools provide an excellent education, they provide the path for students and families to transform communities. Join our KIPP SoCal Team & Family.