Monday, January 4, 2021

Advice for remote learning

Some Tips for Remote Learning

 If you are a teacher or a parent reading this, please feel free to share and acknowledge the source as The Globe and Mail




To all of you, my heart goes out to you as you struggle with the challenges of this way of learning that none of us anticipated.  I'm reading the frustrations from all sectors on Twitter.  

Here's my two-cents worth.  We're all in this together.  Every single teacher I worked with wanted the very best for her/his students.  None of us have done this before.  Cut all of those on the front lines some slack (read what you will into this).  Please, please, if you have concerns from either side of the screen, reach out.  There's a human being on the other side.  From the teacher's perspective, receiving a simple note of thanks or encouragement goes a long way.  Parents want to hear that too.

I hope there is something in this post that will help.  Good luck to all of you.

The Globe and Mail interviewed teachers and parents from across the country.    I will summarize the tips from both parents and teachers.  If you want the full article, let me know and I will share with you.

Advice for remote learning from those with experience by Dave McGinn and Caroline Alphonso

(Adapted from Nancy Wilson-Blackley, Grade 4 teacher, Halton District School Board, Ontario):

  • Have a really good spot to sit and learn; headphones are great to block out the sounds if the space is shared with others. (This is not easy)
  • Sit at a table or a desk so kids feel like they're in school rather than lounging around.
  • If the bedroom is the new school room, remove toys that might prove distracting.
  • A dollar-store whiteboard is a great tool, especially for math problems; kids just have to hold up the whiteboard to show their work.
  • Don't let the technology make you frustrated.  Kids can send a note in the Chat space to say they're going to reset their computer.  
    • Let the teacher know it's not working.  They can share their screen and show the students what they need to do. 
 (Adapted from Naomi Pahl, mom of 4 children - 6, 9, 11, and 12)
  • Some children who are easily distracted need their own space.  Keep those fidget toys handy.  A chair that spins give the kid the option of still wiggling. 
  • When school is over, close up that 'office space'; don't go back there.  That's the space you go for school and when it's over, you leave it, just as you would 'normal' school (whatever that is these days).
(Adapted from Theresa Powell, mother of 2, ages 9 and 11).
  • The morning routine is important.  Go for a walk around the neighbourhood after breakfast.  If before you raced to get to school, now you're racing to get home to get to school.
  • Use the recesses to have the kids run around the block or do something active.  Time them to beat the time from the day before.  
(Adapted from Puja Amin, mom of 2, ages 8 and 11)
  • Charge all devices the night before.
  • Set alarms to designate breaks and sign-in times.
    • Set the alarms for 5 minutes BEFORE the sign-in because it always takes longer than you think!
(Adapted from Ryan Watts, mom to four, ages 3, 6, 8, and 11)
  • Choose your battles.  Reach out to the teacher if you're really concerned about something.  
  • Ask for help in understanding the expectations.
  • Be careful about pointing fingers. Keep your concerns about how things are going to yourself. 
(Adapted from Maninder Chauhan, father of two, ages 6 and 9)
  • Break time is 100 per cent no-screen time.  
    • Make it physical as often as possible, but if not, just something that doesn't involve a screen.
  • Stay out of the classroom!  This is hard when everyone is within earshot but you're not supposed to be in school!
  • Keep your kids hydrated and fed.

Virtual hugs to you all.

Gerrie




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