At my school where I teach, lockdowns are practiced so many times per year (I forget how many) During these drills the teacher must lock and close the door, cover the window in the door, gather the children and huddle them into their planned spot and pray that everyone cooperates, close the window coverings, shut off the lights and calm the children to remain silent. This all must take place in a very rushed few seconds. This is a very stressful time, even when it is a practice.
From my practices prior to Dec 14th, when it was announced over the intercom that we were in lockdown mode, I never had my key readily available. I usually wear it around my neck, however the past 2 times we had a drill, I took the key off from around my neck as it was in the way of an activity that I was doing with the kids. I placed it on my desk. During the mad rush of when the drill was announced, I forgot where I placed it and had to scramble to find it. I realize now, how important these few seconds are!!!!
Since Dec 14th I have changed things in my classroom, I now always keep our classroom door locked at all times, this saves the time of finding my key and getting that door locked. I taped black construction paper on the door window and leave it there permanently. We used to huddle behind my desk in the corner, I realize now that this spot is not good enough. I cleaned out a walk in closet to make room for the class to squeeze into. These actions done permanently will save me a few seconds and give me more time to calm the children and move them into the closet. I just hope I can be as calm as some of the teachers that we have read about from Sandy Hook. Just from reading the tidbits in the media....I have learned alot!!!!!