I've been working some with the young schoolagers at my childcare center this week, so I've seen some of the remote learning they've been doing. Most teachers use a combination of lecture, visuals, and videos. They make sure to engage with the children, ask them direct questions, use the "popcorn" approach, and generally talk about their day. Usually the kids have a Brain Break after a little while. The kids are asked to do classwork and show it to their cameras so the teachers can see. They play games online and access Google Slides to try some hands-on learning, such as moving numbers to the right spot. They use programs online like Clever, Epic, and Google Classroom and it's easy for the children to find their name to log in.
As far as content, I've seen lessons on getting to know you, children drawing a self-portrait, using the Fill Your Bucket book, and videos on mindfulness. There have been lessons on using Google Slides to move objects, read-alouds, phonics and math videos (Jack Hartmann's count to 100 for example).
Some challenges I've seen are that sometimes, the children don't know what to do. They might not know which Zoom link to click, which special they're going to next or how to access it, or tell the teacher they're on break and close their computer when their teacher is still there (I tell them to leave their Zoom logged in even when they're on break). The teachers are great about screen sharing and trying to make sure the children understand, but it's hard for the children to pay attention that long. The teachers use Breakout rooms for one-on-one instruction, which leaves the other children confused on what they should do.
So far I think the best use I've seen is a virtual classroom with links to the apps and specials. It's easier for the children to click on a logo than it is to scroll through a list.
I applaud the efforts of those teachers on the other side and wish you all luck!
------------------------------
Amy Latta
Lead NC PreK Teacher
"All that is gold does not glitter; not all who wander are lost." --J.R.R. Tolkien
------------------------------
Original Message:
Sent: 08-21-2020 07:06 AM
From: Susan Williams
Subject: Remote Kindergarten Teacher during COVID
I will be following. My district is working with a nearby district and we wi have an all virtual k-5 school. I was the UPK teacher, but have been moved to teach kindergarten at the virtual school.
I will be teaching from home. Along with the curriculum you were seeking, im wondering what set-up for a remote classroom will look like. I'd love to see any ideas.
Good luck this year.
------------------------------
Susan Williams
teacher
Glens Falls City School District
Glens Falls NY
Original Message:
Sent: 08-20-2020 12:31 PM
From: Karen Sykes
Subject: Remote Kindergarten Teacher during COVID
Hello all,
Our public school system, Jamestown Public Schools has a need for a remote Kindergarten teacher. I am a strong advocate for helping families and children grow and learn in developmentally appropriate ways. We follow the CKLA curriculum for ELA and an adapted Common Core Math model. We are required to teach Social Emotional Learning. Those are the non-negotiables.
I am a teacher who establishes a culture of trust and safety first in my classroom then build on that community. Does anyone have any suggestions/resources to continue my investigation regarding REMOTE teaching that would include ANY of the following:
Language development: songs, wordplay, puppets, social stories, reading along, reading aloud, shared writing, meta-cognition,
Sensory/Fine Motor: differentiated developmentally appropriate skills and strategies for meeting each child where they are currently and helping them to grow.
Social/Emotional: Independence, Responsibility and Respect and Safety
Math: Exploration and investigation into Math concepts and thinking, HANDS-ON
Pre-Reading/Reading: Read Aloud, guided reading, read along, phonic skills, a balanced/ differentiated approach toward the goal of becoming literate.
Thank you for your help in advance,
------------------------------
Karen Sykes email: sykeskaren81@gmail.com
Kindergarten teacher
Jamestown Public Schools
Lakewood NY
------------------------------