Welcome to Distance Learning

17

APRIL, 2020

Hello Students and Parents,

I hope this message finds you happy and healthy.  Ready or not, we begin our distance learning adventure on Monday, April 20.  I wanted to write you a brief message to introduce you to distance learning in Mr. Howard’s class.

I will be providing lessons and assignments for Reading, Writing, Math, Science and Social Studies. 

Lessons are opportunities for students to learn the standards.  The lessons may be Google Slides presentations, YouTube videos, or PDFs.  There is nothing to turn in with a lesson.

Assignments are tasks that will be used for Trimester 3 Report Card grades.  Assignments have due dates.  (If you need an extension for an assignment, please contact me.)

Learning opens us up to a world of wonder.

Image by Comfreak from Pixabay

I was asked to prepare two and a half hours worth of daily lessons and assignments.  I will provide a menu of lessons and assignments that students will be able to choose what to work on and when to work on it through the course of the week.  This menu is called a Weekly (plural Weeklies).  The Weekly will have links to all lessons and assignments.

Students will have two and half hours worth of schoolwork to complete daily.

In the coming days, I will be posting additional information about the structure of different subjects.  If you want to be notified when I post information, consider subscribing below.  Enter your email address and your name and then click subscribe!

I would like to leave you with a few suggestions:

  • Set a timer for 150 minutes.  Your sixth grader should participate in lessons for 2 and a half hours.  If they need a break, just pause the timer.
  • Create a schedule or routine. Your student will need to check-in by filling out a Google Form before noon every weekday for the next five weeks.  Help them create a schedule or routine for distance learning.  I will try to help students establish a routine to help with their success.  Time management will be crucial to minimize everyone’s stress.
  • Offer a quiet space for your student(s) to work.  Just like when doing homework during “normal” times, students need an environment where they can focus on their daily learning.
  • Let me know how I can make this the best for your student!  I want everyone to experience success with distance learning.  Yup, that means parents, too!  If something is not working, let’s talk and brainstrom solutions!
  • Give yourself grace.  (And me, too!)  We are all learning about what will make a successful distance learning experience.  We will find success; celebrate that!  In the moments we are less than successful, be patient and be kind.  If there is any way I can help, please let me know.
  • Read the EGUSD Community Letters.  The District provides everyone with weekday updates about what is going on at the district level regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.  Read the latest at the EGUSD COVID-19 Updates website.

Thank you for all that you do!  Your child and I are very fortunate to have such a supportive adult!  Until the next time…

Be Happy! Be Healthy!

 

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