Dear Families,
We have soon completed our second full week at home and are entering our third. How are you holding up? I've been thinking of ALL my students and their families each and every day! Please know you're in my thoughts, prayers, and heart.
Next week, educators will be initiating a Distance Learning Plan for their students. I worked hard this week to plan and prepare for this initiative.
Please note, I have provided lots of information in regards to at home learning so please ensure you read through to the end of this blog post.
As always, any questions or concerns please direct them to me (via email) and I am happy to answer! My top priority remains to provide for my students and their loved ones during this unprecedented time. It surely will be a learning curve for us all, and I am optimistic we will approach it in an understanding and supportive manner. Many thanks!!
Character Trait:
Seize the Moment:
Although the shift from face to face learning to suddenly implementing distance learning can be daunting, let us please try to embrace new opportunities and possibilities for your children (my students).
Years or decades from now, how will your child(ren) remember the COVID-19 pandemic that resulted in widespread school closures here and around the world?
The goal of distance learning is an attempt to bring some normalcy and routine to students’ lives. Educators and parents are encouraged to provide learning opportunities resulting from this unprecedented school closure. I encourage my students to keep a daily journal or diary for the duration of this global health crisis.
Personal journaling and/or other creative writing can help students process their thoughts, worries and emotions, particularly in times of crisis.
Asking your child questions like, “What’s the best thing that can come from this?” or “What’s your favourite act of kindness or humanity you have seen?” can also help them process the situation, but from a positive perspective.
Click the image below to read the message on the stone that was placed in the neighbourhood of Creekside by a local child(ren). Kindness, it's EVERYWHERE!!
Students might use other media as well, including video, drawing, painting and music; this is an ideal opportunity to incorporate cross-curricular connections.
This pandemic might also provide other real-life opportunities to study scientific phenomena associated with the crisis, how the media is reporting the incident, how governments are responding and many other opportunities to seize the moment and design new cross-curricular learning experiences for students.
COVID-19 Tips from Our SCDSB Health & Wellness Team:
Keeping steady in uncertain times: Your Capital Accumulation
Plan and the COVID-19 pandemic
Coping with loneliness during self-Isolation
How to be active and stay fit at home
We have been directed to provide: 5 hours per week Total Instructional Time in a 5 Day Cycle
In my weekly plans, I will provide specific literacy and numeracy educational websites, online resources, and hands-on activities that will help your child remain engaged in learning. I've posted some below too!
I encourage my students to store these resources using google slides so they can continue to build a collection of distance learning resources / tools. I'm doing this for myself with teacher resources!
Scholastic Learn at Home:
https://classroommagazines.scholastic.com/support/learnathome.html
This site has some great resources free to use. They involve cross curricular activities, as well have the option to change reading levels and text to speech options as well. Have a look - I was really impressed! Explore their science videos as well - great for kids to explore on their “flex” time.
Mystery Doug LIVE:
https://mysteryscience.com/live
As indicated on my weekly literacy plan for Tuesday, next week, Doug is inviting students into his home for a LIVE, 20-minute science show!!! Yes, you read that correctly!! Amazing! He’ll answer real kids’ questions about the current situation we’re all dealing with, as well as share a few fun surprises.
BRAINPOP JR.:
https://jr.brainpop.com/
This is an excellent site that I've exposed my students to all year long! They love learning from and with Anni & Moby. BrainPOP Jr. is a paid subscription (BUT NOW FREE during school closures) based on educational videos, games, and activities site for students in the primary and junior divisions. The main page is divided into math, reading and writing, science, social studies, health, and arts and technology. Select a subject area and let the learning unfold!
World Autism Awareness Day:
On April 2nd (yesterday), it was world Autism Day to honour and acknowledge all those who are living with this brain-based condition. Throughout the school year, I've always reinforced with my students the importance of showing compassion and understanding to those who think and learn differently than us.
If we were in class, I would have shared this children's book "My Friend Has Autism", but for now, you can enjoy it from the cozy comforts of your home.
Have a listen and discussion with your child about the author's message.
What is autism? "It is a brain-based disorder. Doctors don't know what causes autism, and there is no cure. Kids with autism have difficulty making sense of the world around them. They don't make connections with words and feelings like most people do. Kids with autism have trouble talking with others, which makes it hard to make friends. They often spend their time alone and seem to be "in their own world." Therapy can help kids with autism communicate with others and live better lives."
- Amanda Doering Tourville
In addition, I came across this amazing video (see below) which gives us the opportunity to step inside the brain of an autistic child which helps us grow in our understanding of this condition.
DID YOU KNOW?
"Autism is a brain-based disorder which means parts of the brain don't grow the way they should. No one knows why some kids have autism. There is no cure ...YET!"
DID YOU KNOW?
"Kids with autism have trouble communicating. They may not talk much at all. They may talk only about their interests, even when other people don't share those interests."
DID YOU KNOW?
"Many kids with autism are able to focus very tightly on an interest. Many kids with autism may hear sounds or smell odors that other people don't notice. Kids with autism often spend a lot of time arranging toys or objects. It can upset them when someone moves their things."
DID YOU KNOW?
"Many kids with autism can seem impolite. They don't understand that it's rude to walk away from someone who is talking to them."
Shining Nighthawks Learning at Home:
Thank you to ALL the families for sharing your child learning at home!!! Many families provided pictures and experiences using the suggested activities I shared in last week's post. This really means a lot to me!!
All these images will surely put a smile upon ALL of our faces as we get to see you shine beyond the classroom :-) Keep em' comin'!
Before we left for the March Break, we were learning all about Fractions! Here is Noah reinforcing this concept at his dining room table! It looks like he's sorting and classifying his fraction cards into appropriate groups!
Coleton:
Thank you Mrs. Robertson for sharing! Coleton lives on a beautiful forested property that offers lots of opportunities to tap trees for maple syrup, build ramps for his ATV, and snuggle up with nature!! Here he is helping his devoted Dad who works so hard to provide for his family.
Darcie:
Thank you Mrs. Head for sharing! Here's Darcie in her kitchen ... can you guess what she's making!? You GOT IT - homemade bread!! I showed this to my Ma who has always wanted to learn how to and you've inspired US BOTH! What better time to learn than during this #stayathome initiative.
Emma:
Thank you Ms. Sacerty for sharing! Check out Emma's nature art! She got out into her backyard to find pieces of nature and made this creative piece for us to enjoy! It is SO beautiful!
Sidney:
Thank you Mr. Smith for sharing! D.P.A. everyday for Sidney and her family! Here she is happily on her parent's treadmill getting some kilometres in! I've been doing my best to exercise each day in my garage or basement ...if you haven't already started, let's be inspired by Sidney and be active every day!
Ms. Gill:
For my birthday present last year, I was given an NBA arcade shooting game. Believe it or not, I didn't make the time to assemble it UNTIL Wednesday! More than a year later - YIKES! You got it, Ms. Gill isn't so diligent after all ...at personal things ;) HAHA!
Well, we assembled it and I've been shooting hoops ever since! Many may know, I'm a HUGE BASKETBALL ENTHUSIAST so this has reignited my love for the game in the comfort and safety of my garage! #keepFIT #haveFUN
Mindfulness:
Check out this 2 minute video below which explains how germs spread and explaining the science for kids!
Please have your child share with me via email 1 growth mindset (words or images) and I will compile those and choose one child's every week!
Check out Connor's in the picture below!! I had already written this one down prior to departing school for March Break.
We have soon completed our second full week at home and are entering our third. How are you holding up? I've been thinking of ALL my students and their families each and every day! Please know you're in my thoughts, prayers, and heart.
Next week, educators will be initiating a Distance Learning Plan for their students. I worked hard this week to plan and prepare for this initiative.
Please note, I have provided lots of information in regards to at home learning so please ensure you read through to the end of this blog post.
As always, any questions or concerns please direct them to me (via email) and I am happy to answer! My top priority remains to provide for my students and their loved ones during this unprecedented time. It surely will be a learning curve for us all, and I am optimistic we will approach it in an understanding and supportive manner. Many thanks!!
Character Trait:
This month's character trait is "Optimism" - We believe we can DO IT! How timely and needed!
Being in a state of optimism is remarkable! Check out the video below to see for yourself. I understand it's a tender time for all of us ...but, let's come one, COME ALL, join in the POWER OF OPTIMISM! It can change your life for the better ... FOR GOOD!!
How We Can Talk To Kids About Covid-19:
For many during this time of uncertainty and the unknown, it can be challenging to know what to say or do to constructively approach our children. I came across this article below and found it helpful. It offers a few suggestions to help build the resilience that we all need to get through this time.
Seize the Moment:
Although the shift from face to face learning to suddenly implementing distance learning can be daunting, let us please try to embrace new opportunities and possibilities for your children (my students).
Years or decades from now, how will your child(ren) remember the COVID-19 pandemic that resulted in widespread school closures here and around the world?
The goal of distance learning is an attempt to bring some normalcy and routine to students’ lives. Educators and parents are encouraged to provide learning opportunities resulting from this unprecedented school closure. I encourage my students to keep a daily journal or diary for the duration of this global health crisis.
Personal journaling and/or other creative writing can help students process their thoughts, worries and emotions, particularly in times of crisis.
Asking your child questions like, “What’s the best thing that can come from this?” or “What’s your favourite act of kindness or humanity you have seen?” can also help them process the situation, but from a positive perspective.
Click the image below to read the message on the stone that was placed in the neighbourhood of Creekside by a local child(ren). Kindness, it's EVERYWHERE!!
Students might use other media as well, including video, drawing, painting and music; this is an ideal opportunity to incorporate cross-curricular connections.
This pandemic might also provide other real-life opportunities to study scientific phenomena associated with the crisis, how the media is reporting the incident, how governments are responding and many other opportunities to seize the moment and design new cross-curricular learning experiences for students.
COVID-19 Tips from Our SCDSB Health & Wellness Team:
"The global COVID-19 pandemic is
disrupting the lives of people in many different ways. The mental health and
well-being of people continues to be impacted as people try to cope with the
realities of the situation.
Here are some additional tips and resources from your EFAP to help support you
and your family during these challenging times.
Keeping steady in uncertain times: Your Capital Accumulation
Plan and the COVID-19 pandemic
We know many Canadians are
concerned about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their retirement
savings. During this time, it is important to consider the big picture before
making any sudden decisions about your investments and savings plans.
Coping with loneliness during self-Isolation
If you are self-isolating, you are
not alone. Thousands of people are taking this important measure. Here are ways
you can combat loneliness while following self-isolation rules.
How to be active and stay fit at home
You do not need to leave the house
to stay fit. There are things you can do to stay healthy and incorporate
fitness into your home life. Here are some ideas to get you started.
Talking to your child about COVID-19 (Webinar)
Learn to recognize, support and address anxiety your child may be experiencing.
Take
care and have a great weekend."
Health and
Wellness
Simcoe County
District School Board
SCDSB Focus of Daily Instructional Program for Distance Learning:
As educators, we have been given specific guidelines to follow as we embark on this new platform of distance learning. As a parent, you may be curious as to what subjects will be covered and how many minutes per day should my child be working on school work provided by their teacher.
Not to worry, I've given you a breakdown from the School Board below of the specific expectations and breakdown of what we are to cover daily:
20 - 30 minutes / Day - Reading/Writing/Media Literacy
- Read and respond to a variety of fiction, non-fiction and graphical texts. Write for a variety purposes and audiences.
20 - 30 minutes / Day - Mathematics
- Mathematics activities, games and challenges focused on Number Sense and Numeration, Measurement, Data Management & Probability, and Geometry & Spatial Sense.
30 minutes in total of other subject areas - Music Mr. Morin (google classroom code: r3cleti), Media/Science Mrs. Johnson, Grade 4 French Mme Wylie (google classroom code: gvksoli) and Art with Ms. West whom I am working with to provide their assigned activities to my weekly plans to continue to support their programming.
We have been directed to provide: 5 hours per week Total Instructional Time in a 5 Day Cycle
You may wish to extend learning time by offering opportunities for your child to explore and develop new skills or pursue sustained or extended projects.
● Reading aloud and independent reading: suggested reading times Grade 3: 20 min. ; Grade 4: 25 min.
● Board games and challenges with math/strategy/critical thinking
Lesson Delivery & Communication with Students & Parents:
As shared in my previous post, I will be using this blog, student / parent emails, and google drive as my primary resource for communicating important information throughout this process of distance learning.
I would like you to please encourage your child(ren) to access his or her school email and google drive account daily.
Beginning Mondays at 9:00 a.m., I will email families/students my weekly learning agenda of the specific lessons / activities in Literacy, Numeracy, DPA/Outdoor Learning, STEAM and Mindfulness for your child to complete.
Due to it being the first one, below I've shared a link for a sneak peak of what to expect! Use the weekend to plan and prepare, but only complete each activity for the assigned day of the week. Example, complete Monday's assigned literacy, numeracy, and DPA/Mindfulness/STEAM activity on the Monday ;)
If you wish, please feel free to email me photos of your child completing an activity or two (e.g., the egg challenge) so I can post on my blog next week for our class to see!!
Please note: I took a close look at my families' responses to the google forms Technology Access questionnaire and I want to ensure that I honour the varying needs of my families who may have limited or intermittent access or having to share devices or wanting more hands-on educational learning activities. Please know, I understand and that although the work I provide does require technology use, it DOES NOT solely rely on it.
I encourage your child to create a scrapbook, use a notebook or create a folder in their google drive account and make google docs or google slides to record ALL their distance learning in literacy, numeracy, D.P.A, STEAM, and mindfulness. Then, we can share these when (and IF) we return back to school!
To get you started, please click the link below for a sneak peek at next week's lessons / activities!!
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1LEPNHOJw9P5SZaS-plDM9jzQyfQK9g_eJkC2nvkdTvk/edit
Message for Learning Centre Students:
Lesson Delivery & Communication with Students & Parents:
As shared in my previous post, I will be using this blog, student / parent emails, and google drive as my primary resource for communicating important information throughout this process of distance learning.
I would like you to please encourage your child(ren) to access his or her school email and google drive account daily.
Beginning Mondays at 9:00 a.m., I will email families/students my weekly learning agenda of the specific lessons / activities in Literacy, Numeracy, DPA/Outdoor Learning, STEAM and Mindfulness for your child to complete.
Due to it being the first one, below I've shared a link for a sneak peak of what to expect! Use the weekend to plan and prepare, but only complete each activity for the assigned day of the week. Example, complete Monday's assigned literacy, numeracy, and DPA/Mindfulness/STEAM activity on the Monday ;)
Students must be signed into their google drive account in order to access my lessons / tasks :)
If you wish, please feel free to email me photos of your child completing an activity or two (e.g., the egg challenge) so I can post on my blog next week for our class to see!!
Please note: I took a close look at my families' responses to the google forms Technology Access questionnaire and I want to ensure that I honour the varying needs of my families who may have limited or intermittent access or having to share devices or wanting more hands-on educational learning activities. Please know, I understand and that although the work I provide does require technology use, it DOES NOT solely rely on it.
I encourage your child to create a scrapbook, use a notebook or create a folder in their google drive account and make google docs or google slides to record ALL their distance learning in literacy, numeracy, D.P.A, STEAM, and mindfulness. Then, we can share these when (and IF) we return back to school!
To get you started, please click the link below for a sneak peek at next week's lessons / activities!!
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1LEPNHOJw9P5SZaS-plDM9jzQyfQK9g_eJkC2nvkdTvk/edit
Message for Learning Centre Students:
Learning Centre students will receive specific programming from Mr.
Morin for Literacy and Numeracy as he is responsible for these subject
areas. Please contact him with any questions you may have: cmorin@scdsb.on.ca
This
being said, I encourage your child to try out the lessons offered under the section entitled DPA/Outdoor Learning/STEAM/Mindfulness.
A Message from our School Board re: Google Classroom:
Online Resources to Keep Students Learning While School is Out:
There are many educators
that are / will be using and implementing google classroom as a platform to share lessons, activities, and assignments.
Educators who previous to this pandemic who were NOT using Google
Classroom with their students are encouraged to await further direction from
the Board before setting up a new Google Classroom for their students.
Over the next several
days, educators will begin receiving invites to join a Google Classroom that
has been Board created for student use. These Classrooms are contained within a distance
learning domain that will be created for each elementary school.
I will be honouring this
request and will keep you posted as I receive more information regarding this teaching and learning platform. Thank you for your patience and
understanding.
For now, you will receive your child's weekly lessons / activities in an email with a google doc link.
In my weekly plans, I will provide specific literacy and numeracy educational websites, online resources, and hands-on activities that will help your child remain engaged in learning. I've posted some below too!
I encourage my students to store these resources using google slides so they can continue to build a collection of distance learning resources / tools. I'm doing this for myself with teacher resources!
Scholastic Learn at Home:
https://classroommagazines.scholastic.com/support/learnathome.html
This site has some great resources free to use. They involve cross curricular activities, as well have the option to change reading levels and text to speech options as well. Have a look - I was really impressed! Explore their science videos as well - great for kids to explore on their “flex” time.
Mystery Doug LIVE:
https://mysteryscience.com/live
As indicated on my weekly literacy plan for Tuesday, next week, Doug is inviting students into his home for a LIVE, 20-minute science show!!! Yes, you read that correctly!! Amazing! He’ll answer real kids’ questions about the current situation we’re all dealing with, as well as share a few fun surprises.
Mystery Doug Livestream
Tuesday, April 7, @ 1 pm Eastern
https://jr.brainpop.com/
This is an excellent site that I've exposed my students to all year long! They love learning from and with Anni & Moby. BrainPOP Jr. is a paid subscription (BUT NOW FREE during school closures) based on educational videos, games, and activities site for students in the primary and junior divisions. The main page is divided into math, reading and writing, science, social studies, health, and arts and technology. Select a subject area and let the learning unfold!
Storyline Online:
Storyline Online - Mrs. Johnson's used this site lots in the library. This children’s literacy website features actors reading children’s books, accompanied by creative illustrations. There is also a supplemental curriculum for each book, created by an elementary educator.
On April 2nd (yesterday), it was world Autism Day to honour and acknowledge all those who are living with this brain-based condition. Throughout the school year, I've always reinforced with my students the importance of showing compassion and understanding to those who think and learn differently than us.
If we were in class, I would have shared this children's book "My Friend Has Autism", but for now, you can enjoy it from the cozy comforts of your home.
Have a listen and discussion with your child about the author's message.
What is autism? "It is a brain-based disorder. Doctors don't know what causes autism, and there is no cure. Kids with autism have difficulty making sense of the world around them. They don't make connections with words and feelings like most people do. Kids with autism have trouble talking with others, which makes it hard to make friends. They often spend their time alone and seem to be "in their own world." Therapy can help kids with autism communicate with others and live better lives."
- Amanda Doering Tourville
In addition, I came across this amazing video (see below) which gives us the opportunity to step inside the brain of an autistic child which helps us grow in our understanding of this condition.
DID YOU KNOW?
"Autism is a brain-based disorder which means parts of the brain don't grow the way they should. No one knows why some kids have autism. There is no cure ...YET!"
DID YOU KNOW?
"Kids with autism have trouble communicating. They may not talk much at all. They may talk only about their interests, even when other people don't share those interests."
DID YOU KNOW?
"Many kids with autism are able to focus very tightly on an interest. Many kids with autism may hear sounds or smell odors that other people don't notice. Kids with autism often spend a lot of time arranging toys or objects. It can upset them when someone moves their things."
DID YOU KNOW?
Shining Nighthawks Learning at Home:
Thank you to ALL the families for sharing your child learning at home!!! Many families provided pictures and experiences using the suggested activities I shared in last week's post. This really means a lot to me!!
All these images will surely put a smile upon ALL of our faces as we get to see you shine beyond the classroom :-) Keep em' comin'!
Noah:
Thank you Mrs. Flint for sharing! As many of his peers know, Noah's a hockey enthusiast! Not being able to be with his teammates hasn't stopped his love and passion for the game!
Before we left for the March Break, we were learning all about Fractions! Here is Noah reinforcing this concept at his dining room table! It looks like he's sorting and classifying his fraction cards into appropriate groups!
Coleton:
Thank you Mrs. Robertson for sharing! Coleton lives on a beautiful forested property that offers lots of opportunities to tap trees for maple syrup, build ramps for his ATV, and snuggle up with nature!! Here he is helping his devoted Dad who works so hard to provide for his family.
Some may or may not know, but Coleton's a SUPER DUPER Lego architect!!! Check out his creative and neat creations from his lovely dining room. Also, check out the growth mindset on the wall behind him too - I love it!!!
Darcie:
Thank you Mrs. Head for sharing! Here's Darcie in her kitchen ... can you guess what she's making!? You GOT IT - homemade bread!! I showed this to my Ma who has always wanted to learn how to and you've inspired US BOTH! What better time to learn than during this #stayathome initiative.
Emma:
Thank you Ms. Sacerty for sharing! Check out Emma's nature art! She got out into her backyard to find pieces of nature and made this creative piece for us to enjoy! It is SO beautiful!
Sidney:
Thank you Mr. Smith for sharing! D.P.A. everyday for Sidney and her family! Here she is happily on her parent's treadmill getting some kilometres in! I've been doing my best to exercise each day in my garage or basement ...if you haven't already started, let's be inspired by Sidney and be active every day!
Ms. Gill:
For my birthday present last year, I was given an NBA arcade shooting game. Believe it or not, I didn't make the time to assemble it UNTIL Wednesday! More than a year later - YIKES! You got it, Ms. Gill isn't so diligent after all ...at personal things ;) HAHA!
Well, we assembled it and I've been shooting hoops ever since! Many may know, I'm a HUGE BASKETBALL ENTHUSIAST so this has reignited my love for the game in the comfort and safety of my garage! #keepFIT #haveFUN
Mindfulness:
Check out this 2 minute video below which explains how germs spread and explaining the science for kids!
Growth Mindset:
As you're aware, when we were at school, students always recorded 1 growth mindset / week into their agendas. I always used my students found or created growth mindsets and posted those at the front of our classroom and then to my blog every Friday. I'd like to continue this! Please have your child share with me via email 1 growth mindset (words or images) and I will compile those and choose one child's every week!
Check out Connor's in the picture below!! I had already written this one down prior to departing school for March Break.
"Above the clouds, the sun is always shining. Be HOPEFUL. Be GRATEFUL!" - Connor
Namaste,
Ms. Gill
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