What do we expect from parents at home?

Since Hybrid and Virtual learning is new for all of us, we wanted to clarify how parents can help create independence at home. 

 

Hybrid At-Home Learning Days

Please remember teachers are teaching in-person students on the days your child is at-home learning. Teachers may not be available to answer emails or phone calls immediately. If you or your child is having trouble accessing technology or have questions about activities or assignments, please try:

  • Rereading the directions or schedule for the day
  • Email the teacher questions that can be answered when (s)he has a break from students
  • While waiting for a response, your child can do an independent activity, such as IXL, RAZ Kids, independent reading, practice math facts, write a story, etc.

 

Creating a Learning Space at Home

Please help your child create a learning space at home. Things to consider:

  • Post a visual schedule for their day
  • Keep all materials in one place and have them ready for each learning session
  • Make the space comfortable while being conducive to learning – snuggling under the covers in bed probably isn’t conducive to learning. 
  • Consider the background that will be showing in Zoom calls
  • Have students use headphones! When multiple family members are on calls, these can be heard during Zoom sessions with students. 
  • Create separate learning spaces for siblings when possible

 

Zoom

How parents can help:

  • Assist students in logging in to the Zoom session 
  • Make sure camera is working and pointed in the correct direction
  • Make sure the audio is working so students can hear and can be heard

Once students are set up on Zoom with cameras and audio working, parents can walk away.  This helps with student independence and the confidentiality of all students in the class.  It is a time for students to learn and socialize with their class and teacher. Each teacher is establishing Zoom expectations with their students. If a student is having difficulty on Zoom, the teacher will reach out for your assistance. Parents, please do not ask questions or interrupt during the class Zoom time. This time is for students. If parents have questions, please call or email teachers so they can discuss parent concerns at a more appropriate time. 

 

Assessments

Teachers are beginning to assess students to determine their current skills in reading and math. It is important to understand that the purpose of these assessments is to give teachers information to better plan instruction for each student. 

Parents, please do NOT assist students during these assessments. Instruction is based on the results of these assessments. If students receive assistance, it could result in instruction not being appropriate for them. We need to know what each student knows to be the best teachers for them!

 

Assist Students with Self-Management Skills

This is a great opportunity to teach your child self-management skills for life. Some ideas to assist with developing self-management skills include:

  • Print the daily schedule to use as a checklist for students
  • Have students set a timer/alarm on their iPads or phones to alert them of Zoom meetings, specials and other transitions during the day
  • Use a timer to show the amount of time students have for assignments/activities
  • Struggle is part of the learning process! Let students struggle in their learning and use strategies to help them. This is where the true learning happens.