Dear Parents and Guardians,
As we move into the second week of learning at home we recognize that there may be challenges and stressors associated with this transition. We cannot learn or work effectively when we are stressed and worried. As a school, and as your child's teacher, our number one priority for you all is your mental health and happiness.
Our District has provided guidelines asking elementary teachers to provide an average of 5 hours per week of educational learning opportunities with a focus on literacy, numeracy, and social/emotional well-being. We are not home or online schooling, it is important to know that we are not simply carrying on with courses as normal. When we provide lessons and activities we will be using a combination of online and offline activities as we are aware of the amount of screen time this style of learning may result in and the diverse access to technology our families have. We are providing you with opportunities for some structure and activities for your children and for your day. If these aren’t working for you, feel free to improvise, substitute, simplify, add to, or omit. You know best what your child and your family can handle at this time, and you know what supplies you have at home.
We recognize that some families are looking for further support at home. Below is a list of two sites from the province and from our district that resources are added to regularly. Keep in mind that these sites are suggestions and are not a requirement but may assist you with further learning opportunities:
At the moment teachers are exploring ways for families to submit student work and receive feedback. More information on this will be coming in the next couple of weeks as teachers have time to try out different platforms and decide on the best way to do this based on individual classroom needs.
We recognize that every family is experiencing this differently and when planning we think of our diverse community which has a wide range of access to technology and time to dedicate to this learning process. For some families adaptation will happen quickly, while for others this might take more time. Remember to be patient with yourselves and your child(ren) and to reach out for support if needed.
Sincerely,
Heather Simpson, Sherry Seabrooke, Pieter Koopmans, Sherisse Norris, Matthew O’Connor and Chelsea Howells
From Ms. Norris:
To get us started I have included some simple activities to start this week. Please try out each day’s activities. Today includes a link to Part Two of our Learning at Home survey that families will need to complete with your child.
Monday, April 6th
Complete this Div.18 Part Two Learning at Home Survey (Norris) with your child.
Consider signing your child up for a 1:1 video chat with Ms Norris here.
Tuesday, April 7th
Set up a learning space at home. Setting up home learning space to work can help children focus. If possible, the space should include:
a quiet atmosphere
good lighting
a desk or table at a comfortable height for your child
a storage basket or bin to keep supplies (paper, pens, pencils, markers, books, etc.)
access to a computer/tablet or other smart device if possible
Wednesday, April 8th
Consider making hearts for your window!
Optional from Mme. Dalziel:
Hello parents/guardians of grade 4/5 students. This is Heather Dalziel, your child's core French teacher. Before the break, students were set up with Duolingo accounts. They also had practice logging in and using the website, and I imagine they could learn to use the app with some support. If you would like your child's username and password, please contact me at hdalziel@saanichschools.ca with their division number (15-20) and student number (1-24, the number of the Chromebook they use).
Thursday, April 9th
Look over the schedule for next week - it will be sent to you today.
Do some reading. If you don’t have access to books at home you can access your class Epic! Reading account online or download the app. Our class code is: eiy8793
Friday, April 10th
Grab a noisemaker and join in or start up the 7pm cheer for our front line workers in your neighbourhood.
Routines
Disruptions in routines can be stressful. A regular schedule helps maintain a sense of normalcy and stability. As a family, it's good to set up a weekday schedule including:
regular bedtime, wake-up and meal times
getting dressed and ready for school (even though they’re at home)
time for learning
time for breaks
daily physical activity
daily communication with friends and family
Enhancing Daily Learning Opportunities
Finally I wanted to share an idea from another teacher that could enhance the learning opportunities we will be providing each week:
Maker Hour - do something creative, make something (45 minutes)
Genius Hour - learn something new, be curious (45 minutes)
Play music, research and share somehow
Read something - your choice (30 minutes)
Active Hour - get moving, be active (60 minutes)
Bike, trampoline, hockey, run, baseball, skip, yoga, soccer, gymnastics, etc.
Math - Reflex, Prodigy, flashcards, card/dice games (30 minutes)
Helping - clean your room, unload the dishwasher, help make food, vacuum, take out the garbages, etc. (30 minutes)