Have you been wondering how to shift to online learning for your lower elementary students? As many states have decided to call off their regular school year due to the coronavirus, many teachers are scrambling to find ways to manage online learning with their students for the rest of this school year.
We now need to find ways to extend learning outside of our classrooms and into the homes of our students. Take a moment and see if any of these suggestions on how to shift to online learning may help you.
Suggestion 1: Keep it Simple
Students can no longer rely on you or their fellow classmates for support if they get stuck. Therefore, it is important that you keep your lessons, assignments and requirements simple.
- Give very clear instructions
- Keep to using one or two resources in the lesson
- Use PDF’s of readings or instructions that can be accessed at anytime
- Be more concise with the delivery of new information or material
Suggestion 2: Establish a Digital Home Base
When thinking about online learning, school districts will need to consider if their student population have access to digital devices and internet services. With this being said, there are many engaging and fun ways that technology can extend beyond your classroom walls.
- Use of a district provided home base: Google Classroom; See Saw; Zoom
- Use a self-created website
- Establish a place where students can visit for the most recent information
- Students and their families are taking control of learning
- Have a clear framework set up with check points along the way
Suggestion 3: Prioritize Assignments
There is only so much time in one day that you will be able to connect with your students. Therefore, you may need to consider what are the most important factors in your students learning for the rest of the school year.
- Order most important assignments
- Focus on long term assignments if possible
- Assign student-driven tasks
- Create opportunities for students to involve their families
Suggestion 4: Create Human Connections
Your students miss you just as much as you miss them. Any touchpoints that you can give them through this most difficult time of being apart will be game changer. This is what your students will remember!
- Make that human connection
- Use emails, video messages, phone calls or through a management system already set up
- Create a structure of connecting with your students
- Be consistent and stick to it
Suggestion 5: Tackle Challenges Step by Step
Yes, there will be challenges throughout this new adventure. There will be times that you will feel like a first-year teacher. Let your student know some of the difficulties you may be having. Work them out together if possible.
- Keep students updated
- Stay positive
- Give students the opportunity to solve challenges
- Remember: You Can Do This!
In summary, it is important to remember that online learning is hard. It takes a measurable amount of planning time and patience. Lean on others that are going through this with you. Share ideas and just do what you think is best for your students. You’ve got this!
Grab some free, “How to Plant Flowers” Student Booklet Here!
Find some more reading activities and assessments in my store, The Teaching Scene by Maureen.
To read more first grade topics check out my blog, “Tips & tricks for First Grade Distance Learning”
