Thanks for this resource,
https://checkin.daresay.io, I can adapt it for my caregiver development program. I especially like the way the prompts are divided into categories:
reflective, creative, or practical. This helps me to think about the purpose of the day's prompt.
One further thought about developing relationships via zoom or other remote platforms: While I think younger children are very difficult to reach remotely, and they may not have the technical skills needed to navigate this environment, I was stuck one day when my third grade, cyber schooled neighbor came bounding up the alley to tell me she had made a new friend! The way she spoke about her relationship sounded exactly like a "real" friend, so I questioned her about how this all happened. The teacher had arranged a (remote) field trip to the zoo (San Diego, I believe) and she ended up in a small group (like a breakout room) with a child she didn't know. What was fun for her was choice: They "ran" from place to place. So when she wanted to see the zebras, they went (clicked) there, when her friend wanted to see otters, they went there. I do not know the technicalities behind setting up this situation, but I observed the intensity of real engagement, as well as the excitement over the trip to the zoo.
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Karen Lefkovitz
Independent Consultant
Philadelphia PA
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Original Message:
Sent: 09-11-2020 08:59 AM
From: Aren Stone
Subject: Building online relationships
Kathleen:
As fortunate as we are to have Zoom to work with, it's not easy for young children to make connections through the screen in "class". Have you tried asking fun questions? In staff meetings we've used this:https://checkin.daresay.io
If you click on the "Filters" it gives you the choice of questions that are reflective, creative, or practical. Some questions are at or can be adapted to Kindergarten level. Maybe if you started with a question check-in and had a question check-in a couple of more times during class it would spark conversation.
You've always had a hard job; now it's even more challenging. And so challenging for the kids, too. I feel for everyone.
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Aren Stone
she/her/hers
Child Development Specialist
The Early Years Project
Cambridge, MA
Original Message:
Sent: 09-10-2020 07:03 AM
From: KATHLEEN HERRINGTON
Subject: Building online relationships
Good day.
I am a kindergarten teacher teaching virtually on Zoom. I was hoping someone could share strategies to get students communicating with each other and building friendships while online. I've tried to initiate conversations, role play, puppet play, etc in small breakout rooms to no avail. They seem to just stare at each other as if they are watching them in a movie.
Help?
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Kathleen Herrington
Kindergarten Teacher
GIA
Whitsett, NC
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