Printable #2: ABCD - Assessing, Bonding, Conferring, Communicating, and Discourse in the Virtual Classroom
While there are so many new hurdles to tackle when it comes to adapting instruction from in-person to distance learning, to hybrid, there are a few specific concerns that I keep hearing over and over again from teachers.
When you download the Hybrid and Distance Learning ELA Teacher Resource Kit you’ll get this tip sheet suggesting solutions to some of teachers’ most pressing questions, including:
- A (Assessing):
- How do I assess my students’ understanding through a computer screen?
- How do I quickly determine what my students are picking up and what they missed when I can’t see if they’re following along?
- How do I assign summative assessments when kids can just look up the answers?
- B (Bonding):
- How do I bond with students virtually?
- How do I create an online learning community of mutual trust and respect when we’re all so far away?
- C (Conferring/Conferencing):
- How do I effectively communicate classroom expectations with both students and parents?
- How can I best support my students’ parents in facilitating their children’s learning?
- How do I conference with students effectively?
- How can I use conferences to provide the support my students need and also build our bonds?
- D (Fostering Discourse):
- How do I foster discourse in the virtual classroom without inciting total chaos?
- How do I keep my students from becoming observers?
Printable #3: Advice to New Teachers Tip Sheet
As I sat in my principal’s office after my first week of teaching, tears streaming down my face and feeling completely overwhelmed and discouraged, he revealed to me something I will never forget: almost every day of his first year of teaching, he met his wife for ice cream after work to cheer himself up. That’s to say, the first year of teaching is tough for everyone!
During a traditional school year, your first year in the classroom is exciting, overwhelming, and challenging all at the same time. The new conditions and ever-changing landscape of education in 2020 makes starting out as a new teacher unfamiliar and uncharted, but you’re not alone!
Our Advice to New Teachers Tip Sheet, offers some support, encouragement, and advice to teachers who are beginning their careers during this chaotic and unpredictable time. When you download the kit you can read more about each of the 6 key tips.
Printable #4: Search & Share Icebreaker Activity
This simple, no-prep icebreaker activity is a great way to get your students to get to know one another, share something about themselves, and build a unified learning community! Adaptable across all grade levels as well as for in-person, hybrid, and distance learning settings, it’s the perfect way to start out your next lesson or new semester.
Printable #5: Student Time Capsule & Where Did the Summer Go?
This set of three icebreaker activities is perfect for your K-5 students! They’re easy to complete, fun, and can be used in any learning setting—face-to-face, distance, or hybrid.
Student Time Capsule
Students will fill in the blanks to tell you all about themselves! Teachers keep the papers safe, and then, at the end of the year, students can look back and see how they’ve grown and changed! (Students can send you a screenshot that you can keep digitally, if they cannot turn in physical papers).
Where Did the Summer Go?
Directions: Whether you went away from your hometown or enjoyed the break at home, show us how you enjoyed your summertime. Design your summer vacation T-Shirt with a picture of where you visited or what favorite activity you did!
