ACADEMIC EXPECTATIONS
Home learning is going to look quite different this fall than it did in the spring. In March when we were suddenly faced with class cancellations, we moved into an emergency remote learning situation. At the grade 4 level, the academic requirements were minimal compared to regular school hours (5 hours a week with a focus on literacy and numeracy).
Now that it has been declared "near normal" and choices have been made to attend school in the building or from home, home learning will have higher expectations. It is expected that students will put in a full day of school and attendance is mandatory, just like if they were at school in person. Attendance will be taken twice a day, just like at school. All four core subjects will be taught with art, music, health, and French incorporated in.
Scroll down for parent and student information.
FOR PARENTS
"It takes a village to raise a child."
I truly believe this statement - it takes a team working together to ensure that students learn and are cared for. Parents are a child's first teachers, and as a school teacher, I have the privilege of joining that journey. Remember that this is not a homeschooling situation: I am responsible for instruction and delivery of curriculum. Please do not feel like you have to teach your child the school work - that's what I'm here for!
DO:
-Support your child by being their cheerleader.
-Provide a place where he or she can work in peace and quiet without distractions.
-Establish routines and expectations.
-Take an active role in helping your child process and own his or her learning.
-Establish times for quiet and reflection.
-Encourage physical activity and/or exercise.
-Remain mindful of your child's stress or worry.
-Monitor how much time your child is spending in front of a screen.
-Stay flexible.
-Breathe! You are doing the best you can.
Please email, call, or message me directly if you have questions, comments or concerns. The sooner I am aware of concerns the sooner I can work with you to solve them.
FOR STUDENTS
Students are expected to complete the assigned learning each day and engage in group activities when scheduled. We will be creating a schedule as a class that will have some fixed elements, and some that are more flexible. School days are six hours (three on Fridays), and a full school day will be planned for each one. This will include whole class activities, small group work and independent work.
DO:
-Come to school ready to learn - get dressed and have breakfast!
-Have all of your materials ready to go.
-Be on time.
-Turn your camera on and your mic off for video conferences.
-Participate.
-Be respectful.
-Try to find your own solutions and answers.
-Ask the teacher for help when you need it.
-Wait for recess and lunch breaks to have a snack.
-Take movement breaks.
I am available to help students at all times during the regularly scheduled school day unless I am in a session with a group (a copy of my schedule will be shared). Students should get in the habit of owning their work and coming to me with questions. I will answer them as quickly as I can.
Students should be reading daily outside of school time. If students do not have books available at home, I recommend checking out the public library. Each student will have an Epic! and a RAZ Kids account they can access. I also strongly encourage daily practice of math through games and other activities we learn in class.
VIDEO CHAT DO'S AND DON'TS
From Susan Pinker's presentation, "Together Apart: Staying Connected in an Era of Physical Distancing"
It can be difficult to feel connected to other people while doing online learning. Learning through a computer screen doesn't take the place of face-to-face connection, however there are some ways we can make it feel more like it. Susan Pinker, a psychologist and author, says it's like driving a car with a spare tire - good enough for now, but not something we want to do indefinitely. She has some tips to make digital learning feel more personable:
DO:
-Prop up your screen level with your face (I would add keeping it still and not moving it around)
-Look right at the camera
-Mute your mic unless leading or commenting
-Make the implicit more explicit, e.g. nod to agree
DON'T:
-Backlight your face
-Mulitask
-Engage in side conversations (e.g. chat)
-Bully by talking over others
-Use a prefab background
DIGITAL CITIZENSHIP AND INTERNET SAFETY
Students must adhere to the division’s policies regarding digital citizenship. When using digital tools, students need to remember that they are “at school” and school rules apply. Students must be respectful of other students and staff and we will have a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to cyber bullying. Students who abuse their privileges will have them removed.
Students and families should be taking the necessary precautions to protect their safety when on the internet. I recommend that students work in view of a parent at all times if possible.
SCHOOL SUPPLIES
Basic school supplies should be on hand to foster learning: pencils, erasers, colouring materials (markers, pencil crayons), dry erase marker, scissors, glue, lined paper, white paper, etc.
Some materials will be provided by me, and you will need to pick them up from your home school unless otherwise stated.
"Sometimes you can't see what you're learning until you come out the other side."